KR19990078826A - Method and apparatus for providing associated information by using coding on the items - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing article information using an identification mark code for recognizing an identification mark code attached to an article so that information about the article is output in video and audio.

Through the local system or communication server, a database capable of outputting various information about the shipped goods in video and audio so that video and audio information about the recognized product can be obtained through the identification display code and the code reading means. After building and recognizing the goods through the identification mark code, the video and audio of the goods can be output through the multimedia function of the local system by the pre-stored database so that consumers can obtain the information about the goods in various dimensions. Provided are a method and an apparatus for providing article information using an identification display code.

Description

Method and apparatus for providing goods information using identification mark code TECHNICAL FIELD OF APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING ASSOCIATED INFORMATION BY USING CODING ON THE ITEMS

The present invention relates to a method of providing article information using an identification mark code for recognizing an identification mark code attached to an article so that information about the article is output in video and audio.

As an embodiment of the identification display code which is a component in the present invention, a bar code, a line code, a table code, or a code having other identification capability can be used. In the following description, the idea of the invention will be described using barcodes which are used throughout the art as examples.

In general, a bar code is an arrangement pattern of black bars (bars) and white bars (spaces) having various widths, and is a code or a code system representing information. This is similar to the Morse code representing information as an array of dots and dashes. Representation of the information with the identification mark code and decoding of the expressed information is possible through the identification mark code reading means, so the identification mark code may be referred to as a machine language.

Bars and spaces are converted to one or more binary bits (0 or 1), depending on their width, and represent a combination of ASCII characters. In the case of the bar code described above, a bar code reader is used to decode the information of the bar code, which is also called an identification mark code reader, and converts an optically represented symbol into digital data that can be accommodated by the local system. It refers to the equipment that has the function to.

The decrypted data in the reader can be sent directly to the local system, or temporarily stored in a buffer in the reader, then dumped at once, or used by an application that stays in the reader.

The field using the identification mark code and the code reading means as described above is mainly used in department stores, convenience stores, supermarkets, museums and the like. In other words, when the identification code displayed on the general merchandise is decoded, various information such as product name, price, and delivery date of the merchandise can be obtained, and when the acquired information is accumulated in the database of the local system, the sales calculation is performed. And inventory is easy to identify, and in particular, it is a technology that can be used in various fields of the industry.

Techniques for obtaining information of articles using identification mark codes and code reading means have a wide range of applications. In particular, the multimedia environment according to the development of the computer can greatly improve the range of use of the identification mark code, but until now, there is a problem that only remains to decipher the information contained in the identification mark code in the article.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to display a variety of information on the goods to be shipped so that the small scale information about the goods recognized through the identification display code and the code reading means. And establishing a database capable of outputting audio through a local system or a communication server, and recognizing the article through an identification display code, the image and audio of the article are output through a multimedia function of the local system by a previously stored database. An object of the present invention is to provide a method for displaying item information using an identification mark code that enables a consumer to obtain information about an item in various dimensions.

1 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a method for providing article information using its own data construction, according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a block diagram showing a method for providing article information using a communication server according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing a method for providing article information using its own data construction, according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the article information providing method using the communication server according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6A is a diagram showing an article information providing apparatus using a communication server according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6B is a block diagram of a system incorporating graphics, video, and sound cards in a store server in the article information providing apparatus using the communication server according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6C is a block diagram of a system incorporating graphics, video, and a sound card in a terminal of an article information providing apparatus using a communication server according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 7A is a diagram showing an article information providing apparatus using a communication server according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7B is a diagram showing an integrated article information providing apparatus using a communication server according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a method of providing article information using a communication server according to the third and fourth embodiments of the present invention.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

5: barcode

10: videotape

15: cd

20: barcode reader

25: search program unit

30: database part

35: interface unit

40: search server

45: server database unit

50: video display unit

55: audio output unit

70: local system

100: headphones

150: speaker

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings with respect to the configuration and operation of the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

1 is an exemplary view showing an embodiment of the present invention. Prior to the detailed description of the embodiment will be described with reference to the exemplary diagram of Figure 1 for a schematic description of the embodiment of the present invention as follows.

Referring to Figure 1, in the embodiment of the present invention the article will be described with two examples. If the two items are a video tape 10 and a music CD 15, the two products are barcoded.

If a consumer wants to know the contents of the video tape 10 and the music CD 15, the consumer must purchase and then open the product and play it using the corresponding player. However, the present invention can preview the above contents. It is provided with a local system 70 in which audio and video information on the article corresponding to each bar code 5 is built in advance.

That is, if the consumer recognizes the bar code 5 of the article using the bar code reader 20, the search program of the local system 70 is the information corresponding to the recognized bar code 5 in the database built in advance. Outputs

The information output from the search program is displayed on the monitor by the application program of the local system, and the audio is output through the speaker 150 and the headphone 100. That is, even if the video tape 10 and the music CD 15 are not opened, a predetermined amount of information corresponding to music and images can be obtained by the consumer through a database built in advance even through the recognition of the barcode 5. have.

In addition, the database can be constructed in two ways, firstly, by storing data about the article in a memory of a local system and outputting information, and secondly, by limiting memory and rapid change of the article. Correspondingly, there is a method of outputting information by connecting to a specific data providing server through a communication line.

An embodiment using the above two methods will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 as follows.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a method for displaying item information using its own data construction according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a block diagram illustrating a method for displaying article information using a communication server according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

First, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2. The present invention provides a bar code 5 in which data relating to a product name, a price, a shipping date, etc., relating to an article is stored, and information included in the bar code 5 can be described. Recognizes a barcode reader 20 for converting from analog to digital after being recognized by a sensor, and data output from the barcode reader 20, and searches the database unit 30 according to the recognized result to search for the article. A search program unit 25 for outputting audio and video data, a database unit 30 for storing audio and video item information corresponding to the respective bar codes 5, and the search program unit 25 An image display unit 50 for outputting data on an image of the article data, and an audio output unit 55 for outputting data on voice among the article data retrieved by the search program unit 25. It consists of.

Referring to the operation according to the first embodiment, when a consumer wants to know information about the article at the time of purchasing the article, the barcode reader 20 is used to make contact with the barcode 5 of the article. When the barcode reader 20 is in contact with the barcode 5, the barcode reader 20 recognizes the symbol of the barcode 5 through an optical sensor and converts the data from analog to digital to the search program unit 25. Is authorized.

The search program unit 25 recognizes the data output from the barcode reader 20 and searches the database unit 30 to find audio and video article information about the data. Among the item information retrieved above, the data regarding the image is displayed on the screen through the image display unit 55, and the data regarding the voice is output to the outside through the voice output unit 55. This allows the consumer to obtain video and audio information about the selected item.

In addition, referring to Fig. 3, a second embodiment of the present invention provides a bar code 5 in which data relating to a product name, a price, a shipping date, etc., relating to an article is stored, and information included in the bar code 5 can be used. Recognizes a barcode reader 20 for converting from analog to digital after recognizing with a sensor and data output from the barcode reader 20, and transmits the data to the search server 40 according to the recognized result. A search program unit 25 for receiving and outputting the item information searched by the search server 40, an interface unit 35 for interfacing the search program unit 25 with an external search server 40 in a communication line; It is connected to the search program unit 25 by the interface unit 35, and stores video and audio item information of the bar code 5 of each item as a database.

In addition, a search server 40 for transmitting article information corresponding to the data transmitted from the search program unit 25 to the search program unit 25 and corresponding to each bar code 5 of the search server 40. A server database unit 45 for storing video and audio goods information, a video display unit 50 for outputting data relating to an image of the goods data searched by the search program unit 25, and the search program unit. A voice output section 55 for outputting data relating to voice among the article data retrieved by 25 is provided.

Referring to the operation of the second embodiment described above, when a consumer wants to know information about the article at the time of purchasing the article, the barcode reader 20 is used to make contact with the barcode 5 of the article. When the barcode reader 20 is in contact with the barcode 5, the barcode reader 20 recognizes a symbol of the barcode 5 through an optical sensor, and then converts the data from analog to digital to search program unit 25. To apply.

The search program unit 25 recognizes the data output from the barcode reader 20 and transmits the recognized data to the search server 40 through the interface unit 35. The search server 40 searches the server database unit 45 to find video and audio item information related to the data, and then transmits the same to the search program unit 25 through the interface unit 35.

Among the searched item information received by the search program unit 25, the data related to the image is displayed on the screen through the image display unit 50, and the audio related data is output to the outside through the audio output unit 55. do. This allows the consumer to obtain video and audio information about the selected item.

Further, as a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the search program unit 25 recognizes the data output from the barcode reader 20, and uses the self-storage database unit 30 off-line for the image related to the data and Voice article information can be retrieved. At this time, the search program unit 25 may periodically receive the online goods information from the search server 40 and update the goods information of the database unit 30.

In addition, as a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the article data retrieved by the search program unit 25 may be output by using a short message service scheme in addition to the video and audio data output apparatus.

The above-described two embodiments will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 and 5 as follows.

4 is a flowchart for explaining a method for displaying item information using its own data construction.

5 is a flowchart for explaining a method of displaying article information using a communication server.

Referring to FIG. 4 with respect to the first embodiment, the consumer recognizes the barcode 5 of the item to be purchased using the barcode reader 20 (S100). When the barcode reader 20 recognizes the barcode 5 in step S100, the search program unit 25 is driven to search for data output from the barcode reader 20 (S200).

When the search program unit 25 is driven in the process S200, the search program unit 25 searches the database unit 30 to find video and audio goods information corresponding to the data (S300). When the search program unit 25 finds the item information in step S300, it is determined whether the item information corresponds to video, audio, or mixed information (S400).

According to the result determined in step S400, if the image information, the image is output through the image display unit 50 (S500), if the mixed information of the image and audio through the image display unit 50 and the audio output unit 55 If the mixed information is output (S600), and the voice information is output to the outside through the voice output unit 55 (S700).

Referring to FIG. 5 with respect to the second embodiment, the consumer recognizes the barcode 5 of the item to be purchased using the barcode reader 20 (L100). When the barcode reader 20 recognizes the barcode 5 in the process L100, the search program unit 25 is driven to search for data output from the barcode reader 20 (L200).

When the search program unit 25 is driven in the process L200, the search program unit 25 connects to the search server 40 through the interface unit 35 (L300). When connecting to the search server 40 in the process L300, the search server 40 searches the server database unit 45 to find the item information to find (L400).

If the search server 40 finds the item information in the process L400, the search server 40 transmits the item information to the search program unit 25 through the interface unit 35 (L500). When the search program unit 25 receives the item information in step L500, it is determined whether the item information is a mixture of video and audio (L600).

According to the result determined in the process L600, if the image information, the image is output through the image display unit 50 (L700), if the mixed information of the image and audio through the image display unit 50 and the audio output unit 55 The mixed information is output (L800), and the voice information is output to the outside through the voice output unit 55 (L900).

Through all the above processes, the article information display method using a barcode is implemented as intended by the present invention.

6A to 6C are block diagrams illustrating a method and apparatus for providing article information using a communication server according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 6A, the article information providing apparatus according to the present invention includes a communication server 200, a client search server 310, 410, and a terminal 320, 420.

In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the client search server 310, 410 may be a product information providing server provided in the store, the communication server 200 is connected to the search server 310, 410 distributed in each store network Through the article information can be provided.

The information retrieval apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention may be a first system detachable retrieval apparatus shown in the sinus dotted line block 300 of FIG. 6A, or a second system detachable retrieval apparatus illustrated in the right dotted line block 400 of FIG. 6A. Can be implemented.

The first system detachable retrieval device 300 has a graphics / video / sound card in the store server 310, while the second detachable retrieval device 400 has a graphic / video / sound card in each terminal 420. Characterized in having a.

Fig. 6B is a block diagram showing the configuration of the first system detachable searching apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 6B, the store server 310 is connected to a main memory 313 having a database of goods information, an auxiliary memory device 312, and a search server 200 to provide goods information. Any one or a combination of a graphics card, a video card, a sound card 314 for controlling the, and may include a central processing unit (CPU) 311 and the main board.

In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the terminal 320 providing the article information by the user reads the output means 321 for visually or visually representing the article information and the code reading for reading the identification display code. The means 322 may include an interface means 323 for communicating the article information and the identification indication code with the search server 200.

At this time, each terminal 320 is characterized in that it includes a graphics card, a video card, a sound card 312, etc. to the search server 310 provided in the store for visually delivering the goods information.

FIG. 6C is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a second system detachable searching apparatus according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 6C, the store server 410 includes a main memory 413, a secondary memory 412, a central processing unit (CPU) 411, and a main board having a database of product information.

In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the terminal 420 for providing the article information by the user includes an output means 421 for visually or visually representing the article information, a graphic card, a video card, and a sound card ( 412, code reading means 422 for reading the identification mark code, and interface means 423 for communicating item information and the identification mark code with the search server 200.

At this time, each terminal 420 is characterized in that each terminal 420 has its own graphics card, video card, sound card 412 and the like for audio and visual delivery of the item information.

7A to 7B are block diagrams illustrating a method and apparatus for providing article information using a communication server according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 7A, an article information providing apparatus according to the present invention includes a communication server 200 and a client search terminal 510.

7A is a diagram showing a method for providing article information using a communication server according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 7A, unlike the third embodiment described above, in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the communication server 200 and the integrated search terminal 510 are connected through a network.

Referring to FIG. 7B, the integrated search apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes a main memory 513 for storing a goods information database in a search terminal 510 provided in each store, and an auxiliary memory device ( 512, a main board equipped with a central processing unit 511, a graphics / video / sound card 514, an audio and video output device 517, a code reading means 516, an interface console 515, and the like. It is provided in a terminal.

The integrated search terminal 130 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes an identification display code reading means, a display and sound generating means, a main memory for database storage, an auxiliary memory device, a communication connecting means, a central processing device, a main board, and Includes graphics or sound cards and video cards. In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the graphics / video card and the sound card may be implemented using a single board.

8 is a flowchart showing the operation principle of the article information retrieval apparatus according to the third and fourth embodiments of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 8, when the identification code is not read out (Q120), the search terminal provides previously prepared item information. That is, for example, in a state where the customer does not input a barcode using a barcode reader, the search terminal may export the prepared advertisement Q110 through the display means.

Subsequently, when the customer requests the provision of the item information through the identification mark code through the code reading means, the central processing unit has the item information corresponding to the identification mark code in the item information database Q140 stored in the main memory. If it is determined that the information is provided (Q130), and if the article information is extracted (Q150), otherwise, the communication server requests the product information via the network (Q135).

The communication server Q145 retrieves the data from the item information database Q146 held by the communication server Q145, transmits the corresponding data to the client (Q149), and accumulates the work results in the result database Q147 of the communication server. Perform statistical operations related to the request.

In addition, even when the item information can be extracted (Q150) using the database Q140 on the client side, the communication server reports the result of the retrieval job to the communication server (Q148), thereby causing the communication server to perform statistical operations related to the item information request. To accumulate in the result database (Q147).

On the other hand, the database (Q140) of the client side may periodically receive and update the product information provided by the communication server (Q145). In addition, it is possible to automatically delete the article information that is not read for a predetermined period of the article information stored in the database (Q140) of the client side.

In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the database Q140 on the client side may receive the item information from the communication server Q145 via the network, and at the same time, may be directly input into the system in the store.

In the third embodiment of the present invention, the database Q140 of the client side shown in FIG. 8 may be built in a main memory such as a hard disk provided in the store's search server. On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, since an integrated terminal having no store server is configured, an article information database is constructed in the main memory in the terminal.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for providing item information is attached to an item when a customer wants to know the item information about the contents of the item such as a video tape, a CD, or a package program at a store. By recognizing an identification display code (for example, a barcode) or an article unique signal, article information can be read out from a database and provided.

The method for providing item information according to the present invention attaches an identification mark code to an article or show window displayed in a place such as a museum, and allows a viewer to read the identification mark code so that the description of the exhibit is sounded like a headphone. Can be delivered via the device.

In the article information providing apparatus according to the present invention, the means for reading the identification display code may use not only an apparatus for optically reading the code but also a proximity reading method using an electromagnetic wave or a wireless code recognition method.

Referring back to FIG. 8, after reading the item information corresponding to the identification display code (Q150), it is determined whether the detected item information is the image information or the audio information (Q160). In the case of the video and audio information (Q170), the display and the sound generating means (Q171), and in the case of the audio information may be output (Q172) through the display and the sound generating means together with the prepared image.

For example, when a customer requests goods information about a music CD at a store, the search server may transmit basic information related to the CD through a terminal in a visual and audio manner. In this case, the basic information may include a title, a company name, lyrics, content, composer, and the like.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention to better understand the claims of the invention which will be described later. Additional features and advantages that make up the claims of the present invention will be described below. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiments of the invention disclosed may be readily used as a basis for designing or modifying other structures for carrying out similar purposes to the invention.

In addition, the inventive concepts and embodiments disclosed herein may be used by those skilled in the art as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. In addition, such modifications or altered equivalent structures by those skilled in the art may be variously changed, substituted, and changed without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention described in the claims.

As can be seen from the above description, the present invention provides a video and audio output of various information on the goods to be shipped so that the video and audio information about the recognized product can be obtained through the identification display code and the code reading means. When a database can be established through a local system or a communication server and the product is recognized through an identification mark code, the video and audio of the product are stored by the pre-stored database so that the consumer can obtain information about the product through the multimedia function of the local system. There is an effect that can be obtained in various dimensions, and the information on the goods before the purchase or opening can be obtained to broaden the choice of the goods.

In addition, in stores such as record stores, video tape rental shops, and game shops all over the world, conventional customers have resorted to a method of guessing and purchasing the contents of a product by looking at a picture attached to a package, but according to the present invention. In case of using the information providing system, there is an advantage that the contents of the multimedia can be checked in real time without the damage of the case or the hassle of putting the contents directly into the media.

As a result, it is possible to simplify the purchasing process of consumers, increase the sales efficiency of retailers, and the convenience of promotional media of content companies.

Claims (26)

A method of recognizing and providing data on an article by recognizing an identification mark code attached to the article, An identification mark code recognizing step of recognizing, by code reading means, the identification mark code of the article to be purchased by the consumer; A search program driving step of driving a search program unit to search for data output from the code reading means when the code reading means recognizes the identification display code in the identification display code recognizing step; An article information search step of searching for a database unit to find video and audio article information corresponding to the data when the search program unit is driven in the search program driving step; A video and audio discrimination step of determining whether the goods information is a mixture of video and audio when the search program unit finds the goods information in the goods information searching step; An image output step of outputting an image through an image display unit if the image information is determined according to the result determined in the image audio determination step; A mixed information outputting step of outputting mixed information through a video display unit and an audio output unit in response to the result determined in the video / audio discrimination step; According to the result determined in the video audio determination step, if the audio information, the audio output step is output to the outside through the audio output unit Article information providing method using an identification display code comprising a. According to claim 1, wherein the article information search step, A connection step of connecting to the search server through the interface unit when the search program unit is driven in the search program driving step; A search step of searching for a server database unit for the item information to be searched if the search server is connected to the search server in the access step; If the search server finds the article information in the search step, the search server transmits the article information to the search program unit through the interface unit. Article information providing method using an identification display code comprising a. The method of claim 2, wherein the interface means used in the connecting step uses a communication connection means. An apparatus for providing information related to an article having an identification mark code, the apparatus comprising: A communication server providing the article information; Code reading means for reading the identification mark code; Storage means for storing an article-related information database corresponding to the identification indication code; A central processing unit for recognizing data output from the code reading means and searching for and processing information related to goods according to the result; Output means for outputting the article related information output by the central processing unit Article information providing apparatus comprising a. The article information providing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the central processing unit transmits and receives data to and from the communication server using any one of a general public network, the Internet, and a cable television network. The article information providing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the identification display code comprises any one of a barcode, a line code, a table code, and an article unique code. The article information providing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the code reading means comprises any one of a barcode reader, an optical recognition means, an electromagnetic proximity recognition means, and a code identification means. The data processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said central processing unit recognizes the data output from said code reading means and, according to the result, reads out the product information corresponding to said identification display code from the storage means for storing said database, and sends it to said output means. Article information providing apparatus, characterized in that provided. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the CPU recognizes data output from the code reading means, provides the data to the communication server according to the result, and receives and outputs the item information retrieved from the communication server. An article information providing apparatus. 5. The article information providing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the central processing unit updates the article information database stored in the storage means by using the article information provided through the network from the communication server. The article information providing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the output means comprises any one or a combination of video information display means, audio information transfer means, and short display means. 5. The article information providing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the article information providing apparatus further comprises connecting means for interfacing the communication server with the central processing unit. 13. The article information providing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the connection means includes any one of a modem and a LAN card. An apparatus for providing article information related to an article having an identification mark code, the apparatus comprising: A communication server for providing the article information through a network; A store retrieval server having a product information database unit and a central processing unit; A terminal having reading means for reading the identification display code, the article information output means, and a connecting means for interfacing with the store retrieval server Article information providing apparatus comprising a. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the retrieval server comprises any one or a combination of a graphics card, a video card, and a sound card. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the terminal comprises any one or a combination of a graphics card, a video card, and a sound card. The article information providing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the store search server and the terminal are integrated. A method for providing information relating to an article having an identification mark code, Reading the identification mark code attached to the article; Determining whether item information corresponding to data read out from the identification indication code exists in the item information database; Retrieving article information from the database unit if it exists as a result of the determination of the existence; If it is determined that there is no presence, receiving article information from a communication server through a network; Outputting the article information Article information providing method comprising a. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of retrieving the item information from the database unit further comprises providing the communication server with information indicating that the item information has been retrieved. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein receiving the item information from the communication server further comprises storing information in the result database of the communication server that the item information has been provided to the database. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the article information providing method outputs selected information when the identification display code is not read. The method of claim 21, wherein the selected information includes advertisement image information. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the outputting of the article information includes outputting selected image information when the article information is audio information. The method of claim 18, wherein the article information database is periodically updated with article information from the communication server. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the database is updated directly through a product information delivery media in a store. A method for providing information relating to an article having an identification mark code, Reading the identification mark code attached to the article; Transmitting data read out from the identification indication code to a search server through a network; Retrieving, by the retrieval server, item information corresponding to the identification indication code and sending the same to the client side; Outputting the returned item information Article information providing method comprising a.