Labeling apparatus and method for labeling commodity

【0001】

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

The present invention relates to a packaging pricing device that affixes (price) a predetermined label on which a price or the like is printed after packaging a product, particularly a technique related to label affixing.

【0002】

[Conventional technology]

Fresh foods sold at supermarkets and convenience stores, or processed foods such as bento boxes and delicatessen items, are labeled with the product name, price, and content. In general, the place and direction of labeling are predetermined according to the conditions such as that the label is attached to such a product so that it looks good at the time of display and that it does not interfere with the selection of the product by the customer who purchases the product. ing.

【0003】

In addition, for the purpose of efficient processing, there is a packaging (weighing) pricing device that automates a series of processing from packaging of products, weighing if necessary, and even labeling (price). , Widely used (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

【0004】

[Patent Document 1]

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-124117 [0005]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

However, in packaging and pricing using such a packaging pricing device, even if the product is put in a posture different from the predetermined posture, the label is affixed to the wrong place in the wrong posture. It was. Alternatively, even if a product that is not the target of affixing is mistakenly put in, the label is affixed as it is without any check. In all of these cases, it was necessary to re-paste, which was a factor that hindered the efficiency of processing.

【0006】

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a label affixing device capable of identifying the correctness of a product and affixing a label to the correct place of the product.

【0007】

[Means for solving problems]

In order to solve the above problems, the invention of claim 1 is provided with a printing means for printing on a label according to a predetermined printing format and a predetermined moving mechanism, and the label can be attached to an arbitrary position of a product. A device for affixing a label to a product, further comprising a posture detecting means for detecting a posture in a substantially horizontal plane of the product placed at a predetermined position inside the device, in the posture detecting means. Based on the posture detection result, the label can be attached in a predetermined direction at a predetermined attachment position in the product regardless of the attitude.

【0008】

Further, the invention of claim 2 includes a printing means for printing on a label according to a predetermined printing format, and a sticking means having a predetermined moving mechanism and capable of sticking the label at an arbitrary position of a product. , A device for attaching a label to a product, further comprising a posture detecting means for detecting the posture of the product placed at a predetermined position inside the device in the substantially horizontal plane, and the product is originally provided in the substantially horizontal plane. Even when the label is in a second posture different from the first posture, which is the posture, the label can be attached in a predetermined direction to a predetermined attachment position in the product based on the attitude detection result by the attitude detection means. It is characterized by being done.

【0009】

The invention of claim 3 is the label affixing device according to claim 2, wherein the printing means can perform rotary printing to print on the label by rotating the printing format by approximately 180 °. When the product is in the second posture, the printing means executes the rotary printing.

【0010】

The invention of claim 4 is the label affixing device according to claim 2, further comprising a rotation mechanism in which the affixing means rotates the label in a horizontal plane, and the product takes a second posture. In this case, the sticking means can stick the label in the predetermined direction at the predetermined sticking position by rotating the label in the horizontal plane.

【0011】

The invention of claim 5 is the label sticking device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the posture detecting means captures an image of the upper surface of the product to acquire a product image. A comparative determination means for comparing the product image with a reference image acquired by holding the product in the first posture in advance and detecting the second posture according to at least one predetermined determination criterion. It is characterized by being prepared.

【0012】

Further, the invention of claim 6 is the label affixing device according to claim 5, wherein the comparison determination means further includes an image rotating means for rotating the product image, and the product image is further provided by the image rotating means. Is characterized in that the operation is stopped if the product image and the reference image do not match even if the product is rotated to the direction corresponding to the first posture.

【0013】

The invention of claim 7 also includes a printing step of printing on a label according to a predetermined printing format, and a sticking step of having a predetermined moving mechanism and capable of sticking the label at an arbitrary position of a product. , A method of attaching a label to a product, further including a posture detection step of detecting a posture in a substantially horizontal plane of the product placed at a predetermined position inside the device, based on the posture detection result in the posture detection step. Therefore, the label can be attached in a predetermined direction at a predetermined attachment position on the product regardless of the posture.

【0014】

The invention of claim 8 includes a printing step of printing on a label according to a predetermined printing format, and a sticking step of sticking the label at an arbitrary position of a product by a predetermined moving mechanism. A method of attaching a label to a product, further comprising a posture detection step of detecting the posture of the product placed at a predetermined position inside the device in the substantially horizontal plane, and the product is in the original posture in the substantially horizontal plane. Even when the label is in a second posture different from the first posture, the label can be attached in a predetermined direction at a predetermined attachment position in the product based on the attitude detection result in the attitude detection step. It is characterized by being.

【0015】

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

<First Embodiment> <Device Configuration> FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a packaging pricing device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the packaging pricing device 100. The packaging pricing device 100 is a device that wraps a product placed on a tray with a wrap film together with the tray and affixes a label stating the product name, price, content, etc. to the film surface. It also has a function to weigh as needed depending on the type of product. In order to realize these functions, the packaging pricing device 100 includes a loading / discharging unit 10, a measuring unit 20, an imaging unit 30, a lift unit 40, and a packaging unit 50, as shown in FIGS. 1 or 2. The printing unit 60, the pasting unit 70, the display / operation unit 80, and the control unit 90 are mainly provided. Each part is electrically connected via the bus line BL. Note that FIG. 1 has a three-dimensional coordinate system in which the depth direction of the packaging pricing device 100 is the x-axis, the width direction is the y-axis, and the height direction is the z-axis. The following description will also be performed according to this coordinate system.

【0016】

The display / operation unit 80 is provided for the operator of the packaging pricing device 100 to make settings related to the operation of each part of the device and to display the operating status of the packaging pricing device 100, and is composed of a keyboard, a liquid crystal panel, and the like. .. The liquid crystal panel may be a touch panel display capable of touch operation.

【0017】

The control unit 90 is provided to control the operation of each part of the packaging pricing device 100, includes a CPU 90a, a ROM 90b, a RAM 90c, and a storage unit 90d, and the functions are realized by a computer. The storage unit 90d is realized by a storage device such as a hard disk. The storage unit 90d contains a program P for various controls, a product master MS1 (Fig. 8) which is a database for storing information about products to be processed such as packaging, and a tray master which is a database for trays. MS2 (Fig. 9), standard master MS3 (Fig. 10), which is a database of information that serves as a reference when making judgments such as product identification, standard image data RID for each product used for judgment, and labels. The label format data LFD, which is the format for printing the above, is mainly stored.

【0018】

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view schematically showing the front part of the product transport path in the packaging pricing device 100, that is, the part where the loaded product is imaged, weighed if necessary, and then reaches the packaging. Is. The front part is mainly composed of a loading / discharging unit 10, a measuring unit 20, an imaging unit 30, and a lift unit 40.

【0019】

In many cases, the product M to be processed for packaging pricing in the packaging pricing device 100 is placed on the loading section 11 of the loading / discharging section 10 in a state of being mounted on the tray T. In the following description, the tray T may be simply referred to as a product.

【0020】

The loading unit 11 is connected to the measuring unit 20 on the back surface thereof, and the weight of the product M is detected by the load cell 21 of the measuring unit 20. The detected weight data is sent to the control unit 90 and used for pricing or the like when the weight data is required, such as when the product M is a product whose price is determined according to the unit price per weight.

【0021】

Further, an imaging unit 30 is provided on the back surface side of the discharge unit 15 of the input / discharge unit 10 arranged above the input unit 11. The image pickup unit 30 is provided for taking an image of the product M mounted on the input unit 11 by the CCD camera 31. The CCD camera 31 preferably has a function capable of color photographing.

【0022】

Further, the loading / discharging unit 10 is wound around four pulleys PL and is fixed by two sets of left and right transport belts 12 driven by a driving means (not shown) and the transport belt 12, and a plurality of transport claws 13F. The transport bar 13 and the like are provided. Although not shown in FIG. 3, a notch 11N (FIG. 11) is provided at the end of the loading portion 11 to allow the transport claw 13F to pass through. When the transfer belt 12 and the transfer bar 13 are driven as shown by the arrows AR1 to AR2, the transfer bar 13 eventually pushes the product M together with the tray T, and the centering conveyor 14 and its back (x-axis negative). It will be conveyed onto the support member 43 (described later) of the lift portion 40 provided in the direction). Here, the centering conveyor 14 is provided to move the product M to the center when there is a variation in the loading position of the product M in the loading section 11 in the y-axis direction. By the action of the centering conveyor 14, the product M is placed on the center portion of the support member 43 of the lift portion 40 in the y-axis direction.

【0023】

The lift portion 40 has a support base 41 that can be moved up and down by an electric ball screw mechanism 44, and a plurality of lift portions 40 having a lower end portion fixed on the support base 41 so that the longitudinal direction is the z-axis direction. A support bar 42 and a support member 43 rotatably provided at the upper end of each support bar and capable of supporting the bottom surface of the tray T are provided. When the product M is placed on the support member 43, the support base is moved upward (in the positive direction of the z-axis) by the action of the electric ball screw mechanism 44. As a result, the product M is transferred upward.

【0024】

FIG. 4 schematically shows a rear portion of the product transport path in the packaging pricing device 100, that is, a portion after the product pushed up by the lift unit 40 is packaged until the printed label is affixed. It is a side sectional view. The front part is mainly composed of a packaging part 50, a printing part 60, and a sticking part 70.

【0025】

The packaging unit 50 is provided for packaging the product M using the wrapping film F for packaging. The packaging unit 50 includes a film transport mechanism 51, a pair of left and right folding plates 52, a rear folding plate 53, a pusher 54, and a seal conveyor 55. In the packaging section 50, the wrap film F is supplied in a stretched state above the tray T by the film transport mechanism 51 prior to the upward transfer operation of the product M by the lift section 40 described above. Then, as a result of the transfer operation by the lift portion 40, the wrap film F comes into close contact with the upper surface of the product M placed on the tray T and the edge portion of the tray T. Further, with the upper surface of the tray T covered with the wrap film F, the four sides of the wrap film F are folded toward the bottom surface (lower surface) side of the tray T by the left and right folding plates 52, the rear folding plate 53, the pusher 54, and the like. After that, in the seal conveyor 55, the edges of the wrap film F folded on the bottom surface side of the tray T are heat-welded to each other to complete the packaging.

【0026】

The printing unit 60 is provided to print a predetermined print content on the label LB to be affixed to the product between the time the product is put in and the time the product is packaged. Further, the sticking portion 70 is provided for sticking the printed level LB to a predetermined position (on the packaging surface) of the product M in a predetermined direction. FIG. 5 is a side sectional view for explaining the operation of the printing portion 60 and the sticking portion 70.

【0027】

In the printing unit 60, the label LB integrated with the mount BS is supplied from the supply roll SR as shown by the arrow AR4 while being guided by the platen roller PR, and is determined by the label format data LFD and the type of the product M. Based on the print content, the print head 61 prints on the print surface LBS.

【0028】

In the sticking portion 70, the printed label LB is peeled off from the mount BS while being sucked and held by the sticking head 71, and is stuck at a predetermined position of the product M. The sticking head 71 has a plurality of suction holes VH at the bottom, and the inside of the sticking head 71 is in a negative pressure state, so that the label LB can be held by suction from the suction holes VH. Further, the sticking portion 70 includes a horizontal drive mechanism 72, a vertical drive mechanism 73, and a rotary drive mechanism 74, and while holding the label LB, as shown by arrows AR5 to AR7, horizontal movement, vertical movement, And can be rotated. As a result, the label LB can be attached to the product M at an arbitrary position in the product M in either the vertical orientation or the horizontal orientation. The product to which the label LB is affixed will be discharged to the discharge unit 15.

【0029】

<Determination of Product> Next, in the packaging pricing device 100, the determination of the correctness and attitude of the introduced product will be described with specific examples. Now, suppose that the product M to be processed in the packaging pricing device 100 is a "curry rice" CR that has entered the tray T and is covered with a transparent upper lid.

【0030】

FIG. 6 shows the relationship between each part related to product determination realized by the functions of CPU90a, ROM90b, RAM90c, and storage unit 90d in the control unit 90, and various data generated at the time of determination. It is a block diagram. In the control unit 90, a processing target selection unit 91, a reference data generation unit 92, a determination data generation unit 93, and a comparison determination unit 94 are realized in order to determine the product. Further, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a flow of product determination. FIG. 8 is a partial view illustrating the product master MS1, FIG. 9 is an exemplary tray master MS2, and FIG. 10 is a partial diagram illustrating the reference master MS3. In any master, each row is referred to as a "record" and each column is referred to as an "item". Further, it is assumed that the unit of coordinates and size described in each master is "mm", and the unit of the item "threshold value" in the reference master MS3 is "%".

【0031】

First, when the product to be processed is determined by the packaging pricing device 100, the processing target selection unit 91 is subjected to the target from the product master MS1 and the tray master MS2 in response to the operation of the display / operation unit 80 by the operator. Get information about the product (step S1). Since the product to be processed is the "curry rice" CR, the judgment target setting data OSD is generated based on the record in which the "call No." is "15" in the product master MS1. Specifically, since the value of the item "tray No." in the record whose "call No." is "15" is "08", the content of the record whose "tray No." is "08" in the tray master MS2. Among them, information necessary for determining the product, for example, information such as "depth", "width", and "height" is extracted as the determination target setting data OSD. Furthermore, from the reference master MS3 in which the "call No." is assigned in common with the product master MS1, the data file name of the reference image data RID used for the judgment is selected from the records in which the "call No." is "15". Information such as the "reference image" to be shown and the "judgment position" and "threshold" which are the criteria for judgment are also extracted as the judgment target setting data OSD. It is assumed that the reference image data RID is created in advance from the data captured in advance of the processing in the packaging pricing device 100 for the target product, and is stored in the storage unit 90d in, for example, a bitmap format.

【0032】

When various settings for processing such as settings for the target product are completed, product input is started (step S2). FIG. 11 is a top view of the charging unit 11. The product shall be placed within the range of the mounting frame FL indicating the imaging range by the imaging unit 30 among the mounting surfaces 11s of the loading unit 11. The mounting frame FL is a rectangular area having a depth of Hf and a width of Wf, and the axis AX in which the + x direction is the positive direction of the X axis and the + y direction is the positive direction of the Y axis. , AY is specified, and the intersection is specified as the input origin O. In addition, as a general rule, it is stipulated that products should be placed so that the longitudinal direction substantially coincides with the Y-axis direction. Further, the state in which the product is placed so that the center of the product coincides with the input origin O and the longitudinal direction coincides with the axis AY is referred to as an ideal state, and the arrangement position of the product in the ideal state is referred to as an ideal position IP. And. The reference image data RID is preferably data obtained by imaging the product in this ideal state.

【0033】

As described above, by prescribing that the product should be placed in a posture as close to the ideal state as possible when the product is put in, the occurrence of a situation in which the product is placed in a posture significantly deviated from the normal posture is suppressed in advance. Will be done. Further, even if the tray is placed in such a posture, the tray size does not match the registered size as described later, so that the processing is not accidentally continued. Therefore, the main problem is when the product is placed in a posture rotated by approximately 180 ° from the ideal state, that is, in an inverted posture.

【0034】

When the product is placed on the loading unit 11, the operations in each unit are sequentially performed as described above. Here, when weighing is required, the weighing unit 20 measures the product, but the placed product is imaged by the imaging unit 30 regardless of whether or not the weighing is required (step S3). The image obtained by imaging is stored in the RAM 90c or the storage unit 90d as the imaging data ID. Since the imaging data ID is mainly used for product determination, it is not always necessary to store it until after the determination process, but when it is stored in the storage unit 90d, for example, when packaging each product individually. It is also possible to use it for follow-up inspections to confirm the appearance condition later.

【0035】

When the imaging data ID is obtained, the reference data RD used for product determination and the determination data ED are generated (step S4). In the present embodiment, since the correctness or posture of the product is determined based on the information on the color distribution of the product, specifically, the information on the brightness, both the reference data RD and the determined data ED are used. , It will be obtained as data suitable for this purpose.

【0036】

The reference data RD is the setting content described in the judgment target setting data OSD from the reference image data RID previously acquired by the reference data generation unit 92 and stored in the storage unit 90d, that is, the reference master MS3 (Fig. It is generated based on the settings described in 10). That is, the reference data RD for the "curry rice" CR is 50 (mm) in the x direction centered on the position of the coordinates (25,25) when viewed from the input origin O in the reference image data RID with the file name "curry". ), It will be generated from the rectangular area SQ0 having a size of 50 (mm) in the y direction (Fig. 13).

【0037】

On the other hand, the determined data ED is generated from the imaging data ID according to the setting contents of the determination target setting data OSD. However, when the actual product is put in, the product is not always placed in the ideal state, and even if the product is placed aiming at the ideal state, the actual placement position RP and the ideal position IP do not match, and It can often happen that the posture of the product deviates from the ideal state. Therefore, in order to obtain the judgment data ED, the product information is obtained after first canceling the deviation of the mounting position. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining this.

【0038】

In FIG. 12, in the frame of the mounting frame FL, the outer peripheral shape of the product mounted on the actual mounting position RP is shown by a solid line, and the outer peripheral shape of the product at the ideal position IP is shown by a broken line. Actual placement position It is assumed that the coordinates of the product center C of the product placed on the RP are (C1, C2) in the XY coordinate system.

【0039】

From the imaged data ID of the product, the outer peripheral position of the product is first detected, and the size of the product is determined from this (step S5). The outer peripheral shape can be defined, for example, with the width and depth of the tray T as representative values. The outer peripheral position can be detected, for example, by applying a high-pass filter process to the imaging data ID based on the difference in color components between the product and the input unit 11. The end ends in the X-axis direction thus obtained are E1, E2, and the end ends in the Y-axis direction are E3 and E4, and the distance between E1 and the rear part of the mounting frame FL is H1, E2 and the front part. If the distance of is H2, the distance between E3 and the left end is W3, and the distance between E4 and the right end is W4, the calculated tray size that does not consider the deviation of the posture is H0 for the depth and W0 for the width. H0 = Hf-H1-H2 (Equation 1) W0 = Wf-W3-W4, respectively It is given by (Equation 2). It is determined whether or not the tray size obtained by Equations 1 and 2 is within a predetermined error range based on the tray size registered in the tray master MS2. If it is not within the error range, the process is stopped because the posture is significantly deviated and the input is defective (step S12). This avoids the inconvenience of not being able to wrap in the subsequent wrapping process. In this case, the packaging pricing device 100 temporarily stops the processing operation of the product, and displays a warning message to that effect on the display of the display / operation unit 80. After that, the product is taken out and the correct product is reinserted, or the correct setting is given and the process is restarted.

【0040】

If the tray size meets the criteria, the subsequent processing is performed. If the tray has a point-symmetrical shape, the coordinates of the product center C (C1, C2) are given as the intersections of the straight lines connecting the ends. That is, C1 = (H1-H2) / 2 (Equation 3) C2 = (W3-W4) / 2 (Equation 4). Actually, it may deviate from the true center position due to the posture of the product, detection error, etc., but the influence on the determination of the target product is small.

【0041】

Even if the product is placed deviated from the ideal position IP because the coordinates of the product center C are obtained, by using the relative coordinates from the product center C, the imaging data ID is used regardless of the placement position. Information in the range to be determined can be extracted from. That is, the deviation of the mounting position is canceled. That is, the judgment data ED is from the rectangular region SQ1 having a size of 50 (mm) in the X-axis direction and 50 (mm) in the Y-axis direction centered on the position of the coordinates (25,25) when viewed from the product center C. Will be generated. As described above, since the imaged product is centered by the centering conveyor 14 before the packaging process, the displacement of the mounting position does not affect the subsequent process.

【0042】

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an image IM0 of a product corresponding to the reference image data RID and a rectangular region SQ0 for which the reference data is generated. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an image IM1 of a product corresponding to an imaging data ID (ID1) and a rectangular region SQ1 to be generated as a judgment data ED (ED1). It is assumed that the product shown in FIG. 14 is placed in a posture tilted by a minute angle α (at most, about several degrees) from the correct posture, which is not a problem in packaging. In addition, FIG. 15 shows an image IM2 of the product corresponding to the imaging data ID (ID2) acquired when the product is placed in the opposite direction, and a rectangular region SQ2 for which the judgment data ED (ED2) is generated. It is a figure which shows. Further, FIG. 16 is a diagram showing reference data RD and determined data ED (ED1, ED2).

【0043】

As shown in the image IM0 of FIG. 13, the target product curry rice CR currently has the rice area RG1, the ru area RG2, and the outer peripheral area RG3 of the tray T when viewed from above. It is roughly divided into. In addition, since "boiled egg" is partly topped on "ru", this area will be referred to as "boiled egg" RG2e. Further, in the "curry rice" CR, the rectangular area SQ0 for which the reference data is generated is set on the "rice" area RG1. The reference data RD shown in FIG. 16A is obtained by extracting the luminance information in the rectangular region SQ0 as the relative luminance distribution data. As shown in FIG. 16 (a), the reference data RD of the curry rice CR is characterized by having a large peak in the region with the highest brightness. This corresponds to using the position of the "rice" region RG1, which is mainly white, as a criterion for whether or not the product is in the correct posture. The reference data RD also includes the region RG3, which slightly corresponds to the tray T.

【0044】

On the other hand, in the image IM1 shown in FIG. 14 and the image IM2 shown in FIG. 15, the luminance information in the rectangular region SQ1 and the rectangular region SQ2 set at the same positions as the rectangular region SQ0 when viewed from the product center C, respectively, is obtained. The data extracted as the relative luminance distribution data are the determined data ED1 and ED2 shown in FIGS. 16 (b) and 16 (c), respectively. The comparison judgment unit 94 determines whether the difference between the judgment data ED1 and ED2 and the reference data RD is within the predetermined threshold value, thereby judging the correctness and attitude of the product. (Step S6).

【0045】

To determine the degree of agreement between the reference data RD and the determined data ED (ED1, ED2), for example, the sum of squares of the difference in the relative frequencies between the determined data ED1 and the reference data RD at the same luminance value is used for all the luminance values. Is summed up to obtain a square, and the value is determined by whether or not the value is equal to or less than the "threshold value" of "5%" set in advance in the reference master MS3.

【0046】

In the case of the judgment data ED1, the posture of the product is tilted by an angle α compared to the ideal state, but the tray size is also within the error range. Further, as can be seen by comparing FIGS. 16A and 16B, it is determined that the relative luminance distribution generally matches the reference data RD and satisfies the criterion of "5%" or less. In this case, it is determined that the correct product has been put in in a generally normal posture, and the judgment result data ERD of the corresponding content is generated (YES in step S6, step S10). The judgment result data ERD is, for example, data in which information about the posture of the product is described as flag data. In this case, the judgment result data ERD having a predetermined flag indicating a normal posture is generated. Become.

【0047】

By performing the above determination process, the process can be continued as it is when the "threshold value" is satisfied even if the posture does not exactly match the ideal state. On the contrary, it is desirable that the "threshold value" is set so as to allow a certain degree of posture deviation at the time of loading.

【0048】

On the other hand, in the case of the determined data ED2, the relative luminance distribution is completely different from the distribution of the reference data RD, as can be seen by comparing FIGS. 16 (a) and 16 (c). That is, the peak appears just around the halftone. This can be said to be the peak corresponding to the "ru" region RG2. There are also peaks in the high brightness range, but their shapes are clearly different from those found in the reference data RD. This can be said to be the peak corresponding to the "boiled egg" region RG2e. Since the determined data ED2 having such characteristics does not satisfy the threshold criterion, it cannot be determined at least that the correct product was put in in a generally normal posture (). NO in step S6).

【0049】

In this case, the comparison determination unit 94 performs the captured image rotation process for generating a new product image in which the posture of the product is rotated by 180 ° with respect to the image IM2 from the captured data ID2 (step S7). The result is exactly the same as the image IM0 shown in FIG. 14 in the above example. Then, the determination data is extracted from the predetermined area again (step S8), and the determination process is performed (step S9). As a result, if the criteria are met, it is determined that the correct product has been loaded, but the product is placed in the loading unit 11 with its posture inverted by approximately 180 °. In this case, the determination result data ERD having a predetermined flag indicating the inverted posture is generated. (YES in step S9, step S11).

【0050】

Alternatively, if a product different from the processing target, such as "fried rice lunch", is introduced even though the "curry rice" CR is the processing target at the time of step S1, "curry" is shown in FIG. An imaging data ID (ID3) having a product image IM3 different from that of the rice CR will be acquired. FIG. 18 is a diagram comparing the determined data ED (ED3, ED4) in this case with the reference data RD. In this case, although the shape of the tray is slightly different, it shall be within the error range of the tray size of "curry rice" CR.

【0051】

In this case, the determined data ED3 is first extracted from the rectangular region SQ3 in step S4. It is assumed that the judgment data ED3 obtained as a result is shown in FIG. 18 (b). Note that FIG. 18 (a) is the same reference data RD as in FIG. 16 (a). As can be seen from FIGS. 18 (a) and 18 (b), the distributions of the two are completely different, so NO is selected in step S6. Subsequently, the captured image rotation process is performed (step S7), which eventually leads to the process of extracting the determined data ED4 from the rectangular region SQ4 of FIG. The judgment data ED4 obtained as a result also has a distribution different from that of the reference data RD.

【0052】

That is, in this case, neither of the two determinations satisfies the criterion, and NO is selected in step S9 as well. Therefore, it is determined that a product different from the product initially set as the processing target has been introduced (step S12). In this case, instead of generating the determination result data ERD, the packaging pricing device 100 temporarily stops the processing operation of the product and displays a warning message to that effect on the display of the display / operation unit 80. Become. After that, the product is taken out and the correct product is reinserted, or the correct setting is given and the process is restarted.

【0053】

When the posture of the product is determined as described above, the label printing process and the label affixing process are subsequently performed according to the determination result data ERD.

【0054】

<Label printing and affixing> When the judgment of correctness and attitude of the product is completed, the product is continuously packaged, and the printing process in the printing unit 60 is performed in parallel in order to quickly affix the label to the packaged product. It is done. Then, the printed label is quickly affixed to the product by the affixing portion 70. After that, it is assumed that the product to be processed is "curry rice" CR.

【0055】

FIG. 19 shows the relationship between each part related to label printing realized by the functions of the CPU 90a, ROM 90b, RAM 90c, and storage unit 90d in the control unit 90, and various data generated at the time of printing. It is a block diagram. In the control unit 90, a print data generation unit 95 and a print control unit 96 are realized in order to print on a label according to the posture of the product. Further, FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a flow of product printing processing.

【0056】

The print data generation unit 95 generates print data PD or reverse print data RPD based on the label format data LFD, the product master MS1, the tray master MS2, and the determination result data ERD.

【0057】

The print control unit 96 controls the operation of the entire print unit 60 such as the print head 61 in order to perform printing according to the print data PD or the reverse print data RPD.

【0058】

When the product to be processed by the packaging pricing device 100 is determined in step S1 described above, the print data generation unit 95 transfers the print content of the target product from the product master MS1 to the sticking position from the tray master MS2. Get the information (step S21). Further, the label format data LFD is read out based on the information regarding the format used at the time of printing described in the product master MS1 (step S22). As a result, the information in which the predetermined print items such as the product name, price, and processing date are laid out on the label, that is, the print data PD is determined (step S23).

【0059】

When the print data PD is obtained, the pasting information is acquired from the tray master MS2 and the determination result data ERD is referred to in order to determine the print position and orientation (step S24). The sticking information is information on the sticking position and sticking direction of the label. Since the "tray number" corresponding to the "curry rice" CR is "08", the item value (12,25) of the item "pasting coordinates" (center coordinates of the label pasting position) and the item "pasting direction" Information that the item value "horizontal" (longitudinal direction coincides with product width direction) will be acquired. The coordinate axes of the pasted coordinates will be described later.

【0060】

When the determination result data ERD describes information that the product attitude is normal, the print control unit 96 controls the print unit 60 so as to print the label LB1 according to the print data PD as it is. As a result, the label LB1 is printed (step S25). FIG. 21 (a) is a diagram schematically showing the label LB1 printed according to the print data PD. Now, since the "pasting direction" is given as "horizontal", the longitudinal direction of the label LB1 is also shown in FIG. 21 (a) so as to coincide with the y-axis direction.

【0061】

Then, when the label LB1 printed in this way is issued from the printing unit 60, the label LB1 is affixed to the affixed coordinates (12, 25) by the affixing unit 70 (step S26). FIG. 22 (a) shows a state in which the label LB1 is affixed to the product. The affixed coordinates shall be given by the uv coordinate system with the center of the product as the origin, the u-axis in the x-axis direction, and the v-axis in the y-axis direction. In addition, in general, it is desirable that the label be attached at a position that does not hinder the customer considering the purchase as much as possible when determining the content of the product. In the case of "curry rice" CR, as shown in FIG. 22 (a), the affixed coordinates are set so as to be affixed to the "rice" area RG1.

【0062】

On the other hand, when the judgment result data ERD describes the information that the product attitude is reversed, the label LB1 is printed and affixed in the same manner as in the normal case, as shown in FIG. 22 (b). As described above, it will be attached to the "ru" area RG2 and also to the "boiled egg" area RG2e. This is not preferable because it significantly hinders the visibility of the product.

【0063】

Therefore, in this case, the print data creation unit 95 generates a reverse print data RPD based on the print data PD to obtain the label LB2 whose orientation is rotated by 180 ° while maintaining the format of the label LB1 (step). S27). The print control unit 96 controls the print unit 60 in order to print the label LB2 according to the reverse print data RPD. As a result, the label LB2 is printed (step S28). FIG. 21B is a diagram showing the label LB2 in the same coordinate system as the label LB1.

【0064】

Further, when the label LB2 printed in this way is issued from the printing unit 60, the label LB2 is affixed to the product by the affixing unit 70 at a position corresponding to the position where the label should be affixed if it is in a normal posture. Will be. In the case of "curry rice" CR, it will be pasted at a position that is point-symmetrical with the original pasting coordinates (12,25) in the uv coordinate system (step S29). FIG. 22 (c) is a diagram showing a state in which the label LB2 is attached to the curry rice CR whose posture is reversed. Since the reverse printing is executed in advance, the label LB2 itself is not rotated by the sticking head 71, but the label LB2 is stuck in the direction corresponding to the direction in which the label should be stuck. Since the rotation operation is unnecessary, even if the posture of the product is reversed, the time required for sticking does not increase significantly due to it.

【0065】

As described above, the packaging pricing device 100 according to the present embodiment can detect when an erroneous product is put in and stop the process. In addition, even if the posture of the product into which the product is put is different from the predetermined normal posture, by reversing the printing on the label, the label can be kept in the normal posture without rotating. It can be attached at a position corresponding to the position to be attached in the case, in a posture corresponding to the posture to be originally attached. This eliminates the need for re-packaging and re-pricing, and makes it possible to prevent a decrease in processing efficiency due to a mistake in product input.

【0066】

<Second Embodiment> The first embodiment mainly shows the case where the product is placed in the inverted posture, but in the present embodiment, the products having different shapes and postures are supported. The determination of the posture of the packaging pricing device 200 and the sticking of the label will be described. However, since the configuration of each part of the packaging pricing device 200 is basically the same as that of the packaging pricing device 100 according to the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are used thereafter except for differences. The explanation is omitted.

【0067】

FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the product M and the sticking position of the label LB according to the present embodiment. FIG. 23 (a) is a diagram showing an ideal state of the product M. It is assumed that the contents of the product M according to the present embodiment are placed on a circular tray T. The contents are roughly divided into two areas RG11 and RG12 when viewed from above, and it is assumed that the attachment coordinates are set so that the label LB is attached on the area RG12.

【0068】

Conventionally, even if the product M is put in with a posture different from the ideal state, the label LB is attached with the given attachment coordinates as shown in FIG. 23 (b). In this case, as shown in FIG. 23 (c), it is desirable that the label LB is attached according to the posture. This will be described below.

【0069】

FIG. 24 shows the relationship between each part related to the calculation of the posture of the product realized by the functions of the CPU 90a, the ROM 90b, the RAM 90c, and the storage unit 90d in the control unit 90, and various data generated during the calculation. It is a block diagram which shows. In the control unit 90, in order to calculate the posture of the product, the processing target selection unit 91, the reference data generation unit 92, and the determined data generation are generated in the same manner as the packaging pricing device 100 according to the first embodiment. In addition to the realization of the unit 93, the posture calculation unit 97 is realized. The posture calculation unit 97 is responsible for calculation processing for obtaining the posture of the product from the image pickup data ID and the determination target setting data OSD. The posture of the product is acquired as posture data AD and used when attaching the label LB.

【0070】

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a method of determining the posture of the product. Also in the present embodiment, the posture calculation unit 97 first calculates the tray size and the product center C from the image pickup data ID as in the first embodiment. Also in the case of this embodiment, if the calculated tray size and the registered size are different, the processing is stopped. When the size of the tray satisfies the condition, the posture calculation unit 97 makes a straight line L0 passing through the product center C and parallel to the Y axis, and a plurality of straight lines L1, L2, ... Extract the brightness distribution along. FIG. 25 (a) shows the case where three equally spaced and parallel straight lines L0, L1 and L2 are symmetrical, and FIG. 25 (b) shows the luminance distribution corresponding to each straight line. There is. Now, assuming that the region RG11 has an approximately constant brightness and the change is relatively small, the brightness in each straight line is continuous and falls within a certain error range Δ centered on a predetermined brightness value. It can be determined that the range corresponds to the area RG11. Therefore, in the straight lines L0, L1, and L2, the positions corresponding to the ends of this range are obtained, and considering the straight line connecting these, this roughly corresponds to the boundary line separating the regions RG11 and RG12. Therefore, the posture calculation unit 97 calculates the boundary line from the above-mentioned luminance distribution, and calculates the inclination θ with respect to the Y-axis direction as the posture data AD. At that time, it is assumed that the region and brightness value to be noted, the calculation range of the brightness distribution, the error range Δ, and the like are given to the reference master MS3 for each product to be processed.

【0071】

Assuming that the ideal state is set so that the boundary line shown in FIG. 23 (a) is parallel to the Y axis, this inclination θ is input as shown in FIG. 23 (b) or (c). It corresponds to the actual posture of the product.

【0072】

Printing of the label LB in the printing unit 60 is performed based on the printing data as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, the sticking portion 70 rotates the printed label LB by the inclination θ obtained as the posture data AD by the action of the rotation drive mechanism 74 capable of rotating the label LB at an arbitrary angle, and then, after that, Attach to product M.

【0073】

As a result, as shown in FIG. 23 (c), the label LB can be attached to the normal position even when the posture of the product deviates from the ideal state.

【0074】

As described above, in the present embodiment, by obtaining the posture of the product using the luminance distribution, the label can be correctly attached to the product in an arbitrary posture. It is possible to prevent a decrease in processing efficiency.

【0075】

<Third Embodiment> The label affixing device according to the present invention can be realized by a device other than the packaging pricing device as in the above-described embodiment. In the present embodiment, processing in a weighing and pricing device having a conveyor and continuously weighing and pricing while transporting the goods by the conveyor will be described.

【0076】

FIG. 26 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the weighing and pricing device 300. The weighing pricing device 300 transports the product M by the loading unit 310 provided with the capturing conveyor CV1 for capturing the product M supplied from the device group 400 such as the packaging device arranged on the upstream side, and the weighing conveyor CV2. While doing so, the weighing unit 320 that weighs the product M, the sticking unit 330 that prints the label to be affixed to the product M and affixes the label while transporting the product M on the affixing conveyor CV3, and the weighing unit It mainly includes a display unit 340 that displays the operation status of the device 300, an operation unit 350 for the operator to input a predetermined operation instruction, and a control unit 360 that controls the operation of each part of the weighing and pricing device 300. ing.

【0077】

The capture unit 310 is provided with an image pickup unit 311 for photographing the product M above the capture conveyor CV1 that conveys the product M. The image pickup unit 311 is provided with a sensor 312 that detects the passage of the product M, for example, using infrared rays, at a position corresponding to the upstream end of the capture conveyor CV1. Further, a CCD camera 313 for photographing the product M detected by the sensor 312 is provided at a position corresponding to the downstream side of the capture conveyor CV1. The capture conveyor CV1 normally transports the product M at a substantially constant speed, and the distance D along the transport path between the sensor 312 and the CCD camera 313 is also known, so after passing directly under the sensor 312. , The product M transported by the capture conveyor CV1 can be imaged at the timing when it reaches just below the CCD camera 313. The imaging result is used for printing on a label by the printing mechanism 331 described later and for attaching the label to the product M.

【0078】

The measuring unit 320 is provided with a measuring mechanism 321 below the measuring conveyor CV2, and can perform weighing while the product M is being conveyed.

【0079】

The sticking portion 330 is mainly provided with a printing mechanism 331 and a sticking mechanism 332. Similar to the printing unit 60 according to the first embodiment, the printing mechanism 331 is responsible for printing on a normal label, and inverts the printed content as necessary according to the posture of the product M. The label can be printed. The sticking mechanism 332 is provided with a sticking head 333, and the printed label can be stuck at a predetermined position and in a predetermined direction.

【0080】

As a result, even in the weighing and pricing device 300 according to the present embodiment, even if the posture of the product is different from the normal posture, the label can be attached to a predetermined position in a predetermined orientation.

【0081】

In the weighing and pricing device 300, the transfer speeds v1 to v3 of each of the conveyors CV1 to CV3 are controlled by the control unit 360. Then, based on the type of product to be processed and the transport speeds v1 to v3 of each conveyor CV1 to CV3 at a certain point in time, the weighing and pricing device 300 can process at that time at the maximum per unit time. The maximum processing capacity Am, which is the number of products in the above, is always calculated by the control unit 360.

【0082】

On the other hand, for example, based on the detection result of the product by the sensor 312, the control unit 360 also acquires the data about the import time interval of the product M to be imported into the weighing pricing device 300. Based on this data, the control unit 360 constantly calculates the current capacity Ap, which is the number of products actually processed by the weighing and pricing device 300 per unit time.

【0083】

Then, while the weighing and pricing device 300 is operating, these maximum processing capacities Am and current capacities Ap are displayed on the display unit 340 together with the transport speeds v1 to v3 of the conveyors CV1 to CV3. FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating this processing capacity display DSP as an example. Alternatively, it may be displayed on a separately provided display means so that it can be confirmed from a distance from the weighing and pricing device 300.

【0084】

By making this processing capacity display DSP, it becomes easy for workers and managers of factories and the like where the weighing and pricing device 300 is installed to know the processing capacity of the process in real time. As a result, the processing capacity including the equipment group 400 used in the pre-process (for example, cutting, serving, packaging, etc.) up to the weighing and pricing device 300 according to the difference between the maximum processing capacity Am and the current capacity Ap. You will be able to make accurate adjustments. Alternatively, the processing capacity (current capacity) of the weighing and pricing device 300 and the device group 400 in the previous process can be adjusted appropriately while grasping the current situation, so that troubles and complaints related to the processing capacity can be prevented. Will be able to prevent.

【0085】

<Modification example> It is preferable that the method of setting the standard used for determining the correctness and posture of the product is variously determined according to the characteristics of the product and the tray used. For example, it may be used based on the arrangement relationship of the contents of the product, the shape and color component of the outer circumference of the tray, the position of the partition portion, the color component, and the like. For one product, reference data may be created using a plurality of locations and a determination may be made. Moreover, you may use a combination of a plurality of determination methods.

【0086】

In the above-described embodiment, the luminance is used for the determination, but the distribution may be extracted for each color component of the RGB color image and the determination may be performed.

【0087】

In the first embodiment, the printing on the label is reversed, but instead, the printing may be performed in the normal state, and then the label may be rotated and pasted at the time of pasting. ..

【0088】

In the second embodiment, the boundary line is obtained from the luminance distribution, but instead, the boundary line may be obtained by, for example, high-pass filter processing.

【0089】

[Effect of the invention]

As described above, according to the invention of claim 1, even if the product is supplied in the wrong posture, the label can be attached at the correct position, so that the device does not have to be stopped or reattached, and the process is processed. Efficiency is improved.

【0090】

Further, according to the invention of claim 2, even if the product is supplied in the wrong posture, the label can be attached at the correct position, so that the device is not stopped or reattached, and the processing efficiency is improved.

【0091】

Further, according to the invention of claim 3, even if the product is supplied in the opposite posture, the label can be attached at the correct position, so that the device does not have to be stopped or reattached, and the processing efficiency is improved. .. Further, since it is not necessary to rotate the label, it is possible to avoid complication of the apparatus and also to suppress an increase in the sticking processing time.

【0092】

Further, according to the invention of claim 4, even if the product is supplied in the wrong posture, the label can be attached at the correct position, so that the device is not stopped or reattached, and the processing efficiency is improved. Since the label printing process does not depend on the posture of the product, the label can be printed before the posture is detected, and an increase in the sticking processing time can be suppressed.

【0093】

Further, according to the invention of claim 5, it is possible to automate the detection of the posture of the product when the label is affixed.

【0094】

Further, according to the invention of claim 6, when a product that is not originally intended for sticking is erroneously put in, it is possible to avoid sticking the label, so that it is possible to avoid re-sticking and suppress a decrease in processing efficiency.

【0095】

Further, according to the invention of claim 7, even if the product is supplied in the wrong posture, the label can be attached at the correct position, so that the device is not stopped or reattached, and the processing efficiency is improved.

【0096】

Further, according to the invention of claim 8, even if the product is supplied in the wrong posture, the label can be attached at the correct position, so that the device is not stopped or reattached, and the processing efficiency is improved.

[Simple explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a packaging pricing device 100 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a packaging pricing device 100.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a front-stage portion of a product transport path in the packaging pricing device 100.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a rear portion of a product transport path in the packaging pricing device 100.

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view for explaining the operation of the printing portion 60 and the sticking portion 70.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a relationship between each unit related to product determination realized by the control unit 90 and various data generated at the time of determination.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a flow of product determination.

FIG. 8 is a partial view illustrating the product master MS1 as an example.

FIG. 9 is a partial view illustrating the tray master MS2 as an example.

FIG. 10 is a partial view illustrating the reference master MS3 as an example.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the charging unit 11.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating cancellation of displacement of the mounting position.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an image IM0 of a product and a rectangular region SQ0 for which reference data is generated.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an image IM1 and a rectangular region SQ1 for which the determined data ED (ED1) is to be generated.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an image IM2 of a product and a rectangular region SQ2 for which the determined data ED (ED2) is to be generated.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing reference data RD and determined data ED (ED1, ED2).

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a product image IM3 different from the curry rice CR.

FIG. 18 is a diagram comparing the determined data ED (ED3, ED4) with the reference data RD.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a relationship between each unit related to label printing realized by the control unit 90 and various data generated at the time of printing.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a flow of product printing processing.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing labels LB1 and LB2.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a state in which labels LB1 and LB2 are attached to a product.

FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the product M and the sticking position of the label LB.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing a relationship between each unit related to the calculation of the posture of a product realized by the control unit 90 and various data generated during the calculation.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a method of obtaining a posture of a product.

FIG. 26 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a weighing and pricing device 300.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary processing capacity display DSP.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 Input part 11s Mounting surface 14 Centering conveyor 15 Discharge part 21 Load cell 31, 313 CCD camera 61 Printing head 71 Sticking head 100, 200 Packaging pricing device 300 Weighing pricing device 312 Sensor 321 Measuring mechanism 331 Printing mechanism 332 Sticking mechanism 333 Sticking Head C Product center CV1 Import conveyor CV2 Weighing conveyor CV3 Pasting conveyor DSP Processing capacity display FL Mounting frame IP Ideal position LB, LB1, LB2 Label LBS Printing surface M Product O Input origin RP (actual) mounting position SQ0 ~ SQ4 Rectangular area T tray v1 ~ v3 Conveyor speed