Code symbol reading device and storage medium

Abstract

The present invention discloses a code symbol reading device and a storage medium, which can automatically determine the reading priority of code symbols printed on paper media and code symbols displayed on a display screen of a portable terminal, etc., so as to improve the reading efficiency. The code symbol reading device comprises: a camera unit, which photographs an object; an illumination unit, which irradiates light to the object; an illumination control unit, which controls the irradiation of light by the illumination unit so as to repeat a first mode of irradiating light to the object and a second mode of not irradiating light to the object; and a ratio changing unit, which changes the time ratio of the first mode to the second mode according to the number of successful recognitions of the object based on the image photographed by the camera unit using the first mode and the number of successful recognitions of the object based on the image photographed by the camera unit using the second mode.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority from Japanese patent application No. JP2020-022549, filed on February 13, 2020, and cites the contents of the above application, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a code symbol reading device and a storage medium. Background Art

[0003] The following technology is known in code symbol reading devices that read bar codes, two-dimensional codes, etc. (an example of code symbols) printed on paper media or bar codes, two-dimensional codes, etc. displayed on a display screen of a portable terminal, etc.: In order to read both bar codes, two-dimensional codes, etc. printed on paper media and bar codes, two-dimensional codes, etc. displayed on a display screen of a portable terminal, etc., the lighting is switched on / off to perform reading.

[0004] However, in a case where the lighting is automatically switched on / off every time a certain period of time has passed, if the ratio of the time spent reading with the lighting on to the time spent reading with the lighting off is set to be fixed, then the reading efficiency may decrease, for example, when the reading environment changes from an environment with a high ratio of reading bar codes, two-dimensional codes, etc. printed on paper media to an environment with a high ratio of reading bar codes, two-dimensional codes, etc. displayed on a display screen of a portable terminal, etc. Summary of the invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a code symbol reading device and a storage medium, which can automatically determine the reading priority of code symbols printed on paper media and code symbols displayed on a display screen of a portable terminal, etc., and improve reading efficiency.

[0006] The code symbol reading device of the first embodiment of the present invention comprises: a camera unit that photographs an object; an illumination unit that irradiates light on the object; an illumination control unit that controls the irradiation of light by the illumination unit so as to repeat a first mode of irradiating light on the object and a second mode of not irradiating light on the object; and a ratio changing unit that changes the time ratio of the first mode to the second mode according to the number of successful recognitions of the object based on the image photographed by the camera unit using the first mode and the number of successful recognitions of the object based on the image photographed by the camera unit using the second mode.

[0007] According to the above-mentioned code symbol reading device, the priority of the light irradiation mode and the light non-irradiation mode can be automatically determined.

[0008] In the above-mentioned code symbol reading device, the ratio changing unit increases the time ratio of the first mode when the number of successful recognitions of the object based on the image captured by the camera unit using the first mode is greater than the number of successful recognitions of the object based on the image captured by the camera unit using the second mode, and increases the time ratio of the second mode when the number of successful recognitions of the object based on the image captured by the camera unit using the second mode is greater than the number of successful recognitions of the object based on the image captured by the camera unit using the first mode.

[0009] According to the above-mentioned code symbol reading device, the reading efficiency can be improved by increasing the time ratio of the side with a larger number of success times.

[0010] The above-mentioned code symbol reading device is also provided with a counting unit, which counts and resets the number of times the camera unit photographs using the first mode, the number of times the object is successfully recognized based on the image photographed by the camera unit using the first mode, the number of times the camera unit photographs using the second mode, and the number of times the object is successfully recognized based on the image photographed by the camera unit using the second mode. When the number of times the camera unit photographs using the first mode reaches a specified number of times, the counting unit resets the number of times the camera unit photographs using the second mode, and when the number of times the camera unit photographs using the second mode reaches a specified number of times, the counting unit resets the number of times the camera unit photographs using the first mode.

[0011] According to the above-mentioned code symbol reading device, the time ratio can be changed at every fixed period.

[0012] In the above-mentioned code symbol reading device, the first mode functions as a mode for reading a code symbol printed on a paper medium, and the second mode functions as a mode for reading a code symbol displayed on a display screen of a portable terminal or the like.

[0013] According to the above-mentioned code symbol reading device, it is possible to automatically determine the reading priority of the code symbol printed on the paper medium and the code symbol displayed on the display screen of the portable terminal or the like, thereby improving the reading efficiency.

[0014] In the above-mentioned code symbol reading device, the ratio changing unit sets the time ratio of the first mode to the second mode to be the same when the difference between the number of successful recognitions of the object based on the image captured by the camera unit using the second mode and the number of successful recognitions of the object based on the image captured by the camera unit using the first mode is within a prescribed range.

[0015] According to the above-mentioned code symbol reading device, the priority of the light irradiation mode and the light non-irradiation mode can be made equal.

[0016] The above-mentioned code symbol reading device is also provided with a counting unit, which counts the number of successful recognitions of the object based on the image captured by the camera unit using the first mode, and the number of successful recognitions of the object based on the image captured by the camera unit using the second mode, and the ratio changing unit is executed when the sum of the success numbers counted by the counting unit is greater than or equal to a specified number of times.

[0017] According to the above-mentioned code symbol reading device, it is easy to obtain the difference between the number of successes in the first mode and the number of successes in the second mode.

[0018] In the above-mentioned code symbol reading device, the ratio changing section changes the time ratio in response to input of information indicating a designated state.

[0019] According to the above-mentioned code symbol reading device, it is possible to automatically determine the reading priority of the code symbol for a specific business.

[0020] The above-mentioned code symbol reading device further has a function of displaying a pattern having a high time ratio at the current time on the display unit.

[0021] According to the above-mentioned code symbol reading device, it is possible to appropriately grasp the pattern with a high time ratio.

[0022] According to a second embodiment of the present invention, a storage medium stores a program that enables a computer of a code symbol reading device having an imaging unit for imaging an object and an illumination unit for irradiating light on the object to function as the following units: a lighting control unit that controls the irradiation of light by the illumination unit so that a first mode of irradiating light on the object and a second mode of not irradiating light on the object are repeated; and a ratio changing unit that changes the time ratio of the first mode to the second mode based on the number of successful recognitions of the object based on the image captured by the imaging unit using the first mode and the number of successful recognitions of the object based on the image captured by the imaging unit using the second mode.

[0023] According to the above-mentioned storage medium, it is possible to provide the computer with a function of automatically determining the priority of the light irradiation mode and the light non-irradiation mode. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the overall structure of the POS system.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a diagram for explaining an example of the structure of a reading device.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the reading device.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a reading device.

[0028] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing an example of a ratio change table.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the reading device.

[0030] Description of Reference Numerals

[0031] 1. POS system

[0032] 2 Inspection table

[0033] 10 Reading device

[0034] 11 Main body

[0035] 12 Camera Department

[0036] 13 Lighting Department

[0037] 14 First display unit

[0038] 15 Keyboard

[0039] 16 Second display

[0040] 20 POS Terminal

[0041] 21 Display

[0042] 22 Input Devices

[0043] 23. Receipt Printer

[0044] 30 Cash Box

[0045] 101 Microcomputer

[0046] 102 CPU

[0047] 103 Bus

[0048] 104 ROM

[0049] 105 RAM

[0050] 106 Input and output controller

[0051] 107 Lighting drive circuit

[0052] 108 Display / Keyboard Controller

[0053] 109 Storage

[0054] 110 Communication interface

[0055] 121 First Acquisition

[0056] 122 Decoding Department

[0057] 123 Judgment Department

[0058] 124 Counting Department

[0059] 125 Lighting Control Department

[0060] 126 Second Acquisition

[0061] 127 Ratio Change Department. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] Hereinafter, a code symbol reading device and a program according to the present embodiment will be described. In the following embodiment, an application example to a POS (Point Of Sales) system installed in a retail store will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0063] (Overall structure of POS system)

[0064] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a POS system 1. The POS (Point Of Sales) system 1 includes a reading device 10 and a POS terminal 20 that performs data processing based on data read by the reading device 10. The reading device 10 is an example of a “code symbol reading device”.

[0065] The reader 10 is installed upright on the checkout table 2 for placing a shopping basket containing commodities, etc., at a place (approximately in the center) where the operator and the customer are approximately facing each other. The POS terminal 20 is installed near one end of the checkout table 2. The reader 10 and the POS terminal 20 are connected to each other via a transmission path (not shown) so as to be able to communicate. The reader 10 and the POS terminal 20 constitute the POS system 1.

[0066] The POS terminal 20 performs sales data processing including registration processing and / or settlement processing of the goods purchased by the customer based on the data of the goods and the like read by the reading device 10. The POS terminal 20 is set on a cash box 30 that can store coins and banknotes in a freely accessible manner. The POS terminal 20 includes two displays 21 (211, 212) for operators and customers, an input device 22 including a keyboard and keys, and a receipt printer 23. The keyboard includes a subtotal key and a total key, and the keys switch modes such as a registration mode and a setting mode. For example, when the subtotal key is operated by the operator, the subtotal is displayed on the display 21. In this state, cash is deposited, or electronic money (including payment based on a QR code or a barcode) is paid, or coupons are read, or vouchers are input. When a series of operations are performed, the total key is operated, and the reconciliation and settlement (settlement) is completed. If the mode is switched by the operator's operation using the keys, the goods registration and settlement processing when selling goods to customers are performed in the registration mode. In the setting mode, various settings are made for the reader 10 and the POS terminal 20. For example, the volume or tone when a barcode is read by the reader 10, the transfer interval of the read data, etc. can be set. Such settings can be made by reading a program barcode printed on a paper medium. The POS terminal 20 has a communication interface that can communicate data with the reader 10. Information indicating that the subtotal key has been entered and information indicating a mode such as a registration mode or a setting mode based on the key (information indicating the status) can be sent to the reader 10 via the communication interface.

[0067] (Composition of reading device)

[0068] Next, the configuration of the reading device 10 will be described. Figure 2 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of the structure of the reading device 10. Figure 2 The state when the reading device 10 is viewed from the side where the imaging window 111 is provided (the side where the operator stands) is shown.

[0069] The reading device 10 includes a main body 11 , an imaging unit 12 , an illumination unit 13 , a first display unit 14 , a keyboard 15 , a second display unit 16 , and the like.

[0070] The main body 11 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and is provided upright on the inspection table 2. The height of the main body 11 is preferably set to be approximately the height of the eyes of an operator on the inspection table 2, for example.

[0071] An imaging window 111 serving as an opening is provided on the operator's standing position side of the main body 11. An imaging unit 12 and an illumination unit 13 are provided in the imaging window 111. The operator directs a commodity brought by a shopper toward the imaging window 111 to read (image) the commodity.

[0072] The imaging unit 12 has an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary MOS) and an imaging lens. The imaging lens forms an image of the imaging area on the imaging element. The imaging area refers to the area of ​​the imaging element formed by the imaging lens from the imaging window 111.

[0073] The camera unit 12 captures the outside of the main body 11 through the camera window 111. For example, the camera unit 12 optically captures a barcode, a two-dimensional code, etc. printed on a paper medium. In addition, for example, the camera unit 12 optically captures a barcode, a two-dimensional code, etc. displayed on a display screen of a portable terminal held by a customer. In addition, a barcode, a two-dimensional code, etc. are examples of "code symbols".

[0074] Here, in a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like printed on a paper medium, data such as an identification code (product code) and a price of a product are stored in a state of being encoded in the barcode, the two-dimensional code, or the like.

[0075] In addition, in a barcode, a two-dimensional code, etc. displayed on a display screen of a portable terminal, etc., data such as a coupon indicating a price reduction or discount is stored in a state of being encoded as a barcode, a two-dimensional code, etc. Furthermore, when the data indicating the coupon, etc. is read by the reading device 10, the POS terminal 20 performs a price reduction or discount process based on the data.

[0076] The lighting unit 13 has a light source. The light source of the lighting unit 13 is arranged around the imaging lens of the imaging unit 12. The lighting unit 13 illuminates the object with light by lighting the light source. The light source is, for example, an LED, a cold cathode tube, a fluorescent lamp, or an incandescent lamp.

[0077] The first display unit 14 is provided above the camera window 111 in the display device for the operator. The first display unit 14 is a display device with a touch panel composed of a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The first display unit 14 displays the name and price of the registered commodity to the operator according to the sales registration process performed by the POS terminal 20.

[0078] The keyboard 15 is provided near (on the side of) the first display unit 14. The keyboard 15 has various keys for registering products that cannot be registered using barcodes, two-dimensional codes, or object images. It also has a subtotal key that indicates that product registration has been completed. Figure 2In the example in which the first display unit 14 and the keyboard 15 are provided integrally, they may be provided separately. In addition, when the subtotal key is operated, information indicating that the subtotal key has been operated (information indicating the status) is input. This operation is the same as the subtotal key provided in the POS terminal.

[0079] The second display unit 16 is a display device with a touch panel composed of a display device such as an LCD. The second display unit 16 displays the name and price of the registered commodity to the shopping customer according to the sales registration process performed by the POS terminal 20. In addition, in this embodiment, the second display unit 16 is held on the side of the main body 11 by a holding member not shown in the figure, but it is not limited to this structure.

[0080] (Hardware configuration of the reading device)

[0081] Next, the hardware configuration of the reading device 10 will be described. Figure 3 1 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the reading device 10. The reading device 10 includes a microcomputer 101, and the microcomputer 101 drives and controls each unit.

[0082] The microcomputer 101 includes a CPU 102 , a ROM 104 , a RAM 105 , an input / output controller 106 , a lighting drive circuit 107 , a display / keyboard controller 108 , a storage unit 109 , and a communication interface 110 . The components are connected via a bus 103 .

[0083] The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 102 centrally controls each unit. The ROM (Read Only Memory) 104 stores fixed information such as a control program in advance. The RAM (Random Access Memory) 105 stores various data in a rewritable manner and functions as a work area and the like.

[0084] Therefore, the microcomputer 101 constitutes an information processing unit that performs information processing. All or part of the RAM 105 is a nonvolatile memory.

[0085] The input / output controller 106 is connected to the imaging unit 12. The input / output controller 106 outputs the image (image data) captured by the imaging unit 12 to the microcomputer 101. In addition, the input / output controller 106 outputs the control signal output from the microcomputer 101 to the imaging unit 12.

[0086] The illumination drive circuit 107 is connected to the illumination unit 13. The illumination drive circuit 107 controls the lighting and extinguishing of the light source of the illumination unit 13 under the control of the CPU 102.

[0087] The display / keyboard controller 108 drives and controls the first display unit 14 and the second display unit 16 to display various images on the display 21. In addition, the display / keyboard controller 108 outputs operation signals accompanying touch operations on the first display unit 14 and the second display unit 16 and operation signals from the keyboard 15 to the microcomputer 101.

[0088] The storage unit 109 is a storage device such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 109 stores various programs and various data related to the operation of the reading device 10. The communication interface 110 can communicate data with other devices (POS terminal 20) via a connection line such as a LAN cable. For example, information indicating that a subtotal key has been operated and information indicating a mode such as a registration mode or a setting mode based on the key (information indicating a status) can also be received (input) from the POS terminal 20.

[0089] (Function of reading device)

[0090] Next, refer to Figure 4 The functional structure of the reading device 10 will be described. Figure 4 1 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the reader 10. The reader 10 includes a first acquisition unit 121, a decoding unit 122, a determination unit 123, a counting unit 124, an illumination control unit 125, a second acquisition unit 126, and a ratio change unit 127 as functional configurations.

[0091] More specifically, the reading device 10 has the above functional configuration as a software configuration through cooperation between the CPU 102 and a program stored in the storage unit 109. In addition, part or all of the above functional configuration may be realized by a hardware configuration such as the CPU 102 or a dedicated circuit.

[0092] The first acquisition unit 121 acquires the image captured by the camera unit 12. Specifically, when the first acquisition unit 121 instructs the start of a transaction by an operation via the keyboard 15 or the first display unit 14 or a signal notified from the POS terminal 20, the first acquisition unit 121 starts acquiring the image data captured by the camera unit 12 via the input / output controller 106.

[0093] Furthermore, when the first acquisition unit 121 is instructed to complete the transaction by operation of the keyboard 15 or the first display unit 14 or by a signal notified from the POS terminal 20 , the first acquisition unit 121 stops acquiring the image data.

[0094] The decoding unit 122 decodes the coded information included in the image acquired by the first acquisition unit 121. In the present embodiment, the decoding unit 122 extracts the coded information by decoding the coded information.

[0095] Specifically, the decoding unit 122 detects an area representing a barcode, a two-dimensional code, etc. based on the image data acquired by the first acquisition unit 121, and performs processing for decoding the encoded data held by the barcode, the two-dimensional code, etc. In addition, the decoding unit 122 decodes the encoded data held by the barcode, the two-dimensional code, etc., and outputs the extracted data to the POS terminal 20, etc.

[0096] The determination unit 123 determines whether the recognition of the object based on the image has succeeded. In the present embodiment, the determination unit 123 determines whether the recognition of the object based on the image has succeeded by determining whether the decoding of the image captured by the imaging unit 12 has succeeded.

[0097] In addition, the fact that the decoding of the image has been successful can also be referred to as the fact that the recognition of the code symbol included in the image has been successful. Furthermore, the code symbol is the object to be read, so the decoding of the image can be regarded as an example of "recognition of the object based on the image".

[0098] Specifically, the determination unit 123 determines that the decoding of the image captured by the imaging unit 12 has succeeded when data can be read from the image captured by the imaging unit 12. On the other hand, the determination unit 123 determines that the decoding of the image captured by the imaging unit 12 has failed when data cannot be read from the image captured by the imaging unit 12.

[0099] The definition of decoding failure is not limited to the above example. For example, when data cannot be read from the code symbol, if the format of the data is different from the prescribed format, it may also be determined as decoding failure.

[0100] The counting unit 124 counts and resets various times. In this embodiment, the counting unit 124 counts and resets the number of times of shooting in the first mode, the number of times of shooting in the second mode, the number of times of successful decoding of images shot in the first mode, and the number of times of successful decoding of images shot in the second mode.

[0101] Specifically, when a transaction starts, the counting unit 124 resets the number of times of photographing in the first mode, and each time the photographing unit 12 photographs once in the first mode, the number of times of photographing in the first mode is increased by 1. Furthermore, when the decoding by the decoding unit 122 is successful, the number of times the decoding success of the image photographed in the first mode is increased by 1.

[0102] In addition, when the number of times of shooting in the first mode reaches a predetermined number, the counting unit 124 resets the number of times of shooting in the second mode, and each time the camera unit 12 shoots once in the second mode, the number of times of shooting in the second mode is increased by 1. Furthermore, when the decoding by the decoding unit 122 is successful, the number of successful decoding of the image shot in the second mode is increased by 1.

[0103] When the number of camera shots in the second mode reaches a specified number, the sum of the number of successful decodings of images captured by the first mode and the number of successful decodings of images captured by the second mode becomes greater than the specified number, and the time ratio between the first mode and the second mode is changed by the ratio changing unit 127 described later, the counting unit 124 resets the number of successful decodings of images captured by the first mode and the number of successful decodings of images captured by the second mode.

[0104] Furthermore, when the number of imaging times in the second mode reaches a predetermined number of times regardless of whether the time ratio is changed by the ratio changing unit 127 , the counting unit 124 resets the number of imaging times in the first mode.

[0105] The illumination control unit 125 controls the irradiation of light by the illumination unit 13 so as to repeat a first mode of irradiating the object with light and a second mode of not irradiating the object with light.

[0106] In this embodiment, the lighting control unit 125 controls the lighting and extinguishing of the light source of the lighting unit 13 via the lighting drive circuit 107. Specifically, the lighting control unit 125 controls to irradiate light onto the object to be read when the light source of the lighting unit 13 is turned on and the user directs the object to be read in front of the imaging window 111. Thus, the imaging unit 12 can capture the object to be read in the first mode of irradiating light onto the object to be read.

[0107] Furthermore, the illumination control unit 125 controls not to irradiate the object to be read when the light source of the illumination unit 13 is turned off and the user directs the object to be read in front of the imaging window 111. Thus, the imaging unit 12 can capture the object to be read in the second mode in which the object to be read is not irradiated with light.

[0108] Furthermore, the lighting control unit 125 performs control to alternately and repeatedly turn on and off the light source of the lighting unit 13 for a certain period of time. Specifically, the lighting control unit 125 alternately and repeatedly turns on the light source of the lighting unit 13 and keeps it on until the camera 12 takes a predetermined number of images, and then turns off the light source of the lighting unit 13 and keeps it off until the camera 12 takes a predetermined number of images.

[0109] Thus, the imaging unit 12 can capture images of the object to be read in both the first mode and the second mode. Here, in this embodiment, the first mode functions as a mode for reading a barcode, a two-dimensional code, etc. printed on a paper medium, and the second mode functions as a mode for reading a barcode, a two-dimensional code, etc. displayed on a display screen of a portable terminal, etc.

[0110] In the present embodiment, the ratio changing unit 127 automatically changes the predetermined number of times the imaging unit 12 captures images of the object to be read in the first mode and the predetermined number of times the imaging unit 12 captures images of the object to be read in the second mode at regular intervals.

[0111] The second acquisition unit 126 acquires the number of successful recognitions of the object based on the image captured in the first mode and the number of successful recognitions of the object based on the image captured in the second mode.

[0112] In the present embodiment, the second acquisition unit 126 acquires the number of successful decoding of images captured by the first mode and the number of successful decoding of images captured by the second mode when the number of capturing images in the first mode and the number of capturing images in the second mode reach a prescribed number and the sum of the number of successful decoding of images captured by the first mode and the number of successful decoding of images captured by the second mode becomes greater than a prescribed number.

[0113] The ratio changing unit 127 changes the time ratio between the first mode and the second mode according to the number of successful object recognitions based on the images captured by the imaging unit 12 in the first mode and the number of successful object recognitions based on the images captured by the imaging unit 12 in the second mode.

[0114] In this embodiment, when the sum of the number of successful decoding of images captured by the first mode and the number of successful decoding of images captured by the second mode becomes more than a prescribed number, the ratio changing unit 127 increases the time ratio of the first mode if the number of successful decoding of images captured by the first mode is greater than the number of successful decoding of images captured by the second mode, and increases the time ratio of the second mode if the number of successful decoding of images captured by the second mode is greater than the number of successful decoding of images captured by the first mode.

[0115] Here, the change of the time ratio of the first mode and the time ratio of the second mode by the ratio changing unit 127 will be described in detail.

[0116] For example, when the sum of the number of successful decoding of the image captured in the first mode and the number of successful decoding of the image captured in the second mode is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the ratio changing unit 127 changes the time ratio between the first mode and the second mode by referring to the number of successful decoding of the image captured in the first mode and the number of successful decoding of the image captured in the second mode acquired by the second acquiring unit 126 and the ratio changing table stored in the storage unit 109 of the reader 10. When the sum of the number of successful decoding is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, by changing the time ratio, the time ratio can be changed after the difference in the number of successful decoding accumulates a certain number of times. When the number of images captured is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, it is easier to obtain the difference in the number of successful decoding than by changing the time ratio.

[0117] Figure 5 1 is a diagram showing an example of a ratio change table. In the present embodiment, the ratio change table is a table that associates the condition of the difference between the number of successful decodings of images captured in the first mode and the number of successful decodings of images captured in the second mode with the time ratio of the first mode to the second mode.

[0118] In this example, for example, if the difference between the number of successful decodings of the image captured by the first mode and the number of successful decodings of the image captured by the second mode exceeds 2 when the image capturing period is set to 15 frames in the first mode and 15 frames in the second mode, the ratio is changed to 20 frames in the first mode and 10 frames in the second mode. In addition, when the difference is less than 2 (within the specified range), the image capturing period is set to 15 frames in the first mode and 15 frames in the second mode. That is, the same time ratio is used.

[0119] Note that the method of changing the time ratio between the first mode and the second mode by the ratio changing unit 127 is not limited to this.

[0120] For example, the ratio change table may also subdivide the conditions of the difference between the number of successful decodings of images captured by the first mode and the number of successful decodings of images captured by the second mode such as "-2≤XY≤2, 2<XY≤6, 6<XY, -2>XY≥-6, -6>XY" and the ratio of the period of capturing images by the first mode to the period of capturing images by the second mode such as "15:15, 20:10, 25:5, 10:20, 5:25".

[0121] (Reading device operation)

[0122] Next, the operation of the reading device 10 will be described. Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the reading device.

[0123] First, when the transaction start is instructed by a signal notified from the keyboard 15 or the like, the counter 124 resets the number of imaging times in the first mode (hereinafter referred to as i) (step S101). The lighting control unit 125 controls the lighting of the light source of the lighting unit 13 (step S102). The imaging unit 12 captures the image of the object to be read in the first mode (step S103).

[0124] The decoding unit 122 decodes the encoded information of the image captured by the camera unit 12, and the determination unit 123 determines whether the decoding performed by the decoding unit 122 is successful (step S104). If the decoding is successful (step S104: Yes), the counting unit 124 adds the number of successful decodings in the first mode (hereinafter referred to as X) + 1 (step S105). In addition, the counting unit 124 adds i+1 (step S106).

[0125] In addition, if the decoding has failed (step S104: No), step S105 is skipped and i+1 is added (step S106). After that, the counting unit 124 checks whether i has reached a predetermined number of times (hereinafter referred to as A) (step S107). If i has not reached A (step S107: No), the processing from step S103 to step S107 is repeated until i reaches A.

[0126] When i reaches A (step S107: Yes), the counting unit 124 resets the number of imaging times in the second mode (hereinafter referred to as j) (step S108). The lighting control unit 125 controls the light source of the lighting unit 13 to turn off (step S109). The imaging unit 12 captures the image of the object to be read in the second mode (step S110).

[0127] The decoding unit 122 decodes the coded information of the image captured by the camera unit 12, and the determination unit 123 determines whether the decoding by the decoding unit 122 is successful (step S111). If the decoding is successful (step S111: Yes), the counting unit 124 adds the number of successful decodings in the second mode (hereinafter referred to as Y) + 1 (step S112). In addition, the counting unit 124 adds j + 1 (step S113).

[0128] In addition, if the decoding has failed (step S111: No), step S112 is skipped and only j+1 is added (step S113). After that, the counting unit 124 checks whether j has reached a predetermined number of times (hereinafter referred to as B) (step S114). If j has not reached B (step S114: No), the processing from step S110 to step S114 is repeated until j reaches B.

[0129] When j has reached B (step S114 : Yes), the counting unit 124 checks whether the sum of X and Y (hereinafter referred to as X+Y) has reached or exceeded a predetermined number of times (hereinafter referred to as C) (step S115 ).

[0130] When X+Y is equal to or greater than C (step S115: Yes), the second acquisition unit 126 acquires X and Y, and the ratio change unit 127 updates the values ​​of A and B based on X and Y (step S116). In addition, the counting unit 124 resets X and Y (step S117). Then, the process returns to step S101 again, and the above-mentioned process is repeated until the transaction is terminated by a signal notified from the keyboard 15 or the like.

[0131] On the other hand, when X+Y is lower than C (step S115 : No), the ratio changing unit 127 does not update the values ​​of A and B, and repeats the processing from step S101 to step S115 until X+Y becomes C or higher.

[0132] (Effect of reading device)

[0133] Conventional code symbol reading devices automatically switch on / off illumination every certain period of time to read the object to be read in order to be able to read both barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc. printed on paper media and barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc. displayed on a display screen of a portable terminal, etc.

[0134] However, in the conventional code symbol reading device, the ratio of the period of reading performed with the lighting on to the period of reading performed with the lighting off is a fixed value. For example, when the environment changes from one where bar codes, two-dimensional codes, etc. printed on paper media are often read to one where bar codes, two-dimensional codes, etc. displayed on a display screen of a portable terminal, etc. are often read, there is a high possibility that the reading of the bar codes, two-dimensional codes, etc. displayed on the display screen of the portable terminal, etc. will fail when reading with the lighting on. Compared with an environment where bar codes, two-dimensional codes, etc. printed on paper media are often read, it is considered that there is a high possibility that the reading success rate of the read object will be reduced.

[0135] That is, it is considered that since the number of successful readings decreases, the time required for reading increases, and the efficiency of reading decreases.

[0136] In this regard, the reading device 10 of the present embodiment includes a ratio changing unit 127, which changes the time ratio between the first mode and the second mode based on the number of successful decoding times of the image of the read object captured by the first mode in which light is irradiated on the object and the number of successful decoding times of the image of the read object captured by the second mode in which light is not irradiated on the object.

[0137] That is, the ratio changing unit 127 is capable of making the following changes at each certain period: when the number of successful decodings of images captured by the first mode is greater than the number of successful decodings of images captured by the second mode, the time ratio of the first mode is increased; and when the number of successful decodings of images captured by the second mode is greater than the number of successful decodings of images captured by the first mode, the time ratio of the second mode is increased.

[0138] Here, it is considered that an increase in the number of successful decodings of images captured by the first mode means an increase in the scenarios of reading barcodes, QR codes, etc. printed on paper media, and an increase in the number of successful decodings of images captured by the second mode means an increase in the scenarios of reading barcodes, QR codes, etc. displayed on the display screen of a portable terminal, etc.

[0139] Therefore, it is considered that increasing the time ratio of the first mode is to increase the reading priority of barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc. printed on paper media, and increasing the time ratio of the second mode is to increase the reading priority of barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc. displayed on the display screen of a portable terminal, etc.

[0140] That is, the reading device 10 of the present embodiment can automatically determine the reading priority of the code symbol printed on the paper medium and the code symbol displayed on the display screen of the portable terminal, etc., thereby improving the reading efficiency.

[0141] However, in the case of automatically determining the reading priority of the code symbol, if it is set to always change the time ratio of the code symbol, there is a concern that a processing load will be generated. In addition, in the case where the business of reading the code symbol of the paper medium and the code symbol of the display screen are mixed, it is desired to automatically determine the reading priority of the code symbol for the specific business. Therefore, the ratio change unit can automatically determine the reading priority of the code symbol based on the specific business. For example, the registration mode and the setting mode are switched by the key of the POS terminal 20. In the setting mode, for example, the barcode printed on the paper medium is mostly read. Therefore, it is set that the ratio change unit does not act in the case of the setting mode, and acts in the case of the registration mode. Or, even in the registration mode, when the product is being registered, the barcode attached to the product, that is, the barcode attached to the paper medium is read. On the other hand, after the barcode of the product is read, that is, after the subtotal key is operated, the coupon of the paper medium and the barcode for settlement on the display screen are mixed. Therefore, the ratio change unit may not operate during the reading of the barcode of the product, and may operate when it is detected that the subtotal key has been operated. That is, according to whether the information indicating the state that has been input is information indicating that the mode has been switched to the registration mode, or according to whether the information indicating that the subtotal key has been operated (information indicating the state) is detected by the ratio change unit, the time ratio between the first mode and the second mode is changed according to the number of successful recognitions of the object based on the image captured by the first mode and the number of successful recognitions of the object based on the image captured by the second mode. The ratio change unit does not operate during the period when the information indicating the state is not detected. Thus, for example, more barcodes of the product are read in the registration mode, so even if the display screen is read a little more during the settlement, it is possible to prevent the first mode from always taking priority in the registration mode. When reading the product, it can be set to the first mode, and when settling, it can be set to the second mode.

[0142] The above describes the embodiments of the present invention, but the embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The new embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the purpose of the invention. The embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and purpose of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

[0143] For example, the current pattern with a high time ratio may be displayed on the display unit 14. This allows the operator to appropriately understand the pattern with a high time ratio, and to take measures such as modifying the pattern if the pattern with a high time ratio is inappropriate.

[0144] For example, the program executed by the reading device 10 of the above-mentioned embodiment is pre-loaded into a storage medium (ROM104 or storage unit 109) possessed by the reading device 10 and provided, but is not limited to this. It can also be configured to be provided as a file in an installable form or an executable form stored in a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a floppy disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0145] In addition, the storage medium is not limited to a medium independent of a computer or an assembly system, but also includes a storage medium that stores or temporarily stores a program transmitted via a LAN or the Internet after downloading it.

[0146] In addition, the program executed by the reading device 10 of the above embodiment can be saved on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading it via the network. In addition, the program executed by the reading device 10 of the above embodiment can be provided or published via a network such as the Internet.

Claims

1. A code symbol reading device, characterized in that: have: An imaging unit, an object to be imaged; an illumination unit configured to illuminate the object with light; an illumination control unit configured to control the irradiation of light by the illumination unit so as to repeat a first mode of irradiating the object with light and a second mode of not irradiating the object with light; as well as a ratio changing unit that changes a time ratio between the first mode and the second mode based on a number of successful recognitions of the object based on the image captured by the imaging unit using the first mode and a number of successful recognitions of the object based on the image captured by the imaging unit using the second mode, The code symbol reading device further includes: a counting unit that counts the number of successful recognitions of the object based on the image captured by the camera unit using the first mode and the number of successful recognitions of the object based on the image captured by the camera unit using the second mode. wherein, when the sum of the success times counted by the counting unit is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of times, the ratio changing unit is executed; the ratio changing unit increases the time ratio of the first mode when the number of successful recognitions of the object based on the image captured by the imaging unit using the first mode is greater than the number of successful recognitions of the object based on the image captured by the imaging unit using the second mode; When the number of successful recognitions of the object based on the image captured by the imaging unit in the second mode is greater than the number of successful recognitions of the object based on the image captured by the imaging unit in the first mode, the time ratio of the second mode is increased.

2. The code symbol reading device according to claim 1, wherein: The counting unit further counts and resets the number of times the imaging unit captures images in the first mode and the number of times the imaging unit captures images in the second mode. The counting unit resets the number of times the imaging unit has captured images in the second mode when the number of times the imaging unit has captured images in the first mode reaches a predetermined number of times. When the number of times the imaging unit has captured images in the second mode reaches a predetermined number of times, the number of times the imaging unit has captured images in the first mode is reset.

3. The code symbol reading device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first mode functions as a mode for reading a code symbol printed on a paper medium, and the second mode functions as a mode for reading a code symbol displayed on a display screen of a portable terminal or the like.

4. The code symbol reading device according to claim 1, wherein: The ratio changing unit sets the time ratios of the first mode and the second mode to be the same when the difference between the number of successful recognitions of the object based on the image captured by the camera unit using the second mode and the number of successful recognitions of the object based on the image captured by the camera unit using the first mode is within a prescribed range.

5. The code symbol reading device according to claim 1, wherein: It also has a function of displaying a pattern with a high time ratio at the current time on the display unit.

6. A storage medium storing a program, characterized in that: The program causes a computer of a code symbol reading device including an imaging unit for imaging an object and an illumination unit for illuminating the object with light to function as the following units: an illumination control unit configured to control the irradiation of light by the illumination unit so as to repeat a first mode of irradiating the object with light and a second mode of not irradiating the object with light; as well as a ratio changing unit that changes a time ratio between the first mode and the second mode based on the number of successful recognitions of the object based on the image captured by the camera unit using the first mode and the number of successful recognitions of the object based on the image captured by the camera unit using the second mode, The program causes the computer of the code symbol reading device to also function as the following units: a counting unit that counts the number of successful recognitions of the object based on the image captured by the camera unit using the first mode and the number of successful recognitions of the object based on the image captured by the camera unit using the second mode, wherein, when the sum of the success times counted by the counting unit is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of times, the ratio changing unit is executed; the ratio changing unit increases the time ratio of the first mode when the number of successful recognitions of the object based on the image captured by the imaging unit using the first mode is greater than the number of successful recognitions of the object based on the image captured by the imaging unit using the second mode; When the number of successful recognitions of the object based on the image captured by the imaging unit in the second mode is greater than the number of successful recognitions of the object based on the image captured by the imaging unit in the first mode, the time ratio of the second mode is increased.

Images