Reader and program

Abstract

To provide a reading device that can perform various setting processes smoothly. [Solution] The reading device of the embodiment is a reading device that reads identification information that can identify a product based on an image of the product captured by an imaging device, and comprises a switching unit, a detection unit, and a setting unit. The switching unit switches the operating mode of the device between a normal mode for reading identification information and a setting mode for performing setting processing of the device or connected devices connected to the device. When the device is switched to setting mode, the detection unit detects a hand sign representing the shape or movement of the operator's hand from the image captured by the imaging device. If the detected hand sign matches a pre-set hand sign, the setting unit changes the settings of the device or connected device to the setting content corresponding to the hand sign.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , ,

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a reading device and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a scanner device (reading device) incorporating an imaging device such as a CCD camera in a housing has been known. In such a scanner device, for example, an image of a code symbol attached to a product is cut out from an imaging image captured by the imaging device, and the product code is obtained by decoding the image, thereby recognizing the product specified by the product code.

[0003] Also, for example, in a scanner device incorporating an imaging device, an appearance feature amount of a product reflected in an imaging image is extracted, and the product is recognized (object recognition) based on this appearance feature amount.

[0004] By the way, in the above-described scanner device, in order to perform various settings of the scanner device or connection devices such as a POS terminal connected to the scanner device (for example, settings such as enabling / disabling the object recognition function), a barcode called a setting barcode may be used.

[0005] However, searching for and reading a setting barcode of a desired setting from among a plurality of types of setting barcodes is complicated and lacks convenience. Also, in many cases, dozens of setting barcodes are printed on one page of a catalog or the like. In such a case, there is also a possibility that the user may accidentally cause the scanner device to read a setting barcode different from the necessary setting barcode.

[0006] Also, when a different setting barcode is accidentally read, it may be necessary to perform a complicated operation of restoring the content set by the incorrect setting barcode and then causing the scanner device to read the correct setting barcode.

Summary of the Invention

[0007] One of the problems that this embodiment aims to solve is to provide a reading device that can perform various setting processes smoothly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The reading device according to the embodiment is a reading device that reads identification information that can identify a product based on an image of the product captured by an imaging device, and comprises a switching unit, a detection unit, and a setting unit. The switching unit switches the operating mode of the device between a normal mode for reading identification information and a setting mode for performing setting processing on the device or connected devices connected to the device. When the device is switched to setting mode, the detection unit detects a hand sign representing the shape or movement of the operator's hand from the image captured by the imaging device. If the detected hand sign matches a pre-set hand sign, the setting unit changes the settings of the device or connected devices to the setting content corresponding to the hand sign. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the appearance of a store accounting system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a scanner device and POS terminal according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the configuration information database according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration around the reading window of the scanner device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 illustrates an example of the image acquisition process of a hand sign by a scanner device according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a scanner device according to this embodiment. [Figure 7]Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by the scanner device according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The following describes embodiments of the reading device and program with reference to the drawings. This embodiment applies the function of a product reading device to a vertical scanner device 10 installed at the checkout counter of a supermarket.

[0011] Figure 1 is an external view of store accounting system 1 to be installed in a supermarket. Store accounting system 1 includes a scanner device 10 and a POS (Point of Sales) terminal 20.

[0012] The scanner device 10 is mounted on the checkout counter 2. The POS terminal 20 is installed on the cash register stand 3 via a drawer 4. The POS terminal 20 is an example of a connected device. The scanner device 10 and the POS terminal 20 are electrically connected by a communication cable 7 (see Figure 2).

[0013] The scanner device 10 includes a keyboard 11, a touch panel 12, and a customer display 13 as devices necessary for registering products. These display and operation devices are mounted on a thin, rectangular housing 108 that constitutes the main body of the scanner device 10.

[0014] The housing 108 houses the imaging unit 14. A rectangular reading window 109 is also formed on the front of the housing 108.

[0015] For example, the imaging unit 14 includes a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, which is an area image sensor, and its drive circuit, as well as an imaging lens for forming an image of the imaging area onto the CCD image sensor. The imaging area refers to the area of ​​the frame image that is formed on the area of ​​the CCD image sensor through the imaging lens from the reading window 109. The imaging unit 14 outputs an image of the imaging area formed on the CCD image sensor through the imaging lens.

[0016] The POS terminal 20 includes a keyboard 21, an operator display 22, a customer display 23, and a receipt printer 24 as devices necessary for payment.

[0017] Checkout counter 2 is installed along the customer aisle. Cash register 3 is placed near the front of one end of checkout counter 2, approximately perpendicular to checkout counter 2.

[0018] The area in front of checkout counter 2 and the area in front of cash register counter 3 becomes the space for the cashier (operator), while the opposite side is the customer aisle. Customers move along checkout counter 2 from the end opposite to the side where cash register counter 3 is located to the end where cash register counter 3 is located to complete their payment.

[0019] A housing 108 for the scanner device 10 is erected approximately in the center of the checkout counter 2. The keyboard 11, touch panel 12, and reading window 109 are mounted on this housing 108, facing the cashier space, while the customer display 13 is mounted facing the customer aisle.

[0020] On the upstream side of the scanner device 10 at checkout counter 2, the receiving surface is used to place a shopping basket 5 containing unregistered items M purchased by the shopper. On the downstream side, the receiving surface is used to place a shopping basket 6 for items M registered by the scanner device 10.

[0021] Next, the hardware configurations of the scanner device 10 and the POS terminal 20 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the scanner device 10. In addition to the keyboard 11, touch panel 12, customer display 13, and imaging unit 14 described above, the scanner device 10 includes a switch 15, LED 16, speaker 17, control unit 100, I / O port 105, communication interface 106, and bus line 107.

[0022] The control unit 100 comprehensively controls the scanner device 10. The control unit 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, and memory 104.

[0023] The CPU 101 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The CPU 101 controls each part in order to realize various functions as the scanner device 10 according to the operating system and application programs.

[0024] The ROM 102 corresponds to the main memory part of the computer. The ROM 102 stores the above-mentioned operating system and application programs. The ROM 102 may also store data necessary for the CPU 101 to execute processes for controlling each part.

[0025] The RAM 103 corresponds to the main memory part of the computer. The RAM 103 stores data necessary for the CPU 101 to execute processes. The RAM 103 is also used as a work area where information is appropriately rewritten by the CPU 101.

[0026] The memory 104 is a storage device that stores various information. The memory 104 is, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like. For example, the memory 104 stores a setting information DB (Data Base) 1041.

[0027] Here, the configuration information DB1041 is a database that stores, for example, hand signs representing the shape patterns of human fingers, in association with the settings of the scanner device 10 or POS terminal 20. The shape patterns of human fingers are, for example, the peace sign. The hand signs may also represent patterns of human finger movements.

[0028] The data structure of the configuration information DB1041 will be explained below using Figure 3. The configuration information DB1041 shown in Figure 3 stores the configuration ID, hand sign name, hand sign image, and configuration details in an associated manner.

[0029] The setting ID is information that identifies the setting. The setting content is information related to the settings of the scanner device 10 or POS terminal 20. The hand sign name is information that represents the name of the hand sign. The hand sign image is an image of the hand sign. The setting information DB 1041 stores images of several types of hand signs that have been prepared in advance, each associated with a setting ID, setting content, and hand sign name.

[0030] As an example, the first row of the configuration information DB1041 in Figure 3 shows that the configuration ID "0001", the configuration content "Object Recognition On", the hand sign name "Hand Sign A", and the "Hand Sign A Image" representing Hand Sign A are stored in association with each other.

[0031] Returning to Figure 2, let's continue the explanation. Switch 15 is a switch (operator) for switching the operating mode of the scanner device 10. For example, switch 15 is a switch that switches between the normal mode for acquiring product information and the setting mode for configuring the scanner device 10 or the POS terminal 20.

[0032] Furthermore, LED 16 informs the operator of the status of the scanner device 10. For example, LED 16 informs the operator of the current operating mode of the scanner device 10. For instance, if LED 16 is lit green, it indicates that the scanner device 10 is in normal mode. If LED 16 is lit red, it indicates that the scanner device 10 is in setting mode.

[0033] Here, Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration around the reading window 109 of the scanner device 10. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the switch 15 is located approximately in the center of the upper edge of the reading window 109. An LED 16 is also located near the switch 15.

[0034] The operator can switch the operating mode of the scanner device 10 by pressing switch 15. The operator can also determine whether the scanner device 10 is currently in normal mode or setting mode by checking LED 16.

[0035] The arrangement of the switch 15 and LED 16 is not limited to the above. For example, the switch 15 and LED 16 may be positioned approximately in the center of the upper edge of the reading window 109.

[0036] Incidentally, when the scanner's operating mode is set to setting mode, the operator has the imaging unit 14 capture an image of their hand, and the scanner device 10 recognize the hand sign. The image capture process for the hand sign will be explained below using Figure 5.

[0037] Figure 5 illustrates an example of the image acquisition process of a hand sign by the scanner device 10. As shown in Figure 5, operator O forms a hand sign HS with his fingers and holds his hand over the reading window 109 so that it is within the imaging range IN of the imaging unit 14. As a result, the imaging unit 14 can capture the hand sign formed by operator O with his fingers.

[0038] Returning to Figure 2, the explanation continues. Speaker 17 provides various notifications to the operator via audio output. In this embodiment, we describe a configuration in which the scanner device 10 is equipped with both LED 16 and speaker 17, but the scanner device 10 may be equipped with only one of either LED 16 or speaker 17.

[0039] I / O port 105 receives input signals generated by the operation of switch 15.

[0040] The communication interface 106 transmits and receives data signals to and from the POS terminal 20 connected via the communication cable 7, in accordance with a predetermined protocol.

[0041] Bus lines 107, including the address bus and data bus, connect the CPU 101 to the ROM 102, RAM 103, I / O port 105, and communication interface 106. Additionally, the keyboard 11, touch panel 12, customer display 13, and imaging unit 14 are connected to bus line 107 via input / output circuits (not shown).

[0042] The POS terminal 20 includes a product data file 8 and a recognition dictionary file 9. The product data file 8 stores product data such as the product name and unit price, associated with a unique product code pre-set for each product sold in the store. The recognition dictionary file 9 stores parameters that indicate the product's appearance characteristics, associated with the product code. The parameters are numerical representations of standard appearance characteristics of the product, such as shape, surface color, pattern, and unevenness, for each product.

[0043] The product data file 8 and the recognition dictionary file 9 are stored on an auxiliary storage device. The auxiliary storage device may be, for example, an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD, or an SSD. The auxiliary storage device may be built into the POS terminal 20 or it may be external.

[0044] Next, the functional configuration of the scanner device 10 will be described. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the scanner device 10 according to this embodiment.

[0045] As shown in Figure 6, the control unit 100 of the scanner device 10 has the following functional configuration: notification unit 1001, reception unit 1002, switching unit 1003, detection unit 1004, and setting unit 1005.

[0046] Specifically, the control unit 100 (CPU 101) of the scanner device 10 realizes the above-described functional configuration by executing a control program stored in ROM 102. In this embodiment, the control program is stored in ROM 102, but the storage location of the control program is not limited to this. For example, the control program may be stored in memory 104.

[0047] In this embodiment, the above-described functional configuration is a software configuration realized through the cooperation of the processor and program of the scanner device 10, but it is not limited to this, and a hardware configuration in which some or all of the functional configuration is realized by a dedicated circuit or the like may also be used. Furthermore, the functional configuration of the scanner device 10 is not limited to this.

[0048] The notification unit 1001 provides various notifications to the operator. For example, the notification unit 1001 provides various notifications to the operator by outputting sound to the speaker 17. Also, for example, the notification unit 1001 provides various notifications to the operator by controlling the on and off states of the LED 16. The specific content of the notifications will be described later.

[0049] The reception unit 1002 receives input from the operator instructing them to switch the operating mode of the scanner device 10. For example, the reception unit 1002 receives input from the operator pressing switch 15 via I / O port 105.

[0050] The switching unit 1003 switches the operating mode of the scanner device 10 to a setting mode for performing setting processing for the scanner device 10 or the POS terminal 20 connected to the scanner device 10.

[0051] For example, if the operating mode of the scanner device 10 is in normal mode and the reception unit 1002 receives a press input for switch 15, the switching unit 1003 switches the operating mode of the scanner device 10 from normal mode to setting mode. Also, for example, if the operating mode of the scanner device 10 is in setting mode and the reception unit 1002 receives a press input for switch 15, the switching unit 1003 switches the operating mode of the scanner device 10 from setting mode to normal mode.

[0052] Furthermore, when the switching unit 1003 switches the operating mode of the scanner device 10, the notification unit 1001 may output an audio message such as "The operating mode of the device has been switched to setting mode" to the speaker 17 to provide notification.

[0053] Furthermore, when the switching unit 1003 switches the operating mode of the scanner device 10, the notification unit 1001 may notify that the operating mode of the scanner device 10 has been switched by changing the color of the LED 16. For example, the notification unit 1001 may light up the LED 16 green when the operating mode of the scanner device 10 is in normal mode, and light up the LED 16 red when it is in setting mode.

[0054] By using the LED 16 and speaker 17 to provide notifications, operators can recognize that the operating mode of the scanner device 10 has been switched, even if no information display device such as a customer display 13 or a POS terminal 20 is connected to the scanner device 10.

[0055] Furthermore, if the reception unit 1002 receives input from the operator that switch 15 has been pressed, the notification unit 1001 may use the speaker 17 to notify the operator whether it is OK to change the operating mode of the scanner device 10. In this case, the reception unit 1002 may accept input of "OK" if switch 15 is pressed within a predetermined time, or "NG" if switch 15 is pressed for more than the predetermined time.

[0056] This prevents unintended switching of the operating mode from occurring, such as when the operator accidentally presses switch 15.

[0057] The detection unit 1004 detects hand signs made by the operator with their fingers based on the captured image taken by the imaging unit 14.

[0058] For example, the detection unit 1004 uses known image recognition technology to detect images containing human hands from the images captured by the imaging unit 14. The detection unit 1004 refers to the hand sign images in the setting information DB 1041 of the memory 104 and determines whether there is a hand sign image that matches the shape pattern of the fingers shown in the detected image.

[0059] If a hand sign image matching the shape pattern of the fingers exists, the detection unit 1004 determines that a hand sign has been detected. The detection unit 1004 sends information to the setting unit 1005 indicating that a hand sign has been detected and representing the name of the detected hand sign.

[0060] As an example, consider the case where the detection unit 1004 refers to the setting information DB 1041 in Figure 3 and the shape pattern of the fingers shown in the detected image matches the shape pattern of the fingers shown in the hand sign A image. In this case, the detection unit 1004 determines that hand sign A has been detected. The detection unit 1004 then sends information to the setting unit 1005 indicating that hand sign A has been detected.

[0061] Furthermore, if the scanner device 10 is in setting mode and no hand sign is detected for a predetermined time, the notification unit 1001 may use the speaker 17 to notify the operator that no hand sign has been detected. In addition, the notification unit 1001 may, in conjunction with the above, notify the operator to move their hand to a position where it can be imaged by the imaging unit 14.

[0062] The setting unit 1005 modifies the settings of the scanner device 10 or POS terminal 20 based on the detected hand sign and the setting information DB 1041.

[0063] For example, the setting unit 1005 refers to the setting information DB 1041 and identifies the setting content associated with the hand sign name sent from the detection unit 1004. Then, the setting unit 1005 changes the settings of the scanner device 10 or POS terminal 20 to that setting content.

[0064] As an example, consider the case where the detection unit 1004 sends out information indicating that it has detected hand sign A, which is stored in the setting information DB 1041 shown in Figure 3. In this case, the setting unit 1005 refers to the setting information DB 1041 and identifies the setting "Object Recognition On" associated with the hand sign name "Hand Sign A". Then, if the object recognition function is turned off, the setting unit 1005 turns the object recognition function on.

[0065] In the example above, if the object recognition function is already turned on, the setting unit 1005 may cooperate with the notification unit 1001 to notify that the object recognition function is already turned on.

[0066] Furthermore, when the setting unit 1005 identifies the setting, the notification unit 1001 may use the speaker 17 to make a notification asking whether it is acceptable to change the settings of the scanner device 10 or POS terminal 20 to the setting. In this case, the reception unit 1002 may accept the input "Accepted" if the switch 15 is pressed within a predetermined time, or "Rejected" if the switch 15 is pressed for more than the predetermined time.

[0067] This prevents unintended setting changes from being made due to misinterpretation of hand signals.

[0068] Next, an example of processing performed by the control unit 100 of the scanner device 10 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the scanner device 10 according to this embodiment. As a premise, the operating mode of the scanner device 10 is assumed to be the normal mode.

[0069] First, the reception unit 1002 determines whether it has received an instruction from the operator to switch the operating mode of the scanner device 10 to the setting mode (step S101). For example, the reception unit 1002 determines whether it has received a press input for switch 15 from the operator via the I / O port 105. If it has not received an instruction to switch the operating mode (step S101: No), the process in step S101 is repeated.

[0070] On the other hand, if an instruction to switch the operating mode is received (step S101: Yes), the switching unit 1003 switches the operating mode to the setting mode (step S102). At this time, the notification unit 1001 may output an audio message to the speaker 17 indicating that the operating mode has been switched to the setting mode. Alternatively, the notification unit 1001 may also notify that the operating mode has been switched to the setting mode by controlling the lighting and extinguishing of the LED 16.

[0071] Next, the detection unit 1004 determines whether it has detected the hand sign (step S103).

[0072] For example, the detection unit 1004 uses known image recognition technology to detect images of human hands from images captured by the imaging unit 14. The detection unit 1004 refers to the setting information DB 1041 in the memory 104 and determines whether there is a hand sign image that shows a hand shape pattern that matches the hand shape pattern shown in the detected image.

[0073] If a hand sign image showing a hand shape pattern that matches the hand shape pattern shown in the detected image exists in the setting information DB1041, the detection unit 1004 determines that a hand sign has been detected. When the detection unit 1004 determines that a hand sign has been detected, it sends information to the setting unit 1005 indicating that a hand sign has been detected and the name of the hand sign.

[0074] If no hand sign is detected (step S103: No), the process in step S103 is repeated. On the other hand, if a hand sign is detected (step S103: Yes), the setting unit 1005 identifies the setting content (step S104). For example, the setting unit 1005 refers to the setting information DB 1041 and identifies the setting content associated with the hand sign name sent from the detection unit 1004 in step 103.

[0075] Next, the notification unit 1001 notifies the operator of the settings (step S105). For example, the notification unit 1001 causes the speaker 17 to output an audio message indicating that the settings of the scanner device 10 or POS terminal 20 will be changed to the settings identified in step S104.

[0076] Next, the reception unit 1002 determines whether it has received input from the operator indicating acceptance of the settings (step S106). For example, the reception unit 1002 determines that it has received input from the operator indicating acceptance of the settings when it receives input from the operator pressing the switch 15 via the I / O port 105. If it has not received input indicating acceptance (step S106: No), the process in step S106 is repeated.

[0077] The reception unit 1002 may be configured to accept input from the operator indicating that they do not accept the setting in step S106. For example, the reception unit 1002 may determine that it has received input from the operator indicating that they do not accept the setting when it receives input from the operator via the I / O port 105 that has exceeded a predetermined time limit for pressing the switch 15. If input indicating that the setting is not accepted is received, the process may return to step S103.

[0078] If the input indicating acceptance is received in step S106 (step S106: Yes), the setting unit 1005 performs a process to change the settings of the scanner device 10 or POS terminal 20 to the specified settings (step S107). For example, the setting unit 1005 performs a process to change the settings of the scanner device 10 or POS terminal 20 according to the settings specified in step S104.

[0079] Next, the reception unit 1002 determines whether it has received an instruction from the operator to switch the operating mode of the scanner device 10 to normal mode (step S108). For example, the reception unit 1002 determines whether it has received a press input for switch 15 from the operator via the I / O port 105.

[0080] If no instruction to switch the operating mode is received (step S108: No), the process returns to step S103. On the other hand, if an instruction to switch the operating mode is received (step S108: Yes), this process terminates.

[0081] As described above, the scanner device 10 according to this embodiment switches its operating mode between a normal mode for reading product codes and a setting mode for performing setting processing on the device or connected devices such as POS terminals connected to the device. When switched to setting mode, it detects hand signs representing the shape or movement of the operator's hand from the image captured by the imaging device, and if the detected hand sign matches a pre-set hand sign, it changes the settings of the device or connected device to the setting content corresponding to that hand sign.

[0082] Incidentally, when changing the settings of equipment such as scanner devices or POS terminals connected to scanner devices, it is common to use setting barcodes. In this case, the operator can change the settings of the scanner device or POS terminal to the desired settings by having the scanner device read the setting barcode associated with the desired settings. However, searching for and reading the setting barcode for the desired setting from among multiple types of setting barcodes is cumbersome and inconvenient. Also, setting barcodes are often printed closely together, and there is a possibility that the operator may have the scanner device read a setting barcode that is not the desired setting barcode. In this case, it may be necessary to read the setting barcode to revert the settings to their original state. Thus, changing the settings of scanner devices and POS terminals could potentially take a long time.

[0083] In contrast, when using the scanner device 10 according to this embodiment, the operator can change the settings of the scanner device 10 or POS terminal 20 to the desired settings simply by having the imaging device capture a hand sign associated with the desired settings. In other words, the scanner device 10 according to this embodiment provides a reading device that can perform various setting processes smoothly.

[0084] The above-described embodiment can also be modified and implemented as appropriate by changing the configuration or some of the functions of each device in the store accounting system 1. Therefore, the following describes modified examples of the above-described embodiment as other embodiments. In the following, we will mainly describe the differences from the above-described embodiment, and will omit detailed explanations of points that are common with what has already been described. Furthermore, the modified examples described below may be implemented individually or in combination as appropriate.

[0085] (Variation 1) In the above-described embodiment, a method of providing notification to the operator using the LED 16 and speaker 17 was explained. In this modified example, a method of providing notification using a display device will be described.

[0086] In this modified example, the notification unit 1001 notifies the operator by displaying a message on a display device such as the customer display unit 13 or the operator display 22 of the POS terminal 20. The notification unit 1001 may also display diagrams, photographs, or other images explaining the content of the notification along with the message on the display device.

[0087] In this modified example, the scanner device 10 does not need to be equipped with an LED 16 and a speaker 17. Alternatively, the scanner device 10 may be equipped with only one of the LED 16 and the speaker 17.

[0088] According to this modified version, for example, even when providing information that is difficult to understand through audio alone, visual information can be used to provide information that is easy for the operator to understand.

[0089] (Modification 2) In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which the switch 15 is provided around the reading window was explained. In this modified example, a configuration in which the switch 15 is provided in a location other than around the reading window will be explained.

[0090] For example, the switch 15 may be located near the keyboard 11 of the scanner device 10, or near the keyboard 21 of the POS terminal 20. Alternatively, the switch 15 may not be a physical switch, but rather an indicator displayed on a display device such as the customer display 13 of the scanner device 10 or the operator display 22 of the POS terminal 20.

[0091] The scanner device 10 may also switch its operating mode by reading a setting barcode for switching the operating mode of the scanner device. In this case, the scanner device 10 does not need to have a switch 15.

[0092] This modified example allows for increased design flexibility in the store accounting system 1.

[0093] Furthermore, the program executed by the scanner device 10 of this embodiment is provided pre-installed in ROM or the like. The program executed by the scanner device 10 of this embodiment may also be provided as an installable or executable file recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0094] Furthermore, the program executed by the scanner device 10 of this embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading it via the network. Alternatively, the program executed by the scanner device 10 of this embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0095] The program executed by the scanner device 10 of this embodiment has a modular configuration that includes the above-mentioned parts (notification unit 1001, reception unit 1002, switching unit 1003, detection unit 1004, and setting unit 1005). In actual hardware, the CPU (processor) reads the program from the ROM and executes it, thereby loading the above-mentioned parts into the main memory and generating the above-mentioned parts into the main memory.

[0096] Furthermore, the POS terminal 20 may be configured to provide some or all of the functions of the scanner device 10.

[0097] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0098] 10. Scanner device (reading device) 14 Imaging Unit 15 switches 16 LED 17 speakers 20 POS terminals 100 Control Unit 101 CPU 102 ROM 103 RAM 104 memory 1001 Hochi Department 1002 Reception Department 1003 Switching section 1004 Detection unit 1005 Setting section [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0099] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-138301

Claims

1. A reading device that reads identification information that can identify a product based on an image of the product captured by an imaging device, A switching unit that switches the operating mode of the device between a normal mode for reading the identification information and a setting mode for performing setting processing on the device or connected devices connected to the device, When the setting mode is switched, the detection unit detects hand signs representing the shape or movement of the operator's hand from the image captured by the imaging device, A setting unit that, when the detected hand sign matches a pre-set hand sign, changes the settings of its own device or the connected device to the settings corresponding to that hand sign. A reading device equipped with [a specific feature].

2. The system further includes a notification unit that provides notification to the operator regarding the setting process, The notification unit notifies when the operating mode of its device is switched to the setting mode. The reading device according to claim 1.

3. The notification unit provides notification asking whether it is acceptable to change the settings before the setting unit changes the settings of its own device or the connected device. The reading device according to claim 2.

4. The notification unit provides the notification by at least one of the audio output and the display output. The reading device according to claim 3.

5. The notification unit notifies that the operating mode of the device has switched to the setting mode by controlling the lighting and extinguishing of an LED connected to the device. The reading device according to claim 2.

6. A computer in a reader device that reads identification information that can identify a product based on an image of the product captured by an imaging device, A switching unit that switches the operating mode of the device between a normal mode for reading the identification information and a setting mode for performing setting processing on the device or connected devices connected to the device, When the setting mode is switched, the detection unit detects hand signs representing the shape or movement of the operator's hand from the image captured by the imaging device, A setting unit that, when the detected hand sign matches a pre-set hand sign, changes the settings of its own device or the connected device to the settings corresponding to that hand sign. A program that makes it function as such.

Images