Label printing device

Abstract

The present invention provides a label issuing device that reduces the possibility of an operator overlooking supplementary information, even when the device is configured to read aloud product information that includes the product name and supplementary information. [Solution] The label issuing device 1 is configured to read aloud the product information to be printed on the label. The label issuing device 1 comprises a storage unit 12 and an audio output unit 15A. The storage unit 12 stores product information consisting of a product name that identifies the product and supplementary information relating to the detailed items of the product identified by the product name. When reading aloud the product information, the audio output unit 15A emphasizes the supplementary information compared to the product name.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One aspect of the present invention relates to a label issuing device.

Background Art

[0002] In the backyard of a supermarket, for example, a label for attaching to a product is issued using a label issuing device that prints product information on the label, and the issued label is attached to the product. For example, in the label issuing device disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to prevent incorrect product information from being printed on the label, the product information of the label to be printed and issued is read aloud. In such a label issuing device, since an operator can be made to confirm whether the product information of the label to be printed and issued matches the product information of the label to be printed, the possibility of incorrect product information being printed can be reduced.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, product information may include, in addition to the product name, information (attached information) regarding detailed items of the product specified by the product name (for example, size, content volume, etc.). When reading aloud such product information consisting of a product name and attached information, the reading time tends to be long. Therefore, there is a high possibility that an operator will miss the attached information read later.

[0005] Therefore, an object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a label issuing device that can reduce the possibility that an operator will miss the attached information even when configured to read aloud product information including a product name and attached information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) A label issuing device according to one aspect of the present invention is a label issuing device configured to read aloud product information to be printed on a label, comprising: a storage unit for storing product information comprising a product name that identifies the product and supplementary information relating to detailed items of the product identified by the product name; and an audio output unit that reads aloud the supplementary information with emphasis compared to the product name when reading out the product information.

[0007] In this label issuing device configuration, even when product information consisting of the product name and supplementary information becomes long, the supplementary information read aloud after the product name is emphasized, thus reducing the possibility that the operator may miss the supplementary information.

[0008] (2) In the label issuing device described in (1) above, the voice output unit may change the voice quality, volume, or reading speed when reading the supplementary information compared to the voice quality, volume, or reading speed when reading the product name. This configuration allows for effective emphasis on the reading of the supplementary information.

[0009] (3) In the label issuing device described in (1) or (2) above, the voice output unit may read out the supplementary information multiple times. This configuration allows for effective emphasis on the reading out of the supplementary information.

[0010] (4) In any of the label issuing devices described in (1) to (3) above, the voice output unit may read out the detailed items before reading out the supplementary information. This configuration makes it possible to clearly indicate the detailed items to be emphasized to the operator.

[0011] (5) In any of the label issuing devices described in (1) to (4) above, the detailed items may include the size, quantity, origin, use, or form of the product. This configuration reduces the possibility that the operator may overlook supplementary information regarding the size, quantity, origin, use, or form of the product.

[0012] (6) A label issuing device described in any one of (1) to (4) above further comprises a receiving unit that receives product information to be stored in the memory unit, and the receiving unit may receive text information consisting of a first text section and a second text section that is positioned immediately after the first text section and is surrounded by specific characters, thereby receiving the first text section as the product name and the second text section as supplementary information. In this configuration, supplementary information that you want to emphasize and output as audio can be easily registered. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, even when the system is configured to read aloud product information that includes the product name and supplementary information, the possibility of the operator overlooking the supplementary information can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a label issuing device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the label issuing device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3(A) is an example of a product information management screen. Figure 3(B) is an example of a printed label. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the text-to-speech settings screen. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a product registration screen. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a label issuing and attaching apparatus including a modified label issuing apparatus. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a modified version of a face-to-face label issuing device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Hereinafter, the label issuing device 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same elements, and redundant descriptions are omitted. Also, in this specification, "A or B" means that either A or B may be included, and it does not exclude the case where both A and B are included.

[0016] The label issuing device 1 has a function of weighing the weight of a commodity and issuing a printed label LC (see FIG. 3(B)) to be attached to the weighed commodity. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the label issuing device 1 includes a main body case 3, a fixed key 4, a display unit 5, a speaker (audio output unit) 6, a weighing unit 7, a printing unit 9, and a controller (control unit) 10.

[0017] The fixed key 4, the display unit 5, the speaker 6, the printing unit 9, and the controller 10 are provided in the main body case 3. The main body case 3 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. An opening / closing door is provided on the front surface of the main body case 3. When the opening / closing door is opened, the printing unit 9 disposed inside the main body case 3 is exposed.

[0018] The fixed key 4 is provided on the main body case 3. The fixed key 4 is a part that receives various operations from an operator. The fixed key 4 includes "unit price" key, "fixed amount" key, "cost" key, "print" key, "call" key, etc. necessary as a price scale, and numeric keys.

[0019] The display unit 5 displays various information such as the state of the label issuing device 1, the operation of the label issuing device 1, and information regarding the commodity to be weighed. The display unit 5 may include a touch panel. In this case, similar to the fixed key 4, it exhibits a function of receiving various operations from an operator.

[0020] The speaker 6 is provided near the display unit 5. Note that the speaker 6 may be provided at other positions, or may be provided as an external speaker separate from the main body case 3. The speaker 6 outputs voice for at least a part of the product information including the product name (hereinafter referred to as "voice output target information"). The speaker 6 is controlled by the controller 10 in terms of the timing of voice output, output content, volume, voice quality, reading speed, etc. Here, the output content means the content emitted from the speaker 6, such as the product name. Also, the voice quality here refers to the voice quality of the voice. The voice quality output from the speaker 6 is configured to be selectively switched, for example, to a male voice, a female voice, a child's voice, etc.

[0021] The weighing unit 7 is configured as a separate body from the main body case 3. The weighing unit 7 mainly includes a weighing pan 7A, a load cell (not shown), a signal processing circuit, and a transmission module. The load cell is provided under the weighing pan 7A and supports the weighing pan 7A, and converts the mechanical strain generated when the object to be weighed is placed on the weighing pan 7A into an electrical signal and outputs it. The signal processing circuit amplifies the electrical signal output from the load cell and converts it into a digital signal. The transmission module transmits the digital signal to the controller 10 in the main body case 3 wirelessly or by wire.

[0022] The printing unit 9 is housed in the main body case 3 and includes a cassette (not shown), a printing unit, and a cutter unit. The cassette detachably supports a label roll. The label roll is formed in a roll shape by winding a belt-like label without a backing paper around a paper tube. The label without a backing paper (hereinafter simply referred to as "label") has an adhesive applied to the back surface of the base material paper, a heat-sensitive agent that develops color by heat applied to the surface, and further a silicone resin as a release agent applied thereon. The label roll is wound around the paper tube with the back surface (adhesive surface) of the label facing inward. Note that in this embodiment, instead of the label without a backing paper, a label roll wound with a label with a backing paper may be used. The printing unit 9 prints the product information on the label and issues it as a printed label LC.

[0023] The printing unit comprises a print head and a platen roller, and prints product information on the surface of the label. The print head is a thermal print head. The print head is controlled by a controller 10, which will be described in detail later. The platen roller presses the back side of the label against the print head. The cutter unit cuts the label fed out from the printing unit into printed labels LC (see Figure 3(B)) of a predetermined length. In other words, the cutter unit issues the portion printed by the print head as printed labels LC. Note that the printing method of the printing unit 9 is an example, and various printing methods such as thermal transfer and inkjet can be used.

[0024] The controller 10 is the part that controls various operations in the label issuing device 1. The CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory) are interconnected via bus lines such as an address bus and a data bus. The controller 10 executes various control processes in the label issuing device 1. The controller 10 can be configured as software, for example, in which a program stored in ROM is loaded onto RAM and executed by the CPU. The controller 10 may also be configured as hardware, such as an electronic circuit.

[0025] The memory unit 12 stores various types of information. The memory unit 12 is composed of, for example, RAM, SSD (Solid State Drive), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), etc. The memory unit 12 in this embodiment stores product information, which includes a product name that identifies the product and supplementary information that is information about the detailed items of the product identified by the product name. Examples of product names include English bread, sliced ​​bread, pizza, beef loin, oysters, sea bream, etc. The method for storing product information in the memory unit 12 will be described in detail later.

[0026] Examples of detailed items include product size, net weight, contents, origin, intended use, and form. Examples of sizes include large, medium, small, 1 / 2, 1 / 4, 8 slices, 4 slices, 1 loaf, etc. Examples of net weight include XXg, XXkg, 2 slices, 2 cuts, etc. Examples of contents include tomato & bacon, bacon & cheese, walnuts & mixed fruit, etc. Examples of origin include Kyoto, Shiga, domestic, USA, etc. Examples of intended use include for steak, for shabu-shabu, for raw consumption, for sashimi, etc. Examples of form include small pieces, trimmings, slices, fillets, peeled meat, etc.

[0027] Examples of product information include "Beef Loin (Kyoto-produced)", "Fried Chicken (Large)", "English Bread (1 loaf)", "White Bread (8 slices)", and "Pizza (Tomato & Bacon)". In the product information for "Beef Loin (Kyoto-produced)", "Beef Loin" is the product name and "(Kyoto-produced)" is the supplementary information. The supplementary information may be displayed as "Shiga-produced", "Domestic", etc. instead of "Kyoto-produced". In the product information for "Fried Chicken (Large)", "Fried Chicken" is the product name and "(Large)" is the supplementary information. The supplementary information may be displayed as "(Medium)", "(Small)", etc. instead of "(Large)". In the product information for "English Bread (1 loaf)", "English Bread" is the product name and "(1 loaf)" is the supplementary information.

[0028] The supplementary information may be displayed as "(1 / 2)", "1 / 4)", etc. instead of "(1 loaf)". In the product information for "Bread (8 slices)", "Bread" is the product name and "(8 slices)" is the supplementary information. The supplementary information may be displayed as "(6 slices)", "(4 slices)", etc. instead of "(8 slices)". In the product information for "Pizza (Tomato & Bacon)", "Pizza" is the product name and "(Tomato & Bacon)" is the supplementary information. The supplementary information may be displayed as "(Bell Pepper & Bacon)", "(Ham & Bacon)", etc. instead of "(Tomato & Bacon)".

[0029] When the label issuing device 1 issues a printed label LC (see Figure 3(B)) for a product to be weighed, the operator uses the fixed key 4 to input the product number corresponding to the product to be weighed. At this time, the operator may also select the product to be weighed from the selection screen displayed on the display unit 5. Once the operator has entered the product number, the product information management screen SC1 shown in Figure 3(A) is displayed, and the product items displayed on the product information management screen SC1 (product number R1, product information R2, and unit price R3 of the product to be weighed) are read aloud by the voice output unit 15A. The voice output unit 15A consists of a controller 10 and a speaker 6.

[0030] When the audio output unit 15A reads out product information R2, it changes the voice quality, volume, or reading speed when reading out the supplementary information compared to the voice quality, volume, or reading speed when reading out the product name. When reading out product information R2 shown in Figure 3(A), it changes the voice quality, volume, or reading speed when reading out the supplementary information ("Kyoto-produced") compared to the voice quality, volume, or reading speed when reading out the product name ("Beef Loin").

[0031] The label issuing device 1 can configure how the voice output unit 15A reads out the product information R2 when it is displayed on the product information management screen SC1 (i.e., how the voice quality, volume, or reading speed when reading out the product name is changed compared to the voice quality, volume, or reading speed when reading out the accompanying information). The method for reading out the product information R2 can be configured from the voice reading setting screen SC2 as shown in Figure 4.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, the voice reading setting screen SC2 includes a voice reading on / off setting unit A1, a voice reading on / off setting unit A2, a reading speed setting unit A3, a product number reading method setting unit A4, a reading voice type setting unit A5, a reading volume setting unit A6, an auxiliary information reading emphasis setting unit A7, an auxiliary information repeat on / off setting unit A8, an auxiliary information reading volume setting unit A9, and an auxiliary information reading speed setting unit A10.

[0033] The voice reading setting unit A1 sets whether or not to have the voice output unit 15A read out the product items. More specifically, when the operator enters the product number of the product to be produced, the product information management screen SC1 (see Figure 3(A)) is displayed, and this unit sets whether or not to have the product items displayed on the product information management screen SC1 (product number R1 of the product to be weighed, product information R2, and unit price R3) read out. If "Do not read out" is selected, the voice output unit 15A will not read out the product items, and if "Read out" is selected, the voice output unit 15A will read out the product items.

[0034] The voice-reading production setting unit A2 is where you set whether to prohibit or permit the production of goods by the label issuing device 1 while the voice output unit 15A is reading out the product items. If "prohibit" is selected, the production of the weighing target goods (determination of weighing stability by the weighing unit 7 of the label issuing device 1 and label issuance by the printing unit 9) is prohibited while the voice output unit 15A is reading out the product items. Alternatively, the system may be configured so that the production of the weighing target goods (weighing by the weighing unit 7 of the label issuing device 1 and label issuance by the printing unit 9) starts automatically when the voice output unit 15A finishes reading out the product items. If "permit" is selected, the production of the weighing target goods (weighing by the weighing unit 7 of the label issuing device 1 and label issuance by the printing unit 9) will be performed even while the voice output unit 15A is reading out the product items (even if the voice output unit 15A has not finished reading out the product items).

[0035] The reading speed setting unit A3 is responsible for setting the speed at which the voice output unit 15A reads out product items. In this embodiment, the reading speed setting unit A3 allows selection of three speeds: "low speed," "medium speed," and "high speed."

[0036] The product number reading setting section A4 is where you set whether or not the voice output section 15A reads out the product number and how the product number is read. If "none" is selected, the voice output section 15A will not read out the product number. If "number" is selected, the voice output section 15A will read out the product number, and the numbers of the product number will be read aloud. For example, if the product number read from the product master is "12", the voice output section 15A will say "twelve". If "monotone" is selected, the voice output section 15A will read out the product number, and the product number will be read aloud in a monotone. For example, if the product number read from the product master is "120", the voice output section 15A will read out "one, two, zero" or "one, two, zero".

[0037] The voice type setting unit A5 is responsible for setting the characteristics of the voice output unit 15A's voice when reading out the product items. More specifically, the voice type setting unit A5 sets whether the product items (product number R1, product information R2, and unit price R3 of the weighed product) are read out in one of four voices: "Female 1," "Female 2," "Male 1," or "Male 2." "Female 1" and "Female 2" are both female, but their voice qualities are different. "Male 1" and "Male 2" are both male, but their voice qualities are different. The voice output unit 15A reads out the product items using the voice type selected in the voice type setting unit A5.

[0038] The voice type setting unit A5 may be configured to allow setting of differences in voice quality other than the aforementioned female or male voice quality, such as pitch, range, clarity of tone, intonation, rhythm, tension, thickness, roughness, breathiness, degree of nasalization, stability, softness, and perceived age.

[0039] The reading volume setting unit A6 is the part that sets the volume when the voice output unit 15A reads out product items. In this embodiment, the volume can be set in the range of 5 to 60, and the volume of the product items read out increases as the numerical value increases.

[0040] The supplementary information reading emphasis setting unit A7 is the part that sets how supplementary information, which is part of the product information, is read aloud by the voice output unit 15A in relation to other product items (product names, which are part of the product information). When "none" is selected in the supplementary information reading emphasis setting unit A7, when the voice output unit 15A reads the product information R2, the volume, voice quality, or reading speed when reading the supplementary information is not changed compared to the volume, voice quality, or reading speed when reading the product name.

[0041] In the supplementary information reading emphasis setting unit A7, if "Volume" is selected, when the voice output unit 15A reads out product information R2, the volume when reading out the supplementary information is changed to the volume when reading out the product name. In the supplementary information reading emphasis setting unit A7, if "Voice Quality" is selected, when the voice output unit 15A reads out product information R2, the voice quality when reading out the supplementary information is changed to the voice quality when reading out the product name. In the supplementary information reading emphasis setting unit A7, if "Speed" is selected, when the voice output unit 15A reads out product information R2, the reading speed when reading out the supplementary information is changed to the reading speed when reading out the product name.

[0042] The supplementary information repetition setting section A8 is the part that sets whether or not to repeat the supplementary information in the product information R2. If "none" is selected in the supplementary information repetition setting section A8, the voice output unit 15A will not repeat the supplementary information when reading the product information R2. For example, if the product information R2 is "Beef loin (Kyoto-produced)", the voice output unit 15A will read "Beef loin", "Kyoto-produced". If "yes" is selected in the supplementary information repetition setting section A8, the voice output unit 15A will repeat the supplementary information when reading the product information R2. For example, if the product information R2 is "Beef loin (Kyoto-produced)", the voice output unit 15A will read "Beef loin", "Kyoto-produced", "Kyoto-produced", repeating the "Kyoto-produced" part, which is the supplementary information, twice. The number of repetitions can be set as appropriate. Alternatively, the supplementary information repetition setting section A8 may be configured to allow specifying the number of repetitions.

[0043] The supplemental information reading volume setting unit A9 is the part that, when "Volume" is selected in the supplemental information reading emphasis setting unit A7, sets the volume at which the supplemental information is read aloud to be 1.5 times or 2.0 times the volume at which the product name is read aloud when the voice output unit 15A reads the product information R2.

[0044] The supplemental information reading speed setting unit A10 is the part that, when "speed" is selected in the supplemental information reading emphasis setting unit A7, sets the speed at which the voice output unit 15A reads the product information R2 to be 1.5 times or 2.0 times the speed at which the product name is read.

[0045] The controller 10, fixed key 4, and display unit 5 function as a receiving unit 15B that receives product information to be stored in the storage unit 12. The product information is stored in the storage unit 12 as a product master. Product information to be registered in the product master can be registered on the product information registration screen SC3 shown in Figure 5, which can be accessed from the menu button B1, etc., on the product information management screen SC1 shown in Figure 3(A). The product information is registered using the product number as the key, and multiple product items (product information, unit price, etc.) are registered. Here, we will explain how to register product information.

[0046] The reception unit 15B can receive product information to be registered from the operator via a product information registration screen SC3, as shown in Figure 5, which is displayed using the product number as a key. The reception unit 15B receives text information consisting of, for example, a first text section T1 and a second text section T2, which is placed immediately after the first text section T1 and is surrounded by specific characters T3, T3. Specifically, in the product information setting section A11 of the product information registration screen SC3, for example, if "Beef Loin (Kyoto)" is entered and the registration button B2 is pressed, the reception unit 15B recognizes the first text section T1 as "Beef Loin", recognizes the specific characters T3, T3 placed immediately after the first text section as "(" and ")", and recognizes the second text section T2 as "Kyoto". The reception unit 15B receives the first text section T1 as the product name and the second text section T2 as supplementary information via the product information registration screen SC3 as described above. When "Beef Loin" is received at reception desk 15B, it is stored as the product name, and "Kyoto-produced" is stored as supplementary information.

[0047] In this explanation, "(" and ")" were used as examples of specific characters, but other characters such as "<" and ">" or "#" and "#" would also work. The characters before and after the specific character may or may not be the same. The specific character can be any character that has been predetermined.

[0048] The effects and advantages of the label issuing device 1 of the above embodiment will now be explained. In the label issuing device 1 of the above embodiment, even if the product information, which includes the product name and supplementary information, is long, the supplementary information (in the example shown in Figure 3(A), "Kyoto-produced") that is read aloud after the product name (in the example shown in Figure 3(A), "Beef Loin") is emphasized, thereby reducing the possibility that the operator may miss the supplementary information.

[0049] In the label issuing device 1 of the above embodiment, the voice output unit 15A changes the voice quality, volume, or reading speed when reading out the supplementary information (in the example shown in Figure 3(A), "Kyoto-produced") compared to the voice quality, volume, or reading speed when reading out the product name (in the example shown in Figure 3(A), "Beef Loin"). This makes it possible to effectively emphasize the reading out of the supplementary information by the voice output unit 15A.

[0050] In the label issuing device 1 of the above embodiment, the detailed items of supplementary information that are emphasized and read aloud include the size, content, origin, use, or form of the product. This reduces the possibility that an operator may overlook supplementary information regarding the size, content, origin, use, or form of the product when the product items are read aloud by the voice output unit 15A when issuing the printed label LC (see Figure 3(B)).

[0051] In the label issuing device 1 of the above embodiment, the voice output unit 15A can read out the supplementary information multiple times. This makes it possible to effectively emphasize the reading out of the supplementary information.

[0052] In the label issuing device 1 of the above embodiment, the receiving unit 15B receives text information consisting of a first text section T1 and a second text section T2, which is positioned immediately after the first text section T1 and is flanked by specific characters T3, T3, on the product information registration screen SC3 shown in Figure 5. As a result, the receiving unit 15B receives the first text section T1 as the product name and the second text section T2 as supplementary information. With this configuration, supplementary information that you want to emphasize and output as audio can be easily registered by simply inputting it so that it is flanked by predetermined specific characters.

[0053] Although one embodiment has been described above, one aspect of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0054] In the label issuing device 1 of the above embodiment, the method of emphasizing supplementary information when the voice output unit 15A reads out product information by changing the voice quality, volume, or reading speed when reading out the supplementary information compared to when reading out the product name, or by repeating the reading out the supplementary information multiple times, was described as an example, but is not limited to this.

[0055] For example, instead of or in addition to the configuration of the voice output unit 15A of the label issuing device 1 in the above embodiment, the voice output unit 15A may read out the detailed items before reading out the supplementary information. When reading out the product information "Beef Loin (Kyoto-produced)" as described in the above embodiment, the voice output unit 15A reads out the product name "Beef Loin," and before reading out the supplementary information "Kyoto-produced," it reads out the detailed item "Place of Origin" of "Kyoto-produced." That is, the voice output unit 15A reads out "Beef Loin," "Place of Origin," and "Kyoto-produced" in that order. Alternatively, the voice output unit 15A may read out "Beef Loin," "Place of Origin is," and "It is Kyoto-produced" in a conversational tone.

[0056] Similarly, when the voice output unit 15A reads out "Karaage (Large)", it reads out the product name "Karaage", and before reading out the supplementary information "Large", it reads out the detailed item "Size" of "Large". In other words, the voice output unit 15A reads out "Karaage", "Size", and "Large" in that order. Similarly, when the voice output unit 15A reads out "English Bread (1 loaf)", it reads out the product name "English Bread", and before reading out the supplementary information "1 loaf", it reads out the detailed item "Contents" of "1 loaf". In other words, the voice output unit 15A reads out "English Bread", "Contents", and "1 loaf" in that order.

[0057] Similarly, when the voice output unit 15A reads out "white bread (8 slices)", it reads out the product name "white bread", and before reading out the supplementary information "8 slices", it reads out the detailed item "size" of "8 slices". In other words, the voice output unit 15A reads out "white bread", "size", and "8 slices" in that order. Similarly, when the voice output unit 15A reads out "pizza (tomato & bacon)", it reads out the product name "pizza", and before reading out the supplementary information "tomato & bacon", it reads out the detailed item "contents" of "tomato & bacon". In other words, the voice output unit 15A reads out "pizza", "contents", and "tomato & bacon" in that order. Even with this modified configuration, the reading of supplementary information can be effectively emphasized.

[0058] Furthermore, in the above embodiment and the modified label issuing device 1, we have explained, as an example, that supplementary information is emphasized when reading it aloud compared to the product name in order to reduce the chance of the operator missing the supplementary information. However, in addition to this configuration, for example, the "(Kyoto-made)" portion of the product information R2 shown in Figure 3(A) may be highlighted in red or bold. In this case, the content of the supplementary information can be more effectively made aware of by the operator.

[0059] Furthermore, in the above embodiment and the modified label issuing device 1, an example was given in which the voice output unit 15A can selectively change the voice quality, volume, or reading speed when reading supplementary information compared to the voice quality, volume, or reading speed when reading the product name. However, it is also possible to select a combination of voice quality, volume, and reading speed when reading supplementary information. In this case, it is possible to more effectively reduce the chances of the operator missing supplementary information.

[0060] In the above embodiments and modifications, an example of applying one aspect of the present invention to a label issuing device 1 as shown in Figure 1 was described. However, it may also be applied to a weighing, packaging, and labeling device (label issuing device) 101 as shown in Figure 6, which weighs a product, packages the product, and then issues a printed label LC on which product information about the product is printed and affixed to the product. As shown in Figure 6, the weighing, packaging, and labeling device 101 includes a weighing unit 102, a packaging unit 103, a printing unit 104, an affixing unit 105, a display operation unit 106 configured as a touch panel, a speaker (audio output unit) 107, a controller 110, and a storage unit 112. The audio output unit 15A includes the speaker 107 and the controller 110. The receiving unit 15B includes the display operation unit 106 and the controller 110.

[0061] In the above embodiments and modifications, an example of applying one aspect of the present invention to a label issuing device 1 as shown in Figure 1 was described, but it may also be applied to a face-to-face electronic scale 201 (label issuing device) equipped with a staff-side operation unit 205A and a customer-side operation unit 205B, as shown in Figure 7. The electronic scale 201 shown in Figure 7 comprises a main body case 203, a staff-side operation unit 205A and a customer-side operation unit 205B composed of touch panels, a speaker (voice output unit) 206, a weighing unit 207 having a weighing pan 207A, a printing unit 209 that issues printed labels LC, a controller 210, and a storage unit 212. The voice output unit 15A is composed of the speaker 206 and the controller 210. The reception unit 15B is composed of the staff-side operation unit 205A and the controller 210.

[0062] Even in an electronic scale 201 with this configuration, if the product information, which includes the product name and accompanying information, becomes long, the accompanying information (in the example shown in Figure 3(A), "Kyoto-produced") that is read aloud after the product name (in the example shown in Figure 3(A), "Beef Loin") is emphasized, thereby reducing the possibility that the operator may miss the accompanying information. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0063] 1...Label issuing device, 6...Speaker (voice output unit), 7...Weighing unit, 9...Printing unit, 10...Controller (control unit), 12...Storage unit, 15A...Voice output unit, 15B...Reception unit, 101...Weighing and packaging labeling device (label issuing device), 104...Printing unit, 107...Speaker (voice output unit), 110...Controller (control unit), 112...Storage unit, 201...Electronic scale (label issuing device), 206...Speaker (voice output unit), 209...Printing unit, 210...Controller (control unit), 212...Storage unit, LC...Printed label, SC1...Product information management screen, SC2...Voice reading setting screen, SC3...Product information setting screen, T1...First text section, T2...Second text section, T3...Specific characters.

Claims

1. A label issuing device configured to read aloud the product information to be printed on the label, A storage unit that stores product information comprising a product name that identifies the product and supplementary information relating to the detailed items of the product identified by the product name, A label issuing device comprising: an audio output unit that, when reading aloud the product information, emphasizes the accompanying information compared to the product name.

2. The label issuing device according to claim 1, wherein the voice output unit changes the voice quality, volume, or reading speed when reading the accompanying information relative to the voice quality, volume, or reading speed when reading the product name.

3. The label issuing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the audio output unit reads out the accompanying information multiple times.

4. The label issuing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the audio output unit reads out the detailed items before reading out the supplementary information.

5. The label issuing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aforementioned detailed items include the size, content volume, origin, use, or form of the product.

6. The system further comprises a receiving unit that receives the product information to be stored in the memory unit, The label issuing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the receiving unit receives text information comprising a first text section and a second text section positioned immediately after the first text section and flanked by specific characters, thereby receiving the first text section as the product name and the second text section as the accompanying information.

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