Product processing equipment

Abstract

The present invention provides a product processing device that allows users to easily and immediately confirm the set reading style for product information when setting the reading style for product labels. [Solution] The product processing device 1 is configured to read aloud the product information to be printed on the label. The product processing device 1 includes a setting unit SC2 for setting the manner in which the product information is read aloud, and an audio output unit 15A for reading the product information aloud. The setting unit SC2 is provided with a test playback button B21 for playing back the set content. When the test playback button B21 is operated, the audio output unit reads aloud the product information according to the reading manner set in the setting unit SC2.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One aspect of the present invention relates to a merchandise processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] In the backyard of a supermarket, an operator issues a merchandise label to be attached to a product using a label issuing device (merchandise processing apparatus), and attaches the issued merchandise label to the product. In the label issuing device, for example, when a product name or product number corresponding to the product to be issued is input, a production screen (normal screen) on which product information of the product to be issued is displayed is shown. Then, for example, a desired merchandise label is issued by pressing a label issuing button or the like on the production screen.

[0003] Such a label issuing device for issuing such merchandise labels is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1. In the label issuing device disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to prevent incorrect product information from being printed on the merchandise label, the product information of the label to be printed and issued is read aloud. In this label issuing device, the operator can be made to confirm whether the product information of the merchandise label to be printed and issued matches the product information of the merchandise label to be printed, so the possibility of incorrect product information being printed on the label can be reduced.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the conventional product processing device described above, details of how product information is read aloud (such as pitch, output speed, voice type, and sound quality) can be set from a designated settings screen. However, the reading style set on the settings screen could not be confirmed (heard) unless the user returned to the production screen mentioned above, which was inconvenient for the operator.

[0006] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention is to provide a product processing device that allows for easy and immediate confirmation of the set reading style when setting the reading style for product information of a product on which a product label is issued. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) A product processing device according to one aspect of the present invention is a product processing device configured to read aloud product information to be printed on a label, comprising a setting unit for setting the manner in which the product information is read aloud, and an audio output unit for reading aloud the product information, wherein the setting unit is provided with a test playback button for playing back the set content, and when the test playback button is operated, the audio output unit reads aloud the product information according to the manner in which it is read aloud set in the setting unit.

[0008] In this configuration of product processing device, when the test playback button is pressed, product information is read aloud according to the newly set reading pattern. This allows the user to immediately check the quality of the set reading pattern and adjust it as needed. Therefore, when setting the reading pattern for product information on products that issue product labels, the set reading pattern can be easily and instantly checked.

[0009] (2) In the product processing device described in (1) above, the setting unit is a setting screen for setting how product information is read aloud, and the voice output unit may read aloud the product information displayed on the normal screen when the user switches from the setting screen to the normal screen. In this configuration, the set product information reading method can be confirmed on the setting screen for setting how product information is read aloud without having to return to the normal screen where product information to be printed on the label is displayed.

[0010] (3) In the product processing device described in (2) above, the setting screen is provided so that one reading mode can be selected from among several reading modes, and when the test playback button is operated, the audio output unit may read out the product information according to the selected reading mode, followed by reading out the product information according to the unselected reading mode. In this configuration, it is possible to simultaneously check not only the reading out of the product information according to the reading mode selected on the setting screen, but also the reading out of the product information according to the unselected reading mode.

[0011] (4) In the product processing device described in any one of (1) to (3) above, the voice output unit may output at least the product number, product name, and price from the product information in the manner of reading aloud described above. This configuration reduces the possibility of the product number, product name, and price being printed incorrectly.

[0012] (5) In the product processing device described in any one of (1) to (4) above, the reading method may be any of the following: reading speed, volume, sound quality, reading multi-digit numbers one digit at a time, or reading multi-digit numbers including their place value. In this configuration, the product information read aloud from the voice output unit can be effectively recognized by the operator. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, when setting the manner in which product information for a product that issues a product label is read aloud, the set manner of reading aloud can be easily and immediately confirmed. [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 display screen. Figure 3(B) is an example of a product label. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the text-to-speech settings screen. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a modified example of a label issuing and applying apparatus including a label issuing device. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a modified version of a face-to-face label issuing device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Hereinafter, a label issuing device (product processing device) 1 according to one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted. Furthermore, in this specification, "A or B" means that either A or B is included, and does not exclude the inclusion of both A and B.

[0016] The label issuing device 1 has the function of weighing the product and issuing a product label LC (see Figure 3(B)) to be attached to the weighed product. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the label issuing device 1 comprises a main body case 3, a fixed key 4, a display unit 5, a speaker 6, a weighing unit 7, a printing unit 9, and a controller 10.

[0017] The main unit case 3 is equipped with a fixed key 4, a display unit 5, a speaker 6, a printing unit 9, and a controller 10. The main unit case 3 is formed in a roughly rectangular shape. The front of the main unit case 3 is provided with an opening / closing door. When the opening / closing door is opened, the printing unit 9 located inside the main unit case 3 is exposed.

[0018] The fixed keys 4 are provided on the main body case 3. The fixed keys 4 are parts that receive various operations from the operator. The fixed keys 4 include keys such as the "unit price" key, "fixed amount" key, "tare weight" key, "print" key, and "call" key required for a price scale, as well as 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 merchandise to be weighed. The display unit 5 may include a touch panel. In this case, similar to the fixed keys 4, it functions to receive various operations from the 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, as voice, at least a part of the merchandise information including the merchandise 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, and other reading modes. Here, the output content means the content emitted from the speaker 6, such as the merchandise 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 switchable, for example, between 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 the label roll. The label roll is formed by winding strip-shaped backing-less labels around a paper tube. Backing-less labels (hereinafter simply referred to as "labels") have an adhesive applied to the back of the paper base material, a heat-sensitive agent that changes color with heat applied to the surface, and a silicone resin as a release agent applied on top of that. The label roll is wound around the paper tube with the back side (adhesive side) of the label facing inward. In this embodiment, a label roll with labels attached to a backing sheet may be used instead of backing-less labels. The printing unit 9 prints product information on the labels and issues them as product labels 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 product 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 a product label 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 controller 10 displays the product information display screen (normal screen) SC1 and the voice reading setting screen SC2, which will be described later, on the display unit 5. The controller 10 also controls the speaker 6 to read out the product information based on the various reading patterns set by the operator on the voice reading setting screen SC2.

[0026] The storage unit 12 stores various types of information. The storage unit 12 is composed of, for example, RAM, SSD (Solid State Drive), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), etc. The storage unit 12 in this embodiment stores product information consisting of a product number that identifies the product, product details consisting of the product name and supplementary information which is information about the product's detailed items, and unit price (amount).

[0027] Examples of product names include English bread, sliced ​​bread, pizza, beef loin, oysters, sea bream, etc. 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 2 slices, 2 pieces, 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] When the label issuing device 1 issues a product 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 display screen SC1 shown in Figure 3(A) is displayed, and the product information displayed on the product information display screen SC1 (product number R1 of the product to be weighed, product name details R2, unit price R3, etc.) is read aloud by the voice output unit 15A. The voice output unit 15A consists of a controller 10 and a speaker 6.

[0030] The label issuing device 1 can set the manner in which the audio output unit 15A reads out the product information when it is displayed on the product information display screen SC1. The manner in which the product information is read out can be set from the audio reading setting screen (setting screen / setting unit) SC2, as shown in Figure 4. The audio reading setting screen SC2 can be displayed by operating the menu button B1, etc., on the product information display screen SC1.

[0031] 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 product number / product name / price reading voice type setting unit A5, a silence time setting unit A6, a place name reading voice type setting unit A7, a place name reading on / off setting unit A8, and a reading volume setting unit A9.

[0032] The voice reading setting unit A1 sets whether or not to have the voice output unit 15A read out product information. More specifically, when the operator enters the product number of the product to be produced, the product information display screen SC1 (see Figure 3(A)) is displayed, and this unit sets whether or not to have the product information displayed on the product information display screen SC1 (product number R1 of the product to be weighed, product name details R2, unit price R3, etc.) read out. If "Do not read out" is selected, the voice output unit 15A will not read out the product information, and if "Read out" is selected, the voice output unit 15A will read out the product information.

[0033] The voice-reading production setting unit A2 is where you set whether to prohibit or permit the production of products by the label issuing device 1 while the voice output unit 15A is reading out product information. If "prohibit" is selected, the production of the weighable product (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 information. Alternatively, the system may be configured so that the production of the weighable product (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 information. If "permit" is selected, the production of the weighable product (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 information (even if the voice output unit 15A has not finished reading out the product information).

[0034] The reading speed setting unit A3 is responsible for setting the speed at which the voice output unit 15A reads out product information. In this embodiment, the reading speed setting unit A3 allows selection of three speeds: "low speed," "medium speed," and "high speed."

[0035] 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 aloud. If "none" is selected here, the voice output section 15A will not read out the product number. The product number reading style includes reading out multi-digit numbers including their place values, and reading out multi-digit numbers digit by digit.

[0036] When "Numbers" is selected, the voice output unit 15A reads out the product number, reading out the digits of the product number. For example, if the product number read from the product master is "12", the voice output unit 15A will say "twelve". In other words, the voice output unit 15A reads out multi-digit numbers, including their place values. When "Monotone" is selected, the voice output unit 15A reads out the product number, reading it out in a monotone. For example, if the product number read from the product master is "120", the voice output unit 15A will read out "one, two, zero" or "one, two, zero". In other words, the voice output unit 15A reads out multi-digit numbers one digit at a time.

[0037] The Product Number / Product Name / Price Reading Voice Type Setting Unit A5 is the part that sets how the product number, product name, and price from the product information read aloud by the voice output unit 15A are read aloud. More specifically, the Product Number / Product Name / Price Reading Voice Type Setting Unit A5 sets which of the following voice qualities—"Female 1," "Female 2," "Male 1," or "Male 2"—will be used to read the product number, product name, and price from the product information. "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 the product number, product name, and price from the product information using the voice quality selected in the Product Number / Product Name / Price Reading Voice Type Setting Unit A5.

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

[0039] The silence time setting unit A6 is the part that sets whether or not to set a silence time between the product number and product name in the product information when the audio output unit 15A reads out the product information. However, when the audio output unit 15A reads out the product information, the silence time between the product number and product name cannot be strictly set to 0 in order to ensure intelligibility. For this reason, in the initial setting, a minimum distinguishable gap time is set between the product number and product name. Therefore, if "none" is selected here, the audio output unit 15A reads out the product number and product name consecutively with the aforementioned gap time in between. If "yes" is selected here, the audio output unit 15A reads out the product number and product name consecutively with a predetermined time (for example, 0.4 seconds or 0.8 seconds) added as the aforementioned gap time in between.

[0040] The A7 section for setting the type of voice reading for place of origin is responsible for setting how the place of origin is read aloud by the voice output unit 15A. The details of the reading patterns are the same as those for the product number, product name, and price reading voice type setting unit A5, so a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0041] The Place of Origin Reading Aloud Setting Unit A8 sets whether or not to have the Place of Origin name read aloud by the voice output unit 15A in the product information. More specifically, when the operator enters the product number of the product to be produced, the product information display screen SC1 (see Figure 3(A)) is displayed, and this unit sets whether or not to have the Place of Origin name portion of the product information displayed on the product information display screen SC1 (product number R1 of the product to be weighed, product name details R2, and unit price R3, etc.) read aloud. If "Do not read aloud" is selected, the voice output unit 15A will not read aloud the Place of Origin name, and if "Read aloud" is selected, the voice output unit 15A will read aloud the Place of Origin name.

[0042] The reading volume setting unit A9 is responsible for setting the volume at which the audio output unit 15A reads out product information. In this embodiment, the volume can be set within the range of 5 to 60, and the volume increases as the number increases. The value for the audio output unit 15A can be input via the information input unit B2.

[0043] The information input section B2 is the part that receives input from the operator. The information input section B2 is equipped with a test playback button B21 and a read-aloud reflection button B22.

[0044] The test playback button B21 is a button used to play the content set in the voice reading settings screen SC2. When the user presses the test playback button B21, the voice output unit 15A reads out pre-defined sample product information in the reading style set in the voice reading settings screen SC2. The sample product information is stored, for example, in the memory unit 12.

[0045] An example of sample product information is that the product number is "1", the product name is "Kobe Beef Fillet Steak", and the price (unit price) is "758 yen". In other words, the voice output unit 15A reads out "1, Kobe Beef Fillet Steak, 758 yen" in the reading style set in the voice reading setting screen SC2. At this time, the voice output unit 15A may read out "1, Kobe Beef Fillet Steak, 758 yen" only once in the reading style set in the voice reading setting screen SC2, or it may read out "1, Kobe Beef Fillet Steak, 758 yen" multiple times.

[0046] Furthermore, when the test playback button B21 is operated, the audio output unit 15A may, for example, read aloud the product information of product number 1 stored in the memory unit 12. That is, the audio output unit 15A may read aloud the product information of the product actually used in production stored in the memory unit 12. In addition, the audio output unit 15A may read aloud not only the product information of product number 1, but also, for example, the product information of product number 2. Furthermore, the audio reading setting screen may be configured to allow setting the product number of the product information to be read aloud by the audio output unit 15A during test playback.

[0047] The read-aloud reflect button B22 is a button used to store the various settings configured on the voice reading settings screen SC2 in the memory unit 12, etc. When the read-aloud reflect button B22 is operated and the various settings configured on the voice reading settings screen SC2 are stored in the memory unit 12, etc., the voice output unit 15A will read aloud the product information that will be displayed when the screen is switched to the product information display screen SC1, based on the various settings configured on the voice reading settings screen SC2 (stored in the memory unit 12).

[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, when the test playback button B21 of the voice reading setting screen SC2 shown in Figure 4 is operated, the product information is read aloud according to the newly set reading pattern. Therefore, the quality of the set reading pattern can be checked on the spot and the reading pattern can be adjusted immediately. For this reason, when setting the reading pattern for product information of a product for which a product label LC is issued, the set reading pattern can be checked easily and immediately.

[0049] In the label issuing device 1 of the above embodiment, the setting unit is configured by a voice reading setting screen SC2, which sets the reading style for how product information is read aloud. The voice output unit 15A reads aloud the product information displayed on the product information display screen SC1 when the user switches from the voice reading setting screen SC2 to the product information display screen SC1, based on the settings configured by the voice reading setting screen SC2. As a result, the user can check the set reading style for product information on the voice reading setting screen SC2 without having to return to the product information display screen SC1, which displays the product information to be printed on the label.

[0050] In the label issuing device 1 of the above embodiment, the voice output unit 15A outputs at least the product number, product name, and price from the product information in accordance with the above-described reading pattern. This configuration reduces the possibility of incorrect printing of the product number, product name, and unit price from the product information.

[0051] The read-aloud modes that can be set in the label issuing device 1 of the above embodiment include read-aloud speed, volume, sound quality, reading multi-digit numbers one digit at a time (monotone reading), and reading multi-digit numbers including place values ​​(digital reading). This allows the operator to effectively recognize the product information read aloud from the voice output unit 15A.

[0052] 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.

[0053] In the label issuing device 1 of the above embodiment, the test playback button B21 was described as being provided on the voice reading setting screen SC2 displayed on the display unit 5. However, for example, the test playback button may be provided as one of the fixed keys 4.

[0054] In the label issuing device 1 of the above embodiment, when the test playback button B21 is operated, the audio output unit 15A reads out the product information according to the reading mode set (selected) on the audio reading setting screen SC2. However, the device is not limited to this example. For example, when the test playback button B21 is operated, the audio output unit 15A may read out the product information according to the reading mode selected on the audio reading setting screen SC2, and then subsequently read out the product information according to a reading mode not selected on the audio reading setting screen SC2. In such a modified configuration, it is possible to simultaneously confirm not only the reading of the product information according to the reading mode selected on the audio reading setting screen SC2, but also the reading of the product information according to the unselected reading mode.

[0055] 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 (product processing device) 101 as shown in Figure 5, which weighs a product, packages the product, and then issues a product label LC on which product information about the product is printed and affixed to the product. As shown in Figure 5, 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 consisting of a touch panel, a speaker 107, a controller 110, and a storage unit 112. The audio output unit 15A includes the speaker 107 and the controller 110. The controller 110 causes the display operation unit 106 to display the voice reading setting screen (setting unit) SC2.

[0056] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention may be applied to a face-to-face electronic scale (product processing device) 201 equipped with a store clerk-side operation unit (display unit) 205A and a customer-side operation unit 205B, as shown in Figure 6. The electronic scale 201 shown in Figure 6 comprises a main body case 203, a store clerk-side operation unit 205A and a customer-side operation unit 205B, both consisting of touch panels, a speaker 206, a weighing unit 207 having a weighing pan 207A, a printing unit 209 for issuing product 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 controller 210 causes the display operation unit 106 to display a voice reading setting screen (setting unit) SC2.

[0057] In a weighing and packaging labeling device 101 and electronic scale 201 with this configuration, similar to the label issuing device 1 in the above embodiment, when setting the reading method for product information of a product for which a product label LC is issued, the set reading method can be easily and immediately confirmed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 1...Label issuing device (product processing device), 4...Fixed key, 5...Display unit, 6...Speaker, 7...Weighing unit, 9...Printing unit, 10...Controller, 12...Storage unit, 15A...Voice output unit, 101...Weighing, packaging, and labeling device (product processing device), 102...Weighing unit, 104...Printing unit, 106...Display operation unit, 107...Speaker, 110...Controller, 112...Storage unit, 201...Electronic scale (product processing device), 205A...Store clerk operation unit (display unit), 205B...Customer operation unit, 206...Speaker, 207...Weighing unit, 209...Printing unit, 210...Controller, 212...Storage unit, B21...Test playback button, SC1...Product information display screen (normal screen), SC2...Voice reading setting screen (setting screen / setting unit).

Claims

1. A product processing device configured to read aloud product information printed on a label, A setting unit for setting the manner in which the product information is read aloud, It comprises an audio output unit that reads out the aforementioned product information, The aforementioned settings unit is equipped with a test playback button that plays back the configured settings. The audio output unit is a product processing device that, when the test playback button is operated, reads out the product information according to the reading pattern set in the setting unit.

2. The aforementioned setting unit is a setting screen for setting the reading method, which determines how the product information is read aloud. The product processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the audio output unit reads aloud the product information displayed on the normal screen when the user switches from the settings screen to the normal screen.

3. The aforementioned settings screen allows the user to select one of several reading modes. The product processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the test playback button is operated, the audio output unit performs the reading of the product information according to the selected reading mode, followed by the reading of the product information according to the unselected reading mode.

4. The product processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the voice output unit outputs at least the product number, product name, and price from the product information in the manner of reading aloud.

5. The product processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the reading method is one of the following: reading speed, volume, sound quality, reading multi-digit numbers one digit at a time, and reading multi-digit numbers including their place values.

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