Reading device and program

Abstract

To provide a reading device and a program, capable of guiding an operator to another reading method.SOLUTION: A reading device includes a reading unit, an imaging unit, a code symbol detection unit, a commodity information extraction unit and a notification control unit. The reading unit reads a code symbol. The imaging unit captures an image. The code symbol detection unit detects a code symbol from the image captured by the imaging unit. The commodity information extraction unit extracts commodity information for identifying a commodity from the code symbol detected by the code symbol detection unit. The notification control unit, when the code symbol detection unit has detected the code symbol, and then the commodity information extraction unit has not extracted the commodity information, and then a setting time has passed, notifies the reading unit of reading the code symbol.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a reading device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in retail stores such as supermarkets, reading devices are used to read product information from code symbols such as barcodes attached to products. Such reading devices may include multiple scanners for reading code symbols.

[0003] A reading device equipped with multiple scanners can read a code symbol with one scanner if the other scanner fails to read the code symbol due to a malfunction, etc. However, the reading device cannot read the code symbol unless the operator is aware that the other scanner is being used. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a reading device and a program capable of guiding an operator to another reading method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A reading device according to an embodiment includes a reading unit, an imaging unit, a code symbol detection unit, a product information extraction unit, and a notification control unit. The reading unit reads a code symbol. The imaging unit captures an image. The code symbol detection unit detects a code symbol from the image captured by the imaging unit. The product information extraction unit extracts product information for identifying a product from the code symbol detected by the code symbol detection unit. The notification control unit notifies the reading unit to read the code symbol if a set time has elapsed since the code symbol detection unit detected the code symbol without the product information extraction unit extracting the product information. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a self-service POS terminal according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the self-service POS terminal. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a characteristic functional configuration of the self-checkout POS terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the notification screen. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a first product registration process executed by the self-checkout POS terminal of this embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a second product registration process executed by the self-checkout POS terminal of this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a reading device and a program will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is one embodiment of a reading device and a program, and is not intended to limit the configuration, specifications, etc. of the reading device and the program.

[0008] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a self-service POS (Point Of Sales) terminal 1 according to the present embodiment. The self-service POS terminal 1 is a device that executes, by a customer's operation, a product registration process for registering products to be sold and a checkout process for the products registered by the product registration process. In other words, the self-service POS terminal 1 is a reading device that reads code symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes attached to products.

[0009] The self-service POS terminal 1 has a first housing 11 in the center of the front. The self-service POS terminal 1 also has a first loading platform 12 on the right side of the front on which a basket containing products is placed. The self-service POS terminal 1 also has a second loading platform 13 on the left side of the front on which products registered as products for sale are placed.

[0010] The second loading platform 13 includes a base 131 for placing products registered as products for sale. The second loading platform 13 also includes a bag hook 132 for hanging a bag for putting the products registered as products for sale in, and a temporary placement platform 133 for products for which sales registration has been processed.

[0011] The first housing 11 includes an internal deposit / withdrawal unit 110 (see FIG. 2). The deposit / withdrawal unit 110 stores currency such as product payments and change. The deposit / withdrawal unit 110 also deposits and withdraws currency.

[0012] The first housing 11 also has a coin insertion slot 111, a coin dispensing outlet 112, a bill insertion slot 113, and a bill dispensing outlet 114. The coin insertion slot 111 is an insertion slot for coins that a customer deposits into the deposit / withdrawal unit 110 as payment for merchandise. The coin dispensing outlet 112 is an outlet for coins that are dispensed from the deposit / withdrawal unit 110 as change. The bill insertion slot 113 is an insertion slot for bills that a customer deposits into the deposit / withdrawal unit 110 as payment for merchandise. The bill dispensing outlet 114 is an outlet for bills that are dispensed from the deposit / withdrawal unit 110 as change.

[0013] The self-checkout POS terminal 1 includes a second housing on the top surface of the first housing 11. The second housing supports a display unit 120 provided on an upper portion of the second housing .

[0014] The display unit 120 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The display unit 120 displays product information of products registered for sale, etc. The display unit 120 also includes a touch panel 121 for operating the self-service POS terminal 1. The touch panel 121 detects an operated (touched) location on the display unit 120, and determines that an operation corresponding to a display element displayed by the display unit 120 has been input. As a result, the touch panel 121 determines that a key displayed by the display unit 120 has been operated, and accepts the operation of that key.

[0015] The second housing 14 has a reading window 141 on the front side, and a receipt ejection opening 142. The reading window 141 is formed from a plate that is light transmissible. The second housing 14 has an imaging unit 140 on the inside of the reading window 141.

[0016] The imaging unit 140 (first reading unit) is a camera equipped with an imaging element such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). That is, the imaging unit 140 captures an image of a commodity held over the reading window 141. In this way, the imaging unit 140 reads a code symbol such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code attached to the commodity. In other words, the imaging unit 140 is a stationary scanner that reads a code symbol. As a stationary scanner, the operator needs to hold the code symbol attached to the commodity toward the stationary scanner. In the case of a heavy commodity, it is difficult for the operator to hold the code symbol toward the stationary scanner. Therefore, the self-service POS terminal 1 has a handy scanner 160, which will be described later, in addition to the imaging unit 140.

[0017] The second housing 14 also has a built-in printer 150 (see FIG. 2). The printer 150 prints a receipt showing the items, amount, etc. of a transaction. The receipt ejection port 142 ejects the receipt printed by the printer 150.

[0018] The self-service POS terminal 1 includes a handy scanner 160, a card reader / writer 170, and a patrol lamp 180.

[0019] The handy scanner 160 (second reading unit) is a handheld scanner. The handy scanner 160 irradiates a laser beam onto a code symbol. The handy scanner 160 reads the code symbol by receiving the light reflected by the code symbol from the laser beam. The handy scanner 160 may read the code symbol by other methods, not limited to the method using the laser beam. For example, the handy scanner 160 may read the code symbol by receiving the reflected light of the illumination in a CCD. In the case of the handy scanner 160, the operator can read the code symbol by holding the handy scanner 160 over the code symbol attached to the product. Therefore, even if the product is heavy, the operator can read the code symbol relatively easily.

[0020] The card reader / writer 170 is a device that reads and writes information stored in a storage medium of a card used for settlement, such as a credit card.

[0021] The patrol lamp 180 is a warning light that notifies a store clerk that an abnormality has occurred in the self-service POS terminal 1, for example.

[0022] As described above, the self-service POS terminal 1 includes the stationary scanner having the imaging unit 140 and the handy scanner 160. The stationary scanner may not be able to read the code symbol due to some kind of malfunction. For example, when the reading window 141 is dirty, the stationary scanner may be able to detect the code symbol from the image of the product, but may not be able to read the code symbol. In such a case, the handy scanner 160 can read the code symbol because the reading window 141 is not relevant. That is, even if the stationary scanner fails to read the code symbol, the handy scanner 160 may be able to read the code symbol. Note that the malfunction of the imaging unit 140 is not limited to a situation where the reading window 141 of the imaging unit 140, which is a stationary scanner, cannot read the code symbol due to dirt, and may be due to any cause. That is, a situation where the imaging unit 140 cannot read the code symbol due to a malfunction is expressed as a failure.

[0023] However, the self-service POS terminal 1 is designed to be operated by a customer. An operator who is unfamiliar with the operation, such as a customer, does not know that even if the fixed scanner fails to read the code symbol, the code symbol may be read by using the handy scanner 160. In other words, an operator who is unfamiliar with the operation cannot determine how to respond. Therefore, the self-service POS terminal 1 guides the operator to another reading method, such as the handy scanner 160.

[0024] Next, the hardware configuration of each device included in the self-service POS terminal 1 will be described.

[0025] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the self-service POS terminal 1. The self-service POS terminal 1 includes a control unit 101, a storage unit 102, a communication unit 103, a deposit / withdrawal unit 110, a display unit 120, a touch panel 121, an imaging unit 140, a printer 150, a handy scanner 160, a card reader / writer 170, and a patrol lamp 180. These units are connected to each other via a system bus 104 such as a data bus or an address bus.

[0026] The control unit 101 is a computer that controls the overall operation of the self-service POS terminal 1 and realizes various functions of the self-service POS terminal 1. The control unit 101 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 105, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 106, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 107. The CPU 105 controls the overall operation of the self-service POS terminal 1. The ROM 106 is a storage medium that stores various programs and data. The RAM 107 is a storage medium that temporarily stores various programs and data. The CPU 105 executes programs stored in the ROM 106, the storage unit 102, etc., using the RAM 107 as a work area.

[0027] The storage unit 102 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The storage unit 102 stores a control program 108 and a notification flag 109. The notification flag 109 may be stored in another device, not limited to the self-service POS terminal 1.

[0028] The control program 108 is a program for implementing the operating system and functions of the self-service POS terminal 1. The control program 108 includes a program for implementing characteristic functions according to this embodiment.

[0029] The notification flag 109 is a flag indicating whether or not a notification is required. The notification flag 109 is enabled when the imaging unit 140, which is a fixed scanner, fails to read the code symbol. The notification flag 109 is disabled when it becomes possible to read the code symbol. The self POS terminal 1 issues a notification when the notification flag 109 is enabled. On the other hand, the self POS terminal 1 does not issue a notification when the notification flag 109 is disabled.

[0030] The communication unit 103 is an interface for communicating with other devices via a network.

[0031] Next, a description will be given of characteristic functions of the self-service POS terminal 1. Here, Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the characteristic functional configuration of the self-service POS terminal 1.

[0032] The control unit 101 of the self-service POS terminal 1 loads the control program 108 stored in the storage unit 102 into the RAM 107, and operates according to the control program 108 to generate each functional unit in the RAM 107. Specifically, the control unit 101 of the self-service POS terminal 1 includes, as functional units, a fixed scanner control unit 1100, a handheld scanner control unit 1200, a notification control unit 1300, a notification storage unit 1400, an operation control unit 1500, a product registration unit 1600, and a transaction processing unit 1700.

[0033] The fixed scanner control unit 1100 controls the fixed scanner to read the code symbol. As a result, the fixed scanner control unit 1100 reads the product information from the code symbol. The fixed scanner control unit 1100 includes an imaging control unit 1110, a code symbol detection unit 1120, and a product information extraction unit 1130.

[0034] The imaging control unit 1110 controls the imaging unit 140 to capture an image. More specifically, the imaging control unit 1110 causes the imaging unit 140 arranged inside the reading window 141 to capture an image, on condition that the notification flag 109 is disabled. As a result, the imaging control unit 1110 captures an image of the commodity held over the reading window 141. That is, the imaging control unit 1110 captures an image of the code symbol attached to the commodity.

[0035] Furthermore, the imaging control unit 1110 stops imaging of an image by the imaging unit 140 on condition that the notification flag 109 is enabled. Here, when the notification flag 109 is enabled, the handy scanner control unit 1200 controls the handy scanner 160 to read the code symbol. That is, the imaging control unit 1110 stops imaging when the handy scanner control unit 1200 reads a code symbol. This makes it possible for the imaging control unit 1110 to prevent the reading of a code symbol from being executed even though it is clear that the code symbol cannot be read.

[0036] The code symbol detection unit 1120 detects a code symbol from an image captured by the imaging control unit 1110. More specifically, when the imaging control unit 1110 captures an image, the code symbol detection unit 1120 executes a detection process to detect a code symbol from the captured image. In this way, the code symbol detection unit 1120 detects a code symbol attached to a product from the image.

[0037] The product information extraction unit 1130 extracts product information for identifying a product from the code symbol detected by the code symbol detection unit 1120. More specifically, when the code symbol detection unit 1120 detects a code symbol, the product information extraction unit 1130 executes a decoding process to decode the detected code symbol. As a result, the product information extraction unit 1130 extracts product information from the code symbol.

[0038] The handy scanner control unit 1200 controls the handy scanner 160 to read the code symbol. As a result, the handy scanner control unit 1200 extracts product information from the code symbol. More specifically, the handy scanner control unit 1200 does not execute reading when the stationary scanner is in charge of reading the code symbol, and executes reading when the stationary scanner is not in charge of reading the code symbol. Specifically, the handy scanner control unit 1200 does not execute a reading process to read the code symbol when the notification flag 109 is invalid. On the other hand, the handy scanner control unit 1200 executes a reading process to read the code symbol when the notification flag 109 is valid. Note that the handy scanner control unit 1200 may execute a reading process to read the code symbol even when the notification flag 109 is invalid. For example, if the product is heavy, it is difficult for the operator to hold the product over the reading window 141. Therefore, when an operation to use the handy scanner 160 is received, the handy scanner control unit 1200 may execute a reading process to read the code symbol.

[0039] If a set time has elapsed since the code symbol detection unit 1120 detected a code symbol without the product information extraction unit 1130 extracting product information, the notification control unit 1300 notifies the handy scanner control unit 1200 to read the code symbol. More specifically, if the code symbol detection unit 1120 detects a code symbol, the notification control unit 1300 measures the elapsed time since the detection of the code symbol. Then, if the code symbol detection unit 1120 does not extract product information from the code symbol detected by the code symbol detection unit 1120 and the elapsed time exceeds the set time, the notification control unit 1300 determines that reading of the code symbol has failed.

[0040] When it is determined that the code symbol has failed to be read, the notification control unit 1300 causes the display unit 120 to display a notification screen 1310. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the notification screen 1310. The notification screen 1310 is a screen for notifying the handy scanner control unit 1200 that the code symbol will be read. In other words, the notification screen 1310 is a screen for inducing the use of the handy scanner 160 since the stationary scanner has failed to read the product information. The notification screen 1310 shown in FIG. 4 notifies the user of the failure to read and the use of the handy scanner 160 by a message. However, the notification screen 1310 may notify the user by a message, but may also notify the user by a sound, an image, a figure, or the like. The notification screen 1310 also includes a Yes button 1311. The Yes button 1311 is a button for inputting that the user has acknowledged the notification content. The Yes button 1311 is a button for consenting to have the handheld scanner control unit 1200 read the code symbol instead of the fixed scanner control unit 1100. In other words, the Yes button 1311 is an operation unit that accepts a reading operation to have the handheld scanner 160 read the code symbol. When the imaging control unit 1110 accepts the operation of the Yes button 1311, it stops imaging by the imaging unit 140. This allows the imaging control unit 1110 to stop the imaging unit 140 in conjunction with the reading operation.

[0041] Also, a Yes button 1311, which is an operation unit, accepts a reading operation on a notification screen 1310 that notifies the user that the reading unit will read the code symbol. In this way, by providing an operation unit on the notification screen 1310, the operator can easily input a reading operation.

[0042] Furthermore, when the notification control unit 1300 starts reading the code symbol of one transaction, if it stores the failure of extraction of product information by the product information extraction unit 1130, it notifies the handy scanner control unit 1200 that the code symbol will be read. One transaction refers to the process from the start of product registration to the completion of payment and issuance of a receipt. In other words, when the notification flag 109 is enabled, the notification control unit 1300 notifies the handy scanner 160 that the code symbol will be read at the start of reading the product information of one transaction. Specifically, the notification control unit 1300 causes the display unit 120 to display a message, icon, image, or the like notifying the handy scanner 160 that the code symbol will be read. The notification control unit 1300 may notify by voice, by blinking the patrol lamp 180, or by other methods, without being limited to the display unit 120. This allows the notification control unit 1300 to prevent an action of making the imaging unit 140 read the code symbol when the imaging unit 140 is in a state where it cannot read the code symbol at the start of reading the product information.

[0043] The notification storage unit 1400 enables the notification flag 109 (data indicating extraction failure) when the notification control unit 1300 determines that the fixed scanner has failed to read the code symbol. In other words, the notification storage unit 1400 stores data indicating failure of extraction of product information by the product information extraction unit 1130 within a set time. Here, when the product information extraction unit 1130 does not extract product information within the set time, the notification control unit 1300 determines that reading of the code symbol has failed and issues a notification. In this case, the notification storage unit 1400 enables the notification flag 109 to store the failure to extract product information in the storage unit 102. Furthermore, the notification storage unit 1400 disables the notification flag 109 when an operation indicating that maintenance work has been performed in response to the failure to read the code symbol is received.

[0044] The operation control unit 1500 controls the touch panel 121 to accept various operations. For example, the operation control unit 1500 accepts a reading operation to make the handheld scanner control unit 1200 read a code symbol. Specifically, the operation control unit 1500 accepts the reading operation on a notification screen 1310 that notifies the handheld scanner control unit 1200 that a code symbol will be read. That is, the operation control unit 1500 accepts an operation of pressing a Yes button 1311 on the notification screen 1310.

[0045] The product registration unit 1600 registers products for sale. More specifically, the product registration unit 1600 registers products specified by product information read by the fixed scanner control unit 1100 or the handheld scanner control unit 1200 as products for sale.

[0046] The accounting processing unit 1700 controls the deposit / withdrawal unit 110 to perform accounting for products for sale. More specifically, the accounting processing unit 1700 calculates the total price of the products for sale registered by the product registration unit 1600. When the deposit / withdrawal unit 110 accepts a deposit, the accounting processing unit 1700 calculates the amount of change. Then, the accounting processing unit 1700 causes the deposit / withdrawal unit 110 to dispense the change.

[0047] Next, the operation of the self-checkout POS terminal 1 will be described.

[0048] 5 is a flow chart showing an example of a first product registration process executed by the self-service POS terminal 1 of this embodiment. The first product registration process is a process for inviting a user to register a product using the handy scanner 160 when the notification flag 109 is enabled at the start of use. In other words, the first product registration process is a process for inviting a user to register a product using the handy scanner 160 when it is known that the fixed scanner will fail to read product information due to a malfunction or the like.

[0049] The notification control unit 1300 determines whether the notification flag 109 is enabled (step S1). If the notification flag 109 is disabled (step S1; No), the self-service POS terminal 1 executes a second product registration process (step S2) to be described later.

[0050] When the notification flag 109 is enabled (step S1; Yes), the notification control unit 1300 notifies that the fixed scanner cannot read the code symbol (step S3). Specifically, since the fixed scanner cannot read the code symbol, the notification control unit 1300 causes the display unit 120 to display a message, an icon, or the like that induces the user to use the handheld scanner 160.

[0051] The handy scanner control unit 1200 causes the handy scanner 160 to start reading the code symbol (step S4). On the other hand, when the notification flag 109 is valid, the fixed scanner control unit 1100 does not execute reading of the code symbol.

[0052] The handy scanner control unit 1200 judges whether or not the product information has been extracted by reading the code symbol (step S5). If the product information has not been extracted (step S5; No), the handy scanner control unit 1200 continues to extract the product information in step S5.

[0053] When the product information is extracted (step S5; Yes), the product registration unit 1600 registers the product identified by the extracted product information as a product for sale (step S6).

[0054] The operation control unit 1500 determines whether or not a closing operation for ending the product registration has been accepted (step S7). If the closing operation has not been accepted (step S7; No), the self-checkout POS terminal 1 proceeds to step S5.

[0055] If the closing operation is accepted (Step S7; Yes), the self-checkout POS terminal 1 ends the first product registration process.

[0056] With the above, the self-checkout POS terminal 1 ends the first product registration process.

[0057] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a second product registration process executed by the self-service POS terminal 1 of this embodiment. The second product registration process is a process for inducing a user to register a product using the handheld scanner 160 when the fixed scanner is unable to read product information during use.

[0058] The fixed scanner control unit 1100 causes the fixed scanner to start reading the code symbol (step S11).

[0059] The imaging control unit 1110 causes the imaging unit 140 to capture an image (step S12). The code symbol detection unit 1120 determines whether or not a code symbol is detected from the image captured by the imaging control unit 1110 (step S13). If a code symbol is not detected (step S13; No), the imaging control unit 1110 causes the imaging unit 140 to capture an image in step S12.

[0060] When a code symbol is detected (step S13; Yes), the notification control unit 1300 starts measuring the elapsed time since the code symbol was detected (step S14).

[0061] The product information extraction unit 1130 executes a decoding process to decode the detected code symbol (step S15).

[0062] The notification control unit 1300 judges whether or not a set time has elapsed since the code symbol was detected (step S16). If the set time has not elapsed (step S16; No), the product information extraction unit 1130 judges whether or not product information has been extracted by the decoding process (step S17). If product information has not been extracted (step S17; No), the self-service POS terminal 1 proceeds to step S16.

[0063] When the product information is extracted (step S17; Yes), the product registration unit 1600 registers the product identified by the extracted product information as a product for sale (step S18).

[0064] The operation control unit 1500 determines whether or not a closing operation for ending the product registration has been accepted (step S19). If the closing operation has not been accepted (step S19; No), the self-checkout POS terminal 1 proceeds to step S12.

[0065] If the closing operation is accepted (Step S19; Yes), the self-checkout POS terminal 1 ends the second product registration process.

[0066] In step S16, if the set time has elapsed (step S16; Yes), the notification control unit 1300 issues a notification by displaying the notification screen 1310 (step S20). The notification storage unit 1400 activates the notification flag 109 (step S21). The notification storage unit 1400 detects that a malfunction has occurred when the set time has elapsed (malfunction detection unit). When the notification control unit 1300 detects that a malfunction has occurred, it issues a notification to have a reading unit other than the imaging unit 140, which is a fixed scanner, read the code symbol. Note that the condition for the notification control unit 1300 to detect the occurrence of a malfunction is not limited to the detection of the elapse of the set time. For example, the notification control unit 1300 may detect that a malfunction has occurred when imaging data cannot be acquired even though a product is present in the imaging area.

[0067] The self-service POS terminal 1 switches the target for reading the code symbol (step S22). Specifically, the fixed scanner control unit 1100 ends reading the code symbol. On the other hand, the handy scanner control unit 1200 starts reading the code symbol. In other words, when the self-service POS terminal 1 detects that a failure has occurred, it switches the reading unit.

[0068] The handy scanner control unit 1200 determines whether or not the product information has been extracted by reading the code symbol (step S23). If the product information has not been extracted (step S23; No), the handy scanner control unit 1200 continues to extract the product information in step S23.

[0069] When the product information is extracted (step S23; Yes), the product registration unit 1600 registers the product identified by the extracted product information as a product for sale (step S24).

[0070] The operation control unit 1500 determines whether or not a closing operation for ending the product registration has been accepted (step S25). If the closing operation has not been accepted (step S25; No), the self-checkout POS terminal 1 proceeds to step S23.

[0071] If the closing operation is accepted (Step S25; Yes), the self-checkout POS terminal 1 ends the second product registration process.

[0072] In the above example, a failure of the imaging unit 140, which is a fixed scanner (fixed reading unit), is detected, and a notification is given that the code symbol is to be read by the handy scanner 160. Similarly, when a failure of the handy scanner 160, which is a handheld reading unit, is detected, the notification control unit 1300 may notify that the code symbol is to be read by the imaging unit 140. In this way, the notification control unit 1300 can notify that the code symbol is to be read by another reading unit, regardless of which reading unit has failed. In this case, the notification flag of the storage unit 102 is stored so as to be able to distinguish whether the failure of the imaging unit 140 or the handy scanner 160 has occurred. In other words, the storage unit 102 stores the notification flag of the imaging unit 140 and the notification flag of the handy scanner 160. This allows the notification control unit 1300 to determine which reading unit has failed.

[0073] With the above, the self-checkout POS terminal 1 ends the second product registration process.

[0074] As described above, the self-service POS terminal 1 according to this embodiment determines that reading of the code symbol has failed if the set time has elapsed without extracting product information after the code symbol detection unit 1120 detected the code symbol. In this case, the self-service POS terminal 1 notifies the operator that the code symbol will be read by the handy scanner 160 instead of the fixed scanner. Thus, the self-service POS terminal 1 can guide the operator to another reading method.

[0075] The self-service POS terminal 1 has an imaging unit 140 which is a first reading unit, and a handy scanner 160 which is a second reading unit. When the self-service POS terminal 1 detects a failure of the first reading unit or the second reading unit, it notifies the operator that the code symbol will be read by the first reading unit or the second reading unit which is not malfunctioning. This allows the self-service POS terminal 1 to guide the operator to operate another reading unit.

[0076] The first and second reading units may both be imaging units 140, or may both be handy scanners 160. The first and second reading units only need to be able to read information from a code symbol, and are not limited to a code symbol reading method. Furthermore, the self-service POS terminal 1 only needs to be able to guide a user to another reading unit when one of the two reading units breaks down.

[0077] Furthermore, the self-checkout POS terminal 1 may notify the user that the image capturing unit 140 should read the code symbol if the handy scanner 160 breaks down.

[0078] In addition, the type of each reading unit is not relevant. That is, the first reading unit may be a handheld reading unit, and the second reading unit may be a stationary reading unit. This allows the self-service POS terminal 1 to guide the operator to different types of reading units.

[0079] As described above, in the case of a stationary reading unit, it is difficult for an operator to read the code symbol of a heavy product. Therefore, when the notification control unit 1300 detects that the stationary reading unit has broken down, it notifies that the code symbol will be read by the handheld reading unit. On the other hand, when the notification control unit 1300 detects that the handheld reading unit has broken down, it may notify that the stationary reading unit will read the code symbol, but may notify that both the handheld reading unit and the stationary reading unit have stopped reading. In this case, the stationary scanner control unit 1100 and the handy scanner control unit 1200 stop reading the code symbol. This allows the notification control unit 1300 to guide the operator to the handheld reading unit, and prevents the operator from being guided to the stationary reading unit, which has difficulty in reading heavy products. Furthermore, when the notification control unit 1300 stops the stationary scanner control unit 1100 and the handy scanner control unit 1200, it causes the patrol lamp 180 to flash. This allows the notification control unit 1300 to notify the store clerk that reading of the code symbol has stopped. The store clerk can then take appropriate action to resume reading of the code symbol from the stop. This eliminates the need for the operator to have the code symbols of heavy products read by a stationary reading unit.

[0080] Even if the handheld reading unit breaks down, if the product is light, the operator can easily read the code symbol with the stationary reading unit. Therefore, when the notification flag 109 indicating that the handheld reading unit is broken is enabled at the start of use, the self-service POS terminal 1 may display a message inquiring of the operator as to whether or not there is a heavy product. Specifically, the storage unit 102 stores the notification flag 109 indicating that the handheld reading unit is broken. Then, when the notification flag 109 indicating that the handheld reading unit has broken down is enabled, the notification control unit 1300 displays an operation button for inputting the presence or absence of a heavy product on the display unit 120. That is, the notification control unit 1300 notifies the operator that the presence or absence of a heavy product is to be input. Then, when the operator operates the button indicating that there is no heavy product using the touch panel 121, the notification control unit 1300 notifies the operator that the code symbol will be read with the stationary reading unit. On the other hand, when a button indicating that a heavy product is present is operated, the notification control unit 1300 may notify that reading has been stopped. In this case, the fixed scanner control unit 1100 and the handheld scanner control unit 1200 stop reading the code symbol. The notification control unit 1300 also blinks the patrol lamp 180. In this way, the notification control unit 1300 can notify that the code symbol will be read by the fixed reading unit according to the weight of the product at the start of reading. Furthermore, the notification control unit 1300 can prevent an operator carrying a heavy product from reading by the fixed reading unit while realizing the guidance of the operator to another reading method.

[0081] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

[0082] The programs executed by each device in the above-mentioned embodiments and modifications are provided by being pre-installed in a storage medium (ROM or storage unit) included in each device, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the programs may be provided by being recorded in an installable or executable format on a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). Furthermore, the storage medium is not limited to a medium independent of the computer or embedded system, but also includes a storage medium in which a program transmitted via a LAN, the Internet, or the like is downloaded and stored or temporarily stored.

[0083] In addition, the programs executed by each device in the above embodiments and modified examples may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading them via the network, or may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1 Self-service POS terminal 109 Notification Flag 140 Imaging unit 141 Reading window 160 Handheld Scanner 1100 Fixed scanner control unit 1110 Imaging control unit 1120 Code symbol detector 1130 Product information extraction section 1200 Handy scanner control unit 1300 Notification control unit 1310 Notification screen 1311 Yes button 1400 Notification memory unit 1500 Operation control section 1600 Product Registration Department 1700 Accounting Department [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0085] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-238773 A

Claims

1. A reading unit for reading a code symbol; An imaging unit that captures an image; a code symbol detection unit that detects a code symbol from the image captured by the imaging unit; a product information extraction unit that extracts product information for identifying a product from the code symbol detected by the code symbol detection unit; a notification control unit that notifies the reading unit to read the code symbol when a set time has elapsed since the code symbol detection unit detected the code symbol without the product information extraction unit extracting the product information; and A reading device comprising:

2. the imaging unit stops imaging when the reading unit reads the code symbol; 2. The reading device according to claim 1.

3. an operation unit that receives a reading operation for causing the reading unit to read the code symbol; the imaging unit stops imaging when the operation unit accepts the reading operation; 3. A reading device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the operation unit accepts the reading operation on a screen that notifies the reader unit to read the code symbol.

4. The reading device according to claim 3.

5. a storage unit configured to store a failure of the product information extraction unit to extract the product information within the set time, the notification control unit notifies the reading unit to read the code symbol when the extraction failure is stored at the start of reading the product information of one transaction, A reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A first reading unit which is a stationary reading unit that reads a code symbol; a second reading unit, the second reading unit being a handheld reading unit, for reading the code symbol; a failure detection unit that detects a failure of the first reading unit or the second reading unit; a notification control unit that notifies the second reading unit to read the code symbol when the failure detection unit detects a failure of the first reading unit, and that notifies the first reading unit and the second reading unit to stop reading when the failure detection unit detects a failure of the second reading unit; A reading device comprising:

7. a memory unit that stores information that the second reading unit has failed, the notification control unit notifies the user to input whether or not there is a heavy commodity when it has been memorized that the second reading unit has failed at the time of starting to read the code symbol of one transaction; 7. A reading device according to claim 6.

8. A computer of a reading device including a reading unit for reading a code symbol and an imaging unit for capturing an image, a code symbol detection unit that detects a code symbol from the image captured by the imaging unit; a product information extraction unit that extracts product information for identifying a product from the code symbol detected by the code symbol detection unit; a notification control unit that notifies the reading unit to read the code symbol when a set time has elapsed since the code symbol detection unit detected the code symbol without the product information extraction unit extracting the product information; and A program to make it function as such.

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