Reading device

Abstract

To provide a reading device that enables a user to easily recognize an operation method and receive an accurate instruction on the operation method.SOLUTION: The reading device comprises: a reading part for reading information shown by an optical reading code held over a reading area; a light guide plate for showing an image related to an operation guide; and an illumination part for emitting light on the light guide plate. The reading part reads the information shown by the optical reading code through the light guide plate. The light guide plate shows the image in response to the light emitted by the illumination part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for assisting in reading an object. [Background technology]

[0002] Various devices have been devised for reading two-dimensional barcodes and contactless IC cards. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a stationary information code reader that reads an information code by a user holding an object to be read over the reader.

[0003] When a user holds a two-dimensional barcode over a reading device, the reading device displays information on an output panel indicating where to hold the two-dimensional barcode. Specifically, if the two-dimensional barcode is a QR code (registered trademark), light is emitted onto the reading surface of the QR code (registered trademark) into a frame with cut-out characters, and a character string such as "QR" is displayed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-191826 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with the configuration of Patent Document 1, there is a risk that a user of the reading device will have difficulty in identifying the character string displayed on the output panel.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE An object of the present invention is to provide a reading device that allows a user to easily recognize an operation method and receive accurate instructions regarding the operation method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to an example of the present disclosure, the reading device includes a reading unit that reads information indicated by an optically readable code held over a reading area, a light guide plate that displays an image related to operation guidance, and an illumination unit that irradiates light to the light guide plate. The reading unit reads the information indicated by the optically readable code through the light guide plate. The light guide plate displays an image according to the light irradiated by the illumination unit.

[0008] In this configuration, the user can recognize the processing method and processing results for the object simply by referring to the image displayed on the reading device. In other words, the user does not need to check any information other than that displayed on the reading device, improving the user's visibility.

[0009] According to one example of the present disclosure, a controller of the reading device may control the display of the image on the light guide plate.

[0010] In this configuration, the light guide plate can hide the image by detecting that the reading unit is approaching the object. In other words, since no image is displayed between the object and the reading unit, the reading unit can read the object with high accuracy.

[0011] According to an example of the present disclosure, the control unit of the reading device may selectively switch between a plurality of images to be displayed on the light guide plate.

[0012] In this configuration, the image displayed on the light guide plate can be switched depending on whether the reading unit successfully reads the object or not, allowing the user to clearly understand the result of reading the object.

[0013] According to an example of the present disclosure, the reading device may include a touch panel disposed closer to the reading area than the light guide plate.

[0014] In this configuration, the numeric keypad can be used by displaying it on the light guide plate. Also, when the numeric keypad displayed on the light guide plate is hidden, the reading unit can read other information. In other words, operations using the numeric keypad and operations reading other information such as barcodes can be easily performed by switching between displaying and hiding the light guide plate.

[0015] According to one example of the present disclosure, the reading device may include a proximity wireless communication unit whose wireless communication area overlaps with the reading region.

[0016] In this configuration, if the reading device has a function for reading magnetic cards, the reading device can read two-dimensional barcodes and magnetic cards. In other words, by using this reading device, multiple functions can be used with one device, eliminating the need to install multiple devices, and saving space and reducing costs.

[0017] According to one example of the present disclosure, the reading unit may include a barcode reader.

[0018] This configuration allows the information stored in the barcode to be read in a short period of time, making it highly convenient. Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a reading device that allows a user to easily recognize the operation method and receive accurate instructions on the operation method. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the reading device of this example. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the reading device of this example. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the reading device of this example. [Figure 4] 4(A), 4(B) and 4(C) are diagrams showing an outline of the operation of the reading device of this example. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the process flow of the reading device of this example. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a reading device according to the first modification. [Figure 7] 7(A), 7(B), 7(C) and 7(D) are diagrams showing an outline of the operation of the reading device of the second modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the reading device of the second modified example. [Figure 9] 9(A), 9(B), and 9(C) are a schematic diagram and a schematic block diagram of a reading device according to the third modification. [Figure 10] 10(A) and 10(B) are schematic block diagrams of a reading device according to the fourth modification. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a reading device according to the fourth modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to several drawings.

[0022] <1. Application Examples> First, an example to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a reading device 10 in this example. The reading device 10 includes a light guide plate 110, a reading unit 120, and an illumination unit 140. The light guide plate 110 is in substantial contact with a reading surface 101 located on the outer surface of the reading device 10. The light guide plate 110 is formed in the reading device 10 at a position and inclination that allows the reading unit 120 to read the reading surface 101.

[0023] The reading surface 101 is a plane within the reading area where the reading unit 120 focuses on an object. That is, the reading unit 120 can read an object by a user bringing the object (e.g., a two-dimensional barcode) close to or into contact with the reading surface 101. Note that in this specification, the reading surface 101 in the reading area is defined as the outer surface (plane) of the reading device 10 for convenience.

[0024] When light is received by the light guide plate 110, the light is refracted within the light guide plate 110. An image is displayed on the light guide plate 110 by reflecting this light.

[0025] The reading unit 120 has a function of reading an object when a user brings the object close to the reading surface 101 or when the object is brought into contact with the reading surface 101.

[0026] The illumination unit 140 is, for example, an LED. This LED is used for the illumination function when reading an object and for irradiating light to the light guide plate 110. That is, the light guide plate 110 receives light from the illumination unit 140 and reflects the light inside the light guide plate 110 to display an image.

[0027] A specific process flow will be described. A user performs payment processing using a two-dimensional barcode (e.g., QR code (registered trademark)) displayed on a smartphone, for example. This two-dimensional barcode corresponds to the "optically readable code" of the present invention. Note that this two-dimensional barcode is not limited to one displayed on a smartphone, and a two-dimensional barcode printed on a paper medium or the like may also be used. Furthermore, it is not limited to a two-dimensional barcode.

[0028] The reading device 10 is connected to a POS register. A user uses the reading device 10 to carry out a payment process.

[0029] When the registration of the product is completed (the payment amount is finalized) at the POS register, the control unit (not shown in FIG. 1) instructs the illumination unit 140 to turn on. The illumination unit 140 emits light. By receiving this light, the light guide plate 110 displays a message (image) instructing the reader to hold the two-dimensional barcode over the reading surface 101.

[0030] The user brings the smartphone closer to the reading device 10. The reading unit 120 detects the smartphone. When the distance between the smartphone and the reading surface 101 becomes shorter, the reading unit 120 outputs to the control unit a message indicating that the smartphone has approached.

[0031] The control unit outputs to the illumination unit 140 a message that the smartphone is approaching the reading surface 101. The illumination unit 140 turns off, and the light guide plate 110 does not display the image. The reading unit 120 reads the two-dimensional barcode. The control unit outputs to the payment terminal a message that the payment has been completed using the two-dimensional barcode.

[0032] With this configuration, operation instructions for the user can be displayed on the light guide plate 110. The user can easily complete the payment while checking the instructions on the light guide plate 110.

[0033] Furthermore, since the light guide plate 110 is configured to be hidden when the smartphone approaches the reading surface 101, a decrease in the reading accuracy of the two-dimensional barcode can be suppressed.

[0034] <2. Configuration example> Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a reading device. Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a reading device. Fig. 3 is a block diagram of a reading device. Fig. 4(A), Fig. 4(B) and Fig. 4(C) are diagrams showing an overview of the operation of the reading device.

[0035] A more specific configuration example will be described using the configuration of the reading device 10 in Fig. 1 and the block diagrams of the reading device 10 in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the reading device 10 in Fig. 1 and a block diagram showing the functions of the reading device 10. Fig. 3 is a block diagram of the reading device.

[0036] The reading device 10 includes a light guide plate 110, a reading unit 120, a control unit 130, and an illumination unit 140. The reading device 10 also includes a housing 105, in which the light guide plate 110, the reading unit 120, the control unit 130, and the illumination unit 140 are provided.

[0037] The light guide plate 110 is substantially in contact with the reading surface 101 defined as the outer surface of the housing 105 of the reading device 10. The light guide plate 110 is disposed in a position facing the reading surface 101, and the light guide plate 110 is further disposed in a position facing the reading unit 120. In other words, the light guide plate 110 is disposed between the reading surface 101 and the reading unit 120.

[0038] As described in the above application example, the reading surface 101 is a plane within the reading area where the reading unit 120 focuses on the target object. In this case, it is preferable that the light guide plate 110 is disposed outside the reading area.

[0039] (Configuration of the reading device 10) An image is formed on the light guide plate 110 by processing minute dots. When the light guide plate 110 receives light, the light is reflected by the minute dots formed on the light guide plate 110, and an image is displayed on the light guide plate 110. In this specification, the configuration in which "an image is displayed" on the light guide plate 110 is equivalent to the light reflected within the light guide plate 110 reaching the viewpoint of the user using the reading device 10, thereby allowing the user to see the image.

[0040] The light guide plate 110 in the present invention is, for example, a See Thorough Panel (STP). https: / / components.omron.com / amusement / products / component / products17.html)

[0041] The reading unit 120 is connected to a control unit 130. The control unit 130 is connected to an illumination unit 140.

[0042] The reading unit 120 reads a two-dimensional barcode held over the reading surface 101. The reading unit 120 in the configuration example includes, for example, a camera.

[0043] The reading unit 120 captures an image of a two-dimensional barcode that a user holds over the reading surface 101. The reading unit 120 may be equipped with, for example, a barcode reader that scans one-dimensional barcodes, a camera that can read (detect) an object, a linear image sensor, or a laser image sensor, or may be configured to have multiple functions.

[0044] The reading unit 120 decodes the captured image. Furthermore, the reading unit 120 determines whether or not the reading of the two-dimensional barcode has been successful from the decoded image data. Note that the method of reading an object by the reading unit 120 is known, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0045] The illumination unit 140 is, for example, an LED. This LED is used for illumination when reading an object and for irradiating light to the light guide plate 110. The light guide plate 110 receives light from the illumination unit 140 and refracts the light within the light guide plate 110 to display an image. In other words, it is preferable that the illumination unit 140 is disposed at a position where the light guide plate 110 can receive light.

[0046] (Processing flow of the reading device 10) A specific process flow of the reading device 10 will be described with reference to the above-mentioned configuration (particularly FIG. 2) and FIGS. 4(A), 4(B) and 4(C).

[0047] First, a process flow until a user uses the reading device 10 will be described. The reading device 10 is connected to, for example, a POS register (not shown). As shown in FIG. 4(A), nothing is displayed on the light guide plate 110 of the reading device 10.

[0048] When the registration process for the product is completed at the POS register, in other words, when the payment amount is finalized, the control unit 130 of the reading device 10 instructs the illumination unit 140 to turn on. The illumination unit 140 emits light.

[0049] 4B, the light guide plate 110 receives this light and displays an image. In this case, the user can see the text (image) instructing him / her to hold the two-dimensional barcode over the reading surface 101.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 4(C), a user performs a payment process using smartphone 200 on which a two-dimensional barcode (e.g., QR code (registered trademark)) is displayed. At this time, the user brings smartphone 200 closer to reading surface 101. Reading unit 120 detects that smartphone 200 is approaching. When the distance between the smartphone and reading surface 101 becomes short (e.g., within 5 cm), reading unit 120 outputs to control unit 130 that smartphone 200 is approaching.

[0051] The control unit 130 outputs to the illumination unit 140 a signal that the smartphone is approaching the reading surface 101. The illumination unit 140 turns off. This causes the light guide plate 110 to not display the image. The reading unit 120 reads the two-dimensional barcode.

[0052] The reading unit 120 decodes the captured image and then determines whether or not the reading of the two-dimensional barcode has been successful based on the decoded image data.

[0053] At this time, if a certain period of time has passed without the user holding the smartphone 200 up, the light guide plate 110 may be configured to flash. More specifically, the reading unit 120 may be configured to include a timer unit (not shown). If the user does not bring the smartphone 200 close to the reading surface 101 even after a certain period of time (for example, about 10 seconds) has passed, the reading unit 120 outputs a message to that effect to the control unit 130. The control unit 130 causes the lighting unit 140 to flash. This makes it possible to alert the user.

[0054] <3. Example of operation> 5 is a flow chart showing the flow of processing by the reading device 10. A specific flow of processing by the reading device 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0055] The user uses the POS register to complete the registration of the product, and then makes the payment for the product (S101).

[0056] When the product registration process is completed at the POS register, in other words, when the payment amount is finalized, the control unit 130 of the reading device 10 instructs the illumination unit 140 to start up (turn on) (S102). The illumination unit 140 emits light.

[0057] The light guide plate 110 displays an image by receiving light from the illumination unit 140. In this case, the image displays a message (image) instructing the reader to hold the two-dimensional barcode over the reading surface 101 (S103).

[0058] The user performs a payment process using the two-dimensional barcode. At this time, the user brings the smartphone 200 close to the reading surface 101. The reading unit 120 detects that the smartphone 200 is approaching. If the reading unit 120 detects the smartphone 200 (S104: Yes), the reading unit 120 outputs the detection result to the control unit 130.

[0059] The control unit 130 instructs the illumination unit 140 to turn off the illumination unit 140. The illumination unit 140 ends the process (S105).

[0060] The reading unit 120 reads the two-dimensional barcode displayed on the smartphone 200 (S106). In this way, the user completes the payment for the product.

[0061] If the reading unit 120 cannot detect the smartphone 200 (S104: No), the reading unit 120 waits for a certain period of time (for example, 10 seconds). The reading unit 120 outputs to the control unit 130 a message indicating that the smartphone 200 could not be detected. The control unit 130 instructs the illumination unit 140 to perform a blinking display. The illumination unit 140 blinks, so that the image displayed on the light guide plate 110 is displayed blinking. After that, the reading unit 120 determines whether or not the smartphone 200 can be detected (S104).

[0062] With this configuration, the light guide plate 110 can clearly display to the user how to operate the reading device 10. Therefore, the user can easily complete the payment while checking the operation method displayed on the light guide plate 110.

[0063] In the above configuration, the reading device 10 is used as a payment terminal such as a POS register. However, the reading device 10 may be used not only as a payment terminal but also as a ticket gate equipped with a two-dimensional barcode (QR code (registered trademark)) reader or as a hotel check-in terminal.

[0064] In the above configuration, a QR code (registered trademark) that is a two-dimensional barcode is used as an example. However, the barcode is not limited to a QR code (registered trademark). It may be a one-dimensional barcode or a three-dimensional barcode. The shape of the barcode is also not limited to a square, and may be a rectangle, etc.

[0065] In the above-described configuration, the reading unit 120 is configured to hide the light guide plate 110 (to turn off the illumination unit 140) when the smartphone 200 approaches the reading surface 101. However, if an image displayed on the light guide plate 110 does not affect the reading of a two-dimensional barcode, for example, the light guide plate 110 may not be hidden.

[0066] <4. Modifications> Variation 1 Fig. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a reading device 10A of the modified example 1. As shown in Fig. 6, the light guide plate 110 in the reading device 10A is formed at a certain distance d from the reading surface 101. The other configuration of the reading device 10A is the same as that of the configuration example, and the description of the similar parts will be omitted.

[0067] The distance d may be any distance that allows an image to be recognized when the light guide plate 110 is viewed from the reading surface 101 side inside the reading device 10A.

[0068] With this configuration, it is possible to reliably focus the reading unit 120 on the smartphone 200. In addition, it is possible to prevent minute dots formed on the light guide plate 110 from being reflected on the reading unit 120, and thus it is possible to prevent a decrease in reading accuracy.

[0069] Variation 2 7(A), 7(B), 7(C) and 7(D) are diagrams showing an outline of the operation of the reading device 10B of the modified example 2. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the reading device 10B of the modified example 2.

[0070] As shown in Fig. 7(A), Fig. 7(B), Fig. 7(C), Fig. 7(D), and Fig. 8, the light guide plate 110B includes a first light guide plate 111B and a second light guide plate 112B. The light guide plate 110B switches the display method of the light guide plate 110B after the reading unit 120 reads the two-dimensional barcode. In other words, the control unit 130 determines whether to display the first light guide plate 111B or the second light guide plate 112B by controlling the illumination unit 140. Other configurations of the reading device 10B are the same as those in the configuration example, and the description of similar parts will be omitted.

[0071] A process flow in which a user uses the reading device 10B will be described with reference to Fig. 7(A), Fig. 7(B), Fig. 7(C), and Fig. 7(D). The reading device 10B is connected to a POS register (not shown). As shown in Fig. 7(A), the light guide plate 110B includes a first light guide plate 111B and a second light guide plate 112B. Nothing is displayed on the first light guide plate 111B and the second light guide plate 112B of the reading device 10B in Fig. 7(A).

[0072] When the registration process for the product is completed at the POS register, in other words, when the payment amount is finalized, the control unit 130 of the reading device 10B instructs the illumination unit 140 to turn on. The illumination unit 140 emits light. At this time, the control unit 130 instructs the illumination unit 140 to emit light toward the first light guide plate 111B. A message is displayed on the first light guide plate 111B instructing the user to hold the two-dimensional barcode over the reading surface 101.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 7(B), the light guide plate 110B receives this light and displays an image of the first light guide plate 111B.

[0074] As shown in Fig. 7(C), the user performs a payment process using the smartphone 200 on which the two-dimensional barcode is displayed. The user brings the smartphone 200 close to the reading surface 101. The reading unit 120 detects that the smartphone 200 is approaching. The reading unit 120 outputs to the control unit 130 a message indicating that the smartphone 200 is approaching.

[0075] The control unit 130 outputs to the illumination unit 140 a signal that the smartphone is approaching the reading surface 101. The illumination unit 140 is turned off. This causes the first light guide plate 111B to not display an image. The reading unit 120 reads the two-dimensional barcode.

[0076] The control unit 130 reads the two-dimensional barcode and determines that the payment is complete. The control unit 130 instructs the illumination unit 140 to emit light to the second light guide plate 112B. A message or image indicating that the payment is complete is displayed on the second light guide plate 112B.

[0077] Next, a specific flow of processing by the reading device 10B will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0078] The user uses the POS register to complete the registration of the product, and then makes the payment for the product (S111).

[0079] When the product registration process is completed at the POS register, in other words, when the payment amount is finalized, the control unit 130 of the reading device 10B instructs the illumination unit 140 to turn on (S112). The illumination unit 140 emits light to the first light guide plate 111B.

[0080] The first light guide plate 111B displays an image by receiving light from the illumination unit 140. In this case, the image displays a message instructing the user to hold the two-dimensional barcode over the reading surface 101 (S113).

[0081] The user performs a payment process using the two-dimensional barcode. At this time, the user brings the smartphone 200 close to the reading surface 101. The reading unit 120 detects that the smartphone 200 is approaching. If the reading unit 120 detects the smartphone 200 (S114: Yes), the reading unit 120 outputs the detection result to the control unit 130.

[0082] The control unit 130 instructs the illumination unit 140 to turn off the illumination. The illumination unit 140 ends the process (S115). As a result, the first light guide plate 111B is no longer displayed.

[0083] The reading unit 120 reads the two-dimensional barcode displayed on the smartphone 200 (S116). The user completes the payment for the product.

[0084] When the payment is completed, the control unit 130 instructs the illumination unit 140 to turn on (S117). The illumination unit 140 emits light to the second light guide plate 112B.

[0085] The second light guide plate 112B displays an image by receiving light from the illumination unit 140. In this case, the image displays (an image, a message) indicating that the payment process has been completed (S118).

[0086] If the reading unit 120 cannot detect the smartphone 200 (S114: No), the reading unit 120 waits for a certain period of time (for example, 10 seconds). The reading unit 120 outputs to the control unit 130 a message indicating that the smartphone 200 cannot be detected. The control unit 130 instructs the illumination unit 140 to perform a blinking display. The illumination unit 140 blinks, so that the image displayed on the first light guide plate 111B is displayed blinking. After that, the reading unit 120 determines whether or not the smartphone 200 can be detected (S114).

[0087] This allows the user to clearly understand where to place the two-dimensional barcode and easily understand that payment using the two-dimensional barcode has been completed, thereby improving user convenience.

[0088] In the above-described configuration, an example in which the first light guide plate 111B and the second light guide plate 112B are switched has been shown. However, the configuration is not limited to the first light guide plate 111B and the second light guide plate 112B, and may be a configuration including a plurality of other light guide plates (a plurality of images).

[0089] Variation 3 9(A), 9(B), and 9(C) are schematic diagrams and schematic block diagrams of a reading device 10C of the third modified example. As shown in FIG. 9(A), 9(B), and 9(C), the reading device 10C includes a card reader 106 for reading a magnetic card 107, and a touch panel 115 on the reading surface 101. For example, the touch panel 115 is a capacitive touch panel that detects a change in capacitance (charge) calculated from a minute amount of current generated when the panel is touched with a finger, using a sensor. The other configurations of the reading device 10C are the same as those in the configuration example, and the description of the same parts will be omitted. Note that the touch panel is a device that detects an operation by detecting the position coordinates of the operation.

[0090] The light guide plate 110 displays, for example, a numeric keypad by receiving light from the illumination unit 140. By touching the touch panel 115, the user can input a numerical value displayed on the numeric keypad.

[0091] In addition to the numeric keypad, the light guide plate 110 may display buttons for prompting the user to confirm an operation, or buttons such as "Yes" and "No" for confirming the user's intention.

[0092] A specific process flow will be described. The user inserts the magnetic card 107 into the card reader 106 to make a payment. At this time, the user is instructed to enter a PIN code from the device to which the reading device 10C is connected. The control unit 130 instructs the illumination unit 140 to turn on. The illumination unit 140 emits light. The light guide plate 110 receives this light and displays an image of a numeric keypad. This allows the user to enter a PIN code using the reading device 10C.

[0093] When the illumination unit 140 is turned off, that is, when the reading device 10C does not accept input of a password, the reading unit 120 reads, for example, a two-dimensional barcode. When the reading unit 120 reads a two-dimensional barcode, the light guide plate 110 is used to display a message instructing the user to hold the two-dimensional barcode over the reading surface 101.

[0094] This allows the user to clearly understand where to hold the two-dimensional barcode, and further allows the user to use the numeric keypad when reading a magnetic card. In other words, by using the reading device 10C, both two-dimensional barcodes and magnetic cards can be read. This allows multiple functions to be used with one device, eliminating the need to install multiple devices, and thus saving space and reducing costs.

[0095] In this modification, an example in which a capacitive touch panel is provided has been shown. However, the touch panel is not limited to a capacitive type, and may be a resistive type. Furthermore, it may be an optical type such as a non-contact touch panel.

[0096] Variation 4 Fig. 10(A) and Fig. 10(B) are schematic block diagrams of a reading device 10D of Modification 4. Fig. 11 is a block diagram of a reading device 10D of Modification 4. As shown in Fig. 10(A), Fig. 10(B) and Fig. 11, a proximity wireless communication unit 150 that enables short-distance wireless communication is disposed on the reading surface 101. That is, the periphery of the reading surface 101 becomes the wireless communication area.

[0097] 10(A) and 10(B), the reading device 10D includes a proximity wireless communication unit 150. Other configurations of the reading device 10D are similar to those in the configuration example, and a description of similar parts will be omitted.

[0098] The proximity wireless communication unit 150 receives information from the smartphone 200, a contactless IC card (not shown), and the like.

[0099] The user uses the POS register to complete the product registration. The user then makes the payment for the product.

[0100] When the registration process for the product is completed at the POS register, in other words, when the payment amount is finalized, the control unit 130 of the reading device 10D instructs the illumination unit 140 to turn on. The illumination unit 140 emits light toward the light guide plate 110.

[0101] The light guide plate 110 displays an image by receiving light from the illumination unit 140. In this case, the image displays a message instructing the user to bring the smartphone 200 closer to the reading surface 101. The user uses the smartphone 200 to perform a payment process.

[0102] At this time, the control unit 130 may be configured to determine that the reading unit 120 does not need to read the two-dimensional barcode, and not to instruct the illumination unit 140 to be turned off.

[0103] This allows the user to clearly understand where to place the two-dimensional barcode and also allows the user to make payments using a contactless IC card, thus improving user convenience.

[0104] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and the components can be modified in the implementation stage without departing from the gist of the invention. In particular, the order of the operation processing procedures in each device is not limited to the above-described order, and the order may be changed as necessary. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above-described embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, components across different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

[0105] Furthermore, the correspondence between the configuration according to the present invention and the configuration according to the above-mentioned embodiment can be described as follows. <Additional Notes> A reading unit (120) that reads information indicated by an optically readable code held over a reading area; A light guide plate (110) for displaying images related to operation guidance; an illumination unit (140) that radiates light to the light guide plate (110); Equipped with The reading unit (120) reads information indicated by the optical reading code through the light guide plate (110); The light guide plate (110) displays the image in response to the light emitted by the illumination unit (140). [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D...Reading device 101...Reading surface 105…Housing 106...Card reader 107...Magnetic card 110, 110B...Light guide plate 111B…First light guide plate 112B…Second light guide plate 115…Touch panel 120…Reading unit 130...Control unit 140…Lighting section 150...Proximity wireless communication unit 200…Smartphone

Claims

1. An illumination unit that emits light to a light guide plate when lit and displays an image related to operation guidance on the light guide plate; a reading unit that reads information indicated by an optical read code presented by a medium held over a reading area through the light guide plate; a control unit that controls emission of light from the illumination unit to the light guide plate and controls display of an image on the light guide plate, The reading unit detects whether a medium approaches the reading area, The control unit turns off the illumination unit when the reading unit detects that the medium has approached the reading area.

2. The reading device described in Claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the illumination unit to blink if a certain period of time has elapsed from the time the illumination unit is switched from an off state to an on state without the reading unit detecting that a medium has approached the reading area.

3. The light guide plate is provided in a plurality of pieces, The reading device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit selectively switches the light guide plate that emits light by the illumination unit.

4. a touch panel disposed closer to the reading area than the light guide plate; 4. The reading device according to claim 1, wherein the reading device is a reading device for reading a document.

5. 5. The reading device according to claim 1, further comprising a proximity wireless communication unit whose wireless communication area overlaps with the reading region.

6. The reading device according to claim 1 , wherein the reading unit comprises a barcode reader.

7. A reading device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit switches the lighting unit from an off state to an on state when registration of a product to be traded at a connected POS register is completed.

8. An illumination unit that irradiates light to a light guide plate when lit and displays an image related to operation guidance on the light guide plate; a control unit of the reading device including a reading unit that reads information indicated by an optically readable code presented by a medium held over a reading area through the light guide plate, a display step of controlling emission of light from the illumination unit to the light guide plate and controlling display of an image on the light guide plate; a reading step of turning off the illumination unit when the reading unit detects that the medium has approached the reading area.

9. An illumination unit that irradiates light to a light guide plate when lit and displays an image related to operation guidance on the light guide plate; a reading unit that reads information indicated by an optically readable code presented by a medium held over a reading area through the light guide plate, a display step of controlling emission of light from the illumination unit to the light guide plate and controlling display of an image on the light guide plate; a reading step of turning off the illumination unit when the reading unit detects that a medium has approached the reading area.

Images