Reading device, product data registration system, and program

Abstract

To provide a reader allowing information to be precisely read, a product data registration system, and a program.SOLUTION: A reader of an embodiment is provided with: a scanner reading code information represented in a code symbol; a holding body detachably holding the scanner; a detection unit detecting a first state where the scanner is held with the holding body and a second state where the scanner is detached from the holding body; and a setting condition change unit setting setting conditions relating to reading of the scanner so that the reading distance of the scanner in the second state become shorter than that in the first state when the detection unit detects the second state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a reading device, a product data registration system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a reading device that includes a barcode reader equipped with an imaging unit that captures an image of a barcode or the like attached to a product, and that can be used either while fixed to a stand or while detached from the stand and held by hand (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] When such a barcode reader is used while fixed to a stand, the product is brought close to the imaging unit, an image of the barcode attached to the product is captured, and the product code indicated by the barcode is read. In this usage, the user does not need to hold the barcode reader, and has the advantage that, for example, the user can use both hands to capture images of the barcodes attached to products one after another and read the product codes. On the other hand, when the barcode reader is used while removed from the stand, the user holds the barcode reader and points the imaging unit toward the barcode to capture an image of the barcode and read the product code. In this usage, for example, when reading a product code from a barcode attached to a heavy product, the user has the advantage that he or she can read the product code without holding the heavy product.

[0004] The above-mentioned barcode reader is advantageous in that the user can select how to use it depending on the situation, but no consideration is given to reading information accurately. For example, when the above-mentioned barcode reader is used after being removed from the stand, if the reading distance of the barcode reader is long, while the barcode reader is being moved, it may erroneously read the barcode of a product other than the product for which it is intended to read the barcode. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a reading device, a product data registration system, and a program capable of reading information accurately. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A reading device according to an embodiment includes a scanner that reads code information indicated by a code symbol, a holder that detachably holds the scanner, a detection unit that detects a first state in which the scanner is held by the holder and a second state in which the scanner is removed from the holder, and a setting condition change unit that, when the detection unit detects the second state, sets setting conditions related to reading by the scanner so that the reading distance of the scanner is shorter than in the first state, and in the first state, after changing the setting conditions, Regardless of the operation of the trigger switch, and a reading control unit that causes the scanner to immediately start reading the code information, and in the second state, causes the scanner to start reading the code information on condition that the trigger switch is operated after the setting conditions are changed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a product data registration system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the scanner according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a data configuration of the imaging condition table section of the scanner of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the scanner according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a reading process by the control unit of the scanner according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a scanner according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a data configuration of an irradiation output intensity table portion of the scanner of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, a first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a product data registration system 1 according to the first embodiment. The product data registration system 1 is installed in a retail store such as a supermarket, and includes a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal 2, a reading device 3, and a workbench 4.

[0009] The POS terminal 2 is a self-service POS terminal that registers products purchased by customers who shop and handles accounting. The POS terminal 2 acquires a product code for identifying a product, which is read by the reading device 3 from a code symbol attached to the product, and executes accounting processing for the customer to make payment. In the present embodiment, the code symbol is described as a barcode, but this is only one example, and a two-dimensional code may be used as the code symbol. The POS terminal 2 registers products based on the product code acquired from the reading device 3, and is an example of a registration device. Product registration refers to temporarily storing the acquired product code and / or product information acquired based on the product code in the POS terminal 2 in order to carry out accounting processing. The POS terminal 2 also has a support unit 21, an operation display unit 22, and a cash deposit / withdrawal unit 23.

[0010] One end of the support unit 21 is connected to the workbench 4. The support unit 21 has a built-in printer 211. The printer 211 functions as a receipt printer that prints a receipt when a customer's transaction is completed. The support unit 21 is formed with an issuing port 212 that issues receipts printed by the printer 211.

[0011] The operation display unit 22 is attached to the upper end of the support unit 21. The operation display unit 22 includes a display 221, a touch panel 222, and a keyboard 223.

[0012] The display 221 is composed of a liquid crystal panel, etc. The display 221 displays various information, such as information on registered products, the total amount of one transaction, and a registration button for registering products without barcodes.

[0013] The touch panel 222 is provided on the surface of the display 221, and inputs information according to the touched position to the control unit of the POS terminal 2. For example, when a customer touches the registration button, the touch panel 222 inputs the product code of the product indicated by the registration button to the control unit of the POS terminal 2.

[0014] The keyboard 223 includes a start key for inputting the start of a transaction, a closing key for closing the transaction and declaring that the price will be settled, and a payment method selection key for selecting a payment method such as cash payment or various cashless payments.

[0015] The deposit / withdrawal unit 23 is a device for a customer to make a payment. The deposit / withdrawal unit 23 includes a coin change machine 231, a bill change machine 232, and a card reader 233.

[0016] The coin change machine 231 has a coin insertion slot 2311 and a coin discharge tray 2312. The coin change machine 231 accepts coins inserted by a customer into the coin insertion slot 2311, and dispenses coins as change to be given to the customer onto the coin discharge tray 2312.

[0017] The bill change machine 232 has a bill insertion slot 2321 and a bill discharge slot 2322. The bill change machine 232 accepts bills inserted by a customer into the bill insertion slot 2321, and discharges and pays out bills from the bill discharge slot 2322 as change to be given to the customer.

[0018] The card reader 233 reads a member ID for identifying a customer from a member card distributed to the customer in advance. When a customer makes a credit card payment, the card reader 233 reads credit information required for the payment from the credit card. These cards are inserted through the insertion slot 2331. The deposit / withdrawal unit 23 may also be equipped with a device for reading information required for other cashless payments, such as a two-dimensional code reader.

[0019] The reading device 3 reads the product code of the product from the barcode attached to the product purchased by the customer, and outputs the product code to the POS terminal 2. The reading device 3 includes a scanner 31 and a holder 32. Note that in this embodiment, the reading device 3 is described as being connected to the POS terminal 2, but this is just an example and the reading device can be used in other fields.

[0020] The scanner 31 recognizes the barcode attached to the product from the captured image, decodes the recognized code symbol, and reads the product code. The product code is an example of code information indicated by the code symbol. The barcode recognized by the scanner 31 may be decoded by the control unit of the POS terminal 2. In this case, the code information indicated by the code symbol is not the product code but the barcode itself before decoding.

[0021] The scanner 31 includes a main body 311 and a handle 312. The main body 311 incorporates an imaging unit 313 (see FIG. 2 ), and is formed with an imaging window (hereinafter also referred to as a reading window) 314 through which the imaging unit 313 captures an image. The handle 312 is held by a customer when the scanner 31 is detached from the holder 32 and used. The handle 312 is provided with a trigger switch 315. The trigger switch 315 is turned on by the customer using the scanner 31 when a product code is to be read with the scanner 31 detached from the holder 32.

[0022] The holder 32 is placed on the workbench 4 and detachably holds the scanner 31. The holder 32 includes a holder 321 that detachably holds the lower end of the handle 312 of the scanner 31. The holder 321 is formed in a concave shape, not shown in detail, and the lower end of the handle 312 is detachably fitted into the holder 321. A contact is provided on the bottom surface of the concave holder 321, and when the handle 312 is fitted into the holder 321, the contact comes into contact with a contact provided at the lower end of the handle 312. As a result, the contact of the handle 312 is connected to an AC power source via a power cord (not shown) provided on the holder 32, and the battery 317 provided in the scanner 31 is charged. That is, the holder 32 also functions as a charging stand for charging the battery 317 of the scanner 31.

[0023] The workbench 4 supports the support unit 21 of the POS terminal 2 and the holder 32 of the scanner 31. The holder 32 may be fixedly attached to the workbench 4, or may be movably placed on the workbench 4. In addition, a customer can place a shopping basket on the workbench 4 when making a payment.

[0024] Next, a description will be given of the hardware configuration of the scanner 31. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the scanner 31.

[0025] The scanner 31 includes a control unit 330, a memory unit 340, an input / output controller 350, a power supply circuit 360, and a communication I / F (Interface) 370. The control unit 330, the memory unit 340, the input / output controller 350, the power supply circuit 360, and the communication I / F 370 are connected to each other via a bus 380.

[0026] The control unit 330 is configured as a computer including a central processing unit (CPU) 331, a read only memory (ROM) 332, and a random access memory (RAM) 333. The CPU 331, the ROM 332, and the RAM 333 are connected to each other via a bus 380.

[0027] The CPU 331 controls the overall operation of the scanner 31. The ROM 332 stores various programs, such as a program used to drive the CPU 331, and various data. The RAM 333 includes a barcode section 334. The barcode section 334 is an area for storing a barcode read from an image captured by the imaging section 313. The RAM 333 is also used as a work area for the CPU 331, and loads various programs and data stored in the ROM 332 and the memory section 340. The control section 330 executes various control processes for the scanner 31 by the CPU 331 operating in accordance with the control programs stored in the ROM 332 and the memory section 340 and loaded in the RAM 333.

[0028] The memory unit 340 is configured with a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state memory (SSD). The memory unit 340 includes a control program unit 341, a product master unit 342, and an image capture condition table unit 343. The control program unit 341 stores various control programs in addition to a control program for functioning as the scanner 31.

[0029] The product master unit 342 stores a product master. The product master is a master file that stores product information associated with a product code that identifies a product handled in the retail store where the POS terminal 2 is installed. The product information is, for example, a product name, a price, an image, etc. Since the products handled in the retail store change daily, the product master is appropriately updated by the POS terminal 2 connected via the communication I / F 370 or a store server (not shown). The product master unit 342 may be provided in the POS terminal 2.

[0030] The imaging condition table unit 343 stores an imaging condition table. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of the imaging condition table unit 343. The imaging condition table defines a first setting condition and a second setting condition for a plurality of imaging parameters. The imaging parameters are an example of setting conditions related to reading by the scanner 31. The first setting condition is a setting condition of the imaging parameters in a state (first state) in which the scanner 31 is held by the holder 32. The second setting condition is a setting condition of the imaging parameters in a state (second state) in which the scanner 31 is detached from the holder 32, and each imaging parameter is set so that the reading distance by the scanner 31 is closer to the first setting condition. The reading distance is a distance from the reading window 314 at which the imaging unit 313 can image the reading object.

[0031] The first setting condition is set to the following states with respect to the second setting condition: 1. the luminance value of the illumination of the imaging unit 313 is high, 2. the shutter speed of the imaging unit 313 is low, 3. the camera gain (sensitivity) of the imaging unit 313 is high, and 4. the focal length of the imaging unit 313 is long. In the first setting condition, the reading distance is set to about 50 centimeters, and the imaging unit 313 can capture an image of a reading object that is present at a distance from the reading window 314 in a range of about 0 to 50 centimeters. In this embodiment, the above imaging parameters 1 to 4 in the first setting condition are set to values ​​suitable for a reading distance of about 0 to 50 centimeters.

[0032] The second setting condition is set to the following states, respectively, in comparison with the first setting condition: 1. the luminance value of the illumination of the imaging unit 313 is low, 2. the shutter speed of the imaging unit 313 is high, 3. the camera gain (sensitivity) of the imaging unit 313 is low, and 4. the focal length of the imaging unit 313 is close. In the second setting condition, the reading distance is set to about 20 centimeters, and the imaging unit 313 can capture an image of a reading object that exists within a distance range of about 0 to 20 centimeters from the reading window 314. In this embodiment, the above-mentioned imaging parameters 1 to 4 in the second setting condition are set to values ​​suitable for a reading distance of about 0 to 20 centimeters.

[0033] In the present embodiment, as a more preferred example, the first and second setting conditions have different settings for all of the imaging parameters. However, it is not necessary to make all of the imaging parameters different. For example, only the luminance value of the illumination may be made different between the first and second setting conditions.

[0034] 2, the input / output controller 350 is connected to the imaging unit 313, the trigger switch 315, and the acceleration sensor 316. The input / output controller 350 has a function as an input / output interface for the connected hardware and a function for controlling the hardware. This enables the control unit 330 to transmit and receive information (data) to and from the imaging unit 313, the trigger switch 315, and the acceleration sensor 316 via the input / output controller 350, and also enables the control unit 330 to control the hardware based on instructions from the control unit 330.

[0035] The imaging unit 313 is built into the main body 311 and is configured with a camera equipped with an imaging element such as a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) or a charge coupled device (CCD). For example, when the imaging unit 313 detects that an object located within the imaging area of ​​the imaging unit 313 moves, the imaging unit 313 starts capturing an image of the object. The imaging unit 313 can capture an image of a barcode attached to a product located within a predetermined distance from the reading window 314.

[0036] The trigger switch 315 is provided on the handle portion 312, and is operated by the customer in the second state where the scanner 31 is detached from the holder 32. The trigger switch 315 inputs an operation signal to the control portion 330 in the second state.

[0037] The acceleration sensor 316 is provided, for example, on the handle portion 312. The acceleration sensor 316 detects a change in movement of the scanner 31 that occurs in response to an operation by a customer holding the handle portion 312. When the acceleration sensor 316 detects a change in movement of the scanner 31, it outputs a signal indicating the change to the control unit 330.

[0038] The power supply circuit 360 is connected to the battery 317. The power supply circuit 360 is a circuit that supplies power to each piece of hardware in the scanner 31. The power supply circuit 360 supplies power to each piece of hardware by, for example, stepping down the voltage supplied from the battery 317 to the respective operating voltages.

[0039] The communication I / F 370 is an interface for communicating with the POS terminal 2. The control unit 330 is connected to the POS terminal 2 via the communication I / F 370, thereby enabling transmission and reception of information (data) between the control unit 330 and the POS terminal 2.

[0040] Next, the functional configuration of the scanner 31 will be described. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the scanner 31. The control unit 330 functions as a reception unit 3301, a reading control unit 3302, a code information reading unit 3303, a transmission unit 3304, a detection unit 3305, a setting condition change unit 3306, and a switch signal input unit 3307 by the CPU 331 operating in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 3322 or the control program unit 341 of the memory unit 340. Each of these functions may be configured by hardware.

[0041] The reception unit 3301 receives a signal indicating the start of a transaction and a signal indicating the end of a transaction from the POS terminal 2. Specifically, when a customer making a payment operates the touch panel 222 or keyboard 223 of the POS terminal 2 to input an instruction to start a transaction before starting product registration, the reception unit 3301 receives a signal indicating the start of a transaction. In addition, when the customer completes payment at the POS terminal 2 and a receipt is issued, the reception unit 3301 receives a signal indicating the end of the transaction from the POS terminal 2.

[0042] When the reception unit 3301 receives a signal indicating the start of a transaction, the reading control unit 3302 controls the imaging unit 313 to start imaging. In the second state in which the scanner 31 is detached from the holder 32, the reading control unit 3302 starts imaging on the condition that the trigger switch 315 is turned on. Furthermore, when the reception unit 3301 receives a signal indicating the end of a transaction, the reading control unit 3302 controls the imaging unit 313 to stop imaging. Furthermore, the reading control unit 3302 reads a barcode included in the image captured by the imaging unit 313 and stores it in the barcode unit 334. The reading control unit 3302 also controls the imaging unit 313 as necessary.

[0043] The code information reading unit 3303 reads code information indicated by the barcode stored in the barcode unit 334. Specifically, the code information reading unit 3303 decodes the barcode stored in the barcode unit 334 and reads the product code. Furthermore, based on the read product code, the code information reading unit 3303 refers to the product master unit 342 to acquire product information of the product identified by the product code. Note that the decoding of the barcode and the acquisition of the product information by referring to the product master unit 342 may be performed by the POS terminal 2.

[0044] The transmitting unit 3304 transmits the product code and product information acquired by the code information reading unit 3303 to the POS terminal 2. When a product master is provided in the POS terminal 2 and product information is acquired by the POS terminal 2, the transmitting unit 3304 transmits the product code read by the code information reading unit 3303 to the POS terminal 2. When the barcode is decoded and product information is acquired by referring to the product master unit 342 by the POS terminal 2, the transmitting unit 3304 transmits the barcode itself to the POS terminal 2.

[0045] The detection unit 3305 detects a first state in which the scanner 31 is held by the holder 32 and a second state in which the scanner 31 is removed from the holder 32. Specifically, when the detection unit 3305 receives a signal from the acceleration sensor 316 indicating that the scanner 31 is not moving, the detection unit 3305 determines that the scanner 31 is still held by the holder 32 and detects that the first state is being assumed. In addition, when the detection unit 3305 receives a signal from the acceleration sensor 316 indicating that the scanner 31 is moving, the detection unit 3305 determines that the scanner 31 has been removed from the holder 32 and is being operated by the customer, and detects that the second state is being assumed.

[0046] When the detection unit 3305 detects the second state, the setting condition change unit 3306 sets the setting conditions related to the reading of the scanner 31 so that the reading distance of the scanner 31 is shorter than that of the first state. Specifically, when the detection unit 3305 detects the second state, the setting condition change unit 3306 refers to the imaging condition table unit 343 and sets each imaging parameter shown in FIG. 3 to the second setting condition. As a result, the reading distance of the scanner 31 becomes shorter. Also, when the detection unit 3305 detects the first state, the setting condition change unit 3306 refers to the imaging condition table unit 343 and sets each imaging parameter shown in FIG. 3 to the first setting condition. As a result, the reading distance of the scanner 31 becomes longer.

[0047] The switch signal input unit 3307 receives an operation signal from the trigger switch 315. When the trigger switch 315 is turned on by a customer, the switch signal input unit 3307 receives the operation signal.

[0048] Next, a description will be given of the processing of the control unit 330 of the scanner 31. FIG.

[0049] The control unit 330 judges whether the reception unit 3301 has received a signal indicating the start of a transaction from the POS terminal 2 (S1). That is, the control unit 330 judges whether the customer who purchases the product has performed an operation to start a transaction on the POS terminal 2. If the signal indicating the start of a transaction has not been received (N in S1), the control unit 330 returns to the process of S1 and waits, and when the signal indicating the start of a transaction is received (Y in S1), the control unit 330 judges whether the detection unit 3305 has detected the first state (S2).

[0050] When the detection unit 3305 detects the first state (Y of S2), the setting condition change unit 3306 refers to the imaging condition table unit 343 and sets each imaging parameter to the first setting condition (S3), and the reading control unit 3302 controls the imaging unit 313 to start imaging (S4). In other words, the control unit 330 determines that the scanner 31 is being used as a fixed scanner held by the holder 32, and increases the reading distance of the scanner 31.

[0051] In the process of S2, if the detection unit 3305 does not detect the first state (N in S2), in other words, if the detection unit 3305 detects the second state, the setting condition change unit 3306 sets each imaging parameter to the second setting condition with reference to the imaging condition table unit 343 (S5). Next, the control unit 330 determines whether or not a signal has been input from the trigger switch 315 to the switch signal input unit 3307 (S6).

[0052] If no signal is input from trigger switch 315 (N in S6), control unit 330 returns to the process of S2, and if a signal is input from trigger switch 315 (Y in S6), the process proceeds to S4 where reading control unit 3302 controls imaging unit 313 to start imaging. In the second state, it is determined that the customer is holding and moving scanner 31, so imaging unit 313 starts imaging on the condition that trigger switch 315 is turned on, so as not to inadvertently capture an image of a barcode attached to a product.

[0053] Following the process of S4, the control unit 330 judges whether the reading control unit 3302 has read a barcode from the image captured by the imaging unit 313 (S7). If the reading control unit 3302 has not read a barcode (N in S7), the control unit 330 returns to the process of S2. If the reading control unit 3302 has read a barcode (Y in S7), the reading control unit 3302 stores the read barcode in the barcode unit 334 (S8).

[0054] Next, the code information reading unit 3303 decodes the barcode stored in the barcode unit 334 to read the product code (S9), and the transmission unit 3304 transmits the product code to the POS terminal 2 (S10). In this embodiment, the code information reading unit 3303 refers to the product master unit 342 to obtain product information corresponding to the read product code, and the transmission unit 3304 transmits the product information together with the product code to the POS terminal 2.

[0055] Following transmission of the product code by the transmission unit 3304, the control unit 330 judges whether or not a signal indicating the end of the transaction has been input to the reception unit 3301 from the POS terminal 2 (S11), and if a signal has been input (Y in S11), the control unit 330 judges that the transaction process at the POS terminal 2 has ended and ends the reading process. If a signal indicating the end of the transaction has not been input to the reception unit 3301 (N in S11), the control unit 330 returns to the process of S2 and repeats the subsequent processes.

[0056] The reading device 3 configured as above is normally in the first state, in other words, the scanner 31 is used as a fixed scanner. In this case, the reading range of the scanner 31 is fixed, and the product code is read only when the product that the customer wishes to purchase is positioned within the reading range. Therefore, the possibility of erroneously reading the product code of a product other than the product that the customer wishes to purchase, such as a product in another customer's shopping cart or a product displayed on a shelf installed close to the POS terminal 2, is extremely low.

[0057] On the other hand, when reading a product code from a barcode attached to a heavy product, the reading device 3 is in the second state, in other words, the scanner 31 is used as a handheld scanner. This is because it is not necessary to bring the heavy product into the reading range of the fixed scanner. In this case, while the scanner 31 is being moved to orient the reading window 314 of the scanner 31 to the barcode attached to the product, another product may be positioned within the reading range of the scanner 31, and the product code of a product that the customer does not intend to purchase may be erroneously read. In particular, when reading a product code placed away from the workbench 4, the above-mentioned erroneous reading of the product code is likely to occur.

[0058] However, the reading device 3 of this embodiment is equipped with a detection unit 3305 that detects a first state in which the scanner 31 is held by the holder 32 and a second state in which the scanner 31 is removed from the holder 32, and a setting condition change unit 3306 that, when the detection unit 3305 detects the second state, sets the setting conditions related to reading by the scanner 31 so that the reading distance of the scanner 31 is shorter than that in the first state.

[0059] Therefore, in the first state where there is little risk of erroneous reading of the product code, the reading distance is increased, making it possible to read the product code without bringing the product with the barcode closer than necessary to the reading window 314, improving operability. Also, in the second state where there is a risk of erroneous reading of the product code, the reading distance is shortened to prevent inadvertent reading of the product code, allowing for accurate reading of the product code.

[0060] Additionally, in the second state, the reading device 3 of this embodiment reads the product code when a customer using the scanner 31 turns on the trigger switch 315. Therefore, in the second state where there is a risk of erroneous reading of the product code, it is possible to further prevent inadvertent reading of the product code.

[0061] The scanner 31 may not only read information indicated by a code symbol attached to a product or the like, but may also read information from an image captured by the imaging unit 313. For example, the scanner may be applied to a system in which image data captured by the imaging unit 313 is transmitted to the POS terminal 2 by the transmission unit 3304, and the product is identified by the POS terminal 2 using an object recognition technique. In this case, the image data is an example of image information. The scanner 31 may also be applied to a system in which the code information reading unit 3303 reads a product code from the image data by using object recognition technique, and the transmission unit 3304 transmits the product code to the POS terminal 2. In this case, the product code is an example of image information.

[0062] That is, the reading device 3 may include a scanner 31 that reads information of an image captured by the imaging unit 313, a holder 32 that detachably holds the scanner 31, a detection unit 3305 that detects a first state in which the scanner 31 is held by the holder 32 and a second state in which the scanner 31 is removed from the holder 32, and a setting condition change unit 3306 that sets setting conditions related to reading by the scanner 31 so that the reading distance of the scanner 31 is shorter than that in the first state when the detection unit 3305 detects the second state. This configuration also provides good operability in the first state and allows accurate reading of image information in the second state.

[0063] Next, a second embodiment will be described. While the scanner 31 in the first embodiment is of a type that captures an image of a barcode and reads a product code, the scanner 31 in the second embodiment is of a type that irradiates light onto a barcode and reads the product code from the reflected light. Below, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

[0064] 6 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the scanner 31 according to the second embodiment. The memory unit 340 of the scanner 31 includes an irradiation output intensity table unit 344.

[0065] The irradiation output intensity table section 344 stores an irradiation output intensity table. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of the irradiation output intensity table section 344. The irradiation output intensity table defines a first setting condition and a second setting condition for the output intensity (hereinafter also simply referred to as output intensity) of the irradiation section 318. The output intensity can also be referred to as luminous intensity representing the brightness of the light emitted by the irradiation section 318, and is an example of a setting condition related to reading by the scanner 31.

[0066] As in the first embodiment, the first setting condition is the output intensity in the first state, Reading Distance About 50 centimeters and The second setting condition is a setting condition of the output intensity in the second state, and is set so that the reading distance is About 20 centimeters It is set to be.

[0067] 6, the input / output controller 350 is connected to the irradiation unit 318 and the light receiving unit 319. This allows the control unit 330 to transmit and receive information (data) to and from the irradiation unit 318 and the light receiving unit 319 via the input / output controller 350, and also allows the control unit 330 to control these pieces of hardware based on instructions from the control unit 330.

[0068] The irradiation unit 318 is composed of, for example, a red LED or a laser diode, and the output intensity is controlled by the reading control unit 3302. The light receiving unit 319 is composed of, for example, a CCD image sensor or a photodiode, and receives reflected light of the light emitted by the irradiation unit 318. The code information reading unit 3303 reads the product code indicated by the barcode based on the reflected light received by the light receiving unit 319.

[0069] In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, in the first state where there is little risk of erroneous reading of the product code, the reading distance is increased, so that the product code can be read without bringing the product with the barcode closer to the reading window 314 than necessary, improving operability. In the second state where there is a risk of erroneous reading of the product code, the reading distance is shortened to prevent inadvertent reading of the product code, so that the product code can be read accurately. In addition, in the second embodiment, the output intensity of the irradiation unit 318 needs only to be changed based on the detection result of the detection unit 3305, so the configuration does not become complicated.

[0070] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These 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.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the control program executed by the scanner 31 may be provided by recording it on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Also, the control program executed by the scanner 31 may be provided by storing it on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloading it via the network, or may be provided via a network such as the Internet. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1. Product Data Registration System 2 POS terminal (registration device) 3 Reading device 31 Scanner 32 Holding body 3305 Detector 3306 Setting condition change section [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0073] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-162100 A

Claims

1. a scanner having a trigger switch and adapted to read code information indicated by a code symbol; a holder for detachably holding the scanner; a detection unit that detects a first state in which the scanner is held by the holder and a second state in which the scanner is detached from the holder; a setting condition changing unit that sets a setting condition related to reading by the scanner so that a reading distance of the scanner becomes shorter than that of the first state when the detection unit detects the second state; a read control unit that, in the first state, causes the scanner to immediately start reading the code information after the setting conditions are changed, regardless of whether the trigger switch is operated, and that, in the second state, causes the scanner to start reading the code information on condition that the trigger switch is operated after the setting conditions are changed; A reading device comprising:

2. The scanner reads code information based on an image of a code symbol captured by an imaging unit, The setting condition change unit changes the imaging conditions of the imaging unit.

2. The reading device according to claim 1.

3. The scanner receives reflected light of light irradiated onto a code symbol by an irradiation unit, and reads code information based on the light reception result, The setting condition change unit changes the output intensity of the irradiation unit.

2. The reading device according to claim 1.

4. a scanner having a trigger switch and reading information of an image captured by an imaging unit; a holder for detachably holding the scanner; a detection unit that detects a first state in which the scanner is held by the holder and a second state in which the scanner is detached from the holder; a setting condition changing unit that sets a setting condition related to reading by the scanner so that a reading distance of the scanner becomes shorter than that of the first state when the detection unit detects the second state; a read control unit that, in the first state, causes the scanner to immediately start reading the information after the setting conditions are changed, regardless of whether the trigger switch is operated, and that, in the second state, causes the scanner to start reading the information on condition that the trigger switch is operated after the setting conditions are changed; A reading device comprising:

5. A reading device having a trigger switch for reading code information from a code symbol attached to a product; a registration device that registers product data based on the code information read by the reading device; A product data registration system comprising: The reading device is a scanner for reading code information indicated by the code symbol; a holder for detachably holding the scanner; a detection unit that detects a first state in which the scanner is held by the holder and a second state in which the scanner is detached from the holder; a setting condition changing unit that sets a setting condition related to reading by the scanner so that a reading distance of the scanner becomes shorter than that of the first state when the detection unit detects the second state; a read control unit that, in the first state, causes the scanner to immediately start reading the code information after the setting conditions are changed, regardless of whether the trigger switch is operated, and that, in the second state, causes the scanner to start reading the code information on condition that the trigger switch is operated after the setting conditions are changed; A product data registration system comprising:

6. A program for controlling a reading device, which includes a scanner having a trigger switch and reading code information indicated by a code symbol, and a holder for detachably holding the scanner, said program comprising: The computer, a detection unit that detects a first state in which the scanner is held by the holder and a second state in which the scanner is detached from the holder; a setting condition changing unit that sets a setting condition related to reading by the scanner so that a reading distance of the scanner becomes shorter than that of the first state when the detection unit detects the second state; a read control unit that, in the first state, causes the scanner to immediately start reading the code information after the setting conditions are changed, regardless of whether the trigger switch is operated, and that, in the second state, causes the scanner to start reading the code information on condition that the trigger switch is operated after the setting conditions are changed; A program that makes it work.

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