Product information reading device and program

Abstract

To provide a commodity information reading device that can read commodity information without awareness of which of a bar code and a wireless tag has been read.SOLUTION: The commodity information reading device includes: a wireless tag reading unit (a first reading unit) that reads, from an RFID tag (a wireless tag) in which code information that uniquely specifies a commodity has been registered, the code information; a code symbol reading unit (a second reading unit) that reads, from a bar code (a code symbol) in which code information that uniquely specifies a commodity has been registered, the code information; a reading start instruction unit that instructs start of reading by the wireless tag reading unit and the code symbol reading unit; and a reading result determination unit (a determination unit) that based on a result of comparison between a reading result obtained by the wireless tag reading unit and a reading result obtained by the code symbol reading unit, determines the reading results of the code information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a product information reading device and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a product information reading device that selectively operates either reading of a wireless tag such as an RFID tag or reading of a code symbol such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In such a product information reading device, when both a barcode and a wireless tag are attached to a product, the operator consciously switches between reading the barcode and reading the wireless tag.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a product information reading device and a program capable of reading product information without being conscious of which of a barcode and a wireless tag is read.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The product information reading device according to the embodiment is The device comprises: a first reading unit that reads code information from a wireless tag on which code information uniquely identifies a product is registered; a second reading unit that reads code information from a code symbol on which code information uniquely identifies a product is registered; a reading start instruction unit that instructs the first reading unit and the second reading unit to start reading; and a confirmation unit that, if it is determined that the reading result from the first reading unit and the reading result from the second reading unit are equal, confirms either the reading result from the first reading unit or the reading result from the second reading unit as the code information reading result; and if it is determined that the reading result from the first reading unit and the reading result from the second reading unit are different, confirms both the reading result from the first reading unit and the reading result from the second reading unit as the code information reading result. .

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the product information reading device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a wireless tag and a code symbol attached to a product. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the product information reading device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4]Figure 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the product information reading device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by the product information reading device of the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a product information reading device in a modified embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a first flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by a product information reading device of a modified embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a second flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by a product information reading device of a modified embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] A product information reading device 100 to which this disclosure is applied will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0008] (Outline structure of a product information reading device) The schematic structure of the product information reading device 100 will be explained using Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the product information reading device according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of a wireless tag and code symbol attached to a product. When a customer purchases a product, the product information reading device 100 reads product information from the barcode or RFID tag attached to the product being purchased. The product information reading device 100 then outputs the read product information to an external POS terminal to register the product and process payment. In addition, when taking inventory of products, the product information reading device 100 reads product information from the barcode or RFID tag attached to the product. The product information reading device 100 then outputs the read product information to an external server device to generate product inventory information.

[0009] The product information reading device 100 according to this embodiment comprises, broadly speaking, an RFID antenna 12, a barcode scanner 13, and a grip 16. The product information reading device 100 is used in the sales floor and backroom of stores such as supermarkets.

[0010] The RFID antenna 12 is enclosed within the housing 11 and reads the EPC (Electronic Product Code) stored in the RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag 85 (see Figure 2) by wireless communication with the RFID tag 85, which stores data. The RFID tag 85 is an example of a wireless tag in this disclosure.

[0011] The barcode scanner 13 is installed on the front of the housing 11 and reads product codes such as JAN (Japanese Article Number) codes stored in the barcode 82 (see Figure 2). Note that barcode 82 is an example of a code symbol in this disclosure. The barcode scanner 13 is equipped with a camera 14 and an LED 15. The camera 14 captures an image of the barcode 82. The LED 15 projects a slit-shaped light into the imaging range of the camera 14. The operator of the product information reader 100 moves the product information reader 100 to position it so that the slit-shaped light emitted by the LED 15 crosses the barcode 82, and causes the product information reader 100 to read the barcode 82.

[0012] The grip 16 is connected to the upper part of the housing 11 and is formed in a curved shape. The grip 16 is a part that can be held with one hand by the operator when using the product information reading device 100.

[0013] A trigger switch 17 is installed at the base of the grip 16. The trigger switch 17 instructs the RFID antenna 12 to start reading the RFID tag 85 and the barcode scanner 13 to start reading the barcode 82. More specifically, when the operator of the product information reading device 100 presses (gripping) the trigger switch 17, the reading of the RFID tag 85 and barcode 82 begins.

[0014] A base 18 for placing the mobile terminal 40 is installed on the upper part of the grip 16. The mobile terminal 40 is fixed to the product information reading device 100 by being clamped by a pair of clamping parts 19 while placed on the base 18.

[0015] The mobile terminal 40 includes a display device 41 and an operating device 42. The mobile terminal 40 is connected to the product information reader 100 by wireless communication and displays the code information read by the product information reader 100 on the display device 41. It also provides detailed operating instructions to the product information reader 100 via the operating device 42. The display device 41 is, for example, an LCD monitor or an OLED monitor. The operating device 42 is, for example, a touch panel stacked on the display device 41. The mobile terminal 40 is, for example, a smartphone. The product information reader 100 may have a structure that incorporates both the display device 41 and the operating device 42.

[0016] As shown in Figure 2, the product 80 to be read by the product information reader 100 has a product label 81 attached to its surface. The product label 81 has a barcode 82, a product name 83, and a price 84 printed on it. The barcode 82 stores a JAN code or similar that uniquely identifies the product.

[0017] Furthermore, product 80 has an RFID tag 85 attached to it. The RFID tag 85 stores an EPC code that uniquely identifies the product. The EPC code includes the JAN code and other information, such as the product's serial number.

[0018] Note that FIG. 2 is described for easy understanding, and the RFID tag 85 may be integrated with the product label 81 on which the barcode 82 is printed.

[0019] (Hardware Configuration of Product Information Reading Device) Using FIG. 3, the hardware configuration of the product information reading device 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the product information reading device of the embodiment.

[0020] The product information reading device 100 has a configuration in which a control unit 20, a storage unit 24, and various peripheral devices are connected to each other via an internal bus.

[0021] The control unit 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23.

[0022] The CPU 21 controls the overall operation of the product information reading device 100. The ROM 22 stores various programs and various data for operating the CPU 21. The RAM 23 is used as a work area for the CPU 21 and expands various programs and various data stored in the ROM 22 and the storage unit 24. The control unit 20 expands various programs stored in the ROM 22 and the storage unit 24 in the RAM 23 and operates the CPU 21 to execute various control processes of the product information reading device 100.

[0023] The storage unit 24 stores a control program 25 and a product master 26.

[0024] The control program 25 is a program for operating the product information reading device 100.

[0025] The control program 25 executed by the product information reading device 100 in this embodiment may be provided by recording it on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Alternatively, the control program 25 may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading it via the network, or it may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0026] The product master 26 is a master file that stores information about the products handled by the store. The product master 26 is used to confirm the information read by the product information reader 100 by comparing it with the information read from the barcode 82 or RFID tag 85. The product master 26 may also be stored in an external server device connected to the product information reader 100. In that case, communication takes place between the product information reader 100 and the server device to confirm the read information.

[0027] The product information reading device 100 is connected to the following peripheral devices: a trigger switch 17, a scanner controller 27, an antenna controller 28, a wireless interface 29, a buzzer 30, a serial interface 31, and a battery 32.

[0028] As mentioned above, the trigger switch 17 is a switch that instructs the RFID antenna 12 to start reading the RFID tag 85 and the barcode scanner 13 to start reading the barcode 82.

[0029] The scanner controller 27 controls the operation of the barcode scanner 13 based on instructions from the control unit 20. The scanner controller 27 is connected to the camera 14 and the LED 15.

[0030] The antenna controller 28 controls the radio wave transmission and radio wave reception operations performed by the RFID antenna 12 based on instructions from the control unit 20.

[0031] The wireless interface 29 is an interface that connects the product information reading device 100 and the mobile terminal 40. For example, Bluetooth® can be used for the wireless interface 29.

[0032] The buzzer 30 signals that a new RFID tag 85 has been read, based on instructions from the control unit 20. Since the RFID antenna 12 can read information from multiple RFID tags 85 at once, the operator of the product information reader 100 recognizes that the reading is complete when the buzzer 30 stops sounding.

[0033] The serial interface 31 is an interface that connects the product information reading device 100 to an externally installed POS terminal or server device. For example, USB is used for the serial interface 31.

[0034] Battery 32 is a secondary battery, such as a lithium-ion battery, that supplies power to the product information reader 100.

[0035] (Functional configuration of the product information reading device) The functional configuration of the product information reading device 100 will be explained using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the product information reading device according to the embodiment.

[0036] The control unit 20 of the product information reading device 100 loads the control program 25 into the RAM 23 and operates it to realize the following functional units as shown in Figure 4: the wireless tag reading unit 51, the code symbol reading unit 52, the reading start instruction unit 53, the reading result confirmation unit 56, and the reading result output unit 57. Some or all of these functions may be realized by dedicated hardware.

[0037] The wireless tag reader 51 reads code information from an RFID tag 85 (wireless tag) on ​​which code information uniquely identifies a product is registered. Note that the wireless tag reader 51 is an example of the first reader in this disclosure.

[0038] The code symbol reading unit 52 reads code information from a barcode 82 (code symbol) on which code information that uniquely identifies a product is registered. Note that the code symbol reading unit 52 is an example of a second reading unit in this disclosure.

[0039] The reading start instruction unit 53 instructs the wireless tag reader 51 and the code symbol reader 52 to start reading. Specifically, the reading start instruction unit 53 instructs the wireless tag reader 51 and the code symbol reader 52 to start reading, conditional on detecting that the trigger switch 17 has been grasped (pressed).

[0040] The reading result confirmation unit 56 confirms the reading result of the code information based on the comparison result between the reading result by the wireless tag reading unit 51 and the reading result by the code symbol reading unit 52. Note that the reading result confirmation unit 56 is an example of a confirmation unit in this disclosure.

[0041] The reading result output unit 57 outputs the reading result of the code information confirmed by the reading result confirmation unit 56 to the mobile terminal 40. The reading result output unit 57 also outputs the reading result of the code information confirmed by the reading result confirmation unit 56 to a POS terminal or server device connected to the product information reading device 100.

[0042] (Process flow performed by the product information reading device) Figure 5 illustrates the processing flow of the product information reader 100. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the product information reader according to this embodiment. Here, we will explain using the case where the product information reader 100 reads a JAN code from an RFID tag 85 or a barcode 82 as an example.

[0043] The reading start instruction unit 53 determines whether the trigger switch 17 has been pressed (squeezed) (step S11). If it is determined that the trigger switch 17 has been pressed (step S11: Yes), the unit proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the trigger switch 17 has been pressed (step S11: No), the unit repeats step S11.

[0044] In step S11, if it is determined that the trigger switch 17 has been pressed, the wireless tag reader 51 determines whether it has read the RFID tag 85 (step S12). If it is determined that the RFID tag 85 has been read (step S12: Yes), the process proceeds to step S15. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the RFID tag 85 has been read (step S12: No), the process proceeds to step S13.

[0045] In step S12, if it is not determined that the RFID tag 85 has been read, the code symbol reader 52 determines whether the barcode 82 has been read (step S13). If it is determined that the barcode 82 has been read (step S13: Yes), the process proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the barcode 82 has been read (step S13: No), the process proceeds to step S17.

[0046] In step S13, if it is determined that barcode 82 has been read, the code symbol reading unit 52 determines whether the read information is a JAN code (step S14). If it is determined that the read information is a JAN code (step S14: Yes), the process proceeds to step S16. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the read information is a JAN code (step S14: No), the process proceeds to step S15.

[0047] In step S14, if the read information is not determined to be a JAN code, the reading result confirmation unit 56 determines whether there is an overlap between the reading result of the wireless tag reader 51 and the reading result of the code symbol reader 52 (step S15). An overlap between the reading result of the wireless tag reader 51 and the reading result of the code symbol reader 52 means that the wireless tag reader 51 and the code symbol reader 52 read exactly the same information. If it is determined that there is an overlap in the reading results (step S15: Yes), the process proceeds to step S17. On the other hand, if it is not determined that there is an overlap in the reading results (step S15: No), the process proceeds to step S16.

[0048] In step S15, if it is determined that there are no duplicate reading results, or in step S14, if it is determined that the information read from barcode 82 is a JAN code, the reading result output unit 57 registers the reading result in the transmission buffer (step S16). The transmission buffer is a buffer in which the reading result output unit 57 temporarily stores information to be output to a POS terminal or server device connected to the product information reading device 100.

[0049] If it is determined in step S13 that barcode 82 has not been read, or if it is determined in step S15 that there is a duplicate reading result, or step S16 Next, the reading result output unit 57 determines whether it has received a reading result transmission command from the POS terminal or server device (step S17). If it is determined that a reading result transmission command has been received (step S17: Yes), the process proceeds to step S18. On the other hand, if it is determined that a reading result transmission command has not been received (step S17: No), the process returns to step S12. In step S15, if it is determined that there is a duplicate reading result, the process proceeds to step S17, bypassing step S16, thereby preventing the same information as the JAN code registered in the transmission buffer in step S16 from being registered in the transmission buffer again. This reduces the amount of data transmitted to the POS terminal or server device.

[0050] In step S17, if it is determined that a read result transmission command has been received, the read result output unit 57 transmits the information registered in the transmission buffer to the POS terminal or server device (step S18).

[0051] Next, the read result output unit 57 clears the transmission buffer (step S19).

[0052] Next, the reading result output unit 57 determines whether it has received a stop command from the POS terminal or server device instructing it to stop reading product information (step S20). If it is determined that a stop command has been received (step S20: Yes), the product information reading device 100 terminates the process shown in Figure 5. On the other hand, if it is not determined that a stop command has been received (step S20: No), the process returns to step S12 and the aforementioned process is repeated.

[0053] The product information reading device 100 may further include a reading information specification unit (not shown) that specifies the format of information to be read by the code symbol reading unit 52 (second reading unit). Specifically, the reading information specification unit displays a list of selectable information formats (e.g., JAN code, Code128, QR code (registered trademark), etc.) on the display device 41 of the mobile terminal 40. The information format selected by the operation device 42 is then set as the reading target. The flowchart in Figure 5 shows an example of operation when a JAN code is set as the reading target for the code symbol reading unit 52 by the action of the reading information specification unit. The reading information specification unit may also specify to read information other than a specific format. Furthermore, the reading information specification unit may specify the format of the information to be read (number of digits, specific digits, etc.). Note that the reading information specification unit is an example of a specification unit in this disclosure.

[0054] (Effects of the embodiment) As described above, the product information reading device 100 of this embodiment includes a wireless tag reading unit 51 (first reading unit) that reads code information from an RFID tag 85 (wireless tag) on ​​which code information that uniquely identifies a product is registered, a code symbol reading unit 52 (second reading unit) that reads code information from a barcode 82 (code symbol) on which code information that uniquely identifies a product is registered, a reading start instruction unit 53 that instructs the wireless tag reading unit 51 and the code symbol reading unit 52 to start reading, and a reading result confirmation unit 56 (confirmation unit) that confirms the reading result of the code information based on a comparison result between the reading result by the wireless tag reading unit 51 and the reading result by the code symbol reading unit 52. Therefore, product information can be read without being aware of whether a barcode or a wireless tag has been read.

[0055] Furthermore, the product information reading device 100 of this embodiment further includes a designation unit that specifies the format of the information to be read by the code symbol reading unit 52 (second reading unit). Therefore, information in a predetermined format can be reliably read from the barcode 82 (code symbol).

[0056] (Modified examples of the embodiment) A modified example of the embodiment, the product information reader 101, will now be described. The product information reader 101 allows for individual setting of the reading timing for the barcode 82 and the RFID tag 85.

[0057] (Functional configuration of the product information reading device) The functional configuration of the product information reading device 101 will be explained using Figure 6. Figure 6 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a product information reading device of a modified embodiment.

[0058] The product information reading device 101 has the same hardware configuration as the product information reading device 100 described above. The control unit 20 of the product information reading device 101 loads the control program 25 into the RAM 23 and operates it to realize the following functional units as shown in Figure 6: the wireless tag reading unit 51, the code symbol reading unit 52, the reading start timing setting unit 54, the trigger switch state detection unit 55, the reading result confirmation unit 56, and the reading result output unit 57. Some or all of these functions may be realized by dedicated hardware.

[0059] The functions of the wireless tag reading unit 51, the code symbol reading unit 52, the reading result confirmation unit 56, and the reading result output unit 57 are the same as those of the product information reading device 100 described above, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0060] The reading start timing setting unit 54 sets the timing for the wireless tag reader 51 (first reader) to start reading and the timing for the code symbol reader 52 (second reader) to start reading. Specifically, the reading start timing setting unit 54 displays a menu on the display device 41 of the mobile terminal 40 that allows the user to select whether to start reading the barcode 82 (code symbol) when the trigger switch 17 is pressed while reading the RFID tag 85 (wireless tag), or to start reading the RFID tag 85 when the trigger switch 17 is pressed while reading the barcode 82. Furthermore, the reading start timing setting unit 54 sets the timing for the wireless tag reader 51 to start reading and the timing for the code symbol reader 52 to start reading by obtaining the menu selection result from the operation device 42. The reading start timing setting unit 54 is an example of a setting unit in this disclosure.

[0061] Furthermore, the reading start timing setting unit 54 is configured to read both the RFID tag 85 and the barcode 82 simultaneously if the trigger switch 17 is pressed while the RFID tag 85 is being read and the barcode 82 is being started to read. Also, if the trigger switch 17 is pressed while the barcode 82 is being read and the RFID tag 85 is being started to read, the unit is configured to read both the barcode 82 and the RFID tag 85 simultaneously. By making such settings, when there are multiple items to be read, for example, the reading time can be shortened by reading the barcode 82 of one item while reading the RFID tag 85 of another item.

[0062] Furthermore, the reading start timing setting unit 54 may be configured such that, if the trigger switch 17 is pressed while the RFID tag 85 is being read, the reading of the RFID tag 85 is stopped while the trigger switch 17 is pressed, and only the barcode 82 is read. Alternatively, the reading start timing setting unit 54 may be configured such that, if the trigger switch 17 is pressed while the barcode 82 is being read, the reading of the barcode 82 is stopped while the trigger switch 17 is pressed, and only the RFID tag 85 is read. By making such settings, when the number of items to be read is small, the barcode 82 or RFID tag 85 of the items can be reliably read.

[0063] The trigger switch state detection unit 55 detects whether the trigger switch 17 is being held (pressed).

[0064] Specifically, for example, if there are products with only barcode 82 attached or if there are defective RFID tags 85, the reading start timing setting unit 54 will, by default, read only barcode 82, and while the trigger switch 17 is pressed, it will also read the RFID tags 85. On the other hand, if there are products with only RFID tags 85 attached or if there are dirty barcode 82, the reading start timing setting unit 54 will, by default, read only RFID tags 85, and while the trigger switch 17 is pressed, it will also read barcode 82.

[0065] Furthermore, the reading start timing setting unit 54 may also be configured to allow simultaneous reading of the barcode 82 and the RFID tag 85, as described in the product information reading device 100 above.

[0066] (Process flow performed by the product information reading device) The processing flow performed by the product information reading device 101 will be explained using Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is a first flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by a modified product information reading device of the embodiment. Figure 8 is a second flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by a modified product information reading device of the embodiment.

[0067] First, an example of the processing flow performed by the product information reader 101 will be explained using Figure 7. The flowchart in Figure 7 shows the processing flow performed by the product information reader 101 when the reading start timing setting unit 54 sets the timing so that if it detects that the trigger switch 17 is pressed while reading the RFID tag 85, the barcode 82 will also be read.

[0068] The wireless tag reader 51 determines whether it has read the RFID tag 85 (step S31). If it is determined that the RFID tag 85 has been read (step S31: Yes), the process proceeds to step S35. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the RFID tag 85 has been read (step S31: No), the process proceeds to step S32.

[0069] If it is not determined in step S31 that the RFID tag 85 has been read, the trigger switch state detection unit 55 determines whether the trigger switch 17 is pressed (held) (step S32). If it is determined that the trigger switch 17 is pressed (step S32: Yes), the process proceeds to step S33. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the trigger switch 17 is pressed (step S32: No), the process returns to step S31.

[0070] In step S32, if it is determined that the trigger switch 17 is pressed, the code symbol reading unit 52 determines whether it has read the barcode 82 (step S33). If it is determined that the barcode 82 has been read (step S33: Yes), the process proceeds to step S34. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the barcode 82 has been read (step S33: No), the process returns to step S31.

[0071] In step S33, if it is determined that barcode 82 has been read, the code symbol reading unit 52 determines whether the read information is a JAN code (step S34). If it is determined that the read information is a JAN code (step S34: Yes), the process proceeds to step S36. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the read information is a JAN code (step S34: No), the process proceeds to step S35.

[0072] In step S34, if the read information is not determined to be a JAN code, the reading result confirmation unit 56 determines whether there is any overlap between the reading result of the wireless tag reading unit 51 and the reading result of the code symbol reading unit 52 (step S35). If it is determined that there is an overlap in the reading results (step S35: Yes), the process proceeds to step S37. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no overlap in the reading results (step S35: No), that is, if it is determined that there is no overlap in the reading results, the process proceeds to step S36.

[0073] In step S35, if it is determined that there are no duplicate reading results, or if it is determined that the information read in step S34 is a JAN code, the reading result output unit 57 registers the reading result in the transmission buffer (step S36).

[0074] Following step S36, or if it is determined in step S35 that there are duplicate reading results, the reading result output unit 57 determines whether it has received a reading result transmission command from the POS terminal or server device (step S37). If it is determined that a reading result transmission command has been received (step S37: Yes), the process proceeds to step S38. On the other hand, if it is not determined that a reading result transmission command has been received (step S37: No), the process returns to step S31.

[0075] In step S37, if it is determined that a read result transmission command has been received, the read result output unit 57 transmits the information registered in the transmission buffer to the POS terminal or server device (step S38).

[0076] Next, the read result output unit 57 clears the transmission buffer (step S39).

[0077] Next, the reading result output unit 57 determines whether it has received a stop command from the POS terminal or server device instructing it to stop reading product information (step S40). If it is determined that a stop command has been received (step S40: Yes), the product information reading device 101 terminates the process shown in Figure 7. On the other hand, if it is not determined that a stop command has been received (step S40: No), the process returns to step S31 and the aforementioned process is repeated.

[0078] Next, another example of the processing flow performed by the product information reader 101 will be explained using Figure 8. The flowchart in Figure 8 shows the processing flow performed by the product information reader 101 when the reading start timing setting unit 54 sets the timing so that if it detects that the trigger switch 17 is pressed while reading the barcode 82, the RFID tag 85 is also read.

[0079] The code symbol reading unit 52 determines whether it has read the barcode 82 (step S51). If it is determined that the barcode 82 has been read (step S51: Yes), the process proceeds to step S52. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the barcode 82 has been read (step S51: No), the process proceeds to step S53.

[0080] If it is not determined in step S51 that the barcode 82 has been read, the trigger switch state detection unit 55 determines whether the trigger switch 17 is pressed (held) (step S53). If it is determined that the trigger switch 17 is pressed (step S53: Yes), the process proceeds to step S54. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the trigger switch 17 is pressed (step S53: No), the process returns to step S51.

[0081] In step S53, if it is determined that the trigger switch 17 is pressed, the wireless tag reader 51 determines whether it has read the RFID tag 85 (step S54). If it is determined that the RFID tag 85 has been read (step S54: Yes), the process proceeds to step S55. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the RFID tag 85 has been read (step S54: No), the process returns to step S51.

[0082] Returning to step S51, if it is determined in step S51 that barcode 82 has been read, the code symbol reading unit 52 determines whether the read information is a JAN code (step S52). If it is determined that the read information is a JAN code (step S52: Yes), the process proceeds to step S56. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the read information is a JAN code (step S52: No), the process proceeds to step S55.

[0083] If it is determined in step S54 that the RFID tag 85 has been read, or if it is not determined in step S52 that the read information is a JAN code, the reading result confirmation unit 56 determines whether there is any overlap between the reading result of the wireless tag reading unit 51 and the reading result of the code symbol reading unit 52 (step S55). If it is determined that there is an overlap in the reading results (step S55: Yes), the process proceeds to step S57. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no overlap in the reading results (step S55: No), that is, if it is determined that there is no overlap in the reading results, the process proceeds to step S56.

[0084] In step S55, if it is determined that there are no duplicate reading results, or in step S52, if it is determined that the read information is a JAN code, the reading result output unit 57 registers the reading result in the transmission buffer (step S56).

[0085] Following step S56, or if it is determined in step S55 that there are duplicate reading results, the reading result output unit 57 determines whether it has received a reading result transmission command from the POS terminal or server device (step S57). If it is determined that a reading result transmission command has been received (step S57: Yes), the process proceeds to step S58. On the other hand, if it is not determined that a reading result transmission command has been received (step S57: No), the process returns to step S51.

[0086] In step S57, if it is determined that a read result transmission command has been received, the read result output unit 57 transmits the information registered in the transmission buffer to the POS terminal or server device (step S58).

[0087] Next, the read result output unit 57 clears the transmission buffer (step S59).

[0088] Next, the reading result output unit 57 determines whether it has received a stop command from the POS terminal or server device instructing it to stop reading product information (step S60). If it is determined that a stop command has been received (step S60: Yes), the product information reading device 101 terminates the process shown in Figure 8. On the other hand, if it is not determined that a stop command has been received (step S60: No), the process returns to step S51 and the aforementioned process is repeated.

[0089] (Effects of the embodiment) As described above, the product information reading device 101 of this embodiment further includes a reading start timing setting unit 54 (setting unit) that sets the timing for the start of reading by the wireless tag reading unit 51 (first reading unit) and the timing for the start of reading by the code symbol reading unit 52 (second reading unit). Therefore, the reading method can be easily selected according to the state of the wireless tag or code symbol to be read.

[0090] Furthermore, in the product information reading device 101 of this embodiment, the reading start timing setting unit 54 (setting unit) sets whether to continue or stop reading by the code symbol reading unit 52 (second reading unit) at the timing when reading by the wireless tag reading unit 51 (first reading unit) starts, or whether to continue or stop reading by the wireless tag reading unit 51 at the timing when reading by the code symbol reading unit 52 starts.Therefore, the reading state can be easily selected according to the state of the wireless tag or code symbol to be read.

[0091] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment 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 variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 11 cabinets 12 RFID antennas 13 Barcode Scanners 14 Cameras 15 LED 16 Grip 17 Trigger Switch 18 base 19 Clamping part 40 Mobile devices 41 Display Devices 42 Operating Devices 51 Wireless tag reader (first reader) 52 Code symbol reading unit (second reading unit) 53 Reading Start Indicator 54 Reading start timing setting unit (setting unit) 55 Trigger switch state detection unit 56 Reading Result Confirmation Section (Confirmation Section) 57 Reading Result Output Unit 80 products 81 Product Labels 82 Barcodes (code symbols) 83 Product name 84 Price 85 RFID tags (wireless tags) 100,101 Product Information Reading Device [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0093] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-293474

Claims

1. A first reader unit reads code information from a wireless tag on which code information that uniquely identifies a product is registered, A second reading unit reads code information from a code symbol that has been registered with code information that uniquely identifies a product, A reading start instruction unit that instructs the start of reading by the first reading unit and the second reading unit, The system includes a determination unit which, if it is determined that the reading result from the first reading unit and the reading result from the second reading unit are equal, determines that either the reading result from the first reading unit or the reading result from the second reading unit is the reading result of the code information, and if it is determined that the reading result from the first reading unit and the reading result from the second reading unit are different, determines that both the reading result from the first reading unit and the reading result from the second reading unit are the reading results of the code information. Product information reading device.

2. The system further includes a setting unit for setting the timing for the start of reading by the first reading unit and the timing for the start of reading by the second reading unit. The reading start instruction unit instructs the first reading unit and the second reading unit to start reading at the timing set by the setting unit. Product information reading device according to claim 1.

3. The setting unit further sets whether to continue or stop reading by the second reading unit at the timing when reading by the first reading unit begins, or whether to continue or stop reading by the first reading unit at the timing when reading by the second reading unit begins. The reading start instruction unit instructs, at the timing set by the setting unit, to start reading by either the first reading unit or the second reading unit, and to stop reading by either the first reading unit or the second reading unit. Product information reading device according to claim 2.

4. The device further includes a designation unit for specifying the format of information to be read by the second reading unit. A product information reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. Computers, A first reader unit reads code information from a wireless tag on which code information that uniquely identifies a product is registered, A second reading unit reads code information from a code symbol that has been registered with code information that uniquely identifies a product, A reading start instruction unit that instructs the start of reading by the first reading unit and the second reading unit, If it is determined that the reading result by the first reading unit and the reading result by the second reading unit are equal, the confirmation unit confirms either the reading result by the first reading unit or the reading result by the second reading unit as the reading result of the code information; if it is determined that the reading result by the first reading unit and the reading result by the second reading unit are different, the confirmation unit confirms both the reading result by the first reading unit and the reading result by the second reading unit as the reading results of the code information. A program that makes something work.

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