Reading device, control method, program, and information processing system

Abstract

To provide a reading device, control method, program, and information processing system that improve user convenience. [Solution] The reading device comprises a reading data acquisition unit that acquires reading data from an image captured of an object to be read, a notification unit that provides notification to the user, a notification control information acquisition unit that acquires notification control information set by the user to control the notification unit, and a notification control unit that controls the notification unit based on the reading data and the notification control information, wherein the notification control information indicates predetermined conditions and a notification mode to be performed when the predetermined conditions are met, and also indicates a notification mode to be performed when the predetermined conditions are not met, and the notification control unit controls the notification unit to provide notification in different notification modes depending on whether the predetermined conditions are met or not.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a reading device, a control method, a program, and an information processing system.

Background Art

[0002] Some reading devices for reading one-dimensional codes, two-dimensional codes, etc. have a notification unit for notifying reading results and the like (see, for example, Patent Document 1). For example, a handheld scanner or a data collector performs notification using a buzzer, an LED, a vibration motor, etc. Various information (such as successful reading, failure, etc.) is notified to the user according to the notification mode at this time. In addition, some reading devices have a display unit capable of displaying text or the like, and in such a reading device, the reading result or the like is displayed on the display unit.

[0003] On the other hand, there are also reading devices that display the reading result on another device such as a PC (Personal Computer). For example, the data read by the reading device is transmitted to the PC, and the PC displays the reading result determined by the PC.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Regarding the notification by the above-described notification unit, the user could not set the notification mode when a predetermined condition was satisfied, the notification mode when the condition was not satisfied, etc., so there was room for improvement in enhancing the convenience of the reading device.

[0006] Non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure contribute to providing a reading device, a control method, a program, and an information processing system with improved user convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A reading device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a reading data acquisition unit that acquires reading data from an image captured of an object to be read; a notification unit that provides notification to a user; a notification control information acquisition unit that acquires notification control information set by the user for controlling the notification unit; and a notification control unit that controls the notification unit based on the reading data and the notification control information. The notification control information indicates predetermined conditions, a notification mode to be performed when the predetermined conditions are met, and a notification mode to be performed when the predetermined conditions are not met. The notification control unit controls the notification unit to provide notification in different notification modes depending on whether the predetermined conditions are met or not.

[0008] These comprehensive or specific notification methods may be implemented by a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium, or by any combination of a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] Non-limiting embodiments of this disclosure improve user convenience.

[0010] Further advantages and effects of one embodiment of this disclosure will be made apparent from the specification and drawings. Such advantages and / or effects are provided by several embodiments and features described in the specification and drawings, but not all of them are necessarily provided in order to obtain one or more identical features. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 2] Perspective view showing the external appearance of the reading device. [Figure 3]Figure showing an example of the frequency of sound that the speaker can output [Figure 4] Figure showing an example of the color that the LED can emit [Figure 5] Figure for explaining a part of the function of the reading device and the object to be read [Figure 6A] Sequence diagram showing the acquisition method (Part 1) [Figure 6B] Sequence diagram showing the acquisition method (Part 2) [Figure 7] Figure showing an example of the setting screen [Figure 8] Figure showing an example of the setting [Figure 9] Figure showing an example of the setting [Figure 10] Figure showing an example of the setting [Figure 11] Figure showing an example of the setting [Figure 12] Flowchart showing the processing flow of the reading device [Figure 13] Figure showing an example of the condition and the notification mode when the date is used as the condition [Figure 14] Figure showing an example of the condition and the notification mode when characters or the number of characters are used as the condition [Figure 15] Figure showing the batch reading label setting screen [Figure 16] Figure showing an example of the condition and the notification mode when batch reading is used as the condition [Figure 17] Figure showing an example of the setting screen when the notification control information is output to the printer

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and drawings, components having substantially the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an information processing system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the reading device 100. In FIG. 1, the information processing system 10 includes a reading device 100, a setting device 200, and a printer 300. The reading device 100 and the setting device 200 can transmit and receive notification control information described later. Further, the printer 300 can communicate with the setting device 200 and can print a reading object indicating the notification control information on a recording medium such as paper.

[0014] The reading device 100 functions as a device including a control unit 110, a communication unit 121, an optical unit 122, an operation unit 123, and a notification unit 130.

[0015] The control unit 110 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and controls the entire reading device 100. The communication unit 121 communicates with the setting device 200 using a communication line. The optical unit 122 includes a solid-state imaging device such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, images a reading object described later, and acquires an imaging image indicating the reading object.

[0016] The operation unit 123 is composed of a hard key or the like for starting reading, and receives a user's operation. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the user holds the reading device 100, the operation unit 123 is provided at a position where it can be operated with the index finger. The notification unit 130 includes a speaker 131, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 132, and a vibration motor 133, and performs notification to the user.

[0017] Speaker 131 notifies the user by outputting a buzzer sound or the like. Figure 3 shows an example of the sound frequencies that speaker 131 can output. In addition to the five frequencies shown in Figure 3, the user can set the notification mode of speaker 131 to use any frequency within a predetermined range in the setting device 200. Furthermore, the user can also set combinations of these frequencies. Note that the frequencies shown in Figure 3 are just examples and are not limited to these.

[0018] LED132 provides notification to the user by emitting light (on, flashing). As shown in Figure 2, LED132 is positioned in a location easily visible to the user. Figure 4 shows an example of the colors that LED132 can emit. As a notification method by LED132, the user can set the notification using the setting device 200 to one of the 12 colors shown in Figure 4. Note that the colors shown in Figure 4 are just examples and are not limited to these.

[0019] The vibration motor 133 provides notification to the user by generating vibrations. Depending on the intensity, frequency, and pattern of the vibrations, the vibration motor 133 provides notification in various ways.

[0020] The control unit 110 includes a read data acquisition unit 111, a notification control unit 112, and a notification control information acquisition unit 113. The read data acquisition unit 111 acquires read data from an image captured by the optical unit 122 of the object to be read. The notification control unit 112 controls the notification unit 130 based on the read data and notification control information. The notification control information acquisition unit 113 acquires notification control information. The method of acquisition will be described later. The notification control information is stored in ROM (e.g., flash memory).

[0021] The notification control information is set by the user and indicates predetermined conditions (hereinafter simply referred to as "conditions") and the notification method to be used when the conditions are met. The notification control information also indicates the notification method to be used when the conditions are not met. The data format of the notification control information includes, for example, one or more pairs of conditions and notification methods to be used when the conditions are met, and also includes a notification method to be used when none of the conditions are met.

[0022] Specifically, for example, let's define the notification mode when condition A is met as notification mode A, the notification mode when condition B is met as notification mode B, and the notification mode when neither condition A nor B is met as notification mode X. In this case, the notification control information consists of condition A, notification mode A, condition B, notification mode B, and notification mode X. If a default notification mode is provided in advance, for example, that default notification mode may be used as notification mode X. Note that the data format of the notification control information is not limited to the above.

[0023] Next, the setting device 200 will be described. The setting device 200 is envisioned to be, for example, a personal computer, a tablet, or a smartphone. The setting device 200 functions as a device comprising a control unit 210, a communication unit 221, an operation unit 222, and a display unit 223.

[0024] The control unit 210 consists of a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and controls the entire setting device 200. The communication unit 221 communicates with the reader 100 and printer 300 using a communication line. The operation unit 222 consists of hard keys, a touch panel, etc., and accepts user input. The display unit 223 consists of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), etc., and displays various information to the user, such as the setting screen described later.

[0025] The control unit 210 includes a condition notification mode acquisition unit 211, a notification control information generation unit 212, and an output unit 213. The condition notification mode acquisition unit 211 acquires predetermined conditions and notification modes set by the user in a setting screen described later. The notification control information generation unit 212 generates notification control information from the acquired predetermined conditions and notification modes according to the above data format. The output unit 213 outputs the notification control information to the reader 100 or to the printer 300. When the output unit 213 outputs the notification control information to the reader 100, it outputs the notification control information as, for example, text data. On the other hand, when the output unit 213 outputs the notification control information to the printer 300, it outputs the notification control information as, for example, image data (hereinafter also referred to as "notification control image").

[0026] Next, some of the functions of the reader 100 and the objects to be read in this embodiment will be explained using Figure 5. The reader 100 is equipped with an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) function. With this OCR function, the reader 100 can read, for example, the date indicating the expiration date written on a product as the object to be read, as shown in Figure 5. The reader 100 also has a function to specify a string of characters, such as "AB12345" consisting of two letters of the alphabet and five digits, as shown in Figure 5. Furthermore, the reader 100 is equipped with a function to read not only one code as the object to be read, but also multiple codes (QR code (registered trademark) and Code 128 / GS1-128) at once, as shown in Figure 5, and to specify the type of code to be read at once. Thus, the objects to be read include, but are not limited to, characters, one-dimensional codes, and two-dimensional codes.

[0027] Next, the method for acquiring notification control information by the notification control information acquisition unit 113 will be described. In this embodiment, there are two acquisition methods. Acquisition method (1) is a method in which the notification control information acquisition unit 113 acquires notification control information from the setting device 200. Acquisition method (2) is a method in which the notification control information acquisition unit 113 acquires notification control information from read data acquired by the read data acquisition unit 111 from a read target object indicating notification control information. The following will explain each method using sequence diagrams.

[0028] Figure 6A is a sequence diagram showing acquisition method (1). This acquisition method (1) is performed when a user sets new notification control information. The setting device 200 displays a setting screen to the user on the display unit 223 (step S101). The setting device 200 accepts the setting operation by the user (step S102) and acquires the predetermined conditions and notification mode set by the user (step S103). The setting device 200 generates notification control information from the acquired conditions and notification mode (step S104) and outputs the notification control information to the reading device 100 (step S105).

[0029] The notification control information acquisition unit 113 acquires notification control information (step S106), stores the acquired notification control information (step S107), and then terminates processing. As a result, the reading device 100 operates based on the notification control information newly set by the user.

[0030] Acquisition method (2) is the same as acquisition method (1) in that the user sets the settings using the setting device 200, but the setting device 200 outputs the notification control information to the printer 300, and the notification control information is acquired from the read target that the printer 300 prints, which indicates the notification control information. This will be explained in detail using a sequence diagram.

[0031] Figure 6B is a sequence diagram showing the acquisition method (part 2). The setting device 200 displays a setting screen to the user on the display unit 223 (step S111). The setting device 200 accepts the setting operation from the user (step S112) and acquires the predetermined conditions and notification mode set by the user (step S113). The setting device 200 generates notification control information from the acquired conditions and notification mode (step S114) and outputs the notification control information to the printer 300 (step S115). Here, as described above, a notification control image is output.

[0032] As a result, the printer 300 prints a notification control image as shown in Figure 6B. This notification control image becomes the object to be read by the optical unit 122. In the example in Figure 6B, the notification control image is shown as a two-dimensional code, but it is not limited to this and may also be a one-dimensional code or a string of characters. The reading device 100 acquires reading data from the image captured by the optical unit 122 capturing the object to be read (step S116). The notification control information acquisition unit 113 acquires notification control information from the reading data (step S117). The acquired notification control information is stored (step S118), and the process ends. As a result, the reading device 100 operates based on the notification control information newly set by the user.

[0033] Figure 7 shows an example of a settings screen. In Figure 7, the settings screen 350 consists of one or more condition notification setting fields 301, a condition failure notification setting field 302 for when none of the conditions are met, an OK button 303, and a Cancel button 304. The condition notification setting field 301 has the following items: Type, Buzzer, LED, and Vibration. Type is the item for setting the condition. Buzzer is the item for setting the notification method using a buzzer. LED is the item for setting the notification method using an LED. Vibration is the item for setting whether or not there is vibration. The items Buzzer, LED, and Vibration in the condition failure notification setting field 302 have the same meaning as those in the condition notification setting field 301.

[0034] In the example shown on the settings screen 350, the user can select the type of sound using a pull-down menu. The "Play" button allows the user to preview the sound currently selected in "Sound Selection" while the settings screen 350 is open. For example, if a medium tone is selected in "Sound Selection" and the "Play" button is pressed, the medium tone will be output from the reader 100.

[0035] The LED "color" shown on setting screen 350 is simply labeled "color" for convenience, and the currently set color is displayed within the frame. Users can select a new color by selecting "Change Color" to change the set color. Users can also set whether or not to use vibration using a checkbox; if checked, vibration will be used as a notification.

[0036] The OK button 303 is used to confirm the settings on the screen and output them as notification control information. The Cancel button 304 is used to close the screen without confirming the settings on the screen. Therefore, for example, the setting is not made when "Color Change" is selected, nor when "Buzzer" is selected, nor when the vibration checkbox is checked or unchecked. Rather, when the OK button 303 is pressed, the setting to the selected item (buzzer or vibration) is confirmed, and notification control information indicating this is output. After that, the screen is cleared. When the Cancel button 304 is pressed, no notification control information is output, and the screen is cleared. The OK and Cancel buttons shown in Figures 8-11 and 8-15 described later are similar.

[0037] Furthermore, it would be even better if the setting screen 350 is displayed and the notification content of the reader 100 can be actually confirmed while the reader 100 is being configured. For example, it would be even better if, while the setting screen 350 is displayed and the reader 100 is being configured, the LED 132 is actually lit in the "color" of the LED shown on the setting screen 350. In addition, a button for testing vibration may be provided, and when this button is pressed, the reader 100 may generate vibration.

[0038] In the settings screen 350, for example, if the data to be read indicates a date, and only one condition notification setting field 301 is provided, and the condition in that condition notification setting field 301 is set to be on or before December 16, 2024, then the condition failure notification setting field 302 becomes a field for setting the notification method when the date is on or after December 16, 2024.

[0039] Next, we will explain some specific setting examples. Figures 8 to 11 show setting examples. In Figure 8, the condition is set to "failure to read all at once," the buzzer notification mode is set to output a sound that changes from a medium tone to a low tone, the LED notification mode is set to emit orange light, and vibration is not set.

[0040] Since the condition is a failure of the batch read, the condition is not met when the batch read is successful. In this case, the buzzer notification mode is set to output a medium tone, the LED notification mode is set to emit blue light, and vibration is not set. As mentioned above, the color column displays the color itself, not the word "orange" or "blue." The same applies to the color column described below.

[0041] Figure 9 shows that the following conditions are set: batch reading failure; the buzzer notification mode is set to output a sound at a frequency (3000Hz) specified by the user; the LED notification mode is set to emit blue light; and vibration is not set.

[0042] Similar to Figure 8, since the condition is a failure of batch reading, the condition being unmet is a success of batch reading. In this case, the buzzer notification mode is set to output a sound that changes from a medium pitch to a high pitch, and the LED notification mode is set to emit orange light, with no vibration set. Note that the buzzer column for a successful batch reading in Figure 9 shows the pull-down menu expanded.

[0043] Figure 10 shows a scenario where the code of the object to be read is set to a specified code type, the buzzer is set to emit a medium tone, the LED is set to emit red light, and vibration is not set. The specified code type refers to the type of code, such as one-dimensional codes, two-dimensional codes, and characters (OCR). If the specified code type is set to a two-dimensional code, other codes such as barcodes and characters will be considered outside the specified code type.

[0044] Since the condition is that the code of the object to be read is of a specified code type, the condition is not met if the code of the object to be read is of a code type other than the specified code type. In this case, the buzzer is set to emit an alert sound, the LED is set to emit blue light, and vibration is not set.

[0045] Figure 11 shows a condition where a match is set. "Matching" here means satisfying the matching conditions shown in Figure 11. In Figure 11, the matching conditions are dates before January 9, 2025, and dates after January 9, 2025. A match occurs if the date indicated by the read data is before January 9, 2025. In other words, the condition is that the date indicated by the read data is before January 9, 2025. Note that the date for the matching condition can be set using a calendar displayed via a pull-down menu.

[0046] If a match is found, the buzzer notification mode is set to output a sound that changes from a medium pitch to a high pitch, the LED notification mode is set to emit green light, and vibration is not set.

[0047] The condition is not met (other than a match) if the date indicated by the read data is later than January 9, 2025. In this case, the buzzer is set to emit a medium tone, the LED is set to emit blue light, and vibration is not set.

[0048] In this way, notification control information based on the set conditions and notification modes is output to the reader 100 and printer 300. Next, the processing of the reader 100 will be explained. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the reader 100. In the flowchart shown in Figure 12, the number of conditions set on the setting screen is N. In the flowchart, "condition k" refers to the k-th condition out of the N conditions, and "notification mode k" refers to the notification mode when "condition k" is met. "Notification mode X" refers to the notification mode to be performed when none of the N conditions are met.

[0049] In Figure 12, the data acquisition unit 111 acquires data from the image captured by the optical unit 122 of the object to be read (step S201). The notification control unit 112 initializes the loop counter k to 1 (step S202). The notification control unit 112 determines whether the data to be read satisfies condition k (step S203). If the data to be read satisfies condition k (step S203: YES), the notification control unit 112 controls the notification unit to notify in notification mode k (step S207), and terminates the process.

[0050] If the read data does not satisfy condition k (step S203: NO), the notification control unit 112 increments k by 1 (step S204) and determines whether k is greater than N (step S205). If k is less than or equal to N (step S205: NO), the notification control unit 112 returns to step S203. If k is greater than N (step S205: YES), none of the N conditions were satisfied, so the notification control unit 112 controls the notification unit to notify in notification mode X (step S206) and terminates the process.

[0051] Next, we will explain specific conditions and examples of notification methods. Figure 13 shows an example of conditions and notification methods when a date is used as a condition. In Figure 13, the object to be read is the expiration date printed on the top of the beverage. The condition is that the date indicated by the read data is on or before December 15, 2024. If the condition is met, a notification is given via the speaker (medium to high pitch) and LED (green). If the condition is not met, a notification is given via the speaker (medium pitch) and LED (blue).

[0052] In this case, the beverage on the left has an expiration date of December 15, 2024, so the condition is met. Therefore, speaker 131 outputs a sound that changes from mid-range to high-range, and LED 132 lights up green. On the other hand, the beverage on the right has an expiration date of December 17, 2024, so the condition is not met. Therefore, speaker 131 outputs a mid-range sound, and LED 132 lights up blue. In this way, expiration dates can be easily managed. In particular, expiration dates vary depending on the product, and the date to be managed also changes over time. By appropriately acquiring notification control information set by the user, it is possible to respond to these changes, thereby improving the convenience of the reading device.

[0053] Generally, the management targets not only products that have passed their expiration date but also those that are nearing their expiration date. Therefore, condition 1 is set to a date one day before the expiration date, and condition 2 is set to a date before the expiration date. Furthermore, by making the notification method different for cases where condition 1 is met, where condition 2 is met, and where neither condition is met, it becomes easy to manage not only products that have passed their expiration date but also those that are nearing their expiration date.

[0054] Figure 14 shows examples of conditions and notification methods when characters or the number of characters are used as conditions. In Figure 14, the object to be read is a 2D code printed on a box. The condition is that the string of characters indicated by the read data starts with the letter B followed by a 4-digit number. If the condition is met, a speaker (medium tone) and LED (blue) will notify; if the condition is not met, a speaker (alert tone) and LED (red) will notify.

[0055] In this case, if the 2D code on the first box from the left shows "B1234", then "B1234" satisfies the condition because the first letter is the letter B followed by a four-digit number. Therefore, speaker 131 will output a mid-range sound and LED 132 will light up blue.

[0056] Next, if the 2D code on the second box from the left shows "B1235", then "B1235" satisfies the condition because the first letter is the letter B followed by four digits. Therefore, speaker 131 outputs a mid-range sound and LED 132 lights up blue.

[0057] Next, if the 2D code on the third box from the left shows "A1235", the condition is not met because the first letter of "A1235" is the letter A. Therefore, speaker 131 emits an alert sound and LED 132 lights up red.

[0058] Next, if the 2D code on the fourth box from the left shows "B1237", then "B1237" satisfies the condition because the first letter is the letter B followed by four digits. Therefore, speaker 131 outputs a mid-range sound and LED 132 lights up blue.

[0059] Since conditions can include characters and character counts, it becomes easier to manage boxes containing product packaging. In particular, the strings indicated by codes attached to boxes are commonly updated, so by appropriately acquiring notification control information set by the user, it is possible to respond to these changes, thereby improving the convenience of the reader.

[0060] Next, we will explain examples of conditions and notification methods when using batch reading as a condition. First, when the condition is batch reading, settings related to the labels to be read in batch reading (batch reading label settings) can be made. Figure 15 shows the batch reading label settings screen. On the batch reading label settings screen, the user can set the number of labels, the code type of the labels, and the number of characters in the string read from the code. In the example shown in Figure 15, there are two labels, the code type of the first label is a QR code, the code type of the second label is Code 128 / GS1-128, and the number of characters in each is 8.

[0061] Figure 16 shows an example of the conditions and notification method when using batch reading as the condition. In Figure 16, the objects to be read are a one-dimensional code and a two-dimensional code. The conditions are that label 1 is a QR code showing 8 characters and label 2 is a Code 128 / GS1-128 showing 8 characters. If the conditions are met, the speaker (medium tone) and LED (blue) will notify; if the conditions are not met, the speaker (medium to low tone) and LED (orange) will notify.

[0062] In this case, the first code from the left is a QR code, but since there is no code corresponding to label 2, the condition is not met. Therefore, speaker 131 outputs a sound that changes from mid-range to low-range, and LED 132 lights up orange.

[0063] Next, assuming that the second code from the left is a QR code and Code 128 / GS1-128, both representing 8 characters, the conditions are met, so speaker 131 outputs a mid-range sound and LED 132 lights up blue.

[0064] Next, the third code from the left is neither a QR code nor Code 128 / GS1-128, so it does not meet the requirements. Therefore, speaker 131 outputs a sound that changes from mid-range to low-range, and LED 132 lights up orange.

[0065] Since batch reading can be used as a condition in this way, it can handle reading multiple codes, and because there are many types of codes, it can handle various codes by appropriately acquiring notification control information set by the user, thereby improving the convenience of the reading device.

[0066] Figure 17 shows an example of a setting screen displayed on the setting device 200 when outputting notification control information to the printer 300. The setting screen 400 includes a notification control information setting area, a send button, a notification control information list, a 2D code display area, a history display area, a print button, an OCR button, a batch read button, and an output edit button.

[0067] The notification control information setting area is a tree structure that displays a list of notification control information categorized by type. The user selects the notification control information list they wish to configure within this area. Once the user selects a list, the corresponding settings are displayed.

[0068] When a user selects a setting (command) and clicks the send button, the command is displayed in the history field, and a 2D code corresponding to the setting is displayed in the 2D code display area. This history field is an area for displaying commands sent by the send button. The user can confirm what setting the 2D code displayed in the 2D code display area represents.

[0069] The print button is used to print the 2D code displayed in the 2D code display area. The OCR button is used to display other screens for configuring OCR settings (for example, the settings screens shown in Figures 8-11 and 8-15). The batch reading button is used to display other screens (for example, the settings screens shown in Figures 8-11 and 8-15) that allow you to specify the type of each code when reading multiple codes at once. The output editing button is used to display other screens (for example, the settings screens shown in Figures 8-11 and 8-15) for specifying strings through data editing (such as limiting the data format to be read). Furthermore, the list of notification control information may include some entries that display the settings screen shown in Figures 8-11 and 8-15.

[0070] The reader 100 may also read the two-dimensional code displayed in the two-dimensional code display area described above. In this case, the setting can be done without outputting to the printer 300, so the printer 300 becomes unnecessary. When reading the two-dimensional code without outputting to the printer 300, the output destination of the output unit 213 of the setting device 200 is the display unit 223.

[0071] In the embodiment described above, in the process shown in Figure 12, for example, if a certain j-th condition is met, the checks for j+1 and beyond are not performed. However, instead, all conditions may be checked, and the notification mode may be set according to the combination of conditions that are met.

[0072] In this embodiment, the reading device 100 is shown as having a configuration that can support either acquisition method (method 1 or method 2), but it may support only one of them. For example, if it only supports acquisition method (method 2), the communication unit 121 is not an essential component.

[0073] <Effects> As explained above, this embodiment improves user convenience because the notification unit is controlled based on settings configured by the user. Conventionally, since the notification settings could not be changed according to the conditions of the reading result, it was only possible to determine whether the reading result met the conditions by looking at the output of the terminal to which the reader is connected or, if the reader has a screen, that screen. In contrast, in this embodiment, the notification settings can be changed according to the conditions of the reading result, which not only improves convenience but also reduces the costs borne by the user. Furthermore, since the notification unit can provide notification using at least one of sound, light, and vibration, the user can select their desired notification mode from a wider range of options. Furthermore, since notification methods can be set not only for when the conditions are met, but also for when the conditions are not met, users can more easily recognize when the conditions are not met compared to cases where notifications can only be set when the conditions are met. Users do not need to look at the screen display of the terminal to which the reader is connected, and can judge based only on the indicator color, sound, and presence or absence of vibration of the reader, and when developing the application for the terminal to which the reader is connected, it is not necessary to set output data conditions. Furthermore, acquisition method (2) is particularly suitable when the same settings are to be applied to multiple reading devices 100. This is because the notification control information can be set for each reading device 100 by having multiple reading devices 100 read a single sheet of paper on which the notification control image is printed. In other words, the setting device 200 only needs to output the notification control image to the printer 300 once, and does not need to output the notification control information for each device multiple times as in acquisition method (1).

[0074] This disclosure can be implemented using software, hardware, or software integrated with hardware.

[0075] Each functional block used in the description of the above embodiments may be implemented partially or entirely as an integrated circuit (LSI), and each process described in the above embodiments may be controlled partially or entirely by a single LSI or a combination of LSIs. An LSI may consist of individual chips, or it may consist of a single chip that includes some or all of the functional blocks. An LSI may have data inputs and outputs. Depending on the degree of integration, LSIs may be referred to as ICs, system LSIs, super LSIs, or ultra LSIs.

[0076] The method of integration is not limited to LSIs; it may also be implemented using dedicated circuits, general-purpose processors, or dedicated processors. Furthermore, FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) that can be programmed after LSI manufacturing, or reconfigurable processors that allow for the reconfiguration of the connections and settings of circuit cells within the LSI, may also be used. This disclosure may be implemented as digital or analog processing.

[0077] Furthermore, if advancements in semiconductor technology or related technologies lead to the emergence of integrated circuit technologies that replace LSIs, then naturally, these technologies can be used to integrate functional blocks. The application of biotechnology, for example, is a possible possibility.

[0078] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that this disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and these will naturally also fall within the technical scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the components in the above embodiments may be combined in any way without departing from the spirit of the disclosure.

[0079] The specific examples of this disclosure have been described in detail above, but these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technologies described in the claims include various modifications and changes to the specific examples described above. [Industrial applicability]

[0080] One embodiment of the present disclosure is suitable for a reading device that performs reading processing on an object to be read. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0081] 10 Information Processing Systems 100 Reader 110 Control Unit 111 Data acquisition unit 112 Notification Control Unit 113 Notification control information acquisition unit 130 Hochi Department 200 Setting device

Claims

1. A reading data acquisition unit that acquires reading data from an image captured of the object to be read, The notification unit provides notifications to users, A notification control information acquisition unit that acquires notification control information set by the user to control the notification unit, A notification control unit that controls the notification unit based on the read data and the notification control information, Equipped with, The notification control information includes a predetermined condition, a first notification mode performed when the predetermined condition is met, and a second notification mode different from the first notification mode performed when the predetermined condition is not met. The notification control unit controls the notification unit to provide notification in the first notification mode when the predetermined conditions are met, and in the second notification mode when the predetermined conditions are not met. A reading device.

2. The notification control information acquisition unit acquires the notification control information from a setting device in which the notification control information is set by the user. The reading device according to claim 1.

3. The notification control information acquisition unit acquires the notification control information from the reading data acquired by the reading data acquisition unit from the object to be read which indicates the notification control information. The reading device according to claim 1.

4. The notification unit provides notification using at least one of sound, light, and vibration. The reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The aforementioned predetermined conditions include a plurality of conditions, The notification control unit controls the notification unit to notify in a different manner than the notification manner when any of the conditions are met, when each condition is met, and when none of the conditions are met, it notifies in a different manner than the notification manner when each condition is met. The reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. A control method for a reading device equipped with a notification unit that provides notifications to the user, The reading data is obtained from the captured image of the object to be read. The system acquires notification control information set by the user to control the notification unit, Based on the read data and the notification control information, the notification unit is controlled. The notification control information includes a predetermined condition, a first notification mode performed when the predetermined condition is met, and a second notification mode different from the first notification mode performed when the predetermined condition is not met. The notification unit is controlled to provide notification in the first notification mode when the predetermined conditions are met, and in the second notification mode when the predetermined conditions are not met. Control method.

7. A computer in a reading device equipped with a notification unit that provides notifications to the user, The reading data is obtained from the captured image of the object to be read. The system acquires notification control information set by the user to control the notification unit, Based on the read data and the notification control information, the notification unit is controlled. The notification control information includes a predetermined condition, a first notification mode performed when the predetermined condition is met, and a second notification mode different from the first notification mode performed when the predetermined condition is not met. The notification unit is controlled to provide notification in the first notification mode when the predetermined conditions are met, and in the second notification mode when the predetermined conditions are not met. A program that executes a process.

8. An information processing system including a reading device and a setting device, The aforementioned reading device, A reading data acquisition unit that acquires reading data from an image captured of the object to be read, The notification unit provides notifications to users, A notification control information acquisition unit that acquires notification control information set by the user to control the notification unit, A notification control unit that controls the notification unit based on the read data and the notification control information, Equipped with, The notification control information includes a predetermined condition, a first notification mode performed when the predetermined condition is met, and a second notification mode different from the first notification mode performed when the predetermined condition is not met. The notification control unit controls the notification unit to provide notification in the first notification mode when the predetermined conditions are met, and in the second notification mode when the predetermined conditions are not met. The setting device is The output unit that outputs the aforementioned notification control information is configured as follows: An information processing system equipped with it.

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