CN113255380A

CN113255380A - Code symbol reading device and storage medium

Info

Publication number: CN113255380A
Application number: CN202011279044.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 高須拓也
Original assignee: Toshiba TEC Corp
Current assignee: Toshiba TEC Corp
Priority date: 2020-02-13
Filing date: 2020-11-16
Publication date: 2021-08-13
Also published as: JP2021128522A; JP7390919B2

Abstract

The invention discloses a code symbol reading device and a storage medium, which can automatically determine the reading priority of code symbols printed on paper media and code symbols displayed on a display screen of a portable terminal and the like, and improve the reading efficiency, the code symbol reading device comprises: an imaging unit that images an object; an illumination unit that irradiates the object with light; an illumination control unit that controls the illumination of the light by the illumination unit such that a first mode in which the object is illuminated with the light and a second mode in which the object is not illuminated with the light are repeated; and a ratio changing unit that changes a time ratio between the first mode and the second mode based on a number of times of recognition success of the object based on the image captured by the image capturing unit in the first mode and a number of times of recognition success of the object based on the image captured by the image capturing unit in the second mode.

Description

Code symbol reading device and storage medium

The present application claims priority from japanese application having a filing date of 2020, month 02 and day 13, and having a filing number of JP2020-022549, and the contents of the above application are cited, and the disclosures are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a code symbol reading apparatus and a storage medium.

Background

The following techniques are known in a code symbol reading apparatus for reading a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like (an example of a code symbol) printed on a paper medium or a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like displayed on a display screen of a mobile terminal or the like: in order to read both a barcode, a two-dimensional code, and the like printed ON a paper medium and a barcode, a two-dimensional code, and the like displayed ON a display screen of a portable terminal or the like, illumination is switched ON/OFF (ON/OFF) and read.

However, in the case where the on/off of the illumination is automatically switched every time a certain time elapses, if the ratio of the time of reading when the illumination is on to the time of reading when the illumination is off is fixed, for example, when the reading environment is changed from an environment in which the ratio of reading a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like printed on a paper medium is high to an environment in which the ratio of reading a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like displayed on a display screen of a portable terminal or the like is high, there is a possibility that the reading efficiency is lowered.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention has been made to solve the problem of providing a code symbol reading device and a storage medium, which can automatically determine the reading priority of a code symbol printed on a paper medium and a code symbol displayed on a display screen of a portable terminal or the like, and improve the reading efficiency.

A code symbol reading device according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes: an imaging unit that images an object; an illumination unit that irradiates the object with light; an illumination control unit that controls the illumination of the light by the illumination unit such that a first mode in which the object is illuminated with the light and a second mode in which the object is not illuminated with the light are repeated; and a ratio changing unit that changes a time ratio between the first mode and the second mode based on a number of times of recognition success of the object based on the image captured by the image capturing unit in the first mode and a number of times of recognition success of the object based on the image captured by the image capturing unit in the second mode.

According to the code symbol reading apparatus, the priority of the mode of irradiating light and the priority of the mode of not irradiating light can be automatically determined.

In the code symbol reading apparatus, the ratio changing unit may increase the time ratio of the first mode when the number of times of recognition success of the object based on the image captured by the image capturing unit in the first mode is greater than the number of times of recognition success of the object based on the image captured by the image capturing unit in the second mode, and increase the time ratio of the second mode when the number of times of recognition success of the object based on the image captured by the image capturing unit in the second mode is greater than the number of times of recognition success of the object based on the image captured by the image capturing unit in the first mode.

According to the code symbol reading apparatus described above, by increasing the time ratio of the one having a large number of success times, the reading efficiency can be improved.

The code symbol reading device described above further includes a counting unit that counts and resets the number of times the image pickup unit has picked up images in the first mode, the number of times the image pickup unit has picked up images in the second mode, and the number of times the image pickup unit has picked up images in the second mode, when the number of times the image pickup unit has picked up images in the first mode reaches a predetermined number, the number of times the image pickup unit has picked up images in the second mode is reset, and when the number of times the image pickup unit has picked up images in the second mode reaches the predetermined number, the number of times the image pickup unit has picked up images in the first mode is reset.

According to the code symbol reading apparatus described above, the time ratio can be changed at regular intervals.

In the code symbol reading device, the first mode functions as a mode for reading a code symbol printed on a paper medium, and the second mode functions as a mode for reading a code symbol displayed on a display screen of a mobile terminal or the like.

According to the code symbol reading apparatus described above, the reading priority of the code symbol printed on the paper medium and the reading priority of the code symbol displayed on the display screen of the portable terminal or the like can be automatically determined, and the reading efficiency can be improved.

In the code symbol reading device, the ratio changing unit may change the time ratio between the first mode and the second mode to be the same when a difference between the number of times of successful recognition of the object based on the image captured by the image capturing unit in the second mode and the number of times of successful recognition of the object based on the image captured by the image capturing unit in the first mode is within a predetermined range.

According to the code symbol reading apparatus described above, the priority of the mode in which light is irradiated and the mode in which light is not irradiated can be equalized.

In the code symbol reading device, the ratio changing unit may be configured to change the ratio of the number of times of successful recognition of the object based on the image captured by the image capturing unit in the first mode to the number of times of successful recognition of the object based on the image captured by the image capturing unit in the second mode.

According to the code symbol reading device, the difference between the success times of the first mode and the second mode is easy to obtain.

In the code symbol reading apparatus, the rate changing unit changes the time rate in response to input of information indicating a designated state.

According to the code symbol reading apparatus described above, the reading priority of the code symbol can be automatically determined for a specific service.

The code symbol reading device further includes a function of displaying a pattern having a high time ratio at the current time on the display unit.

According to the code symbol reading apparatus described above, a pattern with a high time rate can be appropriately grasped.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium storing a program for causing a computer of a code symbol reading device including an imaging unit for imaging an object and an illumination unit for illuminating the object with light to function as: an illumination control unit that controls the illumination of the light by the illumination unit such that a first mode in which the object is illuminated with the light and a second mode in which the object is not illuminated with the light are repeated; and a ratio changing unit that changes a time ratio between the first mode and the second mode based on a number of times of recognition success of the object based on the image captured by the image capturing unit in the first mode and a number of times of recognition success of the object based on the image captured by the image capturing unit in the second mode.

According to the above-described storage medium, a function of automatically determining the priority between the irradiation light mode and the non-irradiation light mode can be provided to the computer.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the entire configuration of the POS system.

Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the reading apparatus.

Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the reading apparatus.

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the reading apparatus.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the ratio change table.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the reading apparatus.

Description of the reference numerals

1 POS system

2 inspection bench

10 reading device

11 body part

12 image pickup part

13 illumination unit

14 first display part

15 keyboard

16 second display unit

20 POS terminal

21 display

22 input device

23 Bill printer

30 cashbox

101 micro-computer

102 CPU

103 bus

104 ROM

105 RAM

106 input/output controller

107 lighting driving circuit

108 display/keyboard controller

109 storage unit

110 communication interface

121 first acquisition unit

122 decoding unit

123 determination unit

124 counting part

125 illumination control unit

126 second acquisition unit

127 ratio changing part.

Detailed Description

The following describes a code symbol reading apparatus and a program according to the present embodiment. In the following embodiments, an example of application to a POS (Point of sale) system of a store installed in a retail store will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

(integral constitution of POS System)

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the entire configuration of the POS system 1. The POS (Point of sales) system 1 includes a reader 10 and a POS terminal 20 that performs data processing based on data read by the reader 10. The reading apparatus 10 is an example of a "code symbol reading apparatus".

The reader 10 is erected on the inspection stand 2 for placing a shopping basket or the like on which commodities are placed, in a place (substantially in the center) where an operator and a customer substantially face each other. The POS terminal 20 is provided near one end of the inspection station 2. The reader 10 and the POS terminal 20 are connected to be able to communicate via a transmission line not shown. The reading device 10 and the POS terminal 20 constitute a POS system 1.

The POS terminal 20 executes sales data processing including registration processing and/or settlement processing of a product purchased by a customer based on data of the product or the like read by the reading device 10. The POS terminal 20 is provided on a cash box 30 that stores coins and banknotes to be accessible. The POS terminal 20 includes two displays 21(211, 212) for an operator and a customer, an input device 22 including a keyboard and keys, and a ticket printer 23. The keyboard includes a small count key, a total key, and the like, and the keys perform mode switching such as a registration mode and a setting mode. For example, by an operation of an operator, when the subtotal key is operated, the subtotal is displayed on the display 21. In this state, cash deposit, electronic money (including payment by a two-dimensional code or a barcode), coupon reading, or voucher input is performed. When a series of operations are performed, the total key is operated, and account checking and settlement (settlement) are completed. When the mode is switched by the operation of the key of the operator, the process of registering and settling the commodity when the commodity is sold by the customer is performed in the registration mode. In the setting mode, various settings of the reader 10 and the POS terminal 20 are performed. For example, the reading device 10 sets the volume or tone when reading a barcode, the transfer interval of read data, and the like. Such setting can be made by reading a program barcode printed on a paper medium. The POS terminal 20 has a communication interface capable of data communication with the reading device 10. Information showing that the small counter key has been input and information showing a mode such as a registration mode, a setting mode, or the like based on the key (information showing a state) can be transmitted to the reading apparatus 10 via the communication interface.

(constitution of reading device)

Next, the configuration of the reading apparatus 10 will be described. Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the reading apparatus 10. Here, fig. 2 shows a state when the reading apparatus 10 is viewed from the side where the imaging window 111 is provided (the side of the standing position of the operator).

The reading apparatus 10 includes a main body 11, an imaging unit 12, an illumination unit 13, a first display unit 14, a keyboard 15, a second display unit 16, and the like.

The main body 11 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and is erected on the inspection stage 2. The height of the main body 11 is preferably set to the height of the eyes of the operator on the inspection station 2, for example.

An imaging window 111 serving as an opening is provided on the side of the main body 11 where the operator stands. The imaging unit 12 and the illumination unit 13 are provided in the imaging window 111. The operator aligns the product taken by the customer with the imaging window 111, and reads (images) the product.

The imaging unit 12 includes an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary MOS) and an imaging lens. The imaging lens forms an image of an imaging region on the imaging element. The imaging region is a region of the imaging element formed with an image from the imaging window 111 through the imaging lens.

The imaging unit 12 images the outer surface of the main body 11 through the imaging window 111. For example, the imaging unit 12 optically captures a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like printed on a paper medium. The imaging unit 12 optically captures, for example, a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like displayed on a display screen of a mobile terminal or the like held by a customer. In addition, a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like is an example of the "code symbol".

Here, in a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like printed on a paper medium, data such as an identification code of a commodity (commodity code), a price, or the like is held in a state of being encoded as a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like.

In addition, in a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like displayed on a display screen of a portable terminal or the like, for example, data indicating a discount coupon or the like is held in a state of being encoded into a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like. When data indicating a coupon or the like is read by the reader 10, the POS terminal 20 performs processing such as discount and discount based on the data.

The illumination unit 13 has a light source. The light source of the illumination unit 13 is disposed around the imaging lens of the imaging unit 12. The illumination unit 13 illuminates the object with light by turning on the light source. The light source is, for example, an LED, a cold cathode tube, a fluorescent lamp, a glow lamp, or the like.

The first display unit 14 is provided above the imaging window 111 in the display device for the operator. The first Display unit 14 is a Display device with a touch panel including a Display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The first display unit 14 displays the name, price, and the like of the registered product to the operator in accordance with the sales registration process performed by the POS terminal 20.

The keyboard 15 is provided near (on the side of) the first display unit 14. The keyboard 15 includes various keys for registering a commodity that cannot be registered with a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like, or an object image. Further, a small counter key or the like indicating that the registration of the commodity is completed is provided. In fig. 2, the first display unit 14 and the keyboard 15 are integrally provided, but may be separate. In addition, when the small counter key is operated, information showing that the small counter key has been operated (information showing a state) is input. This action is the same as a small counter key provided in the POS terminal.

The second display unit 16 is a display device with a touch panel, which is configured by a display device such as an LCD. The second display unit 16 displays the name, price, and the like of the registered product to the shopping customer in accordance with the sales registration process performed by the POS terminal 20. In the present embodiment, the second display unit 16 is held by a holding member, not shown, on the side of the main body 11, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

(hardware configuration of reading apparatus)

Next, a hardware configuration of the reader 10 will be described. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the reader 10. The reader 10 includes a microcomputer 101, and the microcomputer 101 controls driving of each unit.

The microcomputer 101 includes a CPU102, a ROM104, a RAM105, an input/output controller 106, an illumination drive circuit 107, a display/keyboard controller 108, a storage unit 109, and a communication interface 110. The components are connected via a bus 103.

A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 102 centrally controls each section. A ROM (Read only Memory) 104 stores fixed information such as a control program in advance. A RAM (random access Memory) 105 stores various data in a rewritable manner and functions as a work area and the like.

Thus, the microcomputer 101 constitutes an information processing section that executes information processing. All or a portion of the RAM105 is non-volatile memory.

The input/output controller 106 is connected to the imaging unit 12. The input/output controller 106 outputs the image (image data) captured by the imaging unit 12 to the microcomputer 101. The input/output controller 106 outputs a control signal output from the microcomputer 101 to the image pickup unit 12.

The illumination driving circuit 107 is connected to the illumination unit 13. The illumination drive circuit 107 controls the lighting and the extinguishing of the light source of the illumination unit 13 under the control of the CPU 102.

The display/keyboard controller 108 controls driving of the first display unit 14 and the second display unit 16, and displays various images on the display 21. The display/keyboard controller 108 outputs an operation signal associated with the touch operation of the first display unit 14 and the second display unit 16 and an operation signal from the keyboard 15 to the microcomputer 101.

The storage unit 109 is a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 109 stores various programs and various data related to the operation of the reader 10. The communication interface 110 is capable of data communication with another device (POS terminal 20) via a connection line such as a LAN cable. For example, information indicating that the small counter key has been operated and information indicating a mode such as a registration mode or a setting mode by the key (information indicating a state) may be received (input) from the POS terminal 20.

(function of reading device)

Next, the functional configuration of the reader 10 will be described with reference to fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the reader 10. The reading apparatus 10 includes a first acquisition unit 121, a decoding unit 122, a determination unit 123, a counting unit 124, an illumination control unit 125, a second acquisition unit 126, and a ratio change unit 127.

More specifically, the reader 10 has the above-described functional configuration as a software configuration by cooperation of the CPU102 and the program stored in the storage unit 109. A part or all of the above-described functional configurations may be realized by a hardware configuration such as the CPU102 or a dedicated circuit.

The first acquisition unit 121 acquires the image captured by the imaging unit 12. Specifically, when the start of a transaction is instructed by an operation via the keyboard 15 or the first display unit 14 or a signal notified from the POS terminal 20, the first acquisition unit 121 starts acquisition of image data captured by the imaging unit 12 via the input/output controller 106.

The first acquiring unit 121 stops acquiring the image data when the completion of the transaction is instructed by the operation of the keyboard 15 or the first display unit 14 or by a signal notified from the POS terminal 20.

The decoding unit 122 decodes the coded information included in the image acquired by the first acquisition unit 121. In the present embodiment, the decoding unit 122 extracts the encoded information by decoding the information.

Specifically, the decoding unit 122 detects a region indicating a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like from the image data acquired by the first acquisition unit 121, and executes processing for decoding encoded data held by the barcode, the two-dimensional code, or the like. The decoding unit 122 also outputs data obtained by decoding encoded data held in a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like to the POS terminal 20 or the like.

The determination unit 123 determines whether or not the recognition of the object based on the image has succeeded. In the present embodiment, the determination unit 123 determines whether or not the object is successfully recognized based on the image by determining whether or not the decoding of the image captured by the imaging unit 12 has been successful.

In addition, the fact that the decoding of the image has been successful may also be referred to as the fact that the identification of the code symbol included in the image has been successful. Since the code symbol is a reading target, decoding of an image is an example of "recognition of a target by an image".

Specifically, when the data can be read from the image captured by the imaging unit 12, the determination unit 123 determines that the decoding of the image captured by the imaging unit 12 has succeeded. On the other hand, when the data cannot be read from the image captured by the imaging unit 12, the determination unit 123 determines that the decoding of the image captured by the imaging unit 12 has failed.

Further, the definition of the decoding failure is not limited to the above example. For example, when data cannot be read out from the code symbol, if the format of the data is different from a predetermined format, it may be determined that decoding has failed.

The counting unit 124 counts and resets various times. In the present embodiment, the counting unit 124 counts and resets the number of times of image capturing in the first mode, the number of times of image capturing in the second mode, the number of times of decoding success of an image captured in the first mode, and the number of times of decoding success of an image captured in the second mode.

Specifically, the counting unit 124 resets the number of times of imaging in the first mode when the transaction is started, and resets the number of times of imaging in the first mode by +1 every time the imaging unit 12 performs imaging in the first mode. When the decoding by the decoding unit 122 has succeeded, the number of times of successful decoding of the image captured in the first mode is + 1.

The counting unit 124 resets the number of times of image capturing in the second mode when the number of times of image capturing in the first mode reaches a predetermined number of times, and sets the number of times of image capturing in the second mode to +1 every time the image capturing unit 12 performs one image capturing in the second mode. When the decoding by the decoding unit 122 has succeeded, the number of times of decoding success of the image captured in the second mode is + 1.

When the number of times of image capturing in the second mode reaches a predetermined number of times, the sum of the number of times of successful decoding of an image captured in the first mode and the number of times of successful decoding of an image captured in the second mode becomes equal to or more than the predetermined number of times, and the time ratio between the first mode and the second mode is changed by a ratio changing unit 127 described later, the counting unit 124 resets the number of times of successful decoding of an image captured in the first mode and the number of times of successful decoding of an image captured in the second mode.

When the number of times of image capturing in the second mode reaches a predetermined number of times by the ratio changing unit 127 regardless of whether the time ratio is changed, the counting unit 124 resets the number of times of image capturing in the first mode.

The illumination control unit 125 controls the illumination of light by the illumination unit 13 so that a first mode in which light is irradiated to the object and a second mode in which light is not irradiated to the object are repeated.

In the present embodiment, the illumination control unit 125 controls the lighting and the extinction of the light source of the illumination unit 13 via the illumination drive circuit 107. Specifically, the illumination control unit 125 controls the light source of the illumination unit 13 to be turned on, and the user directs the reading target object to the front of the imaging window 111, so as to irradiate the reading target object with light. Thus, the imaging unit 12 can perform imaging of the reading target in the first mode in which the reading target is irradiated with light.

When the light source of the illumination unit 13 is turned off and the user aligns the reading target in front of the imaging window 111, the illumination control unit 125 controls not to irradiate the reading target with light. Thus, the imaging unit 12 can perform imaging of the reading target in the second mode in which light is not applied to the reading target.

Further, the illumination control unit 125 alternately repeats the turning on of the light source of the illumination unit 13 for a predetermined period and the turning off of the light source for a predetermined period. Specifically, the illumination control unit 125 alternately repeats control of turning on the light source of the illumination unit 13 and maintaining the on state for a period until the imaging unit 12 performs the imaging a predetermined number of times, and thereafter turning off the light source of the illumination unit 13 and maintaining the off state for a period until the imaging unit 12 performs the imaging a predetermined number of times.

Thus, the imaging unit 12 can perform imaging of the reading target object in both the first mode and the second mode. Here, in the present embodiment, the first mode functions as a mode for reading a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like printed on a paper medium, and the second mode functions as a mode for reading a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like displayed on a display screen such as a portable terminal.

In the present embodiment, the ratio changing unit 127 automatically changes the predetermined number of times the imaging unit 12 performs imaging of the reading target in the first mode and the predetermined number of times the imaging unit 12 performs imaging of the reading target in the second mode at regular intervals.

The second acquisition unit 126 acquires the number of times of successful recognition of the object based on the image captured in the first mode and the number of times of successful recognition of the object based on the image captured in the second mode.

In the present embodiment, the second obtaining unit 126 obtains the number of decoding success times of the image captured in the first mode and the number of decoding success times of the image captured in the second mode when the number of image captures in the first mode and the number of image captures in the second mode reach a predetermined number and the sum of the number of decoding success times of the image captured in the first mode and the number of decoding success times of the image captured in the second mode becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined number.

The ratio changing unit 127 changes the time ratio between the first mode and the second mode based on the number of times of recognition success of the object based on the image captured by the imaging unit 12 in the first mode and the number of times of recognition success of the object based on the image captured by the imaging unit 12 in the second mode.

In the present embodiment, when the sum of the number of decoding success times of an image captured in the first mode and the number of decoding success times of an image captured in the second mode is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the ratio changing unit 127 increases the time ratio of the first mode if the number of decoding success times of an image captured in the first mode is greater than the number of decoding success times of an image captured in the second mode, and increases the time ratio of the second mode if the number of decoding success times of an image captured in the second mode is greater than the number of decoding success times of an image captured in the first mode.

Here, the change of the time ratio of the first mode and the time ratio of the second mode by the ratio changing unit 127 will be described in detail.

For example, when the sum of the number of decoding success times of the image captured in the first mode and the number of decoding success times of the image captured in the second mode becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times, the ratio changing unit 127 changes the time ratio between the first mode and the second mode with reference to the number of decoding success times of the image captured in the first mode and the number of decoding success times of the image captured in the second mode acquired by the second acquiring unit 126, and the ratio change table stored in the storage unit 109 of the reading device 10. When the sum of the success times is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times, the time ratio is changed so that the time ratio can be changed after the difference between the success times is accumulated a predetermined number of times. When the number of times of imaging is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times, the difference in the number of times of success is more easily obtained than when the time ratio is changed.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the ratio change table. In the present embodiment, the ratio change table is a table in which the condition of the difference between the number of decoding success times of an image captured in the first mode and the number of decoding success times of an image captured in the second mode is associated with the time ratio between the first mode and the second mode.

In this example, for example, when the difference between the number of decoding success times of an image captured in the first mode and the number of decoding success times of an image captured in the second mode exceeds 2 in a state where the period during which imaging is performed in the first mode is 15 frames and the period during which imaging is performed in the second mode is 15 frames, the ratio is changed such that the period during which imaging is performed in the first mode is 20 frames and the period during which imaging is performed in the second mode is 10 frames. When the difference is less than 2 (within a predetermined range), the period during which imaging is performed in the first mode is set to 15 frames, and the period during which imaging is performed in the second mode is set to 15 frames. I.e. the same time ratio.

The method of changing the time ratio between the first mode and the second mode by the ratio changing unit 127 is not limited to this.

For example, the ratio change table may be configured such that the conditions for the difference between the number of decoding success times of an image captured in the first mode and the number of decoding success times of an image captured in the second mode, for example "-2. ltoreq. X-Y. ltoreq.2, 2. ltoreq. X-Y. ltoreq.6, 6. ltoreq. X-Y, -2 > X-Y. gtoreq.6, -6 > X-Y", and the ratio of the period during which imaging is performed in the first mode to the period during which imaging is performed in the second mode, for example "15: 15. 20: 10. 25: 5. 10: 20. 5: 25 "are subdivided.

(operation of reading device)

Next, the operation of the reading apparatus 10 will be described. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the reading apparatus.

First, when the start of a transaction is instructed by a signal notified from the keyboard 15 or the like, the counting unit 124 resets the number of times of image capturing (hereinafter, i) in the first mode (step S101). The illumination control unit 125 performs control for turning on the light source of the illumination unit 13 (step S102). The imaging unit 12 performs imaging of the reading target object in the first mode (step S103).

The decoding unit 122 decodes the encoded information included in the image captured by the imaging unit 12, and the determination unit 123 determines whether or not the decoding performed by the decoding unit 122 has succeeded (step S104). If the decoding has succeeded (Yes in step S104), the counter 124 counts the number of decoding successes in the first mode (hereinafter, X) +1 (step S105). The counter 124 counts i +1 (step S106).

If the decoding has failed (step S104: No), step S105 is skipped and i +1 is added (step S106). After that, the counter 124 checks whether or not i has reached a predetermined number of times (hereinafter referred to as a) (step S107). When i does not reach A (No in step S107), the processing from step S103 to step S107 is repeated until i reaches A.

When i reaches a (Yes in step S107), the counter 124 resets the number of times of image capturing in the second mode (hereinafter, j) (step S108). The illumination control unit 125 performs control to turn off the light source of the illumination unit 13 (step S109). The imaging unit 12 performs imaging of the reading target object in the second mode (step S110).

The decoding unit 122 decodes the encoded information included in the image captured by the imaging unit 12, and the determination unit 123 determines whether or not the decoding performed by the decoding unit 122 has succeeded (step S111). If the decoding has succeeded (step S111: Yes), the counting unit 124 counts the number of decoding successes in the second mode (hereinafter, Y) +1 (step S112). The counter 124 also counts j +1 (step S113).

In addition, when the decoding has failed (step S111: No), step S112 is skipped and j +1 is simply added (step S113). After that, the counter 124 checks whether j has reached a predetermined number of times (hereinafter referred to as B) (step S114). If j does not reach B (step S114: No), the processing from step S110 to step S114 is repeated until j reaches B.

When j reaches B (Yes in step S114), the counter 124 checks whether or not the sum of X and Y (hereinafter X + Y) is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times (hereinafter C) (step S115).

When X + Y is equal to or greater than C (step S115: Yes), the second acquisition unit 126 acquires X and Y, and the ratio change unit 127 updates the values of A and B based on X and Y (step S116). Further, the counter 124 resets X and Y (step S117). Then, the process returns to step S101 again, and the above-described process is repeated until the end of the transaction is instructed by a signal notified from the keyboard 15 or the like.

On the other hand, when X + Y is lower than C (step S115: No), the ratio change unit 127 does not update the values of a and B, and repeats the processing from step S101 to step S115 until X + Y becomes equal to or higher than C.

(Effect of reading device)

A conventional code symbol reading device automatically switches on/off of illumination every certain period of time to read an object to be read so as to be able to read both a barcode, a two-dimensional code, and the like printed on a paper medium and a barcode, a two-dimensional code, and the like displayed on a display screen of a portable terminal or the like.

However, in the conventional code symbol reading device, the ratio of the period during which reading is performed when the illumination is on to the period during which reading is performed when the illumination is off is a fixed value, and for example, when the environment where the barcode, the two-dimensional code, and the like printed on the paper medium are frequently read changes to the environment where the barcode, the two-dimensional code, and the like displayed on the display screen of the portable terminal and the like are frequently read, the probability of reading failure of the barcode, the two-dimensional code, and the like displayed on the display screen of the portable terminal and the like is high in the reading in the illumination-on state, and the probability of lowering the reading success rate of the reading target object is considered to be high in comparison with the environment where the barcode, the two-dimensional code, and the like printed on the paper medium are frequently read.

That is, it is considered that since the number of times of successful reading is reduced, the time taken for reading increases, and the efficiency of reading decreases.

In contrast, the reading apparatus 10 of the present embodiment includes a ratio changing unit 127 that changes a time ratio between the first mode and the second mode based on the number of decoding successes of images in which the reading target is imaged in the first mode in which light is applied to the reading target and the number of decoding successes of images in which the reading target is imaged in the second mode in which light is not applied to the reading target.

That is, the ratio changing unit 127 can change the ratio at regular intervals as follows: the time ratio of the first mode is increased when the number of decoding successes of the image captured in the first mode is greater than the number of decoding successes of the image captured in the second mode, and the time ratio of the second mode is increased when the number of decoding successes of the image captured in the second mode is greater than the number of decoding successes of the image captured in the first mode.

Here, it is considered that the increase in the number of decoding success times of the image captured in the first mode means an increase in the number of scenes in which a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like printed on a paper medium is read, and the increase in the number of decoding success times of the image captured in the second mode means an increase in the number of scenes in which a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like displayed on a display screen of a mobile terminal or the like is read.

Therefore, it is considered that increasing the time ratio in the first mode increases the reading priority of the barcode, the two-dimensional code, and the like printed on the paper medium, and increasing the time ratio in the second mode increases the reading priority of the barcode, the two-dimensional code, and the like displayed on the display screen of the mobile terminal or the like.

That is, the reading apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment can automatically determine the reading priority of the code symbol printed on the paper medium and the code symbol displayed on the display screen such as the portable terminal, thereby improving the reading efficiency.

However, when the reading priority of the code symbol is automatically determined, if the time ratio of the code symbol is always changed, there is a possibility that a processing load is generated. In addition, when a business in which a code symbol read from a paper medium and a code symbol read from a display screen are mixed is biased toward a specific business, it is desirable to automatically determine the reading priority of the code symbol with respect to the specific business. Therefore, the rate changing unit can automatically determine the reading priority of the code symbol for a specific service. For example, the registration mode and the setting mode are switched by a key of the POS terminal 20. In the setting mode, for example, a barcode printed on a paper medium is often read. Therefore, the ratio changing unit is set not to operate in the case of the setting mode, and operates in the case of the registration mode. Alternatively, even in the registration mode, when a commodity is being registered, a barcode attached to the commodity, that is, a barcode attached to a paper medium is read. On the other hand, after the reading of the barcode of the product is completed, that is, after the small counter key is operated, the coupon on the paper medium is read and the barcode for settlement on the display screen is read in a mixed manner. Therefore, the ratio changing unit may be not operated while the barcode of the product is being read, and the ratio changing unit may be operated when it is detected that the small counter key has been operated. That is, the time ratio between the first mode and the second mode is changed based on the number of times of successful recognition of the object based on the image captured in the first mode and the number of times of successful recognition of the object based on the image captured in the second mode, based on the fact that the information indicating the state of the input detected by the ratio changing unit indicates that the input mode is switched to the registration mode or the information indicating that the small counter key is operated (information indicating the state). The rate changing unit does not operate while the information indicating the state is not detected. Thus, for example, since the barcode of the commodity is read more in the registration mode, even if the display screen is read slightly more during the settlement, it is possible to prevent the first mode from always giving priority to the registration mode. The first mode can be set when reading a commodity, and the second mode can be set when settling accounts.

While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The new embodiment can be implemented in other various forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

For example, a mode with a high current time ratio may be displayed on the display unit 14. Thus, the operator can appropriately grasp the mode with a high time ratio, and can take measures such as modifying the mode even when the mode with a high time ratio is not appropriate.

For example, the program executed by the reader 10 of the above-described embodiment is provided by being loaded in advance into a storage medium (the ROM104 or the storage unit 109) provided in the reader 10, but the program is not limited to this, and may be provided by being stored in a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a Flexible Disk (FD), or a CD-R, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) in an attachable or executable format.

The storage medium is not limited to a medium independent of a computer or an assembly system, and includes a storage medium in which a program transferred via a LAN, the internet, or the like is downloaded and stored or temporarily stored.

The program executed by the reader 10 according to the above-described embodiment may be stored in a computer connected to a network such as the internet and downloaded via the network to be provided. The program executed by the reader 10 according to the above-described embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the internet.

Claims

1. A code symbol reading apparatus is provided with:

an imaging unit that images an object;

an illumination unit that irradiates the object with light;

an illumination control unit that controls the illumination of the light by the illumination unit such that a first mode in which the object is illuminated with the light and a second mode in which the object is not illuminated with the light are repeated; and

and a ratio changing unit that changes a time ratio between the first mode and the second mode based on a number of times of recognition success of the object based on the image captured by the image capturing unit in the first mode and a number of times of recognition success of the object based on the image captured by the image capturing unit in the second mode.

2. The code symbol reading apparatus according to claim 1,

the ratio changing unit increases the time ratio of the first mode when the number of times of recognition success of the object based on the image captured by the image capturing unit in the first mode is greater than the number of times of recognition success of the object based on the image captured by the image capturing unit in the second mode,

when the number of times of successful recognition of the object based on the image captured by the imaging unit in the second mode is greater than the number of times of successful recognition of the object based on the image captured by the imaging unit in the first mode, the time ratio of the second mode is increased.

3. The code symbol reading apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,

further comprising a counting unit for counting and resetting the number of times the image pickup unit has picked up images in the first mode, the number of times the image pickup unit has picked up images in the second mode, and the number of times the image pickup unit has picked up images in the second mode,

the counting unit resets the number of times the image pickup unit has picked up the image in the second mode when the number of times the image pickup unit has picked up the image in the first mode reaches a predetermined number of times,

when the number of times the image pickup section has picked up an image in the second mode reaches a predetermined number of times, the number of times the image pickup section has picked up an image in the first mode is reset.

4. The code symbol reading apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,

the first mode functions as a mode for reading a code symbol printed on a paper medium, and the second mode functions as a mode for reading a code symbol displayed on a display screen of a portable terminal or the like.

5. The code symbol reading apparatus according to claim 3,

6. The code symbol reading apparatus according to claim 1,

the ratio changing unit sets the time ratio between the first mode and the second mode to be the same when the difference between the number of times of successful recognition of the object based on the image captured by the image capturing unit in the second mode and the number of times of successful recognition of the object based on the image captured by the image capturing unit in the first mode is within a predetermined range.

7. The code symbol reading apparatus according to claim 1,

further comprising a counting unit for counting the number of times of recognition success of the object based on the image captured by the imaging unit in the first mode and the number of times of recognition success of the object based on the image captured by the imaging unit in the second mode,

the ratio changing unit is executed when the sum of the success numbers counted by the counting unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined number.

8. The code symbol reading apparatus according to claim 1,

the ratio changing unit changes the time ratio in accordance with input of information indicating a designated state.

9. The code symbol reading apparatus according to claim 1,

the display device further has a function of displaying a pattern having a high time ratio at the current time on the display unit.

10. A storage medium storing a program for causing a computer of a code symbol reading device including an imaging unit for imaging an object and an illumination unit for illuminating the object with light to function as: