JP2013097504A - Printer with scanner and method for controlling printer with scanner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer with a scanner which has high security and operability, and a method for controlling the printer with a scanner.SOLUTION: The printer with a scanner includes: a scanner 101 which reads commodity information of a commodity; a trigger switch 104 which demands reading of the commodity information; a detection part 104a which detects fingerprint information of a user; and minimum authority execution means which collates detected fingerprint information with a fingerprint authentication information table 202a and, in the case of failure in authentication of a user, determines minimum authority-relevant processing which the user failing to be authenticated has the authority to execute, and executes the determined minimum authority-relevant processing.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a printer with a scanner and a method for controlling the printer with a scanner.

  There is a printer with a scanner that reads a product code representing a product from a bar code or the like printed on a tag attached to each product, and executes a related process related to the product represented by the read product code.

  In general, a scanner-equipped printer cannot be used by a user having no handling authority by performing authentication of a user code and a password when the power is turned on (for example, Patent Document 1). reference).

  Furthermore, a printer with a scanner that restricts the related processing executed by the printer with a scanner, such as manual input of a discount amount, printing of a discount label, and printing of a price tag, by a class of a user who uses the printer with a scanner has been developed.

  For example, the printer with a scanner executes all related processes when the user is in the administrator class, but executes limited related processes when the user is in the user class.

JP 2004-326561 A

  However, in conventional printers with scanners, execution of related processing is restricted by the user class specified by the user code and password. For example, a user other than the administrator can set the user code and password of the administrator. If it knows, the subject that the price of goods is easily changed by the user concerned occurs.

  Further, even when the administrator enters a user code or password and the printer with a scanner reaches the user's hand, there is a problem that the price of the product is modified by the user.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a printer with a scanner and a control method for the printer with a scanner that have high security and good operability in order to execute related processing according to the authority of the handler. To do.

  The printer with a scanner according to the present embodiment includes a product information reading unit that reads product information of a product, a switch that requests reading of the product information by the product information reading unit, and a fingerprint authentication information storage that stores user fingerprint authentication information And fingerprint information detection means for detecting fingerprint information of the user who operated the switch, and user authentication is performed by comparing the fingerprint information of the user detected by the fingerprint information detection means with the fingerprint authentication information storage means. Determined by a fingerprint information authenticating means, an authority determining means for determining a minimum authority related process for a product for which the user has an execution authority when the fingerprint information of the user is not authenticated by the fingerprint information authenticating means, and the authority determining means And an authority execution means for executing the minimum authority related process.

  Further, the control method of the printer with a scanner according to the present embodiment includes a reading step of reading product information of a product, a detection step of detecting the fingerprint information of the user, and storing the fingerprint information detected by the detection step with fingerprint authentication information. An authentication step of verifying the fingerprint information of the user by collating with the means, and a determination step of determining a minimum authority-related process relating to a product for which the user has an execution authority when the user is not authenticated by the authentication step; An execution step of executing the least privilege related process determined in the determination step.

1 is an external view of a handy scanner according to an embodiment. The internal structure figure of the handy scanner concerning this Embodiment. The block diagram which shows the structure of the handy scanner concerning this Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the data structure of the fingerprint authentication information table concerning this Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the data structure of the administrator class table concerning this Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the data structure of the user class table concerning this Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the step of execution of the related process concerning this Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, a printer with a scanner and a method for controlling the printer with a scanner according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

  In the present embodiment, the scanner-equipped printer and the control method for the printer-equipped printer according to the present invention are configured such that light is projected onto a barcode or the like printed on a product tag or the like, and the projected light is An example applied to a handy scanner that reads an image from reflected light will be described.

  FIG. 1 is an external view of a handy scanner 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an internal structure diagram of the handy scanner 1 according to the present embodiment.

  The handy scanner 1 according to the present embodiment includes a scanner 101, a display 102, a key input unit 103, a trigger switch 104, a grip unit 105, a thermal head 106, a platen roller 107, a thermal roll paper 108, and the like.

  The scanner 101 is product information reading means for projecting light onto a barcode or a two-dimensional code printed on a product tag or the like and reading product information representing the product from reflected light of the projected light. .

  The display 102 is a display unit that displays product information, operation information (for example, a manually input discount amount), and the like, such as a liquid crystal display.

  The key input unit 103 is used by the user to input operation information and the like.

  The grip portion 105 is a portion where the user grips the handy scanner 1, and a part of the grip portion 105 is formed of a conductive polymer material 105a.

  Note that the portion where the grip portion 105 is formed of the conductive polymer material 105a discharges the static electricity generated in the handy scanner 1 through the human body in contact with the portion due to the conductive property.

  The trigger switch 104 is a switch that is provided in the grip portion 105 and requests reading of product information by the scanner 1.

  Furthermore, the trigger switch 104 includes a detection unit that is a detection unit 104a that detects fingerprint information of the operated user's finger.

  As in the present embodiment, when the detection unit 104a is provided in the trigger switch 104, it is assumed that the finger to be touched is the left hand or the right hand, the size of the finger to be touched, and the like.

  The platen roller 107 is disposed opposite to a thermal head 106 to be described later, pulls out the label with the mount from the roll paper 108 around which the label with the mount is wound, and conveys the pulled label with the mount to the printing position of the thermal head 106. It is a conveyance roller and is made of a conductive polymer material to ensure conductivity.

  The thermal head 106 prints a discount amount or a price tag by heating a label with a mount that has been conveyed to a printing position by a platen roller 107.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the handy scanner 1 according to the present embodiment. The handy scanner 1 according to the present embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 that executes various arithmetic processes and centrally controls each unit. The CPU 201 is connected via a system bus 212 to a FROM (Flash Read Only Memory) 202 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203 which are non-volatile storage units that can retain stored contents even when the power is turned off. Yes.

  The FROM 202 stores an operation program for the handy scanner 1 and various setting information programs.

  The CPU 201 controls each unit by copying an operation program stored in the FROM 202 (including a program for executing processing related to a product such as discount amount and price tag printing, manual input of the discount amount) to the RAM 203 and executing it. .

  Further, the FROM 202 includes a fingerprint authentication information table 202a which is a fingerprint authentication information storage unit in which fingerprint information of each user's finger is associated, an administrator class user code, and an administrator who has authority to execute the administrator class user. An administrator class table 202b in which related processes are associated with each other, a user class table 202c in which a user class user code and a user related process for which a user in the user class has execution authority are associated are formed. Yes.

  The RAM 203 temporarily stores various types of variable information, and print information in which a user who has performed printing by the handy scanner 1 is associated with print information indicating the number of prints and print contents actually printed by the user. A table, a time information table in which a user who has performed printing with the handy scanner 1 and time information indicating the time when the user has performed printing with the handy scanner 1 are associated with each other are stored.

  Since the handy scanner 1 has a clock unit 213 to be described later, the RAM 203 stores the user who has performed printing by the handy scanner 1 and the printing date and time actually performed by the user.

  The RAM 203 is used as a print buffer in which print data (image data) such as a discount amount and a price tag to be printed on a label with a mount is developed. The print data may be data to be printed received from the host computer 2, data stored in the FROM 202, or a discount amount input from the key input unit 103. Also good.

  The CPU 201 includes a display control circuit 204, a communication I / F 205, a motor control circuit 206, a head control circuit 208, a power supply circuit 209, a scanner control circuit 211, a clock unit 213, a key input unit 103, and a trigger switch 104. 212 is connected.

  The display control circuit 204 controls display on the display unit 102 (such as a menu screen including an operation image for selecting related processing) under the control of the CPU 201.

  The communication I / F 205 is an interface for communicating with an external device such as the host computer 2. The communication I / F 205 is configured by infrared communication such as IrDA, USB (Universal Serial Bus), wireless LAN (Local Area Network), RS-232C, Bluetooth (registered trademark), and the like, and is provided in the host computer 2. Communication with the I / F is possible.

  The motor control circuit 206 controls a stepping motor 207 that is a drive source of the platen roller 107 under the control of the CPU 201.

  The head control circuit 208 outputs a print control signal to the thermal head 106 under the control of the CPU 201.

  The scanner control circuit 211 controls reading of product information by the scanner 101 under the control of the CPU 201.

  The power supply circuit 209 controls the supply / stop of power from the battery 210 to each part of the handy scanner 1 in accordance with ON / OFF of the power of the handy scanner 1 by the key input unit 103.

  The clock unit 213 measures the current date and time.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of the fingerprint authentication information table 202a. As shown in FIG. 4, fingerprint authentication information is stored in association with the user code of each user.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of the administrator class table 202b. As shown in FIG. 5, an operation related to administrator-related processing is stored in association with the administrator user code. For example, manager-related processing includes printing of discount amounts, price tag labels, and manual input of discount amounts.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of the user class table 202c. As shown in FIG. 6, a business related to user-related processing is stored in association with the user user code. For example, the business as the user-related processing is printing of discount amount and price tag label.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the steps of the related processing of each user executed by the CPU 201 of the handy scanner 1 according to the present embodiment based on the operation program stored in the FROM 202.

  First, under the control of the scanner control circuit 211, the CPU 201 reads the product information of the product from the barcode printed on the tag attached to the product by the scanner 101 (step ST501: product information reading means).

  Further, the CPU 201 detects fingerprint information of the user's finger touching the trigger switch 104 with the detection unit 104a (step ST502: fingerprint information detection means).

  When the product information of the product is read by the scanner 101, the CPU 201 authenticates the fingerprint information of the user detected by the detection unit 104a of the trigger switch 104 (step ST503: fingerprint information authentication unit).

  When the fingerprint information of the user is authenticated by checking the fingerprint authentication information in the fingerprint authentication information table 202a (step S503-YES), the CPU 201 then uses the authenticated user code to manage the administrator. The administrator user code in the class table 202b is searched to authenticate the administrator class (step ST504).

  When the user code is authenticated as the administrator class by the administrator class table 202b (step ST504-YES), the CPU 201 next manages the manager related to the product represented by the product information read by the scanner 101. Relevant processing is determined (step ST505: administrator authority determining means).

  Further, the CPU 201 displays a menu screen including an operation image for selecting a desired related process among the administrator authority related processes determined by the authority determining means on the display 102 (step ST506: administrator menu display). means).

  The CPU 201 executes an administrator-related process in which an operation image included in the menu screen displayed on the display device 102 is operated (step S507: administrator authority executing unit).

  When the user code is not authenticated as the administrator class in the administrator class table 202b (step ST504-NO), the CPU 201 then uses the authenticated user code to determine the user user code in the user class table 202c. To authenticate the user class (step ST508).

  When the user code is authenticated as the user class by the user class table 202c (step ST508-YES), the CPU 201 next relates to the user related to the product represented by the product information read by the scanner 101. Processing is determined (step ST509: user authority determining means).

  Further, the CPU 201 displays a menu screen including an operation image for selecting a desired related process from the user related processes determined by the user authority determining unit on the display 102 (step ST510: user menu). Display means).

  The CPU 201 executes a user-related process in which an operation image included in the menu screen displayed on the display unit 102 is operated (step ST511: user authority executing means).

  If the fingerprint information of the user is not authenticated in the fingerprint authentication information table 202a (NO in step ST503), the CPU 201 determines the lowest authority related process related to the product represented by the product information read by the scanner 101 (step ST503). ST512: Minimum authority determining means).

  Further, the CPU 201 displays a menu screen including an operation image of the lowest authority related process determined by the lowest authority determination unit on the display 102 (step ST513: lowest authority menu display unit).

  The CPU 201 executes the lowest authority related process in which the operation image included in the menu screen displayed on the display 102 is operated (step ST514: lowest authority executing means).

  Then, each related process of the CPU 201 in the handy scanner 1 according to the present embodiment is terminated.

  According to the handy scanner 1 according to the present embodiment configured as described above, the CPU 201 detects the fingerprint information of the user by the detection unit 104a of the trigger switch 104, and performs fingerprint authentication based on the detected fingerprint information. Authentication is performed using the information table 202a.

  When the user is authenticated as a result of the authentication, the administrator class table 202a is checked with the user code. When the user is authenticated, an administrator-related process of the administrator class is determined. Then, an operation menu of the administrator class is displayed on the display 102, and for example, manual input of the discount amount is selected from the displayed operation menu, and the manual input of the selected discount amount is executed.

  Also, the administrator class table 202b is checked with the user code, and if the user code is not authenticated, the user class table 202c is checked. If the user code is authenticated, the user related process of the user class is determined. Then, an operation menu of the user class is displayed on the display 102, and for example, printing of a discount label is selected from the displayed operation menu, and printing of the selected discount label is executed.

  Further, when the fingerprint information of the user is not authenticated by the fingerprint authentication information table 202a, the user executes the processing related to the lowest authority.

  According to the handy scanner 1 according to the present embodiment, for example, when the user has a finger cut or other damage, the fingerprint information is not authenticated. Further, authentication is not performed even when the fingerprint authentication information of the user is not stored in the fingerprint authentication information table 202a.

  In the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the handy scanner 1 with excellent operability that can execute the related process with the lowest authority in any of the above states.

  Therefore, it is possible to improve the security of the handy scanner 1 according to the present embodiment and provide the handy scanner 1 with excellent operability.

  In addition, as the related process of the lowest authority of the user, the setting is made so that the price tag label is printed, but the related process of the user class may be set to be executable.

  The handy scanner 1 according to the present embodiment detects the user's fingerprint information instead of entering the password, so that it is not necessary to input the password and can be easily operated, and the password can be updated to prevent the leakage of the password. No longer needed.

  According to the handy scanner 1 according to the present embodiment, even when the administrator passes the handy scanner 1 to the user during work by detecting fingerprint information each time the product information is read by the scanner 101, Since the user cannot request the execution of the related process for which only the administrator has the execution authority, when the administrator gives the handy scanner 1 to the user during the work, the discount amount is modified by the user. Can be prevented.

  In this embodiment, a reading unit is used that illuminates a barcode or a two-dimensional code and reads product information representing the product from the reflected light. For example, a barcode or a two-dimensional code is used. A product reading unit that reads product information by reading and analyzing image data using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) scanner may be used. .

  In the present embodiment, the detection unit 104a detects the fingerprint information of a plurality of fingers. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the detection unit 104a may detect vein information of a plurality of fingers as biological information. Good.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Handy scanner, 101 ... Scanner, 102 ... Display, 103 ... Key input part, 104 ... Trigger switch, 104a ... Detection part, 201 ... CPU, 202 ... FROM, 203 ... RAM.

Claims (3)

Product information reading means for reading product information of products;
A switch for requesting reading of the product information by the product information reading means;
Fingerprint authentication information storage means for storing each user's fingerprint authentication information;
Detecting means for detecting fingerprint information of the user who operated the switch;
Fingerprint information authenticating means for performing user authentication by comparing the fingerprint information of the user detected by the detecting means with the fingerprint authentication information storing means;
If the fingerprint information is not authenticated by the fingerprint information authenticating means, the lowest authority determining means for determining the processing related to the lowest authority class related to the product for which the user has execution authority;
A least privilege execution means for executing a process related to the least privilege determined by the least privilege related process determination means;
A printer with a scanner, comprising: A minimum authority menu display means for displaying an operation image for processing related to the minimum authority determined by the minimum authority determination means;
2. The scanner-equipped printer according to claim 1, wherein the least privilege execution unit executes a least privilege related process using an operation image displayed on the least privilege menu display unit. A method for controlling a printer with a scanner,
The scanner printer is
A reading step for reading the product information of the product;
A detection step for detecting fingerprint information of the user;
A user authentication step in which the fingerprint information of the user detected in the detection step is collated with a fingerprint authentication information storage unit to authenticate the user;
When the user is not authenticated by the user authentication step, a minimum authority determining step for determining a minimum authority related process regarding a product for which the user has an execution authority;
A minimum authority execution step for executing the minimum authority related process determined by the minimum authority determination step;
A method for controlling a printer with a scanner.

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