JP3967802B2 - Product information reader - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a commodity information reading device such as a barcode scanner for reading a barcode.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, each product sold in a supermarket or the like is printed or affixed with a barcode as a code symbol representing a code indicating a product code of each product. Such bar code information is read by a bar code scanner and output to a predetermined output destination. Thereby, for example, a product master file provided in a product sales registration data processing apparatus such as a POS terminal is searched, and product sales data registration processing or the like is executed. Here, the product master file is set with product data consisting of product name, sales price, department code, etc. corresponding to the product code which is the barcode specific code information attached to each product. It is what.
[0003]
Such a barcode scanner emits a reading sound such as “beep” in order to notify an operator cashier that the barcode has been normally read when reading the barcode of each product. It is configured to emit. Therefore, the cashier can confirm that the reading can be normally performed by listening to the reading sound when the barcode is sequentially read for each product using the barcode scanner.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in transactions with customers, cases where a plurality of identical products are purchased can frequently occur. In this case, if it is a familiar cashier, first, the number of identical products is visually determined, and at the same time the barcode of one product is read. Thereafter, for example, an “X key” is pressed, and an operation procedure for inputting the number is taken. By such an operation, even if there are a plurality of the same products, it is only necessary to read the barcode of one product among them, so that a very efficient registration process can be performed.
[0005]
However, cashiers who are not experienced and are not familiar with the operation can read all the same products without using the “x key” as described above, or The barcode of one of the existing products is read a plurality of times. In this case, particularly in the latter case, there may be a case where it is impossible to determine how many barcodes have been read by the barcode scanner. There is also the danger of reading twice. In such a case, it is very troublesome because it must be confirmed in a journal or the like of the POS terminal, and the customer is inconvenienced.
[0006]
An object of the present invention is to obtain a product information reading device that prevents the occurrence of an erroneous transaction in advance by accurately grasping the number of times the same product is read in one transaction.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
[0009]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the product information reading apparatus that reads the code information of the code symbol attached to the product by the reading unit and outputs the code information to a predetermined output destination, the code symbol read by the reading unit Code information storage means for storing code information and the number of times the code information is read within a transaction unit in association with each other, code information of a code symbol newly read by the reading means, and code stored by the code information storage means A determination means for determining the difference between the information and a reading number adding means for adding 1 to the number of readings stored in the code information storage means when the determination means determines that the information is the same; and a determination means If the code information stored in the code information storage means is newly read, the code information newly read And a data changing means for changing the number of readings to an initial value of 1 and a notifying means for notifying the number of readings stored corresponding to the code information every time the code information of the code symbol is read by the reading means, Prepare.
[0010]
Therefore, in a certain transaction, when the determination means determines that the code information of the code symbol newly read by the reading means and the code information stored by the code information storage means are the same, the number of readings The number of readings corresponding to the code information is added by 1 by the adding means, and the number of readings is notified by the notifying means. Thereby, when the code symbol having the same code information is continuously read in the transaction unit, the number of times of continuous reading is notified.
[0013]
According to a second aspect of the invention, the product information reading apparatus according to claim 1, the microcomputer includes a microcomputer for executing various types of processing, commodity sales registration which is the output destination of the code information of the code symbol attached to a commodity The transaction unit is managed by a signal transmitted from the data processing device.
[0014]
Therefore, for example, the transaction unit is managed by regarding the start and end signals of the closing process transmitted from the merchandise sales registration data processing apparatus that is the output destination of the code information as the start and end signals related to one transaction. .
[0015]
According to a third aspect of the invention, the product information reading apparatus according to claim 1, the microcomputer includes a microcomputer for executing various types of processing, commodity sales registration which is the output destination of the code information of the code symbol attached to a commodity The transaction unit is managed by a signal transmitted from the host device that controls the data processing device.
[0016]
Therefore, for example, by considering the start and end signals of the closing process transmitted from the host device that controls the merchandise sales registration data processing device that is the output destination of the code information as the start and end signals related to one transaction, Units are managed.
[0017]
The invention of claim 4, wherein, in the product information reading apparatus according to claim 1, the microcomputer includes a microcomputer for executing various types of processing, the signal output from the commodity information reading apparatus itself manages the transaction units.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the commodity information reading device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the notification means generates a buzzer sound for the number of readings to be notified to notify the number of readings.
[0018]
Therefore, for example, a transaction unit is managed by outputting start and end signals related to one transaction by pressing a key provided in the commodity information reading apparatus itself.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The present embodiment is an example applied to a stationary barcode scanner 1 as a product information reading device connected to a product sales registration data processing device (here, a POS terminal). The barcode scanner 1 reads a barcode, which is a code symbol attached to a product, by optical scanning.
[0020]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the electrical connection of each part of the barcode scanner 1. The bar code scanner 1 has a built-in microcomputer 2, an audio output device 3 that generates a buzzer sound to notify the cashier that the microcomputer 2 has read the bar code normally, and reading light that emits laser light. Each part of the output device 4, the A / D conversion device 5, the display device 6 that displays predetermined items, and the like is driven and controlled via a bus line 7 and various control circuits (not shown). The A / D converter 5 is connected to an optical sensor 8 that receives the reflected light of the barcode and outputs an analog signal as an electrical signal. The analog output is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 5. The The microcomputer 2 functions as a work area by temporarily storing a ROM 10 that stores fixed data such as a control program in advance and a variable data via a bus line 7 in a CPU 9 that centrally controls each unit. It is comprised by connecting with RAM11 which fulfills. Further, a communication I / F 12 that connects a POS terminal and outputs various data is connected to the microcomputer 2 via a bus line 7.
[0021]
The RAM 11 has a storage area for the code reading count storage area A. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of the code reading count storage area A. The code reading count storage area A is composed of a bar code data storage area B and a reading count storage area C. The barcode data storage area B is an area for temporarily storing barcode data d as code information, and the reading count storage area C is an area for temporarily storing the reading count n in association with the barcode data d. Here, a code information storage means is realized.
[0022]
When the bar code scanner 1 is activated, a control program stored in the ROM 10 is written into the RAM 11, whereby each part can be controlled by the microcomputer 2, and various processes are executed. Next, a scanning process by reading a barcode attached to a product will be described.
[0023]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart schematically showing the flow of scanning processing in the barcode scanner 1. It is assumed that the POS terminal at this time is set to the registration mode and is executing the merchandise sales registration process.
[0024]
First, in step S1, the process waits until a read signal, which is a signal for starting one transaction, is received from the POS terminal. When this reading signal is received (Y in step S1), the barcode data d in the barcode data storage area B of the code reading number storage area A of the RAM 11 is cleared and the number of readings of the code reading number storage area A of the RAM 11 is cleared. The number of readings n in the storage area C is initialized to “n = 1” (step S2).
[0025]
Next, in step S3, the process waits for reading a barcode. In order to read the bar code, first, the reflected light of the laser beam modulated by the black and white of the bar code of the product crossed with the laser scanning line reflected and scanned by the laser beam emitted from the reading light output device 4 is an optical sensor. 8, the received reflected light is analog-output as an electrical signal by the optical sensor 8. Thereafter, the barcode is read by being converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 5 and demodulating the barcode code. Here, the function of the reading means is executed.
[0026]
When the barcode is read (Y in step S3), in step S4, it is determined whether or not the barcode data d is stored in the barcode data storage area B. When the barcode data d is stored in the barcode data storage area B (Y in step S4), the process proceeds to step S5, and when the barcode data d is not stored in the barcode data storage area B (in step S4). N) proceeds to step S7.
[0027]
In step S5, it is determined whether the newly read barcode data d of the barcode is different from the barcode data d stored in the barcode data storage area B. Here, the function of the determination means is executed.
[0028]
If it is determined that they are different (N in step S5), the barcode data d in the barcode data storage area B is cleared, and the number n of readings in the reading number storage area C is initialized to “n = 1”. (Step S6). Furthermore, in step S7, the barcode data d of the newly read barcode is stored in the barcode data storage area B. By these steps S6 to S7, the function of the data changing means is executed.
[0029]
Even when the barcode data d is not stored in the barcode data storage area B described above (N in step S4), the barcode data d of the newly read barcode is stored in the barcode data storage area B.
[0030]
If it is determined that they are the same (Y in step S5), the number of readings n in the reading number storage area C is incremented by “1” in step S8. Here, the function of the reading number adding means is executed.
[0031]
In the subsequent step S9, a buzzer sound is generated to notify the cashier as an operator that the voice output device 3 has read the barcode normally. In this case, the buzzer is sounded the same number of times as the number of readings n in the reading number storage area C. Here, the function of the notification means is executed.
[0032]
Further, the barcode data d of the barcode read this time is transmitted to the POS terminal (step S10).
[0033]
The processing shown in steps S3 to S10 is repeated until a reading stop signal, which is a signal indicating the end of one transaction, is received from the POS terminal in step S11.
[0034]
Here, a barcode reading mode by the barcode scanner 1 in one transaction is considered. For example, if the barcode scanner 1 reads barcodes for different products w, x, y, and z each having a barcode attached, it is read immediately before being stored in the barcode data storage area B. Since the barcode data d read this time and the barcode data d read this time are different (N in Step S5), the processes of Step S3 → S4 → S5 → S6 → S7 → S9 → S10 are sequentially repeated. Therefore, each time the barcode is read, a buzzer is sounded only once (step S9).
[0035]
On the other hand, even when barcode reading is performed by the barcode scanner 1 for different products w, x, y, and z each having a barcode attached thereto, for example, there are two products x, and these two products Consider a case where the bar code of x is continuously read. At the time of reading the first barcode related to the product x, the barcode data d read immediately before and stored in the barcode data storage area B and the barcode data d newly read this time are read in the same manner as described above. (N in Step S5), the barcode data d in the barcode data storage area B is cleared, and the number n of readings in the reading number storage area C is initialized to "1" (Step S6). The barcode data d of the received barcode is stored in the barcode data storage area B (step S7), and a buzzer is sounded only once (step S9). Thereafter, at the time of reading the second barcode regarding the product x, the barcode data d stored in the barcode data storage area B of the first product x read first and the product x newly read this time are read. Is the same as the second barcode data d (Y in step S5), and in accordance with step S8, the number n of readings in the reading number storage area C is incremented by “1” this time and “n = 2”. Therefore, the buzzer is sounded twice in succession (step S9). Therefore, it can be understood that the cashier has continuously read the product x attached with the barcode having the same barcode data d twice by making the buzzer sound twice. In this way, when there are a plurality of identical products in a transaction unit, even if only one product is continuously read for a plurality of times, the buzzer sounds for the number of times of reading, so the number of readings is accurately grasped, Occurrence of wrong transactions is prevented.
[0036]
Next, a reference embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the same part as the part demonstrated in one embodiment of this invention mentioned above is shown with the same code | symbol, and description is also abbreviate | omitted.
[0037]
In the present embodiment, a code reading number storage area D and a pointer storage area G are used in place of the code reading number storage area A that is a storage area secured in the RAM 11 in the first embodiment of the present invention described above. Are different in that they are secured in the RAM 11.
[0038]
4 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of the code reading count storage area D, and FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of the pointer storage area G. The code reading count storage area D is composed of a bar code data storage area E and a reading count storage area F. The bar code data d, which is code information based on bar code reading, is associated with the reading count n. Temporarily store in order. The pointer storage area G is an area for storing the pointer p. Here, all code information storage means is realized.
[0039]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart schematically showing the flow of scanning processing in the barcode scanner 1. It is assumed that the POS terminal at this time is set to the registration mode and is executing the merchandise sales registration process.
[0040]
First, in step S21, the process waits until a read signal, which is a signal for starting one transaction, is received from the POS terminal. When this reading signal is received (Y in step S21), all the barcode data d in the barcode data storage area E is cleared, and the storage position m of the barcode data d is stored at “m = 0”. The read count n of the area F is initialized to “n = 1” and the pointer p of the pointer storage area G is initialized to “p = 0” (step S22).
[0041]
Next, in step S23, the process waits until the barcode is read. When the barcode is read (Y in step S23), in step S24, it is determined whether or not “p = 0” for the pointer p. If it is not “p = 0” (N in Step S24), the process proceeds to Step S25, and if “p = 0” (Y in Step S24), the process proceeds to Step S28.
[0042]
In step S25, it is determined whether or not the barcode data d of the read barcode is different from the barcode data d stored in the p-th barcode data storage area E. If they are different (N in step S25), the pointer p is decremented by "1" in step S26. In these steps S24 to S26, the function of the determining means is executed.
[0043]
If they are the same (Y in step S25), the number of readings n of the corresponding barcode data d is incremented by “1” in step S27. Here, the function of the reading number adding means is executed.
[0044]
If “p = 0” is obtained by repeating N in step S25 and step S26, or if “p = 0” because it is the first product reading (Y in step S24). In step S28, the storage position m of the barcode data d is incremented by “1”. Thereafter, the barcode data d of the read barcode is stored in the m-th barcode data storage area E (step S29). By these steps S28 to S29, the function of the data adding means is executed.
[0045]
In step S30, a buzzer sound is generated to notify the cashier that the audio output device 3 has read the barcode normally. In this case, the buzzer sound is generated the same number of times as the number of readings n of the corresponding barcode data d. Here, the function of the notification means is executed.
[0046]
Next, the barcode data d of the barcode read this time is transmitted to the POS terminal (step S31).
[0047]
Further, the process of “p ← m” is performed in which the pointer p is the same number as the storage position m (step S32).
[0048]
The processes shown in steps S23 to S32 are repeated until a reading stop signal, which is a signal indicating the end of one transaction from the POS terminal, is received in step S33.
[0049]
Here, a barcode reading mode by the barcode scanner 1 in one transaction is considered. For example, if the barcode scanner 1 reads barcodes for different products w, x, y, and z each having a barcode attached, it is read immediately before being stored in the barcode data storage area E. Since the barcode data d newly read and the barcode data d newly read this time are different (N in step S25), a buzzer sound is generated only once every time the barcode is read (step S30).
[0050]
On the other hand, even when reading barcodes by the barcode scanner 1 for different products w, x, y, and z each having a barcode attached thereto, for example, consider a case where there are two products x. At the time of reading the first barcode relating to the product x, similarly to the above case, the barcode data d read immediately before and stored in the barcode data storage area E and the barcode data d newly read this time Are different (N in step S25), the barcode data d of the newly read barcode is stored in the mth of the barcode data storage area E (step S29), and the buzzer sound is generated only once (step S29). S30). After that, when reading the second barcode related to the product x, the barcode data d stored in the m-th stored in the barcode data storage area E of the first product x previously read is newly read this time. Since the second barcode data d related to the product x is the same (Y in step S25), the number n of readings of the corresponding barcode data d is incremented by “1” according to step S27, and “n = 2 ", the buzzer sound is sounded twice in succession (step S30). Therefore, it can be understood that the cashier has read at least twice the product x to which the bar code having the same bar code data d is attached when the buzzer sounds twice. In this way, when there are multiple identical products in the transaction unit, even if the products are read randomly, the buzzer sounds for the same product as many times as the number of readings, so there is no need to be aware that there are multiple identical products in advance. In both cases, the number of readings is accurately grasped, and erroneous transactions are prevented from occurring.
[0051]
In the above embodiment, a barcode is used as a code symbol. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a two-dimensional code such as a data code, an ISBN code, or the like may be used as a code symbol. However, the product information reading apparatus in this case corresponds to reading of each code symbol.
[0052]
In the above embodiment, the buzzer sound is sounded by the number of times of reading by the voice output device 3 as the notifying means. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the number of readings is displayed on the display device 6 for notification. Anyway. In particular, when the stationary barcode scanner 1 is a vertical type, the customer can grasp the number of readings of the same product by providing the display device 6 on the customer side.
[0053]
Further, in the above embodiment, the transaction unit is managed by receiving a signal of one transaction start or one transaction end from the POS terminal. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, via a POS terminal. The transaction unit may be managed by a signal transmitted from the host device or a signal output by pressing a key provided in the barcode scanner 1 itself.
[0054]
In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to a stationary barcode scanner. However, the present invention is not limited to this and may be applied to a hand scanner or the like.
[0055]
【The invention's effect】
[0056]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, when a code symbol having the same code information is continuously read twice or more by the reading means in the transaction unit, the number of times of reading is notified, so in one transaction It is possible to accurately grasp the number of continuous readings of the same product, and to prevent an erroneous transaction from occurring.
[0058]
According to the second aspect of the invention, in the commodity information reading device according to the first aspect , for example, the start and end signals of the closing process transmitted from the commodity sales registration data processing apparatus that is the output destination of the code information are made into one transaction. Since the transaction unit is managed by regarding the start and end signals as such, it is possible to accurately grasp the number of readings for each product for each transaction unit.
[0059]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the commodity information reading device according to the first aspect , for example, start and end of a closing process transmitted from a host device that controls a commodity sales registration data processing apparatus that is an output destination of code information. Since the transaction unit is managed by regarding the signal as a start and end signal related to one transaction, the number of readings for each product can be accurately grasped for each transaction unit.
[0060]
According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in the commodity information reading device according to the first aspect , for example, a transaction unit is generated by outputting a start and end signal related to one transaction by pressing a key provided in the commodity information reading device itself. Therefore, the number of readings for each product can be accurately grasped for each transaction unit.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing electrical connection of each part of a barcode scanner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a data structure of a code reading count storage area.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart schematically showing a flow of scanning processing in the barcode scanner.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a data structure of a code reading number storage area which is a reference form of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a data structure of a pointer storage area.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart schematically showing a flow of scanning processing in the barcode scanner.
[Explanation of symbols]
d Code information n Number of readings Step S5 Determination means Steps S6 to 7 Data changing means Step S8 Reading number addition means Step S9 Notification means Steps S24 to 26 Determination means Step S27 Reading number addition means Steps S28 to 29 Data addition means Step S30 Notification means

Claims (5)

In a product information reading device that reads code information of a code symbol attached to a product by a reading unit and outputs the code information to a predetermined output destination.
Code information storage means for storing the code information of the code symbol read by the reading means and the number of times the code information is read in a transaction unit in association with each other;
Determination means for determining the difference between the code information of the code symbol newly read by the reading means and the code information stored by the code information storage means;
If it is determined by the determination means that they are the same, the number of reading addition means for adding 1 to the number of readings stored by the code information storage means;
A data changing unit that changes the code information stored in the code information storage unit to newly read code information and changes the number of readings to an initial value of 1 when the determination unit determines that the difference is different;
Informing means for informing the number of readings stored corresponding to the code information every time the code information of the code symbol is read by the reading means;
A product information reading apparatus comprising: It is characterized by having a microcomputer that executes various processes, and this microcomputer manages a transaction unit by a signal transmitted from a merchandise sales registration data processing device that is an output destination of code information of a code symbol attached to a product. The product information reading device according to claim 1 . This microcomputer has a microcomputer that executes various processes, and this microcomputer manages the transaction unit by the signal transmitted from the host device that controls the product sales registration data processing device that is the output destination of the code information of the code symbol attached to the product. The commodity information reading device according to claim 1, wherein The microcomputer includes a microcomputer for executing various types of processing, the signal output from the commodity information reading apparatus itself, commodity information reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the managing trades units. The commodity information reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the notification unit generates a buzzer sound for the number of readings to be notified to notify the number of readings.

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