JP7206125B2 - Product information reader - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a merchandise information reader.

When purchasing products at a store, the number of cases where customers themselves register the products to be purchased is increasing. For example, the product is registered by holding the product to be purchased over a scanner for reading product information and causing the scanner to read a code symbol such as a bar code attached to the product. Recently, there is an example in which a scanner picks up an image of a product held up, recognizes the image, and identifies and registers the product. Thus, when the scanner captures an image of a code symbol or product, it is desirable to be able to inform the customer whether the reading of information related to the product was successfully performed or not. Therefore, there is known an example in which the scanner is provided with notification means.

As an example of a scanner equipped with such an informing means, there has been proposed a device in which an LED (Light Emitting Diode) provided on the same surface as a reading window emits light to give an informing (for example, Patent Document 1).

However, in the notification means provided in such a conventional scanner, the light emitted from the LED indicating the content of the notification is strongly emitted in the normal direction of the reading window, so that the eyes of the customer can be adjusted according to the physique and posture of the customer. When the position changes, it is difficult to reliably visually recognize the light indicating the content of the notification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a product information reader capable of transmitting notification contents regardless of the eye position of a customer.

A product information reading device according to an embodiment performs notification according to an operation state when product information of a product is read, and includes a light emitting portion, an incident portion, a light guiding portion, and an emitting portion. The light emitting unit emits light in a pattern corresponding to the operating state of the product information reading device. The incident section allows the light emitted by the light emitting section to enter. The light guide section guides the light incident on the incident section. The light emitting part guides the light through the light guide part to the first surface provided with the reading window for reading the product information and the second surface adjacent to the first surface of the casing of the product information reading device. The light is emitted in the direction of the first surface and the direction of the second surface from the exit surface provided at the corner of the second surface and having a projecting region projecting from the second surface.

FIG. 1 is an external view showing an example of a shopping cart equipped with a scanner according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an external view and a cross-sectional view of the scanner. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of a light emitting section built into the scanner. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the shape of the light guide. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the optical paths of light rays traveling inside the light guide. FIG. 6 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the scanner. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the scanner. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the scanner. FIG. 9 is an external view showing an example of a product information registration device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the installation structure of the scanner according to the second embodiment.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The first embodiment is an example of a product information reader (scanner) installed in a shopping cart.

(Description of schematic configuration of scanner)
A schematic configuration of the scanner will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. FIG. 1 is an external view showing an example of a shopping cart 18 in which a scanner 10 according to the first embodiment is installed. 2A and 2B are an external view and a sectional view of the scanner 10. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the scanner 10 is attached to a shopping cart 18 installed in a retail store and used to transport merchandise.

The scanner 10 reads a code symbol (for example, a bar code) attached to the product held over the reading window 3 on the front of the scanner 10 by a camera incorporated therein. Note that the scanner 10 is an example of a product information reading device.

A customer using a shopping cart 18 holds up an item to be purchased over the scanner 10 and causes the scanner 10 to read a code symbol such as a bar code attached to the item. The scanner 10 reads the code symbol and recognizes the product code registered there. The scanner 10 then identifies the product by matching the recognized product code with a PLU (Price Look Up) file F1 (FIG. 6) stored in the scanner 10 . In this way, the products to be purchased are registered in the scanner 10 one by one. After completing the registration of all the products to be purchased, the customer moves to a POS terminal (not shown) and performs accounting processing. The scanner 10 receives the operation of the store clerk who operates the POS terminal, and transmits the registered product information to the POS terminal. Then, at the POS terminal, accounting processing for paying the price of the purchased product is performed.

In this embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, the scanner 10 will be described as having a function of reading a code symbol such as a bar code attached to a product. A function (object recognition function) for recognizing the product based on the image may be provided.

The scanner 10 includes the light emitting section 5 shown in FIG. The light emitting section 5 is formed of a light guide 5b (see FIG. 3) and is provided on the upper side of the scanner 10 on the reading window 3 side. In addition, the light guide 5b is an example of a light guide section. The light emitting unit 5 emits light in a predetermined color and pattern upward and forward (toward the reading window 3 side) of the scanner 10 . The operating state of the scanner 10 is notified to the customer by the light emitted from the light emitting unit 5 . The operating state of the scanner 10 is, for example, that the code symbol has been successfully read, that the code symbol has failed to be read, or that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the scanner 10 .

Next, the detailed structure of the scanner 10 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2(a), the scanner 10 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape in which a front cover 1 and a rear cover 2 are engaged. A reading window 3 is provided in an opening 3a on the front surface of the front cover 1, and a product is held over the reading window 3. - 特許庁The front surface of the front cover 1 or the reading window 3 is an example of the first surface.

Here, the coordinate system xyz shown in FIG. 2(a) is set. For convenience of explanation, the top surface 4 formed by the upper surface of the rear cover 2 (the surface along the xy plane) is defined. In addition, the top surface 4 is an example of the second surface. That is, the top surface 4 and the front surface of the front cover 1 (or the reading window 3 ) are adjacent to each other on the upper front side of the scanner 10 .

A light emitting unit 5 is installed at a corner between the front surface (or the reading window 3 ) of the front cover 1 of the scanner 10 and the top surface 4 . The light emitting portion 5 emits light in the front direction of the front cover 1, ie, the direction of the first surface, and in the direction of the top surface 4, ie, the direction of the second surface. Details will be described later.

Inside the reading window 3, a light emitting unit 5, a camera 11, a mirror 12, an illumination LED 13, and a diffusion plate 14 are installed as shown in FIG. 2(b). 2B is an xz cross-sectional view of the scanner 10. FIG.

The light emitting unit 5 notifies the operation state of the scanner 10 by the light emission pattern of the notification LED 6 (FIG. 3), which will be described later.

The camera 11 includes an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor), and an optical system such as a lens. The camera 11 captures an image of the subject within the imaging range Q through the reading window 3 .

The mirror 12 changes the imaging direction of the camera 11 to the direction of the reading window 3 .

The illumination LED 13 irradiates the imaging range Q with illumination light to illuminate the product held over the reading window 3 . The illumination LED 13 is configured by, for example, a white LED. As shown in FIG. 2(b), a plurality of illumination LEDs 13 are installed, and the number is appropriately determined based on the output of the LEDs to be used, the emission angle, the width of the imaging range Q, and the like.

The diffuser plate 14 diffuses the illumination light emitted by the illumination LEDs 13 . As a result, the imaging range Q is irradiated with diffused light, so that the luminance unevenness of the illumination light is alleviated and uniform illumination can be performed. In addition, since the shadow of the subject is softened, it is possible to capture an image that is easy to recognize.

(Description of the schematic structure of the light emitting part)
Next, the detailed structure of the light emitting section 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of the light emitting section 5 built into the scanner 10. As shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the shape of the light guide 5b.

First, the structure of the light emitting section 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b). FIG. 3A is an xz cross-sectional view of the upper part of the front side of the scanner 10. FIG. FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of the front upper portion of the scanner 10. FIG.

The light guide 5b forming the light emitting section 5 is made of, for example, polycarbonate resin, which is a type of thermoplastic. The light guide 5b guides the light incident inside while totally reflecting it at the boundary surface with the outside, and emits the light to the outside from the emission surface. Note that total reflection is a phenomenon in which incident light is completely reflected without passing through a boundary surface. Total internal reflection occurs when light is incident at an angle of incidence that exceeds the critical angle. The critical angle is determined based on the refractive index of the light guide 5b and the refractive index of the air facing the light guide 5b. Since the light guide 5b can form a surface light-emitting portion of any shape, it is widely used for the backlight of a liquid crystal panel, the illumination of a vehicle instrument, and the like.

The light guide 5b in this embodiment includes an incident surface 5a, a first exit surface 5c, and a second exit surface 5d.

The incident surface 5a causes the light emitted from the notification LED 6 to enter the light guide 5b. A plurality of notification LEDs 6 are installed and emit light in a pattern corresponding to the operating state of the scanner 10 . In particular, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3(a), the notification LED 6 is installed facing the positive side of the z-axis, that is, facing upward. The light emitted upward enters the interior of the light guide 5b from the incident surface 5a positioned substantially parallel to the light emitting surface of the notification LED 6. As shown in FIG. Note that the incident surface 5a is an example of an incident portion. Also, the notification LED 6 is an example of a light emitting portion.

The first emission surface 5c is provided at a position facing the reading window 3, and emits the light guided inside the light guide 5b toward the reading window 3 (first surface). Note that the first exit surface 5c is a diffusion surface. Therefore, the light emitted from the first emission surface 5c can be visually recognized not only in the direction directly facing the reading window 3 but also in the oblique direction with respect to the reading window 3 .

5 d of 2nd emission surfaces are provided in the position which faces the top surface 4, and let the light which light-guided the inside of the light guide 5b emit in the direction of the top surface 4 (2nd surface). In addition, the second emission surface 5d is a diffusion surface. Therefore, the light emitted from the second emission surface 5 d can be visually recognized not only from the direction directly facing the top surface 4 but also from the oblique direction with respect to the top surface 4 . The first exit surface 5c and the second exit surface 5d are examples of the exit portion.

In this way, the first exit surface 5c and the second exit surface 5d are located at the corners of the upper front side of the scanner 10 between the reading window 3 (first surface) and the top surface 4 (second surface). provided in the department.

The second exit surface 5d further includes a projecting surface 5e and a flat surface 5f.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the protruding surface 5e is a surface protruding in an arc shape from the top surface 4 (second surface). The projecting surface 5e emits the light guided inside the light guide 5b not only in the normal direction of the top surface 4, that is, in the Z-axis direction, but also in the normal direction of the arc. Furthermore, since the second emission surface 5d is a diffusion surface as described above, the light emitted from the projecting surface 5e is emitted in a wider direction. In addition, the projecting surface 5e is an example of a projecting area.

The flat surface 5f is, as shown in FIG. 3A, a substantially flat surface formed at a height substantially equal to that of the top surface 4 (second surface). The function of the flat surface 5f will be explained in the second embodiment. Note that the flat surface 5f is an example of a flat area.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 3A, the light guide 5b is incorporated in the scanner 10. As shown in FIG. The light guide 5b is fixed to the scanner 10 by a pressing portion 7 formed inside the scanner 10. As shown in FIG. The surface of the pressing portion 7 is painted white, for example. As a result, the holding portion 7 has a reflecting surface that reflects the light, which has not satisfied the total reflection condition and is transmitted to the outside, out of the light traveling inside the light guide 5b, and returns it to the inside of the light guide 5b. also functions as

Next, the shape of the light guide 5b will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4A is a top view of the light guide 5b viewed from above (positive side of the z-axis). FIG. 4(b) is a side view of the light guide 5b viewed from the front side (x-axis negative side).

As shown in FIG. 4A, the light guide 5b has a line-symmetrical shape with respect to the x-axis. Three notification LEDs 6 (6a, 6b, 6c) are installed in the vicinity of the incident surface 5a. Among these, two notification LEDs 6a and 6c are blue LEDs. Also, the notification LED 6b is an orange LED. The notification LEDs 6a and 6c light up when the scanner 10 successfully reads the code symbol. The notification LED 6b lights up when the scanner 10 cannot read the code symbol. The number and emission color of the notification LEDs 6 installed in the vicinity of the incident surface 5a are not limited to these, and the notification LEDs 6 are installed based on the design specifications of the scanner 10. FIG.

The light guide 5b is formed such that the area through which light passes gradually widens from the entrance surface 5a toward the first exit surface 5c and the second exit surface 5d. The area and shape of the first exit surface 5c and the second exit surface 5d are determined based on the size of the scanner 10 and the like.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 4B, the light guide 5b has a line-symmetrical shape with respect to the z-axis. The first exit surface 5c and the second exit surface 5d are located above the entrance surface 5a. In addition, the positional relationship between the first exit surface 5c and the second exit surface 5d, and the incident surface 5a is an example, and is not limited to the example of the present embodiment.

(Description of the action of the light emitting part)
Next, the action of the light emitting section 5 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating optical paths of light rays traveling inside the light guide 5b.

First, the optical path of light emitted from the first exit surface 5c will be described. Of the light beams emitted from the notification LED 6, attention is paid to the light beam R1 shown in FIG. That is, the light ray R1 repeats total reflection at points P1, P2, and P3 after being incident on the light guide 5b. Then, at the point P4, the light is emitted from the first exit surface 5c as the light ray r1. Since the first emission surface 5c is a diffusion surface, the light ray r1 is emitted from the point P4 as diffused light.

Next, the optical path of light emitted from the second exit surface 5d will be described. Of the light beams emitted from the notification LED 6, attention is paid to the light beam R2 shown in FIG. That is, the light ray R2 repeats total reflection at points P5 and P6 after being incident on the light guide 5b. Then, at the point P7, the light is emitted from the second emission surface 5d as the light ray r2. Since the second exit surface 5d is a diffusion surface, the light ray r2 is emitted from the point P7 as diffused light.

(Description of scanner hardware configuration)
Next, the hardware configuration of the scanner 10 will be described using FIG. FIG. 6 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the scanner 10. As shown in FIG.

The scanner 10 includes a control section 20 , a storage section 24 , a controller 26 and a wireless communication interface 27 .

The control unit 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21 , a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23 . CPU 21 is connected to ROM 22 and RAM 23 via bus line 25 . The CPU 21 expands the control program C1 stored in the storage unit 24, data stored in the ROM 22, and the like into the RAM 23. FIG. The CPU 21 controls the operation of the scanner 10 by operating according to the control program C1 developed in the RAM 23 . That is, the control unit 20 has a configuration of a general computer.

The control unit 20 is further connected to a storage unit 24 , a controller 26 and a wireless communication interface 27 via a bus line 25 .

The storage unit 24 is a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or the like, which retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The storage unit 24 stores programs including the control program C1. The control program C1 is a program for exhibiting the functions of the scanner 10 .

In addition, the control program C1 may be provided by being incorporated in the ROM 22 in advance. In addition, the control program C1 is a file in a format that can be installed in the control unit 20 or an executable format, and can be read by a computer such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). It may be configured to be recorded on a suitable recording medium and provided. Furthermore, the control program C1 may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. Also, the control program C1 may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

The storage unit 24 further stores a PLU (Price Look Up) file F1 and a product registration file F2. The PLU file F1 is a master file that stores product information (product code, product name, price, etc.) of products handled at the store. Since the products handled by the store change daily, the scanner 10 acquires the latest PLU file F1 from a store server (not shown), a POS terminal, or the like using a wireless communication function, which will be described later.

The product registration file F2 is a file that stores registration information of products read by the scanner 10 by the customer.

The controller 26 is connected to the camera 11, the illumination LED 13, and the notification LED 6 shown in FIG. The controller 26 controls operations of connected hardware based on commands from the control unit 20 . Since the details of the various hardware connected to the controller 26 have been described above, the description thereof will be omitted here.

Also, the controller 26 is connected to the wireless communication interface 27 . The wireless communication interface 27 connects to a POS terminal and store server (not shown) via wireless communication such as wireless LAN.

(Description of scanner functional configuration)
Next, the functional configuration of the scanner 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the scanner 10. As shown in FIG.

The control unit 20 of the scanner 10 develops the control program C1 in the RAM 23 and operates it to perform the imaging control unit 30, the product information reading unit 31, the product registration unit 32, and the operating state determination unit 33 shown in FIG. , and the notification control unit 34 are implemented as functional units.

The imaging control unit 30 captures an image of the imaging range Q by controlling the operations of the camera 11 and the lighting LED 13 .

The product information reading unit 31 determines whether the code symbol is included in the image captured by the imaging control unit 30 . In addition, when the code symbol appears in the image, the product information reading unit 31 recognizes the product information registered in the code symbol.

The product registration unit 32 registers the product information recognized by the product information reading unit 31 in the product registration file F2.

The operating state determination unit 33 determines the operating state of the scanner 10 .

The notification control unit 34 notifies the operating state of the scanner 10 .

(Description of the flow of processing performed by the scanner)
Next, the flow of processing performed by the scanner 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the scanner 10. As shown in FIG.

The imaging control unit 30 performs imaging processing by controlling the camera 11, the illumination LED 13, and the like (step S10).

The product information reading unit 31 determines whether a barcode is included in the image captured in step S10 (step S11). If it is determined that the barcode is captured (step S11: Yes), the process proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the barcode is captured (step S11: No), the process returns to step S10.

If determined as Yes in step S11, the product information reading unit 31 reads the code information registered in the barcode (step S12).

The operating state determination unit 33 determines whether the product information reading unit 31 has read the code information (step S13). If it is determined that the code information has been read (step S13: Yes), the process proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the code information has been read (step S13: No), the process proceeds to step S15.

If determined as Yes in step S13, the notification control unit 34 lights the notification LEDs 6a and 6c (blue LEDs) (step S14). As a result, the light emitting section 5 lights up in blue.

Subsequently, the product registration unit 32 registers the information read by the product information reading unit 31 in the product registration file F2 (step S16).

The operating state determination unit 33 determines whether the product registration file F2 has been sent to the POS terminal (step S17). When it is determined that the product registration file F2 has been sent to the POS terminal (step S17: Yes), the scanner 10 ends the processing of FIG. After that, the POS terminal performs accounting processing.

On the other hand, if determined as No in step S13, the notification control unit 34 lights the notification LED 6b (orange LED) (step S15). As a result, the light emitting unit 5 lights up in orange. After that, the process returns to step S10. The customer again holds up the product against the reading window 3 to have the bar code read. Then, the process proceeds to step S15 again, and when the orange LED lights up, an inquiry is made to a store clerk or the like nearby.

As described above, in the scanner 10 (merchandise information reading device) of the first embodiment, the light emitted from the notification LED 6 (light emitting portion) emitted in a pattern corresponding to the operation state of the scanner 10 is emitted from the incident surface 5a ( incident part). The light incident on the incident surface 5a is guided inside the light guide 5b (light guide portion). The light guided through the light guide 5b passes through the corners of the reading window 3 (first surface) of the housing of the scanner 10 and the top surface 4 (second surface) adjacent to the reading window 3. The light is emitted from the first exit surface 5c (exit portion) and the second exit surface 5d (exit portion) provided. The light emitted from the first emission surface 5 c is emitted in the direction of the reading window 3 . Moreover, the light emitted from the second emission surface 5 d is emitted in the direction of the top surface 4 . Therefore, it is possible to transmit the content of notification by the light emission of the light emitting unit 5 regardless of the position of the customer's eyes.

Further, in the scanner 10 (merchandise information reading device) of the first embodiment, the second emission surface 5d (emission part) for emitting light in the direction of the top surface 4 (second surface) is the top surface 4 ( A protruding surface 5e (protruding region) that protrudes in an arc shape from the second surface). Therefore, the light emitting state of the light emitting section 5 can be transmitted over a wide range on the top surface 4 side of the scanner 10 .

Further, in the scanner 10 (merchandise information reading device) of the first embodiment, the first exit surface 5c (exit portion) and the second exit surface 5d (exit portion) are diffusion surfaces. Therefore, the light emitted from the first emission surface 5c and the second emission surface 5d can be emitted over a wide range.

Further, in the scanner 10 (merchandise information reading device) of the first embodiment, light transmitted through the outer surface of the light guide 5b (light guide portion) is placed inside the scanner 10 at a position facing the outer surface of the light guide 5b (light guide portion). is provided inside the light guide 5b. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the leakage of light from the light guide 5b and increase the amount of light emitted from the first emission surface 5c (the emission portion) and the second emission surface 5d (the emission portion).

In addition, in the scanner 10 (merchandise information reading device) of the first embodiment, the notification LED 6 (light emitting section) includes a plurality of LEDs emitting light in different colors. Therefore, a plurality of different operating states of the scanner 10 can be notified.

In the first embodiment, the scanner 10 has been described as having the light emitting section 5 (light guide 5b) at the corner between the front surface (or reading window 3) of the front cover 1 and the top surface 4. The installation position of the light emitting unit 5 is not limited to that position. That is, the same effect can be obtained by providing the light emitting portion 5 (light guide 5b) at the corner between the front surface (or the reading window 3) of the front cover 1 and the side surface of the rear cover 2 orthogonal to the y-axis.

(Second embodiment)
A second embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The second embodiment is an example in which the scanner 10 described in the first embodiment is incorporated in a product information registration device used in semi-self-checkout.

First, the configuration of the product information registration device will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is an external view showing an example of the product information registration device 100 according to the second embodiment.

The product information registration device 100 is operated by a store clerk and performs data processing for registering product information of products purchased by customers based on the product information read by the scanner 10 . As shown in FIG. 9, the product information registration apparatus 100 is installed on the upper surface of the workbench 102 so that the reading window 3 of the scanner 10 faces the store clerk who performs the product registration operation. The product information registration device 100 is an example of a product sales data processing device.

The scanner 10 is embedded in the housing 101 of the product information registration apparatus 100 so that the reading window 3 and the surface of the housing 101 are substantially flush with each other. Since the scanner 10 is the same as that described in the first embodiment, the description of the internal configuration is omitted.

The product information registration apparatus 100 also includes a display 104 with a touch panel 103 laminated thereon, and a keyboard 105 above the scanner 10 . The display 104 displays product information such as the product name and price recognized based on the content of the code symbol read by the scanner 10 and the content of the PLU file F1 (FIG. 6). The touch panel 103 and the keyboard 105 are operation units that assist in inputting product information when registering a plurality of the same product.

A printer 106 is provided on the left side of the product information registration device 100 as seen from the store clerk. The printer 106 prints and issues a receipt or the like on which transaction data such as the total amount for one transaction is printed.

Further, a customer-side display 107 for customers is provided on the left side of the product information registration device 100 as seen from the store clerk.

The product information registration device 100 transmits information (transaction information) in which all products purchased by a customer are registered to a checkout device (not shown). After completing product registration, the customer moves to the accounting device and performs accounting processing.

Note that the hardware configuration and functional configuration of the product information registration device 100 and the checkout device, and the flow of processing performed by the product information registration device 100 are not main elements of the present embodiment, so description thereof will be omitted.

(Description of scanner installation structure)
Next, the installation structure of the scanner 10 in the product information registration device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the installation structure of the scanner according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the scanner 10 is incorporated in the housing 101 of the product information registration device 100. Especially, FIG. 10(a) is a partial front view around the scanner 10 of the product information registration device 100. is. FIG. 10(b) is a partial side view of the inside of the product information registration device 100 viewed from the positive side of the y-axis. FIG. 10(c) is a partial cross-sectional view of the product information registration device 100 taken along the yz plane.

As described above, the scanner 10 is embedded in the housing 101 of the product information registration apparatus 100 so that the reading window 3 and the surface of the housing 101 are substantially flush with each other. This is because the store clerk brings the product into contact with or close to the reading window 3 when reading the barcode of the product. It is for the sake of becoming.

When the scanner 10 is embedded in the housing 101 of the product information registration apparatus 100, the scanner 10 is inserted into the opening 109 formed in the plate-shaped member 101a that constitutes the front surface of the housing 101. Fit from the side. The scanner 10 is fixed with the top surface 4 in contact with the end of the opening 109 .

At this time, the end portion of the opening 109 contacts the flat surface 5f (FIG. 3) of the light emitting portion 5 (light guide 5b).

Thus, by forming the flat surface 5f in the second emission surface 5d (emission portion) of the light emitting portion 5 (light guide 5b), the reading window 3 of the scanner 10 and the housing of the product information registration device 100 can be arranged. The body 101 can be easily installed flush. Incidentally, when the housing 101 of the product information registration device 100 is brought into contact with the protruding surface 5e, it is necessary to process the end of the opening 109 so as to match the arc-shaped outer shape of the protruding surface 5e. Because there is, it takes time and effort.

The scanner 10 embedded in the housing 101 in this manner operates in the same manner as described in the first embodiment. That is, the operating state of the scanner 10 is notified by the light emitted from the light emitting section 5 . In particular, in the case of this embodiment, the notification is performed by the light emitted from the first emission surface 5c shown in FIG. At this time, the first emission surface 5c emits light in a direction directly facing the reading window 3 and in a direction oblique to the reading window 3, as described in the first embodiment. A store clerk who operates the product information registration apparatus 100 generally faces the reading window 3 at a position facing the reading window 3 and holds the product over the reading window 3 . Therefore, if the operation state of the scanner 10 is notified by the light emitted from the first emission surface 5c, the store clerk can sufficiently visually recognize the content of the notification.

In addition, according to the second embodiment, the projecting surface 5 e and the flat surface 5 f are embedded in the housing 101 . Therefore, the light emitted from the projecting surface 5e and the flat surface 5f does not exit the scanner 10, resulting in light loss. Therefore, it is desirable to attach a reflective tape or the like to the projecting surface 5e and the flat surface 5f in advance so that the light does not exit from the light guide 5b. Thereby, the amount of light emitted from the first emission surface 5c can be increased.

As described above, according to the product information registration device 100 (product information reader) of the second embodiment, the scanner 10 (product information reader) is incorporated in the opening 109 of the housing 101 of the product information registration device 100. Then, when the reading window 3 (first surface) of the scanner 10 and the housing 101 of the product information registration device 100 are arranged so as to be flush with each other, the scanner 10 and the housing of the product information registration device 100 101 is in close contact with a flat surface 5f (flat area) of the second exit surface 5d (exit portion) formed at a position substantially equal in height to the top surface 4 (second surface) of the scanner 10 . Therefore, the scanner 10 can be used alone, and can also be used by being incorporated in the housing 101 of the product information registration apparatus 100 without additional processing. As a result, the range of use of the scanner 10 can be expanded.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this embodiment is an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

3 reading window (first surface)
4 top surface (second surface)
5 Light-emitting portion 5a Incidence surface (incidence portion)
5b light guide (light guide part)
5c first exit surface (exit part)
5d second exit surface (exit part)
5e Protruding surface (protruding area)
5f flat surface (flat area)
6 Notification LED (light emitting part)
10 scanner (product information reader)
18 shopping cart 100 merchandise information registration device (merchandise sales data processing device)
101 housing 109 opening

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-301320

Claims (4)

A product information reading device that notifies an operating state when product information of a product is read,
a light emitting unit that emits light in a pattern corresponding to the operating state of the product information reading device;
an incident portion for receiving the light emitted by the light emitting portion;
a light guide section that guides the light incident on the incident section;
The light guided through the light guide portion is directed to the first surface of the housing of the product information reading device, which has a reading window for reading the product information, and the second surface adjacent to the first surface. an emission section provided at a corner for emitting light in the direction of the first surface and the direction of the second surface from an emission surface having a protruding region protruding from the second surface;
A product information reader. The output unit further includes:
The product information reading device is incorporated in an opening of a housing of a product sales data processing device that performs data processing based on product information read by the product information reading device, and the first surface of the product information reading device and the , and the housing of the product sales data processing device, when arranged so as to be substantially flush with each other,
a flat area formed at a position substantially equal in height to the second surface, where the opening abuts and brings the product information reading device and the product sales data processing device into close contact;
The product information reader according to claim 1 . The exit surface is a diffusing surface,
3. The product information reading device according to claim 1 or 2 . Inside the product information reading device, a reflecting surface is provided at a position facing the outer surface of the light guide section for reflecting light transmitted through the outer surface to the inside of the light guide section,
The product information reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 .

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