WO2014097025A1

WO2014097025A1 - Device for reading a barcode on a card

Info

Publication number: WO2014097025A1
Application number: PCT/IB2013/060478
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alberto Campanini
Original assignee: Custom S.P.A.
Priority date: 2012-12-17
Filing date: 2013-11-28
Publication date: 2014-06-26
Also published as: EP2932433A1; ITMO20120031U1

Abstract

A device is disclosed having a CCD barcode reader and a mirror that receives a scanning line emitted by the CCD reader and reflects said line on a reading region set up for receiving a card bearing a barcode, wherein the mirror oscillates around a rotation axis to move the reflected scanning line on the card according to a scanning direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the reflected scanning line.

Description

Device for reading a barcode on a card

Background

[0001] The device relates to a device for reading a sign, in particular a barcode, arranged on a membership card, form, badge, card and the like.

[0002] Specifically, but not exclusively, the reader in question can be used for reading signs, for example barcodes identifying an individual.

[0003] One drawback of barcode readers on cards of known type is that they are sometimes unable to read the barcode, in particular in the case of a partially damaged (for example scratched, chipped or deformed) card or of a partially illegible (for example smeared, stained or scribbled) code.

Summary of the invention

[0004] One object of the invention is to provide a reader that is able to overcome the aforesaid drawback of the prior art.

[0005] One advantage is to make a reader that is able read a sign (barcode) reliably that is arranged on a membership card, form, badge, card or the like.

[0006] One advantage is to enable a sign to be read, for example a barcode, arranged in any region of a card.

[0007] One advantage is to permit correct reading even in the case of a partially damaged card and/or of a partially illegible sign.

[0008] One advantage is to provide a constructionally simple and cheap device for reading a sign arranged on a card.

[0009] Such objects and advantages and still others are all reached by the reading device according to one or more of the following claims.

[0010] In one example, a reading device comprises (i) reading means that is able to emit a reading line or scanning line and (ii) reflecting means that receives the reading line emitted by the reading means and reflects the reading line on a reading region set up for receiving a card bearing a sign to be read, in which the reflecting means is movable, on command, to move the reflected reading line onto the card in a scanning direction that is transverse to the length of the line.

Brief description of the drawings

[0011] The device can be better understood and implemented with reference to the attached drawings that illustrate an embodiment thereof by way of non-limiting example.

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example of a reading device that is operationally as sociable with a membership card and made according to the device in question (with the membership card not inserted into the device).

[0013] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the reading device of figure 1 with some parts removed to better highlight others (with the membership card inserted into the device and arranged in a predefined reading region).

[0014] Figure 3 is a raised vertical section of the reading device of figure 1 in a first operating position.

[0015] Figure 4 is the section in figure 3 in a second operating position.

Detailed description

[0016] With reference to figure 1, with 1 a reading device of a sign, in particular of a barcode has been indicated, carried by objects such as membership cards, forms, badges, cards or the like (hereinafter such objects will be called "cards" for the sake of simplicity). In the specific case the reading device 1 is configured for operating on a card 2 with the aim of reading a barcode 3 arranged on one side of the card. The card 2 could comprise, for example, a card of ISO format. The card 2 could comprise, for example, a personal membership card bearing a barcode identifying the person.

[0017] In the example disclosed here the reading device 1 is provided for reading a barcode 3. In other examples of the same invention in question it is possible to make a device for reading and/or recognising other types of codes, or writing, images, pictograms, symbols or other types of marks arranged on a card.

[0018] The reading device 1 may comprise, as in this example, a casing 4 having a slit 5 for inserting the card 2 with the barcode 3. The casing 4 may comprise a box-shaped body having a front wall on which the slit 5 for inserting the card can be found. The slit 5 will be arranged in such a way as to be easily accessible for the user who possesses the card. The slit 5 can be, as in the example, arranged horizontally. The reading device 1 may be provided, for example, for inserting the card 2 with the barcode 3 facing upwards.

[0019] The reading device 1 may comprise, as in the specific example disclosed here, sensor means 6 for detecting when the card 2, inserted into the slit 5, has arrived at a desired position in a set reading region. The preset reading position is, for example, the one illustrated in figures 2, 3 or 4. This reading region could be arranged, in particular, inside the casing 4. This reading region could be defined, for example, by a (for example horizontal) plane for receiving a card on which plane the card can (optionally) run during the insertion phase. The (optional) sensor means 6 may be of known type. In particular the sensor means 6 may comprise one or more presence/absence or proximity sensors, for example of mechanical, optical, infrared, ultrasound, magnetic or also of any other type. It is possible to set up, optionally, a limit stop (for example of known and not illustrated type) against which the card 2 abuts when it is inserted into the slit 5 (for example manually by the user) until it reaches the desired position in the reading region.

[0020] The reading device 1 comprises reading means 7 for reading barcodes (for example a CCD barcode reader of known type, as in the specific case, or another type of barcode, for example of laser type) which may be arranged, in particular, for generating (in a known manner) a reading line or scanning line (for example a reading or scanning line generated with at least one ray 8 emitted by the reading means, for example a light or laser ray). This reading line may have, in particular, an extent that is such as to affect (entirely) a longitudinal extent of the barcode.

[0021] In this context, the length of the barcode 3 will be the dimension of the code considered in a direction that is perpendicular to the length of each single bar code, whereas the width of the barcode 3 will be the dimension considered in a direction parallel to the length of every single bar.

[0022] In the attached figures, for the sake of simplicity and greater clarity, a single ray 8 has been illustrated, although the reading means 7 disclosed in the specific example will have the possibility of generating (in a known manner) a reading or scanning line the longitudinal extent of which may affect the (entire) length of the barcode 3 to permit correct reading thereof.

[0023] The reading device 1 may comprise reflecting means 9 interposed between the reading means 7 of the barcode and the reading region to receive the (light or laser) reading line emitted by the reading means 7 and reflect it towards the barcode 3 of the card 2 in the reading region. This reflecting means 9 can be movable with a reciprocating movement so that the reflected reading line on the card 2 can perform a scanning movement that affects at least a part of a width of the barcode 3 arranged on the card.

[0024] The reading means 7 may be arranged to emit a (fixed) reading or scanning line directed to hitting the reflecting means 9.

[0025] The reflecting means 9 may comprise, as in the specific example, a mirror opposite the barcode reading means 7. The mirror may be, in particular, of a length that is the same as or greater than the longitudinal extent of the reading or (light or laser) scanning line emitted by the reading means 7. In particular, the reflecting means 9 may comprise a reflecting surface that is substantially flat and parallel to the longitudinal extent of the reading line emitted by the reading means 7.

[0026] The movable reflecting means 9 may, for example, oscillate around a rotation axis X. The rotation axis X may be, as in this specific example, parallel to the longitudinal extent of the laser reading line leaving the reading means 7.

[0027] In particular, the reflecting means 9 may be movable with the possibility of scanning, by means of the scan made by the reflected reading line, at least one portion of the reading region having a width than may be greater than the width of the barcode.

[0028] The slit 5 may be arranged for inserting a card 2 according to a (linear) inserting direction towards the aforesaid reading region. The reflecting means 9 may be positionable in such a manner that the reflected reading line is parallel to the inserting direction of the card 2 in the slit 5. The reflecting means 9 may be movable in such a manner that the scanning movement of the reflected reading line on the reading region is transverse (for example perpendicular) to the inserting direction of the card 2.

[0029] In a use configuration of the reader 1 (wherein the front wall of the casing 4 is accessible by a user and the slit 5 is horizontal), the inserting direction is horizontal, like the reading region, so that the card is inserted into a horizontal position (with the barcode facing upwards) and translates horizontally as far as the desired reading position. The reading means 7 and the reflecting means 9 may be arranged above the reading region.

[0030] The reading region may comprise, as in the specific case, a receiving seat 10 of the card 2. This seat 10 of the card may be arranged for guiding laterally the card in the (horizontal) inserting direction. The seat 10 may have, for example, two side walls (parallel and opposite one another) for lateral containing of the card 2 in the inserting step. The seat 10 may have, for example, two upper edges 11 for containing above two portions (opposite one another) of a side edge of the card 2. The seat 10 of the card may have, in particular, a lower wall that defines the aforesaid card receiving plane.

[0031] Such upper edges 11 leave most of the upper side of the card displaying the barcode 3 uncovered to enable the code to be read by the reflected reading line by the reflecting means 9 on the reading region, and also to enable the reflected reading line to perform a scanning movement on a considerable part of the upper side of the card.

[0032] The reflecting means 9 may be movable in such a manner that the scanning movement of the reflected reading line on the card covers at least one portion of the reading region having a dimension, considered in a direction that is normal to the inserting direction, greater than 50%, or 60%, or 70%, or 80% or 90% of a dimension of the seat 10 considered in a direction that is transverse (in particular normal) to the inserting direction of the card 2.

[0033] The reflecting means 9 may be movable, as in this case, with the possibility of moving the reflected reading line (i.e. the reading or scanning line that hits the card in the reading region) in a (in particular normal) scanning direction that is transverse to the inserting direction of the card 2.

[0034] The reading device 1 may comprise, as in the case in point, motor means 12 arranged for moving (in particular with reciprocating motion) the reflecting means 9. Such motor means 12 may comprise, for example, an electric motor connected to the rotation axis X of the reflecting means 9 by means of a motion transmission system (for example comprising one or more gears).

[0035] The reading device 1 may comprise control means that is not illustrated, (comprising for example a programmable electronic processor) for controlling the reading means 7 and the motor means 12 in response to a signal emitted by the sensor means 6. The control means may be provided, in particular, with programme instructions (stored in a medium that is readable by computer) that are suitable for activating the reading means 7 and the motor means 12 when the sensor means 6 detects that the card 2 has been positioned in the desired position in the reading region.

[0036] In use, the card 2 is first inserted (with the barcode 3 facing upwards) in the slit 5 on the front of the device. Then the sensor means 6 detects when the card 2 is completely inserted and positioned to be able to start the reading cycle. The sensor means 6 sends a corresponding signal to the control means that consequently activates the barcode reading means 7 that will emit a reading or scanning line (in the specific case arranged horizontally). As said, in the figures the emission by the reading means 7 has been represented, for the sake of simplicity, not by a line but by a ray 8. The reading or scanning line emitted by the reading means 7 will go to point against the reflecting means 9 (movable optical mirror) and will then be reflected towards the reading region (below) to hit the upper side of the card 2 where the barcode 3 is present. The control means will further (simultaneously) activate the motor means that will make the reflecting means 9 oscillate. The (oscillating) reciprocating motion of the reflecting means 9 may be made, as in the example disclosed here, by means of a motion transmission system (interposed between the motor means 12 and the reflecting means 9) with at least one connecting rod- crank mechanism 13.

[0037] The reflected reading or scanning line, which comes from the reflecting means 9 and is arranged on the reading region provided for receiving the card 2, will thus be moved in a scanning direction that is transverse to the longitudinal extent of the line so as to scan at least one part of the free (uncovered) area of the (upper) side of the card bearing the code 3. The movement of the reflected reading or scanning line on the reading region may comprise, for example, a reciprocating movement with (at least) one forward and (at least) one return stroke. In figures 3 and 4 two (possible) end positions of the movement of the reading line on the card 2 are shown.

[0038] During this scanning movement the reading can intercept the barcode 3 and thus perform the recognition. Once barcode 3 reading has been completed, the reading means 7 will send a signal to the control means, which will stop the motor means. The reading cycle will thus be terminated and it will thus be possible to remove the card 2.

[0039] It is possible to provide the reading device 1 with indicating means (not shown) to show the user in real time the current state of progress of the reading or scanning cycle (for example if the reading cycle is performing the step of scanning the reading line on the card and/or if the reading step has been completed). This indicating means could comprise, for example, one or more status LEDs positioned on the front zone of the device.

[0040] The reading device 1 is thus able to read a sign (in particular a barcode 3) positioned at any point of a card 2, in particular of an ISO format card. In particular, the reading device 1 may be provided for scanning (for example entirely) the useful area on the card 2 where the barcode 3 can be positioned.

[0041] In particular it is observed that if one part of the barcode 3 is not readable (for example because of dirt or scribbles), or if the card has slight irregularities or deformations, the reading device can nevertheless be able to read the code 3 correctly, as the reading or scanning line not only extends along the length of the code 3, but also effects a scan over the length thereof, so the reading line is able to read or recognise at least one relatively narrow portion of the barcode that is not damaged or illegible.

Claims

1. Reading device (1) comprising:

a casing (4) having a slit (5) for inserting a card (2) bearing a sign (3) to be read;

sensor means (6) arranged for detecting when the card (2) has reached position in a set reading region;

reading means (7) arranged for generating a reading line that is able to read a sign (3), said reading line extending in length;

reflecting means (9) interposed between said reading means (7) and said reading region for receiving said reading line and reflecting the reading line on a card (2) placed in said reading region, said reflecting means (9) being able to perform a movement by means of which said reflected reading line on said reading region performs a scanning movement in a scanning direction that is transverse to the length thereof;

motor means (12) arranged for moving said reflecting means (9);

means for controlling said reading means (7) and said motor means (12) in response to a signal emitted by said sensor means (6).

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein said reflecting means (9) is capable of performing a reciprocating movement.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said reflecting means (9) is capable of rotating around a rotation axis (X).

4. Device according to claim 3, wherein said rotation axis (X) is parallel to the length of said reading line.

5. Device according to any preceding claim, wherein said reflecting means (9) comprises a mirror opposite said reading means (7), said mirror having a length that is not less than the length of said reading line.

6. Device according to any preceding claim, wherein said slit (5) is arranged for inserting a card (2) according to an inserting direction towards said reading region, said reflecting means (9) being positionable in such a manner that said reflected reading line on said reading region is parallel to said inserting direction, said reflecting means (9) being movable in such a manner that said scanning movement of said reflected reading line is transverse to said inserting direction.

7. Device according to claim 6, wherein, in a use configuration of the reading device (1), said slit (5), said inserting direction and said reading region are horizontal, said reading means (7) and said reflecting means (9) being arranged above said reading region.

8. Device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein said reading region comprises a seat (10) arranged for guiding laterally a card (2) in said inserting direction, said reflecting means (9) being movable in such a manner that said scanning movement of said reflected reading line covers at least one portion of said reading region having a dimension, considered in a direction that is normal to said inserting direction, greater than 50%, or 60%, or 70%, or 80% or 90% of a dimension of said seat (10) considered in said direction normal to said inserting direction.

9. Device according to any preceding claim, wherein said reading means (7) comprises CCD or laser reading means.

10. Device according to any preceding claim, wherein said reading means (7) comprises barcode reading means.