JP2000293616A - Information code reader and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information code reader capable of quickly reading an information code. SOLUTION: In this reader, when a power switch is turned on, exposure and image data output processings are repeatedly executed. Then, when a trigger switch is operated in the middle of the first image data output, whether or not valid image data are stored in an image memory is judged. In this case, a waiting state is continued until the valid image data are stored, and after the valid image data are stored, reproduction processing is operated. Also, when the trigger switch is operated in the middle of the second exposure, whether or not any valid image data are stored in the image memory is judged. In this case, the valid image data are already stored, and then the reproduction processing is operated by using the valid image data stored in the image memory.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information code reader and a recording medium capable of reading information recorded in an information code such as a bar code or a two-dimensional code.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various types of information such as product information have been
For example, information codes such as bar codes and two-dimensional codes are used, and the information codes are read by an information code reading device to manage products and the like.

For example, as an example of an information code reading device for reading a two-dimensional code, there is a device that two-dimensionally captures a two-dimensional code with a two-dimensional CCD camera (CCD area sensor). Image data is created by binarizing or multi-leveling a dimensional image, and information recorded in a two-dimensional code is reproduced using the image data.

The two-dimensional code, as shown in FIG. 2, for example, represents information by the type of cell (white / black) constituting the two-dimensional code, and the information has a two-dimensional spread. Therefore, a larger amount of information can be recorded than a barcode. Further, since there is no restriction on rotation and the like, there is a feature that workability is remarkably improved.

[0005]

However, compared to one-dimensionally captured (barcode) image data, the two-dimensionally captured (two-dimensional code) image data amount is much larger. Also, the reading device needs to have a configuration corresponding to it. For example, the number of pixels of the reading device when processing a barcode is about 1024 to 2048, but the number of pixels of the reading device when processing a two-dimensional code is several hundred thousand.

Therefore, when reproducing the information of the two-dimensional code, it takes a lot of time to process the image data. Therefore, it is required to shorten the reading time while taking advantage of the above advantages. An object of the present invention is to provide an information code reading device and a recording medium capable of reading an information code at high speed.

[0007]

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention (1) According to the first aspect of the present invention, a two-dimensional image of a captured information code is digitized and stored, and the stored image data is processed and recorded in the information code. To play the information. The reproduction is a process of decoding (reading) the content of the information code from the digital image data.

In particular, according to the present invention, when the power switch is in the ON state, the image data fetching process from imaging of the information code to storage of the image data is repeatedly executed, and the image data is fetched once. The same storage area (or different storage area) is stored for each process.

When the trigger switch is operated (turned on), it is determined whether or not image data effective for reproducing the information of the information code is already stored, and the valid image data is already stored. In this case, the information of the information code is reproduced using the image data. As a result, the information code can be reproduced more quickly than when the image data fetching process is started after the trigger switch is operated. That is, high-speed reading (until decoding) of the information code is possible.

If no valid image data is stored, the information of the information code is reproduced by using the valid image data after storing the valid image data.
Although it takes some time, reliable reproduction is possible. (2) The invention according to claim 2 exemplifies a hardware configuration of the information code reading device according to claim 1.

Here, an image of the information code (CCD) is formed by an optical element (such as a lens or an aperture) arranged in the optical path.
The image is projected onto a conversion element unit (such as an area sensor), where the two-dimensional image of the information code is converted into an image signal. This image signal is output from a binarization circuit or a multi-valued circuit.
The image data converted into digital values by the A / D converter and digitized is stored in a storage unit (such as an image memory). Then, the control unit (such as a control circuit) processes the image data stored in the storage unit and reproduces the information recorded in the information code.

(3) The invention of claim 3 exemplifies an information code read by an information code reading device. As this information code, there is a two-dimensional code (matrix type two-dimensional code) in which data represented by a binary code is converted into cells and arranged as a pattern on a two-dimensional matrix. Vericode, CP code, and the like.

In addition, the present invention is also applicable to a stack type two-dimensional code in which data is converted into a bar code and the bar codes are stacked in a direction perpendicular to the bar arrangement direction. Examples of the two-dimensional code include a code 49 and a code 16k.

Further, the present invention can be applied to reading of one-dimensional codes such as bar codes in addition to two-dimensional codes. (4) In the invention according to claim 4, the storage unit includes a plurality of areas (for example, the binary storage areas 1 and 2 and the multi-value storage areas 1 and 2) for storing the image data for one capture processing of the image data. Each of the storage areas stores the image data obtained by the process of capturing the image data.

Therefore, even if the trigger switch is operated at various timings, the effective image data among the valid image data already stored in the respective storage areas is used in accordance with the timing.
Since the most suitable one can be selected, more accurate information code information can be reproduced.

In particular, after the first image data capture, the valid image data (at least once) is already stored no matter what timing the trigger switch is operated. In addition, there is no need to wait for the completion of the image data capture, and the information code information can be promptly reproduced.

(5) The invention of claim 5 exemplifies which image data to select when a plurality of valid image data are stored. Here, the latest image data among a plurality of valid image data stored in each storage area is adopted. In other words, by using the latest image data, more accurate information code information can be reproduced.

(6) The invention of claim 6 exemplifies an information code reading apparatus using binary data and multi-value data.
Here, the A / D conversion unit includes a binarization circuit that converts a 1-bit digital value, a multi-level conversion circuit that converts a plurality of bits into a digital value, and a binary value obtained by the conversion of the binarization circuit. A first storage area (e.g., binary storage areas 1 and 2) of a storage section for storing data and a second storage area (e.g., multi-valued storage) of a storage section for storing multi-valued data obtained by conversion of a multi-level conversion circuit. Storage areas 1 and 2).

When reproducing the information of the information code from the image data, the control unit first reproduces the information of the information code by using the binary data. Then, the information of the information code is reproduced using the multi-value data. That is, when the binarization circuit has a hardware configuration and a threshold value is determined, binary data that accurately indicates an information code cannot be obtained depending on the actual state of the two-dimensional image such as brightness. Sometimes. In such a case, the multi-value data is used.

The multi-value data is a digital signal (numerical value is multi-valued) obtained by A / D conversion of an image signal which is an analog signal. By using the threshold value appropriately set in consideration of the brightness and the like, binarization is performed, thereby obtaining appropriate binary data. Therefore, by using binary data obtained by binarizing the multi-valued data, more accurate information code information can be reproduced.

(7) In the invention of claim 7, the information code reading device has a built-in battery for supplying operating power. The operation mode includes a power saving mode in which image data capturing processing is started after a trigger switch is operated, and a high-speed reading mode in which image data capturing processing is repeatedly executed when the power switch is on. And both modes are selectable by the user.

Therefore, when it is desired to save power, the power saving mode can be selected to suppress the consumption of the battery. When it is desired to read quickly, the high speed reading mode can be selected. High-speed reading becomes possible. (8) According to the eighth aspect of the invention, similarly to the seventh aspect, a battery is built in, and a power saving mode and a high-speed reading mode are provided.

Here, the power saving mode and the high-speed reading mode can be automatically switched, and the high-speed reading mode is set for a predetermined period of time. You can switch to saving mode. Thereby, high-speed reading is possible, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the mode is switched to the power saving mode, so that power can be saved.

(9) According to the ninth aspect of the invention, when the trigger switch is operated while the high-speed reading mode is set, the high-speed reading mode for a predetermined time is set again. According to the present invention, instead of automatically switching to the power saving mode when a predetermined time has elapsed in the high-speed reading mode, when the trigger switch is operated, the same high-speed reading mode for the predetermined time is set again. Therefore, when the reading frequency is high, it is possible to always set the high-speed reading mode. This allows you to:
Since the high-speed reading mode is always set, there is an advantage that the reading device is easy to use.

If the trigger switch is not operated for a predetermined period of time after the extension of the high-speed reading mode, the mode can be automatically switched to the power saving mode in the same manner as in the eighth aspect. Here, as the condition for extending the high-speed reading mode, the presence / absence of operation of the trigger switch is employed, but other various conditions indicating that the reading frequency is high may be employed.

(10) According to the tenth aspect, the function of realizing the processing in the information code reading device by the computer system is provided, for example, as a program activated on the computer system side. In the case of such a program, for example, it can be recorded on a recording medium such as a floppy disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM,
It can be used by loading it into a computer system and starting it as needed. Alternatively, a program may be recorded using a ROM or a backup RAM as a recording medium, and the ROM or the backup RAM may be incorporated in a computer system and used.

[0027]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First Embodiment a) FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an information code reader of the first embodiment, that is, an information code reader (hereinafter referred to as a two-dimensional code reader) 1 capable of reading a two-dimensional code. FIG.

Two-dimensional code reader 1 of the first embodiment
Is a control circuit 10 and an illumination light emitting diode (illumination LE
D) 11, CCD area sensor 12, and amplifier circuit 13
, A binarization circuit 14, a specific ratio detection circuit 15, a synchronization pulse generation circuit 16, an address generation circuit 17, a multi-level conversion circuit 18, an image memory 20, a switch group 31, and a liquid crystal display 32. And a communication I / F circuit 33.

The control circuit 10 includes a CPU, ROM, RA
The computer system is configured as a computer system having M, I / O, and the like, and executes a reading process described later according to a program stored in a ROM, and controls each component of the two-dimensional code reader 1. The illumination LED 11 is used for reading 2
The red code for illumination is applied to the dimensional code.

The CCD area sensor 12 has a plurality of two-dimensionally arranged CCDs, which are light receiving elements. The CCD area sensor 12 captures an image of the outside world and converts the two-dimensional image into a horizontal scanning line signal (image signal). Output. The scanning line signal is amplified by the amplifier circuit 13 and output to the binarization circuit 14 and the multi-level conversion circuit 18.

The amplification circuit 13 has a gain corresponding to the gain control voltage input from the control circuit 10 and has a CCD
The scanning line signal output from the area sensor 12 is amplified. The binarization circuit 14 binarizes the scanning line signal amplified by the amplification circuit 13 based on a threshold value and outputs the binarized signal to the specific ratio detection circuit 15 and the image memory 20.

The specific ratio detecting circuit 15 detects a predetermined frequency component ratio from the scanning line signal binarized by the binarizing circuit 14, and outputs the detection result to the image memory 20.
The binary data output from the binarization circuit 14 is stored in the image memory 20 as image data.

The multi-value conversion circuit 18 is an A / D converter for A / D converting the scanning line signal amplified by the amplification circuit 13, and converts the multi-value data which is the A / D converted digital value into an image. Output to the memory 20. Therefore, the multi-level conversion circuit 18
Is stored in the image memory 20 as image data.

Since the CCD area sensor 12 repeatedly detects an image, each time the detection is repeated, the binary data and the multi-value data in the image memory 20 are updated. The synchronization pulse output circuit 16 outputs a synchronization pulse sufficiently finer than the pulse of the image signal of the two-dimensional image output from the CCD area sensor 12. The address generation circuit 17 counts the synchronization pulse and generates an address for the image data storage area of the image memory 20. Binary data and multivalued data, which are image data, are written in 8-bit units for each address.

On the other hand, the specific ratio detection circuit 15 detects a change from "1" to "0" or a change from "0" to "1" in the signal from the binarization circuit 14, and By counting the synchronization pulses output from the synchronization pulse output circuit 16 until the next change point, the continuous length of light (white) and the continuous length of dark (black) in the two-dimensional image are counted. Ask for it. From the ratio of the lengths, 2
A ratio corresponding to a specific pattern of the dimensional code is detected.

The image memory 20 is a memory for storing binary data or multi-valued data as image data. In this embodiment, the image memory 20 stores a binary image as an area for storing image data taken in by a single image data taking process. Two storage areas (binary storage area 1 and binary storage area 2) are set for data, and two storage areas (multi-value storage area 1 and multi-value storage area 2) are set for multi-valued data. I have.

Therefore, when the image data fetching process is first performed, the binary data is stored in the binary storage area 1, and the multi-valued data is stored in the multi-valued storage area 1. Next, when the image data capturing process is executed,
The value data is stored in the binary storage area 2, and the multivalued data is stored in the multivalued storage area 2.

The switch group 31 includes a reading switch (trigger switch) for instructing the user to start a reading process (specifically, reproducing an information code), a numeric keypad, and various function keys. Used for A power switch 30 for turning on / off the power supply (from a battery) to the information code reader 1 is provided separately from the switch group 31.

The liquid crystal display 32 is, for example, an L-level display of two gradations.
It is configured as a CD, and is used for displaying read optical information and the like. Communication I / F circuit 33
Communicates with an external device (not shown), transmits data to the external device via a light emitting element for communication (not shown), and transmits a signal from the external device via a light receiving element for communication (not shown). For example, a program for operating the system or an instruction to wait for transmission is received.

B) Here, an example of the two-dimensional code read by the two-dimensional code reader 1 is shown in FIG. This 2
The dimensional code is printed on a white mount, and includes three positioning symbols 40 (A, D, and C), a data area 41, and timing patterns E and F.
All of them have the same number of cells vertically and horizontally (30 cells x 30 cells)
Are arranged in a square shape. Each cell is selected from two types of cells that are optically different from each other, and is distinguished between white (bright) and black (dark) in the drawings and description.

The positioning symbols 40 are arranged at three of the four vertices of the two-dimensional code. The light / dark arrangement of the cells is such that a reduced frame-shaped square 40b composed of a white portion is formed at the center of a frame-shaped square 40a composed of a black portion, and a further reduced square 40c composed of a black portion is formed at the center thereof. It is a pattern.

In the positioning symbol 40, the ratio of the continuous length of the bright part (white) or the dark part (black) is 1 (dark): 1 (bright): 3 (dark): 1 regardless of the scanning direction. (Ming):
1 (dark). Such a predetermined ratio between the light part (white) and the dark part (black) is detected by the specific ratio detection circuit 15 described above. Therefore, the positioning symbol 4
Whether or not there is 0 is determined based on the output result of the specific ratio detection circuit 15 stored in the image memory 20. In addition,
The light portion is a region formed by light (white) cells, and the dark portion is a region formed by dark (black) cells.

The timing patterns E and F are formed by alternately arranging bright (white) and dark (black) cells (timing cells). The presence or absence of these timing cells is determined by the image memory 20. Is determined based on the image data stored in. c) Next, a process performed by the two-dimensional code reader 1 of the first embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described. The processing such as reproduction and determination in the two-dimensional code reader 1 is controlled by the control circuit 10.

In the two-dimensional code reader 1, as a process of taking in image data (which is repeatedly performed while the power switch 30 is on), the scanning line signal output from the CCD area sensor 12 is amplified by the amplifier circuit 13. ,
The amplified scanning line signal is converted into binary data and multivalued data by the binarization circuit 14 and the multilevel conversion circuit 18 and stored in the image memory 20. Then, when the trigger switch is operated (turned on), a two-dimensional code reproduction process is performed based on the binary data and the multi-valued data as the image data stored in the image memory 20 in this manner. This will be described in detail below.

(I) Processing always executed after the power switch 30 is turned on As shown in the timing chart of FIG.
When 0 is turned on, the two-dimensional code reader 1 repeatedly performs exposure and image data output processing (that is, processing for capturing image data).

The exposure process is a process of projecting an image of the information code onto the CCD area sensor 12 via an optical element such as a lens to capture an image. With this exposure, the CCD
Each pixel of the area sensor 12 generates a voltage according to the amount of received light. Each pixel is arranged in a smaller unit than each cell. For example, 5 × 5 pixels correspond to one cell.

The process of outputting image data is a process of processing the output (image signal) of the CCD area sensor 12 obtained by exposure to obtain digital image data. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG.
Each pixel in each cell is scanned by a scanning line set for each row of one cell of the dimensional code. By this scanning, for example, as shown in FIG. 4B, the voltage (image signal) of each pixel in each row is output in synchronization with the synchronization pulse. Here, since the voltage is switched between low and high every five pulses (five pixels) indicating one cell, it can be seen that light and dark are switched every cell. Such scanning is sequentially performed on all rows.

Next, the image signal obtained by the scanning is amplified by the amplifier circuit 13 and sent to the binarization circuit 14 and the multi-level conversion circuit 18. The binarization circuit 14 binarizes the image signal with a predetermined threshold. Thereby, for example, FIG.
Image data (binary data) as shown in (a) is obtained, where "1" indicates white of the two-dimensional code and "0" indicates black in FIG.

On the other hand, the multi-level conversion circuit 18 performs A / D conversion on the image signal, which is an analog signal, to convert the image signal to multi-level. As a result, for example, image data (multi-valued data) as shown in FIG. 5B is obtained. In FIG. 5, larger numbers indicate brighter (closer to white) data.

Next, the binary data is sent from the binarization circuit 14 to the image memory 20, and the binary data is stored in the binary storage area 1. Then, the multi-level data is stored in the multi-level storage area 1. In the first embodiment, the above-described processes of exposure and image data output are repeated. For example, during the second and subsequent processes, the binary data is stored in the binary storage area 2 and the multivalued data is It is stored in the value storage area 2. 3
After the first time, the first and second processes are repeated, and the image data is sequentially updated.

(Ii) Next, the operation timing of the trigger switch will be described. When the trigger switch is operated during the first image data output, the exposure and the image data output are repeated as described above. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, when the trigger switch is operated (turned on) during the first image data output, the image memory 20
It is determined whether valid image data is stored in the binary storage area 1 for binary data. That is, whether or not valid image data is stored is determined by a single process of capturing image data capable of reproducing information recorded in the two-dimensional code (accordingly, a single process of outputting image data). .

In this case, since the image data output process for one time has not been completed yet, naturally, no valid image data is stored. Therefore, the image data output is completed, and the process waits until valid image data is stored.

When the valid image data is stored, a reproduction process (read process) as shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 7 is performed. This playback process
A process of reproducing information recorded in a two-dimensional code using image data stored in the image memory 20 (that is, a process of reproducing the information recorded in the two-dimensional code).
Decoding and reading the dimensional code).

In step (S) 100 of FIG.
It is determined whether a specific pattern exists in the dimensional code. The specific pattern is a positioning symbol and a timing cell. If it is determined that there is a specific pattern (S100: YES), the process proceeds to S110.
On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no specific pattern (S1
00: NO), it is determined that the image data is not sufficient, and the present process is ended once.

In S110, the type of code is determined based on the detected specific pattern. Based on the code type determined here, the scanning of the timing cell according to the code type is performed. In subsequent S120, S110
The coordinates of the three vertices of the two-dimensional code area are calculated based on the type of code determined in step (1) and the specific pattern.

In S130, the coordinates of the fourth vertex are calculated from the coordinates of the three vertices and the image data stored in the image memory 20. Then, in S140, the number of cells arranged is calculated by counting the bright part (white) and the dark part (black) of the timing cell which is the specific pattern. The number of cells arranged is the number of cells in each direction arranged in two directions. For example, m cells are arranged in the horizontal direction, and n cells are arranged in the vertical direction. In this case, a total of m × n cells are arranged.

At S150 in FIG. 7, an inspection line setting process is performed. This processing is performed to indicate the boundary of the two-dimensional code area.
The inspection line is set to connect two sets of opposite sides among the sides. In S160, the type of each cell is read with the intersection of the set inspection lines as the cell position. The type of each cell is light (white) or dark (black). Here, it is determined whether each cell is bright (white) or dark (black).

When the type of each cell is read in this manner, a data bit string is created in step S170 by setting light to "1" and dark to "0". Therefore, by comparing this data bit string with the data bit string of the information code stored in advance, the two-dimensional code can be decoded.

At S180, the created data bit string is checked for errors, and at S190, it is determined whether there is an error. If it is determined that there is an error (S
190: YES), perform error correction in S200, and thereafter end this process. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no error (S190: NO), the process of S200 is not executed, and the process is once ended.

After the decoding of the two-dimensional code is completed,
The result is output (transmitted) to, for example, a host computer or the like. That is, in the above-described processing, since the trigger switch is turned on before the effective image data is stored, the image data is reproduced after the effective image data is stored.

When the trigger switch is operated during the second exposure, for example, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the trigger switch is operated (ON) during the second exposure ,
It is determined whether valid image data (binary data) is stored in the binary storage area 1 of the image memory 20.

Here, since the image data output processing has already been completed, valid image data is stored.
Therefore, using the stored effective image data, in this case, the binary data by the first image data output process stored in the binary storage area 1 of the image memory 20, As shown in FIG. 7, a similar reproduction process is performed.

In other words, in this processing, when the trigger switch is operated, the effective image data is already stored, so that the reproduction processing can be promptly performed using this image data. When the trigger switch is operated during the second image data output, as shown in FIG. 8A, when the trigger switch is operated (on) during the second image data output, The first image data output is performed, and the binary storage area 1
Has already stored the first valid image data (binary data).

Therefore, by using the effective image data (image data 1 of binary data) stored in the binary storage area 1, the two-dimensional code can be promptly reproduced. When the trigger switch is operated during the third exposure, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the trigger switch is operated (on) during the third image data output, The first and second image data outputs are performed, and the first and second valid image data (binary data) are already stored in the binary storage area 1 and the binary storage area 2.

Therefore, in this case, two-dimensional code reproduction processing is promptly performed using valid image data (image data 2 of binary data) stored in the binary storage area 2 which is the latest data. be able to. (iii) Next, processing using multi-value data will be described.

As described above, it is only necessary that the two-dimensional code can be reproduced (read) from the binary data obtained by the binarization circuit 14. However, the binary data is hard-coded. Accordingly, since the image signal is obtained by digitizing the image signal with a predetermined threshold value, it may not be possible to reproduce a two-dimensional code from the binary data.

In this case, a multi-level code obtained by digitizing the image signal step by step by A / D conversion is used. For example, consider a case where multi-value data as shown in FIG. 5B is obtained by digitizing an image signal as shown in FIG. 4B. In the figure, the larger the numerical value, the brighter (white) side.

Therefore, for example, by taking the average of the darkest value “1” and the bright value “7” and binarizing the multi-valued data using the average “4” as a threshold value, FIG. Such binary data is obtained. Therefore, the two-dimensional code can be reproduced using the binary data in the same manner as described above.

In this method, even when the state of the image of the two-dimensional code (for example, the overall brightness) is largely changed, an appropriate threshold value is always set so that a suitable two-dimensional code corresponding to the information code can be obtained. There is an advantage that value data can be created and a two-dimensional code can be accurately read.

The binarization of the multivalued data and the timing of the reproduction thereof are preferably performed when the reproduction using the binary data has failed. For example, when the trigger switch is operated in the middle of the first image data output, the effective image data (image data 1 of multi-value data) is stored in the multi-value storage area 1, and then the two-dimensional code Reproduce information.

When the trigger switch is operated during the second exposure, the valid image data (image data 1 of multi-value data) already stored in the multi-value storage area 1 is used. And reproduces information of a two-dimensional code.
Further, when the trigger switch is operated during the second image data output, the valid image data (image data 1 of multi-value data) already stored in the multi-value storage area 1 is used. The information of the two-dimensional code is reproduced.

In addition, if the trigger switch is operated during the third exposure, the multi-value storage area 2
The information of the two-dimensional code is reproduced using the latest valid image data (image data 2 of multi-value data) stored in. As described above, in the first embodiment, when the trigger switch is operated, it is determined whether or not image data effective for reproducing the information of the two-dimensional code is already stored.
When it is determined that valid image data is already stored, the two-dimensional code information is reproduced using the image data, and when it is determined that valid image data is not stored yet Waits until valid image data is stored, and after the valid image data is stored, the information of the two-dimensional code is reproduced using the image data. Thus, high-speed reading of the two-dimensional code (reproduction of information of the two-dimensional code) can be realized.

Further, in the first embodiment, two storage areas are provided for each of the binary data and the multi-value data, and after the first image data output is completed, the valid image data is always stored. I remember. Therefore, after the first image data output is completed, the two-dimensional code can be read at high speed by using the already stored valid image data, regardless of the timing at which the trigger switch is operated. Further, since the latest effective image data is used here, there is an effect that the reading accuracy is further improved.

In addition, in the first embodiment, even when the reproduction of the two-dimensional code using the binary data is not successful, the reproduction of the two-dimensional code can be performed by binarizing the multi-valued data. Therefore, there is an advantage that the reading accuracy in the two-dimensional code reader is improved.

In the first embodiment, determination of valid image data at the timing when the trigger switch is turned on in FIG. 3 corresponds to “determination means”, and reproduction processing corresponds to “reproduction means”. [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described, but the description of the same parts as in the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

In the second embodiment, the two-dimensional code reader 1 includes a power saving mode in which the trigger switch is operated to start capturing image data, and a power switch 3.
When 0 is in the ON state, a high-speed reading mode is provided for repeatedly executing image data fetching processing, and these modes can be switched by a changeover switch (not shown).

Therefore, if the power saving mode is set, the capture of the image data is started after the trigger switch is operated, and the effective image data is stored after the trigger switch is operated.
Perform reading of the dimension code. Thereby, the life of the battery can be extended. If the high-speed reading mode is set, as shown in the first embodiment, when the power switch 30 is in the ON state, the image data fetching process is repeatedly executed, and the trigger switch is operated. When it is turned on, the reproduction process is executed. This allows
High-speed reading becomes possible. [Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described, but the description of the same parts as in the second embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

In the second embodiment, the two-dimensional code reader 1 is capable of automatically switching between the power saving mode and the high-speed reading mode, and is set so as to be in the high-speed reading mode for a predetermined time. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the power switch 30 is turned on, the high-speed reading mode is set for a fixed time from the time when the power switch 30 is turned on. If the trigger switch is operated (turned on) within the fixed time, the high-speed reading mode is set again for a fixed time from the time when the trigger switch is turned on. Thereafter, the high-speed reading mode can be repeatedly set by the same procedure.

On the other hand, if the trigger switch is not turned on within the fixed time, the mode automatically switches to the power saving mode after the end of the high-speed reading mode for the fixed time. In the third embodiment, when the use frequency of the high-speed reading mode is high, the operation state of the trigger switch is detected, and the power saving mode and the high-speed reading mode are appropriately switched accordingly. There is an advantage that both can be achieved.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment at all, and it goes without saying that various forms can be adopted as long as they belong to the technical scope of the present invention. (1) For example, instead of storing both binary data and multivalued data, only one of them may be stored, for example, only binary data. That is, when only binary data is used, the configuration of multi-value data may be omitted.

(2) The storage area may be set so that the binary data or the multi-valued data is stored only once, instead of being stored for a plurality of times of image data fetching processing (image data output). In that case, if valid data has not yet been stored when the trigger switch is operated,
Although it is necessary to wait until one image data is accumulated, there is an advantage that memory can be saved.

(3) If there is room in the memory, binary data or multi-valued data can be stored more times than the two times of image data fetching processing. A storage area may be set. (4) In the above embodiments, a matrix type two-dimensional code is taken as an example. However, the present invention can be applied to reading of other information codes such as a stack type two-dimensional code, and further, a one-dimensional bar code. is there. (5) In each of the above embodiments, the example of the information code reading device has been described. However, the function of realizing the processing in the information code reading device by the computer system may be provided, for example, as a program. In the case of such a program, it can be recorded on a recording medium such as a floppy disk, a magneto-optical disk, and a CD-ROM.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a two-dimensional code reader according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a stack type two-dimensional code.

FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing a procedure of processing in the two-dimensional code reading device of the first embodiment.

4A and 4B illustrate functions of a CCD area sensor, wherein FIG. 4A is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relationship between a cell and a scanning line, and FIG. 4B is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relationship between an image signal and a synchronization pulse.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing digitized image data.

FIG. 6 is a first half of a flowchart showing a reading process in the two-dimensional code reading device of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a second half of a flowchart showing a reading process in the two-dimensional code reading device of the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing a procedure of a process in the two-dimensional code reader of the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing a procedure of a process in the two-dimensional code reader of the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Optical information reading device 10 ... Control circuit 11 ... Illumination light emitting diode 12 ... CCD area sensor 13 ... Amplification circuit 14 ... Binarization circuit 15 ... Specific ratio detection circuit 16 ... Synchronous pulse output circuit 17 ... Address generation circuit 18 ... Many Value circuit 20 ... Image memory 31 ... Switch group 32 ... Liquid crystal display 33 ... Communication I /
F circuit

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An information code reader for digitizing and storing a two-dimensional image of a captured information code and processing the stored image data to reproduce information recorded in the information code. A power switch for turning on / off a power supply to a code reader; and a trigger switch for instructing reproduction of information recorded in the information code.When the power switch is on, the information Executing means for repeatedly executing a process of capturing image data ranging from imaging of a code to storage of the image data; and at the time when the trigger switch is operated, image data already effective for reproducing the information of the information code is stored. Determining means for determining whether or not the image data is stored; and when the determining means determines that the valid image data is stored, The information of the information code is reproduced using the image data, and when it is determined that the valid image data is not stored, after the valid image data is stored, the information is used by using the image data. An information code reading device, comprising: reproducing means for reproducing code information. 2. The information code reading device according to claim 1, wherein the optical element projects an image of the information code, and a two-dimensional image of the information code projected by the optical element is converted into an image signal. A conversion element unit for converting an image signal converted by the conversion element into a digital value; a storage unit for storing image data digitized by the A / D conversion unit; A control unit for processing the image data stored in the unit and reproducing information recorded in the information code. 3. The information code reading device according to claim 1, wherein the information code is obtained by converting data represented by a binary code into cells and arranging the cells as a pattern on a two-dimensional matrix. An information code reading device, which is a two-dimensional code. 4. The information code reading device according to claim 2, wherein the storage unit includes a plurality of areas for storing image data for one time of the image data fetching process, An information code reading device for storing image data obtained by a fetching process in each storage area. 5. The information code reading device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit, when reproducing the information of the information code from the image data, stores a plurality of information stored in each of the storage areas. An information code reading apparatus, wherein the latest image data among the effective image data is adopted. 6. The information code reading device according to claim 2, wherein the A / D converter includes a binarization circuit that converts the data into a 1-bit digital value, and a plurality of bits. A multi-level conversion circuit for converting to a digital value, a first storage area of the storage unit for storing binary data obtained by the conversion of the binarization circuit, and multi-level data obtained by the conversion of the multi-level conversion circuit And a second storage area of the storage unit that stores the information code. When the information of the information code is reproduced from the image data, first, the information code is used by using the binary data. An information code reading apparatus for reproducing information of the information code by using the multi-valued data when the information cannot be normally reproduced. 7. The information code reading device according to claim 1, wherein the information code reading device has a built-in battery for supplying operating power, and the trigger switch is operated. And a high-speed reading mode for repeatedly executing the image data capturing process when the power switch is on, further comprising the two modes. An information code reading device characterized in that the user can select the information code. 8. The information code reading device according to claim 1, wherein the information code reading device has a built-in battery for supplying operation power, and the trigger switch is operated. And a high-speed reading mode for repeatedly executing the image data capturing process when the power switch is on, and further comprising the power saving mode. An information code reading apparatus, wherein automatic switching between a mode and the high-speed reading mode is possible, and the high-speed reading mode is set for a predetermined time. 9. The information code reading device according to claim 8, wherein when the trigger switch is operated during a period in which the high-speed reading mode is set, the high-speed reading is performed again for the predetermined time. An information code reader for setting a mode. 10. A recording medium in which a procedure of processing by the information code reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is recorded.