JP2001052105A - Composite code reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a composite code reader, which has a function for reading plural kinds of codes including one-dimensional(1D) code, two-dimensional(2D) code and ID code stored on a non-contact ID tag, capable of highly accurately reading the respective codes without mutually affecting electromagnetic waves as noises at the time of reading the respective codes. SOLUTION: This device is provided with a first code reading means 11 for optically reading the data of 1D codes with no contact, a second code reading means 12 for optically reading the data of 2D codes with no contact, a third code reading means 13 for reading the data of ID codes on the non-contact ID tag with radio waves and a control means 14 for controlling driving of the said respective first to third code reading means while having a time lag in reading operation so as not to mutually affect the respective electromagnetic waves of the said first code reading means, second code reading means and third code reading means as noises at least and for continuously reading and recognizing the data of codes existent inside a relevant reading area with the said respective code reading means.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a one-dimensional code and a two-dimensional code represented by marks having different reflectances.
And a composite code reader having a function of reading a plurality of types of codes including an ID code stored in a non-contact ID tag.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in order to quickly recognize product and part numbers, product names, prices, and other information, product and part numbers, product names, prices, and other information are represented by black and white stripes. One-dimensional or two-dimensional codes are widely used. Codes such as one-dimensional codes and two-dimensional codes represented by marks having different reflectances represent, for example, a series of numbers in a combination of line width ratios, and include product and part numbers, product names, Prices and other information have been replaced with the numbers above.

For example, data represented by a bar code is read by a device called a bar code reader. A barcode reader is a device that irradiates light to a barcode, receives light returned from white and black stripes having different reflectances, and decodes the pattern of the intensity of the reflected light into the original number. This bar code reader has a pen-shaped head with a reading unit, and it uses a pen type that traces a bar code with it, a touch type that puts the head on the bar code, and a product with a bar code above the reading window. There are three types of stationary type that let through. Conventionally, light emitting diodes are mainly used as pen-type and touch-type light sources, and laser beams are mainly used as stationary-type light sources.

A system using such a barcode is frequently used as a POS (point of sale information) system at a cash register in a supermarket or a department store. When the barcode reader reads the barcode at the cash register, the personal computer remembers the price of the product and outputs it instantaneously. In addition, information on the merchandise that has passed through the cash register is immediately input to a personal computer. Therefore, cash register work is almost twice as fast as before, and there is no mistake in driving
In addition, since it is possible to know what is sold and how much, it is possible to place orders in a flexible and accurate manner, so that there is no need to carry extra inventory.

However, the system using the barcode described above can manage the point-of-sale information of the product by expressing the number of the product or part, the product name, the price and other information by the barcode. Although there is an advantage, it is not possible to rewrite or add a part of the information with the barcode label, so it is not possible to perform comprehensive management such as distribution management of the product only with the barcode information There is a disadvantage that. In recent years, RFID
(Radio Frequency Identifier
system), such as a system in which a non-contact ID tag using radio waves is embedded in tableware or a tray to perform an automatic checkout process in a cafeteria, a system applied to a lift ticket at a ski resort, and the like. Although non-contact ID tags have become relatively inexpensive, they are expected to be applied to various fields. However, those that can be used easily, such as barcode labels, have not been realized.

In order to eliminate such disadvantages of the bar code, the present applicant has disclosed, for example, Japanese Patent Application No.
No. 686 proposes a bar code sticker having an RFID function capable of recording the distribution history of the product. The seal for a bar code described in Japanese Patent Application No. 172686/1999 has, for example, a configuration in which a bar code is attached to the surface of the seal and a non-contact ID tag is attached to the back surface of the seal. Non-contact ID tags are
In general, a sticker having a read-only fixed ID is used. However, in the above-described bar code sticker, a read-only fixed ID portion and a plurality of memory cells capable of changing the ID code by an external command are used. And a non-contact ID tag having a variable ID portion comprising

In the fixed ID section, for example, an ID code for specifying the article (product or the like) is stored, and in each memory cell of the variable ID section, a manufacturing stage, a distribution stage,
At the sales stage, an ID code for each type of industry that specifies at least the type of industry that handles the product in accordance with an external command, for example, that the product was shipped from which factory, sold through which distribution channel, and sold at which store By recording an ID code for identifying the process (manufacturing / distribution / sales company, date, etc.), comprehensive management such as distribution management of the product can be performed. By using the non-contact ID tag as described above, the drawback of the one-dimensional / two-dimensional code can be solved and applied to various fields.

[0008]

By the way, an optical code reader having a function of reading a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code such as a bar code as described above, and a non-contact ID used in an RFID system or the like. Each of the tag code readers has been conventionally realized, but a code reader capable of reading at least these three types of codes has not been realized.

The present invention has been made under the circumstances described above, and an object of the present invention is to store a one-dimensional code and a two-dimensional code represented by marks having different reflectances, and a non-contact ID tag. Provided is a composite code reading device that has a plurality of types of code reading functions including a read ID code and is capable of reading each code with high accuracy without causing electromagnetic waves at the time of reading each code to affect each other as noise. It is in.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a function of reading a plurality of types of codes including one-dimensional codes and two-dimensional codes represented by marks having different reflectances, and ID codes stored in a non-contact ID tag. The first object of the present invention is a first code reading means for optically reading the one-dimensional code data in a non-contact manner, and a two-dimensional code data in a non-contact manner. Second code reading means for optically reading, and the non-contact ID
Third code reading means for reading the ID code data of the tag by radio waves, and reading so that the electromagnetic waves of at least the first and second code reading means and the third code reading means do not affect each other as noise. Control means for driving and controlling each of the first to third code reading means with a time difference in operation, and for continuously reading and recognizing data of codes existing in the reading area by the code reading means; This is achieved by providing:

Further, the control means controls the drive of each of the code reading means by one input of a code reading command to continuously read data of codes existing in the reading area. Includes a code recording medium to which at least two or more codes are attached as a reading target, and wherein the control means includes data of a plurality of types of codes existing in the reading area including the code recording medium. Are continuously read and recognized; that the reading areas of the respective code reading means are all configured to be the same area;
A transmission / reception antenna of the third code reading means is provided around an imaging unit of the two-dimensional imaging device in an annular or rectangular shape; Each being more effectively achieved.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a main part of a composite code reader (hereinafter, referred to as a "code reader") according to the present invention.

In FIG. 1, a code reading device 10 has a one-dimensional code C represented by marks having different reflectances.
1 and a two-dimensional code C2, and a code reading function of an ID code C3 stored in the non-contact ID tag 1. The non-contact ID tag 1 in this example is a data carrier in which an RFID element or a transponder element is used as an ID chip, and is not limited to a batteryless type, but includes a built-in battery. In addition, the reading target includes the same recording medium of each of the codes C1 to C3, for example, a bar code seal described in Japanese Patent Application No. 1999-172686 exemplified as a conventional technique.

The one-dimensional image sensor 11 is code reading means for optically reading the one-dimensional code C1 in a non-contact manner, and for example, a laser diode is used as a light emitting element. The two-dimensional image sensor 12 has a two-dimensional code C2
Code reading means for reading contactlessly and optically,
It is composed of a D-type or MOS-type two-dimensional imaging device. The data D1 and D2 read by the optical image sensors 11 and 12 are input to a control circuit 14 including a CPU, a RAM, and the like, and are subjected to code conversion.

The ID tag reader 13 (hereinafter, referred to as an "RFID reader") is code reading means for reading the ID code data of the non-contact ID tag 1 using radio waves, and includes a transmitting / receiving antenna, a transmitting / receiving circuit, and the like. . Non-contact ID
Data D3 read by detecting the electromagnetic wave signal from tag 1
Is input to a control circuit 15 including a CPU, a RAM, and the like, the code is recognized, and is transferred to the control circuit 14.
Recognized data (decoded data corresponding to codes existing in the reading area) D1 ', D2', D3 'are stored in the memory, and the input / output interface 1
6 to an external computer or the like.

In this embodiment, each code reading means 11,
Each of the reading areas 12 and 13 is configured so that all the reading areas are the same area. The control circuit 14 (or the control circuit 15) recognizes which code exists in the reading area, and Existing code data, that is, one of the one-dimensional code C1, the two-dimensional code C2, and the ID code C3, or the data of a combination of these codes is decrypted and output. In this example, the code-converted data D
A mode for transmitting 1 ', D2', D3 '(or data before code conversion) to the external computer via the wireless communication means 17 or a communication cable, and a transferable recording medium 18 such as a memory card or a PC card. And a mode in which the data is transmitted to an external computer in real time and processed, or a mode in which the stored data is batch-processed by batch processing.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show an example of the external configuration of the code reader 10 in a front view and a side view, respectively. The main body 10A of the code reader has, for example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape in which the cross section has a U-shape as shown in FIG. A reading section 10a for each code to be read is provided at the tip of one end of the main body 10A.
As shown in FIG. 1A, a transmission / reception antenna 13a of an RFID reader 13 has a rectangular shape around an imaging unit 12a of a two-dimensional image sensor (CCD camera in this example) 12 provided at the center of the reading unit 10a. It is provided in a ring shape. The light-emitting / light-receiving unit 11a of the one-dimensional image sensor 11 is provided near the imaging unit 12a, so that the regions to be read are all the same region.

Further, as shown in FIG.
Data D of each read code is provided on the upper surface at the other end of A.
Operation keys 10 for inputting commands such as registration, deletion, display, mode selection, and guidance of 1 ', D2', and D3 '
b and a display unit 10c made of liquid crystal or the like for displaying predetermined items, and a trigger button 10d is provided on the lower surface.

In the present invention, in order to simplify the operation, each code reading means 11, 12, 13 is driven and controlled by one input of a code reading instruction to continuously read data in the reading area. It is configured to recognize. In addition, drive control is performed with a time difference in the reading operation so that the electromagnetic waves of the optical image sensors 11 and 12 and the electromagnetic wave of the RFID reader 13 using radio waves do not affect each other as noise.

In this embodiment, each code reading means 11,
The control circuits in the units 12 and 13 and the control circuit 14 are connected via a multiplexer, and each code reading unit 11, 12, 1
3 is sequentially switched by the control circuit 14 to perform drive control,
The configuration is such that the influence of electromagnetic waves of other reading means during the reading operation is avoided. The influence of the electromagnetic wave is large because the laser beam of the one-dimensional image sensor 11 and the non-contact ID
Since the radio waves are from the tag 1, the drive control may be performed with a time difference between these electromagnetic waves.

An operation example of the code reading apparatus according to the present invention having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a time chart showing an operation example from the input of a signal of a reading start instruction (or a reading start command from the outside) by pressing the trigger button 10d to the end of the reading operation. ST is a reading start signal, Sd1
Denotes a reading operation of the one-dimensional code C1, Sd2 denotes a reading operation of the two-dimensional code C2, TRANS denotes a power supply operation to the non-contact ID tag, and Sd3 denotes a data transmission operation of the ID code C3.

The signal transmission paths (each of the reading means 11 to 13 and the control circuit 1) are switched through switching means such as a multiplexer.
3, an input / output path between the image sensor 4 and the image sensor 15 is switched, and the driving control of the one-dimensional image sensor 11, the two-dimensional image sensor 12, and the RFID reader 13 is sequentially performed as in the operation example of FIG. I do. Note that the reading area is confirmed by, for example, guide light (visible light such as two points, a cross, an X-shape, a rectangle, etc.) projected by a guide light projecting means (not shown), and confirmation of completion of reading, non-reading, and the like. Is
Although it can be confirmed by sound or the like, description of these auxiliary operations will be omitted. Further, the order in which the respective reading means are operated is not limited to the above order.

When the control circuit 14 receives a reading operation start command ST by pressing the trigger button 24, it first instructs the control circuit of the one-dimensional image sensor 11 to start reading. The one-dimensional image sensor 11 in this example includes a laser diode, a condenser lens, an optical filter, a rotating mirror,
The one-dimensional image sensor 11, which includes a pulse motor, a photodetector, and the like, inputs a reading start command, drives a rotating mirror, scans a reading area with a laser beam, and reads the data D1 in the reading area. To the control circuit 14. In the control circuit 14, the one-dimensional image sensor 1
1, the transmission path is switched to the two-dimensional image sensor 11 side when the reading of the data D1 by the
In addition to instructing the first control circuit to start reading, it is determined whether or not a one-dimensional code exists in the area from the data D1 after the digital conversion. If the one-dimensional code exists, code conversion processing is performed. Store in memory.

Data D from the two-dimensional image sensor 11
2 is completed, the control circuit 14 switches the transmission path to the RFID reader 13 side, instructs the RFID reader 13 via the control circuit 15 to start reading, and reads the data D1 after digital conversion into the area. It is determined whether a two-dimensional code exists, and if a two-dimensional code exists, a code conversion process is performed and the result is stored in a memory.

The RFID reader 13 has a transmitting / receiving antenna 1
The radio wave TRANS is transmitted for a predetermined time (in this example, 30
ms) fired and contactless ID tag 10 by electromagnetic induction
After the power is supplied to the charging capacitor, a predetermined protocol for reading the ID code (the ID code is transmitted from the non-contact ID tag when the battery is charged, and the ID code of the memory cell is read in response to the read command of the memory cell) Etc.)
Receiving the radio wave radiated from the antenna of the non-contact ID tag 10 (the transmission time is about 5 ms in this example),
The code data D3 is read. The control circuit 14 inputs data from the RFID reader 13 via the control circuit 15 to initialize the multiplexer and, if an ID code exists in the area, stores the ID code data in the memory.

When the reading operation is completed, the control circuit 14
Then, if the mode is a mode for transmitting data in real time, the data of the read code (data after code conversion in this example) is transmitted to the external computer via the wireless communication means 17 or a communication cable. For example, a code recording medium provided with at least two or more types of codes to be read (for example, the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application No.
In the case where a plurality of types of codes exist in the reading area, such as when a barcode seal described in No. 2686 is present, the data of each code is read continuously and the recognition data is read in real time or by the operator. Is transmitted to the external computer according to the instruction of On the other hand, in the case of the batch processing mode, the recognition data is accumulated and stored in the storage medium 18.

As described above, by inputting the reading start instruction, the reading operation of each reading means is sequentially switched so that the data in the area is continuously read and recognized, thereby making the operation simple and easy. It is possible to provide a code reading device in which electromagnetic waves during a code reading operation do not affect each other as noise.

In the above-described embodiment, a hand-held type non-contact type code reader has been described as an example. However, a pen type which traces a code, a touch type which applies a head to the code, and a code which is read over a reading window. The present invention also includes a stationary type that allows a product or the like with the above to pass therethrough. Further, the configuration in which the code conversion function (decoding function) is provided on the control circuit 14 side has been described as an example. However, the code conversion function may be provided on the control circuit 15 side, instead of a multiprocessor form. The processing may be performed by one control circuit. Further, the code conversion function may not be provided in the code reader, but the code conversion function may be provided in the external computer or in another unit connected to the code reader. In addition, although a non-contact ID tag having a code reading function is described as an example, a configuration in which a reader / writer having an ID data writing function is mounted may be used.

[0029]

As described above, according to the present invention, a plurality of types of codes including a one-dimensional code, a two-dimensional code, and an ID code stored in a non-contact ID tag can be read by one code reader. Can be read. Further, since the drive control is performed with a time difference so that the electromagnetic waves during the reading operation of each code do not affect each other as noise, it is possible to avoid a decrease in the reading accuracy due to the influence of the electromagnetic waves. Further, since the code is read by one input of the code reading instruction, it is not necessary for the operator to operate consciously of the type of the code, which is convenient and effective in avoiding erroneous operation.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a main part of a code reading device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of an external configuration of a code reading device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a time chart showing an example of a reading operation of the code reading device according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Non-contact ID tag 10 Code reader 11 One-dimensional image sensor 12 Two-dimensional image sensor 13 RFID reader 14, 15 Control circuit 16 Input / output interface 17 Wireless communication means 18 Storage medium

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A composite code reader having a function of reading a plurality of types of codes including one-dimensional codes and two-dimensional codes represented by marks having different reflectances and ID codes stored in a non-contact ID tag. A first code reading means for optically reading the one-dimensional code data in a non-contact manner; a second code reading means for optically reading the two-dimensional code data in a non-contact manner; Third code reading means for reading the ID code data of the tag by radio waves, and reading so that the electromagnetic waves of at least the first and second code reading means and the third code reading means do not affect each other as noise. Each of the first to third code reading means is drive-controlled with a time difference in operation, and data of a code existing in the reading area is read by each of the code reading means. Control means for continuously reading and recognizing by means of steps. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the driving of each of the code reading units in response to one input of a code reading command so as to continuously read and recognize data of codes existing in the reading area. 2. The composite code reader according to claim 1, wherein: 3. A code recording medium having at least two types of codes attached thereto as a reading target, wherein the control means includes a plurality of types of code data present in the reading area including the code recording medium. 3. The composite code reading device according to claim 1, wherein the device is configured to continuously read and recognize. 4. The composite code reading device according to claim 1, wherein all of the reading areas of the code reading units are configured to be the same area. 5. The second code reading means is constituted by a two-dimensional imaging device, and a transmission / reception antenna of the third code reading means is provided around an imaging part of the two-dimensional imaging device in an annular or rectangular shape. The composite code reader according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: 6. The composite code reader according to claim 1, wherein said composite code reader is a handy type device.