JP2002244715A - Production control device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a production control device capable of exactly and surely reading attribute data of a product, while carrying the product. SOLUTION: A product label mentioning a one-dimensional bar code 4 and a two-dimensional bar code 5 at a rear position of a carrying direction of the one-dimensional code 4 is adhered to a carrier body (storing body). After set time after reading the one-dimensional bar code 4 by a code reader 7, the two-dimensional bar bode 5 is imaged by a code reader 8.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an attribute of a product based on a two-dimensional code written on a product label affixed to a storage body (transportation body) containing a product to be transported by a transportation conveyor or the like of a production line. The present invention relates to a production management device for interpreting the information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, products (including semi-finished products) conveyed by a conveyor on a production line are stored and conveyed in a box-shaped storage body (transportation body). A product label is attached to the carrier so that the attributes of the product can be understood. The product label describes the product name, delivery destination code, production lot number, production date, and the like.

In order to manage products on a production line, the attributes of the products are read into a computer. As for the attributes of the product, a one-dimensional barcode (linear barcode) is described on a product label, and the one-dimensional barcode is read by a laser scanning barcode reader. A laser scanning barcode reader can read a one-dimensional barcode without stopping even while moving on a conveyor, if the width of the one-dimensional barcode symbol can be secured to some extent.

On the other hand, with the enforcement of the Product Liability Law, the amount of attribute data for managing products has increased dramatically. However, the one-dimensional barcode has a small amount of data and cannot manage product attributes sufficiently. For this reason, it has been proposed to use a two-dimensional code, also called a matrix code or a two-dimensional barcode, as a barcode. The two-dimensional code has a large information density, can record a large amount of information, and has a smaller symbol size than a one-dimensional barcode. The use of a two-dimensional code for identifying a semiconductor chip is described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-26333.

[0005] The interpretation of attribute data using a two-dimensional code is as follows.
This is performed by analyzing a video (image) obtained by capturing a two-dimensional code with a CCD camera and decoding it as data. For this reason, it is necessary to capture the whole two-dimensional barcode symbol within the field of view of the CCD camera and take an image. Usually, reading is performed in a stopped state.

[0006]

To temporarily stop the conveyor of the production line in order to read the attribute data of the product using the two-dimensional code, the operating capacity is reduced, and it is necessary to read the data while moving. . To this end, it is conceivable that the position detector detects that the transporter housing the product has reached a predetermined position, and images the two-dimensional code with a CCD camera.

[0007] However, the product label is affixed to a carrier (storage body) by a robot or the like in a production line process, but the affixing position is not always the same position.
The size of the carrier also depends on the type of product. For this reason, there is a problem that it is not possible to capture the entire two-dimensional barcode symbol within the field of view of the camera and to take an image, and it is not possible to accurately and reliably read the attribute data of the product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a production management apparatus capable of accurately and reliably reading attribute data of a product while transporting the product. It is in.

[0009]

A feature of the present invention is that a one-dimensional bar code and a product label on which a two-dimensional code is described at a position rearward of the one-dimensional bar code in the transport direction are transported by a transporter (housing). ) To read a two-dimensional code after a set time from reading a one-dimensional barcode.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a one-dimensional bar code is read by irradiating a laser beam upon detecting that the carrier has been transported to a predetermined position, and a two-dimensional code is imaged after a set delay time. is there.

According to the present invention, a two-dimensional code is imaged a set time after reading a one-dimensional barcode. If the distance (distance) between the one-dimensional barcode and the two-dimensional code written on the product label is constant, the transport speed is almost constant, so the two-dimensional code can be reliably imaged and the attribute data of the product can be accurately and reliably obtained Can be read.

[0012]

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, a transport body 2 containing products is placed on a conveyor 1 and transported (moved) in a direction indicated by a white arrow. The carrier 2 is a container or a cardboard box in which a product is stored. A product label 3 indicating the contents (attributes) of the stored items of the carrier 2 is printed or attached to the carrier 2.

The product label 3 is a one-dimensional bar code (linear bar code) symbol 4 for detecting the label position.
And a two-dimensional code (matrix code) having a fixed positional relationship with the bar code symbol 4 on the product label 3
The symbol 5 is indicated by printing, sheet pasting, or the like. The symbol 5 is described at a position behind the symbol 4 in the transport direction.

The carrier 2 on which the product label 3 is affixed moves on the conveyor 1 and is detected by a carrier sensor 6 arranged near the conveyor 1. A carrier detection signal detected by the carrier sensor 6 is input to a personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as a personal computer PC) 9.

When the PC 9 receives the carrier detection signal, it issues a search command to the one-dimensional bar code (linear bar code) reader 7. When the code reader 7 inputs the search command,
A laser beam is irradiated for a fixed time, and the linear bar code 4 on the product label 3 is scanned and scanned. When the code reader 7 reads the linear bar code 4, the read signal is sent to the personal computer P.
Send to C9.

When a read signal of the linear barcode symbol 4 is input from the code reader 7 to the personal computer PC9,
A shutter timing command for imaging the matrix code symbol 5 is given to a matrix code reader 8 installed at a fixed distance adjacent to the code reader 7.

The personal computer PC 9 transmits the imaging command as a shutter timing command to the code reader 8 after performing timing adjustment with a specified delay time. When an image capturing command is given from the personal computer PC 9, the code reader 8 captures an image of the matrix code symbol 5 with a built-in CCD camera (not shown), decodes the captured image, and transmits product attribute data to the personal computer PC 9.

FIG. 2 shows a detailed functional block diagram of an example of the personal computer PC 9 and the code readers 7 and 8.

In FIG. 2, a transport passage monitoring section 901 of the personal computer PC 9 constantly monitors the sensor section 601 of the transport sensor 6. The carrier passage monitoring unit 901 includes a sensor unit 601
When a carrier detection signal is input from the scanner, a scan start command is given to the laser scan control unit 902. When given a scan start command, the laser scan control unit 902 gives a laser beam irradiation start command to the laser projection unit 701 of the code reader 7. The code reader 7 scans and scans the linear barcode symbol 4 of the product label 3 by irradiating the laser beam from the laser projector 701. The linear barcode symbol 4 serves as a mark for determining the timing at which the matrix code symbol 5 is imaged and read.

The detection of the linear code symbol 4 by the code reader 7 is performed by the CCD image pickup unit 702.
The data is converted by the decoding unit 703 and the data transmission unit 7
04 to the personal computer PC9.

The personal computer PC 9 transmits the data of the linear bar code 4 from the code reader 7 to the data receiving section 9.
03, and the timing mark determination unit 904 determines whether the timing mark is a specified timing mark. If the timing mark is not a specified timing mark, the timing mark determination unit 904 gives an alarm command to the alarm output unit 912 to generate an alarm.

On the other hand, if it is a prescribed timing mark,
After a delay time setting unit 905 delays by a set delay time 906 based on the distance between the linear bar code symbol 4 and the matrix code symbol 5 of the product label 3 and the transport speed of the conveyor 1, the shutter control unit 907
Shutter part 8 of the matrix code reader 8
01 is given an imaging command.

A picked-up image of the matrix code symbol 5 picked up by the CCD pick-up unit 802 of the code reader 8 is input to a decoding unit 803. The decoding unit 803 decodes the captured image of the matrix code symbol 5 to obtain product attribute data, and transmits the data to the personal computer PC9 via the data transmission unit 804.

The personal computer PC 9 receives the attribute data from the data receiving unit 908 and determines whether the data is the attribute data of the product label 3 obtained by the data determining unit 909. If the attribute data is not normal, the data determination unit 909 outputs an alarm command to the alarm output unit 912 to generate an alarm. If the attribute data is normal, the data determination unit 909 reads out the data from the data storage unit 910 in the data storage unit 910.
1 stores product attribute data.

Next, the operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of the personal computer PC 9 shown in FIG.

In step S1, the transport passage monitoring unit 901 monitors the sensor unit 601 and executes a transport passage monitoring process. The carrier passage monitoring unit 901 removes noise and the like when executing the carrier passage monitoring process in step S1, and detects the carrier 2 correctly.

When the carrier passing monitor 901 detects the carrier 2 in step S1, the process proceeds to step S2.
The laser scan control unit 902 causes the laser projection unit 701 to execute scan control of irradiating laser light in step S2. The time during which the laser projection unit 701 performs the scan control is performed for a certain period of time during which the transport body 2 completely passes.

The detection of the linear code symbol 4 by the code reader 7 is performed by the CCD image pickup unit 702.
The data is converted by the decoding unit 703 and the data transmission unit 7
04 to the personal computer PC9. The linear barcode data transmitted from the code reader 7 is received by the data receiving unit 903 of the personal computer PC9 in step S3.

The timing mark determination unit 904 executes a timing mark determination process in step S4, and eliminates a malfunction caused by the linear bar code 4 other than the specified timing mark (one-dimensional bar code 4). Step S4
From step S5, the delay time setting unit 905
Delays the time when the shutter control unit 907 controls the shutter unit 801 by the delay time 912 in step S5.

The delay time 912 set in the delay time setting section 905 is based on the positional relationship (distance relationship) between the linear bar code (one-dimensional bar code) 4 and the matrix code (two-dimensional code) 5 described on the product label 3. This is a delay time derived from the moving speed of the conveyor 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, a code reader 8 is installed on the upstream side of the conveyor 1 in the conveying direction, and a code reader 7 is installed on the downstream side of the conveying direction. It is assumed that the matrix code 5 is written downstream in the transport direction.

In such a relationship, the product label 3
The center distance between the linear bar code 4 and the matrix code described above is 200 mm, the conveyor speed is 200 mm / sec, and the linear bar code reader 7
And the installation distance of matrix code reader 8 is 100m
If m, the delay time is calculated to be about 500 ms. Details of the setting process of the delay time 906 will be described later.

The shutter control unit 907 delays the shutter unit 80 by the set delay time set in this manner.
Control 1 Due to such a delay operation, the matrix code symbol 5 imaged by the CCD image pickup unit 802 of the code reader 8 is imaged almost in the center of the field of view of the CCD image pickup unit 802.

The picked-up image of the matrix code symbol 5 picked up by the CCD pick-up unit 802 of the code reader 8 is input to the decode unit 803. The decoding unit 803 decodes the captured image of the matrix code symbol 5 to obtain product attribute data, and transmits the attribute data to the personal computer PC9 via the data transmission unit 804.

The data receiving section 908 of the personal computer PC 9 receives the decoded product attribute data from the code reader 8 in step S8. The data determination unit 909 determines in step S
A determination process is performed to determine whether or not the attribute data obtained in step 9 is target data. The attribute data determined by the data determination unit 909 is stored in the data storage unit 911 by the data storage unit 910 in step S10.

FIG. 4 shows a currently used product label 3 additionally showing a one-dimensional bar code (linear bar code) 4 and a one-dimensional code (matrix code) 5 according to the present invention.
An example is shown below. In FIG. 4, matrix code 5 on product label 3
And a linear barcode 4 as a reading timing mark thereof is newly added. The product label 3 has linear bar codes 11 and 12 which are conventionally described. The content of the linear code 11 is 8 digits of the production date and 4 digits of the lot number, and the content of the linear code 12 is 7 digits of the delivery code and 5 digits of the cargo handling category. These two one-dimensional barcodes 1
The characters 1 and 12 encode 24-byte (not including 2-byte codes such as kanji) character information, and are used for acquiring information on products to be stored at a warehouse entrance.

FIG. 5 shows the data contents of the matrix code 5 attached to the product label 3 shown in FIG. The matrix code 5 encodes 360-byte information and stores all information printed on the product label. This is a sufficient amount of information, for example, to be able to completely update the warehouse inventory at the warehouse entrance. In FIG. 5, the * mark indicates data which is also present in the linear barcodes 11 and 12 which have been conventionally described.

Next, the automatic setting of the delay time will be described with reference to FIG.
It will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flow chart for automatic delay time adjustment.

Normally, the delay time may be set only once at the time of the first introduction as long as the conveying speed of the conveyor 1 and the installation positions of the code readers 7 and 8 do not change. Since the installation position of 8 is related as the calculation parameter, it takes time. A mechanism for automatically adjusting this while flowing an actual product label will be described.

First, in step S20, the delay time set value is set to an initial value 0. This delay time is the delay time 912 in FIG. 3 described above, and although it depends on the installation positional relationship between the one-dimensional bar code (linear bar code) reader 7 and the two-dimensional code (matrix code) reader 8, the delay time is usually Is 0, the image 1 shown in FIG.
become that way. As in the image 1, the matrix code 5 of the product label 3 does not fall within the field of view of the CCD camera of the matrix code reader 8, and reading in step S20 results in an error.

The initial delay time is added in step S21 by an increment ΔT (1 in the description of FIG. 6) in step S21.
If the reading is continued at 4, the matrix code symbol 5 is completely contained in the camera field of view at a certain position as in the image 2 shown in FIG.
The delay time when the image 2 is obtained is stored as the delay time T1 in step S23.

When the reading is continued in step S24 after passing through the carrier 2 while further adding the increment ΔT, FIG.
The image pickup position of the symbol 5 changes from the image 3 shown in (c) to (e) to the image 5 shown in FIG. In step S26, a delay time T2 is obtained from the delay time immediately before the image data cannot be read due to a partial lack thereof as in an image 5 shown in FIG. 7E.
Thereafter, in step S27, an intermediate value between the times T1 and T2 is set as the operator setting delay time.

In this way, the value of the set delay time is set. The two-dimensional code symbol 5 can be picked up at almost the center of the field of view of the CCD camera of the two-dimensional code reader 8.

As described above, the production management is performed by reading the attribute data of the product stored in the carrier. The two-dimensional code is described at the back of the one-dimensional barcode in the carrying direction of the one-dimensional barcode. The product label is attached to a carrier (storage body), and a two-dimensional code is imaged after a set time after reading the one-dimensional barcode. If the distance (distance) between the one-dimensional barcode and the two-dimensional code written on the product label is constant, the transport speed is almost constant, so even if the size of the carrier or the position where the product label is attached changes, the two-dimensional code And the attribute data of the product can be read accurately and reliably.

In the above-described embodiment, the position of the carrier is detected by the carrier sensor. However, if the one-dimensional bar code reader always emits laser light, the position of the carrier is not detected. It is obvious that the same effect can be obtained.

Further, since a large-capacity matrix code can be used for managing the attribute data of the product, the actual management of the product using only the product label (all the information of the product specifications is given to the label itself as a large-capacity matrix code). )
It becomes possible to manage products separated from the database on the host computer side. In addition, even if the product label is damaged, it can be easily reissued. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the transport body is moved in the horizontal direction. However, it is needless to say that the transport body can be moved in the vertical direction.

[0048]

According to the present invention, since the two-dimensional code is imaged after a set time from the reading of the one-dimensional bar code, the distance (distance) between the one-dimensional bar code and the two-dimensional code written on the product label is kept constant. Then, since the transport speed is almost constant, the two-dimensional code can be reliably imaged, and the attribute data of the product can be accurately and reliably read.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a detailed structural view of a main part of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an example of a product label according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of two-dimensional code information.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining delay time setting.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of delay time setting.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: Conveyor, 2: Container (carrier), 3: Product label, 4: One-dimensional barcode, 5: Two-dimensional code, 6: Carrier sensor, 7: One-dimensional barcode reader, 8: Two-dimensional code Leader 9: Personal Computer

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A two-dimensional bar code and a product label on which a two-dimensional code is written at a position rearward in the transport direction of the one-dimensional bar code are attached to a storage body in which the product is stored and transported. A first code reader that reads the one-dimensional barcode, and a second code that reads the attribute data of the product from a code image obtained by imaging the two-dimensional code. A second code reader and an imaging command to the second code reader a set time after the first code reader has read the one-dimensional barcode, and the product read by the second code reader. A production management device, comprising: a digital operation device for inputting attribute data. 2. A product label in which a one-dimensional barcode and a two-dimensional code are described at a position rearward in the transport direction of the one-dimensional barcode are attached to a storage body which stores the product and is transported by the transport device. A first code reader for reading the one-dimensional barcode by a laser beam, wherein the first code reader is arranged near the transport device and reads the one-dimensional barcode by a laser beam; A second code reader that is arranged on the upstream side in the transport direction of the transport device and reads attribute data of the product from a code image obtained by imaging the two-dimensional code, wherein the first code reader is the one-dimensional code reader; After a set time after reading the barcode, an imaging command is given to the second code reader, and the attribute data of the product read by the second code reader Production control apparatus characterized by comprising a digital computing device that inputs. 3. A one-dimensional barcode and a product label on which a two-dimensional code is written at a position rearward in the transport direction of the one-dimensional barcode are attached to a storage body which stores the product and is conveyed by a conveyor. A carrier sensor that reads the attribute of the product by a two-dimensional code, and detects the carrier when the carrier is transported to a predetermined position.
First one for reading the one-dimensional bar code by irradiating a laser beam
And a second code reader arranged upstream of the first code reader in the transport direction of the transport device and reading attribute data of the product from a code image obtained by imaging the two-dimensional code. And when the carrier sensor detects the carrier, irradiates the first code reader with laser light, and the second code reader sets the time after the first code reader reads the one-dimensional barcode. And a computer for giving an imaging command to the product and inputting attribute data of the product read by the second code reader. 4. A product label in which a one-dimensional barcode and a two-dimensional code are described at a specified position in the conveying direction rearward from the one-dimensional barcode is attached to a carrier which stores the product and is conveyed by a conveyor. The two-dimensional code is used to read the attribute of the product, and when the carrier is transported to a predetermined position, a carrier sensor that detects the carrier, and the one-dimensional bar that irradiates a laser beam. A first code reader for reading a code, and attribute data of the product from a code image obtained by imaging the two-dimensional code with a CCD camera, the first code reader being arranged upstream of the first code reader in the transport direction of the transport device. And a second code reader for reading the first code reader when the carrier sensor detects the carrier, irradiating the first code reader with laser light for a predetermined time. A computer that inputs an imaging command to the second code reader after a set delay time after the reader reads the one-dimensional barcode, and inputs attribute data of the product read by the second code reader. A production management device, characterized in that: 5. A storage body which stores and conveys a product, on which a one-dimensional barcode and a product label on which a two-dimensional code is written at a position rearward in the conveying direction of the one-dimensional barcode are attached. A first code reader that reads an original bar code, a second code reader that reads the attribute data of the product from a code image obtained by imaging the two-dimensional code, and the one-dimensional code reader that reads the one-dimensional code. A digital operation device that gives an imaging command to the second code reader after a set time after reading a barcode, and inputs attribute data of the product read by the second code reader. Production management equipment. 6. A product is stored and transported by a transport device.
A one-dimensional barcode and a container to which a product label in which a two-dimensional code is written at a rearward position in the transport direction of the one-dimensional barcode are attached, and the one-dimensional barcode is disposed near the transport device, and A first code reader for reading by a laser beam; and a first code reader arranged upstream of the first code reader in the transport direction of the transport device, for reading attribute data of the product from a code image obtained by imaging the two-dimensional code. A second code reader to perform the imaging command to the second code reader after a set time after the first code reader has read the one-dimensional barcode, and the second code reader reads the one-dimensional barcode. A production management device comprising: a digital operation device for inputting attribute data of a product. 7. A product is stored and transported by a conveyor,
A one-dimensional barcode and a carrier to which a product label in which a two-dimensional code is written at a position behind the one-dimensional barcode in the transport direction are attached, and the carrier is transported to a predetermined position. A carrier sensor for detecting, a first code reader for irradiating the laser beam to read the one-dimensional bar code, and a two-dimensional code disposed upstream of the first code reader in a transport direction of the transport device. A second code reader for reading attribute data of the product from a code image obtained by imaging the first code reader, and irradiating the first code reader with laser light when the carrier sensor detects a carrier, A set time after the code reader has read the one-dimensional bar code, an imaging command is given to the second code reader, and the product is read by the second code reader. Production control apparatus characterized by comprising a computer for inputting attribute data. 8. A product is stored and transported by a conveyor,
A one-dimensional barcode and a carrier to which a product label on which a two-dimensional code is written at a specified position in the transport direction from the one-dimensional barcode are attached, and the transporter is transported to a predetermined position when the transporter is transported to a predetermined position. A carrier sensor for detecting a body,
First one for reading the one-dimensional bar code by irradiating a laser beam
And a second code reader arranged at a position upstream of the first code reader in the conveying direction of the conveyor and reading attribute data of the product from a code image obtained by imaging the two-dimensional code with a CCD camera. A code reader,
When the carrier sensor detects the carrier, the first code reader irradiates a laser beam for a predetermined time, and the second code reader reads the one-dimensional barcode, and after the set delay time, the second code reader reads the second code reader. A computer which gives an imaging command to the code reader and inputs attribute data of the product read by the second code reader.