JP2004110670A - Information code reader - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily identify an information code to be read in the case of reading image data, wherein a plurality of information codes exists. <P>SOLUTION: An information code reader includes: an image detecting means; and a decoding means for decoding the information codes. An area with the existence of the information codes is extracted from image data which is detected by the image detecting means. When the plurality of extracted information codes exist in the area, the information code to be decoded is selected among them. When the image data is displayed in a display device, the area with the existence of the information code to be decoded is displayed by changing its display state to be different from that of the other areas. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an information code reading device that reads an information code such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code.
[0002]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As an example of this type of information code reader, there is a configuration having a so-called viewfinder function. The viewfinder function is a function of displaying image data photographed by the information code reading device on a display provided in the main body of the information code reading device. According to this configuration, the information code to be read can be easily positioned within the read range by moving the information code reader while looking at the viewfinder, so that the reading operation is simplified. It should be noted that Japanese Patent No. 3238507 and Japanese Patent No. 2890935 are known as information code reading devices having such a configuration.
[0003]
However, when an apparatus having the above-described viewfinder function attempts to read a printed information code, a plurality of information codes may fall within the reading range. In some cases, an information code different from the desired information code is read. In addition, when characters, figures, pictures, and the like other than the information code are printed close to the information code, there is a problem that it is difficult to confirm the position of the information code.
[0004]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to easily identify an information code to be read even when reading a plurality of information codes, and An object of the present invention is to provide an information code reading device capable of clearly confirming a position and improving operability.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, an area where an information code is present is extracted from image data, and when a plurality of extracted information codes exist, an information code to be decoded is selected from the extracted information codes. Is displayed on the display device, the area where the information code to be decoded is to be displayed in a different display state from the other areas. According to this configuration, since the information codes to be decoded have different display states, the information code to be read (decoded) can be easily identified even when reading a plurality of information codes. The position of the information code can be clearly confirmed.
[0006]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the selected information code is decoded and the image data is displayed on the display device, the area where the decoded information code is present is displayed by changing the display state from other areas. With this configuration, substantially the same functions and effects as those of the first aspect can be obtained.
[0007]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the display state is changed over the entire area in which the information code exists, the information code to be read can be more easily identified.
[0008]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the display state is changed for a portion outside the area where the information code exists, the information code to be read can be easily identified. Further, the display state may be changed only in the outer peripheral portion of the area where the information code exists, as in the invention of claim 5.
[0009]
Furthermore, it is preferable that the display device is configured to be able to display at least three colors, and that the display region of the information code to be decoded and the other region are displayed in different colors. It is. Still further, according to the invention of claim 7, the display device is configured to be capable of displaying gray scale in monochrome, and is configured to display with a lower gray scale in an area other than the area where the information code to be decoded exists. Is also a preferred configuration.
[0010]
It is also a good configuration that only the area where the information code to be decoded exists is blinked as in the invention of claim 8. Further, as in the ninth aspect of the present invention, it is a preferable configuration that the image detecting means is configured by a two-dimensional optical sensor.
[0011]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a first embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a two-dimensional code reader will be described with reference to FIGS. First, FIG. 2 is a top view showing the overall configuration of the two-dimensional code reader 1. 2, an information code reading unit 2 is provided at an upper end of the two-dimensional code reading device 1 in FIG.
[0012]
A liquid crystal display (display device) 3 is disposed below the information code reading unit 2 in FIG. 2 on the upper surface of the two-dimensional code reading device 1, and further provided with various operation keys thereunder. The configured operation unit 4 is provided. The liquid crystal display 3 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display capable of displaying colors. Further, a trigger switch 5 is provided at each center of both side surfaces of the two-dimensional code reader 1.
[0013]
Next, FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing an electrical configuration of the two-dimensional code reader 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the two-dimensional code reader 1 mainly includes a CPU 6, and the CPU 6 includes a two-dimensional optical sensor 7 (image detecting means) including a CCD image sensor, a CMOS image sensor, and the like. And an illumination unit 8 configured with an LED or the like, an image memory unit 10 that receives an image detection signal from the two-dimensional optical sensor 7 through an AD conversion unit 9, and an external device for transmitting and receiving data. The input / output interface unit 11, the memory unit 12, the liquid crystal display 3, and the operation unit 4 are connected. In this case, the CPU 6 has functions as a decoding unit, an information code extraction unit, a selection unit, and a display control unit. Further, the image memory unit 10 constitutes image data storage means.
[0014]
Note that the memory unit 12 includes a ROM, a RAM, a flash memory, and the like. In the two-dimensional code reader 1, a power supply unit 13 for supplying power to the CPU 6 and the like is provided.
[0015]
Next, the operation of the above configuration, particularly, the operation of reading the optical information recording surface on which the two-dimensional code is recorded by the two-dimensional code reader 1, will be described with reference to FIG. In this case, for example, a label, which is an optical information recording surface, includes two two-dimensional codes (for example, QR codes) 14 and two-dimensional codes (for example, micro QR codes) 15 and a plurality of characters as shown in FIG. Is printed.
[0016]
When, for example, the trigger switch 5 as an “image capturing” button is operated while the information code reading unit 2 of the two-dimensional code reading device 1 faces the label, the viewfinder function is turned on. With this function, the two-dimensional image detected (captured) by the two-dimensional optical sensor 7 is displayed in the viewfinder display area 3a in the screen of the liquid crystal display 3, as shown in FIG. It is configured as follows.
[0017]
In this case, when displaying the image data detected by the two-dimensional optical sensor 7 in the viewfinder display area 3a of the liquid crystal display 3, the image data is appropriately processed (for example, reduced or reduced) and displayed. Is configured. If the image data can be displayed on the liquid crystal display 3, the image data may be displayed as it is.
[0018]
If there is a two-dimensional code (information code) to be decoded (decoded) in the image data displayed in the viewfinder display area 3a (that is, within the reading range), the two-dimensional code Is configured to be displayed in red, for example, in the entire area where the exists. Here, in the image recognition processing for recognizing and extracting the image of the two-dimensional code from the image data, a conventionally known control method of the image recognition processing may be appropriately used.
[0019]
Now, in the case of the image data shown in FIG. 1, two two-dimensional codes 14 and 15 are present, so that one of the two is automatically selected and the selected two-dimensional code, for example, Of the two-dimensional code 14 is displayed in red. An area other than the two-dimensional code 14 (that is, another area) is configured to be displayed in monochrome (black and white).
[0020]
Here, the condition for selecting one of the two two-dimensional codes 14 and 15 may be determined as appropriate. For example, it is necessary to select a code that is easy to decode or to determine a priority in advance. Is preferred. In the case where there are three or more two-dimensional codes, similarly, one two-dimensional code is appropriately selected from the two codes and displayed.
[0021]
Then, when the user visually recognizes the liquid crystal display 3 of the two-dimensional code reading device 1 and confirms that the two-dimensional code to be read is displayed in red (that is, selected), the user confirms that the two-dimensional code is selected. Operates the "decode" button of the two-dimensional code reader 1. Then, the two-dimensional code reader 1 is configured to execute the decoding process of the two-dimensional code 14 displayed in red. In this case, as the "decode" button, for example, the trigger switch 5 may be operated, or another operation key (one of a number of keys arranged on the operation unit 4) may be used. You may comprise so that it may be operated.
[0022]
On the other hand, when a plurality of two-dimensional codes exist in the reading range, a two-dimensional code different from the two-dimensional code that the user desires to read is displayed on the liquid crystal display 3 in red (that is, the two-dimensional code is different). Is selected), the user changes the two-dimensional code to be read by operating a selection key (one of a number of keys provided on the operation unit 4). It is configured to be able to.
[0023]
In this case, the newly read two-dimensional code is displayed in red, and the previous two-dimensional code to be read is displayed in monochrome as in the other areas. Further, instead of the user manually changing the two-dimensional code to be read, the two-dimensional code to be read may be automatically changed. In the case of this configuration, it is preferable that the two-dimensional code to be read is sequentially and automatically changed by, for example, timer control.
[0024]
In the present embodiment having such a configuration, an area where a two-dimensional code (information code) exists is extracted from image data, and when a plurality of extracted two-dimensional codes exist, decoding is performed from the extracted two-dimensional code. When the two-dimensional code to be selected is selected and the image data is displayed on the liquid crystal display 3, the area where the two-dimensional code to be decoded is to be displayed in a different display state from the other areas, for example, is displayed in red. did. According to this configuration, since the two-dimensional code to be decoded has a different display state, the user can easily identify the two-dimensional code to be read even when reading a code including a plurality of two-dimensional codes. And the position of the two-dimensional code can be clearly confirmed.
[0025]
Further, in the above embodiment, the entire existing area of the two-dimensional code 14 to be decoded is displayed in red, but may be displayed in another display mode. For example, as in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the display state may be changed by displaying only the outer peripheral portion (frame) of the existing area of the two-dimensional code 14 in red.
[0026]
The configuration of the second embodiment other than that described above is the same as the configuration of the first embodiment. Therefore, also in the second embodiment, the same operation and effect as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.
[0027]
In each of the above embodiments, a liquid crystal display capable of displaying color is used as the liquid crystal display 3. Instead, a liquid crystal display capable of displaying monochrome and red (that is, three colors of white, black, and red) is used. May be used. Further, instead of displaying the two-dimensional code to be decoded in red, it may be configured to be displayed in another color (for example, yellow, blue, green, etc.).
[0028]
Furthermore, the present invention is configured such that the region where the two-dimensional code to be decoded is present is displayed in normal monochrome, and the display state of the other region (that is, the region outside the region where the two-dimensional code to be decoded is present) is changed. You may. For example, the entire area other than the above area may be displayed in red (other colors).
[0029]
FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the third embodiment, the liquid crystal display 3 is configured to be capable of displaying gray scale in monochrome. In the third embodiment, the existing area of the two-dimensional code 14 to be decoded is displayed in monochrome to be slightly darker (increased in gradation), and the area outside the existing area of the two-dimensional code 14 to be decoded is displayed. (Other areas) are configured to be displayed in monochrome in a slightly thinner manner (with reduced gradation).
[0030]
The configuration of the third embodiment other than that described above is the same as the configuration of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the third embodiment, substantially the same operation and effect as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. Particularly, in the third embodiment, since the liquid crystal display 3 can be constituted by a monochrome display, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.
[0031]
Further, in the third embodiment, the entire existing region of the two-dimensional code to be decoded is configured to be displayed in a slightly higher density in monochrome, but may be configured to be displayed in another display mode. For example, as in the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 6, only the outer peripheral portion (frame) of the area where the two-dimensional code 15 is present is displayed in monochrome to be slightly darker, thereby changing the display state. good.
[0032]
In each of the above embodiments, the entire area of the two-dimensional code to be decoded is displayed in red, or displayed with a changed gradation. Alternatively, the two-dimensional code to be decoded may be displayed. May be displayed in a blinking manner over the entire existence area of. In this case, an area other than the area where the two-dimensional code to be decoded exists may be blinked.
[0033]
Further, in each of the above embodiments, before decoding (decoding) the two-dimensional code to be decoded, the area where the two-dimensional code to be decoded exists is displayed with its display state changed from the other areas. Alternatively, after decoding (decoding) the two-dimensional code to be decoded, the display area of the existing area of the decoded (to be decoded) two-dimensional code is changed to the other area. It may be configured to be displayed.
[0034]
Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the present invention is applied to a configuration using, for example, a two-dimensional code as the information code. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be applied to a configuration using, for example, a bar code.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention, and shows an example of a display screen of a liquid crystal display. FIG. 2 is a top view of a two-dimensional code reader. FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 1 showing a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 1 showing a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure corresponding to Fig. 1
1 is a two-dimensional code reader (information code reader), 2 is an information code reader, 3 is a liquid crystal display (display device), 4 is an operation unit, 5 is a trigger switch, and 6 is a CPU (decoding means, information code extraction). Means, selection means, display control means), 7 is a two-dimensional optical sensor (image detection means), 10 is an image memory section (image data storage means), and 14 and 15 are two-dimensional codes.

Claims (9)

An information code reader comprising: image detection means for detecting reflected light from an optical information recording surface on which an information code is recorded; and decoding means for decoding an information code included in the reflected light detected by the image detection means. In the device,
Image data storage means for storing the reflected light detected by the image detection means as image data,
Information code extraction means for extracting an area where an information code exists from image data stored in the image data storage means,
When there are a plurality of information codes extracted by the information code extraction means, from among them, a selection means for selecting an information code to be decoded,
An information code reading device, comprising: display control means for displaying, in a case where the image data is to be displayed on a display device, an area in which an information code to be decoded is to be displayed in a different display state from other areas. . An information code reader comprising: image detection means for detecting reflected light from an optical information recording surface on which an information code is recorded; and decoding means for decoding an information code included in the reflected light detected by the image detection means. In the device,
Image data storage means for storing the reflected light detected by the image detection means as image data,
Information code extraction means for extracting an area where an information code exists from image data stored in the image data storage means,
When there are a plurality of information codes extracted by the information code extraction means, from among them, a selection means for selecting an information code to be decoded,
When decoding the selected information code and displaying the image data on a display device, the display device further includes a display control unit that displays the area where the decoded information code is present by changing the display state to another area. An information code reading device, characterized in that: 3. The information code reading device according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit is configured to change a display state of the entire information code existing area. The information code reading device according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit is configured to change a display state of a portion outside a region where the information code exists. The information code reading device according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit is configured to change a display state only in an outer peripheral portion of a region where the information code exists. The display device is configured to be able to display at least three colors,
The information according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the display control means is configured to change and display a display color of an area where the information code to be decoded is present and another area. Code reader. The display device is configured to be capable of monochrome gradation display,
The information code according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the display control means is configured to display the area other than the area where the information code to be decoded is present with a reduced gradation. Reader. The information code reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the display control means is configured to blink only the area where the information code to be decoded exists. 9. The information code reading device according to claim 1, wherein said image detecting means comprises a two-dimensional optical sensor.

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