JP2005276119A - Code symbol reading device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To read out a plurality of kinds of code symbols of various sizes by a fixed focus type reading device. <P>SOLUTION: The characteristic information obtained by associating kinds of code symbols CS with characteristics is stored in a handy terminal 100 in advance. The handy terminal 100 determines whether the whole range of the code symbols CS is imaged or not on the basis of the kind of the imaged code symbol CS and the characteristic information. When the whole range of the code symbol CS is not imaged, the code symbol CS is imaged several times, and the code symbols CS indicated by the plurality of image data are respectively partially recognized. Here, the handy terminal 100 specifies overlapped parts of recognized parts, and the recognized parts are combined. The handy terminal 100 recognizes the code symbol CS on the basis of the combined recognized parts to acquire the code data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a code symbol reader and a program, and more particularly to a code symbol reader and a program suitable for reading code symbols of different sizes.

  In merchandise management work in the distribution field, merchandise management using code symbols such as barcodes is widely performed. In such a merchandise management form, information relating to the merchandise (for example, information indicating a merchandise number, a manufacturer, etc.) is acquired by reading a code symbol attached to the merchandise or packaging material with a reader. It is used to manage the quantity received and the quantity shipped.

  As a reading device for reading such code symbols, a so-called “handy terminal” is used. The handy terminal usually has portability that can be carried and used by the user, and can read code symbols at the site where the product is handled. The read information is transferred to a management computer or the like and managed in a batch. With such a system, labor saving and efficiency improvement of product management are achieved.

  Conventionally, “one-dimensional barcodes” have been mainstream as code symbols, but use of “two-dimensional codes” that can include more information is becoming widespread. As a result, in the field of merchandise management, a one-dimensional bar code and a two-dimensional code are mixed, and there is a need to handle different types of code symbols.

  Usually, a two-dimensional code is smaller in size than a one-dimensional bar code and information is recorded in a two-dimensional direction, so that it needs to be read with high resolution. In a reading device such as a handy terminal, a method is often adopted in which incident light from a lens is imaged by photoelectric conversion with a C-MOS image sensor or the like, and a code symbol is read by recognizing the captured image. Here, when the lens is a single focus type, if the focal length is set to a resolution necessary for the recognition of the two-dimensional code, when reading a one-dimensional barcode having a larger size, it may not be within the imaging range. In such a case, depending on the type of code symbol to be read, the distance between the reading device and the code symbol must be changed due to the user moving or the like, resulting in a reduction in work efficiency.

In order to eliminate such an inconvenience, a technique (for example, Patent Document 1) that can achieve an angle of view corresponding to the size of a reading target by using a multi-focal type lens unit of the reading apparatus is also realized. . However, since the multifocal type requires lens driving, it becomes a more complicated mechanism than the single focus type, and the manufacturing cost is high. Moreover, since the structure is complicated, it is less robust than the single focus type, and is not suitable for business use. Therefore, it is desired to establish a technique that can efficiently read code symbols of different sizes with a single-focus reader.
Japanese National Patent Publication No. 9-512372

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a code symbol reading apparatus and the like that can easily and efficiently read code symbols of different sizes.

In order to achieve the above object, a code symbol reader according to the first aspect of the present invention provides:
An imaging means for imaging the code symbol to acquire image data;
Recognizing means for recognizing a code symbol shown in a captured image and acquiring code data;
A code symbol reader comprising:
The imaging means acquires a plurality of image data for one code symbol,
The recognizing means recognizes the one code symbol based on a plurality of image data acquired by the imaging means;
It is characterized by that.

In the code symbol reader,
The code symbol is a one-dimensional barcode;
The recognizing unit preferably further includes a dimensional ratio detecting unit that detects a dimensional ratio of the one-dimensional barcode indicated in each of the plurality of image data acquired by the imaging unit.
It is desirable that the one code symbol is recognized based on the dimensional ratio detected by the dimensional ratio detecting means.

In the code symbol reader,
The recognition means is
Dimension overlap detection means for detecting duplication of information indicating the dimension ratio detected by the dimension ratio detection means;
It is desirable to further comprise dimension ratio information synthesis means for synthesizing dimension ratio information indicating the dimension ratio detected from each image data based on the overlapping portion detected by the dimension overlap detection means.
It is desirable to recognize the one code symbol based on the dimensional ratio information synthesized by the dimensional ratio information synthesizing means.

The code symbol reader is
The recognizing unit preferably further includes a decoding unit that decodes the one-dimensional barcode indicated in each of the plurality of image data acquired by the imaging unit to acquire code data.
The one code symbol may be recognized based on the code data acquired by the decoding means.

In the code symbol reader,
The recognition means is
Code duplication detection means for detecting code duplication by the decoding means;
It is desirable to further comprise code synthesis means for synthesizing code data acquired from each image data based on the overlapping portion detected by the code duplication detection means, in this case,
It is desirable to recognize the one code symbol based on the code data synthesized by the code synthesis means.

The code symbol reader is
Feature information storage means for storing feature information in which the type and feature of the code symbol are associated;
An imaging range discriminating unit for discriminating whether or not the entire range of the code symbol has been imaged based on the dimension ratio detected by the dimension ratio detecting unit and the feature information stored in the feature information storage unit; It is desirable to have more.

in this case,
The imaging range determination unit may determine whether or not the entire range of the code symbol has been captured based on the code data acquired by the decoding unit and the feature information stored in the feature information storage unit. desirable.

In the code symbol reader,
When the imaging range determining unit determines that the entire range of the code symbol has not been captured, the imaging range determining unit further includes an information output unit that outputs information for prompting the imaging unit to capture multiple times. desirable.

In the code symbol reader,
It is desirable that the image pickup means is composed of a single focus type image pickup apparatus.

In order to achieve the above object, a program according to the second aspect of the present invention is:
On the computer,
Imaging a code symbol;
Identifying the type of code symbol to be read;
Storing feature information in which the type and feature of the code symbol are associated with each other;
Determining whether or not the entire range of the code symbol has been imaged based on the type of the identified code symbol and the feature information;
If the entire range of the code symbol has not been imaged, imaging the code symbol multiple times;
Recognizing a part of the code symbol shown in each of a plurality of image data obtained by a plurality of imaging operations;
Identifying the overlap of each recognized part;
Combining the recognized portion based on the identified overlap portion;
Recognizing the code symbol based on the synthesized recognition portion to obtain code data;
Is executed.

  According to the present invention, the size ratio of code symbols or code data is acquired from each of a plurality of image data representing one code symbol, and is synthesized and recognized based on the overlapping portion. When a large code symbol does not fit in the imaging range, it can be recognized by imaging multiple times. Thereby, even if it is a single focus type imaging device, multiple types of code symbols with different sizes can be read efficiently and accurately.

(Embodiment 1)
Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a reading device reads a code symbol CS attached to a package or exterior of a product and a packing material (hereinafter referred to as “article GD”) when the product is transported. A case where merchandise management is performed by reading with the (handy terminal 100) will be described below as an example.

  In the present embodiment, a “one-dimensional barcode” as shown in FIG. 2A and a “two-dimensional code” as shown in FIG. 2B are used as the code symbol CS. . As shown in FIG. 2A, the “one-dimensional barcode” is a code symbol composed of a plurality of bars (“black”) and spaces (“white”) arranged at a predetermined dimensional ratio, It includes predetermined code data in a one-dimensional direction. As shown in FIG. 2B, the “two-dimensional code” is a code symbol indicating code data by black and white block patterns arranged in two-dimensional directions. That is, the “code symbol” is visual information (image information) that can indefinitely indicate predetermined information (code data) with binary gradations of white and black.

  The “one-dimensional barcode” has been conventionally given to various articles as a product code, packing form, or a code indicating the manufacturer, etc., but it contains information only in the one-dimensional direction, so the amount of information is small. There are drawbacks. On the other hand, since the “two-dimensional code” indicates information by a pattern in a two-dimensional direction, it can include a larger amount of information than a one-dimensional barcode. Furthermore, since the “two-dimensional code” can accumulate information in the two-dimensional direction, it can be usually smaller in size than the one-dimensional barcode. A general one-dimensional barcode and two-dimensional code have a size ratio as shown in FIG.

  Here, in the distribution field, etc., conventionally used one-dimensional barcodes are traditionally used. On the other hand, the use of two-dimensional codes to cope with the increase in the amount of information accompanying the diversification of products. Is also expanding. In such a situation, for the same article GD, for example, a one-dimensional bar code indicating basic information such as a product code and a packing form, and a two-dimensional code indicating a lot number, an expiration date, and other supplementary information for each product. On the other hand, depending on the article GD, the assigned code symbol CS may be only a one-dimensional barcode or only a two-dimensional code. Therefore, at the site where the code symbol CS is read, different types of code symbols CS must be handled efficiently. That is, such a reader used in the field needs to appropriately read code symbols having different sizes.

  The “code symbol CS” of the present embodiment includes such two types of code symbols (one-dimensional barcode and two-dimensional code). In the present embodiment, the code symbol CS assigned to the article GD is represented by the code symbol CS. Product management etc. shall be performed by reading with the handy terminal 100.

  The configuration of the handy terminal 100 used for reading the code symbol CS will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 is a block diagram showing a system configuration (internal configuration) of the handy terminal 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the handy terminal 100 (FIG. 4A is a front view, FIG. b) is a rear view).

  As illustrated, the handy terminal 100 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 110, an imaging unit 120, an input unit 130, an output unit 140, a program storage unit 150, a storage unit 160, a communication unit 170, Is provided.

  The control part 110 is comprised from CPU (Central Processing Unit: Central processing unit) etc., for example, and controls each part of the handy terminal 100. FIG. Here, the control part 110 implement | achieves each process mentioned later by executing the operation | movement program stored in the program storage part 150. FIG. Note that the control unit 110 includes a storage area for developing (loading) data and operation programs necessary for operation. This storage area (hereinafter referred to as “work area”) is configured by, for example, a register, a cache memory, and a RAM (Random Access Memory).

  The imaging unit 120 performs an imaging operation under the control of the control unit 110. In the present embodiment, the imaging unit 120 functions as a so-called area sensor for reading a code symbol. As shown in FIG. 3, the imaging unit 120 includes a light source 121, a lens unit 122, an imaging element 123, and the like.

  The light source 121 is composed of, for example, a light emitting member such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or a laser irradiation device or an incidental member such as a reflecting mirror, and irradiates the code symbol CS to be read with a light beam. The light beam applied to the code symbol CS is reflected and enters the lens unit 122. Therefore, in the light source 121, an appropriate light source according to the lens unit 122 and the image sensor 123, an irradiation angle, a light emission intensity, and the like are adopted and set so that the reflected light is appropriately incident on the lens unit 122. Note that the configuration of the light source 121 may be omitted when a light source is not required for reading the code symbol CD due to the performance of the lens unit 122 and the image sensor 123, and the like.

  The lens unit 122 includes a predetermined lens group and receives reflected light from the code symbol CS to be read as incident light and forms an image on the image sensor 123. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a single-focus lens having a simple structure and excellent in economic efficiency and robustness is adopted for the lens unit 122. That is, the imaging unit 120 according to the present embodiment is configured by a single focus area sensor. Further, it is assumed that the lens unit 122 has a focal length suitable for reading a two-dimensional code attached to the article GD in a normal reading operation.

  The image sensor 123 is configured by, for example, a CMOS image sensor (CMOS: Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), and performs photoelectric conversion according to the intensity of incident light imaged by the lens unit 122. Thus, an analog signal indicating the intensity of the reflected light from the code symbol is generated. The image sensor 123 includes a predetermined AD conversion circuit, and converts the generated analog signal into digital data. Here, it is converted into binary data indicating the black portion and the white portion of the code symbol.

  The input unit 130 is configured by a member operated by the user, and receives an instruction from the user. The input unit 130 inputs a user instruction to the control unit 110 by sending a predetermined signal corresponding to the operation to the control unit 110. The input unit 130 includes, for example, predetermined operation buttons and cursor keys, and is operated by the user. The input user instruction is, for example, the start / end of the reading operation of the code symbol CS, the designation of the type of the code symbol CS to be read, or the transfer instruction of the acquired information.

  The output unit 140 outputs various information, and includes, for example, a display unit 141 configured from a display device such as a liquid crystal display device. The display unit 141 displays an image captured by the imaging unit 120, a result of reading a code symbol, a menu screen for setting and operation by the user, and the like. Note that when the display unit 141 includes a touch panel or the like, the display unit 141 may function as an input device equivalent to the input unit 130. Further, the output unit 140 may include a speaker that outputs a predetermined sound, an indicator using a light emitting member such as an LED, and the like as necessary.

The program storage unit 150 includes a storage device such as a flash memory, for example, and stores an operation program executed by the control unit 110. In this embodiment, in addition to a program (basic program: OS (Operating System)) that controls the basic operation of the handy terminal 100, a program for realizing each process described later is stored. In the present embodiment, the following program is stored.
(P1) “Imaging program”: A program for driving the imaging unit 120 and imaging a code symbol to be read (P2) “Image recognition program”: An image captured by the imaging unit 120 is recognized and captured. Program for recognizing code symbol (P3) “Dimension ratio detection program”: Program (P4) “Imaging range discriminating program” for detecting the dimensional ratio between the bar portion and the space portion when a bar code is imaged: Program for determining whether or not the entire range of code symbols to be read has been imaged (P5) “Imaging control program”: Program for controlling the entire range of code symbols to be read to be imaged (P6) "Duplicate detection program": The code symbol shown in the image captured multiple times for one code symbol Program for detecting multiple portions (P7) “Composition program”: Program for synthesizing code symbols shown in an image captured multiple times for one code symbol or code data indicated by the code symbol ( P8) “Decode program”: a program for decoding the code symbol shown in the captured image and acquiring the code data indicated by the code symbol (P9) “output program”: outputting information based on the acquired code data Program for

By executing such a program, the control unit 110 realizes the following functions.
(F1) “Imaging function”: a function for operating the imaging unit 120 and acquiring image data based on incident light incident from the lens unit 122 (F2) “imaging range determination function”: a read target code for the acquired image data Function for determining whether or not the entire range of symbols has been imaged (F3) “Imaging control function”: Function for controlling the entire range of code symbols to be read to be imaged (F4) “Combining function”: One code A program (F5) “code symbol recognition function” for synthesizing a code symbol shown in an image captured multiple times with respect to a symbol or code data shown by the code symbol: from one or more acquired image data Function for recognizing a code symbol to be read (F6) “Code recognition function”: decoding a recognized code symbol Ability to recognize the code data indicated by the code symbol (F7) "Output function": function to output information based on the code data acquired from the captured code symbol

  In the present embodiment, each function is realized by software processing by the control unit 110 executing a program. For example, a circuit or the like that specially processes each function (so-called “ASIC” (Application By configuring the Specific Integrated Circuit)) in the handy terminal 100, the above functions may be realized by hardware processing.

  The storage unit 160 is configured by a storage device such as a flash memory, for example, and stores data used by the control unit 110 to execute processing to be described later and data indicating processing results (hereinafter referred to as “processing data”). As the “process data”, for example, a “feature table” as shown in FIG. 5 is stored. In the “feature table”, information indicating the features of code symbols that can be read by the handy terminal 100 is recorded.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that “one-dimensional bar code” and “two-dimensional code” can be read by the handy terminal 100, and information indicating characteristics of a plurality of types of code symbols in each code form is recorded. The characteristics of the one-dimensional barcode include the number of code digits determined for each type, the number of modules (combination of the bar part and space part of the barcode), and the default code ("Start" Code "," stop code "), etc. are recorded. In addition, for the two-dimensional code, a pattern (“recognition pattern”) that defines the range of the two-dimensional code defined for each type is recorded.

  In addition to the above “feature table”, the code data acquired by decoding the read code symbol, and various information set according to the acquired code data are stored in the storage unit 160.

  The communication unit 170 is configured by a communication device based on a predetermined data transfer standard such as IEEE802.3, IEEE802.11, Bluetooth, IrDA (Infrared Data Association), USB (Universal Serial Bus), etc. The processing result of the control unit 110 is transferred to (not shown). That is, the communication unit 170 functions as a communication interface for transferring code data obtained from the code symbol read by the handy terminal 100 or information based on the code data to a computer such as a server that performs a computer process related to product management. .

  In addition, each said structure is a principal part required for implementation of this invention, In addition to these, the structure and function required as a handy terminal, and other additional structures and functions are included in the handy terminal 100. Are provided as necessary.

  Next, the operation of the handy terminal 100 configured as described above will be described with reference to the drawings. Each process to be described later is realized by the control unit 110 executing an operation program stored in the program storage unit 150. In the present embodiment, a case where merchandise management is performed by reading a code symbol CS attached to an article GD using the handy terminal 100 will be described as an example.

  The “reading process (1)” according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. This “reading process (1)” is started when the handy terminal 100 is turned on and an instruction to start reading is input from the input unit 130. Here, when an instruction to start reading is input, the imaging unit 120 is driven, and an image based on incident light on the lens unit 122 is displayed on the display unit 141. In addition, an image (type designation unit 142) for designating the type of code symbol to be read is displayed on the display unit 141.

  The user designates the type of the code symbol CS to be read from the type designation unit 142. In this case, the user operates the input unit 130 to select and input a desired one from the types displayed on the type designation unit 142. When the display unit 141 is configured by a touch panel, the designation may be performed by directly instructing the type designation unit 142 on the display unit 141 using a pen-type input device or the like. By such an operation, information indicating the type of the code symbol CS to be read (hereinafter referred to as “code type information”) is input to the control unit 110 (step S101).

  The user adjusts the position of the handy terminal 100 based on the image displayed on the display unit 141 so that the code symbol CS to be read is displayed on the display unit 141. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7A, an area for displaying an image acquired by the imaging unit 120 (hereinafter referred to as “finder area FR”) is defined on the display unit 141. The code symbol CS to be read is displayed in the finder area FR. Here, as described above, since the focal length of the lens unit 122 is set in accordance with the two-dimensional code, when the reading target is the two-dimensional code, as shown in FIG. The entire range of the two-dimensional code can be accommodated within the range (in the finder region FR).

  On the other hand, when the reading target is a one-dimensional barcode, the entire range may not be accommodated because the size is larger than the two-dimensional code (FIG. 7B). In this embodiment, in such a case, the position of the handy terminal 100 is adjusted so that a part of the one-dimensional barcode is included, and the reading operation is started. In this case, since the code is recorded in the one-dimensional bar code from the left end to the right end, the reading operation is started by adjusting the position so that the left end indicating the start point of the code is accommodated.

  When the user captures the code symbol CS to be read on the image, the user operates the input unit 130 and inputs an instruction indicating that the position has been determined. That is, a signal indicating a position determination instruction (hereinafter referred to as a “position determination signal”) is input from the input unit 130 to the control unit 110, whereby the control unit 110 determines that the imaging position has been determined (step S102).

  When the imaging position is determined (step S102: Yes), the control unit 110 acquires image data based on the incident light imaged on the imaging device 123 at the time of input, and holds it in the work area as a captured image ( Step S103). That is, binary data indicating the black portion and white portion of the code symbol CS to be read is acquired.

  Here, when the code type information input in step S101 indicates a two-dimensional code (step S104: No), the control unit 110 decodes the code symbol CS indicated in the image data acquired in step S103 to generate a code. Data is acquired and stored in the storage unit 160 (step S107). The control unit 110 generates the acquired code data or information obtained from the code data (for example, information indicating a product code, a manufacturer, etc .; hereinafter referred to as “product information”), and the display unit 141 or the communication unit 170. To the external device (step S108), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the code type information input in step S101 indicates a one-dimensional barcode (step S104: Yes), the control unit 110 recognizes an image of the code symbol CS indicated in the image data acquired in step S103, The dimension ratio between the bar portion and the space portion constituting the one-dimensional barcode is detected, and information indicating the detected dimension ratio (hereinafter referred to as “dimension ratio information”) is held in the work area (step S105).

  Here, the obtained binary image is scanned in a one-dimensional direction as shown in FIG. 8A and the distribution of binary data is detected to obtain the size ratio. That is, on the binary data indicating the black portion and the white portion, for example, the gradation of the black portion is indicated by “0” and the gradation of the white portion is indicated by “1”. , “0” is recognized as “bar”, and “1” is recognized as “space”. In this case, the width of the bar portion and the width of the space portion are detected by detecting a continuous range of “0” or “1”. Here, since the image acquired by the imaging unit 120 is a raster image, the range can be detected by the number of pixels constituting the image. That is, the width of the bar can be the number of pixels in a portion in which pixels having a data value of “0” continue in the one-dimensional direction scanned. Similarly, the number of pixels in a portion where pixels having data values “1” are continuous can be set as the width of the space.

  The control unit 110 sets the number of pixels with the data value “0” and the number of pixels with the data value “1” thus detected as the size ratio of the bar and space of the one-dimensional barcode. For example, in the case of the barcode as shown in FIG. 8B, for example, the number of pixels indicating the bar B1 is “10”, and hereinafter, the number of pixels of the space S1 is “5” and the number of pixels of the bar B2 Is “3”, the number of pixels in the space S2 is “3”, and the number of pixels in the bar B3 is “2”..., The control unit 110 says “10, 5, 3, 3, 2,. Information is generated as “dimension ratio information”. Since whether the bar code starts with a bar or a space is determined for each type, the dimensional ratio information is generated according to the type specified as the reading target.

  When determining the dimensional ratio between the bar portion and the space portion for the one-dimensional barcode shown in the captured image, the control unit 110 determines the one-dimensional barcode based on the type of code symbol specified in step S101. It is determined whether or not the entire code range has been imaged (step S106). Here, since the bar portion and space portion of the one-dimensional barcode are detected in order to calculate the dimensional ratio in step S105, the number of modules in the captured image can be detected. Therefore, the control unit 110 refers to the “feature table” (FIG. 5) in the storage unit 160, and detects the number of modules and the number of modules defined in the specified type of one-dimensional barcode (hereinafter “ It is determined whether or not the entire range of the one-dimensional barcode has been imaged.

  Here, when the entire range of the one-dimensional barcode to be read has been imaged (step S106: Yes), the control unit 110 decodes the one-dimensional barcode to obtain code data, and stores the code data. 160 (step S107). The control unit 110 generates the acquired code data or product information based on the code data, and outputs it to the external device via the display unit 141 or the communication unit 170 (step S108), and ends the process.

  On the other hand, when the entire range of the one-dimensional barcode is not captured (step S106: No), the control unit 110 acquires “entire range imaging process (1)” for acquiring an image of the entire range by capturing multiple times. Is executed (step S150). This “entire range imaging process (1)” will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, the control unit 110 displays a message indicating that the entire range of the one-dimensional barcode to be read cannot be captured on the display unit 141 (step S151). This message includes, for example, a message that prompts the user to take an image of a part that has not been captured by the imaging in step S103 (hereinafter referred to as “first imaging”).

  In accordance with the displayed message, the user adjusts the position of the handy terminal 100 so that the portion that has not been captured in the first imaging is within the finder region FR. When the position of the handy terminal 100 is determined, the user operates the input unit 130 to input a position determination instruction. That is, when the position determination signal is input from the input unit 130 to the control unit 110, the control unit 110 determines that the imaging position is determined (step S152). That is, an imaging range for imaging following the first imaging (hereinafter referred to as “second imaging”) is designated.

  Here, assuming that the range CR1 shown in FIG. 10 (a) is the range acquired by the first imaging, the handy terminal so that the barcode portion corresponding to the range RR shown in FIG. 10 (b) is imaged. The position is instructed by adjusting the position of 100. Since the position determination instruction is manually performed while the handy terminal 100 is held by the user, it is difficult to accurately match the divided portions, and between the first captured image and the second captured image. Deviation occurs. In this case, if there is a portion that is not shown in either the first captured image or the second captured image, accurate reading / recognition cannot be performed. Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. Assume that the position of the handy terminal 100 is adjusted so that the vicinity of the right end of the range CR1 and the vicinity of the left end of the imaging range CR2 in the second imaging overlap.

  When the imaging position is determined (step S152: Yes), the control unit 110 acquires image data based on the incident light imaged on the imaging device 123 at the time of input, and the workpiece is set as the “second captured image”. The area is held (step S153).

  The control unit 110 detects the dimensional ratio between the bar portion and the space portion of the one-dimensional barcode shown in the second captured image acquired in step S153, and generates dimensional ratio information by the same process as in step S105. (Step S154). The generated dimension ratio information is held in the work area. That is, the control unit 110 recognizes the bar portion and the space portion shown in the second captured image, and detects their dimensional ratio.

  The control unit 110 includes dimension ratio information obtained by the first imaging (hereinafter referred to as “dimension ratio information (1)”) and dimension ratio information obtained by the second imaging (hereinafter, “dimension ratio information ( 2) "), and a portion where the size ratio overlaps is specified (step S155), the overlapping portion is excluded from one side, and the size ratio information (1) and the size ratio information (2) are combined. (Step S156). That is, for example, when the dimension ratio information (1) is “10, 5, 3, 3, 5” and the dimension ratio information (2) is “3, 5, 5, 10, 5”, “3, The part “5” overlaps. Therefore, by excluding the part “3, 5” from either the dimension ratio information (1) or the dimension ratio information (2), the composition is “10, 5, 3, 3, 5, 5, 10, 5 "(hereinafter referred to as" dimension ratio information T1 ") can be obtained.

  Based on the dimensional ratio information T1 obtained in this way, the control unit 110 determines the bar portion and the space portion shown in the first captured image, and the bar portion and the space portion shown in the second captured image. Can be identified. Therefore, the number of modules shown in the barcode image obtained by the first imaging and the second imaging can be specified based on the specified bar portion and space portion. Therefore, the control unit 110 compares the specified number of modules with the specified number of modules to determine whether or not the entire range of the one-dimensional barcode to be read has been captured by the first imaging and the second imaging. Is discriminated (step S157).

  Here, when the entire range has not been captured yet (step S157: No), the control unit 110 repeats the processing from steps S151 to S156, and acquires a plurality of captured images until the entire range of the one-dimensional barcode is captured. . In this case, in accordance with the number of times of imaging, hereinafter, the third imaging, the fourth imaging,..., The nth imaging, and the dimension ratio information synthesized for each imaging is dimension ratio information T2, dimension ratio information T3, ..., dimension ratio information Tn-1. Here, any one of the dimension ratio information T1 to Tn-1 is defined as dimension information Tx.

  On the other hand, when the entire range has been imaged (step S157: Yes), the one-dimensional barcode as the reading target is recognized based on the dimensional ratio information Tx obtained by the synthesis in step S156 (step S158), Returning to the flow of “reading process (1)” (FIG. 6). That is, the dimensional ratio information Tx indicates the dimensional ratio between the bar portion and the space portion in the entire range of the one-dimensional barcode, and the entire range of the one-dimensional barcode to be read is recognized from the dimensional ratio information Tx. can do.

  In “reading process (1)”, the decoding process is performed based on the recognition result in step S158 to acquire the code data and store it in the storage unit 160 (step S107). The control unit 110 generates the acquired code data or product information based on the code data, outputs it to the external device via the display unit 141 or the communication unit 170 (step S108), and ends the process.

  According to the above “reading process (1)”, when a large code symbol CS such as a one-dimensional barcode is read, 1 in the imaging range based on the dimensional ratio between the bar portion and the space portion of the one-dimensional barcode. It is determined whether or not the entire range of the dimensional barcode is accommodated. If not, the entire range of the one-dimensional barcode is imaged by causing the user to image a plurality of times. Therefore, the user can capture and recognize the code symbol CS without moving the handy terminal 100 away from or close to the article GD. As a result, it is not necessary for the user to move when the code symbol CS is read. In addition, since decoding is performed in consideration of overlapping portions caused by a plurality of times of imaging, accurate imaging can be performed even when imaging is performed manually by a user.

(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment, the range of the one-dimensional barcode imaged based on the dimensional ratio between the bar portion and the space portion of the one-dimensional barcode shown in each of the captured images obtained by a plurality of imaging operations. However, the range and overlapping portion of the captured one-dimensional barcode may be specified based on the code data obtained by decoding the barcode in the range shown in each captured image. . The processing of the handy terminal 100 in this case (“reading processing (2)”) will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The configuration of the handy terminal 100, the start condition of the “reading process (2)”, definitions of other terms, and the like are the same as in the first embodiment.

  The user designates the type of the code symbol CS to be read from the type designation unit 142. That is, the code type information is input to the control unit 110 (step S201).

  The user adjusts the position of the handy terminal 100 based on the image displayed on the display unit 141 so that the code symbol CS to be read is displayed in the finder region FR of the display unit 141.

  When the user captures the code symbol CS to be read on the image, the user operates the input unit 130 and inputs an instruction indicating that the position has been determined. That is, the position determination signal is input from the input unit 130 to the control unit 110, and the control unit 110 thereby determines that the imaging position has been determined (step S202).

  When the imaging position is determined (step S202: Yes), the control unit 110 acquires image data based on the incident light imaged on the imaging device 123 at the time of input, and holds it in the work area as a captured image ( Step S203). That is, binary data indicating the black portion and white portion of the code symbol CS to be read is acquired.

  The control unit 110 decodes the code symbol CS indicated in the image data acquired in step S203 and acquires code data (step S204). The acquired code is stored in the work area.

  Here, when the code type specified in step S201 indicates a two-dimensional code (step S205: No), the control unit 110 stores the code data acquired in step S204 in the storage unit 160 (step S207). The control unit 110 generates the acquired code data or product information based on the code data, and outputs it to the external device via the display unit 141 or the communication unit 170 (step S208), and ends the process.

  On the other hand, when the designated code type is a one-dimensional barcode (step S205: Yes), the control unit 110 refers to the “feature table” (FIG. 5) in the storage unit 160, and the code designated in step S201. By specifying the number of digits corresponding to the seed and comparing it with the number of digits of the code acquired in step S204, it is determined whether or not the entire range of the one-dimensional barcode to be read has been imaged (step S206). ).

  That is, when the number of digits of the code acquired by the data code matches the number of digits set in the “feature table” (hereinafter referred to as “specified number of digits”), the control unit 110 displays the one-dimensional barcode. It is determined that the entire range has been imaged. On the other hand, when the number of digits of the code acquired by decoding is smaller than the specified number of digits, the control unit 110 determines that the entire range of the one-dimensional barcode is not captured.

  When the entire range of the one-dimensional barcode is captured (step S206: Yes), the control unit 110 stores the code data acquired in step S205 in the storage unit 160 (step S207). The control unit 110 generates the acquired code data or product information based on the code data, and outputs it to the external device via the display unit 141 or the communication unit 170 (step S208), and ends the process.

  On the other hand, when the entire range of the one-dimensional barcode is not captured (step S206: No), the control unit 110 acquires “entire range imaging process (2)” for acquiring an image of the entire range by performing multiple imaging. Is executed (step S250). This “whole range imaging process (2)” will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, the control unit 110 displays a message indicating that the entire range of the one-dimensional barcode to be read cannot be captured on the display unit 141 (step S251). This message includes, for example, a message that prompts the user to capture an area that did not fit in the first imaging in step S203.

  According to the displayed message, the user adjusts the position of the handy terminal 100 so that a portion that has not been captured in the first imaging is settled and determines the position, and then operates the input unit 130 to input a position determination instruction. To do. That is, when the position determination signal is input from the input unit 130 to the control unit 110, the control unit 110 determines that the imaging position has been determined (step S252). That is, the imaging range for the second imaging following the first imaging is designated.

  Here, as in the case of the first embodiment, assuming that the range CR1 shown in FIG. 10A is the range acquired by the first imaging, the barcode corresponding to the range RR shown in FIG. The position is instructed by adjusting the position of the handy terminal 100 so that the portion is imaged. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10C, the position adjustment of the handy terminal 100 is performed so that the vicinity of the right end of the imaging range CR1 in the first imaging and the vicinity of the left end of the imaging area CR2 in the second imaging overlap. Shall be done.

  When the imaging position is determined (step S252: Yes), the control unit 110 acquires image data based on incident light imaged on the imaging device 123 at the time of input, and the workpiece is set as a “second captured image”. The area is held (step S253).

  The control unit 110 decodes the one-dimensional bar code indicated in the second captured image and acquires code data (step S254).

  The control unit 110 acquires the code data acquired from the one-dimensional barcode imaged in the first imaging and the code data acquired in step S205 of “reading process (2)” (FIG. 11), and acquired in step S254. The code data that overlaps with the other code data is identified (step S255). For example, when the code data acquired in step S205 is “12345” and the code data acquired in step S254 is “45678”, “45” is specified as an overlapping portion.

  The control unit 110 synthesizes both code data after excluding the overlapping portion specified in step S255 from one of the code data acquired in step S205 or the code data acquired in step S254 (step S256). ). For example, when the code data acquired in step S205 is “12345” and the code data acquired in step S254 is “45678”, the duplicate code data “45” is excluded from one and synthesized. "12345678" is obtained.

  The control unit 110 determines whether or not the entire range of the one-dimensional barcode has been imaged by comparing the number of digits of the code synthesized in step S256 with the specified number of digits of the one-dimensional barcode ( Step S257). That is, when the number of digits of the combined code matches the specified number of digits, the control unit 110 determines that the entire range of the one-dimensional barcode is captured. On the other hand, when the number of digits of the combined code is smaller than the specified number of digits, the control unit 110 determines that the entire range of the one-dimensional barcode is not captured.

  When the entire range of the one-dimensional barcode is not captured (step S257: No), the control unit 110 repeats the processing from steps S251 to S256, and performs multiple imaging until the entire range of the one-dimensional barcode is captured. Get an image.

  On the other hand, if the entire range of the one-dimensional barcode has been imaged (step S257: Yes), the flow returns to the “reading process (2)” (FIG. 11) flow.

  In “reading process (2)”, the code synthesized in step S256 is stored in the storage unit 160 (step S207). The control unit 110 generates synthesized code data or product information based on the code data, and outputs it to the external device via the display unit 141 or the communication unit 170 (step S208), and ends the process.

  According to the “reading process (2)”, when a code symbol CS having a large size such as a one-dimensional barcode is read, the number of digits of a code obtained by decoding the one-dimensional barcode is within the imaging range. It is determined whether or not the entire range of the one-dimensional barcode is within the range. If the entire range is not within the range, the entire range of the one-dimensional barcode is captured by causing the user to capture images a plurality of times. Therefore, the user can capture and recognize the code symbol CS without moving the handy terminal 100 away from or close to the article GD. As a result, it is not necessary for the user to move when the code symbol CS is read. In addition, code data can be accurately acquired even when imaging is performed by a user's manual operation in which code data is acquired in consideration of overlapping portions caused by multiple times of imaging.

  In the first embodiment, the dimensional ratio between the bar portion and the space portion of the one-dimensional barcode is used, and in the second embodiment, the number of digits of the code obtained by decoding the one-dimensional barcode is used. It may be used to identify the range being imaged and the overlapping portion. In this case, higher discrimination accuracy can be realized.

  In each of the above embodiments, the user specifies the code type. However, the handy terminal 100 may automatically determine the code type based on the captured image. The processing of the handy terminal 100 in this case ("reading process (3)" will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 13. The configuration of the handy terminal 100, the start condition of "reading process (3)", and other terms The definition and the like are the same as those in the above embodiments.

  When the user captures the code symbol CS to be read on the image, the user operates the input unit 130 and inputs an instruction indicating that the position has been determined. That is, when the position determination signal is input from the input unit 130 to the control unit 110, the control unit 110 determines that the imaging position has been determined (step S301).

  When the imaging position is determined (step S301: Yes), the control unit 110 acquires image data based on incident light imaged on the imaging element 123 at the time of input, and holds it in the work area as a captured image ( Step S302). That is, binary data indicating the black portion and white portion of the code symbol CS to be read is acquired.

  The control unit 110 recognizes the captured image acquired in step S302 and determines whether or not the “recognition pattern” defined in the two-dimensional code is included (step S303). That is, the two-dimensional code includes a predetermined pattern for indicating a code range and a code type. For example, “QR Code” which is a kind of two-dimensional code is shown in FIG. Such “cut-out symbols” are defined as recognition patterns, and “Data Matrix” is defined as “L-type guide cells” as recognition patterns as shown in FIG. In this embodiment, since the feature of such a recognition pattern is recorded in the “feature table” (FIG. 5), if any recognition pattern is detected by image recognition, the control unit 110 has been captured. It can be determined whether or not the code symbol CS is a two-dimensional code.

  When the captured image includes a two-dimensional code recognition pattern (step S303: Yes), the control unit 110 recognizes that the code symbol CS is a two-dimensional code. In this case, the control unit 110 acquires the code data by decoding the two-dimensional code and stores it in the storage unit 160 (step S304). The control unit 110 generates the acquired code data or product information based on the code data, outputs it to the external device via the display unit 141 or the communication unit 170 (step S305), and ends the process.

  On the other hand, when the captured image does not include a two-dimensional code recognition pattern (step S303: No), the control unit 110 recognizes that the code symbol CS is a one-dimensional barcode. In this case, the control unit 110 executes “bar code reading processing” for reading the one-dimensional bar code (step S350). The “bar code reading process” will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, the control unit 110 specifies the type of the one-dimensional barcode indicated in the captured image acquired in step S302 (step S351). Here, for example, recognition of a bar portion and a space portion of a captured one-dimensional barcode (see Embodiment 1) or acquisition of a code by decoding the captured one-dimensional barcode (Embodiment 2). The control unit 110 recognizes the start code of the one-dimensional barcode being imaged. The control unit 110 refers to the “feature table” (FIG. 5) in the storage unit 160 and identifies the type of one-dimensional barcode that is characterized by the recognized start code. Note that if the start code is not defined as one type, a plurality of corresponding types are specified as candidates.

  When the type of the one-dimensional barcode being picked up or its candidate is specified, the control unit 110 makes the reading target based on the number of modules in the picked-up portion or the number of digits of the code obtained by decoding. It is determined whether or not the entire range of the one-dimensional barcode has been imaged (step S352).

  That is, when the bar portion and space portion of the one-dimensional barcode being imaged are recognized by the method of the first embodiment, the control unit 110 detects the number of modules in the imaged portion. Then, by referring to the “feature table” (FIG. 5) in the storage unit 160 and comparing with the specified number of modules for the type (or candidate) specified in step S351, the entire range of the one-dimensional barcode is imaged. It is determined whether or not. Alternatively, when the code data is acquired by decoding the captured one-dimensional barcode by the method of the second embodiment, the control unit 110 specifies the number of digits of the acquired code. Then, by comparing the specified number of digits with the specified number of digits for the type (or candidate) specified in step S351, it is determined whether or not the entire range of the one-dimensional barcode has been imaged.

  If the entire range of the one-dimensional barcode has been imaged (step S352: Yes), the flow returns to the “reading process (3)” (FIG. 13) flow. In “reading process (3)”, the code data acquired in the determination in step S352 or the code data acquired by decoding the captured one-dimensional barcode is stored in the storage unit 160 (step S304). The control unit 110 generates the acquired code data or product information based on the code data, outputs it to the external device via the display unit 141 or the communication unit 170 (step S305), and ends the process.

  On the other hand, when the entire range of the one-dimensional barcode is not captured (step S352: No), the control unit 110 performs the “entire range imaging process (1)” (step S150) of the first embodiment or the second embodiment. The “all-range imaging process (2)” (step S250) is executed (step S353), and the one-dimensional barcode to be read is captured a plurality of times, and the entire range of the one-dimensional barcode is captured. A plurality of captured images obtained by capturing images are acquired. Moreover, the overlapping part of the dimension ratio information or the code is specified from the acquired plurality of captured images, and the dimension ratio information or the code is synthesized.

  When the entire range of the one-dimensional barcode to be read is imaged, the control unit 110 returns to the flow of “reading process (3)” (FIG. 13). In the “reading process (3)”, the code synthesized in step S353 or the code data acquired by decoding based on the size ratio information synthesized in step S353 is stored in the storage unit 160 (step S304). The control unit 110 generates the acquired code data or product information based on the code data, outputs it to the external device via the display unit 141 or the communication unit 170 (step S305), and ends the process.

  According to the “reading process (3)”, since the handy terminal 100 automatically determines the type of the captured code symbol CS and executes the process according to the type, it is necessary for the user to specify the code type. Absent. For this reason, the code symbol CS can be read more efficiently.

  As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the code symbol CS to be read does not fall within the imaging range, this can be automatically detected and the user can image multiple times. In this case, since overlapping portions on a plurality of captured images are specified based on the barcode size ratio and decoded code data, the entire code data can be accurately acquired even when manual imaging is performed by the user. Can do. Therefore, even when the imaging unit is a single focus type, a plurality of types of code symbols having different sizes can be efficiently handled by one apparatus.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the handy terminal 100 is adopted as the reading device of the code symbol CS is exemplified. However, the device may not be a handy terminal as long as it is a device for reading the code symbol. The present invention may be applied to a barcode reader used in POS (Point Of Sales) or the like.

  In the above embodiment, when the code symbol CS does not fit within the imaging range, the image is captured a plurality of times. In this case, the previous captured image is displayed on the display unit 141 as an afterimage so that the user can Positioning for imaging may be easily performed. In this case, for example, the control unit 110 acquires a multi-value data image other than the binary data image for the image acquired by the previous imaging. Then, the control unit 110 controls the transparency of the acquired multi-value data image to display the previous captured image transparently in the finder region FR.

  In the above embodiment, a code symbol such as a one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional code is to be read. However, for example, character information composed of an OCR font or the like may be read by the handy terminal 100. In this case, a predetermined character recognition program is stored in the program storage unit 150, and the control unit 110 executes the program to recognize character information captured by the imaging unit 120. Here, the OCR font may be used as character information indicating the code or the like attached to the one-dimensional barcode. Therefore, as in the case where the one-dimensional barcode does not fit in the imaging range, the character string composed of the OCR font may not fit in the imaging range. In such a case, by performing the same processing as each “entire range imaging process” in the above embodiment, the entire range of the character string composed of the OCR font can be captured and accurately recognized. it can. In this case, for example, the imaging range can be determined and the overlapping part can be identified based on the dimensional ratio between the character part and the character (space), and character recognition is performed for each imaging, and the number of recognized characters (number of digits). Thus, it is possible to determine the imaging range, specify the overlapping portion, and the like.

  In the above-described embodiment, a CMOS image sensor is exemplified as the imaging device 123. However, for example, an imaging device using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) may be employed. That is, any image sensor (imaging device) can be employed as long as image data can be obtained by photoelectric conversion of incident light.

  In addition, by applying the program for realizing each process described above to a reading device such as a handy terminal whose function can be expanded by updating the operation program, the existing handy terminal or the like according to the above-described embodiment ( It can function as a handy terminal 100). Alternatively, by applying a similar program to a general-purpose PDA (Personal Data Assistance: portable information terminal) having an imaging function or a mobile communication terminal such as a mobile phone, the general-purpose PDA or the like can be used as a reading device (handy device). It can function as a terminal 100). In this case, the operation program and the processing data according to the above-described embodiment are installed in these devices, and are executed by the control unit of the devices. Accordingly, these devices function as devices equivalent to the reading device (handy terminal 100) in the above embodiment.

  A method for distributing such an operation program is arbitrary. For example, the operation program can be distributed by being stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a memory card, and can also be distributed via a communication medium such as the Internet. it can.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the scene where merchandise management is performed by reading the code symbol CS is illustrated, but the reading apparatus to which the present invention is applied can be used in any scene where the code symbol CS needs to be read.

  As described above, by applying the present invention as in the above-described embodiment, it is possible to efficiently read a plurality of types of code symbols of different sizes with a single focus reader.

It is a figure which shows a mode that the handy terminal which concerns on embodiment of this invention is used. It is a figure for demonstrating the code symbol made into reading object in embodiment of this invention, (a) shows the example of a one-dimensional barcode, (b) shows the example of a two-dimensional code, (c) Indicates an example of the size difference between the one-dimensional barcode and the two-dimensional code. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the handy terminal shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the external appearance structure of the handy terminal shown in FIG. 1, (a) is a front view of a handy terminal, (b) is a rear view of a handy terminal. It is a figure which shows the example of the "feature table" stored in the memory | storage part shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating "reading process (1)" concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the imaging range in the handy terminal concerning embodiment of this invention, (a) shows the example of the imaging range at the time of imaging a two-dimensional code, (b) shows a one-dimensional barcode. The example of the imaging range at the time of imaging is shown. FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams for explaining a reading operation of a one-dimensional barcode in the “reading process (1)” illustrated in FIG. 6. FIG. 7A illustrates an example of a scanning direction of a one-dimensional barcode, and FIG. An example of the dimensional ratio of the barcode is shown. It is a flowchart for demonstrating "all range imaging process (1)" performed by "reading process (1)" shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram for describing an imaging range in the “whole range imaging process (1)” illustrated in FIG. 9, where (a) illustrates an example of an imaging range in the first imaging, and (b) illustrates a second imaging. (C) shows an example of a positional relationship between the imaging range of the first imaging and the imaging range of the second imaging. It is a flowchart for demonstrating "reading process (2)" concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. 12 is a flowchart for explaining “entire range imaging process (2)” executed in “reading process (2)” shown in FIG. 11; It is a flowchart for demonstrating "reading process (3)" concerning Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the recognition pattern provided in a two-dimensional code. 14 is a flowchart for explaining a “barcode reading process” executed in the “reading process (3)” shown in FIG. 13.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Handy terminal, 110 ... Control part, 120 ... Imaging part, 121 ... Light source, 122 ... Lens unit, 123 ... Imaging element, 130 ... Input part, 140 ... Output part, 150 ... Program storage part, 160 ... Storage part, 170 ... communication section

Claims (10)

An imaging means for imaging the code symbol to acquire image data;
Recognizing means for recognizing a code symbol shown in a captured image and acquiring code data;
A code symbol reader comprising:
The imaging means acquires a plurality of image data for one code symbol,
The recognizing means recognizes the one code symbol based on a plurality of image data acquired by the imaging means;
A code symbol reader characterized by the above. The code symbol is a one-dimensional barcode;
The recognizing means further includes a dimensional ratio detecting means for detecting a dimensional ratio of the one-dimensional barcode indicated in each of a plurality of image data acquired by the imaging means,
Recognizing the one code symbol based on the dimensional ratio detected by the dimensional ratio detecting means;
The code symbol reader according to claim 1. The recognition means is
Dimension overlap detection means for detecting duplication of information indicating the dimension ratio detected by the dimension ratio detection means;
Dimensional ratio information synthesizing means for synthesizing dimensional ratio information indicating the dimensional ratio detected from each image data based on the overlapping portion detected by the dimensional overlap detection means,
Recognizing the one code symbol based on the dimensional ratio information synthesized by the dimensional ratio information synthesizing means;
The code symbol reader according to claim 2. The recognizing unit further includes a decoding unit that decodes the one-dimensional barcode indicated in each of the plurality of image data acquired by the imaging unit to acquire code data,
Recognizing the one code symbol based on the code data acquired by the decoding means;
4. The code symbol reader according to claim 2, wherein the code symbol reader is provided. The recognition means is
Code duplication detection means for detecting code duplication by the decoding means;
Code synthesizing means for synthesizing code data acquired from each image data based on the overlapping portion detected by the code duplication detecting means,
Recognizing the one code symbol based on the code data synthesized by the code synthesis means;
The code symbol reader according to claim 4. Feature information storage means for storing feature information in which the type and feature of the code symbol are associated;
An imaging range discriminating unit for discriminating whether or not the entire range of the code symbol has been imaged based on the dimension ratio detected by the dimension ratio detecting unit and the feature information stored in the feature information storage unit; In addition,
6. The code symbol reading apparatus according to any one of 2 to 5, wherein The imaging range determining unit determines whether or not the entire range of the code symbol has been captured based on the code data acquired by the decoding unit and the feature information stored in the feature information storage unit.
The code symbol reader according to claim 6. When the imaging range determining unit determines that the entire range of the code symbol has not been captured, the imaging range determining unit further includes an information output unit that outputs information for prompting the imaging unit to perform multiple imaging.
8. The code symbol reader according to claim 6 or 7, The imaging means is composed of a single-focus imaging device.
The code symbol reading device according to claim 1, wherein the code symbol reading device is a code symbol reading device. On the computer,
Imaging a code symbol;
Identifying the type of code symbol to be read;
Storing feature information in which the type and feature of the code symbol are associated with each other;
Determining whether or not the entire range of the code symbol has been imaged based on the type of the identified code symbol and the feature information;
If the entire range of the code symbol has not been imaged, imaging the code symbol multiple times;
Recognizing a part of the code symbol shown in each of a plurality of image data obtained by a plurality of imaging operations;
Identifying the overlap of each recognized part;
Combining the recognized portion based on the identified overlap portion;
Recognizing the code symbol based on the synthesized recognition portion to obtain code data;
A program characterized by having executed.

Images