JP2006092388A - Data collator - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a data collator that determines matching of reading data and warns of reading quality based on the reading quality level. <P>SOLUTION: The data collator comprises a data input means for receiving the reading data and reading quality data from a bar code reader 10, a collation data storage means 125 for holding a plurality of collation records RD for defining respective matching conditions, a matching determination means for collating the reading data with the collation records RD and performing matching determination, and a reading quality reporting means for discriminating the reading quality level based on the reading quality data and outputting the reading quality alarm. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a data collator, and more particularly, to an improvement of a data collator that performs collation determination on read data input from a data reader.

  A bar code has alternating low-reflection bar areas such as black and high-reflectance space areas such as white, and records a series of alphanumeric data as a combination of the widths of these areas. ing. The barcode display on the identification object is performed, for example, by printing the barcode on a release paper and pasting the barcode on the identification object, or directly printing the barcode on the identification object.

  The barcode reader is a data reading device that optically reads a barcode and acquires data recorded in the barcode. The width of each bar area and each space area of the bar code is obtained by irradiating the bar code with laser light, detecting the reflected light with a light receiving element, and performing binarization processing. If this area width information is decoded, data consisting of a series of alphanumeric characters recorded in the barcode can be obtained. The information read in this way is output from the barcode reader as read data.

The data collator is a device that performs collation determination on the read data output from the bar code reader, and performs collation processing based on predetermined collation data. This collation data is usually composed of a large number of collation records that define collation conditions, and the collation process sequentially collates the read data with each of these collation records to determine the collation records that match the collation conditions. It consists of processing. Or it consists of the process which collates only with the collation record designated beforehand as an active record, and discriminate | determines whether it matches the collation conditions. If various external devices are controlled based on such collation results, various automatic controls and physical distribution management based on barcode reading can be performed.
JP-A-8-320906

  Many data readers attempt to read a plurality of times and perform error correction on the read data in order to improve the reading accuracy. By using such a data reader, correct read data can be obtained even for a bar code with a low quality level.

  Further, the data collator aims at obtaining a correct collation result for the read data from the data reader. For this reason, even if the barcode has a low quality level, a correct collation result can be obtained as long as the read data is correctly acquired in the data reader. Therefore, even a barcode with a low quality level can be successfully collated with a data collator if it can be read correctly by the data reader.

  However, most barcodes are read twice or more at different locations and times, and whether or not the barcode can be read correctly depends on the performance of the data reader, variations, and the surrounding environment at the time of reading. It depends also on. Therefore, it is highly likely that a barcode with a low quality level cannot be read correctly at the time of subsequent data reading, and it is desirable to be eliminated at an early stage. For this reason, in the past, visual inspection was performed to eliminate low quality barcodes.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a data collator capable of performing a collation determination of read data and performing a read quality warning based on a read quality level.

  A data collator according to a first aspect of the present invention is a data input means for inputting read data and read quality data from a data reader, a collation data storage means for holding a plurality of collation records each defining collation conditions, A collation determination unit that collates read data with the collation record and performs collation determination, and a read quality notification unit that determines a read quality level based on the read quality data and outputs a read quality warning. The

  In the data collator according to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the above-described configuration, the data input means obtains the number of read trials as read quality data from a data reading device that obtains read data by performing a plurality of read trials. The number of successful readings is output, and the reading quality reporting means is configured to determine a reading quality level based on the number of reading attempts and the number of successful readings, and to output a reading quality warning.

  In addition to the above configuration, the data collating machine according to the third aspect of the present invention outputs the error correction rate as read quality data from the data reading device that performs error correction on the read data. The issuing means is configured to determine a read quality level based on the error correction rate and output a read quality warning.

  According to the present invention, in the data collator, it is possible to perform the collation determination of the read data and perform a read quality warning based on the read quality level.

[1. System configuration]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a bar code system using a data collator according to the present invention, and shows an application example to an automation system (so-called FA system) in a production factory.

  The barcode readers 10 and 11 read barcodes printed on the product 30, the tag T2, the procedure instruction sheet T3, and the like, and output the read data to the data collator 12. The data collator 12 collates the read data from the bar code readers 10 and 11 with predetermined collation data. A PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) 15 is a programmable controller that controls the operation of the FA device 16 such as a drive device, a detection device, and an operation input device. I have control.

  Note that the data collator 12 is one of the controlled objects of the PLC 15. The personal computer 14 is a terminal device for setting various functions of the data collator 12 and the barcode readers 10 and 11 and selecting an operation mode. The personal computer 14, the PLC 15, and the warning lamp 23 are examples of external devices connected to the data collator 12. The FA device 16 is directly connected to the data collator 12 and is based on the collation result of the data collator 12. Thus, these FA devices 16 can be controlled.

1.1 Barcode Reader FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the barcode reader 10 of FIG. The bar code reader 10 includes a control unit 100 that performs main control, a bar code reading unit 101 that reads a bar code, a trigger switch 102 and a mode switch 103 on which a user inputs an operation, a data collator 12, A communication I / F (Inter / Face) unit 105 that performs the above communication and a data storage unit 106 that stores setting data, read data, and the like.

  When the lighting signal is input from the control unit 100, the barcode reading unit 101 reads the barcode and outputs a read image signal to the control unit 100. The light emitting element 110 includes a laser light source that is turned on based on a lighting signal. The laser beam emitted from the light emitting element 110 is irradiated to the barcode via the scanning device 111. The scanning device 111 includes a polygon mirror, a galvano mirror, or the like that scans the laser beam on a barcode. The reflected light from the bar code is converted into an electrical signal by the light receiving element 112, and further subjected to amplification processing, noise removal processing, binarization processing and the like in the signal processing unit 113, and the control unit 100 as a read image signal. Is output. The control unit 100 decodes the read image signal and converts it into information (read data) composed of a series of alphanumeric characters recorded in the barcode. The read data is output to the data collator 12 via the communication I / F unit 105 or stored in the data storage unit 106.

  The trigger switch 102 is an operation switch for the user to instruct the start of barcode reading. The control unit 100 generates a lighting signal for the barcode reading unit 101 based on an operation signal of the trigger switch 102 during manual reading and based on a trigger signal from the data collator 12 during automatic reading. The mode switch 103 is an operation switch for the user to select an operation mode. The barcode reader 10 can select any one operation mode from a plurality of operation modes, and the active operation mode can be sequentially switched by operating the mode switch 103.

  The data storage unit 106 is a memory that stores setting data 106A for each operation mode. The setting data 106 </ b> A is updated by the control unit 100 based on transmission data from the data collator 12 and reading data from the barcode reading unit 101. In addition, when the operation mode is switched, the control unit 100 reads the active operation mode setting data from the data storage unit 106 and operates based on the setting data.

  The barcode reader 10 is a handy type (handheld type), and includes a trigger switch 102, a mode switch 103, and the like. On the other hand, the barcode reader 11 is fixed and does not have such an operation switch, and does not have an operation mode, or has fewer selectable operation modes and functions than the handy type. . There are various types of barcode readers that are already widely used. Here, handy type and fixed barcode readers 10 and 11 are shown as an example. Various bar code readers can be connected to the data collator 12, and two or more bar code readers of the same or different types can be connected simultaneously, and these bar code readers can be distinguished and operated simultaneously. it can. That is, collation processing is predetermined for each barcode reader 10 and 11, and a collation result for each barcode reader 10 and 11 can be obtained.

  The bar code readers 10 and 11 in this embodiment are an example of a data input device that inputs data to be collated in the data collator 12, and optically reads a symbol to record information in the symbol. Another optical information reader that can be taken out (for example, a two-dimensional code reader) may be used as the data input device. Furthermore, the data input device is not limited to an optical information reader, and is a wireless information reader that can read information recorded on an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) tag, a non-contact IC card, or the like. Yes.

1.2 Data Collator FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the data collator 12 of FIG. The data collator 12 includes a control unit 120 that performs main control, an operation input unit 121 that performs user input, a display unit 122 that performs display output to a user, a clock unit 123 that holds the current date and time, A setting data storage unit 124 that stores setting data, a collation data storage unit 125 that stores collation data, and I / F units 131 to 135 for inputting and outputting data.

  The operation input unit 121 includes a plurality of operation keys. When the user performs a key operation, a key operation signal is output from the operation input unit 121 to the control unit 120. The control unit 120 performs switching of the operation mode based on the key operation signal. The display unit 122 displays each LED indicating “collation OK” indicating collation success, “collation NG” indicating collation failure, “reading error” indicating poor reading, and other information including character information. It consists of a liquid crystal display panel and is controlled by the control unit 120.

  The clock unit 123 is a clock circuit that can measure the passage of time and generate the current date and time. Here, the current date data is output to the control unit 120.

  The setting data storage unit 124 is a memory that stores setting data 124d for each operation mode. When the operation mode is switched, the control unit 120 reads the active operation mode setting data 124d from the setting data storage unit 124, and operates based on the setting data 124d. The collation data storage unit 125 is a memory that stores collation data 125d used for collation processing of read data of the barcode readers 10 and 11.

  The reader I / F units 131 and 132 are communication interface circuits with the barcode readers 10 and 11. The PLC I / F unit 133 and the terminal I / F unit 134 are interface circuits with the PLC 15 and the personal computer 14, respectively. These interface circuits 131 to 134 are for performing serial communication or parallel communication. The line I / F unit 135 includes a collation OK signal, a collation NG signal, a quality warning signal, a read error signal output terminal, and an interlock release signal input terminal.

  The control unit 120 receives read data from the barcode readers 10 and 11 via the reader I / F unit 131. When the read data falls below a predetermined read quality, a quality deterioration signal is output. When the read data cannot be read correctly, a read error signal is output. Further, the read data is collated with the collation data 125d, and a collation OK signal and a collation NG signal are output based on the collation result. The collation result can also be output to the personal computer 14 or the PLC 15. Furthermore, bidirectional communication can be performed among the barcode readers 10 and 11, the personal computer 14, and the PLC 15. Details of the read data collating process will be described later.

1.3 PLC
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the PLC 15 of FIG. The PLC 15 includes a control unit 150 that performs main control, an input circuit 152 that receives data from the FA device 16, an input memory 151 that holds these input data, an output memory 153 that holds output data, An output circuit 154 that outputs these output data to the FA device 16, an internal memory 157, a collator I / F unit 155 that communicates with the data collator 12, and a program memory 156 that stores a ladder program 156a. I have.

  The control unit 150 executes the ladder program 156 a and updates the data in the output memory 153 and the internal memory 157 based on the data in the input memory 151 and the internal memory 157.

  The collator I / F unit 155 is an interface circuit for performing serial communication or parallel communication with the data collator 12, and the control unit 150 uses the data collator 12 to refer to and update data in the internal memory 157. Is controlling. Data communication between the PLC 15 and the data collator 12 is performed via the internal memory 157, and such a connection form is called a PLC link. That is, the data collator 12 monitors a predetermined data area in the internal memory 157, and the control unit 150 updates the data area so that data transmission from the PLC 15 to the data collator 12 is performed. Realized. Similarly, the control unit 150 monitors a predetermined data area in the internal memory 157, and the data collator 12 updates the data area, whereby data from the data collator 12 to the PLC 15 is updated. Transmission is realized.

[2. Collation data]
The data collator 12 collates the read data input from the barcode readers 10 and 11 with the collation data 125d, and performs a read data collation process for determining collation OK or collation NG. The collation data 125d used for the read data collation process is held in the collation data storage unit 125 of the data collator 12.

2.1 Collation Data FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the collation data 125d. The verification data 125d includes a plurality of verification records RD. In FIG. 5, the entire table corresponds to the collation data 125d, and one row in this table corresponds to the collation record RD. The read data matching process is performed in units of the matching record RD, and the matching process for each matching record RD is referred to as a record matching process. In other words, the read data collation process includes one or more record collation processes.

  Each collation record RD includes one or more collation masters M1 to M3 that mainly define collation conditions, and the record collation process is performed based on the collation masters M1 to M3. In the present specification, the fact that the read data matches the collation condition of any collation record RD is referred to as a collation success, and the case where the read data does not coincide is referred to as a collation failure.

2.2 Collation Record FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the format of each collation record RD constituting the collation data 125d. The collation record RD shown in FIG. 5A includes a record number r1, a collation number r2, a port number r3, and three collation masters M1 to M3.

(1) Record number r1
The record number r1 is a serial number unique to each collation record RD. For example, when 100 collation records RD are specified, any one of 1 to 100 is duplicated as a record number in each collation record RD. Assigned to not. This record number r1 is used in normal collation to be described later, and determines the execution order of collation processing and the priority of collation results.

(2) Verification number r2
The collation number r2 is data that the data collator 12 outputs as a collation result. If the collation is successful, the collation number r2 of the collation record RD whose read data matches is displayed on the display unit 122 and also output to the personal computer 14 and the PLC 15. On the other hand, when collation fails, a predetermined NG number (for example, 999) is output. Generally, the collation number is a different value for each collation record RD, but the same collation number r2 can be assigned to two or more collation records RD. In this case, it is equivalent to that a collation record having a collation condition that is the logical sum (OR) of the collation conditions of these collation records RD is defined. Note that the NG number can be assigned as the collation number r2 of the collation record RD.

(3) Port number r3
The port number r3 is data that designates read data to be collated with an input port. That is, for each collation record RD, the read data to be collated can be specified by the bar code readers 10 and 11. Here, the reader I / F unit 131 is “port 1”, the reader I / F unit 132 is “port 2”, and the connector to which the barcode readers 10 and 11 are connected is designated. In this case, the read data input from the reader I / F unit 131 is collated with the collation record RD in which “port 1” is designated, and is not collated with the collation record RD in which “port 2” is designated. Note that it is desirable that the same collation record RD can be specified at the same time by the port number r3.

2.3 Collation Master FIGS. 6B to 6D are diagrams showing detailed configuration examples of the collation masters M1 to M3. The collation masters M1 to M3 are data blocks that independently define collation conditions, and each collation record RD includes at least one collation master. Here, each collation record RD always has the first collation master M1, and further has other collation masters M2 and M3 as necessary.

  When two or more collation masters M1 to M3 are included in one collation record RD, “multiple collation processing” is performed in normal collation and active collation described later. The multiple collation process is a record collation in which a master collation process using each collation master M1 to M3 is sequentially performed on one read data, and a logical product of these collation results is used as a collation result for the collation record RD. It is processing.

  The first verification master M1 is composed of master data m1, replacement character string m2, data type m3, limit direction m4, digit limit flag m5, start digit m6, significant digit m7, and comparison logic m8. Other collation masters M2 and M3 have the same format as the first collation master M1 except that the substitution character string m2 is not included.

(1) Digit-limited data m4 to m7
The data of the limited direction m4, the digit limited flag m5, the start digit m6, and the effective digit m7 are collated when the digits are limited, that is, not all the digits of the read data consisting of a series of alphanumeric characters. Used when specified as a target. The digit limit flag m5 is data for specifying whether or not the digit is limited. If the digit limit flag m5 is “valid”, the range specified by the data of the limit direction m4, the start digit m6, and the valid digit m7 is the target of verification. It is said. On the other hand, if the digit limit flag m5 is “invalid”, all the digits of the read data are subject to collation, and the data in the limit direction m4, the start digit m6, and the valid digit m7 are ignored.

  In the above-mentioned digit limitation, a range including effective digits m7 continuous from the start digit m6 in the limitation direction m4 is designated as a verification target. The start digit m6 is data that designates a position (start digit) that is one end of the collation target and is a digit-limited starting point, and is indicated by the number of digits from the beginning of the read data to the start digit. For the limited direction m4, specify the range starting from the start digit m6 and going back to the beginning of the read data, and starting with the start digit m6, or go to the end of the read data and specify the range starting with the start digit m6 It is data indicating whether or not to perform, and consists of either “forward” going back to the head side or “backward” going to the end side. The effective digit m7 is data specifying the number of digits to be verified. By such a digit limitation, it is possible to specify an arbitrary digit range that is all or a part of the read data and is a target for collation.

(2) Data type m3
The data type m3 is data indicating the data type to be verified, and the verification method varies depending on the data type. Here, the collation target is character string data and date data, and it is assumed that either “character string” or “date” is designated as the data type m3.

(3) Master data m1
The master data m1 defines data (comparison data) to be compared with the verification target. When the data type m3 is “character string”, the comparison data itself (that is, character string data) is designated as the master data m1. On the other hand, when the data type m3 is “date”, an offset value (that is, the number of days) with respect to the current date is specified, and the date obtained by adding the offset value to the current date generated by the clock unit 123 is collated. The comparison data is compared with the target. In this way, the master data m1 may be defined with comparison data itself or an offset value for obtaining comparison data depending on the data type m3.

(4) Replacement character string m2
The replacement character string m2 is a character string displayed on the display unit 122 when collation is successful. Even if the master data m1 is displayed on the display unit 122, since it is often difficult for the user to understand, the replacement character string m2 of the collation record RD successfully collated is displayed. Further, when the collation is successful, the replacement character string m2 can be output to the PLC 15 and the personal computer 14 and displayed on the display units of these devices.

  The replacement character string m2 is defined only in the first collation master M1, but not only when the collation is successful by the first collation master M1, but also when the collation is successful by the second or third collation master M2 or M3. The replacement character string m2 may be displayed or the replacement character string m2 may be output. For example, the replacement character string m2 that is the same as the first successful collation is displayed or output when the second and third collations are successful in the three-point collation and picking collation described later.

(5) Comparison logic m8
The comparison logic m8 designates a method for determining a successful collation when the data type m3 is “date”. More specifically, the case where collation should be successful is specified by the magnitude relationship between the collation target and the comparison data. Here, it is assumed that any one of “<”, “≧”, “=”, “≦”, and “>” can be designated as the comparison logic m8. If it is “<”, it is determined that the collation is successful when the collation control is before the comparison data (collation target <comparison data). Similarly, if “=”, it matches with the comparison data (verification target = comparison data), and if “>”, the verification succeeds after the comparison data (verification target> comparison data). It is judged. When the data type m3 is “character string”, the comparison logic m8 is ignored, and it is determined that the collation is successful when the collation reference matches the comparison data.

  As understood from the above description, the collation data 125d according to the present embodiment can define the comparison logic m8 in each data record RD. For this reason, the data collator 12 can collate based not only on whether or not the collation target matches the master data m1, but also based on the magnitude relationship between the collation target and the master data m1. In the conventional system, such processing is realized by the ladder program of the PLC 15. However, if the data collator 12 according to the present invention is used, such collation processing can be easily realized. The processing can be easily changed.

  The collation data 125d according to the present embodiment can specify an offset value as the master data m1. For this reason, the data collator 12 can collate with the object to be collated using a date obtained by adding the offset value to the current date as comparison data. In the conventional data collator, the comparison data itself is the master data m1. For this reason, every time the current date is changed, the master data m1 has to be changed, and this change operation is complicated and a mistake is likely to occur. On the other hand, if the data collator 12 according to the present invention is used, such work is not necessary.

  Further, the collation data 125d according to the present embodiment can specify two or more collation masters M1 to M3 for one collation record RD. When a plurality of verification masters M1 to M3 are defined in one verification record RD, the data verification machine 12 performs a multiple verification process using these verification masters M1 to M3. By enabling the data collator 12 to execute such a plurality of collation processes, it is possible to easily realize a complicated collation process realized by the ladder program of the PLC 15 in the conventional system. Can also be easily changed.

  In this embodiment, an example in which master data m1 is defined as an offset value when the data type m3 is “date”, and the offset value is added to the current date and collated with a collation target will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to such a case. That is, instead of “date”, “time” may be used, or “date and time” combining these may be used.

  The date and time described above are an example of order data. The order data may be data that has a predetermined order according to a predetermined rule and can be compared in magnitude or before and after. That is, it refers to numerical data or data that can be converted into numerical data, whether or not there is a missing number. For example, quantity data, lot numbers, serial numbers, and the like are included in the order data. When such rank data is designated as the data type m3, a value obtained by adding an offset value defined as the master data m1 to reference data separately designated is compared with the collation target. The reference data is not limited to the current date, as long as it is order data common to the matching records RD.

  Furthermore, the calculation process (offset calculation process) performed based on the reference data and the offset value is not limited to addition, and subtraction, multiplication and division can be used. In addition, operations other than the four arithmetic operations can be employed according to the rules of the rank data. Furthermore, the offset value is not limited to a positive number, and a negative number can be designated. In other words, the offset calculation process may be any calculation process for obtaining comparison data from the reference data and the offset value, and various calculation processes can be employed.

[3. Record matching process]
The record collation process is a process in which the data collator 12 collates the read data with one collation record RD. Here, the basic operation of the record matching process will be described.

3.1 Record Matching Process Steps S101 to S106 in FIG. 7 are a flowchart showing an example of the record matching process. First, it is determined whether or not the input port for the read data matches the port number r3 specified in the verification record RD (step S101). If they do not match, the record matching process is terminated as a matching failure.

  If they match, a master verification process using the first verification master M1 is performed (step S102). If collation fails in this master collation process, the record collation process is terminated (step S103). On the other hand, if the collation is successful, it is determined whether other collation masters M2 and M3 exist in the collation record RD (step S104). As a result, if other collation masters M2 and M3 exist, the master collation process (step S102) is performed for these collation masters M2 and M3.

  In this way, the collation processing with each of the collation masters M1 to M3 is sequentially performed, and if collation is successful for one or more collation masters M1 to M3, the collation number r2 of the collation record RD is displayed on the display unit. The information is displayed on 122 and output to the PLC 15 and the personal computer 14 (step S105). Further, the replacement character string m2 of the first verification master M1 is displayed on the display unit 122 of the data verification machine 12, and is output to the PLC 15 and the personal computer 14 (step S106). On the other hand, if the verification fails in any of the master verification processes, the record verification process ends.

  In the record collation process according to the present embodiment, a plurality of collation processes are realized by sequentially collating one read data with two or more collation masters M1 to M3 included in the same collation record RD. For this reason, only one collation master is included in each collation record RD, and more complicated collation processing can be realized as compared with the conventional record collation processing in which the collation result based on the collation master is a record collation result.

3.2 Master Verification Processing Steps S201 to S206 in FIG. 8 are a flowchart showing an example of the master verification processing (step S102 in FIG. 6). The master collation process is a process for collating the read data with one collation master Mi (i = 1 to 3).

  If the digit limit flag m5 is “valid”, a part of the read data is specified as a collation target based on the limit direction m4, the start digit m6, and the valid digit m7 (steps S201 and S202). That is, m7 digits that are continuous in the m4 direction from the m6th digit starting from the beginning of the read data are extracted as collation targets. If the digit limit flag m5 is “invalid”, all digits of the read data are specified as collation targets.

  Next, when the data type m3 of the collation master Mi is “date”, comparison data is obtained by adding the master data m1 as an offset value to the current date output from the clock unit 123, and the collation target Is compared (steps S203 to S205). In step S205, comparison processing is performed based on the comparison logic m8, and the success or failure of collation is determined.

  On the other hand, when the data type m3 of the verification master Mi is “character string”, the verification target and the master data m1 are compared as a character string. That is, if both match, it is determined that the verification is successful, and if they do not match, it is determined that the verification fails (step S206).

3.3 Example of Character String Matching FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the record matching process, and shows an example of character string matching. In the figure, (a) is a barcode attached to a product, (b) is a collation record RD that is a collation destination, (c) is read data output from the bar code reader, and (d) is read. It is a verification target extracted from the data.

  The barcode in (a) is a symbol obtained by encoding the character string “ABC01234XY”, and “C012” in the third to sixth digits indicates that the product to which the barcode is attached has a special specification. Shall. This bar code is read by a bar code reader connected to the input port 1 of the data collator 12. (C) is read data input from the input port 1 and is composed of a character string “ABC01234XY”. The data collator 12 collates this read data with the collation record RD of (b), and determines whether or not the product has a special specification.

  The collation record RD of (b) is the collation destination of the read data because “input port 1” is designated as the port number r3. In this collation record RD, only the first collation master M1 is defined, and the digit limitation flag m5 is “valid” in the first collation master M1. For this reason, collation with the master data m1 is performed after the reading data is digit-limited. Here, since the limited direction m4 is “forward”, the start digit m6 is “6”, and the effective digit m7 is “4”, the range specified by the digit limitation is the third to sixth digits, The column “C012” is extracted as the collation target of (d).

  Since the data type m3 is “character string”, the comparison target “C012” is compared with the master data “C012”. In this case, since the two match, the collation is successful, the collation number r2 “10” is output to the PLC 15, and the “collation OK” LED is lit on the display unit 122 of the data collator 12, and the replacement character string m2 Will be displayed.

3.4 Example of Date Matching FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of another example of record matching processing, and shows an example of date matching. In the figure, (a) is a barcode to be read, (b) is a collation record RD that is the collation destination, (c) is read data output from the barcode reader, and (d) is extracted from the read data. It is an object to be verified.

  The bar code in (a) is a symbol obtained by encoding the character string “4909245074”, and “0924” in the third to sixth digits indicates the date of manufacture of the product (for example, food) to which the bar code is attached. It is indicated by a digit month and a two digit day. That is, it was manufactured on September 24th. This bar code is read by a bar code reader connected to the input port 1 of the data collator 12. (C) is read data input from the input port 1 and is composed of the character string “4909205044”. The data collator 12 collates this read data with the collation record RD of (b), and whether or not the product should be disposed of after the expiration date (20 days including the production date) has passed. Is determined.

  In the collation record RD of (b), as in the case of FIG. 9, the digit limitation flag m5 of the first collation master M1 is “valid”. For this reason, collation with the master data m1 is performed after the reading data is digit-limited. Here, since the limited direction m4 is “backward”, the start digit m6 is “3”, and the effective digit m7 is “4”, the range specified by the digit limitation is the third to sixth digits, The column “0924” is extracted as the collation target of (d).

  Since the data type m3 is “date”, “−0020” of the master data m1 is an offset value that goes back 20 days, and comparison data is obtained by adding this offset value to the current date. If the current date held by the clock unit 123 is October 15, the reference data is “1015”, and an offset calculation is performed to add “−0020” to the reference data, and September 25 Comparison data “0925” is obtained.

  Then, if the comparison target “0924” is compared with the comparison data “0925”, 0924 <0925 is established. In this case, since it matches with “<” of the comparison logic m8, the verification is successful, “10” of the verification number r2 is output to the PLC 15, and the “verification OK” LED is lit on the display unit 122 of the data verification machine 12. Then, “HIKISO HOVEN” of the replacement character string m2 is displayed.

3.5 Example of Multiple Matching FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of another example of the record matching process, and shows a matching example for a matching record RD having three matching masters M1 to M3. In the figure, (a) is a barcode to be read, (b) is a collation record RD that is the collation destination, (c) is read data output from the barcode reader, and (d) is extracted from the read data. It is an object to be verified.

  As in the case of FIG. 10A, in the barcode of (a), “0927” in the third to sixth digits indicates the manufacturing date, and “507” in the seventh to ninth digits indicates the product model number. (C) is read data input from the input port 1 and is composed of a character string “49092775074”. The data collator 12 collates this read data with the collation record RD of (b), and determines whether or not the product of the model number 507 is to be sold at a discount near the expiration date (within 2 days).

  The data type m3 of the verification masters M1 and M2 is “date”, and master data m1 “−0020” and “−0017” are added to the current date “1015”, respectively, and “0925” and “0928” are obtained as comparison data. It is done. The collation targets of the collation masters M1 and M2 are both “0927”, and both have the comparison logic m8.

  The data type m3 of the verification master M3 is “character string”, and the master data m1 “507” is the comparison data. Since the collation target of the collation master M3 is “507” in the seventh to ninth digits, the comparison data matches the collation target.

  That is, all the verification conditions of the verification masters M1 to M3 are satisfied. The collation result of the collation record RD is given by the logical product of the collation results of the collation masters M1 to M3 included in the collation record RD. Therefore, in the case of FIG. 11, the collation is successful. Conversely, if any one of the verification conditions of the verification masters M1 to M3 is not satisfied, verification fails.

[4. Collation mode]
The data collator 12 can perform various read data collation processes. The user can select which read data collating process is to be executed as an operation mode (collation mode). Here, as an example of collation modes that can be selected by the data collator 12, the following five types of read data collation processes will be described.

4.1 Normal collation Normal collation is a read data collation process in which the read data input from the barcode readers 10 and 11 are sequentially collated with all the collation records RD. When the collation data 125d is composed of two or more collation records RD, the record collation processing is sequentially executed according to the record number r1 of each collation record RD. If the collation is successful in any of the record collation processes, the collation process for the read data is terminated.

  Steps S301 to S307 in FIG. 12 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation in normal collation. First, a counter C that designates a collation record RD that is a collation destination is initialized to “1” (step S301). And collation with the collation record RD whose record number r1 corresponds to the counter C is performed (step S302). As a result of the record collation process, if the collation is successful, the “collation OK” LED is turned on, a collation OK signal is output, and the process is terminated (steps S303 and S304). In the record collation process, the collation number r2 is output to the personal computer 14 and the PLC 15.

  If collation fails, if an uncollated collation record RD remains, the counter C is incremented and collation processing with other collation records RD is performed (steps S305 and S306). Similarly, the collation process is executed sequentially until the collation is successful. If all record verifications fail, the “verification NG” LED is lit, a verification NG signal is output, and the NG number is output to the PLC 15 and personal computer 14 to complete the process (step). S307).

  For example, when there are 100 collation records RD, collation processing is sequentially performed from the collation record RD with the record number “1”, and collation processing with the collation record RD with the record number “100” is performed last. However, since the read data collation process is terminated when the collation is successful, if there are two or more collation records RD that succeed in collation, the collation result with the collation record RD having a lower record number is given priority. That is, the record number r1 indicates the execution order of the collation processing, and indicates the priority order of the collation results.

4.2 Active collation Active collation is read data collation processing in which an arbitrary collation record RD is previously selected from the collation data 125d and only the selected collation record RD is a collation destination. The selected collation record RD is called an active record, and collation records RD other than the active record are ignored in the active collation. Normally, only one collation record RD is selected as the active record, and the read data collation process is completed by one record collation process. However, two or more collation records RD may be selected as active records, and sequential collation similar to normal collation may be performed for these active records.

  Steps S401 to S404 in FIG. 13 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation in active collation. The collation record RD that is the collation destination is only the active record, and collation processing with a previously designated active record is performed (step S401). As a result, if the verification is successful, the “verification OK” LED is turned on, a verification OK signal is output, and the process is terminated (steps S402 and S403). On the other hand, if the verification fails, the “verification NG” LED is turned on, a verification NG signal is output, and the NG number is output to the PLC 15 and the personal computer 14 to end the process (step S404).

  The designation of the active record is performed by any one of manual selection in the data collator 12, barcode selection by barcode reading, PLC selection from the PLC 15, and terminal selection from the personal computer 14.

(1) Manual selection Manual selection is a selection method in which an active record is designated from the operation input unit 121 of the data collator 12. An active record is selected when the user designates the record number r1 by performing a key operation.

(2) Bar code selection Bar code selection is a method of designating an active record by performing bar code reading performed in advance. First, the data collator 12 is shifted from the active collation mode to the active master selection mode by the user's operation input, and bar code reading using the bar code readers 10 and 11 is performed. At this time, the data collator 12 sequentially collates the read data with each collation record RD as in the case of normal collation. As a result, when the collation is successful, the successful collation record RD is automatically selected as the active record, and the active master selection mode is automatically shifted to the active collation mode.

  If all record verifications fail, the “verification NG” LED is turned on to maintain the active master selection mode. The user can read the barcode again or end the active master selection mode by an operation input.

(3) PLC selection PLC selection is a method of designating an active record from the PLC 15. When PLC selection is designated as the active record designation method, the data collator 12 selects the collation record designated by the PLC 15 as the active record. That is, a data area for designating a record number is allocated in advance in the internal memory 157 of the PLC 15, and the data collator 12 automatically reads out the area in the PLC 15 and based on the read record number. Select the active record. Therefore, the active record can be specified from the PLC 15.

(4) Terminal selection Terminal selection is a method of designating an active record from the personal computer 14. An active record is designated by transmitting a record number as a serial command from the personal computer 14 serially connected to the data collator 12.

4.3 Step Verification Step verification is a read data verification process performed based on a series of barcode reading. In step verification, two consecutive bar code readings are taken as one set, and the first read data and the second read data are compared. If they match, the verification is successful. Let it fail. That is, this is a verification process that does not use the verification data 125d.

  Steps S501 to S506 in FIG. 14 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation in step collation. When the user performs a key operation on the operation input unit 121 and selects step collation as the operation mode of the data collator 12, the first reading data input waiting state is entered (step S501). In this state, when reading data is input from the barcode readers 10 and 11, the reading data is stored in the setting data storage unit 124 as the first reading data, and the input waiting state for the second reading data is awaited (steps S502 and S503). ).

  Next, when the second read data is input from the bar code readers 10 and 11, a comparison with the first read data is performed (step S504). As a result, if they match completely, the verification OK is output to the personal computer 14 and the PLC 15 and the “verification OK” LED is turned on (step S505). On the other hand, if they do not match completely, the verification NG is output to the personal computer 14 and the PLC 15, and the LED of “verification NG” is turned on (step S506).

4.4 Three-point verification Three-point verification is also a read data verification process performed based on a series of barcode reading. Three-point collation consists of three collation processes that are executed each time read data is input, with three consecutive bar code readings as one set. The first read data is sequentially collated with each collation record RD, and the first collation record RD successfully collated is selected as the active record. The second and third read data are only checked against the active record. That is, for the first read data, a collation process similar to normal collation is performed, and for the second and third read data, a collation process similar to active collation is performed.

  In the three-point matching, a matching record RD having three matching masters M1 to M3 is used, and each matching master M1 to M3 is assigned to the first to third matching processes. That is, in the first verification process, an active record is selected based on the first verification master M1 of each verification record RD. The second verification process is performed based on the second verification master M2 of the active record, and the third verification process is performed based on the third verification master M3 of the active record. In other words, the collation conditions for three times including the order are specified in one collation record RD, and if all three consecutive read data satisfy the collation conditions, the collation is successful. Will fail to match.

  Steps S601 to S618 in FIGS. 15 and 16 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation in the three-point matching. When the user performs a key operation on the operation input unit 121 and selects three-point verification as the operation mode of the data verification unit 12, the first input of read data is awaited (step S601). In this state, the read data input from the barcode readers 10 and 11 becomes the first read data, and the first read data is sequentially collated with each collation record RD (steps S602 to 607).

  First, the counter C that designates the collation record RD to be collated is initialized to “1” (step S602). Steps S603 and S604 are record collation processing for collating the first read data with the collation record RD whose record number r1 matches the counter C. In this record collation process, a collation process based on the port number r3 and the first collation master M1 is performed. If the collation is successful, the collation record RD is selected as an active record (steps S605 and S608). At this time, the collation result is not output. On the other hand, when collation fails, the counter C is incremented and collation processing with the next collation record RD is performed (step S607).

  In this way, the record collation processing in steps S603 and S604 is repeated for the first read data until collation is successful. If all record verifications fail, the “verification NG” LED is turned on and a verification NG signal is output to the PLC 15 and the personal computer 14 to end the process (step S609).

  If an active record is selected in step S608, the process waits for input of read data for the second time (step S610). In this state, the read data input from the barcode readers 10 and 11 becomes the second read data, and the second read data is collated with the active record (steps S611 and S612). In this record collation processing, collation processing based on the port number r3 and the second collation master M2 is performed. If the collation is successful, the process waits for input of read data for the third time (step S614). On the other hand, if collation fails, it will progress to step S609 (collation NG).

  In the input waiting state in step S614, the read data input from the barcode readers 10 and 11 becomes the third read data, and the third read data is collated with the active record (steps S615 and S616). ). In this record collation process, a collation process based on the port number r3 and the third collation master M3 is performed. When the collation is successful, the collation number r2 of the active record is output to the personal computer 14 and the PLC 15, and “ While the “verification OK” LED is turned on, a verification OK signal is output and the processing is terminated (steps S617 and S618). On the other hand, if collation fails, it will progress to step S609 (collation NG).

4.5 Picking collation Picking collation is a read data collation process similar to three-point collation. However, when picking up the active record based on the first read data, the collation number r2 is output. Different from point matching.

  Steps S701 to S720 in FIGS. 17 and 18 are flowcharts illustrating an example of the operation in the picking collation. Here, only differences from the three-point verification shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 will be described.

  When the first read data is successfully verified, the verification number r2 of the active record is output to the personal computer 14 and the PLC 15 in step S708. If the second read data is successfully collated, the collation number r2 of the active record is output to the personal computer 14 and the PLC 15 in step S715. That is, every time the first and second read data are collated successfully, the collation number r2 is notified to the PLC 15 or the like.

  If collation fails for any one of the first to third read data, the “verification NG” LED is turned on and a collation NG signal is output to the PLC 15 and the personal computer 14 (step S710). On the other hand, if all three read data have been successfully verified, the “verification OK” LED is turned on and a verification OK signal is output to end the process (step S719).

  When the collation number r2 is continuously output from the data collator 12, the PLC 15 can determine that the active record has been selected. Thereafter, if the NG number is output, it can be determined that the verification has failed and the picking verification has been completed. If the output of the verification number r2 is stopped without outputting the NG number, one set of read data It can be seen that the collation was successful and the step collation was completed. When the active master is not selected, the NG number is output without outputting the verification number r2. For this reason, it is possible to distinguish between a verification failure for the first read data and a verification failure for the second and subsequent read data.

4.6 Application Example of Three-Point Verification FIG. 19 shows an example in which the three-point verification is applied to the confirmation of the reel mounting position in the electronic component mounting machine. The electronic component mounting machine 20 is a device on which a large number of electronic component reels 21 are mounted, and electronic components are taken out from each electronic component reel 21 and automatically mounted on a substrate.

  Each electronic component reel 21 has a different electronic component that is stretched on the tape, and a predetermined electronic component reel 21 needs to be mounted at each mounting position of the electronic component mounting machine 20. In such an electronic component mounting machine 20, when the electronic component reels 21 are switched by switching of products or the like, the data collating machine 12 confirms whether or not each electronic component reel 21 is mounted at the correct position. This can be done using three-point matching.

  On the electronic component reel 21, a barcode 21A indicating the product number of the electronic component is affixed. Further, the electronic component mounting machine 20 can specify the mounting position of the electronic component reel 21 by the mounting step and the mounting row, and there are a plurality of barcodes 20A indicating the mounting step and a plurality of barcodes 20B indicating the mounting row. It is affixed. That is, each position in the biaxial direction is displayed by a bar code, and the combination position of the electronic component reel 21 that is a two-dimensional position can be specified by combining these positions.

  First, the barcode 21A of the electronic component reel 21 mounted on the electronic component mounting machine 20 is read by the barcode reader 10 and used as the first read data. Next, the barcode 20A of the mounting stage on which the electronic component reel 21 is mounted is read and used as the second read data. Finally, the barcode 20B of the mounting row on which the electronic component reel 21 is mounted is read and used as the third read data.

  The data collator 12 stores a large number of collation records that specify the part number of the electronic component as the first collation master M1, the mounting stage thereof as the second collation master M2, and the mounting column thereof as the third collation master M3. The warning lamp 23 is connected. Then, the three-point collation is performed based on the series of the read data. When the collation is OK, the green lamp of the warning lamp 23 indicating the collation OK is turned on. When the collation is NG, the collation NG The red lamp of the warning lamp 23 indicating is turned on. By such a method, an error in the mounting position of the electronic component reel can be prevented. Furthermore, if the electronic component mounting machine 20 is controlled based on the output of the data collator 12 and it is not confirmed that the desired electronic component reel 21 is mounted at the desired mounting position, the electronic component mounting machine 20 It can also be disabled.

4.7 Application Example of Picking Collation FIG. 20 shows an example in which picking collation is applied to a work instruction at the time of assembling parts in an automobile parts production line. The data collator 12 is connected to the warning lamp 23 and the component storage 31 via the PLC 15. The product 30 flows on the production line together with a production instruction sheet 30A called “Kanban”. In the production instruction sheet 30A, a bar code indicating a product model number, a work procedure, and the like is displayed. The component storage 31 is provided with a plurality of component shelves 32, each component shelf 32 is storing a different component, and a lamp 33 is provided for each component shelf 32.

  First, the operator reads the barcode of the production instruction sheet 30A with the barcode reader 10 and sets it as the first read data. The data collator 12 selects an active record based on the read data and outputs the collation number r2. The PLC 15 lights any one of the lamps 33 of the component storage 31 based on the reference number r2 and teaches the operator which component to use. That is, the parts used in the assembly process are determined from the barcode of the production instruction sheet 10A, and the parts shelf 32 in which the parts are stored is indicated by the lighting of the lamp 33.

  Next, the operator takes out a part from the parts shelf 32 whose lamp 33 is lit, reads the barcode attached to the part with the barcode reader 10, and sets it as the second read data. At this time, if the operator accidentally takes out a part from a different part shelf 32 or if a part different from the original part is contained in the part shelf 32, an NG number is output from the data collator 12. Based on the NG number output, the PLC 15 turns on the red lamp of the warning lamp 23 indicating the verification NG and notifies the operator of the work mistake.

  Next, the worker who has incorporated the part into the product 30 reads the barcode attached to the product 30 that is the assembly destination with the barcode reader 10, and sets it as the third read data. At this time, if the worker mistakenly installs a part into a different product 30, the data collator 12 outputs the NG number, the red lamp of the warning lamp 23 indicating the collation NG is turned on, and the operator is informed of the work mistake. .

  If the three reading data are all correct, the PLC 15 turns on the green lamp of the warning lamp 23 indicating the collation OK based on the output of the data collator 12. By turning on the green lamp, the worker can confirm that the work has been correctly completed. That is, the collation is OK only when the barcodes of the production instruction sheet 30A, the parts, and the manufactured product 30 are correctly read in the combination and order.

[5. Additional functions of data collator]
The data collator 12 can use a teaching preset, a counter function, and an interlock function as additional functions related to the collation processing.

5.1 The collation data 125 d of the teaching preset data collator 12 is normally created in the personal computer 14 and transmitted to the data collator 12. On the other hand, it is also possible to read the barcode with the barcode readers 10 and 11 and create the collation data 125d based on the read data. Such a method for generating collation data is called a teaching preset.

  When the user operates the preset button of the operation input unit 121, the teaching preset is selected as the operation mode of the data collator 12. In this state, when an arbitrary bar code is read using the bar code readers 10 and 11, the control unit 120 of the data collator 12 generates a collation record RD based on the read data and stores it in the collation data storage unit 125. To do. At this time, if a plurality of barcodes are sequentially read, a plurality of collation records RD are stored in the collation data storage unit 125. After the desired collation record RD is generated in this way, if the preset button is operated again, the teaching preset mode is ended and the collation mode in which the read data collation process can be performed is returned.

5.2 Counter Function Data collator 12 can count and display the number of collation OK and collation NG. That is, when the counter function is enabled, the control unit 120 counts the number of read data collation processes that have been verified as OK and the number of read data collation processes that have been verified as NG. Each is displayed on the display unit 122.

5.3 Interlock Function The interlock function is a lock function that prevents a transition to the next read data collating process unless a predetermined release operation is performed. For example, when notifying the operator of the verification NG by turning on the red lamp of the warning lamp 23, the operator may be overlooked. On the other hand, an artificial error such as an oversight can be prevented by using an interlock function that cannot proceed to the next read data collating process unless a predetermined release operation is performed.

  The release operation may be a user's key operation at the operation input unit 121 or may be an interlock release signal input to the data collator 12 from an external device such as the personal computer 14 or the PLC 15.

  When the interlock function is valid, locking is performed based on the result of the read data collating process. For example, it can be set to be locked when the verification is successful. It can also be set to be locked when a collation NG or a reading error occurs.

[6. Cooperation with PLC]
FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the internal memory 157 of the PLC 15. In this internal memory 157, data areas for data communication with the data collator 12 are determined in advance, and flags f1 to f6 are assigned to these data areas. The arrows in the figure mainly indicate which of the ladder program 156a or the data collator 12 is the data area to be written.

  The record designation flag f1 is a data area in which the record number r1 of the collation data 125d is written by the ladder program 156a. When the active record in the active collation is designated by the PLC 15, the data collator 12 refers to the record designation flag f1 and selects the collation record RD having the record number r1 designated by the ladder program 156a as the active record.

  The ACK flag f2 is a flag indicating that the data collator 12 has accepted the active record designation by the PLC 15, and is set when the data collator 12 reads the record designation flag f1. The PLC 15 can know that the data collator 12 has read the record designation flag f1 by monitoring the ACK flag f2. The ACK flag f2 is reset in advance by the ladder program 125a before the record designation flag f1 is updated.

  The collation start flag f3 is a flag for the PLC 15 to instruct the start of the collation operation by the data collator 12, and writing is performed by the ladder program 156a. For example, when the data collator 12 starts the collation operation immediately after the power is turned on, it may start operating earlier than the PLC 15 and the operation timings of both may not be matched. Therefore, when the data collator 12 is turned on or the data collator 12 is reset, the data collator 12 thereafter monitors the collation start flag f3, and the ladder program 156a sets the collation start flag f3. Wait until it is set and start the verification operation.

  The reset flag f4 is a flag indicating that the data collator 12 has been reset, and writing is performed by the data collator 12. Some problem may occur during the operation of the data collator 12, and the data collator 12 may be reset. The ladder program 156a monitors the reset flag f4. In such a case, the ladder program 156a can detect that the data collator 12 has been reset.

  The reading quality flag f5 is a flag indicating a reading state in the bar code readers 10 and 11, and is set by the data collator 12 when the reading quality is lower than a predetermined level. The ladder program 156a monitors the reading quality flag f5 and can detect the reading quality in the barcode readers 10 and 11.

  The interlock release flag f6 is a flag for releasing the interlock of the data collator 12 from the PLC 15, and writing is performed by the ladder program 156a. The data collator 12 in the interlock state monitors the interlock release flag f6 and can release the interlock by the ladder program 156a.

  Note that the reset flag f4 and the reading quality flag f5 are examples of cases where the operating state of the data collator 12 is notified to the PLC 15. That is, by allocating the data area in the internal memory 157, various data of the data collator 12 can be notified to the PLC 15 in the same manner as the reset and the reading quality.

[7. Reading quality judgment]
The data collator 12 can determine the reading quality level of barcode reading by the barcode readers 10 and 11 and issue a quality warning based on the reading quality level. That is, the determined read quality level can be displayed on the display unit 122, notified to the personal computer 14 or the PLC 15, or a quality warning signal can be output.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a state in which the barcode T1 attached to the product 30 is read at two locations. When barcodes are applied to an automated system in a production factory, barcode reading is usually repeated for each process. In the figure, this barcode T1 is read by the barcode reader 10A in the previous process, and the read data is verified in the data verification machine 12A in the previous process. Thereafter, the data is also read by the barcode reader 10B in the subsequent process, and the read data is verified in the data verification machine 12B in the subsequent process.

  Not only such an automated system, but a bar code that can only be read once is rare, and most bar codes are read twice or more at different locations and times. When barcode reading is performed at different locations and times, the performance of the barcode readers 10A and 10B used and the surrounding environment at the time of reading differ. As a result, there is a case where one barcode reader performs reading correctly, but the other barcode reader does not perform reading correctly.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of bar code printing quality and collation results in the data collators 12A and 12B. (A) in the figure shows a case where the print quality of the barcode is good. In this case, the barcode readers 10A and 10B both correctly read the barcode, and the data collators 12A and 12B output collation OK.

  (B) in the figure shows a case where the print quality of the barcode is poor. In this case, the barcode reader 10A in the previous process does not read correctly, and the data collator 12A outputs a collation NG. In this case, the product 30 is extracted and does not flow to the subsequent process as it is. Therefore, the barcode is not normally read by the barcode reader 10B in the subsequent process.

  (C) in the figure shows a case where the barcode printing quality is slightly poor, but the barcode reader 10A in the previous process can read the barcode correctly. In this case, the barcode reader 10B in the subsequent process cannot read the barcode correctly, and there is a possibility that the collation NG is output from the data collator 12B. In addition, physical external forces such as rubbing may be applied between the previous process and the subsequent process, or deterioration with time may occur, and the print quality of the barcode may further deteriorate. For this reason, the data collator 12A in the previous process outputs collation OK and a quality warning.

  That is, even if the barcode can be read correctly, if the reading quality is low, a warning is given that the barcode may not be read correctly in the future. By performing such a quality warning, it is possible to find a barcode with poor print quality at an early stage. At the same time, by outputting collation OK, it is possible to flexibly cope with the situation.

  Next, a reading quality detection method will be described. When the trigger switch 102 is operated, the barcode reader 10A scans the laser beam a plurality of times, and attempts to read the barcode for a predetermined number of reading attempts Nt. The number of successful readings Ng is obtained as the number of times that correct data can be read. Data authenticity determination is performed, for example, by using a redundant code included in a bar code or by mutual comparison of read data.

  Steps S801 to S808 in FIG. 24 are a flowchart illustrating an example of a reading operation in the barcode reader 10A. When the trigger switch 102 is operated, first, the number of reading attempts Nt and the number of successful readings Ng are initialized, and Nt = Ng = 0 (step S801). Next, a reading attempt is performed to obtain read data, and authenticity determination is performed on the read data (steps S802 and S803). As a result, if the data is correct, the number of successful readings Ng is incremented. (Steps S804 and S805). Thereafter, the number of reading attempts Nt is incremented, and steps S802 to S806 are repeated until the predetermined number of reading attempts (here, 300) is reached (step S807). Then, when reading attempts are performed 300 times, the read data is output together with the number of reading attempts Nt and the number of successful readings Ng (step S808).

  Steps S901 to S904 in FIG. 25 are flowcharts showing an example of reading quality determination in the data collator 12A. When the number of reading attempts Nt and the number of successful readings Ng are input together with the reading data from the barcode reader 10A, the reading quality is obtained as a ratio of these data (steps S901 and S902). The read quality is compared with a predetermined quality threshold value, and if it is equal to or lower than the threshold value, a quality warning is issued (steps S903 and S904).

  In the present embodiment, a case has been described in which the barcode reader 10A outputs the number of reading attempts Nt and the number of successful readings Ng together with the reading data, but the present invention is not limited to such a case. That is, the read quality level can also be determined using other read quality data output from the data reader. For example, if error correction based on a redundant code is performed in a data reader and a correction rate indicating the ratio of corrected data is output together with the read data, the quality level is set based on the correction rate. Judgment can be made and a quality alarm can be output.

[8. Data collator barcode setting]
The data collator 12 can store desired setting data 124 d in the setting data storage unit 124 and store desired collation data 125 d in the matching data storage unit 125 by reading the barcode. The bar code used for such setting is a bar code that prescribes setting information for all setting items that need to be specified to bring the data collator 12 to a specific setting state. I will call it.

  When the batch setting code is read by the bar code readers 10 and 11, the desired setting for the data collator 12 can be completed. This collective setting code is created for each setting state of the data collator 12, and generally, since the setting state of the data collator 12 is different for each user, the collective setting code is created by the user himself / herself. It will be. Further, since the setting information for a plurality of setting items is defined, the collective setting code is usually generated by being divided into two or more barcodes.

  However, in this embodiment, setting items that are not specified in the batch setting code are automatically returned to the standard setting when the barcode is set. Therefore, in the batch setting code, only setting data relating to setting items different from the standard setting of the data collator 12 need be specified. For this reason, the case where the collective setting code consists of one barcode is also conceivable. The standard setting is setting data predetermined for each setting item, for example, data at the time of factory shipment or after initial setting.

  FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of setting the data collator 12 using a barcode. When the user activates an application program for generating a batch setting code on the personal computer 40 and designates a desired setting state in the data collator 12, image data of the batch setting code is generated. When this image data is printed on a medium such as paper 42 by using the printer 41, a batch setting code 42b is obtained. At this time, a plurality of barcodes constituting the batch setting code are printed on the paper 42. Then, all these bar codes are read using the bar code reader 10 and the setting reflection button in the operation input unit 121 of the data collator 12 is operated, so that the data collator 12 is brought into the desired setting state. Can do.

  Steps S1001 to S1007 in FIG. 27 are flowcharts illustrating an example of a setting process for the data collator 12 using the batch setting code. First, the user operates the operation input unit 121 of the data collator 12 and selects the barcode setting mode as the operation mode of the data collator 12 (step S1001). Next, any one barcode on the paper 42 is read by the barcode reader 10 (step S1002).

  Each barcode includes the total number of barcodes constituting the batch setting code and the serial number of the barcode. The data collator 12 displays the remaining number of barcodes on the display unit 122 based on the total number of barcodes (step S1003). Steps S1002 and S1003 are repeated until all bar codes are read (step S1004). Whether or not all barcodes have been read is determined based on the total number of barcodes and the serial number of each barcode.

  In step S1004, when all bar codes have been read, a message to that effect is displayed on the display unit 122, and an operation input waiting state from the operation input unit 121 is entered. In this state, if the user operates the setting reflection button, the setting information of the batch setting code accumulated in the data collator 12 is written in the setting data storage unit 124 and the collation data storage unit 125, and the desired setting state Thus, the setting process ends (steps S1005 and S1006). That is, after the data collator 12 is initialized and the setting state is returned to the standard setting, desired setting information is written. On the other hand, when the user performs a cancel operation, the accumulated setting information of the collective setting code is discarded, and the setting process ends (step S1007).

  According to the present embodiment, the operation of the data collator 12 connected to the barcode reader 10 can be set by reading the barcode using the barcode reader 10. Therefore, the operation setting of the data collator 12 can be performed without connecting to the operation setting PC. That is, the operation setting of the data collator 12 can be performed at the site where the collation process is performed, with the device connected in the collation process.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, setting items for which setting data is not specified in the batch setting code are automatically returned to the standard setting. For this reason, the number of barcodes constituting the batch setting code can be reduced, and the barcode setting work time can be shortened. Moreover, if the same batch setting data is used regardless of the setting state before the setting change, the data collator 12 can be shifted to the same setting state, so that the types of batch setting codes can be reduced. In this way, it is possible to prevent erroneous setting of the data collator 12 caused by human error such as a batch setting code creation error or a batch setting code selection error.

[9. Barcode reader barcode settings]
The barcode reader 10 can store desired setting data 106 </ b> A in the data storage unit 106 by performing barcode reading. This bar code setting is not realized as a function of the bar code reader 10 but as a function of the data collator 12. In other words, the bar code reader 10 outputs the read data read from the bar code to the data collator 12 in exactly the same manner as in normal times. Then, in the data collator 12, the read data is converted into setting information and transmitted to the bar code reader 10 as a setting command, and the bar code reader 10 is set.

  If the read data can be converted into setting information in the barcode reader 10 and stored in the data storage unit 106 as setting data 106A, the same barcode setting can be realized. However, most bar code readers 10 are connected by a data collator 12 or a personal computer, and are set by a setting command transmitted from these external devices by serial communication or the like. For this reason, the data collator 12 converts the read data into setting information and sends a setting command to the barcode reader 10 to set barcodes for various barcode readers 10 including inexpensive barcode readers. It becomes possible.

  The barcode used for setting the barcode reader 10 includes a batch setting code and an individual setting code (barcode menu). The collective setting code is a bar code that defines setting information for all setting items that need to be specified in order to bring the bar code reader 10 to a specific setting state, as in the case of the data collator 12. The method for generating the batch setting code is exactly the same as that of the data collator 12.

  On the other hand, the individual setting code is a bar code defining setting information for a single setting item, and is prepared in advance for each setting information of each setting item. For example, in the booklet 43 of FIG. 26, a large number of individual setting codes 43b are listed. The user can perform desired setting or setting change for the setting item by selecting the individual setting code 43b corresponding to the desired setting content and reading the individual setting code 43b. Accordingly, the barcode reader 10 can be set to a desired setting state by combining a plurality of individual setting codes. The individual setting code usually consists of one bar code.

  Steps 1101 to 1107 in FIG. 28 are flowcharts showing an example of setting processing for the barcode reader 10 using the batch setting code. The operations in steps S1101 to S1104 are the same as those in the batch setting process for the data collator 12 (steps S1001 to S1004 in FIG. 18).

  In step S1104, if all bar codes constituting the batch setting code have been read, the data collator 12 waits for an operation input. In this state, if the user operates the setting transmission button in the operation input unit 121, the setting information of the collective setting code stored in the data collator 12 is transmitted to the barcode reader as a setting command, and the barcode reader 10 is a desired setting state (steps S1105 and S1106). That is, after the barcode reader 10 is initialized and the setting state is returned to the standard setting, the setting data 106A based on the received command is written in the data storage unit 106. On the other hand, when the user performs a cancel operation, the accumulated setting information of the batch setting code is discarded, and the setting process ends (step S1107).

  Steps 1201 to 1208 in FIG. 29 are flowcharts showing an example of setting processing for the barcode reader 10 using the individual setting code. First, the user operates the operation input unit 121 of the data collator 12 and selects the barcode setting mode as the operation mode of the data collator 12 (step S1201). Next, a predetermined start code is read using the barcode reader 10 (step S1203). If the first read barcode is not the start code, the setting process is terminated (step S1202). Next, one or more individual setting codes selected by the user are sequentially read, and finally a predetermined end code is read (steps S1204 and S1205).

  When the end code is read, the data collator 12 waits for an operation input. In this state, if the user operates the setting transmission button in the operation input unit 121, the setting information of the collective setting code stored in the data collator 12 is transmitted to the barcode reader as a setting command, and the barcode reader 10 is a setting change based on the individual setting code (steps S1206 and S1207). At this time, the bar code reader is not initialized, and only a predetermined setting item is changed to predetermined setting information based on the individual setting code. On the other hand, when the user performs a cancel operation, the accumulated setting information of the collective setting code is discarded, and the setting process ends (step S1208).

  When two or more barcode readers 10 are connected to the data collator 12, a setting command is transmitted to the barcode reader 10 that has read the batch setting code or the individual setting code.

It is the figure which showed one structural example of the barcode system using the data collator by this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the barcode reader 10 in FIG. 1. It is the block diagram which showed one structural example of the data collator 12 of FIG. It is the block diagram which showed one structural example of PLC15 of FIG. It is the figure which showed one structural example of the collation data 125d of FIG. It is the figure which showed an example of the format of each collation record RD which comprises the collation data 125d. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the record collation process. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the master collation process (step S102 of FIG. 6). It is explanatory drawing about an example of a record collation process, and the example of a character string collation is shown. It is explanatory drawing about the other example of a record collation process, and the example of date collation is shown. It is explanatory drawing about the other example of a record collation process, and the collation example about the collation record RD which has three collation masters M1-M3 is shown. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the operation | movement in normal collation. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the operation | movement in active collation. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the operation | movement in step collation. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the operation | movement in a three-point collation. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the operation | movement in a three-point collation (continuation of FIG. 15). It is the flowchart which showed an example of the operation | movement in picking collation. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the operation | movement in picking collation (continuation of FIG. 17). An example in the case of applying three-point verification to confirmation of the reel mounting position in the electronic component mounting machine is shown. An example in which picking collation is applied to a work instruction at the time of assembling parts in an automobile parts production line is shown. It is the figure which showed one structural example of the internal memory 157 of PLC15. It is the figure which showed the mode in case barcode T1 attached | subjected to the product 30 was read in two places. It is the figure which showed an example of the printing quality of barcode, and the collation result in data collator 12A, 12B. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the reading operation | movement in 10 A of barcode readers. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the reading quality discrimination | determination in 12 A of data collators. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example in the case of setting the data collator 12 using a barcode. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the setting process to the data collator 12 using a batch setting code. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the setting process to the barcode reader 10 using a batch setting code. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the setting process to the barcode reader 10 using an individual setting code.

Explanation of symbols

10, 11 Bar code reader 12, 12A, 12B Data collator 14 Personal computer (terminal device)
106 Data storage unit 106A Setting data 121 Operation input unit 122 Display unit 123 Clock unit 124 Setting data storage unit 124d Setting data 125 Verification data storage unit 125d Verification data 156a Ladder program 157 Internal memory f1 Record designation flag f2 ACK flag f3 Verification start flag f4 reset flag f5 reading quality flag f6 interlock release flag M1 to M3 collation master m1 master data m2 replacement character string m3 data type m4 limited direction m5 digit limited flag m6 start digit m7 valid digit m8 comparison logic Ng number of successful readings Nt number of reading attempts Number of times r1 Record number r2 Verification number r3 Port number RD Verification record

Claims (3)

Data input means for inputting read data and read quality data from the data reader;
Collation data storage means for holding a plurality of collation records each defining collation conditions;
Collation determination means for collating the read data with the collation record and performing collation determination;
A data collator comprising: a reading quality notification means for determining a reading quality level based on the reading quality data and outputting a reading quality warning. The data input means outputs the number of reading attempts and the number of successful readings as reading quality data from a data reading device that obtains reading data by performing a plurality of reading attempts,
2. The data collator according to claim 1, wherein the reading quality reporting unit determines a reading quality level based on the number of reading attempts and the number of successful readings, and outputs a reading quality warning. The data input means outputs an error correction rate as read quality data from a data reader that performs error correction on the read data,
2. The data collator according to claim 1, wherein the reading quality notification means determines a reading quality level based on the error correction rate and outputs a reading quality warning.

Images