JP2011053968A - Barcode reader and control program thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent information processing caused by undesirable barcode data formed by synthesizing data obtained by reading a part of each of a plurality of barcodes. <P>SOLUTION: In a barcode reader, partial data of a barcode read by a scanner part is stored in a partial data storage part. Whether barcode data is formed or not is determined by data read by the scanner part or synthesized data obtained by synthesizing the data and the partial data stored in the partial data storage part. When the barcode data is formed by the data or the synthesized data, the content of the partial data storage part are cleared. Whether the partial data have been stored in the partial data storage part for a predetermined time or more is confirmed. When the partial data have been stored in the partial data storage part for the predetermined time or more, a notification is made. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a barcode reader for reading barcode data by causing a barcode to scan, for example, a laser beam, and a control program for the device.

  Usually, a bar code called a JAN code used for food or the like is sandwiched between card bars on both sides. In this type of barcode reading device that reads barcodes, the reading data including one guard bar and the reading data including the other guard bar are combined to obtain the reading data of the entire barcode. Is already known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  A bar code reader having such a composition function is embedded or standing in an accounting counter of a store, for example. Laser light is emitted at various angles from a reading window formed in the apparatus main body. Therefore, when the store clerk or customer points the bar code of the product to the reading window, the bar code scans the bar code, and the reflected light modulated by the black and white of the bar code returns to the inside of the apparatus through the reading window. The reflected light that has returned to the inside of the apparatus forms an image on the photoelectric conversion element, is converted into an electric signal, and is demodulated. As a result, read data is obtained.

The read data is stored in the memory until the reading of the barcode is completed. If barcode reading is not successful in one scan, the barcode reader synthesizes the data read in the next scan and the data stored in the memory, that is, the barcode partial data, and checks Examine the digits. If the check digits match, the barcode reader assumes that the barcode has been established, and outputs the synthesized barcode data to a higher-level model, for example, a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal.
The POS terminal searches the product data file with the barcode data received from the barcode reader, reads the corresponding product data, and processes the sales.

  Suppose that there are two barcodes in the arrival area of the laser beam emitted from the reading window. Then, it is assumed that the check digit matches as a result of combining the read data of a part of one barcode and the read data of a part of the other barcode. Then, the combined barcode data, that is, data other than the two barcodes is output to the higher model. Here, in the upper model, if the combined barcode data is registered as valid data in advance, the upper model executes information processing with the combined barcode data. For this reason, information processing is performed by a higher-level model using barcode data not intended by the user.

  For example, a product purchased by a customer is placed in a shopping cart at a store accounting counter. The store clerk takes out the products one by one from the shopping basket, and reads the barcode attached to the products toward the reading window. Then, the commodity whose barcode has been read is accommodated in another shopping basket placed on the opposite side or in front of the barcode reader with the barcode reader interposed therebetween. In this series of flows, if the place where at least one shopping basket is placed is close to the barcode reading window and is within the laser beam arrival area, a part of the barcode of the product in the shopping basket is It may be read by a code reader. In such a case, information processing based on unintended barcode data as described above, that is, sales processing may be performed.

  The present invention has been made based on such circumstances, and the object of the present invention is to perform information processing by unintended barcode data formed by combining partial data obtained by reading a part of each of a plurality of barcodes. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a barcode reading apparatus and a control program for the barcode reading apparatus that can prevent this problem and improve the reading accuracy.

  The present invention relates to a partial barcode data read by a scanner unit in a barcode reader having a scanner unit that scans light on a barcode and electrically processes reflected light from the barcode to read data. Is stored in the partial data storage unit, and it is determined whether or not the barcode data is established by the data read by the scanner unit or the combined data of this data and the partial data stored in the partial data storage unit. If it is determined that the code data is established, the partial data storage unit is cleared, and it is confirmed whether the partial data storage state in the partial data storage unit continues for a predetermined time or longer. When it is confirmed that the state in which the data is stored continues for the predetermined time or longer, the notification is performed.

  According to the present invention in which such measures are taken, it is possible to prevent information processing by unintended barcode data formed by combining partial data obtained by reading a part of each of a plurality of barcodes, thereby improving reading accuracy. There is a measurable effect.

1 is an external view of a store accounting system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the barcode reader in the same embodiment. The block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the scanner part in the embodiment The schematic diagram which shows an example of the scanning pattern of the laser beam which scans this barcode and this barcode. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing main memory areas formed in the RAM of the barcode reader in the embodiment. 3 is a flowchart showing a main processing procedure executed by the CPU based on a control program of the barcode reader in the embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the example of a display of the warning message which is an aspect of alerting | reporting means.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
This embodiment is a case where the present invention is applied to a vertical bar code reader installed on an accounting counter provided in a store such as a supermarket.

  FIG. 1 is an external view of a store accounting system according to the present embodiment. This system includes a bar code reader 1 as a registration unit and a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal 2 as a settlement unit. The bar code reader 1 is mounted on an accounting counter 3. The POS terminal 2 is installed on the cash register 4 via a drawer 5. Bar code reader 1 and POS terminal 2 are electrically connected by a communication cable (not shown).

  The barcode reader 1 includes a keyboard 11, a touch panel 12, a customer display 13, and a scanner unit 14 as devices necessary for product registration. The scanner unit 14 is built in the main body of the bar code reading device 1, and the laser light from the scanner unit 14 is emitted to the outside through a bar code reading window 14 </ b> A formed in the main body of the device. ing.

  The POS terminal 2 includes a keyboard 21, an operator display 22, a customer display 23, and a receipt printer 24 as devices necessary for payment.

  The accounting counter 3 has an elongated shape along the customer passage on the back side. The cash register 4 is placed substantially perpendicular to the accounting counter 3 on the front side of the end of the accounting counter 3 on the downstream side with respect to the moving direction of the customer moving along the accounting counter 3. The front side of the accounting counter 3 and the front side of the cash register 4 are space for so-called cashiers of accounting staff.

  In the approximate center of the accounting counter 3, the barcode reader 1 is erected with the keyboard 11, the touch panel 12 and the barcode reading window 14A facing the cashier side on the front side. The customer display 13 of the barcode reader 1 is attached toward the customer passage.

  On the upstream side of the customer movement direction across the bar code reader 1 of the accounting counter 3, there is a space for placing a shopping basket 6 containing unregistered products M to be purchased by the shopper. In addition, the downstream receiving surface is a space for placing a shopping basket 7 into which the commodity M registered by the barcode reader 1 is placed.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of the barcode reader 1. The bar code reader 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 15 that constitutes a control unit body, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 16 that stores fixed data such as a control program, and various rewritable memories for storing data. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 17 in which a memory area is formed, a communication interface 18 that manages data communication with the POS terminal 2, and an I / O (Input / Output) controller 19 are provided. The I / O controller 19 controls the keyboard 11, the touch panel 12, the customer display 13, and the scanner unit 14. Further, the notification operation of the notification unit 110 is controlled.

  The notification unit 110 is, for example, a buzzer that sounds audibly when a bar code data is read, and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) that visually notifies various states by lighting or blinking. including.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the scanner unit 14. The scanner unit 14 includes a laser oscillator 31 and its driver 32, a polygon motor 33 and its driver 34, a scanning / optical system 35 including a polygon mirror rotated by the polygon motor 33, a photoelectric conversion element 36, an analog / A digital converter 37 and a code demodulation circuit 38, a sensor 39 which is a light receiving element, and a sensor signal input circuit 40 thereof are provided.

  When the laser light is emitted from the laser oscillator 31 by the drive control of the laser driver 32, the scanner unit 14 having such a configuration is deflected and scanned as scanning light 41 by the scanning / optical system 35. The scanning light 41 passes through the bar code reading window 14A and is emitted so as to form a plurality of scanning line patterns outside the apparatus.

  Here, when the scanning light 41 emitted to the outside of the apparatus scans the bar code, the reflected light modulated by the black and white of the bar code passes through the reading window 14A and returns to the inside of the apparatus. An image is formed on the conversion element 36. Then, after being converted into an electric signal by the photoelectric conversion element 36 and further converted into a digital signal by the analog / digital converter 37, it is input to the code demodulation circuit 38 and demodulated into code data.

  The sensor 39 is disposed at one end in the scanning range of the scanning light 41 deflected and scanned by the scanning / optical system 35. Each time the scanning light 41 is received, an ON signal is input to the sensor signal input circuit 40.

  By the way, as shown in FIG. 4, the bar code includes a center bar CB between a first guard bar GB (S) called a start bar and a second guard bar GB (E) called an end bar. Between the first guard bar GB (S) and the center bar CB, and between the center bar CB and the second guard bar GB (E), an arbitrary number string between the white bar and the black bar, respectively. Generally, data characters represented by combinations are arranged.

  If one scanning light scans such a bar code from the line indicated by L1 in FIG. 4, that is, the first guard bar GB (S) to the second guard bar GB (E), The code data obtained from the reflected light is a single barcode data.

  In contrast, the line indicated by L2 in FIG. 4, that is, the first guard bar GB (S) is scanned, but the center bar CB and the second guard bar GB (E) are not scanned, or in FIG. When the line indicated by L3, that is, the center bar CB and the second guard bar GB (E) are scanned but the first guard bar GB (S) is not scanned, the code data obtained from the reflected light is However, a single barcode does not hold.

  Therefore, the barcode reading apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment appropriately synthesizes the partial data of the barcode that is not established as a single barcode data, and establishes it as the regular barcode data when the check digits match. It has a function. A control program for realizing this function is stored in the ROM 16.

  The CPU 15 mainly executes the process of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 according to the control program. In executing this process, the bar code reading buffer 51 and the failure code table 52 shown in FIG. 5 are formed in the RAM 17. The barcode reading buffer 51 is an area for temporarily storing code data read by one scan of the scanner unit 14. The failure code table 52 is an area as a partial data storage unit that stores partial data read by the scanner unit 14 together with a counter n that counts the number of readings until it is determined that the barcode data is satisfied. .

  When the control program is started, the CPU 15 gives a laser signal ON command to the I / O controller 19 (ST1). Receiving this command, the I / O controller 19 operates the laser driver 32 of the scanner unit 14 to emit laser light from the laser oscillator 31. The operation of the scanner unit 14 when the laser beam is emitted is as described with reference to FIG.

  Therefore, the CPU 15 waits for the code data to be demodulated by the code demodulation circuit 38 (ST2). Further, it waits for an ON signal of the sensor 39 to be input to the sensor signal input circuit 40 (ST3).

  When code data is received via the I / O controller 19 (YES in ST2), it is determined whether or not the code data includes the first guard bar GB (S) (ST4). If the first guard bar GB (S) is not included (NO in ST4), it is determined whether or not the second guard bar GB (E) is included (ST5). When not only the first guard bar GB (S) but also the second guard bar GB (E) is included (NO in ST5), the code data is discarded and the next code data is waited (ST2).

  When the code data includes the first guard bar GB (S) (YES in ST4) or the second guard bar GB (E) (YES in ST5), the CPU 15 stores the code data in the barcode reading buffer 51. (Bar code partial data) is stored (ST6).

  Next, the CPU 15 determines whether or not the code data stored in the barcode reading buffer 51 this time is established as a single barcode data, and if not established, the barcode reading buffer 51 or the failure code table. It is individually synthesized with the code data already stored in 52 (ST7), and whether or not the synthesized code data is formed as a barcode, that is, the number of digits of the synthesized data is the number of digits valid as the barcode data. And whether or not the check digits match (ST8: determination means).

  When it is determined that the barcode data is not established (NO in ST8), the CPU 11 waits for the next code data (ST2).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the barcode data is established (YES in ST8), the CPU 15 gives a barcode establishment instruction to the I / O controller 19 (ST9). Receiving this command, the I / O controller 19 operates the notification unit 110 to sound a buzzer sound (for example, “beep”) indicating that the barcode is established. Further, the CPU 15 transmits the established barcode data to the POS terminal 2 connected via the communication interface 18 (ST10).

  Thereafter, the CPU 15 clears the failure code table 52 (ST11: clearing means). Further, the barcode reading buffer 51 is cleared (ST12). This completes one scan of the laser beam. The CPU 11 returns to ST1 and again gives an ON command for the laser signal to the I / O controller 19.

  On the other hand, if the ON signal of the sensor 39 is received via the I / O controller 19 (NO in ST8) before the barcode data is established (ST8 NO), the CPU 15 stores it in the barcode reading buffer 51. Code data is acquired individually (ST13). Then, for each acquired code data, the failure code table 52 is searched (ST14), and it is determined whether or not the same code data is already stored in the failure code table 52 (ST15).

  Here, for the code data determined not to be stored (NO in ST15), the code data is written into the failure code table 52 (ST16). The counter n corresponding to this code data is set to “1” (ST17: processing means). Thereafter, the barcode reading buffer 51 is cleared (ST12).

  On the other hand, the code data determined to be stored (YES in ST15). The counter corresponding to the corresponding code data is incremented by “1” (ST18: processing means). Next, it is determined whether at least one of the counters n in the failure code table 52 has exceeded a preset upper limit value N (N ≧ 2) (ST19).

  When the counter n reaches the upper limit value N, the code data corresponding to the counter n is continuously read by N consecutive scans. In the present embodiment, the time required for the N scans is set as an upper limit value of a predetermined time that is determined to be abnormal. That is, when the counter n exceeds the upper limit value N, the code data corresponding to the counter n is continuously stored in the failure code table 52 for a predetermined time or more that is determined to be abnormal. Here, the processing of ST18 and ST19 executed by the CPU 11 constitutes confirmation means.

  If there is even one counter n exceeding the upper limit value N (YES in ST19), the CPU 15 gives an illegal barcode presence command to the I / O controller 19 (ST20). Receiving this command, the I / O controller 19 operates the notification unit 110 to sound a buzzer sound (for example, “beep”) indicating that an illegal barcode is present. Further, the warning LED is turned on or blinked (notification means).

  The CPU 15 clears the barcode reading buffer 51 after giving an illegal barcode presence command to the I / O controller 19 or when there is no counter n exceeding the upper limit N (NO in ST19). ST12).

  Thus, the current one scan (scan) is completed. The CPU 11 returns to ST1 and again gives an ON command for the laser signal to the I / O controller 19.

  As described above, in the barcode reading apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, N or more lasers are performed between the time when reading of the previous barcode data is completed and the time when reading of the next barcode data is completed. When the same code data is continuously read by scanning the light, the notification unit 110 operates to generate a buzzer sound indicating that an illegal bar code exists, or to turn on or turn off the warning LED. It blinks.

  For example, in FIG. 1, since the shopping basket 6 containing the product M is placed near the reading window 14A of the barcode reader 1, a part of the barcode attached to the product M is removed from the reading window 14A. When the emitted laser beam is scanned, an event occurs in which the same code data is continuously read by scanning the laser beam N times or more unless the product M is moved.

  In this embodiment, since it is notified that such an event occurs, an operator who operates the barcode reader 1, for example, a store clerk, notices that an unintended barcode is being read and shifts the shopping basket 6. Such measures can be taken easily.

  As a result, barcode data formed by combining data obtained by reading a part of each of a plurality of barcodes is established, and it is highly likely that sales processing using unintended barcode data is performed at the POS terminal 2. It can be prevented with a probability. That is, the reading accuracy of the barcode reader 1 can be improved.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, both the mode of audibly informing by a buzzer sound and the mode of visually informing by turning on or blinking an LED are shown as the notification unit, but only one of the modes may be used. Good.

  In addition, the visual notification mode is not limited to the LED. For example, the touch panel 12 displays a plurality of touch key images that contribute to the registration of products without barcodes, etc., as shown in FIG. A message indicating that an unintended barcode is being read may be displayed together with a character included in the code data of the unintended barcode to notify the store clerk. By doing so, the store clerk can easily determine which bar code is read from the displayed character content, and can take appropriate measures.

  In the above-described embodiment, a counter area is provided in the failure code table 52, and by counting the number of times the same code data has been read, a predetermined time during which the same data is stored in the failure code table 52 is determined to be abnormal. Although it has been confirmed whether or not it continues, the confirmation means is not limited to this. For example, in ST14 of FIG. 6, when the failure code table 52 is searched with the code data acquired from the barcode reading buffer 51 and the same code data is stored in the failure code table 52, the code data is stored in the failure code table 52. Leave to 52. Further, new code data that is not stored in the failure code table 52 is stored in the failure code table 52. Then, the elapsed time since it is stored in the failure code table 52 is counted for each code data by a timer provided in the barcode reader 1. On the other hand, code data that has been stored in the failure code table 52 but not stored in the barcode reading buffer 51 is deleted from the failure code table 52. Then, for at least one of the code data stored in the failure code table 52, an illegal barcode is notified when the elapsed time has passed a predetermined time determined to be a preset abnormality. It may be configured.

  In the embodiment, the notification means is operated when the state where the same code data is stored in the failure code table 52 continues for a predetermined time or more that is determined to be abnormal. Since reading itself for a predetermined time is recognized as an abnormal state, it is simply confirmed whether the state where the code data is stored in the failure code table 52 continues for a predetermined time or more, and if it is confirmed, the notification means A bar code reading apparatus adapted to operate is also included in the present invention.

  In the embodiment, the partial data of the bar code in which neither the first guard bar GB (S) nor the second guard bar GB (E) is scanned in the determination process of ST4 and ST5 in the flowchart of FIG. However, this kind of partial data may also be temporarily stored in the barcode reading buffer 51 and stored in the failure code table 52 if the barcode data is not established.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where a control program that is a function for carrying out the invention is recorded in advance in the internal memory (ROM 16) of the barcode reader 1 has been described. May be downloaded to the barcode reader 1 from the network, or the one stored in the recording medium may be installed in the barcode reader 1. The recording medium may be any form as long as the recording medium can store the program and can be read by the apparatus, such as a CD-ROM. In addition, the function obtained by installing or downloading in advance may be realized in cooperation with an OS (operating system) inside the apparatus.

  In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, the constituent elements over different embodiments may be combined.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Barcode reader, 3 ... Accounting counter, 14 ... Scanner part, 14A ... Reading window, 15 ... CPU, 110 ... Notification part.

JP 2003-036416 A

Claims (6)

A scanner unit that scans the bar code with light and electrically processes reflected light from the bar code to read data;
A partial data storage unit for storing partial data of the barcode read by the scanner unit;
Determining means for determining whether or not barcode data is established by data read by the scanner unit or composite data of the data and the partial data stored in the partial data storage unit;
Clearing means for clearing the partial data storage unit when it is determined by this determination means that the barcode data is established;
Confirmation means for confirming whether or not the state in which the partial data is stored in the partial data storage unit continues for a predetermined time or more;
An informing means for informing when the confirmation means confirms that the state in which the partial data is stored in the partial data storage section continues for the predetermined time or more;
A bar code reading apparatus comprising:   2. The barcode reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the confirmation means is means for confirming whether or not a state in which the same partial data is stored in the partial data storage unit continues for a predetermined time or more. The partial data storage unit stores the partial data of the barcode read by the scanner unit together with count data corresponding to the number of readings,
For each scan of light emitted from the scanner unit, the partial data read during that time is searched for in the partial data storage unit. If not, the partial data is stored in the partial data. Processing means for counting up the count data corresponding to the partial data, if added to the storage unit and stored,
The barcode reader according to claim 2, further comprising:   When there is partial data that exceeds a preset upper limit value in the count data of the partial data storage unit, the confirmation unit continues the state in which the partial data is stored in the partial data storage unit for the predetermined time or more. The bar code reader according to claim 3, wherein the bar code reader is assumed to be.   5. The notification unit according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit displays the partial data stored in the partial data storage unit continuously for the predetermined time or longer and displays the partial data on a display unit. Bar code reader. A barcode reader having a scanner unit that scans light on a barcode and electrically processes reflected light from the barcode to read data.
Partial data storage means for storing partial data of the barcode read by the scanner unit in a partial data storage unit;
Determination means for determining whether or not barcode data is established by data read by the scanner unit or composite data of the data and the partial data stored in the partial data storage unit,
Clearing means for clearing the partial data storage unit when it is determined by the determining means that the barcode data is established;
Confirming means for confirming whether or not the state in which the partial data is stored in the partial data storage unit continues for a predetermined time or more, and the state in which the partial data is stored in the partial data storage unit by the confirmation means Informing means for informing when it is confirmed that the operation continues for a predetermined time or more,
Control program to function as.

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