JP2011175527A - Bar code scanner, method of updating firmware thereof, and firmware update program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate the operation of reading firmware updated data using the reading function of a bar code scanner, thereby enabling updating of the firmware, in a short time. <P>SOLUTION: When determining that a bar code read by a bar code reading unit 31 is for a firmware update process, a read data checking unit 33 causes an operational mode transfer unit 34 to change the operational mode to a firmware update mode; and when the version number of the firmware to be updated is determined to be different from the one stored in a firmware storage unit 37, the checking unit causes the operational mode transfer unit 34 to change a scanning pattern to a single scanning pattern, thereby enabling a plurality of bar codes printed on one sheet of paper to be read successively. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a barcode scanner capable of reading a barcode by a plurality of scanning patterns, a firmware update method thereof, and a firmware update program.

  A POS system that includes a bar code scanner that reads a bar code printed on or pasted on a product and a point-of-sale information management device (Point Of Sales) Has been introduced. When the bar code scanner approaches a predetermined reading window portion with a bar code portion of the product approaching, the scanning beam scans and reads the bar code, and sends the read data to the POS. In POS, when data is received from a barcode scanner, data relating to article information such as a product name and a price corresponding to the data is obtained by referring to a correspondence table. The POS is also connected to a change / pick machine, drawer, printer, card reader, and the like, and performs various settlement processes based on data received from the barcode scanner.

  The processing in this POS is controlled according to a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory). For this reason, when a change occurs in the program, it is necessary to replace the ROM with a ROM that stores the changed program. Such replacement generally takes much time and effort, so the program is stored in flash memory, which is a rewritable ROM, and the flash memory is rewritten when the program changes. . The rewriting in this case is generally executed by connecting a dedicated terminal such as a personal computer to the POS and using a dedicated update program.

  Nevertheless, the flash memory rewriting work performed by connecting the dedicated terminal to the POS is time-consuming. On the other hand, it is known that the data of the changed program is converted into a barcode, and the barcode is read to rewrite the flash memory (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this patent document 1, a barcode reader is connected to the controller, and the barcode decoding program stored in the controller is changed to change information read by the barcode reader. At this time, the data of the barcode decoding program is divided into small data and encoded, and the codes are printed on a plurality of labels, respectively, and read by the barcode reader one by one. The barcode decoding program is changed by rewriting the corresponding changed portion with the read data.

  By the way, the barcode scanner used in the POS system reads the barcode by holding the surface on which the barcode is printed or affixed toward the reading window. Even if it is facing, it can be read generally. This is because the scanning direction of the scanning beam emitted by the barcode scanner is sequentially changed, and a multi-scanning pattern is used to read a barcode whose direction is substantially the same as the scanning direction. This function greatly improves the operability and reading accuracy when reading a bar code.

  Such a highly functional barcode scanner is equipped with firmware, and barcode reading control is performed in accordance with the firmware. For this reason, when it is necessary to correct a malfunction of the firmware or add a new function, the firmware is updated by the barcode scanner alone. Current barcode scanners are often used by connecting to a POS via a communication port. Therefore, the firmware update data is transmitted from the POS side and the firmware is rewritten, or a dedicated terminal is connected to the barcode scanner. The firmware is updated by connecting directly to the communication port.

JP-A-10-240308

  However, barcode scanners are often built into POS systems, and are built into cash registers and sinks. In order to connect firmware update terminals to communication ports, barcode scanners are installed in cash registers. It is difficult to remove from the sink, and it is difficult to carry out the update work during the operation of the POS system.

  In addition, when the firmware update data is read using the reading function of the bar code scanner, the physical connection with the bar code scanner is not required, so that the updating operation can be performed even during the operation of the POS system. When the firmware update data is converted into a barcode, the number of labels on which the barcode is printed becomes enormous, and it takes time and labor to read the labels one by one.

  The present invention has been made in view of these points, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily perform firmware update in a short time by making it easy to read firmware update data using a barcode scanner reading function. .

  In the present invention, in order to solve the above-described problem, in a barcode scanner that controls barcode reading in accordance with the firmware stored in the firmware storage unit, the barcode is converted into data by reading the barcode in a multi-scanning pattern or a single scanning pattern. A code reading unit; a temporary storage unit for storing the barcode data read by the barcode reading unit; and a type of the barcode read from the data in the temporary storage unit, and stored in the firmware storage unit A read data check unit that checks the version number of the firmware being read and the version number of the firmware indicated by the read bar code data, and determines whether the check digit value of the read bar code data is normal, and the read bar The code is the barcode for updating the firmware When the read data check unit determines, the operation mode of the barcode reading unit is switched to the firmware update mode, and the firmware version indicated by the read barcode data is stored in the firmware storage unit. When the read data check unit determines that there is a difference, an operation mode transition unit that switches a scanning pattern in which the barcode reading unit reads the barcode to a single scanning pattern, and the read barcode is a firmware update barcode (hereinafter referred to as a firmware update barcode). If the read data check unit determines that the firmware update barcode has been read), all firmware update barcodes are read based on the serial numbers of the firmware update barcodes. check A serial number check unit, and an update data restoration unit that combines the data and restores the firmware update data when all the firmware update barcodes have been read. A code scanner is provided.

  In the present invention, the barcode scanner operating mode is shifted to the update mode by reading a barcode for shifting to the firmware update mode (hereinafter referred to as firmware update mode shift barcode). By reading the barcode of the code division number and rewrite version number information (hereinafter referred to as the firmware update information barcode), the division number and rewrite version number of the update program data are obtained, and the obtained rewrite version number is rewritten. If it is different from the previous firmware version, switch to a single scan pattern, read multiple firmware update barcodes continuously, check all the firmware update barcode readings, and read all the firmware updates Combine the barcode data for To restore firmware update data including update program data, update the pre-rewrite firmware by rewriting with the restored firmware update data, and confirm the version number after the firmware update including the updated firmware data Of the above-mentioned firmware (hereinafter referred to as a barcode for confirming the version number after firmware update) is permitted, and the firmware after the update can be read by reading the barcode for confirming the version number after the firmware update. A barcode scanner firmware update method is provided, wherein the operation mode is shifted to the normal mode by checking the above and reading the normal mode shift barcode.

  Furthermore, the present invention provides a firmware update program for causing a computer to execute a firmware update process for a barcode scanner, wherein the computer determines whether a predetermined switch of the barcode scanner is pressed, and presses the firmware and updates the switch. The operation mode of the barcode scanner is shifted to the update mode after reading the mode transition barcode, and the division number and rewrite version number of the update program data are obtained by reading the barcode for firmware update information, and the obtained rewrite When the version number is different from the version number of the firmware before rewriting, the scanning pattern of the barcode scanner is switched to a single scanning pattern, and the plurality of firmware updates on the paper printed by arranging the divided update program data in a barcode for By sequentially scanning the firmware update barcode by scanning the single code in the single scan pattern, confirming the reading of all the firmware update barcodes, and reading all the firmware update barcode data read The firmware update data including the update program data is restored by combining the firmware update data by rewriting the pre-rewrite firmware with the restored firmware update data, and the data of the same version as the restored firmware update data is restored. Only the barcode for confirming the version number after updating the firmware is permitted, the updated firmware is confirmed by being able to read the barcode for confirming the version after the firmware update, and the normal mode transition bar is read. Shifts the operation mode to the normal mode by reading the code, firmware updates, characterized in that to execute processing is provided.

  According to such a barcode scanner, its firmware update method and firmware update program, when the barcode scanner operation mode shifts to the firmware update mode and reads the firmware update barcode including the update program data, The scanning pattern for reading is switched to a single scanning pattern. Thereby, the barcode scanner can continuously read a plurality of barcodes. By printing multiple firmware update barcodes on a single sheet and continuously reading them in a single scan pattern, it is easy to read a large number of firmware update barcodes, enabling firmware updates in a short time. Become.

  The barcode scanner having the above-described configuration, its firmware update method, and firmware update program are obtained by switching the barcode reading to a single scanning pattern when the barcode scanner operation mode shifts to the firmware update mode. Since it is possible to continuously read a plurality of barcodes printed on the printer, it is possible to greatly reduce labor and time for reading the plurality of barcodes.

  All you need to update the firmware is to prepare all or part of multiple barcodes that have been divided into barcodes by dividing the firmware update data and printing them on paper one by one. The cost for can be greatly reduced.

  The firmware update can be performed even during the operation of the POS system because it is not necessary to attach or detach a terminal dedicated to the barcode scanner, and can be completed within a short time.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows a POS system. It is a figure which shows the hardware structural example of a barcode scanner. It is a figure which shows the function structure of a barcode scanner. It is a figure which shows the kind of barcode, (A) shows a firmware update mode transfer barcode, (B) shows a barcode for firmware update information, (C) shows a barcode for firmware update, D) shows a barcode for checking the version after updating the firmware, and (E) shows a barcode for returning to the normal processing mode (hereinafter referred to as a normal mode transition barcode). It is a figure which shows the example of a production | generation of the barcode for firmware update. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a firmware update process (the 1). It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a firmware update process (the 2).

  Hereinafter, regarding the embodiment of the present invention, with respect to a stationary barcode scanner capable of reading a barcode with high accuracy by a plurality of scanning patterns, reading accuracy, countermeasures against misreading, reading of a new type of barcode, and defect correction The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, taking as an example a case where the present invention is applied to firmware update performed when such a need arises.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a POS system.
The POS system 1 includes a POS 2 that is a host of this system. The POS 2 is connected to a bar code scanner 3, a change / pick machine 4, a drawer 5, and an optional device 6.

  The barcode scanner 3 is a stationary scanner provided in a cash register or sink such as a supermarket, and can read a barcode 7 printed or affixed to a product. The barcode scanner 3 has a function of a multi-scanning pattern. For example, the barcode scanner 3 can scan in 38 directions to read the barcode 7, and can switch to any one of the barcodes 7 in a single scanning pattern. Can also be scanned.

  The change / pipe machine 4 is capable of identifying and storing the inserted bills and coins based on an instruction from the POS 2 and outputting the required change and change. The drawer 5 is used to store gift certificates and the like, and the optional device 6 includes a contact type or non-contact type card reader such as a point card, credit card, prepaid card, etc. Connected.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the barcode scanner.
The bar code scanner 3 has a main board 10 constituting a computer inside. The main board 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a flash memory (FROM) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a demodulator 14, an RS232C transceiver 15, a USB IC (Universal Serial Bus Integrated Circuit). ) 16 is mounted.

  The CPU 11 controls the entire barcode scanner 3. The flash memory 12 is a nonvolatile rewritable semiconductor memory, and stores firmware that is a program for controlling the barcode scanner 3, a program for updating the firmware, and the like. The RAM 13 stores the read barcode 7 data, a program loaded from the flash memory 12 and executed by the CPU 11, data being calculated by the CPU 11, and the like. The demodulator 14 restores the read optical information of the barcode 7 to electrical data. The RS232C transceiver 15 is an option for communicating with an external peripheral device as an option, and is connected to a DSUB 9-pin type RS232C connector 15b via an RS232C interface 15a. The USB IC 16 communicates with the POS 2 and is connected to the PW-USB connector 16b via a PWUSB (PoweredUSB) interface 16a. From the PW-USB connector 16b, a 12-volt power source fed from the POS 2 is taken out, and a 5-volt power source used for the main board 10 is generated from the power source by the DC / DC converter 17.

  The barcode scanner 3 also includes a laser driver 18 and a laser diode 19 driven by the laser driver 18, a polygon mirror 20 and a motor 21 for driving the polygon mirror 20 at high speed, a lens 22a, a fixed mirror 22b, a concave mirror 22c, And a light receiving element 22d.

  The barcode scanner 3 further includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) 23, a light emitting diode (LED) 24, a switch 25, a proximity sensor 26, and a speaker 27. The liquid crystal display 23 is used for displaying various error messages such as error codes. The light emitting diode 24 displays the operation state of the barcode scanner 3 by, for example, a combination of two colors of light. The switch 25 is used to change the volume and sound quality of the buzzer sound that notifies the operation state of the barcode scanner 3 and to instruct the start of the firmware update operation. The proximity sensor 26 is used to sense the approach of the product to the barcode scanner 3 in order to read the product barcode. The speaker 27 is used to notify the operation state of the barcode scanner 3 with a buzzer sound.

  When the barcode scanner 3 configured as described above is operating in the normal operation mode, when the proximity sensor 26 detects the approach of a product, the laser driver 18 and the motor 21 are activated to rotate the laser light of the laser diode 19. The barcode is scanned by the polygon mirror 20, and the barcode surface is scanned. At this time, since the barcode direction of the product is unknown, the barcode scanner 3 operates in a multi-scanning pattern in which laser light is scanned in a plurality of directions, for example, 38 directions, by a plurality of fixed mirrors 22b. When the laser beam is scanned along the arrangement direction of the barcode, the light reflected by the barcode surface is reflected on the concave mirror 22c in a form in which the brightness is changed by the monochrome portion of the barcode, and the light receiving element 22d. The product code is generated by the demodulator 14.

  When a valid bar code is read, a light for confirmation and a buzzer sound are emitted from the light emitting diode 24 and the speaker 27. The read code is sent to the POS 2 via the PWUSB interface 16a. In POS2, the correspondence table is referred to, and data relating to article information such as a product name and a price corresponding to the code is acquired. When a valid bar code is not read, an error light and a buzzer sound are emitted from the light emitting diode 24 and the speaker 27.

  When the predetermined switch 25 is pressed and the barcode scanner 3 reads the barcode for mode transition and update confirmation, the barcode scanner 3 transitions to the firmware update mode, and the scanning pattern is changed from the multi-scanning pattern to the single scanning. Switch to the pattern. By switching to the single scanning pattern, the scanning direction of the laser light is fixed to a specific direction, for example, the horizontal direction. By narrowing the scanning laser beam to one, a plurality of barcodes can be read continuously. That is, instead of printing one barcode on one label and reading each one, a plurality of barcodes are printed on one sheet, and the plurality of barcodes are read continuously. Making it possible. As a result, maintenance staff can move the barcode-printed paper so that the barcode traverses the scanning range of the laser beam, enabling continuous reading. It can be greatly shortened. For example, when it is necessary to read 100 barcodes, if 30 or more barcodes are printed on one sheet, 100 barcodes are obtained by performing continuous reading on only three sheets. The code can be read.

  When the firmware update data is read in the single scan pattern, the data is accumulated in the RAM 13, and when all the data is obtained, the update program data is restored therefrom, and the corresponding part of the firmware stored in the flash memory 12 is It is rewritten by the restored update program data. As a result, the firmware is updated.

  When there is a bar code that has failed to be read in the continuous bar code reading operation, light and sound indicating a reading error are emitted by the light emitting diode 24 and the speaker 27, and at the same time, the serial number of the bar code is displayed on the liquid crystal. It is displayed on the display 23. In this case, only the barcode with the corresponding serial number needs to be read again.

  The reading process and the firmware update process in the normal operation mode described above are performed by developing the firmware update program stored in the flash memory 12 in the RAM 13 and executing the firmware update program by the CPU 11. Next, the processing function of the firmware update program provided in the barcode scanner 3 will be described.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the barcode scanner.
In addition to its original processing function, the barcode scanner 3 has a barcode update unit 31, a temporary storage unit 32, a read data check unit 33, an operation mode transition unit 34, a serial number check unit 35, an update data regarding the firmware update processing function. A restoration unit 36 and a firmware storage unit 37 are provided.

  The barcode reading unit 31 is a portion that scans a laser beam to read a barcode printed or pasted on a product and obtains data corresponding to the barcode, and reads the barcode in a multi-scanning pattern, It is possible to switch between reading with a single scanning pattern. Accordingly, the barcode reading unit 31 corresponds to the demodulator 14, the laser driver 18, the laser diode 19, the polygon mirror 20, the motor 21 and the lens 22a, the fixed mirror 22b, the concave mirror 22c, the light receiving element 22d, and the like of FIG. .

  The temporary storage unit 32 stores the barcode data read by the barcode reading unit 31 and the processed data thereof, and corresponds to the RAM 13 in FIG. The read data check unit 33 determines the type of the read barcode, checks the version number of the firmware stored in the firmware storage unit 37 and the read firmware, and determines whether the check digit value is normal. . The operation mode transition unit 34 corresponds to the operation mode and the scanning pattern of the barcode reading unit 31 when the read data check unit 33 determines that the barcode type is for firmware update mode transition or normal mode transition. Switch to something.

  When the read data check unit 33 determines that the barcode type is a firmware update barcode, the serial number check unit 35 checks whether the firmware update barcode has been read based on the serial number.

  The update data restoration unit 36 combines the data when all the firmware update barcode data is ready, and decompresses the firmware update data when the original data is compressed. The firmware storage unit 37 is a part that stores firmware and the like necessary for operating the barcode scanner 3, and corresponds to the flash memory 12 of FIG.

  4A and 4B are diagrams showing the types of barcodes, where FIG. 4A shows a firmware update mode transition barcode, FIG. 4B shows a firmware update information barcode, and FIG. 4C shows a firmware update barcode. (D) shows the barcode for checking the version number after the firmware update, and (E) shows the barcode for shifting to the normal mode.

  Regarding the firmware update, the barcode scanner 3 reads five types of barcodes shown in FIG. The firmware update mode transition bar code shown in FIG. 4A has 10-digit mode transition data and a 2-digit check digit. In addition, the value of the mode transition data shown in the drawing is an example. The normal bar code check digit is one digit, but it is prevented from accidentally shifting to the firmware update mode in normal operation by using two unique digits.

  As shown in Fig. 4 (B), the firmware update information barcode consists of a 4-digit barcode division number, a 10-digit rewrite range specification, a 6-digit rewrite version number, and a 2-digit check digit. And have. The barcode division number represents the division number of the firmware update barcode. The designation of the rewrite range represents the start address and end address of the range to be rewritten in the firmware. The rewritten version number represents version information of firmware update data.

  As shown in FIG. 4C, the firmware update barcode has a 4-digit serial number, update program data, and a 2-digit check digit. The update program data can be in a unique format with an arbitrary number of digits and can be extended to about 60 digits.

  As shown in FIG. 4D, the version number confirmation barcode after the firmware update has a 6-digit version number, which is version information of the firmware update data, and a 2-digit check digit.

  As shown in FIG. 4E, the normal mode transition bar code has 10-digit mode transition data and a 2-digit check digit. In addition, the value of the mode transition data shown in the drawing is an example.

  Here, the firmware update mode shift bar code, the firmware update information bar code, the version number confirmation bar code after the firmware update, and the normal mode shift of FIG. 4 (A), (B), (D) and (E) The barcode is preferably printed on the label one by one. As a result, it is possible to prevent an operation error in the firmware update operation. The firmware update barcode shown in FIG. 4C is generally large in number, and it is very troublesome to read all labels one by one. Multiple firmware update barcodes are printed on the paper. This makes it possible to read a plurality of firmware update barcodes continuously.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of generating a firmware update barcode.
The firmware update data of the barcode scanner 3 has a plurality of firmware update barcodes continuously printed on a sheet of a predetermined size. In the example shown in the drawing, 16 firmware update barcodes are continuously printed vertically on one sheet in two rows. The firmware update barcode paper is printed together with firmware version number information, paper number information, barcode serial numbers, and the like for reference by maintenance personnel.

  The firmware update barcode is generated by compressing the firmware update data, dividing it into a predetermined amount of data and converting it into a barcode. When the total amount of firmware update data is small, division and barcode conversion may be performed without compression.

  Next, the processing function of the program that performs the above firmware update process will be described. This firmware update program is stored in the flash memory 12 of FIG. 2, and has the processing functions of the read data check unit 33, the operation mode transition unit 34, the serial number check unit 35, and the update data restoration unit 36 shown in FIG. is doing.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of firmware update processing (part 1), and FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of firmware update processing (part 2). In the normal operation mode, the barcode scanner 3 is assumed to read a barcode using a multi-scanning pattern.

  First, the firmware update program determines whether or not a predetermined switch has been pressed (step S1). If the predetermined switch has not been pressed, the firmware update program waits until the predetermined switch is pressed.

  When a predetermined switch is pressed, the read data check unit 33 checks the bar code read by the bar code reader 31 and determines whether it is a firmware update mode shift bar code (step S2). If the firmware update mode transition bar code has not been read, wait until the firmware update mode transition bar code is read.

  When the firmware update mode transition bar code is read, a buzzer sound indicating that the reading has been performed normally is emitted by the speaker 27, and light emission display by the light emitting diode 24 of a predetermined color is performed (step S3).

  Next, the read data check unit 33 checks the barcode read by the barcode read unit 31 and determines whether it is a firmware update information barcode (step S4). If the firmware update information barcode has not been read, it waits until the firmware update information barcode is read.

  When the firmware update information barcode is read, the read data check unit 33 compares the rewritten version number of the read firmware update information barcode with the rewritten version number stored in the firmware storage unit 37, and both It is determined whether or not the rewritable version numbers are different (step S5).

  When the rewritten version number of the read firmware update information barcode is the same as the rewritten version number stored in the firmware storage unit 37, there is no need to update, so the buzzer sounds by the speaker 27 and the light emission by the light emitting diode 24. Display is performed (step S6), and the process returns to step S1.

  If the number of rewritten versions is different in the determination in step S5, the buzzer sounding by the speaker 27 and the light emitting display by the light emitting diode 24 indicate that the preparation for starting the firmware update data reading is completed (step S7). The scanning pattern is switched from the multi-scanning pattern to the single scanning pattern (step S8).

  Next, the read data check unit 33 determines whether or not the barcode read by the barcode reader 31 is a firmware update barcode (step S8). Wait until

  If the read barcode is a firmware update barcode, for confirmation, a buzzer sounding by the speaker 27 and a light emission display by the light emitting diode 24 are performed (step S) 10, and the firmware update is performed by the read data check unit 33. It is determined whether the serial numbers of the barcodes for use are all different barcodes (step S11).

  When the serial numbers are the same, that is, when double reading is performed, the buzzer is sounded by the speaker 27 and the light emission display is performed by the light emitting diode 24 (step S12), and the process returns to step S9.

  Note that the reading of the firmware update barcode in steps S9 to S12 shows only one barcode reading process here, but actually the sheet shown in FIG. 5 on which the firmware update barcode is printed. Is done continuously. That is, the maintenance staff positions and reads the paper so that, for example, the top barcode in the left column of the barcode printed on the paper is irradiated with a laser beam that scans in a single scanning pattern. After that, by pulling up the paper, reading is continuously performed downward from the barcode directly below the same row, and then the right barcode row is moved from the bottom up by shifting the paper to the side and pulling it down. Can be read continuously. As a result, individual reading of a plurality of barcodes and confirmation by sound and light can be performed continuously, so that the reading time of the firmware update barcode can be greatly shortened. Although not shown, when reading each firmware update barcode, the serial number check unit 35 checks the serial number and the read data check unit 33 checks the check digit value.

  When reading of the firmware update barcodes having different serial numbers is completed as described above, the serial number check unit 35 then determines the number of barcode divisions included in the firmware update information barcode and each firmware update barcode. Based on the serial numbers, it is determined whether or not the barcodes of all the serial numbers have been read (step S13). If there is a missing serial number, this is indicated by the buzzer sounding by the speaker 27 and the light emission display by the light emitting diode 24 (step S14), and the serial number of the unread barcode is displayed on the liquid crystal display 23 (step S15). Based on this display, the maintenance staff rereads the firmware update barcode with the corresponding serial number (step S16), and returns to step S13.

  If it is determined in step S13 that all the firmware update barcodes have been prepared, this is indicated by a buzzer sounding by the speaker 27 and a light emission display by the light emitting diode 24 (step S17). Next, the update data restoration unit 36 combines the update program data portions of all the firmware update barcodes in the order of serial numbers, decompresses them, and expands them in the temporary storage unit 32 (RAM 13) (step S18). To restore.

  Next, the update data restoration unit 36 determines whether or not the check digit value of the restored firmware update data is normal (step S19), and if it is normal, the update data restoration unit 36 stores the firmware stored in the firmware storage unit 37 (flash memory 12). The corresponding part is rewritten (step S20). Next, the update data restoration unit 36 determines whether or not the check digit value of the rewritten firmware is normal (step S21). If it is normal, this is indicated by the buzzer sounding by the speaker 27 and the light emitting display by the light emitting diode 24. (Step S22). Next, the read data check unit 33 determines whether or not the version number confirmation barcode after the firmware update has been read (step S23). Here, only barcodes having the same version number as the rewritten version number of the previously read firmware update information barcode or the restored update program data are permitted to be read. Accordingly, the fact that the barcode for confirming the version number after the firmware update has been read is the same as the version number of the rewritten version number of the firmware update information barcode or the restored update program data. Means that. When the barcode for checking the version number after the firmware update is read, this is indicated by a buzzer sounding by the speaker 27 and a light emission display by the light emitting diode 24 (step S24). As described above, since the barcode for checking the version number after the firmware update cannot be read unless the firmware has been updated, the firmware update is confirmed by reading the barcode for checking the version number after the firmware update. be able to.

  Finally, the read data checking unit 33 checks the barcode read by the barcode reading unit 31 and determines whether or not it is a normal mode transition barcode (step S25). If the normal mode transition bar code is not read, the process waits until the normal mode transition bar code is read. If the normal mode transition bar code is read, the operation mode transition unit 34 shifts to the normal mode. This firmware update process ends normally.

  If the check digit value is not normal in the determinations in steps S19 and S21, and if the version number confirmation barcode after the firmware update is not read in a predetermined time, for example, in the determination in step S23, the firmware update process is normal. The buzzer sounded by the speaker 27 and the light emission display by the light emitting diode 24 are displayed (step S26). If necessary, the cause of the abnormal end is displayed on the liquid crystal display 23, and this firmware update process is performed. finish.

1 POS system 2 POS
3 Barcode Scanner 4 Change / Picking Machine 5 Drawer 6 Optional Equipment 7 Barcode 10 Main Board 11 CPU
12 Flash memory 13 RAM
14 Demodulator 15 RS232C transceiver 15a RS232C interface 15b RS232C connector 16 USBIC
16a PWUSB interface 16b PW-USB connector 17 DC / DC converter 18 laser driver 19 laser diode 20 polygon mirror 21 motor 22a lens 22b fixed mirror 22c concave mirror 22d light receiving element 23 liquid crystal display 24 light emitting diode 25 switch 26 proximity sensor 27 speaker 31 Bar code reading unit 32 Temporary storage unit 33 Reading data check unit 34 Operation mode transition unit 35 Serial number check unit 36 Update data restoration unit 37 Firmware storage unit

Claims (8)

In a barcode scanner that performs barcode reading control according to the firmware stored in the firmware storage unit,
A barcode reading unit that reads a barcode in a multi-scanning pattern or a single scanning pattern and converts it into data;
A temporary storage unit for storing barcode data read by the barcode reading unit;
The type of barcode read from the data in the temporary storage unit is determined, and the version number of firmware stored in the firmware storage unit and the version number of firmware indicated by the read barcode data are checked and read. A read data check unit that determines whether the check digit value of the barcode data is normal,
When the read data check unit determines that the read barcode is a firmware update barcode, the operation mode of the barcode read unit is switched to the firmware update mode, and the firmware version indicated by the read barcode data is displayed. When the reading data check unit determines that the number is different from that stored in the firmware storage unit, an operation mode transition unit that switches the scanning pattern in which the barcode reading unit reads the barcode to a single scanning pattern, and
When the read data check unit determines that the read barcode is a firmware update barcode, all the firmware update barcodes are based on the serial numbers of the firmware update barcodes. A serial number check part for checking whether it is read, and
An update data restoration unit that combines the data and restores the firmware update data when all the firmware update barcodes are read; and
A bar code scanner comprising: The barcode scanner operation mode is shifted to the update mode by reading the barcode for shifting to the firmware update mode.
By reading the barcode for firmware update information, the update program data division number and rewrite version number are obtained,
When the acquired rewritten version number is different from the version number of the firmware before rewriting, switch to a single scanning pattern, perform continuous reading of a plurality of firmware update barcodes,
Check all the firmware update barcode readings,
Combine all the read barcode data for firmware update to restore the firmware update data including the update program data,
Update by rewriting the pre-rewrite firmware with the restored firmware update data,
Only the barcode for confirming the version number after the firmware update including the updated firmware data is allowed to be read, and the barcode for confirming the version number after the firmware update can be read so that the updated version can be read. Check the firmware,
Shifting the operation mode to the normal processing mode by reading a barcode for shifting to the normal processing mode;
A method for updating a barcode scanner firmware.   For continuous reading of the firmware update barcode, the firmware update data is divided into a plurality of the update program data, and a plurality of the barcodes for firmware update, each of which is converted into a barcode, is printed on the paper, 3. The barcode scanner firmware update method according to claim 2, wherein the firmware update barcode printed on the sheet is sequentially read by the single scanning pattern.   All the firmware update barcode read confirmations are performed based on the number of divisions of the update program data held by the firmware update barcode and the serial number of the firmware update barcode. The method for updating the firmware of the barcode scanner according to claim 2.   5. The bar according to claim 4, wherein, in all of the firmware update barcode reading confirmations, if there is an unread firmware update barcode, the serial number is displayed and re-reading is performed. Code scanner firmware update method.   Confirmation of the updated firmware includes the version number of the barcode for confirming the version number after the firmware update, the rewritten version number of the barcode for firmware update information, or the restored update program data. 3. The barcode scanner firmware updating method according to claim 2, wherein the determination is made based on the version number of the barcode scanner.   3. The firmware update method for a barcode scanner according to claim 2, wherein it is determined whether or not a predetermined switch has been pressed before reading a barcode for shifting to the firmware update processing mode. A firmware update program for causing a computer to execute a firmware update process for a barcode scanner,
In the computer,
Determining pressing of a predetermined switch of the barcode scanner,
The operation mode of the barcode scanner is shifted to the update processing mode from the pressing of the switch and the reading of the barcode for shifting to the firmware update processing mode,
By reading the barcode for firmware update information, the update program data division number and rewrite version number are obtained,
When the acquired rewritten version number is different from the version number of the firmware before rewriting, the scanning pattern of the barcode scanner is switched to a single scanning pattern,
By sequentially scanning a plurality of firmware update barcodes on a sheet of paper that has been divided into barcodes and printed by dividing the update program data, the barcode for firmware update is continuously read,
Check all the firmware update barcode readings,
Combine all the read barcode data for firmware update to restore the firmware update data including the update program data,
Update by rewriting the pre-rewrite firmware with the restored firmware update data,
Only the barcode for confirming the version number after the firmware update having the same version number data as the restored firmware update data is permitted, and the barcode for confirming the version number after the firmware update can be read. Check for updated firmware by
Shifting the operation mode to the normal processing mode by reading a barcode for shifting to the normal processing mode;
A firmware update program for executing a process.

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