JP2012063937A - Optical code reading device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical code reading device which allows change of internal setting values without preliminarily preparing many optical codes for setting.SOLUTION: The optical code reading device includes imaging means, optical code reading means, identification means of optical codes for setting change, detection means and setting change means. The optical code reading means detects an optical code from time series images imaged by the imaging means, and reads information indicated by the optical code. The identification means of optical codes for setting change identifies whether the optical code indicates an optical code for setting change which instructs to change setting values, based on the information read by the optical code reading means. The detection means detects a variation between the time series images concerning the optical code detected by the optical code reading means. The setting change means changes the setting value corresponding to the information indicated by the optical code according to the variation.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an optical code reader having a function of reading an optical code such as a barcode or QR code using an image sensor.

  Conventionally, an optical code reader that reads an optical code such as a bar code or a QR code is used by changing various internal setting values according to a use environment, an installation environment, a connected host device (external host), and the like. ing. Examples of the internal setting value include a volume / pitch of an optical code reading confirmation notification sound, a communication protocol with a host device, a reading interval, and an auto power off time.

  As a method for changing the internal setting value, a setting method using an optical code (bar code) has been widely used. First, the operator presses a setting mode start switch provided in the apparatus to shift the apparatus to the setting mode. Next, a plurality of setting change barcode labels prepared in advance are searched for a condition that is used for changing the internal setting value, and are read by the optical code reader.

  The operator sequentially exits from the setting mode by reading the desired setting change barcode and finally reading the setting mode end barcode. The optical code reader changes various internal setting values in accordance with the setting change barcode read during the setting mode.

JP 2002-352182 A

  However, conventionally, in order to change the internal setting value, the operator performs an operation of searching for one of the changing bar code labels from among a large number of setting change bar code labels and causing the optical code reader to read it. I had to.

  The cause of this problem is that a plurality of setting change bar code labels are required for one setting item. For example, five labels such as minimum, small, medium, large and maximum are required for the volume setting item. Similarly, five labels such as minimum, low, medium, high, and maximum are required for the pitch setting item. Accordingly, ten setting change barcode labels are required for only two types of setting items.

  For this reason, as the number of setting items increases and the setting contents (setting stages) become diversified, it is necessary to prepare a large number of setting change bar code labels in advance. It was necessary to find the necessary items from the labels and perform the setting operation.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an optical code reader capable of changing an internal set value without preparing a large number of setting optical codes in advance.

  According to the embodiment, the optical code reader includes an imaging unit, an optical code reader, a setting change optical code identification unit, a detection unit, and a setting change unit. The optical code reading means detects the optical code from the time-series image photographed by the photographing means and reads information indicated by the optical code. The setting change optical code identifying means identifies whether or not the optical code indicates a setting change optical code for instructing a change of a setting value, based on the information read by the optical code reading means. The detecting means detects a fluctuation amount between the time-series images for the optical code detected by the optical code reading means. The setting changing unit changes a setting value corresponding to the information indicated by the optical code according to the amount of change.

1 is a block diagram schematically showing a hardware configuration of an optical code reading device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a functional configuration of the optical code reading device according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the QR code for a setting change in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the setting change code number allocated to the setting item in 1st Embodiment. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of setting change processing of the optical code reader according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows the image reading range of the image sensor in 1st Embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the process of the motion capture part of 1st Embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the process of the motion capture part of 1st Embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the process of the motion capture part of 1st Embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the process of the motion capture part of 1st Embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the process of the motion capture part of 1st Embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the process of the motion capture part of 1st Embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of setting change processing of the optical code reader according to the second embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.
The optical code reader in the present embodiment will be described as reading a QR (Quick Response) code that is a two-dimensional code as an optical code. A general QR code reading method is described in, for example, Japanese Patent No. 2938338 “Two-dimensional code” or JISX0510: 2004 “Two-dimensional code symbol—QR code—basic specification”. In addition, it is also possible to implement | achieve as an optical code reader which reads the optical code | symbol of two-dimensional codes other than QR Code, and a one-dimensional code (barcode etc.). In addition, it is not limited to embodiment described below.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a hardware configuration of the optical code reader 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the optical code reader 1 includes an image sensor 2 for reading an image, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 3 that comprehensively controls the operation of the optical code reader 1, various programs and data. ROM (Read Only Memory) 4 that statically stores data, RAM (Random Access Memory) 5 that dynamically stores various data, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM) 6 that stores various internal setting values, An I / O unit 7 for communicating with the external host 9 and a speaker unit 8 for notifying the operator of the result of reading the optical code and the like by a notification sound are provided.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a functional configuration of the optical code reader 1 according to the first embodiment. Each function shown in FIG. 2 is realized by the CPU 3 executing various programs stored in the ROM 4 and cooperating with each hardware. As shown in FIG. 2, in the optical code reader 1, the photographing unit 11 (photographing unit), the QR code reading unit 12 (optical code reading unit), the QR code identifying unit 13 (setting change optical code identifying unit), the motion Functions of a capture unit 14 (detection unit), a setting change unit 15 (setting change unit), a setting storage unit 16, and an output unit 17 are provided.
The photographing unit 11 reads an image photographed by the image sensor 2. The imaging unit 11 sequentially reads, for example, a grayscale image having a size of 768 pixels vertically and 1024 pixels horizontally in a time series at a rate of 30 images per second.

  The QR code reading unit 12 analyzes the image read by the photographing unit 11 and reads information indicated by the QR code (optical code). The QR code reading unit 12 tries to detect three finder patterns (cutout symbols) arranged at three corners of the QR code in order to identify the QR code from the image read by the photographing unit 11. When three finder patterns are detected, the QR code reading unit 12 determines that the QR code is present in the image, and based on the detection position of the finder pattern, the center position and inclination (angle) of the image corresponding to the QR code are detected. ) Is detected. Then, the QR code reading unit 12 performs a decoding process on the image corresponding to the QR code normalized based on the center position and inclination of the image, and decodes information indicated by the QR code.

  If the QR code identifying unit 13 described later recognizes that the setting QR code is used in the setting change process, the image (including the setting QR code) read by the photographing unit 11 after that is recognized. For (image), only the detection of the finder pattern and the calculation of the center position and inclination of the QR code are performed, and the decoding process is not performed. However, after that, when the detection of the finder pattern fails (when the reading of the image including the setting QR code is completed), the subsequent image is subjected to the decoding process again.

  The QR code identifying unit 13 identifies whether or not the QR code is a setting change QR code based on the information obtained by the decoding process of the QR code reading unit 12. The setting change QR code indicates the start of the setting change process for changing the internal setting value stored in the EEPROM 6 of the optical code reader 1 and the setting item to be set, and the change contents of the internal setting value. Used to indicate. Examples of the internal setting value include a volume / pitch of an optical code reading confirmation notification sound, a communication protocol with a host device, a reading interval, and an auto power off time.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting change QR code according to the first embodiment. For example, the setting change QR code is printed on a setting change card, and is prepared for each setting item of the internal setting value, for example.

  The setting change QR code has specific information indicating that it is for setting change. As this specific information, for example, character information such as “TOSHIBOO EC QR COMMAND LABEL” can be used. The QR code identifying unit 13 indicates that the QR code for setting change is read when the information read by the QR code reading unit 12 includes specific character information consisting of “TOSHIB OO EC QR COMMAND LABEL”. Can be identified.

  The QR code identifying unit 13 uses the numerical value following the identification code “TOSHIBOO EC QR COMMAND LABEL” in the read information as a setting code number for instructing a setting item to be set in the RAM 5 shown in FIG. Is stored in the temporary storage area. For example, when the information included in the setting change QR code is “TOSHIBOO EC QR COMMAND LABEL: 12”, the setting code number “12” is stored in the RAM 5 as the setting change code. The setting change code number “12” is assigned to a setting item related to sound (volume / pitch), for example. In order to prevent erroneous detection, a checksum or the like may be added after the character string.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the setting change code number assigned to the setting item in the first embodiment. In FIG. 4, for example, the setting change code number “13” is assigned to a setting item related to the reading interval, and the setting change code number “14” is assigned to a setting item related to the auto power off time.

  The QR code identification unit 13 functions when the QR code reading unit 12 reads information by decoding processing. If the QR code reading unit 12 only detects the finder pattern (QR code position detection), it does not function.

  The output unit 17 transmits the read information to the external host 18 when the QR code read by the QR code reading unit 12 is identified by the QR code identification unit 13 as not being a QR code for setting change. The output unit 17 causes the speaker unit 8 to output a confirmation sound for notifying an operator or the like that information has been read from the QR code. The reading confirmation sound is generated by adjusting the volume and pitch of the sound according to the internal setting value relating to the volume / pitch stored by the setting storage unit 16 described later.

  When the QR code read by the QR code reading unit 12 is identified as the QR code for setting change by the QR code identifying unit 13, the motion capture unit 14 initializes the position of the setting change QR code at that time. The position of the QR code is detected by continuously detecting the QR code until the QR code (finder pattern) is not detected from the time-series images captured by the imaging unit 11. Detect the amount.

  As the QR code fluctuation amount in the first embodiment, for example, it is assumed that the movement distance and rotation angle from the initial position of the QR code and the size change (enlargement / reduction) can be detected. The motion capture unit 14 is, for example, a temporary storage area in the RAM 5 with the position, inclination, and size of the setting change QR code as the initial position when the QR code identification unit 13 first identifies the setting change QR code. To remember. Note that the initial position of the setting change QR code may be the position of a QR code photographed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the QR code was first detected. The initial position (position, inclination, and size of the setting change QR code) is reset when the QR code (finder pattern) is no longer detected from the image captured by the imaging unit 11.

  The motion capture unit 14 is initialized when it is detected that the fluctuation amount per unit time is less than a predetermined value, that is, when it is detected that the position of the QR code is almost stationary. The position may be changed. For example, the initial position is changed to the position of the QR code at the time point when it is detected that the vehicle is almost stationary. As a result, the initial position serving as a reference for detecting the amount of change in the setting change QR code can be set by the reading operation of the setting change QR code by the operator.

  In addition, the motion capture unit 14 may detect not only that the position of the QR code is substantially in a stationary state but also the amount of fluctuation representing another predetermined special motion. For example, a special movement determined in advance is defined by combining the movement distance (and direction), rotation angle, and size change of the QR code for setting change. For example, various special movements may be detected such that the setting change QR code moves zigzag, moves in a predetermined direction while rotating, or moves while enlarging / reducing.

  When the variation detected by the motion capture unit 14 is larger than a predetermined reference value set in advance, the setting changing unit 15 sets an internal setting value (setting item) corresponding to the setting code number indicated by the setting changing QR code. ) Change the settings. For example, the amount of change detected by the motion capture unit 14 includes a movement distance, a rotation angle, and a size change (enlargement / reduction). When the motion capture unit 14 can detect the fluctuation amount representing the special movement as described above, the setting content determined in advance according to the detection of the special movement may be changed. For example, when the motion capture unit 14 detects that the QR code position is almost stationary, the internal setting value corresponding to the setting code number indicated by the setting change QR code is set to the initial value (default value). You may make it do.

  The data of the internal setting value is written in the setting storage unit 16 provided in the EEPROM 6. The setting storage unit 16 can also be realized by a storage medium externally attached to the optical code reader 1.

Next, the setting change process flow of the optical code reader according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
In the first embodiment, the optical code reading device can execute a mixed reading of a general QR code attached to an article or the like and a setting change QR code for changing an internal setting value. Therefore, when changing the internal setting value, the operator may read the QR code for setting change instead of reading the general QR code.

The photographing unit 11 of the optical code reading device continuously reads an image photographed by the image sensor 2 (Act SPA1).
The QR code reading unit 12 detects a finder pattern of the QR code in order to identify whether the QR code is included in the image read by the photographing unit 11 (Act SPA2). As shown in FIG. 3, the finder patterns FP1, FP2, and FP3 are specific patterns determined in advance for position detection, and are arranged at the three corners of the QR code. When the three finder patterns FP1, FP2, and FP3 can be detected from the image, it can be determined that the QR code has been detected.

  Here, when the finder pattern is not detected (Act SPA2, No), the image reading is continued (Act SPA1).

  On the other hand, when the finder pattern is detected (Act SPA2, Yes), the QR code reading unit 12 calculates the center position and inclination of the QR code based on the positional relationship of the finder patterns FP1, FP2, and FP3 in the image. Calculate and normalize (Act SPA3). Then, the QR code reading unit 12 performs a decoding process on the normalized QR code (Act SPA4).

  Here, when the decoding process is not successful (Act SPA5, No), that is, when the information indicated by the QR code cannot be read correctly, the process for the QR code is terminated and the state returns to the image reading state. (Act SPA1).

  On the other hand, when the decoding process is successful (Act SPA5, Yes), the QR code identifying unit 13 determines whether the information read by the decoding process by the QR code reading unit 12 is information indicating the setting change QR code. Identify. Specifically, it is determined whether character information indicating that the setting is to be changed is included, such as “TOSHIBOO EC QR COMMAND LABEL”.

  Here, when it is identified that the read QR code is not the QR code for setting change (Act SPA6, No), the output unit 17 converts the information read by the QR code reading unit 12 from the general QR code. The read information is output to the external host 9 (Act SPA 7). The output unit 17 causes the speaker unit 8 to output a confirmation sound for notifying an operator or the like that information has been read from the QR code. Thereafter, the state returns to the image reading state (Act SPA1).

  On the other hand, when the read QR code is identified as the setting change QR code (Act SPA6, Yes), the QR code reading unit 12 sets the setting code number following the specific character information indicating the setting change QR code. Decipher. The setting change unit 15 records the setting code number read by the QR code reading unit 12. That is, the QR code reading unit 12 specifies a setting item whose internal setting value is to be changed. For example, when the setting code number is “12”, the setting item for the volume / pitch is set as the change target.

  Further, the motion capture unit 14 stores the center position of the setting change QR code obtained by the QR code reading unit 12 as an initial position in a temporary storage area in the RAM 5 (Act SPA8).

  The QR code reading unit 12 detects a finder pattern of the QR code (Act SPA 10) in order to identify whether or not the QR code is included in the image read by the photographing unit 11 (Act SPA 9).

  Here, when the finder pattern is not detected (Act SPA 10, No), the motion capture unit 14 erases the initial position of the center position of the setting change QR code stored in the temporary storage area in the RAM 5. . Thereafter, the state returns to the image reading state (Act SPA1). That is, after the setting change QR code is read, when the setting change QR code (finder pattern) deviates from the reading range of the image sensor 2, the setting change QR code from the initial position by the motion capture unit 14 is detected. The process for obtaining the movement distance and the rotation angle is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the finder pattern is detected (Act SPA10, Yes), the QR code reading unit 12 calculates the center position of the QR code based on the positional relationship of the finder patterns FP1, FP2, and FP3 in the image. (Act SPA11).

  The motion capture unit 14 calculates the distance (movement distance) between the center position of the QR code obtained by the QR code reading unit 12 and the previously stored initial position, and the calculated distance is determined in advance. It is determined whether or not it is larger than the reference value d (Act SPA12). The reference value d is determined based on the movement distance from the initial position of the setting change QR code in the time-series image read by the photographing unit 11 to determine that an operation for changing the internal setting value has been performed. It is a reference value for

  Here, when it is determined that the moving distance of the setting change QR code in the image is not larger than the reference value d (Act SPA12, No), the setting changing unit 15 does not change the internal setting value. In this case, the image reading state is restored (Act SPA9).

  By preventing the internal setting value from being changed when the moving distance of the setting change QR code in the image is not larger than the reference value d, for example, the reading operation (for example, Even if another action (for example, left → right action) is mistakenly performed before (upward action), if it is noticed and the correct action is performed before the movement distance reaches the reference value d, it will be wrong. There is no setting.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the moving distance of the setting change QR code in the image is greater than the reference value d (Act SPA12, Yes), the motion capture unit 14 determines the initial position and the current position of the setting change QR code. Based on the time series image read by the photographing unit 11, the direction in which the position of the setting change QR code has moved is determined (Act SPA13).

  Then, the setting change unit 15 changes the setting value of the setting item corresponding to the setting change QR code (setting change code number) according to the direction in which the setting change QR code has moved (Act SPA14).

  The internal set value can be set to any value in a plurality of stages, for example. The setting changing unit 15 determines whether to increase or decrease the setting value according to the moving direction of the setting change QR code, and changes the setting value by one step. Therefore, the operator can change the setting value by one step by performing the operation of reading the setting change QR code once. When changing in multiple steps, the same operation for reading the setting change QR code may be repeated.

Here, a specific operation example will be described.
When changing the internal setting value, the operator moves a setting change card in which a QR code for setting change is recorded as shown in FIG. At this time, the setting change card (setting change QR code) is moved in a direction according to whether the internal setting value is increased or decreased.

  When increasing the set value, as shown in FIG. 6, the setting change card (setting change QR code) is moved upward (vertically) with respect to the image reading range of the image sensor 2.

  In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, the motion capture unit 14 stores the initial position of the setting change QR code detected from the image as P <b> 1, and then from the time-series image read by the imaging unit 11. The distance from the detected position of the setting change QR code is detected. When it is determined that the distance D from the initial position P1 to the position P2 is greater than the reference value d when the position of the setting change QR code detected from the image is P2, the setting changing unit 15 Since the moving direction of the QR code in the image is upward (vertical direction), the internal setting value is increased by one step.

For example, when the setting code number is “12”, the setting change unit 15 changes the setting item related to the sound corresponding to the setting code number.
Specifically, when it is detected that the setting change QR code has moved vertically from the bottom to the top in the image, the volume setting value is increased by one step. For example, when the existing setting value is the minimum, it is small, when it is large, it is maximum, and when it is the maximum, it is not changed.

  Conversely, when it is detected that the setting change QR code has moved from top to bottom in the vertical direction, the volume setting value is lowered by one step. For example, when the existing setting value is the maximum, it is large, when it is small, it is minimum, and when it is the minimum, no change is made.

  Also, for example, when the setting code number is “12”, the pitch setting value is lowered by one step when it is detected that the setting changing QR code has moved horizontally from right to left in the image. For example, when the existing setting value is the highest, it is changed to high, when it is low, it is changed to the lowest, and when it is the lowest, it is not changed. Conversely, when it is detected that the setting change QR code has moved in the horizontal direction from left to right, the pitch setting value is increased by one step. For example, when the existing setting value is the lowest, it is set to low, when it is high, it is set to the highest, and when it is the highest, it is not changed.

  Further, when the setting code number is “12”, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, when it is detected that the setting change QR code has moved obliquely from the lower left to the upper right in the image, When the respective moving distances in the horizontal direction are larger than the reference value d, the volume setting value and the pitch setting value are simultaneously increased by one stage. That is, when moving diagonally from the initial position P1 to the position P2 shown in FIG. 8, when the vertical movement distance D1 and the horizontal movement distance D2 are larger than the reference value d, the volume setting value and the pitch setting value are simultaneously set. change.

  Thus, when a plurality of internal setting values (for example, volume setting value, pitch setting value) are included for one setting item, the setting value can be set simultaneously by one operation depending on the direction in which the setting change QR code is read. Can also be changed.

  When the setting change QR code moves obliquely in the image, for example, if the vertical movement distance D1 is larger than the reference value d and the horizontal movement distance D2 is not larger than the reference value d, It is assumed that only the volume setting value is changed according to the movement.

  As described above, in the optical code reader according to the first embodiment, the setting change target QR code can be instructed by reading the setting change QR code, and the setting change QR code can be read. The change of the internal setting value can be instructed according to the moving direction (moving direction in the image). When the internal set value is changed in a plurality of stages, the same operation for reading the setting change QR code may be repeated for the change of the set value. Therefore, even when there are a plurality of setting items, it is only necessary to prepare the QR code for setting change for the number of selected items, and the bar code label for setting change for a plurality of setting values is prepared for each setting item. There is no need to do it. As a result, when changing the internal setting value, it is not necessary to search for necessary items from a large number of labels, thereby reducing the burden on the operator.

  In the above description, the movement distance is detected as the variation amount of the setting change QR code in the image, and the internal setting value is changed based on this movement distance. Alternatively, the internal setting value may be changed. Examples of the amount of change in the setting change QR code include a rotation angle and a size.

  When changing the internal setting value based on the rotation angle, the motion capture unit 14 detects the angle of the QR code for setting change in the image, and in the captured time-series image, the motion capture unit 14 detects the angle from the initial position. It is determined whether the rotation angle is larger than a preset reference value a. When it is determined that the rotation angle is larger than the reference value a, the setting change unit 15 changes the setting value of the setting item according to the setting change QR code.

FIG. 9 shows a state in which the rotation angle of the setting change QR code is detected.
In FIG. 9, the initial position of the setting change QR code is indicated by a broken line. The motion capture unit 14 stores the initial position P of the setting change QR code and records the inclination (angle) in the image of the setting change QR code detected based on the position of the finder pattern.

  Next, for example, as shown by a solid line in FIG. 9, it is assumed that the setting change QR code is rotated in the direction of the arrow (right rotation). In this case, the setting change unit 15 determines to change the setting value when it is determined that the rotation angle from the initial position is larger than the preset reference value a. In this case, the motion capture unit 14 determines the rotation direction of the setting change QR code, that is, whether the rotation is right rotation or left rotation.

  The setting change unit 15 changes the setting value of the setting item corresponding to the setting change QR code (setting change code number) according to the direction in which the setting change QR code is rotated.

  For example, when the setting change QR code for volume setting is rotated to the right, the volume setting value is increased by one step, and when it is rotated to the left, the volume setting value is decreased by one step. Similarly, when the setting change QR code for pitch setting is rotated to the right, the pitch setting value is increased by one step, and when it is rotated counterclockwise, the pitch setting value is decreased by one step.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9, after the initial position of the setting change QR code is set near the center of the image, the setting change QR code is rotated at substantially the same position as the initial position. As an example, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, the rotation angle from the initial position when the setting change card printed with the setting change QR code is moved within the image capturing range of the image sensor 2 is also shown. It may be set as follows.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the motion capture unit 14 stores the initial position of the setting change QR code as P1, and in the image of the setting change QR code detected based on the position of the finder pattern. Record the tilt (angle). Set when it is determined that the rotation angle from the initial position P1 is greater than the preset reference value a when the position of the setting change QR code moves to the position P2 on the arrow in FIG. It is determined that the value is to be changed. In this case, the motion capture unit 14 determines the rotation direction of the setting change QR code, that is, whether it is the right rotation or the left rotation, in the same manner as described above.

  When the internal setting value is changed based on the size, the motion capture unit 14 detects the size of the setting change QR code in the setting change QR code image, and the captured time-series images It is determined whether the size from the initial position has changed from a preset reference value s (change from large to small or small to large). The setting change unit 15 changes the setting value of the setting item according to the setting change QR code when it is determined that the size change is larger than the reference value s.

FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 show the size change (enlargement / reduction) of the setting change QR code in the image.
For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the motion capture unit 14 stores the initial position of the setting change QR code as P1, and calculates and records a value indicating the size based on the position of the finder pattern. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the distance D3 between the center points of the two finder patterns is detected as a value indicating the size. Note that the value indicating the size of the setting change QR code is not only the distance between the center points of the two finder patterns, but also the QR code such as the entire QR code, one finder pattern, one or more cells, etc. It is possible to arbitrarily set using the included pattern.

  The setting change QR code image shown in FIG. 11 shows an example when the setting change QR code is read by bringing the setting change card close to the image sensor 2, for example. In this case, the distance D is relatively long. Then, when the setting change card is moved away from the image sensor 2, as shown in FIG. 12, the size of the setting change QR code in the image becomes smaller.

  At this time, the distance D4 between the center points of the two finder patterns is shorter than the distance D3 at the initial position. If the motion capture unit 14 determines that the difference between the distance D4 and the distance D3 is greater than a preset reference value s, the motion capture unit 14 determines to change the setting value indicated by the setting change QR code. In this case, the motion capture unit 14 determines whether the size of the setting change QR code has changed significantly or has changed.

  The setting change unit 15 changes the setting value of the setting item corresponding to the setting change QR code (setting change code number) depending on whether the setting change QR code is increased or decreased.

  For example, when the setting change QR code for volume setting changes greatly, the volume setting value is increased by one level, and as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the volume setting value is decreased by one level when it changes small.

  In this way, even when the rotation angle or size (enlargement / reduction) is used as the amount of change in the setting change QR code, the same effect as when the internal setting value is changed based on the movement distance described above is obtained. Can play.

  In the first embodiment, the movement distance, the rotation angle, or the size is exemplified as the variation amount in the image of the setting change QR code. However, other variation amounts can be used.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the setting change process for the internal setting value using the setting change QR code is executed by reading the setting change QR code. However, in the second embodiment, an operator or the like is executed. The change of the internal setting value is instructed by operating the setting mode start switch 10 according to the above, so that the setting change process is explicitly executed.

  In the second embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, a setting mode start switch 10 is provided for an operator to instruct execution of setting change processing. When the setting mode start switch 10 is switched on, the CPU 3 starts a setting change process described later. Other configurations are basically the same as those in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of setting change processing of the optical code reader according to the second embodiment. Detailed description of the same processing as in the first embodiment will be omitted.
When the CPU 3 detects that the setting mode start switch 10 has been turned on (Act SPB1, Yes), it determines that the execution of the setting change process has been instructed.

The imaging unit 11 of the optical code reader performs reading of an image captured by the image sensor 2 (Act SPB2).
The QR code reading unit 12 detects a finder pattern of the QR code in order to identify whether the QR code is included in the image read by the photographing unit 11 (Act SPB3).

  Here, when the finder pattern is not detected (Act SPB3, No), the image reading is continued (Act SPB2).

  On the other hand, when the finder pattern is detected (Act SPB3, Yes), the QR code reading unit 12 calculates the center position and inclination of the QR code based on the positional relationship of the finder patterns FP1, FP2, and FP3 in the image. Calculate and normalize (Act SPB4). Then, the QR code reading unit 12 performs a decoding process on the normalized QR code (Act SPB5).

  If the decoding process is not successful (Act SPB6, No), that is, if the information indicated by the QR code cannot be read correctly, the process for the QR code is terminated and the image reading state is restored. (Act SPB2).

  On the other hand, when the decoding process is successful (Act SPB6, Yes), the QR code identifying unit 13 determines whether the information read by the decoding process by the QR code reading unit 12 is information indicating a setting change QR code. Identify.

  Here, when it is identified that the read QR code is not the setting change QR code (Act SPB7, No), the image reading is continued (Act SPB2). That is, in the second embodiment, after the setting mode start switch 10 is turned on and the setting change process is started, only the setting change QR code is read.

  On the other hand, when the read QR code is identified as the setting change QR code (Act SPB7, Yes), the QR code reading unit 12 sets the setting code number following the specific character information indicating the setting change QR code. Decipher. The setting change unit 15 records the setting code number read by the QR code reading unit 12.

  Further, the motion capture unit 14 stores the central position of the setting change QR code obtained by the QR code reading unit 12 as an initial position in a temporary storage area in the RAM 5 (Act SPB8).

  Hereinafter, the processing shown in SPB9 to SPB14 shown in FIG. 13 is executed in the same manner as SPA9 to SPA14 shown in FIG.

  In this manner, in the optical code reader according to the second embodiment, the setting change process can be started by operating the setting mode start switch 10 by the operator. Also in the second embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effect as in the first embodiment.

  In the first and second embodiments, when the information is read from the QR code, a confirmation sound is output from the speaker unit 8, but the change state of the setting value using the setting change QR code is indicated by the operator. A voice message for notifying may be output from the speaker unit 8. For example, a voice message that reads out the setting item name to be changed and the current setting value is output.

  Furthermore, a display device may be provided in the optical code reading device 1 so that the operator can be notified of the setting value change status using the setting change QR code.

  For example, when a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) with a large amount of information that can be displayed is provided, for example, the setting item name to be changed and the current setting value specified by the setting change QR code are displayed. Thus, the operator can confirm the setting value that changes every time the QR code for setting change is read.

  In addition, when a simple display device such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) is provided, for example, when the setting value is increased by one step and by one step by reading the QR code for setting change, By turning on another LED or changing the lighting color of one LED, the operator can check the change state of the set value.

  In addition, in the display device provided in the external host 9, instead of providing a display device in the optical code reader 1, the processing status of the setting change process is notified from the optical code reader 1 to the external host 9. The name of the setting item to be changed, the current setting value, and various messages may be displayed.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the setting change QR code is read as an optical code. However, if the setting item for which the internal setting value is to be changed can be identified, a QR code or the like can be used. It may not be a standardized optical code. For example, a predetermined specific figure, character, or the like can be used. In this case, a function of extracting and recognizing a specific figure or character from the image read by the photographing unit 11 is provided. Then, similarly to the above-described embodiment, the motion capture unit 14 detects a change in an image of a specific graphic or character, and changes a setting item indicated by the specific graphic or character.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Optical code reader, 2 ... Image sensor, 3 ... CPU, 4 ... ROM, 5 ... RAM, 6 ... EEPROM, 8 ... I / O unit, 8 ... Speaker unit, 9 ... External host, 10 ... Setting mode start Switch 11, photographing unit 12, QR code reading unit 13, QR code identification unit 14, motion capture unit 15, setting change unit 16, setting storage unit 17, output unit

Claims (14)

Photographing means;
An optical code reading means for detecting an optical code from a time-series image photographed by the photographing means and reading information indicated by the optical code;
Based on the information read by the optical code reading means, a setting change optical code identifying means for identifying whether or not the optical code indicates a setting change optical code for instructing change of a setting value;
Detecting means for detecting a variation amount between the time-series images for the optical code detected by the optical code reading means when the optical code is identified as the setting change optical code;
An optical code reader, comprising: a setting change unit that changes a set value corresponding to information indicated by the optical code in accordance with the amount of change. A switch for instructing change of the set value;
The optical code reader according to claim 1, wherein the setting change optical code identifying means identifies the setting change optical code when the switch is instructed to change the setting value. The optical code reading means includes
2. The optical code reader according to claim 1, wherein after the setting change optical code is identified by the setting change optical code identifying means, only the optical code is detected. The optical code reading means includes
5. The optical device according to claim 4, wherein when an optical code is not detected from the image photographed by the photographing unit, reading of information indicated by the optical code detected from the image photographed by the photographing unit is resumed thereafter. Code reader.   The optical code reader according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects a moving distance of the optical code as the variation amount.   The optical code reader according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects a rotation angle of the optical code as the variation amount.   The optical code reader according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects a size of the optical code as the variation amount. Take time series images,
The optical code is detected from the photographed time-series images, and information indicated by the optical code is read.
Based on the read information, it is identified whether the optical code indicates a setting change optical code for instructing the change of the setting value,
When the optical code is identified as the setting change optical code, for the setting change optical code, a variation amount between the time-series images is detected;
A setting change method, wherein a setting value corresponding to information indicated by the setting change optical code is changed according to the amount of change.   The setting change method according to claim 8, wherein when the change of the set value is instructed by a switch, the setting change optical code is identified based on information indicated by the optical code.   9. The setting changing method according to claim 8, wherein after the setting changing optical code is identified, only the optical code is detected from the time-series image.   The setting change method according to claim 10, wherein when no optical code is detected from the time-series image, reading of information indicated by the optical code detected from the photographed time-series image is resumed.   The setting change method according to claim 8, wherein a moving distance of the optical code is detected as the variation amount.   The setting change method according to claim 8, wherein a rotation angle of the optical code is detected as the fluctuation amount.   The setting change method according to claim 8, wherein a size of the optical code is detected as the fluctuation amount.

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