JP2016162100A - Bar code reader and automatic switching method for reading mode of bar code reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a bar code reader having an automatic switching function for two reading modes of a stand mode and a pick-up mode.SOLUTION: The bar code reader includes imaging means for reading a bar code as image data, bar code data extraction means for extracting bar code data from the image data, and a motion sensor for detecting a motion. When the motion sensor detects the motion, the reading mode is automatically switched from the stand mode to the pick-up mode. When the motion sensor does not detect the motion for a predetermined time, the reading mode is automatically switched from the pick-up mode to the stand mode. Thus, the reading mode is automatically switched according to the use state of the bar code reader, so that the operability of a user is improved.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a barcode reader and a method for automatically switching the reading mode of the barcode reader.

  Bar code reading mode with the bar code reader includes a reading mode (stand mode) that reads the bar code affixed to the product into the bar code reading window of the fixed bar code reader and lifts the bar code reader. There is a reading mode (pickup mode) for reading a desired barcode on a barcode sheet on which a plurality of barcodes are printed by pressing a trigger switch such as a gun scanner in the state (for example, the following patent) Reference 1).

  In addition, as a technique for detecting the movement and switching the mode, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 switches to on-hook (line disconnection) when contact with the human body of the handset is no longer detected after the movement of the handset is no longer detected. Telephone devices have been proposed.

JP 11-328299 A JP 2012-231345 A

  Conventionally, in a barcode reader having two reading modes, the reading mode between the stand mode and the pickup mode is manually switched using, for example, a changeover switch, so that the barcode reading operation suitable for the use situation can be automatically switched. There wasn't.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a barcode reader with a function of detecting a usage situation and automatically switching to a reading mode suitable for the usage situation, and a method for automatically switching the reading mode of the barcode reader.

  The barcode reader according to the first aspect of the present invention is an image pickup means for reading a barcode as image data, a barcode data extraction means for extracting barcode data from the image data read by the image pickup means, and detects motion. As a reading mode for reading the barcode by the imaging means and the barcode data extraction means, a stand mode for reading the barcode in a fixed state, and a pickup for reading the barcode by pressing a trigger switch And when the motion sensor detects the movement, the reading mode is automatically switched from the stand mode to the pickup mode.

  The method for automatically switching the reading mode of the barcode reader on the second side includes a first process for measuring the absolute value of the speed by a motion sensor, and detecting that the measured absolute value of the speed exceeds a threshold; And a second process for automatically switching from a stand mode for reading a barcode with a barcode reading mode fixed to a pickup mode for reading a barcode by pressing a trigger switch when the absolute value exceeds a threshold value. And

  According to the barcode reader of the present invention, when the motion sensor detects a movement, the reading mode is automatically switched from the stand mode to the pickup mode. Further, if the motion sensor does not detect movement for a predetermined time, the reading mode is automatically switched from the pickup mode to the stand mode. This makes it possible to automatically switch the reading mode of the barcode reader in accordance with the usage status of the barcode reader.

The figure which shows an example of the external appearance of the barcode reader of embodiment of this invention Schematic functional block diagram of the barcode reader of FIG. Diagram explaining barcode reading in stand mode The figure which shows an example of the barcode sheet read in pickup mode A flowchart showing a barcode reading process in a conventional barcode reader Flowchart showing the reading mode switching process of the barcode reader of the embodiment of the present invention (part 1) Flowchart showing the reading mode switching process of the barcode reader of the embodiment of the present invention (part 2)

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Configuration of the embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a barcode reader according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  When the bar code reader body 2 is in an operating state, for example, an operation display LED (light emitting diode) 3 that is lit red, a trigger switch 4 that is pressed during bar code reading in the pickup mode, a bar code reading window 5, A buzzer 6 and an interface cable 7 are provided.

  In the back of the barcode reading window 5, an imaging means, barcode data extraction means and the like are provided. The buzzer 6 is provided to notify the success / failure of barcode reading by the barcode reader. For example, when the barcode reading is successful, the buzzer 6 outputs a “beep” sound. "" Is output.

  The bar code reader is connected to, for example, a POS (Point of sale system) device (not shown) via the interface cable 7, and the interface cable 7 transmits the bar code information read by the bar code reader to the POS device. It has a function.

FIG. 2 is a schematic functional block diagram of the barcode reader of FIG.
The barcode reader 20 includes a control unit 21 that controls the whole, an imaging unit 22 for reading the barcode BC as image data, a laser pointer emitting unit 23 that emits a laser pointer according to a reading mode, and an imaging unit 22. Barcode data extraction means 24 for extracting barcode data from the read image data, LED lighting means 26 for illumination, a motion sensor 25 for detecting motion, measuring an absolute value of the speed, and outputting it to the control unit 21 ,have.

  When the absolute value of the speed is input from the motion sensor 25, the control unit 21 compares the threshold value with a preset threshold value, and determines that the motion sensor has detected a motion when the absolute value of the speed exceeds the threshold value. Then, the control unit 21 switches the reading mode from the stand mode to the pickup mode. When a signal for switching the reading mode from the stand mode to the pickup mode is input from the control unit 21, the laser pointer emitting unit 23 emits the laser pointer.

  FIG. 3A is a diagram for explaining a state in which the surface of the bar code reader body 2 fixed by the cradle 1 in front of the bar code reading window 5 is wrinkled. Yes, it indicates that the barcode can be read steadily by directing the surface with the barcode attached in the direction of the arrow shown at the tip of the article held by hand.

  FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating the restriction of the reading angle when the barcode is read by the barcode reader, and the restriction of the reading angle with respect to the x axis, the y axis, and the z axis in FIG. The tilt angle is ± 40 °, the elevation angle is ± 40 °, and the rotation angle is ± 180 °. When reading is performed at a reading angle other than this, reading is not possible even within the reading area.

  FIG. 3C shows a green spot that lights up when the barcode reading is completed.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a barcode sheet read in the pickup mode, and shows an example of a barcode sheet that can be found in a convenience store or the like. On one sheet, a plurality of sets of barcodes linked to the product name and price are printed.

  A convenience store clerk, for example, presses trigger switch 4 with bar code reader body 2 lifted up in response to a customer ordering oden seeds, such as 2 hampens, 2 radishes, 1 boiled egg, 1 bull muscle By doing so, a desired barcode on the barcode sheet is read (pickup mode).

  In the case of barcode reading in this pickup mode, since it is necessary to read a desired barcode from a group of barcodes densely arranged on a barcode sheet, barcode data near the laser pointer is read from image data.

  For this reason, in the pickup mode, for example, a laser pointer such as a cross is emitted, and the desired bar code is read by pressing the trigger switch 4 after the laser pointer is positioned at the desired bar code position. .

(Operation of the embodiment)
The operation of the barcode reader according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described separately for (I) the operation of the conventional barcode reader and (II) the operation of the barcode reader of the present invention.

(I) Operation of Conventional Barcode Reader First, the barcode reading process in the stand mode in the conventional barcode reader will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the stand mode processing in the conventional barcode reader is started, the process proceeds to step S1. In step S1, if the stand mode is ON (Yes), the process proceeds to step S2, and if the stand mode is not ON (No), the stand mode processing is terminated.

  If a change in the captured image is detected in step S2 (Yes), the process proceeds to step S3, where the illumination LED lighting means 26 lights the illumination LED for barcode reading, and the process proceeds to step S4. If no change in the captured image is detected (No), the process returns to step S1.

  In step S4, when the article with the barcode attached is placed in the barcode reading window 5, the barcode data extracting means 24 extracts the barcode data from the image data read by the imaging means. The control unit 21 determines whether or not the barcode reading is OK. If the barcode reading is OK (Yes), the control unit 21 proceeds to step S5, and the read barcode data is sent to the POS device (not shown) via the interface cable 7. And return to step S1.

  If the determination of the control unit 21 is not OK in step S4 (No), the process proceeds to step S6, and the control unit 21 outputs a warning sound notifying the reading failure from the buzzer 6, for example, a beeping sound. Return to step S1.

  Next, based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 5B, the barcode reading process in the pickup mode in the conventional barcode reader will be described.

  When the pickup mode process in the conventional barcode reader is started, the process proceeds to step S11. In step S11, if the pickup mode is ON (Yes), the process proceeds to step S12. If the pickup mode is not ON (No), the pickup mode processing is terminated.

  In step S12, the laser pointer emitting unit 23 emits the laser pointer and proceeds to step S13. If the trigger switch 4 is pressed in step S13 (Yes), the process proceeds to step S14, where the illumination LED lighting means 26 lights the illumination LED for barcode reading, and the process proceeds to step S15. If the trigger switch 4 is not pressed in step S13 (No), the process returns to step S11.

  In step S15, the barcode data extraction unit 24 extracts barcode data from the image data read by the imaging unit 22, determines whether or not barcode reading is OK, and if it is barcode reading OK (Yes). In step S16, the read barcode data is sent to a POS device (not shown) via the interface cable 7, and the process returns to step S11.

  In step S15, if the determination of the control unit 21 is not OK for barcode reading (No), the process proceeds to step S17, and the control unit 21 outputs a warning sound notifying the reading failure from the buzzer 6, for example, a beeping sound. Return to step S11.

  In the conventional barcode reader, since switching between reading in the stand mode and reading in the pickup mode is switched by, for example, a selector switch (not shown), the operation is complicated, and the reading mode can be switched due to a failure of the selector switch. Sometimes it disappeared.

  The operation of the proposed barcode reader of the present invention will be described.

(II) Operation of Barcode Reader of the Present Invention FIG. 6A is a flowchart (part 1) showing the reading mode switching process of the barcode reader according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  When the processing of the barcode reader according to the embodiment of the present invention is started, the process proceeds to step S31, where the control unit 21 determines whether or not the reading is ON. If it is ON (Yes), the process proceeds to step S2 and is ON. If not (No), the barcode reader processing is terminated.

  If a change in the captured image is detected in step S2 (Yes), the process proceeds to step S3, where the illumination LED lighting means 26 lights the illumination LED for barcode reading, and the process proceeds to step S4. If no change in the captured image is detected (No), the process proceeds to step S32. The processing after step S32 will be described later.

  In step S <b> 4, when the article with the barcode attached is placed in the barcode reading window 5, the barcode data extraction unit 24 extracts the barcode data from the image data read by the imaging unit 22. The control unit 21 determines whether or not the barcode reading is OK. If the barcode reading is OK (Yes), the control unit 21 proceeds to step S5, and the read barcode data is sent to the POS device (not shown) via the interface cable 7. The process proceeds to step S32.

  If the determination of the control unit 21 is not OK in step S4 (No), the process proceeds to step S6, and the control unit 21 outputs a warning sound notifying the reading failure from the buzzer 6, for example, a beeping sound. The process proceeds to step S32.

  If it progresses to step S32, the control part 21 will judge whether the motion sensor 25 detected the motion, and when a motion is not detected (No), it will return to step S31.

  In step S32, when the control unit 21 detects a motion by the motion sensor 25 (Yes), the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG. 6B via the connector (A).

  In step S12, the laser pointer emitting unit 23 emits the laser pointer and proceeds to step S13. In step S13, if the trigger switch 4 is pressed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S14, where the illumination LED lighting means 24 lights the illumination LED for barcode reading, and the process proceeds to step S15. If the trigger switch 4 is not pressed (No), the process proceeds to step S33. The processing after step S33 will be described later.

  In step S15, it is determined whether or not the desired barcode reading on the barcode sheet is OK. If the barcode reading is OK (Yes), the process proceeds to step S16, and the read barcode information is transmitted via the interface cable 7. Is sent to a POS device (not shown), and the process proceeds to step S33.

  In step S15, if the determination of the control unit 21 is not OK for barcode reading (No), the process proceeds to step S17, and the control unit 21 outputs a warning sound notifying the reading failure from the buzzer 6, for example, a beeping sound. The process proceeds to step S33.

  In step S33, if the control unit 21 determines that the motion by the motion sensor 25 has not been detected (Yes), the process proceeds to step S34, and if the motion is detected (No), the process returns to step S12. In step S34, the control unit 21 determines whether or not a permissible time (timeout time) in which no motion is detected by the motion sensor 25 has elapsed. The timeout time is set in advance to a time such as 3 seconds, for example.

  If it is determined in step S33 that the motion sensor has timed out (Yes), the process proceeds to step S35. If not (No), the process returns to step S12.

  In step S35, the beam irradiation unit 23 stops emitting the laser pointer, and returns to step S31 in FIG. 6A via the connector (B).

(Effect of embodiment)
The bar code reader according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the motion sensor 25 that outputs a signal indicating that a motion has been detected to the control unit 21 when the absolute value of the speed exceeds a preset threshold value. . When the control unit 21 determines that the motion sensor 25 has detected movement, the control unit 21 switches the reading mode from the stand mode to the pickup mode. Thereby, since the reading mode is automatically switched according to the usage status of the barcode reader, the operability for the user is improved.

  In addition, the control unit 21 sets a threshold for determining whether or not the motion sensor 25 has detected movement according to the usage environment of the barcode reader. This makes it possible to match the motion detection sensitivity to the usage environment.

  Further, in the pickup mode, when the control unit 21 does not detect the motion of the motion sensor 25 for a predetermined time, the reading mode is switched from the pickup mode to the stand mode. Thereby, the reading mode of the barcode reader can be automatically restored from the pickup mode to the stand mode.

(Modification)
In the description of the embodiment of the present invention, for convenience of explanation, the barcode is described by taking a one-dimensional barcode as an example, but the barcode is not limited to the one-dimensional barcode. For example, the present invention can be applied to a barcode reader that reads a two-dimensional barcode such as a QR code (registered trademark).

  In the description of the embodiment of the present invention, the motion sensor is described as measuring the absolute value of the speed, but the motion sensor is not limited to measuring the absolute value of the speed. For example, it may measure acceleration.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to embodiment described above, In the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention, a various structure or embodiment can be taken. it can.

1 Stand 2 Barcode reader 3 Operation indicator LED
4 trigger switch 5 bar code reading window 6 buzzer 7 interface cable 20 bar code reader 21 control unit 22 imaging unit 23 laser pointer emitting unit 24 bar code data extracting unit 25 motion sensor 26 LED lighting unit for illumination

Claims (6)

A barcode reader comprising imaging means for reading a barcode as image data, barcode data extraction means for extracting barcode data from the image data read by the imaging means, and a motion sensor for detecting motion ,
As a reading mode for reading the barcode by the imaging means and the barcode data extraction means,
Stand mode that reads barcodes in a fixed state,
A pickup mode for reading a barcode by pressing a trigger switch;
When the motion sensor detects the movement, the barcode reader automatically switches the reading mode from the stand mode to the pickup mode. The detection of the movement is
The bar code reader according to claim 1, which is performed when the absolute value of the speed exceeds a threshold value.   The bar code reader according to claim 2, wherein the threshold value can be set according to a use environment.   2. The reading mode is automatically switched from the pickup mode to the stand mode when the movement is not detected for a predetermined time from the switching of the reading mode from the stand mode to the pickup mode. The barcode reader of any one of -3. A first process of measuring the absolute value of the speed by the motion sensor and detecting that the measured absolute value of the speed exceeds a threshold;
And a second process for automatically switching from a stand mode for reading a barcode with a barcode reading mode fixed to a pickup mode for reading a barcode by pressing a trigger switch when the absolute value of the speed exceeds a threshold value. A method for automatically switching a reading mode of a bar code reader. The method for automatically switching the reading mode of the barcode reader further includes:
After switching the reading mode from the stand mode to the pickup mode, it is observed whether the absolute value of the speed does not exceed a threshold value for a predetermined time, and if the absolute value of the speed does not exceed the threshold value, the reading is performed. 6. The method for automatically switching the reading mode of the barcode reader according to claim 5, further comprising a third process of automatically switching the mode from the pickup mode to the stand mode.

Images