JP2020126665A - Sensor integrated bar code reader for temperature or the like - Google Patents

Abstract

To simultaneously and easily read data in a bar code and measure/determine an object by incorporating measuring means such as a temperature sensor into a bar code reader.SOLUTION: A sensor integrated bar code reader comprises: bar code reading means for reading a bar code attached to goods or the like; measuring means of temperature or the like for measuring temperature of the goods or the like subject to temperature measurement; and information processing means for associating information about temperature or the like obtained by the measuring means with information obtained by the bar code reading means, and storing or transferring the associated information. The bar code reader uses temperature correction data included in the bar code, reads the data by the bar code reading means, uses reading operation as a trigger to measure temperature, and can measure correct temperature or the like corresponding to various kinds of products.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a bar code reader having a built-in temperature sensor.

Conventionally, convenience stores and the like have introduced POS systems for product management and customer management.

The POS acquires sales point data, grasps the sales data, and links this with the purchasing data, which enables integrated management of sales, purchasing, and inventory. For example, in the distribution industry such as the convenience store industry, the barcode on the product is read at the cash register, the purchase amount is calculated, the receipt is issued, and the product inventory and sales are managed. These data are transferred online to the headquarters server. At this time, you can enter data such as the gender and age of the customer, and also store the data such as season, date and time, store area, etc., so that you can use the data for marketing, product purchasing, inventory management, sales forecast, etc. can do.

By the way, even when using the above data, at present, when selling canned beverages, PET bottled beverages, etc., it is necessary to manually enter the data whether hot beverages or cold beverages were sold. You can't grasp it unless you do it, and that's how it is. This is because it is not possible to distinguish between hot and cold only by the barcode printed on the product.

It is possible to solve by adding different barcodes for hot and cold ones, but if you print different barcodes on the same product in the stored state, considering the labor of managing product inventory, etc., It does not fit in terms of labor and cost. In addition, at the turn of the season, if the product printed with the hot bar code is sold for cold use, the POS data may manage incorrect data.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-33316 DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-33316 "Portable Thermometer and Food Hygiene Management System" is used as a technique for measuring temperature in order to manage products in a conventional bar code reader or POS system. ", using a portable thermometer with a bar code reader and a thermocouple sensor, pair the position code indicating the number of each work process with the temperature information of the food processed in each work process. There is disclosed a system in which the data is stored in memory and transferred directly to a personal computer device.

However, in this case, the barcode must be read and the temperature must be changed, and the purpose of use is quality control for a specific product in the manufacturing work process. It cannot be used for POS systems that handle various products at convenience stores.
[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-160160 [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-160160 “Food Production Information Collection Management System” collects food history information such as temperature history and equipment used for food production and processing, and automatically records it on a recording medium. However, there is disclosed a food production information collection management system capable of outputting comprehensive management information.

This is a temperature history detecting device that stores the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means together with the measurement time and sends the stored data to a higher-level computer, at least the worker ID, the production facility information, and the input from the input means. A portable data input device that sends data in which product data information and time are linked to a higher-level computer, and temperature history, workers, and production equipment for each product in time series based on the data received by both devices. And a temperature history collecting device having a control means for editing and recording in a recording medium.

However, in this case, the barcode must be read and the temperature must be changed, and the purpose of use is quality control for a specific product in a food processing plant. It cannot be used for POS systems that handle various products at convenience stores.

This is because the measurement result of the temperature of the food in the food processing factory, the information about the worker and the production facility, and the information about the product are only input and managed by each device.

At present, there are some types of manufacturing equipment in which the bar code reader and the temperature measurement probe are completely separated. However, in this case, the reading of the barcode and the measurement of the temperature have to be carried separately.

Moreover, the purpose of use is quality control for a specific product in manufacturing (production), and it cannot be used in a POS system that handles various products.

Therefore, in order to solve the various problems described above, in the present invention, a temperature sensor is built in the barcode reader, and the barcode data reading and the temperature measurement/judgment of the object are simultaneously performed. This makes it possible to easily and definitely input the product data, the date, and the temperature data by integrating them.

Further, another object is to enable accurate measurement by using correction data and the like when reading a barcode attached to a product or the like.

Further, in the present invention, in addition to the combination of the bar code reader and the temperature sensor, by combining the bar code reader and various sensors such as humidity, moisture, odor and gas, acquisition of correction data and acquisition and setting of measurement conditions can be performed. Provide a system that can be easily performed and can judge the measured object from the bar code and judge whether the humidity, moisture, smell, sound, illuminance, etc. are appropriate.

In order to solve the above problems, in the invention according to claim 1,
Barcode reading means for reading a barcode attached to an article,
Temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature of an article or the like to be temperature-measured,
An information processing unit for storing or transferring the temperature information obtained by the temperature measuring unit and the information obtained by the barcode reading unit in association with each other;
It is characterized by being a bar code reader with a built-in temperature sensor, which is capable of simultaneously measuring product data and temperature data.

In order to solve the above problems, in the invention according to claim 2,
The temperature sensor according to claim 1, wherein the temperature correction data included in the barcode can be read by the barcode reading means, and accurate temperature measurement corresponding to various products can be performed. It is characterized by being an integrated bar code reader.

In order to solve the above problems, in the invention according to claim 3,
The temperature measurement area is determined by using the bar code reading success of the bar code reading means as the temperature measurement trigger, and the temperature measurement area can be set by changing the reading focus range of the bar code reader. It is characterized by being the temperature sensor integrated type bar code reader according to claim 1 or 2.

In order to solve the above problems, in the invention according to claim 4,
4. The temperature measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the temperature measuring means can perform measurement by a measuring method suitable for a temperature measuring object according to a temperature measuring condition included in a barcode. This is a bar code reader with integrated temperature sensor.

In order to solve the above problems, in the invention according to claim 5,
The bar code reader is provided with data input means other than the above bar code reading means,
The data read or input by the data input unit and the temperature data measured by the temperature measuring unit are associated with each other, and the information processing unit can store or transfer the data. It is characterized in that it is a temperature sensor integrated type bar code reader as described in No. 4.

In order to solve the above problems, in the invention according to claim 6,
Instead of the temperature measuring means, or separately from the temperature measuring means, a measuring means for measuring any one or more of humidity, moisture, odor, gas, etc. of an article or the like to be measured. ,
Information processing means for storing or transferring the information obtained by the measuring means and the information obtained by the barcode reading means in association with each other is provided,
The bar code reader with a sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the product data and the data obtained by the measuring means can be measured at the same time.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in the invention described in claim 7,
7. The sensor-integrated bar code reader according to claim 1, wherein when the information processing unit stores or transfers information, time information when the information was obtained is added. It is characterized by

In order to solve the above problems, in the invention according to claim 8,
Simultaneously with the reading of the barcode reader, various sensors are constantly measured, and when the barcode reading is successful, the data read by the sensor at that time is stored or transferred in association with the information obtained by the barcode reading means. In this case, the bar code reader is integrated with the temperature sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 2 or 4 to 7, characterized in that the responsiveness is improved.

According to the present invention, the temperature sensor is built in the barcode reader, and the barcode data reading and the temperature measurement/judgment of the object are simultaneously performed. This makes it possible to easily and accurately input the product data, the date, and the temperature data thereof by integrating them.

Further, when reading a barcode attached to a product or the like, it is possible to use the correction data or the like to enable accurate measurement.

Further, in the present invention, in addition to the combination of the bar code reader and the temperature sensor, by combining the bar code reader and various sensors such as humidity, moisture, odor and gas, acquisition of correction data and acquisition and setting of measurement conditions can be performed. Not only can it be done easily, but it is also possible to judge the object to be measured from the bar code and judge whether its humidity, moisture, odor, sound, illuminance, etc. are appropriate.

It is a block diagram showing an example of the basic composition of the system of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a barcode reader in which a barcode reading unit such as a barcode sensor unit and a temperature measuring unit such as a radiation temperature sensor unit are integrally provided so as to face the same direction. It is a block diagram showing an example of another basic composition of the system of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows a barcode reading process. It is a perspective view which shows a temperature measurement process. It is a flow chart which shows an example of basic processing of the present invention.

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

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the basic configuration of the system of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, bar code reading means such as a bar code sensor unit for optically reading a bar code attached to a product or the like by a bar code sensor is provided. Further, temperature measuring means such as a radiation type temperature sensor unit for measuring the temperature of the product etc. at the same time as the barcode is provided.

Further, an example in which a data input means such as a keyboard for inputting POS data and an input key of a cash register is provided is shown.

The barcode reading means such as the barcode sensor portion and the temperature measuring means such as the radiation type temperature sensor portion are oriented in the same direction as shown in FIG. 2 so that the barcode and the temperature can be simultaneously read and measured. It is desirable to be provided so that the same range or overlapping ranges can be measured.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of another basic configuration of the system of the present invention.

In FIG. 3, bar code reading means such as a bar code sensor unit for optically reading a bar code attached to a product or the like by the bar code sensor is provided. Further, temperature measuring means such as a radiation type temperature sensor unit for measuring the temperature of the product etc. at the same time as the barcode is provided.

Further, an example in which a data input means such as a keyboard for inputting POS data and an input key of a cash register is provided is shown.

Further, in the form shown in FIG. 3, a humidity measuring unit such as a humidity sensor unit for measuring the humidity of a product or the like is provided at the same time as the barcode.

Further, an odor detecting means such as an odor sensor unit for detecting the odor of the product etc. at the same time as the barcode and measuring the freshness of the product is provided.

In any of the forms shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, an information processing unit for processing read/measured data and a control unit for controlling the operation of hardware and software. Is provided.

Corresponding to each sensor in order to correct the read/measured data according to a predetermined rule and to perform information processing, in order to correct the data that is the reference for correcting the data and to correct data according to the reference. Then, a temperature correction means, a humidity correction means, and an odor correction means are provided.

Next, storage means such as a memory and a hard disk for storing the processed data, a network communication means for transferring the data via a network such as the Internet and a LAN, and the like are provided.

The display means is a display, a liquid crystal display screen, or the like for displaying when the POS data is input, the amount of money is input by a cash register, and the data is read/measured. However, these do not have to be provided in the bar code reader itself, and it is a normal form to be provided by being connected to the bar code reader. Further, the barcode reader may be connected to the storage means, the display means, etc. by wireless communication.

As the temperature sensor used for the temperature measuring means, conventionally, a contact type and a non-contact type are generally known. The contact type is a method of making a measurement by directly contacting an object, and the sensor configuration is simple and widely used, and typical examples thereof include a platinum resistance temperature detector, a thermistor, and a thermocouple.

The non-contact type is a method of measuring infrared rays emitted from an object and measuring the temperature of the object from the amount of the infrared rays. There is a radiation temperature sensor etc., and an infrared sensor on the front of the main body even from a place about 1 m away. With, the temperature of the object can be measured by receiving infrared rays emitted naturally from the object. That is, the temperature can be sampled without touching the object to be measured at all, and the temperature can be integrated into the barcode reader of the present invention.

The radiation thermometer can measure the temperature in a non-contact manner by capturing the amount of infrared energy emitted from an object according to the temperature.

In the invention according to claim 2, the temperature correction data included in the barcode can be read by the barcode reading means, and accurate temperature measurement corresponding to various products can be performed.

For example, in the case of canned beverages, the barcode is read to identify the product, and the temperature at that time determines whether the product is hot or cold.

If hot/cold determination of canned beverages, the measurement accuracy does not need to be very high. To make accurate temperature measurements, it is necessary to know the emissivity of the object.

The temperature measuring sensor includes a contact type thermocouple type temperature sensor and a non-contact type radiant temperature sensor. In the case of a non-contact type radiant temperature sensor, in order to accurately measure the temperature, it is necessary to know the heat (infrared) emissivity of the object. For cabbage, it is necessary to use the emissivity of cabbage, and for iron and aluminum cans, the emissivity of each must be used.

The data for temperature correction is stored in a storage unit such as a memory provided in the barcode reader or a storage unit connected to the barcode reader and stored in the barcode reader. The correction data can be stored.

As another method, it is possible to adopt a method of inserting temperature correction data in the barcode itself.

If accurate temperature measurement is necessary, the emissivity of the object can be judged and accurately measured by including emissivity correction data in the bar code.

If accurate temperature measurement is required, correct the temperature by including (correction) data of emissivity in the bar code. Usually, the emissivity of infrared rays is about 0.85 to 0.95.

The measurement accuracy can be improved by using the temperature correction data and combining it with the barcode information. If the temperature of the part where the barcode is printed is measured, it is possible to measure the temperature accurately even if the material is not made of a homogeneous material.

Next, in the invention according to claim 3, the temperature measurement area is determined by using the bar code reading success of the bar code reading means as a trigger for temperature measurement, and the reading focus range of the bar code reader. The area for temperature measurement can be set by changing.

For example, the focus range can be changed by a laser marker in order to hit the target at the temperature sampling location.

By using the success of reading the barcode as a trigger, it is possible to perform accurate temperature measurement without making a mistake in the temperature measurement location. The temperature measurement area can be set by changing the reading focus range of the barcode reader.

Further, as the timing of measurement by the various sensors, it is possible to always measure the various sensors at the same time as the reading by the barcode reader and use the data read by the sensor at that time as a trigger for the successful reading of the barcode. In this case, the responsiveness is enhanced.

Furthermore, by measuring the entire temperature or the temperature of the part where the barcode is printed from the instructions written in the read barcode data, you can adjust the beam width of the radiation thermometer to measure You can set things flexibly. For example, if the reading focus range of the barcode reader is set to about 0 to 1 cm, the temperature of the portion where the barcode is printed can be reliably measured.

It is possible to measure more accurately by selecting the material of the part where the barcode is printed and painting the surface with matte black.

You can also control the temperature of refrigerators and storages from the temperature data read from the products.

Not limited to the handy bar code reader, it can be applied to an automatic reading device such as a table bar code reader, an OCR, a laser scanner, a two-dimensional code reader, a QR code (registered trademark) reader, and a handy terminal.

Next, in the invention according to claim 4, the temperature measuring means can perform the measurement by the measuring method suitable for the temperature measurement object according to the temperature measuring condition contained in the barcode.

By describing the temperature measurement conditions in the bar code, it is possible to flexibly indicate the measurement method suitable for the object.

It has a structure with a conventional handy bar code reader and a temperature sensor, and scans the bar code to measure the temperature. By integrating them, product data and its temperature data can be easily and definitely input.

Bar code readers normally scan while power is on. When the bar code is read close to the bar code and scanning is successful, the temperature at that time is measured by the radiation type temperature sensor.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a barcode reading process.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the temperature measurement process.

Further, FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the basic processing of the present invention.

The processing by the barcode reader integrated with the barcode reading/temperature measurement described above will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 4 shows a barcode attached to a product or the like by an operator at a sales site or the like. To scan and read. Information such as a product name, a maker name, and a price can be read by the bar code like a normal POS system. In addition, it is possible to input the quantity and calculate the purchase amount in a cash register or the like connected to the barcode reader. It is also possible to input customer information (sex, age, etc.), and automatically read the date and time by the timekeeping means, and read the area of the store.

Next, correction data such as emissivity and measurement conditions are acquired directly or indirectly from the barcode.

When the barcode is successfully read by scanning, the temperature measuring means is activated by using it as a trigger, and the measurement is performed by the temperature sensor.

If there are other measuring means and input means, the measured data and the input data are also acquired. The measured or input data and the data acquired by reading the barcode such as product information are stored in association with each other.

It is also possible to transfer the data online to a remote location such as the headquarters of the store.

Further, in the invention according to claim 5, the bar code reader is provided with a data input means other than the bar code reading means.

The data read or input by the data input means and the temperature data measured by the temperature measurement means are associated with each other, and the information processing means can store or transfer the data. The data input means is a keyboard for inputting POS data, an input key of a cash register, or the like. In addition, data read from a storage unit such as a memory included in the bar code reader, a storage unit connected to the bar code reader, a data read from a time counting unit having a clock function, and the like are acquired through a connection terminal, a circuit, and the like. Including means. By acquiring the data in association with the data read by the barcode or the measured temperature data, it can be used for product management, freshness management, POS data management, and the like.

Further, the bar code reader may be connected to a cash register or a control device such as a computer device or may be an integrated form, or may be a handy type or an independent type that is integrated with a sensor such as a temperature measuring means. It is also possible to use a bar code reader. A bar code reader or the like having a wireless communication function can also be used.

Furthermore, regarding the measurement of data and the input/acquisition of data, various data other than temperature data can be performed by a sensor integrated with a barcode reader.

Instead of the temperature measuring means or separately from the temperature measuring means, a measuring means for measuring any one or more of humidity, moisture, odor, gas, etc. of the article or the like to be measured should be provided. It is a simple form.

Information processing means for storing or transferring information obtained by measuring means such as humidity, moisture, odor, gas, etc. and information obtained by the barcode reading means in association with each other is provided, and product data and measuring means The data obtained by can be measured simultaneously.

Humidity sensors mainly utilize changes in electrical properties due to adsorption and desorption of atmospheric moisture.

Humidity sensors include dry and wet bulb type, hair type, crystal vibration type, polymer type sensors and metal oxide sensors. Among them, polymer-based metal oxides are small sensors that are compatible with electronic circuits.

In addition to the combination of bar code reader and temperature sensor, combination of bar code reader and various sensors such as humidity, moisture, odor, gas, etc. makes it easy to acquire correction data and acquisition and setting of measurement conditions. It is possible to judge the measured object from the bar code and judge whether the humidity, moisture, smell, sound, illuminance, etc. are appropriate. By inserting the correction data in the bar code, more accurate measurement can be performed.

Humidity control is important for maintaining the quality of stored rice and the storage environment. By combining a bar code reader and a hygrometer sensor, the date, control number, brand and humidity can be known at the same time, the humidity condition of stored rice can be centrally controlled, and the storage environment can be easily maintained and managed.

Even when the humidity sensor is used as the measuring means, more accurate measurement can be performed by using the humidity correction data.

The data for the humidity correction is stored in a storage unit such as a memory provided in the barcode reader or a storage unit connected to the barcode reader, and the humidity such as a correction coefficient is read for each product read by the barcode and determined. The correction data can be stored.

As another method, it is possible to adopt a method of including humidity correction data in the barcode itself.

Also, an odor sensor can be provided as a measuring means.

To determine and maintain the freshness of fruits and vegetables, measure the water content of the fruits and vegetables. Of course, the proper amount of water varies depending on the fruits and vegetables. By combining a bar code reader and a sensor of a moisture meter, the type of fruits and vegetables, the date and the water content can be known at the same time, and the freshness according to the type of fruits and vegetables can be determined from the measured water content.

Even when the odor sensor is used as the measuring means, more accurate measurement can be performed by using the odor correction data.

Data for odor correction is stored in a storage device such as a memory provided in the barcode reader or a storage device connected to the barcode reader and stored in the storage device. The correction data can be stored.

As another method, a method in which odor correction data is included in the barcode itself can be adopted.

In the food and beverage field, "odor" is judged for quality control and inspection of raw materials. For example, it is identification of the type of coffee and the ripening condition of cheese. If a bar code reader and an odor sensor are combined, the date, serial number, cheese production time and ripening condition can be known at the same time, and the ripening degree can be determined and the ripening time can be predicted.

Fruits and vegetables produce ethylene gas and act as hormones that accelerate the ripening of fruits and vegetables. When it begins to ripen, a larger amount of ethylene gas is generated. Some fruits and vegetables produce a large amount of ethylene gas, while others produce a small amount.

By combining a bar code reader and an ethylene gas sensor, the date, the type of fruits and vegetables and the ethylene gas concentration can be known at the same time, and it is possible to determine the degree of aging of fruits and vegetables according to the type of fruits and vegetables from the measured ethylene gas concentration. ..

Acetaldehyde is generated when vegetables rot. When fish and meat rot, ammonia and amines are generated. Some foods generate a large amount of gas, while others generate a small amount of gas. By combining a bar code reader and various gas sensors, the date, the type of food and the gas concentration can be known at the same time, and the degree of spoilage according to the type of food can be determined from the measured gas concentration.

When inspecting vibration noise/abnormal noise such as wear and deterioration during equipment maintenance, by combining a bar code reader and a sound sensor, the date, control number, equipment type and sound can be known at the same time, and the sound of the equipment Centralized management/time series management and its maintenance can be assisted.

In any of the above-described forms, when the information processing means stores or transfers information, the time information when the information is obtained is added so that product management, inventory management, and POS data can be obtained. It can be used for management and other purposes.

In addition, although the examples of the use of foods and other products in the sales field are mainly illustrated, various measuring means such as a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an odor sensor, an illuminance sensor, a voice sensor, a wind speed sensor, a rainfall sensor, a weight sensor, and the like are used. According to this, various applications can be made.

For example, if you combine a bar code reader and an illuminance sensor in an illuminance inspection of a fluorescent lamp in an office building, you can know the date, floor number, room number, model, control number, and illuminance at the same time. Can help with time series management and maintenance.

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, the temperature sensor is built in the barcode reader, and the barcode data reading and the temperature measurement/judgment of the object are simultaneously performed. This makes it possible to easily and accurately input the product data, the date, and the temperature data thereof by integrating them.

Further, when reading a barcode attached to a product or the like, it is possible to use the correction data or the like to enable accurate measurement.

Further, in the present invention, in addition to the combination of the bar code reader and the temperature sensor, by combining the bar code reader and various sensors such as humidity, moisture, odor and gas, acquisition of correction data and acquisition and setting of measurement conditions can be performed. Not only can it be done easily, but it is also possible to judge the object to be measured from the bar code and judge whether its humidity, moisture, odor, sound, illuminance, etc. are appropriate.

Claims (8)

Barcode reading means for reading a barcode attached to an article,
Temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature of an article or the like to be temperature-measured,
An information processing unit for storing or transferring the temperature information obtained by the temperature measuring unit and the information obtained by the barcode reading unit in association with each other;
A bar code reader with a built-in temperature sensor that can simultaneously measure product data and temperature data. In the invention according to claim 1,
A temperature sensor integrated bar code reader characterized in that the temperature correction data contained in the bar code can be read by the bar code reading means, and accurate temperature measurement corresponding to various products is possible. .. In the invention according to claim 1 or 2,
The temperature measurement area is determined by using the bar code reading success of the bar code reading means as the temperature measurement trigger, and the temperature measurement area can be set by changing the reading focus range of the bar code reader. A bar code reader with a built-in temperature sensor. In the invention according to claims 1 to 3,
A bar code reader integrated with a temperature sensor, characterized in that the temperature measuring means can perform a measurement according to a temperature measuring condition included in the bar code according to a temperature measuring object. In the invention according to claim 4,
The bar code reader is provided with data input means other than the above bar code reading means,
A temperature sensor characterized in that the data read or input by the data input means and the temperature data measured by the temperature measurement means are associated with each other, and the information processing means can store or transfer the data. Integrated bar code reader. In the invention according to claims 1 to 5,
Instead of the temperature measuring means, or separately from the temperature measuring means, a measuring means for measuring any one or more of humidity, moisture, odor, gas, etc. of an article or the like to be measured. ,
Information processing means for storing or transferring the information obtained by the measuring means and the information obtained by the barcode reading means in association with each other is provided,
A sensor-integrated bar code reader characterized by being able to simultaneously measure product data and data obtained by a measuring means. In the invention according to claims 1 to 6,
When the information processing unit stores or transfers information, time information when the information was obtained is added, and a bar code reader integrated with a sensor. In the invention according to claims 1 to 2 or 4 to 7,
Simultaneously with the reading of the barcode reader, various sensors are constantly measured, and when the barcode reading is successful, the data read by the sensor at that time is stored or transferred in association with the information obtained by the barcode reading means. By doing so, the responsiveness is improved, and the temperature sensor integrated bar code reader.