JP4066558B2 - Optical information reader - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an optical information reading device that reads optical information such as a barcode and a two-dimensional code, and more particularly to data backup of a memory device included in the device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as one of the product management methods in logistics (logistics), it is described or pasted in advance on products, price tags, cards, outer boxes, etc. at the time of import / export / sorting / inventory management / in-house movement / sales generation etc. of each product By reading an information code such as a barcode using an optical information reader, inputting the information into a host device, analyzing the input information, and sequentially updating a database built in the host device Technology for efficiently managing merchandise has been put into practical use.
[0003]
The optical information reader, which was originally a simple input device connected to a host device or the like via a cable, is configured as a single device that can be freely carried as size, weight, and functionality increase. It has come to be. In other words, the read information code is temporarily stored in the device, and then transferred to the host device, so that the information code that is not connected to the host device via a cable is used. . In addition, since a so-called computer system is built in, it is possible to add functions by changing application programs.
[0004]
This type of device has a built-in battery and operates with this battery. Further, in order to hold the read information code and application program, data in the memory device is generally backed up by power supply from the battery even when the power is shut off.
[0005]
When the power is turned on, the electromotive force of the battery is monitored. When the electromotive force of the battery decreases to a voltage at which the operation of the apparatus cannot be ensured, a notification is made to prompt the replacement of the battery.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, as described above, since the notification for prompting the battery replacement is made when the power is turned on, for example, when the power switch is turned off immediately before the notification for prompting the replacement of the battery is made, the power supply is cut off. Sometimes the battery was exhausted. In that case, the read data and application programs will be lost.
[0007]
Some conventional devices include a main battery and a sub-battery, and when the main battery is exhausted, some power is supplied from the sub-battery. However, the sub battery is generally an auxiliary battery that supplies power so that data is not lost when the main battery is replaced. In this case, the capacity of the sub battery is small. Therefore, in this case as well, if the power shut-off state becomes longer, the sub battery and the main battery are consumed, and eventually the read data and application programs are lost.
[0008]
On the other hand, the use interval of the optical information reader is often considered to be constant. For example, inventory management of merchandise is performed at regular intervals such as daily, weekly, or monthly. Therefore, when inventory management is performed using the optical information reading device, the use interval of the optical information device is constant.
[0009]
An object of the present invention is to prevent the loss of read data and application programs on the assumption that the use interval of the optical information reader is known in advance and becomes substantially constant.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention]
The optical information reading apparatus according to claim 1, which has been made to achieve the above-described object, operates with a built-in battery in a power-on state in which the power switch is turned on. When the electromotive force falls below a predetermined voltage, a notification for prompting replacement of the battery is performed. For example, when the power is turned on, the CPU constantly monitors the electromotive force of the battery, and when the voltage falls below a predetermined voltage, the battery replacement timing is notified visually using, for example, display means. This notification may be performed through hearing using sound, or may be performed through tactile sense by vibrating the apparatus.
[0011]
On the other hand, in the power shut-off state in which the power switch is turned off, the data in the memory device is backed up with the battery. That is, when the user turns off the power switch, the power supply to each unit is cut off. At this time, at least only the power supply to the memory device is continued and the data in the memory device is backed up.
[0012]
Here, in particular, in the optical information reader of the present invention, the user can instruct the data backup period via the instruction means. The backup period is instructed according to the use interval of the optical information reader. That is, the user instructs the optical information reading apparatus as a backup period during which the data in the memory device is to be held according to the use interval. For example, if the use interval is one week, a period of “one week” is designated as the backup period.
[0013]
Then, a voltage setting means sets the predetermined voltage for alert | reporting the battery replacement timing mentioned above according to the backup period as follows. That is, the voltage setting means sets a voltage that becomes a minimum voltage (hereinafter referred to as “required voltage”) necessary for backing up the data after the backup of the data during the backup period as a predetermined voltage.
[0014]
If the data is backed up during the instructed backup period and the data is backed up, the electromotive force of the battery decreases due to the data backup. Therefore, in consideration of the decrease in electromotive force based on the discharge characteristics of the battery, a voltage (hereinafter referred to as “battery replacement voltage”) that becomes a necessary voltage due to the decrease in electromotive force is set as a predetermined voltage.
[0015]
Therefore, if the power switch is turned off before the voltage falls below the predetermined voltage, that is, before the notification is made, even if it is immediately before the notification, the power off period is within the backup period. For example, the electromotive force of the battery never falls below the required voltage. Thus, data in the memory device is not lost while the power is cut off. That is, it is possible to prevent loss of read data and application programs.
[0016]
In the optical information reader of claim 1 described above, when the backup period is not instructed via the instruction unit, a default backup period such as “2 weeks” is set, for example. A predetermined voltage may be set according to a default backup period.
[0017]
However, in the above invention, the notification of the battery replacement timing is earlier as the backup period becomes longer. This means that even if a certain amount of electricity remains in the battery, a notification for prompting replacement is given. Therefore, if a default backup period is set even though data backup is not required, there is a possibility that the amount of electricity that can be used for several hours after the notification is received, which causes a decrease in cost performance. It is possible.
[0018]
Therefore, as described in claim 2, when the backup period is not instructed by the user, the voltage setting means sets the minimum voltage required for the operation when the optical information reader is turned on as the predetermined voltage. It is good to. In this way, when the backup period is not instructed, the optical information reader can be fully used until the battery is exhausted, and cost performance is not reduced.
[0019]
By the way, in setting the predetermined voltage, a decrease in electromotive force is taken into consideration based on the discharge characteristics of the battery, but there are various types of batteries. The battery referred to in the present invention may be a primary battery or a secondary battery (storage battery). A typical primary battery is an alkaline battery, but a lithium battery having a high energy density is also available. Moreover, as a secondary battery, a lead acid battery, a nickel cadmium battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, a lithium ion battery, etc. can be considered. However, if it is assumed that long-term data backup such as one month is performed, alkaline dry batteries or lithium ion batteries with little self-discharge are often used.
[0020]
Even if this alkaline dry battery and lithium ion battery are taken as examples, both have different discharge characteristics. As described above, since the decrease in electromotive force is taken into consideration based on the discharge characteristics of the battery, it is desirable to adopt the configuration as shown in claim 3. That is, the configuration is characterized in that the user can instruct the battery type through the setting means, and the battery replacement voltage is determined based on the discharge characteristics according to the instructed battery type. Is. Thus, for example, in an optical information reader that can selectively use an alkaline battery and a lithium ion battery, a predetermined voltage is set according to the type of battery used. Therefore, notification for prompting battery replacement is performed at an appropriate timing, and the loss of read data and application programs can be reliably prevented.
[0021]
In this way, the configuration in which the predetermined voltage is set in consideration of the decrease in electromotive force based on the discharge characteristics of the battery, specifically stores the discharge characteristics corresponding to various batteries, and based on the discharge characteristics. It is conceivable to realize a configuration in which a decrease in electromotive force is calculated and a predetermined voltage is calculated. However, in consideration of reducing the amount of calculation, as shown in claim 4, the correspondence relationship between the backup period and the battery replacement voltage is stored in advance, and the voltage setting means sets the predetermined voltage based on this correspondence relationship. It is possible to set. This is advantageous in that the amount of calculation for setting the predetermined voltage can be reduced, and the program for setting the predetermined voltage is simplified. In addition, when using different types of batteries as described above, it is only necessary to store the corresponding relationship in correspondence with the type of battery.
[0022]
Although the amount of calculation can be reduced by using such a correspondence, if the user can specify an arbitrary backup period, the amount of data in the correspondence will increase.
On the other hand, even if the backup period can be specified in detail, there is no merit. This is because, for example, the predetermined voltage to be set is almost the same regardless of whether the backup period is 3 days or 4 days. In addition, since the optical information reader is generally used once a month at most, a backup period such as “two months” is rarely designated.
[0023]
Therefore, as shown in claim 5, it is conceivable that the backup period is instructed by the user selecting and instructing a plurality of periods prepared in advance via the instruction means. For example, as a plurality of backup periods, three periods “1 week”, “2 weeks”, and “one month” are prepared, and the backup period can be instructed by selecting these periods via the instruction unit. Keep it like that. At this time, the user who uses the optical information reading apparatus at intervals of 5 days selects “1 week” as the backup period. In this way, it is only necessary to associate a predetermined voltage with each of these three periods of “1 week”, “2 weeks”, and “1 month”, and the data amount of the correspondence relationship is reduced. As a result, the storage capacity can be reduced.
[0024]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the drawings. Needless to say, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the following examples, and can take various forms as long as they belong to the technical scope of the present invention.
[0025]
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a barcode reader handy terminal 1 as an embodiment of the optical information reading apparatus of the present invention.
The barcode reader handy terminal 1 of the present embodiment is a communication for optically communicating with the main battery 13, the sub battery 15, the display unit 17, the input unit 19, and the host computer side, centering on the CPU 11 that controls the functions of the entire apparatus. Unit 21, bar code reading unit 23 as an optical reading unit, notification unit 25 for notifying the user of completion of reading operation, error or abnormality, clock generation unit 27 for generating operation clock of CPU 11, clock 29, RAM 31 and A ROM 33 is provided.
[0026]
When the power switch is turned on by the user and turned on, the main battery 13 supplies power to each unit. As a result, the barcode reader handy terminal 1 becomes operable and can perform barcode reading processing and the like. Further, when the power switch is turned off by the user and the power is cut off, power is not supplied to each part. However, the clock 29 and the RAM 31 are continuously supplied with power, and the clocking function of the clock 29 and the data stored in the RAM 31 are retained even in the power-off state. As the main battery 13, either an alkaline dry battery as a primary battery or a lithium ion battery as a secondary battery is set.
[0027]
The sub battery 15 is for assisting the main battery 13. For example, when the user accidentally drops the bar code reader handy terminal 1 and the main battery 13 is removed, the main battery 13 is replaced, or When the main battery 13 is exhausted, power is supplied to the clock 29 and the RAM 31 instead of the main battery 13. The sub battery 15 is a primary battery or a secondary battery, and in the case of a secondary battery, the sub battery 15 is charged by supplying power from the main battery 13. However, the amount of electricity stored in the sub-battery 15 is smaller than that of the main battery 13, and long-term power supply in place of the main battery 13 cannot be performed.
[0028]
The display unit 17 is configured using a liquid crystal display device. The input unit 19 is configured using a keyboard device, and the user selects and instructs a backup period and a battery type via the input unit 19 as will be described later. Therefore, the input unit 19 corresponds to “instruction means”.
[0029]
The barcode reading unit 23 includes an LED that emits barcode reading light. When a reading instruction is given with the reading port (not shown) of the barcode reader handy terminal 1 facing the barcode label, the barcode is read under the control of the CPU 11 based on the reading processing program. That is, the barcode reading light is emitted from the reading port to the outside, and the information recorded as the barcode on the barcode label is read from the reflected light. Data read by the barcode reading unit 23 is temporarily stored in the RAM 31. The RAM 31 also stores the above-described reading processing program. Therefore, the read data and the reading processing program are held even when the power is cut off by the power supply from the main battery 13 or the sub battery 15. The reading processing program may be stored in the ROM 33.
[0030]
Based on an instruction from the user via the input unit 19, the communication unit 21 collectively transmits data that is optical information temporarily stored in the RAM 31 to the host device. The notification unit 25 is configured using a buzzer and notifies the user of completion of reading operation, an error, or an abnormality. In addition, it is good also as a structure which alert | reports, for example by a vibration mechanism, without using a buzzer.
[0031]
In the barcode reader handy terminal 1 configured as described above, when the power is turned on, the CPU 11 executes a battery replacement timing notification process by interruption based on the system program stored in the ROM 33. In the notification process, the electromotive force of the main battery 13 is monitored, and when the electromotive force of the main battery 13 falls below a predetermined voltage, the notification unit 25 performs notification for prompting replacement of the main battery 13.
[0032]
The bar code reader handy terminal 1 is characterized in that the CPU 11 can execute the voltage setting process prior to the notification process. This voltage setting process sets a predetermined voltage related to the notification timing of battery replacement.
Next, the voltage setting process will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. In this embodiment, it has already been described that the system program is stored in the ROM 33. In addition to the notification process described above, the system program describes a system menu display process and a voltage setting process. Then, a system menu display process is executed by a predetermined operation via the input unit 19, and the system menu is displayed on the display unit 17. The voltage setting process is selected from the system menu and executed. Note that the voltage setting process may be executed from an application program stored in the RAM 31, such as the barcode reading process program described above.
[0033]
First, in the first step S100, the necessity of setting the backup period is confirmed. This process is for confirming with the user whether or not to set the backup period. For example, the display unit 17 displays “Do you want to set the backup period? YES (1) / NO (2)”. The numbers in parentheses shown in the display examples are the numbers of the numeric keys pressed by the user. The same applies to the following description. Here, the user uses “1” (YES) if the backup period needs to be set, and “2” (NO) if the backup period does not need to be set, using the numerical keys on the keyboard of the input unit 19. Press to select.
[0034]
In subsequent S110, it is determined whether or not “1” has been selected. When it is determined that “1” is selected (S110: YES), that is, when a backup period is set, the process proceeds to S120. On the other hand, when it is determined that “2” is selected (S110: NO), that is, when the backup period is not set, the process proceeds to S170.
[0035]
In S120, a backup period selection request is made. Here, a plurality of backup periods are displayed on the display unit 17. For example, “1 week (1) / 2 weeks (2) / one month (3)” is displayed. Here, the user selects “1” (1 week), “2” (2 weeks), or “3” (1 month) according to the use interval of the optical information reader. Therefore, in the next S130, the backup period selected by the user is acquired.
[0036]
In subsequent S140, a battery type selection request is made. In this barcode reader handy terminal 1, either a lithium ion battery or an alkaline battery can be used. Accordingly, here, for example, a display of “lithium ion battery (1) / alkaline battery (2)” is displayed on the display unit 17. Here, the user selects either “1” (lithium ion battery) or “2” (alkaline dry battery) according to the type of battery used. Therefore, in the next S150, the battery type selected by the user is acquired.
[0037]
In subsequent S160, the battery replacement voltage for notifying the battery replacement timing is set as a predetermined voltage with reference to a correspondence table stored in advance.
The correspondence table is as shown in FIG. The battery replacement voltages V1 to V6 are recorded so as to correspond to the backup period and the battery type acquired in S130 and S150. Therefore, any one of the battery replacement voltages V1 to V6 is set as a predetermined voltage based on this correspondence table. Therefore, this correspondence table corresponds to “correspondence”, and this correspondence table is created in advance and stored in the ROM 33.
[0038]
Here, based on the explanatory diagram of FIG. 4, the rules for determining the battery replacement voltages V <b> 1 to V <b> 6 for the backup period and the battery type shown in the correspondence table will be described. FIG. 4A schematically shows the discharge characteristics of the lithium ion battery, and FIG. 4B schematically shows the discharge characteristics of the alkaline dry battery.
[0039]
The voltage V0 shown in FIG. 4 is a minimum voltage required for the clock 29 to function normally and retain the data stored in the RAM 31. The battery replacement voltages V1 to V6 are determined based on the backup period from the discharge characteristics. That is, the battery replacement voltages V1 to V6 are voltages that become the voltage V0 due to a decrease in electromotive force during the designated backup period. In FIG. 4, the backup period of “one week” is shown as T1. Similarly, “2 weeks” is indicated as T2, and “one month” is indicated as T3. For example, when the backup period is one month (T3) in a lithium ion battery, as shown in FIG. 4A, the voltage V3 is determined as a voltage that becomes the voltage V0 due to a decrease in electromotive force in the backup period T3. Others are the same.
[0040]
When the process of S160 ends, this voltage setting process ends.
On the other hand, when a negative determination is made in S110 described above, that is, when the backup period is not set, in S170, the default voltage is set as the predetermined voltage, and then the voltage setting process is terminated. This default voltage is a minimum voltage necessary for the operation of the barcode reader handy terminal 1.
[0041]
The voltage setting processing described above corresponds to processing as “voltage setting means”, and the CPU 11 of the barcode reader handy terminal 1 that executes this processing corresponds to “voltage setting means”.
Next, the effect which the barcode reader handy terminal 1 of a present Example exhibits is demonstrated.
[0042]
As described above, in the barcode reader handy terminal 1, the electromotive force of the main battery 13 is monitored, and when the electromotive force falls below a predetermined voltage, a notification process is performed in which the notification unit 25 performs notification for prompting battery replacement. However, a predetermined voltage for determining the battery replacement timing is set as follows.
[0043]
That is, in the barcode reader handy terminal 1, the voltage setting process shown in FIG. 2 can be performed, a backup period selection request is made (S120), and the backup period selected by the user is acquired ( S130) Based on this backup period, one of the battery replacement voltages V1 to V6 is set as a predetermined voltage based on the correspondence table (see FIG. 3) (S160).
[0044]
The battery replacement voltages V1 to V6 are determined from the discharge characteristics of the battery shown in FIG. 4, and a decrease in electromotive force due to power supply to the clock 29 and the RAM 31 in the designated backup periods T1 to T3. Thus, the voltage becomes the voltage V0. Here, the voltage V0 is a minimum voltage required for the clock 29 to function normally and hold the data stored in the RAM 31.
[0045]
Therefore, if such battery replacement voltages V1 to V6 are set as predetermined voltages, even if the power switch is turned off before the voltage drops below the predetermined voltage, that is, until notification is made, it is notified. Even immediately before the time, if the power-off period is within the backup period, the electromotive force of the battery does not fall below the voltage V0. As a result, the data in the RAM 31 is not lost while the power is cut off. That is, loss of read data and application programs can be prevented.
[0046]
In the barcode reader handy terminal 1, the necessity of setting the backup period is confirmed by the voltage setting process shown in FIG. 2 (S 100), and the user inputs that there is no need to set the backup period. If there is (S110: NO), a default voltage is set as a predetermined voltage (S170). This default voltage is a minimum voltage necessary for the operation of the barcode reader handy terminal 1 when the power is turned on. In this way, when the backup period is not set, the barcode reader handy terminal 1 can be fully used until the main battery 13 is exhausted (until the electromotive force falls below the default voltage). .
[0047]
Furthermore, in the correspondence table (see FIG. 3) referred to when setting the predetermined voltage, battery replacement voltages V1 to V6 are described according to the battery type. The battery exchange voltages V1 to V3 corresponding to the lithium ion battery are determined in consideration of the discharge characteristics of the lithium ion battery (see FIG. 4A), and the battery exchange voltages V4 to V6 corresponding to the alkaline dry battery are: It is determined in consideration of the discharge characteristics of the alkaline battery (see FIG. 4B). In the voltage setting process shown in FIG. 2, a battery type selection request is made (S140), the battery type selected by the user is acquired (S150), and not only the above-described backup period but also this battery type A predetermined voltage is set in consideration (S160). Thus, regardless of whether an alkaline battery or a lithium ion battery is used, a predetermined voltage is set according to the type of battery used, and the replacement timing of the main battery 13 is notified at an appropriate timing. Therefore, loss of read data and application programs can be reliably prevented.
[0048]
In addition, since the predetermined voltage is set with reference to the correspondence table as shown in FIG. 3, the calculation amount is smaller than the configuration obtained by storing the discharge characteristic itself shown in FIG. 4 and calculating the predetermined voltage. This is advantageous in that it can be reduced and the voltage setting processing program relating to the predetermined voltage setting is simplified.
[0049]
In addition, since the backup period is selected from three types of “1 week”, “2 weeks”, and “one month” (S120 in FIG. 2), a configuration in which an arbitrary backup period can be input is adopted. Compared to the case, the data amount of the correspondence table is reduced, and as a result, the storage capacity of the ROM 33 can be reduced.
[0050]
In the above embodiment, the present invention is embodied as the barcode handy terminal 1, but is not limited to the one that reads the barcode. For example, it is of course possible to be embodied as a device that reads a two-dimensional code.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a barcode reader handy terminal according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a voltage setting process executed by the CPU of the barcode reader handy terminal.
FIG. 3 is a correspondence table referred to when setting a predetermined voltage.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a backup period and a battery replacement voltage described in a correspondence table.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... Barcode Reader Handy Terminal
11 ... CPU 13 ... main battery 15 ... sub battery
17 ... Display unit 19 ... Input unit 21 ... Communication unit
23 ... Barcode reading unit 25 ... Notification unit 27 ... Clock generation unit
29 ... Clock 31 ... RAM 33 ... ROM

Claims (5)

When the power is on, the battery operates, and when the electromotive force of the battery falls below a predetermined voltage, a notification is made to urge the replacement of the battery. In an optical information reader that backs up data in a memory device with a battery,
An instruction means for the user to instruct a backup period of the data;
When the backup period is instructed via the instruction means, the voltage is a minimum voltage required to back up the data after the backup of the data in the backup period, and the battery discharge characteristics An optical information reading apparatus comprising: a voltage setting unit that sets a battery replacement voltage determined based on the predetermined voltage. The optical information reader according to claim 1.
The voltage setting means sets the minimum voltage required for the operation of the optical information reading apparatus when the power is turned on as the predetermined voltage when the backup period is not instructed by a user. Information reader. The optical information reader according to claim 1 or 2,
It is configured so that a user can instruct the type of the battery via the setting means,
The optical information reader according to claim 1, wherein the battery replacement voltage is determined based on discharge characteristics corresponding to the type of the battery instructed through the setting means. In the optical information reader according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a correspondence relationship between the backup period and the battery replacement voltage is stored in advance,
The optical information reading apparatus, wherein the voltage setting means sets the predetermined voltage based on the correspondence. In the optical information reader according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The backup period is instructed by a user selecting and instructing a plurality of periods prepared in advance via the instruction unit.

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