JP4134934B2 - Information reader - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information reading apparatus that reads information such as a barcode and a two-dimensional code.

  Conventionally, as a portable handy type code reader, in order to improve reading efficiency and reading accuracy for both a one-dimensional code such as a bar code and a two-dimensional code such as a matrix code, a one-dimensional code reader is used. An information reading device incorporating both a line sensor and a two-dimensional area sensor is used, and a code reader for a one-dimensional code is also used for reading a short distance and a precise code in order to improve reading efficiency and reading accuracy. 2. Description of the Related Art An information reading device incorporating both a suitable line CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor and a laser module suitable for reading at a long distance is used.

  In such an information reading apparatus, as one simple method for appropriately driving two types of reading units, the two types of reading units are driven simultaneously without being selected and the decoding process is performed independently, and decoding succeeds. There is a method of using the code data that has been used as valid (see, for example, Patent Document 1). FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional information reading apparatus.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 1 denotes a first reading unit, which includes a line sensor 3 and a line sensor decoding unit 4 that binarizes and decodes a signal from the line sensor 3. Reference numeral 2 denotes a second reading unit, which includes an area sensor 5 and an area sensor decoding unit 6 that binarizes and decodes a signal from the area sensor 5. Reference numeral 7 denotes a CPU that controls each unit of the information reading apparatus including the first reading unit 1 and the second reading unit 2, and 15 denotes the first reading unit 1 and the second reading unit for the CPU 7. It is a reading instruction | indication part which instruct | indicates the drive of the reading part 2.

In the conventional information reading apparatus configured as described above, the reading instruction unit 15 instructs the CPU 7 to drive the first reading unit 1 and the second reading unit 2. In the first reading unit, the information from the line sensor 3 is binarized and decoded by the line sensor decoding unit 4. When the decoding is successful, code data is sent to the CPU 7. Similarly, in the second reading unit, the information from the area sensor 5 is binarized and decoded by the area sensor decoding unit 6, and when the decoding is successful, code data is sent to the CPU 7 from the second reading unit. .
JP-A-9-319815

  However, in a conventional multi-code reader having a plurality of reading units, when two types of reading units are driven independently to read one barcode, for example, depending on the timing, both of the two types of reading units use the bar code. The code may be read. In such a case, it has been proposed to provide a flag for determining which reading unit has read, but for example, when a plurality of codes are relatively dense, both It is difficult to determine whether the reading unit has read the same code label or another code label.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a convenient information reading apparatus that prevents duplicate reading of the same information.

In order to solve the above-described problems, an information reading apparatus according to the present invention includes a first reading unit and a second reading unit that read information independently, and the first reading unit and the second reading unit. A storage unit that stores information read by the storage unit, and a comparison unit that compares the information read by the first reading unit stored in the storage unit with the information read by the second reading unit. , Detecting whether the information read by the first reading unit stored in the storage unit matches the information read by the second reading unit , the first reading unit from the line sensor Thus, the second reading unit is composed of an area sensor, and reads a barcode as a reading target .
Also, a first reading unit and a second reading unit that each independently read information, a storage unit that stores information read by the first reading unit and the second reading unit, and the storage A first comparison unit configured to compare the information read by the first reading unit stored in the unit with the information read by the second reading unit, and the first reading stored in the storage unit It is detected whether the information read by the unit and the information read by the second reading unit match, the first reading unit is composed of a line CCD sensor, and the second reading unit is composed of a laser type module. The barcode is read as a reading target.

  The information reading apparatus of the present invention ends reading of information when the information read by the first reading unit stored in the storage unit matches the information read by the second reading unit. is there.

  In addition, the information reading apparatus of the present invention notifies that the information read by the first reading unit and the information read by the second reading unit stored in the storage unit match each other. It has a part.

  In addition, the information reading apparatus of the present invention includes a deletion instruction input unit that gives an instruction to delete one of the matched information stored in the storage unit, and the storage unit based on an instruction from the deletion instruction input unit And a controller for deleting information stored in the memory.

  In addition, the information reading apparatus according to the present invention is a setting unit that sets which of the information read by the first reading unit and the information read by the second reading unit stored in the storage unit is to be deleted. It is equipped with.

  In addition, the information reading apparatus of the present invention includes a time measuring unit that measures time information, and a predetermined time storage unit that stores predetermined time interval information, and the control unit includes a first reading unit and a second reading unit. The time information timed by the timekeeping unit is added to the information read by the timekeeping unit and stored in the storage unit, and the control unit further includes the time information attached to the information read by the first reading unit and the second reading unit. When the difference between the time information attached to the information read in step S <b> 1 is within the predetermined time interval stored in the predetermined time storage unit, the information stored in the storage unit is deleted. If the predetermined time interval is exceeded, the information stored in the storage unit is not deleted.

  The information reading apparatus of the present invention can arbitrarily set predetermined time interval information stored in the predetermined time storage unit.

  The information reading device of the present invention includes a display unit that displays information read by the first reading unit and the second reading unit together with time information.

  In the information reading apparatus of the present invention, the display unit performs highlighting when the information read by the first reading unit matches the information read by the second reading unit.

  As described above, the information reading apparatus of the present invention includes the comparison unit that compares the information read by the first reading unit and the information read by the second reading unit, and the information read by the first reading unit. By detecting whether or not the information read by the second reading unit matches, it is possible to prevent the redundant reading of information such as the same code and to provide a convenient information reading device.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of the information reading apparatus according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a comparison determination process of a comparison unit of the information reading apparatus.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a first reading unit, which includes a line sensor 3 and a line sensor decoding unit 4 that binarizes and decodes signals from the line sensor 3. In the present embodiment, a line CCD (Charge Coupled Device) is used as the line sensor 3. Reference numeral 2 denotes a second reading unit, which includes an area sensor 5 and an area sensor decoding unit 6 that binarizes and decodes a signal from the area sensor 5. In this embodiment, an area CCD is used as the area sensor.

  Reference numeral 7 denotes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls each part of the information reading apparatus including the first reading unit 1 and the second reading unit 2. Reference numeral 8 denotes a timekeeping unit built in the CPU 7 for measuring time information, 9 denotes a storage unit for storing information read by the first reading unit 1 and the second reading unit 2, and 10 denotes the CPU7. Is a comparison unit that compares the information read by the first reading unit 1 and the second reading unit 2, and 11 is a first reading unit 1 based on the comparison result of the comparison unit 10. When the information read by the second reading unit 2 matches, the notification unit notifies the outside that the information matches.

  Reference numeral 12 denotes a deletion instruction input unit that gives an instruction to delete one of the pieces of matched information stored in the storage unit 9. Reference numeral 13 denotes a storage unit 9 based on an instruction from the deletion instruction input unit 12. 14 is a display unit for displaying information read by the first reading unit 1 and the second reading unit 2 together with the time measured by the time measuring unit 8, Reference numeral 15 denotes a reading instruction unit that instructs the CPU 7 to drive the first reading unit 1 and the second reading unit 2, 16 denotes a predetermined time storage unit that stores a predetermined time, and 17 communicates with an external device. Is an external device I / F (interface).

  The operation of the information reading apparatus configured as described above will be described.

  The reading instruction unit 15 instructs the CPU 7 to drive the first reading unit 1 and the second reading unit 2. In the present embodiment, a trigger switch is used as the reading instruction unit 15, and when the trigger switch is pressed, the reading instruction unit 15 instructs the CPU 7 to drive the first reading unit 1 and the second reading unit 2. It was supposed to come out.

  The first reading unit 1 that receives the reading instruction from the CPU 7 binarizes and decodes information received by the line sensor 3 from a code such as a bar code, for example, by the line sensor decoding unit 4. The first reading unit 1 binarizes and decodes information from the line sensor 3 by the line sensor decoding unit 4 while a reading instruction is issued from the reading instruction unit 15. When the decoding is successful, the code data is transmitted to the CPU 7. Further, the CPU 7 adds to the code data the current time in units of msec counted by the timer unit 8 which is a timer built in the CPU 7 and a flag (1) indicating that it has been sent from the first reading unit 1. In the present embodiment, X is added to the head of the code data) and stored in the storage unit 9. Further, the information stored in the storage unit 9 is displayed on the display unit 14. In the present embodiment, a 160 × 192 dot monochrome dot matrix LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is used as the display unit 14.

  Similarly, in the second reading unit 2, for example, information received by the area sensor 5 from a code such as a barcode is binarized and decoded by the area sensor decoding unit 6. The second reading unit 2 binarizes and decodes information from the area sensor 5 by the area sensor decoding unit 6 while a reading instruction is issued from the reading instruction unit 15. When the decoding is successful, the decoded code data is transmitted to the CPU 7. In addition, the CPU 7 includes, in the code data, a current time in units of msec that is counted by the timer unit 8 that is a timer built in the CPU 7, and a flag (present book) that is sent from the second reading unit 2. In the embodiment, Y is added to the head of the code data) and stored in the storage unit 9. Further, the information stored in the storage unit 9 is displayed on the display unit 14.

  As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2, the comparison unit 10 always monitors the code data stored in the storage unit 9, and the code data from the first reading unit 1 and the second reading unit immediately before or immediately after the code data. 2 is compared with the code data from the second reading unit 2 or whether the code data from the second reading unit 2 is the same as the code data from the first reading unit 1 immediately before or immediately after. (S101).

  When different code data exists between the matched code data in time series, it is determined that different code labels are read by the independent first reading unit 1 and second reading unit 2, respectively. . Accordingly, it is possible to prevent erroneous determination that the duplicate code label has been read by the first reading unit 1 and the second reading unit.

  Further, the comparison unit 10 is set in the predetermined time storage unit 16 when the code data from the first reading unit 1 and the code data from the second reading unit 2 that are consecutive in time series match. The predetermined time value (unit: msec) is read. If the value is not set in the storage unit 16 for a predetermined time (set to 0 ms), the comparison unit 10 uses the same code data for the first reading unit 1 and the second reading unit 2 independently of each other. It is determined that duplicate reading has been performed (S102).

  Note that the comparison unit 10 determines that the code data from the first reading unit 1 and the code data from the second reading unit 2 that are continuous in time series coincide with each other, and the value is set in the storage unit 16 for a predetermined time. If there is, the difference between the time in msec added to the code data from the first reading unit 1 and the time in msec added to the code data from the second reading unit 2 is calculated. If the difference is less than the time set in the storage unit 16 for a predetermined time, it is determined that the same code data has been read by the first reading unit 1 and the second reading unit 2 which are independent of each other. However, if the difference is equal to or longer than the time set in the storage unit 16 for a predetermined time, it is determined that different code labels are read by the first reading unit 1 and the second reading unit 2 which are independent from each other (S103). .

  Then, by appropriately setting a predetermined time to be stored in the predetermined time storage unit 16, it is possible to determine whether or not they coincide with each other at an interval in time, and whether the same label has been read twice, for example, on another medium It is possible to identify whether another code label has been read as attached.

  In the present embodiment, the default value for the predetermined time is 200 ms. This is based on experience values obtained by experiments in which a plurality of code labels on the same sheet are continuously read while moving the code reader with a hand-held code reader.

  Further, the predetermined time set in the predetermined time storage unit 16 can be changed from the external device using the external device I / F 17. The predetermined time set in the predetermined time storage unit 16 can be changed. For example, when the application is applied to an application having a plurality of code labels on one sheet, the predetermined time is set short. When applied to an application in which movement occurs, such as work, it is possible to make fine settings according to the application, such as setting a predetermined time longer, thereby improving the convenience for the operator.

  Further, by using a non-volatile memory as the predetermined time storage unit 16, the set value can be stored, and the predetermined time can be held even when the information reader is turned on / off, Convenience for workers is improved.

  In the information reading apparatus according to the present embodiment, when the comparison unit 10 determines that duplicate reading has occurred, the CPU 7 stops driving the first reading unit 1 and the second reading unit 2 and performs reading. In addition, the notification is made to the outside through the notification unit 11.

  Thus, by terminating the reading, the operator can know that the duplicate reading has occurred, and the convenience for the operator is improved. In addition, by notifying the outside using the notification unit 11, it is possible to more reliably notify the operator that duplicate reading has occurred, and the convenience of the operator is further improved. In this actual embodiment, a buzzer is used as the notification unit 11 and when a duplicate reading occurs, the buzzer sounds three times at 50 ms intervals.

  In addition, the comparison unit 10 that has determined that duplicate reading has occurred informs the deletion control unit 13 that duplicate reading has occurred.

  Then, the deletion control unit 13 is sent from the first reading unit 1 stored in the storage unit 9 that the comparison unit 10 determines that duplicate reading has occurred according to the setting of the deletion unit setting unit 18. Of the information related to the code data and the information related to the code data sent from the second reading unit 2, the information related to the code data sent from the first reading unit 1 can be deleted manually or automatically. Decide what to do. In the present embodiment, an EEPROM is used as the deletion means setting unit 18, and when the value of the specific address in the EEPROM is 1, manual deletion is performed and when the value is 2, automatic deletion is performed.

  Thus, by providing the deletion means setting part 18, the deletion means according to a use can be selected, and the convenience for the operator is further improved.

  When manual deletion is set as the deletion method stored in the deletion means setting unit 18, the deletion control unit 13 waits for an instruction from the deletion instruction input unit 12. That is, the operator who is informed that duplicate reading has occurred by notification from the notification unit 11 issues a deletion instruction to the deletion control unit 13 from the deletion instruction input unit 12, so that the comparison unit indicates that duplicate reading has occurred. Among the information about the code data sent from the first reading unit 1 and the information about the code data sent from the second reading unit 2 stored in the storage unit 9 determined by 10, the first The information regarding the code data sent from the reading unit 1 is deleted.

  Further, in the present embodiment, ten keys (10 keys with numbers from “0” to “9”) are used as the deletion instruction input unit 12, and the first key is pressed by pressing the “1” key. Information related to code data sent from the reading unit 1 is deleted.

  As described above, when the duplicate code labels are read by the first reading unit 1 and the second reading unit 2, it is possible to prevent the code label information from being stored redundantly.

  Further, as described above, the display unit 14 displays the current time in units of msec measured by the time measuring unit 8 using a timer built in the CPU 7 in the code data sent from the first reading unit 1. And a timing unit 8 using a timer built in the CPU 7 in the code data sent from the second reading unit 2 with the flag indicating that it has been sent from the first reading unit 1 Are displayed with the current time in units of msec timed and a flag indicating that it has been sent from the second reading unit 2 added thereto.

  As a result, the operator can also determine whether or not the information is really to be deleted by checking the preceding and following information and the time when the code label is read, and can more accurately determine whether or not it is duplicate reading. it can.

  When the comparison unit 10 determines that duplicate reading has occurred, the CPU 7 uses a timer built in the CPU 7 for the code data sent from the first reading unit 1 determined to be redundant. The current time in units of msec timed by the timekeeping unit 8, a flag indicating that it has been sent from the first reading unit 1, and code data sent from the second reading unit 2 In addition, the current time in units of msec counted by the timekeeping unit 8 using a timer built in the CPU 7 and a part to which a flag indicating that it has been sent from the second reading unit 2 is displayed in reverse video.

  By doing in this way, the operator can easily confirm the duplicate information, and the convenience of the operator is further improved.

  In addition, when automatic deletion is set as the deletion method stored in the deletion means setting unit 18, the deletion control unit 13 receives a duplicate reading from the comparison unit 10 when it is notified that a duplicate reading has occurred. Information on the code data sent from the first reading unit 1 and information on the code data sent from the second reading unit 2 stored in the storage unit 9 determined by the comparison unit 10 as having been read. Among them, the information regarding the code data sent from the first reading unit 1 is deleted by itself.

  This eliminates the need for the operator to input a deletion instruction, further improving the convenience for the worker.

  In the present embodiment, the first reading unit 1 includes a line sensor 3 and a line sensor decoding unit 4, and the second reading unit 2 includes an area sensor 5 and an area sensor decoding unit 6. However, the configuration is not particularly limited as long as the same code label can be read by the first reading unit 1 and the second reading unit 2.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, although the buzzer was used as the alerting | reporting part 11, as long as it can alert | report to workers, such as LED (Light Emitting Diode) and a vibrator, it does not matter.

  In the present embodiment, the current time is measured using a timer built in the CPU 7 as the timekeeping unit 8, but the time from when the information reader is turned on may be counted by the timer, A timer IC (Integrated Circuit) or a clock IC may be provided outside the CPU 7.

  In the present embodiment, a trigger switch is used as the reading instruction unit 15, but it may be a simple key or a touch panel as long as it can issue a reading instruction.

  In this embodiment, the numeric keypad is used as the deletion instruction input unit 12. However, as long as a reading instruction can be issued, for example, a simple key or a touch panel may be used.

  In the present embodiment, an EEPROM is used as the deleting unit setting unit 18, but it may be another nonvolatile memory or a dip switch.

  In the present embodiment, anything is acceptable as long as a monochrome dot matrix LCD is used as the display unit 14 and information can be displayed.

  Further, in this embodiment, the information determined that the duplicate reading has occurred is displayed in reverse on the display unit 14. However, for example, the information can be highlighted by changing the font or underlining it. It does n’t matter.

  The information reading apparatus of the present invention includes a comparison unit that compares information read by the first reading unit and information read by the second reading unit, and includes a first reading unit stored in the storage unit. By detecting whether or not the read information matches the information read by the second reading unit, it is possible to prevent duplicative reading and provide a convenient information reading device, which can be used in various environments. It is useful as a code reader or handy terminal used below.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information reading apparatus in an embodiment The flowchart which shows the comparison determination process of the comparison part of the information reading apparatus in embodiment The block diagram which shows the structure of the conventional information reader

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 1st reading part 2 2nd reading part 3 Line sensor 4 Line sensor decoding part 5 Area sensor 6 Area sensor decoding part 7 CPU
8 Timing unit 9 Storage unit 10 Comparison unit 11 Notification unit 12 Deletion instruction input unit 13 Deletion control unit 14 Display unit 15 Reading instruction unit 16 Predetermined time storage unit 17 External device I / F
18 Deletion means setting section

Claims (10)

A first reading unit and a second reading unit that each independently read information; a storage unit that stores information read by the first reading unit and the second reading unit; and A comparator for comparing the information read by the first reading unit stored with the information read by the second reading unit; and the first reading unit stored in the storage unit. It is detected whether the read information matches the information read by the second reading unit. The first reading unit is a line sensor, the second reading unit is an area sensor, An information reader that reads barcodes . A first reading unit and a second reading unit that each independently read information; a storage unit that stores information read by the first reading unit and the second reading unit; and A comparator for comparing the information read by the first reading unit stored with the information read by the second reading unit; and the first reading unit stored in the storage unit. It is detected whether or not the read information matches the information read by the second reading unit. The first reading unit is composed of a line CCD sensor, and the second reading unit is composed of a laser type module. An information reader that reads a barcode as a target . The information reading apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the information reading ends when the information read by the first reading unit stored in the storage unit matches the information read by the second reading unit. If the information read by the first reading unit to the storage unit is stored and the information read by the second reading unit is matched, from claim 1, further comprising a notification unit for notifying that matched the 3 The information reading apparatus according to any one of the above. A deletion instruction input unit for instructing deletion of one of the matched information stored in the storage unit, and control for deleting the information stored in the storage unit based on an instruction from the deletion instruction input unit The information reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , further comprising a section. The information reading unit according to claim 5, further comprising a setting unit configured to set which of the information read by the first reading unit and the information read by the second reading unit stored in the storage unit is to be deleted. apparatus. A timing unit that counts time information; and a predetermined time storage unit that stores predetermined time interval information. The control unit counts information read by the first reading unit and the second reading unit by the timing unit. The time information attached to the information read by the first reading unit and the time information attached to the information read by the second reading unit are further stored in the storage unit. If the difference is within the predetermined time interval stored in the predetermined time storage unit, the information stored in the storage unit is deleted, and if the predetermined time interval is exceeded, 7. The information reading apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the information stored in the storage unit is not deleted. The information reading apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined time interval information stored in the predetermined time storage unit can be arbitrarily set. 9. The information reading apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a display unit that displays information read by the first reading unit and the second reading unit together with time information. The information reading apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the display unit performs highlighting when the information read by the first reading unit matches the information read by the second reading unit.

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