JP4312518B2 - Bar code reader - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a barcode reader for reading a barcode.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Bar code readers are widely used as input devices for facilitating the input of various data to computer systems. In particular, in an aging manufacturing site, etc., input operations using a mouse or a keyboard are avoided. Therefore, it is effective to apply a barcode reading device that can easily read data simply by pointing the device toward the barcode.
Conventionally, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a bar code corresponding to a predetermined execution program on a display of a terminal for an unskilled person who operates a keyboard or a mouse, and displays the bar code on a bar code reader (bar code reading device). ) And an input system that executes an execution program corresponding to the code obtained by the reading on a terminal has been proposed (hereinafter referred to as a conventional technique).
As a result, the user can give instructions to the terminal without operating an unfamiliar keyboard or mouse.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-41192 A
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the prior art has a problem that it is necessary to install an information terminal such as a personal computer equipped with a terminal display (hereinafter referred to as a display) for displaying a barcode, and a large installation space is required. In particular, in the manufacturing progress management of manufactured products, there are many manufacturing processes where progress information must be entered, and installing information terminals in each manufacturing process is an obstacle in terms of installation space and cost. Become. Furthermore, in production sites, etc., there are many cases where the usage environment is not suitable for installation of information terminals.
In the conventional technique, when a bar code (see FIG. 4 of Patent Document 1) corresponding to an execution command (“input”, “deletion”, “search”, etc.) is read, it is used for processing the execution command. It is necessary to read the parameters (for example, input target data when the command is “input”) as a bar code separately or manually input from an input means such as a sheet key provided in the bar code reader. There is a problem that the number of operations is increased, and an unfamiliar key input operation is required, so that workability is deteriorated. This problem also occurs when a reading medium (barcode dedicated sheet) on which a barcode is printed (recorded) is used instead of a display that displays the barcode.
In addition, each execution command (process) may be limited in parameters that can be used for the process and combinations with processes executed in the past. Such a restriction can be achieved by controlling (restricting) the barcode to be displayed by the processing of the information terminal equipped with the display device when the barcode is displayed on the display as in the prior art. However, when using a reading medium in which a bar code is recorded instead of a display, the operator must be proficient not to use it beyond the limit, or otherwise such a processing program for an execution command should be There is a problem that the processing program becomes complicated because a function for checking the restriction has to be incorporated.
Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a bar code reader capable of realizing an input system that requires no installation space and can be easily operated even by an unskilled operator. There is to do.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a barcode reader having barcode reading means for reading a barcode from a read medium, wherein each of one or more barcodes recorded on the read medium is a predetermined number. A command part representing a process and a parameter part representing a parameter used for the process corresponding to the command part, and extracting the command part and the parameter part from one barcode read by the barcode reading means; Code extraction means; first command execution means for executing processing corresponding to the command portion using the parameter portion as a parameter based on an extraction result by the code extraction means;FirstExecution history storage means for storing execution history information by the command execution means; second command execution means for executing processing corresponding to the command part extracted by the code extraction means using the execution history information as a parameter; , With, Controlling whether the second command execution means executes processing corresponding to the command part extracted by the code extraction means in accordance with the previous execution history information by the first command execution means BecomeIt is comprised as a barcode reader characterized by this.
  With this configuration, it is possible to construct a space-saving information input system that does not require an information terminal or the like to be installed at each information input location. Further, since the command portion and the parameter portion are integrally formed in one barcode, the barcode of the command portion and the barcode of the parameter portion used for processing corresponding to the command portion can be read at a time. As a result, the number of barcode reading operations can be reduced, and workability is improved. In addition, since it is not necessary for the operator to be aware of restrictions on the combinations of commands (processing) and corresponding parameters or to reflect them in the functions of the execution program, the operator is not used beyond the limits. Thus, it does not impose a skill or complicate the check processing in the processing program.
[0006]
  In addition, the second command execution means can incorporate, for example, a function for checking a restriction on a combination with a command (process) executed in the past in a process corresponding to the command, and an operator can perform an incorrect operation. Can prevent incorrect processing from being executed.
MaSaid,FirstWhen a process corresponding to the command part extracted by the code extraction unit is not executed by the second command execution unit according to the previous execution history information by the command execution unit, a predetermined alarm notification is sent. It is also conceivable to provide alarm notification means for performing.
[0007]
  In addition, a predetermined data storage means is provided, and the processing corresponding to the command part records information corresponding to the parameter part in the data storage means, deletes or changes information recorded in the data storage means, or A process relating to one or more of the displays on the predetermined display means can be considered.
  In this case, for example, the information corresponding to the parameter part may be information on the manufacturing progress of a predetermined manufactured product such as start, completion, interruption, or restart of the manufacturing process. Further, the medium to be read flows along the manufacturing line along with the manufactured product.as well asMedia placed in each manufacturing processOne or both ofWhat can be considered.
  In a progress information input system for manufacturing progress management of manufactured products, there are many cases where a number of manufacturing processes where information needs to be input are dispersed or use environment that is not suitable for installation of information terminals. Applying the present invention to such an object is particularly suitable because it is not necessary to install an information terminal or the like at each information input place.
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments and examples of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings so that the present invention can be understood. It should be noted that the following embodiments and examples are examples embodying the present invention, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the barcode reader X according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows a configuration of a command table related to correspondence between commands and execution programs in the barcode reader X. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a bar code recording sheet on which a bar code read by the bar code reader X is recorded, and FIG. 4 illustrates processing procedures of bar code reading and command execution by the bar code reader X. It is a flowchart to represent.
[0009]
First, the configuration of the barcode reader X according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This barcode reading device X reads a barcode from a barcode recording sheet on which a code (information) relating to the production progress of a predetermined product is recorded as a barcode at a manufacturing site, thereby producing a history of the production progress of the product. This is a portable barcode reader used for management and related processing.
As shown in FIG. 1, a bar code reader X reads a bar code from a bar code recording sheet (read medium) and converts the recorded code into electronic data. A reading bar code temporary storage unit 2 for temporarily storing a code (hereinafter referred to as a reading code) read by the unit 1 (converted into electronic data), and a command code constituting the part of the reading code (the command unit) ) And a command table storage unit 3 that is a storage means for storing a data table (hereinafter referred to as a command table) relating to an association with the execution program corresponding to the command code, and the execution program in the past (previous) Execution instructions that are storage means for recording execution history information related to the processing contents executed by The storage unit 4 (an example of the execution history storage unit), the program storage unit 5 which is a storage unit storing a plurality of the execution programs, and the CPU and its peripheral devices, which execution program is to be executed An execution program control unit 6 that controls the above and execution of the execution program, and a progress storage unit 7 (an example of the data storage unit) that is a storage unit that records information related to the manufacturing progress of the manufactured product by executing the execution program A display operation unit 8 including a display unit such as a liquid crystal panel for displaying an execution result of the execution program by the execution program control unit 6 and an input unit such as a sheet key for performing an operation input to the execution program control unit 6; , Perform wired or wireless data communication with an upper computer such as a personal computer, and the upper computer And writing of the execution program of the program storage unit 5, and a communication interface for transmission to the host computer for recording information of the progress storage section 7 (communication I / F9).
[0010]
Next, the configuration of the command table Tc will be described with reference to FIG.
In the command table Tc, a command code d1 constituting a part of a barcode recorded on a barcode recording sheet (FIG. 3) to be described later, and a barcode including the command code d1 are stored in the barcode reading unit 1. Are associated with the identification information d2 of the execution program to be executed when read by the above, the parameter type information d3 of the parameter used to execute the execution program, and the executable condition d4 relating to the condition for restricting the execution of the execution program. It is registered.
Here, in the executable condition d4, when there is no restriction condition, the symbol “-” representing that fact is displayed only when a predetermined execution program is executed in the previous time (a past example). If there is a restriction condition that the program can be executed, the command code d1 of the execution program that should be executed last time is set. In the example shown in FIG. 2, since the command code “IN” is set as the executable condition d4 in the machine change program (command code d1 = “CH”), the machine change program can be executed last time. It is shown that only when the progress registration program (command code d1 = “IN”) is being executed.
In the example shown in FIG. 2, for the sake of convenience, the identification information d2 of the execution program and the type information d3 of the parameter are shown in Japanese, but usually the start address or predetermined symbol in the program storage unit 5 of the execution program is shown. Etc. are stored in the format.
[0011]
Next, using the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, the barcode reading process and command execution procedure by the barcode reading apparatus X will be described. In the following, S1, S2,... Represent processing procedure (step) numbers.
First, the execution program control unit 6 monitors whether or not a barcode input (reading) has been received from the barcode reading unit 1 (S1), and if a barcode input is detected, the execution barcode control unit 6 The corresponding symbol) is stored in the read barcode temporary storage unit 2 (S2).
Next, the execution program control unit 6 uses a temporarily stored bar code, a command code d1 (command part) representing a predetermined process, and a parameter code (parameter part) representing a parameter used for the process corresponding to the command code, Is extracted (S3). In this extraction, for example, a predetermined delimiter is identified from all codes, and is divided into one or a plurality of code parts, and the code part at a predetermined position (for example, the head) is changed to the command code d1, other code. Part is extracted as the parameter code (an example of processing of the code extraction means). If the code extraction is successful, the command table Tc is referenced (inspected) to check whether the same command code as the extracted command code is registered (S5).
Here, when the extracted command code d1 is registered in the command table Tc, the execution program control unit 6 and the command code d1 corresponding to the execution program executed in the previous (past) time The parameter code used at that time is read from the execution instruction storage unit 4 (S7), and the related information (d2, d3, d4) of the command code d1 (command code extracted in S3) is further read from the command table Tc. Read (S8).
[0012]
Next, the execution program control unit 6 executes a confirmation process (S9) of the executable condition d4 in the related information.
In this process, first, it is checked whether or not the command code d1 is set in the executable condition d4. If it is not set, it is determined as “permitted” (no restriction condition). Further, when the command code d1 is set, the command code d1 is checked for coincidence with the command code d1 of the previously executed execution program read from the execution instruction storage unit 4. In this case, it is determined as “permitted” (restriction condition cleared). In other cases, it is determined as “prohibited” (execution prohibited).
[0013]
If it is determined as “permitted” in S9, the execution program control unit 6 obtains the command code d1 at that time and the parameter code that is the code of the remaining part of the bar code extracted in S3. Write to the execution instruction storage unit 4 (S11). At this time, only the latest predetermined number of recorded information remains, and the previous recorded information is erased.
Further, the execution program control unit 6 calls (reads) the execution program corresponding to the command code d1 at that time from the program storage unit 5, and the execution code storage unit when necessary. 4, the parameter code stored in the past is delivered and executed (S 13, an example of processing of the first and second command execution means). When the processing by the execution program ends, the process returns to S1 and the above-described processing is repeated. Here, delivery of the parameter code may be performed, for example, via the read barcode temporary storage unit 2.
[0014]
On the other hand, if the extraction of the command code d1 or the like fails in S3, or if it is determined in S5 that the command code d1 extracted in S3 is not registered in the command table Tc, the previous program control is executed. After a predetermined process (not subject bar code process) such as an alarm notification to the display operation unit 8 is executed by the unit 6 (S6), the process returns to S1 and the above-described process is repeated.
Further, even when it is determined as “prohibited” in the confirmation process of the executable condition d4 in S9, predetermined processing (execution prohibition error processing) such as alarm notification to the display operation unit 8 is executed (S10). Thereafter, the process returns to S1 and the above-described processing is repeated.
[0015]
Next, an example of recorded contents of a barcode recording sheet and an example of processing based on the barcode will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3A is an example of the process sheet B1 which is a barcode recording sheet used for recording (erasing) the progress of the manufacturing progress of a certain product (manufacturing number: 030123) flowing through the manufacturing line.
As shown in FIG. 3A, the process sheet B1 includes a process number d11 (process order) and a process name d12 (processing order) of one or a plurality of manufacturing processes when the manufactured product flows through the manufacturing line. Equipment names and the like are recorded in association with each other, and each manufacturing process (d11, d12) is divided into a plurality of progress items d13 such as “Start”, “Complete”, “Suspend”, and “Resume”. For each combination of the manufacturing process (d11, d12) and the progress item d13, a bar code corresponding to the content is recorded.
For example, “IN-030123 # 1-5G-TYA” is included in the item of “start” in the manufacturing process of process number d11 = “01” and process name d11 = “machine No. 5” shown in FIG. A code (symbol) and a bar code representing it are recorded. This bar code includes a command code “IN” indicating that a progress information registration (recording) process should be executed (representing a process of recording a subsequent parameter code as progress information in the progress storage unit 7), and the process The three parameter codes “030123 # 1” (representing the production number and process number), “5G” (representing the process name), “TYA” (starting) And the delimiter “−”. Similarly, codes (symbols) and bar codes corresponding to the combinations are also recorded at positions corresponding to combinations of other manufacturing steps (d11, d12) and progress items d13. Incidentally, the parameter code “KAN” in FIG. 3A represents “complete”, and “TYU” represents “suspend”. The process sheet B1 may be composed of a plurality of sheets as necessary.
[0016]
The process sheet B1 flows through the manufacturing line together with the manufactured product when the corresponding manufactured product flows through the manufacturing line. As a result, when the manufactured product arrives at a certain manufacturing process and the process is started, the barcode of the item “Start” of the manufacturing process (d11, d12) in the process sheet B1 that arrives accompanying the When read by the bar code reading device X, the three parameter codes (or information corresponding thereto) in the first half are recorded in the progress storage unit 7 together with the date / time information.
The manufacturing progress information recorded in the progress storage unit 7 is transmitted to the upper computer by the communication I / F 9 periodically or by a predetermined operation of the display operation unit 8 by an operator. Registered in the progress database. If this progress database is used, manufacturing progress management becomes possible.
[0017]
FIG. 3B changes the recorded content of the manufacturing progress information when there is a change in the manufacturing process of the manufactured product from the process scheduled in advance (that is, the manufacturing process recorded in the process sheet B1). This is an example of the machine input sheet B2, which is a bar code recording sheet used when the recorded manufacturing progress information is referred to or deleted. This number machine input sheet B2 is arrange | positioned at each manufacturing process (machine side etc. of manufacturing equipment).
For example, in the process sheet B1 shown in FIG. 3A, when the process with the process number d12 = “01” is changed from “No. 5 machine” to “No. 1 machine”, the following process is performed. Is called. In the following description, only the characteristic part in the process of FIG. 4 described above will be described with a specific example, and the part not described below is not executed in the process shown in FIG.
[0018]
First, the bar code reading device X reads the bar code of the item “start” of the process number d12 = “01”, which is the change target of the process sheet B1, by the operation of the operator.
Thereby, in the barcode reader X, the command code d1 “IN” of the barcode and the remaining parameter codes “030123 # 1”, “5G”, “TYA” are stored in the execution instruction memory. Is recorded in the unit 4 (the process of S11 in FIG. 4). Further, the process corresponding to the command code “IN”, that is, the parameter code “030123 # 1”, “5G”, “TYA” of the bar code or the information corresponding thereto together with the date / time information at that time, the manufacturing progress information Is recorded in the progress storage unit 7 (an example of the process of S13 in FIG. 4).
[0019]
Next, the bar code reading device X reads the bar code of the item “change unit” of the No. input sheet B2 by the operation of the operator.
As a result, the command table Tc (FIG. 2) is referred to in the bar code reader X, and the command set as the executable condition d4 of the command code d1 “IN” of the read bar code. The process corresponding to the command code “CH” after confirming that the code “IN” matches the previous command code “IN” stored in the execution instruction storage unit 4 (the process of S9 in FIG. 4). Is executed (the process of S13 in FIG. 4). Specifically, the parameter code “030123 # 1”, “5G”, “TYA” or the information corresponding to the parameter code “030123 # 1” previously recorded in the progress storage unit 7 corresponds to the process name d12 (unit). The portion “5G” is updated to the parameter code “5G” of the barcode read from the number machine input sheet B2 or information corresponding thereto (processing of S13 in FIG. 4). Thereby, even when there is a change in the manufacturing process from the content recorded in the process sheet B1, correct manufacturing progress information can be recorded by an easy operation.
[0020]
In addition, when an erroneous barcode is read from the process sheet B1, the barcode of the item “deletion of progress” (the command code is “DEL”) of the machine input sheet B2 is read. The manufacturing progress information (the parameter code or information corresponding thereto) recorded in (1) is deleted (erased) from the progress storage unit 7.
Further, when the bar code (the command code is “RF”) of the item “progress reference” in the machine input sheet B 2 is read, the recorded manufacturing progress information is displayed on the display unit of the display operation unit 8. . Thereby, the recorded contents can be confirmed.
[0021]
Further, as shown in FIG. 3C, each operator (user of the barcode reader X) is a barcode recording sheet on which the operator's name, identification code d31 and the barcode are recorded. A user registration / name tag B3 (hereinafter referred to as name tag B3) is worn, and by reading the barcode of the name tag B3, information of an operator (recorder) who records the manufacturing progress information is also stored in the progress storage unit. It is also conceivable to record in No.7. In this case, for example, an execution program corresponding to the execution program control unit 6 and the command code d1 “IN” may be configured so that the following processing is executed.
First, by reading the barcode of the name tag B3, the operator identification code as the parameter code is recorded in the execution instruction storage unit 4.
Thereafter, when a bar code including the command code “IN” is read, the latest (last recorded) identification code d31 of the operator is read from the execution instruction storage unit 4 and read. The program is transferred to the execution program corresponding to “IN”, and the identification code d31 is also recorded in the progress storage unit 7.
Further, by reading the bar code (the command code is “UR”) of the “user reference” item in the machine input sheet B2, the current (latest registered) operator identification code d31 is displayed on the display operation unit. It is also possible to display on the display unit 8.
[0022]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a bar code recorded on a read medium (recording sheet) is read, and a command part and a parameter part included in each bar code are extracted to correspond to the command part. By using a barcode reader that can be executed using the parameter unit, a space-saving information input system can be configured without installing an information terminal at each information input location. For this reason, many manufacturing processes that require information input are distributed, such as a progress information input system for manufacturing progress management of manufactured products. Is particularly suitable.
Further, since the command portion and the parameter portion are integrally formed in one barcode, the barcode of the command portion and the barcode of the parameter portion used for processing corresponding to the command portion can be read at a time. As a result, the number of barcode reading operations can be reduced, and workability is improved. In addition, since it is not necessary for the operator to be aware of restrictions on the combinations of commands (processing) and corresponding parameters or to reflect them in the functions of the execution program, the operator is not used beyond the limits. Thus, it does not impose a skill or complicate the check processing in the processing program.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a barcode reader X according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a command table related to association between commands and execution programs in the barcode reader X.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a barcode recording sheet on which a barcode read by the barcode reader X is recorded.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of barcode reading and command execution by the barcode reader X.
[Explanation of symbols]
1. Bar code reading unit (bar code reading means)
2 ... Read barcode temporary storage
3 ... Command table storage
4. Execution instruction storage unit (execution history storage means)
5 ... Program memory
6 ... Execution program control unit (first and second command execution means)
7. Progress storage unit (data storage means)
8 ... Display operation section
9. Communication interface (I / F)
d1 Command code (command part)
B1, B2, B3 ... Barcode recording sheet (read medium)
S1, S2,... Processing procedure (step)
Tc ... Command table

Claims (5)

In a barcode reader having a barcode reading means for reading a barcode from a medium to be read,
Each of one or more barcodes recorded on the read medium has a command part representing a predetermined process and a parameter part representing a parameter used for the process corresponding to the command part;
Code extraction means for extracting the command part and the parameter part from one barcode read by the barcode reading means;
First command execution means for executing processing corresponding to the command portion using the parameter portion as a parameter based on the extraction result by the code extraction means;
Execution history storage means for storing execution history information by the first command execution means;
Second command execution means for executing processing corresponding to the command part extracted by the code extraction means using the execution history information as a parameter;
Equipped with,
Controlling whether or not the second command execution means executes processing corresponding to the command part extracted by the code extraction means in accordance with the previous execution history information by the first command execution means. bar code reading apparatus characterized by comprising Te. When a process corresponding to the command part extracted by the code extraction unit is not executed by the second command execution unit according to the previous execution history information by the command execution unit, a predetermined alarm notification is issued. The barcode reading apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising an alarm notification means for performing Having predetermined data storage means;
The process corresponding to the command part is one of recording of information corresponding to the parameter part in the data storage means, deletion or change of information recorded in the data storage means, or display on a predetermined display means. The barcode reading apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the barcode reading apparatus is a process related to a plurality of processes. The barcode reading apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the information corresponding to the parameter portion is information relating to a manufacturing progress of a predetermined manufactured product. The barcode reading apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the medium to be read is one or both of a medium flowing through a production line together with the manufactured product and a medium arranged in each manufacturing process.

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