JP5056627B2 - Optical information reader - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical information reading apparatus that reads a one-dimensional code.

In the field of optical information readers, one-dimensional code information is obtained by irradiating a laser beam etc. to a one-dimensional code consisting of a light (white) pattern and a dark (black) pattern, and receiving and analyzing the reflected light. There is a wide variety of configurations that read the information. This type of optical information reading apparatus is required to read a one-dimensional code with higher accuracy. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for solving such a problem.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 09-274639

  By the way, in the barcode reading apparatus in Patent Document 1, when a plurality of barcodes are read, the readable range is adjusted by the user's operation to prevent unintended barcode reading. However, this barcode reader requires an auxiliary device such as a trigger for adjusting the readable range, and it is necessary to operate the corresponding trigger according to the reading situation, resulting in poor workability. There is.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems. The object of the present invention is to read a code other than a desired code when decoding two or more one-dimensional codes arranged along the reading direction. An object of the present invention is to provide an optical information reading device which is invalidated.

In order to achieve the above object, in the optical information reading apparatus according to claim 1, a one-dimensional code comprising a plurality of light color patterns and dark color patterns each composed of one or more unit modules. An optical information reader (10) capable of reading (B) from two one-dimensional codes of a first code (B ₁ ) and a second code (B ₂ ) arranged along the reading direction Light receiving means (28) for receiving the reflected light (Lr) through the reading port (13), and decoding means (40) for decoding the first code and the second code based on an output signal from the light receiving means. If, decoded first width corresponding to the unit module reading direction one end side of the code (W _1L) and reading direction other end side of the width corresponding to the unit module (W _1R Corresponding to the unit module of the first ratio (W ₁₎ is the ratio, decoded width corresponding to the unit module for reading direction one end side of the second code (W _2L) and the reading direction the other end of the A ratio calculation means (40) for calculating a second ratio (W ₂ ) that is a ratio to the width (W _2R ) to be calculated, and a reference including both the codes when reading the first code and the second code An inclination degree calculating means (40) for calculating an inclination degree (θ) of the reading port with respect to the surface (S) based on the first ratio and the second ratio, and the first code decoded by the decoding means And determination means (40) for determining whether or not reading of at least one of the second codes is invalidated based on the degree of inclination.

In the optical information reading device according to claim 2, the one-dimensional code (B) in which a plurality of light color patterns and dark color patterns each including one or more unit modules are arranged is read. A possible optical information reading device (10) in which two one-dimensional codes of a first code (B ₁ ) and a second code (B ₂ ) and both these codes are positioned at both ends in the reading direction A light receiving means (28) for receiving the reflected light (Lr) from one or more one-dimensional codes arranged in a line through a reading port (13), and at least based on an output signal from the light receiving means first code and said decode means (40) to the second decoding code, decoded the first corresponds to the unit module reading direction one end side of the code width (W _1L) The first ratio is the ratio of the width corresponding to the unit of the reading direction other end module _{(W 1R) (W 1)} , corresponding to the unit module for reading direction one end side of the second code is decoded A ratio calculating means (40) for calculating a second ratio (W ₂ ) that is a ratio of a width (W _2L ) and a width (W _2R ) corresponding to the unit module on the other end side in the reading direction; Inclination degree calculation for calculating the inclination degree (θ) of the reading port with respect to the reference plane (S) including both codes when reading one code and the second code based on the first ratio and the second ratio Determining whether to invalidate the reading of at least one of the first code and the second code decoded by the decoding means based on the inclination degree; And means (40), and technical features in that it comprises.

  In the first aspect of the invention, the ratio calculation means causes the first code to be a ratio of a width corresponding to the unit module on one end side in the reading direction and a width corresponding to the unit module on the other end side in the reading direction; A second ratio that is a ratio of the width corresponding to the unit module on one end side in the reading direction and the width corresponding to the unit module on the other end side in the reading direction in the second code is calculated. Then, the inclination degree calculating means calculates the inclination degree of the reading port with respect to the reference surface based on the first ratio and the second ratio. Then, the determination means determines whether or not reading of at least one of the first code and the second code is invalidated based on the degree of inclination.

  When simultaneously reading two one-dimensional codes arranged close to each other in the reading direction, a certain user can approach the reading port by inclining the reading port with respect to a reference plane including both codes. In some cases, it may be desirable to enable reading of a one-dimensional code and disable reading of a one-dimensional code spaced from the reading port. On the other hand, it may be desirable for another user to enable reading of a one-dimensional code that is separated from the reading port and to disable reading of a one-dimensional code that is close to the reading port.

  In addition, when reading a one-dimensional code with the reading port inclined with respect to the reference plane, the width corresponding to the unit module on one end side in the reading direction and the unit module on the other end side in the reading direction in the decoded one-dimensional code. The ratio with the corresponding width varies depending on the inclination of the reading port. That is, the inclination degree of the reading port can be calculated based on the ratio, and it can be determined from the inclination degree which of the first code and the second code is close to or away from the reading port. .

  Therefore, as described above, when only the reading of the one-dimensional code close to the reading port is enabled by calculating the inclination degree of the reading port based on the first ratio and the second ratio, When reading one-dimensional codes that are separated from each other is disabled and only reading one-dimensional codes that are separated from the reading port is enabled, reading of one-dimensional codes that are close to the reading port can be disabled. For example, when it is determined from the degree of inclination of the reading port that the first code is closer to the reading port than the second code, the second code is used to enable reading of a one-dimensional code close to the reading port. When the reading of the first code is invalidated and the reading of the one-dimensional code separated from the reading port is validated, the reading of the first code can be invalidated.

In particular, since the inclination degree of the reading port is calculated based on both the first ratio in the first code and the second ratio in the second code, the two read one-dimensional codes have different scales and types. It is possible to accurately determine which of the two codes is close to the reading port.
Therefore, when decoding two one-dimensional codes arranged along the reading direction, reading other than the desired code can be invalidated.

  In the invention of claim 2, one or more one-dimensional codes are arranged so that the two-dimensional codes of the first code and the second code and the two codes are positioned at both ends in the reading direction by the light receiving means. Reflected light from the code is received through the reading port. The decoding means decodes at least the first code and the second code based on the output signal from the light receiving means. Then, by the ratio calculation means, a first ratio that is a ratio of a width corresponding to the unit module on one end side in the reading direction in the first code and a width corresponding to the unit module on the other end side in the reading direction, and reading in the second code A second ratio that is a ratio of the width corresponding to the unit module on one end side in the direction and the width corresponding to the unit module on the other end side in the reading direction is calculated. Then, the inclination degree calculating means calculates the inclination degree of the reading port with respect to the reference surface based on the first ratio and the second ratio. Then, the determination means determines whether or not reading of at least one of the first code and the second code is invalidated based on the degree of inclination.

As a result, even when reflected light from three or more one-dimensional codes arranged along the reading direction is received through the reading port, as in the invention of claim 1 described above, It is possible to validate only reading of the adjacent one-dimensional code, or it is possible to validate only reading of the one-dimensional code separated from the reading port.
Accordingly, when decoding three or more one-dimensional codes arranged along the reading direction, reading other than the desired code can be invalidated.

  In the invention of claim 3, the user invalidates reading of the code separated from the reading port among the first code and the second code by the selecting means or reads the code close to the reading port. Select whether to disable. Then, the determination unit determines whether to invalidate reading of at least one of the first code and the second code based on the selection result by the selection unit and the degree of inclination.

  Accordingly, the user invalidates reading of the one-dimensional code that is separated from the reading port in consideration of reading workability or the like, or invalidates reading of the one-dimensional code that is close to the reading port. Can be selected.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, when the degree of inclination is equal to or less than the first threshold, for example, when the degree of inclination is equal to or less than the threshold for determining that the reading port is not inclined with respect to the reference surface, Both reading of the 1st code and the 2nd code are determined to be invalid.

  Thereby, when the degree of inclination of the reading port with respect to the reference surface is small and the difference between the distance from the reading port to the first code and the distance from the reading port to the second code is small, the inclination of the reading port with respect to the reference surface It is determined that reading of both codes is invalid until the degree exceeds the first threshold. For this reason, only the reading of the code desired by the user can be made effective when the user tilts the reading port in order to read either the first code or the second code.

  In the invention of claim 5, when the difference between the first ratio and the second ratio is equal to or greater than the second threshold, for example, the reference surface including the first code and the second code is curved, When the difference between the 1 ratio and the second ratio is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, both reading of the first code and the second code is determined to be invalid.

  When the first code and the second code are arranged on the same plane, the first ratio and the second ratio substantially coincide. For example, when the reference plane is curved, the first ratio and The difference from the second ratio becomes large and becomes greater than or equal to the second threshold value. Thus, when the difference between the first ratio and the second ratio is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, the distance from the reading port to the first code and the distance from the reading port to the second code are accurately determined based on both ratios. It becomes impossible to measure.

  Therefore, as described above, when the difference between the first ratio and the second ratio is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, it is determined that reading of both the first code and the second code is invalid, thereby It is possible to prevent erroneous determination due to bending or the like.

  In the invention of claim 6, when both the first code and the second code are decoded by the notification means such as light, sound or vibration, the fact is notified to the user. As a result, the user can tilt the reading port to read either of the two codes while recognizing the decoded state of two or more one-dimensional codes by light, sound, vibration, or the like. Work can be performed well.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which an optical information reading apparatus of the present invention is applied to a barcode reader will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a barcode reader 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the barcode reader 10.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a bar code reader 10 mainly includes an upper case 11 and a lower case 12 constituting a housing, a printed wiring board and an optical system (not shown) housed in the housing, and an outside from the housing. And a cable 50 or the like that enables electrical connection with the host system. This bar code reader 10 reads an optical information reading device that reads a so-called bar code (an example of “one-dimensional code”) such as JAN, CODE 39, NW-7, ITF, and transfers the read bar code data to a host system. It is.

  The upper case 11 and the lower case 12 are molded members made of synthetic resin such as ABS resin, and mainly form the front side appearance of the barcode reader 10. A reading port 13 is formed on one end side of the upper case 11 and the lower case 12, and a cable attachment portion 15 is formed on the other end side. One end side where the reading port 13 is formed is formed in a neck-bend shape that is largely inclined forward toward the back side. Accordingly, the reading port 13 can be easily applied to the barcode B attached to the reading object S while the user holds the barcode reader 10 from the upper case 11 side.

  As will be described later, a light emitting portion 43 that can notify the user of information related to barcode reading with light is formed at the approximate center of the neck-shaped portion of the upper case 11.

  The printed wiring board (not shown) is formed in a rectangular shape that can be accommodated in an internal space formed by the upper case 11 and the lower case 12, and is a light emitting diode that serves as a light source for the memory 35, the control circuit 40, or the light emitting unit 43. A wiring pattern that can constitute a predetermined electronic circuit is printed by mounting an electrical electronic component such as (LED). In addition to these electronic components, an optical illumination light source 21, a light receiving sensor 28, and the like necessary for barcode reading are mounted on the printed wiring board.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the barcode reader 10 mounted on such a printed wiring board will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the electrical configuration of the barcode reader 10 mainly includes an optical system such as an illumination light source 21, a light receiving sensor 28, and an imaging lens 27, a memory 35, a control circuit 40, a light emitting unit 43, a buzzer. 44, and a microcomputer system such as a vibrator 45.

  The optical system is divided into a light projecting optical system and a light receiving optical system. The illumination light source 21 constituting the light projecting optical system functions as an illumination light source capable of emitting the illumination light Lf, and includes, for example, a red LED and a lens provided on the emission side of the LED. In addition, in FIG. 1, the example which irradiates the illumination light Lf toward the menu sheet | seat S which is a reading target object to which 1 or 2 or more barcode B was stuck is shown conceptually.

  The light receiving optical system includes a light receiving sensor 28, an imaging lens 27, a reflecting mirror (not shown), and the like. The light receiving sensor 28 is configured to receive the reflected light Lr irradiated and reflected on each barcode B of the menu sheet S. The light receiving sensor 28 is mounted on a printed wiring board (not shown) so as to be able to receive incident light incident through the imaging lens 27. The light receiving sensor 28 may correspond to “light receiving means” recited in the claims.

  The imaging lens 27 functions as an imaging optical system capable of condensing incident light incident from the outside through the reading port 13 and forming an image on the light receiving surface 28a of the light receiving sensor 28. In the present embodiment, the illumination light Lf emitted from the illumination light source 21 is reflected by the barcode B, and then the reflected light Lr is collected by the imaging lens 27 and is reflected on the light receiving surface 28 a of the light receiving sensor 28. Is imaged.

  The microcomputer system includes an amplification circuit 31, an A / D conversion circuit 33, a memory 35, an address generation circuit 36, a synchronization signal generation circuit 38, a control circuit 40, a light emitting unit 43, a buzzer 44, a vibrator 45, a communication interface 48, and the like. ing.

  The image signal (analog signal) output from the light receiving sensor 28 of the optical system is amplified by a predetermined gain by being input to the amplifier circuit 31, and then input from the analog signal when input to the A / D conversion circuit 33. Converted into a digital signal. When the digitized image signal, that is, image data (image information) is input to the memory 35, it is stored in a predetermined code image information storage area. The synchronization signal generation circuit 38 is configured to generate a synchronization signal for the light receiving sensor 28 and the address generation circuit 36, and the address generation circuit 36 is based on the synchronization signal supplied from the synchronization signal generation circuit 38. Thus, the storage address of the image data stored in the memory 35 can be generated.

  The control circuit 40 is a microcomputer that can control the entire bar code reader 10 and includes a CPU, a system bus, an input / output interface, and the like. The control circuit 40 is configured to be connectable to various input / output devices via a built-in input / output interface. In the case of this embodiment, the light emitting unit 43, the buzzer 44, the vibrator 45, the communication interface 48, and the like are provided. It is connected.

  Thereby, for example, the light emitting unit 43 that functions as an indicator for notifying information related to reading of the barcode B is turned on / off, the buzzer 44 that can generate a beep sound and an alarm sound is turned on / off, and further the barcode reader 10 It is possible to perform drive control of the vibrator 45 capable of generating vibration that can be transmitted to the user, communication control of the communication interface 48 enabling serial communication with an external device, and the like. The external device connected to the communication interface 48 includes a host computer HST corresponding to the host system of the barcode reader 10 and the like.

Next, the reading process of the barcode reader 10 will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a menu sheet S to which a plurality of barcodes B are attached.
In this reading process, as shown in FIG. 3, when one or more barcodes B are decoded with respect to a menu sheet S to which a plurality of barcodes B are attached, reading of only a desired code is effective. Processing is performed. An example of the menu sheet S shown in FIG. 3 is a menu sheet used when selling oden and the like at a retail store such as a convenience store.

  In particular, the barcode reader 10 selects the tilt reading mode to be described later and decodes two or more barcodes B with respect to the surface (reference surface) of the menu sheet S to which each barcode B is attached. The degree of inclination of the reading port 13 (hereinafter also referred to as the degree of inclination θ) is calculated, and based on this degree of inclination θ, either the barcode B closest to the reading port 13 or the barcode B farthest from the reading port 13 is selected. It is configured to enable only reading. The reason for this configuration will be described below.

  When simultaneously reading two or more barcodes arranged close to each other in the reading direction (left and right direction in FIG. 3) as in the menu sheet S shown in FIG. When it is desirable to make the reading port 13 tilted with respect to the reference plane including the above, to enable the reading of the barcode close to the reading port 13 and to disable the reading of the barcode separated from the reading port 13 There is. On the other hand, it may be desirable for another user to enable reading of a bar code spaced from the reading port 13 and to disable reading of a bar code adjacent to the reading port 13.

  When reading a barcode with the reading port 13 inclined with respect to the reference plane, the decoded barcode corresponds to a unit module on one end side in the reading direction and a unit module on the other end side in the reading direction. The ratio to the width to be changed changes according to the inclination degree of the reading port 13. That is, the inclination degree of the reading port 13 can be calculated based on the ratio, and it can be determined from the inclination degree which of the two barcodes is close to or away from the reading port 13.

  Accordingly, when two or more barcodes B are decoded, an inclined reading mode that enables reading of only one barcode B that is close to or separated from the reading port 13 is selectable. In addition, when this inclined reading mode is selected, only the barcode B that is close to the reading port 13 can be read, and only the barcode B that is separated from the reading port 13 is read. A separation code reading mode to be enabled is selectable.

  In this embodiment, the user performs a predetermined operation on the host computer HST in advance in consideration of reading workability and the like to determine whether or not to select the inclined reading mode, the proximity code reading mode and the separation code. Which reading mode is selected is set. In the reading process to be described later, a case where the inclined reading mode is selected and the proximity code reading mode is selected will be described. The bar code reader 10 is provided with a mode change switch, and it is set whether to select the tilt reading mode or whether to select the proximity code reading mode or the separation code reading mode according to the operation of the mode change switch. May be. The means for selecting each mode described above can correspond to “selection means” recited in the claims.

Hereinafter, a specific flow of the reading process will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of reading processing. FIG. 5A is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the buzzer 44 when the inclination degree θ is small, and FIG. 5B is for explaining the operation of the buzzer 44 when the inclination degree θ is large. It is explanatory drawing of. FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the first code B ₁ and the second code B ₂ and the reading port 13 when the inclination degree θ is small. FIG. ) first code in the state shown in B ₁ and the second code B ₂ is a diagram conceptually illustrating the sequence data decoded. FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the first code B ₁ and the second code B ₂ and the reading port 13 when the inclination degree θ is large, and FIG. 7B shows the relationship between FIG. ) first code in the state shown in B ₁ and the second code B ₂ is a diagram conceptually illustrating the sequence data decoded.

  When the barcode reader 10 is activated and reading processing is started, first, image data acquisition processing is performed in step S101. In this processing, processing for causing the light receiving sensor 28 to read the code information of the barcode B (that is, processing for causing the light receiving sensor 28 to receive the reflected light from the barcode B and acquire image data) is performed.

  Next, decoding processing is performed in step S103. In this process, the signal waveform of the light receiving signal from the light receiving sensor 28 is compared with a predetermined threshold, and the signal waveform is divided into a light color region and a dark color region based on the comparison. The predetermined threshold value may be a predetermined constant value or a value determined based on a signal waveform.

  Thereby, arrangement data of the dark color area and the light color area is obtained. This arrangement data corresponds to the arrangement of the dark color pattern and the light color pattern in the barcode B. The position (relative position with respect to a predetermined reference position) and width of each dark color pattern can be specified, and the position of each light color pattern. (Relative position with respect to a predetermined reference position) and width can be specified. Each dark color pattern and each light color pattern are composed of one or two or more unit modules, and one character is composed of a combination of the dark color pattern and the light color pattern. The decoding process in step S103 can correspond to “decoding means” described in the claims.

  When it is determined that the decoding process has been performed normally and the decoding has been successful (Yes in S105), it is determined in step S107 whether or not the decoding of two or more barcodes B has been successful. If it is determined that decoding has not been successful (No in S105), the processing from step S101 is performed again.

  If only one barcode B has been successfully decoded (No in S107), a reading completion state notification process is performed in step S129 described later.

On the other hand, if the decoding of two or more barcodes B is successful in step S107, it is determined as Yes. In this case, among the successful decoding barcode B, together with the bar code a reading start side in reading direction (left side in FIGS. 5 to 7) was first successful decoding B is set first code B ₁ and , a reading end side in the reading direction (right side in FIGS. 5 to 7) the last successful decoding bar code B is set to the second code B _2. In the following description, first, a case will be described where two barcodes B of the first code B ₁ and the second code B ₂ are successfully decoded.

In step S109, it is determined whether or not the tilt reading mode is selected. In the present embodiment, as described above, since the tilt reading mode is selected in advance (Yes in S109), the readable state notification process in step S111 is performed. Incidentally, pre-tilt reading mode if is not selected (at S109 No), initially only the effective reading of the first code B ₁ is a bar code B of decoding success at step S113, at step S129 Reading completion state notification processing is performed.

  In the readable state notification process in step S111, the buzzer 44 sounds. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 5A, a beep sound is generated continuously by the buzzer 44. By this notification, the user can recognize that two or more barcodes B are in a readable state in which decoding is successful.

  In addition, it is the said readable state by blinking of the light emission part 43 replaced with the ringing of the buzzer 44 mentioned above or vibration of the vibrator 45, or blinking of the light emission part 43 added to ringing of the buzzer 44 and vibration of the vibrator 45. This may be notified to the user. The buzzer 44, the light emitting unit 43, and the vibrator 45 may correspond to “notification means” described in the claims.

Next, in step S115, the first rate _{W 1} and the second processing ratio _{W 2} is made.
In this process, the first code B ₁ is a ratio of both widths based on the width W _1L corresponding to the unit module on one end side in the reading direction and the width W _1R corresponding to the unit module on the other end side in the reading direction. 1 ratio _{W 1} is calculated. Specifically, while calculating the width W _1L of the unit modules constituting the one character C _1L determined the width of one character C _1L of the first code B ₁ reading direction end side, reading the first code B ₁ obtains the width of one character _{C 1R} direction other end side calculates the width _{W 1R} unit modules constituting the one character _{C 1R.} Then, based on the width W _1L and the width W _1R , the first ratio W ₁ is calculated by the following equation (1).
W ₁ = W _1L / W _1R (1)

Similarly, while calculating the width W _2L of the unit modules constituting the one character C _2L determined the width of one character C _2L of the second code B ₂ reading direction end side direction other reading of the second code B ₂ It obtains the width of one character _{C 2R} end side calculates the width _{W 2R} unit modules constituting the one character _{C 2R.} Then, based on the width W _2L and the width W _2R , the second ratio W ₂ is calculated by the following equation (2).
W ₂ = W _2L / W _2R (2)

As shown in FIG. 6A, when the reading port 13 is not inclined with respect to the surface (reference surface) of the menu sheet S to which the first code B ₁ and the second code B ₂ are attached, As shown in FIG. _6B , the width W _1L is equal to the width W _1R and the width W _2L is equal to the width W _2R . Therefore, the first ratio W ₁ and the second ratio W ₂ are equal to 1.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7 (A), if the mouth 13 read to the surface of the menu sheet S is inclined so as to approach the first code B ₁ represents, as shown in FIG. 7 (B) Further, the width W _1L becomes larger than the width W _{1R and the} width W _2L becomes larger than the width W _2R . Therefore, when the reading port 13 is inclined with respect to the surface of the menu sheet S so as to be close to the first code B ₁ , the first ratio W ₁ and the second ratio W ₂ are larger than 1. . Also, the menu when the mouth 13 read to the surface of the sheet S is inclined so as to approach the second code B ₂ has a width W _2L width W with the width W _1L is smaller than the width W _{1R It} becomes smaller than _2R , and the first ratio W ₁ and the second ratio W ₂ are smaller than 1.
The calculation processing of the first ratio W ₁ and the second ratio W ₂ in step S115 can correspond to “ratio calculation means” described in the claims.

Next, in step S117, the absolute value of the difference between the first ratio W ₁ and the second ratio W ₂ is determined whether or not a predetermined threshold W ₀ or less.
When the first code B ₁ and the second code B ₂ are located on the same plane, the width W _1L , the width W _1R , the width W _2L and the width W _2R can be accurately measured. difference 1 ratio _{W 1} and the second ratio _{W 2} is reduced. On the other hand, when the menu sheet S to which the first code B ₁ and the second code B ₂ are attached is curved and the codes B ₁ and B ₂ are not on the same plane, the width W _1L and the width W _1R The width W _2L and the width W _2R cannot be measured accurately. For this reason, since the ratio of the width W _1L and the width W _1R is different from the ratio of the width W _2L and the width W _2R , the difference between the first ratio W ₁ and the second ratio W ₂ becomes large, and erroneous determination may occur. Increases nature.

Therefore, when the absolute value of the difference between the first ratio W ₁ and the second ratio W ₂ exceeds the threshold value W ₀ (No in S117), the reading of both codes B ₁ and B ₂ is invalidated and the step is performed again. Processing from S101 is performed. In the present embodiment, the threshold _{W 0,} for example, is set to 0.1.

Meanwhile, the first rate _{W 1} and when the absolute value of the threshold _{W 0} or less of the difference between the second ratio _{W 2} (Yes in S117), in step S119, the arithmetic processing of the inclination degree θ is made. As described above, since the first ratio W ₁ and the second ratio W ₂ change according to the change in the inclination degree θ, the inclination degree θ can be calculated from the first ratio W ₁ and the second ratio W _2. it can. Thus, since the inclination degree θ is calculated on the basis of both the second rate W ₂ in the first ratio W ₁ and the second code B ₂ in the first code B _1, it is read the bar code B Even for codes with different scales or codes with different types, it is possible to accurately determine which of the two codes B ₁ and B ₂ is close to the reading port 13. Note that the calculation processing of the inclination degree θ in step S119 can correspond to “inclination degree calculation means” described in the claims.

Next, in step S121, the absolute value of the inclination degree theta is determined whether a predetermined threshold theta ₀ or less. The inclination degree θ is equal to 0 (zero) in the case of the state shown in FIG. The inclination degree θ is, in the case where reading opening 13 is inclined so as to approach the first code B ₁ with respect to the surface of the menu sheet S (see FIG. 7 (A)), greater than 0 (zero) will, in the case where reading opening 13 is inclined so as to approach the second code B ₂ with respect to the surface of the menu sheet S, smaller than 0 (zero).

Therefore, in step S121, if the absolute value of the inclination degree theta is the predetermined threshold value theta ₀ or less, a state in which the mouth 13 read to the surface of the menu sheet S is inclined (hereinafter, also referred to as inclined state), the Judge that there is no. In the present embodiment, the threshold value θ ₀ is set to 5 °, for example.

Here, when the absolute value of the inclination degree θ is equal to or smaller than the predetermined threshold θ ₀ (Yes in S121), it is determined that the inclination is not in an inclined state, and reading of both codes B ₁ and B ₂ is invalidated. The processing from step S101 is performed again.

On the other hand, when the user recognizes that it is in a readable state by the above readable state notification process and tilts the reading port 13 in order to validate the reading of the desired barcode B, the absolute value of the inclination degree θ is obtained. It becomes equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value θ ₀ (No in S121), and it is determined that the vehicle is in an inclined state.

Next, in step S123, it is determined whether or not the proximity code reading mode is selected. In the present embodiment, as described above, since the proximity code reading mode is selected in advance (Yes in S123), the proximity code reading process is performed in step S125. In this process, when the inclination degree theta is greater than the threshold value theta _0, the reading opening 13 because proximate the first code B _1, reading of the first code B ₁ only is enabled, the second code reading of B ₂ is disabled. Further, when the inclination degree theta is less than the negative value of the threshold theta _0, the reading opening 13 because in close proximity to the second code B _2, reading of the second code B ₂ only is valid, first reading of the code B ₁ is disabled.

If the separation code reading mode is selected, it is determined No in step S123, and the separation code reading process is performed in step S127. In this process, when the inclination degree theta is greater than the threshold value theta _0, the reading opening 13 from being separated from the second code B _2, reading of the second code B ₂ only is enabled, the first code reading of B ₁ is disabled. Further, when the inclination degree theta is less than the negative value of the threshold theta _0, the reading opening 13 from being separated from the first code B _1, reading of the first code B ₁ only is enabled, the second reading of code B ₂ is disabled.
The determination process in step S123 and the above-described steps S117 and S121 can correspond to “determination means” described in the claims.

  If it is determined No in step S107 described above, or if the processes in steps S113, S125, and S127 are performed, a reading completion state notification process is performed in step S129. In this process, the buzzer 44 sounds. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 5B, the buzzer 44 generates a “beep” and a beep sound that is different from the readable state. By this notification, the user can recognize that only a desired code is read and the reading is completed. Note that the reading completion state is caused by the blinking of the light emitting unit 43 or the vibration of the vibrator 45 instead of the ringing of the buzzer 44 described above, or the blinking of the light emitting unit 43 and the vibration of the vibrator 45 in addition to the ringing of the buzzer 44. This may be notified to the user.

  In this way, when decoding is established for two barcodes B, only reading of the barcode B adjacent to the reading port 13 is enabled and reading of the barcode B separated from the reading port 13 is disabled, or reading is performed. Only the reading of the barcode B that is separated from the port 13 can be enabled, and the reading of the barcode B that is close to the reading port 13 can be disabled.

Next, the case of decoding success for a plurality of bar code B which first code B ₁ and the second code B ₂ are arranged so as to be positioned on both sides of the reading direction. In the following description, reading opening 13, as shown in FIG. 7 (A), it is assumed that the inclined so as to be closer to the first code B ₁ with respect to the surface of the menu sheet S.

If it is determined Yes in step S107 described above because decoding has succeeded for two or more barcodes B, the determination in step S109 is Yes, and then a readable state notification process (S111) is performed. Next, in step S115, the first rate _{W 1} and a second ratio _{W 2} is calculated. At this time, it not calculated for the ratio of the bar code B which is arranged between the first code B ₁ and the second code B _2. Then, it is determined as Yes at the first rate _{W 1} and a second ratio _{W 2} on the basis of the step S117, the it is determined as No at S121 based on the inclination degree θ is calculated at step S119.

Then, (Yes in S123) if the proximity code reading mode is selected, the proximity code reading process (S125) is made, only the reading of the first code _{B 1} is enabled, the second code _{B 2} and other Reading of the barcode B is invalid. On the other hand, (No in S123) case the spacing code reading mode is selected, spaced code reading process (S127) is made, only the reading of the second code _{B 2} is enabled, the first code _{B 1} and other Reading of the barcode B is invalid.

  As described above, even when decoding is established for three or more barcodes B, only the reading of the barcode B adjacent to the reading port 13 is enabled and other barcodes including the barcode B separated from the reading port 13 are included. Disable the reading of the barcode B or disable the reading of the other barcodes B including the barcode B adjacent to the reading port 13 by enabling only the reading of the barcode B that is separated from the reading port 13. be able to.

As described above, in the barcode reader 10 according to this embodiment, when the first code B ₁ and the second code B ₂ are successfully decoded, the unit on the one end side in the reading direction of the first code B ₁ is used. Corresponds to the first ratio W ₁ , which is the ratio of the width W _1L corresponding to the module and the width W _1R corresponding to the unit module on the other end side in the reading direction, and the unit module on the one end side in the reading direction in the second code B ₂ . second rate W ₂ and is calculated as the ratio of the width W _2R corresponding to the unit module width W _2L and reading direction other end side. Then, an inclination degree θ of the reading port 13 with respect to the surface of the menu sheet S to which the first code B ₁ and the second code B ₂ are attached is calculated based on the first ratio W ₁ and the second ratio W ₂ . Then, it is determined whether or not reading of at least one of the first code B ₁ and the second code B ₂ is invalidated based on the inclination degree θ.

Thereby, for example, when it is determined from the inclination degree θ of the reading port 13 that the first code B ₁ is closer to the reading port 13 than the second code B _{2, the} barcode B adjacent to the reading port 13 to enable reading disables the reading of the second code B _2, to enable the reading of the bar code B to separate from the reading opening may disable the reading of the first code B ₁ .

In particular, since the calculation of the inclination degree θ of the first ratio W ₁ and the second code B ₂ in the second ratio W ₂ on the basis of both the reading opening 13 in the first code B _1, read the two was Even if the bar code B is a code of a different scale or a code of a different type, it can be accurately determined which of the two codes B ₁ and B ₂ is close to the reading port 13.

Further, in the barcode reader 10 according to the present embodiment, even when decoding is performed for three or more barcodes B arranged along the reading direction, similarly to the case of decoding for two barcodes B. Further, it is possible to validate only the reading of the barcode B adjacent to the reading port 13, or it is possible to validate only the reading of the barcode B separated from the reading port 13.
Therefore, when two or more barcodes B arranged along the reading direction are decoded, readings other than the desired barcode B can be invalidated.

Furthermore, in the barcode reader 10 according to the present embodiment, the user invalidates reading of the barcode B separated from the reading port 13 out of the first code B ₁ and the second code B ₂ or reads the reading port. It is possible to select whether or not reading of the barcode B adjacent to 13 is invalidated. Then, based on the selection result and the inclination degree θ, it is determined whether or not reading of at least one of the first code B ₁ and the second code B ₂ is invalidated.

  Accordingly, the user disables reading of the barcode B that is separated from the reading port 13 or disables reading of the barcode B that is close to the reading port 13 in consideration of reading workability and the like. Can be selected.

Furthermore, in the barcode reader 10 according to the present embodiment, when the absolute value of the inclination degree θ is equal to or less than the threshold value θ ₀ , both reading of the first code B ₁ and the second code B ₂ are determined to be invalid.

Thus, when the difference between the distance from the tilt degree θ is small reading opening 13 of the mouth 13 read to the surface of the menu sheet S from the first code B distance and reading opening 13 to ₁ to the second code B ₂ is small Is determined that reading of both codes B ₁ and B ₂ is invalid until the absolute value of the inclination degree θ exceeds the threshold value θ ₀ . For this reason, only reading of the barcode B desired by the user is effective in response to the user tilting the reading port 13 to read either the first code B ₁ or the second code B _2. can do.

Furthermore, in the barcode reader 10 according to the present embodiment, when the menu sheet S is curved and the difference between the first ratio W ₁ and the second ratio W ₂ is equal to or greater than the threshold value W ₀ , the first code B ₁ and both determined to be invalid reading of the second code B _2. Thereby, it is possible to prevent erroneous determination caused by the curvature of the menu sheet S or the like.

Furthermore, in the barcode reader 10 according to the present embodiment, when both the first code B ₁ and the second code B ₂ are decoded by the notification means such as the buzzer 44, the light emitting unit 43, and the vibrator 45, this is used. Will be notified. As a result, the user tilts the reading port 13 in order to read either _{one of} the codes B ₁ and B ₂ while recognizing the state where two or more barcodes B are decoded by light, sound, vibration or the like. Therefore, the reading operation can be performed satisfactorily.

In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, You may actualize as follows, and even in that case, an effect | action and effect equivalent to the said embodiment are acquired.
(1) In the above embodiment, the menu sheet S is not limited to a menu sheet used when selling oden etc. at a retail store such as a convenience store, but two or more one-dimensional codes are arranged along the reading direction. It may be an object to be read.

(2) determined in the step S121, the absolute value of the inclination degree theta is, it determines also Yes and if equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold set to a value larger than the threshold value theta _0, so as to prevent erroneous determination May be.

It is a perspective view which shows the structure outline | summary of the barcode reader which concerns on this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a barcode reader. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the menu sheet on which the some barcode was stuck. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of reading processing. FIG. 5A is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the buzzer when the degree of inclination is small, and FIG. 5B is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the buzzer when the degree of inclination is large. is there. FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the first code and the second code and the reading port when the degree of inclination is small, and FIG. 6B shows the first code in the state shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows notionally the arrangement | sequence data by which 1 code and 2nd code were decoded. FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the first code and the second code and the reading port when the inclination degree is large, and FIG. 7B shows the relationship shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows notionally the arrangement | sequence data by which 1 code and 2nd code were decoded.

Explanation of symbols

10: Bar code reader (optical information reader)
13: Reading port 28 ... Light receiving sensor (light receiving means)
40... Control circuit (decoding means, ratio calculating means, inclination degree calculating means, determining means)
43 ... Light emitting part (notification means)
44 ... Buzzer (notification means)
45. Vibrator (notification means)
B ... Bar code (one-dimensional code)
B ₁ ... 1st code B ₂ ... 2nd code S ... Menu sheet (reference plane)
W ₁ ... 1st ratio W ₂ ... 2nd ratio W _1L , W _1R , W _2L , W _2R ... width W ₀ ... threshold (second threshold)
θ ... degree of inclination θ ₀ ... threshold (first threshold)

Claims (6)

An optical information reader capable of reading a one-dimensional code in which a plurality of light color patterns and dark color patterns each composed of one or two or more unit modules are arranged,
A light receiving means for receiving reflected light from the two one-dimensional codes of the first code and the second code arranged along the reading direction through the reading port;
Decoding means for decoding the first code and the second code based on an output signal from the light receiving means;
A first ratio which is a ratio of a width corresponding to the unit module on one end side in the reading direction in the decoded first code and a width corresponding to the unit module on the other end side in the reading direction, and the decoded second code Ratio calculating means for calculating a second ratio that is a ratio of a width corresponding to the unit module on one end side in the reading direction in the code and a width corresponding to the unit module on the other end side in the reading direction;
An inclination degree calculating means for calculating an inclination degree of the reading port with respect to a reference surface including both the codes when reading the first code and the second code based on the first ratio and the second ratio;
Determination means for determining whether or not to invalidate reading of at least one of the first code and the second code decoded by the decoding means based on the degree of inclination;
An optical information reading apparatus comprising: An optical information reader capable of reading a one-dimensional code in which a plurality of light color patterns and dark color patterns each composed of one or two or more unit modules are arranged,
Reflected light from two one-dimensional codes of the first code and the second code and one or two or more one-dimensional codes arranged so that both the codes are positioned at both ends in the reading direction are passed through the reading port. Light receiving means for receiving light,
Decoding means for decoding at least the first code and the second code based on an output signal from the light receiving means;
A first ratio which is a ratio of a width corresponding to the unit module on one end side in the reading direction in the decoded first code and a width corresponding to the unit module on the other end side in the reading direction, and the decoded second code Ratio calculating means for calculating a second ratio that is a ratio of a width corresponding to the unit module on one end side in the reading direction in the code and a width corresponding to the unit module on the other end side in the reading direction;
An inclination degree calculating means for calculating an inclination degree of the reading port with respect to a reference surface including both the codes when reading the first code and the second code based on the first ratio and the second ratio;
Determination means for determining whether or not to invalidate reading of at least one of the first code and the second code decoded by the decoding means based on the degree of inclination;
An optical information reading apparatus comprising: When both the first code and the second code are decoded by the decoding means, the reading of the code separated from the reading port among the two codes is invalidated or the code close to the reading port is A selection means for allowing the user to select whether to disable reading;
Whether the determination means invalidates reading of at least one of the first code and the second code decoded by the decoding means based on the selection result by the selection means and the degree of inclination. The optical information reader according to claim 1, wherein the optical information reader is determined.   The said determination means determines that both reading of the said 1st code and the said 2nd code are invalid when the said inclination degree becomes below a 1st threshold value. The optical information reader according to the item.   The determination unit determines that both reading of the first code and the second code are invalid when a difference between the first ratio and the second ratio is equal to or greater than a second threshold value. The optical information reader according to any one of claims 1 to 4.   The optical means according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising notification means for notifying a user when the first code and the second code are decoded together by the decoding means. Information reader.

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