JP5195264B2 - Bar code reading method and bar code reading apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a barcode reading method and a barcode reading apparatus that optically read barcodes created based on a plurality of types of standards.

  Conventionally, many types of standards for bar codes have been developed and actually used. For this reason, there is a case where a part of a predetermined type of barcode constitutes another type of barcode. Therefore, in order to enable reading of a plurality of types of barcodes, it is necessary to clearly distinguish the types of barcodes even in the above case. Therefore, for example, as a barcode reading method for optically reading a barcode created based on a plurality of types of standards, a barcode reading method shown in Patent Document 1 below is known.

In this barcode reading method, it is determined whether or not the barcode specified as a reading target is RSS_Limited, one of the space-saving RSS (Reduce Space Symbol) codes. When the possibility that the barcode is RSS_Limited is recognized, a module that is the minimum unit width of the bar in the barcode is detected. If there is a white bar of 5 modules or more on at least one of the outer ends of the bar code, it is determined that the bar code is RSS_Limited. When the bar exists, it is determined that it is not RSS_Limited.
JP 2006-227796 A

  By the way, since RSS_Limited is developed as a space-saving type, a margin is not required on both outer sides of the barcode, so that a barcode-like pattern or the like may be arranged in the vicinity of the barcode. In this case, in the barcode reading method shown in Patent Document 1, even if the reading target is RSS_Limited, it is considered that a bar having a width of 1 to 4 modules exists on both outer sides of the barcode because of the pattern. There is a problem that it is determined that the barcode is not RSS_Limited, and the reading accuracy regarding RSS_Limited is lowered.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide barcode reading that can improve reading accuracy even when barcodes of similar patterns of a plurality of types of standards coexist. It is to provide a method and a barcode reader.

In order to achieve the above object, in the barcode reading method according to claim 1, the barcode (B) created based on a plurality of kinds of standards is optically read and recorded in the barcode. In the barcode reading method for decoding the read data, among the plurality of types, a part of the code pattern of the first barcode (B ₁ ) based on the first standard is more than the number of bars constituting the first standard. When there is a possibility of being read as a second barcode (B ₂ ) based on the second standard that is set to be small, the second standard is applied to the light / dark pattern sequence obtained by binarizing the read barcode. A first step of reading by applying the reading algorithm, and a bar having the maximum width that can exist in the first barcode on at least one of both ends of the bright and dark pattern row And a second step of determining on the basis of whether or not the bar area is present in the width of the bar contained in the light-dark pattern sequence exceeds, it is determined that the bar area does not exist above the bar before Symbol maximum width At least one of the one end side region (P ₂ ) and the other end side region (P ₃ ) adjacent to the light / dark pattern row (L ₂ , L ₃ ) and the lightness / darkness degree of the light / dark pattern row ( When the difference (ΔL) from L ₁ ) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (ΔLp), the light-dark pattern row is determined as read data of the second barcode.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a part of the code pattern of the first bar code based on the first standard can be read as the second bar code based on the second standard in which the number of bars is set to be smaller than that of the first standard. If there is a possibility, in the first step, reading is performed by applying the reading algorithm of the second standard to the light and dark pattern sequence obtained by binarizing the read barcode. In the second step, whether or not there is a bar area (hereinafter also referred to as a bar area for determination) exceeding the maximum width bar that can exist in the first barcode on at least one of both ends of the light / dark pattern row. Is determined based on the width of the bar included in the light-dark pattern row. Then, the difference between the at least one light-dark degree and brightness degree of the light-dark pattern sequence of one end region and the other side region adjacent to the light-dark pattern row when it is determined that there is no determine titration, bar area If the value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the light / dark pattern sequence is determined as the read data of the second barcode.

  Since it is assumed that a part of the code pattern of the first barcode can be read as the second barcode, if the light and dark pattern sequence is a partial code pattern of the first barcode, the light and dark pattern sequence The adjacent one end side region and the other end side region are regions constituting a barcode. Since the bar code area has a higher brightness level than a normal pattern, etc., when the one end side area and the other end side area are bar code areas, the brightness level of the both side areas is the brightness level. Since it becomes high like the brightness of the pattern row, the difference between the brightness of the both side regions and the brightness of the light / dark pattern row becomes small.

Therefore, when there is a possibility that the light and dark pattern sequence can be read as the second barcode by the first step and the second step, the intensity level of the one end side region or the other end side region can be determined even if the determination bar region does not exist. When the difference between the lightness and darkness of the light and dark pattern row is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the one end side region or the other end side region has a pattern different from the bar code. It can be determined as read data.
Therefore, even when bar codes with similar patterns of a plurality of types of standards are mixed, the reading accuracy of the second bar code as described above can be improved.

  In the invention of claim 2, the first barcode is one of an EAN (European Article Number) code and a UPC (Universal Product Code) code, and the second barcode is an RSS (Reduced Space Symbol). Code.

  The RSS code is a space-saving type as compared with the EAN code and the UPC code, and part of the EAN code and the UPC code may actually match the RSS code. Even in such a case, as described above, the brightness / darkness pattern sequence can be determined as the RSS code when the difference between the brightness level of the both side regions and the brightness / darkness level of the brightness / darkness pattern sequence is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Even when the EAN code and the UPC code coexist, the reading accuracy of the RSS code can be improved.

In the invention of claim 3, when there is a possibility that a part of the code pattern of the first barcode can be read as the second barcode, the light / dark pattern obtained by binarizing the read barcode by the reading means Reading is performed by applying the reading algorithm of the second standard to the column. Then, the determination means determines whether or not a determination bar area exists on at least one of both ends of the light / dark pattern row based on the width of the bar included in the light / dark pattern row. Then, the difference between the at least one light-dark degree and brightness degree of the light-dark pattern sequence of one end region and the other side region adjacent to the light-dark pattern row when it is determined that there is no determine titration, bar area If the value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the light / dark pattern sequence is determined as the read data of the second barcode.

Thereby, when there is a possibility that the light and dark pattern row can be read as the second barcode by the reading means and the determining means, even when the determination bar area does not exist, the brightness level of the one end side area or the other end side area, When the difference between the lightness and darkness of the light and dark pattern row is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the one end side region or the other end side region has a pattern different from the bar code, so the light and dark pattern row is read from the second bar code. It can be confirmed as data.
Therefore, even when bar codes with similar patterns of a plurality of types of standards are mixed, the reading accuracy of the second bar code as described above can be improved.

  A barcode reader according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a barcode reader 10 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the barcode reader 10 is configured as a device that reads a barcode (based on the barcode B attached to the article R in FIG. 1) created based on a plurality of types of standards. . The bar code means a one-dimensional code such as an RSS code, an EAN code, and a UPC code.

  The bar code reader 10 is configured such that a circuit unit 20 is accommodated in a case (not shown). The circuit unit 20 mainly includes an optical system such as an illumination light source 21, a light receiving sensor 28, and an imaging lens 27. And a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as “microcomputer”) system such as a memory 35, a control circuit 40, and a trigger switch 42.

  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 articles | goods R to which barcode B was attached | subjected is shown notionally.

  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 as a CCD area sensor, and is configured to be able to receive the reflected light Lr irradiated and reflected on the barcode B. 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 imaging lens 27 functions as an imaging optical system capable of condensing incident light incident from the outside via a reading port (not shown) and forming an image on the light receiving surface 28a of the light receiving sensor 28. . In the present embodiment, after the illumination light Lf emitted from the illumination light source 21 is reflected by the barcode B, the reflected light Lr is condensed by the imaging lens 27 and a code image is formed on the light receiving surface 28 a of the light receiving sensor 28. The image is formed.

  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 trigger switch 42, a light emitting unit 43, a buzzer 44, a vibrator 45, and a liquid crystal display. 46, a communication interface 48, and the like.

  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 generated and 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 configured by a microcomputer capable of controlling the entire barcode reader 10 and has a CPU, a system bus, an input / output interface, and the like, and has an information processing function. It is composed. In the present embodiment, a trigger switch 42, a light emitting unit 43, a buzzer 44, a vibrator 45, a liquid crystal display 46, a communication interface 48, and the like are connected to the control circuit 40.

  Thereby, for example, the control circuit 40 can turn on / off the light emitting unit 43 that functions as an indicator for notifying information related to monitoring and management of the trigger switch 42 and reading of the barcode B, and a buzzer that can generate a beep sound and an alarm sound. Communication interface enabling ON / OFF of ringing 44, drive control of vibrator 45 capable of generating vibration that can be transmitted to the user of the barcode reader 10, display control of liquid crystal display 46, and serial communication with an external device 48 communication control and the like are possible.

Hereinafter, the reading process of the barcode reader 10 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which a part of the first barcode B ₁ (EAN code) matches the second barcode B ₂ (RSS_Limited). 3 and 4 are flowcharts illustrating the flow of reading processing in the present embodiment. FIG. 5 (A) is an explanatory view showing the respective lightness levels L _{1 to} L ₃ when the one end side region P ₂ and the other end side region P ₃ form a pattern, and FIG. 5 (B) is one end side. it is an explanatory view showing each brightness degree L ₁ ~L ₃ when regions P ₂ and the other side region P ₃ constitutes a part of a bar code. 5A and 5B, the vertical axis indicates the light reception level of the light reception signal from the light reception sensor 28, and the numerical value increases in white and decreases in black.

  When reading a barcode based on a plurality of types of standards, the code pattern of a part of the first barcode based on the first standard is set to the second standard in which the number of bars is set to be smaller than that of the first standard. There is a possibility of being read as the second barcode. As the second bar code based on the second standard, for example, a space-saving RSS code is assumed, and as the first bar code based on the first standard, for example, an EAN code or a UPC code is assumed. .

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, an RSS code in which a part of the code pattern of the EAN code that is the first barcode B ₁ based on the first standard is the second barcode B ₂ based on the second standard One of them is assumed to match RSS_Limited.

In the present embodiment, in order first portion of the bar code B ₁ is to improve the second reading accuracy of the barcode B ₂ even if it matches the second barcode B ₂ as described above, read the following process To implement.

  First, in step S101 of FIG. 3, a minimum bar number setting process is performed. In this process, the minimum bar number X that can be read is set from a plurality of types of barcodes designated as reading targets by the user.

  Next, in step S103, a light / dark pattern string acquisition process is performed. In this process, when the bar code B code information is read by the light receiving sensor 28 in response to the user's operation of the trigger switch 42, the light receiving signal from the light receiving sensor 28 is applied by applying the reading algorithm of the second standard. Is compared with a predetermined threshold value, and based on the comparison, the signal waveform is binarized into a light color region and a dark color region, and a light / dark pattern sequence corresponding to the arrangement data of the dark color region and the light color region is obtained. To be acquired. The processing in step S103 corresponds to an example of “first step” or “reading unit” in the claims.

  In step S105, the number n of bars is detected from the bright / dark pattern row, and in step S107, the bar width W is detected from the bright / dark pattern row.

  Next, in step S109, it is determined whether or not the number n of bars is equal to or greater than the minimum number X of bars. If n ≧ X (Yes in S109), barcode determination processing is performed in step S111, and a barcode to be decoded is determined according to the number of bars n. When the number of bars n is less than the minimum number of bars X in step S109 (No in S109), it is determined that the reading has failed in step S137 of FIG.

  When the barcode is determined, it is determined in step S113 whether or not a one-side margin exists. In this determination process, depending on the type of barcode, between the first white bar (usually corresponding to the margin area) of the light and dark pattern row and the black bar located next (inside) or from the first character pattern. A margin check is performed.

  Here, if there is a one-side margin in the light and dark pattern sequence (Yes in S113), in step S115, a reading algorithm corresponding to the type of barcode is applied to the light and dark pattern sequence and decoding processing is performed. On the other hand, if there is no one-side margin in the light / dark pattern row (No in S113), the bars at both ends of the light / dark pattern row are reduced one by one (n = n−2) in step S117, and the above steps S109 Is processed.

  When the decoding process is performed in step S115, it is determined in step S119 whether or not the decoding process is successful. If the decoding process is successful (Yes in S119), the process proceeds to step S121. A determination is made as to whether the other side margin exists. In this determination process, a margin check is executed according to the type of barcode from the last black bar or character pattern in the light / dark pattern sequence.

  Here, if the decoding process fails (No in S119) or if the other side margin does not exist in the light / dark pattern sequence (No in S121), it is evaluated as a decoding target in the decoding process described above in step S123. The number m of bars is subtracted from the number n of bars (n = n−m), and the processing from step S109 is performed.

  If the other side margin exists in the light / dark pattern sequence (Yes in S121), it is determined in step S125 of FIG. 4 whether or not the barcode can be recognized as RSS_Limited, which is one of the RSS codes, and cannot be recognized as RSS_Limited. (No in S125), the reading process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the barcode can be recognized as RSS_Limited (Yes in S125), module detection processing is performed in step S127. In this process, the module having the minimum unit width of the bar is detected from the decoding result in step S115.

  Next, in step S129, it is determined whether or not a determination bar area exists on at least one of the outer ends of the barcode pattern. Here, when the determination bar area exists on at least one of the both ends outside the barcode pattern (Yes in S129), it is determined in step S135 that the barcode is RSS_Limited.

  In the present embodiment, the determination bar area is set to a white bar of 5 modules or more, for example. This is because the bars constituting the EAN code and the UPC code are 1 to 4 modules, and the bar having a width of 5 modules or more does not constitute a part of the EAN code or the UPC code. The process in step S129 corresponds to an example of “second step” or “determination means” in the claims. The determination bar area corresponds to an example of a “bar area exceeding the maximum width bar” in the claims.

On the other hand, if the determination bar area does not exist on at least one of the outer ends of the barcode pattern (No in S129), the brightness degree calculation process is performed in step S131. In this processing, among the received light signals from the light receiving sensor 28, the signal region corresponding to the light and dark pattern row is the barcode region P ₁ , and the signal regions adjacent to both sides of the barcode region P ₁ are the one end side region P ₂ and As the other end side region P ₃ , the degrees of brightness L _{1 to} L ₃ in the regions P _{1 to} P ₃ are calculated, respectively. One end side region P ₂ and the other side region P ₃ is set to a region wider than the determination bar area.

Then, in step S133, among values of brightness degree L ₂ and L ₃ are brightness degree difference ΔL is the difference between the small one and the brightness degree L ₁ is determined whether a predetermined threshold ΔLp above.

  In the present embodiment, the lightness level L is a numerical value of the black level with white as a reference in the area, and the lightness level is an area where white and black are clearly distinguished as in a barcode. If L is large, for example, in a region where white and black are not clearly distinguished, such as a gray pattern, the brightness L is small. Note that the lightness level L may be a numerical value of white level with black as a reference.

Therefore, if the pattern or the like which has one end region P ₂ does not constitute a bar code, brightness degree L ₂ of the one end region P ₂ is smaller than that in contrast degree L ₁ (FIG. 5 (A) see) . On the other hand, in the case where one end side region P ₂ constituting the bar code, brightness degree L ₂ of the one end region P ₂ is substantially equal to brightness degree L ₁ (see FIG. 5 (B)). The same goes the other end region P _3.

Accordingly, the brightness degree _L 2, _{L 3} at one end region _{P 2} and the other side region _{P 3,} by comparing the brightness degree _{L 1} of the barcode area _{P 1,} one end region _{P 2} and the other end can region P ₃ is determined whether constituting the bar code area. Note that the predetermined threshold ΔLp is set based on, for example, the difference between the brightness level at which the area corresponding to gray is determined to be black and the brightness level of the black area, and more specifically, for example, the brightness level of the black area It is set to 70% of the degree.

Here, since the one end side region P ₂ and the other end side region P ₃ are patterns, the brightness degrees L ₂ and L ₃ become small, and the brightness degree difference ΔL is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value ΔLp (in S133). yes), the bar code region _{P 1} is determined to be a RSS_Limited at step S135. Since it is assumed that a part of the code pattern of the first barcode B ₁ matches the second barcode B ₂ , one of the one end side region P ₂ and the other end side region P ₃ is a barcode. If the other is a pattern or the like, it is not assumed. Therefore, when the difference between _one of the lightness levels L ₂ and L ₃ and the lightness level L ₁ (lightness level difference ΔL) is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value ΔLp, the barcode area P ₁ becomes the second barcode B ₂ (RSS_Limited) can be determined.

On the other hand, if the one end side region P ₂ and the other side region P ₃ increases brightness degree L _2, L ₃ from configuring the bar code area, brightness degree difference ΔL is less than a predetermined threshold value DerutaLp ( No in S133), it is determined in step S137 that the reading has failed.

As described above, in the barcode reading apparatus 10 to which the barcode reading method according to the present embodiment is applied, a part of the code pattern of the first barcode B ₁ based on the first standard is more than that of the first standard. If there is a possibility that read as the second bar code B ₂ based on the second standard configuration the number of bars is set smaller, the step S103 or the like (first step, reading means) by the bar code read binary The second standard reading algorithm is applied to the light / dark pattern sequence obtained by the conversion processing. Based on the width of the bar included in the light / dark pattern row, whether or not the determination bar area exists on at least one of both ends of the light / dark pattern row by the above-described step S129 or the like (second step, determination means). Judgment. When it is determined that the determination bar area exists, or when it is determined that the determination bar area does not exist, the one end side area P ₂ adjacent to the barcode area P ₁ corresponding to the light / dark pattern row and the other If the brightness degree difference ΔL is a difference of at least either one of the bright and dark degree L _2, L ₃ and brightness degree L ₁ of the bar code area P ₁ in the end-side region P ₃ reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold ΔLp is , It is determined that the barcode is RSS_Limited.

Thus, when the light-dark pattern columns might read as RSS_Limited, even if the judgment bar area does not exist, if the brightness degree difference ΔL becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value ΔLp, one end side region P ₂ and other since the end-side region _{P 3} are different patterns from the bar code, it is possible to determine the barcode area _{P 1} as a read data RSS_Limited.
Therefore, even when barcodes with similar patterns of a plurality of types of standards coexist, the RSS_Limited reading accuracy can be improved.

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) The predetermined threshold ΔLp is not limited to 70% of the brightness level of the black area, and is different from 70% in consideration of, for example, a case where the barcode is composed of gray and white. You may change it to a value.

(2) The present invention is not limited to being applied when a partial code pattern of the EAN code matches RSS_Limited, but is applied when a partial code pattern of the UPC code matches RSS_Limited. Also good. Further, according to the present invention, a part of the code pattern of the first barcode based on the first standard is read as a second barcode based on the second standard in which the number of bars is set to be smaller than that of the first standard. It can be applied when there is a possibility that

It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the barcode reader which concerns on this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state in which a part of 1st barcode corresponds with a 2nd barcode. 6 is a part of a flowchart illustrating a flow of a reading process in the present embodiment. 6 is a part of a flowchart illustrating a flow of a reading process in the present embodiment. FIG. 5A is an explanatory diagram showing the degree of brightness when the one end side region and the other end side region form a pattern. FIG. 5B shows the one end side region and the other end side region as a barcode. It is explanatory drawing which shows each brightness degree in the case of comprising a part of.

Explanation of symbols

10 ... barcode reader B ... Barcode B 1 _... first bar code B 2 _... second bar code _{L, L 1, L 2,} L 3 ... brightness degree [Delta] L ... brightness degree difference DerutaLp ... predetermined threshold (predetermined value )
P ₁ ... Barcode area P ₂ ... One end side area P ₃ ... Other end side area

Claims (3)

In a barcode reading method for optically reading a barcode created based on multiple types of standards and decoding the data recorded in the barcode,
Among the plurality of types, a part of the code pattern of the first barcode based on the first standard can be read as a second barcode based on the second standard in which the number of bars is set to be smaller than that of the first standard. If you have sex
A first step of performing reading by applying the reading algorithm of the second standard to a light and dark pattern sequence obtained by binarizing the read barcode;
It is determined based on the width of the bar included in the light / dark pattern row whether at least one of the both end sides of the light / dark pattern row has a bar area exceeding the maximum width bar that can exist in the first barcode. And a second step ,
Brightness degree of at least one of the brightness degree and the light-dark pattern sequence of one end region and the other side region adjacent to the light-dark pattern row in which the bar area above the bar before Symbol maximum width is determined that there is no The bar code reading method is characterized in that the light / dark pattern string is determined as read data of the second bar code when the difference between the first and second bar codes exceeds a predetermined value. The first barcode is any one of an EAN (European Article Number) code and a UPC (Universal Product Code) code.
The barcode reading method according to claim 1, wherein the second barcode is an RSS (Reduced Space Symbol) code. In a barcode reader that optically reads barcodes created based on multiple types of standards and decodes data recorded in the barcodes,
Among the plurality of types, a part of the code pattern of the first barcode based on the first standard can be read as a second barcode based on the second standard in which the number of bars is set to be smaller than that of the first standard. If you have sex
Reading means for applying a reading algorithm of the second standard to a light and dark pattern string obtained by binarizing the read barcode;
It is determined based on the width of the bar included in the light / dark pattern row whether at least one of the both end sides of the light / dark pattern row has a bar area exceeding the maximum width bar that can exist in the first barcode. Determination means for performing ,
Brightness degree of at least one of the brightness degree and the light-dark pattern sequence of one end region and the other side region adjacent to the light-dark pattern row in which the bar area above the bar before Symbol maximum width is determined that there is no The bar code reader is characterized in that the light / dark pattern string is determined as read data of the second bar code when the difference between the first and second bar codes exceeds a predetermined value.

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