JP5224398B2 - Bar code reader and labeling system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a barcode reader that optically reads information recorded on a barcode in a barcode label attached to an article.

  The barcode that records the information in an optically readable manner is printed directly on the article or its packaging (hereinafter simply referred to as the article), or attached to the article as a barcode label that is printed on the label. Widely used for sorting goods.

  Such a barcode reader that optically reads a barcode has a light projecting light source that irradiates the barcode with light and an optical sensor that detects reflected light of the illuminated barcode and forms a barcode. Information is read by scanning the plurality of bars in the parallel direction. As a scanning method, an optical sensor having a single optical element is moved manually or mechanically in the parallel direction of the bars, or a line sensor having a plurality of optical elements arranged in parallel corresponding to a plurality of bars is used. There are a method of electrically switching a plurality of optical elements in order, and a method of mechanically scanning a light projecting light source and electrically switching with an optical sensor having a single optical element.

  As an example of using a barcode label in the distribution process of an article, a barcode label formed by recording information such as the version of the article on the barcode is attached to the article, and the barcode label is conveyed while the article is conveyed at a distribution center or the like. If the information is read from the barcode with a barcode reader and the old information is recorded, the information is recorded by pasting the barcode label with the barcode with the new information on the old barcode label. There is an example to update.

  Here, in order to automatically superimpose the new barcode label on the old barcode label, it is necessary to detect the pasting position of the old barcode label on the article. Conventionally, the barcode label attaching position has been realized by an image processing apparatus including a photoelectric sensor and a camera provided exclusively for detecting the barcode label attaching position.

  A technique for detecting the position of a barcode label attached to an article, an RFID tag attached to an article, or a barcode formed on an article on the article, or the position of the article itself on which the barcode is formed. For example, Patent Documents 1 to 5 disclose a technique for detecting the above.

  In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, an RFID tag attached to an article is detected by a wireless RFID detection sensor, and a label is attached to the position. In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, a label attached to a test tube is detected by a product label detection sensor which is an optical sensor or an ultrasonic sensor, and the label is overlaid on the position. In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 3, a barcode formed on an article is imaged by a camera, information represented by the barcode is decoded, and the barcode is re-formed as barcode print data. In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 4, a figure having a predetermined shape is formed in advance around a barcode formed on an article, and the figure is captured by a camera to detect the position of the barcode on the article. ing. In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 5, a barcode formed on an article is detected by two barcode readers provided at a predetermined distance, and the position of the article itself is measured.

JP 2006-282218 A JP 2008-302934 A JP 63-184897 A JP 04-148390 A JP-A-10-062118

  Conventionally, a dedicated photoelectric sensor and image processing device have been used to detect the barcode label application position, so the configuration is complicated, and it is necessary to secure an installation location and to build a barcode label application system. There is a problem in terms of detection speed because of cost and time required for image processing.

  The techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 4 use an image processing apparatus including an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a camera exclusively for detecting the position of a bar code label on an article. Complex and expensive to build a system. The technique disclosed in Patent Document 5 merely detects the position of the article itself on which the barcode is formed, and does not detect the position of the barcode label on the article. It is what you need.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a barcode reader that can detect the position of a barcode label on an article with a simple structure.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a label affixing system that has a bar code reader as described above, can detect the position of a label already affixed on an article, and can affix a new label on the label. That is.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a barcode reader for optically reading information recorded on a barcode formed by a plurality of bars formed in parallel on a label area of a barcode label, and irradiating light onto the barcode. A light source that emits light, and an optical sensor that receives the reflected light of the barcode projected with the irradiated light and generates a detection signal at a level corresponding to the intensity of the reflected light. A bar code in a bar code label attached to the side so that the parallel direction of a plurality of bar codes of the bar code is perpendicular to the transport direction is scanned by the optical sensor along the parallel direction. In a barcode reader that optically reads information recorded on a barcode based on a detection signal of a sensor, an article is conveyed at a predetermined conveyance speed, and the barcode label is illuminated by the light projecting light source on the label ground. The label length, which is higher than the surface of the article and the length of the article in the carrying direction, is determined, and the bar code label on the article is attached to the bar in the carrying direction of the article. It further has a label position detection function for detecting the tip of the code label based on the detection signal of the optical sensor, and the bar code reader performs one scan along the parallel direction of a plurality of bars on the side surface of the article. The detection signal in each scan is A / D converted a plurality of times at regular intervals from the article leading edge to the article trailing edge, and the A / D converted values are time-sequentially transferred from the article leading edge to the article trailing edge for each scan. A corresponding series of detected values is stored in a memory, and the rising edge of the detected value not less than a predetermined rising width of the series of detected values Bar code reader is obtained, characterized by determining by.

  The bar code reader sequentially differentiates two consecutive detection signals in the series of detection signals, stores them in the memory, and extracts a differential value that is a positive value of a predetermined magnitude or more of the differential values. The position corresponding to the differential value may be stored in the memory as a barcode label tip candidate in the transport direction, and the barcode label tip may be determined from the candidates.

  The bar code reader extracts, for the differential value corresponding to the barcode label leading candidate, a differential value whose differential value before the predetermined number of times is a negative value equal to or greater than a predetermined magnitude, and the position corresponding to the differential value May be excluded from candidates for the tip of the barcode label. Alternatively, the barcode reader adds each differential value over a predetermined number of times before the predetermined number of times for the differential value corresponding to the candidate for the barcode label tip, and the added differential value is equal to or greater than a predetermined size. A negative addition differential value may be extracted, and a position corresponding to the addition differential value may be excluded from candidates for the barcode label front end.

  The barcode reader extracts a differential value after a plurality of differential values corresponding to the label length as a differential value corresponding to a barcode label trailing end candidate corresponding to the differential value corresponding to the barcode label leading end candidate. Then, with respect to the differential value, each differential value over a predetermined number of times before and after the predetermined number of times is added, and when the additional differential value is not negative with a predetermined magnitude or more, the label length of the additional differential value A position corresponding to a differential value before a plurality of differential values corresponding to may be excluded from candidates at the tip of the barcode label.

  The bar code reader performs processing for storing the value after A / D conversion of the detection signal in each scan in the memory as a series of detection values corresponding to the article rear end from the article front end in time series for each scan. You may perform only with respect to the predetermined area | region along the said parallel direction of the some bar of a side surface.

  According to the present invention, when the information recorded on the barcode reader and the barcode detected by the barcode reader is information to be updated, the tip of the existing barcode label detected by the barcode reader A label sticking system having a label sticking device for superimposing a new barcode label on the existing barcode label based on the position is obtained.

  The barcode reader according to the present invention can detect the position of the barcode label on the article with a simple structure.

(A)-(d) is a perspective view for demonstrating the structure of the label sticking system which has a barcode reader by the Example of this invention, and its operation | movement. It is a figure which shows the barcode reader by the Example of this invention, (a) is a conceptual diagram of an optical system, (b) is a block diagram of the whole. (A)-(c) is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the barcode reader shown by FIG. FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams for explaining the operation of the barcode reader shown in FIG. 2, wherein FIG. 3A is a perspective view illustrating several stages of conveying an article, FIG. 3B is a side view of the article, and FIG. The figure which shows the detection signal of a line sensor, (d) is the figure which arranged the addition value or average value of the detection signal in each scanning in time series. FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams for explaining differential processing of detection signals by a series of scans by the barcode reader shown in FIG. 2, in which FIG. 3A shows an example in which detection signals are differentiated, and FIG. Shows an example of integration.

  The bar code reader according to the present invention has a label position detecting function for detecting a bar code label front end in the article conveyance direction. The barcode reader according to the present invention performs one scan for detecting a plurality of positions of the side surface of an article by an optical sensor at a plurality of times from the article front end to the article rear end at equal intervals, and adds or averages each scan in time series order. Are stored in the memory as a series of detection values corresponding to the rear end of the article, and the position corresponding to the rising point of the detection value equal to or greater than a predetermined rising width is determined as the bar code label front end.

  With this configuration, the barcode reader can detect the position of the barcode label on the article with a simple structure. That is, a dedicated photoelectric sensor and image processing device are not required to detect the barcode label attachment position, the configuration is simple, the installation location is easy to secure, and the barcode label is inexpensive. An affixing system can be constructed, and a bar code label can be affixed in a short time.

  DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of a barcode reader and a barcode label affixing system having a barcode reader according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  Referring to FIGS. 1A to 1D, a barcode label sticking system according to an embodiment of the present invention is disposed, for example, in the vicinity of a conveyor 40 installed in a distribution center, and includes a barcode reader 10 and a label sticking system. Device 50. The label sticking device 50 and the barcode reader 10 are connected via a communication line (not shown).

  The bar code reader 10 optically records information recorded on a bar code 220 in which a plurality of bars formed in a label place of a bar code label 200 attached to an article 100 conveyed by a conveyor 40 are arranged in parallel. read.

  When the information recorded on the barcode 220 detected by the barcode reader 10 is information to be updated, the label sticking device 50 is based on the tip position of the existing barcode label detected by the barcode reader 10. Overlay the new barcode label on the barcode label. The label affixing device 50 holds and processes the communication function (command transmission, response reception function) with the barcode reader 10, the label affixing function (labeler function), and the barcode information read by the barcode reader 10. It has a function and a function to judge whether or not the barcode information is accurate.

  Further, referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the barcode reader 10 includes a light emitting LED 11 as a light projecting light source for projecting irradiation light onto the barcode 220 and a bar code 220 on which the irradiation light is projected. A CCD line sensor 21 is provided as an optical sensor that receives the reflected light through the reflecting mirror 12 and the light receiving lens 13 and generates a detection signal having a level corresponding to the intensity of the reflected light. In this embodiment, the CCD line sensor 21 is used as an optical sensor. However, a laser light source that irradiates a barcode with a pinpoint, a drive unit that mechanically scans the laser light source with a motor, etc. You may use the barcode reader of the structure which consists of a former optical sensor.

  The barcode reader 10 further includes a barcode label 200 attached to the side surface of the article 100 conveyed in the conveyance direction by the conveyor 40 so that the parallel direction of a plurality of barcode bars is perpendicular to the conveyance direction. A code analysis unit 31 that optically reads information recorded on the barcode based on the detection signal of the CCD line sensor 21 obtained when the barcode 220 is scanned by the CCD line sensor 21 along the parallel direction of a plurality of bars. have. Since the barcode reading (analysis) process is known, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The article 100 is conveyed by the conveyor 40 at a predetermined conveyance speed. Further, the reflectance of the label place of the barcode label 200 with respect to the irradiation light of the projection LED 11 is higher than that of the surface of the article 100. In this example, the article 100 is a corrugated cardboard box that is a packing of goods and is so-called ocher, while the label area of the barcode label 200 is generally white. Further, the barcode 220 (a plurality of bars) printed on the barcode label 200 is black.

  Furthermore, the label length, which is the length of the barcode label 200 affixed to the article 100 in the conveyance direction of the article 100, is determined according to the standard. The label length is given by time or the number of scans, and is stored in advance in storage means (not shown) attached to the memory 34 or the label position detection unit 33. Further, the barcode label 200 attached to the side surface of the article 100 has a predetermined attachment position in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the article 100, and detects the attachment position in the conveyance direction of the article 100. In particular, since the label length of the barcode label 200 is determined as described above, the barcode label leading edge 210f is detected.

  In particular, as shown in FIG. 2B, the barcode reader 10 uses a barcode label leading end 210 f in the conveyance direction of the article 100 as a position where the barcode label 200 is attached on the article 100. It further includes a label position detection unit 33 that detects based on the detection signal, a code analysis unit 31 and a label position detection unit 33, and a communication interface 37 for transmitting and receiving commands and detection results to and from the label sticking device 50. doing. The control unit 35 controls all operations of the barcode reader. Although not shown in FIG. 2B, the barcode reader 10 also has a power supply circuit and the like.

  The bar code reader performs one scan of the side surface of the article 100 by the CCD line sensor 21 along the parallel direction of a plurality of bars, a plurality of times at equal intervals from the article leading end 100f to the article trailing end 100r in the transport direction, and the label position The detection unit 33 adds or averages the detection signals in each scan for each scan, and the memory 34 stores the addition value or average value of each scan as a series of detection values corresponding to the article rear end 100r from the article front end 100f in time series. In the memory 34, the rising point of the detected value equal to or larger than the predetermined rising width in the series of detected values is stored in the memory 34, and the position corresponding to the rising point is determined as the barcode label leading edge 210f in the transport direction.

  In the present invention, the side surface of the article may be any of four surfaces parallel to the conveyance direction of the article, and may be a placement surface in contact with the conveyor or an upper surface facing the placement surface. Each scan performed by the CCD line sensor 21 on the side surface of the article 100 along the parallel direction of the plurality of bars is performed at a constant time interval of about 500 μs (microseconds) to 10 ms (milliseconds). Since the conveyance speed of the article 100 is determined, each scan is performed at equidistant intervals.

  The label position detection unit 33 sequentially differentiates two consecutive detection signals in a series of detection signals, stores them in the memory 34, and extracts a positive differential value that is greater than or equal to a predetermined magnitude among the differential values. The position corresponding to the differential value is calculated based on the conveyance speed of the article, the position is stored in the memory 34 as a candidate for the barcode label leading edge 210f in the conveyance direction, and the barcode label leading edge is determined from the candidates. . Alternatively, the label position detection unit 33 extracts a differential value in which the differential value before the predetermined number of times is a negative value greater than or equal to a predetermined magnitude for the differential value corresponding to the barcode label tip 210f candidate, and the differential value is The corresponding position is excluded from the candidates for the barcode label front end 210f. Alternatively, the label position detection unit 33 adds or averages each differential value over a predetermined number of times before the predetermined number of times for the differential value corresponding to the barcode label leading end 210f candidate, and the added or averaged differential value is An addition or averaged differential value that is negative greater than or equal to a predetermined magnitude is extracted, and a position corresponding to the addition or averaged differential value is excluded from candidates for the barcode label front end 210f.

  For the differential value or addition or averaged differential value corresponding to the candidate barcode label leading edge 210f, the label position detection unit 33 calculates the differential value after the plurality of differential values corresponding to the label lengths of the barcode label trailing edge 210r. The candidate is extracted as a corresponding differential value, and the differential value is added or averaged over a predetermined number of times before and after the predetermined number of times, and the addition or averaged differential value is a negative value greater than or equal to a predetermined magnitude. If not, the position corresponding to the differential value before the plurality of differential values corresponding to the label length of the addition or averaged differential value or the addition or averaged differential value is excluded from the candidates for the barcode label leading end 210f.

  The label position detection unit 33 performs processing for label position detection on the entire region from one end to the other end in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the side surface of the article (parallel direction of a plurality of bar codes). It is not necessary, and it is also possible to carry out with respect to a predetermined region along the parallel direction of the plurality of bars on the side surface of the article. In this embodiment, as is clear from FIGS. 1A and 1D, the process for detecting the label position is performed only for the region A. Specifically, this area length is specified by time. For example, assuming that the time when scanning the entire region from one end to the other end of the side of the article 100 is 0 to 500 μs, the time designation of time 400 to 430 μs is assigned to the memory 34 or the label position detection unit 33 in the region A. The information is stored in advance in an accompanying storage means (not shown). Or you may carry out by the number of pixels (pixel) irrespective of time. For example, when the entire area from one end to the other end of the side surface of the article 100 is 2048 pixels, the area A is designated as 1000 to 1100 pixels. In this way, by limiting the area for processing for label position detection, as described above, the position in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the bar code label 200 on the side surface of the article 100 is determined. It is determined in advance where the barcode 220, characters, and figures are printed in the label area of the barcode label 200. For this reason, by setting an area on the bar code label 200 that does not include the bar code 220, characters, figures, etc. and includes a large amount of label base material, the generation of light reflection noise can be suppressed low. Detection performance is improved. Specifically, the scanning width L21 (FIG. 1 (d)) of the CCD line sensor 21 is physically unique, and does not change unless the distance to the article 100 is changed.

  Next, the operation of the barcode label pasting system having the barcode reader 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  Further, referring to FIGS. 3A to 3C and FIGS. 4A to 4D, in step S10, first, the label sticking position detection from the label sticking device 50 to the barcode reader 10 is performed. A command for instructing and information necessary for detection are transmitted. The commands and information received by the barcode reader 10 are a label attachment position detection start command, a threshold value of a label detection condition described later, a label length, and a retry flag as a rescue measure. The barcode reader 10 stores the received information in the memory 34 and returns an acknowledgment ACK (ACKnowledgement) to the command, and the preparation is completed. When a command reception error occurs, a negative response NAK (Negative AcKnowledgement) is returned.

  In step S <b> 20, the barcode reader 10 acquires a scanning start timing by a scanning start trigger from the label sticking device 50. The scanning start position is from the front end of the article in the conveyance direction of the article 100, and an object detection sensor (not shown) is used for the detection.

  In step S <b> 30, the barcode reader 10 starts scanning with the CCD line sensor 21. This scanning is for the scanning width L21 of the CCD line sensor 21 (FIG. 1 (d)). Of the detection signals by scanning, the detection signal of the designated area A is captured. Here, for the region A, sampling at a plurality of locations (for example, 5 locations) is performed. By sampling at a plurality of locations, the influence of noise (waveform distortion) is reduced.

  In step S40, the barcode reader 10 performs A / D conversion (analogue to digital conversion) by the label position detection unit 33 in steps S41 and S42 and code analysis by the code analysis unit 31 in steps S46 to S48 in parallel. carry out.

  In step S41, the label position detection unit 33 of the barcode reader 10 samples the detection signal of the designated area A among the detection signals obtained by scanning of the CCD line sensor 21 (for example, sampling rate 5 to 10 μs), and performs A / D-convert and add all detection signals for region A. Note that the sampling rate may be reduced to, for example, about five locations for the region A to increase the processing speed. By sampling at a plurality of locations, the influence of noise (waveform distortion) is reduced. The added detection signal may be averaged by dividing by the number of samplings. Not limited to these, it is only necessary to obtain the reflectance of the region A or a value corresponding to the reflectance. FIG. 4C shows a detection signal for one scan at each stage shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Each stage is merely a representative stage, and each actual scan is performed at a time interval of about 500 μs to 10 ms.

  In step S42, the label position detection unit 33 stores the added detection signal in the memory 34 as data acquired by one scan.

  The operations in steps S41 and S42 are repeated for each scan.

  On the other hand, in steps S46 to S48, the code analysis unit 31 of the barcode reader 10 reads the barcode 220 printed on the barcode label 200 by analyzing the scanned data. The analysis is performed for each scan regardless of the presence or absence of the barcode 220 in the scan. When the barcode 220 is detected, for example, by detecting a specific head bar, it is stored in the memory 32 as barcode information. The stored information is transmitted to the label sticking device 50. Alternatively, the comparison information can be acquired from the label sticking device 50 and checked inside the barcode reader 10.

  In step S <b> 50, the barcode reader 10 determines whether there is a scanning end trigger from the label sticking device 50. The scanning end position is up to the rear end of the article in the conveyance direction of the article 100, and an object detection sensor (not shown) is also used for the detection. Or you may set so that it may complete | finish by the amount of time passage from a reading start. After scanning from the front end to the rear end in the conveyance direction of the article 100, a process for detecting the bar code label front end 210f of the bar code label 200 based on the addition value or the average value obtained by adding or averaging the detection signals. Start. FIG. 4D is a diagram in which the added value or the average value is continuously written in correspondence from the front end to the rear end of the article 100. That is, the horizontal axis represents the travel time of the article, and the vertical axis represents the voltage value.

  In step S <b> 60, the label position detection unit 33 calculates a difference between two signals that are continuous in time series in a series of addition values or average values. That is, differentiation is performed. By differentiating, the magnitude of signal fluctuation can be determined. If the differentiated value is positive, it means that the value has increased from the previous scan (changed from a color with low reflectance (ocher) to a color with high reflectance (white)). On the other hand, if the differentiated value is negative, it means that the value has decreased from the previous scan (changed from a color with high reflectance (white) to a color with low reflectance (ocher)). Differentiation is performed on all two consecutive signals in a series of addition values or average values, and the differentiation results are temporarily stored in the memory 34 in time series order. It should be noted that before the differentiation, integration may be performed for every 2 or 3 continuous signals in time series in a series of addition values or average values. By integrating, the influence of noise can be reduced. The integrated value is also temporarily stored in the memory 34. FIG. 5 (a) is an example of the differential result of two signals continuous in time series in a series of addition values or average values, and FIG. 5 (b) shows two signals in time series in a series of addition values or average values. This is an example in which two consecutive integration results are differentiated after integration.

  In step S <b> 70, the label position detection unit 33 detects a positive maximum value for all differential values corresponding to a series of addition values or average values, and temporarily stores it in the memory 34. The largest positive differential value indicates the rising point of the largest rise in the series of addition values or average values. However, in this example, the barcode label leading edge 210f is not immediately determined based on the maximum positive differential value.

  In step S80, the label position detection unit 33 extracts a positive differential value greater than or equal to a predetermined value as a candidate for the barcode label leading end 210f as a positive differential value next to the maximum positive differential value (for example, a positive differential value). And 70%, 75%, 60%, etc. of the maximum differential value) and temporarily stored in the memory 34. The reason why the barcode label tip 210f is not determined simply based on the maximum positive differential value is that characters and pictures written with ink having a higher reflectance than the surface of the article 100, and stains having a higher reflectance than the surface of the article 100. This is to prevent erroneous recognition of the position as the front end of the bar code label.

  In step S90, the label position detection unit 33 sets a negative differential value greater than or equal to a predetermined size (for example, about 10% of the total number of scans) before the bar code label leading edge 210f candidate by a predetermined scan number (for example, about 10% of the total scan number). For example, the presence or absence of a differential value smaller than about minus 1.25 times the differential value corresponding to the candidate of the barcode label leading end 210f is confirmed. If there is no large negative differential value, the process proceeds to step S100. On the other hand, if there is a large negative differential value, it is excluded from candidates for the barcode label leading edge 210f, the stored contents of the memory 34 are updated, and the process proceeds to step S120. In order to consider the case where the change gradually occurs rather than a sudden change, a negative differential value up to a predetermined number of scans (for example, about 10% before the total number of scans) for the barcode label leading edge 210f candidate. Is added, and it is confirmed whether or not the added differential value is a negative value greater than or equal to a predetermined value (for example, a value smaller than about minus 1.25 times the differential value corresponding to the candidate of the barcode label tip 210f). You may make it do. If it is a large negative value, it is excluded from candidates for the barcode label leading edge 210f and the stored contents of the memory 34 are updated.

  In step S100, the label position detection unit 33 stores the candidates for the barcode label leading end 210f remaining after step S90 in the memory 34 or information indicating the label length acquired from the label sticking device 50. Based on the above, candidates for the rear end 210r of the barcode label for the front end candidate are extracted, and the front end candidate and the rear end candidate are associated with each other and temporarily stored in the memory 34. Then, each differential value is added over a predetermined number of times before and after the predetermined number of differential values corresponding to the barcode label rear end 210r candidate (for example, about 5% of the total number of scans before and after (about 10% in total)). If the added differential value is not negative more than a predetermined size (for example, minus 1 times the corresponding differential value of the candidate for the barcode label leading edge 210f), the label length of the added differential value corresponds to a plurality of corresponding differential values. The position corresponding to the differential value before the differential value is excluded from the candidates for the barcode label leading end 210f, the stored contents of the memory 34 are updated, and the process proceeds to step S120. The rear end 210r of the bar code label is confirmed by this method because a change from white to ocher occurs. Furthermore, in order to confirm whether the rear end of the bar code label is really the end, it may be confirmed after the rear end of the bar code label whether a change in the positive differential value is not observed in several scans.

  In step S110, the label position detection unit 33 determines the barcode label leading edge 210f candidate as the barcode label leading edge 210f, and the scanning number (the scanning used to calculate the differential value determined as the barcode label leading edge 210f). The time from the front end of the article to the front end of the bar code label is calculated from any one of the numbers) and the scanning time interval. The barcode reader 10 transmits this to the label sticking device 50 via the communication interface 37 together with the information recorded in the barcode 220. In addition to the information recorded on the barcode 220, the number of scans of the barcode label leading edge 210f from the scanning start timing is transmitted to the label pasting device 50, and the label pasting device is based on the number of scans. 50 may specify the position of the barcode label front end 210f.

  In step S120, the label position detection circuit 33 determines whether there is a next candidate for the barcode label leading edge 210f. If there is a next candidate, the process returns to step S90. Determines that the barcode label 200 is not attached, and proceeds to step S130.

  In step S130, the label position detection unit 33 determines that the barcode label 200 is not attached to the article 100 as an error. The barcode reader 10 transmits the fact that there is no barcode to the label sticking device 50 via the communication interface 37. The label affixing device 50 affixes the bar code label 200 in which new information is recorded on the bar code 220 to the article 100 anew, not overlying.

  Then, the barcode reader 10 receives an end command from the label sticking device 50 and ends the processing for one article 100.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the technical scope described in the claims of the present application. Needless to say.

10 Barcode reader 11 Flood LED
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 Reflection mirror 13 Light reception lens 21 CCD line sensor 31 Code analysis part 32 Memory 33 Label position detection part 34 Memory 35 Control part 37 Communication interface 40 Conveyor 50 Label sticking apparatus 100 Article 200 Barcode label 210f Barcode label tip 210r Barcode label Rear end 220 bar code

Claims (7)

A bar code reader that optically reads information recorded on a bar code formed by a plurality of bars formed in parallel on a bar code label,
A projection light source that projects illumination light onto the barcode, and an optical sensor that receives the reflected light of the barcode projected with the illumination light and generates a detection signal at a level corresponding to the intensity of the reflected light. A barcode in a barcode label attached to an article conveyed in a direction so that a parallel direction of a plurality of bar codes of the bar code is perpendicular to the transport direction is caused by the optical sensor along the parallel direction. In a barcode reader that scans and optically reads information recorded on the barcode based on the detection signal of the optical sensor,
The article is transported at a predetermined transport speed,
The barcode label has a higher reflectivity with respect to the irradiation light of the projection light source of the label ground than the surface of the article, and the label length that is the length in the transport direction of the article is determined.
A label position detection function for detecting a barcode label tip in the transport direction of the article based on a detection signal of the optical sensor as a barcode label attaching position on the article,
The barcode reader is
One scan of the article along the parallel direction of the plurality of bars is performed a plurality of times at equal intervals from the article front end to the article rear end in the transport direction,
A / D conversion is performed on the detection signal in each scan, and the A / D converted values are stored in the memory as a series of detection values corresponding to the article rear end from the article front end in time series order for each scan,
A bar code reader, wherein a rising point of a detection value equal to or greater than a predetermined rising width in the series of detection values is determined as a bar code label front end in the transport direction.   The bar code reader sequentially differentiates two consecutive detection signals in the series of detection signals, stores them in the memory, and extracts a differential value that is a positive value of a predetermined magnitude or more of the differential values. The barcode reader according to claim 1, wherein a position corresponding to the differential value is stored in the memory as a barcode label leading edge candidate in the transport direction, and the barcode label leading edge is determined from the candidates.   The bar code reader extracts, for the differential value corresponding to the barcode label leading candidate, a differential value whose differential value before the predetermined number of times is a negative value equal to or greater than a predetermined magnitude, and the position corresponding to the differential value The bar code reader according to claim 2, wherein the bar code label is excluded from candidates for bar code label tips.   The barcode reader adds each differential value over a predetermined number of times before the predetermined number of times for the differential value corresponding to the candidate for the barcode label leading end, and the added differential value is negative with a predetermined magnitude or more. The barcode reader according to claim 2, wherein a certain added differential value is extracted, and a position corresponding to the added differential value is excluded from candidates for a barcode label leading end.   The barcode reader extracts a differential value after a plurality of differential values corresponding to the label length as a differential value corresponding to a barcode label trailing end candidate corresponding to the differential value corresponding to the barcode label leading end candidate. Then, with respect to the differential value, each differential value over a predetermined number of times before and after the predetermined number of times is added, and when the additional differential value is not negative with a predetermined magnitude or more, the label length of the additional differential value 5. The barcode reader according to claim 2, wherein a position corresponding to a differential value before a plurality of differential values corresponding to is excluded from candidates for a barcode label leading end.   The bar code reader performs processing for storing the value after A / D conversion of the detection signal in each scan in the memory as a series of detection values corresponding to the article rear end from the article front end in time series for each scan. The barcode reader according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the barcode reader is performed only on a predetermined region along the parallel direction of the plurality of bars on the side surface.   The barcode reader according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and the existing information detected by the barcode reader when the information recorded in the barcode detected by the barcode reader is information to be updated. A label sticking system comprising: a label sticking device for superposing and sticking a new barcode label on the existing barcode label based on the tip position of the barcode label.

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