JP6583911B2 - Bar code reading apparatus, bar code reading method and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a barcode reading apparatus, a barcode reading method, and a program.

There is a library apparatus that accommodates a storage medium such as a magnetic tape. In general, a barcode on which an ID (IDentification) for identifying an individual is recorded is assigned to a storage medium accommodated in the library apparatus. It is possible to specify which medium is stored where by the barcode, and the barcode is read by the barcode reader when the storage medium is taken out.
In Patent Document 1, as a related technique, when a black and white contrast value of a barcode label is lowered due to deterioration of the barcode label or the like, and a white area cannot be recognized as white and a black area cannot be recognized as black, a barcode reader is disclosed. Describes a technique for improving the problem that the barcode cannot be read by changing the barcode reading sensitivity of the.

JP 2003-151235 A

By the way, the barcode reader used in the library apparatus is generally fixed to the accessor, and the relative positional relationship between the accessor and the barcode reader is not changed. In a library apparatus having such a barcode reader, in order to improve the problem that the barcode cannot be read as described above, there is a method for improving the problem that the barcode cannot be read by changing the reading angle of the barcode reader. Conceivable. However, the relative positional relationship between the accessor and the barcode reader is unchanged. In order to change the reading angle of the barcode reader, it is necessary to change the position of the accessor itself. Therefore, in order for the accessor to hold the storage medium, it is necessary to return the accessor to the state before the angle change again after changing the accessor to an angle at which the barcode reader can read the barcode.
Therefore, there has been a demand for a technique that allows a barcode reader to easily read a barcode without changing the position of the accessor.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a barcode reading apparatus, a barcode reading method, and a program that can solve the above-described problems.

In order to achieve the above-described object, the present invention provides a magazine for storing a recording medium on which a barcode is displayed , arranged in at least the width direction with the barcode facing forward, and at least along the width direction of the magazine. Movably provided accessor, a picker provided on the accessor so as to be movable in a direction approaching or separating from the magazine and gripping or releasing the recording medium, and provided to protrude outward in the width direction of the accessor. The picker is moved in accordance with the retreat of the picker, so that the picker moves on a side of the frame that rotates around the rotation axis that extends in the vertical direction of the accessor and is separated by the rotation axis. a lever provided so as to intersect with, provided on the other side delimited by the axis of rotation of the frame, the access A light source for irradiating light to the bar code to move the support and integrally provided on the other side delimited by the axis of rotation of said frame, and moves together with the accessor, said bars being emitted from the light source A light receiving unit that receives light reflected from the code, a camera that is provided on the other side of the frame that is separated by the rotation axis, and that generates an image based on the light received by the light receiving unit, and the camera generated a bar code reading device and a control unit for controlling the operation of the picker includes an image determining unit for determining whether the barcodes can be read from the image.

The present invention is also provided with a magazine for storing a recording medium on which a bar code is displayed side by side in at least the width direction in a posture in which the bar code is directed forward, and is movably provided along at least the width direction of the magazine. An accessor, a picker provided on the accessor so as to be movable toward or away from the magazine and gripping or releasing the recording medium, and provided to protrude outward in the width direction of the accessor. A frame that rotates about a rotation axis that extends in the vertical direction of the accessor, and is provided on one side of the frame that is delimited by the rotation axis so as to intersect the movement trajectory of the picker. Provided on the other side of the frame separated by the rotating shaft, and moves integrally with the accessor. A light source for irradiating the barcode with a light beam and a light source that is provided on the other side of the frame separated by the rotation axis, moves integrally with the accessor, and receives the light beam that is irradiated from the light source and reflected from the barcode. A barcode reading method in a barcode reading apparatus, comprising: a light receiving unit configured to be configured; and a camera that is provided on the other side of the frame that is partitioned by the rotation axis and that generates an image based on a light beam received by the light receiving unit. there are, barcode is determine the constant possibility whether the reading from the image which the camera is generated based on the ray in which the light receiving unit has received, a bar code reading method.

The present invention is also provided with a magazine for storing a recording medium on which a bar code is displayed side by side in at least the width direction in a posture in which the bar code is directed forward, and is movably provided along at least the width direction of the magazine. An accessor, a picker provided on the accessor so as to be movable toward or away from the magazine and gripping or releasing the recording medium, and provided to protrude outward in the width direction of the accessor. A frame that rotates about a rotation axis that extends in the vertical direction of the accessor, and is provided on one side of the frame that is delimited by the rotation axis so as to intersect the movement trajectory of the picker. a lever which is provided on the other side delimited by the axis of rotation of said frame, and moves together with the accessor Receiving a light source for irradiating light to the serial bar code, provided on the other side delimited by the axis of rotation of said frame, and moves together with the accessor, the light reflected from the bar code is irradiated from the light source a light receiving unit that is provided on the other side delimited by the axis of rotation of the frame, the computer of the bar code reader and a camera to generate an image based on the ray in which the light receiving unit has received, the camera Is a program that includes an image determination unit that determines whether or not a barcode can be read from an image generated and functions as a control unit that controls the operation of the picker.

  According to the present invention, the barcode reader can easily read the barcode without changing the position of the accessor.

It is a figure which shows the minimum structure of the barcode reader of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the barcode reader by one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the reading of the barcode of the barcode reader by this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the processing flow of the barcode reader by this embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
First, the barcode reader 10 having the minimum configuration according to the present invention will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the barcode reader 10 having the minimum configuration of the present invention includes at least a magazine 101, an accessor 102, a picker 103, a light source 104, a light receiving unit 105, a control unit 106, a camera 107, and the like. And a conversion unit 108.

The magazine 101 stores recording media on which barcodes are displayed side by side in a posture in which the barcodes are directed forward.
The accessor 102 is provided so as to be movable along the direction in which the recording media of the magazine 101 are arranged.
The picker 103 is provided in the accessor 102 so as to be movable toward or away from the magazine 101 and grips or releases the recording medium.
The light source 104 moves integrally with the accessor 102 to irradiate the barcode with light.
The light receiving unit 105 moves integrally with the accessor 102 and receives a light beam irradiated from the light source 104 and reflected from the barcode.
The control unit 106 controls the operation of the picker 103. The control unit 106 includes an image determination unit. The image determination unit determines whether or not the barcode can be read from the image generated based on the light beam received by the light receiving unit 105.
The camera 107 is mounted so as to be movable with respect to the accessor 102. The camera 107 generates an image based on the light beam received by the light receiving unit 105.
The conversion unit 108 converts the operation of the picker 103 into the movement of the camera 107.

<First embodiment>
Next, the configuration of the barcode reader 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
As shown in FIG. 2, the barcode reader 10 according to the present embodiment includes a magazine 101, an accessor 102, a picker 103, a light receiving unit 105, a control unit 106, a camera 107, a conversion unit 108, and a cartridge. 109, a bar code label 110, a light source 104, a frame 111, a rotating shaft 112, a posture holding spring 113, a lever 114, and a storage unit 115.

  The magazine 101 includes a plurality of cartridges 109. The cartridge 109 stores the recording medium on which the barcode label 110 is pasted and the barcode is displayed side by side with the barcode facing forward.

The accessor 102 is provided so as to be movable along the direction in which the recording media of the cartridge 109 are arranged.
The picker 103 is provided in the accessor 102 so as to be movable toward or away from the magazine 101 and grips or releases the recording medium. The picker 103 moves according to the control signal output from the control unit 106.
The light source 104 moves integrally with the accessor 102. The light source 104 irradiates the barcode with light.
The light receiving unit 105 moves integrally with the accessor 102. The light receiving unit 105 receives a light beam irradiated from the light source 104 and reflected from the barcode.

The control unit 106 controls the movement of the picker 103 using the control signal. For example, when the control unit 106 outputs a pulse signal to the picker 103, the stepping motor provided in the picker 103 rotates according to the number of pulses of the pulse signal. The rotational motion of the stepping motor is converted into a reciprocating motion, and the picker 103 moves a distance corresponding to the number of pulses of the pulse signal output from the control unit 106 (for example, 0.1 mm for one pulse of the pulse signal).
Further, the control unit 106 includes an image determination unit 1061. The image determination unit 1061 determines whether or not the barcode can be read from the image generated based on the light beam received by the light receiving unit 105.
The camera 107 is mounted on a frame 111 that is movable with respect to the accessor 102. The camera 107 generates an image based on the light beam received by the light receiving unit 105. Specifically, the camera 107 uses a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) image sensor, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, or the like to convert light (light beam) into an electrical signal, and charge corresponding to each pixel. An image is generated according to

  The conversion unit 108 includes a frame 111, a rotation shaft 112, a posture holding spring 113, and a lever 114. The lever 114 extends to a position that intersects the movement locus of the picker 103. The conversion unit 108 is a first type lever (the fulcrum is between the force point and the action point) with the rotation shaft 112 as a fulcrum, the lever 114 with which the picker 103 contacts as a force point, and the position of the frame 111 on which the camera 107 is mounted. Based on the lever principle for a lever, the movement of the picker 103 is converted into the movement of the frame 111 as shown in FIG. Specifically, the lever 114 is fixed to the frame 111, and the frame 111 is urged counterclockwise in FIGS. 3A and 3B by the attitude holding spring 113 around the rotation shaft 112. As a result, the posture is held at a position in contact with the accessor 102. When the picker 103 moves in a direction approaching the conversion unit 108 as shown by an arrow E in FIG. 3B from a position where it does not touch the conversion unit 108 shown in FIG. Then, when the picker 103 further moves and the lever 114 is pushed in the moving direction of the picker 103 as shown in FIG. 3B, the frame 111 is attached to the accessor 102 by the lever principle with the rotating shaft 112 as a fulcrum. The direction changes by rotating around the rotation axis 112 that intersects the moving direction. Since the light source 104 is mounted on the frame 111, when the direction of the frame 111 changes with the rotation axis 112 as the central axis, the direction of the light source 104 itself changes in conjunction with the frame 111. Similarly, since the camera 107 is mounted on the frame 111, when the direction of the frame 111 changes with the rotation axis 112 as the central axis, the direction of the camera 107 itself changes in conjunction with the frame 111. The light source 104 can change the irradiation angle of the light beam applied to the barcode label 110 by changing the direction in conjunction with the frame 111. The camera 107 can change the reading angle at which the light receiving unit 105 receives the reflected light of the light beam irradiated on the barcode label 110 and reads the barcode by changing the direction in conjunction with the frame 111. .

  The storage unit 115 stores various data necessary for processing performed by the barcode reader 10. For example, the storage unit 115 stores the position of the picker 103 that is the control target of the control unit 106 based on the number of pulses of the control signal output from the control unit 106.

  The barcode reader 10 according to the present embodiment changes the orientation of the frame 111 around the rotation axis 112 as the picker 103 moves. The barcode reading apparatus 10 changes the orientation of the frame 111 and changes the orientation of the light source 104 and the camera 107 to change the illumination angle of the light beam that the light source 104 irradiates the barcode label 110 and the barcode. The light receiving unit 105 receives the reflected light of the light beam irradiated on the code label 110 and changes the reading angle at which the barcode is read. By doing so, the barcode reader 10 improves barcode reading without changing the position of the accessor. As a result, the bar code reader 10 can take out the storage medium in a short time.

Next, processing of the barcode reading apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.
Here, the processing flow of the barcode reading apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 4 will be described. It is assumed that the barcode reader 10 has the configuration shown in FIG.

  When the picker 103 is at a position where it does not touch the conversion unit 108 (for example, the position of the picker 103 as shown in FIG. 3A), the light source 104 applies the barcode on the barcode label 110 attached to the recording medium. Irradiate light.

  The light beam emitted from the light source 104 reflects the barcode on the barcode label 110. The light receiving unit 105 receives a part of the light beam reflected from the barcode of the barcode label 110.

  The camera 107 generates an image based on the light beam received by the light receiving unit 105. Specifically, the camera 107 converts a light (light beam) into an electrical signal using a CCD image sensor, a CMOS image sensor, or the like, and generates an image according to the charge corresponding to each pixel (step S1). The camera 107 outputs the generated image to the control unit 106.

  When the control unit 106 inputs an image from the camera 107, the image determination unit 1061 determines whether or not a barcode can be read from the input image (step S2). Specifically, the image determination unit 1061 compares the input image with the barcode image assigned to each recording medium. The image determination unit 1061 determines that the input image and the barcode image assigned to each of the recording media match when the pixels of the compared images match with each other exceeding a predetermined ratio. Determine that the code is readable. The image determination unit 1061 determines that the input image and the barcode image assigned to each of the recording media do not match when the pixels of the compared images match at a predetermined ratio or less. The bar code is determined to be unreadable.

  If the image determination unit 1061 determines that the barcode can be read (YES in step S2), the image determination unit 1061 records the position of the picker 103 in the storage unit 115 based on the number of pulses of the current control signal of the control unit 106 ( Step S3). Then, the image determination unit 1061 ends the barcode reading process performed by the barcode reading device 10.

  If the image determination unit 1061 determines that the barcode cannot be read (NO in step S2), the control unit 106 outputs a control signal to the picker 103 to change the orientation of the frame 111 (step S4). ). Specifically, the control unit 106 outputs, to the picker 103, a control signal having a predetermined number of pulses that causes the picker 103 to come into contact with the lever 114 (for example, a pulse signal having 100 pulses). Thereafter, the control unit 106 outputs a control signal having a pulse number for moving the picker 103 by a predetermined distance (for example, a pulse signal having a pulse number of 5), and moves the picker 103. When the picker 103 moves, the conversion unit 108 converts the operation of the picker 103 into the movement of the frame 111 and changes the orientation of the frame 111 by the lever principle.

  The control unit 106 returns to the process of step S2. In addition to the first time that the image determination unit 1061 determines that the barcode is not readable in the process of step S2, the control unit 106 outputs a control signal having a predetermined number of pulses for bringing the picker 103 into contact with the lever 114. Instead, only the control signal of the number of pulses that moves the picker 103 by a predetermined distance (for example, the pulse signal having the number of pulses of 5) is output, and the direction of the frame 111 is changed by moving the picker 103.

The processing flow of the barcode reader 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described above. In the processing of the barcode reading apparatus 10 according to the above-described embodiment, the magazine 101 includes a plurality of cartridges 109. The cartridge 109 stores the recording medium on which the barcode label 110 is pasted and the barcode is displayed side by side with the barcode facing forward. The accessor 102 is provided so as to be movable along the direction in which the recording media of the cartridge 109 are arranged. The picker 103 is provided on the accessor 102 so as to be movable in the direction of approaching or separating from the magazine 101, and grips or releases the recording medium. The picker 103 moves according to the control signal output from the control unit 106. The light source 104 moves integrally with the accessor 102. The light source 104 irradiates the barcode with light. The light receiving unit 105 moves integrally with the accessor 102. The light receiving unit 105 receives a light beam irradiated from the light source 104 and reflected from the barcode. The control unit 106 controls the movement of the picker 103 using the control signal. Further, the control unit 106 includes an image determination unit 1061. The image determination unit 1061 determines whether or not the barcode can be read from the image generated based on the light beam received by the light receiving unit 105. The camera 107 is mounted on a frame 111 that is movable with respect to the accessor 102. The camera 107 generates an image based on the light beam received by the light receiving unit 105. The conversion unit 108 includes a frame 111, a rotation shaft 112, a posture holding spring 113, and a lever 114. The conversion unit 108 is based on the principle of the picker based on the lever of the first type lever with the rotating shaft 112 as a fulcrum, the lever 114 with which the picker 103 contacts as a power point, and the position of the frame 111 on which the camera 107 is mounted as the action point. 103 operation is converted into movement of the frame 111.
In this way, the barcode reader 10 can easily read the barcode by the barcode reader without changing the position of the accessor 102.
In general, in order to change the angle of the accessor 102 so that the barcode reader can read the barcode, a large motor for changing the angle of the accessor 102 is required. Therefore, by changing the angle of the accessor 102 and changing the angle so that the barcode reader can read the barcode, the problem that the barcode reader cannot read the barcode can be improved. Requires a mechanism for converting the rotation to the rotation of the accessor 102 and electric power for driving a large motor. On the other hand, in the barcode reading apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, since the orientation of the frame 111 is changed by the conversion unit 108 by the movement of the picker 103, it is not necessary to add a motor. The conversion unit 108 is smaller than a mechanism that converts the rotation of the large motor into the rotation of the accessor 102. Further, the electric power for driving the picker 103 is smaller than that for driving a large motor.

  In the process of step S4 in the process flow according to the embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 106 outputs a control signal to the picker 103, and the position where the picker 103 touches the lever 114 is shown in FIG. Although it has been described that the direction of the frame 111 is changed by moving in the direction of the arrow, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 106 outputs a control signal to the picker 103, moves the picker 103 to the maximum in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 3B, and then reverses the direction shown by the arrow shown in FIG. It is also possible to change the orientation of the frame 111 by outputting a control signal to be moved to the picker 103. In that case, the image determination unit 1061 reads the barcode from the image in step S2 every time the control unit 106 outputs a control signal for moving the picker 103 in the direction opposite to the arrow shown in FIG. It may be determined whether or not it is possible.

  Note that the storage unit 115 in the present invention may be provided anywhere as long as appropriate information is transmitted and received. In addition, the storage unit 115 may store a plurality of data in a range in which appropriate information is transmitted and received.

  In the processing flow in the embodiment of the present invention, the order of processing may be changed within a range where appropriate processing is performed.

  In addition, although embodiment of this invention was described, the above-mentioned barcode reader 10 has a computer system inside. The process described above is stored in a computer-readable recording medium in the form of a program, and the above process is performed by the computer reading and executing this program. Here, the computer-readable recording medium means a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a semiconductor memory, or the like. Alternatively, the computer program may be distributed to the computer via a communication line, and the computer that has received the distribution may execute the program.

  The program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, what can implement | achieve the function mentioned above in combination with the program already recorded on the computer system, what is called a difference file (difference program) may be sufficient.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Bar code reader 101 ... Magazine 102 ... Accessor 103 ... Picker 104 ... Light source 105 ... Light receiving part 106 ... Control part 107 ... Camera 108 ... Conversion Portion 109 109 Cartridge 110 Bar code label 111 Frame 112 Rotating shaft 113 Posture holding spring 114 Lever 115 Storage unit 1061 Image determination unit

Claims (3)

A magazine for storing the recording medium on which the bar code is displayed , arranged in at least the width direction with the bar code facing forward; and
An accessor provided to be movable along at least the width direction of the magazine;
A picker that is provided in the accessor so as to be movable in a direction approaching or separating from the magazine and grips or releases the recording medium;
A frame that protrudes outward in the width direction of the accessor and rotates around a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction of the accessor by being pushed in as the picker moves backward;
A lever provided on one side of the frame delimited by the rotation axis so as to intersect with the movement trajectory of the picker;
A light source that is provided on the other side of the frame that is partitioned by the rotating shaft and that moves integrally with the accessor to irradiate the bar code with light;
A light receiving unit that is provided on the other side of the frame that is separated by the rotation shaft, moves integrally with the accessor, and receives a light beam irradiated from the light source and reflected from the barcode;
A camera that is provided on the other side of the frame that is partitioned by the rotation axis, and that generates an image based on light rays received by the light receiving unit;
A control unit that controls an operation of the picker by including an image determination unit that determines whether or not a barcode can be read from an image generated by the camera ;
A bar code reader. A magazine for storing the recording medium on which the barcode is displayed, arranged in at least the width direction with the barcode facing forward, and an accessor provided to be movable along at least the width direction of the magazine;
A picker that is provided in the accessor so as to be movable in a direction approaching or separating from the magazine and grips or releases the recording medium;
A frame that protrudes outward in the width direction of the accessor and rotates around a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction of the accessor by being pushed in as the picker moves backward;
A lever provided on one side of the frame delimited by the rotation axis so as to intersect with the movement trajectory of the picker;
A light source that is provided on the other side of the frame that is partitioned by the rotating shaft and that moves integrally with the accessor to irradiate the bar code with light;
A light receiving unit that is provided on the other side of the frame that is separated by the rotation shaft, moves integrally with the accessor, and receives a light beam irradiated from the light source and reflected from the barcode;
A camera that is provided on the other side of the frame that is partitioned by the rotation axis, and that generates an image based on light rays received by the light receiving unit;
A barcode reading method in a barcode reading apparatus comprising:
Bar code is determine the constant possibility whether the reading from the image which the camera is generated based on the ray in which the light receiving unit has received,
Barcode reading method. A magazine for storing the recording medium on which the bar code is displayed , arranged in at least the width direction with the bar code facing forward; and
An accessor provided to be movable along at least the width direction of the magazine;
A picker that is provided in the accessor so as to be movable in a direction approaching or separating from the magazine and grips or releases the recording medium;
A frame that protrudes outward in the width direction of the accessor and rotates around a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction of the accessor by being pushed in as the picker moves backward;
A lever provided on one side of the frame delimited by the rotation axis so as to intersect with the movement trajectory of the picker;
A light source that is provided on the other side of the frame that is partitioned by the rotating shaft and that moves integrally with the accessor to irradiate the bar code with light;
A light receiving unit that is provided on the other side of the frame that is separated by the rotation shaft, moves integrally with the accessor, and receives a light beam irradiated from the light source and reflected from the barcode;
A camera that is provided on the other side of the frame that is partitioned by the rotation axis, and that generates an image based on light rays received by the light receiving unit ;
A barcode reader computer comprising:
Control means for controlling the operation of the picker, comprising an image determination unit for determining whether or not a barcode can be read from an image generated by the camera;
Program to function as.

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