JPH02129778A - Bar code reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To read out a bar code stuck to a moving object without providing a passage detecting means for an object to be read out by providing a bar code reader with a timer circuit for generating a trigger signal at a fixed period. CONSTITUTION:The timer circuit 9 generates a trigger signal at the fixed period and the bar code reader 1 starts its reading operation by the trigger signal, temporarily stops at the end of a series of reading and decoding operation and restarted by the succeeding trigger signal so as to be intermittently driven. Consequently, bar code information of a bar code label 6 stuck to an object 4 moving on a conveyer line without providing an accessory equipment other than the bar code reader.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to barcode readers employed in production line management, logistics management, etc. in factories. Barcode systems are widely used in the field of information management regarding manufactured goods. As is well known, this barcode system prints and pastes a barcode representing information such as the product number on a label on the surface of the product or product, or prints it directly. This system reads the barcodes of objects transported on Conhair trains and inputs them into a host computer, where the information is managed.

The barcode reader also includes a reading unit that scans the barcode using optical means, photoelectrically converts the detected optical signal into an electrical signal, and further converts it into a pulse train through A/D conversion, as is well known. It consists of a decoding section that identifies the pulse width of each pulse based on the signal received from the reading section, stores the information, converts it into encoded data, and outputs it to the outside.

Here, in FIG. 2, which shows a barcode system employing a conventional barcode reader, ■ indicates the barcode reading section 2. A barcode reader with a built-in decoding unit 3; 4 is a moving object such as a product or product conveyed on a conveyor line 5; 6 is a barcode label attached to the surface of the object 4; 7 is a barcode reader for detecting whether or not the object 4 has passed. For example, a photoelectric switch is used for detection.

With this configuration, when the moving object 4 to be read, which has been transported by the conveyor line 5, reaches the predetermined detection position where the barcode league 1 is installed, the photoelectric switch 7 detects and recognizes the object 4, and reads the barcode reader. Trigger signal 8 is applied to l.

On the other hand, the barcode reader 1 receives the trigger signal and starts.
The series of barcode reading operations described above are performed.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

By the way, in the conventional barcode system described above, a trigger signal for activating the reading operation of the barcode reader 1 is transmitted by a photoelectric switch 7 installed on the conveyor line 5 or the like.
I'm trying to give through. Therefore, when introducing a barcode system, in addition to the barcode reader 1, detection means such as a photoelectric switch 7 for detecting the passage of the moving object 4 to be read, and wiring between the photoelectric switch 7 and the barcode reader 1 are required. This requires additional equipment such as signal lines, which increases the cost of introducing the barcode system. In addition, in the above-mentioned barcode system, it is necessary to start the barcode reading operation when the barcode label attached to the moving object 4 comes directly under the barcode reader 1. It is difficult to adjust the timing of applying a trigger signal to the barcode reader l based on the detection signal of the object 4.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and when introducing a barcode system, it is possible to install a barcode system without installing a means for detecting passage of an object to be read, such as the above-mentioned charging switch.
An object of the present invention is to provide a barcode reader that can read barcodes attached to moving objects.

[Means to solve the problem]

In order to solve the above problems, the barcode reader of the present invention is constructed with a built-in timer circuit that generates a trigger signal that starts a series of barcode reading operations at regular intervals.

[Effect]

With the above configuration, the timer circuit generates a trigger signal at regular intervals and provides the trigger signal to the barcode reader. As a result, the barcode reader starts reading a barcode upon receiving a trigger signal, stops once a series of reading and decoding operations is completed, and then operates intermittently, restarting with the next trigger signal. do. Therefore, by setting the generation cycle of the trigger signal to an appropriate cycle in advance according to the conveyance speed of the moving object to be read, the barcode league To read barcode information on a barcode label affixed to an object moving on a line without any trouble.

〔Example〕

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a barcode reader according to an embodiment of the present invention, and the same members corresponding to those in FIG. 2 are given the same reference numerals. That is, according to the present invention, the barcode reader l includes a reading section 2. A timer circuit 9 is built into the decoder 3 and generates a trigger signal 8 for activating the reading operation of the barcode reader at regular intervals.

Next, to explain the operation of the barcode reader l, the trigger signal 8 generated at regular intervals by the timer circuit 9 is transmitted to the decoder 3.
The signal is then applied to the reading section 2, thereby activating the reading section 2 and starting the reading operation. When the moving object 4 passes over the conveyor line 5 at this point, the reading unit 2 reads and detects the barcode on the barcode label 6 attached to the object 4 by optical means, and emits light corresponding to the density. The signal is converted into a "1" or "0" pulse signal and then output to the decoder 3. Furthermore, upon receiving the pulse signal, the decoding section 3 starts decoding processing of the signal. At this time, the decoding unit 3 makes a continuation judgment based on the number of pulses input from the reading unit 2, and if the number of pulses is a specified number, it determines that the barcode has been read correctly, and stops the operation when the decoding process is completed. . On the other hand, if the number of pulses is less than the specified value, it is determined that the barcode could not be read properly, and the decoding process is immediately interrupted, and the reading operation is performed again after waiting for the next trigger signal.

〔Effect of the invention〕

Since the barcode reader according to the present invention is configured as described above, it achieves the following effects.

In other words, by configuring the barcode league with a built-in timer circuit that generates a trigger signal at regular intervals, when introducing a barcode system, it is no longer possible to detect the presence or absence of an object to be read and provide a trigger signal, unlike conventional methods. Additional equipment such as a photoelectric switch and a signal line connecting the barcode reader can be omitted, reducing system installation costs.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a barcode league according to an embodiment of the present invention introduced into a barcode system, and Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a conventional barcode system. , 3: Decoding part, 4:
Moving object to be read, 6: Barcode label Figure 1 Figure 2

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1) A barcode reader consisting of a reading section that scans and detects barcodes using optical means, and a decoding section that converts the detection signal from the reading section into data and outputs it to the outside, performs barcode reading operations at regular intervals. A barcode reader characterized by having a built-in timer circuit that generates a trigger signal for starting.