JPH04263382A - Bar code reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To unnecessiate the allocation of a special flag by treating the first bar code and the next bar code as a multistage bar code label bar code and performing the data processing for it if the next bar code is read within a fixed time after a bar code is read. CONSTITUTION:When the bar code is read in a scanner part 16, the read data is stored in a buffer A 14a and the measuring operation by a timer 15 is started. If the next bar code is not read in the scanner part 16 and the timer 15 times out with lapse of the preliminarily set fixed time, the bar code data within the buffer A is transmitted to ECR main body 20. On the contrary, if the next bar code is read in the scanner part 16 before the timer 15 times out, the read data and the bar code data within the buffer A are transmitted to the ECR main body.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a barcode reading device for reading barcodes attached to products and the like.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, each product has a barcode label 1 printed with a product information barcode 1a consisting of a PLU (Price Look Up) code, etc. that identifies the product, as shown in FIG. 5(a). are attached to each. Conventionally, barcode 1 of barcode label 1 like this
Fixed type scanners, hand type scanners, etc. have been put into practical use as barcode reading devices that read a by optical means.

Recently, as shown in FIG. 5(b), a barcode label 2 in which a barcode 2a for product information and a barcode 2b for discount information are printed in two rows, upper and lower, is attached to discounted products. Some electronic cash registers now allow discount information, such as the discount amount, which was previously entered through the keyboard of the electronic cash register, to be entered along with the product information of the corresponding product by reading a barcode. In this case, each barcode 2a
, 2b is assigned a flag F for identifying that it is a two-stage barcode label. Each time a barcode is read, the barcode reader determines the presence or absence of a flag. If there is no flag, it is recognized as a 1-stage barcode input and the data is processed immediately; if there is a flag, 2-stage barcode is input. It recognized the input as a step barcode and processed the data by combining it with the next barcode input.

0004

[Problem to be Solved by the Invention] However, for example, there is a service that discounts certain products depending on the time of day, and if a store that provides such a service uses the above-mentioned two-tier barcode label 2. Then, before the discount period, a one-stage barcode label 1 shown in FIG. It will be replaced with the two-stage barcode label 2 shown in b), and after the discount period has passed, it will be returned to the original one-stage barcode label 1. For this reason, two barcode labels are required for each discounted product: one one-stage barcode label for outside the discount period and two two-stage barcode labels for the discount period. Met.

[0005] Such a problem can be solved by creating a barcode label with only barcode 2b for discount information, and using barcode labels with barcode 1a or 2a for product information until before the discount period, and then Once the discount time period has passed, a barcode label containing only barcode 2b for the above discount information is pasted above or below the barcode label for barcode 1a or 2a for the above product information, and once the discount time period has passed, the above discount information This problem can be solved by peeling off the barcode label of only barcode 2b.

However, in conventional barcode reading devices, it is determined whether or not the read barcode includes a flag to identify it as a two-stage barcode label. Since the data is processed as barcode data of barcode label 1, and if there is a flag, the data is processed as barcode data of two-stage barcode label 2, so the above operation could not be adopted.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention is capable of data processing the first barcode read as a barcode of a one-stage barcode label unless the next barcode is read within a certain period of time after reading the barcode. An object of the present invention is to provide a barcode reading device that can data-process the first barcode and the next barcode as a barcode of a multi-stage barcode label if the next barcode is read within the same period.

[0008] Another attempt is to provide a barcode reading device that determines whether the first barcode read is valid or invalid if the next barcode is not read within a certain period of time, and can process data only if it is valid. It is something to do.

[0009]

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention includes a scanner unit that reads barcodes by optical means, a buffer that stores barcode data read by the scanner unit, and a buffer that stores barcode data read by the scanner unit. A timer that measures the time until the next barcode is read; a one-stage barcode processing means that processes the barcode data in the buffer when the timer measures the time until the next barcode is read; A multi-stage barcode processing means that, when the next barcode is read by the scanner section before a certain time period is reached, performs data processing by combining the read barcode data and the barcode data in the buffer. It is.

[0010] Then, when the time measured by the timer reaches a certain time, it is determined whether the barcode data in the buffer is valid or invalid, and if it is determined to be valid, the barcode data in the buffer is processed by the first stage barcode processing means. It is desirable to process the data.

[0011]

[Operation] With the barcode reading device having such a configuration, when a barcode is read by the scanner section, the barcode data is stored in the buffer and time measurement by the timer is started. If the next barcode is not read within a certain period of time, the barcode data in the buffer is processed as a barcode of a one-stage barcode label. When the next barcode is read within a certain period of time, the read data and the barcode data in the buffer are combined and processed as a barcode of a two-stage barcode label.

0012

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the present invention is applied to a stationary scanner.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram, in which a CPU (central processing unit) 11 is connected to a ROM (read only memory) 13, a RAM (random access memory) 14, a timer 15, and a scanner section 16 via a bus line 12. controller 16a, I/O port 17a that outputs a drive signal to the buzzer 17, and the electronic cash register main body (hereinafter referred to as EC).
The stationary scanner 10 is configured by connecting each part of the communication interface 18 that controls data transmission and reception with the R main body (abbreviated as R main body) 20.

The scanner section 16 reads bar codes by receiving laser light emitted from a laser tube and scanned in multiple directions by a polygon mirror using a fat sensor. In the RAM 14, the scanner section 1
A buffer A14a and a buffer B14b are provided for storing the barcode data read in step 6.

The timer 15 is used to measure the time from when a bar code is read by the scanner unit 16 to when the next bar code is read. A certain period of time that is longer than the time required to read one barcode and then read another barcode, but less than the time required to read one product's barcode and then read another product's barcode (for example, 0.
5 seconds) is set in advance.

The ECR main body 20 is a stationary scanner 1.
It registers product sales data in the memory based on the product information etc. of the barcode read at 0, and also controls the issuance of receipts, etc. It is equipped with a number key, a subtotal key, a closing key, etc. It is equipped with external devices such as a keyboard 21, a display 22 for displaying the prices of sold products and the customer's total amount, a printer 23 for printing on receipts, etc., and a drawer 24 for storing cash and the like.

[0017] Therefore, the CP of the stationary scanner 10
U11 executes the control shown in FIG. That is, ST
(Step) When the barcode is read by the scanner unit 16 in step 1, the read barcode data is stored in the buffer A14a of the RAM 14 in step ST2. Also,
As ST3, the timer 15 is started to measure time. In this state, before the next barcode is read by the scanner unit 16 in ST4, if the timer 15 times out by counting a preset period of time in ST5, the first stage barcode label 1 It is determined that the barcode has been read, and the barcode data in the buffer A14a is transferred to the communication interface 1 in ST6.
8 to the ECR main body 20 side (first-stage barcode processing means).

On the other hand, if the next barcode is read by the scanner unit 16 in ST4 before the time measured by the timer 15 reaches a certain time in ST5, then ST7
The barcode data read as 1 is compared with the barcode data in the buffer A14a. If the two match, the barcode data read later is discarded, and the process proceeds to ST5 to continue timer monitoring. If they do not match, it means that two types of barcodes were read within the fixed time set in the timer 15, so the two-stage barcode label 2
It is determined that the barcode has been read, and in ST8 the barcode data read later is stored in the buffer B14b, and then in ST9 the barcode data in both buffers 14a and 14b is transferred to E via the communication interface 18.
Data is transmitted to the CR main body 20 side (multi-stage barcode processing means).

After transmitting the barcode data in ST6 or ST9, the clocking operation by the timer 15 is stopped in ST10, the clocking time is reset to "0", and then the process returns to ST1 to read the barcode of the next product. Wait for input.

In this embodiment having such a configuration, when a bar code is read by the scanner unit 16, the read data is stored in the buffer A 14a, and the timer 15 starts a time measurement operation. If the timer 15 times out after counting a preset period of time without the next barcode being read by the scanner section 16, the barcode data in the buffer A is transmitted to the ECR main body 20. Ru. On the other hand, if the next barcode is read by the scanner section 16 before the timer 15 times out, the read data and the barcode data in the buffer A are transmitted to the ECR main body 20. .

Here, the set time of the timer 15 is longer than the time required for the scanner unit 16 to read one barcode of the two-tiered barcode label 2 and then read the other barcode, and The time period is a certain period shorter than the time required to read the barcode of another product after reading the code, for example, 0.5 seconds.

Therefore, a barcode label 3 on which a barcode 3a of product information is printed is attached to each product, as shown in FIG. 3(a). In addition, for products that are currently discounted, a barcode label 4 on which a barcode 4a of discount information is printed is placed on the top or bottom of the barcode label 3, as shown in FIG. 3(b). Paste it on. As a result, barcode labels 3 with the same configuration as the 1-tier barcode label 1 are affixed to products that are not eligible for discounts, and barcode labels 3 and 3 with the same configuration as the 2-tier barcode labels 2 are attached to products eligible for discounts. 4 is pasted.

As a result, for products not eligible for discount, only the barcode 3a of the barcode label 3 is read within the time set by the timer 15, and the barcode data is transferred to the EC.
It is sent to the R main body 20, and the sales data of the corresponding product is registered at the regular price. On the other hand, for products eligible for discount, the barcode 3a of the barcode label 3 and the barcode 4a of the barcode label 4 are read within the time set by the timer 15, and both barcode data are sent to the ECR main body 20. , the sales data of the corresponding product is discounted and registered.

[0024] When the discount service for the discounted product is completed, the barcode label 4 is peeled off. As a result, a barcode label 3 having the same configuration as the one-stage barcode label 1 is attached to the product, and only the barcode 3a of the barcode label 3 is read within the time set by the timer 15. The barcode data is E
The data is sent to the CR main body 20, and the sales data of the corresponding product is registered at the regular price.

In this way, for example, for products whose price is discounted depending on the time period, only the barcode label 3 on which the product information barcode 3a shown in FIG. 3(a) is printed is printed before the discount time period. A barcode label 4 is attached and sold, and a barcode 4a with discount information shown in FIG. 3(b) is printed on the top or bottom of the barcode label 3 during discount hours.
This can be done by selling additional products, and after the discount period has passed, the barcode label 4 can be removed and sold. In this case, there is no need to assign a flag indicating that the product information barcode 3a or the discount information barcode 4a is a two-stage barcode. Therefore, it is no longer necessary to prepare two types of one-stage barcode labels 2 and two-stage barcode labels 2 for each product to be discounted as in the past, and waste of barcode labels can be prevented. Moreover, since the label 4 of the barcode 4a of discount information can be used for any product having the same discount information, the effect is great.

By the way, in the above example, if the barcode label 3 is accidentally peeled off after the discount period has passed, the stationary scanner of the above embodiment will remove the barcode label 4 by reading the barcode of the product. code 4
A problem arises in that a is read as a one-stage barcode label and only the barcode data of discount information is transmitted to the ECR main body 20. Therefore, another embodiment that solves this problem will be described below.

This other embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in part of the control of the CPU 11. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, when a barcode is read by the scanner unit 16 in ST1, the read data is transferred to the buffer A1 in ST2.
4a. Also, in ST3, the timer 15 starts measuring time. After that, when the timer 15 times out in ST5 before the next barcode is read by the scanner unit 16 in ST4, it is determined in ST51 whether or not the barcode data in the buffer A 14a is a valid barcode alone. Determine (data determination means). In this case, a predetermined flag is assigned to a barcode that is invalid alone, for example, a barcode for discount information, and the CPU 11 determines whether the barcode is valid or invalid depending on the presence or absence of the flag. Then, in the case of a barcode that is valid even by itself, such as the product information barcode 3a, the buffer A14 is stored in ST6.
The barcode data in a is transmitted to the ECR main body 20 side (first-stage barcode processing means). On the other hand, in the case of a barcode that is invalid on its own, such as the discount information barcode 4a, error processing such as emitting an error sound from the buzzer 17 is performed in ST52, and the barcode data in the buffer A14a is discarded. do. After that, in ST10, the time measurement operation by the timer 15 is stopped, and the time measurement time is "
After resetting to "0", the process returns to ST1 and waits for the next product's barcode to be read and input.

If the next bar code is read by the scanner unit 16 in ST4 before the time measured by the timer 15 reaches a certain time in ST5, the process is the same as in the previous embodiment.

Therefore, in this other embodiment as well, FIG.
For products that are not eligible for discounts and have only the barcode label 3 affixed as shown in (a) above, only the barcode 3a of the barcode label 3 is read within the time set by the timer 15, and
The barcode data is sent to the ECR main body 20,
The sales data of the corresponding product will be registered at the regular price. In addition, for products eligible for discount on which the barcode label 3 and the barcode label 4 shown in FIG. The barcode 3a of the code label 3 and the barcode 4a of the barcode label 4 are read, both barcode data are transmitted to the ECR main body 20, and the sales data of the corresponding product is discounted and registered.

On the other hand, for a product to which only the barcode label 4 shown in FIG. 4B is attached, the read barcode alone is meaningless, so an error occurs and the barcode data is discarded. As a result, the problem of sending incorrect barcode data to the ECR main body 20 is reliably prevented.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, in the above embodiment, the barcode 3a for product information and the barcode 4a for discount information are configured as a two-stage barcode, but product modification information other than discount information is converted into a barcode and the product information barcode 3a and 2
It is also conceivable to configure the bar code in stages. Further, in the above embodiment, a two-stage barcode label is shown as a multi-stage barcode label, but by increasing the number of buffers formed in the RAM 14, it is also possible to support a barcode label with three or more stages. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to stationary scanners, but can also be applied to hand-held scanners by expanding the scanner section that can only read one stage of barcodes and improving it so that it can read multiple stages at the same time. It is possible. It goes without saying that various other modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0032]

Effects of the Invention As detailed above, according to the present invention, if the next barcode is not read within a certain period of time after reading a barcode, the first barcode read will be replaced with the first barcode on the barcode label. To provide a barcode reading device which can process data as a code and, if the next barcode is read within a certain time, can process the first barcode and the next barcode as barcodes of a multi-stage barcode label.

Furthermore, it is possible to provide a barcode reading device that can determine whether the first barcode read is valid or invalid if the next barcode is not read within a certain period of time, and can process data only if it is valid.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the main control of the CPU in the same embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a barcode label used in the same example.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing main control of the CPU in another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a conventional barcode label.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 2, 3, 4...Barcode label, 11...CPU, 1
4a, 14b...buffer, 15...timer, 16...scanner unit.

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A scanner unit that reads barcodes by optical means; a buffer that stores barcode data read by the scanner unit; and a barcode that is read by the scanner unit and then the next barcode is read. a timer that measures the time until the time elapses; a one-stage barcode processing means that processes the barcode data in the buffer when the time measured by the timer reaches a certain time; A multi-stage barcode processing means that, when a next barcode is previously read by the scanner section, performs data processing by combining the read barcode data and the barcode data in the buffer. barcode reading device. 2. A scanner section that reads barcodes by optical means; a buffer that stores barcode data read by the scanner section; and after the barcode is read by the scanner section, the next barcode is read. a timer that measures the time until the barcode data elapses; a data determining means that determines whether the barcode data in the buffer is valid or invalid when the time measured by the timer reaches a certain time; a one-stage barcode processing means for processing the barcode data in the buffer; A barcode reading device comprising: multistage barcode processing means for processing a combination of barcode data and barcode data in the buffer.