JPH0589272A - Small-sized scanner for bar code reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obviate a trouble of cable connection and to perform the signal processing in real time by storing a radio machine, a control part, a battery, etc., in a small-sized scanner for bar code reader. CONSTITUTION:A pen scanner part 1 which reads a bar code, a decoding means 3 which decodes the code read by the pen scanner part 1, and a radio means 5 which transmits bar code information decoded by the decoding means 3 are stored in a small-sized storage body.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a small portable scanner for a bar code reader.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a handheld type small scanner for bar code readers and a terminal device for performing signal processing thereof, or the small scanner and a personal computer (personal computer) are connected by a cable. Then, for example, at a supermarket cash register, a bar code that encodes a sales item and a sales amount is read by a small scanner, the bar code information is sent to a terminal device through a cable, and signal processing is performed. We were doing total management.

In the conventional method, a cable is not always connected, but a storage means is built in the small scanner for the bar code reader, and the bar code information is temporarily stored in the storage means, for example, for a fixed time. Each time, the personal computer and the storage means of the small scanner were connected with a cable and the bar code information was called up, and the personal computer managed the totalization of data.

[0004]

However, since the above-mentioned small scanner is connected to the personal computer (or terminal device) by a cable, the degree of freedom of work is limited, and the installation space for the personal computer (or terminal device) is limited. In a narrow place where it does not exist, the cable must be extended and used, which is inconvenient because it is bothersome to use.

Further, a small scanner having a built-in storage means stores bar code information for a certain period of time, but has a limited storage capacity, and it is necessary to frequently connect a cable to a personal computer to transfer data. At the same time, it could not be processed in real time.

Therefore, according to the present invention, the scanner unit for the bar code reader, the decoding unit and the wireless unit are housed in one small housing, thereby eliminating the troublesomeness of the cable connection and enabling the signal processing in real time. It is an object to provide a small portable scanner for a barcode reader.

[0007]

As a means for solving the above problems, the present invention provides a scanner unit for reading a bar code, a decoding unit for decoding a code read by the scanner unit, and a decoding unit for decoding the code. And a wireless means for transmitting the bar code information, which is stored in a small container.

Further, the wireless means has a means for receiving a response confirmation signal for the bar code information read by the scanner, and a confirmation means for confirming the response based on the signal received by the receiving means. To do.

[0009]

[Function] The bar code information read by the scanner section is decoded by the decoding means, and at least the bar code information is transmitted from the wireless means to the personal computer (terminal device) by a wireless signal, thereby eliminating the need for cable connection. In addition, real-time processing can be enabled.

Further, the wireless means inputs a response confirmation signal for the bar code information read by the scanner from the receiving means to the response confirmation means.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a pen scanner for a bar code reader according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 1 is a handheld pen scanner for bar code readers. Reference numeral 2 denotes a scanner unit attached to the pen unit of the pen scanner 1. Light from the scanner unit 2 is applied to a barcode (not shown) to read the barcode information distribution product code printed on the barcode, and the manual operation is performed. It is made to scan in.

A decoder 3 decodes the bar code information scanned by the scanner unit 2. The decoder 3 is operated by a control signal from the control unit 4. Reference numeral 5 denotes a wireless transmission unit that encodes and compresses the bar code information decoded by the decoder 3 to convert it into a wireless transmission signal. The wireless transmission unit 5 is provided so as to crawl on the ceiling from the wireless transmission unit 5 via the transmission antenna 6. Further, the data can be managed by transmitting to a receiving antenna (not shown) at a frequency of, for example, 400 MHz and collecting the bar code information by a personal computer or a terminal device (not shown). The transmission antenna 6 is a type that can be housed in a pen scanner, and has a length of about 15 cm, for example, and may be a flexible antenna.

Reference numeral 7 is a battery for supplying a driving voltage to the scanner unit 2, the control unit 4 and the wireless transmission unit 5, for example. The battery 7 is a primary battery such as a lithium battery. The cost can be reduced by using the primary battery.

In the above embodiment, the case where the primary battery is used has been described, but a storage battery (not shown) which is a secondary battery can be used instead of the battery 7. In this case, for example, when the battery is not used, it can be used without being worried about battery consumption by setting it in a stand-type charger.

In the bar code reader pen scanner of the above embodiment, the bar code information code is read by the scanner section 2, the decoder 3 decodes the code, and then the wireless transmission section 5 encodes and compresses the data. By converting it to a transmission signal and transmitting the bar code information to the personal computer (terminal device) in a separate room, not only can the flexibility of cordlessness be improved, but also real-time processing is possible. Working hours can be shortened.

The pen scanner 1 is housed in a small-sized container equivalent to the conventional one, and the decoder 3, the wireless transmitter 5, and the controller 4 housed in the small-sized container are, for example, one-chip ICs. Composed of small dimensions. The battery 7 is also a small one housed in the pen scanner 1.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a pen scanner for a bar code reader according to another embodiment of the present invention. The same components as those of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, detailed description thereof will be omitted, and only different components will be described.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the radio receiver is provided with a radio receiver 10. The wireless receiver 10 can receive the response confirmation signal transmitted from the personal computer (terminal device) side. The response confirmation signal received by the wireless reception unit 10 is a signal for confirming that the barcode information is surely transmitted from the wireless transmission unit 5 to the personal computer (terminal device) side.

The decoder 3 decodes the response confirmation signal received by the wireless reception unit 10 and confirms the confirmation LE on the response display unit 12.
By turning on the D lamp for a short time, or by providing a buzzer sounding circuit (not shown), a confirmation buzzer sounds for a short time to ensure bar code information on a personal computer (terminal device).
You can quickly confirm that you have sent to.

In this embodiment, the battery 7 is connected to the control unit 4, the scanner unit 2 and the response display unit 12 so that each operating voltage can be supplied. Note that 11
Is an antenna capable of switching between transmission and reception, and the antenna 6
Similarly, the antenna may be a rod-shaped antenna, a flexible wire antenna, or a helical antenna.

Although the pen scanner has been described in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the pen-like shape, and a portable small scanner having various shapes is possible within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention. Can be used for.

[0023]

As described above, according to the present invention, since the radio device, the decoder, the control unit, the battery and the like can be housed in the pen scanner for the bar code reader, the scanning performance of the pen scanner is improved. It is possible to obtain excellent effects such as being able to do so, and it is possible to improve operability by eliminating cable connection and enabling real-time processing.

Further, the reading of the bar code information can be confirmed by receiving the response confirmation signal for the bar code information read by the pen scanner for the bar code reader by the wireless device in the pen scanner.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a pen scanner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a pen scanner according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[Simple explanation of symbols]

 1 Pen Scanner for Bar Code Reader 2 Scanner Section 3 Decoder 4 Control Section 5 Radio Transmission Section 6 Transmission Antenna 10 Radio Reception Section 11 Antenna 12 Response Display Section

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A small container that houses a scanner unit for reading a bar code, a decoding unit for decoding the code read by the scanner unit, and a wireless unit for transmitting the bar code information decoded by the decoding unit. A small scanner for bar code readers that is characterized by 2. The wireless means comprises means for receiving a response confirmation signal for the bar code information read by the scanner, and confirmation means for confirming the response based on the signal received by the receiving means. A small scanner for a bar code reader according to claim 1.