JPH07234916A - Device and method for reading mark - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve a reading ratio for the inclination of a mark especially as for a device and method for reading the mark. CONSTITUTION:A scan reading means 42 fetches scan input, and also, outputs it after converting to scan data with prescribed format. A first half data processing means 44 samples and holds the scan data when it includes first half part data. A last half data processing means 46 samples and holds the scan data when it includes last half part data. A data synthesizing means 48 outputs complete data by connecting the first half part data to the last half part data. Therefore, when large inclination occurs in the mark, fast processing can be performed with high reading ratio and as using conventional hardware even when all information of the mark are not included in one scan data due to a certain cause.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a mark reading apparatus and a reading method, and more particularly, to improvement of a reading rate with respect to a mark inclination.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A bar code is often used as a mark when displaying the price of a product or automatically sorting products. A bar code is a coded character such as a number or a symbol and is represented by a combination of a bar (black) and a space (white). Although there are various barcode encoding methods, the outline of the configuration of the JAN code that is often used in the distribution field will be described.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the JAN code (explained by taking the "shortened version" as an example) has a left margin 1
4, left guard bar 16, left character 18a, ...
Left side character group 18 consisting of 18d, center bar 2
, 22d, a right-side character group 22 composed of 0, right-side characters 22a, ..., 22d, a right-side guard bar 24, and a right-side margin 26.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the left character 18
a is seven modules 18aa, 18ab, ..., 18
It is composed of ag. One module is the basic unit of JAN code, black (“1”) or white (“0”)
Has the value of. That is, these seven modules 18a
A combination of a, 18ab, ..., 18ag represents one character (for example, the numeral “4”). The other characters have the same configuration.

Left margin 14 and right margin 26
Is composed of a predetermined number of white modules, and has a role of representing the end of the JAN code when combined with the left guard bar 16 and the right guard bar 24.

The left guard bar 16 forms a start code 28 indicating that it is the head of the JAN code in combination with the left character 18a which is continuous with the left guard bar 16. Similarly, the right-side guard bar 24 forms a stop code 30 indicating the end of the JAN code, in combination with the right-side character 22a that follows the right-side guard bar 24. The center bar 20 is for indicating the center of the JAN code.

The rightmost character 22a of the right characters is called a check digit, and all the characters 18a to 18d and 22b to other than the check digit are checked.
A numerical value, that is, a checksum, as a result of performing an operation on 22d according to a certain law is written. It is a character provided to check for reading errors.

Next, a conventional bar code reading method will be described with reference to FIG. 8, taking the case of automatic sorting of products as an example. As shown in FIG. 8, the product 2 is placed on the belt conveyor 4 and is moving in the X direction in the figure. The sensor 6
While the product 2 is passing through L-L in the figure, a read permission signal is sent to the CPU 56. Upon receiving the read permission signal, the CPU 56 operates the scanner 8 to read the barcode 10 attached to the product 2. In this case, the scanner 8 is configured to perform parallel scanning and reading a predetermined number of times at predetermined intervals as shown in FIG. 10A (FIG. 10A, Q1 to Q6).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a conventional barcode reading process. The flow of processing will be described based on FIG. 9. The CPU 56 monitors the read permission signal (step J1 in FIG. 9), and when the read permission signal is turned on, one scan data read by the scanner 8 is taken in (step J2 in FIG. 9).

The CPU 56 checks whether or not one scan data read next includes the left margin 14, the right margin 26, the start code 28 and the stop code 30 (FIG. 9, steps J3 and J4). If even one of the above four data is not included in one scan data (in the case of Q1, Q2, or Q6 shown in FIG. 10A), it is judged as a read error, and the process returns to step J1 to read the read permission signal. Capture of scan data until left is turned off, detection processing of left margin 14 and the like (FIG. 9, steps J1 to J4)
repeat.

Left margin 1 is added to one read scan data.
4, when the right margin 26, the start code 28, and the stop code 30 are all included (in the case of Q3 to Q5 shown in FIG. 10A), it is determined that the read scan data is complete data. The left character group 18 and the right character group 22 included in the scan data are decoded into numerical data and the like (in this example, "49123494") (FIG. 9, step J5).

Next, the CPU 56 stores the decoded numerical data and the like in the memory 59 (FIG. 9, step J6), and ends the reading process.

[0013]

However, the conventional barcode reading method as described above has the following problems. As shown in FIG. 10A, the barcode 10
Direction (P1-P1) is the operating direction of the scanner 8 (Q in the figure).
Direction), or if the inclination is small, some of the plurality of scan data read by the scanner 8 include all the information of the barcode 10 (Q3 to Q5 in the figure). If so), there is no problem. But,
When the barcode 10 is attached to the product 2 incorrectly, or when a foreign substance is caught between the belt conveyor 4 and the product 2, the barcode 10 may be greatly inclined. As shown in FIG. 10B, when the direction of the barcode 10 (P2-P2) is largely inclined with respect to the operation direction of the scanner 8 (Q direction in the figure), among the plurality of scan data read by the scanner 8. Does not include all the information of the barcode 10, so a reading error occurs.

In particular, in the case of automatically reading products such as automatic sorting of products, it is impossible to remove foreign matters and correct the scanning direction of the scanner 8 with human hands, so that a reading error occurs. It will be difficult to avoid.

As a reading method for avoiding such a reading error, there is a sequential superposition method. The processing procedure of this sequential superposition method will be described. First, scan data including the start code 28 is found. Next, the next scan data is read, the scan data is compared with the scan data including the start code 28 found earlier, and if there is a coincident portion of the data, the coincident portion is superposed. , Create composite data by connecting both. Hereafter, the same operation is performed by using the start code 28 for the synthetic data.
And the stop code 30 are included. In this way finally complete data is obtained.

However, this sequential superposition method has the following problems. In the successive superposition method, as described above, it is necessary to compare two scan data and detect a coincident portion of the two data. In this case, the accuracy of the scanner,
Especially, the processing accuracy of polygon mirror is limited,
There may be variations in bar width or deviation in bar position between scan data. There is also noise due to dirt on the surface of the barcode. Therefore, it is necessary to determine whether or not there is a matching portion after removing such variations, deviations, and noises from each scan data.

Further, depending on the data, it becomes difficult to judge which part is connected (for example, the first scan data is "... 5, 6, 5, 6, 5, 6" and the second scan data is "". 5, 6, 5, 6, 5, 6, ...).

Therefore, in the case of the sequential superposition method, under the conditions as described above, two scan data are analyzed respectively, and after detecting a coincident portion of the data, it is judged which portion should be connected. Must be done, and the process becomes complicated. Therefore, if it is attempted to perform this processing by improving the software while using the conventional hardware, the program becomes complicated and the processing time becomes long. On the other hand, if dedicated hardware is used, high-speed processing is possible, but the cost of the device increases.

The present invention improves the conventional reading apparatus and reading method for marks such as bar codes, and when all the information on the marks is included in one scan data due to some cause such as a large inclination of the marks. It is an object of the present invention to provide a mark reading device and a reading method that have a high reading rate and can perform high-speed processing while using conventional hardware even when the mark is not included.

[0020]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mark reading device for reading each information from a mark having start information, content information of a designated number of digits, and end information. Scanning and reading means for obtaining one or more scan data by one or more scans, first half data including start information and content information of a predetermined number of digits is extracted from one or more scan data, and the first half data is held. First half data processing means, second half data processing means for extracting second half data including remaining content information and end information following a predetermined number of pieces of content information from one or more scan data and holding second half data, It is characterized by having a data synthesizing means for obtaining complete data by connecting the first half data and the second half data.

A mark reading device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the mark reading device according to the first aspect.
In the mark reader, the mark is a bar code, and the scanning and reading means has an illuminating means for irradiating the bar code with a light beam, and a light receiving means for receiving reflected light from the bar code by the light beam. To do.

A mark reading method according to a third aspect of the present invention is a mark reading method for reading each piece of information from a mark having start information, content information of a designated number of digits, and end information. From the one or more scan data obtained by the above scanning, the first half data including the start information and the content information of the predetermined number of digits, and the second half part including the remaining content information and the end information following the content information of the predetermined number of digits It is characterized in that complete data is obtained by extracting data and connecting the first half data and the second half data.

[0023]

According to the mark reading device of the first aspect or the mark reading method of the third aspect, the start information and the predetermined number of digits are obtained from one or more scan data obtained by one or more scans of the scanning reading means. First half data including content information, and
It is characterized in that the latter half data including the remaining contents information and the end information following the predetermined number of contents information is extracted, and the first half data and the latter half data are connected to obtain complete data. Therefore, for some reason,
Even if one scan data does not include all of the mark information, one scan data among a plurality of scan data includes a predetermined first half data, and the other scan data. If the specified second half data is included in
Complete data can be obtained by a simple method of connecting these.

A mark reading device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the device according to the first aspect.
In the mark reader, the mark is a bar code, and the scanning and reading means has an illuminating means for irradiating the bar code with a light beam, and a light receiving means for receiving reflected light from the bar code by the light beam. To do.

Therefore, since the direction of the bar code is greatly inclined with respect to the scanning direction by the scanning and reading means, even if all the information of the bar code is not included in one scanning data, a plurality of bar codes can be obtained. In the case where one of the scan data of 1 includes the predetermined first half data and the other scan data includes the predetermined second half data, a simple method of connecting them is used. ,
You can get complete data.

[0026]

1 shows the construction of a bar code reader 40 which is a mark reader according to an embodiment of the present invention. The scanning reading means 42 takes in a scanning input, converts it into scanning data of a predetermined format, and then outputs it. The first half data processing unit 44 extracts and holds the predetermined first half data when the scan data includes the first half data. The second half data processing unit 46 extracts and holds the predetermined second half data when the scan data includes the latter half data.
The data synthesizing unit 48 connects the first half data and the second half data, and outputs complete data.

FIG. 2 shows a hardware configuration in the case where each unit of FIG. 1 is realized by using a CPU. The scanning reading means 42 is generally composed of a scanner 8, a binarization circuit 52, and a pulse width counting circuit 54.

The scanner 8 is a light projector 8a which is an illuminating means for irradiating the bar code 10 with a laser beam, and a light receiver 8b which is a light receiving means for receiving the reflected light from the bar code 10.
Have. The scanner 8 controls the light projector 8a and the light receiver 8b to scan and read the barcode 10 in parallel at a predetermined interval and a predetermined number of times (see FIGS. 10A, B, and Q1 to Q6). The read result is output as an analog signal.

The binarization circuit 52 converts the analog signal output from the scanner 8 into a binarized signal. Further, the pulse width counting circuit 54 converts the binarized signal into a binarized code, and then passes it to the CPU 56.

FIG. 3 shows the manner of each of the above signals when the left character 18a of the bar code 10 shown in FIG. 7B is read. The analog signal output from the scanner 8 is represented by a voltage value Vsc as a function of time (t) (FIG. 3A).

The binarization circuit 52 outputs the analog signal Vsc.
Is larger than a certain threshold value Vth, Vb = V1
When it is smaller, Vb = 0 is set (FIGS. 3A and 3B).
In this way, the analog signal Vsc becomes the binarized signal Vb.
(Binary value of V1 or 0).

The pulse width counting circuit 54 uses the binarized signal Vb.
The number of basic widths w included in the pulse width (1 to W4 in FIG. 3B) is counted, and "1" or "0" is output by the included number. In this case, the pulse whose pulse width is V2 is V1 (the pulse width is W2 and W4).
Corresponds to this. )In Case of,"
1 "is output, and in the case of a pulse in which the value of the binarized signal Vb is 0 (a pulse having a pulse width of W1 and W3 corresponds to this)," 0 "is output. In the case of, the binary code "0100011" is output.

As shown in FIG. 2, the CPU 56 takes in the binarized code which is the scan data, and when the scan data includes the predetermined first half data, extracts it according to a predetermined processing procedure. ,Hold. That is, CP
U56 serves as the first half data processing means 44. Also, C
The PU 56 also has a role of the latter half data processing unit 46, and when the scan data includes a predetermined second half data, the PU 56 extracts and holds the same. Further, the CPU 56 also functions as the data synthesizing unit 48, and connects the first half data and the second half data to output complete data.

The ROM 58 is a read-only storage medium that stores the processing procedure of the CPU 56 and the like, and the RAM 60.
Is a readable / writable storage medium for temporarily storing the calculation result and the like. The I / O port 62 is a port for controlling the input / output of the CPU 56, outputs the calculation result of the CPU 56 to the display 64, and inputs the output from the sensor 6 to the CPU 56.

Next, the operation of the bar code reader according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8 by taking the case of automatic sorting of products as in the conventional example. As shown in FIG. 8, the product 2 is placed on the belt conveyor 4 and is moving in the X direction in the figure. The sensor 6 sends a read permission signal to the CPU 56 (see FIG. 2) while the product 2 passes through L-L in the figure. Upon receiving the read permission signal, the CPU 56 operates the scanner 8 to read the barcode 10 attached to the product 2. In this case, the scanner 8 is configured to perform parallel scanning and reading a predetermined number of times at predetermined intervals as shown in FIG. 10 (FIGS. 10A, B, Q1 to Q6).

FIGS. 4 to 6 are flow charts when the flow of the barcode reading process according to this embodiment is viewed from the CPU 56 side. 4 is a main processing routine, FIG. 5 is a first half data processing routine, and FIG. 6 is a second half data processing routine. The flow of processing will be described based on FIGS. 4 to 6.

As shown in FIG. 4, first, the CPU 56
The reading permission signal from the sensor 6 is monitored (steps S1, S2, S3), and when the reading permission signal is turned on, one scan data read by the scanner 8 (see FIG. 2) is taken in (step S4, S5).

Next, the CPU 56 checks whether the read scan data includes the left margin 14 or the right margin 26 (see FIG. 7A) (step S6). If neither is included, the scan data read is
It is determined that the data is not necessary for processing (step S
7) Then, control is returned to step S2, new scanning data is taken in, and margin detection is performed (steps S2 to S2).
7).

When the left margin 14 or the right margin 26 is detected from the scan data in this loop, the CPU 5
Reference numeral 6 checks whether or not the scan data includes the start code 28 or the stop code 30 (see FIG. 7A) (step S8). If neither is included (steps S9 and S10), the read scan data is
If it is determined that the data is not necessary for processing, step S6,
After S7, control is returned to step S2, and new scan data is taken in.

On the other hand, when the scan data includes the start code 28, the control is transferred to the first half data processing routine shown in FIG. The CPU 56 decodes the left character 18a which is the first character included in the scan data (step S12). In the example of FIG. 7, the binarized code “0100011” is converted into the number “4” according to a predetermined table.

This step is repeated to decode the content information of a predetermined number of digits (FIG. 5, steps S12 to S1).
5). In this embodiment, the predetermined digit number is half the total character digit number N, that is, N / 2. That is, in the example of FIG. 7, since the number of all character digits N = 8, the content information of the predetermined number of digits represents the four-digit first half characters 18a to 18d. Therefore, when the scan data includes characters having more than four digits, the characters after five digits are ignored. In the example of FIG. 7, when the decoding process is successful, the content of the obtained decoding data is “491”.
2 ". When N is an odd number, the predetermined number of digits is (N
+1) / 2 or (N-1) / 2. CPU56
Is the content of the 4-digit decoding data obtained by the current scanning, and is obtained by the previous scanning, and the first half data buffers DF (A (A = 1, 2, 3, ...,
(m)) are sequentially compared with the m data set in (m)) (FIG. 5, steps S17 to S20). The decoding data this time is either the first half data buffer D
If the data matches the data set in F (k), the content of the match counter CF (k) for the matched first half data buffer DF (k) is incremented by one (step S21).

If they do not match, it is judged that the decoding data of this time is the decoding data of the new pattern, and the new first half data buffer DF (m + 1).
This data is set to (steps S23 to S2
4). The decoding data obtained by the first decoding process is unconditionally used in the first half data buffer DF.
It is set to (1) (step S23). In the present embodiment, the number of the first half data buffer DF (A), the number of coincidence counters CF (A), and the number of the latter half data buffer DB (B) and the number of coincidence counters CB (B), which will be described later, are each 25. However, the number of each may be 3 to 5, depending on the usage condition such as the dirtiness of the barcode, and the number is not limited.

The CPU 56 then returns control to step S6 (see FIG. 4) of the main processing routine (step S).
22). The CPU 56 checks whether or not the stop code 30 is included in the scan data (FIG. 4, steps S6 to S10), and if not included (for example, FIG. 10).
In the case of the data obtained by the scanning of Q2 shown in B), the control is moved to step S2 via step S7,
Acquire new scan data.

On the other hand, the stop code 3 is included in the scan data.
If 0 is included (for example, in the case of the data obtained by the scan of Q3 shown in FIG. 10A), step S1
The control is transferred to the latter half data processing routine (FIG. 6) via 0. In this case, it is possible to collect both the first half decoding data and the second half decoding data (described later) from one scan data.

The first half data processing routine (FIG. 5)
In the case where the scan data includes only three or less characters (in the case of Q1 in FIG. 10B) or the front surface of the barcode 10 is dirty and the decoding of the first half portion is not successful, The CPU 56 returns the control to step S6 (FIG. 4) of the main processing routine (FIG. 5, step S13), but in this case as well, the same processing as the above-mentioned processing of step S22 and thereafter is performed (FIG. 4, step S6 to step S6). S1
0, step S2).

Next, the latter half data processing routine (FIG. 6)
Explain. The control is transferred to the latter half data processing routine in addition to the case of processing the data obtained by the scan of Q3 shown in FIG. 10A (described above), and Q4 shown in FIG. 10B.
The data obtained by the scanning may be processed. In the former case, the first half data processing is performed first (see FIG. 5), but in the latter case, the first half data processing is not performed.

In the latter half data processing routine, almost the same processing as the first half data processing routine is performed. That is, the CPU 56 decodes the character included in the scan data (FIG. 6, steps S31 to S3).
5) Counting the number of coincidences of the obtained decoding data (steps S36 to S42) or holding the decoding data (steps S43 and S44).

In the decoding process (steps S31 to S35) in the latter half data processing routine, the remaining contents information following the predetermined number of digits of contents information processed in the first half data processing routine is decoded. In this embodiment, the predetermined digit number is half the total character digit number N, that is, N / 2.
Therefore, the number of digits of the remaining content information is N
-N / 2, that is, N / 2. In the example of FIG. 7, since the total number of character digits N = 8, the remaining content information represents the four-digit latter half characters 22a to 22d. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 7, when the decoding process is successful, the content of the obtained decoding data is “3494”. In the present embodiment, the second half character 22
a to 22d are read in this order ("4943"), and this is inverted and stored as "3494".

If N is an odd number and the predetermined number of digits in the first half data processing is (N + 1) / 2, the number of digits of the remaining content information is N- (N + 1) / 2 = (N- 1) / 2 and the predetermined number of digits is (N-1) / 2, the number of digits of the remaining content information is N- (N-1) / 2 = (N + 1) / 2.

Counting the number of coincidences (steps S36 to S
42) or holding decoding data (step S
43, S44) In the process, instead of the first half data buffer DF (A) and the coincidence counter CF (A),
The latter half data buffer DB (B) and the coincidence counter CB (B) are used.

When the CPU 56 finishes the decoding process, the coincidence number counting process, the decoding data holding process, and the like in the latter half data processing routine, it returns the control to step S6 (FIG. 4) of the main processing routine (FIG. 6). , Step S42), and by transferring control to step S2 via step S7, new scan data is taken in (see FIG. 4).

In this manner, the CPU 56 fetches scan data (repeatedly scans Q1 to Q6 of FIG. 10A or B), decodes, and counts the number of coincidences until the read permission signal is turned off (step S1). ~ S1
0, steps S11 to S24, steps S31 to S4
4).

As shown in FIG. 4, when the read signal from the sensor 6 is turned off, the CPU 56 causes the barcode 10 to be read.
Is terminated (step S2). First half data buffer DF (A) and second half data buffer DB (B)
If one or more data are set in each of these, these data are combined (steps S3 and S5).
1, S52).

The data synthesis is performed as follows. C
The PU 56 compares the contents of the match count counter CF (A) in the first half data processing, and determines the contents of the first half data buffer DF (i) corresponding to the match count counter CF (i) having the largest contents in the first half. Let it be data DF. Similarly, the coincidence counter CB in the latter half data processing
The contents of (B) are compared, and the latter half data buffer D corresponding to the coincidence counter CB (j) having the maximum contents.
The content of B (j) is the first half data DB. Next CPU
56 connects the first half data DF and the second half data DB to obtain complete data DA.

Finally, the CPU 56 refers to the check digit 22a (see FIG. 7A) of the complete data DA to check if there is any reading error (step S53).
If there is no mistake in reading, display the complete data DA 6
4 (see FIG. 2) (step S54), and the process ends.

On the other hand, in step S51, the CPU 56 combines the data if no data is set in either the first half data buffer DF (A) or the second half data buffer DB (B). Therefore, an error is displayed on the display 6 and the process is terminated (steps S51 and S55). In addition, step S53 described above.
In the case where a reading error is found, the same error message is displayed and the process ends.

Thus, in this embodiment, the product 2
When the inclination of the barcode 10 attached to the scanner is small, the scanner 8 scans at least once (FIG. 10A, Q3, Q4).
Or Q5), complete data DA can be obtained, and if the inclination of the barcode 10 is large, complete data DA can be obtained by at least two scans (FIGS. 10B, Q2 and Q4). be able to.

As described above, in the conventional barcode reading method, it is a necessary condition that one scan data contains all the information of the barcode 10. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10B, assuming that the vertical dimension of the barcode 10 is h, the horizontal dimension including the left margin 14 and the right margin 26 is b, and the angle between the barcode 10 and the scanning direction Q is α, In the barcode reading method of No. 1, it was necessary that TAN (α) <h / b. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, since it is sufficient that one scan data has half the data of the barcode 10, it is a condition that TAN (α) <2 * h / b.

That is, according to the present embodiment, the allowable range of the inclination of the barcode 10 is about twice that of the conventional barcode reading method, so that the reading error due to the inclination of the barcode 10 is reduced.

In the present embodiment, the predetermined number of digits and the number of digits of the remaining content information are set to N / 2 ((N ± 1) / 2 when N is an odd number), whereby the first half data is set. Although the processing and the latter half data processing are separated by almost half of the total character digit number N, the present invention is not limited to this and can be divided by an arbitrary number of digits. In this case, it is convenient to divide the bar code 10 in the vicinity of the midpoint b / 2 of the lateral dimension b (see FIG. 10B) including the left margin 14 and the right margin 26, because the allowable range of the inclination of the barcode 10 can be made large. .

Further, in the present embodiment, in the first half data processing, only the character having the predetermined digit number N / 2 (specifically, four digits) is decoded, and in the latter half data processing, the number of digits of the remaining content information is set. By decoding only N / 2 (specifically, four-digit) characters, the first half data DF (four-digit character) and the second half data DB (four-digit character) overlap the content information. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the first half data processing, N / including a character with a predetermined number of digits N / 2
A character of 2 + 1 digits (specifically, 5 digits) is processed, and N / 2 + 1 digits (specifically, 5 digits) including a character of the number of digits N / 2 of the remaining content information in the latter half data processing. By processing the first half data DF (5-digit character) and the second half data DB
The (5-digit character) and the content information may have an overlapping portion (single digit). It should be noted that the overlapping portion of the content information can be two or more digits.

Further, in the present embodiment, the CPU 56 is used as the first half data processing means 44, the second half data processing means 46 and the data synthesizing means 48, but part or all of them may be constituted by hardware logic. it can.

In this embodiment, the JAN code has been described as an example of the bar code to be read, but the present invention is not limited to this, and "ITF", "
It can also be applied to CODE128 "and any other barcode.

Further, the present invention is not applied only to a bar code reading device, and a three-dimensional mark in which information is displayed as unevenness on the surface of an article, a magnetic mark in which magnetic information is displayed,
It can also be applied to a reader for other marks.
That is, a mark reading device that reads these information from a mark having start information, a specified number of digits of content information, and end information, and obtains one or more scan data by scanning the mark one or more times. It is generally applied as configured.

[0065]

According to the mark reading device of the first aspect or the mark reading method of the third aspect, start information and a predetermined digit are obtained from one or more scan data obtained by one or more scans of the scanning reading means. By extracting the first half data including the number of contents information and the second half data including the remaining contents information and the end information following the predetermined number of digits of contents information, and connecting the first half data and the second half data to complete the data. Characterized by obtaining data. That is, even if all the information of the mark is not included in one scan data for some reason, one scan data among the plurality of scan data includes a predetermined first half data. If other scan data includes the latter half of the data, the simple method of joining them together
You can get complete data.

Therefore, the reading rate is high, and high-speed processing is possible while using the conventional hardware.

The mark reading device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the mark reading device according to the first aspect.
In the mark reader, the mark is a bar code, and the scanning and reading means has an illuminating means for irradiating the bar code with a light beam, and a light receiving means for receiving reflected light from the bar code by the light beam. To do.

That is, since the direction of the bar code is greatly inclined with respect to the scanning direction of the scanning and reading means, even if all the information of the bar code is not included in one scan data, a plurality of pieces of bar code can be obtained. Of the scan data of 1, when one scan data includes a predetermined first half data and another scan data includes a predetermined second half data,
Complete data can be obtained by a simple method of connecting these.

Therefore, the reading rate with respect to the inclination of the bar code is high, and high speed processing is possible while using the conventional hardware.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a mark reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a specific configuration of a barcode reader according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing modes of an analog signal, a binarized signal, and a binarized code in a barcode reader according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow (main processing routine) of a barcode reading process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of bar code reading processing (first half data processing routine) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of a barcode reading process (second half data processing routine) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an outline of the structure of a JAN code.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state of automatic sorting of products using a barcode.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of a conventional barcode reading process.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a scanning state by a scanner.

[Explanation of symbols]

 42-scanning reading means 44-first half data processing means 46-second half data processing means 48-data synthesizing means

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A mark reading device for reading each information from a mark having start information, content information of a designated number of digits, and end information, wherein at least one scan data is obtained by performing one or more scans on the mark. Scanning reading means for obtaining the first half data processing means for extracting the first half data including the start information and the content information of a predetermined number of digits from the one or more scan data, and holding the first half data, the one or more From the scan data, the latter half data processing means for extracting the latter half data including the remaining content information following the content information of the predetermined number of digits and the end information, and holding the latter half data, the first half data and A data synthesizing means for obtaining complete data by connecting the latter half data. 2. The mark reading device according to claim 1, wherein the mark is a bar code, and the scanning and reading means illuminates the bar code with a light beam, and the light beam reflects from the bar code. Having light receiving means for receiving light. 3. A mark reading method for reading each information from a mark having start information, content information of a designated number of digits, and end information, which is obtained by one or more scans of a scanning reading means. From the one or more scan data, the first half data including the start information and the content information of a predetermined number of digits, and the second half data including the remaining content information following the content information of the predetermined number of digits and the end information are extracted. A method for reading a mark in which complete data is obtained by joining the first half data and the second half data.