JPH0816915B2 - Identification code recording / reading device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0101]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an identification code reader for reading the code contents from an identification code sheet for displaying product names, prices, symbols, etc. as codes.

[0092]

2. Description of the Related Art As a prior art relating to this type of identification code reading device, there is a reading device for reading an identification code using a known bar code, which is Japanese Patent Publication No. 53-21980 "Bar Code Character Recognition Device".

[0093]

In the above-mentioned known technique, since the bar code identifies the binary code by the thickness of the line and the position of the line, a read error is likely to occur. In general, most of them represent numbers, and only a few can read the alphabet. Those that can support JIS Kanji code (that is, those that can display Kanji) have not been put to practical use. Also,
It is necessary to accurately read the thickness and position of the line that displays the barcode, such as printing errors of the barcode, expansion and contraction of the barcode paper, unevenness of the sticking surface of the barcode paper, and the relative angle of the sensor to the barcode paper. The change causes a problem such as a read error.

[004]

This gun onset bright [Summary of] is, Y-axis for detecting the X-axis base line detecting means 11a for detecting the X-axis direction of the display Elijah identification code, the Y-axis direction of the display Elijah A display area determining means 11 having a base line detecting means 11b: for ^dividing the display area determined by the display area determining means 11 into 2 ⁿ [n ≧ 4] unit data areas (unit data areas) Unit data area
A determination unit 12 and a binary signal presence / absence determination unit 14 for determining whether or not a detection signal by a binary code mark recorded in each unit data area exists within a set value range.
The unit data area determining means 12 image-processes the detection signal of the division mark 4 recorded on the identification code sheet A with a microcomputer to calculate the position, area and total data of each unit data area. Classification mark detection with the function of judging the density and dividing the display area into a predetermined number
This is achieved by the unit data area determining means 17.

[0095]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is based on a prior application of Japanese Patent Application No. Sho-62 by the present inventor.
No. 173352 "identification code paper" is used, and the identification code paper A is a quadrangle of an appropriate shape and area regulated by the X-axis base line 1 and the Y-axis base line 2 with reference to FIG. Has a code display surface B having a display area b of, and the display area b is a unit data area of 2 ⁴ = 16 or more) 3
(P1, P2, P3 ... P in FIG. 4)
It is divided into 16 16 unit data areas ). Each unit
By recording a binary signal mark K in the data area 3, 16 binary codes are recorded in the entire display area b, and 2 ⁴ × 4 digits (that is, 0, 1, 2, ... F in 2 ⁴⁾ are recorded. It is possible to record and display an arbitrary arbitrary kanji character by a single display area b by making it compatible with JIS kanji code by combining four.

Incidentally, in order to correspond to the Kanji code by 16 unit data areas 3, 16 unit data areas 3 are divided into 4 groups of medium sections (unit set data areas), and 2 ⁴ Unit data area 0 of 0,
Binary coding of 1, 2, ... F is performed by P1, P2, P3, P4
In addition to the horizontal direction, the vertical direction, the diagonal direction, and any other suitable combination can be used for encryption. Each unit de
As the binary signal mark K for recording and displaying the binary code on the data area 3, the unit data area K as shown in FIG.
It is not necessary to completely fill the rear 3 and leave a blank part in a part of the unit data area 3 as in the case of ro ha ni, and other marks (for example, circle for b, star for c, triangle for d) Etc.) can achieve the object of the present invention. Further, as shown in FIG. 5C, the binary signal K can be formed by arranging a plurality of small marks k having an appropriate shape. As signal display method of the binary signal of the unit de Taeriya is not limited to the above marking method, considered as a method to obtain the same effect even fill process according perforated or magnetic inks and the like.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the extension X-axis base line 11 and the extension Y-axis base line 12 are added to set the auxiliary display area d, and the auxiliary mark 5 is recorded at a proper position of the auxiliary display area d. indicate. In FIG. 6a, the auxiliary mark 5 is recorded and displayed at a diagonal position with respect to the 0 point of the X-axis base line and the Y-axis base line, and in FIG. and readable tables back of a, for example, code when reading the printed code on a transparent film is to readable in the front and back any state. Note that the auxiliary mark 5 is not limited to a square shape, and may be any other mark such as a, b, c, d, and e in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the X-axis base line 1, Y
In addition to the axis base line 2, the horizontal unit data area line 6 and the vertical unit
If the data area line 7 is printed and displayed, each unit data area can be
By painting the rear 3 or displaying a circle or the like as a mark, the signal code can be determined at the site where the identification code paper is applied.

The identification card paper A shown in FIG.
Horizontal unit data area line 6 and vertical unit data area line 7
The division mark 4 is provided at the intersection of the and, and the range of the unit data area 3 can be read by reading the division mark 4. When printing the code surface B on the identification code paper A, it is possible to print it by a general printing means, but it is possible to use a 16- or 24-dot personal computer printer or a handy computer printer which is currently commercially available. You can also print it out. In this case, character strings (product name, department name, address name, telephone number, etc.) and sentences (messages, advertisements, etc.) are converted into binary code by PC processing according to JIS code, and 2 ¹⁶ per character One display area b of the signal code of can be made correspondent, and when the letter L corresponding to the adjacent area (for example, the lower side) of the display area b displayed by the binary code is displayed, the product name, the person in charge, etc. can be displayed. It is convenient to display kanji at the same time as coding (see Fig. 10). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, 16
The unit data areas P1, P2 ... P16 are respectively assigned to four middle sections Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 (P1, P2,
(P3, P4) ... (P13, P14, P15, P16) and the unit data area address order,
The method of dividing the unit data area 3 into 4 groups and the arrangement order in the middle section (that is, the combination of the address arrangement of the unit data area for each middle section) are arbitrary and should be changed appropriately by the control of the microcomputer printer. You can also Moreover, since the JIS Kanji code uses only about 7700 characters, in the case of the present application code, for example, when n = 4, 2
^{Since 16} = ⁶⁵⁵³⁶ characters can be coded, Thai, Arabic, Chinese characters, etc., which are not currently coded, voice symbols, and voices for voice synthesis can also be coded and displayed. FIG. 9 shows the case where the identification code paper of FIG. 8 is printed out by a 24-dot personal computer printer, the division mark 4 is 4 dots, and each unit data is
9 dots are assigned to the binary signal mark K displayed in the taelia 3.

Next, the identification code sheet reader of the present invention will be described. Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the sensor (line sensor) 8 is moved, the read signal is input, and the display device,
The output device 9 such as a printer is provided with a microcomputer 10 for outputting a JIS kanji code, other display, and a binary signal for printout. The microcomputer 10 has a function of a flow chart of FIG. 3, the display Elijah determining unit 11, the unit
The display area determining means 11 includes a data area determining means 12, a middle classification determining number 13, a binary signal presence / absence determining means 14, a binary code converting means 15 and an output device code converting means 16, and the display area determining means 11 is an X-axis baseline detecting means. 11a, the Y-axis baseline detecting means 11b, and the X-axis baseline direction correcting means 11c.

The unit data area determining means 12 is the first in the present application.
In carrying out the invention, based on an instruction from the setting storage means 15, the image data is divided into predetermined intervals (or a predetermined number) in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. In this gun onset Akira, classification mark detection
The unit data area determining means 17 divides the display area into a predetermined number by utilizing the division marks 4 recorded on the identification code paper. By image-processing and calculating the detection signal of the division marks 4 by the microcomputer, It functions to divide the display area b into a predetermined number of unit data areas 3 by determining the position and the area of each unit data area based on the distance from the base lines 1 and 2 and the mutual distance.

In the third invention of the present application, the number of determined intermediate categories is 13
Is an address assignment of the unit data area for each medium section specified for the identification code sheet to be read (for example,
Units based on the content set in advance in the storage unit 21 in accordance with address combination) of the unit data Elijah the middle segment stored in the printer Upon printing out
It functions to divide the data area into a predetermined number of groups with a predetermined address combination.

The binary signal presence / absence determining means 14 determines each unit data.
When the input value proportional to the area of the binary signal mark K by the image processing for the area 3 is within the predetermined value range (for example, the integrated value corresponding to 4 to 9 dots in the embodiment of FIG. 9), It has a function of judging that the binary signal mark K is present, and the binary code conversion means 15 is provided for each unit data.
2n depending on whether there is a binary signal mark on the data area.
Each is set by the microcomputer program so as to have a function of determining the binary code value of [n ≧ 4]. With reference to FIG. 2, the microcomputer 10 includes, in addition to the arithmetic unit (CPU) 20 and the storage means 21 that produce the above functions,
An input interface (data acquisition processing means) 18 and an output interface (output device data conversion means 19) are additionally provided.

There is also a method of reading by moving the line sensor as in the embodiment, but the same is true by using an area (two-dimensional) sensor having a size corresponding to a plurality of codes (for example, each page) to be read. Can achieve the goal, in this case the X baseline,
Not only the direction of the code itself but also the direction of the character string can be read by the direction of the Y base line and the position of the auxiliary mark. In this case, each display area can be determined by the directions of the X base line 1 and the Y base line 2 and the position of the auxiliary mark 5, as described above.
The direction of the character string can be determined by the position and number of the auxiliary marks 5. For example, referring to FIG. 11, the reading direction of the character string is set to a for right, b for left, c for down, and d for up.

The position and number of the auxiliary marks 5 can also be used as an instruction signal for determining the unit data area combination that constitutes the middle section. The functions of FIG. 1 are produced by analyzing the image of the detection signal from the sensor based on the instructions preset in the CPU and the storage means. The X-axis baseline is shown in FIG. ，
The display area b is determined by calculating the Y-axis base line and performing graphic processing (rotation / movement) to adjust the reference position dimension to the X-axis and Y-axis in the memory and discarding data unnecessary for code calculation. When the auxiliary baselines 11 and 12 and the auxiliary mark 5 are calculated by image analysis, the X-axis baseline 1, Y
This is convenient because the direction of the axis base line 2 can be promptly determined, and the shape can be inverted if necessary.

Further, when the auxiliary mark 5 is provided at the non-target position as shown in FIG. 6b, it is possible to detect the inside-out pasting of the identification code paper by the interpretation and correct it in the memory to cope with the identification code pasting error. can do. Furthermore,
As shown in FIG. 9, the unit data area in the display area b is
When there is a space between the adjacent upper, lower, left and right sides of the yarn 3, even if all the unit data areas 3 are provided with binary signal marks (black marks) in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction, the division marks 4 and the binary signal marks are Since it becomes discontinuous and can be clearly distinguished from the linear X-axis baseline 1 and the Y-axis baseline 2, the calculation of the display area b becomes more accurate, which is convenient.

The unit data area adjacent to the X-axis baseline 1
Unit data area adjacent and between the Y-axis base 2 and Layer 3
Set the gap (no signal mark portion) between the Layer 3, 2
Although it is possible to distinguish the straight line and the base line by the continuation of the value signal marks, if there are gaps (non-signal mark portions) intermittently as shown in FIG. 8, it is possible to judge both base lines more accurately and easily. The display area can be easily determined. Figure 12a
Shows the case where the gap g is formed adjacent to both the base lines 1 and 2, but it may be formed in the middle of the unit data area as shown in FIG. 12b , and by changing the position and number of the gap g, It is used as a signal mark in place of the auxiliary mark to indicate the reading direction of the character string and the unit data
It can also be used as an instruction for rear combination . Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12c, by providing an interval g for every 2n unit data areas, it is possible to display binary codes corresponding to a plurality of Chinese characters on one display area b. it can. The flowchart of FIG. 3 shows a single-task, first-speed processing, but if the sensor input can be taken into the memory area and operated;

[017] The present onset Ming, as described above, X-axis base line 1, Y
Since the axial base line 2 is what determines the display Elijah b, if not divided into two ^four or more unit data Elijah, for example, the lateral or only longitudinally purposes only be divided into a plurality invention can be achieved [ For example, the display area may be divided into two rows in the horizontal direction and the codes may be displayed in two rows above and below. Furthermore, consider the display area as a single unit data area ,
Be recorded barcode other coded marked in a conventional manner, to be able to decipher the effective reading Elijah the reading direction unlimited, but can achieve the inventions purposes. Further, since the division mark 4 is used to divide into 2 ⁿ [n ≧ 4] by the microcomputer processing, the relative movement speed between the sensor and the identification code paper is changed by manually moving the sensor when reading with the line sensor. Even if it changes, the reading can be accurately performed, and even if the effective area of the unit data area for the sensor changes due to the expansion and contraction of the identification code paper and the unevenness of the pasted surface, it can be read accurately.

The identification code can be printed using a handy computer or other general printer, but the identification code may be handwritten, or plain paper may be used without using high-quality paper for barcode. Data can be taken in as long as it is within the reading range of the sensor, so it can be read even if individual codes are large or small or in different directions.Printouts by the printer and handwriting are mixed, or different labels are used. The object of the present invention can be achieved even when affixed and combined with identification code paper.

When printout and handwriting with a transparent magnetic ink ribbon are performed, the code can be read by both sensor reading and visual recognition. Code remainder, about 57800
By registering (= 65536-7700) minutes, Thai and Arabic phonetic symbols can also be displayed, and can be used for a speech synthesis reader for blind people such as newspapers and magazines. In addition,
The X-axis base line 1 and the Y-axis base line 2 are not orthogonal to each other, and
As shown in Fig. 3, the unit data area
The ears can have shapes other than square.

[0204]

[Effect] The gun onset Ming, relative direction of the identification code sheet and a sensor, the relative reading speed is changed can always read accurately even if large and small display Elijah, direction (i.e., the identification code size, direction) of It can be read even if different items are mixed. Further, even if a matter unrelated to the identification code other than the display area is recorded, it is possible to determine only the display area and read the predetermined identification code.

Furthermore, the detection signal of the division mark (synchronization mark) 4 recorded on the identification code paper is image-processed and calculated by the microcomputer to determine the position, range and overall code density of each unit data area. doing, or changes the relative reading speed of the identification code values and the sensor, each of the unit data Elijah width by printing error-application surface irregularities, etc., even if the area is changed, the position of each of the unit data Elijah, The range and overall code density can be determined. Therefore,
Solves the problem of reading errors caused by expansion and contraction of the code paper, unevenness of the sticking surface of the bar code paper and changes in the relative angle of the sensor to the bar code paper, so that the identification code can be read accurately and the identification code is always higher. The reading accuracy can be maintained. Incidentally, JP-A-60-14379
“Facsimili information input method” has four
Technology to specify the data range (several bar codes) with the black mark
However, the unit data area in the present invention is disclosed.
It is different from the division mark for specifying. That is, single
There is no idea to specify the recording range of the binary data mark of
Within the range of 4 marks, the range of several barcodes
However, the recording range of each individual barcode is specified.
There is no function to direct. The present invention applies to individual binary data.
By specifying the position and range of the
Area of rear and binary value recorded in the unit data area
Judge the binary value of LH by comparing with the area of the data mark
Although it is possible, this function has the above four marks.
It does not exist in. Also, to identify the display area
When the data range specified by the above four marks is specified
Is displayed by mistakenly recognizing a black dot due to dirt as a mark.
There may be a problem that causes an error in identifying the area,
In Ming, the X-axis baseline and the Y-axis baseline, which are lines rather than points
By specifying the range and position of the display area,
Items other than black dots, data recording, X-axis baseline,
When identifying the display area by misidentifying it as the Y-axis baseline
Reading at the decoder by reducing the error rate
The accuracy can be increased.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the present invention showing a microcomputer with a function corresponding to a claim.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the outline of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of microcomputer processing for implementing the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of an identification code sheet used for implementing the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a binary code mark.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an identification code sheet having an auxiliary mark.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of an identification code sheet having a vertical unit data area line and a horizontal unit data area line.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of an identification code sheet having a division mark.

9 is a partial explanatory view of the identification code sheet of FIG. 8 showing a state in which a binary code mark is recorded.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of an identification code sheet to which a corresponding JIS Kanji code and character display are added.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing an instruction of a reading direction of a character string by an auxiliary mark.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing an identification code sheet having a gap.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of an identification code paper showing a case where the Y-axis baseline and the X-axis baseline are in a non-orthogonal state.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 …… X-axis baseline 2 …… Y-axis baseline 3 …… Unit data area 5 …… Auxiliary mark 8 …… Sensor 9 …… Output device 10 …… Microcomputer 11 …… Display area determining means 12 …… Unit data area determination Means 14 …… Binary code conversion means 20 …… Computing unit (CPU) b …… Display area d …… Auxiliary display area K …… Binary signal mark

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An identification code reading device for reading a binary signal mark recorded on an identification code sheet with a sensor, processing it with a microcomputer and displaying the contents of the identification code with an output device; X to detect the axial direction
Display area determining means 11 having axis baseline detecting means 11a and Y axis baseline detecting means 11b for detecting the Y-axis direction of the display area, and the display area determined by the display area determining means 11 is 2 ^n. A unit data area for dividing into [n ≧ 4]
And a binary signal presence / absence determining means 14 for determining whether or not the detection signal by the binary code mark recorded in each unit data area exists within the range of the set value. The unit data area determining means 12 performs image processing on the detection signal of the division mark 4 recorded on the identification code sheet A by a microcomputer and calculates the unit signal area to calculate the individual unit area.
Position of Taeriya, area, readable identification code, characterized in that to achieve the division mark detecting unit data Elijah determining means 17 having a function of dividing a predetermined number of display Elijah to determine the entire data density device.