JPH09237309A - Bar code reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To quantitatively and easily confirm a signal level related to radio transmission/reception between a slave station and a master station by providing each slave station with a 1st signal level detection means ands a 1st signal level display means. SOLUTION: The 1st signal level detection means in the slave station 10 is formed by a detection part 25 in a radio communication circuit 20, and the time of radio receiving a response related to the radio transmission of bar code data from the master station 30, the detection means automatically detects the signal level L. The detected signal level L is stored in a RAM 13 by a CPU 11 through a main control part 21. The 1st signal level display means is formed by a display device 17 and observably display the signal level L detected and stores in the RAM 13. Thus the signal level L can be displayed as an observable, quantitative and concrete value by the use of the response from the master station 30 in normal mode for radio transmitting bar code data to the radio connected master station 30.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a plurality of handy type slave stations capable of reading a bar code and wirelessly transmitting the read bar code data in a normal mode, and wirelessly transmitted from each slave station. And a master station capable of wirelessly receiving the barcode data and directly or indirectly storing the wirelessly received barcode data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In FIG.
The master station 30 and a plurality of slave stations 10 that can be wirelessly connected to the master station 30.
Consists of In the normal mode, each of the handy type slave stations 10 can read a barcode printed on a conveyed product and can wirelessly transmit the read barcode data to the master station 30, for example. The master station 30 can wirelessly receive the barcode data wirelessly transmitted from each slave station 10, and directly transmits the barcode data wirelessly received to the own station 30 or to, for example, a transfer destination host (for example, a personal computer). It is formed so that it can be stored indirectly.

More specifically, upon reading the bar code, each slave station 10 inquires of the master station 30 that it wants to wirelessly transmit the read bar code data.
After wirelessly receiving a response of acknowledgment, wirelessly transmits the barcode data. When the wireless reception of the barcode data ends, the master station 30 responds to the fact to the slave station 10. The slave station 10 wirelessly receiving this response erases the barcode data.

[0004] Here, one master station 30 has a large number of slave stations 10.
It is very difficult to deal with
It is common to arrange 30D. The arrangement positions of the master stations 30A to 30D shown in FIG. 6 are determined such that the wireless transmission / reception effective areas Aa to Ad can cover, for example, any place in the distribution center and the overlapping range is minimized. Specifically, this is performed using a dedicated device having a radio wave environment diagnosis function. Note that the radio transmission / reception frequencies (fa to fd) of the master stations 30A to 30D are set to be different from each other. Thus, each of the slave stations 10A to 10D can wirelessly connect to each of the master stations 30A to 30D forming the respective wireless transmission and reception effective areas Aa to Ad at the frequency (fa to fd) and wirelessly transmit the barcode data. it can.

By the way, for example, the slave station 10AB (10AB
C) includes a plurality of areas Aa, Ab (Aa, Ab, Ac)
Are located in the master stations 30A and 30B (30A, 30B and 30B) at the discretion of the attendant (operator).
Any of C) can be arbitrarily selected and switched. However, in reality, there is no guarantee that selection and switching will always be possible and that stable and smooth wireless communication with the selected master station 30 will always be possible. Due to the reasons such as obstacles due to radio waves generated from the building's internal structure in the distribution center and other electronic devices,
This is because the areas Aa to Ad that are two-dimensionally expressed in FIG. 6 are not always maintained.

Thus, each slave station 10 (for example, 10A
In (B), as shown in FIG. 7 (A), the signal level L at the time of wireless transmission / reception with the master station (for example, 30A) wirelessly connected is equal to or lower than the preset stable level L2. In this case, a function is provided to turn on the alarm lamp, select the next master station (for example, 30B) capable of stable wireless transmission / reception as the switching mode, and call the caution that the wireless connection should be switched to it. .

Further, when the signal level L with the master station (30A) wirelessly connected is below the stable level L2 in view of the actual operation, as shown in FIG. 7 (C). It is assumed that the signal level L is further deteriorated (decreased) and the wireless connection with the master station (30A) is automatically disconnected. Unstable transmission / reception can be avoided.

On the other hand, regarding the selective switching from the old master station (30A) to the new master station (30B) in the switching mode, even if the signal level L is equal to or lower than the stable level L2, as shown in FIG. 7B. If the set level of wireless communication is L1 or higher, the selected parent station (30B)
Is configured to allow wireless connection with. This is because the clerk expects that the signal level L thereof will rise and become equal to or higher than the stable level L2 as the clerk moves toward the newly selected and switched master station (30B) side.
In other words, the idea of prioritizing the wireless connection to the newly selected and switched new master station (30B) is adopted.

[0009]

However, the work of determining the installation positions of the master stations 30A to 30D by using the large and expensive dedicated machine at the time of constructing or starting up the apparatus (system) is complicated and enormous. In addition to spending a lot of labor and time, it is impossible to wirelessly transmit the barcode data from any of the slave stations 10 during the working period. That is, the operation rate decreases. Moreover, there is no guarantee that the areas Aa to Ad defined by this will be effective thereafter. This is because there is an influence of various disturbances.

Further, there are the following problems regarding each slave station 10 side and each staff member who handles the slave station 10. That is,
Even if the alarm lamp is turned on as shown in FIG. 7 (A), there is no way to know the signal level L at that time, so it is not possible to judge whether or not it is possible to return to the stable region by moving a little. Therefore, it is necessary to interrupt the reading of the bar code data and the wireless transmission work to perform the selection switching work to the next master station (30B). Moreover, particularly in the case of the half-duplex communication method, inquiry transmission (response reception) from the slave station 10 side
Since it is necessary to alternately perform the response reception (inquiry response transmission) on the side of the master station 30 and a long time is required. Further, when the wireless connection is suddenly disconnected as shown in FIG. 5C, the barcode related to the barcode data that was being wirelessly transmitted must be reread and retransmitted. Work efficiency is greatly reduced. Further, FIG.
As shown in (B), even if the wireless connection to the next master station (30B) is established, the quantitative index necessary for trying to improve from the level L1 to the level L2 after that cannot be obtained. Therefore, since it is necessary to rely on the staff's intuition and fumbling, a situation occurs in which the wireless connection is cut off again immediately after the wireless connection, as in (C). In this case, the selection switching operation to the next master station 30B that has been wirelessly connected becomes troublesome.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a bar code reader capable of quantitatively and easily knowing a signal level relating to wireless transmission / reception between a slave station and a master station. To do.

[0012]

According to the present invention, many of the devices are or are capable of detecting the signal level during wireless transmission / reception by wireless connection between the slave station and the master station. Focusing on its relative ease, it is possible to detect the signal level and to quantitatively display the detected signal level during wireless transmission of barcode data and during newly introduced monitoring wireless transmission / reception for exclusive use of monitoring. It is composed.

That is, according to the first aspect of the invention, a plurality of handy type slave stations capable of reading a bar code and capable of wirelessly transmitting the read bar code data in the normal mode, and wireless transmission from each slave station. In a barcode reader comprising a master station capable of wirelessly receiving the incoming barcode data and directly or indirectly storing the wirelessly received barcode data, in each of the slave stations, the barcode data of A first signal level detecting means for detecting a signal level when a response relating to the wireless transmission is wirelessly received from the master station; and a first detected signal level display means for visually displaying the detected signal level. It is provided.

In this invention, when the barcode data is wirelessly transmitted from the slave station to the wirelessly connected master station in the normal mode, a response to the consent from the master station preceding this or the wireless transmission of the bar code data ends. When wirelessly receiving a response from the subsequent master station, the first signal level detecting means detects the signal level. Then, the first detection signal level display means visually displays the detected signal level.

Therefore, in each slave station, whether or not the signal level in the normal mode is above the stable level, whether the signal level tends to decrease toward the wireless communicable level, and the newly selected master station is selected. It is possible to quantitatively and easily determine whether or not the wireless communication state during the period tends to increase toward the stable level, that is, whether or not it has been improved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a plurality of handy type slave stations capable of reading a bar code and capable of wirelessly transmitting the read bar code data in the normal mode, and wireless transmission from each slave station. In a bar code reading device comprising a master station capable of wirelessly receiving the incoming bar code data and directly or indirectly storing the wirelessly received bar code data, in each of the slave stations, in the case of a monitoring mode. First to wirelessly transmit a signal level monitoring inquiry to the master station
Monitoring inquiry transmitting means, first monitoring response receiving means for wirelessly receiving the monitoring response wirelessly transmitted from the master station, and second for detecting a signal level relating to the wirelessly received monitoring response. The signal level detecting means and the second detecting signal level displaying means for visually displaying the detected signal level, and the condition that the master station wirelessly receives a monitoring inquiry from each of the slave stations In addition, a first monitoring response transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting a monitoring response to the slave station is provided.

In the above invention, when switching to the monitoring mode, the first monitoring inquiry transmitting means wirelessly transmits the monitoring inquiry to the master station. The first monitoring response transmitting unit on the master station side that wirelessly receives the monitoring inquiry wirelessly transmits the monitoring response to the slave station. Then, the first monitoring response receiving means on the slave station side wirelessly receives this. At this time, the second signal level detection means detects the signal level and the second detection signal level display means visually displays the detected signal level.

Therefore, for example, at the time of system construction or start-up, each slave station is able to know in advance at each work place a master station having a high signal level and capable of stable radio transmission / reception, in advance, and thus it is optimal. It is possible to easily establish a wireless connection to the master station and to ensure stable wireless transmission of the bar code data thereafter.

Further, according to the invention of claim 3, a plurality of handy type slave stations capable of reading a bar code and wirelessly transmitting the read bar code data in the normal mode,
A bar code reader comprising a master station capable of wirelessly receiving the bar code data wirelessly transmitted from each slave station and directly or indirectly storing the wirelessly received bar code data, wherein the master station is the master station. A third signal level detecting means for detecting the signal level when the inquiry prior to the wireless transmission of the barcode data is wirelessly received from each slave station or when the barcode data is wirelessly received thereafter, A third detection signal level display means for visually displaying the detected signal level is provided.

According to the invention, in the normal mode, when the master station wirelessly receives an inquiry from the slave station prior to wireless transmission of the barcode data, or when the barcode data is wirelessly received after that, the third signal level detection is performed. The means detect the signal level. Then, the third detection signal level display means visually displays the detected signal level.

Therefore, in the master station, whether or not the signal level in the normal mode is above the stable level, and whether or not the signal level tends to decrease toward the wireless communicable level, and the newly selected slave station is selected. It is possible to quantitatively and easily determine, for each slave station wirelessly connected, whether or not the wireless communication state between the wireless stations is increasing toward the stable level, that is, whether the wireless communication state is improving. It is also easy to adjust the master station to the optimum position.

Furthermore, in the invention of claim 4, a plurality of handy type slave stations capable of reading a barcode and wirelessly transmitting the read barcode data in the normal mode, and wireless transmission from each slave station. In a bar code reading device comprising a master station capable of wirelessly receiving the received bar code data and directly or indirectly storing the wirelessly received bar code data, the master station is provided with a master station of each slave station. Selection means for selecting any one, second monitoring inquiry transmitting means for making an inquiry for signal level monitoring to the selected slave station in the monitor mode, and monitoring for wirelessly transmitted from the selected slave station Second monitoring response receiving means for wirelessly receiving the response, fourth signal level detecting means for detecting a signal level relating to the wirelessly received monitoring response, and fourth detecting means for displaying the detected signal level. Signal level display means and second monitoring response transmission means for wirelessly transmitting a monitoring response to each parent station on the condition that a monitoring inquiry is wirelessly received from the parent station. It is characterized by

In this invention, when the slave station is switched to the monitor mode and the selecting means is used to select a slave station, the second monitor inquiry transmitting means wirelessly transmits the monitor inquiry to the slave station. The second monitoring response transmitting means on the slave station side that wirelessly receives the monitoring inquiry wirelessly transmits the monitoring response to the master station. Then, the second monitoring response receiving means on the master station side wirelessly receives this. At this time, the fourth signal level detection means detects the signal level and the fourth detection signal level display means visually displays the detected signal level.

Therefore, at the time of system construction or startup, for example, the master station can know in advance the area in which stable wireless transmission / reception of its own station is possible through inquiry / response with each slave station. The bar code data from each subsequent slave station can be stably received by radio. Further, each master station can be arranged at the optimum position without using a dedicated machine. Furthermore, the maximum wireless transmission / reception effective area can be established by the minimum number of master stations.

[0025]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) As shown in FIG. 1, the present bar code reading apparatus detects the signal level L when each slave station 10 wirelessly receives a response regarding the wireless transmission of the bar code data from the master station 30. First signal level detecting means (25)
And the first to visually display the detected signal level L
And a detection signal level display means (17) for detecting the signal level L by using the response from the master station 30 during the normal mode for wirelessly transmitting the barcode data to the master station 30 that is wirelessly connected. The detection signal level L can be displayed as a visually quantifiable and specific value.

Further, each slave station 10 has a first monitoring inquiry transmitting means (11, 12, 20), a first monitoring response receiving means (11, 12, 20), and a second signal level. Detection means (25) and second detection signal level display means (1
7) and the first monitoring response transmitting means (31, 32, 40) in the master station 30, and the master station 3 designated by switching to the monitoring mode in the slave station 10.
The signal level L relating to wireless reception with 0 can be detected and the detected signal level can be displayed.

In FIG. 1, each slave station 10 has a CPU 1
1, ROM 12, RAM 13, bar code scanner 15
(Scanner circuit 15C), keyboard 16 (keyboard circuit 16C), display 17 (display circuit 17C), alarm lamp 1 connected via input / output port (I / O) 14.
9 and a wireless communication circuit 20, and are formed as a handy type that can be carried by a staff member as a whole.

The radio communication circuit 20 includes a main control unit 21, a transmission unit 22, a reception unit 23, a switching unit 24, and an antenna 26, and performs radio transmission / reception with the master station 30. To the receiving unit 23, a detecting unit 25 forming first and second signal level detecting means described later in detail is connected.

The master station 30 has a CPU 31, a ROM 32, and an R.
AM33, keyboard 36 (keyboard circuit 36C),
It includes a display 37 (display circuit 37C), a data communication interface (I / F) 38 for connection with a host (for example, a personal computer) 50, and a wireless communication circuit 40, and is fixedly installed at an appropriate place in a distribution center, for example. it can. The configuration of the wireless communication circuit 40 is the same as the configuration of the wireless communication circuit 20 on the slave station 10 side.

The basic function of the slave station 10 is to select the normal mode (ST18 in FIG. 2) by operating the keys on the keyboard 16 as in the case of the conventional example, and use the bar code scanner 15 to convey, for example. Scan the barcode printed on the object. The read bar code data is based on the program stored in the ROM 12 and is read by the CPU 11
It is temporarily stored in the work area of the AM 13.

When the wireless transmission request command for the bar code data is issued, the CPU 11 first sends the wireless communication circuit 20 (21, 22, 24, 2) to the master station 30 which is wirelessly connected.
An inquiry indicating that the wireless transmission of the barcode data is desired is wirelessly transmitted via 6) (ST19). Master station 3
When a wireless response from 0 is received (ST19),
The bar code data is wirelessly transmitted (ST19). Then, a response of wireless reception end is received from the master station 30 (ST20
YES), the bar code data is erased.
When the response cannot be received (NO in ST20), an error is displayed on the display device 17 (ST24). At this time, the barcode data is retransmitted. When the alarm lamp 19 is turned on, the wireless connection must be selectively switched to the next master station 30.

The basic function of the master station 30 is the normal mode (YES in ST38 of FIG. 4), as in the case of the conventional example.
In the wireless communication, the first inquiry is received from the slave station 10 (ST
39 YES), the response to the effect of the consent is sent to the child station 10 concerned.
To the wireless station (ST40), and then wirelessly receives the bar code data from the slave station 10 (ST40). The barcode data is temporarily stored in the RAM 33. Alternatively, it may be formed so that it is immediately transferred to the host 50 and stored there. After wirelessly receiving the barcode data, wirelessly transmit a response indicating the end to the slave station 10 (ST40).
I do.

Here, the first signal level detecting means on the slave station 10 side is the detecting section 25 in the radio communication circuit 20 shown in FIG.
Wireless transmission of bar code data (see S in FIG. 2).
Wirelessly receives a response regarding T19) from the master station 30 (ST2
If YES, the signal level L at that time is automatically detected (ST21). That is, when the main control unit 21 switches the switching unit 24 to the receiving unit 23 side and receives the response of the wireless reception end from the master station 30, the signal level L thereof is detected. The detected signal level L is stored in the RAM 13 via the main controller 21 and by the CPU 11 (ST22).
Is done.

The first signal level detecting means (25)
Is a signal included in the wireless transmission of the bar code data (ST19), that is, a signal regarding the response indicating that the slave station 10 first inquires of the master station 30 whether or not the wireless reception of the bar code data is possible. It may be formed so as to detect the level L. That is, either a response prior to wireless transmission of barcode data or an end response after wireless transmission of barcode data may be used.

Further, the first detection signal level display means is
The signal level L formed from the display 17 and detected and stored in the RAM 13 is displayed visually (readably).
It is displayed as a quantitative and concrete value (for example, “level 8”). The display control is executed by the first detection signal level display control means formed from the ROM 12 storing the display control program and the CPU 11.

Next, the first monitoring inquiry transmitting means is a means for wirelessly transmitting the signal level monitoring inquiry to the master station 30 in the monitoring mode, and stores the first monitoring inquiry transmission control program. The ROM 12 and the CPU 11 and the wireless communication circuit 20 (transmission unit 22) which are configured as shown in FIG.
This is executed at T11.

That is, in the case of the first embodiment, the monitoring mode different from the normal mode is selected by the key operation on the keyboard 16 (YES in ST10). Then
The frequency of the master station 30 to be inquired is designated by key operation. Thus, the first monitoring inquiry transmission means (1
1, 12, 20) switches the transmission frequency of the main control unit 21, the transmission unit 22, and the reception unit 23 to the designated frequency, and attaches its own station number (ID) to a predetermined inquiry signal, Inquires for monitoring to 30 (ST1
1). The mode selection and the frequency designation may be, for example, an automatic switching method every set cycle.

The first monitoring response transmission means provided on the master station 30 side is composed of a ROM 32 storing a first monitoring response transmission control program, a CPU 31, and a wireless communication circuit 40. Inquiry receiving means (31, 32, 4
0) wirelessly receives a monitoring inquiry from the slave station 30 (S in FIG. 3).
On condition that YES in T25, ST26), a preset monitoring response is wirelessly transmitted to the slave station 10 (ST2).
7) Yes.

Again, the first monitoring response receiving means provided on the slave station 10 side is a means for wirelessly receiving the monitoring response wirelessly transmitted from the master station 30, and receiving the first monitoring response. It is formed by the ROM 12 storing the control program, the CPU 11, and the wireless communication circuit 20 (reception unit 23), and is executed in ST12 of FIG. If wireless reception (ST12) is not possible even after the preset set time Ts has passed (YES in ST16), an error display (ST17) is displayed on the display unit 17.

The second signal level detecting means is means for detecting the signal level L relating to the monitoring response received by radio (YES in ST12), and is formed from the detecting section 25.
That is, the detection operation timing is different from that of the first signal level detecting means in the normal mode. The detected signal level L is stored in the RAM 13 (ST14). In addition,
The detection unit 25 may be formed so as to always perform the detection operation during the period when the reception unit 23 is performing the reception operation.

The second detection signal level display means is a means for displaying the detected signal level L and is displayed from the display unit 17. Second detection signal level display control means (1
The display operation is performed according to 1, 12).

Next, the operation and operation of the first embodiment will be described. (In the case of monitoring mode) The monitoring mode is selected by operating the keys on the keyboard 16 (YES in ST10 of FIG. 2).
And a first monitoring inquiry transmission means (11, 12, 20)
Wirelessly transmits a monitoring inquiry to the master station 30 of the frequency designated by the key operation (ST11). This monitoring inquiry is received wirelessly (YES in ST25 and YE in ST26 in FIG. 3).
S) First monitoring response transmitting means (31, 3) on the master station side
2, 40) wirelessly transmits a monitoring response to the slave station 10 (ST27). Then, the first monitoring response receiving means (11, 12, 20) on the slave station 10 side wirelessly receives this (YES in ST12 of FIG. 2). At this time, the second signal level detection means (25) detects the signal level L and cooperates with the second detection signal level display control means (11, 12) to obtain the second detection signal level display means. (17) is detected and the signal level L stored in the RAM 13 (ST14) is visually displayed (ST15).

Therefore, at the time of system construction or startup, for example, each slave station 10 can know in advance a promptly a master station having a high signal level L and capable of stable radio transmission / reception at the work place.

(Normal Mode) In the normal mode (YES in ST18 of FIG. 2), when the barcode data is wirelessly transmitted from the slave station 10 to the master station 30 wirelessly connected (ST19), the barcode data is wirelessly transmitted. When wirelessly receiving the response after the end of transmission (YES in ST20), the first signal level detecting means (25) detects the signal level L thereof. Then, the first detection signal level display means (17)
The first detection signal level display control means (11, 12)
In cooperation with and, the detected signal level L is visually displayed.

Therefore, in each slave station 10, whether or not the signal level in the normal mode is above the stable level,
Quantitatively and easily determine whether or not there is a downward trend toward the level at which wireless communication is possible, and whether or not the wireless communication status with the newly selected master station is on an upward trend toward the stable level, that is, whether or not it is improving. I can judge.

However, according to the first embodiment,
When each slave station 10 wirelessly receives a response regarding the wireless transmission of the barcode data from the master station 30, the signal level L
A first signal level detection means (25) for detecting the detected signal level and a first detection signal level display means (17) for visually displaying the detected signal level L. The signal level L can be detected by using the response from the master station 30 during the normal mode of wirelessly transmitting the bar code data, and the detected signal level L can be displayed as a visible and quantitative specific value. Because each station 1
At 0, whether the signal level in the normal mode is equal to or higher than the stable level, whether the signal level tends to decrease toward the wireless communication enabled level, and the wireless communication state with the newly selected and switched master station is stable. It is possible to quantitatively and easily judge whether the level tends to increase, that is, whether the level has been improved.

Since the first signal level detecting means is formed of the detecting section 25 connected to the receiving section 23 in the radio communication circuit 20, the response from the master station 30 can be detected more reliably.

The first signal level detecting means (25)
However, since the signal level L of the response (ST20 in FIG. 2) after the wireless transmission of the barcode data is to be detected, it is necessary to more accurately know the signal level L at which the barcode data can be wirelessly transmitted reliably. You can If the signal level L of the response prior to the wireless transmission of the barcode data can be detected, the signal level L in the range where the wireless transmission of the barcode data cannot be performed can be easily predicted.

Further, each slave station 10 has a first monitoring inquiry transmitting means (11, 12, 20), a first monitoring response receiving means (11, 12, 20), and a second signal level. Detection means (25) and second detection signal level display means (1
7) and the first monitoring response transmitting means (31, 32, 40) in the master station 30, and the master station 3 designated by switching to the monitoring mode in the slave station 10.
Since the signal level L related to wireless reception with 0 can be detected and the detected signal level can be displayed, each slave station 10 has a high signal level L at each work place at the time of system construction or startup. It is possible to know the master station 30 that can stably perform wireless transmission and reception in advance and quickly.

Further, since it is possible to select and switch to the monitoring mode at any time by operating the keys on the keyboard 16, it is easy to handle and, for example, even during a short time during lunch break, the own station (10)
Can check the wireless communication state with the master station 30.

(Second Embodiment) As shown in FIG. 1, the present bar code reading apparatus uses a master station 30 to wirelessly receive bar code data from each slave station 10 (ST40 in FIG. 4). A third signal level detection means (45) for detecting the level L and a third detection signal level display means (37) for visually displaying the detected signal level L are provided.
In the master station 30, the signal reception level L with each slave station 10 is utilized by utilizing the wireless reception state of each slave station 10 wirelessly connected.
Can be detected and the detection level L can be displayed as a quantitative and specific value that can be visually observed.

In addition, a selecting means (36) for selecting one of the slave stations 10 to the master station 30 and a second inquiry for monitoring the signal level L to the slave station 10 selected in the monitoring mode. Monitoring inquiry transmission means (31, 32, 40) of
Second monitoring response receiving means (31, 32, 4) for wirelessly receiving the monitoring response wirelessly transmitted from the selected slave station 10.
0), a fourth signal level detecting means (45) for detecting a signal level L related to the wirelessly received monitoring response, and a fourth detection signal level displaying means (37) for displaying the detected signal level L. And the parent station 3 is attached to each child station 10.
Second monitoring response transmitting means (11, 12, 20) for wirelessly transmitting a monitoring response to the parent station 30 on the condition that the monitoring inquiry is wirelessly received from 0, and the parent station 30 monitors The signal level L related to wireless reception with each slave station 10 belonging to the wireless transmission / reception effective area Ax can be detected and the detected signal level can be displayed by switching to the communication mode.

The configurations and basic functions of the slave stations 10 and the master station 30 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be simplified or omitted.

Here, the third signal level detecting means on the master station 30 side is the detecting section 45 in the radio communication circuit 40 shown in FIG.
When the bar code data is wirelessly received from the slave station 10 (ST40), the signal level L is automatically detected (ST41). That is, the main control unit 41 causes the switch 4
4 is switched to the receiving unit 43, and when the bar code data is received from the slave station 10, its signal level L is detected (ST
41). The detected signal level L is stored in the RAM 33 via the main control unit 41 and by the CPU 31 (ST4
2) It is done.

The third signal level detecting means (45)
Wirelessly transmits barcode data from each child station 10 (see FIG. 4).
Of the inquiry prior to ST40) (ST3 of FIG. 4)
9), the signal level L may be detected.

Further, the third detection signal level display means is
The signal level L formed by the display 37, detected, and stored in the RAM 33 is displayed visually (readable). The display control is an RO in which a display control program is stored.
This is performed in cooperation with the third detection signal level display control means formed by the M32 and the CPU 31.

Next, the selecting means is a means for selecting any one of the respective slave stations 10 and is of a system which is formed from the keyboard 36 and selectively inputs the slave station number (ID).

Further, the second monitoring inquiry transmission means sends the signal level L to the selected slave station 10 in the monitoring mode.
Of the second monitoring inquiry transmission control program by means of wireless transmission of the second monitoring inquiry transmission, and the CP.
It is formed of U31 and the wireless communication circuit 40 (transmission unit 42), and is executed in ST31 of FIG.

That is, in the case of the second embodiment, when the monitor mode different from the normal mode is selected by the key operation on the keyboard 36 (YES in ST30), the second monitor inquiry transmitting means (31, 32, 40) attaches a predetermined inquiry signal and its own station number (ID) to make an inquiry for monitoring the slave station 10 (ST31).

The second monitoring response transmission means provided on the slave station 10 side is composed of the ROM 12 storing the second monitoring response transmission control program, the CPU 11 and the wireless communication circuit 20. Inquiry receiving means (11, 12, 2
0) wirelessly receives a monitoring inquiry from the master station 30 (S in FIG. 5).
On condition that YES in T45, ST46), a preset monitoring response is wirelessly transmitted to the master station 30 (ST4).
7) Yes.

Again, the second monitoring response receiving means provided on the master station 30 side is a means for wirelessly receiving the monitoring response wirelessly transmitted from the slave station 10, and receiving the second monitoring response. It is formed of the ROM 32 storing the control program, the CPU 31, and the wireless transmission circuit 40 (reception unit 43), and is executed in ST32 of FIG. If the wireless reception cannot be performed (NO in ST32) even after the preset set time Ts has passed (YES in ST16), an error message is displayed on the display 37 (ST37).

The fourth signal level detecting means is a means for detecting the signal level L relating to the monitoring response received by radio (YES in ST32), and is formed from the detecting section 45.
That is, the detection operation timing is different from that of the third signal level detecting means. The detected signal level L is the RAM 33
(ST34). The detecting unit 45 may be formed so as to always perform the detecting operation during the period when the receiving unit 43 is performing the receiving operation.

The fourth detection signal level display means is a means for displaying the detected signal level L and is displayed from the display 37. Second detection signal level display control means (3
The display operation is performed in cooperation with (1, 32).

Next, the operation / action of the second embodiment will be described. (In the monitor mode) When the master station 30 switches to the monitor mode and selects the slave station 10 using the selecting means (36), the second monitor inquiry transmitting means (31, 32,
40) wirelessly transmits a monitoring inquiry to the slave station 10 (see FIG. 4).
ST31). Second monitoring response transmitting means (11, 12, 20) on the slave station side that wirelessly receives this monitoring inquiry.
Wirelessly transmits a monitoring response to the master station 30 (ST47 in FIG. 5). Then, the second monitoring response receiving means (31, 32, 40) on the master station side wirelessly receives this (S in FIG. 4).
YES of T32). At this time, the fourth signal level detecting means (45) detects the signal level L (ST33).
The signal level L detected by the fourth detection signal level display means (37) in cooperation with the fourth detection signal level display control means (31, 32) and stored in the RAM 33 (ST34). Is displayed visually (ST35).

Therefore, for example, at the time of system construction or start-up, the master station 30 can know in advance the area in which the wireless transmission / reception of the self station 30 can be stably performed through the inquiry / response to each slave station 10. Because it is possible, each child station 10 after that
The bar code data from can be received wirelessly in a stable manner. Further, each master station 30 can be arranged at the optimum position without using a dedicated machine.

(In the case of the normal mode) In the normal mode (YES in ST38 of FIG. 4), the master station 30 makes the slave station 1
When wirelessly receiving barcode data from 0 (ST4
0), the third signal level detecting means (45) detects the signal level L (ST41). The detection level L is RA
It is stored in M33 (ST42). Then, the third detection signal level display means (37) detects the detected signal level L.
Is displayed visually (ST43).

Therefore, in the master station 30, whether or not the signal level L in the normal mode is equal to or higher than the stable level,
Whether or not there is a downward trend toward the wireless communication possible level and whether or not the wireless communication status with the newly selected and switched slave station is increasing toward the stable level, that is, whether or not it has been improved, is wirelessly connected. It can be quantitatively and easily determined for each child station 10.

Therefore, according to the second embodiment, when the master station 30 wirelessly receives the bar code data from each slave station 10 (ST40 in FIG. 4), the third signal level L is detected. Each of the wirelessly connected slave stations 1 is provided with a signal level detecting means (45) and a third detection signal level displaying means (37) for visually displaying the detected signal level L.
Since the signal level L with respect to each slave station 10 can be detected by using the radio reception state for each 0 and the detection level L can be displayed as a visible and quantitative specific value, for example, the system At the time of construction or startup, the master station 30 can know in advance the area in which stable wireless transmission / reception of the local station 30 can be performed through inquiry / response with each slave station 10. The bar code data from the station 10 can be stably received by radio. Further, each master station 30 can be arranged at the optimum position without using a dedicated machine. Furthermore, the maximum wireless transmission / reception effective area can be established by the minimum number of master stations 30.

The third signal level detecting means (45)
However, since the signal level L is formed so that it can be detected during the basic operation of the normal mode for wirelessly receiving the bar code data, it is possible to easily know the wireless communication state with each slave station 10 during the normal operation. it can.

In addition, a selecting means (36) for selecting one of the slave stations 10 to the master station 30 and a second inquiry for monitoring the signal level L to the slave station 10 selected in the monitoring mode. Monitoring inquiry transmission means (31, 32, 40) of
Second monitoring response receiving means (31, 32, 4) for wirelessly receiving the monitoring response wirelessly transmitted from the selected slave station 10.
0), a fourth signal level detecting means (45) for detecting a signal level L related to the wirelessly received monitoring response, and a fourth detection signal level displaying means (37) for displaying the detected signal level L. And the parent station 3 is attached to each child station 10.
Second monitoring response transmitting means (11, 12, 20) for wirelessly transmitting a monitoring response to the parent station 30 on the condition that the monitoring inquiry is wirelessly received from 0, and the parent station 30 monitors Since the signal level L relating to the wireless reception with each slave station 10 belonging to the wireless transmission / reception effective area Ax can be detected and the detected signal level can be displayed by switching to the communication mode, the master station 30 normally operates. Whether or not the signal level in the mode is above the stable level, whether or not the signal level tends to decrease toward the wireless communication enabled level, and the wireless communication state with the newly selected slave station 10 is at the stable level side It is possible to quantitatively and easily determine for each of the wirelessly connected slave stations 10 whether or not there is an upward trend, that is, whether or not there is an improvement. It is also easy to adjust the master station 30 to the optimal arrangement position.

[0071]

According to the invention of claim 1, each slave station has the first
The signal level detecting means and the first signal level displaying means are provided, and the signal level is detected by using the response from the master station during the normal mode in which the bar code data is wirelessly transmitted to the wirelessly connected master station. It is configured to be able to display the detected signal level visually, so that the signal level in the normal mode at each slave station tends to decrease toward the wireless communication possible level whether the signal level is above the stable level. Whether or not, whether or not the wireless communication state with the newly selected and switched master station is on the rise toward the stable level, that is, whether or not it is improved, can be quantitatively and easily determined.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the first monitoring inquiry transmitting means, the first monitoring response receiving means, the second signal level detecting means, and the second detecting signal level are provided to each slave station. In addition to the display means, the master station is provided with the first monitoring response transmission means, and each slave station can detect and detect the signal level related to the wireless reception with the designated master station by switching to the monitoring mode. Since the signal level can be displayed, each slave station knows the master station with high signal level and stable wireless transmission / reception at each work place in advance and quickly, for example, at the time of system construction or startup. Therefore, it is possible to easily wirelessly connect to the optimum master station and to ensure stable wireless transmission of the bar code data thereafter.

Further, according to the invention of claim 3, when the master station wirelessly receives an inquiry from each slave station prior to wireless transmission of the barcode data, or when the barcode data is wirelessly received after that, the signal is received. Third level detection
Signal level detection means and third detection signal level display means are provided, and the master station detects the signal level with each slave station by using an inquiry or bar code data for each slave station wirelessly connected. The master station is configured to be able to visually display the detected signal level, so whether or not the signal level in the master station in the normal mode is above the stable level and whether it tends to decrease toward the wireless communicable level side. Whether or not the wireless communication state with the newly selected and switched slave station is on the rise toward the stable level, that is, whether or not it has been improved, etc., can be quantitatively and easily determined for each wirelessly connected slave station. it can. It is also easy to adjust the master station to the optimum position.

Further, according to the invention of claim 4, in the master station, the selecting means, the second monitoring inquiry transmitting means, the second monitoring response receiving means, the fourth signal level detecting means, and the fourth signal level detecting means are provided. In addition to the detection signal level display means, each slave station is provided with a second monitoring response transmission means, and the master station switches to the monitoring mode to perform wireless reception with each slave station belonging to the wireless transmission / reception effective area. Since it is configured to be able to detect the signal level related to and to display the detected signal level, for example, at the time of system construction or startup, at the master station,
By inquiring and responding to each slave station, it is possible to know in advance the area in which stable wireless transmission and reception can be performed,
The bar code data from each subsequent slave station can be stably received by radio. Further, each master station can be arranged at the optimum position without using a dedicated machine. Furthermore, the maximum wireless transmission / reception effective area can be established by the minimum number of master stations.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing first and second embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining an operation on the slave station side according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the master station.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an operation on the master station side according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is likewise a flowchart for explaining the operation on the slave station side.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a conventional example.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the problems of the conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Slave Station 11 CPU (First Monitoring Inquiry Sending Means, First Monitoring Response Receiving Means, Second Monitoring Response Sending Means) 12 ROM (First Monitoring Inquiry Sending Means, First Monitoring Inquiries) Response receiving means, second monitoring response transmitting means) 15 Bar code scanner 16 Keyboard 17 Display (first and second detection signal level display means) 19 Alarm lamp 20 Wireless communication circuit (first monitoring inquiry transmission) Means, first monitoring response receiving means, second monitoring response transmitting means) 21 main control section 22 transmitting section 23 receiving section 25 detecting section (first and second signal level detecting means) 30 master station 31 CPU (First monitoring response transmitting means, second monitoring inquiry transmitting means, second monitoring response receiving means) 32 ROM (first monitoring response transmitting means, second monitoring inquiry transmitting means, second 2 superintendents Use the response receiving means) 36 a keyboard (selecting means) 37 display (the third and fourth detection signal level display means) 40 wireless communication circuit (first monitoring response transmitting unit, a second
Monitoring inquiry sending means, second monitoring response receiving means) 41 main control section 42 sending section 43 receiving section 44 detecting section (third and fourth signal level detecting means) 50 host

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (72) Inventor Tadahiko Hirano 1-17-12 Shin-Yokohama, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa IWATA Building 7F / 8F Inside Welcat Co., Ltd.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of handy type slave stations capable of reading a barcode and wirelessly transmitting the read barcode data in the normal mode, and wirelessly transmitting the barcode data wirelessly transmitted from each slave station. In a bar code reading device comprising a master station capable of directly or indirectly storing receivable and wirelessly received bar code data, a response regarding wireless transmission of the bar code data is sent to the parent station to each of the slave stations. A first signal level detecting means for detecting the signal level when wirelessly received from the station and a first detection signal level displaying means for visually displaying the detected signal level. Bar code reading device. 2. A plurality of handy type slave stations capable of reading a barcode and wirelessly transmitting the read barcode data in the normal mode, and wirelessly transmitting the barcode data wirelessly transmitted from each slave station. In a bar code reading apparatus comprising a master station capable of directly or indirectly storing receivable and wirelessly received bar code data, each slave station, in the monitor mode, a signal level of the signal level to the master station is transmitted to the master station. First monitoring inquiry transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting a monitoring inquiry, first monitoring response receiving means for wirelessly receiving a monitoring response wirelessly transmitted from the master station, and wirelessly received monitoring response Second signal level detecting means for detecting a signal level according to the above, and second detection signal level displaying means for visually displaying the detected signal level, and the master station is provided with each of the above It provided first monitoring response transmission means for wirelessly transmitting the monitoring response monitoring contact child station on condition that wirelessly received from the station, a bar code reader, characterized in that. 3. A plurality of handy type slave stations capable of reading a barcode and wirelessly transmitting the read barcode data in the normal mode, and wirelessly transmitting the barcode data wirelessly transmitted from each slave station. In a bar code reading device comprising a master station capable of directly or indirectly storing receivable and wirelessly received bar code data, to the master station, to wirelessly transmit the bar code data from each of the slave stations. Third signal level detecting means for detecting the signal level when the preceding inquiry is received by radio or when the bar code data is subsequently received by radio, and third detection for visually displaying the detected signal level. A bar code reading device comprising a signal level display means. 4. A plurality of handy type slave stations capable of reading a barcode and wirelessly transmitting the read barcode data in the normal mode, and wirelessly transmitting the barcode data wirelessly transmitted from each slave station. A bar code reader comprising a master station capable of directly or indirectly storing receivable and wirelessly received bar code data, wherein the master station is a selection means for selecting one of the slave stations. A second monitoring inquiry transmitting means for making an inquiry for signal level monitoring to the selected slave station in the case of the monitoring mode, and a second receiving means for wirelessly receiving the monitoring response wirelessly transmitted from the selected slave station. Provided are monitoring response receiving means, fourth signal level detecting means for detecting a signal level relating to the wirelessly received monitoring response, and fourth detection signal level displaying means for displaying the detected signal level. At the same time, each of the slave stations is provided with second monitoring response transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting a monitoring response to the parent station on the condition that the monitoring inquiry is wirelessly received from the parent station. Bar code reader.