JPH10334172A - Symbol reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently and simultaneously read two kinds of the codes of different sizes by controlling a code decoding means or the like and reading a symbol based on the statistic result of the history data of a code kind stored in a kind history storage means. SOLUTION: This symbol reader is provided with an area sensor, a linear sensor, a code kind memory 71 for statistically registering the history data of the read code kind, a communication interface 58 provided with plural interface circuits, a protocol conversion part 73 for converting a communication protocol in the communication interface 58 and a voice synthesis part for reporting the code kind by voice. Based on the history data of the code kind stored in the code kind memory 71, a read operation is decided. Thus, in the case of frequently reading a bar code and a two-dimensional code simultaneously, they are simultaneously read without performing the switching operation of the bar code and the two-dimensional code as a read code.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image pickup means comprising a photoelectric conversion element for receiving reflected light from a symbol on a print medium and outputting an electric quantity corresponding to the received light quantity, according to the code type of the symbol. The present invention relates to a plurality of symbol reading devices provided accordingly.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A symbol reading apparatus includes an image sensor for reading an image of a symbol on a print medium, and converts a signal from the image sensor into a digital signal (binary signal or gradation signal).
) Is a signal processing unit. Generally, since it is demanded that a two-dimensional code such as a matrix code can be read as a symbol, an area sensor is used as an image sensor. The digital signal (digital data) from this signal processing unit
ct memory access) The CPU (c
The data is input (transferred) to an image memory that can be accessed by the central processing unit.

When the input of the digital signal to the image memory is completed, the CPU extracts a code image from the digital data stored in the image memory according to a command stored in the program memory, and decodes the code image. And decode the symbol. That is, it is translated into code data. When the code image can be extracted and the code image can be translated into code data, the decoding is considered successful, the display and sounder (buzzer) etc. are operated to report the success of decoding (successful reading), and through the communication interface. The decrypted code data is transferred to a device that processes the code data, such as a host computer.

A bar code is long in the direction in which bars are arranged, and a two-dimensional code is substantially a square. To accurately read a bar code with high resolution, an image sensor that reads the bar code includes:
A linear sensor in which a large number of photoelectric conversion elements are arranged in one direction at a high density is required.As an image sensor that reads a two-dimensional code, the photoelectric conversion elements are uniformly arranged in a vertical (column) direction and a horizontal (row) direction. An area sensor is required. Therefore, a symbol reading device that has both a linear sensor and an area sensor and can read both barcodes and two-dimensional codes accurately with high resolution has been developed.

In the above-described conventional symbol reading apparatus, when a bar code is read, a switch is set so that a linear sensor is operated to perform a reading operation. When a two-dimensional code is read, a switch is set so that an area sensor is operated. Perform a reading operation.

For example, when two types of symbols having different sizes as shown in FIG. 18 are printed on one label, it is determined that the area sensor is in operation, and a two-dimensional code is read first. The bar code is read by switching the linear sensor to operate according to the switch setting.

[0007]

As described above, in the conventional symbol reading device, in order to read two types of codes having different sizes, the operation of the sensor must be switched, and the reading cannot be performed efficiently and simultaneously. There was a problem. When the area sensor reads a barcode together with a two-dimensional code, it is not necessary to switch the operation of the sensor, but the size of the barcode that can be read by the area sensor is limited to a small size. When reading a barcode of a large size, there is a problem that the read image needs to be reduced and the resolution becomes low.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a symbol reader capable of simultaneously reading two types of codes having different sizes efficiently.

[0009]

The invention corresponding to claim 1 is:
In a symbol reading device provided with an image pickup device configured to receive reflected light from a symbol on a print medium and output a quantity of electricity corresponding to the amount of light received, the image pickup device is set in accordance with a symbol code type. A plurality of quantization means provided for each imaging means for processing an imaging signal output from the corresponding imaging means and converting it into a digital signal; and processing the digital signal to decode code data of a symbol. Code decoding means, type history storage means for storing history data of the code type of the code data after the decoding of the code data by the code decoding means, and statistics of history data of the code type stored in the type history storage means Control means for controlling a plurality of image pickup means, quantization means and code decoding means based on a target result to read a symbol In which the provided.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a symbol reading apparatus including an image pickup means comprising a photoelectric conversion element for receiving reflected light from a symbol on a print medium and outputting an electric quantity corresponding to the received light quantity. , An area sensor for two-dimensionally reading an image and a line sensor for one-dimensionally reading an image as an imaging means, an area quantization means and a line sensor for processing an imaging signal output from the area sensor and converting it into a digital signal Line quantization means for processing the image signal output from and converting it to a digital signal,
Code decoding means for processing digital signals to decode code data of symbols, type history storage means for storing history data of the code type of the code data after completion of decoding of the code data by the code decoding means, Reading control means for controlling an area sensor and an area quantization means, a line sensor, a line quantization means and a code decoding means to read a symbol based on a statistical result of history data of the code type stored in the storage means; Are provided.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the code type stored in the type history storage means and the voice synthesizing means for electronically generating a voice are stored. Based on a type voice notifying unit that notifies by voice output by the voice synthesizing unit, a reset input unit that instructs a rereading operation after the voice notification by the type voice notifying unit, and a rereading operation instruction by the reset input unit, A reset means is provided for returning the contents stored in the type history storage means to the state before the current reading and resetting the code type of the next reading. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display means, and a type display notifying means for notifying the code type stored in the type history storage means by the display means. Reset input means for instructing a re-read operation after the display notification by the type display notifying means; and reading the contents stored in the type history storage means at this time based on the re-read operation instruction by the reset input means. And reset means for resetting the code type of the next reading.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, a communication specification realizing means for realizing a plurality of communication specifications and a type history storing means are provided. Communication specification control means for controlling the communication specification realizing means based on the statistical result of the history data of the code type. The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
For each of the plurality of imaging units, an illumination unit for illuminating the symbol on the print medium and an optical mechanism for imaging reflected light from the symbol on the imaging unit are provided, and each illumination unit and each optical mechanism are independently provided. Thus, the illumination condition and the imaging condition can be adjusted.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First, a basic outline of a gun-type non-contact code scanner to which the present invention is applied will be described. FIG. 1 shows a gun-type non-contact code scanner 31.
FIG. An interface cable 3 is connected to the apparatus main body 2. The device main body 2 is connected to an apparatus for processing code data such as a host computer (not shown) by the interface cable 3. In addition to the communication through the interface cable 3, communication means such as wireless communication and infrared communication can be selected and used.

The apparatus main body 2 is made of a plastic material or the like and has a hollow structure in which a plurality of divided housings are integrally formed by fitting or screwing, and has a dustproof and dripproof structure. On the inside (front side) of the grip portion of the apparatus main body 2, a trigger switch 4 for an operator to instruct the read timing at the time of code reading is arranged. How to display each status (blink cycle, lighting time, etc.)
Display device for changing the display (for example, LED = ligh
t emittingdiode) 5 is arranged.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view showing the main configuration of the gun type (non-contact type) code scanner 31. As shown in FIG. The reading port 6 is a place most affected by the external environment as a symbol interface for inputting a symbol image, and is formed of a transparent acrylic resin plate or a glass plate to block an obstacle such as dust. It is covered with a reading port cover 8. The surface of the reading port cover 8 is coated with a reinforcement in order to increase the durability against friction and impact. In particular, a glass plate is used as a material in order to prevent the reading image from being distorted due to the reading port cover 8, and a sapphire coating or a diamond coating is used to further enhance the strength and hardness.

In order to illuminate a symbol on a print medium to be read, a linear illumination section 32 for a linear sensor described later and an area illumination section 33 for an area sensor described later are provided inside the reading port 6. Are located. Each of the illumination units 32 and 33 includes an LED and a diffusion lens formed of a light transmitting material such as a plastic material or a glass material that uniformly diffuses the light from the LED. There are two types of diffusion lenses, one in which the lens is formed of a material having light diffusion properties, and the other in which a transparent lens and a diffusion plate are combined. The illumination time of each of the illumination units 32 and 33 is a predetermined time or a time from when the trigger switch 4 is turned on (pressed) until the reading is completed.

Further, inside the reading port 6, a beam spot LED (target LED) 3 as a spot light source is provided.
4 and 35 are located at positions not interfering with the optical path from the illumination units 32 and 33 to the symbol on the print medium and the optical path of the reflected light from the symbol to the image sensor described later. Are arranged symmetrically. Each of the beam spot LEDs 34 and 35 irradiates a focused spot light, and the spot light is irradiated on the reading central axis whose irradiation range and direction are set in advance as shown in FIGS. They are arranged so as to intersect (overlap) at a predetermined point (for example, the center of the reading range) at a focal length F. Also, in order to clarify the reading range, the spot light should not be overlapped with one point, and the spot light should be used at the boundary (corner,
) Is also available.

The spot light irradiation angle is set so that it can be adjusted. By monitoring the spot light gathering status with an image sensor, it is possible to automatically check whether or not there is a symbol in the reading range. It has a configuration. As described above, the gun-type non-contact code scanner 31 is provided with the optimal illumination for each code in order to accurately read the two-system symbols of the two-dimensional code and the bar code (one-dimensional code). And a target display using a spotlight to match a symbol to a reading range. Since the target display by the spot lights of the beam spot LEDs 34 and 35 is not necessary at the time of the actual reading operation, the OFF control is performed according to the trigger timing and the light is turned off at the time of reading.

Each of the illumination units 32 and 33 is driven by operating one of the trigger switches 4 to perform illumination. However, both can be driven to perform illumination without selection. . In such a case, the light emission wavelengths of the respective image sensors, which will be described later, are changed to BP so as not to affect each other's system.
If the optical filters such as F are made different, the above influence can be eliminated.

Symbol image light incident from the reading port 6
(Reflected light from the symbol) is guided to an image sensor housed in the apparatus main body 2 as described later, and forms an image on the image sensor surface. The imaging sensor includes an area sensor 36 for reading a two-dimensional code, and a linear sensor 37 for reading a bar code. These image sensors 36 and 37 are constituted by solid-state image sensors. The area sensor 36 is configured by arranging solid-state imaging devices in a matrix, and the linear sensor 37 is configured by arranging solid-state imaging devices in a line, and is also called a line sensor. . It should be noted that a two-dimensional code can be read by providing an operation mechanism for sequentially operating the linear sensor 37 as well.

By using a solid-state image pickup device, it is possible to obtain a smaller device, lower power consumption, and higher reliability than an image pickup device such as a camera using an image pickup tube or the like which is not a solid-state image pickup device. CCD type, MOS type, CM
There are types such as D type. The MOS type is characterized by low power consumption.

On the front surface of the area sensor 36, an area optical mechanism 38 comprising a lens, an aperture, a filter and the like for forming reflected light from a symbol by the area sensor 36 is arranged. On the front surface of the sensor 37, a linear optical mechanism 39 including a lens, an aperture, a filter, and the like for forming reflected light from a symbol (bar code) into an image by the linear sensor 37 is arranged. In addition, a diffusion lens (cylindrical lens) 8a also serving as shading correction is disposed at a position where the optical axis of the linear illumination section 32 of the reading port cover 8 passes.

The optical mechanisms 38 and 39 are selected from a combination of one lens or a plurality of lenses in accordance with the focal length and magnification, and a diaphragm mechanism or diaphragm parts in accordance with the amount of reflected light from the object to be read. Is incorporated. In order to minimize the image distortion caused by the lenses of the optical mechanisms 38 and 39, it is necessary to correct the image with a plurality of lenses or to employ an aspherical lens. When ghosts due to reflection on the lens surface occur and pose a problem, a lens whose surface is treated with an anti-reflection coating or the like is used.

Since the resolution of the area sensor 36 and the resolution of the linear sensor 37 are fixed, the reading process may not be performed with sufficient accuracy depending on the printing size and the fineness (information density) of the symbol. For this reason, a magnification conversion function is required to form an image on the area sensor 36 and the linear sensor 37 in a size suitable for the reading process according to the fineness in the print size of the symbol on the print medium. The configuration and position of the lenses in the optical mechanism sections 38 and 39 can be easily adjusted (exchanged) from outside the apparatus body 2
) And a design that allows for any magnification (angle of view)
) Can be changed.

FIG. 5 shows a reading range 36A of the area sensor 36 and a reading range 37A of the linear sensor 37.
FIG. Reading range 36 of the area sensor 36
A is a region that extends in the vertical and horizontal directions so that a two-dimensional code can be captured, and the reading range 37A of the linear sensor 37 extends only in one direction (horizontal direction) so that a barcode can be captured. Area. Generally, the reading range 37A of the linear sensor 37 is expanded in one direction.
(Length) is larger than the longitudinal extent of the reading range 36A of the area sensor 36.

Inside the apparatus main body 2, a circuit board 15 on which circuit components of the reading apparatus are mounted is housed. A cable attachment port for drawing out the interface cable 3 to the outside is provided at a rear portion inside the grip portion, and an internal circuit board and the interface cable 3 are provided.
And are connected. The center of gravity of the code scanner 31 is positioned at a fulcrum for holding the code scanner 31 directly touched by a hand. Gather near points. By arranging in this manner, the operability and the effect of reducing fatigue can be obtained.

As shown in FIG. 6, the electric circuits are roughly divided into an image sensor unit 21 and an image memory unit 2.
2. CPU (central processing unit) unit 23,
It comprises an I / O unit 24 and a power supply unit 25. Each of them may be mounted on an independent board, or a plurality of units may be mixed and mounted on one board. In order to reduce the size of the power supply unit 25 and to make it easier to handle the interface cable 3, in particular, to minimize the number of signal lines included in the interface cable 3 and to ensure its safety, The voltage supplied from the interface cable 3 to the power supply unit 25 is a low-voltage DC current. The power supply unit 25 converts the supplied low-voltage DC current into a plurality of voltages required for circuit operation, and
24, each of which is supplied to each required circuit. Although there is a method of supplying a low-voltage AC current, the interface cable 3 also has a signal line for other data communication, and there is a possibility that induced noise or an induced voltage is generated due to a change in the magnetic field of the AC current. Not so desirable.

The formed image is converted into an electric signal by the area sensor 36 and the linear sensor 37. Here, the area sensor 36 and the linear sensor 37 are described as CCD type. The imaging sensor unit 21 includes the area sensor 36 and the linear sensor 37, a driver circuit for driving the area sensor 36 and the linear sensor 37, and a minute output output from the area sensor 36 and the linear sensor 37. Circuit for amplifying the analog signals with good S / N, and a binarizing circuit as quantization means for quantizing the analog signals output from the amplifier circuit.

As shown in FIG. 7, the outputs of the area sensor 36 and the linear sensor 37 are output at both ends of the signal (a signal corresponding to the peripheral portion of the reading range) due to a decrease in optical light quantity. Since a shading phenomenon in which the level decreases occurs, 2
As shown in FIG. 8, a method of changing the reference value of quantization in the value conversion circuit in accordance with the shading phenomenon is employed. There are other methods for this shading correction,
The present invention is not limited to this shading correction method.

The output signals from the area sensor 36 and the linear sensor 37 are binarized signals obtained by binarizing an image and coordinates for specifying the respective pixel positions are counted and output by a counter. Further, if a configuration is adopted in which the grayscale signal is output simultaneously with the binarized signal, it is effective to use the grayscale signal in the subsequent stage, but the description of the grayscale signal is omitted here for the sake of simplicity. .

The binary video signals “1” and “0” and the address coordinate value from the image sensor unit 21 are stored in a DMA (direct memory access) of the image memory unit 22.
The data is stored in a predetermined position of an image memory which is a main body of the image memory unit 22 through a circuit. Note that the binary video signal and the address coordinate value are not passed through the DMA circuit (not provided).
) May be stored in a predetermined position of the image memory through the CPU unit 23 (CPU bus).

When a predetermined number (pixel number) of data constituting an image is written, a write completion signal is output from the DMA circuit of the image memory unit 22. When a write completion signal is output from the image memory unit 22, the CPU unit 23 operates based on a code decoding program as code decoding means stored in a program memory (ROM = read only memory). Decodes (code data) from the image data driven and stored in the image memory
). As a program memory of the CPU unit 23, a flash ROM is used. By doing so, it is possible to rewrite a program (for example, a code decoding program) via the interface cable 3 and the communication interface, so that the performance is not determined at the time of manufacture, and the latest By incorporating a program, optimal performance can be improved.

The decoded code value is transferred to an external device such as a host computer through the communication interface of the I / O unit 24. The communication interface is a general-purpose serial port such as RS-232C or C
A CMOS interface for transferring data at a MOS logic level, and a USB port or I
A communication interface that is considered to be the next standard such as EEE1394 is prepared. In addition, an infrared interface that does not use a cable is also practical.

The communication protocol for data transfer is performed by the CPU, and the data format and the like can be freely set.

The I / O unit 24 includes an I / O (input / output) port that can be monitored and controlled. The I / O ports include the illumination units 32 and 3
(3) The trigger switch (4), an external trigger input terminal for receiving an external trigger input, the display device (5), a sounder (buzzer) for informing the operator whether or not the reading process has been performed normally or the result thereof. Is connected.

The read code type can be set by operating the trigger switch 4. That is, FIG.
It is a figure which shows the flow of the trigger interruption process which the PU unit 23 performs when the said trigger switch 4 is set to ON state, and is a two-dimensional code (matrix code) in the normal short ON operation which turns ON immediately after turning ON. Reading process
(Analysis / decoding processing), and barcode reading processing (analysis / decoding processing) is performed in a long-time ON operation (continuous operation) that keeps ON for more than a preset time. The ON / OFF operation of the power supply is linked to the ON operation of the trigger switch 4 for controlling the reading operation. That is, when the reading operation is in the OFF state, the power supply is also OFF.
In this state, wasteful power consumption during non-reading is prevented.

In the case of a reading device that can read two-dimensional codes and one-dimensional codes simultaneously, there are two methods for installing the image sensor unit. The first method is to use the area sensor 3
This is a method in which only the unit 6 is used and two-dimensional codes and one-dimensional bar codes are read by the same area sensor 36. The second method is to use the area sensor 36.
This is a method of selecting and using a unit made up of a linear sensor 37 and a unit made up of a linear sensor 37 using a two-dimensional code and a one-dimensional bar code to be read.

In the first method, since the area sensor 36 has a smaller number of solid-state imaging devices arranged in one direction (one row or one column) than the linear sensor 37, when the area sensor 36 reads a barcode, , Barcode size and resolution will be limited. The minimum resolution and read size of the bar code that can be read are equivalent to a two-dimensional code. In the second method, a two-dimensional code and a barcode (one-dimensional code) can obtain an independent reading range and reading resolution, respectively, and a large-size barcode currently used in the FA field and the distribution field. Can be read by the linear sensor 37.

For example, the area sensor 36 is set to 800 × 60
Using a 0 pixel CCD, 4096
Considering the case where a CCD of pixels is used, a resolution of 0.
When reading a code at 25 mm / 4 pixels, the area sensor 36 has a width of 50 mm, and the linear sensor 37 has a width of 25 mm.
It can read symbols up to 6 mm wide. Therefore,
Linear sensor 3 for reading high resolution and wide barcodes
The use of 7 is more advantageous. In general, a two-dimensional code is often printed at a high density and a bar code is printed at a low density. Therefore, the unit including the area sensor 36 and the unit including the linear sensor 37 are independently provided so that the resolution can be individually set. And install it.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the gun-type non-contact code scanner 31. As shown in FIG. The area sensor unit 41 including the area sensor 36 additionally includes a drive circuit 42 (for the area sensor) that drives the area sensor 36, and counts coordinate values based on the drive timing from the drive circuit 42. A counter 43 (for area sensor), an amplifier circuit (for area sensor) for amplifying the image signal from the area sensor 36, and a shading correction function are provided. Or convert it to one digital data (for area sensor)
) And a binarization circuit 45.

The linear sensor unit 46 including the linear sensor 37 additionally includes the area sensor 37.
A drive circuit 47 (for a linear sensor) that drives
A counter (for a linear sensor) 48 for counting coordinate values based on the drive timing from the drive circuit 47
And amplify the imaging signal from the area sensor 37
An amplifying circuit 49 (for a linear sensor), a binarizing circuit 50 (for a linear sensor) having a shading correction function, and converting an image signal amplified by the amplifying circuit 49 into a digital image signal of 0 or 1; It is composed of

The data selector 51 is connected to the area imaging data line from the binarization circuit 45 of the area sensor unit 41 and the coordinate data line from the counter 43, and to the binarization circuit of the linear sensor unit 46. 5
A linear imaging data line from 0 and a coordinate data line from the counter 48 are connected. This data selector 51
A DMA (direct memory a) based on a selection signal generated by a CPU 52 constituting a control unit main body, based on one of a data line from the area sensor unit 41 and a data line from the linear sensor unit 46.
ccess) 53 to be connected to the output data line.

The CPU 52 transmits a program memory 55, an image memory 56,
The MA 53 is connected to an I / O (input / output) port 57 and a communication interface 58. A selection signal from the CPU 52 to the data selector 51 is also output to the data selector 51 through the system bus 54. The program memory 55 includes the CPU
52 stores program data and the like for the processing performed by 52.

The image memory 56 has a capacity for storing a plurality of pieces of imaging data.
The imaging data of the unit selected by the data selector 51 is developed as image data in the image memory 56 without passing through the CPU 52 based on the coordinate data. The I / O port 57 includes a target (beam spot LED 34, 35), illumination (illumination unit 32,
33), the trigger switch 4, an external trigger input 59,
A display 60 and a sounder (buzzer) 61 are connected to the assigned input / output ports.

The operation of the two-dimensional reader equipped with the two systems of the area sensor unit 41 and the linear sensor unit 46 is as follows. There are three methods of switching the read code type: an instruction by operating the trigger switch 4, an instruction by a command from the host computer, and automatic switching by analyzing image data.

The determination of the read code type by these methods is performed by using the image data from the sensor unit that reads the determined code type as valid data, by using the data selector 51.
Can be used to control the effective data switching by instructing the connection of the output data from the sensor unit to the DMA, but memory buffers are provided in the area sensor unit 41 and the linear sensor unit 46, respectively.
By temporarily storing the image data before the data selector 51, the image data can be used to determine the order of inputting both image data to the image memory 56. Since the selection signal of the data selector 41 is controlled by the CPU 52, it is possible to automatically set the switching order and the like based on the past tendency by the learning function.

After the trigger input, the linear and area beam spot LEDs 3 indicating the code reading visual field and the reading focal position of the linear sensor 37 and the area sensor 36, respectively.
Lights 4 and 35 are turned off. After the illumination of the spot light is turned off, the imaging input of the linear sensor 37 is performed.
6 is input. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing drive timings of the illumination units 32 and 34 for area and linear, the beam spot LEDs 34 and 35 for area and linear, and the trigger switch 4.

The decoding algorithm realized by the program installed in the CPU 52 performs the feature extraction of the image, for example, after the end of the imaging input by the area sensor 36. This process is a process for checking whether a bar code or a two-dimensional code is present in the image. If its existence is confirmed, decoding processing is performed to determine the success / failure of the reading. If the reading is successful, the result is displayed on the display unit 60, and transmitted and output through the communication interface 58, thus ending the processing. If unsuccessful, the cause of the failure is displayed on the display 60, the reading process is terminated, and the process returns to the trigger input waiting state.

FIGS. 12 to 17 show an embodiment of the present invention.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration added to the main circuit configuration of the gun-type non-contact code scanner 31 described above. The CPU 52
Is a code type memory 71 serving as a type history storage unit in which history data of a decoded code type is stored as needed through the system bus 54, and a code type for reading out the decoded history data of the code type from the code type memory 71. Readout section 72, code type readout section 7
2 is connected to a protocol conversion unit 73 that changes the communication method for the communication interface 58 based on the code type set as the first priority by reading the history data of the code type.

A reset switch 74 as reset input means is provided for the code type memory 71, and a type setting switch 75 is provided for the code type reading section 72. By turning on the reset switch 74 when the code type is displayed after the code reading is completed, the history data of the code type registered in the code type memory 71 is canceled and a request for rereading is generated. The type setting switch 75 is used to set the code type in the code type reading section 72 by manual operation of the operator.
The communication interface 58 is provided with a plurality of interface circuits as communication specification realizing means,
Each interface circuit is connected to a corresponding host device among a plurality of host devices (host device group 76) through a line.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the sound generator 61. As shown in FIG. The sound generator 61 includes a voice synthesis unit 77 as a voice synthesis unit, an amplification unit 78, and a speaker unit 79. The voice synthesis unit 77 is connected to the I / O port 57. The voice synthesis unit 77
A message (for example, code type name) corresponding to the signal input from the / O port 57 is voice-synthesized and output as voice by the speaker unit 79 through the amplifying unit 78.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a flow of the main processing performed by the CPU 52 in the code type automatic selection mode in which the trigger interruption processing shown in FIG. 9 is not executed.
First, history data of a code type statistically registered and stored in the code type memory 71 is read out via the code type reading unit 72, and the read history data of the code type is read out under various reading conditions. , The priority of the code type is determined, and the code type with the highest priority is set as the code type for the next read.

Next, as a process of step 1 (ST1), it is determined whether or not the linear sensor 37 and the area sensor 36 are continuously used at the time of reading the code type set for the next reading. Judgment of the usage status of is set. That is, the linear sensor 37 and the area sensor 36
If these are used continuously (in combination), set as two sensors consecutively.

Next, as a process of step 2 (ST2), an image reading / decoding process as reading control means described later is performed, and when the image reading / decoding process is completed, the image reading / decoding process is performed. The code type read and determined is notified. The first method of this notification is to display and output the code type as characters using the display 60 as the type display notification means. The second method is to use a sounding device 61 (77, 78, 79) capable of outputting a sound to output a sound as words as a type sound notifying means.

Next, it is determined whether or not the reset switch 74 has been turned ON. Here, the reset switch 74
Is determined to have been turned on, the history data of the code type statistically registered in the code type memory 71 in the image reading / decoding process in step 2 is deleted (reset means).
), The code type designated by the type setting switch 75 or the code type next to the priority is reset, and the process returns to the above-described step 1 again.

If it is determined that the reset switch 74 has not been turned ON, the corresponding interface circuit in the communication interface is selected in accordance with the code type determined in the image reading / decoding processing in step 2 described above. The protocol conversion unit 73 converts communication specifications such as a communication protocol and a communication speed in accordance with the code type (communication specification control means). Next, the code result of the decoding result in the image reading / decoding process in step 2 is transferred to the corresponding host device to be transferred, and the main process ends.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a flow of the image reading / decoding process performed by the CPU 52 during the main process described above. First, as the process of step 3 (ST3), it is determined whether the code type set for reading is a two-dimensional code. If it is determined that the code is not a two-dimensional code, the data selector 51 causes the linear sensor 3
The image data output from the linear sensor unit 42 having the image data 7 is selected and input, and is stored in the image memory 56 through the DMA 53.

Next, it is determined whether or not two consecutive sensors are set in the current reading. Here, if it is determined that the two sensor continuation is not set, the processing shifts to the processing of step 4 (ST4) described later. If it is determined that two sensors are set consecutively, the image data output from the area sensor unit 41 having the area sensor 36 is selected and input by the data selector 51 and stored in the image memory 56 through the DMA 53. , The process proceeds to step 4.

If the code type set for reading is determined to be a two-dimensional code in the above-described step 3, the data selector 51 selects the image data output from the area sensor unit 41. The data is input and stored in the image memory 56 through the DMA 53. Next, it is determined whether two consecutive sensors are set in the current reading. Here, when it is determined that two sensors are set consecutively, the image data output from the linear sensor unit 42 is selected and input by the data selector 51 and stored in the image memory 56 through the DMA 53, and the processing in step 4 is performed. It is designed to shift to.
Also, if it is determined that the two sensor continuation is not set,
The processing shifts to the processing of step 4.

The process of step 4 selects a decoding algorithm based on the code type set for reading, and performs a decoding process (code decoding means) for translating the code image into code data. When the decoding process is completed, it is determined whether or not two consecutive sensors are set in the current reading. Here, if it is determined that the two sensor continuation is not set, the history data of the code type set for reading is stored in the code type memory 71.
Register statistically. When the statistical registration of the history data of one code type is completed, the image reading / decoding process is completed, and the process returns to the main process.

If it is determined that two sensors are set consecutively, a decoding algorithm is selected based on the code type set for reading, and a decoding process for translating the code image into code data is performed. When this decoding process is completed, the history data of the code type of the decoding algorithm in the decoding process of step 4 and the history data of the code type of the decoding algorithm in the decoding process of the second image data are statistically registered in the code type memory 71. I do. When the statistical registration of the history data of the two code types is completed, the image reading / decoding process is completed, and the process returns to the main process.

Here, statistically registering the history data of the code type means, for example, calculating and registering the cumulative value of various reading times and the ratio of the cumulative value. Examples of the cumulative value include the cumulative value of the number of readings of the code type that is being read simultaneously, in addition to the cumulative value of the number of readings for each code type.

In this embodiment having such a configuration, when the trigger switch is turned on, the history data of the code type statistically registered in the code type memory 71 is read out, and the read-out history data is read out. The priority of the code type is determined based on the history data, and the code type with the highest priority is set as the read code type.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the number of times of reading the label on which the bar code and the matrix code are printed is large, the bar code or the matrix code is statistically given a higher priority in the history data of the read code type. Will be the highest. Moreover, the bar code and the matrix code are often read simultaneously (continuously). Therefore, as a reading operation, continuous reading of two sensors using both the area sensor and the linear sensor is performed.

Of course, if a label printed with only a bar code is read frequently, the code type having the highest priority is a bar code. In this case, two consecutive sensors are not read and only the linear sensor is read. Is executed.
Also, when a label on which only a two-dimensional code such as a matrix code is printed is frequently read, the code type having the highest priority is a two-dimensional code such as a matrix code. However, only the area sensor is read.

When the reading of the image is completed, the features of the code are extracted and only the code image is cut out. With respect to the cut-out code image, a decoding algorithm is selected based on the code type set by the history data, and decoding processing is performed to obtain code data. When the decoding is completed without error, the history data of the code type is statistically registered in the code type memory 71. When code data is obtained by successful decoding in this decoding process, the code type is notified by voice or by character display.

Here, when the reset switch 74 is turned ON, the history data of the code type registered in the code type memory 74 in this reading is deleted, and the code type or priority set by the type setting switch 75 is deleted. The read operation is determined by the next code type in the above, and reread is performed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the area sensor 36 and the linear sensor 37, the code type memory 71 for statistically registering the history data of the read code type, and the communication system including the plurality of interface circuits. An interface 58 and a protocol converter 73 for converting a communication protocol in the communication interface 56
And a voice synthesizing unit 77 for notifying the code type by voice, and determining the reading operation based on the history data of the code type stored in the code type memory 71, so that the reading frequency can be determined from the past reading results. When reading a high code, the reading operation is automatically determined,
When a bar code and a two-dimensional code are often read at the same time, the bar code and the two-dimensional code can be read simultaneously (continuously) without performing the switching operation between the bar code and the two-dimensional code.
Can be read.

Since the code type of the read code data can be notified by voice output, the read code type can be easily confirmed. Further, since the code type of the read code data can be notified by a display output, the read code type can be easily confirmed. In addition, communication specifications (communication speed, communication protocol) corresponding to the code type of the read code data
Can be changed, so that the code data can be transferred to the most suitable host device for each code type.

In this embodiment, the voice synthesizing unit 7
Although the notification of the code type by voice output using No. 7 has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the code type may be notified by changing a sounding pattern using a buzzer, Further, as shown in FIG. 16, a timer 81 and a frequency selector 82 may be provided to notify the code type by selecting an oscillation frequency or programming a time interval by the timer 81.

Further, in this embodiment, the notification of the code type by displaying characters using the display unit 60 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, as shown in FIG. 17, a display message generating unit 83 and a timer 84 are provided to generate various display data, and a display interval is programmed by the timer 84, so that a free message is displayed on the display 60. In addition to the reading result (code type, code data), it is possible to display a learning effect confirmation based on history data, a code schedule, a message from the host device, and the like. In this embodiment, an example is described in which two different types of imaging sensors, the area sensor 36 and the linear sensor 37, are used. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A sensor may be used, or a device having three or more image sensors may be used.

[0072]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention,
It is possible to provide a symbol reading device capable of efficiently reading two types of codes having different sizes simultaneously.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a gun-type non-contact type code scanner common to each embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing a main part configuration of the gun type non-contact code scanner.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an irradiation state of spot light on a symbol printed on a print medium of the non-contact type code scanner of the gun type.

FIG. 4 is a view for explaining a focal length of a spot light of the non-contact type code scanner of the same gun type.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a reading range corresponding to two types of sensors of the non-contact code scanner of the same gun type.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a main part of the handy type touch code scanner.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a shading phenomenon of the handy type touch code scanner.

FIG. 8 is a view showing shading correction of the handy type touch code scanner.

FIG. 9 is a view showing a flow of a trigger interruption process performed by the handy type touch type code scanner.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of the gun-type non-contact code scanner.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing drive timings of an area and linear illumination unit, an area and linear beam spot LED, and a trigger switch of the gun type non-contact code scanner.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the gun-type non-contact code scanner according to the embodiment of the present invention, which is added to the main circuit configuration shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a sounding device of the gun-type non-contact code scanner of the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a flow of a main process performed by the gun-type non-contact code scanner of the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a flow of image reading / decoding processing performed by the gun-type non-contact code scanner according to the embodiment during main processing.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing another example of the sounder that notifies the code type of the gun-type non-contact code scanner of the embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing another example of a display for notifying the code type of the gun-type non-contact code scanner of the embodiment.

FIG. 18 shows a barcode and a two-dimensional code printed thereon.
The figure which shows the example of a sheet label.

[Explanation of symbols]

 3 ... Interface cable, 4 ... Trigger switch, 5 ... Display device, 6 ... Reading port, 8 ... Reading port cover, 34,35 ... Beam spot LED, 23 ... CPU unit, 31 ... Gun type non-contact code scanner, 32: Linear illumination unit, 33: Area illumination unit, 36: Area sensor, 37: Linear sensor, 38: Area optical mechanism unit, 39: Linear optical mechanism unit, 51: Data selector, 52: CPU, 58 ... communication interface, 71: code type memory, 73: protocol converter, 74: reset switch, 77: voice synthesizer.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Yasuhiro Seki 6-78, Minamicho, Mishima-shi, Shizuoka Pref.

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A symbol reading apparatus comprising: an image pickup unit configured to receive reflected light from a symbol on a print medium and output an electric quantity corresponding to the amount of the received light, the image reading unit comprising: A plurality of quantization means are provided according to the code type of the symbol, are provided for each of the imaging means, process the imaging signals output from the corresponding imaging means and convert them into digital signals, and process the digital signals. Code decoding means for decoding the code data of the symbol; type history storage means for storing history data of the code type of the code data after the decoding of the code data by the code decoding means; Based on the statistical result of the history data of the code type, controlling the plurality of the imaging means and the quantization means and the code decoding means Symbol reading apparatus characterized by comprising a reading control means for reading the symbol. 2. A symbol reading apparatus comprising: an image pickup unit configured to receive reflected light from a symbol on a print medium and output an electric quantity corresponding to an amount of the received light. An area sensor that reads a two-dimensional image and a line sensor that reads a one-dimensional image; an area quantization unit that processes an imaging signal output from the area sensor to convert it into a digital signal; Line quantizing means for processing an image signal to be converted into a digital signal, code decoding means for processing a digital signal to decode code data of a symbol, and code data after the code data has been decoded by the code decoding means. Type history storage means for storing history data of a code type of A reading control unit that reads a symbol by controlling the area sensor and the area quantization unit, the line sensor and the line quantization unit, and the code decoding unit based on a statistical result of the history data of the code type; A symbol reading device. 3. A voice synthesizing means for electronically generating voice, a type voice notifying means for notifying a code type stored in the type history storage means by a voice output by the voice synthesizing means, Reset input means for instructing a re-read operation after the voice notification; and, based on the re-read operation instruction by the reset input means, returning the contents stored in the type history storage means to a state before the current read. 3. The symbol reading device according to claim 1, further comprising reset means for resetting the code type of the next reading. 4. A display means, a type display notifying means for notifying the code type stored in the type history storage means by display on the display means, and instructing a re-read operation after the display notification by the type display notifying means. Reset input means, based on a re-reading operation instruction by the reset input means, to return the contents stored in the type history storage means to the state before the current reading, and to reset the code type of the next reading 3. The symbol reading device according to claim 1, further comprising a reset unit that performs resetting. 5. Communication specification realizing means for realizing a plurality of communication specifications, and communication for controlling said communication specification realizing means based on a statistical result of history data of a code type stored in said type history storage means. The symbol reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising specification control means. 6. An illumination unit for illuminating a symbol on a print medium and an optical mechanism for imaging reflected light from the symbol on the imaging unit are provided for each of the plurality of imaging units. The symbol reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each of the optical mechanism units is configured to be able to independently adjust an illumination condition and an imaging condition.