JPH1115912A - Bar code reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to read out also a bar code label of-specified by the modification of a guard bar similarly to a normal label. SOLUTION: A digital signal Sd is formed so as to be directly inputted from a signal conversion means 24 to a reading processing means side 11 to 13 as additional information of a character signal Sc outputted from a decoding means 25. When a normal character signal Sc can not be read out by the reading processing means side 11 to 13, the directly inputted digital signal Sd is read out and compared with previously set and stored off-specification data, interpolated bar code data corresponding to bar code data based on the normal character signal Sc is generated and the same prescribed processing as a normal case can be executed by using the compensated bar code data.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a signal converting means for receiving reflected light from a bar code and converting it into a digital signal, a decoding means for converting an input digital signal into a character signal in accordance with a standard, and an input signal. Reading processing means for reading a character signal and performing predetermined processing as bar code data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In FIG.
Are a light emitting device 21, a scanning device 22, a light receiving device 23, a signal converting device 24, a decoding device 25, and a reading processing device 10P.
Is formed from. That is, the bar code label 100 is irradiated with the laser beam generated from the light emitter 21 via the scanning means 22 including a polygon mirror and a vibrator, and the light receiver 23 receives the reflected light from the bar code label 100.

The signal conversion means 24 includes an amplifier for amplifying the analog signal Sa output from the photodetector 23, a signal amplifier, an A / D converter for converting the signal into a digital signal, and the like. The signal is converted into a digital signal Sd having a time width corresponding to the width of each barcode B of the label 100.

[0004] The decoding means 25 converts (decodes) the input digital signal Sd into a character signal Sc conforming to the bar code label standard and decodes it.
Output to P. The reading processing unit 10P reads the character signal Sc and performs a predetermined process (for example, a product code input process) as barcode data.

More specifically, when the bar code label 100 is scanned in the longitudinal direction, that is, in the S direction as shown in FIG.
c is “0”, “1”, “2”... shown in FIG. In addition to the character signal Sc, a parity signal (for example, an odd number) and a guard bar signal (specifically, a kind of character signal) used for confirming the valid bar code B range are also output.

Accordingly, the reading processing means 10P reads bar code data from the character signals between the front and rear guard bar signals (not shown in FIG. 7) on a parity check. That is, for example, EAN,
Decoding means 25 in accordance with standards such as JAN or UPC
In other words, the data is fixed by hardware and is fixed by software by the reading processing means 10P.

[0007]

Since the field of use of the bar code reader 20 is diverse, a bar code label 100 that is not standardized especially for a card bar may be used.

For example, when the merchandise information necessary for merchandise registration in a supermarket or the like is read from the barcode label 100, there are many types of merchandise to which the barcode label 100 is attached. Therefore, the length of the barcode label 100 may be longer than the length of the product to which the barcode label is attached, and the barcode label 100 may be easily peeled off from the product. In such a case, the guard bar may be partially cut (shortened) as shown in FIG.

As described above, if the signal is out of the standard, the analog signal Sa corresponding to the regular guard bar is not output.
The decoding means 25 and / or the reading processing means 10P do not operate normally. In FIG. 8B, the guard bar signal is "?", That is, undefined. In particular, for example, even when the nonstandard barcode labels 100 for some products are occasionally mixed, a clerk or the like may mistakenly recognize that the barcode reader 20 is out of order and interrupt the reading operation.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a bar code reader capable of reading a bar code label which has become out of standard due to a modification of a guard bar in the same manner as a normal case.

[0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a signal conversion means for receiving reflected light from a bar code and converting it into a digital signal, a decoding means for converting an input digital signal into a character signal in accordance with a standard, and an input means. And a reading processing means for reading the converted character signal and performing predetermined processing as bar code data, wherein the digital signal is output from the decoding means to the reading processing means side from the signal conversion means. In addition to being formed so that it can be directly input as additional information of the character signal, when the reading processing means cannot read the character signal, it takes in the directly input digital signal and compares it with the pre-set and stored nonstandard conversion data. Bar code data corresponding to the bar code data based on the character signal Generating possible and by using a complementary barcode data is an executable form barcode reader the predetermined processing.

In this invention, when the character signal is not inputted from the decoding means, or when the character signal is inputted, the reading processing means is out of the standard and cannot be read, so that the digital signal directly inputted as the additional information from the signal converting means is provided. The signal is fetched and compared with non-standardized conversion data set and stored in advance, for example, a character valid area is determined while determining whether or not the bar is a non-standard guard bar, and a digital signal corresponding to the character signal is converted to a normal character signal. Complementary barcode data corresponding to the base barcode data is generated, and a predetermined process is executed using the supplementary barcode data.

Therefore, for example, even when a large number of standard bar code labels include a small number of exceptional non-standard bar code labels, the reading process can be performed in the same manner as a normal standard bar code label. In addition, it is possible to prevent the business from being interrupted as a device failure.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) The basic configuration (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, etc.) of the present bar code reading device 20 is the same as that of the conventional example (FIG. 6). As shown in FIG.
The digital signal Sd is formed so that it can be directly input to the side of the digital signal Sd as additional information of the character signal Sc output from the decoding means 25, and the reading processing means (11, 1).
The character signal reception presence / absence determination means (1
1, 12) and additional information capture control means (11, 12)
, A nonstandard conversion data table 13T, and signal discrimination conversion control means (11, 12). When a character signal Sc including a normal guard bar signal cannot be read, a directly input digital signal Sd is taken in and complemented. Barcode data is generated, and a predetermined process can be executed using the barcode data in the same manner as in the case of a normal standard barcode label 100.

In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the electronic cash register 10 is used as a product information reading and inputting means.

In FIG. 1, an electronic cash register 1
Numeral 0 includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, a keyboard 14, a display 15, a printer 16, a self-opening drawer 17, and input / output ports (I / O) 26 and 27, and a well-known product registration function, accounting function, and the like. Having.

The merchandise registration function is performed by the bar code reader 20.
Scanner (light emitting device 21, scanning means 2) constituting a part of
2, a bar code label 1 attached to a product using the receiver 23, the signal conversion means 24, and the decoding means 25).
00, product information (for example, a product code or a product unit price) is read, and read processing means (11, 12, 1) is read.
3) performs a reading process as a product code (bar code data). Subsequently, the product registration control means (CPU 11, ROM
12) creates sales data indirectly from the product code or directly from the product unit price or the like and stores (registers) it in the sales file.

The product information and sales data are displayed on the display 15 by the output control means (CPU 11 and ROM 12) and printed out on a receipt or the like by the printer 16.

The read processing means is formed of a ROM 12 storing a read processing control program, a CPU 11, and a RAM 13 for expanding the program and the processing data. When a scan command is generated (YES in ST10 in FIG. 4), , The character signal S from the decoding means 25
c, a parity signal and a guard bar signal which is a kind of character signal are read and subjected to a predetermined process (establishment of product information) (ST18).

Here, the character signal reception presence / absence determining means determines whether or not the character signal Sc has been received from the decoding means 25 through the input / output port 26 formed of the ROM 12 and the CPU 11 storing the reception presence / absence determination program. This is executed by ST11 in FIG.

That is, when no character signal Sc can be received from the decoding means 25, or when the character signal S
It is determined that a normal guard bar signal cannot be received even if c can be received. That is, the regular character signals Sc,
It is determined whether a parity signal and a guard bar signal have been received.

Additional information fetching control means (CPU 11, RO
M12) is a character signal reception presence / absence determining means (11,
If the normal character signal Sc or the like cannot be received due to 12) (NO in ST11 of FIG. 4), the decoding means 2
The digital signal Sd directly input from the signal conversion means 24 as additional information of the character signal Sc output from the input terminal 5 is taken in via the input / output port 27 (ST1).
2). Since it is not necessary to read the data under normal conditions, the control unit (1
The burden on the 1,12,13) side can be slightly increased.

Signal discrimination conversion control means (CPU 11, RO
M12) refers to the nonstandard conversion data set and stored in the nonstandard conversion data table 13T in advance and converts the fetched digital signal Sd into a complementary character signal while using the complementary character signal (ST13). Complementary barcode data corresponding to barcode data based on the regular character signal Sc is generated (ST14).

The nonstandard conversion data table 13 shown in FIG.
In T, a mode of the additional information (digital signal Sd), a complementary guard bar signal equivalent to a regular guard bar signal and equal thereto, and a validity flag (“1”) of data following the additional information are set. In FIG. 3, the supplementary character signal Sc in the additional information (digital signal Sd) is not shown.

That is, for example, the character signal Sc of the nonstandard bar code label 100 shown in FIG.
(B) (“?”, “0”, “1”, “2”,...)
Since the normal guard bar signal ("7111" as the digital signal Sd) shown in FIG. 7B is not included, the character signal reception presence / absence determination means (1)
1, 12) determine that the regular character signal Sc has not been received (NO in ST11).

Then, additional information acquisition control means (11, 1)
2) is the additional information (“2111”, “2111”) shown in FIG.
“3211”, “2221”, “2122”,...) Are fetched (ST12). Subsequently, the signal discrimination conversion control means (1
1, 12) are nonstandard conversion data tables 1 shown in FIG.
Referring to 3T (ST13), it is determined whether the first (“2111”) of the additional information (digital signal Sd) is nonstandard conversion data previously set and stored in the nonstandard conversion data table 13T. If it is determined that the setting is stored, the signal (“2111”) is converted into a corresponding complementary guard bar signal (“7111”). This complementary guard bar signal is equal to the normal (normal) guard bar signal equivalent digital signal Sd (“7111”).

Therefore, since "2111" in the additional information is recognized as a standard card bar signal, the second and subsequent digital signals Sd ("3211", "2221",
"2122",...) To the complementary character signal ("0",
"1", "2",...) (ST14). That is, complementary barcode data (012 ...) is generated (ST1).
4) Yes.

This conversion / generation is completed (YE in ST15).
S), the reading processing means (11, 12) performs the predetermined processing (ST1) using the complementary barcode data (012...).
Execute 8).

A plurality of additional information ("1111", "211") set and stored in the nonstandard conversion data table 13T.
1), “F111”,...) Are not converted even when all of them are referred to in order from the top (ST13 to ST14).
15 (NO, ST16 YES), error processing (S
T17).

The "F" of "F111" shown in FIG.
Shows a case where the initial time width of the signal corresponding to the guard bar is “3 or more”. Therefore, the present invention can be applied to a case where the left and right dimensions in the guard bar diagram shown in parentheses in FIG.

(Second Embodiment) In this embodiment, even if the bar code data cannot be read by the reading processing means (11, 12) and the predetermined processing cannot be performed, regardless of whether the guard bar is out of the standard or not. An application example in which a predetermined process can be performed using each additional information corresponding to a plurality of digital signals Sd obtained by a plurality of scans will be described.

That is, since the first guard bar signal (character signal Sc) in the first scan (Sa) shown in FIG. 5A is (7111) shown in (B1), it is normal. And the second and subsequent character signals Sc following this are "0", "0", "2", "3".
But the digits are insufficient. In the third character signal Sc in the second scan (Sb), the additional information (“F211”) shown in FIG.
Since it is the same as the nonstandard conversion data (F211) set and stored in 3T, it is recognized as a guard bar. Therefore, the subsequent fourth and subsequent character signals Sc are "2", "3", "4", and "5", but in this case also, the digits are insufficient.

Here, the composite discriminating means (CPU 11, RO
M12) determines that “2” and “3” of the first and second character signals Cs are equal in this order. Then, the combined reading processing means (CPU 11, ROM
12) synthesizes both character signals Sc1 and Sc2 and synthesizes complementary bar code data (“0”, “0”, “2”,
The predetermined reading process is performed as “3”, “4”, “5”).

That is, even when the regular reading process cannot be performed due to various circumstances, the supplementary reading process can be performed by using the additional information in the same manner as in the normal case.

[0035]

According to the present invention, a digital signal can be directly input from the signal conversion means to the reading processing means as additional information of the character signal output from the decoding means, and the character signal can be input at the reading processing means. When it is not possible to read the digital signal inputted directly, it can generate complementary barcode data corresponding to the barcode data based on the character signal by comparing with the nonstandard conversion data stored in advance and store this complementary barcode. Since it is formed so that predetermined processing can be performed using data,
For example, even when a large number of standard barcode labels include a small number of exceptional nonstandard barcode labels, the reading process can be performed in the same manner as a normal standard barcode label. In addition, it is possible to prevent the business from being interrupted as a device failure.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a nonstandard barcode label and additional information.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining nonstandard conversion data.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a second embodiment of the present invention.

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

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a standard barcode label and a character signal in a conventional example.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a nonstandard barcode label and its problem in a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Electronic cash register 11 CPU (barcode reading device, reading processing means) 12 ROM (barcode reading device, reading processing means) 13 RAM (barcode reading device, reading processing means) 13T Nonstandard conversion data table 14 keyboard 15 display Device 16 printer 17 drawer 20 barcode reader 21 light emitter 22 scanning means 23 light receiver 24 signal conversion means 25 decoding means 100 barcode label B barcode Sd digital signal (additional information) Sc character signal

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A signal conversion means for receiving reflected light from a bar code and converting it into a digital signal, a decoding means for converting an input digital signal into a character signal in accordance with a standard, A bar code reader having read processing means for performing predetermined processing as code data, wherein the digital signal is formed so as to be directly input as additional information of the character signal from the signal conversion means to the read processing means side; When the character signal cannot be read by the reading processing means, a directly input digital signal is taken, compared with non-standardized conversion data stored in advance, and complemented bar code corresponding to bar code data based on the character signal. Data can be generated and the predetermined processing is performed using complementary barcode data. Executable form barcode reader.