KR20030005153A - Reading Device for Bar Code and Two-dimensional Code - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A device for reading a bar code and a two-dimensional code is provided to read not only one-dimensional bar code but two-dimensional code using one-dimensional bar code reader. CONSTITUTION: A scanning unit(110) includes a linear array sensor for scanning a bar code and a two-dimensional code and recognizing an image. A processing unit(120) includes a microprocessor(121) which processes an image recognized by the scanning unit(110) and a memory unit(122) which stores data processed in the microprocessor(121). An interface(140) performs a connection for making the processing unit(120) transmit/receive data to a computer. When a two-dimensional code is read, the scanning unit(110) may be moved. In addition, an encoder is provided for recognizing a scanning speed of the scanning unit(110). The encoder includes a photocoupler having a light-transmitting unit and a light-receiving unit, a wheel unit which is rotated by a movement of the scanning unit(110), and a toothed wheel unit which is geared into the wheel unit and rotated by being interlocked with a rotation of the wheel unit, and blocks/connects between the light-transmitting unit and the light-receiving unit.

Description

Reading Device for Bar Code and Two-dimensional Code

The present invention relates to a portable bar code reading device, and more particularly, to a reading device capable of reading one-dimensional barcodes and two-dimensional codes. The present invention also relates to a one-dimensional barcode and two-dimensional code reading apparatus having a broadcast bookmark function.

The bar code is designed to improve the management efficiency of supermarkets, and aims to reduce the waiting time in front of the cash register and to automatically update the inventory record at the same time as the sale. Barcodes developed for this purpose have achieved great results in retail applications, and are now widely used in all industries. Korea currently receives a country code from European Article Numbering (EANA) in 1988 and registers each manufacturer code in the Korean Distribution Information Center and attaches a barcode symbol to the product.

Bar codes are divided into one-dimensional (linear) barcode symbology and two-dimensional code symbology according to the arrangement of data.

One-dimensional barcode symbology is a form that arranges data in the horizontal axis, and has a variable symbol length (data length), has an error detection function and a higher data density, and has developed into a form capable of representing all data represented by alphabets. . One-dimensional barcodes are used to represent data keys that access their databases rather than product information or logistics information itself. As such, a method of accessing an existing database system through a data key is called a license plate structure. The license plate structure of this one-dimensional symbology has two important advantages. The first is that it can refer to a large amount of data with relatively short data and symbology, and the second is that there is no need to reprint barcode symbols even if the contents of the product's database are changed.

Two-dimensional (2D) symbologies are flattened by arranging data on both axes (X-direction, Y-direction). The limitation of data representation, which is a problem of conventional one-dimensional (1D) barcode symbologies, that is, lot number and purchase order as in shipping packages. In the mid-1980s, in order to compensate for the impossibility of expressing a lot of data when the data is accompanied with movement of the object by attaching or accompanying various contents such as number, recipient, quantity, and other information with a barcode. It appeared. In this sense, two-dimensional symbology has the concept of a portable data file, and also has the concept of a data bridge because barcodes can act as a bridge between data exchanges between two non-electrically connected computers. .

In other words, the data file output from one computer system is represented as a two-dimensional symbol and can be re-entered without hitting the keyboard on another computer system.

The advantages of two-dimensional symbology are that it can contain a large amount of data in one symbol, and that a large amount of data can be represented in a small area in a high density, that the space utilization is very high, and that even if a symbol is contaminated or corrupted, the data is damaged. The ability to detect and recover from errors is excellent, and since the black and white elements are not bound to the sides, it is easy to print and read symbols, the symbol can be read in multiple directions, and can express all foreign languages and graphic information including Korean. There is an advantage. Two-dimensional symbology is largely divided into stacked bar codes and matrix codes depending on how data is organized.

Recently, two-dimensional code called "icon acts" developed by Viewmetric has been used. The icon act is in the form of a hexagon (basic type) consisting of a combination of 18 original cords consisting of three to four original cords.

In recent years, there is a demand for a technology for connecting to the wired and wireless Internet using a bar code and a two-dimensional code system. That is, beyond the traditional bar code and the two-dimensional code, which is limited to the product inventory management as described above, information related to this can be provided through the Internet, etc. based on the identity of the product or advertisement, which is integrated with the code. Technology is being requested.

Decoding barcodes and two-dimensional codes generally involves the following steps:

First, the light scanned by the light source of the scanner translates over the barcode symbol. The light receiving unit of the scanner detects the amount of light and generates an electric signal (photocurrent) according to the amount of light received. The symbol's bar and space have different reflectances of light. Since the amount of light detected by the light receiving unit is very small, the generated current is also small. Amplification and signal processing generate a useful analog signal (voltage). The analog signal is converted into a digital signal through a digitizing process. That is, when the analog signal reaches this upper limit by setting the upper and lower thresholds, the latch operates to maintain the high state. When the lower limit threshold is reached, the latch changes to the low state. The digital signal generated as described above generates a data value assigned to the bit pattern through digital signal processing in the decoder.

Components of a barcode reading system include barcode symbols, scanners, decoders, and computers.

The barcode reader consists of a scanner and decoder to convert the barcode symbol into a computer-acceptable data form. Bar code readers can be subdivided into the key functional areas required for symbol reading and the auxiliary function areas required for data I / O and user interaction. The scanner includes an optical scanning unit, a light receiving unit, an amplification and signal processing circuit, and a digital signal circuit. Decoder is required for element edge detection circuit, microprocessor, ROM (or firmware) storing decryption algorithm, RAM, data I / O, and alarm device (Lamp, Buzz). The data display unit, the keyboard input unit, the external device controller, and the auxiliary memory device may be connected. Portable terminals, widely used for POS, have not only LCD displays and keyboards, but also secondary storage devices such as large RAMs or hard disks that can hold data on their own, and transfer this data to a computer. It includes modem devices and wireless devices. Decoders for network controllers, which are widely used in factory automation, include multiplexer functions and protocol change functions for communication with computers, as well as LCD displays and keyboards.

Types of barcode readers include light pens, CCD readers, and gun-type scanners.

When reading, the light pen moves smoothly from the far end of the left margin (Quite Zone) of the barcode symbol to the end of the right margin (Quite Zone), and the pen scanner directly reads the symbol of the barcode.

The CCD reader is similar to the life pen reading principle, but differs in that it uses a CCD image sensor using multiple LED light sources. CCD readers are widely used, particularly when reading barcodes frequently or requiring high precision.

Gun-type scanners are commonly used in warehouses and manufacturing to compensate for the fact that light pens and CCD readers cannot read long distances. Gun-type scanners use visible light semiconductor lasers to read data quickly and accurately, but should be used within a range where the laser light source does not harm the human body.

Conventional two-dimensional code reading apparatuses include using a two-dimensional CCD and sequentially scanning and reading a laser.

However, this type of two-dimensional code reading device is more expensive than the one-dimensional reading device, and there is a problem in that such expensive equipment must be provided to read the two-dimensional code. An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus capable of reading not only a one-dimensional barcode but also a two-dimensional code by using a one-dimensional barcode reading apparatus.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an inexpensive two-dimensional code reading device by providing a device capable of reading a two-dimensional code using a one-dimensional barcode reading device such as a one-dimensional CCD or CMOS sensor.

Still another object of the present invention is to read a barcode or two-dimensional code printed on a product or the like, and not use it only for a traditional use such as inventory management or sales counting. The contents of the advertisement and the detailed information about the product including the code can be obtained by transmitting the same.

1 is a diagram in which a bar code and a two-dimensional code reading apparatus according to the present invention scan a code.

2 is a block diagram of a barcode and a two-dimensional code reading apparatus according to the present invention.

3 is a schematic diagram of a roller type encoder;

4 is a flowchart showing a barcode and a two-dimensional code reading method according to the present invention;

Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the steps after the barcode and two-dimensional code reading apparatus according to the present invention is connected to a computer.

6 is a block diagram of a barcode and two-dimensional code reading apparatus according to the present invention including a time capture function.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a step of performing a time capture function in the barcode and two-dimensional code reading apparatus as shown in FIG.

<Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

100: barcode and two-dimensional code reading device 110: scanning unit

120: processor 121: microprocessor

122: memory unit 130: interface unit

140: power supply unit 300: encoder

311: light transmitting unit 312: light receiving unit

320: wheel portion 330: gear wheel portion

In order to achieve the above object, a barcode and two-dimensional code reading apparatus according to the present invention includes: a scanning unit including a linear array sensor configured to recognize an image by scanning a barcode and two-dimensional code; A processing unit including a microprocessor performing a process of processing an image recognized by the scanning unit, and a memory unit storing data processed by the microprocessor; The processing unit includes an interface unit for connecting data to and from the computer.

Bar code and two-dimensional code reading apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a scanning unit including a linear array sensor for recognizing an image by scanning a bar code or two-dimensional code; A real time clock for displaying time; Means for allowing a user to select a specific time; A processing unit including a microprocessor which performs a process of processing an image recognized by the scanning unit, and a memory unit which stores data processed by the microprocessor and specific time information selected by a user; The processing unit includes an interface unit for connecting data to and from the computer.

In particular, according to the present invention, a linear array sensor capable of reading a one-dimensional bar code (hereinafter abbreviated as "bar code"), for example, by using a linear array CCD CMOS to configure the scanning unit of the reading device, scanning The two-dimensional code can also be read by moving the section horizontally.

When moving the scanning unit to recognize the two-dimensional code, it is preferable to perform a constant velocity motion to increase the accuracy of the recognition. As such, the barcode and the two-dimensional code reading device may include an encoder to help the scanning unit move at a constant speed. The encoder includes a photo coupler including a light transmitting unit and a light receiving unit, a wheel unit rotating according to the movement of the scanning unit, and engaged with the wheel unit to rotate together with the rotation of the wheel unit to block or connect the light transmitting unit and the light receiving unit. It includes a toothed wheel part.

In addition, the bar code and two-dimensional code reading apparatus of the present invention includes a real-time clock and means for allowing the user to select a specific time, so that the user can select and record the time when the program of interest is broadcast while listening to or watching the broadcast. . The means may for example be a button.

The real time clock is preferably synchronized with the time of the connected computer when the barcode and two-dimensional code reading device is connected to the computer.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows a bar code and a two-dimensional code reading apparatus 100 according to the present invention scanning. 2 shows a block diagram of the reading apparatus 100. The reading device 100 includes a scanning unit 110, a processing unit 120, an interface unit 130, and a power supply unit 140.

The scanning unit 110 includes a linear array sensor, a lens and a lens holder. As the linear array sensor, for example, a linear array CCD (CCD) or a linear array CMOS (linear CMOS) device can be used. As the linear array CMOS, a model name TSL2301 manufactured and sold by Taos Inc. of Plano City, Texas, USA may be used. As the lens, for example, a model name SELFOC Lens manufactured and marketed by Nippon Sokai Co., Ltd. may be used.

As shown in FIG. 1, when scanning a two-dimensional code, the scanning unit 110 is preferably vertically moved horizontally with respect to the code to be scanned. In order to accurately recognize the code when scanning, it is preferable to scan the code while moving the scanning unit 110 at a constant speed.

In order to allow the scanning unit 110 to move at a constant speed, the scanning unit 110 may include a roller-type encoder 300 capable of detecting a scanning speed. The roller-type encoder 300 includes a photo coupler including a light transmitting part 311 and a light receiving part 312, a wheel part 320, and a tooth wheel part 330 as shown in FIG. 3. As the scanning unit 110 moves horizontally, when the encoder 300 moves, the wheel unit 320 rotates. Accordingly, the gear unit 330 rotates and the light transmitting unit 311 and the light receiving unit of the photo coupler 310 rotate. Block or connect between 312. At this time, it is possible to calculate how much the wheel part 320 is rotated, that is, how much the scanner has horizontally moved, based on the number of times it is blocked and connected.

The processor 120 analyzes an image transmitted after being scanned and recognized by the scanning unit 110, decodes the image into a numeric format, or compresses the image to be stored or transmitted. As will be described later, when the scanned code is a one-dimensional barcode, the microprocessor 121 of the processing unit 120 decodes the transmitted image. However, when the scanned and transmitted code is the two-dimensional code, the algorithm for decoding it is somewhat complicated. It is preferable to compress the transmitted image and store it in the memory unit 122 without decoding it. The processing unit includes a microprocessor 121 and a memory unit 122. The microprocessor 121 of the processor 120 may use 8 bits. For example, a microprocessor having a model name AT87F51 may be used, and a flash memory or static RAM (SRAM) may be used for the memory unit 122. Can be. However, it is also possible to use a dynamic RAM (DRAM) in the memory unit 122. The flash memory may use, for example, a flash memory whose model name is AT25256, and the static RAM (SRAM) may use, for example, static RAM whose model name is K6T0808V1D. Although flash memory has a high cost, it retains its stored contents and consumes less power even when power is lost. Using a static RAM (SRAM) can secure a large amount of memory at a low cost, but when the power is removed, the storage contents are also removed, and the power consumption is increased because the power must be continuously supplied. In any case, however, it should be construed as being included in the concept of the present invention.

The memory unit 122 stores a decoded number of a barcode or a compressed image of a two-dimensional code when the reading apparatus 100 according to the present invention is used in a portable form, that is, not connected to a PC.

The interface unit 130 is a part connecting the reading device 100 according to the present invention and a computer, for example, a personal computer (PC), by wire or by using a serial or universal serial bus (USB). Can connect However, it is also possible to wirelessly connect the reading device 100 to a computer using a wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth. Serial communication has the advantage of being inexpensive, but since the communication speed is relatively slow, it is preferable to use a general-purpose serial bus in consideration of transmitting an image of two-dimensional code. Universal serial bus (USB) is not only a problem of transmission speed, but also excellent in terms of usability, such as connection method, but a disadvantage is that it is somewhat expensive compared to serial communication devices. For example, a model name USBN9603 may be used for the universal serial bus.

In view of the fact that the reading device 100 according to the present invention is used in a portable manner, the power supply unit 140 used for the reading device 100 according to the present invention is preferably configured to supply DC power. However, if the reading device 100 according to the present invention is not limited to being used as a portable device, the power supply unit may supply AC power or receive AC current to convert the power into DC.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a step up device may be used, which is a device that allows the DC power supplied by the power supply unit 140 to be required to operate the reading device 100. For example, the model names MAX1674 to MC34063 may be used in the step-up apparatus. In the case of configuring the interface unit 130 in the form of a general-purpose serial bus, it is preferable to use a field-effect transistor (FET) for power switching.

Hereinafter, the operation of the reading apparatus 100 according to the present invention and the code reading method according to the present invention will be described.

As shown in FIG. 4, the user first scans a code to be read using the reading apparatus 100 (S400). When the code to be read is a barcode, a scanning unit including a linear array CCD to CMOS, etc. ( 110 is in contact with the bar code, and in the case of a two-dimensional code, as shown in FIG. 1, the scanning unit 110 is erected and horizontally moved along the code.

The scanned image is transmitted to the processor 120. The scanning unit 110 and the processing unit 120 is preferably connected to a serial interface. The microprocessor 121 determines whether the scanned and transmitted image is a one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional code. (S410) As a result of the determination, when the scanned and transmitted image is the one-dimensional barcode, the microprocessor 121 decodes the image immediately. The decoded and converted numbers are stored in the memory unit 122 when the decoding step is finished (S430). When connected to the computer by the interface unit 140, the decoded number may be transmitted directly to the computer through the interface unit 140 without storing the decoded number in the memory unit 122.

In the determination step (S410), when the scanned and transmitted image is determined as a two-dimensional code, the image is compressed by the microprocessor 121. The compressed two-dimensional code image is stored in the memory unit 122. In operation S450, when the reading apparatus 100 is connected to the computer, the compressed image of the two-dimensional code stored in the memory unit 122 is transmitted to the computer and decoded. However, the reading apparatus 100 may perform the above-described steps while already connected to the computer.

5 is a flowchart of a process performed after connecting the reading apparatus 100 to a computer.

When the reading apparatus 100 is connected to a computer, numbers or compressed two-dimensional images stored in the memory unit 122 are transmitted to the computer through the interface unit 140 (S500). It is determined whether it is a number or an image of a compressed two-dimensional code. (S510) If the number is decoded as a result of the determination, the received data is transmitted back to the corresponding website.

On the other hand, if it is determined by the microprocessor 121 of the reading apparatus 100 that the image is a compressed two-dimensional code, the step of restoring the compressed image to the original image is performed (S530). When it is finished, decoding the restored two-dimensional code is performed. (S540) When the process of decoding the two-dimensional code is finished, the computer transmits the decoded data to the corresponding website. (S550)

According to the foregoing, the two-dimensional code scanned by the reading device 100 is decoded by a computer, but includes a program that performs a decoding algorithm of the two-dimensional code on the microprocessor 121 of the reading device 100 as in the case of a barcode. The two-dimensional code may be decoded by the reading apparatus 100. In this case, after being connected to the computer, the decoded data is transmitted to the corresponding website as in the case of the barcode without undergoing the above-described restoration or decoding step.

As described above, when the barcode and the two-dimensional code information is transmitted to the corresponding website, in addition to the traditional functions such as the barcode, it is possible to obtain more detailed information on the product on which the barcode is printed. Further, if a barcode or the like is printed on a newspaper or a magazine, and the barcode is read by the reading apparatus according to the present invention and transmitted to the corresponding website, advertisement contents or related information related thereto can be obtained widely.

In addition, the reading apparatus according to the present invention may be mounted and used in a personal portable terminal such as a mobile phone. In this case, personal portability is increased, and the above-described effects of the present invention can be more effectively achieved.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the barcode and two-dimensional code reading apparatus according to the present invention may include a time capture function.

Fig. 6 shows a block diagram of the reading apparatus according to the present invention including the type capture function.

The above-described time capture function, when a user is watching or listening to a broadcast, and a scene or song of interest occurs, when the user presses the time capture button, the exact time at that time is recorded on the reading device, and the recorded time is connected to the computer. In this case, it refers to a function of connecting a broadcast time database so that a corresponding broadcast or data is transmitted to the Internet.

As shown in FIG. 6, the reading apparatus according to the present embodiment further includes a real time clock 600. As the real time clock 600, for example, a model name PCF8563 can be used.

On the other hand, although not shown in the block diagram of FIG. 6, when the time capture function is added as in the present embodiment, it is preferable to include a button device for distinguishing between reading the barcode and the two-dimensional code from the time capture. . For example, when a user presses a first button using two buttons, a function of reading a barcode and a two-dimensional code may be performed, and pressing a second button may perform a time capture function.

7 is a flowchart showing a time capture method. First, when a user who is listening to or watching a broadcast presses the second button of the reading apparatus 100 according to the present invention, that is, selects a specific time (S700), the current correct time is checked and the checked time information is stored in the memory unit ( If the reading apparatus 100 is connected to a computer, the real time clock 100 is synchronized with the time of the computer (S720). Next, the serial number of the reading apparatus 100 is stored. In operation S730, the broadcasting related information based on the time information is transmitted to the user's computer through the Internet by an application program of the computer, and the user receives the related information.

The reading apparatus 100 according to the present invention provides an effect of decoding both a barcode and a two-dimensional code by a single reading apparatus 100 by using an inexpensive linear array CCD or a linear array CMOS element.

In addition, by using the reading device according to the present invention, the code printed on articles or advertisements such as articles, newspapers, magazines, etc. is decoded by the reading device 100 according to the present invention and transmitted to the corresponding website as described above. Since the website can provide more detailed contents and the like related to the decrypted code, it provides an advantage of easily accessing multimedia in-depth and broad information while viewing a two-dimensional newspaper or magazine.

In addition, the present invention also provides a bar code and a two-dimensional code reading device that includes a broadcast bookmark function, so that you can record the desired part while watching or listening to the broadcast to receive the related broadcast data and the like again through the Internet, etc. The effect is provided.

Claims (15)

A scanning unit including a linear array sensor configured to recognize an image by scanning a barcode and a two-dimensional code; A processing unit including a microprocessor performing a process of processing an image recognized by the scanning unit, and a memory unit storing data processed by the microprocessor; The processor includes an interface unit for connecting data to and from the computer, The scanning unit is to be movable when reading the two-dimensional code, Bar code and two-dimensional code reading device. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the linear array sensor is a linear array CCD or CMOS. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an encoder for recognizing the scanning speed of the scanning means. The method of claim 3, wherein the encoder, A photo coupler including a light transmitting unit for transmitting light and a light receiving unit for receiving the transmitted light; A wheel unit rotating as the scanning unit moves; And a toothed wheel part engaged with the wheel part and blocking and connecting between the light transmitting part and the light receiving part while rotating in conjunction with the rotation of the wheel part. Bar code and two-dimensional code reading device. The barcode and two-dimensional method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the microprocessor is configured to perform a decoding process when the transmitted image is a barcode and to compress the transmitted image if the transmitted image is a two-dimensional code. Code reading device. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the memory unit stores data of a decoded barcode or a compressed two-dimensional code. The barcode and two-dimensional code reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the interface unit allows a serial connection between the reading apparatus and a computer. 5. Bar code and two-dimensional code reading device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the interface unit allows the reading device and the computer to be connected by a universal serial bus. The barcode and two-dimensional code reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a power supply unit. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the power supply unit includes a step-up device that amplifies the power supplied by the power supply unit to a level that can be used for the reading device. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the power supply unit comprises a field effect transistor (FET). Scanning unit including a linear array sensor for recognizing an image by scanning a bar code or two-dimensional code, Real time clock for displaying time, Means to allow users to choose a specific time, A processing unit including a microprocessor performing a process of processing an image recognized by the scanning unit, and a memory unit storing data processed by the microprocessor and specific time information selected by a user; The processor includes an interface unit for connecting data to and from the computer, The scanning unit is to be movable when reading the two-dimensional code, Bar code and two-dimensional code reading device. 13. A bar code and two-dimensional code reading device according to claim 12, wherein said means is a button. The apparatus of claim 12 or 13, wherein the real time clock is adapted to be synchronized with the time of a computer connected with the reading apparatus. The barcode and two-dimensional code reading device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the linear array sensor is a linear array CCD or CMOS.