KR20100034888A - The bar code scanner with function of picture-taking - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A bar code scanner with a function of photographing an image is provided to facilitate storage/stock management of image information and document management. CONSTITUTION: An image information acquiring unit(310) applies light of a fixed wavelength to a fixed location of the image code to acquire the image information in order to acquire the image information saved in an image code. An image information decoding unit(320) decodes the image information acquired from the image information acquiring unit. A transmitting unit(330) transceives the image information and a control signal decoded in the image information decoding unit. The image acquired by the image information acquiring unit is directly transmitted to the transmitting unit under control of a scan camera mode control unit(340) in case of a camera mode.

Description

Barcode scanner with image capture function {THE BAR CODE SCANNER WITH FUNCTION OF PICTURE-TAKING}

The present invention relates to a barcode scanner having an image capturing function. More specifically, the present invention can read not only a conventional one-dimensional barcode but also a two-dimensional barcode, and can perform scanning operation and image capturing using a barcode scanner without a separate camera. The present invention relates to a barcode scanner having an image capturing function that can be stored together, and makes it easy to store and manage image information and document management. In addition, it is easy to switch between wired and wireless modes, so that convenience of wired mode and mobility of wireless mode can be simultaneously used, and two types of hand-held and handsfree are provided regardless of the working environment. A barcode scanner having an image capturing function that enables various operations by a barcode scanner.

In general, a code that displays a predetermined object in English letters, numbers, or special symbols so that it can be recognized. However, remembering the code and typing it into the computer is very cumbersome and difficult. In particular, it is almost impossible to treat all kinds of items as separate codes, and even if it is realized, there is a problem that the practicality is greatly reduced.

In order to solve this problem, one-dimensional bar code is made by combining a plurality of bar bars of various thicknesses instead of general codes, and the two-dimensional bar code is composed of X and Y axes in a certain rectangle. Since information is represented by arranging braille or mosaic symbols in a two-dimensional format, it is called a two-dimensional code, but is generally called a two-dimensional barcode. A device that optically reads (reads) and inputs it to a computer device is called a barcode reader.

A bar-code reader, also called a bar code reader or a barcode scanner, irradiates a bar code printed on an area of a recognition object with light such as an electron beam, and generates an electronic signal generated according to the intensity of reflected light. A series of input devices that reads. The barcode reader uses the optical principle of changing the above-described electronic signal into the internal code of the computer by the logic circuit of the controller. These bar code readers are widely used from product production management to sales management because the data input is accurate and easy to use. In recent years, barcode readers have become a necessity in point of sales and most distribution processes. In particular, various scan methods for convenient input of simple documents have recently been developed. However, not all inventory management problems are solved simply by reading the barcode of the goods, and it is increasingly used by photographing them with a digital camera for reporting the management status of stocks and other goods and storage status. Even in this situation, there is a problem in that the economic burden increases because a separate photographing apparatus such as a digital camera is required to obtain current image information. In addition to cost, if you are working remotely from a computer, alternating between scanners and cameras with two or more pieces of equipment can be very inefficient. In addition, there are attempts to solve the problem of manually inputting a large amount of data by reading barcodes in prescriptions in special specialized businesses such as pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics. It is a big problem because it requires a lot of places to be stored in the form of documents and not only suffers from inconvenience but also risks of loss.

In addition, the handheld form or the hands-free form may be required depending on the working environment. However, since the existing barcode scanner is provided in only one form, there is a problem that both types of barcode scanners should be provided according to the working environment. .

The present invention has been proposed to solve the above problems of the conventionally proposed methods, it is possible to read not only the existing one-dimensional barcode, but also two-dimensional barcode together, using a barcode scanner without a separate camera and scanning operation and It is an object of the present invention to provide a bar code scanner having an image capturing function that can be taken together with the image and can easily store and manage image information and manage documents. In addition, it is easy to switch between wired and wireless modes, so that convenience of wired mode and mobility of wireless mode can be utilized at the same time. Two types of handheld and handsfree are provided so that various tasks can be performed by one barcode scanner regardless of working environment. It is yet another object to provide a barcode scanner with an image capturing function that makes it possible.

Bar code scanner having an image capturing function according to a feature of the present invention for achieving the above object, (1) to obtain the information stored in the image code to irradiate a predetermined wavelength of light at a predetermined position of the image code from the image An image information acquisition unit for acquiring information, (2) an image information decoding unit for decoding the image information acquired by the image information acquisition unit, and (3) transmitting and receiving image information and other control signals decoded by the image information decoding unit In the bar code scanner consisting of a bar code reading module and a cradle module including a transmission unit,

(4) In the scan mode, the image information obtained by the image information acquisition unit is decoded by the image information decoding unit, and then the decoded image information is transmitted to the transmission unit, and in the camera mode, the image information. It is characterized in that it comprises a scan / camera mode control unit for controlling to transmit the image obtained by the acquisition unit directly to the transmission unit.

Preferably, the image information acquisition unit,

a. Aiming means for setting a position for obtaining accurate image information from the image code;

b. At least one light emitting means for irradiating light to the image code to obtain information from the image code; And

c. And acquiring means for sensing and acquiring information acquired by the light emitted by the light emitting means.

Preferably, the apparatus may further include an image storage unit which stores the image information acquired by the image information acquisition unit in the form of an image.

Preferably, the transmission unit may have a wireless mode for wirelessly communicating between the barcode reading module and the cradle module and a wired mode for directly communicating with a computer from the barcode reading module through a wire.

Preferably, the image information acquisition unit may further include an automatic recognition unit for controlling to automatically recognize the object to shoot the image.

More preferably, the automatic recognition unit,

Sensing means for sensing movement of an object within a certain distance; And

When the object is recognized by the sensing means, it may include an automatic driving means for driving the image information acquisition unit within a predetermined time.

Preferably, in the case of a hand-held state in which the barcode reading module is held in a hand, an image is captured by an operation button, and the hands-free state of placing the barcode reading module on a cradle module is used. In this case, the image information acquisition unit automatically captures an image of an object under the control of the automatic recognition unit, and when the object is not recognized by the automatic recognition unit within a predetermined time, it switches to a sleep mode which is temporarily stopped. The electronic device may further include an operation controller which wakes up from the sleep mode to an awake mode by a touch of an operation button.

Preferably, the acquiring means may comprise a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor or a CMOS image sensor.

More preferably, the obtaining means may further comprise A / D conversion means.

Preferably, the display apparatus may further include an operation state display unit indicating one of success and failure of image information reading and another malfunction according to the operation state of the barcode reading module.

Preferably, the cradle module, the power supply coupled to the power supply connector of the barcode reading module to supply power; And

It may include a fixing jaw to enable smooth coupling with the power supply and the barcode reading module can be fixedly positioned at a certain distance from an object.

Preferably, the display unit may further include display means for displaying the image information received from the transmission unit.

More preferably, after checking the image information displayed on the display means, it may further include an image information determination unit for determining to transmit the image information to the cradle module or a computer or to store in the storage means.

According to the barcode scanner having an image capturing function proposed by the present invention, not only a conventional 1D barcode but also a 2D barcode can be read together, and a scanning operation and image capturing can be performed using a barcode scanner without a separate camera. It is easy to keep the video information, inventory management and document management. In addition, it is easy to switch between wired and wireless modes, so that convenience of wired mode and mobility of wireless mode can be utilized at the same time. Two types of handheld and handsfree are provided so that various tasks can be performed by one barcode scanner regardless of working environment. A barcode scanner having an image capturing function can be provided.

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

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a barcode scanner having an image capturing function according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the barcode reading module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention supports the EAN code, which is the most widely used one-dimensional barcode format in the world, QR of Japan Denso, Maxi of UPS, United States All four two-dimensional barcode formats, ISO standards such as Symbol Technologies' PDF-417 and International DataMatrix's DATA MATRIX, can be recognized (supported). In order to use these various formats, only barcodes required by an environment setting program may be set and used, or reading priorities may be set and used.

In order to obtain information stored in an image code, a barcode scanner includes an image information obtaining unit and an image information obtained from an image information obtaining unit for irradiating light of a predetermined wavelength to a predetermined position of the image code to obtain necessary image information therefrom. It consists of a bar code reading module 100 and the cradle module 200 including an image information decoding unit for decoding the image, and a transmission unit for transmitting and receiving the image information and other control signals decoded by the image information decoding unit, the image in the scan mode The scan / camera mode control unit controls the image information obtained by the information acquisition unit to be decoded by the image information decoding unit and transmitted to the transmission unit, and in the case of the camera mode, to directly transmit the image acquired by the image information acquisition unit to the transmission unit. It includes. As described above, the barcode scanner having the image capturing function proposed by the present invention can be controlled by one barcode scanner without a separate camera by appropriately controlling the barcode scanner according to the scan / camera mode by the scan / camera mode controller. By being able to take a picture together with an image, it is possible to obtain an effect of facilitating storage, inventory management, and document management of video information.

The barcode scanner according to the present invention can be used in two states, a hands-free state and a handheld state. The hands-free state refers to a form in which the barcode reading module 100 is placed on the holder module 200 and used. The hand-held state refers to a form in which the user lifts and uses the barcode reading module 100. In the hands-free state in which the barcode reading module 100 is placed on the holder module 200 and used, the barcode reading module 100 automatically detects an object without pressing an operation button (see operation button 110 in FIG. 2). Recognize and scan. Placing an object (barcode image) to be scanned on the laser beam center point displayed in the cross shape in front of the cradle module 200 is the barcode reading module 100 will automatically detect and scan. At this time, the barcode reading module 100 is changed to the sleep mode which is automatically paused when the image does not come in for 10 minutes or more in the automatic recognition mode, and does not scan anymore, and when the push button is pressed once at the top of the barcode reading module 100 You will wake up from the mode and switch to automatic recognition mode. This is to reduce power consumption when not in use.

In the handheld state, the barcode reading module 100 is changed from the automatic recognition mode to the manual mode, and the operation button on the barcode reading module 100 is placed vertically at an appropriate distance (5 to 15 cm) from the barcode to be scanned. The operation status LED (see operation status LED 120 of FIG. 2) lights up with a buzzer sound when pressed and held down. If the image information is not scanned even after pressing for more than 5 seconds, the barcode reading module 100 ends the reading with a buzzing sound of “beep” and the color of the operation status LED turns red. At this time, if you want to scan the image information again, press the operation button again.

Regardless of the handsfree state or the handheld state, the communication method for data transmission basically uses a wireless mode. And while using the battery power in the handheld state, if the barcode reading module 100 is placed on the cradle module 200, the barcode reading module 100 is automatically charged using the power of the cradle module 200. In the wired mode, since the bar code reading module 100 uses the USB power of the computer, the bar code reading module 100 is not charged even when the bar code reading module 100 is in the wired mode. Therefore, if you want to charge while the computer is off, connect the AC adapter to the DC PORT (see DC PORT (240) in Figure 4) of the cradle module to charge. If the barcode reading module 100 has not been charged and used for a long time in the wireless mode, the barcode reading module (see the USB PORT 130 in FIG. 2) is directly connected to the USB cable of the barcode reading module 100 (see FIG. 2). 100 is changed to the wired mode, and thus the barcode reading module 100 can be naturally charged.

In addition, the bar code reading module 100 according to the present invention, in the wireless mode, the wireless communication between the cradle module 200 and the bar code reading module 100, but in the wired mode, the bar code reading module 100 is connected via a USB cable It is configured to send and receive directly with a computer. In addition, the cradle module 200 is broken or the barcode reading module 100 is switched to a wired mode for data transmission and charging in case of emergency, such as when the charging capacity is insufficient due to long use of the barcode reading module 100 in a wireless mode. 100 may be used.

2 is a diagram illustrating a barcode reading module 100 of a barcode scanner having an image capturing function according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 2, the barcode reading module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the operation button 110, the operation status LED 120, USB port 130, the power connection connector 140 It can be configured to include.

The operation button 110 serves to start obtaining image information in the handheld state. When the operation button 110 is pressed, the barcode reading module 100 starts to acquire the image information, and when the image acquisition and decoding are successfully completed, the barcode reading module 100 finishes the image acquisition operation with the end sound (for example, a 'beep' sound). At this time, the operation state LED 130 turns green. If the image acquisition and decoding is not successful even after pressing for more than 5 seconds, the operation is terminated with an abnormal sound (for example, a 'beep' sound). At this time, the operation status LED 130 turns red and the image information is again displayed. When you want to acquire it must press the operation button (110) again. The operation button 110 also wakes up the barcode reading module 100 in a sleep state from the hands-free state. If the image information acquisition operation is not performed for 5 minutes or more in the hands-free state, the barcode reading module 100 is switched to the sleep state, and the barcode reading module 100 is turned off to stop all operations. At this time, in order to start again, the operation button 110 must be pressed once, and when the operation button is pressed, the operation state LED 120 changes to a green state together with a normal sound (eg, a 'beep' sound).

The operation state LED 120 serves to indicate an operation state of whether the barcode reading module 100 has normally completed image information acquisition and decryption operation. The operation state LED 120 may be configured in three colors, for example, green, red, and yellow. It can be configured to turn green in a normal state, turn yellow in a state of acquiring image information, and then turn green when acquiring image information is successful, and turn red when acquiring image information fails. In case of a fault other than failure to acquire image information, the red blinking state may be displayed.

The USB PORT 130 is a port used when the barcode reading module 100 is used in a wired mode, and serves to help charging or transmitting image information. When the barcode reading module 100 is to be used in the wired mode, the USB cable connected to the cradle module 200 is disconnected and plugged into the terminal, thereby automatically changing to the wired barcode reading module 100.

The power connection connector 140 serves to supply power to the barcode reading module 100. When the barcode reading module 100 is placed on the cradle module 200, the power and charging status LEDs (not shown) turn green with a buzzer sound. If it is not connected properly, the power and charge status LEDs will turn red.

3 is a diagram illustrating a front surface of the cradle module 200 of a barcode scanner having an image capturing function according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 3, the cradle module 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is coupled to the power supply connector of the bar code reading module power supply 210 that can supply power, smooth coupling with the power supply and It can be configured to include a fixing jaw 220 for allowing the bar code reading module to be fixedly positioned at a certain distance from the object, the cradle status display unit 230 indicating whether the connection state with the computer and other operations are normal. have.

The power supply unit 210 is coupled to the power connection connector 140 of the barcode reading module 100 to supply power. When the barcode reading module 100 is in the hands-free state, the power connection connector 140 of the barcode reading module 100 is coupled to the power supply 210 of the holder module 200 to receive power.

The fixing jaw 220 serves to smoothly couple with the power supply 210 and to allow the barcode reading module 100 to be fixed at a predetermined distance from an object. The barcode reading module 100 according to the present invention has an automatic correction function for image distortion during a near field scan, but the barcode reading module 100 is positioned at a predetermined distance to satisfy the best operating condition.

The cradle status display unit 230 serves to indicate whether the cradle module 200 is connected to the computer and whether other operations are normal. This is mainly indicated by using an LED. When the cradle module is normally connected to the computer and synchronized with the barcode reading module 100, the green state becomes normal. However, if it is not synchronized or the connection with the user's computer is not normal, the LED blinks red. If the barcode reading module 100 is not found when all other functions such as the connection with the user's computer are normal or synchronized, the status is yellow. It becomes

4 is a diagram illustrating a rear surface of the cradle module 200 of a barcode scanner having an image capturing function according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the cradle module 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a DC PORT 240 and a USB PORT 250.

The DC PORT 240 serves as a power supply means when the power capacity of the USB PORT is insufficient. The wired / wireless combined barcode scanner receives the necessary power from the built-in battery or the USB port of the user's computer. However, when the power capacity of the USB port is insufficient, when the AC / DC adapter is connected to the DC port 240 at a commercial power outlet nearby, a sufficient current is supplied so that the barcode reading module 100 operates normally. In addition, when the bar code reading module 100 is used in the wireless mode for a long time and is discharged, the bar code reading module 100 may be charged using the DC port 240 even when the battery is charged without being connected to the user computer. On the other hand, the USB PORT 250, serves to connect the cradle module 200 and the user computer.

5 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a barcode reading module 100 of a barcode scanner having an image capturing function according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the barcode reading module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention irradiates light having a predetermined wavelength to a predetermined position of the image code in order to obtain image information stored in the image code, thereby obtaining an image therefrom. Image information acquisition unit 310 for obtaining information, image information decoding unit 320 for decoding the image information obtained by the image information acquisition unit, a transmission unit for transmitting and receiving image information and other control signals decoded by the image information decoding unit 330, in the scan mode, the image information obtained by the image information acquisition unit is decoded by the image information decoding unit and transmitted to the transmission unit, and in the camera mode, the image acquired by the image information acquisition unit It includes a scan / camera mode control unit 340 to control to send directly to the transmission unit. In addition, as shown in Figure 5, the barcode reading module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the image storage unit 350 for storing the image information obtained by the image information acquisition unit 310 in the form of an image ), An automatic recognition unit 360 that controls the image information acquisition unit 310 to automatically recognize an object and capture an image, and an operation control unit that controls switching between the sleep mode and the awake mode in the handheld state and the hands-free state. 370 may further include an operation state display unit 380 indicating one of success and failure of image information reading and another malfunction according to the operation state of the barcode reading module. In addition, although not shown in Figure 5, after confirming the display means for displaying the image information received from the transmission unit 330, and the image information displayed on the display means, and transmits the image information to the cradle module or computer or to the storage means The apparatus may further include an image information determiner for determining to store the image.

The image information acquisition unit 310 serves to obtain necessary image information from the light by irradiating light of a predetermined wavelength to a predetermined position of the image code in order to acquire image information stored in the image code. The image information acquisition unit 310 may be configured by an aiming means (not shown), a light emitting means (not shown), and an acquisition means (not shown). At this time, the aiming means, aiming at the position so as to irradiate the bar code accurately in the X-axis and Y-axis direction in order to obtain accurate image information from the image code, an example of the aiming means for this, Can be used. The light emitting means irradiates light on the image code to obtain information from the image code, for example, an LED. At least one light emitting means may be used as necessary. The obtaining means serves to obtain image information by sensing light emitted by the light emitting means. In general, the acquiring means receives image information of a barcode scanned by light emitted from the light emitting means, and may use a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) image sensor or a CMOS image sensor. In addition, according to the embodiment, it may be necessary to further A / D conversion means for converting the received analog information into a digital signal. The barcode scanner having the image capturing function according to the present invention utilizes the function of such an acquisition means.

The image information decryption unit 320 decodes the image information acquired by the image information acquisition unit 310. However, not all image information acquired by the image information acquisition unit 310 undergoes a decoding process, and only after the image information acquisition unit 310 is in the scan mode under the control of the scan / camera mode control unit 340. The acquired image information passes through the image information decoding unit 320. This is because the camera mode uses the acquired image information in the form of an image file as it is obtained without processing.

The transmitting unit 330 transmits and receives the image information and other control signals decoded by the image information decoding unit 320 or the image acquired by the image information obtaining unit 310, and the barcode reading module 100 and the holder. Both wireless mode methods for wirelessly communicating between the modules 200 and wired mode methods for directly communicating over a wire from a barcode reading module to a computer can be supported. Since the transmitter 330 may include a wired / wireless switching means (not shown) for controlling the operation of the transmitter according to the wired / wireless mode, it is possible to control a transmission method according to a required mode, thereby easily switching between wired and wireless modes. Therefore, the convenience of the wired mode and the mobility of the wireless mode are satisfied at the same time.

The barcode reading module 100 according to the present invention uses battery power when used in a handheld state, and when the barcode reading module 100 is placed on the cradle module 200, the barcode reading module 100 is not battery powered. Using the power of the cradle, it is converted to the hands-free state and charged. If the barcode reading module 100 has been used for a long time in the wireless mode and the charge is not enough, the barcode reading module (see the USB PORT 130 in FIG. 2) can be directly connected to the USB cable of the barcode reading module 100 (see FIG. 2). 100 is changed to the wired mode, and thus the barcode reading module 100 can be naturally charged.

In the scan mode, the scan / camera mode control unit 340 decodes the image information acquired by the image information acquisition unit 310 by the image information decryption unit 320 and transmits the image information to the transmission unit 330. In the case of the mode, it controls to directly transmit the image acquired by the image information acquisition unit 310 to the transmission unit 330. This is because the scan mode requires the decoded information read from the barcode image, but the camera mode requires the image itself. In this case, the camera mode refers to using a barcode scanner having an image capturing function as a camera, and when it is desired to store a photograph of a product, the barcode reading module does not output the decoded result of the acquired image information, but rather the image itself. send. In this case, in order to use the barcode scanner having the image capturing function as the camera mode, the management program may be configured to switch the scanner mode to the camera mode.

The image storage unit 350 stores the image information acquired by the image information acquisition unit 310 in the form of an image. When the barcode reading module 100 according to the present invention does not transmit the acquired image information directly to a computer, but needs to be stored inside the barcode reading module 100 as necessary, the barcode reading module 100 is stored inside. This is to save it in.

The automatic recognition unit 360 controls the image information acquisition unit 310 to automatically recognize an object and capture an image. The automatic recognition unit 360 may include a sensing unit 362 for detecting a movement of the object within a predetermined distance, and an automatic driving unit for driving the image information acquisition unit 310 within a predetermined time when the object is recognized by the sensing unit. And means 364. The sensing means 362 is for a triggering process for automatically driving the image information acquisition unit 310 when an object to acquire image information is close to, for example, a motion detection sensor capable of detecting a movement of the object, Proximity sensors and the like can be used. When the object is recognized by the sensing means 362, the automatic driving means 364 serves to drive the image information acquisition unit 310 within a predetermined time or immediately. The automatic driving means 364 is the same electrical signal when the object is recognized by the sensing means 362, such that the barcode reading module 100 is driven at the same time as the barcode reading module 100 is in the handheld state and the operation button 110 is pressed. It can be configured to drive the image information acquisition unit 310 by generating a.

In the case of the handheld state in which the barcode reading module 100 is used in a hand, the operation controller 370 captures an image by the operation button 110 and places the barcode reading module 100 on the cradle module 200. In the hands-free state, the image information acquisition unit 310 controls the operation of the barcode scanner to automatically capture an image of an object under the control of the automatic recognition unit 360. In particular, in the hands-free state, the operation controller 370 changes to the sleep mode in which the object is temporarily stopped when the object is not recognized by the automatic recognition unit within a predetermined time after capturing the image, and then wakes up to the awake mode by touching the operation button. Control the barcode scanner. Operation control of the operation controller 370 may be performed in the same manner without distinguishing the camera mode or the scan mode.

The operation state display unit 380 serves to indicate one of success and failure of image information reading and other malfunctions according to the operation state of the barcode reading module 100. The operation state display unit 380 corresponds to the operation state LED 130 in FIG. 2, and indicates an operation state as to whether the barcode reading module 100 has normally completed the operation in the scan mode or the camera mode. . Here, the operation state display means 380 may be configured in three colors such as green, red, and yellow. For example, the operation state display means 380 becomes green in a normal state, and in the state in which image information is being acquired, becomes yellow blinking and acquires image information. Upon successful completion, it can be configured to turn green with a normal buzzer sound (eg, a 'beep'). In addition, when failing to acquire the image information may be configured to change to a red state with an abnormal buzzer sound (for example, "beep" sound), and when the failure state other than failure to acquire the image information, the red blinking state.

The display means serves to display image information transmitted from the transmission unit. Bar code reading module 100 proposed in the present invention is configured to transmit the image information received from the transmission unit to the cradle module or a computer or to store in the storage means, the image received from the transmission unit before the transmission or storage The display means serves to display in advance so that the information can confirm whether the desired image information is correct. The display means operates in conjunction with the image information determination unit to be described below.

After determining the image information displayed on the display means, the image information determiner determines to transmit the image information to the cradle module or the computer or to store the image information in the storage means. The user who has confirmed the image information transmitted from the transmission unit through the display means, if the image information is the desired image information, for example, if the image information is the image information by the camera mode, the desired composition and the range of the subject is correct, The image information determination unit may finally determine that the image information is transmitted to the cradle module or the computer or stored in the storage means. The image information determiner may be implemented in the form of a button, and in some embodiments, may be implemented in the form of a touch screen button on the display.

6 is a flowchart of a scan / camera mode control unit 340 of the barcode reading module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. When the scan / camera mode control unit 340 according to an embodiment of the present invention checks whether the barcode reading module 100 is in scan mode or camera mode (S410), as a result of the check in step S410, the scan mode After obtaining the image information (S420), decoding the image information obtained in step S420 (S430), and transmitting the image information decoded in step S430 (S440), the check result in step S410, the camera In the case of the mode, after obtaining the image information (S450), it is immediately transmitted (S440).

In step S410, it is checked whether the barcode reading module 100 is in a scan mode or a camera mode. In operation S410, the operation of the barcode reading module 100 should be changed according to each mode.

In step S420, when the verification result in step S410 is in the scan mode, image information is acquired. Step S420 may be performed by the image information acquisition unit 310.

In step S430, the image information obtained in step S420 is decoded. In the scan mode, the decoded information read from the barcode image is required. In the camera mode, the image itself is required, so that the decoding process of the image information is not necessary. Step S430 may be performed by the image information decoder 320.

In step S440, the image information decrypted in step S430 is transmitted. The information required according to the camera mode or the scan mode is transmitted from the barcode reading module directly to the computer without discriminating between the handsfree state and the handheld state.

In step S450, image information is acquired in the camera mode. This step has the same function as that in step S420 and may also be performed by the image information acquisition unit 310.

The present invention described above may be variously modified or applied by those skilled in the art, and the scope of the technical idea according to the present invention should be defined by the following claims.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a barcode scanner having an image capturing function according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a diagram illustrating a barcode reading module 100 of a barcode scanner having an image capturing function according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a view showing the front of the cradle module 200 of the barcode scanner having an image capturing function according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a view showing the back of the cradle module 200 of the barcode scanner having an image capturing function according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a reading module 100 of a barcode scanner having an image capturing function according to an embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a flowchart of a scan / camera mode control unit 350 of a barcode reading module 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

<Explanation of symbols for main parts of the drawings>

100: barcode reading module

110: operation button

120: operation status LED

130: USB PORT

140: power connection connector

200: cradle module

210: power supply

220: fixed jaw

230: holder status display

240: DC PORT

250: USB PORT

310: image information acquisition unit

320: image information decoding unit

330: transmission unit

340: Scan / Camera Mode Control

350: image storage unit

360: automatic recognition unit

362: detection means

364: automatic drive means

370: operation control unit

380: operation status display unit

Claims (13)

(1) an image information obtaining unit which obtains necessary image information by irradiating light of a predetermined wavelength to a predetermined position of the image code for obtaining image information stored in the image code, and (2) an image obtained by the image information obtaining unit A bar code scanner comprising a bar code reading module and a cradle module including an image information decoding unit for decoding information, and (3) a transmission unit for transmitting and receiving image information and other control signals decoded by the image information decoding unit, (4) In the scan mode, the image information obtained by the image information acquisition unit is decoded by the image information decoding unit, and then the decoded image information is transmitted to the transmission unit. In the camera mode, the image information acquisition unit A barcode scanner having an image capturing function, comprising: a scan / camera mode control unit for controlling to transmit an image acquired by the processor to a transmitter. The method of claim 1, The image information acquisition unit, a. Aiming means for setting a position for obtaining accurate image information from the image code; b. At least one light emitting means for irradiating light to the image code to obtain information from the image code; And c. And an acquiring means for sensing the light irradiated by the light emitting means to obtain image information. The method of claim 1, And a image storage means for storing the image information acquired by the image information acquisition unit in the form of an image. The method of claim 1, The transmission unit, a barcode scanner having an image capture function, characterized in that the wireless mode for wireless communication between the barcode reading module and the cradle module and a wired mode for direct communication via wired to the computer from the barcode reading module. The method of claim 1, The barcode scanner having an image capturing function, characterized in that it further comprises an automatic recognition unit for controlling the image information acquisition unit to automatically recognize the object to shoot the image. The method of claim 5, The automatic recognition unit, Sensing means for sensing movement of an object within a certain distance; And And an automatic driving means for driving the image information acquiring unit within a predetermined time when the object is recognized by the sensing means. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, In the case of a hand-held state in which the barcode reading module is held in a hand, the acquisition of image information is started by an operation button, and the hands-free state of placing the barcode reading module on a cradle module is used. In the case of, the object is automatically recognized by the automatic recognition means to obtain image information, and if the image information is not acquired for a predetermined time after the image information is acquired, the mode is changed to the sleep mode which is temporarily stopped automatically and the operation button And a mode switching control means for waking from the sleep mode to the awake mode by a touch of the bar code scanner having an image capturing function. The method of claim 1, And the acquiring means is a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor or a CMOS image sensor. The method of claim 8, The acquiring means further comprises an A / D converting means. The method of claim 1, And an operation state display unit which indicates one of success or failure of reading image information and other malfunctions according to the operation state of the barcode reading module. The method of claim 1, wherein the cradle module, A power supply unit coupled to a power connection connector of the barcode reading module to supply power; And The bar code scanner having an image capture function, characterized in that it comprises a fixed jaw to facilitate the combination with the power supply and the bar code reading module fixedly located at a certain distance from the object. The method according to claim 1 or 3, And a display means for displaying the image information received from the transmission unit. The method of claim 12, After checking the image information displayed on the display means, further comprising an image information determining unit for determining to transfer the image information to the cradle module or a computer or to store in the storage means bar code scanner having an image capturing function .

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