WO2010018982A2

WO2010018982A2 - Combined wired and wireless barcode scanner

Info

Publication number: WO2010018982A2
Application number: PCT/KR2009/004482
Authority: WO
Inventors: 김동선
Original assignee: Kim Dong Sun
Priority date: 2008-08-11
Filing date: 2009-08-11
Publication date: 2010-02-18
Also published as: KR20100019669A; KR100958448B1; WO2010018982A3

Abstract

The present invention relates to a combined wired and wireless barcode scanner. The combined wired and wireless barcode scanner includes a barcode reading module and a cradle module. The barcode reading module includes (1) an image information acquiring means for radiating light of a predetermined wavelength to a predetermined position of an image code for acquiring information stored in the image code, and acquiring necessary image information from the image code, (2) an image information reading means for reading the image information acquired from the image information acquiring means, and (3) a transmitting means for transmitting/receiving image information read by the image information reading means and a variety of control signals. The transmitting means has a wireless mode for wireless communication between the barcode reading module and the cradle module and a wired mode for the direct wired communication of the barcode reading module with a user computer, and includes (4) a wired-to-wireless switching means for controlling the transmitting means in accordance with the wired or wireless mode. The combined wired and wireless barcode scanner according to the present invention reads existing one-dimensional barcodes as well as two-dimensional barcodes, enables easy switching between a wired mode and a wireless mode, and provides both the convenience of a wired mode and the portability of wireless mode. Further, the wireless mode can be immediately switched to the wired mode by just connecting a USB cable upon the occurrence of an emergency such as a battery shortage caused by a long period of use of the scanner in the wireless mode, and the data read by the barcode scanner can be immediately transmitted to a user computer, and an emergency charging is enabled at the same time, thereby improving the reliability of the barcode scanner which operates under any condition. The combined wired and wireless barcode scanner of the present invention can be provided both as a handheld type and as a hands-free type to carry out a wide variety of work via a single barcode scanner irrespective of the work environment. The combined wired and wireless barcode scanner of the present invention is provided with a synchronization function and improved compatibility, which eliminates the necessity of replacing both the cradle module and the barcode reading module when either one of the modules is lost or has problems.

Description

Wired / wireless combined barcode scanner

The present invention relates to a wired / wireless combined barcode scanner, and more specifically, it can read not only two-dimensional barcodes but also existing one-dimensional barcodes, and it is easy to switch between wired and wireless modes, thereby utilizing convenience of wired mode and mobility of wireless mode simultaneously. Can be. In addition, in case of an event such as low battery remaining due to prolonged use in wireless mode, the device can be switched to wired mode by simply connecting the USB cable, and the data decoded by the barcode scanner is immediately transferred to the user's computer. It is also possible to provide a reliable wired / wireless barcode scanner that can operate in any situation. At the same time, it offers two types of hand-held and handsfree, which enables various tasks by one barcode scanner regardless of working environment. It's about a compatible wired and wireless bar code scanner that doesn't need to be replaced, even if one side is lost or out of order.

In general, a code that displays a predetermined object by letters, numbers, or special symbols to 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 they are 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. Says a series of input devices that read. 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, in the case of the existing barcode reader, it is generally used by being attached to the POS terminal by wire, and even if it is used wirelessly, it is used only for wireless for external work and loses data due to sudden battery discharge or low battery. There is a problem in reliability, such as, but to solve this problem, the bar code reader of the wired / wireless combined type that smoothly switch between wired and wireless modes was not supported. In addition, a handheld type or a handsfree type may be required depending on the working environment. However, since the conventional barcode scanner is provided in only one type, there is a problem in that both types of barcode scanners are provided according to the working environment.

On the other hand, a bar code generally has a bar-shaped one-dimensional bar code and a rectangular two-dimensional bar code. As it is determined that the amount of information of the one-dimensional bar code is insufficient, a two-dimensional bar code has been developed and used. Since two-dimensional barcodes can store 2,000 to 3,000 bytes of data in an area of about 1 cm in width and length, they have a merit of being a small database itself. It is used. However, due to the cost and other problems of 2D barcode related devices, many existing systems and working environments still use 1D barcodes. Therefore, a barcode scanner that can read not only 2D barcodes but also 1D barcodes is required. It became.

The present invention has been proposed to solve the above problems of the conventionally proposed methods, and can read not only two-dimensional barcodes but also conventional one-dimensional barcodes, and it is easy to switch between wired and wireless modes so that convenience and wireless of the wired mode are achieved. The mobility of the mode can be utilized simultaneously. In addition, in case of an event such as low battery remaining due to prolonged use in wireless mode, the device can be switched to wired mode by simply connecting the USB cable, and the data decoded by the barcode scanner is immediately transferred to the user's computer. It is also possible to provide a reliable wired and wireless bar code scanner that can operate in any situation. At the same time, it offers two types of hand-held and handsfree, which enables various tasks by one barcode scanner regardless of working environment. It is an object of the present invention to provide a compatible wired / wireless bar code scanner which does not need to be replaced even when one side is lost or malfunctions.

Wire and wireless combined bar code scanner according to a feature of the present invention for achieving the above object,

(1) image information obtaining means for irradiating light of a predetermined wavelength to a predetermined position of the image code to obtain information stored in the image code and obtaining necessary image information therefrom; (2) an image obtained by the image information obtaining means A bar code scanner comprising a bar code reading module and a cradle module, comprising: an image information decoding means for decoding information, and (3) transmission means for transmitting and receiving image information and various control signals decoded by the image information decoding means,

The transmission means has a wireless mode for wirelessly communicating between the barcode reading module and the cradle module, and a wired mode in which the barcode reading module directly communicates with a user computer, and (4) controlling the transmission means according to a wired or wireless mode. Including the wire / wireless switching means is characterized by its configuration.

Preferably, the image information obtaining means,

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, it may comprise storage means for storing the information decrypted by said image information decrypting means.

Preferably, the apparatus may further include synchronization means for synchronizing the cradle module and the barcode reading module which operate together by varying the arrangement of the transmission codes used when transmitting frequency or image information.

More preferably, the apparatus may further include automatic recognition means for controlling the image information obtaining means to automatically recognize an object to obtain image information.

More preferably, the automatic recognizing means compares the previous image information stored in the storage means with the image information stored in the acquiring means and compares the previous image information stored in the storage means with the previous image information stored in the storage means, or when the image is similar to a predetermined ratio or more. Instead of acquiring a newly acquired image by means, it is possible to transmit the newly acquired image to the image information decoding means when it is different from the previous image information stored in the storage means.

Preferably, in the case of a hand-held state in which the barcode reading module is held in a hand, image information is started by an operation button, and the hands-free (putting the barcode reading module on a cradle module) is used. In the case of the Handsfree state, the automatic recognition means automatically recognizes an object to acquire image information, and when the image information is not acquired for a predetermined time after the image information is acquired, it is changed to a sleep mode which is temporarily stopped automatically. The apparatus may further include a mode switching control means for waking from the sleep mode to the awake mode by touching the operation button.

More preferably, the acquiring means may include a charge coupled device (CCD) 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 operation status display means for indicating one of success and failure of image information reading and other malfunctions according to the operation status of the barcode reading module.

Preferably, when the bar code reading module is connected to the cradle module, the power supply and charge state display means for displaying the connection state with the cradle module, otherwise, the charging degree of the bar code reading module; It may further include.

More preferably, it may further include a buzzer means for generating different buzzer sounds depending on whether the image information acquisition is successful.

More preferably, the cradle module, power supply means coupled to the power supply connector of the barcode reading module to supply power; And a fixing jaw for allowing smooth coupling with the power supply means and the barcode reading module to be fixedly positioned at a predetermined distance from an object.

More preferably, the cradle module may further include emergency power supply means for supplying power when a current of more than a predetermined value is not supplied to the barcode reading module.

More preferably, the cradle module may further include cradle state display means for indicating whether the connection state with the computer and other operations are normal.

According to the wired / wireless combined barcode scanner proposed by the present invention, it is possible to read not only two-dimensional barcodes but also existing one-dimensional barcodes, and it is easy to switch between wired and wireless modes, thereby making it possible to simultaneously utilize the convenience of wired mode and mobility of wireless mode. . In addition, in case of an event such as low battery remaining due to prolonged use in wireless mode, the device can be switched to wired mode by simply connecting the USB cable, and the data decoded by the barcode scanner is immediately transferred to the user's computer. It is also possible to provide a reliable wired and wireless bar code scanner that can operate in any situation. At the same time, two types of handheld and handsfree are provided so that various operations can be performed by one barcode scanner regardless of the working environment, and the synchronization function enables either the cradle module or the barcode reading module to be lost or broken. Even if it is possible to provide a compatible wired and wireless bar code scanner without having to replace all.

1 is a view showing the configuration of a wired and wireless combined scanner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a diagram illustrating a bar code reading module 100 of a wire / wireless bar code scanner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a view showing the front of the cradle module 200 of the wired and wireless combined bar code scanner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a view showing the rear of the cradle module 200 of the wired and wireless combined bar code scanner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a view showing the internal configuration of the reading module 100 of the wired / wireless combined barcode scanner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a flowchart of an automatic recognition means 360 of a barcode reading module 100 according to an embodiment of the invention.

7 is a flowchart of a mode switching control means 370 of a barcode reading module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

100: barcode reading module

110: scan button

120: operation mode switch

130: operation status LED

140: power and charge status LED

150: operation mode LED

160: USB port

170: barcode reading module synchronization button

180: reset switch

190: power connection connector

200: cradle module

210: power supply means

220: fixed jaw

230: holder status display means

240: cradle module synchronization button

250: DC PORT

260: USB PORT

300: aiming means

310: light emitting means

320: acquisition means

330: wired or wireless switching means

340: storage means

350: bar code reading module synchronization means

360: automatic recognition means

370: mode switching control means

380: operation status display means

385: means for displaying power and charge status

390: buzzer means

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

1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a wired and wireless combined scanner 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.

The bar code scanner according to the present invention is an image information acquisition means for obtaining the necessary image information by irradiating light of a predetermined wavelength to a predetermined position of the image code for obtaining information stored in the image code, the image obtained by the image information acquisition means And a bar code reading module 100 and a cradle module 200 including image information decoding means for decoding information, and transmission means for transmitting and receiving image information and other control signals decoded by the image information decoding means. The means has a wireless mode for wirelessly communicating between the barcode reading module and the cradle module and a wired mode for direct wired communication from the barcode reading module to a user computer, and has wired / wireless switching means for controlling the transmission means in accordance with a wired or wireless mode. It is characterized by.

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, and the handheld 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 recognizes and scans an object without pressing an operation button. 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 changes 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, so that the barcode reading module 100 does not scan any more, and once the operation button on the top of the barcode reading module 100 is scanned. Press to wake up from sleep mode and switch to auto recognition mode. This is to reduce equipment protection and 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. Press and hold the 'beep' buzzer sound and the operation status LED will light green. 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, a communication method for data transmission is basically used in 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 turned off, the AC / DC adapter is charged by connecting to the DC PORT (see DC PORT 250 in Figure 4) of the cradle. 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 160 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, but the wireless communication between the cradle module 200 and the bar code reading module 100, 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 bar code reading module 100 of a wire / wireless bar code scanner according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the barcode reading module 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a scan button 110, an operation mode switching switch 120, an operation state LED 130, a power supply and a charge state LED. 140, an operation mode LED 150, a USB port 160, a barcode reading module synchronization button 170, a reset switch 180, and a power connection connector 190 may be configured.

The scan button 110 serves to start scanning (acquiring) the image in the handheld state. When the scan button is pressed, the barcode reading module 100 starts scanning an image, and when scanning and decoding are successfully completed, the barcode reading module 100 ends the scanning operation with an end sound (eg, a 'beep' sound). At this time, the operation state LED 130 turns green. If the scan and decryption does not succeed even after pressing for more than 5 seconds, the scan operation ends with an abnormal sound (for example, a 'beep' sound). At this time, the operation status LED 130 turns red, and the scan operation When the scan button 110 must be pressed again. The scan button 110 also wakes up the barcode reading module 100 from entering the sleep state from the hands-free state. If the scan operation is not performed for 10 minutes or more in the hands-free state, the barcode reading module 100 is switched to the sleep state, and all operations are stopped. In this case, in order to scan again, the scan button 110 must be pressed once, and when the scan button is pressed, the scan status LED along with the normal sound (eg, a 'beep' sound) changes to a green state.

The operation mode switching switch 120 serves to switch the operation of the barcode reading module 100. The operation mode switching switch 120 is a three-stage slide and can be configured to switch the state of the barcode reading module 100 to three states (left, middle, and right). That is, when the operation mode switching switch 120 is pushed to the left side (initial state), the operation state of the barcode reading module 100 may be stopped. The barcode reading module 100 has a built-in battery to automatically charge and discharge the battery. In the ON state, the battery of the barcode reading module 100 is consumed. Therefore, when the battery is not used for a long time, the battery is discharged by leaving the switch in the OFF state. Can be prevented. In addition, when the operation mode switching switch 120 is located at the center position, it is in direct mode, so that the scanned image information is directly transmitted through the USB port and the barcode reading module 100 may be configured such that no information remains. Finally, when the operation mode switch 120 is pushed to the right, the barcode reading module 100 changes to the indirect mode so that the storage means in the barcode reading module 100 without transmitting image information (storage means 340 in FIG. 5). Can be configured to remain on the same page. At this time, the remaining image information may be configured to be erased only when the reset switch 180 is pressed.

The operation state LED 130 serves to indicate an operation state of whether the barcode reading module 100 has normally completed the scanning and decoding operation. The operation status LED 130 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 scanning state, and turn to green when image information is successfully acquired, and turn red when image information is not obtained successfully. In case of a fault other than failure to acquire image information, the red blinking state may be displayed.

The power and charging status LED 140 serves to indicate the charging status of the barcode reading module 100. In the hands-free state in which the barcode reading module 100 is placed on the holder module 200, it indicates a connection state between the barcode reading module 100 and the holder module 200, and the barcode reading module 100 is separated from the holder module 200. In one handheld state, the power and charge status LEDs 140 indicate the remaining battery level. When the barcode reading module 100 is placed on the cradle, the bar is normally connected to green. If there is a problem with the connection part, the bar code reading module 100 changes to a red blinking state.

The operation mode LED 150 serves to indicate the mode of the barcode reading module 100. The operation mode LED 150 may be configured in two colors, green and orange. For example, the operation mode LED 150 may be configured to be green in the direct mode and orange in the indirect mode. Here, the direct mode refers to a mode in which image information acquired by the barcode reading module 100 is directly transmitted through the USB port, and no information remains in the barcode reading module 100, and the indirect mode transmits acquired image information. And the mode left in the storage means (see the storage means 340 in FIG. 5) in the barcode reading module 100.

The USB PORT 160 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 barcode reading module synchronization button 170 allows the barcode reading module 100 and the cradle module 200 to be uniquely matched with each other so as to transmit and receive each other. If the barcode reading module 100 is synchronized, the operation status LED of the cradle module 200 becomes green, but if it is not synchronized, the operation status LED turns red or yellow. In this case, the synchronization method should be synchronized. Barcode reading module 100 is synchronized by simultaneously pressing and holding the barcode reading module synchronization button 170 and the synchronization button of the cradle module 200 (see cradle module synchronization button 240 of FIG. 3). Automatically find and synchronize each other's unique number. When synchronized, the operating status LED will be flashing green, releasing both buttons and the green flashing status will turn green. If the power supply of the cradle is weak and the transmission and reception between the barcode reading module 100 and the cradle module 200 is not possible, the operation state LED of the cradle may turn red.

The reset switch 180 initializes all states of the wired / wireless bar code reading module 100. Accordingly, all the image information remaining in the barcode reading module is erased, and all operations of the barcode reading module 100 are changed to the initial power supply state.

The power connection connector 190 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 charge status LED 140 turns green with a buzzer sound. If not normally connected, the power and charging status LED 140 is changed to a red blinking state.

3 is a view showing the front surface of the cradle module 200 of the wired / wireless combined barcode scanner 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 barcode reading module power supply means for supplying power 210, the power supply means and Fixing jaw 220 for smooth coupling and the barcode reading module can be fixedly positioned at a certain distance from an object, cradle status display means 230 indicating whether the connection state with the computer and other operations are normal, By varying the arrangement of the transmission code used when transmitting a unique number or image information can be configured to include a cradle module synchronization button 240 for synchronizing the bar code reading module and the cradle module operating together.

The power supply unit 210 is coupled to the power connection connector 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 190 of the barcode reading module 100 is coupled with the power supply means 210 of the cradle module 200 to receive power.

The fixing jaw 220 serves to smoothly couple with the power supply means 210 and allow the barcode reading module 100 to be fixedly positioned at a distance from an object. The barcode reading module 100 according to the present invention has an automatic correction function for image distortion during 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 means 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

The cradle module synchronization button 240 serves to synchronize the barcode reading module 100 and the cradle module 200. If the barcode reading module 100 is synchronized, the cradle status display means 230 of the cradle module turns green, but if it is not synchronized, the cradle status display means 230 turns red or yellow. In this case, the synchronization method should be synchronized by pressing the barcode reading module synchronization button 170 and the synchronization module 240 of the cradle module at the same time, the cradle module 200 and the barcode reading module 100 automatically find a unique number and synchronize with each other. do. When synchronized, the cradle status display means 230 flashes green. At this time, if both buttons are released, the green flashing state is changed to the green stop state. If the power of the cradle module is weak, and the transmission and reception between the bar code reading module 100 and the cradle module is not possible, the cradle status display means 230 may turn red.

4 is a view showing the rear surface of the cradle module 200 of the wired / wireless combined barcode scanner 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 250 and a USB PORT 260.

The DC PORT 250 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 250 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 a wireless mode for a long time and is discharged, the bar code reading module 100 may be charged using the DC PORT 250 even when the battery is charged without being connected to a user computer. The USB PORT 260 serves to connect the cradle module 200 and the user computer.

5 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a reading module 100 of a wire / wireless combined barcode scanner according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the bar code reading module 100 of the wired / wireless bar code scanner according to an embodiment of the present invention may be a target unit 300 for setting a position for obtaining accurate image information from an image code, and the image. An image composed of at least one light emitting means 310 for irradiating light to obtain information from a code, and an acquiring means 320 for detecting and reading barcode information by the light irradiated by the light emitting means 310. An information acquisition means, a transmission means having a wireless mode for wirelessly communicating between the barcode reading module and the cradle module and a wired mode for direct wired communication from the barcode reading module to a user computer and controlling the transmission means in accordance with a wired or wireless mode. Wire and wireless switching means 330, a low storing the image information obtained by the image information acquisition means Means 340, synchronization means 350 for mutually synchronizing with the cradle module operating together by varying the arrangement of transmission codes used for transmitting image information, automatic recognition means 360 for automatically recognizing objects and obtaining image information. Mode switching control means 370 for controlling switching between the sleep mode and the awake mode in the handheld state and the handsfree state. In addition, as shown in Figure 5, the wired and wireless combined bar code scanner according to an embodiment of the present invention, the operation indicating the image information acquisition success, failure, other misoperation according to the operating state of the barcode reading module 100 When the status display means 380 and the barcode reading module 100 are connected to the cradle module 200, the connection status with the cradle is displayed. Otherwise, the remaining battery level of the barcode reading module 100 is displayed. The apparatus may further include a buzzer means 390 for generating a different buzzer sound according to whether the power and charge state display means 385 and image information acquisition are successful.

The aiming means 300 serves to set a position for obtaining accurate image information from the image code. The aiming means 312 is aimed at a position so that the bar code can be irradiated with light accurately in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. For example, a laser diode may be used as the aiming means.

The light emitting means 310 serves to irradiate the image code with light in order to obtain information from the image code. In this case, LED may be mainly used to irradiate light, and the barcode reading module 100 according to the present invention may be configured to include at least one light emitting means 310.

The obtaining means 320 detects and obtains information obtained by the light emitted by the light emitting means 310. In general, the acquiring means 320 receives image information of a barcode scanned by light emitted from the light emitting means 310, and may use a 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 image information acquiring means is constituted by the aiming means 310, the light emitting means 310, and the acquiring means 320.

Wired and wireless switching means 330, the transmission means having a wireless mode for wireless communication between the bar code reading module 100 and the cradle module 200 and a wired mode for direct communication via wires from the bar code reading module to the user computer To control according to the wired and wireless mode. That is, according to whether the barcode reading module 100 is in the wired mode or the wireless mode, the power supply method and the transmission means are determined and controlled. 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 hands-free state and charged. If the barcode reading module 100 has been used for a long time in a wireless mode and the charge is not sufficient, the barcode reading module (see USB PORT 160 in FIG. 2) may 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 addition, the barcode reading module 100 according to the present invention exchanges image decoding information wirelessly between the cradle module 200 and the barcode reading module 100 in a wireless mode, but in the wired mode, the barcode reading module 100 is connected to a user computer. Direct transmission and reception will be performed by the wired / wireless switching means 330 to control this operation.

The storage means 340 serves to store the image information acquired by the image information acquisition means composed of the aiming means 300, the light emitting means 310, and the obtaining means 320. When the barcode reading module 100 according to the present invention operates in an indirect mode instead of a direct mode, a situation in which the acquired image information should be stored in the barcode reading module 100 as necessary without transferring the obtained image information directly to the user computer. (Eg, when operating in a wireless mode or when a system causes a failure while scanning image information), this is to store it in the barcode reading module 100.

The synchronizing means 350 plays a role of mutually synchronizing with a cradle module that operates together by varying an arrangement of transmission codes used for transmitting image decoding information.

The automatic recognition means 360 controls the image information acquiring means to automatically recognize the object and acquire the image information. That is, the automatic recognition means 360 compares the previous image information stored in the storage means 340 with the image information stored in the acquisition means, that is, two image information acquired in succession, and the two images are the same or constant. If the ratio is similar to each other, the acquisition means does not acquire a newly acquired image, and when two images are different, the newly acquired image is transmitted to the image information decoding means.

The mode switch control means 370 serves to control the switch between the sleep mode and the awake mode in the handheld state and the hands free state. That is, in the hand-held state in which the barcode reading module is held in the hand, image information is started by an operation button, but in the hands-free state in which the barcode reading module is placed on the cradle module, the automatic recognition means is used. Automatically acquires image information by recognizing an object, and after image information is acquired, if the image information is not acquired for a certain time, it is changed to sleep mode which is temporarily stopped automatically and wakes up in awake mode by touching the operation button. will be.

The operation state display means 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. This corresponds to the operation state LED 130 of FIG. 2, which indicates an operation state of whether the barcode reading module 100 has normally completed a scan operation. 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 yellow, flashes yellow in a scanning state, and successfully acquires image information. When finished, it will turn green with a normal buzzer sound. However, when it fails to acquire image information, it turns red with an abnormal buzzer sound (eg, a beeping sound). When the failure state other than the image information acquisition failure is changed to the red blinking state.

The power and charging state display means 385 displays the connection state with the cradle when the barcode reading module 100 is connected to the cradle module 200, and otherwise, charges the barcode reading module 100 with the cradle. It serves to indicate the degree. This corresponds to the power and charge status LED 140 of FIG. 2, which is displayed in green if the barcode reading module 100 is normally connected when placed on the cradle module 200, but if there is a problem in the connection portion. It turns red blinking. When the barcode reading module 100 is separated from the cradle module 200, the power and charging state display means 385 indicates the level of charge of the battery.

The buzzer means 390 plays a role of generating different buzzer sounds according to whether image information acquisition in the image information acquisition means is successful. When the image information is successfully acquired, a normal buzzer sound such as a 'beep' sound is generated, but when the image information acquisition fails, an abnormal buzzer sound such as a 'beep' sound is generated.

6 is a flowchart of automatic recognition means of the barcode reading module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the automatic recognition means 360 of the wired / wireless combined barcode scanner according to an embodiment of the present invention may include obtaining image information (S410), that is, image information of a storage means, that is, obtained immediately before. Comparing the image information and the newly acquired image information (S420), if the image information and the newly acquired image information of the comparison result storage means is not the same or similar to each other, and transmits the newly acquired image to the image information decoding means It includes the step (S430).

Step S410 serves to obtain image information. This is achieved by means of the aiming means 300 for setting a position for acquiring accurate image information from the image code in the image information obtaining means, and at least one light emitting means 310 for irradiating light to the image code to obtain information from the image code. And a process of acquiring image information through the acquiring means 320 that detects and acquires information acquired by the light emitted by the light emitting means.

Step S420 serves to compare the image information of the storage means, that is, the image information obtained immediately before and the newly obtained image information. This is a step of comparing the new image information acquired in step S410 with previous image information obtained immediately before and stored in the storage means 340, and the image information obtained immediately before is the same as the image information obtained in step S410, The comparison is made over a certain percentage. If a certain ratio is similar, this is because the same image information is likely not to acquire an image.

Step S430 serves to transmit the newly acquired image to the image information decoding means when the image acquired immediately before the comparison in step S420 and the newly acquired image are not the same or similar to each other. This is because it corresponds to the new image information, it is necessary to decrypt it.

7 is a flowchart of a mode switching control means of the barcode reading module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, the flowchart of the mode switching control means according to an embodiment of the present invention is an operation of the mode switching control means 370 of the wire / wireless combined barcode scanner following the automatic recognition process in the automatic recognition means 360. Indicate the flow. Automatically recognizing image information by acquiring a new image by image comparison in the automatic recognizing means 360 (S510), acquiring image information automatically recognized in the step S510 (S520), in the step S520 After the image information is acquired, detecting whether or not the image information is acquired within a predetermined time (S530), and if the image information is acquired within a predetermined time as a result of the detection, acquiring a new image (S540) and the new image In step S550, if it is not acquired, the controller automatically determines whether to touch the operation button during the sleep mode, and if there is a touch, acquires image information again. In step S560, to soften.

Step S510 serves to automatically recognize image information by acquiring a new image by image comparison in the automatic recognition means 360. In this case, the newly acquired image is transmitted to the image information decoding means.

Step S520 serves to obtain image information automatically recognized in step S510. That is, the decoded image information is obtained by decoding the image transmitted to the image information decoding means.

Step S530 serves to detect whether or not new image information is acquired within a predetermined time after the image information is acquired in step S520. This is part of the process of controlling the switching between the sleep mode and the awake mode in the hand-held state and the hands-free state in the mode switching control means 370, in the case of the hand-held state in which the barcode reading module is held in hand. In the hands-free state in which the image information acquisition is started but the barcode reading module is placed on the cradle module, the automatic recognition means 360 automatically recognizes an object to acquire image information.

In operation S540, when image information is acquired within a predetermined time as a result of the sensing, a new image is acquired.

Step S550 serves to enter a sleep mode which is automatically paused when a new image is not acquired. This indicates that after the image information is acquired in step S540, if the image information is not acquired for a predetermined time, the sleep mode is automatically stopped.

In operation S560, it is determined whether the operation button is touched in the sleep mode in operation S550, and if there is a touch, the image information is acquired again. If not, the operation keeps in the sleep mode. If there is a touch of the operation button, it wakes up in the awake mode and performs image information acquisition.

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.

Claims

(1) image information obtaining means for irradiating light of a predetermined wavelength to a predetermined position of the image code for obtaining information stored in the image code, and obtaining necessary image information therefrom; (2) image information obtained by the image information obtaining means; A bar code scanner comprising a bar code reading module and a cradle module, comprising: a bar code reading module and a bar code module comprising: an image information decoding means for decoding a; and (3) transmitting and receiving means for transmitting and receiving image information and other control signals decoded by the image information decoding means,

The transmission means has a wireless mode for wirelessly communicating between the bar code reading module and the cradle module and a wired mode in which the bar code reading module directly communicates with a user computer.

(4) A wired / wireless combined barcode scanner comprising wired / wireless switching means for controlling the transmission means in accordance with a wired or wireless mode.
The method of claim 1,

The image information obtaining means,

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 a obtaining means for detecting and obtaining information obtained by the light emitted by the light emitting means.
The method of claim 1,

And a storage means for storing the information decoded by the image information decoding means.
The method of claim 1,

And a synchronization means for synchronizing the bar code module and the bar code reading module which operate together by varying the arrangement of the transmission codes used to transmit the image information.
The method of claim 1,

The wire / wireless combined barcode scanner further comprising automatic recognition means for controlling the image information obtaining means to automatically recognize an object to obtain image information.
The method of claim 5,

The automatic recognizing means compares the image information acquired immediately before with the newly acquired image information and does not acquire the newly acquired image by the obtaining means when the contents of the two images are the same or similar for more than a predetermined ratio. When the contents of the two images are different, the newly acquired image is transmitted to the image information decoding means.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,

In the case of a hand-held state in which the barcode reading module is held in a hand, acquisition of image information is started by an operation button, and a handsfree state in which the barcode reading module is placed on a cradle module and used. In this case, the automatic recognition means automatically recognizes an object to acquire image information, and when the image information is not acquired for a predetermined time after the image information is acquired, the mode is changed to a sleep mode which is automatically temporarily stopped. And a mode change control means for waking from the sleep mode to an awake mode by a touch of the bar code scanner.
The method of claim 2,

The acquiring means is a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) image sensor or a CMOS image sensor.
The method of claim 8,

The acquiring means further includes an A / D conversion means.
The method of claim 1,

And an operation state display means for indicating 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,

When the bar code reading module is connected to the cradle module, and further comprising a power source and a charge state display means for displaying the connection state with the cradle module, otherwise, the charging degree of the bar code reading module Both wired and wireless barcode scanners.
The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein

And a buzzer means for generating different buzzer sounds depending on whether the image information is successfully obtained.
The method of claim 11,

The cradle module may include: a power supply unit coupled to a power connection connector of the barcode reading module to supply power; And

And a fixed jaw for smooth coupling with the power supply means and allowing the barcode reading module to be fixedly positioned at a predetermined distance from an object.
The method of claim 13,

The cradle module may further include an emergency power supply means for supplying power when a current of a predetermined value or more is not supplied to the barcode reading module.
The method of claim 13,

The cradle module further includes a cradle status display means for indicating whether the connection state with the computer and other operations are normal.