JP2000076375A - Optical pattern reader and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical pattern reader which is adaptive to plural systems for scanning an optical pattern. SOLUTION: This device is equipped with means 10 to 12 which fetch the optical pattern, an optical pattern storage means 13 which stores the optical pattern fetched by the means 10 to 12, a means 15 which stores plural scanning patterns for scanning the optical pattern, a setting means 15a which selectively sets one of the scanning patterns stored in the storage means 15, and a means 14 which scans the optical pattern stored in the optical pattern storage means 13 according to the scanning pattern selected and set by the setting means 15a.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an optical pattern reading apparatus for reading a coded optical pattern such as a one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional code (data symbol) and a recording medium readable by a computer. is there.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There are one-dimensional barcodes and two-dimensional codes as codes that are optical patterns. One-dimensional barcodes are usually JAN (EAN) attached to products and the like.
CODE39, CODE39, ITF, Industrial 2of5, NW-7, CODE128, etc., which are used mainly in the United States
There are also CA and UPC-E.

The two-dimensional codes are roughly classified into a stack type and a matrix type. The stack type is a form in which one-dimensional bar codes are stacked, and usually has no information in the vertical direction. The matrix type is a polygon (usually a square), and the information is a mosaic configuration in the vertical and horizontal directions with black and white meshes, and has information in the horizontal and vertical directions. As a stack type, PDF417 and CODE
49, etc., and as a matrix type, a QR code,
There are a data code, a vericode, a CP code, and the like.

In the optical pattern reading apparatus, as shown in FIG. 11, a grip portion 24 which can be gripped with one hand is provided at one end portion, and a head portion 32 and a rectangular projection protruding outside from the head portion 32 are provided at the other end portion. A reading section 30 for reading a barcode, which is an optical pattern printed on a barcode label BCL, is provided in a head section 32 of a casing provided with a housing 33, and a barcode is read while the barcode is being positioned. 2. Description of the Related Art Barcode readers of the type are known.

[0005] The bar code reading device is designed to determine how the bar code label enters the reading range for each application.
The reading scan pattern (scan pattern) is determined. This scan pattern includes three types of sweeper scan, raster scan, and grid scan.
There are types. As shown in FIG. 2 (a), when the bar code label BCL1 attached to the conveyed object is read on the conveyor side, the sweep plaster scan is performed so that the bar code can be read even if the bar code is slightly displaced up and down. The interval between the scan lights SL1 is widened.

In the raster scan, as shown in FIG. 2B, the interval between each scan light SL2 is narrower than that of the sweeper scan, and the bar code label BCL2 having a lower height is used.
It is designed to be able to cope with the positional deviation. As shown in FIG. 2C, the direction of the bar-code scanning is different because the direction of the bar code is not determined when a person holds the bar code label BCL3 and reads it. Reading is performed by a plurality of scan lights SL3, SL4, and SL5. For the sweep plaster scan, the raster scan, and the lattice scan, bar code reading devices having different optical systems are prepared.

In addition, the amount of information that can be stored in a two-dimensional code is much larger than that of a one-dimensional bar code. Therefore, data input to a personal computer, which has been performed manually by now, has often been performed using a two-dimensional code and its code reader. This is because, for example, all matters described in a delivery slip of a product can be stored in one two-dimensional code. As a result, input errors due to manual input are eliminated, and unnecessary man-hours can be reduced.

As the amount of information stored in one two-dimensional code increases, one code does not always handle only one data. Speaking of the above example of a product delivery slip, the delivery slip contains data divided into various items such as the name of the supplier company, the address of the supplier, the telephone number of the supplier, the number of products, the number of deliveries, and the name of the person in charge. Exists. Such data is often separated by a delimiter such as a comma “,” converted into a two-dimensional code, an intermediate character “•”, and a slash “/”.

On the other hand, in a personal computer to which such data has been input, the data is often processed using, for example, spreadsheet software. Spreadsheet software is a software that enables "data processing" such as addition and subtraction of data and creation of a database by putting data in a field called a cell. It is one of the software that is being used, and various types are commercially available.

In such spreadsheet software, when data is entered into a cell, after inputting one segment of data, the right cursor movement key "→" on the keyboard or the downward cursor movement key or the like is operated to enter the cell. Is moved, and the input of the data is completed.
For example, when inputting data of "100" and "200" into different cells, the input is completed by operating a key such as "100 → 200 →". In general, such spreadsheet software can be programmed to operate the functions (including OS functions) of the spreadsheet software using a programming language called a macro language.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11 described above, the bar code reading apparatus performs reading in a state in which the hand-holding direction of the grip portion 24 is in a direction perpendicular to the lateral direction of the bar code label BCL. It has become. As shown in FIG. 31, an area CCD (two-dimensional CCD), which is a light detecting element of the reading unit 30 for performing the reading, has its longitudinal direction parallel to the lateral direction of the barcode label BCL. Is provided in the housing 33.
As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the area CCD 31
Is provided by the lens unit 26 such that the width of the image of the barcode label BCL falls within the width thereof. The area CCD is 330,000-4
Often 40,000 pixels are used, and the reading width is about 80 mm.

Further, the conventional bar code reader has many setting items in relation to its operation. The setting items include, for example, setting of presence / absence of parity, setting of parity being odd or even, setting of data length of 7 bits or 8 bits, setting of baud rate, and bar code type, as shown in FIG. CODE128, UPC-E, JAN
-8 / EAN-8, JAN-13 / EAN-13 / UP
CA, NW-7, Industrial 2of5, ITF
There are setting items such as setting whether or not to read each bar code of CODE 39 and CODE 39, and setting such as setting a trigger switch to auto-off, a momentary switch, or continuous reading, and one setting item. Set with one barcode.

For example, CODE3 is used in a bar code reader.
In the setting of whether or not to read the barcode of No. 9,
A setting code for reading the CODE 39 bar code and a setting code for not reading the CODE 39 are prepared, and any one of the setting codes is selected and read by the bar code reading device and set.

[0014]

As described above, there are three types of scan patterns, ie, sweeper scan, raster scan, and grid scan, and a bar code reader having a different optical system for each scan pattern is used. It is manufactured, and there is room for producing a mass production effect on the manufacturing cost.

As described above, when data is input to a personal computer using a two-dimensional code and its code reader, spreadsheet software uses commas "," read by the code reader. ,
There is a problem that the middle "." And the slash "/" are not recognized as delimiters, and a plurality of data delimited by them are put in one cell, so that it is impossible to proceed to the subsequent processing.

In order to solve this problem, it is possible to create dedicated software and perform a dating process using the software. Since there is no versatility, man-hours and costs for modification due to specification change are likely to occur.

In order to solve this problem, data including a delimiter is input to any cell of the spreadsheet software, and the data is divided into arbitrary items by using the above-described macro. Although it is possible to distribute the cells, the man-hour and cost for creating software are required, and the input processing as well as the data processing is performed, so that the macro program becomes complicated and maintenance becomes difficult.

In order to solve this problem, the code read by the code reader is temporarily received by some software (including dedicated software), and the software divides the code into individual items to form a file. After the data is stored in the disk, the data can be read by spreadsheet software or the like for data processing. However, it takes time and cost to create software, and it is not possible to view input data processed in real time, so that an error response may be delayed or impossible.

In order to solve this problem, the code read by the code reader is temporarily accepted by some software (including dedicated software), and the delimiter of the item in the software is changed to the right. The code can be input to spreadsheet software by replacing it with a command signal corresponding to a cursor movement key “→” or a downward cursor movement key or the like. However, in addition to the man-hours and cost for creating software, input to a personal computer is only possible when using RS-232C, and input using a keyboard interface is not possible.

Further, as described above, regarding the point that the reading width of the bar code reader is about 80 mm, for example, in CODE 39, as a characteristic of the code, the number of digits is often increased. Often the bar code length is as long as it can be read. For example,
If the barcode length is 60mm, ± 10 by hand
It is necessary to perform the position determination operation within mm, and there is a problem that the reading operation becomes more difficult as the width of the barcode becomes longer.

Further, as described above, the conventional bar code reading apparatus has a number of setting items in relation to its operation, and each setting item is set with one bar code. If the number is large, it is necessary to read several tens of set barcodes. If the number of barcode readers is large, a large number of man-hours are required. In addition, while reading a large number of setting barcodes, there is a case where the setting barcode is erroneously read.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and it is an object of the first invention to provide an optical pattern reading apparatus which can cope with a plurality of methods for scanning an optical pattern. And A second object of the present invention is to provide an optical pattern reading device which can easily input data read for each item into a computer operated by commercially available software for each item. According to the third aspect of the present invention, the optical pattern reading width can be increased without changing the size of the light detecting element, and therefore without increasing the cost of parts, and the reading operation can be simplified. It is intended to provide a device.

A fourth object of the present invention is to provide an optical pattern reading apparatus capable of outputting collectively arranged codes indicating respective setting states. In a fifth aspect of the present invention, an object is to provide an optical pattern reading device which can set each setting item by reading one optical pattern. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to read codes arranged in a lump indicating each setting state from an optical pattern reading device and printing the codes as an optical pattern. Aim.

[0024]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical pattern reading apparatus, comprising: means for capturing an optical pattern; optical pattern storage means for storing the optical pattern captured by the means; Means for storing the scanning pattern, setting means for selectively setting one of a plurality of scanning patterns stored by the means, and the setting means for selecting and setting the optical pattern stored in the optical pattern storing means. Means for reading in accordance with the scanning pattern.

In this optical pattern reading device, the optical pattern storage means stores the optical pattern captured by the means for capturing the optical pattern. The storing means stores a plurality of scanning patterns for scanning the optical pattern, and the setting means selects and sets one of the plurality of scanning patterns stored by the storing means. The reading means reads the optical pattern stored by the optical pattern storage means in accordance with the scanning pattern selected and set by the setting means. Thereby, it is possible to realize an optical pattern reading device that can support a plurality of methods of scanning an optical pattern, and instead of manufacturing a plurality of types of optical pattern reading devices, only one type of optical pattern reading device needs to be manufactured. The effect of mass production can be enhanced.

An optical pattern reading apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention
Read the optical pattern, convert the read optical pattern into a symbol, in the optical pattern reader to input to the computer, among the symbols converted from the optical pattern,
A setting storing means for setting and storing the predetermined symbol together with the command signal so as to be a command signal corresponding to a predetermined key of a computer keyboard; and the setting storing means among the symbols converted from the read optical pattern are used for setting and storing. Means for replacing a symbol that matches the predetermined symbol with a command signal set and stored by the setting storage means.

In this optical pattern reading apparatus, the setting storage means sets and stores together with the command signal, a predetermined symbol out of the symbols converted from the optical pattern into a command signal corresponding to a predetermined key of a computer keyboard. I do.
The replacing means replaces, among the symbols converted from the read optical pattern, a symbol that matches a predetermined symbol set and stored by the setting storage means with an instruction signal set and stored by the setting storage means. This makes it possible to easily input, for each item, data read for each item into a computer that is operated by commercially available software.

An optical pattern reader according to a third aspect of the present invention comprises:
The optical pattern reading device that includes a square light detection element for detecting light from the optical pattern and reads the optical pattern by the light detected by the light detection element, wherein the diagonal direction of the light detection element is The optical pattern is attached so as to be in the direction in which the optical pattern should be read.

In this optical pattern reading apparatus, the rectangular light detecting element for detecting light from the optical pattern is mounted so that the diagonal direction is the direction in which the optical pattern should be read. The width of reading the optical pattern can be increased without changing the size of the
The reading operation can be simplified.

An optical pattern reader according to a fourth aspect of the present invention
An optical pattern reading apparatus for reading an optical pattern, comprising: means for encoding a plurality of setting states of the operation, arranging and storing the set states in a predetermined order, and means for outputting the code stored by the means. .

In this optical pattern reading device, the storage means encodes each set state of the operation, arranges the set state in a predetermined order, and stores it. The output means outputs the stored code. This makes it possible to output collectively arranged codes indicating each setting state.

An optical pattern reader according to a fifth aspect of the present invention comprises:
In an optical pattern reading device that reads an optical pattern, a plurality of setting states for the operation are encoded,
Means for reading the converted optical patterns arranged in a predetermined order, means for encoding the optical patterns read by the means, and means for setting the plurality of setting states based on the codes encoded by the means And characterized in that:

In this optical pattern reading device, the reading means encodes a plurality of setting states of the operation, arranges them in a predetermined order, reads the converted optical pattern, and the reading means encodes the read optical pattern. Encoded optical pattern. The setting means sets a plurality of setting states based on the encoded code. This allows
By reading one optical pattern, a plurality of setting items can be set.

A recording medium according to a sixth aspect of the present invention includes program code means for operating a computer, and a computer readable recording medium for storing a code in a computer, Program code means for converting the fetched code into an optical pattern, and program code means for causing the computer to output the converted optical pattern for printing.

A computer operated by the computer program recorded on the recording medium captures the code, converts the captured code into an optical pattern, and outputs the converted optical pattern for printing. As a result, the computer can take in codes collectively indicating the respective setting states from the optical pattern reading device, and output them as an optical pattern for printing.

[0036]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.
The description will be made based on the drawings showing the above. Embodiment 1 FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of an optical pattern reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the first invention. This optical pattern reader is a barcode reader that reads a barcode that is an optical pattern, accumulates charges corresponding to the amount of light received by a plurality of pixels, and uses the charges as image signals of the read image. An area CCD 10 for sequentially transferring, and a signal processing unit 11 for processing an image signal sequentially transferred by the area CCD 10 for A / D conversion.
An A / D converter 12 that A / D converts an image signal processed by the signal processor 11 and converts it into a binary signal (digital signal); and the A / D converter 12 converts the image signal into a binary signal. A video image memory unit 13 (optical pattern storage means) for storing the image signal obtained as a video image signal.

This bar code reading device also has a scan pattern storage section 15 (means for storing a plurality of scan patterns) which stores scan patterns (scan patterns) according to a plurality of systems for reading and scanning bar codes. It has. The scanning pattern is determined by how the barcode label enters the reading range,
For example, there are three types: sweeper scan, raster scan, and grid scan.

As shown in FIG. 2 (a), in the case of reading the bar code label BCL1 attached to the conveyed article on the conveyor side, the sweep plaster scan can be read even if the bar code is slightly displaced up and down. In addition, the interval between the scanning lights SL1 is widened. In the raster scan, as shown in FIG. 2B, the interval between the scan lights SL2 is narrower than that of the sweeper scan, so that the barcode label BCL2 having a low height can be coped with the positional deviation. As shown in FIG. 2C, the direction of the bar-code scanning is different because the direction of the bar code is not determined when a person holds the bar code label BCL3 and reads it. A plurality of scan lights SL3
Reading is performed by SL4 and SL5.

The bar code reader also has a setting section 15a (setting means) for selecting and setting one of the scan patterns stored in the scan pattern storage section 15 according to the application. And analyzing the video image signal read from the memory part of the video image memory unit 13 corresponding to the line corresponding to the scan pattern set by the setting unit 15a, and encoding (decoding) the image signal.
A decoding unit 16; and an output unit 17 that outputs the signal encoded by the analysis / decoding unit 16 to a processing device such as a register.
And the area CCD 10, the signal processing unit 11, A /
D conversion unit 12, video image memory unit 13, scan pattern storage unit 15, setting unit 15a, analysis / decoding unit 1
6 and a control unit 14 for controlling the operation of the output unit 17.

Hereinafter, the operation of the bar code reading apparatus having such a configuration will be described. The area CCD 10 accumulates charges corresponding to the amount of light received by each pixel, and sequentially transfers the charges to the signal processing unit 11 as image signals of the read image. The signal processing unit 11 processes the image signal transferred by the area CCD 10 for A / D conversion, and supplies the processed image signal to the A / D conversion unit 12. The A / D converter 12 converts the given image signal into an A / D signal.
The data is converted into a binary signal (digital signal) by D-conversion, and is supplied to the video image memory unit 13. The video image memory unit 13 stores the given binary signal as a video image signal.

The control unit 14 (reading means) includes the setting unit 1
The scan pattern set by 5a is read from the scan pattern storage unit 15, and a video image signal is read from a memory portion of the video image memory unit 13 corresponding to a line corresponding to the scan pattern. For example, when the scan pattern set by the setting unit 15a is a sweep plaster scan, as shown in FIG. 2A, a memory portion corresponding to a plurality of widely-spaced lines, similar to each widely-spaced scan light SL1 Read from

When the scan pattern set by the setting unit 15a is a raster scan, as shown in FIG. 2B, a plurality of lines with a narrow interval similar to each scan light SL2 with a narrower interval than the sweep plaster scan. Is read from the memory portion corresponding to. When the scan pattern set by the setting unit 15a is a lattice scan, FIG.
(C) As shown in FIG.
As in L3, SL4, and SL5, data is read from a memory portion corresponding to a plurality of lines in different directions.

The control section 14 supplies the read video image signal to the analysis / decoding section 16. The analysis / decoding unit 16 analyzes and encodes the given video image signal, and supplies the encoded signal to the output unit 17. The output unit 17 outputs the given encoded signal to a processing device such as a register. The scan patterns stored in the scan pattern storage unit 15 are not limited to the three types described above.
Analyze with scan pattern of arbitrary line and curve
It is also possible to decode, and it is also possible to analyze and decode with a pattern considered to be optically impossible, and the range of corresponding applications has been widened. For example, it is possible to read even a round barcode drawn on the surface of a CD-ROM as shown in FIG.

Embodiment 2 FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of an embodiment of the optical pattern reading apparatus according to the second invention. This optical pattern reading device is a code reading device that reads a code that is an optical pattern, accumulates charges corresponding to the amount of light received by a plurality of pixels, and sequentially transfers the charges as image signals of a read image. Area CCD 10 and a signal processing unit 11 for processing an image signal sequentially transferred by the area CCD 10 for A / D conversion.
An A / D converter 12 that A / D converts an image signal processed by the signal processor 11 and converts it into a binary signal (digital signal); and the A / D converter 12 converts the image signal into a binary signal. And a memory unit 18 for storing the converted image signal.

This code reading device also includes a memory unit 1
A decoding unit 19 that encodes (decodes) the image signal read out from the decoding unit 8, a symbol to be replaced among the symbols encoded by the decoding unit 19, and a computer keyboard to be replaced from the symbol. A replacement symbol storage unit 15b (storage setting means) for storing an instruction signal corresponding to a predetermined key and a symbol symbolized by the decoding unit 19 include:
A search is made as to whether a symbol to be replaced is included, and when a symbol to be replaced is searched, a symbol replacement unit 20 (replacement means) for replacing the symbol with an instruction signal corresponding to a predetermined key of a computer keyboard. ).

The symbols to be replaced are, for example, delimiters such as a comma ",", a middle "." And a slash "/", and the predetermined keys of the computer keyboard to be replaced from these symbols are: , Right cursor movement key “→” or downward cursor movement key.

In this code reading apparatus, the symbol signal that the decoding section 19 has symbolized and the symbol replacement section 20 has searched and replaced has been output to a processing apparatus such as a personal computer. An input / output unit 17a having an RS-232C or a keyboard interface for inputting a setting signal;
Signal processing unit 11, A / D conversion unit 12, memory unit 18, replacement symbol storage unit 15b, decoding unit 19, symbol replacement unit 20
And a control unit 14 for controlling the operation of the input / output unit 17a.

Hereinafter, the operation of the code reading apparatus having such a configuration will be described. The replacement symbol storage unit 15b stores in advance the symbols of the replacement source input from the input / output unit 17a (input means), for example, delimiters such as comma ",", Nakaten "." And slash "/", An instruction signal corresponding to a rightward cursor movement key “→” or a downward cursor movement key of a computer keyboard to be replaced from these symbols is stored and set.

The area CCD 10 accumulates charges corresponding to the amount of light received by each pixel, and sequentially transfers the charges to the signal processing unit 11 as image signals of the read image. Signal processing unit 1
Reference numeral 1 denotes an image signal transferred by the area CCD 10,
Processing for conversion is provided to the A / D converter 12. A /
The D conversion unit 12 performs A / D conversion of the given image signal to convert the image signal into a binary signal (digital signal).
Give to. The memory unit 18 stores the given binary signal as an image signal.

The control section 14 reads out the image signal from the memory section 18 and supplies it to the decoding section 19. Decoding section 19
Symbolizes the given image signal and provides the symbolized signal to the symbol substitution unit 20. The symbol substitution unit 20 searches for a symbol to be substituted, which is stored in the substitution symbol storage unit 15b, among the symbols symbolized by the given decoding unit 19, and should be substituted. When a symbol is searched for, it is replaced with an instruction signal stored in the replacement symbol storage unit 15b and corresponding to a key on a computer keyboard. The input / output unit 17a outputs the symbol signal searched and replaced by the symbol replacement unit 20 to a processing device such as a personal computer.

Embodiment 3 FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a main configuration of an optical pattern reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the third invention. This optical pattern reading device is a bar code reading device, and has a grip portion 2 which can be gripped by one hand at one end.
4 and a head part 32 and a head part 32 at the other end.
Is housed in a casing provided with a rectangular housing 33 protruding to the outside. The head unit 32 includes a reading unit 25 for reading a barcode, which is an optical pattern printed on a barcode label BCL.

Reading is performed in a state in which the grip portion 24 is held in a direction perpendicular to the lateral direction of the bar code label BCL. The area CCD (two-dimensional CCD), which is a light detection element of the reading unit 25 that performs the reading, has a rectangular shape having an aspect ratio of 3: 4. As shown in FIG. The housing 33 is provided so as to be substantially parallel to the direction in which the barcode label BCL should be read, that is, the lateral direction of the barcode label BCL.

In the bar code reading apparatus having such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 6, the reading width in the diagonal direction of the area CCD 23a is adjusted by the lens unit 26 so that the horizontal width of the image of the bar code label BCL is sufficiently large. Since it can be stored, the bar code reading width can be expanded. For example, the area CC of 80 mm width as in the past
In the case of D, reading can be performed with a reading width of 1.25 times 100 mm. Therefore, even in a CODE 39 where the number of digits is often increased, even if a bar code length of 60 mm width is difficult to read with a reading width of 80 mm, if an area CCD having a reading width of 100 mm width is used, ± 30 mm is required by hand-held operation.
The position determination operation may be performed within 20 mm, and the reading operation is simple.

Embodiment 4 FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a main configuration of another embodiment of the optical pattern reading apparatus according to the third invention. This optical pattern reading device is a bar code reading device, and is housed in a casing provided with a grip portion 27 that can be gripped with one hand at one end and a rectangular housing 33a protruding outside at the other end. ing. The housing 33a includes a reading unit 29 for reading a barcode, which is an optical pattern printed on a barcode label BCL.

The holding direction of the grip portion 27 is perpendicular to the lateral direction of the bar code label BCL.
It is designed to read. An area CCD (two-dimensional C
CD) is a rectangle having an aspect ratio of 3: 4. As shown in FIG. 28, the diagonal direction is the direction in which the barcode label BCL should be read, that is, the lateral direction of the barcode label BCL. Are provided in the housing 33a so as to be substantially parallel to

In the bar code reading apparatus having such a configuration, as in the case of the above-described third embodiment, the reading width of the area CCD 23a in the diagonal direction is changed by the lens unit 26 to the bar code label as shown in FIG. BC
Since the width of the L image can be accommodated with a margin, the bar code reading width can be increased. For example, if the area CCD has a width of 80 mm as in the past,
It can also be read with a 1.25-fold reading width of 100 mm. Therefore, CODE3 which often has a large number of digits
9, 60mm difficult to read with a reading width of 80mm
If the area CCD has a reading width of 100 mm even with a barcode length of width, the position determination operation may be performed within ± 20 mm by hand-held operation, and the reading operation is simple.

Embodiment 5 FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of an embodiment of the optical pattern reading device according to the fourth and fifth inventions. This optical pattern reader is a barcode reader that reads a barcode that is an optical pattern, accumulates charges corresponding to the amount of light received by a plurality of pixels, and uses the charges as image signals of the read image. An area CCD 10 for sequentially transferring the image signal, a signal processing unit 11 for processing the image signal sequentially transferred by the area CCD 10 for A / D conversion, and an A / D conversion of the image signal processed by the signal processing unit 11 for binary conversion. An A / D converter 12 for converting the image signal into a binarized signal (digital signal) and a memory unit 18 for storing an image signal converted into a binary signal by the A / D converter 12 are provided.

This bar code reading device also encodes (decodes) the image signal read from the memory unit 18.
A decoding unit 19 and codes that are read as individual bar codes and that are coded (symbolized) to set each setting state of the operation are arranged in a predetermined order and stored. A setting storage section 21 (means for arranging and storing) is configured to store codes that are read as barcodes, are coded to set respective setting states of operation, and are arranged in a predetermined order.

The bar code reader also has a symbol for symbolizing by the decoding unit 19 and an operation for setting each setting state stored in the setting storage unit 21 in a predetermined order. An output unit 22 having an RS-232C or a keyboard interface for outputting codes to a processing device such as a personal computer, the area CCD 10, the signal processing unit 11, the A / D conversion unit 12,
The control unit 14 controls operations of the memory unit 18, the setting storage unit 21, the decoding unit 19, and the input / output unit 17a.

Hereinafter, the operation of the bar code reader having such a configuration will be described. The area CCD 10 accumulates charges corresponding to the amount of light received by each pixel, and sequentially transfers the charges to the signal processing unit 11 as image signals of the read image. The signal processing unit 11 processes the image signal transferred by the area CCD 10 for A / D conversion, and supplies the processed image signal to the A / D conversion unit 12. The A / D converter 12 converts the given image signal into an A / D signal.
The signal is D-converted and converted into a binary signal (digital signal), which is provided to the memory unit 18. The memory unit 18 stores the given binary signal as an image signal.

The control section 14 reads out the image signal from the memory section 18 and supplies it to the decoding section 19. Decoding section 19
Converts the given image signal into a symbol and supplies it to the output unit 22. The output unit 22 outputs the symbol data encoded by the decoding unit 19 to a processing device such as a personal computer.

When a plurality of settings related to the operation are to be performed by an external instruction, the bar code reading device reads each bar code for performing the plurality of settings, and the A / D conversion unit 12 performs binary reading. The signal is converted into a converted signal and supplied to the memory unit 18. The control unit 14 causes the decoding unit 19 to encode (encode) the binarized signal once stored in the memory unit 18, and stores the encoded signal at each predetermined position in the setting storage unit 21. When a predetermined code is stored in a predetermined position of the setting storage unit 21, the setting is completed. When this operation is repeated for each setting, the setting storage unit 21 stores, for example, a 16-bit code as shown in FIG.

In this code, the first two digits indicate the setting of the presence or absence of parity and the setting state of whether the parity is odd or even. The third digit from the top indicates a setting state in which the data length is 7 bits or 8 bits. The fourth to sixth digits from the top indicate the setting state of the baud rate. Each one of the 7th to 14th digits from the beginning is
CODE128, UPC-E, which are barcode types,
JAN-8 / EAN-8, JAN-13 / EAN-13
/ UPC-A, NW-7, Industrial 2of5,
The setting state of whether or not to read each bar code of ITF and CODE 39 is shown.

The fifteenth and sixteenth digits from the top indicate the setting of whether the trigger switch is set to auto-off, momentary switch, or continuous reading. In the example of FIG. 9, the control unit 14 (means for outputting) converts the character string of 3BE5 stored in the setting storage unit 21 and converts it into a general-purpose barcode in response to an external instruction.

When a plurality of settings related to the operation are performed by one barcode in accordance with an external instruction, the bar code reading apparatus performs encoding to set a plurality of setting states for the operation. The A / D converter 12 reads the bar code which is converted into one bar code and printed from the codes arranged in a predetermined order, and is converted into a binary signal by the A / D converter 12 and is provided to the memory unit 18. The control unit 14 (reading unit) reads the binarized signal once stored in the memory unit 18 as codes arranged to set a plurality of setting states for the operation and arranged in a predetermined order.
Symbolized (encoded) by the decoding unit 19 (encoding means)
Then, it is stored in a predetermined position of the setting storage unit 21. The control unit 14 (setting means) performs each setting related to the operation based on the code stored at a predetermined position in the setting storage unit 21.

Embodiment 6 FIG. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a recording medium according to the sixth invention.
In this embodiment, a compact disk CD as a recording medium indicates each setting content relating to the operation, which is stored in the setting storage unit 21 and output from the output unit 22 by the barcode reader described in the fifth embodiment. A program code means P1 for causing the computer to capture the code, a program code means P2 for converting the captured code into a barcode which is an optical pattern, and a computer for outputting the converted barcode for printing. A computer program PR including the program code means P3 is recorded.

This flexible disk FD is loaded into a disk drive DD, and the contents are read into a personal computer PC. The read computer program PR operates the personal computer PC. In the personal computer PC, the bar code reading device CR stores the data in the setting
A code indicating each setting content related to the operation output from is stored and stored. The personal computer PC converts the captured code into a barcode, outputs the barcode, and causes the printer PT to print the barcode. With the barcode printed on the printer PT, only one barcode is read by the barcode reader, thereby completing the setting of each setting item relating to the operation of the barcode reader.

[0068]

According to the optical pattern reader according to the first aspect of the present invention, an optical pattern reader capable of coping with a plurality of methods of scanning an optical pattern can be realized. It is only necessary to manufacture one type of optical pattern reader, and the effect of mass production can be enhanced.

According to the optical pattern reading device of the second aspect, the data read for each item can be easily input for each item to a computer operated by commercially available software.

According to the optical pattern reading device of the third aspect, the size of the light detecting element is not changed, and
The reading width of the optical pattern can be increased without increasing the component cost, and the reading operation can be simplified.

According to the optical pattern reading apparatus of the fourth aspect, it is possible to output collectively arranged codes indicating a plurality of setting states.

According to the optical pattern reading apparatus of the fifth aspect, a plurality of setting items can be set by reading one optical pattern.

According to the recording medium of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the computer reads the collectively arranged codes indicating the respective setting states from the optical pattern reading device, and prints them as an optical pattern. Can be output.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of an optical pattern reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an operation of the optical pattern reading device shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an operation of the optical pattern reading device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of an embodiment of an optical pattern reading device according to the second invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a main configuration of an optical pattern reading apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an optical arrangement of the optical pattern reading device shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a main part of another embodiment of the optical pattern reading apparatus according to the third invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of an embodiment of an optical pattern reading apparatus according to the fourth and fifth inventions.

9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining storage symbols in a setting storage unit of the optical pattern reading device shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a recording medium according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a main part of a conventional optical pattern reading device.

12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an optical arrangement of the optical pattern reading device shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

10, 23a area CCD (photodetector, capturing means) 12 A / D converter (capturing means) 13 video image memory section 14 control section 15 scan pattern storage section (storage means) 15a setting section (setting means) 15b replacement Symbol storage unit 16 Analysis / decoding unit 17a Input / output unit 18 Memory unit 19 Decoding unit 20 Symbol replacement unit 21 Setting storage unit 22 Output unit 25, 29 Reading unit BCL, BCL1 to BCL5 Barcode label DD Disk drive FD Flexible disk PC Personal Computer PT Printer SL1-SL3 Scan light (scan pattern)

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A means for capturing an optical pattern, an optical pattern storage means for storing the optical pattern captured by the means, a means for storing a plurality of scanning patterns for scanning the optical pattern, and a plurality of means for storing the plurality of scanning patterns An optical pattern, comprising: setting means for selecting and setting one of the scanning patterns, and means for reading out the optical pattern stored by the optical pattern storage means in accordance with the scanning pattern selected and set by the setting means. Reader. 2. An optical pattern reading apparatus for reading an optical pattern, converting the read optical pattern into a symbol, and inputting the symbol to a computer, wherein a predetermined symbol among the symbols converted from the optical pattern is designated by a predetermined key on a keyboard of the computer. A setting storage means for setting and storing together with the command signal so that the command signal corresponds to the command signal;
Means for replacing a symbol that matches a predetermined symbol set and stored by the setting storage means with a command signal set and stored by the setting storage means. 3. An optical pattern reading device comprising: a rectangular light detecting element for detecting light from an optical pattern; and reading the optical pattern with the light detected by the light detecting element. An optical pattern reader, wherein the diagonal direction is set so as to be the direction in which the optical pattern should be read. 4. An optical pattern reading apparatus for reading an optical pattern, comprising: means for encoding a plurality of setting states of the operation, arranging and arranging them in a predetermined order, and means for outputting the code stored by the means. An optical pattern reading device, comprising: 5. An optical pattern reading apparatus for reading an optical pattern, comprising: means for reading a plurality of setting states of the operation, arranged in a predetermined order, and a converted optical pattern; and means for reading the converted optical pattern. An optical pattern reading apparatus comprising: means for encoding an optical pattern; and means for setting the plurality of setting states based on the code encoded by the means. 6. A computer-readable recording medium including program code means for operating a computer, the program code means for causing a computer to read a code, and the computer reading a code for an optical pattern. A recording medium comprising: program code means for converting the optical pattern; and program code means for causing the computer to output the converted optical pattern for printing.