JP2005346646A - Mobile terminal for tracing transport object - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To register and manage image information and to add peculiar information to a transport object by allowing the classification of a code given to the transport object to be automatically discriminated and read. <P>SOLUTION: Two-dimensional information read by an area image sensor having an imaging area I2 is analyzed by a code discrimination part 20 to discriminate which of a one-dimensional code and a two-dimensional code the two-dimensional information is. Code information is extracted and decoded by a one-dimensional code decoding part 17 or a two-dimensional code decoding part 18 in accordance with a discrimination result to acquire peculiar information specifying the transport object. The acquired peculiar information is displayed on a display part 14 and is recorded in an information storage part 21 together with additional peculiar information inputted through a keyboard 15. In the case that the two-dimensional information is neither a one-dimensional code nor a two-dimensional code, it is stored in an image storage part 19 as image information and is displayed on the display part 14, so that a condition of the transport object can be registered and managed by a receipt stamp or a signature on a slip proving that the transport object has been delivered. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable terminal for tracking a package used in a transportation service for tracking and managing a transportation state in a transportation route from reception of a package to delivery.

  In the transportation business, in order to track and manage the transportation route from receipt to delivery of the package, unique information for identifying the package is given to the package as a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code, and these codes are delivered. / Registration and management are performed by reading and decoding with a portable terminal for tracking goods installed at a collection center, a relay point, a transport vehicle, and the like.

  An example of a conventional portable terminal for tracking goods is shown in FIG. FIG. 7A is a portable terminal device for tracking a package capable of reading a barcode which is a one-dimensional code, and the barcode 30 attached to the package by pressing the reading button 33 is a one-dimensional image. A display unit 34 is provided that displays the unique information that identifies the package by reading the sensor and reading the read one-dimensional code information. FIG. 7B is an example of a portable terminal for tracking a package that reads a matrix code that is a two-dimensional code. The matrix code 40 given to the package is read by pressing a reading button 43, and a two-dimensional image sensor is used. The read two-dimensional code information is decoded to display unique information for specifying a transported item on the display unit 44. Reference numerals 31 and 41 denote imaging areas of the one-dimensional image sensor and the two-dimensional image sensor, respectively.

  As described above, the transport object to which the one-dimensional code is assigned is used for the transport object to which the one-dimensional image sensor is mounted, and the transport object tracking portable terminal shown in FIG. In general, the code information is read by using the portable terminal for tracking a package shown in FIG. 7B equipped with a two-dimensional image sensor.

  However, in the transportation business, there is a case where a transportation object to which a one-dimensional code is assigned and a transportation object to which a two-dimensional code is assigned are handled in a mixed manner. In such a case, the portable terminal for tracking an object shown in FIG. 7A equipped with a one-dimensional image sensor and the portable terminal for an object tracking shown in FIG. 7B equipped with a two-dimensional image sensor. Are separately prepared in advance, and there are problems that the operation becomes complicated and the price of the apparatus increases. Further, although it is possible to read a one-dimensional code and a two-dimensional code using the portable terminal for tracking a package shown in FIG. 7B, the reading performance of a code having a large number of digits or a thin barcode is shown in FIG. There is a problem in that it is inferior to the portable terminal for tracking a transported item (a), and it may become unreadable.

  In order to avoid these problems, a laser scanner for reading a one-dimensional code and an area sensor for reading a two-dimensional code are provided, and it is determined whether the code to be read is a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code. A code reader that automatically determines and reads a code by a method suitable for each case has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  However, in the above code reading device, it is possible to read a one-dimensional code and a two-dimensional code with one device, but since it is not a terminal for the purpose of tracking a package, for example, It does not have functions such as registration and management of image information such as receipts and signatures as evidence that the deliveries have actually been delivered, and adding new unique information to the shipment.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-184961 (paragraphs [0016]-[0018], FIG. 1)

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is given to a package even when handling a package to which a one-dimensional code is assigned and a package to which a two-dimensional code is given in a mixed manner. To provide a portable terminal for tracking a package that can automatically determine and read the type of code, eliminates the need to prepare a plurality of devices corresponding to each code, and is excellent in operability and economy. For the purpose.

  In addition, it is possible to register and manage tracking image information, add new unique information to a package, etc., and provide a portable terminal for package tracking that can be multi-functionalized. Objective.

  The portable terminal for tracking a package according to the present invention is a portable terminal for tracking a package that performs tracking management of a package in a transportation route by reading a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code representing specific information for identifying a package. A one-dimensional sensor that reads one-dimensional information, and one-dimensional code decoding that extracts and decodes one-dimensional code information from the one-dimensional information read by the one-dimensional sensor, and acquires unique information that identifies the transported object , A two-dimensional sensor that reads two-dimensional information, and a two-dimensional code that extracts and decodes two-dimensional code information from the two-dimensional information read by the two-dimensional sensor, and acquires unique information that identifies the package A decoding unit, an image storage unit for recording the two-dimensional information read by the two-dimensional sensor, and a code to be read by analyzing the two-dimensional information read by the two-dimensional sensor. A code determination unit for determining whether the code is a two-dimensional code, a switch for starting a reading operation, a display unit for displaying unique information for identifying the package and other information, an operation instruction, An input unit for inputting information, an information storage unit for recording unique information for identifying the transported goods and other information, and various information such as the information stored in the storage unit are exchanged with an external device. And an external interface for controlling each part of the apparatus.

  With this configuration, even when a package to which a one-dimensional code is assigned and a package to which a two-dimensional code is assigned are handled together, the type of code assigned to the package is automatically determined and read. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare a plurality of devices corresponding to the respective codes, and it is possible to provide a portable terminal for tracking a package that is excellent in operability and economy.

  Also, by providing an image storage unit that records the two-dimensional information read by the two-dimensional sensor, not only code information but also actual delivery of the package, for example, as specific information for identifying the package It is possible to register and manage image information such as a receipt stamp or signature as evidence of the above, and to make it multifunctional.

  In the present invention, the package tracking portable terminal further includes a character recognition unit that extracts character information from the two-dimensional information stored in the image storage unit.

  With this configuration, for example, when adding the weight of a package weighed with a scale as additional information to the specific information for identifying the package, the displayed measured value is read with a two-dimensional sensor to perform character recognition. Therefore, it is possible to save the trouble of manually reading the measured value and inputting the key, thereby improving the operability and preventing an input error.

  According to the present invention, the type of code assigned to the package is automatically determined even when the package to which the one-dimensional code is assigned and the package to which the two-dimensional code is assigned are handled together. It is possible to provide a portable terminal for tracking a package, which can be read, eliminates the need to prepare a plurality of devices corresponding to each code, and is excellent in operability and economy.

  In addition, the image information for tracking can be registered and managed, and unique information can be newly added to the transported goods.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, a one-dimensional code such as a barcode indicating unique information for identifying a label attached to a package or a slip, or a two-dimensional code such as a stack barcode or matrix code is optically used. An example of a portable terminal for tracking a transportable object capable of performing tracking management of a transported object in a transport route by performing scanning, reading and decoding in an automatic manner will be described.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a portable terminal for tracking goods according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in this figure, the portable terminal 1 for tracking an object of the present embodiment includes a main body 10 in which an electronic circuit is stored, and a linear image sensor that reads one-dimensional information in an imaging area 11 (on the back of the main body 10). Mounting), an area image sensor for reading two-dimensional information in the imaging area 12, a reading button 13 as a switch for starting a reading operation, and specific information for identifying a transported object by decoding the read code information Such as a cable connector for exchanging information with an external device, a keyboard 15 having a numeric keypad or a function key for performing an operation instruction or input when adding specific information to a package, and an external device And an external interface 16. In this figure, the linear image sensor is schematically shown as the imaging area 11 and the area image sensor as the imaging area 12, but in reality, an optical system is provided inside an opening (not shown) provided on the back of the display unit 14 of the main body 10. It is stored together.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical schematic configuration of the portable terminal for tracking goods in the present embodiment. Constituent elements common to those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is simplified or omitted.

  In FIG. 2, the portable terminal 1 for tracking objects includes a linear image sensor having an imaging area 11, an area image sensor having an imaging area 12, a reading button 13, a display unit 14, a keyboard 15, and an external interface. 16, a one-dimensional code decoding unit 17 that binarizes the one-dimensional information read by the linear image sensor, extracts one-dimensional code information, decodes it to acquire specific information for specifying a package, and an area image The two-dimensional information read by the sensor (12) is binarized to extract the two-dimensional code information, and the two-dimensional code decoding unit 18 for acquiring the specific information for specifying the package by decoding, and the area image sensor (12 The image storage unit 19 that records the two-dimensional information read in (2) as image data, and the two-dimensional information read by the area image sensor (12). Analyzes are performed to determine whether the code to be read is a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code, and the packages acquired by the one-dimensional code decoding unit 17 or the two-dimensional code decoding unit 18, respectively. The information storage unit 21 for recording the specific information for specifying the information and the control unit 22 that includes a CPU and a memory (not shown) and controls the respective units of the apparatus according to a program.

  Next, the operation of the portable terminal for tracking a package of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an operation procedure in the portable terminal for tracking a package according to the present embodiment.

  First, a back opening (not shown) in which the linear image sensor and area image sensor of the portable terminal 1 for tracking a package are accommodated is brought close to a reading target, which is a part of a label or slip code attached to the package. (Step S11), the reading button 13 is pressed (Step S12). As a result, the reading target in the imaging area 12 is optically scanned by the area image sensor and read as two-dimensional information proportional to the shading (step S13).

  Next, the code determination unit 20 analyzes the two-dimensional information read by the area image sensor, and determines whether the code to be read is a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code (steps S14 to S16).

  As a result, when it is determined in step S15 that the code is a one-dimensional code, the linear image sensor reads the one-dimensional information in the imaging area 11, and the one-dimensional code decoding unit 17 extracts the one-dimensional code information and decodes it. To acquire specific information for identifying the package (step S17).

  When it is determined in step S16 that the code is a two-dimensional code, the two-dimensional code decoding unit 18 extracts and decodes the two-dimensional code information based on the two-dimensional information read in step S13. The unique information for specifying the package is acquired (step S18).

  The unique information specifying the package thus obtained is displayed as character information on the display unit 14 in step S20, and the package handler can track and manage the package by viewing it.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in steps S15 and S16 that the two-dimensional information read by the area image sensor is neither a one-dimensional code nor a two-dimensional code, the two-dimensional information is recorded in the image storage unit 19 as image data. In step S19, the image is displayed on the display unit 14 as an image. Here, the two-dimensional information including neither the one-dimensional code nor the two-dimensional code is, for example, a receipt or signature of a slip showing evidence that the shipment has already been delivered. By looking at the seal imprint or signature displayed on the display unit 14, the status of the package can be grasped and managed.

  In step S21, for example, the name code of the handler, the weight of the weighed package, and the like are input by operating the keys of the keyboard 15 as specific information for identifying the package, as necessary.

  In step S22, the unique information for identifying the package obtained by reading the code part of the package and the additional information input from the keyboard 15 are recorded in the information storage unit 21, and the recorded information is stored as necessary. The data is transmitted via the external interface 16 to a higher-level personal computer installed outside or a network of the transportation system.

  According to such a portable terminal for tracking objects of the first embodiment of the present invention, the code determination unit 20 analyzes the two-dimensional information to be read of the label or slip read by the area image sensor, and 1 It is determined whether a dimension code or a two-dimensional code is included. Then, according to the determination result, the code information is decoded by the one-dimensional code decoding unit 17 or the two-dimensional code decoding unit 18 to acquire the unique information for specifying the package, which is displayed on the display unit 14 and the keyboard 15 Is recorded in the information storage unit 21 together with the information input via the. As a result, regardless of whether the code information given to the package is a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code, these can be automatically determined and read, and a plurality of devices corresponding to the respective codes are prepared. This eliminates the need for improved operability and economy.

  Further, when the code determination unit 20 analyzes the two-dimensional information read by the area image sensor having the imaging area 12, if it is neither the one-dimensional code nor the two-dimensional code, the image storage unit 19 uses this as image data. By storing the information and displaying it on the display unit 14, for example, it is possible to confirm and manage the status of the package with a receipt or signature of a slip indicating evidence that the package has been delivered.

(Second Embodiment)
The configuration of the appearance of the portable terminal for tracking goods according to the embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical schematic configuration of the portable terminal for tracking a package according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and the portable container for tracking a package according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. In addition to the configuration of the terminal, the OCR unit 23 recognizes character information. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the component which is common in FIG. 2 of this embodiment, and description is simplified thru | or abbreviate | omitted.

  The OCR unit 23 performs character recognition and extracts character information when the code determination unit 20 determines that the two-dimensional information read by the area image sensor is neither a one-dimensional code nor a two-dimensional code. Is.

  Next, the operation of the portable terminal for tracking a package of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an operation procedure in the portable terminal for tracking goods according to the present embodiment. The steps corresponding to the steps in the flowchart of FIG.

  In FIG. 5, steps S11 to S18 and steps S19 to S22 are the same as the procedure of the portable terminal for tracking objects in the first embodiment shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  If it is determined in steps S15 and S16 that the two-dimensional information read by the area image sensor does not include either a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code, the process proceeds to step S31, and character recognition is performed on the read two-dimensional information. It is determined whether or not to perform.

  The procedure of steps S31 to S33 includes, for example, measuring the weight of a package using a platform scale, reading the measured value displayed on the display unit of the platform scale using the portable terminal for tracking a package in this embodiment, and performing OCR. The unit 23 recognizes characters. Then, the case where the character information obtained in this way is added and managed as incidental information of the specific information for tracking the package is shown. Hereinafter, these procedures will be described.

  FIG. 6 is an external perspective view showing a platform scale for weighing the transported item. The platform scale 30 includes a weighing pan 31 and a display unit 32, and a measured value is displayed on the display unit 32 by placing a transport item 33 to be weighed on the weighing pan 31. .

  In step S32, the back opening in which the linear image sensor and the area image sensor of the portable terminal 2 for tracking objects are accommodated close to each other, and the reading button is pressed. Thereby, the weight measurement value of the transported goods 33 displayed on the display unit 32 of the platform scale by the area image sensor is read as two-dimensional information.

  In step S33, the read two-dimensional information is character-recognized by the OCR unit 23, and a number that is a weight measurement value is extracted. The extracted numbers are displayed on the display unit 14 in step S20.

  In step S21, for example, the name code of the handler, the weight of the weighed package, etc. are input by operating the keys of the keyboard 15 as specific information for identifying the package, as necessary.

  In step S22, the information for identifying the package obtained by reading the code part of the package, the additional information input from the keyboard 15 and the weight measurement value of the package are recorded in the information storage unit 21.

  According to such a package tracking portable terminal of the second embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the package tracking portable terminal according to the first embodiment, the OCR unit 23 for recognizing character information is provided. It is set as the structure which has. As a result, as specific information for tracking the package, for example, when adding the weight of the package, the measured value displayed by weighing with the platform scale is read as two-dimensional information, and the OCR unit 23 recognizes the character. Character information can be extracted and input. Therefore, it is not necessary to manually input from the keyboard 15 while watching the weight measurement value displayed on the display unit 32 of the platform scale, so that the operability is improved and an input error can be prevented.

  The present invention can automatically determine and read the type of code assigned to a package even when handling a package with a one-dimensional code and a package with a two-dimensional code mixed. This eliminates the need to prepare multiple devices corresponding to each code, has the effect of being excellent in operability and economy, and tracking in the transportation route from receipt of goods to delivery in transportation operations This is useful for the terminal for tracking goods to be managed.

It is an external appearance perspective view which shows schematic structure of the portable terminal for package tracking which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the portable terminal for package tracking which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation | movement procedure of the portable terminal for package tracking which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the portable terminal for package tracking which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation | movement procedure of the portable terminal for package tracking which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows schematic structure of the platform balance which measures the weight of the package in 2nd Embodiment. (A) It is an external appearance perspective view which shows schematic structure of the conventional portable terminal device for package tracking for reading a one-dimensional code. (B) It is an external appearance perspective view which shows schematic structure of the conventional portable terminal for package tracking for reading a two-dimensional code.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2 Portable terminal for tracking goods 11 Imaging area of linear image sensor 12 Imaging area of area image sensor 13 Reading button 14 Display unit 15 Keyboard 16 External interface 17 1D code decoding unit 18 2D code decoding unit 19 Image storage unit 20 Code determination unit 21 Information storage unit 22 Control unit 23 OCR unit

Claims (2)

A portable terminal device for tracking a package that performs tracking management of a package in a transportation route by reading a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code representing unique information for identifying a package,
A one-dimensional sensor that reads the one-dimensional information, and a one-dimensional code decoding unit that extracts and decodes the one-dimensional code information from the one-dimensional information read by the one-dimensional sensor, and acquires unique information that identifies the transported object; A two-dimensional sensor that reads two-dimensional information, and a two-dimensional code decoding unit that extracts and decodes two-dimensional code information from the two-dimensional information read by the two-dimensional sensor, and acquires unique information that identifies the transportation object An image storage unit for recording the two-dimensional information read by the two-dimensional sensor, and analyzing the two-dimensional information read by the two-dimensional sensor to determine whether the code to be read is a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code. A code determining unit for determining whether there is a switch, a switch for starting a reading operation, a display unit for displaying unique information for identifying the package and other information, an operation instruction and information Input / output unit, an information storage unit for recording unique information for identifying the package and other information, and various information such as the information stored in the storage unit for exchanging with an external device A portable terminal for tracking goods, comprising an external interface and a control unit that controls each part of the apparatus. A portable terminal for tracking a package according to claim 1,
Furthermore, the portable terminal for package tracking provided with the character recognition part which extracts character information from the two-dimensional information memorize | stored in the said image memory | storage part.

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