JPH0283686A - Optical reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To expand a readable range and to improve reliability for read data by arranging plural bar code readers at the moving path of a commodity, and outputting the read data under a condition that all the read data coincide with each other. CONSTITUTION:Three bar code readers (111-113) are arranged interposing the moving path of the commodity in such a way that the bar code reader 111 is set horizontally, the bar code reader 112 vertically, and the bar code reader 113 obliquely, respectively. The read data (D1-D3) read by the bar code readers (111-113) within a constant time are compared with each other at a data selection circuit 41 provided in a POS terminal 31 which processes the read data (D1-D3). The read data are fetched in the POS terminal 31 under the condition that all the read data coincide with each other. In such a way, it is possible to expand the readable range and to improve the reliability for the read data.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] [Industrial application field] The present invention relates to an optical reader.

It can be used in devices such as supermarkets and mass retailers that optically read barcode information attached to products and process the read data with electronic cash registers, PO8 terminals, etc.

[Conventional technology 1 Conventionally, at the end of electronic fortune register and POS RA,
2. Description of the Related Art Devices are known in which a stationary scanner is connected to optically read barcode information attached to products, and the data read by the scanner is processed by an electronic cash register or a POS terminal.

In such devices, the operator confirms where the barcode is attached to the product and moves the product while directing the barcode side toward the reading window of the scanner.

[Problem to be Solved by the Invention 1] Conventionally, barcodes and information are read with one scanner, so the readable range is limited to the range that can be read with one scanner. Normally, the readable range is determined by the emission angle of the laser beam, the scanning pattern, and the intensity of the reflected light, so the readable range of a single scanner is naturally limited.

Therefore, the probability of being able to read a barcode in a single reading operation is low, and as mentioned above, the operator or the product should check where the barcode is attached, and then point the barcode side toward the scanner's reading window. Goods had to be moved. This placed a heavy burden on the operator and was not efficient.

The purpose of the present invention was to solve these conventional problems.By expanding the readable range, the burden on the operator is reduced, and at the same time, barcodes can be read in a single reading operation. It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical reader capable of increasing the probability of reading information and also improving the reliability of read data.

[Means for Solving the Problems] Therefore, in the present invention, a plurality of barcode readers are arranged along the movement route of the product to expand the readable range. At the same time, means is provided for comparing the read data read by each barcode reader and outputting the read data on the condition that all the read data match.

Specifically, the system includes multiple barcode readers that are placed along the movement route of the product and optically reads barcode information attached to the product, and a comparison means that compares the data read by each barcode reader. , and a control means for outputting the read data on the condition that all the read data compared by the comparison means match.

[Operation] When barcode information attached to a product is read by any one or more barcode readers, read data is sent out from the barcode reader that read the barcode information. The read data from each barcode reader is
After being compared by the comparing means, the read data is output from the control means on the condition that all the read data match. Note that when there is only one piece of read data, that read data is naturally output.

Therefore, since barcode information is read by a plurality of barcode readers, the readable range can be expanded compared to the case of a single scanner.

This reduces the burden on the operator as the operator does not have to be careful to ensure that the barcode side faces the reading window each time, and the barcode can be read in a single reading operation. Probability can also be improved. Moreover, since the read data read by each barcode reader is compared and the read data is output on the condition that all the read data match, the reliability of the read data can also be improved.

[Example] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of this embodiment. In this embodiment, a plurality of units optically read barcode information attached to products,
Here, there are three barcode readers 11. 11. 11
3 and these barcode planes-datt, it, 1
A PO8 terminal 31 processes the read data D1, D2, D3 from the barcode reader 1. 11. 11
The data selection circuit 41 compares the read data DI, D2, and D3 read at 3 times and takes in the read data to the PO8 terminal 31 on the condition that all the read data match.

3 barcode readers 1. 11. 113, as shown in FIG. 2, are arranged so that each reading window 14 faces the movement path of the product.

Here, barcode readers 11 are disposed horizontally, barcode readers 12 are disposed vertically, and barcode readers 13 are disposed diagonally across the movement path of the product.

Each barcode reader 1. 112 and 113 are constructed as shown in FIG. In the figure, a laser beam from a laser tube 12 is reflected by a rotating mirror of a laser scanning/focusing section 13, and then is emitted to the outside through a reading window 14. Here, when the laser beam is reflected by the barcode 15 attached to the product, the reflected light is focused on the laser scanning/focusing section 13 and then detected by the reflected light detection section 16. This signal is amplified by the amplifier circuit 17, then converted to a digital signal by the A/D conversion circuit 18, and then input to the CPU 19.

A ROM 20, a RAM 21, etc. are connected to the CPU 19. The CPU 19 rotates the rotary mirror motor 24 via the motor drive circuit 23 according to the program stored in the ROM 20, and also transfers the data given from the A/D conversion circuit 18 to the RAM 2.
1, and check the check digit etc. of the data.

Here, if the check digit 1 or more is incorrect, the data is discarded. If the check digit is correct, the read data is sent to the POS R terminal 31 via the communication interface 25.

As shown in FIG. 1, the PO8 terminal 31 has each of the barcode readers 11 . 11. The communication interface 32 is connected to the communication interface 25 of 113, and a CPU 33. The CPLJ 33 processes the read data according to a predetermined method and transmits the processed data to a host computer (not shown).

Communication interface 32 and CF) U3
3, the data selection circuit 41 is provided.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 1, the data selection circuit 41 receives the read data D1. D2.1) OR circuit 42 using 3 as human power
The enable signal BNI is activated by the output from the OR circuit 42 for a certain period of time '■゛1.
Timer 43 to set J level and writing enable signal EN
1 is r lf.

a timer 4/l that sets the enable signal EN2 to the "," level for a certain period of time '1' after reaching the level;
Buffer 4 for storing read data DI, D2, D3
5. 45. 453 and the enable signal ENl or “L”
'' level, when the enable signal EN2 is at the r to f level, each of the barcode readers 1 . 1
1. The read data Di, D2, D3 from 113 are sent to buffer 45. 452 and 153, and a controller 46 which executes the processing shown in FIG. The controller 46 controls each barcode reader 11. Read data Di from 113,
It has a comparison means for comparing D2 and D3, and a control means for outputting the read data to the CPU 33 on the condition that all the read data compared by the comparison means match.

In this case, when the enable signals ENI and EN2 are both r)IJ level, the enable signal E is in the standby state.
N1 is at the "j level and enable signal EN2 is r"
) i J level is reading state, enable signal E N
When the enable signal EN2 is at the "1" or "I" level and the enable signal EN2 is at the "Yes" level, reading is prohibited.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4.

The controller 46 executes processing according to flowcharts 1 to 1 in FIG. First, in step (hereinafter abbreviated as ST) 1, it is determined whether the enable signal EN2 is at the rllJ level. Enable No. 13 is N2?
If the level is "1" level, that is, if the state is other than read prohibited, proceed to ST2 and read the read data DI, D2, D3.
buffer 45. 452 and 453 are allowed, and ST3. Enable 1 word ENI after ST4
After the bar code reader 1 . 11. 1.1
The read data D1.3 given from D1. D2 and D3 are stored in buffer 45145. 453. In ST4,
Proceed to YES-PULL and read data DI, D2, D3 in buffer 4.
Input of 5, 45, 453/\ is prohibited.

Subsequently, in ST6 to ST8, the read data D1D2
, D3 are sequentially determined.

If the check digits of read data DI, D2, and D3 are all OK, proceed to Si9 and read data DI =
Determine D2 = D3. Read data DI = D2-D
If it is 3, proceed to 5T10 and read the read data D1 (Dl
, D3) to the CPU 33, and then 5T11
So buffer 45. 45. After clearing 453, S
Return to TI. On the other hand, if any of the read data DI, Dl, D3 does not match the others, the process advances to 5T12, and these read data DI, D1, D3 are integrated.

In the judgment of Si8, if the check digit of the read data D3 is NO, the process advances to 5T13 and the read data D3 is checked.
Determine I = D2. If the read data DI=D2, proceed to 5T14 and read the read data DI <Dl) to CP.
It is sent to U33 and then proceeds to 5T11.

On the other hand, if the read data DI and Dl do not match, 5T
15, these read data DI and Dl are managed.

In the judgment of Si7, if the check digit of the read data D2 is NO, the process advances to 5716 and the read data D
Determine the check digit of 3. If the check digit of the read data D3 is OK, the process advances to 5T17 and it is determined whether the read data DI=D3.

If the read data DI = D3, the process advances to 5T18, where the read data DI (D3) is sent to the CPU 33, and then,
Proceed to 5T11. On the other hand, if the read data Di and D3 do not match, the process advances to 5T19 and these read data D
I is in charge of D3. If the check digit of the read data D3 is NO in the judgment at S[16, the process proceeds to 5T20, where the read data D1 is sent to the CPU 33, and then the process proceeds to 5T11.

In the judgment of Si6, if the check digit of the read data D1 is No, at 5T21.5T22,
The check digits of the read data D2 and D3 are sequentially determined. If the check digits of read data D2 and D3 are both OK, advance 5T23/\ and read data D2.
=D3 is determined. If read data D2=D3,
Proceed to 5T24 and send the read data D2 (D3) to the CPU 33.
Then, proceed to 5T11. On the other hand, if the read data D2 and D3 do not match, the process advances to 5T25 and the read data D2 and D3 thereto are integrated.

If the check digit of the read data D3 is NO in the judgment at 5T22, the process proceeds to S[26, where the read data D2 is sent to the CPU 33, and then the process proceeds to 5T11.

Furthermore, if the check digit of the read data D2 is NO in the determination at 5T21, the process advances to 5T27 and the check digit of the read data D3 is determined. If the check digit of the read data D3 is OK, the process advances to S[28, the read data D3 is sent to the CPU 33, and then,
Proceed to 5T11. On the other hand, if the check digit of the read data D3 is NO, the process advances to 5T29 and the check digit of the read data D3 is NO.
I am in charge of 3.

Now, when the product is not moved along the arrow direction in FIG. 2, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the barcode reader 11
2, one read data D1 from the barcode reader 111, and one read data D3 from the barcode reader 113 are input to the controller 46.

Then, the controller 46 stores the read data D2, Dl inputted within a certain period of time in the read state in the buffer 45.451, and then checks the read data DI, Dl, D3 in Si6 to ST8. In this case, since the check digit of read data D3 in Si8 is No, 5T1
Proceed to step 3, read the read data D1D2, judge 1tJi L, and if both match, read the read data DI (Dl> to CP
Send to U33. .

On the other hand, if the two do not match, the read data D1 (Dl
) is in charge.

Note that the read data D2 and D3 that are input within a certain period of time T2, which is in the read-inhibited state, are stored in the buffers 451, 45, .
452 is in the input prohibited state, so it can be controlled.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, three BART21 readers 1. 112° and 113, the readable range can be expanded compared to the case of one barcode reader. This reduces the burden on the operator, as the operator does not have to be careful to face the barcode side toward the reading window each time, and the barcode can be read in a single reading operation. Probability can also be improved.

Moreover, the read data read within a certain period of time T1 in the reading state are compared, and the read data is sent to the CPU 33 on the condition that all the read data match. Data reliability can also be improved.

In addition, after the elapse of a certain period of time 'r1 in the reading state, a certain period of time'
``Since reading only 2 is prohibited, it is possible to prevent barcode reader 1.11 and 113 from being read twice.

In addition, in the above embodiment, three barcode readers 1
．． 11. 113 is installed, but the number of barcode readers may be two or four or more.For example, in the case of two barcode readers, one barcode reader 11 can be installed horizontally as shown in FIG. , and one other barcode reader 12 may be arranged vertically. Also,
As shown in FIG. 7, two barcode readers 1. 1
12 may be arranged together vertically. moreover,
As shown in Figure 8, two bar two r-readers 11.1
12 may be arranged together horizontally.

In addition, in the above-mentioned practical noodles example, the data selection time N/]1 is not provided in the PO8 terminal 31, and the data selection recess B41 is set to the PO8 terminal 31.
S need not be within the terminal 31. For example, )) may be configured separately from the OS terminal 31, or may be configured as one of the barcode readers 1111. It may also be provided within 113.

Furthermore, in the solid line ρ1, the barcode reader 11.1
1. Although the read data read in step 113 is processed by the POS terminal 31, it may be processed by an electronic cash register or the like. In short, there is no need to worry about processing at cash registers such as PO8 terminals or electronic cash registers.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, according to the present invention, since barcodes are read by a plurality of barcode readers, the readable range can be expanded compared to the case of one barcode reader. Therefore, the burden on the operator can be reduced, and the probability of reading per reading operation can be increased. In addition, the read data read by each barcode reader is compared, and the read data is output on the condition that all the read data match, which improves the reliability of the read data. Can be done.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Figures 1 to 5 show one embodiment of the present invention.
The figure is a block diagram showing the overall configuration, Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of installing three barcode readers, Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the barcode reader, and Figure 4 is a data selection circuit. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing and a timing chart for explaining the operation of the data selection circuit. FIGS. 6 to 8 are perspective views showing different installation examples of two barcode readers. 111. 1 ] 2. l 13 5... Bar: r-code, 1... Data selection circuit, 6... Controller.・Barcode reader, person appearing Tokyo Electric Co., Ltd.

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) A plurality of barcode readers that are placed along the movement route of the product and optically read the barcode information attached to the product; a comparison means that compares the data read by each barcode reader; An optical reading device comprising: control means for outputting read data on the condition that all the read data compared by the comparison means match;