JPH0581460A - Bar code reader - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] Eliminates misread data. [Composition] A plurality of bar codes (1) arranged close to each other and having different numbers of digits are read a set number of times (Ns), and when the read data of each bar code (1) is the same, the read data is read. Bar code reader to treat as valid (1
In (0), one side read data (URD) centered on the center bar (CB) of the bar code having the smallest number of digits among the plurality of bar codes (1) and the other bar code (1).
The same-digit data (a part of LRD) of the read data (LRD) on one side of the one side centered on the center bar (CB) and having a small number of 1st digit and the same side is compared. Read data on both sides (part of URD, LRD)
And the read data (ULD, UR
The data invalidity determination means (15, 16) for invalidating D, LLD, LRD) is provided.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a bar code reader for reading a plurality of bar codes arranged close to each other and having a different number of digits a set number of times, and handling the read data as valid.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There are various types of barcodes attached to products, articles, etc., such as UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN 8 digits (13 digits), JAN 8 digits (13 digits), and the like. The major difference between these types is that the first two digits of the barcode are "01-09" for UPC and "10-for EAN".
99 "and" 49 "in JAN.

The amount of data stored in any type of bar code is limited. In other words, it depends on the number of digits. For example, in the case of an EAN 13-digit bar code, the first 2 digits are the flag character and the last 1 digit is the check digit, so the data is the other 10 digits.

Therefore, for example, a product code, a product name,
In the case of diversifying such as storing the color, pattern, etc. of the product as data in addition to the unit price, etc., when trying to meet the needs, any bar code will overflow because it will overflow. , Approach multiple barcodes (eg,
In many cases, a method is adopted in which the data is separated and stored by arranging (upper and lower), all the bar codes are read, and then a series of data is read for the first time by subsequent data combination. In this case, each bar code is attached with a flag character indicating that it is a combination with another bar code.

By the way, in order to improve reliability, it is general that the read data of the bar code is valid when it is read a predetermined number of times and both of them are the same. Further, as one of the above-mentioned improvement in reliability, the bar code is provided with a center bar and left and right guide bars. Validating the data read across the two bars increases its reliability.

On the other hand, speeding up reading is also important. This is even more the case when using the plurality of barcodes. One of the measures for increasing the reading speed is to make it possible to read the data regardless of the direction in which the reading light to be emitted crosses the barcode. Therefore, one-sided data centered on the center bar of the barcode can be read separately. Further, in order to further expand the code readable direction of the reading light, there is one formed so that data on one side or both sides can be read by a process such as parity check without traversing each bar.

When a plurality of bar codes are arranged close to each other, the same type and the same digit are generally selected for each bar code, but different types may be combined or the same bar code may be selected depending on various circumstances. There may be combinations of types with different numbers of digits. There are also combinations that differ in type and number of digits. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, EAN8 digit and EAN13
The girder and the girder are arranged close to each other.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the left side data U centered on the center bar CB of the upper EAN 8-digit bar code is used.
LD, right side data URD, left side data LLD centering on the center bar CB of the lower EAN 13 digit bar code, and right side data LRD are naturally all different. Also, the upper row E
Left side of 8 digit bar code (ULD) and lower EAN13
Although the bar type differs from the left side (LLD) of the digit bar code and the parity differs, both right side data (URD), (LLD)
The RD) has the same bar shape, and has the same parity (even number) in the case of the EAN type.

Thus, in the case of the combination shown in FIG. 5, the present apparatus uses the reading light in the S1 direction shown in FIG. 6 to read the upper left data ULD and the reading light in the S2 direction to read the upper right data URD.
To read the upper EAN 8-digit bar code data in the buffer, read the lower left and right data LLD and LRD all at once with the reading light in the S3 direction, and store the lower EAN 13-digit bar code data in the buffer. Then, the read data of the upper EAN 8 digit bar code and the lower EAN 13
If the read data of the digit bar code is the same for each set number of times, both read data are regarded as valid.

Therefore, the effective read data makes it possible to read a series of data separately stored in both bar codes as one data.

[0011]

According to the above conventional structure, the reading light in the S20 direction shown in FIG.
4 digits on the center bar CB side of the right data LRD of the AN 13 digit barcode (“0699” in FIG. 5)
When the data is read, the parity is also an even number, so the data may be read as the right-side data URD of the 8-digit upper EAN in the apparatus. That is, the left data U
LD is “2002” shown in FIG. 7 and its right side data URD
Is mistakenly read as "0699".

That is, it does not match the true storage data "20029005" of the upper EAN 8-digit bar code shown in FIG. However, in this device, since it is valid as long as it is read the set number of times and all the read data is the same as described above, the misread data is not adopted depending on the set number of times, so there is practically no problem. It can be said that there is no.

However, because the probability is low,
Since all the data within the set number of times is erroneous reading data and there is a reality that it is regarded as valid, it cannot be neglected. Further, if the read data is erroneously read due to such a phenomenon, work will be interrupted at the site for investigating the cause of the read data, resulting in a fuss.

The above-mentioned misreading problem is caused by EAN 8 digits and EAN 1.
Other than the combination of three-digit bar code, for example, the combination of UPC-A and EAN 8 digits, UPC-A and JAN-8 digit, and JAN 8 digit and JAN 13 digit also occurs. Furthermore, it is theoretically lower, but in principle, EAN13 digits and EAN13
It can also occur in bar code combinations of the same type and the same digits, such as combinations with digits.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a bar code reading device which makes it possible to accurately read data by invalidating erroneous reading data.

[0016]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention focuses on the fact that one-sided data having a small number of digits in one of a plurality of barcodes is easily misread as partial data on one side of the same side of another barcode. When the data on one side is the same, the data is invalidated to achieve the above object. That is, the present invention reads a plurality of barcodes arranged close to each other and having different numbers of digits a set number of times, and treats the read data as valid when the read data for each barcode is the same. In the device, one side read data centered on the center bar of the bar code having the smallest number of one digit among the plurality of bar codes and one side centered on the center bar of another bar code and having the smallest number of the first digit. Data invalidity determination means is provided for comparing one side of the barcode and the same digit data of the read data on the same side, and invalidating the read data when the read data on both sides match. Characterize.

[0017]

According to the present invention having the above-mentioned structure, each side data of each bar code is read, and the data of each bar code is read by a combination of both side one side data. At this time, if the one-sided data of the barcode having the smallest number of digits is the same as the corresponding side (same side) data of the other barcode, the data invalidity determination means invalidates the data. Thus, the series of data decoded by combining the data of each bar code does not include misread data, and the reliability thereof can be dramatically improved.

[0018]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In FIG. 1, the present bar code reading device 10 includes a reader 19 that irradiates the bar code 1 with a reading light and reads a code from the reflected light, an A / D converter 11 that converts the reading signal into a digital signal, and a predetermined unit. Decoder 12 for converting into a format, CPU 15, ROM 16, RAM 17,
It comprises a control unit such as the interface 18.

The ROM 16 stores a program for controlling the drive of the entire apparatus and fixed data, and the RAM 17 temporarily stores read data and operation data. CPU15
Executes the program stored in the ROM 16 and performs a predetermined process on the read data from the barcode 1 (ST10 in FIG. 3).
15) Then, the valid read data is transferred to the terminal (eg, electronic cash register) via the interface 18 (ST17).

Then, the bar code 1 to be read in this embodiment
Is the EAN 8-digit barcode and EAN1 shown in FIG.
The three-digit bar code and the three-digit bar code are arranged close to each other.

Here, the CPU 15 and the ROM 16 constitute a reading control means, a data invalidity judging means, and the like.

First, the CPU 15 as reading control means
When the data read by the reader 19 is input, the data is stored in the buffer (17) of the RAM 17 as shown in FIG. 2 (ST10, ST13 in FIG. 3). The upper data is a combination of the both-side read data ULD and URD described in FIG. 5, and the lower data is the both-side read data LL.
It is stored as a combination of D and LRD.

That is, the upper data (ULD, URD) and the lower data (LLD, LRD) read first
Are stored in the buffer (17) for the first time, so they are stored in ST13 by the NO judgment in ST11. In this case, the counter (15, 16, 17)
2 sets the count value N as "1" in the RAM 17 of FIG.
Are stored in the area indicated by.

Next, when the second upper read data and the lower read data are input (ST10), the CPU 15 causes the buffer (1
It is determined whether the same (first) read data as the second read data is stored in the corresponding stage of 7) (ST11).
If they are the same (YES in ST11), the count value N is incremented by "1". That is, the count value N of the second time becomes "2".

On the other hand, when the second read data is different from the first read data previously stored in the buffer (17) (NO in ST11), the second read data is stored in the buffer (17) instead of the first read data. The read data is written and stored (ST13). In this case, the count value N is reset to "1" (ST14).

Therefore, when each count value N of the upper counter and the lower counter becomes equal to or more than the set number Ns, the upper data (ULD, DRD) and the lower data (LLD, LRD) are Ns times. However, since it is the same, it is estimated to be accurate read data (ST15).
That is why.

The erroneous reading problem to be solved by the present invention is, in the above example, the upper right data URD ("900").
5 ”) is the same as the 4-digit value“ 0699 ”on the center bar CB side of the lower right (“ 069924 ”)“ 069 ”
Even if it is misread as "9", it will be automatically excluded if it is not repeated for the set number of times Ns.
Most of it is cleared.

However, the lower right data LRD may be erroneously read as "0699" by the set number of times Ns. At this time, the right side data URD of the upper data stored in the buffer (17) of FIG.
99 ", which is different from the true value" 9005 ". The left-side data ULD thereof has the true value" 20 "as shown in FIG.
02 ".

Data invalidity determining means (15, 1)
6) works. That is, the CPU 15 uses the buffer (1
The read data stored in 7) is read out, and as shown in FIG. 4, the one-side (right) side data URD of the upper EAN 8-digit bar code, which is the minimum number of digits, is the other bar code, that is, the lower E.
AN 13-digit bar code in the same direction on one side (right) side L
Same-digit data ("0" of RD ("069924")
699 ") is checked (ST16).

Then, it is determined that they are the same (Y in ST16).
ES) and the upper data [ULD (“2002”), URD (“069” stored in the buffer (17).
9 ")] and lower data [LLD (" 212500
0 ") and LRD (" 069924 ")] are invalidated (ST18).

The reason why the lower data (LLD, LRD) is also invalidated is that a series of data cannot be validated unless all the read data of a plurality of bar codes are correct.

On the other hand, it is determined that they are not the same (ST16).
No.) and the upper data [ULD (“2002”), URD stored in the buffer (17) as in the conventional example.
(“9005”)] and lower data [LLD (“2125
000 ") and LRD (" 069924 "] are validated and transferred to the terminal 20 through the interface 18 (ST17).

According to this embodiment, however, one side (right) read data URD (“0699”) of a bar code with a small first digit (upper 8 digits of EAN) and another bar code (lower 13 digits of EAN). ) Read data L on the same side (right side)
Same-digit data ("0" of RD ("069924")
699 ") and compare both data [(" 069
9 "), (" 0699 ")] match, the data invalidity determination means (15, 16) for invalidating the read data (upper / lower data) is provided, and therefore it is determined to be valid. The read data can be guaranteed to be perfectly correct.

The data invalidity judging means (15, 1)
6) is provided, the direction (Sn) of the reading light to the bar code 1 can be made effective in all directions, so that the reading can be performed at a higher speed.

In the above embodiment, the plural (2) type EAN 8-digit bar codes and the type EAN 13-digit bar codes are arranged vertically close to each other, but the bar code type is not limited to this exemplified combination. .. For example, UPC
-A and a combination of 8 digits of EAN. Similarly, the approaching and disposing direction is not limited.

Further, the minimum number of barcodes (8 digits in the upper EAN) of the plurality of (2) barcodes corresponds to any barcode if the plurality of barcodes have the same number of digits. The present invention also applies in such cases.

[0037]

According to the present invention, a plurality of bar codes arranged close to each other and having different numbers of digits are read a set number of times, and when the read data of each bar code is the same, the read data is effective. In the bar code reading device treated as, one-side read data centered on the center bar of the bar code having the smallest number of digits among the plurality of bar codes,
The bar code of one bar centered on the center bar of the other bar code and the bar code having the smallest number of 1st digit is compared with the same digit data of the bar code data on the same side, and the bar code data on both sides match. In this case, since the data invalidity determining means for invalidating the read data is provided, it is possible to eliminate the inconvenience that the read data of the barcode having the minimum number of digits is erroneously read, and it is possible to guarantee perfect data reading.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is also a diagram for explaining a storage state of read data.

FIG. 3 is likewise a flowchart for explaining the operation.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining invalidity determination target data.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of a plurality of barcodes in the present invention and a conventional example.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a problem of the conventional example.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining misread data.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Bar Code 10 Bar Code Reading Device 11 A / D Converter 12 Decoder 15 CPU (Data Invalid Judgment Means) 16 ROM (Data Invalid Judgment Means) 17 RAM 18 Interface 19 Reader 20 Terminal ULD Upper Left EAN 8 Digit Bar Code Data (Reading data) URD Upper EAN 8-digit bar code right side data (Reading data) LLD Lower EAN 13 digit bar code left side data (Reading data) LRD Lower EAN 13 digit bar code right side data (Reading data) Ns Number of times CB Center bar

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A bar code reading apparatus which reads a plurality of bar codes arranged close to each other and having different numbers of digits a set number of times, and treats the read data as valid when the read data for each bar code is the same. In one of the plurality of barcodes, the one-side read data centered on the center bar of the barcode with the smallest number of one digit and the one-sided read data centered on the center bar of the other barcode with the number of the least one digit. The data invalidity determining means is provided for comparing the one-sided data of the code and the data of the same digit in the read-out data on the same side, and invalidating the read-out data when both one-sided read data match. And a bar code reader.