JP2001344658A - Bar code reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a bar code reader which realizes security management and has excellent versatility. SOLUTION: A bar code scanner 1 consists of a bar code reading system for reading a bar cod BC, a fingerprint collating system for detecting a fingerprint so as to perform fingerprint collation, a circuit board 30, a housing 2, etc. The bar code reading system consists of a light source 10, a lens 11, a mirror 12, a lens 13, a reading sensor 14 for converting a bar code image to an electric signal. The fingerprint collating system consists of a fingerprint sensor 20 for converting the fingerprint of the finger F of an operator to an electric signal, etc.

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 having a fingerprint collating function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art POS (Point o
f Sales) device is a scanner that reads the barcode attached to the product, a display that displays the product name, product code, price, etc. corresponding to the read barcode information, and a product list, price, total, etc. on the receipt It consists of a printer for printing and a cash drawer for storing cash.

[0003] The POS device is provided with a key switch for managing security, and a mechanism is adopted in which the power of the POS device cannot be turned on unless an operator uses his / her own dedicated key. Further, the responsible person has a dedicated key different from the dedicated key of the general operator, and is permitted to access the operation setting of the POS device and the product database.

[0004]

Recently, a general-purpose personal computer has been developed as a POS device, and a system at a lower price than a dedicated POS machine, so-called PC-POS, has been developed.

In such a PC-POS, an application program such as sales tabulation (POS) software operates under an OS (operating system). Therefore, if the OS does not have a security function, anyone can operate it. Access to the product database is easily allowed.

As a countermeasure, security management by inputting a password can be considered, but it is not perfect due to problems such as forgetting a password or stealing a password.

[0007] As a countermeasure using hardware,
Fingerprint recognition units that can be connected to personal computers have been developed.

However, in order to secure the sales floor area as large as possible, the installation area of the POS device is limited, and there is no room for separately installing a fingerprint recognition unit, and various peripheral units are connected externally. ,
Appearance to customers is not good either.

Further, when a fingerprint recognition unit is connected, it is necessary to install fingerprint recognition software in a personal computer. Therefore, there is a danger that the operation of the original POS software will be slowed down and that the fingerprint recognition software will be altered.

An object of the present invention is to provide a bar code reader which can realize security management and has excellent versatility.

[0011]

The present invention comprises a reading means for reading a bar code, a fingerprint sensor for detecting a fingerprint, and a fingerprint matching means for analyzing a detection signal from the fingerprint sensor and performing fingerprint matching. Is a bar code reader.

According to the present invention, by integrating the reading means for reading the bar code, the fingerprint sensor and the fingerprint collating means, an identity authentication function by fingerprint collation can be given to the reader main body, so that the management of the dedicated key can be achieved. This is unnecessary, and the operability of the POS system is improved. Further, since an external fingerprint recognition unit is not required, the size of the POS system can be reduced.

Further, by performing fingerprint collation on the reading device main body side, fingerprint recognition processing on an external host can be omitted, so that the load on the host can be reduced. Further, since the fingerprint recognition software can be prevented from being altered, security reliability is improved.

Further, the invention is characterized in that the reading means includes a reading sensor for optically imaging a bar code, and the reading sensor also serves as a fingerprint sensor by optically detecting a fingerprint.

According to the present invention, since a reading sensor for optically imaging a bar code optically detects a fingerprint and functions as a fingerprint sensor, one expensive sensor can be used in common. Manufacturing costs can be reduced.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that there is provided an interface means for transmitting the bar code information from the reading means and the fingerprint matching information from the fingerprint matching means to the external host on the same line.

According to the present invention, by sharing the interface means for transmitting the barcode information and the fingerprint collation information, both signals can be transmitted on the same line, and the signal cable and the interface on the external host side can be transmitted. Since the face can be shared, the hardware configuration can be simplified.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the interface means conforms to a serial communication standard or a USB standard.

According to the present invention, since the serial communication standard or the USB standard is provided as a standard in a general personal computer as a connection specification such as a keyboard and a mouse, it is not necessary to prepare a special interface in an external host. .

Further, it is preferable that the signal format output from the reading device is adapted to the signal format of the keyboard, so that the external host can execute the signal processing from the reading device in the same processing as the keyboard input.
There is no need to prepare a special input driver.

Further, according to the present invention, the fingerprint collation means has a fingerprint registration mode and a fingerprint collation mode. In the fingerprint registration mode, a new identification code is generated, and a feature point of the fingerprint is associated with the identification code. The identification code is stored in a memory and transmitted to an external host. In the fingerprint collation mode, an identification code corresponding to a characteristic point of a fingerprint is read from the memory and transmitted to the external host.

According to the present invention, since the fingerprint collation means has the fingerprint registration mode, the association between the characteristic point of the fingerprint and the identification code can be updated by the reader alone, so that the load on the external host can be reduced.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that when a predetermined bar code is read, the fingerprint collation means is set.

According to the present invention, the operability is remarkably improved and the size of the apparatus is reduced by reading a predetermined bar code and obtaining data necessary for setting the fingerprint collation means, for example, for setting the mode. . In general peripheral devices, it is necessary to provide a setting DIP switch or perform processing for transmitting setting data from the host side. In the present invention, such processing on the DIP switch and the host side becomes unnecessary, so that the configuration can be simplified and the convenience of operation can be improved.

Further, a one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional barcode obtained by encoding the characteristic points of the fingerprint and the identification code are added to the ID card, and the characteristic points of the fingerprint and the identification code are read by reading the barcode of the ID card. At the same time, and the registered contents of the memory can be updated collectively.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that a reading window for reading a bar code is provided on the front side of the main body housing, and a detection window for detecting a fingerprint is provided on the back side of the main body housing.

According to the present invention, since the detection window for fingerprint detection is provided on the back side of the main body housing, the index finger, the middle finger, and the like naturally come to the position of the detection window when the operator grips the reading device main body. When the fingerprint is detected, the posture of the finger is stabilized, and reliable fingerprint collation can be performed.

Further, the invention is characterized in that the detection window is provided with an opening / closing cover. According to the present invention, by providing the opening and closing cover on the detection window, the cover is closed except during fingerprint detection, thereby preventing the detection window from being stained or adhering dust.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that an opening / closing sensor for detecting opening / closing of the opening / closing cover is provided, and the operation of the fingerprint collating means is controlled based on a detection signal of the opening / closing sensor.

According to the present invention, by controlling the operation of the fingerprint collating means based on the detection signal of the open / close sensor,
Just by operating the opening / closing cover, the operator automatically turns on / off the energization of the fingerprint collation means and the start and end of the collation operation.
Operability is improved.

[0031]

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is an overall perspective view, and FIG. 1B is an internal configuration diagram. The barcode scanner 1 includes a barcode reading system that reads a barcode BC attached to a product, a fingerprint matching system that detects a fingerprint and performs fingerprint matching, and a circuit board 30 on which electronic components are mounted. Housing 2
Etc.

The bar code reading system includes a light source 10 for generating illumination light, a lens 11 for condensing the illumination light toward the bar code BC, a mirror 12 for reflecting light reflected from the bar code BC, and a reflected light. And a reading sensor 14 for converting the formed barcode image into an electric signal. A reading signal from the reading sensor 14 is supplied to the circuit board 30. The light source 10 is constituted by an LED (light emitting diode) or the like, and the reading sensor 14 is constituted by a CCD (charge coupled device) or the like.

The fingerprint collation system includes a fingerprint sensor 20 for converting a fingerprint of an operator's finger F into an electric signal, and a detection signal from the fingerprint sensor 20 is supplied to a circuit board 30. The fingerprint sensor 20 has, for example, a silicon substrate on which a large number of electrodes are arranged in a matrix, measures capacitance between a finger and each electrode, and detects a fingerprint pattern with a resolution of about 500 dpi. In addition, a non-contact type sensor that optically captures a fingerprint can be applied as the fingerprint sensor 20. When an optical fingerprint sensor is used, a part (for example, a light source, a CCD, etc.) or all of the barcode reading system and the fingerprint collating system can be shared.

On the circuit board 30, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, an A / D converter, a connector and the like are mounted.
CPU is a reading sensor 14 of a bar code reading system, a light source 10
And controls the operation of the fingerprint sensor 20 of the fingerprint collation system.

The housing 2 includes a head 2a, a grip 2
b. A reading window 3 for reading a barcode BC is provided on the front side of the head 2a. A transparent glass plate 3a is mounted on the reading window 3 to keep dust inside the housing.

A detection window 4 for inserting a finger F is provided on the back side of the head 2a. The operator holds the gripper 2
b, the index finger, the middle finger, etc., naturally move the detection window 4
, The posture of the finger is stabilized when the fingerprint is detected.

The detection window 4 is provided with an openable and closable cover 5 which can slide back and forth. The fingerprint sensor 20 can be protected by closing the opening / closing cover 5 except when a fingerprint is detected.

The circuit board 30 is provided with a cover switch 6 which comes into contact with the open / close cover 5 when the open / close cover 5 is open, and detects whether the open / close cover 5 is open or closed. The operability is improved by automatically controlling the fingerprint collation operation using the open / close signal from the cover switch 6.

On the back side of the grip portion 2b, a conductive member 8 that can contact the palm of the operator is provided, and the conductive member 8 is grounded via a ground line of the cable 9. The conductive member 8 allows static electricity accumulated in the operator to escape, so that electrostatic damage and malfunction of the fingerprint sensor 20 can be prevented.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention. Here, an example is shown in which the reading sensor 14 detects a barcode and optically detects a fingerprint, and shares a part of the barcode reading system and a part of the fingerprint collation system. The optical fingerprint sensor employs a total reflection method using a prism 22 for converting unevenness of a fingerprint into light intensity.

The slope of the prism 22 is a portion where the finger F is brought into close contact, and the light source 21 for fingerprint detection is arranged so as to be obliquely incident on the slope of the prism 22. The light source 10 for illuminating the barcode BC is disposed at the vertex of the prism 22.

When a fingerprint is detected, light emitted from the light source 21 is totally reflected at a non-contact portion between the fingerprint of the finger F and the prism 22, and is scattered without being totally reflected at the contact portion due to moisture of the finger F or the like. I do. The difference in brightness between the total reflection light and the scattered light is imaged by the lens 13, and the reading sensor 14 converts the image into a fingerprint image.

On the other hand, when reading the bar code BC, the finger F is separated from the prism 22, the illumination light from the light source 10 is irradiated on the bar code BC, the reflected light is imaged by the lens 13, and the reading sensor 14 Convert to barcode image. Although the barcode image may be distorted depending on the arrangement of the lens 13, the distortion can be corrected by software processing.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 2, a fingerprint image closely attached to the slope of the prism 22 and a bar code BC far away from the slope are provided.
Is processed using the same optical system, the lens 13 preferably has a relatively large depth of field. Further, it is preferable to set the mounting position of the light source 10 at an angle such that the interface reflection of the prism 22 is small and the input light to the reading sensor 14 is large.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the barcode scanner 1. As shown in FIG. 1 includes a light source 10, a reading sensor 14, and a fingerprint sensor 20.
, CPU 31, memory 32, A / D converter 33,
34, an input / output (I / O) circuit 35, an interface 36, and the like.

In the bar code scanner 1 shown in FIG. 2, the reading sensor 14 also serves as the fingerprint sensor 20.

The A / D converter 33 converts an analog signal output from the fingerprint sensor 20 into a digital signal,
31. The A / D converter 34 is connected to the reading sensor 14.
Converts the analog signal output by the
Supply to PU31.

The input / output circuit 35 takes in the open / close signal output from the cover switch 6 and supplies it to the CPU 31,
The energization of the light source 10 is controlled based on a lighting signal from the CPU 31.

The memory 32 includes a ROM, an EEPROM, an R
A bar code analysis program that stores programs and data necessary for the operation of the CPU 31 and reads out bar code information by analyzing a read signal from the read sensor 14 and a detection signal from the fingerprint sensor 20. A fingerprint analysis program that analyzes and extracts feature points of fingerprints, a fingerprint collation database that associates fingerprint feature points with identification codes, and matches and searches identification codes corresponding to extracted fingerprint feature points from a fingerprint collation database And a management program for managing the operations of the barcode reading system and the fingerprint matching system.

The interface 36 transmits barcode information and fingerprint collation information analyzed by the CPU 31 to the POS terminal 50 via the cable 9.

The POS terminal device 50 stores the sales total (PO
S) A general-purpose personal computer equipped with software, etc., and a product name corresponding to barcode information,
It includes a display for displaying a product code, a price, etc., a printer for printing a product list, a price, a total, and the like on a receipt, a cash drawer for storing cash, and the like, and further has an interface 51 connected to the cable 9.

By transmitting various information from the barcode scanner 1 through the common interface 36, the cable 9 and the interface 5 on the POS terminal 50 side are transmitted.
1 can also be shared, and the overall hardware configuration is simplified.

It is preferable that the interfaces 36 and 51 conform to a serial communication standard or a USB standard that is provided as standard equipment in a general personal computer.
Further, the signal format output by the barcode scanner 1 is preferably compatible with the signal format of the keyboard, so that the POS terminal device 50 can execute the signal processing by the same processing as the keyboard input. Therefore, when the application software having the security function requests the password input, the signal from the barcode scanner 1 can be input as the keyboard input, so that the existing software does not need to be changed.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the overall operation of the POS system. When the operator starts the operation of the POS terminal device 50, the operator grips the barcode scanner 1 in step a1, opens the open / close cover 5 of the detection window 4, inserts the finger F, and brings the finger into close contact with the surface of the fingerprint sensor 20. Then, the fingerprint collating operation is started by the opening / closing signal from the cover switch 6, and the fingerprint feature point which is the fingerprint data is obtained.

Next, in step a2, the CPU 31 compares the acquired fingerprint feature points with the fingerprint matching database stored in the memory 32. Next, in step a3, if the fingerprint feature point to be collated is not found in the fingerprint collation database, fingerprint collation error information is output to the POS terminal device 50, and the process returns to step a1. The POS terminal device 50 that has received the fingerprint collation error information displays the fact on the display and stops the operation of the POS system.

If a fingerprint feature point to be collated is found in the fingerprint collation database in step a3, the corresponding identification code is output to the POS terminal device 50. The POS terminal device 50 continues the operation of the POS system, starts a commodity transaction in step a4, receives barcode information read by the barcode scanner 1 in step a5, or inputs data operated by the operator, Perform sales aggregation. When the operator presses the total key or detects the cash drawer open signal in step a6, the merchandise transaction ends and the process returns to step a1.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the data collation in step a2 in FIG. First, step b1
The CPU 31 reads the original fingerprint image detected by the fingerprint sensor 20 and binarizes the original fingerprint image in step b2. In step b3, the fingerprint feature expressed by a minutia including the branch points and end points of the ridge pattern of the fingerprint is obtained. Fingerprint data is created by extracting points and systematically encrypting the fingerprint feature points based on the coordinates of the minutia, the number of ridges between the minutia, and the relation indicating the relative position of the minutia in step b4.

Next, at step b5, the CPU 31 checks whether the current mode setting is the fingerprint registration mode or the fingerprint collation mode. If the mode setting is the fingerprint registration mode, the process proceeds to step b6, where the management ID is used as the identification code. A number is generated, and in step b7, the fingerprint feature point and the ID number are stored in the memory 32 in association with each other, and the fingerprint collation database is updated. The ID number is composed of a combination of numbers, characters, and symbols generated by random numbers, and may be a combination that can be distinguished by an operator or a sales floor manager.

On the other hand, if the mode is the fingerprint collation mode, step b
8, the CPU 31 sequentially reads out the fingerprint data from the fingerprint collation database, and compares the fingerprint data with the fingerprint data created in step b4 in step b9. If not, the process proceeds to step b10, where the presence or absence of the remaining fingerprint data stored in the memory 32 is confirmed, and steps b8 to b9 are repeated until the comparison is performed. If there is no remaining fingerprint data in step b10, it is determined that there is no matching data, and fingerprint matching error information is sent to the POS terminal device 50, and the process returns to step b1.

If the collation with the fingerprint collation database succeeds in step b9, the CPU 31 extracts the collated ID number and sends it to the POS terminal device 50 through the interface 36. The POS terminal device 50 stores in advance an ID number list for which use is permitted and an operator name in association with each other, and if the ID number sent from the bar code scanner 1 exists in the ID number list, the currently used Operator can be specified. Further, since the operator himself cannot know the ID number transmitted by the barcode scanner 1,
High security level can be maintained.

Next, at step b12, the barcode scanner 1 enters a barcode reading mode.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation for performing fingerprint collation every time a bar code is read. First, FIG.
In step c1 of (a), the CPU 31 turns on the light source 10, activates the reading sensor 14, starts preparation for reading, and waits until barcode data is read in step c2.

When the barcode data is read, in step c3, the CPU 31 operates the fingerprint sensor 20 to start reading fingerprint data, which is a fingerprint feature point. If no fingerprint data exists, the process proceeds to step c5. Steps c3 to c4 are repeated until a predetermined time elapses by timer measurement or the like. If there is still no fingerprint data read from the fingerprint sensor 20, fingerprint collation error information is output to the POS terminal device 50, and the process returns to step c1.

On the other hand, when the fingerprint data is read from the fingerprint sensor 20, the collation processing shown in FIG. 6B is performed in step c6, and in step c7, the ID number corresponding to the collation fingerprint data and the bar code read in step c1 The data and the data are integrated as set data and transmitted to the POS terminal device 50. Thereafter, the process returns to step c1.

In step d1 of FIG.
1 calls the registered fingerprint data from the fingerprint collation database and compares the fingerprint data in step d2. If the fingerprint data does not match in step d3, the process proceeds to step d4, where the fingerprint collation error information is obtained. Is output to the POS terminal device 50. At this time, buzzer sound and L
The warning may be given by ED blinking. If the fingerprint data matches, the process proceeds to step c7.

As described above, the fingerprint collation is performed each time the bar code is read, and the bar code data and the fingerprint ID number are set and output to the POS terminal device 50. Can also be managed.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation for setting a mode by reading a bar code. First, at step e1, the CPU 31 turns on the light source 10 to operate the reading sensor 14 to start preparation for reading, and waits until bar code data is read from the reading sensor 14 at step e2.

Next, in step e3, it is determined whether the obtained barcode data is a product code or a predetermined setting command.
Return to 1. If it is a setting command, the flow proceeds to step e4 to determine whether or not the acquired barcode data is a fingerprint collation mode setting command. If so, the flow proceeds to step e6 to set the barcode scanner 1 to the fingerprint collation mode. Then, a fingerprint collation process is executed.

If the command is not the fingerprint collation mode setting command in step e4, the process proceeds to step e5 to perform another command processing, for example, to set or process a mode such as a fingerprint registration mode or a fingerprint deletion mode.

The mode setting operation is facilitated by reading a predetermined bar code and obtaining a command necessary for mode setting.

In the above description, an example has been shown in which personal authentication is performed by fingerprint collation. However, it is also possible to use both card collation using a barcode type ID card and fingerprint collation, thereby increasing the security level. Can be enhanced.

A one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional barcode obtained by encoding the characteristic points of the fingerprint and the identification code is added to the ID card, and the characteristic points of the fingerprint and the identification code are read by reading the barcode of the ID card. At the same time,
The registered contents of the memory can be updated collectively.

Further, by comparing the fingerprint feature point obtained by reading the bar code of the ID card with the fingerprint feature point obtained by the fingerprint sensor 20, the redundancy of the personal authentication is increased, so that the security level can be further increased. Can be.

[0074]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, by integrating a reading means for reading a bar code, a fingerprint sensor and a fingerprint collating means, an identity authentication function by fingerprint collation can be provided to the main body of the reader. Therefore, management of a dedicated key becomes unnecessary, operability of the POS system is improved, and the POS system can be downsized.

Further, by performing fingerprint collation on the reading apparatus main body side, the load on the host can be reduced, and security reliability is improved.

Further, since the reading sensor that optically captures a bar code optically detects a fingerprint and functions as a fingerprint sensor, one expensive sensor can be shared, thereby reducing the number of parts and the manufacturing cost. Is achieved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

1 shows an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 (a) is an overall perspective view, and FIG. 1 (b) is an internal configuration diagram.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the barcode scanner 1.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the overall operation of the POS system.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a fingerprint collation operation.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of performing fingerprint collation every time a barcode is read.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation example of setting a mode by reading a bar code.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Bar code scanner 2 Housing 3 Reading window 4 Detection window 5 Opening / closing cover 6 Cover switch 8 Conductive member 9 Cable 10, 21 Light source 13 Lens 14 Reading sensor 20 Fingerprint sensor 22 Prism 30 Circuit board 31 CPU 32 Memory 33, 34 A / D Converter 35 Input / output (I / O) circuit 36 Interface 50 POS terminal

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 3E042 BA17 CA02 CD05 5B047 AA25 AA30 AB02 BA03 BC04 BC05 BC16 CB22 5B072 AA00 BB10 CC06 CC24 DD00 DD02 DD23 EE02 FF02 JJ11 LL07 LL10 MM02

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A bar code reader comprising: a bar code reader for reading a bar code; a fingerprint sensor for detecting a fingerprint; and a fingerprint collation unit for analyzing a detection signal from the fingerprint sensor and performing fingerprint collation. . 2. The bar according to claim 1, wherein the reading means includes a reading sensor for optically capturing a bar code, and the reading sensor serves as a fingerprint sensor by optically detecting a fingerprint. Code reader. 3. The bar according to claim 1, further comprising interface means for transmitting bar code information from the reading means and fingerprint matching information from the fingerprint matching means to an external host on the same line. Code reader. 4. The bar code reader according to claim 3, wherein said interface means conforms to a serial communication standard or a USB standard. 5. The fingerprint matching means has a fingerprint registration mode and a fingerprint matching mode. In the fingerprint registration mode, a new identification code is generated, and the association between the characteristic point of the fingerprint and the identification code is stored in the memory. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the identification code is transmitted to an external host, and an identification code corresponding to a characteristic point of the fingerprint is read from a memory and transmitted to the external host in the fingerprint matching mode. Barcode reader. 6. The bar code reader according to claim 5, wherein when a predetermined bar code is read, the setting of the fingerprint collating means is performed. 7. A reading window for reading a bar code is provided on the front side of the main body housing, and a detection window for detecting a fingerprint is provided on the back side of the main body housing. The bar code reader according to the above. 8. The bar code reader according to claim 7, wherein an opening / closing cover is provided on the detection window. 9. The bar code reader according to claim 8, further comprising an opening / closing sensor for detecting opening / closing of the opening / closing cover, and controlling an operation of the fingerprint collating means based on a detection signal of the opening / closing sensor.