JP2011048599A - Symbol reading device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

A symbol reading accuracy is improved.
A handy terminal includes a scanner unit that scans a symbol, an acceleration sensor that detects three-dimensional acceleration, a display unit and a buzzer that notify a user of information, and a scanner unit that scans the symbol. The base point angle, which is an inclination angle of the own device suitable for symbol reading, is calculated using the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor, and the inclination angle of the own device is calculated as the device angle. A control unit that determines whether or not a difference from the device angle exceeds a limit angle, and that notifies the display unit 14 and the buzzer that the limit angle is exceeded when the difference exceeds the limit angle; .
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a symbol reader and a program.

  Conventionally, a barcode reader (scanner) that reads a barcode as a symbol attached to a product or the like is known. As bar code readers, devices such as handy terminals that are used in supermarkets, convenience stores, private stores, warehouses, etc. and have a bar code reading function are known.

  Some barcode readers include a tilt (tilt) sensor in order to obtain a relative angle (tilt angle) of the barcode reader with respect to the barcode when scanning the barcode. For example, the state of the own apparatus is estimated from the inclination angle of the own apparatus obtained by the tilt sensor, and according to the estimated state, the reading control condition of exposure time, amplifier gain, focal length, illumination brightness, 2 There is known a bar code reading device that switches a value algorithm and a code type to be decoded to an appropriate one (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-309212 A

  In a conventional barcode reader including a barcode reader that switches reading control conditions and the like according to the inclination angle, the inclination angle of the barcode reader with respect to the barcode has a limit angle. When the user tries to read a barcode at a tilt angle that is tighter than the limit angle, there is a risk that reading will fail or misreading may occur. However, this critical angle is not generally understood. For this reason, the user often uses the barcode reader without being aware of the limit angle.

  For this reason, there are cases where reading is performed with the bar code reader tilted too much with respect to the bar code. Due to such a cause, misreading of the barcode may occur, but the user cannot realize that the tilt angle is tighter than the limit angle and thus fails, so the reading accuracy cannot be improved.

  An object of the present invention is to improve symbol reading accuracy.

In order to solve the above problem, a symbol reading apparatus according to claim 1 is provided.
A scanner unit for scanning symbols;
An acceleration sensor for detecting three-dimensional acceleration;
A notification unit for notifying the user of information;
A base point angle that is a tilt angle of the own device suitable for symbol reading is acquired, and the tilt angle of the own device is calculated as a device angle using the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor, and the device angle and the base point angle are calculated. A control unit that determines whether or not the difference exceeds a limit angle and, when the difference exceeds the limit angle, notifies the notification unit that the limit angle is exceeded.

A second aspect of the present invention provides the symbol reading apparatus according to the first aspect,
The notification unit includes at least one of a display unit, a sound output unit, and a light lighting unit,
When the difference exceeds the limit angle, the control unit indicates that the limit angle is exceeded, a color display by the display unit, a message display by the display unit, and a sound output by the sound output unit. And at least one of light lighting by the light lighting unit, the notification unit is notified.

The invention described in claim 3 is the symbol reading apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The said control part calculates and acquires the inclination angle of an own apparatus as a base point angle using the acceleration data detected by the said acceleration sensor.

The program of the invention described in claim 4 is:
The computer installed in the symbol reader
A scanner unit for scanning symbols,
An acceleration sensor for detecting three-dimensional acceleration,
A notification unit for notifying the user of information,
A base point angle that is a tilt angle of the own device suitable for symbol reading is acquired, and the tilt angle of the own device is calculated as a device angle using the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor, and the device angle and the base point angle are calculated. A controller that determines whether or not a difference exceeds a limit angle, and when the difference exceeds the limit angle, a control unit that notifies the notification unit that the limit angle is exceeded;
To function as.

  According to the present invention, a user can read a symbol within a limit angle, and the symbol reading accuracy can be improved.

It is a perspective view which shows reading of the barcode by the handy terminal of embodiment which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of a handy terminal. It is a top view of the handy terminal and the barcode of the relative position relationship of the base point angle. It is the 1st side view of a handy terminal and bar code of relative position relation of a base point angle. It is the 2nd side view of a handy terminal and bar code of relative position relation of a base point angle. It is a perspective view which shows the inclination angle of 3 axes | shafts in the handy terminal of a base point angle. It is a perspective view which shows the inclination angle of 3 axes | shafts of the handy terminal inclined from the base point angle. It is a flowchart which shows a scan teaching process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st scan execution process. It is a flowchart which shows a base angle input process. It is a flowchart which shows a 2nd scan execution process.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments and modifications according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to the illustrated example.

  An embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the apparatus configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The present embodiment is configured to read a one-dimensional barcode consisting of one one-dimensional bar pattern as a symbol. First, the device configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 shows reading of a barcode 30 by the handy terminal 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a functional configuration of the handy terminal 1.

  The handy terminal 1 as a symbol reading device of the present embodiment has a function of reading a one-dimensional bar code as a symbol attached to a product etc., which is used in a retail store such as a convenience store, a supermarket, and a private store. It is the portable terminal which has.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the handy terminal 1 reads, for example, a barcode 30 that is a one-dimensional barcode. It is assumed that the barcode 30 is printed on the barcode paper surface 40. The handy terminal 1 includes a case 2, a trigger key 12 </ b> A, various keys 12 </ b> B, a display unit 14, and a scanner unit 16.

  The case 2 is a main body case of the handy terminal 1 and has a (substantially) rectangular parallelepiped shape. The front of case 2 is referred to as front 2A. A scanner unit 16 that reads the barcode 30 is provided on the side surface of the case 2 on the front end side in the longitudinal direction. It is assumed that the scanner unit 16 is provided in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the front surface 2 </ b> A of the case 2.

  The trigger key 12 </ b> A is provided on the front surface 2 </ b> A of the case 2 and is a trigger key for executing barcode scanning by the scanner unit 16. The various keys 12B are provided on the front surface 2A of the case 2 and include input keys such as letters and numbers, various function keys, and the like. The display unit 14 is provided on the front surface 2A of the case 2 and displays various display information.

  The axis in the gravity direction at the center in the longitudinal direction of the barcode 30 is defined as an axis a. A horizontal axis perpendicular to the axis a and in the center in the short direction of the barcode 30 is defined as an axis b. In addition, the axis in the reading range of the scanner unit 16 and the axis in the reading direction is defined as an axis e.

  Next, the internal functional configuration of the handy terminal 1 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the handy terminal 1 includes a CPU 11 as a control unit, an operation unit 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a display unit 14 as a notification unit (display unit), and a ROM (Read Only). Memory) 15, scanner unit 16, flash memory 17, I / F (Inter Face) unit 18, acceleration sensor 19, buzzer 20 as a notification unit (sound output unit), and notification unit (lighting unit) ) As a light emitting diode (LED) 21 and a power supply unit 22. Each part of the handy terminal 1 is connected via a bus 23.

  The CPU 11 controls each part of the handy terminal 1. The CPU 11 reads a designated program from among the system programs and application programs stored in the ROM 15, expands it in the RAM 13, and executes various processes in cooperation with the program expanded in the RAM 13.

  In accordance with the scan teaching program 151, the CPU 11 scans and decodes the barcode by the scanner unit 16 during the scan teaching, acquires a base point angle suitable for barcode reading, and acquires acceleration data detected by the acceleration sensor 19. Is used to calculate the device angle of the device itself and determine whether or not the difference between the base point angle and the device angle exceeds the limit angle. Then, when the difference exceeds the limit angle, the CPU 11 outputs, to the effect that the limit angle is exceeded, by the buzzer 20 and the display unit 14.

  Further, the CPU 11 scans the barcode by the scanner unit 16 according to the first scan execution program 152, decodes and reads it.

  The operation unit 12 includes a keypad including a trigger key 12A and various keys 12B. The operation unit 12 receives an operation input of each key on the keypad, and outputs operation information corresponding to the operation input to the CPU 11.

  The RAM 13 is a volatile memory that temporarily stores information. The RAM 13 has a work area for storing various data and programs.

  The display unit 14 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an ELD (Electro-Luminescent Display), or the like. The display unit 14 performs various displays according to display information input from the CPU 11. The display unit 14 is assumed to be a display unit capable of color display or a display unit capable of changing a backlight color (red, blue, etc.). Further, the display unit 14 displays a message in response to an instruction from the CPU 11.

  The ROM 15 is a memory that stores read-only information. The ROM 15 stores a scan teaching program 151 and a first scan execution program 152.

  The scanner unit 16 is a laser scanner that scans a barcode as a symbol. The scanner unit 16 includes, for example, a light emitting unit, a vibration mirror, a light receiving unit, a gain unit, and a binarization unit. In the scanner unit 16, the laser light emitted from the light emitting unit is reflected by the vibration mirror, is shaken to the left and right, and is applied to the barcode. The reflected light of the laser beam reflected by the barcode is received by the light receiving unit and converted into an electrical signal. This electric signal is amplified by the gain unit, converted into binary data of a length of white space and black bar by the binarization unit, and output to the CPU 11.

  The flash memory 17 is a semiconductor memory that stores information in a readable and writable manner. In addition, it is assumed that limit angles (Xmax, Ymax, Zmax) of the handy terminal 1 (case 2) are stored in the flash memory 17 in advance. The limit angles (Xmax, Ymax, Zmax) will be described later in detail.

  The I / F unit 18 is a connection unit that can be connected to a predetermined device and communicates with the connected device. For example, the I / F unit 18 is connected to a cradle on which the handy terminal 1 is placed, and is connected to a device such as a management server via the cradle.

  The acceleration sensor 19 is a three-dimensional acceleration sensor. The acceleration sensor 19 detects triaxial acceleration corresponding to the handy terminal 1 (case 2) and outputs the acceleration data to the CPU 11 as triaxial acceleration data.

  The buzzer 20 is a sound output unit that outputs sound in response to an instruction from the CPU 11. The buzzer 20 can output different sounds such as a normal completion notification sound and an abnormal inclination detection sound described later.

  The LED 21 is a light output unit that turns on, turns off, and blinks light according to instructions from the CPU 11.

  The power source unit 22 is a power source that supplies power to each unit of the handy terminal 1. The power supply unit 22 is a secondary battery such as a lithium battery, for example.

  Next, the operation of the handy terminal 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. First, an inclination angle of the handy terminal 1 (case 2) will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 shows the upper surface configuration of the handy terminal 1 and the barcode 30 in the relative positional relationship of the base point angle. FIG. 4 shows a side configuration of the front terminal 2A in the longitudinal direction of the handy terminal 1 and the barcode 30 in the relative positional relationship of the base point angle. FIG. 5 shows a side configuration of the rear end side of the front surface 2 </ b> A of the handy terminal 1 and the barcode 30 in the relative positional relationship of the base point angle. FIG. 6 shows the inclination angles of the three axes c, d, e in the handy terminal 1 at the base point angle. FIG. 7 shows the inclination angles of the three axes c, d, and e of the handy terminal 1 inclined from the base point angle.

  It is assumed that the handy terminal 1 and the barcode 30 in FIG. 1 are in a relative positional relationship that is a base point angle as a reference inclination angle. It is best that the handy terminal 1 performs bar code reading with the base point angle. That is, the base point angle is an inclination angle at which reading failure and misreading are minimized when barcode reading is performed.

  In the state of the base point angle, as shown in FIG. 3, the angle at which the axis e of the handy terminal 1 and the axis b of the barcode 30 intersect is 90 degrees. In the state of the base point angle, as shown in FIG. 4, the angle at which the axis e of the handy terminal 1 and the axis a of the barcode 30 intersect is 90 degrees. In the state of the base point angle, as shown in FIG. 5, the angle at which the axis a and the axis b of the barcode 30 intersect is 90 degrees, and the intersection of the axis a and the axis b is the axis e of the handy terminal 1. Intersect.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the base point angle of the handy terminal 1 is represented by a base point angle (X, Y, Z) that is an angle around three axes c, d, e. The axis c is an axis perpendicular to the front surface 2A of the handy terminal 1 (case 2). X is the rotation angle of the handy terminal 1 (case 2) around the axis c. X is the pitch angle of the barcode reading angle.

  The axis d is an axis parallel to the front surface 2A of the handy terminal 1 (case 2) and perpendicular to the side surface on the longitudinal direction side. Y is the rotation angle of the handy terminal 1 around the axis d. Y is the skew angle of the barcode reading angle. Z is a rotation angle of the handy terminal 1 (case 2) around the axis e. Z is the tilt angle of the barcode reading angle. The axes c, d, and e are orthogonal to each other at one point.

  Referring to FIG. 7, a state where the handy terminal 1 (case 2) is tilted from the base point angle (X, Y, Z) will be considered. The tilt angles around the axes c, d, e in the handy terminal 1 tilted by a predetermined angle from the base point angle (X, Y, Z) are represented as device angles (X ′, Y ′, Z ′). The device angle (X ′, Y ′, Z ′) is represented by X ′ = X + Xmove, Y ′ = Y + Ymove, Z ′ = Z + Zmove. Xmove is a difference between the device angle X ′ and the base point angle X. Ymove is the difference between the device angle Y ′ and the base point angle Y. Zmove is the difference between the device angle Z ′ and the base point angle Z.

  Further, limit angles (Xmax, Ymax, Zmax) are set in advance. The limit angles (Xmax, Ymax, Zmax) are the base point angles (X, X, X2), when the handy terminal 1 (case 2) is tilted beyond this, barcode reading fails or misreads, or is likely to occur. Y, Z) is the difference angle of the device angle (X ′, Y ′, Z ′).

  Next, processing executed in the handy terminal 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8 shows the scan teaching process. FIG. 9 shows the first scan execution process.

  With reference to FIG. 8, the scan teaching process executed in the handy terminal 1 will be described. The scan teaching process is a process for teaching the user the posture for reading the barcode on the handy terminal 1 and giving a warning when the difference between the base point angle and the apparatus angle is tilted larger than the limit angle. In advance, it is assumed that the handy terminal 1 is held by the user and is in a base angle posture. In addition, it is assumed that the scan teaching mode for performing the scan teaching according to the input from the user via the operation unit 12 is set. In the scan execution mode for performing normal scan execution, the process ends when the barcode is successfully read (decoded). However, in the scan teaching mode, the process is continued even if the barcode is successfully read (decoded).

  In the handy terminal 1, for example, in response to a press input of the trigger key 12 </ b> A from the user being accepted as a trigger, the CPU 11 cooperates with the scan teaching program 151 read from the ROM 15 and appropriately expanded in the RAM 13. A scan teaching process is executed.

  First, barcode scanning by the scanner unit 16 is started (step S11). In step S11, a series of repetitive operations of light emission in the scanner unit 16, shaking the laser light to the left and right, light reception, amplification of electric signals, and binarization are started. It is assumed that scan teaching is performed while the user continues to press the trigger key 12A.

  Then, triaxial acceleration data is acquired from the acceleration sensor 19, and the base point angle (X, Y, Z) of the handy terminal 1 (case 2) is calculated and acquired according to the acceleration data and stored in the RAM 13. (Step S12). Then, it is determined whether or not the trigger key 12A has been released (not pressed) (step S13).

  When the trigger key 12A is released (step S13; YES), the scan teaching process ends. If the trigger key 12A is not released (step S13; NO), the binarized data is acquired from the scanner unit 16, and decoding is executed using the binarized data (step S14). Then, triaxial acceleration data is acquired from the acceleration sensor 19, and the device angle (X ′, Y ′, Z ′) of the handy terminal 1 (case 2) is calculated and acquired according to the acceleration data, and is stored in the RAM 13. Stored (step S15).

  Then, the limit angle Xmax is read from the flash memory 17, and it is determined whether or not | X−X ′ |> Xmax by using X and X ′ acquired in steps S12 and S15 (step S16). ). If | X′−X |> Xmax is not satisfied (step S16; NO), the pitch angle difference from the base point angle does not exceed the limit angle Xmax, and the limit angle Ymax is read from the flash memory 17, and step S12, Whether or not | Y′−Y |> Ymax is determined using Y and Y ′ acquired in S15 (step S17). If | Y′−Y |> Ymax is not satisfied (step S17; NO), the difference from the base point angle with respect to the skew angle does not exceed the limit angle Ymax, and the limit angle Zmax is read from the flash memory 17, and step S12, Using Z and Z ′ acquired in S15, it is determined whether or not | Z′−Z |> Zmax (step S18).

  If | Z′−Z |> Zmax is not satisfied (step S18; NO), whether the difference from the base point angle with respect to the tilt angle does not exceed the limit angle Zmax, is the decoding executed in step S14 successful (OK)? It is determined whether or not (step S19). When decoding fails (step S19; NO), the process proceeds to step S13. If the decoding is successful (step S19; YES), the barcode reading result corresponding to the successful decoding is displayed in blue on the display unit 14 (step S20), and the process proceeds to step S13. It is assumed that the blue color indicates a successful decoding when the handy terminal 1 (case) has a normal inclination. Further, the blue color is a display color of the message on the display unit 14 or a backlight color.

  If | X′−X |> Xmax (step S16; YES), the pitch angle difference from the base point angle exceeds the limit angle Xmax, and an abnormal inclination detection sound is output by the buzzer 20 (step S21). . This abnormal inclination detection sound is a sound indicating that the inclination of the handy terminal 1 (case 2) exceeds the limit angle. If | Y′−Y |> Ymax (step S17; YES), the difference between the skew angle and the base point angle exceeds the limit angle Zmax, and the process proceeds to step S21. If | Z′−Z |> Zmax (step S18; YES), the difference from the base point angle with respect to the tilt angle exceeds the limit angle Zmax, and the process proceeds to step S21. The abnormal tilt detection sound may be a common sound with abnormal pitch angle X ′, skew angle Y ′, and tilt angle Z ′, and pitch angle X ′, skew angle Y ′, tilt to indicate which angle is abnormal. The sounds may be different from each other due to an abnormality in the angle Z ′.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the decoding executed in step S14 is successful (OK) (step S22). When decoding fails (step S22; NO), the process proceeds to step S13. If the decoding is successful (step S22; YES), the barcode reading result corresponding to the successful decoding is displayed in red on the display unit 14 (step S23), and the process proceeds to step S13. It is assumed that this red color is a color indicating successful decoding when the handy terminal 1 (case) has an abnormal inclination. The red color is a message display color or a backlight color of the display unit 14.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the first scan execution process executed in the handy terminal 1 will be described. The first scan execution process is a process of actually executing barcode reading after the user is appropriately instructed by the scan teaching process. It is assumed that the handy terminal 1 is previously held by the user and set to the scan execution mode in accordance with an input from the user via the operation unit 12.

  Then, in the handy terminal 1, for example, with the reception of a press input of the trigger key 12 </ b> A from the user as a trigger, the first scan execution program 152 read from the ROM 15 and appropriately expanded in the RAM 13 and the cooperation of the CPU 11. Thus, the first scan teaching process is executed.

  First, barcode scanning by the scanner unit 16 is started (step S31). It is assumed that the user keeps pressing the trigger key 12A during the scan execution. Then, it is determined whether or not the trigger key 12A has been released (not pressed) (step S32).

  When the trigger key 12A is released (step S32; YES), the first scan execution process ends. If the trigger key 12A is not released (step S32; NO), the binarized data is acquired from the scanner unit 16, and decoding is executed using the binarized data (step S33). Then, it is determined whether or not the decoding executed in step S33 is successful (OK) (step S34). When decoding fails (step S34; NO), the process proceeds to step S32.

  When the decoding is successful (step S34; YES), the buzzer 20 outputs a normal completion notification sound (step S35). This normal completion notification sound is a sound indicating that decoding has been completed successfully. Then, the barcode reading result corresponding to the successful decoding is displayed in blue on the display unit 14 (step S36), and the process proceeds to step S13.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the handy terminal 1 scans and decodes the symbol by the scanner unit 16 and provides the base point angle (X, Y, Z) suitable for barcode reading at the time of scanning teaching. The apparatus angle (X ′, Y ′, Z ′) of the own apparatus is calculated using the acceleration data detected and detected by the acceleration sensor 19, and the base point angle (X, Y, Z) and the apparatus angle (X ′, It is determined whether or not the difference from Y ′, Z ′) exceeds the limit angle (Xmax, Ymax, Zmax). Then, when the difference exceeds the limit angle (Xmax, Ymax, Zmax), the handy terminal 1 outputs that the limit angle (Xmax, Ymax, Zmax) is exceeded by the buzzer 20 and the display unit 14. To do. For this reason, since it can be confirmed that the user has exceeded the limit angle (Xmax, Ymax, Zmax), the user can move the handy terminal 1 to read the barcode within the limit angle, and the barcode reading accuracy. Can be increased.

  Further, at the time of abnormal inclination, the buzzer 20 outputs an abnormal inclination detection sound different from the normal completion notification sound at the normal time, and the reading result is displayed on the display unit 14 in red different from the normal blue display. For this reason, it can be confirmed through visual and auditory sense that the user exceeds the limit angle (Xmax, Ymax, Zmax).

  The handy terminal 1 calculates and sets the base point angle using the acceleration data detected by the acceleration sensor 19. For this reason, the user can set an arbitrary base point angle. For example, unlike the barcodes of the arrangement described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, the base point angle can be easily set to a barcode having an arrangement whose longitudinal direction is not parallel to the horizontal plane.

  In addition, when the difference exceeds the limit angle (Xmax, Ymax, Zmax) and the decoding is successful, the handy terminal 1 displays that the difference exceeds the limit angle and the decoding is successful together with a reading result. 14 is displayed in red. For this reason, when the difference exceeds the limit angle and decoding is successful, the user can surely confirm visually that there is a high possibility that the barcode is misread.

(Modification)
A modification of the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 shows the base point angle input process. FIG. 11 shows the second scan execution process.

  In the embodiment described above, the user is notified that the difference between the base point angle of the handy terminal 1 and the device angle has exceeded the limit angle during scan teaching. On the other hand, this modification is configured to notify the user that the difference between the base point angle of the handy terminal 1 and the device angle has exceeded the limit angle at the time of scanning.

  The apparatus configuration of this modification is a configuration using the handy terminal 1 as in the above embodiment. However, it is assumed that the ROM 15 stores a reference angle input program and a second scan execution program, which will be described later, in place of the scan teaching program 151 and the first scan execution program 152. Also, it is assumed that the various keys 12B include a base point angle input key that is a trigger key for base point angle input.

  Next, the operation of the handy terminal 1 in this modification will be described. First, with reference to FIG. 10, the base point angle input process executed in the handy terminal 1 will be described. In the above embodiment, since the base point angle (X, Y, Z) is used only temporarily, it is acquired during execution of the scan teaching process and stored in the RAM 13. On the other hand, in this modification, since the base point angle once input is repeatedly used, the base point angle input process and the scan execution process are divided into separate processes. The base point angle input process of the present modification is a process in which the user inputs and sets the base point angle used for the scan execution before the scan execution.

  It is assumed that the handy terminal 1 is gripped by the user in advance, and the handy terminal 1 is in a posture (tilt) desired to be a desired base point angle. Then, in the handy terminal 1, for example, when a pressing input of the base point angle input key of the various keys 12 </ b> B from the user is accepted, the base point angle input program read from the ROM 15 and appropriately expanded in the RAM 13 and the CPU 11 are triggered. The base point angle input process is executed in cooperation with.

  First, triaxial acceleration data is acquired from the acceleration sensor 19, and the base point angle (X, Y, Z) of the handy terminal 1 (case 2) is calculated and acquired according to the acceleration data, and is stored in the flash memory 17. This is stored (step S41), and the base point angle input process ends.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 11, the second scan execution process executed in the handy terminal 1 will be described. The second scan execution process is a process of notifying the user that the difference between the base point angle of the handy terminal 1 and the device angle has exceeded the limit angle and actually executing the barcode reading. It is assumed that the handy terminal 1 is previously held by the user and set to the scan execution mode in accordance with an input from the user via the operation unit 12.

  Then, in the handy terminal 1, for example, in response to a press input of the trigger key 12 </ b> A from the user being received as a trigger, the second scan execution program read from the ROM 15 and appropriately expanded in the RAM 13 and the cooperation of the CPU 11. Thus, the first scan execution process is executed.

  First, barcode scanning by the scanner unit 16 is started (step S51). It is assumed that the user keeps pressing the trigger key 12A during the scan execution. Then, the base point angle (X, Y, Z) of the handy terminal 1 (case 2) stored in the flash memory 17 stored in the base point angle input process is read and acquired (step S52).

  Steps S53 to S60 are the same as steps S13 to S20 of the scan teaching process, respectively. After execution of step S60, the buzzer 20 outputs a normal completion notification sound (step S61), and the second scan execution process ends. Steps S62 to S64 are the same as steps S21 to S23 of the scan teaching process, respectively.

  As described above, according to the present modification, the user can confirm that the user exceeds the limit angle (Xmax, Ymax, Zmax) when executing the scan, as in the above embodiment. The barcode can be read within the limit angle by moving, and the barcode reading accuracy can be improved.

In the above description, the example in which the ROM 15 is used as the computer-readable medium of the program according to the present invention is disclosed, but the present invention is not limited to this example.
As other computer-readable media, a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory 17 and a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM can be applied.
A carrier wave is also applied to the present invention as a medium for providing program data according to the present invention via a communication line.

  The description in the above embodiment is an example of the symbol reading apparatus and the program according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, the above embodiment and modifications may be combined as appropriate. Moreover, in the said embodiment and modification, the abnormal inclination detection sound is output from the buzzer 20 as a notification part at the time of the abnormal inclination when the difference of the base point angle of the handy terminal 1 (case 2) and the device angle exceeds the limit angle. When the decoding is successfully completed without exceeding the limit angle, the normal completion notification sound is output from the buzzer 20, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the display by the display unit 14 as a notification unit, the lighting by the LED 21 as a notification unit, the manner of blinking, the lighting color, etc. are changed to notify the user of abnormal inclination detection or normal completion of decoding at normal inclination. It is good also as composition to do.

  In the embodiment and the modification described above, when the difference between the base point angle of the handy terminal 1 (case 2) and the device angle exceeds the limit angle, the reading result is displayed in blue on the display unit 14, and the limit angle is also displayed. When the decoding is successful and completed without exceeding, the reading result is displayed in red on the display unit 14, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the display color may be another color. In addition, the reading result may be displayed on the display unit 14 together with a message to that effect during abnormal tilt or normal tilt. In addition, the handy terminal 1 includes a speaker as a notification unit (sound output unit), and outputs a reading result by a speaker along with an abnormal inclination, and outputs a reading result through a speaker along with a normal inclination. It is good also as a structure. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which combines at least 2 of the message display by said display part 14, the color-coded display by the display part 14, the sound output by the buzzer 20, lighting (flashing) by LED21, color-coded lighting, and the audio | voice output by a speaker.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment and modification, although it was the structure which set the base point angle freely by user input, it is not limited to this. For example, if the base point angle of the barcode is always determined, the base point angle is set in advance and stored in the flash memory 17 or the like, and without inputting the base point angle at the time of scan teaching or scan execution, The base point angle stored in the flash memory 17 or the like may be read out.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment and modification, although the handy terminal 1 was set as the structure which reads a one-dimensional barcode as a symbol by the scanner part 16 which is a laser scanner, it is not limited to this. For example, the handy terminal 1 may include another scanner unit such as an image scanner. For example, the image scanner may be configured to read other symbols such as a one-dimensional barcode, a two-dimensional code such as a stack type two-dimensional code, and a QR code.

  In each of the above embodiments, the handy terminal is used as the symbol reading device. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As the symbol reading device, a device having another symbol reading function such as a mobile phone, a PHS (Personal Handyphone System), or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) may be used.

  In addition, it goes without saying that the detailed configuration and detailed operation of each component of the handy terminal 1 in the above-described embodiments and modifications can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

1 Handy Terminal 2 Case 2A Front 11 CPU
12 Operation unit 12A Trigger key 12B Various keys 13 RAM
14 Display 15 ROM
16 Scanner unit 17 Flash memory 18 I / F unit 19 Acceleration sensor 20 Buzzer 21 LED
22 power supply 23 bus

Claims (5)

A scanner unit for scanning symbols;
An acceleration sensor for detecting three-dimensional acceleration;
A notification unit for notifying the user of information;
The scanner unit scans and decodes the symbol, obtains a base point angle that is an inclination angle of the own apparatus suitable for symbol reading, and uses the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor to determine the inclination angle of the own apparatus. To determine whether the difference between the base angle and the device angle exceeds a limit angle, and when the difference exceeds the limit angle, the notification that the limit angle is exceeded A symbol reading device. The notification unit includes at least one of a display unit, a sound output unit, and a light lighting unit,
When the difference exceeds the limit angle, the control unit indicates that the limit angle is exceeded, a color display by the display unit, a message display by the display unit, and a sound output by the sound output unit. The symbol reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit is notified by at least one of light lighting by the light lighting unit.   The symbol reading device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit calculates and acquires the tilt angle of the device as a base point angle using acceleration data detected by the acceleration sensor.   The control unit, when the difference exceeds a limit angle and the decoding is successful, causes the notification unit to notify that the difference exceeds the limit angle and the decoding is successful. The symbol reading device according to any one of claims. The computer installed in the symbol reader
A scanner unit for scanning symbols,
An acceleration sensor for detecting three-dimensional acceleration,
A notification unit for notifying the user of information,
The scanner unit scans and decodes the symbol, obtains a base point angle that is an inclination angle of the own apparatus suitable for symbol reading, and uses the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor to determine the inclination angle of the own apparatus. To determine whether the difference between the base angle and the device angle exceeds a limit angle, and when the difference exceeds the limit angle, the notification that the limit angle is exceeded Control unit to notify the unit,
Program to function as.

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