WO2003012723A1

WO2003012723A1 - A device for processing data

Info

Publication number: WO2003012723A1
Application number: PCT/AU2002/001008
Authority: WO
Inventors: Desmond Darryl Bowler; Brian Leslie De Vine; Kevin Paul Ford; Sam Walter Donaldson
Original assignee: Ausdas Technologies Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Ausdas Technologies Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2001-07-31
Filing date: 2002-07-29
Publication date: 2003-02-13
Anticipated expiration: 2004-01-31
Also published as: AU5774801A

Abstract

A device for processing data comprising a receiver which is adapted to receive data having a first format and a processor which is adapted to convert the received data to barcode data being data of a second format which is adapted to be output in a form which represents a barcode.

Description

A DEVICE FOR PROCESSING DATA Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to electronic devices and systems associated with data processing. The invention particularly relates to technologies associated with barcodes . Background of the Invention

Typically, barcodes are printed on some form of physical medium such as a label. Each barcode consists of a series of black and white strips of varying widths that are arranged in a sequence which is determined by a particular coding system used.

A barcode is able to be read by a barcode scanner which scans across the code observing the contrast between the light and dark bars.

The level of contrast between the light and dark bars must normally be above 20 percent. From the pattern of light and dark bars the barcode scanner is able to extract the relevant code so that the encoded data can be reproduce .

The barcode scanner is provided with a laser source which is used to ensure the scanner is correctly aligned in front of the barcode so that the barcode is central within the scan pattern. Although barcode labelling is an effective way of monitoring and recording data relating to a particular product (such as the type of product), the barcode is unable to be used when it is desired to monitor variable parameters of a product or data in general . As an example if the weight of a product needs to be determined the product normally needs to be weighed and data relating to the weight of the product must be recorded independently of the barcode scanner system. Therefore in a supermarket goods of variable weight which are charged according to their weight require human intervention to type in product codes and to enable data to be recorded and retrieved relating to the price of that product .

In another situation it may be desirable to monitor the temperature in a room. Clearly the temperature is not capable of being represented as a barcode which is able to be scanned by a barcode scanner. Over a period of time the temperature of the room would be expected to change and an existing barcode scanner system could not be used to monitor this temperature change. Summary of the Invention The present invention according to one aspect provides a receiver which is adapted to receive data having a first format and a processor which is adapted to convert the received data to barcode data, being data of a second format, which is adapted to be emitted from a barcode output in a form which is able to mimic a barcode. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a device for processing data comprising a receiver which is adapted to receive data having a first format and a processor which is adapted to convert the received data to barcode data, being data of a second format, which is adapted to be emitted from a barcode output in a form which is able to mimic a barcode. It is preferred that the barcode data is capable of being read by a barcode scanner. According to another embodiment the barcode data is capable of being stored in a memory so that it can be retrieved and transferred to an output means .

According to one embodiment the memory may be part of a database which is able to store barcode data represented by the barcode means .

It is preferred that the barcode means simulates a barcode.

The barcode output may comprise a transmitter.

The device preferably includes synchronising means which is adapted to activate the barcode output to output the barcode means when a scanner is detected by the device. The synchronising means is preferably adapted to detect when a barcode scanner is at a predetermined position ready to scan the barcode means.

The synchronising means may be adapted to detect a laser pointer from a barcode scanner.

Preferably the barcode output includes a light source which is adapted to be controlled by a controller.

The controller may be adapted to switch the light source on and off whereby the light source is able to mimic reflection of light from a printed barcode as seen by a barcode scanner.

The controller may be adapted to control the length of time the light source is turned on and off.

Preferably the light source includes one or more light emitters.

The number of light emitters may correspond to the length of barcode being simulated.

According to another embodiment the number of light emitters corresponds to the required range of scanning.

According to a further embodiment the number of light emitters corresponds to the number of characters required in the barcode, with each character increasing the barcode length required. It is to be understood that light source is intended to cover any electromagnetic radiation source or emitter.

Preferably the light source comprises a plurality of light emitters arranged linearly. The number of light emitters used can be varied.

The device preferably includes a transmitter window including the/each light emitter.

Preferably the synchronising means includes at least one light detector. The synchronising means preferably includes one light detector at each end of the transmitter window.

The receiver preferably is adapted to receive analog data and convert this to digital data.

The receiver may include an analog to digital converter.

The receiver may be adapted to receive serial data.

The processor preferably includes serial interface circuitry.

Preferably the processor includes analog conditioning circuitry which is adapted to convert the input level of an analog signal to a suitable level that can be received by the analog to digital converter.

Preferably the processor includes a microprocessor which is adapted to receive data from the analog to digital converter and convert the received data to a string of characters representing the final output value, being barcode data.

It is preferred that the processor is adapted to transmit barcode data as an array of characters in which each character is substituted for a binary pattern which represents the barcode for that character.

It is preferred that the processor is able to transmit a string of characters including check characters and start and stop characters .

Preferably the synchronising means includes a triggering means for synchronising transmittal of data from the barcode output with scanning of the barcode means by a barcode scanner.

It is preferred that the receiver is able to receive any one of the following types of data: serial, digital, counts, analog.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a processor which is adapted to receive data of a first format and convert and output the data according to a second format, wherein data of the second format comprises barcode data which is adapted to be output in a form which mimics a barcode.

A device for processing data comprising a receiver which is adapted to receive data having a first format, a processor including a converter for receiving first format data from the receiver and converting it to data of a second format, wherein the data of the second format comprises barcode data which is adapted to be output from a barcode output in a form which mimics a barcode.

Preferably the device includes the barcode output which is adapted to receive the barcode data from the processor.

It is preferred that the device includes a storage means which is adapted to receive the barcode data from the processor.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a system comprising a first device for producing data having a first format and a device for processing data according to any one of the aforesaid aspects or embodiments of the invention, which is connected to the first device, wherein the first device is adapted to transmit data having the first format over a period of time whereby the device for processing data is able to output a plurality of barcode means which are able to be scanned by a barcode scanner.

It should be understood that a device has been described having regard to light and that this term includes any forms of electromagnetic radiation including visible or invisible light, RF or microwave frequencies.

The words "comprising, having, including" should be interpreted in an inclusive sense, meaning that additional features may also be added.

Brief Description of the Drawings

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a barcode;

Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a system for processing data in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a barcode transmitter device according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a virtual barcode in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Drawings

As shown in Figure 1 a barcode consists of a series of light and dark bars 11, 12 of varying widths which are arranged in a sequence which is determined by the particular coding system used.

A barcode scanner reads the code by scanning across the code and observing the contrast between the light and dark bars.

A laser source is used within the scanner to indicate the position at which the reader is looking as it scans back and forth, typically 20 to 40 times a second.

This allows the user to position the scanner so that the barcode is central within the scan pattern

(indicated by the fall of the laser on the code being read) .

According to the preferred embodiment a system 20 is described as shown in Figure 2, which incorporates equipment 21 which is adapted to produce data which it is desired to monitor, record or process in some way. This equipment 21 is connected through cabling 22 to a barcode transmitter device 23. The barcode transmitter device 23 is adapted to format data it receives from the equipment 21 so that it is able to be output in a format which mimics a static barcode and is therefore able to be read by a barcode scanner 24.

The device 23 is able to take real time data from a variable source in a variety of formats . This data is supplied to it from the equipment

21.

Typical types of data sent from equipment 21 can be :

1. serial data (string data representing weights, temperature, time, date, etc.)

2. digital data (string data representing weights, temperature, time, date, etc.)

3. counts (direct input for counting or frequency, eg. people, items, events, frequency, etc)

4. analog data (voltage, current, resistance, etc., eg. temperature, humidity, volts per volts etc.) The device 23 receives data from equipment 21 via several input mechanisms, normally either via an RS 232 serial input, or a direct analog input relative to the quantity being measured. The device then processes the data and removes any unwanted information. The device 23 preferably receives data either serially from a serial device output 21a or in the form of an analog value from an analog device output 21b.

In each case the device 23 is required to convert and format the data before outputting it as a virtual barcode .

In the case of a serial input, data is taken into a serial interface circuit 24 in an RS 232 serial string of upto 48 characters terminated by a carriage return. The serial interface circuitry 24 converts this data from RS 232 levels to an input that can be taken into a microprocessor 25 of the device 23 for conversion and further processing.

The microprocessor 25 is preprogrammed for each application with respect to the logical rules defining: - what parts of the data input is to be output as a barcode (that is output characters 10 to 20 of the 48 character string as a barcode) ; what parts of the data input are to be displayed on the unit display (that is output characters 1 to 9 of the 48 character string on the display); any manipulation of the data necessary before transmission of display (numerical processing etc) ; and any logical decisions necessary relating to special conditions of the data (for example only outputting a code when the data is within a certain range) .

Each of the above tasks may be achieved by writing specific embedded software which is programmed into the microprocessor for each application of the device. Analog data received from analog device output

21b is typically received in either voltage or current form at analog conditioning circuit 26.

This circuitry is configured to suit the specific minimum and maximum input levels used for the application. The conditioning circuitry 26 converts the input to a suitable level that can be taken into the analog to digital converter 27.

The output of the analog to digital converter 27 is a binary value that is read by the microprocessor 25. The microprocessor 25 performs conversion and further processing of the value before converting it to a string of characters that represent the final value to outpu .

The microprocessor is also preprogrammed for each application with respect to the logical rules defining what conversion and further processing of the input is required. This includes: what if any averaging is required; what format and processing is to be applied to any data to be displayed; any arithmetic processing required; and any logical decisions necessary relating to special conditions of the data (for example only outputting a code when the data is within a certain range) .

As before programming is achieved by writing specific embedded software. Serial or analog data which is received by the microprocessor is converted to a string of characters which is held in microprocessor memory ready for output to an infrared transmitter circuit 28.

The microprocessor then generates a corresponding array of characters in which each character is substituted for a binary pattern which represents the barcode for that character.

The actual substitution used will depend on the barcode format being used (code 39, code 128 etc.)

In this way the complete barcode is made up in microprocessor memory.

Finally any check characters and start and stop characters required by the particular barcode format rules being used will be added.

The barcode can then be output from memory when a valid scan trigger is received by a laser detection circuit 29.

The transmitter circuit 28 (which may be infrared) includes a light source (not shown) which is turned on and off (modulated) to produce the virtual barcode in the time domain as a barcode scanning device 30 scans across a window 25 shown in Figure 2.

The light source is illuminated to mimic the reflection from a printed barcode, so that a barcode scanner sees light output as a white bar and the absence of light as a black bar.

The length of time the source is turned on or off determines the bar width.

The light source can be made up of one element or multiple elements.

The determining factor is the range of scanning required and the number of characters that are needed in the barcode.

Each character that is included in a barcode increases the barcode length.

The bar width that a barcode scanner will detect at a given distance is determined by the devices design and construction and is fixed. Therefore the minimum physical length of a printed code is fixed according to the number of characters to be read at a required distance. It follows therefore that the time is fixed that will be required to transmit the code as a sequence of on and off like pulses.

It is preferred that a series of light sources are provided and arranged in a linear fashion. A single light source may be used to transmit short codes at close range .

Additional light sources may be used to transmit longer codes or to increase the range of scanning. The determining facts are the length (in milliseconds) of the barcode to be sent against the angular scan rate of the barcode scanners detector and the distance the scanner is held away from the light source window. The scan rate and the distance determines how long the barcode transmitters light source will be in the field of view of the scanner.

The scanners scan rate is fixed. Hence moving the scanner further away with a fixed light source window length decreases the time available. Increasing the number of light sources makes the light array longer and increases the time available. Correspondingly increasing the barcode length at a fixed scan distance increases the transmission time required.

Further increases to the number of light sources make the light array longer and increases the available transmission time.

The length of the light source array determines the length of the transmission window.

It is preferred that the laser detector arrays are placed at either end of the light source window to allow detection of when the barcode scanners detector is looking at the barcode transmitters light source.

As shown in Figure 4 the virtual barcode 31 is output via the modulation of the light sources in the time domain. The barcode scanner 30 expects to see a pattern of contrasting light and dark bars at is scans across the window 25. The transmitter circuit 28 mimics this barcode to produce virtual barcode 31 by turning its light source (s) on and off in a strict sequence.

Each bar 32 of the code is represented by the light source either being on or off for a predetermined amount of time in the output sequence.

Each bar is represented for the correct time proportional to the other bars. Therefore the barcode scanner detector sees a sequence of light and dark which exactly represents a given barcode as it scans across the window 25.

The microprocessor 25 includes a controlling mechanism which performs a task of synchronising the data output from the transmitter circuit with the scanning mechanism of the barcode scanner 30. This control mechanism also controls the switching of the light source on and off at the correct time to produce the virtual bar code outputs 31.

The laser detector circuit 29 is used to determine the position of the barcode scanners visible laser and hence its detector.

This allows the barcode transmitters control mechanism to begin transmission of the barcode at the correct time and achieve synchronisation.

As previously outlined, to ensure that the barcode is transmitted at the correct time the device 23 needs to know the position of the barcode scanning devices detector. When scanning printed barcodes the position of a standard barcode scanners detector is indicated by a laser pointer. The laser is visible in use as a red line across the page, which is positioned over the code to be scanned. Doing so puts the code in the field of view of the barcode scanning device 30.

The laser detection circuit 29 incorporates two arrays of PIN diodes to detect passing of the laser of the barcode scanning device 30. The device 23 has a housing with an area marked on its outer surface over which the bar code scanner laser is to be directed. The PIN diodes are arranged in a strip approximately 5mm wide and 20mm high which gives enough area to ensure the laser can be easily positioned correctly. A diode array is located at each end of the marked scanning area.

The PIN diodes used are sensitive to light in the spectrum covered by a red visible laser.

When the laser passes over the diode detection array the diodes see a pulse of light. The pulse of light alters the conduction of the diodes.

This characteristic change in conduction is used to produce an electrical impulse in the laser detection circuitry. The detection circuitry further conditions this pulse, shaping it and increasing its level after which the signal is fed to the microprocessor to use as a trigger signal to start the barcode transmission process.

To ensure correct timing of the barcode transmission the laser detection circuit 29 incorporates one array of detection diodes at the left end of the designated scanning area and one array at the right end. For a transmission to be initiated the microprocessor 25 only recognises two valid sequences. Either the laser crosses the right sensor then the left sensor going out to the right and then the left sensor coming back. At this point transmission of the bar code is initiated as a full sweep of the scanners detector left to right is available to view the code.

Alternatively the laser crosses the left sensor then the right sensor going out to the right and the right sensor coming back.

At this point transmission of the bar code is initiated as the full sweep of the scanners detector right to left is available to view the code.

The preferred embodiment of the invention described above describes a system in which a barcode transmitter device 23 provides a virtual barcode in real time over a continuous period of time or a predetermined period of time and this barcode is able to be read by a barcode scanning device .

The present invention also contemplates the virtual barcode being stored or transmitted through hard wiring to another data processor or data processors for further processing and storage.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or in any other country.

Claims

1. A device for processing data comprising a receiver which is adapted to receive data having a first format and a processor which is adapted to convert the received data to barcode data being data of a second format which is to be output in a form which is adapted to switch a light source on and off to simulate a bar code.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1 including a barcode output connected to the processor and adapted to output the barcode data in a form in which the barcode data is able to be read by a barcode scanner.

3. The device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the barcode data is adapted to be output in a form which simulates a barcode without visually displaying a barcode.

4. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the barcode data is adapted to be output to a memory storage means .

5. The device as claimed in claim 3 wherein the barcode output is adapted to output barcode means, being the barcode data which is able to be read by a barcode scanner.

6. The device as claimed in claim 5 wherein the barcode output comprises a transmitter.

7. The device as claimed in claim 6 including synchronising means which is adapted to activate the barcode outtjut to output the barcode means when a scanner is detected by the device.

8. The device as claimed in claim 7 wherein the synchronising means is adapted to detect when a barcode scanner is at a predetermined position ready to scan the barcode means .

9. The device as claimed in claim 8 wherein the synchronising means includes a detection circuit for detecting a laser pointer from a barcode scanner-

10. The device as claimed in claim 2 or 9 wherein the barcode output includes a light source which is adapted to be controlled by a controller to switch the light source on and off to transmit the barcode data.

11. The device as claimed in claim 10 wherein the controller is adapted to switch the light source on and off to mimic reflection of light from a printed barcode .

12. The device as claimed in claim 11 wherein the controller is adapted to control the length of time the light source is turned on and off.

13. The device as claimed in claim 12 wherein the light source includes one or more light emitters .

14. The device as claimed in claim 13 wherein each light emitter is independently able to be switched off by the controller.

15. The device as claimed in claim 14 wherein the number of light emitters corresponds to the length of barcode being simulated by the barcode means.

16. The device as claimed in claim 15 wherein the number of light emitters corresponds to the number of characters required in the barcode.

17. The device as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16 wherein the output comprises a transmitter window including the or each light emitter.

18. The device as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 17 wherein the synchronising means includes at least one laser detector.

19. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the receiver is adapted to receive analog data and convert this to digital data.

20. The device as claimed in claim 18 or 19 wherein the receiver is adapted to receive serial data.

21. The device as claimed in claim 20 wherein the processor includes analog conditioning circuitry which is adapted to convert the input level of an analog signal from the receiver to a suitable level that can be received by an analog to digital converter of the device.

22. The device as claimed in claim 21 wherein the processor comprises a microprocessor which is adapted to receive data of the first format from the analog to digital converter and convert the received data to a string of characters being barcode data.

23. The device as claimed in claim 21 wherein the processor is adapted to transmit barcode data to the barcode output as an array of characters in which each character is substituted for a binary pattern which represents the barcode for that character.

24. The device as claimed in claim 23 wherein the synchronising means includes a triggering means for synchronising transmittal of data from the barcode output with scanning of the barcode means by a barcode scanner.

25. A processor which is adapted to receive data of a first format and convert and output the data according to a second format, wherein data of the second format comprises barcode data which is adapted to be output in a form which mimics a barcode.

26. The processor as claimed in claim 25 including a synchronising means for synchronising output of barcode data with a storage means which is adapted to receive the barcode data.

27. The device as claimed in claim 26 wherein the synchronising means is adapted to sense a scanning signal received from a scanning device having the storage means .

28. A system comprising a first device for producing data having a first format, a second device for processing data as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first device is adapted to transmit data having the first format, received from the first device, over a period of time whereby the device for processing data is able to output a plurality of barcode means which are able to be scanned by a barcode scanner.

29. A barcode transmitter device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings .

30. A device for processing data comprising a receiver which is adapted to receive data having a first format and a processor which is adapted to convert the received data to barcode data, being data of a second format, which is adapted to be emitted from a barcode output in a form which is able to mimic a barcode .

31. A device for processing data comprising a receiver which is adapted to receive data having a first format and a processor which is adapted to convert the received data to barcode data, being data of a second format, which is to be output from a barcode output to mimic a barcode, with at least two elements of the barcode being output from a single location.

32. The device as claimed in claim 30 or 31 including a barcode output connected to the processor and adapted to output the barcode data in a form in which the barcode data is able to be read by a barcode scanner.

33. The device as claimed in claim 31 or claim 32 wherein the barcode data is adapted to be output in a form which simulates a barcode without visually displaying a barcode.

34. The device as claimed in claim 30 or 31 wherein the barcode data is adapted to be output to a memory storage means .

35. The device as claimed in claim 33 wherein the barcode output is adapted to output barcode means, being the barcode data which is able to be read by a barcode scanner.

36. The device as claimed in claim 35 wherein the barcode output comprises a transmitter.

37. The device as claimed in claim 36 including synchronising means which is adapted to activate the barcode output to output the barcode means when a scanner is detected by the device.

38. The device as claimed in claim 37 wherein the synchronising means is adapted to detect when a barcode scanner is at a predetermined position ready to scan the barcode means .

39. The device as claimed in claim 38 wherein the synchronising means includes a detection circuit for detecting a laser pointer from a barcode scanner.

40. The device as claimed in claim 32 or 39 wherein the barcode output includes a light source which is adapted to be controlled by a controller to switch the light source on and off to transmit the barcode data.