JP4140722B2 - Barcode reader with integrated sensor such as temperature - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a barcode reader incorporating a temperature sensor.

Conventionally, convenience stores and the like have introduced POS systems for merchandise management and customer management.
POS grasps sales data by acquiring point-of-sale data and links it with purchase data, thereby making it possible to centrally manage sales, purchases and inventory. For example, in the distribution industry such as the convenience store industry, the bar code attached to the product is read in the cash register, the purchase price is calculated, the receipt is issued, the product inventory and sales are managed, etc. These data are transferred online to the headquarters server. At this time, data such as customer's gender and age are input, and data such as season, date and time, store area, etc. are stored together to use the data for marketing, product purchase, inventory management, sales forecasting, etc. can do.

By the way, even when using the above data, if you sell canned drinks, plastic bottle drinks, etc., manually enter the data whether hot drinks or cold drinks were sold. If you don't do it, you can't figure it out. This is because the bar code printed on the product alone cannot be used to determine whether it is hot or cold.
It can be solved by attaching different barcodes for hot and cold, but printing different barcodes on exactly the same product when stored, considering the trouble of managing product inventory, It does not fit in terms of labor and cost. In addition, at the turn of the season, if a product on which a hot bar code is printed is sold for cold use, the POS data may manage wrong data.

JP 2001-33316 A

As a technique for performing temperature measurement or the like for product management in a conventional bar code reader or POS system, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-33316 “Portable Thermometer and Food Sanitation Management System”, a bar code reader Using a portable thermometer with a thermocouple sensor, a position code indicating the number of each work process and the temperature information of the food processed in each work process are stored in pairs and stored in a personal computer. A system for transferring directly to a device is disclosed.
However, in this case, it is necessary to change the bar code reading and temperature measurement, and the purpose of use is quality control for a specific product in the manufacturing work process. It cannot be used for POS systems that handle various products at convenience stores.

JP-A-11-160160

JP-A-11-160160 “Food Production Information Collection and Management System” collects food production information such as temperature history and equipment used throughout the production and processing of food and automatically records it on a recording medium for comprehensive management information. Has been disclosed.
This includes a temperature history detection device that stores the temperature detected by the temperature detection means together with the measurement time, sends the stored data to a host computer, and at least the worker ID input from the input means, production facility information, and A portable data input device that sends data that links the data of product information and time to a host computer, and temperature history, workers, and production equipment in time series for each product based on the data received by both devices And a temperature history collecting device provided with a control means for recording the information on the recording medium.
However, in this case, the barcode must be read and used for temperature measurement, and the purpose of use is quality control for a specific product in a food processing factory. It cannot be used for POS systems that handle various products at convenience stores.
This is because food temperature measurement results in a food processing factory, information on workers and production facilities, and information on products are simply input and managed by each device.

At present, there is a type in which a barcode reader and a temperature measurement probe are completely separated for manufacturing equipment. However, in this case, it is necessary to switch between the bar code reading and the temperature measurement.
The purpose of use is quality control for a specific product in manufacturing (production), and it cannot be used for a POS system that handles various products.

Therefore, in order to solve the various problems described above, in the present invention, a temperature sensor is incorporated in the barcode reader, and barcode data reading and object temperature measurement / determination are performed simultaneously. By this, it aims at inputting goods data, a date, and its temperature data easily and definitely by integrating.
Another object of the present invention is to enable accurate measurement using correction data or the like when reading a barcode attached to a product or the like.
Furthermore, in the present invention, in addition to the combination of a barcode reader and a temperature sensor, correction data acquisition and measurement condition acquisition and setting can be performed by combining a barcode reader and various sensors such as humidity, moisture, odor, and gas. Provided is a system that can be easily determined and can determine whether a measurement object is appropriate from the barcode and whether its humidity, moisture, smell, sound, illuminance, etc. are appropriate.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a barcode reader integrated with a temperature sensor according to the present invention measures barcode temperature reading means for reading a barcode attached to an article, etc., and the temperature of the article or the like that is a temperature measurement target. A temperature measurement means that uses the successful reading of the barcode by the barcode reading means as a trigger for temperature measurement, and the temperature measurement means uses the data read by the temperature measurement means at that time as temperature information, and is obtained by the temperature measurement means Information processing means for storing or transferring the temperature information and the information obtained by the barcode reading means in association with each other, and product data and temperature data can be measured simultaneously.
In place of the temperature measuring means, a second measuring means for measuring any one or any combination of humidity, moisture, odor, gas, sound and illuminance is provided so that the barcode reading means can successfully read the barcode. As the measurement trigger of the second measuring means, the data read by the second measuring means at that time may be used as the measurement information.
In order to correct the measurement information to appropriate data, a temperature correction unit, a humidity correction unit, and an odor correction unit may be provided corresponding to each measurement unit.
The measurement area is determined by using the successful barcode reading by the barcode reading means as a trigger for measurement, and the measurement area can be set by changing the reading focus range of the barcode reader.

  Moreover, the temperature correction data contained in the barcode can be read by the barcode reading means, and accurate temperature measurement corresponding to various products can be made possible.

  Also, the temperature measurement area is determined by using the successful barcode reading by the barcode reading means as a trigger for temperature measurement, and the temperature measurement area is set by changing the reading focus range of the barcode reader. Can be possible.

  Further, according to the temperature measurement conditions included in the barcode, it is possible to allow the temperature measurement means to perform measurement by a measurement method suitable for the temperature measurement object.

  The bar code reader is provided with data input means other than the bar code reading means, and associates the data read or input by the data input means with the temperature data measured by the temperature measuring means. Thus, the information processing means can store or transfer data.

  Further, in place of the temperature measuring means or separately from the temperature measuring means, measurement for measuring any one or more of humidity, moisture, odor, gas, etc. of the article to be measured. Means and information processing means for storing or transferring the information obtained by the measuring means and the information obtained by the barcode reading means in association with each other, the product data and the data obtained by the measuring means Can be measured simultaneously.

  In addition, when the information processing means stores or transfers information, time information when the information is obtained can be added.

  In addition, measurement of various sensors is always performed simultaneously with the reading of the barcode reader, and the data read by the sensor at that time is stored in correspondence with the information obtained by the barcode reading means, triggered by the successful reading of the barcode. Alternatively, the response can be improved by transferring.

According to the present invention, a temperature sensor is built in the barcode reader, and barcode data reading and temperature measurement / determination of an object are performed simultaneously. Thereby, the product data, the date, and the temperature data can be easily and definitely input by integrating them.
Furthermore, when reading a barcode attached to a product or the like, accurate measurement can be made using correction data or the like.
Furthermore, in the present invention, in addition to the combination of a barcode reader and a temperature sensor, correction data acquisition and measurement condition acquisition and setting can be performed by combining a barcode reader and various sensors such as humidity, moisture, odor, and gas. In addition to being easy to perform, it is possible to determine whether or not the humidity, moisture, smell, sound, illuminance, etc. are appropriate by judging the measurement object from the barcode.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the basic configuration of the system of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, barcode reading means such as a barcode sensor unit for optically reading a barcode attached to a product or the like by a barcode sensor is provided. In addition, a temperature measuring means such as a radiation type temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the product etc. is provided simultaneously with the barcode.
Further, an example is shown in which data input means such as a keyboard for inputting POS data and the like and an input key of a cash register are provided.
As shown in FIG. 2, the barcode reading unit such as the barcode sensor unit and the temperature measuring unit such as the radiation type temperature sensor unit face the same direction as shown in FIG. 2 so that the barcode and temperature can be read and measured simultaneously. It is desirable to be able to measure the same range or overlapping ranges.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of another basic configuration of the system of the present invention.
In FIG. 3, barcode reading means such as a barcode sensor unit for optically reading a barcode attached to a product or the like by a barcode sensor is provided. In addition, a temperature measuring means such as a radiation type temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the product etc. is provided simultaneously with the barcode.
Further, an example is shown in which data input means such as a keyboard for inputting POS data and the like and an input key of a cash register are provided.
Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, humidity measuring means such as a humidity sensor unit for measuring the humidity of a product or the like is provided simultaneously with the barcode.
Also, odor detection means such as an odor sensor unit for detecting the odor of the product etc. simultaneously with the barcode and measuring the freshness of the product is provided.

Note that, in any form as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, information processing means for processing read / measured data and control means for controlling the operation of hardware and software Is provided.
In order to correct the read / measured data according to the predetermined rules and perform information processing, it corresponds to each sensor in order to correct the data to be the reference data for correcting the data and the appropriate data according to the reference. In addition, temperature correction means, humidity correction means, and odor correction means are provided.
Next, storage means such as a memory and a hard disk for storing processed data, and network communication means for transferring data via a network such as the Internet and LAN are provided.
The display means is a display, a liquid crystal display screen, or the like for displaying POS data, inputting an amount of money by a cash register, reading / measuring data, or the like. However, these need not be provided in the barcode reader itself, and are usually provided connected to the barcode reader. In addition, the barcode reader and the storage unit, the display unit, and the like may be connected by wireless communication.

Conventionally, a contact type and a non-contact type are known as temperature sensors used in the temperature measuring means. The contact type is a method in which the measurement is performed by directly contacting an object. The sensor configuration is simple and widely used, and as a representative example, a platinum resistance thermometer, thermistor, and thermocouple have been developed.
The non-contact type measures the infrared radiation emitted from the object and measures the temperature of the object from the amount of the infrared radiation. There is a radiation temperature sensor and so on. It is possible to measure the temperature by receiving the infrared rays naturally emitted from the object. That is, the temperature can be collected without touching the object to be measured, and this is integrated into the barcode reader of the present invention.
A radiation thermometer can measure temperature in a non-contact manner by capturing the amount of infrared energy radiated from an object according to the temperature.

  As a preferred example, the temperature correction data contained in the barcode can be read by the barcode reading means, and accurate temperature measurement corresponding to various products can be performed.

For example, in the case of a can beverage, a product is specified by the read barcode, and hot / cold determination is performed based on the temperature at that time.
If it is a hot / cold determination of canned drinks, the measurement accuracy may not be so high. It is necessary to know the emissivity of the object to be measured accurately.
The temperature measurement sensor includes a contact type thermocouple temperature sensor and a non-contact type radiation temperature sensor. In the case of a non-contact type radiation temperature sensor, it is necessary to know the emissivity of heat (infrared rays) of an object in order to accurately measure the temperature. For cabbage, it is necessary to use the emissivity of cabbage.

Data for temperature correction is stored in a storage means such as a memory provided in the barcode reader, or in a storage means provided connected to the barcode reader, for each product that is read and determined by the barcode, a temperature such as a correction coefficient. Correction data can be stored.
As another method, a method of putting temperature correction data in the barcode itself can be adopted.
If accurate temperature measurement is required, the emissivity of the object can be determined and accurately measured by including correction data for emissivity in the barcode.
If accurate temperature measurement is required, correct the temperature by including emissivity (correction) data in the barcode and measure the temperature. Usually, the emissivity of infrared rays is about 0.85 to 0.95.
By using temperature correction data and combining with barcode information, the measurement system can be enhanced. If the temperature of the printed part of the bar code is measured, the temperature can be measured accurately even if it is not made of a homogeneous material.

Next, another preferable example is that the temperature reading area is determined by changing the reading focus range of the bar code reader by using the bar code reading means by the bar code reading means as a trigger for the temperature measurement. Thus, the area for temperature measurement can be set.
For example, the focus range can be changed by a laser marker in order to aim at the temperature sampling location of the object.
By using the successful barcode reading as a trigger, there is no mistake in the temperature measurement location, and accurate temperature measurement can be performed. The temperature measurement area can be set by changing the reading focus range of the barcode reader.

  Further, as the timing of measurement by various sensors, it is possible to always measure various sensors simultaneously with the reading of the bar code reader, and use the data read by the sensor at that time with the successful reading of the bar code as a trigger. In this case, responsiveness increases.

  Furthermore, the measurement target is adjusted by adjusting the beam width of the radiation thermometer depending on whether the overall temperature is measured from the instructions written in the read barcode data or the temperature of the portion where the barcode is printed. Things can be set flexibly. For example, if the reading focus range of the barcode reader is set to about 0 to 1 cm, the temperature of the portion on which the barcode is printed can be reliably measured.

It is possible to measure more accurately by selecting the material of the part on which the barcode is printed and painting the surface with matte black.
From the temperature data read from the product, it is possible to manage the temperature of the refrigerator and warm storage.
Not only a handy bar code reader but also an automatic reading device such as a table bar code reader, an OCR, a laser scanner, a two-dimensional code reader, a QR code reader, and a handy terminal can be applied.

Next, as another preferred example, the temperature measuring unit can perform measurement by a measurement method suitable for the temperature measurement object in accordance with the temperature measurement condition included in the barcode.
If the temperature measurement conditions are written on the bar code, the measurement method suitable for the object can be flexibly instructed.

A conventional handy bar code reader has a temperature sensor and scans the bar code to measure the temperature. By integrating, product data and its temperature data can be easily and definitely input.
The bar code reader normally scans while the power is on. When the bar code is read by approaching the bar code and the bar code is read, the temperature at that time is measured by a radiation type temperature sensor.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a barcode reading process.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the temperature measurement process.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of basic processing of the present invention.
The processing by the barcode reader integrated with barcode reading / temperature measurement described above will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 4 shows the barcode attached to the product or the like at the sales site or the like by the operator. To scan and read. Information such as the product name, manufacturer name, and price can be read from the bar code as in a normal POS system. In addition, in a cash register or the like connected to a barcode reader, the quantity can be input and the purchase amount can be calculated. In addition, customer information (gender, age, etc.) can be input, the date and time can be automatically read by the time measuring means, and the area of the store can be read.
Next, correction data such as emissivity, measurement conditions, and the like are acquired directly or indirectly from the barcode.
When the reading by scanning the barcode is successful, the temperature measuring means is actuated by using it as a trigger, and measurement by the temperature sensor is performed.
When there are other measurement means and input means, the measured data and the input data are also acquired. The measured or input data and the data acquired by reading the barcode such as product information are stored in association with each other.
Data can also be transferred online to remote locations such as store headquarters.

In another preferred example, the bar code reader is provided with data input means other than the bar code reading means.
The data read or input by the data input means is associated with the temperature data measured by the temperature measurement means, so that the information processing means can store or transfer the data. The data input means is a keyboard for inputting POS data or the like, an input key of a cash register, or the like. In addition, the storage means such as a memory provided in the barcode reader, the data read from the storage means provided connected to the barcode reader, the data read from the timing means having a clock function, and the like are acquired through the connection terminal, the circuit, etc. Including means. By acquiring data in association with data read by a barcode or measured temperature data, it can be used for merchandise management, freshness management, POS data management, and the like.

  In addition, the barcode reader can be connected to a control device such as a cash register or a computer device, or it can be integrated with a sensor such as a temperature measuring means such as a hand-held type. A bar code reader can also be used. A bar code reader or the like having a wireless communication function can also be used.

Furthermore, regarding data measurement and data input / acquisition, various data other than temperature data can be performed by a sensor integrated with a barcode reader.
Instead of temperature measurement means or separately from temperature measurement means, a measurement means for measuring any one or more of humidity, moisture, odor, gas, etc. of an article to be measured is provided. It is a form.
Information processing means for storing or transferring information obtained by measuring means such as humidity, moisture, odor, gas, etc. and information obtained by bar code reading means in correspondence with each other is provided. Can simultaneously measure the data obtained by

The humidity sensor mainly uses a change in electrical properties due to adsorption / desorption of moisture in the atmosphere.
As the humidity sensor, there are a wet and dry bulb type, a hair type, a crystal vibration type, a polymer type sensor, a metal oxide sensor, and the like. Among them, polymer-based and metal oxides are small sensors with good compatibility with electronic circuits.
In addition to the combination of a barcode reader and a temperature sensor, correction data can be acquired and measurement conditions can be easily acquired and set by combining a barcode reader with various sensors such as humidity, moisture, odor, and gas. It is possible to judge the measurement object from the barcode and determine whether the humidity, moisture, smell, sound, illuminance, etc. are appropriate. More accurate measurement can be performed by putting correction data in the barcode.
Humidity management is important for maintaining the quality of stored rice and the storage environment. By combining a bar code reader and hygrometer sensor, the date, control number, brand, and humidity can be known at the same time, the humidity state of the stored rice can be centrally managed, and the storage environment can be easily maintained and managed.

Even when the humidity sensor is used as a measuring means, more accurate measurement can be performed by using the humidity correction data.
Humidity correction data is stored in a storage means such as a memory provided in the barcode reader or a storage means provided in connection with the barcode reader. Correction data can be stored.
As another method, a method of putting humidity correction data in the barcode itself can be adopted.

Moreover, an odor sensor can be provided as a measurement means.
To determine and maintain the freshness of fruits and vegetables, measure the moisture content of the fruits and vegetables. Of course, the appropriate amount of water varies depending on the fruits and vegetables. By combining the barcode reader and moisture meter sensor, the type, date, and moisture content of the fruits and vegetables can be known at the same time, and the freshness can be determined according to the fruits and vegetables from the measured moisture content.
Even when the odor sensor is used as a measuring means, more accurate measurement can be performed by using the odor correction data.
Data for odor correction is stored in a storage means such as a memory provided in the barcode reader, or in a storage means provided connected to the barcode reader for each product that is read and determined by the barcode. Correction data can be stored.
As another method, a method of putting odor correction data in the barcode itself can be adopted.

In the food / beverage field, “odor” is judged for quality control and inspection of raw materials. For example, coffee type identification and cheese ripening. By combining a bar code reader with an odor sensor, the date, production number, cheese production time and ripening status can be known at the same time, and the ripening time can be determined by predicting the ripening time.
Fruits and vegetables produce ethylene gas and act as hormones that accelerate the ripening of the fruits and vegetables. When it begins to ripen, it generates more ethylene gas. In addition, some produce a large amount of ethylene gas, and some produce a small amount.
By combining a barcode reader and ethylene gas sensor, the date and type of fruits and vegetables and the ethylene gas concentration can be known at the same time, and the ripening aging degree of fruits and vegetables according to the type of fruits and vegetables can be determined from the measured ethylene gas concentration. .

  Acetaldehyde is generated when vegetables rot. Ammonia, amine, etc. are generated when fish and meat rot. Some produce more or less gas from food. By combining a bar code reader and various gas sensors, the date, the type of food and the gas concentration can be known at the same time, and the degree of spoilage corresponding to the type of food can be determined from the measured gas concentration.

  When inspecting vibration / abnormal noise such as wear deterioration during equipment maintenance, combining the barcode reader and sound sensor, the date, control number, equipment type and sound can be known at the same time. Can help with centralized management, time series management and maintenance.

In any of the forms described above, when the information processing means stores or transfers information, the time information at which the information is obtained is added so that product management, inventory management, POS data can be performed. It can be used for management and other purposes.
In addition, the use of food and other products at sales sites is mainly exemplified, but temperature sensors, humidity sensors, odor sensors, illuminance sensors, voice sensors, wind speed sensors, rainfall sensors, weight sensors, and other various measuring means should be used. Therefore, various applications can be made.
For example, in combination with a barcode reader and illuminance sensor for fluorescent lamp illuminance inspection in office buildings, etc., illuminance such as date, floor number, room number, model, control number, etc. can be known at the same time, and centralized management of the illuminance data inspected Can help with time series management and maintenance.

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, a temperature sensor is incorporated in a barcode reader, and barcode data reading and temperature measurement / determination of an object are performed simultaneously. Thereby, the product data, the date, and the temperature data can be easily and definitely input by integrating them.
Furthermore, when reading a barcode attached to a product or the like, accurate measurement can be made using correction data or the like.
Furthermore, in the present invention, in addition to the combination of a barcode reader and a temperature sensor, correction data acquisition and measurement condition acquisition and setting can be performed by combining a barcode reader and various sensors such as humidity, moisture, odor, and gas. In addition to being easy to perform, it is possible to determine whether or not the humidity, moisture, smell, sound, illuminance, etc. are appropriate by judging the measurement object from the barcode.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of the fundamental structure of the system of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the barcode reader in which barcode reading means, such as a barcode sensor part, and temperature measuring means, such as a radiation-type temperature sensor part, were integrally provided facing the same direction. It is a block diagram which shows an example of another basic structure of the system of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows a barcode reading process. It is a perspective view which shows a temperature measurement process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the basic process of this invention.

Claims (4)

Barcode reading means for reading barcodes attached to articles, etc.,
Temperature measurement means for measuring the temperature of an article or the like to be temperature-measured , wherein the bar code reading means by the bar code reading means is used as a temperature measurement trigger, and the data read by the temperature measuring means at that time is temperature information Temperature measuring means , and
Wherein comprising a temperature information obtained by the temperature measuring means and information processing means for storing or transferring in association with the information obtained by the bar code reading means,
A bar code reader integrated with a temperature sensor, characterized in that product data and temperature data can be measured simultaneously.   2. The temperature sensor integrated bar code reader according to claim 1, wherein, instead of the temperature measuring means, second measuring means for measuring any one or a combination of humidity, moisture, odor, gas, sound and illuminance. And a temperature sensor integrated bar that uses the successful reading of the barcode by the barcode reading means as a trigger for the measurement of the second measuring means, and uses the data read by the second measuring means at that time as measurement information. Code reader.   The temperature sensor-integrated bar code reader according to claim 2, wherein a temperature correction unit, a humidity correction unit, and an odor correction unit are provided for each measurement unit in order to correct the measurement information to appropriate data. Sensor integrated barcode reader.   2. The temperature sensor-integrated bar code reader according to claim 1, wherein the measurement area is determined by using a bar code reading success by the bar code reading means as a measurement trigger, and the reading focus range of the bar code reader is set. A temperature sensor integrated bar code reader capable of setting the measurement area by changing the temperature sensor.