JP3839620B2 - Postal barcode printing quality inspection machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a postal bar code print quality inspection machine that inspects the print quality of a postal bar code (customer bar code) displayed on the surface of a postal matter.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Postal bar code print quality (bar width, space width, bar length, bar reflectivity, space reflectivity, bar and space PCS, etc.) is based on pass / fail thresholds. It has been decided. This standard value depends on the performance of the device that reads the postal bar code and sorts it by delivery area, and may be loosened when the performance of this sorting device is improved.
[0003]
In addition, the standard value may be tightened in order to increase the reading rate of the sorting apparatus.
[0004]
In a conventional postal bar code printing quality inspection machine, the standard value is changed by exchanging a ROM in which the standard value is stored in advance or by downloading a new program from a personal computer using an interface.
[0005]
However, when the ROM exchange is used as a means, the postal bar code print quality inspection machine is once disassembled. Since the postal bar code printing quality inspection machine uses an optical reading method, adjustment is required when the optical unit is reattached. Further, if dust is mixed in the postal bar code printing quality inspection machine at the time of ROM exchange, there is a possibility that the reading result is erroneous. Therefore, in the case of ROM replacement, it must be performed by a trained maintenance person.
[0006]
On the other hand, in the case of downloading, it takes time to prepare a personal computer and set a new program in the personal computer.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, in the postal bar code printing quality inspection machine, when changing the standard value for postal bar code printing quality inspection, if the ROM exchange is used as a means, the postal bar code printing quality inspection machine is once disassembled When the optical unit is re-installed, adjustment is necessary, and if the dust is mixed in the postal bar code print quality inspection machine when replacing the ROM, the read maintenance result may be incorrect. In the case of downloading, a personal computer must be prepared and a new program must be set, and the standard value for postal bar code print quality inspection cannot be easily changed. It was.
[0008]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a postal bar code printing quality inspection machine that can easily change the standard value for postal bar code printing quality inspection without requiring parts replacement or special equipment.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The postal bar code printing quality inspection machine of this invention reads a postal bar code printed using the postal code and address display number as information, and whether the print quality is within the standard value for each standard item such as bar size and contrast. In the postal bar code print quality inspection machine for inspecting the above, storage means for storing the standard value for each standard item,The control unit is configured to control the setting of the mode for changing the standard value for each standard item stored in the storage unit and the determination by reading the same bar code information.
[0010]
  The postal bar code printing quality inspection machine of this invention reads a postal bar code printed using the postal code and address display number as information, and whether the print quality is within the standard value for each standard item such as bar size and contrast. Inspecting postal barcode printing quality inspecting machine,When the storage means storing the standard value for each standard item and the mode for changing the standard value stored in the storage means are set, the standard item and its new standard value are printed as information. A reading means for reading the standard value changing barcode, a recognition means for recognizing information of the standard value changing barcode read by the reading means, and a plurality of standard value changing barcodes for information recognized by the recognition means And control means for performing control that does not cause an error even if read by the reading means.
[0011]
  The postal bar code printing quality inspection machine of this invention reads a postal bar code printed using the postal code and address display number as information, and whether the print quality is within the standard value for each standard item such as bar size and contrast. In the postal bar code print quality inspection machine for inspecting the above, storage means for storing the standard value for each standard item,When the mode for changing the standard value stored in the storage means is set, the standard item and its new standard value are information that is looser than the standard value for each standard item stored in the storage means. And a control means for performing control to read the standard value changing barcode printed as.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0019]
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a post barcode printing quality inspection machine according to the present invention. The postal bar code print quality inspection machine 1 includes a main body 2 and a scanner unit 3. The main body 2 includes a power supply unit 8 and is fixedly provided with a scanner unit support base 5 that supports the scanner unit 3 in a mounted state. Further, the main body 2 is provided with a vertically movable stand 7 that supports the mail items 6. ing. The scanner unit support 5 is fixed to bosses 9 formed at a plurality of positions on the upper portion of the main body 2 by screws (not shown). The main body 2 is provided with pressing means 11 for pressing the stand 7 on the lower surface of the scanner unit support 5 that coincides with a reading window described later.
[0020]
A housing 12 of the scanner unit 3 includes a reading optical system 14 mounted on the carriage 13, a guide (not shown) for guiding the carriage 13, a driving mechanism (not shown) for driving the carriage 13, and a circuit. And a substrate 15 on which is formed. The reading optical system 14 includes a fluorescent lamp 17 that illuminates the mail piece 6 through a reading window 16 provided on the lower surface of the housing 12, and a plurality of mirrors 18, 19, 20 that deflect reflected light from the mail piece 6. And a lens 21 that collects the reflected light from the mirror 20 and a CCD 22 that is a photoelectric conversion element. A CCD substrate 23 holding the CCD 22 is connected to the substrate 15 via a flexible cable 24. Further, the housing 12 is provided with a clear cover 25 that allows the state of the postal matter 6 to be seen through the transparent reading window 16 when the carriage 13 moves to the substrate 15 side as indicated by a virtual line. ing. Note that a reference white plate 26 for determining a threshold value when the read image is binarized is provided at the end of the upper surface of the reading window 16. The CCD 22 has a large number of light receiving elements arranged one-dimensionally and reads an image of a certain one-dimensional area.
[0021]
The scanner unit 3 is detachably supported with respect to the scanner unit support 5 of the main body 2, and includes a handle 51 that rotates around a fulcrum shaft 50 in order to hold the scanner unit 3. In this case, the position of the center of gravity of the scanner unit 3 and the center of the fulcrum shaft 50 are configured to be located on a vertical plane passing through the centers of the two locking protrusions 30 (see FIG. 1). That is, when holding the handle 51 and lifting the scanner unit 3, the scanner unit 3 is maintained in a horizontal state, and when the scanner unit 3 is separated from the scanner unit support 5, the scanner unit 3 is attached to the support 5. In this case, the engaging projection 30 and the engaging hole 31 can be smoothly fitted and detached along the vertical center line. Since the scanner unit 3 can be mounted on the power supply unit 8 simply by fitting the locking hole 31 to the locking projection 30, the clamping operation can be eliminated.
[0022]
By the way, the height of the vertical movement of the stand 7 is set to a value obtained by adding a slight margin to 1 cm corresponding to the maximum allowable thickness of the standard-sized mail piece 6. Therefore, in the case of a mail piece 6 having a thickness less than the allowable elevation height of the stand 7, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the scanner unit 3 is mounted on the scanner unit support base 5, and the postal information 6 is stored in the scanner unit. The post information 6 is read while being moved under the reading window 16 by the bent piece 35 of the support table 5 and the reading optical system 14 is moved in this state. In the case of a thick postal matter 6, it is separated from the scanner unit support table 5. The scanner unit 3 reads the postal information on the postal matter 6 as shown in FIG.
[0023]
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a display 52 is provided on the upper portion of the housing 12 of the scanner unit 3. The postal bar code print quality inspection machine 1 in this embodiment not only simply reads postal information (barcode) 6a, but also has an inspection function as to whether or not the postal information 6a conforms to the standard. Yes. Accordingly, the display 52 displays not only the postal information 6a but also the inspection result. Therefore, in addition to the start switch 53 that is operated at the start of reading, an item switch 54 that switches a display item that is rejected when the inspection fails, and a detail switch 55 that switches the details of the inspection result are in the vicinity of the display 52 Is arranged.
[0024]
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the power supply unit 8 in the main body 2 and the power feeding unit (not shown) of the scanner unit 3 are connected by a cable C.
[0025]
Here, the circuit configuration of the scanner unit 3 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the CPU 56, a flash ROM 57 in which fixed data such as a program executed by the CPU 56 is written, a RAM 58 in which variable data such as work data is renewably written, and an image RAM 59 in which the read image data is stored are bus lines 60. Connected by.
[0026]
Further, a motor control circuit 62 that controls the operation of a stepping motor 61 as a drive motor for driving the carriage 13, a display control circuit 63 that controls the operation of the display 52, a start switch 53, an item switch 54, and a detail switch 55 The connected switch control circuit 64, the buzzer control circuit 66 for controlling the buzzer 65 for issuing a warning such as an error, the sensor circuit 68 connected to the home position sensor 67 for detecting the state where the carriage 13 is located at the home position, and the substrate 15 A reading optical system unit control circuit 69 provided in (see FIG. 1) for controlling the reading optical system 14 and an interface circuit 75 connected to an external personal computer 80 are connected to the CPU 56 via the bus line 60.
[0027]
Connected to the reading optical system unit control circuit 69 are a CCD control circuit 70 to which the CCD 22 is connected, a fluorescent lamp control circuit 71 for controlling the operation of the fluorescent lamp 17, a heater control circuit 74 to which a heater 72 and a thermistor 73 are connected. Has been.
[0028]
By the way, the postal information 6a is generated by a one-digit start code, a seven-digit zip code, a 13-digit address display number, a one-digit check digit, and a one-digit stop code. Since the address display number is not constant depending on the address, it is defined as follows. That is, when the number exceeds 13 digits, the address display number up to 13 digits is converted into a customer barcode, and no more is included. However, when an alphabetic control code represented by a control code + numeric code as shown below corresponds to the 13th digit, the customer barcode corresponding to this control code is included. If it is less than 13 digits, it is filled with a customer barcode corresponding to the control code “CC4” as shown below until it becomes 13 digits. The relationship between characters and codes and customer barcodes is as follows.
[0029]
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship among the characters 0 to 9, the customer barcode, and the type of bar.
[0030]
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship among a-(hyphen) character, a customer barcode, and a bar type.
[0031]
(A) of FIG. 7 is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the code | cord | chord of an alphabetic control code (CC1-CC3), a customer barcode, and the kind of bar.
[0032]
(B) of FIG. 7 is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the code | cord | chord of a spare control code (CC4-CC8), a customer barcode, and the kind of bar.
[0033]
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship among the start code, stop code, customer bar code, and bar type.
[0034]
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship among English characters A to J, customer barcodes, and bar types. This is represented by a combination of an alphabetic control code CC1 and a number.
[0035]
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship among the letters K to T, customer barcodes, and bar types. This is represented by a combination of an alphabetic control code CC2 and a number.
[0036]
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship among alphabetic characters U to Z, customer barcodes, and bar types. This is represented by a combination of an alphabetic control code CC3 and a number.
[0037]
As shown in FIGS. 5 to 11, the types of customer barcodes are the longest long bar, a semi-long bar slightly shorter than the long bar, and a short timing bar. The semi-long bar is arranged on the upper side (upper). And a semi-long bar (lower) arranged on the lower side, and four types classified as 1 to 4.
[0038]
These long bars, timing bar lengths, bar pitches, bar widths, and bar spaces between adjacent bars are set to a certain ratio, but the standard size and tolerance range depend on the size of the points. It has been established.
[0039]
The inspection items for postal information (barcode) 6a are contrast check, size check, line width check, start / stop code check, character check, number of digits check, check digit check, format check, respectively. Inspection standards are established for these items.
[0040]
The postal information 6a generated by such customer barcode is displayed on the surface of the postal matter 6 as shown in FIG. The display is performed by attaching a label on which the postal information 6 a is printed to the postal matter 6 or by printing the postal information 6 a directly on the surface of the postal matter 6. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when the postal information 6 a of the mail piece 6 is read with the scanner unit 3 mounted on the scanner unit support base 5, the mail piece 6 is read by the bent piece 35 of the scanner unit support base 5. The post information 6a is read while being guided under the reading window 16 and moving the reading optical system 14 in this state, but the stand 7 is lowered according to the thickness of the postal matter 6, and the postal matter 6 is read by the press contact means 11. Since the focal position of the lens 21 of the reading optical system 14 is determined at the reading window 16 (the lower surface of the plate 16a), the image can be displayed even if the thickness of the postal matter 6 changes. It can be read precisely.
[0041]
In this case, since the stand 7 is guided so as to be raised and lowered and can be lowered by 1 cm or more, the postal information 6a can be read by inserting a postal matter 6 having a considerable thickness between the stand 7 and the reading window 16. it can. Further, the push-up mechanism 41 that pushes up the stand 7 includes a plurality of rollers 42 and 43 that support the vicinity of the four corners of the inner surface of the stand 7, and a plurality of vertically displaceable members that share and support these rollers 42 and 43. The roller support members 44 and 45, the spring 46 that biases the roller support members 44 and 45 in the direction in which the rollers 42 and 43 are displaced upward, and the gears 47 and 48 that connect the roller support members 44 and 45 in an interlocking manner. Therefore, when one roller support member 44 rotates with the gear 47, the gear 48 rotates with the other roller support member 45. As a result, the displacement amounts of the two roller support members 44 and 45 are made equal, and the rollers 42 and 43 supported by the roller support members 44 and 45 having the same displacement amount support the vicinity of the four corners of the lower surface of the stand 7. The level of 7 can be increased. Accordingly, it is possible to read the postal information 6a precisely by bringing the postal matter 6 uniformly into contact with the reading window 16 and positioning the entire display area of the postal information 6a at the in-focus position.
[0042]
In addition, when reading postal information displayed on postal information 6a of a thick postal object 6 of 1 cm or a postal item (not shown) such as a parcel, it can be inserted between the stand 7 and the reading window 16. Therefore, the scanner unit 3 is detached from the main body 2 by gripping the handle 51, and the scanner unit 3 is placed on the postal matter 6 so that the reading frame 36 of the reading window 16 is positioned on the postal information 6a (see FIG. 3), the postal information 6a is read.
[0043]
2 and 3, since the carriage 13 is positioned at the home position in the direction of the substrate 15 before reading, it is clear whether or not the postal information 6a is positioned under a reading frame (not shown). 25 through. Therefore, even when the position of the postal information 6a with respect to the postal matter 6 is not constant, by setting the postal information 6a in the reading frame 36, only the postal information 6a is selected from various information displayed on the postal matter 6. Can be read accurately. In this case, when the vicinity of the center of the postal information 6a is aligned with the center mark 36a, a substantially equal interval can be easily formed between both ends of the reading frame 36 and both ends of the postal information 6a. Reading errors due to the contact between both ends can be prevented. Further, the postal information 6a can be read in a place with a large amount of light, and the reading accuracy is improved.
[0044]
Specifically, the print quality inspected by the postal bar code print quality inspection machine 1 of the present invention includes PCS, long bar length minimum value / maximum value, bar pitch minimum value / maximum value, bar width minimum value / maximum value, Space width minimum value / maximum value, timing bar length minimum value / maximum value, semi-long bar length minimum value / maximum value, space portion reflectance minimum value, and the like.
[0045]
Next, the first embodiment will be described.
[0046]
In the first embodiment of the present invention, these standard values (inspection standard values) are to be changed by reading a standard changing barcode (having changed items and new standard values as information).
[0047]
FIG. 12 shows a format example of the standard value changing barcode according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This standard value changing barcode is composed of 1 to 23 digits. The first digit is the start code, the item number you want to change to the 2nd to 5th digits, the 6th to 13th digits are the new standard value, the 14th to 21st digits are dummy data, the 22nd digit is the check digit, and the 23rd digit is Stop code. Here, the number of the item to be changed is, for example, 0001: PCS minimum value, 0002: Space reflectance minimum value, 0003: Long bar length minimum value, 0004: Long bar length maximum value, 0005: Bar width minimum value 0006: maximum bar width, and 0100: maximum semi-long bar length.
[0048]
Next, the reading process operation of the standard value changing barcode according to the first embodiment relating to claim 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0049]
First, after the postal bar code printing quality inspection machine 1 is powered on (ST1), when the standard value changing barcode prepared in advance is read (ST2), the CPU 56 reads the read standard value changing barcode. The image data is stored in the image RAM 59, the barcode information is recognized from the image data by the recognition means and stored in the RAM 58, the change item number in the stored barcode information is confirmed (ST3), and stored in the flash ROM 57. The standard value of the confirmed change item number is rewritten and changed to a new standard value in the barcode information by the changing means (ST4 to ST8).
[0050]
For example, if the change item number is 0001, the PCS minimum value is changed to a new standard value. If the change item number is 0002, the space reflectance minimum value is changed to a new standard value. If the change item number is 0003, the long bar length is changed. If the change item number is 0004, change the maximum long bar length to the new standard value.
If the change item number is 0100, the maximum value of the semi-long bar length is changed to a new standard value.
[0051]
Further, if there is a bar code for changing the standard value to be read, the process proceeds to step ST2, and if not, the postal bar code print quality inspection machine 1 is powered off and the process ends (ST9, 10).
[0052]
At this time, in the processing flow, when an item change number that has already been read is read again, a duplication error may be made, or an error process may not be performed without determining duplication. When error processing is not performed, when it is unclear whether the barcode has already been read or not, it is possible to continue processing by reading the barcode without starting again.
[0053]
FIG. 14 shows a storage area of the flash ROM 57. FIG. 14A shows a state in which the stored data is an old version, in which a program 1, a standard value default (initial setting value) A, and a standard value a used for determination are stored.
[0054]
FIG. 14B shows a state in which the inspection standard value is changed by the above-described standard value changing barcode, and the program 1 and the standard value default A are not changed, but are changed to the standard value b used for determination. . That is, only the standard value a used for determination is changed to the standard value b.
[0055]
FIG. 14C shows a state in which the program is changed by downloading from the personal computer 80. The program 2, the standard value default B is changed, and the standard value b used for determination is not changed. That is, only the program and the standard value default are changed, and the standard value b used for determination is not changed.
[0056]
FIG. 15 shows a configuration example of a memory map in the flash ROM 57.
[0057]
The memory map in the flash ROM 57 includes a program area, a standard default value (initial setting value) storage area, a determination reference value (inspection standard value) storage area, and the like. The standard default value storage area includes, for example, a PCS minimum value default value, a space reflectance minimum default value, a long bar length minimum default value, and a semi-long bar length minimum default value. The determination reference value storage area includes, for example, a PCS minimum value determination reference value,... Semi-long bar length minimum determination reference value, and the like. The standard default value storage area and the determination reference value storage area constitute storage means. Note that it is this determination reference value (inspection standard value) storage area that is rewritten with the standard value changing barcode described above.
[0058]
Next, a barcode reading process operation for default setting relating to claim 4 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0059]
First, after the postal bar code print quality inspection machine 1 is powered on (ST11), when a bar code prepared in advance is read (ST12), the CPU 56 stores image data of the read bar code in the image RAM 59. Then, the barcode information is recognized from the image data and stored in the RAM 58, and it is confirmed from the stored barcode information whether the barcode is a default setting barcode (ST13), and the barcode is a default setting barcode. In this case, the content of the determination reference value (inspection standard value) storage area of the flash ROM 57 is changed to the content of the standard default value storage area by the control means (ST14). (Inspection standard value) Processing to change the standard value according to the contents of the barcode information in the storage area It is carried out (ST15).
[0060]
Further, if there is a barcode to be read, the process proceeds to step ST12, and if not, the postal barcode print quality inspection machine 1 is powered off and the process is terminated (ST16, 17). As a result, the default value can be changed without exchanging the ROM.
[0061]
Next, a barcode reading process operation by mode setting relating to claim 5 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0062]
The CPU 56 checks whether or not the standard value change mode is set by setting means (for example, a key operation for turning on the power while pressing the item switch 54) (ST21), and the standard value change mode is set. When the barcode is read (ST22), the standard value is changed according to the content of the barcode information in the determination reference value (inspection standard value) storage area of the flash ROM 57 (ST23). Further, if there is a standard value changing barcode to be read, the process proceeds to step ST22, and if not, the process is terminated (ST24).
[0063]
If the standard value change mode is not set in step ST21, the CPU 56 checks whether it is a normal postal bar code (ST26) when reading the bar code (ST26). A print quality inspection process is performed (ST27), and the control unit recognizes even a non-standard postal bar code by the recognition unit, performs a normal print frequent inspection process, and does not change the standard value (ST28). This prevents the standard value from being changed by mistake. Further, if there is a barcode to be read, the process proceeds to step ST25, and if not, the process ends (ST29).
[0064]
Next, the operation for setting the mode and determining the new standard value using the bar code relating to claims 6 and 7 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0065]
When reading the barcode (ST31), the CPU 56 stores the image data of the read barcode in the image RAM 59, recognizes the barcode information from the image data and stores it in the RAM 58, and from the stored barcode information. It is confirmed by the setting means whether or not the bar code is for setting the standard value change mode (ST32). If the bar code is for setting the standard value change mode, a bar code reading request for changing the standard value is displayed on the display 52. (ST33).
[0066]
Subsequently, when the barcode is read (ST34), the CPU 56 stores the image data of the read barcode in the image RAM 59, recognizes the barcode information from the image data, stores it in the RAM 58, and stores the stored barcode. The standard value changing process is performed according to the contents of the barcode information in the determination reference value (inspection standard value) storage area of the flash ROM 57 by the changing means from the information (ST35). Further, if there is a standard value changing barcode to be read, the process proceeds to step ST34, and if completed, the process proceeds to a new standard value determining barcode reading operation (ST37).
[0067]
When the CPU 56 reads the new standard value determination barcode by the control means (ST34), the CPU 56 stores the read image data of the new standard value determination barcode in the image RAM 59, and the new standard value determination bar code from the image data. The code information is recognized and stored in the RAM 58, and the new standard value of the flash ROM 57 that has undergone the standard value change process is determined by the stored new standard value determination bar code information, and the process ends (ST38).
[0068]
If it is not the standard value change mode setting barcode in the confirmation in step ST32, the CPU 56 performs a normal print quality inspection from the barcode information stored in the RAM 58 (ST39). Further, if there is a barcode to be inspected, reading is performed (ST41), the process proceeds to step ST39, and if there is no barcode to be inspected, the process is terminated (ST40). As a result, it is not necessary to provide a key for setting the change mode and a key for determining the new standard value in the postal bar code printing quality inspection machine.
[0069]
If the standard value change mode setting barcode and the new standard value confirmation barcode are used in common, step ST36 determines whether or not the new standard value barcode is read, and the new standard value barcode is read. If so, the process ends. This eliminates the need for the operator to check the standard value change mode setting barcode and the new standard value determination barcode.
[0070]
Next, the operation of displaying a new standard value (numerical value) read from the standard value changing barcode relating to claim 9 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0071]
When the standard value changing barcode is read (ST51), the CPU 56 stores the read standard value changing barcode image data in the image RAM 59, and recognizes the standard value changing barcode information from the image data. The standard value changing process is performed according to the content of the standard value changing barcode information in the determination reference value (inspection standard value) storage area of the flash ROM 57 from the stored standard value changing barcode information stored in the RAM 58 ( (ST52) If the standard value changing process is successful (ST53), the new standard value or the calculated value calculated from the new standard value is displayed on the display 52 as display means via the display control circuit 63 (ST54). ).
[0072]
If the standard value changing process is not successful in step ST53, the CPU 56 displays an error on the display 52 via the display control circuit 63 (ST55).
As described above, according to the first embodiment, the standard value (pass / fail judgment value) is changed only by reading the barcode (the standard item to be changed and the new standard value) for changing the standard value. Can do.
[0073]
Next, a second embodiment will be described.
[0074]
In the second embodiment of the present invention, the reading when the standard value changing barcode is read by setting the reading threshold value in the standard value changing mode to a value that is looser than the value before entering the standard value changing mode. This is to reduce the occurrence frequency of impossibility (NG). This inspection is performed with a slight margin when inspecting the print quality of the postal bar code (customer bar code) with the postal bar code print quality inspection machine 1, but it is correct even if it is not so severe. This is because reading is possible, and reading the bar code when changing the standard value is not an inspection, so there is no need to take a margin.
[0075]
Since the configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.
[0076]
Next, the operation of the standard value change mode in the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0077]
The CPU 56 checks whether or not the standard value change mode is set by a key operation (for example, turning on the power while pressing the item switch 54) (ST61).
When the standard value change mode is set, the standard value for barcode reading stored in the flash ROM 57 is set as the minimum threshold value / maximum threshold value (ST62). For example, as shown in FIG. 21A, in the normal inspection, the bar width inspection standard is the minimum value W._A~ Maximum value W_BHowever, in the standard value change mode, it is not necessary to set a strict pass range as in the inspection, and it is only necessary to read the bar code. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 21B, in the standard value change mode, the bar width threshold minimum value W is set._C~ Threshold maximum value W_DAnd That is, W is controlled by the control means._C<W_A, W_B<W_DW indicated by_C~ W_DRead barcodes with a loose range of standards. As shown in FIG. 22, the values for loosening the standard values are as follows: bar pitch (minimum value to maximum value), semi-long bar length (minimum value to maximum value), timing bar length (minimum value to maximum value). , Bar width (minimum value to maximum value), long bar length (minimum value to maximum value), background reflectance (minimum value), PCS (minimum value), and the like.
[0078]
Subsequently, when the standard value changing barcode is read (ST63), the CPU 56 stores the read image data of the standard value changing barcode in the image RAM 59, and stores the image data in the above threshold minimum value / threshold maximum value. And the recognized standard value changing barcode information is stored in the RAM 58, and the standard value changing bar code in the determination reference value (inspection standard value) storage area of the flash ROM 57 is stored from the stored standard value changing barcode information. The standard value is changed according to the contents of the code information.
[0079]
Further, when the standard value changing barcode is read, the process proceeds to step ST63, and when the reading of the standard value changing barcode is completed (ST64), the ending barcode is read (ST65).
[0080]
When the end barcode is read, the CPU 56 stores the image data of the read end barcode in the image RAM 59, recognizes the image data, stores the end barcode information in the RAM 58, and stores the stored data. Based on the end bar code information, the standard value change in the determination reference value (inspection standard value) storage area of the flash ROM 57 is confirmed (ST66).
[0081]
As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of unreadable (NG) when the standard value is changed.
[0082]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, there is provided a postal bar code printing quality inspection machine capable of easily changing the standard value for postal bar code printing quality inspection without requiring parts replacement or special equipment. be able to.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a postal bar code print quality inspection machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a usage pattern for reading postal information of a thin mail piece.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a usage pattern for reading postal information of a thick mail piece.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system of a postal bar code print quality inspection machine.
FIG. 5 is a view showing a relationship among characters 0 to 9, a customer barcode, and a bar type;
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a relationship among a character of − (hyphen), a customer barcode, and a bar type;
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a relationship between a customer barcode of a control code code and a bar type.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a relationship among a start code, a stop code, a customer bar code, and a bar type.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a relationship among alphabetic characters A to J, a customer bar code, and a bar type;
FIG. 10 is a view showing a relationship among English characters K to T, a customer barcode, and a bar type;
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a relationship among alphabetic U to Z characters, customer barcodes, and bar types;
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a format example of a standard value changing barcode.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the reading processing operation of the standard value changing barcode.
FIG. 14 is a view showing a storage area of a flash ROM.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a memory map in a flash ROM.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining a barcode reading process operation for default setting;
FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining a barcode reading process operation by mode setting;
FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining operations for setting a mode and determining a new standard value using a barcode;
FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of displaying a new standard value read from a standard value changing barcode.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining an operation in a standard value change mode in the second embodiment;
FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining standard value change;
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of barcode standard.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... Postal barcode printing quality inspection machine
2 ... Body
3. Scanner unit
13 Carriage
14: Reading optical system (reading means)
52 ... Display (display means)
56 ... CPU (recognizing means, changing means, control means, setting means)
57 ... Flash ROM
58 ... RAM
59 ... Image RAM
63. Display control circuit
64. Switch control circuit
69. Reading optical system unit control circuit
75 ... Interface circuit
80 ... Personal computer

Claims (3)

In a postal bar code print quality inspection machine that reads a postal bar code printed with the postal code and address display number as information, and inspects whether the print quality is within the standard value for each standard item such as bar size and contrast,
The storage means for storing the standard value for each standard item, and the setting of the mode for changing the standard value for each standard item stored in the storage means and its determination are controlled by reading the same barcode information. Control means to
A postal bar code printing quality inspection machine characterized by comprising: In a postal bar code printing quality inspection machine that reads a postal bar code printed with the postal code and address display number as information, and inspects whether the print quality is within the standard value for each standard item such as bar size and contrast,
Storage means for storing a standard value for each standard item;
When a mode for changing the standard value stored in the storage means is set, a reading means for reading a standard value changing barcode on which the standard item and its new standard value are printed as information,
Recognizing means for recognizing information of the standard value changing barcode read by the reading means;
Control means for performing control that does not result in an error even when the barcode for changing the standard value of information recognized by the recognition means is read by the reading means a plurality of times;
A postal bar code printing quality inspection machine characterized by comprising: In a postal bar code printing quality inspection machine that reads a postal bar code printed with the postal code and address display number as information, and inspects whether the print quality is within the standard value for each standard item such as bar size and contrast,
Storage means for storing a standard value for each standard item;
When the mode for changing the standard value stored in the storage means is set, the standard item and its new standard value are information that is looser than the standard value for each standard item stored in the storage means. Control means for performing control to read the standard value changing barcode printed as
A postal bar code printing quality inspection machine characterized by comprising:

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