JP3932691B2 - Information recording symbol reading method and apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Field of the Invention]
The present invention provides a method for reading data recording symbols (hereinafter abbreviated as data symbols) such as barcodes and vericodes displayed on printed matter, etc. The present invention relates to an information recording symbol reading method and apparatus capable of easily and reliably reading symbols.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as data symbols storing product information such as product numbers, prices, names, etc., one-dimensional data symbols such as barcodes have so far been mainstream, but in recent years, more information, for example, guidance There is a tendency to employ two-dimensional data symbols that can record voice information such as.
[0003]
Such a two-dimensional data symbol (the same applies to the one-dimensional data symbol) is usually displayed alone on a printed matter such as a product catalog or a package, and is visually confirmed and read by a reading unit. It is common.
[0004]
Since these data symbols need to be read as image data as a whole, a handy terminal or the like having an image pickup device such as a CCD is usually used as the reading means, and the data symbol and the reading port of the handy terminal are used. It is necessary to align with a readable position.
[0005]
However, it is very difficult to align these data symbols with the reading port of the handy terminal for visually impaired people such as blind people and low vision people. Etc. were difficult.
[0006]
For this reason, as a method for easily performing these alignments, the present inventors, as previously proposed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-91870, have convex portions at positions away from the printed data symbols by a predetermined dimension. Alternatively, it has been proposed that a concave portion is provided in a printed material to perform alignment with a data symbol.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By using these techniques, it is possible to perform alignment relatively easily even for unskilled healthy persons or blind persons such as blind persons or weakly sighted persons. It is necessary to provide a portion or a recess around the printed data symbol, and it is necessary to separately process the projection or the recess on each printed matter.
[0008]
Therefore, the present invention has been made paying attention to the above-mentioned problems, and using a printed matter on which normal data symbols without the projections and depressions are provided, the eyes of blind persons and low vision persons etc. An object of the present invention is to provide an information recording symbol reading method and apparatus capable of sensing the position where a data symbol is printed and aligning it with a reading device even if it is a handicapped person.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problem, the information recording symbol reading method of the present invention has a concave portion or an opening portion whose arrangement coincides with the information recording symbol on a printed matter on which the information recording symbol is printed in advance at a predetermined position. An information recording symbol reading method for reading the information recording symbol by a reading means in a state in which the guide member is overlapped and the information recording symbol and the concave portion or the opening are made to coincide with each other. A cutout portion is provided at a position, and the printed material and the guide member are overlapped in a desired direction for reading by the cutout portion . According to this feature, even a blind person or a blind person such as a blind person can recognize the printing position of the information recording symbol by sensing the concave portion or the opening portion with a finger touch, and Since the information recording symbol and the reading means can be aligned, there is no need to previously provide a convex or concave portion on the printed matter. In addition, it is possible to prevent the printed material from being arranged upside down and front and back.
[0010]
An information recording symbol reading apparatus according to the present invention includes a printed material in which an information recording symbol is printed in advance at a predetermined location, and a guide member having a recessed portion or an opening having an arrangement matching the information recording symbol superimposed on the printed material. And an information recording symbol reading device that reads the information recording symbol by a reading means in a state in which the information recording symbol and the recess or opening coincide with each other, wherein the guide member includes at least two sides of the printed matter. The bag has a substantially identical outer shape and can be placed in a bag shape that can store the printed material that can be aligned with the information recording symbol and the recess or opening by arranging the printed material and the outer shape together. It is said . In this way, since the guide member can be detachably attached to the printed matter, one guide member can be used in common for a plurality of printed matters by making the arrangement positions of the information recording symbols common. It becomes like this. In addition, by storing the printed material in the bag-shaped guide member, not only the outer shape of the printed material and the guide member is automatically adjusted, but also the printed material is stored in the guide member. For this reason, the positional deviation between the guide member and the printed matter hardly occurs.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0017]
Example 1
FIG. 1 shows a product ordering sheet 1 used for catalog sales and the like applied to the embodiment of the present invention and a template 6 as a guide member used in the first embodiment. Within a plurality of rectangular frames partitioned by a certain size, there are an area 2 for displaying products, an area 3 for displaying product names and prices, and an area 5 for displaying 2D data symbols 4 that are information recording symbols. It is divided into and.
[0018]
A two-dimensional data symbol (hereinafter abbreviated as “data symbol” in the first embodiment) 4 has a square shape, and a large number of bar-shaped symbols are arranged vertically and horizontally in the area, thereby allowing a product code, a product name, an internal capacity, and a number Product information such as price and sound data of the product information are converted and recorded in advance.
[0019]
The template 6 is composed of a transparent resin plate 8 having substantially the same shape as that of the ordering sheet 1, and the two outer peripheral edges of the resin plate 8 have the above-mentioned shape as shown in FIG. By inserting the order sheet 1, a clamping unit 7 is provided for clamping the order sheet 1.
[0020]
Further, at a predetermined position of the resin plate 8, from the convex portion 20 which is larger than the data symbol 4 so as to expose the data symbol 4 and is provided on the read head 13 of the handy terminal 10 as a reading means described later. An opening 9 having a shape slightly larger and having the same shape as the convex portion 20 (square in the present embodiment 1) is provided, and the order sheet 1 is inserted into the holding portion 7 and held as shown in FIG. Thus, the data symbol 4 is arranged inside the opening 9.
[0021]
In the first embodiment, the opening 9 is provided in the resin plate 8, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the opening may be a recess.
[0022]
In Example 1, a transparent acrylic resin plate is used as the resin plate 8 so that the printed content of the placed order sheet 1 can be confirmed through the resin plate 8. The thickness of the resin plate 8 is as follows. As will be described later, the thickness is preferably such that the opening 9 (or recess) and the protrusion 20 can be fitted, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the resin plate 8 is not limited thereto. It is good also as a film-like thing.
[0023]
Further, the thickness of the resin plate 8 (the depth when the opening is a recess) may be set to a thickness that allows the opening 9 (or the recess) to be sensed by a finger, and may be selected as appropriate. good.
[0024]
The size of the opening 9 (or recess) is preferably such that the data symbol 4 can be exposed, but if the size of the opening 9 (or recess) is too large, the data Since it is difficult to specify the printing position of the symbol 4, the data symbol 4 may be appropriately larger than the data symbol 4 in consideration of these points.
[0025]
FIGS. 3 and 4 show a handy terminal 10 for reading the data symbol 4 as image data, and a handle having a numeric keypad 11 for inputting the number and the like on the upper surface and a liquid crystal display unit 14 capable of displaying information as appropriate. It consists of a section 12 and a read head 13 at its tip.
[0026]
Further, reference numeral 15 in FIG. 4 denotes a reflector inclined at 45 ° provided immediately below the casing portion of the read head 13. On the lower surface of the read head 13 below the reflecting plate 15, a square transparent data intake port that is slightly larger than the data symbol 4, that is, a transmission window 16, and a convex portion 20 are formed so as to surround it. An irradiation device 19 having a light source for uniformly irradiating the entire data symbol 4 positioned below the transmission window 16 is provided on the upper surface of the transmission window 16.
[0027]
Reference numeral 17 denotes a convex lens, and reference numeral 18 denotes a CCD provided at the focal position of the convex lens 15. The image data taken in through the transmission window 16 is refracted at a right angle by the reflecting plate 15 and incident on the convex lens 17 as shown by an arrow in FIG. The image signal from the CCD 18 is input to and held in a storage means (not shown) such as a memory card provided in the handle unit 12 or transferred to the outside and input to a computer or the like.
[0028]
When the transmission window 16 of the read head 13 and the data symbol 4 are aligned, the irradiation device 19 is turned on to irradiate the data symbol 4, and the data symbol 4 is captured as image data. At this time, the buzzer (not shown) provided in the handy terminal 10 may be turned on at the same time so that it can be confirmed by sound that the data symbol 4 has been captured. However, it is preferable because it can be confirmed that reading has been performed. Further, the captured data may be converted into, for example, an audio signal that allows the operator (orderer) to recognize the content of the data, and may be uttered from the handy terminal or a sound generator connected to the handy terminal.
[0029]
Hereinafter, the reading method according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4. First, the order sheet 1 is inserted into the sandwiching portion 7 of the template 6 and sandwiched to align the order sheet 1 and the template 6. Do.
[0030]
Next, the orderer recognizes the position of the data symbol 4 corresponding to the desired product by sensing the opening 9 (or recess) with a finger, and the handy terminal 10 is placed in the opening 9 (or recess). The read head 13 is arranged, and the convex portion 20 provided on the read head 13 is inserted into the opening 9 (or the concave portion).
[0031]
As a result, the data symbol 4 corresponding to the desired product printed on the order sheet 1 and the read head 13 are accurately aligned, and reliable reading is performed by the handy terminal 10 as described above. .
[0032]
As described above, by using the guide member that is the template 6 as in the first embodiment, each printed matter on which the data symbol 4 is printed can be formed without forming convex portions, concave portions, or the like by separate processing. Even a blind person can easily perform reliable alignment with the desired data symbol 4, and the template 6 has the data symbols 4 arranged and printed at the same predetermined positions. It can be used many times in common with things.
[0033]
In the first embodiment, as described above, the convex portion 20 and the opening 9 (or the concave portion) can be fitted. By doing so, the position of the data symbol 4 can be achieved. Although it is preferable that the alignment can be accurately performed up to an opposite angle, the present invention is not limited to this, and these fittings may be made with other parts of the read head 13. Furthermore, these fittings do not have to be made.
[0034]
In the first embodiment, the data symbol 4 is arranged at the center of the opening 9. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the transparent window 14 in the convex portion 20 is not limited thereto. You may change suitably according to a position etc.
[0035]
In the first embodiment, the shape of the opening 9 (or recess) is formed in a square shape similar to the shape of the data symbol 4, but the present invention is not limited to this. As described above, when it is possible to fit the convex portion 20 or the like, the shape may be appropriately adjusted to the shape, but this is circular, and the convex portion 20 of the read head 10 is also adapted thereto. In the case of the circular shape, since the relative angle between the read head 10 and the data symbol 4 is not unique, an operator (orderer) can fit the read head 10 to the convex portion 20 at an arbitrary angle. This reduces the physical burden on the wrist and the like. Furthermore, you may make it provide the notch part which shows the up-down direction etc., a protrusion part, etc. in a part of shape of these opening parts 9 (or recessed part).
[0036]
(Example 2)
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the order sheet 1 ′ used in the second embodiment and a guide holder 21 that is a guide member.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 5, the order sheet 1 ′ used in the second embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment except that a cutout portion 22 is provided at the upper corner.
[0038]
In the second embodiment, instead of the template 6 of the first embodiment, a guide holder 21 having a bag shape as shown in FIG. 5 is used as a guide member.
[0039]
The guide holder 21 is formed by bonding two transparent upper sheets 24 and lower sheets 25 having substantially the same outer shape as the order sheet 1 ′ by heat-sealing at the two outer peripheral bonding portions 26. It has a bag shape.
[0040]
Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a notch portion 23 as provided in the order sheet 1 ′ is provided at the upper corner of the guide holder 21, and the order sheet 1 ′ is properly stored in the guide holder 21. In this case, the ordering sheet 1 ′ is dimensioned so as not to protrude from the guide holder 21.
[0041]
As the upper sheet 24 and the lower sheet 25, a transparent vinyl chloride sheet is used in Example 2, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other sheets, films, and the like are used. These thicknesses may be any thickness as long as an opening 27 (to be described later) can be detected by finger touch.
[0042]
Moreover, although the upper sheet 24 and the lower sheet 25 are transparent, the present invention is not limited to this, and an appropriate color may be given to these sheets.
[0043]
In addition, a plurality of openings 27 are provided at predetermined positions of the upper sheet 24, and the order sheet 1 ′ is placed in the guide holder 21 and the order sheet 1 ′ is placed around the outside of the adhesive as in the first embodiment. The data symbol 4 printed on the ordering sheet 1 ′ is arranged inside the opening 27 and exposed when stored so that the outer periphery contacts.
[0044]
The shape and size of these openings 27 may be the same as those of the openings 9 in the first embodiment.
[0045]
In the second embodiment, reading is performed using the same handy terminal 10 as in the first embodiment.
[0046]
Hereinafter, the reading method according to the second embodiment will be described. First, the order sheet 1 ′ is placed in the guide holder 21, and two predetermined sides of the order sheet 1 ′ are in contact with the adhesive portion 26 of the guide holder 21. Store.
[0047]
At this time, the orderer touches the notch 23 of the guide holder 21 so that the order sheet 1 ′ is accurately stored in the guide holder 21 and the data symbol 4 is arranged in the opening 27. If the order sheet 1 ′ is stored inside the guide holder 21 upside down or opposite to the front and back, the order sheet 1 ′ protrudes from the notch 23. It can be recognized by finger touch.
[0048]
Thus, after correctly placing the order sheet 1 ′ in the guide holder 21, the orderer recognizes the position of the data symbol 4 corresponding to the desired product by sensing the opening 27 with a finger, By disposing the read head 13 of the handy terminal 10 at this position, the convex portion 20 of the read head 13 and the opening 27 are engaged with each other, so that a desired product printed on the order sheet 1 is obtained. The data symbol 4 corresponding to the above and the read head 13 are accurately aligned, and reliable reading is performed by the handy terminal 10 as described above.
[0049]
According to the second embodiment, even a visually handicapped person can prevent the order sheet 1 from being stored in the guide holder 21 by mistake in the upper and lower sides and the front and back, and can be stored correctly. In addition, since the order sheet 1 is stored in the guide holder 21, even if alignment with the handy terminal 10 is performed, the order sheet 1 and the guide holder 21 Will not slip out.
[0050]
As another form of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a convex portion 28 having a height capable of restricting the movement of the handy terminal is provided at a predetermined position around the opening portion 27. It is good also as guide holder 21 'provided by embossing.
[0051]
In this way, as shown in FIG. 7, even when using the handy terminal 10 ′ not provided with the convex portion 20, by bringing the outer periphery of the lower end of the read head 13 into contact with the convex portion 28, The alignment with the desired data symbol 4 can be easily performed.
[0052]
Further, the shape, arrangement position, and the like of the projections 28 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 7, and the number and positions of the arrangement, and the formation method thereof are arbitrary.
[0053]
The present invention has been described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the present invention can be modified or added without departing from the gist of the present invention. Needless to say, it is included in
[0054]
For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the present invention is applied to the product ordering sheet 1. However, the present invention can be applied to various items such as individual product packages or data symbols displayed for sorting boxes. Obviously it can be applied.
[0055]
Further, although the information recording symbol in each of the embodiments has been described by taking a two-dimensional data symbol as an example, the present invention is not limited to this, and is a barcode as a normal one-dimensional data symbol. Also good.
[0056]
Of course, the thickness and shape of each ruled line, the size of the data symbol 4, the display position, the inclination angle, and the like are not limited to the above-described embodiment.
[0057]
【The invention's effect】
The present invention has the following effects.
[0058]
(A) According to the first aspect of the present invention, the printing position of the information recording symbol can be detected by touching the concave portion or the opening portion even with a blind person such as a blind person or a low vision person. Thus, the information recording symbol and the reading means can be aligned, so that it is not necessary to previously provide a convex or concave portion on the printed matter. In addition, it is possible to prevent the printed material from being arranged upside down and front and back.
[0059]
(B) According to the invention of claim 2, since the guide member can be detachably attached to the printed matter, by sharing the arrangement position of the information recording symbol, one guide member is shared by a plurality of printed matter. Can be used. In addition, by storing the printed material in the bag-shaped guide member, not only the outer shape of the printed material and the guide member is automatically adjusted, but also the printed material is stored in the guide member. For this reason, the positional deviation between the guide member and the printed matter hardly occurs.
[0060]
(C) According to the invention of claim 3, a low vision person or a healthy person can confirm the printed contents of the printed material covered with the guide member even in a state where the guide member is arranged on the printed material.
[0065]
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a product ordering sheet and a guide member (template) in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a product ordering sheet is sandwiched between guide members in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a handy terminal used in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway side view of the handy terminal used in Example 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a product ordering sheet and a guide member (guide holder) in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an external perspective view showing another aspect of the guide member in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a partially broken side view showing a reading state at a handy terminal in the guide member (guide holder) of the other embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Product ordering sheet (printed material)
2, 3, 5 area 4 2D data symbol (information recording symbol)
6 Template (guide member)
7 Holding part 8 Resin plate 9 Opening part 10 Handy terminal (reading means)
11 Numeric keypad 12 Handle part 13 Reading head 14 Liquid crystal display part 15 Reflecting plate 16 Transmission window (data intake port)
17 Convex lens 18 CCD
19 Irradiation device 19 Thumb 20 Convex part 21 Guide holder (guide member)
22, 23 Notch 24 Upper sheet 25 Lower sheet 26 Adhesion 27 Opening 28 Convex

Claims (2)

A guide member having a recess or an opening whose arrangement matches the information recording symbol is overlaid on a printed matter on which an information recording symbol is printed in advance at a predetermined location, so that the information recording symbol and the recess or opening are aligned. An information recording symbol reading method in which the information recording symbol is read by a reading means in a state where a notch portion is provided at a predetermined position of the printed matter and the guide member, and the printed matter and the guide member are separated by the notch portion. A method for reading an information recording symbol, wherein the reading is performed by superimposing the images in a desired direction . A printed material in which an information recording symbol is printed in advance at a predetermined location, a guide member having a recess or an opening whose arrangement matches the information recording symbol superimposed on the printed material, and the information recording symbol and the recess or opening. An information recording symbol reading device for reading the information recording symbol by a reading means in a state in which the printed material is matched, wherein the guide member has substantially the same outer shape as at least two sides of the printed material. The information recording symbol reader is characterized in that the information recording symbol is in a bag shape capable of storing the printed matter in which the information recording symbol and the concave portion or the opening can be aligned.

Images