Commodity bar code comparator and comparison method

Abstract

The invention discloses a commodity bar code comparator and a comparison method, and belongs to the technical field of bar code quality detection. The comparator comprises a comparison plate body, an X-axis is arranged on the surface of the comparison plate body, and a left empty measurement area and a right empty measurement area are arranged on the two sides of the X-axis respectively; the left empty measuring area and the right empty measuring area are respectively provided with a Y axis which is perpendicular to and intersects with the X axis. Two sides of the Y axis are a module measuring part and a blank area measuring part. The two module measuring parts are respectively provided with a multiplying power reference line passing through a corresponding original point, the slope of the multiplying power reference line is the ratio of the width of the corresponding blank area to the total width of the bar code module, and a plurality of mapping reference lines parallel to the X axis are connected between the multiplying power reference line and the Y axis; the two blank area measuring parts are both provided with a plurality of equal-scale reference lines inclined by 45 degrees, and the plurality of mapping reference lines and the plurality of equal-scale reference lines are connected to corresponding Y axes. According to the invention, the efficiency of barcode module and blank area width detection can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of commodity barcode quality detection, and in particular to a commodity barcode comparison device and comparison method. Background Art

[0002] A barcode, or barcode, consists of a regularly arranged pattern of bars and spaces, along with their corresponding codes, used to identify retail products, packaged goods for transportation, logistics units, and the locations of participating entities. The retail product code (RPC) is a globally unique, unique identifier for retail products. Developed by the International Article Numbering Association (IAN), the RPC barcode system uses the EAN / UPC barcode format defined in ISO / IEC 15420. EAN / UPC barcodes have four structures: EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, and UPC-E. EAN / UPC barcodes are graphical identifiers composed of multiple black bars (bars) and white bars (spaces) of equal width and varying reflectivity, arranged in a parallel pattern according to specific coding rules. These codes can represent a variety of information, including the country of origin, manufacturer, product name, specifications, and model number. Due to their advantages of fast data collection, high reliability, large information content, high degree of freedom, ease of production, and flexible use, they have gained widespread application in the commodity distribution sector.

[0003] EAN / UPC barcodes are generally printed on product packaging and are used by supermarkets, shopping malls and other places to scan and identify them. Therefore, the quality of their printing plays a crucial role in the speed and accuracy of identification.

[0004] In order to enable barcodes to be effectively identified, relevant standards have made clear provisions for barcode decodability, optical properties, blank area width, symbol level, Z size (single module width) and other indicators. Among them, the barcode blank area size and module width are mandatory items for barcode quality testing, which directly affect the accuracy of barcode recognition and are also the most common non-conformities that lead to barcode quality failures.

[0005] Currently, there are numerous barcode systems, and existing barcode measuring rulers can only detect the barcode's magnification factor. There are no tools that can quickly determine whether a barcode's blank area and module width meet requirements. Companies typically need to send barcode samples to local branches of the National Article Coding Center for testing and evaluation. Conventional testing methods are also relatively complex. They typically first measure the blank area width using a length measuring tool, then use a barcode detector to measure the Z value and determine whether the Z value meets the standard. Finally, calculations and comparisons are used to determine whether the blank area meets standard requirements, resulting in low testing efficiency. Furthermore, the barcode blank area width is correlated with the Z dimension, but barcode patterns are small, and the individual modules of the start and end characters are very thin. Conventional length measuring tools cannot accurately measure the Z dimension. Equipping companies with barcode inspection equipment would incur additional expenses, and the lack of such equipment makes it difficult to measure the Z dimension, hindering self-inspection and daily control of barcode blank area printing quality. Therefore, a tool is urgently needed to quickly and easily determine whether a barcode's blank area size and module width meet requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a product barcode comparison device and comparison method that can quickly and easily compare and detect the barcode blank area and module width, thereby improving the efficiency of barcode blank area and module detection and reducing the cost of daily management and control of barcode blank area printing quality for enterprises. The technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows.

[0007] In one aspect, the present invention provides a commodity barcode comparator, comprising a transparent comparison plate body, wherein an X-axis line is provided on the surface of the comparison plate body, and two sides of the X-axis line are a left blank measurement area and a right blank measurement area respectively; The left empty measurement area and the right empty measurement area are respectively provided with a Y axis perpendicular to and intersecting the X axis, and the left empty measurement area and the right empty measurement area are respectively divided into a module measurement part and a blank area measurement part by the corresponding Y axis; Taking the intersection of the Y axis and the X axis as the origin, both module measurement units are provided with a magnification reference line passing through the corresponding origin, wherein the slope of the magnification reference line of the left blank measurement area is the ratio of the preset width of the left blank area of ​​the barcode to the total width of the barcode module, and the slope of the magnification reference line of the right blank measurement area is the ratio of the preset width of the right blank area of ​​the barcode to the total width of the barcode module; in each module measurement unit, a plurality of mapping reference lines parallel to the X axis are connected between the magnification reference line and the Y axis; The two blank area measurement parts are each provided with a plurality of equal-scale reference lines, the two ends of each equal-scale reference line are connected to the X-axis and the Y-axis respectively, and the angle between each equal-scale reference line and the X-axis and the Y-axis is 45 degrees; In both the left empty measurement area and the right empty measurement area, a plurality of mapping reference lines and a plurality of equal-scale reference lines are connected to the corresponding Y-axis lines.

[0008] The above technical solution, according to the standard provisions of identifiable barcodes, the minimum width of the barcode blank area and the total width of the module are both specified multiples of the barcode Z value. Therefore, the comparator is designed based on the relationship between the barcode blank area width, the total module width and the barcode Z value, and the actual value of the barcode module total width is associated with the theoretical minimum value of the blank area width through the magnification reference line and the equal scale line. When in use, it is only necessary to align the barcode module area with the module measurement part, find the point corresponding to the module width on the magnification reference line, and then map the Y-axis coordinate of the point to the blank area measurement part through the mapping reference line and the equal scale line. The blank area width can be quickly judged whether it meets the minimum blank area width requirement corresponding to the total module width, and the comparison detection is convenient and fast.

[0009] It should be noted that, considering that the comparator of the present invention is placed according to the direction of the barcode, the above-mentioned X-axis and Y-axis are not limited to the horizontal X-axis and the vertical Y-axis in the plane coordinate system.

[0010] Optionally, the positions of the module measurement parts and blank area measurement parts in the left and right space measurement areas satisfy the following requirements: when the barcode is projected onto the left space measurement area and the outer edge of the barcode start symbol coincides with the Y axis of the left space measurement area, the left blank area of ​​the barcode is projected onto the blank area measurement part of the left space measurement area; when the barcode is projected onto the right space measurement area and the outer edge of the barcode end symbol coincides with the Y axis of the right space measurement area, the right blank area of ​​the barcode is projected onto the blank area measurement part of the left space measurement area. Under this concept, the Y axis on the comparison board body can be set to one or two, that is: In one embodiment, the Y-axes of the left and right blank measurement areas are collinear, with the blank area measurement portion of the left blank measurement area adjacent to the module measurement portion of the right blank measurement area, and vice versa. However, in this embodiment, since the module measurement portions must be long enough to accommodate the total length of the barcode, and the module measurement portions of the left and right blank measurement areas extend away from each other, the entire comparison board body becomes relatively long, making it inconvenient to carry and store. Therefore, as another embodiment, the left and right blank measurement areas are arranged with staggered Y-axes, with the blank measurement portions of the left and right blank measurement areas spaced apart from each other, while the module measurement portions of the left and right blank measurement areas are at least partially adjacent. In this embodiment, the entire length of the left and right blank measurement areas is designed to fit within the full length of the comparison board body, reducing the size and length of the comparator, making it easier to carry, store, and use.

[0011] Since the barcode standard specifies the Z value (i.e., the width of a single module) of a barcode at different magnification factors, as well as the magnification factor range of the barcode, the following technical solution can not only minimize the size of the aligner but also detect whether the barcode module width is qualified, considering the possible size range of the actual barcode: The X-axis coordinate value of the endpoint of the magnification reference line away from the origin is at least equal to the upper limit of the total width of the barcode module corresponding to the set maximum magnification factor; At least the module measurement portion of the left space measurement area or the right space measurement area is provided with a magnification coefficient reference line parallel to the Y axis, and the magnification coefficient reference line includes a maximum coefficient reference line and a minimum coefficient reference line, wherein the X-axis coordinate value of the point where the maximum coefficient reference line intersects the magnification reference line is equal to the upper limit value of the total width of the barcode module corresponding to the set maximum magnification coefficient, and the X-axis coordinate value of the point where the minimum coefficient reference line intersects the magnification reference line is equal to the lower limit value of the total width of the barcode module corresponding to the set minimum magnification coefficient.

[0012] During the comparison test, the barcode is projected onto the module's measurement area, with one edge aligned with the Y-axis. If the other edge exceeds the range defined by the two magnification factor reference lines, the total width of the barcode module fails, and blank area width testing is unnecessary. Since the total width of the barcode only needs to be tested once, the magnification factor reference lines can be placed only in the left or right blank area measurement area, or in both areas.

[0013] Taking into account that barcodes with unqualified total barcode module width no longer need to be compared with blank areas, therefore, in some possible embodiments: among multiple mapping reference lines, the points where the two edgemost reference lines intersect with the magnification reference line are the points where the minimum coefficient reference line and the maximum coefficient reference line intersect with the magnification reference line respectively.

[0014] Optionally, the multiple equal-scale reference lines are equidistant from each other, the multiple mapping reference lines are equidistant from each other, and each mapping reference line is connected to an equal-scale reference line on the Y-axis. This embodiment makes it easier for the user to visually determine the position of the minimum blank area width corresponding to the barcode to be tested on the X-axis.

[0015] Optionally, the comparison plate body is square and can be made of a glass substrate or film. The lines on a glass substrate can be colors other than black, preferably different colors for different types of lines, to facilitate identification and detection. Using film for the comparison plate body significantly reduces production costs and facilitates rapid product promotion.

[0016] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a comparison method based on the commodity barcode comparison device described in the first aspect, comprising: A) When using the left blank measurement area for barcode comparison: Place the comparison plate body over the surface of the barcode to be tested, so that the Y axis of the left blank measurement area coincides with the outer edge line of the first module of the barcode start symbol, and the barcode is projected onto the module measurement part of the left blank measurement area, and the left blank area of ​​the barcode is projected onto the blank area measurement part of the left blank measurement area; Obtaining the actual intersection point of the outer edge line of the last module of the barcode terminator and the magnification reference line, selecting a mapping reference line that is closest to or passes through the actual intersection point, connecting the mapping reference line with an equal-scale reference line to obtain a connection point between the equal-scale reference line and the X-axis line, and determining the reference position point of the minimum width boundary of the left blank area of ​​the barcode on the X-axis line based on the position of the connection point and the positional relationship between the selected mapping reference line and the actual intersection point; Determine whether the boundary line of the left blank area of ​​the barcode intersects with the X-axis line at the reference position point or on the side of the reference position point away from the origin. If so, the width of the left blank area of ​​the barcode is qualified; B) When using the right blank measurement area for barcode comparison: Place the comparison plate body on the surface of the barcode to be detected, so that the Y axis of the right blank measurement area coincides with the outer edge line of the last module of the barcode terminator, and the barcode is projected on the module measurement part of the right blank measurement area, and the right blank area of ​​the barcode is projected on the blank area measurement part of the right blank measurement area; Obtain the actual intersection point of the outer edge line of the first module of the barcode start character and the magnification reference line, select a mapping reference line that is closest to or passes through the actual intersection point, connect the equal-scale reference line of the mapping reference line to obtain the connection point of the equal-scale reference line and the X-axis line, and determine the reference position point of the minimum width boundary of the right blank area of ​​the barcode on the X-axis line based on the position of the connection point and the positional relationship between the selected mapping reference line and the actual intersection point; It is determined whether the boundary line of the right blank area of ​​the barcode intersects with the X axis at the reference position point or on the side of the reference position point away from the origin. If so, the width of the right blank area of ​​the barcode is qualified.

[0017] It should be noted that the inner and outer sides of the first module of the start character and the last module of the terminator are distinguished according to whether they face other modules of the barcode or the blank area. The side close to other modules of the barcode is the inner side, and the side facing the blank area is the outer side.

[0018] In a third aspect, the present invention provides another comparison method based on the commodity barcode comparator described in the first aspect, wherein on the comparison plate body of the commodity barcode comparator, at least the module measurement portion of the left space measurement area or the right space measurement area is provided with a magnification factor reference line parallel to the Y axis, and the magnification factor reference line includes a maximum coefficient reference line and a minimum coefficient reference line, wherein the X-axis coordinate value of the point where the maximum coefficient reference line intersects the magnification reference line is equal to the upper limit value of the total width of the barcode module corresponding to the set maximum magnification factor, and the X-axis coordinate value of the point where the minimum coefficient reference line intersects the magnification reference line is equal to the lower limit value of the total width of the barcode module corresponding to the set minimum magnification factor; Comparison methods include: S1, performing module width comparison using the left or right empty measurement area provided with a magnification coefficient reference line, including: covering the comparison plate body with the surface of the barcode to be detected, so that the barcode is projected onto the module measurement portion and one side edge line of the barcode module coincides with the Y axis; determining whether the other side edge line of the barcode module is between the maximum coefficient reference line and the minimum coefficient reference line; if so, the barcode module width is qualified, and the process proceeds to step S2; if not, the barcode module width is determined to be unqualified, and the comparison test is stopped; it should be noted that the "between the maximum coefficient reference line and the minimum coefficient reference line" includes the positions of the maximum coefficient reference line and the minimum coefficient reference line; S2, performs barcode blank area width detection, including: A) When using the left blank measurement area for barcode comparison: Place the comparison plate body over the surface of the barcode to be tested, so that the Y axis of the left blank measurement area coincides with the outer edge line of the first module of the barcode start symbol, and the barcode is projected onto the module measurement part of the left blank measurement area, and the left blank area of ​​the barcode is projected onto the blank area measurement part of the left blank measurement area; Obtaining the actual intersection point of the outer edge line of the last module of the barcode terminator and the magnification reference line, selecting a mapping reference line that is closest to or passes through the actual intersection point, connecting the mapping reference line with an equal-scale reference line to obtain a connection point between the equal-scale reference line and the X-axis line, and determining the reference position point of the minimum width boundary of the left blank area of ​​the barcode on the X-axis line based on the position of the connection point and the positional relationship between the selected mapping reference line and the actual intersection point; Determine whether the boundary line of the left blank area of ​​the barcode intersects with the X-axis line at the reference position point or on the side of the reference position point away from the origin. If so, the width of the left blank area of ​​the barcode is qualified; B) When using the right blank measurement area for barcode comparison: Place the comparison plate body on the surface of the barcode to be detected, so that the Y axis of the right blank measurement area coincides with the outer edge line of the last module of the barcode terminator, and the barcode is projected on the module measurement part of the right blank measurement area, and the right blank area of ​​the barcode is projected on the blank area measurement part of the right blank measurement area; Obtain the actual intersection point of the outer edge line of the first module of the barcode start character and the magnification reference line, select a mapping reference line that is closest to or passes through the actual intersection point, connect the equal-scale reference line of the mapping reference line to obtain the connection point of the equal-scale reference line and the X-axis line, and determine the reference position point of the minimum width boundary of the right blank area of ​​the barcode on the X-axis line based on the position of the connection point and the positional relationship between the selected mapping reference line and the actual intersection point; It is determined whether the boundary line of the right blank area of ​​the barcode intersects with the X axis at the reference position point or on the side of the reference position point away from the origin. If so, the width of the right blank area of ​​the barcode is qualified.

[0019] It should be noted that the density of the mapping reference lines and the equal scale lines in the present invention should be as dense as possible while being clearly distinguishable, so as to be adaptable to the comparison and detection of barcodes with different magnification factors. When there is no mapping reference line at the intersection of the outer edge line of the start or end character of the barcode and the magnification reference line, after selecting the closest mapping reference line and then obtaining the connection point of the corresponding equal scale line and the X-axis line, the upper and lower positional relationship between the selected mapping reference line and the actual intersection should be considered, and the reference position point used to define the minimum width boundary of the barcode blank area should be moved left and right from the connection point of the selected equal scale line and the X-axis line.

[0020] Beneficial effects

[0021] The product barcode comparison device of the present invention is provided with a left blank measurement area and a right blank measurement area, each having a module measurement unit and a blank area measurement unit. A magnification reference line and a mapping reference line are provided on the module measurement unit, and a uniform scale reference line is provided on the blank area measurement unit. This allows the user to compare and detect the actual widths of the left and right blank areas based on the total width of the barcode module. This comparison process does not require the use of a barcode detector, and the detection efficiency and accuracy are both high.

[0022] At the same time, the present invention sets a magnification factor reference line in the module measurement part, which enables the user to quickly and conveniently determine whether the total width of the barcode module is qualified. If it is unqualified, there is no need to perform blank area width detection. That is, the present invention can realize comprehensive detection and comparison of the total width of the barcode module and the blank area width. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a product barcode comparison device of the present invention in Example 2; Figure 2 FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a product barcode comparison device of the present invention in Example 3; Figure 3 Shown is a product schematic diagram of the commodity barcode comparison device in Example 4 of the present invention; Figure 4 The figure shows the structure of the EAN-13 code. Figure 5 Shown is a schematic diagram of the EAN-13 code; Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the left blank measurement area of ​​the EAN-13 code comparator in the present invention; Figure 7 FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a comparison method for detecting the left space of an EAN-13 code using the left space measurement area of ​​a comparator according to the present invention; Figure 8 FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a comparison method for detecting the right space of an EAN-13 code using the right space measurement area of ​​a comparator according to the present invention; Figures 1 to 8 In the figure, 1- comparison board body, 2- magnification reference line, 3- mapping reference line, 4- equal scale reference line, 5- EAN-13 code, 51- start character, 52- left data character, 53- middle separator, 54- right data character, 55- check character, 56- end character, 57- left blank area, 58- right blank area, 59- prefix code. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The technical concept of the present invention is that, according to the correlation between the width of the barcode blank area and the total width of the barcode module and the Z value of the barcode, a comparison board is set up, and a magnification reference line, a mapping reference line and an equal scale reference line are reasonably set on the comparison board, so that the Y-axis coordinates of each point on the magnification reference line can be mapped to the X-axis line of the blank area measurement part, so that the minimum width boundary of the barcode blank area in the blank area measurement part can be determined according to the intersection of the module outer edge line in the module measurement part and the magnification reference line, thereby realizing fast and efficient detection of the width of the barcode blank area.

[0025] The following is a further description with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0026] Example 1

[0027] This embodiment introduces a commodity barcode comparison device, referring to Figures 1 to 3 , which includes a transparent comparison plate body 1, the surface of the comparison plate body 1 is provided with an X axis, and the two sides of the X axis are a left empty measurement area and a right empty measurement area respectively; The left empty measurement area and the right empty measurement area are respectively provided with a Y axis perpendicular to and intersecting the X axis, and the left empty measurement area and the right empty measurement area are respectively divided into a module measurement part and a blank area measurement part by the corresponding Y axis; With the intersection of the Y-axis and the X-axis as the origin, both module measurement sections are provided with a magnification reference line 2 passing through the corresponding origin. The slope of the magnification reference line 2 in the left blank measurement area is the ratio of the preset width of the left blank area of ​​the barcode to the total width of the barcode module, and the slope of the magnification reference line in the right blank measurement area is the ratio of the preset width of the right blank area of ​​the barcode to the total width of the barcode module. In each module measurement section, multiple mapping reference lines 3 parallel to the X-axis are connected between the magnification reference line and the Y-axis. Both blank area measurement parts are provided with a plurality of equal-scale reference lines 4, the two ends of each equal-scale reference line 4 are connected to the X axis and the Y axis respectively, and the angle between each equal-scale reference line 4 and the X axis and the Y axis is 45 degrees; In both the left empty measurement area and the right empty measurement area, a plurality of mapping reference lines 3 and a plurality of equal-scale reference lines 4 are connected to the corresponding Y-axis lines.

[0028] In this embodiment, the positions of the module measurement parts and blank area measurement parts in the left and right blank area measurement areas satisfy the following requirements: when the barcode is projected onto the left blank area measurement area and the outer edge of the barcode start symbol coincides with the Y axis of the left blank area measurement area, the left blank area of ​​the barcode is projected onto the blank area measurement part of the left blank area measurement area; when the barcode is projected onto the right blank area measurement area and the outer edge of the barcode end symbol coincides with the Y axis of the right blank area measurement area, the right blank area of ​​the barcode is projected onto the blank area measurement part of the left blank area measurement area. Under this concept, the Y axis on the comparison board body can be set to one or two. Since both the minimum barcode blank area width and the total module width are specified multiples of the barcode Z value, in this embodiment, the comparator is designed based on the relationship between the barcode blank area width, the total module width, and the barcode Z value. The actual value of the barcode module total width is associated with the theoretical minimum blank area width via the magnification reference line and the equal scale lines, and this is reflected in the blank area measurement unit. During use, simply align the barcode module area with the module measurement unit, find the point corresponding to the module width on the magnification reference line, and then map the Y-axis coordinate of this point to the blank area measurement unit using the mapping reference line and the equal scale lines. This allows for a quick determination of whether the blank area width meets the minimum blank area width requirement corresponding to the total module width.

[0029] It should be noted here that the density of the mapping reference lines and the equal scale lines is preferably as dense as possible while being clearly distinguishable, so as to be adaptable to comparison and detection of barcodes with different magnification factors.

[0030] In a few application scenarios, when there is no mapping reference line at the intersection of the outer edge line of the start or end character of the barcode and the magnification reference line, after selecting the closest mapping reference line to obtain the connection point of the corresponding equal scale line and the X-axis line, the upper and lower positional relationship between the selected mapping reference line and the actual intersection point should be considered. Accordingly, the reference position point used to define the minimum width boundary of the barcode blank area should be moved to the left or right from the connection point of the selected equal scale line and the X-axis line. For example, when performing a comparison test on the left blank area, if the selected mapping reference line is above the actual intersection point, the absolute value of the X-axis coordinate of the connection point between the equal scale line and the X-axis connected by the mapping reference line is actually larger than the absolute value of the X-axis coordinate of the minimum width boundary of the barcode blank area. Therefore, the reference position point used to define the minimum width boundary of the barcode blank area should be moved to the right from the connection point of the selected equal scale line and the X-axis. The distance moved can be calculated based on the vertical distance between the selected mapping reference line and the actual intersection point, or other linear objects can be used as auxiliary equal scale lines to determine the actual reference position point.

[0031] like Figures 1 to 3 The comparison plate body can be square or other shapes, and can be made of a glass substrate or film. On a glass substrate, the lines can be colors other than black, and preferably, different colors for different types of lines, for easier identification and detection. Using film for the comparison plate body significantly reduces production costs and facilitates rapid product rollout.

[0032] Example 2

[0033] Based on Example 1, considering that the entire length of the left and right blank measurement areas fits the entire length of the comparison plate body, and as a tool that can conveniently perform barcode comparison and detection, the length of the comparison plate body should not be too large or too long.

[0034] Therefore, in this embodiment, Figure 1 The left empty measurement area and the right empty measurement area are provided with Y axes that are staggered from each other, the blank area measurement parts of the left empty measurement area and the right empty measurement area are far away from each other, and the module measurement parts of the left empty measurement area and the right empty measurement area are at least partially adjacent.

[0035] At the same time, in order to make it easier for users to judge with the naked eye the position of the minimum width of the blank area corresponding to the barcode to be tested on the X-axis line, in this embodiment, multiple equal-scale reference lines 4 are set at equal distances, and multiple mapping reference lines 3 are set at equal distances, and each mapping reference line is connected to an equal-scale reference line on the Y-axis line.

[0036] The following is the design and description of the comparer for the common EAN-13 barcode.

[0037] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 ,in Figure 5 The structure of the EAN-13 barcode is shown. It should be noted that since this barcode is only for illustration, the module part is dotted and the spaces are truncated to prevent it from being scanned. Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the image, the barcode is blotched to make it unscannable.

[0038] Depend on Figure 4 and Figure 5 From left to right, an EAN-13 barcode consists of a left margin 57, a start character 51, a left data character 52, a center separator 53, a right data character 54, a check character 55, a stop character 56, and a right margin 58. The Z value of a barcode is the width of a single module. This width is determined when the barcode's magnification factor is determined. For an EAN-13 barcode, the minimum width of the left margin 57 is 11 modules, or 11Z. The width from the start character 51 to the stop character 56 is 95 modules, or 95Z. The minimum width of the right margin 58 is 7 modules. Therefore, the slope of the magnification reference line in the left margin measurement area should be k1 = 11Z / 95Z, or 11 / 95, and the slope of the magnification reference line in the right margin measurement area should be k2 = 7Z / 95Z, or 7 / 95.

[0039] refer to Figure 6 In the left empty measurement area, the ratio of the Y-axis coordinate to the X-axis coordinate of any point on the magnification reference line OP is 11:95, and the angle between the magnification reference line OP and the X-axis is α. Mapping reference line AP maps the Y-axis coordinate of the point on the magnification reference line to the X-axis through the equally scaled reference line AB. The ratio of OA to OP is converted to the ratio of OB to OP, which is also 11:95.

[0040] Recombination Figure 6 and Figure 7 When conducting a comparison test, cover the comparison ruler on the barcode, project the barcode module onto the module measurement part, align one edge of the barcode module with the Y-axis, and then obtain the actual intersection of the other edge of the barcode module and the magnification reference line. The Y-axis coordinate of the actual intersection can be obtained by the mapping reference line and the equal-scale reference line and mapped to the reference position point of the X-axis of the blank area measurement part. It is used as the minimum value of the allowed blank area width to determine the qualified barcode blank area width range, and whether the barcode blank area edge falls within the qualified barcode blank area width range can be quickly read to determine whether the blank area width of the measured barcode is qualified.

[0041] Example 3

[0042] refer to Figure 2, which is different from Example 2, in this embodiment, the Y axes of the left empty measurement area and the right empty measurement area are on the same straight line, the blank area measurement portion of the left empty measurement area is adjacent to the module measurement portion of the right empty measurement area, and the module measurement portion of the left empty measurement area is adjacent to the blank area measurement portion of the right empty measurement area.

[0043] However, in this embodiment, since the length of the module measurement portion must adapt to the total length of the barcode, and the module measurement portions of the left and right blank measurement areas extend away from each other, the length of the entire comparison plate body must be greater than twice the total length of the barcode. If the comparison plate is too long, it will be inconvenient to carry, place and use. Therefore, although this embodiment does not affect the detection of the width of the blank area of ​​the barcode, it is not a preferred embodiment.

[0044] Example 4

[0045] Because barcode standards specify the Z value (i.e., the width of a single module) at different magnification factors, as well as the range of barcode magnification factors, barcode formats and lengths vary at different magnification factors. Therefore, based on Examples 1 to 3, this embodiment considers the range of possible barcode formats and, while minimizing the size of the comparator, designs a device capable of detecting the total width of the barcode modules. The details are as follows.

[0046] refer to Figure 3 In the left and right empty measurement areas, the X-axis coordinate value of the endpoint of the magnification reference line away from the respective origins is at least equal to the upper limit of the total width of the barcode module corresponding to the set maximum magnification factor. Generally speaking, it is preferred that the X-axis coordinate value of the end point of the magnification reference line is much larger than the upper limit of the total width of the barcode module.

[0047] At the same time, at least the module measurement portion of the left space measurement area or the right space measurement area is provided with a magnification coefficient reference line parallel to the Y axis, and the magnification coefficient reference line includes a maximum coefficient reference line and a minimum coefficient reference line, wherein the X-axis coordinate value of the point where the maximum coefficient reference line intersects the magnification reference line is equal to the upper limit value of the total width of the barcode module corresponding to the set maximum magnification coefficient, and the X-axis coordinate value of the point where the minimum coefficient reference line intersects the magnification reference line is equal to the lower limit value of the total width of the barcode module corresponding to the set minimum magnification coefficient.

[0048] During the comparison test, the barcode is projected onto the module's measurement area, with one edge aligned with the Y-axis. If the other edge exceeds the range defined by the two magnification factor reference lines, the total width of the barcode module fails, and blank area width testing is unnecessary. Since the total width of the barcode only needs to be tested once, the magnification factor reference lines can be placed only in the left or right blank area measurement area, or in both areas.

[0049] For EAN-13 code, the theoretical value of the width of a single module is expressed by X dimension, and the actual value is expressed by Z dimension. The X value at 1x magnification factor is 0.330mm. The standard barcode magnification factor range is 0.80~2.00. Correspondingly, the standard X value range is 0.264mm~0.660mm. Therefore, Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the module measurement unit of the left blank measurement area has a minimum coefficient reference line corresponding to a magnification factor of 0.8 at the X-axis coordinate of 0.264mm, a baseline coefficient reference line corresponding to a magnification factor of 10 at the X-axis coordinate of 0.330mm, and a maximum coefficient reference line corresponding to a magnification factor of 2.0 at the X-axis coordinate of 0.660mm. These lines are labeled "0.8x Baseline," "1.0x Baseline," and "2.0x Baseline," respectively. These markings on the comparison board, along with "Left Blank" and "Right Blank," are designed to help users clearly distinguish between different measurement areas and comparison benchmarks, enabling more efficient barcode comparison and testing.

[0050] Furthermore, considering that barcodes with unqualified total width of barcode modules no longer need to be compared with blank areas, it is preferred that: among multiple mapping reference lines, the points where the two edgemost reference lines intersect with the magnification reference line are the points where the minimum coefficient reference line and the maximum coefficient reference line intersect with the magnification reference line respectively.

[0051] Example 5

[0052] This embodiment introduces a comparison method of a product barcode comparator that can be implemented using any of the implementation methods in Embodiments 1 to 4, including: A) When using the left blank measurement area for barcode comparison, refer to Figure 7 As shown: Place the comparison plate body over the surface of the barcode to be tested, so that the Y axis of the left blank measurement area coincides with the outer edge line of the first module of the barcode start symbol, and the barcode is projected onto the module measurement part of the left blank measurement area, and the left blank area of ​​the barcode is projected onto the blank area measurement part of the left blank measurement area; Obtaining the actual intersection point of the outer edge line of the last module of the barcode terminator and the magnification reference line, selecting a mapping reference line that is closest to or passes through the actual intersection point, connecting the mapping reference line with an equal-scale reference line to obtain a connection point between the equal-scale reference line and the X-axis line, and determining the reference position point of the minimum width boundary of the left blank area of ​​the barcode on the X-axis line based on the position of the connection point and the positional relationship between the selected mapping reference line and the actual intersection point; Determine whether the boundary line of the left blank area of ​​the barcode intersects with the X-axis line at the reference position point or on the side of the reference position point away from the origin. If so, the width of the left blank area of ​​the barcode is qualified; B) When using the right empty measurement area for barcode comparison, refer to Figure 8As shown: Place the comparison plate body on the surface of the barcode to be detected, so that the Y axis of the right blank measurement area coincides with the outer edge line of the last module of the barcode terminator, and the barcode is projected on the module measurement part of the right blank measurement area, and the right blank area of ​​the barcode is projected on the blank area measurement part of the right blank measurement area; Obtain the actual intersection point of the outer edge line of the first module of the barcode start character and the magnification reference line, select a mapping reference line that is closest to or passes through the actual intersection point, connect the equal-scale reference line of the mapping reference line to obtain the connection point of the equal-scale reference line and the X-axis line, and determine the reference position point of the minimum width boundary of the right blank area of ​​the barcode on the X-axis line based on the position of the connection point and the positional relationship between the selected mapping reference line and the actual intersection point; It is determined whether the boundary line of the right blank area of ​​the barcode intersects with the X axis at the reference position point or on the side of the reference position point away from the origin. If so, the width of the right blank area of ​​the barcode is qualified.

[0053] The detection method of this embodiment can be used without considering whether the total width of the barcode module is qualified, or can be performed after the barcode Z value and the total module width are tested using other means. It should be noted that the order of testing the left and right blank areas is adjustable and there is no priority restriction. Furthermore, after the first blank area comparison test is completed and the blank area width is determined to be unqualified, the comparison test of the other blank area width can be stopped, because at this time, the corresponding barcode quality can already be determined to be unqualified.

[0054] Example 6

[0055] This embodiment introduces a comparison method for a commodity barcode comparator. The comparator used is as described in Embodiments 1 to 4, and the comparator further meets the following requirements: on the comparison plate body of the commodity barcode comparator, at least the module measurement portion of the left space measurement area or the right space measurement area is provided with a magnification factor reference line parallel to the Y axis, the magnification factor reference line including a maximum coefficient reference line and a minimum coefficient reference line, wherein the X-axis coordinate value of the point where the maximum coefficient reference line intersects the magnification factor reference line is equal to the upper limit value of the total width of the barcode module corresponding to the set maximum magnification factor, and the X-axis coordinate value of the point where the minimum coefficient reference line intersects the magnification factor reference line is equal to the lower limit value of the total width of the barcode module corresponding to the set minimum magnification factor; In steps A and B of this embodiment, the order of comparison can be adjusted based on the area where the magnification factor reference line is set on the comparison board. If the magnification factor reference line is set in the left blank measurement area, the left blank measurement area is used first for module total width comparison. After the module total width comparison passes, the left blank area is compared and tested. Finally, the right blank area is compared and tested using the right blank measurement area. If both measurement areas are equipped with Z value range reference lines, either the left or right blank measurement area can be selected for comparison and testing first.

[0056] Combine Figure 3 、 Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the comparison method of this embodiment includes: S1, performing module width comparison using the left or right empty measurement area provided with a magnification coefficient reference line, including: covering the comparison plate body with the surface of the barcode to be detected, so that the barcode is projected onto the module measurement portion and one side edge line of the barcode module coincides with the Y axis; determining whether the other side edge line of the barcode module is between the maximum coefficient reference line and the minimum coefficient reference line; if so, the barcode module width is qualified, and the process proceeds to step S2; if not, the barcode module width is determined to be unqualified, and the comparison test is stopped; it should be noted that the "between the maximum coefficient reference line and the minimum coefficient reference line" includes the positions of the maximum coefficient reference line and the minimum coefficient reference line; S2, performs barcode blank area width detection, including: A) When using the left blank measurement area for barcode comparison: Place the comparison plate body over the surface of the barcode to be tested, so that the Y axis of the left blank measurement area coincides with the outer edge line of the first module of the barcode start symbol, and the barcode is projected onto the module measurement part of the left blank measurement area, and the left blank area of ​​the barcode is projected onto the blank area measurement part of the left blank measurement area; Obtaining the actual intersection point of the outer edge line of the last module of the barcode terminator and the magnification reference line, selecting a mapping reference line that is closest to or passes through the actual intersection point, connecting the mapping reference line with an equal-scale reference line to obtain a connection point between the equal-scale reference line and the X-axis line, and determining the reference position point of the minimum width boundary of the left blank area of ​​the barcode on the X-axis line based on the position of the connection point and the positional relationship between the selected mapping reference line and the actual intersection point; Determine whether the boundary line of the left blank area of ​​the barcode intersects with the X-axis line at the reference position point or on the side of the reference position point away from the origin. If so, the width of the left blank area of ​​the barcode is qualified; B) When using the right blank measurement area for barcode comparison: Place the comparison plate body on the surface of the barcode to be detected, so that the Y axis of the right blank measurement area coincides with the outer edge line of the last module of the barcode terminator, and the barcode is projected on the module measurement part of the right blank measurement area, and the right blank area of ​​the barcode is projected on the blank area measurement part of the right blank measurement area; Obtain the actual intersection point of the outer edge line of the first module of the barcode start character and the magnification reference line, select a mapping reference line that is closest to or passes through the actual intersection point, connect the equal-scale reference line of the mapping reference line to obtain the connection point of the equal-scale reference line and the X-axis line, and determine the reference position point of the minimum width boundary of the right blank area of ​​the barcode on the X-axis line based on the position of the connection point and the positional relationship between the selected mapping reference line and the actual intersection point; It is determined whether the boundary line of the right blank area of ​​the barcode intersects with the X axis at the reference position point or on the side of the reference position point away from the origin. If so, the width of the right blank area of ​​the barcode is qualified.

[0057] Similarly, in step S2, if the first blank area comparison test is completed and the blank area width is determined to be unqualified, the comparison test of the other blank area width can be stopped because the corresponding barcode quality can be determined to be unqualified at this time.

[0058] The embodiments of the present invention are described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned specific implementation methods. The above-mentioned specific implementation methods are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Under the guidance of the present invention, ordinary technicians in this field can also make many forms according to different coding systems without departing from the scope of protection of the purpose of the present invention and the claims, and all of these are protected by the present invention.

Claims

1. A commodity barcode comparison device, characterized in that: It comprises a transparent comparison plate body, the surface of which is provided with an X-axis line, and two sides of the X-axis line are respectively a left empty measurement area and a right empty measurement area; The left empty measurement area and the right empty measurement area are respectively provided with a Y axis perpendicular to and intersecting the X axis, and the left empty measurement area and the right empty measurement area are respectively divided into a module measurement part and a blank area measurement part by the corresponding Y axis; Taking the intersection of the Y axis and the X axis as the origin, the two module measurement parts are both provided with a magnification reference line passing through the corresponding origin, wherein the slope of the magnification reference line of the left blank measurement area is the ratio of the preset width of the left blank area of ​​the barcode to the total width of the barcode module, and the slope of the magnification reference line of the right blank measurement area is the ratio of the preset width of the right blank area of ​​the barcode to the total width of the barcode module; in each module measurement part, a plurality of mapping reference lines parallel to the X axis are connected between the magnification reference line and the Y axis; The two blank area measurement parts are each provided with a plurality of equal-scale reference lines, the two ends of each equal-scale reference line are respectively connected to the X-axis line and the Y-axis line, and the angles between each equal-scale reference line and the X-axis line and the Y-axis line are 45 degrees; In both the left empty measurement area and the right empty measurement area, a plurality of mapping reference lines and a plurality of equal-scale reference lines are connected to the corresponding Y axis lines.

2. The commodity barcode comparison device according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the barcode is projected onto the left blank measurement area, and the outer edge of the barcode start symbol coincides with the Y axis of the left blank measurement area, the blank area on the left side of the barcode is projected onto the blank area measurement portion of the left blank measurement area; When the barcode is projected onto the right space measurement area and the outer edge of the barcode terminator coincides with the Y axis of the right space measurement area, the right blank area of ​​the barcode is projected onto the blank area measurement portion of the left space measurement area.

3. The commodity barcode comparison device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The Y axes of the left and right empty measurement areas are on the same straight line, the blank area measurement portion of the left empty measurement area is adjacent to the module measurement portion of the right empty measurement area, and the module measurement portion of the left empty measurement area is adjacent to the blank area measurement portion of the right empty measurement area.

4. The commodity barcode comparison device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The left and right empty measurement areas are provided with mutually staggered Y axes, the blank area measurement parts of the left and right empty measurement areas are far away from each other, and the module measurement parts of the left and right empty measurement areas are at least partially adjacent.

5. The commodity barcode comparison device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The X-axis coordinate value of the end point of the magnification reference line away from the origin is at least equal to the upper limit value of the total width of the barcode module corresponding to the set maximum magnification factor; At least the module measurement portion of the left empty measurement area or the right empty measurement area is provided with a magnification factor reference line parallel to the Y axis, and the magnification factor reference line includes a maximum coefficient reference line and a minimum coefficient reference line, wherein the X-axis coordinate value of the point where the maximum coefficient reference line intersects with the magnification reference line is equal to the upper limit value of the total width of the barcode module corresponding to the set maximum magnification factor, and the X-axis coordinate value of the point where the minimum coefficient reference line intersects with the magnification reference line is equal to the lower limit value of the total width of the barcode module corresponding to the set minimum magnification factor.

6. The commodity barcode comparison device according to claim 5, characterized in that: Among the multiple mapping reference lines, the points where the two most edge reference lines intersect with the magnification reference line are the points where the minimum coefficient reference line and the maximum coefficient reference line intersect with the magnification reference line.

7. The commodity barcode comparison device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The multiple equal-scale reference lines are arranged at equal intervals, the multiple mapping reference lines are arranged at equal intervals, and each mapping reference line is connected to an equal-scale reference line on the Y axis.

8. The commodity barcode comparison device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The comparison board body is square and is made of a glass substrate or a film. Different types of lines on the comparison board body made of the glass substrate are in different colors.

9. A comparison method of the commodity barcode comparison device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: include: A) When using the left empty measurement area for barcode comparison: Cover the comparison board body on the surface of the barcode to be detected, so that the Y axis of the left blank measurement area coincides with the outer edge line of the first module of the barcode start symbol, and the barcode is projected on the module measurement part of the left blank measurement area, and the left blank area of ​​the barcode is projected on the blank area measurement part of the left blank measurement area; Obtain the actual intersection point between the outer edge line of the last module of the barcode terminator and the magnification reference line, select a mapping reference line that is closest to the actual intersection point or passes through the actual intersection point, and obtain the connection point between the equal-scale reference line and the X-axis line by connecting the equal-scale reference line of the mapping reference line. According to the position of the connection point and the positional relationship between the selected mapping reference line and the actual intersection point, determine the reference position point of the minimum width boundary of the left blank area of ​​the barcode on the X-axis line; Determine whether the boundary line of the left blank area of ​​the barcode intersects with the X-axis line at the reference position point or at the side of the reference position point away from the origin. If so, the width of the left blank area of ​​the barcode is qualified; B) When using the right empty measurement area for barcode comparison: Cover the comparison plate body on the surface of the barcode to be detected, so that the Y axis of the right blank measurement area coincides with the outer edge line of the last module of the barcode terminator, and the barcode is projected on the module measurement part of the right blank measurement area, and the right blank area of ​​the barcode is projected on the blank area measurement part of the right blank measurement area; Obtain the actual intersection point of the outer edge line of the first module of the barcode start character and the magnification reference line, select a mapping reference line that is closest to the actual intersection point or passes through the actual intersection point, and obtain the connection point of the equal-scale reference line and the X-axis line by connecting the equal-scale reference line of the mapping reference line. According to the position of the connection point and the positional relationship between the selected mapping reference line and the actual intersection point, determine the reference position point of the minimum width boundary of the right blank area of ​​the barcode on the X-axis line; It is determined whether the boundary line of the right blank area of ​​the barcode intersects with the X-axis line at the reference position point or at the side of the reference position point away from the origin. If so, the width of the right blank area of ​​the barcode is qualified.

10. A comparison method of the commodity barcode comparison device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: On the comparison plate body of the commodity barcode comparator, at least the module measurement part of the left empty measurement area or the right empty measurement area is provided with a magnification factor reference line parallel to the Y axis, and the magnification factor reference line includes a maximum coefficient reference line and a minimum coefficient reference line, wherein the X-axis coordinate value of the point where the maximum coefficient reference line intersects with the magnification reference line is equal to the upper limit value of the total width of the barcode module corresponding to the set maximum magnification factor, and the X-axis coordinate value of the point where the minimum coefficient reference line intersects with the magnification reference line is equal to the lower limit value of the total width of the barcode module corresponding to the set minimum magnification factor; Comparison methods include: S1, using the left empty measurement area or the right empty measurement area with a magnification coefficient reference line to perform module width comparison, including: covering the comparison board body on the surface of the barcode to be detected, so that the barcode is projected on the module measurement part, and the edge line of one side of the barcode module coincides with the Y axis line; judging whether the edge line of the other side of the barcode module is located between the maximum coefficient reference line and the minimum coefficient reference line, if it is satisfied, the barcode module width is qualified, and the process goes to step S2, if not, it is judged that the barcode module width is unqualified, and the comparison test is stopped; S2, detect the width of the blank area of ​​the barcode, including: A) When using the left empty measurement area for barcode comparison: Cover the comparison board body on the surface of the barcode to be detected, so that the Y axis of the left blank measurement area coincides with the outer edge line of the first module of the barcode start symbol, and the barcode is projected on the module measurement part of the left blank measurement area, and the left blank area of ​​the barcode is projected on the blank area measurement part of the left blank measurement area; Obtain the actual intersection point between the outer edge line of the last module of the barcode terminator and the magnification reference line, select a mapping reference line that is closest to the actual intersection point or passes through the actual intersection point, and obtain the connection point between the equal-scale reference line and the X-axis line by connecting the equal-scale reference line of the mapping reference line. According to the position of the connection point and the positional relationship between the selected mapping reference line and the actual intersection point, determine the reference position point of the minimum width boundary of the left blank area of ​​the barcode on the X-axis line; Determine whether the boundary line of the left blank area of ​​the barcode intersects with the X-axis line at the reference position point or at the side of the reference position point away from the origin. If so, the width of the left blank area of ​​the barcode is qualified; B) When using the right empty measurement area for barcode comparison: Cover the comparison plate body on the surface of the barcode to be detected, so that the Y axis of the right blank measurement area coincides with the outer edge line of the last module of the barcode terminator, and the barcode is projected on the module measurement part of the right blank measurement area, and the right blank area of ​​the barcode is projected on the blank area measurement part of the right blank measurement area; Obtain the actual intersection point of the outer edge line of the first module of the barcode start character and the magnification reference line, select a mapping reference line that is closest to the actual intersection point or passes through the actual intersection point, and obtain the connection point of the equal-scale reference line and the X-axis line by connecting the equal-scale reference line of the mapping reference line. According to the position of the connection point and the positional relationship between the selected mapping reference line and the actual intersection point, determine the reference position point of the minimum width boundary of the right blank area of ​​the barcode on the X-axis line; It is determined whether the boundary line of the right blank area of ​​the barcode intersects with the X-axis line at the reference position point or at the side of the reference position point away from the origin. If so, the width of the right blank area of ​​the barcode is qualified.

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