Bar code scanning equipment working parameter one-key configuration system and configuration method

Abstract

The invention provides a one-key configuration system and a one-key configuration method for working parameters of bar code scanning equipment. The one-key configuration system comprises a parameter configuration starting key; a parameter configuration execution module; and a bar code scanning and reading module. The bar code scanning and reading module reads bar codes one by one according to determined configuration parameters after the parameter configuration execution module completes bar code working parameter configuration. According to the one-key configuration system for the working parameters of the bar code scanning equipment, a user can conveniently, quickly and efficiently configure the optimal working parameters in a new application scene when the bar code scanning equipment is in the new application scene, and the optimal working parameters serve as the working parameters for normal bar code scanning work of the bar code scanning equipment; the bar code scanning equipment can also store optimal working parameters in different application scenes, so that the optimal working parameters can be directly called in a specific application scene conveniently; the bar code scanning device is convenient to operate, high in working efficiency and suitable for application requirements of an automatic assembly line.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of industrial barcode scanning equipment, and in particular to a one-key configuration system and method for operating parameters of a barcode scanning equipment. Background Art

[0002] Barcode technology is an automatic recognition technology that originated and developed through computer applications. Designed for automated scanning of information, it is an effective means of quickly, accurately, and reliably collecting data. A barcode is a symbol composed of a regular pattern of bars and spaces, followed by corresponding characters, used to represent specific information. The core of barcode technology is to enable machines to automatically recognize these barcode symbols by using photoelectric scanning equipment, quickly and accurately entering the data into a computer for processing, and thus achieving automated management.

[0003] With the rise of the big data industry, barcodes and barcode scanners are being widely used in many situations as an accurate and fast means of data collection. For example, in the logistics industry's automatic package sorting lines and industrial manufacturing production lines, barcode scanners are required to read the barcodes on the items on the lines. Because there are many different barcode systems, the position and size of the barcodes on different products can also vary. The working environment, such as ambient lighting and the distance between the barcode and the barcode scanner, also varies. This leads to the need to configure appropriate scanning parameters for different application scenarios. In order to facilitate fast and accurate barcode reading, the current practice is generally to configure the scanning parameters through manual adjustment. That is, when the barcode scanning device is first installed in a usage scenario and is ready for barcode reading, the barcode scanning device is connected to a PC (computer) with barcode scanning parameter configuration software. Open the configuration software, select the corresponding decoding software according to the barcode code system, and then manually adjust the focal length, exposure brightness, exposure time, gain, etc. and try to decode. When the decoding effect (generally the time taken for successful decoding) reaches the expected effect, the adjusted configuration parameters are used as the configuration parameters for normal reading of the barcode on the item; similarly, when the items on the assembly line or the barcodes on the items change, or the application scenario changes (such as the ambient light, the distance between the barcode and the lens of the barcode scanning device changes), it is necessary to manually adjust and re-determine the optimal scanning configuration parameters.

[0004] Although this current method can solve some practical work problems, it still has many obvious shortcomings. First, since there are many barcode systems currently used in industry, each different type of barcode requires different scanning parameters, such as exposure time, focal length, exposure light intensity, etc. Therefore, whenever the application scenario of the barcode scanning device changes, it is necessary to manually adjust the scanning parameters again and again, which seriously affects the work efficiency of the assembly line; second, when there are different items on the assembly line or the barcodes on the items are different (for example, the barcode system, size, etc. are different), using a fixed configuration parameter will cause problems, and the barcode cannot be decoded. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In response to the problems existing in the above-mentioned prior art, the present invention provides a one-key configuration system and configuration method for the working parameters of a barcode scanning device, which can conveniently and quickly configure the working parameters of barcode scanning in different application scenarios, ensure the automated operation of the assembly line and improve the accuracy and speed of barcode reading.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention provides a one-key configuration system for operating parameters of a barcode scanning device, which includes: Parameter configuration start button; A parameter configuration execution module, which executes parameter configuration work according to the set parameter configuration workflow after the parameter configuration start button is triggered; and A barcode scanning and reading module, which reads barcodes one by one according to the determined configuration parameters after the parameter configuration execution module completes the barcode working parameter configuration; The working process of the parameter configuration execution module is as follows: S1, obtaining an image containing a barcode through the imaging camera of a barcode scanning device; S2. Analyze the barcode image to determine the barcode symbology, and call corresponding decoding software pre-stored in the barcode scanning device according to the determined barcode symbology; S3. Run the corresponding decoding software to try to decode the barcode with different parameters, including exposure time, exposure brightness, gain, focal length, etc. After successful decoding, multiple groups of different parameter combinations are formed; then, the optimal parameter value is determined based on the time taken for successful decoding. The shorter the decoding time, the better the parameter.

[0007] Preferably, the parameter configuration start button is a physical button on the barcode scanning device, and the physical button can be an independent button or a combination of multiple physical buttons.

[0008] More preferably, the parameter configuration start button is a virtual button on the system configuration software interface on the PC. When the barcode scanning device is connected to the PC, the parameter configuration execution module on the barcode scanning device is triggered to perform the parameter configuration work by clicking the virtual button on the system configuration software interface on the PC.

[0009] More preferably, when using the system configuration software on the PC to configure the working parameters, configuration parameter preference items are provided on the system interface for the user to select, and the parameters of the preference items can be set to one or multiple in a hierarchical manner.

[0010] More preferably, the one-key configuration system further includes a parameter storage module, which saves the optimal configuration parameters after the parameter configuration execution module obtains them; during normal operation, when the barcode scanning device encounters a specific application scenario that has already worked, it can directly call the corresponding scanning configuration parameters stored in the parameter storage module, and the barcode scanning device performs positive barcode scanning and reading in the application scenario.

[0011] According to another object of the present invention, the present invention also provides a one-key configuration method for operating parameters of a barcode scanning device, the configuration method comprising the following steps: S1. Set the barcode scanning parameters and configure the start button; S2. Fix the barcode scanning device at the working position; S3. The item with the barcode enters the barcode scanning area of ​​the barcode scanning device, the parameter configuration start button is activated, and the parameter configuration execution module of the barcode scanning device begins to execute the parameter configuration work, specifically including: Acquire an image containing a barcode through the imaging camera of a barcode scanning device; Analyze the barcode image to determine the barcode system, and call the corresponding decoding software pre-stored in the barcode scanning device according to the determined barcode system; Run the corresponding decoding software to try to decode the barcode with different parameters, including exposure time, exposure brightness, gain, focal length, etc. After successful decoding, multiple sets of different parameter combinations are formed. Then, the optimal parameter values ​​are determined based on the time it takes to successfully decode. The shorter the decoding time, the better the parameters. S4. The barcode scanning device reads the barcodes one by one normally using the optimal parameter values ​​determined in step S3.

[0012] Preferably, in the above step S1, a single physical button for starting parameter configuration is provided on the barcode scanning device; or a combination of multiple physical buttons provided on the barcode scanning device is used as the parameter configuration starting button.

[0013] More preferably, in the above-mentioned step S1, a virtual button is set on the system configuration software interface on the PC side. When it is necessary to configure the working parameters of the barcode scanning device, the barcode scanning device is connected to the PC side, and the system configuration software is run on the PC side. The system configuration software interface is provided with the virtual button. By clicking the virtual button on the system configuration software interface, the parameter configuration execution module on the barcode scanning device is triggered to perform the parameter configuration work.

[0014] More preferably, when using the system configuration software on the PC to configure the working parameters, there are configuration parameter preferences for the user to select on the system interface. At this time, in the step S3, between the start button for starting the parameter configuration, it also includes a step for the user to select one or more levels of configuration parameter preferences through the drop-down menu on the system configuration software interface.

[0015] More preferably, the one-click configuration method for the working parameters of the barcode scanning device also includes the step of saving the optimal configuration parameters obtained in step S3; when the barcode scanning working parameters for a specific application scenario are configured, the specific application scenario characteristics and the corresponding optimal configuration parameters are stored in the barcode scanning device; during normal operation, when the barcode scanning device encounters a specific application scenario that has already worked, it can automatically match the stored configuration parameters according to the obtained characteristics of the application scenario, and the barcode scanning device directly applies the configuration parameters to perform normal barcode scanning and reading in the application scenario.

[0016] The beneficial effect of the present invention is that the one-key configuration system and configuration method of the barcode scanning device working parameters of the present invention can facilitate the user to quickly and efficiently configure the optimal working parameters for this application scenario when the barcode scanning device is in a new application scenario, and use them as the working parameters for the barcode scanning device to perform normal barcode scanning work; more preferably, the barcode scanning device can store the optimal working parameters for different application scenarios through this one-key configuration system, which is convenient for direct call in a specific application scenario; the operation is convenient, the working efficiency of the barcode scanning device is high, and it adapts to the application requirements of the automated assembly line. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] none. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] In order to provide a further understanding of the purpose, structure, features and functions of the present invention, the following detailed description is given in conjunction with the embodiments.

[0019] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center", "up", "down", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating directions or positional relationships, are based on the directions or positional relationships shown, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0020] According to the purpose of the present invention, the present invention proposes a one-key configuration system and configuration method for the working parameters of a barcode scanning device, which is used to configure the barcode scanning working parameters of a barcode scanning device set on an industrial assembly line. The parameter configuration work can be performed when the barcode scanning device is just set on the assembly line to prepare for normal barcode scanning work; or when a new item or barcode enters the assembly line. The new item or barcode can be entered into the assembly line in batches or mixed into existing items or barcodes and run on the existing assembly line. The new barcode mentioned here refers to a barcode on an item that is different from the currently circulating item; or a different barcode on the same item as the currently circulating item. For example, when the same item is manufactured by different manufacturers, even if the barcode has the same printed content, the barcode line thickness, virtuality, lightness and darkness, etc. will be different, forming a new application scenario for the barcode scanning device. At this time, the scanning working parameters also need to be reconfigured.

[0021] Specifically, the present invention proposes a one-key configuration system for operating parameters of a barcode scanning device, which includes: Parameter configuration start button; A parameter configuration execution module, which executes parameter configuration work according to the set parameter configuration workflow after the parameter configuration start button is triggered; and The barcode scanning and reading module reads barcodes one by one according to the determined configuration parameters after the parameter configuration execution module completes the barcode working parameter configuration.

[0022] In one embodiment, the parameter configuration start button is a physical button on the barcode scanning device, which can be an independent button specially designed on the existing barcode scanning device, or in another embodiment, in order to avoid a single independent button from being accidentally triggered when the barcode scanning device is working normally and thus affecting the normal barcode reading work, the parameter configuration start button can also be a combination of multiple physical buttons on the barcode scanning device. When the barcode scanning device needs to configure the working parameters for a new application scenario, the set button combination is triggered at the same time to perform the parameter configuration work.

[0023] Alternatively, in another embodiment, the parameter configuration start button is a virtual button on a system configuration software interface on a PC. When the operating parameters of the barcode scanning device need to be configured, the barcode scanning device is connected to a PC (computer), and the system configuration software is run on the PC. The system configuration software interface is provided with a virtual button. Clicking the virtual button on the system configuration software interface triggers the parameter configuration execution module on the barcode scanning device to execute the parameter configuration.

[0024] The working process of the parameter configuration execution module is as follows: S1, obtaining an image containing a barcode through the imaging camera of a barcode scanning device; S2. Analyze the barcode image to determine the barcode symbology, and call corresponding decoding software pre-stored in the barcode scanning device according to the determined barcode symbology; S3. Run the corresponding decoding software to try to decode the barcode with different parameters, including exposure time, exposure brightness, gain, focal length, etc. After successful decoding, multiple groups of different parameter combinations are formed; then, the optimal parameter value is determined based on the time taken for successful decoding. The shorter the decoding time, the better the parameter.

[0025] In actual applications, barcode scanning device manufacturers typically design their products based on user requirements, such as the type of barcodes they can read, the decoding distance they can perform at, and the intended application environment. Therefore, their manufactured barcode scanning devices typically have decoding parameter settings that closely match real-world application scenarios. When the parameter configuration execution module configures optimal operating parameters for a specific application scenario, it typically optimizes the configuration for that application scenario within the barcode scanning device's product specifications. For example, if the barcode scanning device's decoding distance is 30-80cm, adjusting the optimal imaging distance for a specific application scenario can involve starting at 30cm and gradually increasing the distance in set increments to capture barcode images and attempt decoding. The optimal imaging distance for that scenario can be determined by determining the success rate and duration of decoding success. Alternatively, a binary search method can be used to quickly find the optimal decoding focal length. Adjustments to other operating parameters follow a similar approach.

[0026] In another preferred embodiment, when configuring operating parameters using PC-based system configuration software, the system interface provides user-selectable configuration parameter preferences. For example, focal length can be selected as the preferred configuration parameter. This means that the optimal focal length parameter is adjusted first. Once the optimal focal length is determined, exposure time, exposure brightness, gain, and other parameters are adjusted based on this decoded focal length. The preferred parameters can be set in multiple levels, such as focal length at the first level, exposure time at the second level, and exposure brightness at the third level. In an even more preferred embodiment, each level of preference can be freely selected by the user based on the actual application scenario via a drop-down menu on the system configuration software interface.

[0027] In another preferred embodiment, the one-key configuration system further includes a parameter storage module, which saves the optimal configuration parameters after the parameter configuration execution module obtains them. More preferably, the parameter storage module is arranged in the barcode scanning device; in this way, through multiple scanning parameter configurations for different application scenarios, more and more preferred scanning configuration parameters can be stored in the barcode scanning device. During normal operation, the barcode scanning device can automatically match the preferred scanning configuration parameters stored in the parameter storage module according to the barcode image obtained in the application scenario, the barcode code system, the position of the barcode in the image, the size of the barcode, the line thickness and other features according to the barcode image obtained in the application scenario, and the barcode scanning device can directly apply the scanning configuration parameters to perform normal barcode scanning and reading in the application scenario, which can improve the efficiency of barcode reading.

[0028] According to another object of the present invention, the present invention also provides a one-key configuration method for operating parameters of a barcode scanning device, the configuration method comprising the following steps: S1. Set the barcode scanning parameters and configure the start button; S2. Fix the barcode scanning device at the working position; S3. The item with the barcode enters the barcode scanning area of ​​the barcode scanning device, the parameter configuration start button is activated, and the parameter configuration execution module of the barcode scanning device begins to execute the parameter configuration work, specifically including: Acquire an image containing a barcode through the imaging camera of a barcode scanning device; Analyze the barcode image to determine the barcode system, and call the corresponding decoding software pre-stored in the barcode scanning device according to the determined barcode system; Run the corresponding decoding software to try to decode the barcode with different parameters, including exposure time, exposure brightness, gain, focal length, etc. After successful decoding, multiple sets of different parameter combinations are formed. Then, the optimal parameter values ​​are determined based on the time it takes to successfully decode. The shorter the decoding time, the better the parameters. S4. The barcode scanning device reads the barcodes one by one normally using the optimal parameter values ​​determined in step S3.

[0029] In actual applications, barcode scanning device manufacturers typically design their products based on user requirements, such as the type of barcodes they can read, the decoding distance they can perform at, and the intended application environment. Therefore, their manufactured barcode scanning devices typically have decoding parameter settings that closely match real-world application scenarios. When the parameter configuration execution module configures optimal operating parameters for a specific application scenario, it typically optimizes the configuration for that application scenario within the barcode scanning device's product specifications. For example, if the barcode scanning device's decoding distance is 30-80cm, adjusting the optimal imaging distance for a specific application scenario can involve starting at 30cm and gradually increasing the distance in set increments to capture barcode images and attempt decoding. The optimal imaging distance for that scenario can be determined by determining the success rate and duration of decoding success. Alternatively, a binary search method can be used to quickly find the optimal decoding focal length. Adjustments to other operating parameters follow a similar approach.

[0030] Among them, in the above-mentioned step S1, the parameter configuration start button can be a separate physical button for parameter configuration startup set on the barcode scanning device; or more preferably, in order to avoid a single independent button from being accidentally triggered when the barcode scanning device is working normally and thus affecting the normal barcode reading work, the parameter configuration start button can also be a combination of multiple physical buttons set on the barcode scanning device. When the barcode scanning device needs to configure working parameters for a new application scenario, the set button combination is triggered at the same time to perform the parameter configuration work. For example, in a preferred embodiment, after the parameter configuration start button is triggered, the barcode scanning device can sequentially configure various working parameters according to the set parameter configuration priority order, such as focal length, exposure time, exposure brightness, gain, etc., and finally obtain an optimal working configuration parameter.

[0031] In another embodiment, in the above-mentioned step S1, the parameter configuration start button is a virtual button set on the system configuration software interface on the PC side. When the working parameters of the barcode scanning device need to be configured, the barcode scanning device is connected to the PC side (computer side), and the system configuration software is run on the PC side. The system configuration software interface is provided with the virtual button. By clicking the virtual button on the system configuration software interface, the parameter configuration execution module on the barcode scanning device is triggered to perform the parameter configuration work.

[0032] In another preferred embodiment, when operating parameter configuration is performed using system configuration software on a PC, the system interface may provide user-selectable configuration parameter preferences. In this case, in step S3, before pressing the parameter configuration start button, the user may also select one or more levels of configuration parameter preferences through a drop-down menu on the system configuration software interface. For example, the first preference option may be focal length, the second preference option may be exposure time, and the third preference option may be exposure brightness.

[0033] In another preferred embodiment, the one-click configuration method for the working parameters of the barcode scanning device further includes the step of saving the optimal configuration parameters obtained in step S3; after the configuration of the barcode scanning working parameters for a specific application scenario is completed, the specific application scenario, including the barcode image, the barcode code system, the position of the barcode in the image, the size of the barcode, the line thickness and other features and their corresponding configuration parameters are stored in the barcode scanning device. During normal operation, when the barcode scanning device encounters a specific application scenario that has already worked, it can automatically match the stored preferred scanning configuration parameters based on the obtained barcode image of the application scenario, based on the barcode code system, the position of the barcode in the image, the size of the barcode, the line thickness and other features, and the barcode scanning device directly applies the scanning configuration parameters to perform normal barcode scanning and reading in the application scenario, which can improve the efficiency of barcode reading.

[0034] The one-key configuration system and method for the working parameters of a barcode scanning device of the present invention can facilitate users to quickly and efficiently configure the optimal working parameters for a new application scenario when the barcode scanning device is in this application scenario, and use them as the working parameters for the barcode scanning device to perform normal barcode scanning work; more preferably, the barcode scanning device can store the optimal working parameters for different application scenarios through this one-key configuration system, which is convenient for direct call in a specific application scenario; the operation is convenient, the working efficiency of the barcode scanning device is high, and it meets the application requirements of automated assembly lines.

[0035] The present invention has been described with reference to the above embodiments. However, the above embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that the disclosed embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention. On the contrary, modifications and improvements that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention are intended to be protected by the present invention.

Claims

1. A one-key configuration system for working parameters of a barcode scanning device, characterized in that: The one-key configuration system includes: Parameter configuration start button; A parameter configuration execution module, which executes parameter configuration work according to the set parameter configuration workflow after the parameter configuration start button is triggered; and A barcode scanning and reading module, which reads barcodes one by one according to the determined configuration parameters after the parameter configuration execution module completes the barcode working parameter configuration; The working process of the parameter configuration execution module is as follows: S1, obtaining an image containing a barcode through the imaging camera of a barcode scanning device; S2. Analyze the barcode image to determine the barcode symbology, and call corresponding decoding software pre-stored in the barcode scanning device according to the determined barcode symbology; S3. Run the corresponding decoding software to try to decode the barcode with different parameters, including exposure time, exposure brightness, gain, focal length, etc. After successful decoding, multiple groups of different parameter combinations are formed; then, the optimal parameter value is determined based on the time taken for successful decoding. The shorter the decoding time, the better the parameter.

2. The one-key configuration system for operating parameters of a barcode scanning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The parameter configuration start button is a physical button on the barcode scanning device. The physical button can be an independent button or a combination of multiple physical buttons.

3. The one-key configuration system for operating parameters of a barcode scanning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The parameter configuration start button is a virtual button on the system configuration software interface on the PC. When the barcode scanning device is connected to the PC, the parameter configuration execution module on the barcode scanning device is triggered to perform parameter configuration work by clicking the virtual button on the system configuration software interface on the PC.

4. The one-key configuration system for operating parameters of a barcode scanning device according to claim 3, characterized in that: When using the system configuration software on the PC to configure working parameters, there are configuration parameter preferences for users to choose from on the system interface. The parameters of the preference items can be set to one or multiple parameters in a hierarchical manner.

5. The one-key configuration system for operating parameters of a barcode scanning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The one-key configuration system also includes a parameter storage module, which saves the optimal configuration parameters after the parameter configuration execution module obtains them; during normal operation, when the barcode scanning device encounters a specific application scenario that has already worked, it can directly call the corresponding scanning configuration parameters stored in the parameter storage module, and the barcode scanning device performs positive barcode scanning and reading in the application scenario.

6. A one-key configuration method for working parameters of a barcode scanning device, characterized in that: The one-key configuration method includes the following steps: S1. Set the barcode scanning parameters and configure the start button; S2. Fix the barcode scanning device at the working position; S3. The item with the barcode enters the barcode scanning area of ​​the barcode scanning device, the parameter configuration start button is activated, and the parameter configuration execution module of the barcode scanning device begins to execute the parameter configuration work, specifically including: Acquire an image containing a barcode through the imaging camera of a barcode scanning device; Analyze the barcode image to determine the barcode system, and call the corresponding decoding software pre-stored in the barcode scanning device according to the determined barcode system; Run the corresponding decoding software to try to decode the barcode with different parameters, including exposure time, exposure brightness, gain, focal length, etc. After successful decoding, multiple sets of different parameter combinations are formed. Then, the optimal parameter values ​​are determined based on the time it takes to successfully decode. The shorter the decoding time, the better the parameters. S4. The barcode scanning device reads the barcodes one by one normally using the optimal parameter values ​​determined in step S3.

7. The one-key configuration method for operating parameters of a barcode scanning device according to claim 6, characterized in that: In the above step S1, a single physical button for starting parameter configuration is set on the barcode scanning device; or a combination of multiple physical buttons set on the barcode scanning device is used as the parameter configuration starting button.

8. The one-key configuration method for operating parameters of a barcode scanning device according to claim 6, wherein: In the above step S1, a virtual button is set on the system configuration software interface on the PC. When the working parameters of the barcode scanning device need to be configured, the barcode scanning device is connected to the PC, and the system configuration software is run on the PC. The system configuration software interface is provided with the virtual button. By clicking the virtual button on the system configuration software interface, the parameter configuration execution module on the barcode scanning device is triggered to perform the parameter configuration work.

9. The one-key configuration method for operating parameters of a barcode scanning device according to claim 8, characterized in that: When using the system configuration software on the PC to configure the working parameters, there are configuration parameter preferences for the user to select on the system interface. At this time, in the step S3, before starting the parameter configuration start button, it also includes a step for the user to select one or more levels of configuration parameter preferences through a drop-down menu on the system configuration software interface.

10. The one-key configuration method for operating parameters of a barcode scanning device according to claim 6, wherein: It also includes the step of saving the optimal configuration parameters obtained in step S3; when the barcode scanning working parameters for a specific application scenario are configured, the specific application scenario characteristics and the corresponding optimal configuration parameters are stored in the barcode scanning device; during normal operation, when the barcode scanning device encounters a specific application scenario that has already worked, it can automatically match the stored configuration parameters based on the characteristics of the application scenario obtained, and the barcode scanning device directly applies the configuration parameters to perform normal barcode scanning and reading in the application scenario.