CODELESE DEVICE AND COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED METHOD FOR OPERATING THE CODELESE DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a code reading device for reading an optical code according to claim 1 and a computer-implemented method for operating the code reading device according to claim 10.

[0002] Such a code reader is used in many areas of everyday life to read information data from an optical code, which can be in the form of a barcode, a two-dimensional code (e.g., QR code, Data Matrix code), or other codes (e.g., color codes, dot codes). The code reader has a light source to illuminate a reading area of ​​the device, i.e., the optical code itself. Furthermore, the code reader has a receiver that captures the light emitted by the optical code, allowing the device to detect the code as it passes through the reading area. Signals are then generated from the received light to determine the information data contained within the optical code.

[0003] Such a code reading device is frequently used, for example, in the retail sector at supermarket checkouts or in logistics for automatic package identification, for sorting mail items or for baggage handling in airports and in other logistics applications.

[0004] When a code reading device is put into operation by a user or when adjustments need to be made to the code reading device, for example because the types of optical code change or parameters need to be adapted to system processes, then a computer with a suitable connection to the code reading device is usually necessary to re-parameterize the code reading device accordingly and to change the configuration of the code reading device.

[0005] Due to application-specific mounting of the code reading device, such as on a conveyor belt or in a logistics high-bay warehouse, easy and unobstructed access to the code reading device is not always guaranteed.

[0006] Furthermore, the proper functioning of the code reader device may be jeopardized by unauthorized access to its configuration.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a code reading device for reading an optical code, which allows easy but secure (in the sense of authorized) access to the code reading device in order to make permissible changes to it.

[0008] This problem is solved by a code-reading device with the features of claim 1. Claim 1 is delimited from EP 3 836 001 A1.

[0009] The code-reading device according to the invention for reading an optical code comprises a lighting unit for illuminating a reading area of ​​the code-reading device, a receiving unit for capturing the code from the reading area, an evaluation unit for determining information from the code, and an audio unit for capturing acoustic signals of a user's voice, wherein the evaluation unit is configured to perform a voice learning process in order to learn and store a captured voice as an individual voice of an authorized user, so that the voice is stored as the personalized voice of the authorized user, and wherein the evaluation unit is further configured to perform a voice recognition process in which the personalized voice is recognized as the voice of the authorized user, and is further configured to perform defined functions of the code-reading device only when the personalized voice is recognized as the voice of the authorized user.when a function call was detected by the personalized voice of the authorized user.

[0010] The voice recognition process thus enables the code-reading device to uniquely assign the personalized voice of the authorized user to the defined function, so that only the authorized user can use their voice to call up or execute this defined function of the code-reading device.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, the voice learning process is configured to learn user authorization via a defined speech sequence, a password, or a fingerprint. For this purpose, a microphone or a fingerprint sensor is provided to perform the authorization to start the voice learning process. Upon verification of the correct speech sequence, password, or fingerprint, the user is identified as an authorized user.

[0012] Furthermore, the defined speech sequence is stored in the control unit of the code reader device and is intended for recognizing or training the voice of the authorized user through the voice recognition process. In this process, the voice recognition process of the code reader device prompts the user to be authorized to repeat the defined speech sequence.

[0013] When the user plays back the defined speech sequence, the voice recognition process uses the defined speech sequence to learn or recognize the user's voice.

[0014] During voice recognition, a comparison is made between a stored voice of an authorized user and the captured voice. If a match is found, the captured voice is recognized as the personalized voice of the authorized user, and the defined function is enabled for that personalized voice.

[0015] Advantageously, an artificial intelligence is provided that automatically learns the voice of the authorized user and distinguishes this voice from those of other users, particularly unauthorized users. Integrated into the voice recognition process and stored in the control unit of the code-reading device, the AI ​​performs machine learning of the speech sequence reproduced by the user and assigns the learned voice to the authorized user, thus making the user identifiable as such by their voice.

[0016] According to another preferred embodiment, the defined function released to the authorized user includes starting or stopping a measurement of the code reading device or configuring the code reading device.

[0017] Advantageously, the voice recognition process is designed to prioritize the recognized voices and assign differently prioritized functions of the code reader accordingly. This means, for example, that a voice assigned to an authorized expert can activate or deactivate both non-security and security-related functions of the code reader. Conversely, a voice assigned to an unauthorized user can only activate or deactivate the code reader's information display function, but not the high-priority configuration function.

[0018] Furthermore, the trained and personalized voice can preferably be stored in the code reader's memory and transferred to evaluation units of other code readers. In particular, the trained and personalized voice can also be stored in a cloud or in storage outside the code reader. This simplifies the process of granting an authorized user access to multiple code readers of a measurement system via their voice. This can be achieved by performing the voice recognition process on one code reader and transferring the recognized voice of the authorized user to the other code readers, or by transferring the voice of the authorized user from the cloud or external storage to the other code readers.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the evaluation unit is designed to indicate acoustically or visually to the authorized user whether the voice recognition process was successful or not. The user is thus immediately informed whether the defined function, such as the configuration, of the code reader device is available to them or not.

[0020] A further object of the present invention is to provide a computer-implemented method for operating the code-reading device that allows easy access to functions and safe modification of the functions of the code-reading device.

[0021] The problem is solved according to the invention by a computer-implemented method with the features of independent claim 10.

[0022] The computer-implemented method for operating a code-reading device that includes an audio unit for capturing acoustic signals from a user's voice comprises the following steps: Capturing a user's speech sequence, training an authorized user's voice as an individual voice and storing the voice as a personalized voice, and enabling a defined function of the code-reading device for the authorized user assigned to the personalized voice, and executing the defined function when a function call is captured as a voice command with the personalized voice by the audio unit.

[0023] The computer-implemented method allows for the easy configuration of code-reading devices that are difficult to access due to their operational location. Most importantly, it ensures that only the personalized voice of the authorized user activates or deactivates the function assigned to that voice, where the function assigned to and enabled by the voice is, for example, a security-related function of the code-reading device.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, a defined speech sequence, a password, or a fingerprint is captured to confirm user authorization and initiate voice personalization. Advantageously, the voice is trained using artificial intelligence, enabling different voices to be distinguished based on the learned voice patterns. The voice recognition process then prompts the user to repeat the defined speech sequence. After recognition and assignment of the voice to the authorized user, the function enabled and defined for that voice can be activated or deactivated by the authorized user's voice. In particular, a measurement operation or configuration of the code reader is started or stopped using the personalized voice of the authorized user.

[0025] The personalized voice of the authorized user, created through a computer-implemented process, is stored as a data record and transmitted to other code-reading devices, thus enabling the defined function of these additional code-reading devices for the authorized user. This allows the authorized user to easily access and, in particular, configure multiple, interconnected code-reading devices within a measurement system.

[0026] Advantageously, recognized voices are differentiated in order to prioritize them differently and grant access rights to the corresponding defined function of the code reader device to the prioritized voices. For example, the security-related and therefore high-priority function, such as the configuration of the code reader device, is assigned to the high-priority voice of the authorized user. The non-security-related function, such as the display of information, is assigned to the low-priority voice of the unauthorized user, thus reliably preventing the unauthorized user from configuring the code reader device.

[0027] Preferred embodiments and further developments as well as further advantages of the invention can be found in the dependent claims, the following description and the drawings.

[0028] The invention will now be explained in detail using exemplary embodiments and with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a schematic perspective view of a measuring system for a conveyor belt; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a code reading device according to the invention; and Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of a voice recognition process of the code reading device according to the invention.

[0029] Figure 1Figure 1 schematically shows a conveyor belt F on which packages P are transported in the transport direction TR according to the black arrow shown, for example, to a sorter (not shown). The illustrated application example of the conveyor belt F includes two code reading devices 1 and 1A, which are arranged on the conveyor belt F such that their respective reading areas 2 and 2A are directed towards the conveyor belt F in order to detect the packages P transported by the reading areas 2 and 2A of the code reading devices 1 and 1A.

[0030] Depending on the use case and configuration of the respective code reading device 1 or 1A, the code reading devices 1 and 1A can capture the same or different information from codes M provided on the packets P for a user N or aN.

[0031] In the application example shown in Figure 1The first code reader 1, located at the beginning of the conveyor belt F with respect to the transport direction TR of the packages P, is designed to read the codes M located on the top surface O. The second code reader 1A, located downstream of the first code reader 1, is designed to read codes M located on the side. The code M is printed on a sticker as a barcode or as a two-dimensional code.

[0032] To provide the reading area 2 or 2A, the code reading device according to the invention has 1 or 1A, as schematically shown in Figure 2 The diagram shows a lighting unit 3, which illuminates the reading area 2 or 2A of the code reading device 1 or 1A, and a receiving unit 4, which detects the code from the reading area 2 or 2A. An evaluation unit 5 of the code reading device 1 or 1A determines the information from the code.

[0033] According to the invention, an audio unit 6 is provided that acoustically detects a voice V or aV of user N or aN. The acoustic signals are transmitted to the evaluation unit 5, which is configured to perform a voice learning process in order to recognize and store the detected voice V as an individual voice aV of an authorized user aN, so that the voice V is stored as the personalized voice aV of the authorized user aN. It is particularly advantageous to provide an artificial intelligence that automatically learns the personalized voice aV of the authorized user aN and subsequently, in the recognition process, distinguishes the personalized voice aV of the authorized user aN from voices V of other, especially unauthorized, users N. The artificial intelligence is preferably stored in the evaluation unit 5.

[0034] Once the voice of the authorized user aN has been trained, a subsequent voice recognition process can identify a voice V as the personalized voice aV of the authorized user aN. If the authorized user aN has been recognized in this way, defined functions of the code-reading device 1 or 1A are unlocked and can therefore be accessed and executed. However, this only occurs if the corresponding voice command for the function originates from the authorized user aN. Thus, not only is the activation of the functions user-based, but the actual invocation (and execution) of the function also only occurs for the authorized user aN.

[0035] In particular, the function released to the authorized user aN may include starting or stopping a measurement of the code reading device 1 or 1A or configuring the code reading device 1 or 1A.

[0036] In other words, the voice recognition process allows the authorized user aN to access the configuration of code reader 1 or 1A with a voice command, since the voice recognition process has assigned and enabled the configuration function of code reader 1 or 1A to the personalized voice aV of the authorized user aN. Furthermore, the voice recognition process also enables the authorized execution of the voice command for a specific function. Additionally, the voice command can allow the authorized user aN to activate or deactivate hardware elements of code reader 1 or 1A. These hardware elements include, for example, buttons or communication interfaces such as USB or SD card slots. With their trained voice aV, the authorized user aN is thus able to unlock or protect control buttons from tampering via voice command.

[0037] Furthermore, the voice learning process is configured to initiate user N authorization via a defined speech sequence, a password, or a fingerprint. Specifically, user N must be authorized as an authorized user aN to initiate the voice learning process. For this purpose, a microphone 7 or a fingerprint sensor 8 is preferably provided, enabling user N authorization.

[0038] As with the one in Figure 1 In the application example shown for conveyor belt F, it is easy for the authorized user aN to perform a configuration of the code reading device 1, despite the code reading device 1 being mounted above the conveyor belt F, by calling up the configuration function of the code reading device 1 with a voice command.

[0039] The following is based on Figure 3A preferred embodiment of the computer-implemented method according to the invention for operating the code reading device 1 and 1A is described.

[0040] The user N or aN acoustically activates the code reading device 1 or 1A, for example by communicating a command stored in the evaluation unit 5 of the code reading device 1 or 1A to the code reading device 1 or 1A.

[0041] The code reader 1 or 1A detects the command and activates the voice recognition process stored in the evaluation unit 5, so that the code reader 1 or 1A prompts the user N or aN to prove their authorization by reciting a speech sequence, a password, or by a fingerprint scan. The speech sequence, password, or fingerprint is stored in the evaluation unit 5.

[0042] If user N does not grant authorization because the required speech sequence could not be captured, the voice recognition process of code reader 1 or 1A learns the captured voice V of user N as the voice V of an unauthorized user N. Thus, the user N, identified as unauthorized, can activate code reader 1 or 1A with their voice V and display its information. However, user N is unable to access high-priority, especially security-relevant, functions, such as configuring code reader 1 or 1A.

[0043] When an authorization is captured where the voice sequence, password or fingerprint is correctly communicated to code reader device 1 or 1A, the voice recognition process of code reader device 1 or 1A prompts the user aN, captured as authorized, to repeat a defined voice sequence.

[0044] The voice recognition process identifies and classifies the voice reproducing the defined speech sequence as an individual voice aV of the authorized user aN, thus personalizing the voice aV. Specifically, the personalized voice aV is either trained using artificial intelligence or recognized by comparison with a stored voice pattern of the authorized user aV. This allows different voices V or aV to be distinguished from one another based on the trained voice patterns.

[0045] At least one defined function of the code reader device 1 or 1A is enabled for the authorized user aN assigned to the personalized voice aV. The defined function is executed when a voice command using the personalized voice aV is detected by the audio unit 6. Specifically, a measurement operation or configuration of the code reader device 1 or 1A is started or stopped using the personalized voice aV.

[0046] This means that the authorized user aN is able to start and stop defined functions of the code reader device 1 or 1A using their personalized voice aV via voice command. In particular, the authorized user aN can configure the code reader device 1 or 1A, even if, as in Figure 1depicted, does not have unimpeded access to the code reading device 1. In particular, the defined enabled functions of the code reading device 1 or 1A may also include activating or deactivating hardware elements, such as buttons, knobs or communication interfaces, especially USB or SD card slots, via voice command, so that the authorized user aN can, for example, protect such hardware elements from manipulation by means of a voice command.

[0047] Preferably, the personalized voice aV of the authorized user aN is stored as a data record that can be transmitted to other code-reading devices 1A, so that defined functions of these other code-reading devices are also enabled for the authorized user aN. The authorized user aN is thus able to activate or deactivate the functions of the other code-reading devices 1A using their voice aV. Reference symbol list

[0048] 1, 1A Code reader 2, 2A Reading area of ​​the code reader 3 Illumination unit 4 Receiver unit 5 Evaluation unit 6 Audio unit 7 Microphone 8 Fingerprint sensor aNauthorized user aVpersonalized / authorized voice FFreed MCodes NUser OTop PPacket TRTransport direction VVoice

Claims

1. A code reading device (1, 1A) for reading an optical code, comprising an illumination unit (3) for illuminating a reading zone (2, 2A) of the code reading device (1, 1A), a reception unit (4) for capturing the code from the reading zone (2, 2A), an evaluation unit (5) for determining information of the code, characterized by an audio unit (6) for detecting a voice (aV or V) of a user (aN or N), wherein the evaluation unit (5) is configured to perform a voice learning process to teach and store a voice (aV or V) as an individual voice (aV) of an authorized user (aN) so that the voice (aV) is stored as a personalized voice (aV) of the authorized user (aN), and wherein the evaluation unit (5) is configured to perform a voice recognition process, in which the personalized voice (aV) is recognized as the voice of the authorized user (aN), and is further configured to perform defined functions of the code reading device (1, 1A) only if the personalized voice (aV) of the authorized user (aN) has been recognized.

2. A code reading device (1, 1A) according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation unit is further configured to start the voice learning process only if an authorization of the user (aN) by a defined voice sequence, a password or a fingerprint has been detected.

3. A code reading device (1, 1A) according to claim 2, wherein a microphone (7) or a fingerprint sensor (8) is provided to perform the authorization.

4. A code reading device (1, 1A) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the defined voice sequence is stored in the evaluation unit (5) of the code reading device (1, 1A) and is provided for recognizing or for teaching the voice of the authorized user (aN) by means of the voice recognition process.

5. A code reading device (1, 1A) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein the defined function that is enabled for the authorized user (aN) comprises a starting or a stopping of a measurement of the code reading device (1, 1A) or a configuration of the code reading device (1, 1A).

6. A code reading device (1, 1A) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, wherein an artificial intelligence is provided for machine learning of the voice (aV) of the authorized user (aN) and for distinguishing the voice (aV) of the authorized user (aN) from voices (V) of other users (N), in particular non-authorized users (N).

7. A code reading device (1, 1A) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, wherein the voice recognition process is configured to perform a prioritization of the recognized voices (aV) and to assign differently prioritized functions of the code reading device (1, 1A) according to the prioritization of the voices.

8. A code reading device (1, 1A) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein the taught and personalized voice (aV) can be stored in a memory of the code reading device (1, 1A) and can be transferred to evaluation units (5) of other code reading devices (1, 1A).

9. A code reading device (1, 1A) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, wherein the evaluation unit (5) is configured to acoustically or visually indicate to the authorized user (aN) whether the voice recognition process has been performed successfully or not.

10. A computer-implemented method for operating a code reading device (1, 1A), which has an audio unit (6) for detecting acoustic signals of a voice (V or aV) of a user (aN, N), comprising the steps: detecting a voice sequence of the user (aN, N), teaching the voice (V) of an authorized user (aN) as an individual voice (aV) and storing the voice (aV) as a personalized voice (aV), and enabling a defined function of the code reading device (1, 1A) for the authorized user (aN) assigned to the personalized voice (aV), and performing the defined function when a function call is detected as a voice command with the personalized voice (aV) by the audio unit (5).

11. A computer-implemented method according to claim 10, wherein a defined voice sequence, a password or a fingerprint is detected to confirm an authorization of the user (aN) and to initiate the personalization of the voice.

12. A computer-implemented method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the voice (V, aV) is taught by machine learning by means of artificial intelligence so that different voices (V, aV) are distinguished from one another based on taught voice patterns.

13. A computer-implemented method according to any one of the preceding claims 10 to 12, wherein a measuring operation or a configuration of the code reading device (1, 1A) is started or terminated with the personalized voice (aV).

14. A computer-implemented method according to any one of the preceding claims 10 to 13, wherein the personalized voice (aV) of the authorized user (aN) is stored as a data set which is transmitted to further code reading devices (1, 1A) so that the defined function of these further code reading devices (1, 1A) is enabled for the authorized user (aN).

15. A computer-implemented method according to any one of the preceding claims 10 to 14, wherein recognized voices (V, aV) are distinguished to prioritize the voices (V, aV) differently and to grant the prioritized voices (aV) access rights to the corresponding defined function of the code reading device (1, 1A).