Integrated barcode reading device

Abstract

The invention relates to a barcode reading device (10), which comprises: - on a front face (11) of the device (10), means (13, 14) for interaction with a user; - on a rear face (12) of the device, opposite the front face (11): - a camera (16) for reading a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode (28), a resolution value of the camera (16) being less than 1 Megapixel, and - means (18) for projecting a light beam for projecting, onto a surface located at a distance from the camera (16) allowing the reading of a barcode by the camera, a reading zone (27) of the barcode (28) by the camera (16). Figure for abstract: figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Integrated barcode reading device

[0001] The invention relates to the reading of one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcodes. It relates in particular to a barcode reading device integrated into a terminal intended for other uses, such as a payment terminal.

[0002] A payment terminal, of the INGENICO brand and of the LANE range, such as those of the LANE / 5000, LANE / 7000 and LANE / 8000 ranges, is already known in the prior art, having an integrated barcode reading device. This device includes a camera located, like the screen and the keyboard, on the front of the terminal, and equipped with a resolution of 5 Megapixels and a USB interface allowing excellent reading of one-dimensional and two-dimensional barcodes but also the taking of photos or other video uses. When reading a barcode, to aim the barcode and place it in a position allowing optimal reading by the camera, the user benefits from the screen feedback from this camera on the screen of the front of the terminal.

[0003] A disadvantage of this device is that it is expensive to manufacture, particularly due to the camera and the components associated with the camera. Another disadvantage is that it does not offer a satisfactory user experience. Indeed, the user must place the barcode between himself and the terminal while checking on the screen that this barcode is in the appropriate position to allow its reading, a double necessity that is difficult to achieve.

[0004] The invention aims in particular to make the device integrated into the terminal less expensive while simplifying the user experience for reading a barcode.

[0005] To this end, the invention relates to a barcode reading device, characterized in that it comprises:

[0006] - on a front face of the device, means of interaction with a user;

[0007] - on a rear face of the device, opposite the front face:

[0008] - a camera for reading a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode, a value camera resolution being less than 1 Megapixel, and

[0009] - means for projecting a light beam to project onto a surface located at a distance from the camera allowing a barcode to be read by the camera, a barcode reading zone by the camera.

[0010] Thus, the resolution of the camera, much lower than that of the cameras of the integrated devices of the state of the art, makes the camera itself as well as the associated components much less complex and therefore much less expensive.

[0011] The camera is positioned on the rear face of the device and associated with means for projecting the reading area. In this way, the user positions the terminal in front of the barcode optimally thanks to the projection of the reading area. This user experience is much simpler and more intuitive than that of the state of the art. In addition, it eliminates the need for screen feedback from the camera, further reducing the costs of the device.

[0012] Other optional features, taken alone or in combination, follow.

[0013] Preferably, the resolution value of the camera is 307200 pixels and the camera has a fixed focal length lens.

[0014] Thus, the camera is of the “VGA” type, for “Virtual Grid Array”, a standard corresponding to a resolution of 640 by 480 pixels. This type of camera is very inexpensive compared to a camera with a higher resolution, and sufficient to allow satisfactory reading of one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcodes.

[0015] Advantageously, the camera has an “SPI” type interface (for “Serial Peripheral Interface”). Indeed, this particularly inexpensive type of interface is suitable for a camera with a low resolution, in particular a VGA type camera. The “GPIO cost” of this interface, that is to say its quantity of electronic ports, is lower than those of other types of interface, but allows sufficient processing quality and reading speed for barcodes.

[0016] Advantageously, the interaction means have a screen.

[0017] The device thus allows for other uses than just reading codes- bars. In particular, it is integrated into a terminal intended for other uses, such as a payment terminal. The means of interaction are then those of the terminal and are placed only on the front face. Alternatively or in addition to the screen, the means of interaction may have a keyboard.

[0018] Preferably, the device has a base for fixing the device arranged so that, when the base is fixed to a support, the camera is located at a predetermined distance from the support to allow optimal reading, by the camera, of a barcode located on the support at this distance.

[0019] Thus, the base allows the device to be kept at an optimal distance for reading a barcode. In other words, when the base is attached to a flat support, the user only has to place a barcode on the support at the level of the projected reading zone, without worrying about the distance between the camera and the support.

[0020] Advantageously, the projection means are arranged in such a way that the projected reading zone corresponds to a light pattern of predetermined shape and the dimensions of which vary according to the distance between the projection means and the surface onto which the reading zone is projected, so as to lead a user to position the device at a distance from a barcode corresponding to optimal reading of the barcode by the camera.

[0021] Thus, when the device is too close to the barcode to be scanned, the projected light pattern indicates this to the user by being too small in relation to the barcode, whereas if the device is too far away, the pattern is too large, or even invisible. The user can then gauge at what distance to place the barcode so that its reading by the camera is optimal. The user experience is therefore improved.

[0022] Preferably, the means for projecting the light beam comprise:

[0023] - a light-emitting diode for producing the light beam;

[0024] - an orifice crossed by the light beam so that the outline of the orifice delimits the outline of the light beam to form a light pattern of predetermined shape, the pattern defining the projected reading area; and

[0025] - a lens for focusing the light beam at a predetermined distance corresponding to an optimal reading distance of the barcode by the camera.

[0026] In particular, the diode is much less expensive than the "laser" type devices of conventional barcode readers. To compensate for its lower light power, it is associated with a lens focusing the beam. These means therefore make it possible to project a reading zone, at low cost. In addition, the focusing makes the beam sharp at the optimal reading distance of the camera, allowing the user to quickly identify the appropriate distance between the camera and the barcode to be scanned. Finally, the contours of the orifice, of predetermined shapes, make it possible to give the reading zone a predetermined pattern, such as a cross or a rectangle, indicating to the user intuitively where the reading zone of a barcode to be scanned is.

[0027] According to the invention, a payment terminal is also provided, comprising:

[0028] - a payment device reader, and

[0029] - the barcode reading device as described above.

[0030] Thus, the payment terminal allows transactions to be carried out in a conventional manner, but in addition it allows barcodes to be read. The means of interaction of the device are those of the terminal, such as its screen and / or its keyboard, the device being integrated into the terminal. The inexpensive nature of the device becomes particularly relevant due to the other components of the payment terminal and the fact that reading barcodes is only an ancillary task of the terminal.

[0031] The invention also provides a barcode reading system comprising:

[0032] - a barcode reading device as described above or a terminal of payment as described above;

[0033] - a barcode support,

[0034] - the device or terminal on the one hand and the support on the other hand being arranged one opposite each other so that the support presents a predetermined area corresponding, when a barcode is placed on this area, to an optimal reading of the barcode by the camera.

[0035] Thus, this system comprises the entire reading device and the support on which the barcodes are intended to be scanned. The distance between the support and the camera is fixed so as to be optimal, the barcode only having to be positioned on the projected reading zone, itself previously indicated on the support. The zone where the barcode must be scanned is therefore fixed and known even in the absence of projection of the light beam. Brief description of the figures

[0036] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0037] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of a payment terminal comprising a barcode reading device;

[0038] [Fig.2] is a side view of the device of [Fig.l];

[0039] [Fig.3] is a view of a camera and means for projecting a light beam of the device of the first and second figures;

[0040] [Fig.4] is a bottom view of the device of figures 1 to 3 without fixing base;

[0041] [Fig.5] is a sectional view of the device of [Fig.4];

[0042] Figures 1 to 5 show a payment terminal 1 having the general shape of a block, provided with a front face 11, intended to face a user, and a rear face 12, opposite the user.

[0043] We will first present the conventional means of the payment terminal 1.

[0044] On the front face 11, it has a payment device reader 13, in the form of a contactless payment card reader. Any other type of payment device reader, such as an insertion bank card reader, is conceivable. It also has on this front face 11 other means of interaction with a user, through a keyboard and a screen 14. The payment terminal 1 also includes, within it and in a manner not illustrated, the electronic components necessary for its operation, such as a microprocessor, a memory comprising in recorded form the computer programs necessary for the execution of its functionalities, and the components in particular necessary for carrying out transactions in a secure manner. The elements specific to the secure carrying out of transactions will not be described below.All of these conventional means allow a user to carry out a transaction using a payment device presented at the reader 13.

[0045] We will now describe in the following the unconventional means specific to a barcode reading device 10 integrated into the payment terminal 1. By " integrated device”, we mean a set of means which do not form a device with delimited contours, but which are arranged in an integrating device, here the terminal 1, so as to consider this set as a single device and not as a juxtaposition of two separate devices. Thus, the means of the device 10 are, although associated with each other, separated within the terminal 1 in an optimized manner to facilitate their integration and their power supply. As a corollary, certain characteristics are shared by the terminal 1 and the device 10, in particular the screen 14 and the keyboard, but also the electronic components for powering and managing the terminal such as the microprocessor and the memory. Thus, a person skilled in the art could just as easily consider that this set corresponds to a payment terminal 1 including means for reading a barcode, or to a barcode reading device 10 including means of payment.

[0046] Furthermore, with reference to the device 10, characteristics integrated into the terminal 1 described above will be designated, but which could, alternatively, be integrated into other types of terminals having the same general shape, such as a smartphone, to form another type of integrated device including the barcode reading characteristics of the device 10.

[0047] On the rear face 12 of the terminal 1, the device 10 includes a camera 16, of the “VGA” type, for “Virtual Grid Array”, visible in figures 3 and 4. Figures 2 and 3 illustrate its reading field 17. In accordance with the “VGA” standard, its resolution is 640 by 480 pixels. This resolution is sufficient to allow the reading of one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcodes. The camera 16 has a fixed focal length, which also reduces its cost compared to variable focal length cameras.

[0048] A barcode is an assembly of white and black bars or squares, aligned for one-dimensional barcodes, distributed in height and width for two-dimensional barcodes. Among the types of barcodes, there are, among other standards, QR codes, for "quick-response code", allowing, after reading, any rapid action carried out by the terminal 1 associated with the camera 16, such as a payment or a connection to a website. Such a QR code 28 is illustrated in [Fig.l]. The camera 16 allows the reading of all conventional one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode standards.

[0049] The camera 16 is “configured for” the reading of these barcodes in the sense that it is structurally capable of allowing optimal reading of these barcodes. In particular, it is capable of reading barcodes located entirely within its reading field 17 at an optimal distance ranging from 8 to 12 centimeters, that is to say that a barcode with dimensions entering the reading field 17 is read automatically and correctly when it is placed at a distance ranging from 8 to 12 centimeters from the camera 16. This range could of course vary according to the characteristics of the camera 16. Furthermore, a barcode placed less than 8 centimeters or more than 12 centimeters can also be read correctly by the camera 16, but the probabilities of correct processing of the barcode decrease as the optimal reading distance is less and less respected. In particular, a standard-sized barcode placed less than 8 centimeters may no longer sufficiently enter the reading field 17, while a standard-sized barcode placed more than 12 centimeters may be too far away to allow the camera 16 to detect enough of the barcode's characteristic.

[0050] This camera 16 includes an interface called "SPI", for "Serial Peripheral Interface". This type of interface has a quantity of electronic ports to process, that is to say a "GPIO cost", lower than the "parallel communication" type interfaces, and induces a slower communication than a USB interface. However, the SPI interface is much less expensive than the latter and is particularly suitable for VGA cameras, due to their low resolution which does not require complex and accelerated transmission of the captured images. This SPI interface is integrated in an optimized manner with the other components of the terminal 1, in particular its microprocessor, in a manner which will not be described.

[0051] Within the memory is, in recorded form, a computer program specifically enabling the processing of barcodes filmed by the camera. These programs come from code libraries known to those skilled in the art, in particular open source libraries. Thus, the barcode reading device 10 is not dependent on a particular library. These libraries are in particular intended for the processing of barcodes resulting from reading by a “VGA” camera, so that the resolution of the camera and the programs enabling the processing of the read barcodes are aligned.

[0052] The device 10 further comprises, on this rear face 12, alongside the camera 16, means 18 for projecting a light beam, configured to project a reading zone 27 of a barcode onto any surface. The camera 16 and these means 18 are visible in detail in [Fig. 3]. These means 18 include a light-emitting diode, not illustrated, located on one side of an orifice 19 having the general shape of a cross. The light beam produced by the diode therefore exits the orifice 19, on the other side, in the form of a cross to be projected. The beam then passes through a lens 20. This lens 20 has a focal length of a value between 8 and 12 centimeters, that is to say adapted to the optimal reading distance of the camera.These means 18 are thus arranged between them so as to project, onto a surface located 8 to 12 centimeters away, a light pattern in the form of a cross, this cross defining a clear reading zone 27 corresponding to an optimal position for reading a bar code by the camera 16. The diode. allows the beam to be focused so that it is visible at a reasonable distance, in addition to making the contours of the reading area clear at an optimal reading distance by the camera 16. These means 18 are configured so that the projected cross has dimensions similar to those of a barcode when the support on which it is projected, such as a barcode, is at an appropriate distance to allow the barcode to be read by the camera 16. Thus, if the barcode is too close to the camera 16, the cross will turn out to be too small, indicating to the user that the distance should be increased. If the barcode is too far away, the cross will turn out to be too large compared to the barcode, or even no longer be visible. This optimal reading distance D is shown diagrammatically in [Fig.5].

[0053] The device 10 also comprises means of communication via the cable 21, making it possible to transmit data from the terminal 1 and therefore in particular from the device 10 to any remote device to which it is connected. Alternatively, these means of communication comprise any means of wireless communication, for example connection to the Internet via WiFi.

[0054] Finally, the device 10 includes, in the variant of figures 1 and 2, a fixing base 22. This base is in the form of a circular base 23 and a retractable cylinder 24 allowing the terminal 1 to be positioned at an adjustable height when the base 23 is fixed or placed on any support. The terminal 1 is mounted to rotate on the base 22 at a pivot connection 25 between the cylinder 24 and the terminal 1, illustrated in [Fig.2], which allows the terminal 1 to be inclined relative to the support on which the base 23 is fixed.

[0055] The fixing base 22 makes it possible to position the device 10 at a predetermined distance from a projection support, a distance corresponding to an optimal distance D for reading a barcode by the camera 16. Thus, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the terminal is positioned, thanks to the vertical and angular adjustment means of the base 22, at an optimal reading distance from a support, i.e. between 8 and 12 centimeters, allowing optimal reading by the camera 16 of the QR-code 28 in [Fig. 1] or of any barcode not illustrated in [Fig. 2]. The adjustment can thus be carried out by a seller who will place the terminal 1 in such a way that any customer positioning a barcode intuitively under the terminal, at the level of the support, will see their barcode easily scanned. To carry out this adjustment, the seller uses the reading zone 27 projected by the means 18 to determine what the appropriate distance is.It ensures that any barcode placed on the media matches the dimensions of the projected reading zone 27.

[0056] In a first mode of implementation of a barcode reading method, the user uses the device 10 according to the variant of FIGS. 1 to 3, that is to say with the fixing base 22. The height and the inclination of the terminal 1 with respect to a support on which the base 23 is fixed having already been adjusted, the user only has to place the barcode to be scanned on the support. The projection of the reading zone, in the form of the cross 27, indicates to the user where to place the barcode. The distance being pre-set, the reading of the barcode by the camera 16 is quick and simple.

[0057] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the same barcode reading device 10 but without a fixing base. A base 22 could however be integrated into the housing 26 provided for this purpose.

[0058] In a second embodiment, the user has the device 10 of figures 4 and 5, that is to say without a fixing base 20. He is then helped only by the projection of the reading zone 27 to position the terminal 1 with respect to a barcode to be scanned. The dimensions of the cross 27 projected on the barcode indicate whether the latter is too close or too far from the camera 16 to allow optimal reading. Here again, reading the barcode is quick and simple.

[0059] In another variant not illustrated, the device of figures 4 and 5, that is to say without a fixing base, is placed on the upper floor of a two-story kiosk. The user places the barcode on the lower floor. The kiosk is arranged so that the camera 16 and the means 18 are not separated from the lower floor by any obstacle, or a wall between the two floors is transparent and does not modify the projected light beam. The kiosk is also arranged so that the distance between the base of the lower floor and the base of the upper floor corresponds to the optimal reading distance D. Here again, the user therefore only has to place the barcode at the reading zone projected by the device 20, the distance already being pre-set by the configuration of the kiosk.

[0060] In summary, in all the modes of implementation, the user does not need a screen return from the camera 16. Indeed, the projection of the reading zone 27 by the projection means 18 allows him to know at which position to place the barcode to be scanned by the camera 16. The dimensions of the reading zone indicate to him at what distance to place it, if this distance is not already pre-set by the presence of the base 22 or a kiosk intended for this purpose. The user experience of reading a barcode is simple and intuitive.

[0061] The invention is not limited to the embodiments presented and other embodiments will become clear to those skilled in the art.

[0062] In particular, the resolution of the camera could be different. However, the camera only remains relevant if it induces a low cost, a cost very directly associated with its resolution. A resolution greater than 1 million pixels is therefore not relevant for the invention. Conversely, a resolution lower than 0.2 million pixels risks not allowing correct reading of the barcode. The standard So VGA is the most suitable but any values between 0.2 and 1 million pixels could also be suitable.

[0063] As mentioned, the device 10 could alternatively be integrated into another type of device, for example into a smartphone.

[0064] The light pattern projected to define the reading area can naturally take any predetermined shape. This is achieved by simply changing the shape of the orifice 19.

[0065] The projection means 18 could contain a set of several lenses instead of a single lens 20.

Claims

Claims

1. Payment terminal (1), comprising: - a payment device reader (13), and - a barcode reading device (10), characterized in that the device (10) comprises: * on a front face (11) of the device (10), interaction means (13, 14) with a user; * on a rear face (12) of the device, opposite the front face (11): ** a camera (16) for reading a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode (28), a resolution value of the camera (16) being less than 1 Megapixel, and ** projection means (18) of a light beam for projecting, onto a surface located at a distance from the camera (16) allowing the reading of a barcode by the camera, a reading zone (27) of the barcode (28) by the camera (16).

2. Terminal (11) according to the preceding claim, wherein the resolution value of the camera (16) is 307200 pixels and the camera has a fixed focal length lens.

3. Terminal (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the camera (16) has an SPI (for “Serial Peripheral Interface”) type interface.

4. Terminal (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the interaction means (14) have a screen.

5. Terminal (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, having a fixing base (22) of the device (10) arranged so that, when the base (22) is fixed to a support, the camera (16) is located at a distance from the support predetermined to allow optimal reading, by the camera (16), of a barcode (28) located on the support at this distance.

6. Terminal (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the projection means (18) are arranged so that the projected reading area (27) corresponds to a light pattern of predetermined shape and the dimensions of which vary according to the distance between the projection means (18) and the surface onto which the reading area is projected, so as to lead a user towards positioning the device (10) at a distance from a barcode corresponding to optimal reading of the barcode by the camera (16).

7. Terminal (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the projection means (18) of the light beam comprise: - a light-emitting diode for producing the light beam; - an orifice (19) crossed by the light beam so that the contour of the orifice delimits the contour of the light beam to form a light pattern whose shape is predetermined, the pattern defining the reading zone (27) projected; and - a lens (20) for focusing the light beam at a predetermined distance corresponding to an optimal reading distance of the barcode by the camera (16).

8. Barcode reading system comprising: - a barcode reading terminal (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 - a barcode support, the terminal (1) on the one hand and the support on the other hand being arranged opposite each other in such a way that the support has a predetermined area corresponding, when a barcode (28) is placed on this area, to an optimal reading of the barcode by the camera (16).

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