Code reader system and controller

Abstract

When the camera that captures the code attached to the workpiece is replaced, the installation information is quickly reflected in the replacement camera to expedite recovery. [Solution] The code reader system controller 100 includes a storage unit 112 that stores camera installation information, a control unit 107 that determines imaging conditions for multiple cameras based on the installation information stored in the storage unit 112, and a detection unit 111 that detects the removal of one of the cameras whose installation information is stored in the storage unit 112 and the connection of a new camera. The imaging conditions for the new camera are determined based on the installation information of the removed camera.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a code reader system and a controller used, for example, at a logistics site or the like.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a surveillance camera network configured by connecting a plurality of cameras. In the surveillance camera network of Patent Document 1, when replacing one camera that constitutes the surveillance camera network, the settings of the camera after replacement are automatically performed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, for example, at a logistics site or the like, work management is performed by a code reader that reads a code attached to a work conveyed by a conveying device. Such a code reader includes a camera for imaging the work. In order to achieve accurate reading of the code, the installation information of the camera with respect to the work is important, and the installation information of the camera is set in advance for each site.

[0005] However, when the camera is replaced for repair or maintenance, the installation information is not set in the camera after replacement. Therefore, after the camera is replaced, it is necessary to apply the installation information to the camera after replacement. During the period from the camera replacement to the recovery, especially at the logistics site, the conveyance of the work must be stopped, resulting in a large loss. Therefore, it is desired to quickly apply the installation information to the camera after replacement.

[0006] In this regard, the network disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a surveillance camera network, and therefore does not evoke the issues arising from camera replacement in logistics sites. Consequently, it does not suggest the need to quickly apply installation information to the replaced camera, nor does it suggest a configuration that allows for the quick application of installation information to the replaced camera.

[0007] This disclosure is made in view of the above points, and its purpose is to expedite recovery by quickly reflecting the installation information in the replacement camera when the camera that captures the code attached to the workpiece is replaced. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, one aspect of the present disclosure may provide a code reader system comprising: one or more cameras that generate an image based on reflected light from a code attached to a workpiece being transported on a conveyor; a decoder that performs decoding of the code attached to the workpiece based on the image output from the one or more cameras; and a controller to which the one or more cameras and the decoder are connected.

[0009] The controller includes a storage unit that stores installation information for each of the one or more cameras, a control unit that determines the imaging conditions for the one or more cameras based on the installation information stored in the storage unit, and a detection unit that detects the removal of any of the one or more cameras whose installation information is stored in the storage unit, and the connection of a new camera different from the one or more cameras. The imaging conditions for the new camera can be determined based on the installation information of the removed camera.

[0010] In this configuration, the imaging conditions for one or more cameras are determined by the controller. When a camera images a workpiece being transported on a conveyor belt, the decoder performs decoding of the code attached to the workpiece based on the image output from the camera. When an existing camera is removed and a new camera is connected to the controller, this is detected by the detection unit. The imaging conditions for the new camera are automatically determined based on the installation information of the removed camera, so operation using the new camera can be started quickly.

[0011] Another aspect of this disclosure may also involve a controller connected to one or more cameras that generate an image based on reflected light from a code attached to a workpiece being transported on a conveyor, and a decoder that performs a decoding process of the code attached to the workpiece based on the image output from the one or more cameras.

[0012] The controller includes a storage unit that stores installation information for each of the one or more cameras, a control unit that determines imaging conditions for the one or more cameras based on the installation information, and a detection unit that detects the removal of any of the one or more cameras whose installation information is stored, and the connection of a new camera different from the one or more cameras. The control unit can determine imaging conditions for the workpiece for the new camera based on the installation information of the removed camera. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] As explained above, when an existing camera is removed and a new camera is connected to the controller, the imaging conditions of the new camera are automatically determined based on the installation information of the removed camera. This allows the installation information to be quickly reflected in the replacement camera, accelerating the recovery of the code reader system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a code reader system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining Operation Example 1 of the code reader system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view for explaining Operation Example 2 of the code reader system. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a plan view for explaining Operation Example 2 of the code reader system. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a side view for explaining Operation Example 2 of the code reader system. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the code reader. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the positional relationships from the trigger point to the output point. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is a diagram showing an example of a form in which the controller and the code reader are connected in a ring shape. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an example of a form in which the controller and the code reader are connected linearly. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the code reader and the transport device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the controller. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the initial setting procedure of the code reader system. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for device registration. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a device registration screen. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of registered devices. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing when the device is replaced.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The following description of preferred embodiments is essentially illustrative and is not intended to limit the present invention, its applications, or its uses. For example, the relative sizes and positional relationships of the components shown in the figures are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the present invention.

[0016] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of a code reader system S having a code reader 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 2, 3, 4A, and 4B are diagrams illustrating operation examples 1 and 2 of the code reader system S. These operation examples 1 and 2 show the case in which the code reader system S is used in a logistics site that handles multiple workpieces W. A conveying device B is installed in the logistics site to sequentially convey multiple workpieces W in a predetermined conveying direction. The conveying direction of the workpieces W is indicated by arrow A in Figure 2, and therefore the left side of Figures 2, 4A, and 4B is the upstream side in the conveying direction, and the right side is the downstream side in the conveying direction.

[0017] As shown in Figure 2, the conveying device B has multiple conveying mechanisms B1 and B2. Each conveying mechanism B1 and B2 is composed of, for example, a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor, and includes an upstream conveying mechanism B1 and a downstream conveying mechanism B2. The upper surfaces of the upstream conveying mechanism B1 and the downstream conveying mechanism B2 form the conveying surface. In this embodiment, the conveying direction of the workpiece W is defined as the Y direction, the direction perpendicular to the Y direction on the conveying surface is defined as the X direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the X and Y directions is defined as the Z direction. In logistics sites, the X and Y directions are often approximately horizontal, but the Y direction may be inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. The X direction can also be called the width direction of the conveying mechanisms B1 and B2, or the longitudinal direction of the gap in the conveying device B. The Z direction can also be called the height direction (up and down direction). Note that these direction definitions are for the convenience of explanation and do not limit the direction in which the device is used.

[0018] The upstream conveying mechanism B1 and the downstream conveying mechanism B2 are spaced apart in the conveying direction. The size (dimensions) of the gap between the upstream conveying mechanism B1 and the downstream conveying mechanism B2 is not particularly limited, but it is set so that the smallest workpiece W being conveyed does not fall through the gap and is smoothly transferred from the upstream conveying mechanism B1 to the downstream conveying mechanism B2. The longitudinal dimension of the gap (dimension in the X direction) is approximately the same as the width (dimension in the X direction) of conveying mechanisms B1 and B2, but this is also not particularly limited.

[0019] The code reader system S may have one or more code readers 1. The code reader 1 in this embodiment is a stationary type. Operation of this stationary code reader 1 refers to the operation of sequentially reading the codes of workpieces W being transported by the transport device B. The code reader 1 is fixed to a frame, stand, bracket, etc. (not shown). In this embodiment, the case in which the code reader system S has multiple code readers 1 will be described. In operation example 1 shown in Figure 2, three code readers 1 are used, and the field of view of each code reader 1 is indicated by the symbol C.

[0020] When there are multiple code readers 1, the multiple code readers 1 can be installed so as to surround the workpiece W. That is, the code reader 1 in Operation Example 1 includes an upstream oblique reading code reader 1A installed above the workpiece W so as to be able to read the code attached to the workpiece W from the upstream side, a downstream oblique reading code reader 1B installed above the workpiece W so as to be able to read the code attached to the workpiece W from the downstream side, and a bottom reading code reader 1C. The bottom reading code reader 1C is installed below the transport device B so as to allow the gap between the upstream transport mechanism B1 and the downstream transport mechanism B2 to be within the field of view C.

[0021] Since the gap between the upstream transport mechanism B1 and the downstream transport mechanism B2 is within the field of view C of the bottom-reading code reader 1C, when the bottom surface of the workpiece W passes through the gap during transport, the bottom surface can be imaged by the code reader 1C. A code may be attached to the bottom surface of the workpiece W. If a code is attached to the bottom surface of the workpiece W, since the code reader 1 is installed at a position below the transport surface of the transport device B, the code attached to the bottom surface of the workpiece W can be read from below the transport surface of the transport device B through the gap.

[0022] The imaging unit 3 of the bottom-reading code reader 1C is a bottom-view camera that is exposed through the gap in the transport device B and continuously images the bottom surface of the workpiece W that is included in the depth of field of the imaging unit 3, thereby outputting multiple images showing a portion of the code attached to the bottom surface of the workpiece W. After multiple images showing a portion of the code's transport direction are sequentially output from the image sensor 31b, these images can be combined to obtain an image of the code attached to the bottom surface of the workpiece W.

[0023] Multiple bottom-reading code readers 1C can be installed. In this case, the system can be configured to include multiple imaging units 3 that read the common gap of the transport device B from below the transport surface of the transport device B, and multiple illumination units 2 corresponding to the multiple imaging units 3.

[0024] Figure 3 shows the arrangement of code readers 1A, 1B, 1D, 1E, 1F, and 1G in Operation Example 2. Figure 4A shows code readers 1D to 1G in Operation Example 2 viewed from above conveyor B, and Figure 4B shows code readers 1A and 1B in Operation Example 2 viewed from the side of conveyor B. Six code readers are used in Operation Example 2. Specifically, code reader 1A targets the top and front of the workpiece W, code reader 1B targets the top and rear of the workpiece W, code reader 1D targets the side (right side in the direction of transport) and rear of the workpiece W, code reader 1E targets the side (right side in the direction of transport) and front of the workpiece W, code reader 1F targets the side (left side in the direction of transport) and rear of the workpiece W, and code reader 1G targets the side (left side in the direction of transport) and front of the workpiece W.

[0025] The code reader system in this embodiment is not limited to operation examples 1 and 2, and operation examples 1 and 2 can be combined in any way. For example, in operation example 2, a bottom-reading code reader 1C from operation example 1 may be added. Code readers 1 can also be installed in locations other than those in operation examples 1 and 2. In operation examples 1 and 2, multiple code readers 1 can be used to image different surfaces of the same workpiece W.

[0026] The codes attached to the workpiece W include both barcodes and two-dimensional codes. Examples of two-dimensional codes include QR code (registered trademark), micro QR code, data matrix (Data code), Veri code, Aztec code, PDF417, and Maxi code. Two-dimensional codes come in stacked and matrix types, but the present invention is applicable to any type of two-dimensional code. The code may be attached to the workpiece W by printing or engraving it directly, or by printing it on a label and then attaching it to the workpiece W; the means and method are not limited. Furthermore, when using multiple code readers 1, they may all be the same code reader or different code readers. In the following description, it will be assumed that they are all the same code reader 1.

[0027] Figure 5 is a block diagram of the code reader 1. The code reader 1 comprises an illumination unit 2, an imaging unit (camera) 3, a control unit 4, a storage unit 5, and a reader-side communication unit 6. The control unit 4 comprises an imaging control unit 41 that controls the imaging unit 3, an illumination control unit 42 that controls the illumination unit 2, a code detection unit 43, and a decoding unit (decoder) 44. The storage unit 5 comprises a decode result storage unit 51, an image data storage unit 52, and a setting storage unit 53. The decode result storage unit 51, the image data storage unit 52, and the setting storage unit 53 can be configured as read-write storage devices such as SSDs (solid-state drives). The decode result storage unit 51, the image data storage unit 52, and the setting storage unit 53 may be provided in separate storage devices, although these are not shown.

[0028] The reader-side communication unit 6 is the part that performs communication with various external devices (details of which will be described later). Setting information and other data transmitted from external devices are received by the control unit 4 via the reader-side communication unit 6. The control unit 4 also receives the read start trigger signal from external devices via the reader-side communication unit 6. The decoding result from the code reader 1 is transmitted to the external device via the reader-side communication unit 6. The reader-side communication unit 6 also receives, for example, the dimensions of the gaps formed between the multiple transport mechanisms B1 and B2 of the transport device B, and the transport speed of the transport device B. The gap dimensions and transport speed can be pre-entered by the user into the external device. The entered gap dimensions and transport speed are stored in the external device, and after being transmitted from the external device, the gap dimensions and transport speed are received and acquired by the reader-side communication unit 6.

[0029] The lighting unit 2 is the part that illuminates the workpiece W being transported on the transport device B with illumination light. In the case of operation example 1 shown in Figure 2, the bottom-reading code reader 1C is installed below the transport surface of the transport device B, so the lighting unit 2 illuminates the gap between the upstream transport mechanism B1 and the downstream transport mechanism B2 from below the transport surface. As a result, when the bottom surface of the workpiece W is being transported passes through the gap between the upstream transport mechanism B1 and the downstream transport mechanism B2, the bottom surface can be illuminated by the lighting unit 2. If a code is attached to the bottom surface of the workpiece W, the code attached to the bottom surface of the workpiece W can be illuminated by the lighting unit 2. The lighting unit 2 is equipped with a light-emitting element, such as a light-emitting diode (LED).

[0030] The illumination unit 2 and the imaging unit 3 may be integrated, or they may be separate units. The illumination unit 2 is controlled by the illumination control unit 42, which switches between turning it on and off and changes the brightness when it is on. When a reading start trigger signal is input from an external device, the illumination control unit 42 turns on the illumination unit 2 for a predetermined time and turns it off after the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0031] The imaging unit 3 is the part that generates an image based on the reflected light from the code attached to the workpiece W being transported on the transport device B. By imaging the workpiece W, the imaging unit 3 can generate a code image that includes the code and output it to the control unit 4. The imaging unit 3 has a lens 31a, an image sensor 31b, and a preprocessing circuit 32. The lens 31a is an imaging lens that focuses the reflected light from the workpiece W. The light incident on the lens 31a is emitted toward the light-receiving surface of the image sensor 31b and forms an image on the light-receiving surface.

[0032] The image sensor 31b includes a light-receiving element such as a CCD (charge-coupled device) or CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) that converts the image of the code obtained through the lens 31a into an electrical signal. Based on the amount of light received at the light-receiving surface of the image sensor 31b, an image containing the code is generated. The image sensor 31b has a plurality of image sensors arranged in the row direction and column direction, that is, a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix. In other words, the imaging unit 3 is a so-called area camera. In this embodiment, the image sensor 31b has more pixels in the column direction (U direction) than in the row direction (V direction). The number of pixels, focal length, sensor size, etc. of the image sensor 31b are stored in the storage unit 5 as camera information related to the imaging unit 3. The captured image (hereinafter simply referred to as "image") generated by the image sensor 31b capturing the workpiece W, etc., is input to the pre-processing circuit 32. The pre-processing circuit 32 can be provided as needed and is not essential.

[0033] The preprocessing circuit 32 is composed of an integrated circuit such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and is responsible for performing various preprocessing operations on the image output from the image sensor 31b. Preprocessing includes, for example, various filtering operations. The imaging unit 3 outputs the image that has been preprocessed by the preprocessing circuit 32 to the control unit 4. Preprocessing by the preprocessing circuit 32 may be performed as needed, and images that have not been preprocessed may also be output to the control unit 4. The images output to the control unit 4 are stored in the image data storage unit 52.

[0034] The imaging unit 3 is controlled via an imaging control unit 41, which is controlled by a control unit 107 of the controller 100, described later. When a read start trigger signal is input from an external device, the imaging control unit 41 exposes the image for a preset exposure time and generates an image. By controlling the imaging unit 3, the imaging control unit 41 also applies a preset gain to the image generated by the image sensor 31b and performs a process to amplify the brightness of the image through digital image processing.

[0035] The imaging unit 3 of the code reader 1 has an acceleration sensor 33. This acceleration sensor 33 can acquire the tilt of the imaging unit 3 or the code reader 1 with respect to gravity. The tilt with respect to gravity can be included in the installation information of the imaging unit 3 or the code reader 1.

[0036] The control unit 4 controls each part of the code reader 1, detects the code attached to the workpiece W based on multiple images output from the imaging unit 3, and performs decoding of the detected code. A specific example of the configuration of the control unit 4 is a configuration that includes a microcomputer having a processor (which functions as a central processing unit), ROM, RAM, etc. The hardware included in the control unit 4 and the software executed by the control unit 4 constitute the imaging control unit 41, the illumination control unit 42, the code detection unit 43, and the decoding unit 44.

[0037] The code detection unit 43 of the control unit 4 identifies a code region based on the code image output from the imaging unit 3 and detects a code from the identified code region. The code detection unit 43 generates multiple edge images by applying multiple edge extraction filters to the image generated by the imaging unit 3 to extract edges of different frequencies, and then performs integration processing of the multiple edge images. After that, the code detection unit 43 determines the code candidate position based on the result of the edge integration processing. In other words, in the edge processed image, a region where many pixels with high brightness values ​​are clustered can be estimated as a code region.

[0038] For example, the code detection unit 43 can generate a heatmap image that represents the likelihood of a code being present in order to search for the location of a code within a code image. That is, the code detection unit 43 quantifies the features of the code, generates a heatmap by assigning the magnitude of the features to each pixel value, and extracts code candidate regions on the heatmap that are highly likely to contain a code. A specific example is to acquire the feature portion of the code in regions that are relatively hot (have large features) in the heatmap. If multiple feature portions are acquired, they can be prioritized and extracted and stored in RAM or the like. By using a heatmap image, it becomes possible to detect code regions at high speed.

[0039] The decoding unit 44 of the control unit 4 is responsible for decoding the code detected by the code detection unit 43. Specifically, since the code is represented by black and white binarized data, it decodes the black and white binarized data. A table showing the correspondence between encoded data can be used for decoding. Furthermore, the decoding unit 44 checks whether the decoded result is correct according to a predetermined checking method. If an error is found in the data, it uses an error correction function to calculate the correct data. The error correction function differs depending on the type of code.

[0040] As shown in Figure 1, the code reader system S includes, in addition to the code reader 1, a dimension measuring unit 90, an encoder 91, a work sensor 92, a data communication device 93, a controller 100, a data acquisition and analysis device 200, a setting device 300, and the like. The dimension measuring unit 90, controller 100, data acquisition and analysis device 200, etc. are examples of external devices.

[0041] The setting device 300 is composed of, for example, a personal computer and has a display unit 301 consisting of a liquid crystal display or the like, and an operation unit 302 consisting of various input devices or operation devices such as a keyboard and mouse. The user can input various information by operating the operation unit 302. If the data collection and analysis device 200 is a personal computer, the setting device 300 does not need to be a personal computer and may be a combination of a display and input devices.

[0042] The encoder 91 and work sensor 92 are connected to the controller 100 via I / O wiring 94 for communication. The data communication device 93 is connected to the controller 100 for communication via host communication line 95 and consists of a device that performs communication with an external network, etc. The code reader 1 and dimension measuring unit 90 are connected to the controller 100 for communication via dedicated control communication line 96.

[0043] Since the code reader 1 has an imaging unit 3 and a decoding unit 44, the imaging unit 3 and the decoding unit 44 are connected to the controller 100. Also, since the code reader 1 has an illumination unit 2 corresponding to the imaging unit 3, the illumination unit 2 is connected to the controller 100. In operation examples 1 and 2, the imaging units 3 of multiple code readers 1 receive instructions from the control unit 107 (shown in Figure 9) of the controller 100, based on the installation information stored in the memory unit 112 (shown in Figure 9) of the controller 100, and photograph the workpiece W from multiple different directions. The illumination units 2 of multiple code readers 1 receive instructions from the control unit 107 of the controller 100 and illuminate the workpiece W from multiple different directions. In other words, the imaging unit 3 and the illumination unit 2 are controlled by the control unit 107 of the controller 100.

[0044] Furthermore, the code reader 1 and the dimension measuring unit 90 are connected to each other via a dedicated control communication line 96, enabling communication between them. In addition, the code reader 1 is connected to the data acquisition and analysis device 200 via a communication line 97, enabling communication between them. The setting device 300 is connected to the data acquisition and analysis device 200 via a communication line 98, and also to the controller 100 via a communication line 99, enabling communication between them. The data acquisition and analysis device 200 is the part that collects and stores time-series logs, including images, transmitted from the controller 100 and the code reader 1, and is typically a personal computer. Note that the connection configuration of the code reader 1, dimension measuring unit 90, encoder 91, work sensor 92, data communication device 93, controller 100, data acquisition and analysis device 200, and setting device 300 described above is just one example, and any connection configuration that can realize the functions described later is acceptable.

[0045] The dimension measuring unit 90 is composed of, for example, an optical dimension measuring device and is an example of a detection sensor capable of detecting work information including at least one of the widthwise position of the workpiece W transport device B and the height of the workpiece W. The optical dimension measuring device that constitutes the dimension measuring unit 90 can measure the dimensions of the workpiece W by the principle of triangulation, for example, by irradiating the workpiece W with measuring light and receiving the measuring light reflected from the workpiece W. The dimensions of the workpiece W that can be measured by the dimension measuring unit 90 include, for example, height, width, and depth. When the dimension measuring unit 90 receives a reading start trigger signal transmitted from the controller 100 via a dedicated control communication line 96, it executes the dimension measuring process. The dimension measuring unit 90 transmits the generated dimension data to the controller 100 or the code reader 1 via the dedicated control communication line 96.

[0046] The encoder 91 is a device for detecting the transport speed of the transport device B. As shown in Figure 2, the encoder 91 is attached to the transport device B. The work sensor 92 is a device (e.g., a photoelectric sensor) for detecting when the workpiece W being transported by the transport device B has reached a predetermined position, and outputs a detection signal when it detects that the workpiece W has reached the predetermined position. The work sensor 92 can also be attached to the transport device B. The work sensor 92 is installed upstream of the transport device B from the imaging unit 3, and detects the workpiece W upstream of the transport device B from the imaging unit 3. The signals output from the encoder 91 and the work sensor 92 are transmitted to the controller 100 via the I / O wiring 94.

[0047] Figure 6 shows the positional relationships from the trigger point to the output point. The trigger point is the point at which a read start trigger signal is output to perform imaging and illumination. For example, the trigger point can be the moment when the work sensor 92 detects that the workpiece W has reached a predetermined position, and at the trigger point, a read start trigger signal can be output to the dimension measuring unit 90 and the code reader 1 via a dedicated control communication line 96. The work sensor 92 is installed upstream of the code reader 1 in the transport direction. Therefore, the code reader 1 reads the code attached to the workpiece W downstream of the work sensor 92.

[0048] The dimension measuring unit 90 is installed at a dimension measuring unit installation point downstream of the trigger point in the transport direction. Therefore, it is possible to measure the dimensions of the workpiece W that arrives after the reading start trigger signal is output. The code reader 1 is installed at a code reader installation point downstream of the dimension measuring unit installation point in the transport direction. Therefore, it is possible to image the workpiece W after it has been measured by the dimension measuring unit 90.

[0049] The decoding process of the workpiece W code is executed after the read start trigger signal is input. This decoding process and the creation of output data, including the decoding result and log, are performed until the release point. When the workpiece W reaches the output point, the output data is output from the code reader 1 to the data communication device 93 via the dedicated control communication line 96.

[0050] As shown in Figure 7A, when operating multiple code readers 1A to 1D, a camera network can be configured by connecting the controller 100 and the multiple code readers 1A to 1D in a ring shape. Ethernet cables, for example, can be used to connect the controller 100 to code readers 1A and 1B, and to connect the code readers 1A to 1D to each other. By configuring a camera network by directly connecting multiple code readers 1A to 1D to each other, even if the direct connection between a code reader 1 and the controller 100 is interrupted, the connection between that code reader 1 and the controller 100 can be maintained via another code reader 1.

[0051] Furthermore, not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 7A, when operating multiple code readers 1A to 1D, as shown in Figure 7B, the camera network can be configured by connecting the controller 100 and the multiple code readers 1A to 1D in a straight line. In this case as well, Ethernet cables, for example, can be used to connect the controller 100 to the code readers 1A to 1D and to connect the code readers 1A to 1D to each other.

[0052] Figure 8 illustrates the positional relationship between the code reader 1 and the conveying device B. The coordinate system of the conveying device B (conveyor coordinate system) can be defined, for example, with the position of the work sensor 92 as the origin, the conveying direction as the Y direction, the width direction of the conveyor as the X direction, and the height direction from the conveying surface as the Z direction. This is defined based on the position of the work sensor 92. The installation angle of the code reader 1 is determined by the angle between the conveying surface (Y direction) and the optical axis. The field of view of the code reader 1 is predetermined for each model of code reader 1. The X coordinate, Y coordinate, Z coordinate, installation angle, installation direction, etc. of the code reader 1 are installation information indicating the position and orientation of the imaging unit 3 in the conveyor coordinate system, and include the installation position and installation angle of the imaging unit 3 in the coordinate system of the conveying device B. The code reader 1 has a Scheinproof optical system consisting of, for example, a lens 31a that collects reflected light from a code attached to a workpiece W, and an image sensor 31b having a light-receiving surface inclined with respect to the optical axis of the lens 31a. It also includes an imaging unit 3 (camera) that generates and outputs an image containing the code based on the amount of light received by the light-receiving surface. The imaging unit 3 has a depth of field (DOF) suitable for oblique reading due to the Scheinproof optical system. Note that the optical system of the imaging unit 3 is not limited to a Scheinproof optical system.

[0053] The controller 100 is a device that oversees the trigger control of the code reader 1, the dimension measuring unit 90, and external controlled devices. When the controller 100 receives signals output from the work sensor 92, which detects the position of the workpiece W, and the encoder 91, which is used for tracking the workpiece W, it outputs control parameters and reading start trigger signals to the code reader 1, the dimension measuring unit 90, and external controlled devices. It also aggregates the decoding results from each code reader 1 and uploads them to the data collection and analysis device 200 and the setting device 300, etc.

[0054] The trigger control logic includes setting a delay from the moment the work sensor 92 detects the workpiece W, and such settings can be configured on the controller 100. Furthermore, processing of the read data (such as string manipulation) can also be performed on the controller 100. Therefore, the controller 100 has configuration and programming elements and is configured to support different higher-level communication protocols (TCP / IP socket communication, legacy serial) depending on the installation site.

[0055] In actual operational settings, the installation locations of Code Reader 1 vary, and it can be difficult to change the settings of a Code Reader 1 after installation. Furthermore, assigning individual IDs to each Code Reader 1 before installing multiple Code Reader 1s and then placing them in designated locations imposes installation constraints; for example, if one is installed in the wrong location, resetting its ID becomes difficult. Additionally, the person installing Code Reader 1 and the person configuring it may be different, so we want to eliminate installation constraints as much as possible.

[0056] The same applies to IP addresses; the problems with installing Code Reader 1 after pre-configuring them are as described above. Even after Code Reader 1 has been installed, DHCP can be used if the IP address is not yet set. However, if another IP address has already been assigned to Code Reader 1, it cannot be handled without resetting it to an unconfigured state, thus requiring a physical means such as an IP address reset button. Furthermore, there are use cases that do not use Ethernet (cases that do not require images), and it is necessary to be able to use Code Reader 1 even when an IP address has not been assigned.

[0057] In response to these issues, the dedicated control communication standard using the dedicated control communication line 96 according to this embodiment allows for the assignment of IDs and IP addresses to the code reader 1 via the dedicated control communication line 96, and also enables control of the code reader 1 using only dedicated control communication. For example, after the installation and wiring of the code reader 1 are completed, the controller 100, which is the bus master, can assign an ID to the code reader 1, which is the bus slave, via the dedicated control communication line 96. Furthermore, after the dedicated control communication line 96 becomes ready for communication, an IP address can be assigned to the code reader 1 or configuration information for the code reader 1 can be communicated via the dedicated control communication line 96 as needed.

[0058] The controller 100 and each code reader 1 are synchronized by a dedicated control system using a dedicated control communication line 96. The controller 100 generates a read start trigger signal and transmits the generated read start trigger signal to each code reader 1. The read start trigger signal can be changed depending on the type of code reader 1, and may be an edge trigger or a level trigger, for example. An edge trigger is triggered per image capture, and the trigger instruction may include the target ID, imaging time, control parameters, etc. The code reader 1 performs decoding on only one workpiece W per image capture. On the other hand, a level trigger triggers the start and stop of imaging, and the imaging timing is controlled by the code reader 1.

[0059] Upon receiving the read start trigger signal generated by the controller 100, each code reader 1 generates its own illumination timing according to its own synchronized timing. In other words, the controller 100 controls the ON and OFF of the illumination of each code reader 1.

[0060] Each code reader 1 performs imaging according to the illumination control timing. In the operation example 1 shown in Figure 2, the imaging period of code readers 1A and 1B other than bottom-reading code readers depends on the decoding time of the decoding unit 44, but the bottom-reading code reader 1C performs imaging at a constant period.

[0061] The specific configuration of the controller 100 will be explained with reference to Figure 9. The controller 100 includes an acquisition unit 101, a recognition unit 102, a reception unit 103, a processing decision unit 104, a communication unit 105, an input / output interface 106, a control unit 107, a display processing unit 108, an output unit 109, a determination unit 110, a detection unit 111, and a storage unit 112. The acquisition unit 101, recognition unit 102, reception unit 103, processing decision unit 104, communication unit 105, input / output interface 106, control unit 107, display processing unit 108, output unit 109, determination unit 110, detection unit 111, and storage unit 112 may be integrated or separate.

[0062] The input / output interface 106 is the part to which the encoder 91, work sensor 92, data communication device 93, setting device 300, code reader 1, dimension measuring unit 90, external controlled equipment, data collection and analysis device 200, etc. are connected. The input / output interface 106 is connected to the communication unit 105.

[0063] The acquisition unit 101 is the part that acquires the detection signal of the workpiece W by the workpiece sensor 92, conveyor information including the transport speed and conveyor width of the transport device B, and installation information indicating the position and orientation of each code reader 1 in the conveyor coordinate system of the transport device B. The transport speed of the transport device B may be acquired based on the output signal of the encoder 91, or from the distance traveled in a predetermined time using multiple workpiece sensors, or the transport speed of the transport device B set by the user may be acquired. In addition, even when the encoder 91 calculates the transport distance of the workpiece based on the number of pulses and the distance traveled per unit pulse during the elapsed time from when the workpiece W is detected until it is imaged, it can be considered that the transport speed is acquired substantially or indirectly, and the transport distance is determined based on the elapsed time and the transport speed.

[0064] The recognition unit 102 recognizes the transport state of the workpiece W on the transport device B based on the detection signal and transport speed acquired by the acquisition unit 101. The transport state includes, for example, the transport speed and the position of the workpiece W on the transport device B (i.e., the position of the workpiece W in the conveyor coordinate system). By using information obtained from the dimension measuring unit 90, the recognition unit 102 can further recognize the transport state including the dimensions of the workpiece W (width, height, depth) and the position and orientation of the workpiece W in the conveyor coordinate system.

[0065] The reception unit 103 is configured to accept requests from the user for combinations of code readers 1 from among multiple code readers 1 connected to the controller 100, in which interference from lighting is to be prevented. For example, in the operation example 1 shown in Figure 2, if the lights of the upstream diagonal reading code reader 1A and the downstream diagonal reading code reader 1B are turned on at the same time, their lights will interfere with each other, and there is a risk that the desired code image cannot be obtained. In order to prevent such lighting interference, code readers 1A and 1B are the combination of code readers 1 in which interference from lighting is to be prevented. When the user specifies code readers 1A and 1B, this combination is accepted by the reception unit 103.

[0066] The processing decision unit 104 acquires the transport status of the workpiece W recognized by the recognition unit 102 and the installation information of each code reader 1 acquired by the acquisition unit 101. The installation information may include information regarding combinations of code readers 1 that are to be prevented from interfering with the lighting. Based on the transport status of the workpiece W and the installation information of each code reader 1, the processing decision unit 104 determines control parameters corresponding to a predetermined transport position of the workpiece W on the transport device B for each code reader 1. The processing decision unit 104 can estimate the current position of the workpiece W based on the output signal of the encoder 91 and the detection signal of the work sensor 92. The processing decision unit 104 pre-determines the control parameters before the workpiece W reaches a predetermined transport position on the transport device B. In other words, since the transport status of the workpiece W can be acquired as to what kind of workpiece W is currently located where, the optimal control parameters for each code reader 1 can be updated and prepared in advance. Then, when each code reader 1 becomes ready to take images, it uses the latest control parameters at that time to perform lighting and imaging control. The code reader 1 is not limited to a configuration that includes one imaging unit 3 as shown in Figure 5, but may also be configured to include multiple imaging units 3 inside the housing of the code reader 1. Furthermore, the code reader 1 is not limited to a configuration that includes both the imaging unit 3 and the decoding unit 44 inside the housing, but the decoding unit 44 may be provided as a separate device. In these configurations, the processing determination unit 104 determines control parameters for each imaging unit 3 that correspond to a predetermined transport position of the workpiece W on the transport device B, based on the transport state of the workpiece W and the installation information of each imaging unit 3.

[0067] The control parameters determined by the processing determination unit 104 include, for example, the exposure time of the imaging unit 3, the gain, the type of code to be decoded, the read result output timeout, the imaging range (imaging range of the image sensor 31b), and processing parameters by the pre-processing circuit 32. The exposure time can be determined, for example, according to the transport speed of the transport device B, which is acquired based on the output signal of the encoder 91. For example, the faster the transport speed, the shorter the exposure time can be. By automatically optimizing the exposure time with the processing determination unit 104, the brightness of the image generated by the imaging unit 3 becomes suitable for decoding. The gain is the gain of the imaging unit 3, and the processing determination unit 104 automatically sets it to the optimal value based on the position of the workpiece W on the transport device B and the installation information of the code reader 1. By optimizing the gain, the brightness of the image generated by the imaging unit 3 becomes suitable for decoding.

[0068] The processing determination unit 104 is configured to determine the code to be read for each imaging cycle based on the transport status of the workpiece W and the installation information of each code reader 1, as a control parameter. The type of code to be decoded is the type of code that the decoding unit 44 decodes, and multiple types can be specified. For example, when excluding codes that do not need to be read based on the reading results of another code reader 1 installed upstream, or when switching the code to be read for each imaging, the processing determination unit 104 determines the type of code to be decoded as a control parameter. It is also possible to determine the control parameter so that the first type of code is read by the first code reader 1 on the upstream side in the transport direction, and the second type of code is read by the second code reader 1 on the downstream side.

[0069] The communication unit 105 is the part that communicates with multiple code readers 1 in accordance with a dedicated control communication standard, and transmits the control parameters determined by the processing determination unit 104 to each corresponding code reader 1. For example, after the control parameters corresponding to the code reader 1 have been determined, the communication unit 105 transmits the corresponding control parameters to each code reader 1 at the timing when the workpiece W reaches a predetermined transport position.

[0070] If multiple code readers 1 are connected, the communication unit 105 transmits the imaging period determined by the processing determination unit 104 to each corresponding code reader 1, and transmits the illumination period determined by the processing determination unit 104 to each corresponding code reader 1. The pre-processing circuit 32 can perform pre-imaging processing and post-imaging processing according to the control parameters.

[0071] (Initial settings) Next, the procedure for initial setup of the code reader system S configured as described above will be explained based on the flowchart shown in Figure 10. This flowchart is used, for example, immediately after the code reader system S is started for the first time, after the installation location of code reader 1 is changed, after various devices are changed, etc.

[0072] In step SA1, the display processing unit 108 of the controller 100 displays a device display screen 400, as shown in Figure 11, on the display unit 301 of the setting device 300. In step SA2, the control unit 107 of the controller 100 detects the devices connected to the controller 100. Examples of devices connected to the controller 100 include the code reader 1, the dimension measuring unit 90, and the work sensor 92, but are not limited to these, and other devices may also be connected to the controller 100.

[0073] If a device connected to the controller 100 is detected in step SA2, the detected device is displayed on the device display screen 400. The example shown in Figure 11 shows the case where code reader A, code reader B, code reader C, code reader D, code reader E, dimension measuring unit A, and work sensor A are detected. As shown in Figure 11, the device display screen 400 displays an illustration or photograph of each device, as well as the name and model number of each device.

[0074] Step SA3 is used to accept registration of the device detected in Step SA2. When the user selects a device to register from the devices displayed on the device display screen 400 in Figure 11, the display processing unit 108 generates the device registration screen 410 shown in Figure 12 and displays it on the display unit 301. If Code Reader A is selected, the device display area 411 on the device registration screen 410 displays the model number of Code Reader A, an illustration or photograph of Code Reader A, and its name (Code Reader A). When the Apply button 412 is pressed by the user, the device displayed in the device display area 411 is accepted for registration by the control unit 107 of the controller 100.

[0075] The device display screen 400 shown in Figure 11 has icons 400a corresponding to each device, indicating whether or not each device is registered. By looking at the icons 400a, the user can easily determine whether or not the device corresponding to that icon 400a is registered. Note that the order of steps SA2 and SA3 may be reversed, and devices may be registered before detection devices are assigned.

[0076] Figure 13 shows the display screen 420 for registered devices, which is generated by the display processing unit 108 and displayed on the display unit 301. In this example, five code readers A to E are registered devices. The display processing unit 108 generates a screen that can display a list of registered devices in this way. The display screen 420 has an ID display area 420a for displaying the device ID for each registered device. The device ID is a unique value and can also be used to identify the type of registered device. The information of registered devices can be linked to equipment using this device ID.

[0077] Once the registration of the required devices is complete, the process proceeds to step SA4, where the basic information of the registered devices is stored in the storage unit 112 of the controller 100. This basic information includes, for example, the device identification number (serial number, MAC address, device ID), the node location within the system, the model number, etc., and is associated with the device. The node location within the system is dynamically detected based on the physical location of each registered device at system startup, relative to the controller 100, and the detection unit 111 holds the node location when the physical location of each registered device is detected. For example, when the controller 100 and multiple code readers 1A to 1D are connected in a ring shape as shown in Figure 7A, and when the controller 100 and multiple code readers 1A to 1D are connected in a straight line as shown in Figure 7B, the node location will be different when focusing on the same code reader 1A. When the detection unit 111 of the controller 100 detects a change in the node location, the node location of each code reader 1A to 1D is updated. The updated node location is then stored in the storage unit 112. In other words, the detection unit 111 is the part that, when it detects one or more connected code readers 1A to 1D, can store the node positions of the detected code readers 1A to 1D in the camera network in the storage unit 112. Furthermore, the detection unit 111 is the part that, when it detects one or more connected code readers 1A to 1D again, can overwrite and store the node positions of the newly detected code readers 1A to 1D in the camera network in the storage unit 112.

[0078] In step SA5, the control unit 107 of the controller 100 receives the input of installation information. As shown in Figure 8, the installation information, in the case of the code reader 1, includes at least one of the following: the X coordinate, Y coordinate, Z coordinate, installation angle, and installation direction of the imaging unit 3 in the coordinate system of the transport device B. The installation direction indicates whether the code reader 1 is installed on the upstream side of the transport direction to read the rear surface of the workpiece W, or whether the code reader 1 is installed on the downstream side of the transport direction to read the front surface of the workpiece W. The coordinate system of the transport device B is defined based on the position of the work sensor 92 that detects the workpiece W upstream of the transport device B from one or more imaging units 3. The installation information may also further include the faces of the workpiece W that are read by the corresponding imaging unit 3. The installation information may also include network information such as an IP address, and this network information is maintained in association with the device ID.

[0079] In step SA6, the installation information for each registered device whose input was received in step SA5 is stored in the storage unit 112 of the controller 100. In this step, the device installation information and the device ID are stored in association. Therefore, for example, by identifying a device, it becomes possible to obtain not only the basic information associated with that device ID, but also the installation information. Once step SA6 is completed, the code reader system S can be operated.

[0080] During the operation of the code reader system S, for example, code reader 1 may malfunction or require maintenance. In such cases, code reader 1 is removed and a new code reader 1 is connected to the code reader system S to resume operation. If the installation information can be quickly reflected in the new code reader 1 after replacement, the downtime of the code reader system S can be shortened, and losses can be minimized. This embodiment is equipped with a function that can quickly reflect the installation information in the new code reader 1 after replacement, thereby shortening the downtime of the code reader system S.

[0081] Specifically, this will be explained based on the flowchart shown in Figure 14. This flowchart may be started after the code reader system S has been in operation, after a new code reader 1 has been connected and the code reader system S has been started, or it may be started periodically. Furthermore, it is possible to replace the code reader 1 without turning off the power to the controller 100, in which case the flowchart shown in Figure 14 can be started after the replacement of the code reader 1 is complete. Alternatively, the flowchart shown in Figure 14 may be started by user instruction.

[0082] In step SB1, the detection unit 111 detects devices connected to the controller 100 and compares the identification number of the detected device with the identification number of each registered device registered in the flowchart shown in Figure 10. In step SB2, the detection unit 111 determines whether or not there are any unregistered devices among the detected devices. Unregistered devices may be, for example, devices added to the code reader system S, or new devices that have been replaced (replacement devices). If each device is a code reader 1, the code reader 1 includes an imaging unit 3, so step SB2 is the process of detecting the removal of one or more imaging units 3 whose installation information is stored in the storage unit 112 of the controller 100, and the connection of a new imaging unit 3 that is different from one or more imaging units 3. In this process, the detection unit 111 detects the removal of one or more imaging units 3 whose installation information is stored in the storage unit 112 of the controller 100, and the connection of a new imaging unit 3 that is different from one or more imaging units 3.

[0083] If there are no unregistered devices among the detected devices, proceed to the end and terminate this flowchart. On the other hand, if there are unregistered devices among the detected devices, proceed to step SB3. In step SB3, the detection unit 111 determines whether or not there are any undetected devices. If the result in step SB3 is NO and there are no undetected devices, it means that only new devices have been added and no devices have been removed, so proceed to step SB4 to accept registration of basic information and input of installation information for the unregistered devices. In step SB4, the user is notified with the icon 400a shown in Figure 11 that not all registered units are present. In this case, registration of basic information and input of installation information for the unregistered devices can be accepted according to the flowchart shown in Figure 10 above.

[0084] If the result in step SB3 is YES and there are undetected devices, it means that the device has been replaced, and the process proceeds to step SB5. In step SB5, the determination unit 110 determines whether the unregistered device and the undetected registered device have the same node location and model within the system. In other words, the determination unit 110 performs a replacement determination to determine whether the new imaging unit 3 is suitable to replace the removed imaging unit 3, based on the node location of each imaging unit 3 in the camera network consisting of one or more imaging units 3, and the model of each imaging unit 3. When the determination unit 110 performs the replacement determination, it may also do so based on the node location, model, and the output of the acceleration sensor 33. When a new imaging unit 3 is installed, the output of the acceleration sensor 33 will be similar before and after the replacement, further improving the accuracy of the replacement determination.

[0085] In a real operating environment, if a device fails, it is generally assumed that a device of the same type as the failed device will be used as a replacement. Therefore, if a different type is detected in step SB5, the system proceeds to step SB4, where it is determined that the configuration or layout of the code reader system S has been changed, and the replacement device is not detected. In other words, in step SB5, the determination unit 110 performs a replacement determination to determine whether the new imaging unit 3 is suitable to replace the removed imaging unit 3. Even if the type or node location of the failed device and the replacement device are different, if the new imaging unit 3, which will be the replacement device, can be allowed to image the workpiece W based on the installation information of the imaging unit 3 that was removed as the failed device, then step SB5 may be omitted.

[0086] If, in step SB5, it is determined that the unregistered device and the undetected registered device are the same in both node location and model within the system, the process proceeds to step SB6. In step SB6, the control unit 107 automatically assigns the installation information of the undetected registered device to the unregistered device. Specifically, if the determination unit 110 determines that the new imaging unit 3 is suitable for replacing the removed imaging unit 3, the control unit 107 uses the installation information of the removed imaging unit 3 as the installation information of the new imaging unit 3. As a result, the control unit 107 determines the imaging conditions for the workpiece W for the new imaging unit 3 based on the installation information of the removed imaging unit 3, so the imaging conditions for the new imaging unit 3 are determined based on the installation information of the removed imaging unit 3. At this time, the control unit 107 may instruct the new imaging unit 3 to image the workpiece W, or the new imaging unit 3 may perform imaging on its own based on the imaging conditions determined by the control unit 107. The imaging conditions include, for example, the imaging timing, the range and position of the area to be partially imaged within the camera's overall field of view, the exposure time, the gain, and at least one of the areas in the captured image that are not to be decoded.

[0087] In step SB6, the system may notify that the installation information of the removed imaging unit 3 has been applied as the installation information of the new imaging unit 3. That is, as shown in Figure 5, the code reader 1 has a notification unit 34 for notifying that the installation information of the removed imaging unit 3 has been applied as the installation information of the new imaging unit 3. The notification unit 34 is connected to the control unit 4 and controlled by the control unit 4. Examples of the notification unit 34 include a light-emitting element such as an LED, or various speakers. If the notification unit 34 is a light-emitting element, it can be installed in the housing of the code readers 1A to 1F, as shown as an example in Figure 3. If the notification unit 34 is a light-emitting element, the control unit 4 can notify the user in step SB6 by illuminating the light-emitting element. The light emission color, emission time, emission timing, blinking interval, lighting time, and other emission characteristics of the light-emitting element can be arbitrarily set, as long as the emission characteristics allow the user to recognize that the process in step SB6 has been executed.

[0088] For example, if the code reader 1A malfunctions, the notification unit 34 of the code reader 1A will notify the user that the code reader 1A has malfunctioned by flashing red or the like. Also, if the controller 100 recognizes the malfunctioning code reader 1A as a replacement target, the notification unit 34 will notify the user that it has been recognized as a replacement target by flashing blue or the like. Then, when the replacement of the code reader 1A is completed and the process of step SB6 is executed, the notification unit 34 will light up blue for a predetermined period of time. This allows the user to be notified in an easy-to-understand manner that the installation information of the removed imaging unit 3 has been applied as the installation information of the new imaging unit 3.

[0089] Furthermore, if the notification unit 34 is a speaker, the control unit 4 can notify the user by generating sound from the speaker in step SB6. The speaker's tone, sound generation time, and sound generation timing can be set arbitrarily. Having the notification unit 34 as described above allows the user to confirm that the replacement was successful without having to open the settings screen.

[0090] In step SB6, the display unit 301 may display a setting screen that distinguishes between the new imaging unit 3 after the removed imaging unit 3 has been replaced and the other imaging units 3 from among the one or more imaging units 3. That is, the display processing unit 108 of the controller 100 can generate a setting screen and display it on the display unit 301, and the setting screen is configured to display between the new imaging unit 3 after the removed imaging unit 3 has been replaced and the other imaging units 3 from among the one or more imaging units 3. Distinguishing between them may include, but is not limited to, displaying the new imaging unit 3 and the other imaging units 3 in different colors, surrounding them with frames of different colors, adding different icons, or displaying messages.

[0091] In this embodiment, the controller 100 can control the code readers 1A to 1F in real time. The code reader system S employs a hierarchical structure in which the controller 100, which controls the code readers 1A to 1F in real time, centrally manages the installation information of each code reader 1A to 1F, and the controller 100 distributes the installation information to the devices it controls. This ensures that settings are appropriately reflected between the devices that make up the code reader system S, enabling highly real-time setting updates.

[0092] In contrast, one possible configuration involves centrally managing configuration information in external storage other than the controller, with each device referencing that configuration. However, in this configuration, if inconsistencies occur in the settings of each device due to a temporary communication interruption, each device may not be able to keep up with the configuration changes in real time, potentially leading to configuration discrepancies between devices. As a result, this presents significant disadvantages in terms of efficiency and responsiveness.

[0093] As in this embodiment, the controller 100 holds the configuration information, eliminating the need to acquire configuration information via the network. Since all device information is aggregated, the MTTR (Mean Time To Repair / Recovery: the time taken from failure to recovery) can be minimized. In particular, when used for logistics applications, quick configuration recovery is crucial, making the effect of minimizing MTTR even more significant.

[0094] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative in all respects and should not be interpreted restrictively. Furthermore, any modifications or changes that fall within the equivalent scope of the claims are all within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0095] As explained above, the technology related to this disclosure can be used, for example, in logistics sites. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1 Code Reader 3. Imaging unit (camera) 33 Accelerometer 34 Hochi Department 44 Decoder 100 controllers 107 Control Unit 110 Judgment section 111 Detection unit 112 Storage section B Conveying device S Code Reader System

Claims

1. One or more cameras that generate an image based on reflected light from a code attached to a workpiece being transported on a conveyor belt, A decoder that performs decoding of a code attached to the workpiece based on an image output from the one or more cameras, A code reader system comprising the one or more cameras and a controller to which the decoder is connected, The aforementioned controller, A storage unit that stores the installation information of each of the one or more cameras, A control unit that determines the imaging conditions of the one or more cameras based on the installation information stored in the storage unit, A detection unit that detects the removal of one or more cameras whose installation information is stored in the storage unit, and the connection of a new camera different from the one or more cameras, Equipped with, The imaging conditions for the new camera are determined based on the installation information of the removed camera. Code reader system.

2. In the code reader system according to claim 1, The control unit, based on the installation information of the removed camera, instructs the new camera to take an image of the workpiece. Code reader system.

3. In the code reader system according to claim 1, The system further includes a determination unit that performs a replacement determination to determine whether the new camera is suitable for replacing the removed camera. The control unit, when the determination unit determines that the new camera is suitable to replace the removed camera, uses the installation information of the removed camera as the installation information of the new camera. Code reader system.

4. In the code reader system according to claim 3, The determination unit, The node location of each camera in the camera network consisting of the one or more cameras, The model numbers of each of the aforementioned cameras, Based on this, the exchange determination is performed. Code reader system.

5. In the code reader system according to claim 4, The one or more cameras have an acceleration sensor, The determination unit performs the replacement determination based on the node position, the model, and the output of the acceleration sensor. Code reader system.

6. In the code reader system according to claim 5, When the detection unit detects one or more connected cameras, it causes the storage unit to store the node location of the detected camera in the camera network. Code reader system.

7. In the code reader system according to claim 6, When the detection unit detects the one or more connected cameras again, it overwrites the storage unit with the node location of the detected camera in the camera network and stores it. Code reader system.

8. In the code reader system according to claim 1, The one or more cameras mentioned above have a notification unit, The notification unit notifies that the installation information of the removed camera has been applied as the installation information of the new camera. Code reader system.

9. In the code reader system according to claim 1, The installation information includes at least one of the camera's installation position, installation angle, and installation direction in the coordinate system of the conveyor. Code reader system.

10. In the code reader system according to claim 9, The aforementioned installation information further includes the surface of the workpiece that is read by the corresponding camera. Code reader system.

11. In the code reader system according to claim 9, The coordinate system of the conveyor is defined with reference to the position of the sensor that detects the workpiece upstream of the conveyor from the one or more cameras. Code reader system.

12. In the code reader system according to claim 1, The aforementioned controller, The system further includes a display processing unit that generates a settings screen that distinguishes between the new camera (after the removed camera has been replaced) and the other cameras among the one or more cameras. Code reader system.

13. A controller to which one or more cameras are connected generate an image based on reflected light from a code attached to a workpiece being transported on a conveyor belt, and a decoder performs decoding of the code attached to the workpiece based on the image output from the one or more cameras, A storage unit that stores the installation information of each of the one or more cameras, A control unit that determines the imaging conditions of the one or more cameras based on the installation information, A detection unit that detects the removal of one or more cameras from which the installation information is stored, and the connection of a new camera different from the one or more cameras, Equipped with, The control unit determines the imaging conditions for the workpiece for the new camera based on the installation information of the removed camera. controller.

Images