Barcode scanning system, host device, barcode scanner, barcode scanning method and program

Abstract

To provide a barcode scanning system that allows users to change settings while the barcode scanner is in operation. [Solution] The barcode scanning system 1 comprises a barcode scanner 20 for scanning barcodes, and a host device 10 that stores the reading settings and transmission control settings of the barcode scanner 20. The host device 10 sends control commands to the barcode scanner 20 based on the reading settings and transmission control of the barcode scanner 20, and the barcode scanner 20 performs barcode scanning and transmission of scan data based on the control commands.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to a barcode scanning system, a host device, a barcode scanner, a barcode scanning method and a program. [[Background Art]]

[0002] In recent years, two-dimensional codes (including those other than QR codes (registered trademark)) are displayed on smartphones in the retail market, and are used in various services such as payment, point addition, and advance product data registration. The two-dimensional code mainly used is QR code, but there are not a few products handled in the retail market that have a two-dimensional code such as QR code printed thereon.

[0003] When a barcode scanner used for product registration is intended to provide various services such as payment via QR code, point addition, and advance product data registration, it is necessary to effectively change the reading settings for the target QR code or the like. However, by effectively changing the reading settings for the target QR code or the like, a two-dimensional code such as a QR code printed on a product may be unintentionally read, and it is necessary to clear the erroneously read data and then perform registration with care so that the product code can be read correctly again.

[0004] In current barcode scanners, it is necessary to enable the code to be read in the barcode scanner in advance so that the target code can be read. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a terminal device that can easily switch the operation settings of a reading means at a desired timing. This method includes a method of setting in advance using a dedicated tool (such as a setting barcode). In the case of the method of setting in advance using a dedicated tool (such as a setting barcode), a hardware reset such as power OFF / ON is required to directly register the setting in the internal F-ROM of the barcode scanner and activate the function. [[Prior Art Literature]] [[Patent Literature]]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-124931 [Overview of the initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Thus, there was a problem in that the settings could not be changed while the barcode scanner was in operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One embodiment of the barcode scanning system includes a barcode scanner for scanning barcodes, and a host device that stores the reading settings of the barcode scanner and the transmission control settings of the barcode scanner. The host device transmits control commands to the barcode scanner based on the reading settings of the barcode scanner and the transmission control, and the barcode scanner performs barcode scanning and transmission of scan data based on the control commands.

[0008] One embodiment of the host device includes a storage unit that stores the reading settings of a barcode scanner and the transmission control settings of the barcode scanner, a control unit that controls the transmission of control commands based on the reading settings of the barcode scanner and the transmission control based on the storage unit, and a communication unit that transmits the control commands.

[0009] One embodiment of the barcode scanner includes a communication unit that communicates with a host device and receives control commands, a scanning unit that scans barcodes, and a control unit that controls the operation of the scanning unit and the communication unit based on the control commands.

[0010] In one embodiment of the barcode scanning method, a host device stores the reading settings and transmission control settings of the barcode scanner, the host device sends a control command to the barcode scanner based on the reading settings and transmission control, and the barcode scanner performs barcode scanning and transmission of scan data based on the control command.

[0011] In one embodiment, the program causes a computer to perform the following steps in a host device: storing the reading settings for a barcode scanner and the transmission control settings for the barcode scanner; and sending control commands to the barcode scanner based on the reading settings and transmission control settings of the host device.

[0012] In one embodiment, the program causes a computer to perform the steps of receiving a control command in a barcode scanner and performing barcode scanning and transmission of scan data based on the control command. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the barcode scanning system, host device, barcode scanner, barcode scanning method, and program of this disclosure, the settings of the barcode scanner can be changed while it is in operation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example of a barcode scanning system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of reading settings and transmission control for a barcode scanner according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows an example of the operation of the host device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4]It is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the barcode scanner according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the host device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the host device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the barcode scanner according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] First Embodiment Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a barcode scanning system according to the first embodiment. In Figure 1, the barcode scanning system 1 includes a host device 10 and a barcode scanner 20.

[0016] The host device 10 stores reading settings for the barcode scanner 20 and transmission control settings for the barcode scanner 20. Further, the host device 10 transmits a control command to the barcode scanner 20 based on the reading settings and transmission control of the barcode scanner 20. For example, when the reading setting of the barcode scanner 20 is enabled and the transmission control item is set to enabled, the host device 10 transmits a command for causing the barcode scanner 20 to transmit read data to the barcode scanner 20.

[0017] The barcode scanner 20 scans barcodes. Further, the barcode scanner 20 executes barcode scanning and transmission of scanned data based on the control command.

[0018] Next, the reading settings and transmission control of the barcode scanner 20 will be described. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the reading settings and transmission control of the barcode scanner according to the first embodiment.

[0019] The target code function setting 101 comprises a setting item 102 for setting either reading disabled or reading enabled. The reading disabled item indicates a functional operation that disables reading by the barcode scanner 20. Under the reading enabled item, there is a setting item 103 for setting either transmission control disabled or transmission control enabled.

[0020] The transmission control disabled item indicates a functional operation of transmitting read data by the barcode scanner 20.

[0021] The transmission control enabled item indicates that the transmission of read data is subjected to command-controlled functional operation (transmission permission / transmission prohibition). Specifically, neither a reading beep nor data transmission is performed unless a transmission permission command is received from the host device 10.

[0022] Next, the operation of the host device will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the host device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 shows the operation when the target code is read from the host device after "enabled" is set in the reading disabled / enabled setting 102 by the target code function setting 101.

[0023] First, in step S201, an application is started on the host device 10. Then the process proceeds to step S202.

[0024] In step S202, the host device 10 determines whether or not to transmit the read data of the target code. If the read data of the target code is not to be transmitted, the process proceeds to step S203. If the read data of the target code is to be transmitted, the process proceeds to step S204.

[0025] In step S203, the host device 10 terminates the process without performing any transmission processing.

[0026] In step S204, the host device 10 transmits a transmission permission command from the host device 10 to the barcode scanner 20. Then the process proceeds to step S307 in FIG. 4.

[0027] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a barcode scanner according to Embodiment 1. First, in step S301, the barcode scanner 20 scans the target code. Then the process proceeds to step S302.

[0028] In step S302, the barcode scanner 20 determines whether the set read invalid / enabled condition is valid. If the condition is not valid, i.e., invalid, the process proceeds to step S303. If the condition is valid, the process proceeds to step S304.

[0029] In step S303, the barcode scanner 20 returns to step S301 without performing any processing.

[0030] In step S304, the barcode scanner 20 decodes the scanned target code. Then the process proceeds to step S305.

[0031] In step S305, the barcode scanner 20 stores the decoded target code in the decode buffer. Then the process proceeds to step S306.

[0032] In step S306, the barcode scanner 20 determines whether the set transmission control disable / enable condition is valid. If the condition is valid, proceed to step S307. If the condition is not valid, i.e., disabled, proceed to step S309.

[0033] In step S307, the barcode scanner 20 checks the contents of the transmission command from the host device 10. The barcode scanner 20 then determines whether or not it has received a transmission permission command. If it has not received a transmission permission command, it determines that transmission is prohibited (the initial value) and proceeds to step S308. If it has received a transmission permission command, it proceeds to step S309.

[0034] In step S308, the barcode scanner 20 clears the decode buffer and returns to step S301.

[0035] In step S309, the barcode scanner 20 stores the decoded data stored in the decode buffer into the transmit buffer. Then, the process proceeds to steps S310 and S311.

[0036] In step S310, the barcode scanner 20 emits a scanning sound. In step S311, the barcode scanner 20 transmits data to the host device 10. Then, the barcode scanner 20 terminates processing.

[0037] Next, the operation of the host device 10 will be described. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the host device according to Embodiment 1.

[0038] In step S401, the host device 10 receives the data transmitted from the barcode scanner 20. Then, the process proceeds to step S402.

[0039] In step S402, the host device 10 processes the received data. Then, the process proceeds to step S403.

[0040] In step S403, the host device 10 determines whether the received data is a target code. If the received data is not a target code, the process proceeds to step S407. If the received data is a target code, the process proceeds to step S404.

[0041] In step S404, the host device 10 notifies the application that it has received the target code. Then, the process proceeds to step S405.

[0042] In step S405, the application, if necessary, determines whether to "prohibit" or "allow" the barcode scanner to read the target code during the next barcode reading operation, and notifies the host device 10 of the determination. If it determines to "prohibit" the reading of the target code, the process proceeds to step S406. If it determines to "allow" the reading of the target code, the process proceeds to step S407.

[0043] In step S406, a transmission prohibition command is sent from the host device 10 to the barcode scanner 20. Then the process proceeds to step S307 in Figure 4.

[0044] In step S407, the host device 10 terminates processing without performing any received data processing. The above steps will trigger a barcode scan.

[0045] Thus, according to the barcode scanning system of Embodiment 1, the settings can be changed while the barcode scanner is in operation.

[0046] For example, when controlling the read code using a control command (changing the setting to enable / disable it), there is no need to restart the fixed scanner to switch the setting just before reading the target code, and there is no delay before reading.

[0047] Furthermore, the F-ROM's write cycle limit (lifetime limit) prevents frequent registration to the F-ROM from causing malfunctions.

[0048] Next, the configuration of the host device will be described. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the host device according to Embodiment 1. The host device 10 includes a storage unit 11, a control unit 12, and a communication unit 13.

[0049] The storage unit 11 stores the reading settings for the barcode scanner and the transmission control settings for the barcode scanner.

[0050] The control unit 12 controls the transmission of control commands based on the reading settings and transmission control of the barcode scanner 20, as determined by the storage unit 11. For example, if the reading settings of the barcode scanner 20 are enabled and the transmission control item is set to enabled, the control unit 12 instructs the communication unit 13 to send a command to the barcode scanner 20 indicating that the reading settings of the barcode scanner 20 are enabled and that it should transmit the read data.

[0051] The communication unit 13 transmits a control command to the barcode scanner 20.

[0052] Thus, according to the host device of Embodiment 1, the settings can be changed while the barcode scanner is in operation by control from the host device.

[0053] Next, the configuration of the barcode scanner will be described. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a barcode scanner according to Embodiment 1. The barcode scanner 20 includes a communication unit 21, a scanning unit 22, a control unit 23, and a sounding unit 24.

[0054] The communication unit 21 communicates with the host device 10 and receives control commands.

[0055] The scanning unit 22 scans the barcode.

[0056] The control unit 23 controls the operation of the scanning unit and the communication unit based on control commands. For example, if the control command is read permission, the control unit 23 decodes the barcode scanned by the scanning unit 22. If the transmission control item of the control command is valid, the control unit 23 causes the communication unit 21 to transmit the decoded barcode information to the host device 10.

[0057] Thus, according to the barcode scanner of Embodiment 1, the settings can be changed while the barcode scanner is in operation, based on control from the host device.

[0058] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, it can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0059] For example, a shopper installs an application from a supermarket or similar service on their smartphone, registers as a member, and displays their member data as a QR code or other two-dimensional code. Then, they register products and register their member data using a fixed scanner installed at a self-service POS system. At this time, only when registering, the host device commands the fixed scanner to allow it to read the QR code or other two-dimensional code, which represents the member data displayed on the smartphone. After registering the member data, the reading of the QR code or other two-dimensional code can be prohibited by command, thereby restricting the scanning of QR codes or other two-dimensional codes printed on products during product registration.

[0060] Furthermore, although the above disclosure uses barcode reading as an example, the method can be applied to any optically readable code. For example, it can be used to read a two-dimensional barcode such as a QR code (registered trademark).

[0061] Each element depicted in the drawing as a functional block that performs various processes can be comprised of a CPU, memory, and other circuits in hardware terms, and implemented in software terms by a program loaded into memory. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be implemented in various ways using hardware alone, software alone, or a combination thereof, and are not limited to any one of these.

[0062] Furthermore, the programs described above can be stored and supplied to a computer using various types of non-temporary computer-readable media. Non-temporary computer-readable media include various types of tangible recording media. Examples of non-temporary computer-readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, and semiconductor memory (e.g., mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash ROMs, and RAMs (Random Access Memory)). Programs may also be supplied to a computer by various types of temporary computer-readable media. Examples of temporary computer-readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. Temporary computer-readable media can be supplied to a computer via wired communication channels such as electric wires and optical fibers, or via wireless communication channels. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 10 Host devices 11 Storage section 12, 23 Control Unit 13, 21 Communications Department 20 barcode scanners 22 Scanning section 24. Vibrating part

Claims

1. A barcode scanner that scans barcodes, The system includes a host device that stores the reading settings for the barcode scanner and the transmission control settings for the barcode scanner. The host device transmits a control command to the barcode scanner based on the reading settings and transmission control of the barcode scanner. The barcode scanner is a barcode scanning system that performs barcode scanning and transmission of scanned data based on the control command.

2. The barcode scanning system according to claim 1, wherein the host device sends a command to the barcode scanner to transmit read data when the reading setting of the barcode scanner is enabled and the transmission control setting is enabled.

3. A storage unit that stores the reading settings for the barcode scanner and the transmission control settings for the barcode scanner, Based on the storage unit, a control unit controls the transmission of control commands based on the reading settings and transmission control settings of the barcode scanner, A host device comprising a communication unit that transmits the aforementioned control commands to a barcode scanner.

4. The host device according to claim 3, wherein, when the control unit is set to enable the reading setting of the barcode scanner and enable the transmission control setting, the control unit causes the communication unit to send a command to the barcode scanner that enables the reading setting of the barcode scanner and causes it to transmit read data.

5. A communication unit that communicates with the host device and receives control commands, A scanning unit that scans barcodes, A barcode scanner comprising a control unit that controls the operation of a scanning unit and a communication unit based on the aforementioned control command.

6. The barcode scanner according to claim 5, wherein if the control command is read permission, the control unit decodes the barcode scanned by the scanning unit.

7. The barcode scanner according to claim 6, wherein, if the control command has a valid transmission control item, the control unit causes the communication unit to transmit the decoded barcode information to the host device.

8. The host device stores the reading settings for the barcode scanner and the transmission control settings for the barcode scanner. The host device transmits a control command to the barcode scanner based on the reading settings and transmission control of the barcode scanner. A barcode scanning method comprising the barcode scanner performing barcode scanning and transmission of scan data based on the control command.

9. The host device stores the reading settings for the barcode scanner and the transmission control settings for the barcode scanner. A program that causes a computer to perform the step of sending a control command to the barcode scanner based on the reading settings and transmission control settings of the barcode scanner, as determined by the host device.

10. In a barcode scanner, the steps include receiving a control command, A program that causes a computer to perform the steps of scanning a barcode and transmitting the scanned data based on the aforementioned control command.

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