Terminal device, program, method and system

Abstract

To allow a user to virtually grasp, by sight, a state of a site where a stationary code reader is installed.SOLUTION: A terminal device comprises: means for causing a display unit to display a user interface screen including an information input area that causes a user to input conveyor information related to a conveyor, work information on a work piece to be conveyed by the conveyor, and code information on a code to be attached to the work piece, and an image display area for drawing an image of the work piece placed on a conveying surface of the conveyor; means for detecting user inputs via the information input area of the user interface screen; and means for causing the display unit to display the user interface screen including the image display area in which the image of the work piece placed on the conveying surface of the conveyor illustrated based on the user inputs is drawn.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a terminal device, a program, a method, and a system. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, a code reader is configured to capture an image of a code, such as a barcode or two-dimensional code, attached to a workpiece using a camera, extract and binarize the code contained in the resulting image using image processing, and then decode the code to read the information (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] The optical reading device of Patent Document 1 is configured to determine an upper limit of the exposure time for reading the code based on the movement speed of the workpiece and the size of the cells that make up the code, and to automatically set the exposure time within the upper limit by acquiring and analyzing multiple images that include the code.

[0004] The optical reading device of Patent Document 2 has a first core that causes the imaging unit to perform imaging processing and transfers the acquired image data to a shared memory, and a second core that reads image data from the shared memory and performs decoding processing based on a decoding processing request from the first core. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-136860 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-64178 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The device in Patent Document 1 can suggest not only the upper limit of exposure time but also the distance from the imaging unit to the code, i.e., the installation conditions, when the line transport speed and the cell size of the code to be read are input. However, this device is based on the premise that the workpiece will be photographed from a certain side, and the only installation condition that can be suggested to the user is the recommended distance from the imaging unit to the code, so the suggestions may not be sufficient.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and its purpose is to enable a user to visually grasp virtually the situation at a site where a fixed code reader is installed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above object, the present disclosure can be premised on an installation assistance device for a stationary code reader that assists in the installation of a stationary code reader that reads codes attached to workpieces transported on a line. The installation assistance device includes an acquisition means that acquires camera information including camera parameters of the code reader, code information of a target code to be read, and environmental information that indicates a reading environment, and a calculation means that determines, based on the environmental information acquired by the acquisition means, a required field of view and depth of the code reader that are required to read the code under an environment specified by the environmental information, and determines, based on the camera information and the code information, an installation pattern that is a recommended installation position of the code reader that can satisfy the required field of view and depth.

[0009] The present disclosure also includes a method for supporting installation of a stationary code reader, the method including an acquisition step for realizing the acquisition means and a calculation step for realizing the calculation means.

[0010] The present disclosure also includes a computer program that causes the installation assistance device to execute an acquisition step that realizes the acquisition means and a calculation step that realizes the calculation means.

[0011] With this configuration, the calculation means can determine not only the recommended installation position of the code reader but also the orientation of the code reader at the recommended installation position. This allows the user to check both the position and the orientation of the code reader before installing it. Furthermore, when installing the code reader at the determined recommended installation position, the user only needs to install the code reader so that it has the determined orientation, making the installation work easier.

[0012] In the second disclosure, the output means is provided for outputting the installation pattern determined by the calculation means, so that the recommended installation position and orientation of the code reader can be presented to the user.

[0013] In the third disclosure, the acquisition means acquires a hypothetical installation position and posture of the code reader, and the calculation means can determine whether the field of view and depth at the hypothetical installation position and posture acquired by the acquisition means satisfy the required field of view and depth.

[0014] According to this configuration, before the recommended installation position and orientation of the code reader are determined, the acquisition means can acquire a hypothetical installation position and orientation of the code reader. The calculation means can determine whether the field of view and depth at the acquired hypothetical installation position and orientation satisfy the required field of view and depth, and if so, can set the hypothetical installation position and orientation as the recommended installation position and orientation. If not, the hypothetical installation position and orientation can be omitted from the recommended installation position and orientation, and a message to the user that they do not satisfy the required field of view and depth can be displayed.

[0015] In the fourth disclosure, when the field of view and depth at the assumed installation position and posture acquired by the acquisition means do not satisfy the required field of view and depth, the calculation means executes a change process to change at least one of the assumed installation position and posture, makes the judgment using the assumed installation position and posture after the change process, and repeats the change process and the judgment to determine the installation pattern.

[0016] According to this configuration, if the field of view and depth at the acquired assumed installation position and posture do not satisfy the required field of view and depth, the calculation means executes a change process to change at least one of the assumed installation position and posture. A determination is made again using the assumed installation position and posture after the change process, and if the required field of view and depth are satisfied, the assumed installation position and posture after the change process can be set as the recommended installation position and posture. If the required field of view and depth are not satisfied even after the second determination, the change process is executed again, and a determination can be made using the assumed installation position and posture after the change process. By repeating this process, the recommended installation position and posture of the code reader can be determined.

[0017] In the fifth disclosure, a memory unit is provided that stores a plurality of types of templates that indicate assumed installation positions and postures of the code reader, and the acquisition means is configured to be able to acquire any template from the plurality of types of templates stored in the memory unit.

[0018] With this configuration, multiple types of templates that differ in at least one of assumed installation position and orientation can be created in advance and stored in the storage unit. Any template can be acquired from the multiple types of templates stored in the storage unit, making it easy to acquire the assumed installation position and orientation.

[0019] In a sixth disclosure, the template includes information about an attachment angle of the code reader relative to a reference plane, and the output means outputs the information about the attachment angle of the code reader.

[0020] This configuration makes installation even easier by indicating the mounting angle of the code reader relative to a reference plane that serves as a reference when installing the code reader. The reference plane may be, for example, a horizontal plane, a vertical plane, a plane extending in the conveying direction, a plane perpendicular to the conveying direction, a plane on a line, etc.

[0021] In a seventh disclosure, the template includes surface information of the workpiece to be read, and the output means outputs the surface information.

[0022] With this configuration, for example, if a code is attached to the side of a workpiece, it is possible to recommend a position and orientation of the code reader that can read the side of the workpiece, and if a code is attached to the top surface of the workpiece, it is possible to recommend a position and orientation of the code reader that can read the top surface of the workpiece. By outputting the position and orientation of the code reader as well as workpiece surface information, it is possible to make suggestions that are easy for the user to understand.

[0023] In the eighth disclosure, the output means outputs model information that differs depending on the model of the code reader.

[0024] That is, although the field of view and depth differ depending on the model of the code reader, by outputting the model information of the code reader, it is possible to present the user with a model of a code reader that meets their requirements.

[0025] In the ninth disclosure, the acquisition means receives input from a user of information relating to the width of the line and information relating to the height of the workpiece as the environmental information, and the calculation means calculates and determines the required field of view and depth of the code reader based on the conveying speed of the line, the information relating to the width of the line, and the information relating to the height of the workpiece.

[0026] The required field of view and depth of the code reader are calculated using information on the line width and workpiece height, so installation patterns can be proposed based on environmental conditions that are close to those at the actual site of use.

[0027] In a tenth disclosure, the calculation means determines a plurality of the installation patterns, and the output means outputs the plurality of the installation patterns.

[0028] This allows multiple installation patterns to be presented to the user. When multiple installation patterns are presented to the user, the most suitable installation pattern and other installation patterns may be presented. In addition, for example, the cheapest installation pattern or the installation pattern with the fewest number of code readers may be presented.

[0029] In the eleventh disclosure, a display unit is provided for displaying a diagram showing the installation pattern, and the diagram showing the recommended installation pattern can be displayed on the display unit to present it to the user, thereby making it easier for the user to intuitively understand the installation pattern.

[0030] In the twelfth disclosure, the output means outputs a parts list showing the parts information and the number of parts required to realize the installation pattern, so that the user can understand the parts and the number of parts required to realize the presented installation pattern.

[0031] In the thirteenth disclosure, the installation pattern can be output as a CAD file. The CAD file may be a two-dimensional CAD file or a three-dimensional CAD file showing the installation pattern. Since the CAD file can be provided to the user, the user can directly incorporate it into their design drawing and use it, which is highly convenient. [Effects of the Invention]

[0032] As described above, according to the present disclosure, a user can visually virtually grasp the situation of the site where the stationary code reader is installed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a stationary code reader according to an embodiment of the present invention during operation. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the installation support device for the stationary code reader. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a stationary code reader. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view of the stationary code reader. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a view of the stationary code reader as seen from the operation button side. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a view of the stationary code reader as seen from the terminal side. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the installation support process. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface screen for inputting conveyor information. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface screen for setting a clearance. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface screen for inputting work information. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface screen for setting a code pasting position. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface screen for detailed settings. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface screen for inputting code information. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface screen for inputting a chord position and orientation. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an installation pattern in the case where one code reader is used. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an installation pattern when there are multiple code readers. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a code reader mounting pattern. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing another example of a code reader mounting pattern. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the procedure for calculating the performance of a code reader. [Figure 20]FIG. 20 shows an example of a user interface screen displayed when the installation support device provides installation support, and is a diagram showing the case where the bank tab is selected. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 shows an example of a user interface screen displayed when the installation support device provides installation support, and is a diagram showing the case where the reading tab is selected. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a presentation form to the user. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a list of devices in use. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a workpiece and a readable range from a top surface viewpoint. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a workpiece and a readable range from a side perspective. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of detailed display of a mounting bracket. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 shows the structure of a report. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a page on which a connection diagram of a report is written. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present invention, its applications, or its uses.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a fixed code reader 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention during operation, and also shows a computer 100 and a display unit 42 that constitute part of an installation support device A for this fixed code reader 1.

[0036] In the example shown in Fig. 1, a plurality of workpieces W are placed on the upper surface of a transfer belt conveyor B and are being transferred in the direction of arrow Y in Fig. 1, and the code reader 1 according to the embodiment is installed at a location above and away from the workpieces W. The workpieces W may not only be located in the center in the width direction of the upper surface of the transfer belt conveyor B, but may also flow on one side and the other while being offset in the width direction, and the workpieces W do not always pass through a fixed position.

[0037] The code reader 1 can be used, for example, in a logistics delivery center. On a conveyor belt B installed in the logistics delivery center, transported objects (workpieces W) of various sizes and shapes are transported at high speed. The distance between the workpieces W in the transport direction is also set narrow. Furthermore, the workpieces W may have multiple codes (not shown) attached to them, or may have only one code attached to them. The code may be a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code.

[0038] As shown in Figure 1, the code reader 1 is a device that optically reads a code attached to a workpiece W. Specifically, it is configured to capture an image of the code attached to the workpiece W to generate a read image, decode the code contained in the generated read image, and output the decoded result.

[0039] The code reader 1 is fixed to a bracket or the like (not shown) to prevent it from moving during operation, but it may also be operated while being held and moved by a robot (not shown) or a user. The code reader 1 may also be configured to read the code of a workpiece W that is in a stationary state. "During operation" refers to the time when the code of the workpiece W that is being transported sequentially by the transport belt conveyor B is being read. The code reader 1 of this embodiment is suitable for situations where it is desired to read a code attached to a workpiece W whose position changes, but it is not limited to this and can also be used when reading a code attached to a workpiece W whose position does not change.

[0040] 1, the code reader 1 is connected by wire to a computer 100 and a programmable logic controller (PLC) 101, which constitute an external control device and a part of the installation support device, respectively, via signal lines 101a, but this is not limiting, and the code reader 1, the computer 100, and the PLC 101 may each have a built-in communication module, and the code reader 1 may be connected wirelessly to the computer 100 and the PLC 101. The PLC 101 is a control device for sequentially controlling the transport belt conveyor B and the code reader 1, and a general-purpose PLC can be used.

[0041] The computer 100 can be a general-purpose or dedicated electronic computer, a portable terminal, or the like. In this example, a so-called personal computer is used, which, as shown in Fig. 2, is provided with a control unit 40, a storage device 41, and a communication unit 44. When the code reader 1 is made smaller, it becomes difficult to make all the settings of the code reader 1 using only the display unit 7 and buttons 8, 9, etc. (shown in Fig. 3) of the code reader 1. Therefore, it is also possible to provide a computer 100 separate from the code reader 1, and use the computer 100 to make various settings of the code reader 1 and transfer the setting information to the code reader 1.

[0042] Furthermore, since the computer 100 is equipped with the communication unit 44, the computer 100 and the code reader 1 may be connected to enable two-way communication, so that part of the processing of the code reader 1 described above may be performed by the computer 100. In this case, part of the computer 100 becomes part of the components of the code reader 1.

[0043] Furthermore, during operation, the code reader 1 receives a read start trigger signal from the PLC 101 via the signal line 101a, which signal specifies the timing for starting code reading. The code reader 1 then captures an image of the workpiece W and performs a decoding process based on this read start trigger signal. The decoded result obtained by the decoding process is then transmitted to the PLC 101 via the signal line 101a. Thus, during operation of the code reader 1, the read start trigger signal is repeatedly input and the decoded result is repeatedly output via the signal line 101a between the code reader 1 and an external control device such as the PLC 101. The read start trigger signal may be input and the decoded result may be output via the signal line 101a between the code reader 1 and the PLC 101, as described above, or via another signal line (not shown). For example, a sensor for detecting that the workpiece W has arrived at a predetermined position may be directly connected to the code reader 1, and the read start trigger signal may be input from the sensor to the code reader 1. The decoded results, images, and various setting information can also be output to a device other than the PLC 101, such as the computer 100.

[0044] [Overall configuration of Code Reader 1] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the code reader 1 includes a housing 2 and a front cover 3. As shown in FIG. 5, an illumination unit 4, an imaging unit 5, and an aimer 6 are provided on the front of the housing 2. The configurations of the illumination unit 4 and the imaging unit 5 will be described later. The aimer 6 is made of a light-emitting element such as a light-emitting diode (LED). The aimer 6 emits light forward of the code reader 1 to indicate the imaging range of the imaging unit 5 and the optical axis of the illumination unit 4. The user can also install the code reader 1 by referring to the light emitted from the aimer 6.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5 , one end surface of the housing 2 is provided with a display unit 7, a select button 8, an enter button 9, and an indicator 10. The configuration of the display unit 7 will be described later. The select button 8 and the enter button 9 are buttons used for setting up the code reader 1, and are connected to a control unit 20. The control unit 20 is capable of detecting the operation states of the select button 8 and the enter button 9. The select button 8 is a button operated to select one option from multiple options displayed on the display unit 7. The enter button 9 is a button operated to confirm the result selected with the select button 8. The indicator 10 is connected to the control unit 20 and can be composed of a light-emitting element such as a light-emitting diode. The operating state of the code reader 1 can be notified to the outside by the lighting state of the indicator 10.

[0046] 6, the other end surface of the housing 2 is provided with a power connector 11, a network connector 12, a serial connector 13, and a USB connector 14. A heat sink 15, which serves as a rear case, is provided on the rear surface of the housing 2. A power wiring for supplying power to the code reader 1 is connected to the power connector 11. The serial connector 13 is signal lines 100a and 101a connected to the computer 100 and the PLC 101, and the network connector 12 is an Ethernet connector. Note that the Ethernet standard is just an example, and signal lines of standards other than the Ethernet standard can also be used.

[0047] 3, a control unit 20, a storage device 50, an output unit 60, etc. are provided inside the housing 2. These will be described later.

[0048] In the description of this embodiment, the front and back of the code reader 1 are defined as above, but this is for convenience of description only and does not limit the orientation during use of the code reader 1. That is, as shown in Fig. 1, the code reader 1 can be installed and used with its front surface facing substantially downward, or with its front surface facing upward, or with its front surface facing downward and tilted, or with its front surface aligned along a vertical plane.

[0049] [Configuration of lighting unit 4] As shown by the dashed line in FIG. 1, the lighting unit 4 is a component for irradiating light toward an area through which the workpieces W transported by the transport belt conveyor B pass. The light emitted from the lighting unit 4 illuminates at least a predetermined range in the transport direction of the transport belt conveyor B. This predetermined range is wider than the dimensions in that direction of the largest workpiece W expected to be transported during operation. The lighting unit 4 illuminates the first code CD1 and second code CD2 attached to the workpieces W transported by the transport belt conveyor B.

[0050] The illumination unit 4 includes a light-emitting element 4a, such as a light-emitting diode, and may include one or more light-emitting elements 4a. In this example, multiple light-emitting elements 4a are included, and the imaging unit 5 faces the outside from between the light-emitting elements 4a. Light from the aimer 6 is emitted from between the light-emitting elements 4a. The illumination unit 4 is electrically connected to the imaging control unit 22 of the control unit 20 and is controlled by the control unit 20, so that it can be turned on and off at any timing.

[0051] In this example, the lighting unit 4 and the imaging unit 5 are mounted and integrated in one housing 2, but the lighting unit 4 and the imaging unit 5 may also be configured as separate units. In this case, the lighting unit 4 and the imaging unit 5 can be connected by wire or wirelessly. Furthermore, the control unit 20 described below may be built into the lighting unit 4 or the imaging unit 5. The lighting unit 4 mounted in the housing 2 will be referred to as the internal lighting, and the lighting unit 4 separate from the housing 2 will be referred to as the external lighting. It is also possible to illuminate the workpiece W using both the internal lighting and the external lighting.

[0052] [Configuration of imaging unit 5] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the code reader 1. The imaging unit 5 is a component that receives light that is irradiated from the lighting unit 4 and reflected from the area through which the workpiece W passes, and generates a read image of the area through which the workpiece W passes. An area camera with pixels arranged vertically and horizontally (X direction and Y direction) can be used as the imaging unit 5, which makes it possible to read two-dimensional codes and to capture images of one workpiece W multiple times during transport.

[0053] 3, the imaging unit 5 includes an imaging element 5a capable of imaging at least the portion of the workpiece W to which the code is attached, an optical system 5b having lenses and the like, and an autofocus mechanism (AF mechanism) 5c. Light reflected from at least the portion of the workpiece W to which the code is attached is incident on the optical system 5b. The imaging element 5a is an image sensor made up of a light-receiving element such as a CCD (charge-coupled device) or a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) that converts the image including the code obtained through the optical system 5b into an electrical signal.

[0054] The AF mechanism 5c is a mechanism for adjusting the focus by changing the position and refractive index of the focusing lens among the lenses that make up the optical system 5b. The AF mechanism 5c is connected to the control unit 20 and is controlled by the AF control unit 21 of the control unit 20.

[0055] The imaging element 5a is connected to the imaging control unit 22 of the control unit 20. The imaging element 5a is controlled by the imaging control unit 22 and is configured to be able to image the area through which the workpiece W passes at predetermined regular time intervals, or to image the area through which the workpiece W passes at any timing by changing the time intervals. The imaging unit 5 is configured to be able to perform so-called infinite burst imaging, which continues to generate read images continuously. This makes it possible to capture the code of a workpiece W moving at high speed in a read image without missing any of the code, and to generate multiple read images by imaging one workpiece W multiple times during transport. The imaging control unit 22 may be built into the imaging unit 5.

[0056] The intensity of light received on the light receiving surface of the imaging element 5a is converted into an electrical signal by the imaging element 5a, and the electrical signal converted by the imaging element 5a is transferred to the processing unit 23 of the control unit 20 as image data constituting the read image.

[0057] [Configuration of display unit 7] The display unit 7 is, for example, an organic EL display or a liquid crystal display. The display unit 7 is connected to the control unit 20 as shown in FIG. 3. The display unit 7 can display, for example, the code captured by the imaging unit 5, the character string resulting from decoding the code, the reading success rate, the matching level (reading margin), and the like. The reading success rate is the average reading success rate when a reading process is performed multiple times. The matching level is the reading margin that indicates the ease of reading a successfully decoded code. This can be determined from the number of error corrections that occurred during decoding, and can be expressed, for example, as a numerical value. The fewer the error corrections, the higher the matching level (reading margin), and conversely, the more the error corrections, the lower the matching level (reading margin).

[0058] [Configuration of storage device 50] The storage device 50 is composed of various types of memory, a hard disk, an SSD, etc. The storage device 35 is provided with a decoded result storage unit 51, an image data storage unit 52, and a parameter set storage unit 53. The decoded result storage unit 51 stores the decoded result obtained as a result of the decoding process executed by the processing unit 23. The image data storage unit 52 stores the image captured by the imaging unit 5. The parameter set storage unit 53 stores setting information set by the computer 100, setting information set by the select button 8 and the enter button 9, setting information (reading parameters) obtained as a result of tuning executed by the tuning execution unit 24, etc. The parameter set storage unit 53 can store a plurality of parameter sets including a plurality of parameters that constitute the imaging conditions of the imaging unit 5 (gain, light intensity of the illumination unit 4, exposure time, etc.) and the image processing conditions of the processing unit 23 (type of image processing filter, etc.).

[0059] [Configuration of output unit 60] The code reader 1 has an output unit 60. The output unit 60 is a part that outputs the decoded result obtained by the processing unit 23, which will be described later. Specifically, when the decoding process is completed, the processing unit 23 transmits the decoded result to the output unit 60. The output unit 60 can be configured with a communication unit that transmits data related to the decoded result received from the processing unit 23 to, for example, the computer 100 and the PLC 101. The output unit 60 may have an I / O unit connected to the computer 100 and the PLC 101, a serial communication unit such as RS232C, or a network communication unit such as a wireless LAN or a wired LAN.

[0060] [Configuration of control unit 20] 3 is a unit for controlling each part of the code reader 1, and can be configured with a CPU, MPU, system LSI, DSP, dedicated hardware, etc. The control unit 20 is equipped with various functions as will be described later, which may be realized by logic circuits or by executing software.

[0061] The control unit 20 has an AF control unit 21, an imaging control unit 22, a processing unit 23, a tuning execution unit 24, and a UI management unit 25. The AF control unit 21 is a unit that performs focusing of the optical system 5b using conventionally well-known contrast AF or phase difference AF. The AF control unit 21 may be included in the imaging unit 5.

[0062] [Configuration of imaging control unit 22] The imaging control unit 22 is a part that controls the imaging unit 5 as well as the illumination unit 4. In other words, the imaging control unit 22 is made up of units that adjust the gain of the imaging element 5a, control the amount of light from the illumination unit 4, and control the exposure time (shutter speed) of the imaging element 5a. The gain, the amount of light from the illumination unit 4, the exposure time, etc. are included in the imaging conditions of the imaging unit 5.

[0063] [Configuration of processing unit 23] The processing unit 23 extracts a candidate code area from the scanned image generated by the imaging unit 5, executes a decoding process on the determined area, and generates a decoding result. Methods for extracting a candidate code area and methods for decoding are well known, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0064] [Configuration of Stationary Code Reader Installation Support Device A] 1 is a device for supporting the installation of the code reader 1 before the code reader 1 is actually installed at a site. The installation support device A can be used by people who will use the code reader 1 (including those who plan to use the code reader 1), people who propose the installation of the code reader 1, people who sell the code reader 1, etc. (these are collectively referred to as users).

[0065] In addition to the computer 100, the installation support device A is equipped with a display unit 42, an input unit 43, and a printer 45, although the printer 45 may be omitted. The display unit 42 is configured, for example, by a liquid crystal display or the like. The input unit 43 is configured, for example, by a keyboard 43a, a mouse 43b, a touch sensor (not shown), etc. As will be described in detail later, the input unit 43 is capable of inputting code information to be read and environmental information indicating the reading environment. One example of environmental information indicating the reading environment is the line conveyance speed, but is not limited to the line conveyance speed. For example, the environmental information may include the distance the workpiece W moves per unit time and the size of the workpiece W.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 2 , the computer 100 includes a control unit 40, a storage device 41, and a communication unit 44. The control unit 40 is a unit for controlling each unit of the installation support device A and can be configured with a CPU, MPU, system LSI, DSP, dedicated hardware, etc. The control unit 40 has various functions, as will be described later, which may be realized by logic circuits or by executing software. The storage device 41 is configured with various memories, a hard disk, an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. The communication unit 44 is a unit that communicates with the code reader 1. The communication unit 44 may include an I / O unit connected to the code reader 1, a serial communication unit such as RS232C, or a network communication unit such as a wireless LAN or a wired LAN.

[0067] The control unit 40 is a part that controls each part of the computer 100 based on a program stored in the storage device 41, and has an information acquisition unit 40a, a UI management unit 40b, a calculation unit (an example of calculation means) 40c, and an output unit (an example of output means) 40d. Each part will be described in detail below, but the outline is as follows. The information acquisition unit 40a is an acquisition means that acquires various information input by the input unit 43 and various information pre-stored in the storage device 41, and is a part that can acquire at least camera information including camera parameters of the code reader 1, code information of the read target, and environmental information including the line transport speed. The acquisition step is executed by this information acquisition unit 40a.

[0068] The UI management unit 40b generates various user interface screens and accepts user input operations via the input unit 43. The calculation unit 40c determines the required field of view and depth of the code reader 1 required to read a code in an environment specified by the environmental information acquired by the information acquisition unit 40a, based on the environmental information. Furthermore, the calculation unit 40c can determine an installation pattern, which is a recommended installation position and posture of the code reader 1 that can satisfy the determined required field of view and depth, based on the camera information and code information acquired by the information acquisition unit 40a. The calculation unit 40c can execute calculation steps. The output unit 40d outputs the installation pattern determined by the calculation unit 40c to the display unit 42 via a user interface screen or to the printer 45 in report format.

[0069] The processing flow of the installation support device A will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7. In step SA1, the information acquisition unit 40a acquires camera parameters. The camera parameters are information about the imaging unit 5 of the code reader 1, i.e., information included in the camera information. The information acquisition unit 40a may read the camera parameters directly from the code reader 1, or may store the camera parameters in advance in the storage device 41 and read and acquire the camera parameters from the storage device 41. The information acquisition unit 40a may also acquire camera parameters input via the input unit 43. The camera parameters include the number of pixels of the imaging element 5a, the angle of view and aperture of the optical system 5b, but may also include other information specific to the imaging unit 5. The camera parameters are fixed values ​​determined for each imaging unit 5 and cannot be changed by the user.

[0070] The code reader 1 is available in multiple models with different imaging units 5 and lighting units 4, and each model can be used. Since the camera parameters and the like differ depending on the model of the code reader 1, the information acquisition unit 40a acquires the camera parameters of each model. The camera parameters, model type, and the like are model information of the code reader 1.

[0071] In step SA2, the information acquiring unit 40a acquires code information. The code information is information for identifying the type of code to be read. The code information includes the code type, such as one-dimensional code or two-dimensional code, NB width (narrow bar width), maximum code length, etc. The code information is information input by the user operating the input unit 43. Alternatively, the code information may be acquired by capturing an image of the code to be read.

[0072] In step SA3, the information acquisition unit 40a acquires work information and conveyor information. The work information and conveyor information are information input by the user operating the input unit 43. The work information includes the size of the smallest work W and the size of the largest work W transported by the transport belt conveyor B, the minimum interval between the work pieces W transported by the transport belt conveyor B, the side of the work piece W to which the code is attached, the position of the code on the work piece W, the position of the work piece W on the transport belt conveyor B, etc.

[0073] The size of the workpiece W can be specified by its width, depth, and height. The minimum and maximum sizes of the workpiece W can be used as reference values ​​for the required field of view depth. Positional information of the code relative to the workpiece W only needs to be entered if the code's position is limited, and acquiring this information can relax the required field of view depth. The minimum interval between workpieces W is the interval until the next workpiece W arrives, and is a value related to the reading timing and calculation of the required field of view. Positional information of the workpiece W on the transport belt conveyor B indicates, for example, whether the workpiece W is located in the center of the conveyor's width direction or displaced to one side in the width direction. Acquiring this information can relax the required field of view depth. In other words, the workpiece information can narrow down the area through which the code passes, and entering the workpiece information can be used to calculate the required field of view depth.

[0074] The conveyor information also includes the height, width, conveying speed, length, etc. of the conveying surface of the conveyor belt B. The height of the conveying surface can be used to calculate the installation distance of the code reader 1. The width of the conveying surface can be used to calculate the required field of view. The conveying speed can be used to calculate the number of times the code reader 1 can read. The length of the conveying surface can be used as a reference value for the vertical field of view. In other words, the conveyor information can be used to calculate the required field of view and the installation distance of the code reader 1.

[0075] In addition, the required field of view in the conveyor movement direction can be calculated using the line transport speed, but it is also possible to calculate the required field of view in the conveyor movement direction not only using the line transport speed but also using the distance the workpiece W moves per unit time or the size of the workpiece W. In other words, it is sufficient to have dimensional information related to the direction in which the workpiece W moves as an input value.

[0076] Next, an example of how to input workpiece information and conveyor information will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface screen 200 for inputting conveyor information displayed in step SA3. The UI management unit 40b generates the user interface screen 200 for inputting conveyor information and displays it on the display unit 42. The user interface screen 200 for inputting conveyor information is provided with a progress status display area 200a, an image display area 200b, a conveyor information input area 200c, and a clearance setting start button 200d. The progress status display area 200a displays three steps in input order: a step for inputting conveyor information (conveyor conditions), a step for inputting workpiece information (workpiece conditions), and a step for inputting code information (code conditions). The image display area 200b illustrates a workpiece W being transported by a transport belt conveyor B.

[0077] Each time information included in the conveyor information and work information is entered, the conveyor and work can be redrawn and displayed on each user interface screen, allowing the user to visually grasp the situation on-site virtually.

[0078] In the conveyor information input area 200c, three items can be input: the width of the conveying surface of the conveyor belt B (conveyor width), the height of the conveying surface of the conveyor belt B (conveyor height), and the conveying speed of the conveyor belt B (conveyor speed). Input operations for each item can be performed by the input unit 43. The input values ​​are stored in the conveyor information storage unit 41a provided in the storage device 41.

[0079] When the UI management unit 40b detects that the clearance setting start button 200d has been operated, it generates a clearance setting user interface screen 201 shown in FIG. 9 and displays it on the display unit 42. The clearance setting user interface screen 201 has an image display area 201a, a height direction clearance setting area 201b, a width direction clearance setting area 201c, and a depth direction clearance setting area 201d. The image display area 201a shows the workpiece W being transported by the transport belt conveyor B, along with arrows indicating the clearances to be set in the clearance setting areas 201b, 201c, and 201d. In the height direction clearance setting area 201b, the clearances above and below the conveyor can be set. In the width direction clearance setting area 201c, the clearances on the right and left sides in the traveling direction of the workpiece W can be set. In the depth direction clearance setting area 201d, the clearance in the conveying direction of the conveying belt conveyor B can be set. Input operations for each item can be performed using the input unit 43. When the "OK" button on the clearance setting user interface screen 201 is operated, the input value is stored in the conveyor information storage unit 41a and the screen returns to the conveyor information input user interface screen 200 shown in FIG. 8. When the "Cancel" button on the clearance setting user interface screen 201 shown in FIG. 9 is operated, the input value is not stored and the screen returns to the conveyor information input user interface screen 200 shown in FIG. 8.

[0080] When the UI management unit 40b detects an operation of the "Next" button on the user interface screen 200 for inputting conveyor information shown in Fig. 8, it generates a user interface screen 202 for inputting work information shown in Fig. 10 and displays it on the display unit 42. The user interface screen 202 for inputting work information is also displayed in step SA3. The user interface screen 202 for inputting work information also has a progress status display area 202a and an image display area 202b. Furthermore, the user interface screen 202 for inputting work information has a work information input area 202c for inputting work information, a code paste position setting start button 202d, and a detailed setting start button 202e.

[0081] In the work information input area 202c, the size of the smallest workpiece W1 and the size of the largest workpiece W2 to be transported by the transport belt conveyor B, as well as the minimum interval between workpieces W transported by the transport belt conveyor B, can be input using the input unit 43. When the UI management unit 40b detects an operation of the code pasting position setting start button 202d, it generates a code pasting user interface screen 203 shown in FIG. 11 and displays it on the display unit 42. The code pasting user interface screen 203 includes an image display area 203a, a pasting surface designation area 203b, and a pasting position designation area 203c. In the pasting surface designation area 203b, the user can designate which surface of the workpiece W the code is attached to using the input unit 43. For example, the user can designate the surface by selecting from multiple options, such as the top surface, left and right side surfaces, etc. This surface information is surface information of the workpiece W to be read. In the pasting position designation area 203c, the user can designate, in terms of dimensions, where the code is located on the surface designated in the pasting surface designation area 203b. If it is difficult to specify the attachment position for the workpiece W, it is not necessary to input the information. In the image display area 203a, it is possible to visualize the surface specified in the attachment surface specification area 203b and the dimensions to be input in the attachment position specification area 203c.

[0082] When the "OK" button on the code pasting user interface screen 203 is operated, the input value is stored in the work information storage unit 41b provided in the storage device 41, and the screen returns to the work information input user interface screen 202 shown in Fig. 10. When the "Cancel" button on the code pasting user interface screen 203 shown in Fig. 11 is operated, the input value is not stored, and the screen returns to the work information input user interface screen 202 shown in Fig. 10.

[0083] When the UI management unit 40b detects an operation of the detail settings button 202e shown in FIG. 10, it generates a detail settings user interface screen 204 shown in FIG. 12 and displays it on the display unit 42. The detail settings user interface screen 204 is provided with an image display area 204a, a workpiece shape / rotation designation area 204b, a width-pushing designation area 204c, and a film presence / absence designation area 204d. In the workpiece shape / rotation designation area 204b, it is possible to designate, via the input unit 43, whether or not the workpiece W may rotate and whether or not the workpiece W is cylindrical. In the width-pushing designation area 204c, it is possible to designate, via the input unit 43, whether or not the workpiece W is cylindrical. In the film presence / absence designation area 204d, it is possible to designate, via the input unit 43, whether or not a film is present on the surface of the workpiece W.

[0084] When the "OK" button on the user interface screen 204 for detailed settings is operated, the input values ​​are stored in the work information storage unit 41b provided in the storage device 41, and the screen returns to the user interface screen 202 for inputting work information shown in Fig. 10. When the "Cancel" button on the user interface screen 204 for detailed settings shown in Fig. 12 is operated, the input values ​​are not stored, and the screen returns to the user interface screen 202 for inputting work information shown in Fig. 10.

[0085] When the UI management unit 40b detects an operation of the "Next" button on the user interface screen 202 for inputting work information shown in FIG. 10, it generates a user interface screen 205 for inputting chord information shown in FIG. 13 and displays it on the display unit 42. The user interface screen 205 for inputting chord information is displayed in step SA2 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7. The user interface screen 205 for inputting chord information also has a progress status display area 205a and an image display area 205b. Furthermore, the user interface screen 205 for inputting chord information has a chord position / type display field 205c that displays the code pasting position and the code type, and a chord information input area 205d. In the chord information input area 205d, the chord type, NB width, maximum chord length, etc. can be input by operating the input unit 43.

[0086] The code information input area 205d has a setting button 205e. When the UI management unit 40b detects operation of the setting button 205e, it generates a code position / orientation input user interface screen 206 shown in FIG. 14 and displays it on the display unit 42. On the code position / orientation input user interface screen 206, the code position can be input from the top, side, front, rear, bottom, etc. of the workpiece W by operating the input unit 43. When the "OK" button on the code position / orientation input user interface screen 206 is operated, the input value is stored in the code information storage unit 41c provided in the storage device 41, and the screen returns to the code information input user interface screen 205 shown in FIG. 13. When the "Cancel" button on the code position / orientation input user interface screen 206 shown in FIG. 14 is operated, the input value is not stored and the screen returns to the code information input user interface screen 205 shown in FIG. 13. The above is an example of an input operation by the user in steps SA2 and SA3 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, but the input order, screen display format, etc. can be changed.

[0087] In steps SA4 and SA5 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, the user inputs a first installation pattern and a first attachment pattern by operating the input unit 43. First, the installation patterns will be described. The installation pattern is a pattern that indicates the relative positional relationship of the code reader 1 with respect to the workpiece W. As shown in FIG. 15, there are multiple installation patterns when there is one code reader 1, and as shown in FIG. 16, there are multiple installation patterns when there are multiple code readers 1. The installation patterns shown in FIG. 15 include an installation pattern in which the code reader 1 is installed at a position to read the code on the top surface of the workpiece W, an installation pattern in which the code reader 1 is installed at an angle with respect to the front, rear, or side surfaces (reference planes) of the workpiece W, an installation pattern in which the code reader 1 is installed at a position to read the code on the side surface of the workpiece W, and the like. Furthermore, the installation patterns shown in FIG. 16 include an installation pattern in which the code reader 1 is installed so as to read the code from four directions with respect to the workpiece W, an installation pattern in which the code reader 1 is installed on each side and diagonally above the workpiece W, and the like. An installation pattern in which the code reader 1 is installed at an angle relative to a reference surface (a surface on which the code to be read is attached and which is to be imaged) includes, as information on the installation angle of the code reader 1 relative to the reference surface, information on the inclination angle of the image capturing surface of the code reader 1 relative to the reference surface (e.g., 15°, 30°, etc.).

[0088] The UI management unit 40b can display the diagrams and pattern names of each installation pattern shown in Figures 15 and 16 on the display unit 42. The diagrams and pattern names of each installation pattern can be stored in a template storage unit 41c provided in the storage device 41 as templates indicating the installation position and posture of the code reader 1. The user can operate the input unit 43 to select an arbitrary installation pattern on the display unit 42 and input it as the first installation pattern. The installation pattern includes surface information of the workpiece W to be read.

[0089] Next, the mounting patterns will be described. As shown in Figures 17 and 18, there are multiple mounting patterns in which the position of the code reader 1 relative to the workpiece W is changed, and multiple patterns in which the number of code readers 1 is changed. The UI management unit 40b can display the diagrams and pattern names of each mounting pattern shown in Figures 17 and 18 on the display unit 42. The diagrams and pattern names of each mounting pattern can be stored as templates in a template storage unit 41c provided in the storage device 41. The user can operate the input unit 43 to select any mounting pattern on the display unit 42 and input it as the first mounting pattern. The mounting pattern also includes surface information of the workpiece W to be read.

[0090] The installation pattern and attachment pattern make it possible to set which surface (top, bottom, left, right, front, back) of the workpiece W to read, how much the imaging surface of the code reader 1 is inclined relative to the conveyor, whether the code reader is vertical or horizontal relative to the conveyor, etc. The installation pattern and attachment pattern input by the input unit 43 are acquired by the information acquisition unit 41c as the first installation pattern and first attachment pattern in steps SA4 and SA5 in FIG. 7. The first installation pattern and first attachment pattern acquired at this stage have not been determined to be recommended patterns, so they are stored in the storage device 41 as the assumed installation position and orientation of the code reader 1. By acquiring the first installation pattern and first attachment pattern, it is also possible to acquire the range corresponding to the inclination of the code, the installation angle of the code reader 1, etc.

[0091] For example, there are cases where the periphery of the workpiece W can be covered with four code readers 1, but in this case, one code reader 1 covers a range of approximately 90 degrees around the workpiece W, which increases the inclination angle of the imaging unit 5 relative to the surface of the workpiece W, and there is a risk that code acquisition may be limited depending on the NB width. In order to eliminate this limitation, it is possible to propose increasing the number of code readers 1 to, for example, six.

[0092] As indicated by reference numeral 300 in FIG. 7, the camera parameters, code information, and workpiece information can also be input separately from steps SA1 to SA3. In this case, as indicated by reference numeral 301, the user can input a second installation pattern and a second installation pattern that are different from the first installation pattern and the first installation pattern. The input second installation pattern and second installation pattern are acquired by the information acquisition unit 41c and stored as assumed installation positions and orientations of the code reader 1. In this way, although not shown, the user can input a third installation pattern and third installation pattern, a fourth installation pattern and fourth installation pattern, etc., and the information acquisition unit 41c also stores these in the storage device 41 as assumed installation positions and orientations of the code reader 1. In other words, multiple assumed installation positions and orientations can be stored and retrieved later.

[0093] In step SA6 of the flowchart shown in Fig. 7, the calculation unit 40c calculates the performance of the code reader 1. The procedure for calculating the performance of the code reader 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 19. In step SB1, a focus condition is assumed. After the focus condition is assumed, the depth is calculated and it is confirmed whether the required depth is satisfied. This process is repeated to calculate the range of focus conditions that satisfy the conditions.

[0094] The focus condition is the amount of adjustment of the focusing lens by the AF mechanism 5c. In step SB2, the camera parameters acquired by the information acquisition unit 40a are read. In step SB3, the code found by the search from the read image captured by the imaging unit 5 is read.

[0095] In step SB4, the distance (mm) from the imaging unit 5 to the cord is obtained based on the correspondence between the adjustment amount of the focusing lens by the AF mechanism 5c when focusing by the focusing lens is completed and the distance from the imaging unit 5 to the cord. This becomes the current installation distance. Note that the user may measure the distance from the imaging unit 5 to the cord using a scale or the like, and input the actual measurement value as the installation distance.

[0096] In step SB5, the angle of view (rad) of the optical system 5b, which has been stored in advance, is read. In step SB6, the number of pixels of the image sensor 5a is read, for example, in the format of 1280 vertical pixels by 768 horizontal pixels. The number of pixels of the image sensor 5a is known and may be stored in advance in the storage device 41. In step SB7, information regarding the aperture and focal length of the optical system 5b is read. The current aperture and focal length of the optical system 5b may be output to the calculation unit 40c.

[0097] In step SB8, the PPC (pixels per cell) is calculated. In step SB9, the code coordinates are read. The code coordinates can be obtained, for example, by estimating the center of the code and calculating the X and Y coordinates of that center, but they can also be the coordinates of the edge of the code.

[0098] In step SB10, the field of view range of the imaging unit 5 is calculated. The field of view range h can be calculated from equation (1).

[0099] h=2d tan(θ / 2) (1) Here, d is the current installation distance, and θ is the angle of view of the optical system 5b.

[0100] In step SB11, the resolution r, that is, the actual length represented by one pixel constituting the image data, is calculated. The resolution r can be calculated from equation (2).

[0101] Resolution (r)=h / n (2) Here, n is the number of pixels in the horizontal direction of the image sensor 5a.

[0102] In step SB12, the size of the code (code size) is calculated. The code size CS (mm) can be obtained by multiplying the resolution r calculated from equation (2) by the number of horizontal pixels of the code. The number of horizontal pixels of the code can be obtained from the image data.

[0103] In step SB13, the size of the cell (cell size) is calculated. A cell is the smallest unit that makes up a code. The cell size p can be obtained by multiplying the resolution r calculated from equation (2) by the number of pixels in the horizontal direction of the cell. The number of pixels in the horizontal direction of the cell can be obtained from the image data. The cell size p is calculated by the cell size setting unit 30.

[0104] In step SB14, the allowable circle of confusion diameter (mm) is set. The allowable circle of confusion diameter indicates the allowable degree of defocus caused by the lens, without taking movement into consideration. The allowable circle of confusion diameter can also be expressed as the number of cells that make up the code. The maximum allowable amount of blur is also determined in advance and can be stored in the storage device 41.

[0105] In step SB15, the front depth of field (mm) is calculated from equation (3), and the rear depth of field (mm) is calculated from equation (4).

[0106] Front depth of field Df=(δFd2) / (f2+δFd) (3) Back depth of field Db=(δFd2) / (f2-δFd) (4) Here, F is the aperture of the optical system 5b, f is the focal length of the optical system 5b, and δ is the allowable circle of confusion diameter. In this way, the calculation unit 40c can determine the effective field of view and effective depth of field of the code reader 1.

[0107] In step SA9 of the flowchart shown in Figure 7, the field of view required to read the code is calculated based on the workpiece information and conveyor information acquired in step SA3, with the conveyor coordinates as the reference. The required field of view information includes the required area in the conveyor width direction, the required area in the workpiece movement direction, the required area in the workpiece height direction, etc.

[0108] In step SA10, the field of view and depth required to read the code are calculated based on the installation pattern and mounting pattern acquired in steps SA4 and SA5, with the coordinates of the code reader 1 as the reference. The required field of view and depth information includes the vertical field of view, required depth, etc. In this way, in steps SA9 and SA10, based on the environmental information acquired by the information acquisition unit 40a, the calculation unit 40c can determine the required field of view and depth of the code reader 1 required to read the code under the environment specified by the environmental information.

[0109] In step SA7, it is determined whether the capable field of view and capable depth of the code reader 1 calculated in step SA6 can satisfy the required field of view and depth calculated in steps SA9 and SA10. If it is determined in step SA7 that the capable field of view and capable depth of the code reader 1 satisfy the required field of view and depth, the process proceeds to step SA8, where the possible installation range of the code reader 1 is calculated. The possible installation range of the code reader 1 includes the minimum installation distance, maximum installation distance, recommended installation distance, etc. Also, if it is determined in step SA7 that the capable field of view and capable depth of the code reader 1 do not satisfy the required field of view and depth, the possible installation range of the code reader 1 may be calculated in a similar manner. The determination result in step SA7 is stored.

[0110] In addition, in step SA7, the installation patterns and attachment patterns of all or any multiple templates stored in the template storage unit 41c may be judged. In other words, by performing the judgment in step SA7 on all templates in a round-robin format, it is possible to identify an installation pattern that is the recommended installation position and posture of the code reader 1 from among those patterns.

[0111] In step SA11, if it is determined in step SA7 that the capable field of view and capable depth of the code reader 1 satisfy the required field of view and depth, the first installation pattern and the first attachment pattern are determined to be the recommended installation position and posture of the code reader 1 that can satisfy the required field of view and depth. Also, if it is determined in step SA7 that the capable field of view and capable depth of the code reader 1 do not satisfy the required field of view and depth, the first installation pattern and the first attachment pattern are determined to be patterns that cannot satisfy the required field of view and depth. This step is executed by the calculation unit 40c.

[0112] 7 is the same as steps SA6 to SA10, and if it is determined in the process indicated by reference numeral 302 that the capable field of view and capable depth of the code reader 1 satisfy the required field of view and depth, the process proceeds to step 303, where the second installation pattern and second attachment pattern are determined to be the recommended installation position and posture of the code reader 1 that can satisfy the required field of view and depth. If it is determined in the process indicated by reference numeral 302 that the capable field of view and capable depth of the code reader 1 do not satisfy the required field of view and depth, the process proceeds to step 303, where the second installation pattern and second attachment pattern are determined to be patterns that cannot satisfy the required field of view and depth. Similarly, the third installation pattern and third attachment pattern, the fourth installation pattern and fourth attachment pattern, etc. can also be determined.

[0113] In step SA12, the calculation unit 40c selects the best pattern from among the multiple installation patterns and mounting patterns. That is, if the field of view and depth at the assumed installation position and posture acquired by the information acquisition unit 40a do not satisfy the required field of view and depth, the calculation unit 40c executes a change process to change at least one of the assumed installation position and posture, performs the above-mentioned determination using the assumed installation position and posture after the change process, and repeats the change process and determination to determine an installation pattern that is the recommended installation position and posture of the code reader. For example, if the first installation pattern and first mounting pattern do not satisfy the required field of view and depth, the calculation unit 40c changes to the second installation pattern and second mounting pattern, and determines whether the second installation pattern and second mounting pattern satisfy the required field of view and depth. In this case, it is possible to determine whether the required field of view and depth are satisfied by changing only one of the installation position and posture of the code reader 1.

[0114] Instead of selecting the best pattern in step SA12, multiple recommended installation positions and orientations of the code reader 1 may be presented, and the user may select any pattern by operating the input unit 43. In this case, patterns that are not determined to be the recommended installation positions and orientations of the code reader 1 may be presented to the user.

[0115] The criteria for selecting the best pattern in step SA12 may be changed. For example, the best pattern may be the pattern with the fewest number of code readers 1, or the pattern with the lowest total cost of the equipment used.

[0116] Thereafter, the process proceeds to step SA13, where the read parameters are optimized (tuned), and then a read test is performed in step SA14. Finally, the process proceeds to step SA15, where a report can be output. Steps SA13 to SA15 may be performed as needed, or may be omitted. Details of steps SA13 to SA15 will be described later.

[0117] [Parameter Set (Bank)] 20 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface screen 400 displayed when installation support is performed by the installation support device A. The user interface screen 400 can be generated by the UI management unit 40b and displayed on the display unit 42. A plurality of tabs 401, 402, and 403 are provided at the top of the user interface image 400, and any one of the plurality of tabs 401, 402, and 403 can be selected.

[0118] Figure 20 shows the case where the Bank tab 402 is selected. One parameter set is called a "bank." In the example shown in Figure 20, only Bank 1 and Bank 2 are displayed, but the number of banks can be set as desired.

[0119] Each bank is provided with common setting items such as a "decode timeout value" that indicates the timeout period for the decoding process, "black and white inversion" that inverts the black and white of the read image, "internal lighting" that switches the internal lighting constituted by the lighting unit 4 mounted on the housing 2 on and off, "external lighting" that switches the external lighting constituted by the lighting unit 4 that is separate from the housing 2 on and off, and "code detail settings" that switches the code type. Each bank is also provided with reading setting items such as an "exposure time" that indicates the exposure time by the imaging unit 5, "gain" that indicates the gain of the imaging unit 5, a "contrast adjustment method" that indicates the method for adjusting the contrast of the read image, and "first image filter" and "second image filter" that select the type and order of the image filters to be applied.

[0120] In this code reader 1, the user can select a bank to be used when operating the code reader 1 from among multiple banks stored in the parameter set storage unit 53. That is, the user can operate the input unit 43 while looking at a user interface image 400 shown in Fig. 20 to select any bank on the user interface image 400.

[0121] [User interface screen during installation assistance] 21 shows the user interface screen 400 when the reading tab 401 is selected, which can be displayed during installation support. The user interface screen 400 shown in FIG. 21 is provided with a read image display area 404 that displays a read image captured by the imaging unit 5, and a tuning result display area 405 that displays tuning results. The tuning result display area 405 displays, for example, a graph showing the relationship between readability and brightness. In addition, a proposal creation button 400a, a monitor start button 400b, an autofocus button 400c, a tuning start button 400d, a read rate button 400e, and a report output button 400f are also provided.

[0122] When the UI management unit 40b detects that the proposal creation button 400a has been operated, it displays the user interface screens 200 to 206 (shown in FIGS. 8 to 14, respectively) in the order described above to prompt the user to input information necessary for installation support. This allows the information acquisition unit 40a to acquire each piece of information. The user is also prompted to input the installation patterns shown in FIGS. 15 to 18, and the information acquisition unit 40a acquires the information.

[0123] When the UI management unit 40b detects that the monitor start button 400b has been operated, it causes the imaging unit 5 to execute a process for generating a read image. The generated read image is displayed in the read image display area 404.

[0124] When the UI management unit 40b detects that the autofocus button 400c has been operated, it controls the AF mechanism 5c via the AF control unit 21 to perform focusing. In this example, a one-dimensional code CD is shown attached to the workpiece W, but a two-dimensional code may also be used. The read image display area 404 also displays a frame 410 that surrounds an area where the code CD is likely to be present. Note that if two or more codes CD are attached to the workpiece W, two or more codes CD may be displayed in the read image display area 404.

[0125] Thereafter, when the UI management unit 40b detects that the tuning start button 400d has been operated, it causes the tuning execution unit 24 shown in Fig. 2 to execute a process for optimizing the reading parameters. This process corresponds to step SA13 in Fig. 7.

[0126] The tuning execution unit 24 causes the imaging unit 5 to acquire multiple read images while changing, for example, brightness (exposure time, gain, light intensity of the illumination unit 4, etc.), and causes the processing unit 32 to perform a decoding process on each read image. As a result, the tuning execution unit 24 can acquire a graph showing the brightness and readability of the read image as shown in the tuning result display area 405 in FIG. 21. The readability can be determined, for example, from the reading margin. This makes it possible to acquire optimal reading parameters. The optimal reading parameters are stored as a parameter set in the bank shown in FIG. 20 and are also displayed on the display unit 42 so that the user can check them.

[0127] When the UI management unit 40b detects that the reading rate button 400e has been operated, it causes the imaging unit 5 to generate a new read image that reflects the tuning result, and causes the processing unit 32 to execute a decoding process on the generated read image. This is a reading test mode that tests the reading stability, and corresponds to the processing of step SA14 shown in Figure 7. For example, 10 reading attempts can be made, and the results can be displayed in the tuning result display area 405.

[0128] The reading test mode includes a task test mode, a depth test mode, and a speed test mode. The task test mode is a mode for measuring the reading time, and displays the current reading time, the longest reading time, and the shortest reading time on the display unit 42.

[0129] The depth test mode is a mode for measuring the maximum readable depth, and for example, the relative positional relationship between the code reader 1 and the readable code can be drawn and displayed on the display unit 42. The shortest and longest distances between the code reader 1 and the readable code can also be displayed on the display unit 42.

[0130] In the speed test mode, the moving workpiece W is continuously read, and the speed of the workpiece W is calculated from the number of times the code is read and the position, and displayed on the display unit 42. The speed of the workpiece W can be calculated and displayed almost in real time. The speed of the workpiece W may be displayed numerically or in bar format.

[0131] [Example of presentation format to users] 22 is a diagram showing an example of a form of presentation to a user. The UI management unit 40b generates a presentation user interface screen 220 shown in this figure and can display it on the display unit 42. The various pieces of information that make up the presentation user interface screen 220 include the calculation results of the calculation unit 40c and the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 40a, and these are output from the output unit 40d to the UI management unit 40b, and the UI management unit 40b can generate the presentation user interface screen 220 based on the various pieces of information.

[0132] The presentation user interface screen 220 is provided with a list display button 220a, a frame option selection area 220b, a code reader selection area 220c, a model selection area 220d, a distance adjustment area 220e, an overall result display area 220f, a layout preview area 220g, a first layout diagram display area 220h, a second layout diagram display area 220i, etc.

[0133] When the UI management unit 40b detects that the list display button 220a has been operated, it generates a list of devices in use as shown in Fig. 23 and displays it on the display unit 42. The list of devices in use displays the names, models, and quantities of devices required when installing the code reader 1 in the recommended installation position and orientation. That is, the output unit 40d can output a parts list that shows the parts information and the required quantities of the parts required to realize the installation pattern showing the recommended installation position and orientation. The presented parts can also be changed.

[0134] The frame option selection area 220b is an area for switching whether or not to propose frame options. When proposing frame options, the proposal is made taking into consideration frame restrictions, but when not proposing frame options, the proposal is made without frame restrictions.

[0135] The code reader selection area 220c is an area for selecting an arbitrary code reader 1 in the case of an installation pattern in which multiple code readers 1 are installed. The model selection area 220d is an area for displaying the model type, i.e., model information, of the optimal model when it is automatically suggested. The user can also select an arbitrary model in the model selection area 220d, and the suitability of the selected model can be determined. The distance adjustment area 220e is an area operated by the user when fine-tuning the installation position of the code reader 1. The suitability of the adjustment results can be determined. The overall result display area 220f is an area for displaying whether reading is possible for the information displayed in the code reader selection area 220c, model selection area 220d, distance adjustment area 220e, etc. If reading is not possible, the extent to which it falls short of the requirements can also be displayed in the overall result display area 220f.

[0136] The layout preview area 220g is an area that displays, in a diagram, the relative positional relationship between the code reader 1, the workpiece W, and the conveyor, the dimensions of each part, etc. It also includes information on the mounting angle of the code reader 1 and the reading surface (surface information) of the workpiece W. A bird's-eye view preview image can be generated and displayed in the layout preview area 220g while changing the viewpoint by 360 degrees. The viewpoint can be changed using the input unit 43. The first layout drawing display area 220h is an area that displays, from a front perspective, a diagram that shows, for example, the relative positional relationship between the code reader 1, the workpiece W, and the conveyor, the dimensions of each part, etc. The second layout drawing display area 220i is an area that displays, from a side perspective, a diagram that shows, for example, the relative positional relationship between the code reader 1, the workpiece W, and the conveyor, the dimensions of each part, etc.

[0137] The first layout plan display area 220h or the second layout plan display area 220i can also display the workpiece W and readable range 600 from a top perspective, as shown in Fig. 24. The first layout plan display area 220h or the second layout plan display area 220i can also display the workpiece W and readable range 601 from a side perspective, as shown in Fig. 25. The first layout plan display area 220h or the second layout plan display area 220i can also display details of the mounting bracket 603, as shown in Fig. 26. The detailed information about the mounting bracket 603 includes information about the mounting angle of the code reader 1.

[0138] [Report Output] The recommended installation pattern of the code reader 1 may be presented to the user in the form of a report, in addition to the form of displaying the user interface screen on the display unit 42 as described above. The report may be presented as electronic data, or may be presented on paper printed by the printer 45 shown in FIG. 2.

[0139] The report will now be described. When the UI management unit 40b detects that the report output button 400f on the user interface screen 400 shown in Fig. 21 has been operated, it executes step SA15 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 7. In this step, first, each piece of information that constitutes the report is prepared. Each piece of information that constitutes the report is the calculation result of the calculation unit 40c, information acquired by the information acquisition unit 40a, etc.

[0140] The structure of the report output by the output unit 40d will be described with reference to Fig. 27. The contents output as a report can be broadly categorized as including general project information, a proposal summary, a list of devices used, a reading area, an installation diagram, a connection diagram, and reading results, but it is not necessary to include all of these.

[0141] The general project information in the report includes the user's project name as well as the required information required for the project, such as work information, code information, clearance setting information, and information on where to paste the code. The work information is made up of information entered on the user interface screen for entering work information shown in Figure 10. The code information is made up of information entered on the user interface screen for entering code information shown in Figure 13. The clearance setting information is made up of information entered on the user interface screen for setting the clearance shown in Figure 9. The information on where to paste the code is made up of information entered on the user interface screen for setting the code pasting position shown in Figure 11.

[0142] The proposal summary of the report includes drawings and the like displayed in the layout preview area 220g of the presentation user interface screen 220 shown in Fig. 22. In other words, the proposal summary is information that allows the user to roughly grasp the relative positional relationship between the code reader 1, the workpiece W, and the conveyor.

[0143] The list of devices used in the report can be in the form of a list of devices used, for example, as shown in Figure 23, and can present to the user the names, models, and quantities of devices required when installing the code reader 1 in the recommended installation position and posture.

[0144] The report's reading area displays a reading diagram from a frontal viewpoint or a reading diagram from an oblique viewpoint. On these diagrams, the readable area can be indicated by color coding, etc. Furthermore, when multiple code readers are installed, the readable area of ​​each code reader can be indicated by color coding, etc.

[0145] The installation diagram of the report includes an installation diagram from a front perspective displayed in the first layout diagram display area 220h of the presentation user interface screen 220 shown in Figure 22, an installation diagram from a side perspective displayed in the second layout diagram display area 220i, a top view, etc.

[0146] An example of a connection diagram for the report is the code reader 1 connection diagram shown in Figure 28. This connection diagram shows the connection to an encoder, a host computer, and a power supply, as well as the connection to a host system via a terminal box.

[0147] The report can also include tuning conditions such as model information and exposure time, information on whether internal and external lighting is used or not, reading information showing the relationship between brightness and readability, read images, and tuning results (parameter sets, etc.). The tuning results may be provided as electronic data so that they can be imported into the code reader 1 for use.

[0148] The reading results in the report include the read image, reading rate test results, takt test results, depth test results, speed test results, etc. The reading rate test results include the read data as well as the reading rate (%), bank number, code type, narrow bar width, etc. The takt test results include the read data as well as the bank number and the time required for reading (takt). The depth test results include the reading depth as well as the focal length, depth and field of view at the shortest readable distance, depth and field of view at the longest readable distance, etc. The speed test results include the speed of the work W calculated in the above speed test mode.

[0149] [Variations in presentation format to the user] As a form of presentation of the recommended installation pattern of the code reader 1 to the user, for example, two-dimensional CAD data or three-dimensional CAD data (CAD file) that is a diagram of the recommended installation pattern may be output from the output unit 40d. The diagram showing the recommended installation pattern may be similar to the diagram displayed in the layout preview area 220g of the presentation user interface screen 220 shown in Fig. 22. Providing the user with CAD data of the recommended installation pattern can reduce the number of design steps required by the user.

[0150] Furthermore, since the calculation unit 40c can grasp the conveyor speed and the position of the code reader 1, it can calculate the code reading timing. This reading timing can also be presented to the user. Furthermore, by converting time information into distance information, it is possible to present the information in an intuitively easy-to-understand manner to the user.

[0151] Furthermore, in the case of a workpiece W covered with a transparent film or the like, a polarizing plate can be attached in front of the imaging unit 5. Attaching a polarizing plate reduces the brightness at the imaging unit 5, but this reduction in brightness can be addressed by moving the code reader 1 closer to the workpiece W. By obtaining the reduction in brightness due to the polarizing plate in advance, it is possible to calculate the installation position of the code reader 1 when the polarizing plate is attached and present this to the user.

[0152] [Computer Program] A computer program installed in the installation support device A causes the installation support device A to execute each of the above-mentioned functions, particularly the acquisition step of acquiring camera information and environmental information and the calculation step of determining an installation pattern, which is a recommended installation position and posture of the code reader 1. The computer program can be stored in the storage device 41. The computer program can be stored in various storage media, such as optical disks, and distributed on the market. Alternatively, the computer program can be stored in a server and downloaded by a user via the Internet and installed on a computer for use. A computer with this program installed can serve as the installation support device A.

[0153] [Effects of the embodiment] As described above, according to this embodiment, the calculation unit 40c of the installation support device A determines not only the recommended installation position of the code reader 1 but also the attitude of the code reader 1 at the recommended installation position, allowing the user to check both the position and attitude before installing the code reader 1. Furthermore, when installing the code reader 1 at the determined recommended installation position, the user only needs to install the code reader 1 so that it has the determined attitude, making the installation work easier.

[0154] The above-described embodiments are merely examples in all respects and should not be construed as limiting. Furthermore, all modifications and variations within the scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0155] As described above, the installation assistance device for a stationary code reader according to the present invention can be used when presenting the installation position and orientation of the code reader before the code reader is installed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0156] 1 Code reader 4. Lighting section 5. Imaging unit 40a Information acquisition unit (an example of an acquisition means) 40c Calculation unit (an example of calculation means) 40d output unit (an example of an output means) 41 Storage device A. Stationary code reader installation support device

Claims

1. a means for displaying a user interface screen on a display unit, the user interface screen including an information input area for allowing a user to input conveyor information relating to the conveyor, work information of the work to be transported by the conveyor, and code information of the code to be attached to the work, and an image display area for drawing an image of the work placed on the transport surface of the conveyor; means for detecting user input via the information entry area of ​​the user interface screen; a means for displaying on the display unit the user interface screen including the image display area in which an image of the workpiece arranged on the conveyor conveyor is drawn based on the user input; and A terminal device comprising:

2. The apparatus further includes a means for displaying, on the display unit, the user interface screen including the image display area in which at least one of the conveyor information and the workpiece information is redrawn, when a user input for updating at least one of the conveyor information and the workpiece information is detected via the user interface screen. The terminal device according to claim 1 .

3. The conveyor information includes at least one of a conveying speed of the conveyor and a conveyor width of the conveyor. The terminal device according to claim 1 .

4. The system further includes a means for, when detecting a user input including the conveyor width as the conveyor information via the user interface screen, displaying on the display unit the user interface screen including the image display area in which the conveyor is redrawn based on the conveyor width. The terminal device according to claim 3.

5. The workpiece information includes the size of the largest workpiece that can be transported by the conveyor. The terminal device according to claim 1 .

6. The present invention further comprises means for, when detecting a user input including the size of the largest workpiece as the workpiece information via the user interface screen, displaying on the display unit the user interface screen including the image display area in which the workpiece is redrawn based on the size of the largest workpiece. The terminal device according to claim 5.

7. The code information includes a maximum code length and a code type. The terminal device according to claim 1 .

8. The system further includes a means for displaying the user interface screen on the display unit, the user interface screen displaying the progress of information input in the order of the conveyor information, the work information, and the code information. The terminal device according to claim 1 .

9. The apparatus further includes a means for displaying on the display unit the user interface screen including the image display area that depicts a first image of the workpiece placed on the conveying surface of the conveyor as viewed from a first direction and a second image of the workpiece as viewed from a second direction different from the first direction. The terminal device according to claim 1 .

10. The system further includes a means for, upon detecting that information input via the information input area of ​​the user interface screen has been completed, displaying a parts list indicating necessary parts on the display unit based on the user input. The terminal device according to claim 1 .

11. A method executed by a terminal device, comprising: displaying a user interface screen on a display unit, the user interface screen including an information input area for allowing a user to input conveyor information regarding the conveyor, work information regarding the work to be transported by the conveyor, and code information regarding the code to be attached to the work, and an image display area for drawing an image of the work placed on the transport surface of the conveyor; detecting user input via the information entry area of ​​the user interface screen; a step of displaying the user interface screen on the display unit, the image display area including an image of the workpiece arranged on the conveyor conveyor, the image being illustrated based on the user input; A method for providing the above.

12. The method further includes a step of, when detecting a user input for updating at least one of the conveyor information and the work information via the user interface screen, displaying the user interface screen including the image display area in which at least one of the conveyor and the work is redrawn on the display unit. The method of claim 11.

13. A program that causes a computer to execute the method according to claim 11 or 12.

14. A system comprising a server and a terminal device connected to the server via a network, The server transmitting to the terminal device a user interface screen including an information input area for allowing a user to input conveyor information relating to a conveyor, work information of a work to be transported by the conveyor, and code information of a code to be attached to the work, and an image display area for drawing an image of the work placed on the transport surface of the conveyor; The terminal device means for displaying the user interface screen on a display unit; means for detecting user input via the information entry area of ​​the user interface screen; and a means for displaying on the display unit the user interface screen including the image display area in which an image of the workpiece arranged on the conveyor surface is drawn based on the user input. system.

15. The terminal device further includes a means for, when detecting a user input for updating at least one of the conveyor information and the work information via the user interface screen, displaying the user interface screen including the image display area in which at least one of the conveyor and the work is redrawn on the display unit. The system of claim 14.

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