DE10040563A1 - Device with a decoding unit for decoding optical codes - Google Patents

Abstract

The aim of the invention is to enable the reading and decoding of optical codes in a cost-effective and problem-free manner. To this end, the invention provides a device comprising a decoding unit for decoding optical codes, whereby the device is equipped with an electronic camera which, for recording images, contains a surface sensor that is sensitive to color light.

Description

The invention relates to a device with a decoding unit for Decoding of optical codes, in particular bar codes, two-dimensionally nal codes and color codes.

In today's world, many industrially manufactured goods, including everyday products and their packaging, are provided with machine-readable optical codes, especially barcodes. In conjunction with special devices for decoding these codes (hereinafter called reading devices), the goods marked in this way can be identified automatically. This enables automated control and monitoring of the flow of goods. In addition, (2 D codes) are further various applications of bar codes and other optical codes, in particular two-dimensional code known.

For the diverse applications of barcodes already exist today a variety of different readers for decoding Barcodes.  

A class of readers is in a pen form and is in use guided by the user over the barcode. These devices can be Manufacture inexpensively, but have the disadvantage that they are difficult to are operating. The user must pay particular attention to the pen what with a steady movement over the barcode requires some practice on the one hand and frequent ones on the other Repetitions can lead to fatigue of the user. The reading rate of these readers is usually relatively low because the Read rate depends on the practice and handling of the user. Several attempts are often required to read the barcode in to achieve sufficient shape.

Another class of readers uses a beam of light that is moved over the barcode by means of a moving mirror (so-called "barcode scanner").

This eliminates the disadvantages of pen readers mentioned above avoid. The disadvantage of such barcode scanners is that they are necessary Use of moving parts that lead to increased susceptibility to defects, increased Power consumption, increased production costs and thus one leads to high sales price.

Also known are reading devices that have an optical semiconductor sensor (CCD or CMOS) use either one-dimensional (so-called line sensor) or two-dimensional (so-called  Area sensor). The sensor is in photosensitive cells (Pixels) split and generates a discrete electrical signal that the on corresponds to the individual pixel incident light quantity.

Furthermore, reading devices are known which contain a semiconductor sensor and in which one or more lenses are arranged. On the sensor an image of the scene that contains the barcode is projected contains. Such readers usually also include one Illumination device with which the barcode during the Reading process is illuminated, so that there is a far-reaching Independence from ambient light.

The known readers have a very limited one Scope and mostly serve only one purpose.

As a result, they can only be manufactured and sold in small numbers be, which in turn adversely affects the cost of manufacturing such readers affects.

It is therefore an object of the present invention, a reader To provide which is inexpensive to manufacture and low Prices can be sold economically.

According to the invention, the above object is achieved in that a Device with a decoding unit for decoding optical ones Codes, especially barcodes, two-dimensional codes and  Color codes an electronic camera has, which for image recording comprises a color light-sensitive area sensor.

The device according to the invention is designed to be a appeals to the widest possible mass of consumers and at one Mass product.

The small quantities combined with high development costs make the usual code reading devices relatively expensive. Because the electronic camera according to the invention is designed so that it can be a mass product, so can Production costs and thus also the sales prices kept low become.

Because the original function of the camera, namely Image acquisition with the possibility of image transmission, e.g. B. for the purpose further processing, archiving or viewing Modified cameras can be affected according to the invention Reference to this functionality also sold to consumers who are initially not interested in the code reading ability of the Device. From the perspective of consumers, the modified Cameras are still cameras, internet cameras or the like. All of these devices are only due to the additional feature of Code reading ability added, so that the ability to read code from the  Used at the time of purchase or at a later date can be.

It when the device according to the invention with a network, for example connected to the Internet. In In this case, the user can use the code reading function special network services, for example Internet shopping, payment of Invoices, access to product information.

So that such services can be operated economically is a big one Number of potential users of these services required. It can the use of normal cameras, so-called consumer cameras, be helpful in developing such services and developing accelerate. As soon as such services are widespread, open for the user of the cameras expanded according to the invention Possibility to use these services.

Because the resulting additional benefit for the user with the dissemination of services, the dissemination of services but tied to the spread of end devices, it is necessary to offer these readers at very low prices. Since most Cameras as part of a PC or a cell phone already are network-compatible, or network-compatible by connecting to a PC (digital camera, video camera), can be appropriate Services with the invention expanded by a decoding unit Camera can be used. An additional unit that  a network connection is not necessary, additional manufacturing costs for such a unit do not fall on.

The decoding unit for decoding optical codes can be implemented as software or as hardware.

If the device is equipped with a processor, the Decoding device can be executed as a software program. If no suitable processor that manages the software is available stands, the decoding device can also be a software program be arranged on a PC.

If the device does not contain such a processor or it does not stand or only available to a limited extent because of other tasks is busy, the decoding device is advantageously in Hardware executed. Even if there is no suitable interface on the Image memory exists, the decoding unit can be implemented as hardware his.

If this is the case, the decoding unit is preferably between the image-receiving part and the image-processing part of the camera arranged.

For example, the decoding unit receives the image signal via a serial or parallel interface from the color light-sensitive area sensor  the camera and directs this - possibly delayed, but otherwise unchanged - via a similar interface to the image processing company Image next. At the same time, it runs in within the coding unit Process for barcode decoding without the camera your loses original function or partially loses. The result of Decoding can then be tapped at a third interface.

The decoding device can be used as a single semiconductor component, for Example as a customer-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) his.

The decoding unit can also be part of a system that is already in the Circuit located camera be executed. The Decoding device then forms either with the receiving part or with the processing part of the camera one unit. With electronic Cameras in which the recording and processing parts are not separated (Camera-on-a-chip), the decoding unit can mlt the entire camera form a unit.

It is also advantageous to close the decoding unit directly on the sensor place because there is an unadulterated sensor signal at this location, the easier to decode the codes contained in the image can be used as for example a compressed Image signal, or an image signal "improved" by high-pass filtering, that may be elsewhere in the camera.  

The decoder can be in a hardware description language (for example VHDL or Verilog) can be programmed. This will achieved a high degree of independence from semiconductor technology. Here, the software is tested in a development phase and then to be finally integrated on a chip later.

With many cameras, the image signal is from a light-sensitive Sensor read out line by line and further processed. It is therefore advantageously the decoding of a recorded with a camera Barcodes without using an image memory. This The method is called barcode decoding from the pixel stream. Decoding in this way is advantageous when in the camera there is no facility for image storage that is for the purpose of Code reading. It can also be advantageous if There is an image memory inside the camera because the random Addressing this memory is generally additional Hardware demands.

With the help of the camera it is now possible to read the optical code happen. According to the invention, the camera can be a commercially available one Be a camera.

The device according to the invention can be part of a mobile device Computers. But even a stationary computer can  comprise device according to the invention. In these use cases For example, the electronic camera can be an Internet camera. This generally consists of an image recording part and a Processing part. The image recording part in turn consists of a simple optics, a color light sensitive sensor and one Control unit, which, among other things, an interface to Processing unit contains. The processing unit takes over Protocol and transmission functions of another interface (e.g. parallel interface, USB), which is led to the outside. about these further interface, the Internet camera can be connected to a PC become. The overall system, consisting of the internet camera and the PC can be used to take pictures or video sequences become.

Internet cameras are also known, which can be used separately from a PC as a camera. Such Internet cameras have a separate power supply (battery or rechargeable battery) and can therefore be used anywhere. They also have an image memory and a "trigger". If the user now actuates the trigger, the image 1111 image memory currently on the sensor can be stored. The Internet camera can then be connected to a PC at a later time and the images contained in the image memory can be transferred to the PC. The connection to the PC can be wired or wireless via a radio interface or an infrared interface.

Now becomes a decoding unit, for example in an internet camera arranged so this can be a recorded scene that has a code contains, decode. The decoded code can be in a Internet camera's memory can be saved. This Memory can be executed separately or the image memory at the same time his.

It is advantageous in this exemplary embodiment that the decoded code takes up much less space than the image that shows the Includes code. Will the internet camera now become a later one Once connected to the PC, the decoded code can be sent to the PC transferred and used by this.

An example of an application in an Internet camera, which by a corresponding decoding device was expanded, fiction can be used according to, is described below.

Is the internet camera or the computer communicating with it with a decoding device according to the invention and is the Computer connected to the Internet and has a connection to it a homepage of a department store, so the user can Document or a product with a place that has the barcode, hold in front of the optics of the internet camera. By reading the  optical codes and its subsequent inventive Decoding, the user can immediately be directed to a website on which he receives information about the ordering options, the Product itself, a hyperlink to the manufacturer, test reports or related products.

At present, many products are already with a corresponding one Barcodes clearly identified, such as EAN barcodes, UPC Barcodes. This means that the products need to be used when using the Invention advantageously no separate labeling.

Even if the PC is not connected to a network, one can Internet camera modified according to the invention is used to advantage become. For example, when installing software products often a so-called "key", which consists of a large number of numbers and / or letters, read from the packaging and entered during the installation using the keyboard. alternative in addition to this or in addition, the software manufacturer can create an optical one Put the code on the packaging that corresponds to the corresponding Contains "key" for installation. Since the user has the "key" by typing into the computer that he is just an internet camera is aimed at the appropriate place on the packaging and not the code must be entered via the keyboard of the PC, the installation of the Software to be simplified.  

In order to be able to tap the largest possible group of customers, an internet camera with an internet access device other than that PC can be used. This makes it possible to address customers who are not ready to buy an expensive PC.

So-called internet consoles can be used as internet access devices, which are already in development. Due to the lack of some Equipment features, which are typical for a PC, can Internet consoles are usually offered cheaper than one commercially available PC.

In a further embodiment is in the invention Device arranged a mobile phone, via which a connection to the Internet can be built. Especially with phones after With the new UMTS mobile radio standard, this can be done advantageously because this new standard offers higher data transfer rates and thereby multimedia applications are also supported.

Another advantage when using the Internet with a mobile phone can simplify the entry of long Internet addresses or product codes through an integrated code reading device. Because the manufacturer of such mobile phones are striving for ever smaller designs and thus the Numeric keypad are becoming more and more unwieldy to use there is also no further input option, the input can be made considerably easier.  

But the invention can also in a fixed telephone Device be arranged.

In the following further embodiments are described, which affect mobile devices that are not connected to a PC or to need an internet console to operate sensibly can.

For example, electronic diaries are known, the one Image acquisition unit included. By equipping it with a Image recording unit, these diaries become digital Cameras. Electronic diaries are usually possible also connect to mobile phones. In this way there is a coupling of the appointment calendar with the Internet.

Appointments diaries are also conceivable that work directly with you Cellular module are equipped and thus internet connections too Allow without a cell phone.

The additional equipment of the appointment calendar according to the invention, preferably the image recording unit of the diary, with a Decoding unit, extends such diaries to internet-enabled Code readers, thus allowing the use of the above in more detail services explained.  

As a further exemplary embodiment, a digital one is also conceivable Camera or video camera with a decoding unit equip. Since such devices are also sensitive to light Containing area sensors, the decoding unit according to the invention can be integrated there.

If the camera has a flash, it may be beneficial to do so to be used to illuminate the optical code. Here, similar to the mobile internet camera described above, barcodes decoded "at the push of a button". Since the digital camera or Video cameras have an image memory, the decoded Codes are saved and then saved at a later date be transferred to a PC. From there, the contained therein Information can be used further.

To a quick and direct connection of the invention Allow device without additional devices to a network, the decoding device can be equipped with an interface. There is preferably a connection to the Internet.

This means the optical code even in poor lighting conditions can be read reliably and error-free at the A lighting unit can be arranged. For this you can all conceivable devices are arranged on the device that enable a desired better readability of the optical code.  

To read in the targeted optical code in a targeted manner can, a positioning device is arranged on the device. This is carried out in such a way that on the object on which the code is there, a mark projected by light appears. The for example, light-emitting source is preferably at the Device arranged.

Because today's readers serve only one purpose, namely reading in symbologies of a limited code family, they are of interest only for commercial use. they offer no further functionality.

However, since the potential of these optical codes is only one Fraction is used, the many options that remain provide optical codes, currently unused.

Through the inventive idea, the optical codes through a commercially available camera and then with an integrated or to decode external decoding unit, there are countless others Possibilities to use the optical codes for non-commercial purposes.

Further advantages, goals and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent illustrated with the following explanation attached drawing, in which is shown as an example of a camera and a mobile phone.

It shows  

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a digital camera, the arrangement of a decoding unit in the camera is shown as an example and

Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a mobile phone.

In Fig. 1, a digital camera 1 is shown. On a housing 2 there is an optical symbol. Unit 3 , a flash light 4 and a trigger 5 shown. A color light-sensitive area sensor 6 is arranged behind the optical unit 3 . This color light-sensitive area sensor 6 is connected to a decoding unit 7 via a line. The decoding unit 7 is in turn connected to the image processing part 8 . Furthermore, an interface 9 , for example for a connection to a PC, is arranged in the digital camera, the interface 9 being connected to the image-processing part 8 .

It is understood that the arrangement of the decoding unit in this Embodiment is shown only as an example. The Decoding unit can also be used, for example, directly on the Arrange the color light-sensitive area sensor.

In FIG. 2, an embodiment of a mobile phone 10 with a camera 11 and a decoding unit 12 is shown. Furthermore, the mobile telephone comprises a positioning aid 13 , which delimits a code 14 to be scanned with a light frame 15 and thus enables precise positioning. An interface 16 for the connection to a network, preferably the Internet, is also arranged in this exemplary embodiment.

Figs. 1 and 2 show by way of example that in a mass-produced article a decoding unit can be easily arranged for decoding optical codes, which expands the application range of these devices in a simple and cheap way. It goes without saying that this technical extension can be incorporated into a large number of mass products, so that the invention is available to a large population.

Claims (11)

1. Device with a decoding unit for decoding optical codes, in particular bar codes, two-dimensional codes and color codes, characterized in that the device has an electronic camera which comprises a color light-sensitive area sensor for image recording. 2. Device with a decoding unit according to claim 1, characterized characterized in that the decoding unit is designed as hardware is. 3. Device with a decoding unit according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the Decoding unit with the camera, preferably with the color light-sensitive area sensor, a physical unit forms. 4. Device with a decoding unit according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the Decoding unit no memory to record a complete Image. 5. Device with a decoding unit according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the Camera is part of a mobile computer.   6. Device with a decoding unit according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the ra is part of a mobile phone. 7. Device with a decoding unit according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the Camera is part of an electronic diary. 8. Device with a decoding unit according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the Camera is a digital camera or video camera. 9. Device with a decoding unit according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the Decoding unit an interface for connection to a Network, preferably the internal, has. 10. Device with a decoding unit according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the Device has a lighting unit. 11. Device with a decoding unit according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the Device has a positioning aid.