JP2019091210A - Optical information reader and optical information reading system - Google Patents

Abstract

To reduce the burden of a user in configuring settings on multiple readers which read optical information.SOLUTION: An optical information reading system includes a first reader and a second reader. The optical information reading system may have a control apparatus. The control apparatus acquires tuning result of the first reader from the first reader, at least, determines a control parameter of the second reader so as to be different at least partially from a control parameter of the first reader, on the basis of the tuning result of the first reader, and sets the determined control parameter of the second reader to the second reader. The second reader executes tuning in accordance with the set control parameter, decodes optical information added to a workpiece by using the control parameter determined by tuning, and outputs a decoding result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical information reading apparatus and an optical information reading system for optically reading information.

  In order to ensure the traceability of the product (work) produced in the factory, each work is given optical information (optical code) such as a bar code or a QR code (registered trademark). The optical information reading apparatus is involved in the management of a work by reading an optical code (Patent Document 1).

Patent No. 5956941

  By the way, an optical information reader (code reader) is also used when tracing or sorting a package (work) in the distribution industry. Since the size of the package is arbitrary, the code reader is required to accurately read the optical code attached to packages of various sizes. Moreover, since the sticking position of the label on which the optical code is printed is also arbitrary, it is required that the code reader accurately reads the optical code of the label stuck at any position. Further, the transport belt has a predetermined width, and the position of the load also varies within the range of the width. Therefore, it is required to read the optical code with high accuracy even from luggage placed at various positions. For example, it is conceivable to read the optical code with high accuracy by arranging a plurality of code readers. In this case, what kind of reading setting is to be made to a plurality of code readers becomes an issue. For example, when common settings are made for a plurality of code readers, the setting operation may be easy since the settings may be copied to a plurality of code readers. However, when viewed as a whole of the reading system, there may be cases where the optical code can not always be read with high accuracy. That is, it is possible to read the optical code in various cases by applying slightly different reading settings to a plurality of code readers. That is, the tolerance (tolerance) to the variation of the position of the optical code, the printing (imprinting) and the reading environment is improved. However, properly setting reading settings for a plurality of code readers is burdensome for the user. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to reduce the burden on the user who makes settings for a plurality of reading devices that read optical information.

According to the invention, for example
An illumination unit that emits illumination light to a workpiece to which optical information is given; an imaging unit that receives light from the workpiece to capture an image of the workpiece; and a decoding unit that decodes the optical information based on an image of the workpiece A tuning unit configured to tune a control parameter including at least one of an illumination condition of the illumination unit, an imaging condition of the imaging unit, and a decoding condition of the decoding unit based on the decoding result of the decoding unit; A reader and a second reader;
A controller that controls the first reader and the second reader;
An optical information reading system having
The controller is
An acquisition unit for acquiring the tuning result of the first reader from at least the first reader;
A determination unit that determines that the control parameter of the second reader differs at least in part from the control parameter of the first reader based on the tuning result of the first reader;
Setting the control parameter of the second reading device determined by the determination unit to the second reading device;
The tuning unit of the second reader executes tuning in accordance with the control parameter set by the setting unit, and decodes the optical information provided to the work using the control parameter determined by the tuning. An optical information reading system is provided which is characterized by performing and outputting a decoding result.

Moreover, according to the present invention,
An optical information reading system comprising a first reader capable of communicating with a cloud and a second reader, comprising:
The first reader and the second reader are each
An illumination unit for illuminating the workpiece to which optical information is given;
An imaging unit configured to receive light from the workpiece to image the workpiece;
A decoding unit that decodes the optical information based on the image of the work;
A tuning unit for tuning a control parameter including at least one of an illumination condition of the illumination unit, an imaging condition of the imaging unit, and a decoding condition of the decoding unit based on the decoding result of the decoding unit;
The tuning unit of the first reader is:
The cloud is accessed, range information related to the tuning range of the control parameter of the second reading device set to cooperate with the first reading device is acquired, and the second reading device is acquired based on the range information Determining the tuning range of the control parameter of the first reading device to be different from the tuning range of the control parameter of the first reading device, and tuning the control parameter within the tuning range of the control parameter of the first reading device. An optical information reading system is provided, characterized in that:

Furthermore, according to the invention,
An optical information reader capable of communicating with the cloud, wherein
An illumination unit for illuminating the workpiece to which optical information is given;
An imaging unit configured to receive light from the workpiece to image the workpiece;
A decoding unit that decodes the optical information based on the image of the work;
A tuning unit for tuning a control parameter including at least one of an illumination condition of the illumination unit, an imaging condition of the imaging unit, and a decoding condition of the decoding unit based on the decoding result of the decoding unit;
The tuning unit is
The cloud is accessed to obtain range information related to the tuning range of the control parameter of another optical information reading device set to cooperate with the optical information reading device, and control of the other optical information reading device The tuning range of the control parameter of the optical information reader is determined to be different from the tuning range of the parameter at least in part, and the control parameter is tuned within the determined tuning range of the control parameter of the optical information reader. An optical information reader characterized in that it is provided.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user who makes settings for a plurality of reading devices that read optical information.

Diagram showing an optical information reading system Diagram showing an optical information reading system Diagram showing an optical information reading system Diagram showing an optical information reading system Diagram showing the structure of an optical information reader The figure which shows the support structure of the image display device Diagram showing display and operation panel of optical information reader Figure showing the electrical configuration of the optical information reader Block diagram showing the control device Diagram showing the relationship between brightness parameter and matching level in a reader Diagram explaining how to determine mask range Diagram explaining how to determine mask range Diagram explaining how to determine mask range Diagram showing an example of using multiple control parameters while switching A table that explains that one or more control parameters have been set for each reader Diagram explaining the optimization of the entire reader system Diagram explaining how to determine mask range Flow chart showing tuning method of control parameter Sequence diagram showing transmission and reception of information and instructions Flow chart showing tuning method of control parameter Sequence diagram showing transmission and reception of information and instructions Diagram explaining the leader group

  One embodiment of the present invention is shown below. The particular embodiments described below will help to understand various concepts such as the superordinate, intermediate and subordinate concepts of the present invention. Further, the technical scope of the present invention is determined by the scope of the claims, and is not limited by the following individual embodiments.

  FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an example of a reader system (optical information reading system). The line 1 is a conveyor belt or the like for conveying the workpiece 2 which is an inspection object. The readers 3a, 3b and 3c are code readers (optical information reading devices) for reading and decoding the optical code 8 applied to the work 2. When matters common to the readers 3a, 3b, 3c are described, the reader 3 is written, and the letters a, b, c are omitted. The programmable logic controller (PLC 5) is a control device that controls the line 1 and the reader 3. The PLC 5 may associate date and time information etc. with the identification information of the work 2 read by the reader 3 and transmit the identification information to a server such as the cloud 7. The computer 4 is an information processing apparatus that sets operation conditions and the like for the reader 3 and acquires and displays a decoding result and the like from the reader 3. In this example, it is assumed that the optical code 8 is applied to the upper surface of the work 2, so the readers 3 a, 3 b and 3 c are disposed above the line 1. Further, since the position of the work 2 varies in the width direction of the line 1, the readers 3a, 3b and 3c are arranged at different positions in the width direction of the line 1.

  FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of a reader system. In this example, it is premised that the optical code 8 is applied to the left side surface of the work 2 in the traveling direction of the work 2. Therefore, the readers 3 a, 3 b, 3 c are arranged side by side on the left side of the line 1.

  If at least one of the readers 3a, 3b, 3c can read the optical code 8, the PLC 5 may determine that the reading is successful and may transmit the reading result (decoding result) to the cloud 7. In FIGS. 1A and 1B, the PLC 5 or the computer 4 functions as a control device that controls the readers 3a, 3b, and 3c.

  FIG. 1C is a diagram showing an example of a reader system. In this example, the readers 3a, 3b and 3c are connected to the computer 4, and the computer 4 functions as a control device for controlling the readers 3a, 3b and 3c.

  FIG. 1D is a view showing an example of a reader system. In this example, the readers 3a, 3b, 3c are connected to the cloud 7 via a network, and the cloud 7 functions as a control device for controlling the readers 3a, 3b, 3c. When the cloud 7 merely functions as a storage server, any one of the readers 3a, 3b, 3c may function as a control device, the control device is omitted, and the readers 3a, 3b, 3c operate independently. It is also good.

  Although three readers 3 are shown in FIGS. 1A to 1D, the present embodiment is applicable to two or more readers 3.

<Structure of Reader 3>
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the reader 3 and FIG. 2B is a developed view of main parts. Since the shape of the reader 3 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped, the outer surface of the housing has approximately six faces. That is, the top surface 94, the bottom surface 95, the front surface 96, the back surface 97, the left side surface 98, and the right side surface 99 exist in the housing 9. As shown in FIG. 2B, the housing 9 is mainly composed of a front case 10 and a rear case 19.

  As shown in FIG. 2 (B), the front case 10 is provided with four openings. A holder 13, an image display device 14 supported by the holder 13, a display panel 15 disposed so as to cover the image display device 14, and a main sheet 16 are provided in the opening on the top surface side. A translucent window 11 and a front cover 12 are provided in an opening on the front side of the front case 10. A polarization filter may be provided on a part of the window portion 11. The portion of the front surface 96 below the front cover 12 is called the abdomen. In this example, the center of the abdomen has a substantially rectangular flat surface portion and curved surface portions located to the left and right of the flat surface portion. The reflector 17 and the illumination board 18 are inserted from the opening on the back side of the front case 10 and covered with the rear case 19. The rear case 19 is provided with a main substrate 21, an optical system 50 fixed to the main substrate 21, and an AF mechanism 51. The reflector 17 is a structural component for efficiently irradiating the light from the light emitting element provided on the illumination substrate 18 forward. The reflector 17 includes cone (conical truncated cone) type light condensing portions 176 to 179 for condensing and irradiating light from the light emitting element for illumination forward, and light from the light emitting element for pointer to the front. A cone-shaped condensing part 175 for condensing and irradiating is provided. Gold plating etc. are given to these in order to improve condensing efficiency. The connector holder 20 is attached to the opening on the bottom side of the front case 10. Two communication cables are connected to the connector holder 20, which are connected to the computer 4 and the PLC 5, respectively. A connector substrate is attached to the connector holder 20.

  The left side surface 98 and the right side surface 99 may be respectively provided with screw holes 45 for fixing an optional attachment part detachable from the reader 3. A diffuse reflection member or the like to be described later may be screwed using this screw hole 45.

  FIGS. 3A to 3C are diagrams for explaining the structure around the holder 13. As shown in FIGS. 2A, 3A, and 3B, the holder 13 is a support member for supporting the image display device. The illumination substrate 18 extends in a direction orthogonal to the holder 13 and engages with the holder 13 to support the holder 13. That is, the holder 13 is provided parallel to the top surface 94 of the front case 10, the illumination substrate 18 is provided parallel to the front surface 96 of the front case 10, and both are orthogonal to each other. A groove 131 may be provided on the bottom surface side of the holder 13, and the holder 13 may be firmly fixed to the illumination substrate 18 by fitting the end of the illumination substrate 18 to the groove 131. Adopting such a holder 13 can eliminate the need for a circuit board to which the image display device 14 is attached.

  As shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3C, on the illumination substrate 18, push button type switches 24 and 25 having a pressing surface on the same side as the display surface of the image display device 14 are disposed. May be The switches 24 and 25 may be pressed by the pressing members 22 and 23 integrally configured with the holder 13, and the respective contacts may be closed. Since the pressing directions of the switches 24 and 25 coincide with the length direction of the illumination substrate 18 instructing the holder 13, the holder 13 is not easily bent even if the switches 24 and 25 are pressed. The pressing member 22 is supported by an elastic arm 39 a extending from the main body of the holder 13. Similarly, the pressing member 23 is supported by an elastic arm 39 b extending from the main body of the holder 13. The depressed pressing members 22 and 23 return to their original positions by the elasticity of the arms 39a and 39b. Since the arms 39a and 39b are integrally formed with the holder 13, there is an advantage that an additional member for return such as a spring can be omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the illumination substrate 18 has a circular shape for mounting an optical system module (such as the optical system 50 or the AF mechanism 51) provided corresponding to the imaging device 31. The opening 33 is provided. Around the opening 33, four light emitting elements 26 to 29 for illumination are provided. As shown in FIG. 3A, one or more light emitting elements 32 functioning as an indicator are provided in the vicinity of the engagement portion between the illumination substrate 18 and the holder 13. A light guiding opening 34 is provided in the holder 13 so that the light of the light emitting element 32 is output from the top surface 94 of the front case 10 to the outside. That is, the indicator is disposed between the two switches 24 and 25. As shown in FIG. 3C, since the four sides of the opening 34 are surrounded by the light shielding walls 36a to 36d, the light of the indicator is less likely to leak to the image display device 14. The holder 13 is provided with a receiving groove 37 for receiving the image display device 14. Further, at the bottom of the housing groove 37, a hole 38 for passing a signal cable of the image display device 14 is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, the imaging device 31 is disposed on the main substrate 21. As shown in FIG. 3B, a light emitting element 35 for outputting light for a pointer is disposed on the illumination substrate 18. As described above, the reflector 17 is provided with the focusing portions 176 to 179 for the light emitting elements 26 to 29 in addition to the focusing portion 175 for the light emitting element 35. The condensers 175 to 179 have a cone shape, and light is incident from the opening on the top side of the cone and emitted from the bottom side.

  FIG. 4 is a view showing the main seat 16. A display surface 40 of the image display device 14 is provided at the center of the main sheet 16. A select key 42, an indicator 44, and an enter key 43 are provided below the main sheet 16. The select key 42 is configured by the switch 24 and the pressing member 22 described above. The enter key 43 is configured by the switch 25 and the pressing member 23 described above. The indicator 44 is composed of two light emitting elements 32. For example, the green light emitting element lights up when the reading of the two-dimensional code is successful, and the red light emitting element lights up when the reading of the two-dimensional code fails. In addition to the image (still image or moving image) acquired by the image pickup device 31, the image display device 14 is an image that suggests the user the assignment of the select key 42 and the enter key 43 (SEL and MENU in FIG. May be displayed)).

<Control unit>
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the electronic configuration of the reader 3. The camera unit (imaging unit) of the reader 3 includes an imaging device 31, an optical system 50, an AF mechanism 51, an illumination unit 52, and the like. The imaging device 31 is an image sensor such as a CCD or CMOS that converts an image of a two-dimensional code formed through the optical system 50 into an electrical signal. The AF mechanism 51 is a mechanism that adjusts the position and refractive index of the focusing lens in the optical system 50. The AF mechanism 51 and the optical system 50 are disposed between the imaging device 31 and the opening 33 in FIG. 3B. The AF mechanism 51 and the optical system 50 may be integrated to constitute an optical system module. Further, the imaging device 31, the optical system 50, and the AF mechanism 51 may be simply referred to as a camera or an imaging unit.

  The illumination unit 52 is a unit that includes one or more light emitting elements and illuminates a two-dimensional code. The illumination unit 52 includes, for example, light emitting elements 26 to 29 for illumination and a light emitting element 35 for pointer. The light of the pointer serves as a guide for the optical axis of the optical system 50, and the user may set the workpiece 2 at the correct position by referring to the position of the pointer.

  The decoding unit 53 is a unit that decodes the image data 72 of the two-dimensional code acquired by the imaging device 31 and writes the decoding result 71 in the storage unit 70. The decoding result 71 may include reading success / failure and various indexes in addition to the identification information of the work 2 (eg, serial number, production lot number, package number, slip number). The communication unit 54 is a unit that communicates with the PLC 5 and the computer 4. The communication unit 54 may include, for example, an I / O unit that communicates with the PLC 5 or the cloud 7, a serial communication unit such as an RS 232C, or a network communication unit such as a wireless LAN or a wired LAN. The communication unit 54 may communicate with the cloud 7 via the PLC 5 or may communicate with the cloud 7 without via the PLC 5.

  The display unit 55 includes the image display device 14 and a light emitting element 32 for an indicator. The display unit 55 displays, for example, a character string that is a decoding result 71 of a two-dimensional code, a reading success rate (average reading success rate when reading processing is performed a plurality of times), a matching level (reading allowance) , PPC (a value indicating the number of pixels corresponding to one cell constituting the two-dimensional code in image data: pixel per cell) may be displayed. The input unit 56 is a unit that receives an input operation such as a switch, and includes a select key 42 and an enter key 43. The user may cause the tuning unit 65 to perform tuning by pressing the select key 42 or the enter key 43.

  The control unit 60 is a unit that controls each part of the reader 3 in an integrated manner. The control unit 60 has various functions, but these may be realized by a logic circuit or may be realized by executing software. An auto focus control unit (AF control unit) 61 is a unit that controls the AF mechanism 51. The imaging control unit 62 is a unit that controls the light amount of the illumination light of the illumination unit 52 and controls the exposure time (shutter speed) of the imaging device 31. In particular, the imaging control unit 62 functions as a lighting control unit that controls which one of the plurality of light emitting elements of the lighting unit 52 is to be lighted in accordance with an instruction from the tuning unit 65 or the calculation unit 63.

  The arithmetic unit 63 executes various arithmetic processing. For example, the calculation unit 63 calculates the reading success rate, the matching level, and the PPC using the decoding result and the image data. Of course, these calculations may be performed by units other than the calculation unit 63, such as the decoding unit 53 and the tuning unit 65.

  The tuning unit 65 functions as a reading condition control unit that controls the reading condition or a condition determining unit that determines the illumination condition. The reading conditions are, for example, imaging conditions such as exposure time and illumination light amount, gain, and image processing conditions (filter coefficient and the like) in the decoding unit 53. The exposure time, the illumination light amount, the gain, and the like may be called a brightness parameter. For example, while changing the brightness parameter related to the brightness of the image among the control parameters, the tuning unit 65 obtains an index indicating the readability of the optical information by the operation unit 63, and the index becomes relatively large. Tune the brightness parameter. The appropriate imaging conditions and image processing conditions change due to the influence of external light on the work 2 transported on the line 1 and the like. Therefore, the tuning unit 65 searches for more appropriate reading conditions, and sets the AF control unit 61, the imaging control unit 62, and the decoding unit 53. The tuning unit 65 may determine which of the dark field illumination mode and the bright field illumination mode is suitable for reading the code.

  The UI management unit 66 is a unit that displays image data on the image display device 14, receives a user instruction from the input unit 56, and controls lighting of an indicator.

  The storage unit 70 is a storage device such as a memory, and the decoding result 71 acquired by the decoding unit 53, the image data 72 acquired by the imaging device 31, the data set in the reader 3 by the setting device such as the computer 4, The setting data 73 etc. which are the data set by the input unit 56 are stored. The setting data 73 includes, for example, setting information indicating whether to enable or disable a cooperation mode in which the reader 3 executes the reading setting in cooperation with each other, and authentication information and address information for logging in to the cloud 7. Etc. may be included. The setting data 73 may be created through the input unit 56 or may be created through the computer 4.

<Control device>
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the control device 100 that controls the reader 3. The control device 100 is mounted on any of the PLC 5, the computer 4 or the cloud 7. Also, the control device 100 may be mounted on each reader 3. Here, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the control device 100 is mounted on the computer 4.

  When the reader 3 is miniaturized, it is difficult to set all the functions of the reader 3 only by the display unit 55 and the input unit 56 of the reader 3. Therefore, the computer 4 may create some setting data 73 and transfer it to the reader 3. The CPU 80 is a unit that controls each unit provided in the computer 4 based on the program stored in the storage unit 90. For example, the CPU 80 generates a user interface for setting an imaging condition of the reader 3 and a user interface for displaying the decoding result 71 output from the reader 3, image data 72 and the like, and causes the display unit 87 to display the user interface. The input unit 88 is a pointing device or a keyboard. The communication unit 89 is connected to the communication unit 54 of the reader 3 in a wired or wireless manner, receives the decoding result 71 and the image data 72, and transmits the setting data 73 generated by the setting unit 83. The communication unit 54 may communicate with the cloud 7 or the PLC 5. The storage unit 90 is a memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or the like. The storage unit 90 may be a file server included in the cloud 7.

  The acquisition unit 81 acquires the tuning result and the decoding result of the reader 3 from the reader 3 or the cloud 7. The determination unit 82 determines setting data 73 (control parameter) of the readers 3a and 3c based on, for example, a tuning result of the reader 3b (for example, matching level characteristics with respect to the brightness parameter). The determination unit 82 may determine the brightness parameter of the readers 3a and 3c based on the brightness parameter of the reader 3b, or the tuning range of the brightness parameter in the readers 3a and 3cb based on the brightness parameter of the reader 3b. May be limited. The limitation of the tuning range may be, for example, determining the mask range based on the brightness parameter of the reader 3b. The setting unit 83 accesses the readers 3a and 3c via the communication unit 89, and sets the control parameter determined by the determination unit 82 in the readers 3a and 3c. The control unit 84 controls the readers 3a, 3b and 3c. For example, the control unit 84 may output the decoding result 71 to the reader 3 among the readers 3a, 3b, and 3c that has successfully read the optical code 8. The comparison unit 85 is a function that can be included in the determination unit 82, and may compare the decoding results of the readers 3a, 3b, and 3c to determine the reader 3 that has acquired the best decoding result or index. The determination unit 82 may determine control parameters of the other readers 3 on the basis of the tuning result of the reader 3 that has acquired the best decoding result or index. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the tuning result of the reader 3b is superior to the tuning result of the readers 3a and 3c.

<Tuning>
As described above, the reading setting of the reader 3 is basically determined by tuning. In general, in the tuning, the reader 3 reads the optical code 8 attached to the work 2 as an example, and the reading setting is determined based on the reading result. Here, a brightness parameter is adopted as a reading setting.

  FIG. 7 shows the relationship between the brightness parameter acquired by the reader 3 and the matching level. The tuning unit 65 causes the calculation unit 63 to calculate the matching level while changing the brightness parameter, and determines the brightness parameter that satisfies the predetermined condition. For example, the tuning unit 65 may specify a brightness range (width D) corresponding to the matching level exceeding the threshold mth, and determine the brightness L to be the center of the range. The readers 3a, 3b, and 3c may perform tuning, respectively, and upload tuning results (brightness and matching level) to the cloud 7. The acquisition unit 81 of the control device 100 downloads the matching level of each reader 3 from the cloud 7, and the determination unit 82 or the comparison unit 85 compares the matching level of each reader 3. Here, the maximum matching level of the reader 3a, the maximum matching level of the reader 3b, and the maximum matching level of the reader 3c may be compared. As a result, the determination unit 82 or the comparison unit 85 specifies the reader 3 that has output the highest matching level. Here, it is assumed that the leader 3b is identified.

  FIG. 8 shows the relationship between the brightness obtained by the reader 3b serving as the reference and the matching level. According to this example, the determination unit 82 determines the appropriate brightness Lb from the relationship between the brightness acquired by the reader 3 b and the matching level. Further, the determination unit 82 determines the mask range Rb based on a predetermined mask rule. The mask range Rb is a range (exclusion range) in which the other readers 3a and 3c other than the reader 3b can not be used for tuning. That is, each tuning unit 65 of the readers 3a and 3c performs tuning while changing the brightness in the remaining range excluding at least the mask range Rb to determine its own brightness La and Lc. As the mask rule, a rule may be adopted in which a range (eg, ± 10% of Lb) obtained by multiplying the brightness Lb for the reader 3b by the tolerance (coefficient) is set as the mask range Rb. In this case, the width X of the mask range Rb is 0.2 Lb. The start position of the mask range Rb is 0.9 Lb, and the end position is 1.1 Lb. Other rules may also be adopted. For example, a rule in which 1 / n (for example, D / 3) of the width D of the brightness corresponding to the matching level exceeding the threshold mth is the width X of the mask range Rb and Lb is the center of the mask range Rb is It may be adopted.

  FIG. 9 shows a method of determining the mask range Ra of the reader 3a. Here, the tuning result of the leader 3a is shown. The mask ranges Ra and Rb are ranges of brightness that can not be used by the reader 3c. The determination unit 82 may set the mask range Ra adjacent to the mask range Rb. In this case, the width of the mask range Ra may be the width X of the mask range Rb. Alternatively, the setting unit 83 may set the mask range Rb in the reader 3a, and the tuning unit 65 of the reader 3a may determine the mask range Ra based on the mask range Rb. In this case, the tuning unit 65 of the reader 3a performs tuning in the entire remaining range excluding the mask range Rb, determines the appropriate brightness La and width D in the above procedure, and centers the brightness La according to the mask rule The mask range Ra may be determined as The tuning unit 65 may upload the determined brightness La and the mask range Ra to the cloud 7 or may transmit it to the control device 100. Since the determination unit 82 can calculate the mask range Ra by applying the mask rule to the brightness La, the determination and upload of the mask range Ra by the reader 3a may be omitted. Although the mask range Ra and the mask range Rb are in contact in FIG. 9, the mask range Ra and the mask range Rb may be separated, or the mask range Ra and the mask range Rb partially overlap. May be

  FIG. 10 shows a method of determining the mask range Rc of the reader 3c. The mask range Rc can be determined when four or more readers 3 exist. The determination unit 82 may set the mask range Rc adjacent to the mask range Rb. In this case, the width of the mask range Rc may be the width X of the mask range Rb. Alternatively, the setting unit 83 may set the mask ranges Ra and Rb in the reader 3c, and the tuning unit 65 of the reader 3a may determine the mask range Rc based on the mask ranges Ra and Rb. In this case, the tuning unit 65 of the reader 3c performs tuning in the entire remaining range excluding the mask ranges Ra and Rb, determines an appropriate brightness Lc, and sets the mask range Rc based on the mask rule centering on the brightness Lc. The determined brightness Lc and the mask range Rc may be uploaded to the cloud 7 or may be transmitted to the control device 100. The determination unit 82 can calculate the mask range Rc by applying the mask rule to the brightness Lc, and therefore determination and upload of the mask range Rc by the reader 3c may be omitted. Although the mask range Rc and the mask range Rb are in contact in FIG. 10, the mask range Rc and the mask range Rb may be separated, or even if the mask range Rc and the mask range Rb overlap in part. Good.

  Here, the tuning of the reader 3a is performed prior to the tuning of the reader 3c. The execution order may be the order in which the reader 3 has accessed the control device 100, or the decoding result or the tuning result may match the good order. In the latter case, each reader 3 will perform an individual tuning without applying the mask range in advance and upload the result to the control device 100 or the cloud 7. In either case, the execution order may be determined by the CPU 80.

Example of Using While Switching Multiple Control Parameters FIG. 11 shows a case where each reader 3 has multiple settings (brightness). In this example, for example, the brightness L1 is set as the main setting value of the reader 3b, and the mask range R1 is determined. Next, tuning is performed based on the mask range R1, the brightness L2 is set as a sub setting value, and the mask range R2 is determined. Similarly, tuning is performed based on the mask ranges R1 and R2, and the brightness L3 is set as the main setting value of the reader 3a, and the mask range R3 is determined. Next, tuning is performed based on the mask ranges R1R1, R2, and R3 to set the brightness L4 as a sub setting value, and the mask range R4 is determined. Finally, tuning is performed based on the mask ranges R1, R2, R3, and R4 to set the brightness L5 as the main set value of the reader 3c, and the mask range R5 is determined. Next, tuning is performed based on the mask ranges R1 to R5, the brightness L6 is set as a sub setting value, and the mask range R6 is determined. Thus, each reader 3 may have a plurality of control parameters set. In this case, each reader 3 may read the optical code while switching a plurality of control parameters when reading the optical code 8 of the workpiece 2 conveyed on the line 1. Alternatively, each reader 3 may execute reading with the main control parameters, and if reading fails, it may switch to a sub control parameter to re-execute reading of the optical code 8.

  The control device 100 may determine a plurality of control parameters (brightness levels L1 to L6) in advance and set one or more control parameters in each reader 3. The number of control parameters set to each reader 3 may be the same or different.

  FIG. 12 is a table for explaining that one or more control parameters are set in each reader 3. The cloud 7 may store and hold such a table in the storage unit 90. In this example, the brightness L1 and L4 are set to the reader 3a, the brightness L2 and L5 are set to the reader 3b, and the brightness L3 and L6 are set to the reader 3c. The calculation unit 63 of each reader 3 counts the number of successful readings for each brightness set for itself and uploads it to the cloud 7. The determination unit 82 of the cloud 7 or the control device 100 obtains the sum (for example, 1305 times) of the number of readings, and calculates the reading success rate of each brightness. This makes it clear which brightness is effective. In this example, the brightness L2 is most advantageous. Therefore, the setting unit 83 may add the brightness L2 to the readers 3a and 3c in which the brightness L2 is not set. Further, the setting unit 83 may delete from each reader 3 the brightness at which the reading success rate does not exceed the threshold.

● Optimization in the entire reader system Each reader 3 performs tuning individually, uploads the decoding result and the tuning result to the cloud 7, and the control device 100 comprehensively decodes the decoding results and tuning results of all the readers 3. The mask range of each reader 3 may be determined in consideration of the above.

  FIG. 13 shows matching levels ma, mb, and mc with respect to the brightness of the readers 3a, 3b, and 3c, respectively. In FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the width D is determined based on the decoding result and the tuning result of the reader 3b as the reference. On the other hand, the width D is determined in consideration of the matching levels ma, mb, and mc in FIG. The determination unit 82 compares the matching levels ma, mb, and mc with the threshold mth to determine the minimum brightness Lmin and the maximum brightness Lmax exceeding the threshold mth. The width D is obtained by subtracting Lmin from Lmax. In this example, since the matching level ma of the reader 3a is lower in brightness and exceeds the threshold mth, the minimum brightness Lmin is determined based on the matching level ma. In addition, since the matching level mc of the reader 3c is higher in brightness and exceeds the threshold mth, the maximum brightness Lmax is determined based on the matching level mc. In this manner, the width D may be determined by ORing the matching levels of the plurality of readers 3.

  As illustrated in FIG. 14, the determination unit 82 determines three mask ranges R1, R2, and R3 based on the width D. Each width X of the mask ranges R1, R2 and R3 is D / 3. For example, the setting unit 83 may set mask ranges R2 and R3 for the reader 3a, set mask ranges R1 and R3 for the reader 3b, and set mask ranges R1 and R2 for the reader 3c. The tuning unit 65 of each reader 3 performs the brightness tuning excluding the mask range set by the setting unit 83, and determines the brightness appropriate for itself. The tuning unit 65 of each reader 3 may upload the determined brightness to the cloud 7 or the control device 100.

<Flow chart>
System in which Control Device Intervenes FIG. 15 shows a method of tuning control parameters in which the control device 100 intervenes. FIG. 16 shows transmission and reception of information and instructions in the control parameter tuning method in which the control device 100 intervenes.

  The CPU 80 (acquisition unit 81) acquires the tuning result of the reader 3 from the cloud 7 in S1. As shown in FIG. 16, the readers 3a, 3b and 3c perform tuning in advance, the reader 3a uploads the tuning result P1, the reader 3b uploads the tuning result P2, and the reader 3c uploads the tuning result P3 to the cloud 7. ing. The tuning result is, for example, a matching level corresponding to each brightness. The acquiring unit 81 may request the readers 3a, 3b, and 3c to perform tuning and upload the tuning result to the cloud 7. The acquisition unit 81 transmits the result request P4 to the cloud 7, and the cloud 7 transmits the result response P5 to the control device 100. The result request P4 is a command for requesting the download of the tuning results P1, P2, and P3. The result reply P5 includes the tuning results P1, P2 and P3.

  In S2, the CPU 80 (determination unit 82) determines the reader 3 as the reference for determining the mask range among the readers 3a, 3b, and 3c. The determination unit 82 and the comparison unit 85 compare the tuning results P1, P2, and P3 to determine the reader 3 that has generated the best tuning result. It is assumed here that the leader 3b has produced the best matching level.

  At S3, the CPU 80 (determination unit 82) determines the mask range based on the tuning result. As described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10, the determination unit 82 determines the mask range Rb using the tuning result P2 of the reader 3b.

  S4 is an optional step. In S4, the CPU 80 (determination unit 82) excludes the mask range determined in S3 and determines a tuning range to be applied to the other readers 3. When the reader 3 determines the tuning range based on the mask range, S4 is omitted.

  At S5, the CPU 80 (setting unit 83) sets the mask range (or tuning range) to the other reader 3 (eg, reader 3a). In this example, the mask range Rb is set to the reader 3a. The control device 100 transmits the mask setting P6 including the mask range Rb to the reader 3a. When the reader 3a receives the mask setting 6, the reader 3a extracts the mask range Rb from the mask setting P6 and determines a tuning range excluding the mask range Rb.

  At S6, the CPU 80 (control unit 84) transmits a tuning execution instruction to the other reader 3 (for example, the reader 3a). When the reader 3a receives the execution instruction, it starts retuning. For example, the tuning unit 65 obtains the matching level while changing the brightness within the tuning range excluding the mask range Rb, and determines the appropriate brightness La. The tuning unit 65 uploads this tuning result P 7 to the cloud 7.

  At this point in time, since the mask range is not set in the reader 3c, the control device 100 executes S3 to S6. That is, the determination unit 82 transmits the result request P8 to the cloud 7, and receives the result response P9 from the cloud 7. The result response P9 includes the retuning result P7 of the reader 3a. The mask range Ra is determined based on the second tuning result P7 of the reader 3a. In S5, the setting unit 83 transmits the mask setting P10 including the mask ranges Ra and Rb to the reader 3c to set the mask ranges Ra and Rb in the reader 3c. When receiving the mask setting P10, the tuning unit 65 of the reader 3c excludes the mask ranges Ra and Rb, determines the tuning range, and executes the tuning again within the determined tuning range. The tuning unit 65 of the reader 3c uploads the tuning result P11 to the cloud 7 again.

System without Control Device FIG. 17 shows a method without the control device 100. FIG. 18 shows transmission and reception of information and commands in a method in which the control device 100 does not intervene. In this example, each reader 3 mainly determines the mask range and the tuning range and executes the tuning.

  In step S11, the tuning unit 65 determines whether multiple-device linkage is turned on. The plural-device cooperation (cooperation mode) means that the readers 3a, 3b and 3c hold the reading settings slightly different from each other. The cooperation information indicating whether or not plural units cooperation is on may be held by the cloud 7 or may be included in the setting data 73 held in the storage unit 70 of each reader 3. In FIG. 18, it is assumed that the cloud 7 holds linkage information. For example, the tuning unit 65 of the reader 3a transmits a cooperation inquiry P21 to the cloud 7. The cooperation query P21 may be a simple file read request. When the cloud 7 receives the cooperation query P21, the cloud 7 searches for identification information of the other readers 3b and 3c associated with the identification information of the reader 3a included in the cooperation query P21. The cloud 7 transmits the query result P22 including the search result to the reader 3a. If the identification information of the other readers 3b and 3c associated with the identification information of the reader 3a does not exist, the information indicating that there is no cooperation is included in the inquiry result P22. “No cooperation here” means not only that there is no other reader 3 set in cooperation with the reader 3 a but also the tuning result and mask range of the readers 3 b and 3 c set in cooperation with the reader 3 a It also means that it has not been decided. Of course, no cooperation may mean that there is no other reader 3 set in cooperation with the reader 3a. In this case, the tuning unit 65 transmits to the cloud 7 an inquiry about the tuning result and the mask range of the readers 3b and 3c set in cooperation with the reader 3a, and tries to download the tuning result and the mask range. I will. As a result, it is possible to distinguish between linked and with fixed tuning result and mask range, and with linked and unfixed tuning result and mask range.

  If a plurality of units are not turned on, the tuning unit 65 proceeds to S20. At S20, the tuning unit 65 performs tuning over the entire range of control parameters (eg, brightness), and uploads the tuning result P23 to the cloud 7. The tuning result P23 may include a matching level for each brightness, or may include range information indicating the mask range determined by the tuning unit 65. Thereafter, the tuning unit 65 proceeds to S14.

  When multiple unit cooperation is turned on, the tuning unit 65 proceeds to S12.

  At S12, the tuning unit 65 determines whether the setting (for example, mask range or tuning result) of another reader 3 is held in the cloud 7. If the cloud 7 does not hold the setting of the other reader 3 yet, the tuning unit 65 proceeds to S20. On the other hand, if the cloud 7 holds the setting of another reader 3, the tuning unit 65 proceeds to S13.

  At S13, the tuning unit 65 excludes the mask range of the other readers 3 to determine its own tuning range, and executes brightness tuning within its own tuning range. The tuning unit 65 may determine its own tuning range after determining the mask range based on the tuning results of the other readers 3.

  S14 is an optional step. At S14, the tuning unit 65 determines the mask range to be applied to the other reader 3 based on the tuning result of its own.

  The tuning unit 65 uploads the tuning result to the cloud 7 in S15. In the case where the tuning unit 65 determines the mask range to be applied to the other readers 3, the tuning unit 65 also uploads the mask range to be applied to the other readers 3 to the cloud 7.

  According to FIG. 18, the reader 3 b transmits a cooperation inquiry P <b> 24 to the cloud 7, and receives an inquiry result (mask setting) P <b> 25 from the cloud 7. The inquiry result P25 includes the mask setting (eg, mask range Ra) determined based on the tuning result of the reader 3a or the tuning result of the reader 3a. The reader 3b tunes the brightness within the tuning range according to the mask setting included in the query result P25. For example, the reader 3b excludes the mask range Ra, determines its own tuning range, and executes tuning. The reader 3 b uploads the tuning result (and the mask range Rb) P 26 to the cloud 7.

  The reader 3c transmits a cooperation inquiry P27 to the cloud 7, and receives an inquiry result (mask setting) P28 from the cloud 7. The inquiry result P28 includes mask settings (eg, mask ranges Ra and Rb) determined based on the tuning results of the readers 3a and 3b or the tuning results of the readers 3a and 3b. The reader 3c tunes the brightness within the tuning range according to the mask setting included in the query result P28. For example, the reader 3c excludes the mask ranges Ra and Rb, determines its own tuning range, and executes tuning. The reader 3 c uploads the tuning result (and the mask range Rc) P 29 to the cloud 7.

<Summary>
According to the present embodiment, the optical information reading system has a plurality of optical information reading devices (e.g., readers 3a, 3b, 3c). The optical information reader may simply be called a reader. The readers 3a, 3b, 3c may be able to communicate with the cloud 7 via a network. As illustrated in FIG. 5 and the like, the imaging element 31 functions as an imaging unit that receives light from the workpiece 2 and captures an image of the workpiece 2. The decoding unit 53 decodes the optical information based on the image of the work 2. The tuning unit 65 tunes control parameters including at least one of the illumination condition of the illumination unit 52, the imaging condition of the imaging device 31, and the decoding condition of the decoding unit 53 based on the decoding result of the decoding unit 53.

  The control device 100 acquires the tuning result of the first reading device from at least the first reading device (e.g., the reader 3b). Based on the tuning result of the first reader, the control device 100 controls at least the control parameters of the second reader (e.g., the reader 3a) (e.g., mask range, tuning range, brightness parameter) of the first reader and the control parameters of the first reader. Decide to be different in part. The control device 100 sets the determined control parameter of the second reader to the second reader. The tuning unit 65 of the second reader (for example, the reader 3a) performs tuning in accordance with the control parameter (for example, the mask range of the brightness parameter) set by the setting unit 83, and the control parameter (for example, : Decode the optical information given to the work 2 using the brightness parameter), and output the decoding result. As described above, according to the present embodiment, control parameters used by a plurality of optical information reading devices are set to deviate. Therefore, the burden on the user who sets the plurality of optical information reading devices for reading optical information is reduced. Further, since the control parameters used by the plurality of optical information reading devices are set to deviate, if viewed as the whole of the optical information reading system, the transport position of the work 2, the application position of the optical information, the printing accuracy of the optical information ( Robustness is increased against variations such as marking accuracy).

The tuning unit 65 obtains an index (e.g., matching level) indicating readability of optical information while changing the brightness parameter related to the brightness of the image among the control parameters, and the index becomes relatively large. Are configured to tune the brightness parameter. The determination unit 82 determines the mask range of the brightness parameter of the second reading device so that the tuning range of the brightness parameter of the first reading device and the tuning range of the brightness parameter of the second reading device differ at least in part. You may By setting the mask range in this manner, the control parameter is easily determined to be different among the plurality of optical information reading devices. The tuning unit 65 has the remainder obtained by excluding the mask range from the range of the predetermined brightness parameter. Is configured to tune the brightness parameter as a tuning range. The predetermined range of the brightness parameter is the range of the brightness parameter that can be set in the tuning unit 65.

  The brightness parameter is, for example, one of the illumination light amount of the illumination unit 52, the exposure time of the imaging device 31, and the gain of the imaging device 31. The brightness parameter may be plural. In this case, a mask range is determined for each brightness parameter and tuning is performed. For example, the mask range of the illumination light amount, the mask range of the exposure time, and the mask range of the gain are determined in accordance with the matching level.

  The determination unit 82 may be configured to determine the mask range (e.g., Rb) based on the tuning result of the first reader (e.g., the reader 3 b). The setting unit 83 is configured to set the mask range Rb to the second reading device (e.g., the readers 3a and 3c). The tuning unit 65 of the second reader may be configured to perform tuning of the brightness parameter excluding the mask range (e.g., Rb).

  The control device 100 may further include a comparison unit 85 that compares the index obtained by the first reader with the index obtained by the second reader. As FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 show, when the index of the first reading device is better than the index of the second reading device, the determination unit 82 references the tuning result of the first reading device as a second reading device The mask range of the brightness parameter may be determined.

  As FIG.13 and FIG.14 shows, the determination part 82 makes a 1st reader and a 2nd reader perform tuning, respectively, and based on the tuning result of a 1st reader and the tuning result of a 2nd reader The width X of the mask range may then be determined. The second reader may be configured to perform the tuning of the brightness parameter again according to the width of the mask range (e.g. X = D / 3).

  The determination unit 82 multiplies the brightness parameter (e.g., Lb) included in the tuning result of the first reader by an allowance coefficient (e.g., 0.2) to obtain the width of the mask range (e.g., 0.2 Lb). May be configured to determine. In this case, when the center of the mask range Rb is the brightness Lb, the start position is 0.9 Lb and the end position is 1.1 Lb.

  As FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 show, the first reader (e.g. the reader 3b) is different in at least a part of the first set (e.g. L2) which is a set of control parameters from the first set. If the reading of optical information using the first set is unsuccessful, the reading of the optical information using the second set may be performed.

  The second reader (e.g. reader 3a) is a third set (e.g. L1) which is a set of control parameters and a fourth set (e.g. a set of control parameters different at least in part from the third set) L4), and if reading of optical information using the third set fails, reading of optical information using the fourth set may be performed.

  The first reader or controller 100 may determine the read success rate of the optical information using the first set (eg, L2). The setting unit 83 may be configured to add the first set to the second reading device when the reading success rate of the optical information by the first set exceeds the threshold. The reading success rate may be, for example, a numerical value obtained by dividing the number of successes M when N readings are performed by N. Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the read success rate may be a ratio of the number of successful readings for each set to the total number of successful readings of a plurality of sets.

  The arithmetic unit 63 of the first reading device or the CPU 80 of the control device 100 may obtain the reading success rate of optical information using the first set and the reading success rate of optical information using the second set. The arithmetic unit 63 of the second reading device or the CPU 80 of the control device 100 may obtain the reading success rate of optical information using the third set and the reading success rate of optical information using the fourth set. The setting unit 83 is configured to set a set having the highest reading success rate among the first set, the second set, the third set, and the fourth set to both the first reader and the second reader. It may be

  As shown in FIG. 17 and the like, the tuning unit 65 of the first reader accesses the cloud 7 and relates to the tuning range of the control parameter of the second reader set to cooperate with the first reader. Range information (eg, mask range Rb) may be acquired. The tuning unit 65 of the first reader may determine the tuning range of the control parameter of the first reader so as to differ at least in part from the tuning range of the control parameter of the second reader based on the range information. The tuning unit 65 of the first reader may tune the control parameter within the tuning range of the control parameter of the first reader determined. Here, the range information indicates a mask range excluded from the tuning range of the control parameter of the first reader. That is, the range information indicates a first mask range (e.g., Rb) which is a range of control parameters excluded from the tuning range of the control parameter of the optical information reading device (e.g., reader a). The tuning unit 65 may upload the tuning result of the control parameter of the optical information reading device to the cloud 7 as the range information. The tuning unit 65 further tunes control parameters of another optical information reader (e.g., reader c) different from the optical information reader (e.g., reader a) and another optical information reader (e.g., reader b) A second mask range (eg, mask range Ra) which is a range of control parameters excluded from the range may be configured to be uploaded to the cloud 7. Furthermore, the other optical information reader (e.g., reader c) determines its own tuning range excluding the second mask range (e.g., mask range Ra) to be taken by the first mask range (e.g., Rb). Search for appropriate brightness parameters within the tuning range.

  FIG. 19A shows that a plurality of readers form a group and output one reading result for each group. The PLC 5 or the computer 4 is connected to the plurality of readers 3a to 3e via a network or the like. The PLC 5 or the computer 4 sets the readers 3a to 3c so that the readers 3a to 3c belong to the group Gr1. Similarly, the PLC 5 or the computer 4 sets the readers 3d and 3e so that the readers 3d and 3e belong to the group Gr2. Note that this setting may be performed through the operation unit provided in the readers 3a to 3e.

  FIG. 19B is a table for explaining the decoding result for each group. The PLC 5 acquires or receives the decoding result output from each of the readers 3a to 3c belonging to the group Gr1, and generates the decoding result of the group Gr1. In this example, the PLC 5 determines the decoding result of the group Gr1 by taking the logical sum of the decoding results output from the readers 3a to 3c. Similarly, the PLC 5 determines the decoding result of the group Gr2 by taking the logical sum of the decoding results output from the readers 3e and 3d. As shown in FIG. 19 (B), the reader 3a has succeeded in decoding, and the readers 3b and 3c have failed in decoding. Therefore, the PLC 5 outputs the decoding result of the reader 3a as the decoding result of the group Gr1. As described above, when the workpiece 2 is transported at high speed, decoding of the optical information 8 is likely to fail. Therefore, by applying the settings determined so that the readers 3a to 3c are different from each other, at least one of the readers 3a to 3c belonging to the group Gr1 can easily decode successfully. That is, the success probability of decoding of the group Gr1 is higher than the individual success probabilities of the readers 3a to 3c. As a result, the workpiece 2 can be transported at high speed. In other words, the transport speed of the workpiece 2 can be increased while maintaining the success rate of decoding.

  Here, the PLC 5 generates the decoding result for each group, but any one of the plurality of readers 3 belonging to the group may be set as the representative leader. In this case, the representative leader may obtain the decoding results from the other readers 3 and generate the decoding results for each group. The representative reader may be set for each reader 3 in the group by the PLC 5 or the computer 4, or a representative reader may be designated through the operation unit of each reader 3.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... line, 2 ... work, 3 ... reader, 4 ... computer, 5 ... PLC, 7 ... cloud, 8 ... optical code

Claims (16)

An illumination unit that emits illumination light to a workpiece to which optical information is given; an imaging unit that receives light from the workpiece to capture an image of the workpiece; and a decoding unit that decodes the optical information based on an image of the workpiece A tuning unit configured to tune a control parameter including at least one of an illumination condition of the illumination unit, an imaging condition of the imaging unit, and a decoding condition of the decoding unit based on the decoding result of the decoding unit; A reader and a second reader;
A controller that controls the first reader and the second reader;
An optical information reading system having
The controller is
An acquisition unit for acquiring the tuning result of the first reader from at least the first reader;
A determination unit that determines that the control parameter of the second reader differs at least in part from the control parameter of the first reader based on the tuning result of the first reader;
Setting the control parameter of the second reading device determined by the determination unit to the second reading device;
The tuning unit of the second reader executes tuning in accordance with the control parameter set by the setting unit, and decodes the optical information provided to the work using the control parameter determined by the tuning. An optical information reading system characterized by executing and outputting a decoding result. The tuning unit determines an index indicating readability of the optical information while changing a brightness parameter related to the brightness of the image among the control parameters, and the brightness is adjusted so that the index becomes relatively large. Configured to tune parameters,
The determination unit may be configured to mask the brightness parameter of the second reading device such that the tuning range of the brightness parameter of the first reading device and the tuning range of the brightness parameter of the second reading device differ at least in part. Determine the range,
The optical system according to claim 1, wherein the tuning unit is configured to tune the brightness parameter with the remaining range excluding the mask range from the range of the brightness parameter as a tuning range. Information reading system.   The optical information reading system according to claim 2, wherein the brightness parameter is one of an illumination light amount of the illumination unit, an exposure time of the imaging unit, and a gain of the imaging unit. The determination unit is configured to determine the mask range based on a tuning result of the first reader.
The setting unit is configured to set the mask range to the second reader,
4. The optical information reading system according to claim 2, wherein the tuning unit of the second reading apparatus is configured to perform the tuning of the brightness parameter excluding the mask range. The controller further comprises:
A comparison unit that compares the index obtained by the first reader with the index obtained by the second reader;
The determination unit determines a brightness parameter of the second reading device based on a tuning result of the first reading device when the index of the first reading device is better than the index of the second reading device. The optical information reading system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the optical information reading system is configured to determine a mask range of The determination unit causes the first reading device and the second reading device to perform tuning, and the width of the mask range based on the tuning result of the first reading device and the tuning result of the first reading device. Configured to determine the
The optical information according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the second reader is configured to perform tuning of the brightness parameter again according to the width of the mask range. Reading system.   The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit is configured to determine the width of the mask range by multiplying the brightness parameter included in the tuning result of the first reader by an allowance coefficient. The optical information reading system according to any one of 2 to 5. The first reader comprises a first set of the control parameters and a second set of the control parameters different at least in part from the first set, the first set being If reading of the used optical information fails, reading of the optical information using the second set is performed,
The second reader comprises a third set of the control parameters and a fourth set of the control parameters at least partially different from the third set, the third set comprising: The reading method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein reading of the optical information using the fourth set is configured to be performed when the reading of the used optical information fails. Optical information reading system. The first reading device obtains a reading success rate of the optical information using the first set;
The setting unit is configured to add the first set to the second reading device when the reading success rate of the optical information by the first set exceeds a threshold. Item 9. An optical information reading system according to item 8. The first reading device obtains a reading success rate of the optical information using the first set and a reading success rate of the optical information using the second set.
The second reading device obtains a reading success rate of the optical information using the third set and a reading success rate of the optical information using the fourth set.
The setting unit sets a set having the highest reading success rate among the first set, the second set, the third set, and the fourth set to both the first reader and the second reader. The optical information reading system according to claim 8, wherein the optical information reading system is configured to set. An optical information reading system comprising a first reader capable of communicating with a cloud and a second reader, comprising:
The first reader and the second reader are each
An illumination unit for illuminating the workpiece to which optical information is given;
An imaging unit configured to receive light from the workpiece to image the workpiece;
A decoding unit that decodes the optical information based on the image of the work;
A tuning unit for tuning a control parameter including at least one of an illumination condition of the illumination unit, an imaging condition of the imaging unit, and a decoding condition of the decoding unit based on the decoding result of the decoding unit;
The tuning unit of the first reader is:
The cloud is accessed, range information related to the tuning range of the control parameter of the second reading device set to cooperate with the first reading device is acquired, and the second reading device is acquired based on the range information Determining the tuning range of the control parameter of the first reading device to be different from the tuning range of the control parameter of the first reading device, and tuning the control parameter within the tuning range of the control parameter of the first reading device. An optical information reading system comprising:   The optical information reading system according to claim 11, wherein the range information indicates a mask range excluded from a tuning range of a control parameter of the first reading device. An optical information reader capable of communicating with the cloud, wherein
An illumination unit for illuminating the workpiece to which optical information is given;
An imaging unit configured to receive light from the workpiece to image the workpiece;
A decoding unit that decodes the optical information based on the image of the work;
A tuning unit for tuning a control parameter including at least one of an illumination condition of the illumination unit, an imaging condition of the imaging unit, and a decoding condition of the decoding unit based on the decoding result of the decoding unit;
The tuning unit is
The cloud is accessed to obtain range information related to the tuning range of the control parameter of another optical information reading device set to cooperate with the optical information reading device, and control of the other optical information reading device The tuning range of the control parameter of the optical information reader is determined to be different from the tuning range of the parameter at least in part, and the control parameter is tuned within the determined tuning range of the control parameter of the optical information reader. An optical information reader characterized in that   The optical information reader according to claim 13, wherein the range information indicates a first mask range which is a range of control parameters excluded from the tuning range of the control parameter of the optical information reader.   The optical information reader according to claim 13, wherein the tuning unit is configured to upload a tuning result of a control parameter of the optical information reader as the range information to the cloud.   The tuning unit is configured to set a second mask range, which is a range of control parameters excluded from a tuning range of control parameters of another optical information reader different from the optical information reader and the other optical information reader. The optical information reading device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the optical information reading device is configured to be uploaded.