JP2002024754A - Optical information reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical information reader capable of reading an optical pattern having a long horizontal width in the direction of reading column singly. SOLUTION: This optical information reader includes a light illumination means, a converging optical system 5, a two-dimensional electronic scanning type reading sensor 8, a signal binarization means, and a signal overlapping part cancelling means. The two-dimensional electronic scanning type reading sensor 8 includes, for example, a first light receive region 81 and a second light receive region 82, and the converging optical system 5 includes, for example, a first image formation lens 51 and a second image formation lens 52. When the optical pattern 3 is put across the maximum reading distance in the front so as to be long horizontally, reflected light fluxes originated in a first reflection region 3c1 and a second reflection region 3c2 in a linear reflection region 3c are photoelectrically converted in the first and second linear light receive regions 81 and 82, respectively. A signal overlapping part originated in overlapping parts in the first and second reflection regions 3c1 and 3c2 is cancelled by the signal overlapping part cancellation means.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical information reading apparatus capable of reading optical information such as a bar code having a large number of digits and a large width. In particular, the present invention relates to an electronic scanning type optical information reading apparatus capable of reading optical information such as a bar code having a large width exceeding a bar code reading opening width and a large number of digits.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional technique will be described. Conventional optical information reading devices are roughly classified into three types: touch-type scanners, pen-type scanners, and laser scanners. 2. Description of the Related Art A conventional touch-type scanner illuminates an optical pattern recorded on an optical recording medium (a member to be read) by an illuminating unit, and reads a light image formed by scattering and reflection from the optical pattern in a one-dimensional electronic scanning type. An image is formed on a sensor (for example, a CCD), which is converted into an electric analog signal on a time axis by the photoelectric conversion function of the one-dimensional electronic scanning reading sensor, and this signal is processed electrically to obtain the analog signal. This is for reading an optical pattern. As the optical pattern, bar code symbols have been mainly used. In addition, as an optical recording medium (member to be read), a member having a generally hard and flat surface has been used.

[0003] However, the fields of performing registration processing and information management of article information are retail, FA (Factory).
Automation, distribution, service industry, OA (Of
As a result, the types of articles and information to be handled have been diversified, and the amount of information has further increased. The result has been some notable changes. First, as the amount of information has increased, the maximum number of constituent digits of barcode symbols has been increasing.
Some of the members to be read (eg, labels) have a length in the reading digit range of 15 cm to 20 cm.

Second, as the optical recording medium (member to be read), a member having a hard surface and a curved surface, and a member having a soft surface and an irregular shape have come to be used. For example, a label on which a barcode symbol is printed is attached to the surface of a bag or can, or the barcode symbol itself is directly printed on the surface of a bag or can.

[0005] Third, in conjunction with the development of barcode systems, JAN, EA attached to members having a soft surface such as bags in retail, FA, OA, and logistics applications.
N, barcode symbols such as UPC, Code3
Barcode symbols having an indefinite length such as 9, Code128, NW7, and ITF are mixed.

[0006]

First, in order to make it possible to read a long optical pattern in the reading digit direction by the above-mentioned conventional touch-type scanner, the width of the reading opening must be made large. However, the touch-type scanner having a longer reading opening width naturally has a reduced operability.

Secondly, in a conventional touch-type scanner having a large reading opening, the width of a one-dimensional electronic scanning reading sensor is limited by itself, so that a focal length is short and a wide-angle image is formed. Required. However, when a wide-angle imaging lens having a short focal length and a wide-angle lens is used, a distortion (distortion) specific to a wide-angle lens is generated.
The optical image (imaging) on the one-dimensional electronic scanning reading sensor is lost due to the loss of similarity to the optical pattern as the original image (Iwanami, “Physical and Chemical Dictionary 4th Edition” (December 15, 1989)
(See the column “Seidel's Five Aberrations” on page 473).

Third, in a conventional touch-type scanner having a long reading port width, when a short focal length and wide-angle imaging lens is used, a pixel (1) on a one-dimensional electronic scanning reading sensor is used. Pixels) is limited by itself,
The resolution and reading accuracy are reduced and the operation ends.

Fourth, the tip of the Ben-type scanner is brought into contact with a member to be read whose surface is soft and irregular and a bar code symbol of a member to be read whose surface is hard and curved. Moreover, scanning at a constant speed has never been easy for many operators. This is all the more necessary if the barcode symbol lengthens. For this reason, the bar code information is frequently misread, and the reading operation is inefficient, and the bar code information is inefficient.

Fifthly, a pen-type scanner and a touch-type scanner are prepared in advance to read a barcode symbol having an indefinite number of constituent digits, and the length of the barcode symbol on the member to be read is determined. There is also a method of selectively using the two, but this method increases initial costs and running costs to always keep two types of scanners available, and also to always allow connection to the host computer to be changed. There is a problem of doing. In addition, the method of using the two is very complicated for many operators. Sixth, the existence of the above problems has caused a major bottleneck in further system scale-up.

[0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, a first object of the present invention is to provide an optical information reading apparatus capable of independently reading various optical patterns having an arbitrary length in a reading digit direction. Is to do. A second object of the invention of this application is to read a long optical pattern in the reading digit direction at a high resolution with less distortion (distortion) as compared with one using the same wide-angle imaging lens. Can be done,
An object of the present invention is to provide an optical information reading device with good operability. A third object of the invention of the present application is to provide an optical information reading apparatus capable of reading an optical pattern such as a single-stage barcode, a multi-stage barcode, characters, symbols, etc., which is long in a reading digit direction, accurately and at high speed. Is to provide.

[0012]

[Means for achieving the object]
To achieve the above objects, the first invention of the present application
The optical information reading apparatus according to the first aspect includes a light irradiating unit, a condensing optical system 5, a two-dimensional electronic scanning reading sensor 8, a signal binarizing unit, and a signal overlapping unit eliminating unit. The two-dimensional electronic scanning reading sensor 8 has n linear light receiving areas (where n is an integer of 2 or more), that is, a first linear light receiving area 8 ₁ and an i- _th linear light receiving area 8 _i (where i = 2, 3,..., N-1), the n-th linear light receiving area 8 _n is arranged parallel and horizontal to each other in a vertical plane, and in each of the linear light receiving areas 8 ₁ to 8 _n , an infinite number of pixels are arranged in the horizontal direction. owed are densely arranged, are arranged in a horizontally long shape as a whole, the converging optical system 5, n pieces of the imaging lens, that is, the first imaging lens 5 _1, imaging of the i-th lens 5
_i (where i = 2, 3,..., n−1) and the n-th imaging lens 5 _n are disposed in front of the two-dimensional electronic scanning reading sensor 8 and have a maximum width. An optical pattern 3 reaching the width is placed in front of the condensing optical system 5 in a horizontally elongated shape with a substantially maximum reading distance therebetween, and a linear reflection area 3c is assumed on the optical pattern 3, and a linear reflection area is assumed. on 3c, n-number of reflective areas, namely a first reflecting zone 3c ₁ including an end of the linear reflection region 3c, the reflective zone _{3c i-1} of the i-1 (where i = 2,3, ..., n −1), the i-th reflection area 3c _i and the (n−1) -th reflection area 3c in which the vicinity of one end overlaps
When the reflection area 3c _n of the n are contemplated, including the other of the linear reflection region 3c together near one end overlaps against _n-1, the optical axis of the first imaging lens 5 _1, a first plane including a linear reflective region 3c and ₁ first linear light receiving region 8, moreover, the first reflective area 3c ₁ from the center point first linear light receiving region ₈₁ of the It is arranged in the optical path of the reflected light reaching the center point, and the i-th imaging lens 5 _i (where i = 2, 3,
..., the optical axis of the n-1) is a plane of the i including the linear light receiving region 8 _i of the linear reflection region 3c and the i, moreover,
The optical axis of the _n- th imaging lens 5 _n is arranged in the optical path of the reflected light from the center point of the i- _th reflection area 3 c _{i to} the center point of the i-th linear light receiving area 8 _i. a reflective region 3c and the plane of the n including the linear light receiving region 8 _n of the n, moreover, the center point of the linear light receiving region 8 _n of the n from the center point of the reflection area 3c _n of the n disposed in the optical path of the leading reflected light, I following, when the light irradiation means irradiates the entire optical pattern 3, are respectively reflected by the reflection area 3c _n of the first reflecting section 3c 1 _~ n th the first light image of the optical image to the n respectively comprising Te, by the imaging lens 5 _n of the first imaging lens 51 _to the n, a first linear light receiving regions 8 _{1 ~} linear first n in light-receiving regions 8 _n on being brought imaged, then the first linear light receiving region 8 _{i ~} linear light receiving regions 8 each pixel on the _n of the n Signal is photoelectrically converted into signal charges, the signal charges are accumulated, and a raster scan electronic scan is performed on each pixel, so that all signal charges are converted into a series of electric signals on a time axis. The series of electrical analog signals are converted to a series of binary signals by signal binarizing means, and the series of binary signals are converted to a series of binary signals by the signal overlapping section eliminating means. One is deleted and condensed to be converted into a true binary signal corresponding to the optical pattern 3.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical information reading apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the optical information reading apparatus includes one housing, and the housing includes: The condensing optical system 5, the two-dimensional electronic scanning reading sensor 8,
All or main parts of the signal binarizing means and the signal overlapping part eliminating means are accommodated.

An optical information reading apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention comprises a housing 1, light irradiating means 2, and a reflecting mirror 4.
, Condensing optical system 5 and two-dimensional electronic scanning reading sensor 8
, Signal binarizing means, and signal overlapping part eliminating means, and the casing 1 has a horizontal cylindrical shape from the rear part to the middle part, a front part having a divergent shape, and a curved point in the middle. Is the horizontal part,
From the bending point, a downward part is formed, and a light entrance and exit and a cavity are formed in the tip part. The light irradiation means 2 is composed of one or a plurality of light sources. In order to be able to irradiate the entirety of the optical pattern 3 which is horizontally elongated at a maximum readable distance in front of the entrance, a point-like, line-like, U-shaped or The reflection mirrors 4 are arranged in a loop, and are disposed obliquely downward and rearward in a cavity near the bending point to deflect reflected light arriving from obliquely lower front in a substantially horizontal direction. sensor 8, n pieces of the linear light receiving regions (where n is an integer of 2 or more), i.e., the first linear light receiving area _81, the linear light receiving region _{8 i} of the i (where i = 2,3, ... , N-1) and the n-th linear light receiving area 8n are arranged parallel to each other and horizontally in a vertical plane. Is, innumerable pixels in each linear light receiving region 8 ₁ to 8 _n is owed are densely arranged in the horizontal direction, the housing 1
Of being placed in the rear of the cavity, the converging optical system 5, n pieces of the imaging lens, that is, the first imaging lens 5 _1, the i-th imaging lens 5 _{i (where} i = 2,3, ... , N−1), and an n-th imaging lens 5 _n , and the optical pattern 3 whose lateral width reaches the maximum reading width is horizontally elongated in front of the condensing optical system 5 with a substantially maximum reading distance therebetween. The linear reflection area 3c is assumed on the optical pattern 3, and n is placed on the linear reflection area 3c.
First reflection areas including one end of the linear reflection area 3c.
Reflection area 3c ₁ of the (i-1) of the reflective zone _{3c i-1} (where i = 2,3, ..., n- 1) reflecting zone 3c _i i-th near one end overlap relative, and the n-1 reflection area 3
When the vicinity of one end with respect to c _n-1 is reflected zone 3c _n of the n containing the other end of the linear reflection region 3c with overlap is assumed, the first imaging lens 5 _first optical axis , Substantially horizontal reflected light arriving from the linear reflection area 3 c, deflected in a substantially horizontal direction by the reflection mirror 4, and received by the _first linear light reception area 81 on the two-dimensional electronic scanning reading sensor 8. is defined by the light beam, a first plane, moreover, from a first center point of the reflecting zone 3c _1, via the reflecting mirror 4, arrives to a first center point of the linear light receiving region 8 ₁ The i-th imaging lens 5 _i (where i = 2, 3,
, N-1) come from the linear reflection area 3c,
An i-th plane defined by a substantially horizontal reflected light beam that is deflected in a substantially horizontal direction by the reflection mirror 4 and received by the _i-th linear light receiving area 8 _i on the two-dimensional electronic scanning reading sensor 8. And the i-th linear light receiving area 8 _i from the center point of the _i- th reflection area 3c _i via the reflection mirror 4.
The optical axis of the _n- th imaging lens 5n comes from the linear reflection area 3c, is deflected in the substantially horizontal direction by the reflection mirror 4, and is Within the n-th plane, defined by the substantially horizontal reflected light beam received by the _n-th linear light-receiving region 8n on the scanning type reading sensor 8, and furthermore, the n-th reflection area 3c _n From the center point through the reflection mirror 4 to the n-th linear light receiving area 8 _n
Are arranged in the optical path of the reflected light reaching the center point of
Binarizing means is disposed in the remaining sites within the cavity, I hereinafter, when the light irradiation unit 2 irradiates the entire optical pattern 3, the first reflecting section 3c 1 _~ reflection area of the n 3c _n
Light image of the first light image to the n comprising respectively reflected respectively by the imaging lens 5 _n of the first imaging lens 51 _to the n, a first linear light receiving region _81, second An image is formed on the _n linear light receiving areas 8 _n , and then, the intensity signal of light at each pixel on the _first linear light receiving area 81 to the n-th linear light receiving area 8 _n is converted into a signal charge. The photoelectric conversion is performed, the signal charges are accumulated, and a raster scanning electronic scan is performed on each of the pixels, whereby all the signal charges are converted into a series of electric analog signals on a time axis. A series of electrical analog signals are converted into a series of binary signals by the signal binarizing unit, and the series of binary signals are deleted by the signal duplication eliminating unit, and one of the overlapping signals is deleted and condensed. By being done
This is converted into a true binary signal corresponding to the optical pattern 3.

In an optical information reading apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the optical pattern 3 having a large width exceeding the width of the light entrance of the housing 1 has a maximum readable distance in front of the light entrance. In order to particularly increase the illuminance of a portion of the optical pattern 3 that exceeds the lateral width of the light entrance and exit, the arrangement density of the light source in the light irradiating means 2 is limited by the light entrance and exit. Are increased as approaching the left end or right end of the.

[0016]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] A first embodiment of the optical information reading apparatus of the present invention will be described. The first embodiment is for reading optical patterns having various lengths. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the first embodiment, FIG. 2 is a plan view thereof, FIG. 3 is a side view thereof, FIG. 4 is a plan view of a member to be read (for example, a label), FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of details of the linear reflection area 3c on the member to be read L. In Figure 1 to 3, L is to be read member (e.g. labels), 5 converging optical system, _{5 1} a first imaging lens, _{5 2}
Denotes a second imaging lens, and 8 denotes a two-dimensional electronic scanning reading sensor. (3, 3c ₁ and 3c ₂ will be described later).

In FIG. 4, L is a member to be read (for example, a label), 3 is an optical pattern (for example, a bar code symbol) recorded on the member to be read L, and 3c is a line assumed on the optical pattern 3. It is a reflection area. In FIG. 5, 3c ₁ the first reflecting area, 3c ₂ is also a second reflecting zone and,, d the first reflecting section 3c ₁ and second reflecting areas is envisaged on striatal reflection region 3c 3c ₁ is an area overlapping portion overlapping. Returning to Fig. 1,
A linear reflection area 3c assumed on the surface of the member to be read L (the back surface is visible but the front surface is not visible in FIG. 1), and
First and second reflective areas 3c ₁ and 3c _2, which is assumed on the linear reflection region 3c, by broken lines, are represented.

In this embodiment, amplifying means, signal binarizing means, memory means, signal duplication eliminating means, and signal decoding means (decoding means) are used in addition to the above-mentioned elements. Illustrated). The amplifying means is connected to the subsequent stage of the two-dimensional electronic scanning read sensor 8, and the signal binarizing means is connected to the subsequent stage of the amplifying means. The above memory means, signal duplication eliminating means, and signal decoding means can be constituted by a single microcomputer.

(Detailed Description of Element Configuration and Relationship Between Elements) In FIG. 1, the two-dimensional electronic scanning type reading sensor 8 has two linear light receiving areas, that is, a first linear light receiving area 81 and a _first linear light receiving area 81. 2
Linear light receiving region ₈₂ of, in the vertical plane, are disposed parallel and horizontally to each other, in each linear light receiving region 8 _{1-8 2}
Innumerable pixels (pixels) are densely arranged in the horizontal direction (not shown). This two-dimensional electronic scanning reading sensor 8
As shown in FIG. 2, they are arranged horizontally. Converging optical system 5 in FIG. 1-3, containing a first imaging lens _{5 first} and second imaging lenses _{5 2.} And it is arranged in front of the two-dimensional electronic scanning reading sensor 8.

In the following, for simplicity of explanation,
It is assumed that the optical pattern 3 whose lateral width reaches the maximum reading width is disposed in front of the light-collecting optical system 5 in a horizontally long state as shown in FIGS. (Even if such an assumption is made, there is no possibility that the generality of the invention of this application is lost.)

The optical axis of the first imaging lens 5 _1, such optical pattern 3 on the linear reflection region 3c (see FIGS. 1 and 4) and the first two-dimensional electronic scanning type reading sensor within 8 a first plane including a linear light receiving region _81, moreover, the first first from the center point of the reflection area 3c ₁ of the linear light receiving region 8
₁ in the optical path of the reflected light reaching the center point.

The optical axis of the _second imaging lens 52 is aligned with the linear reflection area 3c and the second
It is in the second plane containing the linear light receiving region _82, moreover reflected light extending from the second center point of the reflection area 3c ₂ to the second linear light receiving region ₈₂ of the center point Is arranged in the optical path. The first and second imaging lenses 5 ₁ and 5 ₂ are arranged in the as nuclei do not fear without having to contact or collide with each other. In such a case, by shifting the first and second imaging lenses 5 ₁ and 5 ₂ in the longitudinal direction, it is possible to easily avoid the contact or collision.

[0022] When the (Operation explanation) light irradiating means irradiates the entire optical pattern 3, the first optical image formed by reflected respectively by the first reflecting section 3c ₁ and second reflecting sections 3c ₂ and second optical images, respectively, by a first imaging lens 5 _first and second imaging lenses 5 _2, focused on the first linear light receiving region ₈₁ and the second upper linear light receiving region 8 ₂ I'm sullen.

[0023] The first linear light receiving region ₈₁ and the second linear light receiving region 8 ₂ optical signals to each pixel (pixel) of incident photoelectric conversion to the respective signal charges light intensity signal at each pixel Then, the signal charges are accumulated, and all the signal charges are converted into a series of electrical analog signals on the time axis by performing raster scanning electronic scanning on each pixel. The series of electrical analog signals is converted into a series of binary signals by signal binarization means. The series of binary signals is preferably temporarily stored in a memory means.

[0024] The first reflecting zone 3c ₁ 2 value signal and the second reflecting section 3c ₂ 2 value signal derived from, both overlap (intersection) is detected by the signal overlap eliminating means , One of which is deleted and the two signals are condensed to be converted into a true binary signal corresponding to the optical pattern 3. Now, a binary signal string of the first from the reflective zone 3c ₁ B, the length M, a binary signal string of the second from the reflective zone 3c ₂ C, its length N, both signal sequence Assuming that the length of the overlapping portion is K, both signal trains are represented as follows. B = (B ₁ ,..., B _{M−K + 1} ,..., B _M ) (1) C =. .. (C ₁ ,..., _CK ,..., C _N ) (2) Thus, the following K matching expressions hold between the two binary signals of the overlapping portion. B _{M−K + 1} = C1 (3-1) B _{M−K + i} = C _i (where i = 2, 3,..., K− 1)... (3-2) B _M = C _K (3-3) Equations (3-1) to (3) According to 3-3), it is clear that if at least K matching circuits and K-1 AND circuits are prepared, a signal overlapping portion having a length of K can be detected.
The true binary signal is decoded by signal decoding means (decoding means), whereby the original information, that is, the information carried on the optical pattern 3, is restored.

(Extension of FIGS. 1 to 5) In the two-dimensional electronic scanning reading sensor 8 of FIG. 1, the number 2 of linear light receiving areas is n
Can be extended to individual. In other words, the extended two-dimensional electronic scanning reading sensor 8 has n linear light receiving areas (where n
Is an integer of 2 or more), that is, the first linear light receiving region 8 ₁ , i-th light receiving region
Linear light receiving area 8 _i (where i = 2, 3,..., N−1),
And n-th linear light receiving regions 8 _n (not shown) are arranged parallel and horizontally to each other in a vertical plane, as in FIG.
The respective linear light receiving region 8 ₁ to 8 _n, and thus numerous pixels (pixels) are densely arranged in the horizontal direction (no shown).

The number 2 of imaging lenses in the condensing optical system 5 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 can be expanded to n in the same manner as the number 2 of linear light receiving areas in the two-dimensional electronic scanning read sensor 8. . The expanded condensing optical system 5 includes n imaging lenses, that is, a first imaging lens 5 ₁ and an i-th imaging lens 5 _i.
(Where i = 2, 3,..., N−1) and the n-th imaging lens 5 _n (not shown).

On the extended linear reflection area 3c, n reflection areas are assumed. The first reflecting zone 3c _1, together with one end (for example, right end) comprises one end of the linear reflection region 3c (e.g. right end), near one end of the second reflecting section 3c ₂ of the other end (e.g., the left end) ( (For example, the right end). I-th reflection area 3c _i (where i = 2, 3,
.., N-1) are near the one end (for example, the right end) at the i-th position.
The vicinity of the other end (for example, the left end) of the -1 reflection area 3c _i-1 overlaps with the vicinity of the other end (for example, the left end), and the vicinity of one end (for example, the right end) of the ( _{i + 1} ) _th reflection area 3c _{i + 1.} . Reflection area 3c _n of the n, together with the vicinity of one end overlapping the reflection area _{3c n-1} of the n-1, including the other end of the linear reflection region 3c.

The optical axis of the i-th imaging lens 5 _i (i = 2, 3,..., N−1) in the expanded condensing optical system 5 is defined by the linear reflection area 3c and the i-th linear light receiving element. the i-th including the area _{8 i}
A plane, moreover, arranged from the center point of the reflection area 3c _i of the i, via the reflecting mirror 4, the linear light receiving region 8 _i optical path of the reflected light reaching the center point of the i (Not shown).

The optical axis of the imaging lens 5 _n of the n in expanded converging optical system 5, there in the plane of the n including the linear light receiving region 8 _n of the linear reflection region 3c and the n And
From the center point of the reflection area 3c _n of the n, via a reflecting mirror 4, and thus they are arranged in a linear light receiving region 8 _n optical path of the reflected light reaching the center point of the first n (no shown) . Other configurations are the same as those in FIGS.

(Expanded Operation) When the light irradiating means irradiates the entire optical pattern 3, the first reflection area 3c ₁
The n light image of the first light image to the n-th made are reflected respectively each by the reflection area 3c _n of ~, by the imaging lens 5 _n of the first imaging lens 51 _to the n, a first It is caused to imaged on the linear light-receiving regions 8 _{1 ~} linear light receiving region on 8 _n of the n.

[0031] At that time, the intensity of light signals at each pixel on the linear light receiving region 8 _n of the first linear light receiving region _81, second n is photoelectrically converted into each signal charge, the signal charges within each pixel All the signal charges are converted into a series of electrical analog signals on the time axis by being stored and subjected to raster scanning electronic scanning for each pixel.

[0032] Here, any reflection area in the reflection area 3c _n of the first reflecting section 3c ₁ ~ n th is represented by the reflection area 3c _i of the i (the general term). At this time, integers 1, 2,..., N are sequentially assigned to i. A binary signal derived from the _i- th reflection area 3ci (where i = 1, 2,..., N-1)
And the binary signal derived from the (i + 1) th reflection area 3c _{i + 1}
Those overlapping portions (common portions) are detected by the signal overlapping portion eliminating means, one of them is deleted, and the two signals are condensed to be converted into a true binary signal corresponding to the optical pattern 3. As described above, the signal overlapping portion eliminating means includes at least K matching circuits and K-1 AND circuits, and these circuits are used repeatedly at least n-1 times. Becomes The other operations are the same as the operations in FIGS.

[Second Embodiment] An optical information reading apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The optical information reading apparatus according to the second embodiment includes the housing of the optical information reading apparatus according to the first embodiment. The above-mentioned housing, inside,
All or a main part of the condensing optical system 5, the two-dimensional electronic scanning reading sensor 8, the signal binarizing means, and the signal overlapping part eliminating means are housed. In the second embodiment, the light irradiation means can be arranged inside or outside the housing. Other items of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[Third Embodiment] A description will be given of a third embodiment of the optical information reading apparatus according to the present invention. The third embodiment is for reading an optical pattern having a dimension longer than the width of the reading port in the horizontal direction. (Simplified Description of Components) FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of the third embodiment. FIG. 6 (a) is a plan view showing an upper portion of a housing removed, and FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 1 denotes a housing, 2 denotes light irradiation means, L denotes a member to be read (for example, a label), 3 denotes an optical pattern on the member to be read L,
The reflecting mirror, 5 a condenser optical system, the 5 ₁ and 5 ₂ imaging lens 8 is a sensor reading two-dimensional electronic scanning type.

In this embodiment, amplifying means, signal binarizing means, memory means, signal duplication eliminating means, and signal decoding means (decoding means) are used in addition to the above-mentioned elements. Illustrated). The amplifying means is connected to the subsequent stage of the two-dimensional electronic scanning read sensor 8, and the signal binarizing means is connected to the subsequent stage of the amplifying means. The above memory means, signal duplication eliminating means, and signal decoding means can be constituted by a single microcomputer.

(Detailed Description of Configuration of Elements and Relationship between Elements) In the following, for convenience of explanation, the front-back direction is referred to as a vertical direction and the left-right direction is referred to as a horizontal direction as viewed from an operator. The housing 1 is oriented in the vertical direction (the left-right direction in the plane of FIG. 6).
It consists of a rear part, a middle part and a front part. In FIG. 6, the middle portion from the rear portion forms a horizontal portion, the front portion forms a descending portion (inclined portion), and the vicinity of the boundary between both portions forms a curved portion. A light entrance and exit are formed at the tip of the housing 1 and a cavity is formed inside. The horizontal portion is formed of a rectangular tube having a rectangular cross section, and is placed substantially horizontally. The front portion has a divergent shape (inverted trapezoid or fan shape) having a rectangular cross section and a larger width as it goes forward, as shown in the figure. The shape of the horizontal part is a rectangular cylinder with a hexagonal cross section,
The cross section may be a circular cylinder. In general, the cross-section can be cylindrical with any shape.

The light irradiating means 2 is provided with an optical pattern 3 disposed in a horizontally elongated shape in front of the light entrance with a maximum readable distance therebetween.
Is for irradiating the whole. In FIG. 6, four light sources are arranged at equal intervals on one line segment near the inside of the light entrance. The number of light sources of the light irradiation means 2 can be 1 to 3 or 5 or more. That is, the number can be one or more. When the number of light sources is plural, the arrangement shape can be a U-shape or a loop.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the reflection mirror 4 is disposed obliquely downward and rearward in the cavity near the bending point to deflect the reflected light arriving from the obliquely lower front substantially rearward in the horizontal direction. You. Here, the direction of the reflection mirror is represented by the direction of a normal line standing on the mirror surface. Then, as shown in FIG. 6A, they are arranged in a horizontally long shape.

The two-dimensional electronic scanning reading sensor 8 has n linear light receiving areas (where n is an integer of 2 or more), that is, a first linear light receiving area 8 ₁ and an i-th linear light receiving area 8 _i. (However, i =
2,3, ..., n-1), and linear light receiving region 8 _n of the n is parallel and horizontal to each other in a vertical plane, the respective linear light receiving region 8 ₁ to 8 _n innumerable pixels horizontal It is densely arranged in the direction. The disposition position of the two-dimensional electronic scanning type reading sensor 8 is set inside the cavity in the rear part of the housing 1. The condensing optical system 5 includes n imaging lenses (n is an integer of 2 or more), that is, a first imaging lens 5 ₁ , an i-th imaging lens 5 _i (where i = 2, 3,...) contains n-1) and the imaging lens _{5 n} of the n.

In the following, in order to simplify the explanation,
It is assumed that the optical pattern 3 whose lateral width reaches the maximum reading width is disposed in front of the light entrance and exit with a substantially maximum readable distance Δ and is horizontally long. Here, the maximum readable distance Δ is D = D−D, where D is the maximum reading distance viewed from the condensing optical system 5 and D ₀ is the distance between the condensing optical system 5 and the light entrance / exit. Given by ₀ .

A linear reflection area 3c is assumed on the optical pattern 3. On linear reflective region 3c, n-number of reflective areas, i.e., a first reflecting zone 3c ₁ ~ reflection area 3c of the n
_n is assumed. The first reflecting zone 3c _1, together with one end (for example, right end) comprises one end of the linear reflection region 3c (e.g. right end), near one end of the second reflecting section 3c ₂ of the other end (e.g., the left end) ( (For example, the right end).

[0042] The second reflective section 3c ₂ to the reflective zone _{3c n-1} of the n-1, "i-th reflective zone _3c i (i =
2,3,..., N−1) ”, the i-th reflection area 3c _i (i = 2, 3,. -1 reflection area 3c _i-1
Overlaps with the vicinity of the other end (for example, the left end), and the vicinity of the other end (for example, the left end) is the (i + 1) th reflection area 3c _{i + 1}
(For example, the right end). The vicinity of one end (for example, the right end) of the n- _th reflection area 3cn is n-1.
And the other end (for example, the left end) overlaps with the vicinity of the other end (for example, the left end) of the reflection area 3c _n-1 of the linear reflection region 3
c includes the other end.

The light coming from the linear reflection area 3 c is deflected in the substantially horizontal direction by the reflection mirror 4, and is received by the _first linear light reception area 81 on the two-dimensional electronic scanning read sensor 8. The first plane is defined by the reflected light beam. First
The optical axis of the imaging lens 5 _first, a within the first plane, moreover, from the center point of the first reflecting zone, via the reflecting mirror 4, the first linear light receiving region ₈₁ of the It is arranged in the optical path of the reflected light reaching the center point.

[0044] The second imaging lens _{5 n-1} of the imaging lens _{5 2,} second n-1, "the imaging lens of the i ₅ i (i = 2,
,..., N−1) ”.
c, and is substantially horizontally deflected by the reflection mirror 4,
The substantially horizontal reflected light beam received by the i-th linear light receiving area 8i on the two-dimensional electronic scanning reading sensor 8 generates the i-th linear light receiving area 8i.
Are defined. The i-th imaging lens 5i (i = 2,
The optical axes of (3,..., N-1) are within the i-th plane and from the center point of the i-th reflection area via the reflection mirror 4 to the i-th linear light receiving area 8. It is arranged in the optical path of the reflected light reaching the center point of _i .

A substantially horizontal light arriving from the linear reflection area 3c is deflected in a substantially horizontal direction by the reflection mirror 4, and is received by the _n-th linear light reception area 8n on the two-dimensional electronic scanning read sensor 8. The n-th plane is defined by the reflected light beam. Nth
The optical axis of the imaging lens 5 _n of a plane of the first n, moreover, from the center point of the reflection area 3c _n of the n, the reflection mirror 4 through the linear light receiving region 8 of the n It is arranged in the optical path of the reflected light reaching the center point of _n . The signal binarizing means includes the remaining portions in the cavity, that is, the light irradiating means 2, the reflecting mirror 4, the condensing optical system 5, and the two-dimensional electronic scanning reading sensor 8, and the irradiating light and the reflecting light. It is arranged in a part other than the light passage space. The signal duplication eliminating means may include n-1 signal duplication eliminating means of the first embodiment, or one of the signal duplication eliminating means may be repeated. Then, n-1 times may be applied. The remaining configuration of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

(Explanation of Operation) When the light irradiating means 2 irradiates the entire optical pattern 3, the first reflection area 3c ₁ .
The first respective light image of the optical image to the n is an imaging lens 5 _n of the first imaging lens 51 _to the n comprising respectively reflected by the reflection area 3c _n of the n, the first line is caused to imaged Jo receiving regions 8 _{1 ~} linear light receiving region on 8 _n of the n. Then, the intensity of light signals at each pixel on the first linear light receiving region _{81 to} the _n-th linear light receiving region 8 _n of is photoelectrically converted into each signal charge, the signal charges are accumulated in the respective pixels By performing raster scanning electronic scanning on each pixel, all signal charges are converted into a series of electrical analog signals on the time axis.

The series of electric analog signals are converted into a series of binary signals by the signal binarizing means.
The series of binary signals is converted into a true binary signal corresponding to the optical pattern 3 by deleting and condensing one of the overlapping signals by the signal overlapping portion eliminating means. Other operations of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[Fourth Embodiment] A fourth embodiment of the optical information reading apparatus according to the present invention will be described. The optical information reading apparatus of the fourth embodiment has a configuration in which, when the number of light sources of the light irradiation means 2 of the third embodiment is plural, the arrangement density of the light sources is It becomes larger as approaching the left end or the right end. According to such an arrangement density of the light sources, the optical pattern 3 having a large lateral width exceeding the lateral width of the light entrance of the housing 1 is disposed in a horizontally long shape with a maximum readable distance in front of the light entrance. Even in such a case, the illuminance at a portion of the optical pattern 3 that exceeds the lateral width of the light entrance can be particularly increased. Thereby, the intensity of the reflected light from the linear reflection region located outside the lateral width of the light entrance is increased so as to be substantially the same as the intensity of the reflected light from the central portion of the linear reflection region. Can be done.

[0049]

Since the invention of this application is configured as described above, remarkable effects can be obtained as shown in the following (a) to (f). (A) Various optical patterns having various lengths in the reading digit direction can be read alone. (B) An optical pattern having a large length in the direction of the reading digit can be read by a small housing with a narrow light entrance. (C) An optical pattern having a large length in the reading digit direction can be read with less distortion (higher resolution) and higher resolution than one using the same wide-angle imaging lens. And operability is also good. (D) Optical patterns such as single-stage barcodes, multistage barcodes, characters, and symbols having a long length in the reading digit direction are
It can be read accurately and at high speed. (E) a member to be read whose surface is soft and of irregular shape;
There is no risk of erroneous reading of a bar code symbol of a member to be read having a hard surface and a curved surface, so that the reading operation becomes efficient. (F) Therefore, it is easy to construct a large system using a barcode reader as input means.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a main part of a first embodiment of an optical information reading apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a main part of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a main part of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a member to be read (eg, a label).

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of details of a linear reflection area 3c on a member to be read;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a third embodiment of the optical information reading apparatus of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Case 2 Light irradiation means 3 Optical pattern 3c Linear reflection area 3c ₁ First reflection area 3c ₂ Second reflection area 4 Reflection mirror 5 Condensing optical system 5 ₁ First imaging lens 5 ₂ Second Imaging lens 8 two-dimensional electronic scanning reading sensor 8 ₁ first linear light receiving area 8 ₂ second linear light receiving area d area overlapping part L member to be read (label)

Claims (4)

[Claims] An optical information reading apparatus capable of reading optical patterns having various lengths, comprising: a light irradiating unit; a condensing optical system (5); and a two-dimensional electronic scanning type reading sensor ( 8), a signal binarizing means, and a signal overlapping part eliminating means, wherein the two-dimensional electronic scanning reading sensor (8) has n linear light receiving areas (where n is an integer of 2 or more). That is, the first linear light receiving area (8 ₁ ), the i-th linear light receiving area (8 _i ) (where i
= 2,3, ..., n-1) and the n-th linear light receiving area (8
n) are arranged in parallel and horizontally to each other in the vertical plane, the respective linear light receiving area (8 1 _{to 8 n)} and Oh countless pixels are densely arranged in the horizontal direction, distribution in Horizontal shape as a whole The focusing optical system (5) is provided with n imaging lenses,
Of the imaging lens ₍₅ 1), the i of the imaging lens ₍₅ i) (where i = 2,3, ..., n-1) and the n-th of the imaging lens (5
_n ), and an optical pattern (3) arranged in front of the two-dimensional electronic scanning reading sensor (8) and having a width reaching the maximum reading width is formed by the optical pattern (5) of the condensing optical system (5). A linear reflection area (3c) is assumed in front of the optical pattern (3) in a horizontally long state with a substantially maximum reading distance therebetween, and n linear reflection areas (3c) are assumed on the linear reflection area (3c). A reflection area, that is, a first reflection area (3) including one end of the linear reflection area (3c).
c ₁ ), the ( _i−1 ) -th reflection area (3c _i−1 ) (where i =
, N−1), the i-th reflection area (3c _i ) where the vicinity of one end overlaps, and the (n−1) -th reflection area (3
c _n−1 ), and the _n-th reflection area (3c) overlapping the vicinity of one end and including the other end of the linear reflection area (3c).
_n ) is assumed, the optical axis of the _first imaging lens (5 ₁ ) includes the linear reflection area (3c) and the first linear light receiving area (8 ₁ ). 1 and in the optical path of the reflected light from the center point of the _first reflection area (3c ₁ ) to the center point of the first linear light receiving area (8 ₁ ). , The i-th imaging lens (5 _i ) (where i = 2, 3,...,
The optical axis of (n-1) is in the i-th plane including the linear reflection area (3c) and the i-th linear light receiving area (8 _i ), and furthermore, the i-th reflection area The optical axis of the _n-th imaging lens (5 _n ) is disposed in the optical path of the reflected light from the center point of (3c _i ) to the center point of the i-th linear light receiving area (8 _i ). , Within the n-th plane including the linear reflection area (3c) and the n-th linear light receiving area (8 _n ), and from the center point of the _n-th reflection area (3c _n ). It is arranged in the optical path of the reflected light reaching the center point of the _n-th linear light receiving area (8 _n ), so that when the light irradiating means irradiates the entire optical pattern (3), the first reflecting zone _(3c 1) ~
First light image each of the light image, second n, the first imaging lens (5 _{1) to} the imaging lens (5 _n of the n comprising respectively reflected by the reflection area of the n (3c _n) ), An image is formed on the _first linear light receiving area (8 ₁ ) to the n-th linear light receiving area (8 _n ), and then, the first linear light receiving area (8 ₁ ) to the _first linear light receiving area (8 ₁ ) The intensity signal of light at each pixel on the _n linear light receiving regions (8 _n ) is photoelectrically converted into signal charges, the signal charges are accumulated, and a raster scanning electronic scan is performed on each pixel. Thus, all the signal charges are converted into a series of electrical analog signals on a time axis, and the series of electrical analog signals are converted into a series of binary signals by the signal binarizing unit. The series of binary signals are used as the signal overlapping portion eliminating means. Thus, it deleted one of the overlapping signals, and by being condensed, and converted into authentic binary signal corresponding to the optical pattern (3), an optical information reading apparatus. 2. The optical information reading device according to claim 1, further comprising a housing, wherein the housing has the condensing optical system (5) therein and the two-dimensional electronic scanning type. An optical information reading device, in which all or a main part of a reading sensor (8), said signal binarizing means, and said signal overlapping part eliminating means are housed. 3. An optical information reading apparatus capable of reading an optical pattern having a large dimension in a horizontal direction, comprising: a housing (1); a light irradiating means (2); and a reflecting mirror (4). )
And a condensing optical system (5), a two-dimensional electronic scanning reading sensor (8), a signal binarizing means, and a signal overlapping part eliminating means. The middle part forms a horizontal cylinder,
The front part has a divergent shape, a horizontal part is formed up to a middle bending point, a descending part is formed from the bending point, and a light entrance and exit are formed at a front end part, and a cavity is formed inside. 2) is composed of one or a plurality of light sources, and these light sources can illuminate the entirety of the optical pattern (3) which is disposed horizontally in front of the light entrance and with a maximum readable distance apart. In order to make the reflected light, the reflective mirror (4) is arranged in a substantially horizontal direction in the vicinity of the inside of the light entrance, in the form of a point, a line, a U-shape or a loop. The two-dimensional electronic scanning read sensor (8) is disposed obliquely downward and backward in the cavity near the bending point to deflect the light into n linear light receiving areas (where n is an integer of 2 or more). ), That is, the first linear light receiving region (8 ₁ ), the i-th linear light receiving region (8 _i ) ( Where i
= 2,3, ..., n-1) and the n-th linear light receiving area (8
_n) are arranged in parallel and horizontally to each other in the vertical plane, the respective linear light receiving area (8 1 _{to 8 n)} be those innumerable pixels are densely arranged in the horizontal direction, the housing ( 1) disposed in a rear cavity, wherein the condenser optical system (5) includes n imaging lenses,
Of the imaging lens ₍₅ 1), the i of the imaging lens ₍₅ i) (where i = 2,3, ..., n-1) and the n-th of the imaging lens (5
_An optical pattern (3) containing _n ) and having a horizontal width reaching the maximum reading width is disposed in front of the light-collecting optical system (5) in a horizontally elongated shape with a substantially maximum reading distance therebetween. (3) A linear reflection area (3c) is assumed above, and a first reflection including n reflection areas, that is, one end of the linear reflection area (3c), on the linear reflection area (3c). Area (3
c ₁ ), the ( _i−1 ) -th reflection area (3c _i−1 ) (where i =
, N−1), the i-th reflection area (3c _i ) where the vicinity of one end overlaps, and the (n−1) -th reflection area (3
c _n−1 ), and the _n-th reflection area (3c) overlapping the vicinity of one end and including the other end of the linear reflection area (3c).
_n ) is assumed, the optical axis of the _first imaging lens (5 ₁ ) comes from the linear reflection area (3c) and is deflected in a substantially horizontal direction by the reflection mirror (4). Received by the first linear light receiving area (8 ₁ ) on the two-dimensional electronic scanning reading sensor (8);
Within the first plane defined by the substantially horizontal reflected light beam, and from the center point of the _first reflection area (3c ₁ ) via the reflection mirror (4), Are arranged in the optical path of the reflected light reaching the center point of the linear light receiving area (8 ₁ ), and the i-th imaging lens (5 _i ) (where i = 2, 3,...,
The optical axis of (n-1) comes from the linear reflection area (3c), is deflected in a substantially horizontal direction by the reflection mirror (4), and is ith on the two-dimensional electronic scanning reading sensor (8). In the i-th plane, defined by the substantially horizontal reflected light beam received by the linear light receiving area (8 _i ), and from the center point of the i-th reflection area (3c ₁ ) Disposed in the optical path of the reflected light reaching the center point of the _i-th linear light receiving area (8 _i ) via the reflection mirror (4), and the n-th imaging lens (5 _n ) The optical axis arrives from the linear reflection area (3c), is deflected in a substantially horizontal direction by the reflection mirror (4), and is n-th linear light receiving area on the two-dimensional electronic scanning reading sensor (8). Received at (8 _n )
The n-th plane is defined by the substantially horizontal reflected light beam, and is located within the n-th plane and from the center of the n-th reflection area (3c _n ) via the reflection mirror (4). Are arranged in the optical path of the reflected light reaching the center point of the linear light receiving region (8 _n ), and the signal binarization means is arranged in the remaining portion in the cavity, whereby the light When the irradiation means (2) irradiates the entire optical pattern (3), the first reflection area (3)
c ₁₎ - the first light image each of the light image, second n, the first imaging lens comprising respectively reflected by the reflection area of the _{n (3c n) (5 1} ) ~ imaging of the n Lens ( _5n )
Thus, an image is formed on the first linear light receiving area (8 ₁ ) to the n-th linear light receiving area (8 _n ), and then, the first linear light receiving area (8 ₁ ) to the n-th linear light receiving area The intensity signal of light at each pixel on the linear light receiving area (8 _n ) is photoelectrically converted into a signal charge, the signal charge is accumulated, and raster scanning electronic scanning is performed on each pixel. Thereby, all the signal charges are converted into a series of electric analog signals on a time axis, and the series of electric analog signals are converted into a series of binary signals by the signal binarization unit. A series of binary signals are converted into a true binary signal corresponding to the optical pattern (3) by deleting and condensing one of the overlapping signals by the signal overlapping portion eliminating means. Information reader. 4. The optical information reading device according to claim 3, wherein an optical pattern having a large lateral width exceeding a lateral width of the light entrance of the housing is maximum in front of the light entrance. The light irradiating means (2) is arranged so as to particularly increase the illuminance of a portion of the optical pattern (3) which exceeds the lateral width of the light entrance when placed horizontally in a readable distance.
An optical information reading device, wherein the arrangement density of light sources in (1) is increased as approaching a left end or a right end of the light entrance.