JP2002318995A - Optical reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize a barcode reader provided with a tag cancellation part integrally thereto without impairing the operability of barcode reading operation. SOLUTION: In this optical reader for reading an optical mark by radiating the light emitted from a light source through a reading window to the optical mark and detecting the reflected light reflected from the optical mark, the tag cancellation part for canceling a tag attached to an article to prevent an illicit carrying-out is provided in line with the reading window on the route after the article subjected to optical mark reading is passed through the reading window.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical reader for reading an optical mark such as a bar code.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 33 is a drawing showing a conventional bar code reader.

The bar code reader shown in FIG. 33 scans a bar code using a light beam emitted from a light source, detects reflected light from the resulting bar code, and obtains bar code data. . Hereinafter, the configuration will be described in detail.

In FIG. 33, a laser unit, for example, a laser tube or the like is used to emit a laser beam. The reflection mirror is for causing the laser light emitted from the laser unit to enter a polygon mirror described later. The polygon mirror is driven and rotated by a motor or the like, and reflects and scans a laser beam incident from a laser unit with a mirror provided on a side surface thereof to generate a scanning beam. The pattern mirror reflects the scanning light reflected from the polygon mirror upward. The reading window is
The scanning light is emitted. The scanning light emitted from the reading window is applied to the barcode, and the reflected light from the barcode is taken into the barcode reader from the reading window.

[0005] The reflected light taken into the bar code reader is condensed by a condenser lens via a pattern mirror and a polygon mirror, is reflected downward by a drop reflection mirror, and enters a detection sensor. The detection sensor is mounted on a printed board provided with a control circuit (not shown),
An electric signal corresponding to the amount of the detected reflected light is output.
The control circuit performs a barcode demodulation process based on the electric signal from the detection sensor, and outputs the demodulated data to an externally connected device such as a POS terminal. The mounting angle of the drop reflection mirror is adjusted so that the reflected light collected by the condenser lens is collected at the position of the detection sensor.

[0006]

As described above, in the conventional bar code reader, the laser light source, the reflection mirror, the condenser lens, the detection sensor, and the like are individually mounted in the apparatus.

In order to scan laser light emitted from a laser light source with a polygon mirror or the like and irradiate the laser beam onto a bar code, the mutual positional relationship between the laser light source and the reflection mirror is accurately determined, and the laser light is applied to the polygon mirror. It is necessary to make adjustments so that the light enters the fixed position. In addition, in order to receive the laser beam reflected from the barcode with a pattern mirror and a polygon mirror and focus it on the detection sensor using a focusing lens, the mounting position of the focusing lens with respect to the polygon mirror, the focusing lens It is necessary to accurately position the distance between the detection sensor or the optical axis of the condenser lens and the position of the detection sensor, and adjust the optical path of the laser beam.

[0008] If these components cannot be accurately positioned, not only does the bar code reading efficiency decrease, but in extreme cases, the reflected light from the bar code cannot be detected properly and the bar code cannot be read. You may fall into that situation. However, the positioning work when these parts are incorporated into the apparatus requires great care, and requires some skill of the operator.

In addition, since a laser light source and the like have a lifetime,
It is necessary to replace the laser unit every certain period,
Needless to say, the positioning must be performed accurately even when the laser light source to be replaced is mounted.

When a laser light source, particularly a semiconductor laser, is used, even if a drive current under the same conditions is applied to drive the laser light source, the characteristics of the individual laser light sources vary, so that the light emission amount or The emission wavelength is slightly different. The barcode reader is designed on the assumption that the laser light source emits light under certain conditions, so if the emission characteristics of the laser light source change each time the laser light source is replaced, barcode reading will not be affected. Will cause.

In a conventional bar code reader, it is necessary to adjust a drive circuit of the laser light source in order to cause the replaced laser light source to emit light under a specific condition. However, performing such adjustment of the drive circuit every time the laser light source is replaced increases the amount of work associated with the replacement of the laser light source, and the laser light source cannot be easily replaced. Would. In addition, it takes time to adjust,
It is also difficult to make the laser light source emit light under completely the same conditions.

Furthermore, semiconductor lasers are susceptible to static electricity and are easily destroyed by static electricity. Therefore, great care must be taken when replacing the laser light source to prevent the laser light source from being affected by static electricity. For this reason, the replacement work amount of the laser light source is further increased, and it is difficult to completely prevent the destruction of the semiconductor laser even if attention is paid.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to realize an optical reading apparatus that reduces the work of positioning an optical system and facilitates the work of replacing a laser unit. Also, depending on the relationship between the photodetector and the position of the condensing unit, the condensed beam diameter becomes large. When the detected beam diameter becomes large, a bar code having a large bar width can be read. However, in the case of a bar code having a small bar width, there is a problem that reading becomes impossible. This is particularly problematic as the distance between the barcode and the barcode reader increases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical reading apparatus capable of reading a bar code having a small bar width regardless of the bar code position.

In a store where a bar code reader is used, a memo in which the name of a bargain item or the like is written is attached to an empty space of a counter so that an operator can recognize a bargain product. However, the space where the memo of the counter can be attached is separated from the barcode reader. To read a barcode, the operator generally looks at the barcode reader, but to see the memo, the operator must temporarily take his eyes off the barcode reader and move his / her line of sight. This imposes a burden on the operator.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to realize a barcode reader that allows an operator to visually recognize various types of information without increasing the movement of the line of sight.

In a bar code reader, it is desired to minimize power consumption and extend the life of a laser light source except when reading a bar code. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to realize a barcode reader that drives a light source or the like of a barcode reader in response to the start of a barcode reading operation. It is an object of the present invention to provide in a position where it can be reliably detected.

Further, conventionally, magnetic tags or the like have been used to prevent shoplifting and the like. When a product is purchased, the tag is invalidated. In a conventional device, a device for invalidating the tag is provided separately from the barcode reader. Therefore, there is a problem that the number of devices to be provided increases. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to realize a barcode reader including a tag invalidating unit integrally with the barcode reader without further impairing the operability of the barcode reading operation.

The bar code reader is connected to a POS terminal or the like by a cable, and this cable is connected to a connector provided on the bar code reader. However, in the conventional bar code reader, prevention of disconnection of the cable is not considered so much, and the cable may become an obstacle depending on the installation state of the device on the counter.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a bar code reader which prevents the cable from being disconnected and prevents the cable from hindering the installation of the apparatus.

When a bar code is read, a notification sound is output from a speaker in order to inform the operator whether the reading has been performed normally. In this case, a speaker hole is provided in the apparatus body for transmitting the speaker sound to the outside. However, there has been a problem that water invades from the speaker hole and the apparatus breaks down.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to realize a device capable of transmitting a notification sound at a sufficient volume outside the device without providing a hole in the device.

[0023]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In an optical reading device for reading an optical mark by irradiating a light beam emitted from a light source through a reading window onto the optical mark and detecting reflected light reflected from the optical mark, the optical mark is attached to an article. A tag invalidating section for invalidating the unauthorized tag for preventing unauthorized removal is provided along the reading window on a path after the article to be read with the optical mark has passed through the reading window.

[0024]

According to the present invention, there is provided an optical unit in which a light source, a condensing means, a photodetector and the like are integrally mounted, and it is not necessary to particularly adjust the positional relationship between the members.

In particular, by incorporating the light source into the circuit board integrally with the drive circuit, the drive circuit can be operated under conditions optimal for the light source without adjusting the drive circuit when replacing the light source.

By setting the light detector at a position closer to the light collecting means than the focal position of the light collecting means, the substantial diameter of the condensed beam does not increase even if the position of the bar code changes.
Even a bar code with a narrow bar width can be read.

Further, by providing a space for attaching a memo or the like in an optical reading device such as a bar code reader, or by providing a display device in an optical reading device and displaying information according to an external instruction, the optical mark reading time can be reduced. It is not necessary to greatly move the line of sight between when the information is visually recognized, and the burden on the operator can be reduced.

In addition, by providing a means for detecting the start of the optical mark reading operation on the path through which the article passes when reading the optical mark, the start of the optical mark reading operation can be detected with a high probability. .

Similarly, by providing the tag invalidating section on the article passage path, the optical mark reading operation can be continued.
Tag invalidation can be performed by a natural operation. Here, by making the height of the tag invalidating portion higher than the window position for reading the optical mark, it is necessary to greatly change the height of the article passing when reading the optical mark and the height of the article passing when the tag is invalidated. Therefore, the operability can be improved, and in particular, the operability can be further improved by providing the tag invalidating portion at an inclination.

By providing the connector portion with the cable cover, the cable can be prevented from being pulled out. In particular, by providing a plurality of cable holes in the cable cover, the cable can be pulled out of the cable cover regardless of the installation state of the device.

Further, a cable groove is provided around the device, the cable is held in the cable groove, and a cable fixing means for fixing the cable is provided.

By resonating the buzzer sound using the space between the apparatus main body and the cover portion, a sufficient buzzer hole can be secured without opening a buzzer hole.

By providing a plurality of buzzers having different wavelengths, it is easy to distinguish them from the buzzer sounds of other devices.

Further, since the light source, the operating means, and the light condensing means are arranged horizontally long, the vertical width of the apparatus can be suppressed, and the height of the apparatus can be reduced.

[0035]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bar code reader according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the emission condensing unit has a laser unit, a reflecting mirror, a condensing lens, a detection sensor and the like mounted integrally. The details of the emission condensing unit will be described later.

The polygon mirror is rotated by the driving force of a motor. A mirror is provided on each surface of the polygon mirror, and reflects and scans the laser light from the emission / condensing unit.

The pattern mirror is composed of a plurality of mirrors. The scanning light reflected from the polygon mirror enters each mirror of the pattern mirror and is reflected upward. The pattern of the scanning light emitted from the reading window has a pattern as shown in FIG. 2, and each scanning line is generated by each mirror of the pattern mirror.

The scanning light emitted from the reading window is irradiated on a bar code label (not shown). The scanning light scans the barcode label, and the scanning light (reflected light) reflected by the barcode label enters the barcode reader via the reading window.

The reflected light incident on the bar code reader is condensed by a condenser lens via a pattern mirror and a polygon mirror, and is incident on a detection sensor. The detection sensor generates an electric signal according to the detected reflected light, and a barcode reading process is performed based on the electric signal.

FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an output light focusing unit according to the present embodiment. The emission condensing unit is a unit in which a member necessary for emitting the laser beam and a member necessary for condensing and detecting the reflected light from the barcode are unitized.

In the figure, the printed board mounts a laser unit, a detection sensor and the like, and the lens unit mounts a condenser lens and a reflection mirror.

The laser unit includes a laser light source composed of a semiconductor laser or the like that emits laser light, a shaping lens that shapes the laser light emitted from the laser light source and focuses the laser light at a predetermined position, and heat generated by the laser light source. A heat sink for diverging and a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the laser light source are unitized. FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the laser unit.
Shown in In order for the laser light from the laser light source to be focused at a predetermined position, the distance between the laser light source and the shaping lens needs to be a predetermined value, but since these are unitized in this laser unit, There is no need to adjust the distance between the laser light source and the shaping lens during the laser replacement operation.

The life of the semiconductor laser depends on the integrated lighting time and the ambient temperature during lighting. The temperature sensor contained in the heat sink detects the temperature when the laser is turned on, and sends the result to a control unit (not shown). In the control unit, the relationship between the temperature of the semiconductor laser and the lighting time that is the life is stored, and when the laser is turned on, the control unit measures the time,
It is stored together with the temperature when the semiconductor is turned on. The control unit further raises an alarm when it is determined that the life of the semiconductor laser is approaching based on the stored life time.

The printed board is provided with a drive circuit for a laser light source (not shown). The laser light source is fixed on the printed board so as to be connected to the drive circuit. Since the laser light source and the drive circuit are integrated, the drive circuit corresponding to the laser light source is already set on the printed board, and there is no need to adjust the drive circuit when replacing the laser light source. The drive circuit portion of the printed board is covered with a shield plate made of a metal plate in order to eliminate the influence of static electricity.

As described above, the detection sensor detects the reflected light from the bar code collected by the condenser lens. The detection sensor is fixed at a predetermined position on the printed board, and is connected to a detection circuit (not shown) mounted on the printed board.

The switch switches on / off the power of the bar code reader.

The display section comprises, for example, LEDs. When performing a barcode reading operation, it is necessary to inform the operator whether the barcode has been read normally or a reading error has occurred, and in the case of a reading error, it is not necessary to repeat the reading operation again. Not be. The display section is used for this purpose and is composed of two LEDs. One LED is turned on when barcode reading is normally performed, and the other LED is turned on when a barcode reading error occurs. A control circuit for controlling lighting of the LEDs is mounted on the printed board, and the control circuit controls lighting of one of the LEDs according to the result of the demodulation processing of the bar code data. The number of LEDs is not limited to two, but may be one or three or more.

External light sensor (also called restart sensor)
Detects the amount of light around the bar code reader.

When reading a bar code, the laser light source must be turned on, and a motor must be driven to rotate the polygon mirror. However, useless power is consumed when the laser light source is always turned on and the driving of the motor is continued. Therefore, it is desired to minimize power consumption during a period in which barcode reading is not performed.

The life of the semiconductor laser is not so long, and if the semiconductor laser is continuously lit, the actual operation time of the laser light source becomes very short. In order to extend the apparent or operational life of the laser light source, it is desirable to turn off the laser light source when barcode reading is not performed.

When the bar code is read, the operator holds the article or the hand of the operator over the bar code reader, so that the bar code reader is covered. Compared with the case where barcode reading is not performed, the amount of ambient light that strikes the barcode reader during barcode reading decreases. Therefore, if it is detected that the amount of ambient light has decreased, it can be determined that the barcode reading operation has been started. The external light sensor is provided to detect this change in ambient light.

The external light sensor is connected to an external light detection circuit mounted on a printed board. The external light detection circuit compares the ambient light detected by the external light sensor with a preset threshold value, determines that barcode reading has started when the ambient light amount is equal to or less than the threshold value, and turns on the laser light source. And drive of the motor is started. By using the external light sensor in this manner, power consumption can be reduced during a period in which barcode reading is not performed,
The apparent longer life of the laser light source can be achieved.

In the lens unit, the condensing lens condenses the reflected light from the bar code and makes it incident on the detection sensor as described above. The reflection mirrors A and B reflect laser light emitted from the laser light source toward the polygon mirror. The base of the lens unit is formed of resin.

FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the positional relationship between the light emitted from the laser light source, the reflected light (return light) from the bar code reader, and the members mounted on the emission light focusing unit.
In the figures, (a) shows a drawing viewed from the top, and (b) shows a drawing viewed from the side.

The optical axis of the light emitted from the laser light source is adjusted so as to coincide with the optical axis of the return light. The laser light emitted from the laser light source is almost 90
Reflected in degrees. The laser light reflected by the reflection mirror A is reflected by the reflection mirror B in a direction substantially opposite to the reflection direction of the reflection mirror A at an angle of about 90 degrees, and the laser light is placed on the optical axis a to form a polygon mirror. Emitted toward.

On the other hand, the return light from the bar code enters the condenser lens with a certain spread. The condenser lens is positioned so that the optical axis of the condenser lens also coincides with the optical axis a, and the condenser lens collects the return light and makes it incident on the detection sensor. Since the detection sensor has its center located on the optical axis a and is further provided at the focal position of the condenser lens,
The return light from the condenser lens is focused on the detection sensor.

The return light that enters the detection sensor directly enters from the condenser lens, and no mirror or the like is provided between them. Further, the laser light source is mounted at a position on the printed circuit board at a distance L from the detection sensor so as to avoid the incident position of the return light and avoid the light path of the emitted laser light from the condenser lens. The mounting positions of the laser light source and the detection sensor in the vertical direction are matched.

The laser unit and the detection sensor are mounted at predetermined positions on the printed board so as to satisfy the positional relationship of each part in FIG. The condenser lens is mounted on the base of the lens unit so that the optical axis of the condenser lens is aligned with the optical axis a.

The reflection mirrors A and B are respectively attached to the ends of arms formed by bending a metal plate. The height of the arms is set according to the height of the laser unit and the height of the polygon mirror, and the distance between the arms is set to L in FIG.

In order to keep the distance between the condenser lens and the detection sensor at a predetermined value, the pedestal portion and the arm of the lens unit have a length corresponding to the distance between the condenser lens and the detection sensor. The pedestal of the lens unit and the printed board are fixed and integrated with, for example, screws.

By constructing the light emitting and condensing unit in this manner, it is not necessary to position each part when exchanging the laser light source, and the work efficiency can be improved.

FIGS. 6 to 9 are diagrams showing the relationship between the article position and the focal point by the condenser lens. FIG. 6 shows a conventional bar code reader. In the figure, A, B, and C indicate the positions of the articles with the barcodes, respectively.
A is the point closest to the barcode reader and C is the farthest point. O is the center point of the condenser lens.

The reflected light from the point A closest to the bar code reader is focused on the point A1 farthest. The reflected light from the intermediate point B is focused on the intermediate point B1, and the reflected light from the farthest point C is focused on the point C1 closest to the condenser lens. F is the focal point (the focal position of the condenser lens) when the parallel light is incident on the condenser lens.

In the case of FIG. 6, the detection sensor is set at the intermediate point B1.
Has been installed. FIG. 7 shows the relationship between the position where the reflected light is generated (reflection position) and the diameter of the focused beam at the detection sensor position (Lp = OB1). As you can see from this figure,
At the detection sensor position B1, the diameter of the condensed beam due to the reflected light from the in-focus point B is the smallest, and the convergent beam diameter increases as the distance from the point B increases.

Increasing the diameter of the focused beam means that the minimum bar width limit at which detection is possible increases accordingly. Therefore, it is difficult to detect a bar code having a small bar width at points A and C where the focused beam diameter is large. In particular, at the point C at a position distant from the barcode reader, the minimum detectable bar width becomes considerably large.

On the other hand, in FIG. 8, the detection sensor is disposed farther than the focal length f of the condenser lens than the condenser lens. FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the relationship between the position where the reflected light is generated and the diameter of the focused beam in this case (Lp = OP). In this case, the focused beam diameter at the point P is
The focused beam diameter of the reflected light from the point A closest to the bar code reader is the largest, and the focused beam diameter of the reflected light decreases as the distance from the bar code reader increases.

The fact that the focused beam diameter becomes smaller when the article is far from the bar code reader means that a bar code with a narrower bar width can be read even when the bar code is far away. . on the other hand,
When the barcode is close to the barcode reader, the focused beam diameter increases.However, since the barcode itself is originally close to the barcode reader, the minimum detectable bar width does not increase substantially. It does not affect code reading.

Therefore, in the detection sensor of this embodiment, the position where the reflected light from the position set at the farthest point is focused by the condenser lens, and more specifically, is closer to the condenser lens than the focal point of the condenser lens. It is arranged to come to the position. With this configuration, there is no large difference between the ability to read a barcode at a far position and the ability to read a barcode at a close position, and stable barcode reading can be realized. When the position of the point C is set as the farthest reading position, the light detector may be provided on the condenser lens side from the position where the reflected light from the point C is focused. It is not necessary to provide a photodetector in the device.

It is necessary for the operator who registers and adjusts the goods to know what the goods for the time service and the goods for the bargain sale are, for example, for discounting the goods prices depending on the time zone. For this reason, conventionally, a memo in which the name of a special sale item is entered is pasted using a tape or the like, for example, in a vacant space of a checkout counter or a portion below a keyboard.

Here, the height of the checkout counter and the height of the reading window surface of the bar code reader are different, and the positions are completely different. When reading a barcode, the operator moves his / her eyes near the reading window of the barcode reader. In order to confirm the memo, the operator needs to move his / her gaze to a position where the memo such as a checkout counter is attached. However, since the barcode reader and the position where the memo of the checkout counter can be attached are far apart, the operator has to move his / her gaze greatly. Therefore, a heavy burden is imposed on the operator to check the memo.

Further, since the memo can only be attached with an adhesive tape, there is a disadvantage that the memo is caught by a product during a barcode reading operation, and the memo is easily peeled off.

Therefore, the bar code reader according to the present embodiment is configured so that a memo or the like can be attached near the bar code reader reading window where the operator can easily view the memo.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the bar code reader according to the present embodiment. In the figure, (a) shows a case where a space for inserting a memo is provided at a position off the reading window in front of a bar code reader, and (b) shows a case where an iron plate for stopping the memo with a magnet or the like is provided. Is shown.

The reading window of the bar code reader according to this embodiment is provided on the right side in FIG. 10, and there is a relatively large empty space on the left side of the bar code reader. In this embodiment, this space is used, and a memo or the like can be inserted at this position.

An opening window is provided on the left side of the front of the bar code reader so that the inserted memo can be seen. A window made of glass, transparent resin, or the like is attached to the opening. By attaching such a window, it is possible to prevent water droplets falling from a product or the like from entering the device, and to prevent the mechanism and the memo inside the device from getting wet.
This window is not particularly necessary.If the penetration of water droplets into the device can be sufficiently achieved by other means, the bar code reader is installed in an environment where the memo does not get wet, or the memo is not used. If it does not matter if it gets wet, it is not necessary to attach the window. The cross section of the cover of the bar code reader has a U shape as shown in FIG. 11, and a gap is generated between the window and the device cover. Therefore, in this embodiment, a memo is inserted into this portion. As shown in FIG. 10, an insertion port for inserting a memo into the barcode reader is provided on a side surface (an upper portion in the figure) of the cover. The memo insertion slot is desirably shaped so that the memo can be easily removed. FIG.
Nothing is attached to the memo insertion slot. However, when the barcode reader is installed in, for example, a vertically long direction, the memo may be dropped. In order to prevent this, an openable lid or the like may be provided at the memo insertion slot.

As shown in FIG. 10B, the memo may be attached by a magnet or the like, and the object of the invention can be achieved by attaching a clip for holding the memo at this position.

As shown in FIG. 10, on the cover of the bar code reader, a pass mark for indicating a position through which the bar code is passed (triangle in the figure, but a shape such as a circle or an arrow is arbitrarily selected. Can be provided).
In order to read a bar code without causing an error, there is an optimum position where an article should be passed. The pass mark on the cover is provided to inform the operator of the optimum position for passing the article. That is, at the time of reading a barcode, an article almost always passes through the passage mark.

Focusing on this point, the bar code reader of this embodiment is provided with the above-mentioned external light sensor (restart sensor) at the portion of the passing mark. When the external light sensor is provided at a position where the passage of the article is not so expected, the change in the ambient light amount cannot be detected unless this position is blocked by the article or the operator's hand during the barcode reading operation. Since the operation when passing an article is different for each operator, it is necessary to sufficiently consider the mounting position of the external light sensor.

As described above, the pass mark position is a position where an article always passes when reading a bar code, and even if there is an individual difference in operation, this position can be blocked by the article or the hand of the operator. it can. Therefore, by providing the external light sensor at this position, it is possible to always detect a change in the amount of ambient light during the barcode reading operation, and to reliably perform the turning on of the laser light source and the on / off control of the motor drive.

The position of the external light sensor is not limited to the passing mark, but may be any position as long as the line of sight of the operator can be naturally pointed at the time of reading the bar code, such as on a path through which an article passes when reading the bar code. In particular, it is desirable to be provided at a position before the reading window with respect to the moving direction of the article.

On the other hand, the pass mark portion is a position through which the operator's line of sight passes when reading the bar code. Therefore, a display lamp (display section) indicating whether or not the bar code can be read may be provided at this position. Thus, the operator can confirm whether or not the barcode can be read without largely moving the line of sight.

In addition, an iron plate may be attached to the side of the reading window of the bar code reader, and a memo may be attached to the position by a magnet (FIG. 10b). Alternatively, a clip for holding a memo may be attached.

FIG. 12 is a view showing an embodiment in which a display device such as a liquid crystal display panel is provided in front of a bar code reader.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the connection form between the bar code reader and the POS terminal and the flow of data. The barcode reader is connected to an external device via a cable or the like to a POS terminal or the like in order to transmit the read barcode data. From the barcode reader, the barcode data read by the barcode reader is transmitted to an external device. The external device searches for a product file connected to the external device based on the sent barcode reader, and outputs information such as a product name and a price from the product file.

FIG. 13A shows a conventional data flow. A control signal such as an instruction to output an alarm sound when a product file cannot be retrieved is transmitted from the external device to the barcode reader, but no other information is transmitted. In this embodiment, attention is paid to this point, and information on a bargain-ready product or the like is transmitted from the external device to the barcode reader, and the information is displayed on the display device of the barcode reader.

[0086] Various product information is stored in the product file. In the case of a product for the time service, the time for the time service, the discounted price, and the like are stored together with the product code, the product name, and the like. Therefore, in order to display the product information for the time service on the barcode reader, the present embodiment uses the information stored in the product file.

FIG. 13B is a diagram showing a data flow according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, commodity price data and service information to be displayed on the display unit of the barcode reader are transmitted from the POS terminal as display information. The information transmitting unit creates display information based on the contents of the product file or based on an instruction from a device connected to a higher order.

When the time service start time comes, the POS
The terminal searches the product file, outputs data such as the product name of the product for the time service and the discounted price from the product file, and transmits the data to the barcode reader. The barcode reader receives the product information from the POS terminal and displays the content on a display device. With this configuration, it is possible to notify the operator of the barcode reader which product is the target of the time service.

Similarly, in the case of a special sale item, information indicating that the product is a special sale item is stored in the product file, and for example, when the store is opened, the name of the special sale target product is changed based on this information. And sends it to the barcode reader. The bar code reader displays the received special sale item name on the display device.

Conventionally, when a bar code is read by a bar code reader, the product name,
Displaying prices and the like was done. The line of sight of the operator is directed to the barcode reader during a barcode reading operation. In order to confirm the product name and price of the read product, the user looks at the display of the POS terminal. However, depending on the layout of the checkout counter, the POS terminal and the barcode reader may be located separately. In such a case, the movement of the line of sight of the operator becomes large, and it is difficult to confirm the display contents.

In the case of this embodiment, since the bar code reader is provided with a display device, the product name and the price of the product read here are displayed so that the reading operation and the display content confirmation can be performed. Can be pushed to a minimum, and fatigue of the operator can be reduced.

When the POS terminal receives the barcode data from the barcode reader, the POS terminal searches for a product file as described above, and outputs information such as a product name and a price from the product file. The POS terminal displays the product name, price, and the like on its own display, and also transmits product information, such as the product name and price, to the barcode reader. The bar code reader displays the received product information on a display. By such an operation, it is possible to display information on the product whose barcode has been read on the display of the barcode reader.

Further, by transmitting service information on various products, instructions and guidance to the operator from the POS terminal or a device connected at a higher level to the barcode reader, all kinds of information can be obtained. It can be displayed in a form that is easy for the operator of the barcode reader to visually recognize.

The display must be attached to the main body of the bar code reader so as not to disturb the optical path of the light emitted from the laser light source and the return light from the bar code. In this case, if the thickness of the display is large, the thickness of the barcode reader is also large so as not to disturb the optical path. In order to reduce the thickness of the barcode reader, it is desirable to use a display device itself that can be reduced in thickness, such as a liquid crystal display device.

FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a checkout counter provided with a tag invalidating device together with a barcode reader.

Conventionally, when a product is tagged with a magnetic shoplifting prevention tag and the product is illegally taken out of the store,
2. Description of the Related Art There is known a system that detects magnetism with a detector provided at a store entrance or the like and notifies the user of unauthorized removal. If a product is purchased regularly, it is necessary to invalidate the tag. Conventionally, as shown in the figure, a tag invalidation device that performs magnetic erasure of the tag, etc. is placed on the checkout counter alongside the barcode reader. Was provided. The tag invalidator is
It can be appropriately selected according to the type of tag.

[0097] The product that has passed over the bar code reader to read the bar code subsequently passes over the tag invalidating device. Therefore, the tag can be invalidated immediately after the barcode is read. However, since it is useless to have the tag invalidating device and the barcode reader separately, it has been desired to integrate the barcode reader and the tag invalidating device.

FIG. 15A is a diagram showing a conventional bar code reader in which a bar code reader and a tag invalidating device are integrated. In the illustrated bar code reader, a tag invalidating unit such as a magnet is attached around a reading window of the bar code reader. By using such a device, it was possible to integrate the barcode reader and the tag invalidating unit.

However, since the tag invalidating section is provided around the window, the tag is invalidated before scanning the barcode, and whether the product has been registered or whether the tag has just been invalidated. As a result, the shoplifting cannot be performed, and effective shoplifting cannot be prevented. In addition, since the reading window and the tag invalidating section are too close and the area of the tag invalidating section is too small, the workability of tag invalidating is not good.

FIG. 15B is a diagram showing the movement of goods when bar codes are read and tags are invalidated using the bar code reader of FIG. 15A. FIG. 15 (b)
As shown in, when scanning the barcode, move the product so as to avoid the tag invalidating section in front, and further move the barcode to a position where the barcode is scanned in order to bring the product closer to the tag invalidating section. I had to move the goods down. Furthermore, in order to ensure that the tag is invalidated, it is necessary to return the product once passed on the barcode reader to the barcode reader again and to pass over the tag invalidation section.

In the present embodiment, such a disadvantage is solved. FIG. 16 is a drawing showing the bar code reader of this embodiment. The present embodiment is characterized in that a tag invalidating unit is provided in an empty space of a cover of a barcode reader in a line with a reading window. The reading window is arranged close to the right side of the apparatus, and an empty space is created on the left side of the apparatus. In this embodiment, a tag invalidating unit is provided using this space. For this reason, the area of the tag invalidating section can be increased, and the product passes through the reading window and then passes through the tag invalidating section, so that the tag is not invalidated before the barcode is read.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the bar code reader of this embodiment. In the present embodiment, the bar code is read by passing the product through the reading window, and then the tag is invalidated by moving the product so as to be in contact with the tag invalidating unit. When reading a barcode, there is no need to move the product so as to avoid the tag invalidating unit, and there is no need to return the product and pass it through the same place again, so that the operability of the barcode reading operation can be improved. .

Here, in order to invalidate the tag, there is a case in which the tag and the tag invalidating section must be brought into contact with each other. On the other hand, from the relation of the focal position of the scanning light, the most suitable passage position of the product for barcode reading is often set at a position slightly away from the reading window. FIG. 17 shows a state of article movement for barcode reading and tag invalidation. As shown in FIG. 17, when reading a barcode, the article passes through a certain height from the reading window. On the other hand, when the tag is invalidated, it is necessary to pass below the position at the time of reading the barcode so that the article is brought into contact with the tag. As described above, the height of the article passing position at the time of reading the barcode is significantly different from the height of the article passing position at the time of the tag invalidating operation.
As a result, the movement width of the article in the height direction becomes large, and the workability is considerably reduced if not as much as that of FIG.

In order to solve such a point, the height of the tag invalidating section provided in the bar code reader may be increased. If the height of the tag invalidating section is close to the height at which the article passes when reading the barcode, the article can be contacted with the tag invalidating section by natural operation following the barcode reading. Can be.

FIGS. 18 and 19 show an embodiment of a barcode reader in which the height of the tag invalidating section is increased. FIG.
8 is a perspective view of the bar code reader, and FIG. 19 is a side view. In the bar code reader of the present embodiment,
The tag invalidating section is higher than the reading window position, and the cover portion to which the tag invalidating section is attached is inclined toward the direction in which the product passes.

FIG. 19 further shows how goods pass when bar codes are read and tags are invalidated. In the bar code reader of FIG. 19, by moving the article linearly and slightly obliquely downward, the article can be passed to a position optimal for reading the bar code, and the article can be passed to the tag invalidating section. it can. In particular, since the tag invalidating section is arranged at an angle, the operation when the article is brought into contact with the tag invalidating section can be performed naturally, and the workability of barcode reading and tag invalidating can be improved. it can.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 19, the height of the tag nullification unit is fixed, but the height of the tag nullification unit can be adjusted by providing a mechanism that can adjust the inclination of the tag nullification unit. It is also possible to adjust to the optimum position every time.

FIG. 20 is a drawing showing another embodiment. In FIG. 20, an elastic member such as a sponge is provided at a position where the tag invalidating section is attached, and the tag invalidating section is provided thereon. With such a configuration, the impact applied to the product when the product is brought into contact with the tag invalidating portion is absorbed by the elastic member, and especially when the tag attached to the easily breakable product such as a bottle is invalidated, It is possible to prevent the product from being damaged.

FIG. 21 is a drawing showing the back of the bar code reader. A connector for connecting a cable connected to the POS terminal is provided on the back of the apparatus, and an adapter for supplying power to the barcode reader is connected.

A cable cover is attached to the bar code reader so as to cover the connector portion. If the cable connected to the connector is exposed, the cable can be caught or the connector can be easily disconnected from the cable, and the appearance is not very good. In order to solve such a point, in the barcode reader according to the present embodiment, a cable cover is attached to the connector portion to prevent the cable from being disconnected.

The bar code reader can be installed in either the vertical direction or the horizontal direction. When the bar code reader is placed horizontally, the reading window is located on the right side toward the operator. In some cases, the reading window is located on the left side toward the operator. In order to cope with such an arrangement of the barcode reader, the cable cover of the present embodiment has three cable holes.

FIG. 22 is a view showing a state where the cable is pulled out from the cable hole. The cable connected to the connector is pulled out from one of the cable holes provided in the cable cover. When the barcode reader is installed horizontally, particularly when the barcode reader is set vertically, it is more convenient to pull the cable downward to prevent the cable from getting in the way. Therefore, in such a case, the cable can be pulled out from the cable hole a provided on the short side of the cable cover. Further, when the cable cannot be pulled directly below due to the structure of the counter in which the barcode reader is installed, the cable may be drawn downward from the cable hole b provided on the long side of the cable cover.

On the other hand, when the bar code reader is installed vertically, it is often advantageous to pull out the cable from the cable hole b. However, this also depends on the situation where the bar code reader is installed. You may draw it from.

The bar code reader according to this embodiment is similar to the one shown in FIG.
It can be used on a counter as shown in FIG. When the barcode reader is installed on the counter in this way, if the cable is exposed, it becomes an obstacle and the appearance is not good. For this reason, in the bar code reader of the present embodiment, a space (cable groove) in which cables can be routed in a state where the apparatus is installed on the counter is provided around the back of the apparatus.

Further, a cable clip is provided in the cable groove to fix the cable laid in the cable groove. The cable clip may be formed integrally with the device housing. By providing the cable clip, the slack of the cable pulled out from the cable hole can be eliminated.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a bar code reader body and a cover provided with speaker holes in the cover.

Conventionally, in order to inform the operator that the barcode has been read normally, the speaker is made to sound when the barcode is read successfully. The speaker is provided below a speaker hole provided on the upper surface of the apparatus main body. In addition, there is a barcode reader in which a cover is provided on the upper surface to double the reading window. A window made of glass or the like is provided on the cover at a position overlapping the window glass on the side of the bar code reader main body. The window on the cover side is replaceable in case of being damaged, and protects the window on the main body side.

A speaker hole is also provided on the cover at a position corresponding to the speaker hole of the main body. Since the cover is configured to completely cover the upper surface of the main body, a speaker hole is provided so that the speaker sound can be transmitted to the outside.

In a conventional bar code reader, an apparatus main body,
Although the speaker holes are provided on both covers, there is a problem that water droplets easily enter the inside of the device. Some of the products to be read with a barcode have a wet surface or a liquid. When reading the barcode of such a product, water drops may fall on the upper surface of the barcode reader. If the speaker hole is formed on the cover, water droplets enter the main body from the cover, causing problems such as failure of the bar code reader.

In order to prevent such intrusion of water droplets,
Although it is conceivable to eliminate the speaker hole on the cover, it is not possible to obtain a speaker sound of a sufficient volume, and it becomes impossible to notify the operator of the reading of the barcode.

FIG. 24 is a view showing a bar code reader which solves this problem, and shows a bar code reader main body and a cover provided thereon. Glass is fitted into the cover at the portion of the reading window, and this cover is installed on the main body of the barcode reader. Since there is no thing similar to the speaker hole on the top of the cover,
Water does not enter the inside of the apparatus from the upper surface of the cover.

On the other hand, at the top of the bar code reader body,
A buzzer hole to which a buzzer is attached is formed on the lower surface. When the buzzer sounds, a buzzer sound is transmitted from this hole. Since the cover covers the top surface of the barcode reader, even if waterdrops fall on the cover, no waterdrops enter the barcode reader body side, and the possibility of moisture entering the device through the buzzer hole is extremely low. . It goes without saying that a speaker may be used instead of the buzzer.

Since no holes are formed on the cover, the buzzer sound transmitted to the outside of the apparatus becomes extremely small if it is left as it is, making it difficult to hear. FIG.
In the device of No. 4, in order to eliminate this point, a space is provided between the top surface of the bar code reader and the cover, the buzzer sound resonates in this space, and a step is provided on the side surface of the bar code reader. The buzzer sound is transmitted to the outside. FIG. 25 is a drawing showing a cross section of the bar code reader of FIG.

On the upper surface of the main body of the bar code reader, four columns for supporting the cover are provided, and the columns secure the space between the cover and the upper surface of the apparatus. The height of the support is set according to the required space size. Note that the size of the space may be appropriately selected in accordance with the frequency of the buzzer sound so that an optimum resonance effect can be obtained.

The buzzer sound is transmitted to the outside through the step portion of the main body of the bar code reader as shown by the arrow in FIG. Although a step is provided on the side surface of the device, when the device is installed horizontally, water does not intrude inside the device over this step. Also, when the device is installed vertically, the step faces the information, but in such a case, the product only passes through the front of the barcode reader, and in normal operation it does not pass over the barcode reader. Because there is no
No need to worry about ingress of moisture.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the relationship between the wavelength (frequency) of the buzzer sound and the volume. The buzzer has a characteristic that the sound volume reaches a peak when the wavelength of the sound is a certain value (a in the figure), and the sound volume sharply decreases when the wavelength becomes a value before and after the wavelength.

[0127] The bar code reader is installed in the store,
Many similar barcode readers are often installed. Therefore, if the buzzer sound of the barcode reader in the store is set to the same pitch, the operator may not be able to distinguish whether the buzzer of the barcode reader operated by himself or another device sounds. . However, if the bar code reader has only one buzzer, for example, if the buzzer sound has the wavelength b in FIG. 26, the volume of the buzzer sound is considerably reduced, and the buzzer sound itself may not be heard. There is.

To solve this problem, the bar code reader is provided with a plurality of buzzers that sound at different heights,
The above problem can be solved by switching a buzzer that sounds by switching a switch or the like.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing the relationship between the wavelength of the buzzer sound and the volume when a plurality of buzzers are provided. The wavelength a of the buzzer A is set lower than the wavelength b of the buzzer B. By providing a plurality of buzzers that sound at different wavelengths as described above, even if the buzzer sounds at different pitches, the peak of the volume appears corresponding to each wavelength. For this reason, even if the pitch of the buzzer sound is changed, the problem that the buzzer sound is reduced and listening becomes difficult is eliminated.

The number of buzzers provided need not be two, and three or more buzzers may be provided if there is room for the buzzer installation. As shown in FIG. 28, the more peaks of the buzzer sound, the easier it is to distinguish it from the buzzer sounds of other devices.

In the bar code reader of FIG. 24, a gap between the cover and the apparatus main body is provided along the long side of the apparatus. However, depending on the installation state of the bar code reader, this gap is closed by a checkout counter or the like. It has come off,
The buzzer sound will not be easily transmitted to the outside. FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a barcode reader in which this point is eliminated.

In FIG. 29, on the upper surface of the bar code reader,
A buzzer 1 that transmits sound upward is attached, and a buzzer 2 that is attached to the side of the barcode reader so that sound is transmitted laterally is provided. Further, the shape of the cover is also changed so that the cover itself has a U-shape.

FIG. 30 is a view showing a state in which the conventional bar code reader of FIG. 34 is set on a counter. A conventional barcode reader is high, and if it is installed on a counter as it is, the reading window position may be too high.
Therefore, in the conventional barcode reader, a part of the barcode reader has to be embedded in order to reduce the height of the apparatus.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 31, the bar code reader according to the present embodiment has a low height, so that the bar code reader can be installed on the counter without being embedded in the counter. Further, in order to effectively read a bar code, it is desirable that the scanning light is scanned over a wide range and the scanning light passes over the counter. Since the bar code reader of this embodiment has a low device height, the scanning light reaches the counter, and the bar code can be reliably read even when the article is passed on the counter. .

FIGS. 32 and 33 are views showing a case where a keyboard is set on a bar code reader.
Shows a conventional one, and FIG. 33 shows one according to the present embodiment.

The conventional bar code reader has a high height, and the distance between the top of the bar code reader and the reading window is wide. Therefore, as shown in FIG.
When there is a large difference between the position where the article is passed to read the barcode and the position where the keyboard is operated, and when it is necessary to operate the keyboard, the operator does not need to raise his arm further than when reading the barcode. Must not.
As a result, a burden has been placed on the operator.

On the other hand, in the case of FIG. 33, the height of the bar code reader is low, and the difference in height between the reading window and the top of the bar code reader is small. Therefore, FIG.
As shown in (2), even when the keyboard is installed on the barcode reader, the difference between the height at which the article passes in front of the reading window and the height when operating the keyboard is small. Therefore, when the keyboard is installed on the barcode reader according to the present embodiment, the burden on the operator's arm can be reduced as compared with the conventional one.

[0138]

According to the present invention, since the light source, the detection sensor, the condenser lens, and the like are unitized, the labor for adjusting each part when replacing each part is reduced, and the influence of the static electricity on the light source is reduced. Further, it is possible to prevent the trouble of adjusting the characteristics of the light source due to the replacement of the light source.

In particular, by setting the mounting position of the detection sensor to be closer to the condenser lens than the focal position of the condenser lens, it is possible to perform stable bar code reading regardless of the bar code position.

Further, by providing a space for inserting a memo in the bar code reader, or by providing a display section on which various information is displayed in accordance with an instruction from a device connected to an upper layer, product information or the like to be recognized by the operator. Can be easily displayed, and in particular, by using the display unit, information to be notified to the operator can be displayed in a timely manner.

By disposing the shoplifting prevention tag on the barcode reader along with the reading window, the tag invalidating operation can be performed following the barcode reading operation. In particular, the height of the tag invalidating section can be set from the reading window. By increasing the height, it is possible to linearly move articles for barcode reading and tag invalidation. Furthermore,
By arranging the tag invalidating section obliquely toward the reading window and arranging it, it is possible to bring the article after the barcode reading is performed with a more natural operation into contact with the tag invalidating section. In addition, by disposing the tag invalidating section on the elastic member, it is possible to absorb a shock when the tag invalidating section comes into contact with the tag invalidating section and prevent the article from being damaged.

By providing a cable cover at the connector portion, the cable connected to the connector is prevented from being disconnected. In particular, by providing the cable holes at a plurality of locations on the cable cover, it becomes possible to pull out the cable from the cable cover in an optimal form even if the installation method of the device changes. In addition, by providing a groove on the back surface of the apparatus and providing a cable fixing member for fixing the cable, the cable does not become an obstacle, and the cable can be prevented from being slackened.

The sound of the buzzer is resonated between the upper surface of the device and the cover, and an opening is provided on the side surface of the device. A buzzer sound can be obtained. Also, by providing multiple buzzers with different sounds,
The buzzer sound can be easily distinguished from other devices without lowering the buzzer sound.

In addition to the description in the above embodiment, the present application also discloses the following invention.

An object of the present invention is to provide a laser light source for emitting a laser beam, scanning means for scanning the laser light source, emitting the laser light to the outside of the apparatus, and irradiating the article with scanning light, and detecting reflected light reflected from the article. In an optical reading device including a photodetector that outputs an electric signal corresponding to the amount of light and a condensing unit that condenses reflected light on the photodetector, at least a laser light source, a condensing unit, and a photodetector are integrated. The problem is solved by providing an optical unit to be mounted on the optical disk.

Further, a driving circuit for driving the laser light source;
A detection circuit for detecting reflected light from the article by receiving an output signal from the photodetector;
The laser light source is mounted on the circuit board so as to be connected to the drive circuit, and the photodetector is mounted on the circuit board so as to be connected to the detection circuit, so that the circuit board forms a part of the optical unit. Constitute.

Further, the center of the photodetector is arranged on the extension of the optical axis of the light emitted from the laser light source.

The laser light source and the photodetector are arranged and fixed at a predetermined interval on the circuit board, and the optical unit is arranged such that the optical axis of the light emitted from the laser light source coincides with the center of the photodetector. And adjusting means for adjusting the temperature.

The laser light source is configured so as to form a light source unit integrally formed with a beam shaping lens for shaping the light emitted from the laser light source.

The distance between the light collector and the light detector is determined so that the light detector is located closer to the light collector than the focal position of the light collector.

Further, a sheet attaching portion for attaching a card-shaped sheet is provided on the front surface of the housing of the optical reading device, or a display portion is provided on a reading window side of the housing of the optical reading device, and information transmitted from the external connection device is provided. It is displayed on a display unit.

In particular, the present invention comprises an information transmitting section for retrieving a product file based on the sent optical mark data and transmitting the retrieved product information to the optical reader, and the optical reader is transmitted from the information transmitting section. The product information is displayed.

Further, an ambient light detector for detecting a change in the amount of ambient light is provided on a path through which an article marked with an optical mark passes when reading the optical mark.
In particular, an ambient light detector is installed at the position of the passing mark.

In addition, a tag invalidating section for invalidating an unauthorized removal prevention tag attached to an article is provided along a reading window on a path through which an article to be read with an optical mark passes. In particular, the tag invalidating section is located at a position higher than the reading window, and the tag invalidating section is inclined on the optical reading device so that the height gradually changes from the reading window side. is set up. Further, the tag invalidating section is installed on an elastic body provided on the optical reader.

Further, according to the present invention, a detachable cable cover for covering the connector portion is provided on the back surface of the optical reader provided with the connector to which the cable is connected, and the cable cover has a plurality of cable holes from which the cable is drawn out. Is also good. Further, a cable groove for holding a cable connected to the connector may be provided on the back surface of the optical reader, and a cable fixing means for fixing the cable may be provided in the cable groove.

The present invention also provides an apparatus having at least a light source and a first reading window, and a cover provided on the main body and having a second reading window, wherein a buzzer is provided on the main body. It is characterized in that the buzzer sound from the buzzer is resonated in the space formed between the main body and the cover part to amplify the buzzer sound, and an opening is provided between the main body and the outer periphery of the cover part The buzzer sound may be transmitted through the opening. In addition, the main body may include a support on which the cover is placed and which secures a space with the cover. Further, the present invention may include a plurality of buzzers each having a buzzer sound having a different wavelength.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a barcode reader according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a scanning pattern according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating an output light focusing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a laser unit.

FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a relationship between outgoing light, return light, and each part of an outgoing light condensing unit.

FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a focal point of each reflected light when the detection sensor is at an intermediate position.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a change in a focused beam diameter at the time of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a drawing showing the focal point of each reflected light when the detection sensor is located before the focal position of the condenser lens.

FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a change in a focused beam diameter at the time of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a barcode reader provided with a memo insertion slot.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a memo insertion part.

FIG. 12 is an example of a barcode reader having a display unit.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a data flow between a barcode reader and a POS terminal.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a counter including a barcode reader and a tag invalidating device.

FIG. 15 shows a conventional barcode reader having a tag invalidating unit.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a barcode reader including a tag invalidating unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a view showing a state of article movement in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 shows another embodiment of a barcode reader having a tag invalidating unit.

FIG. 19 is a view showing a state of article movement in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is another example of a barcode reader including a tag invalidating unit.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a back surface of the bar code reader.

FIG. 22 is a view showing a state of a cable pulled out from a cable hole.

FIG. 23 shows a conventional bar code reader having a speaker hole.

FIG. 24 is an embodiment of a bar code reader in which a buzzer hole is eliminated.

FIG. 25 is a sectional view of the bar code reader of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a view showing characteristics of a buzzer.

FIG. 27 is a drawing showing characteristics of a buzzer when two buzzers are provided.

FIG. 28 is a drawing showing characteristics of a buzzer when a large number of buzzers are provided.

FIG. 29 is another embodiment of the bar code reader in which the buzzer hole is eliminated.

FIG. 30 is a view showing a conventional barcode reader installed on a counter.

FIG. 31 is an embodiment of the barcode reader of the present invention installed on a counter.

FIG. 32 is an embodiment of a conventional barcode reader in which a keyboard is installed on the top.

FIG. 33 is an embodiment of the barcode reader of the present invention in which a keyboard is installed on the top.

FIG. 34 is a view showing a conventional bar code reader.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Toshitaka Aoki 1015 Uedanaka, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture Inside Fujitsu Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 5B072 AA08 BB10 CC01 DD02 JJ01 MM11

Claims (1)

[Claims] An optical reading device for irradiating an optical mark with a light beam emitted from a light source through a reading window, detecting reflected light reflected from the optical mark, and reading the optical mark, illegally taking out an article attached to an article. An optical reading device, wherein a tag invalidating unit for invalidating a prevention tag is provided along a path after an article to be read with an optical mark has passed through the reading window, along with the reading window.