JP2003296658A - Code reader - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a code reader constituted so that even an inexperienced user can easily read a proper code, improving operability, and having the inexpensive constitution. <P>SOLUTION: This code reader 1 has a plurality of light emitters 18 and 94, and a CCD camera 95 for imaging the proper code 10 inside a housing 2, and reads information on the proper code 10 by the reflected light reflected when the light strikes on the proper code 10 by directly or indirectly irradiating to the proper code 10 arranged on an object 30 with the light from the light emitter 18, and is constituted so that the plurality of light emitters 18 and 94 emit different colors, and make a white color area 50 by a combination of different light colors emitted from the plurality of light emitters 18 and 94, and the white color area 50 becomes a reading position of the code reader 1 to the proper code. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention irradiates a unique code (a one-dimensional code, a two-dimensional code, a three-dimensional code or the like indicating information unique to an object) provided on an object with light and emits the irradiated light. Relates to a code reader that reflects a unique code and reads the unique code by a reflected wave resulting from the reflection, and particularly relates to the structure of the code reader and the alignment (height adjustment) of the code reader with respect to the unique code. Involve

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in order to manage a specific object (for example, a product), in order to identify an individual product, for example, one-dimensional, two-dimensional, three-dimensional information indicating product-specific information is displayed. A unique code (simply referred to as a code) such as is provided. Conventionally, the unique code provided to the specific product is read by a fixed or handy code reading device (a code reader, and the entire product is managed based on the read information. In the method of reading the code by separating the code reading device by a predetermined distance from the code (for example, handy type), a user who is unfamiliar with the operation of the code reading device is unique from the focus of the CCD camera of the code reading device. It takes time to match the code recognition distance to the code and accurately image the code on the CCD element of the CCD camera. Does not know enough the recognition distance that the code can be recognized in the experience, so if it is a certain distance from the code Because the camera shake occurs during operation and the code cannot be imaged within the recognizable range of the CCD element, an inexperienced user can change the relative positional relationship between the code reader and the code in various ways. The code is read while changing the recognition distance determined by the code and the focal length of the CCD camera.For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-29979 discloses a handy reader. In the two-dimensional code reading device shown in Fig. 3, a high-intensity LED is arranged toward the inner bottom surface on the side opposite to the opening of the hood, and the surface to be read is illuminated by indirect illumination. Aim the optical marker image toward the optical marker,
Reading performance is secured regardless of the condition of the surface to be read. The optical marker of the above publication makes the user position the reading position of the code reading device with respect to the two-dimensional code by blinking by the driver circuit.
The high-intensity LED is turned on when the optical marker is not turned on, and the two-dimensional code is read. In this case, the optical markers are provided on both sides of the lens arranged to face the two-dimensional sensor, and the optical marker is two-dimensionally arranged on the surface to be read through each lens arranged to face the optical marker. A cross-shaped optical marker image corresponding to the focal position determined according to the positional relationship between the sensor and the lens is emitted. Specifically, when the optical marker images appear on both sides of the two-dimensional code, the reading position (reading depth) of the code reading device is too close to the two-dimensional code, or
It's too far. However, when this cross-shaped optical marker image appears overlapping on the two-dimensional code, the reading position is optimum. In this way, the user can read the two-dimensional code by adjusting the reading position of the code reading device based on the positional relationship between the two optical marker images described above.

However, in the above publication, since the cross-shaped optical marker image is superimposed on the two-dimensional code and displayed, when the size of the code is small, the optical marker image adapted to it is also small. . Therefore, when the size of the code is small, it becomes difficult to overlay the optical marker image on the code, and the operability is not good. In addition, the cross-shaped optical marker image needs to be configured by LEDs or lenses. In other words, if two cross-shaped optical marker images are created with LEDs, at least 5
Each LED is required (10 LEDs in total), which increases the cost. In addition, if you make a cross-shaped optical marker image with a lens, you have to cut the lens into a special shape or perform lens processing such as combining multiple lenses so that the light emitted from the lens becomes a cross shape. However, this also causes an increase in cost. Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and to make it possible for even an inexperienced user to easily read the unique code, to improve the reading performance and operability of the code reading device, and It is a technical issue to provide an inexpensive code reading device as compared with the above.

Technical means taken to solve the above-mentioned problems include a housing having a reading surface for reading a unique code provided on an object, and a plurality of housings provided inside the housing. Light emitting means, imaging means arranged in the housing for capturing the unique code, and light emitted from the light emitting means to the unique code is reflected by the unique code and reflected by the unique light. In the code reading device provided with the recognition means for reading the information of the code, the light emitting means emits different colors, and the combination of different colors indicates the reading position of the unique code. According to the above-mentioned means, it is possible to use the light emitting means for emitting different colors and set the position where the combination of different colors becomes the specific color as the reading position of the unique code of the code reading device. Therefore, if the code reading device is brought to the position of the specific color to read the unique code, the position of the reading position can be easily adjusted. Therefore, even an inexperienced user can easily align the code reading device with the unique code and read the unique code. Therefore, the operability of the code reading device is improved. In this case, the light emitting means has a red first light emitting body, a green second light emitting body, and a blue third light emitting body, and white synthesizing the three primary colors is synthesized in a region where the recognizing means recognizes the unique code. If you create a color area,
The first red light emitter, the second green light emitter, and the third blue light emitter allow the combination of the three primary colors to create a white composite color region. If the position of the code reading device is adjusted so as to be in this white composite color area, even an inexperienced user can easily perform position adjustment and read the unique code. At this time, simply using three-color light emitting means (for example, a red LED, a green LED, a blue LED, or a light emitting body that emits RGB (Red Green Blue) light by an applied voltage) provides a simple structure. , It is possible to create a white composite color area. This does not require processing of a lens or the like and does not increase the cost as compared with the conventional one. Further, the light emitting means is separated from the reading surface by a predetermined distance, and the recognition means recognizes the unique code in an area.
When the composite color area is formed, the composite color area is formed at a position apart from the reading surface by a predetermined distance. Therefore, if the code reader is placed at a position where a specific composite color is obtained, the unique code can be read. The position of the reading position can be easily adjusted. For example, if the position of the code reading device is adjusted with respect to the unique code so that the color is a specific composite color different from the color of the object with the unique code, the color of the object on which the unique code is provided does not depend on the color. It is possible to recognize the unique code in. Further, if the light emitting means is arranged around the image pickup means, the light emitting means is arranged around the image pickup means, so that the optical system of the image pickup means or the light emitting means is concentrated on a specific portion to simplify the structure. It is possible to unitize. Therefore, the degree of freedom in arrangement of optical system components including the light emitting means and the image pickup means is improved. Furthermore, if the light emitted from the light emitting means intersects on the optical axis of the imaging means, the area in which the unique code can be recognized by the recognition means (recognizable area) can be easily and simply presented to the user. It is possible to make it easy to understand, and the operability of the code reading device is improved.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The following is one embodiment of the present invention.
About the code reader (hereinafter referred to as the code reader) 1
And will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the embodiment shown below
In the above, the code reader 1 is, for example, metal, rubber,
Multiple objects made of ceramic, resin, etc.
In order to specify a specific object 30 from among
Code unique to the object side (eg, one-dimensional code, two-dimensional code
Code, 3D code or combination of different codes
Generated multi-dimensional code, etc.) directly or to the object 30
And indirectly provide the information indicated by this code 10.
Based on this, a device for reading information specific to the object shall be shown.
It In the present embodiment, as an example, the unique code
Using a two-dimensional code as code 10, this two-dimensional code
A code reading device for reading is described below. Only
However, the essence of the present invention is not limited to this.
Not only two-dimensional codes, but also one-dimensional codes and tertiary
Original code or multi-dimensional combination of different codes
The parts that are provided with cords, or these cords
Read the specified part with the code reader 1.
Irradiate light for the purpose, and the radiated light hits the cord
The reflected wave reflects the code (exactly indicated by the code).
Can be applied to a device for recognizing and reading
It In the present embodiment, the lens group 9 described later
1 and the optical axis x perpendicular to the CCD element of the CCD camera 95
The direction is the x-axis, and the direction perpendicular to the x-axis is the y-axis, the x-axis and
The direction perpendicular to the y-axis is the z-axis. Furthermore, the code shown in FIG.
The upper part of the reader 1 is the upper part of the reader, and the lower part is the lower part of the reader.
The part and the right side are defined as the back side and will be described below. (First
Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows a handheld code reader 1.
It is an outer diameter figure which shows a shape. 2 is a code reader 1
Fig. 3 shows the right sectional view in the y direction when operating the
FIG. The code reader 1 shown in FIG. 1 is made of resin.
Two (eg ABS resin, urethane resin, etc.)
It is composed of housings 2 and 3. Housing 2
Has an opening on the back, and the opening has a concave shape.
Covered by Jing 3. On top of the reader in housing 2
Is a quadrilateral hood portion 2a protruding in the x direction
Has been formed. Also, the hood portion 2a of the housing 2
Et al. Is a direction slightly inclined from the y-axis shown in FIG. 1 in the acute angle direction.
Further, the grip portion 2b is formed to extend. House
The gugs 2 and 3 are combined so as to close the openings formed with each other.
And fixed at several points with fastening members such as screws.
There is. The code reader 1 includes a hood portion 2a and a grip portion.
2b and an operation lever that can be rotated about the z-axis.
A bar 31 is provided. The operating lever 31 is the housing 2
Between the hood part 2a and the grip part 2b is rotatable.
It is provided. The operation lever 31 is operated by the user.
Start the code reader 1 by operating -31
You can read the code. Also, Hauge
If the housings 2 and 3 are fixed,
Between the two housings 2 and 3 that match the opening shape.
A non-slip member 4 made of a material such as rubber
Set up. This anti-slip member 4 is used for housings 2 and 3.
Following the shape of the mating open ends,
Be fitted. This non-slip member 4 is gripped by the user.
Hold the part 2b and operate the code reader 1 to move the code 10
When performing the reading operation of the
It has the function of preventing slippage. Next, referring to FIG.
The internal structure of the code reader 1 and the inside of each component
The arrangement will be described. The hood portion 2a of the housing 2
It has an opening in the x direction, and the hood 2a is optically
Adjust the reading depth by the thickness in the x direction
An adjusting member 12 is provided for this purpose. Adjusting member 12
Has the same shape as the opening end of the hood portion 2a,
It is made of the same material as 2. Of the adjusting member 12
The tip has an optical flap that cuts infrared rays or ultraviolet rays.
A light transmitting plate having a filter function (for example, an optical filter and
Transparent or translucent glass or plus
Hood cover (cap) with 6 inside
5 are provided. Hood cover 5 is rubber and elastomer
It is made up of a marker, etc.
Along the opening of the adjusting member 12 having the outer diameter shape, the hood portion
2a is fitted to one end of the adjusting member 12
It The hood cover 5 is coded by the code reader 1.
When reading 10, the code 10 and the reading surface
The alignment in the y and z directions with the 7
Hood cover 5 having a substantially rectangular shape for easy
Has a triangular shape in the center in the y and z directions
Positioning part 5a is integrated with hood cover 5 at 4 locations
Is made. The surface blocked by this hood cover 5
Serves as the reading surface 7 when the code 10 is read.
In addition, the bottomed box is located in the back of the hood 2a from the reading surface 7.
A lighting unit 8 of the mold is provided. This lighting unit 8
Is a unit that performs indirect illumination in the first embodiment.
Therefore, the indirect lighting unit will be described below.
The indirect lighting unit 8 has a bottomed box shape and is made of resin.
It This indirect lighting unit 8 is
Part emits red light, making the inside of the unit brighter overall
However, the reading surface 7 is illuminated. Indirect
At least one lighting unit 8 is the first light emitter
The above (preferably, a pair) LED, planar light-emitting body,
Light emitting element for indirect illumination such as a fluorescent tube (light emitting body for indirect illumination) 1
8 is provided inside. The indirect lighting unit 8 is an indirect lighting.
The light emitted from the light emitting body 18 is used in the indirect lighting unit.
The inner wall is white so that it can be efficiently reflected and diffused at the part
Has become. The bottom 8a of the indirect lighting unit 8 has a center
To form an image of a CCD camera 95 which will be described later on.
If the lens hole 8b having a diaphragm function is formed,
On both sides in the z direction centering on the lens hole 8b,
Light emitting element for marker disposed on the back surface of the illumination unit 8
(Light emitter for marker) Hole 8c for passing light from 94
Are formed. On the back of the bottom 8a, there is a double
Lens group with several lenses inside (lights of multiple lenses)
The optical unit 9 with all axes 91)
It The optical unit 9 is indirectly connected by a fastening member such as a screw.
It is fixed to the back surface of the lighting unit 8. Optical unit 9
Is a cube made of resin and is inside the optical unit 9.
A lens hole 92 is formed in the center, and in the z direction
Light emission for two markers on both sides of the lens hole 92 in the
The bodies 94 are oriented inward relative to each other at a predetermined angle (eg, the x-axis
The light emitter insertion hole 93 is formed in a tilted state (about 20 degrees from the
Has been done. A lens formed in the center of the optical unit 9
The hole 92 has a plurality of lenses including a convex lens and a concave lens.
A lens group 91 having a gap is arranged. Also, two departures
Each of the light body insertion holes 93 has different green and blue light.
For emitting marker 94 (second light emitter and third light emitter)
The main body (which becomes the light emitter) is inserted. In this case, Ren
The optical axis x of the lens group 91 and the CCD camera 95 coincide with each other.
In addition, the marker luminous body 94 is inserted through the luminous body insertion hole 93.
Beam width of 10 to 20 degrees (preferably 15 degrees)
Light can be emitted from the reading surface 7 to the outside
Is. In this case, the light is emitted from the marker light emitter 94.
Light of two different colors (green and blue)
A predetermined distance in the x direction from (the code 10 can be recognized
Markers so that they cross each other at positions apart only by the area
The luminous body 94 is provided. In this embodiment,
Indicates that the color of the light emitted from the light emitter 18 for indirect lighting is red.
Color, the color of the light emitted from the marker light emitter 94 is blue
And green, but not limited to this,
The colors of these lights may be appropriately changed. Optical unit
The back surface of the knit 9 has a concave shape as shown in FIG.
And a CCD camera that has a CCD element inside this recess.
An optical substrate 11 having a surface 95 mounted thereon is provided. Optics
The substrate 11 is an optical unit from the back side with a fastening member such as a screw.
It is fixed to the hood 9. This optical substrate 11 has a CCD camera.
In addition to the camera 95, indicates the reading position when reading the code
Two ends of the marker luminous body 94 which emits light at two places
The child is fixed and attached by soldering or the like. Well
In addition, the optical substrate 11 includes a chip-shaped transistor and a resistor.
CCD camera 9 equipped with electronic parts such as capacitors and capacitors
5 driving and detecting circuit, and further marker light emitter 94
A driver circuit for driving the. Optical substrate 11
Causes the two marker light emitters 94 to emit light,
The image formed on the CCD element by driving the CCD camera 95
Outputs a detection signal related to code reading. Optics
The board 11 has a harness for electrical connection with the main board 21.
Is connected to the device, and is used for reading the code from the optical substrate 11.
Such a detection signal is transmitted to a device provided on the back side of the optical substrate 11.
From the main board 21 while being transmitted to the in-board 21
Signal, the marker light emitter 94 and the CCD camera
It is possible to drive the camera 95. The main board 21 is
As shown in FIG.
The code reading of the reader 1 is controlled. This main
On the back side of the substrate 21, the piezoelectric buzzer 22 and
Read-out confirmation illuminant (for example, green)
LED) 24 is mounted and these are made by soldering.
It is fixed to the substrate 21. Also, on the opposite side
The touch switch 23 is fixed by soldering,
The substrate 21 includes transistors, resistors, capacitors, etc.
If chip-shaped electronic components are mounted on both sides,
Decoding to decode the detection signal by the CCD device
It has a circuit and drives the piezoelectric buzzer 22.
Drive the driving circuit and the reading confirmation light emitter 24.
And a drive circuit. Furthermore, the optical substrate of the main substrate 21
The code reading control of the code reader 1 is implemented on the side surface.
The CPU (not shown) and the code reading are required.
A memory for temporarily storing important information is mounted. Maine
The substrate 21 is flat with the optical substrate 11 which is arranged to face it.
Electrically connected by a cable. On the main board 21
And read the code read by the CCD camera 95.
Decoded signal by code circuit, decoded signal
Is disposed in the grip portion 2b as shown in FIG.
It is transmitted to the interface board 25. On the other hand, indirect lighting
Light source 18 for indirect illumination disposed inside the light unit 8
As shown in FIG. 3, the signal for driving the
It is driven by the illuminant drive substrate 17 for indirect illumination provided.
Be done. In this case, the indirect illumination light emitter drive substrate 17 is not
It is driven by an instruction from the circuit board 21. The above
In-board 21, optical board 11, optical unit 9, and
And the indirect lighting unit 8 is made of resin as shown in FIG.
It is integrated by the holder 20. This holder 2
0 is a predetermined position of the housing 2 from the back of the housing 2
Is fastened to the housing 2 with a fastening part such as a screw
It is fixed at 4 places depending on the material. The holder 20 is shown in FIG.
Holder 2 that extends in the y direction and becomes the top of the reader as shown in
At the end of 0 (lower side in Fig. 8), a rectangular locking hole is held.
It is formed integrally with the da 20. Indirect lighting in this locking hole
L-shaped claw portion 8d formed on the leader of the unit 8
Is locked and positioned at a predetermined position of the holder 20.
It Then, the back surface of the indirect lighting unit 8 is placed in the holder 20.
Claws at the top of the indirect lighting unit to abut and fix
On the side opposite to 8d, the holder 20 has an L-shaped mounting portion.
20a is formed integrally with the holder 20. This installation
In the portion 20a, a fastening member such as a screw is attached to the back of the holder 20.
By attaching from the surface side, the optical unit 9
The indirect lighting unit 8 attached to the
It is fixed to the upper side of the da (lower side in FIG. 8). Well
Also, the bottom side of the reader of the holder 20 (upper side in FIG. 8)
At one end of the side), one end of the holder 19 is a fastening member such as a screw.
It is fixed in two places by. On the other hand, on the other end of the holder 19,
Is a resistor or transistor that drives the light emitter 18 for indirect lighting.
While equipped with a driver circuit on which electronic components such as
The light emitter drive substrate 17 for contact lighting is fixed by a fastening member such as a screw.
As shown in FIG. 8, it was fixed at two points in the y direction.
After that, as shown in FIG. 3, the grip portion 2b of the code reader 1 is
In the internal space of the
Therefore, it is fixed to the housing 2. For indirect lighting
The light emitter drive board 17 has two connectors at both ends in the y direction.
Equipped with respective switches 17a and 17b. In this
The main board 20 and a harness (not shown) are attached to the connector 17a.
An external connector is connected via the external connector. By this
Drive the light source 18 for indirect illumination from the main board 21.
Indirect lighting based on the output drive signal
The illuminator 18 for lighting is turned on during the reading operation, or if necessary.
It can be driven by blinking. Next, indirect lighting
For the internal structure of the light unit 8, see FIG. 7 and FIG.
I will explain. The indirect lighting unit 8 has a cord 10
Left of the opening of the reading surface 7 for reading in the z direction
On the right side, on the bottom 8a side where the CCD camera 95 is provided
As shown in FIG. 7, the concave portion 8e opening toward the reading
It is formed on each of the right and left rear surfaces of the contact surface 7. So
A plurality of indirect illumination light emitters 18 (for example,
For example, the indirect lighting light emitter substrate 15 having six pieces on one side is
It is arranged. Specifically, the plurality of indirect illumination light emitters 18
Is an indirect illumination unit 8 in which a CCD camera 95 is arranged.
What is the reading surface 7 so that the bottom 8a of the
Of the indirect lighting unit 8 toward the opposite CCD camera side.
Substrate insertion openings (not shown) formed at both ends in the z direction
The indirect lighting luminous body substrate 15 is inserted from the
It is fixed in the department. In this case, the x direction inside the recess
The size of the side wall 8f extending in
Compared to the length of grate 8 in the x direction, the length is about 1/3 to 1/4.
It has become. Outside of the recess 8e of the indirect lighting unit 8
The light emitting substrate 15 for indirect illumination is fitted on the side wall of
A pair of claws to be fixed is formed, and this claw is used for indirect lighting.
The light emitter substrate 8e is fitted and fixed in the indirect lighting unit.
To be done. The indirect illumination light emitter 18 is shown in FIG.
, The conductive terminal 16 is electrically connected.
It This terminal 16 is the z direction of the indirect lighting unit 8.
It is arranged so that it extends in the x direction along the side surface in the direction
Be done. Furthermore, this terminal 16 is a harness (not shown).
Through one side of the indirect illumination light emitter drive substrate 17.
It is electrically connected to the connector 17b. This will
Indirectly by giving a drive signal from the in-board 21
The light-emitting body 18 for lighting is turned on during the code reading operation.
Can be blinked in a predetermined cycle as needed.
On the other hand, in the middle of the holder 20 extending in the y direction,
At, the switch operating portion 20b projects. This switch
The operation unit 20b is formed integrally with the holder 20, and
It can be freely moved in any direction. Switch operation unit 20b
Is a unitized indirect lighting unit 8 shown in FIG.
In the state (sub-assembly state), the operation switch section
20b is provided on the back surface of the operation switch section 20b.
It is possible to operate the contact switch 23. This
As a result, the contact switch is operated by the switch operation unit 20b.
23 can be pressed to turn on / off the contact switch 23.
Switching operation can be performed by turning it off. In this case,
When the touch switch 23 is on, the code reader 1
The code 10 can be read. On the other hand,
When the touch switch 23 is off, the code reader 1
Code 10 is not read. Next, the operating lever
31 will be described. User grips the grip portion 2b
And operate the operating lever with your finger to operate the operating lever 31.
Then, the operating lever 31 is located at the base of the hood portion 2a.
In FIG. 2, centering on the fulcrum 31b located in the vicinity.
The operation lever 31 is pressed counterclockwise to rotate.
In this case, the code reader 3 is operated as shown in FIG.
The operation lever 3 so that the lever 31 can be rotated when operated.
1 extends in the y direction at a portion of the housing 2 facing the 1
A concave portion 2c having a surface is formed. Of this recess 2c
The housing 2 has a protrusion 2d partially protruding in the x direction.
Formed in the body. On the other hand, on the back of the operating lever 31
Is one end of the spring 13 at a position facing the protrusion 2d.
Is formed in the operation lever 31.
The formed concave portion 31a and the protrusion formed on the housing 2
The spring 13 is provided between the spring 13 and 2d. Also, the operation
At the end of the lever 31 opposite to the fulcrum 31b, in the y direction
The extending flange 31c is formed integrally with the operation lever 31.
Has been done. The flange 31c is a grip of the housing 2.
It extends from the portion 2b along the shape of the grip portion 2b.
The restriction portion 2f that covers a part of the recess 2c prevents
The rotation of the bar 31 is restricted. to this
Therefore, the operation lever 31 receives the biasing force of the spring 13.
It is pushed against and is operated counterclockwise around the fulcrum 31b.
When it is made, the back surface of the operation lever 31 is restricted by the regulating portion 2f.
The rotation is performed until it comes into contact with. Rear of operation lever 31
The switch operating portion 20b is in contact with the
When 31 is rotated counterclockwise, the switch operation unit
20b is pressed. As a result, the switch operating unit 20b
The contact switch 23 is turned on by pressing
Is input to the CPU of the main board 21.
It On the other hand, after operating the operating lever 31, the operating lever 31
When the pressing force is not applied to the spring 13,
The urging force causes the operation lever 31 to move around the fulcrum 31b.
Then, it rotates clockwise as shown in FIG. And the operation record
The rotation around the fulcrum 31b of the bar 31 causes the flan
The protrusion 31c comes into contact with the restriction portion 2f of the housing 2. That
As a result, the operation lever 31 cannot be rotated further clockwise.
It is in a regulated state and in a non-operation state. Like this
When the operation lever 31 is released from the counterclockwise rotation,
The pressing of the contact switch 23 by the switch operation unit 20b is released.
Contact switch 23 is turned off, and the contact switch 23 is turned off.
Switch signal is input to the CPU. Next, the code reader 1
The connection with the external device 40 will be described. Cordley
The drive board 17 and a predetermined portion are provided inside the grip portion 2b of the da1.
In the state of being separated by a distance, the drive substrate 17 is opposed to the inner surface.
The interface substrate (I / F substrate) 25 is the housing 2
It fits into the slit formed on the back of the
It The I / F board 25 is not shown on the main board 21.
It is electrically connected by a flat cable
When the connector 26 is fixed to one end of the lower part of the
In addition, a certain number of boards of the code reader 1 are fixed inside.
Equipped with a power supply circuit that supplies DC power (for example, 5V)
It In addition, the I / F circuit 25 is provided with respect to the main board 21.
And supply a stable predetermined power source (for example, DC 5V)
Together with an external connector connected to the connector 26
Is not shown in FIG.
External device (for example, display function by display)
Code reader and code analyzer equipped with) 40
Regarding the reading of the code 10 with the reader 1
It is possible to exchange data of signals. In addition, above
In the configuration described above, for example, the
For decoder 1, the code decoded by the decoding circuit
Output the read signal of the card 10 or
Then, a read signal can be sent. Next,
The operation of the feeder 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Book
The code reader 1 shown in the embodiment is unique as shown in FIG.
The object 30 to which the two-dimensional code 10 indicating information is attached
On the other hand, the code 10 or the object 3 to which the code is given
To read by directly touching the reading surface 7 to 0
In addition to being able to
The code 10 can be read.
ing. The user who will read the code 10 from now on
The gripper grips the grip portion 2b of the code reader 1 and
A reading surface that serves as a code reading unit for the original code 10.
Hold the code reader 1 so that 7 is on the upper side. That
Then, in this state, the user sets the operation lever 31 to the spring.
When it is pulled against the biasing force of 13, the operation lever 31
It rotates about the fulcrum 31b in the counterclockwise direction shown. This
Along with this, the switch operating portion 2 is provided on the rear surface of the operating lever 31.
0b is pressed, and the switch operation unit 20b moves in the x direction.
However, the contact switch provided on the back surface of the switch operating unit 20b.
The switch 23 is pushed by the movement of the switch operation unit 20b.
Then, it is turned on. The contact switch 23 is turned on.
Then, the signal is sent to the CPU (not shown) in the main board 21.
Is regarded as a trigger to start reading, and code 10
The information presented can be read. In this state
Then, the main board 21 is simultaneously red in the indirect lighting unit.
Colored indirect lighting emitters 18 and blue and green markers
The drive signal for driving the car light emitter 94 is transmitted to the indirect lighting source.
It outputs to the optical body drive substrate 17 and the optical substrate 11. this
Left and right sides of the opening of the indirect lighting unit 8 depending on the drive signal
The pair of indirect illumination light emitters 18 arranged in the
In addition, it flashes at a predetermined cycle as necessary, and the indirect lighting unit
By repeating the reflection inside the lens
A light amount of light is diffused. This makes the reading surface
Diffuse light (also called broad light) is emitted from 7
The CCD camera 95 brightly illuminates the trouble of taking an image.
This gives a bright red color in the indirect lighting unit.
Can produce diffused light. In this state, main
The substrates 21 are simultaneously arranged on both sides of the CCD camera 95.
The two marker light emitters 94 are also driven. Marker
The blue and green light emitted from the light emitter 94 for
Small circle formed on the bottom 8a of the indirect lighting unit 8
After passing through the holes 8c of the
An object 30 provided with 10 is illuminated. That
The light striking the code 10 is reflected, and then the entrance pupil
Lens hole formed in the center of the indirect lighting unit 8
The reflected light is incident on 8b. Light incident on the lens hole 8b
Of the CCD camera 95 through the lens group 91.
An image is formed on the CCD element and detected. CCD camera 95
The signal detected by the CCD element of
It is transmitted to the substrate 21. The main board 21 has an internal
Equipped with a code circuit, the decoding circuit detects the detection signal
Coded, decoded and decoded code 10 information.
The signal is transmitted to the I / F circuit 25. Then decode
The generated signal is output to the connector 2 provided in the I / F circuit 25.
6 is transmitted to the external device 40. With the external device 40
Is based on the signal detected by the CCD camera 95,
If necessary, the read two-dimensional code 10 can be used as an external device.
It is displayed on 40 displays, and the code 10
By analyzing the information presented by multiple objects
It is configured to manage 30 items. In the above configuration
Now, referring to FIG.
The recognition distance will be described. In this embodiment, the optical substrate
11 is attached to the back of the optical unit 9,
A CCD camera 95 is fixed to the optical substrate 11.
In the configuration shown in FIG. 10, a CCD camera 95 and a plurality of lenses
The optical axis x coincides with the lens group 91 having the inside.
Here, the distance between the CCD camera 95 and its camera focus Pf
The distance from the camera focus Pf to the reading surface 7 is L0.
If the distance is L1, L1 is the CCD camera 95
An image is formed on the CCD element, and an object to be read (here,
Is the minimum recognition distance (or
Is the minimum recognition distance-predetermined value, the minimum recognition distance + predetermined value
Fixed value: CCD element tolerance, CCD element mounting tolerance,
Mounting tolerance of optical substrate 11 and holder 20, lens group 9
1 tolerance, lens group 91 and holder 20 tolerance, holder 2
Stacking tolerance such as stacking tolerance between 0 and optical substrate 11
Considering the difference, set it to a few mm)
An adjusting member 12 is provided between the portion 2a and the hood cover 5.
is doing. Adjusting member 1 so that this minimum recognition distance L1 is obtained
Attach the code 2 directly to the reading surface 7
Even if you touch it, you can read it and you are unfamiliar with the operation.
Even users who are not good at code 10
If you touch the reading surface, you can easily read it.
Will be In this case, the grip portion 2b of the code reader 1
The end portion 2g of the above is slightly projected in the x direction. Structure like this
As a result, both the end portion 2g and the reading surface 7 can be moved to the object 30
In the state where it is in contact with the base on which the object 30 is placed,
It is the operation of the operation lever 31 without holding the dreader 1.
Then, the code 10 can be read. Well
Further, in this embodiment, the reading surface 7 is coated at the time of reading.
Indirect lighting, even if you lift it from the scanner 10 and perform a read operation.
Diffuse light in front of the CCD camera 95 by the unit 8.
And make an image. So, for example, the code
Even if 10 is provided on a mirror-like object, a CCD device
Can be read without causing saturation.
On the other hand, the code reader 1 is separated from the code 10 and read.
When performing, the camera focus at the minimum recognition distance L1
Since the positional relationship is set, the recognition range by the CCD element
One of the zeros has been set. by this,
Widen the recognizable area L2 to the maximum recognition distance
Area that can be removed and recognizes code 10 during operation
Can be widened, and code recognition can be facilitated. This
, Between the minimum recognition distance and the maximum recognition distance (recognizable
Optimum focus position that is not out of focus in the middle position of the area L2)
Position (optimal focal length) BP will come. in this case,
When an accurate reading operation is performed, the piezoelectric buzzer 2
Beep or beep 2 and confirm the reading.
If the authorized light emitter 24 is turned on by the main board 21,
The user can read the code 10 accurately by the code reader 1.
It can be configured to easily recognize that Also,
If the light intensity is insufficient when reading the code,
By increasing the illuminance of the light emitter 18 for illumination,
The code 10 can be made easier to read. Next, refer to FIG.
By the way, during the code reading operation in the code reader 1.
The position adjustment (height adjustment) of will be described. This code
In the reader 1, red diffused light is emitted by the light emitter 18 for indirect illumination.
And make the code 10 and its surroundings visible with diffused light.
It should be in a well-lit state. And provided on the object
For the code 10, blue by the marker light emitter 94
The position of the code reader 1 can be adjusted by illuminating the colors and green light.
The feature is that you can do it. In this case, the marker
The two colors of light (blue and green) emitted from the light body 94 are mutually
At the C position, which is the optimum focus position BP shown in FIG.
They are set so that they overlap each other. In this state,
The surrounding area including the window 10 is red on the extension line of the optical axis x.
Illuminated by scattered light, with marker emission in it
A circular composite color region created by the body 94 (here,
A white area that becomes white) is formed. That is, red
(R), green (G), blue (B)
As a result, a white area 50 that is a composite color area is formed.
The position where the white area 50 is formed is
The position (height) where the code can be read with respect to the code 10
Become. Therefore, the user can select 3
Of the cord 10 so that the white area 50 is formed by the light of
For this, the height of the code reader 1 may be adjusted. Only
However, in this case, the height of the code reader 1 corresponds to the code 10.
If they are too close or too far away and are not suitable
For example, the light condition at the middle position is indicated by two markers.
The light emitter 94 for use be emitted so as to cross on the optical axis?
, The overlapping of blue and green light is generated in the red area 51.
Two circular blue areas 52 of equal size to each other
And a green region 53 is formed. In this state, code 1
The position of the code reader 1 is too close to 0.
The user recognizes by synthesizing the color from the marker light emitter 94.
The code 10 cannot be read.
It is possible to easily judge that it is in a state. At position B
In the light of red area 51, blue area 52 and green
A region 53 is formed, and the blue region 52 and the green region are formed.
The area 53 and the area 53 are partially overlapped. In this state,
In the red area 51, the blue area 52 and the green area 53 are
The overlapped portion becomes the white area 50, and the white area 50
For the code 10 of the code reader 1 so that
Adjust the height. By doing this, white
From the color of the area 50, the user can see the code of the code reader 1.
From the shape of the white area 50, the height with respect to the window 10 is optimal.
The reading position can be easily recognized. Therefore
In addition, the user can select the code from the state of the three colors of RGB.
There is a code reader 1 at a position where 10 can be read.
Or, a code reader at a position where reading is not possible
Whether there is 1 is easy from the color of the composite color area and its shape
Can judge. Therefore, the code reading for the user
It is easy to adjust the height during operation, and the code reader 1 can be operated.
It improves the sex. In addition, the code readable area will have a composite color
To create a region, one indirect light emitter 18 and two
If there is a marker light-emitting body 94, white color is created by combining the colors.
Since the area 50 can be formed, the cost does not increase.
Depending on the new configuration, the height can be adjusted,
To illuminate the marker for height adjustment,
No expensive lens or special lens processing is required. Yo
And has an inexpensive structure. (Second Embodiment) Next, referring to FIG. 13 and FIG.
The second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the color
Indirectly illuminates one of the RGB colors (red) among the three primary colors
Divided into the colors emitted from the light emitting body (first light emitting body) 18
Apply the remaining two colors (green and blue) for marker light emission
Emitted by the body 94 (second and third emitters)
Assigned to different colors of light. However, in the second embodiment
Does not use the light emitter 18 for indirect lighting,
Luminous body 94 (blue 94a, green 94b, red 94c)
By combining the lights of the three primary colors of RGB, the white area 5
It may be configured to make 0. In this case, as shown in FIG.
Lens group 9 arranged to face the CCD camera 95.
1 surrounds the lens hole 8b in which
On the optical axis away from the surface 7 by a specified distance (optimal focus position
It is sufficient to adopt a configuration in which three lights cross each other at (BP).
In this way, the irradiation angle of the marker light emitter 94 is set on the optical axis.
By setting so that they overlap at the optimum focal length BP, C
At the position, for the synthesis of light by the three marker light emitters 94
Therefore, a circular white region 50 is formed on the optical axis.
It This is a reading that can be read for Code 10.
It becomes the retrievable area (reading depth), which is the same as in the first embodiment.
The same effect is achieved. In this case, as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG.
If not, the three marker emitters 94
CCD camera 95 separated from the reading surface 7 by a predetermined distance
On the optical axis of the camera composed of
Since it is emitted so that it crosses, for example, in the x direction
In the middle position (for example, position A) in the
Three circular red areas 51 of equal size and blue areas
The area 52 and the green area 53 are formed independently. This state
Then, the code 10 cannot be read. Only
At the position B a little away from the reading surface 7 in the optical axis direction.
The red area 51, the blue area 52, and the green area 53
Are partially overlapped with each other. In this state,
Red area 51, blue area 52, and green area 53 overlap.
The white area 50 appears in the overlapping area where the light is combined and overlaps.
Is formed. The user recognizes the color of the white area 50
The white area 50 into a large circular shape.
The user can easily read this position by adjusting the height of D1.
It can be recognized that it is a position where only the picking is possible. this
Therefore, the user can select the code 1 from the state of the three colors of RGB.
The code reader 1 is at a position where 0 can be read.
Or, the code reader 1 at a position where it cannot be read
You can easily determine if there is. Therefore, for the user
This makes it easier to adjust the height when reading the code.
It improves the sex. With this configuration, no indirect lighting is required
Therefore, the distance between the code 10 and the code reader 1 is shown in FIG.
Separate the code reader 1 from the code 10 as compared to the configuration shown.
Code can be read in the open state (long range).
It In this case, if it is position B and position C, code 1
It is possible to read 0 code. (Third Embodiment) A third embodiment is shown in FIG. Figure 1
In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4, three marker light emitters 9
4 indicates the optical axis x of the CCD camera 95 and the lens group 91.
As a center, tilted inward in the optical axis direction
The light for the marker toward the optimum focus position BT on the optical axis.
However, in the third embodiment, 3 is emitted.
Inclining the two marker light emitters 94 so as to face the optical axis x
Light parallel to each other, without the code 10 on each other
Is arranged so that the collimated light illuminates the cord 10.
It may be configured to be shot. With such a configuration,
In addition to the effects of the second embodiment described above, in the third embodiment,
Of the composite color that is composed by overlapping the three circular areas
From the change, the white area 50 where the code can be recognized is manipulated.
It will be easier to find in the process. So, for example, the code
If 10 is placed on a white object, three
While distinguishing the colors, make sure that the white area 50
If the height of the reader 1 is adjusted, the optimum height can be easily adjusted.
Code recognition that can be found and uses a combination of colors
It becomes an effective recognition method of. Further, the technical idea of the present invention
Is a composite color of the area that can be recognized by combining the three primary colors.
The area (for example, white area 50) is
In the case of, the colors to be combined are not limited to the above colors,
Can be changed as appropriate according to the color of the object 30 on which the window 10 is provided.
It is possible. For example, an object 30 provided with the code 10
A region having a specific color different from the color of
It is also possible to set it to 2. In addition, the marker light emitter 9
4 is a light emission that emits different colors such as red, blue and green
Apply without using an element (eg LED)
Different colors depending on the amount of voltage or the amount of current flowing
Uses a light emitter that emits light (for example, blue light emitting diode)
You may. Furthermore, in this embodiment, an optical system component
(For example, the lens group 91, the CCD camera 95 and the lens
Since the car light emitter 92) was unitized, the optical system
The structure can be simplified and the degree of freedom in the arrangement of optical system components
Is improved. Furthermore, the information from code 10
Nectar 26 or external communication means (not shown)
It is transmitted to the external device 40 by a wire or a wire, and
It is also possible to have a configuration in which the code information is read in the storage 40.
Yes.

According to the present invention, by using the light emitting means for emitting different colors, the position which becomes the specific color by combining the different colors is set as the reading position of the unique code of the code reading device, and the position of the specific color is set. Bring a code reader,
When the unique code is read, the read position can be easily adjusted. Therefore, even an inexperienced user can easily align the code reading device with the unique code, and can read the unique code with good operability. In this case, the light emitting means has a red first light emitting body, a green second light emitting body, and a blue third light emitting body, and white synthesizing the three primary colors is synthesized in a region where the recognizing means recognizes the unique code. When the color area is formed, a white composite color area is created by the red first light emitter, the green second light emitter, and the blue third light emitter. If the position adjustment is performed, even an inexperienced user can easily adjust the code reading position and can read the unique code with good operability. At this time, simply using the three-color light emitting means makes it possible to form a white composite color region by combining light with a simple configuration. This does not require processing of a lens or the like and can be made cheaper than in the past. Further, the light emitting means is separated from the reading surface by a predetermined distance, and when the recognition color area is formed in the area where the recognition means recognizes the unique code,
A composite color area is formed at a position that is a predetermined distance away from the reading surface, so that it is at a position where a specific composite color is obtained. If you bring a code reader and read the unique code,
The read position can be easily adjusted. For example, if the position of the code reading device is adjusted with respect to the unique code so that the color is a specific composite color different from the color of the object on which the unique code is provided, the unique code can be easily changed regardless of the color of the object. Can be recognized. Further, if the light emitting means is arranged around the image pickup means, the light emitting means is arranged around the image pickup means. Therefore, the optical system including the image pickup means and the light emitting means is concentrated on a specific portion to simplify the structure. It can be unitized and the degree of freedom of arrangement of optical system components can be improved. Furthermore, if the light emitted from the light emitting means intersects on the optical axis of the imaging means, the area in which the unique code can be recognized (recognizable depth) by the recognition means can be easily and simply presented to the user. , And the operability of the code reading device can be improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view showing a shape of a code reader according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a cross-sectional view (right cross-sectional view) in the y direction of the code reader shown in FIG.

3 is a cross-sectional view (left cross-sectional view) in the y direction of the code reader shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the hood portion shown in FIG. 1 in the x direction.

5 is an external view showing the positions of three holes when the code reader shown in FIG. 1 is viewed from the reading surface. FIG.

FIG. 6 is a layout diagram showing an internal configuration of the configuration shown in FIG. 2 with a rear housing, a main substrate and an optical substrate removed.

FIG. 7 is a layout diagram of an indirect illumination light emitter when the indirect illumination unit is viewed from the back side with respect to the housing of the code reader shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a side view showing a configuration of an illumination unit arranged inside the code reader shown in FIG.

9 is a cross-sectional view in the y direction showing an arrangement of light emitters for indirect illumination of the lighting unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a readable area when a code is read by the code reader shown in FIG.

11 is an explanatory diagram showing the shape of a unique code provided on an object when the code is read in FIG.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a display form of position markers that change depending on the distance from the reading surface to the unique code when the unique code is read by the code reader according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a display form of position markers that change depending on the distance from the reading surface to the unique code when the unique code is read by the code reader according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an external view showing the positional relationship between the four holes when viewed from the reading surface of the code reader shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a display form of position markers that change depending on the distance from the reading surface to the unique code when the unique code is read by the code reader according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[Description of Reference Signs] 1 code reader (code reading device) 2, 3 housing 6 light transmission plate (light transmission member) 7 reading surface 10 two-dimensional code (unique code) 30 object 18 light emitter for indirect illumination (light emitting means, first 1 luminous body 21 main board (recognition means) 40 external device 50 white area (composite color area) 51 red area 52 blue area 53 green area 91 lens group 94 luminous body for marker (light emitting means) 94a, 94b, 94c third Light emitter, second light emitter, first light emitter 95 CCD camera (imaging means) BT Optimal focal length Pf Focus L0 Distance between CCD camera and camera focus L1 Shortest recognition distance L2 Recognizable area x optical axis

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Atsushi Okamoto             No.7 Iijoba, Morioka, Higashiura-cho, Chita-gun, Aichi             21 in the ground F term (reference) 5B072 AA08 CC21 DD02 KK01 LL07                       LL11 LL18

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A housing having a reading surface for reading a unique code provided on an object, a plurality of light emitting means provided inside the housing, and an image pickup device provided in the housing for imaging the unique code. A code reader comprising: a light emitting unit, and light radiated from the light emitting unit to the unique code, which is reflected by the unique code and reads information of the unique code by reflected light. Emits different colors and indicates a reading position of the unique code by a combination of different colors. 2. The light emitting means includes a red first light emitting body, a green second light emitting body and a blue third light emitting body, and three primary colors are provided in an area where the recognition means recognizes the unique code. The code reading device according to claim 1, wherein a combined color region of combined white is formed. 3. The light emitting means is separated from the reading surface by a predetermined distance, and a composite color area is formed in an area where the recognition means recognizes the unique code. Code reader. 4. The code reading device according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting means is arranged around the image pickup means. 5. The light emitted from the light emitting means intersects on the optical axis of the image pickup means.
The code reading device according to claim 4.