JP2015179507A - Floor-standing type information code reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a floor-standing type information code reader capable of keeping the entire thickness of the reader small, easily securing a wide region in which information code can be imaged near a reading port, and more easily reducing the influence of noise light.SOLUTION: If it is assumed that a position symmetrical to a principal point Pa of a visual field range is a first virtual principal point Pb1 while a position of a reflection surface 29a is a center line, a position symmetrical to the first virtual principal point Pb1 is a second virtual principal point Pb2 while a position of a lower surface of a plate 7 is a center line, and a position symmetrical to the second virtual principal point Pb2 is a third virtual principal point Pb3 while the position of the reflection surface 29a is the center line in a cut plane cut by a plane passing through cutting a first optical axis L of a first visual field range AR1 and a second optical axis L2 of a second visual field range AR2, a reader 1 includes a reflector member 29 arranged at a position deviating downward from a first line La1 starting at the third virtual principal point Pb3 as an origin and passing through one opening end portion 5d of a reading port 5.

Description

  The present invention relates to a stationary information code reader.

  Currently, information code readers that read information codes such as barcodes and QR codes (registered trademark) are widely provided, and stationary readers are also used in stores and offices. This stationary information code reader generally has a reading port formed in a case, and an imaging unit made up of a light receiving sensor and the like, and a visual field range that can be imaged by the imaging unit are defined inside the case. An imaging lens is provided. In this type of stationary information code reader, when an information code is deceived toward the reading port within the field of view set outside the case, the information code is picked up by the image pickup unit, and the image is picked up. The code image is decoded by a known decoding method.

JP-A-8-123891

  By the way, when reading is performed by a stationary information code reading device, for example, the user touches the reading object with respect to the reading device placed on the placement surface, and is attached to the reading object. A general method is to make the reader recognize the information code. In other words, it is common not to bring the reading device closer to the reading object as in the portable type, but to read the reading object closer to the reading device, so the user does not care much about the alignment. It is desirable that both be read well. In particular, since it is also assumed that the user brings the reading object into contact with the reading port, in the reading apparatus, even if the reading object is close to or in contact with the reading port, the information code attached thereto It is necessary to image the whole well. However, for this purpose, it is necessary to increase the distance from the optical system (the light receiving sensor and the imaging lens) to the reading port so that a wide field of view is secured in the vicinity of the reading port. In particular, it caused an increase in thickness.

  The inventor of the present application provides a reflection part that reflects light entering from the reading port, and reflects the reflected light from the information code by the reflection part in order to solve the problem of such an increase in thickness. A configuration is assumed in which the light reflected by the light is imaged on the light receiving sensor by the imaging lens. In this configuration, the path of the visual field range that extends from the imaging unit to the outside of the case is set to be bent in the case. In other words, even if the thickness of the case is not so large, it is easy to ensure a large distance from the optical system to the reading port (distance of the path of the visual field range), while ensuring a larger visual field range near the reading port, It becomes easy to reduce the thickness of the case.

  However, in such a configuration that uses a reflecting member to achieve both a wide viewing field range and a reduction in thickness, there is a problem that noise light easily enters from a region other than the original viewing range.

  For example, in a reading device configured to image an area outside the case through the reading port, light transmission for blocking the case on the path of the visual field range so that foreign matters such as water droplets and dust do not enter the case as much as possible. It is desirable to arrange a dust-proof plate. However, in the above-mentioned configuration, which is intended to reduce the thickness by using a reflecting member, when extraneous light from a direction different from the field of view enters the case and is reflected by the reflecting member. In addition, the reflected light may be further reflected by the dust-proof plate, and the light may be reflected in the field of view. As described above, when the reflection due to the disturbance light occurs, the information code that is supposed to be imaged is not clearly imaged, and decoding failure is likely to occur.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and can reduce the thickness of the entire apparatus and can easily secure a wide area where an information code can be imaged near the reading port. An object of the present invention is to provide a stationary information code reader that can easily reduce the influence of noise light.

The first invention includes a case in which a reading port serving as a light entrance is formed on one side in a predetermined vertical direction;
An imaging unit housed in the case;
A reflective surface is disposed inside the case below the reading port and is inclined with respect to a plane direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, and is provided from the outside of the case via the reading port. A reflecting member that reflects incoming light at the reflecting surface;
A configuration is provided that defines a visual field range that can be imaged by the imaging unit, guides light that enters the reading port from outside the case and enters the imaging port, and reflects the light reflected by the reflecting member to the imaging unit. An imaging unit that forms an image of the information code on the imaging unit when an information code is arranged in the visual field range;
A light transmissive plate arranged to close the case and at least partially disposed in the field of view;
With
As the visual field range by the imaging unit, a first visual field range configured between the imaging unit and the reflecting member, and an upper side from the reflecting member so as to follow the first visual field range The second field of view is defined,
In a cut surface cut by a plane passing through the first optical axis that is the center of the first visual field range and the second optical axis that is the center of the second visual field range, the position of the reflective surface of the reflective member is the center. A position symmetrical to the principal point of the visual field range when the line is used as a first virtual principal point, and a position symmetrical to the first virtual principal point when the position of the lower surface of the plate is the center line When the third virtual principal point is a position that is symmetrical to the second virtual principal point when the position of the reflecting surface of the reflecting member is a center line as the principal point, the third virtual principal point is the starting point. Deviation below the range between the first straight line passing through one opening end of the reading port and the second straight line passing through the other opening end of the reading port starting from the third virtual principal point The reflective surface of the reflective member is disposed at a certain position.

A second aspect of the invention is a case in which a reading port serving as a light entrance is formed on one side in a predetermined vertical direction;
An imaging unit housed in the case;
A reflective surface is disposed inside the case below the reading port and is inclined with respect to a plane direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, and is provided from the outside of the case via the reading port. A reflecting member that reflects incoming light at the reflecting surface;
A configuration is provided that defines a visual field range that can be imaged by the imaging unit, guides light that enters the reading port from outside the case and enters the imaging port, and reflects the light reflected by the reflecting member to the imaging unit. An imaging unit that forms an image of the information code on the imaging unit when an information code is arranged in the visual field range;
A light transmissive plate arranged to close the case and at least partially disposed in the field of view;
With
As the visual field range by the imaging unit, a first visual field range configured between the imaging unit and the reflecting member, and an upper side from the reflecting member so as to follow the first visual field range The second field of view is defined,
A direction parallel to a cut surface cut by a plane passing through the first optical axis serving as the center of the first visual field range and the second optical axis serving as the center of the second visual field range, and is orthogonal to the vertical direction. When the direction is the horizontal direction, the reflecting member is arranged on one side in the horizontal direction with respect to the imaging unit,
The lower surface of the plate is inclined such that the other side in the horizontal direction is positioned higher than the one side in the horizontal direction.

The invention of claim 1 defines a reflecting member that reflects light entering from the outside of the case through the reading port by a reflecting surface, a field of view range that can be imaged by the imaging unit, and passes through the reading port from the outside of the case. An imaging unit configured to guide the light that enters and reflected by the reflecting member to the imaging unit, and forms an image of the information code on the imaging unit when the information code is arranged in the visual field range outside the case. I have. In this way, the reflecting member is interposed in the case, and the path of the visual field range that extends from the imaging unit to the outside of the case (that is, the path that guides the light entering from the reading port to the imaging unit) is bent in the case. By doing so, it is easy to ensure a large distance from the optical system to the reading port (the length of the path through which light entering from the reading port enters the imaging unit) without increasing the thickness of the case so much. . As a result, it is possible to reduce the size of the case by reducing the thickness of the case while ensuring a larger visual field range near the reading port.
Further, the reflection of the reflecting member at a cut surface cut by a plane passing through the first optical axis that is the center of the first visual field range set by the imaging unit and the second optical axis that is the center of the second visual field range. A position symmetric with the principal point of the field of view when the position of the surface is the center line is the first virtual principal point, and a position symmetric with the first virtual principal point when the position of the lower surface of the plate is the center line When the second virtual principal point is the third virtual principal point and the position symmetrical to the second virtual principal point when the position of the reflecting surface of the reflecting member is the center line, the reading mouth Reflective member at a position deviating below the range between the first straight line passing through one opening end and the second straight line passing through the other opening end of the reading port starting from the third virtual principal point Is arranged.
When the reading port and the reflecting member are arranged in such a positional relationship, extraneous light entering the reading port from a region different from the visual field range is reflected by the reflecting member, and when the reflected light is specularly reflected on the back surface of the plate, Specular reflection light on the plate is less likely to be reflected on the imaging unit. Accordingly, it is possible to more reliably suppress the problem that the information code is imaged unclearly due to the reflection of the extraneous light, and it is possible to more reliably reduce the decoding failure caused by the reflection of the extraneous light. .

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the first optical axis serving as the center of the first visual field range extends in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the second optical axis serving as the center of the second visual field range extends in the vertical direction. In this way, the optical axis (second optical axis) of the second visual field range can be set in the vertical direction without making the imaging portion have a specific inclination. When the optical axis (second optical axis) of the second visual field range is determined in the vertical direction in this way, the user does not need to have a special orientation on the surface to which the information code is attached, so that the surface is horizontal. If it is short, it will be easier to read the information code.

  The invention according to claim 3 is configured such that an angle formed by the first optical axis which is the center of the first visual field range and the reflecting surface of the reflecting member is larger than 45 °. In this way, it is easy to secure a larger reflecting surface of the reflecting member while suppressing the reflection of extraneous light, and it becomes easier to secure a wider field of view near the reading port.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a light shielding layer for suppressing or blocking light transmission through the plate is formed so as to cover at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the plate, and the reading port is configured by an opening of the light shielding layer. Has been. In this way, reflection of extraneous light can be easily suppressed by adjusting the range of the light shielding layer without complicating the shape of the case.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a light shielding material is arranged around the plate on the upper surface of the case, and an opening formed in the light shielding material is configured as a reading port. Arranged in a closed configuration. If it does in this way, reflection of extraneous light can be easily suppressed by adjusting the shape of a light-shielding material. Further, since the plate can be made smaller, the internal reflection light generated on the inner surface of the plate can be further reduced, and the reflection caused by the internal reflection light can be further reduced.

The invention according to claim 6 is arranged at the position where the illumination light from the illumination light source is irradiated inside the case and the illumination light from the illumination light source, and the illumination light from the illumination light source passes through the opening area of the reading port. And a light guide member that guides the light to be irradiated outside the case, and at least a part of the light guide member is disposed so as to continue from the upper end portion side of the reflection surface of the reflection member to the plate side.
In this configuration, the reflection of the extraneous light can be suppressed by arranging the reflecting member at a certain distance from the plate, and the intentionally opened space can be used as the arrangement space for the light guide member. . In particular, since the vicinity of the plate is an arrangement region for the light guide member, the light from the illumination light source can be more efficiently irradiated to the vicinity of the reading port.

According to the seventh and eighth aspects of the present invention, when the direction parallel to the cut surface cut by the plane passing through the first optical axis and the second optical axis and perpendicular to the vertical direction is the horizontal direction, the reflecting member Is disposed on one side in the horizontal direction with respect to the imaging unit, and the lower surface of the plate is inclined such that the other side in the horizontal direction is at an upper position than the one side in the horizontal direction.
In this way, by tilting the lower surface of the plate so that the other side in the horizontal direction is positioned higher than the one side in the horizontal direction, there is a concern about the adverse effect of external light while securing a wider reading port and reflecting member. This makes it easier to reduce the area that needs Therefore, it is easy to secure a wider reading range in the vicinity of the plate, and on the other hand, it is possible to more reliably suppress the problem of unclear imaging of information codes due to the reflection of extraneous light. Decoding defects caused by reflection can be reduced more reliably.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in the cut surface, the first virtual principal point is a position symmetrical to the principal point of the visual field range when the position of the reflecting surface of the reflecting member is the center line, and the position of the lower surface of the plate is the center line. The position symmetric with the first virtual principal point is the second virtual principal point, and the position symmetric with the second virtual principal point when the position of the reflecting surface of the reflecting member is the center line is the third virtual principal point. In this case, the third virtual principal point is arranged at an upper position than the virtual plane passing through the position of the lower surface of the plate.
When configured in such a relationship, when the extraneous light entering the reading port from a region different from the field of view is reflected by the reflecting member, and the reflected light is specularly reflected by the back surface of the plate, the direction of the specularly reflected light is changed. Further, it can be further removed from the direction toward the imaging unit. Therefore, it is easier to more reliably exclude the specular reflection light from the plate from being reflected on the imaging unit.

In a tenth aspect of the invention, the vertical angle of view, which is the angle of view between both boundaries of the viewing range on the cut surface, is 40 degrees or more.
In this way, by configuring the vertical angle of view to be 40 degrees or more, it becomes easier to ensure a wider viewing range. However, if the field of view is widened in this way, it becomes more susceptible to the influence of extraneous light, but if it is configured to suppress the influence of extraneous light as in the present invention, while expanding the field of view to a wide angle, Decoding defects caused by reflection of extraneous light can be reduced more reliably.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a stationary information code reader according to the first embodiment. 2 is a perspective view of the stationary information code reader of FIG. 1 as viewed from a direction different from that of FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the stationary information code reader of FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing the AA cross section of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a BB cross section of FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross-section CC of FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a DD cross section of FIG. 4. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section taken along line EE of FIG. FIG. 9 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an electrical configuration of the stationary information code reader of FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a high illuminance area and the like configured by the stationary information code reader of FIG. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a relationship among a reading port, a reflecting member, an imaging unit, an imaging unit, and the like in the stationary information code reading device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a relationship among a reading port, a reflecting member, an imaging unit, an imaging unit, and the like in the stationary information code reading device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a relationship among a reading port, a reflecting member, an imaging unit, an imaging unit, and the like in the stationary information code reading device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a relationship among a reading port, a reflecting member, an imaging unit, an imaging unit, and the like in a stationary information code reading device of a comparative example. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a relationship among a reading port, a reflecting member, an imaging unit, an imaging unit, and the like in the stationary information code reading device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a relationship among a reading port, a reflecting member, an imaging unit, an imaging unit, and the like in the stationary information code reading device according to the first example of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a relationship among a reading port, a reflecting member, an imaging unit, an imaging unit, and the like in a stationary information code reading device according to a second example of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a relationship among a reading port, a reflecting member, an imaging unit, an imaging unit, and the like in a stationary information code reading device according to a third example of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a comparative example compared with the configuration of FIG. FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a comparative example compared with the configuration of FIG.

[First embodiment]
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a first embodiment in which an optical information reading device of the invention is embodied will be described with reference to the drawings.
(Overall configuration of optical information reader)
The stationary information code reader 1 (hereinafter also referred to simply as the reader 1) shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and the like has an upper surface such as a desk or a shelf as a placement surface (see the placement surface F in FIGS. 4 and 5). ) As an information code reader for reading an information code such as a one-dimensional code such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark). It has a function.

  The reading device 1 includes a case 3 made of a resin material such as ABS resin. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 and the like, the case 3 includes an upper case 4a and a lower case 4b, and is configured in a box shape as a whole. The case 3 accommodates components such as a reflection member 29, an imaging unit 27, an imaging unit 23, and a light guide member 50 described later. Further, as shown in FIG. 3 and the like, in the case 3, a reading port 5 serving as a light entrance / exit is formed on an upper surface portion (reading side wall portion 3a) provided on one side in a predetermined vertical direction. Light from the outside of the case 3 enters the inside of the case 3 through the mouth 5, and light from the inside of the case 3 is emitted to the outside of the case 3. The optical system constituted by the reflecting member 29, the imaging unit 27, and the imaging unit 23 functions to image the information code C (FIG. 9) disposed outside the case 3 through the reading port 5. doing.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the case 3 configured in a box shape has a placement surface side when placing the stationary information code reader 1 (the placement surface F side in the example of FIG. 4). ) And the reading side wall 3a in which the reading port 5 is formed are provided so as to face each other. The bottom wall portion 3b is disposed so as to be supported by the mounting surface F, and the reading side wall portion 3a facing the bottom wall portion 3b is configured as an exposed wall portion on the side where the information code C is held. . In this configuration, the facing direction of the bottom wall portion 3b and the reading side wall portion 3a (that is, the thickness direction of the case 3 and the direction perpendicular to the mounting surface F shown in FIG. 2) is defined as the vertical direction. The side where the mouth 5 is formed (the reading side wall 3a side) is the upper side, and the opposite side (the bottom wall 3b side) is the lower side. The plane direction orthogonal to the vertical direction is the horizontal direction. The thickness direction of the plate 7 is also the vertical direction, and the direction of the optical axis L2 of the second visual field range AR2 described later is also the vertical direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 and the like, the case 3 is arranged on the upper surface side of the case 3 so as to close the case 3 by closing the opening 4c formed at the upper end of the upper case 4a. A plate 7 arranged in the field of view is arranged. The plate 7 is configured as a flat plate having a predetermined thickness, and is configured by a light-transmitting member (for example, transparent acrylic resin or transparent glass) that can transmit light from the outside of the case 3. Yes. The plate 7 functions as a dust-proof plate. When the plate 7 closes the opening 4c formed in the upper case 4a, foreign matter (dust, dust, etc.) from the outside of the case is formed inside the case 3. ) Is difficult to enter. Further, a coating layer 8 made of a light-shielding paint or the like is formed so as to partially cover the upper surface portion of the plate 7. The covering layer 8 is formed in an annular shape along the peripheral edge of the plate 7, and an opening formed by the inner edge of the covering layer 8 serves as the reading port 5.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the reading device 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, the reading apparatus 1 mainly includes an optical system such as an illumination light source 21, an imaging unit 27, and an imaging unit 23, and a microcomputer such as a memory 35 and a control circuit 40 (hereinafter referred to as "microcomputer"). And a power supply system such as a power supply unit and a power switch (not shown).

  The optical system is divided into a light projecting optical system and a light receiving optical system. The illumination light source 21 constituting the light projecting optical system functions as a light source capable of irradiating illumination light, and is constituted by, for example, an LED. As shown in FIG. 3 and the like, the illumination light source 21 includes first light sources 21a and 21b arranged on one side in the longitudinal direction of the case 3, and second light sources 21c and 21d arranged on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the case 3. Each of the first light sources 21a and 21b and the second light sources 21c and 21d is configured as a light projecting element such as an LED, and has a function of irradiating illumination light sideways.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 8 and the like, the light projecting optical system includes a light guide member 50 that guides light from the illumination light source 21. The light guide member 50 is disposed inside the case 3 at a position where the illumination light from the illumination light source 21 is irradiated, and the illumination light from the illumination light source 21 covers the opening region γ (see FIG. 4 and the like) of the reading port 5. The structure is such that it passes through the case 3 and is irradiated. Details of the light guide member 50 will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 9, the light receiving optical system includes an imaging unit 23, an imaging unit 27, a reflecting member 29, and the like.
The imaging unit 23 is configured by a light receiving sensor (area sensor) in which solid-state imaging elements (light receiving elements) such as CCD elements and CMOS elements are two-dimensionally arranged, for example, as shown in FIGS. In addition, a light receiving surface 23a capable of receiving light from outside the case is disposed on the image forming unit 27 side. The imaging unit 23 is mounted on the substrate so that the light reflected by the reflecting member 29 can receive incident light that passes through the imaging unit 27 and enters the light receiving surface 23a. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the reading object R indicated by the information code C is arranged within the visual field range (specifically, the region outside the case in the second visual field range AR <b> 2). It is configured to receive the reflected light Lr (see FIG. 9) reflected and reflected from the information code C and the reading object R. Further, in the imaging unit 23, a region where light can be detected on the light receiving surface 23a (a region where the solid-state imaging device is disposed) is set as a “predetermined light receiving region”. In FIG. The range of the area is conceptually indicated by reference numeral D1. That is, the light incident on the range D1 on the light receiving surface 23a is detected by the imaging unit 23. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4 and the like, the range of the light receiving region in the imaging unit 23 is, for example, a predetermined range in the vertical direction centered on the optical axis L1 on the light receiving surface 23a, and left and right centered on the optical axis L1. The direction (width direction) is a predetermined range. In the example shown in FIG. 4 and the like, the light receiving surface 23a is disposed substantially orthogonal to the front-rear direction.

  The image forming unit 27 shown in FIGS. 4 and 9 is configured by a known image forming lens and functions as an image forming optical system. As shown in FIG. In addition, the light that passes through the reading port 5 from the outside of the case 3 and enters the imaging unit 23 is reflected from the reflection member 29, and the information code C is disposed outside the case 3 in the visual field range. It sometimes functions to form an image of the information code C on the imaging unit 23. In this configuration, as shown in FIG. 10 and the like, the information code C can be imaged while the illumination light irradiated from the illumination light source 21 and guided to the outside of the case by the light guide member 50 is applied to the information code C. The imaging unit 27 shown in FIGS. 4 and 9 collects the reflected light Lr from the information code C when the information code C is arranged in the field of view (in the imaging area), and performs imaging. An image of the information code C is formed on the light receiving surface 23a of the unit 23. As the imaging unit 27, for example, a wide-angle lens with a short focal length and a wide angle of view can be suitably used.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the microcomputer system includes an amplification circuit 31, an A / D conversion circuit 34, a memory 35, an address generation circuit 36, a synchronization signal generation circuit 38, a control circuit 40, and the like. The image signal of the information code C imaged by the system is configured to perform signal processing. Specifically, image data when the information code C arranged in the visual field range is imaged by the imaging unit 23 is configured to be able to be stored in the memory 35, and the control circuit 40 is configured such that the information code C The image data is analyzed, and the data recorded in the information code C is decoded by a known decoding method. The control circuit 40 corresponds to an example of a decoding unit. When the information code C arranged in the visual field range is imaged by the imaging unit 23, the code image of the information code C is decoded by a known decoding method. To function.

  Although not shown in FIG. 9 and the like, the reading device 1 may be provided with an operation unit such as a push button. In this case, when the user operates the operation unit, the operation unit responds to the operation. A signal is input to the control circuit. Also, a known communication interface may be provided. With this configuration, information can be transmitted from the reading device 1 to an external device (not shown), and the reading device 1 can receive information from the external device. Become. Further, a display unit such as a lamp or a display device may be provided.

  The information code C to be read includes, for example, a QR code (registered trademark), and may be another two-dimensional code such as a data matrix code or a maxi code as long as it is a known code. Alternatively, a known one-dimensional code such as a barcode may be used. The method for forming the information code C to be read is not particularly limited, and various methods such as printing, direct marking, and image display are assumed. Also, the material and structure of the reading object R (FIG. 9) are various, and various materials such as metal materials, resin materials, and paper are targeted, and portable terminals (portable information processing devices such as mobile phones and smartphones). Or other information processing apparatuses.

(Imaging structure)
Next, the imaging structure and the like will be described in detail.
In this configuration, the reflecting member 29, the imaging unit 27, the imaging unit 23, the illumination light source 21, and the light guide member 50 are accommodated in the case 3. Hereinafter, the reflection member 29, the imaging unit 27, the imaging unit 23, the illumination light source 21, the light guide member 50, and the like will be described in more detail.

  In the present specification, in the plane direction (horizontal direction) orthogonal to the vertical direction, the longitudinal direction of the case 3 is defined as the width direction (horizontal direction), and the short direction (vertical direction) of the case 3 in the plane direction (horizontal direction). The direction orthogonal to the direction and the width direction) is the front-rear direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 and the like, in this configuration, a plate-like plate 7 is disposed as the upper surface portion (upper wall portion) of the case 3, and this plate 7 corresponds to the reading side wall portion 3a. Yes. As shown in FIG. 3, a substantially rectangular reading port 5 is formed at the center portion in the longitudinal direction and the center portion in the lateral direction of the plate 7 when the reading device 1 is viewed in plan. When the reading port 5 is viewed in plan as shown in FIG. 3, the reflection member 29 reflects the opening region γ of the reading port 5 (the region inside the boundary line P <b> 3 shown in FIG. 3, see also FIG. 4). It is formed in a size and position so that the entire area (area of the reflecting surface) can be accommodated. That is, in the width direction, the width direction one end part and the other end part of the reflecting member 29 are arranged between the width direction one end part 5a and the width direction other end part 5b. Between the front-rear direction one end 5c and the front-rear direction other end 5d, the front-rear direction one end and the other end of the reflecting member 29 are arranged. Note that almost all of the edges of the width direction one end portion 5a and the width direction other end portion 5b of the reading port 5 extend linearly in the front-rear direction except for the corner portion, and one end portion in the front-rear direction of the reading port 5 5c and the other end portion 5d in the front-rear direction extend substantially linearly in the width direction (left-right direction) except for the corners.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 and the like, the bottom wall portion 3b of the case 3 is configured in a plate shape as the lower surface portion of the case 3, and when the reading device 1 is placed on the placement surface F, The lower surface side of the bottom wall portion 3b is configured to be supported by the placement surface F. The bottom wall portion 3b has a configuration in which the thickness direction is the vertical direction, and most of the outer surface (lower surface) is configured as a substantially flat surface. And it functions as the bottom of case 3 comprised in box shape. In addition, between the reading side wall part 3a (upper surface part) and the bottom wall part 3b (lower surface part), the accommodation space (the reflection member 29, the image formation part 27, the imaging part 23, etc.) in the case 3 is accommodated. ) Is provided with a side wall 3c. This side wall part 3c is provided with a pair of side wall arrange | positioned at the width direction both sides, and a pair of side wall arrange | positioned at the front-back direction both sides, and these four side walls are arrange | positioned by connecting cyclically | annularly. The plate 7 corresponding to the reading side wall 3a (upper surface) is arranged in such a manner that the upper side of the annular side wall 3c (circumferential wall) is partially closed, and the entire lower side of the side wall 3c is arranged. The bottom wall portion 3b (lower surface portion) is arranged in a closing configuration.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 8 and the like, the plate 7 is arranged so as to close the opening formed in the upper end portion of the upper case 4 a, and constitutes the upper surface portion of the case 3. Are arranged so as to cover the upper side of the reflecting member 29, the imaging unit 27, and the light guide member 50 accommodated in the housing. When viewed in plan as shown in FIG. 3, the exposed portion of the plate 7 (the portion of the opening region γ (FIG. 4) that is the region inside the boundary line P3 conceptually shown in FIG. 3) passes through the case. The reflection member 29, the image forming unit 27, and the light guide member 50 are visually recognized. The plate 7 is configured as a transparent and flat plate material, and is disposed substantially horizontally so that the direction orthogonal to the plate surfaces (the upper surface 7a and the lower surface 7b) is the vertical direction. The plate 7 corresponds to an example of a transparent member, and functions to close the reading port 5 configured as the inner peripheral portion of the coating layer 8. In other words, the reading port 5 has a configuration that allows light to enter and exit, but does not allow water or dust to enter due to the blocking of the plate 7.

  The reflection member 29 is configured as, for example, a mirror, and is provided on the lower side of the reading port 5 inside the case 3, and includes a reflection surface 29 a that is inclined with respect to a plane direction orthogonal to the vertical direction. The light that enters from the outside through the reading port 5 functions to be reflected by the reflecting surface 29a. The reflecting member 29 is arranged such that the reflecting surface 29a (mirror surface) is obliquely upward and faces one side in the front-rear direction, and the light that has entered through the reading port 5 from the upper side of the case 3 is directed to one side in the front-rear direction. It is configured to reflect. More specifically, the reflection surface 29a is configured to be flat, and the reflection surface 29a is arranged so as to be orthogonal to a virtual plane parallel to the vertical direction and the front-rear direction. For example, light that enters parallel to the vertical direction So that the angle between the vertical direction and the horizontal direction (plane direction orthogonal to the vertical direction) is 45 °. In this configuration, of the upper outer surface of the reflecting member 29, the surface that is exposed and arranged so as to reflect light from above corresponds to the reflecting surface 29a, and the upper end portion 29c of the reflecting surface 29a is It is arranged slightly away from the plate 7.

  Further, the upper end portion 29c of the reflection surface 29a of the reflection member 29 is disposed closer to the upper end of the case than the center of the case 3 in the vertical direction, and the lower end portion 29d of the reflection surface 29a of the reflection member 29 is arranged in the vertical direction. It arrange | positions near the bottom wall part 3b. Further, the reflecting surface 29a of the reflecting member 29 is configured such that the width becomes wider toward the upper side so that the lower end portion 29d has the smallest width and the upper end portion 29c has the largest width.

  The imaging unit 27 is configured by the imaging lens that functions as a wide-angle lens as described above, and is positioned away from the plate 7 (more specifically, the upper and lower sides of the case 3 as shown in FIGS. 4, 6, 7, and the like). It is disposed at a position closer to the lower side than the center position in the direction and on the side of the reflecting surface 29a. The imaging unit 27 has a function of guiding the light that has entered through the reading port 5 from the outside of the case 3 and reflected by the reflecting member 29 to the imaging unit 23, and can be imaged by the imaging unit 23 inside and outside the case 3. It is the composition which defines the visual field range which becomes. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the visual field range includes a first visual field range AR1 configured between the imaging unit 27 and the reflecting member 29, and reflection so as to follow the first visual field range AR1. A second visual field range AR2 configured on the upper side from the member 29 is defined. That is, the light from the visual field range is condensed toward the light receiving region of the imaging unit 23 so that the first visual field range AR1 and the second visual field range AR2 are used as the imaging area. The first visual field range AR1 is a visual field range that is collected by the imaging unit 27 and directly captured by the imaging unit 23, and the second visual field range AR2 is an image captured by the reflecting member 29. It is a field of view range to be imaged. Then, when the information code C is arranged in the second visual field range AR2 set outside the case 3, the image of the information code C is formed in the light receiving region of the imaging unit 23.

  The first visual field range AR1 shown in FIG. 4 is a range that is imaged by the imaging unit 23 in the space between the imaging unit 27 and the reflecting member 29, and is set so as to gradually become wider as the reflecting member 29 is approached. ing. The first optical axis L1 that is the center of the first visual field range AR1 is in the horizontal direction (specifically, the front-rear direction), and the angle formed with the reflective surface 29a is 45 °. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, when the reading device 1 is cut with a plane passing through the first optical axis L1 and parallel to the vertical direction as a cut surface, the first visual field range AR1 is expanded most vertically on the cut surface. It has become. And in the cut surface shown in FIG. 4 (the cut surface passing through the optical axis L1 and parallel to the vertical direction), the lower limit boundary of the first visual field range AR1 becomes a lower position (lower position) as it approaches the reflecting member 29. The upper limit boundary of the one visual field range AR1 is configured to become a higher position (upper position) as it approaches the reflecting member 29. Then, on the cut surface shown in FIG. 4 (the cut surface at the AA position shown in FIG. 3, the cut surface obtained by cutting the reading device 1 in the direction orthogonal to the left-right direction at the center position in the left-right direction). The position at which the lower boundary of AR1 reaches the reflecting surface 29a of the reflecting member 29 (the position where the boundary and the reflecting surface 29a intersect) is the lower end position of the first visual field range AR1. Further, the upper limit boundary of the first visual field range AR1 is a position slightly above the upper end portion 29c of the reflective surface 29a of the reflective member 29 (specifically, the outer surface of the reflective portion 51 disposed above the upper end portion 29c). It is a crossing position).

  As shown in FIG. 4, in this configuration, the reflective region of the reflective member 29 (the region where the reflective surface 29a is exposed) is located at least at the lower end of the first visual field range AR1, and from the lower end to the upper end of the first visual field range AR1. It continues to the vicinity. That is, the reflecting member 29 has the reflecting surface 29a so as to cover most of the vertical region of the first visual field range AR1 on the cut surface as shown in FIG. Then, the entire area or most area of the reflecting surface 29 a is arranged in the light receiving area of the imaging unit 23.

  The second visual field range AR2 is a visual field range that is folded back by the reflective surface 29a so as to follow the region reaching the reflective surface 29a in the first visual field range AR1, and an object that exists in the second visual field range AR2. And the like are reflected on the reflecting member 29 and imaged by the imaging unit 23. Conversely, the outside of the second visual field range AR2 is not imaged by the imaging unit 23 except for the first visual field range AR1.

  In this configuration, the reflecting surface 29a is inclined at an angle of, for example, 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction, and the imaging unit 27 is disposed on one side in the front-rear direction with respect to the reflecting member 29. One optical axis L1 extends horizontally and is horizontal. Therefore, the second optical axis L2 that is the center of the second visual field range AR2 extends in the up-down direction. Then, the second visual field range AR2 turned back by the reflecting member 29 so as to follow the first visual field range AR1 is set so that the range becomes wider as it goes upward, and a cross section (optical axis) as shown in FIG. In the cross section passing through L1 and L2, the second visual field range AR2 is widened forward and backward as it goes upward.

  Specifically, the second visual field range AR2 is set so that the range becomes wider in the front-rear direction as it goes upward with the second optical axis L2 as the center, and similarly, the second visual field range AR2 becomes upward with the second optical axis L2 as the center. Accordingly, the second visual field range AR2 is set so that the range becomes wider to the left and right. The imaging unit 27 is disposed at a position outside the second visual field range AR2. That is, the imaging unit 27 is disposed at a position that is deviated to one side in the front-rear direction from the boundary B1 on one side in the front-rear direction of the second visual field range AR2. As described above, since a part of the imaging unit 27 is configured not to enter the second visual field range AR2, a part of the imaging unit 27 is reflected on the reflecting member 29 and is captured by the imaging unit 23. In other words, reduction of the imaging area due to such reflection is suppressed. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the lens portion of the imaging unit 27 is disposed at a position higher than the lower end portion 29b of the reflection surface 29a (reflection region) of the reflection member 29, and is lower than the upper end portion 29c of the reflection surface 29a. Further, one end portion in the front-rear direction (end portion on the reflecting member 29 side) of the imaging unit 27 is arranged in the front-rear direction with the other end portion 5d in the front-rear direction of the reading port 5 and the second optical axis L2. It is arranged between. By arranging in this way, it is possible to make use of the area below the reading port 5 while preventing the image forming unit 27 from being reflected.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, in a cross section in which a plane passing through the first optical axis L1 that is the center of the first visual field range AR1 and the second optical axis L2 that is the center of the second visual field range AR2 is a cut surface. Both the boundaries B1 and B2 of the two visual field ranges AR2 pass through the position of the inner peripheral portion 5f of the reading port 5 or a close position near the inner peripheral portion 5f. In the example of FIG. 4, the boundary B1 on one side in the front-rear direction and the boundary B2 on the other side in the front-rear direction of the second visual field range AR2 both pass inside the inner peripheral part 5f of the reading port 5. However, both of these boundaries B1 and B2 may pass through the inner peripheral portion 5f.

  Next, the illumination light source 21 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 6, and 8, the illumination light source 21 is arranged at a position outside the opening region γ (inner region of the boundary line P <b> 3 shown in FIG. 3) in the plane direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. Has been. Note that the boundary line P3 conceptually indicates the boundary of the opening region γ in the planar direction, and the inner edge of the reading port 5 actually becomes the boundary of the opening region γ. The illumination light source 21 includes first light sources 21 a and 21 b disposed near one end in the longitudinal direction of the case 3 (close to one end in the width direction) and a first light source disposed near the other end in the longitudinal direction of the case 3 (closer to the other end in the width direction). It has two light sources 21c and 21d. The first light sources 21a and 21b and the second light sources 21c and 21d are all disposed below the covering layer 8 formed on the plate surface of the plate 7, and the first light source is formed as shown in FIGS. Each of 21a, 21b and the second light sources 21c, 21d is mounted on the lower surface side of a substrate (substrates 91, 92, 93, 94) disposed below the covering layer 8. The substrate 91 and the substrate 92 may be the same substrate or may be separate substrates. Further, the substrate 93 and the substrate 94 may be the same substrate or may be separate substrates.

  As shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 8, the first light sources 21 a and 21 b and the second light sources 21 c and 21 d are all positioned below the plate 7 in the vertical direction and the upper end position of the light guide member 50 described later. As shown in FIG. 3, it is arranged at a position away from the opening region γ (inner region of the boundary line P3) in the planar direction as shown in FIG. The first light sources 21a and 21b and the second light sources 21c and 21d are irradiated with illumination light in a horizontal direction (horizontal direction) orthogonal to the vertical direction and an oblique horizontal direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. The illumination light is applied to the side approaching the opening region γ. For example, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the irradiation surfaces (light emitting surfaces) of the first light sources 21a and 21b arranged on one side in the left-right direction (width direction) correspond to the side surfaces of the first light sources 21a and 21b. At the same time, it is arranged so as to face the other side in the left-right direction (second light source 21c, 21d side), and illumination light is emitted from the first light source 21a, 21b toward the other side in the left-right direction. The irradiation surfaces (light emitting surfaces) of the second light sources 21c and 21d arranged on the other side in the left and right direction (width direction) correspond to the side surfaces of the second light sources 21c and 21d and one side in the left and right direction (first light source). 21a, 21b side), and illumination light is emitted from the second light sources 21c, 21d toward one side in the left-right direction. In addition, each side surface used as the irradiation surface of the 1st light sources 21a and 21b and the 2nd light sources 21c and 21d becomes a surface direction orthogonal to the width direction, for example, and all the 1st light sources 21a and 21b and the 2nd light sources The heights of the irradiation surfaces 21c and 21d in the vertical direction are substantially the same.

  Further, at a position between the illumination light source 21 and the reading port 5 in the vertical direction, at least on the irradiation side of the illumination light from the illumination light source 21, the reading port 5 side (second visual field) from the position of the illumination light source 21 along the plane direction. A light shielding portion (light shielding portions 91a, 92a, 93a, 94a) configured to extend to the range AR2 side is disposed. The light shielding portions 91a, 92a, 93a, and 94a block the illumination light that is going obliquely upward from the illumination light source 21.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6, at a position between the first light source 21 a and the reading port 5 in the planar direction, at least on the illumination light irradiation side (second light source 21 c side in the width direction) from the first light source 21 a, A light shielding portion 91a is arranged so as to extend in the plane direction from the position of the first light source 21a. The light shielding portion 91a corresponds to a portion on the opening region γ side (side closer to the opening region γ in the planar direction) than the first light source 21a on the substrate 91 on which the first light source 21a is mounted. The light shielding portion 91a blocks light that is directed obliquely upward from the first light source 21a. In the example shown in FIG. 6 and the like, the substrates 91, 92, 93, and 94 are configured such that the thickness direction is the vertical direction, and the plate surface direction is the horizontal direction (surface direction orthogonal to the vertical direction). First light sources 21a and 21b and second light sources 21c and 21d configured as light emitting elements are mounted on the lower surfaces (back surfaces) of the substrates 91, 92, 93 and 94, respectively. For example, in the substrate 91, the mounting surface of the first light source 21a (the lower surface of the substrate 91) is at least near the opening region γ from the position of the first light source 21a in the planar direction (the optical axis L2 of the second visual field range AR2). It is arranged so that the side close to Since it is configured in this way, even if the light immediately after being emitted from the first light source 21a is directed obliquely upward, the light is blocked by the light shielding portion 91a and mostly reflected downward, so that the first light source 21a Most of the light from is less likely to go obliquely upward than the first light source 21a. As a result, most of the light from the first light source 21a is irradiated in the horizontal direction and obliquely downward. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 8, at a position between the first light source 21 b and the reading port 5 in the planar direction, at least from the position of the first light source 21 b on the irradiation light irradiation side from the first light source 21 b in the planar direction. A light shielding portion 92a is arranged to extend (specifically, to extend toward the reading port 5 in the planar direction). The light shielding portion 92a corresponds to a portion of the substrate 92 on which the first light source 21b is mounted that is closer to the opening region γ than the first light source 21b (side closer to the opening region γ in the planar direction). The light which tries to go diagonally upward from the first light source 21b is blocked. More specifically, the mounting surface (the lower surface of the substrate 92) of the first light source 21b is closer to the opening region γ from the position of the first light source 21b at least in the plane direction (close to the optical axis L2 of the second visual field range AR2). Side). Thereby, most of the light from the first light source 21b is irradiated in the horizontal direction and obliquely downward. In the explanatory diagram of FIG. 8, light emitted from the first light source 21b is omitted.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, at a position between the second light source 21 c and the reading port 5 in the planar direction, it extends in the planar direction from the position of the second light source 21 c at least on the irradiation light irradiation side from the second light source 21 c. As described above (specifically, the light shielding portion 93a is disposed so as to extend toward the reading port 5 in the planar direction). The light shielding portion 93a corresponds to the portion of the substrate 93 on which the second light source 21c is mounted that is closer to the opening region γ than the second light source 21c (side closer to the opening region γ in the plane direction). Light that is directed obliquely upward from the second light source 21c is blocked. More specifically, the mounting surface (the lower surface of the substrate 93) of the second light source 21c is close to the opening region γ from the position of the second light source 21c at least in the plane direction (close to the optical axis L2 of the second visual field range AR2). Side). Thereby, much of the light from the second light source 21c is irradiated in the horizontal direction and the obliquely downward direction. In the explanatory diagram of FIG. 6, light emitted from the second light source 21c is omitted. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 8, at a position between the second light source 21 d and the reading port 5 in the planar direction, at least from the position of the second light source 21 d on the irradiation light irradiation side from the second light source 21 d in the planar direction. A light-shielding portion 94a is disposed so as to extend (specifically, to extend toward the reading port 5 in the planar direction). The light shielding portion 94a corresponds to a portion of the substrate 94 on which the second light source 21d is mounted that is closer to the opening region γ than the second light source 21d (side closer to the opening region γ in the plane direction). The light that is directed obliquely upward from the second light source 21d is blocked. More specifically, the mounting surface (the lower surface of the substrate 94) of the second light source 21d is close to the opening region γ from the position of the second light source 21d at least in the plane direction (close to the optical axis L2 of the second visual field range AR2). Side). Thereby, most of the light from the second light source 21d is irradiated in the horizontal direction and the obliquely downward direction. Since it is configured in this manner, the light from each illumination light source 21 does not easily enter the eyes of the user, and the light from each illumination light source 21 can be efficiently applied to the light guide member 50 described later.

  And the light guide member 50 is arrange | positioned in the irradiation destination of the illumination light by these illumination light sources 21. FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the light guide member 50 is more than the illuminance of the illumination light passing through the center portion P <b> 1 of the visual field range in the opening region γ of the reading port 5 (the inner region of the boundary line P <b> 3 shown in FIG. 10). The illumination light is guided so that the illuminance of the illumination light passing through a predetermined high illuminance region β defined near the peripheral edge in the visual field range is larger. 4 and 10, the region surrounded by the inner edge portion of the reading port 5 at the position of the upper surface of the plate 7 (the region exposed from the reading port 5 on the upper surface of the plate 7) corresponds to the opening region γ. Yes. In the example of FIG. 10, the annular area along the peripheral edge of the visual field range is the high illuminance area β in the opening area γ, and the high illuminance area β is conceptually shown by hatching.

  The light guide member 50 includes a plurality of reflecting portions 51, 52, 53, and 54 that reflect illumination light from the illumination light source 21. In each of these reflecting portions 51, 52, 53, and 54, the surface on the second visual field range AR 2 side is configured as a reflecting surface that reflects the illumination light from the illumination light source 21. The reflecting surfaces of the reflecting portions 51, 52, 53, 54 are all located in the plane direction perpendicular to the vertical direction at the position of the central portion P 1 of the visual field range in the opening region γ of the reading port 5 (that is, the plate 7 And a position where the optical axis L2 intersects) is formed as an inclined surface that becomes a lower position as it approaches. The reflecting portions 51, 52, 53, and 54 are made of, for example, light-shielding members, and any of the reflecting portions 51, 52, 53, and 54 is an outer surface (that is, illumination light) on the second visual field range AR2 side. Is a predetermined color (for example, a bright color such as white), and both are configured to diffusely reflect light incident on the outer surface on the second visual field range AR2 side.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, 5, 7, and the like, the light guide member 50 includes a pair of first reflecting portions 53 and 54 that face each other in a predetermined direction (width direction) orthogonal to the vertical direction. Yes. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, in the pair of first reflecting portions 53 and 54, the reflecting surface of one first reflecting portion 54 approaches the other reflecting portion 53 in a predetermined direction (width direction). The reflecting surface of the other reflecting portion 53 is configured as an inclined surface that becomes a lower position as it approaches one reflecting portion 54 in a predetermined direction.

  More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 7, a pair of first reflecting portions 53 and 54 that face each other in the width direction (a predetermined first direction orthogonal to the vertical direction), and FIGS. As shown in FIG. 4, a pair of second reflecting portions 51 and 52 facing each other in the front-rear direction (vertical direction and a predetermined second direction orthogonal to the first direction) are provided. The entire light guide member 50 is disposed along the second visual field range AR2 outside the visual field range, and has a mortar-like structure in which the size of the hole (opening region) becomes narrower as the position is lowered. ing. As described above, the light guide member 50 is annularly disposed outside the second visual field range AR2 so as to surround the second visual field range AR2, and the upper end portion 50a is disposed close to the inner edge of the reading port 5. Has been. The upper end portion 50a of the light guide member 50 has an annular end structure surrounding the second visual field range AR2, and any of the upper end portions 50a configured in this manner is directly below the inner edge portion of the reading port 5. Located in the vicinity, the peripheral edge is closer to the center of the opening region γ at any position of the upper end portion 50a. Further, in any position of the upper end portion 50a, the peripheral edge portion (near the boundary line P2) is closer than the central portion P1 of the visual field range α in the opening region γ.

  As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 7, in the pair of first reflecting portions 53 and 54, the reflecting surface of one first reflecting portion 54 is the other first reflecting portion 53 in the width direction (first direction). The reflecting surface of the other first reflecting portion 53 is configured as an inclined surface that becomes a lower position as it approaches one first reflecting portion 54 in the width direction (first direction). It is configured. Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in the pair of second reflecting portions 51 and 52, the reflecting surface of one second reflecting portion 51 is opposite to the other second reflecting portion 52 in the front-rear direction (second direction). It is configured as an inclined surface that becomes a lower position as it approaches, and the reflecting surface of the other second reflecting portion 52 is configured as an inclined surface that becomes a lower position as it approaches one second reflecting portion 51 in the front-rear direction (second direction). Has been. And the illumination light source 21 becomes a structure which irradiates illumination light to all of the one 1st reflection part 54, the other 1st reflection part 53, the one 2nd reflection part 51, and the other 2nd reflection part 52. ing. In FIG. 3, the region of one first reflecting portion 54 is conceptually indicated by a two-dot chain line J11, and the region of the other first reflecting portion 53 is conceptually indicated by a two-dot chain line J12. Moreover, the area | region of one 2nd reflection part 51 is shown with the dashed-two dotted line J21, and the area | region of the other 2nd reflection part 52 is shown with the dashed-two dotted line J22. The reflecting portion of the first reflecting portion 53 is disposed on one side in the width direction with respect to the center position in the width direction of the case 3, and is disposed on one side in the width direction with respect to the optical axis L2 of the second visual field range AR2. The end portion (end portion close to the first light sources 21a, 21b) has the largest length in the front-rear direction, and the length in the front-rear direction gradually increases as it approaches the optical axis L2 side of the second visual field range AR2 in the width direction. It is getting smaller. The reflection part of the first reflection part 54 is disposed on the other side in the width direction with respect to the center position in the width direction of the case 3 and is disposed on the other side in the width direction with respect to the optical axis L2 of the second visual field range AR2. The end portion (end portion closer to the second light source 21c, 21d) has the largest length in the front-rear direction, and the length in the front-rear direction gradually increases as it approaches the optical axis L2 side of the second visual field range AR2 in the width direction. It is getting smaller. The reflecting portion of the second reflecting portion 51 is disposed on one side in the front-rear direction from the front-rear center position of the case 3 and is disposed on one side in the front-rear direction with respect to the optical axis L2 of the second visual field range AR2. The position of the end (the end opposite to the optical axis L2) has the largest length in the left-right direction (width direction), and the left-right direction (width) as it approaches the optical axis L2 side of the second visual field range AR2 in the front-rear direction. Direction) is gradually becoming smaller. The reflection part of the second reflection part 52 is disposed on the other side in the front-rear direction than the center position in the front-rear direction of the case 3 and on the other side in the front-rear direction with respect to the optical axis L2 of the second visual field range AR2. The position of the end (the end opposite to the optical axis L2) has the largest length in the left-right direction (width direction), and the left-right direction (width) as it approaches the optical axis L2 side of the second visual field range AR2 in the front-rear direction. Direction) is gradually becoming smaller.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 6, 8, and 10, the first light sources 21 a and 21 b are opposite to the first light sources 21 a and 21 b in the width direction (relative to the center position of the case 3 in the width direction). The first light source 21a, 21b is provided on the opposite side of the first light source 21a and 21b, and is irradiated with illumination light. The second light sources 21c, 21d Illumination light is irradiated toward the other first reflecting portion 53 provided on the opposite side to the two light sources 21c and 21d (the opposite side to the second light sources 21c and 21d with respect to the center position in the width direction of the case 3). It has a configuration. The first light sources 21a and 21b correspond to the other-side light sources arranged closer to the other first reflecting portion 53 than the first reflecting portion 54 in the width direction (first direction). The light sources 21c and 21d correspond to one-side light sources arranged on the side closer to the first reflecting portion 54 than the other first reflecting portion 53 in the width direction (first direction). The illumination light from the second light sources 21c and 21d (one-side light source) is incident on the first reflecting portion 53 side in the other first reflecting portion 53 and the pair of second reflecting portions 51 and 52 (in the width direction of the reading port 5). At least the region above the center position in the vertical direction of the case 3 (preferably almost the entire reflection portion) is irradiated to the portion on the first reflection portion 53 side from the center position. Illumination light from the first light sources 21a and 21b (the other side light source) is on the first reflecting portion 54 side in the first reflecting portion 54 and the pair of second reflecting portions 51 and 52 (in the width direction of the reading port 5). At least a region above the center position in the vertical direction of the case 3 (preferably almost the entirety of each reflection portion) is irradiated to a portion on the first reflection portion 54 side from the center position. In FIG. 10, the illumination light irradiation area from the first light source 21a is conceptually indicated by a thick broken line, and the illumination light irradiation area from the first light source 21b is conceptually indicated by a thick solid line. The illumination light irradiation area from the second light source 21c is conceptually indicated by a thick two-dot chain line, and the illumination light irradiation area from the second light source 21d is conceptually indicated by a thick one-dot chain line. .

  In this way, the illumination light emitted from the first light sources 21a and 21b and the second light sources 21c and 21d is the wall surface of the light guide member 50 configured in a mortar shape (the first reflecting portions 53 and 54 and the second reflecting portion). 51, 52 on the second visual field range AR2 side), the first reflecting portions 53, 54 and the second reflecting portions 51, 52 are generally bright when viewed in plan as shown in FIG. It will shine. Further, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7, each of the first reflecting portions 53 and 54 and the second reflecting portions 51 and 52 has a lower position on the center (optical axis L2) side of the visual field range AR2 in the planar direction. The side far from the optical axis L2 is the upper position. Therefore, in the opening region γ of the reading port 5 (the region exposed from the reading port 5 on the upper surface of the plate 7), in the visual field range α (the region surrounded by the boundary line P2 in FIG. 10), the peripheral portion Reflected light from the vicinity of the upper end portion 50a (near the upper end portions of the first reflecting portions 53 and 54 and the second reflecting portions 51 and 52) of the light guide member 50 near the vicinity (near the boundary line P2) It becomes easy to reach the vicinity of the line P2. Therefore, in the visual field range α (the region surrounded by the boundary line P2 in FIG. 10) in the opening region γ, the illuminance near the periphery of the visual field range α (near the boundary line P2) is near the center P1 of the visual field range α. It becomes relatively high compared with the illuminance. On the other hand, the central portion P1 of the visual field range α in the opening region γ is far from the first reflecting portions 53 and 54 and the second reflecting portions 51 and 52 compared to the vicinity of the peripheral portion (near the boundary line P2). The illumination light reflected by the first reflecting portions 53 and 54 and the second reflecting portions 51 and 52 is less likely to reach the central portion P1 in the opening region γ than in the peripheral portion of the visual field range α. Therefore, in the visual field range α (the region surrounded by the boundary line P2 in FIG. 10) in the opening region γ, the illuminance near the central portion P1 is relatively lower than the illuminance near the peripheral portion (near the boundary line P2). Become. In FIG. 10, the high illuminance region β in which the illuminance is higher than the illuminance near the central portion P1 of the visual field range α in the opening region γ is conceptually illustrated as a hatched region. In the opening area γ, since the high illuminance area β is configured in this way, when an object is disposed so as to be in close contact with the upper surface of the plate 7 in the opening area γ, Relatively large, the illuminance near the center portion P1 is relatively small, and the high illuminance region β is relatively brighter than near the center portion P1.

(Configuration to reduce the influence of external noise light)
Next, a configuration for suppressing the influence of external noise light will be described.
FIG. 11 shows a cut surface (a surface passing through the first optical axis L1 serving as the center of the first visual field range AR1 and the second optical axis L2 serving as the center of the second visual field range AR2) as cut in FIG. The positional relationship among the plate 7, the reflection surface 29 a, the reading port 5, the imaging unit 27, and the imaging unit 23 is conceptually shown. The reflective surface 29 a is a mirror surface region (reflective region) exposed on the upper side of the reflective member 29.

  In this specification, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 11, the first optical axis L1 that is the center of the first visual field range AR1 and the second optical axis L2 that is the center of the second visual field range AR2 are cut along a plane passing through. In the cut surface, a straight line passing through the position of the reflecting surface 29a of the reflecting member 29 is defined as a center line C1, and a position that is symmetrical with the principal point Pa of the visual field range when the center line C1 is the center is defined as a first virtual principal point. Pb1. The first virtual principal point Pb1 is located on an extension line of the boundary line of the second field-of-view range AR2 (illustrated by two straight lines in FIG. 11) on the cut surface in FIG. And in this cut surface (FIG. 11), when the straight line passing through the position of the lower surface 7b of the plate 7 is defined as the center line C2, the position that is symmetrical with the first virtual principal point Pb1 is defined as the second virtual principal point Pb2. . A position that is symmetrical with the second virtual principal point Pb2 when the center line C1 is the center is defined as a third virtual principal point Pb3. In FIG. 11, the area of the second visual field range AR2 starting from the first virtual principal point Pb1 is symmetric with respect to the center line C2 as the area of the first virtual visual field range (second virtual field range). It is shown as an area indicated by a two-dot chain line starting from the principal point Pb2. The area of the first virtual visual field range starting from the second virtual principal point Pb2 (the area indicated by the two-dot chain line starting from the second virtual principal point Pb2) is made symmetrical about the center line C1. The area is shown as an area of the second virtual visual field range (an area indicated by a one-dot chain line starting from the third virtual principal point Pb3). In the area of the second virtual visual field range, when light from obliquely above enters the case in this area, the light is reflected at the position of the center line C1 and further reflected at the position of the center line C2. This is an area that is sometimes reflected in the imaging unit 23.

  As described above, when the third virtual principal point Pb3 is determined, one open end 5d (specifically, the reading opening 5 starts from the third virtual principal point Pb3 on the cut surface (FIGS. 4 and 11). Includes the first straight line La1 passing through the upper end position of the end portion 5d farther from the third virtual principal point Pb3 and the other opening end portion 5c (from the third virtual principal point Pb3) as the starting point. Specifically, when the second straight line La2 passing through the lower end position of the end portion 5c close to the third virtual principal point Pb3 is set, the first straight line La1 and the second straight line La2 The reflective surface 29a of the reflective member 29 is not disposed in the area between them, and the reflective surface 29a (the mirror surface region exposed to the upper side in the reflective member 29) is disposed only at a position deviating below the first straight line La1. Yes.

  When the reading port 5 and the reflecting surface 29a of the reflecting member 29 are arranged in such a positional relationship, an area in which light may enter from outside the case (between the straight line La1 and the straight line La2) in the second virtual visual field range described above. Even if light enters the inside of the case 3 from the above range), the reflecting surface 29a does not exist at the destination. Therefore, the light entering from this area is not reflected by the reflecting surface 29a and further reflected by the lower surface 7b and reflected on the imaging unit 23. Further, it is assumed that light enters the case from an area other than the second virtual visual field range and other than the second visual field range AR2, the extraneous light is reflected by the reflecting member 29, and the reflected light is specularly reflected by the back surface of the plate 7. However, the specular reflection light on the plate 7 is less likely to be reflected on the imaging unit 23. Therefore, the problem that the information code C is imaged unclearly due to the reflection of the extraneous light can be more reliably suppressed, and the decoding failure caused by the reflection of the extraneous light can be more reliably reduced. it can.

  On the other hand, when the reflecting surface 29a of the reflecting member 29 is extended above the first straight line La1 as shown in FIG. 14 without such a positional relationship, the above description starts from the third virtual principal point Pb3. The second virtual visual field range (particularly, the region between the first straight line La1 and the second straight line La2) is present in the second virtual visual field range, and the first straight line La1 and the straight line La2 in FIG. When extraneous light enters from the range of 'and is reflected by the reflecting surface 29a, when the reflected light is specularly reflected by the back surface (lower surface 7b) of the plate 7, the specularly reflected light is received by the imaging unit 23. turn into. In this configuration, as shown in FIG. 11, the reflection surface 29a is removed downward from the first straight line La1, so that such reflection of extraneous light can be prevented, and the reflection surface 29a is temporarily out of the visual field range. Even when extraneous light enters and the reflected light is specularly reflected by the back surface (lower surface 7 b) of the plate 7, the path of the specularly reflected light is a path that is difficult for the imaging unit 23 to receive.

(Main effects of this configuration)
In this configuration, the reflection member 29 that reflects the light entering from the outside of the case 3 through the reading port 5 by the reflecting surface 29a, the field of view range that can be imaged by the imaging unit 23, and the reading port from the outside of the case 3 are determined. 5 is configured to guide the light entering through 5 and reflected by the reflecting member 29 to the imaging unit 23, and when the information code C is arranged in the visual field range outside the case 3, an image of the information code C is captured. And an image forming unit 27 that forms an image on the image forming unit 23. In this way, the reflecting member 29 is interposed in the case 3, and the path of the visual field range that extends from the imaging unit 27 to the outside of the case 3 (that is, the path that guides the light entering from the reading port 5 to the imaging unit 27). 3, even if the thickness of the case 3 is not increased so much, the distance from the optical system to the reading port 5 (until the light entering from the reading port 5 enters the imaging unit 27). It is easy to ensure a large (optical path length). As a result, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the case 3 by reducing the thickness of the case 3 while ensuring a larger visual field range near the reading port 5.

Further, in a cut surface cut by a plane passing through the first optical axis L1 that is the center of the first visual field range AR1 set by the imaging unit 27 and the second optical axis L2 that is the center of the second visual field range AR2. The first virtual principal point Pb1 is a position symmetrical to the principal point Pa of the visual field range when the position of the reflecting surface 29a of the reflecting member 29 is the centerline, and the position of the lower surface of the plate 7 is the centerline. A position symmetrical to the first virtual principal point Pb1 is defined as the second virtual principal point Pb2, and a position symmetrical to the second virtual principal point Pb2 when the position of the reflecting surface 29a of the reflecting member 29 is defined as the center line is the third virtual principal point. In the case of Pb3, the first straight line La1 passing through one opening end 5d of the reading port 5 starting from the third virtual main point Pb3 and the other opening end of the reading port 5 starting from the third virtual main point Pb3 Below the range between the second straight line La2 passing through the portion 5c Reflecting member 29 is disposed in position.
When the reading port 5 and the reflection member 29 are arranged in such a positional relationship, extraneous light that has entered the reading port 5 from a region different from the visual field range is reflected by the reflection member 29, and the reflected light is reflected on the back surface of the plate 7. When specularly reflected, the specularly reflected light from the plate 7 is less likely to be reflected on the imaging unit 23. Therefore, the problem that the information code C is imaged unclearly due to the reflection of the extraneous light can be more reliably suppressed, and the decoding failure caused by the reflection of the extraneous light can be more reliably reduced. it can.

  In this configuration, the first optical axis L1 that is the center of the first visual field range AR1 extends in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the second optical axis L2 that is the center of the second visual field range AR2 is extended in the vertical direction. Yes. In this way, the optical axis (second optical axis L2) of the second visual field range AR2 can be set in the vertical direction without making the imaging unit 27 have a specific inclination. When the optical axis (second optical axis L2) of the second visual field range AR2 is determined in the vertical direction in this way, the user does not have to have a special orientation on the surface to which the information code C is attached. If the information code C is reduced, the information code C can be read more easily.

  Further, in this configuration, a coating layer 8 (light-shielding layer) that suppresses or blocks light transmission through the plate 7 is formed so as to cover the upper surface 7 a of the plate 7, and the reading port 5 serves as the coating layer 8 (light-shielding layer). Layer). In this way, reflection of extraneous light can be easily suppressed by adjusting the range of the covering layer 8 (light shielding layer) without complicating the shape of the case 3. 4 and 11 and the like, the opening formed in the coating layer 8 that covers the upper surface 7a of the plate 7 is the reading port 5. However, the same coating is applied to cover the lower surface 7b of the plate 7. A layer may be arranged, and in this case, an opening formed in the covering layer may be used as a reading port.

Further, in this configuration, the illumination light source 21 that illuminates the illumination light and the illumination light from the illumination light source 21 are arranged inside the case 3 and the illumination light from the illumination light source 21 opens the reading port 5. A light guide member 50 that guides the region 3 so as to be irradiated to the outside of the case 3, and at least a part of the light guide member 50 (specifically, the reflection portion 51) is an upper end portion of the reflection member 29. It arrange | positions so that the plate 7 side may be continued from the side.
In this configuration, it is possible to suppress the reflection of extraneous light by arranging the reflecting member 29 at a certain distance from the plate 7, and the space that is intentionally opened in this way is used as the arrangement space for the light guide member 50. be able to. In particular, since the vicinity of the plate 7 serves as an arrangement region for the light guide member 50, the light from the illumination light source 21 can be more efficiently irradiated to the vicinity of the reading port 5.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in that the portion where the plate 7 and the covering layer 8 are stacked in the first embodiment is changed to the light-shielding case 3, and the other portions are the first. Same as one embodiment.

  Also in this configuration, the cutting is performed by cutting along a plane passing through the first optical axis L1 that is the center of the first visual field range AR1 set by the imaging unit 27 and the second optical axis L2 that is the center of the second visual field range AR2. In the plane, the position symmetrical to the principal point Pa of the visual field range when the position of the reflecting surface 29a of the reflecting member 29 is the center line C1 is defined as the first virtual principal point Pb1, and the position of the lower surface 7b of the plate 7 is defined as the center line C2. The position symmetric with the first virtual principal point Pb1 is the second virtual principal point Pb2, and the position symmetric with the second virtual principal point Pb2 with the center line C1 as the center is the third virtual principal point Pb3. In this case, the first straight line La1 passing through one opening end 5d of the reading port 5 starting from the third virtual principal point Pb3 and the other opening end 5c of the reading port 5 starting from the third virtual main point Pb3. Deviated below the range between the second straight line La2 passing through Reflection surface 29a only in the location (area capable of reflecting light from outside the case) is disposed. With this configuration, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  A light-shielding material (a part of the case 3) is disposed around the plate 7 on the upper surface of the case 3, and an opening formed in the light-shielding material is configured as a reading port 5, and the plate 7 is arrange | positioned by the structure which obstruct | occludes an opening part. If it does in this way, reflection of extraneous light can be easily suppressed by adjusting the shape of a light-shielding material. Further, since the plate 7 can be made smaller, the internal reflection light generated on the inner surface of the plate 7 can be further reduced, and the reflection caused by the internal reflection light can be further reduced.

[Third embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
In the third embodiment, the angle formed by the horizontal direction (a plane direction orthogonal to the up-down direction) and the reflecting surface 29a is made larger than 45 °, and the second optical axis L2 of the second visual field range AR2 is set in the up-down direction. The point inclined with respect to the second embodiment is different from the second embodiment, and the other points are the same as the second embodiment.

  Also in this configuration, as shown in FIG. 13, the first optical axis L1 that is the center of the first visual field range AR1 set by the imaging unit 27 and the second optical axis L2 that is the center of the second visual field range AR2 are set. In the cut surface (FIG. 13) cut by the plane passing through, the first virtual principal point Pb1 is defined as a position symmetrical to the principal point Pa of the visual field range when the position of the reflecting surface 29a of the reflecting member 29 is the center line C1. 7 is defined as a second virtual principal point Pb2 that is symmetrical with the first virtual principal point Pb1 when the position of the lower surface of the center line C2 is the centerline C2, and is symmetrical with the second virtual principal point Pb2 when the centerline C1 is the center. When the position is the third virtual main point Pb3, the first virtual end point 5b (specifically, the upper end position of the one open end 5d) of the reading port 5 starts from the third virtual main point Pb3. The other straight line La1 and the third virtual principal point Pb3 as the starting point The reflecting surface 29a (from outside the case) of the reflecting member 29 is positioned below the range between the mouth end 5c (specifically, the lower end position of the other opening end 5c) and the second straight line La2. The region where the light can be reflected is disposed. With this configuration, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  Furthermore, in this configuration, the angle formed by the first optical axis L1 that is the center of the first visual field range AR1 and the reflection surface 29a of the reflection member 29 is greater than 45 °, and the angle formed by the horizontal direction and the reflection surface 29a. Is larger than 45 °. In the cut surface of FIG. 13, the second optical axis L2 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction so that the position in the front-rear direction is closer to the end 5d as it goes upward, and the second virtual principal point Pb2 is The position in the front-rear direction is closer to the end 5c than the second optical axis L2. This makes it easier to set the third virtual principal point Pb3 to a higher position. The position of the first straight line La1 in the case becomes a higher position. Therefore, it is easy to secure a larger reflecting surface 29a of the reflecting member 29 while suppressing the reflection of extraneous light, and it is easy to secure a wider field of view near the reading port 5.

[Fourth embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The configuration of FIG. 15 is different from that of the first embodiment only in the configuration of the case 3, and is otherwise the same as that of the first embodiment or the second embodiment.

  Even in this configuration, the imaging unit 23, the reflecting member 29, and the imaging unit 27 are accommodated in the case 3. The reflection member 29 is disposed on the lower side of the reading port 5 inside the case 3, and includes a reflection surface 29 a that is inclined with respect to a plane direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The light entering through the reading port 5 is reflected by the reflecting surface 29a. Then, the imaging unit 27 defines a field range (first field range AR1 and second field range AR2) that can be imaged by the imaging unit 23, and enters and reflects from the outside of the case 3 through the reading port 5. The light reflected by the member 29 is guided to the imaging unit 23, and when the information code is arranged in the field of view range outside the case 3, the image of the information code is formed on the imaging unit 23. .

  A light transmissive plate 7 is disposed so as to close the case 3, and at least a part of the plate 7 is disposed in the visual field range. The structure in the vicinity of the plate 7 may be the structure as in the first embodiment or the structure as in the second embodiment. When the structure as in the first embodiment is used as the structure in the vicinity of the plate 7, a coating layer made of a light-shielding paint or the like is formed in a configuration that partially covers the upper surface portion of the plate 7. In this case, for example, the coating layer may be formed in an annular shape, and the opening formed by the inner edge of the coating layer may be configured to be the reading port 5. When the structure as in the second embodiment is used as the structure in the vicinity of the plate 7, a light shielding material (a part of the case 3) is arranged around the plate 7 on the upper surface of the case 3. The opening formed in the light shielding material may be the reading port 5. In this case, the plate 7 should just be arrange | positioned by the structure which obstruct | occludes an opening part. Below, the case where the structure like 2nd Embodiment is used as a structure of the vicinity of the plate 7 is demonstrated as a representative example.

  Also in this configuration, the imaging unit 27 is configured by the imaging lens that functions as a wide-angle lens as described above, and is positioned away from the plate 7 as shown in FIG. 15 (more specifically, the vertical center position of the case 3). In the lower position and on the side of the reflecting surface 29a). The imaging unit 27 has a function of guiding the light that has entered through the reading port 5 from the outside of the case 3 and reflected by the reflecting member 29 to the imaging unit 23, and can be imaged by the imaging unit 23 inside and outside the case 3. It is the composition which defines the visual field range which becomes.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15, the visual field range includes a first visual field range AR1 configured between the imaging unit 27 and the reflective member 29, and a reflective member so as to follow the first visual field range AR1. 29 defines a second visual field range AR2 configured on the upper side. That is, the light from the visual field range is condensed toward the light receiving region of the imaging unit 23 so that the first visual field range AR1 and the second visual field range AR2 are used as the imaging area. The first visual field range AR1 is a visual field range that is collected by the imaging unit 27 and directly captured by the imaging unit 23, and the second visual field range AR2 is an image captured by the reflecting member 29. It is a field of view range to be imaged. The imaging unit 27 functions to form an image of the information code on the light receiving region of the imaging unit 23 when the information code is arranged in the second visual field range AR2 set outside the case 3. doing.

  FIG. 15 shows the reflection of the plate 7 on the cut surface cut along a plane passing through the first optical axis L1 that is the center of the first visual field range AR1 and the second optical axis L2 that is the center of the second visual field range AR2. The positional relationship among the surface 29a, the reading port 5, the imaging unit 27, the imaging unit 23, and the like is conceptually shown. The reflective surface 29 a is a mirror surface region (reflective region) exposed on the upper side of the reflective member 29. In this configuration, the direction of the light receiving optical axis (second optical axis L2) in the second visual field range AR2 is the vertical direction, and the placement surface F when the case 3 is placed on the flat placement surface F is shown. The direction orthogonal to is also the vertical direction. Further, the direction is parallel to the cut surface (cut surface cut along a plane passing through the first optical axis L1 serving as the center of the first visual field range AR1 and the second optical axis L2 serving as the center of the second visual field range). In addition, the direction orthogonal to the vertical direction is defined as the horizontal direction (left-right direction). Furthermore, the direction orthogonal to the up-down direction and the horizontal direction (left-right direction) is defined as the front-rear direction.

  In this configuration, the reflection member 29 is disposed on one side in the horizontal direction (left side in FIG. 15) with respect to the imaging unit 23, and the lower surface 7b of the plate 7 on the cut surface in FIG. It inclines so that the other side (right side) of the horizontal direction may become an upper position rather than the side (left side). More specifically, the lower surface 7b of the plate 7 is a virtual plane that passes through the first optical axis L1 that is the center of the first visual field range AR1 and the second optical axis L2 that is the center of the second visual field range AR2 (see FIG. 15 is formed as a flat surface perpendicular to the cut surface (15), and is inclined so that the other side (right side) in the horizontal direction is at an upper position than the one side (left side) in the horizontal direction.

  In this example, as shown in FIG. 15, in a cut surface cut along a plane passing through the first optical axis L1 that is the center of the first visual field range AR1 and the second optical axis L2 that is the center of the second visual field range AR2. A straight line passing through the position of the reflecting surface 29a of the reflecting member 29 is defined as a center line C1, and a position that is symmetrical with the principal point Pa of the visual field range when the center line C1 is the center is defined as a first virtual principal point Pb1. . The first virtual principal point Pb1 is located on the extended line of the boundary line of the second field-of-view range AR2 (illustrated by two straight lines in FIG. 15) on the cut surface in FIG. In the cut surface (FIG. 15), the position that is symmetrical with the first virtual principal point Pb1 when the straight line passing through the position of the lower surface 7b of the plate 7 is the center line C2 is defined as the second virtual principal point Pb2. . A position that is symmetrical with the second virtual principal point Pb2 when the center line C1 is the center is defined as a third virtual principal point Pb3.

  Further, in FIG. 15, the area of the second visual field range AR2 starting from the first virtual principal point Pb1 is symmetric with respect to the center line C2, and the area of the first virtual visual field range (second virtual field range) It is shown as an area indicated by a two-dot chain line starting from the principal point Pb2. Then, the area of the first virtual visual field range starting from the second virtual principal point Pb2 (the area indicating the boundary by two two-dot chain lines starting from the second virtual principal point Pb2) is centered on the center line C1. Are shown as areas of the second virtual visual field range (areas indicated by two alternate long and short dashed lines starting from the third virtual principal point Pb3). In the area of the second virtual visual field range, light entering toward the third virtual principal point Pb3 in this area is reflected by the reflecting surface 29a (position of the center line C1) of the reflecting member 29, and further the lower surface 7b of the plate 7 This is an area that will be reflected in the imaging unit 23 when reflected at (the position of the center line C2).

  As described above, when the third virtual principal point Pb3 is determined, one open end 5d (specifically, the reading opening 5 starts from the third virtual principal point Pb3 on the cut surface (FIG. 15). The first straight line passing through the upper end position of the end portion 5d farther from the third virtual main point Pb3 and the other open end portion 5c of the reading port 5 (specifically, the third virtual main point Pb3) And a second straight line passing through the lower end position of the end portion 5c on the side close to the third virtual principal point Pb3), the reflecting member 29 is disposed in a region between the first straight line and the second straight line. The reflective surface 29a is not disposed, and the reflective surface 29a (the mirror surface region exposed on the upper side in the reflective member 29) is disposed only at a position deviating downward from the region between the first straight line and the second straight line. Has been.

  More specifically, on the cut surface shown in FIG. 15, the third virtual principal point Pb3 is arranged at an upper position than the virtual plane passing through the position of the lower surface 7b of the plate 7. When the reading port 5, the lower surface 7b of the plate 7, and the reflecting surface 29a of the reflecting member 29 are arranged in such a positional relationship, the above-described second virtual visual field range is directed downward from the reading port 5, The reflection from the light from the upper side of the reading port 5 entering the second virtual visual field range does not occur. More specifically, there is no opening area of the reading port 5 in the area of the second virtual visual field range, and the second virtual visual field range below the opening area of the reading port 5 in the area directly below the reading port 5. The area is supposed to exist. In the second virtual visual field range, the light going toward the third virtual principal point Pb3 is not light that passes through the reading port 5 and enters the case. With such a structure, the effect of suppressing reflection is enhanced.

As described above, in this configuration, the effect of preventing reflection can be obtained as in the first embodiment.
Further, in this configuration, when the direction parallel to the cut surface (FIG. 15) cut along the plane passing through the first optical axis L1 and the second optical axis L2 and perpendicular to the vertical direction is defined as the horizontal direction. The reflecting member 29 is disposed on one side in the horizontal direction with respect to the imaging unit 23, and the lower surface 7b of the plate 7 is inclined so that the other side in the horizontal direction is at an upper position than the one side in the horizontal direction. . In this way, by tilting the lower surface 7b of the plate 7 so that the other side in the horizontal direction is positioned higher than the one side in the horizontal direction, the reflection member 29 and the reading port 5 can be secured more widely, and the extraneous light can be transmitted. This makes it easier to reduce areas where adverse effects are a concern. Therefore, it is easy to secure a wider reading range in the vicinity of the plate 7, while the problem that the information code is unclearly imaged due to the reflection of the external light can be more reliably suppressed, Decoding defects caused by reflection of light can be reduced more reliably.

  Further, in this configuration, in the cut surface shown in FIG. 15, a position symmetric with the principal point Pa of the visual field range when the position of the reflection surface 29a of the reflection member 29 is the center line C1, is defined as the first virtual principal point Pb1. When the position of the lower surface 7b of the plate 7 is the center line C2, the position symmetrical to the first virtual principal point Pb1 is the second virtual principal point Pb2, and the position of the reflecting surface 29a of the reflecting member 29 is the center line C1. When the position symmetric with respect to the second virtual principal point Pb2 is the third virtual principal point Pb3, the third virtual principal point Pb3 is arranged at an upper position than the virtual plane passing through the position of the lower surface 7b of the plate 7. . When configured in such a relationship, when the extraneous light entering the reading port 5 from a region different from the visual field range is reflected by the reflecting member 29 and the reflected light is specularly reflected by the back surface 7b of the plate 7, the mirror surface is reflected. The direction of the reflected light can be further removed from the direction toward the imaging unit 23. Specifically, the second virtual visual field range described above is directed to the lower side than the reading port 5, and reflection due to light from the upper side of the reading port 5 entering the second virtual visual field range. It will not occur. Therefore, it becomes easier to more reliably exclude the specular reflection light from the plate 7 from being reflected on the imaging unit 23.

[Fifth Embodiment]
In the configuration of the fifth embodiment, the field of view is cut along a plane that passes through the first optical axis L1 that is the center of the first visual field range AR1 and the second optical axis L2 that is the center of the second visual field range AR2. It shows the case where the vertical angle of view, which is the angle of view between the two boundaries of the range, is 30 degrees (FIG. 16), 40 degrees (FIG. 17), and 50 degrees (FIG. 18). Yes. The examples in FIGS. 16 to 18 are the same as those in the first embodiment or the second embodiment except for the vertical angle of view.

  In any configuration of FIGS. 16 to 18, the imaging unit 23, the reflecting member 29, and the imaging unit 27 are accommodated in the case 3. The reflection member 29 is disposed on the lower side of the reading port 5 inside the case 3, and includes a reflection surface 29 a that is inclined with respect to a plane direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The light entering through the reading port 5 is reflected by the reflecting surface 29a. Then, the imaging unit 27 defines a field range (first field range AR1 and second field range AR2) that can be imaged by the imaging unit 23, and enters and reflects from the outside of the case 3 through the reading port 5. The light reflected by the member 29 is guided to the imaging unit 23, and when the information code is arranged in the field of view range outside the case 3, the image of the information code is formed on the imaging unit 23. .

  A light transmissive plate 7 is disposed so as to close the case 3, and at least a part of the plate 7 is disposed in the visual field range. The structure in the vicinity of the plate 7 may be the structure as in the first embodiment or the structure as in the second embodiment. When the structure as in the first embodiment is used as the structure in the vicinity of the plate 7, a coating layer made of a light-shielding paint or the like is formed in a configuration that partially covers the upper surface portion of the plate 7. In this case, for example, the coating layer may be formed in an annular shape, and the opening formed by the inner edge of the coating layer may be configured to be the reading port 5. When the structure as in the second embodiment is used as the structure in the vicinity of the plate 7, a light shielding material (a part of the case 3) is arranged around the plate 7 on the upper surface of the case 3. The opening formed in the light shielding material may be the reading port 5. In this case, the plate 7 should just be arrange | positioned by the structure which obstruct | occludes an opening part. Below, the case where the structure like 2nd Embodiment is used as a structure of the vicinity of the plate 7 is demonstrated as a representative example.

  16 to 18, the imaging unit 27 is positioned away from the plate 7 (more specifically, a position closer to the lower side than the center position in the vertical direction of the case 3 and a position on the side of the reflecting surface 29a. ). The imaging unit 27 has a function of guiding the light that has entered through the reading port 5 from the outside of the case 3 and reflected by the reflecting member 29 to the imaging unit 23, and can be imaged by the imaging unit 23 inside and outside the case 3. It is the composition which defines the visual field range which becomes. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15, the visual field range includes a first visual field range AR1 configured between the imaging unit 27 and the reflecting member 29, and reflection so as to follow the first visual field range AR1. A second visual field range AR2 configured on the upper side from the member 29 is defined. That is, the light from the visual field range is condensed toward the light receiving region of the imaging unit 23 so that the first visual field range AR1 and the second visual field range AR2 are used as the imaging area. The first visual field range AR1 is a visual field range that is collected by the imaging unit 27 and directly captured by the imaging unit 23, and the second visual field range AR2 is an image captured by the reflecting member 29. It is a field of view range to be imaged. Then, when the information code is arranged in the second visual field range AR2 set outside the case 3, the image of the information code functions to form an image on the light receiving region of the imaging unit 23.

  In any of the examples in FIGS. 16 to 18, the cross section is cut along a plane that passes through the first optical axis L1 that is the center of the first visual field range AR1 and the second optical axis L2 that is the center of the second visual field range AR2. In the cut surface, a straight line passing through the position of the reflecting surface 29a of the reflecting member 29 is defined as a center line C1, and a position that is symmetrical with the principal point Pa of the visual field range when the center line C1 is the center is defined as a first virtual principal point. Pb1. The first virtual principal point Pb1 is located on an extension line of the boundary line of the second visual field range AR2 (illustrated by two alternate long and short dashed lines in FIGS. 16 to 18) on each cutting plane in FIGS. ing. In the cut surface, when the straight line passing through the position of the lower surface 7b of the plate 7 is defined as the center line C2, the position that is symmetrical with the first virtual principal point Pb1 is defined as the second virtual principal point Pb2. A position that is symmetrical with the second virtual principal point Pb2 when the center line C1 is the center is defined as a third virtual principal point Pb3. 16 to 18, the area of the second visual field range AR2 starting from the first virtual principal point Pb1 is made symmetrical with respect to the center line C2, and the area of the first virtual visual field range ( It is shown as an area indicated by a two-dot chain line starting from the second virtual principal point Pb2. The area of the first virtual visual field range starting from the second virtual principal point Pb2 (the area indicated by the two-dot chain line starting from the second virtual principal point Pb2) is made symmetrical about the center line C1. The area is shown as an area of the second virtual visual field range (an area indicated by a one-dot chain line starting from the third virtual principal point Pb3). In the area of the second virtual visual field range, light entering the area and going toward the third virtual principal point Pb3 is reflected by the reflecting surface 29a (position of the center line C1) of the reflecting member 29, and the plate 7 This is an area that will be reflected in the imaging unit 23 when reflected by the lower surface 7b (position of the center line C2).

  16 to 18, in the configuration with a narrow vertical angle of view as shown in FIG. 16, the area of the second virtual visual field range that spreads from the third virtual principal point Pb <b> 3 is located below the reading port 5. Thus, the opening area of the reading port 5 does not exist within the second virtual visual field range. That is, the light that enters from the outside of the case through the reading port 5 does not become light that enters the area of the second virtual visual field range and goes toward the third virtual principal point Pb3. It is easy to prevent the reflection. However, since the visual field range is narrow, for example, when a large information code is arranged near the reading port and read, the information code tends to be out of the visual field range.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, it is easy to ensure a wider viewing range by configuring the vertical angle of view to be 40 degrees or more. However, when the field of view is widened in this way, the boundary of the upper end of the area of the second virtual field of view that extends from the third virtual principal point Pb3 passes through the opening of the reading port 5 (that is, the second The opening area of the reading port 5 exists in the area of the virtual visual field range), and there is a possibility that extraneous light from the outside of the reading port 5 enters the second virtual visual field range. In the case of such a wide visual field range, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, light entering the second virtual visual field range from the outside of the reading port 5 (specifically, going to the third virtual principal point Pb3). If the light is configured to be incident on the reflecting surface 29a, the extraneous light will be reflected in the captured image. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the reflecting member 29 is arranged so that the reflecting surface 29a does not exist in the region between the first straight line La1 and the second straight line La2, thereby suppressing the influence of external light. With a possible configuration, it is possible to more reliably reduce decoding defects caused by reflection of extraneous light, while widening the field of view range. Note that the idea of setting the vertical angle of view to 40 degrees or more is applicable to any of the configurations described above or described later.

[Other Embodiments]
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  In the first and second embodiments, an example is shown in which the first optical axis L1 that is the center of the first visual field range AR1 is in the horizontal direction, and the second optical axis L2 that is the center of the second visual field range AR2 is in the vertical direction. However, it is not limited to such an example. For example, the first optical axis L1 may be inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, and the second optical axis L2 may be inclined with respect to the vertical direction. In the third embodiment, the example in which the first optical axis L1 that is the center of the first visual field range AR1 is in the horizontal direction is shown, but the first optical axis L1 may be inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.

  Although the example of placing on the placement surface has been shown as the stationary structure, it is sufficient that the person who performs the reading work can be installed and used in the installation place without holding it, for example, embedded in a desk or the like and fixed. Such a stationary structure may be used, and a stationary structure that is fixed to a wall or the like may be used.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Stationary type | formula information code reader 3 ... Case 5 ... Reading port 5c ... The other opening edge part 5d ... One opening edge part 7 ... Plate 8 ... Covering layer (light-shielding layer)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 21 ... Illumination light source 23 ... Imaging part 27 ... Imaging part 29 ... Reflecting member 29a ... Reflecting surface 40 ... Control circuit (decoding part)
50: Light guide member AR1: First visual field range (visual field range)
AR2 ... 2nd visual field range (visual field range)
L1 ... 1st optical axis L2 ... 2nd optical axis La1 ... 1st straight line La2 ... 2nd straight line γ ... Opening area C ... Information code Pa ... Main point Pb1 ... 1st virtual main point Pb2 ... 2nd Virtual principal point Pb3 ... Third virtual principal point

Claims (10)

A case in which a reading port serving as a light entrance is formed on one side in a predetermined vertical direction;
An imaging unit housed in the case;
A reflective surface is disposed inside the case below the reading port and is inclined with respect to a plane direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, and is provided from the outside of the case via the reading port. A reflecting member that reflects incoming light at the reflecting surface;
A configuration is provided that defines a visual field range that can be imaged by the imaging unit, guides light that enters the reading port from outside the case and enters the imaging port, and reflects the light reflected by the reflecting member to the imaging unit. An imaging unit that forms an image of the information code on the imaging unit when an information code is arranged in the visual field range;
A light transmissive plate arranged to close the case and at least partially disposed in the field of view;
With
As the visual field range by the imaging unit, a first visual field range configured between the imaging unit and the reflecting member, and an upper side from the reflecting member so as to follow the first visual field range The second field of view is defined,
In a cut surface cut by a plane passing through the first optical axis that is the center of the first visual field range and the second optical axis that is the center of the second visual field range, the position of the reflective surface of the reflective member is the center. A position symmetrical to the principal point of the visual field range when the line is used as a first virtual principal point, and a position symmetrical to the first virtual principal point when the position of the lower surface of the plate is the center line When the third virtual principal point is a position that is symmetrical to the second virtual principal point when the position of the reflecting surface of the reflecting member is a center line as the principal point, the third virtual principal point is the starting point. Deviation below the range between the first straight line passing through one opening end of the reading port and the second straight line passing through the other opening end of the reading port starting from the third virtual principal point The stationary information code reader is characterized in that the reflecting surface of the reflecting member is disposed at a predetermined position. .   The first optical axis serving as the center of the first visual field range extends in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the second optical axis serving as the center of the second visual field range extends in the vertical direction. The stationary information code reader according to claim 1.   2. The stationary information code reader according to claim 1, wherein an angle formed between the first optical axis that is the center of the first visual field range and the reflective surface of the reflective member is greater than 45 °. .   A light shielding layer that suppresses or blocks light transmission through the plate is formed so as to cover at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the plate, and the reading port is configured by an opening of the light shielding layer. The stationary information code reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein A light shielding material is disposed around the plate in the upper surface portion of the case, and an opening formed in the light shielding material is configured as the reading port.
The stationary information code reader according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plate is arranged in a configuration that closes the opening. An illumination light source that emits illumination light;
It is arranged at a position where the illumination light from the illumination light source is irradiated inside the case, and the illumination light from the illumination light source is irradiated to the outside of the case through an opening area of the reading port. A light guiding member for guiding;
With
6. At least a part of the light guide member is disposed so as to continue from the upper end side of the reflection surface of the reflection member to the plate side. The stationary information code reader according to 1. When the direction parallel to the cut surface cut by a plane passing through the first optical axis and the second optical axis and perpendicular to the vertical direction is a horizontal direction, the reflecting member is the imaging unit. Is arranged on one side in the lateral direction,
The stationary surface according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the lower surface of the plate is inclined such that the other side in the horizontal direction is positioned higher than the one side in the horizontal direction. Type information code reader. A case in which a reading port serving as a light entrance is formed on one side in a predetermined vertical direction;
An imaging unit housed in the case;
A reflective surface is disposed inside the case below the reading port and is inclined with respect to a plane direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, and is provided from the outside of the case via the reading port. A reflecting member that reflects incoming light at the reflecting surface;
A configuration is provided that defines a visual field range that can be imaged by the imaging unit, guides light that enters the reading port from outside the case and enters the imaging port, and reflects the light reflected by the reflecting member to the imaging unit. An imaging unit that forms an image of the information code on the imaging unit when an information code is arranged in the visual field range;
A light transmissive plate arranged to close the case and at least partially disposed in the field of view;
With
As the visual field range by the imaging unit, a first visual field range configured between the imaging unit and the reflecting member, and an upper side from the reflecting member so as to follow the first visual field range The second field of view is defined,
A direction parallel to a cut surface cut by a plane passing through the first optical axis serving as the center of the first visual field range and the second optical axis serving as the center of the second visual field range, and is orthogonal to the vertical direction. When the direction is the horizontal direction, the reflecting member is arranged on one side in the horizontal direction with respect to the imaging unit,
The stationary information code reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lower surface of the plate is inclined such that the other side in the horizontal direction is positioned higher than the one side in the horizontal direction.   In the cut surface, the position symmetrical to the principal point of the field of view when the position of the reflecting surface of the reflecting member is a center line is a first virtual principal point, and the position of the lower surface of the plate is a center line A position symmetric with the first virtual principal point is a second virtual principal point, and a position symmetric with the second virtual principal point when the position of the reflecting surface of the reflecting member is a center line is a third virtual The third virtual principal point is arranged at an upper position than the virtual plane passing through the position of the lower surface of the plate when the principal point is used. The stationary information code reader according to 1.   10. The stationary information code reading according to claim 1, wherein a vertical angle of view that is an angle of view between both boundaries of the visual field range on the cut surface is 40 degrees or more. 11. apparatus.

Images