JP2016119014A - Information code reading device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information code reading device in which even control means having one image data input interface can take in image data from plural pieces of imaging means.SOLUTION: An information code reading device comprises two area sensors 43a, 43b for imaging an information code, and a CPU 20 for decoding the information code on the basis of image data taken in from the area sensors 43a, 43b via one image data input interface 21. The area sensors 43a, 43b are so configured as to provide an output switching function for switching the output states so as to output the image data via the image data input interface 21 in accordance with an input OE signal, and so as not to output the image data to the image data input interface 21 in the state where no OE signal is input.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an information code reader that optically reads an information code.

  Currently, various types of information codes such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes are provided. For example, an information code displayed on a product is to be read at a supermarket cash register or the like, and an information code displayed on a packing box or the like stored on a shelf is to be read at a warehouse or the like. By the way, supermarket cash registers and the like are required to read not only information codes of products held over imaging means such as cameras but also information codes located far away such as information codes of large products placed under the cart. . For this reason, if an information code reading device for reading a nearby information code and an information code reading device for reading a distant information code are prepared, it is necessary to change the information code reading device depending on the position to be read. There is a problem that the work becomes complicated.

  Also, in warehouses and the like, not only information codes of packing boxes on nearby shelves but also information codes of packing boxes on distant shelves are often read. In view of this, one information code reader is provided with two image pickup means, that is, an image pickup means for near-point image pickup and an image pickup means for far-point image pickup, and image data from both image pickup means is taken into a control means such as a CPU. It is conceivable to perform processing such as decoding. Thereby, it is possible to read information codes at various distances from a nearby information code to a distant information code with a single information code reader.

  As another information code reading apparatus having two imaging units as described above, for example, an information code reading apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 below is known. In this information code reading device, two light receiving sensors (imaging means) whose image scanning directions are shifted from each other by 90 degrees are provided. Then, by searching for the cutout symbol from the image signals output from both light receiving sensors, even if the cutout symbol cannot be detected from the image signal of one of the light receiving sensors due to partial loss of the cutout symbol, There is a possibility that the cut-out symbol can be detected by using the image signal of the light receiving sensor. Thus, by using the image signals (image data) respectively obtained from the two light receiving sensors, the detection accuracy of the cut symbol is improved, and the decoding accuracy of the two-dimensional information code is improved.

JP 2012-155609 A

  By the way, in the information code reading apparatus having two image pickup means as described above, a control means having two image data input interfaces as a control means such as a CPU for fetching image data from the image pickup means and performing processing such as decoding. Is adopted. That is, conventionally, an information code reading apparatus having a plurality of image pickup means has a dedicated control means having an image data input interface corresponding to the number of image pickup means, and has one image data input interface. Inexpensive general-purpose control means could not be used.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to capture image data from a plurality of imaging means even if the control means has one image data input interface. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information code reading apparatus capable of performing the above.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 of the claims includes a plurality of imaging means (43a, 43b, 45a to 45c, 46a, 46b) for imaging the information code (C), Control means (20) for decoding the information code on the basis of image data fetched from the plurality of imaging means via one image data input interface (21), and for each of the plurality of imaging means In addition, output switching means (43a, 43b, 45a to 45c, 47a, 47b) capable of switching the output state to the image data input interface is provided, and the output switching means is responsive to the input output instruction signal. The image data from the imaging means is output via the image data input interface, and the image is displayed when the output instruction signal is not input. The chromatography data and switches the output state so as not to output the image data input interface.
In addition, the code | symbol in each said parenthesis shows the correspondence with the specific means as described in embodiment mentioned later.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of imaging means for imaging the information code, and a control means for decoding the information code based on image data captured from the plurality of imaging means via one image data input interface; Is provided. Then, the image data from the imaging means is output via the image data input interface according to the input output instruction signal, and the output state is such that the image data is not output to the image data input interface when the output instruction signal is not input. An output switching means for switching between is provided for each of the plurality of imaging means.

  As a result, even when a plurality of imaging means can output image data, the image data is controlled via the image data input interface from the imaging means provided with the output switching means for inputting the output instruction signal. Incorporated into the means. When an output instruction signal is input to an output switching unit provided in another imaging unit, the image data is fetched from the other imaging unit via the image data input interface to the control unit. That is, only the imaging means provided with the output switching means for inputting the output instruction signal among the plurality of imaging means outputs the image data to the control means via the image data input interface. Accordingly, even control means having one image data input interface can capture image data from a plurality of image pickup means.

  In the invention of claim 2, the control means outputs an output instruction signal to the output switching means provided in one of the plurality of imaging means. Thereby, the control means can take in image data from a desired imaging means among a plurality of imaging means at a desired timing.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the output switching means provided in the imaging means for fetching the next image data among the plurality of imaging means based on the information obtained from the image data fetched via the image data input interface by the control means. An output instruction signal is output.

  For this reason, for example, when the decoding of the information code based on the captured image data fails, the control means outputs an output instruction signal to the output switching means provided in another imaging means capable of imaging the information code. Then, the image data can be captured. Thus, since the information code can be imaged under various shooting conditions by imaging the information code using a plurality of imaging means, the information code can be successfully decoded even by the control means having one image data input interface. The rate can be improved.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the output timing of the image data in the plurality of imaging means is synchronized, the timing of the output instruction signal output to the output switching means is the same regardless of which image data is taken in.

  When the output timing of image data in a plurality of imaging means is not synchronized, if the output timing of image data with the next imaging means is shifted when the imaging means is changed, the output timing of the next imaging means The image data cannot be captured, and the processing time becomes long. Therefore, as in the present invention, by synchronizing the output timing of image data in a plurality of imaging means, the image data is output from any imaging means at the same timing. The output timing is not shifted. As a result, the output timing of the image data does not deviate even when the image pickup means is changed, so that it is possible to prevent the processing time from being increased due to the change of the image pickup means.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, based on the image data taken in by the control means, the exposure condition of the image pickup means different from the image pickup means that took in the image data is changed by the exposure condition change means. For this reason, when the decoding of the information code based on the previously acquired image data fails due to the exposure condition, the exposure condition of the different imaging means is changed according to the appropriate exposure condition obtained from the failed exposure condition. be able to. As a result, the information code can be imaged under an appropriate exposure condition, so that the success rate of decoding the information code can be improved even with a control means having one image data input interface.

It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the information code reading apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing explaining the depth of an imaging part. It is explanatory drawing which compares the depth of a 1st area sensor with the depth of a 2nd area sensor. It is a block diagram which shows the connection structure of CPU and both area sensors in 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the output state of the image signal in both area sensors. It is explanatory drawing which shows the input state of the image signal from the imaging part in CPU. It is explanatory drawing which shows the output state of the image signal in both area sensors at the time of asynchronous. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a reading process executed by a CPU in the first embodiment. FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an arrangement example of both area sensors in the information code reading device according to the first modification of the first embodiment, and FIG. 9B is a second diagram of the first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the both area sensors in the information code reading apparatus which concerns on a modification. It is a flowchart which illustrates the flow of the reading process performed by CPU in 2nd Embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a reading process executed by a CPU in a third embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the connection structure of CPU and each area sensor in 4th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing explaining the arrangement state of each area sensor. It is a flowchart which illustrates the flow of the reading process performed by CPU in 4th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the output state of the image signal in each area sensor. It is a block diagram which shows the connection structure of CPU and both area sensors in 5th Embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment in which an information code reader according to the present invention is embodied will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1A is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the information code reader 10 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is an electrical diagram of the information code reader 40 of FIG. It is a block diagram which illustrates composition.
An information code reader 10 according to the present embodiment is a portable reader that optically reads an information code such as a one-dimensional code such as a barcode attached to an article or a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark). It is configured as. Specifically, the information code reader 10 is configured as, for example, a POS register scanner installed in a store or the like, and functions to optically read a barcode or the like displayed on a product.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, a CPU 20 for controlling the entire information code reading device 10 is provided in the casing of the information code reading device 10, and the CPU 20 includes a memory 31, The LCD 32, the LED 33, the key operation unit 34, the speaker 35, and the like are connected via corresponding input / output interfaces. The CPU 20 is configured to perform various arithmetic processes such as arithmetic operation and logical operation based on a predetermined program stored in the memory 31 and control various electric components.

  In particular, in this embodiment, a general-purpose CPU having one system of image data input interface 21 is adopted as the CPU 20, and therefore, compared with a case where a CPU having a multi-system image data input interface is employed. Therefore, the information code reader 10 can be configured at low cost. The CPU 20 may correspond to an example of “control means”.

  The memory 31 is a semiconductor memory device, and corresponds to, for example, a RAM (DRAM, SRAM, etc.) or a ROM (EPROM, EEPROM, etc.). The RAM of the memory 31 is configured to be able to secure a work area, an image data storage area, a reading condition table, and the like that are used by the CPU 20 during each process such as arithmetic operation and logical operation. The ROM stores in advance a predetermined program that can execute a reading process, a transfer process that will be described later, a system program that can control each hardware, and the like.

  The LCD 32 is connected to the CPU 20 via the LCD interface so as to be controllable, and the display content is controlled by the CPU 20. The key operation unit 34 is connected to be able to output an operation signal to the CPU 20 via a predetermined interface, and the CPU 20 receives the operation signal and performs an operation according to the content of the operation signal. The LED 33 and the speaker 35 are connected to the CPU 20 via a predetermined interface in a controllable manner, and are configured such that their operations are controlled by the CPU 20. Further, a battery 36 and a power supply unit 37 serving as a power source are provided in the housing, and power is supplied to the CPU 20 and various electric components by these.

  Further, the information code reading unit 40 is electrically connected to the CPU 20. As shown in FIG. 1B, the information code reading unit 40 has a configuration including an imaging unit 43, an imaging lens 42, an illumination unit 41 including a plurality of LEDs and lenses, and the like. In cooperation with the CPU 20, it functions to optically read the information code attached to the reading target. FIG. 1B conceptually shows an example in which the illumination light Lf is irradiated toward the reading object R to which the information code C is attached.

  When reading is performed by the information code reading unit 40 configured as described above, first, the illumination light Lf is emitted from the illumination unit 41 that has been instructed by the CPU 20, and the illumination light Lf is read through a reading port (not shown). Subject is irradiated. Then, the reflected light Lr obtained by reflecting the illumination light Lf with the information code is taken into the apparatus through the reading port, and is imaged by the imaging unit 43 through the imaging lens 42. The image data output from the imaging unit 43 in response to this imaging is taken into the CPU 20 via the image data input interface 21, and the information code included in this image data is decoded, so that the information code is coded. Information such as converted character data is acquired.

  Next, the configuration of the imaging unit 43 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. 2A and 2B are explanatory diagrams for explaining the depth of the imaging unit 43. FIG. 2A shows the state of the first area sensor 43a, and FIG. 2B shows the state of the second area sensor 43b. Indicates. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram comparing the depth of the first area sensor 43a and the depth of the second area sensor 43b.

  The imaging unit 43 is configured as a twin camera including two area sensors configured by two-dimensionally arranging solid-state imaging elements (light receiving elements) such as C-MOS and CCD. Both of these area sensors include an area sensor for near-point imaging (hereinafter also referred to as a first area sensor 43a) and an area sensor for far-point imaging (hereinafter also referred to as a second area sensor 43b). The first area sensor 43a and the second area sensor 43b may correspond to an example of “imaging means”.

  In the present embodiment, the first area sensor 43a and the second area sensor 43b are configured to output image data to the CPU 20 at a timing when an OE signal described later is input from the CPU 20 in a Hi state. That is, the first area sensor 43a and the second area sensor 43b output image data via the image data input interface 21 in accordance with the input Hi state OE signal, and a state in which the Hi state OE signal is not input ( When the OE signal is in the Lo state, an output switching function (output switching means) that switches the output state so as not to output the image data to the image data input interface 21 is provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the second area sensor 43b is configured to be able to take images far away by setting the angle of view to be narrower than that of the first area sensor 43a.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the first area sensor 43a and the second area sensor 43b are arranged close to each other in the same imaging direction so as to receive reflected light from the information code through the same reading port. Has been. For this reason, by using at least one of the image data captured from the first area sensor 43a and the image data captured from the second area sensor 43b for decoding processing, information positioned relatively close to the reading port. It is possible to read not only the code but also an information code located relatively far from the reading port.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, when an ITF code (bar code) having a width of 0.20 mm is an imaging target, a relatively long distance from the ITF code located at a short distance to contact the reading port. Up to the ITF code located at. When an ITF code having a width of 0.50 mm is an object to be imaged, it is possible to read from an ITF code that is close enough not to touch the reading port to an ITF code that is located at a far distance. Further, when a QR code (two-dimensional code) having a width of 0.20 mm is an imaging target, the QR code located near the reading port can be read using the first area sensor 43a. Further, when a QR code having a width of 0.50 mm is an imaging target, it is possible to read from a QR code located at a short distance enough to contact the reading port to a QR code located at a relatively long distance. When an EAN code (bar code) having a width of 0.33 mm is an object to be imaged, reading is performed from an EAN code positioned at a short distance enough to contact the reading port to an EAN code positioned at a relatively long distance. be able to.

Here, a connection configuration between the CPU 20 and the first area sensor 43a and the second area sensor 43b will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a connection configuration between the CPU 20 and both area sensors 43a and 43b in the first embodiment.
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 20 synchronizes the output timing of the area sensor, and therefore the same clock signal, setting signal, reset release signal, etc. for the first area sensor 43 a and the second area sensor 43 b. Is connected to enable input. The CPU 20 is connected to the first area sensor 43a and the second area sensor 43b so that OE signals (tri-states signals) for controlling the output of the area sensor can be individually input. The area sensor 43a and the second area sensor 43b are connected to the image data input interface 21 of the CPU 20 so that an output signal for image data (hereinafter also referred to as an image signal) can be output via the common bus 22. Has been. The OE signal can correspond to an example of an “output instruction signal”.

  Next, regarding the image signal, an output state in the first area sensor 43a and the second area sensor 43b and an input state in the CPU 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an output state of image signals in both area sensors 43a and 43b. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an input state of an image signal from the imaging unit 43 in the CPU 20. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an output state of image signals in both area sensors 43a and 43b at the time of asynchronous. 5 and 6 show a state in which the output timing of the image signal of the first area sensor 43a and the output timing of the image signal of the second area sensor 43b are synchronized by processing to be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the OE signal in the Hi state (see OE <b> 1 in FIG. 5) is input from the CPU 20 to the first area sensor 43 a, the image signal output from the first area sensor 43 a is transmitted via the bus 22. Is output. At this timing, since the OE signal in the Hi state is not input to the second area sensor 43b, the image signal from the second area sensor 43b is not output to the bus 22, and the output of the second area sensor 43b is It will be in a Hi-Z state.

  In this state, when an OE signal in the Hi state (see OE2 in FIG. 5) is input from the CPU 20 to the second area sensor 43b, an image signal output from the second area sensor 43b is output via the bus 22. Switch to state. At this timing, since the OE signal in the Hi state is not input to the first area sensor 43a, the first area sensor 43a switches to a state in which no image signal is output to the bus 22, and the output of the first area sensor 43a is Hi− The Z state is entered.

  Thereby, as shown in FIG. 6, when the CPU 20 outputs the OE signal in the Hi state (see OE <b> 1 in FIG. 6) to the first area sensor 43 a, the CPU 20 outputs the first area sensor as the output from the imaging unit 43. The image data captured at 43a can be captured. When the CPU 20 outputs the Hi state OE signal (see OE2 in FIG. 6) to the second area sensor 43b, the image data captured by the second area sensor 43b as an output from the imaging unit 43. Can be imported.

  In particular, in this embodiment, as can be seen from FIGS. 5 and 6, the output timing of the image signal of the first area sensor 43a and the output timing of the image signal of the second area sensor 43b are synchronized. For example, when the output timing of the image signal of the first area sensor 43a and the output timing of the image signal of the second area sensor 43b are not synchronized, as shown in FIG. 7, the first area sensor 43a to the second area sensor If the output timing of the image data in both area sensors 43a and 43b is deviated when changing to 43b, the image data cannot be captured until the output timing of the second area sensor 43b, and the processing time becomes longer. End up. Then, the capture timing is delayed by a maximum of two image data.

  In contrast, in the present embodiment, since the output timings of the image signals of both area sensors 43a and 43b are synchronized as described above, it is also necessary to wait for the output timing of the image signals of different area sensors as described above. Since there is no, the capture timing will not be delayed. In other words, the image data can always be fetched at the same speed by synchronizing the output timing. Therefore, even if the image data is fetched from the two area sensors 43a and 43b via the image data input interface 21, respectively, one area sensor A processing speed equivalent to that when capturing image data can be realized.

Next, a reading process in which the CPU 20 decodes an information code captured by capturing image data from both area sensors 43a and 43b will be described below.
In the reading process according to the present embodiment, the decoding process is normally performed using image data captured from the first area sensor 43a that is an area sensor for near-point imaging. As an operation for reading a distant information code, when a far point reading trigger switch provided in the key operation unit 34 is operated, the second area sensor 43b which is an area sensor for far point imaging is used. Decode processing is performed using the captured image data.

Hereinafter, the reading process executed by the CPU 20 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the reading process executed by the CPU 20 in the first embodiment.
When the CPU 20 starts a reading process by performing a predetermined operation on the key operation unit 34, the first area sensor 43 a and the second area sensor 43 b are turned on under the control of the CPU 20 ( S101 in FIG. Next, after the data outputs of both area sensors 43a and 43b are controlled to be OFF (S103), clock signals are supplied to both area sensors 43a and 43b at the same timing (S105). Further, in order to start capturing at the same timing in both area sensors 43a and 43b, reset cancellation is performed at the same timing for both area sensors 43a and 43b (S107), and predetermined initial settings are performed ( S109).

  When the output timing of the image signal of the first area sensor 43a and the output timing of the image signal of the second area sensor 43b are synchronized by the processing as described above, whether or not a switching instruction is given in the determination processing shown in step S111. Is determined. Here, when the far-point reading trigger switch is not operated because the information code located nearby is read, it is determined that the instruction to switch to the far-point reading is not given (No in S111).

  In this case, in order to capture the image data from the first area sensor 43a, a Hi state OE signal is output to the first area sensor 43a (S113). As a result, image data is captured from the first area sensor 43a (S115), and a known decoding process is performed on the captured image data (S117). When this decoding process is successful and character data or the like encoded as an information code is acquired (Yes in S119), the reading process ends. On the other hand, if the decoding process fails (No in S119), the process from Step S111 is repeated, and when the trigger switch is not operated, the output of the Hi state OE signal to the first area sensor 43a is repeated intermittently. It is.

  When the far point reading trigger switch is operated because the information code located far away is read during the repetitive processing (Yes in S111), the second area sensor 43b takes in the image data. An OE signal in the Hi state is output to the sensor 43b (S121). As a result, image data is captured from the second area sensor 43b (S123), and a known decoding process is performed on the captured image data (S117). When this decoding process is successful and character data or the like encoded as an information code is acquired (Yes in S119), the reading process ends. On the other hand, if the decoding process fails (No in S119), the process from Step S111 is repeated, and while the trigger switch is operated, the output of the OE signal in the Hi state to the second area sensor 43b is repeated intermittently. It is.

  As described above, in the information code reader 10 according to the present embodiment, the two area sensors 43a and 43b for imaging the information code, and the one image data input interface 21 from both the area sensors 43a and 43b are provided. And a CPU 20 that decodes the information code based on the image data captured via the CPU. Then, the image data is output via the image data input interface 21 in accordance with the input Hi state OE signal, and the image data is not output to the image data input interface 21 when the Hi state OE signal is not input. Both area sensors 43a and 43b are configured to provide an output switching function for switching the output state.

  As a result, even when both area sensors 43a and 43b can output image data, the image data is taken into the CPU 20 via the image data input interface 21 from the area sensor to which the Hi state OE signal is input. It is. When an OE signal in the Hi state is input to another area sensor, the image data is taken into the CPU 20 from the other area sensor via the image data input interface 21. That is, only the area sensor to which the Hi state OE signal is input among both the area sensors 43 a and 43 b outputs the image data to the CPU 20 via the image data input interface 21. Therefore, even the CPU 20 having one image data input interface 21 can capture image data from the two area sensors 43a and 43b.

  In particular, the CPU 20 outputs an OE signal in the Hi state to one of the two area sensors 43a and 43b. Thereby, CPU20 can take in image data from a desired area sensor among both area sensors 43a and 43b at a desired timing.

  The OE signal is not limited to being output from the CPU 20 to the two area sensors 43a and 43b, but may be output from the other control means to the two area sensors 43a and 43b.

  Furthermore, in order to synchronize the output timing of the image data in both area sensors 43a and 43b, the timing of the Hi state OE signal output to the area sensor is the same regardless of which area sensor captures the image data. As a result, since image data is output from any area sensor at the same timing, the output timing of image data does not shift even if the area sensor is changed. As a result, even if the area sensor is changed, the output timing of the image data does not shift, so that it is possible to prevent the processing time from being increased due to the change of the area sensor.

FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram showing an arrangement example of both area sensors 43a and 43b in the information code reading apparatus 10 according to the first modification of the first embodiment, and FIG. 9B shows the first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of both area sensors 43a and 43b in the information code reader 10 which concerns on the 2nd modification of form.
Both area sensors 43a and 43b are not limited to being configured such that the imaging directions are the same, and may be configured such that the imaging directions are different. Thereby, a plurality of imaging directions suitable for the environment in which the information code reading device 10 is used can be realized. For example, not only the information code near the POS register but also the information code separated from the POS register as displayed on the product placed in the shopping cart can be read without changing the information code reader 10.

  Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 9A, the imaging direction of the second area sensor 43b may be different from the imaging direction of the first area sensor 43a by using a reflecting mirror 44. . Further, as shown in FIG. 9B, by mounting the first area sensor 43a on one substrate surface of the substrate and mounting the second area sensor 43b on the other substrate surface, both area sensors 43a and 43b. The imaging directions may be different directions.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, an information code reading apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the reading process executed by the CPU 20 in the second embodiment.
In the second embodiment, based on information obtained from image data captured via the image data input interface 21, the area sensor that captures image data next is switched to either one of the two area sensors 43a and 43b. This is different from the first embodiment. For this reason, substantially the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, in the reading process performed by the CPU 20, the area sensor that captures image data is not automatically switched according to the operation of the trigger switch, but is automatically switched according to the success or failure of the decoding.

Hereinafter, the reading process in the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
When the processing up to the predetermined initial setting (S109 in FIG. 10) is performed and the output timings of both area sensors 43a and 43b are synchronized as in the first embodiment, the area sensor to be captured is determined in the determination processing shown in step S111a. It is determined whether or not the flag F for switching is set to F = 1. Here, the flag F is set to F = 0 when capturing image data from the first area sensor 43a, and is set to F = 1 when capturing image data from the second area sensor 43b. In this case, F = 0 is set. For this reason, it is determined No in step S111a, and the processing after step S113, that is, the decoding processing based on the image data captured from the first area sensor 43a is performed.

  If decoding fails (No in S119), it is determined in the determination process in step S125 whether or not the information code has been imaged. Here, if the decoding has failed because the information code is not captured by the first area sensor 43a, it is determined No in step S125. In this case, the process from step S111a is repeated without changing the flag F, and the image data from the first area sensor 43a is captured.

  On the other hand, if the information code is imaged by the first area sensor 43a and decoding of the information code based on the image data captured from the first area sensor 43a fails (No in S119, Yes in S125), the flag F is set. It is changed from 0 to 1 (S127). In this case, it is determined Yes in step S111a, and the processing after step S121, that is, the decoding processing based on the image data captured from the second area sensor 43b is performed.

  Since the flag F = 1, the decoding process based on the image data captured from the second area sensor 43b is performed and if the decoding fails (No in S119), the information code is determined in the determination process in step S125. It is determined whether or not an image is captured. Here, if the decoding has failed because the information code is not captured by the second area sensor 43b, it is determined No in step S125. In this case, the process from step S111a is repeated without changing the flag F, and the image data from the second area sensor 43b is captured.

  On the other hand, when the information code is imaged by the second area sensor 43b and decoding of the information code based on the image data captured from the second area sensor 43b fails (No in S119, Yes in S125), the flag F is set. It is changed from 1 to 0 (S127). In this case, it is determined No in step S111a, and the decoding process based on the image data captured from the first area sensor 43a is performed.

  As described above, in the information code reader 10 according to the present embodiment, both area sensors 43a and 43b are based on information obtained from image data captured via the image data input interface 21 by the reading process in the CPU 20. Among them, the OE signal in the Hi state is output to the area sensor that captures the next image data.

  For this reason, when decoding of the information code based on the captured image data fails, the CPU 20 outputs the Hi state OE signal to another area sensor that can capture the information code and captures the image data. be able to. Thus, since the information code can be imaged under various shooting conditions by imaging the information code using the two area sensors 43a and 43b, the information code can be obtained even in the CPU 20 having one image data input interface 21. The decoding success rate can be improved.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, an information code reader according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of reading processing executed by the CPU 20 in the third embodiment.
The third embodiment is mainly different from the first embodiment in that the exposure condition of an area sensor different from the area sensor that has captured the image data is changed based on the image data that is captured by the CPU 20. For this reason, substantially the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, in the reading process performed by the CPU 20, when the decoding fails because the exposure condition is not appropriate, the exposure condition of the area sensor that has captured the image data used for the decoding is appropriately changed. The exposure conditions of other area sensors are also changed according to the change of the exposure conditions.

Hereinafter, the reading process in this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
As in the first embodiment, when processing up to a predetermined initial setting (S109 in FIG. 11) is performed and the output timings of both area sensors 43a and 43b are synchronized, if the trigger switch is not operated (in S111) No), a decoding process based on the image data captured from the first area sensor 43a is performed. If this decoding fails (No in S119), brightness analysis is performed on the image data for which decoding has failed (S131), and whether or not the brightness of the image data is suitable for the decoding process in the determination process in step S133. It is determined whether or not. If it is determined that the brightness of the image data is appropriate for the decoding process and is an appropriate image (Yes in S133), the process from step S111 is repeated without changing the exposure condition.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the brightness of the image data is not suitable for the decoding process (No in S133), the image data is captured according to the result of the brightness analysis of the image data in the process of step 131. The exposure condition of the area sensor is appropriately changed (S135). For example, if the exposure is insufficient, the exposure condition is changed to increase the exposure time. If the exposure is excessive, the exposure condition is changed to shorten the exposure time.

  Next, the exposure condition of another area sensor different from the area sensor that has failed to be decoded is changed according to the change of the exposure condition described above (S137). In the present embodiment, since the field angle θa of the first area sensor 43a and the field angle θb of the second area sensor 43b are different, the exposure conditions of other area sensors are changed in consideration of the difference in the field angle. As the change of the exposure condition, for example, the exposure condition can be appropriately changed by considering a known inverse square law with respect to the attenuation amount of the illumination light according to the distance.

  For example, when the exposure condition of the first area sensor 43a is appropriately changed in the process of step S135, the exposure condition change content in the first area sensor 43a and the inverse square law are obtained. Based on the difference in exposure state between the first area sensor 43a and the second area sensor 43b, the exposure condition of the second area sensor 43b is changed. The CPU 20 that executes the process of step S137 may correspond to an example of “exposure condition changing unit”.

  In this way, not only the exposure conditions of the area sensor that has failed to be decoded are changed, but also the exposure conditions of other area sensors are changed in consideration of the change of the exposure conditions, and the processing from step S111 is repeated. It is.

  As described above, in the information code reader 10 according to the present embodiment, based on the image data captured by the CPU 20, the exposure conditions of the area sensor different from the area sensor that captured the image data are changed. For this reason, when the decoding of the information code based on the previously captured image data fails due to the exposure condition, the exposure condition of the different area sensor is changed according to the appropriate exposure condition obtained from the failed exposure condition. be able to. As a result, the information code can be imaged under an appropriate exposure condition, so that even the CPU 20 having one image data input interface 21 can improve the success rate of decoding the information code.

  In the above-described reading process, when the decoding fails, the exposure conditions of both area sensors 43a and 43b are not changed. For example, based on the image data captured as described above at predetermined time intervals. The exposure conditions of both area sensors 43a and 43b may be changed intermittently.

  Further, the characteristic configuration of the present embodiment in which the exposure conditions of an area sensor different from the area sensor that has captured the image data based on the image data captured by the CPU 20 can be applied to other embodiments. .

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, an information code reader according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a connection configuration between the CPU 20 and the area sensors 45a to 45c in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an arrangement state of the area sensors 45a to 45c. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a reading process executed by the CPU 20 in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the output state of the image signal in each of the area sensors 45a to 45c.
The fourth embodiment is mainly different from the first embodiment in having more area sensors. For this reason, substantially the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the imaging unit 43 is configured to include three area sensors 45a to 45c. Each area sensor 45a to 45c is configured to output image data to the CPU 20 via the image data input interface 21 at the timing when the OE signal is input from the CPU 20 in the Hi state. Each of the area sensors 45a to 45c has the same angle of view of 120 ° and is arranged to function as an omnidirectional camera as shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, the reading process in the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
As in the first embodiment, when the processing up to the predetermined initial setting (S109 in FIG. 14) is performed and the output timings of the area sensors 45a to 45c are synchronized, the OE signal in the Hi state is any one in a predetermined order. It is output to two area sensors (S141). Image data is taken in via the image data input interface 21 from the area sensor to which the Hi state OE signal has been inputted (S143), and a known decoding process is performed on the fetched image data (S145). When this decoding process is successful and character data or the like encoded as an information code is acquired (Yes in S147), the reading process ends. On the other hand, if the decoding process fails (No in S147), the OE signal for each area sensor is switched so that the Hi OE signal is input to the next area sensor (S149). Then, the processing from step S141 is repeated, and the area sensors that capture the image data are sequentially switched until decoding is successful.

  For example, when an OE signal is input to each of the area sensors 45a to 45c as shown in FIG. 15, if the decoding of the image data captured from the first area sensor 45a via the image data input interface 21 fails, An OE signal in the Hi state is input to the second area sensor 45b, and image data is captured from the second area sensor 45b via the image data input interface 21. If this decoding fails, an OE signal in the Hi state is input to the third area sensor 45c, and image data is captured from the third area sensor 45c via the image data input interface 21.

  As described above, even when the three area sensors 45a to 45c are configured, only the area sensor to which the Hi state OE signal is input among the area sensors 45a to 45c receives the image data as an image data input interface. The data is output to the CPU 20 via 21. Therefore, even the CPU 20 having one image data input interface 21 can capture image data from the three area sensors 45a to 45c.

  Note that the imaging unit 43 is not limited to having three area sensors, and may be configured to have more area sensors. Even in such a configuration, only the area sensor to which the Hi state OE signal is input among the area sensors is configured to output the image data to the CPU 20 via the image data input interface 21. Play.

  The switching of the OE signal in step S149 is not limited to being performed every time, and may be performed, for example, every predetermined time or every predetermined number of times.

  Further, the characteristic configuration of the present embodiment having more area sensors can be applied to other embodiments.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, an information code reading device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a connection configuration between the CPU 20 and both area sensors 46a and 46b in the fifth embodiment.
The fifth embodiment is mainly different from the first embodiment in that an output switching unit is separately provided for each area sensor. For this reason, substantially the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the imaging unit 43 is configured to include a first area sensor 46a for near point imaging and a second area sensor 46b for far point imaging. Unlike the first area sensor 43a and the second area sensor 43b described above, the first area sensor 46a and the second area sensor 46b are configured as simplified area sensors that always output image data.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, output switching means 47a and 47b are provided between the area sensors 46a and 46b and the bus 22, respectively, so that an image signal from the area sensor is always input. It is connected to the. These both output switching means 47a and 47b are, for example, bus switches, and the image data from the area sensor is sent to the CPU 20 via the image data input interface 21 at the timing when the OE signal is input from the CPU 20 in the Hi state. Output.

  Even in such a configuration, only the area sensor provided with the output switching means to which the OE signal in the Hi state is input among both the area sensors 46a and 46b receives the image data via the image data input interface 21 and the CPU 20. Output to. Therefore, even the CPU 20 having one image data input interface 21 can capture image data from a plurality of area sensors. In particular, since it is not necessary to input an OE signal to both area sensors 46a and 46b, a simpler and cheaper area sensor that always outputs image data can be employed.

  In addition, the characteristic configuration of this embodiment in which output switching means is provided between each area sensor and the bus 22 can be applied to other embodiments.

[Other Embodiments]
In addition, this invention is not limited to said each embodiment and modification, For example, you may actualize as follows.
(1) The information code reader 10 according to the present invention is not limited to being configured as a portable reader, but may be configured as a stationary reader.

(2) The information code reader 10 according to the present invention may use not only the information code but also other articles as an imaging target. As a result, the information code reading apparatus 10 has other functions such as a security function by using image data captured from a plurality of area sensors in addition to a reading function for optically reading the information code. be able to.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Information code reader 20 ... CPU (control means, exposure condition change means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 21 ... Image data input interface 43 ... Imaging part 43a, 43b, 45a-45c, 46a, 46b ... Area sensor (imaging means)
47a, 47b ... Output switching means

Claims (5)

A plurality of imaging means for imaging the information code;
Control means for decoding the information code based on image data captured from the plurality of imaging means via one image data input interface,
Output switching means capable of switching the output state to the image data input interface is provided for each of the plurality of imaging means,
The output switching means outputs the image data from the imaging means via the image data input interface in response to the input output instruction signal, and the image data is input to the image data in a state where the output instruction signal is not input. An information code reading apparatus characterized by switching an output state so as not to output to an interface.   The information code reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit outputs the output instruction signal to the output switching unit provided in one of the plurality of imaging units.   The control means is based on the information obtained from the image data captured via the image data input interface, with respect to the output switching means provided in the imaging means for capturing image data next among the plurality of imaging means. The information code reading device according to claim 2, wherein the output instruction signal is output.   The information code reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein output timings of image data in the plurality of imaging units are synchronized.   5. An exposure condition changing means for changing an exposure condition of an image pickup means different from the image pickup means taking in the image data based on the image data taken in by the control means. The information code reader according to one item.

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