JP2019016315A - Information read-out device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide configuration enabling a user to surely visually recognize read-out result upon read-out work while achieving downsizing of an information read-out device.SOLUTION: A first light emission unit 60a and a second light emission unit 60b are provided as a plurality of light emission units capable of emitting light in accordance with read-out results of an information code C. The first light emission unit 60a is disposed in a top face 12 of a housing 11 and at a position neighborhood of a side face (a read-out face) 13 where a read-out port 13a is provided. The second light emission unit 60b is disposed at a position more separated from the read-out port 13a than the first light emission unit 60a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an information reading apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, a portable optical information reader disclosed in Patent Document 1 below is known as an information reader that reads information such as an information code attached to an article. On the upper surface of the case of the optical information reader, a trigger switch and a display that are operated when reading is started are arranged. The display indicates that the optical information reader module is in operation, Successful reading, reading failure, and the like are displayed by the light emission color or blinking state of the LED.

JP 2007-133448 A

  By the way, in the portable information reading apparatus as described above, a reduction in size and weight is often required for the purpose of improving reading workability. However, if the information reading device is simply downsized, a portion where the outer surface of the housing is covered by a hand holding the housing becomes wide, and a light emitting unit for visually informing the covered portion of the reading result and the like If a light emitting unit for notification (hereinafter also referred to as a notification light emitting unit) is arranged, the reading result at the time of reading operation cannot be visually recognized. In addition, even if the notification light emitting unit is not directly covered by the hand holding the casing, the notification light emitting unit is gripped between the eyes of the reading operator (user) holding the casing and the notification light emitting unit. If the hand is present, it is difficult for the reading operator to visually recognize the reading result.

  In particular, portable information readers are often used for reading work that reads information codes attached to articles placed in various places, such as inventory work. Then, for example, even when the notification light emitting unit can be visually recognized when reading the information code near the hand, the information code in a high place such as a shelf is read by raising the arm in the gripped state. In this case, since the hand holding the casing is interposed between the eyes of the reading operator holding the casing and the notification light emitting unit, it is difficult for the reading operator to visually recognize the reading result.

  For this reason, the gripping state of the housing can be changed so that the visibility of the notification light emitting unit is maintained depending on the place where the article with the recording medium to be read is placed. If the gripping state of the housing is changed depending on the location, another problem that reading workability deteriorates occurs. Such a problem becomes more prominent as the information reading device is downsized. Not only an information reading device that optically reads an information code but also an information reading device that reads a wireless tag or the like by non-contact communication. It will occur as well.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to ensure that the reading result at the time of reading work can be visually confirmed to the user while reducing the size of the information reading apparatus. It is in providing the structure which can be made to do.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 of the scope of claims
Reading means (23, 40) for reading the information (C) recorded on the recording medium (R);
A housing (11, 11c) having a reading surface (13, 13a) directed to the recording medium when the information on the recording medium is read by the reading means;
An information reading device (10) comprising:
As the plurality of light emitting units capable of emitting light according to the reading result of the information on the recording medium by the reading unit, at least a first light emitting unit (60a) and a second light emitting unit (60b) are provided.
The second light emitting unit is arranged at a position farther from the reading surface than the first light emitting unit arranged near the reading surface in the outer surface of the housing.

The invention according to claim 11 is
Reading means (23, 40) for reading the information (C) recorded on the recording medium (R);
A housing (11) having a reading surface (13, 13a) facing the recording medium when the information on the recording medium is read by the reading means;
One sensor (43b) capable of detecting a first gripping state in which the housing is gripped by one hand of the user;
The other sensor (43a) capable of detecting a second gripping state in which the housing is gripped by the other hand of the user;
An information reading device (10a) comprising:
As the plurality of light emitting units capable of emitting light according to the reading result of the information on the recording medium by the reading unit, at least a first light emitting unit (60c) and a second light emitting unit (60d) are provided.
The first light emitting unit is disposed at a position that is not covered by one hand of the user in the first gripping state, and is read by the reading unit when the first gripping state is detected by the one sensor. Emits light according to the reading result of the information on the recording medium,
The second light emitting unit is disposed at a position not covered by the other hand of the user in the second gripping state, and is read by the reading unit when the second gripping state is detected by the other sensor. It emits light according to the reading result of the information on the recording medium.
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, at least a first light emitting unit and a second light emitting unit are provided as a plurality of light emitting units capable of emitting light according to the reading result of the information on the recording medium by the reading unit. The outer surface of the housing is disposed at a position farther from the reading surface than the first light emitting unit disposed near the reading surface.

  Thereby, for example, the user holding the first light emitting unit and the casing near the reading surface because the arm holding the information reading device is raised so that the reading surface faces the recording medium at a high place such as on a shelf. Even when a hand holding the casing is interposed between the eyes, the second light emitting unit arranged at a position away from the reading surface is not easily hidden by the hand holding the casing. As described above, the arrangement of the first light emitting unit near the reading surface and the second light emitting unit far from the reading surface is not simultaneously hidden by the hand holding the housing, thereby reducing the size of the information reading apparatus. While reading, the reading result at the time of the reading operation can be surely made visible to the user using the light emission state of at least one of the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit.

  In the invention of claim 2, the reading means receives the reflected light from the information code displayed on the recording medium through a reading port provided on the reading surface, so that the information recorded in the information code is optically received. It functions as an optical information reading means for reading. As a result, even when the reading port is directed to the information code in various places, both the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit are not simultaneously hidden by the hand holding the housing, so the information code reading result is used. Can be surely seen by a person.

  In the invention of claim 3, since the surface on which the first light emitting unit is arranged and the surface on which the second light emitting unit are arranged are different from among the plurality of surfaces constituting the outer surface of the housing, the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit Both of the light emitting unit and the light emitting unit are not easily concealed simultaneously by a hand holding the casing, and the reading result at the time of reading work can be surely seen by the user.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the second light emitting unit is disposed at an end portion away from the reading unit among the gripping units provided in the housing. As a result, when the reading surface is directed to the recording medium, the second light emitting unit is relatively closer to the user's eyes, so that the second light emitting unit is easier to visually recognize and the information code reading result is used. Can be surely seen by a person.

  According to the invention of claim 5, since at least one of the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit is configured by using high luminance display by the display screen, if the information reading device has a display screen, the light emission It is possible to reduce the number of parts and reduce the size of the apparatus.

  In the invention of claim 6, since at least one of the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit is configured using a backlight provided on the operation key, the information reading having the operation key provided with the backlight is provided. If it is an apparatus, the number of parts can be reduced and the apparatus can be reduced in size with respect to the light emitting section.

  In the seventh aspect of the invention, only the first light emitting state in which the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit emit light in the same manner or only one of the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit according to the reading result. The second light emitting state for emitting light is switched by the switching means. Accordingly, for example, when it is desired to visually check the reading result at the time of reading work, the light emission state is switched according to the environment, such as switching to the first light emission state and switching to the second light emission state when priority is given to reducing power consumption. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both the visibility of the read result and the reduction of power consumption.

  In the invention according to claim 8, in the second light emission state switched by the switching means, one of the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit is read based on the detection result of the posture detecting unit for detecting the posture of the housing. Is selected as a light emitting unit that emits light in response to the light. As a result, when the arm that holds the information reading device is raised, a case in which a hand holding the housing is interposed between the first light emitting unit and the eyes of the user holding the housing is assumed. When the orientation of the housing is detected, the second light emitting portion can be selected as the light emitting portion that emits light according to the reading result, and the second light emitting portion and the user's eyes holding the housing When a posture of the housing is detected such that it is assumed that a hand holding the housing is present on the first light emitting portion, the first light emitting portion can be selected as the light emitting portion that emits light according to the reading result. As described above, when the casing is gripped in any reading operation by appropriately selecting one of the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit based on the detection result of the posture detecting unit. However, it is possible to maintain the visibility of the reading result during the reading operation while reducing power consumption.

  In the ninth aspect of the present invention, an operation key that is operated when reading information on the recording medium by the reading unit is disposed between the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit. The finger of the hand holding the housing is interposed between the two light emitting units. Thereby, even when the finger of the hand operating the operation key is interposed between the first light emitting unit and the user's eye holding the housing when the reading surface is directed to the recording medium, The second light emitting unit is hardly concealed, and the reading result at the time of the reading operation can be surely visually recognized by the user using the light emission state of the second light emitting unit.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, one or more buzzers that emit sound according to the reading result of the information on the recording medium by the reading unit are housed in the housing, and the housing emits sound from the buzzer. Two or more sound emission holes are formed. By forming two or more sound emission holes in this manner, it becomes easy to secure a sound emission hole that is not covered by the hand that holds the housing. Therefore, not only according to the light emission state of the light emitting unit but also according to the reading result. Using the sound from the sounding buzzer, the user can be surely recognized the reading result during the reading operation.

  In the invention of claim 11, one sensor capable of detecting a first gripping state in which the casing is gripped by one hand of the user and a second gripping state in which the casing is gripped by the other hand of the user In addition to the other sensor capable of detecting the above, at least a first light emitting unit and a second light emitting unit are provided as a plurality of light emitting units capable of emitting light according to the reading result of the information on the recording medium by the reading unit. The first light emitting unit is disposed at a position not covered by one hand of the user in the first gripping state, and information on the recording medium by the reading unit when the first gripping state is detected by one sensor The second light emitting unit is arranged at a position not covered by the other hand of the user in the second gripping state, and the second gripping state is detected by the other sensor. Light is emitted according to the result of reading the information on the recording medium by the reading means.

  Accordingly, if the housing is in the first gripping state in which the housing is gripped by one hand of the user, the gripping state is detected by one sensor and is covered by the one hand of the user in the first gripping state. The reading result at the time of the reading operation can be made visible to the user by using the light emission state of the first light emitting unit arranged at the position where there is not. On the other hand, in the second gripping state in which the housing is gripped by the other hand of the user, the gripping state is detected by the other sensor and is not covered by the other hand of the user in the second gripping state. Using the light emission state of the second light emitting unit arranged at the position, the user can visually recognize the reading result at the time of the reading operation. In particular, since the reading result at the time of the reading operation can be made visible to the user by one of the light emitting states without setting both the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit to the light emitting state, the first light emitting unit And compared with the case where both the 2nd light emission part is made into a light emission state simultaneously, power consumption reduction can be aimed at.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, one sensor and the other sensor can be detected when a reading result to be visually recognized by the user is obtained by the reading means. Since one sensor and the other sensor do not operate in a standby state that cannot be obtained, it is possible to further reduce power consumption.

  In the invention of claim 13, the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit are disposed between the light source housed in the housing, the light source opening formed in the housing and the light source, and And a protective member that transmits light, and the protective member is formed to be more flexible than the casing. As a result, even when an impact or the like due to dropping acts on the housing, the impact or the like is absorbed by the flexible elastic deformation of the protective member, so the light source accommodated in the housing and the substrate on which the light source is mounted And the like can be protected from the above-described impact and the like.

1 is a perspective view showing an information reading apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is a top view of the information reading apparatus of FIG. It is a front view of the information reading apparatus of FIG. It is a bottom view of the information reading apparatus of FIG. It is a left view of the information reading apparatus of FIG. It is a right view of the information reading apparatus of FIG. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the information reading apparatus in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an electrical configuration of the information reading apparatus in FIG. 1. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the visual recognition state when a reading opening is turned to the upper information code. It is a right view which shows the information reader which concerns on the 1st modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a front view which shows the information reader which concerns on the 2nd modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which illustrates the flow of the reading process performed in a control part in 2nd Embodiment. It is a front view which shows the information reader which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a rear view which shows the information reader which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a reading process performed by a control unit in the third embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the position where a 1st light emission part and a 2nd light emission part are arrange | positioned in the information reading apparatus with which a housing | casing is comprised so that a holding part may be connected with respect to a reading part. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the structure which provides a some light emission part per surface by the light emission surface which light-emits in a line form. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the structure which provides a some light emission part per surface by the light emission surface which light-emits in a line form. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the structure which provides a some light emission part per surface by the light emission surface which light-emits substantially U shape. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the structure from which the substantially whole area of the upper surface of a housing | casing becomes a light emission surface.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, an information reading apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
The information reader 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 8 is configured as a portable optical information reader that optically reads and optically reads information codes such as bar codes and two-dimensional codes. In the information reading apparatus 10, a substantially box-shaped outline is formed by a casing 11 formed by assembling an upper case 11a and a lower case 11b made of synthetic resin such as ABS resin. A circuit unit 20 made of components or the like is accommodated. A substantially rectangular reading port 13a is formed on a side surface 13 on one end side in the longitudinal direction (left side in FIG. 2) of the housing 11, and a charging electrode is formed on a side surface 14 on the other end side in the longitudinal direction (right side in FIG. 2). 14a is formed. In order to make it easier to grip the casing 11, as shown in FIG. 2, the side faces 15 and 16 of the casing 11 have a width on the other end in the longitudinal direction (the length in the vertical direction in FIG. 2). It is formed to be slightly curved so as to be shorter than the side width.

  In the present embodiment, two operation keys (hereinafter also referred to as a first operation key 50a and a second operation key 50b) and two light emitting units (hereinafter referred to as a first light emitting unit 60a and a first light emitting unit 60a) are provided on the upper surface 12 of the housing 11. 2 light emitting section 60b). Further, a step portion 12a that is long in the longitudinal direction of the housing 11 is formed at the center of the upper surface 12 on the other end side in the longitudinal direction, and a key of the first operation key 50a is formed on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the step portion 12a. A top 51a is disposed, and a key top 51b of the second operation key 50b is disposed on the other longitudinal end side of the stepped portion 12a. In addition, the first light emitting unit 60a is arranged using the light source opening 12b formed in the vicinity of the first operation key 50a and at one end in the longitudinal direction of the stepped portion 12a, and in the vicinity of the second operation key 50b. The second light emitting unit 60b is arranged by using the light source opening 12c formed on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the stepped portion 12a. The functions of both operation keys 50a and 50b and both light emitting units 60a and 60b will be described later.

Next, the electrical configuration of the information reading apparatus 10 will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 8, the circuit unit 20 accommodated in the housing 11 mainly includes an optical system such as an illumination light source 21, a light receiving sensor 23, and an imaging lens 27, and a microcomputer such as a memory 35 and a control unit 40. (Hereinafter referred to as “microcomputer”).

  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 illumination means capable of emitting a strip-shaped illumination light Lf that also serves as marker light. For example, a red LED and a lens provided on the emission side of the LED are provided. It is composed of

  The light receiving optical system includes a light receiving sensor 23, an imaging lens 27, and the like. The light receiving sensor 23 is configured as an area sensor in which light receiving elements that are solid-state imaging elements such as C-MOS and CCD are two-dimensionally arranged, and has a light receiving surface 23a as a substantially rectangular light receiving area. It is configured. The light receiving sensor 23 is mounted on a printed wiring board (not shown) so that incident light incident through the imaging lens 27 can be received by the light receiving surface 23a.

  The imaging lens 27 functions as an imaging optical system capable of condensing incident light incident from the outside via the reading port 13 a and forming an image on the light receiving surface 23 a of the light receiving sensor 23. In the present embodiment, when the illumination light Lf emitted from the illumination light source 21 is reflected by the recording medium R such as the information code C or the paper on which the information code C is displayed, the reflected light Lr is collected by the imaging lens 27. A code image is formed on the light receiving surface 23 a of the light receiving sensor 23.

  The microcomputer system includes an amplification circuit 31, an A / D conversion circuit 33, a memory 35, an address generation circuit 36, a synchronization signal generation circuit 38, a control unit 40, a communication interface 48, and the like.

  An image signal (analog signal) output from the light receiving sensor 23 of the optical system is input to the amplifier circuit 31 to be amplified with a predetermined gain, and then input to the A / D conversion circuit 33 to be converted into a digital signal from the analog signal. Is converted to The digitized image signal, that is, image data (image information) is input to a memory 35 constituted by a known storage medium such as a ROM or a RAM, and is accumulated in a predetermined storage area. The synchronization signal generation circuit 38 is configured to generate a synchronization signal for the light receiving sensor 23 and the address generation circuit 36. The address generation circuit 36 is based on the synchronization signal supplied from the synchronization signal generation circuit 38. Thus, the storage address of the image data stored in the memory 35 can be generated.

  The control unit 40 is a microcomputer that can control the entire information reading apparatus 10 and includes a CPU, a system bus, an input / output interface, and the like, and can constitute an information processing apparatus together with the memory 35 and has an information processing function. The control unit 40 is configured to perform a reading process of analyzing the image data of the information code stored in the memory 35 and decoding (decoding) the data recorded in the information code by a known decoding method. The control unit 40 can correspond to an example of “reading unit” and “optical information reading unit” that can optically read information to be read together with the light receiving sensor 23.

  Further, the control unit 40 is configured to be connectable to various input / output devices via a built-in input / output interface. In the case of the present embodiment, the operation keys 50a and 50b, the light emitting units 60a and 60b, and the buzzer 41 are configured. A gyro sensor 42, a communication interface 48, and the like are connected.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the first operation key 50a includes a key top 51a, a detection electrode 52a provided on the control board 70, and an elastic portion 53a interposed between the key top 51a and the detection electrode 52a. It is configured. The first operation key 50a is configured such that a pressing operation on the key top 51a is detected by the detection electrode 52a via the elastic portion 53a, and the detection result is output to the control unit 40 as an operation signal. Yes. Similarly, the second operation key 50b is configured to include a key top 51b, a detection electrode 52b provided on the control board 70, and an elastic portion 53b interposed between the key top 51b and the detection electrode 52b. Yes. The second operation key 50b is configured such that a pressing operation on the key top 51b is detected by the detection electrode 52b via the elastic portion 53b, and the detection result is output to the control unit 40 as an operation signal. Yes.

  In the present embodiment, the first operation key 50a is set as a trigger key that is operated when the reading process for optically reading the information code is started, and the second operation key 50b is used for the pressing operation. Instructions to the corresponding control unit 40 are set as magic keys that can be changed by the user.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the first light emitting unit 60a is configured to include a light source 61a such as an LED provided on the control board 70, and an elastic portion 62a covering the light source 61a. The elastic portion 62a is disposed between the light source opening 12b formed in the housing 11 and the light source 61a, and is formed to transmit light from the light source 61a. Similarly, the 2nd light emission part 60b is comprised so that it may have light sources 61b, such as LED provided in the control board 70, and the elastic part 62b which covers this light source 61b. The elastic portion 62b is disposed between the light source opening 12c formed in the housing 11 and the light source 61b, and is formed to transmit light from the light source 61b.

  In this embodiment, the 1st light emission part 60a and the 2nd light emission part 60b are controlled by the control part 40, and are comprised so that the light emission state may change the same according to the reading result of an information code. For this reason, if the light emission state of any one of the 1st light emission part 60a and the 2nd light emission part 60b can be visually recognized, reading results, such as the success or failure of decoding of an information code, can be grasped | ascertained. For example, in the present embodiment, when the first light emitting unit 60a and the second light emitting unit 60b succeed in decoding the information code, both of them become the same predetermined lighting state as the light emitting state indicating successful decoding, and the information code decoding fails. Then, both light emission states indicating decoding failure are the same predetermined blinking state.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the elastic portions 53 a and 53 b constituting a part of the operation key and the elastic portions 62 a and 62 b constituting a part of the light emitting portion are used as the protective member 71 of the control board 70. It is integrally molded so as to cover the upper surface. The protective member 71 is made of, for example, silicon having high transparency, and is formed so as to be more flexible than the housing 11 in addition to the function of transmitting light from the light source, so that the drop impact It is configured to have an impact mitigating function that protects the control board 70 and the like from deformation of the casing 11 due to the above.

  The buzzer 41 is configured by a known buzzer and is controlled by the control unit 40 to generate a predetermined sound according to the information code reading result and the like through a sound emitting hole formed in the housing 11. It is configured to dissipate (sound). The gyro sensor 42 functions as a posture detection unit that detects the posture including the inclination of the housing 11, and the detection result is output to the control unit 40. The communication interface 48 is configured as an interface for performing data communication with the outside (for example, a host device), and functions to perform communication processing in cooperation with the control unit 40.

  In addition, a power supply unit is provided in the housing 11, and power is supplied to the control unit 40 and various electric components by the power supply unit and the battery. Note that the space in which the battery is accommodated is closed by a battery lid 17 a provided on the lower surface 17 of the housing 11.

Next, a reading operation for reading an information code using the information reading apparatus 10 configured as described above will be described with reference to the drawings.
When reading the information code C displayed on the recording medium R, the user (reading operator) points the reading port 13a toward the information code C while holding the information reading device 10, and presses the first operation key 50a. To do. Thereby, the reading process by the control unit 40 is started, and the image data generated by imaging the information code using the light receiving sensor 23 is analyzed. When the data recorded in the information code is successfully decoded by this analysis, the first light emitting unit 60a and the second light emitting unit 60b are in a predetermined lighting state indicating that decoding is successful. The user can recognize the successful decoding by visually recognizing the predetermined lighting state of the first light emitting unit 60a and the second light emitting unit 60b.

  On the other hand, for example, because the arm holding the information reading device 10 is raised so that the reading port 13a is directed to the information code C displayed on the recording medium R attached to the product or the like in a high place such as on a shelf, FIG. As can be seen, a hand H holding the casing 11 may be interposed between the first light emitting unit 60a near the reading port 13a and the eyes of the user holding the casing 11. Even in such a case, the second light emitting unit 60b disposed at a position away from the reading port 13a is less likely to be hidden by the hand H that holds the housing 11, so that the user can perform a predetermined operation on the second light emitting unit 60b. By visually recognizing the lighting state, the decoding success can be recognized.

  Even when the information reading apparatus 10 is gripped so that the second light emitting unit 60b is hidden, the two operation keys 50a and 50b are arranged between the second light emitting unit 60b and the first light emitting unit 60a. Therefore, it is difficult to hold even the first light emitting unit 60a so as to be hidden. In this case, the user can recognize the reading result such as the success or failure of the decoding by visually recognizing the light emission state of the first light emitting unit 60a.

  As described above, in the information reading apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the first light emitting unit 60a and the second light emitting unit 60b are provided as the plurality of light emitting units that can emit light according to the reading result of the information code C. The second light emitting unit 60b is located farther from the reading port 13a than the first light emitting unit 60a disposed near the side surface (reading surface) 13 on the upper surface 12 of the housing 11 where the reading port 13a is provided. Placed in.

  Accordingly, for example, even in the gripping state illustrated in FIG. 9, the second light emitting unit 60 b disposed at a position away from the reading port 13 a is not easily hidden by the hand gripping the housing 11. As described above, the information reading is performed by arranging both the first light emitting unit 60a near the reading port 13a and the second light emitting unit 60b far from the reading port 13a so as not to be simultaneously hidden by the hand holding the housing 11. While trying to reduce the size of the apparatus 10, the reading result at the time of the reading operation can be surely made visible to the user using the light emission state of at least one of the first light emitting unit 60a and the second light emitting unit 60b. In addition, since vibration sound such as a vibrator is not generated, the reading result can be easily recognized according to the light emission state of the light emitting unit even in a hospital at night or the like where quietness is required.

  In particular, the light receiving sensor 23 and the control unit 40 of the information reading apparatus 10 receive the reflected light Lr from the information code C displayed on the recording medium R through the reading port 13 a provided on the side surface (reading surface) 13. Thus, it functions as an optical information reading unit that optically reads information recorded in the information code C. Thereby, even when the reading port 13a is directed to the information code C in various places, both the first light emitting unit 60a and the second light emitting unit 60b are not simultaneously hidden by the hand holding the housing 11, so that the information code The reading result of C can be surely visually recognized by the user.

  Further, two operation keys 50a and 50b that are operated when reading information of the information code C displayed on the recording medium R by the reading process are arranged between the first light emitting unit 60a and the second light emitting unit 60b. Therefore, the finger of the hand holding the housing 11 is interposed between the first light emitting unit 60a and the second light emitting unit 60b. Thereby, when the reading port 13a is directed to the information code C, fingers of the hand operating the operation keys 50a and 50b are interposed between the first light emitting unit 60a and the eyes of the user holding the housing 11. However, the second light emitting unit 60b is not easily hidden by the finger of the hand, and the reading result at the time of the reading operation can be surely viewed by the user using the light emission state of the second light emitting unit 60b.

  The first light emitting unit 60 a and the second light emitting unit 60 b include a light source 61 a and a light source 61 b housed in the housing 11, light source openings 12 b and 12 c and light sources 61 a and 61 b formed in the housing 11. Are provided with an elastic part 62a and an elastic part 62b that transmit light from the light sources 61a and 61b, respectively, and the protective member 71 including the elastic part 62a and the elastic part 62b is provided from the housing 11. Is also formed to be highly flexible. Thereby, even when an impact or the like due to dropping acts on the housing 11, the impact or the like is absorbed by the flexible elastic deformation of the protection member 71, so that the light sources 61 a and 61 b accommodated in the housing 11 The control board 70 and the like on which the light sources 61a and 61b are mounted can be protected from the impact and the like.

  The plurality of light emitting units provided on the outer surface of the housing 11 is not limited to the first light emitting unit 60a and the second light emitting unit 60b, but may be three or more. In addition, even when the first light emitting unit 60 a and the second light emitting unit 60 b are provided as the plurality of light emitting units, the second light emitting unit 60 b may be disposed on a different surface from the upper surface 12 of the outer surface of the housing 11. . Specifically, the second light emitting unit 60b may be disposed on the side surface 14 as illustrated in FIG. 10 as a first modification of the present embodiment, for example, or as a second modification of the present embodiment. Considering that there are many right-handed users, as shown in FIG. Further, the second light emitting unit 60b may be disposed on the side surface 16 or the lower surface 17 as a surface different from the upper surface 12 of the outer surface of the housing 11, for example. In addition, for example, when the information reading device 10 is used by being mounted on a portable terminal such as a tablet, the first light emitting unit 60a and the second light emitting unit 60b may be arranged on a surface different from the surface facing the portable terminal. Good. In addition, for example, when the information reading apparatus 10 is used by being worn on the hand with a glove or the like, the first light emitting unit 60a and the second light emitting unit 60b may be arranged on a surface different from the surface facing the glove or the like. .

  As described above, even if the surface on which the first light emitting unit 60a is arranged and the surface on which the second light emitting unit 60b are arranged among the plurality of surfaces constituting the outer surface of the housing 11, the first light emitting unit is different. Both 60a and the second light emitting unit 60b are not easily concealed simultaneously by the hand holding the casing 11, and the reading result at the time of the reading operation can be surely seen by the user.

  As a third modification of the present embodiment, if the information reading device 10 has a display screen on the outer surface of the housing 11, at least one of the first light emitting unit 60a and the second light emitting unit 60b is You may comprise using the high-intensity display by the said display screen. As a result, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and reduce the size of the device with respect to the light emitting unit. Here, for example, the display screen can be controlled by the control unit 40 so as to be able to display the reading result and the like.

  Further, as a fourth modification of the present embodiment, if the information reading device 10 is configured to have a backlight on the operation keys 50a and 50b or other operation keys, the first light emitting unit 60a and the second light emitting unit 60b At least one of them may be configured using a backlight provided on the operation key. Even in this case, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and reduce the size of the apparatus with respect to the light emitting unit.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, an information reading apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
The second embodiment is mainly different from the first embodiment in that the first light emitting unit 60a and the second light emitting unit 60b may not emit light in the same manner. 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 information reading apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, during the reading process performed by the control unit 40, the first light emitting unit 60a and the second light emitting unit 60b are based on the detection result of the gyro sensor 42 that functions as the posture detecting unit. Any one of these is configured to be selected as a light emitting unit that emits light according to a reading result. Specifically, for example, when the arm holding the information reading device 10 is raised based on the detection result of the gyro sensor 42, between the first light emitting unit 60a and the eyes of the user holding the housing 11 When a predetermined posture is detected with respect to the housing 11 such that a hand H holding the housing 11 is assumed to be present, the second light emitting unit 60b is used as a light emitting unit that emits light according to the reading result. Selected. On the other hand, when a posture different from the predetermined posture is detected, for example, a hand H holding the casing 11 may be interposed between the second light emitting unit 60b and the eyes of the user holding the casing 11. When the assumed posture of the casing 11 is detected, the first light emitting unit 60a is selected as the light emitting unit that emits light according to the reading result.

Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, the reading process performed by the control unit 40 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
In the following description, assuming that the tilt angle θ is detected as 0 ° by the gyro sensor 42 when the housing 11 is in a horizontal state, the tilt angle θ detected by the gyro sensor 42 is a predetermined angle. (For example, 45 °) or more, the second light emitting unit 60b is selected as the predetermined posture is detected, and when the tilt angle θ is less than the predetermined angle, the predetermined posture is different. A case where the first light emitting unit 60a is selected on the assumption that the posture is detected will be described.

  First, when the reading operation is started by the control unit 40 by pressing the first operation key 50a in a state where the reading port 13a is directed to the information code C displayed on the recording medium R, FIG. The imaging process shown in step S101 is performed, and the information code C is imaged using the light receiving sensor 23 in a state where the illumination light Lf is irradiated. Subsequently, a decoding process shown in step S103 is performed, and a known decoding process is performed on the captured code image of the information code C.

  Subsequently, in the determination processing in step S105, it is determined whether or not the posture is a predetermined posture based on the tilt angle θ detected by the gyro sensor 42. Here, if the inclination angle θ is less than the predetermined angle and it is determined that the posture is not the predetermined posture (No in S105), the first light emitting unit 60a is selected as the light emitting unit that emits light according to the reading result, The first light emitting unit 60a emits light according to the reading result in step S103 (S107). In this case, the first light emitting unit 60a is in the predetermined lighting state when the decoding in the step S103 is successful, and the predetermined blinking state when the decoding in the step S103 is unsuccessful. It becomes.

  On the other hand, if the inclination angle θ is equal to or greater than the predetermined angle and it is determined that the posture is a predetermined posture (Yes in S105), the second light emitting unit 60b is selected as the light emitting unit that emits light according to the read result, The second light emitting unit 60b emits light according to the reading result in step S103 (S109). In this case, similarly to the first light emitting unit 60a, the second light emitting unit 60b enters the predetermined lighting state when the decoding at the step S103 is successful, and the decoding at the step S103 fails. If it is, the predetermined blinking state is entered.

  If the decoding in step S103 is successful (Yes in S111), the data acquired by decoding the information code C is transmitted to the outside via the communication interface 48 (S113), and after a predetermined time, selected. The emitted light emitting unit is turned off (S115). The data acquired by decoding may be transmitted to the outside each time, or may be transmitted to the outside at a predetermined timing after being stored in the memory 35. On the other hand, if the decoding in step S103 has failed (No in S111), the processing from step S101 is performed.

  As described above, in the information reading apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the first light emitting unit 60a and the second light emitting unit 60b are based on the detection result of the gyro sensor 42 as the posture detecting unit that detects the posture of the housing 11. Any one of these is selected as a light emitting unit that emits light in accordance with the reading result. As described above, by appropriately selecting one of the first light emitting unit 60a and the second light emitting unit 60b based on the detection result of the gyro sensor 42 functioning as the posture detecting unit, in any posture during the reading operation. Even when the housing 11 is gripped, it is possible to maintain the visibility of the reading result during the reading operation while reducing power consumption.

  Note that the information reading apparatus 10 is not limited to always selecting one of the first light emitting unit 60a and the second light emitting unit 60b as the light emitting unit that emits light according to the reading result, and the first light emitting unit 60a and the first light emitting unit 60a. The first light emitting state in which the two light emitting units 60b emit light in the same manner and the second light emitting state in which only one of the first light emitting unit 60a and the second light emitting unit 60b emits light as in the reading process described above can be switched. May be configured. Switching between the first light emission state and the second light emission state is performed by the control unit 40 in accordance with an operation by the second operation key 50b or the like, a predetermined detection state by the gyro sensor 42, an instruction from the outside via the communication interface 48, or the like. This can be done by a switching process. The control unit 40 and the like may correspond to an example of “switching unit”.

  Accordingly, for example, when it is desired to visually check the reading result at the time of reading work, the light emission state is switched according to the environment, such as switching to the first light emission state and switching to the second light emission state when priority is given to reducing power consumption. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both the visibility of the read result and the reduction of power consumption.

  In the second light emission state, one of the first light emitting unit 60a and the second light emitting unit 60b is selected as the light emitting unit that emits light according to the reading result based on the detection result of the gyro sensor 42. Instead, one of the first light emitting unit 60a and the second light emitting unit 60b may be selected in advance as a light emitting unit that emits light according to the reading result in accordance with an operation by the user. Thereby, for example, when reading only the information code C displayed on the recording medium R attached to the product etc. in a high place such as on a shelf, the second light emitting unit 60b emits light according to the read result. The light emitting unit can be selected in advance. In addition, for example, in a medical site or the like, even when reading an information code attached to a wristband of a sleeping patient, a light emitting unit that is difficult to visually recognize from the patient side can be selected in advance.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, an information reading apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
The third embodiment is mainly different from the second embodiment in that a light emitting unit that emits light according to a reading result is selected using a sensor provided on the outer surface of the housing 11. For this reason, substantially the same components as those in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In the information reading apparatus 10a according to the present embodiment, the first light emitting unit 60a and the second light emitting unit 60b are abolished with respect to the information reading apparatus 10 described above, and as shown in FIG. The touch sensor 43a and the first light emitting unit 60c are provided, and the touch sensor 43b and the second light emitting unit 60d are provided on the side surface 16 of the housing 11, as shown in FIG.

  For this reason, the touch sensor 43b is arranged on the other end in the longitudinal direction of the side surface 15 in order to function as one sensor capable of detecting the first gripping state in which the housing 11 is gripped by the user's right hand (one hand). The detection result is output to the control unit 40. The touch sensor 43a is disposed on the other end in the longitudinal direction of the side surface 16 in order to function as the other sensor capable of detecting the second gripping state in which the housing 11 is gripped by the user's left hand (the other hand). The detection result is output to the control unit 40.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the first light emitting unit 60 c is arranged so as to be closer to the reading port 13 a than the touch sensor 43 a, so that the first light emitting unit 60 c is not covered by the user's right hand in the first holding state. Arranged and selected as a light emitting unit that emits light according to the reading result when the first gripping state is detected by the touch sensor 43b. Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the second light emitting unit 60d is arranged so as to be closer to the reading port 13a than the touch sensor 43b, so that the second light emitting unit 60d is not covered by the user's left hand in the second gripping state. Arranged and selected as a light emitting unit that emits light according to the reading result when the second gripping state is detected by the touch sensor 43a.

Next, the reading process performed by the control unit 40 of the information reading apparatus 10a configured as described above will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
As in the second embodiment, the control unit 40 starts the reading process when the first operation key 50a is pressed with the reading port 13a facing the information code C displayed on the recording medium R. Then, the imaging process shown in step S101 of FIG. 15 is performed to capture the information code C, and a known decoding process is performed on the code image of the captured information code C (S103).

  Subsequently, in the determination process of step S105a, it is determined whether or not the first holding state is established based on the detection result by the touch sensor 43b. Here, when the user holds the casing 11 with the right hand and the right hand is in contact with the touch sensor 43b, it is detected that the user is in the first holding state (Yes in S105a), and the reading result is Accordingly, the first light emitting unit 60c is selected as the light emitting unit that emits light (S107a).

  On the other hand, if gripping with the right hand is not detected by the touch sensor 43b, if it is determined No in step S105a, the second gripping is performed based on the detection result by the touch sensor 43a in the determination process of step S105b. It is determined whether or not it is in a state. Here, when the user holds the casing 11 with the left hand and the left hand is in contact with the touch sensor 43a, it is detected that the user is in the second holding state (Yes in S105b), and the reading result is Accordingly, the second light emitting unit 60d is selected as the light emitting unit that emits light (S109a).

  Further, since the grip by the left hand is not detected by the touch sensor 43a, if it is determined No in step S105b, it is determined that the grip is in a state of not touching the touch sensor 43a and the touch sensor 43b. Accordingly, both the first light emitting unit 60c and the second light emitting unit 60d are selected as the light emitting units that emit light (S110).

  When the decoding in step S103 is successful (Yes in S111), the selected light emitting unit is in the predetermined lighting state, and the data acquired by decoding the information code C is transmitted via the communication interface 48. It is transmitted to the outside (S113), and after a predetermined time, the selected light emitting unit is turned off (S115). On the other hand, if the decoding in step S103 has failed (No in S111), the processing from step S101 is performed.

  As described above, in the information reading apparatus 10a according to the present embodiment, the touch sensor 43b that can detect the first gripping state in which the casing 11 is gripped by the user's right hand (one hand), and the user's In addition to the touch sensor 43a capable of detecting the second gripping state in which the housing 11 is gripped by the left hand (the other hand), the first light emitting unit 60c and the plurality of light emitting units that can emit light according to the reading result A second light emitting unit 60d is provided. The first light emitting unit 60c is arranged at a position not covered by the user's right hand in the first gripping state, and emits light according to the reading result when the first gripping state is detected by the touch sensor 43b. The second light emitting unit 60d is arranged at a position not covered by the left hand of the user in the second gripping state, and emits light according to the reading result when the second gripping state is detected by the touch sensor 43a.

  Accordingly, if the housing 11 is gripped by the user's right hand, the gripping state is detected by the touch sensor 43b and is not covered by the user's right hand in the first gripping state. The reading result at the time of reading work can be made visible to the user by using the light emission state of the arranged first light emitting unit 60c. On the other hand, in the second gripping state in which the housing 11 is gripped by the user's left hand, the gripping state is detected by the touch sensor 43a and arranged at a position that is not covered by the user's left hand in the second gripping state. The reading result at the time of reading work can be made visible to the user by using the light emission state of the second light emitting unit 60d. In particular, when gripping is detected by one of the touch sensor 43b and the touch sensor 43a, either one of the light emitting states without causing both the first light emitting unit 60c and the second light emitting unit 60d to emit light. As a result, the reading result at the time of the reading operation can be made visible to the user, so that the power consumption can be reduced as compared with the case where both the first light emitting unit 60c and the second light emitting unit 60d are simultaneously turned on. be able to.

  Note that the touch sensor 43a and the touch sensor 43b may be in a detectable state when a reading result to be visually recognized by the user is obtained. As a result, the touch sensor 43a and the touch sensor 43b do not operate in a standby state in which a reading result cannot be obtained, so that further power consumption can be reduced.

  In addition, the touch sensor 43a and the touch sensor 43b are not necessarily used as sensors capable of detecting the first gripping state and the second gripping state. For example, the touch sensor 43a and the touch sensor 43b are close to each other even if they are not in contact with each other. You may employ | adopt the proximity sensor which can detect the holding state.

In addition, this invention is not limited to said each embodiment and modification, For example, you may actualize as follows.
(1) The present invention is not limited to being applied to an information reading apparatus in which an outline is formed by a box-shaped casing like the casing 11 described above. For example, as illustrated in FIG. The present invention may be applied to an information reading apparatus in which an outline is formed by a casing 11c formed so that a gripping part 11e is connected to a reading part 11d on which 13a is formed. In this case, the 1st light emission part 60a is arrange | positioned at the reading part 11d, and the 2nd light emission part 60b is arrange | positioned in the edge part (bottom part) away from the reading part 11d among the holding parts 11e. Thereby, when the reading port 13a is directed to the recording medium R, the second light emitting unit 60b is relatively close to the eyes of the user, so that the second light emitting unit 60b is more easily visible, and the information code C The result of reading can be surely seen by the user.

(2) The sound emitting hole of the buzzer 41 is not limited to being formed at one place in the housing 11, and takes into account, for example, two or more places on the lower surface 17, the side surface 14, etc. It may be formed. In this case, one buzzer 41 accommodated in the housing 11 may be provided, or two or more buzzers 41 may be provided. By forming two or more sound emission holes in this manner, it becomes easy to secure a sound emission hole that is not covered by the hand that holds the housing 11, so that depending on the reading result as well as the light emission state of the light emitting unit. Using the sound from the buzzer 41 that emits the sound, the user can be surely recognized the reading result at the time of the reading operation.

(3) In the said 1st Embodiment, the 1st light emission part 60a and the 2nd light emission part 60b are not restricted to each being provided with a light source, You may be comprised so that one light source may be shared. Moreover, you may provide a several light emission part per surface by providing the light emission surface which light-emits in a line shape so that it may cover at least 2 surface among the some surfaces which comprise the outer surface of the housing | casing 11. FIG. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 17, even if the first light emitting unit 60 a and the second light emitting unit 60 b are configured by providing a linear light emitting surface 63 a from the upper surface 12 to the side surface 14, Equivalent effect. The light emitting surface 63a may be provided in a substantially annular shape so as to extend along substantially the entire circumference of the housing 11 except for the side surface 13. Further, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 18, even if the first light emitting unit 60 a and the second light emitting unit 60 b are configured by providing a linear light emitting surface 63 b from the upper surface 12 to the side surface 15, the first embodiment is performed. There is an effect equivalent to the form. The light emitting surface 63b may be provided in a substantially annular shape so as to extend along substantially the entire circumference of the housing 11. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 19, by providing a substantially U-shaped light emitting surface 63 c so as to extend from the edge of the upper surface 12 to the upper edge of each of the side surfaces 14 to 16, the first light emitting unit 60 a and the second light emitting unit 60 a. Even if a plurality of light emitting units including the light emitting unit 60b are configured, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 20, the entire upper surface 12 may be configured to be the light emitting surface 63d, or the other entire side surface may be configured to be the light emitting surface. .

(4) The present invention is not limited to an information reader that optically reads an information code, but is displayed on an information reader or a recording medium that reads information recorded on a non-contact communication recording medium such as a wireless tag. The information may be applied to an information reading device or the like that reads character information recorded and recorded using a known symbol recognition processing function (OCR). Even in this case, when reading the information on the recording medium with the reading surface of the housing facing the recording medium, at least one of the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit emits light according to the reading result. The user who sees the light emission state can surely visually recognize the reading result at the time of the reading operation.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 10a ... Information reader 11, 11c ... Case 12 ... Upper surface (outer surface)
13. Side surface (reading surface)
13a: Reading port 23: Light receiving sensor (reading means, optical information reading means)
40. Control unit (reading means, optical information reading means)
43a ... Touch sensor (the other sensor)
43b ... Touch sensor (one sensor)
50a ... 1st operation key 50b ... 2nd operation key 60a, 60c ... 1st light emission part 60b, 60d ... 2nd light emission part C ... Information code R ... Recording medium

Claims (13)

Reading means for reading the information recorded on the recording medium;
A housing in which a reading surface directed to the recording medium when the information of the recording medium is read by the reading unit is formed on the outer surface;
An information reading device comprising:
As the plurality of light emitting units capable of emitting light according to the reading result of the information on the recording medium by the reading unit, at least a first light emitting unit and a second light emitting unit are provided.
The second light emitting unit is disposed at a position farther from the reading surface than the first light emitting unit disposed near the reading surface in the outer surface of the housing. apparatus.   The reading means optically reads information recorded on the information code by receiving reflected light from the information code displayed on the recording medium through a reading port provided on the reading surface. The information reading device according to claim 1, wherein the information reading device functions as information reading means.   3. The surface according to claim 1, wherein a surface on which the first light emitting unit is disposed and a surface on which the second light emitting unit is disposed are different from among a plurality of surfaces constituting the outer surface of the housing. Information reader. The housing is formed such that a gripping part is connected to a reading part on which the reading surface is formed,
4. The information reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second light emitting unit is disposed at an end of the grip unit that is away from the reading unit. 5.   5. The information according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit is configured using high-luminance display on a display screen. Reader.   5. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit is configured using a backlight provided on an operation key. Information reader.   According to the reading result, the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit emit light in the same manner, and only one of the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit emits light. The information reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a switching unit that switches between the two light emission states. An attitude detection unit for detecting the attitude of the housing;
In the second light emitting state, one of the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit is selected as a light emitting unit that emits light according to the reading result based on a detection result of the posture detection unit. The information reading apparatus according to claim 7.   9. The operation key operated when reading the information on the recording medium by the reading unit is disposed between the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit. The information reading device according to any one of the above. 1 or 2 or more buzzers housed in the housing and emitting sound according to the reading result of the information on the recording medium by the reading unit;
The information reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the housing is formed with two or more sound emission holes for radiating sound from the one or more buzzers. . Reading means for reading the information recorded on the recording medium;
A housing in which a reading surface directed to the recording medium when the information of the recording medium is read by the reading unit is formed on the outer surface;
One sensor capable of detecting a first gripping state in which the housing is gripped by one hand of the user;
The other sensor capable of detecting a second gripping state in which the housing is gripped by the other hand of the user;
An information reading device comprising:
As the plurality of light emitting units capable of emitting light according to the reading result of the information on the recording medium by the reading unit, at least a first light emitting unit and a second light emitting unit are provided.
The first light emitting unit is disposed at a position that is not covered by one hand of the user in the first gripping state, and is read by the reading unit when the first gripping state is detected by the one sensor. Emits light according to the reading result of the information on the recording medium,
The second light emitting unit is disposed at a position not covered by the other hand of the user in the second gripping state, and is read by the reading unit when the second gripping state is detected by the other sensor. An information reading apparatus that emits light according to a result of reading information on the recording medium.   12. The information according to claim 11, wherein the one sensor and the other sensor are in a detectable state when a reading result to be visually recognized by a user is obtained by the reading unit. Reader. The first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit are disposed between a light source housed in the housing, a light source opening formed in the housing and the light source, and emit light from the light source. Each having a transparent protective member,
The information reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the protection member is formed to be more flexible than the housing.

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