JP2020177309A - Optical information reading device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an optical information reading device with improved operability.SOLUTION: An optical information reading device 100 comprises: a housing unit 10 that is formed in a rectangular shape extended in one direction, and has a first end 18 facing a symbol to perform imaging and a second end 19 on the opposite side of the first end 18; a display module 11 that is provided on a top face of the housing 10 and has a display surface 12; an imaging body 50A that is arranged on an under surface of the housing unit 10, has an imaging optical axis substantially parallel to the display surface 12, and picks up an image of the symbol; and a storage unit 14 that is provided on the under surface of the housing unit 10 and stores the imaging body 50A. The imaging body 50A includes an image formation module that has an optical system and an imaging element that receives reflected light from the symbol. The storage unit 14 has an imaging opening window 15 that is opened to cause an imaging optical axis of the imaging element to pass therethrough, and the imaging opening window 15 is offset from the first end 18 toward the second end 19 of the housing unit 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an optical information reader.

Handheld type (handy type) that receives light from the symbol to be read (QR code, etc.), acquires the image data of the symbol with an image sensor, and reads the information according to the symbol by analyzing the image data. Optical information readers are known. In addition, with a handheld optical information reader, when the distance between the print medium and the reading port that receives the light reflected from the symbol reaches the focal position, that is, the reading position, the image data of the symbol is automatically displayed. A technique for performing decoding processing for restoration and decoding is also known (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-11-31210

However, Patent Document 1 does not consider the operability of the optical information reading device. For example, a gun-type code scanner is generally provided with a reading surface of an image sensor at its tip. Therefore, when reading a symbol at a short distance, the reading surface must be sufficiently separated from the symbol. This is because if the reading surface and the symbol are too close to each other, they will be out of focus and difficult to read. Therefore, in order to secure a certain focal length from the symbol, it is necessary to force the user to move the reading surface away from the symbol by moving backward and away from the symbol, pulling the arm, bending, etc. Therefore, it was not preferable in terms of usability and operability.

One of an object of the present invention is to provide an optical information reader with improved operability.

Means for Solving Problems and Effects of Invention

According to the optical information reading device according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is an optical information reading device for capturing an image of a symbol to be read and reading the symbol, and has a rectangular shape extended in one direction. A housing portion having a first end portion on the side facing the symbol as an end portion along the one direction and a second end portion on the opposite side of the first end portion, and the above-mentioned It has a display module provided on the upper surface of the housing portion and having a display surface for displaying information, and an imaging optical axis arranged on the lower surface side of the housing portion and substantially parallel to the display surface to image a symbol. An image pickup body and a storage portion provided on the lower surface side of the housing portion and accommodating the image pickup body are provided, and the image pickup body includes an imaging module having an optical system and an imaging module via the imaging module. An image pickup element that receives the reflected light from the symbol is provided, and the storage portion forms an image pickup aperture window that is opened so that the image pickup optical axis of the image pickup element passes through, and the image pickup aperture window is the said. It can be arranged so as to be offset from the first end portion of the housing portion to the second end portion side. With the above configuration, since the imaging aperture window is on the front side of the end portion of the housing portion, the focal length with the symbol can be secured even if the end portion of the housing portion is brought close to the symbol. As a result, conventionally, it is possible to improve work efficiency by reducing restrictions such as the user being forced to pull an arm or the like in order to increase the distance between the imaging aperture window and the symbol. Further, by arranging the imaging aperture window offset from the end portion of the housing portion to the second end portion side, it is possible to reduce the bias of the weight balance and handle it as compared with the configuration in which a member such as an image pickup body is provided at the tip. Get better. Further, since the image pickup aperture window is located on the front side of the housing portion, the effect of protecting the image pickup aperture window can be obtained as compared with the case where the image pickup aperture window is projected.

Further, according to the optical information reader according to the second side surface, in addition to the above configuration, the position where the imaging aperture window overlaps the display surface in the direction orthogonal to the display surface of the display module. Can be provided in. In this way, the symbol and the imaging aperture window are provided by providing the imaging aperture window on the side from the first end portion to the second end portion of the housing portion at an offset to the extent that it overlaps with the display surface of the display module. The distance between them can be ensured.

Further, according to the optical information reader according to the third side surface, in addition to any of the above configurations, an inclination on the second end side of the housing portion, which is inclined from the display surface. An operation key provided on the surface for operating the display content on the display surface can be provided.

Furthermore, according to the optical information reader according to the fourth side surface, in addition to any of the above configurations, further, from the second end side of the housing portion in the longitudinal direction of the housing portion. A grip portion that is inclined and extended in a direction away from the housing portion is provided, and the storage portion can be arranged apart from the grip portion. With the above configuration, by inclining the grip portion at an angle, the user can easily grip the grip portion by hand. Further, since the operation key is also provided on the second end side, the user can grasp the grip portion with one hand and operate the operation key with the thumb of the gripped hand. As a result, all operations can be performed with one hand, and work efficiency can be improved. In addition, the weight balance is also on the hand side, which facilitates operation.

Furthermore, according to the optical information reader according to the fifth aspect, in addition to any of the above configurations, the gripping portion further includes a trigger switch instructing the image pickup body to start the imaging process. The trigger switch is arranged on the lower surface side of the housing portion, which is separated from the storage portion and faces the storage portion, and a curved concave portion can be formed between the trigger switch and the storage portion. .. With the above configuration, a curved concave portion is formed between the trigger switch and the storage portion, so that when the user puts a finger such as an index finger on the trigger switch, it naturally follows the bent finger. The user can comfortably support the optical information reader with a large area on the upper surface of the finger. In addition, it is possible to secure a space for operating the trigger switch using the index finger, and the operability can be improved. Further, by arranging the accommodating portion near the trigger switch, the center of gravity is closer to the grip portion, and the grip portion can be stably held.

Furthermore, according to the optical information reader according to the sixth aspect, in addition to any of the above configurations, the operation direction of the trigger switch is parallel to the display surface of the display module, and the housing portion. The image pickup opening window of the storage portion may be provided so as to be offset from the first end portion of the housing portion in the operation direction of the trigger switch in the direction from the first end portion side to the second end portion side. it can. With the above configuration, a certain distance can be secured between the imaging aperture window and the symbol, and a focal length with the symbol can be secured.

Furthermore, according to the optical information reader according to the seventh aspect, in addition to any of the above configurations, the imager further includes a first imaging module having a first viewing angle and the first connection. A second imaging module that includes a first imaging element that receives reflected light from a symbol via an image module and has a second viewing angle narrower than the first viewing angle, and a second imaging module via the second imaging module. The second imaging module includes a second imaging element that receives reflected light from the symbol, and the second imaging module is the first imaging module in a direction orthogonal to the display surface of the display module inside the housing unit. It is arranged closer to the display module than the display module. With the above configuration, the second imaging module having a narrower field of view than the first imaging module is arranged closer to the display module than the first imaging module, so that the upper side of the field of view of the second imaging module is the housing. The risk of interference with the first end side of the lower surface of the portion can be reduced. On the other hand, since the first imaging module is separated from the display module to some extent, the possibility of interference with the first end portion side of the lower surface of the housing portion can be further reduced. As a result, the reading field of view of the image pickup body can be sufficiently secured.

Furthermore, according to the optical information reader according to the eighth aspect, in addition to any of the above configurations, the first imaging module has a first focal length and the second imaging module has. , Can have a second focal length longer than the first focal length.

Furthermore, according to the optical information reader according to the ninth aspect, in addition to any of the above configurations, the image pickup body further includes a lighting module that irradiates the symbol with illumination light and the image pickup device. An aiming module that irradiates aiming light for indicating an image pickup region is provided, and the image pickup element can be arranged in a region between the illumination module and the aiming module inside the storage portion.

Furthermore, according to the optical information reader according to the tenth aspect, in addition to any of the above configurations, the information of the symbol is read based on the image data of the symbol captured by the image pickup body. A reading unit can be provided.

It is a perspective view which looked at the optical information reading apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention from the rear diagonally above. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the optical information reader of FIG. 1 as viewed from diagonally forward and downward. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the optical information reader of FIG. 1 as viewed from diagonally backward and downward. It is a right side view of the optical information reader of FIG. It is a left side view of the optical information reader of FIG. It is a bottom view of the optical information reader of FIG. It is a partial cross-sectional schematic view seen from the right side surface of the optical information reader of FIG. It is a front view of the storage part of the optical information reader of FIG. It is an exploded perspective view of the optical information reader which shows the state which the secondary battery is removed. It is a functional block diagram of the optical information reader of FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the mode that the same symbol is imaged by the image sensor of a different imaging distance. It is a schematic diagram which shows the focusing range of a plurality of fixed focus type imaging part. It is a perspective view which shows the modification of the image pickup body of the optical information reading apparatus of FIG. It is an exploded perspective view of the image pickup body of FIG. It is a front view of the image pickup body of FIG. It is a front view of the storage part of the optical information reading device which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments shown below exemplify an optical information reading device in order to embody the technical idea of the present invention, and the present invention does not specify the optical information reading device to the following. Further, the present specification does not specify the members shown in the claims as the members of the embodiment. In particular, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to the specific description unless otherwise specified, and are merely described. It's just an example. The size and positional relationship of the members shown in each drawing may be exaggerated to clarify the explanation. Further, in the following description, members of the same or the same quality are shown with the same name and reference numeral, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. Further, each element constituting the present invention may be configured such that a plurality of elements are composed of the same member and the plurality of elements are combined with one member, or conversely, the function of one member is performed by the plurality of members. It can also be shared and realized.
[Embodiment 1]

The optical information reader is a member that reads symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes to register and collate data, and is also called a handy scanner, a handy terminal, a commercial PDA, or the like. The optical information reader according to the embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1 to 10. In these figures, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the optical information reading device according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from diagonally above and rearward, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the optical information reading device of FIG. 1 as viewed diagonally from below. 3, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the optical information reader of FIG. 1 viewed from diagonally rearward and downward, FIG. 4 is a right side view of the optical information reader of FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 is the optical information reader of FIG. Left side view, FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the optical information reader of FIG. 1, FIG. 7 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view seen from the right side of the optical information reader of FIG. 1, and FIG. 8 is an optical information of FIG. A front view of the storage portion of the reader, FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the optical information reader showing a state in which the secondary battery is removed, and FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of the optical information reader of FIG. Shown.

The optical information reading device 100 shown in these figures includes a housing portion 10 having a display module 11 on the upper surface thereof, and a grip portion 20 extending obliquely from the rear end of the housing portion 10. The grip portion 20 includes a trigger switch 30. The user grips the grip portion 20 and operates the trigger switch 30 with a finger to execute a process such as reading a symbol. FIG. 5 shows a state in which the user holds the grip portion 20 with his / her right hand and puts his / her index finger on the trigger switch 30. In this state, the user holds the optical information reading device 100 in a posture toward the symbol SB and pulls the trigger switch 30 to perform reading. Further, the optical information reading device 100 can irradiate the user with aiming light that indicates the imaging position of the image pickup body by a laser, LED, or the like in order to indicate the readable range. Therefore, the optical information reading device 100 includes an aiming module 60 that irradiates the aiming light shown in FIG. 8 to be described later. Further, the optical information reading device 100 includes a reading unit 81 shown in FIG. 10, which will be described later, which reads the information of the symbol based on the image data of the symbol captured by the image pickup body 50A.
(Case 10)

As shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the housing portion 10 has a flat upper surface and is provided with a display module 11. The display module 11 has a rectangular display surface 12 extending in one direction. The display surface 12 is a surface for displaying read information, setting information, and the like. Here, the display surface 12 is a surface for displaying the display module 11 composed of a display such as a liquid crystal or an organic EL. The display surface 12 can be a touch panel. Further, the housing portion 10 including the display module 11 has a first end portion 18 that faces the symbol SB and performs imaging as an end portion along the longitudinal direction of the display surface 12, and the opposite of the first end portion 18. It has a second end 19 on the side. The first end portion 18 is located on the front end side of the housing portion 10, that is, the surface side on which the symbol SB is read, and the second end portion 19 is located on the rear end side of the housing portion 10.

Further, the second end portion 19 is provided with an inclined surface 13 inclined from the display surface 12 toward the grip portion 20 side. Various operation keys 40 for the user to operate with a finger are arranged on the inclined surface 13. By operating the operation key 40, the user performs various operations on the display content on the display surface 12, and performs various processes such as irradiation and reading of illumination light and aiming light, and imaging of an image. The housing portion 10 is preferably made of a material having strength enough to withstand an impact from the outside, for example, a resin. As a result, the weight of the optical information reader can be reduced. It may also be made of metal such as aluminum.

Here, the illumination light is light for illuminating a symbol such as a two-dimensional code to be read, and is emitted from the illumination module 70 shown in FIG. 8 to be described later. Further, the aiming light is light indicating a reading position of the optical information reading device 100, and is emitted from the aiming module 60. By forming the aiming light into a pattern such as a point, a cross, or a line shown by a semiconductor laser or the like, the reading area can be shown to the user based on such a pattern of the aiming light. Preferably, by including the horizontal line in the pattern of the aiming light, it becomes easy for the user to imagine the scanning line for performing the barcode scan and visually grasp the purpose. In addition, by forming a cross shape in which a vertical line intersects the center of the horizontal line, it becomes easier to grasp the position of the center. Aiming light with a cross-shaped pattern makes it easy to imagine a horizontally long barcode, for example, as a horizontally long cross with long horizontal lines and short vertical lines.
(Operation key 40)

In the example of FIG. 1, the cross key 41 is provided at the center of the inclined surface 13 as the operation key 40, the enter key 42 is provided on the right side thereof, and the first function key 43 is provided on the left side thereof. The cross key 41 is a key switch for performing an operation indicating directionality on the display surface 12. The enter key 42 is a key switch for performing a determination operation related to the display content on the display surface 12 of the display module 11. By arranging the operation keys 40 on the inclined surface 13 in this way, the operation keys 40 can be visually recognized and operated from both the upper surface side and the back surface side of the optical information reading device 100. In addition, the thumb of the hand holding the grip portion 20 can operate the operation key 40 provided on the inclined surface 13, and the operation key 40 can be operated while gripping the optical information reading device 100 with one hand. ..

Further, various keys are provided on the side surface of the housing portion 10. In this example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, a power key 44 and a second function key 45 are provided on the left side surface of the housing portion 10 when viewed from the user side while being held by the user, and FIGS. As shown in FIG. 4, + key 46 and − key 47 are provided on the right side surface of the housing portion 10, respectively. These + keys 46 and-keys 47 can be used to increase or decrease a numerical value such as volume, or can be used as a shortcut key to execute a specific function in combination with other keys.

The optical information reader 100 shown in FIG. 1 and the like does not have a physical numeric keypad. The numeric keypad is realized by displaying the software keyboard on the display surface 12. As a result, the space for arranging the physical numeric keypad on the display surface 12 can be omitted, and a large area can be secured for the display on the display surface 12 by that amount.
(Imaging body 50A)

The image pickup body 50A is arranged on the lower surface side of the housing portion 10. The image pickup body 50A images a symbol with an imaging optical axis parallel to the display surface 12. Therefore, the image pickup body 50A includes an image pickup unit including an imaging module including an optical system such as a lens, and an image pickup element that receives the reflected light from the symbol SB via the imaging module. The imaging module can be a fixed focus type with different focal lengths.

The image pickup body 50A includes at least a first imaging unit 50a and a second imaging unit 50b. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the first imaging unit 50a and the second imaging unit 50b are placed in the storage portion 14 projecting from the lower surface of the housing portion 10 with the display surface 12 of the display module 11. They are arranged in orthogonal directions. The first image pickup unit 50a includes a first image pickup module 51a having a first focal length and a first viewing angle, and a first image pickup element 52a that receives reflected light from a symbol via the first image pickup module 51a. including. On the other hand, the second image pickup unit 50b is connected to the second imaging module 51b having a second focal length longer than the first focal length and a second viewing angle narrower than the first viewing angle. It includes a second image sensor 52b that receives the reflected light from the symbol via the image module 51b. Further, the first imaging unit 50a and the second imaging unit 50b may be arranged with a height difference in the accommodating portion 14. At this time, it is preferable that the second imaging unit 50b is arranged closer to the display module 11 than the first imaging unit 50a. As shown in FIG. 7, the second imaging unit 50b having the second imaging module 51b having a narrower field of view than the first imaging module 51a is displayed on the display module 11 from the first imaging unit 50a having the first imaging module 51a. By arranging the modules closer to each other, the possibility that the upper side of the field of view of the second imaging unit 50b interferes with the first end 18 side of the lower surface of the housing portion 10 is reduced. Further, since the first imaging unit 50a is separated from the display module 11 to some extent, the possibility of interfering with the first end portion 18 side of the lower surface of the housing portion 10 can be further reduced. As a result, the reading field of view of the image pickup body 50A can be sufficiently secured. If the first imaging unit 50a having a wide field of view is arranged closer to the display module 11 than the second imaging unit 50b, the upper side of the field of view interferes with the first end 18 side of the lower surface of the housing portion 10. There is a risk that a sufficient reading field of view cannot be secured. On the other hand, by arranging the second imaging unit 50b having a narrow field of view closer to the display module 11 than the first imaging unit 50a as described above, such a possibility is avoided and the field of view is blocked. It is possible to suppress the situation.
(Storage unit 14)

As described above, the storage portion 14 is partially projected from the lower surface of the housing portion 10 by offsetting it from the first end portion 18 of the housing portion 10 to a recessed position. The storage portion 14 has a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view, and includes an image pickup opening window 15 opened so that the image pickup optical axis of the image pickup element passes through the end portion of the housing portion 10 on the first end portion 18 side. As shown in FIG. 8, the storage unit 14 stores the aiming module 60 and the image pickup body 50A including the lighting module 70. In the present embodiment, the first imaging unit 50a is arranged in the central portion of the storage unit 14, and the second imaging unit 50b is arranged vertically in a row above the first imaging unit 50a. The aiming module 60 is arranged on the left side of the first imaging unit 50a and the second imaging unit 50b, and the lighting module 70 is arranged on the right side. In this way, the first imaging unit 50a and the second imaging unit 50b are arranged at positions that do not overlap with the aiming module 60 and the lighting module 70. As a result, the image pickup body 50A can be made more compact. However, such an arrangement is an example, and it goes without saying that the aiming module 60 can be arranged on the right side of the first imaging unit 50a and the second imaging unit 50b, and the lighting module 70 can be arranged on the left side. Further, the aiming module 60 and the lighting module 70 may be arranged together on one side of the first imaging unit 50a and the second imaging unit 50b.

Further, the imaging aperture window 15 is arranged offset from the first end portion 18 of the housing portion 10 to the second end portion 19 side. In the examples shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the imaging aperture window 15 is offset from the first end portion 18 toward the second end portion 19 by an offset distance D. In this way, the imaging aperture window 15 is positioned in front of the first end 18 of the housing 10, and the first end 18 side of the housing 10 protrudes from the storage 14 toward the symbol SB. It is shaped like a window.

Here, if the image pickup window and the symbol are too close to each other, the focus will be lost and the field of view will be narrowed, making it difficult to read the symbol. If the imaging aperture window is provided on the same plane as the first end of the housing, the user himself / herself may move backward to separate the optical information reading device from the symbol so that the symbol can be read. It is necessary to increase the distance by pulling or bending the arm and moving the imaging aperture window away from the symbol, forcing the user to perform a given movement or posture. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, by separating the imaging aperture window 15 from the first end portion 18 by the offset distance D, even if the end portion of the housing portion 10 is brought closer to the symbol, the offset distance D is divided. Only the imaging module and the symbol SB can be separated from each other, and the symbol SB can be easily read. In this way, it is not necessary to force the user to perform operations and consideration to increase the distance between the imaging aperture window 15 and the symbol SB, and an easy-to-use environment with few restrictions when operating the optical information reading device 100 is created. realizable.

Further, when the image pickup aperture window 15 is arranged offset from the first end portion 18 of the housing portion 10 to the second end portion 19 side, the weight balance is unbalanced as compared with the configuration in which a member such as the image pickup body 50A is provided at the tip. It is reduced and maneuverability is improved. Further, by setting the image pickup aperture window 15 on the front side of the first end portion 18 of the housing portion 10, the effect of protecting the image pickup aperture window 15 can be obtained as compared with the configuration in which the image pickup aperture window protrudes. The imaging aperture window 15 is preferably provided at a position overlapping the display surface 12 in a direction orthogonal to the display surface 12 of the display module 11. The offset distance D can be, for example, about 5 cm when the long side of the housing portion 10 is about 18 cm. Alternatively, the length between the image pickup opening window 15 and the first end portion 18 can be set when the image pickup opening window 15 is arranged behind the first end portion 18 by 1/5 or more of the long side.

The storage unit 14 includes a reading unit 81. The reading unit 81 reads the information of the symbol based on the image data of the symbol captured by the image pickup body 50A. In the present embodiment, the reading unit 81 is arranged inside the storage unit 14, but the reading unit is arranged outside the storage unit 14 of the housing unit 10 (for example, substantially parallel to the display module 11) as a separate member. It may be provided on a circuit board or the like), or may be provided outside the housing portion 10.
[Modification example]
(Imaging body 50B)

As described above, the image pickup body 50A is arranged on the surface side of the display module 11 opposite to the display surface 12. The image pickup body 50A images a symbol with an imaging optical axis parallel to the display surface 12. However, the image pickup body of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the image pickup body 50B according to the modification shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 may include an image pickup module 50. The image pickup module 50 includes an image pickup element 53 for capturing a symbol and an imaging unit for forming an image on the image pickup element 53. The image sensor 53 is composed of a semiconductor light receiving element such as CMOS or CCD. The image pickup unit can be composed of one or more imaging modules optically coupled to the image pickup device 53. An optical system such as one or more imaging lenses 54 can be used for the imaging module.

A plurality of image forming portions may be provided. When the imaging unit is composed of a plurality of imaging modules, as shown in FIG. 11, the optical information reader 100 receives the reflected light from the same symbol SB by the plurality of imaging modules, and has different focal lengths. Each image is formed with. Then, the image sensor 53 provided corresponding to each image pickup module converts the reflected light imaged by the image pickup module into an electric signal to generate image data. In the example of FIG. 11, as the imaging modules, the first imaging module to the fourth imaging module having different focal lengths are used, and the first image sensor 53A, the second image sensor 53B, and the third image sensor 53C are used as the image sensor 53. An example in which the fourth image sensor 53D is provided and the image data ID1 to ID4 are imaged is shown. Each of the first imaging module to the fourth imaging module is composed of an imaging lens, and can be the first imaging lens 54A to the fourth imaging lens 54D.

The plurality of imaging units can be of a fixed focus type having different focal lengths. As a result, the moving mechanism of the imaging unit for autofocus can be omitted, and the configuration can be simplified. In this case, as shown in FIG. 12, the focusing range (depth of focus) of each image forming portion is assigned to different ranges, and the imaging portions having adjacent ranges are partially overlapped. It is preferable to set to. As a result, by combining a plurality of imaging units, a continuous wide focusing range can be secured without using autofocus.

In the image pickup module 50 provided with such a plurality of image pickup units, the image pickup elements 53 may be provided for each image pickup section at a ratio of 1: 1 or each region may be divided by one image pickup element 53. The image pickup unit may be individually assigned to.

Further, the image pickup body 50B may include a lighting module 70 that irradiates the symbol with illumination light when the symbol is imaged. For example, it is preferable to irradiate the illumination light not only when a barcode is used but also when a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (trade name) is used as a symbol.

An example of the image pickup body 50B is shown in FIGS. 13 to 15. In these figures, FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the image pickup body 50B, FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the image pickup body 50B of FIG. 13, and FIG. 15 is a front view of the image pickup body 50B. The image pickup body 50B shown in these figures includes an image pickup module 50 for imaging a symbol, an aiming module 60 for irradiating aiming light before imaging, and an illumination module 70 for irradiating illumination light. As shown in FIG. 14, the image pickup body 50B includes a substrate 56, a lens holder 57, and a lens cover 58. The image sensor 53 is mounted on the substrate 56. The lens holder 57 holds an imaging unit, an aiming module 60, and an illumination module 70. Further, with the image forming portion set on the lens holder 57, the lens cover 58 is put on the lens holder 57 to fix them. The lens cover 58 and the lens holder 57 are fixed by screwing.

The imaging module 50 may be provided with a plurality of imaging units. In this example, the four imaging portions include a first imaging lens 54A having a first focal length, a second imaging lens 54B having a second focal length longer than the first focal length, and a longer than the second focal length. A third imaging lens 54C having a third focal length and a fourth imaging lens 54D having a fourth focal length longer than the third focal length are provided. Further, in this example, an image sensor 53 is provided for each image pickup lens 54. Here, as the image sensor 53, the first image sensor 53A, the second image sensor 53B, the third image sensor 53C, and the fourth image sensor 53D are prepared, and the image sensor 54 is configured as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. The first image sensor 54A is the first image sensor 53A, the second image sensor 54B is the second image sensor 53B, the third image sensor 54C is the third image sensor 53C, and the fourth image sensor 54D is the fourth image sensor. Each is optically coupled to the element 53D. Here, the image pickup unit 55 may be configured by each image pickup lens 54 and the image pickup element 53. That is, the image pickup module 50 may be composed of a plurality of image pickup units 55, and each image pickup unit 55 may include an image pickup lens 54 and an image pickup element 53. Here, the image sensor 50 is composed of four image sensors 55A, a second image sensor 55B, a third image sensor 55C, and a fourth image sensor 55D, and the first image sensor 55A is a first image sensor 54A. The first image sensor 53A is included, the second image sensor 55B includes the second image sensor 54B and the second image sensor 53B, and the third image sensor 55C includes the third image sensor 54C and the third image sensor 53C. The fourth image pickup unit 55D includes a fourth imaging lens 54D and a fourth image pickup element 53D. These plurality of imaging units 55 face the same direction, but have different focusing ranges. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, the image pickup unit is designed so that only a part of the image pickup elements 53 are in focus at a certain distance. In the example of FIG. 12, the first focusing range of the first imaging lens 54A having the first focal length is DF1, the second focusing range of the second imaging lens 54B having the second focal length is DF2, and the third The third focusing range of the third imaging lens 54C having a focal length is shown as DF3, and the fourth focusing range of the fourth imaging lens 54D having a fourth focal length is shown as DF4.

The number of image pickup elements, image pickup units, and image pickup modules is not limited to the four illustrated, and may be three or less, or five or more. These plurality of image pickup elements have different focusing ranges from each other, and a part of the focusing range overlaps with other image pickup elements.

In the example shown in FIG. 15, the aiming module 60 and the lighting module 70 are arranged on the left and right sides of the imaging module 50, respectively. By arranging in this way, the image pickup module 50 and the aiming module 60, and the image pickup module 50 and the illumination module 70 are arranged close to each other, and the aiming light and the actual image pickup position are displaced, or the illumination position and the actual image pickup position are arranged. The deviation can be reduced. In particular, when the imaging distance between the symbol and the optical information reader becomes long, the deviation between them tends to increase. Therefore, it is preferable to arrange the imaging module, the aiming module, and the lighting module as close to each other as possible. If they are arranged close to each other so as not to conflict with the lighting module, the thickness direction of the image pickup body becomes wide, and the optical information reader cannot be miniaturized. Therefore, while maintaining the thinness of the image pickup body 50B, the aiming module 60 and the illumination module 70 are arranged on both sides of the image pickup module 50 along the longitudinal direction to satisfy the requirements for these close arrangements. In the example of FIG. 15, the imaging module 50 is arranged at the center of the imaging body 50A in the longitudinal direction, the aiming module 60 is arranged on the left side, and the lighting module 70 is arranged on the right side. In other words, by arranging the imaging module 50 so as to be sandwiched between the aiming module 60 and the lighting module 70, both the thinning of the imaging body 50B and the proximity arrangement are achieved.
(Grip portion 20)

The grip portion 20 is extended by being inclined in a direction away from the housing portion 10 from the second end portion 19 side of the housing portion 10, that is, the end surface on the front side in a posture in which the user grips the grip portion 20. There is. By inclining it diagonally in this way, it becomes easier for the user to grasp it by hand. Further, the grip portion 20 is extended so as to be connected to the inclined surface 13 provided on the second end portion 19 side of the housing portion 10. In particular, by inclining the inclined surface 13 from the upper surface of the display module 11 and further inclining from the inclined surface 13 by the grip portion 20, the rear end side of the housing portion 10 can be smoothly bent and easy to handle. Become.
(Gripping protruding piece 21)

As shown in FIG. 5, the grip portion 20 is further provided with a grip protruding piece 21 that projects in a direction orthogonal to the stretching direction in the middle of the stretching direction of the grip portion 20. As a result, when the user grips the grip portion 20, the lower surface of the gripping protrusion 21 can be supported by a finger, and the optical information reading device 100 is supported in addition to the grip force for gripping the grip portion 20. The load supporting the optical information reading device 100 can be dispersed by adding a fulcrum to be used, and the holding stability is improved.
(Trigger switch 30)

The grip portion 20 further includes a trigger switch 30 for starting the imaging process of the image pickup body 50A. The trigger switch 30 is provided in a region where the grip portion 20 faces the lower surface of the housing portion 10. In the examples of FIGS. 2, 4, 5, and the like, the trigger switch 30 is provided at the upper part of the grip portion 20 and at a portion facing the accommodating portion 14 at a distance. As a result, a curved recess 22 is formed between the trigger switch 30 and the accommodating portion 14. Then, when the user puts a finger such as an index finger on the trigger switch 30, the concave portion 22 is formed in a curved shape so as to naturally follow the bent finger, so that the user can comfortably touch the upper surface of the finger. The optical information reader 100 can be supported by a large area. Further, it is possible to secure a space for operating the trigger switch 30 by using the index finger, and the operability can be improved. Further, by arranging the accommodating portion 14 near the trigger switch 30, the center of gravity is closer to the grip portion 20, and the grip portion 20 can be stably held.

Here, the rear end surface of the above-mentioned storage portion 14 forms a part of the above-mentioned curved concave portion 22. That is, the rear end surface of the accommodating portion 14 is separated forward from the trigger switch 30 and forms an facing surface facing the front end surface of the trigger switch 30.

The grip portion 20 further forms a trigger support member 16 that supports the trigger switch 30 in a linear motion on the upper portion of the grip portion 20. The operation direction of the trigger switch 30 of the trigger support member 16 is substantially parallel to the display surface 12 of the display module 11, and is in the direction from the first end 18 side to the second end 19 side of the housing portion 10. As such, the trigger switch 30 is held. The image pickup opening window 15 of the storage portion 14 is provided offset from the first end portion 18 of the housing portion 10 in the operation direction of the trigger switch 30. As a result, the offset distance D can be formed as described above, and a certain distance can be secured between the image pickup aperture window 15 and the symbol SB. As a result, the focal length between the imaging aperture window 15 and the symbol SB can be secured.
(Battery lid 25)

The optical information reader 100 has a built-in secondary battery 24 as a power source for operating each electronic component. The secondary battery 24 is preferably built in the grip portion 20. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3 and the like, the grip portion 20 is provided with an openable / closable battery lid 23 on the bottom surface thereof. The battery lid 23 includes a lock lever that locks the opening and closing. The lock lever is rotatably connected within the surface of the bottom surface of the grip portion 20, and by rotating the lock lever in the unlocking direction, the battery lid 23 is unlocked and the battery lid 25 is opened.

FIG. 9 shows an exploded perspective view of the optical information reader 100 showing a state in which the battery lid 23 is opened and the secondary battery 24 is removed from the grip portion 20. As shown in this figure, the battery lid 23 is provided with a hinge on the lower end side of the grip portion 20, here, on the front side. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the battery lid 23 from rotating in the direction of being closed by its own weight while holding the optical information reading device 100. As the secondary battery 24, a lithium ion secondary battery (for example, a square type or a cylindrical type such as 18650 type) or the like can be preferably used.

The grip portion 20 may be formed integrally with the housing portion 10 or may be formed of a separate member.
(Coating elastic member 17)

Further, the optical information reading device 100 can include a coated elastic member 17 having elasticity. As shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the coated elastic member 17 covers at least the corners that come into contact with each other during mounting. As a result, even when the optical information reading device 100 is unexpectedly dropped, the optical information reading device 100 can be protected by absorbing the impact of the drop with the coated elastic member 17 provided at the corner.
(Block Diagram)

Here, the configuration of the optical information reading device 100 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. The optical information reader 100 shown in this figure includes an image pickup body 50A, an aiming module 60, a lighting module 70, an aiming switch 43B, a display module 11, a trigger switch 30, a calculation unit 80, and a storage unit 90. And a memory unit 91 and a communication unit 92.

The calculation unit 80 realizes the function of the reading unit 81. The reading unit 81 reads the symbol information based on the image data generated by the image pickup process of the image pickup body 50A. The calculation unit 80 is composed of a CPU, an MPU, and the like. Further, the calculation unit 80 may include a DSP. In the example of FIG. 10, the reading unit 81 is composed of a DSP.

The storage unit 90 is a member for holding various types of information such as image data and setting information. For example, it holds image data captured by the image pickup body 50A, a computer program, firmware, and the like. The storage unit 90 can be configured by a non-volatile memory such as a ROM.

The memory unit 91 is a work area for loading and executing a computer program or the like from the storage unit 90. The memory unit 91 is composed of a RAM or the like.

The communication unit 92 is an interface for communicating with an external device.

The image pickup body 50A is a member that performs imaging, and includes an image pickup element such as a C-MOS or a CCD.

The illumination module 70 is a member that irradiates illumination light, and includes a light source such as an LED.

The aiming module 60 is a member for irradiating aiming light. The aiming light serves as a guide to indicate to the user where the reading range is located.

The aiming switch 43B is a switch for irradiating aiming light from the aiming module 60. When the user turns on the aiming switch 43B, the aiming light is emitted from the aiming module 60.

The reading unit 81 extracts a symbol from the image data captured by the image sensor, decodes the information encoded in the symbol, and reads the symbol. The calculation unit 80 outputs the information decoded by the reading unit 81 via the communication unit 92. If necessary, the display module 11 is displayed.
[Embodiment 2]

In the above examples, an example in which the image pickup body includes a plurality of image pickup units has been described. However, the present invention does not limit the number of imaging units to a plurality, and may include a single imaging unit. For example, as in the optical information reading device 200 according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 11, one imaging unit 50c may be provided in the central portion of the imaging body 50C. In this case, since the number of imaging units can be reduced, the thickness of the imaging body 50C can be reduced, and the imaging body 50C can be made more compact.

The optical information reader of the present invention can be suitably used for handy scanners, handy terminals, commercial PDAs and the like used in warehouses, factories, stores, hospitals and the like.

100, 200 ... Optical information reader 10 ... Housing part 11 ... Display module 12 ... Display surface 13 ... Inclined surface 14 ... Storage part 15 ... Opening window 16 ... Trigger support member 17 ... Covered elastic member 18 ... First end 19 ... Second end 20 ... Grip 21 ... Grip protrusion 22 ... Recess 23 ... Battery lid 24 ... Secondary battery 30 ... Trigger switch 40 ... Operation key 41 ... Cross key 42 ... Enter key 43 ... First function key 43B ... Aiming switch 44 ... Power key 45 ... Second function key 46 ... + Key 47 ...-Keys 50A, 50B, 50C ... Image sensor 50 ... Image sensor 50a ... First image sensor 50b ... Second image sensor 50c ... Image unit 51a ... First imaging module 51b ... Second imaging module 52a ... First imaging element 52b ... Second imaging element 53 ... Imaging element 53A ... First imaging element 53B ... Second imaging element 53C ... Third imaging element 53D ... (Iv) Image sensor 54 ... Imaging lens 54A ... First imaging lens 54B ... Second imaging lens 54C ... Third imaging lens 54D ... Fourth imaging lens 55 ... Imaging unit 55A ... First imaging unit 55B ... Second Image sensor 55C ... Third image sensor 55D ... Fourth image sensor 56 ... Board 57 ... Lens holder 58 ... Lens cover 60 ... Aiming module 70 ... Lighting module 80 ... Calculation unit 81 ... Reading unit 82 ... Reading mode switching unit 90 ... Storage Unit 91 ... Memory unit 92 ... Communication unit SB ... Symbol D ... Offset distance DF1 ... First focus range; DF2 ... Second focus range; DF3 ... Third focus range; DF4 ... Fourth focus range;
ID1 to ID4 ... Image data

Claims (10)

An optical information reader for imaging a symbol to be read and reading the symbol.
It is formed in a rectangular shape extending in one direction, and has a first end portion on the side where imaging is performed facing the symbol as an end portion along the one direction and a second end portion on the opposite side of the first end portion. With the housing part
A display module provided on the upper surface of the housing portion and having a display surface for displaying information,
An image pickup body arranged on the lower surface side of the housing portion, having an imaging optical axis substantially parallel to the display surface, and imaging a symbol,
It is provided on the lower surface side of the housing portion and includes a storage portion for accommodating the image pickup body.
The imager
An imaging module with an optical system and
It is provided with an image pickup element that receives the reflected light from the symbol via the imaging module.
The accommodating portion forms an image pickup aperture window opened so that the image pickup optical axis of the image pickup element can pass through.
The imaging aperture window is an optical information reader that is offset from the first end portion of the housing portion toward the second end portion side. The optical information reader according to claim 1.
An optical information reader provided at a position where the imaging aperture window overlaps the display surface in a direction orthogonal to the display surface of the display module. The optical information reader according to claim 1 or 2, further
An optical information reading device provided on an inclined surface inclined from the display surface, which is on the second end side of the housing portion, and includes operation keys for operating display contents on the display surface. The optical information reader according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising.
A grip portion extending from the second end side of the housing portion in the longitudinal direction of the housing portion in a direction away from the housing portion is provided.
The storage portion is an optical information reading device arranged apart from the grip portion. The optical information reader according to claim 4, further
The image pickup body is provided with a trigger switch instructing the start of the imaging process.
The trigger switch is arranged on the lower surface side of the housing portion and at a portion facing away from the storage portion.
An optical information reading device that forms a curved concave portion between the trigger switch and the storage portion. The optical information reader according to claim 5.
The operation direction of the trigger switch is parallel to the display surface of the display module, and is a direction from the first end side to the second end side of the housing portion.
The image pickup opening window of the storage portion is an optical information reading device provided so as to be offset from the first end portion of the housing portion in the operation direction of the trigger switch. The optical information reader according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
The imager further
A first image pickup module having a first viewing angle and a first image pickup element that receives reflected light from a symbol via the first image pickup module are included.
It includes a second imaging module having a second viewing angle narrower than the first viewing angle, and a second image sensor that receives reflected light from a symbol via the second imaging module.
The second imaging module is an optical information reader arranged inside the housing portion in a direction orthogonal to the display surface of the display module and closer to the display module than the first imaging module. .. The optical information reader according to claim 7.
The first imaging module has a first focal length and
The second imaging module is an optical information reader having a second focal length longer than the first focal length. The optical information reader according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
The imager is further described.
A lighting module that irradiates the symbol with illumination light,
It is provided with an aiming module that irradiates aiming light for indicating an imaging region of the image sensor.
An optical information reader in which the image pickup device is arranged in a region between the lighting module and the aiming module inside the storage unit. The optical information reader according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising:
An optical information reading device including a reading unit that reads information on the symbol based on the image data of the symbol captured by the image pickup body.