JP2021111216A - Symbol reading device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a symbol reading device and a program capable of reading a symbol with higher accuracy even when reading a symbol printed on a paper medium and when reading a symbol displayed on a display screen of a mobile terminal or the like.SOLUTION: A symbol reading device of the embodiment comprises: an imaging unit; a lighting unit for irradiating an imaging area of the imaging unit with light; a lighting control unit for controlling the irradiation with the light by the lighting unit so that the imaging unit images a non-light emitting medium in a first mode that the exposure time by the imaging unit and irradiation time by the lighting unit overlap or images a light emitting medium in a second mode that the exposure time and the irradiation time do not overlap; and an imaging setting unit for setting the exposure time for the first mode and the exposure time for the second mode so that the exposure time in the second mode is longer than the exposure time in the first mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to symbol readers and programs.

A bar printed on a paper medium in a symbol reading device that reads a barcode or a two-dimensional code printed on a paper medium (an example of a symbol) or a bar code or a two-dimensional code displayed on a display screen of a mobile terminal or the like. In order to read a code, a two-dimensional code, etc., it is necessary to irradiate light from the outside.

On the other hand, when reading a barcode or two-dimensional code displayed on a display screen of a mobile terminal or the like, the display screen itself emits light, so when light is applied from the outside, the surface of the display screen of the mobile terminal or the like is displayed. There is a possibility that the light will be specularly reflected on the glass or the like, making it impossible to read the barcode or the two-dimensional code.

Therefore, the imaging timing and lighting of the camera can be read so that both the barcode and two-dimensional code printed on the paper medium and the barcode and two-dimensional code displayed on the display screen of the mobile terminal can be read. Technology that controls the camera and lighting so that the camera captures a barcode, two-dimensional code, etc. in a state where the lighting timing is synchronized and a state where the camera's imaging timing and the lighting lighting timing are not synchronized. It has been known.

However, in general, when reading a barcode or a two-dimensional code printed on a paper medium, the operator reads the product or the like to be read by crossing the front of the reading window of the reading device. This is often done, and when reading a barcode or two-dimensional code displayed on the display screen of a mobile terminal or the like, the operator or the customer holds the mobile terminal or the like to be read in a stationary state in the reading window. There is a circumstance that reading is often performed.

Therefore, if the exposure time is lengthened when reading a barcode or a two-dimensional code printed on a paper medium, the reading performance may be deteriorated due to the influence of camera shake. On the other hand, if the exposure time is shortened, the exposure may be insufficient when reading a barcode or a two-dimensional code displayed on a display screen of a mobile terminal or the like, and the reading performance may be deteriorated.

That is, if the exposure time is constant as in the prior art, the reading performance of barcodes, two-dimensional codes, and the like may deteriorate.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to read a symbol printed on a paper medium or a symbol displayed on a display screen of a mobile terminal or the like with higher accuracy. It is to provide a symbol reader and a program which can read.

The symbol reading device of the embodiment includes an imaging unit, an illumination unit that irradiates the imaging region of the imaging unit with light, an exposure time of the imaging unit, and an irradiation in which the illumination unit irradiates the imaging region with light. In the first mode in which the time overlaps and the non-light emitting medium is imaged, and in the second mode in which the exposure time and the irradiation time do not overlap and the light emitting medium is imaged, the imaging unit is a non-light emitting medium or The illumination control unit that controls the irradiation of light by the illumination unit so as to image a light emitting medium, and the exposure time in the second mode are longer than the exposure time in the first mode. It includes an imaging setting unit that sets the exposure time of the first mode and the second mode.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the POS system. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the reading device. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the reader. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the reading device. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the reading device.

Hereinafter, the symbol reading device and the program according to the present embodiment will be described. In the following embodiment, an example of application to a POS (Point Of Sales) system installed in a retail store will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

(Overall configuration of POS system)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the POS system 1. The POS (Point Of Sales) system 1 includes a reading device 10 and a POS terminal 20 that executes data processing based on the data read by the reading device 10. The reading device 10 is an example of a “symbol reading device”.

The reading device 10 is installed at a place (substantially central portion) where the operator and the customer substantially face each other on the bagger 2 on which the shopping cart or the like containing the product is placed. The POS terminal 20 is provided near one end of the bagger 2. The reading device 10 and the POS terminal 20 are communicably connected by a transmission line (not shown). The reading device 10 and the POS terminal 20 form a POS system 1.

The POS terminal 20 executes sales data processing including registration processing, settlement processing, and the like of products purchased by the customer, based on the data of the products and the like read by the reading device 10. The POS terminal 20 is installed on a drawer 30 that freely stores coins and banknotes. The POS terminal 20 includes two indicators 21 (21a, 21b) for an operator and a customer, an input device 22 including a keyboard and key keys, and a receipt printer 23.

(Configuration of reader)
Next, the configuration of the reading device 10 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the reading device 10. Here, FIG. 2 shows a state in which the reading device 10 is viewed from the side where the imaging window 11a is provided (the operator's standing position side).

The reading device 10 includes a main body 11, an imaging unit 12, an illumination unit 13, a first display unit 14, a keyboard 15, a second display unit 16, and the like.

The main body 11 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and is erected on the bagger 2. The height of the main body 11 is preferably, for example, about the height of the operator's eyes on the bagger 2.

An imaging window 11a serving as an opening is provided on the standing position side of the operator in the main body 11. An imaging unit 12 and an illumination unit 13 are installed in the imaging window 11a. The operator reads (imaging) the product by holding the product brought by the shopper over the image pickup window 11a.

The image pickup unit 12 has an image pickup element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary MOS) and an image pickup lens. The image pickup lens forms an image of the image pickup region on the image pickup element. The image pickup region refers to a region in which an image is formed on the area of the image sensor through the image pickup lens from the image pickup window 11a.

The image pickup unit 12 takes an image of the outside of the main body portion 11 through the image pickup window 11a. For example, the imaging unit 12 optically images a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like printed on a paper medium. Further, for example, the imaging unit 12 optically images a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like displayed on a display screen of a mobile terminal or the like owned by the customer. A barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like is an example of a "symbol".

Here, in the bar code, the two-dimensional code, etc. printed on the paper medium, data such as the product identifier (product code) and the price are held in a state of being encoded in the bar code, the two-dimensional code, and the like. It shall be.

Further, in the bar code or two-dimensional code displayed on the display screen of the mobile terminal or the like, for example, data representing a discount or discount coupon is encoded in the bar code or two-dimensional code. It shall be retained. When the data representing the coupon ticket or the like is read by the reading device 10, the POS terminal 20 executes processing such as discount or discount based on the data.

The illumination unit 13 has a light source. The light source of the illumination unit 13 is arranged around the image pickup lens of the image pickup unit 12. The illumination unit 13 irradiates the imaging region of the imaging unit 12 with light by intermittently lighting the light source. The light source is, for example, an LED, a cold cathode tube, a fluorescent lamp, an incandescent lamp, or the like.

The first display unit 14 is a display device for operators and is provided above the image pickup window 11a. The first display unit 14 is a display device with a touch panel composed of a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The first display unit 14 displays the product name, price, etc. of the registered product to the operator in response to the sales registration process by the POS terminal 20.

The keyboard 15 is provided in the vicinity (side portion) of the first display unit 14. The keyboard 15 has various keys for registering products that cannot be registered with a bar code, a two-dimensional code, or an object image. Although FIG. 2 shows an example in which the first display unit 14 and the keyboard 15 are integrally provided, they may be separate bodies.

The second display unit 16 is a display device with a touch panel composed of a display device such as an LCD. The second display unit 16 displays the product name, price, etc. of the registered product to the shopper in response to the sales registration process by the POS terminal 20. In the present embodiment, the second display unit 16 is held on the side portion of the main body portion 11 by a holding member (not shown), but the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

(Hardware configuration of reader)
Next, the hardware configuration of the reading device 10 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the reading device 10. The reading device 10 is provided with a microcomputer 101, and the microcomputer 101 drives and controls each part.

The microcomputer 101 includes a CPU 102, a ROM 104, a RAM 105, an input / output controller 106, a lighting drive circuit 107, a display / keyboard controller 108, a storage unit 109, and a communication interface 110. Each component is connected via a bus line 103.

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 102 centrally controls each unit. The ROM (Read Only Memory) 104 stores fixed information such as a control program in advance. The RAM (Random Access Memory) 105 functions as a work area or the like by rewritably storing various data.

Therefore, the microcomputer 101 constitutes an information processing unit that executes information processing. The RAM 105 is a non-volatile memory in whole or in part.

The input / output controller 106 is connected to the imaging unit 12. The input / output controller 106 outputs the image (image data) captured by the imaging unit 12 to the microcomputer 101. Further, the input / output controller 106 outputs a control signal output from the microcomputer 101 to the imaging unit 12.

The illumination drive circuit 107 is connected to the illumination unit 13. The lighting drive circuit 107 controls the lighting and extinguishing of the light source of the lighting unit 13 under the control of the CPU 102.

The display / keyboard controller 108 drives and controls the first display unit 14 and the second display unit 16 to display various images on the display 21. Further, the display / keyboard controller 108 outputs the operation signal accompanying the touch operation on the first display unit 14 and the second display unit 16 and the operation signal from the keyboard 15 to the microcomputer 101.

The storage unit 109 is a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 109 stores various programs and various data related to the operation of the reading device 10. The communication interface 110 enables data communication with another device (POS terminal 20) via a connection line such as a LAN cable.

(Function of reader)
Next, the functional configuration of the reading device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the reading device 10. The reading device 10 includes an image acquisition unit 111, a decoding processing unit 112, a lighting control unit 113, a switching setting unit 114, an image pickup setting unit 115, and an image pickup control unit 116 as functional configurations.

More specifically, the reading device 10 includes the above-mentioned functional configuration as a software configuration in cooperation with the CPU 102 and the program stored in the storage unit 109. A part or all of the above functional configurations may be realized by a hardware configuration such as a CPU 102 or a dedicated circuit.

The image acquisition unit 111 acquires an image captured by the image pickup unit 12. Specifically, when the image acquisition unit 111 is instructed to start a transaction by an operation via the keyboard 15 or the first display unit 14 or a signal notified from the POS terminal 20, the image acquisition unit 111 takes an image via the input / output controller 106. The acquisition of the image data captured by the unit 12 is started.

Further, the image acquisition unit 111 stops the acquisition of image data when the transaction end is instructed by the operation of the keyboard 15 or the first display unit 14 or the signal notified from the POS terminal 20.

The decoding processing unit 112 retrieves the encoded information by decoding the encoded information. Specifically, the decoding processing unit 112 detects an area representing a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like from the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit 111, and the encoded data held by the barcode, the two-dimensional code, or the like. Executes the process for decoding.

Further, the decoding processing unit 112 outputs the data extracted by decoding the encoded data held by the bar code, the two-dimensional code, or the like to the POS terminal 20 or the like.

The illumination control unit 113 controls the irradiation of light by the illumination unit 13. The illumination control unit 113 has a first mode in which the exposure time of the imaging unit 12 and the irradiation time in which the illumination unit 13 irradiates the imaging region overlap with each other to image a non-light emitting medium, the exposure time, and the irradiation. In the second mode in which the light emitting medium is imaged without overlapping the time, the illumination unit 13 controls the irradiation of light so that the imaging unit 12 images the non-light emitting medium or the light emitting medium.

Here, in the present embodiment, the non-light emitting medium means a medium that does not emit light by itself. Examples of the non-light emitting medium include a paper medium on which a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like is printed. Further, the light emitting medium means a medium that emits light by itself. Examples of the light emitting medium include a display screen of a mobile terminal or the like on which a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like is displayed. The exposure time refers to the time during which the image sensor is exposed to the light passing through the image sensor.

In the present embodiment, the illumination control unit 113 inputs an optical control signal instructing the illumination unit 13 to irradiate light to the illumination drive circuit 107, and intermittently lights the light source of the illumination unit 13 via the illumination drive circuit 107. To control.

Specifically, the illumination control unit 113 adjusts the timing at which the optical control signal is input so that the imaging unit 12 can image a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like in the normal mode and the portable mode. It controls the intermittent lighting of the 13 light sources. The normal mode is an example of the "first mode", and the portable mode is an example of the "second mode".

In the present embodiment, the normal mode functions as a mode for reading a barcode or a two-dimensional code printed on a paper medium, and the portable mode is a barcode or a two-dimensional code displayed on a display screen of a mobile terminal or the like. Functions as a mode to read.

The switching setting unit 114 sets the switching timing between the normal mode and the liquid crystal mode. By setting the switching timing, it is possible to change the time for capturing the image of the barcode or the two-dimensional code in the normal mode and the time for capturing the image of the barcode or the two-dimensional code in the portable mode.

The time for imaging a barcode or two-dimensional code in the normal mode and the time for imaging the barcode or two-dimensional code in the mobile mode are the reading of the barcode or two-dimensional code printed on a paper medium. It is decided whether to emphasize the reading of the bar code or the two-dimensional code displayed on the display screen of the mobile terminal or the like.

In the present embodiment, the switching setting unit 114 sets the time specified by the operator to image the barcode, the two-dimensional code, etc. in the normal mode and the time to capture the barcode, the two-dimensional code, etc. in the mobile mode. The switching timing between the normal mode and the mobile mode is set accordingly.

The lighting control unit 113 inputs an optical control signal to the lighting drive circuit 107 according to the switching timing set by the switching setting unit 114, thereby capturing an image of a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like in a normal mode specified by the operator. The intermittent lighting of the light source of the lighting unit 13 is controlled so that the imaging unit 12 captures the barcode, the two-dimensional code, or the like by the time and the time for imaging the barcode, the two-dimensional code, or the like in the portable mode.

The imaging setting unit 115 sets conditions necessary for imaging such as a barcode and a two-dimensional code. For example, the image pickup setting unit 115 sets the exposure time of the image pickup unit 12 in the normal mode and the portable mode so that the exposure time in the portable mode is longer than the exposure time in the normal mode. Further, for example, the image pickup setting unit 115 sets to change the gain of the image pickup unit 12 in the portable mode.

In the present embodiment, the imaging setting unit 115 sets conditions necessary for imaging such as a barcode and a two-dimensional code according to the operator's designation. Specifically, the exposure time of the imaging unit 12 in the normal mode and the portable mode and the gain value of the imaging unit 12 in the normal mode and the portable mode are set according to the operator's designation.

The image pickup control unit 116 controls the image pickup of a bar code, a two-dimensional code, or the like by the image pickup unit 12. In the present embodiment, the image pickup control unit 116 inputs an image pickup signal instructing the image pickup element of the image pickup unit 12 to the input / output controller 106 according to the setting of the image pickup setting unit 115, and inputs the image pickup signal to the image pickup element of the image pickup unit 12 via the input / output controller 106. The image pickup unit 12 controls the image pickup of the object held in the image pickup window 11a.

(Operation of reader)
Next, the operation of the reading device 10 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the reading device. Chart 501 shows an imaging signal input to the input / output controller 106. Chart 502 shows an optical control signal input to the illumination drive circuit 107. Chart 503 shows the change in the gain of the imaging unit 12.

FIG. 5 shows an example in which imaging is performed for 30 frames in the normal mode, and imaging is performed for 4 frames by switching to the portable mode. In this example, the reading device 10 reads a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like while switching between a normal mode and a portable mode, with the above 34 frames as one cycle.

First, imaging of a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like by the imaging unit 12 will be described. In the normal mode, the image pickup control unit 116 inputs an image pickup signal to the input / output controller 106 at a constant time interval C1 for a length L. Further, the image pickup control unit 116 inputs an image pickup signal to the input / output controller 106 at a fixed time interval C1 for a length l in the portable mode.

Specifically, in the normal mode, the image pickup control unit 116 inputs an image pickup signal having a length L from time t11 to the image pickup element of the image pickup unit 12 at each time interval C1. Further, in the portable mode, the image pickup control unit 116 inputs an image pickup signal having a length l from time t21 to the image pickup element of the image pickup unit 12 at each time interval C1.

Here, the time interval C1 is determined according to the frame rate at which the image is captured by the imaging unit 12. That is, the time interval C1 corresponds to the length of one frame. The lengths L and l are determined according to the time (shutter speed) at which the shutter of the imaging unit 12 is opened.

That is, in the normal mode, the imaging unit 12 opens the shutter by the length L for each time interval C1 to capture a frame image for one frame, and in the portable mode, opens the shutter by the length l for each time interval C1. The frame image for one frame is captured. Therefore, the length L represents the exposure time of the imaging unit 12 in the normal mode, and the length l represents the exposure time of the imaging unit 12 in the portable mode.

The lengths L and l are set by the imaging setting unit 115. Here, the image pickup setting unit 115 sets the length l to be longer than the length L.

The reason for this will be explained in detail. First, when reading a bar code, a two-dimensional code, or the like attached to a product, the operator often causes the image pickup unit 12 to take an image of the bar code, the two-dimensional code, or the like so as to pass in front of the image pickup window 11a. If the exposure time is lengthened, the image to be captured is affected by camera shake, and the decoding process by the decoding processing unit 112 does not work well, which may reduce the reading accuracy.

When reading a bar code, a two-dimensional code, or the like displayed on a display screen of a mobile terminal or the like, the operator or the customer holds the mobile terminal or the like in the image pickup window 11a in a stationary state and holds the bar code or the bar code on the image pickup unit 12. Since images of two-dimensional codes and the like are often taken, it is considered that they are not easily affected by camera shake, and even if the exposure time is lengthened, the effect on reading accuracy is not significant.

On the other hand, when the exposure time is shortened in the portable mode, the image to be captured becomes dark due to underexposure, the decoding process by the decoding processing unit 112 does not work well, and the reading accuracy may decrease.

In the normal mode, since the illumination unit 13 irradiates the imaging region of the imaging unit 12 with light, it is considered that the effect on the reading accuracy is not large even if the exposure time is shortened. Therefore, it is considered that the reading accuracy of the bar code, the two-dimensional code, or the like can be improved by setting the length l to be longer than the length L.

In the example of FIG. 5, the length L and the length l are constant, but the length L and the length l may be changed for each frame. However, the image pickup setting unit 115 always sets the length L and the length l so that the exposure time of the image pickup unit 12 in the portable mode is longer than the exposure time of the image pickup unit 12 in the normal mode.

Next, intermittent lighting of the light source of the lighting unit 13 will be described. First, the control when the image pickup unit 12 takes an image of a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like in the normal mode will be described.

In the normal mode, the illumination control unit 113 inputs an optical control signal to the illumination drive circuit 107 at a fixed time interval C2. As a result, the illumination control unit 113 intermittently lights the light source of the illumination unit 13 between the imaging timings of the imaging unit 12. The time interval C2 is determined according to the intermittent lighting cycle of the light source of the illumination unit 13. Further, the time interval C1 is a positive multiple of the time interval C2.

In the example of FIG. 5, the time interval C1 is four times the time interval C2. That is, in the normal mode, the imaging unit 12 captures one frame image during the time interval C2, and the illumination unit 13 intermittently lights the light source four times.

Specifically, in the first frame of the normal mode, the lighting control unit 113 sets the time t12 when the time is C2 from the time t11 and the time t11, and the time t13 when the time is C2 from the time t12 and the time from the time t13. Is an optical control signal input to the lighting drive circuit 107 at time t14 when only C2 has elapsed.

It should be noted that the time shifts to the second frame from the time when only C2 elapses from the time t14. The illumination control unit 113 inputs an optical control signal to the illumination drive circuit 107 from the time t11 of the second frame to the time t14 of the 30th frame in the same manner as in the first frame.

Here, the timing at which the light source of the illumination unit 13 is turned on is synchronized with the timing at which the imaging unit 12 opens the shutter at time t11. Therefore, the illumination unit 13 can irradiate the object held in the image pickup window 11a with light at the timing when the image pickup unit 12 performs the image pickup. As a result, the image pickup unit 12 can image the reflected light emitted from the light source of the illumination unit 13 and reflected by the object at time t11.

That is, by controlling the light control signal as described above, the illumination control unit 113 allows the imaging unit 12 to image an object in a normal mode in which the exposure time of the imaging unit 12 and the irradiation time of the illumination unit 13 overlap. Can be made to. As a result, the image pickup unit 12 can take an image of a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like printed on a paper medium in a state where the decoding process is easy.

The lighting of the light source of the illumination unit 13 at the time t12, the time t13, and the time t14 is a dummy lighting for preventing the operator from visually recognizing the flicker of the irradiation light. Therefore, the light source of the illumination unit 13 needs to be lit at a frequency higher than the frequency that can be visually recognized by humans.

Next, the control when the image pickup unit 12 takes an image of a bar code, a two-dimensional code, or the like in the portable mode will be described. The reading device 10 of the present embodiment changes from the normal mode to the portable mode by changing the input pattern of the optical control signal to the lighting drive circuit 107 by the lighting control unit 113 in the frame immediately before switching from the normal mode to the portable mode. Switch to read barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc.

In the example of FIG. 5, after the lighting control unit 113 inputs the light control signal to the lighting drive circuit 107 at the time t14 of the 30th frame in the normal mode, the time has elapsed from the time t14 by C2', which is shorter than C2. An optical control signal is input to the lighting drive circuit 107 at time t20. Then, the lighting control unit 113 does not input the light control signal to the lighting drive circuit 107 at the time t21 when the time C2 has elapsed from the time t14 in the 30th frame of the normal mode.

That is, the illumination control unit 113 shifts the lighting timing of the light source of the illumination unit 13 forward from the timing at which the imaging unit 12 opens the shutter at time t21 by the time difference between C2 and C2'.

In this case, the timing at which the light source of the illumination unit 13 is turned on is not synchronized with the timing at which the imaging unit 12 opens the shutter at time t21. Therefore, the image pickup unit 12 can take an image of an object held in the image pickup window 11a in a state where no light is emitted from the light source of the illumination unit 13 at time t21.

That is, by controlling the light control signal as described above, the illumination control unit 113 allows the imaging unit 12 to image an object in a portable mode in which the exposure time of the imaging unit 12 and the irradiation time of the illumination unit 13 do not overlap. Can be made to. As a result, the image pickup unit 12 can take an image of a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like displayed on a display screen of a mobile terminal or the like having a high reflectance in a state where the decoding process is easy.

Further, the lighting control unit 113 illuminates the optical control signal at time t22, which is the time C2 elapsed from the time t21, time t23, which is the time C2 elapsed from the time t22, and time t24, which is the time C2 elapsed from the time t23. Input to the drive circuit 107. That is, the lighting control unit 113 returns the timing of the intermittent lighting of the light source of the lighting unit 13 shifted forward by the time difference between C2 and C2'to the original timing of the intermittent lighting.

As a result, the lighting control unit 113 can prevent the operator and the customer from visually recognizing the flicker of the intermittent lighting of the light source of the lighting unit 13. In this example, the timing of the intermittent lighting of the light source of the illumination unit 13 is shifted forward by the time difference between C2 and C2', but the method of shifting the timing of the intermittent lighting of the light source of the illumination unit 13 is this. Not limited.

As long as the imaging signal and the light control signal do not overlap, the timing of intermittent lighting of the light source of the illumination unit 13 may be shifted. For example, the lighting control unit 113 may shift the lighting timing of the light source of the lighting unit 13 backward from the time when the shutter of the imaging unit 12 is opened by a time corresponding to the shutter speed of the imaging unit 12.

In the same manner as described above, the lighting control unit 113 sets the lighting timing of the light source of the lighting unit 13 from the second frame to the fourth frame in the portable mode by the imaging unit 12 for the time difference between C2 and C2'. Control is performed to shift the timing forward from the opening timing and then return to the original intermittent lighting timing.

Then, the lighting control unit 113 inputs the light control signal to the lighting drive circuit 107 at a time when the time C2 has elapsed from the time t24 of the fourth frame of the portable mode. As a result, the portable mode is switched to the normal mode, and the reading device 10 starts the operation of the next cycle.

Next, the gain will be described. In chart 503, g1, g2, g3, and g4 indicate gain values. g1, g2, g3, and g4 have different gain values.

In the example of FIG. 5, in the normal mode, the imaging unit 12 images an object held in the imaging window 11a with a constant gain value g1, and in the portable mode, the gain values are g1, g2, g3, g4 for each frame. The image of the object held in the image pickup window 11a is taken while changing the above. The gain value is set by the imaging setting unit 115.

Here, there are many types of display screens of mobile terminals and the like used by customers. Moreover, since the brightness setting of the display screen can be freely changed, the brightness of the display screen may differ even if the model is the same. Therefore, if the display screen is imaged with a uniform gain value, the decoding process of the bar code, the two-dimensional code, or the like may not be successful.

Therefore, in the portable mode, the reading device 10 of the present embodiment performs imaging while changing the gain value of the imaging unit 12 for each frame according to the setting of the imaging setting unit 115 to obtain a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like. The reading accuracy is improved.

In this example, the gain value of the imaging unit 12 is changed for each frame, but the method of changing the gain value is not limited to this. For example, imaging may be performed with the same gain value within the same cycle, and may be changed to different gain values in the next cycle for imaging.

In the example of FIG. 5, the switching setting unit 114 takes 30 frames to read the barcode or the two-dimensional code in the normal mode, and 4 frames to read the barcode or the two-dimensional code in the portable mode. The switching timing is set so that it becomes.

However, the switching setting unit 114 may set the switching timing in any way. For example, the switching timing may be set so that the time for reading the barcode or the two-dimensional code is 15 frames in the normal mode and the time for reading the barcode or the two-dimensional code is 15 frames in the portable mode. ..

In general, the bar code or two-dimensional code displayed on the display screen of a mobile terminal or the like is often read once per accounting, so the bar code or two-dimensional code printed on a paper medium is read. With an emphasis on reading a code or the like, it is conceivable that the switching setting unit 114 sets the switching timing so that the ratio of the time for reading in the normal mode is high.

However, if for some reason the frequency of reading the barcode or two-dimensional code displayed on the display screen of the mobile terminal or the like is high, the switching setting unit 114 may have a ratio of time for reading in the mobile mode. The switching timing may be set so as to be higher.

(Effect of reader)
The reading device 10 of the present embodiment has a normal mode in which the exposure time of the imaging unit 12 and the irradiation time of the illumination unit 13 overlap, and a portable mode in which the exposure time and the irradiation time do not overlap. A lighting control unit 113 that controls lighting of a light source by the lighting unit 13 so as to capture a bar code, a two-dimensional code, or the like is provided.

Further, the reading device 10 includes an imaging setting unit 115 that sets the exposure time in the normal mode and the portable mode so that the exposure time in the portable mode is longer than the exposure time in the normal mode.

When the imaging unit 12 images a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like printed on a paper medium, the imaging region is irradiated with light and the exposure time is short, so that underexposure is unlikely to occur. Moreover, it is possible to image a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like in a state where it is not easily affected by camera shake.

Here, if the exposure time is always constant as in the conventional technique, when the exposure time is shortened as described above, when an image of a barcode or a two-dimensional code displayed on a display screen of a mobile terminal or the like is performed. In addition, the imaging area is not irradiated with light and the exposure time is short, so that the amount of light emitted by the display screen of the mobile terminal or the like is insufficient and the image to be captured becomes dark. , The decoding process by the decoding processing unit 112 may not be successful.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the image pickup setting unit 115 sets the exposure time in each mode so that the exposure time in the portable mode is longer than the exposure time in the normal mode. It is possible to take a long exposure time in the portable mode and take an image. When capturing a barcode or two-dimensional code displayed on the display screen of a mobile terminal or the like, the mobile terminal or the like to be imaged is often in a stationary state, and even if the exposure time is long, the effect of camera shake Is hard to receive.

Therefore, even when the image pickup unit 12 captures a barcode or a two-dimensional code printed on a paper medium, the imaging unit 12 captures the barcode or the two-dimensional code displayed on the display screen of the mobile terminal or the like. Even so, it is possible to image a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like in a state where the decoding process is easy. That is, the reading device 10 of the present embodiment can improve the reading accuracy of the bar code, the two-dimensional code, and the like.

Further, the imaging unit 12 captures a bar code, a two-dimensional code, or the like while switching between a normal mode and a portable mode. Therefore, for example, even in a scene where the display screens of a product and a mobile terminal are alternately held over the image pickup window 11a, the bar code or the two-dimensional code can be efficiently used without the operator or the customer manually switching the mode. Etc. can be read.

Further, the image pickup setting unit 115 sets to change the gain of the image pickup unit 12 in the portable mode. Generally, the brightness of a display screen of a mobile terminal or the like can be changed manually or automatically, and there are many types of display screens. And the characteristics related to the display are also different. Therefore, if imaging is always performed with a constant gain value, decoding processing such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code may not be successful.

However, since the image pickup unit 12 can take an image of an object while changing the gain in the portable mode, the decoding process is performed regardless of what kind of display screen the operator or customer holds over the image pickup window 11a. It is possible to take an image in a state where it is easy to perform. That is, the reading device 10 of the present embodiment can improve the reading accuracy of the bar code, the two-dimensional code, and the like.

Further, the reading device 10 includes a switching setting unit 114 for setting the switching timing between the normal mode and the portable mode.

Therefore, when the reading device 10 of the present embodiment attaches importance to reading the barcode or the two-dimensional code attached to the product, the time required for the imaging unit 12 to capture the barcode or the two-dimensional code in the normal mode is long. When the switching timing is set so that the ratio is high and the reading of the barcode or two-dimensional code displayed on the display screen of the mobile terminal or the like is emphasized, the imaging unit 12 sets the barcode or two-dimensional code in the mobile mode. The switching timing can be set so that the ratio of the time required for imaging such as is high. That is, the reading device 10 of the present embodiment can improve the reading efficiency of barcodes, two-dimensional codes, and the like.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

For example, the program executed by the reading device 10 of the above embodiment is provided by being incorporated in a storage medium (ROM 104 or storage unit 109) included in the reading device 10 in advance, but the present invention is not limited to this, and an installable format is used. Alternatively, a file in an executable format may be configured to be recorded and provided on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). ..

The storage medium is not limited to a medium independent of a computer or an embedded system, but also includes a storage medium in which a program transmitted via a LAN, the Internet, or the like is downloaded and stored or temporarily stored.

Further, the program executed by the reading device 10 of the above embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading via the network. Further, the program executed by the reading device 10 of the above embodiment may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

1 POS system 2 Soccer table 10 Reader 11 Main unit 11a Imaging window 12 Imaging unit 13 Lighting unit 14 1st display unit 15 Keyboard 16 2nd display unit 20 POS terminal 21 Display 22 Input device 23 Receipt printer 30 Drawer 101 Microcomputer 102 CPU
103 bus line 104 ROM
105 RAM
106 I / O controller 107 Lighting drive circuit 108 Display / keyboard controller 109 Storage unit 110 Communication interface 111 Image acquisition unit 112 Decoding processing unit 113 Lighting control unit 114 Switching setting unit 115 Imaging setting unit 116 Imaging control unit

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-170035

Claims (5)

Imaging unit and
An illumination unit that irradiates the imaging region of the imaging unit with light,
A first mode for imaging a non-emission medium, in which the exposure time of the imaging unit and the irradiation time of the illumination unit irradiating the imaging region with light overlap.
A second mode in which the exposure time and the irradiation time do not overlap, and the light emitting medium is imaged.
A lighting control unit that controls the irradiation of light by the lighting unit so that the imaging unit captures a non-light emitting medium or a light emitting medium.
An imaging setting unit that sets the exposure time of the first mode and the second mode so that the exposure time in the second mode is longer than the exposure time in the first mode.
A symbol reader. The symbol reading device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging unit performs imaging while switching between the first mode and the second mode. The symbol reading device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the image pickup setting unit sets the gain of the image pickup unit to be changed in the second mode. The symbol reading device according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a switching setting unit for setting a switching timing between the first mode and the second mode. A computer that controls a symbol reading device including an imaging unit and an illuminating unit that irradiates an imaging region of the imaging unit with light.
A first mode for imaging a non-light emitting medium, in which the exposure time of the imaging unit and the irradiation time of the illumination unit irradiating the imaging region with light overlap.
A second mode in which the exposure time and the irradiation time do not overlap, and the light emitting medium is imaged.
A lighting control unit that controls the irradiation of light by the lighting unit so that the imaging unit captures a non-light emitting medium or a light emitting medium.
An imaging setting unit that sets the exposure time of the first mode and the second mode so that the exposure time in the second mode is longer than the exposure time in the first mode.
A program that functions as.

Images