JP2022162804A - Information reading apparatus, and method of controlling information reading apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an information reading apparatus which can be driven by a battery and can automatically transmit a read information code.SOLUTION: An information reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is a battery-driven information reading apparatus characterized by having a housing having a reading aperture, a detection unit for detecting a reading target deposed so as to be opposed to the reading aperture, a radiation unit for irradiating light on the reading target deposed in front of the reading aperture, an imaging unit for capturing an information code attached to the reading target, a transmitting unit for transmitting data relating to the information code, a power supply unit for supplying power to the detection unit, the irradiating unit, the imaging unit, and the transmitting unit, and a control unit for controlling the detection unit, the irradiating unit, the imaging unit, and the transmitting unit and characterized in that under the control of the control unit, after the detection unit detects the reading target, irradiation by the irradiating unit is commenced and the imaging unit and the transmitting unit are brought from their stop states to their operated states.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to an information reader and a control method for the information reader.

An information code reader that reads information codes such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes is known (for example, Patent Document 1). An information code reader is installed in a store or the like and is used in cases such as the settlement of merchandise. Such an information code reader is often connected to a personal computer or the like and supplied with power from the personal computer side. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to install the information code reader at an arbitrary place away from the personal computer.

A handy scanner type reader is also known among information code readers that are generally in widespread use. However, there is a problem that an operator is required to transmit the information read by the information code reader, and the operator is required to transmit the information code.

JP 2019-160294 A

An information reading device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is an information reading device that operates on a battery, and includes a housing including a reading port, a detection unit that detects an object to be read held over the reading port, and a reading device. An illumination unit that illuminates an object to be read held over the mouth, an imaging unit that images an information code attached to the object to be read, a transmission unit that transmits data related to the information code, a detection unit, and an illumination unit. a power supply unit that supplies power to the unit, the imaging unit, and the transmission unit; and a control unit that controls the detection unit, the illumination unit, the imaging unit, and the transmission unit. After that, the lighting unit starts lighting, and the imaging unit and the transmission unit are controlled to shift from the stopped state to the operating state.

In the information reading device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, after the image capturing unit captures an image of the information code, the control unit stops illumination by the illumination unit, and causes the image capturing unit to transition from an operating state to a stopped state. You can control it.

In the information reading device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit may control the transmission unit to transition from the operating state to the stopped state after the transmission unit has transmitted data regarding the information code to the outside.

The information reading device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a storage unit that stores data related to the information code, and the transmission unit may collectively transmit one or a plurality of data stored in the storage unit.

In the information reading device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the data stored in the storage unit may be data related to the information code read by the imaging unit within a predetermined period.

In the information reading device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the power supply section may have a battery.

A control method for an information reading device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a control method for the above information reading device, comprising a step of detecting an object to be read held over a reading port; a step of starting illumination by the illumination unit and transitioning the imaging unit and the transmission unit from a stopped state to an operating state; a step of imaging the information code attached to the object to be read; and a step of transmitting data about the information code. and a step.

1 is a perspective view when an information reading device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is placed horizontally; FIG. 1 is a perspective view when an information reading device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is vertically placed; FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an information reading device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an information reading device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure from when a detection unit detects an object to be read to when a control unit operates an illumination unit and an imaging unit in an information reading device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the information reading device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a procedure from when the detection unit detects an object to be read, until the imaging unit reads the information code, and until the control unit stops the illumination unit and the imaging unit will be described. It is a flow chart for 4 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure from when a detection unit detects an object to be read to when a control unit operates/stops a transmission unit in the information reading device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 4 is a flowchart for explaining procedures from battery loading to sleep mode in the information reading device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure from turning on a power switch to entering a standby mode in the information reading device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; In the information reading device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, after the QR code (registered trademark) approaches, the data related to the read QR code (registered trademark) is transmitted, and then the procedure until entering the standby mode will be described. It is a flow chart for doing. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure from standby mode to turning off the power switch and then removing the battery in the information reading device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. 4 is a table showing operation states of a control unit, a detection unit, an imaging unit, and a transmission unit in each mode in an information reading device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 7 is a graph showing an example of current flowing in each mode in the information reading device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

Hereinafter, an information reading device and a control method for the information reading device according to the invention according to the present disclosure (hereinafter also referred to as the invention) will be described with reference to the drawings. However, it should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to those embodiments, but extends to the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an information reading device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when placed horizontally, and FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of when placed vertically. The information reading device 100 according to one embodiment is driven by a power source such as a battery, and does not need to be connected to a personal computer, an outlet, or the like, and can be installed at any location. For example, the battery drive enables the information reader 100 to be installed in places where it is difficult to connect to a personal computer, such as the side of a cash register in a store, or in places where it is difficult to supply power from an outlet, such as temporary stores or outdoor exhibitions. can also be placed. In addition, since the information reader 100 does not need to be connected to a personal computer, an outlet, or the like because it is powered by a battery, it is easy to carry, and once installed, it can be relocated to any location. By driving the information reader 100 with a battery in this manner, the degree of freedom in the installation location can be increased. Furthermore, the battery drive enables the information reader 100 to operate even when the power supply from the outlet is stopped due to a power failure or the like. In this way, by driving the information reader 100 with a battery, it is possible to deal with problems in power supply due to disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons, accidents at electric power companies, and the like.

An information reader 100 according to one embodiment is an information reader that operates on a battery, and includes a housing 10 and a reading port 11 . A detection unit 1 such as a ToF (Time of Flight) sensor, an illumination unit such as an LED, an imaging unit such as a CMOS sensor, and a transmission unit are provided below the opening 13 of the housing 10 . An information code such as a QR code (registered trademark) is displayed on a reading object 20 such as a portable terminal, and the QR code (registered trademark) is held over the reading port 11 . Then, the detection unit 1 detects that the mobile terminal, which is the object to be read 20, has approached, and operates the illumination unit, the imaging unit, and the transmission unit. The illumination unit irradiates the information code with light, and the imaging unit reads reflected light from the information code. The transmission unit transmits information related to the information code read by the imaging unit. According to this, the information reading apparatus according to one embodiment can operate the illumination unit, the imaging unit, and the transmission unit only when the object 20 to be read approaches, thereby reducing power consumption. can. That is, according to one embodiment of the present invention, even an information reading device that operates on a battery with limited power can operate for a relatively long time.

When the information reading device 100 is placed flat on the floor, it can be placed horizontally as shown in FIG. 1, for example. When the information reading device 100 is hung on a wall, it can be placed vertically as shown in FIG. 2, for example.

Further, the reading port 11 is separated from the upper surface portion 10 a of the housing 10 by a predetermined distance d, and a space is formed between the reading port 11 and the housing 10 . Light enters the information code displayed on the reading object 20 or the like of the portable terminal through this space, and the imaging unit can read the light reflected from the information code. Therefore, by using the light incident from this space, the amount of illumination light from the illumination section can be adjusted.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram representing the configuration of an information reading device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of an information reading device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The information reading device 100 has a reading port 11 , a detection section 1 , an illumination section 2 , an imaging section 3 , a transmission section 4 , a power supply section 5 , a control section 6 and a storage section 7 .

A reading port 11 is provided in the housing 10 , and a frame 12 is provided around the reading port 11 . The reading port 11 may be made of transparent resin, glass, or the like through which light is transmitted. The frame 12 is preferably colored in a different color from that of the housing 10 so that the position of the reading port 11 is conspicuous. A space is provided between the upper surface portion 10 a of the housing 10 and the reading port 11 . An opening 13 is formed in a substantially central portion of the upper surface portion 10a.

The detection unit 1 is provided below the opening 13 of the housing 10 . The detection unit 1 detects an object 20 to be read held over the reading port 11 . For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the reading object 20 may be a mobile terminal, a card-like medium, or the like. However, the reading object 20 is not limited to such an example, and may be any object to which an information code is attached.

A ToF sensor can be used for the detection unit 1 . By using a ToF sensor as the detection unit 1, light such as a laser or an ultrasonic wave is irradiated several times, and based on the time it takes for the object to be read 20 to be reflected and returned, the detection unit 1 detects the object to be read. Up to 20 distances can be measured. Based on the measured distance, the detection unit 1 can detect whether or not the object to be read 20 has approached within a predetermined distance range. However, a sensor other than the ToF sensor may be used as the detection unit 1 .

The illumination unit 2 irradiates the object 20 to be read held over the reading port 11 with light. The illumination unit 2 may irradiate the object 20 to be read with light through the opening 13 . However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and the illumination section 2 may be provided on the upper surface section 10a of the housing 10. FIG.

An LED can be used as the illumination unit 2 . However, it is not limited to such an example, and another light source may be used as the illumination unit 2 . Further, although the example shown in FIG. 3 shows an example in which two illumination units 2 are provided, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and only one illumination unit 2 may be provided, or three or more illumination units 2 may be provided. You may do so.

The imaging unit 3 images the information code 21 attached to the object 20 to be read. For example, a CMOS sensor can be used as the imaging unit 3 . However, it is not limited to such an example, and another image sensor may be used. Light emitted from the illumination section 2 is reflected by the information code 21 and the reflected light enters the imaging section 3 .

The information code 21 is, for example, a two-dimensional code such as a bar code or QR code (registered trademark). The information code 21 may be attached to any reading object 20 such as a mobile terminal such as a smart phone or a card-like medium.

The transmission unit 4 transmits data regarding the information code 21 read by the imaging unit 3 . The transmitter 4 has an antenna 41 for transmitting data. Here, the data transmitted by the transmission unit 4 may be data obtained by decoding the information code captured by the imaging unit 3 . A transmission module may be used as the transmission unit 4 . The transmission unit 4 may transmit data by an NB (Narrow Band) IoT system that can transmit data with low power consumption. However, it is not limited to such an example, and the transmission unit 4 may transmit data using another communication method.

The power supply unit 5 supplies electric power to the detection unit 1 , the illumination unit 2 , the imaging unit 3 and the transmission unit 4 . A battery such as a dry battery or a rechargeable battery may be used for the power supply unit 5 .

A control unit 6 controls the detection unit 1 , the illumination unit 2 , the imaging unit 3 and the transmission unit 4 . A microcomputer such as a CPU may be used for the control unit 6 .

After the detection unit 1 detects the object 20 to be read, the control unit 6 starts illumination by the illumination unit 2 and controls the imaging unit 3 and the transmission unit 4 to shift from the stopped state to the operating state. That is, when the detection unit 1 detects that the object 20 to be read approaches the reading port 11 , the detection unit 1 outputs a detection signal to the control unit 6 . Upon receiving the detection signal from the detection unit 1, the control unit 6 controls the illumination unit 2 to start illumination. That is, based on the detection signal from the detection unit 1, the control unit 6 controls the LED or the like of the illumination unit 2 so as to shift from the off state to the on state.

Further, when the control unit 6 acquires a detection signal from the detection unit 1, the control unit 6 controls the CMOS sensor, which is the imaging unit 3, to shift from a stopped state to an operating state so that the imaging unit 3 picks up an image of the information code 21. Control.

Further, when the control unit 6 acquires the detection signal from the detection unit 1, the control unit 6 controls the transmission module, which is the transmission unit 4, to shift from the stopped state to the operating state, and the transmission unit 4 transmits data regarding the information code 21. to control.

In the information reading device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG. 4 shows a flowchart for explaining the procedure up to. First, in step S<b>101 , the detection unit 1 detects the object 20 to be read.

Next, in step S102, the control unit 6 controls the illumination unit 2 so that illumination by the illumination unit 2 is started.

Next, in step S103, the control unit 6 controls the imaging unit 3 to shift from the stopped state to the operating state.

Next, in step S104, the control unit 6 controls the transmission unit 4 to shift from the stopped state to the operating state.

As described above, the control unit 6 keeps the illumination unit 2, the imaging unit 3, and the transmission unit 4 in a stopped state until the reading object 20 approaches the reading port 11 and the detection unit 1 outputs a detection signal. maintain. Thereby, the power consumed by the illumination unit 2, the imaging unit 3, and the transmission unit 4 can be suppressed.

After the imaging unit 3 has captured the information code 21, the control unit 6 may stop the illumination by the illumination unit 2 and control the imaging unit 3 to shift from the operating state to the stopped state. When the imaging unit 3 captures an image of the information code 21, it is not necessary to operate the illumination unit 2 and the imaging unit 3 until the next information code is held over it. The control unit 6 may control the lighting unit 2 and the imaging unit 3 to transition from the operating state to the stopped state.

In the information reading device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in FIG. 6, after the detection unit 1 detects the reading object 20, the imaging unit 3 reads the information code 21, 4 shows a flowchart for explaining the procedure until the unit 3 is stopped. Since steps S201 to S204 are the same as steps S101 to S104 shown in FIG. 5, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In step S<b>205 , the imaging unit 3 images the information code 21 attached to the reading object 20 held over the reading opening 11 .

Next, in step S206, the control unit 6 controls the illumination unit 2 to stop illumination by the illumination unit 2. FIG.

Next, in step S207, the control unit 6 controls the imaging unit 3 to shift from the operating state to the stopped state.

As described above, after the imaging unit 3 has captured an image of the information code 21, the control unit 6 stops illumination by the illumination unit 2 and controls the imaging unit 3 to shift from the operating state to the stopped state. Accordingly, the power consumed by the lighting unit 2 and the imaging unit 3 can be suppressed.

The control unit 6 may control the transmission unit 4 to shift from the operation state to the stop state after the transmission unit 4 transmits the data regarding the information code 21 to the outside. FIG. 7 illustrates the procedure from when the detection unit 1 detects the object 20 to be read to when the control unit 6 operates/stops the transmission unit 4 in the information reading device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. shows a flow chart of Since the steps S301 to S307 in FIG. 7 are the same as the steps S201 to S207 shown in FIG. 6, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In step S308, the transmission unit 4 transmits the data regarding the information code 21 to the outside. Here, a decoding unit may be provided so that after the information code captured by the imaging unit 3 is decoded by the decoding unit, the transmitting unit 4 decodes and transmits the data.

Next, in step S309, the control unit 6 controls the transmission unit 4 to shift from the operating state to the stopped state. By stopping the operation of the transmitting unit 4 after transmitting data in this manner, the power consumed by the transmitting unit 4 can be suppressed.

Here, a storage unit 7 for storing data related to the information code 21 read by the imaging unit 3 may be further provided. A semiconductor memory, for example, may be used for the storage unit 7 . The transmission unit 4 may transmit one or more of the data stored in the storage unit 7 together. By collectively transmitting a plurality of pieces of data, the transmitting unit 4 can reduce the number of times of transmission compared to the case of transmitting one by one, so that the power consumed during transmission can be suppressed.

Further, the data stored in the storage unit 7 may be data related to the information code 21 read by the imaging unit 3 within a predetermined period. For example, the transmission unit 4 may collectively transmit data relating to the information code 21 read by the information reading device 100 for 30 minutes. The transmission unit 4 collectively transmits the information codes read by the imaging unit 3 within a predetermined period, thereby suppressing power consumption compared to the case where the transmission unit 4 transmits each time the imaging unit 3 reads the information code 21.例文帳に追加be able to. However, it is not limited to such an example, and the predetermined period may be any period other than 30 minutes.

The power supply unit 5 may have a battery. For example, the power supply unit 5 may use four AA alkaline batteries. However, the batteries constituting the power supply unit 5 are not limited to such an example, and the type and number of batteries may be selected arbitrarily.

The information reader 100 may include a light-emitting element for displaying the operating state. A plurality of light emitting elements may be provided in the light emitting element. For example, the plurality of light emitting elements may include first to third light emitting elements. For example, the first light-emitting element may light up when the detection unit 1 detects that the reading object 20 has approached and the imaging unit 3 is operating. Also, the second light emitting element may decode the imaged information code 21 and light up when the transmitting section 4 is transmitting data. Further, the third light emitting element is turned on for a short period of time when the transmission process by the transmission section 4 is normally completed, and is turned on for a long period of time when the transmission section 4 is executing the transmission process again. can be By providing light-emitting elements that light up according to the operating state of the information reading device 100 in this manner, the operator can easily grasp the operating state of the information reading device 100 .

As described above, according to the information reading device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to automatically transmit the read information code while suppressing power consumption.

Next, an algorithm for realizing low power consumption adopted in the information reading device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 8 shows a flowchart for explaining the procedure from loading the battery into the power supply unit 5 to entering the sleep mode in the information reading device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

First, in step S<b>401 , a battery is loaded into the power supply unit 5 inside the housing 10 of the information reading device 100 . Examples of batteries used in the power supply unit 5 are as described above. A light-emitting element such as an LED that lights up according to the remaining battery level when the battery is loaded in the power supply unit 5 may be provided. The lighting of the light-emitting element allows the operator to confirm that the battery has been properly loaded into the power supply unit 5 and that the battery has sufficient capacity.

Next, when a battery is loaded in the power supply unit 5, power is supplied to the control unit 6 in step S402, and the control unit 6 enters the boot mode. The boot mode is a mode for activating bootstrap processing for booting the operating system when power is supplied to the system of the control unit 6 .

Next, when power is supplied to the control unit 6 and a predetermined time has passed, the boot processing of the control unit 6 is completed in step S403.

Next, in step S404, the control unit 6 enters sleep (stop) mode. By loading the battery in the power supply unit 5 and setting the control unit 6 in the sleep mode in this manner, the detection unit 1 can be quickly shifted from the stopped state to the operating state when the power switch is turned on. . Therefore, the operator can put the information reader 100 into an operable state in a short period of time.

Next, a procedure for shifting the information reading device 100 from sleep mode to standby mode will be described. FIG. 9 shows a flowchart for explaining the procedure from turning on the power switch to entering the standby mode in the information reading device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. First, in step S501, the power switch is turned on.

Next, in step S502, the reset switch provided in the information reader 100 is pressed. The reset switch may be provided on the outer surface of the housing 10 and arranged so that the operator can press it at any timing. The reset switch may be pressed not only when the power is turned on, but also when the information reader 100 is to be initialized.

Next, in step S503, the information reading device 100 is set to the initialization (peripheral ON) mode. Specifically, the detection unit 1 is changed from the stop state to the operation state, and the detection unit 1 is made ready to detect when the reading target unit 20 approaches.

Next, in step S504, when the detection unit 1 shifts to the operating state, the initial processing is completed. Specifically, the detection unit 1 is put into an operating state, a predetermined current flows through the detection unit 1, and the object 20 to be read can be detected.

Next, in step S505, the information reading device 100 enters standby mode. In the standby mode, only the detector 1 is in operation. That is, until the detection unit 1 detects the object 20 to be read, the illumination unit 2, the imaging unit 3, and the transmission unit 4 are in a stopped state. there is

As described above, in the information reading device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, until the detection unit 1 detects the object 20 to be read, only the detection unit 1 is in the operating state, and the illumination unit 2 and the imaging unit 3 are operated. Since the transmission unit 4 and the transmission unit 4 are in the stopped state, power consumption can be suppressed.

Next, a series of flow from the approach of the reading object 20 to the information reader 100 and transmission of the read information code to the return to the standby mode will be described. In FIG. 10, in the information reading device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as the information code 21, for example, after the QR code (registered trademark) approaches, data related to the read QR code (registered trademark) is transmitted. , and then a flow chart for explaining the procedure until the standby mode is entered.

First, in step S<b>601 , the reading object 20 approaches the information reading device 100 . At this time, since the detection unit 1 is in an operating state, the detection unit 1 detects that the object to be read 20 has come within a predetermined distance from the detection unit 1 . The detection unit 1 outputs to the control unit 6 a detection signal indicating that the object to be read 20 has approached.

Next, in step S602, the information reader 100 enters the QR code (registered trademark) recognition mode. At this time, the control unit 6 controls the illumination unit 2 to irradiate light according to the detection signal acquired from the detection unit 1, and the imaging unit 3 scans the QR code (registered trademark) attached to the object 20 to be read. The imaging unit 3 is controlled to shift from the stopped state to the operating state so as to capture an image.

Next, in step S603, the imaging unit 3 images the QR code (registered trademark). The imaging unit 3 may determine whether or not the captured QR code (registered trademark) has been successfully read. Also, if the reading fails, the reading operation may be performed again. At this time, the control unit 6 may control the imaging unit 3 to read the information code 21 while adjusting the amount of light emitted from the illumination unit 2 .

Next, in step S<b>604 , the control unit 6 stores the number of data captured by the imaging unit 3 and the elapsed time in the storage unit 7 . That is, the number of QR codes (registered trademark) captured by the imaging unit 3 may be counted, and the transmission unit 4 may perform transmission when the number reaches a predetermined number. Alternatively, the control unit 6 measures the elapsed time from the time when the imaging unit 3 first reads the QR code (registered trademark) so that the transmission unit 4 transmits data at predetermined intervals. you can

Next, in step S605, the information reading device 100 enters transmission mode. That is, when the control unit 6 acquires a detection signal from the detection unit 1 or when the image capturing unit 3 captures an image of a QR code (registered trademark), the control unit 6 changes the transmission unit 4 from the stopped state to the operating state. You can control it to move. Further, the control unit 6 controls the illumination unit 2 to stop emitting light after the imaging unit 3 outputs the data related to the QR code (registered trademark) to the transmission unit 4, and also controls the imaging unit 3 to be in an operating state. to stop state.

Next, in step S606, the transmission unit 4 completes transmission. That is, the transmission unit 4 transmits data related to the QR code (registered trademark) imaged by the imaging unit 3 . At this time, the transmission unit 4 may collectively transmit a plurality of pieces of data. Alternatively, the transmission unit 4 may collectively transmit data related to the QR code (registered trademark) captured by the imaging unit 3 during a predetermined period of time.

Next, in step S607, the information reading device 100 enters the standby mode again. That is, the control unit 6 controls the transmission unit 4 to shift from the operating state to the stopped state. At this time, only the detection unit 1 is in operation.

As described above, in the information reading device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, after the transmission unit 4 transmits the information on the read QR code (registered trademark), the operation of the transmission unit 4 is stopped. , the power consumed by the transmitter 4 can be suppressed.

Next, in the information reading device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a series of flows from the standby mode to stopping the operation of the information reading device 100 and removing the battery will be described. FIG. 11 shows a flowchart for explaining the procedure from standby mode to turning off the power switch and then removing the battery in the information reading device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

First, in step S701, the information reading device 100 is assumed to be in standby mode. In this case, only the detection unit 1 is in an operating state.

Next, in step S702, the power switch arranged on the information reading device 100 is turned off.

Next, in step S703, the information reading device 100 enters peripheral shutdown mode. In this case, the control unit 6 controls the detection unit 1 to shift from the operating state to the stopped state.

Next, in step S704, the shutdown processing of the information reading device 100 is completed. In this case, the operating detection unit 1 stops operating.

Next, in step S705, the information reading device 100 enters sleep mode. In this case, only the control unit 6 is in operation.

Next, in step S706, the battery is removed from the power supply section 5. FIG.

As described above, in the information reading device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, only the detection unit 1 is operated when the power switch is turned on and the object to be read 20 is not in proximity. Therefore, the power consumed by the information reading device 100 can be suppressed to the minimum required level.

FIG. 12 shows operation states of the control unit 6, the detection unit 1, the imaging unit 3, and the transmission unit 4 in each operation mode in the information reading device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the table, the symbol "-" indicates that the operation is stopped, and the symbol "o" indicates the operating state.

In the "no power supply" state before the power supply unit 5 of the information reading device 100 is loaded with batteries, none of the control unit 6, the detection unit 1, the imaging unit 3, and the transmission unit 4 is in operation.

In the "control unit boot mode", "sleep mode", and "initialize mode", only the control unit 6 is operating, and the detection unit 1, imaging unit 3, and transmission unit 4 are not operating.

In the "standby mode", the control section 6 and the detection section 1 are operating. The "standby mode" is a state in which the object to be read 20 is waiting for the information reader 100 to come close to the information reader 100, and the illumination unit 2 and the imaging unit 3 are in a stopped state. Therefore, in the "standby mode", the power consumed by the information reading device 100 can be suppressed to the minimum necessary level.

In the “QR code (registered trademark) recognition mode”, the detection unit 1 detects that the object 20 to be read has approached the information reading device 100, and based on the detection signal from the detection unit 1, the control unit 6 controls the illumination. It controls the unit 2 and the imaging unit 3 so as to shift from the stopped state to the operating state. In this “QR code (registered trademark) recognition mode”, the imaging unit 3 images the QR code (registered trademark), which is the information code 21 attached to the object 20 to be read.

In the "transmission mode", the control unit 6 controls the illumination unit 2 and the imaging unit 3 to shift from the operating state to the stopped state, and controls the transmitting unit 4 to shift from the stopped state to the operating state. At this time, only the control unit 6, the detection unit 1 and the transmission unit 4 are operating. Therefore, power consumption by the lighting unit 2 and the imaging unit 3 can be suppressed.

In the "peripheral shutdown mode", the control unit 6 controls the detection unit 1 and the transmission unit 4 to shift from the operating state to the stopped state. However, at this time, unsent data may remain in the storage unit 7 . If there is data left in the storage unit 7, the control unit 6 causes the transmission unit 4 to shift from the operating state to the stop state after the transmission unit 4 transmits the data. to control. As described above, when unsent data remains in the storage unit 7, the control unit 6 does not immediately stop the transmission unit 4 in the "peripheral shutdown mode". ”.

Next, an example of current actually measured in the information reading device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 13 shows examples of currents detected in each operation mode in the information reader 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The horizontal axis is time and the vertical axis is the measured current. The current shown in FIG. 13 shows changes in current from the state of standby mode, reading an information code, transmitting data related to the read information code, and returning to standby mode again.

A period A is a period in which the information reading device 100 is in standby mode, and only the detection unit 1 is operating. The current flowing at this time is kept very small.

A period B is a period in which the information reading device 100 is in the QR code (registered trademark) recognition mode, and the detection unit 1, the illumination unit 2, and the imaging unit 3 are in operation. In this case, in addition to the detection unit 1, the illumination unit 2 and the image pickup unit 3 are in an operating state, so a slightly larger current flows than in the standby mode.

Period C is the first half of the period in which the information reading device 100 is in the transmission mode, and data relating to the QR code (registered trademark) imaged by the imaging unit 3 is transmitted. It can be seen that the largest current flows when data is transmitted. From this, it can be seen that power consumption during data transmission can be reduced by reducing the number of data transmissions by collectively transmitting a plurality of data.

Period D is the second half of the period in which the information reader 100 is in the transmission mode, and corresponds to the stage in which the transmission unit 4 executes the process from transmitting data to returning to the standby mode again. Since data transmission is completed in this mode, no large current flows.

A period E is a period in which the information reader 100 returns to the standby mode again, and a current of the same magnitude as in the period A flows. In this case as well, only the detection unit 1 is in operation, so the current flowing is small.

As described above, in the information reading device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the information reading device 100 keeps only the detection unit 1 in the operating state until the object to be read 20 approaches, and Since the unit 3 is in the stopped state, power consumption can be suppressed.

Furthermore, in the information reading device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, after the image capturing unit 3 captures the image of the information code 21 attached to the object 20 to be read, only the transmitting unit 4 is operated to , power consumption can be reduced.

As described above, in the information reading device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the power consumed from reading the information code to sending it can be suppressed, it is possible to realize battery drive. can.

Further, the control unit 6 controls the transmitting unit 4 to transmit the data related to the information code 21 read by the imaging unit 3, so that the processes from reading the information code 21 to data transmission can be automatically performed. Therefore, the information reading device 100 can transmit data related to the read information code without requiring an operator.

Reference Signs List 1 detection unit 2 illumination unit 3 imaging unit 4 transmission unit 5 power supply unit 6 control unit 7 storage unit 10 housing 11 reading opening 12 frame 13 opening 20 object to be read 21 information code 100 information reading device

Claims (7)

An information reading device operated by a battery,
a housing having a reading port;
a detection unit that detects an object to be read held over the reading port;
an illumination unit that irradiates light onto an object to be read held over the reading port;
an imaging unit that images an information code attached to an object to be read;
a transmission unit that transmits data related to the information code;
a power supply unit that supplies power to the detection unit, the illumination unit, the imaging unit, and the transmission unit;
a control unit that controls the detection unit, the illumination unit, the imaging unit, and the transmission unit;
After the detection unit detects an object to be read, the control unit starts illumination by the illumination unit, and controls the imaging unit and the transmission unit to transition from a stopped state to an operating state.
An information reader characterized by: 2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein after the imaging unit images the information code, the control unit stops illumination by the illumination unit and controls the imaging unit to shift from an operating state to a stopped state. information reader. 3. The information reader according to claim 1, wherein said control unit controls said transmission unit to shift from an operating state to a stopped state after said transmission unit transmits data relating to an information code to the outside. Further comprising a storage unit for storing data related to the information code,
The transmission unit collectively transmits one or a plurality of data stored in the storage unit.
4. The information reader according to claim 2 or 3. 5. The information reading device according to claim 4, wherein the data stored in said storage section is data relating to information codes read by said imaging section within a predetermined period. 6. The information reader according to claim 1, wherein said power supply unit has a battery. A control method for an information reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
a step of detecting an object to be read held over the reading port;
a step of starting illumination by the illumination unit after detecting the object to be read, and shifting the imaging unit and the transmission unit from a stopped state to an operating state;
a step of capturing an image of the information code attached to the object to be read;
transmitting data relating to said information code;
control methods, including;

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