JP3114546B2 - Optical information reader - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical information reading device, and is particularly useful for an optical information reading device having a two-dimensional image sensor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional optical information reading apparatus always repeats a process of first taking in image data and then decoding the data. If the data decoding is successful, the data is read. Send to host computer. If the operator applies the optical information reading device to the information to be read to read the data, and the optical information reading device is decoding the data, the image capture waits until the data decoding is completed. And had to wait.

In some cases, a switch is provided in the optical information reading device to eliminate the waiting time, and image data is taken in when the switch is pressed.

Further, in order to eliminate the above-mentioned switch and perform reading automatically, there is a type in which one proximity sensor is provided and reading is performed when the measured distance reaches a predetermined value ( JP-A-4-123280).

[0005]

However, in the optical information reading apparatus in which an image is captured when the switch is pressed as described above, the switch must be pressed every time optical information is read. was there.

Further, in the case where the proximity sensor is provided, even if the optical information reading device is not correctly applied to the information to be read, and is applied in an inclined manner, the proximity sensor is provided with one device.
Therefore, there is a case where it is determined that the distance from the information to be read is at a predetermined value and the image is taken in, so that the image cannot be taken accurately.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and it is an object of the present invention to reduce the time for an operator to take an image after applying an optical information reading device to information to be read, and to achieve this purpose. An object of the present invention is to provide an optical reader without a switch.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, a first optical information reading apparatus of the present invention comprises a light irradiating means for irradiating light to information to be read, and a light irradiating means for reflecting light from the information to be read. Imaging means for imaging reflected light of light at a predetermined position; reading means for reading the information to be read from the information image formed at the predetermined position; and a plurality of measuring means for measuring a distance to the information to be read. And reading start means for starting reading when the distance measured by all the measuring means has reached a predetermined value.

Further, a second optical information reading device of the present invention comprises: a light irradiating means for irradiating light to the information to be read;
Imaging means for imaging the reflected light of the light reflected from the information to be read at a predetermined position; reading means for reading the information to be read from the information image formed at the predetermined position; A measuring unit for measuring a distance to the information to be read by the unit; and a reading start unit for starting reading when the distance measured by the measuring unit reaches a predetermined value.

A third optical information reading apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a light irradiating means for irradiating light to the information to be read;
The reflected light of the light reflected from the read information is predetermined
Image forming means for forming an image at a predetermined position;
Reading the read information from the imaged information image
And means for detecting contact with the information to be read.
Number of contact detecting means, and the contact detecting means detects a contact.
Reading start means for starting reading when
When the plurality of contact detection units detect contact at the same time,
In particular, that the reading means starts reading.
Sign.

[0011]

In a fourth optical information reading apparatus according to the present invention, the contact detecting means is provided at the tip of the irradiation port.

According to a fifth optical information reading apparatus of the present invention, there is provided a first light irradiating means for irradiating information to be read with light for reading information, and a device for determining a position of the information to be read. A second light irradiating means for irradiating light; an image forming means for forming reflected light of the light of the first and second light irradiating means reflected from the information to be read at a predetermined position; Reading means for reading the information to be read from the information image formed at the position, and image detecting means for detecting that the image of the reflected light of the light from the second light irradiating means is at a specific position And reading start means for starting reading based on the detection signal of the image formation detecting means.

Further, the sixth optical information reading apparatus of the present invention comprises a plurality of second light irradiating means, and all of the reflected lights of the second light irradiating means are at specific positions. Is detected by the imaging detection means and a detection signal is output.

In a seventh optical information reading apparatus according to the present invention, the second light irradiating means irradiates spot light or slit light.

According to an eighth optical information reading apparatus of the present invention, the reading means is a two-dimensional image sensor.

[0017]

By employing the above means, when the operator presses the optical reading device against the information to be read,
Reading can be started without requiring a switch operation.

In particular, the first optical information reading apparatus of the present invention includes a plurality of measuring means for measuring the distance to the information to be read, and when the distances measured by all the measuring means reach a predetermined value. Since the reading is started, the reading is not performed when the optical information reading device is obliquely applied to the information to be read, so that accurate reading can always be performed.

Further, the second optical information reading apparatus of the present invention has a measuring means for measuring a distance to the information to be read at a central portion of the irradiation port, and the distance measured by the measuring means is a predetermined value. Since the reading is started when the value becomes, the reading is not performed when the optical information reading device is obliquely applied to the information to be read, so that accurate reading can always be performed.

[0020]

Further, the third optical information reading apparatus of the present invention comprises a plurality of contact detecting means, and the reading start means starts reading when the plurality of contact detecting means simultaneously detect a contact. Since reading is not performed when the optical information reading device is obliquely applied to the read information, accurate reading can always be performed.

Further, in the fourth optical information reading apparatus of the present invention, since the contact detecting means is provided at the tip of the irradiation port, the contact can be detected with the simplest configuration.

The fifth optical information reading apparatus of the present invention irradiates light from the second light irradiating means, and detects that the image of the reflected light is at a specific position by the image detecting means. By doing so, reading can be started without requiring a switch operation.

Further, the sixth optical information reading apparatus of the present invention comprises a plurality of second light irradiating means, and concludes that the reflected lights of all the second light irradiating means are respectively located at specific positions. Detection by the image detection means does not perform reading when the optical information reading device is obliquely applied to the information to be read, so that accurate reading can always be performed.

Further, in the seventh optical information reading apparatus of the present invention, since the second light irradiating unit irradiates the spot light or the slit light, it is easy to determine that the reflected light is at a specific position.

The eighth optical information reading apparatus of the present invention uses a two-dimensional image sensor as the reading means, and is particularly useful for two-dimensional bar codes.

[0027]

【Example】

Embodiment 1 Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a two-dimensional barcode reader.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a two-dimensional bar code reader according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an illumination light source constituted by a plurality of red diodes (LEDs);
A diffusing plate for diffusing the irradiated light onto a barcode label 8 on which a two-dimensional barcode is printed, a condensing lens 3 for condensing reflected light from the barcode label 8 and forming an image, and a condensing lens 4. A two-dimensional image sensor for converting an image formed by the optical lens 3 into an electric signal, a proximity sensor 5 for measuring a distance from a barcode label 8, a main circuit 6, a case 7 constituting a main body, a case 9 Reference numeral denotes a buzzer for notifying that the reading has been successful, reference numeral 12 denotes an irradiation port of the case 7, and reference numeral 13 denotes a lamp for notifying that the reading has been successful similarly to the buzzer 9.

In the above configuration, the illumination light source 1 is composed of a plurality of red diodes (LEDs), and the illumination light emitted from the illumination light source 1 is scattered through the diffusion plate 2 and has uneven illuminance over a predetermined range. The irradiation is suppressed.

The irradiation light emitted from the irradiation light source 1 is incident on a barcode label 8 of a recording medium on which a two-dimensional barcode as information to be read is printed, and is reflected on the surface of the barcode label 8.

The irradiating light reflected on the surface of the bar code label 8 is condensed by the condenser lens 3 and forms an image of a two-dimensional bar code on the two-dimensional image sensor 4. The irradiation light incident on the two-dimensional image sensor 4 is
Here, the signal is photoelectrically converted into an electric signal corresponding to the two-dimensional barcode. The proximity sensor 5 is attached so as not to hinder the illumination and light reception. The proximity sensor 5 determines whether or not the barcode label 8 is located at a position in front of the irradiation port 12 where a barcode can be read.

FIG. 2A is a first explanatory view showing a mounting position of the proximity sensor 5 and a measuring point of the proximity sensor 5 in the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is a second explanatory view of the same. (C) is a third explanatory diagram of the same. In this embodiment, the proximity sensor 5 is mounted inside the irradiation port 12, but may be mounted outside.

In order to read the two-dimensional barcode correctly, the barcode label 8 on which the two-dimensional barcode is printed must be accurately applied to the irradiation port 12 of the case 7 without tilting. In the two-dimensional barcode reader according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the reading is started when the distance of one point of the barcode label 8 becomes equal to the reading depth of the optical system of the two-dimensional barcode reader. It should be noted that when the distance from the barcode label 8 at the end of the irradiation port 12 becomes equal to the reading depth at the end of the irradiation port 12 as shown in FIG. The point is that even if the barcode label 8 is inclined as in (b), reading is performed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG.
The distance between the bar code label 8 and the bar code label 8 is measured at the center of the bar code, so that the bar code label 8 can be read only when the bar code label 8 is applied without tilting, and accurate reading can be performed. is there.

FIG. 3 is a processing flowchart of the two-dimensional bar code reader according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
In step 1, it is detected from the proximity sensor 5 whether or not the detected object is sufficiently close. If it is close enough, proceed to STEP2, turn on the illumination light source 1 (LED),
The reflected light imaged on the image sensor 4 is converted into an electric signal in STEP3, and the illumination light source 1 is turned off in STEP4.
If the vehicle is not approaching in STEP 1, the STE
Perform P1, and repeat the above processing.

At STEP 5, the data converted into the electric signal at STEP 3 is decoded. ST if decryption is successful
In EP6, the decrypted data is transmitted to the host computer. At this timing, the lamp 13 provided in the case 7 is turned on at STEP 7 and the buzzer 9 is sounded at the same time to notify the completion of reading. And then STE
Returning to P1, the above-described processing is repeated.

(Embodiment 2) Hereinafter, a two-dimensional barcode reader according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an arrangement of the proximity sensor 5 of the two-dimensional bar code reader according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, two proximity sensors 5 are arranged diagonally across the center of the irradiation port 12. Then, when all the proximity sensors 5 determine the proximity of the barcode label 8 (determine that the distance is the predetermined distance), the reading is performed. The number of the proximity sensors 5 may be any number, and is not particularly limited to two. In addition, it is not particularly limited to being on a diagonal line. In this way, if a plurality of proximity sensors 5 are provided, information on the inclination of the barcode label 8 on which the two-dimensional barcode is printed can be detected, so that more accurate information can be read.

As described above, if the plurality of proximity sensors 5 detect that the plurality of points on the barcode label 8 on which the two-dimensional barcode is pasted are sufficiently close, the reading is performed. Reading can be started only when it is correctly applied without starting reading when the reading device is applied.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 5 is a schematic structural view of a two-dimensional bar code reader according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
In the figure, the same components as those of the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description will be omitted.

In this embodiment, instead of the proximity sensor 5 of the first and second embodiments, the tip of the irradiation port 12 of the reading device is
A plurality of touch electrodes (contact sensors) 10 for detecting whether the tip of the irradiation port 12 has contacted the barcode label 8 are provided. Then, reading is started when a plurality of touch electrodes 10 detect contact at the same time.

In this way, the reading can be started only when the bar code label 8 is securely applied to the irradiation port 12, and the reading can be performed accurately.

In this embodiment using the touch electrodes 10, it is preferable that a plurality of touch electrodes 10 be provided. This is because, when only one touch electrode 10 is provided, reading is performed even when the barcode label 8 is inclined. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, if the touch electrode 10 is disposed so as to be a point target at the center of the irradiation port 12 and reading is started when detection signals of the touch electrode 10 are simultaneously detected, Images can be captured only when the two-dimensional barcode reader is correctly applied to the barcode label 8, which is more effective.

However, the above description does not deny that only one touch electrode 10 is provided, and the operator may incline the bar code label 8 with respect to the irradiation port 12 of the two-dimensional bar code reader. If care is taken that there is no touch electrode, reading is possible even with only one touch electrode 10.

In this embodiment, the touch electrode 10 is used as a contact sensor. However, a monitor may be provided outside the irradiation port 12 and the contact may be monitored by using the monitor to serve as contact detecting means.

(Embodiment 4) FIG. 6 is a schematic structural view of a two-dimensional bar code reader according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
In this embodiment, the same components as those in the first, second, and third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

In this embodiment, a spot light source 11 is provided instead of the proximity sensor 5 in the two-dimensional barcode reader of the first embodiment. The spot light source 11
The spot light emitted from the spot light source 11 is printed as a two-dimensional bar code applied to an irradiation port 12 of a two-dimensional bar code reader. Barcode label 8
Is reflected within a circle having a radius of 1 mm, and the reflected light is projected on the surface of the two-dimensional image sensor 4 by the condenser lens 3.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the two-dimensional bar code reader according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

When the bar code label 8 hits the two-dimensional bar code reader irradiation port 12 without tilting as shown in FIG. 7A, the reflected light of the spot light is reflected at the position A on the two-dimensional image sensor 4. Projected to In this embodiment, if the brightness of the position A is equal to or more than a certain value, it is determined that the touch is made. In the case of (b) in FIG. 7 in which the barcode label 8 is not at the reading position, the reflected light of the spot light is projected on a point B other than the point A on the two-dimensional image sensor 4. In this case, it is not determined that there is contact.

FIG. 8 is a processing flowchart of the two-dimensional bar code reader according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
In step 1, the illumination light source 1 is turned off and the spot light source 11 is turned on. Next, the reflected light is converted into an electric signal in STEP 2 and the A / D converted data is taken into an image memory in the main circuit 6.

In STEP 3, if the brightness value of light in a predetermined area in the image memory is equal to or more than a certain value, it is determined that the barcode label 8 is in contact with the two-dimensional barcode reader. , And proceed to STEP4. If the brightness of the above light is below a certain value, STEP
Returning to step 1, the above processing is repeated. In STEP 4, the spot light source 11 is turned off and the illumination light source 1 is turned on. ST
In EP5, the reflected light from the barcode label 8 is converted into an electric signal and is taken into an image memory. In STEP 6, the data taken into the image memory is decoded. If the decoding is successful, the data is transmitted in STEP7. At this timing, the success of the decoding is reported by the buzzer 9 and the lamp 13 in STEP8, and the process returns to STEP1 to repeat the above-described processing. If the decryption fails in STEP 6, the process returns to STEP 1 at this stage, and the above processing is repeated.

As described above, reading can be started without requiring a switch operation.

Although one spot light source 11 is provided in this embodiment, a plurality of spot light sources 11 may be provided. Furthermore, a plurality of spot holes were opened so as to emit a plurality of spot lights from one spot light source,
A spot light source may be provided. With such a configuration, a barcode label 8 on which a two-dimensional barcode is printed
It is possible to measure the distance between the above plurality of points, and it is possible to start reading only when the two-dimensional barcode reader is applied without tilting the barcode label 8.

In this embodiment, the spot light source 1
Although 1 was used, it goes without saying that the same effect can be obtained with a slit light source.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the description has been made with a two-dimensional barcode in mind, but the present invention is not limited to a two-dimensional barcode, but can be applied to other barcodes. Clearly there is.

In each of the above embodiments,
Although the LED for information reading is turned on after detecting the proximity, the LED may be constantly illuminated and the data may be decoded when the proximity is detected.

[0057]

As described above, according to the present invention, the reading is started at the moment when the optical information reading device comes into contact with the information to be read or at the moment when the optical information reading device reaches an appropriate distance. , And no switch is required to start reading, so that the complexity of the switch operation can be eliminated.

The information to be read can be detected by detecting that a plurality of points of the information to be read are close to each other or by measuring the distance from the information to be read at the center of the irradiation port. Since the reading is performed only when it is correctly applied without tilting, accurate reading can always be performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a two-dimensional barcode reader according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are first explanatory views of a mounting position of a proximity sensor and measurement points of the proximity sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIGS. Third explanatory diagram

FIG. 3 is a processing flowchart of a two-dimensional barcode reader according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an arrangement of a proximity sensor 5 of a two-dimensional barcode reader according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of a two-dimensional barcode reader according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of a two-dimensional barcode reader according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a two-dimensional barcode reader according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a processing flowchart of a two-dimensional barcode reader according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Illumination light source 2 Diffuser 3 Condenser lens 4 2D image sensor 5 Proximity sensor 6 Main circuit 7 Case 8 Barcode label 9 Buzzer 10 Touch electrode 11 Spot light source 12 Irradiation port 13 Lamp

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06K 7/10 G06K 7/015

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] A light irradiating means for irradiating light to the information to be read; an image forming means for forming a reflected light of the light reflected from the information to be read at a predetermined position; and an image forming means at the predetermined position. Reading means for reading the information to be read from the imaged information image, a plurality of measuring means for measuring the distance to the information to be read, and reading when the distances measured by all the measuring means have reached a predetermined value. An optical information reading device comprising: reading start means for starting reading. A light irradiating means for irradiating the information to be read with light; an image forming means for forming an image of reflected light of the light reflected from the information to be read at a predetermined position; Reading means for reading the information to be read from the imaged information image, an irradiation port of the light irradiated to the information to be read, and a measuring means for measuring a distance to the information to be read at an irradiation port central portion, An optical information reading device comprising: reading start means for starting reading when the distance measured by the measuring means reaches a predetermined value. 3. Light irradiating means for irradiating information to be read with light.
And reflected light of the light reflected from the information to be read.
Imaging means for forming an image at a predetermined position;
Reading the information to be read from the information image formed by focusing
Detecting contact between the reading means and the information to be read;
A plurality of contact detecting means, and the contact detecting means detects a contact.
Reading start means for starting reading when notified
Wherein the plurality of contact detection means detects contact at the same time.
The reading means starts reading when read
Information reading device. 4. A contact detecting means is provided at a tip of an irradiation port.
3. The optical information reading device according to 3. 5. A first light irradiating means for irradiating information to be read with light for reading information, a second light irradiating means for irradiating light for determining a position of the information to be read, Image forming means for forming reflected light of the light of the first and second light irradiating means reflected from the information to be read at respective predetermined positions; and reading the information from the information image formed at the predetermined position. Reading means for reading information, image detecting means for detecting that an image of the reflected light of the light from the second light irradiating means is at a specific position, and reading based on a detection signal of the image detecting means An optical information reading device, comprising: reading start means for starting reading. 6. A plurality of second light irradiating means, wherein the image forming detecting means detects that the reflected lights of all of the second light irradiating means are at specific positions, and outputs a detection signal. The optical information reading device according to claim 5, wherein 7. An optical information reading apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said second light irradiation means irradiates spot light or slit light. 8. An optical information reading apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said reading means is a two-dimensional image sensor.