JP6407739B2 - Code reader unit and fuel oil sales apparatus including the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a code reader unit and a fuel oil sales apparatus including the same, and more particularly to a code reader unit incorporating a person detection sensor (hereinafter referred to as a human sensor) and a fuel oil sales apparatus including the same.

  A fuel oil vending machine arranged at a self-service gas station, other general vending machines, or a self-registration apparatus has a display screen for displaying sales promotion information for inviting customers or equipment operation guidance.

  Furthermore, in order to provide services such as next discounts to customers, receipts, flyers, one-dimensional barcodes displayed on mobile phones or two-dimensional codes (QR code (registered trademark No. 4075066)), etc. A mechanism (referred to as a code reader unit) is provided.

  When the human sensor detects the approach of the customer to the device, it has a function of dynamically changing the display on the display screen. Such a human sensor is generally used to project an infrared beam and detect reflected light from a detection target, and is arranged as a unit independent of the display screen in a conventional apparatus.

  On the other hand, in recent years, in order to provide sales promotion information, there has been a demand to enlarge the display screen in order to display content with a large amount of information or to display a moving image.

  On the other hand, a device (hereinafter referred to as an external device) having such a display screen, a human sensor, and a code reader unit is limited in size due to restrictions on its installation location and the like, and has a space for expanding the display screen. There are limitations.

  This situation will be further described below by taking a fuel oil sales apparatus as an example for easy understanding.

  FIG. 1 is an external view showing an example of a fuel oil sales apparatus. An oil supply machine 1 is provided at the lower part of the apparatus, and oil supply hoses 10, 11, 12 corresponding to a plurality of oil types are provided. An external device 2 is integrated with the upper portion of the fueling machine 1.

  The external device 2 includes a display screen 20 for displaying sales promotion information and displaying for selecting and specifying a service such as a refueling type and a refueling amount, and a human sensor 21 for detecting the approach of a customer (operator). Prepare. Here, the human sensor 21 detects a customer approaching the fuel oil sales apparatus, updates the sales promotion information displayed on the display screen 20, and outputs timing information for switching to and displaying the guidance for refueling. And so on.

  Further, as shown in Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3 as conventional techniques, the external device 2 includes a receipt (for the next discount), a flyer (for discount), and a mobile phone (for discount, car wash terminal use ticket). A code reader unit 22 for reading a bar code such as a one-dimensional bar code or a two-dimensional code (QR code) is provided.

  The external device 2 also includes a credit card reading unit 23, a currency input unit 24, a receipt issuing unit 25, and the like for fee settlement.

  The invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a change payment device that reads a bar code printed on a receipt and pays change. A shutter for preventing the reading element of the barcode reader from being deteriorated by sunlight is installed on the reading surface, and the shutter is always closed, and the shutter is opened when a user is detected by a human sensor. .

  The invention disclosed in Patent Document 2 discloses a mechanism for avoiding the influence of a shadow such as a finger when reading barcode information by external light in the barcode reading mechanism.

  Furthermore, in the invention shown in Patent Document 3, the barcode reading mechanism is not incorporated in the fuel oil sales apparatus, and is installed independently (see FIG. 5).

Japanese Patent No. 4117678 Utility Model Registration No. 311522 JP 2006-103717 A

  As described above, in recent years, there has been a tendency for image information to be displayed for sales promotion and for the convenience of customers (operators) to become larger. Along with this, it is necessary to enlarge the display screen. However, for example, in the fuel oil sales apparatus shown in FIG. 1, the size of the external device 2 is restricted in order to avoid an increase in size, and thus the size of the display screen 20 is also restricted.

  In the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, the device having the barcode information reading mechanism is a change payment device (see FIG. 1) independent of the fueling device, and the size of the device is not strictly limited. A human (body) sensor 38 is installed at an arbitrary position near the surface (see FIG. 1 of Patent Document 1).

  Moreover, in the invention shown in Patent Document 3, it is shown that an independent POS slave unit has a barcode reader, but the human sensor is provided on the fueling machine side. Further, in Patent Document 2, no human sensor is shown.

  In view of this point, the inventor of the present application integrates the human sensor 21 provided independently in the code reader unit 22 in order to cope with the enlargement of the display screen, and secures an enlargement space of the display screen 20. I have studied.

  Here, in the code reader unit, for example, as shown in Patent Document 2, a code reading for reading the barcode from the inside of a see-through window (FIG. 2:11) to which a medium on which the barcode is recorded is brought close. It has a sensor (12). Furthermore, it has an auxiliary light emitting device (13) that emits auxiliary light for avoiding the influence of shadows caused by sunlight hitting the transparent window.

  Therefore, the code reading sensor (12) is reflected by the irradiation light from sunlight, the optical path for irradiating the barcode with the auxiliary irradiation light from the auxiliary light emitting device (13), and the code reading sensor (12). There is an optical path to input to 12).

  On the other hand, the human sensor has a function of detecting an approach of a customer by projecting an infrared ray through a fluoroscopic window and detecting a reflected light reflected upon being reflected by a customer (operator).

  Furthermore, the internal space of the code reader unit is small due to the size restrictions of the external devices. When a human sensor is inserted into the code reader unit, the optical path for bar code reading and the human sensor are used for the customer (operation There is a problem in that the optical path for reading the approach of the operator is complicated, and it becomes impossible to correctly detect the reading of the bar code or the approach of the customer (operator).

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a positional relationship in which a code reading sensor for reading a barcode, an auxiliary light emitting device for reading a barcode, and a human sensor are not adversely affected by each other without impairing each function in a narrow code reader unit. A cord reader unit that can be integrated and a fuel oil sales apparatus including the same.

  A first configuration that achieves the above object is a code reader unit that reads code information presented on a fluoroscopic window, and senses the proximity of a person by detecting reflected light of detection light projected through the fluoroscopic window. A sensor, an image sensor that reads or displays code information recorded or displayed on the medium presented in the fluoroscopic window, and code information recorded or displayed on the medium presented in the fluoroscopic window; An independent light source that irradiates from the back side of the transparent window, a reflective plate that reflects light from the independent light source and guides it to the back side of the transparent window, and out of light emitted from the independent light source, the reflective plate A cover member for blocking at least part of light in the non-reflected optical path is provided.

  In the first configuration for achieving the above object, as a first aspect, the light in the optical path that is not reflected by the reflecting plate is light that exceeds the half-value width of the light emitted from the independent light source.

  1st structure which achieves the said objective, or the said 1st aspect WHEREIN: The said person detection sensor projects the infrared light, The sensor which detects the reflected light of the said infrared light from the person who adjoins through the said fluoroscopic window The independent light source includes one or a plurality of LEDs that emit light that does not include infrared light.

  In the first configuration, the first aspect, or the second aspect that achieves the above object, as a third aspect, the person detection sensor is a trigger that activates the independent light source when detecting the proximity of a person. Generate a signal.

  In the second aspect that achieves the above object, the image sensor and the independent light source are arranged so as to form an optical path from the reflector to the see-through window, and the person detection sensor includes the see-through window. It is located behind the image sensor as a reference, and is arranged at an angle at which the infrared light is projected directly onto the viewing window crossing the optical path.

  In the second aspect that achieves the above object, the image sensor and the independent light source are arranged so as to form an optical path from the reflector to the see-through window, and the person detection sensor includes the see-through window. It is positioned in front of the image sensor as a reference, and is arranged at an angle at which infrared light is directly projected onto the viewing window without crossing the optical path from the image sensor and the independent light source to the reflector. The

  Furthermore, in any one of the first configuration and the above aspect that achieves the above object, the surface of the shielding wall of the cover member has a surface that scatters the irradiated light.

  Furthermore, in any one of the first configuration and the above aspect that achieves the above object, the image sensor includes a reading light source for reading code information of a medium presented on the fluoroscopic window, and the independent light source includes the above-described independent light source. It is turned on / off in synchronization with the reading light source.

  Still further, in any one of the first configuration and the above aspect for achieving the above object, when the medium presented in the fluoroscopic window emits light on a display surface, the independent light source and the reading light source are turned off. The code information displayed on the medium is read by the image sensor.

  A second configuration for achieving the above object is a fuel oil sales apparatus having a code reader unit that reads code information presented in a see-through window, and a fueling machine and an external device provided integrally with the fueling machine, The external device has a code reader unit and at least a display screen for guiding the operation of the code reader unit, and the code reader unit reads code information presented in a see-through window A person detection sensor for detecting the reflected light of the detection light projected through the fluoroscopic window to detect the proximity of a person, and code information recorded or displayed on a medium presented in the fluoroscopic window An image sensor that is read from the back side of the display and code information that is recorded or displayed on the medium presented in the fluoroscopic window is irradiated from the back side of the fluoroscopic window An independent light source, a reflecting plate that reflects light from the independent light source and guides it to the back side of the transparent window, and of light emitted from the independent light source, at least a part of an optical path that is not reflected by the reflecting plate. A cover member for blocking light;

It is an external view which shows an example of a fuel oil sales apparatus. It is an external view of one structural example of a fuel oil sales apparatus provided with the code reader unit according to the present invention. It is a schematic diagram of the internal configuration of the code reader unit of the first embodiment according to the present invention, and is a top view showing the top surface thereof. It is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the code reader unit of 1st Example according to this invention, Comprising: It is a front view which shows the front. It is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the code reader unit of 1st Example according to this invention, Comprising: It is a side view which shows the side surface. It is a front view of an image sensor. It is a perspective view of an image sensor. It is a figure explaining the infrared beam from the human sensitive sensor arrange | positioned in the code reader unit in 1st Example by this invention. It is a figure explaining the half value angle of LED. It is a figure which shows the optical path of the reading light from the reading light source of an image sensor. It is a figure which shows the optical path from the aiming light source of an image sensor. It is an example which has a problem in the optical path of light of LED of an independent light source, and is a figure which shows the case where the half value angle of LED light needs to be considered. It is an example which has a problem in the optical path of the light of LED of an independent light source, and is a figure which shows an example in the case where consideration is required for arrangement | positioning of an image sensor and a human sensitive sensor. It is a structural example which eliminates the problem shown to FIG. 8A, and is the figure which is shielding the light exceeding the half value angle of LED with the shielding wall of a cover member. FIG. 8B is a configuration example that solves the problem illustrated in FIG. 8B and is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship in which light within the half-value angle does not directly enter the image sensor and the human sensor by devising the arrangement of the image sensor and the human sensor. It is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the code reader unit of the 2nd Example according to this invention, Comprising: It is a top view which shows the upper surface. It is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the code reader unit of 2nd Example according to this invention, Comprising: It is a front view which shows the front. It is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the code reader unit of 2nd Example according to this invention, Comprising: It is a side view which shows the side surface. It is a figure explaining the infrared beam from the human sensitive sensor arrange | positioned inside a code reader unit in 2nd Example by this invention. It is a figure which shows the optical path of LED light from LED of the independent light source in a 2nd Example. It is a figure which shows the optical path of the light exceeding the half value angle from LED of an independent light source. It is a figure which shows the optical path of the reading light radiate | emitted from the reading light source of an image sensor. It is a figure explaining reading light exceeding a half-value angle being reflected by a see-through window and a reflecting plate, and entering into an image sensor itself. It is a figure which shows the optical path of the aiming light radiate | emitted from the aiming light source of an image sensor. It is a figure explaining that aiming light exceeding a half-value angle reflects by a see-through window and a reflecting plate, and enters into an image sensor itself. In arrangement | positioning of a 2nd Example, it is a figure explaining any LED light of an independent light source being reflected by a reflecting plate and a see-through window, and entering a human sensitive sensor, even if it is in a half value angle.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The examples are for understanding of the present invention, and the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to such examples, but includes those described in the claims and equivalents thereof. It reaches.

  In the following, a code reader unit according to the present invention will be described in connection with a fuel oil sales apparatus as an embodiment, but the code reader unit according to the present invention is not limited to application to a fuel oil sales apparatus.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 2 is an external view of a configuration example of a fuel oil sales apparatus including a code reader unit according to the present invention. The difference from the fuel oil sales apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is that a human sensor 21 is provided in the code reader unit 22. Therefore, the display screen 20 can be expanded to an empty space area where the human sensor 21 is disposed. Other external configurations are the same as those in FIG.

  3A, 3B, and 3C are schematic views of the internal configuration of the code reader unit 22 of the first embodiment according to the present invention. 3A is a top view, FIG. 3B is a front view, and FIG. 3C is a side view.

  In FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, and FIG. 3C, it has the human sensor 21 which detects presence of the customer who adjoins with the image sensor 4 which reads the code | cord | chord information of the barcode shown to the transparent window 3 by the customer. In this embodiment, the human sensor 21 is arranged behind the image sensor 4 with reference to the see-through window 3 (see FIG. 3C).

  The image sensor 4 is an imaging device having an imaging element such as a CMOS, and reads code information recorded or displayed on a medium presented in the fluoroscopic window 3 as image information. The medium for recording the code information includes a receipt paper piece, a coupon paper piece, and the like, and the medium for displaying the code information is a display screen of a mobile phone or the like. The code information includes a one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional QR code.

  As shown in FIG. 4A and a perspective view in FIG. 4B, the image sensor 4 has a reading light source 40 that outputs light from, for example, a light emitting diode element (LED), and is thus displayed on the transparent window 3. The code information recorded or displayed on the recorded medium is irradiated with light, and the code information is read through the light receiving lens 41. Furthermore, it has the aiming light source 42 which emits the aiming light for determining the position reference of reading at the timing at the time of reading.

  Returning to FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, and FIG. 3C, since sunlight (external light) is incident on the transparent window 3 from the outside, the shadow of the finger holding the receipt is read when the code recorded on the paper such as a receipt is read. The effect of. Therefore, the independent light source 5 is provided to eliminate such influence.

  That is, when there is no finger shadow, the black portion of the code is read against a white background of the paper. When there is a shadow of a finger, the background of the black portion of the code becomes a black color, so the contrast becomes small. For this reason, it is impossible to detect a low-contrast portion with high contrast exposure sensitivity without a finger shadow. The independent light source 5 corrects such inconvenience, and can reduce the influence of strong sunlight due to the irradiation light from the independent light source 5 irradiated from the inside of the transparent window 3 (see Patent Document 2). .

  As an example, the independent light source 5 includes a plurality (8 × 2 rows) of LEDs 5A and 5B arranged in two rows.

  A support unit that blocks the emitted light exceeding the half-value angle in order to avoid the influence that the emitted light exceeding the half-value angle of the LED, which will be described in detail later, is reflected by the transparent window 3 and enters the light receiving lens 41 of the image sensor 4. It has the cover member 50 provided with the shielding walls 51 and 52 supported by 50A and arrange | positioned in the front-back row.

  The shielding walls 51 and 52 are supported by the support portion 50A of the cover member 50 with a step 51A (see FIG. 3C). In the front view (FIG. 3B), the shielding walls 51 and 52 pass through the step 51A and to the rear side of the front shielding wall 51. The rear shielding wall 52 can be seen.

  The front row LED 5A is arranged between the front shielding wall 51 and the rear shielding wall 52, and the rear row LED 5B is arranged behind the rear shielding wall 52.

  Similarly, in the image sensor 4, the light in the area exceeding the half-value angle of the reading light from the reading light source 40 and the aiming light from the aiming light source 42 is reflected by the transparent window 3 and enters the light receiving lens 41. In order to avoid the influence on the image sensor 4 itself, a shielding plate member 43 is provided.

  Further, a reflecting plate 6 is provided for guiding the light emitted from the reading light source 40 and the independent light source 5 to the surface of the barcode presented on the transparent window 3. The reflecting plate 6 is preferably a flat plate because the code information is distorted.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an infrared beam from the human sensor 21 arranged inside the code reader unit 22 according to the present invention. The code reader unit 22 is positioned below the display device unit having the display screen 20.

  The human sensor 21 can use a detection element generally called a proximity sensor, and projects an infrared beam through the fluoroscopic window 3 to a predetermined distance L (for example, 60 cm). Then, it is possible to detect the approach of the customer (operator) by detecting the reflected light that the infrared beam hits the human body and returns.

  As for the irradiation position of the infrared beam, it is desirable to irradiate a portion where the lateral width of the lower human body from the shoulder of the person to be detected (customer) is close to the maximum. Since the operation surface of the external device of the fuel oil sales apparatus disposed in the self-service gasoline station is disposed within the range of the height position, as shown in FIG. It is the structure which irradiates in a substantially horizontal direction via.

  Here, as a result of increasing the size of the display screen 20, the internal space of the operation unit becomes narrower in the height direction. For this reason, by arranging the human sensor 21 so as to satisfy the configuration of FIG. 5, the LEDs 5A, 5B and the image sensor 4 are configured to irradiate the fluoroscopic window 3 via the reflector 6 from above. .

  The LED light passes through the see-through window 3 via the reflector 6 and is then directed in the direction above the operator's head so as not to enter the customer's (operator's) eye directly. Further, when the LED light reflected by the see-through window 3 enters the light receiving portion of the human sensor, the human sensor 21 always detects light and cannot detect an approaching person. For this reason, the positions and angles of the LEDs 5A and 5B and the image sensor 4 are set so that the projection light from the human sensor 21 and the optical path of the LED light do not overlap.

  That is, in the first embodiment, the image sensor 4 and the independent light source 5 are arranged so that an optical path from the reflector 6 toward the see-through window 3 is formed. The human sensor 21 is positioned behind the image sensor 4 with respect to the fluoroscopic window 3 and is disposed at an angle that directly projects infrared light onto the fluoroscopic window 3 across the optical path. .

  Here, the half-value angle of the LED will be described with reference to FIG.

  The LED has the highest illuminance of light in the central axis direction, and the illuminance of emitted light decreases as the tilt angle increases from the central axis direction. The inclination angle at which the illuminance is ½ with respect to the illuminance of the light in the central axis direction is called the half-value angle of the LED. FIG. 6 shows a case where the half-value angle is 15 °.

  As described above, when the positions and angles of the LEDs 5A and 5B and the image sensor 4 are set, irradiation light within a half-value angle range passes through the reflector 6 so that a sufficient amount of light reaches the fluoroscopic window 3. Thus, it is designed to reach the see-through window 3. In this case, if no control is performed on the light emitted at an angle exceeding the half-value angle, the light is reflected by the transparent window 3 and / or the reflecting plate 6 and directly enters the light receiving lens 41 of the image sensor 4. In some cases, the light receiving element of the image sensor 4 may be damaged.

  In order to avoid such inconvenience, the shielding walls 51 and 52 of the cover member 50 block the emitted light exceeding the half-value angle of the LEDs 5A and 5B of the independent light source 5. As an example, the light shielding surfaces of the shielding walls 51 and 52 have a structure in which the light that has been shielded is scattered and extinguished by making the surface look like a wrinkle process.

  Similarly, as described above, the reading light exceeding the half-value angle from the reading light source 40 of the image sensor 4 and the aiming light exceeding the half-value angle from the aiming light source 42 are shielded by the shielding plate member 43.

  Next, the optical path of the LED light from the reading light source 40, the aiming light source 42, and the independent light source 5 will be further considered with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 7A shows an optical path of reading light from the reading light source 40 of the image sensor 4. A part of the reading light within the half-value angle is light within the irradiation range indicated by the solid line, and a part of the light reflected by the reflecting plate 6 reaches the fluoroscopic window 3. There is no risk of returning to the sensor 4. However, light outside the irradiation range indicated by the solid line may be reflected by the see-through window 3 and further reflected by the reflecting plate 6 and returned to the image sensor 4 as indicated by the dotted line. Accordingly, reading light in such a range is blocked by the shielding plate member 43. In FIG. 7A, the length of the shielding plate member 43 is set so that light in a range not reflected by the reflecting plate 6 is shielded by the shielding plate member 43. For this reason, a part of the reading light from the reading light source 40 within the half-value angle is also shielded. However, since the necessary reading light reaches the fluoroscopic window 3, the barcode of the image sensor 4 is Reading is not affected.

  FIG. 7B shows an optical path from the aiming light source 42 of the image sensor 4. An optical path indicated by a solid line is an example of light within a half-value angle. Similar to FIG. 7A, there is no possibility of returning to the image sensor 4 from the reflection angle in the transparent window 3. On the other hand, aiming light exceeding the half-value angle of the aiming light source 42 may be reflected by the transparent window 3 and further reflected by the reflecting plate 6 and return to the image sensor 4, and is blocked by the shielding plate member 43 as in FIG. 7A. doing. Thereby, the influence on the image sensor 4 by aiming light is avoided.

  Here, the shielding plate member 43 will be described in detail. The shielding plate member 43 extends in front of the image sensor 4 and is disposed so as to cover the reading light source 40 and the aiming light source 42 from above. Its length and shape are configured to shield light exceeding the half-value angle of the reading light source 40 and the aiming light source 42 toward the transparent window 3 and to pass light within the half-value angle toward the reflection plate 6. In this embodiment, the shielding plate member 43 has a rectangular flat plate shape.

  8A and 8B are examples in which there is a problem in the optical path of the light of the LEDs 5A and 5B of the independent light source 5, respectively. In the example of FIG. 8A, it is a case where it is necessary to consider light exceeding the half-value angle of LED light. That is, in FIG. 8A, light exceeding the half-value angle from the LEDs 5A and 5B arranged in the front and rear rows of the independent light source 5 is reflected by the transparent window 3 and the reflecting plate 6 and enters the image sensor 4.

  FIG. 8B shows an example in which consideration is required for the arrangement of the image sensor 4 and the human sensor 21. The inclination angle of the see-through window 3 is set so that the customer (operator) can easily present the medium in which the code is recorded and the depth direction of the external device does not become long as shown in the figure. Therefore, the ideal angle is 45 degrees. However, from the arrangement relationship between the image sensor 4 and the human sensor 21, as shown in FIG. 8B, even the light within the half-value angle from the LED 5 </ b> A of the independent light source 5 is transmitted through the reflection plate 6 by the transparent window 3. The reflected light enters the image sensor 4 and the human sensor 21.

  On the other hand, FIGS. 9A and 9B are configuration examples that solve the above-described problems in FIGS. 8A and 8B.

  That is, in FIG. 9A, light exceeding the half-value angle of the LED is shielded by the shielding walls 51 and 52 of the cover member 50.

  Here, the cover member 50 and the shielding walls 51 and 52 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 3B, the cover member 50 is disposed between the transparent window 3 and the independent light source 5 when viewed from the front. The support part 50A formed at both ends of the cover member 50 is fixed at a predetermined position of the unit housing, and the shielding wall supported by the support part 50A at a position that blocks the optical path of light exceeding the half-value angle of the LEDs 5A and 5B. 51 and 52 are arranged.

  Thereby, the light within the half-value angle of the LEDs 5A and 5B is configured to pass toward the reflecting plate 6 without being blocked by the shielding walls 51 and 52. Further, as described above, the light blocking surfaces of the shielding walls 51 and 52 are configured to scatter and extinguish the light blocking the surface as a squeezing process. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9B, only the LED light within the half-value angle is reflected by the reflecting plate 6 and projected onto the see-through window 3.

  Further, in FIG. 9B, the arrangement of the image sensor 4 and the human sensor 21 is devised so that the light within the half-value angle does not directly enter the image sensor 4 and the human sensor 21. Does not occur.

[Second embodiment]
10A, 10B, and 10C are schematic views of the internal configuration of the code reader unit 22 of the second embodiment according to the present invention. 10A is a top view, FIG. 10B is a front view, and FIG. 10C is a side view.

  10A, FIG. 10B, and FIG. 10C, it has the human sensor 21 which detects presence of the person who adjoins with the image sensor 4 which reads the code | cord | chord information of the barcode shown to the fluoroscopic window 3 by the customer (operator). In this embodiment, the human sensor 21 is arranged in front of the image sensor 4 with respect to the see-through window 3.

  Further, in FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B, and FIG. 10C, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same functional parts as those in the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the image sensor 4 is the same as that shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Therefore, further explanation of duplication is omitted.

  In FIG. 10C, the unit indicated by reference numeral 7 is omitted in the first embodiment, but is used to connect the image sensor 4, the human sensor 21 and the independent light source 5 to a control unit (not shown). Connector. The same applies to the following explanatory drawings of embodiments.

  The feature of the second embodiment is that the human sensor 21 is arranged in front of the image sensor 4 with respect to the transparent window 3. Further, as shown in FIG. 11 showing the light flux from the human sensor 21, the direction of the human sensor 21 is directed downward. Thereby, the torso part of the customer (operator) who approaches through the fluoroscopic window 3 can be detected, and even if the height of the customer (operator) is low, the customer (operator) approaching more reliably can be detected. Presence can be detected.

  That is, in the second embodiment, the image sensor 4 and the independent light source 5 are arranged so that an optical path from the reflecting plate 6 toward the see-through window 3 is formed. The human sensor 21 is positioned in front of the image sensor 4 with respect to the see-through window 3, and is seen through without crossing the optical path from the image sensor 4 and the independent light source 5 to the reflector 6. It arrange | positions at the angle which projects an infrared light directly on the window 3. FIG.

  In the second embodiment, the positions and angles of the LEDs 5A and 5B and the image sensor 4 are set so that the projection light from the human sensor 21 and the optical path of the LED light do not overlap. The reflector 6 is configured to be inclined at a desired angle from the horizontal.

  Hereinafter, in the second embodiment, how to avoid reading light from the reading light source 40 of the image sensor 4 and light exceeding the half-value angle described above from the LEDs 5A and 5B of the independent light source 5 will be described. This will be described with reference to the side view.

  FIG. 12 shows an optical path of LED light from the LEDs 5A and 5B of the independent light source 5 in the second embodiment.

  FIG. 13 shows an optical path of light exceeding the half-value angle from the LEDs 5 </ b> A and 5 </ b> B of the independent light source 5. Light exceeding the half-value angle may be reflected by the see-through window 3 and further reflected by the reflecting plate 6 and input to the image sensor 4.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12, the shielding walls 51 and 52 supported by the support portion 50A of the cover member 50 block light exceeding the half-value angle of the LEDs 5A and 5B, respectively. Further, light that is irradiated in the vicinity of the image sensor 4 among light exceeding the half-value angle of the LED 5B (indicated by a one-dot chain line in the figure) is also blocked by the shielding plate member 43 that extends in front of the upper part of the image sensor 4. The

  With this configuration, as shown in FIG. 12, only light within the half-value angle reaches the viewing window 3 via the reflector 6 and avoids incidence to the image sensor 4.

  FIG. 14 shows an optical path of reading light emitted from the reading light source 40 of the image sensor 4.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a case where the reading light from the reading light source 40 exceeding the half-value angle is reflected by the transparent window 3 and the reflecting plate 6 and enters the image sensor 4 itself.

  In FIG. 15, when there is no shielding plate member 43 extending in front of the upper part of the image sensor 4, reading light exceeding the half-value angle indicated by the alternate long and short dash line enters the image sensor 4, but the shielding plate member 43. Therefore, reading light from the reading light source 40 exceeding the half-value angle is blocked. Thereby, it is avoided that the reading light emitted from the reading light source 40 is input to the image sensor 4.

  In addition, in FIG. 14, the length of the shielding plate member 43 is set so as to secure the optical path of the emitted light from the LED 5B from the positional relationship with the LED 5B, and the structure is bent in the middle. For this reason, a part of the reading light from the reading light source 40 within the half-value angle is also shielded. However, since the necessary reading light reaches the fluoroscopic window 3, the barcode of the image sensor 4 is Reading is not affected.

  FIG. 16 shows an example of an optical path of aiming light emitted from the aiming light source 42 of the image sensor 4.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a case where aiming light exceeding the half-value angle is reflected by the transparent window 3 and the reflection plate 6 and enters the image sensor 4 itself.

  In FIG. 17, when there is no shielding plate member 43 extending in front of the upper part of the image sensor 4, reading light exceeding the half-value angle indicated by the alternate long and short dash line enters the image sensor 4, but the shielding plate member 43. Therefore, aiming light from the aiming light source 42 exceeding the half-value angle is blocked. Thereby, aiming light emitted from the aiming light source 42 is prevented from being input to the image sensor 4.

  Here, in the said 1st and 2nd Example, about the light exceeding a half-value angle among the irradiation light of LED, the structure which shields an optical path with the cover member 50 and the shielding board member 43 was demonstrated, but a half-value angle It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a part of the light exceeding the upper limit is not shielded or a part of the light within the half-value angle is also shielded by appropriately changing the design value of the optical system.

  The optical central axes of the independent light source 5, the image sensor 4, and the human sensor 21 do not need to be aligned in the same vertical plane. The LEDs of the independent light sources 5 are arranged in a row of 8 × 2 rows in the horizontal direction with respect to the transparent window 3. In this example, the direction of the center of the independent light source 5 and the center axis of the image sensor 4 are aligned, but the axis of the human sensor 21 is deviated due to restrictions on arrangement. If each irradiation direction is directed to the fluoroscopic window 3, that is, if the irradiation light is within the range of the fluoroscopic window 3, there is no strict restriction.

  In addition, the human sensor is not a proximity sensor that uses infrared reflection, but a person recognition technology using an image sensor, so that the human sensor and the image sensor can be used in common, and further miniaturization of the device can be realized. it can.

[LED wavelength and human sensor wavelength]
In the first and second embodiments, reading light from the reading light source 40 of the image sensor 4, aiming light from the aiming light source 42, and light from the LEDs 5 </ b> A and 5 </ b> B of the independent light source 5 are incident on the image sensor 4. The configuration to avoid this was described.

  Here, when the reading light, aiming light, and further LED light are incident on the human sensor 21, there is a possibility that the human sensor 21 cannot normally detect the approach of the customer (operator).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 18, in the arrangement of the second embodiment, any LED of the independent light source 5, for example, the LED light from the LED 5 </ b> A is within the half-value angle by the reflector 6 and the transparent window 3. There is a possibility of being reflected and entering the human sensor 21.

  As a countermeasure in such a case, the following measures can be taken.

  First, the LED light interferes with the human sensor 21 by setting the incident LED light (red) to a wavelength that is not included in the wavelength region of the infrared rays projected from the human sensor 21 (wavelength: Max 630 nm). Can be avoided.

  As another measure, it is possible to provide the human sensor 21 with a wavelength filter to prevent the incidence of LED light.

[LED emission timing]
In the first and second embodiments, the reading light source 40 and the independent light source 5 of the image sensor 4 are driven on and off in synchronization. Further, when a medium that emits light as a medium presented in the fluoroscopic window 3, for example, a screen of a portable device emits light, an image read when both the reading light source 40 and the independent light source 5 are off is adopted. Recognize code information.

  In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the image sensor 4 includes the reading light source 40 has been described. However, when the reading light source 40 is not provided, the imaging timing of the image sensor 4 and the light emission of the LEDs 5A and 5B of the independent light source 5 are described. Synchronize. When the portable device is a medium, the same effect can be obtained by taking an image when the light emission of the LEDs 5A and 5B is off. Thereby, the code information displayed on the portable device can be recognized without reducing the contrast.

  On the other hand, in the case of a medium that does not emit light by itself, code information is recognized by adopting a read image when both the reading light source 40 and the independent light source 5 are on.

[Eliminating the effects of shadows on media such as paper]
In the first and second embodiments, when a code displayed on a paper such as a receipt is read, exposure is performed with reference to a portion darkened by the shadow in order to eliminate the influence of the shadow of the finger having the receipt. By adjusting the, the shadows can be captured clearly. When there is no finger shadow, the black part of the code is read against the white background of the paper, but when there is a finger shadow, the background of the black part of the code is dark and the contrast is low. Get smaller. In the exposure sensitivity in the state where the contrast without a finger is high, the low-contrast portion cannot be detected. Therefore, by correcting the exposure sensitivity based on the low-contrast portion, the effect of the independent light source 5 can be combined. Stable detection is possible. This is particularly effective for QR codes.

  As described above, according to the present invention, by integrating the human sensor in the code reader unit, the parts can be standardized and shared, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  In particular, by applying the present invention to the fuel oil sales apparatus, it is not necessary to secure a space for installing the human sensor on the operation surface, and the display screen can be widened. Furthermore, by sharing the see-through window for projecting the detection light of the human sensor and for reading the medium of the code reader, the cleaning work at the gas station can be reduced.

  Therefore, the present invention greatly contributes to the industry.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Oil supply machine 2 External apparatus 20 Display screen 21 Human sensor 22 Code reader unit 3 See-through window 4 Image sensor 5 Independent light source 5A, 5B LED
6 Reflector 7 Connector 40 Reading light source 41 Light receiving lens 42 Aiming light source 43 Shield plate member 50 Cover member 50A Support portions 51 and 52 Shield wall 51A Step

Claims (10)

A code reader unit for reading code information presented on a fluoroscopic window,
A human sensor for detecting the proximity of a person by detecting reflected light of the detection light projected through the fluoroscopic window;
An image sensor that reads code information recorded or displayed on a medium presented in the fluoroscopic window from the back side of the fluoroscopic window;
An independent light source for irradiating code information recorded or displayed on a medium presented in the fluoroscopic window from the back side of the fluoroscopic window;
A reflector that reflects light from the independent light source and guides it to the back side of the fluoroscopic window;
Of the light emitted from the independent light source, a cover member that blocks at least part of the light path that is not reflected by the reflector,
A code reader unit characterized by that. In claim 1,
The light of the optical path that is not reflected by the reflecting plate is light that exceeds the half-value width of the light emitted from the independent light source.
A code reader unit characterized by that. In claim 1 or 2,
The person detection sensor has a sensor element that projects infrared light and detects reflected light of the infrared light from a person in proximity through the fluoroscopic window,
The independent light source includes one or more LEDs that emit light that does not include infrared light.
A code reader unit characterized by that. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3,
The person detection sensor generates a trigger signal for activating the independent light source when detecting the proximity of a person;
A code reader unit characterized by that. In claim 3,
The image sensor and the independent light source are arranged so that an optical path from the reflector toward the viewing window is formed,
The person detection sensor is positioned behind the image sensor with respect to the fluoroscopic window, and is disposed at an angle at which the infrared light is directly projected onto the fluoroscopic window across the optical path.
A code reader unit characterized by that. In claim 3,
The image sensor and the independent light source are arranged so that an optical path from the reflector toward the viewing window is formed,
The person detection sensor is positioned in front of the image sensor with respect to the fluoroscopic window, and directly on the fluoroscopic window without crossing the optical path from the image sensor and the independent light source to the reflector. Arranged at an angle to project infrared light,
A code reader unit characterized by that. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 6,
The surface of the shielding wall of the cover member has a surface that scatters the irradiated light;
A code reader unit characterized by things. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 6,
The image sensor has a reading light source for reading code information of a medium presented in the fluoroscopic window, and the independent light source is turned on / off in synchronization with the reading light source.
A code reader unit characterized by that. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 6,
When the medium presented in the fluoroscopic window emits light on the display surface, the independent light source and the reading light source are turned off, and the code information displayed on the medium is read by the image sensor.
A code reader unit characterized by that. A fuel oil sales apparatus having a code reader unit for reading code information presented on a see-through window,
A refueling machine,
An external device provided integrally with the fueling machine,
The external device has a code reader unit and at least a display screen for guiding the operation of the code reader unit,
The code reader unit is
A code reader unit for reading code information presented on a fluoroscopic window,
A human sensor for detecting the proximity of a person by detecting reflected light of the detection light projected through the fluoroscopic window;
An image sensor that reads code information recorded or displayed on a medium presented in the fluoroscopic window from the back side of the fluoroscopic window;
An independent light source for irradiating code information recorded or displayed on a medium presented in the fluoroscopic window from the back side of the fluoroscopic window;
A reflector that reflects light from the independent light source and guides it to the back side of the fluoroscopic window;
Of the light emitted from the independent light source, a cover member that blocks at least part of the light path that is not reflected by the reflector,
A fuel oil sales apparatus characterized by that.