JP6623550B2 - Optical information reader - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical information reading device that optically reads information codes and character information such as one-dimensional codes and two-dimensional codes.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, at a cash register of a retail store or a convenience store, in order to read a one-dimensional code such as a bar code displayed on a product or the like, a bar code scanner using a line sensor as a light receiving unit is often used. The bar code scanner is provided with a reading port that is long in one direction to make it easier to read the bar code. Therefore, the bar code can be read by bringing the reading port into contact with the bar code so that the longitudinal direction of the reading port is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the bar code.

  In recent years, two-dimensional codes such as QR codes (registered trademark) have become widespread, and the introduction of code scanners capable of reading two-dimensional codes using an area sensor as a light receiving means has increased even at cash registers of retail stores and convenience stores. It is expected. Then, it is necessary to read a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code with one optical information reader, and as an optical information reader capable of optically reading both the one-dimensional code and the two-dimensional code, for example, An optical information reading device disclosed in Patent Literature 1 is known.

  The optical information reading apparatus is a hand-held type (so-called gun type), and has a substantially square reading port for taking in reflected light from an information code at a tip end portion of a main body case. The reflected light from the information code enters through the reading opening and forms an image on the area sensor, whereby the image of the information code is captured and decoded.

JP 2006-004353 A

  By the way, even if the number of cases of reading a two-dimensional code increases, for the time being, most of the objects to be read are considered to be one-dimensional codes (bar codes). Then, even an information code reader (optical information reader) capable of reading a two-dimensional code is required to be able to read a one-dimensional code by an operation similar to the operation of reading a conventional one-dimensional code.

  However, as disclosed in Patent Literature 1, if the reading opening is formed in a substantially square shape in order to read also a two-dimensional code, reading is performed particularly at a cash register of a retail store or a convenience store. When a wide one-dimensional code for a public utility bill is to be read, the shape of the reading port differs greatly from the one-dimensional code, so it is difficult to intuitively point the reader at the one-dimensional code. Become. For example, when reading labels with multiple bar coats displayed vertically on labels such as utility bills, order labels, and oden purchase labels, the reader faces a reading port that is significantly different from the bar coat in shape. There is a possibility that an unintended bar code above or below the bar code to be read is erroneously read. That is, since the operation of reading the one-dimensional code is different from the conventional operation, it is difficult to know where to bring the reading port when reading the one-dimensional code, and there is a problem that the usability is poor. Further, if the reading port is configured in accordance with the wide barcode as described above, there is a problem that the reading port becomes extremely large and the usability is poor.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and an object of the present invention is to read both a one-dimensional code and a two-dimensional code and to read a position where the one-dimensional code is read. An object of the present invention is to provide an optical information reading device whose mouth can be easily turned.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 of the present application is a method for optically converting information code (C) including one-dimensional code (C1) and two-dimensional code (C2) or character information (102). An optical information reading apparatus (10) for reading information, comprising: a housing having one end formed in a bent shape; and a reflection light (Lr) formed from the information code or character information formed at the one end. A reading port (13, 13a); light receiving means (28) for receiving the reflected light taken in through the reading port while the reading port is in contact with the information code or character information; Reading means (40) for reading the information code or character information based on a signal output from the light receiving means in response to light reception, wherein the reading opening has an opening area (S) having a first edge ( 1 ) Is defined as a first opening region (S1) having a longer side, and a second edge (15) facing the first edge and having a shorter length than the first edge is defined as one side. And a second opening area (S2), and a part of the housing that is held by a user and located at a lower end than a plane along a cross-sectional bottom of the lower case at the one end side. When a bent portion is formed, the light receiving means is located at a position in the housing deviating from the bent portion, and the light receiving area at the reading opening is the first edge and the second edge. An image forming lens arranged to coincide with a region having an outer edge, and forming an image of reflected light from the information code or the character information with respect to the light receiving unit. It is arranged so as to be positioned at the center of the first opening region Turkey The features.
In addition, the code | symbol in each said parenthesis shows the correspondence with the specific means described in embodiment mentioned later.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the reading port for taking in the reflected light from the information code or the character information has an opening area opposed to the first opening area having the first edge as a long side and the first edge. And a second opening region having a second edge shorter than the first edge as one side.

For this reason, the opening area of the reading port is formed from the first opening area that is longer in one direction and the second opening area that is shorter than the first opening area in this one direction. In other words, the reading opening is a rectangular information code, that is, a two-dimensional information code formed by a first opening area for reading an information code that is long in one direction, that is, a one-dimensional code, and a part of the first opening area. A second opening area for reading a code. Thus, when reading a one-dimensional code, the first opening area may be directed to the one-dimensional code, and when reading a two-dimensional code, a part of the first opening area and the second opening area May be directed to the two-dimensional code. Therefore, both the one-dimensional code and the two-dimensional code can be read, and the opening is long in one direction for directing the one-dimensional code. As a result, it is possible to realize the conventional readability, and it is possible to reliably read the one-dimensional code. Also, for example, even if the character information is long in one direction, such as character information displayed on a machine-readable passport, the first opening area is used to set a reading port at a position where the character information is read. Can be easily pointed.
In particular, the imaging lens that forms an image of the reflected light from the information code or the character information on the light receiving unit is arranged such that the imaging center is located at the center of the first opening area. Thereby, light is reliably received in the light receiving region corresponding to the first opening region, and thus the reading accuracy of the one-dimensional code or character information to which the first opening region is directed can be improved.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the light receiving means is configured such that the light receiving area thereof has a rectangular shape, and the reading means receives the reflected light taken in through the first opening area and the second opening area. The information code is read based on a signal output from the light receiving means in response to the information.

  When the first edge is defined as one side and a rectangular region including the first opening region and the second opening region is defined as a rectangular region, the rectangular region includes a first opening region and a second opening region. And a non-opening region different from the above. The light receiving means such as an area sensor, which is usually employed, has a rectangular light receiving area. Therefore, if the light receiving means and the reading port are arranged so that the light receiving area coincides with the rectangular area, the non-open area becomes The reflected light from the information code or the character information is not received in the light receiving area corresponding to.

  Therefore, by reading an information code or character information based on a signal output from the light receiving unit in response to the reception of the reflected light in a region corresponding to the first opening region and the second opening region in the light receiving region, Processing and the like in the image area corresponding to the non-opening area can be eliminated. As a result, not only can the processing load related to optical reading be reduced, but also the processing time can be reduced.

  According to the third aspect of the invention, the second opening region is formed in a rectangular shape such that another edge connected to the second edge is shorter than the first edge. That is, the reading opening has an opening area formed in a substantially T-shape. Thus, not only can the first opening area be easily directed to the one-dimensional code, but also the two-dimensional code opening area can be easily directed to the position where the two-dimensional code is read.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the second opening region is formed in a trapezoid so that a region line segment facing the second edge has the same length as the first edge. Thus, not only can the first opening area be easily directed to the one-dimensional code, but also the two-dimensional code opening area can be easily directed to the position where the two-dimensional code is read.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the information code captured through the first opening area and the second opening area or the information code based on a signal output from the light receiving means in response to receiving reflected light from character information is received. The state of reading and the state of reading one-dimensional code or character information based on a signal output from the light receiving means in response to receiving the reflected light from the one-dimensional code or character information taken in through the first opening region (hereinafter, referred to as “one-dimensional code”) , One-dimensional code reading mode).

  For this reason, when the information code is to be read only in one-dimensional code, if the reading port is turned to the one-dimensional code in the first opening area while the mode is switched to the one-dimensional code reading mode by the switching means. Good. As a result, not only can the reading opening be easily directed to the position where the one-dimensional code is read, but also the load to be read can be reduced and the time can be shortened because the target to be read becomes clear.

  In the invention according to claim 6, the switching means is further configured to receive the reflected light from the two-dimensional code or the character information taken in through the part of the first opening area and the second opening area from the light receiving means. It is configured to be switchable to a state of reading two-dimensional code or character information based on an output signal (hereinafter, also referred to as a two-dimensional code reading mode).

  Therefore, when the information code is to be read only by the two-dimensional code, the reading port is switched to the two-dimensional code reading mode by the switching means and the reading port is set to the two-dimensional code opening area (the first opening area). And a second opening area). As a result, not only can the reading opening be easily directed to the position where the two-dimensional code is read, but also the reading target is clarified, so that the load of the reading process and the time can be reduced.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the illumination means for irradiating the illumination light through the first opening area is provided, it is easy to receive the reflected light from the one-dimensional code or the character information directed to the first opening area. Therefore, it is possible to improve the reading accuracy of the one-dimensional code or character information to which the first opening area is directed.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, since the belt-like light is emitted as illumination light by the illumination means, it is easy to irradiate the one-dimensional code or the character information to be read with the illumination light, and the illumination light is used as the guide light. By functioning as, the reading opening can be easily directed to the one-dimensional code or the character information in the first opening area. This makes it easier to receive reflected light from the one-dimensional code or character information directed to the first opening region, and further improves the reading accuracy of the one-dimensional code or character information directed to the first opening region. Can be improved.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, since the illumination means for irradiating illumination light through a part of the first opening area and the second opening area is provided, the two-dimensional code opening area (the first opening area) is provided. (A part of the second opening area) and the reflected light from the character information directed to the second opening area can be easily received, so that the reading accuracy of the two-dimensional code or the character information directed to the second opening area is improved. Can be done.

According to the tenth aspect , the reading opening is formed so that the first opening area is slightly larger than the display area of the character information, so that the character information can be read even if the character information is long in one direction. The reading opening can be easily directed to the position.

It is a sectional view showing the composition outline of the optical information reader concerning a 1st embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating an opening area of a reading port as viewed from an X direction in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a main part of the optical information reading device of FIG. 1. FIG. 4A is an explanatory view showing a state in which the first opening area of the reading port is directed to the barcode, and FIG. 4B is a view showing the two-dimensional code opening area of the reading port directed to the QR code. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which was turned. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relationship between a light receiving region and a non-opening region in a modification of the first embodiment. It is a top view showing an opening field of a reading mouth in a 2nd embodiment. FIG. 7A is an explanatory view showing a state in which the first opening area of the reading port is directed to the barcode, and FIG. 7B is a view showing the two-dimensional code opening area of the reading port directed to the QR code. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which was turned. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relationship between a first opening area of a reading port and an image forming center in a fourth embodiment. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relationship between a first opening area of a reading port and an image forming center in a modification of the fourth embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the 1st opening area of a reading opening and illumination light in 5th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the opening area | region for 2D codes of a reading opening, and illumination light in the modification of 5th Embodiment. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relationship between a first opening area of a reading port and character information in a sixth embodiment. It is an explanatory view showing a display state of a passport. It is an explanatory view showing the relation between the 1st opening field of a reading mouth, and character information in a modification of a 6th embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment embodying an optical information reading device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of an optical information reading device 10 according to the first embodiment.
The optical information reading device 10 according to the present embodiment is configured as an information code reader that optically reads an information code such as a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code. Here, as the one-dimensional code, for example, a so-called barcode composed of JAN code, EAN, UPC, ITF code, CODE39, CODE128, NW-7, or the like is assumed. Further, as the two-dimensional code, for example, a rectangular information code such as a QR code, a data matrix code, a maxi code, and an Aztec code is assumed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the optical information reading device 10 has an outer shell formed by a housing configured by assembling an upper case 11 and a lower case 12, and a circuit portion 20a including various electric components and the like is provided in the housing. It is mounted and accommodated on the circuit board 20 and the like. The upper case 11 and the lower case 12 are molded members made of a synthetic resin such as an ABS resin. A reading port 13 is formed at one end of the upper case 11 and the lower case 12, and a cable attaching portion is formed at the other end. Is formed. One end side where the reading opening 13 is formed is formed in a bent shape that is greatly inclined forward to the back side. Thus, the reading port 13 can be easily applied to the information code attached to the reading object in a state where the user holds the optical information reading device 10 from the upper case 11 side.

Next, the detailed shape of the reading port 13 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an opening area of the reading port 13 viewed from the X direction in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the reading opening 13 has an opening region S having a rectangular first opening region having an upper edge 14 as a long side (see a region S1 surrounded by hatching in FIG. 2). A square second opening region (see a region S2 surrounded by cross-hatching in FIG. 2) having the lower edge 15 shorter than the upper edge 14 as an edge facing the upper edge 14; It is formed so that it consists of. The upper edge 14 may correspond to an example of a “first edge”, and the lower edge 15 may correspond to an example of a “second edge”.

  Therefore, the opening region S is formed from the first opening region S1 that is long in one direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 2) and the second opening region S2 that is shorter than the first opening region S1 in this one direction. In other words, the reading opening 13 has a rectangular information code formed by an information code that is long in one direction, that is, a first opening area S1 for reading a one-dimensional code and a part of the center of the first opening area S1. That is, a second opening area S2 for reading a two-dimensional code is provided. A region formed by a part of the center of the first opening region S1 and the second opening region S2 is referred to as a two-dimensional code opening region (S3: a region indicated by a broken line in FIG. 2). explain.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the second opening region S2 is formed in a rectangular shape such that the other edges 16 that are respectively continuous with the both ends of the lower edge 15 are shorter than the upper edge 14. That is, the opening area S is formed to be substantially T-shaped by the first opening area S1 and the second opening area S2.

  The reading opening 13 thus formed is held by the upper case 11 so that the inside of the upper edge 14 is brought into contact with or oriented so as to match the upper edge of the information code to be read. It is in a state where the reflected light can be captured.

Next, an electrical configuration of the optical information reading apparatus 10 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a main part of the optical information reading apparatus 10 of FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the circuit unit 20 a housed in the housing mainly includes an optical system such as an illumination light source 21, a light receiving sensor 28, an imaging lens 27, and a memory 35, a control circuit 40, and the like. A microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a "microcomputer").

  The optical system is divided into a light projecting optical system and a light receiving optical system. The illumination light source 21 constituting the light projecting optical system functions as illumination means capable of emitting the illumination light Lf, and includes, for example, a red LED 21a and a lens 21b provided on the emission side of the LED 21a. As can be seen from the illumination optical axis L1 shown in FIG. 1, the illumination light source 21 is arranged so as to emit the illumination light Lf so as to be inclined with respect to the imaging optical axis L2. This is because, when the illumination light Lf is irradiated in parallel to the imaging optical axis L2, the light is specularly reflected. FIG. 3 conceptually shows an example in which the illumination light Lf is emitted through the reading opening 13 toward the reading target R to which the information code C is attached.

  The light receiving optical system includes a light receiving sensor 28, an imaging lens 27, a reflecting mirror (not shown), and the like. The light receiving sensor 28 is configured as an area sensor in which light receiving elements, which are solid-state imaging elements such as C-MOS and CCD, are two-dimensionally arranged, and has a light receiving surface as a rectangular light receiving area 28a. It is configured. The light receiving sensor 28 is mounted on the circuit board 20 so as to be able to receive incident light that enters through the reading port 13, the protection plate 26, and the imaging lens 27. Note that the light receiving sensor 28 may correspond to an example of a “light receiving unit”.

  The imaging lens 27 functions as an imaging optical system capable of condensing incident light incident from the outside via the reading port 13 and forming an image on the light receiving surface of the light receiving sensor 28. In the present embodiment, after the illumination light Lf emitted from the illumination light source 21 is reflected by an information code, character information, or the like, the reflected light Lr is condensed by the imaging lens 27, and the code is formed on the light receiving surface of the light receiving sensor 28. An image or the like is formed.

  The microcomputer system includes an amplification circuit 31, an A / D conversion circuit 33, a memory 35, an address generation circuit 36, a synchronization signal generation circuit 38, a control circuit 40, a trigger switch 42, a buzzer 44, a vibrator 45, a light emitting section 46, and a communication interface 48. And so on. As the name implies, this microcomputer system mainly includes a control circuit 40 and a memory 35 that can function as a microcomputer (information processing device). Signal processing can be performed by hardware and software. The control circuit 40 also controls the entire system of the optical information reading device 10.

  The image signal (analog signal) output from the light receiving sensor 28 of the optical system is amplified by a predetermined gain by being input to the amplifier circuit 31, and then is input to the A / D conversion circuit 33. It is converted to a digital signal. Then, when the digitized image signal, that is, image data (image information) is input to the memory 35, it is stored in an image data storage area. The synchronizing signal generating circuit 38 is configured to generate a synchronizing signal for the light receiving sensor 28 and the address generating circuit 36, and the address generating circuit 36 is configured to generate a synchronizing signal based on the synchronizing signal supplied from the synchronizing signal generating circuit 38. Thus, the storage address of the image data stored in the memory 35 can be generated.

  The memory 35 is a semiconductor memory device, for example, a RAM (DRAM, SRAM, etc.) or a ROM (EPROM, EEPROM, etc.). In the RAM of the memory 35, in addition to the above-described image data storage area, a work area and a reading condition table used by the control circuit 40 in each processing such as arithmetic operation and logical operation can be secured. . In the ROM, a system program or the like capable of controlling each hardware such as the illumination light source 21 and the light receiving sensor 28 is stored in advance.

  The control circuit 40 is a microcomputer capable of controlling the entire optical information reading device 10 and includes a CPU, a system bus, an input / output interface, and the like, and can form an information processing device together with the memory 35 and has an information processing function. . The control circuit 40 is configured to be connectable to various input / output devices (peripheral devices) via a built-in input / output interface. In the case of the present embodiment, a trigger switch 42, a buzzer 44, a vibrator 45, a light emission The unit 46, the communication interface 48 and the like are connected. Thus, for example, monitoring and management of the trigger switch 42, turning on and off of a buzzer 44 capable of generating a beep sound and an alarm sound, and a vibrator 45 capable of generating a vibration that can be transmitted to a user of the optical information reading apparatus 10 Is controlled by the control circuit 40, and the communication control of the communication interface 48 that enables the light emitting unit 46 to be turned on and off, and enables communication with an external device.

  Next, a case where the information code C is read by using the optical information reading device 10 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4A is an explanatory view showing a state in which the first opening area S1 of the reading port 13 is directed to the barcode C1, and FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which turned the opening area S3 for dimension codes. 4A and 4B, the inner edge of the reading port 13 is indicated by a dashed line.

  When reading an information code such as a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code, the control circuit 40 performs a reading process as follows.

  First, illumination light Lf is emitted from the illumination light source 21 via the reading port 13 in response to the operation of the trigger switch 42, and the reflected light Lr reflected by the information code C is transmitted to the light receiving sensor 28 via the reading port 13. Then, based on the signal output from the light receiving sensor 28, image data including the information code C is generated. Then, a known decoding process (reading process) is performed on a code image corresponding to the information code C in the image data. By this processing, character data or the like coded as the information code C is decoded. Note that the control circuit 40 that executes the decoding process (reading process) can correspond to an example of a “reading unit”.

  When the decoding is successful, at least one of sounding of the buzzer 44, vibration of the vibrator 45, light emission of the light emitting unit 46, and the like is performed as a process of a notifying unit for notifying the decoding success. When decoding is successful based on image data generated based on a part of the signals output from the light receiving sensor 28, the remaining signals become unnecessary. In this case, by interrupting the processing after the generation of the image data based on the remaining signals, it is possible not only to reduce the processing load related to decoding (optical reading), but also to shorten the processing time.

  In particular, when reading a barcode C1 that is long in one direction, as shown in FIG. 4A, the inside of the upper edge 14 is aligned with the upper edge of the barcode C1, and the first opening area S1 is The light reflected from the barcode C1 is received while being directed toward or in contact with the barcode C1. The reading operation in which the elongated opening portion of the reading opening 13 is directed toward or in contact with the barcode C1, that is, the same operation as a conventional barcode scanner in which the elongated reading opening is directed to the barcode is performed. can do.

  When the QR code C2 is read as a two-dimensional code, as shown in FIG. 4B, the inside of the upper edge 14 is aligned with the upper edge of the QR code C2, and at least one other edge 16 is inside. Reflected light from the QR code C2 is received with the two-dimensional code opening area S3 facing the QR code C2 or in contact with the QR code C2 so as to match the side edge of the QR code C2. As described above, since the opening area S of the reading opening 13 is substantially T-shaped, even if an elongated opening portion is provided, the inside of the upper edge 14 and the other edge 16 is aligned with the edge of the two-dimensional code. Thus, the two-dimensional code opening area S3 can be easily directed to a rectangular two-dimensional code.

  As described above, in the optical information reading apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the reading opening 13 for taking in the reflected light from the information code has the opening area S whose first edge has the upper edge 14 as the long side. It is formed to include a region S1 and a second opening region S2 having a lower edge 15 shorter than the upper edge 14 as a side opposite to the upper edge 14.

  Thus, when reading a one-dimensional code, the first opening area S1 may be directed to the one-dimensional code. When reading a two-dimensional code, a part of the first opening area S1 and the second opening area S1 may be used. The two-dimensional code opening area S3 formed by the area S2 may be directed to the two-dimensional code. Therefore, both the one-dimensional code and the two-dimensional code can be read, and since there is a long opening area (S1) in one direction for directing the one-dimensional code, the reading port 13 is positioned at the position where the one-dimensional code is read. Can be easily turned, so that the conventional readability can be realized, and the one-dimensional code can be reliably read.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the light receiving region 28a and the non-opening region S4 in the modification of the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 5, when a rectangular area including the first opening area S1 and the second opening area S2 with the upper edge 14 of the reading port 13 as one side is defined as a rectangular area So, the rectangular area So Includes a non-opening region S4 different from the first opening region S1 and the second opening region S2. The light receiving means such as an area sensor or the like which is usually employed including the light receiving sensor 28 employed in the present embodiment has a rectangular light receiving area 28a. Therefore, if the light receiving means and the reading opening 13 are arranged so that the light receiving area 28a coincides with the rectangular area So, the reflected light from the information code is received in the light receiving area corresponding to the non-opening area S4. It will not be done.

  Therefore, in the decoding process by the control circuit 40, the signal output from the light receiving sensor 28 in response to the reception of the reflected light taken in through the first opening region S1 and the second opening region S2 except for the non-opening region S4. The information code is decoded based on the information code. As described above, decoding is performed based on the signal output from the light receiving sensor 28 in response to the reception of the reflected light in the areas corresponding to the first opening area S1 and the second opening area S2 in the light receiving area 28a. In addition, processing in an image area corresponding to the non-opening area S4 can be eliminated. Thus, not only can the processing load relating to decoding (optical reading) be reduced, but also the processing time can be reduced.

  In particular, in the substantially T-shaped opening area S, the non-opening area S4 can be enlarged while securing a rectangular opening area, so that the effect of eliminating processing or the like in the image area corresponding to the non-opening area S4 can be further improved. Can be enhanced.

  Except for the non-opening area S4, the characteristic configuration of decoding in accordance with the reception of the reflected light taken in through the first opening area S1 and the second opening area S2 can be applied to other embodiments described later. it can.

[Second embodiment]
Next, an optical information reading apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the opening area S of the reading opening 13a in the second embodiment. FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram showing a state where the first opening area S1 of the reading port 13a is directed to the barcode C1, and FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a two-dimensional code of the reading port 13a as the QR code C2. It is an explanatory view showing a state in which the use opening area S3 is turned.
The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in the shape of the opening area in the reading port. For this reason, components substantially the same as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the present embodiment, a reading opening 13a in which the second opening area S2 is formed in a trapezoidal shape is employed. Specifically, in the second opening area S2 of the reading opening 13a, the area line segment facing the lower edge 15 (see the reference numeral 17 indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 6) has the same length as the upper edge 14. It is formed in a trapezoidal shape. The region line segment 17 coincides with the lower region line segment of the first opening region S1.

  When reading the barcode C1 that is long in one direction, the inside of the upper edge 14 is aligned with the upper edge of the barcode C1, as shown in FIG. The light reflected from the barcode C1 is received while being directed toward or in contact with the barcode C1. When the QR code C2 is read as a two-dimensional code, as shown in FIG. 7B, the inside of the upper edge 14 is aligned with the upper edge of the QR code C2, and the two-dimensional code opening area S3 is read. Is reflected or received from the QR code C2 in a state where the is directed toward or in contact with the QR code C2.

  As described above, even when the second opening area S2 is the reading opening 13a formed in a trapezoidal shape, the first opening area S1 can be easily directed to the position where the one-dimensional code is read. In particular, since the second opening area S2 formed in a trapezoidal shape is larger than the second opening area in the first embodiment, the two-dimensional code opening area S3 is located at a position where a two-dimensional code is read. It can be easily pointed.

[Third embodiment]
Next, an optical information reading apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment mainly in that a signal taken in from a light receiving sensor 28 and used for a decoding process is selected according to an object to be read. For this reason, components substantially the same as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, in the reading process performed by the control circuit 40, the light receiving sensor 28 receives the reflected light from the information code captured through the first opening area S1 and the second opening area S2. A state in which the information code is decoded (read) based on the output signal (information code reading mode), and a light receiving sensor according to the reception of reflected light from the one-dimensional code taken in through the first opening area S1 And a state (one-dimensional code reading mode) of decoding (reading) the one-dimensional code based on the signal output from the signal.

  In the initial setting, the information code reading mode is set, and in the reading process performed by the control circuit 40, an information code including both a one-dimensional code and a two-dimensional code can be read.

  If the object to be read is only a one-dimensional code, in the reading process performed by the control circuit 40 in accordance with a predetermined operation or reading of an information code for mode switching, the one-dimensional code reading mode is used. Can be switched to Note that the control circuit 40 may correspond to an example of a “switching unit”.

  In this way, by turning the reading port 13 toward or contacting the one-dimensional code in the first opening area S1 in a state where the mode is switched to the one-dimensional code reading mode, the reading port 13 can be easily moved to the position where the one-dimensional code is read. In addition to being able to easily read, the load of the decoding process (reading process) can be reduced and the time can be shortened because the reading target is clarified.

  As a modified example of the present embodiment, the two-dimensional code is further determined based on a signal output from the light receiving sensor 28 in response to receiving the reflected light from the two-dimensional code captured via the two-dimensional code opening area S3. A decoding (reading) state (two-dimensional code reading mode) can be prepared.

  For this reason, when the object to be read is only a two-dimensional code, in the reading process performed by the control circuit 40 in accordance with a predetermined operation or reading of a mode switching information code, the two-dimensional code reading is performed. With the mode switched, the reading port 13 may be directed to the two-dimensional code in the two-dimensional code opening area S3. As a result, not only can the reading port 13 be easily directed to the position where the two-dimensional code is read, but also the load of the decoding process (reading process) can be reduced and the time can be shortened because the target to be read becomes clear.

  Note that the characteristic configuration of the present embodiment for selecting a signal to be used for decoding by taking in from the light receiving sensor 28 according to a reading target can be applied to other embodiments.

[Fourth embodiment]
Next, an optical information reading apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the first opening area S1 of the reading opening 13 and the image forming center P in the fourth embodiment.
The fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment mainly in that an image forming center (optical center) P is arranged so as to be located at the center of the first opening area S1. For this reason, components substantially the same as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, since the reading of the one-dimensional code is more important than the reading of the two-dimensional code, the imaging lens 27 that forms the reflected light from the information code on the light receiving sensor 28 as shown in FIG. The inclination of the imaging optical axis L2 is adjusted so that the imaging center P is located at the center of the first opening area S1.

  Accordingly, light is reliably received in the light receiving region corresponding to the first opening region S1, and the reading accuracy of the one-dimensional code can be improved.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the first opening area S1 of the reading opening 13a and the image forming center P in a modification of the fourth embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 9, even if the second opening area S2 is the trapezoidal reading opening 13a, the image forming center P is arranged so as to be located at the center of the first opening area S1. Thereby, the reading accuracy of the one-dimensional code can be improved.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, an optical information reading apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the first opening area S1 of the reading opening 13 and the illumination light Lf in the fifth embodiment.
The fifth embodiment is different from the first embodiment mainly in that stronger illumination light is applied to the first opening region S1. For this reason, components substantially the same as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the reading of the one-dimensional code is more important than the reading of the two-dimensional code. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, the illumination light Lf from the illumination light source 21 is emitted through the first opening area S1. It is configured to: In particular, the illumination light source 21 is configured to irradiate band-shaped light (substantially linear light) as the illumination light Lf.

  This makes it easier for the light-receiving sensor 28 to receive the reflected light Lr from the one-dimensional code that is directed or brought into contact with the first opening area S1, so that the one-dimensional code reading accuracy can be improved.

  In particular, since the illumination light source 21 emits the band-shaped light as the illumination light Lf, the illumination light Lf not only easily irradiates the one-dimensional code to be read but also functions as the guide light. Thus, the reading opening 13 can be easily directed to the one-dimensional code in the first opening area S1. This makes it easier to receive the reflected light Lr from the one-dimensional code directed to the first opening area S1, so that the reading accuracy of the one-dimensional code can be further improved.

  Note that even in the optical information reading apparatus 10 employing the reading opening 13a in which the second opening area S2 is formed in a trapezoidal shape as in the second embodiment, the illumination light source 21 emits a band-like illumination light Lf. Is configured to be irradiated through the first opening region S1, thereby achieving the above-described effect.

  The illumination light Lf is not limited to being emitted from the illumination light source 21 as band-shaped light, and may be emitted so as to uniformly brighten the entire first opening region S1.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between the two-dimensional code opening area S3 of the reading port 13 and the illumination light Lf in a modification of the fifth embodiment.
When reading of the two-dimensional code is more important than reading of the one-dimensional code, as shown in FIG. 11, illumination light Lf having a rectangular cross section is emitted from the illumination light source 21 via the two-dimensional code opening area S3. It may be constituted so that it may be.

  In this case, the reflected light Lr from the two-dimensional code directed to the two-dimensional code opening area S3 can be easily received by the light receiving sensor 28, so that the reading accuracy of the two-dimensional code can be improved. In particular, since the illumination light Lf having a rectangular cross section functions as guide light, the reading port 13 can be easily directed to the two-dimensional code in the two-dimensional code opening area S3.

  In the fifth embodiment and its modifications, the illumination state of the illumination light source 21 may be controlled according to a predetermined input operation. For example, when reading a two-dimensional code in a state where the belt-shaped illumination light Lf is irradiated via the first opening area S1, the illumination light Lf may be turned off, or the illumination light Lf having a rectangular cross section may be used. May be irradiated through the two-dimensional code opening area S3. Further, when the one-dimensional code is read in a state where the illumination light Lf having a rectangular cross section is irradiated through the two-dimensional code opening area S3, the illumination light Lf may be turned off, or the belt-like illumination light may be turned off. Lf may be irradiated through the first opening region S1.

[Sixth embodiment]
Next, an optical information reading apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the first opening area S1 of the reading port 13 and the character information 102 in the sixth embodiment. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of the passport 100.
The sixth embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in that not only information codes such as one-dimensional codes and two-dimensional codes but also character information are read. For this reason, components substantially the same as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the optical information reading apparatus 10 has a function as an information code reader that optically reads an information code imaged as described above, and further includes a character imaged (received) using the light receiving sensor 28 or the like. It is configured to have a well-known symbol recognition processing function (OCR) for recognizing information and the like. That is, the optical information reading apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is configured as an information reading apparatus that optically reads information codes or character information including one-dimensional codes and two-dimensional codes.

  As the character information to be optically read, for example, character information 102 displayed on a machine-readable passport 100 as illustrated in FIG. 13 is assumed. The character information 102 is information corresponding to personal information such as nationality and name displayed on the display surface 101 of the passport 100, and is displayed in a lower column for a face photograph or name on the display surface 101. ing.

  Particularly, in the present embodiment, the distance W1 between the outer surfaces of the side edges 18a and 18b (see FIG. 12) connected to both ends of the upper edge 14 is equal to the side edge 101a of the passport 100 and the side edge 101a. It is formed so as to substantially coincide with a distance W2 (see FIG. 13) with respect to 101b. For this reason, the reading opening 13 is formed such that the first opening area S1 is slightly larger in the longitudinal direction than the area where the character information 102 is displayed (hereinafter, also referred to as the character display area 103).

  Therefore, both outer surfaces of both side edges 18a and 18b of the reading port 13 are aligned with the side edges 101a and 101b of the passport 100, and the inside of the upper edge 14 is aligned with the upper edge of the character display area 103 of the character information 102 (FIG. 12), the reflected light from the character information 102 is received via the first opening area S1, and the character information 102 is read using the OCR technique.

  As described above, since the reading opening 13 is formed so that the first opening area S1 is slightly larger in the longitudinal direction than the character display area 103 of the character information 102, the reading opening 13 is the character information 102 that is long in one direction. However, the reading port 13 can be easily directed to the position where the character information 102 is read.

  The character information to be optically read is not limited to the character information 102 displayed on the passport 100, but may be, for example, character information displayed on another display medium such as a ticket or a coupon. Further, the character information is not limited to being received (imaged) through the first opening area S1, but may be received (imaged) through the second opening area S2, or the first opening area. Light may be received (imaged) through both S1 and the second opening area S2.

  Further, the characteristic configuration of the present embodiment in which not only the information code but also the character information is read using the OCR technology or the like can be applied to other embodiments. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 14, even if the second opening area S2 is a reading opening 13a (second embodiment) having a trapezoidal shape, not only information codes but also characters Information can also be read.

[Other embodiments]
Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications, and may be embodied as follows, for example.
(1) The reading opening for taking in the reflected light from the information code or the character information is not limited to being formed like the substantially T-shaped reading opening 13 or the substantially trapezoidal reading opening 13a. The opening region S is a first opening region having the first edge as a long side, and an edge facing the first edge, the length being shorter than the first edge, such as a shape. And a second opening region having the second edge as one side. Even in this case, since the reading port can be easily pointed at the position where the one-dimensional code or character information is read, it is possible to realize the conventional easiness of reading, and the one-dimensional code or character information is reliably read. be able to.

(2) The reading ports 13 and 13a according to the present invention are not limited to being used in an optical information reading apparatus having a bent housing having one end where the reading port is formed is inclined forward greatly toward the back side. For example, the present invention may be applied to an optical information reading device having a housing formed in a substantially box shape.

10 Optical information reading device 13, 13a Reading port 14 Upper edge (first edge)
15 Bottom edge (second edge)
21. Illumination light source (illumination means)
28: Light receiving sensor (light receiving means)
40 control circuit (reading means)
100 passport 102 character information 103 character display area S opening area S1 first opening area S2 second opening area S3 opening area for two-dimensional code C information code C1 bar code (one-dimensional code )
C2: QR code (two-dimensional code)

Claims (10)

An optical information reading device that optically reads information codes or character information including one-dimensional codes and two-dimensional codes,
A housing having one end formed in a bent shape;
A reading port formed on the one end side to capture reflected light from the information code or character information;
A light receiving unit that receives the reflected light captured through the reading port in a state where the reading port is in contact with the information code or the character information,
Reading means for reading the information code or character information based on a signal output from the light receiving means in response to receiving the reflected light,
The reading opening has a first opening region having an opening region having a first edge as a long side, and a second opening region having an edge facing the first edge and having a shorter length than the first edge. And a second opening region having the edge of the as one side, and
When the part on the one end side located below the plane along the cross-sectional bottom of the lower case in the part gripped by the user in the housing is a bent part,
The light receiving unit is located at a position in the housing deviating from the bent portion, and a light receiving area at the reading port coincides with a region having the first edge and the second edge as outer edges. It is arranged to,
An imaging lens for imaging reflected light from the information code or character information on the light receiving unit,
The imaging lens, an optical information reading apparatus according to claim Rukoto are arranged such imaging center is positioned at the center of the first opening region. The light receiving means is configured such that the light receiving area is rectangular,
The reading unit reads the information code or the character information based on a signal output from the light receiving unit in response to receiving the reflected light taken in through the first opening region and the second opening region. The optical information reading device according to claim 1, wherein:   3. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the second opening region is formed in a rectangular shape such that another edge connected to the second edge is shorter than the first edge. 4. Information reader.   The said 2nd opening area is formed in trapezoid so that the area | region line segment facing the said 2nd edge may become the same length as the said 1st edge, The said 1st or 2nd characterized by the above-mentioned. The optical information reading device as described in the above.   The information code or the character information is read based on a signal output from the light receiving unit in response to the reception of the reflected light from the information code or the character information taken in through the first opening area and the second opening area. A state in which a one-dimensional code or character information is read based on a signal output from the light-receiving means in response to reception of reflected light from the one-dimensional code or character information taken in through the first opening region; The optical information reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a switching unit configured to switch between (i) and (ii).   The switching means is further output from the light receiving means in response to receiving reflected light from a two-dimensional code or character information taken in through a part of the first opening area and the second opening area. The optical information reading device according to claim 5, wherein the optical information reading device is configured to be switchable to a state where two-dimensional code or character information is read based on a signal.   The optical information reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an illumination unit configured to irradiate the information code or the character information with illumination light through the first opening area. .   8. The optical information reading apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the illuminating unit irradiates a belt-like light as the illuminating light.   7. An illumination device according to claim 1, further comprising: illumination means for irradiating the information code or the character information with illumination light through a part of the first opening area and the second opening area. The optical information reading device according to claim 1.   The optical information according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the reading opening is formed such that the first opening area is slightly larger than a display area of the character information. Reader.

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