JP6867423B2 - Optical information reader - Google Patents

Description

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

Conventionally, in retail stores, convenience stores, and the like, 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 means is often adopted. The barcode scanner is provided with a reading port long in one direction to facilitate reading of the barcode. For this reason, an operation method in which the reading port is brought into contact with the barcode so as to align the longitudinal direction of the reading port with the longitudinal direction of the barcode is widely used.

In recent years, two-dimensional codes such as QR codes (registered trademarks) have become widespread, and it is expected that the introduction of code scanners that can read two-dimensional codes using area sensors as light receiving means will increase at retail stores and convenience stores. Will be done. Then, it is necessary to read the one-dimensional code or the two-dimensional code with one optical information reading device, and as an optical information reading device capable of optically reading both the one-dimensional code and the two-dimensional code, for example, the following An optical information reading device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known.

This optical information reading device is a device capable of indicating to the user the range in which the information code can be read by the marker light projected on the display medium. The light receiving sensor of this optical information reader is arranged so that its light receiving axis is parallel to the light emitting axis of the marker light source and deviates from the optical axis of the imaging lens by a predetermined offset amount in the direction away from the marker light source. Has been done. As a result, the optical axis of the reading optical system passing through the principal point of the imaging lens is aligned with the intersection of the light emitting axis of the marker light source and the information code.

JP-A-2009-042820

By the way, the user usually performs the reading operation without being aware of which of the area sensor and the line sensor is adopted as the light receiving means. Therefore, even when the user reads a one-dimensional code using an optical information reading device using an area sensor, the user can operate the optical information reading device using a conventional line sensor that he / she is accustomed to. Will be applied. Then, as in the optical information reading device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the area sensor is arranged so that the center of the readable range to which the reading port is directed is suitable for reading the information code. If this is the case, there is a possibility that the reading operation may be performed with the opening area portion of the opening area constituting the reading port, which is not suitable for reading the one-dimensional code, directed to the one-dimensional code.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to be able to read both a one-dimensional code and a two-dimensional code, and to improve the reading performance particularly for a one-dimensional code. The purpose is to provide an optical information reader.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 of the claims optically opticals an information code (C) or character information (102) including a one-dimensional code (C1) and a two-dimensional code (C2). An optical information reading device (10) that is formed on one end side of an optical information reading device (10) and has a bent neck shape, and is formed on the one end side to capture reflected light (Lr) from the information code or character information. A reading port (13, 13a, 13b), a light receiving means (28) that receives the reflected light taken in through the reading port with the reading port in contact with the information code or character information, and the light receiving device (28). The information code or character is based on an imaging lens (27) that forms an image of the reflected light from the information code or character information on the means and a signal output from the light receiving means in response to the light reception of the reflected light. A reading means (40) for reading information is provided, and the opening region (S) of the reading port is a first rectangular shape having a first edge (14) of the peripheral edges constituting the reading port as one side. The imaging lens is composed of an aperture region (S1) of the above and a second aperture region (S2) having a second edge (15) facing the first edge as one side, and the imaging lens is combined with the light receiving means. The first opening region is provided together with the light receiving means so that the imaging center is located at the center (P1) of the first opening region from the state where the imaging center is located at the center of the opening region. The first edge is arranged so as to be horizontal to the plane containing the light and move relative to the first opening region, and the first edge grips the optical information reading device in the peripheral edge of the reading port. It is characterized in that it is located on the lower side when viewed from the user.
The reference numerals in the parentheses indicate the correspondence with the specific means described in the embodiments described later.

In the invention of claim 1, the reading port for taking in the reflected light from the information code or character information has a first opening area whose opening area is one side of the first edge of the peripheral edge constituting the reading port. And a second aperture region having a second edge facing the first edge as one side, and an imaging lens that forms an image of the reflected light from the information code or character information on the light receiving means receives light. A set is provided together with the means so that the imaging center is located at the center of the first aperture region from the state where the imaging center is located at the center of the aperture region on the plane including the first aperture region together with the light receiving means. On the other hand, it is horizontal and is arranged so as to be relatively moved in a direction approaching the first opening region.

As a result, when reading a one-dimensional code, by pointing the reading port so as to cover the one-dimensional code from the first edge, the first opening area suitable for reading the information code faces the one-dimensional code. , The reflected light from the one-dimensional code can be suitably imaged on the light receiving means. On the other hand, when reading the two-dimensional code, the entire 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 reading performance particularly for the one-dimensional code can be improved. Further, for example, even if the character information is displayed on a machine-readable passport, the reading performance of the character information can be improved by using the first opening area.

In the invention of claim 2 , the information code or the information code or the information code based on the signal output from the light receiving means in response to the light reception of the reflected light from the character information or the information code taken in through the first opening region and the second opening region. A state in which character information is read and a state in which the one-dimensional code or character information is read based on a signal output from the light receiving means in response to the reception of reflected light from the one-dimensional code captured through the first aperture region (hereinafter referred to as. , Also referred to as a one-dimensional code reading mode), and a switching means for switching between the two is provided.

Therefore, when the information code is read only by the one-dimensional code, the first opening region may be directed to the one-dimensional code in a state of being switched to the one-dimensional code reading mode by the switching means. As a result, not only the reflected light from the one-dimensional code can be suitably imaged on the light receiving means, but also the reading target becomes clear, so that the load of the reading process can be reduced and the time can be shortened.

In the invention of claim 3 , since the lighting means for irradiating the illumination light through the first opening region is provided, it is easy to receive the reflected light from the one-dimensional code or character information directed to the first opening region. Therefore, the reading performance regarding the one-dimensional code or character information to which the first opening region is directed can be further improved.

In the invention of claim 4, since the band-shaped light is irradiated as the illumination light by the illumination means, not only the illumination light can be easily irradiated to the one-dimensional code or the character information to be read, but also the illumination light is the guide light. By functioning as, it becomes easy to point the reading port at the one-dimensional code or character information in the first opening region. This makes it easier to receive the reflected light from the one-dimensional code or character information directed to the first opening region, so that the reading performance regarding the one-dimensional code or character information directed to the first opening region can be improved. It can be further improved.

In the invention of claim 5 , since the illumination means is arranged so that the irradiation direction of the illumination light intersects the optical axis of the imaging lens, the degree of freedom with respect to the position of the illumination means with respect to the light receiving means and the imaging lens is increased. , Space saving, that is, it is possible to easily reduce the size of the optical information reading device. In particular, when the irradiation direction of the illumination light is arranged in a place where the reflected light from the display medium such as a paper on which the information code or the character information is displayed does not directly return to the imaging optical axis, the illumination light is placed on the display medium. Since the specular reflection of the light is suppressed, the accuracy of reading and recognition can be improved.

In the invention of claim 6 , since the reading port is formed so that the first edge is longer than the second edge, the first opening region which is long in one direction and the first opening in this one direction. The opening region of the reading port is formed from the second opening region shorter than the region. Since the one-dimensional code becomes long in the cell arrangement direction (reading direction), it becomes easy to intuitively direct the first opening region formed long in one direction to the one-dimensional code. Further, when reading the two-dimensional code, the opening area for the two-dimensional code formed by a part of the first opening region and the second opening region 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 area long in one direction for pointing to the one-dimensional code makes it easy to point the reading port at the position where the one-dimensional code is read. Therefore, it is possible to realize the conventional readability and further improve the reading performance of the one-dimensional code. Further, even if the character information is long in one direction such as the character information displayed on a machine-readable passport, the reading port is set to the position where the character information is read by using the first opening area. It can be easily turned.

In the invention of claim 7 , the light receiving means is configured so that the light receiving region thereof is rectangular, and the reading means receives the reflected light captured through the first opening region and the second opening region. The information code or character information is read based on the signal output from the light receiving means according to the above.

When the square region including the first opening region and the second opening region is defined as a square region with the first edge as one side, the square region includes the first opening region and the second opening region. A non-open area different from the above will be included. Since the light receiving means of an area sensor or the like that is usually adopted has a rectangular light receiving region, when the light receiving means and the reading port are arranged so that the light receiving region coincides with the square region, the non-opening region The reflected light from the information code or character information is not received in the light receiving area corresponding to.

Therefore, the information code or character information is read based on the signal output from the light receiving means in response to the light received by the reflected light in the first opening area and the second opening area of the light receiving area. It is possible to eliminate processing in the image area corresponding to the non-aperture area. As a result, not only the processing load related to optical reading can be reduced, but also the processing time can be shortened.

In the invention of claim 8 , since the reading port is formed so that the first opening area is slightly larger than the display area of the character information, the character information can be read even if the character information is long in one direction. The reading port can be easily pointed with respect to the position.

It is sectional drawing which shows the structural outline of the optical information reading apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a top view which shows the opening area of the reading port seen from the X direction of FIG. It is a block diagram which schematically exemplifies the main part of the optical information reading apparatus of FIG. It is sectional drawing explaining the positional relationship between the illumination light source and the virtual visual field range by a display medium. FIG. 5 (A) is an explanatory view showing an arrangement in which the imaging center is located at the center of the first aperture region, and FIG. 5 (B) shows an arrangement in which the imaging center is located at the center of the aperture region. It is explanatory drawing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the arrangement which the image formation optical axis is inclined with respect to the plane including the 1st aperture region. FIG. 7A is an explanatory view showing a state in which the reading port is directed so that the first edge is located on the lower side of the barcode, and FIG. 7B is an explanatory view showing a state in which the reading port is directed to the barcode. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which turned the opening area of. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the opening area of a reading port is directed to a QR code. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the 1st opening area of a reading port and illumination light in 3rd Embodiment. It is a top view which shows the opening area of the reading port in 4th Embodiment. It is a top view which shows the opening area of the reading port in the 1st modification of 4th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the light receiving area and the non-opening area in the 2nd modification of 4th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the 1st opening area of a reading port and character information in 5th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display state of a passport. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the 1st opening area of a reading mouth, and character information in the 1st modification of 5th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the 1st opening area of a reading mouth, and character information in the 2nd modification of 5th Embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the first embodiment embodying the optical information reading device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of the configuration of the optical information reading device 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an opening region of the reading port 13 as viewed from the X direction of FIG.
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 bar code composed of JAN code, EAN, UPC, ITF code, CODE39, CODE128, NW-7, etc. is assumed. Further, as the two-dimensional code, for example, a square information code such as a QR code, a data matrix code, a maxi code, or an Aztec code is assumed.

As shown in FIG. 1, the optical information reading device 10 has an outer shell formed by a housing formed by assembling the upper case 11 and the lower case 12, and a circuit portion 20a composed of various electric components and the like is formed in the housing. It is mounted and housed on a circuit board 20 or the like. The upper case 11 and the lower case 12 are molded members made of synthetic resin such as ABS resin, and a reading port 13 is formed on one end side of the upper case 11 and the lower case 12, and a cable mounting portion is formed on the other end side. Is formed. One end side on which the reading port 13 is formed is formed in a bent neck shape that greatly tilts forward toward the back surface side. This makes it easier for the user to hit the reading port 13 on the information code attached to the object to be read while the user holds the optical information reading device 10 from the upper case 11 side.

As shown in FIG. 2, the reading port 13 is formed so as to have a rectangular opening region S. The reading port 13 formed in this way is inside an edge (hereinafter, also referred to as an upper edge 14) located on the upper side (back side) of the gripped user in a state of being gripped from the upper case 11 side. Is brought into contact with or directed so as to match the upper edge of the information code to be read, so that the reflected light from the information code can be taken in. A rectangular first opening region (see region S1 surrounded by hatching in FIG. 2) having an upper edge 14 as one side of the peripheral edge constituting the reading port 13 and a lower edge facing the upper edge 14 The above-mentioned rectangular opening region S will be described below from the rectangular second opening region having 15 as one side (see the region S2 surrounded by cross-hatching in FIG. 2).

Next, the electrical configuration of the optical information reading device 10 will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a main part of the optical information reading device 10 of FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the positional relationship between the illumination light source 21 and the virtual visual field range α by the display medium R.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the circuit unit 20a housed in the housing mainly includes an optical system such as an illumination light source 21, a light receiving sensor 28, and an imaging lens 27, a memory 35, a control circuit 40, and the like. It is equipped with a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as "microcomputer") system.

The optical system is divided into a light projecting optical system and a light receiving optical system. The illumination light source 21 constituting the projection optical system functions as an illumination means capable of emitting the illumination light Lf, and is composed of, 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 irradiate the illumination light Lf so as to be inclined with respect to the imaging optical axis L2. In particular, as shown in FIG. 4, the illumination light source 21 mirror-reflects on the display medium R with respect to the virtual field of view α by the display medium R that mirror-reflects like a paper surface on which the information code is displayed. It is arranged so as not to be located within this virtual visual field range α in order to suppress the above.

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 that are solid-state image pickup elements such as C-MOS and CCD are arranged two-dimensionally, and has a light receiving surface as a rectangular light receiving region 28a. It is configured. The light receiving sensor 28 is mounted on the circuit board 20 so as to be able to receive the incident light incident through the reading port 13, the protective plate 26, and the imaging lens 27. The light receiving sensor 28 can correspond to an example of the "light receiving means".

The imaging lens 27 functions as an imaging optical system capable of condensing incident light incident from the outside through 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, optical information, or the like, the reflected light Lr is focused by the imaging lens 27 and is collected on the light receiving surface of the light receiving sensor 28. A code image or the like is formed.

Here, the arrangement of the imaging lens 27 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. Note that FIG. 5A is an explanatory view showing an arrangement in which the imaging center is located at the center P1 of the first opening region S1, and FIG. 5B is an imaging center at the center P of the opening region S. It is explanatory drawing which shows the arrangement which is located. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an arrangement in which the imaging optical axis L2 is tilted with respect to a plane including the first aperture region S1.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the imaging lens 27 is arranged so that the imaging center is located at the center P1 of the first aperture region S1. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5 (B), an imaging lens 27 arranged so that the imaging center is located at the center P of the aperture region S is provided together with the light receiving sensor 28 in the first aperture region S1. By moving the image in a direction that is horizontal to the plane including the first aperture region S1 and approaches the first aperture region S1 (see the arrow in FIG. 5A), the imaging center of the imaging lens 27 is moved to the first aperture region. It is close to the center P1 of S1.

In particular, as can be seen from FIG. 5A, the imaging lens 27 has a plane (in FIG. 5A) in which the optical axis (imaging optical axis L2) of the imaging lens 27 includes the first aperture region S1. It is arranged so as to be orthogonal to F1) indicated by the alternate long and short dash line.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6, it is assumed that the imaging lens 27 is arranged so that the imaging optical axis L2 is tilted without being orthogonal to the plane F1 including the first aperture region S1. In this case, the opening region portion (see Sa in FIG. 6) located on one side toward the upper edge 14 and the opening region located on the other side toward the lower edge 15 with respect to the center P1 of the first opening region S1. The distance at which the best focus is obtained changes depending on the portion (see Sb in FIG. 6). In FIG. 6, the two-dot chain line F2 shows the planes at which the best focus distances are equal. In such an arrangement configuration, for example, the upper part of the information code may be in the imaging state at a distance longer than the best focus, while the lower part of the information code may be in the imaging state at a shorter distance than the best focus. is there. In such an imaging state, decoding of the information code may fail.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5A, the imaging lens 27 is arranged so that the imaging optical axis L2 is orthogonal to the plane including the first aperture region S1. Therefore, the distance of the best focus is constant regardless of the position of the aperture region portion, and the deterioration of the reading performance due to the change of the distance of the best focus is prevented.

The microcomputer system includes an amplifier 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 unit 46, and a communication interface 48. And so on. As the name implies, this microcomputer system is composed mainly of a control circuit 40 and a memory 35 that can function as a microcomputer (information processing device), and hardware the image signal of the information code captured by the above-mentioned optical system. It can process signals in terms of 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 input to the A / D conversion circuit 33 from the analog signal. 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 the image data storage area. The synchronization signal generation circuit 38 is configured to be capable of generating a synchronization signal for the light receiving sensor 28 and the address generation circuit 36, and the address generation circuit 36 is based on the synchronization signal supplied from the synchronization signal generation circuit 38. Therefore, the storage address of the image data stored in the memory 35 can be generated.

The memory 35 is a semiconductor memory device, and for example, a RAM (DRAM, SRAM, etc.) or a ROM (EPROM, EEPROM, etc.) corresponds to this. In addition to the image data storage area described above, the RAM of the memory 35 is configured to be able to secure a work area and a read condition table used by the control circuit 40 at each process such as arithmetic operation and logical operation. .. Further, the ROM stores in advance a system program and the like capable of controlling each hardware such as the illumination light source 21 and the light receiving sensor 28.

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. It can form an information processing device together with a 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 this embodiment, the trigger switch 42, the buzzer 44, the vibrator 45, and the light emitting light are emitted. The unit 46, the communication interface 48, and the like are connected. Thereby, for example, monitoring and management of the trigger switch 42, on / off of the sound of the buzzer 44 capable of generating a beep sound or an alarm sound, and a vibrator 45 capable of generating vibration that can be transmitted to the user of the optical information reading device 10. The control circuit 40 performs drive control, lighting of the light emitting unit 46, non-lighting, and communication control of the communication interface 48 that 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 FIGS. 7 and 8. Note that FIG. 7A is an explanatory view showing a state in which the reading port 13 is directed so that the upper edge 14 is located below the barcode C1, and FIG. 7B is a diagram for reading the barcode C1. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the 1st opening area S1 of a mouth 13 was directed. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the opening region S of the reading port 13 is directed to the QR code C2. In addition, in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the inner edge of the reading port 13 is indicated by a alternate long and short dash line. Further, in FIG. 7, the first opening region S1 is shown by a broken line.

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

First, the illumination light Lf is emitted from the illumination light source 21 through 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 sent to the light receiving sensor 28 via the reading port 13. When the light is received, image data including the information code C is generated based on the signal output from the light receiving sensor 28. Then, a known decoding process (reading process) is performed on the code image corresponding to the information code C in the image data. By this process, the character data or the like encoded as the information code C is decoded. The control circuit 40 that executes the decoding process (reading process) can correspond to an example of the "reading means".

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

In particular, when reading a barcode C1 that is long in one direction, as shown in FIG. 7A, the reading port 13 is directed so that the upper edge 14 is located below the barcode C1 when viewed from the user. After that, the reading port 13 is moved upward (see the arrow in FIG. 7A) toward the barcode C1 while looking at the barcode C1. Then, as shown in FIG. 7B, the inside of the upper edge 14 is aligned with the upper edge of the barcode C1, and the first opening region S1 is directed to or in contact with the barcode C1. Receives the reflected light from C1. As a result, when reading the barcode C1, the first opening region S1 suitable for reading the information code can be directed to the barcode C1.

When reading the QR code C2 as a two-dimensional code, as shown in FIG. 8, the inside of the upper edge 14 is aligned with the upper edge of the QR code C2, and the entire opening area S is directed toward the QR code C2. The reflected light from the QR code C2 is received in the contacted state.

As described above, in the optical information reading device 10 according to the present embodiment, the reading port 13 that takes in the reflected light from the information code C has the opening region S of the peripheral edge that constitutes the reading port 13. It is composed of a first opening region S1 having an upper edge (first edge) 14 as one side and a second opening region S2 having a lower edge (second edge) 15 facing the upper edge 14 as one side. The imaging lens 27 that forms an image of the reflected light Lr from the information code C on the light receiving sensor 28 is arranged so that the imaging center is located at the center P1 of the first aperture region S1.

As a result, when reading a one-dimensional code (bar code C1 or the like), the reading port 13 is directed so as to cover the one-dimensional code from the upper edge 14, so that the first opening region S1 suitable for reading the information code is used. Is suitable for a one-dimensional code, so that the light receiving sensor 28 can be suitably imaged with the reflected light Lr from the one-dimensional code. On the other hand, when reading a two-dimensional code (QR code C2 or the like), the entire opening region S may be directed to the two-dimensional code. Therefore, both the one-dimensional code and the two-dimensional code can be read, and the reading performance particularly for the one-dimensional code can be improved.

In particular, the upper edge 14 is located on the upper side of the peripheral edge of the reading port 13 when viewed from the user who holds the optical information reading device 10. As a result, the reading port 13 is directed so that the upper edge 14 is located on the lower side of the one-dimensional code, and then the reading port 13 is moved upward toward the one-dimensional code (see FIG. 7). The opening region S1 can be directed to the one-dimensional code. That is, until the first opening region S1 is directed to the one-dimensional code, the one-dimensional code is not invisible to the user by the optical information reading device 10, so that the first opening region S1 with respect to the one-dimensional code is not invisible. Can be easily directed.

Furthermore, since the imaging lens 27 is arranged so that the imaging optical axis L2 of the imaging lens 27 is orthogonal to the plane F1 including the first aperture region S1 (see FIG. 5A). ), Since the distance of the best focus is constant regardless of the position of the aperture region portion, it is possible to prevent deterioration of reading performance due to a change in the distance of the best focus.

Further, since the illumination light source 21 is arranged so that the irradiation direction of the illumination light Lf (illumination optical axis L1) intersects the imaging optical axis L2 of the imaging lens 27, the illumination to the light receiving sensor 28 and the imaging lens 27 is illuminated. Since the degree of freedom with respect to the position of the light source 21 is increased, it is possible to save space, that is, to facilitate miniaturization of the optical information reading device 10. In particular, since the illumination light source 21 is not arranged within the virtual field of view α (see FIG. 4), specular reflection on the display medium R is suppressed, so that the accuracy of reading recognition can be improved.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, the optical information reading device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
The second embodiment is mainly different from the first embodiment in that signals taken from the light receiving sensor 28 and used for the decoding process (reading process) are selected according to the reading target. Therefore, substantially the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the present embodiment, in the reading process performed by the control circuit 40, the information code is based on the signal output from the light receiving sensor 28 in response to the light received from the information code taken in through the opening region S. Based on the signal output from the light receiving sensor 28 in response to the state of decoding (reading) the light (information code reading mode) and the light received from the one-dimensional code captured through the first opening region S1. A state of decoding (reading) a one-dimensional code (one-dimensional code reading mode) is provided.

The information code reading mode is set by default, and the reading process performed by the control circuit 40 can read the information code including both the one-dimensional code and the two-dimensional code.

When the reading target is only a one-dimensional code, the one-dimensional code reading mode is performed in the reading process performed by the control circuit 40 in response to a predetermined operation or reading of an information code for mode switching. Can be switched to. The control circuit 40 can correspond to an example of the "switching means".

By directing or contacting the reading port 13 with or in contact with the one-dimensional code in the first opening region S1 in the state of switching to the one-dimensional code reading mode in this way, the reflected light from the one-dimensional code is sent to the light receiving sensor 28. Not only can the image be formed favorably, but also the reading target becomes clear, so that the load of the decoding process (reading process) can be reduced and the time can be shortened.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, the optical information reading device according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the first opening region S1 of the reading port 13 and the illumination light Lf in the third embodiment.
The third embodiment is mainly different from the first embodiment in that a stronger illumination light is applied to the first opening region S1. Therefore, substantially the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the present embodiment, since the reading of the one-dimensional code is more important than the reading of the two-dimensional code, as shown in FIG. 9, the illumination light Lf from the illumination light source 21 is irradiated through the first opening region S1. It is configured to. In particular, the illumination light source 21 is configured to irradiate band-shaped light (substantially line-shaped light) as illumination light Lf.

As a result, the light receiving sensor 28 can easily receive the reflected light Lr from the one-dimensional code with which the first opening region S1 is directed or brought into contact with the first opening region S1, so that the reading accuracy of the one-dimensional code can be improved.

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

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

Further, the light emitting state of the illumination light source 21 may be controlled according to a predetermined input operation. For example, when the two-dimensional code is read in a state where the band-shaped illumination light Lf is irradiated through the first opening region S1, the illumination light Lf may be turned off or the illumination light Lf having a rectangular cross section may be turned off. May be irradiated through the opening region S.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, the optical information reading device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an opening region of the reading port 13a in the fourth embodiment.
The fourth embodiment is mainly different from the first embodiment in that the reading port 13a is formed so that the upper edge 14 is longer than the lower edge 15. Therefore, substantially the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the present embodiment, in order to facilitate the orientation of the first opening region S1 with respect to the one-dimensional code, the first opening region 14 is longer than the lower edge 15 as in the reading port 13a shown in FIG. An opening region S1 and a second opening region S2 are formed. Therefore, the opening region S is formed from the first opening region S1 that is long in one direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 10) and the second opening region S2 that is shorter than the first opening region S1 in this one direction. In other words, the reading port 13a has a rectangular information code formed by a long information code in one direction, that is, a first opening region S1 for reading a one-dimensional code and a part of the center of the first opening region S1. That is, it is configured to have a second opening region S2 for reading the two-dimensional code.

In particular, in the present embodiment, the second opening region S2 is set so that the region line segment facing the lower edge 15 (see reference numeral 17 indicated by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 10) has the same length as the upper edge 14. It is formed in a shape. The area line segment 17 corresponds to the lower area line segment of the first opening region S1.

Since the one-dimensional code becomes long in the cell arrangement direction (reading direction: the left-right direction in FIG. 10), it becomes easy to intuitively point the first opening region S1 formed long in one direction with respect to the one-dimensional code. Further, when reading the two-dimensional code, the opening region for the two-dimensional code formed by a part of the first opening region S1 and the second opening region 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 an opening region (S1) that is long in one direction to direct the one-dimensional code, the reading port 13 with respect to the position where the one-dimensional code is read It is possible to realize the conventional readability and further improve the reading performance of the one-dimensional code.

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing an opening region of the reading port 13b in the first modification of the fourth embodiment.
The second opening region S2 is not limited to being formed in a trapezoidal shape, and may be formed in a square shape as illustrated in FIG. 11, for example. In this case, since the opening region S of the reading port 13b has a substantially T-shape, even if an elongated opening portion is provided, the inside of the upper edge 14 and the other edge 16 can be aligned with the edge of the two-dimensional code. , The opening area for the two-dimensional code can be easily directed even for a square two-dimensional code.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the light receiving region 28a and the non-opening region S4 in the second modification of the fourth embodiment.
In the opening shape of the reading port 13b shown in FIG. 11, as shown in FIG. 12, a square region including the first opening region S1 and the second opening region S2 with the upper edge 14 of the reading port 13b as one side is oriented. When the shape region So is used, the square region 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 the area sensor usually used including the light receiving sensor 28 used in the present embodiment has a rectangular light receiving region 28a. Therefore, when the light receiving means and the reading port 13b are arranged so that the light receiving region 28a coincides with the square region So, the reflected light from the information code is received in the light receiving region corresponding to the non-opening region S4. Will not be done.

Therefore, in the decoding process by the control circuit 40, the signal output from the light receiving sensor 28 is generated in response to the light received by the reflected light captured through the first opening area S1 and the second opening area S2 except for the non-opening area S4. Based on that, the information code is decoded. In this way, by decoding based on the signal output from the light receiving sensor 28 in response to the light reception of the reflected light in the area corresponding to the first opening area S1 and the second opening area S2 in the light receiving area 28a. , Processing in the image area corresponding to the non-aperture area S4 can be eliminated. As a result, not only the processing load related to decoding (optical reading) can be reduced, but also the processing time can be shortened.

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

Even when the second opening region S2 is formed in a trapezoidal shape, it receives light in response to the received light received through the first opening region S1 and the second opening region S2 except for the non-opening region S4. By decoding the information code based on the signal output from the sensor 28, not only the processing load related to decoding (optical reading) can be reduced, but also the processing time can be shortened.

In the fourth embodiment and its modifications, the reading port for taking in the reflected light from the information code is limited to being formed like a substantially trapezoidal reading port 13a or a substantially T-shaped reading port 13b. Instead, for example, like an inverted T-shape, the opening region S is a first opening region having a first edge as a long side and an edge facing the first edge, and the first edge thereof. It may be formed to consist of a second opening region having a second edge shorter than the edge as one side. Even in this way, since the reading port can be easily directed to the position where the one-dimensional code is read, the conventional readability can be realized, and the one-dimensional code can be read reliably.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, the optical information reading device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. Note that FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the first opening region S1 of the reading port 13 and the character information 102 in the fifth embodiment. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of the passport 100.
The fifth embodiment is mainly different from the first embodiment in that not only the information code such as the one-dimensional code and the two-dimensional code but also the character information is read. Therefore, substantially the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

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

As the character information to be optically read, for example, the character information 102 displayed on the machine-readable passport 100 as illustrated in FIG. 14 is assumed. This 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 the lower column with respect to the face photograph and name of the display surface 101. ing.

In particular, in the present embodiment, in the reading port 13, the distance W1 (see FIG. 13) between the outer surfaces of the side edges 18a and the side edges 18b which are connected to both ends of the upper edge 14 is the side edge 101a and the side edge of the passport 100. It is formed so as to substantially match the distance W2 (see FIG. 14) with 101b. Therefore, the reading port 13 is formed so that the first opening region S1 is slightly larger in the longitudinal direction than the region where the character information 102 is displayed (hereinafter, also referred to as the character display area 103).

Therefore, both outer surfaces of the 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. 13), the character information 102 is read by using the OCR technique by receiving the reflected light from the character information 102 through the first opening region S1.

As described above, even if the character information 102 is long in one direction displayed on the passport 100, the reading performance of the character information 102 can be improved by using the first opening area S1. In particular, since the reading port 13 is formed so that the first opening region S1 is slightly larger than the character display area 103 of the character information 102 in the longitudinal direction, even if the character information 102 is long in one direction. 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, and may be, for example, character information displayed on other display media such as tickets and coupons. Further, the character information is not limited to being received (imaging) through the first opening region S1, but may be received (imaging) through the second opening region S2, or may be received (imaging) through the first opening region S2. The light may be received (imaging) through both S1 and the second opening region S2.

Further, the characteristic configuration of the present embodiment in which not only the information code but also the character information is read by using OCR technology or the like can be applied to other embodiments. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 15, even in the reading port 13a (fourth embodiment) in which the second opening region S2 is formed in a trapezoidal shape, not only the information code but also the characters are used by using OCR technology or the like. Information can also be read. Further, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 16, even in the reading port 13b (first modification of the fourth embodiment) in which the opening region S is formed in a substantially T shape, OCR technology or the like is used. Not only the information code but also the character information can be read.

[Other Embodiments]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications, and may be embodied as follows, for example.
(1) In the first to third embodiments, the imaging lens 27 and the like are arranged so that the imaging center is located at the center P1 of the rectangular first opening region S1 having the upper edge 14 as one side. Not limited to this, the imaging lens 27 or the like may be arranged so that the imaging center is located at the center P1 of a rectangular opening region having another edge such as the lower edge 15. In this case, by pointing the reading port 13 so as to cover the one-dimensional code (character information) from the other edge, the opening area suitable for reading the information code (character information) is the one-dimensional code (character information). Therefore, the light receiving sensor 28 can be suitably imaged with the reflected light Lr from the one-dimensional code (character information). In this case, the other edge may correspond to the "first edge", and the edge of the reading port 13 facing the other edge may correspond to the "second edge".

(2) The present invention is not limited to being adopted in an optical information reading device having a housing having a bent neck shape in which one end side on which the reading port is formed is greatly tilted forward toward the back surface side, for example, in a substantially box shape. It may be adopted in an optical information reader having a housing to be formed.

10 ... Optical information reader 13, 13a, 13b ... Reading port 14 ... Upper edge (first edge)
15 ... Lower edge (second edge)
21 ... Illumination light source (illumination means)
27 ... Imaging lens 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 C ... Information code C1 ... Bar code (one-dimensional code)
C2 ... QR code (two-dimensional code)

Claims (8)

An optical information reader that optically reads information codes or character information including one-dimensional codes and two-dimensional codes.
A housing with one end bent into a bent shape,
A reading port formed on one end side to take in reflected light from the information code or character information.
A light receiving means that receives the reflected light taken in through the reading port in a state where the reading port is in contact with the information code or character information.
An imaging lens that forms an image of reflected light from the information code or character information on the light receiving means.
A reading means for reading the information code or character information based on a signal output from the light receiving means in response to the light reception of the reflected light.
The opening area of the reading port includes a rectangular first opening area having a first edge of the peripheral edges constituting the reading port as one side and a second edge facing the first edge as one side. Consists of a second opening area
The imaging lens is provided together with the light receiving means so that the image receiving center is located at the center of the first aperture region from the state where the imaging center is located at the center of the aperture region. Together with the means, they are arranged so as to be horizontal to the plane including the first opening region and relatively moved in a direction approaching the first opening region.
The optical information reading device is characterized in that the first edge is located on the lower side of the peripheral edge of the reading port when viewed from the user who holds the optical information reading device. The information code or character information is obtained based on the signal output from the light receiving means in response to the reception of the reflected light from the information code or character information taken in through the first opening region and the second opening region. A state of reading and a state of reading one-dimensional code or character information based on a signal output from the light receiving means in response to receiving reflected light from the one-dimensional code or character information captured through the first opening region. The optical information reading device according to claim 1, further comprising a switching means for switching between and. The optical information reading device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an illumination means for irradiating the information code or character information with illumination light through the first opening region. The optical information reading device according to claim 3, wherein the lighting means irradiates band-shaped light as the illumination light. The optical information reading device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the illumination means is arranged so that the irradiation direction of the illumination light intersects the optical axis of the imaging lens. The optical information reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the reading port is formed so that the first edge is longer than the second edge. The light receiving means is configured so that the light receiving region has a rectangular shape.
The reading means reads the information code or character information based on a signal output from the light receiving means in response to receiving the reflected light captured through the first opening region and the second opening region. The optical information reading device according to claim 6. The optical information according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the reading port is formed so that the first opening region is slightly larger than the display region of the character information. Reader.

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