JP7238681B2 - Information reader - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information reader that optically reads an information code.

Conventionally, techniques for managing entry and exit using information codes such as QR codes (registered trademark) have been proposed. It is This reading device is arranged upstream of the ticket gate passage of the ticket gate main body, and when the proximity sensor detects the ticket medium held over the reading area, the surface light emitting part emits light in almost the entire reading area. , is configured to read a two-dimensional bar code displayed on a ticket medium in this light-emitting state. As a result, when the card is held over the reading area, the two-dimensional bar code is read while the illumination light from the surface light emitting unit is illuminated, thereby suppressing unnecessary illumination light irradiation.

By the way, if the configuration of Patent Document 1 is adopted for the information reader for building entry/exit management, illumination light becomes unnecessary when a person who crosses in front of the information reader without entering or leaving the room is detected. There is a problem of exposure. As a technique for solving this problem, for example, a two-dimensional code reader disclosed in Patent Document 2 below is known. This two-dimensional code reader turns on the auxiliary illumination when a specific pattern indicating the existence of a two-dimensional code is detected from the image read by the image reading unit and when reading of the two-dimensional code fails. It is configured to read the two-dimensional code again in the state. This prevents erroneous detection due to the approach of a medium other than the ticket medium on which the two-dimensional code is printed, thereby extending the life of the auxiliary illumination.

Japanese Patent No. 5214780 Japanese Patent No. 5930135

However, in the configuration of Patent Document 2, since the life of the auxiliary lighting is extended on the premise that external light is emitted, there is a problem that the specific pattern cannot be detected in a dark environment. In a configuration in which a separate light source for detecting a specific pattern is provided, even if it is possible to extend the life of the auxiliary illumination, the number of parts increases and the control becomes complicated. There is a problem of increasing

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to prevent unnecessary irradiation of illumination light when reading an information code even when placed in a dark place. The object is to provide a configuration that can be suppressed.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 of the scope of claims includes:
An information reader (10) optically reading an information code (C) having a specific pattern (FP),
a housing (11) having a reading port (13) formed on its upper surface ;
a detection unit (27) for detecting an object approaching the reading port;
an imaging unit (33) for imaging the information code held over the reading port;
a light-emitting portion (23, 24a) arranged on the upper surface portion ;
an illumination unit (31) that illuminates the information code held over the reading port with illumination light (Lf);
a control unit (21) for controlling the light emitting state of the light emitting unit and the irradiation state of the lighting unit;
a determination unit (21) that determines whether or not the specific pattern is captured by the imaging unit in the light emitting state of the light emitting unit;
a decoding unit (21) that performs decoding processing for decoding the information code on the captured image of the imaging unit;
a non-contact communication unit that performs non-contact communication processing for reading information stored in a non-contact communication medium via an antenna;
with
When the determination unit determines that the specific pattern is captured by the imaging unit after the control unit controls the light emitting unit to a light emitting state when an object is detected by the detection unit. and if the decoding process by the decoding unit fails, the illumination unit is controlled to an illumination state;
When the illumination unit is controlled to be in an illumination state by the control unit, the decryption unit performs the decryption processing on the captured image captured by the imaging unit in the illumination state of the illumination unit,
The determination unit is further capable of determining whether or not the non-contact communication medium is recognized by the imaging unit in the light emitting state of the light emitting unit,
The non-contact communication unit performs the non-contact communication processing when the determination unit determines that the specific pattern is not captured by the imaging unit and the non-contact communication medium is recognized. It is characterized by
It should be noted that the symbols in parentheses above indicate the corresponding relationship with specific means described in the embodiments to be described later.

In the invention according to claim 1, after an object approaching the reading port is detected by the detection unit by the control unit and the light emitting unit near the reading port is controlled to emit light, the specific pattern of the information code is detected by the imaging unit. is imaged and the decoding process by the decoding unit fails, the illumination unit is controlled to the illumination state. Then, when the lighting unit is controlled to be in the illumination state by the control unit, the decoding unit performs decoding processing on the captured image captured by the imaging unit in the illumination state of the lighting unit.

As a result, when the user who tries to hold the information code over the reading port approaches the reading port, the light-emitting part near the reading port becomes a light-emitting state, so that the light-emitting part makes it easier to hold the information code over the reading port. Since it functions as a guide for reading, the information code can be accurately held over the reading opening, and the success rate of reading the information code can be increased. In particular, the light emitting state of the light emitting unit that functions as a guide makes it easier to illuminate the information code held over the reading port, so that all patterns that make up the information code can be accurately recognized from the captured image captured in that light emitting state. Even if it is not possible, it will be easier to recognize if it is a specific pattern that is relatively easy to read. That is, even when the information code is held over the reading port in a dark place, it is possible to increase the possibility that the specific pattern is imaged in a recognizable manner without irradiating illumination light. Therefore, when it is determined that a specific pattern is captured and the decoding process fails, the lighting unit is controlled to be in an irradiation state, and the captured image captured in this irradiation state is decoded. By performing the processing, illumination light is not emitted not only when the specific pattern is not imaged, but also when the decoding processing is successful in the light emitting state of the light emitting unit. Therefore, even when the device is placed in a dark place, it is possible to suppress unnecessary irradiation of illumination light when reading the information code.
In particular, when the determination unit determines that the specific pattern is not imaged by the imaging unit and the non-contact communication medium is recognized, the non-contact communication processing is performed by the non-contact communication unit. As a result, the non-contact communication processing is not performed even when the information code to be read is held over the reading port, so unnecessary non-contact communication processing can be suppressed, and even if the configuration is capable of non-contact communication, the non-contact communication processing can be saved. Electrification can be achieved. Further, since illumination light is not emitted when the non-contact communication medium is held over the reading port, unnecessary illumination light emission can be suppressed.

In the second aspect of the present invention, the light-emitting portion includes two or more LEDs arranged around the reading opening formed in a rectangular shape, so each of these LEDs functions as a guide for holding the information code over the reading opening. As a result, the range over which the information code should be held becomes clearer, and the reading success rate of the information code can be further increased.

In the third aspect of the invention, since the light-emitting unit has a display unit having a display screen capable of displaying predetermined information, the light from the display screen can be used for recognizing the specific pattern, and the recognition accuracy of the specific pattern can be improved. can be enhanced.

According to the invention of claim 4 , since the antenna is arranged so as to surround the reading port, non-contact communication processing can be reliably performed with respect to the non-contact communication medium held over the reading port.

1 is a plan view showing an information reading device according to a first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing an XX cross section of the information reading device of FIG. 1; It is an explanatory view explaining a display medium in which an information code was displayed. 4A is a block diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of the information reading device of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4B is a block diagram schematically illustrating the optical information reading section of FIG. 4A. FIG. 4(C) is a block diagram schematically illustrating the non-contact communication unit of FIG. 4(A); 4 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of information reading processing performed by the information reading device in the first embodiment; FIG. 6A is an explanatory view schematically explaining an information reading device in which each LED and display screen are in a light-emitting state, and FIG. is an explanatory view schematically explaining the information reading device in which is in an irradiation state. FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram for explaining the arrangement state of each LED in the first modified example of the first embodiment, and FIG. 7B is an illustration of each LED in the second modified example of the first embodiment It is an explanatory view explaining an arrangement state. FIG. 8(A) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the arrangement state of each LED in the third modification of the first embodiment, and FIG. 8(B) is an illustration of each LED in the fourth modification of the first embodiment. It is an explanatory view explaining an arrangement state. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of information reading processing performed by the information reading device in the fifth modified example of the first embodiment; FIG.

[First embodiment]
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment embodying an information reading device of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
The information reader 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a stationary reader, and in addition to functioning as an information code reader for optically reading an information code C such as a bar code or QR code (registered trademark), It also has a function of reading and writing information stored in a non-contact communication medium T such as an IC card through radio waves transmitted and received through an antenna, and is configured to be able to read by two methods.

In this embodiment, the information reading device 10 is applied to a reading device of an entrance/exit management system that manages entry/exit at an entrance/exit in a controlled area set in a predetermined facility such as a building or store. It is arranged on the wall surface near the entrance/exit so that the information code C and the non-contact communication medium T can be easily held over the reading port 13 . The entrance/exit management system includes an entrance/exit management server and the like, and controls the locking/unlocking of the door provided at the entrance/exit according to the information read by the information reading device 10, thereby enabling the management of the management area. Manages entry and exit.

In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a QR code displayed on a display medium R such as an employee ID card possessed by a user is used as the information code C used for entrance/exit management. The QR code is a two-dimensional code having specific patterns such as finder patterns FP positioned at three corners, timing patterns, and alignment patterns that are easy to recognize in its rectangular code area. In this embodiment, the information code C records specific information or the like that can identify the user who owns the display medium R on which the information code C is displayed.

The information reading device 10 includes a housing 11 which is constructed by assembling a box-shaped lower case 11a made of a resin material such as ABS resin and an upper case 11b which closes the upper surface of the lower case 11a. ing. A rectangular reading port 13 serving as an entrance and exit for light is provided on one side of the upper surface of the housing 11 (lower side in FIGS. 1 and 2). Light from outside enters the housing 11 and light from inside the housing 11 is emitted to the outside of the housing 11 . In addition, LEDs 23 are arranged at the four corners of the rectangular area surrounding the reading port 13, and each of these LEDs 23 is in a light emitting state (lighting state), so that the information code C can be read even in a relatively dark place. The position of the reading port 13 to be held is specified.

A display screen 24a of the display unit 24 is arranged on the other side of the upper surface of the housing 11 (the upper side in FIGS. 1 and 2), and the display screen 24a, the reading port 13, and the LED 23 are covered with the display screen 24a. Case 11b is attached to lower case 11a. For this reason, the upper case 11b has a portion covering the display screen 24a, the reading port 13, and the LEDs 23, etc., and is made of a light-transmitting member (for example, transparent acrylic resin, transparent glass, etc.) that transmits light from the outside. ing.

Next, the electrical configuration of the information reader 10 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 4A, the information reading device 10 includes a control unit 21 for overall control. etc., and configures an information processing apparatus together with the storage unit 22 . The storage unit 22 is composed of a known semiconductor memory such as a ROM, a RAM, and a non-volatile memory. A predetermined program, a predetermined program for executing non-contact communication processing for communicating with a non-contact communication medium such as an IC card, and the like are stored in advance so as to be executable by the control unit 21 .

The information reader 10 also includes an operation unit 25, a speaker 26, a human sensor 27, an external interface 28, etc., in addition to the four LEDs 23 and the display unit 24 described above. Each LED 23 is controlled by the control unit 21 and functions as a light emitting unit whose light emitting state changes. The display unit 24 is configured by a liquid crystal display or the like, and the display contents of the display screen 24a are controlled by the control unit 21 to display the result of reading the optical information, the result of reading the non-contact communication medium T, and the like. It functions as display means. The operation unit 25 is configured to give an operation signal corresponding to the operation to the control unit 21, and the control unit 21 receives this operation signal and performs an operation according to the contents of the operation signal. The speaker 26 is a well-known speaker or the like, and is controlled by the control unit 21 to emit various notification sounds such as preset voices and alarm sounds.

The human sensor 27 functions as a detection unit that detects an object approaching the reading port 13 , and is composed of, for example, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a visible light sensor, etc., and detects a person or the like approaching the reading port 13 . It is arranged at a position between the reading port 13 and the display screen 24a so as to be detected (see FIG. 1). The human sensor 27 functions to output a predetermined detection signal to the control unit 21 when detecting an object such as a person approaching the reading port 13 .

The external interface 28 is configured as an interface for performing data communication with an external device such as an entrance/exit management server via a predetermined network or the like, and is configured to perform communication processing in cooperation with the control unit 21. is making The information reading apparatus 10 is also provided with a power supply section 29, which supplies power to the control section 21 and various electrical components.

The information reading device 10 also includes an optical information reading section 30 and a non-contact communication section 40 in order to read the information code C and read/write the non-contact communication medium T. As shown in FIG.
The optical information reading unit 30 cooperates with the control unit 21 to image information codes, character information, etc., and uses a known decoding method or symbol recognition processing function (OCR) to optically read the optical information. It functions as an optical system for objective reading, and includes a light projecting optical system and a light receiving optical system.

The illumination light source 31 constituting the light projection optical system functions as an illumination section capable of emitting the illumination light Lf under the control of the control section 21, and is configured as a light projection element such as an LED, for example. As shown in FIG. 1, the illumination light source 31 includes four light projecting elements as first light sources 31a and 31b arranged on one side of the reading port 13 (upper side in FIG. 1) and It has the 2nd light source 31c, 31d arrange|positioned (lower side of FIG. 1). In this embodiment, each LED constituting the illumination light source 31 functions as a light source for irradiating the information code C with illumination light. is configured to

The projection optical system also includes a light guide member 32 that guides light from the illumination light source 31 . The light guide member 32 is arranged inside the housing 11 at a position where the illumination light Lf from the illumination light source 31 is irradiated, and the illumination light Lf from the illumination light source 31 passes through the opening area of the reading port 13 and reaches the housing. 11 so as to be irradiated to the outside.

The light guide member 32 includes a plurality of reflecting portions 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d that reflect the illumination light Lf from the illumination light source 31. As shown in FIG. All of these reflecting portions 32 a , 32 b , 32 c , and 32 d are configured as reflecting surfaces that reflect the illumination light Lf from the illumination light source 31 . Each reflecting surface of each of the reflecting portions 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d is configured as an inclined surface that becomes lower as the center of the opening area of the reading port 13 is approached. The reflecting portions 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d are made of, for example, a light-shielding member, and each of the reflecting portions 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d has a reflecting surface that reflects the illumination light Lf in a predetermined color ( For example, it is a light color such as white), and all of them are configured to diffusely reflect the light incident on the outer surface.

As shown in FIG. 2, the reflecting portions 32a and 32b face each other, and the reflecting portions 32c and 32d face each other in a direction perpendicular to the facing direction of the reflecting portions 32a and 32b. It is configured as an inclined surface that is the lower position. The light guide member 32 as a whole has a mortar-shaped structure in which the size of the hole (opening area) becomes narrower toward the lower position outside the visual field range of the imaging unit 33 .

The first light sources 31a and 31b are arranged so that the illumination light Lf is emitted from the vicinity of the upper end position of the reflecting portion 32a of the light guide member 32 toward the reflecting portion 32b and the reflecting portions 32c and 32d. The second light sources 31c and 31d are arranged so that the illumination light Lf is emitted from the vicinity of the upper end position of the reflecting portion 32b of the light guide member 32 toward the reflecting portion 32a and the reflecting portions 32c and 32d. With such a configuration, the illumination light Lf emitted from the illumination light source 31 (31a to 31d) is applied to the wall surface of the light guide member 32 configured in the shape of a mortar. It will light up brightly. In FIG. 4B, the illustration of the light guide member 32 is omitted for the sake of convenience, and the state in which the illumination light Lf from the illumination light source 31 is emitted toward the information code C displayed on the display medium R is schematically illustrated. exemplified.

The imaging unit 33 constituting the light receiving optical system functions as imaging means for imaging optical information such as information codes and character information. It is composed of a dimensionally arranged light receiving sensor (area sensor) and the like. As shown in FIG. 4B, the imaging unit 33 has a light receiving surface 33a capable of receiving light from outside the housing 11 on the side facing the imaging unit 34. It is mounted on the substrate so as to receive incident light passing therethrough to enter the light receiving surface 33a.

The imaging unit 34 is configured by a known imaging lens and functions as an imaging optical system. The imaging unit 34 defines a visual field range that can be imaged by the imaging unit 33 , and light entering through the reading port 13 from the outside of the housing 11 (specifically, the incident light is reflected by the reflecting member 35 ). ) is guided to the light-receiving area of the imaging unit 33 . Then, the imaging unit 34 forms an image of the optical information on the light receiving area of the imaging unit 33 when the optical information such as the information code C is arranged within the visual field range outside the housing 11 . function. In this configuration, the optical information can be imaged while the illumination light emitted from the illumination light source 31 and guided to the outside of the housing 11 by the light guide member 32 is applied to the optical information. 34 collects the reflected light Lr from the optical information when the optical information is placed within the visual field range (inside the imaging area), and captures the image of the optical information on the light receiving surface 33a of the imaging unit 33. configured for imaging. As the imaging unit 34, for example, a wide-angle lens with a short focal length and a wide angle of view can be preferably used.

The light receiving optical system also includes a reflecting member 35 . The reflecting member 35 is configured as a mirror that reflects light that has entered through the reading port 13 from the outside of the housing 11 toward the imaging unit 34 . The reflecting member 35 is arranged so as to face the imaging section 34 with its reflecting surface inclined so as to correspond to a part of the mortar structure formed by the light guide member 32 .

Next, the contactless communication section 40 will be described with reference to FIG. 4(C).
The non-contact communication unit 40 cooperates with the antenna 44 and the control unit 21 to perform electromagnetic wave communication with the non-contact communication medium T, read data stored in the non-contact communication medium T, or perform non-contact communication. It functions to write data to the medium T by non-contact communication. The contactless communication unit 40 is configured as a circuit that performs transmission by a known radio wave method, and as schematically shown in FIG. have.

The transmission circuit 41 is composed of a carrier oscillator, an encoding section, an amplifier, a transmission section filter, a modulation section, and the like, and has a configuration in which a carrier (carrier wave) of a predetermined frequency is output from the carrier oscillator. The encoder is also connected to the controller 21, encodes transmission data output from the controller 21, and outputs the encoded data to the modulator. The modulation section is a section to which the carrier (carrier wave) from the carrier oscillator and the transmission data from the encoding section are input. A modulated signal that is ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying) modulated by an encoded transmission code (modulation signal) output from the encoding unit is generated and output to an amplifier. The amplifier amplifies the input signal (the modulated signal modulated by the modulating section) with a predetermined gain and outputs the amplified signal to the transmitting section filter, which filters the amplified signal from the amplifier. A transmission signal is output to the antenna 44 via the matching circuit 43 . When the transmission signal is output to the antenna 44 in this manner, the transmission signal is radiated to the outside from the antenna 44 as a transmission radio wave.

On the other hand, a response radio wave (response signal) received by the antenna 44 is input to the receiving circuit 42 via the matching circuit 43 . The receiving circuit 42 is composed of a receiving filter, an amplifier, a demodulator, a binarization processing unit, a decoding unit, and the like. After filtering, it is amplified by an amplifier, and the amplified signal is demodulated by a demodulator. Then, the demodulated signal waveform is binarized by the binarization processing section, decoded by the decoding section, and then outputted to the control section 21 as received data.

The antenna 44 is formed as a loop antenna by an antenna substrate having a loop-shaped antenna pattern provided on the substrate surface. The antenna 44 is arranged so as to surround the reading port 13 by being accommodated in the housing 11 with the antenna substrate held by a predetermined holding member (see FIG. 1).

Next, in the information reading device 10 configured as described above, FIG. 5 shows information reading processing performed by the control unit 21 when managing entrance/exit of the entrance/exit by the entrance/exit management system. Description will be made with reference to flowcharts.
When the control unit 21 starts the information reading process, the human sensor 27 becomes capable of detecting an object such as a person approaching the reading port 13 (S101 in FIG. 5). The determination of No is repeated in the determination processing in step S103 until an object approaching is detected.

Then, when an object approaching the reading port 13 is detected by the human sensor 27 (Yes in S103), guidance display processing shown in step S105 is performed. In this process, the position of the reading port 13 to which the information code C should be held is clearly indicated by turning on the four LEDs 23, and the information code C such as "Please hold the QR code over" is displayed on the display screen 24a in the light emitting state. Information prompting the user to hold the device up is displayed. As a result, the LEDs 23 and the display screen 24a function as guides to make it easier to hold the information code C over the reading port 13 even in a relatively dark place. In particular, as shown in FIG. 6A, these light emitting states make the area around the reading port 13 brighter, and the information code C held over the reading port 13 is more likely to be illuminated. Note that the LED 23 and the display screen 24a may correspond to an example of a "light emitting section".

Subsequently, in the light emitting state, when the imaging unit 33 becomes capable of capturing an image through the reading port 13 (S107), the display medium R or the like is brought closer in the light emitting state in the determination processing of step S109. It is determined whether or not such a change in the captured image has occurred. Here, if there is no change in the captured image such that the display medium R or the like is approached (No in S109), the processing of step S111 is continued until a predetermined time elapses after detection by the human sensor 27. A determination of No is made in the determination processing, and the state in which imaging is possible is maintained (S107).

Here, for example, when a person who does not enter the room through the entrance/exit simply crosses in front of the human detection sensor 27, the captured image after that does not change as described above, so that the predetermined time has elapsed. Time is up (Yes in S111). In such a case, the extinguishing process shown in step S113 is performed, and the processes from step S101 are performed in a state in which each LED 23 and the display screen 24a are extinguished.

On the other hand, if the captured image captured after the human sensor 27 detects an object approaching the reading port 13 changes as described above (Yes in S109), the determination process in step S115 determines that In the light emitting state, it is determined whether or not the specific pattern of the information code C is captured. In the present embodiment, the finder pattern FP is adopted as the specific pattern of the information code C, and when the finder pattern FP is not captured in the light emission state, it is assumed that the information code C is not captured. A determination of No is made in step S115, and the processing from step S101 is performed. Note that the control unit 21 that performs the determination process in step S115 can correspond to an example of a "determination unit" that determines whether or not the specific pattern is captured in the light emitting state.

On the other hand, the human sensor 27 detects that a user is approaching the room through the entrance/exit (Yes in S103), and the user reads the information code C on the display medium R. Since it is close to the mouth 13 (Yes in S109), if the finder pattern FP of the information code C is imaged in the light emission state, it is determined as Yes in step S115. In this case, it is determined that an image that looks like the information code C is captured, and the decoding process shown in step S117 is performed. processing) is performed.

If this decoding process succeeds (Yes in S119), the reading result transmission process shown in step S129 is performed, and the reading result obtained by the above decoding process is transmitted to the entrance/exit management server via the external interface 28. FIG. Note that the control unit 21 that performs the decryption processing of step S117 and the decryption processing of step S125 described later can correspond to an example of the "decryption unit".

On the other hand, if the decoding process for the captured image in which the finder pattern FP is captured in the light emitting state fails (No in S119), the illumination process shown in step S121 is performed, and the illumination light source 31 enters the illumination state. Accordingly, as can be seen from FIG. 6B, the illumination light Lf is emitted from the first light sources 31a and 31b toward the reflecting portions 32b and the reflecting portions 32c and 32d, and the reflecting portions 31c and 31d from the second light sources 31c and 31d. Illumination light Lf is irradiated toward 32a and reflecting portions 32c and 32d, and reflecting portions 32a, 32b, 32c and 32d shine brightly as a whole. Necessary illuminance can be ensured reliably.

Subsequently, the imaging process shown in step S123 is performed, and the process for imaging the information code C in the irradiation state as described above is performed. Then, decoding processing shown in step S125 is performed, and processing (decoding processing) for decoding the information code C is performed on the captured image captured in the above irradiation state.

Therefore, even if the decoding fails due to insufficient illuminance in the information code C in the light emitting state, the illuminance in the information code C increases in the illuminating state, so that the decoding success rate can be increased. If the decryption process is successful (Yes in S127), the read result transmission process shown in step S129 is performed.

On the other hand, since the finder pattern FP is imaged in the above light emission state, even if the above irradiation state is established, the information code C may not be properly held over the reading port 13, resulting in a failure to decode the information code C. Yes (No in S127). In such a case, error transmission processing shown in step S131 is performed, and information about the decoding failure is transmitted to the entrance/exit management server via the external interface 28. FIG. By using other notification means managed by the entrance/exit management server, the information code C can be sent to the reading port 13 by the user who received this notification by notifying "Please hold the QR code correctly." If the information code C is properly held up, the decoding success rate of the information code C can be increased. In addition, when the decryption process fails in the irradiation state, the notification may be given by using the display by the display unit 24, the notification sound by the speaker 26, or the like.

As described above, in the information reading apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, when an object approaching the reading port 13 is detected by the human detection sensor 27 through reading processing performed by the control unit 21 , the object approaches the reading port 13 . After the LEDs 23 and the display screen 24a are controlled to emit light, the image capturing unit 33 determines that the specific pattern (finder pattern FP) of the information code C is captured, and the decoding process fails. In this case, the illumination light source 31 is controlled to an illumination state. Then, when the illumination light source 31 is controlled to be in the illumination state, decoding processing is performed on the captured image captured by the imaging unit 33 in the illumination state of the illumination light source 31 .

As a result, when the user who tries to hold the information code C over the reading port 13 approaches the reading port 13, the LEDs 23 and the display screen 24a near the reading port 13 are in a light-emitting state. Since the screen 24a functions as a guide for making it easier to hold the information code C over the reading port 13, the information code C can be accurately held over the reading port 13, and the reading success rate of the information code C can be increased. In particular, the information code C held over the reading port 13 is more likely to be illuminated by the light emitting state of the LEDs 23 and the display screen 24a that function as guides. Even if all patterns (unit cells) cannot be accurately recognized, a specific pattern such as a finder pattern FP that is relatively easy to read can be easily recognized. That is, even when the information code C is held over the reading port 13 in a dark place, it is possible to increase the possibility that the specific pattern is imaged in a recognizable manner without irradiating the illumination light Lf. Therefore, when it is determined that the specific pattern is captured and the decoding process fails, the illumination light source 31 is controlled to be in an illumination state, and the captured image captured in this illumination state is By performing the decoding process, the illumination light Lf is not emitted not only when the specific pattern is not imaged, but also when the decoding process is successful with the light emitting states of the LEDs 23 and the display screen 24a. Therefore, even if the device is placed in a dark place, it is possible to suppress unnecessary irradiation of the illumination light Lf when reading the information code C. Furthermore, by suppressing unnecessary irradiation of the illumination light Lf, it is possible to extend the life of the illumination light source 31 .

In particular, in this embodiment, the LEDs 23 are arranged at the four corners of the reading port 13 formed in a rectangular shape as part of the light-emitting portion for configuring the above-described light-emitting state. By functioning as a guide for holding over the reading port 13, the range to hold the information code C becomes clearer, and the reading success rate of the information code C can be further increased. Note that the LEDs 23 are not limited to being arranged at the four corners of the reading port 13 , and two or more LEDs may be arranged around the reading port 13 . Specifically, each LED 23 may be arranged at a position near the center of each of the four sides forming the outer edge of the reading port 13, as in the first modification shown in FIG. 7A. Further, two of the LEDs 23 may be arranged at diagonal positions among the four corners of the reading port 13, as in a second modification shown in FIG. 7B, for example. Further, each LED 23 may be arranged at a position near the center of two long sides of the four sides forming the outer edge of the reading port 13, for example, as in the third modification shown in FIG. good. Further, each LED 23 may be arranged at a position near the center of two short sides of the four sides forming the outer edge of the reading port 13, for example, as in the fourth modification shown in FIG. 8B. good.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the display unit 24 having the display screen 24a capable of displaying predetermined information is provided as a part of the light emitting unit for configuring the light emitting state. can be used to recognize the specific pattern, and the recognition accuracy of the specific pattern can be improved. It should be noted that other light-emitting means arranged near the reading port 13 can also be used as the light-emitting section.

Further, as a fifth modification of the present embodiment, when specific information or the like capable of identifying a user possessing the non-contact communication medium T is stored in the non-contact communication medium T, in the information reading process, In addition to the information code C, information stored in the non-contact communication medium T may also be read.

Specifically, in the information reading process performed by the control unit 21, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9, when the specific pattern is not imaged (No in S115 of FIG. 9), the determination process of step S133 is performed. , it is determined whether or not a specific shape corresponding to the outer shape of the non-contact communication medium T or a part thereof (hereinafter also referred to as a specific shape or the like) is imaged (recognized). Note that the control unit 21 that performs the determination process of step S133 in addition to the determination process of step S115 is an example of a "determination unit" capable of determining whether or not the non-contact communication medium T is recognized (imaged). can be equivalent.

Here, when the specific shape or the like is imaged (recognized) (Yes in S133), it is assumed that the non-contact communication medium T held over the reading port 13 is imaged, and the non-contact communication shown in step S135 is performed. Processing is performed, and processing for reading specific information or the like stored in the non-contact communication medium T using the non-contact communication unit 40 is performed. That is, in this modification, when it is determined that the specific pattern is not imaged by the imaging unit 33 and the non-contact communication medium T is imaged, the non-contact communication processing is performed by the non-contact communication unit 40 .

If the reading is successful (Yes in S137), the reading result transmission process shown in step S129 is performed, and the reading result obtained by the non-contact communication process is transmitted to the entrance/exit management server via the external interface 28. be. On the other hand, if the reading of the specific information or the like fails (No in S137), error transmission processing shown in step S131 is performed, and information about the reading failure is transmitted to the entrance/exit management server via the external interface 28. FIG.

As described above, when it is determined that the specific pattern is not captured by the imaging unit 33 and the non-contact communication medium T is recognized (imaged), the non-contact communication processing is performed by the non-contact communication unit 40. Since the non-contact communication processing is not performed even when the information code C to be read is held over the reading port 13, unnecessary non-contact communication processing can be suppressed, and the non-contact communication is possible. Also, power saving can be achieved. Moreover, since the illumination light Lf is not emitted when the non-contact communication medium T is held over the reading port 13, unnecessary illumination of the illumination light Lf can be suppressed.

In particular, since the antenna 44 is arranged so as to surround the reading port 13 , non-contact communication processing can be reliably performed with respect to the non-contact communication medium T held over the reading port 13 .

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and modified examples, and may be embodied as follows, for example.
(1) The present invention is not limited to being applied to the reading device of the entrance/exit management system described above. Effective.

(2) The information code C according to the present invention is not limited to being constructed as a QR code having a specific pattern such as a finder pattern FP. or data matrix code, maxicode, etc.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Information reader 11... Case 13... Reading opening 21... Control part (determination part, decoding part)
23 ... LED (light emitting part)
24a... Display screen (light emitting part)
27 ... human sensor (detection unit)
31 Illumination light source (illumination unit)
33... Imaging unit C... Information code FP... Finder pattern (specific pattern)
Lf... illumination light

Claims (4)

An information reader that optically reads an information code having a specific pattern,
a housing in which a reading port is formed on the upper surface ;
a detection unit that detects an object approaching the reading port;
an imaging unit that captures an image of the information code held over the reading port;
a light-emitting portion disposed on the upper surface portion ;
an illumination unit that illuminates the information code held over the reading port with illumination light;
a control unit that controls the light emitting state of the light emitting unit and the irradiation state of the lighting unit;
a determining unit that determines whether or not the specific pattern is captured by the imaging unit in the light emitting state of the light emitting unit;
a decoding unit that performs decoding processing for decoding the information code on the captured image of the imaging unit;
a non-contact communication unit that performs non-contact communication processing for reading information stored in a non-contact communication medium via an antenna;
with
When the determination unit determines that the specific pattern is captured by the imaging unit after the control unit controls the light emitting unit to a light emitting state when an object is detected by the detection unit. and if the decoding process by the decoding unit fails, the illumination unit is controlled to an illumination state;
When the illumination unit is controlled to be in an illumination state by the control unit, the decryption unit performs the decryption processing on the captured image captured by the imaging unit in the illumination state of the illumination unit,
The determination unit is further capable of determining whether or not the non-contact communication medium is recognized by the imaging unit in the light emitting state of the light emitting unit,
The non-contact communication unit performs the non-contact communication processing when the determination unit determines that the specific pattern is not captured by the imaging unit and the non-contact communication medium is recognized. An information reader characterized by: The reading port is formed in a rectangular shape,
2. The information reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said light emitting unit comprises two or more LEDs arranged around said reading port. 3. The information reading device according to claim 1, wherein the light-emitting section includes a display section having a display screen capable of displaying predetermined information. 4. The information reader according to claim 1, wherein said antenna is arranged so as to surround said reading port.

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