JPH1139423A - Bar code reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To use a scanner at a fixed position without placing the scanner on a mounted board on which an article that is an object to be read for a bar code is placed in a bar code reader whose scanner use form is switchable between hand-held use and fixed position use. SOLUTION: A scanner 1 is provided with a 1st window part 5 which emits light having a single scan pattern that scans in the direction of one line and a 2nd window part 6 which emits light having multi-scan pattern that scans in the direction of plural lines and is connected to a POS terminal 23 through a cable 4. Amounted part 31 on which the scanner 1 is mounted is formed on the terminal 23, and the scanner 1 is mounted with the part 6 turned toward the outside. Also, the scanner 1 emits light of a multi-scan pattern from the part 6 when it is placed on the part 31 and used at its fixed position, and reads a bar code from its reflected light. When it is taken out of the part 31 and used in a hand-held state, it emits light of a single scan pattern from the part 5 and reads a bar code from its reflected light.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable scanner which emits light for reading a bar code and reads a bar code from the reflected light, and identifies an article from the bar code read by the portable scanner. The present invention relates to a barcode reading device including a terminal device that executes a predetermined process, and more particularly to a barcode reading device capable of switching the usage of a portable scanner between hand-held use and stationary use.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, various retail stores such as convenience stores and supermarkets use a barcode reader to read a barcode printed or affixed to a product, and thereby store the price and product management information of the product at a POS (POS). Po
Incorporation into terminal devices for int of sales) is widely performed. At the convenience store, when paying a utility bill, a barcode printed on a utility bill is read using a barcode reader.

[0003] As a bar code reading device used in such a POS system, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, a cashier table 81 for customer service is mounted on a bar code attached article such as a product or a slip. Sucker table 82 for placing
And a POS terminal device 83 mounted on one end of the sucker table 82. Further, the scanner 61 for reading a barcode is operated by a portable scanner separate from the POS terminal device 83. With this configuration, the scanner 61 is used (fixed use) in a state of being placed on a sucker table 82 via a stand 86 as shown in the drawing, or the scanner 6
There is known a device that can be used (hand-held) while holding the device 1 by hand according to the size of a bar-coded article or the like.

[0004] That is, in the conventional bar code reading apparatus shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, a grip portion 62 for a store clerk who is a user of the barcode reading device to hold by hand, and a head portion 63 having a window for transmitting and receiving light for reading a barcode.
The bar code data read by the scanner 61 can be output to the POS terminal device 83 via a cable 64 drawn from the grip portion 62. A first window portion 65 that emits light of a single scanning pattern scanned in one line direction and a multi-scanning pattern light that is sequentially scanned along a plurality of line directions are emitted to a head portion 63 of the scanner 61. Two types of windows, such as a second window 66, are formed.

When a clerk uses the scanner 61 to read a bar code, for example, when a bar-coded product is large or when a customer is presenting a transfer slip, the scanner 61 Hold the first window section 65 by hand.
, The bar code is read from the reflected light by the scanner 61. Further, for example, when the product is relatively small, the scanner 61 is placed on the sucker stand 82 via the stand 86, the product is held by hand, and a barcode is held in front of the second window 66, By emitting the light of the multi-scanning pattern from the second window 66, the scanner 61 reads the bar code from the reflected light.

That is, in the above-described conventional bar code reading apparatus, the clerk operates the scanner 61 in the multi-scan mode in which the light of the multi-scan pattern is emitted from the second window section 66 at the time of stationary use. When the bar code is held over the front of the unit 66, the bar code can be read from the reflected light regardless of the orientation of the bar code. The bar code can be read by adjusting the relative position between the scanner 61 and the slip even if a plurality of bar codes are printed on the transfer slip or the like. Since the range can be set arbitrarily, the scanner 61 is operated in a single scan mode in which light of a single scan pattern is emitted from the first window 65. In is operated, it is to be able to read ensure the desired bar code from the reflected light.

[0007]

As described above, in the above-described conventional bar code reading apparatus, the scanner 61 for reading the bar code and the POS for identifying the article based on the bar code read result by the scanner 61 are provided. The terminal device 83 is configured separately from the terminal device 83, so that the use mode of the scanner 61 can be arbitrarily switched between hand-held use and stationary use according to the size of an article to be read a barcode. However, since the scanner 61 is configured to be mounted on the sucker table 82 via the stand 86 when the scanner 61 is used in a stationary state, the scanner 61 is originally used for placing products, transfer slips, and the like. The problem is that the stocker table 82 becomes narrower, and large or large quantities of goods cannot be placed on the sucker table 82, which hinders customer service. There was.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and comprises a bar code reading scanner and a terminal device, which are separated from each other, and wherein the use mode of the scanner can be switched between hand-held use and stationary use. It is an object of the present invention to provide a reading device in which a scanner can be fixedly used without placing the scanner on a mounting table for mounting an article to be read with a barcode.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bar code reading apparatus comprising: a bar code read from a portable scanner; A placement unit for placing a portable scanner is formed on a terminal device that identifies a product and executes a predetermined process. The portable scanner emits light of a single scanning pattern from a first window and reads a bar code from the reflected light, and emits light of a multi-scanning pattern from a second window. And a second reading means for reading a bar code from the reflected light. And
A portable scanner is provided at the mounting portion formed on the terminal device with at least reading of a barcode by the second reading means (in other words, emission of light of a multi-scanning pattern from the second window and reflected light thereof). Can be placed in a possible direction.

Therefore, according to the bar code reader of the present invention, the portable scanner is mounted on the mounting portion of the terminal device,
By operating the second reading means, light of the multi-scanning pattern is emitted outward from the second window. At this time, if a bar-coded article is held in front of the second window, The bar code can be read by the second reading means.

According to the present invention, when the portable scanner is fixedly used as described above, the portable scanner is
There is no need to use a stand or the like to place the device on a soccer table or the like, so the space required for stationary use in the conventional device can be reduced, and the space around the barcode reader can be effectively used. it can.

Further, when the portable scanner is lifted from the mounting portion of the terminal device and operates the first reading means, light of a single scanning pattern is emitted from the first window portion.
As in the above-described conventional apparatus, it is possible to read a barcode by hand-held use, and it is also possible to accurately read a barcode from a large product or a slip on which a plurality of barcodes are printed.

Here, the switching between the bar code reading operation by the first reading means and the bar code reading operation by the second reading means in the portable scanner is performed, for example, by a user (store clerk, etc.). The switching may be performed by operating a changeover switch provided on the scanner or the terminal device. However, in this case, if the user forgets to operate the changeover switch, the barcode will not be read even if the article is held in front of the second window during fixed use, and the changeover switch must be operated while holding the article. And the usability is degraded.

Therefore, a bar code reader according to the present invention detects that a portable scanner is placed on a placement unit in a portable scanner or a terminal device. A mounting sensor is provided, and in the portable scanner, when the reading operation switching means is based on the detection result by the mounting sensor, the portable scanner is mounted on the mounting portion,
The barcode reading operation by the first reading unit is prohibited, and the barcode reading operation by the second reading unit is permitted. When the portable scanner is not mounted on the mounting unit, the barcode reading operation is performed by the second reading unit. It is preferable that the barcode reading operation is prohibited and the barcode reading operation by the first reading unit is permitted.

That is, if the bar code reading device is configured as described in claim 2, when the portable scanner is placed on the placing portion and is used in a fixed state, the second reading means is operated. ,
The bar code attached to the article can be reliably read by the light of the multi-operation pattern emitted from the second window portion. Conversely, when the portable scanner is used by hand, the first reading means is used. By operating, the desired barcode can be accurately read by the light of the single operation pattern emitted from the first window portion.

Further, when the operation of each reading means is automatically permitted depending on whether or not the portable scanner is mounted on the terminal device as described above, the reading means for which the operation is permitted, the bar is not used. The code reading operation may be always performed. However, in this case, either one of the first reading unit and the second reading unit always operates, thereby increasing power consumption or unnecessary reading. The operation causes a problem that the life of the reading unit is shortened.

Therefore, in order to solve such a problem, in the apparatus according to the second aspect, further, as in the third aspect, an operation switch for activating the first reading unit is provided on the portable scanner. A first activation unit, wherein when the first activation unit operates the operation switch when the bar code reading operation by the first reading unit is permitted by the reading operation switching unit, the bar code by the first reading unit is operated. Or an article sensor for detecting that an article has approached the vicinity of the second window, and a second activating means, as described in claim 4. When the second sensor detects the approach of the article to the second window by the article sensor when the bar code reading operation by the second reading means is permitted by the reading operation switching means, 2 By reading means It is preferable to configure so as to execute the reading of the keycode.

That is, when the operation of the first reading means is permitted, the bar code reading operation by the first reading means is executed only when the operation switch is operated. With this configuration, unnecessary reading operation by the first reading unit is prohibited, power consumption by the first reading unit can be reduced, and a reduction in the life of the first reading unit due to the unnecessary reading operation can be prevented. In addition, as described in claim 4, when the operation of the second reading means is permitted, the second reading means is provided only when the article sensor detects the approach of the article to the second window. , The unnecessary reading operation by the second reading unit is prohibited, the power consumption by the second reading unit can be reduced, and the life of the second reading unit due to the unnecessary reading operation can be reduced. Drop can be prevented.

Next, according to the present invention, like the conventional scanner shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the portable scanner has a first window for emitting light in a single scanning pattern,
A second window for emitting the light of the multi-scanning pattern is formed. Each of these windows is formed on the same outer wall surface of the portable scanner as in the conventional scanner. When the portable scanner is placed on the receiver so that the unit faces the opposite side to the receiver of the terminal device, when the portable scanner is lifted from the receiver as it is, each window is opened. But,
Turn the wrist or switch the portable scanner when emitting light of a single scanning pattern from the first window portion to read a barcode such as a large article or a slip, which faces the user. As a result, the first window must be directed to the barcode to be read, which is inconvenient.

Therefore, in order to solve such a problem, the first window and the second window are formed on the front and back surfaces of the portable scanner, which are opposite to each other. Is desirable. That is, if the portable scanner is configured in this manner, the first window is formed on the side opposite to the second window facing the user when the portable scanner is placed on the placement section. Therefore, if the user grasps the portable scanner placed on the placing section as it is (that is, from the second window side), the first window section faces the opposite side to the user. The user can emit the light of the single scanning pattern from the first window portion to the barcode to be read without twisting the hand holding the portable scanner or holding the portable scanner. This makes it possible to improve the usability of the barcode reader.

[0021]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of a registration table 21 according to an embodiment to which the barcode reading device of the present invention is applied.

As shown in FIG. 1, the cash register 21 of the present embodiment is used.
Is similar to a conventional cash register 81 shown in FIG.
It is used as a terminal of the system, and includes a sucker table 22 for mounting articles with a barcode, such as goods and slips, and a POS terminal device 23 mounted on one end of the sucker table 22. It is composed of The scanner 1 as a portable scanner is connected to the POS terminal device 23 via the cable 4. When the bar code is read by the scanner 1, the bar code data is transferred to the POS terminal device. 23, the POS terminal device 2
3 identifies a bar-coded article from the bar code data and executes a predetermined calculation process for calculating a fee, managing inventory, and the like.

As described above, also in the bar code reading apparatus of the present embodiment, the bar code reading scanner 1
Although the POS terminal device 23 is configured separately from the POS terminal device 23, in the present embodiment, a mounting portion 31 (see FIG. 3) for mounting the scanner 1 on the POS terminal device 23 is formed. When the scanner 1 is stationary, the scanner 1 is
It can be placed on the S terminal device 23.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
It comprises a grip portion 2 for a store clerk as a user to hold by hand, and a head portion 3 having a window for transmitting and receiving light for reading a barcode. Then, in the present embodiment, the head portion 3 is moved at a predetermined angle θ with respect to the grip portion 2.
A first window portion 5 for emitting light in a single scanning pattern scanned in one line direction is formed at the protruding tip portion. Also, a surface (hereinafter, referred to as a “back surface”) 2 of the grip portion 2 on which the head portion 3 protrudes.
On a surface 2b opposite to a (hereinafter referred to as “front surface”) 2b, a second window portion 6 for emitting light of a multi-scanning pattern sequentially scanned along a plurality of line directions is formed. .
As a result, the bar code reading light beams whose emission angles are different from each other by 90 ° to 180 ° are emitted from the windows 6 and 5 corresponding to the angle θ formed between the grip portion 2 and the head portion 3. Will be.

On the front surface 2b of the grip portion 2, below the second window 6, an article sensor 7 for detecting approach of an article, and light of a single scanning pattern is emitted from the first window 5. An operation switch 8 is provided for inputting a command to read a barcode. A placement sensor 9 for detecting that the scanner 1 is placed on the placement section 31 of the POS terminal device 23 is provided on the back surface 2 a of the grip portion 2.

That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the mounting portion 31 of the POS terminal device 23 has a front surface 2b of the grip portion 2.
The scanner 1 has a concave portion 32 for accommodating the head portion 3 protruding from the grip portion 2 of the scanner 1 so that the scanner 1 can be placed thereon. Is mounted on the mounting portion 31. For this reason, when the scanner 1 is placed on the placement unit 31, the back surface 2a of the grip unit 2 is
It faces the mounting portion 31 of the S terminal device 23.

In this embodiment, a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode that emits light of a predetermined wavelength, a photodiode or a phototransistor that receives a light from the light emitting element and generates a detection signal is used as the placement sensor 9. A photosensor comprising a light receiving element made of a similar material is used, and is provided on the back surface 2a of the grip portion 2. For this reason, when the scanner 1 is mounted on the mounting portion 31, the light from the light emitting element is reflected by the mounting portion 31 and is incident on the light receiving element. That is, a detection signal indicating that the scanner 1 is placed on the placement unit 31 is output, and the scanner 1 is placed on the placement unit 31.
Is not mounted on the light receiving element, the light from the light emitting element is not incident on the light receiving element, and the detection signal is not output from the light receiving element. Therefore, in the barcode reading device of the present embodiment, whether or not the scanner 1 is mounted on the mounting portion 31 depends on whether or not a detection signal is output from the mounting sensor 9 (specifically, the light receiving element). Can be determined.

The article sensor 7 provided on the front surface 2b of the grip portion 2 is constituted by a photo sensor similar to the placement sensor 9. For this reason, in the present embodiment, light of a predetermined wavelength generated by the light emitting element hits the article and is reflected,
It is determined whether the reflected light has entered the light receiving element at a predetermined level or more based on the signal level generated by the light receiving element. Can be determined.

Next, FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an optical mechanism 41 built in the scanner 1 for emitting light scanned by the above-mentioned respective scanning patterns from the first and second windows 5 and 6 to read a bar code. It is a block diagram. As shown in FIG.
1 is a rotating mirror 42, a motor 43, a laser light source 4
4, a pyramid mirror 45a to 45e, a reflection mirror 46, a condenser lens 48, and a light receiving element (photodiode, phototransistor, etc.) 49.

The rotating mirror 42 has four mirror surfaces 42a.
To 42d have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape arranged on the side surface.
The inclination angles of the mirror surfaces 42a to 42c are set to be the same with respect to the rotation axis 42e of the rotation mirror 42, and only the inclination angle of the mirror surface 42d is different. The rotating shaft 42e is connected to a motor 43, and the rotating mirror 42 is driven to rotate in one direction (the direction of the arrow shown around the rotating shaft 42e in the figure) around the rotating shaft 42e by the rotation of the motor 43. Is done.

The laser light source 44 generates a laser beam, and the laser beam is applied to any one of the mirror surfaces 42a to 42d of the rotating mirror 42 as shown by an arrow A in FIG.
Irradiated one. Each of the pyramid mirrors 45a to 45e is arranged in a fan shape, and only the pyramid mirror 45c has a protruding portion 47 whose height is higher than other pyramid mirrors. Then, above the protruding portion 47 of the pyramid mirror 45c,
A reflection mirror 46 is provided.

Each mirror surface 4 is associated with the rotation of the rotating mirror 42.
The laser beams reflected by 2a-42c are swung in the direction of rotation of rotating mirror 42, and all pyramid mirrors 45a-4c
5e. And as shown by the arrow B in the figure,
The laser beams reflected in different directions by the pyramid mirrors 45a to 45e are emitted from the second window 6 as a multi-scan pattern in a plurality of line directions.

On the other hand, the laser beam reflected by the mirror surface 42d strikes the projection 47 of the pyramid mirror 45c and is reflected in the direction of the reflection mirror 46. And the reflection mirror 4
At 6, the laser beam from the pyramid mirror 45c is reflected in a direction different from the beam direction shown by the arrow B in the figure, as shown by the arrow C in the figure. The laser beam is emitted from the first window 5 as a single scanning pattern in one line direction.

The light (laser beam) emitted from each of the windows 5 and 6 as described above is reflected by the article if there is an article ahead. Part of the reflected light returns to the rotating mirror 42 through substantially the same path as when the laser beam is emitted, as exemplified by the arrow D in the figure. Therefore, in order to read a bar code from the reflected light, a condenser lens 48 and a light receiving element 49 are provided on the side of the rotating mirror 42 opposite to the laser light source 44, and the mirror surface used for emitting the laser beam is provided on the mirror surface. Light from an adjacent mirror surface (that is, light reflected off an external object)
Is condensed by a condenser lens 48 and is incident on a light receiving element 49.

For this reason, when light of a predetermined scanning pattern is emitted from the first window 5 or the second window 6, the window 5,
There is an article in front of 6, and when the light is reflected by the article,
A part of the reflected light enters the light receiving element 49. If the reflected light is from a bar code attached to the article, the output level from the light receiving element 49 changes according to the width and interval of the bar of the bar code. The bar code attached to the article can be read from the change pattern of the signal.

Incidentally, in the configuration of the optical mechanism 41 of this embodiment,
When the laser light source 44 is constantly operated, light of a predetermined scanning pattern is simultaneously emitted from each of the windows 5 and 6.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, by controlling the generation of the laser beam in the laser light source 44 in synchronization with the rotation of the rotating mirror 42, one of the windows 5 and 6 is controlled according to the operation mode of the scanner 1. Light is emitted.

That is, in the present embodiment, a synchronization signal generating circuit 54 for generating a synchronization signal synchronized with the switching of the mirror surface for reflecting the laser beam on the rotating mirror 42 in accordance with the rotation of the rotating mirror 42 (in other words, the motor 43). (See FIG. 6), and as shown in FIG. 5, if the operation mode of the scanner 1 is the single scan mode in which the light of the single scan pattern is emitted from the first window 5, the laser beam is generated from the synchronization signal. Mirror surface 42 of rotating mirror 42
The laser beam is generated by the laser light source 44 only during this period (period t1 to t2 shown in FIG. 4), and the operation mode of the scanner 1 is changed to the second mode.
In the case of the multi-scan mode in which the light of the multi-scan pattern is emitted from the window 6, a period during which the laser beam is reflected by the mirror surfaces 42a to 42c (a period from time t2 to t3 shown in the figure) is detected from the synchronization signal. Then, only during that period, the laser light source 44 is caused to generate a laser beam.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the entire control system of the scanner 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG.
The control system of the scanner 1 mainly includes a control circuit 50 composed of a microcomputer. The control circuit 50 includes an article sensor 7 provided on the grip unit 2 for switching the operation mode of the scanner 1. The switch 8 and the placement sensor 9 are connected.

In order to control the optical mechanism 41 and read the bar code, the control circuit 50 includes a drive circuit 52 for driving the motor 43 to rotate the rotary mirror 42 and a synchronization signal from a synchronization signal generation circuit 54. Control circuit 5
6 are connected to an amplifier circuit 56, a driving circuit 58 for driving the laser light source 44, and a decoding circuit 60 for restoring a barcode based on a signal received from the light receiving element 49. The light receiving signal from the light receiving element 49 is amplified by the amplifier circuit 59, and the amplified light receiving signal is transmitted to the decode circuit 6
Input to 0.

The control circuit 50 controls the article sensor 7,
Based on signals from the operation switch 8 and the placement sensor 9, the scanner 1 is operated in a single scan mode, a multiscan mode, or
It is determined whether to stop reading the bar code (scan stop). In the single scan mode or the multi-scan mode, the optical mechanism 41 is driven and controlled as described above corresponding to each operation mode. And reads the bar code data read out to the POS terminal device 23.

That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the control circuit 50
First, in step S110 (S represents a step), it is determined whether or not the placement sensor 9 is ON (specifically, whether or not a detection signal is output from the placement sensor 9). It is determined whether or not it is mounted on the mounting portion 31 of the terminal device 23 for use.

If the scanner 1 is mounted on the mounting section 31 while the mounting sensor 9 is ON, the following S
At 120, it is determined whether or not the article sensor 7 is ON (specifically, whether or not the signal level from the article sensor 7 is equal to or higher than a predetermined level).
It is determined whether or not the article has approached (and thus the second window 6). If the article sensor 12 is in the ON state and an article exists near the second window 6, it is determined that the operation condition of the multi-scan mode is satisfied, and the process proceeds to S130 to control the optical mechanism 41. Thus, the multi-scanning as the second reading means, in which the light of the multi-scanning pattern is emitted from the second window portion 6 and the bar code is read from the reflected light, is started.

On the other hand, in S110, the mounting sensor 9 is turned on.
If it is determined that the scanner 1 is not placed on the placement unit 31 but is not in the state, the process proceeds to S140 and determines whether the operation switch 8 is in the ON state. If the operation switch 8 is ON, the user sets the operation switch 8 to O.
N, it is determined that the operating condition of the single scan mode is satisfied, and the flow shifts to S150, where the optical mechanism 41 is operated.
, The light of the single scanning pattern is emitted from the first window portion 5, and the bar code is read from the reflected light to start the single scanning as the first reading means.

If it is determined in step S120 that the article sensor 7 is not in the ON state, or if it is determined in step S140 that the operation switch 8 is not in the ON state, it is not necessary to read the barcode at present. Assuming that the mode is the scan stop mode, the process shifts to S160 to stop driving the optical mechanism 41 (scan stop).

As a result, according to this embodiment, the scanner 1
When the bar-coded article is brought close to the scanner 1 while the article is placed on the placement section 31 of the POS terminal device 23, light of a multi-scanning pattern is emitted from the second window 6, and the article is Is directed to the second window 6, the bar code is automatically read. If the user holds the scanner 1 and turns on the operation switch 8,
Light of a single operation pattern is emitted from the first window portion 5,
If the first window 5 is directed to the barcode to be read, the barcode is automatically read.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control circuit 50.
By repeatedly executing the processing according to this flowchart, the operation mode of the scanner 1 is quickly switched from the scan stop mode to the multi-scan mode or the single scan mode.

In this embodiment, the mounting sensor 9 is
The processing of S110 for determining whether or not the state is the N state corresponds to the reading operation switching means according to the second aspect. When the determination is affirmative in S110, it is determined whether or not the article sensor 7 is in the ON state. , The process of S120 to execute the process of S130 is
The processing of S140, which corresponds to the second activation means according to claim 4, and determines whether or not the operation switch 8 is ON and performs the processing of S150 when a negative determination is made in S110, This corresponds to the first activation means described in item 3.

As described above, according to the present embodiment,
Since the mounting portion 31 for mounting the scanner 1 is formed on the POS terminal device 23, when the scanner 1 is fixedly used, the scanner 1 is mounted on the sucker base 2 using a stand or the like.
There is no need to place it on the 2. Therefore, the sucker table 22
The scanner 1 does not become an obstacle when placing a product or the like on the car, and the sucker table 22 can be used effectively.

In the scanner 1, the first window 5 and the second window 6 are formed on the back surface 2 a and the front surface 2 b of the grip 2, respectively.
Is configured so that the scanner 1 can be placed with the first window portion 5 facing the placement section 31 side.
When using the device by hand, the scanner 1 may be lifted from the mounting portion 31 and the first window 5 may be directly directed to the barcode to be read. There is no need to twist or change the scanner 1. Therefore, as a portable scanner, the first window 65 and the second window
The operability of the portable scanner (that is, the scanner) can be improved in hand-held use as compared with the case of using the conventional scanner 61 in which the window 66 is formed on the same surface.

In the present embodiment, the placement of the scanner 1 on the placement section 31 is detected by the placement sensor 9, and the article sensor 7 determines that an article such as a commodity has approached the scanner 1. Only when the operation is performed, the light of the multi-scanning pattern is emitted from the second window 6, and the light of the single scanning pattern is emitted from the first window 5 to the placement unit 31 by the placement sensor 9. The operation is performed only when the operation switch 8 is turned ON in a state where the placement of the scanner 1 is not detected. Therefore, the light emission from each of the windows 5, 6 and the accompanying bar code reading operation can be executed only when the bar code needs to be read.

For this reason, according to this embodiment, the scanner 1
, The barcode reading operation can be minimized and power consumption by the scanner 1 can be reduced. Also, since the optical mechanism 41 is not driven unnecessarily, the components of the optical mechanism 41 (particularly, the laser light source 44)
Life can be extended.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.
Various embodiments can be adopted. For example, in the above embodiment, when the operation mode of the scanner 1 becomes the single scan mode or the multi scan mode, the light of the single scan pattern or the multi scan pattern is emitted from the window 5 or 6 corresponding to the operation mode. However, when the operation mode of the scanner 1 is set to the single scan mode or the multi-scan mode, the light is emitted from the windows 5 and 6 at the same time, and the decoding circuit 60
Is operated in accordance with the synchronization signal generated by the synchronization signal generation circuit 54, so that the decoding circuit 60 selects the light reception signal of the reflected light passing through the window 5 or 6 corresponding to the operation mode of the scanner 1. Then, the barcode may be restored.

In other words, even in this case, when the scanner 1 is in stationary use, the barcode is read with the light of the multi-scanning pattern emitted from the second window 6, and when the scanner 1 is used in hand, the barcode is read from the first window 5. The bar code can be read with the emitted light of the single scanning pattern. With this configuration, it is not necessary to switch the driving / stopping of the laser light source 44 in accordance with the synchronization signal, and it is sufficient to operate the laser light source 44 continuously during bar code reading. Can be easily configured,
It is possible to prevent the life of the laser light source 44 from being shortened by the high-speed blinking operation.

In the above embodiment, the scanner 1 is provided with the article sensor 7 and the operation switch 8, and these parts are turned on.
Although the optical mechanism 41 is driven and controlled to switch whether or not to read a barcode depending on the OFF state, for example, the scanner 1 is provided with only the placement sensor 9,
When the placement sensor 9 is in the ON state (when the scanner 1 is in stationary use), the optical mechanism 41 (or the decoding circuit 60) reads the barcode with the light of the multi-scanning pattern emitted from the second window 6. Controlled, the placement sensor 9 is turned off
In the state, the optical mechanism 4 reads the bar code with the light of the single scanning pattern emitted from the first window 5.
1 (or the decoding circuit 60) may be controlled. In this way, the bar code reading light is always emitted from each of the windows 5 and 6. However, the control for switching the bar code reading operation is extremely simple, and The scanner 1 can be realized at low cost.

Next, the optical mechanism 4 in the scanner 1
1 can be replaced with, for example, an optical mechanism 51 shown in FIG. The optical mechanism 51 shown in FIG. 5 has substantially the same configuration as the optical mechanism 41 of the above embodiment, and differs from the optical mechanism 41 in that the heights of all the pyramid mirrors 45a to 45e are all equal and the mirror surface for a single scanning pattern. 42d is the laser light source 4
And a point formed so as to directly reflect the laser beam from No. 4 in the direction of the reflection mirror 46.

In the optical mechanism 51, as shown by the arrow E in the figure, the laser beam reflected by the mirror surface 42d directly enters the reflecting mirror 46,
The light is reflected in the direction of the first window portion 5, but the other operations are exactly the same as those in the above embodiment. Therefore, even if the optical mechanism is replaced with that shown in FIG. It is possible to realize a bar code reader that can obtain the same operation and effect.

In the above embodiment, the POS terminal 2
When the scanner 1 is mounted on the scanner 3, the back surface 2 a of the grip unit 2 has been described as being opposed to the mounting unit 31.
For example, when the scanner 1 is mounted on the POS terminal 23 by forming a recess corresponding to the side surface shape of the scanner 1 on the POS terminal 23 as a mounting portion, as shown in FIG. Alternatively, the front surface 2b of the grip unit 2 may face the opposite side to the operation unit 23a of the POS terminal device 23. In this case, the mounting sensor 9
Need to be provided on the side surface facing the mounting portion when the scanner 1 is mounted on the POS terminal device 23.

Further, the POS terminal device 23 of the above embodiment is used.
In this case, in addition to the mounting portion 31, if a mounting portion corresponding to the side shape of the scanner 1 is formed,
In the stationary use, the user can appropriately turn the front surface 2b of the scanner 1 upward or sideways, so that usability can be further improved. In this case, it is necessary to provide the placement sensors 9 at two positions, that is, the back surface 2b and the side surface of the scanner 1.

In the above embodiment, the scanner 1 is
In order to detect that it is placed on the S terminal device 23,
Although the placement sensor 9 has been described as being provided on the scanner 1, the placement sensor 9 only needs to be able to detect that the scanner 1 is placed on the POS terminal device 23.
It may be provided on the S terminal device 23 side. As the placement sensor 9, for example, the scanner 1 is the POS terminal device 2.
A switch that mechanically switches between ON and OFF states when placed on the device 3 can also be used.

On the other hand, in the above embodiment, the first window 5 and the second window 6 are formed on the back surface 2a side and the front surface 2b side of the grip portion 2 as a portable scanner for reading bar codes. It is described that the scanner 1 is used, but FIG.
The conventional scanner 61 shown in FIG. 2 may be used. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, the windows 66 and 65 of the scanner 61 may be directed upward (or sideways) on the POS terminal device 23 'for placing the scanner 61 thereon. ) Is formed as a receiver 31 ′, and the receiver 31 ′ is mounted on the receiver 31 ′.
1 may be placed.

In this case, in order to prevent the cable 64 pulled out from the scanner 61 from getting in the way, FIG.
As shown in the figure, the cable 6 is connected to the POS terminal 23 '.
It is desirable to form a groove 33 through which the holes 4 pass. Further, in order to realize the same bar code reading operation as that of the above-described embodiment using the conventional scanner 61, as shown in FIG. 11, when the scanner 61 is mounted on the mounting portion 31 ', , A placement sensor 69 is provided on the wall surface of the scanner 61 facing the placement section 31 ′, and an article sensor 67 is provided near the first window 66 of the scanner 61.
The operation switch 68 may be provided on the surface opposite to the surface on which 6 is formed.

As for the placement sensor 69, the user holds the grip 62 of the scanner 61 and the first window 65.
It is necessary to dispose the placement sensor 69 so that it does not malfunction when the user faces the bar code. In the scanner 61 shown in FIG.
A mounting sensor 69 is provided on the lower end surface of the sensor.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a cash register table according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a scanner according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a cross-sectional shape of a mounting portion formed in the POS terminal device of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of an optical mechanism built in the scanner according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating emission timing of a laser beam corresponding to an operation mode of the scanner according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the scanner according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a barcode reading operation of the scanner according to the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating another configuration example of the optical mechanism.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a cash register table on which a scanner can be placed in a horizontal direction.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a cashier table using a conventional scanner.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a cross-sectional shape of a mounting portion formed on a POS terminal device on which a conventional scanner is mounted.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a conventional scanner.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a conventional cash register stand.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Scanner (portable scanner) 5 ... 1st window part 6
... Second window 7 ... Article sensor 8 ... Operation switch 9 ... Placement sensor 23 ... POS terminal

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A light having a single scanning pattern obtained by scanning light from a light source in one line direction is emitted to the outside from a first window, and a bar code is formed from reflected light incident through the first window. First reading means for reading, and reflected light which is emitted from a second window to the outside in a multi-scan pattern obtained by sequentially scanning light from a light source in a plurality of line directions, and entering through the second window. A portable scanner that can switch a barcode reading operation by each of the reading means, and a barcode read by the portable scanner. A terminal device that identifies the article to which the barcode is attached from the code and executes a predetermined process; and a barcode reading device, wherein the terminal device reads the barcode by at least the second reading unit. A bar code reader, wherein a mounting portion for mounting the portable scanner in a possible orientation is formed. 2. The portable scanner or the terminal device,
A mounting sensor for detecting that the portable scanner is mounted on the mounting section; wherein the portable scanner is configured to detect the portable scanner based on a detection result by the mounting sensor; When the bar code is placed on the loading section, the bar code reading operation by the first reading means is prohibited, and
Bar code reading operation by the reading means is permitted, and when the portable scanner is not mounted on the mounting section, bar code reading operation by the second reading means is prohibited,
The bar code reader according to claim 1, further comprising a reading operation switching unit that permits a bar code reading operation by the first reading unit. 3. An operation switch for activating said first reading means, said operation switch being operated when said bar code reading operation by said first reading means is permitted by said reading operation switching means. The bar code reader according to claim 2, further comprising: a first activation unit configured to execute reading of a bar code by the first reading unit when a switch is operated. 4. An article sensor for detecting that an article has approached the vicinity of the second window to the portable scanner, and a bar code reading operation by the second reading means is permitted by the reading operation switching means. When the approach of the article to the second window portion is detected by the article sensor,
The bar code reader according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising: a second activation unit configured to execute reading of a bar code by the second reading unit. 5. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the first window and the second window are formed on opposite sides of the portable scanner. The bar code reader according to the above.