WO2005114546A1

WO2005114546A1 - Dot pattern reading unit and mouse comprising it

Info

Publication number: WO2005114546A1
Application number: PCT/JP2004/007082
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kenji Yoshida
Original assignee: Kenji Yoshida
Priority date: 2004-05-24
Filing date: 2004-05-24
Publication date: 2005-12-01
Also published as: JPWO2005114546A1; JP4008952B2

Abstract

A dot pattern reading unit for optically reading a dot pattern formed on the surface of a medium by means of a camera comprising a light source for irradiating the surface of a medium with light, a lens through which the reflected light from the dot pattern enters the camera, and a tubular nose section having a hollow portion provided, at the forward end thereof, with an opening through which the irradiation light from the light source and the reflected light from the surface of a medium pass. The light source and the lens are disposed in the hollow portion of the nose section to face the opening. The hollow portion surface defining the hollow portion of the nose section is mirror finished. The dot pattern is irradiated with the irradiation light from the light source reflected off the hollow portion surface of the nose section. The dot pattern can be irradiated efficiently by means of a small number of light sources while preventing highlight.

Description

Specification

Dot pattern reading unit and mouse equipped with the same

Technical field

The present invention relates to a technology for optically reading dot pattern information formed on a medium surface of a printed matter such as a book.

Background art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been proposed a sound-generating toy that reads a barcode printed on a picture book or a game card using an optical sensor and generates a specific sound. With these sound-generating toys, various types of sound information can be reproduced by reading the sound information corresponding to the read barcode from the memory.

[0003] However, such a technique using a barcode requires that a paper area for barcode printing be provided on the paper, and the barcode is for reading by an information processing system. Since the readers of the book could not visually understand the contents of the code, the fact that the barcode was printed on a limited amount of paper was bothersome for the reader and could reduce the value of books such as picture books. Had become.

[0004] Furthermore, as described above, the barcode technology cannot print over characters, figures, and symbols that are limited on paper. Readers who have no choice but to print barcodes in the vicinity of characters or the like when they want to do so have the characteristic that it is difficult for other voice information to be intuitively added to the characters or the like.

[0005] In this regard, Patent Document 1 proposes a method of reading code information printed in a dot pattern and reproducing the information. The technique described in Patent Document 1 defines data according to the arrangement of dot patterns in a block area, and forms a marker using a dot pattern that cannot be a data dot pattern, for example, a dot of a large-diameter circle that is visible. By definition, this is made to function as a synchronization signal. Therefore, in this technology, a dot pattern in which dots are printed in a two-dimensional direction according to a predetermined rule is read by a pen-type scanner as shown in FIG. 32, and the scanning speed and scanning direction of the scanner are analyzed by an information processing device. To reproduce information such as sound associated in advance. [0006] In the dot code reading in such dot code technology, for example, a light source is irradiated on a printing surface on which the dot code is printed, and reflected light of a portion where the dot code is printed and a portion where the dot code is not printed are reflected. It reads dot codes based on differences in brightness and color. When reading the dot code in this way, it is necessary to irradiate so that no highlight is generated on the irradiation surface.If no or illumination occurs, the dot pattern cannot be recognized accurately due to the difference in the reflected light. As a result, the code meaning of the dot pattern may not be analyzed.

[0007] For example, the dot code reader 100 described in Patent Document 1 includes a light source 101 that illuminates a one-dot code, and a first polarization filter 102 that is disposed on the front surface of the light source 101, that is, on the irradiation side. , A lens 103, and a second polarizing filter 104 disposed on the front surface of the lens 103, and the first polarizing filter 102 and the second polarizing filter 104 are disposed so that the pattern surfaces thereof are orthogonal to each other ( See Figure 32).

[0008] According to the reading device 100, the plane of polarization of the random light emitted from the light source 101 is limited by the first polarizing filter 102, and for example, a P wave is emitted. Then, the specular reflection component is returned as it is from the printing surface on which the dot code is printed as a P wave with the polarization plane preserved as it is. However, since the polarization plane of the second polarization filter 104 is orthogonal to the first polarization filter 102, the specular reflection component is cut off by the second polarization filter 104. On the other hand, light emitted from the first polarization filter 102 and returned as luminance information upon hitting the dot code has a random plane of polarization and has both P and S waves. Among them, the P wave is cut by the second polarizing filter 104, and the S wave orthogonal to the P wave passes through the second polarizing filter 104 and enters the lens 103. This makes it possible to analyze dot codes.

According to the reading device 100, since the first polarizing filter 102 is disposed in front of the light source 101, the irradiation light from the light source 101 is not directly applied to the dot code but is applied as indirect light. You. For this reason, the light from the light source 101 is dispersed, and can generate light and illite. However, since the reading device 100 uses the first polarizing filter 102 and the second polarizing filter 104, the amount of light from the light source 101 is attenuated, which is insufficient for the dot code to be analyzed. Light may not be irradiated. In order to obtain a sufficient amount of light, it is conceivable to provide a plurality of light sources 101, but increasing the number of light sources 101 increases power consumption and cost. It will invite a great deal.

Patent Document 1: JP-A-10-261059

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and provides a dot pattern reading technique capable of efficiently irradiating the dot pattern with a small number of light sources while preventing the occurrence of illness and illite. This is a technical issue.

Means for solving the problem

[0011] The present invention is a dot pattern reading unit that optically reads a dot pattern with a camera in order to reproduce information corresponding to the dot pattern formed on the medium surface, wherein the dot pattern is formed. A light source for irradiating the medium surface with light, a lens for causing reflected light from the dot pattern to enter a camera, and a cylindrical shape having a hollow portion. A nose portion formed with an opening serving as an entrance for reflected light from the medium surface.The light source and the lens are disposed in a hollow portion of the nose portion so as to face the opening of the nose portion. The surface of the hollow part separating the hollow part of the nose part is mirror-finished, and the irradiation light from the light source is reflected on the hollow part surface of the nose part and is applied to the dot pattern from the opening. Specially To.

[0012] In the dot pattern reading unit according to the present invention, the nose portion is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the light source and the lens are arranged in the hollow portion of the nose portion. The medium is irradiated on the medium surface while being reflected in the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface of the dose portion. Since this reflected light is applied to the dot pattern as indirect light, it becomes almost uniform without forming spots or shadows. Light uniformly applied to the dot pattern reflects on the medium surface and enters the lens. For example, by disposing a camera unit at a position retracted from a lens, reflected light can be imaged and a dot pattern can be analyzed.

[0013] Here, when the direct light from the light source is emitted from the opening and is directly incident on the lens as reflected light from the paper surface, the light from the light source irradiated on the paper surface is directly incident on the lens as reflected light. As a result, the image becomes a highlight of the light, and the image becomes an image in which the dots disappear, and the analysis cannot be performed.

[0014] To prevent this, it is possible to adjust the position of the light source in the nose portion. If the pen (reading device) is tilted only by adjusting the position of the scanner, the direct light from the light source may be reflected from the paper surface and directly incident as reflected light depending on the angle, which may still cause high light. There is.

[0015] For this purpose, it is conceivable to arrange a light source near the opening. However, a light spot is generated due to the short distance between the light source and the paper surface, and a switch mechanism for controlling on / off of the light source is also arranged. If it was difficult, there was a problem.

In addition, since the light source is disposed at the distal end, the light source is susceptible to vibration and may be damaged.

Furthermore, the workability of mounting the light source was not easy.

In addition, one light source may produce a shadow due to the structure of the pen tip and the angle with respect to the paper surface, and another light source for irradiating the shadow portion has been required to compensate for the shadow.

Therefore, in the present invention, all the light radiated from the opening to the paper surface is made into indirect light, which can be radiated from the opposite side of the light source while being reflected in the circumferential direction, so that the reflected light of the indirect light from the paper surface is reduced. The brightness was made more uniform. The reflected light irradiated with the indirect light does not cause highlighting and has characteristics.

In the technique of optically reading a dot pattern as in the present invention, since the presence or absence of a dot pattern is read based on the change rate of the color of the dot pattern around and around the dot pattern, the contrast of light applied to the medium surface is problematic. It becomes. For example, if the rising edge of the dark and bright parts is steep or a shadow is formed on the surface of the medium to be irradiated with light, or if the spot is partially irradiated with light, etc. Pattern reading errors are likely to occur. Therefore, it is desirable that the light irradiating the medium surface is as uniform as possible.However, the dot pattern analysis program installed in this unit analyzes the steep change rate of the medium surface due to the irradiation light. If it is a gradation in which the irradiation light on the medium surface changes gently, it is not necessary to be completely uniform.

[0018] The light source may be any light source that can analyze a dot pattern by irradiating light and causing reflected light from a medium surface to enter a lens. For example, a dot pattern is formed by ink that absorbs infrared light. If formed, an infrared LED can be used. According to this configuration, the medium When the surface is irradiated with an infrared LED, the area where the dot pattern is formed absorbs infrared light and does not diffusely reflect. On the other hand, the portion where the dot pattern is not printed does not absorb infrared rays but reflects diffusely. The diffusely reflected light is incident on the lens, and only the dot pattern that does not emit reflected light appears black, and the dot pattern can be read. Further, ultraviolet light or light having a specific wavelength may be used as the light source.

The dot pattern is desirably printed with an ink that does not develop color in the infrared wavelength range, such as carbon ink such as toner, infrared ink, or transparent ink. Even if other information is printed on the surface of the medium by using ink that is visible in the visible light wavelength range and reflects infrared light in the infrared region, it is affected by this information. This makes it possible to read dot patterns that are easy to use. The camera is for capturing reflected light from the medium surface, and is preferably provided with an image sensor such as a CCD or C-MOS.

An image sensor such as a CCD or C_M〇S is used to convert the intensity of light entering through a lens of a camera into an electric signal and transfer the electric signal. Since the structure of the C-MOS is simpler than that of the CCD, the power consumption can be reduced as compared with the CCD. However, in dark places, CCDs have better images than C-MOS. Therefore, it is desirable to select an appropriate one according to the application.

The lens may have various configurations as long as the lens appropriately reflects reflected light from the medium surface. For example, an LED that emits light of the infrared wavelength is used as a light source. In this case, it is desirable to install an IR filter (visible light blocking filter) on the front of the lens to block visible light emitted from a partial force where no dot pattern is formed and to allow only infrared rays to enter the lens. Masire,

[0022] In the dot pattern reading unit, the hollow portion of the nose portion is formed in a tapered shape having a diameter gradually increasing from the lens toward the opening, and the light source is provided at least around the lens. Preferably, one dot is provided, and the dot pattern is irradiated from the opening while the irradiation light of the light source is reflected on the inner peripheral surface in the circumferential direction.

Since the hollow portion of the nose portion is formed in a tapered shape toward the opening at the tip, it is possible to irradiate the medium surface by diffusing irradiation light reflected in the hollow portion surface in the circumferential direction. The The number of light sources to be installed should be at least one and should be appropriately selected according to the required light quantity. Light can be more uniformly irradiated, which is preferable.

Further, the dot pattern reading unit according to the present invention includes a light source for irradiating light to a medium surface on which the dot pattern is formed, and a lens for causing a camera to reflect light reflected from the dot pattern. And a light guide having a hollow end and an opening serving as an entrance of the reflected light from the medium surface formed at the tip, and a light guide having an inside functioning as a light guide path. The light source is disposed in a hollow portion of the light guide so as to face the opening of the light guide, the light source is disposed near a base end in the light guide, and irradiation light from the light source is disposed inside the light guide. And the dot pattern is irradiated from the end face separating the opening.

[0024] The light guide is made of a transparent resin, and irradiates the irradiating light into the inside thereof so as to converge the irradiating light from a light source to an end face separating the opening. According to the reading unit having the above configuration, since the light source is disposed near the base end in the light guide, the irradiation light from the light source is irradiated into the light guide, and the inner surface (the surface on the hollow portion side) of the light guide is irradiated. For example, by keeping it smooth, it is reflected on this inner surface. By making the inner surface of the light guide (the surface on the hollow portion side) smooth as described above, incident light at a predetermined angle or less (less than the critical angle) is radiated to the hollow portion, but at a predetermined angle or more (critical angle or more). The incident light of ()) is totally reflected and confined in the light guide. In this way, the light reflected in the light guide is further reflected in the circumferential direction, and is applied to the medium surface from the end face separating the opening formed at the tip. That is, the irradiation light from the light source is not directly applied to the dot pattern, but is applied as indirect light reflected in the light guide. Therefore, the medium surface is irradiated with the diffused light, so that no light and no light can be prevented. Further, by forming the shape of the light guide to be tapered toward the front end, light emitted from the light source in various directions can be appropriately focused on the end face separating the opening. Further, the dot pattern can be read more efficiently.

[0025] In order to more efficiently irradiate the light inside the light guide from the end face, a mirror surface treatment for reflecting the light inside the light guide may be performed on the side surface of the hollow portion of the light guide. this Thus, no matter what angle the light enters inside the light guide, the light can be confined in the light guide and efficiently emitted from the end face.

[0026] The light guide may have a force S and a hollow structure described in the case where the light guide is formed of a transparent body.

[0027] Furthermore, it is preferable that an end face separating the opening of the light guide is a matte surface, and that the irradiation light to the dot pattern is diffused on the matte surface. As described above, the irradiation light from the light source irradiates the medium surface from the end face separating the opening of the light guide. It is desirable to make the part darker and the other parts as dark and light as possible. By using the end face separating the opening of the light guide as a matte surface and diffusing light on the matte surface, compared with the case where the end surface is a smooth surface, the irradiation light is diffused and a more uniform light is transmitted to the medium. It is possible to irradiate the surface S, and it is possible to read an accurate dot pattern.

It is preferable that an outer frame member containing the light guide is provided on the outer periphery of the light guide. By providing the outer frame member on the outer periphery of the light guide, all the irradiation light transmitted from the outer peripheral surface of the light guide can be reflected inside the light guide. It is possible to prevent highlights caused by direct reflection of light from the medium surface by the direct light entering the lens, and to prevent attenuation of the light amount. Further, since the light guide is included in the outer frame member, the light guide can be protected by the outer frame member, and damage to the light guide can be prevented.

[0029] Further, on the lens side of the light source of the dot pattern reading unit according to the present invention, a light shielding portion extending in the photographing direction may be provided. As described above, when light is directly emitted from the light source to the medium surface, highlighting occurs and the dot pattern cannot be read accurately. Therefore, it is desirable that all the direct irradiation light from the light source be reflected by the nose portion or the light guide to be indirect light. However, depending on the shape of the nose or the light guide, the irradiation light from the light source may pass through the nose or the light guide tip and directly irradiate the medium surface. In such a case, by providing a light-shielding portion for blocking the direct light from the light source directly radiated to the medium surface, the light to be directly radiated to the medium surface is blocked, and no light or light is prevented. It becomes possible. The material and shape of the light-shielding portion are not limited as long as it does not transmit light. For example, there is a configuration in which the light shielding portion is formed of a rectangular parallelepiped having a cylindrical body and a hollow portion by utilizing the characteristic that incident light having an angle larger than the critical angle is totally reflected, and is arranged so as to cover the outer periphery of the light source. Can be When a light-shielding part is used, the amount of light blocked is attenuated. Therefore, when it is desired to secure the amount of light, a mirror surface treatment is performed to reflect light to the light path directly illuminating the medium surface. May be provided. By providing the mirror surface member together, it is possible to prevent the light source from directly irradiating the medium surface with light, and it is possible to prevent the light amount from attenuating. Can be read.

[0031] Further, the dot pattern reading unit according to the present invention may be provided with an ink unit which is filled with ink and is capable of marking. By additionally providing the ink unit, the dot pattern can be read and the result can be written on the medium surface. This ink unit is desirably provided close to the medium surface, for example, the tip of the nose or the tip of the light guide is suitable. In addition, by linking with the analysis result of the dot pattern, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the seal is automatically performed according to the analysis result.

[0032] As the ink used in the ink unit, for example, inks that absorb infrared wavelengths (carbon ink, infrared ink, transparent ink) and inks that reflect infrared light (such as non-carbon ink) can be used. S can.

[0033] The present invention is also applicable to a dot pattern reading device characterized by comprising the dot pattern reading unit and a pen-shaped reading device main body. By providing the pen-type reading device main body, it can be handled with the same feeling as a pen of a writing instrument, and operation becomes easy. Also, by providing the ink unit together, the read result of the dot pattern can be easily written on the medium surface.

[0034] Further, the dot pattern reading device includes a switch mechanism for controlling turning on and off of the irradiation light from the light source and controlling the Z or photographing of the camera, and a switch mechanism between the nose portion or the light guide and the reading device main body. The nose portion or the light guide is movable in the axial direction of the reading device main body, and the switch is operated by staking with the elastic force of the elastic member. It may be characterized. Install the switch For example, when using a battery, a weak current is supplied during standby to suppress power consumption, and a mechanism that allows the necessary current to flow to the light source and the camera when the switch is turned on, or a mechanism for the switch By turning on the light source and the analysis circuit of the image sensor, the image sensor can be maintained in an active state for a certain period of time while returning the light source to the off state after photographing with the camera. When a C-M〇S is used as an image sensor, it takes a longer time to start up compared to a CCD, so by performing such control, the dot pattern can be read intermittently in a short time by C-MOS. It is advantageous in the case.

Further, the present invention is a mouse provided with a dot pattern reading unit for optically reading a dot pattern in order to reproduce information corresponding to the dot pattern formed on the medium surface, In order to reproduce information corresponding to the dot pattern formed on the medium, an irradiation light source for irradiating light to the medium surface on which the dot pattern is formed, and a light reflected from the dot pattern to enter the camera. A lens body, and an opening portion that serves as an entrance and exit for the irradiation light from the irradiation light source and the reflected light from the medium surface, and a mouse body that comes into contact with the medium surface, and comes into contact with the medium surface of the mouse body. An extension portion made of a transparent resin extending from the mouse body is provided on the bottom surface, and a hole is formed in the extension portion so that the medium surface can be visually recognized. Medium Light is irradiated to the dot pattern of the surface, it may be characterized in that reads the dot pattern. Also, a cross-shaped mark indicating the reading position may be provided in the extension portion using non-carbon ink.

[0036] According to the mouse having the above configuration, the dot pattern can be read by irradiating the medium surface on which the dot pattern is written with the irradiation light from the irradiation light source. In addition, by forming a visually recognizable hole on the bottom surface of the mouse body, the position of the dot pattern can be visually confirmed from the hole. That is, the position of the readable dot pattern can be accurately grasped, accurate mouse operation can be performed, and the reading accuracy can be improved.

Further, the present invention relates to a mouse provided with a dot pattern reading unit for optically reading a dot pattern in order to reproduce information corresponding to the dot pattern formed on the medium surface, An irradiation light source for irradiating light to a medium surface on which a pattern is formed, a lens on which reflected light from the dot pattern is incident, and an irradiation light from the irradiation light source A mouse body in which an opening serving as an entrance for reflected light from the medium surface is formed, and a pointer light source for irradiating a center of a reading point on a medium surface on which a dot pattern is formed from the opening, While irradiating the medium surface with pointer light from a pointer light source, the irradiation light of the irradiation light source is irradiated on the dot pattern, and the dot pattern is read by reflected light of the irradiation light.

[0038] Since the mouse having the above-described configuration includes the pointer light source that irradiates the reading point on the medium surface, the mouse can be operated while accurately grasping the position of the dot pattern to be read. The mouse provided with the dot pattern reading unit according to the present invention may have a configuration in which a light guide and a light shielding portion are provided as necessary, and a configuration in which the mouse body is subjected to mirror finishing, in addition to the above configuration. . As in the case of the above-mentioned reading unit, if the dot pattern cannot be read accurately due to uneven irradiation of the medium surface by spot light or shadow and attenuation of the amount of light, etc., the light guide etc. are appropriately provided. This makes it possible to read the dot pattern efficiently and accurately.

Further, it is desirable that the mouse body is provided with a sealable ink unit. As a result, the dot pattern can be read, and the result can be written on the medium surface. This ink unit is preferably provided on the bottom surface of the mouse body, which is desirably provided in contact with the surface of the medium. Also, by providing the extension on the bottom surface, the mouse can be visually recognized even when the mouse is operated, so that the mouse can be operated while checking the state of the seal.

Note that the ink used in the ink unit may be, for example, an ink that absorbs infrared wavelengths (carbon ink, infrared ink, transparent ink) or an ink that reflects infrared light (such as non-carbon ink). Power S can.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently irradiate the medium surface efficiently with a small number of light sources and to optically read a dot pattern while preventing highlights. In addition, if necessary, by applying a mirror surface treatment or providing a light guide and a light shielding unit, an appropriate position can be irradiated with light and a dot pattern can be read accurately.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing an internal structure of a dot pattern reading unit provided with a light shielding portion (at the time of vertical installation). Garden 2] is an explanatory view showing a reflection state of irradiation light with respect to a medium surface X (at the time of inclined installation). Garden 3] is an explanatory view showing the internal structure of a dot pattern reading unit in which a hollow portion of a nose portion is formed in a tapered shape.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view (1) showing the internal structure of a dot pattern reading unit provided with a switch mechanism.

FIG. 5B is an explanatory view (2) showing the internal structure of the dot pattern reading unit provided with the switch mechanism.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view (3) showing the internal structure of the dot pattern reading unit.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view (4) showing the internal structure of the dot pattern reading unit.

Garden 8] is an explanatory view (5) showing the internal structure of the dot pattern reading unit provided with the switch mechanism.

Garden 9] is an explanatory view showing the internal structure of a dot pattern reading unit provided with a switch mechanism and an ink unit.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal structure of a dot pattern reading unit equipped with a pen. FIG. 11 is a view in which a switch mechanism is provided in the dot pattern reading unit of FIG.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the irradiation light path of the dot pattern reading unit.

Garden 13] is an explanatory view showing the internal structure of a dot pattern reading unit provided with a light guide.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a light guide used in the dot pattern reading unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an irradiation state of irradiation light in the dot pattern reading unit. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of the light shielding unit 4 (cylindrical body).

Garden 17] is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of the light shielding unit 4 (a rectangular parallelepiped).

Garden 18] is an explanatory view (1) showing a reflection state of irradiation light of a dot pattern reading unit in which a light guide is mirror-finished.

Garden 19] is an explanatory view (2) showing a reflection state of irradiation light of the dot pattern reading unit in which the light guide is mirror-finished.

Garden 20] Theory showing the reflection state of irradiation light of the dot pattern reading unit provided with the outer frame member 6 FIG.

FIG. 21 is a view showing the relationship between the shape of a light guide and irradiation light.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory view (1) showing a dot pattern reading unit provided with a switch mechanism.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory view (2) showing a dot pattern reading unit provided with a switch mechanism.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a light guide provided with a rotation stop.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory view showing a dot pattern reading unit in which a lens and a light guide are integrally formed.

FIG. 26 is a plan view (1) of a mouse provided with a dot pattern reading unit.

FIG. 27 is a sectional view taken along the line AA for explaining the internal structure of the mouse in FIG. 27.

FIG. 28 is a plan view (2) of a mouse provided with a dot pattern reading unit.

FIG. 29 is a plan view (3) of a mouse equipped with a dot pattern reading unit.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the internal structure of another mouse provided with a dot pattern reading unit.

FIG. 31 is a view showing a modification of the dot pattern reading unit.

FIG. 32 is a configuration diagram of a conventional dot pattern reading device.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be illustratively described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the components described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to them unless otherwise specified. Absent.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal structure of the dot pattern reading unit 20A. The dot pattern reading unit 20A is mounted on a pen-type dot pattern reading device main body, not shown, and reads a dot pattern formed on the medium surface X. The dot pattern reading unit 20A has a nose portion 1 having a hollow portion formed therein and having an opening la at its tip, a lens 2 disposed at a position facing the opening la of the nose portion, and LED 3 as a light source that irradiates light to the medium surface X on which the dot pattern is formed and is arranged on the same plane as the lens 2, a light-shielding unit 4 extending in the shooting direction from between the LED 3 and the lens 2, A C-MOS camera 5 disposed at a position retracted from the lens 2. Note that a cap member 17 shown in the figure is attached to the opening la to close the opening la. The cap member 17 is made of a light-transmitting material such as glass or synthetic resin. The cap member 17 does not affect the imaging of the medium surface X by the lens 2 and also prevents dust and the like from entering the internal space. ing.

[0045] The LED 3 and the light-shielding portion 4 that also extends from the side of the LED 3 are configured so that the irradiation light from the LED 3 does not directly irradiate the opening la of the nose portion 1. The light is applied to the hollow surface lb or the light shielding portion 4 that separates the hollow portion of the nose portion 1, and the reflected light is applied to the outside from the opening la as indirect light. Therefore, the irradiation light irradiated on the medium surface X on which the dot pattern to be analyzed is formed is indirect light reflected at least once, and is in a diffuse state, and the dots are almost uniformly distributed from the opening la of the nose portion 1. Highlights can be prevented by irradiating the pattern.

The hollow surface lb of the nose portion 1 has been subjected to mirror finishing. By applying a mirror surface treatment, the light can be completely reflected, the light can be emitted efficiently without attenuating the light quantity of the LED3, and the illuminated light cannot be diffused or attenuated. Can be reflected. Further, since a plurality of LEDs 3 are provided at positions facing each other with the lens 2 as a center, the facing LEDs 3 reflect the irradiation light from the LEDs 3 from the facing hollow surface lb to irradiate the medium surface X. be able to. That is, since light can be applied to the medium surface X not only from one direction but also from various directions, the medium surface X is inclined with respect to the medium surface X on which the dot pattern is formed, as shown in FIG. Even with this, it is possible to irradiate the light from the LED 3 uniformly to the photographing surface (reading surface). Note that, in the same figure, the force described in the case where a plurality of LEDs 3 are arranged is applied to the medium surface X while reflecting the hollow surface lb of the nose portion 1 in the circumferential direction with only one LED3. The ability to obtain effects S

FIG. 3 shows a dot pattern reading unit 20B in which the arrangement of the LEDs 3 of the dot pattern reading unit 20A shown in FIG. 1 and the shape of the hollow surface lb of the nose part 1 are different. In this dot pattern reading unit 20B, the hollow portion of the nose portion 1 is formed in a tapered shape having a gradually increasing diameter from the lens 2 toward the opening la, and the tip of the LED 3 is inclined with respect to the unit central axis. Are located. The dot pattern reading unit 20B differs from the dot pattern reading unit 20A shown in FIG. 1 in that the dot pattern reading unit 20B does not include the light-shielding portion 4. However, the irradiation light from the LED 3 emits light from the hollow surface 1b of the nose portion 1. It is arranged in an inclined state so as to irradiate light. The irradiation light from the LED 3 is not directly irradiated on the medium surface X, but is once reflected on the hollow surface lb and irradiated on the medium surface X, so that the light is diffused and no noise occurs. Also in this dot pattern reading unit 20B, a plurality of LEDs 3 are provided at positions facing each other with the lens 2 interposed therebetween, so that the dot pattern can be more uniformly irradiated.

In the present embodiment, a plurality of LEDs 3 are arranged. A plurality of LEDs 3 need not necessarily be arranged, and only one LED 3 may be arranged. In the present embodiment, the dot pattern reading unit 20A has a structure in which the irradiation light reflects from the inside of the unit and also irradiates the medium surface from the position facing each other as described above. For example, even with one LED 3, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of highlights, and to obtain a high level of reading accuracy.

Next, an embodiment of a dot pattern reading unit provided with a switch mechanism for controlling turning on / off of irradiation light from the LED 3 and photographing of the CMOS camera 5 will be described.

4 and 5 show a structure in which a switch mechanism is provided for the dot pattern reading unit as shown in FIG. 1 described above, and FIGS. 6 and 7 show dot patterns as shown in FIG. This is a structure in which a switch mechanism is provided for the reading unit.

[0051] The dot pattern reading unit 20C shown in FIG. 4 includes an outer frame member 6 that covers the outer periphery of the nose portion 1, a spring 7 as an elastic member that engages with the nose portion 1, lighting and extinguishing of the LED 3 and CMOS. A switch 8 for controlling the camera 5, and the nose portion 1 is movable in the axial direction of the reading device along the outer frame member 6. The switch 8 may be a switch for physically opening and closing the contacts of an electric circuit, or may be an electronic sensor or a photo switch.

In the dot pattern reading unit 20 C, the switch 8 is operated by the nose portion 1 moving against the elastic force of the spring 7, and the dot pattern reading unit 20 C is turned on. When the first switch 8 is turned on, the LED 3, the C-MOS camera 5 and the analysis circuit are turned on. Next, when the dot pattern reading unit 20C is lifted, the switch 8 is turned off and the LED 3 is also turned off. The C-MOS camera 5 is kept in a standby state for a predetermined time. The analysis circuit is a dot pattern When the analysis of the application is completed, it automatically turns off. In addition, when the dot pattern reading unit 20C is dragged while the switch 8 is kept pressed, reading and analysis processing of the C-MOS camera 5 in a predetermined cycle can be executed while maintaining the ON state.

The dot pattern reading unit 20D shown in FIG. 5 uses a ring rubber (0-ring) 9 as an elastic member. Comparing the spring 7 and the ring rubber 9, the ring rubber 9 has a certain thickness of the ring rubber to obtain a high elastic force at the time of mounting. Requires a larger ring diameter compared to 7. On the other hand, the spring 7 can have a smaller member spring diameter than the ring rubber 9, but requires a height at the time of mounting in order to secure elasticity. Accordingly, in order to secure the height of the spring 7, the dot pattern reading unit 20D of FIG. 4 is notched longer (equivalent part) above the hollow surface lb of the nose portion 1. That is, it is desirable that the elastic member be appropriately selected according to the shape of the reading unit and the like.

In each of the dot pattern reading units 20C and 20D, a claw portion 6a is protruded from the outer frame member 6, and a protrusion lc that engages with the claw portion 6a is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the nose portion 1. The engagement between the nose portion 1 and the outer frame member 6 is configured not to be disengaged by the elastic force of the elastic member.

Next, FIGS. 6 and 7 show an embodiment of a structure in which the switch 8 is provided in the same structure as the dot pattern reading unit 20B shown in FIG.

In the dot pattern reading unit 20G in FIG. 6, the structures of the LED 3 and the lens 2 are the same as in FIG. The nose portion 1 is not fixed to the main body, but includes an outer frame member 6 provided on the outer periphery of the nose portion 1, a switch 8, and a ring rubber 9. The nose portion 1 is movable in the axial direction by engagement of an elastic member.

On the other hand, the structure of the LED 3 and the lens 2 of the dot pattern reading unit 20E of FIG. 7 is the same as that of FIG. However, the outer periphery of the nose portion 1 is not tapered but formed to have the same diameter, and includes an outer frame member 6 provided on the outer periphery of the nose portion 1, a switch 8, and a ring rubber 9. . Further, the nose portion 1 is divided into an inner nose portion 10a separating the hollow portion and an outer nose portion 10b engaging with the outer frame member 6. The nose 10a is not movable. That is, the surface of the hollow part where the light of LED3 is irradiated lb Since the light does not move, light can be applied to the medium surface X in a stable state.

A switch 8 is embedded in the dot pattern reading unit 20E, and a ring rubber 9 as an elastic member is mounted between the switch 8 and the outer nose portion 10b. The outer nose portion 10b is axially movable along the outer frame member 6, and the switch 8 is operated by pressing the outer nose portion 10b in a direction against the elastic force of the ring rubber 9. Further, in the reading unit 20E, since the outer periphery of the outer nose portion 10b is formed to have the same diameter in the axial direction, the force at the tip becomes a large diameter The outer shape is a stamp shape. Therefore, the dot pattern reading unit 20E can stably read the dot pattern as if stamping the stamp in the vertical direction without tilting.

It goes without saying that a spring 7 as shown in FIG. 4 may be used instead of the ring rubber 9.

Further, an ink unit may be provided by utilizing the stability of the dot pattern reading unit 20E. The dot pattern reading unit 20F shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is obtained by adding an ink unit to the dot pattern reading unit 20E shown in FIG. 7, and the ink unit includes an ink 11 filled in the inner nozzle portion 10a. And a seal portion 12 provided at the tip thereof.

By providing the ink unit, it is possible to use the ink unit for various purposes such as writing a reading result according to reading of a dot pattern.

For example, when an image of a printing surface of a dot pattern is taken by using a reading device equipped with the dot pattern reading unit 20E, an electronic sound generating unit (not shown) such as “pick!” It is good to be able to notify the operator that reading has been completed by generating an electronic sound like this. Then, upon completion of this reading, ink may be filled from the ink unit, and the marking may be performed on the medium surface by the marking unit 12. This makes it possible to later visually confirm that the dot pattern has been read by the reading device. The completion of the imaging and the analysis is not limited to the electronic sound as described above, or the confirmation LED provided on the reading device may be illuminated, or the reading device may be connected to a liquid crystal display unit or a personal computer. Characters, figures, and the like indicating completion of reading may be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 9, the tip of the outer nose portion 10b is pressed by the medium surface, and The base end (the upper end in the figure) of the closing portion 10b urges the ring rubber 9 and the distance in which the switch 8 is operated by the pressing force of the ring rubber 9 in the opposite direction (toward the outer nose portion) is Y. If the distance from the end of the outer nose part 1 Ob is pressed by the medium surface to push up the outer nose part 1 Ob and the stamped part 12 is brought into contact with the medium surface, let Z be Y <Z Thus, a double switch mechanism can be realized.

[0061] That is, when the dot pattern reading unit 20 押し is pushed into the medium surface, the outer nose portion 10b is pushed up first, and when the distance of Υ is raised, the switch 8 is operated. Next, when the distance Z is reached, marking is performed with the ink 11 in which the marking portion 12 is in contact with the medium surface. With such a double switch mechanism, first, an electronic sound is generated by operating the switch 8 to make the operator confirm the reading, and then the operator further presses and seals the medium surface to visually check the dot. It is possible to know the completion of pattern recognition.

Further, when a reading device is configured using the reading unit of the present embodiment, there are also the following usage methods.

For example, a correct answer area and an incorrect answer area are provided on the answer sheet (medium), and different dot patterns are printed on each area. When the respondent operates the reading device in the correct answer area, the dot pattern in the correct answer area is imaged by the imaging element via the lens, and the code corresponding to the dot pattern is analyzed by the analysis circuit. The ink unit is controlled based on the analysis result, and the filled ink 11 is leached into the medium surface via the marking unit 12. This makes it possible to seal the area only when the respondent selects the correct area with the reading device.

In the present embodiment, the ink used for the ink unit is, for example, an ink that absorbs infrared wavelengths (carbon ink, infrared ink, transparent ink) or an ink that reflects infrared light (such as non-carbon ink). It can be used to check the deviation and deviation.

[0064] For example, by controlling the computer and the ink unit that analyze the reading of the dot pattern, if the dot pattern is read correctly, the ink 11 is replenished to the marking unit 12, and the marking can be performed. If reading cannot be performed accurately, a mechanism that does not fill with the ink 11 and cannot be used for printing can be used. For example, by controlling a computer that analyzes the reading of a dot pattern and a plurality of ink units, alternative selection and In the case of performing marking, first, the first option (first dot pattern) is selected and stamped by the stamping unit 12, and then the second option (second dot pattern) is noticed by mistake. ), The reader is provided with a correction button, and if the user selects the first option (first dot pattern) again while pressing the correction button, the computer displays While canceling the first selection, the seal portion 12 is filled with ink different from the ink 11, and a stamp (cancellation stamp) is superimposed on the first selection branch (first dot pattern). Done. At this time, the cancellation stamp may be a kind of ink eraser that makes the visible pigment of the ink 11 transparent, or may be an ink of a different color from the ink 11

In this state, the correction button is released, and the second selection (second dot pattern), which is the correct answer, is selected by the reading device, so that the second dot pattern is selected again. While being read by the computer, the marking portion 12 of the ink unit is filled with the original ink 11 and stamping with the first ink 11 is performed.

[0066] Furthermore, for example, two types of inks 11 are separately charged, and the dot pattern described as a test answer is read, and automatically stamped with one ink if correct, and stamped with the other ink if incorrect. Mechanism. By installing a lamp or the like on the outer periphery that can be seen from the outside with a calorie and adding a configuration such as turning on the lamp or sounding when the dot pattern is accurately read, the user can use the lamp or sound. It is also possible to check and seal with.

[0067] The above-described dot pattern reading unit may have not only an ink unit but also a function as a writing implement. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a dot pattern reading unit 201 to which the pen 13 as a writing implement is attached. Normally, when printing with a writing implement such as a pen, the dot pattern reading unit 201 is formed so as to be able to tilt up to 45 degrees because it is used in an inclined state. According to the dot pattern reading unit 201, it is also possible to perform printing or the like with the pen 13 as necessary, instead of simply marking and writing the analysis result. In this case, by imaging the medium surface near the tip of the pen 13 (the medium surface on which the dot pattern is formed), the handwriting and moving distance, etc., of the pen 13 at a position distant from the imaging center can be accurately analyzed. It is also possible to do. Further, as shown in FIG. 11, a switch 8 may be provided at the end of the pen 13 to be mounted so as to switch between the reading and printing functions of the dot pattern, or to recognize the dot pattern correctly. It is also possible to configure so that the printing by the pen 13 is enabled only when the printing is performed.

When the dot pattern reading unit 201 used in FIG. 10 is used, when characters and symbols are written using the pen 13 on the printing surface of the dot pattern in which the XY coordinate ゃ code is registered, the pen 13 A dot pattern corresponding to the locus of the pen 13 when the switch 8 is turned on may be read.

After reading the dot pattern and displaying the analysis result or confirming it by voice, a check or the like may be written on the paper with a pen.

When inputting a drawing trajectory, it is desirable that the パターン γ coordinates of the dot pattern be registered. When a check box is printed on a sheet of paper and only a check of the check box is performed using the pen 13, a predetermined code may be registered.

Next, an embodiment of a dot pattern reading unit using a light guide 14 instead of the nose section 1 will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a dot pattern reading unit 30A provided with a light guide. Since the LED 3 and the lens 2 as the light source are the same as those of the dot pattern reading unit having the nose portion 1 described above, the description is omitted using the same reference numerals.

[0071] The dot pattern reading unit 30A is a cylindrical shape having a hollow portion, an opening 14a is formed at the tip, and the light guide 14 has an inside functioning as a light guide path, and the opening of the light guide 14 is provided. The lens 2 is arranged in the hollow part of the light guide 14 so as to face 14a. Further, a cap member 17 made of a transparent glass plate or a transparent plastic plate is attached to the opening 14a, and closing the opening 14a prevents entry of dust and the like into the internal space.

[0072] The LED 3 is disposed near the base end of the light guide 14, and irradiation light from the LED 3 travels inside the light guide 14 and is transmitted through the end face 14b of the light guide 14 separating the opening 14a. Irradiated while diffusing to body surface X.

[0073] The light guide 14 is made of a transparent resin, the inside of which functions as a light guide path, and irradiation light from the LED 3 is focused on an end face 14b separating the opening 14a. This light guide 14 When light goes from the inside to the outside at an incident angle larger than the critical angle Ct, it is reflected inward instead of transmitting to the outside (Fig. 12, arrow A). However, at an incident angle smaller than the critical angle α, light is transmitted from the inside to the outside and the light is transmitted outside (Fig. 12, arrow Β). Therefore, it is desirable that the shape of the light guide be formed so that the irradiation light of the LED3 does not pass through.The shape of the light guide 14 shown in FIG. 12 is tapered to increase the incident angle of the irradiation light. In other words, the diameter of the hollow portion is formed at the tip, and becomes smaller as the diameter becomes smaller.

Further, in the dot pattern reading unit 30 の of the same figure, since the light guide 14 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a hollow portion, the irradiation light from the LED 3 travels in the light guide in the circumferential direction, and It reaches the opposite end face 14b across the portion. Therefore, it is possible to irradiate the medium surface X not only from the end face 14b located directly below the LED 3 but also from the end face 14b opposite thereto. Note that, in order to increase the irradiation efficiency of the LED 3, a structure in which the irradiation end of the LED 3 projects into the light guide 14 as shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 shows the light guide 14 used in the dot pattern reading unit 30B shown in FIG. 13. As shown in FIG. 14, the side surface is formed in a gentle tapered shape, and the base end surface is formed. Grooves 14e are formed in the circumferential direction (the upper surface in the figure). The dot pattern reading unit 30B is assembled such that the tip of the LED 3 enters the groove 14e.

An end face 14b facing the opening of the light guide 14 shown in FIG. 13 is inclined so as to expand downward (the medium surface), and the inclination of the end face 14b is The same inclination as the line connecting the opening 14a and the lens 2, that is, the positional relationship where the lens 2 is arranged on a line extending in the axial direction from the end face 14b of the light guide 14 (indicated by a broken line in FIGS. 12 and 13) Has become. By forming the end surface 14b of the light guide 14 to be inclined in this way, it is possible to prevent the irradiation light from the end surface 14b of the light guide 14 from directly entering the lens 2 and from being directly reflected on the medium surface X. Thus, it is possible to irradiate the medium surface X almost uniformly.

When reading the dot pattern with the dot pattern reading unit separated from the medium surface X, the irradiation light from the LED 3 was directly transmitted through the tip of the light guide 14 and reflected on the medium surface X. Highlights may occur due to the direct reflection of light. As a method for preventing such a highlight, there is a method for partially blocking the irradiation light of the LED 3. For example, if the irradiation light of the LED 3 leaks directly from the tip of the light guide 14 to the outside, the irradiation light irradiates the medium surface as so-called direct irradiation light that has never been reflected in the light guide 14. When the light reflected from the medium surface is incident on the lens 2, highlighting occurs partially. In order to prevent highlights caused by direct irradiation light from the front end of the light guide 14 onto the medium surface, the dot pattern reading unit 30C shown in FIG. A void (light-shielding hole) is provided as a light-shielding part 4 in 14. By providing such a hole-shaped light-shielding portion 4, light incident on the side surface of the light-shielding portion 4 at an incident angle larger than the critical angle is reflected by the side surface into the gap of the light-shielding portion 4. As a result, it is possible to prevent the direct irradiation light emitted from the LED 3 from traveling inside the light guide 14 and irradiating the medium surface at the distal end of the light guide 14.

The length and shape of the light-shielding portion 4 may be changed as long as the light-shielding portion 4 can suppress the irradiation of the direct light of the LED 3 from the tip of the light guide 14.

As described above, by providing the gap as the light-shielding portion 4, all the irradiation light emitted from the end surface 14b of the light guide 14 and the front end thereof to the medium surface X is reflected at least once in the light guide. The light becomes indirect light, and the light diffusely reflected in the light guide 14 can be applied to the dot pattern. Further, the surface separating the hollow portion 4 located on the hollow portion side of the nose portion 1 may be subjected to mirror finishing to reflect the irradiation light from the light source without waste.

Further, as shown in the left diagram of FIG. 16, a light-shielding plate 4a made of a light-shielding member may be inserted into the light-shielding hole constituting the light-shielding portion 4. Further, instead of the light shielding plate 4a, a mirror surface treatment 15a may be applied to the inner surface of the light shielding hole itself as shown in the right diagram of FIG.

Further, in FIG. 16, the hole shape of the light-shielding portion 4 is shown as having a cylindrical shape, but the space may be formed as a cubic shape as shown in FIG. The left figure in the figure shows a structure in which a light-shielding plate 4a is inserted on one side of a cubic hole, and the right figure in the figure shows a mirror-finished surface 15a on the four sides of a cubic hole.

[0082] In the dot pattern reading unit 30C provided with the light-shielding portion 4, the amount of light blocked by the light-shielding portion 4 is attenuated, so that there is a possibility that a sufficient amount of light may not be obtained. This In such a case, it is desirable to adjust the irradiation direction of the LED 3 and to reduce the light emitted to the light shielding unit 4 as much as possible in order to utilize the irradiation light from the LED 3 without blocking it. For example, by irradiating the LED 3 toward the outer periphery, the amount of light irradiating the light-shielding part 4 can be reduced, and the light guide 14 can be advanced in the circumferential direction inside the light guide 14 and the light guide on the opposite side sandwiching the hollow part. It can be transmitted to the tip. Therefore, it is possible to increase the amount of light emitted from the end face 14b of the light guide, and it is possible to efficiently irradiate the dot pattern even with a small amount of light.

[0083] Next, as a method for preventing light and illite, there is a method of subjecting the light guide 14 itself to a mirror surface treatment. FIG. 18 shows a dot pattern reading unit 30D in which the outer peripheral surface 14d of the light guide 14 is mirror-finished, and FIG. 19 shows the inner side of the light guide 14 on the outer peripheral surface 14d and the hollow surface 14c of the light guide 14. This is a dot pattern reading unit 30E which has been subjected to mirror surface treatment. The mirror surface is applied to the outer peripheral surface 14d of the light guide 14 so that the light emitted from the LED 3 does not pass through the outer peripheral surface 14d of the light guide 14. Therefore, since the direct irradiation light from the LED 3 does not pass through the light guide tip and irradiate the medium surface X, it is possible to prevent highlights caused by the reflection light of the direct irradiation light from the medium surface entering the lens. Can be.

Note that the mirror processing may be performed only on the front end of the light guide 14 that is the imaging location, but it is difficult to determine to which part the mirror processing is to be performed in terms of accuracy. In addition, the work of performing a mirror surface treatment on a part and the work of performing a mirror surface treatment on the whole are slightly different, and the cost is hardly changed. Further, by performing a mirror surface treatment on the entire outer peripheral surface 14d of the light guide 14, even when the irradiation angle of the light from the LED 3 is smaller than the critical angle, the light can be completely reflected. And the amount of light irradiated on the medium surface X can be increased.

[0085] Also, by applying mirror processing toward the inside of the light guide to the hollow portion surface 14c of the light guide, light transmitted through the hollow portion of the light guide 14 can be blocked. Most of the light is focused on the end face 14b and can be irradiated on the medium surface X. When the outer surface 14d and the hollow surface 14c of the light guide 14 are mirror-finished in this manner, the outer surface 14d and the hollow surface 14c may be mirror-finished while leaving the end surface 14b of the light guide 14. In consideration of construction efficiency and the like, a method of performing mirror finishing on the entire light guide 14 and then removing the end face 14b and the embedded portion of the LED 3 is more efficient and preferable.

[0086] As a method of preventing the highlight from being burned, there is a method of providing an outer frame member that covers the outer periphery 14d of the light guide 14. FIG. 20 shows a dot pattern reading unit 30F in which the outer frame member 6 (cover) is provided on the outer peripheral surface 14d of the light guide 14. By providing the outer frame member 6, it is possible to prevent light from transmitting from the outer peripheral surface 14 d of the light guide 14 to the outside similarly to the case where the outer peripheral surface 14 d of the light guide 14 is mirror-finished. Further, by providing the outer frame member 6, the light guide 14 itself can be protected. For example, by using the same material as that of the main body of the reader, a sense of unity is generated as a whole of the reader, and the reader is excellent in design.

[0087] As described above, there are various methods for preventing noise and illite, and the embodiments have been described by way of example. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention is not limited thereto. It also includes the combination of

Next, how to form the inner side surface 14c of the light guide 14 in the technique using the light guide 14 will be described with reference to FIG.

15 In the same figure, Q is a limit plane where the focal length of the lens 2 matches in the vertical direction, and the distance between the Q plane and the light guide 14 in the vertical direction is a vertical photographable range h. The midpoint between the center K1 of the lens 2 and the center K2 of the LED 3 on the Q plane is Qc, and the intersection of a straight line connecting the Qc and the center K2 of the LED3 with the hollow surface 14c of the light guide 14 is P. In this way, the point P is determined, and the hollow surface 14c of the light guide 14 is formed to have a shape that rises vertically from P.

By forming the hollow surface 14c of the light guide 14 in this manner, even when the light is directly reflected by the medium surface X at the maximum value within the vertically photographable range h, the reflected light is transmitted through the lens 2. Since the highlight caused by the incident light only occurs around the dot pattern to be photographed, the dot pattern can be read. That is, according to the above configuration, when the dot pattern is read at a distance less than h at which the lens 2 is focused, there is no light directly reflected inside the medium surface X to be photographed, and no highlight occurs.

Next, an embodiment of a dot pattern reading unit provided with a switch mechanism will be described. The dot pattern reading unit 30H shown in FIG. 22 is on the same plane as the lens 2 and has a switch 8 disposed at a contact portion with the light guide 14, and a spring as an elastic member fitted into the hollow portion of the light guide 14. 7 and an outer frame member 6 that supports the light guide 14 against the elastic force of the spring 7. Since the switch mechanism and the like are the same as those of the reading unit having the nose portion described above, the description is omitted. When the light guide 14 comes into contact with the medium surface X and retreats, the switch 8 is operated, the LED 3 is turned on and off, and the imaging analysis is performed. In order to more efficiently guide the irradiation light from the LED 3 into the light guide 14, as shown in FIG. 23, a configuration in which the irradiation end portion of the LED 3 protrudes into the light guide 14 may be used. With the structure shown in the figure, the irradiation light from the LED 3 is guided into the light guide 14 more, so that the irradiation efficiency from the opening can be increased.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing the structure of a light guide used in such a dot pattern reading unit 30G.

As shown in the figure, the light guide 14 is provided with irregularities on the base end surface (the upper end surface in the figure) of the light guide 14 (see FIG. 24). The irradiation tip of the LED 3 enters this recess.

In the dot pattern reading unit provided with the switch 8, when a ring rubber is used as the elastic member, the LED 3 is located inside the ring rubber, and does not enter the light guide 14 but the light guide 14. There is a possibility that the amount of irradiation light leaking out of the space may increase. Therefore, when a ring rubber is used, a mirror surface treatment is performed to reflect the irradiation light from the LED 3 on the outer peripheral surface 14d of the light guide 14, and an outer frame member 6 for blocking light transmitted outside is provided. It is desirable to provide.

The light guide 14 is made of a transparent resin, and can be formed integrally with the lens 2 by using the same material as the lens 2. FIG. 25 shows a dot pattern reading unit 301 formed by integrating the light guide 14 and the lens 2. By forming the lens 2 and the light guide 14 integrally, work efficiency is improved, and the positional relationship between the lens 2 and the light guide 14 can be maintained accurately. Can be prevented. By the way, in FIG. 25, a light shielding portion 4 (light shielding groove) is provided in the light guide 14, but the structure provided with such a light shielding portion 4 is also integrally molded. Power that can be gained by S.

As described above, the dot pattern reading unit described in the present embodiment may be configured as a single unit, or may be attached to the tip of a pen-type reading device. Further, the dot pattern reading unit may be mounted on an external connection terminal of a mobile phone terminal. Further, the dot pattern reading unit may be built in the mobile phone terminal.

Next, an embodiment of a mouse provided with a dot pattern reading unit that optically reads the dot pattern with the camera 5 in order to reproduce information corresponding to the dot pattern will be described.

The mouse 40A shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 has an LED 3 as an irradiation light source for irradiating light to the medium surface X on which the dot pattern is formed, a lens 2 for allowing reflected light from the dot pattern to enter, and A mouse body 41 having an opening 41c as an entrance and exit for the light emitted from the LED 3 and the reflected light from the medium surface X, and a pointer for irradiating the reading point 42A of the medium surface X having a dot pattern formed from the opening 41c. A light source 42, a light guide 14 disposed in front of the irradiation direction of the LED 3 and having an inside functioning as a light guide path, and a CCD camera 16 (a CMOS camera is also acceptable) are provided. While irradiating the medium surface X, the irradiation light of LED3 is irradiated to the dot pattern, and the dot pattern is read by the reflected light of the irradiation light. The mechanism for reading the LED 3, the lens 2, the light guide 14, and the dot pattern is the same as that of the above-described dot pattern reading unit, and therefore, the same symbols are used and the description is omitted. Further, a cap member 17 made of a glass plate or a transparent resin plate may be attached to the opening 41c to prevent dust from entering the inside of the mouse.

[0096] Since the reading point 42A of the medium surface X is illuminated by the pointer light source 42, the position of the readable dot pattern can be accurately recognized, and the mouse 40A can be appropriately operated with respect to the dot pattern to be read. It is possible to do. The mouse 40A is provided with a switch 43 for activating the reading function on the outer peripheral surface of the mouse body 41, and can activate the reading function only when necessary. At this time, the normal mouse function can be stopped by operating the switch 43, and the reading function may be activated using either the left or right mouse button 401a or 401b as a photographing button.

Further, even if the switch 43 for activating the reading function is not particularly provided, for example, the left and right mouse buttons can be used. The reading function may be activated when the buttons (401a, 401b) are pressed simultaneously.

Next, a description will be given of a mouse 40B according to a modification shown in FIG.

The mouse 40B is provided with an opening 41c serving as an entrance and exit of the irradiation light from the LED 3 and the reflected light from the medium surface X, and has a mouse main body 41 in contact with the medium surface X. An extension 41a extending from the mouse body 41 is provided on the bottom surface in contact with the hole 41b. The extension 41a has a hole 41b through which the medium surface X can be visually recognized. Thus, the dot pattern on the medium surface X can be irradiated with light to read the dot pattern.

[0098] The mouse 40B is provided with an extended portion 41a of the light guide 14 for guiding the irradiation light from the LED 3, and the extended portion 41a has a medium surface. A hole 41b through which X can be visually recognized is formed, and the dot pattern on the medium surface X is irradiated with light through the hole 41b to read the dot pattern.

[0099] According to the mouse 40B, there is no danger of reading a dot pattern other than a portion that can be visually recognized from the hole 41b of the extension portion 41a, so that a dot pattern of a necessary portion can be accurately read. Various materials can be used for the bottom surface 41a.For example, by using a transparent material, the medium surface X can be visually recognized through the bottom surface 41a, and irradiation light can also be emitted from around the hole 41b. Since the light is applied to the medium surface X, a large amount of irradiation light is applied, and the light amount can be secured. Further, by integrating the light guide with the bottom surface 41a, the amount of light can be increased and the medium surface X can be irradiated more uniformly. Further, by providing an ink unit in the extension portion 41a, it is possible to record computer information as a result of analyzing a dot pattern that can be obtained by only reading a dot pattern.

[0100] Further, instead of the hole 41b, a cross-shaped mark 41d indicating a reading position as shown in Fig. 29 may be provided in the extension 41a. This mark is formed by applying an infrared ray transmitting ink (monocarbon ink) in a cross shape. The mark is provided on the upper surface side or the lower surface side of the extension 41a. By forming in this way, the mark is located at a position where the focal length force is deviated at the time of imaging, so that a visible mark that does not affect imaging can be provided.

FIG. 30 shows a modification of the internal structure of mouse 40A described in FIG. In the figure,

A CCD camera (a CMOS camera is also acceptable), which is an image sensor, is provided on the bottom plate that constitutes the mouse body, and its imaging optical axis is set upright with respect to the mirror reflector 402 provided on the top. They are arranged.

The LED 3 and the pointer light source 42 are arranged on the side of the mirror reflector 402. Such a structure is effective when the height (thickness) of the mouse on which the reading unit is mounted is reduced (thinned). It is also effective when the distance from the lens to the shooting surface is increased to increase the depth of focus, so that the image can be focused even when imaging a medium surface with unevenness and unevenness. .

[0102] In the above description, the characteristics of the ink used for normal printing and the ink (black) used for printing the dot pattern are changed so that the dot pattern is absorbed and reflected. The description has been made on the assumption that printing is performed with ink having any of the characteristics and only the dot pattern is read using an infrared filter. However, such a printing method need not be used without force.

For example, normal printing is performed using cyan (blue), magenta (red), and yellow (yellow) inks, and black is used as a print by combining these three colors and printing with an approximate color of black. Then, only the dot pattern is printed using black (black: black).

[0103] As described above, if the black ink is used only for printing the dot pattern, it is not necessary to change to an ink having different characteristics only when printing the dot pattern. Even if visible light is applied, it is possible to detect only the black color of the dot pattern by performing color separation processing.

In this case, the dot pattern reading unit described in the present invention can also be realized with a simpler structure. FIG. 31 shows this.

The dot pattern reading unit 30J shown in the figure has a simple structure in which an outer frame member 6 made of a translucent material is attached to the tip, and has no LED or polarizing filter.

In such a structure, since the outer frame member 6 is a translucent material, external light enters the internal space and irradiates the reading surface of the medium from the opening. Lens 2 is thus exposed to external light. The read medium surface is read, color separation processing is performed by an internal circuit (not shown), and black (black) printing, that is, only the dot pattern is read.

At this time, in this embodiment, on the medium surface (printing surface), black is used only for the dot pattern, and therefore, of the reflected light from the medium surface irradiated by natural light such as external light or indoor lighting, etc. If only the dot pattern is detected, the dot pattern can be read. Industrial applicability

As described above, the present invention is a dot pattern reading technique for optically reading a dot pattern, and is used to form a dot pattern in the publishing field of books, picture books, etc. in which the dot pattern is formed, photo stickers, and input. Stickers, game boards, figures, stuffed animals, etc., character products such as toy computers, touch panels for monitor screens of personal computers, set-top boxes, televisions, etc., security for forgery prevention and tracing, single scanners It can be used in the field of electronic devices, voice recorders, portable terminals, and other consumer computers.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A dot pattern reading unit that optically reads a dot pattern with a camera in order to reproduce information corresponding to a dot pattern formed on a medium surface,

A light source for irradiating light to the medium surface on which the dot pattern is formed,

A lens for causing reflected light from the dot pattern to enter a camera,

A nose portion having a hollow portion and having an opening at an end thereof serving as an entrance and exit of irradiation light from a light source and reflection light from a medium surface at its tip,

The light source and the lens are disposed in a hollow portion of the nose portion so as to face an opening of the nose portion,

A mirror surface treatment is applied to a surface of the hollow portion separating the hollow portion of the nose portion, and irradiation light from the light source is reflected on the hollow portion surface of the nose portion and is applied to the dot pattern from the opening. A dot pattern reading unit characterized by the following.

[2] The hollow portion of the nose portion is formed in a tapered shape having a gradually increasing diameter from the lens toward the opening.

2. The light source according to claim 1, wherein at least one light source is provided around the lens, and irradiation light from the light source is emitted to the dot pattern from the opening while reflecting the surface of the hollow portion. 2. The dot pattern reading unit according to 1.

[3] A dot pattern reading unit that optically reads the dot pattern with a camera to reproduce information corresponding to the dot pattern formed on the medium surface,

A lens for causing reflected light from the dot pattern to enter a camera,

A light guide functioning as a light guide path, the opening having an opening serving as an entrance of the reflected light from the medium surface formed at the tip thereof.

The lens is disposed in a hollow portion of the light guide so as to face an opening of the light guide, and the light source is disposed near a base end of the light guide;

A dot pattern reading unit, wherein irradiation light from the light source travels inside the light guide and irradiates a dot pattern from an end face separating the opening.

4. The dot pattern reading device according to claim 3, wherein an end face separating the opening of the light guide is a matte surface, and irradiation light to the dot pattern is diffused on the matte surface. unit.

[5] The outer periphery of the light guide is provided with a mirror surface treatment for reflecting irradiation light in the light guide, or an outer frame member enclosing the light guide is provided. The dot pattern reading unit described in the above.

[6] On the lens side of the light source, a light-shielding portion extending in the irradiation direction is provided, and direct irradiation light from the light source is prevented from being directly irradiated from the opening. The dot pattern reading unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

[7] The dot pattern reading unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a pen as a writing instrument, and capable of irradiating the vicinity of the tip of the pen on the medium surface.

[8] The dot pattern reading unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an ink unit which is filled with ink and is capable of marking.

[9] A dot pattern reading device comprising: the reading unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and a pen-type reading device main body.

[10] a switch unit for controlling turning on / off of irradiation light from the light source and / or photographing of the camera;

An elastic member disposed between the nose portion or the light guide and the reading device main body;

10. The switch according to claim 9, wherein the nose portion or the light guide is movable in the axial direction of the main body of the reading device, and the switch is operated by being moved by staking the elastic force of the elastic member. Dot pattern reader.

[11] A mouse provided with a dot pattern reading unit for optically reading the dot pattern in order to reproduce information corresponding to the dot pattern formed on the medium surface, wherein the medium has the dot pattern formed thereon. An irradiation light source that irradiates light to a surface, a lens that receives reflected light from the dot pattern,

An opening portion serving as an entrance and exit for the irradiation light from the irradiation light source and the reflection light from the medium surface, and a mouse main body in contact with the medium surface; An extension portion extending from the mouse body is provided on a bottom surface of the mouse body that is in contact with a medium surface,

A hole is formed in the extension portion so that the surface of the medium can be visually recognized. The dot pattern on the medium surface is irradiated with light through the hole to read the dot pattern. Mouse with reading unit.

[12] A mouse provided with a dot pattern reading unit for optically reading the dot pattern in order to reproduce information corresponding to the dot pattern formed on the medium surface, wherein the medium has the dot pattern formed thereon. An irradiation light source that irradiates light to a surface, a lens that receives reflected light from the dot pattern,

A mouse body having an opening formed as an entrance and exit for the irradiation light from the irradiation light source and the reflected light from the medium surface;

A pointer light source for irradiating a reading point on a medium surface on which a dot pattern is formed from the opening,

Irradiating the dot pattern with irradiation light of the irradiation light source while irradiating a pointer light from the pointer light source to a medium surface, and reading the dot pattern by reflected light of the irradiation light. Mouse with reading unit.

[13] A light guide, which is disposed in front of the irradiation direction of the irradiation light source and has an inside functioning as a light guide path,

13. The mouse provided with the dot pattern reading unit according to claim 11, wherein the irradiation light from the irradiation light source passes through the inside of the light guide and irradiates a dot pattern.

14. The mouse provided with the dot pattern reading unit according to claim 10, wherein the mouse body is provided with a sealable ink unit.

15. A mouse comprising the dot pattern reading unit according to claim 10, wherein a mark indicating a dot pattern reading position is provided on the extension portion.

16. The mouse according to claim 15, wherein the mark is provided by applying a non-carbon ink to a surface of the extension.