JP2016110611A - Optical information reading device - Google Patents

Abstract

An optical information reader capable of reading both a one-dimensional code and a two-dimensional code and easily pointing a reading port to a position where the one-dimensional code is read is provided.
A reading port for capturing reflected light from an information code has an opening area S which is a first opening area S1 having an upper edge 14 as a long side and an edge facing the upper edge 14. A second opening region S2 having a lower edge 15 shorter than the upper edge 14 as one side is formed.
[Selection] Figure 4

Description

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

  Conventionally, at a cash register of a retail store or a convenience store, in order to read a one-dimensional code such as a bar code displayed on a product or the like, a bar code scanner using a line sensor as a light receiving means is often employed. The barcode scanner is provided with a reading port formed long in one direction so that the barcode can be read easily. For this reason, the barcode can be read by bringing the reading port into contact with the barcode so that the longitudinal direction of the reading port matches the longitudinal direction of the barcode.

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

  This optical information reader is a hand-held type (so-called gun type), and is provided with a substantially square-shaped reading port for taking in reflected light from the information code at the tip surface portion of the main body case. Reflected light from the information code enters through the reading port and forms an image on the area sensor, so that the information code image is taken in and decoded.

JP 2006-004353 A

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

  However, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the reading port is formed in a substantially square shape for reading a two-dimensional code, reading is performed particularly at a cash register of a retail store or a convenience store. When a wide one-dimensional code for public utility charges is to be read, the shape of the reading port differs greatly from that of the one-dimensional code, so it is difficult to intuitively understand how the reading port is directed to the one-dimensional code. Become. For example, if you want to individually read labels with multiple bar coats displayed vertically on labels such as utility bill labels, order labels, oden purchase labels, etc. There is a possibility that an unintended barcode on the upper side or the lower side of the barcode to be read is erroneously read. In other words, since the operation of reading the one-dimensional code is different from the conventional one, it is difficult to understand where the reading port should be taken when reading the one-dimensional code, and there is a problem that the usability is poor. Further, if the reading port is configured in accordance with the wide barcode as described above, there is a problem that the reading port becomes very large and the usability is poor.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to read both a one-dimensional code and a two-dimensional code and to read a position where the one-dimensional code is read. It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical information reading device in which a mouth is easily directed.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to claim 1 of the present invention optically transmits information code (C) or character information (102) including one-dimensional code (C1) and two-dimensional code (C2). An optical information reading device (10) for reading the information, a reading port (13, 13a) for taking in reflected light (Lr) from the information code or character information, and the reflected light taken in through the reading port A light receiving means (28) for receiving light, and a reading means (40) for reading the information code or character information based on a signal output from the light receiving means in response to reception of the reflected light. The opening region (S) is an edge opposite to the first opening region (S1) having the first edge (14) as a long side and the first edge, and is more than the first edge. The second edge (15) with a short length is taken as one side. A second opening region (S2), characterized in that it is formed to consist of.
In addition, the code | symbol in each said parenthesis shows the correspondence with the specific means as described in embodiment mentioned later.

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

  Therefore, the opening area of the reading port is formed from the first opening area that is long in one direction and the second opening area that is shorter than the first opening area in this one direction. In other words, the reading port has an information code that is long in one direction, that is, a rectangular information code, that is, a two-dimensional information code, that is, a first opening area for reading a one-dimensional code and a part of the first opening area. A second opening region for reading the code. Accordingly, when reading a one-dimensional code, the first opening area may be directed to the one-dimensional code. When reading a two-dimensional code, a part of the first opening area and the second opening area The two-dimensional code opening area formed by the above may be directed to the two-dimensional code. Therefore, both the one-dimensional code and the two-dimensional code can be read, and since there is an opening region that is long in one direction to face the one-dimensional code, the reading port is easily directed to the position where the one-dimensional code is read. Therefore, the conventional readability can be realized, and the one-dimensional code can be read reliably. For example, even if the character information is long in one direction, such as character information displayed on a machine-readable passport, the reading opening is set to the position where the character information is read by using the first opening area. Can be easily turned.

  In the invention of claim 2, the light receiving means is configured such that the light receiving area has a rectangular shape, and the reading means receives the reflected light taken in via the first opening area and the second opening area. In response to this, the information code is read based on the signal output from the light receiving means.

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

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

  In the invention of claim 3, the second opening region is formed in a rectangular shape so that the other edge connected to the second edge is shorter than the first edge. That is, the opening area of the reading port is formed in a substantially T shape. Thereby, not only can the first opening region be easily directed to the one-dimensional code, but also the opening region for the two-dimensional code can be easily directed to the position where the two-dimensional code is read.

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

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

  For this reason, when the information code is to be read only in a one-dimensional code, if the reading port is directed to the one-dimensional code in the first opening region in the state where the switching unit is switched to the one-dimensional code reading mode. Good. Thereby, not only can the reading port be easily directed to the position where the one-dimensional code is read, but also the reading target can be clarified, so that the load of the reading process can be reduced and the time can be reduced.

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

  For this reason, when the information code is to be read only in the two-dimensional code, the reading port is switched to the two-dimensional code reading mode by the switching means, and the reading port is moved to the two-dimensional code opening area (first opening area). And a second opening area) may be directed to the two-dimensional code. Thereby, not only can the reading port be easily directed to the position where the two-dimensional code is read, but also the reading target is clarified, so that it is possible to reduce the load of the reading process and reduce the time.

  In the invention of claim 7, the imaging lens for imaging the reflected light from the information code or the character information on the light receiving means is arranged so that the imaging center is located at the center of the first opening area. . Thereby, since the light reception in the light receiving area corresponding to the first opening area is reliably performed, the reading accuracy of the one-dimensional code or character information to which the first opening area is directed can be improved.

  In the invention of claim 8, since the illumination means for irradiating the illumination light through the first opening area is provided, it is easy to receive the reflected light from the one-dimensional code or character information directed to the first opening area. Therefore, the reading accuracy of the one-dimensional code or character information to which the first opening area is directed can be improved.

  In the invention of claim 9, since the strip light is emitted as illumination light by the illumination means, it is easy not only to illuminate the one-dimensional code or character information to be read but also the illumination light is guided light. As a result, the reading port can be easily directed to the one-dimensional code or the character information in the first opening region. This makes it easier to receive the reflected light from the one-dimensional code or character information directed to the first opening area, thus further improving the reading accuracy of the one-dimensional code or character information directed to the first opening area. Can be improved.

  In the invention of claim 10, since the illumination means for irradiating illumination light through a part of the first opening area and the second opening area is provided, the two-dimensional code opening area (first opening area) is provided. Since the reflected light from the two-dimensional code or character information directed to a part of the second opening area or the second opening area is easily received, the reading accuracy of the two-dimensional code or character information directed to the second opening area is improved. Can be made.

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

It is sectional drawing which shows the structure outline | summary of the optical information reader which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an opening area of a reading port as viewed from the X direction in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which illustrates schematically the principal part of the optical information reader of FIG. FIG. 4A is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the first opening area of the reading opening is directed to the barcode, and FIG. 4B is a drawing in which the opening area for the two-dimensional code of the reading opening is directed to the QR code. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between a light reception area | region and a non-opening area | region in the modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a top view which shows the opening area | region of the reading port in 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the first opening area of the reading opening is directed to the barcode, and FIG. 7B is a drawing in which the opening area for the two-dimensional code of the reading opening is directed to the QR code. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the 1st opening area | region of a reading opening, and an imaging center in 4th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the 1st opening area | region of a reading opening, and an imaging center in the modification of 4th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the 1st opening area | region of a reading opening, and illumination light in 5th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the opening area for two-dimensional codes of a reading opening, and illumination light in the modification of 5th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the 1st opening area | region of a reading port, and character information in 6th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display state of a passport. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the 1st opening area | region of a reading opening, and character information in the modification of 6th Embodiment.

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

  As shown in FIG. 1, the optical information reader 10 has an outer case formed by a housing formed by assembling an upper case 11 and a lower case 12, and a circuit unit 20a made up of various electrical components and the like is formed in the housing. It is mounted and accommodated on the circuit board 20 or the like. The upper case 11 and the lower case 12 are molded members made of a synthetic resin such as ABS resin. A reading port 13 is formed on one end side of the upper case 11 and the lower case 12, and a cable attachment portion is formed on the other end side. Is formed. One end side where the reading port 13 is formed is formed in a neck-bend shape that is largely inclined forward toward the back side. This makes it easier for the user to apply the reading port 13 to the information code attached to the reading object in a state where the user holds the optical information reading device 10 from the upper case 11 side.

Next, the detailed shape of the reading port 13 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an opening region of the reading port 13 as viewed from the X direction in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the reading port 13 has an opening area S having a rectangular first opening area with the upper edge 14 as a long side (see the area S <b> 1 surrounded by hatching in FIG. 2), A square-shaped second opening region (refer to a region S2 surrounded by cross-hatching in FIG. 2) having an edge opposite to the upper edge 14 and having a lower edge 15 shorter than the upper edge 14 on one side; It is formed to consist of. The upper edge 14 may correspond to an example of a “first edge”, and the lower edge 15 may correspond to an example of a “second edge”.

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

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the second opening region S <b> 2 is formed in a square shape so that the other edges 16 that are connected at right angles to both ends of the lower edge 15 are shorter than the upper edge 14. That is, the opening area S is formed to be substantially T-shaped by the first opening area S1 and the second opening area S2.

  The reading port 13 formed in this way is gripped from the upper case 11 side, and the inner side of the upper edge 14 is brought into contact with the upper edge of the information code to be read, so that the reading port 13 is directed from the information code. The reflected light can be captured.

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

  The optical system is divided into a light projecting optical system and a light receiving optical system. The illumination light source 21 constituting the light projecting optical system functions as illumination means capable of emitting illumination light Lf, and is composed of, for example, a red LED 21a and a lens 21b provided on the emission side of the LED 21a. As can be seen from the illumination optical axis L1 shown in FIG. 1, the illumination light source 21 is arranged to irradiate the illumination light Lf so as to be inclined with respect to the imaging optical axis L2. This is because when the illumination light Lf is irradiated in parallel to the imaging optical axis L2, it is specularly reflected. In addition, in FIG. 3, the example which irradiates the illumination light Lf via the reading port 13 toward the reading target object R to which the information code C was attached | subjected is shown notionally.

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

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

  The microcomputer system includes an amplification circuit 31, an A / D conversion circuit 33, a memory 35, an address generation circuit 36, a synchronization signal generation circuit 38, a control circuit 40, a trigger switch 42, a buzzer 44, a vibrator 45, a light emitting unit 46, and a communication interface 48. Etc. As its name suggests, this microcomputer system is composed mainly of a control circuit 40 and a memory 35 that can function as a microcomputer (information processing device), and the image signal of the information code imaged by the optical system described above is hard-coded. It can perform signal processing in terms of hardware and software. The control circuit 40 also performs control related to the entire system of the optical information reader 10.

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

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

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

  Next, the case where the information code C is read using the optical information reading apparatus 10 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. 4A is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the first opening region S1 of the reading port 13 is directed to the barcode C1, and FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating the second state of the reading port 13 on the QR code C2. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which faced the opening area | region S3 for dimension codes. 4A and 4B, the inner edge of the reading port 13 is indicated by a one-dot chain line.

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

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

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

  In particular, when reading a barcode C1 that is long in one direction, as shown in FIG. 4A, the inner side of the upper edge 14 is aligned with the upper edge of the barcode C1, and the first opening region S1 is formed. The reflected light from the barcode C1 is received in the state of being directed to or in contact with the barcode C1. A reading operation in which the elongated opening portion of the reading port 13 is directed to or in contact with the barcode C1, that is, an operation similar to that of the conventional barcode scanner in which the elongated reading port is directed to the barcode, is intuitively easy to understand. can do.

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

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

  Thus, when reading a one-dimensional code, the first opening area S1 may be directed to the one-dimensional code. When reading a two-dimensional code, a part of the first opening area S1 and the second opening The two-dimensional code opening area S3 formed by the area S2 may be directed to the two-dimensional code. Accordingly, both the one-dimensional code and the two-dimensional code can be read, and since there is an opening region (S1) that is long in one direction to face the one-dimensional code, the reading port 13 is located with respect to the position where the one-dimensional code is read. Therefore, the conventional readability can be realized, and the one-dimensional code can be read reliably.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the light receiving region 28a and the non-opening region S4 in the modification of the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 5, when a rectangular area including the first opening area S1 and the second opening area S2 with the upper edge 14 of the reading port 13 as one side is defined as a rectangular area So, the rectangular area So is defined as the rectangular area So. Includes a non-opening region S4 different from the first opening region S1 and the second opening region S2. The light receiving means such as an area sensor normally employed including the light receiving sensor 28 employed in the present embodiment has a light receiving area 28a having a square shape. For this reason, when the light receiving means and the reading port 13 are arranged so that the light receiving region 28a coincides with the rectangular region So, the reflected light from the information code is received in the light receiving region corresponding to the non-opening region S4. It will never be done.

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

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

  The characteristic configuration of decoding according to the reception of the reflected light taken in via the first opening region S1 and the second opening region S2 except the non-opening region S4 can be applied to other embodiments described later. it can.

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

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

  When reading a barcode C1 that is long in one direction, as shown in FIG. 7A, the first opening region S1 is formed so that the inner side of the upper edge 14 is aligned with the upper edge of the barcode C1. The reflected light from the barcode C1 is received in the state of being directed to or in contact with the barcode C1. When reading the QR code C2 as a two-dimensional code, as shown in FIG. 7B, the inner side of the upper edge 14 is aligned with the upper edge of the QR code C2, and the two-dimensional code opening area S3 is used. Is received or reflected from the QR code C2 in a state where it is directed toward or in contact with the QR code C2.

  Thus, even if the second opening area S2 is the reading port 13a formed in a trapezoidal shape, the first opening area S1 can be easily directed to the position where the one-dimensional code is read. In particular, since the second opening area S2 formed in the trapezoidal shape is larger than the second opening area in the first embodiment, the two-dimensional code opening area S3 is set to the position where the two-dimensional code is read. Can be easily directed.

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

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

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

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

  In this way, the reading port 13 is easily directed to the position where the one-dimensional code is read by directing or contacting the reading port 13 to the one-dimensional code in the first opening region S1 in the state of switching to the one-dimensional code reading mode. In addition to making the reading target clear, the load of decoding processing (reading processing) can be reduced and the time can be reduced.

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

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

  It should be noted that the characteristic configuration of the present embodiment in which signals received from the light receiving sensor 28 according to the reading target and used for the decoding process are selected can be applied to other embodiments.

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

  In this embodiment, since the reading of the one-dimensional code is more important than the reading of the two-dimensional code, the imaging lens 27 that forms an image of the reflected light from the information code on the light receiving sensor 28 is as shown in FIG. Are arranged such that the inclination of the imaging optical axis L2 is adjusted so that the imaging center P is positioned at the center of the first opening region S1.

  Thereby, since light reception in the light receiving region corresponding to the first opening region S1 is reliably performed, the reading accuracy of the one-dimensional code can be improved.

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

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

  In this embodiment, since reading of a one-dimensional code is more important than reading of a two-dimensional code, as shown in FIG. 10, the illumination light Lf from the illumination light source 21 is irradiated through the first opening region S1. It is comprised so that. In particular, the illumination light source 21 is configured to irradiate strip-shaped light (substantially line-shaped light) as illumination light Lf.

  Thereby, the reflected light Lr from the one-dimensional code directed or brought into contact with the first opening region S1 can be easily received by the light receiving sensor 28, so that the reading accuracy of the one-dimensional code can be improved.

  In particular, since the strip light is emitted as the illumination light Lf by the illumination light source 21, not only the illumination light Lf is easily irradiated to the one-dimensional code to be read but also the illumination light Lf functions as guide light. Thus, the reading port 13 can be easily directed to the one-dimensional code in the first opening region S1. This makes it easier to receive the reflected light Lr from the one-dimensional code directed to the first opening region S1, thereby further improving the reading accuracy of the one-dimensional code.

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

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

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

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

  In the fifth embodiment and the modifications thereof, the light emission state of the illumination light source 21 may be controlled according to a predetermined input operation. For example, when reading a two-dimensional code in a state where the strip-shaped illumination light Lf is irradiated through the first opening region S1, the illumination light Lf may be turned off or the illumination light Lf having a square cross section. May be irradiated through the two-dimensional code opening region S3. In addition, when the one-dimensional code is read in the state where the illumination light Lf having a square cross section is irradiated through the two-dimensional code opening region S3, the illumination light Lf may be turned off or the strip-shaped illumination light may be used. You may irradiate Lf through 1st opening area | region S1.

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

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

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

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the reading port 13 has a distance W1 (see FIG. 12) between the outer surfaces of the side edge 18a and the side edge 18b that are continuous with both ends of the upper edge 14, respectively, and the side edge 101a and the side edge of the passport 100. It is formed so as to substantially coincide with the distance W2 (see FIG. 13) with 101b. Therefore, the reading port 13 is formed such that the first opening area S1 is slightly larger in the longitudinal direction than the area where the character information 102 is displayed (hereinafter also referred to as the character display area 103).

  For this reason, both outer surfaces of both side edges 18a and 18b of the reading port 13 are aligned with the side edges 101a and 101b of the passport 100, and the inner side of the upper edge 14 is aligned with the upper edge of the character display area 103 of the character information 102 (see FIG. 12), by receiving the reflected light from the character information 102 through the first opening region S1, the character information 102 is read using the OCR technique.

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

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

  In addition, the characteristic configuration of this embodiment that uses not only the information code but also the character information to be read using the OCR technology or the like can be applied to other embodiments. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 14, even in the reading port 13 a (second embodiment) in which the second opening region S <b> 2 is formed in a trapezoidal shape, not only the information code but also characters using the OCR technology or the like. Information can also be read.

[Other Embodiments]
In addition, this invention is not limited to said each embodiment and modification, For example, you may actualize as follows.
(1) The reading port for taking in the reflected light from the information code and the character information is not limited to being formed like the substantially T-shaped reading port 13 or the substantially trapezoidal reading port 13a. As in the case of the shape or the like, the opening region S is a first opening region having the first edge as a long side and an edge opposite to the first edge, and the length is shorter than the first edge. And a second opening region having the second edge as one side. Even in this case, since the reading port can be easily directed to the position where the one-dimensional code or character information is read, the conventional readability can be realized, and the one-dimensional code or character information can be read reliably. be able to.

(2) The reading ports 13 and 13a according to the present invention are not limited to being employed in an optical information reading device having a neck-shaped housing in which one end side where the reading port is formed is largely inclined forward. For example, the optical information reader may have a housing formed in a substantially box shape.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Optical information reader 13, 13a ... Reading port 14 ... Upper edge (1st edge)
15 ... Lower edge (second edge)
21 ... Illumination light source (illumination means)
28. Light receiving sensor (light receiving means)
40. Control circuit (reading means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Passport 102 ... Character information 103 ... Character display area S ... Opening area S1 ... 1st opening area S2 ... 2nd opening area S3 ... Opening area for two-dimensional code C ... Information code C1 ... Bar code (one-dimensional code) )
C2 ... QR code (two-dimensional code)

Claims (11)

An optical information reader for optically reading an information code or character information including a one-dimensional code and a two-dimensional code,
A reading port for capturing reflected light from the information code or character information;
A light receiving means for receiving the reflected light taken in through the reading port;
Reading means for reading the information code or the character information based on a signal output from the light receiving means in response to reception of the reflected light, and
The reading port includes a first opening region having a first edge as a long side and an edge opposite to the first edge and having a length shorter than the first edge. An optical information reading device, comprising: a second opening region having one edge as a side. The light receiving means is configured such that a light receiving region is square.
The reading means reads the information code or the character information based on a signal output from the light receiving means in response to reception of reflected light taken in through the first opening area and the second opening area. The optical information reading device according to claim 1.   3. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the second opening region is formed in a square shape so that another edge connected to the second edge is shorter than the first edge. 4. Information reader.   The said 2nd opening area | region is formed in trapezoid shape so that the area line segment which opposes the said 2nd edge may become the same length as the said 1st edge. The optical information reading device described.   The information code or the character information is read based on the signal output from the light receiving means in response to the reception of the reflected light from the information code or the character information taken in via the first opening region and the second opening region. A state, and a state in which the one-dimensional code or character information is read based on a signal output from the light receiving means in response to reception of reflected light from the one-dimensional code or character information captured through the first opening region; The optical information reading device according to claim 1, further comprising a switching unit that switches between the two.   The switching means is further output from the light receiving means in response to receiving reflected light from a part of the first opening area and a two-dimensional code or character information taken in via the second opening area. 6. The optical information reading apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the optical information reading apparatus is configured to be switchable to a state in which a two-dimensional code or character information is read based on a signal. An imaging lens that forms an image of reflected light from the information code or character information on the light receiving means;
The optical information reading device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging lens is disposed such that an imaging center is located at a center of the first opening region.   The optical information reader according to claim 1, further comprising an illuminating unit that irradiates illumination light to the information code or the character information through the first opening region. .   The optical information reading apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the illuminating unit irradiates strip-shaped light as the illumination light.   8. An illuminating unit that irradiates illumination light to the information code or the character information through a part of the first opening area and the second opening area. The optical information reader according to one item.   The optical information according to claim 1, wherein the reading port is formed such that the first opening area is slightly larger than a display area for the character information. Reader.

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