JP2018101194A - Information reading device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a configuration capable of suppressing chatter which occurs when generating a notification sound.SOLUTION: When it is determined that chatter occurs with respect to a notification sound generated by a sound generation part 44, a set frequency Fs is changed so as to be different from a frequency when the notification sound is generated. Then, based on the changed set frequency Fs, the notification sound is generated by the sound generation part 44.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an information reading apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an information reading apparatus, when a reading is completed or when a button is pressed, a notification sound corresponding to the state is generated, thereby allowing a user to recognize a reading state corresponding to the operation. In order to recognize the reading status, etc. in more detail, it is necessary to generate various types of notification sounds.When a notification sound is generated using a frequency that is different from the reference frequency specified by the manufacturer, there is a chatter depending on the frequency. There is a problem that occurs. Further, even if chatter does not occur in parts, chatter may occur when assembled into a case or the like to produce a product. For example, it may be possible to check in advance the frequency at which chatter is likely to occur and prevent that frequency from being used, but even if such a setting is made, the assembly state changes due to individual differences in products or drop impacts, etc. May cause chatter.

JP2015-149681A

  As a technique for solving the problem related to the notification sound, for example, a portable telephone terminal disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known. This portable telephone terminal functions so as to cancel noise by using the opposite phase of the waveform of the frequency read by collecting and reading ambient noise with a microphone. However, such a noise canceling function is generally provided in a mobile phone or the like having a call function as a main function. For example, an information reading device that optically reads an information code is used as a main function. If it is provided in a terminal that does not, since unnecessary components are mounted in view of the originally required functions, there is a problem that the number of components increases and, consequently, the size of the apparatus increases. In particular, in the configuration in which noise is canceled as described above, there is a possibility that the notification sound that should be generated is also affected.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a configuration that can suppress chatter that occurs when a notification sound is generated.

In order to achieve the above object, an information reading device (10) according to claim 1 of the claims includes:
Notification means (44) for generating a notification sound corresponding to the set frequency (Fs);
Frequency changing means (40) capable of changing the set frequency;
Determination means (40) for determining whether chatter has occurred with respect to the notification sound;
With
When the determination unit determines that chatter has occurred with respect to the notification sound, the frequency change unit changes the set frequency to be different from the frequency when the notification sound is generated,
The notifying unit generates the notification sound based on the set frequency changed by the frequency changing unit.
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, when the determination means determines that chatter has occurred with respect to the notification sound generated by the notification means, the set frequency is changed so as to be different from the frequency when the notification sound is generated. Changed by means. A notification sound is generated by the notification means based on the set frequency changed by the frequency changing means.

  Accordingly, when chatter occurs with respect to the notification sound, the set frequency is changed and the notification sound is generated, so that the generated chatter is easily suppressed. In particular, it is only necessary to be able to determine the occurrence of chatter, and it is not necessary to perform complicated processing like the noise canceling function, so that an increase in the number of parts and an increase in the size of the apparatus are not caused. Therefore, even when there is a change in the assembly state due to individual differences of products or drop impacts, it is possible to suitably suppress chatter that occurs when sounding a notification sound.

  In the invention of claim 2, the determination means determines whether or not chatter has occurred with respect to the notification sound based on the notification sound collected by the sound collection means. As a result, it is possible to determine whether or not chatter has occurred by using a sound collecting means that can collect notification sound such as a microphone, so the configuration for determining the occurrence of chatter is simplified. Thus, an increase in the number of parts and an increase in the size of the apparatus can be suppressed.

  In the invention of claim 3, when there are a plurality of sound pressures that are higher than a predetermined value from the base sound pressure within a predetermined frequency range based on the set frequency with respect to the notification sound collected by the sound collecting means, It is determined by the determining means that chatter has occurred with respect to the notification sound. Thus, since it is determined whether or not chatter has occurred based on the bass sound pressure, the determination criterion becomes clear, and the determination accuracy regarding the occurrence of chatter can be improved.

  In the invention of claim 4, when the determination means determines that chatter has occurred with respect to the notification sound, the frequency changing means immediately changes the set frequency so as to become the chatter suppression frequency. The occurrence of chatter can be quickly suppressed.

  In the invention of claim 5, when it is determined by the determining means that chatter has occurred with respect to the notification sound, the set frequency is gradually changed toward the chatter suppressing frequency by the frequency changing means. By gradually changing the set frequency in this way, it is difficult for the user to notice that the tone color of the notification sound has changed, and the user's uncomfortable feeling can be suppressed.

  In the invention of claim 6, the set frequency changed by the frequency changing means is stored in the storage means, and the notifying means generates a notification sound corresponding to the set frequency acquired from the storage means. This changes the frequency at which the notification sound is generated according to the timing at which the notification means obtains the set frequency from the storage means, so that the notification sound is generated based on the set frequency changed as described above at the next notification timing. The frequency of the notification sound can be changed while the notification sound is being generated, and the convenience of the notification sound change timing can be improved.

It is a perspective view which shows the structure outline | summary of the information reader which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the information reading apparatus in FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of notification processing performed in the information reading apparatus in FIG. 1. It is explanatory drawing which shows the frequency analysis result regarding the notification sound which chatter has not generate | occur | produced. It is explanatory drawing which shows the frequency analysis result regarding the notification sound which the chatter has generate | occur | produced.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment in which an information reading apparatus according to the present invention is embodied will be described with reference to the drawings.
An information reading apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 is configured as a mobile terminal that optically reads an information code such as a bar code or a two-dimensional code, has a longitudinal appearance, and is an almost half area on one end side thereof. Is a gripping region, and is configured to be used while being gripped by a user. The information reading apparatus 10 is configured as a portable information terminal that is carried by a user and used in various places, for example, and optical information reading that optically reads an information code such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code. It has a function.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the information reading apparatus 10 has an outer casing 11 formed of an upper case body 11 a and a lower case body 11 b formed of a synthetic resin material such as ABS resin. Is formed. In the upper case body 11a, an operation unit 42 such as function keys and numeric keys operated when inputting predetermined information, a liquid crystal display 43 for displaying predetermined information, and the like are arranged. Further, the reading port 12 serving as a passage through which illumination light and light from the information code pass is provided near the tip on one side in the longitudinal direction of the lower case body 11b. In addition, trigger keys 42 a that are operated when reading the information code are provided on both side surfaces of the housing 11.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the information reading apparatus 10 mainly includes an optical system such as an illumination light source 21, a light receiving sensor 23, and an imaging lens 27, a memory 35, a control circuit 40, an operation unit 42, a liquid crystal display 43, and the like. And a power supply system such as a power supply unit and a power switch (not shown). In addition, these are mounted on a printed wiring board (not shown) or arranged inside the housing 11.

  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 an illumination light source capable of emitting the illumination light Lf, and includes, for example, a red LED and a lens provided on the emission side of the LED. FIG. 2 conceptually shows an example in which the illumination light Lf is irradiated toward the article R to which the information code C is attached.

  The light receiving optical system includes a light receiving sensor 23, an imaging lens 27, a reflecting mirror (not shown), and the like. The light receiving sensor 23 is configured, for example, as a line sensor in which light receiving elements that are solid-state imaging elements such as C-MOS and CCD are arranged one-dimensionally or as an area sensor arranged in two dimensions. Each is configured to output an electric signal corresponding to the intensity of the reflected light Lr. The light receiving sensor 23 is mounted on a printed wiring board (not shown) so as to be able to receive incident light incident through the imaging lens 27.

  The imaging lens 27 functions as an imaging optical system capable of condensing incident light incident from the outside via the reading port 12 and forming an image on the light receiving surface 23 a of the light receiving sensor 23. In this embodiment, after the illumination light Lf emitted from the illumination light source 21 is reflected by the information code, the reflected light Lr is collected by the imaging lens 27 and a code image is formed on the light receiving surface 23a of the light receiving sensor 23. I am letting you image.

  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, and the like. This microcomputer system is configured around a control circuit 40 and a memory 35 that can function as a microcomputer (information processing apparatus), and the image signal of the information code C imaged by the optical system described above is signaled in hardware and software. It can be processed.

  An image signal (analog signal) output from the light receiving sensor 23 of the optical system is input to the amplifier circuit 31, amplified by a predetermined gain by the amplifier circuit 31, and then input to the A / D conversion circuit 33, from the analog signal. Converted into a digital signal. The digitized image signal, that is, image data (image information) is input to the memory 35 and stored in the image data storage area of the memory 35. The synchronization signal generation circuit 38 is configured to generate a synchronization signal for the light receiving sensor 23 and the address generation circuit 36. 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 configured by a known storage medium such as a semiconductor memory device, and corresponds to, for example, a RAM, a ROM, and other nonvolatile memories. 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 that are used by the control circuit 40 in each processing such as arithmetic operation and logical operation. . Further, the ROM has a system capable of controlling each hardware such as the illumination light source 21 and the light receiving sensor 23, such as a program capable of executing a reading process for decoding the captured information code, a program capable of executing a call process, and the like. A program or the like is stored in advance so as to be controllable by the control circuit 40.

  The control circuit 40 includes a microcomputer that can control the information reading apparatus 10 as a whole, and includes a CPU, a system bus, an input / output interface, and the like, and has an information processing function. Various input / output devices (peripheral devices) are connected to the control circuit 40 via a built-in input / output interface. In the configuration of FIG. 2, an operation unit 42, a liquid crystal display 43, a sound generation unit 44, A vibrator 45, a light emitting unit 46, a microphone 47, a communication interface 48, and the like are connected.

  The operation unit 42 includes a plurality of keys such as a trigger key 42a, a function key, and a numeric keypad. The operation unit 42 is configured to give an operation signal to the control circuit 40 according to a user's key operation. When an operation signal is received from the operation unit 42, an operation corresponding to the operation signal is performed. The liquid crystal display 43 is constituted by a known liquid crystal display panel, and the display content is controlled by the control circuit 40.

  The sound generation unit 44 is configured as a piezoelectric buzzer, for example, and is controlled by the control circuit 40 to generate notification sounds such as beeps according to various operations / processes, thereby notifying the operations / processes, etc. To function. Specifically, a frequency (hereinafter also referred to as a set frequency) for causing the sound generation unit 44 to generate a notification sound when an operation / process to be notified is performed is stored in the memory 35 functioning as a storage unit. Has been. When an operation / process or the like to be notified is performed, the control circuit 40 performs a notification process to be described later, and outputs a drive signal corresponding to the set frequency stored in the memory 35 to the sound generation unit 44. Upon receiving this output, the sound generation unit 44 generates a notification sound corresponding to the set frequency.

  Here, the operations / processes to be notified are assumed to be various, such as notification of successful operation of the trigger key 42a and reading of the information code made in response to the operation of the trigger key 42a. Is done.

  The sound generation unit 44 configured as described above is arranged in the housing 11 so as to emit a notification sound to the outside through a sound emitting port formed at a predetermined position of the housing 11. The sound generation unit 44 may correspond to an example of “notification unit” that generates a notification sound corresponding to the set frequency.

  Vibrator 45 is configured by a known vibrator mounted on a mobile terminal, and functions to generate vibration in accordance with a drive signal from control circuit 40. The light emitting unit 46 is, for example, an LED, and functions to light up and blink in response to a signal from the control circuit 40. The communication interface 48 is configured as an interface for performing data communication with the outside (for example, a host device), and functions to perform communication processing in cooperation with the control circuit 40.

  The microphone 47 is configured by a known microphone and functions to collect ambient sounds through a microphone opening formed at a predetermined position of the housing 11 under the control of the control circuit 40. In particular, in the present embodiment, the microphone 47 is arranged so as to collect the notification sound generated by the sound generation unit 44 and outputs a signal corresponding to the collected sound such as the notification sound to the control circuit 40. It is configured.

Next, notification processing performed in the control circuit 40 in order to suppress chatter notification chatter that is notified in accordance with an operation / process to be notified will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. Hereinafter, a notification process performed when the trigger key 42a is pressed will be described as an example of the operation / process to be notified.
When the user presses the trigger key 42a to read the information code to which the reading port 12 is directed, the control circuit 40 starts reading processing for reading the information code and notifies that the operation has been performed. A notification process for generating a predetermined notification sound is started.

  In the notification process, as shown in FIG. 3, first, a notification sound specifying process is performed in step S101. Since the trigger key 42a is pressed as described above, a notification sound corresponding to the operation of the trigger key 42a is performed. Is identified. Next, the drive signal output process shown in step S103 is performed, and a drive signal corresponding to the set frequency stored in the memory 35 corresponding to the specified notification sound (operation of the trigger key 42a) is output to the sound generation unit 44. The Accordingly, the sound generation unit 44 that has received this output generates a notification sound corresponding to the set frequency, and the user who has heard the notification sound confirms that the operation of the trigger key 42a has been recognized by the information reading device 10. I can understand.

  Subsequently, the sound collection processing shown in step S105 is performed, and the notification sound generated by the sound generation unit 44 as described above is collected using the microphone 47 functioning as sound collection means. Then, notification sound analysis processing shown in step S107 is performed, and the sound pressure waveform of the notification sound collected using the microphone 47 is analyzed (observed).

  Next, in the determination process shown in step S109, it is determined whether or not chatter is generated in the notification sound collected as described above. In this embodiment, as a chatter determination criterion, for example, a sound pressure level (hereinafter referred to as base) within a predetermined frequency range ΔFth (for example, 500 Hz before and after) centered on a set frequency Fs (sounding frequency) is used. When there are a plurality of sound pressures that are higher than a predetermined value ΔPth (for example, 20 dB) from the sound pressure Pb), it is determined that chatter has occurred with respect to the notification sound. Note that the control circuit 40 that executes the determination process in step S109 may correspond to an example of a “determination unit”.

  Then, as illustrated in FIG. 4, within a predetermined frequency range ΔFth centered on the set frequency Fs, if the sound pressure location that is higher than the base sound pressure Pb by a predetermined value ΔPth or less is 1 or less, the notification sound It is determined that no chatter has occurred, and it is determined No in step S109, and the notification process is terminated without changing the set frequency Fs.

  On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 5, when a plurality of sound pressure points that are higher than the base sound pressure Pb by a predetermined value ΔPth or more within a predetermined frequency range ΔFth centered on the set frequency Fs, the chatter is disturbed. Is determined as Yes in step S109. In this case, the set frequency changing process shown in step S111 is performed, and the set frequency Fs stored in the memory 35 is less likely to cause chatter than the initial set frequency that has not been changed (hereinafter referred to as chatter). (Also called suppression frequency). The control circuit 40 that executes the process of step S <b> 111 may correspond to an example of “frequency changing means” that can change the set frequency Fs stored in the memory 35.

  Specifically, the set frequency Fs stored in the memory 35 is, for example, a predetermined ratio with respect to the predetermined frequency range ΔFth (for example, about 5% if the frequency range is around 500 Hz from −500 Hz to +500 Hz). (50 Hz), the chatter suppression frequency is changed. And the setting frequency Fs memorize | stored in the memory 35 in this way is changed so that it may become a chatter suppression frequency, and this notification process is complete | finished.

  Then, when the notification process is performed again by the user pressing the trigger key 42a after the next time, the set frequency Fs (the chatter suppression frequency) that is changed and stored in the memory 35 corresponding to the specified notification sound. ) Is output to the sound generator 44. As a result, the notification sound corresponding to the chatter suppression frequency different from the set frequency in which chatter has occurred is generated, and thus the notification sound in which the occurrence of chatter is suppressed is generated. If chatter occurs even when the set frequency Fs is changed in this way (Yes in S109), the set frequency Fs stored in the memory 35 is changed so as to be further reduced by the above-mentioned predetermined ratio, and chatter is generated from the next time onward. A notification sound is generated in which the occurrence of noise is more easily suppressed.

  As described above, in the information reading apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, when it is determined that chatter has occurred with respect to the notification sound generated by the sound generation unit 44, the frequency at which the notification sound is generated is determined. The set frequency Fs is changed to be different. Then, the notification sound is generated by the sound generation unit 44 based on the changed set frequency Fs.

  Accordingly, when chatter occurs with respect to the notification sound, the set frequency Fs is changed and the notification sound is generated, so that the generated chatter is easily suppressed. In particular, it is only necessary to be able to determine the occurrence of chatter, and it is not necessary to perform complicated processing like the noise canceling function, so that an increase in the number of parts and an increase in the size of the apparatus are not caused. Therefore, even when there is a change in the assembly state due to individual differences of products or drop impacts, it is possible to suitably suppress chatter that occurs when sounding a notification sound.

  Furthermore, in order to determine whether or not chatter has occurred with respect to the notification sound based on the notification sound collected by the microphone 47, the configuration for determining the occurrence of chatter is simplified and the number of parts is increased. And increase in size of the apparatus can be suppressed.

  In particular, regarding the notification sound collected by the microphone 47, when there are a plurality of sound pressures that are higher than the base sound pressure Pb by a predetermined value ΔPth within a predetermined frequency range ΔFth with the set frequency Fs as a reference, the notification sound It is determined that chatter has occurred. Since it is determined whether or not chatter has occurred based on the bass sound pressure Pb as described above, the determination criterion is clarified, and the determination accuracy regarding the occurrence of chatter can be improved.

  Furthermore, if it is determined that chatter has occurred with respect to the notification sound, the set frequency Fs is immediately changed so as to obtain the chatter suppression frequency. The occurrence of chatter can be quickly suppressed.

  In particular, the changed set frequency Fs is stored in the memory 35, and the sound generation unit 44 generates a notification sound corresponding to the set frequency Fs acquired from the memory 35 in accordance with control by the control circuit 40. As a result, the frequency at which the notification sound is generated according to the timing at which the control circuit 40 that controls the sound generation unit 44 obtains the set frequency Fs from the memory 35 changes, so the setting changed as described above at the next notification timing. The notification sound can be generated based on the frequency Fs, or the frequency can be changed during the generation of the notification sound, and the convenience regarding the timing of changing the notification sound can be improved.

In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, For example, you may actualize as follows.
(1) In the set frequency changing process (S111) in the notification process, the set frequency Fs stored in the memory 35 is not limited to being immediately changed so as to be the chatter suppressing frequency, but toward the chatter suppressing frequency. May be changed gradually. For example, the predetermined frequency range ΔFth may be gradually changed at a predetermined ratio (for example, about 1% of 10 Hz in the case of a frequency range of around 500 Hz from −500 Hz to +500 Hz). In this way, by gradually changing the set frequency Fs, the fact that the tone of the notification sound has changed even when operations / processes corresponding to the notification sound in which chatter is occurring is continuously performed is used. This makes it difficult for the user to notice and can suppress the user's uncomfortable feeling. The set frequency Fs stored in the memory 35 may be changed so as to increase gradually or may be changed so as to increase or decrease gradually.

(2) In the set frequency changing process (S111) in the notification process, the set frequency Fs stored in the memory 35 is not limited to being changed so as to be reduced by a predetermined ratio with respect to the predetermined frequency range ΔFth. For example, it may be changed so as to increase by a predetermined rate. Further, the set frequency Fs may be changed according to the frequency of the sound pressure location that is higher than the base sound pressure Pb by a predetermined value ΔPth or more when it is determined that chatter is occurring. Specifically, for example, when the frequency of the sound pressure point that is higher than the predetermined value ΔPth is smaller than the set frequency Fs, the set frequency Fs may be changed to be increased.

(3) The notification process is not limited to determining whether or not chatter has occurred based on the analysis result of the sound pressure waveform of the notification sound collected using the microphone 47 functioning as sound collection means. For example, the vibration waveform in the vicinity of the sound generation unit 44 is measured using a sensor or the like provided in the vicinity of the sound generation unit 44 when the notification sound is generated, and it is determined whether or not chatter has occurred based on the analysis result. Also good.

(4) The information reading apparatus 10 is not limited to being configured as a portable terminal, but may be configured as a stationary terminal. The information reader 10 may be configured not only to optically read an information code, but also to optically read optical information including character information, and other functions, for example, The wireless tag may be configured to have a wireless communication function capable of reading and writing.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Information reader 35 ... Memory (memory | storage means)
40. Control circuit (frequency changing means, judging means)
44 ... Sound generator (notification means)
47. Microphone (sound collecting means)
Fs: Setting frequency Pb: Bass sound pressure

Claims (6)

A notification means for generating a notification sound corresponding to the set frequency;
A frequency changing means capable of changing the set frequency;
Determining means for determining whether chatter has occurred with respect to the notification sound;
With
When the determination unit determines that chatter has occurred with respect to the notification sound, the frequency change unit changes the set frequency to be different from the frequency when the notification sound is generated,
The information reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit generates the notification sound based on the set frequency changed by the frequency changing unit. A sound collecting means capable of collecting the notification sound;
The information reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not chatter has occurred in the notification sound based on the notification sound collected by the sound collection unit. .   The determination means has a plurality of sound pressures higher than a predetermined value from a base sound pressure within a predetermined frequency range with respect to the set frequency with respect to the notification sound collected by the sound collection means. The information reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein it is determined that chatter has occurred with respect to the notification sound. When the chatter suppression frequency is a frequency that is less likely to cause chatter than the initial set frequency that has not been changed by the frequency changing means,
The frequency changing means immediately changes the set frequency so as to be the chatter suppression frequency when the determination means determines that chatter has occurred with respect to the notification sound. 4. The information reading device according to any one of 3. When the chatter suppression frequency is a frequency that is less likely to cause chatter than the initial set frequency that has not been changed by the frequency changing means,
The frequency changing means gradually changes the set frequency toward the chatter suppression frequency when it is determined by the determining means that chatter has occurred with respect to the notification sound. 4. The information reading device according to any one of 3. Storage means for storing the set frequency changed by the frequency changing means,
6. The information reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit generates a notification sound corresponding to the set frequency acquired from the storage unit.

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