JP3632578B2 - Optical information reader - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention includes an optical sensor that includes an area sensor and has a two-dimensional reading field of view, and reads a code in a state of being close to a reading object on which a code such as a bar code or a two-dimensional code is recorded. The present invention relates to an information reading apparatus.
[0002]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
For example, in order to manage merchandise sales and inventory, systems using bar codes and two-dimensional codes such as “QR codes” have been provided, and optical systems for optically reading such codes. As an information reading device, there is a handy type two-dimensional code scanner (handy terminal) which is configured to have an area sensor and is operated by a user by hand. In this device, the user reads the barcode or the like by moving the trigger switch in the state where the reading unit at the tip of the reader is brought close to the barcode or the like recorded on the reading object such as a slip. It is like that.
[0003]
At this time, since the two-dimensional code scanner has a sufficiently large two-dimensional reading field in the vertical direction, for example, a plurality of barcodes are collectively read from a reading target in which barcodes are printed in multiple stages. It is possible to read. Some codes can also read characters / symbols for OCR reading. In this case as well, characters / symbols recorded in a plurality of stages can be read in a lump.
[0004]
However, in the above-described conventional one, when only a part (specific) code is to be read from a reading target in which codes are printed in multiple stages, a blank sheet is used so that other codes do not enter the reading field. However, this is not practical because the user's work is extremely troublesome.
[0005]
Therefore, a mode for reading only the central part of the reading field (decoding only the central part of the area sensor) is provided, and the reading part is aligned so that the code to be read comes to the central part of the reading field, It is conceivable to cause reading. However, in this case, since the user has no choice but to roughly align the central portion of the reading field and the code that the user wants to read, the reading reliability is inferior.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to have a two-dimensional reading field, and to ensure certainty when reading a specific code located in a part of the reading field. An object of the present invention is to provide an optical information reading apparatus that can be improved.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present inventionClaim 1The optical information reader irradiates the reading target with marker light by the marker light irradiating means and causes the partial reading means to read the specific code located in a part of the two-dimensional reading visual field. , Configured to read only the code of the reading field of the reading mechanism irradiated with the marker lightAt this time, the marker light composed of the spot light is irradiated to at least two end portions of the laterally long partial reading region in the reading field of the reading mechanism, and the optical axis of the marker light and the area sensor By making the reading optical axis parallel to the marker light irradiation position, the marker light irradiation position is fixed with respect to the reading visual field.WhatThe
[0008]
According to this, when the user brings the device close to the reading target and reads the code, the user aligns the specific code portion of the reading target to be read with the marker light. As a result, only the code can be read by the partial reading means. Therefore, the certainty at the time of reading the specific code located in a part of the reading visual field can be improved.
[0010]
At this timeSince codes that are read by the partial reading means often extend horizontally like bar codes or OCR reading characters / symbols, the marker light consisting of spot light is used as the reading field of the reading mechanism. If it is configured to irradiate at least two end portions of the horizontally long partial reading region, alignment can be easily performed., Ma-Make the optical axis of the optical beam parallel to the reading optical axis of the area sensor.aboutTherefore, if the marker light irradiation position is fixed with respect to the reading visual field, the process at the time of code reading can be simplified.The
[0011]
by the wayDepending on the arrangement of the area sensor and the marker light irradiating means, an angle is generated in their optical axes. For example, the distance between the reading object and the apparatus (marker light irradiating means) changes with respect to the reading visual field of the reading mechanism. The irradiation position of marker light will change. there,The optical information reader according to claim 2 of the present invention reads only the marker light irradiating means for irradiating the reading target with marker light and the code of the portion irradiated with the marker light in the reading field of the reading mechanism. And a marker light irradiating means configured to irradiate the marker light consisting of spot light on both ends and the center of the horizontally long partial reading region of the reading field of the reading mechanism, further,Marker position specifying means for detecting where the marker light is in the reading visual field of the reading mechanism based on capturing an image by the reading mechanism while the marker light is irradiated to the reading target is provided.It is a thing. According to this,Only the code of the portion irradiated with the marker light in the reading visual field of the reading mechanism can be surely read while improving the degree of freedom of arrangement of the marker light irradiation means.
[0012]
Further, a determination means for determining whether or not the code recording position to be read and the marker light irradiation position correspond correctly is provided.3In other words, it is possible to decode only when the code is correctly positioned in the portion irradiated with the marker light, and to prevent a reading mistake or the like. At this time, it is desirable to notify the determination result of the determination means to the user, but if the notification is performed by changing the irradiation mode of the marker light (claim)4The invention can be easily informed with a simple configuration.
[0013]
By the way, when a code is read by a reading mechanism (area sensor), a photometric area is provided in a part of the reading field in order to make the black-and-white amplitude difference in the binarization process of the code constant. Based on this, exposure control is performed to adjust the illumination light quantity and amplifier gain during code reading. As a result, stable decoding can be performed without the influence of disturbance light or the like, but in this case, when only a part of the code in the reading field is read, the code actually exists. If the portion is not a photometric area, there is a risk that appropriate exposure control will not be performed.
[0014]
Therefore, the exposure control means may be configured to change the photometric area according to the type of code (claims).5Or the photometry area is changed according to the irradiation position of the marker light (claim)6In other words, appropriate exposure control can be performed on a reading position where a code to be actually read exists, and reading performance can be improved.
[0015]
Further, it is possible to irradiate marker light consisting of spot light at a plurality of positions, and to change the position of marker light to be irradiated according to the type of code (claims).7Invention). According to this, in the case of a horizontally long code such as a bar code or an OCR reading character / symbol, for example, alignment is performed so that marker light is irradiated to both ends thereof. In the case of a rectangular code, the marker light can be used properly according to the type of code, such as positioning so that marker light is irradiated to the center part, and it becomes easier to align, As a result, the reliability of reading the code can be further increased.
[0016]
Or you may comprise so that the marker light which consists of a some spot light may be irradiated by making the color of marker light differ according to the irradiation position.8According to this, according to this, the user can distinguish the relationship between the irradiation positions of a plurality of marker lights according to the colors, and the alignment becomes easy. For example, a part of the code is out of the reading visual field. It is excellent in the effect of preventing misalignment and the like.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, several embodiments embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The optical information reading apparatus in the embodiments described below includes a plurality of types of decoding software. By switching the software to be used, barcodes of various standards, two-dimensional codes such as “QR code”, etc. Various codes such as codes and characters / symbols for OCR reading can be read.
[0018]
(1) First embodiment
First, a first embodiment of the present invention (claim 1,3Will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 schematically shows the configuration of a code scanner 1 as an optical information reading apparatus according to the present embodiment. The code scanner 1 is called a handy terminal that is operated by a user with his / her hand. The code scanner 1 not only reads a code but also processes and stores the read code data, and further stores data with a management computer or the like. It also has a communication function.
[0019]
The code scanner 1 includes a case 2 in which a reading mechanism 3 for reading a code, a control device 4 (see FIG. 6), and the like are incorporated. The control device 4 is mainly composed of a microcomputer, and performs decoding processing of signals from the reading mechanism 3 (area sensor), control of the entire system, and the like. The case 2 has a base end side (right side in the drawing) as a grip portion, a distal end side that is slightly wide and bent forward and slightly inclined downward, and a distal end portion thereof as a reading portion 2a.
[0020]
A key input unit 5 including a plurality of key switches 5a is provided on the upper surface of the case 2, so that the user can select and set a reading program and specify a code type. . In addition, a trigger switch 6 for reading (shown only in FIG. 6) is also provided on the outer surface of the case 2. Furthermore, a display unit 7 made of, for example, an LCD is provided on the upper surface of the case 2. The key switch 5a, the display unit 7 and the like are mounted on a printed circuit board 8 disposed in the case 2, and although not shown, the control device 4 and the like are also mounted on the printed circuit board 8. ing. Although not shown in the figure, a secondary battery serving as a power source is incorporated in the case 2.
[0021]
On the other hand, the reading mechanism 3 includes an area sensor 9 composed of a CCD image sensor, an imaging lens 10 located in front of the area sensor 9, a plurality of illumination LEDs 11 serving as an illumination light source during code reading, and a front thereof. The illumination lens 12 is positioned and the like. At this time, as shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the area sensor 9 is configured to have a two-dimensional reading visual field F having, for example, horizontal 600 pixels and vertical 400 pixels. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the imaging lens 10 is disposed at the center of the reading unit 2a, and a plurality of illumination lenses 12 are disposed around it.
[0022]
As a result, the reading unit 2a can read the code (the barcode B shown in FIG. 1A or the like, the OCR reading character / symbol L shown in FIG. , A label, a catalog, etc.) (in a reference distance is 80 mm, for example), by performing a reading operation, that is, by turning on the trigger switch 6, the illumination LED 11 illuminates the reading target. The image is taken by the area sensor 9 and the code is read.
[0023]
The reading mechanism 3 is provided with two marker LEDs 13 and a light projecting lens 14 as marker light irradiation means. The marker LED 13 and the light projecting lens 14 are located on the left and right sides of the area sensor 9 (imaging lens 10), and the optical axis P thereof is parallel to the optical axis of the area sensor 9 (when viewed from the horizontal direction). In the reading visual field F, it is positioned at both ends of the intermediate portion in the vertical direction, and irradiates the marker light M composed of spot light. The irradiation positions of these marker lights M are positioned at both ends of a partial reading area to be described later. In this case, the reading field F is always irradiated to a fixed position regardless of the distance between the reading unit 2a and the reading target.
[0024]
FIG. 6 schematically shows an electrical configuration of the code scanner 1 centering on the control device 4. The control device 4 receives operation signals from the key input unit 5 and the trigger switch 6 and controls the display unit 7. The control device 4 controls the illumination LED 11 and the marker LED 13.
[0025]
The control device 4 is inputted with the code image data read by the area sensor 9 and decoded. At this time, although not shown, an amplifier for amplifying the imaging signal of the area sensor 9 and a binarization circuit for converting to binarized data are provided. An image memory 15 is connected to the control device 4 and the area sensor 9. In addition, the control device 4 is connected to a sound generation unit 16 that generates a buzzer sound when, for example, reading of a code is completed, and performs data communication such as decode data with the outside (such as a management computer) by, for example, infrared rays. A data communication unit 17 is connected.
[0026]
The code scanner 1 is configured to read a code of the entire reading field F of the area sensor 9 and a code of a partial region of the reading field F (a straight line connecting irradiated portions of the marker light M at both ends ( Switching to the partial area reading mode for reading only the code) located on the marker line ef) is possible. In this case, since the irradiation position of the marker light M is fixed with respect to the reading visual field F, in the partial region reading mode, a code positioned in a horizontally long region in the middle portion in the vertical direction of the reading visual field F is read. It will be.
[0027]
These modes are switched by the software configuration (on the program) of the control device 4, and the control device 4 functions as a mode switching unit and also functions as a part of a partial reading unit. ing. At this time, the marker LED 13 is activated (lit) only in the partial area reading mode. In the present embodiment, for example, when the code scanner 1 is powered on, the illumination LED 11 is lit. It is always lit except at times.
[0028]
As will be described later in the description of the operation, the control device 4 is in the partial area reading mode by its software configuration, and the code recording position to be read and the irradiation position of the marker light M correspond correctly. That is, it is determined whether or not the code is correctly positioned on the straight line (marker line ef) connecting the irradiated portions of the marker light M at both ends. If the code is not correctly positioned, the decoding is not performed. ing. Therefore, the control device 4 functions as a determination unit.
[0029]
Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, a case where a barcode B and a character / symbol L for OCR reading are read as codes will be described as an example. As shown in FIG. 1, when a barcode B or OCR reading characters / symbols L are printed in multiple stages on the object to be read, a plurality of barcodes B ( 1) and the character / symbol L for OCR reading (see FIG. 1B). When it is desired to read only a part (specific) code from the reading target, the code scanner 1 is set to the partial area reading mode.
[0030]
As described above, in the partial area reading mode, the marker LED 13 is turned on and the marker light M is irradiated, and the marker light M is irradiated in the reading field F of the area sensor 9. Only the code of the portion (the code located on the straight line (marker line ef) connecting the irradiated portions of the marker light M at both ends) is read. Therefore, the user holds the code scanner 1 and brings the reading unit 2a close to the object to be read at a distance of about 80 mm. As shown in FIG. 1, the marker light M is applied to both ends of a specific code to be read. Only the code can be read by aligning the irradiation and operating the trigger switch 6 in that state.
[0031]
In this case, the user can perform the alignment surely only by aligning the position of the reading unit 2a so that the specific code portion to be read is irradiated with the marker light M. Unlike the case of performing the above, the certainty at the time of reading a specific code located in a part of the reading visual field F can be improved. Although description of the entire reading mode is omitted, in this mode, a plurality of codes in the reading field F can be read collectively.
[0032]
Therefore, since the positioning of the reading unit 2a with respect to the specific code described above is only performed by the user, there may be a case where the positioning is inappropriate. An example is shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2A, for example, the recording area of the barcode B is on a marker line ef virtually assumed as a straight line connecting the irradiation (center) portions of the marker light M at both ends. If it is located, the code B can be read correctly. However, as shown in (b), the recording area of the bar code B is completely out of the marker line ef, or as shown in (c). In addition, when a plurality of barcodes B are positioned on the marker line ef, correct reading cannot be performed.
[0033]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the control device 4 determines that the marker line ef is fixedly positioned with respect to the reading field F of the area sensor 9 (in this case, the central portion in the vertical direction of the reading field F in the horizontal direction). When the code is read, it is determined whether the code recording position to be read and the irradiation position of the marker light M correspond correctly, that is, whether the code is correctly positioned on the marker line ef. It is supposed to be.
[0034]
The flowchart of FIG. 3 shows a determination processing procedure executed by the control device 4. 4 and 5 are diagrams for explaining the processing. In this determination process, the determination method differs depending on the type of code. In the flowchart of FIG. 3, both the case where the code type is barcode B and the case where the character / symbol L is used for OCR reading are shown. .
[0035]
That is, when the code type is the barcode B, first, only the first character (the start character Cs shown in FIG. 4) of the barcode B is decoded (step S1), and if it can be decoded (“OK” in step S2). ]), The end points a and b (see FIG. 4) of the first bar of the bar code B are detected (step S3). Next, only the last character of the barcode B (stop character Ce shown in FIG. 4) is decoded (step S4). If the decoding is successful (“OK” in step S5), the last bar of the barcode B is decoded. The end points c and d (see FIG. 4) are detected (step S6). If the decoding cannot be performed (“NG” in step S2 or S5), the process returns to step S1.
[0036]
Then, an intersection between the marker line ef and the line segment ab and the line segment cd is detected (step S7). If the intersection exists in both the line segment ab and the line segment cd (Yes in step S8). ), It can be determined that the recording position of the barcode B corresponds to the irradiation position of the marker light M, and the barcode B surrounded by the end points abcd is decoded (step S9). When the decoding is completed, this is notified by a buzzer sound (step S10).
[0037]
On the other hand, when the code type is a character / symbol L for OCR reading, first, the horizontal projection component H (see FIG. 5A) is detected (step S11), and the character string region A is cut out based on the detected component (step S11). S12). Next, the vertical projection component V (see FIG. 5A) of the character string area A is detected (step S13), and based on them, as shown in FIG. 5B surrounded by a square frame, The character area W is cut out (step S14).
[0038]
Then, it is checked whether the marker line ef crosses the first character area Ws and the last character area We (see FIG. 5B) (step S15), and the marker line ef crosses both the areas Ws and We. If so (Yes in step S16), it can be determined that the recording position of the character / symbol L for OCR reading corresponds to the irradiation position of the marker light M, and decoding of the character / symbol L for OCR reading is possible. (Step S17). When the decoding is completed, this is notified by a buzzer sound “step” (step S18).
[0039]
Thus, according to the code scanner 1 of the present embodiment, in the partial area reading mode, the marker light M is irradiated to the reading target, and the code of the portion of the reading field F irradiated with the marker light M Since only a specific code is read, it is easy to align when reading a specific code located in a part of the two-dimensional reading field F, and the reading reliability can be improved. Excellent effect. Moreover, in this embodiment, since it is determined whether or not the code recording position to be read and the irradiation position of the marker light M correspond correctly, the code is correctly positioned at the portion irradiated with the marker light M. Thus, decoding can be performed only when the data is read, and reading errors can be prevented.
[0040]
In the first embodiment, during the process of determining whether the code recording position and the irradiation position of the marker light M correspond correctly, the determination result is used according to the change in the irradiation form of the marker light M. It is also possible to provide a notification means for notifying a person (claim).4Corresponding).
[0041]
Specifically, for example, when the code is not at an appropriate position with respect to the marker light M (reading field F) (“NG” in step S2 or S5 in the flowchart of FIG. 3 or “No” in step S8 or S16). In other cases, the marker LED 13 is switched from continuous lighting to blinking at short intervals, the blinking period is changed depending on whether the marker LED 13 is at an appropriate position, or the two-color emission marker LED 13 is adopted. It may be possible to change the color. According to this, the determination result of the determination means can be notified with a simple configuration in an easily understandable manner.
[0042]
(2) Second embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention (claims)2Will be described with reference to FIGS. In each embodiment described below, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and new illustrations and detailed descriptions are omitted, and only different points are described.
[0043]
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, three marker LEDs 21 serving as marker light irradiating means are provided and are located at both ends of the reading visual field F and at the center thereof with respect to the reading target. The marker light M made of light is irradiated. The marker M at the center is used for alignment when reading a two-dimensional code. In this case, as shown in FIG. 9 (b), the three marker LEDs 21 are positioned below the area sensor 9 (imaging lens 10), with the optical axis directed slightly upward in the horizontal direction. They are arranged side by side.
[0044]
Therefore, an angle is generated between the optical axis Pa of the area sensor 9 and the optical axis Pm of the marker LED 21, and as a result, unlike the case where the marker line is fixed as in the first embodiment, the reading target is different. And the reading portion 2a (area sensor 9), the irradiation position of the marker light M with respect to the reading visual field F of the area sensor 9 varies in the vertical direction. That is, when the distance between the reading target and the reading unit 2a is the reference distance l (80 mm), the irradiation position of the marker light M comes to the center in the vertical direction of the reading visual field F. Going above the reading field F (see FIGS. 9A and 10A), it goes down as it gets closer.
[0045]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, based on the fact that the image is captured by the area sensor 9 in a state where the marker light M is applied to the reading target, the position of the marker light M in the reading visual field F is detected ( The code of the portion irradiated with the marker light M is read. In this case, FIG. 10B shows the distribution of the brightness (brightness) of the image in the irradiation state of the marker light M, and the irradiation position of the marker light M is sufficiently brighter than other parts. Thus, the position of the marker light M is specified using this fact.
[0046]
The specification of the position of the marker light M is realized mainly by the software configuration of the control device 4, and accordingly, the marker position specifying means is configured from the control device 4 or the like. The flowchart of FIG. 11 shows a marker position specifying process procedure executed by the control device 4. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the processing method.
[0047]
That is, in FIG. 11, first, an image is captured by the area sensor 9 in a state where the marker light M is irradiated (step S21), and the image is n × n (for example, 16 × 16) pixels as shown in FIG. Are divided into grid-like areas s, and the maximum brightness value in each area s is detected (step S22). Next, a threshold value sh for binarization is obtained from the maximum value max and the minimum value min among the maximum values for each region s (step S23). In this case, for example, an intermediate value between the maximum max and the minimum min is set as the threshold value sh.
[0048]
Then, each area s is binarized from the maximum value of the divided area s using the threshold value sh (step S24). In this case, as shown in FIG. 12 (b), three white areas corresponding to the irradiated portions of the marker light M are obtained, so that the central portions g, h, i of these white areas are obtained respectively. This is the position of the marker light M (step S25). Although not shown, the marker LED 21 is turned off, and the code reading by the reading mechanism 3 is performed on the irradiated portion of the marker light M.
[0049]
According to the second embodiment, the irradiation position of the marker light M with respect to the reading field F of the reading mechanism 3 varies due to the change in the distance between the reading target and the code scanner 1 (marker LED 21). Even in such a situation, only the code of the portion irradiated with the marker light M in the reading field F can be surely read, and the two-dimensional reading is performed as in the first embodiment. It is possible to obtain an excellent effect that the alignment at the time of reading a specific code located in a part of the field of view F is facilitated and the certainty of reading can be improved.
[0050]
(3) Third and fourth embodiments
FIG. 13 shows a third embodiment of the present invention (claims).5Corresponding). Although not described in each of the above-described embodiments, the control device 4 reads the code by the reading mechanism 3 (area sensor 9) in order to make the black-and-white amplitude difference constant in the binarization process of the code. A photometry area is provided in a part of the reading field F, and functions as an exposure control means for executing exposure control for adjusting the illumination light amount of the illumination LED 11 and the gain of the amplifier at the time of code reading based on the photometry result. As a result, stable decoding can be performed while eliminating the influence of disturbance light and the like.
[0051]
In this embodiment, when only a part of the code in the reading field F is read (partial area reading mode), the photometric area S is set according to the type of the code. That is, in the present embodiment, the marker light M is irradiated at three positions, that is, the left and right ends of the reading field F and the central portion, as shown in FIG. When the code is a two-dimensional code (“QR code”) Q, reading is performed by aligning the center marker light M so as to be in the center of the code Q, as shown in FIG. In addition, when the code is a horizontally long character / symbol L for OCR reading (and bar code B), reading is performed by aligning the code L so that it is on a straight line connecting the marker lights M at both ends.
[0052]
Then, as shown in FIG. 13A, when the code is a two-dimensional code Q, the photometric area S is set to a rectangular area in the center (periphery of the central marker light M) in the reading field F. As shown in FIG. 13B, when the code is a character / symbol L (or barcode B) for OCR reading, the photometric area S connects the marker lights M at both ends of the reading field F. It is set in such a central horizontally long region. According to this, since the portion where the codes Q and L actually exist can be used as the photometric area S, appropriate exposure control can be performed on the reading position where the codes Q and L to be actually read exist. And the reading performance can be improved.
[0053]
FIG. 14 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention (claims).6,7Corresponding). In this embodiment, as in the second and third embodiments, the three marker LEDs 21 are provided, and the marker light M made up of spot light is applied to three positions of the left and right end portions and the central portion of the reading field F. The position of the marker light M to be irradiated is changed according to the type of the cord. That is, when the code is a two-dimensional code Q, only the central marker light M is irradiated, and when the code is a character / symbol L or barcode B for OCR reading, the marker light M at both ends is irradiated. It has become so.
[0054]
In this case, the photometric area S is changed according to the irradiation position of the marker light M, that is, when only the central marker light M is irradiated, the photometric area S is a square around the central marker light M. When the marker light M at both ends is irradiated, the photometric area S is set to a horizontally long area that connects the marker lights M at both ends.
[0055]
According to this, as shown in FIG. 14, when the object 22 is a small object to be read and a two-dimensional code Q is recorded on the surface thereof, only the central marker light M is irradiated. Thus, it is possible to prevent a misalignment such as aligning any one of the marker lights M with the two-dimensional code Q, thereby making the alignment easier, and further improving the reliability of reading the code. be able to. Similarly to the third embodiment, appropriate exposure control can be performed on a reading position where a code to be actually read exists, and reading performance can be improved.
[0056]
Although not shown, for the same purpose, the marker light M composed of a plurality of spot lights is irradiated with different colors depending on the irradiation position. For example, the marker light M at the center is green. The marker light M at both ends may be orange.8According to this, the user can distinguish the relationship between the irradiation positions of the plurality of marker lights M by color, and it is easy to align the position. It is excellent in the effect of preventing misalignment and the like such as detachment.
[0057]
In addition, in the above-described embodiment, two or three spot lights are irradiated as the marker light. However, it may be configured to irradiate four or more marker lights. Etc. The light source of the marker light is not limited to the LED, and a laser or the like may be used. Further, the marker light is not limited to the one that is always irradiated, and the marker light may be irradiated by a user's switch operation. In this case, the trigger switch can be pressed by two steps, and the first step ( It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which marker light is irradiated in a so-called half-pressed state and image reading is performed by further pressing a trigger switch.
[0058]
Furthermore, the optical information reader of the present invention is not limited to a so-called handy terminal, but is a handy type connected to a host computer, that is, a type in which only image reading is performed and data processing is performed on the host computer side. The present invention may be modified as appropriate without departing from the scope of the invention, such as using a mirror as the configuration of the reading mechanism 3 (optical system). Can be implemented.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention and showing a relationship between a reading field of view, a code, and marker light with respect to two types of codes.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between marker lines and code recording positions for three cases.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for determining whether or not a code recording position and a marker light irradiation position correspond correctly;
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a determination processing method for barcodes;
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a determination processing method for characters and symbols for OCR reading;
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the code scanner.
FIG. 7 is a vertical side view schematically showing the configuration of the code scanner.
FIG. 8 is a front view of a reading unit showing a lens arrangement relationship of a reading mechanism.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship between a reading visual field and a marker light irradiation position according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship (a) of the reading field, code, and marker light, and the distribution of brightness (b) in the reading field.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for specifying a marker position.
FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a marker position specifying process method;
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a photometric area for two types of codes according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a reading target and marker light according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
In the drawings, 1 is a code scanner (optical information reading device), 2a is a reading unit, 3 is a reading mechanism, 4 is a control device (partial reading means, mode switching means, marker position specifying means, determination means, exposure control means). , 6 is a trigger switch, 9 is an area sensor, 13 and 21 are marker LEDs (marker light irradiation means), M is marker light, B, Q and L are codes, F is a reading field of view, and S is a photometric area.

Claims (8)

An optical information reader that includes an area sensor and includes a reading mechanism having a two-dimensional reading field, and reads the code in a state of being close to a reading object on which the code is recorded,
Marker light irradiation means for irradiating marker light to the reading object;
A partial reading means for reading only the code of the portion irradiated with the marker light in the reading field of the reading mechanism ;
The marker light irradiating means is configured to irradiate at least both end portions of a horizontally long partial reading region in the reading field of the reading mechanism with marker light composed of spot light, and the optical axis thereof is set to the area. An optical information reading apparatus characterized in that the marker light irradiation position is fixed with respect to the reading field by being arranged so as to be parallel to the optical axis of the sensor . An optical information reader that includes an area sensor and includes a reading mechanism having a two-dimensional reading field, and reads the code in a state of being close to a reading object on which the code is recorded,
Marker light irradiation means for irradiating marker light to the reading object;
A partial reading means for reading only the code of the portion irradiated with the marker light in the reading field of the reading mechanism;
The marker light irradiating means is configured to irradiate marker light composed of spot light on both ends and the center of a horizontally long partial reading region in the reading field of the reading mechanism,
Marker position specifying means for detecting in which position of the reading field of the reading mechanism the marker light is based on capturing an image by the reading mechanism in a state where the reading object is irradiated with marker light An optical information reading apparatus comprising: 3. The optical information reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a determination unit that determines whether or not the code recording position to be read and the marker light irradiation position correspond correctly . The optical information reading apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a notification unit that notifies a determination result of the determination unit by a change in an irradiation mode of the marker light . An exposure control unit that sets a photometric area in a part of the reading field and adjusts the illumination light amount and the gain of the amplifier at the time of code reading according to the photometric result is provided, the exposure control unit depending on the type of the code 5. The optical information reader according to claim 1, wherein the photometric area is changed . An exposure control unit that sets a photometric area in a part of the reading field and adjusts an illumination light amount and a gain of an amplifier at the time of code reading according to the photometric result is provided, and the exposure control unit irradiates the marker light. 6. The optical information reader according to claim 1, wherein the photometric area is changed according to a position . The marker light irradiation means is configured to be able to irradiate marker light composed of spot light at a plurality of positions, and changes the position of the marker light to be irradiated according to the type of the code. The optical information reader according to any one of 1 to 6. 8. The marker light irradiating means is configured to irradiate a marker light composed of a plurality of spot lights, and the color of the marker light is made different according to the irradiation position. An optical information reader according to claim 1.

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