Information code reading system

Abstract

To provide a configuration that can determine the necessity of mode switching by using a picked-up image used for reading of an information code, without narrowing an imaging range used for reading of the information code.SOLUTION: When a reading device 10 determines that it is in a specific imaging state in which a bar code 142 is no longer imaged, a control unit 40 functioning as a mode switching unit performs mode switching processing of switching one of a placed mode and a portable mode to the other. The bar code 142 is place on a top face of an extension part 141 of a table 100 that is not imaged by the reading device 10 in a placed state and that is imaged by the reading device 10 during a movement for attaching and detaching the reading device 10 to and from the table 100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 20

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information code reading system that includes a portable information code reading device that optically reads an information code and a stand. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, in order to alleviate labor shortages and improve checkout efficiency, convenience stores, supermarkets, and other stores are increasingly adopting self-checkouts that customers can operate themselves, in addition to the cash registers operated by store clerks. The scanners (handheld scanners) at the cash registers operated by store clerks are portable to enable smoother reading operations, and are operated by pointing the reading port of the handheld scanner toward the barcode of the product. On the other hand, the scanners (fixed scanners) at the self-checkouts operated by customers are fixed to enable reliable reading operations even for inexperienced customers, and are operated by pointing the barcode of the product toward the reading port of the fixed scanner.

[0003] In response to this, in order to be used as both a portable and a fixed type, a scanner that can be used as a portable type is also operated so that it can be used while placed on a stand. For example, the barcode reading device disclosed in Patent Document 1 listed below is configured so that when it detects that it is attached to a stand, it switches to a mode that functions as a fixed scanner, and when it detects that it is removed from the stand, it switches to a mode that functions as a handheld scanner.

[0004] The barcode reader disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires a dedicated component, such as a magnetic detector element, to determine whether or not a mode change is required in order to detect whether or not the attachment is attached to the stand. To address this issue, the information reader disclosed in Patent Document 2 below provides a first mode that can be switched to when an attachment is not attached and a second mode that can be switched to when an attachment is attached, and switches to the first mode when a specific pattern is not captured, and switches to the second mode when the specific pattern is captured. By arranging this specific pattern on one surface of the attachment that is within the image capture range of the information reader with the attachment attached, it is possible to appropriately switch modes without providing a dedicated component, such as a magnetic detector element, to determine whether or not a mode change is required. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-328299 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-092928 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the configuration described above where the mode is switched depending on whether or not a specific pattern is captured, the specific pattern continues to be captured when switching to one of the modes, which causes a problem that the imaging range used to read the information code becomes narrow in that mode.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a configuration that can determine whether or not mode switching is necessary by using the captured image used to read the information code, without narrowing the imaging range used to read the information code. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a portable information code reader (10) for optically reading the information code (C); a stand (100) on which the information code reader can be placed; An information code reading system (1) comprising: The information code reader is a predetermined function is different between a placed mode for performing the reading process in a placed state on the stand and a portable mode for performing the reading process in a portable state, a housing (11) in which a reading port (14) is formed; an imaging unit (23) that images the information code through the reading port; a reading processing unit (40) that performs the reading process on the information code imaged by the imaging unit; a mode switching unit (40) that performs a mode switching process to switch from one of the stationary mode and the portable mode to the other when it is determined that a specific image capturing state has occurred in which the specific pattern (142) that has been captured by the imaging unit is no longer captured; Equipped with The specific pattern is characterized in that it is not imaged by the imaging unit in the above-described placement state, but is arranged on one surface (141) of the placement table that is imaged by the imaging unit during movement to attach or detach the information code reading device to or from the placement table. The symbols in parentheses above indicate the correspondence with the specific means described in the embodiments to be described later. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] In the present invention, when it is determined that the specific image capturing state is one in which the specific pattern that has been captured by the imaging unit is no longer captured, the mode switching unit performs a mode switching process to switch from one of the placed mode and the portable mode to the other. The specific pattern is not captured by the imaging unit in the placed state, but is located on one side of the stand that is captured by the imaging unit during movement to attach or detach the information code reader to or from the stand.

[0010] As a result, when the information code reader is placed on the stand or removed from the stand, the mode is switched by capturing an image of the specific pattern arranged on one surface of the stand. In particular, since the specific pattern is captured while the information code reader is moving and not captured while the information code reader is placed, the imaging range used to read the information code in the placed mode is not narrowed by the specific pattern. Therefore, it is possible to realize an information code reading system that can determine whether or not mode switching is necessary by utilizing the captured image used to read the information code, without narrowing the imaging range used to read the information code.

[0011] The mode switching unit may perform the mode switching process based on a change over time in the range of the specific pattern in the captured image. In the specific imaging state when the information code reader is placed on the stand, the range of the specific pattern in the captured image tends to gradually increase, while in the specific imaging state when the information code reader is removed from the stand, the range of the specific pattern in the captured image tends to gradually decrease. Therefore, based on the change over time in the range of the specific pattern in the captured image, it is possible to determine whether the specific imaging state should be the placed mode or the portable mode, and therefore it is possible to correctly select the mode to switch to.

[0012] The specific pattern may be a barcode in which mode switching information is recorded, and may be arranged so that the direction of arrangement of the cells is perpendicular to the direction of movement when the information code reader is attached to or detached from the stand. In this way, even if the barcode is imaged while being shaken due to movement when attaching or detaching, the movement simply makes each cell (bar) longer, and does not affect the reading of the barcode, so it is possible to more accurately determine whether or not the specific image capture state is in place.

[0013] The information code reader may include a notification unit that notifies the user of the result of the mode switching process, thereby allowing the user to easily determine whether the mode has been switched correctly.

[0014] The support portion that supports the intermediate portion between the reading portion and the gripping portion of the information code reading device from below is formed to match the shape of the intermediate portion so as to suppress displacement of the information code reading device in a direction different from the predetermined displacement direction in which the reading portion moves up and down, and the opening of the insertion / removal portion into which the reading portion is inserted when the intermediate portion is supported by the support portion is formed so that a gap is interposed between at least a part of the reading portion when inserted to allow displacement of the information code reading device supported at the intermediate portion by the support portion, and the insertion / removal portion may be provided with a regulating portion that abuts against the upper surface of the reading portion from above to regulate displacement when the information code reading device, whose intermediate portion is supported by the support portion, is placed in a position where the reading port faces the predetermined reading area.

[0015] In this way, a gap is provided between the reading unit inserted into the opening of the insertion / removal section and the opening, and the support section and the opening are formed to allow displacement of the information code reader in the predetermined displacement direction. Therefore, not only can the information code reader be roughly placed on the stand, but the information code reader can also be easily removed from the stand by simply displacing the reading unit away from the restricting section, thereby realizing a stand that allows for easy attachment and detachment of the information code reader. When the information code reader supported at its intermediate portion by the support section is displaced upward due to its own weight caused by storing a power supply unit or the like in the gripping section, the upper surface of the reading unit abuts against the restricting section, thereby restricting displacement, and the information code reader is placed on the stand. In this manner, in the mounted state where the restricting section abuts against the upper surface of the reading unit, displacement of the reading port is restricted so that it faces the predetermined reading area, thereby realizing a stand that allows the position of the reading area to be constant in the mounted state. Therefore, it is possible to realize a stand that allows the information code reader to be easily attached and detached and that can keep the position of the reading area constant when the information code reader is placed on the stand. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a reading device is placed on a stand in an information code reading system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view of the reading device and the stand of FIG. 1, seen from a different direction. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of the reading device and the stand of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is a top view of the reading device and the stand of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a side view of the reading device and the stand of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the reading device of FIG. 1 as seen from below. [Figure 7] 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic example of the electrical configuration of the reading device of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8(A) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the reading area in the placed mode, and FIG. 8(B) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the reading area in the portable mode. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the stand of FIG. 1. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view of the stand in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a top view of the stand in FIG. 9. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a side view of the stand in FIG. 9. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the table body of FIG. 9. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a front view of the stand body of FIG. 13. [Figure 15] FIG. 14 is a top view of the table body of FIG. 13. [Figure 16] FIG. 14 is a side view of the stand body of FIG. 13. [Figure 17] FIG. 14 is a rear view of the stand main body of FIG. 13. [Figure 18] 18A and 18B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the displacement direction of the reading device when the intermediate portion is supported by the support portion, where FIG. 18A shows the displacement state immediately after insertion when the reading portion is not in contact with the regulating portion, and FIG. 18B shows the placed state in which the reading portion has been displaced so as to abut against the regulating portion. [Figure 19]Figure 19(A) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state in which the tip side of the reading unit of the reading device is facing the opening of the stand in the first embodiment, Figure 19(B) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state in which the reading device is closer to the stand than in Figure 19(A), and Figure 19(C) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state in which the tip side of the reading unit is inserted into the opening. [Figure 20] Figure 20(A) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state in which the intermediate part is supported by the support part in the first embodiment, Figure 20(B) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state in which it has been displaced in the lifting displacement direction from the state in Figure 20(A), and Figure 20(C) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the placed state in which the upper surface of the reading part abuts against the regulating part. [Figure 21] Figure 21(A) is an explanatory diagram explaining the captured image in the state of Figure 19(A), Figure 21(B) is an explanatory diagram explaining the captured image in the state of Figure 19(B), and Figure 21(C) is an explanatory diagram explaining the captured image in the state of Figure 19(C). [Figure 22] Figure 22(A) is an explanatory diagram explaining the captured image in the state of Figure 20(A), Figure 22(B) is an explanatory diagram explaining the captured image in the state of Figure 20(B), and Figure 22(C) is an explanatory diagram explaining the captured image in the state of Figure 20(C). [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a reading device is placed on a stand according to a second embodiment. [Figure 24] 24 is a perspective view of the reading device and the stand of FIG. 23, seen from a different direction. [Figure 25] FIG. 24 is a front view of the reading device and the stand of FIG. 23. [Figure 26] 24 is a top view of the reading device and the stand of FIG. 23. FIG. [Figure 27] 24 is a side view of the reading device and the stand of FIG. 23. FIG. [Figure 28] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the stand of FIG. 23. [Figure 29] FIG. 24 is a front view of the stand of FIG. 23. [Figure 30] FIG. 24 is a top view of the stand in FIG. 23. [Figure 31] FIG. 24 is a side view of the stand in FIG. 23. [Figure 32] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the stand body of FIG. 23. [Figure 33] FIG. 33 is a front view of the stand body of FIG. 32. [Figure 34] FIG. 33 is a top view of the stand main body of FIG. 32. [Figure 35] 33 is a side view of the stand main body of FIG. 32. FIG. [Figure 36] FIG. 33 is a rear view of the stand main body of FIG. 32. [Figure 37] 24 is a perspective view of the guide portion of FIG. 23 as viewed from the stand main body side. FIG. [Figure 38] Figure 38(A) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state in the second embodiment in which the tip side of the reading unit of the reading device is facing the opening of the stand, Figure 38(B) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state in which the reading device is closer to the stand than in Figure 38(A), and Figure 38(C) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state in which the tip side of the reading unit is inserted into the opening. [Figure 39] Figure 39(A) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state in which the intermediate part is supported by the support part in the second embodiment, Figure 39(B) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state in which it has been displaced in the lifting displacement direction from the state in Figure 39(A), and Figure 39(C) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the placed state in which the upper surface of the reading part abuts against the regulating part. [Figure 40] Figure 40(A) is an explanatory diagram explaining the captured image in the state of Figure 38(A), Figure 40(B) is an explanatory diagram explaining the captured image in the state of Figure 38(B), and Figure 40(C) is an explanatory diagram explaining the captured image in the state of Figure 38(C). [Figure 41] Figure 41(A) is an explanatory diagram explaining the captured image in the state of Figure 39(A), Figure 41(B) is an explanatory diagram explaining the captured image in the state of Figure 39(B), and Figure 41(C) is an explanatory diagram explaining the captured image in the state of Figure 39(C). [Figure 42] Figure 42(A) is an explanatory diagram explaining the positional relationship between the extended reading area, which is a key part of the information code reading system of the third embodiment, and the second specific pattern, and Figure 42(B) is a diagram showing the vicinity of the lower edge of the guide part where the second specific pattern is arranged, as viewed from the side of the base body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] [First embodiment] A first embodiment of an information code reading system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 5 is configured to include a portable information code reader (hereinafter also referred to as reader 10) that performs a reading process to optically read information codes such as one-dimensional codes and two-dimensional codes, and a stand 100 on which the reader 10 can be placed. Here, examples of one-dimensional codes include so-called barcodes such as JAN codes, EAN codes, UPC codes, ITF codes, Code39 codes, Code128 codes, and NW-7 codes. Examples of two-dimensional codes include rectangular information codes such as QR codes (registered trademark), data matrix codes, maxicodes, and Aztec codes.

[0018] The reading device 10 is provided with a placed mode in which reading processing is performed in a placed state in which the device is placed on the stand 100, and a portable mode in which reading processing is performed in a portable state. The placed mode is a mode in which reading processing is performed on the premise that an operation to point the information code toward the reading port of the reading device 10 in a placed state is performed, assuming that customers who are unfamiliar with the operation will be operating the device. The portable mode is a mode in which reading processing is performed on the premise that an operation to point the reading port of the reading device 10 toward the information code is performed, assuming that store clerks who are familiar with the operation will be operating the device. The placed mode and the portable mode have different predetermined functions, which will be described later.

[0019] The outer shell of the reading device 10 is formed by a housing 11 constructed by assembling an upper case 11a and a lower case 11b made of synthetic resin such as ABS resin, and a circuit section 20 made of various electrical components and the like is mounted on a circuit board or the like and housed within this housing 11. The housing 11 is equipped with a reading section 12 having a reading opening 14 that takes in reflected light from the information code and introduces it inside and a protective section 15 that protects this reading opening 14, and a gripping section 13 that is gripped when carrying the device in portable mode with the reading opening 14 facing the information code.

[0020] When the longitudinal direction of the grip portion 13 is horizontal, the reading unit 12 is connected to the grip portion 13 via an intermediate portion 19 so that it extends diagonally downward from one longitudinal end of the grip portion 13, with the reading opening 14 and the protective portion 15 located at the extended end. That is, the intermediate portion 19 between the reading unit 12 and the grip portion 13 forms the housing 11 with one end where the reading opening 14 and the protective portion 15 are formed in a bent shape that tilts significantly forward toward the rear surface. The cross section of the intermediate portion 19 cut in the vertical direction is approximately elliptical, and the intermediate portion 19 is curved so as to be convex downward. This makes it easy for the user to point the reading opening 14 toward the information code when holding the grip portion 13 with their fingertips from the upper case 11a side in the portable mode.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 6, protective part 15 covers reading opening 14 from above while leaving a wide opening at the bottom, and is formed so that it becomes thinner in the vertical direction toward the tip and wider in the left-right direction relative to grip part 13. The tip of protective part 15 is formed by a black rubber tip 16. As a result, during touch reading in portable mode, the information code is read with rubber tip 16 in contact with the display surface on which the information code is displayed. In addition, a cable attachment part 18 for holding a communication / power supply cable 17 is formed on the other end side of housing 11 (the other longitudinal side of grip part 13).

[0022] Next, the electrical configuration of the reading device 10 will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figure 7, the circuit section 20 housed in the housing 11 mainly includes an optical system such as an illumination section 21, a marker light irradiation section 22, a light receiving sensor 23, and an imaging lens 25, as well as a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as "microcomputer") system such as a memory 35 and a control section 40.

[0023] The optical system is divided into a light-projecting optical system and a light-receiving optical system. The light-projecting optical system is composed of an illumination unit 21 and a marker light irradiation unit 22. The illumination unit 21 functions as an illumination light source capable of emitting illumination light Lf, and is composed of, for example, a red LED and a lens provided on the output side of the LED.

[0024] The marker light emitting unit 22 functions as a marker light source capable of emitting marker light Lm to indicate an imaging area (imaging field of view) using the light receiving sensor 23, and is configured, for example, with an LED and a lens provided on the output side of the LED. Note that Fig. 7 conceptually shows an example in which illumination light Lf and marker light Lm are irradiated toward a display surface R to which an information code C is attached.

[0025] The light receiving optical system is composed of a light receiving sensor 23, an imaging lens 25, a reflecting mirror (not shown), etc. The light receiving sensor 23 is configured as an area sensor in which light receiving elements, which are solid-state imaging devices such as C-MOS or CCD, are arranged two-dimensionally, and is configured to output an electrical signal corresponding to the intensity of reflected light Lr for each light receiving element. This light receiving sensor 23 is mounted on a circuit board or the like so as to be able to receive incident light that enters via the imaging lens 25. The light receiving sensor 23 and the like can correspond to an example of an "imaging unit."

[0026] The imaging lens 25 functions as an imaging optical system that can collect incident light that enters from the outside through the reading port 14 and form an image on the light-receiving surface 23a of the light-receiving sensor 23. In this embodiment, after the illumination light Lf, etc. emitted from the illumination unit 21 is reflected by the information code, the reflected light Lr is collected by the imaging lens 25 and a code image is formed on the light-receiving surface 23a of the light-receiving sensor 23.

[0027] The microcomputer system is composed of an amplifier circuit 31, an A / D conversion circuit 33, a memory 35, an address generation circuit 36, a synchronization signal generation circuit 38, a control unit 40, a light emitting unit 43, an alarm sound unit 44, a vibrator 45, a communication interface 48, etc. As the name suggests, this microcomputer system is mainly composed of the control unit 40 and memory 35 that can function as a microcomputer (information processing device), and can process the image signal of the information code captured by the optical system described above using hardware and software.

[0028] An image signal (analog signal) output from the light-receiving sensor 23 of the optical system is input to an amplifier circuit 31 where it is amplified at a predetermined gain, and then input to an A / D conversion circuit 33 where it is converted from an analog signal to a digital signal. The digitized image signal, i.e., image data (image information), is then input to a memory 35 where it is stored in an image data storage area. A synchronization signal generation circuit 38 is configured to be able to generate a synchronization signal for the light-receiving sensor 23 and an address generation circuit 36, and the address generation circuit 36 ​​is configured to be able to generate a storage address for the image data to be stored in the memory 35 based on the synchronization signal supplied from the synchronization signal generation circuit 38.

[0029] The memory 35 is a semiconductor memory device, such as a RAM (DRAM, SRAM, etc.) or a ROM (EPROM, EEPROM, etc.). In addition to the image data storage area described above, the RAM of this memory 35 is configured to be able to secure a work area and a reading condition table that the control unit 40 uses when performing arithmetic operations, logical operations, etc., in relation to the reading process. In addition, the ROM has pre-stored therein system programs and the like that can control each piece of hardware, such as the illumination unit 21 and the light receiving sensor 23.

[0030] The control unit 40 is a microcomputer capable of controlling the entire reading device 10, and is composed of a CPU, a system bus, an input / output interface, etc., and can constitute an information processing device together with the memory 35, and has an information processing function. The control unit 40 functions as a reading processing unit that performs a reading process (decoding process) on an information code imaged within a reading area using the light receiving sensor 23, etc., which functions as an imaging unit. The control unit 40 is configured to be connectable to various input / output devices (peripheral devices) via a built-in input / output interface, and in this embodiment, a light emitting unit 43, an alarm unit 44, a vibrator 45, a communication interface 48, etc. are connected.

[0031] The light emitting unit 43 is, for example, an LED, and is configured to light up or flash in response to a signal from the control unit 40. The sound alert unit 44 is configured to have a known buzzer or the like, and is configured to emit a predetermined buzzer sound or the like in response to an operation signal from the control unit 40. The vibrator 45 is configured as a known vibrator mounted on a portable device, and is configured to generate a predetermined vibration in response to a drive signal from the control unit 40. The communication interface 48 is configured as an interface for performing data communication and wireless communication via the cable 17 with an external device (host) such as the POS terminal 2, and is configured to perform communication processing in cooperation with the control unit 40.

[0032] The reading device 10 also includes a power supply unit (not shown) for supplying power to various electrical components via the cable 17, and the power supply unit, vibrator 45, etc. are housed within the gripping portion 13, so that the center of gravity of the reading device 10 is closer to the gripping portion 13 than the intermediate portion 19. Also, because the cable 17 is held by the cable attachment portion 18 on the other longitudinal side of the gripping portion 13, the center of gravity of the reading device 10 is closer to the gripping portion 13 than the intermediate portion 19.

[0033] In the reading device 10 configured as described above, when the control unit 40 performs a reading process on the captured information code, the control unit 40 determines that the device is placed on the stand 100 through a mode switching process, as described below, and switches to the placed mode. In the placed mode thus switched to, as illustrated in FIG. 8(A), the entire image capture area captured using the light receiving sensor 23 becomes the reading area, and the information code read result within this reading area is output to the POS terminal 2 via the communication interface 48. In this way, since the entire image capture area becomes the reading area, even customers who are unfamiliar with the operation can reliably perform the reading operation. Note that in FIG. 8(A), the upper edge and lower edge of the reading area and the image capture area are indicated by dashed lines. The control unit 40 that performs the mode switching process may correspond to an example of a "mode switching unit."

[0034] On the other hand, the reading device 10 is switched to the portable mode by the mode switching process performed by the control unit 40, as will be described later, when it is determined that the device is in the portable state. In the portable mode thus switched to, as shown in FIG. 8(B), a portion of the upper side of the imaging area becomes the reading area, and the result of reading the information code within this reading area is output to the POS terminal 2 via the communication interface 48. This allows a store clerk or other person familiar with the operation to smoothly perform the reading operation, even in a situation where information codes to be read and information codes that do not need to be read are mixed, because the information codes that do not need to be read are less likely to enter the reading area by mistake. In FIG. 8(B), the reading area and the upper and lower edges of the imaging area are indicated by dashed lines, the lower edge of the reading area is indicated by dashed lines, and the area of ​​the imaging area that is not used as the reading area is indicated by hatching.

[0035] Next, the stand 100 on which the reading device 10 is placed will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 to 5 and 9 to 12, the mounting table 100 includes a mounting table main body 110, a guide portion 200, a base 101, and a support column 102. The mounting table 100 is placed on a mounting surface S in a state where the mounting table main body 110 and the guide portion 200 are supported at predetermined angles by the upper ends of the support columns 102 that are erected in the shape of square pillars on the upper surface of the base 101.

[0036] As shown in Figures 13 to 17, the stand main body 110 is formed so that a support part 120 that supports the intermediate part 19 of the reading device 10 from below, an insertion / removal part 130 into which the reading part 12 is inserted and removed, and a fixed part 140 that is fixed to the support 102 are integrated into one body.

[0037] The support part 120 is formed to match the convex shape of the intermediate part 19 so as to allow displacement (tilting) of the reading device 10 in a predetermined displacement direction (see symbols F1a and F1b in FIG. 18) in which the reading unit 12 moves up and down while supporting the intermediate part 19 from below, and to suppress displacement of the reading device 10 in a direction different from this predetermined displacement direction. For this reason, the inner surface of the support part 120 is formed to contact the both side and bottom surfaces of the intermediate part 19 from the left and right directions and from below, in accordance with the shapes of the both side surfaces and bottom surface of the intermediate part 19, by a pair of support surfaces 121, 122 that face each other in a substantially V-shape so that the opposing distance becomes longer toward the upper side, and a connecting bottom surface 123 that is continuous with both the lower ends of the support surfaces 121 and 122. 18A shows a displacement (tilting) direction of the reading device 10 immediately after insertion when the intermediate portion 19 is supported by the support portion 120, and Fig. 18B shows a placed state (tilting state) in which the reading portion 12 is displaced so as to abut against the regulating portion 133. In Fig. 18, a part of the stand main body 110 is shown in a cross section corresponding to X1-X1 in Fig. 15, with the reading portion 12 and the like being indicated by a two-dot chain line, with the displacement direction in which the reading portion 12 tilts to be lifted being defined as a lifting displacement direction F1a and the displacement direction in which the reading portion 12 tilts to be pressed down being defined as a pressing displacement direction F1b.

[0038] The reading device 10, whose intermediate part 19 is supported by the support part 120 formed in this manner, has its center of gravity located closer to the gripping part 13 than the intermediate part 19, so a force acts on the reading part 12 to tilt it in the lifting displacement direction F1a, which lifts the reading part 12.

[0039] The insertion / removal section 130 is a member for controlling displacement of the reading device 10 whose intermediate section 19 is supported by the support section 120, and is configured to have an opening 132 into which the reading section 12 is inserted when the intermediate section 19 is supported by the support section 120. Specifically, as can be seen from Fig. 18 etc., the insertion / removal section 130 is provided with a ring-shaped section 131 that is wide along the insertion / removal direction F2 in which the reading section 12 is inserted into or removed from the opening 132, and is formed so that the opening 132 is provided by the inside of this ring-shaped section 131.

[0040] The ring-shaped portion 131 is formed to widen outward so that the opening area of ​​the opening 132 increases toward the front in the insertion / removal direction. Specifically, as illustrated in Fig. 18(B), in the portion of the ring-shaped portion 131 facing the top surface 12a of the reading unit 12 (hereinafter also referred to as the upper facing portion 131a), the predetermined angle θ between the inner surface and the top surface 12a in the placed state is set to, for example, about 20°. Similarly to the upper facing portion 131a, the portions of the ring-shaped portion 131 facing the side surfaces of the reading unit 12 (the left facing portion 131b and the right facing portion 131c) are also formed to widen outward so that the opening area of ​​the opening 132 increases toward the front in the insertion / removal direction.

[0041] In particular, as can be seen from Figure 18(B), the width and predetermined angle θ of the upper opposing portion 131a in the insertion / removal direction F2 are set so that, when fixed to the vertically erected support 102, the height from the mounting surface S at the end 131d on the front side in the insertion / removal direction is higher than the connecting bottom surface 123.

[0042] 4, 18, etc., the opening 132 is formed so that a gap (see symbol G in FIG. 4) for allowing displacement of the reading device 10 supported at the intermediate portion 19 by the support portion 120 is interposed between the opening 132 and at least a part of the reading unit 12 during insertion. In other words, in order to make it easier to insert the reading unit 12 into the opening 132, the opening 132 is formed to have an opening area larger than the opening area required for inserting the reading unit 12.

[0043] 18(B), the insertion / removal portion 130 is formed so as to restrict displacement of the reading device 10 in the lifting displacement direction F1a by linearly or planarly contacting from above the upper surface 12a of the reading unit 12 of the reading device 10, which is displaced so as to tilt in the lifting displacement direction F1a, at a portion (hereinafter also referred to as the restricting portion 133) of the edge portion constituting the opening 132 that is on the rear side in the insertion / removal direction of the upper opposing portion 131a. The left opposing portion 131b and the right opposing portion 131c are formed so that a gap G is respectively interposed between them and the side surface of the reading unit 12 even when the restricting portion 133 is in contact with the upper surface 12a of the reading unit 12 (placed state).

[0044] As a result, in a placed state where the reading device 10 is placed on the stand 100, the reading device 10 is supported from below by the support parts 120 at the intermediate part 19, and is positioned and fixed so that the upper surface 12a of the reading unit 12 is pressed from above by the restricting parts 133. The position (range) of the reading area in the placed mode relative to the stand 100 is determined by the direction in which the reading port 14 faces when positioned in this way.

[0045] For this reason, the restricting portion 133 is formed so that the positions of the reading unit 12 and the reading port 14, which are positioned when the device is placed, are set to specified positions (positions of the reading unit 12 and the reading port 14 for realizing a predetermined reading area (specified reading area)). In particular, the restricting portion 133 is formed to fit the shape of the upper surface 12a of the reading unit 12 so as to guide the reading unit 12 that it comes into contact with toward the specified position.

[0046] The fixed part 140 is provided with an extension part 141 that extends from below the support part 120 toward the inside of the opening 132. As shown in Fig. 11 and Fig. 15, on the upper surface of the extension part 141, a specific pattern used for mode switching is arranged by pasting or the like in a part that is not imaged by the reading device 10 in the placed state but is imaged by the reading device 10 during movement (see movement direction F3 in Fig. 11 and Fig. 15) for attachment to or detachment from the stand 100.

[0047] In this embodiment, a barcode 142 is used as the specific pattern, on which predetermined information (mode switching information) indicating that the pattern is for mode switching is recorded, and the barcode 142 is arranged on the upper surface of the extending portion 141 so that the arrangement direction of the cells (bars) is perpendicular to the moving direction F3 (so that the longitudinal direction of each cell (bar) is parallel). The upper surface of the extending portion 141 can correspond to "one surface of the stand."

[0048] The guide section 200 includes a guide section main body 210, a fixed section 220 fixed to the support 102, and a connecting piece 230 for connecting and supporting the guide section main body 210 to the fixed section 220.

[0049] Guide unit main body 210 is arranged using connecting piece 230 so as to expose reading opening 14 on the reading direction side of reading opening 14 toward a predetermined reading area when in the placed state (when intermediate portion 19 is supported by support portion 120 and restriction portion 133 is in contact with upper surface 12a of reading unit 12). Guide unit main body 210 is configured as a frame body in which opening 211 is formed for exposing reading opening 14 and clearly indicating the reading area when in the placed state, and includes upper edge portion 212, lower edge portion 213, left edge portion 214, and right edge portion 215. As shown in FIG. 1 etc., left edge portion 214 is formed in a bent state such that the lower portion is longer than the upper portion so that the connecting portion with one end 231 of connecting piece 230 protrudes forward (in the reading direction). Similarly, as shown in Figures 5 and 12, the right edge 215 is bent so that the lower part is longer than the upper part, so that the connecting part with the other end 232 of the connecting piece 230 protrudes forward.

[0050] Next, referring to Figures 19 to 22, we will explain the mode switching process performed by the control unit 40 to switch the reading device 10 between the placed mode and the portable mode when attaching or detaching the reading device 10 to or from the stand 100 configured as described above.

[0051] When placing the reading device 10 on the stand 100, the user grasps the grip portion 13 and brings the reading device 10 close to the stand body 110 of the stand 100 so that the tip side (reading port 14) of the reading unit 12 faces the opening 132, as shown in FIGS. 19(A) and 19(B), and then inserts the tip side of the reading unit 12 into the opening 132, as shown in FIG. 19(C). Then, with the tip side of the reading unit 12 inserted into the opening 132, the user releases the grip portion 13 so that the middle portion 19 is supported by the support portion 120, as shown in FIG. 20(A). As a result, as shown in FIG. 20(B), the reading device 10 is displaced so as to tilt by its own weight in the lifting displacement direction F1a, with the support portion of the middle portion 19 supported by the support portion 120 serving as the starting point. 20(C), this displacement is restricted when the upper surface 12a of the reading unit 12 abuts against the restricting portion 133, and this restriction places the reading device 10 in a placed state where it is placed on the stand 100. For convenience, only the stand main body 110 of the stand 100 is shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, and areas of the imaging area that are not used as a reading area are shown hatched.

[0052] During the movement to the above-described placed state, in the reading device 10, in the state of Fig. 19(A), the opening 132 of the stand main body 110 is imaged small as shown in Fig. 21(A), and in the state of Fig. 19(B), the barcode 142 is imaged small within the reading area within the opening 132 as shown in Fig. 21(B). Then, in the state of Fig. 19(C), the ring-shaped portion 131 is no longer imaged as shown in Fig. 21(C), and in the state of Fig. 20(A), the barcode 142 is imaged larger within the reading area as shown in Fig. 22(A). Then, in the state of Fig. 20(B), the barcode 142 is imaged outside the reading area and moving downward in the image as shown in Fig. 22(B), and in the state of Fig. 20(C), the barcode 142 is no longer imaged as shown in Fig. 22(C). 21 and 22, for the sake of convenience, only the stand body 110 of the stand 100 to be imaged is shown, and the area of ​​the image capturing area that is not used as the reading area is shown hatched.

[0053] That is, when the image capture state is reached in which the range of the barcode 142 occupying the captured image gradually increases and then moves downward to the point where it is no longer captured (hereinafter also referred to as the first specific image capture state), it can be determined to be the placed state. Therefore, in the mode switching process performed by the control unit 40, when the first specific image capture state is determined based on the change over time in the range of the barcode 142 occupying the captured image, a process is performed to determine the state as the placed state and switch to the placed mode.

[0054] In this way, when the mode is switched to the placement mode, the light-emitting unit 43 goes into a predetermined light-emitting state indicating that the mode has been switched to the placement mode, thereby informing the user, etc., that the mode has been switched to. The above-mentioned effect can also be achieved by the sound notification unit 44 going into a predetermined sound notification state indicating that the mode has been switched to the placement mode, or by the vibrator 45 going into a predetermined vibration state indicating that the mode has been switched to the placement mode. The light-emitting unit 43, the sound notification unit 44, and the vibrator 45 can correspond to an example of an "announcement unit" that notifies the result of the mode switching process.

[0055] On the other hand, when removing the reading device 10 from the stand 100, the operation is the reverse of when placing the reading device 10 on the stand 100. Therefore, during the movement of the placed reading device 10 to remove it from the stand 100, the barcode 142 is not imaged (see FIG. 22(C)), and then the barcode 142 is imaged enlarged as it moves from the bottom edge to the center of the image (see FIGS. 22(B)(A) and 21(C)). Then, the area of ​​the barcode 142 in the image gradually decreases. Then, after the insertion / removal unit 130 is imaged with the area of ​​the barcode 142 having become somewhat smaller (see FIG. 21(B)), the area of ​​the barcode 142 becomes even smaller, and the barcode 142 is hidden by the stand main body 110 or the like (see FIG. 21(A)), or the reading port 14 is directed away from the stand main body 110, so that the barcode 142 is no longer imaged.

[0056] That is, when the captured image is in an imaging state where the area of ​​barcode 142 occupying the captured image gradually decreases from a large area to an area where it is no longer captured (hereinafter also referred to as a second specific imaging state), it can be determined that the device is in the portable state. Therefore, in the mode switching process performed by control unit 40, when the second specific imaging state is determined based on the change over time in the area of ​​barcode 142 occupying the captured image, the device is determined to be in the portable state and processing is performed to switch to the portable mode.

[0057] In this way, when the portable mode is switched to, the light emitting unit 43 goes into a predetermined light emitting state indicating that the mode has been switched to the portable mode, thereby informing the user, etc. The above effect can also be achieved when the sound alert unit 44 goes into a predetermined sound alert state indicating that the mode has been switched to the portable mode, or when the vibrator 45 goes into a predetermined vibration state indicating that the mode has been switched to the portable mode.

[0058] As described above, in the information code reading system 1 according to this embodiment, when the reading device 10 is determined to be in a specific imaging state in which the image of the barcode 142 that has been imaged is no longer captured, the control unit 40, which functions as a mode switching unit, performs a mode switching process to switch from one of the placed mode and the portable mode to the other. The barcode 142 is not imaged by the reading device 10 in the placed state, but is located on the upper surface of the extension 141 of the stand 100, which is imaged by the reading device 10 during movement to attach or detach the reading device 10 to or from the stand 100.

[0059] As a result, when the reading device 10 is placed on the stand 100 or when the reading device 10 is removed from the stand 100, the barcode 142 arranged on the upper surface of the extension 141 of the stand 100 is imaged, thereby switching the mode. In particular, the barcode 142 is imaged while the reading device 10 is moving, and is not imaged in the placed state, so the imaging range used to read the information code in the placed mode is not narrowed by the barcode 142. Therefore, it is possible to realize an information code reading system that can determine whether or not mode switching is necessary by using the imaged image used to read the information code, without narrowing the imaging range used to read the information code.

[0060] In this embodiment, the mode switching process is performed based on the change over time in the area of ​​the barcode 142 occupying the captured image, thereby determining whether the current state is the first specific imaging state, which should be the placed mode, or the second specific imaging state, which should be the portable mode, and thus allowing the correct selection of the mode to be switched to. Note that the mode switching process may switch from one of the placed mode and the portable mode to the other when it is determined that the captured barcode 142 is no longer captured, without taking into account the change over time in the area of ​​the barcode 142. That is, when the reading device 10 in the placed mode determines that the captured barcode 142 is no longer captured, the reading device 10 switches from the placed mode to the portable mode. Furthermore, when the reading device 10 in the portable mode determines that the captured barcode 142 is no longer captured, the reading device 10 switches from the portable mode to the placed mode.

[0061] In this embodiment, a barcode 142 in which mode switching information is recorded is employed as the specific pattern, and is arranged so that the arrangement direction of the cells (bars) is perpendicular to the movement direction F3 when the reading device 10 is attached to or detached from the stand 100. As a result, even if the barcode 142 is imaged while being shaken due to the movement when attaching or detaching, the shake only makes each cell (bar) longer, and does not affect the reading of the barcode 142, so it is possible to more accurately determine whether or not the specific imaging state (first specific imaging state or second specific imaging state) is in effect.

[0062] In this embodiment, the reading device 10 is equipped with a light emitting unit 43, a sound alarm unit 44, a vibrator 45, etc. as notification units that notify the results of the mode switching process, so that a user who receives these notifications can easily understand whether the mode has been switched correctly or not.

[0063] In this embodiment, the support part 120, which supports the intermediate part 19 between the reading unit 12 and the grip part 13 of the reading device 10 from below, is formed to fit the shape of the intermediate part 19 so as to suppress displacement of the reading device 10 in a direction different from a predetermined displacement direction (lifting displacement direction F1a or pressing displacement direction F1b) in which the reading unit 12 moves up and down. The opening 132 of the insertion / removal part 130, into which the reading unit 12 is inserted when the intermediate part 19 is supported by the support part 120, is formed so that a gap G is interposed between the insertion / removal part 130 and at least a part of the reading unit 12 when inserted, to allow displacement of the reading device 10 supported at the intermediate part 19 by the support part 120. The insertion / removal part 130 is provided with a restricting part 133 that abuts against the upper surface 12a of the reading unit 12 from above to restrict displacement when the reading device 10, with the intermediate part 19 supported by the support part 120, is in a placed state in which the reading port 14 faces a predetermined reading area.

[0064] In this way, a gap G is interposed between the reading unit 12 inserted into the opening 132 of the insertion / removal unit 130 and the opening 132, and the support unit 120 and the opening 132 are formed to allow displacement of the reading device 10 in the lifting displacement direction F1a or the pressing displacement direction F1b. Therefore, not only can the reading device 10 be roughly placed on the stand 100, but the reading device 10 can also be easily removed from the stand 100 simply by displacing the reading unit 12 away from the restricting unit 133, thereby realizing a stand 100 that allows easy attachment and detachment of the reading device 10. When the reading unit 12 is displaced upward due to its own weight resulting from the storage of a power supply unit or the like in the gripping unit 13, the upper surface 12a of the reading unit 12 comes into contact with the restricting unit 133, restricting displacement, and the reading device 10 is placed on the stand 100. In this manner, in the placed state where the restricting portion 133 abuts against the upper surface 12a of the reading unit 12, the displacement of the reading port 14 is restricted so that it faces the predetermined reading area, thereby realizing the stand 100 that can keep the position of the reading area constant in the placed state. Therefore, it is possible to realize the stand 100 that can easily attach and detach the reading device 10 and can keep the position of the reading area constant in the placed state.

[0065] [Second embodiment] Next, a base for an information code reader according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in that the guide unit is configured to be detachable from the stand main body. Therefore, components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0066] As shown in Figures 23 to 31, the stand 300 of this embodiment is configured such that a stand main body 310 and a guide portion 400 are adopted instead of the stand main body 110 and the guide portion 200 of the stand 100 described above.

[0067] As shown in Figures 32 to 36, the stand main body 310 is formed so that a support part 320 that supports the intermediate part 19 of the reading device 10 from below, an insertion / removal part 330 into which the reading part 12 is inserted and removed, and a fixed part 340 that is fixed to the support 102 are integrated into one unit.

[0068] The support part 320 has the same function as the support part 120, and is formed so as to come into contact with the left and right directions and the bottom direction according to the shape of both side faces and the bottom face of the intermediate part 19 by a pair of support surfaces 321, 322 and a connecting bottom surface 323. In the reading device 10 in which the intermediate part 19 is supported by the support part 320 formed in this way, the position of the center of gravity is closer to the grip part 13 than the intermediate part 19, and therefore a displacement force acts on the reading part 12 to tilt it in the lifting displacement direction F1a that lifts it, as in the first embodiment.

[0069] The insertion / removal section 330 is a member for controlling displacement of the reading device 10 whose intermediate section 19 is supported by the support section 320, and is configured to have an opening 332 into which the reading section 12 is inserted when the intermediate section 19 is supported by the support section 320. Similar to the insertion / removal section 130 in the first embodiment, the insertion / removal section 330 has a ring-shaped section 331 that is wide along the insertion / removal direction F2 in which the reading section 12 is inserted into or removed from the opening 332, and is formed so that the opening 332 is provided by the inside of this ring-shaped section 331.

[0070] Similar to the annular portion 131 in the first embodiment, the upper facing portion 331a, the left facing portion 331b, and the right facing portion 331c of the annular portion 331 are each formed to widen outward so that the opening area of ​​the opening 332 increases toward the front side in the insertion / removal direction. The upper facing portion 331a is formed so that the height of the end portion 331d, which is the front side in the insertion / removal direction, from the placement surface S is higher than the connecting bottom surface 323. The upper facing portion 331a is also formed with a pair of locking holes 331e for detachably assembling the guide portion 400.

[0071] Similar to the opening 132 in the first embodiment described above, the opening 332 is formed so that a gap (see symbol G in Figure 23) is provided between the reading device 10 supported at the intermediate portion 19 by the support portion 320 and at least a portion of the reading portion 12 when inserted to allow for displacement of the reading device 10.

[0072] The insertion / removal portion 330 is formed so as to restrict displacement of the reading device 10 in the lifting displacement direction F1a by linearly or planarly contacting from above the upper surface 12a of the reading unit 12 of the reading device 10, which displaces so as to tilt in the lifting displacement direction F1a, at a restricting portion 333 that is located on the rear side in the insertion / removal direction of the upper opposing portion 331a among the edge portions that constitute the opening 332. The left opposing portion 331b and the right opposing portion 331c are formed so that a gap G is respectively interposed between them and the side surface of the reading unit 12, even in a placed state in which the restricting portion 333 is in contact with the upper surface 12a of the reading unit 12.

[0073] As a result, in a placed state where the reading device 10 is placed on the stand 300, the reading device 10 is supported from below by the support parts 320 at the intermediate part 19, and is positioned and fixed so that the upper surface 12a of the reading unit 12 is pressed from above by the restricting parts 333. The position (range) of the reading area in the placed mode relative to the stand 300 is determined by the direction in which the reading port 14 faces when positioned in this way.

[0074] For this reason, the restricting portion 333 is formed so that the positions of the reading unit 12 and the reading port 14, which are positioned when the reading unit 12 is placed, become specified positions (positions of the reading unit 12 and the reading port 14 for realizing a predetermined reading area (specified reading area)). In particular, the restricting portion 333 is formed to fit the shape of the upper surface 12a of the reading unit 12 so as to guide the reading unit 12 that it abuts against toward the specified position.

[0075] The fixed part 340 is provided with an extension part 341 that extends from below the support part 320 toward the inside of the opening 332. As shown in Fig. 30 and Fig. 34, on the upper surface of the extension part 341, a specific pattern used for mode switching is arranged by pasting or the like in a part that is not imaged by the reading device 10 in the placed state but is imaged by the reading device 10 during movement (see movement direction F3 in Fig. 30 and Fig. 34) for attachment to or detachment from the stand 300.

[0076] In this embodiment as well, a barcode 342 is used as the specific pattern, in which mode switching information indicating that the pattern is for mode switching is recorded, and the barcode 342 is arranged on the upper surface of the extending portion 341 so that the arrangement direction of the cells (bars) is perpendicular to the moving direction F3 (so that the longitudinal direction of each cell (bar) is parallel). The upper surface of the extending portion 341 can correspond to "one surface of the stand."

[0077] The guide part 400 is configured to include an attachment part 401 that is detachably attached to the stand main body 310, and a guide part main body 403 that has an opening 402. As shown in Fig. 37, the attachment part 401 is provided with a pair of protrusions 401a that fit into both locking holes 331e of the upper opposing part 331a when attached to the stand main body 310.

[0078] The guide unit 400 is assembled to the stand main body 310 so as to expose the reading opening 14 through the opening 402 on the reading direction side of the reading opening 14 toward a predetermined reading area when the guide unit 400 is in the placed state (when the intermediate unit 19 is supported by the support unit 320 and the restricting unit 333 is in contact with the upper surface 12a of the reading unit 12). The guide unit main body 403 is configured so as to form the opening 402 for exposing the reading opening 14 and clearly indicating the reading area when the guide unit 400 is in the placed state.

[0079] Next, with reference to Figures 38 to 41, we will explain the mode switching process performed by the control unit 40 to switch the reading device 10 between the placed mode and the portable mode when attaching or detaching the reading device 10 to or from the stand 300 configured as described above.

[0080] When placing the reading device 10 on the stand 300, the user grasps the gripping portion 13 and brings the reading device 10 close to the stand body 310 of the stand 300 so that the tip side (reading port 14) of the reading unit 12 faces the opening 332, as shown in Figures 38(A) and (B), and then inserts the tip side of the reading unit 12 into the opening 332, as shown in Figure 38(C). Then, with the tip side of the reading unit 12 inserted into the opening 332, the user releases the gripping portion 13 with the middle unit 19 close to the support unit 320, as shown in Figure 39(A). As a result, as shown in Figure 39(B), the reading device 10 is displaced so as to tilt by its own weight in the lifting displacement direction F1a, with the support portion of the middle unit 19 supported by the support unit 320 as the starting point. 39(C), this displacement is restricted when the upper surface 12a of the reading unit 12 abuts against the restricting portion 333, and this restriction places the reading device 10 in a placed state where it is placed on the stand 300. For convenience, only the stand main body 310 of the stand 300 is shown in FIGS. 38 and 39, and areas of the imaging area that are not used as the reading area are shown hatched.

[0081] During the movement to the above-described placed state, in the reading device 10, in the state of Fig. 38(A), the opening 332 of the stand main body 310 is imaged small as shown in Fig. 40(A), and in the state of Fig. 38(B), the barcode 342 is imaged small within the opening 332 and within the reading area as shown in Fig. 40(B). Then, in the state of Fig. 38(C), the ring-shaped portion 331 is no longer imaged as shown in Fig. 40(C), and in the state of Fig. 39(A), the barcode 342 is imaged larger within the reading area as shown in Fig. 41(A). Then, in the state of Fig. 39(B), the barcode 342 is imaged outside the reading area and moving downward in the image as shown in Fig. 41(B), and in the state of Fig. 39(C), the barcode 342 is no longer imaged as shown in Fig. 41(C). 40 and 41, for the sake of convenience, only the stand body 310 of the stand 300 to be imaged is shown, and the area of ​​the image capturing area that is not used as the reading area is shown hatched.

[0082] That is, also in this embodiment, when the first specific imaging state is reached in which the range of barcode 342 occupying the captured image gradually increases and then moves downward and is no longer captured, the state can be determined to be the placed state. Therefore, in the mode switching process performed by control unit 40, when the first specific imaging state is determined based on the change over time in the range of barcode 142 occupying the captured image, a process is performed to determine the state as the placed state and switch to the placed mode.

[0083] On the other hand, when removing the reading device 10 from the stand 300, the operation is the reverse of when placing the reading device 10 on the stand 300. Therefore, during the movement of the reading device 10 in the placed state to remove it from the stand 300, the barcode 342 is not imaged (see FIG. 41(C)), and then the barcode 342 is imaged enlarged as it moves from the bottom edge to the center of the image (see FIGS. 41(B)(A) and 40(C)). Then, the area of ​​the barcode 342 in the image gradually decreases. Then, after the insertion / removal unit 330 is imaged with the area of ​​the barcode 342 having become somewhat smaller (see FIG. 40(B)), the area of ​​the barcode 342 becomes even smaller, and the barcode 342 is hidden by the stand main body 310 or the like (see FIG. 40(A)), or the reading port 14 is directed away from the stand main body 310, so that the barcode 342 is no longer imaged.

[0084] That is, also in this embodiment, the portable state can be determined when the second specific imaging state is reached, in which the area of ​​barcode 342 occupying the captured image gradually decreases from a large area to an area where the image is no longer captured. Therefore, in the mode switching process performed by control unit 40, when the second specific imaging state is determined based on the change over time in the area of ​​barcode 142 occupying the captured image, the portable state is determined and processing for switching to the portable mode is performed.

[0085] In this manner, also in this embodiment, when the reading device 10 is placed on the stand 300 or when the reading device 10 is removed from the stand 300, the mode is switched by capturing an image of the barcode 342 arranged on the upper surface of the extension portion 341 of the stand 300. In particular, the barcode 342 is captured while the reading device 10 is moving, and is not captured while the reading device 10 is placed, so the imaging range used to read the information code in the placed mode is not narrowed by the barcode 342. Therefore, it is possible to realize an information code reading system that can determine whether or not mode switching is necessary by utilizing the captured image used to read the information code, without narrowing the imaging range used to read the information code.

[0086] [Third embodiment] Next, an information code reading system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in that the mode switching process is performed without considering the change over time in the range of a specific pattern, such as a barcode 142, that occupies a captured image. Therefore, components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0087] As described above, when the reading device 10 is placed on the stand 100 or when the reading device 10 is removed from the stand 100, the reading device 10 enters a specific imaging state in which the image of the barcode 142 is no longer captured. Therefore, by determining that the specific imaging state is one in which the image of the barcode 142 is no longer captured without considering the change over time in the area of ​​the barcode 142 that occupies the captured image, it is possible to realize an information code reading system that can determine whether or not to switch modes by using the captured image used to read the information code, even when switching from one of the mounted mode and the portable mode to the other.

[0088] However, in a configuration that does not take into account changes in the range of the barcode 142 over time, for example, when the reading device 10 is stopped halfway while being placed on the stand 100 or when the reading device 10 is stopped halfway while being removed from the stand 100, the reading device 10 may be determined to be in a specific imaging state in which the image of the barcode 142 that had been captured is no longer captured, and the mode may be erroneously switched. The same applies to the stand 300 according to the second embodiment.

[0089] For this reason, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the reading area in the placed mode is larger than the reading area in the portable mode, and the imaging results in this larger reading area (hereinafter also referred to as the extended reading area Es) are used to determine whether or not the device is in a placed state.

[0090] Specifically, for example, as illustrated in Figures 42(A) and (B), in the placed state, the guide unit 200 is positioned so that part of the lower edge 213 (the inner surface facing the stand main body 110) is within the extended reading area Es, and an information code 240 having a second specific pattern is placed on part of the lower edge 213. In the stand 300 according to the second embodiment, the information code 240 having the second specific pattern is placed on part of the guide unit main body 403. This makes it possible to determine that the stand is in the placed state when the information code 240 is read in the extended reading area Es. Note that in Figure 42(A), the range of the extended reading area Es is hatched for convenience.

[0091] For this reason, in the mode switching process performed by the control unit 40 in this embodiment, a specific imaging state is established in which the imaged barcode 142 is no longer imaged, and processing is performed to read the information code 240 in the extended reading area Es, which is a temporarily expanded reading area. If the information code 240 is read in the extended reading area Es, the device is considered to be in a placed state, and the mode is switched to the placed mode or the placed mode is maintained, and if the information code 240 is not read in the extended reading area Es, the device is considered to be in a portable state, and the mode is switched to the portable mode or the portable mode is maintained.

[0092] In this way, by using the imaging results in the extended reading area Es to determine whether or not the barcode is placed, an information code reading system can be realized that can determine whether or not mode switching is necessary without taking into account changes over time in the area of ​​the barcode 142 that occupies the captured image.

[0093] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and may be embodied as follows, for example. (1) The specific pattern provided on the stand 100 is not limited to the above-described barcode 142, but may be any other type of information code in which mode switching information is recorded, such as a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark), or may be an easily recognizable identification mark. Furthermore, the specific pattern such as the barcode 142 is not limited to being disposed on the upper surface of the extension portion 141, and the above-described effect can be achieved even if it is disposed on a surface of the stand 100 that is not imaged in the placed state but is imaged during movement at the time of attachment / detachment, such as the inner surface of the upper opposing portion 131a.

[0094] (2) The insertion / removal section 130 is not limited to being formed by forming the opening 132 on the inside of the ring-shaped portion 131 that is wide in the insertion / removal direction in which the reading section 12 is inserted and removed. For example, the opening with a gap between it and the reading section 12 when inserted may be formed by a space surrounded by the regulating section 133 and both connecting pieces for connecting the regulating section 133 to the support section 120.

[0095] (3) In the first embodiment, the range of the reading area for which the reading results are output is changed between the placed mode and the portable mode as described above. Other functions, such as the range of the reading distance for which the reading results are output (the distance from the reading port 14 to the imaged information code) may also be changed.

[0096] (4) In the second embodiment, the second specific pattern arranged to be imaged in the extended reading area Es is not limited to the information code 240 configured as a barcode, QR code, or the like, but may be an easily recognizable identification mark, etc. Furthermore, the second specific pattern such as the information code 240 is not limited to being arranged on the inner surface of the lower edge 213 of the guide unit 200 facing the stand main body 110, and the above-mentioned effect can be achieved even if the second specific pattern is arranged in accordance with the extended reading area Es, for example, on a part of the left edge 214 or the right edge 215.

[0097] 1. Information code reading system 10 Reading device (information code reading device) 11. Housing 12 Reading unit 13 Gripping part 14 Reading port 19 Middle section 23 Light receiving sensor (imaging unit) 40 control unit (reading processing unit, mode switching unit) 43 Light-emitting unit (alert unit) 44 Alarm Section (Notification Section) 45 Vibrator (alarm unit) 100 Stand 110 Stand body 120 Support part 130 Insertion / extraction section 140 Insertion / Extraction Section 141 Extension part (one side of the stand) 142 Barcode (specific pattern)

Claims

1. a portable information code reader that performs a reading process to optically read the information code; a stand on which the information code reader can be placed; An information code reading system comprising: The information code reader is a predetermined function is different between a placed mode for performing the reading process in a placed state on the stand and a portable mode for performing the reading process in a portable state, a housing in which a reading port is formed; an imaging unit that images the information code through the reading port; a reading processing unit that performs the reading process on the information code imaged by the imaging unit; a mode switching unit that performs a mode switching process to switch from one of the placed mode and the portable mode to the other when it is determined that a specific image capturing state has occurred in which the specific pattern that has been captured by the image capturing unit is no longer captured; Equipped with An information code reading system characterized in that the specific pattern is not imaged by the imaging unit in the above-described placement state, but is arranged on one surface of the placement stand that is imaged by the imaging unit during movement to attach or detach the information code reading device to or from the placement stand.

2. 2. The information code reading system according to claim 1, wherein the mode switching unit performs the mode switching process based on a change over time in the range of the specific pattern occupying the captured image.

3. The information code reading system according to claim 1, characterized in that the specific pattern is a barcode in which mode switching information is recorded, and is arranged so that the cell arrangement direction is perpendicular to the direction of movement when the information code reading device is attached or detached from the base.

4. 2. The information code reading system according to claim 1, wherein the information code reading device includes a notification unit that notifies the result of the mode switching process.

5. the information code reader includes a reading unit in which the reading opening is provided and a grip unit that is gripped when carried; The stand is a support portion that supports an intermediate portion between the reading portion and the gripping portion from below; an insertion / removal section having an opening through which the reading section is inserted when the intermediate section is supported by the support section; Equipped with the support portion is formed to match the shape of the intermediate portion so as to suppress displacement of the information code reader in a direction different from a predetermined displacement direction in which the reading portion moves up and down, the opening is formed so that a gap for allowing displacement of the information code reader supported at the intermediate portion by the support portion is interposed between the opening and at least a part of the reading portion when inserted, The information code reading system of claim 1, characterized in that the insertion / removal section is provided with a regulating section that abuts against the upper surface of the reading section from above to regulate displacement when the information code reading device, whose intermediate section is supported by the support section, is in a mounted state in which the reading port faces a predetermined reading area.

Images