Reading device

Abstract

To provide a reading device capable of accurate reading processing for a medium to which both of a two-dimensional code and a non-contact IC can react.SOLUTION: A reading device 100 includes a two-dimensional code reading unit 10 and a non-contact IC communication unit 20. When the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 detects that a two-dimensional code can exist in a two-dimensional code existence possible range (range A2) that is a range in which a two-dimensional code can exist and is larger than a communication establishment range (range A1) of the non-contact IC communication unit 20, the two-dimensional code reading unit stops operation of the non-contact IC communication unit 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a reading device capable of reading both two-dimensional codes and contactless ICs. [Background technology]

[0002] A known example of a reading device capable of efficiently reading information from multiple types of non-contact media is one that reads a first medium having a wireless communication unit such as an IC card and a second medium having a two-dimensional barcode (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] However, while the reading device described in Patent Document 1 and the like can handle both wireless IC media and two-dimensional code media, it does not take into consideration how to handle media that can react to both wireless ICs and two-dimensional codes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-243223 A Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned points, and has an object to provide a reading device that enables accurate reading processing for media that is reactive to both two-dimensional codes and contactless ICs.

[0006] To achieve the above objective, a reading device includes a two-dimensional code reading unit and a contactless IC communication unit, and when the two-dimensional code reading unit detects that a two-dimensional code may be present within a range in which a two-dimensional code may exist that is wider than the communication establishment range of the contactless IC communication unit, the reading device stops operation of the contactless IC communication unit.

[0007] In the above-mentioned reading device, the range in which the 2D code reading unit detects that a 2D code may exist is wider than the communication range of the non-contact IC communication unit, and when the 2D code reading unit detects a 2D code, the operation of the non-contact IC communication unit stops. This makes it possible to avoid situations where the non-contact IC communication unit operates even when the user of the reading device wants to read a 2D code, and enables appropriate reading processing for media in which both 2D codes and non-contact ICs can react.

[0008] In a specific aspect of the present invention, the reading range of the two-dimensional code by the two-dimensional code reader is wider than the communication range of the non-contact IC communication unit. In this case, since the reading range of the two-dimensional code is wider than the communication range, the process based on the reading by the two-dimensional code can be performed with priority over the operation of the non-contact IC communication unit.

[0009] In another aspect of the present invention, when the two-dimensional code reader completes reading the two-dimensional code, it transmits a read completion signal to the non-contact IC communication unit, and when the non-contact IC communication unit receives the read completion signal, it stops its own operation. In this case, the operation of the non-contact IC communication unit can be stopped in response to the completion of reading in the two-dimensional code reader.

[0010] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the range in which the two-dimensional code reading unit can confirm the presence of the two-dimensional code is wider than the communication range of the non-contact IC communication unit. In this case, since the range in which the two-dimensional code can be confirmed is wider than the communication range, it is possible to halt the operation of the non-contact IC communication unit in response to confirmation of the presence of the two-dimensional code.

[0011] In yet another aspect of the present invention, when the two-dimensional code reader confirms the presence of the two-dimensional code, it transmits a presence confirmation signal to the non-contact IC communication unit, and when the non-contact IC communication unit receives the presence confirmation signal, it stops its own operation, and if the two-dimensional code reader determines that the two-dimensional code has not been detected after the operation has been stopped, it resumes communication. In this case, if the two-dimensional code is not detected after the operation of the non-contact IC communication unit is stopped in response to the confirmation of the presence of the two-dimensional code, communication by the non-contact IC communication unit can be resumed, so that while prioritizing the reading of the two-dimensional code, the reading operation of the non-contact IC can be accurately maintained, and a smooth reading process can be maintained.

[0012] In yet another aspect of the present invention, when a two-dimensional code is confirmed in a two-dimensional code confirmation range by the two-dimensional code reader and the approach of the two-dimensional code is detected, the operation of the non-contact IC communication unit is stopped. In this case, the approach of the two-dimensional code confirmed by the two-dimensional code reader can be used as a criterion for determining whether the user has an intention to use the two-dimensional code.

[0013] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the range in which the two-dimensional code reading unit can confirm the presence of a display medium that displays a two-dimensional code is wider than the range in which the contactless IC can be read. In this case, since the range in which the presence of a display medium (such as a smartphone) that displays a two-dimensional code can be confirmed is wider than the range in which communication can be established, it is possible to halt the operation of the contactless IC communication unit in response to confirmation of the presence of the display medium. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a reading device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a reading range by a reading device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a processing operation for reading a two-dimensional code and a contactless IC. [Figure 4] 4A and 4B are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the reading process of the example shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] 13A and 13B are conceptual diagrams for explaining a reading device of a comparative example. [Figure 6] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a processing operation for reading a two-dimensional code and a contactless IC by a reading device according to the second embodiment; FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining resumption (recovery) of contactless IC reading. [Figure 8] 8A and 8B are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the reading process of the example shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. [Figure 9] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a processing operation for reading a two-dimensional code and a contactless IC by a reading device according to a third embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining resumption (recovery) of contactless IC reading. [Figure 11] 11A to 11C are flowcharts illustrating the operation of the reading process of the example shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. [Figure 12] 13A and 13B are conceptual image diagrams for explaining the approach of a reading target. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] [First embodiment] An example of the reading device according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 1 etc. As shown in the conceptual diagram of Fig. 1, the reading device 100 according to this embodiment includes a two-dimensional code reading unit 10 that reads two-dimensional codes, a non-contact IC communication unit 20 that reads non-contact ICs, and a higher-level device 50 that receives processing results related to the reading in the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 and the non-contact IC communication unit 20 and performs various processes based on the received information. The reading device 100 is incorporated, for example, in an automatic ticket gate device at a station, and is used to determine whether or not a user US is allowed to pass through the ticket gate.

[0016] Of the reading device 100, the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 includes a camera CA as a reader that reads two-dimensional codes such as a QR code (registered trademark), and a two-dimensional code processing unit 30 that is composed of electronic circuits, etc., is connected to the camera CA, and performs processing based on a signal received from the camera CA.

[0017] Of the reading device 100, the non-contact IC communication unit 20 includes an antenna AT that transmits and receives radio waves to communicate with a non-contact IC composed of an IC chip or the like incorporated in a contactless IC card such as Suica (registered trademark), and a contactless IC processing unit 40 composed of an electronic circuit or the like, connected to the antenna AT, and performing processing based on a signal received from the antenna AT.

[0018] The higher-level device 50 is composed of electronic circuits and the like, and is connected to the two-dimensional code processing unit 30 of the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 and the non-contact IC processing unit 40 of the non-contact IC communication unit 20, and performs various processes based on the results of processing by these units. For example, if the reading device 100 is incorporated in an automatic ticket gate at a station as described above, it determines whether or not passage is permitted based on the information received by the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 and the non-contact IC communication unit 20, and outputs the determination result to a control device (not shown) that controls the opening and closing operation of the automatic ticket gate. In other words, the reading operations of the non-contact IC and the two-dimensional code are performed by independent processes, and the higher-level device 50 receives information from the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 and the non-contact IC communication unit 20 separately.

[0019] With the above configuration, the reading device 100 is capable of reading both two-dimensional codes and contactless ICs. In particular, in the illustrated example, among the above configurations, the camera CA and antenna AT are concentrated in one location, and this location functions as a reception position PS where the two-dimensional code and contactless IC are read. In other words, the user US holds his / her own two-dimensional code or contactless IC over or closes it to the reception position PS, and the information is read.

[0020] Here, as illustrated in Fig. 1, when the reading medium possessed by the user US is a mobile terminal MI constituted by, for example, a smartphone, a situation may occur in which one mobile terminal MI has both a two-dimensional code display function and a contactless IC communication function. More specifically, when a two-dimensional code is displayed on the display unit DS of the mobile terminal MI, the reading device 100 can make various judgments such as whether or not to permit passage based on the read information by reading the displayed two-dimensional code with the two-dimensional code reading unit 10. On the other hand, when the mobile terminal MI is, for example, a mobile terminal with a built-in IC chip CH and a contactless IC function (communication function) for passing through an automatic ticket gate, such as Mobile Suica (registered trademark), the reading device 100 can also make various judgments such as whether or not to permit passage based on the read information by reading information from the IC chip CH with the contactless IC communication unit 20.

[0021] Here, for a medium to which both a two-dimensional code and a contactless IC can react, such as the portable terminal MI, they may be read simultaneously in a valid state, resulting in a process that is not intended by the user US. For example, in the above portable terminal MI, the contactless IC reacts unconditionally when it is brought close to the antenna AT of the reader 100, whereas the two-dimensional code cannot be read unless the user US operates the portable terminal MI to display the two-dimensional code on the display unit DS. In other words, when using a two-dimensional code, preparation for displaying the code in advance is a prerequisite for reading the code by the camera CA of the reader 100. Therefore, when a two-dimensional code is displayed on the portable terminal MI, it is presumed that the user US intends to pass through the ticket gate using the two-dimensional code. However, for example, in the above embodiment, there is a possibility that communication for reading the contactless IC may be established between the portable terminal MI and the reader 100 before the two-dimensional code is recognized. The reading device 100 of this embodiment is configured in consideration of the range read by the reading device 100 in order to avoid such a situation and enable accurate reading processing.

[0022] An example of the reading range of the reader 100 will be described below with reference to the conceptual diagram shown in Fig. 2. In the illustrated example, the communication establishment range of the non-contact IC communication unit 20 is set to range A1, and the 2-dimensional code existence range, in which the 2-dimensional code can exist, is set to range A2, which is wider than range A1.

[0023] First, the communication establishment range (range A1) of the non-contact IC communication unit 20 means the range in which the non-contact IC communication unit 20 can communicate with various non-contact ICs such as the IC chip CH of the mobile terminal MI, and this range is set, for example, by appropriately adjusting the radio waves emitted from the antenna AT in Fig. 1. In the case of NFC (Near Field Communication), that is, short-distance wireless communication, wireless communication is performed at a close distance of up to about 10 cm.

[0024] On the other hand, various modes are possible for the range in which the two-dimensional code can exist (range A2), and for example, a mode is possible in which the range in which the two-dimensional code reader 10 can read the two-dimensional code is the range A2. The range in which the two-dimensional code reader 10 can read the two-dimensional code as the image TC displayed on the display unit DS of the mobile terminal MI, for example, is set according to the reading performance of the camera CA in Fig. 1. For example, if the two-dimensional code can be read at a distance of several tens of centimeters from the camera CA, the range A2 can be made wider than the range A1, which is a maximum of several tens of centimeters from the antenna AT.

[0025] By setting the reading range of the two-dimensional code (range A2) wider than the communication range of the non-contact IC communication unit (range A1), processing based on reading of the two-dimensional code can be performed with priority over the operation of the non-contact IC communication unit 20. That is, as in the illustrated example, when the mobile terminal MI is in an area outside the range A1 and inside the range A2, of the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 and the non-contact IC communication unit 20 that constitute the reading device 100, only the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 reacts to the presence of the mobile terminal MI.

[0026] The two-dimensional code possible presence range (range A2) may be variously considered in addition to the above-mentioned two-dimensional code reading range shown as an example. For example, the two-dimensional code possible presence range (range A2) may be the range in which the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 can confirm the presence of the two-dimensional code. The two-dimensional code possible presence range refers to the range in which the camera CA can detect the presence of a recognition pattern displayed as a two-dimensional code in the two-dimensional code reading unit 10, and may also include a range in which the two-dimensional code cannot be read.

[0027] Alternatively, the range in which the presence of a display medium displaying a two-dimensional code can be confirmed by the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 may be considered as the two-dimensional code presence range (range A2). Specifically, in the case where the portable terminal MI is the target for reading, the display unit DS of the portable terminal MI is the display medium displaying a two-dimensional code, and the range in which the presence of the display unit DS can be detected by the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 means the range in which the presence of the display medium can be confirmed.

[0028] The range in which the two-dimensional code can exist can be any of the various ranges such as the range in which the two-dimensional code can be read as described above, but it is also possible to consider the range in which the two-dimensional code can exist to be a range that encompasses all of these.

[0029] As described above, the range where the two-dimensional code can exist (range A2) is set to be wider than the communication establishment range (range A1) of the non-contact IC communication unit 20, and the reading device 100 stops the operation of the non-contact IC communication unit 20 when the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 detects that the two-dimensional code can exist in the range A2. Specifically, as shown in the figure, when a two-dimensional code is displayed as an image TC on the display unit DS of the portable terminal MI to be read, communication by the non-contact IC communication unit 20 is not performed before the portable terminal MI inside the range A2 but outside the range A1 reaches the range A1, which is the communication establishment range of the non-contact IC communication unit 20. This makes it possible to avoid, for example, the non-contact IC communication unit 20 operating even when the user US of the reading device 100 wants to read the two-dimensional code, and enables appropriate reading processing in a medium to which both the two-dimensional code and the non-contact IC can react, such as the portable terminal MI composed of a smartphone or the like. Furthermore, looking at the above from another perspective, by setting a range in which a 2D code may exist, the communication stop range, in which the operation of the non-contact IC communication unit is stopped when the 2D code reading unit detects that a 2D code may be present, is made wider than the communication establishment range of the non-contact IC communication unit.

[0030] An example of the processing operation for reading a two-dimensional code and a contactless IC in the reading device 100 will be described below with reference to Fig. 3, in the case where the reading range of the two-dimensional code is regarded as the range where the two-dimensional code can exist (range A2), that is, the reading range of the two-dimensional code as range A2 is wider than the communication range of the contactless IC communication unit (range A1). Among the figures, explanatory diagram α1 shows the state where the portable terminal MI is brought closer to the reading device 100, and explanatory diagram β1 shows various processes performed in time series in each unit of the reading device 100 as the portable terminal MI approaches.

[0031] First, in the figure, the reference position of the reader 100 in determining range A1 is the reception position PS where the camera CA and antenna AT are located, and a range equivalent to the communication establishment range (range A1) of the contactless IC is specified in terms of the distance from the reception position PS. Specifically, the reception position PS is set at distance 0 [unit: mm], range A1, i.e., the communication establishment range (distance) of the contactless IC is set at 0 to h1 [mm], and range A2, i.e., the reading establishment range of the two-dimensional code, is set at 0 to h2 [mm]. In this case, the relationship between distance h1 and distance h2 is h1. <h2となっている。

[0032] As shown in the explanatory diagram α1, when the user US (see FIG. 1) holds (brings) the portable terminal MI, which is the target medium, over (closes) the reader 100 of the above embodiment in the direction indicated by the arrow AA, when the portable terminal MI reaches a point at a distance h2 (but has not yet reached a point at a distance h1), the reading operation of the two-dimensional code, which has a wide readable range, is started prior to the reading operation of the contactless IC. That is, as shown in the explanatory diagram β1, the reading operation of the two-dimensional code by the two-dimensional code reader 10 (or the two-dimensional code processor 30) is processed with priority over the operation by the contactless IC communication unit 20 (or the contactless IC processor 40). Specifically, the reading operation of the two-dimensional code by the two-dimensional code processor 30 of the two-dimensional code reader 10 is completed within the time when the portable terminal MI is between the distance h2 and the distance h1, and the processing result is transmitted to the upper device 50. At the same time, as shown in the explanatory diagram β1, the two-dimensional code reader 10 transmits information about the success of the two-dimensional code reading as a signal (reading completion signal) to the non-contact IC communication unit 20. Upon receiving the signal, the non-contact IC communication unit 20 stops the reading communication operation of the non-contact IC and also stops the output operation to the higher-level device 50.

[0033] To sum up, in the reading device 100 according to the present embodiment, when the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 completes reading of the two-dimensional code, it transmits a reading completion signal to the non-contact IC communication unit 20, and when the non-contact IC communication unit 20 receives the reading completion signal, it stops its own operation. This series of operations is performed before the mobile terminal MI reaches a point at a distance h1. In other words, the above-mentioned embodiment is possible by ensuring a sufficient distance from h1 to h2, or by making the processing speed of the reading device 100 sufficiently fast, so that the above-mentioned processes are performed before the mobile terminal MI reaches a point at a distance h1. In addition, even if the mobile terminal MI reaches a point at a distance h1, the non-contact IC communication unit 20 is already inoperative at this point, and the non-contact IC is not read. By the above-mentioned series of operations, only the information of the two-dimensional code is reliably read from the mobile terminal MI as the target medium.

[0034] Hereinafter, the operation of the reading process of the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 and the non-contact IC communication unit 20 in the example shown in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIG. 4(A) and FIG. 4(B).

[0035] First, the operation of the two-dimensional code reading process by the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 4(A). When the reading operation by the reading device 100 is started, the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 starts searching and reading the two-dimensional code (step S101). The two-dimensional code processing unit 30 of the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 checks whether reading has been performed in step S101 (step S102), and if reading has not been performed (step S102: No), repeats the operation of step S101.

[0036] On the other hand, if the 2D code processing unit 30 confirms in step S102 that the code has been read (step S102: Yes), it transmits information about the 2D code as the reading result (processing result) corresponding to a reading completion signal to the higher-level device 50 (step S103).

[0037] Furthermore, the two-dimensional code processing unit 30 transmits a signal (stop control signal) to the non-contact IC processing unit 40 of the non-contact IC communication unit 20 to stop the reading operation of the non-contact IC as a signal equivalent to the reading completion signal (step S104), and then completes the series of processes.

[0038] Of the above, the transmission of the stop control signal in step S104 is indicated by a dashed arrow in the figure.

[0039] Next, the operation of the contactless IC reading process by the contactless IC communication unit 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 4 (B). When the reading operation by the reading device 100 is started, the contactless IC communication unit 20 checks whether there is a stop control signal (reading completion signal) from the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 indicated by the dashed arrow (step S151), and if there is no stop control signal (step S151: No), starts searching for and reading the contactless IC (step S152). The contactless IC processing unit 40 of the contactless IC communication unit 20 checks whether reading has been performed in step S152 (step S153), and if reading has not been performed (step S153: No), repeats the operation from step S151.

[0040] On the other hand, if the contactless IC processing unit 40 confirms in step S153 that reading has been performed (step S153: Yes), it transmits the contactless IC information as the reading result (processing result) to the higher-level device 50 (step S154), and completes the series of processes.

[0041] Furthermore, in step S151, if a stop control signal is received from the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 (step S151: Yes), the contactless IC processing unit 40 stops its own operation, i.e., stops the reading communication operation of the contactless IC, and at the same time stops the output operation to the higher-level device 50 (step S155), and ends the series of processes without reading the contactless IC.

[0042] When the result of the reading process of the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 or the non-contact IC communication unit 20 is transmitted to the higher-level device 50, and further, an operation (such as a decision as to whether or not to permit passage through a ticket gate) is performed in the higher-level device 50, and a series of operation processes related to reading of the reading device 100 as a whole is completed, the reading device 100 starts a new reading operation. That is, the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 starts the operation from step S101 again, and the non-contact IC communication unit 20 starts the operation from step S151 again.

[0043] The reader 100X of the comparative example shown in Fig. 5(A) and Fig. 5(B) will be described below. Fig. 5(A) and Fig. 5(B) are conceptual diagrams corresponding to Fig. 1, and the reader 100X is similar in configuration to the reader 100 shown in Fig. 1, etc., but is different in that the relationship between the reading range for the two-dimensional code and the reading range for the non-contact IC described with reference to Fig. 2, etc. is not taken into consideration. In this case, as shown in Fig. 5(A), the reader 100X can handle a medium MEa that only performs reading by a two-dimensional code and a medium MEb that only performs reading by a non-contact IC. However, as shown in Fig. 5(B), for a medium such as a mobile terminal MI that can react to both a two-dimensional code and a non-contact IC, both information IA as a processing result for the two-dimensional code and information IB as a processing result for the non-contact IC are transmitted to the upper device 50, and there is a possibility that appropriate processing cannot be performed after reading. In response to this, the reading device 100 of this embodiment makes it possible to avoid such a situation by appropriately setting the reading range of the two-dimensional code and the reading range of the contactless IC, as described above, and by being configured to stop operation depending on conditions.

[0044] The reading device 100 according to this embodiment can also accurately process the medium MEa and medium MEb shown in Fig. 5(A), for example. For example, in the case of medium MEa, the two-dimensional code is detected and processed, but at the same time, the reading of the contactless IC is stopped. On the other hand, in the case of medium MEb, the two-dimensional code is not detected, so the reading of the contactless IC is not stopped, and the communication (information reading) of the contactless IC related to medium MEb is processed.

[0045] As described above, the reading device 100 according to the present embodiment includes the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 and the contactless IC communication unit 20, and stops the operation of the contactless IC communication unit 20 when the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 detects that a two-dimensional code may exist in a two-dimensional code possible range (range A2) that is a range in which a two-dimensional code may exist and is wider than the communication establishment range (range A1) of the contactless IC communication unit 20. This makes it possible to prevent the contactless IC communication unit 20 from operating even when the user of the reading device 100 wants to read a two-dimensional code, and enables appropriate reading processing in a medium in which both a two-dimensional code and a contactless IC can react, such as a mobile terminal MI configured as a smartphone.

[0046] Second Embodiment An example of the reading device 100 according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 6 and other figures. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the possible range of a two-dimensional code (range A2) and in restarting (restoring) the operation of the non-contact IC communication unit 20, which has been stopped once, depending on conditions. Note that the overall configuration of the reading device 100 is similar to that of the first embodiment, so detailed illustrations and explanations of the overall configuration will be omitted, and other drawings will be used as necessary.

[0047] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the processing operation for reading a two-dimensional code and a contactless IC by the reading device 100 of this embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 3. It is composed of explanatory diagram α2 corresponding to explanatory diagram α1, and explanatory diagram β2 corresponding to explanatory diagram β1.

[0048] In this embodiment, the range in which the presence of a two-dimensional code as a target range can be confirmed in the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 is a two-dimensional code presence possible range (range A2) that is wider than the communication establishment range (range A1) of the non-contact IC communication unit 20. In other words, the range in which a recognition pattern constituted by the shape, pattern, etc. of a two-dimensional code as shown as an image TC (see FIG. 2) can be captured by the camera CA of the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 is set as the two-dimensional code presence possible range (range A2). Note that the two-dimensional code presence possible range means the range in which the presence of a recognition pattern displayed as a two-dimensional code can be detected as described above, and is a range wider than the two-dimensional code reading establishment range.

[0049] To explain this in more detail with reference to the explanatory diagram α2 in FIG. 6, in the illustrated example, the reception position PS is at a distance of 0 [unit: mm], the range A1, i.e., the communication range (distance) of the non-contact IC is 0 to h1 [mm], and the reading range of the two-dimensional code is 0 to h2 [mm]. Furthermore, the range A2, i.e., the range in which the presence of the two-dimensional code can be confirmed, is 0 to h3 [mm]. In this case, the relationship between the distances h1, h2, and h3 is as follows: <h2<h3となっている。

[0050] As shown in the explanatory diagram α2, when the user US (see FIG. 1) holds (brings) the portable terminal MI, which is the target medium, over (closes) the reader 100 of the above embodiment in the direction indicated by the arrow AA, when the portable terminal MI reaches a point at a distance h3 (it has not yet reached the points at distances h1 and h2), the presence confirmation operation of the two-dimensional code, which has a wide readable range, is started prior to the reading operation of the non-contact IC. That is, as shown in the explanatory diagram β2, the presence detection of the two-dimensional code based on the recognition pattern of the two-dimensional code by the two-dimensional code reader 10 (or the two-dimensional code processor 30) is processed with priority over the operation by the non-contact IC communication unit 20 (or the non-contact IC processor 40). Specifically, during the time when the portable terminal MI is between the distance h3 and the distance h2, information on the establishment of the presence detection of the two-dimensional code is transmitted to the non-contact IC communication unit 20 as a presence detection signal (presence confirmation signal). Upon receiving the signal, the non-contact IC communication unit 20 stops the reading communication operation of the non-contact IC, and also stops the output operation to the higher-level device 50.

[0051] Thereafter, when the portable terminal MI moves further in the direction of arrow AA and reaches a point at distance h2, the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 starts reading the two-dimensional code, and when the two-dimensional code reading operation is completed, the processing result is transmitted to the higher-level device 50, and a reading completion signal is transmitted to the non-contact IC communication unit 20 as information about the success of the two-dimensional code reading.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, after the operation of the non-contact IC communication unit 20 is stopped due to the transmission of the presence detection signal (presence confirmation signal), if certain conditions are satisfied, the operation of the non-contact IC communication unit 20 is resumed (restored).

[0053] Here, as an example, when the presence or absence of the two-dimensional code is not detected in the two-dimensional code reader 10 after the operation of the non-contact IC communication unit 20 is stopped, that is, when the detection of the recognition pattern of the two-dimensional code is not continued and is lost, the operation of the non-contact IC communication unit 20 is resumed (restored). More specifically, as illustrated in the explanatory diagrams γ1 and γ2 of FIG. 7 corresponding to the explanatory diagram β2 of FIG. 6, for example, after a presence detection signal is transmitted from the two-dimensional code reader 10 to the non-contact IC communication unit 20 at time T1 shown in the explanatory diagram γ1, when the recognition pattern is not detected in the two-dimensional code reader 10 at time T2 (>T1) shown in the explanatory diagram γ2, the two-dimensional code reader 10 transmits a signal to that effect (presence non-detection signal) to the non-contact IC communication unit 20. Upon receiving the signal, the non-contact IC communication unit 20 resumes the operation of reading and communicating with the non-contact IC, and also resumes the output operation to the higher-level device 50 (see FIG. 6), thereby restoring operation.

[0054] To summarise the above, when the reader 100 according to this embodiment confirms the presence of a two-dimensional code, it transmits a presence confirmation signal (presence detection signal) to the non-contact IC communication unit 20, and when the non-contact IC communication unit 20 receives the presence confirmation signal, it stops its own communication operation. However, after stopping its communication operation, if the two-dimensional code reader 10 determines that the two-dimensional code has not been detected, that is, if a presence non-detection signal is transmitted from the two-dimensional code reader 10 in the above example, the non-contact IC communication unit 20 resumes communication. That is, the non-contact IC communication unit 20 resumes reading communication of the non-contact IC again, and also resumes output operation to the higher-level device 50.

[0055] Hereinafter, the operation of the reading process of the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 and the non-contact IC communication unit 20 in the example shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B).

[0056] First, the operation of the two-dimensional code reading process by the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 8(A). When the reading operation by the reading device 100 is started, the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 starts searching for the two-dimensional code (step S201). The two-dimensional code processing unit 30 of the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 checks whether or not a recognition pattern of the two-dimensional code has been detected from the search in step S201 (step S202), and if no detection has been made (step S202: No), the operation of step S201 is repeated.

[0057] On the other hand, if the 2D code processing unit 30 confirms in step S202 that a recognition pattern has been detected (step S202: Yes), it transmits a signal (stop control signal) to the non-contact IC processing unit 40 of the non-contact IC communication unit 20 to stop the reading operation of the non-contact IC, which is equivalent to a presence detection signal (presence confirmation signal) (step S203).

[0058] Of the above, the transmission of the stop control signal in step S203 is indicated by a dashed arrow in the figure.

[0059] When the recognition pattern is detected (i.e., the portable terminal MI reaches the distance h3), the two-dimensional code processing unit 30 of the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 starts reading the two-dimensional code (step S204). Here, the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 checks whether the recognition pattern has been undetected (step S205) and whether the reading in step S204 has been performed (step S206). That is, if the state in which the recognition pattern has been detected continues in step S205 (step S205: No), it further checks whether the reading in step S204 has been performed in step S206, and if the reading has not been performed (step S206: No), that is, if the portable terminal MI has not reached the distance h2, the operation from step S204 is repeated.

[0060] On the other hand, if the recognition pattern is not detected in step S205 (step S205: Yes), the two-dimensional code processing unit 30 performs processing to resume communication in the non-contact IC communication unit 20 (step S207). That is, as described with reference to Fig. 7, the two-dimensional code processing unit 30 transmits a presence non-detection signal (communication resume signal or stop release signal) to the non-contact IC processing unit 40 of the non-contact IC communication unit 20.

[0061] Of the above, the transmission of the non-presence detection signal (communication resumption signal) in step S207 is indicated by a dashed arrow in the drawing.

[0062] Also, when the process of step S207 is performed, that is, when the detection of the recognition pattern of the two-dimensional code is not continued and is lost, the two-dimensional code reader 10 starts the operation from step S201 again.

[0063] On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step S206 that the two-dimensional code has been read (step S206: Yes), that is, if the mobile terminal MI reaches the distance h2 without the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 losing the recognition pattern of the two-dimensional code and the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 has successfully read the two-dimensional code, the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 transmits information about the two-dimensional code as the reading result (processing result) corresponding to a reading completion signal to the higher-level device 50 (step S208).

[0064] Furthermore, the two-dimensional code processing unit 30 transmits a signal (stop control signal) to the non-contact IC processing unit 40 of the non-contact IC communication unit 20 to stop the reading operation of the non-contact IC as a signal equivalent to the reading completion signal (step S209), and then completes the series of processes.

[0065] Of the above, the transmission of the read completion signal (stop control signal) in step S209 is indicated by a dashed arrow in the drawing.

[0066] Next, the operation of the contactless IC reading process by the contactless IC communication unit 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 8(B). When the reading operation by the reading device 100 is started, the contactless IC communication unit 20 checks whether or not there is a stop control signal (presence detection signal) from the two-dimensional code reading unit 10, as indicated by the dashed arrow (step S251). That is, it checks whether or not there is a transmission of a presence detection signal (presence confirmation signal) accompanying the detection of the recognition pattern of the two-dimensional code in the two-dimensional code processing unit 30.

[0067] In step S251, if there is no stop control signal (step S251: No), the contactless IC communication unit 20 starts searching for and reading the contactless IC (step S252). The contactless IC processing unit 40 of the contactless IC communication unit 20 checks whether reading has been performed in step S252 (step S253), and if reading has not been performed (step S253: No), repeats the operations from step S251.

[0068] On the other hand, if the contactless IC processing unit 40 confirms in step S253 that reading has been performed (step S253: Yes), it transmits the contactless IC information as the reading result (processing result) to the higher-level device 50 (step S254), and completes the series of processes.

[0069] Furthermore, in step S251, if there is a stop control signal from the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 (step S251: Yes), the contactless IC processing unit 40 stops its own communication operation, i.e., stops the reading communication operation of the contactless IC, and at the same time stops the output operation to the higher-level device 50 (step S255), and checks whether there is a communication resumption signal (stop release signal), i.e., whether there is a presence non-detection signal from the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 (step S256).From another perspective, step S255 can be considered as a temporary stop of the communication operation until the communication resumption signal is confirmed.

[0070] In step S256, if there is a communication resumption signal (step S256: Yes), the contactless IC processing unit 40 resumes the contactless IC reading communication by the contactless IC communication unit 20 and the output operation to the higher-level device 50, that is, performs a recovery operation (step S257).

[0071] On the other hand, if there is no communication resumption signal in step S256 (step S256: No), the contactless IC processing unit 40 further waits for transmission of a stop control signal corresponding to the reading completion signal from the 2D code reading unit 10 (step S258), and upon receiving the transmission of that signal (step S258: Yes), stops its own operation, i.e., stops the reading communication operation of the contactless IC, and at the same time stops the output operation to the higher-level device 50 (step S259), completing the series of processes without reading the contactless IC.

[0072] Note that step S255 can be regarded as a temporary stop of the communication operation, whereas step S259 can be regarded as one aspect of the complete end of a series of operations. Also, the confirmation process in step S256 can be implemented in various ways, such as by providing an appropriate time interval in consideration of the time it takes for the portable terminal MI to reach the distance h2 from the distance h3.

[0073] The result of the reading process of the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 or the non-contact IC communication unit 20 is transmitted to the higher-level device 50, and further, an operation (such as a decision as to whether or not to permit passage through a ticket gate) is performed in the higher-level device 50, and when a series of operation processes related to reading of the reading device 100 as a whole is completed, the reading device 100 starts a new reading operation. That is, the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 starts the operation from step S201 again, and the non-contact IC communication unit 20 starts the operation from step S251 again.

[0074] In this embodiment as well, the reading device 100 can perform an appropriate reading process on a medium to which both a two-dimensional code and a contactless IC can react. In particular, in this embodiment, the range in which the presence of a two-dimensional code can be confirmed is set to the range in which the two-dimensional code can exist (range A2), so that the operation of the contactless IC communication unit 20 can be stopped in response to confirmation of the presence of the two-dimensional code. Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the two-dimensional code is not detected by the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 after the operation of the contactless IC communication unit 20 is stopped, communication is resumed, so that while giving priority to reading the two-dimensional code, the reading operation of the contactless IC can be accurately maintained, and a smooth reading process can be maintained.

[0075] Third Embodiment An example of the reading device 100 according to the third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 9 and other figures. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that it checks for the presence of a display medium, and therefore the possible range for a two-dimensional code (range A2) is different, and the subsequent processing is also different. However, the overall configuration of the reading device 100 is the same as that of the first embodiment, except that it is configured to perform image processing for checking for the presence of a display medium, so detailed illustrations and descriptions of the overall configuration will be omitted, and other drawings will be used as necessary.

[0076] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the processing operation for reading a two-dimensional code and a contactless IC by a reading device according to this embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 3 etc., and is composed of explanatory diagram α3 corresponding to explanatory diagram α1 etc., and explanatory diagram β3 corresponding to explanatory diagram β1 etc.

[0077] In this embodiment, the two-dimensional code reader 10 sets the range in which the presence of a two-dimensional code can be confirmed as a range (range A2) in which the presence of a display medium displaying a two-dimensional code can be confirmed, which is wider than the communication establishment range (range A1) of the non-contact IC communication unit 20. That is, the two-dimensional code reader 10 sets the range A2 as the range of the detection target as a range in which the display unit DS (see FIG. 2, etc.) of the mobile terminal MI as the display medium displaying the two-dimensional code can be detected. Note that the range in which the presence of a display medium displaying a two-dimensional code can be confirmed is wider than the reading establishment range of the two-dimensional code.

[0078] To explain in more detail with reference to explanatory diagram α3 in FIG. 9, in the illustrated example, the point of reception position PS is at distance 0 [unit: mm], range A1, i.e., the communication establishment range (distance) of the non-contact IC is 0 to h1 [mm], and the reading establishment range of the two-dimensional code is 0 to h2 [mm]. Furthermore, range A2, i.e., the range in which the presence of the display medium displaying the two-dimensional code can be confirmed, is 0 to h4 [mm]. In this case, the relationship between distance h1, distance h2, and distance h4 is as follows: <h2<h4となっている。

[0079] As shown in the figure, the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 of the reading device 100 includes an image processing unit 60 in addition to the camera CA and the two-dimensional code processing unit 30. The image processing unit 60 is composed of electronic circuits and the like, and analyzes image information acquired by the camera CA. In particular, various processes are performed here to extract information about the display unit DS (see FIG. 2 and the like) of the mobile terminal MI as a display medium. In this example, the display unit DS is an illuminant, that is, the display unit DS is a planar object that emits light. Therefore, the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 extracts information such as the position, range, and size of the light emitted from the result of image processing in the image processing unit 60, thereby making it possible to confirm the presence of the display unit DS as a display medium.

[0080] As shown in the explanatory diagram α3, when the user US (see FIG. 1) holds (brings) the portable terminal MI, which is the target medium, over (closes) the reading device 100 of the above embodiment in the direction indicated by the arrow AA, when the portable terminal MI reaches a point at a distance h4 (it has not yet reached the points at distances h1 and h2), the presence confirmation operation of the display medium displaying the two-dimensional code with a wide readable range is started prior to the reading operation of the non-contact IC. That is, as shown in the explanatory diagram β3, the presence detection of the display medium displaying the two-dimensional code based on the image processing (light-emitting body detection) by the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 is processed with priority over the operation by the non-contact IC communication unit 20 (or the non-contact IC processing unit 40). Specifically, during the time when the portable terminal MI is between the distance h4 and the distance h2, information on the establishment of the presence detection of the display medium displaying the two-dimensional code is transmitted as a presence detection signal (presence confirmation signal) from the image processing unit 60 of the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 to the non-contact IC communication unit 20. Upon receiving the signal, the non-contact IC communication unit 20 stops the reading communication operation of the non-contact IC, and also stops the output operation to the higher-level device 50.

[0081] Thereafter, when the portable terminal MI proceeds further in the direction of arrow AA and reaches a point at distance h2, the two-dimensional code reading operation is started in the two-dimensional code processing unit 30 of the two-dimensional code reading unit 10, and when the two-dimensional code reading operation is completed, the processing result is transmitted to the higher-level device 50, and a reading completion signal is transmitted to the non-contact IC communication unit 20 as information about the success of the two-dimensional code reading.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, when a certain condition is satisfied after the operation of the non-contact IC communication unit 20 is stopped due to the transmission of the presence detection signal (presence confirmation signal), the operation of the non-contact IC communication unit 20 is resumed (restored). That is, as illustrated in the explanatory diagrams δ1 and δ2 of FIG. 10 corresponding to the explanatory diagram β3 of FIG. 9, after the presence detection signal is transmitted from the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 to the non-contact IC communication unit 20 at time T1, when the image processing unit 60 of the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 does not detect the light-emitting body at time T2 (>T1) shown in the explanatory diagram δ2, the image processing unit 60 transmits a signal to that effect (presence non-detection signal) to the non-contact IC processing unit 40. When the non-contact IC communication unit 20 receives the signal, it resumes the operation of reading and communicating the non-contact IC and also resumes the output operation to the higher-level device 50 (see FIG. 9), thereby restoring the operation.

[0083] To sum up, in the reading device 100 according to this embodiment, when the presence of a display medium displaying a two-dimensional code is confirmed, a presence confirmation signal (presence detection signal) is transmitted to the non-contact IC communication unit 20, and when the non-contact IC communication unit 20 receives the presence confirmation signal, it stops its own communication operation. However, after stopping the communication operation, if the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 detects no light-emitting body corresponding to the absence of a display medium, that is, if a presence non-detection signal is transmitted from the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 in the above example, the non-contact IC communication unit 20 resumes communication. That is, the non-contact IC communication unit 20 resumes reading communication of the non-contact IC again, and also resumes output operation to the upper device 50.

[0084] Below, with reference to the flowcharts of Figures 11(A), 11(B) and 11(C), we will explain the operation of the reading process of the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 and the non-contact IC communication unit 20 in the example shown in Figures 9 and 10.

[0085] Here, the two-dimensional code processing unit 30 of the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 performs a two-dimensional code reading operation, and when the two-dimensional code reading operation is completed, transmits the processing result to the higher-level device 50 and transmits a read completion signal as information about the success of the two-dimensional code reading to the non-contact IC communication unit 20. Meanwhile, the image processing unit 60 of the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 detects whether or not a display medium that displays a two-dimensional code is present within a range (range A2) where the presence of the display medium can be confirmed, and transmits the detection result (presence detection signal and presence non-detection signal) to the non-contact IC communication unit 20.

[0086] First, the operation of the reading process of the two-dimensional code by the two-dimensional code processing unit 30 of the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 11 (A). When the reading operation by the reading device 100 is started, the two-dimensional code processing unit 30 starts searching and reading the two-dimensional code (step S301), and if the reading in step S301 is not completed (step S302: No), the operation of step S301 is repeated. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the reading has been completed (step S302: Yes), the two-dimensional code processing unit 30 transmits information on the two-dimensional code as the reading result (processing result) corresponding to the reading completion signal to the upper device 50 (step S303), while transmitting a signal (stop control signal) to stop the reading operation of the non-contact IC to the non-contact IC processing unit 40 of the non-contact IC communication unit 20 as a signal corresponding to the reading completion signal (step S304), and a series of processes are completed.

[0087] Of the above, the transmission of the stop control signal in step S304 is indicated by a dashed arrow in the figure.

[0088] Next, the operation of the process relating to image analysis by the image processing unit 60 of the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 11(B).

[0089] When the reading operation by the reading device 100 is started, the image processing unit 60 starts searching for a self-luminous object (step S331), which corresponds to an operation of confirming the presence of a display medium that displays a two-dimensional code. The image processing unit 60 checks whether an image of a self-luminous object has been detected from the search in step S331 (step S332), and if no detection has been made (step S332: No), repeats the operation of step S331.

[0090] On the other hand, if the image processing unit 60 confirms in step S332 that a self-luminous object has been detected (step S332: Yes), it transmits a signal (stop control signal) to the non-contact IC processing unit 40 of the non-contact IC communication unit 20 to stop the reading operation of the non-contact IC, which is a signal equivalent to the display medium presence detection signal (presence confirmation signal) (step S333).

[0091] Of the above, the transmission of the stop control signal in step S333 is indicated by a dashed arrow in the drawing.

[0092] When a self-luminous object is detected (i.e., the portable terminal MI reaches a distance h4), the image processing unit 60 starts tracking it (step S334). That is, the image processing unit 60 continues to check whether the display medium is no longer detected (step S335), and if the display medium is no longer detected (step S335: Yes), it performs processing to resume communication in the non-contact IC communication unit 20 (step S336). That is, as described with reference to FIG. 10, the image processing unit 60 transmits a non-presence detection signal (communication resume signal or stop release signal) to the non-contact IC processing unit 40 of the non-contact IC communication unit 20.

[0093] Of the above, the transmission of the non-presence detection signal (communication resumption signal) in step S336 is indicated by a dashed arrow in the drawing.

[0094] Also, when the process of step S336 is performed, that is, when the detection of the display medium is not continued and is lost, the image processing unit 60 starts the operation from step S331 again.

[0095] Finally, the operation of the contactless IC reading process by the contactless IC communication unit 20 will be briefly described with reference to FIG. 11(C). The operation of the contactless IC communication unit 20 shown in FIG. 11(C) is the same as that shown in FIG. 8(B). That is, each step S351 to S359 in FIG. 11(C) corresponds to each step S251 to S259 in FIG. 8(B). However, when checking the presence detection signal (presence confirmation signal) in step S351 and the communication resumption signal (stop release signal) in step S356, the transmission source is the image processing unit 60 of the two-dimensional code reading unit 10, which is different from the case of steps S251 and S256 in FIG. 8(B). Note that the transmission of the stop control signal corresponding to the reading completion signal in step S358 is transmitted from the two-dimensional code processing unit 30 of the two-dimensional code reading unit 10, as in step S258 in FIG. 8(B).

[0096] In this embodiment, the reading device 100 can also perform an appropriate reading process on a medium to which both a two-dimensional code and a contactless IC can react. In particular, in this embodiment, the range in which the presence of a display medium displaying a two-dimensional code can be confirmed is set to the range in which the two-dimensional code can be present (range A2), so that the operation of the contactless IC communication unit 20 can be stopped in response to confirmation of the presence of a display medium displaying a two-dimensional code. Furthermore, in this embodiment, after the operation of the contactless IC communication unit 20 is stopped, if the image processing unit 60 of the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 determines that the display medium displaying a two-dimensional code is not detected, communication is resumed, so that the reading of the two-dimensional code is prioritized while the reading operation of the contactless IC is accurately maintained and a smooth reading process can be maintained.

[0097] In the example shown in Figure 9, both the presence of the display medium and the reading of the two-dimensional code are performed using image information from a single camera CA, but this is not limited to the above, and the camera for confirming the presence of the display medium may be separate from the camera for reading the two-dimensional code.

[0098] 〔others〕 The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0099] First, in the above embodiment, it may be considered to detect the approach of a two-dimensional code or a display medium that displays the two-dimensional code. For example, it is possible to capture the image of the two-dimensional code or its display unit by a camera CA and capture the change. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 12(A), it is possible to grasp that the two-dimensional code is approaching by detecting that the image TC of the two-dimensional code becomes larger from image TC1 to image TC2 over time. That is, it is possible to grasp that the user is trying to bring the two-dimensional code closer to the reading device 100 and hold it up. Similarly, as illustrated in FIG. 12(B), it is possible to grasp the approach of the display medium from the change in images DS1 and DS2 of the display unit DS as the display medium. In addition to the above-described detection of the presence of the two-dimensional code, a process of recognizing that the two-dimensional code is approaching the reading device 100 is added and used as a condition, thereby enabling more accurate judgment processing.

[0100] That is, in the above cases, for example, a two-dimensional code or the like may be confirmed in the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 within the possible range of the two-dimensional code (the possible range of confirming the presence of the two-dimensional code or the possible range of confirming the presence of the display medium displaying the two-dimensional code), and then, when the approach of the two-dimensional code or the like is detected as described above, the operation of the non-contact IC communication unit 20 may be stopped. In this case, the approach of the two-dimensional code or the like confirmed by the two-dimensional code reading unit 10 may be used as a criterion for determining that the user has the intention to use the two-dimensional code.

[0101] In the above description, the reader 100 is incorporated in an automatic ticket gate at a station. However, the reader 100 is not limited to this and can be applied to various other things such as the entrances and exits of an event venue.

[0102] Furthermore, it is also possible to appropriately combine the above-described embodiments.

[0103] In addition, various values ​​of the widths of the ranges A1 and A2, or the distances h1 to h4 are possible, and various settings are possible depending on the reading speed, the mode of use, and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 10...2D code reading unit, 20...non-contact IC communication unit, 30...2D code processing unit, 40...non-contact IC processing unit, 50...host device, 60...image processing unit, 100...reading device, 100X...reading device, A1, A2...range, AA...arrow, AT...antenna, CA...camera, CH...IC chip, DS...display unit, DS1, DS2...image, IA, IB...information, MEa, MEb...medium, MI...mobile terminal, PS...reception position, T1, T2...time, TC, TC1, TC2...image, US...user, h1-h4...distance, α1-α3, β1-β3, γ1, γ2, δ1, δ2...explanatory diagram

Claims

1. A two-dimensional code reading unit; Non-contact IC communication unit Equipped with A reading device which, when the two-dimensional code reading unit detects that a two-dimensional code may be present in a range in which the presence of a two-dimensional code can be confirmed and which is wider than the communication establishment range of the non-contact IC communication unit, stops the communication operation of the non-contact IC communication unit, recognizes the approach of a two-dimensional code in the range in which the presence of the two-dimensional code can be confirmed from a change in size of an image of the two-dimensional code captured by a camera of the two-dimensional code reading unit, and resumes the communication operation of the non-contact IC communication unit if the two-dimensional code is not detected in the recognition by the two-dimensional code reading unit.

2. The reading device according to claim 1, wherein the reading range of the two-dimensional code by the two-dimensional code reading unit is wider than the communication range of the non-contact IC communication unit, and the range in which the presence of the two-dimensional code can be confirmed is wider than the reading range of the two-dimensional code.

3. When the two-dimensional code reading unit completes reading the two-dimensional code, the two-dimensional code reading unit transmits a reading completion signal to the non-contact IC communication unit, The reading device according to claim 2 , wherein the non-contact IC communication unit stops its own operation when the reading completion signal is received.

4. When the two-dimensional code reader confirms the presence of the two-dimensional code, it transmits a presence confirmation signal to the non-contact IC communication unit, The reading device described in claim 3, wherein when the non-contact IC communication unit receives the presence confirmation signal, it stops its operation, and if, after stopping its operation, the two-dimensional code is not detected by recognition in the two-dimensional code reading unit, it resumes communication operation based on a presence non-detection signal transmitted from the two-dimensional code reading unit.

Images