Optical information reader

Abstract

To provide a configuration capable of suppressing influence of external light and glare that those around one feel, when reading an information code.SOLUTION: A housing 11 includes: a read part 12 with a scan part 50 formed for emitting illumination light Lf from an illumination light source 21 and introducing light from an information code C into the housing 11; and a grip part 13 to be held when directing the scan part 50 toward the information code C. The read part 12 is connected to the grip part 13 so as to be extended obliquely downward from longitudinal one end of the grip part 13 with the scan part 50 located at an extended end 12a when a longitudinal direction of the grip part 13 is a horizontal direction. A wall part 56 projecting along the obliquely downward direction is formed at one edge 52 of a periphery 51 of the scan part 50, which is far from the grip part 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical information reader for optically reading an information code. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in cash registers at retail stores and convenience stores, barcode scanners using line sensors as light receiving means have been widely adopted to read one-dimensional codes such as barcodes displayed on products. Barcode scanners are provided with a reading port that is long in one direction to make it easier to read barcodes. For this reason, the barcode can be read by bringing the reading port into contact with the barcode so that the longitudinal direction of the reading port is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the barcode.

[0003] In recent years, two-dimensional codes such as QR Code (registered trademark) have become widespread, and it is expected that the introduction of code scanners capable of reading two-dimensional codes using area sensors as light receiving means will increase even at cash registers in retail stores and convenience stores. This will require a single optical information reader to read one-dimensional codes and two-dimensional codes, and an optical information reader disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, for example, is known as an optical information reader capable of optically reading both one-dimensional codes and two-dimensional codes.

[0004] This optical information reader is a gun-type reader that is designed to be held with the grip upright when the reading port is aimed at an information code displayed on a vertical surface. An extension is provided around the reading port of this reader, and an opening for visually viewing the information code is formed in a location on the extension that is different from the grip side. This allows the information code to be visually viewed from above through the opening, even when a reading operation is performed to read the information code with the extended bottom wall portion on the grip side of the extension in contact with the vertical surface. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-212861 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Incidentally, in a reading device for reading an information code displayed on a predetermined display surface, either a reading operation in which the reading port is brought into contact with the display surface so as to cover the information code and read the information code (so-called touch reading) or a reading operation in which the reading port is directed toward the information code while being separated from the display surface and read the information code is adopted as a reading operation. In a reading device adopting a reading operation in which the reading port is directed toward the information code while being separated from the display surface, when reading the information code, the information code and the reading port are separated, so that extraneous light such as ambient illumination light or sunlight is reflected (specular reflection) by the information code or the display surface, and therefore the information code may not be imaged so as to be readable. In addition, since the information code and the reading port are separated, illumination light irradiated through the reading port is reflected by the information code or the display surface, so that a person in the direction in which the reading port is pointed may feel dazzled.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a configuration that can suppress the effects of extraneous light and the glare felt by people in the vicinity when reading an information code. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 of the claims is as follows: an imaging unit (28, 27) for imaging an information code (C, C1, C2) displayed on a predetermined display surface (R); an illumination unit (21) that emits illumination light (Lf); a housing (11) in which the imaging unit and the illumination unit are housed and which is provided with a reading port (50) for emitting the illumination light from the illumination unit and introducing light from the information code into the housing; Equipped with An optical information reading device (10) that reads the information code by imaging the information code with the imaging unit while the reading port is separated from the predetermined display surface, The housing includes: a reading section (12) in which the reading port is formed; a gripping portion (13) that is gripped when the reading port is directed toward the information code; Equipped with the reading unit is connected to the gripping unit such that, when the longitudinal direction of the gripping unit is horizontal, the reading unit extends obliquely downward from one longitudinal end of the gripping unit and the reading opening is located at an extending end (12a); The peripheral edge (51) of the reading port has a side edge (52) remote from the gripping portion, and the obliquely downward protruding Wall Department (56) was established. 、 a protection member for protecting the imaging unit and the illumination unit is provided at the reading port; the protective member is formed with a first transmission portion through which the illumination light passes and a second transmission portion through which reflected light from the information code passes, The housing is provided with a holding portion that holds the protective member so as to surround the protective member from an outer surface side, The holding portion is formed such that an exposed width for exposing the first transmissive portion to the outer surface side and an exposed width for exposing the second transmissive portion to the outer surface side are smaller than a width of a user's finger. It is characterized by the above. The symbols in parentheses above indicate the corresponding relationship with the specific means described in the embodiments described later. Effect of the Invention

[0009] In the invention of claim 1, the housing includes a reading section having a reading opening formed therein through which illumination light from an illumination section is emitted and light from an information code is introduced into the housing, and a grip section that is gripped when the reading opening is directed toward the information code. When the longitudinal direction of the grip section is horizontal, the reading section is connected to the grip section so that it extends obliquely downward from one end of the grip section in the longitudinal direction and the reading opening is located at the extended end, and a protruding portion is provided on one side edge of the periphery of the reading opening away from the grip section, protruding along the obliquely downward direction. Wall A department will be established.

[0010] As a result, when the information code is imaged by the imaging unit with the reading port separated from a predetermined display surface, the wall portion is located on the rear side of the information code as viewed from the user holding the grip portion, and the user himself is located on the front side of the information code, so that it is possible to make it difficult to image extraneous light reflected by the information code, etc., without impairing the visibility of the information code. Furthermore, since the reflected light from the information code, etc. caused by the illumination light through the reading port is unlikely to be reflected by the wall portion to the rear side of the information code, it is possible to suppress the glare felt by people in the direction in which the reading port is pointed (the direction corresponding to the rear side). In particular, by bringing the protruding end portion on the tip side of the wall portion into contact with the predetermined display surface, it is possible to more reliably suppress the influence of extraneous light and the glare felt by people in the vicinity. Therefore, it is possible to realize an optical information reading device that can suppress the influence of extraneous light and the glare felt by people in the vicinity without impairing the visibility of the information code when reading the information code.

[0015] Claim 1 In the invention, a protective member for protecting the imaging section and the illumination section is provided in the reading port, and a first transparent section through which the illumination light passes and a second transparent section through which reflected light from the information code passes are formed in the protective member, and a holding section for holding the protective member so as to surround it from the outer side is provided in the housing, and the holding section is formed so that an exposure width for exposing the first transparent section to the outer side and an exposure width for exposing the second transparent section to the outer side are smaller than the width of a user's finger.

[0016] As a result, even if the user's fingers touch the holding portion when gripping the housing, the fingers are less likely to accidentally touch the first transparent portion or the second transparent portion, and dirt such as sebum is less likely to adhere to the first transparent portion and the second transparent portion, thereby suppressing the deterioration of reading performance caused by dirt adhering to the protective member.

[0017] Claim 2In the invention, a protective member is provided at the reading port to protect the imaging section and the illumination section, and the protective member is formed with a first transparent section through which the illumination light passes, a first annular section that protrudes outward so as to surround the first transparent section in a ring shape, a second transparent section through which reflected light from the information code passes, and a second annular section that protrudes outward so as to surround the second transparent section in a ring shape.

[0018] As a result, even if a user's fingers touch the first annular portion or the second annular portion when gripping the housing, the fingers are less likely to accidentally touch the first transparent portion or the second transparent portion, and dirt such as sebum is less likely to adhere to the first transparent portion and the second transparent portion, thereby suppressing a decrease in reading performance caused by dirt adhering to the protective member.

[0019] Claim 3 The invention includes a marker light irradiating unit that irradiates marker light indicating the imaging field of view of the imaging unit, a marker imaging determination unit that determines whether or not the image captured by the imaging unit is in a marker imaging state in which the marker light is captured in a predetermined state, and an illumination control unit that controls the illumination unit in accordance with the determination result of the marker imaging determination unit.

[0020] When the reading port is not directed toward a display surface or the like carrying an information code, the irradiated marker light is not reflected by the display surface or the like, and the marker light is not imaged. In other words, when the marker light is not imaged, there is no need to irradiate illumination light, and therefore, by controlling the illumination unit according to the determination result of the marker imaging determination unit, it is possible to suppress irradiation of unnecessary illumination light.

[0030] Claim 4In the invention, a decoding unit that performs a decoding process for decoding an information code on an image captured by an imaging unit, a processing unit that performs a predetermined process using the decoding result by the decoding unit, and a decoding result similarity / difference determination unit that determines whether or not two or more identical decoding results have been obtained when a plurality of decoding results are obtained from one captured image by the decoding unit because a plurality of information codes are simultaneously captured. When the decoding result similarity / difference determination unit determines that two or more identical decoding results have been obtained, the processing unit performs a predetermined process on one of the two or more identical decoding results.

[0031] This makes it possible to prevent the same processing from being performed redundantly even when, for example, information codes of different code types in which the same data is recorded are simultaneously imaged.

[0032] Claim 5 In the invention, a storage unit is provided in which the decoded result subjected to the predetermined process by the processing unit is stored. When the decoded result similarity determination unit determines that two or more identical decoded results have been obtained, and a decoded result that matches the same decoded result based on the information stored in the storage unit has not been subjected to the predetermined process by the processing unit within a predetermined number of readings, the processing unit performs the predetermined process on the decoded result.

[0033] As a result, even if the same decoded result has been read previously, if that previous decoded result has not been subjected to the specified processing by the processing unit within the specified number of readings, i.e., if it is not a decoded result that has been recently used for the specified processing, it is determined that the user has intentionally read two or more information codes containing the same data, and the specified processing can be performed using the same decoded result.

[0034] Claim 6In the invention, a storage unit is provided in which the decoded result by the decoding unit is stored together with the decoded time when the decoded result was completed. When the decoded result similarity determination unit determines that two or more identical decoded results have been obtained, and the elapsed time from the decoded time stored in the storage unit in association with the decoded result that matches the identical decoded result is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, the processing unit performs a predetermined process on the decoded result.

[0035] As a result, even if the same decoded result has been read before, if the elapsed time from the decoded time of the previous decoded result is greater than or equal to a predetermined time, i.e., if the decoded result is not one that has been recently used in the above-mentioned specified processing, it is deemed that the user has intentionally read two or more information codes containing the same data, and the above-mentioned specified processing can be performed using the same decoded result.

[0036] Claim 7 In the invention, a counting unit is provided that counts the number of times that an information code successfully decoded by the decoding unit is removed from the imaging field of view of the imaging unit and reenters the imaging field of view as the number of imaging, and a storage unit is provided that stores the decoded result subjected to the predetermined process by the processing unit in association with the number of imaging counted by the counting unit. When the decoding result similarity determination unit determines that two or more identical decoded results have been obtained and the number of imaging times stored in the storage unit in association with the decoded result matching the same decoded result is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the processing unit performs a predetermined process on the decoded result.

[0037] This allows the user to intentionally read two or more information codes that have the same data recorded on them by repeating an imaging state in which the information code is included in the imaging field of view and an imaging state in which it is removed from the imaging field of view, and then performs the above-mentioned specified processing on each of the same decoded results.

[0038] Claim 8In the invention, a storage unit is provided that stores, for an information code that is determined by the decoding result similarity determination unit as having two or more identical decoding results, the time at which the information code was removed from the imaging field of view of the imaging unit as a code removal time in association with the decoding result. When the decoding result similarity determination unit determines that two or more identical decoding results have been obtained and the elapsed time from the code removal time stored in the storage unit in association with the decoding result that matches the same decoding result is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, the processing unit performs a predetermined process on the decoding result.

[0039] This allows a user to intentionally read two or more information codes that contain the same data by removing the information codes from the imaging field of view for a certain period of time and then re-imposing them in the imaging field of view, thereby performing the above-mentioned specified processing on each of the same decoded results.

[0040] Claim 9 In the present invention, a posture detection unit is provided that detects the posture of the housing. When the decoding result similarity determination unit determines that two or more identical decoded results have been obtained and the posture of the housing detected by the posture detection unit is in a predetermined posture state, the processing unit performs a predetermined process on the decoded results.

[0041] This allows the user to intentionally read two or more information codes that contain the same data by holding the housing in the specified posture, and then performing the specified processing on each of the same decoded results.

[0042] Claim 10In the invention, a code image detection unit that detects a code image for decoding an information code from an image captured by the imaging unit detects a code image of the same information code in a plurality of consecutive captured images captured continuously by the imaging unit, and a read object determination unit determines whether or not the code image is a read object depending on the state in which the detected code image occupies the captured image. Then, when the decoding process of the code image determined to be a read object by the read object determination unit is successful and a decoded result is obtained, a predetermined process is performed by a processing unit using the decoded result, and a predetermined notification is performed by a notification unit.

[0043] As a result, even in an optical information reading device that does not have a trigger switch or the like for indicating the decode timing, when the user aims the reading port at the information code to be read, if the state in which the code image of the information code occupies in the captured image satisfies a predetermined condition, for example, if the range of the code image occupying the captured image is equal to or larger than a predetermined range, the code image can be determined to be the target for reading. This is because the information code that the user is attempting to target read is likely to have a code image occupying in the captured image equal to or larger than a predetermined range. For this reason, by performing a predetermined process using the decoded result obtained from the code image determined to be the target for reading and by issuing a predetermined notification in response to successful decoding, an optical information reading device that can target read information codes in a reading process that is always performed without using a trigger switch or the like can be realized.

[0044] Claim 11 In the invention, even if a part of the code image detected by the code image detection unit falls outside the imaging field of view of the imaging unit, the read object determination unit determines that the code image is to be read if the state of the remaining part of the code image in the imaging field of view satisfies a predetermined condition. This prevents the code image from being immediately determined to be non-readable just because a part of the information code that the user is trying to read falls outside the imaging field of view, making it possible to more accurately determine whether the code image is to be read or not.

[0045] Claim 12 In the invention, when the code image is determined to be a read object by the read object determination unit to have not been decoded successfully, and the code image is decoded successfully after the determination, the processing unit uses the decoded result obtained after the determination to perform a predetermined process, and the notification unit issues a predetermined notification. As a result, even if it is determined that something that looks like an information code has been captured due to the surrounding environment such as lighting, but the decoding is not successful and the code image is determined to be a read object, if the decoding of the code image is successful due to a subsequent change in the surrounding environment, the code image to be read is deemed to have been decoded successfully, and the above-mentioned predetermined process and the predetermined notification can be executed at the timing of the success.

[0052] Claim 13 In the invention, a marker light irradiating unit that irradiates a marker light toward an imaging field of view of the imaging unit, a decoding unit that performs a decoding process to decode an information code on an image captured by the imaging unit, an output unit that outputs a decoding result decoded by the decoding unit, and a code position determining unit that determines whether or not the information code decoded by the decoding unit is located within a decoding target area corresponding to a part of the captured image. When the marker light is not captured by the imaging unit, the output unit outputs the decoding result of the information code that is determined to be located within the decoding target area by the code position determining unit.

[0053] When multiple information codes including the information code to be read are displayed on the screen, the irradiated marker light is not reflected by the display screen that emits light itself, so there is a problem that the reading device cannot determine which of the multiple information codes captured is the information code to be read. Therefore, when the marker light is not captured by the imaging unit, the information code displayed on the screen is read, and the decoded result of the information code determined to be located within the decoding target area is output, so that the decoded result of the information code outside the decoding target area is not output. In other words, by holding the reading port of the reading device over the screen so that only the information code to be read among the multiple information codes displayed on the screen is located within the decoding target area, the decoded result of the information code to be read can be output without outputting the decoded results of other information codes displayed on the same screen.

[0058] Claim 14In the invention, a marker light irradiating unit irradiates a marker light toward an imaging field of view of an imaging unit, a decoding unit performs a decoding process for decoding an information code on an image captured by the imaging unit, a marker irradiation state determining unit determines whether or not the marker light is irradiated toward the information code from which a decoded result has been obtained, an output unit for outputting a decoded result of the information code determined by the marker irradiation state determining unit to be in a state in which the marker light is irradiated, a decoded result determining unit determines whether or not the decoded result obtained by the decoding unit is in a decoded result match state in which the decoded result matches a decoded result previously output from the output unit, and a double-reading prevention setting unit performs a double-reading prevention setting to prevent a decoded result matching the previously output decoded result from being output each time the decoded result is output from the output unit. Then, when the marker irradiation state determining unit determines that the marker light is not irradiated toward the information code from which a decoded result has been obtained after the decoded result is output from the output unit, the double-reading prevention setting unit cancels the double-reading prevention setting. In addition, when the double-read prevention setting section has set a double-read prevention setting, the output section excludes a decoded result that is determined by the decode result determination section to be in a matching state from the output list, and when the double-read prevention setting is released, the output section includes even a decoded result that is determined by the decode result determination section to be in a matching state from the output list.

[0059] Conventionally, when reading multiple information codes each having the same decoded result recorded thereon in succession, a deactivation operation is required to remove the information code from the imaging field of view in order to deactivate the double-reading prevention function, and in a reading device having an imaging unit with a large imaging field of view such as an area sensor, there is a problem that the user's actions required for the deactivation operation are large. Therefore, by deactivating the double-reading prevention setting when it is determined that the marker light is not irradiated toward the information code after the decoded result is output, the double-reading prevention setting is deactivated by removing the marker light from the information code for which the decoded result has been output, and therefore the user's actions required for the deactivation operation can be reduced.

[0064] Claim 15 In the invention, a decoding unit that performs a decoding process to decode an information code of an image captured by an imaging unit, an output unit that outputs a decoded result decoded by the decoding unit, and an image state determination unit that determines whether or not a partial image corresponding to a part of the image captured by the imaging unit is in a partial image matching state in which the image is considered to be unchanged. In the event No decoding is performed.

[0065] Therefore, when the decoded result is output, the decoding process is not performed unless the image is deemed to have changed in part, and there is no need to compare the decoded result for each image capture to prevent double reading. This makes it possible to reduce the processing load and shorten the processing time required to prevent double reading, etc.

[0066] Claim 16 As in the invention, the range of the partial image that occupies the captured image may be set to the center of the captured image.

[0067] Claim 17 As in the invention, the range of the partial image in the captured image may be set based on the position of the marker light in the captured image.

[0068] Claim 18 In the invention, the range of the partial image in the captured image is set based on the information code that was successfully decoded last time. By setting the range of the partial image in the captured image based on the position of the information code that was successfully decoded last time, it is possible to determine whether the partial image has changed based on the brightness and darkness of each cell that constitutes the information code, thereby improving the accuracy of the determination. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0075] [Figure 1]1 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of the configuration of an optical information reading device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 is a plan view illustrating a state in which the grip portion is gripped. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating a state in which the grip portion is gripped. [Figure 4] 4A is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an enlargement of the X1-X1 cross section of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4B is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an enlargement of the X2-X2 cross section of FIG. [Diagram 5] 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic example of an electrical configuration of the optical information reader of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 6(A) is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a first opening area of ​​the reading port is directed toward a barcode, and FIG. 6(B) is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a second opening area of ​​the reading port is directed toward a QR code. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a shape of the vicinity of a reading opening of an optical information reading device according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8(A) is an explanatory diagram explaining the shape of the vicinity of the reading opening of an optical information reading device according to a second modified example of the first embodiment, and FIG. 8(B) is an explanatory diagram explaining the shape of the vicinity of the reading opening of an optical information reading device according to a third modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a side view showing an optical information reading device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a shape in the vicinity of the reading port in FIG. 9. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a shape of the vicinity of a reading opening of an optical information reading device according to a first modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12(A) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the shape of the vicinity of the reading opening of an optical information reading device according to a second modified example of the second embodiment, and FIG. 12(B) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the shape of the vicinity of the reading opening of an optical information reading device according to a third modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 13]FIG. 13(A) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the shape of the vicinity of the reading opening of an optical information reading device according to a fourth modified example of the second embodiment, and FIG. 13(B) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the shape of the vicinity of the reading opening of an optical information reading device according to a fifth modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14(A) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the shape of the vicinity of the reading opening of an optical information reading device according to a sixth modified example of the second embodiment, and FIG. 14(B) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the shape of the vicinity of the reading opening of an optical information reading device according to a seventh modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the outline of the configuration of an optical information reading device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the outline of the configuration of a marker light emitting unit in an optical information reading device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 17] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between marker light, an imaging field of view, and illumination light. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a side view showing an optical information reading device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the shape of the vicinity of the reading port in FIG. 18. [Figure 20] FIG. 20(A) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the shape of the vicinity of a wall portion of an optical information reading device according to a first modified example of the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 20(B) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the shape of the vicinity of a wall portion of an optical information reading device according to a second modified example of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 21] Figure 21(A) is an explanatory diagram explaining the shape of the vicinity of a wall portion of an optical information reading device related to a third variant of the fifth embodiment, Figure 21(B) is an explanatory diagram explaining the shape of the vicinity of a wall portion of an optical information reading device related to a fourth variant of the fifth embodiment, and Figure 21(C) is an explanatory diagram explaining the shape of the vicinity of a wall portion of an optical information reading device related to a fifth variant of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a shape of the vicinity of a wall portion of an optical information reader according to a sixth modified example of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a main part of an optical information reader according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 24]FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a main part of an optical information reader according to a first modified example of the seventh embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an optical information reading device according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a side view of the optical information reader of FIG. 25. [Figure 27] FIG. 26 is a bottom view of the optical information reader of FIG. 25. [Figure 28] 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the protective plate is held by a holding portion. FIG. [Figure 29] FIG. 29(A) is an explanatory diagram showing the degree of contact of a finger when the exposed width and exposed depth are changed, and FIG. 29(B) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the exposed width and exposed depth. [Diagram 30] FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a main part of an optical information reader according to a first modified example of the eighth embodiment. [Diagram 31] FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a main part of an optical information reader according to a second modified example of the eighth embodiment. [Diagram 32] FIG. 32(A) is an explanatory diagram showing the main parts of an optical information reading device according to a third modified example of the eighth embodiment, and FIG. 32(B) is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the X3-X3 section of FIG. 32(A). [Diagram 33] 13 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a reading process in the ninth embodiment. [Diagram 34] FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a captured image in which a barcode and a QR code are simultaneously captured during reading in the tenth embodiment. [Diagram 35] 23 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a reading process in a tenth embodiment. [Diagram 36] 23 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a reading process in an eleventh embodiment. [Figure 37] 23 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a reading process in a first modified example of the eleventh embodiment. [Figure 38] 23 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a reading process in a second modified example of the eleventh embodiment. [Figure 39]23 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a reading process in a third modified example of the eleventh embodiment. [Diagram 40] 23 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a reading process in a fourth modified example of the eleventh embodiment. [Diagram 41] 23 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a reading process in a twelfth embodiment. [Diagram 42] An explanatory diagram illustrating successive captured images in which a decodable code image has been detected, where Figure 42(A) shows a state in which the range of the code image in the captured image is less than a specified range, Figure 42(B) shows a state in which the range of the code image in the captured image is larger than Figure 42(A) but less than the specified range, and Figure 42(C) shows a state in which the range of the code image in the captured image is equal to or greater than the specified range. [Diagram 43] FIG. 43(A) is an explanatory diagram illustrating consecutive captured images in which a code image has been detected, where FIG. 43(A) shows a state in which the range of the code image in the captured image is less than a specified range, FIG. 43(B) shows a state in which the range of the code image in the captured image is greater than FIG. 43(A) but less than the specified range, and FIG. 43(C) shows a state in which the remainder of the code image in an undecodable captured image is greater than or equal to the specified range. [Diagram 44] 23 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a reading process in a first modified example of the twelfth embodiment. [Diagram 45] FIG. 45(A) is an explanatory diagram illustrating consecutive captured images in which a code image has been detected, and shows a state in which the range of the code image in the captured image is smaller than a specified range and decoding has failed, FIG. 45(B) shows a state in which the range of the code image in the captured image is larger than FIG. 45(A) but smaller than the specified range and decoding has failed, FIG. 45(C) shows a state in which the range of the code image in the captured image is larger than the specified range and decoding has failed, and FIG. 45(D) shows a state in which the range of the code image in the captured image is smaller than the specified range and decoding has succeeded. [Figure 46] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which three barcodes are displayed on the screen, one above the other. [Figure 47]23 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a reading process in the thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 48] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the positional relationship between a captured image and a reading area. [Figure 49] 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which an image of an information code to be read and a part of an image of an information code not to be read are included in a reading area. FIG. [Figure 50] 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a single code imaging state in which only the image of the information code to be read is included in the reading area; FIG. [Figure 51] 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which all specific pattern images of an information code to be read and some specific pattern images of other information codes are included in a reading area. FIG. [Figure 52] FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the positional relationship between an optical information reader according to a fourteenth embodiment and a decoding target area. [Figure 53] 53 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a captured image captured in the state shown in FIG. 52. [Figure 54] 23 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a reading process in a fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 55] 23 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a reading process in a fifteenth embodiment. [Figure 56] Figure 56(A) is an explanatory diagram showing the state where the marker light is irradiated onto the QR code Cf, Figure 56(B) is an explanatory diagram showing the state where the marker light has moved away from the QR code Cf, and Figure 56(C) is an explanatory diagram showing the state where the marker light is irradiated onto the QR code Cg. [Figure 57] 23 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a reading process in the sixteenth embodiment. [Figure 58] Figure 58(A) is an explanatory diagram showing the state where the marker light is irradiated onto the code area, Figure 58(B) is an explanatory diagram showing the state where the marker light is irradiated onto the area surrounding the code, and Figure 58(C) is an explanatory diagram showing the state where the marker light is removed from the area surrounding the code. [Figure 59]Figure 59(A) is an explanatory diagram explaining the area around the code when the size of the information code in the captured image becomes larger, and Figure 59(B) is an explanatory diagram explaining the area around the code when the size of the information code in the captured image becomes smaller. [Figure 60] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a table in which the chord ratio and the peripheral distance are associated with each other. [Figure 61] 4 is a timing chart illustrating a conventional read cycle. [Figure 62] 62A and 62B are explanatory diagrams for explaining the position of a partial image relative to a captured image in the seventeenth embodiment, where FIG. 62A shows a captured image and FIG. 62B shows a partial image set relative to the captured image of FIG. 62A. [Figure 63] 23 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a reading process in the seventeenth embodiment. [Figure 64] 23 is a timing chart illustrating a read cycle in the seventeenth embodiment. [Figure 65] 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the position of a portion of an image that is set based on the position of a marker light in a captured image. FIG. [Figure 66] FIG. 23 is a side view showing an optical information reading device according to an 18th embodiment. [Figure 67] 67(A) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the assembly of a protective member to an edge portion, where FIG. 67(A) shows the edge portion inserted between the outer protective portion and the inner protective portion, FIG. 67(B) shows the adherend portion climbing over the protruding portion, and FIG. 67(C) shows the adherend portion adhered to the adhesive portion. [Figure 68] FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a main part of an optical information reader according to a modified example of the eighteenth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0076] [First embodiment] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of an optical information reading device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The optical information reading device 10 according to the present embodiment is configured as an information code reader that optically reads information codes such as one-dimensional codes and two-dimensional codes displayed on a predetermined display surface. Here, examples of one-dimensional codes include so-called barcodes such as JAN codes, EAN codes, UPC codes, ITF codes, CODE39, CODE128, and NW-7 codes. Examples of two-dimensional codes include rectangular information codes such as QR codes, data matrix codes, maxicodes, and Aztec codes.

[0077] 1, the optical information reader 10 has an outer shell formed by a housing 11 constituted by assembling an upper case 11a and a lower case 11b made of synthetic resin such as ABS resin, and a circuit section 20a made of various electric components and the like is mounted on a circuit board 20 and housed within the housing 11. The housing 11 includes a reading section 12 having a reading port 50 formed therein, and a gripping section 13 that is gripped when the reading port 50 is directed toward an information code.

[0078] As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, when the longitudinal direction of the grip part 13 is horizontal, the reading part 12 is connected to the grip part 13 so that it extends obliquely downward from one end of the longitudinal direction of the grip part 13 and the reading port 50 is located at the extended end 12a. That is, the housing 11 is formed in a neck-bent shape in which the one end side where the reading port 50 is formed is greatly inclined forward toward the back side. This makes it easy to point the reading port 50 toward the information code C displayed on a predetermined display surface R along a horizontal plane when the user holds the grip part 13 with the fingertips from the upper case 11a side, as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. In addition, a cable attachment part 14 is formed on the other end side of the housing 11 (the other longitudinal side of the grip part 13).

[0079] 4(A) and 4(B), at the extended end 12a of the reading unit 12, a peripheral edge 51 constituting a reading port 50 is formed in a generally trapezoid shape with one side edge 52 away from the gripping portion 13 as the lower base and the other side edge 53, which is an edge facing the one side edge 52 and has a shorter length than the one side edge 52, as the upper base. More specifically, the peripheral edge 51 is formed in a generally isosceles trapezoid shape with legs 54 and 55 being symmetrical.

[0080] By opening the reading port 50 in this manner, an opening area long in one direction near one side edge 52 (hereinafter also referred to as a first opening area S1) can be used as an opening area for reading an information code long in one direction, i.e., a one-dimensional code. Also, a rectangular opening area (hereinafter also referred to as a second opening area S2) having a part of one side edge 52 and the other side edge 53 as opposing sides can be used as an opening area for reading a rectangular information code, i.e., a two-dimensional code.

[0081] Particularly, in this embodiment, the one side edge 52 is provided with a wall portion 56 that protrudes in a thin plate shape along the above-mentioned diagonal downward direction. This wall portion 56 is formed such that only the one side edge 52 of the periphery 51 protrudes diagonally downward with its thickness unchanged, and the protruding length H from the one side edge 52 to the protruding end 56a is a length corresponding to a distance suitable for imaging the information code C displayed on the display surface R with which the protruding end 56a is in contact. Specifically, the wall portion 56 is formed, for example, such that the protruding length H is at or near the best focus for imaging the information code C displayed on the display surface R with which the protruding end 56a is in contact.

[0082] The reading port 50 thus formed is capable of capturing reflected light from the information code C by holding the gripping portion 13 from the upper case 11a side and contacting the protruding end portion 56a of the wall portion 56 with a position on the display surface R that is near the rear side of the information code C as seen by the user, as shown in Figure 1.

[0083] Next, the electrical configuration of the optical information reader 10 will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figures 1 and 5, the circuit section 20a housed in the housing 11 mainly includes an optical system including an illumination light source 21, a light receiving sensor 28, an imaging lens 27, etc., and a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as "microcomputer") system including a memory 35, a control circuit 40, etc.

[0084] The optical system is divided into a light-projecting optical system and a light-receiving optical system. The illumination light source 21 constituting the light-projecting optical system functions as an illumination unit capable of emitting illumination light Lf, and is composed of, for example, a red LED 21a and a lens 21b provided on the emission side of the LED 21a. As can be seen from the illumination optical axis L1 shown in FIG. 1, the illumination light source 21 is arranged to irradiate the illumination light Lf at an angle with respect to the imaging optical axis L2. This is because if the illumination light Lf is irradiated parallel to the imaging optical axis L2, it will be mirror-reflected. Note that FIG. 5 conceptually shows an example in which the illumination light Lf is irradiated through the reading port 50 toward the display surface R on which the information code C is displayed.

[0085] The light receiving optical system is composed of a light receiving sensor 28, an imaging lens 27, a reflector (not shown), etc. The light receiving sensor 28 is configured as an area sensor in which light receiving elements, which are solid-state imaging elements such as C-MOS or CCD, are arranged two-dimensionally, and is configured to have a light receiving surface 28a as a rectangular light receiving area. The light receiving sensor 28 is mounted on the circuit board 20 so as to be able to receive incident light incident through the reading port 50, the protection plate 26, and the imaging lens 27.

[0086] The imaging lens 27 functions as an imaging optical system capable of focusing incident light incident from the outside through the reading port 50 and forming an image on the light receiving surface 28a of the light receiving sensor 28. In this embodiment, after the illumination light Lf irradiated from the illumination light source 21 is reflected by an information code or the like, the reflected light Lr is focused by the imaging lens 27 and a code image or the like is formed on the light receiving surface 28a of the light receiving sensor 28. In this embodiment, in order to suppress the influence of specular reflection, the imaging lens 27 is arranged such that when the protruding end 56a is brought into contact with the display surface R, the imaging optical axis L2 is inclined without being perpendicular to the display surface R, and the inclination angle θ between the assumed display surface R and the imaging optical axis L2 is, for example, about 45° to 70°. In particular, as shown in Fig. 4(B), the imaging lens 27 is disposed so that the imaging field of view AR of the light receiving sensor 28 having a square light receiving surface 28a at the X2-X2 cross section in Fig. 1 is a trapezoid with a gap of about 5 mm from the periphery 51, which is slightly narrower than the periphery 51. The imaging lens 27 is disposed so as to be decentered by being shifted in a direction away from the illumination light source 21 (leftward in Fig. 1) with respect to the light receiving surface of the light receiving sensor 28 so that the illumination light source 21 does not enter within the folded field of view (imaging range imaged by being reflected by the display surface R) of the imaging system from a predetermined display surface R. The light receiving sensor 28, the imaging lens 27, etc. may correspond to an example of an "imaging unit".

[0087] 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 circuit 40, a trigger switch 42, a buzzer 44, a vibrator 45, a light emitter 46, a communication interface 48, etc. As its name suggests, this microcomputer system is composed mainly of the control circuit 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 above-mentioned optical system in terms of hardware and software. The control circuit 40 also controls the entire system of the optical information reader 10.

[0088] An image signal (analog signal) output from the light receiving sensor 28 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 input to a memory 35 where it is stored in an image data storage area. The synchronization signal generation circuit 38 is configured to be able to generate a synchronization signal for the light receiving sensor 28 and the address generation circuit 36, and the address generation circuit 36 ​​is configured to be able to generate a storage address of the image data to be stored in the memory 35 based on the synchronization signal supplied from the synchronization signal generation circuit 38.

[0089] The memory 35 is a semiconductor memory device, such as a RAM (DRAM, SRAM, etc.) or a ROM (EPROM, EEPROM, etc.). The RAM of the memory 35 is configured to be able to secure not only the image data storage area described above, but also a work area and a reading condition table used by the control circuit 40 during each process such as arithmetic operations and logical operations. The ROM also stores in advance system programs and the like that can control each piece of hardware such as the illumination light source 21 and the light receiving sensor 28.

[0090] The control circuit 40 is a microcomputer capable of controlling the entire optical information 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 circuit 40 is configured to be connectable to various input / output devices (peripheral devices) via the built-in input / output interface, and in this embodiment, a trigger switch 42, a buzzer 44, a vibrator 45, a light-emitting unit 46, a communication interface 48, etc. are connected. As a result, for example, the control circuit 40 monitors and manages the trigger switch 42, turns on and off the sound of the buzzer 44 that can generate beeps and alarm sounds, drives and controls the vibrator 45 that can generate vibrations that can be transmitted to the user of the optical information reading device 10, turns on and off the light-emitting unit 46, and controls communication with an external device through the communication interface 48.

[0091] Next, a case where the information code C is read using the optical information reader 10 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. When reading an information code such as a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code, the control circuit 40 performs a reading process as follows.

[0092] When reading barcode C1 as a one-dimensional code long in one direction, by bringing protruding end 56a of wall 56 into contact with a position on display surface R near the back side of barcode C1, barcode C1 can be imaged through first opening region S1 as shown in Fig. 6(A). Also, when reading QR code C2 as a two-dimensional code, by bringing protruding end 56a of wall 56 into contact with a position on display surface R near the back side of QR code C2, QR code C2 can be imaged through second opening region S2 as shown in Fig. 6(B).

[0093] In this way, when a predetermined operation is performed on the trigger switch 42 with the protruding end 56a of the wall 56 in contact with the position of the display surface R near the back side of the information code C, the illumination light Lf is irradiated from the illumination light source 21 through the reading port 50, and the reflected light Lr reflected by the information code C is received by the light receiving sensor 28 through the reading port 50. When the illumination light Lf is irradiated in this way, the protruding end 56a of the wall 56 is in contact with the display surface R, so that no light leaks, and therefore no extraneous light from the back side as viewed from the user is imaged, and no person in the direction toward which the reading port 50 is pointed (the direction corresponding to the back side) feels dazzled by the illumination light Lf. On the other hand, since the wall 56 is not provided on the front side of the reading port 50, the visibility of the information code C is not impaired.

[0094] When the information code C is imaged and image data is generated based on a signal output from the light receiving sensor 28 in response to the above-mentioned light reception, a known decoding process (reading process) is performed on the code image of the image data that corresponds to the information code C. By this process, character data and the like coded as the information code C are decoded.

[0095] If the decoding is successful, at least one of the following is performed by the notification unit to notify the successful decoding: sounding of the buzzer 44, vibration of the vibrator 45, and emission of light by the light-emitting unit 46. If the decoding is successful based on the image data generated based on a portion of the signal output from the light-receiving sensor 28, the remaining signals become unnecessary. In this case, by suspending the processing subsequent to the generation of the image data based on the remaining signals, not only can the processing load related to the decoding (optical reading) be reduced, but also the processing time can be shortened.

[0096] As described above, in the optical information reading device 10 according to this embodiment, the housing 11 includes the reading unit 12 having the reading opening 50 formed therein, which emits the illumination light Lf from the illumination light source 21 and introduces the light from the information code C into the inside of the housing 11, and the gripping unit 13 which is gripped when the reading opening 50 is directed toward the information code C. When the longitudinal direction of the gripping unit 13 is taken as the horizontal direction, the reading unit 12 is connected to the gripping unit 13 such that the reading opening 50 extends obliquely downward from one longitudinal end of the gripping unit 13 and is located at the extending end 12a, and a wall portion 56 protruding along the obliquely downward direction is provided at one side edge portion 52 of the periphery 51 of the reading opening 50 that is remote from the gripping unit 13.

[0097] As a result, when the information code C is imaged with the reading port 50 separated from the display surface R, the wall portion 56 is located on the rear side of the information code C as viewed from the user holding the gripping portion 13, and the user himself is located on the front side of the information code C, so that it is possible to make it difficult to image extraneous light reflected by the information code C, etc., without impairing the visibility of the information code C. Furthermore, since the light reflected by the information code C, etc. by the illumination light Lf through the reading port 50 is unlikely to be reflected by the wall portion 56 to the rear side of the information code C, it is possible to suppress the glare felt by a person in the direction in which the reading port 50 is facing (the direction corresponding to the rear side). In particular, since the protruding end portion 56a, which is the tip side of the wall portion 56, is brought into contact with the display surface R, it is possible to more reliably suppress the influence of extraneous light and the glare felt by surrounding people. Therefore, it is possible to realize an optical information reading device 10 that can suppress the influence of extraneous light and the glare felt by surrounding people without impairing the visibility of the information code C when reading the information code C.

[0098] In particular, the wall 56 is formed so that the protruding length H from the one side edge 52 to the protruding end 56a corresponds to a distance suitable for imaging the information code C displayed on the display surface R with which the protruding end 56a is in contact. As a result, by bringing the protruding end 56a into contact with the display surface R and directing the reading port 50 toward the information code C, an image of the information code C suitable for reading can be captured, thereby increasing the success rate of reading the information code C.

[0099] In addition, since the imaging lens 27 is positioned offset in the direction away from the illumination light source 21 with respect to the light receiving surface of the light receiving sensor 28, it becomes difficult for the illumination light source 21 to enter the folded field of view from the specified display surface R, and from this point of view as well, the specular reflection caused by the illumination light can be suppressed.

[0100] As a first modification of the first embodiment, the one side edge 52 and the wall 56 may be formed to have an arc shape when the reading port 50 is viewed in a plan view, as illustrated in Fig. 7. That is, the periphery 51 may be formed so that at least a portion of it has an arc shape when the reading port 50 is viewed in a plan view.

[0101] As a second modified example of the first embodiment, the imaging lens 27, etc. may be disposed so that the imaging field of view AR at a position corresponding to the X2-X2 cross section in Fig. 1 covers the inner surface of the wall portion 56 as an imaging range, as exemplified in Fig. 8(A). As a third modified example of the first embodiment, even when the wall portion 56 is formed in an arc shape as described above, the imaging lens 27, etc. may be disposed so that the imaging field of view AR at a position corresponding to the X2-X2 cross section in Fig. 1 covers at least a part of the inner surface of the arc-shaped wall portion 56 as an imaging range, as exemplified in Fig. 8(B).

[0102] [Second embodiment] Next, an optical information reader according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the second embodiment, the main difference from the first embodiment is the shape of the vicinity of the reading port 50 of the reading unit 12. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for components substantially similar to those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0103] As shown in Figs. 9 and 10, in this embodiment, a pair of opposing portions 57a, 57b are provided on the periphery 51 of the reading port 50, which face each other through the reading port 50 and are connected to the wall portion 56. The opposing portion 57a ​​is formed so that the leg 54 protrudes obliquely downward without changing its thickness, the protruding length becomes longer as it approaches the one side edge portion 52, and the protruding length is equal to the protruding length H of the wall portion 56 in the vicinity of the one side edge portion 52. The opposing portion 57b is formed so that the leg 55 protrudes obliquely downward without changing its thickness, the protruding length becomes longer as it approaches the one side edge portion 52, and the protruding length is equal to the protruding length H of the wall portion 56 in the vicinity of the one side edge portion 52. That is, in this embodiment, a wall portion having a substantially U-shaped cross section is formed so as to protrude obliquely downward from the periphery 51. In particular, the opposing portions 57a, 57b are formed symmetrically so that the width becomes narrower toward the protruding end side, as shown in Fig. 9.

[0104] In this way, by providing the wall portion 56 and the pair of opposing portions 57a, 57b, the pair of opposing portions 57a, 57b can be used to reinforce the wall portion 56, while suppressing not only the effects of external light from the back side but also the effects of external light from the left and right directions.

[0105] As a first modified example of the second embodiment, the pair of opposing portions 57a, 57b may be formed to be approximately parallel to each other when the reading port 50 is formed to open in a square shape, as illustrated in FIG.

[0106] As a second modification of the second embodiment, in a configuration in which a pair of opposing portions 57a, 57b are arranged across a substantially trapezoidal reading port 50, the imaging lens 27, etc. may be arranged such that the imaging field of view AR at a position corresponding to the X2-X2 cross section in Fig. 1 is the imaging range of the inner surface of the wall portion 56, as exemplified in Fig. 12(A). As a third modification of the second embodiment, in a configuration in which a pair of opposing portions 57a, 57b are arranged across a rectangular reading port 50, the imaging lens 27, etc. may be arranged such that the imaging field of view AR at a position corresponding to the X2-X2 cross section in Fig. 1 is the imaging range of the inner surface of the wall portion 56, as exemplified in Fig. 12(B).

[0107] As a fourth modification of the second embodiment, the one side edge 52 and the wall 56 may be formed to have an arc shape when the reading port 50 is viewed in a plan view, as exemplified in Fig. 13(A). That is, the periphery 51 may be formed to have at least a portion that has an arc shape when the reading port 50 is viewed in a plan view. As a fifth modification of the second embodiment, the pair of opposing portions 57a, 57b may be formed to be approximately parallel to each other when the wall 56 is formed to have an arc shape as described above, as exemplified in Fig. 13(B).

[0108] As a sixth modified example of the second embodiment, the imaging lens 27, etc. may be disposed so that the imaging field of view AR at a position corresponding to the X2-X2 cross section in Fig. 1 is the imaging range of the inner surface of the arc-shaped wall portion 56, as exemplified in Fig. 14(A), even when the one side edge portion 52 and the wall portion 56 are formed in an arc shape as described above and the pair of opposing portions 57a, 57b are formed to be substantially parallel to each other, as exemplified in Fig. 14(B), even when the one side edge portion 52 and the wall portion 56 are formed in an arc shape as described above and the pair of opposing portions 57a, 57b are formed to be substantially parallel to each other.

[0109] [Third embodiment] Next, an optical information reader according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the third embodiment, the main difference from the first embodiment is the irradiation direction of the illumination light Lf emitted from the illumination light source 21. For this reason, the same reference numerals are used for components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0110] When the angle of the irradiation direction of the illumination light Lf with respect to the display surface R, i.e., the inclination angle between the display surface R and the illumination light axis L1, is brought closer to 90°, the specular reflection caused by the illumination light Lf becomes more likely to affect reading. On the other hand, when the angle of the irradiation direction is simply made smaller, it becomes more difficult for the illumination light Lf to be irradiated onto the information code C toward which the reading port 50 is directed.

[0111] Therefore, in this embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 15, the illumination light source 21 is disposed so as to irradiate the illumination light Lf toward the inner surface 56b of the wall portion 56.

[0112] As a result, when the protruding end 56a is in contact with a position on the display surface R near the rear side of the information code C, the illumination light Lf emitted from the illumination light source 21 passes through the reading port 50 and is reflected by the inner surface 56b of the wall portion 56, thereby being irradiated onto the information code C.

[0113] In this way, by positioning the illumination light source 21 so that the illumination light Lf is irradiated toward the inner surface 56b of the wall portion 56 through the reading port 50, the information code C brought close to the wall portion 56 is illuminated by the reflected light reflected by the wall portion 56, so that the effect of specular reflection caused by the illumination light Lf on reading the information code C can be suppressed while ensuring the necessary illuminance.

[0114] The characteristic configuration of this embodiment in which the illumination light Lf is irradiated toward the inner surface 56b of the wall portion 56 can also be applied to the other embodiments.

[0115] [Fourth embodiment] Next, an optical information reader according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment mainly in that a marker light emitting unit that emits marker light to indicate the center of the imaging field of view AR is provided. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used to denote components substantially similar to those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0116] 16, in this embodiment, a marker light irradiator 29 that irradiates a circular marker light Lm for indicating the center (imaging optical axis L2) of the imaging field of view AR through a reading port 50 is provided in the housing 11. The marker light irradiator 29 includes a marker light source 29a, an aperture 29b, a marker lens 29c, and the like, and is disposed so that the marker light source 29a is close to the light receiving sensor 28 while reducing the angular difference between the marker optical axis L3 of the marker light Lm and the imaging optical axis L2.

[0117] In particular, in this embodiment, in a state in which the information code C can be read, the illumination light Lf and the marker light Lm are configured to be alternately emitted, and the user visually recognizes that the illumination light Lf and the marker light Lm are simultaneously emitted. For this reason, in this embodiment, red is adopted as the color of the illumination light Lf, and green, which has a wavelength close to 555 nm, the maximum visibility, is adopted as the color of the marker light Lm, with consideration for color universal design. Note that the above-mentioned colors of the illumination light Lf and the marker light Lm are merely examples, and for example, when the illumination light Lf is irradiated in white, the marker light Lm may be irradiated in red, when the illumination light Lf is irradiated in red, the marker light Lm may be irradiated in orange, or when the illumination light Lf is irradiated in white, the marker light Lm may be irradiated in green.

[0118] By providing the marker light irradiator 29 as described above, when the illumination light Lf is irradiated to read the information code C, the marker light Lm indicating the center of the imaging field of view AR is visually recognized as shown in Fig. 17. This allows the user to easily visually recognize the imaging field of view AR according to the position of the marker light Lm, and allows the user to appropriately orient the reading port 50 toward the information code C.

[0119] The characteristic configuration of this embodiment in which marker light Lm is irradiated to indicate the center of the imaging field of view AR can also be applied to other embodiments.

[0120] [Fifth embodiment] Next, an optical information reader according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in that a guide portion is provided on the wall portion to facilitate reading of the two-dimensional code. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for components substantially similar to those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0121] As described above, the reading port 50 in the first embodiment opens in a substantially trapezoidal shape so that it can read both one-dimensional codes that are long in one direction and rectangular two-dimensional codes, and one side edge 52 away from the gripping part 13 serves as the base, and a wall 56 is provided on this one side edge 52. For this reason, when directing the reading port 50 toward the two-dimensional code while looking at the outer surface 56c of the wall 56, the two-dimensional code is hidden by the wall 56, and it may not be possible to accurately direct the second opening area S2 toward the two-dimensional code.

[0122] 18 and 19, in this embodiment, a guide portion 60 that functions as a guide when reading a two-dimensional code is provided on an outer surface 56c near the protruding end portion 56a of the wall portion 56. The guide portion 60 includes a pair of guides 61, 62. As shown in Fig. 19, the guide 61 is formed in a protruding shape at a position where one end of the other side edge portion 53 is projected perpendicularly to the one side edge portion 52, and the guide 62 is formed in a protruding shape at a position where the other end of the other side edge portion 53 is projected perpendicularly to the one side edge portion 52.

[0123] As a result, even when the reading port 50 is directed toward the two-dimensional code while looking at the outer surface 56c of the wall portion 56, the two-dimensional code is positioned between the guides 61 and 62, so that the second opening area S2 can be directed toward the two-dimensional code, making it easy to read the two-dimensional code.

[0124] As a modification of this embodiment, the pair of guides 61, 62 are not limited to being provided on the wall portion 56 protruding in a thin plate shape, but may be provided on the wall portion 56 shown in FIG. 10 as in the first modification of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 20(A), or may be provided on the wall portion 56 shown in FIG. 11 as in the second modification of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 20(B). The pair of guides 61, 62 may be provided on the wall portion 56 shown in FIG. 7 as in the third modification of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 21(A), or may be provided on the wall portion 56 shown in FIG. 13(A) as in the fourth modification of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 21(B), or may be provided on the wall portion 56 shown in FIG. 13(B) as in the fifth modification of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 21(C). In this case, the imaging lens 27 and the like may be disposed so that the imaging field of view AR at a position corresponding to the X2-X2 cross section in FIG. 1 has the inner surface of the wall portion 56 as an imaging range, as described above.

[0125] In addition, in order to make it easier to imagine the position of the second opening area S2 for reading the two-dimensional code, the pair of guides 61, 62 may be positioned such that the greater the distance between guide 61 and guide 62, the closer they are to the protruding end 56a, as in the sixth modified example of the fifth embodiment shown in Figure 22.

[0126] The pair of guides 61, 62 are not limited to being formed in a protrusion shape so as to be integrated with the outer surface 56c of the wall portion 56, but may be formed in a shape that is easy to see by using a notch or the like. The pair of guides 61, 62 may be displayed on the outer surface 56c by printing or the like, or may be displayed by using a light-emitting unit such as an LED. By adopting a display unit such as a liquid crystal display as the guide portion 60, the pair of guides 61, 62 may be displayed by using the display state of the display unit. The above-mentioned various guides 61, 62 may be provided on an attachment that is detachably assembled to the outer surface 56c of the wall portion 56.

[0127] The characteristic configuration of this embodiment, in which a guide portion is provided on the wall portion to facilitate reading of the two-dimensional code, can also be applied to other embodiments.

[0128] [Sixth embodiment] Next, an optical information reader according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The sixth embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in that the signal captured by the light receiving sensor 28 and used for the decoding process is selected according to the object to be read. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for the components substantially similar to those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0129] In this embodiment, in the reading process performed by the control circuit 40, there are provided a state (information code reading mode) in which the information code is decoded (read) based on a signal output from the light receiving sensor 28 in response to reception of reflected light from the information code C taken in through the first opening area S1 and the second opening area S2, and a state (one-dimensional code reading mode) in which the one-dimensional code is decoded (read) based on a signal output from the light receiving sensor 28 in response to reception of reflected light from the one-dimensional code taken in through the first opening area S1.

[0130] The initial setting is the information code reading mode, and the reading process carried out by the control circuit 40 can read information codes including both one-dimensional codes and two-dimensional codes.

[0131] When only a one-dimensional code is to be read, the control circuit 40, functioning as a switching unit, switches to the one-dimensional code reading mode in the reading process performed by the control circuit 40 in response to a specified operation or reading of an information code for mode switching.

[0132] With the mode switched to one-dimensional code reading in this manner, the protruding end 56a is brought into contact with the display surface R on which the one-dimensional code is displayed, and the reading port 50 is directed toward the one-dimensional code in the first opening area S1. This not only makes it easier to aim the reading port 50 at the position where the one-dimensional code is to be read, but also reduces the load and time required for the decoding process (reading process) by clarifying the target to be read.

[0133] As a modified example of this embodiment, a state (two-dimensional code reading mode) can be further provided in which the two-dimensional code is decoded (read) based on a signal output from the light receiving sensor 28 in response to receiving reflected light from the two-dimensional code captured through the second opening area S2.

[0134] Therefore, when the object to be read is only a two-dimensional code, in the reading process performed by the control circuit 40 in response to a predetermined operation or reading of an information code for mode switching, etc., the reading port 50 may be directed toward the two-dimensional code in the second opening area S2 by bringing the protruding end 56a into contact with the display surface R on which the two-dimensional code is displayed, in a state switched to the two-dimensional code reading mode. This not only makes it easier to orient the reading port 50 toward the position where the two-dimensional code is to be read, but also clarifies the object to be read, thereby reducing the load and time of the decoding process (reading process).

[0135] The characteristic configuration of this embodiment, which selects the signal to be used for the decoding process that is received from the light receiving sensor 28 depending on the object to be read, can also be applied to the other embodiments.

[0136] [Seventh embodiment] Next, an optical information reader according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The seventh embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in that the imaging center (optical center) P is arranged to be located at the center of the first aperture region S1. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for components substantially similar to those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0137] In this embodiment, since reading one-dimensional codes is more important than reading two-dimensional codes, the imaging lens 27, which focuses the reflected light from the information code onto the light receiving sensor 28, is positioned with the inclination of the imaging optical axis L2 adjusted so that the imaging center P is located in the center of the first opening area S1, as shown in Figure 23.

[0138] This ensures that light is received in the light receiving area corresponding to the first opening area S1, thereby improving the accuracy of reading the one-dimensional code.

[0139] In particular, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, the illumination light source 21 is configured to irradiate band-shaped light (approximately line-shaped light) as the illumination light Lf toward the first opening region S1.

[0140] This not only makes it easier to irradiate the illumination light Lf onto the one-dimensional code to be read, but also makes it easier to aim the reading port 50 at the one-dimensional code in the first opening area S1, as the illumination light Lf functions as a guide light. This makes it even easier to receive reflected light Lr from the one-dimensional code toward which the first opening area S1 is directed, thereby further improving the reading accuracy of the one-dimensional code.

[0141] When reading of two-dimensional codes is more important than reading of one-dimensional codes, the illumination light Lf having a rectangular cross section may be irradiated from the illumination light source 21 through the second opening area S2, as in the first modified example of the seventh embodiment shown in FIG. 24.

[0142] In this case, the reflected light Lr from the two-dimensional code toward which the second opening region S2 is directed can be more easily received by the light receiving sensor 28, improving the reading accuracy of the two-dimensional code. In particular, the illumination light Lf having a rectangular cross section functions as a guide light, making it easier to direct the reading port 50 toward the two-dimensional code in the second opening region S2.

[0143] In the seventh embodiment and its modified example, the illumination light source 21 may have its light-emitting state controlled in response to a predetermined input operation. For example, when a two-dimensional code is to be read in a state where a strip-shaped illumination light Lf is irradiated through the first opening region S1, the illumination light Lf may be turned off, or the illumination light Lf having a rectangular cross section may be irradiated through the second opening region S2. In addition, when a one-dimensional code is to be read in a state where a strip-shaped illumination light Lf is irradiated through the second opening region S2, the illumination light Lf may be turned off, or the strip-shaped illumination light Lf may be irradiated through the first opening region S1.

[0144] [Eighth embodiment] Next, an optical information reader according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The eighth embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in the shape of a protection plate provided at the reading port to protect the imaging unit and the illumination unit.

[0145] In optical information readers capable of reading two-dimensional codes, the opening of the reading port is larger than that of devices capable of reading one-dimensional codes. For this reason, the user's fingers holding the housing may accidentally touch the protective plate provided at the reading port to protect the imaging unit and the lighting unit. In such cases, there is a problem that the protective plate becomes dirty with sebum or other dirt, which reduces the reading performance.

[0146] 25 to 27, in the present embodiment, in a housing 211 having a large opening for a reading port 250, a protection plate 226 is provided at the reading port 250 as a protection member for protecting the imaging unit and the illumination unit housed in the housing 211. The protection plate 226 is held by a holding unit 215 provided near the reading port 250 of the housing 211 so as to surround it from the outer surface side.

[0147] Protective plate 226 is configured as a plate-like member of a predetermined thickness, and is configured from a translucent (light-transmitting) plate (for example, transparent acrylic resin, transparent glass, etc.) that allows the transmission of light from outside housing 211 and light from inside housing 211. As shown in Fig. 28, this protective plate 226 has portions where illumination light passes through function as first transmitting portions 226a and 226b, a portion where reflected light from the information code passes through function as second transmitting portion 226c, and a portion where marker light passes through function as third transmitting portion 226d.

[0148] The holding section 215 is formed so that the exposed widths Xa and Xb for exposing the first transmitting sections 226a and 226b, the second transmitting section 226c, and the third transmitting section 226d are smaller than the width of the user's finger. Here, the relationship between the exposed width and the depth to the protective plate 226 (exposed depth: thickness of the holding section 215) and the degree of finger contact with the protective plate 226 is shown in Figs. 29(A) and 29(B). Fig. 29(A) shows the degree of finger contact when the exposed width and exposed depth are changed for finger widths of 14.1 mm and 11.1 mm, where "2" corresponds to the degree of touching with the entire finger pad, "1" corresponds to the degree of slight touch, and "0" corresponds to the degree of not touching at all. As can be seen from Fig. 29(A), when the exposed depth needs to be small, the exposed width is set small, and when the exposed width needs to be large, the exposed depth is set large, making it difficult for the finger to touch the protective plate 226. For this reason, the holding portion 215 is set so that the above-mentioned exposed widths Xa, Xb and exposed depth approach the contact degree "0" in FIG. 29(A).

[0149] By holding protective plate 226 on holding portion 215 configured in this manner, even if a user's fingers touch holding portion 215 when gripping housing 211, the fingers are less likely to accidentally touch first transparent portions 226a and 226b, second transparent portion 226c, or third transparent portion 226d. Therefore, dirt such as sebum is less likely to adhere to first transparent portions 226a and 226b, second transparent portion 226c, and third transparent portion 226d, so that a decrease in reading performance caused by dirt adhering to protective plate 226 can be suppressed.

[0150] The holding section 215 may be formed such that the first transmitting portions 226a, 226b, the second transmitting portion 226c, and the third transmitting portion 226d are individually exposed through the exposure openings 215a to 215d, as in a first modified example of this embodiment shown in Fig. 30. In that case, the protection plate 226 may be configured such that the pair of first transmitting portions 226a, 226b, the second transmitting portion 226c, and the third transmitting portion 226d are individually separated, and each may be individually held by the holding section 215, as in a second modified example of this embodiment shown in Fig. 31.

[0151] Fig. 32(A) is an explanatory diagram showing a main part of an optical information reader according to a third modified example of the eighth embodiment, and Fig. 32(B) is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an enlarged X3-X3 cross section of Fig. 32(A). In addition, as shown in Figs. 32(A) and (B), the protective plate 226 may be formed with a first annular portion 226e protruding outward so as to surround the first transmitting portion 226a in an annular shape, a first annular portion 226f protruding outward so as to surround the first transmitting portion 226b in an annular shape, a second annular portion 226g protruding outward so as to surround the second transmitting portion 226c in an annular shape, and a third annular portion 226h protruding outward so as to surround the third transmitting portion 226d in an annular shape.

[0152] As a result, even if the user's fingers touch first annular portions 226e, 226f, second annular portion 226g, or third annular portion 226h when gripping housing 211, the fingers are unlikely to mistakenly touch first transparent portions 226a, 226b, second transparent portion 226c, or third transparent portion 226d. Therefore, dirt such as sebum is unlikely to adhere to first transparent portions 226a, 226b, second transparent portion 226c, and third transparent portion 226d, so that a decrease in reading performance caused by dirt adhering to protective plate 226 can be suppressed.

[0153] [Ninth embodiment] Next, an optical information reader according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The ninth embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in that the trigger switch 42 is eliminated and a marker light irradiator 29 is adopted to change the irradiation conditions of the illumination light according to the imaging state of the marker light Lm.

[0154] In the reading of information codes using an optical information reader, in order to improve the workability, the reading operation is often performed with illumination light constantly irradiated through the reading port. Therefore, when a person performs another task while holding the optical information reader, the illumination light may accidentally enter the eyes of people around them. In particular, in recent years, there has been an increasing need to read two-dimensional codes, and the above problem becomes more pronounced when an optical information reader with a wide illumination light irradiation area is used to read two-dimensional codes. In response to this, there is a method of using a trigger switch or the like to turn on the illumination light each time and read the code, but in a field where reading is performed frequently, there are problems such as delayed operation, durability of the switch, and fatigue of the operator.

[0155] Therefore, in this embodiment, the trigger switch 42 is eliminated and the marker light emitting unit 29 is adopted, and the illumination light irradiation conditions are changed according to the image capturing state of the marker light Lm in the reading process performed by the control circuit 40. If the marker light Lm is captured, it can be assumed that the marker light Lm is reflected by an information code or the like at which the reading port 50 is directed.

[0156] The reading process performed by the control circuit 40 in this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG. When the reading process is started in response to a predetermined operation, the determination process of step S101 shown in Fig. 33 is performed, and the light receiving sensor 28, the imaging lens 27, etc. are made to function as an imaging unit to determine whether or not the image captured by this imaging unit has changed. Here, when the optical information reading device 10 is placed on a desk or the like, the image captured by the imaging unit does not change, so the determination of No is repeated in step S101, and the state in which the marker light Lm and the illumination light are not irradiated continues. Note that the control circuit 40, etc. that performs the determination process of step S101 above may correspond to an example of an "image change determination unit."

[0157] Then, when the user holds the optical information reading device 10 and the image captured by the imaging unit changes (Yes in S101), the control circuit 40 controls the marker light Lm to be emitted from the marker light emitting unit 29 (S103).

[0158] Next, a marker light detection image acquisition process is performed in step S105, and an image for detecting the marker light Lm is acquired by the imaging unit. Then, in a determination process in step S107, it is determined whether or not the image captured by the imaging unit is in a marker imaging state in which the marker light Lm is captured in a predetermined state. In this embodiment, the predetermined state is, for example, an imaging state in which the diameter of the captured marker light Lm is equal to or greater than a predetermined value when the marker light Lm is circular. Note that the control circuit 40 and the like that perform the determination process in step S107 may correspond to an example of a "marker imaging determination unit."

[0159] Here, when it is determined that the marker image capturing state is in progress because the irradiated marker light Lm is reflected by the information code or the display surface on which the reading port 50 is directed (Yes in S107) due to the reading port 50 being directed to a nearby information code or the display surface on which the information code is attached, an illumination light irradiation process is performed in step S109. In this process, the control circuit 40 controls the illumination unit to irradiate illumination light from at least one of the first illumination unit 21 and the second illumination unit 22. For this reason, in the decoding image acquisition process performed in step S111, an image is captured and acquired by the imaging unit in a state in which the illumination light is irradiated. Then, in the decoding process in step S113, a process for decoding the information code included in the captured image is performed, and if this decoding process is successful (Yes in S115), this reading process is terminated, and a process using the decoded result obtained as described above is performed. On the other hand, if the decoding process fails (No in S115), the process from step S101 is performed. The control circuit 40 may correspond to an example of a "lighting control unit."

[0160] On the other hand, when the reading port 50 is not directed toward the information code or the display surface on which the information code is attached, and the marker light is irradiated toward a distant space, the reflected light of the marker light Lm cannot be imaged, and it is determined that the marker image capturing state is not in progress (No in S107). In this case, the illumination light irradiation is stopped (S117), and an image is captured by the imaging unit without irradiating the illumination light (S111), and the captured image is decoded (S113).

[0161] For example, when the reading port 50 is directed toward a screen on which an information code is displayed, the screen itself emits light, so the reflected light of the marker light Lm cannot be easily recognized and imaged, and it is determined that the marker image capturing state is not in progress (No in S107). Thus, when reading an information code displayed on the screen, the illumination light irradiation is stopped (S117), but since the screen itself emits light, the information code can be imaged so that it can be decoded.

[0162] As described above, the optical information reading device 10 of this embodiment is provided with a marker light irradiating unit 29 that irradiates marker light Lm indicating the imaging field of view by the imaging unit, and in the above-mentioned reading process, it is determined whether or not the image captured by the imaging unit is in a marker imaging state in which the marker light Lm is captured in a predetermined state, and the illumination unit is controlled according to this determination result.

[0163] When the reading port 50 is not directed toward a display surface or the like with an information code attached thereto, the irradiated marker light Lm is not reflected by the display surface or the like, and the marker light Lm is not imaged. In other words, when the marker light Lm is not imaged, there is no need to irradiate illumination light, and therefore, by controlling the illumination unit according to the above-mentioned determination result, it is possible to suppress irradiation of unnecessary illumination light.

[0164] In particular, if it is determined in the determination process of step S107 that the marker image capture state is established (Yes in S107), the illumination unit is controlled to irradiate the illumination light, and if it is determined that the marker image capture state is not established (No in S107), the illumination unit is controlled to stop irradiating the illumination light. As a result, on a screen on which an information code is displayed, the screen itself emits light, so that the reflected light of the marker light Lm cannot be easily recognized and imaged, and irradiation of the illumination light is unnecessary in the first place, so that the illumination light can be appropriately switched ON / OFF.

[0165] Furthermore, when it is determined that the image captured by the imaging unit has changed (Yes in S101), the marker light irradiating unit 29 irradiates the marker light Lm. As a result, when the optical information reading device 10 is placed on a desk or the like, that is, when it is not in use, the image captured by the imaging unit does not change and the marker light Lm is not irradiated, so that irradiation of unnecessary illumination light can be more reliably suppressed.

[0166] If it is determined that the marker image capturing state is established (Yes in S107), the illumination unit may be controlled to irradiate illumination light, and if it is determined that the marker image capturing state is not established (No in S107), the illumination unit may be controlled to irradiate illumination light in a state darker than when it is determined that the marker image capturing state is established. Even in this manner, irradiation of unnecessarily bright illumination light can be suppressed.

[0167] In addition, since the range in which the marker light Lm is captured in the captured image is determined in advance, in the determination process of step S101, a range in which the marker light Lm may be captured in the captured image may be determined as to whether or not the marker light Lm is in a marker image capturing state in which the marker light Lm is captured in a predetermined state. For example, when the marker light Lm indicates the center of the imaging field of view, it may be determined as to whether or not the marker image capturing state is present only in the central range of the captured image. This makes it possible to limit the range in the captured image in which it is determined whether or not the marker image capturing state is present, thereby reducing the processing load required for the determination process and improving the processing speed. In addition, when the captured images in which the marker light Lm is captured are sequentially stored in the memory 35, the amount of information stored can be reduced.

[0168] In addition, the marker light Lm is not limited to being emitted in a circular shape so as to indicate the center of the imaging field of view of the imaging unit, but may be emitted so as to indicate, for example, both the four corners and the center of the imaging field of view of the imaging unit.

[0169] [Tenth embodiment] Next, an optical information reader according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The tenth embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in that, when multiple decoded results are obtained from one captured image, the decoded result to be output is selected from the multiple decoded results.

[0170] In recent years, there has been an increasing need to read two-dimensional codes, and the introduction of optical information readers capable of reading both one-dimensional and two-dimensional codes at retail stores and the like has been on the rise. In addition to one-dimensional codes for POS, products may also display two-dimensional codes for providing product information, etc. Unlike reading with a line sensor of a one-dimensional scanner, optical information readers that read two-dimensional codes using an area sensor or the like have a planar reading field (image field). Therefore, if multiple information codes are included in the reading field during checkout, an information code unrelated to the checkout may be unintentionally read.

[0171] For example, when reading a barcode Ca for transaction purposes attached to a product at the time of transaction, if a QR code Cb for providing product information attached to the product is also captured at the same time as shown in Fig. 34, the decoded results of the barcode Ca and the QR code Cb will be obtained from one captured image. Also, for example, if an information code for a coupon to be read before transaction is captured together with the information code for transaction purposes, two decoded results will be obtained from one captured image. For this reason, when multiple information codes are read at the same time, it is necessary to selectively determine whether or not to output the read information.

[0172] Therefore, in the reading process performed in this embodiment, when multiple decoded results are obtained from one captured image, the decoded result to be output is selected from the multiple decoded results based on whether or not the decoded result contains pre-registered selection determination information.

[0173] The reading process performed by the control circuit 40 in this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 35. In this embodiment, a characteristic character string included in a predetermined URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is adopted as the selection and determination information, and a decoded result that does not include this characteristic character string is selected as the decoded result to be output. As the characteristic character string, for example, a scheme name such as "http:" or "https:" and a colon delimiter attached to the end of the scheme name (hereinafter also simply referred to as the scheme name, etc.) are assumed and are stored in advance in the memory 35.

[0174] When the reading process is started in response to a predetermined operation, an imaging process is performed in step S201 shown in Fig. 35, and the light receiving sensor 28, the imaging lens 27, etc. are made to function as an imaging unit, and an image for decoding the information code is captured by this imaging unit. Next, a decoding process is performed in step S203 to decode the information code contained in the captured image. Then, when one decoding result is obtained from the captured image (No in S205), the decoding result is output to the outside via the communication interface 48 (S209). The control circuit 40 that executes the decoding process may correspond to an example of a "decoding unit".

[0175] On the other hand, if multiple decoded results are obtained from the captured image (Yes in S205), a selection process is performed in step S207. In this process, a decoded result that does not include the selection determination information (for example, a characteristic character string included in a specific URL) is selected as the decoded result to be output. For this reason, as illustrated in FIG. 34, if two decoded results are obtained by simultaneously capturing an image of a barcode Ca for checkout, on which product price information and the like are recorded, and a QR code Cb for providing product information, on which the URL of a site introducing products is recorded, the decoded result of the barcode Ca is selected as the decoded result to be output. Then, the decoded result selected in this way is output to the outside via the communication interface 48 (S209). The control circuit 40 that executes the selection process may correspond to an example of a "selecting unit."

[0176] As described above, in the optical information reading device 10 according to the present embodiment, in the reading process, a decoding process is performed for decoding an information code on an image captured by an imaging unit, and when multiple information codes are captured simultaneously and multiple decoded results are obtained from one captured image, a selection process is performed to select the decoded result to be output. In the selection process, the decoded result to be output is selected based on whether or not the decoded result includes selection determination information registered in advance.

[0177] As a result, for example, when the information code to be read includes the selection determination information, the decoded result including the selection determination information is selected from among the multiple decoded results, thereby preventing the decoded result of the information code not to be read that does not include the selection determination information from being output. Also, for example, when the information code to be read includes the selection determination information, the decoded result not including the selection determination information is selected from among the multiple decoded results, thereby preventing the decoded result of the information code not to be read that includes the selection determination information from being output. That is, even when multiple decoded results are obtained because multiple information codes are simultaneously imaged, the decoded result to be output can be appropriately selected, and the output of the decoded result of the information code that was unintentionally read can be restricted.

[0178] In particular, in this embodiment, the selection determination information is registered as a characteristic character string included in a predetermined URL. Therefore, when a URL is recorded in an information code that should not be read, it is possible to prevent the decoded result of the information code from being output. On the other hand, when a URL is recorded in an information code that should be read, it is also possible to prevent the decoded result that does not include the URL from being output.

[0179] The selection determination information is not limited to being set to a characteristic character string included in a predetermined URL, such as a scheme name, such as "http:" or "https:", and may be set to other scheme names, such as "file:" or "mailto:". The selection determination information may be distinguished, for example, between "http:" and "https:" and "file:" and "mailto:". In this case, since protocols such as "file:" may be used for two-dimensional codes for business use, a decrease in business efficiency can be avoided by limiting the reading and output of only two-dimensional codes for directing users to websites using the "http:" or "https:" protocol.

[0180] The selection determination information may be set to a characteristic character string included in a predetermined address such as an IP address. In this case, when the characteristic character string of the address is recorded in an information code that should not be read, the decoded result of the information code can be prevented from being output, and when the characteristic character string of the address is recorded in an information code that should be read, the decoded result that does not include the characteristic character string of the address can be prevented from being output.

[0181] The selection determination information may be set to, for example, a top-level domain such as ".com" or ".jp" and the delimiter dot immediately preceding it. In recent years, URLs for web addresses often omit the "http:" scheme and leave the interpretation of the scheme to the application, so by setting a domain as selection determination information, it is possible to restrict the reading and output of web addresses more broadly than by restricting by the scheme.

[0182] Furthermore, the selection determination information may be set according to, for example, a combination of one or more predetermined numeric strings, or may be set according to a combination of one or more predetermined character strings.

[0183] In the selection process of step S207, the decoded result to be output may be selected based on the code type of the information code that was successfully decoded. For example, the decoded result of a barcode may be selected, and the decoded result of an information code of a code type other than a barcode may not be selected.

[0184] As a result, if the information code to be read is of a predetermined code type, by selecting a decoded result decoded from an information code of the predetermined code type from among the multiple decoded results, it is possible to prevent the output of a decoded result of an information code that is not of the predetermined code type and is not the target to be read. Even in this way, even if multiple decoded results are obtained because multiple information codes are simultaneously imaged, it is possible to appropriately select the decoded result to be output, and it is possible to restrict the output of the decoded result of an information code that has been unintentionally read.

[0185] [Eleventh embodiment] Next, an optical information reader according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The eleventh embodiment differs from the tenth embodiment mainly in that when two or more identical decoded results are obtained from one captured image, duplicated processing is suppressed.

[0186] Conventionally, in order to prevent the same information code from being read twice, a technique is known that compares a decoded result obtained by reading an information code with a decoded result that has been decoded most recently, and restricts the output of a matching decoded result. In recent years, two-dimensional codes such as QR codes have become widespread, and one-dimensional codes and two-dimensional codes may be displayed adjacent to each other (see FIG. 34). In particular, depending on the application, the same data may be recorded in one-dimensional codes and two-dimensional codes displayed adjacent to each other, and since the code types are different, conventional double-reading techniques cannot be applied, and therefore processing based on the same decoded result may be performed redundantly. For example, when a one-dimensional code and a two-dimensional code with the same data recorded therein are displayed adjacent to each other on the display screen of a smartphone at the time of payment, there is a possibility that a payment may be processed twice based on the decoded results read respectively.

[0187] Therefore, in the reading process performed in this embodiment, when multiple decoded results are obtained from one captured image because multiple information codes are captured simultaneously, it is determined whether two or more identical decoded results are obtained, thereby preventing duplicated processing based on the same decoded result. Note that the decoded result may also include the code type of the read information code.

[0188] The reading process performed by the control circuit 40 in this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG. When the reading process is started in response to a predetermined operation, an image capturing process is performed in step S301 shown in Fig. 36, and the light receiving sensor 28, the imaging lens 27, etc. are made to function as an image capturing unit, and an image for decoding the information code is captured by this image capturing unit. Next, in a determination process shown in step S303, it is determined whether or not the captured image contains a code image that can be recognized as an information code. Then, if one or more code images are present (Yes in S303), a code image acquisition process is performed in step S305, and one code image is extracted and acquired from the captured image.

[0189] Next, in the decoding process shown in step S307, the code image acquired as described above is decoded, and if the decoding process is successful, the decoded result is obtained. Then, in the data reference process shown in step S309, the memory 35 is referenced for the stored decoded result as described later.

[0190] Then, in the judgment process of step S311, it is judged whether or not data matching the decoded result obtained in the above-mentioned decoding process is stored in memory 35. Here, if a matching decoded result is not stored (No in S311), the decoded result is output to a higher-level device or the like (S315) as a predetermined process, and the decoded result is stored in memory 35 (S317). Note that the control circuit 40 performing the judgment process of step S311 above may correspond to an example of a "decoded result similarity / differentity judgment unit" that judges whether or not the same decoded result has been obtained. Also, the control circuit 40 that performs the process of outputting the decoded result (S315) may correspond to an example of a "processing unit" for performing a predetermined process using the decoded result.

[0191] Next, in the determination process of step S319, it is determined whether there are other code images that have not been decoded because there are two or more code images in the captured image. If there are other code images that have not been decoded because there are two or more code images in the captured image (Yes in S319), the next code image is obtained (S321). Then, the obtained code image is decoded (S307), and the memory 35 is referred to for the decoded result (S309).

[0192] Then, when data matching the decoded result obtained in the above-mentioned decoding process is stored in the memory 35 (Yes in S311), in the judgment process of step S313, it is judged whether or not the matching decoded result has not been output within a predetermined number of readings. Here, the above-mentioned number of readings is the number of times counted once for one captured image, and in this embodiment, the above-mentioned predetermined number of readings is set so that, for example, it is judged that the decoded result decoded from the captured image captured this time or the decoded result decoded from the captured image captured last time has been output within the predetermined number of readings, and it is judged that the decoded result decoded from the captured image captured two times before last has not been output within the predetermined number of readings.

[0193] Here, if two information codes each containing the same data are contained in a single captured image and a decoded result identical to the decoded result previously decoded and stored in memory 35 is obtained, it is determined that a matching decoded result has been output within the specified number of readings (No in S313), and processing from step S319 onwards is carried out.

[0194] On the other hand, if a decoding result identical to the decoding result obtained from the image captured two images ago or the image captured before that is determined to have not been output within a predetermined number of readings (Yes in S313), the decoding result is output to a higher-level device, etc. (S315).

[0195] Then, when all code images contained in one captured image have been decoded (No in S319), if a predetermined ending operation has not been performed (No in S323), a new captured image is captured (S301), and the processing from step S303 onwards is performed on this captured image.

[0196] As described above, in the optical information reading device 10 according to the present embodiment, in the reading process, a decoding process is performed for decoding an information code on an image captured by an imaging unit, and when multiple decoded results are obtained from one captured image because multiple information codes are simultaneously captured, it is determined whether or not two or more identical decoded results have been obtained. Then, when it is determined that two or more identical decoded results have been obtained, a predetermined process is performed on one of the two or more identical decoded results to output the decoded result.

[0197] This makes it possible to prevent the same processing from being performed redundantly even when, for example, information codes of different code types in which the same data is recorded are simultaneously imaged.

[0198] In particular, in this embodiment, if it is determined that two or more identical decoded results have been obtained (Yes in S311), and a decoded result that matches the same decoded result based on the information stored in memory 35 has not been subjected to the above-mentioned specified processing within a specified number of readings (Yes in S313), a specified processing (output processing of the decoded result) is performed on this decoded result.

[0199] As a result, even if the same decoded result has been read previously, if that previous decoded result has not been subjected to the specified processing within the specified number of readings, i.e., if it is not a decoded result that has been recently used for the specified processing, it is determined that the user has intentionally read two or more information codes with the same data recorded therein, and the same decoded result can be used to perform the specified processing.

[0200] Next, a first modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the reading process in the first modified example of this embodiment, after the decoded result is output to the higher-level device or the like (S315 in FIG. 37) as described above, the decoded result is stored in the memory 35 functioning as a storage unit together with the decoded time when the decoded process was completed (S317a). After that, if the decoded process for the newly acquired code image is successful (S307) and it is determined that data matching the decoded result is stored in the memory 35 (Yes in S311), it is determined in the determination process shown in step S313a whether or not the elapsed time from the decoded time associated with the decoded result matching the same decoded result and stored is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. If the elapsed time from the decoded time of the matching decoded result is equal to or longer than the predetermined time (Yes in S313a), the decoded result is output to the higher-level device or the like (S315), and if it is less than the predetermined time (No in S313a), the process from step S319 onward is performed without outputting the decoded result.

[0201] As a result, even if the same decoded result has been read before, if the elapsed time from the decoded time of the previous decoded result is greater than or equal to a predetermined time, i.e., if the decoded result is not one that has been recently used in the above-mentioned specified processing, it is deemed that the user has intentionally read two or more information codes containing the same data, and the above-mentioned specified processing can be performed using the same decoded result.

[0202] Next, a second modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the reading process in the second modified example of this embodiment, for an information code in which data matching a decoded result is stored in memory 35, the number of times that the information code is removed from the imaging field of view of the imaging unit and then re-enters the imaging field of view is counted as the number of imaging attempts N. If it is determined that two or more identical decoded results have been obtained, and the number of imaging attempts N of the decoded result matching the same decoded result is equal to or greater than a predetermined number Nth, a predetermined process is performed on the decoded result.

[0203] Specifically, when data matching the decoded result is stored in the memory 35 (Yes in S311 of FIG. 38), if the number of times N of imaging of the decoded result is not set as a count target, the number of times N of imaging is determined to be less than a predetermined number Nth (No in S325), a No result is determined in step S327, and the decoded result is set as a count target (S329). Then, the processes from step S319 onwards are performed, and each time it is determined in the determination process of step S303 that the captured image does not contain a code image that can be recognized as an information code (No in S303), the number of times N of imaging is incremented (N=N+1) for the decoded result set as a count target (S331). The control circuit 40 that counts the number of times N of imaging may correspond to an example of a "counting unit".

[0204] Then, when the decoded result that is to be counted is read again (Yes in S311), and the number of times N of imaging reaches or exceeds a predetermined number Nth (Yes in S325), the decoded result is output to a higher-level device, etc. (S315) and stored in memory 35 (S317), and then the setting of the count target is cleared (S333).

[0205] In this way, in order for a user to intentionally read two or more information codes having the same data recorded therein, the user can repeat an imaging state in which the information code is included in the imaging field of view and an imaging state in which the information code is removed from the imaging field of view, thereby performing the above-mentioned predetermined processing for each of the same decoded results. In particular, even if the information code is momentarily not imaged due to the influence of the surroundings during imaging of a successfully decoded information code, the number of imaging times N only increases to a certain extent, and the momentary not being imaged alone can prevent the above-mentioned predetermined processing from being performed for each of the same decoded results.

[0206] Next, a third modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the reading process in the third variant of this embodiment, for an information code in which data matching the decoded decoding result is stored in memory 35, the time at which the information code was removed from the imaging field of view of the imaging unit is stored in memory 35 as the code exclusion time associated with the decoding result, and if it is determined that two or more identical decoding results have been obtained, and the elapsed time from the code exclusion time of the decoding result matching the same decoding result is greater than or equal to a predetermined time, a predetermined process is performed on the decoding result.

[0207] Specifically, when data matching the decoded result is stored in memory 35 (Yes in S311 of FIG. 39), but the decoded result is not set as a timekeeping target (No in S335), an image capture process is performed (S337), and the determination of No is repeated in the determination process of step S339 until no code image that can be recognized as an information code is found in the captured image. Then, when the captured image no longer contains a code image (Yes in S339), the time when the information code set as a timekeeping target was removed from the imaging field of view of the imaging unit is set as the code removal time and is stored in memory 35 in association with the decoded result (S341).

[0208] Then, when the decoded result that is the object of timing is read again (Yes in S311 and S335), if the elapsed time from the code exclusion time exceeds a predetermined time (Yes in S343), the decoded result is output to a higher-level device, etc. (S315) and stored in memory 35 (S317), and then the setting for the object of timing is cleared (S345).

[0209] This allows a user to intentionally read two or more information codes that contain the same data by removing the information codes from the imaging field of view for a certain period of time and then re-imposing them in the imaging field of view, thereby performing the above-mentioned specified processing on each of the same decoded results.

[0210] Next, a fourth modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the reading process in the fourth modified example of this embodiment, when it is determined that two or more identical decoded results have been obtained, and when the detected attitude of the housing 11 is in a predetermined attitude state, a predetermined process is performed on the decoded result. For this reason, in the fourth modified example, the optical information reading device 10 is provided with an attitude sensor as an attitude detection unit that detects the attitude of the housing 11 and is made up of a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, or the like, and the control circuit 40 grasps the attitude state of the housing 11 in response to a detection signal from this attitude sensor.

[0211] Specifically, when data matching the decoded result is stored in memory 35 (Yes in S311 in FIG. 40), in the determination process of step S313b, it is determined whether or not the attitude of housing 11 is in a predetermined attitude state based on the detection signal output from the attitude sensor for a certain period of time. In this fourth modified example, the above-mentioned predetermined attitude state is set to, for example, a state in which the attitude has changed significantly from the attitude when decoding was successful.

[0212] Here, if it is determined that the posture of the housing 11 is in the above-mentioned predetermined posture state because the user has moved the housing 11 so as to change the orientation of the reading port 50 (Yes in S313b), the decoded result is output to a higher-level device, etc. (S315). On the other hand, if it is determined that the posture of the housing 11 is not in the predetermined posture state because the reading port 50 remains directed toward the information code (No in S313b), the process from step S319 onwards is carried out without outputting the decoded result.

[0213] As a result, in order for a user to intentionally read two or more information codes on which the same data is recorded, the user can hold the housing 11 in the above-mentioned specified posture, and the above-mentioned specified processing can be performed on each of the same decoded results.

[0214] [Twelfth embodiment] Next, an optical information reader according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The twelfth embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in that the trigger switch is eliminated, thereby making it possible to easily target and read information codes in a reading process that is always performed.

[0215] In recent years, two-dimensional codes such as QR codes have become widespread, and it is expected that the introduction of optical information readers capable of reading two-dimensional codes using area sensors as light receiving means will increase even at cash registers in retail stores and convenience stores. Therefore, compared to conventional optical information readers using line sensors, the reading area is wider, and an information code can be easily read by aligning it within the area regardless of the orientation of the information code. However, there are cases where multiple information codes are unintentionally placed within the area, or an information code that is not the target to be read is read during a reading operation, making it difficult to determine whether the target information code has been read.

[0216] Meanwhile, in retail stores and convenience stores, information codes are often read in store operations, and optical information reading devices that can read without operating a trigger switch are used. By aligning the reading port with the direction of the information code and directly placing it on the information code to read, it is possible to prevent erroneous reading operations and read the information code to be read. In addition, in the environment surrounding the convenience store industry, self-checkouts are being introduced to reduce the number of staff in stores, and the number of foreign workers is increasing, so even operators with little experience in reading operations are required to be able to reliably target and read the information code to be read by simply holding it up. For this reason, when target reading is performed in an optical information reading device using an area sensor without operating a trigger switch, the operation method is to align the position of the point marker at the center of the reading area with the information code and perform the target reading. However, there is a problem that the operation of aligning it to the center position of the area is required, and the target reading cannot be realized by utilizing the wide reading area.

[0217] Therefore, in the reading process performed in this embodiment, a code image of the same information code is detected in a plurality of consecutive captured images captured successively by the imaging unit, and whether or not the detected code image is to be read is determined according to the state in which the code image occupies the captured image. Specifically, it is determined whether the state in which the code image occupies the captured image is a predetermined state, more specifically, in this embodiment, when the range of the code image occupying the captured image is equal to or larger than a predetermined range. This is because the information code that the user is trying to read is likely to have a code image occupying a range equal to or larger than a predetermined range in the captured image.

[0218] The reading process performed by the control circuit 40 in this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG. When the control circuit 40 starts the reading process, an imaging process in step S401 shown in Fig. 41 is performed, and the light receiving sensor 28, the imaging lens 27, etc. are made to function as an imaging unit, and an image for decoding the information code is captured by this imaging unit. Then, a code image detection process in step S403 is performed, and a process for detecting a code image for decoding the information code from the captured image captured by the imaging unit is performed. For example, if the captured information code is a QR code, a process for detecting a code image is performed based on finder patterns (position detection patterns) arranged at the three corners of the code area. The control circuit 40 that executes the code image detection process can be an example of a "code image detection unit."

[0219] Then, if the detection of the code image is successful (Yes in S405), the detection result is stored in the memory 35 (S407), and then a process for decoding the information code of the code image detected as described above is performed in a decoding process shown in step S409. If this decoding process fails (No in S411) or if the detection of the code image described above fails (No in S405), the process from step S401 is performed. The control circuit 40 that executes the decoding process may be an example of a "decoding unit."

[0220] If the decoding process is successful (Yes in S411), the decoded result obtained by the decoding process is stored in the memory 35 (S413). Then, in the determination process of step S415, it is determined whether the state in which the code image occupies the captured image is a predetermined state, specifically, as described above, whether the range of the code image occupying the captured image is equal to or larger than a predetermined range.

[0221] Here, since the reading port 50 has just been directed to the information code C to be read, even if the code image of the information code C is imaged so as to be decodable, as shown in FIG. 42(A), if the range of the code image occupying the imaged image is less than the predetermined range, the result is determined as No in step S415. In this case, the process from step S401 is performed, and the image capturing process for decoding the information code is continued. After that, even if the decoding process for the code image of the imaged information code is successful (Yes in S411), since the reading port 50 is being brought closer to the information code C to be read, as shown in FIG. 42(B), even if the code image becomes larger than the previous code image, the result is determined as No in step S415. In this case, the process from step S401 is performed, and the image capturing process for decoding the information code is continued. That is, in a plurality of consecutive captured images successively captured by the imaging unit, a code image of the same information code is detected, and depending on the state in which the detected code image occupies the captured image, it is determined whether or not the code image is to be read.

[0222] Then, when the reading port 50 is brought close to the information code to be read, for example, as shown in FIG. 42(C), the range of the code image in the captured image becomes equal to or larger than the predetermined range, the result of the determination in step S415 is Yes. In this case, the decoded result output process shown in step S417 is performed, and the decoded result is output to a higher-level device or the like as a predetermined process using the decoded result. Then, the notification process in step S419 is performed, and the light-emitting unit 46 functioning as a notification unit is turned on in a predetermined state as a predetermined notification in response to the success of the decoded process. The control circuit 40 that performs the process (S417) of outputting the decoded result may be an example of a "processing unit" for performing a predetermined process using the decoded result. The predetermined notification in response to the success of the decoded process may be performed by using the sound of the buzzer 44 or the vibration of the vibrator 45, and in this case, the buzzer 44 or the vibrator 45 may be an example of an "notification unit".

[0223] As described above, in the optical information reading device 10 according to the present embodiment, in a plurality of consecutive captured images captured successively by the imaging unit, a code image of the same information code is detected, and depending on the state in which the detected code image occupies the captured image, the read object determination unit determines whether or not the code image is to be read. If the decoding process of the code image determined to be the read object is successful and a decoded result is obtained (Yes in S411 and S415), a predetermined process is performed by the processing unit using the decoded result, and a predetermined notification is given by the notification unit.

[0224] As a result, even if the optical information reading device does not have a trigger switch or the like for indicating the decode timing, by pointing the reading port 50 at the information code that the user is to read, if the state in which the code image of the information code occupies in the captured image satisfies a predetermined condition (in this embodiment, if the range of the code image occupying in the captured image is equal to or larger than a predetermined range), the code image can be determined to be the object to be read. Therefore, by performing a predetermined process using the decoded result obtained from the code image determined to be the object to be read and by issuing a predetermined notification in response to successful decoding, it is possible to realize an optical information reading device that can target and read information codes in a reading process that is always performed without using a trigger switch or the like.

[0225] In the determination process of step S415, the state of the code image in the captured image is not necessarily determined to be a predetermined state when the range of the code image in the captured image is equal to or larger than a predetermined range, but may be determined to be a predetermined state when the detected code image is continuously detected for a predetermined time without moving. Also, in the determination process of step S415, the state of the code image in the captured image is determined to be a predetermined state when the length of one side of the detected code image is equal to or larger than a predetermined value.

[0226] That is, even if a part of the detected code image falls outside the imaging field of view of the imaging unit, if the state of the remaining part of the code image in the imaging field of view satisfies a predetermined condition, it can be determined that the code image is to be read. For example, as shown in Fig. 43(A) and Fig. 43(B), even if the code image of information code C is imaged so as to be decodable, the range of the code image in the imaged image is less than the above-mentioned predetermined range (No in S415), and the decoded result is not output. In this case, even if a part of the detected code image falls outside the imaging field of view of the imaging unit, if the length of one side of the code image in the remaining part of the code image in the imaging field of view becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the state of the code image in the imaged image can be determined to be a predetermined state (Yes in S415), and the decoded result can be output.

[0227] This prevents the code image from being immediately determined as not being readable simply because a part of the information code that the user is trying to read falls outside the imaging field of view, making it possible to more accurately determine whether or not the code image is to be read.

[0228] Next, a first modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the reading process in the first modified example of this embodiment, even if the decoding is not successful, it is determined whether or not the detected code image is to be read. Specifically, as shown in the flowchart in Fig. 44, even if the detection of the code image is successful (Yes in S405 in Fig. 44), if the decoding of the code image fails (No in S411), it is determined in the determination process of step S421 whether or not the state in which the code image occupies the captured image is a predetermined state. If the code image that has failed to be decoded is in the above-mentioned predetermined state (Yes in S421), and the decoding of the code image has never been successful (No in S423), a flag Fc indicating that the code image has become the above-mentioned predetermined state is set to "1" (S425), and the process from the above-mentioned step S401 is performed. On the other hand, if a code image that has failed to be decoded reaches the above-mentioned specified state (Yes in S421), and the code image has been successfully decoded at least once (Yes in S423), the decoded result is output (S417), and an alarm unit such as the light-emitting unit 46 goes into a specified alarm state (S419).

[0229] After the flag Fc is set to "1" as described above, if the newly captured code image of the same information code is successfully decoded (Yes in S411), the flag Fc of that code image is set to "1", so the result is determined as Yes in the judgment process of step S427, the decoded result is output (S417), and an alarm unit such as the light-emitting unit 46 goes into a predetermined alarm state (S419).

[0230] For example, as shown in Figures 45(A) and 45(B), a case is assumed in which, even if a code image is undecodable but detectable because a finder pattern or the like can be recognized, the range of the code image in the captured image is less than the above-mentioned predetermined range (No in S421), and the decoded result is not output. In this case, when a code image that is undecodable but detectable because a finder pattern or the like can be recognized is greater than or equal to the above-mentioned predetermined range in the captured image as shown in Figure 45(C) (Yes in S421, No in S423), the flag Fc is set to "1" (S425), and the process of detecting the code image from the continuously captured captured images continues. Then, as shown in FIG. 45(D), when the code image in which the flag Fc is set to “1” but the range of the code image in the captured image has changed to less than the above-mentioned predetermined range is successfully decoded (Yes in S411, Yes in S427), the decoded result is output (S417) and an alarm unit such as the light-emitting unit 46 goes into a predetermined alarm state (S419).

[0231] That is, if the decoding process of the code image when it is determined to be the object to be read is not successful, and the decoding process of the code image is successful after the determination, the processing unit performs a predetermined process using the decoded result obtained after the determination, and the notification unit performs a predetermined notification. As a result, even if it is determined that something that looks like an information code is captured due to the surrounding environment such as lighting, but the decoding is not successful and the code image is determined to be the object to be read, if the decoding of the code image is successful due to a subsequent change in the surrounding environment, the decoding of the code image to be read is deemed to be successful, and the above-mentioned predetermined process and the predetermined notification can be performed at the timing of the success.

[0232] In this embodiment and its modified examples, as can be seen from FIG. 34, if two or more code images are detected consecutively from the captured image, it may be determined that the user's aim is not fixed and the decoded result may not be output.

[0233] [Thirteenth embodiment] Next, an optical information reader according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The thirteenth embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in that, even if a plurality of information codes are imaged simultaneously in a decodable manner, the decoded result of the information code to be read can be easily output.

[0234] When multiple information codes are imaged simultaneously in a decodable manner because one or more other information codes are positioned around the information code to be read, it is necessary to output the decoded result of the information code to be read, but not output the decoded results of the other information codes.

[0235] Therefore, in the past, a marker light indicating the center of the imaging field of view is irradiated to make it easier to include only the information code to be read in the imaging field of view, and only the decoded result of that information code is output. However, when a user cannot visually recognize the marker light, for example, when the information code is displayed on a reflective surface or a liquid crystal screen, there is a problem that it is difficult to include only the information code to be read in the imaging field of view. Specifically, for example, when barcodes Cc, Cd, and Ce are displayed on a screen as multiple information codes C as illustrated in FIG. 46, it is difficult to visually recognize the marker light irradiated on the display screen, so that it may be difficult to include only the barcode Cd to be read in the imaging field of view.

[0236] Therefore, in the reading process performed in this embodiment, when a plurality of decoded results are obtained from the captured image P captured by the light receiving sensor 28, the imaging lens 27, etc. functioning as an imaging unit, the output of the decoded results is restricted depending on the imaging state. Specifically, when an image of one information code for which a decoded result has been obtained is included in a predetermined reading area (hereinafter also referred to as reading area Ps) provided to occupy a part (e.g., the central part) of the captured image P, and an image of another information code is not included, the decoded result of the one information code is output.

[0237] Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the reading process performed by the control circuit 40 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 47, taking as an example the case of reading the barcode Cd shown in Fig. 46. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 48, the captured image P captured by the imaging unit is 640 pixels x 480 pixels, and the reading area Ps is 320 pixels x 240 pixels and is set so as to coincide with the center of the captured image P.

[0238] When the reading process is started in response to a predetermined operation, an imaging process in step S501 shown in Fig. 47 is performed, and an image P for decoding the information code is captured by the imaging unit. Then, in a decoding process in step S503, a process for decoding the information code contained in the captured image P is performed, and the process from step S501 is repeated until the decoding is successful (No in S505). The control circuit 40 that executes the decoding process in step S503 may correspond to an example of a "decoding unit".

[0239] Then, when the decoding is successful and the decoded result is obtained (Yes in S505), in the judgment process of step S507, it is judged whether or not the image of the information code from which the decoded result is obtained is included in the reading area Ps. Specifically, in this embodiment, it is judged whether or not the entire image of the information code from which the decoded result is obtained is included in the reading area Ps, and if only a part of the image of the information code from which the decoded result is obtained is included in the reading area Ps, it is judged No in step S507, and the process from the above step S501 is performed without outputting the decoded result.

[0240] Thereafter, when the reading port 50 is brought closer to the barcode Cd to be read, and all of the images of the information codes for which the decoded results have been obtained are included in the reading area Ps (Yes in S507), a judgment process is performed in step S509 to determine whether the reading area Ps is in a state in which the image of one information code for which the decoded result has been obtained is included and no images of other information codes are included (hereinafter also referred to as a single code imaging state).

[0241] In this embodiment, specifically, when the reading area Ps includes all of the images of one information code for which a decoded result has been obtained, and does not include at least a portion of the images of other information codes, it is determined that the single code is in the imaging state. Here, since the reading port 50 is in the middle of approaching the barcode Cd to be read, as shown in Fig. 49, when the entire image of the barcode Cd to be read is included in the reading area Ps, and a portion of the image of the barcode Cc not to be read and a portion of the image of the barcode Ce are included in the reading area Ps, it is determined that the single code is not in the imaging state, No in step S509, and the process from step S501 is performed without outputting the decoded result.

[0242] On the other hand, when the reading port 50 has been brought close to the barcode Cd to be read, as illustrated in FIG. 50, if the entire image of the barcode Cd to be read is contained within the reading area Ps and at least a portion of the images of other information codes are not contained within the reading area Ps, that is, if only the image of the barcode Cd to be read is contained within the reading area Ps, it is determined to be in a single code imaging state and the result is Yes in step S509.

[0243] In this case, in the decoded result output process of step S511, the decoded result of the barcode Cd included in the reading area Ps is output to a higher-level device, etc. Note that the control circuit 40 that executes the decoded result output process of step S511 can correspond to an example of an "output unit."

[0244] As described above, in the optical information reading device 10 of this embodiment, when a predetermined reading area Ps arranged to occupy a part of the captured image P contains an image of one information code for which a decoded result has been obtained, and does not contain images of other information codes (Yes in S509), the decoded result of the one information code is output (S511).

[0245] As a result, even if multiple information codes are imaged simultaneously and decoded results are obtained for each of them, not only is the decoded result of the information code that is not included in the reading area Ps not output, but also the decoded result is not output when two or more information codes are included in a predetermined reading area Ps. That is, even if multiple information codes are imaged so as to be decodable, the decoded result of that information code is output only when only the image of the information code to be read is included in the reading area Ps, so that it is possible to restrict the output of the decoded result of an information code that is read unintentionally, such as the decoded result of another information code imaged while the reading port 50 is facing the information code to be read.

[0246] In particular, when the entire image of one information code for which a decoded result has been obtained is included in a specified reading area Ps, and at least a portion of the images of other information codes is not included, the decoded result of the one information code is output.

[0247] As a result, as described above, even if only a part of the image of an information code that is not to be read is included in the reading area Ps while the reading port 50 is being directed to the information code that is to be read, the decoded result of the information code that is not to be read is not output. Also, even if the entire image of an information code that is not to be read is included in the reading area Ps, as long as at least a part of the image of the information code that is to be read is included in the reading area Ps, the respective decoded results are not output. Therefore, even if another information code is placed near the information code that is to be read, it is possible to easily output the decoded result of the information code that is to be read.

[0248] Depending on the work environment, etc., in the determination process of step S509, it may be determined that the single code imaging state is present when the reading area Ps includes all of the images of one information code for which a decoded result has been obtained, and does not include all of the images of other information codes. Also, it may be determined that the single code imaging state is present when the reading area Ps includes at least a portion of the image of one information code for which a decoded result has been obtained, and does not include at least a portion of the images of other information codes.

[0249] As a modified example of this embodiment, when an information code having a specific pattern arranged at a specific position in a code area in which various cells are arranged, such as the FP pattern of a QR code, is to be read, the determination process of step S509 may determine whether or not a single code is imaged by using an image of the specific pattern. That is, when the reading area Ps includes an image of the specific pattern of one information code for which a decoded result has been obtained and does not include an image of the specific pattern of another information code, the decoded result of the one information code may be output.

[0250] Specifically, for example, when the reading area Ps includes images of all the specific patterns of the information code from which the decoded result has been obtained, and does not include any images of the specific patterns of other information codes, it may be determined that the single code imaging state is in place. In this case, for example, as illustrated in Fig. 51, when the reading area Ps includes images of all the specific patterns FP1 to FP3 of the QR code Cf, and includes images of the specific patterns FP1 and FP2 of the QR code Cg, it is determined that the single code imaging state is not in place.

[0251] As a result, in the judgment process of step S509 described above, it is possible to judge whether or not the image of the information code is included in the specified reading area based on a specific pattern of the information code that is easy to recognize, thereby making it possible to make an easy and accurate judgment.

[0252] [Fourteenth embodiment] Next, an optical information reader according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The fourteenth embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment mainly in that, when the marker light is not captured, the decoded result of the information code located within the decoding target area in the captured image is output.

[0253] When multiple information codes are imaged simultaneously in a decodable manner because one or more other information codes are arranged around the information code to be read, the decoded result of the information code to be read may be output, but the decoded results of the other information codes may not be output.

[0254] In such a case, in the past, a marker light irradiating unit 29 that irradiates marker light Lm toward the center of the imaging field of view is provided to make it easier to include only the information code to be read in the imaging field of view, and only the decoded result of that information code is output. However, when multiple information codes including the information code to be read are displayed on the screen, the irradiated marker light is not reflected by the display screen that emits light itself, so there is a problem that the reading device does not know which information code among the multiple information codes imaged is the information code to be read. Specifically, for example, when a distributed information code for a coupon is displayed on a smartphone or the like so that it is adjacent to other information codes, the marker light is not imaged, so that only the decoded result of the information code for the coupon cannot be obtained.

[0255] In the reading process performed in this embodiment, when the marker light Lm is not detected from the captured image P captured by the light receiving sensor 28, the imaging lens 27, etc., which function as an imaging unit, the decoded result of the information code that is determined to be located within the decoding target area Pd corresponding to a part of the captured image P and is a preset code type (designated code type) is output. In this embodiment, the decoding target area Pd is preset in an area that is on the far side as seen from the user out of the entire captured image P, as exemplified in Figs. 52 and 53. This is because the user holding the housing 11 tries to hold the reading port 50 over the information code to be read, based on one side edge 52 located farther out of the periphery 51 of the reading port 50. In addition, the designated code type can be set to, for example, EAN-13.

[0256] The reading process performed by the control circuit 40 in this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG. When the reading process is started in response to a predetermined operation, an imaging process in step S601 shown in Fig. 54 is performed, and an image P for decoding the information code is captured by the imaging unit. Next, a process for detecting the marker light Lm from the captured image P is performed in a marker light detection process in step S603, and then a process for decoding the information code contained in the captured image P is performed in a decoding process in step S605, and the processes from step S601 are repeated until the decoding is successful (No in S607). The control circuit 40 that executes the decoding process in step S605 may correspond to an example of a "decoding unit".

[0257] Then, when the decoding is successful and a decoded result is obtained (Yes in S607), a determination is made in step S609 as to whether or not multiple decoded results have been obtained in response to the decoding process. If one decoded result has been obtained, the determination in step S609 is No, and a first decoded result output process is performed in step S617, and all the decoded results obtained by the decoding process are output to a higher-level device or the like. If one decoded result has been obtained as described above, that one decoded result is output to a higher-level device or the like in the first decoded result output process. The control circuit 40 that executes the first decoded result output process and the second decoded result output process may correspond to an example of an "output unit."

[0258] On the other hand, if multiple decoded results are obtained (Yes in S609), in the judgment process of step S611, it is judged whether or not the marker light Lm is detected from the captured image P in the above-mentioned marker light detection process. Here, if the marker light Lm is detected from the captured image P (Yes in S611), it is assumed that an information code printed on a paper medium, rather than an information code displayed on a screen, is being read, and all the decoded results obtained in the above-mentioned decoding process are output to a higher-level device, etc. (S617).

[0259] On the other hand, even if multiple decoded results are obtained (Yes in S609), if the marker light Lm is not detected from the captured image P (No in S611), it is determined in the determination process of step S613 whether or not one information code from which a decoded result has been obtained is located within the decoding target area Pd. Note that the control circuit 40 that executes the determination process of step S613 may correspond to an example of a "code position determination unit" that determines whether or not the decoded information code is located within the decoding target area Pd.

[0260] Here, as illustrated in Fig. 52 and Fig. 53, if one information code with a decoded result is located in the decoding target area Pd, it is determined Yes in step S613. In this case, in the determination process of step S615, it is determined whether or not the code type of the information code located in the decoding target area Pd is a preset code type (designated code type). Here, if the code type of the information code located in the decoding target area Pd is a designated code type (for example, EAN-13), it is determined Yes in step S615, and a second decoding result output process of step S619 is performed. In this process, among the multiple decoding results obtained by the decoding process of step S605, the decoding result of the information code located in the decoding target area Pd and of the designated code type is output to a higher-level device, etc. In the example of Fig. 52 and Fig. 53, even if the decoding of the barcodes Cc, Cd, and Ce is successful, only the decoding result of the code Cc located in the decoding target area Pd is output to a higher-level device, etc.

[0261] On the other hand, if the code type of the information code located within the decoding area Pd is not the specified code type (No in S615), or if there is not a single information code for which a decoded result has been obtained located within the decoding area Pd (No in S613), all of the decoded results obtained in the above decoding process are output to a higher-level device, etc. (S617).

[0262] As described above, in the optical information reading device 10 of this embodiment, when the marker light Lm is not captured by the imaging unit (No in S611), the decoded result of the information code that is determined to be located within the decoding target area Pd in ​​the judgment process of step S613 and is determined to be the specified code type in the judgment process of step S615 is output (S619).

[0263] In this way, when the marker light Lm is not captured by the imaging unit, the information code displayed on the screen is read, and the decoded result of the information code determined to be located within the decoding target area Pd is output, so that the decoded result of the information code outside the decoding target area Pd is not output. That is, by holding the reading port 50 over the screen so that only the information code to be read out of the multiple information codes displayed on the screen is located within the decoding target area Pd, the decoded result of the information code to be read out can be output without outputting the decoded results of other information codes displayed on the same screen. And, even if only the information code not to be read out is located within the decoding target area Pd in ​​the captured image when the reading port 50 is held over the information code to be read out, the code type of the information code not to be read out is different from the preset code type, so that the decoded result of the information code not to be read out can be prevented from being output.

[0264] Furthermore, when one decoded result is obtained from one captured image by the decoding process (No in S609), there is no need to determine whether the information code is to be read, and therefore the decoded result is output regardless of whether the marker light Lm is captured. This eliminates the need for processing to determine whether the marker light Lm is detected from the captured image, and reduces the processing load for outputting the decoded result.

[0265] [Fifteenth embodiment] Next, an optical information reader according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The fifteenth embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment mainly in that the double-read prevention setting release condition is changed.

[0266] Conventionally, when reading multiple information codes each having the same decoded result continuously, a release operation is required to remove the information code from the imaging field of view in order to release the double-read prevention function. In this case, in a reading device having an imaging unit with a large imaging field of view such as an area sensor, the user's actions required for the release operation are large. For example, in a checkout at a store such as a convenience store, when multiple identical products are purchased and the barcode attached to one product is repeatedly read according to the number of products purchased, in order to release the double-read prevention function, the store clerk must repeatedly point the reading port to a plain background where the information code is not imaged and then point the reading port to the barcode of the product, which is a problem in that the store clerk must perform an operation that is not expected in the original operation.

[0267] Therefore, in the reading process performed in this embodiment, the decoded result read from the information code is output in a state where the marker light is irradiated toward the information code (hereinafter also referred to as the code irradiation state), and the double-read prevention setting is released if it is determined that the code irradiation state is not in effect after the decoded result is output. As a result, the double-read prevention setting is released by removing the marker light from the information code for which the decoded result has been output, so that the user's actions required for the release operation can be reduced.

[0268] The reading process performed by the control circuit 40 in this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG. When the reading process is started in response to a predetermined operation, an imaging process in step S701 shown in Fig. 55 is performed, and an image P for decoding the information code is captured by an imaging unit including the light receiving sensor 28 and the imaging lens 27. Then, in a decoding process in step S703, a process for decoding the information code contained in the captured image P is performed, and the process from step S701 is repeated until the decoding is successful (No in S705). The control circuit 40 that executes the decoding process in step S703 may correspond to an example of a "decoding unit".

[0269] Then, when the decoding is successful and a decoded result is obtained (Yes in S705), a determination is made in step S707 as to whether or not the decoded result obtained in the above-mentioned decoding process matches the previously output decoded result (hereinafter also referred to as a decoded result matching state). Here, if the decoding is successful for the first time since the start of the reading process or if the decoded result does not match the previously output decoded result, the determination in step S707 is No. Note that the control circuit 40 that executes the determination in step S707 may correspond to an example of a "decoded result determination unit."

[0270] In this case, in the judgment process of step S709, it is judged whether or not the marker light Lm is irradiated toward the information code, and since at least a part of the marker light Lm is within the code area occupied by the information code in the captured image P, it is judged as Yes as the code irradiation state. Then, in step S711, a decoding result output process is performed, and the decoding result obtained by the decoding process is output to a higher-level device, etc. Note that the control circuit 40 that executes the above-mentioned decoding result output process may correspond to an example of an "output unit".

[0271] When the decoded result is output in this manner, a double-read prevention setting process is performed in step S713, and then the process from step S701 is performed. On the other hand, if the marker light Lm is not within the code area occupied by the information code in the captured image P, it is determined that the code is not illuminated (No in S709), and the process from step S701 is performed without outputting the decoded result. The control circuit 40 that executes the double-read prevention setting process can be an example of a "double-read prevention setting unit."

[0272] On the other hand, if the decoded result obtained in the above-mentioned decoding process is in a decoded result match state that matches the decoded result output previously (Yes in S707), a determination is made in step S715 as to whether or not the state is a code irradiation state in which the marker light Lm is irradiated toward the information code. If the marker light Lm is not off the information code for which the decoded result is output, the code irradiation state is determined as Yes in step S715. In this case, a determination is made in step S717 as to whether or not double reading prevention is set, and if the determination is Yes because double reading prevention is set, the process is performed from step S701 without outputting the decoded result. The control circuit 40 that executes the determination process in step S715 may correspond to an example of a "marker irradiation state determination unit."

[0273] In this way, as long as the decoded result matches the previously output decoded result and the code irradiation state in which the marker light Lm is irradiated toward the information code continues (Yes in S707 and S715), the decoded result will not be output unless the double-read prevention is released.

[0274] On the other hand, even if the decoded result matches the decoded result previously output (Yes in S707), when the marker light Lm is removed from the information code (No in S715), a process for canceling the double-reading prevention setting is performed in step S719, and the double-reading prevention setting is cancelled. In this way, after the double-reading prevention setting is cancelled, the process from step S701 is performed, and when the marker light Lm is irradiated again onto the information code for which the decoded result has been output (Yes in S715), the double-reading prevention setting is cancelled (No in S717), so the decoded result is output (S711).

[0275] A specific example of how the double-read prevention setting is cancelled will be described with reference to Figures 56(A) to 56(C). Note that the QR codes Cf and Cg to be read are arranged adjacent to each other and have the same information recorded therein.

[0276] When the decoded result of the QR code Cf irradiated with the marker light Lm is output by performing the decode process on the captured image P shown in Fig. 56(A), the double-read prevention setting is performed (S713), and the decoded result of the QR code Cf is not output again while the code irradiation state in which the marker light Lm is irradiated on the QR code Cf continues. After that, as shown in the captured image P shown in Fig. 56(B), when the optical information reading device 10 is moved so that the reading port 50 is directed toward the QR code Cg, the marker light Lm is removed from the QR code Cf (No in S715), and the double-read prevention setting is released (S719). Then, as shown in the captured image P shown in Fig. 56(C), when the marker light Lm is irradiated on the QR code Cg and the decoding is successful, even if the decoded results match (Yes in S707), the double-read prevention setting is released (No in S717), and the decoded result is output (S711).

[0277] As described above, in the optical information reader 10 according to this embodiment, if it is determined that the code is not irradiated after the decoded result is output (No in S715), the double-read prevention setting is released (S719). Then, if the double-read prevention setting is enabled (Yes in S717), the decoded result determined to be in a matching state is excluded from the output list, and if the double-read prevention setting is released (No in S717), even the decoded result determined to be in a matching state is included in the output list (S711).

[0278] In this way, if it is determined that the code is not illuminated after the decoded result is output, the double-read prevention setting is released, and the double-read prevention setting is released by removing the marker light Lm from the information code for which the decoded result has been output, thereby reducing the amount of user action required for the release operation.

[0279] [Sixteenth embodiment] Next, an optical information reader according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The sixteenth embodiment differs from the fifteenth embodiment mainly in that the double-read prevention setting release condition is changed so that it is not released unnecessarily.

[0280] As in the above-mentioned 15th embodiment, if the double-read prevention setting is released simply because the marker light Lm has moved away from the information code for which the decoded result has been output, the marker light Lm may be re-irradiated onto the information code that it had once missed due to hand shaking or the like, resulting in double reading unintentionally by the user.

[0281] Therefore, in this embodiment, the code peripheral area Ac, which includes the code area that constitutes the information code, is used as a reference, and when the marker light Lm is not irradiated toward this code peripheral area Ac, the double-read prevention setting is released, thereby preventing unnecessary release of the double-read prevention setting.

[0282] The reading process performed by the control circuit 40 in this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 57. Note that in this embodiment, the code peripheral area Ac is set so that its outer edge is a distance equivalent to a preset number of cells from the outer edge of the code area constituting the information code (hereinafter also referred to as peripheral distance Ad), but is not limited to this, and for example, it may be set so as to be a distance equivalent to a preset number of pixels from the outer edge of the code area.

[0283] The reading process is started in the same manner as in the above-described 15th embodiment, and if the decoding is successful (Yes in S705 in FIG. 57), and the decoding result obtained in the decoding process matches the decoding result output last time (Yes in S707), then in the judgment process of step S715a, it is determined whether or not the marker light Lm is irradiated toward the code peripheral area Ac (hereinafter also referred to as the code peripheral irradiation state).

[0284] Here, if at least a part of the marker light Lm does not fall outside the code peripheral area Ac set for the information code for which the decoded result has been output, the result of step S715a is Yes, which means that the code peripheral illumination state is established, and the processing from step S717 onwards is carried out.

[0285] On the other hand, if the marker light Lm is outside the code peripheral area Ac that is set for the information code for which the decoded result has been output, the result of step S715a is No, which means that the code peripheral illumination state is not achieved, and the double-read prevention setting is released (S719).

[0286] A specific example of how the double read prevention setting is cancelled will be described with reference to FIGS. 58(A) to (C). As shown in the captured image P in Fig. 58(A), when the decoded result of the QR code Cf illuminated with the marker light Lm is output, a double-read prevention setting is made (S713), and the decoded result of the QR code Cf is not output again while the code illumination state in which the marker light Lm is illuminated on the QR code Cf continues. At that time, as shown in the captured image P in Fig. 58(B), if the marker light Lm moves out of the QR code Cf due to hand shaking or the like but at least a part of it is in the code peripheral area Ac, it is determined that the code peripheral illumination state is in effect (Yes in S715a), and the double-read prevention setting is not released. Then, as shown in the captured image P in Fig. 58(C), when the marker light Lm moves out of the code peripheral area Ac, it is determined that the code peripheral illumination state is not in effect (No in S715a), and the double-read prevention setting is released (S719).

[0287] As described above, in the optical information reading device 10 of this embodiment, after the decoding result is output, if it is determined that the marker light Lm is not being irradiated toward the code peripheral area Ac including the code area that constitutes the information code (No in S715a), the double-read prevention setting is released (S719).

[0288] This makes it possible to prevent the double-reading prevention setting from being erroneously released due to camera shake or the like, thereby improving robustness against camera shake or the like.

[0289] As a modification of this embodiment, the code surrounding area Ac may be set so that the size of the code surrounding area Ac relative to the information code changes depending on the size of the information code occupying the captured image P.

[0290] When the size of the information code and the code peripheral area Ac in the captured image becomes large, the user's movement required to remove the marker light Lm from the code peripheral area Ac may become large. For this reason, for example, when the information code is captured relatively large, the size of the code peripheral area Ac may be set to be relatively small, or the size of the code peripheral area Ac may be changed depending on the size of the information code in the captured image P, thereby preventing the user's movement required for the release operation from becoming large.

[0291] For example, when the size of the information code occupies a large area of ​​the captured image P, as in the captured image P illustrated in Fig. 59(A), the peripheral distance Ad can be shortened to reduce the code peripheral area Ac for the information code. Also, when the size of the information code occupies a small area of ​​the captured image P, as in the captured image P illustrated in Fig. 59(B), the peripheral distance Ad can be lengthened to increase the code peripheral area Ac for the information code.

[0292] More specifically, for example, each time decoding is successful, the ratio of the code area constituting the successfully decoded information code to the captured image P (hereinafter also referred to as the code ratio Ap) is calculated, and the code peripheral area Ac can be set so that the peripheral distance Ad corresponds to the calculated code ratio Ap by referring to a table set in advance as shown in Fig. 60. In the example of Fig. 60, if the code ratio Ap is 7%, the code peripheral area Ac is set so that the peripheral distance Ad is the number of cells "15", and if the code ratio Ap is 18%, the code peripheral area Ac is set so that the peripheral distance Ad is the number of cells "5".

[0293] [Seventeenth embodiment] Next, an optical information reader according to a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The seventeenth embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in that it judges whether or not a decoding process is required depending on whether or not there is an image change in a partial image.

[0294] Conventionally, in order to prevent double reading, when a decoded result is obtained according to a decode process for a captured image, the decoded result is compared with the decoded result output previously. In such a process in which the decoded result is compared each time a decoded result is obtained, if the reading port is moved quickly, the information code may not be read properly. In particular, in a reading device having an imaging unit with a large imaging field of view, such as an area sensor, as shown in FIG. 61, the processing time required for image analysis processing to check whether the captured image contains a decodable information code is long, and the reading cycle is long to perform the decode process, which makes the above problem even more pronounced.

[0295] Note that Figure 61 shows an example in which the image captured the second time (time t11 in Figure 61) contains a decodable information code, and the same decoded result is obtained from the image captured the third time (time t12 in Figure 61) after the decoding result is output, so that decoded result is not output, and a different decoded result is obtained and output from the image captured the fourth time (time t13 in Figure 61).

[0296] Therefore, in the reading process performed in this embodiment, after the decoded result is output, it is determined whether or not the partial image Pb corresponding to a part (a predetermined range set in advance) of the image P captured by the imaging unit is in a state in which the image is considered to be unchanged (hereinafter also referred to as a partial image match state), and if the partial image match state is present, the decoding process is not performed. If the partial image match state is present, that is, if the image is almost unchanged and therefore it is not expected that the optical information reading device 10 will be moved so as to remove the reading port 50 from the information code from which the decoded result is obtained, the reading cycle is shortened by not performing the image analysis process or the decoding process, and therefore it is possible to suppress missed reading of the information code.

[0297] Specifically, in this embodiment, the ratio of the range occupied by light colors to the range occupied by dark colors is calculated and compared for the partial image Pb captured in the current imaging process and the partial image Pb captured in the previous imaging process, and if the difference between the calculated values ​​is within a predetermined value, it is determined that the partial images match. Note that the determination regarding the partial image match state is not limited to the determination based on the ratio of the range occupied by light colors to the range occupied by dark colors, and may be based on other image features.

[0298] Particularly in this embodiment, the partial image Pb is set so that the range it occupies in the captured image P corresponds to the central portion of the captured image P. Therefore, when a QR code Cf is captured as in the captured image P illustrated in Fig. 62(A), the partial image Pb is set, for example, as shown in Fig. 62(B).

[0299] The reading process performed by the control circuit 40 in this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG. When the reading process is started in response to a specified operation, etc., a partial image capturing process is performed in step S801 shown in FIG. 63, and a partial image Pb is captured by the imaging unit composed of the light receiving sensor 28, the imaging lens 27, etc. in response to the capture within the range set as described above.

[0300] Next, when the captured partial image Pb is analyzed in a partial image analysis process shown in step S803, it is determined in a determination process in step S805 whether or not the partial image Pb is in a partial image matching state in which it is considered that the partial image Pb has not changed from the previous partial image Pb. Note that the control circuit 40 that executes the determination process in step S805 can correspond to an example of an "image state determination unit."

[0301] Here, since this is the first imaging and the decoded result has not been output, if the partial image match is not detected and the result is No in step S805, and the double read prevention setting is released (S807), a full image imaging process is performed in step S809 to capture a captured image P. Next, a full image analysis process is performed in step S811 to check whether the captured image P contains a decodable information code, etc.

[0302] If the captured image P does not contain a decodable information code, the determination in step S813 is that an information code has not been captured, resulting in a No result, and the process proceeds from step S801. On the other hand, if the captured image P contains a decodable information code, the determination in step S813 is that an information code has been captured, resulting in a Yes result, and the process proceeds to step S815, in which the information code contained in the captured image P is decoded. The control circuit 40 that executes the decoding process in step S815 may be an example of a "decoding unit."

[0303] Next, in a determination process of step S817, it is determined whether or not the decoded result obtained by the above-mentioned decoding process is in a decoded result match state, that is, whether or not the decoded result output previously matches. If the first decoded result has been obtained since the start of the reading process or if a decoded result different from the previous one has been obtained, it is determined that the decoded results are not in a match state (No in S817), and a decoded result output process of step S819 is performed, and the decoded result obtained by the decoding process is output to a higher-level device, etc. Note that the control circuit 40 that executes the decoded result output process may correspond to an example of an "output unit."

[0304] When the decoded result is output in this manner, the process for preventing double reading is performed in step S821, and if an operation for ending reading or the like has not been performed (No in S823), the process returns to step S801.

[0305] Then, immediately after the decoded result is output, the reading port 50 is kept facing the information code for which the decoded result is output, so that the captured partial image Pb is considered to be in a partial image match state in which it is assumed that it has not changed from the previous partial image Pb, and the result of the judgment process in step S805 is Yes. In this case, the double reading prevention setting is not released, and the process from step S801 is performed. That is, if the image change in the partial image Pb is small, the reading port 50 is considered to be still facing the information code for which the decoded result is output, so that the judgment of Yes is repeated in step S805, and the decoding process is not performed. In this way, the image analysis process of the partial image Pb is continued without performing the image analysis process of the entire captured image P, thereby shortening the reading cycle.

[0306] Thereafter, if an attempt is made to point the reading port 50 at the next information code, and the captured partial image Pb is deemed to have changed from the previous partial image Pb, the result is determined as No in step S805, the double-read prevention setting is released (S807), and then the full image capture process of step S809 is performed.

[0307] A specific example of shortening the read cycle will be described below with reference to the time chart shown in FIG. As in Fig. 61, the captured image in the second capture (time t21 in Fig. 64) contains a decodable information code, and after the decoded result is output, a third capture is performed (time t22 in Fig. 64), and it is determined whether the partial image Pb is in a partial image match state or not. Then, since it is determined that the partial image match state is present (Yes in S805), a fourth capture is performed (time t23 in Fig. 64), and if it is determined that the partial image Pb is also in a partial image match state (Yes in S805), a fifth capture is performed (time t24 in Fig. 64). If it is determined that the partial image Pb is not in a partial image match state (No in S805), a sixth captured image P is captured (S809: time t25 in Fig. 64), and a full image analysis process is performed so that the entire captured image P is the analysis target (S811). In this way, image analysis is performed on only a portion of the image Pb from the third imaging to the fifth imaging, and full image analysis processing is not performed, thereby shortening the reading cycle compared to the example of Figure 61.

[0308] As described above, in the optical information reading device 10 according to this embodiment, when the decoding result is output, full image analysis processing and decoding processing are not performed until it is determined that the partial image Pb corresponding to a part of the captured image P by the imaging unit is in a partial image match state in which the image is considered to be unchanged.

[0309] Therefore, when the decoded result is output, image analysis processing and decoding processing are not performed on the entire captured image unless the partial image Pb is deemed to have changed, and there is no need to compare the decoded results for each capture to prevent double reading. This not only reduces the processing load for preventing double reading, but also shortens the processing time, thereby shortening the reading cycle.

[0310] The range of the partial image Pb in the captured image P is not limited to being set in the central part of the captured image P, and may be set in another range of the captured image P. Furthermore, as illustrated in Fig. 65, the range of the partial image Pb in the captured image P may be set based on the position of the marker light Lm in the captured image P.

[0311] The range of the partial image Pb in the captured image P may be set based on the information code that was successfully decoded last time. For example, the partial image Pb may be set so as to match the code area of ​​the information code that was successfully decoded last time. By setting the range of the partial image Pb in the captured image P based on the position of the information code that was successfully decoded last time, it is possible to determine whether the partial image Pb has changed based on the brightness and darkness of each cell that constitutes the information code, thereby improving the accuracy of the determination.

[0312] [Eighteenth embodiment] Next, an optical information reader according to an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The eighteenth embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment mainly in that the protective structure for the edge portion that constitutes the reading port is designed to improve ease of assembly.

[0313] Conventionally, in a portable optical information reading device, a protective member such as rubber is attached to the edge portion constituting the reading port for the purpose of protection against dropping, protection of the display screen on which the information code to be read is displayed, etc. This protective member is usually attached by hooking it to an engagement portion or the like provided on the edge portion so that it does not easily come off after being attached to the edge portion. On the other hand, in the configuration in which the engagement portion is used for assembly as described above, it is difficult to achieve a strong assembly without increasing the size, so when miniaturization and strong assembly are required, the protective member is attached to the edge portion by using an adhesive member such as double-sided tape.

[0314] However, in protective structures that require assembly work in which the protective member is pressed into the edge to be adhered, it is necessary to prevent areas other than the adherend from being adhered to the double-sided tape, etc. during assembly, which makes the assembly work complicated.

[0315] Therefore, in the optical information reading device of this embodiment, a protective structure is adopted in which the tip side protrudes beyond the location where the adhesive portion of the edge is located, and the adhered portion of the protective member that overcomes this protrusion is adhered to the adhesive portion of the edge.

[0316] Specifically, as in the optical information reader 200 shown in Fig. 66, a protection member 260 that provides protection by elastically clamping from both the outside and inside is attached to an edge 251 that constitutes a reading port 250. Note that Fig. 66 shows an enlarged cross section of the vicinity of edge 251 to which protection member 260 is attached (see the area enclosed by the dashed line in Fig. 66).

[0317] The protective member 260 is configured to have an outer protective portion 270 that covers the outside of the edge portion 251, an inner protective portion 280 that covers the inside of the edge portion 251, and a connecting portion 290 that elastically connects the outer protective portion 270 and the inner protective portion 280.

[0318] Further, on the outside of the edge portion 251, there are provided an adhesive portion 252 to which the outer protection portion 270 is adhered, and a protruding portion 253 located on the tip side of the adhesive portion 252 and protruding outward from the adhesive portion 252. The protruding portion 253 is formed so that the protruding height to the outside increases as it approaches the adhesive portion 252. Furthermore, the protruding portion 253 is formed so that an end face 253a on the adhesive portion 252 side is nearly perpendicular to the assembly direction (see arrow α in FIG. 67(A) to be described later) in which the protection member 260 is assembled to the edge portion 251. In this embodiment, a double-sided tape is used as the adhesive portion 252, and is disposed in a groove provided in the vicinity of the end face 253a of the protruding portion 253. Note that the adhesive portion 252 is not limited to being a double-sided tape, and for example, an adhesive or the like may be used.

[0319] The outer protective portion 270 is formed to have an adherend portion 271 that is adhered to the adhesive portion 252, and a thin-walled opposing portion 272 that faces the protruding portion 253 with a small gap therebetween when the adherend portion 271 and the adhesive portion 252 are adhered to each other.

[0320] The attachment of the protective member 260 to the edge portion 251 thus configured will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 67(A) to (C). When assembling the protective member 260 to the edge portion 251, first, as shown in Fig. 67(A), the edge portion 251 is inserted between the outer protective portion 270 and the inner protective portion 280 so that the adherend portion 271 and the protruding portion 253 come into contact with each other. By pushing the protective member 260 with the edge portion 251 inserted in this manner along the assembling direction α in Fig. 67(A), the adherend portion 271 is maintained in sliding contact with the protruding portion 253 without being adhered to the adhesive portion 252.

[0321] Then, by further pushing in protective member 260, as shown in Figure 67(B), adherend portion 271 overcomes protruding portion 253, and outer protective portion 270 attempts to approach inner protective portion 280 due to the elastic force of connecting portion 290, etc., so that adherend portion 271 is adhered to adhesive portion 252 (see Figure 67(C)).

[0322] In this way, the adherend portion 271 is not adhered to the adhesive portion 252 until it overcomes the protruding portion 253. Therefore, even in an assembly operation in which the protective member 260 is adhered by pushing it into the edge portion 251, the protective member 260 is not adhered while being pushed in, and therefore the assembly operation can be easily performed.

[0323] In particular, since the protruding portion 253 is formed so that it protrudes outwardly to a greater height the closer it is to the adhesive portion 252, the adherend portion 271 can easily climb over the protruding portion 253, making the assembly work even easier.

[0324] Furthermore, protruding portion 253 is formed so that end face 253a on the adhesive portion 252 side is nearly perpendicular to an assembly direction α (see FIG. 67(A)) in which protective member 260 is assembled to edge portion 251. As a result, even if protective member 260 tries to come off from adhered edge portion 251, adhered portion 271 comes into contact with end face 253a of protruding portion 253 and becomes difficult to come off, so that protective member 260 can be firmly assembled to edge portion 251.

[0325] As a modified example of this embodiment, an adhesion portion may be further provided on the inner protection portion 280a, as in the case of the protection member 260a and the edge portion 251a illustrated in Fig. 68. Specifically, on the inner side of the edge portion 251a, a second adhesion portion 254 to which the inner protection portion 280a is adhered and a second protruding portion 255 located on the tip side of the second adhesion portion 254 and protruding inward from the second adhesion portion 254 are provided, and the inner protection portion 280a is formed to have a second adherend portion 281 adhered to the second adhesion portion 254 and a thin-walled second opposing portion 282 opposing the second protruding portion 255 via a small gap when the second adherend portion 281 and the second adhesion portion 254 are adhered to each other.

[0326] The second adherend portion 281 is disposed so as to climb over the second protruding portion 255 when the adherend portion 271 climbs over the protruding portion 253 .

[0327] This allows easy assembly work even in the case of the protective member 260a, which is bonded not only to the outside but also to the inside of the edge in order to increase adhesive strength or the like.

[0328] The characteristic configuration of this embodiment and the modified example for protecting the edge of the reading port can also be applied to the other embodiments.

[0329] [Other embodiments] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and may be embodied as follows, for example. (1) The reading opening 50 that takes in reflected light from the information code is not limited to being formed to open in a substantially trapezoidal shape as described above, but may be formed to open in other shapes, for example, a T-shape in which one side edge 52 is longer than the other side edge 53. Even when the reading opening 50 is configured in this manner, the above-mentioned effect is achieved by providing the wall portion 56 that protrudes diagonally downward on the one side edge 52 of the periphery 51 that is farther from the grip portion 13.

[0330] (2) When reading the information code C displayed on the display surface R, it is not necessary to contact the protruding end 56a with the display surface R to read the information code C. Depending on the usage environment, etc., the information code C may be read by slightly lifting the protruding end 56a off the display surface R.

[0331] (3) The present invention is not limited to application to optical information reading devices that optically read information codes such as one-dimensional codes and two-dimensional codes, but may also be applied to optical information reading devices that can optically read not only information codes but also character information, etc.

[0332] (4) The present invention is not limited to being used in optical information reading devices 10 in which reading processing is performed in response to a specified operation of trigger switch 42, but may also be used in optical information reading devices in which reading processing is constantly performed for a certain period of time. [Explanation of symbols]

[0333] 10...Optical information reading device 11…Housing 12...Reading unit 12a...Extending end 13...Gripping part 21...Light source (lighting section) 27...Imaging lens (imaging section) 28...Light receiving sensor (imaging section) 50…Reading port 51...periphery 52...One side edge 56...Wall part 57a, 57b...Opposing part C...Information code C1...Barcode (one-dimensional code) C2…QR code (two-dimensional code) Lf…Illumination light R…Prescribed display surface

Claims

1. an imaging unit that images an information code displayed on a predetermined display surface; An illumination unit that emits illumination light; a housing in which the imaging unit and the illumination unit are housed and which is provided with a reading port through which the illumination light from the illumination unit is emitted and the light from the information code is introduced into the housing; Equipped with an optical information reading device that reads the information code by imaging the information code with the imaging unit while the reading port is separated from the predetermined display surface, The housing includes: a reading unit in which the reading port is formed; a gripping portion that is gripped when the reading port is directed toward the information code; Equipped with the reading unit is connected to the gripping unit such that, when a longitudinal direction of the gripping unit is horizontal, the reading unit extends obliquely downward from one end of the gripping unit in the longitudinal direction and the reading port is located at the extended end, a wall portion protruding obliquely downward is provided on one side edge of the periphery of the reading port away from the grip portion, a protection member for protecting the imaging unit and the illumination unit is provided at the reading port; the protective member is formed with a first transmission portion through which the illumination light passes and a second transmission portion through which reflected light from the information code passes, The housing is provided with a holding portion that holds the protective member so as to surround the protective member from an outer surface side, The holding portion is formed so that an exposed width for exposing the first transparent portion on the outer surface side and an exposed width for exposing the second transparent portion on the outer surface side are smaller than the width of a user's finger.

2. an imaging unit that images an information code displayed on a predetermined display surface; An illumination unit that emits illumination light; a housing in which the imaging unit and the illumination unit are housed and which is provided with a reading port through which the illumination light from the illumination unit is emitted and the light from the information code is introduced into the housing; Equipped with an optical information reading device that reads the information code by imaging the information code with the imaging unit while the reading port is separated from the predetermined display surface, The housing includes: a reading unit in which the reading port is formed; a gripping portion that is gripped when the reading port is directed toward the information code; Equipped with the reading unit is connected to the gripping unit such that, when a longitudinal direction of the gripping unit is horizontal, the reading unit extends obliquely downward from one end of the gripping unit in the longitudinal direction and the reading port is located at the extended end, a wall portion protruding obliquely downward is provided on one side edge of the periphery of the reading port away from the grip portion, a protection member for protecting the imaging unit and the illumination unit is provided at the reading port; an optical information reading device, characterized in that the protective member is formed with a first transparent portion through which the illumination light passes, a first annular portion that protrudes outward so as to surround the first transparent portion in a ring shape, a second transparent portion through which reflected light from the information code passes, and a second annular portion that protrudes outward so as to surround the second transparent portion in a ring shape.

3. an imaging unit that images an information code displayed on a predetermined display surface; An illumination unit that emits illumination light; a housing in which the imaging unit and the illumination unit are housed and which is provided with a reading port through which the illumination light from the illumination unit is emitted and the light from the information code is introduced into the housing; Equipped with an optical information reading device that reads the information code by imaging the information code with the imaging unit while the reading port is separated from the predetermined display surface, The housing includes: a reading unit in which the reading port is formed; a gripping portion that is gripped when the reading port is directed toward the information code; Equipped with the reading unit is connected to the gripping unit such that, when a longitudinal direction of the gripping unit is horizontal, the reading unit extends obliquely downward from one end of the gripping unit in the longitudinal direction and the reading port is located at the extended end, a wall portion protruding obliquely downward is provided on one side edge of the periphery of the reading port away from the grip portion, A marker light irradiating unit that irradiates a marker light indicating an imaging field of view by the imaging unit; a marker imaging determination unit that determines whether or not the image captured by the imaging unit is in a marker imaging state in which the marker light is captured in a predetermined state; an illumination control unit that controls the illumination unit in response to a determination result of the marker image capture determination unit; An optical information reading device comprising:

4. an imaging unit that images an information code displayed on a predetermined display surface; An illumination unit that emits illumination light; a housing in which the imaging unit and the illumination unit are housed and which is provided with a reading port through which the illumination light from the illumination unit is emitted and the light from the information code is introduced into the housing; Equipped with an optical information reading device that reads the information code by imaging the information code with the imaging unit while the reading port is separated from the predetermined display surface, The housing includes: a reading unit in which the reading port is formed; a gripping portion that is gripped when the reading port is directed toward the information code; Equipped with the reading unit is connected to the gripping unit such that, when a longitudinal direction of the gripping unit is horizontal, the reading unit extends obliquely downward from one end of the gripping unit in the longitudinal direction and the reading port is located at the extended end, a wall portion protruding obliquely downward is provided on one side edge of the periphery of the reading port away from the grip portion, a decoding unit that performs a decoding process for decoding the information code on the captured image captured by the imaging unit; a processing unit for performing a predetermined process using a result of the decoding by the decoding unit; a decoded result similarity / differentity determination unit that, when a plurality of decoded results are obtained from one captured image by the decoding unit because a plurality of information codes are simultaneously captured, determines whether or not two or more identical decoded results are obtained; Equipped with The processing unit is characterized in that, when the decoding result similarity determination unit determines that two or more identical decoding results have been obtained, it performs the specified processing on one of the two or more identical decoding results.

5. a storage unit for storing a decoded result obtained by performing the predetermined process by the processing unit, The optical information reading device of claim 4, characterized in that when the decoding result similarity determination unit determines that two or more identical decoding results have been obtained, and a decoding result that matches the same decoding result based on the information stored in the memory unit has not been subjected to the specified processing by the processing unit within a specified number of readings,

6. a storage unit for storing a result of the decoding by the decoding unit together with a decoding time when the decoding process was completed; The optical information reading device described in claim 4, characterized in that when the decoding result similarity determination unit determines that two or more identical decoding results have been obtained, and when the elapsed time from the decoding time associated with the decoding result that matches the identical decoding result and stored in the memory unit is greater than or equal to a predetermined time, the processing unit performs the predetermined processing on the decoding result.

7. a counting unit that counts the number of times that an information code that has been successfully decoded by the decoding unit is removed from an imaging field of view of the imaging unit and re-enters the imaging field of view as an imaging count; a storage unit in which a decoded result obtained by performing the predetermined process by the processing unit is stored in association with the number of times of imaging counted by the counting unit, The optical information reading device according to claim 4, characterized in that when the decoding result similarity determination unit determines that two or more identical decoding results have been obtained, and when the number of imaging times associated with the decoding result that matches the identical decoding result and stored in the memory unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the processing unit performs the predetermined processing on the decoding result.

8. a storage unit that stores, for the information code determined by the decoding result similarity determination unit as having two or more identical decoded results, a time at which the information code was removed from an imaging field of view of the imaging unit in association with the decoding result as a code removal time, The optical information reading device according to claim 4, characterized in that when the decoding result similarity determination unit determines that two or more identical decoding results have been obtained, and when the elapsed time from the code exclusion time associated with the decoding result that matches the identical decoding result and stored in the memory unit is greater than or equal to a predetermined time, the processing unit performs the predetermined processing on the decoding result.

9. a posture detection unit for detecting a posture of the housing, The processing unit performs the predetermined process on the decoded result when the decoded result similarity determination unit determines that two or more identical decoded results have been obtained and when the orientation of the housing detected by the orientation detection unit is in a predetermined orientation state.

5. The optical information reading device according to claim 4, wherein:

10. an imaging unit for imaging an information code; a code image detection unit that detects a code image for decoding the information code from the image captured by the imaging unit; a decoding unit that performs a decoding process for decoding the information code of the code image detected by the code image detection unit; a processing unit for performing a predetermined process using a result of the decoding by the decoding unit; a notification unit for performing a predetermined notification in response to a success of the decoding process; An optical information reading device comprising: The code image detection unit detects the code image having the same information code in a plurality of consecutive captured images successively captured by the imaging unit, a read object determination unit that determines whether or not the code image detected by the code image detection unit is a read object according to a state of the code image in the captured image, When the decoding process of the code image determined by the reading object determination unit to be the reading object is successful and a decoding result is obtained, the processing unit performs the specified processing using the decoding result, and the notification unit issues the specified notification.

11. The optical information reading device according to claim 10, characterized in that even if a portion corresponding to a part of the code image detected by the code image detection unit is out of the imaging field of view of the imaging unit, if a state of the remaining part of the code image within the imaging field of view satisfies a predetermined condition, the reading object determination unit determines that the code image is to be read.

12. The optical information reading device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that if the decoding process of the code image is not successful when the reading object determination unit determines that the code image is a reading object, and if the decoding process of the code image is successful after the determination, the processing unit performs the predetermined process using the decoding result obtained after the determination, and the notification unit performs the predetermined notification.

13. an imaging unit that images an information code displayed on a predetermined display surface; An illumination unit that emits illumination light; a housing in which the imaging unit and the illumination unit are housed and which is provided with a reading port through which the illumination light from the illumination unit is emitted and the light from the information code is introduced into the housing; Equipped with an optical information reading device that reads the information code by imaging the information code with the imaging unit while the reading port is separated from the predetermined display surface, The housing includes: a reading unit in which the reading port is formed; a gripping portion that is gripped when the reading port is directed toward the information code; Equipped with the reading unit is connected to the gripping unit such that, when a longitudinal direction of the gripping unit is horizontal, the reading unit extends obliquely downward from one end of the gripping unit in the longitudinal direction and the reading port is located at the extended end, a wall portion protruding obliquely downward is provided on one side edge of the periphery of the reading port away from the grip portion, A marker light irradiating unit that irradiates a marker light toward an imaging field of view of the imaging unit; a decoding unit that performs a decoding process for decoding the information code on the captured image captured by the imaging unit; an output unit for outputting a decoded result obtained by the decoding unit; a code position determination unit that determines whether or not the information code decoded by the decoding unit is located within a decoding target area that corresponds to a part of the captured image; Equipped with An optical information reading device characterized in that the output unit outputs the decoded result of an information code that is determined to be located within the decoding target area by the code position determination unit when the marker light is not captured by the imaging unit.

14. an imaging unit that images an information code displayed on a predetermined display surface; An illumination unit that emits illumination light; a housing in which the imaging unit and the illumination unit are housed and which is provided with a reading port through which the illumination light from the illumination unit is emitted and the light from the information code is introduced into the housing; Equipped with an optical information reading device that reads the information code by imaging the information code with the imaging unit while the reading port is separated from the predetermined display surface, The housing includes: a reading unit in which the reading port is formed; a gripping portion that is gripped when the reading port is directed toward the information code; Equipped with the reading unit is connected to the gripping unit such that, when a longitudinal direction of the gripping unit is horizontal, the reading unit extends obliquely downward from one end of the gripping unit in the longitudinal direction and the reading port is located at the extended end, a wall portion protruding obliquely downward is provided on one side edge of the periphery of the reading port away from the grip portion, A marker light irradiating unit that irradiates a marker light toward an imaging field of view of the imaging unit; a decoding unit that performs a decoding process for decoding the information code on the captured image captured by the imaging unit; a marker irradiation state determination unit that determines whether or not the marker light is being irradiated toward the information code from which a decoded result has been obtained; an output unit for outputting a decoded result of the information code when the marker illumination state determination unit determines that the marker light is illuminated; a decoding result determination unit that determines whether or not the decoding result obtained by the decoding unit matches the decoding result previously output from the output unit; a double-read prevention setting unit that performs double-read prevention setting to prevent a decoded result that matches a previously output decoded result from being output each time the decoded result is output from the output unit; Equipped with the double-reading prevention setting unit cancels the double-reading prevention setting when it is determined by the marker irradiation state determination unit that the marker light is not being irradiated toward the information code from which the decoded result has been obtained after the decoded result is output from the output unit, The optical information reading device is characterized in that, when the double-read prevention setting unit has set the double-read prevention setting, the output unit does not output a decoded result that is determined to be in a matching state by the decode result judgment unit, and when the double-read prevention setting is released, the output unit includes even a decoded result that is determined to be in a matching state by the decode result judgment unit as a target for output.

15. an imaging unit that images an information code displayed on a predetermined display surface; An illumination unit that emits illumination light; a housing in which the imaging unit and the illumination unit are housed and which is provided with a reading port through which the illumination light from the illumination unit is emitted and the light from the information code is introduced into the housing; Equipped with an optical information reading device that reads the information code by imaging the information code with the imaging unit while the reading port is separated from the predetermined display surface, The housing includes: a reading unit in which the reading port is formed; a gripping portion that is gripped when the reading port is directed toward the information code; Equipped with the reading unit is connected to the gripping unit such that, when a longitudinal direction of the gripping unit is horizontal, the reading unit extends obliquely downward from one end of the gripping unit in the longitudinal direction and the reading port is located at the extended end, a wall portion protruding obliquely downward is provided on one side edge of the periphery of the reading port away from the grip portion, a decoding unit that performs a decoding process for decoding the information code on the captured image captured by the imaging unit; an output unit for outputting a decoded result obtained by the decoding unit; an image state determination unit that determines whether or not a partial image corresponding to a part of an image captured by the imaging unit is in a partial image match state in which the image is considered to be unchanged; Equipped with The optical information reading device according to claim 1, wherein the decoding unit does not perform the decoding process when the image state determination unit determines that the partial image coincidence state occurs when the decoding result is output by the output unit.

16. 16. The optical information reading device according to claim 15, wherein the partial image is set so that the range of the partial image that occupies the captured image is set to a central portion of the captured image.

17. A marker light irradiating unit irradiates a marker light toward a center of an imaging field of view of the imaging unit, 16. The optical information reading device according to claim 15, wherein the range of the partial image in the captured image is set based on the position of the marker light in the captured image.

18. 16. The optical information reader according to claim 15, wherein the partial image is set based on an area of ​​the captured image that is determined based on an information code that was successfully decoded last time.

Images