Reader and handheld scanner holders

Abstract

To provide a reader that can be used both in a usage form that can provide operability similar to that of a built-in reader and as a handy type.SOLUTION: A reader includes a handy scanner, an adjuster, and a stand. The handy scanner has a head with a built-in reading sensor and a handle connected at one end to the head, and reads a code symbol image using the reading sensor. The adjuster is attached to the head and surrounds a readable angular range of the reading sensor. The stand, to which the adjuster is detachably connected, holds the adjuster in an orientation such that the angular range that can be read by the reading sensor is approximately equal vertically across a horizontal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a holder for a reading device and a handheld scanner. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, point-of-sale (POS) terminal devices installed on checkout counters at convenience stores and the like have been configured to be usable as self-checkout devices (hereinafter, such terminal devices will be referred to as dual-purpose terminals).Depending on the level of congestion in the store, the dual-purpose terminals can be switched between operating as a regular cash register operated by a store clerk and as a self-checkout device operated by a customer.

[0003] Generally, POS terminals are equipped with a reading device (code scanner) that decodes code symbol images such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes. There is room for improvement in the reading device of such a dual-purpose terminal to improve its usability.

[0004] For example, store clerks are accustomed to handheld scanners and tend to find handheld reading devices easier to use. On the other hand, customers who operate self-checkout machines are accustomed to fixed reading devices that are integrated into the machine housing and tend to find fixed or stationary reading devices easier to use. For this reason, if a POS terminal only comes with either a handheld or stationary reading device, the operability will be poor for both store clerks and customers.

[0005] Technologies for enabling handheld reading devices (handheld scanners) to be used as stationary devices have been proposed in the past (e.g., Patent Documents 1 and 2). However, when considering factors such as the reading angle and device stability, the reading devices disclosed in those documents cannot be said to offer operability comparable to that of the fixed (or stationary) reading devices provided in current self-checkout devices. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a reading device that can be used in both a mode of use that provides operability similar to that of a built-in reading device and a mode of use as a handheld type. Another problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a holder that allows a handheld scanner to be used in both a manner that provides operability similar to that of a built-in reading device and a manner that allows it to be used as a handheld type. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The reading device of the embodiment includes a handheld scanner, an adjuster, and a stand. The handheld scanner has a head with a built-in reading sensor and a handle connected to one end of the head, and reads a code symbol image with the reading sensor. The adjuster is attached to the head and surrounds the reading angle range of the reading sensor. The stand is detachably connected to the adjuster and holds the adjuster in an orientation such that the reading angle range of the reading sensor is approximately equal above and below the horizontal. The adjuster has a cylindrical shape, and an edge of the adjuster farther from the reading sensor and the stand are provided with a connecting structure for detachably connecting them to each other. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a reading device 100 of the first embodiment from the front side. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the reading device 100 from the rear side. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the reading device 100. As shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the adjuster 3 from the rear side. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the adjuster 3 as seen from the rear side. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the handy scanner 1 to which the adjuster 3 is attached. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the stand 2 from the rear side. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view showing the appearance of the stand 2. As shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic example of a connection structure between the stand 2 and the adjuster 3. As shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of the reading device 100 in use. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the stand 2 holding the handy scanner 1 in a horizontal position. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an example of how the reading device 100 is installed. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of an installation state of the reading device 100. As shown in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a connection structure between the stand 2 and the adjuster 3 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a connection structure between the stand 2 and the adjuster 3 of the third embodiment, where (a) is a plan view and (b) is a side view. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing an example of the shape of the adjuster 3 that corresponds to the specially shaped handy scanner of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view from the front side showing a state in which the adjuster 3 of FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a front view showing a state in which the adjuster 3 of FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a perspective view from the rear side showing the state in which the adjuster 3 of FIG. 16 is fixed to the stand 2. As shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (First embodiment) The first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a reading device 100 of the first embodiment from the front side. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the reading device 100 from the rear side. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the reading device 100. Note that here, the side on which a reading target is held over the reading device 100 is defined as the front side. The reading device 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is in a state where it is used as a stationary type.

[0010] The reading device 100 is made up of a handheld scanner 1, a stand 2, and an adjuster 3. The stand 2 and the adjuster 3 form a holder 10 for holding the handheld scanner 1 in a stationary state for use.

[0011] The handy scanner 1 is a device that is held by hand when used alone, and is roughly divided into a head 11 and a handle 12.

[0012] The head 11 includes a housing 13 and a lighting and imaging sensor built into the housing 13. The housing 13 has a shape that widens from the top to the bottom like a quadrangular pyramid, and includes a reading window 14 at the bottom of the pyramid. The reading window 14 transmits light emitted by a lighting built into the housing 13 and takes in light from outside the housing 13. The lighting is, for example, an LED (light emitting diode), and illuminates a code symbol image held over the reading window 14. The imaging sensor is an example of a reading sensor and reads the code symbol image by area reading. More specifically, the imaging sensor captures the code symbol image illuminated by the lighting and outputs two-dimensional image data. The code symbol image is, for example, a barcode or two-dimensional code.

[0013] The handle 12 is the part (grip) that an operator holds when using the handheld scanner 1 by hand, and is connected to one end of the head 11 at a position corresponding to the side of the pyramid. The handle 12 is provided with buttons 15 that allow the handheld scanner 1 to accept predetermined operations. The longitudinal direction of the handle 12 and the normal to the surface of the reading window 14 form an obtuse angle that is slightly larger than a right angle. This angle is set to a value that makes the handheld scanner 1 easy to use when used as a handheld type.

[0014] The adjuster 3 is detachably connected to the stand 2, and holds the adjuster 3 in an orientation such that the angle range that the image sensor can read is approximately equal above and below the horizontal. By supporting the adjuster 3, the stand 2 holds the handheld scanner 1 to which the adjuster 3 is attached in a state in which it can be used as a stationary type. More specifically, the stand 2 holds the handheld scanner 1 in a state in which the reading window 14 is fixedly positioned so that it faces approximately forward, not facing upward or downward.

[0015] In the illustrated state, the stand 2 is a member having a shape in which a flat plate portion 21 having a flat surface facing downward and a flat plate portion 22 having a flat surface facing forward are connected to each other along one side, and has a substantially L-shaped appearance in a side view. The flat surface of the flat plate portion 21 and the flat surface of the flat plate portion 22 are substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0016] When the reading device 100 is used in a stationary manner, the flat plate portion 21 contacts the installation surface (such as the top surface of a checkout counter). When the reading device 100 is used in a stationary manner, the flat plate portion 22 stands approximately upright relative to the installation surface.

[0017] The flat plate portion 22 is provided with an opening 23 having a shape corresponding to the reading window 14. The opening 23 corresponds to the reading range of the handy scanner 1, that is, the edge of the opening does not interfere with the reading range of the image sensor.

[0018] Furthermore, a notch 24 is provided in the flat plate portion 21. When the handy scanner 1 is used as a handheld type, the stand 2 is used in a horizontal position as the fixed position of the handy scanner 1. Horizontal positioning refers to a state in which the flat plate portion 22 is placed lying down. In horizontal positioning, the flat plate portion 21 stands approximately upright on the installation surface, so the notch 24 faces upward. The notch 24 is a recess on which the handle 12 is placed to prevent it from rolling, and has a shape that corresponds to the shape and thickness of the handle 12.

[0019] The depth dimension of the flat plate portion 21, i.e., the length from the edge connecting to the flat plate portion 22 to the edge where the cutout portion 24 is provided, is a dimension suitable for supporting the handle 12 when the head 11 is placed on the flat plate portion 22 when used in the horizontal position described above.

[0020] The adjuster 3 is a member that mediates the attachment and detachment of the handheld scanner 1 to the stand 2. The adjuster 3 has a cylindrical shape, is attached to the head 11, and surrounds the angular range that can be read by the image sensor. The opening of the cylindrical adjuster 3 faces in the direction (reading direction) in which the image sensor captures reflected light from the object to be imaged.

[0021] More specifically, the adjuster 3 is made up of an upper cover 31 that covers the upper side of the head 11, and a lower cover 32 that covers the lower side of the head 11. The head 11 is sandwiched between the upper and lower covers 31 and 32. The upper cover 31 and the lower cover 32 are fixed to each other and integrated by, for example, engaging with claws (not shown) provided on their mating surfaces (the surfaces of the lower cover 32 and the opposing surfaces of the upper cover 31 indicated by reference numerals 321 and 322 in FIG. 3).

[0022] A recess 33 is formed on the front side of the upper cover 31. A recess 34 is formed on the front side of the lower cover 32. The recesses 33 and 34 surround the edge of the reading window 14 facing the front side.

[0023] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the adjuster 3 from the rear side. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the adjuster 3 from the rear side. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the handy scanner 1 to which the adjuster 3 is attached.

[0024] A recess 35 is formed on the rear side of the upper cover 31. The recess 35 conforms to the outer shape of the upper rear side of the head 11. A recess 36 is provided on the rear side of the lower cover 32. The recess 36 conforms to the outer shape of the front side of the base of the handle 12.

[0025] The base of the handle 12 (the connection portion with the head 11) is exposed from the opening formed by the recesses 35 and 36. The opening on the opposite side formed by the recesses 33 and 34 exposes the reading window 14. The edge of the opening on this side is connected to the base 2 at a position surrounding the opening 23.

[0026] An engagement hole 37 is provided on the edge of the front side (the side farther from the image sensor of the adjuster 3) of the upper cover 31. The engagement hole 37 is a horizontally long rectangular through-hole formed in a plate, and is a portion that engages with an engagement claw 25 (described later, see FIG. 7) provided on the stand 2. The engagement between the engagement hole 37 and the engagement claw 25 holds and fixes the adjuster 3 to the stand 2.

[0027] Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the stand 2 from the rear side. Fig. 8 is a side view showing the appearance of the stand 2. The stand 2 has an engaging claw 25 and a support portion 26 on the rear side.

[0028] The engagement claw 25 engages with an engagement hole 37 provided on the front side of the adjuster 3. More specifically, the engagement claw 25 is a horizontally long plate with one long side connected to the back surface of the stand 2 and the other long side bent upward.

[0029] The engagement hole 37 and the engagement claw 25 form a connecting structure that allows the adjuster 3 and the stand 2 to be detachably connected to each other. Figure 9 is a diagram that schematically shows an example of a connecting structure between the stand 2 and the adjuster 3. The bent portion of the engagement claw 25 is inserted into the engagement hole 37 from the front side of the plate surface on which the engagement hole 37 is provided, passes through the engagement hole 37, reaches the back side of the plate surface on which the engagement hole 37 is provided, and interferes with the upper edge of the plate surface on which the engagement hole 37 is formed. This prevents the engagement claw 25 from easily falling out of the engagement hole 37, and the adjuster 3 is suspended and held on the stand 2.

[0030] The support portion 26 is a portion that supports from below the head 11 that is hooked and held by the engaging claws 25, and a lower cover 32 that covers the head 11 is placed on the support portion 26. The support portion 26 and the engaging claws 25 share the load caused by the weight of the handheld scanner 1 and the adjuster 3.

[0031] 10 is a perspective view showing an example of how the reading device 100 is used. The reading device 100 is used together with a POS terminal device 5, and outputs information (code values ​​and image data) to the POS terminal device 5. The POS terminal device 5 is an example of a sales information processing device. The POS terminal device 5 of this embodiment is fixed on a base 7 and placed on the top surface of a checkout counter 9.

[0032] The POS terminal device 5 includes a main body 51, a store clerk display / operation unit 52, and a customer display / operation unit 53. The main body 51 incorporates a control unit and the like that controls and functions all of the parts of the POS terminal device 5.

[0033] The clerk display / operation unit 52 is a display device with a touch panel on its surface, which displays information for the clerk and accepts operations according to the displayed information. When the POS terminal device 5 is operating as a normal cash register, the clerk display / operation unit 52 accepts operations related to product registration.

[0034] The customer display / operation unit 53 has a touch panel on the surface of the display device, displays information for customers, and accepts operations according to the displayed content. When the POS terminal device 5 is operating as a self-checkout device, the customer display / operation unit 53 accepts operations related to product registration. The POS terminal device 5 shown in FIG. 10 is operating as a self-checkout device.

[0035] 11 is a perspective view showing the stand 2 holding the handheld scanner 1 in a horizontal position. When the POS terminal device 5 is operating as a normal cash register, the handheld scanner 1 is used as a handheld type. When the handheld scanner 1 is used as a handheld type, the stand 2 is placed horizontally so that it can be easily used as a fixed position for the handheld scanner 1 when not in use. In other words, the flat plate portion 22 is placed in contact with the installation surface (such as the top surface of the stand 7) and the flat plate portion 21 is placed so as to be approximately upright relative to the installation surface, with the notch 24 located on the upward edge of the flat plate portion 21.

[0036] When used in this state, the head 11 is placed on the flat plate portion 22, and the notch portion 24 holds the handle 12 in the thickness direction to prevent the handle 12 from rolling off. When the stand 2 is used as a storage place for the handy scanner 1 when not in use as a handheld type, it is placed, for example, near the clerk display / operation unit 52, as shown by the imaginary line (two-dot chain line) in Fig. 10.

[0037] Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing an example of how to install the reading device 100. Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of an installation state of the reading device 100.

[0038] The base 7 has feet 71 on its underside. The feet 71 are flat and slightly smaller than the base 7. The feet 71 have a notch 72 that opens on the side facing the customers who will be viewing the customer display / operation unit 53. The notch 72 has an inner surface that corresponds to the shape of the flat plate portion 21, and is a depression of such a size that the inner surface is in contact with the flat plate portion 21 or faces it at a slight distance.

[0039] When the reading device 100 is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow A in FIG. 12, the flat plate portion 21 is inserted into the notch portion 72, and the reading device 100 is fixed to the base 7, and is placed in the installed state shown in FIG.

[0040] The reading device 100 used together with such a POS terminal 5 is used as a stationary type as shown in Fig. 13 when the POS terminal 5 is operating as a self-checkout device. When the POS terminal 5 is operating as a normal register where a store clerk performs various processes such as product registration, the reading device 100 is installed horizontally, for example, at the position shown by the imaginary line (two-dot chain line) in Fig. 10 so that the handy scanner 1 can be used as a handy type. When used horizontally, the reading device 100 may be placed so that the handle 12 rests on the notch 24 of the stand 2.

[0041] Thus, according to the first embodiment, the handy scanner 1 can be used as both a stationary type and a handy type. When used as a stationary type reading device 100, it can provide operability similar to that of a device built into a self-checkout device.

[0042] The above-described embodiment can be modified as needed by partially changing the configuration or functions of each of the above-described devices. Therefore, several modifications of the above-described embodiment will be described below as other embodiments. The following mainly focuses on differences from the above-described embodiment, and detailed descriptions of commonalities with the content already described will be omitted. The modifications described below may be implemented individually or in appropriate combination.

[0043] (Second embodiment) 14 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a connection structure between the stand 2 and the adjuster 3. The stand 2 is provided with a magnet 28 at the portion of the flat plate portion 22 with which the adjuster 3 comes into contact. The adjuster 3 is also provided with an iron plate 38 at the portion facing the magnet 28. As a result, when the adjuster 3 is brought close to a predetermined position on the stand 2, the iron plate 38 is attracted to the magnet 28, as shown by arrow B in FIG. 14, and the adjuster 3 fits into the predetermined position on the stand 2.

[0044] According to this embodiment, the adjuster 3 can be easily positioned at a predetermined position on the stand 2. Therefore, the adjuster 3 and the handy scanner 1 can be easily attached to and detached from the stand 2.

[0045] (Third embodiment) 15A and 15B are diagrams schematically showing an example of a connection structure between the stand 2 and the adjuster 3, where (a) is a plan view and (b) is a side view. Also, Fig. 15A is a cross-sectional view taken along CC in Fig. 15B. Grooves 39 are formed on both side surfaces of the adjuster 3. The grooves 39 are engraved from the lower end of the adjuster 3 to the center in the vertical direction. The stand 2 also has a pair of rails 29 that sandwich and guide the area of ​​the grooves 39 of the adjuster 3 from both sides. The rails 29 are provided to protrude from the flat plate portion 22, and the tips of the rails 29 are bent in a direction to fit into the grooves 39.

[0046] In this configuration, by moving the adjuster 3 relative to the base 2 so that the groove 39 descends from above the rail 29, the tip of the rail 29 fits into the groove 39. Because the groove 39 is provided not over the entire vertical range of the adjuster 3 but only halfway up and down, the rail 29 does not pass through the upper end of the adjuster 3 and stops halfway up and down on the adjuster 3. In this way, the base 2 supports the adjuster 3 in a predetermined position.

[0047] According to this embodiment, compared to other embodiments, it is considered that the adjuster 3 is less likely to separate from the stand 2, for example, even if the reading device 100 falls over, and therefore it is less likely that the stand 2 and the adjuster 3 will unintentionally separate.

[0048] (Fourth embodiment) Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing an example of the shape of an adjuster 3 that corresponds to a specially shaped handheld scanner (not shown). Figs. 17, 18, and 19 are a perspective view from the front, a front view, and a perspective view from the rear, showing the state in which the adjuster 3 of Fig. 16 is fixed to the stand 2. The stand 2 and adjuster 3 of this embodiment form a holder 101 that holds the specially shaped handheld scanner.

[0049] Some recent handheld scanners have a special shape in which the lower half (the handle 12 side) of the head 11 shown in Figure 3 is missing, exposing the image sensor. The image sensor of such handheld scanners is located near the top base of the handle 12.

[0050] The adjuster 3 has a shape that widens from the top to the bottom like a quadrangular pyramid, and has a hole 361 at the top of the pyramid that exposes the image sensor. The bottom of the pyramid is an opening 341, and no reading window is provided. In this way, the adjuster 3 has a cylindrical shape that is narrow on the image sensor side and wide on the side facing the reading target.

[0051] The inner peripheral surface 3201 of the adjuster 3 is shaped to follow the readable angle range and indicate the readable range, allowing the user to easily estimate the readable range of the handheld scanner.

[0052] A recess 351 into which the head 11 of the handy scanner is inserted is provided on the rear side of the adjuster 3 (see FIG. 19). The upper cover 31 and lower cover 32 of this embodiment are configured to divide this recess 351 into upper and lower halves.

[0053] Thus, according to this embodiment, even if the shape of the handheld scanner is different from the conventional one, by making the shape of the adjuster 3 correspond to the handheld scanner, it is possible to configure a reading device 100 that has the same effect as the first embodiment.

[0054] In the above-described embodiments, an image sensor that performs area reading has been described as an example of a reading sensor, but in practice, the reading sensor may also perform line reading. In this case, it may be difficult to hold the object to be read over the reading device so that it can be read, for example, because the reading depth (readable distance from the reading sensor) is shallower than that of an image sensor. However, such difficulties can be improved by providing a reflector around the sensor, for example.

[0055] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 100...reading device, 10, 101...holder, 1...Handy scanner, 11...head, 12...handle, 13...casing, 14...reading window, 15...button, 2...stand, 21...flat plate portion (second flat plate portion), 22...flat plate portion (first flat plate portion), 23...opening portion, 24...notch portion, 25...engagement claw, 26...support portion, 28...Magnet, 29...rail, 3...adjuster, 31... upper cover, 32... lower cover, 33 to 36... recesses, 37... engagement hole, 38...Iron plate, 39...Groove, 341...opening, 361...hole, 3201...inner circumferential surface, 5...POS terminal equipment, 51...Main unit, 52...Display and operation section for store staff, 53...Display and operation section for customers, 7...base, 71...foot, 72...notch, 9...Checkout counter. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0057] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-241364 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-117369

Claims

1. a handy scanner having a head with a built-in reading sensor and a handle connected to one end of the head, the handy scanner reading a code symbol image with the reading sensor; an adjuster attached to the head and surrounding the readable angle range of the read sensor; a base to which the adjuster is detachably connected, and which holds the adjuster in an orientation such that the angle range in which the reading sensor can read is substantially equal above and below the horizontal; Equipped with The adjuster has a cylindrical shape, The edge of the adjuster farther from the reading sensor and the stand are provided with a connecting structure for detachably connecting them to each other. Reading device.

2. a handy scanner having a head with a built-in reading sensor and a handle connected to one end of the head, the handy scanner reading a code symbol image with the reading sensor; an adjuster attached to the head and surrounding the readable angle range of the read sensor; a base to which the adjuster is detachably connected, and which holds the adjuster in an orientation such that the angle range in which the reading sensor can read is substantially equal above and below the horizontal; Equipped with the adjuster has a cylindrical shape that is narrow on the reading sensor side and wide on the reading target side of the reading sensor, The inner circumferential surface of the adjuster is aligned with the readable angle range of the read sensor. Reading device.

3. The stand includes a first flat plate portion having an opening corresponding to the reading range of the handheld scanner and to which one edge of the adjuster is connected at a position surrounding the opening, and a second flat plate portion substantially perpendicular to the first flat plate portion.

3. The reading device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A handheld scanner having a head with a built-in reading sensor and a handle connected to one end of the head, the handheld scanner supporting the head and reading a code symbol image with the reading sensor, an adjuster attached to the head and surrounding the readable angle range of the read sensor; a base to which the adjuster is detachably connected, and which holds the adjuster in an orientation such that the angle range in which the reading sensor can read is substantially equal above and below the horizontal; Equipped with The adjuster has a cylindrical shape, The edge of the adjuster farther from the reading sensor and the stand are provided with a connecting structure for detachably connecting them to each other. Handheld scanner holder.

5. A handheld scanner having a head with a built-in reading sensor and a handle connected to one end of the head, the handheld scanner supporting the head and reading a code symbol image with the reading sensor, an adjuster attached to the head and surrounding the readable angle range of the read sensor; a base to which the adjuster is detachably connected, and which holds the adjuster in an orientation such that the angle range in which the reading sensor can read is substantially equal above and below the horizontal; Equipped with the adjuster has a cylindrical shape that is narrow on the reading sensor side and wide on the reading target side of the reading sensor, The inner circumferential surface of the adjuster is aligned with the readable angle range of the read sensor. Handheld scanner holder.

Images