Optical information reading device

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 reading device that optically reads information codes.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, at cash registers in retail stores and convenience stores, barcode scanners that use line sensors as light receiving means are widely adopted to read one-dimensional codes such as barcodes displayed on products and the like. The barcode scanner is provided with a reading port that is formed long in one direction to facilitate reading of the barcode. Therefore, by bringing the reading port into contact with the barcode so that the longitudinal direction of the reading port aligns with the longitudinal direction of the barcode, the barcode can be read.

[0003] In recent years, two-dimensional codes such as QR Codes (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. Then, it is necessary to read one-dimensional codes and two-dimensional codes with one optical information reading device. As an optical information reading device capable of optically reading both one-dimensional codes and two-dimensional codes, for example, an optical information reading device disclosed in Patent Document 1 below is known.

[0004] This optical information reading device is mainly a gun-type reading device formed so as to be held with the gripping portion upright when the reading port is directed at an information code displayed on a vertical plane. An extension portion is provided around the reading port of this reading device, and an opening for visually recognizing the information code is formed in a portion different from the gripping portion side on this extension portion. Thereby, even when performing a reading operation of reading an information code in a state where the extension bottom wall portion on the gripping portion side of the extension portion is in contact with the vertical plane, the information code can be visually recognized through the opening from above.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-212861 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Incidentally, in a reader device that reads information codes, when reading an information code displayed on a predetermined display surface, one of two reading operations is employed: a reading operation in which the reader is brought into contact with the display surface so as to cover the information code (so-called touch reading), and a reading operation in which the reader is pointed towards the information code while it is held away from the display surface. In a reader device that employs the reading operation in which the reader is pointed towards the information code while it is held away from the display surface, when reading the information code, the information code and the reader are separated, so ambient lighting or sunlight and other external light may be reflected (specular reflection) from the information code or display surface, which may prevent the information code from being captured in a readable image. Also, because the information code and the reader are separated, the lighting light irradiated through the reader may be reflected from the information code or display surface, which may cause glare to people in the direction the reader is pointed.

[0007] The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its objective is to provide a configuration that can suppress the influence of external light and the glare felt by people in the surrounding area when reading information codes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An imaging unit (28, 27) captures information codes (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) that emits illumination light from the illumination unit and introduces light from the information code into the housing, Equipped with, An optical information reading device (10) that captures and reads the information code with the imaging unit while the reading opening is separated from the predetermined display surface, The aforementioned enclosure is The reading section (12) in which the reading opening is formed, A gripping portion (13) that is held when the reading opening is directed towards 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, it extends diagonally downward from one end of the gripping unit in the longitudinal direction, and the reading opening is located at the extended end (12a). The periphery (51) of the reading opening that is away from the gripping portion When an edge along one direction is designated as the first side edge (52) and the edge opposite this first side edge is designated as the other side edge, the other side edge is shorter in length in the first direction than the first side edge, a first elongated opening region is formed near the first side edge in the first direction, and a rectangular second opening region is formed between the first side edge and the other side edge. The aforementioned One side edge has a projection that extends diagonally downward. wall Section (56) was established, The wall portion is positioned on the inner side of the information code when viewed from the user gripping the gripping portion. When the wall portion is in contact with the display surface of the information code The glare felt by the person in the back of the building by the aforementioned lighting is suppressed. Furthermore, by positioning the wall portion behind the information code, the visibility of the information code is good regardless of whether the first or second opening region faces the information code. It is characterized by the following: The symbols within the parentheses above indicate the correspondence with the specific means described in the embodiments described later. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] In the present invention, the housing comprises a reading section having a reading opening that emits illumination light from an illumination section and introduces light from an information code into the interior of the housing, and a gripping section that is gripped when the reading opening is directed toward the information code. The reading section is connected to the gripping section such that, when the longitudinal direction of the gripping section is horizontal, it extends diagonally downward from one end of the gripping section in the longitudinal direction, with the reading opening located at the extended end, and a wall portion is provided on one edge of the periphery of the reading opening that is away from the gripping section, projecting along the diagonal downward direction.

[0010] As a result, when the information code is captured by the imaging unit with the reading opening separated from the designated display surface, the wall is positioned behind the information code from the perspective of the user holding the gripping unit, and the user themselves is positioned in front of the information code. Therefore, external light reflected from the information code is less likely to be captured without impairing the visibility of the information code. Furthermore, since the wall makes it less likely for the light reflected from the information code by the illumination light through the reading opening to be reflected behind the information code, glare felt by people in the direction the reading opening is facing (corresponding to the direction behind the information code) can be suppressed. In particular, by bringing the protruding end of the wall, which is the tip of the wall, into contact with the designated display surface, the effects of external light and glare felt by people in the vicinity can be suppressed more reliably. Therefore, when reading an information code, it is possible to realize an optical information reading device that can suppress the effects of external light and glare felt by people in the vicinity without impairing the visibility of the information code. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration overview of an optical information reading device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a plan view illustrating the state in which the gripping part is being held. [Figure 3] This is a side view illustrating the gripping state. [Figure 4] Figure 4(A) is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the X1-X1 section of Figure 1, and Figure 4(B) is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the X2-X2 section of Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating the schematic electrical configuration of the optical information reading device. [Figure 6] Figure 6(A) is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the first opening area of ​​the reader is directed towards a barcode, and Figure 6(B) is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the second opening area of ​​the reader is directed towards a QR code. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the shape near the 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 for explaining the shape near the reading port of the optical information reading device according to the second modification of the first embodiment, and FIG. 8(B) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the shape near the reading port of the optical information reading device according to the third modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a side view showing an optical information reading device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the shape near the reading port of FIG. 9. [Figure 11] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the shape near the reading port of the optical information reading device according to the first modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12(A) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the shape near the reading port of the optical information reading device according to the second modification of the second embodiment, and FIG. 12(B) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the shape near the reading port of the optical information reading device according to the third modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13(A) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the shape near the reading port of the optical information reading device according to the fourth modification of the second embodiment, and FIG. 13(B) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the shape near the reading port of the optical information reading device according to the fifth modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14(A) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the shape near the reading port of the optical information reading device according to the sixth modification of the second embodiment, and FIG. 14(B) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the shape near the reading port of the optical information reading device according to the seventh modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an optical information reading device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining a schematic configuration of a marker light irradiation unit in an optical information reading device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 17] It is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship among marker light, imaging field of view, and illumination light. [Figure 18] It is a side view showing an optical information reading device according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 19] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the shape near the reading port of FIG. 18. [Figure 20]Figure 20(A) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the shape near the wall of an optical information reading device according to the first modified example of the fifth embodiment, and Figure 20(B) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the shape near the wall of an optical information reading device according to the second modified example of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 21] Figure 21(A) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the shape near the wall of an optical information reading device according to the third modified example of the fifth embodiment, Figure 21(B) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the shape near the wall of an optical information reading device according to the fourth modified example of the fifth embodiment, and Figure 21(C) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the shape near the wall of an optical information reading device according to the fifth modified example of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 22] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the shape near the wall portion of an optical information reading device according to a sixth modified example of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 23] This is an explanatory diagram showing the main parts of an optical information reading device according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 24] This is an explanatory diagram showing the main parts of an optical information reading device according to a first modified example of the seventh embodiment. [Figure 25] This is a perspective view showing an optical information reading device according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 26] Figure 25 is a side view of the optical information reading device. [Figure 27] Figure 25 is a bottom view of the optical information reading device. [Figure 28] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state in which the protective plate is held in place by the retaining part. [Figure 29] Figure 29(A) is an explanatory diagram showing the degree of finger contact when the exposure width and exposure depth are changed, and Figure 29(B) is an explanatory diagram explaining the exposure width and exposure depth. [Figure 30] This is an explanatory diagram showing the main parts of an optical information reading device according to a first modified example of the eighth embodiment. [Figure 31] This is an explanatory diagram showing the main parts of an optical information reading device according to a second modified example of the eighth embodiment. [Figure 32]Figure 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 Figure 32(B) is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the X3-X3 cross-section of Figure 32(A) in an enlarged view. [Figure 33] This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the reading process in the ninth embodiment. [Figure 34] This is an explanatory diagram showing an image captured when a barcode and a QR code are simultaneously captured during reading in the tenth embodiment. [Figure 35] This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the reading process in the tenth embodiment. [Figure 36] This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the reading process in the 11th embodiment. [Figure 37] This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the reading process in the first modified example of the 11th embodiment. [Figure 38] This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the reading process in a second modified example of the 11th embodiment. [Figure 39] This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the reading process in a third modified example of the 11th embodiment. [Figure 40] This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the reading process in the fourth modified example of the eleventh embodiment. [Figure 41] This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the reading process in the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 42] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a series of captured images in which a decodeable code image has been detected. Figure 42(A) shows a state in which the area of ​​the code image in the captured image is less than a predetermined range, Figure 42(B) shows a state in which the area of ​​the code image in the captured image is larger than that in Figure 42(A) but still less than the predetermined range, and Figure 42(C) shows a state in which the area of ​​the code image in the captured image is greater than or equal to the predetermined range. [Figure 43]This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a series of captured images in which a code image has been detected. Figure 43(A) shows a state where the area of ​​the code image in the captured image is less than a predetermined range, Figure 43(B) shows a state where the area of ​​the code image in the captured image is larger than that in Figure 43(A) but still less than the predetermined range, and Figure 43(C) shows a state where the remaining portion of the code image in the undecodeable captured image is greater than or equal to the predetermined range. [Figure 44] This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the reading process in the first modified example of the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 45] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a series of captured images in which a code image has been detected. Figure 45(A) shows a state where the area of ​​the code image within the captured image is less than a predetermined range and decoding has failed. Figure 45(B) shows a state where the area of ​​the code image within the captured image is larger than that in Figure 45(A) but still less than the predetermined range and decoding has failed. Figure 45(C) shows a state where the area of ​​the code image within the captured image is greater than or equal to the predetermined range and decoding has failed. Figure 45(D) shows a state where the area of ​​the code image within the captured image is less than the predetermined range and decoding has been successful. [Figure 46] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a screen display where three barcodes are arranged vertically. [Figure 47] This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the reading process in the 13th embodiment. [Figure 48] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the captured image and the reading area. [Figure 49] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the reading area includes both an image of the information code to be read and a portion of an image of an information code that is not to be read. [Figure 50] This 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. [Figure 51] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the reading area contains images of all specific patterns of the information code to be read, as well as images of some specific patterns of other information codes. [Figure 52]This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the optical information reading device and the area to be decoded according to the 14th embodiment. [Figure 53] Figure 52 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the captured image taken under the conditions shown. [Figure 54] This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the reading process in the 14th embodiment. [Figure 55] This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the reading process in the 15th embodiment. [Figure 56] Figure 56(A) is an explanatory diagram showing the state when the marker light is shining on the QR code Cf, Figure 56(B) is an explanatory diagram showing the state when the marker light is not shining on the QR code Cf, and Figure 56(C) is an explanatory diagram showing the state when the marker light is shining on the QR code Cg. [Figure 57] This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the reading process in the 16th embodiment. [Figure 58] Figure 58(A) is an explanatory diagram showing the state when the marker light is illuminating the code region, Figure 58(B) is an explanatory diagram showing the state when the marker light is illuminating the region surrounding the code, and Figure 58(C) is an explanatory diagram showing the state when the marker light is outside the region surrounding the code. [Figure 59] Figure 59(A) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the area surrounding the code when the size of the information code in the captured image is large, and Figure 59(B) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the area surrounding the code when the size of the information code in the captured image is small. [Figure 60] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a table that shows the relationship between code ratio and peripheral distance. [Figure 61] This is a timing chart illustrating the conventional reading cycle. [Figure 62] In the 17th embodiment, Figure 62(A) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the position of a portion of an image relative to the captured image, where Figure 62(A) shows the captured image and Figure 62(B) shows a portion of an image set relative to the captured image in Figure 62(A). [Figure 63] This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the reading process in the 17th embodiment. [Figure 64] This is a timing chart illustrating the reading cycle in the 17th embodiment. [Figure 65] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the position of a portion of an image, set based on the position of the marker light in the captured image. [Figure 66] This is a side view showing an optical information reading device according to the 18th embodiment. [Figure 67] These are explanatory diagrams illustrating the assembly of the protective member to the edge. Figure 67(A) shows the edge inserted between the outer protective part and the inner protective part, Figure 67(B) shows the part to be bonded over the protruding part, and Figure 67(C) shows the part to be bonded to the adhesive part. [Figure 68] This is an explanatory diagram showing the main parts of an optical information reading device according to a modified example of the 18th embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the 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 this 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, the one-dimensional code is assumed to be a so-called barcode consisting of, for example, JAN code, EAN, UPC, ITF code, CODE39, CODE128, NW-7, etc. The two-dimensional code is assumed to be a rectangular information code such as a QR code, Data Matrix code, Maxi code, Aztec code, etc.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the optical information reading device 10 has an outer casing formed by a housing 11 which is constructed by assembling an upper case 11a and a lower case 11b made of synthetic resin such as ABS resin. A circuit section 20a consisting of various electrical components is mounted on a circuit board 20 or the like and housed inside this housing 11. The housing 11 includes a reading section 12 in which a reading opening 50 is formed, and a gripping section 13 which is gripped when the reading opening 50 is directed towards the information code.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the reading unit 12 is connected to the gripping unit 13 such that, when the longitudinal direction of the gripping unit 13 is considered horizontal, it extends diagonally downward from one end of the gripping unit 13 in the longitudinal direction, and the reading opening 50 is positioned at the extended end 12a. In other words, the housing 11 is formed in a neck-bent shape, with one end where the reading opening 50 is formed tilting sharply forward towards the back side. This makes it easier for the user to point the reading opening 50 at the information code C displayed on a predetermined display surface R along the horizontal plane when gripping the gripping unit 13 with their fingertips from the upper case 11a side, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. A cable attachment part 14 is formed on the other end of the housing 11 (the other side in the longitudinal direction of the gripping unit 13).

[0015] As shown in Figures 4(A) and 4(B), at the extended end 12a of the reading section 12, the peripheral edge 51 constituting the reading opening 50 is formed in a substantially trapezoidal shape, with one side edge 52 away from the gripping section 13 as the lower base and the other side edge 53, which is opposite to this side edge 52 and shorter in length than the side edge 52, as the upper base. More specifically, the peripheral edge 51 is formed in a substantially isosceles trapezoidal shape such that the legs 54 and 55 are symmetrical.

[0016] As the reading opening 50 opens in this manner, a long opening region in one direction near one side edge 52 (hereinafter also referred to as the first opening region S1) can be used as an opening region for reading a long information code in one direction, i.e., a one-dimensional code. In addition, a rectangular opening region (hereinafter also referred to as the second opening region S2) with a part of one side edge 52 and the other side edge 53 as opposite sides can be used as an opening region for reading a rectangular information code, i.e., a two-dimensional code.

[0017] In particular, in this embodiment, one side edge 52 is provided with a wall portion 56 that protrudes in a thin plate shape along the diagonal downward direction. This wall portion 56 is formed such that only one side edge 52 of the peripheral edge 51 protrudes diagonally downward while maintaining its thickness, and the protrusion length H from the 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 to which the protruding end 56a is in contact. Specifically, the wall portion 56 is formed such that, for example, the protrusion length H is at best in focus or close to best in focus when imaging the information code C displayed on the display surface R to which the protruding end 56a is in contact.

[0018] The reading opening 50 formed in this manner can be made to capture reflected light from the information code C by, with the gripping portion 13 held from the upper case 11a side, bringing the protruding end 56a of the wall portion 56 into contact with the display surface R, which is near the back side of the information code C as seen from the user's perspective, as shown in Figure 1.

[0019] Next, the electrical configuration of the optical information reading device 10 will be explained with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figures 1 and 5, the circuit section 20a housed in the housing 11 mainly comprises an optical system including an illumination light source 21, a light receiving sensor 28, and an imaging lens 27, and a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as "microcontroller") system including a memory 35 and a control circuit 40.

[0020] The optical system is divided into a light-emitting optical system and a light-receiving optical system. The illumination light source 21, which constitutes the light-emitting 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 output side of the LED 21a. As can be seen from the illumination optical axis L1 shown in Figure 1, the illumination light source 21 is positioned to irradiate 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, specular reflection will occur. Figure 5 conceptually shows an example in which illumination light Lf is irradiated through the reading opening 50 toward the display surface R on which the information code C is displayed.

[0021] The light-receiving optical system consists of a light-receiving sensor 28, an imaging lens 27, a reflecting mirror (not shown), and the like. The light-receiving sensor 28 is configured as an area sensor in which light-receiving elements, such as solid-state image sensors like CMOS or CCD, are arranged in two dimensions, and is configured to have a light-receiving surface 28a as a rectangular light-receiving area. This light-receiving sensor 28 is mounted on the circuit board 20 so as to be able to receive incident light that enters through the reading opening 50, protective plate 26, and imaging lens 27.

[0022] The imaging lens 27 functions as an imaging optical system capable of focusing incident light entering from the outside through the reading opening 50 and forming an image on the light-receiving surface 28a of the light-receiving sensor 28. In this embodiment, illumination light Lf irradiated from the illumination light source 21 is reflected by an information code, etc., and this reflected light Lr is focused by the imaging lens 27 to form an image of the code, etc., on the light-receiving surface 28a of the light-receiving sensor 28. In this embodiment, in order to suppress the effect of specular reflection, the imaging lens 27 is positioned such that when the protruding end 56a of the imaging lens 27 is in contact with the display surface R, the imaging optical axis L2 is not perpendicular to the display surface R but is tilted, and the tilt angle θ between the expected display surface R and the imaging optical axis L2 is, for example, about 45° to 70°. In particular, as shown in Figure 4(B), the imaging lens 27 is positioned such that the imaging field AR of the light-receiving sensor 28, which has a rectangular light-receiving surface 28a, in the X2-X2 cross-section of Figure 1 is trapezoidal, with a gap of about 5 mm between it and the periphery 51, and slightly narrower than the periphery 51. Furthermore, the imaging lens 27 is positioned eccentrically by being shifted away from the light-receiving surface of the light-receiving sensor 28 in the direction away from the light-receiving surface (to the left in Figure 1) to prevent the illumination light source 21 from entering the folded field of view of the imaging system from a predetermined display surface R (the imaging range captured by reflection from the display surface R). Note that the light-receiving sensor 28 and the imaging lens 27 may correspond to an example of an "imaging unit".

[0023] The microcontroller system consists of an amplification 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-emitting unit 46, a communication interface 48, etc. As its name suggests, this microcontroller system is mainly composed of the control circuit 40 and memory 35, which can function as a microcontroller (information processing device), and can process the image signal of the information code captured by the optical system described above, both in hardware and software. The control circuit 40 also controls the overall system of the optical information reading device 10.

[0024] The image signal (analog signal) output from the optical system's light-receiving sensor 28 is input to the amplification circuit 31, where it is amplified by a predetermined gain. Then, when input to the A / D conversion circuit 33, it is converted from an analog signal to a digital signal. The digitized image signal, i.e., image data (image information), is then input to the memory 35 and stored in the image data storage area. The synchronization signal generation circuit 38 is configured to generate synchronization signals for the light-receiving sensor 28 and the address generation circuit 36. The address generation circuit 36 ​​is configured to generate storage addresses for the image data stored in the memory 35 based on the synchronization signals supplied by the synchronization signal generation circuit 38.

[0025] The memory 35 is a semiconductor memory device, such as RAM (DRAM, SRAM, etc.) or ROM (EPROM, EEPROM, etc.). In addition to the image data storage area mentioned above, the RAM in this memory 35 is configured to also reserve a work area and a read condition table used by the control circuit 40 during various processes such as arithmetic and logical operations. The ROM also contains a system program that can control various hardware such as the illumination light source 21 and the light receiving sensor 28.

[0026] The control circuit 40 is a microcontroller capable of controlling the entire optical information reading device 10, and consists of a CPU, system bus, input / output interface, etc. Together with the memory 35, it can constitute an information processing device and has information processing functions. This control circuit 40 is configured to be connectable to various input / output devices (peripheral devices) via its built-in input / output interface, and in this embodiment, a trigger switch 42, buzzer 44, vibrator 45, light-emitting unit 46, communication interface 48, etc. are connected. As a result, the control circuit 40 can perform tasks such as monitoring and managing the trigger switch 42, turning the buzzer 44, which can generate beeps and alarms, driving the vibrator 45, which can generate vibrations that can be transmitted to the user of the optical information reading device 10, turning the light-emitting unit 46 on and off, and controlling communication with the communication interface 48, which enables communication with external devices.

[0027] Next, we will explain the case in which information code C is read using the optical information reading device 10 configured as described above, with reference to Figure 6. When reading information codes such as one-dimensional codes or two-dimensional codes, the control circuit 40 performs the reading process as follows.

[0028] When reading barcode C1 as a one-dimensional code that is long in one direction, the protruding end 56a of the wall portion 56 is brought into contact with the display surface R near the back side of barcode C1, making it possible to image barcode C1 through the first aperture region S1, as shown in Figure 6(A). Similarly, when reading QR code C2 as a two-dimensional code, the protruding end 56a of the wall portion 56 is brought into contact with the display surface R near the back side of QR code C2, making it possible to image QR code C2 through the second aperture region S2, as shown in Figure 6(B).

[0029] In this manner, when a predetermined operation is performed on the trigger switch 42 with the protruding end 56a of the wall portion 56 in contact with the display surface R near the back of the information code C, illumination light Lf is irradiated from the illumination light source 21 through the reading opening 50, and the reflected light Lr reflected by the information code C is received by the light receiving sensor 28 through the reading opening 50. When the illumination light Lf is irradiated in this manner, no light leaks out because the protruding end 56a of the wall portion 56 is in contact with the display surface R, so external light from the back side as seen from the user is not captured, and people in the direction towards which the reading opening 50 is pointed (corresponding to the back side as described above) do not feel glare from the illumination light Lf. On the other hand, since the wall portion 56 is not provided on the front side of the reading opening 50, the visibility of the information code C is not impaired.

[0030] Based on the signal output from the light receiving sensor 28 in response to the above-mentioned light reception, when information code C is captured and image data is generated, a known decoding process (reading process) is performed on the code image corresponding to information code C within this image data. Through this process, character data and the like encoded as information code C are decoded.

[0031] If the decoding is successful, the notification unit will perform at least one of the following actions to notify the success of the decoding: sounding of the buzzer 44, vibration of the vibrator 45, or illumination of the light-emitting unit 46. If the decoding is successful based on image data generated based on some of the signals output from the light-receiving sensor 28, the remaining signals are not needed. In this case, by interrupting the processing from the generation of image data based on the remaining signals, the processing load related to decoding (optical reading) can be reduced, and the processing time can be shortened.

[0032] As described above, in the optical information reading device 10 according to this embodiment, the housing 11 comprises a reading unit 12 having a reading opening 50 formed therein that emits illumination light Lf from an illumination light source 21 to introduce light from the information code C into the interior of the housing 11, and a gripping unit 13 that is gripped when the reading opening 50 is directed toward the information code C. The reading unit 12 is connected to the gripping unit 13 such that when the longitudinal direction of the gripping unit 13 is the horizontal direction, the reading opening 50 is positioned at the extended end 12a, which extends diagonally downward from one end of the gripping unit 13 in the longitudinal direction, and a wall portion 56 is provided on one side edge 52 of the periphery 51 of the reading opening 50 that is away from the gripping unit 13, projecting along the diagonal downward direction.

[0033] As a result, when imaging the information code C with the reading opening 50 separated from the display surface R, the wall portion 56 is positioned behind the information code C from the perspective of the user holding the gripping portion 13, and the user themselves is positioned in front of the information code C. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of external light reflected from the information code C being imaged without impairing the visibility of the information code C. Furthermore, since the light reflected from the information code C by the illumination light Lf via the reading opening 50 is less likely to be reflected behind the information code C by the wall portion 56, it is possible to suppress the glare felt by people in the direction towards which the reading opening 50 is pointed (corresponding to the direction behind mentioned above). In particular, since the protruding end portion 56a, which is the tip of the wall portion 56, is in contact with the display surface R, the influence of external light and the glare felt by people in the vicinity can be suppressed more reliably. Therefore, when reading the information code C, it is possible to realize an optical information reading device 10 that can suppress the influence of external light and the glare felt by people in the vicinity without impairing the visibility of the information code C.

[0034] In particular, the wall portion 56 is formed such that the protruding length H from one side edge portion 52 to the protruding end portion 56a corresponds to a length suitable for imaging the information code C displayed on the display surface R to which the protruding end portion 56a is in contact. As a result, by directing the reading opening 50 toward the information code C so that the protruding end portion 56a is in contact with the display surface R, an information code C suitable for reading can be imaged, thereby increasing the success rate of reading the information code C.

[0035] Furthermore, since the imaging lens 27 is positioned offset from the light-receiving surface of the light-receiving sensor 28 in a direction away from the illumination light source 21, the illumination light source 21 is less likely to enter the folded field of view from a predetermined display surface R, and from this point of view as well, specular reflection caused by illumination light can be suppressed.

[0036] As a first modification of this first embodiment, the one-sided edge 52 and the wall 56 may be formed in an arc shape when the reading opening 50 is viewed from above, as illustrated in Figure 7. That is, the peripheral edge 51 may be formed in an arc shape in at least a part when the reading opening 50 is viewed from above.

[0037] Furthermore, as a second modification of the first embodiment, the imaging lens 27, etc., may be arranged such that the imaging field AR at the position corresponding to the X2-X2 cross section in Figure 1 covers the inner surface of the wall portion 56, as illustrated in Figure 8(A). Furthermore, as a third modification 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 arranged such that the imaging field AR at the position corresponding to the X2-X2 cross section in Figure 1 covers at least a part of the inner surface of the arc-shaped wall portion 56, as illustrated in Figure 8(B).

[0038] [Second Embodiment] Next, an optical information reading device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. In this second embodiment, the shape of the vicinity of the reading opening 50 of the reading unit 12 differs mainly from that of the first embodiment. For this reason, components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0039] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, in this embodiment, the periphery 51 of the reading opening 50 is provided with a pair of opposing parts 57a and 57b that face each other via the reading opening 50 and connect to the wall part 56. The opposing part 57a has legs 54 that protrude diagonally downward while maintaining their thickness, and the protruding length increases as it approaches one side edge 52, and in the vicinity of one side edge 52, the protruding length is equal to the protruding length H of the wall part 56. The opposing part 57b also has legs 55 that protrude diagonally downward while maintaining their thickness, and the protruding length increases as it approaches one side edge 52, and in the vicinity of one side edge 52, the protruding length is equal to the protruding length H of the wall part 56. In other words, in this embodiment, a wall part with a roughly U-shaped cross-section is formed to protrude diagonally downward from the periphery 51. In particular, as shown in Figure 9, the opposing parts 57a and 57b are formed symmetrically such that the width becomes narrower towards the protruding end.

[0040] In this way, by providing the wall portion 56 and the pair of opposing portions 57a and 57b, the wall portion 56 can be reinforced using the pair of opposing portions 57a and 57b, while suppressing the influence of external light not only from the rear but also from the left and right directions.

[0041] As a first modification of this second embodiment, the pair of opposing portions 57a and 57b may be formed to be substantially parallel to each other when the reading opening 50 is formed to open in a rectangular shape, as illustrated in Figure 11.

[0042] Furthermore, as a second modification of the second embodiment, in a configuration in which a pair of opposing parts 57a and 57b are arranged via a substantially trapezoidal reading opening 50, the imaging lens 27, etc., may be arranged such that the imaging field AR at a position corresponding to the X2-X2 cross section in Figure 1 covers the inner surface of the wall 56, as illustrated in Figure 12(A). Furthermore, as a third modification of the second embodiment, in a configuration in which a pair of opposing parts 57a and 57b are arranged via a rectangular reading opening 50, the imaging lens 27, etc., may be arranged such that the imaging field AR at a position corresponding to the X2-X2 cross section in Figure 1 covers the inner surface of the wall 56, as illustrated in Figure 12(B).

[0043] Furthermore, as a fourth modification of the second embodiment, the one-sided edge portion 52 and the wall portion 56 may be formed in an arc shape when the reading opening 50 is viewed from above, as illustrated in Figure 13(A). That is, the peripheral edge 51 may be formed in an arc shape at least in part when the reading opening 50 is viewed from above. Furthermore, as a fifth modification of the second embodiment, the pair of opposing portions 57a and 57b may be formed to be substantially parallel to each other when the wall portion 56 is formed in an arc shape as described above, as illustrated in Figure 13(B).

[0044] Furthermore, as a sixth modification of the second embodiment, even when the imaging lens 27, etc., has one side edge 52 and wall 56 formed in an arc shape as described above, the imaging field AR at the position corresponding to the X2-X2 cross section in Figure 1 may be arranged so that the imaging range is the inner surface of the arc-shaped wall 56, as illustrated in Figure 14(A). Furthermore, as a seventh modification of the second embodiment, even when the imaging lens 27, etc., has one side edge 52 and wall 56 formed in an arc shape as described above and a pair of opposing parts 57a and 57b formed to be substantially parallel to each other, the imaging field AR at the position corresponding to the X2-X2 cross section in Figure 1 may be arranged so that the imaging range is the inner surface of the arc-shaped wall 56, as illustrated in Figure 14(B).

[0045] [Third Embodiment] Next, an optical information reading device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In this third embodiment, the irradiation direction of the illumination light Lf emitted from the illumination light source 21 differs mainly from that of the first embodiment. For this reason, components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0046] When the angle of the illumination direction Lf relative to the display surface R, that is, the inclination angle between the display surface R and the illumination light axis L1, approaches 90°, specular reflection caused by the illumination light Lf is more likely to affect reading. On the other hand, simply reducing the angle of the illumination direction makes it difficult for the illumination light Lf to illuminate the information code C directed towards the reading opening 50.

[0047] Therefore, in this embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 15, the illumination light source 21 is arranged to irradiate the illumination light Lf toward the inner surface 56b of the wall portion 56.

[0048] As a result, with the protruding end 56a in contact with the display surface R near the back of the information code C, the illumination light Lf emitted from the illumination light source 21 passes through the reading opening 50 and is reflected off the inner surface 56b of the wall portion 56, thereby illuminating the information code C.

[0049] In this way, by arranging the illumination light source 21 so that the illumination light Lf is shone towards the inner surface 56b of the wall portion 56 through the reading opening 50, the information code C brought close to the wall portion 56 is illuminated by the reflected light reflected by the wall portion 56. Therefore, the necessary illumination can be ensured while suppressing the effect of specular reflection caused by the illumination light Lf on the reading of the information code C.

[0050] Furthermore, the characteristic configuration of this embodiment, in which the illumination light Lf is directed toward the inner surface 56b of the wall portion 56, can also be applied to other embodiments.

[0051] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, an optical information reading device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. This fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in that it is provided with a marker light irradiation unit that emits marker light to indicate the center of the imaging field of view AR. For this reason, components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0052] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 16, a marker light irradiation unit 29 is provided inside the housing 11, which irradiates a circular marker light Lm through the reading opening 50 to indicate the center of the imaging field AR (imaging optical axis L2). This marker light irradiation unit 29 includes a marker light source 29a, an aperture 29b, a marker lens 29c, etc., and is positioned so that the marker light source 29a is close to the light receiving sensor 28 while minimizing the angular difference between the marker optical axis L3 of the marker light Lm and the imaging optical axis L2.

[0053] In particular, in this embodiment, when the information code C is readable, the illumination light Lf and the marker light Lm are configured to be emitted alternately, and the user perceives that the illumination light Lf and the marker light Lm are emitted simultaneously. For this reason, in this embodiment, red is used as the color of the illumination light Lf, and green is used as the color of the marker light Lm, which has a wavelength close to 555 nm, the wavelength at which luminous sensitivity is maximized, with consideration for color universal design. It should be noted that the colors of the illumination light Lf and marker light Lm described above are merely examples, and for example, when the illumination light Lf is emitted in white, the marker light Lm may be emitted in red, when the illumination light Lf is emitted in red, the marker light Lm may be emitted in orange, or when the illumination light Lf is emitted in white, the marker light Lm may be emitted in green.

[0054] As described above, the marker light irradiation unit 29 is provided, so that when illumination light Lf is irradiated to read the information code C, the marker light Lm indicating the center of the imaging field AR is visible, as illustrated in Figure 17. This allows the user to easily see the imaging field AR by the position of the marker light Lm and properly orient the reading opening 50 towards the information code C.

[0055] Furthermore, the characteristic configuration of this embodiment, which involves irradiating a marker light Lm to indicate the center of the imaging field of view AR, can be applied to other embodiments as well.

[0056] [Fifth Embodiment] Next, an optical information reading device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. This fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in that a guide portion for facilitating the reading of the two-dimensional code is provided on the wall. For this reason, components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0057] As described above, the reading opening 50 in the first embodiment has a roughly trapezoidal opening to accommodate both a one-dimensional code that is long in one direction and a two-dimensional code that is rectangular, with one side edge 52 away from the gripping portion 13 serving as the base, and a wall portion 56 provided on this side edge 52. For this reason, when directing the reading opening 50 towards the two-dimensional code while looking at the outer surface 56c of the wall portion 56, the two-dimensional code may be obscured by the wall portion 56, making it impossible to accurately direct the second opening area S2 towards the two-dimensional code.

[0058] Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 18 and 19, a guide portion 60 that functions as a guide when reading a two-dimensional code is provided on the outer surface 56c near the protruding end 56a of the wall portion 56. The guide portion 60 comprises a pair of guides 61 and 62. As shown in Figure 19, the guide 61 is formed as a projection 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 as a projection at a position where the other end of the other side edge portion 53 is projected perpendicularly to the one side edge portion 52.

[0059] As a result, even when the reading opening 50 is directed towards the two-dimensional code while looking at the outer surface 56c of the wall portion 56, the two-dimensional code is positioned between the guide 61 and the guide 62, allowing the second opening area S2 to be directed towards the two-dimensional code, thus facilitating the reading operation of the two-dimensional code.

[0060] As a modification of this embodiment, the pair of guides 61 and 62 are not limited to being provided on the thin, plate-like protruding wall portion 56, but may also be provided on the wall portion 56 shown in Figure 10, as in the first modification of the fifth embodiment shown in Figure 20(A), or on the wall portion 56 shown in Figure 11, as in the second modification of the fifth embodiment shown in Figure 20(B). Furthermore, the pair of guides 61 and 62 may also be provided on the wall portion 56 shown in Figure 7, as in the third modification of the fifth embodiment shown in Figure 21(A), or on the wall portion 56 shown in Figure 13(A), as in the fourth modification of the fifth embodiment shown in Figure 21(B), or on the wall portion 56 shown in Figure 13(B), as in the fifth modification of the fifth embodiment shown in Figure 21(C). In this case, the imaging lens 27, etc., may be arranged such that the imaging field AR at the position corresponding to the X2-X2 cross section in Figure 1 covers the inner surface of the wall portion 56, as described above.

[0061] Furthermore, the pair of guides 61 and 62 may be arranged so that they are further apart as they get closer to the protruding end 56a, as in the sixth modification of the fifth embodiment shown in Figure 22, in order to make it easier to visualize the position of the second opening area S2 for reading the two-dimensional code.

[0062] Furthermore, the pair of guides 61 and 62 are not limited to being formed as protrusions that are integral with the outer surface 56c of the wall portion 56; they may be formed in a shape that is easily visible, such as by using notches. Also, the pair of guides 61 and 62 may be displayed on the outer surface 56c using printing or other methods, or by using light-emitting parts such as LEDs. Alternatively, by adopting a display unit such as a liquid crystal display as the guide portion 60, the pair of guides 61 and 62 may be displayed using the display state of that display unit. In addition, the various types of guides 61 and 62 described above may be provided on an attachment that is detachably assembled to the outer surface 56c of the wall portion 56.

[0063] Furthermore, the characteristic configuration of this embodiment, which includes a guide section on the wall to facilitate the reading of the two-dimensional code, can be applied to other embodiments as well.

[0064] [Sixth Embodiment] Next, an optical information reading device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. This sixth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it selects the signal to be captured from the light receiving sensor 28 and used for decoding processing according to the object to be read. For this reason, components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0065] In this embodiment, the reading process performed by the control circuit 40 includes two states: one in which the information code is decoded (read) based on a signal output from the light receiving sensor 28 in response to the reception of reflected light from the information code C captured through the first aperture region S1 and the second aperture region S2 (information code reading mode), and another in which the one-dimensional code is decoded (read) based on a signal output from the light receiving sensor 28 in response to the reception of reflected light from the one-dimensional code captured through the first aperture region S1 (one-dimensional code reading mode).

[0066] In the initial settings, it is set to information code reading mode, and the reading process performed by the control circuit 40 can read information codes including both one-dimensional and two-dimensional codes.

[0067] Furthermore, if the object to be read is only a one-dimensional code, the control circuit 40, which functions 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 predetermined operation or the reading of an information code for mode switching.

[0068] In this manner, with the device switched to one-dimensional code reading mode, the reading port 50 is directed towards the one-dimensional code in the first opening region S1 by bringing the protruding end 56a into contact with the display surface R on which the one-dimensional code is displayed. This not only makes it easier to direct the reading port 50 towards the position where the one-dimensional code is to be read, but also clarifies the target to be read, thereby reducing the load and time required for decoding (reading).

[0069] As a modification of this embodiment, a state (two-dimensional code reading mode) can be provided in which the two-dimensional code is decoded (read) based on a signal output from the light receiving sensor 28 in response to the reception of reflected light from the two-dimensional code taken in through the second aperture region S2.

[0070] Therefore, when the reading target is only a two-dimensional code, in the reading process performed by the control circuit 40 in response to a predetermined operation or the reading of an information code for mode switching, the reading port 50 should be directed towards the two-dimensional code in the second opening region S2 by bringing the protruding end 56a into contact with the display surface R on which the two-dimensional code is displayed, while the device is switched to the two-dimensional code reading mode. This not only makes it easier to direct the reading port 50 to the position where the two-dimensional code is to be read, but also reduces the load and shortens the time of the decoding process (reading process) because the reading target becomes clearer.

[0071] Furthermore, the characteristic configuration of this embodiment, which selects the signal to be acquired from the light receiving sensor 28 and used for decoding processing according to the object to be read, can also be applied to other embodiments.

[0072] [Seventh Embodiment] Next, an optical information reading device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 23. In this seventh embodiment, the main difference from the first embodiment is that the imaging center (optical center) P is positioned in the center of the first aperture region S1. For this reason, components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0073] In this embodiment, since reading one-dimensional codes is given more importance than reading two-dimensional codes, the imaging lens 27, which forms an image of the reflected light from the information code onto the light receiving sensor 28, is positioned with the tilt of the imaging optical axis L2 adjusted so that the imaging center P is located in the center of the first aperture region S1, as shown in Figure 23.

[0074] This ensures reliable light reception in the light-receiving region corresponding to the first aperture region S1, thereby improving the accuracy of reading the one-dimensional code.

[0075] In particular, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 23, the illumination light source 21 is configured to emit a band-shaped light (approximately a line-shaped light) as illumination light Lf toward the first aperture region S1.

[0076] Therefore, not only is it easier to illuminate the one-dimensional code to be read with illumination light Lf, but the illumination light Lf also functions as a guide light, making it easier to direct the reading opening 50 towards the one-dimensional code in the first aperture region S1. As a result, it becomes even easier to receive reflected light Lr from the one-dimensional code directed towards the first aperture region S1, thereby further improving the reading accuracy of the one-dimensional code.

[0077] Furthermore, if reading two-dimensional codes is considered more important than reading one-dimensional codes, the system may be configured such that a rectangular cross-sectional illumination light Lf is emitted from the illumination light source 21 through the second aperture region S2, as shown in the first modified example of the seventh embodiment in Figure 24.

[0078] In this case, the reflected light Lr from the two-dimensional code directed towards the second aperture region S2 is more easily received by the light receiving sensor 28, thereby improving the accuracy of reading the two-dimensional code. In particular, the rectangular cross-sectional illumination light Lf functions as a guide light, making it easier to direct the reading opening 50 towards the two-dimensional code in the second aperture region S2.

[0079] In the seventh embodiment and its modified form, the illumination light source 21 may have its emission state controlled according to a predetermined input operation. For example, when reading a two-dimensional code while a strip-shaped illumination light Lf is irradiated through the first aperture region S1, the illumination light Lf may be turned off, or a rectangular cross-sectional illumination light Lf may be irradiated through the second aperture region S2. Also, when reading a one-dimensional code while a rectangular cross-sectional illumination light Lf is irradiated through the second aperture region S2, the illumination light Lf may be turned off, or a strip-shaped illumination light Lf may be irradiated through the first aperture region S1.

[0080] [Eighth Embodiment] Next, an optical information reading device according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In this eighth embodiment, the shape of the protective plate provided at the reading opening to protect the imaging unit and illumination unit differs mainly from that of the first embodiment.

[0081] Optical information reading devices capable of reading two-dimensional codes have a larger opening for reading than devices capable of reading one-dimensional codes. As a result, the user's fingers may accidentally touch the protective plate provided at the reading opening to protect the imaging and illumination parts. In such cases, dirt such as sebum can adhere to the protective plate, leading to a decrease in reading performance.

[0082] Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 25 to 27 of the optical information reading device 200, a protective plate 226 is provided on the reading opening 250 of the housing 211, which has a large opening for the reading opening 250, as a protective member to protect the imaging unit and illumination unit housed inside the housing 211. This protective plate 226 is held in place from the outside by a holding part 215 provided near the reading opening 250 of the housing 211.

[0083] The protective plate 226 is configured as a plate-like member of a predetermined thickness and is made of a light-transmitting plate (for example, transparent acrylic resin or transparent glass) that allows light from outside the housing 211 and light from inside the housing 211 to pass through. As shown in Figure 28, the protective plate 226 has parts through which illumination light passes through that function as first transmissive parts 226a and 226b, the part through which reflected light from the information code passes through that function as a second transmissive part 226c, and the part through which marker light passes through that function as a third transmissive part 226d.

[0084] The retaining portion 215 is formed such that the exposed widths Xa and Xb for exposing the two first permeable portions 226a and 226b, the second permeable portion 226c, and the third permeable portion 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 retaining portion 215) and the degree of contact of the finger with the protective plate 226 is shown in Figures 29(A) and (B). In Figure 29(A), the degree of contact of the finger is shown when the exposed width and exposed depth are changed for finger widths of 14.1 mm and 11.1 mm, where "2" corresponds to touching with the entire fingertip, "1" corresponds to touching slightly, and "0" corresponds to not touching at all. As can be seen from Figure 29(A), by setting the exposed width small when it is necessary to reduce the exposed depth, and setting the exposed depth large when it is necessary to increase the exposed width, it is possible to make it difficult for the finger to touch the protective plate 226. Therefore, the holding portion 215 is set such that the exposed width Xa, Xb and exposed depth described above approach the contact degree "0" in Figure 29(A).

[0085] With the protective plate 226 held in the holding portion 215 configured in this way, even if the user's fingers touch the holding portion 215 when gripping the housing 211, it becomes difficult for those fingers to accidentally touch the two first transmissive portions 226a, 226b, the second transmissive portion 226c, and the third transmissive portion 226d. As a result, dirt such as sebum is less likely to adhere to the two first transmissive portions 226a, 226b, the second transmissive portion 226c, and the third transmissive portion 226d, thus suppressing a decrease in reading performance caused by dirt adhering to the protective plate 226.

[0086] The holding portion 215 may be formed such that both first transparent portions 226a, 226b, the second transparent portion 226c, and the third transparent portion 226d are individually exposed through the exposure openings 215a to 215d, as shown in the first modified example of this embodiment in Figure 30. In that case, the protective plate 226 may be configured such that the pair of first transparent portions 226a, 226b, the second transparent portion 226c, and the third transparent portion 226d are individually separated and individually held by the holding portion 215, as shown in the second modified example of this embodiment in Figure 31.

[0087] Figure 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 Figure 32(B) is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the X3-X3 cross-section of Figure 32(A). Furthermore, as shown in Figures 32(A) and (B), the protective plate 226 may have a first annular portion 226e projecting outward so as to surround the first transparent portion 226a in an annular shape, a first annular portion 226f projecting outward so as to surround the first transparent portion 226b in an annular shape, a second annular portion 226g projecting outward so as to surround the second transparent portion 226c in an annular shape, and a third annular portion 226h projecting outward so as to surround the third transparent portion 226d in an annular shape.

[0088] As a result, even if the user's fingers touch the first annular parts 226e, 226f, the second annular part 226g, and the third annular part 226h when gripping the housing 211, it becomes less likely that those fingers will accidentally touch the first transmissive parts 226a, 226b, the second transmissive part 226c, and the third transmissive part 226d. Therefore, dirt such as sebum is less likely to adhere to the first transmissive parts 226a, 226b, the second transmissive part 226c, and the third transmissive part 226d, thereby suppressing the deterioration of reading performance caused by dirt adhering to the protective plate 226.

[0089] [Ninth Embodiment] Next, an optical information reading device according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In this ninth embodiment, the trigger switch 42 is eliminated and a marker light irradiation unit 29 is adopted, and the irradiation conditions of the illumination light are changed according to the imaging state of the marker light Lm, which is the main difference from the first embodiment described above.

[0090] In the reading of information codes using optical information readers, the reading process is often performed with illumination light constantly shining through the reader opening to improve work efficiency. As a result, there is a possibility that the illumination light may accidentally shine into the eyes of people nearby when the operator is performing another task while holding the optical information reader. In particular, the need to read two-dimensional codes has increased in recent years, and this problem becomes more pronounced when optical information readers with a wide illumination area are used to read two-dimensional codes. As an alternative, there is a method of turning on the illumination light each time a reading is performed using a trigger switch, but in environments where reading is frequent, this can lead to problems such as delays in operation, durability of the switch, and operator fatigue.

[0091] Therefore, in this embodiment, the trigger switch 42 is eliminated and a marker light irradiation unit 29 is adopted, and in the reading process performed by the control circuit 40, the irradiation conditions of the illumination light are changed according to the imaging state of the marker light Lm. This is because if the marker light Lm is imaged, it can be estimated that the marker light Lm is being reflected by the information code etc. to which the reading opening 50 is directed.

[0092] In this embodiment, the reading process performed by the control circuit 40 will be described in detail below with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 33. When the reading process is started in accordance with a predetermined operation, the determination process in step S101 shown in Figure 33 is performed, and the light receiving sensor 28 and imaging lens 27 etc. are made to function as an imaging unit, and it is determined 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 repeatedly made in step S101, and the state in which the marker light Lm and illumination light are not irradiated continues. Note that the control circuit 40 etc. that performs the determination process in step S101 may correspond to an example of an "image change determination unit".

[0093] Then, when the user grasps 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 irradiation unit 29 to emit marker light Lm (S103).

[0094] Next, the marker light detection image acquisition process in step S105 is performed, and the imaging unit acquires an image for detecting the marker light Lm. Subsequently, in the determination process in step S107, it is determined whether or not the image acquired 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, as the predetermined state, for example, when the marker light Lm is circular, an imaging state is adopted in which the diameter of the captured marker light Lm is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. The control circuit 40 etc. that performs the determination process in step S107 may correspond to an example of a "marker imaging determination unit".

[0095] Here, because the reading port 50 is directed towards a nearby information code or a display surface bearing that information code, the marker light Lm that is irradiated is reflected by the information code or display surface, and if it is determined that a marker image is being captured (Yes in S107), the illumination light irradiation process of step S109 is performed. In this process, the illumination unit is controlled by the control circuit 40 and illumination light is irradiated from at least one of the first illumination unit 21 and the second illumination unit 22. Therefore, in the decoding image acquisition process performed in step S111, the image is captured and acquired by the imaging unit while the illumination light is irradiated. Then, in the decoding process of step S113, processing is performed to decode the information code contained in the captured image, and if this decoding process is successful (Yes in S115), this reading process ends, and processing 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 again. The control circuit 40 may correspond to an example of a "lighting control unit".

[0096] On the other hand, if the reading opening 50 is not directed towards the information code or the display surface on which the information code is attached, and the marker light is directed towards distant space, the reflected light of the marker light Lm cannot be captured, and it is determined that the marker is not in an imaging state (No in S107). In this case, the illumination light is not emitted (S117), and an image is captured by the imaging unit without illumination light (S111), and this captured image is decoded (S113).

[0097] For example, if the reading port 50 is pointed at a screen displaying an information code, the screen itself is emitting light, making it difficult to recognize and image the reflected light of the marker light Lm, and therefore it is determined that the marker is not being imaged (No in S107). In this way, when reading an information code displayed on a screen, the illumination light is stopped (S117), but since the screen itself is emitting light, the information code can be imaged in a way that allows for decoding.

[0098] As described above, the optical information reading device 10 according to this embodiment is provided with a marker light irradiation unit 29 that irradiates marker light Lm indicating the imaging field of view by the imaging unit. In the 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.

[0099] If the reading port 50 is not directed towards a display surface or the like with an information code attached, the illuminated marker light Lm will not be reflected by the display surface or the like, and therefore the marker light Lm will not be captured. In other words, when the marker light Lm is not captured, there is no need to illuminate it with illumination light, so by controlling the illumination unit according to the above determination result, the illumination of unnecessary illumination light can be suppressed.

[0100] In particular, in the determination process of step S107 described above, if it is determined that the marker is being imaged (Yes in S107), the illumination unit is controlled to emit illumination light, and if it is determined that the marker is not being imaged (No in S107), the illumination unit is controlled to stop emitting illumination light. As a result, on screens where information codes are displayed, the screen itself emits light, making it difficult to recognize and image the reflected light of the marker light Lm, and therefore illumination light is unnecessary in the first place, allowing for appropriate switching of the illumination light ON / OFF.

[0101] Furthermore, the marker light irradiation unit 29 irradiates marker light Lm when it is determined that the image captured by the imaging unit is changing (Yes in S101). As a result, when the optical information reading device 10 is placed on a desk or the like, i.e., when not in use, the image captured by the imaging unit does not change, and therefore marker light Lm is not irradiated, thus more reliably suppressing the irradiation of unnecessary illumination light.

[0102] Furthermore, if it is determined that marker imaging is in progress (Yes in S107), the illumination unit may be controlled to emit illumination light. If it is determined that marker imaging is not in progress (No in S107), the illumination unit may be controlled to emit illumination light at a lower level than when marker imaging is in progress. This also helps to suppress the emission of unnecessarily bright illumination light.

[0103] Furthermore, since the range in which the marker light Lm is captured in the captured image is predetermined, the determination process in step S101 may determine whether the range in the captured image in which the marker light Lm is potentially captured is in a marker imaging state where the marker light Lm is captured in a predetermined state. For example, if the marker light Lm indicates the center of the imaging field, the determination of whether the marker imaging state is in effect may be made only for the central range of the captured image. This limits the range in the captured image in which the determination of whether the marker imaging state is in effect is made, 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.

[0104] Furthermore, the marker light Lm is not limited to being illuminated in a circular shape to indicate the center of the imaging field of view by the imaging unit; for example, it may be illuminated to indicate both the four corners and the center of the imaging field of view by the imaging unit.

[0105] [Tenth Embodiment] Next, an optical information reading device according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In this tenth embodiment, the main difference from the first embodiment is that when multiple decoding results are obtained from a single captured image, the decoding result to be output is selected from among the multiple decoding results.

[0106] In recent years, the need for reading two-dimensional codes has increased, and the introduction of optical information readers that can read both one-dimensional and two-dimensional codes is increasing in retail stores and other establishments. Furthermore, products may display a two-dimensional code in addition to a one-dimensional code for POS purposes to provide product information. Unlike line-sensor reading of one-dimensional scanners, optical information readers that read two-dimensional codes using area sensors have a planar reading field (imaging field). Therefore, when multiple information codes are included in the reading field during checkout, it is possible to unintentionally read information codes that are irrelevant to the checkout.

[0107] For example, when scanning a barcode Ca attached to a product for payment during checkout, if a QR code Cb for providing product information is also captured simultaneously, as shown in Figure 34, then the decoded results of both the barcode Ca and the QR code Cb will be obtained from a single image. Furthermore, if a coupon information code that should be scanned before checkout is captured along with the payment information code, two decoded results may be obtained from a single image. Therefore, when scanning multiple information codes simultaneously, it is necessary to selectively determine whether or not to output the scanned information.

[0108] Therefore, in the reading process performed in this embodiment, when multiple decoding results are obtained from a single captured image, the decoding result to be output is selected from among the multiple decoding results based on whether or not pre-registered selection determination information is included in the decoding result.

[0109] 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 Figure 35. In this embodiment, a characteristic string contained in a predetermined URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is used as the selection determination information, and the decoded result that does not contain this characteristic string is selected as the decoded result to be output. The characteristic string is assumed to be, for example, a scheme name such as "http:" or "https:" and the delimiter colon attached to it (hereinafter also simply referred to as scheme name, etc.), which is stored in memory 35 in advance.

[0110] When the reading process is started in accordance with a predetermined operation, the imaging process shown in step S201 in Figure 35 is performed, and the light receiving sensor 28 and 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. Subsequently, in the decoding process shown in step S203, processing is performed to decode the information code contained in the captured image. When one decoding result is obtained from the captured image (No in S205), that decoding result is output to the outside via the communication interface 48 (S209). The control circuit 40 that performs the above decoding process may correspond to an example of a "decoding unit".

[0111] On the other hand, if multiple decoding results are obtained from the captured image (Yes in S205), the selection process in step S207 is performed. In this process, the decoding result that does not contain the selection determination information (for example, a characteristic string included in a predetermined URL) is selected as the decoding result to be output. For this reason, as illustrated in Figure 34, if two decoding results are obtained when a barcode Ca for accounting, which contains product price information, etc., and a QR code Cb for providing product information, which contains the URL of a site introducing the product, are captured simultaneously, the decoding result of barcode Ca is selected as the decoding result to be output. The decoding result thus selected is then output externally via the communication interface 48 (S209). The control circuit 40 that performs the above selection process may correspond to an example of a "selection unit".

[0112] As described above, in the optical information reading device 10 according to this embodiment, during the reading process, a decoding process is performed to decode the information code from the captured image captured by the imaging unit. When multiple decoding results are obtained from a single captured image because multiple information codes are captured simultaneously, the decoding result to be output is selected by a selection process. In the above selection process, the decoding result to be output is selected based on whether or not pre-registered selection determination information is included in the decoding result.

[0113] This allows, for example, if the information code to be read contains the selection determination information, selecting the decoding result containing the selection determination information from among multiple decoding results prevents the output of decoding results for information codes that are not to be read and do not contain the selection determination information. Similarly, if the information code that should not be read contains the selection determination information, selecting the decoding result that does not contain the selection determination information from among multiple decoding results prevents the output of decoding results for information codes that are not to be read and do contain the selection determination information. In other words, even if multiple decoding results are obtained because multiple information codes are being imaged simultaneously, the decoding result to be output can be appropriately selected, and the output of decoding results for information codes that were read unintentionally can be limited.

[0114] In particular, in this embodiment, the selection determination information is registered as a characteristic string included in a predetermined URL. Therefore, if a URL is recorded in an information code that should be excluded from reading, it is possible to prevent the decoding result of that information code from being output. Conversely, if a URL is recorded in an information code that should be read, it is also possible to prevent the output of a decoding result that does not include the URL.

[0115] Furthermore, the above selection determination information is not limited to being set to a characteristic string included in a predetermined URL, such as a scheme name like "http:" or "https:", but may also be set to other scheme names such as "file:" or "mailto:". In addition, the above 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 business-related QR codes, a decrease in business efficiency can be avoided by restricting the reading and output of only QR codes used to direct users to websites using the "http:" or "https:" protocol.

[0116] Furthermore, the selection determination information may be set to a characteristic string contained in a predetermined address, such as an IP address. In this case, if the characteristic string of the address is recorded in an information code that should be excluded from reading, it is possible to prevent the decoding result of that information code from being output, and if the characteristic string of the address is recorded in an information code that should be read, it is possible to prevent the decoding result that does not contain the characteristic string of the address from being output.

[0117] Furthermore, the selection information mentioned above 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, web address URLs often omit the "http:" scheme, leaving the interpretation of the scheme to the application. Therefore, setting the domain as selection information allows for broader restrictions on the read output of web addresses than restrictions based on the scheme alone.

[0118] Furthermore, the above selection determination information may be set according to, for example, a combination of one or two predetermined number sequences, or a combination of one or two predetermined strings.

[0119] In addition, in the selection process of step S207 described above, 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 information codes of code types other than barcodes may not be selected.

[0120] This prevents the output of decoding results for information codes that are not of the specified code type and are not intended for reading, by selecting the decoding result from among multiple decoding results that are of the specified code type if the information code to be read is of a predetermined code type. Even if multiple decoding results are obtained because multiple information codes are being imaged simultaneously, it is possible to appropriately select the decoding result to be output and limit the output of decoding results for information codes that were read unintentionally.

[0121] [Embodiment No. 11] Next, an optical information reading device according to the 11th embodiment of the present invention will be described below. This eleventh embodiment differs from the tenth embodiment in that it suppresses redundant processing when two or more identical decoding results are obtained from a single captured image.

[0122] Traditionally, to prevent the same information code from being read twice, a technique has been known that compares the decoded result obtained by reading the information code with the most recently decoded result and restricts the output of matching decoded results. In recent years, two-dimensional codes such as QR codes have become widespread, and there are cases where one-dimensional codes and two-dimensional codes are displayed adjacent to each other (see Figure 34). In particular, depending on the application, the same data may be recorded in both the adjacent one-dimensional code and the two-dimensional code, and since the code types are different, the conventional double-reading technique cannot be applied, which may result in duplicate processing based on the same decoded result. For example, during payment, if a one-dimensional code and a two-dimensional code with the same data recorded on them are displayed adjacent to each other on the smartphone screen, there is a possibility that payment processing will be performed twice based on the decoded results read from each.

[0123] Therefore, in the reading process performed in this embodiment, when multiple decoding results are obtained from a single captured image because multiple information codes are captured simultaneously, it is determined whether or not two or more identical decoding results have been obtained, thereby suppressing redundant processing based on the same decoding result. The decoding result may also include the code type of the information code that was read.

[0124] In this embodiment, the reading process performed by the control circuit 40 will be described in detail below with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 36. When the reading process is started in accordance with a predetermined operation, the imaging process in step S301 shown in Figure 36 is performed, and the light receiving sensor 28 and 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. Subsequently, in the determination process shown in step S303, it is determined whether or not there is a code image that can be recognized as an information code in the captured image. If there is one or more code images (Yes in S303), the code image acquisition process is performed in step S305, and one code image is extracted and acquired from the captured image.

[0125] 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. Subsequently, the data retrieval process shown in step S309 is performed, and the memory 35 is referenced with respect to the accumulated decoded result, as will be described later.

[0126] Then, in the determination process of step S311, it is determined whether or not data matching the decoded result obtained in the above decode process is stored in the memory 35. If no matching decoded result is stored (No in S311), the decoded result is output to a higher-level device, etc. (S315), and the decoded result is stored in the memory 35 (S317). The control circuit 40 that performs the determination process of step S311 may correspond to an example of a "decoded result sameness or differentness determination unit" that determines whether or not the same decoded result has been obtained. Furthermore, the control circuit 40 that performs the process of outputting the decoded result (S315) may correspond to an example of a "processing unit" that performs predetermined processing using the decoded result.

[0127] Next, in the determination process of step S319, it is determined whether there are any other undecoded code images in the captured image because there are two or more code images. If there are any other undecoded code images in the captured image because there are two or more code images (Yes in S319), the next code image is acquired (S321). Then, a decoding process is performed on the acquired code image (S307), and the memory 35 is accessed regarding the decoding result (S309).

[0128] Then, if data matching the decoded result obtained in the above decode process is stored in memory 35 (Yes in S311), the determination process in step S313 determines whether or not the matching decoded result has been output within a predetermined number of reads. Here, the number of reads is the number of times that one captured image is counted once. In this embodiment, the predetermined number of reads is set such that, for example, it is determined that the decoded result decoded from the currently captured image or the decoded result decoded from the previously captured image has been output within the predetermined number of reads, and it is determined that the decoded result decoded from the image captured two sessions ago has not been output within the predetermined number of reads.

[0129] Here, if two information codes, each containing the same data, are included in a single image, and the same decoding result as the one previously decoded and stored in memory 35 is obtained, it is determined that a matching decoding result has been output within a predetermined number of reads (No in S313), and the processing from step S319 onwards is carried out.

[0130] On the other hand, if the same decoding result is obtained as with an image captured two or more times prior to the previous capture, it is determined that a matching decoding result has not been output within a predetermined number of reads (Yes in S313), and that decoding result is output to a higher-level device, etc. (S315).

[0131] Then, once all the code images contained in a single captured image have been decoded (No in S319), if a predetermined termination operation has not been performed (No in S323), a new captured image is captured (S301), and the processing described in steps S303 and later is performed on this captured image.

[0132] As described above, in the optical information reading device 10 according to this embodiment, during the reading process, a decoding process is performed to decode the information code from the captured image captured by the imaging unit. When multiple decoding results are obtained from a single captured image because multiple information codes are captured simultaneously, it is determined whether two or more identical decoding results have been obtained. If it is determined that two or more identical decoding results have been obtained, a predetermined process is performed to output the decoding result for one of the two or more identical decoding results.

[0133] This makes it possible to suppress duplicate processing, for example, even when different information codes of the same data are simultaneously captured.

[0134] In particular, in this embodiment, if it is determined that two or more identical decoding results have been obtained (Yes in S311), and if the above-predetermined processing has not been performed within a predetermined number of reads for a decoding result that matches the same decoding result based on the information stored in memory 35 (Yes in S313), then the predetermined processing (decoding result output processing) is performed on this decoding result.

[0135] As a result, even if the same decoding result has been read previously, if the predetermined processing has not been performed on that previous decoding result within the predetermined number of reads, that is, if it is not the decoding result that was recently used for the predetermined processing, the predetermined processing can be performed using the same decoding result, assuming that the user intentionally read two or more information codes that contain the same data.

[0136] Next, a first modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 37. In the reading process in the first modified example of this embodiment, after the decode result is output to a higher-level device as described above (S315 in Figure 37), the decode result is stored in the memory 35, which functions as a storage unit, along with the decode time at which the decode process was completed (S317a). Subsequently, if the decode process for the newly acquired code image is successful (S307) and it is determined that data matching the decode result is stored in the memory 35 (Yes in S311), the determination process shown in step S313a determines whether the elapsed time from the decode time associated with the decode result that matches the same decode result is greater than or equal to a predetermined time. If the elapsed time from the decode time of the matching decode result is greater than or equal to the predetermined time (Yes in S313a), the decode result is output to a higher-level device (S315). If it is less than the predetermined time (No in S313a), the decode result is not output and the process from step S319 onwards is carried out.

[0137] As a result, even if the same decoding result has been read previously, if the elapsed time since the decoding of that previous decoding result exceeds a predetermined time, that is, if it is not a decoding result that was recently used for the predetermined processing, the predetermined processing can be performed using the same decoding result, assuming that the user intentionally read two or more information codes that contain the same data.

[0138] Next, a second modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 38. In the reading process in the second modified example of this embodiment, for information codes whose data matching the decoded result is stored in memory 35, the number of times the information code is removed from the imaging field of view of the imaging unit and then re-entered the imaging field of view is counted as the number of imaging counts N. If it is determined that two or more identical decoded results have been obtained, and the number of imaging counts N of the decoded results matching the same decoded result is greater than or equal to a predetermined number Nth, then a predetermined process is performed on the decoded result.

[0139] Specifically, if data matching the decoded result is stored in memory 35 (Yes in S311 in Figure 38), and the number of images taken N of that decoded result is not set as a count target, it is determined that the number of images taken N is less than a predetermined number Nth (No in S325), and in step S327, it is determined to be No, and the decoded result is set as a count target (S329). Then, the processing from step S319 onwards is performed, and each time the determination process in step S303 determines that there is no code image in the captured image that can be recognized as an information code (No in S303), the number of images taken N of the decoded result that was set as a count target is counted in increment (N=N+1) (S331). Note that the control circuit 40 that counts the number of images taken N may correspond to an example of a "counting unit".

[0140] Then, when the decoded result that is to be counted is read again (Yes in S311), and the number of imaging counts N reaches a predetermined number Nth or more (Yes in S325), the decoded result is output to a higher-level device (S315), stored in memory 35 (S317), and the setting for the count target is cleared (S333).

[0141] This allows the user to intentionally read two or more information codes on which the same data is recorded by repeatedly switching between imaging states where the information code is in the imaging field and imaging states where it is out of the imaging field, thereby enabling the predetermined processing described above for each of the same decoding results. In particular, even if, during imaging of an information code that has been successfully decoded, the information code is momentarily not captured due to ambient influences, the number of imaging cycles N will only increase to a certain extent, and the predetermined processing described above can be prevented from being performed for each of the same decoding results simply because the information code is momentarily not captured.

[0142] Next, a third modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 39. In the reading process in the third modified example of this embodiment, for information codes in memory 35 that match the decoded result, the time at which the data was removed from the imaging field of view of the imaging unit is associated with the decoded result and stored in memory 35 as the code exclusion time. If it is determined that two or more identical decoded results have been obtained, and the elapsed time from the code exclusion time of the decoded result matching the identical result is greater than or equal to a predetermined time, a predetermined process is performed on the decoded result.

[0143] Specifically, if data matching the decode result is stored in memory 35 (Yes in S311 in Figure 39), but the decode result is not set as a timing target (No in S335), the imaging process is performed (S337), and the determination process in step S339 is repeatedly determined to be No until there are no more code images that can be recognized as information codes in the captured image. Then, when the captured image no longer contains code images (Yes in S339), the time when the information code that was set as a timing target was removed from the imaging field of view of the imaging unit is set as the code exclusion time and stored in memory 35 in association with the decode result (S341).

[0144] Then, when the decoded result that is to be timed is read again (Yes in S311 and S335), if the elapsed time from the time when the code was excluded exceeds a predetermined time (Yes in S343), the decoded result is output to a higher-level device (S315), stored in memory 35 (S317), and then the setting for the timed item is cleared (S345).

[0145] This allows the user to intentionally read two or more information codes on which the same data is recorded by removing the information code from the imaging field of view for a certain period of time and then bringing it back into the imaging field of view, thereby enabling the predetermined processing described above for each of the same decoding results.

[0146] Next, a fourth modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 40. In the reading process in the fourth modified example of this embodiment, if it is determined that two or more identical decode results have been obtained, and the detected orientation of the housing 11 is in a predetermined orientation state, a predetermined process is performed on the decode result. For this reason, in this fourth modified example, the optical information reading device 10 is equipped with an orientation sensor as an orientation detection unit that detects the orientation of the housing 11, which consists of a gyro sensor and an acceleration sensor, and the control circuit 40 grasps the orientation state of the housing 11 in response to the detection signal from this orientation sensor.

[0147] Specifically, if data matching the decoded result is stored in memory 35 (Yes in S311 of Figure 40), the determination process in step S313b determines whether the orientation of the housing 11 is in a predetermined orientation state based on the detection signal output from the orientation sensor for a certain period of time. In this fourth modified example, the predetermined orientation state is set to, for example, a state that has changed significantly from the orientation when decoding was successful.

[0148] If the user moves the housing 11 to change the orientation of the reading slot 50, and it is determined that the housing 11 is in the predetermined orientation state (Yes in S313b), the decode result is output to a higher-level device (S315). On the other hand, if the reading slot 50 remains pointed towards the information code, and it is determined that the housing 11 is not in the predetermined orientation state (No in S313b), the decode result is not output, and the processing from step S319 onwards proceeds.

[0149] This allows the user to intentionally read two or more information codes on which the same data is recorded by gripping the housing 11 in the predetermined posture state described above, thereby enabling the predetermined processing to be performed on each of the same decoding results.

[0150] [Twelfth Embodiment] Next, an optical information reading device according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. This twelfth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the trigger switch is eliminated, making it easy to target and read information codes during the continuously performed reading process.

[0151] 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 a light-receiving method will increase in retail stores and convenience store cash registers. Therefore, compared to conventional optical information readers using line sensors, the reading area is wider, and it is possible to easily read the information code by aligning it with 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 where an information code other than the target is read during the reading operation, making it difficult to determine whether the target information code has been read.

[0152] Incidentally, in retail stores and convenience stores, information codes are read frequently in store operations, and optical information reading devices that can read without operating a trigger switch are used. By aligning the reading opening with the orientation of the information code and directly touching the information code, reading errors can be prevented and the target information code can be read. Furthermore, in the environment surrounding the convenience store industry, the introduction of self-checkouts to reduce the number of staff in stores and the increase in foreign workers are progressing, and it is required that even operators with little experience in reading operations can easily and reliably target and read the target information code with just a simple hold. For this reason, when performing targeted reading without operating a trigger switch in an optical information reading device using an area sensor, the operation method involves aligning the position of the information code with the point marker at the center of the reading area and then targeting the reading. However, this operation requires aligning with the center of the area, which is problematic because it does not enable targeted reading that takes advantage of the wide reading area.

[0153] Therefore, in the reading process performed in this embodiment, a code image of the same information code is detected in a plurality of consecutive images continuously captured by the imaging unit, and it is determined whether or not the detected code image is a target for reading, depending on the state in which the code image occupies the captured image. Specifically, it is determined that the code image is a target for reading if the state in which the code image occupies the captured image is a predetermined state, or more specifically, in this embodiment, if the range of the code image occupying the captured image is greater than or equal to a predetermined range. This is because the information code that the user is trying to read is likely to have a range of code image occupying the captured image that is greater than or equal to a predetermined range.

[0154] In this embodiment, the reading process performed by the control circuit 40 will be described in detail below with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 41. When the control circuit 40 initiates the reading process, the imaging process shown in step S401 in Figure 41 is performed, and the light receiving sensor 28 and imaging lens 27, etc., are made to function as an imaging unit, thereby capturing an image for decoding the information code. Subsequently, the code image detection process shown in step S403 is performed, in which a code image for decoding the information code is detected from the image captured by the imaging unit. For example, if the captured information code is a QR code, a process is performed to detect the code image based on finder patterns (position detection patterns) placed at the three corners of the code area. The control circuit 40 that performs the above code image detection process may correspond to an example of a "code image detection unit".

[0155] If the detection of the code image is successful (Yes in S405), the detection result is stored in the memory 35 (S407), and then the decoding process shown in step S409 is performed to decode the information code from the code image detected as described above. 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 again. The control circuit 40 that performs the above decoding process may correspond to an example of a "decoding unit".

[0156] If the above decoding process is successful (Yes in S411), the decoding result obtained from the decoding process is stored in memory 35 (S413). Next, 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 greater than or equal to a predetermined range.

[0157] Here, since the reading port 50 has just been pointed towards the information code C to be read, even if the code image of information code C has been captured in a decodeable manner, as shown in Figure 42(A), if the range of the code image in the captured image is less than the predetermined range, the result in step S415 is determined to be No. In this case, the processing from step S401 is performed and the imaging process for decoding the information code continues. Subsequently, even if the decoding process for the captured information code code image is successful (Yes in S411), since the reading port 50 is still being brought closer to the information code C to be read, even if it is larger than the previous code image, as shown in Figure 42(B), if the range of the code image in the captured image is less than the predetermined range, the result in step S415 is determined to be No. In this case as well, the processing from step S401 is performed and the imaging process for decoding the information code continues. In other words, in multiple consecutive images captured by the imaging unit, a code image with the same information code is detected, and it is determined whether or not the detected code image is to be read, depending on the state in which the detected code image occupies the captured image.

[0158] Then, when the reading port 50 is brought close to the information code to be read, for example, as shown in Figure 42(C), if the range of the code image in the captured image becomes greater than or equal to the predetermined range, step S415 determines "Yes". In this case, the decode result output processing shown in step S417 is performed, and the decode result is output to a higher-level device as a predetermined process using the decode result. Subsequently, the notification processing in step S419 is performed, and as a predetermined notification corresponding to the success of the decode process, the light-emitting unit 46, which functions as a notification unit, lights up in a predetermined state. The control circuit 40 that performs the processing to output the decode result (S417) may correspond to an example of a "processing unit" for performing a predetermined process using the decode result. In addition, the predetermined notification corresponding to the success of the decode process may be performed by sounding a buzzer 44 or vibrating a vibrator 45, in which case the buzzer 44 or vibrator 45 may correspond to an example of a "notification unit".

[0159] As described above, in the optical information reading device 10 according to this embodiment, a code image of the same information code is detected in a plurality of consecutive images continuously captured by the imaging unit, and the reading target determination unit determines whether or not the detected code image is a target for reading, according to the state in which the code image occupies the captured image. If the decoding process of the code image determined to be a target for reading is successful and a decoding result is obtained (Yes in S411 and S415), the processing unit performs predetermined processing using this decoding result, and the notification unit provides predetermined notification.

[0160] As a result, even an optical information reader that does not have a trigger switch or the like for instructing the decoding timing can determine that a code image is a target for reading when the user points the reading port 50 at the information code they intend to read, and the state in which the code image of that information code occupies the captured image satisfies a predetermined condition (in this embodiment, when the range of the code image occupying the captured image is greater than or equal to a predetermined range). Therefore, by performing predetermined processing using the decoding result obtained from the code image determined to be a target for reading, and by providing predetermined notification according to the success of decoding, an optical information reader that can target and read information codes in a reading process that is always performed without using a trigger switch or the like can be realized.

[0161] Furthermore, in the determination process of step S415, it is not limited to determining that the state in which the code image occupies the captured image is a predetermined state only when the range of the code image in the captured image is greater than or equal to a predetermined range. For example, if the detected code image is detected continuously for a predetermined time without moving, it may be determined that the state in which the code image occupies the captured image is a predetermined state. Also, in the determination process of step S415, if the length of one side of the detected code image is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, it may be determined that the state in which the code image occupies the captured image is a predetermined state.

[0162] In other words, even if a portion of the detected code image falls outside the imaging field of view of the imaging unit, if the state of the remaining portion of the code image within the imaging field of view satisfies predetermined conditions, it can be determined that the code image is a target for reading. For example, as shown in Figures 43(A) and 43(B), even if the code image of information code C is captured in a decodeable manner, the decoding result may not be output because the range of the code image within the captured image is less than the predetermined range (No in S415). In this case, even if a portion of the detected code image falls outside the imaging field of view of the imaging unit afterward, as shown in Figure 43(C), if the length of one side of the code image within the imaging field of view is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, it can be determined that the state of the code image within the captured image is in the predetermined state (Yes in S415), and the decoding result can be output.

[0163] This prevents the system from immediately deeming a code image unreadable simply because a portion of the information code the user is trying to read is outside the field of view. As a result, it can more accurately determine whether or not a code image is readable.

[0164] Next, a first modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 44. In the reading process in the first modified example of this embodiment, even if decoding has not been successful, it is determined whether the detected code image is the target for reading. Specifically, as shown in the flowchart in Figure 44, even if the detection of a code image is successful (Yes in S405 in Figure 44), if decoding of that code image fails (No in S411), the determination process in step S421 determines whether the state in which the code image occupies the captured image is a predetermined state. If the code image that failed to decode is in the predetermined state (Yes in S421), and if decoding of that code image has never been successful (No in S423), the flag Fc indicating that the code image has reached the predetermined state is set to "1" (S425), and the process from step S401 is carried out. On the other hand, if a code image that has failed to decode enters the predetermined state described above (Yes in S421), and if decoding of that code image has been successful at least once (Yes in S423), the decoding result is output (S417), and the notification unit such as the light-emitting unit 46 enters a predetermined notification state (S419).

[0165] As described above, after the flag Fc is set to "1", if decoding is successful for a newly captured code image of the same information code (Yes in S411), the flag Fc of that code image is set to "1", so the determination process in step S427 is determined to be Yes, the decoding result is output (S417), and the notification unit such as the light-emitting unit 46 enters a predetermined notification state (S419).

[0166] For example, as shown in Figures 45(A) and 45(B), even if a code image is detected because the finder pattern or the like can be recognized, even if it cannot be decoded, the decoding result is not output because the area of ​​the code image in the captured image is less than the predetermined range (No in S421). In this case, as shown in Figure 45(C), if the code image that could be detected because the finder pattern or the like can be recognized, even though it cannot be decoded, exceeds the predetermined range in the captured image (Yes in S421, No in S423), the flag Fc is set to "1" (S425), and the process of detecting code images from continuously captured images continues. Then, as shown in Figure 45(D), when the decoding of a code image is successful (Yes in S411, Yes in S427) for which the range of the code image in the captured image has changed to less than the predetermined range, even though the flag Fc is set to "1", the decoding result is output (S417), and the notification unit such as the light-emitting unit 46 enters a predetermined notification state (S419).

[0167] In other words, if the decoding process of a code image is unsuccessful when it is determined to be a target for reading, and the decoding process of that code image succeeds after that determination, the processing unit will perform predetermined processing using the decoding result obtained after the determination, and the notification unit will provide predetermined notification. As a result, even if it can be determined that something resembling an information code has been captured due to the surrounding environment such as lighting, but the decoding of that code image is unsuccessful, if the decoding of that code image succeeds due to a subsequent change in the surrounding environment, the predetermined processing and predetermined notification can be performed at the time of the success, as it will be considered that the decoding of the code image to be read has succeeded.

[0168] In this embodiment and its modified form, as can be seen from Figure 34, if two or more code images are detected consecutively from the captured image, the decoding result may be not output, assuming that the user's target is not yet determined.

[0169] [13th Embodiment] Next, an optical information reading device according to the 13th embodiment of the present invention will be described below. This 13th embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it makes it easier to output the decoding result of the information code to be read, even if multiple information codes are captured simultaneously in a decodeable manner.

[0170] If multiple information codes are captured simultaneously in a decodeable state because one or more other information codes are positioned around the information code to be read, it is necessary to output the decoding result of the information code to be read, and not output the decoding results of the other information codes.

[0171] Therefore, conventionally, a marker light is shone to indicate the center of the imaging field of view, making it easier to bring only the information code to be read into the imaging field of view, and outputting only the decoded result of that information code. However, if the user cannot see the marker light, for example, if the information code is displayed on a reflective surface or an LCD screen, there is a problem in that it becomes difficult to bring only the information code to be read into the imaging field of view. Specifically, for example, if multiple information codes C, such as barcodes Cc, Cd, and Ce as illustrated in Figure 46, are displayed on the screen, it may be difficult to bring only the barcode Cd to be read into the imaging field of view because the marker light shone on the display screen is difficult to see.

[0172] Therefore, in the reading process performed in this embodiment, when multiple decode results can be obtained from the captured image P captured by the imaging unit by making the light receiving sensor 28 and the imaging lens 27 function as an imaging unit, the output of the decode results is limited depending on the imaging state. Specifically, when a predetermined reading area (hereinafter also referred to as reading area Ps) provided to occupy a part of the captured image P (for example, the central part) contains an image of one information code for which a decode result has been obtained, and does not contain images of other information codes, the decode result of the one information code is output.

[0173] In this embodiment, the reading process performed by the control circuit 40 will be described in detail below, using the case of reading the barcode Cd shown in Figure 46 as an example, with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 47. In this embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 48, the captured image P captured by the imaging unit is 640 pixels × 480 pixels, and the reading area Ps is 320 pixels × 240 pixels, and is set so that its center coincides with that of the captured image P.

[0174] When the reading process is started in accordance with a predetermined operation, the imaging process shown in step S501 in Figure 47 is performed, and the imaging unit captures an image P for decoding the information code. Subsequently, the decoding process shown in step S503 is performed to decode the information code contained in the image P, and the process from step S501 is repeated until decoding is successful (No in S505). The control circuit 40 that performs the decoding process in step S503 may correspond to an example of a "decoding unit".

[0175] Then, if decoding is successful and a decoding result is obtained (Yes in S505), the determination process in step S507 determines whether or not the image of the information code from which the decoding result was obtained is included in the reading area Ps. Specifically, in this embodiment, it is determined whether or not the entire image of the information code from which the decoding result was obtained is included in the reading area Ps. If only a part of the image of the information code from which the decoding result was obtained is included in the reading area Ps, the determination in step S507 is No, and the decoding result is not output, and the processing from step S501 onwards is carried out.

[0176] Subsequently, when the reading port 50 is brought close to the barcode Cd to be read, if all of the images of the information code for which the decoding result was obtained are included in the reading area Ps (Yes in S507), the determination process in step S509 determines whether the reading area Ps contains the image of one information code for which the decoding result was obtained, and does not contain images of other information codes (hereinafter also referred to as the single code imaging state).

[0177] In this embodiment, specifically, a single-code imaging state is determined when the reading area Ps includes the entire 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. Here, since the reading port 50 is being brought close to the barcode Cd to be read, as illustrated in Figure 49, if the reading area Ps includes the entire image of the barcode Cd to be read, and also includes a portion of the image of a barcode Cc or a portion of the image of a barcode Ce that is not to be read, then it is determined to be No in step S509, and the decoding result is not output, and the processing from step S501 onwards is performed.

[0178] On the other hand, once the reader 50 has finished bringing close to the barcode Cd to be read, as illustrated in Figure 50, if the entire image of the barcode Cd to be read is included in the reading area Ps, and at least a portion of the images of other information codes are not included in the reading area Ps, that is, if only the image of the barcode Cd to be read is included in the reading area Ps, then it is determined to be a single code imaging state, and the result is "Yes" in step S509.

[0179] In this case, the decoding result output process in step S511 outputs the decoding result of the barcode Cd contained in the reading area Ps to a higher-level device or the like. The control circuit 40 that performs the decoding result output process in step S511 may be an example of an "output unit".

[0180] As described above, in the optical information reading device 10 according to this embodiment, if a predetermined reading area Ps, which is provided to occupy a part of the captured image P, contains an image of one information code for which a decoding result has been obtained, and does not contain an image of any other information code (Yes in S509), the decoding result of the one information code is output (S511).

[0181] As a result, even when multiple information codes are captured simultaneously and a decoding result can be obtained for each, the decoding result of information codes not included in the reading area Ps will not be output. Furthermore, if two or more information codes are included in the predetermined reading area Ps, the decoding result will not be output. In other words, even if multiple information codes are captured in a decodeable manner, the decoding result of the information code to be read will only be output if the image of that information code is included in the reading area Ps. This limits the output of decoding results for information codes that are read unintentionally, such as the decoding result of another information code captured while the reading port 50 is being pointed towards the information code to be read.

[0182] In particular, the decoded result of one information code is output when the entire image of one information code for which the decoded result was obtained is included in a predetermined reading area Ps, and at least a portion of the images of other information codes are not included.

[0183] As a result, as described above, even if only a portion of the image of an information code that is not intended to be read enters the reading area Ps while the reading port 50 is being directed towards the information code to be read, the decoding result of that information code will not be output. Furthermore, even if all the images of an information code that is not intended to be read enter the reading area Ps, as long as at least a portion of the images of the information code to be read enters the reading area Ps, the decoding results of each will not be output. Therefore, even if other information codes are located near the information code to be read, it is possible to easily output the decoding result of the information code to be read.

[0184] Depending on the working environment, the determination process in step S509 may determine that a single code image is being captured if the reading area Ps contains the entire image of one information code for which a decoding result was obtained, but does not contain the images of any other information codes. Alternatively, the determination may also be made that a single code image is being captured if the reading area Ps contains at least a portion of the image of one information code for which a decoding result was obtained, but does not contain at least a portion of the images of any other information codes.

[0185] As a modification of this embodiment, when the target of reading is an information code having a specific pattern placed at a specific position in a code area where various cells are arranged, such as the FP pattern of a QR code, the determination process in step S509 may determine whether or not a single code is being captured using an image of the specific pattern. That is, the decoding result of the single information code may be output if the reading area Ps contains an image of the specific pattern of one information code for which a decoding result has been obtained, and does not contain an image of the specific pattern of any other information code.

[0186] Specifically, for example, if the reading area Ps contains images of all specific patterns of the information code for which the decoded result was obtained, and does not contain any images of specific patterns of other information codes, then it may be determined that a single code imaging state exists. In this case, for example, as illustrated in Figure 51, if the reading area Ps contains images of all specific patterns FP1 to FP3 of QR code Cf, and images of specific patterns FP1 and FP2 of QR code Cg, then it is determined that a single code imaging state does not exist.

[0187] As a result, in the determination process of step S509 described above, it is possible to determine whether or not the image of the information code is included in a predetermined reading area based on a specific pattern of the easily recognizable information code, thus enabling easy and accurate determination.

[0188] [14th Embodiment] Next, an optical information reading device according to the 14th embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In this 14th embodiment, the main difference from the 4th embodiment is that when marker light is not captured, the decoding result of the information code located within the decoding target area in the captured image is output.

[0189] If multiple information codes are captured simultaneously in a decodeable state because one or more other information codes are positioned around the information code to be read, the decoding result of the information code to be read may be output, while the decoding results of the other information codes may not be output.

[0190] Conventionally, in such cases, a marker light irradiation unit 29 is provided that irradiates marker light Lm toward the center of the imaging field of view, making it easier to bring only the information code to be read into the imaging field of view and outputting only the decoded result of that information code. 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 which emits its own light, so the reading device has a problem in that it does not know which of the multiple information codes captured is the information code to be read. Specifically, for example, if the information code for a distributed coupon is displayed on the screen of a smartphone or the like adjacent to other information codes, the marker light may not be captured, and therefore it may not be possible to obtain only the decoded result of the information code for the coupon.

[0191] Therefore, in the reading process performed in this embodiment, the light receiving sensor 28 and the imaging lens 27, etc., are made to function as an imaging unit, and when no marker light Lm is detected from the captured image P captured by this imaging unit, the decoding result of an information code that is determined to be located within the decoding target area Pd corresponding to a part of the captured image P, and that is of a preset code type (specified code type), is output. In this embodiment, the decoding target area Pd is preset in the area of ​​the entire captured image P that is on the far side from the user's perspective, as illustrated in Figures 52 and 53. This is because the user who grasps the housing 11 tries to hold the reading opening 50 over the information code to be read, using one side edge 52 of the periphery 51 of the reading opening 50, which is located farther away, as a reference. The specified code type can be set to, for example, EAN-13.

[0192] In this embodiment, the reading process performed by the control circuit 40 will be described in detail below with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 54. When the reading process is started in accordance with a predetermined operation, the imaging process in step S601 shown in Figure 54 is performed, and the imaging unit captures an image P for decoding the information code. Subsequently, in the marker light detection process in step S603, a process is performed to detect the marker light Lm from the image P, and then in the decoding process in step S605, a process is performed to decode the information code contained in the image P. The process from step S601 is repeated until decoding is successful (No in S607). The control circuit 40 that performs the decoding process in step S605 may correspond to an example of a "decoding unit".

[0193] Then, if decoding is successful and a decoding result is obtained (Yes in S607), the determination process in step S609 determines whether multiple decoding results have been obtained in accordance with the above decoding process. If only one decoding result has been obtained, the determination process in step S609 determines No, and the first decoding result output process in step S617 is performed, and all decoding results obtained by the decoding process are output to a higher-level device, etc. As described above, if only one decoding result has been obtained, that single decoding result is output to the higher-level device, etc. in the first decoding result output process. The control circuit 40 that performs the above first decoding result output process and second decoding result output process may correspond to an example of an "output unit".

[0194] On the other hand, if multiple decoding results are obtained (Yes in S609), the determination process in step S611 determines whether or not the marker light Lm has been detected from the captured image P in the marker light detection process described above. If the marker light Lm has been detected from the captured image P (Yes in S611), it is determined that the information code being read is not the information code displayed on the screen but rather the information code printed on paper or elsewhere, and all the decoding results obtained in the above decoding process are output to a higher-level device (S617).

[0195] In contrast, even if multiple decoding results are obtained (Yes in S609), if the marker light Lm is not detected from the captured image P (No in S611), the determination process in step S613 determines whether or not one information code for which a decoding result has been obtained is located within the decoding target area Pd. The control circuit 40 that executes the determination process in 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.

[0196] Here, as illustrated in Figures 52 and 53, if there is one information code for which a decoded result has been obtained within the decode target area Pd, the result is determined to be Yes in step S613. In this case, the determination process in step S615 determines whether the code type of the information code located within the decode target area Pd is a pre-set code type (specified code type). Here, if the code type of the information code located within the decode target area Pd is a specified code type (for example, EAN-13), the result is determined to be Yes in step S615, and the second decode result output process in step S619 is performed. In this process, among the multiple decode results obtained by the decode process in step S605, the decode result of the information code located within the decode target area Pd and of the specified code type is output to the host device, etc. In the example in Figures 52 and 53, even if the decoding of barcodes Cc, Cd, and Ce is successful, only the decode result of code Cc located within the decode target area Pd is output to the host device, etc.

[0197] On the other hand, if the code type of the information code located within the decoding target area Pd is not the specified code type (No in S615), or if there are no information codes for which a decoding result has been obtained located within the decoding target area Pd (No in S613), all decoding results obtained in the above decoding process are output to a higher-level device, etc. (S617).

[0198] As described above, in the optical information reading device 10 according to this embodiment, if the marker light Lm is not captured by the imaging unit (No in S611), the decoding result of the information code that is determined to be located within the decoding target area Pd in ​​the determination process of step S613 and that is determined to be a specified code type in the determination process of step S615 is output (S619).

[0199] In this way, if the marker light Lm is not captured by the imaging unit, the system assumes that it is reading the information code displayed on the screen and outputs the decoded result of the information code determined to be located within the decoded area Pd, thereby preventing the output of decoded results for information codes outside the decoded area Pd. In other words, by holding the reading port 50 over the screen so that only the information code to be read is located within the decoded area Pd among the multiple information codes displayed on the screen, 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. Furthermore, even if only information codes that are not to be read are located within the decoded area Pd in ​​the captured image when the reading port 50 is held over the information code to be read, the code type of those information codes that are not to be read may differ from the pre-set code type, thus preventing the output of the decoded result of the information codes that are not to be read.

[0200] Furthermore, if the decoding process yields one decoding result from one captured image (No in S609), there is no need to determine whether that information code is the target of reading. Therefore, regardless of whether the marker light Lm is captured or not, that single decoding result is output. This eliminates the need for processing to determine whether the marker light Lm is detected in the captured image, thereby reducing the processing load for outputting the decoding result.

[0201] [15th Embodiment] Next, an optical information reading device according to the 15th embodiment of the present invention will be described below. This 15th embodiment differs from the 4th embodiment in that the conditions for deactivating the double-read prevention setting are changed.

[0202] Conventionally, when reading multiple information codes that each record the same decoding result, it is necessary to perform a deactivation operation, such as moving the information codes out of the imaging field, in order to disable the double-read prevention function. This presents a problem in readers with imaging units that have a large imaging field, such as area sensors, as it increases the amount of movement required from the user to disable the deactivation operation. For example, in checkout transactions at stores such as convenience stores, when purchasing multiple identical items and repeatedly reading the barcode attached to one item according to the number of items purchased, the store clerk has to repeatedly point the reader towards a plain background where no information codes are captured, and then towards the barcode of the product, in order to disable the double-read prevention function. This presents a problem as it requires performing an operation that is not intended for the intended operation.

[0203] Therefore, in the reading process performed in this embodiment, assuming that the decoded result read from the information code is output when the marker light is shining towards the information code (hereinafter also referred to as the code illumination state), the double-read prevention setting is released if it is determined that the code illumination state is no longer present after the decoded result has been output. As a result, the double-read prevention setting is released by removing the marker light from the information code from which the decoded result has been output, thus reducing the user's actions required for the release operation.

[0204] In this embodiment, the reading process performed by the control circuit 40 will be described in detail below with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 55. When the reading process is started in accordance with a predetermined operation, the imaging process in step S701 shown in Figure 55 is performed, and an image P for decoding the information code is captured by the imaging unit, which consists of a light receiving sensor 28 and an imaging lens 27, etc. Subsequently, in the decoding process in step S703, the process for decoding the information code contained in the image P is performed, and the process from step S701 is repeated until decoding is successful (No in S705). The control circuit 40 that performs the decoding process in step S703 may correspond to an example of a "decoding unit".

[0205] Then, if decoding is successful and a decoding result is obtained (Yes in S705), the determination process in step S707 determines whether the decoding result obtained in the above decoding process matches the decoding result output previously (hereinafter also referred to as the decoding result match state). Here, if decoding is successful for the first time since the start of the reading process, or if it does not match the decoding result output previously, the determination process in step S707 determines No. The control circuit 40 that performs the determination process in step S707 may correspond to an example of a "decoding result determination unit".

[0206] In this case, the determination process in step S709 determines whether the marker light Lm is irradiated toward the information code, resulting in a code irradiation state. If at least a portion of the marker light Lm is within the code region occupied by the information code in the captured image P, it is determined to be a code irradiation state and the result is determined to be Yes. Then, the decode result output process in step S711 is performed, and the decode result obtained from the decode process is output to a higher-level device. The control circuit 40 that performs the above decode result output process may correspond to an example of an "output unit".

[0207] Once the decoded result is output, the process to prevent duplicate reading is performed in step S713, and then the process from step S701 is carried out. 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 considered that the code is not illuminated (No in S709), and the process from step S701 is carried out without outputting the decoded result. The control circuit 40 that performs the above duplicate reading prevention process may correspond to an example of a "duplicate reading prevention setting unit".

[0208] On the other hand, if the decoded result obtained in the above decode processing matches the previously outputted decoded result (Yes in S707), the determination process in step S715 determines whether the marker light Lm is irradiated toward the information code, resulting in a code irradiation state. Here, if the marker light Lm is not separated from the information code from which the decoded result was output, it is determined that the code irradiation state is present, and the determination in step S715 is Yes. In this case, the determination process in step S717 determines whether the double-read prevention setting is active, and if it is determined that double-read prevention is active and the determination is Yes, the decoded result is not output, and the processing from step S701 is carried out. The control circuit 40 that executes the determination process in step S715 may correspond to an example of a "marker irradiation state determination unit".

[0209] Thus, as long as the decoded result matches the previously outputted decoded result (decode result match state), and the code illumination state (where the marker light Lm is shone towards that information code) continues (Yes in S707 and S715), the decoded result will not be output unless the double-read prevention is deactivated.

[0210] In contrast, even if the decoded result matches the previously outputted decoded result (Yes in S707), if the marker light Lm is removed from the information code (No in S715), the process to cancel the double-read prevention setting is performed in step S719, and the double-read prevention setting is canceled. In this way, after the double-read prevention setting is canceled, the process from step S701 above is performed, and when the marker light Lm is shone again on the information code from which the decoded result was output (Yes in S715), the decoded result is output (S711) because the double-read prevention setting has been canceled (No in S717).

[0211] Specific examples of how the double-read prevention setting is disabled will be explained with reference to Figures 56(A) to (C). Note that the QR codes Cf and Cg to be read are assumed to be adjacent to each other and contain the same information.

[0212] When decoding is performed on the captured image P shown in Figure 56(A), and the decoded result of the QR code Cf illuminated by the marker light Lm is output, the double-read prevention setting is activated (S713), and as long as the code illumination state in which the marker light Lm is illuminated on the QR code Cf continues, the decoded result of the QR code Cf will not be output again. Subsequently, as shown in the captured image P shown in Figure 56(B), when the optical information reader 10 is moved so that the reader opening 50 is directed toward the QR code Cg, and the marker light Lm is removed from the QR code Cf (No in S715), the double-read prevention setting is released (S719). Then, as shown in the captured image P shown in Figure 56(C), when the marker light Lm is illuminated on the QR code Cg and the decoding is successful, even if the decoded result matches (Yes in S707), the double-read prevention setting is released (No in S717), and the decoded result is output (S711).

[0213] As explained above, in the optical information reading device 10 according to this embodiment, if it is determined that the code is not illuminated after the decode result is output (No in S715), the double-read prevention setting is released (S719). If the double-read prevention setting is enabled (Yes in S717), decode results that are determined to be in a decode result matching state are excluded from output, and if the double-read prevention setting is released (No in S717), even decode results that are determined to be in a decode result matching state are included in the output (S711).

[0214] 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 deactivated. This is achieved by removing the marker light Lm from the information code for which the decoded result was output, thus minimizing the user's actions required for the deactivation operation.

[0215] [16th Embodiment] Next, an optical information reading device according to the 16th embodiment of the present invention will be described below. This 16th embodiment differs from the 15th embodiment in that the conditions for deactivating the double-read prevention setting are modified so that they are not unnecessarily deactivated.

[0216] As in the 15th embodiment described above, if the double-read prevention setting is deactivated simply because the marker light Lm moves away from the information code from which the decoded result was output, a double-read may occur unintentionally due to the marker light Lm being shone again on the information code that it had previously moved away from, due to hand tremors or the like.

[0217] Therefore, in this embodiment, the code peripheral region Ac, which contains the code area constituting the information code, is used as a reference, and the double-read prevention setting is deactivated when the marker light Lm is not irradiated toward this code peripheral region Ac, thereby suppressing the deactivation of the double-read prevention setting unnecessarily.

[0218] 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 Figure 57. In this embodiment, the code peripheral region Ac is set so that its outer edge is separated from the outer edge of the code region constituting the information code by a distance equivalent to a predetermined number of cells (hereinafter also referred to as the peripheral distance Ad). However, it is not limited to this, and for example, it may be set so that it is separated from the outer edge of the code region by a distance equivalent to a predetermined number of pixels.

[0219] The reading process is started in the same manner as in the 15th embodiment described above, and if decoding is successful (Yes in S705 in Figure 57), and the decoded result obtained in the decoding process matches the decoded result output previously (Yes in S707), the determination process in step S715a determines whether or not the marker light Lm is irradiated toward the code peripheral region Ac (hereinafter also referred to as the code peripheral irradiation state).

[0220] Here, if at least a portion of the marker light Lm is not outside the code peripheral region Ac set for the information code from which the decoded result was output, it is determined that the code peripheral illumination state is present, and the result is Yes in step S715a, and the processing from step S717 onwards is carried out.

[0221] On the other hand, if the marker light Lm is outside the code peripheral area Ac set for the information code for which the decoded result has been output, it is determined as No in step S715a as the code peripheral illumination state is not present, and the double-read prevention setting is canceled (S719).

[0222] Specific examples of how the double-read prevention setting is disabled will be explained with reference to Figures 58(A) to (C). As shown in the captured image P in Figure 58(A), when the decoded result of the QR code Cf illuminated by the marker light Lm is output, the double-read prevention setting is activated (S713), and as long as the code illumination state in which the marker light Lm is illuminated on the QR code Cf continues, the decoded result of the QR code Cf will not be output again. In this case, as shown in the captured image P in Figure 58(B), even if the marker light Lm moves away from the QR code Cf due to hand shake or the like, if at least a part of it is still within the code peripheral area Ac, it is considered to be in a code peripheral illumination state (Yes in S715a), and the double-read prevention setting is not deactivated. Then, as shown in the captured image P in Figure 58(C), when the marker light Lm moves away from the code peripheral area Ac, it is considered that the code peripheral illumination state is no longer present (No in S715a), and the double-read prevention setting is deactivated (S719).

[0223] As described above, in the optical information reading device 10 according to this embodiment, if it is determined that the marker light Lm is not irradiating the code peripheral area Ac, including the code area that constitutes the information code, after the decoding result has been output (No in S715a), the double-read prevention setting is released (S719).

[0224] This can suppress the accidental cancellation of the double reading prevention setting due to hand shaking or the like, and can enhance the robustness against hand shaking or the like.

[0225] As a modification of this embodiment, the code peripheral area Ac may be set such that the size relative to the information code changes according to the size of the information code in the captured image P.

[0226] When the size of the information code and the code peripheral area Ac in the captured image becomes large, the operation of the user 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, by changing the size of the code peripheral area Ac according to the size of the information code in the captured image P, such as setting the size of the code peripheral area Ac to be relatively small, it is possible to suppress the increase in the operation of the user required for the cancellation operation.

[0227] For example, as in the captured image P illustrated in FIG. 59(A), when the size of the information code in the captured image P becomes large, the peripheral distance Ad can be shortened to reduce the code peripheral area Ac relative to the information code. Further, for example, as in the captured image P illustrated in FIG. 59(B), when the size of the information code in the captured image P becomes small, the peripheral distance Ad can be lengthened to increase the code peripheral area Ac relative to the information code.

[0228] More specifically, for example, every time decoding is successful, the ratio (hereinafter also referred to as the code ratio Ap) of the code area constituting the information code that has succeeded in decoding to the captured image P is obtained, and referring to a table preset as illustrated in FIG. 60, the code peripheral area Ac can be set so as to have a peripheral distance Ad corresponding to the obtained code ratio Ap. 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 "15" cell numbers, and if the code ratio Ap is 18%, the code peripheral area Ac is set so that the peripheral distance Ad is "5" cell numbers.

[0229] [Embodiment 17] Next, the optical information reading device according to the 17th embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In this 17th embodiment, it is mainly different from the above-described 1st embodiment in that the necessity of decoding processing is determined according to the presence or absence of image change in a partial image.

[0230] Conventionally, for the purpose of preventing double reading, when a decoding result is obtained according to the decoding processing for a captured image, a process of comparing the decoding result with the previously output decoding result has been performed. In a process of comparing the decoding results every time the decoding result is obtained, if the reading port is moved quickly, there may be a case where the information code is missed. In particular, in a reading device having an imaging unit with a large imaging field such as an area sensor, as illustrated in FIG. 61, the processing time required for image analysis processing for checking whether the captured image includes a decodable information code becomes long, and as a result, the reading cycle for performing the decoding processing becomes long, and the above problem becomes more prominent.

[0231] Note that in FIG. 61, an example is illustrated in which the captured image in the second imaging (time t11 in FIG. 61) includes a decodable information code, and the same decoding result is obtained from the captured image in the third imaging (time t12 in FIG. 61) after the decoding result is output, so that the decoding result is not output, and a different decoding result is obtained from the captured image in the fourth imaging (time t13 in FIG. 61) and is output.

[0232] Therefore, in the reading process performed in this embodiment, after the decode result is output, it is determined whether a partial image Pb corresponding to a part of the image P captured by the imaging unit (a predetermined range set in advance) is considered to be in a state where the image has not changed (hereinafter also referred to as a partial image matching state). If it is in a partial image matching state, the decode process is not performed. In the case of a partial image matching state, that is, since the image has not changed at all, it is not expected that the optical information reading device 10 will move away from the reading opening 50 from the information code from which the decode result was obtained. By not performing the above image analysis process and decode process, the reading cycle is shortened, and the loss of information code can be suppressed.

[0233] Specifically, in this embodiment, the ratio of the area occupied by light colors to the area occupied by dark colors is calculated and compared between a partial image Pb acquired in the current imaging process and a partial image Pb acquired in the previous imaging process. If the difference between the calculated values ​​is within a predetermined value, it is determined that the images are partially identical. Note that the determination of whether the images are partially identical is not limited to the ratio of the area occupied by light colors to the area occupied by dark colors, but may also be based on other image features.

[0234] In particular, in this embodiment, the portion of image Pb is set so that its area within the captured image P corresponds to the central portion of the captured image P. Therefore, when a QR code Cf is captured as shown in the captured image P illustrated in Figure 62(A), the portion of image Pb is set as shown in Figure 62(B), for example.

[0235] In this embodiment, the reading process performed by the control circuit 40 will be described in detail below with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 63. When the reading process is started in accordance with a predetermined operation, the partial image acquisition process shown in step S801 in Figure 63 is performed, and the imaging unit, which consists of a light receiving sensor 28 and an imaging lens 27, captures a partial image Pb in accordance with the range set above.

[0236] Next, in the partial image analysis process shown in step S803, the captured partial image Pb is analyzed, and in the determination process in step S805, it is determined whether or not the partial image Pb is in a partial image matching state, meaning that it has not changed from the previous partial image Pb. The control circuit 40 that performs the determination process in step S805 may correspond to an example of an "image state determination unit".

[0237] In this initial image capture, and since the decoding result has not yet been output, it is determined to be "No" in step S805 because it is not a partial image match. The double-read prevention setting is then released (S807), and the full image capture process in step S809 is performed, capturing image P. Subsequently, the full image analysis process in step S811 is performed to check whether the captured image P contains decodeable information codes, etc.

[0238] If the captured image P does not contain a decodeable information code, the determination process in step S813 determines that no information code has been captured, and the process from step S801 onwards is performed. On the other hand, if the captured image P contains a decodeable information code, the determination process in step S813 determines that an information code has been captured, and the decoding process in step S815 is performed to decode the information code contained in the captured image P. The control circuit 40 that performs the decoding process in step S815 may correspond to an example of a "decoding unit".

[0239] Next, in the determination process of step S817, it is determined whether the decoded result obtained by the above decode process matches the decoded result output previously, resulting in a decoded result matching state. If the decoded result is obtained for the first time since the start of the reading process, or if a different decoded result is obtained from the previous time, it is determined that the decoded result does not match (No in S817), and the decoded result output process of step S819 is performed, and the decoded result obtained by the decode process is output to a higher-level device, etc. Note that the control circuit 40 that performs the above decoded result output process may correspond to an example of an "output unit".

[0240] Once the decoded result is output in this manner, if the double-read prevention setting process is performed in step S821, and no read termination operation has been performed (No in S823), the process from step S801 above is carried out.

[0241] Immediately after the decoded result is output, the reading port 50 remains pointed towards the information code from which the decoded result was output. Therefore, the judgment process in step S805 determines "Yes" as a partial image match state, where the captured partial image Pb is considered to have not changed from the previous partial image Pb. In this case, the double-read prevention setting is not released, and the process from step S801 is carried out. In other words, if the image change of the partial image Pb is small, the reading port 50 remains pointed towards the information code from which the decoded result was output, and the judgment of "Yes" is repeated in step S805, preventing the decoding process from being performed. In this way, the image analysis process of the partial image Pb continues without performing the image analysis process of the entire captured image P, thereby shortening the reading cycle.

[0242] Subsequently, when attempting to direct the reading port 50 to the next information code, if the captured partial image Pb is deemed to have changed from the previous partial image Pb, it is determined as No in step S805, the double-read prevention setting is released (S807), and the full image acquisition process in step S809 is performed.

[0243] The following examples of shortened reading cycles will be explained with reference to the time chart shown in Figure 64. Similar to Figure 61, the image captured during the second imaging (time t21 in Figure 64) contains a decodeable information code. After the decoding result is output, a third imaging is performed (time t22 in Figure 64), and it is determined whether or not a partial image match exists for that partial image Pb. If it is determined that a partial image match exists (Yes in S805), a fourth imaging is performed (time t23 in Figure 64). If it is determined that a partial image match exists for this partial image Pb as well (Yes in S805), a fifth imaging is performed (time t24 in Figure 64). If it is determined that a partial image match does not exist for this partial image Pb (No in S805), the sixth image P is captured (S809: time t25 in Figure 64), and the entire captured image P is analyzed (S811). In this way, by performing image analysis on a portion of the image Pb from the third to the fifth image acquisition, while not performing full image analysis, the reading cycle can be shortened compared to the example in Figure 61.

[0244] As described above, in the optical information reading device 10 according to this embodiment, once the decoding result is output, full image analysis processing and decoding processing are not performed until it is determined that a partial image matching state is reached, meaning that the partial image Pb corresponding to a part of the image P captured by the imaging unit is considered to be unchanged.

[0245] Therefore, once the decoded result is output, unless a state is observed where some image Pb is considered to have changed, image analysis and decoding processing of the entire captured image is not performed. This eliminates the need to compare the decoded result for each image to prevent duplicate readings. As a result, not only is the processing load for preventing duplicate readings reduced, but processing time is also shortened, allowing for a shorter reading cycle.

[0246] Note that some of the partial images Pb may be set not only in the central portion of the captured image P but also in other ranges of the captured image P in terms of the range occupied in the captured image P. Also, as illustrated in FIG. 65, the range of some of the partial images Pb occupied in the captured image P may be set based on the position of the marker light Lm in the captured image P.

[0247] In addition, the range of some of the partial images Pb occupied in the captured image P may be set based on the information code that was successfully decoded last time. For example, some of the partial images Pb may be set to match the code area of the information code that was successfully decoded last time. By setting the range of some of the partial images Pb occupied 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 above-mentioned partial images Pb have changed based on the brightness and darkness of each cell constituting the information code, thereby improving the determination accuracy.

[0248] [18th Embodiment] Next, the optical information reading device according to the 18th embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In this 18th embodiment, the main difference from the above-mentioned 4th embodiment lies in improving the assemblability regarding the protection structure of the edge portion constituting the reading port.

[0249] Conventionally, in a portable optical information reading device, for the purpose of protecting against dropping and protecting the display screen on which the information code to be read is displayed, a protective member such as rubber is assembled to the edge portion constituting the reading port. This protective member is usually assembled so as to be hooked at an engaging portion or the like provided on the edge portion so as not to be easily removed after being assembled to the edge portion. On the other hand, in the configuration of assembling using the engaging portion as described above, it is difficult to achieve a strong assembly without causing an increase in size. Therefore, when miniaturization and a strong assembly are required, the protective member is assembled to the edge portion by using an adhesive member such as double-sided tape.

[0250] However, in protective structures that require assembly work involving pressing protective members into place and then bonding them, it is necessary to prevent parts other than the area to be bonded from adhering to the double-sided tape or similar material during assembly, which presents a problem of complicated assembly work.

[0251] Therefore, in the optical information reading device according to this embodiment, a protective structure is adopted in which the tip of the protective member protrudes beyond the area where the adhesive portion of the edge is located, and the adhesive portion of the protective member that has overcome this protrusion adheres to the adhesive portion of the edge.

[0252] Specifically, as shown in the optical information reading device 200 in Figure 66, a protective member 260 is attached to the edge 251 constituting the reading opening 250, protecting it by elastically clamping it from both the outside and the inside. In Figure 66, the vicinity of the edge 251 to which the protective member 260 is attached (see the area within the dashed-dotted line frame in Figure 66) is shown in an enlarged cross-section.

[0253] The protective member 260 is configured to include 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.

[0254] Furthermore, the outer surface of the edge portion 251 is provided with an adhesive portion 252 to which the outer protective portion 270 is bonded, and a protruding portion 253 located closer to the tip than the adhesive portion 252 and projecting outward from the adhesive portion 252. The protruding portion 253 is formed such that its outward projection height increases as it approaches the adhesive portion 252. In addition, the end face 253a of the protruding portion 253 on the adhesive portion 252 side is formed to be nearly perpendicular to the assembly direction for assembling the protective member 260 to the edge portion 251 (see arrow α in Figure 67(A), described later). In this embodiment, double-sided tape is used as the adhesive portion 252 and is arranged in a groove provided near the end face 253a of the protruding portion 253. Note that the adhesive portion 252 is not limited to double-sided tape; for example, an adhesive or the like may be used.

[0255] The outer protective portion 270 is formed to have a portion to be bonded 271 that is bonded to the adhesive portion 252, and a thin-walled opposing portion 272 that faces the protruding portion 253 with a small gap between them when the portion to be bonded 271 and the adhesive portion 252 are bonded together.

[0256] The assembly of the protective member 260 to the edge portion 251 configured in this manner will be described in detail with reference to Figures 67(A) to (C). When assembling the protective member 260 to the edge portion 251, first, as shown in Figure 67(A), the edge portion 251 is inserted between the outer protective portion 270 and the inner protective portion 280 so that the portion to be bonded 271 and the protruding portion 253 come into contact. By pushing the protective member 260 with the edge portion 251 inserted in this manner along the assembly direction α in Figure 67(A), the state in which the portion to be bonded 271 slides against the protruding portion 253 without being bonded to the adhesive portion 252 is maintained.

[0257] Then, by further pushing the protective member 260, as shown in Figure 67(B), when the adhesive portion 271 overcomes the protruding portion 253, the outer protective portion 270 moves closer to the inner protective portion 280 in response to the elastic force of the connecting portion 290, etc., and the adhesive portion 271 is bonded to the adhesive portion 252 (see Figure 67(C)).

[0258] Thus, since the part to be bonded 271 is not bonded to the bonding part 252 until it overcomes the protruding part 253, even in assembly work where the protective member 260 is bonded by pushing it onto the edge part 251, it will not become bonded during the pushing process, making the assembly work easy to perform.

[0259] In particular, the protruding portion 253 is formed such that its outward protrusion height increases as it approaches the adhesive portion 252, making it easier for the adhesive portion 271 to overcome the protruding portion 253, thereby further simplifying the assembly process.

[0260] Furthermore, the protruding portion 253 is formed such that the end face 253a on the adhesive portion 252 side is nearly perpendicular to the assembly direction α (see Figure 67(A)) in which the protective member 260 is assembled to the edge portion 251. As a result, even if the protective member 260 tries to come off the bonded edge portion 251, the bonded portion 271 will hit the end face 253a of the protruding portion 253, making it difficult to come off, thus allowing the protective member 260 to be firmly assembled to the edge portion 251.

[0261] As a modified example of this embodiment, adhesive portions may also be provided in the inner protective portion 280a, as illustrated in Figure 68, for the protective member 260a and edge portion 251a. Specifically, the inner side of the edge portion 251a is provided with a second adhesive portion 254 to which the inner protective portion 280a is adhered, and a second protruding portion 255 located on the tip side of the second adhesive portion 254 and protruding inward from the second adhesive portion 254. The inner protective portion 280a is formed to have a second adhesive portion 281 to which the second adhesive portion 254 is adhered, and a thin-walled second opposing portion 282 that faces the second protruding portion 255 with a small gap between them when the second adhesive portion 281 and the second adhesive portion 254 are adhered.

[0262] The second adhesive portion 281 is positioned so as the adhesive portion 271 overcomes the second protrusion 255 when it overcomes the protrusion 253.

[0263] This makes it possible to easily assemble protective members 260a that are bonded not only on the outside but also on the inside of the edges in order to enhance adhesive strength, etc.

[0264] Furthermore, the characteristic configuration of this embodiment and its modified version, which protects the edge of the reading opening, can also be applied to other embodiments.

[0265] [Other embodiments] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described above, and may be further 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 also be formed in other shapes, for example, to open in a T-shape where one side edge 52 is longer than the other side edge 53. Even when the reading opening 50 is configured in this way, the above effect is achieved by providing a wall portion 56 that protrudes diagonally downward from one side edge 52 of the peripheral edge 51 that is away from the gripping portion 13.

[0266] (2) When reading the information code C displayed on the display surface R, it is not limited to reading the information code C by bringing the protruding end 56a into contact with the display surface R. Depending on the usage environment, the information code C may also be read by slightly lifting the protruding end 56a away from the display surface R.

[0267] (3) The present invention is not limited to being applied to an optical information reading device that optically reads information codes such as one-dimensional codes and two-dimensional codes, but may also be applied to an optical information reading device that can optically read not only information codes but also character information, etc.

[0268] (4) The present invention is not limited to being used in an optical information reading device 10 in which reading processing is performed in response to a predetermined operation on a trigger switch 42, but may also be used in an optical information reading device in which reading processing is performed continuously for a certain period of time. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0269] 10…Optical information reading device 11…Cabinet 12…Reading section 12a...Extending end 13...Gripping part 21…Light source (lighting unit) 27…Imaging lens (imaging unit) 28…Light receiving sensor (imaging unit) 50... Reader slot 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... Designated display surface

Claims

[Claim 1] An imaging unit that captures an information code displayed on a predetermined display surface, The lighting 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 that emits the illumination light from the illumination unit and introduces the light from the information code into the inside of the housing, Equipped with, An optical information reading device that captures and reads the information code with the imaging unit while the reading opening is separated from the predetermined display surface, The aforementioned enclosure is The reading section having the aforementioned reading opening, A gripping portion that is held when the reading opening is directed towards 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 considered horizontal, it extends diagonally downward from one end of the gripping unit in the longitudinal direction, with the reading opening located at the extended end. When the edge of the reading opening that is along one direction away from the gripping portion is designated as the first side edge, and the edge opposite to this first side edge is designated as the other side edge, the other side edge is shorter in length in that direction than the first side edge, a first elongated opening region is formed near the first side edge in that direction, and a rectangular second opening region is formed between the first side edge and the other side edge. The aforementioned side edge is provided with a wall portion that protrudes diagonally downward, An optical information reading device characterized in that, with respect to the user gripping the gripping portion, the wall portion is positioned on the far side of the information code, thereby suppressing glare felt by a person on the far side due to the illumination light when the wall portion is in contact with the display surface of the information code, and by positioning the wall portion on the far side of the information code, the visibility of the information code is good regardless of whether the first opening area or the second opening area is facing the information code.

Images