Optical information reading device

Abstract

To provide a configuration which allows a grip part provided with operation means to be easily sterilized by wiping.SOLUTION: A grip part 31 for a user to grip is formed at a part of a lower case 30 constituting an enclosure 11, and the grip part 31 is provided with an operation surface 34 which the user touches when starting read processing, and a detection unit 45 for detecting a state where the operation surface 34 is touched is provided in a position on the inside of the grip part 31 with respect to the operation surface 34.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical information reading device that optically reads optical information such as information codes.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, concerns about virus infections have been increasing, and in particular, the spread of infections within medical institutions has become a major problem. Even in optical information reading devices such as barcode readers used in medical settings, there is a possibility of becoming a medium for bacteria and virus infections. Therefore, for reading devices used in medical settings, etc., at least with respect to the gripping portion that the user grips, it is required to perform wiping and disinfection in order to prevent infectious diseases and maintain cleanliness.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, an optical information reading device provided with a trigger switch or the like that is pressed when starting a reading process is configured such that the trigger switch or the like is exposed from a housing that constitutes an outer shell. In such a configuration, since the operating portion such as the trigger switch becomes a mechanism that drives, it takes time to wipe bacteria and viruses on the driving portion and the like, and there is also a problem that wiping and disinfection become insufficient. Further, even if a touch electrode that detects contact by the user's finger is provided on both side surfaces of the housing to eliminate the driving portion as in the barcode reader disclosed in Patent Document 1 above, grooves, steps, etc. are formed between the outer edge of the touch electrode exposed from both side surfaces and the surrounding housing portion, so the above-described problem of wiping and disinfection cannot be sufficiently solved.

[0005] The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its objective is to provide a configuration that allows for easy wiping and disinfection of the gripping portion on which the operating means are provided. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the invention described in claim 1 of the claims is: A reading unit (41, 43) that optically reads optical information (C), A housing (11) that forms a housing space for housing the reading unit by assembling multiple cases (20, 30), An optical information reading device (10, 10a~10c) comprising, A gripping portion (31) that is held by the user is formed as part of the housing, The gripping portion is provided with a predetermined operating surface (34) that the user touches when starting a predetermined process related to the reading portion, and a detection unit (45) is provided at a position on the inner side of the gripping portion relative to the predetermined operating surface to detect when the predetermined operating surface is being touched. 、 The reading unit optically reads the optical information through a reading opening formed in the housing. The housing is provided with an extension that extends from between the lower edge of the reading opening on the gripping side and the gripping part, in the direction toward the reading opening. When the optical information reading device is placed on a predetermined surface with the upper edge of the reading opening and the tip edge of the extension facing downwards, the positions of the components within the housing are adjusted such that the center of gravity of the optical information reading device projected onto the predetermined surface falls within the range enclosed by the contact area between the upper edge and the predetermined surface and the contact area between the tip edge and the predetermined surface. 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]

[0007] Claim 1 ,2,4 In this invention, a gripping portion, which is held by the user, is formed as part of the housing, and the gripping portion is provided with a predetermined operating surface that the user touches when starting a predetermined process related to the reading portion, and a detection unit is provided at a position on the inner side of the gripping portion relative to the predetermined operating surface for detecting when the predetermined operating surface is being touched.

[0008] This allows the detection unit to be used as an operating means by the user, and since the detection unit is located on the inner surface of the gripping part, the predetermined operating surface and its surroundings can be constructed solely from the outer surface of the housing, which is free of grooves, steps, and other irregularities. Therefore, an optical information reading device can be realized that allows for easy wiping and disinfection of the gripping part on which the operating means is provided.

[0009] Claim 4 In this invention, the gripping portion is formed by one of the multiple cases in a location where there are no joints between the cases. This eliminates the joints between the cases from the gripping portion, making it easier to wipe and disinfect the gripping portion.

[0010] Claim 4 In this invention, the detection unit is composed of a piezoelectric sensor capable of detecting strain occurring on a predetermined operating surface. This allows the user to press the predetermined operating surface with their finger even while holding the gripping part, thereby improving work efficiency for tasks such as reading.

[0012] Claim 4 In this invention, the thickness of the case of the part constituting a predetermined operating surface is formed to be thinner than the thickness of the case of the other parts. As a result, the detection unit can more easily detect when the predetermined operating surface is being touched, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the detection unit, i.e., the operability of the device.

[0013] In the invention of claim 6, a vibrating part is provided at a position on the inner side of the gripping part relative to a predetermined operating surface, which vibrates to a predetermined state when the detection unit detects that the predetermined operating surface is being touched. As a result, when the user touches the predetermined operating surface to initiate the predetermined process, the vibrating part vibrates to a predetermined state, and the user can obtain an operating sensation corresponding to that vibration.

[0014] In the invention of claim 7, a magnet is provided on the mounting surface of the mounting platform on which the optical information reading device is placed, and a magnet is provided at a position on the inner surface of the part of the housing that faces the mounting surface when the device is placed. As a result, when the optical information reading device is placed on the mounting platform, the magnet on the mounting surface and the magnet on the inner surface of the housing attract each other and fix the device in place, eliminating the need for uneven shapes or the like to engage and fix the optical information reading device to the mounting platform, and thus making it easy to wipe and disinfect the part of the mounting platform on which the device is placed.

[0015] In the invention of claim 8, since the part of the housing facing the mounting surface is not a gripping part, the gripping part does not come into contact with the mounting table when placed, so the gripping part can be kept cleaner.

[0016] In the invention of claim 9, the predetermined operating surface is formed such that its central portion protrudes outward relative to its outer periphery, and the detection unit is configured to detect the strain occurring in the outer periphery. This makes it easier for the finger to contact the predetermined operating surface at its central portion during operation, compared to the case where the predetermined operating surface is formed in a flat shape. Furthermore, even if the central portion protrudes outward, the detection unit can detect the strain occurring in the outer periphery, so the detection accuracy does not decrease.

[0017] In the invention of claim 10, the housing is provided with a projection that protrudes inward at a position on the inner side of the central part of a predetermined operating surface, and the detection unit is configured to detect the strain occurring on the predetermined operating surface according to the amount of inward deformation of the projection. When the predetermined operating surface is touched, the central part deforms the most, so the amount of inward movement of the projection located on the inner side of this central part can be increased, thereby improving the detection accuracy by the detection unit, i.e., the operability of the device.

[0018] Claim 1In the invention, the housing is provided with an extension portion that extends in the direction in which the reading port faces from between the lower edge on the gripping portion side of the reading port and the gripping portion. When the upper edge of the reading port and the leading edge of the extension portion are placed on a predetermined surface in a downward state, the position of each component in the housing is adjusted so that the center of gravity position of the optical information reading device projected onto this predetermined surface is included within the range surrounded by the contact portion between the upper edge and the predetermined surface and the contact portion between the leading edge and the predetermined surface. As a result, according to the extension length of the extension portion, the optical information reading device can be placed on a desk surface or the like with the upper edge of the reading port and the leading edge of the extension portion in a downward state. In this placement state, the gripping portion does not contact the desk surface or the like, so the gripping portion can be kept cleaner.

[0019] Claim 11 In the invention, the housing is formed with a sound emitting hole for emitting a predetermined sound emitted by a sound emitting portion provided in the housing to the outside. The double-sided tape for adhering a sheet for closing the sound emitting hole to the housing has an opening larger than the sound emitting hole. As a result, in order to maintain cleanliness, even when the sheet is adhered to the housing using the double-sided tape so as to close the sound emitting hole, the double-sided tape does not cover the sound emitting hole. Therefore, compared with the case where even the double-sided tape covers the sound emitting hole, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the sound pressure of the predetermined sound emitted to the outside.

[0020] Claim 12 In the invention, a notification unit is provided for notifying cleaning instruction information for prompting the cleaning operation of the optical information reading device at a predetermined timing. As a result, not only is it easier to perform the cleaning operation at a timing suitable for the cleaning operation, but it is also possible to prevent forgetting the operation.

[0021] Claim 13 In the invention, since the notification unit receives an instruction from a higher-level terminal and notifies the cleaning instruction information, the higher-level terminal can easily adjust the timing for notifying the cleaning instruction information.

[0022] Claim 14In this invention, worker information identifying the worker who performed the cleaning work is acquired by the acquisition unit, and this acquired worker information is stored in the storage unit along with information related to the cleaning work. As a result, not only can work history and other information be easily managed based on the information stored in the storage unit, but the timing of notifying the cleaning instruction information can also be easily adjusted to match the actual work situation.

[0023] Claim 15 In this invention, the detection result of a cleaning work detection unit, which can detect when cleaning work has been performed on the optical information reading device, is stored in a storage unit. This allows for a more reliable record of work history and enables adjustment of the timing of notifying the cleaning instruction information to suit the actual situation.

[0024] Claim 16 In this invention, at least a portion of the information stored in the memory unit is transmitted to a higher-level terminal, and the notification unit notifies cleaning instruction information upon receiving instructions from the higher-level terminal. As a result, the higher-level terminal can easily grasp the work history related to the optical information reading device under management, and can appropriately adjust the timing of notifying the cleaning instruction information in accordance with the actual work situation.

[0025] Claim 17 In this invention, when patient information identifying the patient is read from optical information by the reading unit, the patient's body temperature is measured by the body temperature measurement unit, and based on the measurement result from the body temperature measurement unit, the determination unit determines whether or not the patient has a fever. As a result, the optical information reading device, which allows for easy wiping and disinfection, not only can the patient's body temperature be measured, but it is also easy to determine whether or not the patient has a fever, thereby reducing the burden on nursing care for the patient.

[0026] Claim 2In this invention, the housing is provided with an extension that extends in a thin plate shape from between the lower edge on the gripping side of the reading opening and the gripping part, in the direction toward the reading opening, and a coil for wireless power transmission is arranged within this extension. In this way, since the coil for wireless power transmission is arranged within the extension that extends in a thin plate shape, the heat generated in the coil during power transmission is dissipated from the surface of the extension on the reading opening side and the surface on the gripping part side, respectively. As the extension length of the extension increases, the heat dissipation area by the surface on the reading opening side and the surface on the gripping part side increases, so the heat dissipation performance of the heat generated by the coil for wireless power transmission can be improved according to the extension length of the extension.

[0027] Claim 3 In this invention, the coil for wireless power transmission is bonded to the inner surface of the housing portion constituting the extension, which is on the reading side. When power is supplied by placing the gripping side surface of the extension (hereinafter also referred to as the mounting side) on the charging surface of the charger, the mounting side has poor heat dissipation due to its proximity to the charging surface, while the heat dissipation of the reading side surface of the extension (hereinafter also referred to as the anti-mounting side) is not affected by the charging surface. Therefore, by bonding the coil for wireless power transmission to the inner surface of the housing portion constituting the extension, which is on the reading side, the heat generated in the coil for wireless power transmission during charging is more easily transferred to the anti-mounting side, which has better heat dissipation, thus further improving the heat dissipation effect of the thin plate-shaped extension. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0028] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing an optical information reading device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a front view of the optical information reading device. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a side view of the optical information reading device. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a bottom view of the optical information reading device. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram illustrating the electrical configuration and other aspects of an optical information reading device. [Figure 6]This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the arrangement of the detection unit. [Figure 7] Figure 7(A) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state of the operating surface in the XX cross-section of Figure 3 before the reading start operation has been performed, and Figure 7(B) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state of the operating surface in the XX cross-section of Figure 3 after the reading start operation has been performed. [Figure 8] This is a side view showing an optical information reading device according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the main part of the optical information reading device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a side view showing an optical information reading device and mounting platform according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11(A) is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the main parts of the optical information reading device according to the fourth embodiment with respect to the cross-section corresponding to XX in Figure 3, and Figure 11(B) is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the main parts of the optical information reading device according to a modified example of the fourth embodiment with respect to the cross-section corresponding to XX in Figure 3. [Figure 12] This is a side view of the mounting state of the optical information reading device according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a view from the front of the mounted state of the optical information reading device according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view showing the main parts of the optical information reading device according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the relationship between the opening of the double-sided tape used to adhere the sheet and the sound vents in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 16] This is a perspective view showing the main parts of the optical information reading device according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 17] This is a block diagram illustrating the electrical configuration and other aspects of the optical information reading device according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 18] This is an explanatory diagram showing the reader facing the patient's wristband. [Figure 19] This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the main part of the optical information reading device according to the ninth embodiment. [Figure 20]Figure 20(A) is an explanatory diagram that schematically illustrates the main parts of the optical information reading device according to the 10th embodiment with respect to the cross-section corresponding to XX in Figure 3, and Figure 20(B) is an explanatory diagram that schematically illustrates the main parts of the optical information reading device according to a modified example of the 10th embodiment with respect to the cross-section corresponding to XX in Figure 3. [Figure 21] This is a side view showing an optical information reading device and a mounting platform according to the 11th embodiment. [Figure 22] Figure 21 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the arrangement of the magnets in the optical information reading device and the magnets in the mounting platform. [Figure 23] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the attractive and repulsive forces that occur between the magnet of the optical information reading device and the magnet of the mounting platform. [Figure 24] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the arrangement relationship between the magnet of the optical information reading device and the magnet of the mounting base according to a modified example of the 11th embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] [First Embodiment] A first embodiment of the optical information reading device of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The optical information reading device 10 according to this embodiment is configured as a portable reading device that optically reads optical information such as information codes (for example, barcodes and QR codes (registered trademarks)).

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the housing 11 that constitutes the outer casing of the optical information reading device 10 is configured to form a housing space for various electronic components by assembling an upper case 20 in which a reading opening 21 is formed and a lower case 30 in which a gripping portion 31 that is held by the user is formed. The upper case 20 is provided with a guide 22 that extends in the direction in which the reading opening 21 faces (hereinafter also referred to as the forward or front direction) in order to make it easier to direct the reading opening 21 towards the information code. The upper surface of this guide 22 is parallel to the combined surface of the upper case 20 and the lower case 30.

[0031] The lower case 30 is formed such that an assembly portion 32, which is assembled below the upper case 20 such as the guide 22, and a gripping portion 31, which constitutes the lower part of the lower case 30 below the assembly portion 32, are integrated. The gripping portion 31 is formed so as to have no grooves on its outer surface in order to facilitate wiping and disinfection, and the connection portion with the assembly portion 32 is also formed to be smoothly curved.

[0032] An operating base 33 is provided on the gripping portion 31 at a position below the guide 22, at a position that can be touched by the fingers while gripping the gripping portion 31, and that protrudes smoothly toward the front. The operating base 33 is configured such that the flat surface located in front of it functions as an operating surface 34 that deforms when pressed (hereinafter also referred to as the reading start operation) when the reading process for reading the information code is started. Specifically, in order to make the operating surface 34 more easily deformable, the operating base 33 is formed such that the thickness (wall thickness) t of the lower case 30 of the part constituting the operating surface 34 is thinner than the thickness of the lower case 30 of the other parts. For example, if the thickness of the lower case 30 of the other parts is formed to be about 1.5 to 2 mm, the thickness t of the lower case 30 of the part constituting the operating surface 34 is formed to be about 0.7 to 1.5 mm.

[0033] Next, the electrical configuration of the optical information reading device 10 will be explained with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figure 5, the optical information reading device 10 includes a control unit 41 consisting of a CPU, a storage unit 42 consisting of ROM, RAM, non-volatile memory, etc., an imaging unit 43 configured as a camera equipped with a light receiving sensor (e.g., a C-MOS area sensor, a CCD area sensor, etc.), an illumination unit 44 that irradiates illumination light toward the imaging field of view of the imaging unit 43, a detection unit 45 that detects a reading start operation on the operating surface 34, a communication unit 46 configured as a communication interface for wireless communication with external devices such as a mounting base 100 such as a cradle or a higher-level terminal 1 such as a management server, and a buzzer 47 capable of emitting buzzer sounds such as beeps and alarms. At least some of these various electronic components are housed in a housing space formed by the upper case 20 and lower case 30 of the housing 11. For example, the imaging unit 43 and the illumination unit 44 are housed in the upper case 20 such that the imaging unit 43 has an imaging range in front of it via the reading opening 21, and the illumination unit 44 irradiates illumination light toward the imaging field of view via the reading opening 21.

[0034] The detection unit 45 is a piezoelectric sensor (piezoelectric element sensor) for detecting strain occurring in the operating surface 34. As shown in Figure 6, it is positioned on the inner side of the gripping portion 31 relative to the operating surface 34, and is supported (clamped) by the support plate 35. The detection unit 45 is configured to output a predetermined operation detection signal to the control unit 41 when the strain of the operating surface 34 exceeds a predetermined value, indicating that a reading start operation has been performed.

[0035] Specifically, for example, as shown in Figure 7(A), if the operating surface 34 is not distorted and the distortion detected by the detection unit 45 is less than a predetermined value, it is assumed that a reading start operation has not been performed on the operating surface 34, and the operation detection signal is not output to the control unit 41. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 7(B), if the operating surface 34 is distorted by a predetermined amount or more and the distortion detected by the detection unit 45 is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, it is assumed that a reading start operation (see arrow F in Figure 7(B)) has been performed on the operating surface 34, and the operation detection signal is output to the control unit 41. Note that in Figures 7(A) and (B), for convenience, the parts housed on the inner surface of the gripping part 31 are omitted from the illustration, except for the detection unit 45.

[0036] The control unit 41 receives the detection signal from the detection unit 45 and starts a reading process using the captured image of information code C (see Figure 5) captured by the imaging unit 43. This reading process is configured to decode the data recorded in information code C using a predetermined decoding method. The reading results obtained in this reading process are wirelessly transmitted to a higher-level terminal via the communication unit 46 at a predetermined timing. The control unit 41, together with the imaging unit 43, corresponds to an example of a "reading unit" that optically reads optical information such as information code C, and is housed in the housing space formed by the housing 11.

[0037] As described above, in the optical information reading device 10 according to this embodiment, the gripping portion 31, which is grasped by the user, is formed as part of the lower case 30 that constitutes the housing 11, and the gripping portion 31 is provided with an operating surface 34 that the user touches when starting the reading process, and a detection unit 45 is provided at a position on the inner side of the gripping portion 31 relative to the operating surface 34 to detect when the operating surface 34 is being touched.

[0038] As a result, the detection unit 45 can be used as an operating means by the user, and since the detection unit 45 is provided on the inner side of the gripping unit 31, the operating surface 34 and its surroundings can be constructed solely from the outer surface of the lower case 30, which has no grooves or steps. Therefore, an optical information reading device can be realized that allows for easy wiping and disinfection of the gripping unit 31 on which the operating means is provided.

[0039] In particular, the gripping portion 31 is formed in a part where there are no joints between the cases by the lower case 30. As a result, the joints between the cases can be eliminated from the gripping portion 31, making it easier to wipe and disinfect the gripping portion 31.

[0040] Furthermore, since the detection unit 45 is composed of a piezoelectric sensor capable of detecting the strain occurring on the operating surface 34, the user can press the operating surface 34 with their finger even while holding the gripping unit 31, thereby improving the work efficiency of tasks such as reading.

[0041] Furthermore, the detection unit 45 is not limited to being composed of a piezoelectric sensor, but may also be composed of other detection means capable of detecting when the operating surface 34 is being touched, for example, a capacitive sensor capable of detecting changes in capacitance occurring on the operating surface 34. When the detection unit 45 is composed of a capacitive sensor in this way, there is no need to form the gripping portion 31 and the housing 11 so that the operating surface 34 is distorted to a predetermined state by the user's operation, thus reducing variations in dimensional accuracy required for the gripping portion 31 and the housing 11.

[0042] Furthermore, the thickness t of the lower case 30 of the part constituting the operating surface 34 is formed to be thinner than the thickness of the lower case 30 of the other parts (see Figure 7). This makes it easier for the detection unit 45 to detect when the operating surface 34 is being touched, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the detection unit 45, and thus the operability of the device.

[0043] Furthermore, the operating surface 34 on which the detection unit 45 is located on the inner side is not limited to being a flat surface located in front of the gripping unit 31, but may also be a curved surface located in front of the gripping unit 31. In addition, the operating surface 34 may be provided on one of the left-right surfaces perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the gripping unit 31, as in the lower case 30a of the optical information reading device 10a illustrated in Figure 8. This one surface may be a curved surface, or it may be formed as a smoothly protruding flat surface, such as the operating base 33.

[0044] Furthermore, the operating surfaces 34 may be provided on each of the left and right surfaces of the gripping portion 31. In this case, when a pair of operating surfaces 34 are provided on the left and right sides of the gripping portion 31, the detection unit 45 can detect when the fingers holding the gripping portion 31 touch each operating surface 34, thereby detecting the start of the reading operation.

[0045] [Second Embodiment] Next, an optical information reading device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it provides the user with a tactile sensation during operation. Therefore, 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] As shown in Figure 9, in this embodiment, a vibration actuator 51 is provided as a vibrating unit that vibrates to a predetermined state in response to control by the control unit 41 when the detection unit 45 detects that the operating surface 34 is in contact with the operating surface 34, on the inner side of the gripping unit 31 relative to the operating surface 34.

[0047] As a result, when the user touches the operating surface 34 to initiate the reading process, the vibration actuator 51 vibrates to a predetermined state, allowing the user to experience a tactile sensation corresponding to the vibration. The vibration actuator 51 may be configured to vibrate using, for example, an ERM method, or a LRA method or a piezoelectric method.

[0048] Furthermore, the characteristic configuration of this embodiment, which provides a tactile sensation through the vibration actuator 51, can be applied to other embodiments as well.

[0049] [Third Embodiment] Next, an optical information reading device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that magnets are used to fix the device to the mounting base in order to facilitate the wiping and disinfection process. Therefore, components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0050] When a portable reader or similar device is placed on a charging stand or cradle, it is conceivable to provide both the reader or device and the stand with interlocking grooves or other shapes for securing it in place. However, the presence of these grooves or shapes makes wiping and disinfecting the device time-consuming, posing a problem as it prevents easy wiping and disinfection.

[0051] Therefore, as shown in Figure 10, on the mounting table 100a on which the optical information reading device 10b according to this embodiment is placed, a magnet 102 is provided at a position on the inner surface side of the mounting surface 101. Then, on the optical information reading device 10b, a magnet 52 is provided at a position on the inner surface side of the part of the housing 11 that faces the mounting surface 101 when placed. In this embodiment, an extension portion 12 is formed by the guide 22 of the upper case 20 and the part of the assembly portion 32 of the lower case 30 that extends forward. This extension portion 12 is a part that extends in a substantially thin plate shape from between the lower edge of the reading opening 21 on the gripping portion side and the gripping portion 31 in the direction toward the reading opening 21, and is the part of the housing 11 that faces the mounting surface 101 when placed, and a magnet 52 is provided at a position on the inner surface side of this extension portion 12.

[0052] As a result, when the optical information reading device 10b is placed on the mounting base 100a, the magnet 102 on the mounting surface 101 and the magnet 52 on the extension 12 attract each other and fix them together. Therefore, the need for uneven shapes or other features to engage and fix the optical information reading device 10b to the mounting base 100a is eliminated, making it easy to wipe and disinfect the part that is placed on the mounting base 100a.

[0053] In particular, as can be seen from Figure 10, the part of the housing 11 that faces the mounting surface 101 when placed is the extension 12 and not the gripping part 31. Therefore, the gripping part 31 does not come into contact with the mounting base 100a when placed, and thus the gripping part 31 can be kept cleaner.

[0054] Furthermore, the magnet 52 used for mounting and fixing is not limited to being positioned on the inner surface of the extension portion 12; it may be positioned on the inner surface of the part of the housing 11 that faces the mounting surface when it is placed on the mounting base.

[0055] Furthermore, the characteristic configuration of this embodiment, which utilizes magnets 52 for mounting and fixing, can also be applied to other embodiments.

[0056] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, an optical information reading device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a predetermined operating surface is formed to facilitate contact with the user's fingers during operation. Therefore, 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 shown in Figure 11(A), the operating surface 34a according to this embodiment is formed such that the central portion 34b protrudes outward relative to the outer peripheral portion 34c. The detection unit 45 according to this embodiment is configured, for example, by a piezoelectric sensor, so as to be able to detect the strain occurring in the outer peripheral portion 34c.

[0058] As a result, compared to the case where the operating surface 34 is formed in a flat shape, it becomes easier for the finger to come into contact with the operating surface 34a at its central portion 34b during operation. Furthermore, even if the central portion 34b protrudes outward, the detection unit 45 can detect the strain that occurs in the outer peripheral portion 34c, so the detection accuracy does not decrease.

[0059] As a modification of this embodiment, the operating surface 34a may be provided on each of the left and right surfaces perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the gripping portion 31, as illustrated in Figure 11(B). Alternatively, the operating surface 34a may be provided on one of the left and right surfaces perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the gripping portion 31.

[0060] Furthermore, the characteristic configuration of this embodiment, in which the operating surface 34a is formed such that the central portion 34b protrudes outward relative to the outer peripheral portion 34c, can also be applied to other embodiments.

[0061] [Fifth Embodiment] Next, an optical information reading device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this fifth embodiment, the center of gravity is adjusted so that the gripping portion 31 can be placed facing upwards, which is the main difference from the first embodiment. Therefore, components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0062] When a portable reader or similar device is placed on a designated surface such as a desk surface S, a portion of the gripping part may come into contact with the desk surface S and become soiled.

[0063] Therefore, in this embodiment, the optical information reading device 10 is positioned so that it can be placed on the desk surface S with the gripping portion 31 facing upwards. This is achieved by using an extension portion 12 that extends from between the lower edge of the reading opening 21 (which is on the gripping portion side) and the gripping portion 31 in the direction the reading opening 21 faces, and adjusting the center of gravity G so that it can be placed on the desk surface S.

[0064] Specifically, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, in this embodiment, when the optical information reading device 10 is placed on the desk surface S with the upper edge 21a of the reading opening 21 and the tip edge 12a of the extension portion 12 facing downwards, the positions of the various electronic components inside the housing 11 are adjusted so that the center of gravity G of the optical information reading device 10 projected onto the desk surface S is included within the range enclosed by the contact area between the upper edge 21a and the desk surface S and the contact area between the tip edge 12a and the desk surface S (see reference numeral L1 in Figure 12 and reference numeral L2 in Figure 13).

[0065] This allows the optical information reading device 10 to be placed on the desk surface S with the upper edge 21a of the reading opening 21 and the tip edge 12a of the extension 12 facing downwards. In this placement, the gripping portion 31 does not come into contact with the desk surface S, thus making it easier to keep the gripping portion 31 clean.

[0066] In particular, in this embodiment, the extension length of the extension portion 12 is set such that, in the above-described position, the extension direction of the gripping portion 31 relative to the desk surface S is approximately 45°. This not only improves the stability of the posture in the above-described position, but also makes it easier to hold the gripping portion 31 from the above-described position.

[0067] Furthermore, the characteristic configuration of this embodiment, which adjusts the center of gravity position G so that the gripping portion 31 can be placed with the gripping portion facing upwards, can also be applied to other embodiments.

[0068] [Sixth Embodiment] Next, an optical information reading device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This sixth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the sound emission holes are closed to suppress a decrease in the sound pressure of the buzzer sound emitted to the outside. Therefore, components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0069] As shown in Figure 14, the upper case 20 of the housing 11 has a sound vent 13 formed therein for emitting the buzzer sound emitted by the buzzer 47 installed inside the housing 11 to the outside. To maintain cleanliness, this sound vent 13 is covered by a sheet material such as a PET sheet (hereinafter also simply referred to as sheet 53) which is attached to the upper case 20 using double-sided tape 54. The buzzer 47 can be considered an example of a "sound-producing unit" installed inside the housing 11 that emits a buzzer sound as a predetermined sound.

[0070] In this embodiment, in order to suppress the decrease in sound pressure of the buzzer sound emitted to the outside through the sound emission hole 13, an opening 54a larger than the sound emission hole is formed in the double-sided tape 54, as shown in Figure 15.

[0071] As a result, even when the sheet 53 is attached to the housing 11 using double-sided tape 54 to close the sound vent 13, the double-sided tape 54 does not cover the sound vent 13, thus suppressing the decrease in sound pressure of the buzzer sound compared to the case where the double-sided tape also covers the sound vent 13.

[0072] Furthermore, the characteristic configuration of this embodiment, in which an opening 54a larger than the sound-emitting hole 13 is formed in the double-sided tape 54 used to adhere the sheet 53, can also be applied to other embodiments.

[0073] [Seventh Embodiment] Next, an optical information reading device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This seventh embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it provides a predetermined notification to prevent forgetting cleaning tasks such as wiping and disinfecting. Therefore, components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0074] While cleaning tasks such as wiping and disinfecting the optical information reading device 10 need to be performed regularly, it is also necessary to prevent these tasks from being forgotten.

[0075] Therefore, in this embodiment, assuming that information regarding the work schedule for the cleaning work is pre-stored in the storage unit 42, cleaning instruction information prompting the cleaning work is notified at a predetermined timing in accordance with the work schedule. This cleaning instruction information can be notified audibly using the buzzer sound of the buzzer 47 or voice guidance from a speaker (not shown). Furthermore, the cleaning instruction information may be notified visually using the LED 47a provided on the upper case 20, as illustrated in Figure 16, or it may be notified using vibration from the vibration actuator (vibration unit) 51 or light emission from LEDs belonging to the lighting unit 44. In addition, the cleaning instruction information may be notified at the time when the cleaning work should be started, or it may be notified at a predetermined time after the cleaning work should be started. The buzzer 47, LED 47a, speaker, etc., can be considered examples of a "notification unit" that notifies the cleaning instruction information.

[0076] By disseminating cleaning instructions in this way, it becomes easier to carry out cleaning tasks at the appropriate time, and it also helps prevent tasks from being forgotten.

[0077] Furthermore, the cleaning instruction information described above is not limited to being notified in accordance with information on the work schedule pre-stored in the memory unit 42, but may also be notified in accordance with instructions received from the host terminal 1 via the communication unit 46. This allows the host terminal 1 to easily adjust the timing of notifying the cleaning instruction information. The cleaning instruction information may be received, for example, from the host terminal 1 via the mounting base 100 when the device is placed on the mounting base 100, or it may be received directly from the host terminal 1 using wireless communication or the like at a predetermined timing.

[0078] Furthermore, worker information identifying the worker who performed the cleaning work may be acquired and stored in the storage unit 42 along with information related to the cleaning work. This allows for easy management of work history and other data based on the information stored in the storage unit 42, as well as easy adjustment of the timing of the notification of the cleaning instruction information to match the actual work situation. Worker information can be acquired, for example, by reading the information code containing the worker information in the reading process described above. In this configuration, the control unit 41 and imaging unit 43, which function as a "reading unit," may correspond to an example of an "acquisition unit" that acquires worker information.

[0079] Furthermore, a cleaning work detection unit capable of detecting when cleaning work has been performed on the optical information reading device 10 may be provided, and the detection result of this cleaning work detection unit may be stored in the storage unit 42. As the cleaning work detection unit, for example, a sensor (for example, a sensor having the same function as the piezoelectric sensor used in the detection unit 45) can be used, which is placed in a location that receives pressure when the housing 11 is wiped during cleaning. Alternatively, for example, a temperature sensor capable of detecting the temperature drop when the outer surface temperature of the housing 11 decreases when it is wiped with alcohol may be used as the cleaning work detection unit, or an alcohol sensor may be used as the cleaning work detection unit. This makes it possible to record a more reliable work history and adjust the timing of notifying the cleaning instruction information according to the actual situation.

[0080] Furthermore, as described above, at least a portion of the work history and other data stored in the memory unit 42 may be transmitted to the host terminal 1 via the communication unit 46, and the host terminal 1 may then notify the cleaning instruction information in response to instructions received from the host terminal 1 via the communication unit 46. This allows the host terminal 1 to easily grasp the work history related to the optical information reading device 10 under management, and to appropriately adjust the timing of notifying the cleaning instruction information according to the actual work situation.

[0081] Furthermore, the characteristic configurations of this embodiment, such as the notification of cleaning instruction information to encourage cleaning work, can also be applied to other embodiments.

[0082] [Eighth Embodiment] Next, an optical information reading device according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This eighth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it is configured to determine whether a patient whose body temperature has been measured is experiencing a fever. Therefore, components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0083] As shown in Figure 17, the optical information reading device 10c according to this embodiment is configured to include a body temperature measuring unit 48 capable of measuring a patient's body temperature. The body temperature measuring unit 48 is an infrared radiation thermometer, which is placed inside the housing 11 and is configured to measure the body temperature of the part of the patient to which the reading opening 21 is directed.

[0084] In this embodiment, patient information that identifies a patient and the average body temperature information of that patient are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit 42, and an information code Ca, which encodes the above patient information, is displayed on the patient's wristband WB. Therefore, as illustrated in Figure 18, when the reading process is started with the reader 21 pointed towards the patient's wristband WB, the patient information is read from the information code Ca, and the body temperature measurement unit 48 measures the patient's body temperature near the wrist.

[0085] Furthermore, in the fever determination process performed by the control unit 41, the average body temperature information associated with the patient information read from the information code Ca is compared with the measurement result of the body temperature measurement unit 48 to determine whether or not the patient has a fever. Note that the reading of the information code Ca and the measurement of body temperature by the body temperature measurement unit 48 may be performed by a single pressing operation on the operating surface 34, or the patient information may be read from the information code Ca captured by the first pressing operation, and then the body temperature measurement by the body temperature measurement unit 48 may be performed by a second pressing operation. In addition, the control unit 41 that performs the fever determination process may correspond to an example of a "determination unit" that determines whether or not the patient has a fever.

[0086] This allows for easy measurement of a patient's body temperature using an optical information reading device 10c that facilitates wipe-and-disinfection, as well as easy identification of whether the patient has a fever, thereby reducing the burden on nursing care for the patient.

[0087] Furthermore, patient information and the patient's average body temperature information may be stored in a database on the host terminal 1. In this case, by transmitting the read patient information and the measurement results from the body temperature measurement unit 48 to the host terminal 1, the host terminal 1 can determine whether the patient has a fever and receive the determination result from the host terminal 1.

[0088] Furthermore, patient information may include medical record information that should be used for medication decisions regarding that patient, and information to assist in medication decisions may be provided by utilizing this medical record information and the measurement results from the body temperature measurement unit 48.

[0089] Furthermore, the characteristic configuration of this embodiment, which determines whether a patient whose body temperature has been measured is experiencing a fever, can also be applied to other embodiments.

[0090] [Ninth Embodiment] Next, an optical information reading device according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This ninth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the coil for wireless power transmission is bonded to the inner surface on the reading side within an extension that extends in a thin plate shape. Therefore, components that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0091] As shown in Figure 19, a coil member for wireless power transmission (hereinafter also simply referred to as coil 49) is arranged inside the extension 12, which extends in a substantially thin plate shape in the direction toward the reading opening 21 from between the lower edge of the reading opening 21 on the gripping side and the gripping part 31.

[0092] As described above, since the coil 49 is positioned within the extension portion 12 which extends in a thin plate shape, the heat generated in the coil 49 during power transmission is dissipated from the reading side surface (hereinafter also referred to as the anti-mounting side surface 12b) and the gripping side surface (hereinafter also referred to as the mounting side surface 12c) of the extension portion 12, respectively. As the extension length of the extension portion increases, the heat dissipation area by the anti-mounting side surface 12b and the mounting side surface 12c increases, so the heat dissipation performance of the coil 49 can be improved according to the extension length of the extension portion 12. In addition, the heat generated in the coil 49 can be less likely to be transmitted to various electronic components housed in different parts of the housing 11 from the extension portion 12.

[0093] In particular, in this embodiment, the coil 49 is bonded to the inner surface 12d of the housing portion constituting the extension 12, which is on the reading side, using a highly thermally conductive adhesive 55, but not to the inner surface of the housing portion constituting the extension 12, which is on the gripping side. When power is supplied by placing the mounting side 12c of the extension 12 on the charging surface of the mounting base 100 which functions as a charger, the mounting side 12c has poor heat dissipation due to its proximity to the charging surface, while the heat dissipation of the non-mounting side 12b of the extension 12 is not affected by the charging surface. For this reason, by bonding the coil 49 to the inner surface 12d on the reading side, the heat generated in the coil 49 during charging is more easily transferred to the non-mounting side 12b, which has better heat dissipation, thus further improving the heat dissipation effect of the thin plate-shaped extension 12.

[0094] Furthermore, the characteristic configuration of this embodiment, in which the coil 49 for wireless power transmission is arranged within the extension portion 12 that extends in a thin plate shape, can also be applied to other embodiments.

[0095] [Tenth Embodiment] Next, an optical information reading device according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this tenth embodiment, the main difference from the fourth embodiment is that a protrusion is provided at a position on the central inner surface of the operating surface. Therefore, components that are substantially the same as those in the fourth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0096] As shown in Figure 20(A), the gripping portion 31 of the housing 11 according to this embodiment is provided with a projection 36 that protrudes inward at a position on the inner surface side of the central portion 34b of the operating surface 34a. The detection unit 45 according to this embodiment is configured to detect the strain that occurs in the operating surface 34a according to the amount of inward deformation of the projection 36.

[0097] When the operating surface 34a is touched, the central portion 34b deforms the most. This allows for a larger inward movement of the protrusion 36 located on the inner surface of the central portion 34b, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the detection unit 45, and thus the operability of the device.

[0098] Furthermore, the outer peripheral portion 34c, which becomes the pivot point for deformation when the operating surface 34a is touched, is thinner than the central portion 34b due to the protrusion 36. This makes the operating surface 34a more easily deformable, thus further improving the detection accuracy of the detection unit 45. On the other hand, the thickness of the central portion 34b of the housing 11 increases, so compared to the case where the entire operating surface 34a is a thin-walled portion because the protrusion 36 is not provided, the resin flow during resin molding near the operating surface 34a improves, and molding defects can be suppressed.

[0099] As a modification of this embodiment, an elastic member 37, such as a rubber member, may be interposed between the protruding portion 36 and the detection portion 45, as illustrated in Figure 20(B). This allows the stress transmitted to the detection portion 45 to be adjusted according to the thickness and elastic force of the elastic member 37, and for example, excessive pressing force can be absorbed by the elastic member 37, thereby preventing damage to the detection portion 45.

[0100] Furthermore, the characteristic configuration of this embodiment, in which a protrusion 36 is provided at a position on the central inner side of the operating surface, can be applied to other embodiments as well. For example, it can be applied to an operating surface 34 in which the central portion does not protrude outward. Also, characteristic configurations such as a modified version of this embodiment in which an elastic member 37 is interposed between the protrusion 36 and the detection part 45 can be applied to other embodiments as well.

[0101] [Embodiment No. 11] Next, an optical information reading device according to the 11th embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This eleventh embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that a pair of magnets arranged with different polarities in the insertion and removal direction are used for mounting and fixing. Therefore, components that are substantially the same as those in the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0102] In the configuration described in the third embodiment above, where the optical information reading device 10b is placed on the mounting base 100a in a predetermined position (the position most suitable for charging, etc.) by utilizing the attractive force between the magnet 52 of the optical information reading device 10b and the magnet 102 of the mounting base 100a, it is necessary to appropriately adjust the attractive force. If the attractive force between magnet 52 and magnet 102 is too strong, the force required to remove the optical information reading device 10b from the mounting base 100a will be large, while if the attractive force is too weak, the holding force using the magnets will be weak.

[0103] In particular, the attractive force in the direction perpendicular to the opposing direction (the left-right direction in the example of Figure 10) is about 20-30% weaker than the attractive force in the opposing direction (the up-down direction in the example of Figure 10). Therefore, if the attractive force is weakened to the point where it is easy to remove, there is a possibility that the optical information reading device 10b may shift from the predetermined position or detach from the mounting base 100a when an external force perpendicular to the opposing direction, in this embodiment, an external force along the mounting surface 101, is applied.

[0104] Therefore, in the optical information reading device 10d and mounting base 100b according to this embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 21 and 22, a pair of magnets arranged with different polarities in a predetermined direction along the mounting surface 101 (hereinafter also referred to as the insertion / removal direction) are used to hold the optical information reading device 10d in the predetermined position relative to the mounting base 100b.

[0105] Specifically, in the optical information reading device 10d, four magnets 52a to 52d of the same size are provided at the four corners of a rectangular area on the inner surface below the extension portion 12 that faces the mounting surface 101. The magnets 52a and 52b on the gripping side are positioned so that the mounting surface 101 side is the south pole, and the magnets 52c and 52d on the opposite gripping side are positioned so that the mounting surface 101 side is the north pole. Magnets 52a and 52c are positioned as a pair of magnets with different polarities, separated by a predetermined distance in the insertion / removal direction (for example, a distance of about 1 times the insertion / removal length of magnet 52a). Similarly, magnets 52b and 52d are positioned as a pair of magnets with different polarities, separated by the above predetermined distance in the insertion / removal direction. Note that the above predetermined distance may be set to a distance of about 0.5 to 2 times the insertion / removal length of magnet 52a, depending on the magnetic force and shape of each magnet 52a to 52d. Furthermore, in Figure 22 and Figure 24 (described later), for the sake of explanation, the "S" pole, which faces the mounting surface 101, is indicated for magnets 52a and 52b, and the "N" pole, which faces the mounting surface 101, is indicated for magnets 52c and 52d.

[0106] On the mounting base 100b, with respect to the optical information reading device 10d placed in the predetermined position, a magnet 102a is positioned on the inner surface of the mounting surface 101 opposite to magnet 52a, with the magnet 52a side being the north pole; a magnet 102b is positioned opposite to magnet 52b, with the magnet 52b side being the north pole; a magnet 102c is positioned opposite to magnet 52c, with the magnet 52c side being the south pole; and a magnet 102d is positioned opposite to magnet 52d, with the magnet 52d side being the south pole.

[0107] As a result, even when an external force (a rightward external force in Figure 23) is applied to the optical information reading device 10d in the insertion / removal direction, the attractive forces of magnets 52a and 102a, the attractive forces of magnets 52c and 102c, and the repulsive forces of magnets 52c and 102a act to counteract the external force, as illustrated in Figure 23. At the same time, the attractive forces of magnets 52b and 102b, the attractive forces of magnets 52d and 102d, and the repulsive forces of magnets 52d and 102b act to counteract the external force. Furthermore, in Figure 23, for the sake of explanation, the "S" pole on the mounting surface 101 side is indicated for magnet 52a, the "N" pole on the mounting surface 101 side is indicated for magnet 52c, the "N" pole on the magnet 52a side is indicated for magnet 102a, and the "S" pole on the magnet 52c side is indicated for magnet 102c.

[0108] Furthermore, even if an external force (a leftward external force in Figure 23) is applied to the optical information reading device 10d in the direction of insertion and removal, the attractive forces of magnets 52a and 102a, the attractive forces of magnets 52c and 102c, and the repulsive forces of magnets 52a and 102c will act to counteract the external force. At the same time, the attractive forces of magnets 52b and 102b, the attractive forces of magnets 52d and 102d, and the repulsive forces of magnets 52b and 102d will act to counteract the external force.

[0109] In this way, by using a pair of magnets arranged so that their polarities differ in the insertion and removal directions to attract the optical information reading device 10d and the mounting base 100b, the attractive and repulsive forces generated as described above can be used as a holding force to counteract the external forces. Therefore, a holding structure that is strong against external forces in the insertion and removal direction can be realized without excessively increasing the magnetic attraction force.

[0110] Furthermore, as a modified example of this embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 24, even in an arrangement where magnets 52b and 52d are swapped with magnets 102b and 102d compared to Figure 22, the pair of magnets arranged so that their polarity differs in the insertion / removal direction can be used for attraction between the optical information reading device 10d and the mounting base 100b, thus achieving the above-mentioned effects.

[0111] Furthermore, the characteristic configuration of this embodiment, which utilizes a pair of magnets arranged so that their polarities differ in the insertion and removal directions for mounting and fixing, can also be applied to other embodiments.

[0112] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and may be further embodied as follows, for example. (1) The housing 11 is not limited to being composed of two cases, an upper case 20 and a lower case 30, but may be composed of three or more cases. Even in this configuration, the above effect is achieved by forming the gripping portion 31 and the operating surface 34 in a part of the multiple cases where there are no joints between the cases. Furthermore, the gripping portion 31, etc., is not limited to being formed by a single case, but may be formed using multiple cases assembled in such a way that the influence of grooves, steps, etc., is minimized.

[0113] (2) When the control unit 41 detects that the user has touched the operating surface 34 using the detection unit 45, it is not limited to detecting that the above-mentioned reading start operation has been detected and starting the reading process, but may also start other predetermined processes related to the reading unit, such as switching the reading mode.

[0114] (3) The present invention is not limited to being applied to an optical information reading device 10 that wirelessly transmits reading results obtained in a reading process to a higher-level terminal via a communication unit 46, but may also be applied to an optical information reading device that transmits reading results via a cable pulled out from a different part of the lower case 30 than the gripping unit 31, for example, from the lower end of the lower case 30.

[0115] (4) The present invention is not limited to being applied to an optical information reading device 10 that optically reads information codes, but may also be applied to an optical information reading device that optically reads optical information by capturing optical information including character information, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1…Higher-end device 10, 10a~10d... Optical information reading device 11…Cabinet 12...Extending part 13…Sound emission hole 20… Upper case 21... Reader 30,30a...Lower case 31...Gripping part 34,34a…operation surface 34b…Central part 34c…Outer periphery 36...Protruding part 41...Control Unit (Reading Unit, Acquisition Unit, Determination Unit) 42...Storage section 43…Imaging unit (reading unit, acquisition unit) 45...Detection unit 47... Buzzer (Sound Department, News Department) 47a…LED (Notification Department) 48…Body Temperature Measurement Section 49… Coil (a coil used for wireless power transmission) 51…Vibration actuator (vibrating part) 52…Magnets 53...sheets 54…Double-sided tape 54a…Aperture 100, 100a, 100b… Mounting platform C... Information code (optical information) G…center of gravity

Claims

1. A reading unit that optically reads optical information, A housing that forms a housing space for housing the reading unit by assembling multiple cases, An optical information reading device comprising, A gripping portion, which is held by the user, is formed as part of the housing. The gripping portion is provided with a predetermined operating surface that the user touches when starting a predetermined process related to the reading portion, and a detection unit is provided at a position on the inner side of the gripping portion relative to the predetermined operating surface to detect when the predetermined operating surface is being touched. The reading unit optically reads the optical information through a reading opening formed in the housing. The housing is provided with an extension that extends from between the lower edge of the reading opening on the gripping side and the gripping part in the direction toward the reading opening. An optical information reading device characterized in that, when the optical information reading device is placed on a predetermined surface with the upper edge of the reading opening and the tip edge of the extension facing downwards, the position of each component within the housing is adjusted such that the center of gravity of the optical information reading device projected onto the predetermined surface is within the range enclosed by the contact area between the upper edge and the predetermined surface and the contact area between the tip edge and the predetermined surface.

2. A reading unit that optically reads optical information, A housing that forms a housing space for housing the reading unit by assembling multiple cases, An optical information reading device comprising, A gripping portion, which is held by the user, is formed as part of the housing. The gripping portion is provided with a predetermined operating surface that the user touches when starting a predetermined process related to the reading portion, and a detection unit is provided at a position on the inner side of the gripping portion relative to the predetermined operating surface to detect when the predetermined operating surface is being touched. The reading unit optically reads the optical information through a reading opening formed in the housing. The housing is provided with an extension that extends in a thin plate-like manner from between the edge of the reading opening that is on the gripping side and the gripping part, in the direction toward the reading opening. An optical information reading device characterized in that a coil for wireless power transmission is arranged within the extension portion.

3. The optical information reading device according to claim 2, characterized in that the coil for wireless power transmission is bonded to the inner surface of the housing portion constituting the extension portion, which is on the reading side.

4. A reading unit that optically reads optical information, A housing that forms a housing space for housing the reading unit by assembling multiple cases, An optical information reading device comprising, A gripping portion, which is held by the user, is formed as part of the housing. The gripping portion is provided with a predetermined operating surface that the user touches when starting a predetermined process related to the reading portion, and a detection unit is provided at a position on the inner side of the gripping portion relative to the predetermined operating surface to detect when the predetermined operating surface is being touched. The gripping portion is formed in one of the plurality of cases at a location where there are no joints between the cases. The detection unit is composed of a piezoelectric sensor capable of detecting the strain occurring on the predetermined operating surface. An optical information reading device characterized in that the thickness of the case of the part constituting the predetermined operating surface is formed to be thinner than the thickness of the case constituting other parts.

5. The plurality of cases consist of an upper case in which a reading opening is formed and a lower case in which the gripping portion is formed, The optical information reading device according to claim 4, characterized in that the lower case has an assembly portion and a gripping portion integrated together, which are assembled below the upper case, and the connecting portion between the assembly portion and the gripping portion is formed to curve smoothly.

6. The optical information reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a vibrating part is provided at a position on the inner side of the gripping part with respect to the predetermined operating surface, which vibrates to a predetermined state when the detection part detects that the predetermined operating surface is being touched.

7. A magnet is provided on the mounting surface of the mounting platform on which the optical information reading device is placed. The optical information reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a magnet is provided at a position that is on the inner surface side of the part of the housing facing the aforementioned mounting surface when the device is placed on it.

8. The optical information reading device according to claim 7, characterized in that the portion of the housing facing the mounting surface is not the gripping portion.

9. The aforementioned predetermined operating surface is formed such that its central portion protrudes outward relative to its outer periphery. The optical information reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the detection unit is configured to detect distortion occurring in the outer periphery.

10. The housing is provided with a projection that protrudes inward at a position on the inner side of the central part of the predetermined operating surface, The optical information reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the detection unit is configured to detect the strain generated on the predetermined operating surface according to the amount of inward deformation of the protruding portion.

11. The housing is provided with a sound-producing unit that emits a predetermined sound. The housing is provided with sound vents for emitting the predetermined sound to the outside. The optical information reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the double-sided tape used to adhere the sheet for closing the sound holes to the housing has an opening larger than the sound holes.

12. The optical information reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it is equipped with a notification unit that notifies cleaning instruction information to prompt cleaning of the optical information reading device at a predetermined timing.

13. The optical information reading device according to claim 12, characterized in that the notification unit receives instructions from a higher-level terminal and notifies the cleaning instruction information.

14. An acquisition unit that acquires worker information to identify the worker who performed the cleaning work, A storage unit stores the worker information acquired by the acquisition unit together with the information related to the cleaning work, The optical information reading device according to claim 12, characterized by comprising the above.

15. The optical information reading device is equipped with a cleaning work detection unit capable of detecting when cleaning work has been performed on the optical information reading device. The optical information reading device according to claim 14, characterized in that the storage unit stores the detection results from the cleaning work detection unit.

16. At least a portion of the information stored in the memory unit is transmitted to a higher-level terminal. The optical information reading device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the notification unit receives instructions from the higher-level terminal and notifies the cleaning instruction information.

17. When the reading unit reads patient information that identifies the patient from the optical information, a body temperature measuring unit capable of measuring the patient's body temperature is provided. A determination unit that determines whether or not the patient has a fever based on the measurement results from the body temperature measurement unit, An optical information reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized by comprising the above.

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