JPH11203392A - Optical information reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To transmit read-out information through optical communication, and to prevent a failure due to a cordless type constitution through the optical communication in an optical information reader. SOLUTION: A scanner 2 for reading a bar code is constituted of a main body 4 and a base 6. The main body 4 emits a laser beam from a reading window 5a when an operation switch 42 is pressed in a hand-held state, reads bar code from the reflected light, and stores the read bar code data in a transmission buffer. Also, when the operation switch 42 is pressed continuously two times in the hand-held state, the stored data in the transmission buffer are transmitted from an optical information 51 provided at the frame part of the reading part 5a, and when the main body 4 is loaded on a base 6, the store data are transmitted from a communication window 5c. On the other hand, the communication window 5c is formed also at the base 6, and when the transmission signal of the bar code data is inputted from the main body 4 through the communication window 5c, the base 6 receives the data, and transfers the data to an outside device.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical information reading apparatus that emits light for reading optical information and reads the optical information from the reflected light, and more particularly to an optical information reading apparatus that can read optical information both in a stationary state and a hand-held state. The present invention relates to an optical information reading device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a hand-held optical information reading device, a bar code reading device (hereinafter simply referred to as a scanner) for reading a bar code printed or pasted on a product at a retail store such as a convenience store or a supermarket. )It has been known.

[0003] Such a conventional scanner needs to transmit the read barcode data to a register, a sales management host computer, or the like.
These external devices are connected by cables for data communication and power supply.

[0004]

However, if the scanner and the external device that receives data from the scanner are connected by a cable as described above, the scanner is placed in a stationary state mounted on a mounting table such as a cash register table. Although there is no particular problem when using the scanner, there is a problem in that when the user holds the scanner by hand, the cable is in the way and the usability is poor. For example, when using a scanner to read barcodes given to large products such as home appliances that cannot be lifted to a cash register,
The user moves the scanner close to the barcode of the product.
It is necessary to move the scanner, but if a cable is connected to the scanner, the cable may limit the range of movement of the scanner, or the cable may hit the product around the cash register and damage the product, making it easier to use. Very bad.

[0005] On the other hand, in order to solve this problem, it is only necessary to eliminate the cable drawn out from the scanner main body and to use what is called cordless. Therefore, cordless use using an optical communication element is conceivable, but if the optical communication elements provided in the scanner main body and the base unit are not opposed to each other, data communication cannot be performed, and the read information is lost. There is a defect.

In this case, if it is not necessary to frequently input the optical information read by the scanner to the external device, the storage capacity of the memory provided in the scanner is increased to increase the work for inputting the optical information to the external device. However, in a retail store or the like that requires sales calculations or receipts to be issued, the optical information read by the scanner must be promptly input to an external device (in this case, a register or the like). There is not much effect even if it is increased.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and improves the operability at the time of reading optical information by making the optical information reading device cordless. It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical information reading device capable of favorably preventing the occurrence.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, in the optical information reading apparatus according to the first aspect, the reading means emits light for reading the optical information and outputs the light from the reflected light. When the optical information is read, the optical information storage means stores the optical information in the storage means. Therefore, each time the reading unit reads the optical information, the information is sequentially stored in the storage unit. Then, in a state where the optical information is stored in the storage unit, when the transmission instruction of the optical information is input to the apparatus by operating the transmission instruction input unit from the outside, the transmission unit is stored in the storage unit. The optical information is sequentially read, and the read optical information is transmitted to an external device by optical communication.

Therefore, according to the present invention, the optical information read by the reading means can be transferred to the external device by a simple operation without connecting the optical information reading device to the external device by a cable or the like. Therefore, according to the present invention, by making the optical information reading device cordless, the operability at the time of reading the optical information can be improved, and the optical information read by the device is not required to be input to the external device. It is possible to provide an optical information reading apparatus that is extremely easy to use.

In the present invention, the transmission means erases the transmitted optical information from the storage means every time the transmission of the optical information read from the storage means is completed. There is also an effect that optical information is not left and the storage means can be used effectively.

By the way, an external device which receives transmission data (ie, optical information) from the transmitting means, for example, identifies a product from a bar code and displays a character corresponding to the optical information, such as a register for displaying the price on a display. Alternatively, when the graphic data is displayed on the display device, if the time interval at which the transmitting means transmits the optical information stored in the storage means is short, the read data is confirmed on the display screen of the display device. You will not be able to do it.

Therefore, in order to solve such a problem,
As described in claim 2, when the transmitting unit transmits the plurality of optical information stored in the storage unit, when the external device displays character or graphic data corresponding to the optical information on the display device. It is desirable that a plurality of optical information be transmitted at a predetermined transmission interval so that display data can be visually confirmed on a display screen. In other words, according to this configuration, even when the external device displays characters and graphics corresponding to the received optical information on the display device, the user can display the display data on the display screen of the display device. It is possible to visually check the optical information, and the read optical information can be easily confirmed on the display screen.

Next, the optical information reading apparatus of the present invention comprises:
Although the optical information read by the reading unit can be transmitted to the external device by a simple operation, the optical information read by the reading unit is sequentially stored in the storage unit unless a transmission command for that is input. Become. Therefore, in the optical information reading apparatus of the present invention (claim 1 or claim 2), as described in claim 3, the number or degree of the number of optical information stored in the storage means can be identified. It is desirable to provide an information storage state display means for displaying, so that a user can be notified of the number of optical information stored in the storage means. That is, in this way, the user can grasp at a glance the number or the degree of the optical information stored in the storage means. Therefore, according to the present invention, when the number of optical information stored in the storage unit is large, it is possible to prompt the user to transmit the optical information stored in the storage unit, and the usability is improved. improves.

The display of the number of optical information by the information storage state display means may be such that the numerical value is directly displayed using, for example, a liquid crystal display or the like, or a plurality of light emitting diodes may be provided to display the optical information. The number of light emitting diodes corresponding to the number may be turned on (or blinked). Also, for example, by using several light emitting diodes of different colors, the degree of the number of optical information stored in the storage means is displayed in different colors such as, for example, large, medium, and small. By using one light-emitting diode and changing its blinking cycle and brightness,
The number of optical information may be displayed.

Further, even if the number or the degree of the optical information stored in the storage means is displayed in this way, the user does not always input a command to transmit the optical information to the external device. As described in item 4, when the number of optical information stored in the storage means reaches a predetermined number, a warning indicating that fact may be issued by the information storage number warning means. The warning in this case may be performed using light, but it is more effective to generate a warning sound by sounding a buzzer.

Also, for example, when the number of optical information stored in the storage means reaches the upper limit value which can be stored in the storage means, even if the reading means newly reads the optical information, it is stored in the storage means. In such a case, the reading operation is prohibited by the reading operation prohibiting unit until the number of optical information stored in the storage unit falls below the upper limit value. It is desirable to prohibit reading optical information.

Further, the optical communication element for transmitting light by the transmitting means may be arranged in the same direction as a reading window from which light is emitted when the reading means reads the optical information. . That is, when reading optical information in a hand-held state and transmitting the read data to an external device, the reading window for reading optical information and the element for optical communication are arranged in different directions, for example, the front surface and the back surface of the device. In such a case, the user has to change the device between reading the optical information and transmitting the data, and the operability in hand-held use is reduced. On the other hand, if the arrangement direction of the reading window and the arrangement direction of the optical communication element in the apparatus are set to be the same direction as described in claim 6, the user can read the optical information at the same time as when reading the optical information. Since there is no need to change the device or twist the wrist between transmissions, the usability of the device can be improved.

On the other hand, the present invention (claims 1 to 6)
The present invention can be applied to an optical information reading apparatus composed of a hand-held scanner alone. For example, as described in claim 7, a scanner main body provided with each of the above-described units and a scanner body for mounting the scanner body are provided. A receiving unit configured to receive the optical information transmitted from the transmitting unit of the scanner body and transfer the received optical information to an external device via a signal line. The present invention can be applied to an optical information reading device that has been used.

That is, in the optical information reading apparatus according to the present invention, the optical information is read by holding the scanner body by hand.
By transmitting the read optical information to the base unit side by optical communication, the optical information is transferred from the base unit to an external device, but even with such an optical information reading device, Claim 1 to the scanner body
With the configuration described in claim 6, the same effect as above can be obtained. In this case, the scanner body is
Since the optical information can be placed on the base unit in a state where the reading means can read the optical information, the optical information can be read while the scanner main body is placed on the base unit, and the usability is improved.

Further, when the optical information reading apparatus is constituted by the scanner main body and the base unit as described above, when the scanner main body is mounted on the base unit, the transmission signal from the scanner can be received on the base unit side. The optical information can be transmitted from the transmitting means of the scanner body to the receiving means of the base unit without performing an operation for transmitting the optical information, such as inputting a transmission command to the scanner toward the base unit. It is.
Therefore, the optical information reading apparatus according to the seventh aspect can be configured to transmit the read optical information to an external device more easily when configured as described in the eighth aspect.

That is, in the optical information reading apparatus according to the present invention, on the scanner main body side, first, the use state determining means determines whether the scanner main body is in the stationary state mounted on the base unit or the scanner main body. Is in a state of being held by the user. The optical information storage means stores the optical information read by the reading means in the storage means only when the use state determining means determines that the scanner main body is in the hand-held state.

The transmitting means for transmitting the read optical information to the base unit includes: a hand-held use transmitting means;
A stationary use transmitting means, wherein the hand-held use transmitting means, when the use state determining means determines that the scanner body is in the hand-held state, when a transmission command is input from the transmission command input means. And transmitting the optical information stored in the storage means to the base unit. The stationary use transmission means determines whether optical information is stored in the storage means when the use state determination means determines that the scanner body is in the stationary state, and stores the optical information in the storage means. If the information is not stored, the optical information is transmitted directly to the base unit each time the reading means reads the optical information. If the optical information is stored in the storage means, the optical information stored in the storage means is used as a base. The optical information is transmitted to the base unit, and when the transmission is completed, the optical information is transmitted to the base unit every time the reading unit reads the optical information.

Accordingly, in the optical information reading apparatus according to the present invention, if the scanner main body is mounted on the base unit, the optical information stored in the storage means is automatically transferred to the base unit (and thus an external device). Will be sent,
The operation for transmitting the optical information read at the time of hand-held use to the external device becomes easier.

According to the optical information reading apparatus of the present invention, when the scanner main body is mounted on the base unit, the optical information stored in the storage means is automatically transmitted to the base unit. However, since the optical information reading device is configured separately from the scanner body and the base unit, for example, when this device is used in a large store where many registers are arranged, It is conceivable that the scanner body is erroneously mounted on the base unit of another optical information reading device connected to the adjacent register. Even in such a case, if the scanner body can transmit optical information to the base unit, it is not possible to accurately calculate the purchase price of the goods to be billed to the customer, and The problem of losing trust arises.

Therefore, in the optical information reading apparatus according to the present invention, the scanner body and the base unit are provided with the optical information transmitting / receiving function as transmitting means and receiving means, respectively. A pair of communication means capable of transmitting and receiving data including optical information in both directions; and a state in which the use state determination means determines that the scanner main body is in the stationary state. When the scanner body starts operating as transmitting means, it transmits and receives an identification code from the scanner body to the base unit or in the opposite direction, thereby allowing the scanner body and the base unit to transmit and receive one optical information to and from each other. Determining whether or not it constitutes a reading device,
A pair of communication control means for identifying a communication partner is provided. On the scanner body side, the operation of the communication control means determines that the base unit to be a communication partner constitutes another optical information reading device. In this case, the information transmission prohibiting means prohibits transmission of the optical information to the base unit,
A warning (preferably a warning sound) indicating that fact may be issued.

In other words, even if the scanner main body is mounted on the base unit constituting another optical information reading apparatus, the scanner can transmit and receive the identification code between the scanner main body and the base unit. It is possible to reliably prevent optical information from being erroneously transmitted from the main body to the base unit. In this case, the user also
Since this is notified, it is also possible to prevent the user from leaving the place with the scanner main body mounted on the incompatible base unit and becoming unable to transmit optical information to an external device.

Next, the present invention (claims 1 to 9)
Is an optical information reading device that can be used by hand, for example, 2 represents the predetermined information by a planar array of black dots.
The present invention can be applied to a device that reads a two-dimensional code from two-dimensional image data and reads a two-dimensional code from an array of dots, or a device that reads a bar code using light scanned in one direction. In the case where the optical information reading device is constituted by the scanner main body and the base unit, the optical information can be read by holding the scanner main body in a hand, Since the optical information can be read while being mounted, if applied to an optical information reading apparatus for reading a bar code as described in claim 10, a scanning pattern for reading a bar code is used according to the use state of the scanner. This is preferable because it is possible to switch between them.

That is, in the optical information reading apparatus according to the tenth aspect, the reading means provided in the scanner body emits light in a multi-scan pattern in which light from a light source is sequentially scanned in a plurality of line directions. A first reading means for reading an external bar code from the reflected light, and a second reading means for emitting a light of a single scanning pattern in which light from a light source is scanned in one line direction and reading an external bar code from the reflected light. When the scanner body is in a stationary state mounted on the base unit by the reading switching means,
When the scanner main body is in a hand-held state gripped by the user, the reading unit used for reading the barcode is switched to one of the first reading unit and the second reading unit.

For this reason, for example, when the scanner main body is in the stationary state, the first reading means is operated to read the barcode with the light of the multi-scanning pattern, and when the scanner main body is in the hand-held state, the second reading means is operated. Is operated to read a barcode with light having a single scanning pattern, thereby improving usability when reading a barcode.

That is, if the light of the multi-scan pattern is used, the bar code can be read without being affected by the arrangement direction of the bar code. Therefore, when the scanner body is in the stationary state as described above, the first reading is performed. By operating the means, the bar code can be read simply by holding the bar code near the window from which the scanner emits light, and the usability of the apparatus can be improved. Conversely, with the light of a single scanning pattern, it is necessary to match the scanning direction with the arrangement direction of the barcode, but for example, a specific barcode is read from a large number of barcodes printed on a barcode sheet. In such cases, place the scanner body according to the barcode to be read,
The bar code can be accurately read without being affected by the surrounding bar code. Therefore, if the second reading means is operated when the scanner body is in the hand-held state as described above, the user moves the scanner body to a desired barcode position on the barcode sheet, and 2 By simply activating the reading means by an external operation or the like, a desired bar code can be read accurately, and in this case also, the usability of the apparatus can be improved. Further, the first reading means may be set to continuously turn on the light source, and the second reading means may be set to turn on the light source only when the trigger switch is pressed.

When the optical information reading device is constituted by a scanner main body and a base unit, the use state determining means may be, for example, a scanner main body (or a base unit). , A microswitch or an optical sensor for detecting external light is provided in a portion that comes into contact with the base unit (or the scanner main body) during stationary use, and the on / off of the microswitch or the presence or absence of external light detection by the optical sensor , The usage state may be determined. Also, for example, when the scanner body is configured to operate by receiving power supply from a rechargeable built-in battery during hand-held use and to operate by receiving power supply from the base unit side during stationary use, The state determining means may be configured to determine the use state by determining whether or not power is supplied from the base unit to the scanner body on the scanner body side (or the base unit side).

[0032]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an external view of a barcode reader (scanner) 2 according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
(A) is a front view, (b) is a right side view with respect to (a), and (c) is a perspective view showing a connection portion between the scanner main body 4 and the base unit 6.

As shown in FIG. 1, the scanner 2 of this embodiment
Is composed of a scanner main body (hereinafter simply referred to as main body) 4 and a base unit (hereinafter simply referred to as base) 6. The main body 4 accommodates an optical device unit 8 (see FIG. 2) for reading barcodes and an electric circuit unit 10 (see FIG. 4) in a case 5 formed in a size that can be gripped by one hand by a user. By doing so, the barcode can be read by itself and can be used by hand.
Then, above the front surface of the case 5, the laser beam for reading the bar code emitted from the optical device section 8 is emitted to the outside,
Further, a reading window 5a is formed for allowing the reflected light, which is reflected when the laser light strikes an external bar code, to enter the optical device section 8.

Below the reading window 5a, there are provided a plurality (two in the figure) of operating state display LEDs 40 for displaying the operating state of the main body 4 and issuing a warning to the user. In order to display the number of untransmitted barcode data read during hand-held use and stored in a transmission buffer as storage means, a large number (10 in the figure) of stored amount display LEDs 41 are provided in a line. Further, a push button type operation switch 42 is provided at the rear of the upper surface of the case 5 so that the user can input a barcode reading command, a transmission command, and the like when holding the device.
The operation switch 42 corresponds to a transmission command input unit of the present invention.

In the frame below the reading window 5a, bidirectional communication (in this embodiment, optical communication using infrared light) is performed with the base 6 during hand-held use and stored in a transmission buffer. An optical interface 51 (for example, composed of a light-emitting element that emits infrared light and a light-receiving element that receives infrared light) for transmitting the obtained barcode data is provided. In this way, the optical interface 51 is connected to the reading window 5 as described above.
The reason why the main body 4 is arranged in the same direction as that of reading the bar code when the optical communication is executed in a hand-held state without changing the body 4 or twisting the wrist is performed.
Is to be able to operate. In other words, by doing so, extra movement of the wrist when performing communication in a hand-held state is reduced, and usability when the main body 4 is used by hand is improved.

On the other hand, the base 6 is for placing the main body 4 in a state in which a bar code can be read, and the base 6 is for fitting the bottom 5b of the case 5 of the main body 4 on the upper surface of the case 7. A recess 7a is formed. Also, inside the case 7 of the base 6, when the main body 4 is mounted on the base 6 and is in a stationary state, power is supplied to the main body 4, and data transmitted from the main body 4 is transmitted to an external host computer. An electric circuit unit 70 (see FIG. 4) for transferring the data to an electronic circuit 90 (see FIG. 4) is built in. The bottom 5b of the bottom 5b of the case 5 of the main body 4 and the recess 7a of the case 7 of the base 6 are opposed to each other when the main body 4 is placed on the base 6.
A pair of communication windows 5c for performing optical communication between the main body 4 and the base 6 when the main body 4 is stationary is provided on the bottom surface.
7c are formed respectively, and further, a base 6
Terminals T1 to T1 for supplying power to the main body 4 from the
3 and Ta to Tc are provided respectively.

Next, the optical device section 8 provided in the main body 4 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the optical device unit 8
A laser diode (that is, a light source) 12 that emits a laser beam for reading a bar code; and a scanning window 5 that scans the laser beam emitted from the laser diode 12 in a predetermined line direction.
a four-sided polygon mirror 1 for exiting from outside a
4. A drive motor 16 for rotationally driving the polygon mirror 14, a concave mirror 18 for condensing the reflected light of the laser light emitted from the reading window 5a, and receiving the reflected light condensed by the concave mirror 18 and converting it into an electric signal. Photodiode 20,
A five-sided reflecting mirror 22 and a photo interrupter 33 including a light emitting diode 33a and a photodiode 33b
Is provided.

Here, the polygon mirror 14 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape in which four mirror surfaces 14a to 14d are arranged on side surfaces. The inclination angles of the mirror surfaces 14a to 14d with respect to the rotation axis of the polygon mirror 14 (that is, the inclination angles of the mirror surfaces 14a to 14d) are set to be different from each other. The rotation axis of the polygon mirror 14 is connected to a drive motor 16, and the polygon mirror 14 is driven to rotate in one direction by the rotation of the drive motor 16. In addition, each mirror surface 22a-2 of the reflecting mirror 22
2e is arranged in a fan shape.

In the optical device section 8, the laser light emitted from the laser diode 12 is applied to the polygon mirror 14 which is rotationally driven by the drive motor 16, as shown by the chain line in the figure. Then, the laser light reflected by each of the mirror surfaces 14 a to 14 d with the rotation of the polygon mirror 14 is swung in the rotation direction of the polygon mirror 14 and is irradiated on all the mirror surfaces 22 a to 22 e of the reflecting mirror 22. Then, the laser beam is reflected in each of the mirror surfaces 22a to 22e of the reflecting mirror 22 in different directions.
As shown in (a), the scanning light is emitted from the reading window 5a as a scanning light of a multi-scanning pattern sequentially scanned in a plurality of line directions having different positions and angles.

The four parallel scanning lights in each set of the scanning lights shown in FIG.
It is formed by the mirror surfaces 14a to 14d. Each of the mirror surfaces 22a to 22e of the reflecting mirror 22 is
By reflecting the laser light from each of the mirror surfaces 14a to 14d of the polygon mirror 14, a set of four scanning lights is divided into five sets as shown in FIG. Therefore, if each of the mirror surfaces 14a to 14d of the polygon mirror 14 has the same surface inclination angle, four sets of each group are emitted to the same position. Above, one by one.

On the other hand, the laser beam emitted from the reading window 5a as described above is reflected by the article if there is an article ahead. Then, a part of the reflected light enters the main body 4 through the reading window 5a, and is reflected on one of the mirror surfaces 22a to 22e of the reflecting mirror 22, contrary to the emission of the laser light. From the mirror surfaces 14a to 14 of the polygon mirror 14
d. And the reflected light is
The light enters the photodiode 20 via the concave mirror 18.

For this reason, when the laser beam is emitted from the reading window 5a, there is an article in front of the reading window 5a, and when the laser beam is reflected by the article, a part of the reflected light is converted to the photodiode 20. Will be incident. If the reflected light is from the bar code BC attached to the article, the output level from the photodiode 20 changes according to the width and interval of the bar of the bar code BC. From the change pattern of the output signal of
The bar code BC can be read.

Next, the photo interrupter 33 emits light from the light emitting diode 33a toward the polygon mirror 14, and receives the reflected light by the photodiode 33b to detect the rotation angle of the polygon mirror 14. Things. That is, when the polygon mirror 14 rotates and the same number of corners 15 a, 15 b, 15 c, and 15 d as the number of faces of the polygon mirror 14 come to a position facing the direction of the photo interrupter 33, the light emitting diode 33 is turned on.
The light from the polygon 33a is no longer reflected by the reflection angle of the polygon mirror 14 (or by the non-reflection bands provided at the corners 15a to 15d).
b will not be reached. Therefore, the photodiode 3
The light receiving signal from 3b changes in synchronization with the rotation of the polygon mirror 14, and a synchronizing signal synchronized with the rotation of the polygon mirror 14 can be generated from the light receiving signal.

In this embodiment, the rotation of the polygon mirror 14 is performed by amplifying and shaping the received light signal from the photo interrupter 33 by a synchronization signal generating circuit 44 (see FIG. 4) provided in the electric circuit section 10. When a bar code is read with light having a single scanning pattern, a predetermined rotation angle position of the polygon mirror 14 is detected from the generated synchronization signal, and a laser beam from the laser diode 12 is output. Light is polygon mirror 1
4 is reflected only on a specific mirror surface (for example, the mirror surface 14a), and the laser light is reflected only on a specific mirror surface of the reflecting mirror 22 (for example, the mirror surface 22a). , Light of a single scanning pattern scanned only in one line direction as shown by a solid line in FIG. 3B is emitted from the reading window 5a.

Next, FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electric system of the entire scanner 2 centering on the electric circuit sections 10 and 70 built in the main body 4 and the base 6. As shown in FIG. 4, first, the electric circuit unit 10 of the main body 4 includes a CPU, a RO,
A microcomputer (hereinafter, simply referred to as a CPU) 50 including an M, a RAM, and the like is mainly configured. And
The electric circuit unit 10 includes a photo interrupter 33 for controlling the optical device unit 8 and reading a barcode.
A synchronous signal generating circuit 44 for generating a synchronous signal from a light receiving signal from the CPU 50, and in addition to a synchronous signal generating circuit 44 inputted to the CPU 50, receiving a control signal from the CPU 50 to drive the drive motor 16 and rotate the polygon mirror 14, CPU5
LD drive circuit 48 for receiving the control signal from 0 and causing laser diode 12 to emit light, and photodiode 20
A signal processing circuit 49 for amplifying and binarizing the signal from the CPU 50 and inputting the amplified signal to the CPU 50 is provided.

The electric circuit section 10 includes a reading window 5.
In addition to the optical interface 51 provided in the frame section a,
An optical interface 52 for performing optical communication with the base 6 through the communication windows 5c and 7c, a built-in rechargeable battery 54 serving as a power source when the main body 4 is in a hand-held state, and a constant power supply to an internal circuit. Power supply circuit 56 for generating voltage, main body 4
Is in the stationary state mounted on the base 6 and the terminal T
b and T2, the power supply line is connected to a power supply line that receives power supply from the base 6 side. When the power supply line is supplied with power from the base 6 (that is, when the main body 4 is in a stationary state), the power supply line And the power supply circuit 56,
When there is no power supply from the base 6 to the power supply line (that is, when the main body 4 is in a hand-held state), the built-in battery 54
A switching circuit 58 for connecting the power supply circuit and the power supply circuit 56, and a buzzer 60 for generating a warning sound for giving a warning to the user are also provided. Then, the optical interfaces 51 and 52
And the buzzer 60, together with the operation switch 42, the operation state display LED 40, and the accumulation amount display LED 41,
It is connected to PU50.

When the main body 4 is in the stationary state in which the main body 4 is mounted on the base 6 by the CPU 50 executing various control processes described later, A bar code is read by constantly emitting a laser beam having a multi-scanning pattern from the unit 8, and the read bar code data is transmitted to the optical interface 52.
(This operation mode is hereinafter referred to as stationary mode). Further, when the main body 4 is in a hand-held state away from the base 6, when the user presses the operation switch 42 once, the optical device section 8 emits a laser beam in a single scanning pattern, and the bar code is output. Read the bar code data,
It is stored in a transmission buffer constituted by a memory (RAM) in U50 (hereinafter, this operation mode is referred to as a hand-held mode). When the operation switch 42 is continuously pressed a plurality of times (for example, twice) in a short time while the main body 4 is in the hand-held state (in other words, the hand-held mode), the data is accumulated in the transmission buffer. A hand-held transmission process of transmitting the transmitted untransmitted barcode data to the base via the optical interface 51 is performed, and when any abnormality is determined during operation in each of these modes, a display L is displayed.
The user is warned by turning on the ED 40 or sounding the buzzer 60.

When the operation mode of the main unit 4 is switched from the hand-held mode to the stationary mode, if untransmitted barcode data is stored in the transmission buffer, the CPU 50 deletes the barcode data. After transmission to the base 6 via the optical interface 52, the reading operation by the optical device unit 8 in the stationary mode is started. Also, CP
U50 is also connected to a power supply line that receives power supply from the base 6 via the terminals Tb and T2 when the main body 4 is stationary, and the voltage of this power supply line is shown by an A / D converter and the like. By reading through an undetected detection circuit, it is determined whether or not the main body 4 is stationary, and the operation mode of the main body 4 is set.

On the other hand, the electric circuit unit 70 of the base 6 has a CPU, ROM, RAM
A microcomputer (hereinafter, simply referred to as a CPU) 80 including the above-described components is mainly configured. The electric circuit unit 70 is connected to the optical interface 5 provided on the main body 4.
The optical interface 72 performs optical communication with the optical interfaces 51 and 52 on the main body 4 side by transmitting and receiving infrared light to and from the host computer 90 as an external device. A communication interface 74 for transmitting and receiving data via a line, one or a plurality of display LEDs (not shown in FIG. 1) 7 for displaying an operation state of the base 6
6, and a commercial power supply to an AC adapter (in other words, A
A power supply circuit 78 that generates a constant voltage for driving the internal circuit and for supplying power to the main body 4 from a DC power supply voltage input via a C-DC converter 94. And the CPU on the base 6 side
80 receives barcode data from the main body 4 by optical communication performed by the optical interface 51 or 52 on the main body 4 side and the optical interface 72 on the base 6 side.
This is transmitted to the host computer 90 via the communication interface 74, and when a command for setting various operating conditions is received from the host computer 90, processing corresponding to the command is executed.

When the main body 4 is in a stationary state, the electric circuit 70 is connected to the internal battery 54 of the main body 4 via the terminal Ta and the terminal T 1, and the direct current supplied from the power supply circuit 78. Charging the internal battery 54 with a constant voltage,
A charging circuit 79 is also provided. The terminals Tc and T3 connected to each other when the main body 4 is stationary are connected to the base 6
And a ground line between the main body 4 and the power supply from the base 6 to the main body 4 and a built-in battery 54.
Is realized only when all of the three terminals T1 to T3 and Ta to Tc are in contact with each other.

Next, various control processes executed by the CPU 50 of the main body 4 will be described. First, FIG.
Reference numeral 50 denotes an operation mode setting process executed by a timer interrupt every predetermined time. This operation mode setting process is a process for setting whether to operate the main body 4 in the stationary mode or the hand-held mode.
At 0 (S represents a step), it is determined whether or not an external power supply voltage is detected by the above-described detection circuit, in other words, the main body 4 is placed on the base 6 and receives power supply from the base 6. It is determined whether or not.

When the external power supply voltage is not detected (that is, when the main body 4 is separated from the base 6), the flow shifts to S120 to determine whether the currently set operation mode is the stationary mode. If the current operation mode is not the stationary mode (that is, if it is the hand-held mode), there is no need to change the operation mode, and the process is terminated as it is. In the stationary mode, it is considered that the untransmitted barcode data stored in the transmission buffer is currently transmitted to the base 6 via the optical interface 52 by the processing in the stationary mode described later. After prohibiting the data transmission using the optical interface 52 in S1,
At 40, the operation mode of the main body 4 is set to the hand-held mode, and the process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S110 that the external power supply voltage has been detected, the flow shifts to S150 to determine whether the currently set operation mode is the hand-held mode. Then, if the current operation mode is the stationary mode, there is no need to change the operation mode, so the process is terminated as it is. Conversely, if the current operation mode is the hand-held mode, the process proceeds to S160. By stopping the driving of the optical device 8, reading of the barcode is prohibited.

In S170, data transmission using the optical interface 52 is permitted. In S180, whether the main body 4 is securely mounted on the base 6 (in other words, whether the main body 4 is Base 6 to check if it is placed at an angle to
The stationary detection signal. When the base 6 receives the stationary detection signal via the optical interface 72, the base 6 transmits a response signal indicating that the signal has been received together with an identification number (hereinafter simply referred to as ID) assigned to the base 6 in advance. , To the main body 4 via the optical interface 72.

For this reason, in the following S190, it is determined whether or not a response signal from the base has been received via the optical interface 52. If the response signal cannot be received, the stationary detection signal is transmitted in the subsequent S200. After that, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to S190, and the response signal is transmitted from the base 6 for a predetermined time. Wait for.

If it is determined in S200 that the predetermined time has elapsed, power is currently supplied from the base 6, but data cannot be transmitted / received via the optical interfaces 52 and 72. State, and some abnormality (for example, inclination of the main body 4 and dirt on the communication windows 5c and 7c) has occurred in the mounting state of the main body 4 on the base 6; To inform
At S210, an error display for lighting the operation state display LED 40 at a preset blinking cycle or color is performed, and the process ends.

On the other hand, when it is determined in S190 that the response signal from the base 6 has been received, the process proceeds to S220, where the ID of the base 6 included in the response signal is read, and this ID is It is determined whether or not the ID matches the ID assigned in advance to No. 4. If it is determined in S220 that the IDs match, the process proceeds to S240, and the main body 4
Is set to the stationary mode, and the process is terminated. Conversely, if it is determined that the IDs do not match, the base 6 placed by the user this time is placed on the bar code reading device together with another scanner body. Since it is not the base 6 for the main body 4, the process shifts to the following S230, an error is displayed, and the process ends.

The error display in S230 is executed by turning on the operation state display LED 40 at a preset blinking cycle or color, as in S210.
By this error display, the user moves the main body 4 to the main body 4
Can be detected as having been placed on a different base 6 that does not correspond to. And like this, S210,
When an error is displayed in S230, the operation state display L
In addition to turning on the ED 40, the buzzer 60 may be sounded to emit a predetermined warning sound corresponding to the content of the error.

FIG. 6 shows a bar code reading / accumulating process repeatedly executed by the CPU 50 when the operation mode of the main body 4 is the hand-held mode. In this process, first, in S310, it is determined whether or not there is a free space in the transmission buffer for storing the barcode read in the hand-held mode. If the transmission buffer has no free space, the newly read barcode cannot be stored in the transmission buffer. In step S320, the drive of the optical device unit 8 is completely stopped to read the barcode. In step S330, all the accumulated amount display LEDs 41 are turned on, and in step S340, the buzzer 60 is sounded to notify the user that the barcode cannot be read, and the process returns to step S310. .

On the other hand, if it is determined in S310 that there is a free space in the transmission buffer, the newly read barcode can be stored in the transmission buffer.
The process proceeds to S50, where the reading of the barcode is permitted, and in subsequent S360, it is determined whether or not the user has pressed the operation switch 42 to input a barcode reading command. If the reading command has not been input, the process shifts to S370 to determine whether or not the reading command has not been input for a predetermined time or more.

If the reading command has not been input for a predetermined period of time or longer, the flow returns to S360 to wait for the reading command to be input.
If it is determined at 0 that the reading command has not been input for a certain period of time or more, the main body 4 may not be placed on the base 6 but may have been left behind somewhere. In S380, the buzzer 60 is sounded to notify the effect, and the process returns to S360.

Next, when it is determined in S360 that the reading command has been input, the flow shifts to S390, in which the optical device section 8 emits a laser beam scanned in a single scanning pattern, and the signal processing circuit 49 A bar code reading process in a hand-held mode is executed in which a binarized signal is fetched and a bar code is read by decoding it.

Then, in S400, it is determined whether or not the barcode has been read in the process of S390. If the barcode has not been read, the process returns to S360.
If it is determined in S400 that the barcode has been read, then in S410, the read barcode data is stored in the transmission buffer as data for transmission.
At 420, by illuminating one accumulation amount display LED 41, the number of barcode data accumulated in the transmission buffer displayed by the accumulation amount display LED 41 is updated.
The process proceeds to 310.

That is, in the present embodiment, each time the read barcode data is stored in the transmission buffer, one stored number display LED is turned on by the processing of S400, and the user is notified of the untransmitted barcode data stored in the transmission buffer. It reports the number of barcode data. Next, FIG. 7 shows a barcode reading / transmitting process repeatedly executed by the CPU 50 when the operation mode of the main body 4 is the stationary mode.

When this process is started, first, in S510, it is determined whether or not untransmitted barcode data read in the hand-held mode is stored in the transmission buffer.
If there is untransmitted barcode data (accumulated data) in the transmission buffer, the oldest barcode data is read out of the accumulated data in S520 and transmitted to the base 6 via the optical interface 52.

When the transmission of the barcode data in step S520 is completed, in step S530, new barcode data can be stored in the storage area of the transmission buffer in which the barcode data that has been transmitted has been stored. Therefore, the storage contents of the storage area (one transmission buffer) are cleared, and in S540, the storage amount display LED 41
Is turned off, the number of barcode data stored in the transmission buffer displayed by the storage amount display LED 41 is updated.

Next, in S550, similarly to S510, it is determined whether or not untransmitted barcode data is accumulated in the transmission buffer. If there is stored data in the transmission buffer, in S560, the process waits for transmission of the stored data to start for a certain period of time, and then returns to S52
Then, the process proceeds to S520 to execute the stored data transmission processing in S520 to S540.

It should be noted that the reason for waiting for the transmission of the stored data for a predetermined time in S560 is that the time from transmitting one barcode data to transmitting the next barcode data in the process of S520 is short. Even when the host computer 90 receiving this data displays data (for example, the price of a product) corresponding to the barcode data on the display device, the user checks the data on the display screen of the display device. It is because it is thought that it is impossible. That is, in the present embodiment, the time interval between the transmission of one barcode data and the next transmission of the barcode data is defined as a certain time or longer by the processing of S560.
When data corresponding to the received bar code data is displayed on the host computer 90 side such as a register, the user can visually check the data.

Next, if it is determined in S510 or S550 that there is no stored data in the transmission buffer,
The process moves to 570. Then, in S570, the optical device section 8 is operated to continuously emit the light of the multi-scanning pattern, the binary signal from the signal processing circuit 49 is fetched, and the bar code is read by decoding it. Then, the barcode reading process in the stationary mode is executed, and in subsequent S580, it is determined whether or not the barcode is read by the process of S570. If the barcode has not been read, the process returns to S570, and the process of S570 is repeatedly executed until the barcode is read. If it is determined in S580 that the barcode has been read by the processing in S570, the process proceeds to S5.
At 90, the read barcode data is transmitted to the base 6 via the optical interface 52, and then the process returns to S570.

For this reason, when the user wants the scanner 2 to read the barcode in the stationary mode, the user only has to hold the article on which the barcode is printed or affixed in front of the reading window 5a. The barcode can be read by a simple operation. When the barcode data is transmitted to the base 6 in S520 or S590, on the base 6 side, the optical interface 72 receives the barcode data, and the CPU 80 reads the received data once.
The data is transferred to the host computer 90 via the communication interface 74.

Next, FIG. 8 shows a state in which the operation switch 42 is set by the user when the operation mode of the main body 4 is set to the hand-held mode, that is, during execution of the bar code reading / accumulating process shown in FIG. FIG. 9 shows a hand-held transmission process executed as an interrupt process by the CPU 50 to transmit stored data when the button is pressed twice consecutively. FIG. And C on the base 6 side
The hand-held receiving process executed by the PU 80 is shown.

As shown in FIG. 8, when the hand-held transmission process is started on the main body 4 side, first, in step S610, the drive of the optical device section 8 is stopped to prohibit the reading of the bar code, and then the process is continued. At S620, the optical interface 51
Transmits a bar code data transmission start request signal, while the hand-held reception processing executed by the CPU 80 on the base 6 side includes a transmission start request signal transmitted from the optical interface 51 on the main body 4 side. When the process is started, as shown in FIG. 9, in S810, a response signal indicating that the transmission start request signal has been received is replaced with the above-mentioned identification number (I
Together with D), the data is transmitted to the main body 4 via the optical interface 72.

For this reason, the CPU 50 on the main body 4 side
As shown in, after transmitting the transmission start request signal in S620, in S630, via the optical interface 51,
It is determined whether or not the response signal from the base has been received. If the response signal has not been received, in S640, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the transmission start request signal was transmitted. If has not elapsed, the process returns to S630, and waits for a response signal to be transmitted from the base 6 for a certain period of time.

If it is determined in S640 that the predetermined time has elapsed, the optical interface 51 is not currently directed toward the optical interface 72 of the base 6, and the optical communication with the base 6 is not performed. Judge that it is not possible,
In S650, an error display is performed by turning on the operation state display LED 40 at a preset blinking cycle or color, and in S660, barcode reading is permitted, and the process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S630 that the response signal from the base 6 has been received, the process proceeds to S670 to read the ID of the base 6 included in the response signal, and It is determined whether or not the ID matches the ID assigned in advance to No. 4. If it is determined in S670 that the IDs match, the process proceeds to S700, where the oldest barcode data is read from the untransmitted barcode data (accumulated data) stored in the transmission buffer,
The data is transmitted from the optical interface 51, and
If it is determined in step 670 that the IDs do not match, the base 6 that has transmitted the response signal constitutes a barcode reading device together with another scanner main body.
Therefore, the process goes to S680 to notify the user of the fact.
Is turned on at a preset blinking cycle or color to display an error. At S690, barcode reading is permitted, and the process is terminated.

In S670, it is determined that the IDs match, and when the barcode data in the transmission buffer is transmitted in S700, if the untransmitted barcode data is not stored in the transmission buffer. , And the process ends. Next, in S700, when the bar code data in the transmission buffer is transmitted from the optical interface 51, if the emission direction of the infrared light from the optical interface 51 is directed to the optical interface 72 on the base 6 side, the bar The code data will be received by the optical interface 72.

For this reason, as shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 80 of the base 6 transmits a response signal including the ID in S810, and then in S820, the optical interface 72
Determines whether barcode data has been received,
When the barcode data is received, in S840, the received data is stored in the transmission buffer, and then a response signal indicating that the barcode data has been received is transmitted from the optical interface 72 to the main body 4 side, and again. In step S820, a process of receiving barcode data when the main body 4 is held by hand is executed.

The CPU 80 on the base 6 side executes S820
In step S850, when it is determined that the barcode data has not been received, the CPU 50 of the main body 4 transmits the data via the optical interface 51 when the transmission of all the stored data in the transmission buffer is completed. The transmission end signal
It is determined whether or not the optical interface 72 has received the signal. If the transmission end signal has been received, the process proceeds to S870.

If it is determined in S850 that the transmission end signal has not been received, the flow shifts to S860, where S82 is executed.
It is determined whether or not the elapsed time for which a negative determination is made at 0 (that is, the standby time until the bar code data transmitted from the main body 4 is received) has exceeded a predetermined time, and S86.
If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed at 0, it is determined that the transmission of the barcode data from the main body 4 has been interrupted, and the process proceeds to S870, where it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed at S860. If so, the process returns to S820.

That is, when the base 6 receives the transmission start request signal from the main body 4, it transmits a response signal to inform the main body 4 that the bar code data can be received. The bar code data is not transmitted, or even if the bar code data is transmitted, it may not be able to be received. If the state in which the bar code data cannot be received has passed for a certain period of time, the main unit 4 no longer operates. It is determined that the hand-held transmission process has been completed.

When the end of the hand-held transmission processing on the main body 4 side is determined or the transmission end signal is received from the main body 4 side in S870, the received data stored in the transmission buffer in S840 is transmitted in S870. , Communication interface 7
4 to the host computer 90, and terminates the hand-held receiving process. Note that the data transmission to the host computer 90 in S870 is performed at predetermined time intervals for each piece of received data stored in the transmission buffer. This is similar to the above-described S560, when the host computer 90 receiving the transmitted barcode data displays the data (for example, the price of the product) corresponding to the barcode data on the display device, the display data is used. This is for the purpose of making it possible for a person to visually confirm.

On the other hand, as described above, when the base 6 receives the barcode data transmitted from the
The CPU 50 of the main body 4 transmits the response signal indicating that to the S7 side, as shown in FIG.
When one of the barcode data stored in the transmission buffer is transmitted at 00, the optical interface 51 determines whether or not the optical interface 51 has received a response signal transmitted from the base 6 at S710.

If it is determined in S710 that the response signal has not been received, the flow shifts to S720, where S7 is executed.
After transmitting the barcode data at 00, it is determined whether or not a fixed time has elapsed. If the fixed time has not elapsed, the process returns to 710 again.
It waits for a response signal to be transmitted from the base 6 side. If it is determined in S710 that the predetermined time has elapsed, it is determined that the optical interface 51 is not currently directed to the optical interface 72 of the base 6 and optical communication with the base 6 cannot be performed. In step S730, the operation state display LED 4
An error is displayed by lighting 0 with a preset blinking cycle or color, and barcode reading is permitted in S740, followed by terminating the process.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S720 that the response signal from base 6 has been received, one barcode data stored in the transmission buffer has been transmitted.
This time, the flow shifts to S750, where the transmission buffer storage area (1
By clearing the stored contents of the (transmission buffer) and turning off one accumulation amount display LED 41 in the subsequent S760,
The number of barcode data stored in the transmission buffer displayed by the storage amount display LED 41 is updated. And
In subsequent S770, it is determined whether or not untransmitted barcode data is stored in the transmission buffer. If there is stored data in the transmission buffer, the process returns to S700 to execute transmission processing of the stored data.

Next, if it is determined in S770 that untransmitted barcode data is not stored in the transmission buffer, the flow shifts to S790, and the optical interface 5
1 to transmit a transmission end signal to notify the base 6 that the transmission of the barcode data is completed. Then, in subsequent S800, reading of the barcode is permitted, and the process ends.

As described above, the bar code reader (scanner) 2 of the present embodiment is composed of the main body 4 and the base 6, and even when the main body 4 is mounted on the base 6,
Even when the user holds the main body 4 with his / her hand, the barcode can be read using the optical device unit 8 built in the main body 4. The main body 4 and the base 6 carry out optical communication between the optical interfaces 51 and 52 on the main body 4 side and the optical interface 72 on the base 6 side. Even in the installed state, the barcode data read by the main body 4 can be transmitted to the base 6 (and further to a host computer as an external device).

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is not necessary to connect the main body 4 and the base 6 with a signal line for data communication unlike the conventional apparatus, and the main body 4 is so-called cordless, and the bar is held in a hand-held state. Operability when reading a code can be improved. The bar code data read when the main body 4 is in the mounted state is directly transmitted to the base 6 by the bar code reading / transmission processing shown in FIG. 7, and is read when the main body is in a hand-held state. The barcode data is stored in the transmission buffer by the barcode reading and storing process shown in FIG. The barcode data stored in the transmission buffer is operated by turning the reading window 5 a provided with the optical interface 51 toward the communication window 7 c of the base 6 while holding the main body 4 in a hand-held state.
2 is pressed twice consecutively, or the main body 4 is placed on the base 6, and then transmitted to the base 6 side.

For this reason, according to the present embodiment, by making the main body 4 cordless, not only can the operability at the time of reading a bar code be improved, but even though the barcode is read by hand even though it is made cordless by optical communication. the code,
The data can be transmitted to the base 6 (and thus the external host computer 90) very easily.

In the present embodiment, when the main body 4 transmits the bar code data stored in the transmission buffer of the main body 4 to the base 6 in the bar code reading / transmission processing shown in FIG. When the stored data in the transmission buffer is read out from the oldest data in order, and transmitted to the base 6 (S520), and the transmission interval is determined when the host computer 90 displays data corresponding to the bar code data, the display is performed. The system is configured to control the data so that the time interval can be visually checked by the user (S560), and the base 6 transmits the barcode data to the host computer in the hand-held reception processing shown in FIG. 90, the data is temporarily stored (S840), and when the data transmission from the main unit 4 is completed, the received data is transmitted at regular time intervals to the host. And transmits to the computer 90 (S8
70). For this reason, for example, when a register is connected as a host computer 90 at a retail store or the like, the prices of the products are sequentially displayed on the price display section of the register, and the customer or user can visually check the price of the products. And so on.

Further, in this embodiment, in the hand-held transmission processing shown in FIG. 8 or the bar code reading / transmission processing shown in FIG. Is transmitted to the base 6 side (S700, S520), the storage area of the transmission buffer in which the barcode data is stored is cleared (S750, S530). The data is not left in the transmission buffer, and the storage area of the memory (RAM or the like) used as the transmission buffer can be effectively used.

In this embodiment, the bar code reading / transmission processing shown in FIG. 7 and the bar code reading / accumulating processing shown in FIG. The above-described series of processing executed to transmit data functions as the transmission unit of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the barcode reading / accumulating process executed in the hand-held mode shown in FIG.
When the main body 4 is in a hand-held state, the barcode is read, and each time the read barcode data is stored in the transmission buffer (S410), the accumulated amount display LED 41 is turned on by one.
One of the barcode data stored in the transmission buffer is transmitted to the base 6 in the hand-held transmission processing shown in FIG. 8 or the barcode reading / transmission processing shown in FIG. Each time it is sent (S700, S520),
One of the accumulation amount display LEDs 41 is turned off (S760, S5
40), the user can display the accumulated amount L
The number of barcode data stored in the transmission buffer can be ascertained from the number of lights of the ED 41.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when the number of barcode data stored in the transmission buffer is large, the stored data is transmitted to the base 6 side by the number of lighting of the storage amount display LED 41 to the user. It becomes possible to prompt for transmission. In this embodiment, the process of S410 of storing the barcode data read in the hand-held mode in the transmission buffer as described above functions as the optical information storage unit of the present invention, and the barcode data stored in the transmission buffer is used. S to turn on / off the accumulated amount display LED 41 in accordance with the number of
420, S760, S540, and storage amount display L
The ED 41 functions as the information storage state display means of the present invention (claim 3).

Next, in this embodiment, in the barcode reading / accumulating process executed in the hand-held mode shown in FIG. 6, there is a space in the transmission buffer enough to store the newly read barcode data. It is determined whether or not (S3
10) If there is no free space in the transmission buffer, the subsequent reading of barcode data is prohibited (S320).
All the accumulated amount display LEDs 41 are turned on and the buzzer 60
(S330, S340), the user is more reliably notified that the barcode cannot be read in a hand-held state, and the stored data is transmitted to the base 6 side. Can be reminded.
In the present embodiment, the processing of S310 and S330, and the accumulated amount display L which is turned on and sounded by this processing.
The ED 41 and the buzzer 60 function as the information storage number warning unit of the present invention (claim 4), and the process of S320 functions as the reading operation prohibiting unit of the present invention (claim 5).

Further, in this embodiment, when a change from the external power supply voltage to the stationary state of the main body 4 is detected on the side of the main body 4 by the operation mode setting processing (S150;
YES), and when transmitting the barcode data in the transmission buffer to the base 6 when the main body 4 is in the handheld state by the handheld transmission processing, the main body 4 side transmits the barcode data to the base 6.
By transmitting a stationary detection signal or a transmission start request signal to the base unit, a response signal including an ID is transmitted from the base 6 that has received the signal, and when the main body 4 receives the response signal, the base unit 4 transmits the response signal. By judging whether or not the included ID matches the ID of the main body 4 (S220, S670), the base 6 which is going to transmit the barcode data read by the main body 4 corresponds to the main body 4. If the IDs do not match, an error is displayed (S230, S680), and transmission of the read barcode data is not executed.

For this reason, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the bar code data from being erroneously transmitted from the main body 4 to the base 6 of another bar code reader that does not correspond to the main body 4. Can be. In the present embodiment, the operation mode setting processing for determining whether the main body 4 is in the hand-held state or the stationary state as described above functions as the use state determination means of the present invention (claim 8). Main body 4 and base 6
The above-described series of processing for transmitting and receiving the stationary detection signal, the transmission start request signal, and the response signal to and from the terminal functions as the communication control means of the present invention (claim 9), and displays an error when the IDs do not match. The process of prohibiting the transmission of the barcode data from the main body 4 functions as the information transmission prohibiting means of the present invention (claim 9).

Further, in this embodiment, the optical device section 8 built in the main body 4 for reading a bar code emits a laser beam for reading a bar code in either a multi-scan pattern or a single scan pattern. When the main body 4 is in a hand-held state, the CPU 50 causes the optical device section 8 to emit a laser beam scanned in a single scanning pattern to read a bar code (S390), and the main body 4 is in a stationary state. In some cases, the bar code is read by emitting a laser beam scanned in a multi-scan pattern from the optical device section 8 (S570).

For this reason, according to this embodiment, when the main body 4 is in the stationary state, the bar code can be read without adjusting the arrangement direction of the bar codes with respect to the main body 4 in a fixed direction. Conversely, when the main body 4 is in a hand-held state, it is necessary to adjust the barcode arrangement direction with respect to the main body 4 so that the barcode arrangement direction matches the scanning direction of the laser beam. If you want to read a specific barcode from among a large number of barcodes, place the scanner body in accordance with the barcode to be read so that the barcode is not affected by surrounding barcodes. Can be read accurately.

As described above, in this embodiment, the optical device section 8 can switch the scanning pattern of the laser beam, and the switching of the scanning pattern is performed in accordance with the operation mode of the main body 4.
In the present embodiment, since the CPU 50 performs the processing in S390 and S570, the optical device unit 8 and the CPU 5
The processing of S390 and S570 executed at 0 functions as the first reading unit, the second reading unit, and the reading switching unit of the present invention (claim 10).

As described above, the bar code reading apparatus has been described as one embodiment of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can take various forms.
For example, in the above embodiment, in order to notify the user of the number of untransmitted barcode data stored in the transmission buffer of the main body 4, the accumulation amount display LED 41 including a large number of LEDs is used.
Is provided in the main body 4 and each time one bar code is stored in the transmission buffer, one accumulation amount display LED 41 is turned on. Each time one bar code stored in the transmission buffer is transmitted, the accumulation amount display LED 41 is displayed. By turning off one LED 41,
In the above description, the number of untransmitted barcode data in the transmission buffer is notified by the number of lighting of the accumulation amount display LED 41.
If a color light emitting diode is provided and the number of barcode data stored in the transmission buffer is less than 5, the green light emitting diode is turned on and the number of barcode data stored in the transmission buffer is 5 or more. If so, the orange light-emitting diode may be turned on, and the number of barcode data stored in the transmission buffer may be indicated by the color of the light-emitting diode.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the scanning pattern of the laser beam used for reading the bar code is changed between a single scanning pattern or a multi-scanning pattern depending on whether the main body 4 is in the hand-held state or the stationary state. Although it has been described that the scanning pattern is switched to the scanning pattern, the scanning pattern in each of these operation modes may be set and changed by the user as appropriate.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a barcode reader according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of an optical device unit built in a scanner main body according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a multi-scanning pattern and a single-scanning pattern that can be realized by the optical device unit according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electric system of the barcode reader according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation mode setting process executed by the scanner main body.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a barcode reading / accumulating process.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a barcode reading / sending process.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a hand-held transmission process.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a hand-held reception process executed on the base unit side in correspondence with the hand-held transmission process of FIG. 8;

[Explanation of symbols]

2 ... scanner, 4 ... body (scanner body), 6 ... base (base unit), 7 ... case, 8 ... optical device section, 1
0 ... electric circuit section, 12 ... laser diode, 14 ... polygon mirror, 16 ... drive motor, 18 ... concave mirror, 20 ...
Photodiode, 22 ... Reflection mirror, 33 ... Photointerrupter, 40 ... Operation state display LED, 41 ... Storage amount display LED, 42 ... Operation switch, 44 ... Synchronization signal generation circuit, 46 ... Motor drive circuit, 48 ... LD drive circuit , 49
... signal processing circuit, 50 ... CPU (microcomputer), 51, 52 ... optical interface, 54 ... built-in battery, 56 ... power supply circuit, 58 ... switching circuit, 60 ... buzzer,
Reference numeral 70: electric circuit unit, 72: optical interface, 74: communication interface, 78: power supply circuit, 79: charging circuit,
90 ... Host computer, T1 to T3, Ta to Tc ...
Terminal.

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. Optical information comprising: reading means for emitting light for reading optical information and reading optical information from the reflected light; and transmitting means for transmitting the optical information read by the reading means to an external device. In the reading device, an optical information storage unit that stores the optical information read by the reading unit in a storage unit, and a transmission for inputting a transmission instruction of the optical information stored in the storage unit to the external device by an external operation. Command input means, and the transmission means, when a transmission command is input from the transmission command input means, sequentially reads the optical information stored in the storage means, and reads the read optical information by optical communication An optical information reading device configured to transmit the optical information to the external device and to erase the transmitted optical information from the storage unit when the transmission of the optical information is completed. . 2. When transmitting a plurality of pieces of optical information stored in the storage means, the transmitting unit transmits the character or graphic data corresponding to the transmitted optical information when the external device displays the data on a display device. The optical information reading device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of optical information is transmitted at a predetermined transmission interval so that display data can be visually confirmed on a display screen of the display device. 3. The optical device according to claim 1, further comprising information storage state display means for identifiably displaying the number or degree of the number of optical information stored in said storage means. Information reading device. 4. An information storage number warning means for issuing a warning indicating the fact when the number of optical information stored in said storage means reaches a predetermined number.
The optical information reading device according to claim 3. 5. When the number of optical information stored in said storage means reaches an upper limit value which can be stored in said storage means, thereafter, the number of optical information stored in said storage means falls below said upper limit value. 5. The optical information reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a reading operation prohibiting unit that prohibits the reading unit from reading optical information. 6. The optical communication device according to claim 1, wherein an optical communication element for performing the optical communication by the transmitting unit is arranged in the same direction as a reading window from which light is emitted when the reading unit reads optical information. The optical information reading device according to claim 1. 7. The optical information reading device according to claim 1, further comprising: a scanner main body including the respective units; receiving optical information transmitted from a transmission unit of the scanner main body; and transmitting the optical information to the external device via a signal line. 2. A base unit, comprising: a receiving unit for transmitting the optical information through the scanner unit, and further comprising: a base unit configured to mount the scanner main body in a state in which the reading unit can read optical information. The optical information reading device according to claim 6. 8. The scanner body according to claim 1, wherein the scanner body is in a stationary state mounted on the base unit.
Or, it comprises a use state determining means for determining whether the scanner main body is in a hand-held state by a user, and the optical information storage means, wherein the use state determining means determines that the scanner main body is in a hand-held state. And storing the optical information read by the reading unit in the storage unit only when the scanner unit is in a hand-held state by the use state determining unit. When a transmission command is input from the transmission command input means, a hand-held in-use transmitting means for transmitting the optical information stored in the storage means to the base unit, and the scanner body is fixed by the use state determining means. If it is determined that the optical information is stored in the storage means, it is determined whether optical information is stored in the storage means, and if the optical information is not stored in the storage means. If the reading unit reads the optical information, the optical information is transmitted to the base unit each time the reading unit reads the optical information, and if the optical information is stored in the storage unit, the optical information stored in the storage unit is transmitted to the base unit. And transmitting the optical information to the base unit every time the reading unit reads the optical information when the transmission is completed. The optical information reader according to the above. 9. The scanner body and the base unit each have a function of transmitting and receiving optical information as the transmitting means and the receiving means, and are capable of transmitting and receiving data including the optical information in two directions. The communication means, when the use state determination means determines that the scanner body is in the stationary state, and when the communication means on the scanner body side starts operating as the hand-held use transmission means, By transmitting and receiving the identification code from the scanner body to the base unit or in the opposite direction, whether or not the scanner body and the base unit constitute one optical information reading apparatus in which transmission and reception of optical information are permitted to each other. And a pair of communication control means for identifying a communication partner, and the scanner main body is operated by the communication control means. If it is determined that the base unit to be communicated with constitutes another optical information reading device different from the scanner main body, transmission of optical information to the base unit is prohibited, and a warning indicating that fact is issued. The optical information reading device according to claim 7, further comprising an information transmission prohibiting unit that emits a signal. 10. The scanner body, as the reading means, emits light of a multi-scan pattern in which light from a light source is sequentially scanned in a plurality of line directions, and reads an external bar code from reflected light of the light. 1 reading unit, and a second reading unit that emits light of a single scanning pattern obtained by scanning light from a light source in one line direction and reads an external bar code from reflected light of the light. When the scanner body is in a stationary state placed on the base unit and when the scanner body is in a hand-held state gripped by a user, a reading unit used for reading a barcode is read by the first reading unit and the second reading unit. 2
The optical information reading device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the optical information reading device is a scanner for reading a barcode, the scanner including a reading switching unit that switches to one of the reading units.