Optical code reader having an illumination light source emitting light for at least a preset period responsive to operation of a trigger switch

Abstract

An optical code reader includes a reading window, a reading control circuit for sensing an image of a 2-dimensional code via the reading window and for converting the sensed image into image data, and a portable frame having an opening used as the reading window, for accommodating the reading control circuit. In the optical code reader, the reading control circuit includes a trigger switch for issuing a reading instruction with the reading window set within a preset distance from the 2-dimensional code, an illumination light source for applying an illumination light via the reading window for a preset period after the reading instruction is issued by the trigger switch, an image sensing section for sensing the image of the 2-dimensional code based on a reflected light obtained when the 2-dimensional code is illuminated by the illumination light source, and a light source controller for elongating the period of activation of the illumination light source when the reading instruction is continuously issued for a period longer than the preset period.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.