Patent ID: 6023539
Filing Date: 2000-02-08
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
A code reading apparatus comprising:illumination means for illuminating a code on a recording medium, on which audio information data is recorded as an optically readable code, by repeatedly emitting light at predetermined intervals;image sensing means for receiving each of light beams reflected by the recording medium including the code illuminated by said illumination means in a read/scan operation for the code, and for outputting a corresponding image sensing signal;signal processing means for decoding the audio information data by processing the image sensing signal output from said image sensing means;reproduction output means for reproducing audio information based on the audio information data decoded by said signal processing means, and for outputting the audio information;supply voltage detection means for detecting a supply voltage to a power supply circuit system including a battery used as a power supply of said apparatus;a power switch for turning on/off the supply voltage to said power supply circuit system; anddetection timing control means for controlling said supply voltage detection means to detect the supply voltage at a predetermined timing in an image sensing operation performed by said image sensing means at a time of light emission after the supply voltage to said power supply circuit system is turned on by said power switch and a first light emission is performed by said illumination means;wherein said image sensing means includes a solid-state image sensing device for storing a signal charge corresponding to the light beams reflected by the recording medium by setting an exposure interval after an unnecessary charge stored in a light-receiving section is removed, and for transferring the stored signal charge from the light-receiving section to a light-shielding section after the exposure interval ends, thereby performing an electronic shutter operation; andwherein said detection timing control means controls said supply voltage detection means to detect a supply voltage at a predetermined timing within a predetermined interval comprising an interval in which the unnecessary charge is removed, the exposure interval, and an interval in which the signal charge is transferred from the light-receiving section to the light-shielding section.