JP3844344B2 - Portable wireless device with barcode read function - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a portable wireless device provided with an antenna protruding outside a housing, and more particularly to a portable wireless device with a barcode read function having a barcode read function capable of reading a barcode.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Various types of portable wireless devices have been proposed and developed, but such portable wireless devices are used exclusively as communication means between two points apart from each other, and other than the communication means It is rarely used as an application.
[0003]
By the way, for example, in product sorting in a distribution warehouse or product management in a convenience store, in order to improve work efficiency, the product is packed in a packing box that packs the product or a packaging box that packs the product. A bar code label on which a bar code on which various information is recorded is attached is known, and a bar code reader has been developed to optically read the bar code.
[0004]
In addition, this barcode reader can be installed in a fixed position such as a workbench and used in a fixed state, or the information can be placed on the barcode while the operator freely holds it by hand. A handy type that can be read is known.
[0005]
By the way, in this handy type bar code reader, for example, a POS system is constructed in which the read information is output to a host computer connected to the bar code reader via a cable, a telephone line, etc., and the subsequent processing is performed. Etc. are known. In addition, such a handy-type bar code reader can be provided with a numeric keypad provided at the same time to transmit information accompanying the bar code information to a host computer.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, such a wired bar code reader connected by a cable or a telephone line has a limited range of use and cannot be freely moved around. In addition, in this type of barcode reader, there is a limit in exchanging complicated information because numerical information and the like are transmitted via a numeric keypad. In addition, since such information is usually transmitted in one direction from the terminal side to the host side via a barcode, it is difficult to exchange information quickly in both directions.
[0007]
Furthermore, in this handy type barcode reader, if it is not familiar with its use, it is unknown from which part of the housing the reading light emitted from the light projecting unit provided inside the housing is emitted, The information described in the bar code cannot be read well, and the minimum distance required for reading cannot be properly maintained, which may cause reading failure. For this reason, the operation of the barcode reader requires intuition and experience, and if it is unfamiliar with the operation, it takes some time and effort to perform the reading operation.
[0008]
Therefore, in this handy type barcode reader, there is known a handy type barcode reader which is formed in a substantially square shape by bending the front end (upper end) side of the casing downward to facilitate the reading operation. As for the shape, the size of the entire casing is enlarged.
[0009]
In addition, it is possible to perform an accurate reading operation without worrying about the focal length or depth of focus by simply placing the front end (upper end) of the housing so that it is in close contact with the paper (barcode label) on which the barcode is printed. In order to achieve this, there is also known one in which the length from the light projecting unit to the housing tip is set to be substantially the same as the minimum reading distance. However, such a barcode reader has a length that is longer by as much as the minimum reading distance is secured inside the housing, which further increases the size of the housing.
[0010]
Therefore, in view of the above-described circumstances, the present invention can be used not only as a normal communication means but also capable of reading a barcode, and can easily and quickly exchange various kinds of information. An object of the present invention is to provide a portable wireless device with a barcode read function.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, the invention according to claim 1 is directed to a portable radio apparatus having an antenna projecting outside the casing.
A light projecting portion that emits reading light in a direction substantially parallel to the antenna arrangement direction, and reflected light that is reflected from the surface of the bar code label is incident on and received by the reading light emitted from the light projecting portion to receive information. And a bar code lead part having a light receiving part for reading.
[0012]
Thereby, not only the use as a normal communication means but also the reading of the barcode becomes possible.
[0013]
Further, in the invention according to claim 2, a part of the barcode lead portion housing the light projecting portion and the light receiving portion is inclined with respect to the vicinity of the antenna at the upper rear portion of the housing, and partially outside It is preferable to make it protrude to.
[0014]
Thereby, even if it has a barcode lead part, the enlargement of a housing | casing can be avoided.
[0015]
In the invention according to claim 3, the length of the portion of the housing that constitutes the barcode lead portion that protrudes outward from the housing in an inclined state and the length of the protruding portion of the antenna from the housing It is preferable that the sum of the values corresponds to the minimum reading length of the bar code lead portion.
[0016]
As a result, if the tip of the protruding portion of the antenna is applied to the bar code, the minimum reading distance can be ensured. In other words, when the antenna protrudes, the bar code lead portion is more barred than the minimum reading distance. Since the access to the code is prevented, information can be easily and reliably read without enlarging the casing.
[0017]
In the invention according to claim 4, the casing includes a base portion provided by projecting the antenna and the barcode lead portion, and a lid that has a built-in portable wireless function and covers the base portion for bonding. With a body part,
The lid portion may have a structure shared with a lid portion of a normal portable wireless device having only a portable wireless function, and may be configured to also serve as a lid portion of a normal portable wireless device. Good.
[0018]
As a result, when manufacturing a portable wireless device with a barcode lead function having a barcode lead portion, it can be assembled and joined to a part of a normal portable wireless device casing. Therefore, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 shows a portable radio apparatus with a barcode read function according to the present invention. This portable radio apparatus 1 has an antenna 11 protruding from a housing 10 of a portable radio apparatus and a bar. A cord lead portion 2 is provided.
[0020]
The housing 10 includes a base portion 10A in which an antenna 11 and a protruding portion 12 described later are protruded, and a lid portion 10B that covers and joins the base portion 10A. The casing 10 has the same length in the vertical (Y direction) and horizontal (X direction) as the casing of the normal portable wireless device 7 (for example, indicated by reference numeral 70 in FIG. 6). The length (Z direction) is slightly increased because the projecting portion 12 projecting in a substantially triangular shape obliquely downward is provided.
The lid portion 10B incorporates various electronic components that constitute a normal portable radio function, and does not have a barcode read function and has a portable radio function only. And a common structure. In other words, it is configured to also serve as a lid portion of a normal portable wireless device.
[0021]
As the antenna 11, a pop antenna 11B provided with a helical antenna 11A at the tip is used. When the antenna 11 is used as a bar code reader, it is used as a guide when reading a bar code having a normal length in a state in which only the helical antenna 11A is projected inside the lid body 10B. Use as On the other hand, when the pop antenna 11B is a pop antenna 11B drawn to the end, the pop antenna 11B is used as a guide when reading a large bar code greatly extending in the length direction.
[0022]
On the other hand, the protruding portion 12 is not formed to have a length corresponding to the focal length, so that the length of the protruding portion 12 is larger than that of a conventional barcode reader housing bent in a state of protruding downward. Miniaturization and thinning are achieved by the amount of shortening.
[0023]
As shown in FIG. 2, the bar code lead unit 2 emits reading light in a direction substantially parallel to the antenna arrangement direction (inclined by an angle θ with respect to the longitudinal (Y) direction of the housing 10). (Not shown) and a light receiving unit (not shown) that reads and receives the reflected light that is reflected by the surface of the barcode label, and the reading light emitted from the light projecting unit is returned. In a state inclined with respect to the body 10, the protrusion 10 is accommodated inside.
[0024]
Further, the light projecting unit 13 using LD or the like as the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit using PD or the like as the light receiving unit constituting the barcode lead unit 2 of this embodiment are modularized in FIG. A magnetic shield member (not shown) is disposed in the vicinity of the partition wall between the protrusion 12 and the lower housing 10B.
[0025]
Next, a method of using the portable wireless device 1 as a barcode will be described with reference to FIG.
(1) When reading a normal (or small) barcode BC1:
In this case, the helical antenna 11A is used as it is without pulling out the pop antenna 11B, and the left end of the barcode BC1 to be read with respect to the barcode label affixed to the packing box or wrapping paper (in FIG. 4, The tip of the helical antenna 11A may be placed in contact with the label surface slightly outside (corresponding to the right end).
As a result, the minimum reading distance D1 necessary for reading the barcode BC1 is ensured, and at the same time, the entire width of the barcode BC1 can be accommodated in the beam α of the reading light. Can be prevented.
[0026]
(2) When reading a large barcode BC2:
In this case, as shown by a broken line in FIG. 4, the pop antenna 11B is pulled out and used, and the left end of the barcode BC2 to be read (also this It may be applied so that the tip of the pop antenna 11B is slightly in contact with the outer label surface (corresponding to the right end in FIG. 4).
As a result, as in the case of (1), since the entire width of the barcode BC2 can be accommodated in the beam α of the reading light, it is possible to prevent reading failure.
[0027]
(3) Transmission of barcode reading information and transmission of additional information other than this:
In this case, the product information etc. read by the reflected light reflected from the product attached with the barcode symbol or its packaging box is incident on the light receiving unit (not shown) and photoelectrically converted by the PD. Then, it can be transmitted to the other party via the antenna from the transmitter provided in the mobile phone function.
In addition to this bar code information, various information accompanying it can be easily obtained by using various keys 6 (see FIG. 1) or by using voice from the transmitter 3 provided for the mobile phone function. In addition, it can be transmitted to the other party quickly.
Furthermore, from the other party who has received this information, the information immediately instructing the next processing corresponding to the information is received from the image display unit 4 or the receiving unit 5 provided for the mobile phone function via voice on this side. Can do.
[0028]
Next, a method for assembling the portable radio apparatus 1 with a barcode read function according to this embodiment will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5A, the portable wireless device 1 includes a casing 10 that includes a lid portion 10B and a base portion 10A, and a projecting piece provided on the base portion 10A. While being engaged with the lid portion 10B shown in FIG. 5B, a small screw or the like is fastened to a boss or the like and integrally joined.
Further, when the normal portable wireless device 7 is manufactured instead of the portable wireless device 1 with the barcode read function, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5C, the casing 70 includes the lid portion 10B and the base portion. Similarly to the portable wireless device 1, the lid 10B used in the portable wireless device 1 with a barcode function can be used in common. Therefore, the normal portable radio apparatus 7 can be manufactured by engaging the protruding piece portion provided on the base portion 10C with the lid portion 10B, and fixing the small screw or the like to the boss or the like so as to be integrally joined. Is possible.
[0029]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a portable wireless device having an antenna projecting outside the housing, the light projecting unit that emits reading light in a direction substantially parallel to the antenna arrangement direction, and the light projection A barcode read unit having a light receiving unit that reads and reflects the reflected light that is reflected from the surface of the barcode label and returned from the reading light emitted from the unit. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible not only to use as a normal communication means but also to read a barcode by a barcode read unit, and to transmit various information easily and quickly. it can.
[0030]
Further, according to the present invention, the total value of the length of the housing portion constituting the barcode lead portion protruding outward from the housing in an inclined state and the length of the protruding portion of the antenna from the housing is the barcode lead. Corresponds to the minimum read length in a section. Therefore, if the tip of the protruding portion of the antenna is applied to the bar code, the minimum reading distance can be ensured. In other words, the bar code lead portion has a bar length larger than the minimum reading distance due to the protrusion of the antenna. Since access to the code is prevented, information can be easily and reliably read without enlarging the casing.
[0031]
In addition, according to the present invention, bi-directional communication is possible, and information from the other party regarding the product information described in the barcode can also be received. However, as long as the influence of electromagnetic waves does not reach the medical device, it becomes possible to qualify and promptly confirm and use pharmaceuticals during clinical and pathological studies. As a result, great effects such as remote treatment and pathological medical research in remote areas can be expected.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a portable wireless device with a barcode lead function according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 2A and 2B show the portable radio apparatus with a barcode read function of FIG. 1, in which FIG. 2A is a plan view and FIG. 2B is a side view.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing that the housings of both the portable radio apparatus with the barcode read function of FIG. 1 and the ordinary portable radio apparatus can be partially shared.
4 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation of the portable radio apparatus with a barcode read function of FIG. 1. FIG.
5A is a perspective view showing the back surface of the portable radio apparatus with a barcode read function of FIG. 1, FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a base portion showing a common part with a normal portable radio apparatus, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a back surface of a normal portable wireless device.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a surface of a normal portable wireless device.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Portable radio | wireless apparatus 10 with a barcode read function Case 10A Cover part 10B Base | substrate part (For portable radio apparatuses with a barcode read function)
10C Base part (for ordinary portable radio equipment)
11 Antenna 11A Helical antenna 11B Pop antenna 12 Protruding part (barcode lead part)
13 Emitter 2 Barcode Lead 3 Transmitter 4 Display 5 Receiver 6 Key 7 (Normal) Portable Wireless Device BC1 Barcode (Normal, Small)
BC2 barcode (large)
D1 Normal barcode reading distance (minimum reading distance)
D2 Large bar code reading distance L2 Optical axis α of reading light Laser projection width θ Angle of inclination of antenna and reading light

Claims (4)

A portable wireless device having an antenna projecting outside the housing, a light projecting unit that emits reading light in a direction substantially parallel to the antenna arrangement direction, and the reading light emitted from the light projecting unit A bar code lead part having a light receiving part for receiving and receiving reflected light that is reflected and returned from the surface, and from the bar code lead part , the tip of the protruding portion when the antenna is stored The length to the position corresponds to the minimum reading length of a small barcode, and the length from the barcode lead portion to the tip of the protruding portion when the antenna is pulled out is the minimum of a large barcode. A portable radio apparatus with a barcode read function, wherein the portable radio apparatus is configured to correspond to a reading length .   2. The bar code lead housing housing the light projecting portion and the light receiving portion is partially protruded to the outside with respect to the vicinity of the antenna on the upper back of the housing. A portable radio apparatus with a barcode read function according to 1. The total value of the length of the portion of the housing constituting the barcode lead portion that protrudes from the housing in an inclined state and the length of the protruding portion of the antenna from the housing is the barcode lead portion. barcode read function portable wireless device according to claim 2, characterized in that the constructed to correspond to the minimum reading length.   The housing includes a base portion provided by projecting the antenna and the barcode lead portion, and a lid portion that incorporates a portable wireless function and is bonded to the base portion, and the lid portion is And a structure shared with a lid portion of an ordinary portable radio apparatus having only a portable radio function, wherein the lid portion of the ordinary portable radio apparatus is also used. A portable wireless device with a barcode read function according to any one of 1 to 3.

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