JP4146038B2 - Mobile terminal device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a portable terminal device user equipped with image reading equipment for performing an operation to read the image in his hand.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, in order to improve work efficiency and the like, portable terminal devices (hereinafter abbreviated as portable terminals) that users carry and input data as needed have become widespread. This portable terminal is a device that has been commercialized on the assumption that it is mainly used in the field. Many of them are equipped with scanners (image reading devices) that read bar codes attached to products (including boxes that store products) and forms.
[0003]
By installing a scanner, it becomes possible to quickly identify processing targets such as products and customers, thereby realizing high work efficiency. However, the work efficiency is always desired to be further improved.
[0004]
Conventional portable terminals are equipped with a scanner that reads an image in one dimension, so that only barcodes can be read. It cannot be said that the amount of information obtained by reading an image is large. From this, it can be considered that more information is read from the image and utilized. In many cases, merchandise and slips are provided with a column for pressing a person in charge or a recipient. For this reason, recently, portable terminals equipped with image sensors and capable of reading imprints or signatures have been commercialized.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As is well known, in the barcode, the information represented by the thickness of each bar can be extracted by specifying the thickness of each bar. For this reason, the accuracy required for the distance to the image is low.
[0006]
The low accuracy means that the barcode can be read even from a relatively distant position. For this reason, some portable terminals whose barcodes are to be read are provided with a stick in order to facilitate aiming at the barcode.
[0007]
On the other hand, in the case of imprints and signatures, the distance between them greatly affects the size and sharpness of the read image. For this reason, the accuracy required for the distance to the image is high. However, in a conventional portable terminal equipped with an image sensor, the user has to adjust the distance depending on his / her sense. For this reason, there has been a problem that images cannot be read properly. The same applies to not only a portable terminal but also an image reading device (including other portable devices equipped with the image reading device) used for reading such requested images.
[0008]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a technique that enables an image to be read appropriately at all times in an apparatus that allows a user to read an image by hand.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention is a portable terminal device that is carried by a user and inputs data, and an image reading unit that reads an image through a reading window provided on one side surface of a casing that covers the entire device; A guide which is attached to the outside of the housing so as to protrude from the reading window and secures an appropriate distance between the image reading unit and the image when the image reading unit reads the image. A space is formed in the guide means, and at least an antenna is housed in the space as a part of the components of the mobile terminal device, and the case is magnetically shielded. The guide means is not magnetically shielded .
[0010]
With such a configuration, when the image is read by the image reading unit, an appropriate distance can be secured by the guide unit between the image reading unit and the image. Matching can be performed accurately and quickly. In addition, the inside of the guide means can be used as a storage space for parts constituting the mobile terminal device. In particular, the antenna is housed at least in the space inside the guide means, and the casing is magnetically shielded, but the guide means is not magnetically shielded. At the same time, it is possible to widen the communicable range by expanding the range in which the radio wave reaches, while preventing it from being received or exerted.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.
<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a portable terminal (portable terminal apparatus) according to the first embodiment, and shows a schematic configuration thereof. First, the configuration of the mobile terminal 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
[0015]
As shown in FIG. 1, the portable terminal 1 includes an image sensor (for example, a CCD camera) 3 and various printed wiring boards (PT boards) 4 in a casing 2 having a flat plate shape as a whole. To 6 and the battery 8 are housed. A sensor window 2a is provided on the side surface of the housing 2 in the vicinity of the image sensor 3, and a display (for example, LCD), various switches, and the like are provided on the front surface of the housing 2 although not particularly illustrated. .
[0016]
The image sensor 3 reads an image in two dimensions. By providing it, in addition to the two-dimensional bar code, an imprint pressed in a predetermined field such as a slip, or a signature written thereon can be read. By reading these seals or signatures, it is possible to directly input whether the customer has agreed to pay the billed amount, the relationship between the purchased product and the person who actually received it. . By reading a larger amount of information, it becomes possible to directly input data of more items. As a result, convenience is improved and higher working efficiency can be realized.
[0017]
The PT plate 4 is a part that controls the terminal 1 as a whole, and is provided with various elements, connectors 4a, and the like. The connector 4a is for connecting to a PC card (for example, a type I data storage card) 7 stored in the terminal 1. The PT plate 5 is a part that controls the image sensor 3. The PT plate 6 is provided with a terminal 6a that comes into contact with a terminal (not shown) of the battery 8 housed therein. The terminal 6a takes out current from the battery 8 and supplies it to each part.
[0018]
The guide 9 is attached from the back surface of the housing 2 to the side surface provided with the sensor window 2a. It is attached in a state of protruding from the side surface on which the sensor window 2a is provided without covering the sensor window 2a. The attachment is performed by inserting the end portion 9a of the guide 9 into the groove 2b provided in the housing 2 and positioning it, and then fixing the state with screws (not shown).
[0019]
As described above, the image sensor 3 can read not only a barcode (including a two-dimensional barcode) but also an imprint pressed in a predetermined field such as a slip or a signature written on the stamp. Adopted. From this, the distance between the projecting surface 9b located at the end of the portion of the guide 9 projecting toward the sensor window 2a and the sensor window 2a (hereinafter referred to as the height of the projecting surface 9b) is Decided based on size.
[0020]
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining how to use the portable terminal 1 including the guide 9. More specifically, a method of using the portable terminal 1 for reading a reading object 12 such as a product (including a box containing the goods) or a processing target 11 such as a slip or a signature is described. It is a figure to do. Here, in order to clarify the reading target 12, a step is provided.
[0021]
When the guide 9 is provided on the portable terminal 1, as shown in FIG. 2, the portable terminal 1 can be read only by pressing the protruding surface 9b of the guide 9 against the processing target 11 in the vicinity of the reading target 12. 12 can be aligned at an appropriate position. The sensor window 2a can be read at the reading object 12, and the distance between the sensor window 2a can be adjusted to an appropriate position. Therefore, the user can read the reading object 12 clearly and quickly with an appropriate size.
[0022]
Note that actual reading is performed by the user operating a predetermined switch. When the switch is operated by the user, for example, a light emitting element provided in the image sensor 3 emits light, irradiates the reading target 12 with light through the sensor window 2a, and reflected light from the reading target 12 is reflected by the image sensor 3. Is incident on a light receiving element (for example, CCD). In this way, the image (image) of the reading object 12 is read.
[0023]
The image sensor 3 is expensive among those constituting the mobile terminal 1. Since the mobile terminal 1 is usually carried by a user and used, there are many cases where the mobile terminal 1 is often dropped or bumped into something. However, since the guide 9 protrudes on the side surface where the sensor window 2a is provided, the guide 9 protects the sensor window 2a and further the image sensor 3. Thereby, it is possible to obtain an effect that the cost for repairing the portable terminal 1 or the like is further reduced and the life is extended.
[0024]
In the first embodiment, the guide 9 is supported by the portable terminal 1 by inserting the end 9a of the guide 9 into the groove 2b formed in the housing 2 and screwing. The method for supporting the guide 9 is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a groove 2c may be further provided in the housing 2, and the other end 9c of the guide 9 may be supported by the groove 2c. By doing so, the guide 9 can be more firmly supported by the mobile terminal 1.
[0025]
The shape of the guide 9 is a plate having a thickness as a whole, but may be a thin plate. In such a shape, the position may be movable. That is, when reading an image, the image can be projected to the sensor window 2a side, and otherwise, the image can be retracted so as not to project. Further, the guide 9 may be formed integrally with the housing 2.
[0026]
Although the protruding surface 9b is flat, it does not have to be flat. Further, since the protruding surface 9b is likely to collide with the ground, another device, or a member, the portion may be formed as another member such as an elastic member or covered with the elastic member. . The guide 9 is provided on the back side of the mobile terminal 1, but may be provided on a different side. A plurality may be provided instead of one.
<Second Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, the guide 9 is provided so that the distance between the reading object 12 and the sensor window 2a (image sensor 3) can always be kept appropriate. By providing the guide 9, a space (a sealed space) is formed between the housing 2 and the guide 9. The width is substantially the same as the width of the sensor window 2 a or the housing 2. In the second embodiment, the space formed by the housing 2 and the guide 9 is used for storing the components constituting the mobile terminal 1.
[0027]
The configuration of the mobile terminal according to the second embodiment is basically the same as that of the mobile terminal 1 according to the first embodiment. For this reason, the same reference numerals are used for basically the same components as those in the first embodiment, and only the portions different from those in the first embodiment will be described. This also applies to other embodiments described later.
[0028]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the mobile terminal 1 according to the second embodiment. In particular, a portion that differs from the first embodiment is noted, and the portion is extracted and shown.
[0029]
The portable terminal 1 is equipped with a function capable of transmitting and receiving data wirelessly with an installed base station. As shown in FIG. 4, in the second embodiment, an antenna 41 for performing transmission / reception is installed in a space formed by the housing 2 and the guide 9. In the first embodiment, the antenna 41 for transmitting and receiving data to and from the base station is provided on the PT plate 4 as in the prior art.
[0030]
An image sensor 3 such as a CCD camera that reads an image in two dimensions is larger than a scanner that reads an image that has been used so far in one dimension. In general, portable terminals are required to be smaller and lighter, and the remaining space in the housing 2 is usually very small. For this reason, if the image sensor 3 is simply mounted instead of the scanner, the size of the apparatus increases accordingly.
[0031]
However, as shown in FIG. 4, when the antenna 41 is arranged in the space formed by the guide 9 and used as a storage space, the number of parts to be arranged on the PT plate 4 is reduced, and the size thereof (for example, the longitudinal direction) Can be made small. For this reason, the enlargement of the portable terminal 1 (main body) can also be avoided.
[0032]
By the way, in an electric device, the inside of a housing is covered (shielded) with a conductive member so as not to be affected or affected by electromagnetic waves. The same applies to the mobile terminal 1.
[0033]
When the antenna 41 is placed inside the shielded interior, the range over which radio waves reach becomes narrower. However, since the guide 9 is not shielded, when the antenna 41 is placed in the space formed by the guide 9, radio waves can reach farther. As such, there is an effect that the communicable range can be made wider.
[0034]
In the second embodiment, one space is formed by the guide 9 and the housing 2, but more space may be formed. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the guide 9 is attached to the housing 2, a protrusion 9 d that is in contact with the step 2 d and the end of the housing 2 is provided on the guide 9 to form two spaces. May be. Each space not only can be used for storing parts, but also functions to prevent water from entering (most likely between the housing 2 and the guide 9) and diffusion (antenna 41 and PT plate). The housing 2 is perforated for the cable that connects to 4). For this reason, the portable terminal 1 can be made more robust by forming a plurality of spaces. As a matter of course, the space may not be formed by the guide 9 and the housing 2. For example, a space may be formed in the guide 9 itself.
<Third Embodiment>
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the mobile terminal 1 according to the third embodiment. A portion that differs particularly from the first or second embodiment is noted, and the portion is extracted and shown.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 6, in the third embodiment, a backup battery 61 is housed in a space formed by the housing 2 and the guide 9. Thereby, the number of parts to be accommodated in the housing 2 is reduced, and the portable terminal 1 main body is prevented from being enlarged.
[0036]
The battery 61 may be attached / detached by removing the guide 9 from the housing 2 of the portable terminal 1. For example, a removable lid is provided on the guide 9 itself, and the lid is removed to remove the battery 61. You may make it attach and detach.
<Fourth embodiment>
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the mobile terminal 1 according to the fourth embodiment. Particular attention is paid to a part that is particularly different from the first to third embodiments, and the part is extracted and shown.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 7, in the fourth embodiment, a hole 9 e is provided in the guide 9, and the light emitting element 71 is accommodated in a space formed by the guide 9 and the housing 2. Although not shown in particular, when a predetermined switch is operated, a voltage is applied from the main body side of the portable terminal 1 so that the light emitting element 71 emits light.
[0038]
The mobile terminal 1 cannot always be used in a bright environment. However, since the light emitting element 71 that allows the user to arbitrarily emit light is prepared, the user can use the portable terminal 1 even in a dark environment. Since the light emitting element 71 is housed in the space formed by the guide 9, it is possible to avoid an increase in the size of the mobile terminal 1 main body. In addition, since it is possible to prevent the user's hands from being blocked, it is possible to further suppress a decrease in work efficiency caused by the dark surroundings.
[0039]
In the fourth embodiment, a voltage is applied to the light emitting element 71 from the main body side. However, a battery is housed in a space formed by the guide 9 and the voltage is applied from the main body side. May be unnecessary. In other words, a function as a lighting device may be mounted on the guide 9 itself. You may make it attach to the portable terminal 1 not only as the guide 9 but as an illuminating device. Although it enlarges, you may mount in the portable terminal 1 main body. About the hole 9e of the guide 9, it is good also as a member which permeate | transmits the light instead of providing it. In such a case, the range in which the member is used may be not only the portion of the hole 9e but also a wider range. By irradiating light from a wider range, even if the protruding surface 9b is pressed against a product or the like, the surroundings can be illuminated. As a result, convenience is further improved.
<Fifth embodiment>
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the mobile terminal 1 according to the fifth embodiment. Particular attention is paid to a part that differs particularly from the first to fourth embodiments, and the part is extracted and shown.
[0040]
As shown in FIG. 8, in the fifth embodiment, a hole 9 f is provided in the guide 9 so that the touch pen 81 can be stored in a space formed by the guide 9 and the housing 2. This eliminates the need to provide equipment (parts, spaces, etc.) for housing the touch pen 81 on the main body side, thereby avoiding an increase in size.
<Sixth Embodiment>
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the mobile terminal 1 according to the sixth embodiment. Particular attention is paid to a part that differs particularly from the first to fifth embodiments, and the part is extracted and shown.
[0041]
As shown in FIG. 9, in the sixth embodiment, the space formed by the guide 9 and the housing 2 is used to store the expansion unit 91. This eliminates the need to provide equipment for housing the expansion unit 91 on the main body side, thereby avoiding an increase in size. The extension unit 91 is, for example, a wireless communication transceiver having an antenna.
[0042]
In addition, although this Embodiment (1st-6th Embodiment) applies this invention to the portable terminal 1, if it is an apparatus which performs operation which a user reads an image with a hand, The present invention can also be applied to a dedicated image reading device (used in connection with another device), and to other types of devices equipped with the image reading device.
[0043]
With regard to the storage of parts and the like, by providing a lid or the like on the guide 9, it becomes possible to attach and detach the parts and the like without attaching and detaching the guide 9 itself. For this reason, even if it is a case where it uses for storage of components, the guide 9 can also be integrally formed with the housing | casing 2. FIG.
[0044]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, since the present invention indicates an appropriate distance when an image is read, the user can accurately and quickly perform alignment at that time. This not only ensures that the image can be read properly, but also improves the work efficiency.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a portable terminal device according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a method of using the mobile terminal device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining another method of supporting the guide.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile terminal device according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining another space forming method using a guide.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile terminal device according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile terminal device according to a fourth embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile terminal device according to a fifth embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile terminal device according to a sixth embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Portable terminal device 2 Case 2a Sensor window 2b, 2c Groove 2d Step 3 Image sensor 4-6 Printed wiring board (PT board)
9 Guide 9a, 9c End portion 9b Projecting surface 9d Projection 9e, 9f Hole 41 Antenna 61 Battery 71 Light emitting element 81 Touch pen 91 Expansion unit

Claims (1)

A mobile terminal device for a user to carry data and input data,
Image reading means for reading an image through a reading window provided on one side surface of a housing covering the entire apparatus;
Attached so as to protrude from the outside of the casing and out of the reading window, when the image reading unit reads an image, an appropriate distance is secured between the image reading unit and the image. A guide means,
A space is formed inside the guide means, and at least an antenna is housed in the space as a part of the constituent elements of the mobile terminal device, and the housing is magnetically shielded. Do not magnetically shield
The portable terminal device characterized by the above-mentioned.

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