JP2005242396A - Information reading/writing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information reading/writing device for easily aligning antennas at the time of performing the transfer of information between a radio tag and the information reading/writing device of a portable terminal by using radio waves as a medium. <P>SOLUTION: A guide light 320 is emitted from an information reading/writing device 102 of a portable terminal, and radio waves to be radiated from an antenna part 111 or surrounding radio wave circumstances are visualized so that alignment can be easily performed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information reading / writing device for reading and / or writing information of a wireless tag.

  In recent years, in order to automate the identification and management of goods and people in product management, production management, and process management, a wireless tag that can record identification data or management data in an identification target and can communicate in a contactless manner ( An information processing system that attaches a data carrier) and reads or writes the data using an information reading / writing device as required is widely used (for example, Patent Document 1). Furthermore, the development of wireless tags compatible with high-frequency band communication of 900 MHz or higher has led to widespread application deployment to systems that take advantage of the narrow directivity and read distance of 4 m or more.

Further, although not in the field of an information processing system that reads or writes data using a wireless tag and an information reading / writing device, a method for supporting antenna positioning in one-to-one communication in a wireless LAN device using radio waves As for, a narrow directivity antenna and a plurality of light emitting diodes corresponding to each antenna are arranged in a line on the circumference, and the reception level measurement unit measures the reception level of the reception signal input from the small antenna, A technique is known in which the light emitting diode corresponding to the antenna corresponding to the reception direction of the reception signal having the maximum S / N ratio is turned on (for example, Patent Document 2).
JP-A-11-149530 JP 2002-124962 A

  However, when the position of the wireless tag is not fixed, for example, when the identification target to which the wireless tag is attached is randomly arranged, or when the information reading / writing device is a portable terminal that can be carried, communication mediation is performed. It is difficult to align the antennas with each other because they are invisible radio waves and narrower directivity.

  As a method of supporting antenna positioning in one-to-one communication using radio waves, a narrow directivity antenna and LEDs corresponding to each antenna are arranged on the circumference like a wireless LAN device found in (Patent Document 2). The reception level of the reception signal input from the small antenna is measured by the reception level measurement unit, and the antenna corresponding to the reception direction of the reception signal with the maximum S / N ratio of the reception level When the same system for lighting and displaying the LED to be applied is applied to the information reading / writing device, it is necessary to arrange a plurality of antennas and light emitting diodes in all directions, which causes an increase in cost.

  Also, in applications that require security, such as money withdrawal, it is assumed that a method of switching modes is adopted in order to communicate at a short distance of about several centimeters in order to improve communication quality and security. In this case, there is a problem that there is no means for easily telling the user that the mode switching between the long distance communication and the short distance communication has been performed.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an information reading / writing device that is convenient for a user even in the case of communicating via a narrow directivity wave in an information reading / writing device that accesses a wireless tag. And

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an information reading / writing device according to the present invention is an information reading / writing device that radiates radio waves to access a wireless tag to exchange data, and uses the radio as a medium to transmit the data. A communication unit that communicates with a tag to exchange data, and a light projecting unit that emits guide light in a visible region so as to indicate a radiation range of the radio waves that can be transmitted and received. To do.

  According to this configuration, the light projecting unit irradiates the guide light so as to irradiate a range that coincides with the range in which the information reading / writing device can read and / or write, so that the narrow directivity radio wave is wireless tag. It is possible to visually confirm that the light is reliably irradiated.

  In addition, the light projecting unit shall be configured so that the outline of the guide light is blurred when the access target position where the wireless tag is disposed is outside the radiation range of the radio wave capable of transmitting and receiving data. Thus, the user can perceive whether or not the wireless tag is within the communicable range.

  In addition, the light projecting unit includes a plurality of light projecting units that irradiate guide light to each, and the access target position where the wireless tag is disposed is outside the radio wave radiation range where data can be transmitted and received. The guide light emitted from each light projecting unit at a point where the state of communication with the wireless tag is the best is obtained by configuring the guide light emitted by each light projecting unit to be spaced apart. By making the state consistent, it becomes easy for the user to search for a good point in the communication state.

  In addition, a distance detection unit that detects a distance from the access target position where the wireless tag is arranged, and a control unit that adjusts the irradiation range of the guide light emitted from the light projecting unit based on information from the distance detection unit By irradiating the guide light so that it matches the communicable range that changes according to the distance between the projection target of the guide light and the antenna, the user can perceive a more accurate communicable range It is.

  In addition, by including a noise detection unit that detects ambient noise, and a control unit that changes the color or blinking state of the guide light emitted from the light projecting unit based on information from the noise detection unit, A means for notifying the user of the radio wave condition can be provided.

  A determination unit that determines, based on a signal from the communication unit, whether or not there are a plurality of wireless tags within a radiation range of a radio wave capable of transmitting / receiving data of the communication unit; and a radio wave capable of transmitting / receiving data A control unit that changes the color or blinking state of the guide light emitted from the light projecting unit when it is detected based on the information from the determination unit when there are a plurality of wireless tags within the radiation range of For example, when there are a plurality of tags within the communicable range, a means for informing the user to alert the user so as not to cause a missed reading by switching to yellow meaning “warning (caution not to miss)” Can be provided.

  A determination unit that determines whether or not there are a plurality of wireless tags within a radio wave radiation range in which data can be exchanged; and a strength of the radio wave radiated from the communication unit; A control unit that controls an irradiation range of the guide light emitted from the light projecting unit based on information from the determination unit, and when there are a plurality of wireless tags within the communicable range, the communication unit By reducing the intensity of the radio waves radiated from the air and narrowing the radiation range of the radio waves that can be transmitted and received, and reducing the irradiation range of the guide light along with the change of the radiation range of the radio waves, for example, communication For the purpose of improving quality and security, it is possible to provide means for notifying the user that the communicable range between the RFID tag and the antenna is controlled by the action of the control unit of the information reading / writing device.

  A first operation unit that starts irradiation of the guide light from the light projecting unit; and a second operation unit that starts communication with the wireless tag, and detects an operation of the first operation unit and By detecting the operation of the second operation unit after performing the guide light irradiation and communicating with the wireless tag, for example, when the first operation unit is operated, the guide light is irradiated to the identification target. Provides an intuitive and easy-to-understand procedure for searching for a wireless tag, such as “alignment for communication” and “reading or writing information to the tag” when the second operation unit is operated it can.

  In addition, the first operation unit that starts the communication with the wireless tag by increasing the intensity of the radio wave radiated from the communication unit, and the first operation unit that starts the communication with the wireless tag by decreasing the intensity of the radio wave emitted from the communication unit. And a radio tag that is within a radio wave radiation range capable of transmitting and receiving data by detecting the operation of the first operation unit and irradiating the radio wave and irradiating the guide light. By performing a search and detecting the operation of the second operation unit and performing communication with a specific wireless tag, for example, when the first operation unit is operated, a “tag search” is performed in the long-distance communication mode. , And when the second operation unit is operated, a procedure for writing the RFID tag that is intuitively understandable for the user, such as “write information to the tag” in the short-range communication mode, can be provided.

  According to the present invention, in an information reading / writing device that accesses a wireless tag, by controlling the guide light irradiation method, the radio waves emitted from the antenna of the main body and the surrounding radio wave conditions are visualized, thereby narrow directivity. It is possible to provide an information reading / writing device with improved user convenience, such as visually confirming that the radio tag is reliably irradiated to the wireless tag.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and demonstrated to what performs the same effect | action.
(Embodiment 1)
1 to 3 show (Embodiment 1) of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an information reading / writing device 102 that communicates with a wireless tag 100 attached to an identification target 101 by radio waves in a high frequency band to exchange data is configured as follows. ing.

  The information reading / writing device 102 includes a main body 110 having a built-in function for communicating with the wireless tag 100 in order to read information on the wireless tag 100 and / or write information on the wireless tag. A grip portion 120 for gripping is provided. The main body portion 110 is provided with an antenna portion 111 that emits radio waves having a narrow directivity with respect to the wireless tag 100.

  Furthermore, the main body 110 includes a transmission lens 112 for allowing guide light to pass through a readable and / or writable range, and a liquid crystal display 113 for displaying the operation result of the wireless tag. The grip 120 includes a power switch 121 for turning on the power and a trigger key 122 for giving a read / write start signal.

A functional block of the information reading / writing device 102 is shown in FIG.
A communication unit 210 having the antenna unit 111 communicates with the wireless tag to read information from the wireless tag 100 and / or write information to the wireless tag 100.

Reference numeral 211 denotes a light projecting unit having the transmissive lens 112, which emits guide light for indicating a readable and / or writable range.
Reference numeral 221 denotes a control unit that supervises each function constituting the information reading / writing device 102, 222 a display unit that displays work information on the liquid crystal display 113, 223 includes the power switch 121, the trigger key 122, and the like. An input unit 224 for receiving input indicates a storage unit for storing various types of information.

  The communication unit 210 and the light projecting unit 211 are configured to be activated when the activation signal from the control unit 221 is turned on, and the activation signal is always in the off state when the information reading / writing device 102 is turned on. To do. That is, when the power to the information reading / writing device 102 is turned on, the functions of the communication unit 210 and the light projecting unit 211 are invalidated.

A configuration of the control unit 221 including a microcomputer as a main part will be described with reference to FIG. 3 showing a specific usage pattern.
FIG. 3 shows a state in which radio waves are emitted and guide light is irradiated when the wireless tag 100 is read and / or written. Note that reference numeral 310 denotes an induction electromagnetic field that is a communicable range in which the communication unit 210 can perform data communication with the wireless tag 100.

The control unit 221 when reading and / or writing to the wireless tag 100 supplies a signal current of several hundred MHz to the antenna unit 111 of the communication unit 210.
As a result, an induction electromagnetic field 310 is generated from the antenna unit 111 and generated between the wireless tags 100, and the communication unit 210 supplies power to the wireless tag 100 in a contactless manner using the induction electromagnetic field 310. Further, encoded data is added to the induction electromagnetic field 310 generated from the antenna unit 111 at this time.

In addition, it is known that the shape of this induction electromagnetic field 310 that becomes a communicable range is a cigar shape having a narrow directivity in the X-axis direction from the central axis of the antenna unit 111.
Further, at this time, the control unit 221 irradiates the guide light 320 of visible light into the area of the induction electromagnetic field 310 from the light projecting unit 211 via the transmission lens 112. Here, the guide light 320 is projected in an elliptical shape on the surface of the identification target 101 when the induction electromagnetic field 310 that is a cigar-shaped communicable range is approximated to a cylindrical shape. The size of the guide light 320 is adjusted in advance using an optical slit or a lens built in the light projecting unit 211 so as to coincide with the induction electromagnetic field 310 that is a communicable range measured in advance.

  The operation when the light projecting unit 211 irradiates the guide light 320 for indicating a communicable range when reading and / or writing to the wireless tag 100 will be described in more detail.

  First, when the control unit 221 detects that the power switch 121 of the input unit 223 is operated, the control unit 221 enters a key input waiting state. When the control unit 221 detects that the trigger key 122 of the input unit 223 is pressed while waiting for key input, the control unit 221 activates the functions of the communication unit 210 and the light projecting unit 211 to be effective. Turn signal ON.

  Next, the control unit 221 emits radio waves as shown in FIG. 3 from the antenna unit 111 of the communication unit 210 and instructs the light projecting unit 211 to project the guide light 320 onto the identification target 101.

  At this time, the user holding the holding unit 120 performs alignment so that the guide light 320 irradiates the wireless tag 100 attached to the identification target 101. As a result, the wireless tag 100 enters the range of the induction electromagnetic field 310, and the information reading / writing device 102 can access the wireless tag 100.

  The wireless tag 100, which is contactlessly fed by the induction electromagnetic field 310 from the information reading / writing device 102 and receives a question instruction, reads information corresponding to the content of the question instruction from its own memory area, emits a radio wave, and responds. To do.

  The control unit 221 collates the output of the communication unit 210 detected and demodulated by the antenna unit 111 from the response from the wireless tag 100, and the information is successfully read or written by the communication between the communication unit 210 and the wireless tag 100. If it is determined that the control unit 221 has stopped the function by turning off the activation signals of the communication unit 210 and the light projecting unit 211, the control unit 221 controls the display unit 222 to display the result on the liquid crystal display 113 (for example, Data contents read from the wireless tag 100) are displayed.

Further, when the user continues to press the trigger key 122, reading or writing of the unprocessed wireless tag 100 in the induction electromagnetic field 310 is performed again from the beginning.
As described above, the light projecting unit 211 emits the guide light 320 so as to irradiate a range that matches the communicable range in which the information reading / writing device 102 can read and / or write, so that the narrow directivity radio wave is emitted. It is possible to visually confirm that the wireless tag 100 is reliably irradiated.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 4 shows a main part of (Embodiment 2) of the present invention.
This (Embodiment 2) differs from (Embodiment 1) in that the guide light emitted from the light projecting unit 211 when the wireless tag 100 is outside the induction electromagnetic field 310 that is the communicable range. The point is that the outline of 320 is blurred.

  Here, in FIG. 4, when the reading and / or writing target position where the wireless tag 100 is provided is outside the induction electromagnetic field 310 that is the communicable range where the information reading / writing device can read and / or write. Shows the principle for creating a blurred state of the outline of the guide light 320 emitted from the light projecting unit 211.

  401 is a light source built in the light projecting unit 211, 402 is a convex lens for condensing the light emitted from the light source 401, 320 · X1 is a guide light projected on the focal point X1 collected by the convex lens 402, 320 · X2 is a guide light projected at a position X2 far away from the focal point X1, and L is a focal length from the center X0 of the convex lens 402 to the focal point X1.

  With this configuration, the light projecting unit 211 can clearly project the outline of the guide light 302 • X1 at the focal point X1. In other words, the outline of the guide light 302 • X2 can be blurred when the light is irradiated to the position X2 farther than the light source 401 compared to the focal point X1.

The focal length L can be arbitrarily specified by adjusting factors (hereinafter, parameters) such as the relative distance between the convex lens 402 and the light source 401 and the shape of the convex lens 402.
As described above, by adjusting these parameters so that the focal point X1 coincides with the limit of the induction electromagnetic field 310 in the X-axis direction that has been measured in advance, the wireless tag 100 can detect the induction electromagnetic field 310. If the wireless tag 100 is outside, the outline of the guide light projected from the light projecting unit 211 onto the identification target 101 is blurred like the guide light 302 X2, and the wireless tag 100 is within the communicable range. The user can perceive whether or not.

(Embodiment 3)
5 and 6 show the main part of (Embodiment 3) of the present invention.
This (Embodiment 3) differs from (Embodiment 2) as compared to the single projector 211 in (Embodiment 2), as shown in FIG. 5 in this (Embodiment 3). The difference is that a plurality of light projecting portions are provided. FIG. 5 shows an example in which two projectors 211A and 211B are provided.

  In FIG. 6, when the reading and / or writing target position where the wireless tag 100 is provided is outside the induction electromagnetic field 310 that is a communicable range where the information reading / writing device can read and / or write, As shown in the position X2, the principle for setting the distance between the guide light 320A irradiated by the light projecting unit 211A and the guide light 320B irradiated by the light projecting unit 211B apart from each other will be described. The guide light 320A and 320B are arranged so that the focus of the light projecting unit 211A and the focus of the light projecting unit 211B coincide with each other at the point with the best communication state (focus X1).

  The light projecting unit 211A includes a light source 401A and a convex lens 402A similar to those in the second embodiment, and the light projecting unit 211B includes a light source 401B and a convex lens 402B similar to those in the second embodiment. The optical axis of the light projecting unit 211A and the optical axis of the light projecting unit 211B are separated by a distance M at the position X0 of the convex lenses 402A and 402, and light is projected at a point (focal point X1) with the best communication state measured in advance. The focal point of the part 211A and the focal point of the light projecting part 211B are decentered by θ so that the respective focal points coincide with each other, and are arranged at an opening angle 2θ.

  With this configuration, the light projecting units 211A and 211B can clearly project the contour of the image obtained by superimposing the two guide lights 320A and 320B at the focal point X1. In other words, it is possible to form an image in which the two guide lights 320A and 320B are separated from each other at a position X2 that is farther away from the light source than the focal point X1.

  The focal length L is arbitrarily specified by adjusting factors such as the relative distance between the convex lens 402A and the light source 401A, the relative distance between the convex lens 402B and the light source 401B, the eccentricity θ, and the shapes of the convex lenses 402A and 402B. it can.

  As described above, the user communicates by setting the guide light emitted by each light projecting unit at the focal point X1, which is the point where the communication state with the wireless tag 100 measured in advance is the best point. It becomes easy to find a point in good condition.

(Embodiment 4)
7 and 8 show the main part of (Embodiment 4) of the present invention.
This (Embodiment 4) is different from (Embodiment 1) in that a distance detector 601 for detecting the distance from the identification target 101 provided with the wireless tag 100 and guide light as shown in FIG. It is a point provided with the drive part 602 for changing the shape of 320. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the distance detection unit 601 transmits infrared rays from the infrared transmission device built in the main body unit 110 to the measurement target, and uses the reflection to obtain the distance from the identification target 101. Yes. The drive unit 602 is configured to change the size of the light slit in the light projecting unit 211 in order to change the size of the guide light 320.

  With this configuration, the induction electromagnetic field 310 that is the communicable range of the wireless tag 100 has a cigar shape in the X-axis direction from the central axis of the antenna unit 111, and thus the control unit 221 is based on information from the distance detection unit 601. Sends a command to the drive unit 602, adjusts the light slit built in the light projecting unit 211, and irradiates the guide light 320 having a size that matches the induction electromagnetic field 310 measured in advance. The user can perceive the communicable range.

(Embodiment 5)
FIG. 9 shows (Embodiment 5) of the present invention.
This (Embodiment 5) differs from (Embodiment 4) in that a noise detection unit 801 is added as shown in FIG. 9 and a light projecting unit 802 is provided in place of the light projecting unit 211. The only difference is that the control unit 221 is configured to change the color of the guide light in accordance with ambient noise.

  In FIG. 9, a noise detection unit 801 that detects ambient noise monitors the frequency of errors that occur when the communication unit 210 extracts a response from the wireless tag 100 to monitor the intensity of ambient noise. The light projecting unit 802 includes a light source having a plurality of colors, and can change the color of the guide light.

  With this configuration, the noise detection unit 801 monitors the frequency of errors that occur when the communication unit 210 extracts a response from the wireless tag 100, thereby monitoring the strength of ambient noise. The control unit 221 When the error frequency detected by the detection unit 801 exceeds the limit that affects the communication quality and the light projection unit 802 has a lot of noise, the light source is switched to red meaning “abnormal”, and conversely, the noise detection unit When 801 determines that the influence of noise on the communication quality is small, the light source is changed to green meaning “normal”.

  As described above, it is possible to notify the user of the surrounding radio wave conditions using the information reading / writing device 102. Although the color of the guide light from the light projecting unit 802 is changed according to the radio wave condition, the same effect is expected even if the blinking state is changed according to the radio wave condition, for example, the guide light is flushed without changing the color of the guide light. it can.

In the fourth embodiment, ambient noise is detected and the color of the guide light is changed. However, the same can be applied to the first to third embodiments.
(Embodiment 6)
FIG. 10 shows (Embodiment 6) of the present invention.

  This (Embodiment 6) differs from (Embodiment 4) in that a determination unit 901 is added as shown in FIG. 10, and a light projecting unit 802 is provided in place of the light projecting unit 211. The only difference is that the control unit 221 is configured to change the color of the guide light depending on whether or not there are a plurality of wireless tags in the communicable range.

  In FIG. 10, the determination unit 901 determines whether there are a plurality of wireless tags 100 within a communicable range where the information reading / writing device 102 can read and / or write based on a signal from the communication unit 210. To do. The light projecting unit 802 includes a light source having a plurality of colors, and can change the color of the guide light.

  With this configuration, the determination unit 901 monitors the number of detections of the wireless tag 100 within a predetermined time when the communication unit 210 extracts a response from the wireless tag 100, and the control unit 221 determines that the determination unit 901 includes a plurality of wireless tags. When the tag 100 is detected, the light projecting unit 802 is instructed to switch the color of the guide light to yellow, which means “warning (careful not to read)”.

As described above, when there are a plurality of wireless tags 100 within the communicable range, the user can be notified in order to call attention so as not to miss reading.
Note that when there are a plurality of wireless tags 100 within the communicable range, the color of the guide light from the light projecting unit 802 is changed, but the blinking state such as flushing the guide light without changing the color of the guide light is communicated. The same effect can be expected even when there are a plurality of wireless tags 100 within the possible range and when there is no wireless tag 100.

(Embodiment 7)
In (Embodiment 6), the control unit 221 changes the color of the guide light generated from the light projecting unit 802 in accordance with the output of the determination unit 901. In this (Embodiment 7), the output of the determination unit 901 is changed. Accordingly, the control unit 221 changes the color of the guide light generated from the light projecting unit 802, and the control unit 221 controls the intensity of the radio wave emitted from the communication unit 210 according to the output of the determination unit 901. Yes.

  With this configuration, when the determination unit 901 detects a plurality of wireless tags 100, the control unit 221 reduces the intensity of radio waves emitted from the communication unit 210 to narrow the communicable range, and combines with this communicable range. By narrowing the irradiation range of the guide light 320, the user can be notified that the communicable range between the wireless tag and the antenna is controlled for the purpose of improving communication quality and security.

  The configuration for controlling the irradiation range of the guide light 320 based on the detection of the determination unit 901 is configured such that the control unit 221 instructs the drive unit 602 to change the size of the light slit in the light projecting unit 211. ing.

  In addition, instead of the control unit 221 changing the color of the guide light generated from the light projecting unit 802 in accordance with the output of the determination unit 901, the flashing state of the guide light can be changed and the notification can be made. .

(Embodiment 8)
FIG. 11 shows (Embodiment 8) of the present invention.
This (Embodiment 8) differs from (Embodiment 6) (Embodiment 7) in that the first operation detection unit SW10 and the second operation key are used as a trigger key 122 in the input unit 223 as shown in FIG. This operation detection unit SW20 uses a key switch having a two-stage switching state, and the first operation detection unit SW10 is switched to this state in a state where the trigger key is lightly pushed by the finger of the hand holding the holding unit 121. The second operation detection unit SW20 is switched to detect this state by further pressing the trigger key, and the first operation is detected when the trigger key is lightly pressed. The control unit 221 detected from the detection unit SW10 starts irradiation of guide light from the light projecting unit 802. The control unit 221 that has detected from the second operation detection unit SW20 that the trigger key has been pressed deeper is configured to control the communication unit 210 to start communication with the wireless tag 100.

  As described above, when the first operation detection unit SW10 is operated, the identification target 101 is irradiated with the guide light to perform “positioning for communication”, and when the second operation detection unit SW20 is further operated, “to tag” It is possible to provide a procedure for searching for a wireless tag that is intuitively easy for the user to read or write the information.

  The first operation detection unit SW10 is provided as the first operation unit, and the second operation detection unit SW20 is provided as the second operation unit. In this (Embodiment 8), the first and second operations are performed. The detection units SW1 and SW2 can be operated by a single trigger key depending on the strength of the operation force, in the specific example, depending on the degree of pressing, but the first and second operation units are not limited to this. Specifically, in addition to the trigger key 122, a first operation unit that can detect that the user has grasped the grip unit 120 is provided, and the control unit 221 is set to the user by using the trigger key 122 as the second operation unit. Is detected from the first operation unit, guide light is applied to the identification target 101 to perform “positioning for communication”, and when the trigger key 122 is further operated, “to tag” It is possible to provide a procedure for searching for a wireless tag that is intuitively easy for the user to read or write the information.

  In this (Embodiment 8), the two-stage control of “alignment for communication” and “reading or writing information to a tag” is not limited to (Embodiment 6) (Embodiment 7). Embodiments 1) to (Embodiment 5) can be similarly implemented.

(Embodiment 9)
FIG. 12 shows (Embodiment 9) of the present invention.
This (Embodiment 9) differs from (Embodiment 4) in that a first trigger key 122A and a second trigger key 122B are provided as the trigger key 122 in the input unit 223 as shown in FIG. When one of the first and second trigger keys 122A and 122B is operated by the finger of the hand holding the grip unit 121, the control unit 221 controls the communication unit 210 according to the operated trigger key. The only difference is that the radio wave intensity can be switched. Further, the control unit 221 is configured to control the irradiation range of the guide light 320 by changing the size of the light slit in the light projecting unit 211 via the driving unit 602 in response to the switching of the radio wave intensity. .

  Specifically, the first operation unit that starts the communication with the wireless tag 100 by increasing the intensity of the radio wave emitted from the communication unit 210 corresponds to the first trigger key 122A, and the radio wave emitted from the communication unit 210 Assuming that the second trigger key 122B corresponds to the second operation unit that starts communication with the wireless tag 100 with a weakened intensity, the control unit 221 operates when the first trigger key 122A is operated. Communication with the wireless tag 100 is performed by increasing the intensity of the radio wave emitted from the communication unit 210, and then the radio tag is decreased by reducing the intensity of the radio wave emitted from the communication unit 210 when the second trigger key 122B is operated. Communication with 100 is started.

  As described above, when the first trigger key 122A is operated, “tag search” is performed in the long-distance communication mode, and when the second trigger key 122B is further operated, “information writing to the tag is performed”. Can be provided for the user to write the wireless tag intuitively and easily.

  The first trigger key 122A and the second trigger key 122B are separate switches. However, a single switch such as the first and second operation detectors SW1 and SW2 in (Embodiment 8) is used. The same applies to switches of the type that are operated depending on the degree of pressing by the trigger key.

  In addition, although this (Embodiment 9) has been described as a development of (Embodiment 4), (Embodiment 1) to (Embodiment 3), (Embodiment 5) to (Embodiment 8) ) In the same manner.

  In addition to a handy scanner that accesses a wireless tag to exchange data, it can also be used to exchange information on various logistics data using it.

Explanatory drawing of use state and appearance in (Embodiment 1) of the information reading / writing apparatus of the present invention Block diagram of the embodiment Explanatory drawing when radiating radio waves of the same embodiment and irradiating guide light Explanatory drawing of the principal part in (Embodiment 2) of the information reading / writing apparatus of this invention The block diagram in (Embodiment 3) of the information reading / writing apparatus of this invention Principle explanatory diagram of the main part of the same embodiment The block diagram in (Embodiment 4) of the information reading / writing apparatus of this invention Explanatory drawing of the usage state of the same embodiment The block diagram in (Embodiment 5) of the information reading / writing apparatus of this invention The block diagram in (Embodiment 6) of the information reading / writing apparatus of this invention The block diagram in (Embodiment 8) of the information reading / writing apparatus of this invention The block diagram in (Embodiment 9) of the information reading / writing apparatus of this invention

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Wireless tag 101 Identification object 102 Information reading / writing apparatus 110 Main body part 111 Antenna part 112 Transmission lens 113 Liquid crystal display 120 Grip part 121 Power switch 122 Trigger key 122A First trigger key 122B Second trigger key 210 Communication part 211, 211A, 211B Light projecting unit 221 Control unit 222 Display unit 223 Input unit 224 Storage unit 310 Inductive electromagnetic field 320 Guide light 320A, 320B Guide light 320 / X1 Guide light 320 / X2 projected onto focus X1 Projected to position X2 Guide light 401, 401A, 401B Light source 402, 402A, 402B Convex lens 601 Distance detection unit 602 Drive unit 801 Noise detection unit 802 Projection unit 901 Determination unit SW1 First operation unit SW2 Second operation unit SW10 First operation detection Part SW2 The second operation detection unit

Claims (18)

An information reading / writing device that radiates radio waves to access a wireless tag to exchange data,
A communication unit that communicates with the wireless tag using radio waves as a medium to exchange data;
An information reading / writing apparatus comprising: a light projecting unit that emits guide light in a visible region so as to indicate a radiation range of the radio wave capable of transmitting and receiving data. The information reading / writing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light projecting unit is configured to irradiate guide light so as to irradiate a range that coincides with a radiation range of the radio wave capable of transmitting and receiving data. The light projecting unit is configured so that the outline of the guide light is blurred when the access target position where the wireless tag is arranged is outside the radiation range of the radio wave capable of transmitting and receiving data. The information reading / writing device described. The light projecting unit includes a plurality of light projecting units that irradiate each with guide light, and when the access target position where the wireless tag is disposed is outside the radiation range of the radio wave capable of transmitting and receiving data, The information reading / writing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the guide light irradiated by the light projecting unit is spaced apart. A distance detection unit that detects a distance from the access target position where the wireless tag is arranged, and a control unit that adjusts the irradiation range of the guide light emitted from the light projecting unit based on information from the distance detection unit The information reading / writing apparatus according to claim 1 provided. A noise detector that detects ambient noise;
The information reading / writing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a control unit that changes a color or blinking state of the guide light emitted from the light projecting unit based on information from the noise detection unit. A determination unit that determines whether or not there are a plurality of wireless tags within a radio wave radiation range in which data of the communication unit can be transmitted and received, based on a signal from the communication unit;
Control for changing the color or blinking state of the guide light emitted from the light projecting unit when it is detected based on information from the determination unit that there are a plurality of radio tags within the radiation range of radio waves where data can be exchanged The information reading / writing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a section. A determination unit that determines whether or not there are a plurality of wireless tags within a radio wave radiation range in which data can be exchanged, based on a signal from the communication unit;
A control unit that controls the intensity of the radio wave radiated from the communication unit and the irradiation range of the guide light emitted from the light projecting unit based on information from the determination unit, and a plurality of radios within the communicable range If the tag exists, the radio wave radiated from the communication unit is weakened to reduce the radio wave radiation range where data can be transmitted and received. The information reading / writing device according to claim 1, wherein the irradiation range is also narrowed. A first operation unit for starting irradiation of guide light from the light projecting unit;
A second operation unit for starting communication with the wireless tag, detecting an operation of the first operation unit and irradiating the guide light, and detecting an operation of the second operation unit The information reading / writing apparatus according to claim 1, which performs communication with a wireless tag. A first operation unit for increasing the intensity of radio waves radiated from the communication unit and starting communication with the wireless tag;
A second operation unit that weakens the intensity of the radio wave emitted from the communication unit and starts communication with the wireless tag, and detects the operation of the first operation unit to detect the radiation of the radio wave and the guide light. A search for a wireless tag that exists within a radio wave radiation range that can be transmitted and received by performing irradiation, detects an operation of the second operation unit, and communicates with a specific wireless tag. The information reading / writing apparatus according to claim 8. When radiating radio waves to access wireless tags to exchange data,
Radiating the radio wave and irradiating a guide light in the visible region so as to irradiate a range that matches the radiation range of the radio wave capable of transmitting and receiving data,
An operation method of an information reading / writing apparatus that accesses the wireless tag by aligning the irradiation position of the guide light with an access target position where the wireless tag is disposed. When transmitting and receiving data by radiating radio waves from the information reading and writing device to access the wireless tag,
While radiating the radio waves, irradiate the guide light in the visible region from a plurality of light projecting units where the optical axes of each other intersect at a predetermined opening angle,
The distance between the information reading / writing device and the access target position where the wireless tag is arranged is adjusted so that the guide light emitted from each light projecting unit overlaps, and the access is within the range of the overlapped guide light. An operation method of an information reading / writing apparatus for aligning a target position and accessing the wireless tag. When radiating radio waves to access wireless tags to exchange data,
Radiating the radio wave and irradiating a guide light in the visible region so as to irradiate a range that matches the radiation range of the radio wave capable of transmitting and receiving data,
Automatically adjusting the irradiation range of the guide light based on the distance to the access target position where the wireless tag is arranged,
An operation method of an information reading / writing apparatus, wherein the access target position is aligned within a range of guide light whose irradiation range is automatically adjusted and the wireless tag is accessed. When radiating radio waves to access wireless tags to exchange data,
Radiating the radio wave and irradiating a guide light in the visible region so as to irradiate a range that matches the radiation range of the radio wave capable of transmitting and receiving data,
Access the wireless tag by aligning the access target position within the range of the guide light,
Monitor the frequency of errors that occur when a communication unit that communicates with the wireless tag using radio waves as a medium to exchange data takes out a response from the wireless tag,
Change the color or blinking state of the guide light to notify the surrounding radio wave status when it is determined that the error frequency exceeds the limit that affects communication quality and when it is determined that the effect on communication quality is small Operation method of information reading / writing device. When radiating radio waves to access wireless tags to exchange data,
Radiating the radio wave and irradiating a guide light in the visible region so as to irradiate a range that matches the radiation range of the radio wave capable of transmitting and receiving data,
Access the wireless tag by aligning the access target position within the range of the guide light,
Determine whether or not there are a plurality of wireless tags within the radiation range of the radio wave based on a communication unit signal that communicates with the radio tag using radio waves as a medium to exchange data,
An information reading form for notifying that reading of a plurality of wireless tags does not occur by changing the color or blinking state of the guide light depending on whether or not there are a plurality of wireless tags in the radio wave radiation range Operating method When radiating radio waves to access wireless tags to exchange data,
Radiating the radio wave and irradiating a guide light in the visible region so as to irradiate a range that matches the radiation range of the radio wave capable of transmitting and receiving data,
Access the wireless tag by aligning the access target position within the range of the guide light,
Determine whether or not there are a plurality of wireless tags within the radiation range of the radio wave based on a communication unit signal that communicates with the radio tag using radio waves as a medium to exchange data,
When there are a plurality of wireless tags within the radio wave radiation range, the radio wave radiation range from which the data can be exchanged is narrowed by reducing the intensity of the radio wave radiated from the communication unit. A method of operating an information reading / writing apparatus that informs that communication quality and security are improved by narrowing the irradiation range of the guide light in accordance with the change of the range. When radiating radio waves to access wireless tags to exchange data,
Prior to the start of radiation of the radio wave from the communication unit that communicates with the wireless tag using radio waves as a medium to perform data transmission and reception, irradiates a range that matches the radiation range of the radio waves that can be transmitted and received. So that the guide light in the visible region is irradiated
A method for operating the information reading / writing apparatus, wherein communication with a wireless tag is started by starting radiation of radio waves from the communication unit. When radiating radio waves to access wireless tags to exchange data,
The radio wave is radiated, and a visible light guide light is irradiated so as to irradiate a range that coincides with the radio wave radiation range where data can be transmitted and received, and a wireless tag existing within the radio wave radiation range is searched. ,
After that the output of the radio wave radiated is lower than in the case of the search for the wireless tag and the irradiation range of the guide light is changed,
An operation method of an information reading / writing apparatus for performing communication with a specific wireless tag by aligning the access target position within the range of the guide light.

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