JP4412869B2 - Bar code reader - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a wireless bar code reader used for reading a bar code printed on a newspaper, magazine, inserted leaflet, etc. and accessing a predetermined server.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Many servers are connected to the Internet, and various contents are provided. Various search engines are provided to select and access a desired one of them. Apart from this, URLs are also printed on newspapers, magazines, insert leaflets and the like other than the Internet, and users are called for access. In order for the user to actually access, the contents of the server (Web site) must be attractive and easily accessible.
[0003]
As a technique for facilitating access to a predetermined URL, a barcode is used. That is, a barcode is printed on a paper medium such as a newspaper, a magazine, or a leaflet, read by a barcode reader connected to a personal computer, converted into a URL, and a browser is automatically activated to obtain the URL. Jump. It is an easy and reliable access method and is expected to become widespread in the future.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Conventional barcode readers are difficult to carry because they are connected to a personal computer or the like by electric wires. It would be convenient if the barcode reader could be carried separately from a client such as a personal computer.
[0005]
For example, a bar code of a newspaper or magazine can be read and sent to a nearby personal computer, and a desired home page can be viewed immediately. If you don't have a personal computer but have a mobile phone, you can send a barcode to it. If there are a plurality of clients such as a personal computer, a mobile phone, and a digital TV nearby, the barcode can be transmitted to any of these clients. Furthermore, when a barcode is printed on an outdoor poster or flyer, the barcode can be read immediately on the spot, and the barcode can be transmitted to a personal computer after arriving at the home or office so that a desired homepage can be viewed.
[0006]
Thus, a portable barcode reader can read a barcode regardless of location. Conventionally, a client such as a personal computer using a bar code is started first, then a bar code reader is connected to the client, and then the bar code is read. In other words, the client who uses the barcode first was specified. However, if it is a portable barcode reader, the user can read the barcode and transmit it to a desired client for use without being conscious of which client to use. This is the opposite of the conventional bar code usage procedure.
[0007]
An object of the present invention is to provide a portable wireless barcode reader.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The bar code reader according to the present invention stores a bar code reading unit that reads a bar code, a first table that stores a correspondence between an identifier and a URL of a server, and a second table that stores a list of devices in a wirelessly communicable range. A storage unit for storing a table, an analysis unit for searching the first table based on the identifier to obtain a corresponding URL, a device selected from the list of the second table based on the identifier, and A wireless communication module that transmits the URL together with the code. The wireless communication module transmits an inquiry signal and generates a list of devices in the second table based on a response to the signal.
[0009]
Preferably, the identifier is a read barcode.
[0010]
Preferably, the analysis unit extracts the identifier from the read barcode.
[0011]
The barcode reader according to the present invention includes a task change switch for designating the identifier.
The task change switch designates an identifier A for outputting the read barcode as it is and another identifier for outputting the URL of the first table together with the read barcode.
The first table stores a correspondence relationship of the URL corresponding to the other identifier,
When the identifier specified by the task change switch is the other identifier other than the identifier A, the analysis unit searches the first table, converts the other identifier into the URL, and reads The URL is output to the wireless communication module together with the barcode, and the wireless communication module selects a device from the list of the second table based on the other identifier and receives the bar received from the analysis unit to the device. Send the code and the URL,
When the identifier specified by the task change switch is the identifier A, the analysis unit outputs the read barcode to the wireless communication module, and the wireless communication module receives the bar received from the analysis unit. Send the code.
[0012]
Preferably, when the list specified in the identifier is not included in the list of the second table, a display unit for displaying the fact is provided.
[0013]
Preferably, the display unit further displays information on a replaceable device.
[0014]
Preferably, the storage unit stores a priority table that stores connection priority for each device type, and the wireless communication module selects a device from the list of the second table based on the connection priority, The URL is transmitted to the device together with the barcode.
[0015]
Preferably, the analysis unit outputs information indicating that the server is not used to the wireless communication module when there is no corresponding URL.
[0016]
Preferably, the storage unit includes a rewritable memory, and the wireless communication module receives data relating to the first table from the outside and writes the data to the memory.
[0017]
Preferably, the wireless communication module requests the update of the correspondence relationship to the outside at an initial setting, every predetermined period, every predetermined number of times of reading, and at least one timing after accessing a specific server. .
[0018]
A barcode reader according to the present invention includes a barcode reading unit that reads a barcode, a URL storage unit that stores a URL of a server in advance, a model information storage unit that stores model information of a mobile phone that is a connection partner, and a model An operation command storage unit that stores an operation command for each device and a list table of devices in a wirelessly communicable range, and a command generation unit that generates an operation command corresponding to the model information based on the storage contents of the operation command storage unit A coupling unit that couples the output of the URL storage unit and the output of the command generation unit to the output of the barcode reading unit, and a wireless communication module that sends the output of the coupling unit to the mobile phone, The wireless communication module transmits an inquiry signal and generates the list table based on a response to the signal. And writes the model information of the mobile phone in a range communicable with the model information storage unit.
[0019]
Preferably, the operation command storage unit includes a rewritable memory, and the wireless communication module receives data related to the operation command from the outside and writes the data to the memory.
[0020]
Preferably, the URL storage unit includes a rewritable memory, and the wireless communication module receives data related to the URL from the outside and writes the data in the memory.
[0021]
Preferably, the wireless communication module requests an external data update at an initial setting, every predetermined period, every predetermined number of times of reading, and at least one timing after accessing a specific server.
[0022]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiment 1 of the Invention
A barcode reader according to Embodiment 1 of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a barcode reader according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. A barcode printed on a newspaper, a magazine, a leaflet, or the like is read by the barcode reading unit 11. The analysis unit 12 analyzes the read barcode. Specifically, the barcode is divided into the URL conversion server identifier and the barcode number, and the URL conversion server identifier is converted into the URL of the conversion server by referring to the identifier-URL conversion server table 13a stored in the storage unit 13. To do. The wireless communication module 14 receives the URL and barcode number of the conversion server from the analysis unit 12 and transmits them to a personal computer, a mobile phone and / or a digital TV as a client. Note that when this bar code reader is used for normal use, the URL conversion server is not particularly used, and information to that effect is output.
[0023]
The identifier identifies the URL conversion server, but instead of / in addition to this, the identifier may specify a bar code transmission partner (client type such as a personal computer, a mobile phone, and a digital TV). .
[0024]
The storage unit 13 includes an E2PROM and is electrically rewritable. The wireless communication module 14 receives information on the updated table from an information server described later and stores it in the storage unit 13. The storage unit 13 includes the identifier-URL conversion server table 13a (described later in detail), a profile and driver database 13b, and an available device table 13c. The profile and driver database 13b stores profiles and drivers of electronic devices such as personal computers, mobile phones, and digital TVs. The profile defines how to use a protocol for performing communication using the wireless communication module 14. There are two types of profiles, one for basic communication and the other for different usage purposes close to the application. The driver is a program necessary for using each electronic device. The available device table 13c includes a list of devices that exist within the communicable range of the wireless communication module 14 and can be used by the barcode reader of FIG. The contents of the table 13c are created when the wireless communication module 14 communicates with other electronic devices, and are sequentially updated as the barcode reader moves.
[0025]
The display unit 18 is for displaying the contents of communication and / or the state of communication. For example, when a device (for example, a personal computer) selected by a task change switch 17 described later is not within the communication range and cannot be used, an error display to that effect is displayed. Alternatively, an alternative device (for example, a mobile phone) within the communication range is displayed, and which of the task change switches A to H is usable is displayed. The display unit 18 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device or an LED.
[0026]
The task change switch 17 is a rotary switch for directly selecting the application of the barcode reader, the device to be used, and the URL conversion server to be used. The switch 17 selects any one of the eight states A to H. In state A (the state of FIG. 1), direct input is selected as the input mode of the barcode reader. In this case, the data read by the barcode reader can be used for a normal use. States B to H are modes for performing bar code-URL conversion. As described below, different devices and conversion servers correspond to the states B to H, respectively. This relationship is stored in the table 13a.
[0027]
Position Task Equipment
A Direct input All
B URL conversion: Conversion server http://www.mediapj.com/ PC
C URL conversion: Conversion server http: //www.henkan1.henkan/ PC or mobile phone
D URL conversion: Conversion server http: //www.henkan2.henkan/ Mobile phone A
E URL conversion: Conversion server http: //www.henkan3.henkan/ Mobile phone B
F URL conversion: Conversion server http: //www.henkan4.henkan/ Mobile phone C
G URL conversion: Conversion server http: //www.henkan5.henkan/ PC or digital TV
H URL conversion: Conversion server http: //www.henkan6.henkan/ Digital TV
[0028]
The contents of the table 13a are determined as follows, for example.
-When the conversion server supports the URL of a Web site for a personal computer, the barcode transmission partner is the personal computer.
-When the conversion server supports URLs of sites that support both personal computers and mobile phones (supports both HTML and CHTML), the bar code sender is a personal computer or mobile phone.
-When the conversion server supports the URL of a site that supports both personal computers and digital TVs (supports both HTML and BML), the barcode transmission partner is a personal computer or digital TV.
[0029]
Note that a URL conversion server is determined based on an identifier specified by the task change switch 17 and / or an identifier included in a printed barcode described later. The user can set which of these will be used or which will be given priority when both are used.
[0030]
The bar code reader in FIG. 1 communicates with other electronic devices through the wireless communication module 14. Other electronic devices are each provided with a wireless module (not shown). The wireless communication module 14 is a single chip of about 8 mm, and its power is very small due to its small output (transmission: 20 mW to 30 mW, standby: 0.3 mW). Furthermore, in order to reduce power consumption, an ad hoc connection is made instead of a constant connection like a normal wireless LAN. The data transmission speed of the wireless module is a maximum of 1 Mbps. The wireless module performs frequency hopping that changes its frequency at a short period when transmitting, thereby preventing interference with other wireless communications and reducing the influence of interference and noise. The frequency band used is the 2.4 GHz band. A unique device address is given to each electronic device on which the wireless module is mounted.
[0031]
In a wireless link known as Bluetooth ™, each electronic device has either a master or slave role. When communication is performed between the master and the slave, the same hopping pattern is calculated and the frequency is synchronized by using the master unique address and the clock value. However, at the initial stage of starting communication, it is necessary to synchronize the hopping pattern by transmitting the master's unique address and clock value to the slave. Therefore, an inquiry procedure or a paging procedure is performed at the communication start stage. Note that the relationship between the master and the slave is only necessary for management of the communication channel by frequency hopping, and is not directly related to the actual communication content. The master-slave relationship is not only one-to-one, but seven slaves can be connected to one master at the same time (to be precise, sharing a communication channel). For example, the barcode reader shown in FIG. 1 is a master, and a personal computer, a mobile phone, and a digital TV are slaves.
[0032]
FIG. 2 is an overall configuration diagram of a system to which the barcode reader is applied. This system is for reading a barcode and accessing a predetermined site. This system includes a personal computer 4, a mobile phone 5, and a digital TV 6 as clients. The barcode reader 3 reads a barcode printed on the medium M. The personal computer 4, the mobile phone 5, and the digital TV 6 receive the barcode number and / or information of the URL conversion server 1 from the barcode reader 3 by radio. Based on the acquired URL, the client can access a URL conversion server that provides a URL of content suitable for the client. The URL corresponding to the barcode printed on the medium M is determined in advance, and the corresponding relationship is stored in advance in the barcode-URL conversion table 2. For example, if a barcode indicating a company site is printed on a newspaper advertisement, a user can be guided to the company site by a simple operation. In FIG. 2, the number of URL conversion servers 2 is two, but is not limited to this, and may be three or more. Note that URL is an abbreviation for uniform resource location, which describes the location and names of resources distributed on the Internet in a fixed format. That is, the URL indicates the presence (address) of a resource existing on the computer network.
[0033]
The system of FIG. 2 includes a personal computer 4, a mobile phone 5, and a digital TV 6 as clients. Even when the same barcode is scanned, the sites (servers) to be accessed differ depending on the type of client. In FIG. 2, the personal computer accesses a normal Web site (HTML site) 8a, the mobile phone 5 accesses a dedicated CHTML site 8b, and the digital TV 6 accesses a dedicated BML site 8c. This is because the languages that can be used for each client are limited, so that it is necessary to access a site written in an available language in order to display content appropriately. In other words, even for the same barcode on the medium M, it is necessary to assign a different URL for each client. Therefore, the system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention includes a URL conversion server 1a for personal computers and mobile phones, and a URL conversion server 1b for digital TV. This is an example, and each URL conversion server may correspond to each type of client, or a single URL conversion server may correspond to all types of clients. The contents of the barcode-URL conversion table 2 differ depending on which type of client the URL conversion server 1 corresponds to.
[0034]
For example, the barcode-URL conversion table 2a in FIG. 2 includes the following contents.
Barcode number Client type URL
12345 PC xxxxx
12345 mobile phone yyyyy
[0035]
On the other hand, the barcode-URL conversion table 2b of FIG. 2 stores only the URL for the digital TV 6. In this table 2b, the barcode number and the URL have a one-to-one correspondence.
[0036]
2 includes an information server SI and an update information table TI. These are for updating the contents of the E2PROM in the storage unit 13 of the barcode reader 3.
[0037]
FIG. 3 is a process flowchart of the system of FIG. In this figure, IQ, R1 to R3, and T indicate operations for generating a table 13c of devices with which the wireless communication module 14 can communicate.
IQ: The wireless communication module 14 makes an inquiry (inquiry) to a device within the wireless communication possible range.
R1 to R3: Each device responds to the inquiry. In the example of FIG. 3, one personal computer, one mobile phone, and one digital TV respond.
T: The available device table 13c is generated based on the response status. In the example of FIG. 3, one personal computer, one mobile phone, and one digital TV are registered as usable devices.
[0038]
In FIG. 3, S1-1 to S7-1 indicate operations when a barcode is read and used on a personal computer, and S1-2 to S7-2 indicate operations when used on a mobile phone. S1-3 to S7-3 show operations when used in a digital TV. These operations are the same except that the party to which the barcode number is transmitted is different and the conversion server that is the party requesting the URL conversion is different. Hereinafter, these will be described together.
[0039]
S1: The barcode printed on the medium is scanned by the barcode reader 1, and the barcode number and identifier are read.
S2: The URL of the conversion server to be used and the information of the counterpart device to be transmitted are acquired with reference to the storage unit 13 based on the identifier.
S3: The URL and barcode number are sent to a predetermined device (client).
S4: Access to the URL conversion server based on the URL and request URL conversion of the barcode number.
[0040]
S5: The URL of the site corresponding to the barcode number is acquired by the URL conversion server.
S6: The converted URL is sent to the client.
S7: A predetermined site is accessed based on the acquired URL, and content is acquired.
[0041]
The operation when the task change switch of FIG. 1 is used is as follows. S1 ': The barcode printed on the medium is scanned by the barcode reader 1, and the barcode number is read.
S2 ′: Based on the identifiers (B to H) indicated by the task change switch 17, the URL of the conversion server to be used and information on the counterpart device are acquired by referring to the storage unit 13. When identifier = A, the barcode number is output to the client as it is.
The operation of S3 to S7 is the same.
[0042]
The processes of S8 to S10 in FIG. 3 are for updating the information of the URL conversion server. It is also conceivable that the URL of the URL conversion server is changed due to the convenience of the service provider. In such a case, it is convenient for the user if the contents of the storage unit 13 of the barcode 1 can be automatically updated, and it is advantageous in terms of barcode maintenance.
[0043]
S8: The client 2 issues a table update request to the information server 5. The timing of the update request is as follows: when the client 2 is initialized, when the power is turned on, when a predetermined operation is performed, every predetermined period, every certain number of readings, and before the second processing (the first access to the first conversion server) And the second conversion server is accessed after the second time). Note that the client 2 may transmit an update request in response to a request from the barcode reader 1.
S9: The information server 5 searches the update information table 6 for an updated table.
S10: When an updated table exists, this table is sent to the client 2. The client 2 sends this table to the barcode reader 1 and stores it in the storage unit 13.
[0044]
FIG. 4 shows a process flowchart for the barcode 1.
S11: Read a barcode printed on a newspaper, magazine, or leaflet.
S12: Divide the barcode into a URL conversion server identifier and a barcode number.
The read barcode is, for example, as follows.
49xxxxxxxxxxxx
45xxxxxxxxxxxx
41xxxxxxxxxxxx
The first “49”, “45”, and “41” are identifiers.
When the task change switch 17 is used, the identifier is any one of A to H.
[0045]
S13: It is determined whether to use a URL conversion server.
If the above identifier exists, the conversion server is used. When the identifier does not exist, or when a special identifier (eg, “40”) exists, the conversion server is not used. Alternatively, the conversion server is not used (or used) when a specific type of barcode is read. For example, the case where the barcode is simply used as the data reading means corresponds to the case where the conversion server is not used.
When the task change switch 17 is used, the conversion server is not used when the identifier = A.
[0046]
S14: When the conversion server is used, the table in the storage unit 13 is searched, and the URL conversion server identifier is converted into the conversion server URL.
For example, the conversion is as follows.
At 49, http://www.mediapj.com/
45, http://www.hogehoge.com/
At 41, http://www.foo.com/
When the task change switch 17 is used, the identifier is converted into a conversion server URL based on the above correspondence. At this time, information on the counterpart device to which the barcode number is to be transmitted is also acquired.
[0047]
S15: The URL of the conversion server and the barcode number (the above xxxxxxxx section) are transmitted to the corresponding device.
S16: When the conversion server is not used, a server nonuse code and a barcode number are transmitted. Alternatively, only the barcode number may be transmitted.
If the designated device is not communicable, that is, not included in the available device table 13c, a message indicating that communication is not possible is displayed on the display unit 18. At this time, information on devices that can be replaced may be displayed together. Alternatively, a list of devices that can communicate may be displayed.
[0048]
FIG. 5 is a processing flowchart in the client.
S20: Receive data from the barcode reader.
S21: Analyzing the received data to determine whether to use the conversion server.
S22: When the conversion server is used, the conversion request to the conversion server is created by combining the URL of the received conversion server and the barcode number.
For example, it is as follows.
http://www.mediapj.com/bar.php?kind=01&sno=xxx&bno=yyyyy
Here, yyyyyy is a code corresponding to the barcode number.
[0049]
S23: Access to the conversion server and request to convert the barcode number into a URL.
S24: The converted URL is received.
S25: Access to the Web server based on the received URL.
S26: When the conversion server is not used, the received barcode number is used in another application. For example, when entering a membership number, password, etc.
[0050]
According to the bar code reader and system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the read bar code number can be transmitted wirelessly to a client such as a personal computer, a mobile phone, or a digital TV. The client converts the received barcode number into a URL by the URL conversion server, and can access a predetermined WWW server.
[0051]
When sending a barcode number, an optimum client can be selected by specifying an identifier included in the barcode or a task change switch. Clients that are within a wireless communicable range can be selected. For example, the following usage is possible.
・ Read the desired barcode with a barcode reader. Thereafter, a client within a communicable range is selected, and barcode data is transmitted to the client. The client accesses the WWW server corresponding to the barcode.
・ Read the desired barcode with a barcode reader. After that, it moves to a position where it can communicate with a desired client (for example, a personal computer), and transmits a barcode number to the client.
・ Read the desired barcode with a barcode reader. After that, the barcode number is transmitted to the most suitable device available at hand. In this case, a list of available devices may be displayed on the display unit, and one or more may be selected from these.
[0052]
Modification of Embodiment 1 of the Invention
In the above example, the URL conversion server and the client are selected based on the identifier. Alternatively or together with this, these may be selected based on the barcode itself.
[0053]
FIG. 6 shows a barcode reader for this purpose. In FIG. 6, the storage unit 13 includes a barcode-used device table 13d and a used device-URL conversion server table 13e. The table 13d defines the correspondence between the barcode and the device (personal computer, mobile phone, digital TV) to be used. In this case, one barcode may correspond to a plurality of devices. In the case of wireless communication, it is desirable to support a plurality of devices because it can communicate only with devices within a communicable range. The table 13e defines the correspondence between the device to be used and the URL conversion server. In the barcode reader of FIG. 6, first, a device to be used is determined by the barcode, and then a URL conversion server corresponding to the device is determined.
[0054]
According to this modification, a user can be guided to a predetermined server by designating a specific client for each barcode.
[0055]
Embodiment 2 of the Invention
FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of a barcode reader according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. A barcode printed on a newspaper, a magazine, a leaflet, or the like is read by the barcode reading unit 11. The read barcode is added with the URL of the barcode-URL conversion server (details will be described later) from the URL storage unit 26 in the combining unit 27a, and further, the connecting unit 27b is connected to the mobile phone (portable terminal) of the connection partner. Command) corresponding to the model of (may be). Data generated by the bar code reader (including whether or not the URL conversion server is used, the URL of the URL conversion server, the bar code number, and the operation command of the mobile phone) is sent to the mobile phone via the wireless communication module 14. Upon receiving this data, the mobile phone (not shown) automatically becomes a URL input screen, receives the URL (including the barcode number) of the URL conversion server, accesses the URL conversion server, and is converted by the URL conversion server. Upon receipt of the URL, the Web screen is automatically displayed by accessing this URL. Thus, a desired web screen can be displayed on the screen of the mobile phone by one operation of reading a predetermined barcode with the barcode reader.
[0056]
The command for displaying the URL input screen varies depending on the model. For this reason, functional blocks 22 to 25 are provided. The model identifying unit 22 identifies the model of the connected mobile phone and stores the result in the model information memory 23. The command generator 24 generates a command for each model based on the information in the memory 23. The memory 25 stores operation commands for each model in advance.
[0057]
The memory 25 includes an available device table 25d that stores a list of available devices (mobile phones).
[0058]
FIG. 8 shows a procedure for identifying a mobile phone model capable of communication.
S30: The wireless communication module 14 of the barcode reader shown in FIG. 7 transmits an inquiry to the devices within the communicable range, and generates an available device table 25d based on the response.
S31: If there is a mobile phone as an available device, it communicates with it to obtain its model information.
S32: The obtained model information is stored in the memory 23.
S33: The command generator 24 prepares a corresponding command based on the contents of the memory 23. When the data in the memory 23 is barcode A, the command generation unit 24 generates a command by combining the commands stored in the model A operation command memory 25a.
[0059]
FIG. 9 shows a procedure for generating data for accessing a predetermined URL by a barcode reader.
S34: The barcode printed on the newspaper, magazine, insert leaflet, etc. is read by the barcode reader. A barcode number included in the barcode is output from the reading unit 11.
For example, the following bar code number is output.
4976680789305
[0060]
S35: The command generation unit 24 generates a corresponding command. Note that a command may be generated in advance and stored in the nonvolatile memory, and the command may be read from the nonvolatile memory every time the barcode is read.
[0061]
S36: The URL of the URL conversion server is added to the barcode. Here, specify the server for bar code conversion.
It is assumed that data such as http://www.mediapj.com/i=php?k=01&s=19&b= is stored in the URL storage unit 16 in advance. In this case, the next data is generated in S7.
http://www.mediapj.com/i=php?k=01&s=19&b=4976680789305
Note that http://www.mediapj.com/ is the URL of the URL conversion server, and i = php? K = 01 & s = 19 & b = is an option for requesting conversion of the barcode into the URL.
[0062]
S37: The command generated in S35 is added. As a result, the following data is obtained.
[CM] http://www.mediapj.com/i=php?k=01&s=19&b=4976680789305
S38: The obtained data is transmitted to the mobile phone.
Upon receiving data from the barcode reader, the mobile phone displays a URL input screen based on the above [CM], and inputs the URL included in the received data, and accesses the URL conversion server based on the URL. To do.
[0063]
Embodiment 3 of the Invention
FIG. 10 shows a bar code reader according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. This bar code reader is provided with a priority table 13f for storing connection priorities of clients in a communicable range.
[0064]
FIG. 11 shows the operation of the barcode reader according to the third embodiment of the invention.
S40: The wireless communication module 14 transmits an inquiry (Inquiry) in order to check the surrounding electronic devices. And the response with respect to an inquiry is received, and an electronic device is detected based on these responses.
S41: Create a list of available electronic devices among the detected electronic devices. For example, if the detected electronic device is a personal computer, a mobile phone, or a digital TV, these are registered in the table 13c as devices that can be used. When the detected electronic device is an input / output device such as a digital camera or a printer, these are not registered.
[0065]
S42: Create a priority table for use of available electronic devices. Specifically, it is as follows.
-Determine priorities in a predetermined order. For example, PC> mobile phone> digital TV. In this case, the mobile phone is selected in a situation where only the mobile phone exists. In the situation where a personal computer exists with a mobile phone, the personal computer is automatically selected.
・ Determine the priority by user designation. For example, a list of available electronic devices is displayed on the display unit 18, and priority order information is received from these users.
[0066]
A priority order is determined corresponding to the read barcode number or identifier. For example:
Barcode number PC Mobile phone Digital TV
1234 Priority 1 Priority 2 Priority 3
2345 Priority 1 Priority 3 Priority 2
3456 Priority 2 Priority 1 Priority 3
[0067]
By setting the priority order in this way, it is possible to specify a client to be used for a specific barcode. This technique is effective, for example, when a WWW server for a specific barcode is preparing content for a mobile phone.
[0068]
S43: When there is a barcode number transmission request, a communication partner is determined from the devices included in the available device table 13c according to the priority table 13f.
S44: The bar code number is transmitted to the determined communication partner.
[0069]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention. Needless to say.
[0070]
In the present specification, means does not necessarily mean physical means, but includes cases where the functions of each means are realized by software. Furthermore, the function of one means may be realized by two or more physical means, or the functions of two or more means may be realized by one physical means.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a barcode reader according to a first embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the entire system.
FIG. 3 is an operation flowchart of the entire system.
FIG. 4 is an operation flowchart of the barcode reader according to the first embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 5 is an operational flowchart of the client.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a barcode reader according to a modification of the first embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a barcode reader according to a second embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 8 is an operation flowchart of the barcode reader according to the second embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 9 is an operation flowchart of the barcode reader according to the second embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a barcode reader according to Embodiment 3 of the invention.
FIG. 11 is an operation flowchart of the barcode reader according to the third embodiment of the invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 URL conversion server
2 Barcode-URL conversion table
3 Bar code reader
4 PC
5 Mobile phones
6 Digital TV
7
8 WWW server, etc.
9 Internet
11 Bar code reader
12 Analysis Department
13 Memory unit
13a Identifier-URL conversion server table
13b Profile and driver database
13c Available equipment table
13d Bar code-device table
13e User device-URL conversion server table
13f priority table
22 Model identification section
23 Model information memory
24 Command generator
25a Operation command memory for model A
25b Operation command memory for model B
25c Operation command memory for model C
25d Available equipment table
26 URL storage
27 joint
14 Wireless communication module
17 Task change switch
18 Display section
Medium with M barcode printed
SI information server
TI update information table

Claims (6)

A barcode reading unit that reads a barcode; a storage unit that stores a first table that stores a correspondence between an identifier and a URL of a server; and a second table that stores a list of devices in a wirelessly communicable range; An analysis unit that searches the first table based on an identifier to obtain a corresponding URL, and wireless communication that selects a device from the list of the second table based on the identifier and transmits the URL together with the barcode to the device A module and a task change switch for designating the identifier,
The task change switch designates an identifier A for outputting the read barcode as it is and another identifier for outputting the URL of the first table together with the read barcode.
The first table stores a correspondence relationship of the URL corresponding to the other identifier,
When the identifier specified by the task change switch is the other identifier other than the identifier A, the analysis unit searches the first table, converts the other identifier into the URL, and reads The URL is output to the wireless communication module together with the barcode, and the wireless communication module selects a device from the list of the second table based on the other identifier and receives the bar received from the analysis unit to the device. Send the code and the URL,
When the identifier specified by the task change switch is the identifier A, the analysis unit outputs the read barcode to the wireless communication module, and the wireless communication module receives the bar received from the analysis unit. A bar code reader characterized by transmitting a code.   The bar code reader according to claim 1, further comprising: a display unit that displays when the device specified by the identifier is not included in the list of the second table.   The bar code reader according to claim 2, wherein the display unit further displays information on a replaceable device.   The storage unit stores a priority table that stores connection priority for each device type, and the wireless communication module selects a device from the list of the second table based on the connection priority, and sends the device to the device. The barcode reader according to claim 1, wherein the URL is transmitted together with the barcode.   The barcode reader according to claim 1, wherein the analysis unit outputs information indicating that a server is not used to the wireless communication module when there is no corresponding URL.   The barcode reader according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit includes a rewritable memory, and the wireless communication module receives data related to the first table from the outside and writes the data to the memory.

Images