JP2000222519A - Optical information read and communication device, reader, communication device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical information read and communication device which is superior in portability and can transmit information to a host device in real time and is easily handleable even in the case where it is unnecessary to transfer information in real time. SOLUTION: The reader 10 which reads optical information is provided with a PCMCIA type card slot 11, and a communication device 20 which is constituted separately from the reader 10 and transmits read information to the host device is provided with a PCMCIA type card part 21. When the card part 21 of the communication device 20 is inserted to the card slot 11 of the reader 10, information read by the reader 10 can be transmitted to the host device through the communication device 20 in real time, and the reader 10 and the communication device 20 are fixedly connected to each other. When it is unnecessary to transmit read information in real time, the reader 10 and the communication device 20 are disconnected from each other, and only the reader 10 is used to read information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a structure for optically reading an information code such as a bar code or a two-dimensional code, and transmitting the read information to a host device for product management or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art
As one of the product management methods in logistics (logistics), the product, price tag,
Read the information code such as a bar code described or affixed to the card, outer box, etc. using an optical information reading device,
A technique for efficiently managing merchandise by inputting the information into a host device, analyzing the input information, and sequentially updating a database built in the host device has been put to practical use.

According to the merchandise management method using an information code such as a bar code, the merchandise information recorded as the information code is instantaneously and accurately read via an optical information reading device and input to a host device. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the input operation time, the input operation, the erroneous input, and the like.

The optical information reading device, which was initially a mere input device connected to a host device or the like via a cable, has been reduced in size, weight, and function,
It has come to be configured as a single device that can be freely carried. That is, the read information code is accumulated in the device, and then transferred to the host device, so that a device that is not connected to the host device via a cable has been used. . According to such an apparatus, reading can be performed at an arbitrary place away from the host apparatus, so that operability can be greatly improved.

However, when such an optical information reading device is used, after the read information is temporarily stored in the device, an operator connects the optical information reading device to the interface device and connects the optical information reading device to the optical information reading device. By transferring the information to the host device, it becomes available to the host device for the first time. For this reason, there is a problem that a time lag (time difference) occurs between the reading of the information code and the use of the information code in the host device.

One method for solving this problem is as follows.
For example, a communication device such as a mobile phone is connected to an optical information reading device, data communication is performed with the host device via the communication device, and the read information is transmitted to the host device in real time, similarly to communication in a notebook personal computer. It is possible.

(1) However, in this case, since the optical information reading device and the communication device such as a portable telephone are connected via a cable, it is difficult to carry the device in the connected state and the portability is poor. become. Therefore, conventionally, an optical information reading communication device incorporating a communication device of a PHS (Personal Handy Phone System) communication method has been proposed. This optical information reading communication device is excellent in portability since the communication device is built in, and can transmit read information to the host device in real time.

(2) However, the optical information reading communication device having a built-in communication device having a communication function such as the above-mentioned PHS communication method has a problem that the device is increased in size and weight is increased. That is, if it is necessary to always transfer the read information to the host device in real time, there is no choice but to handle the information if it is not necessary to transfer it in real time.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems (1) and (2), is excellent in portability, can transmit information to a host device in real time, and It is another object of the present invention to provide an optical information reading and communicating apparatus which is easy to handle even when it is not necessary to transfer information in real time.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An optical information reading and communicating apparatus according to the present invention comprises a reading apparatus having reading means and a communication apparatus which is constituted separately from the reading apparatus and has communicating means. Have. The reading unit of the reading device emits reading light to the reading target, and reads information recorded on the reading target from the reflected light. The reading target includes a one-dimensional code label such as a barcode label and a two-dimensional code label which has a two-dimensional spread and can record a large amount of information. For example, the reading unit emits reading light such as a laser beam to the barcode label, and reads barcode information recorded on the barcode label from the reflected light. Also, a storage unit such as a RAM for storing information read by the reading unit is provided.

On the other hand, the communication means of the communication device transmits information output from the reading device to the host device in a wireless manner.
As the wireless system, an infrared system or a system using weak radio waves can be considered. Here, in particular, in the optical information reading communication device of the present invention, the above-described reading device has a reading-side connector unit for outputting information read by the reading unit. The communication device has a communication-side connector for inputting information output from the reading device. The communication-side connector section can be fitted and detached from the reading-side connector section of the reading apparatus.

In the state where the two connector portions are fitted, the information read by the reading means can be immediately transmitted to the host device via the communication means. In this case, in a state where the reading device and the communication device are connected via the respective connector portions, for example, when a user performs a predetermined operation, the information read by the reading device is transmitted via the two connector portions. The information is passed to the communication device and immediately transmitted to the host device by the communication means of the communication means.

When the reading device and the communication device are connected via the two connector portions, the reading device and the communication device are fixedly connected to each other by fitting the two connector portions. Here, the “connector portion” may indicate the connector itself, or may include a surrounding structural portion including the connector. That is, the reading device and the communication device are fixedly connected to each other and integrated by fitting of the connector itself or fitting of the surrounding structure including the connector. However, in order to firmly fix, it is desirable that the peripheral structure including the connector be integrated by fitting.

That is, in the optical information reading communication device of the present invention, the reading device and the communication device which are originally configured as separate units are integrated or separated via the connector unit. For this reason, when it is necessary to transmit the read information to the host device in real time, the reading device and the communication device are integrated via both connector sections.
Then, for example, if the user performs a predetermined operation, the information read by the reading unit can be immediately transmitted to the host device by the communication unit of the communication device. Also, at this time, the reading device and the communication device are fixedly connected to each other by fitting the two connector portions, so that the positional relationship between the reading device and the communication device is established, for example, when the reading device and the communication device are connected via a cable or the like. It does not change. As a result, the portability is excellent.

On the other hand, when it is not necessary to transmit the read information to the host device in real time, the reading device and the communication device are separated. At this time, the reading device can read the information recorded on the reading target as a single unit by storing the read information in the storage unit. In this case, the information read by the reading unit of the reading device is temporarily stored in the storage unit. Then, after the reading device and the communication device are connected via both connector portions, the information stored in the storage device of the reading device for the first time is
The data is transferred to the communication device via the two connector portions and transmitted to the host device by the communication means of the communication device.

That is, in this case, since the reading device can be used in a state where the communication device is disconnected, the conventional PH can be used.
Compared with an optical information reading communication device having a built-in communication device of the S communication method, handling in a reading operation or the like becomes easier. A conventional optical information reading communication device incorporating a communication device of the PHS communication method uses a communication function of the built-in communication device to check a product generated during a product management operation and to communicate with a person in charge. It is realized by doing.

In the optical information reading communication device of the present invention, it is conceivable that the communication device has a communication function. At this time, in order to make the call function easier to use, it is preferable that the communication device be configured so that it can be used as a telephone with both connector parts detached, as described in claim 2. With this configuration, since only the communication device can be used for speaking, the weight is reduced and the device is compact because the reader is separated. Therefore, usability of the call function can be improved.

Further, from the viewpoint of facilitating the handling of the communication device, it is conceivable to configure the communication device so that it can be folded compactly as described in claim 3. For example, a portable telephone of a PHS communication system or the like is known that can be folded in two and carried in a compact shape. However, a communication device in the optical information reading and communicating device of the present invention is also, for example, folded in two. With this configuration, the portability of the communication device can be further improved. At this time, as shown in claim 4,
It is more preferable to configure the communication device so that it can be folded compactly even when the connector portion is fitted. If it is necessary to transmit the read information to the host device in real time, the user must carry the device with the reading device connected to the communication device. The portability of the information reading communication device can be further improved.

The shape of the connector is not particularly limited. For example, one of the reading-side connector and the communication-side connector is configured to have a card shape conforming to a predetermined card standard. The other may be configured in a card slot shape of the predetermined card standard. Here, the predetermined card standard is, for example, PCM
The so-called CIA type and compact flash type are well known. Forming both connector portions in accordance with a predetermined card standard in this manner may be advantageous when considering other applied uses as described later.

For example, as set forth in claim 7, the communication device is further provided with communication side storage means for storing information inputted through the communication side connector section, and the information is stored in the communication side storage means. It is conceivable that the host device can be connected to the host device via the communication-side connector unit in a state where the information is stored, and the information stored in the communication-side storage means can be output to the host device via the communication-side connector unit. Can be

Here, the communication side storage means may be a semiconductor memory device such as a RAM, for example, like the storage means of the reading device. Such communication-side storage means is configured to be able to store information output from the reading-side connector section of the reading device and input from the communication-side connector section. For example, reading information stored in a reading target with a reading device,
After the information is stored in the storage device of the reading device, the communication device is connected to the reading device, and the user performs a predetermined operation to read out the information stored in the storage device of the reading device. It is stored in the communication-side storage means of the communication device via the connector unit.

Then, in a state where the information is stored in the communication side storage means, it is possible to connect to the host device via the communication side connector. This can be achieved by providing a connector corresponding to the communication-side connector in the host device. For example, if the communication connector has a PCMCIA type card shape, the host device is provided with a PCMCIA type card slot.

After being connected to the host device via the communication-side connector unit, the information stored in the communication-side storage means is transferred to the host device via the communication-side connector unit, for example, when a user performs a predetermined operation. Output to In this case, the information read by the reading device is directly transferred to the host device using the communication device as a medium. For example, when the host device and the reading device are relatively close to each other and there is no need to transfer the read information to the host device in real time, using the communication device as a medium in this way,
Directly transferring information is advantageous in that information can be transferred reliably because the influence of noise and the like is reduced as compared with the case where information is transmitted by wireless communication. This is particularly effective when the distance to the host device is long and the radio wave condition is poor, such as outdoors or in a relatively large warehouse. That is, in this case, the communication device is used as a kind of memory card.

Considering such usage, it may be advantageous in some cases to make the communication-side connector portion of the communication device a card shape conforming to a predetermined standard. That is, if a card slot of the standard is provided from the beginning on the host device side, information can be transferred by inserting the communication side connector into the slot.

Similarly, it may be advantageous to make the reading-side connector portion of the reading device into a card slot shape of a predetermined standard. If the reading connector of the reading device is configured as a card slot of a predetermined standard, for example, a memory card of that standard is inserted into the reading connector, and the internal card is connected to this memory card by an internal application.
The read information can be stored.
The information stored in the memory card can be transferred to the host device by inserting the memory card into a card slot of the host device.

If a device other than the communication device is fitted to the reading device via the reading-side connector portion so as to insert a memory card into the reading device and function, the present optical information reading communication can be further performed. The range of application of the device is expanded. That is, it is conceivable to employ the configuration described in claim 8.

In this configuration, the reading device can be connected to a predetermined device having a connector portion that is configured to be able to be fitted and detached from the reading-side connector portion, instead of the communication device.
Further, the reading device and the predetermined device are fixedly connected to each other by fitting of both connector portions. Then, in a state where both connector parts are fitted, information can be exchanged according to the connected predetermined device.

Here, predetermined devices are illustrated as (a) to (d), and a specific example of transfer of information of the reading device to each device will be described. (A) Storage device It is conceivable that the storage device is a storage device such as the above-mentioned memory card. In that case, the reading device outputs the read information to the memory card. With this configuration, as described above, information can be transferred to the host device using the storage device as a medium, and the above-described effects can be obtained.

(B) Input device It is conceivable that the input device has a numeric keypad. In this case, the reading device acquires the information input by the input device via the reading connector. Therefore, for example, when the present optical information reading communication device is used for inventory management, the number of commodities and the like are input to the reading device via the input device by connecting the input device separately from the operation of reading the information code. be able to. For example, the same product is 100
If there are, the information code of one product is read, and the fact that there are 100 identical products is input from the input device. By doing so, the information reading work efficiency can be improved. This information is stored in a storage unit provided in the reading device, and is output to the host device together with the read information after the communication device is connected.

(C) Display Device A display device having a liquid crystal display can be provided. In this case, the reading device outputs the read information to the display device via the reading connector. The display device displays information from the reading device. As described above, the reading device can read the information code by itself when it is not necessary to transmit the information code in real time.
Therefore, if the display device is connected at this time, the user can visually confirm the read information temporarily stored in the storage means of the reading device.

(D) Interface device The above-described optical information reading communication device enables transmission of read information by fitting the communication device to the reading device via a connector. However, it is desirable to have a configuration in which not only the read information but also various data can be exchanged with the host device or another computer. For example, it is conceivable to adopt a configuration in which the reading processing program inside the reading device can be changed using data fetched from outside. Therefore, the above-described predetermined device can be an interface device having an interface of a predetermined standard such as an RS232C, OCIA, or USB interface. A predetermined communication line can be connected to the interface device, or the interface device itself has a predetermined communication line, and an external device is connected via the communication line. Then, information is exchanged with an external device via the interface device. It is desirable to prepare an interface device (multi-interface device) having interfaces of a plurality of standards.
This is because information can be exchanged with various external devices by one interface device only by switching the external devices.

As described above, if a device other than the communication device can be connected to the reading device, the merit of the present optical information reading and communication device that allows the reading device and the communication device to be separated can be further utilized. . The above (a)
Of course, it is also possible to configure an apparatus having two or more functions among the functions of the apparatuses (d) to (d). For example, an input display device having a numeric keypad and a liquid crystal display may be configured.

Further, when it is not necessary to transmit the information code in real time when reading the information code, considering that the reading device can read the information code by itself, not only the above-mentioned information transfer but also the following request The configuration shown in item 9 can also be adopted. In this case, instead of the communication device, the reading device can be connected to a power supply device having a connector portion configured to be able to be fitted and detached from the reading-side connector portion. The power supply device is a device that can supply power to the reading device, and may be, for example, a battery. The reading device and the power supply device are fixedly connected to each other by fitting of both connector portions. Then, in a state in which both connector portions are fitted, it is possible to operate with power supplied from the connected power supply device. Here, “operable” means that when the power supply device is connected, the operation may always be performed with the power from the power supply device. However, if the internal power supply voltage decreases, it may be possible to operate with the power from the power supply device. Note that the power supply device may be a solar battery that converts light such as sunlight into electric power. In this way, when the reading operation is performed by the reading device alone, the reading operation can be continuously performed for a long time.

Although the above has been described as an invention of an optical information reading communication device, it can be realized as an invention of a reading device or a communication device. That is, a reading device according to a tenth aspect emits reading light to a reading target and reads information recorded on the reading target from the reflected light, and stores the information read by the reading unit. It is characterized by comprising a storage means and a card slot-shaped connector part of a predetermined card standard for outputting at least information read by the reading means.

Such a reading device has the above-described specific effects when used in combination with a communication device having a card-shaped connector part of the same card standard. Here, "at least output" is described in (a) to (b) above.
This is because it is conceivable that a predetermined device or power supply device exemplified in (d) can be connected, and not only information output but also information input and power supply are performed via the connector unit.

A communication device according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention includes a card-shaped connector part of a predetermined card standard, and communication means for transmitting information input from the connector part by a wireless method. It is. Such a communication device has the above-described specific effects when used in combination with a reader having a card slot-shaped connector part of the same card standard. In addition, if a telephone function is added so that it can be used as a telephone, the range of application is widened. For example, since bidirectional data communication can be performed, if a card slot of the same card standard is prepared in the personal computer, the connector section can be inserted into the slot and used for data communication. Further, if a card slot of the same card standard is prepared in the CCD camera, the connector can be inserted into the slot to be applied as a videophone.

[0037]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2 are perspective views showing the appearance of the optical information reading and communicating apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the optical information reading and communicating device 1 of the present embodiment includes a reading device 10 and a communication device 20 configured separately from the reading device 10.

The reading device 10 has a reading port 15 for emitting reading light to the object to be read and allowing the light reflected by the object to be incident on the front part, and a reading part for the user to use at the rear part. It has a gripping portion 14 to be gripped at the time. A PCMCIA type card slot 11 is provided on the upper surface of the grip portion 14. The card slot 11 is provided with a male connector 12 on the side close to the reading port 15, and a linear fitting projection 11 a is formed on the inner side surface of the card slot 11. And from behind,
That is, from the side where the reading port 15 is not provided, PCMC
It is provided so that an IA type card can be slid and mounted. The card slot 11 including the male connector 12 corresponds to a “read-side connector”. In addition, the reading device 10 includes a display window 13 and a power switch 16.

On the other hand, the communication device 20 includes a card section 21 having a PCMCIA type card shape and a display section 28. The card part 21 is a thin rectangular parallelepiped shape, and ten numbers “0” to “9” and “#”, “*”, and A push button switch 27 including on-hook and off-hook and a microphone 24 are provided. Further, a display unit 28 is attached to a side surface including one of the four sides of the upper surface, and the display unit 28 uses the side as a rotation axis for the card unit 21.
To rotate. As a result, the communication device 20
It can be transformed into a compact folded state. The female connector 22 is provided on a surface facing the surface on which the display unit 28 is attached. A linear fitting recess 21a is formed on the remaining two side surfaces. Here, the card section 21 including the female connector 22 corresponds to a “communication connector section”. Also, the display unit 28 displays the antenna 2
3, a speaker 25 and a liquid crystal display 26 are provided.

Then, as shown by an arrow A in FIG.
By sliding the card portion 21 of the communication device 20 into the card slot 11 of the reading device 10 from behind the reading device 10, the male connector 12 of the card slot 11 and the female connector 22 of the card portion 21 are fitted. Electrically connected, and the fitting protrusion 11a of the card slot 11 of the reading device 10 and the card portion 21 of the communication device 20 are connected.
Are fitted to each other, and are fixedly connected to each other to be integrated. As shown in FIG. FIG.
FIG. 4A shows a side view of a state in which the reading device 10 and the communication device 20 are integrated. As shown in FIG. 4B, in a state in which the reading device 10 and the communication device 20 are integrated. Also, the communication device 20 can be folded into two using a mounting portion of the card unit 21 and the display unit 28 as a rotation axis.

Next, the operation of the optical information reading and communicating apparatus 1 of this embodiment will be described. Here, the internal configuration and operation of the reading device 10 will be described first, and then the operation of the communication device 20 will be described. FIG. 3 is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the reading device 10.

The reading device 10 includes a printed wiring board 31,
Male connector 12, battery 32, central processing unit 33a
A semiconductor memory device 33b, a display LED 34,
An illumination LED 35, an illumination lens 36, a CCD sensor 37, an imaging lens 38, and a condenser mirror 39 are provided.

On the printed wiring board 31, a central processing unit 33a and a semiconductor memory device 33b are mounted. At a predetermined position of the conductor pattern on the printed wiring board, the female connector 12, the battery 32, the display LED 34, the illumination LED 35,
The sensor 37 is electrically connected.

When the power switch 16 is turned on, the reading device 10 is supplied with power from the battery 32, and operates with the power supplied from the battery 32. In the operation state of the reading device 10, reading light is emitted from the illumination LED 35 to the outside through the reading port 15 via the illumination lens 36. When the reading light is reflected by the reading object, the reflected light is
The light enters the reading device 10 from the reading port 15. This reflected light is reflected by the condenser mirror 39 and is imaged on the CCD sensor 37 by the imaging lens 38. Central processing unit 33
“a” performs a predetermined process based on the optical information from the CCD sensor 37, and reads the information recorded on the object to be read.
When the reading is performed normally, the central processing unit 33a turns on the display LED 34 and notifies the user. Thereby, the user can grasp whether or not the reading has been normally performed by the light from the display window 13 of the reading device 10.

Then, the card section 21 of the communication device 20 is inserted into the card slot 11 of the reading device 10,
When the communication device 20 is in a power-on state,
The read information is transmitted to the communication device 2 via the male connector 12.
Output to 0. On the other hand, when the card unit 21 of the communication device 20 is not inserted into the card slot 11 of the reading device 10 or when the power is off even if it is inserted, the read information is temporarily stored in the semiconductor memory device 33b. Remember. Then, thereafter, the communication device 20 is connected,
When the power of the communication device 20 is turned on, the information stored in the semiconductor memory device 33b is read and output to the communication device 20 via the male connector 12.

The central processing unit 33a, the battery 32, the illumination LED 35, the illumination lens 36, the CCD sensor 3
7. The imaging lens 38 and the condensing mirror 39 correspond to “reading means”, and the semiconductor memory device 33b corresponds to “storage means”.
Is equivalent to Subsequently, the operation of the communication device 20 will be described. The communication device 20 has a function as a so-called mobile phone. That is, when the power switch (not shown) is turned on, the apparatus is in a state of waiting for reception, and the user operates the off-hook key and the number keys of the push button switches 27 to connect via the telephone line. Call can be made. This call is made using microphone 24
And the speaker 25. In addition, a host device can be called via a telephone line to establish a data communicable state with the host device. Communication device 20
The operation state, the dialed number, and the like are displayed on the liquid crystal display 26.

The communication device 20 is integrated with the reading device 10 by inserting the card section 21 into the card slot 11 of the reading device 10 (see FIG. 2). Information output from the device 10 is received via the female connector 22. Then, when the data communication enabled state is established with the host device as described above, the information is immediately transmitted to the host device. On the other hand, even if the power switch is turned on, if the data communication enabled state is not established with the host device, the information is stored in an internal semiconductor memory device (not shown). Then, when the data communication enabled state is established with the host device, the information stored in the semiconductor memory device is transmitted.

Next, effects exerted by the optical information reading and communicating apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described. In the optical information reading and communicating apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the reading apparatus 10 is connected to the communication apparatus 20 and the information read by the reading apparatus 10 is in a state where the data communication state is established with the host apparatus. But,
The information is immediately transmitted to the host device via the communication device 20.
That is, the read information can be transmitted to the host device in real time. The reading device 10 and the communication device 20 are inserted into the card slot 11 of the communication device 20 by inserting the card-shaped card portion 21 of the communication device 20 into the fitting slot 11 a of the card slot 11.
The fitting recess 21a of the card portion 21 is fitted, fixedly connected to each other, and integrated. That is, since the reading device 10 and the communication device 20 are not connected by a cable or the like.
It does not change the mutual positional relationship with and is excellent in portability.
Further, the optical information reading communication device 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that the communication device 20 is folded even when the reading device 10 and the communication device 20 are integrated. As a result, the portability is further improved.

When it is not necessary to transmit the read information in real time, the reading device 10 and the communication device 2
0 and can be read using only the reading device 10. In this case, the read information is stored in the semiconductor memory device 33b included in the reading device 10, and thereafter, when transmitting the information, the communication device 2
0 may be attached. Therefore, compared to a conventional optical information reading communication device having a built-in communication device, unnecessary communication device 20 can be removed and reading can be performed, so that handling is easy.

Further, in the optical information reading communication device 1 of the present embodiment, the communication device 20 has a function as a telephone. Therefore, as in the related art, it is possible to confirm a product that occurs in a product management operation and to communicate with a person in charge without using other means such as an extension telephone. In the present embodiment, the communication device 20 can be used in a state separated from the reading device 10.
Compared to a conventional case where a telephone call is made by an optical information reading communication device incorporating a communication device having a call function,
Since the reading device 10 can be removed from the communication device 20, the weight is reduced and the device is compact. Therefore, the usability of the call function is improved.

As described above, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist of the present invention. By the way, the communication device 20 temporarily stores information output from the reading device 10 in the internal semiconductor memory device when the data communication enabled state with the host device is not established. Therefore, if a card slot similar to that of the reading device 10 is provided in the host device, the communication device 20 is read while the information output from the reading device 10 is stored in the semiconductor memory device inside the communication device 20. Disconnecting from the device 10, connecting the card unit 21 of the communication device 20 to the card slot of the host device,
Information may be directly passed from the communication device 20 to the host device.

In this case, the information read by the reading device 10 is directly transferred to the host device using the communication device 20 as a medium. For example, when the host device and the reading device 10 are relatively close to each other and there is no need to transfer the read information to the host device in real time, the information is directly transferred using the communication device 20 as a medium. For example, since the influence of noise or the like is reduced as compared with the case where information is transmitted via a telephone line, it is advantageous in that the information can be reliably transferred.
It is also effective when the radio wave condition is not good such as outdoors or in a relatively large warehouse. That is, in this case, the communication device 20 is used as a kind of memory card.

In consideration of such a method of use, it is advantageous to make the card unit 21 of the communication device 20 a PCMCIA type card shape. That is, if the host device has a card slot of the standard from the beginning, the card unit 21 can be inserted into the card slot to transfer information.

Also, instead of the communication device 20, the main body is a PC.
Reads various devices in the form of MCIA cards 10
And the reading device 10 is configured to input and output information in accordance with those devices, the application range is further expanded. -1 For example, a configuration in which a memory card can be connected to the reading device 10 may be adopted. This memory card is used for reading device 1
0, which is a card shape adapted to a PCMCIA type card slot, and temporarily stores information output from the reading device 10 in an internal semiconductor memory device. Since a PCMCIA type memory card is existing, if the card slot of the reader 10 is a PCMCIA type, the existing memory card can be used as it is. Therefore, also in this case, if the same card slot as that of the reading device 10 is provided in the host device, the host device is disconnected from the reading device 10 with the information stored in the memory card, and connected to the card slot of the host device. Information can be passed directly.

-2 For example, the input display device 40 shown in FIG. The input display device 40 includes a liquid crystal display 46 and a push button switch 47 including at least ten numeric keys (numeric keys) of “0” to “9”. Then, as shown by the symbol A in FIG. 5, the input display device 40 is slid from the rear into the card slot 11 of the reading device 10 so that the female connector 42 is connected to the male connector 12 of the card slot 11. While being fitted and electrically connected, the fitting concave portion 41a is fitted with the fitting convex portion 11a of the card slot 11 of the reader 10, and is fixedly connected to each other to be integrated.

In this integrated state, the reading device 10 outputs the read information to the input display device 40, and the input display device 40 displays the information on the liquid crystal display 46. Therefore, the user can check the read information each time by reading the liquid crystal display 46 during the reading operation.

When the push button switch 47 of the input display device 40 is pressed, the pressed switch information is output to the reading device 10, and the reading device 10 acquires the switch information. Therefore, for example, 10
If there are no products, the information code of one product can be read by the reading device 10 and the fact that there are 100 identical products can be input from the input display device 40. Thereby, the reading operation efficiency is improved. The switch information is stored in the semiconductor memory device 33b included in the reading device 10, and is output together with the read information after the communication device 20 is connected.

-3 Further, for example, the interface device shown in FIG. The interface device 50 includes a card unit 51,
A cable 53 having a terminal 53a, and an RS232C interface, an OCI
A interface, keyboard interface, U
It is a multi-interface module having various interfaces such as an SB interface. This interface device 50 is also the input display device 40 described above.
6, the female connector 52 is fitted to the male connector 12 of the card slot 11 by sliding it into the card slot 11 of the reading device 10 from behind, as shown by the symbol A in FIG. To the card slot 1 of the reader 10.
One fitting protrusion 11a is fitted and fixedly connected to and integrated with each other.

In this integrated state, the terminal 53a of the cable 53 is connected to a predetermined external device, and various data can be exchanged with the external device. That is, the reading device 10 is configured to be able to exchange not only the read information but also various data with the host device or another computer. As a result, the reading processing program in the reading device 10 can be changed using data taken in from the outside. Further, since the interface device 50 is a multi-interface module having interfaces of a plurality of standards, information can be exchanged with various external devices only by connecting an external device to the terminal 53a.

In place of the communication device 20, a power supply device 60 having a PCMCIA card-shaped body as shown in FIG. 7 can be connected to the reading device 10, and the reading device is powered by the power from the power supply device 60. It is also conceivable to make 10 operable. The power supply device 60 includes a light receiving unit 63 on its upper surface, and performs photoelectric conversion by the light receiving unit 63 to charge an internal battery. This power supply device 60
Also, like the input display device 40 and the interface device 50 described above, as shown by the symbol A in FIG.
The female connector 62 is inserted into the card slot 11 by sliding it from the rear.
The male connector 12 is fitted to and electrically connected to the male connector 12, and the fitting concave portion 61 a is fitted to the fitting convex portion 11 a of the card slot 11 of the reading device 10, and is fixedly connected to each other and integrally formed. Be transformed into

In this integrated state, the power supply device 60 supplies the reading device 10 from the internal battery described above.
Supply power to The reading device 10 includes a built-in battery 32.
When the power supply is depleted, it operates with the power from the power supply device 60. Therefore, if the power supply device 60 is connected, the reading operation of the reading device 10 for a long time is guaranteed. In particular, the one shown in FIG. 7 is economical because it is a so-called solar battery that converts light energy into electric energy.

If the communication function of the communication device 20 is used, the range of application is further expanded. For example, since bidirectional data communication can be performed, if a PCMCIA type card slot is provided in a notebook personal computer, the connector section can be inserted into the slot and used for data communication. Also, PCMCI
By connecting to a CCD camera or the like having an A-type card slot, it can be applied to videophones and the like.

Although the configuration having the communication function as described above enables two-way data communication, the configuration having only the information transmission function to the host device may be adopted. In this case, the communication device 20 can be configured in a card shape as shown in FIG. The communication method may be an infrared method or a method using a weak radio wave.

In the above embodiment, the PCMCIA type is used as the card standard, but other standards such as the compact flash type may be used.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of an optical information reading and communicating device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the reading device and the communication device of the optical information reading communication device according to the embodiment are integrated;

FIG. 3 is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the reading device of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a side view for explaining a state in which the communication device integrated with the reading device is folded in the optical information reading communication device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the input display device is connected to the reading device.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which an interface device is connected to the reading device.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a power supply device is connected to the reading device.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Optical information reading communication device 10 ... Reading device 11 ... Card slot 12 ... Male connector 13 ... Display window 14 ... Grip part 15 ... Reading port 16 ... Power switch 20 ... Communication device 21 ... Card part 22 ... Female connector 23 ... Antenna 24 ... Microphone 25 ... Speaker 26 ... Liquid crystal display 27 ... Push button switch 28 ... Display unit 31 ... Printed wiring board 32 ... Battery 33a ... Central processing unit 33b ... Semiconductor memory device 34 ... Display LED 35 ... Lighting LED 36 … Lighting lens 37… CCD
Sensor 38 Image forming lens 39 Condensing mirror 40 Input display device 41a Fitting recess 42 Female connector 46 Liquid crystal display 47 Push button switch 50 Interface device 51 Card part 51a Fitting recess 52 Female connector 53 Cable 53a Terminal 60 Power supply device 61a Fitting recess 62 Female connector 63 Light receiving unit

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A reading means for emitting reading light to a reading object and reading information recorded on the reading object from the reflected light, and a storage means for storing the information read by the reading means. And a communication device that is configured separately from the reading device, and that has a communication unit that wirelessly transmits the information output from the reading device to a host device. In the reading communication device, the reading device has a reading side connector unit for outputting the information read by the reading unit, while the communication device receives the information output from the reading device. And a communication-side connector portion configured to be detachable from the reading-side connector portion, and in a state where the two connector portions are fitted to each other. The information read by the reading means can be immediately transmitted to the host device via the communication means, and the reading device and the communication device are fixed to each other by fitting the two connector portions. An optical information reading and communication device connected to the device. 2. The optical information reading communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication device is configured to be used alone as a telephone. 3. The optical information reading communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication device is configured to be compactly foldable. 4. The optical information reading and communication device according to claim 3, wherein the communication device is configured to be compactly foldable even in a state where the two connector portions are fitted. Information reading communication device. 5. The optical information reading and communication device according to claim 1, wherein one of the reading-side connector and the communication-side connector is configured to have a card shape conforming to a predetermined card standard. An optical information reading and communicating device, wherein the other is configured in a card slot shape of the predetermined card standard. 6. The optical information reading and communicating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined card standard is a PCMCIA type or a compact flash type. 7. The optical information reading communication device according to claim 1, wherein said communication device further comprises: communication side storage means for storing said information inputted through said communication side connector section. The communication-side storage means is configured to be connectable to the host device via the communication-side connector unit in a state where the information is stored in the communication-side storage means, and the information stored in the communication-side storage means is An optical information reading communication device, which is configured to be able to output to the host device via a communication side connector unit. 8. The optical information reading communication device according to claim 1, wherein the reading device includes a connector portion configured to be able to be fitted and detached from the reading side connector portion instead of the communication device. It is configured to be able to be fixedly connected to each other by fitting the predetermined device having the two connector portions, and in a state where the two connector portions are fitted, information of the information matched to the predetermined device is provided. An optical information reading / communicating device, characterized in that delivery can be performed via the reading side connector section. 9. The optical information reading communication device according to claim 1, wherein the reading device includes a connector portion configured to be able to be fitted and detached from the reading side connector portion, instead of the communication device. And a power supply device capable of supplying power to the reading device and the two connector portions are configured to be fixedly connectable to each other by fitting the two connector portions. The optical information reading and communication device is operable with power supplied from the power supply device via the reading side connector. 10. A reading means for emitting reading light to a reading object and reading information recorded on the reading object from the reflected light, a storage means for storing the information read by the reading means, A card slot-shaped connector part of a predetermined card standard for outputting the information. 11. A communication device comprising: a card-shaped connector part of a predetermined card standard; and communication means for transmitting information inputted from the connector part by a wireless system.