JP2007287048A - Information terminal device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information terminal device in which a control circuit board, a camera unit and a radio wave type antenna are arranged in a small space in a casing so that the reading direction of optical information coincides with the radiation direction of a radio wave. <P>SOLUTION: The information terminal device reads out optical information from a label attached to an article and communicates data with a radio tag attached to the article. In the casing, a circuit board larger than an antenna ground board 31 is abutted on the upper surface S5 of a camera unit 15 having a shape of rectangular parallelepiped through the antenna ground board 31 which is larger than the upper surface S5. A rod-like loop antenna element 30 constituted so that the antenna ground board 31 is a start point and an end point is extended along three surfaces S3, S4, S6 of the camera unit 15. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information terminal device.

An information terminal device having a function of reading a barcode and a function of performing data communication with an RF tag is disclosed in, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2. Specifically, in Patent Document 1, a strip antenna is installed on the bottom surface of the casing of the terminal device in order to ensure a barcode reading range. Moreover, in patent document 2, it is set as the structure which winds an antenna coil around the bobbin holding a condensing lens.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-40329 Japanese Patent No. 3514171

  However, in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that the reading direction of the barcode and the radiation direction of the radio wave do not match. Further, in Patent Document 2, only an electromagnetic induction method (induction magnetic field method) can be supported because of an antenna coil, and there is a problem that the terminal device must be brought close to an article (RF tag).

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a control circuit board, a camera unit, and a radio wave type antenna in a narrow space in the casing, and to read the optical information and to radiate the radio wave. An object of the present invention is to provide an information terminal device that can be arranged so that the directions coincide.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, in the invention described in claim 1, an optical information reading camera unit having a rectangular parallelepiped shape and having a lens installed on one surface in a casing is provided with a lens installation surface and the lens installation. A control circuit board larger than the antenna ground plane is brought into contact with one surface out of the four surfaces except the surface facing the surface, with an antenna ground plane larger than the one surface sandwiched therebetween. In the body, a rod-shaped loop antenna element having the antenna ground plane as a start point and an end point is arranged along three surfaces of the four surfaces of the optical information reading camera unit except the antenna ground plane arrangement surface. The gist is that it was extended.

  According to the invention described in claim 1, the radiation direction of the radio wave of the loop antenna element coincides with the optical information reading direction of the camera unit, and the control circuit board functions as a reflector so that the radio wave can be radiated strongly. A rod-shaped loop antenna element and an antenna ground plane are arranged around the optical information reading camera unit, and the control circuit board, the camera unit, and the radio wave antenna can be arranged in a narrow space in the casing.

  As described in claim 2, in the information terminal device according to claim 1, the loop antenna element has a portion extending along a surface facing the arrangement surface of the antenna ground plane in the optical information reading camera unit. A shape that is bent point-symmetrically is preferable for increasing the antenna length, and cancels radio waves and is less susceptible to external influences.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the information terminal device according to the first aspect of the present invention, in the housing, two rod-shaped parasitic elements extending from the antenna ground plane are arranged in the optical information reading camera unit. When extending along two surfaces of the two surfaces excluding the antenna ground plane placement surface and the surface facing the antenna ground plane placement surface, radio waves can be radiated strongly.

  As described in claim 4, in the information terminal device according to claim 3, when the antenna ground plate is bent along a surface facing the lens installation surface in the optical information reading camera unit, the antenna ground plate is Can be arranged compactly.

  As described in claim 5, in the information terminal device according to claim 1, the control circuit board includes a wireless communication device in which an electronic component is housed in a box-shaped shield case. If at least the surface facing the camera unit and the corners surrounding the surface are covered with the radio wave absorber, it is possible to suppress the gain reduction in the antenna due to the shield case.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical information reading camera unit having a rectangular parallelepiped shape in a housing and having a lens installed on one surface, except for a lens installation surface and a surface facing the lens installation surface. A control circuit board larger than the antenna ground plane is brought into contact with one of the surfaces with an antenna ground plane larger than the one plane, and extends from the antenna ground plane within the housing. A rod-shaped monopole antenna element, one of two surfaces excluding a surface of the four surfaces of the optical information reading camera unit except the surface of the antenna ground plate and the surface of the antenna ground plate, The gist of the present invention is that the antenna base plate extends along a surface facing the arrangement surface of the antenna ground plane.

  According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the radiation direction of the radio wave of the monopole antenna element coincides with the optical information reading direction of the camera unit, and the control circuit board functions as a reflector so that the radio wave can be radiated strongly. A rod-shaped monopole antenna element and an antenna ground plane are arranged around the optical information reading camera unit, and the control circuit board, the camera unit, and the radio wave antenna can be arranged in a narrow space in the casing.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical information reading camera unit having a rectangular parallelepiped shape in a housing and having a lens installed on one surface, except for a lens installation surface and a surface facing the lens installation surface. A control circuit board larger than the one surface is brought into contact with one of the surfaces, and a rod-shaped dipole antenna is connected to the lens on the lens installation surface of the optical information reading camera unit in the housing. Extending along the lens installation surface from two parts, and the two surfaces excluding the control circuit board placement surface and the control circuit board placement surface of the four surfaces. Is the gist.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the radiation direction of the radio wave of the dipole antenna coincides with the optical information reading direction of the camera unit, and the control circuit board functions as a reflector so that the radio wave can be radiated strongly. A rod-shaped dipole antenna is arranged around the information reading camera unit, and the control circuit board, the camera unit, and the radio wave antenna can be arranged in a narrow space in the casing.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows an information terminal device 10 in an optical information reading / wireless information reading / writing system.

  The information terminal device 10 can read optical information (barcode) of the label 2 attached to the article 1 and can perform data communication (read and write wireless information) with the wireless tag 3 attached to the article 1. .

  FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the information terminal device 10. FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the information terminal device 10 (viewed in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 2), and FIG. 4 shows a front view of the information terminal device 10 (viewed in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 2).

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a case (case) 11 of the information terminal device 10 has a box shape, and a handle (handle) 12 is provided on the lower surface of the case 11. The information terminal device 10 uses a handle (handle) 12 by hand.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 11 includes an overall control board 13, a barcode reading circuit board 14, an optical information reading camera unit 15, a wireless information reading / writing loop antenna (radio wave system) 16, A wireless communication device (RF device) 17 and a power source battery 18 are accommodated. In the casing 11, the overall control board 13 is attached to the ceiling surface of the casing 11, and the barcode reading circuit board 14 is disposed in contact with the lower surface of the overall control board 13. An optical information reading camera unit 15 and a wireless communication device (RF device) 17 are mounted on the barcode reading circuit board 14. A wireless information reading / writing loop antenna (radio wave system) 16 is arranged using the space around the optical information reading camera unit 15. The details will be described below.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, an optical information reading port 19 is formed on the front surface of the housing 11, and a transparent resin material 20 is disposed in the optical information reading port 19.
As shown in FIG. 3, a liquid crystal screen 22 and an LED 23 are arranged as a display unit 21 on the upper surface of the housing 11. In addition, key operation switches 24 a are provided on the upper surface of the housing 11. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the handle (handle) 12 is provided with a trigger type switch 24b.

  2, electronic components are mounted on a circuit board 17a, and the circuit board 17a and the electronic components are accommodated in a box-shaped RF shield case 17b. In this way, the wireless communication device (RF device) 17 in which the electronic components are housed in the box-shaped shield case 17b is mounted on the barcode reading circuit board 14 as the control circuit board.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the optical information reading camera unit 15 and the antenna 16. FIG. 6A shows a front view of the optical information reading camera unit 15 and the antenna 16, and FIG. 6B shows a bottom view of the optical information reading camera unit 15 and the antenna 16.

  The optical information reading camera unit 15 is an integrated image sensor and lens, has a rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole, and includes at least a two-dimensional image sensor and an optical lens. A lens 15a is installed on one surface S1 of the camera unit 15 that forms a rectangular parallelepiped. The lens installation surface S1 is the front surface of the camera unit 15, and the surface S2 facing the lens installation surface S1 is the back surface of the camera unit 15. Further, the four surfaces S3, S4, S5, and S6 excluding the lens installation surface S1 and the surface S2 facing the lens installation surface S1 become the left side surface S3, the right side surface S4, the upper surface S5, and the lower surface S6.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the lens 15 a of the camera unit 15 faces the optical information reading port 19 of the housing 11 (an arrangement in which the lens surface and the optical information reading port 19 of the housing 11 face each other). External video (barcode data) can be read. Also, in order to process the read information, the optical information reading camera unit 15 is connected to the barcode reading circuit board 14 shown in FIG. 2 by cables. A barcode reading circuit board (printed wiring board) 14 as a control circuit board larger than the antenna ground plane 31 is in contact with the upper surface S5 of the camera unit 15 with an antenna ground plane 31 larger than the upper surface S5 interposed therebetween. Yes.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the radio information reading / writing loop antenna 16 includes a rod-shaped loop antenna element 30 and an antenna ground plane 31, and the length of the loop antenna element 30 is a half wavelength (λ / 2). is there. The antenna ground plane 31 has a rectangular flat plate shape. The rod-shaped loop antenna element 30 has an antenna ground plane 31 as a start point and an end point, and extends along the left side surface S3, the right side surface S4, and the lower surface S6 in the camera unit 15. Specifically, the antenna element 30 includes two standing parts 30a and 30b and a erection part 30c, and the erection parts 30a and 30b are arranged slightly outside from the left and right side surfaces S3 and S4 of the camera unit 15, 30c is arranged slightly below the lower surface S6 of the camera unit 15. The erection part 30c is bent and formed in an inverted Z shape, and is bent in a point-symmetric manner around the position indicated by the symbol o in FIG. 6B.

  In this way, the loop antenna 16 is arranged on the four surfaces (upper surface, left side surface, right side surface, and lower surface) that avoid the lens surface of the optical information reading camera unit 15, and changes the shape and dimensions of the housing 11. It is possible to mount without.

In order to process information read and written by the wireless information read / write loop antenna 16, the loop antenna 16 is connected to a wireless communication device (RF device) 17 by cables.
Regarding the size of the loop antenna 16 for reading / writing wireless information, for example, as an example of the @ 950 MHz band, the vertical / horizontal / height of the optical information reading camera unit 15 is 30 mm, 45 mm, and 30 mm (see FIG. 5). Since the size of the antenna ground plane 31 affects the gain when the antenna ground plane 31 is disposed along the antenna ground plane 31, it is necessary to ensure the size. Similarly, the length of the loop antenna element 30 also requires a half wavelength (λ / 2). Therefore, the installation part 30c is bent and formed in a Z shape. That is, when the transmission line antenna is configured by arranging the loop antenna elements 30 on the three surfaces (S3, S4, S6) of the camera unit 15, the transmission line antenna is λ / 2 = 3 × 10 ¹¹ [mm / s] / 950 × 10 ⁶ [Hz] / 2 = 157 mm is required, and only 105 mm (= 30 mm + 45 mm + 30 mm) can be obtained with a rectangular parallelepiped camera unit 15 having a height, width, and height of 30 mm, 45 mm, and 30 mm. Therefore, a loop antenna element that satisfies the path length λ / 2 can be configured by bending the loop antenna element into a point-symmetric shape.

  Further, with respect to the loop antenna 16, a circuit board 14 larger than the antenna ground plane 31 is brought into contact with the upper surface S5 of the optical information reading camera unit 15 with an antenna ground plane 31 larger than the surface S5 interposed therebetween. Thus, the circuit board 14 functions as a reflecting plate, and thereby, radio waves can be radiated strongly. This will be described based on the simulation result.

  FIG. 7 shows the gain when a sufficiently large circuit board is placed on one surface of the camera unit with an antenna ground plane sandwiched as in this embodiment, and a loop antenna element is placed so as to surround the camera unit. For comparison, FIG. 8 shows the gain when the antenna ground plane is simply arranged on one surface of the camera unit and the loop antenna element is arranged so as to surround the camera unit.

  7 and 8 are compared, the vertical polarization average gain (average gain in the range of ± 10 ° with respect to the optical information reading direction (front direction)) is 0.9 dBi in FIG. The gain (average gain in the range of ± 10 ° with respect to the optical information reading direction (front direction)) is −1.8 dBi, and the gain in the case of FIG. 7 is improved compared to the case of FIG. This is because reflection is generated by the circuit board (printed wiring board) 14 on the antenna ground plane 31 (the circuit board 14 functions as a reflection plate).

  Further, although this antenna structure is unidirectional in the horizontal direction as shown in FIG. 8, the circuit board 14 larger than the antenna ground plane 31 is disposed on the antenna ground plane 31 as shown in FIG. Reflects more strongly forward. That is, directivity is good.

Therefore, the optical information reading direction of the camera unit 15 and the direction of the radio wave emitted from the wireless information reading / writing loop antenna 16 are more matched.
In this manner, in the optical information reading / wireless information reading / writing system, the linear loop antenna element 30 and the antenna ground plane 31 are arranged in the existing space on the outer periphery of the optical information reading camera unit 15. A structure for emitting radio waves in the optical information reading direction of the camera unit 15 can be easily realized without changing the shape and dimensions. In other words, by arranging a loop antenna in the existing space on the outer periphery of the optical information reading camera unit, the optical information reading direction of the camera unit can coincide with the radiation direction of radio information reading / writing radio waves, and the terminal device casing A space dedicated to radio loop antennas can be eliminated.

  And when an antenna coil is used, it is an electromagnetic induction method (induction magnetic field method), and the terminal device must be brought close to the article (RF tag) (for example, close to several tens of centimeters or less). On the other hand, it is a radio wave system by using a loop antenna, and communication is possible even if the terminal device is several meters away from the article (RF tag).

According to the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) The optical information reading camera unit 15 which is a rectangular parallelepiped in the housing 11 and in which the lens 15a is installed on one surface S1 is excluded from the lens installation surface S1 and the surface S2 facing the lens installation surface S1. A barcode reading circuit board larger than the antenna ground plane 31 with an antenna ground plane 31 larger than the one plane S5 sandwiched between one of the four planes S3, S4, S5 and S6. The control circuit board 14 is brought into contact with the rod-shaped loop antenna element 30 having the antenna ground plane 31 as the start point and the end point in the housing 11, and the four surfaces S 3 and S 4 of the optical information reading camera unit 15. , S5, and S6, and extending along three surfaces S3, S4, and S6 excluding the arrangement surface (S5) of the antenna ground plane 31.

  As a result, the radiation direction of the radio wave of the loop antenna element 30 coincides with the optical information reading direction of the camera unit 15, and the circuit board 14 functions as a reflector so that the radio wave can be radiated strongly, and the optical information reading camera unit 15. A rod-shaped loop antenna element 30 and an antenna ground plane 31 are arranged around the circuit board 14, and the circuit board 14, the camera unit 15, and a radio wave antenna (loop antenna) can be arranged in a narrow space in the housing 11.

(2) The loop antenna element 30 has a shape in which a portion (30c) extending along a surface S6 facing the arrangement surface (S5) of the antenna ground plane 31 in the optical information reading camera unit 15 is bent point-symmetrically. Therefore, the antenna length is preferable, and cancellation of radio waves is generated, so that it is difficult to receive external influences (for example, even if a human hand approaches).
(Second Embodiment)
Next, the second embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

  FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C show an antenna structure in the present embodiment that replaces the antenna structure in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 9A is a bottom view, FIG. 9B is a side view, and FIG. 9C is a rear view.

  The loop antenna 16 includes a loop antenna element (λ / 2 loop antenna) 40 and an antenna ground plane 31. The rod-shaped loop antenna element 40 includes two standing portions 40a and 40b and an erected portion 40c. The standing portions 40a and 40b extend from the rear end portions of the side surfaces S3 and S4 of the camera unit 15 in the antenna ground plate 31. Yes. As shown in the bottom view of FIG. 9A, the erection part 40c is bent and formed in a U-shape from the erection parts 40a and 40b toward the front.

The following simulation was performed on the antenna gain using an antenna model.
As the dimensions of the antenna configuration, as shown in FIG. 10A, the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the ground plane are 80 mm and 140 mm, the length of the antenna element standing portions 40a and 40b is 30 mm, and the length of the U-shaped erection portion 40c. The thickness is set to 30 mm, 67 mm, and 30 mm. The diameter (line width) of the bar is 1 mm. The characteristic (gain) in this case is shown in FIG. The gain in the front direction (θ = 0) was −4.5 dBi.
(Third embodiment)
Next, the third embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the second embodiment.

  11 (a), (b), (c), and (d) show an antenna structure in this embodiment that replaces the antenna structure in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 11A is a bottom view, FIG. 11B is a left side view, FIG. 11C is a right side view, and FIG. 11D is a rear view.

  The loop antenna element 40 and the antenna ground plane 31 of the loop antenna 16 in the second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9 are also used in the present embodiment illustrated in FIG. The configuration is as described above, and the description thereof is omitted here.

  In the present embodiment, two rod-shaped parasitic elements 50 extending from the antenna ground plane 31 are extended along the left and right side surfaces S3 and S4 of the camera unit 15. The rod-shaped parasitic element 50 has an inverted L shape and includes a first straight portion 50a and a second straight portion 50b. The first straight portion 50a is disposed forwardly from the standing portions 40a and 40b of the antenna element 40 by a predetermined distance, and the second straight portion 50b extends from the tip of the first straight portion 50a toward the standing portions 40a and 40b of the antenna element 40. ing.

The following simulation was performed on the antenna gain using an antenna model.
As the dimensions of the antenna configuration, as shown in FIG. 12A, the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the ground plane are 80 mm and 140 mm, the length of the antenna element standing portions 40a and 40b is 30 mm, and the length of the U-shaped erection portion 40c. The length is set to 30 mm, 67 mm, and 30 mm, the length of the first straight portion 50a of the parasitic element 50 is set to 25 mm, and the length of the second straight portion 50b is set to 30 mm. The first straight portion 50a of the parasitic element 50 is disposed 35 mm away from the standing portions 40a and 40b of the loop antenna element 40 in the reading direction. The diameter (line width) of each bar is 1 mm. The characteristic (gain) in this case is shown in FIG. The gain in the front direction (θ = 0) was 3.39 dBi.

  Therefore, comparing FIG. 10 of the second embodiment and FIG. 12 of the third embodiment, the L-shaped parasitic element 50 is separated from the loop antenna element 40 by 35 mm (30 mm or more) in the reading direction from the antenna ground plane 31. It can be seen that the two radio waves can be emitted more strongly in the optical information reading direction of the camera unit 15.

  Since the antenna configuration described above and the configuration that radiates the above-mentioned radio wave (the installation of the parasitic element 50) can be added to the camera unit mounting space, the shape and dimensions of the casing of the terminal device can be changed. It is also possible to incorporate an antenna that devised forward radio wave radiation.

  As described above, in the housing 11, the two parasitic parasitic elements 50 extending from the antenna ground plane 31 are used as the antennas of the four surfaces S3, S4, S5, and S6 of the optical information reading camera unit 15. The optical information reading direction of the camera unit 15 is extended along the two surfaces S3 and S4 excluding the arrangement surface (S5) of the ground plane 31 and the surface S6 facing the arrangement plane (S5) of the antenna ground plane 31. Can emit strong radio waves.

Here, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the antenna ground plane 60 may be bent along a surface S <b> 2 facing the lens installation surface S <b> 1 in the optical information reading camera unit 15. That is, the ground plane 60 is configured by the first flat plate portion 60a and the second flat plate portion 60b bent by 90 degrees. If it does in this way, compared with the case where it does not bend, the antenna ground plane 60 can be arrange | positioned compactly.
(Fourth embodiment)
Next, the fourth embodiment will be described with a focus on differences from the first embodiment.

In FIG. 14, the longitudinal cross-sectional view of the information terminal device 10 in this embodiment is shown.
As described with reference to FIG. 2, the barcode reading circuit board (control circuit board) 14 is equipped with a wireless communication device (RF device) 17 containing electronic components. In the present embodiment, the radio wave absorber 70 is attached to the RF shield case 17b of the radio communication device (RF device) 17 (covered with the radio wave absorber 70) in order to prevent the influence of the metal around the antenna. ).

  The effect of the radio wave absorber 70 will be described. FIG. 15 shows the directivity when the loop antenna 16 is built in the terminal device. In FIG. 15, the gain in the front direction is −1.7 dBi without the shield case 17b, but the gain in the front direction is −4.3 dBi with the shield case 17b, and the front with or without the RF shield case 17b. It can be confirmed that the gain difference in the direction is 2.6 dB.

  When the RF shield case 17b is present, the gain is reduced because a current (indicated by reference numeral I ′ in FIG. 2) opposite to the antenna current (indicated by reference numeral I in FIG. 2) is generated on the surface of the RF shield case 17b. It is to do. It was confirmed by simulation that current is generated on a plane parallel to the antenna current I (indicated by reference numeral S10 in FIG. 2) and its corners.

  In order to prevent this, it is effective to increase the distance between the antenna element and the RF shield case (metal) 17b (distance L in FIG. 2). This will be described with reference to FIGS.

  16, 17, 18, and 19 are simulation results of investigating the influence of the RF shield case 17b on the VSWR (voltage standing wave ratio). In FIG. 16, the distance L between the portion feeding the antenna and the RF shield case 17b is 10 mm, FIG. 17 is the same distance L is 20 mm, FIG. 18 is the same distance L is 30 mm, and FIG. . 16, 17, and 18 have different peaks depending on the presence or absence of the shield case 17 b, but in FIG. 19, the peaks substantially coincide. Thereby, it can be confirmed that the influence is eliminated by separating 40 mm from the portion feeding the antenna. However, since the housing size is determined, it is difficult to provide a distance L of 40 mm between the loop antenna element and the RF shield case 17b.

  When the radio wave absorber 70 was stuck on the surface of the RF shield case 17b in order to eliminate the reverse current (symbol I ′ in FIG. 2), no gain reduction occurred. From this, it is considered that the generation of reverse current can be prevented. In consideration of this, the radio wave absorber 70 is applied to a region including the surface S10 facing the camera unit 15 and the vicinity of the side edge of the surface S10 (corner surrounding the surface S10) as shown in FIG. Yes.

  In FIG. 14, the radio wave absorber 70 is affixed only to the RF shield case (RF circuit shield case) 17b, but in addition to this, it may be affixed to other parts such as the back surface S2 of the camera unit 15. .

As described above, the barcode reading circuit board (control circuit board) 14 is mounted with the wireless communication device 17 in which the electronic components are housed in the box-shaped shield case 17b, and at least the camera in the shield case 17b. Since the surface S10 facing the unit 15 and the corners surrounding the surface S10 are covered with the radio wave absorber 70, it is possible to suppress the gain reduction in the antenna due to the shield case 17b.
(Fifth embodiment)
Next, the fifth embodiment will be described with a focus on differences from the first embodiment.

  FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the optical information reading camera unit 15 and the antenna in the present embodiment. 22A is a front view of the optical information reading camera unit 15 and the antenna, and FIG. 22B is a bottom view of the optical information reading camera unit 15 and the antenna.

  As described with reference to FIG. 1, the information terminal device 10 according to the present embodiment is also a device that reads the optical information of the label 2 attached to the article 1 and performs data communication with the wireless tag 3 attached to the article 1.

  As described with reference to FIG. 2, the barcode reading circuit board (control circuit board) 14 is accommodated in the housing 11. As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, an optical information reading camera unit 15 having a rectangular parallelepiped shape and having a lens 15 a installed on one surface S <b> 1 is disposed in the housing 11. An antenna ground plane 31 larger than one surface S5 is formed on one surface S5 of the four surfaces S3, S4, S5, and S6 except for the lens installation surface S1 and the surface S2 facing the lens installation surface S1 of the camera unit 15. A barcode reading circuit board (control circuit board) 14 larger than the antenna ground plane 31 is in contact with the antenna board.

  Further, in the housing 11, a rod-like monopole antenna element (¼ wavelength monopole antenna) 80 extending from the antenna ground plane 31 extends along the right side surface S 4 and the lower surface S 6 of the camera unit 15. That is, the monopole antenna element 80 faces the arrangement surface (S5) of the antenna ground plane 31 and the arrangement plane (S5) of the antenna ground plane 31 among the four surfaces S3, S4, S5, and S6 of the camera unit 15. It extends along one of the two surfaces S3 and S4 excluding the surface S6 and a surface S6 facing the arrangement surface (S5) of the antenna ground plane 31.

  The radiation direction of the radio wave of the monopole antenna element 80 coincides with the optical information reading direction of the camera unit 15, and the circuit board 14 functions as a reflector so that the radio wave can be radiated strongly, and around the optical information reading camera unit 15. The bar-shaped monopole antenna element 80 and the antenna ground plane 31 are arranged, and the circuit board 14, the camera unit 15, and the radio wave antenna (monopole antenna) can be arranged in a narrow space in the housing 11.

When an antenna coil is used, it is an electromagnetic induction method (induction magnetic field method), and the terminal device must be brought close to the article (RF tag) (for example, close to several tens of centimeters or less). On the other hand, by using a monopole antenna, it is a radio wave system and can communicate even if the terminal device is several meters away from the article (RF tag).
(Sixth embodiment)
Next, the sixth embodiment will be described with a focus on differences from the first embodiment.

  FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the optical information reading camera unit 15 and the antenna according to the present embodiment. 24A is a front view of the optical information reading camera unit 15 and the antenna, and FIG. 24B is a bottom view of the optical information reading camera unit 15 and the antenna.

  As described with reference to FIG. 1, the information terminal device 10 according to the present embodiment is also a device that reads the optical information of the label 2 attached to the article 1 and performs data communication with the wireless tag 3 attached to the article 1.

  As described with reference to FIG. 2, the barcode reading circuit board (control circuit board) 14 is accommodated in the housing 11. As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, an optical information reading camera unit 15 having a rectangular parallelepiped shape and having a lens 15 a installed on one surface S <b> 1 is disposed in the housing 11. In the camera unit 15, barcode reading larger than one surface S5 is performed on one surface S5 of the four surfaces S3, S4, S5, and S6 excluding the lens installation surface S1 and the surface S2 facing the lens installation surface S1. Circuit board (control circuit board) 14 abuts.

  Further, in the housing 11, a rod-shaped dipole antenna (half-wave dipole antenna) 90 extends from the region between the lens 15 a and the upper surface S 5 on the lens installation surface S 1 of the camera unit 15 to the lens installation surface S 1 and further to the left side surface. It extends along S3 and right side S4. That is, the bar-shaped dipole antenna 90 is a bar code reading circuit among the lens installation surface S1 and the four surfaces S3, S4, S5, and S6 from the portion without the lens 15a on the lens installation surface S1 in the camera unit 15. It extends along two surfaces S3 and S4 excluding the surface (S5) of the substrate 14 and the surface S6 facing the surface (S5) of the circuit board 14 for reading barcodes.

  The radiation direction of the radio wave of the dipole antenna 90 coincides with the optical information reading direction of the camera unit 15, and the circuit board 14 functions as a reflector so that the radio wave can be radiated strongly, and the optical information reading camera unit 15 has a rod shape around it. The dipole antenna 90 is arranged, and the circuit board 14, the camera unit 15, and a radio wave type antenna (dipole antenna) can be arranged in a narrow space in the housing 11.

  When an antenna coil is used, it is an electromagnetic induction method (induction magnetic field method), and the terminal device must be brought close to the article (RF tag) (for example, close to several tens of centimeters or less). On the other hand, by using a dipole antenna, it is a radio wave system and can communicate even if the terminal device is several meters away from the article (RF tag).

The perspective view of the information terminal device in a 1st embodiment. The longitudinal cross-sectional view of an information terminal device. The top view of an information terminal device. The front view of an information terminal device. The perspective view of the camera unit for optical information reading, and an antenna. (A) is a front view of an optical information reading camera unit and antenna, and (b) is a bottom view of the optical information reading camera unit and antenna. The figure which shows the simulation result about the gain of this embodiment. The figure which shows the simulation result about the gain for a comparison. (A) is the bottom view of the camera unit and antenna in 2nd Embodiment, (b) is a side view, (c) is a rear view. (A) is a figure which shows the dimension of an antenna model, (b) is a gain characteristic figure which shows a simulation result. (A) is the bottom view of the camera unit and antenna in 3rd Embodiment, (b) is a left view, (c) is a right view, (d) is a rear view. (A) is a figure which shows the dimension of an antenna model, (b) is a gain characteristic figure which shows a simulation result. (A), (b) is a perspective view for demonstrating a base-plate shape. The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the information terminal device in 4th Embodiment. The directivity characteristic figure for demonstrating the influence on the gain of a shield case. The figure which shows the simulation result which investigated the influence on VSWR by RF shield case. The figure which shows the simulation result which investigated the influence on VSWR by RF shield case. The figure which shows the simulation result which investigated the influence on VSWR by RF shield case. The figure which shows the simulation result which investigated the influence on VSWR by RF shield case. The perspective view which shows the arrangement | positioning location of a radio wave absorber. The perspective view of the camera unit for optical information reading in 5th Embodiment, and an antenna. (A) is a front view of an optical information reading camera unit and antenna, and (b) is a bottom view of the optical information reading camera unit and antenna. The perspective view of the optical information reading camera unit and antenna in 6th Embodiment. (A) is a front view of an optical information reading camera unit and antenna, and (b) is a bottom view of the optical information reading camera unit and antenna.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Article, 2 ... Label, 3 ... Wireless tag, 10 ... Information terminal device, 11 ... Housing, 14 ... Bar code reading circuit board, 15 ... Optical information reading camera unit, 15a ... Lens, 17 ... Wireless communication Equipment (RF equipment), 17b ... shield case, 30 ... loop antenna element, 31 ... ground plate for antenna, 50 ... parasitic plate, 60 ... ground plate for antenna, 70 ... radio wave absorber, 80 ... monopole antenna element, 90 ... Dipole antenna, S1-S6 ... plane, S10 ... plane.

Claims (7)

An information terminal device (10) that reads optical information of a label (2) attached to an article (1) and performs data communication with a wireless tag (3) attached to the article (1).
In the housing (11), the optical information reading camera unit (15) having a rectangular parallelepiped shape and having the lens (15a) installed on one surface (S1) is connected to the lens installation surface (S1) and the lens installation surface ( One of the four surfaces (S3, S4, S5, S6) excluding the surface (S2) facing S1) (S5) has an antenna ground plane (31) larger than the one surface (S5). A control circuit board (14) larger than the antenna ground plane (31) is brought into contact with each other, and the antenna ground plane (31) is a rod-like shape having a start point and an end point in the housing (11). The loop antenna element (30) is separated from the arrangement surface (S5) of the antenna ground plane (31) among the four surfaces (S3, S4, S5, S6) of the optical information reading camera unit (15). Three surfaces (S3, S4, S6) information terminal device characterized by being extended along. The loop antenna element (30) has a point (30c) extending along a surface (S6) facing the arrangement surface (S5) of the antenna ground plane (31) in the optical information reading camera unit (15). The information terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the information terminal device has a symmetrically bent shape. Inside the housing (11), two rod-shaped parasitic elements (50) extending from the antenna ground plane (31) are connected to the four surfaces (S3, S4, S4) of the optical information reading camera unit (15). Two surfaces (S3, S4) excluding the surface (S5) of the antenna ground plate (31) and the surface (S6) facing the surface (S5) of the antenna ground plate (31) of S5 and S6). The information terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the information terminal device extends along the line. The information terminal according to claim 3, wherein the antenna ground plane (60) is bent along a surface (S2) facing the lens installation surface (S1) of the optical information reading camera unit (15). apparatus. The control circuit board (14) is mounted with a wireless communication device (17) containing electronic components in a box-shaped shield case (17b), and at least the camera unit (15) in the shield case (17b). 2. The information terminal device according to claim 1, wherein a surface (S 10) facing each other and a corner portion surrounding the surface (S 10) are covered with a radio wave absorber (70). An information terminal device (10) that reads optical information of a label (2) attached to an article (1) and performs data communication with a wireless tag (3) attached to the article (1).
In the housing (11), the optical information reading camera unit (15) having a rectangular parallelepiped shape and having the lens (15a) installed on one surface (S1) is connected to the lens installation surface (S1) and the lens installation surface ( One of the four surfaces (S3, S4, S5, S6) excluding the surface (S2) facing S1) (S5) has an antenna ground plane (31) larger than the one surface (S5). A bar-shaped monopole antenna element extending from the antenna ground plane (31) in the housing (11) while contacting a control circuit board (14) larger than the antenna ground plane (31) (80) is the arrangement surface (S5) and antenna of the antenna ground plane (31) among the four surfaces (S3, S4, S5, S6) in the optical information reading camera unit (15). One of the two surfaces (S3, S4) excluding the surface (S6) facing the arrangement surface (S5) of the ground plane (31) and the surface (S6) facing the arrangement surface (S5) of the antenna ground plane (31) ) And an information terminal device characterized by being extended along the line. An information terminal device (10) that reads optical information of a label (2) attached to an article (1) and performs data communication with a wireless tag (3) attached to the article (1).
In the housing (11), the optical information reading camera unit (15) having a rectangular parallelepiped shape and having the lens (15a) installed on one surface (S1) is connected to the lens installation surface (S1) and the lens installation surface ( One surface (S5) of the four surfaces (S3, S4, S5, S6) excluding the surface (S2) opposed to S1) has a control circuit board (14) larger than the one surface (S5). ) And a rod-shaped dipole antenna (90) in the housing (11), a portion where the lens (15a) is not provided on the lens installation surface (S1) of the optical information reading camera unit (15). To the lens installation surface (S1), the arrangement surface (S5) of the control circuit board (14) of the four surfaces (S3, S4, S5, S6) and the control circuit board (14). Arrangement surface (S ) That it is extended along the two sides (S3, S4), excluding a surface facing the (S6) and the information terminal apparatus according to claim.

Images