JP2011108131A - Portable radio tag communication equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide portable radio tag communication equipment that is mounted with a general personal digital assistant and can perform barcode reading, the portable radio tag communication equipment performing smooth barcode reading without causing a fault to optical reading. <P>SOLUTION: A reader 1 has an attaching and detaching part 7 for supporting a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) 30 provided with a barcode reader module 40 in a detachable manner, a reader body 1A provided with a reader antenna 10, and a drive roller 9 for driving forward/backward the barcode reader module 40 provided in the PDA 30 attached to the attaching and detaching part 7. The reader 1 determines whether to perform reading by using the barcode reader module 40. When it is determined that reading by the barcode reader module 40 is performed, the reader 1 controls the drive roller 9 so as to drive the barcode reader module 40 provided in the PDA 30 to a forward position on the reader antenna 10 side. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable wireless tag communication device that performs wireless communication with a wireless tag.

  Conventionally, a portable wireless tag communication device provided with an optical reading function in addition to a wireless communication function is disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example. This conventional portable information reader includes an optical code reader as an optical reader and an RF tag processor. The optical code reading unit reads optical information such as a barcode. The RF tag processing unit communicates with the wireless tag using the device antenna.

JP 2007-183732 A

  Even when the optical reading function and the wireless communication function are provided as in the prior art, both functions are not used at the same time, and either one of the functions is selectively used. Therefore, for example, in optical reading, consideration is given so that the configuration related to wireless communication does not hinder light irradiation for the reading. In the above prior art, a reading port for optical reading is provided at the tip of the main body horizontally disposed above the grip portion as a grip portion to be gripped by the user. On the other hand, a device antenna is provided in the vertical direction at a lower portion slightly rearward of the front end of the horizontal main body. Thus, when optical reading is performed with the reading port at the tip of the main body in contact with a barcode or the like, the device antenna does not interfere with the user's operation and does not hinder light irradiation.

  On the other hand, in recent years, portable information terminals having an optical reading function have been widely used by many users. Therefore, it is considered to utilize the optical reading function of the portable information terminal by making it possible to attach the portable information terminal already owned by the user to the portable RFID tag communication apparatus. In this portable wireless tag communication device, both the wireless communication function and the optical reading function are realized by utilizing the optical reading function of the attached portable information terminal, as in the above-described conventional technology. However, in the portable RFID tag communication apparatus in which such a portable information terminal can be attached, as described above, there has not been a configuration that prevents a failure to light irradiation as described above. As optical reading, exposure by a CCD camera or the like may be performed in addition to the above light irradiation. In this case as well, there was a problem similar to the above.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to enable smooth reading of a barcode without causing any obstacle to optical reading in a portable wireless tag communication device that is equipped with a general portable information terminal and is capable of barcode reading. To provide a configuration.

  In order to achieve the above object, the first invention provides a detachable support for detachably supporting a portable information terminal provided with an optical reading means capable of optically reading a barcode, and wireless communication with a wireless tag. A reader main body provided with a device antenna for carrying out, advancing / retreating driving means for driving the portable information terminal attached to the detachable part back and forth, and whether or not to perform reading by the optical reading means If the determination means determines that the reading by the optical reading means is to be executed by the determination means, the optical reading means provided in the portable information terminal is driven to a front position on the device antenna side. And an advance / retreat control means for controlling the advance / retreat driving means.

  In the first invention of the present application, it is possible to perform wireless communication with the wireless tag by the device antenna and to read the barcode with the portable information terminal attached. The reader main body is provided with an attaching / detaching portion, and the attaching / detaching portion supports the portable information terminal so as to be attachable / detachable. When the portable information terminal is attached to the detachable portion, the attached portable information terminal is driven back and forth by the forward / backward driving means. The advance / retreat control means controls the advance / retreat drive by the advance / retreat drive means according to the determination result by the determination means.

  Specifically, the determination unit determines whether to perform reading by the optical reading unit. When the determination means determines that the barcode reading by the optical reading means is to be executed, the advance / retreat driving means drives the optical reading means provided in the portable information terminal to the front position. Due to the movement of the optical reading means of the portable information terminal to the front position, the device antenna does not obstruct the optical reading range by the optical reading means.

  As described above, according to the first invention of the present application, in a portable wireless tag communication apparatus that is equipped with a general portable information terminal and is capable of reading a barcode, barcode reading is performed without causing any obstacle to optical reading. Can be executed smoothly.

  In a second aspect based on the first aspect, the determination unit determines whether to perform reading by the optical reading unit or wireless communication by the device antenna, and the advance / retreat control unit includes the determination unit. When it is determined that wireless communication is performed by the device antenna, the optical reading unit is in a direction opposite to the radiation directivity direction of the device antenna and is behind the antenna element of the device antenna. The advancing / retreating drive means is controlled so as to drive the optical reading means provided in the portable information terminal.

  In the second invention of this application, the judging means judges whether to perform reading by the optical reading means or to perform wireless communication by the apparatus antenna. When the determination unit determines to perform wireless communication with the wireless tag by the device antenna, the advance / retreat driving unit drives the optical reading unit provided in the portable information terminal to a rear position. Due to the movement of the optical reading means of the portable information terminal to the rear position, the optical reading means is in a direction opposite to the radiation directivity direction of the device antenna and behind the antenna element of the device antenna, thereby obstructing wireless communication. Disappear. As a result, wireless communication can be smoothly executed without causing any obstacle to radio wave radiation.

  In a third aspect based on the second aspect, the reader main body is connected to a main body housing provided with the attaching / detaching portion and to a front side of the main body housing so as to be rotatable, and the device antenna is provided. The antenna case and a rotation drive means for rotating the antenna case with respect to the main body case, and the determination means determines that reading by the optical reading means is executed. In the case where the antenna housing and the main body housing are rotated to an upper position where the antenna housing and the main body housing are continuous in the front-rear direction, and the wireless communication by the device antenna is determined by the determination means A rotation control means for controlling the rotation driving means so as to rotate the antenna housing to a lower position lowered downward from the upper position, and the advance / retreat control means determines the determination When it is determined by the step that the reading by the optical reading unit is to be performed, the optical reading unit provided in the portable information terminal is driven to the front position on the antenna housing rotated to the upper position. Thus, the advance / retreat driving means is controlled.

  In the third invention of the present application, when the determination means determines that the barcode reading is performed by the optical reading means, the antenna housing is rotated to the upper position by the control of the rotation control means, and the control is performed by the advance / retreat control means. The optical reading means of the portable information terminal moves to a front position on the antenna housing rotated to the upper position. On the other hand, when the determination unit determines to perform wireless communication using the apparatus antenna, the antenna housing rotates to a lower position under the control of the rotation control unit.

  As a result, when reading by the optical reading means, the optical reading means can smoothly read the bar code below the apparatus by rotating the antenna housing to the upper position without disturbing the lower antenna. Can do. In addition, when performing wireless communication with the wireless tag by the device antenna, the size of the entire device in the front-rear direction can be reduced and the operability can be improved by rotating the antenna housing to the lower position.

  In a fourth aspect based on the third aspect, the detachable portion of the reader body is mounted with the portable information terminal so that an optical reading direction of the optical reading means is downward, and the antenna casing is the front A transmission unit configured to transmit the irradiation light from the optical reading unit of the portable information terminal driven to a position, and the advance / retreat control unit determines that the optical reading unit performs reading by the determination unit If it is, the optical reading means provided in the portable information terminal is driven to the front position so that the irradiation light is transmitted through the transmission portion on the antenna housing rotated to the upper position. Thus, the advance / retreat driving means is controlled.

  In the fourth invention of the present application, the antenna housing includes a transmission part, and the optical reading means can read the barcode while transmitting the irradiation light below the transmission part. As a result, the advancing / retreating driving unit does not need to drive the optical reading unit of the portable information terminal to the foremost end of the antenna casing on the antenna casing rotated to the upper position, so that the irradiation light is transmitted through the transmission part. It is only necessary to drive the optical reading means of the portable information terminal to a forward position. In this way, since the longitudinal driving distance of the portable information terminal by the advance / retreat driving means can be reduced, the operability for the operator can be improved.

  According to a fifth invention, in any one of the first to fourth inventions, an optical reading mode in which the optical reading means reads the barcode output from the portable information terminal, or the wireless by the device antenna. A selection signal input means for inputting a mode selection signal for selecting one of the tag communication modes for executing communication; and the determination means selects the optical reading mode by the selection signal input means. When the mode selection signal is input, it is determined that the reading by the optical reading unit is executed. When the mode selection signal in which the tag communication mode is selected is input, wireless communication is performed by the device antenna. It is determined that communication is to be performed, and the advance / retreat driving means is read by the optical reading means by the determining means. If it is determined that the optical reading means provided in the portable information terminal is driven to the front position, and the determination means determines that wireless communication by the device antenna is to be executed. The advance / retreat driving means is controlled to drive the optical reading means provided in the portable information terminal at the rear position.

  In the fifth invention of this application, when the operator selects the optical reading mode in the portable information terminal, the selection signal input means inputs a mode selection signal corresponding to the selection of the optical reading mode. Accordingly, the determination means determines that reading by the optical reading means is performed, and the advance / retreat driving means drives the optical reading means of the portable information terminal to the front position, so that the apparatus antenna obstructs the optical reading range of the optical reading means. No longer.

  When the operator selects the tag communication mode in the portable information terminal, the selection signal input means inputs a mode selection signal corresponding to the selection of the tag communication mode. Accordingly, the determination means determines that the wireless communication by the apparatus antenna is executed, and the advance / retreat driving means drives the optical reading means of the portable information terminal to the rear position, so that the optical reading means obstructs the wireless communication of the apparatus antenna. Disappear.

  As described above, in the fifth invention of the present application, the portable information terminal is automatically driven in the front-rear direction only by operating the portable information terminal and selecting the mode, thereby reading the barcode and performing wireless communication. Can be executed smoothly.

  A sixth invention is the above-described third or fourth invention, wherein the reader main body is provided at a lower portion of the main body housing and includes a grip portion that can be gripped by an operator. When the operation information based on the grip operation of the predetermined mode of the unit is acquired, if the optical reading unit provided in the portable information terminal is located at the rear position, reading by the optical reading unit is executed Determining that if the optical reading means provided in the portable information terminal is located at the front position, it is determined to perform wireless communication by the device antenna, and the advance / retreat driving means is If it is determined that reading by the optical reading means is to be executed, the optical reading means provided in the portable information terminal is driven to the front position, and the determination is made. If it is determined by the means to execute wireless communication by the device antenna, the advance / retreat driving means is controlled to drive the optical reading means provided in the portable information terminal to the rear position. Features.

  In the sixth invention of this application, when the operator intends to read the barcode when the optical reading means of the portable information terminal is located at the rear position, the operator holds the holding portion in a predetermined manner. Just operate. Thus, the determination means determines that the optical reading means performs reading, and the advance / retreat driving means drives the optical reading means of the portable information terminal from the rear position to the front position, so that the apparatus antenna can read the optical reading range of the optical reading means. Will not be disturbed.

  Conversely, even when the operator intends to communicate with the tag in a state where the optical reading means of the portable information terminal is located at the front position, the operator may hold the grip portion in a predetermined manner. . As a result, the determination means determines that the wireless communication by the apparatus antenna is executed, and the advance / retreat driving means drives the optical reading means of the portable information terminal from the front position to the rear position, so that the optical reading means performs the wireless communication of the apparatus antenna. No more obstruction.

  In this way, in the sixth invention of the present application, the portable information terminal is automatically driven in the front-rear direction only by the operator performing a gripping operation in a predetermined manner at the gripper, and performs barcode reading and wireless communication. It can be executed smoothly.

  According to the present invention, in a portable wireless tag communication device that is equipped with a general portable information terminal and is capable of barcode reading, barcode reading can be smoothly executed without causing any obstacle to optical reading. it can.

It is explanatory drawing showing the external appearance structure of the portable radio | wireless tag communication apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram showing the functional structure of a reader and PDA. It is an external view of a reader when it is determined that barcode reading is executed. It is an external view of a reader when it is determined to perform wireless communication with a wireless tag. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure performed by the control part of PDA. It is a sequence diagram showing the detailed procedure of step SP15 and the control procedure executed by the control circuit of the reader together with the transmission / reception of various signals transmitted / received between the reader and the PDA. It is a sequence diagram showing the detailed procedure of step SP20 and the control procedure executed by the control circuit of the reader together with the transmission and reception of various signals transmitted and received between the reader and the PDA. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an external configuration of a reader in a modification in which an antenna housing rotates forward. It is a block diagram showing the functional structure of a reader and PDA. It is an external view of a reader when it is determined that barcode reading is executed. It is an external view of a reader when it is determined to perform wireless communication with a wireless tag. It is a sequence diagram showing the detailed procedure of step SP15 and the control procedure executed by the control circuit of the reader together with the transmission / reception of various signals transmitted / received between the reader and the PDA. It is a sequence diagram showing the detailed procedure of step SP20 and the control procedure executed by the control circuit of the reader together with the transmission and reception of various signals transmitted and received between the reader and the PDA. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an external configuration of a reader in a modification in which an antenna housing rotates forward. It is a block diagram showing the functional structure of a reader and PDA. It is an external view of a reader when it is determined that barcode reading is executed. It is an external view of a reader when it is determined to perform wireless communication with a wireless tag. It is a sequence diagram showing the detailed procedure of step SP15 and the control procedure executed by the control circuit of the reader together with the transmission / reception of various signals transmitted / received between the reader and the PDA. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure performed by the control circuit of a reader in the modification which selects a mode according to holding operation of a trigger switch. It is a sequence diagram showing the control procedure performed by the control part of PDA, and the detailed procedure of step SR115 with the transmission / reception of the various signals transmitted / received between a reader | leader and PDA. It is a sequence diagram showing the control procedure performed by the control part of PDA, and the detailed procedure of step SR120 with transmission / reception of the various signals transmitted / received between a reader | leader and PDA. It is explanatory drawing showing the external appearance structure of a reader in the modification in which the light irradiation direction of a barcode reader module is forward. In the modification which uses a mobile telephone as a portable information terminal, it is explanatory drawing showing the external appearance structure of a mobile telephone.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  An external configuration of a reader that is a portable wireless tag communication device of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1A is an external view of the reader viewed from the side, and FIG. 1B is an external view of the reader viewed from above.

  In FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the reader 1 as the portable wireless tag communication device of this embodiment is a so-called gun type provided with a grip portion 5 that can be gripped by an operator. The reader 1 includes a reader main body 1A including a main body housing 2, an antenna housing 3, and a grip portion 5.

  A rail 8 provided with a plurality (eight in the illustrated example) of driving rollers 9 along the front-rear direction (the left-right direction in FIGS. 1A and 1B) on the upper side of the main body housing 2. Is provided.

  Each drive roller 9 is rotationally driven in synchronization with each other by transmitting a driving force of a conveying motor 14 (see FIG. 2 described later) through a gear mechanism (not shown).

  An attachment / detachment unit 7 is provided on the upper portion of the main body housing 2. The detachable unit 7 detachably supports a personal digital assistant (hereinafter referred to as “PDA”) 30 as a portable information terminal. The detachable portion 7 includes an installation base 7a and a fixing member (not shown) for fixing.

  A pedestal 7 a of the detachable portion 7 is disposed between the rails 8. Accordingly, the pedestal 7a is driven in the front-rear direction along the rails 8 when the plurality of drive rollers 9 are rotationally driven. As a result, the PDA 30 mounted on the detachable portion 7 is driven in the same manner as the pedestal 7a moves.

  That is, the plurality of drive rollers 9 indirectly drive the PDA 30 mounted on the detachable portion 7 forward and backward by driving the pedestal 7a in the front-rear direction along the rail 8 in cooperation with each other. Can do.

  The antenna housing 3 is erected at a front end portion (left end portion in FIG. 1A) of the main body housing 2 so as to be substantially perpendicular to the main body housing 2. The antenna housing 3 is provided with a reader antenna 10 as a device antenna.

  The reader antenna 10 performs wireless communication with the wireless tag T (see FIG. 2 described later). The reader antenna 10 includes a known radiator 10a, reflector 10b, and the like. The radiator 10a, the reflector 10b, and the like correspond to the antenna elements described in the claims.

  The grip portion 5 is provided in the lower rear portion (the lower right portion in FIG. 1A) of the main body housing 2. The grip 5 has a trigger switch 6. The trigger switch 6 is used to instruct the start or stop of barcode reading or wireless communication, which will be described later.

  On the other hand, the PDA 30 to be attached to the detachable part 7 has a slot 31 into which a known SD memory card or the like can be inserted / removed, for example, at its front end (left end in FIG. 1A). An SD memory card type barcode reader module 40 is inserted into the slot 31. Therefore, as the PDA 30 moves in the front-rear direction as described above, the barcode reader module 40 also moves in the front-rear direction.

  The barcode reader module 40 functions as an optical reading unit and can optically read a barcode B (see FIG. 2 described later). The PDA 30 itself may include an optical reading unit.

  In this embodiment, the PDA 30 is attached to the detachable portion 7 so that the optical reading direction of the barcode reader module 40 inserted into the slot 31, that is, the light irradiation direction is downward. In other words, in the PDA 30, the optical reading range by the barcode reader module 40 inserted into the slot 31, that is, the light irradiation range L (see FIGS. 2 and 3 described later) is downward (downward in FIG. 3 described later). It is attached to the detachable part 7 so as to be formed.

  In addition, the reader 1 and the PDA 30 are connected to each other so as to be able to transmit and receive information via a cable 20 such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable. Note that the connection between the reader 1 and the PDA 30 is not limited to a wired cable, and may be a wireless connection such as Bluetooth.

  A functional configuration of the reader 1 and the PDA 30 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 2, the reader 1 includes the trigger switch 6, the plurality of drive rollers 9, the reader antenna 10, a communication control unit 11, a control circuit 12, a motor drive circuit 13, and a conveyance motor 14. , A transmission circuit 15, a reception circuit 16, and an antenna duplexer 17.

  The communication control unit 11 controls information communication performed with the PDA 30 via the cable 20.

  The control circuit 12 includes a CPU and a memory such as a ROM and a RAM (not shown). The control circuit 12 controls the operation of the entire reader 1 by executing a program stored in advance in the ROM while using the temporary storage function of the RAM.

  The motor drive circuit 13 controls the conveyance motor 14.

  The conveyance motor 14 is composed of, for example, a panel motor, and rotationally drives the plurality of drive rollers 9 in synchronization with each other.

  The driving roller 9 drives the pedestal 7a of the attaching / detaching part 7 in the front-rear direction along the rail 8 based on the driving force of the conveying motor 14, thereby moving the PDA 30 attached to the attaching / detaching part 7 forward and backward. To drive.

  The transport motor 14 and the drive roller 9 function as advancing / retreating drive means described in each claim.

  The transmission circuit 15 and the reception circuit 16 access the wireless tag circuit part To of the wireless tag T existing in the predetermined communication range S via the reader antenna 10 and transmit / receive information. Note that the RFID tag circuit unit To includes a tag antenna 151 and an IC circuit unit 150. The tag antenna 151 transmits and receives information. The IC circuit unit 150 includes a memory unit (not shown) that stores information. The transmission circuit 15 and the reception circuit 16 and the reader antenna 10 are connected via an antenna duplexer 17.

  In the above description, information is transmitted and received with one reader antenna 10 using the antenna duplexer 17, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, two reader antennas 10 may be provided corresponding to the transmission circuit 15 and the reception circuit 16.

  On the other hand, the PDA 30 includes a control unit 35 that controls the entire PDA 30. A slot communication unit 33, an external communication unit 38, an operation unit 34, a display unit 36, and a storage unit 37 are connected to the control unit 35 via a bus 32.

  The slot communication unit 33 controls information communication performed with the barcode reader module 40 inserted into the slot 31. The external communication unit 38 controls information communication performed with the reader 1 via the cable 20.

  The operation unit 34 includes numeric keys, operation buttons, and the like, and various operation inputs are performed by the operator.

  The display unit 36 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display and performs various displays.

  The storage unit 37 stores various information, various programs, and the like.

  Further, the barcode reader module 40 inserted into the slot 31 optically reads a barcode B provided on an appropriate article P or the like existing within a predetermined light irradiation range L. The barcode B includes a two-dimensional barcode B2 such as a QR code (registered trademark) in addition to the one-dimensional barcode B1 generally called “barcode”.

  In the basic configuration as described above, the greatest feature of the present embodiment is determined to determine whether or not to perform reading by the barcode reader module 40 and to perform reading by the barcode reader module 40. In this case, the barcode reader module 40 provided in the PDA 30 is driven to a front position (described later) on the reader antenna 10 side. The details will be described below.

  Here, the reader 1 can perform wireless communication with the wireless tag T via the reader antenna 10 as described above. At the same time, the PDA 30 having the barcode reader module 40 can be attached to read the barcode B. The reader 1 capable of executing such a function is prepared in advance with two modes of “optical reading mode” and “tag communication mode”.

  The optical reading mode is a mode in which the barcode B is read by the barcode reader module 40. On the other hand, the tag communication mode is a mode for executing wireless communication with the wireless tag T by the reader antenna 10.

  In the present embodiment, software that allows the optical reading mode and the tag communication mode provided in the reader 1 to be selected by an operation on the PDA 30 connected to the reader 1 is installed in the PDA 30. When the software is not installed, it may be installed by performing an appropriate operation.

  When the optical reading mode is selected by the operator's operation on the PDA 30 side, the reader 1 determines that the barcode reader module 40 reads the barcode B corresponding to the optical reading mode. On the other hand, when the tag communication mode is selected by the operator's operation on the PDA 30 side, the reader 1 determines to execute wireless communication with the wireless tag T by the reader antenna 10 corresponding to the tag communication mode.

  The appearance of the reader 1 when it is determined to read the barcode B will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when it is determined to read the barcode B, the PDA 30, specifically, the barcode reader module 40 inserted into the slot 31 of the PDA 30, is based on the driving force of the driving roller 9. The light irradiation range L is driven to a position in front of the straight line ST1 (left side in FIG. 3).

  Here, the position where the light irradiation range L in which the barcode reader module 40 moves is ahead of the straight line ST1 is that the light irradiation range L is the antenna housing in which the main body housing 2 and the reader antenna 10 are provided. It is a position that is more forward than the body 3. In other words, the main body housing 2 and the antenna housing 3 are positions that do not hinder the light irradiation range L, that is, the optical reading range. This position corresponds to the front position on the device antenna side described in each claim.

  The external appearance of the reader 1 when it is determined to execute wireless communication with the wireless tag T will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when it is determined that wireless communication with the wireless tag T is performed, the barcode reader module 40 inserted into the PDA 30, specifically, the slot 31 of the PDA 30, is based on the driving force of the driving roller 9. The barcode reader module 40 is driven to a position behind the straight line ST2 (to the right in FIG. 4). The PDA 30 may be driven behind the surface of the reader antenna 10 that has a feeding point (not shown). The surface having the feeding point also corresponds to the antenna element described in each claim.

  Here, the position where the barcode reader module 40 in which the barcode reader module 40 moves is behind the straight line ST2 is the radiation directivity direction of the reader antenna 10, in other words, the direction in which the communication range S is formed, Is a position opposite to the radiator 10a. This position corresponds to the rear position described in each claim.

  A control procedure executed by the control unit 35 of the PDA 30 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 5, for example, when an operator turns on the PDA 30 in the state of being attached to the detachable portion 7 and connected to the reader 1 via the cable 20, “START” This flow begins as represented by the "" position.

  First, in step SP5, the control unit 35 determines whether or not a mode selection operation has been performed in which one of the optical reading mode and the tag communication mode is selected by the operator via the operation unit 34. Until the mode selection operation is performed by the operator, the determination is not satisfied and the loop waits. And if mode selection operation is performed by the operator, determination will be satisfy | filled and it will move to step SP10.

  In step SP10, the control unit 35 determines whether or not the mode selected by the operator is the optical reading mode. If it is in the optical reading mode, the determination is satisfied and the routine goes to Step SP15.

  In step SP15, the control unit 35 executes an optical reading process (refer to FIG. 6 described later for the detailed procedure) for outputting a mode selection signal in which the optical reading mode is selected and reading the barcode B. Thereafter, this flow is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the mode selected by the operator is the tag communication mode in step SP10, the determination in step SP10 is not satisfied, and the routine goes to step SP20.

  In step SP20, the control unit 35 executes a tag communication process (see FIG. 7 described later for the detailed procedure) for outputting a mode selection signal in which the tag communication mode is selected and performing wireless communication with the wireless tag T. To do. Then, this flow ends.

  The detailed procedure of step SP15 shown in FIG. 5 and the control procedure executed by the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 will be described with reference to FIG. . In FIG. 6, each procedure is basically shown as a time series change from the upper side to the lower side in the figure.

  In FIG. 6, first, in step SP50, the control unit 35 of the PDA 30 outputs a mode selection signal corresponding to the optical reading mode to the reader 1 via the external communication unit 33 and the cable 20. Here, the mode selection signal is a signal for selecting either the optical reading mode or the tag communication mode. As described above, when the optical reading mode is selected by the operator via the operation unit 34 of the PDA 30, a mode selection signal corresponding to the optical reading mode is output to the reader 1. Thereby, the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 receives the mode selection signal corresponding to the optical reading mode output from the PDA 30 at the above step SP50 via the cable 20 and the communication control unit 11 at step SR5.

  Then, the process proceeds to step SR7, and the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 determines whether or not to read the barcode B based on the mode selection signal input from the PDA 30. Specifically, it is determined whether to read the barcode B or to perform wireless communication with the wireless tag T. In step SR7, it is determined that the barcode B is to be read based on the mode selection signal corresponding to the optical reading mode input in step SR5.

  Thereafter, in step SR10, the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 selects the optical reading mode from the two modes prepared in advance based on the determination result in step SR7.

  Then, the process proceeds to step SR15, and the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 outputs a control signal to the motor drive circuit 13 to control the conveyance motor 14. Thereby, the conveyance motor 14 drives the drive roller 9 based on the control of the motor drive circuit 13, and moves the barcode reader module 40 to a position where the light irradiation range L is ahead of the straight line ST1 ( (See FIG. 3).

  Thereafter, in step SR20, the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 determines whether the trigger switch 6 has been turned on, in other words, whether the trigger switch 6 has been gripped. Until the trigger switch 6 is turned on, the determination is not satisfied and the loop waits. When the trigger switch 6 is turned on, the determination is satisfied and the routine goes to Step SR25.

  In step SR25, the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 outputs a start signal for starting the reading of the barcode B by the barcode reader module 40 to the PDA 30 via the communication control unit 11 and the cable 20. Thereby, the control unit 35 of the PDA 30 receives the start signal via the cable 20 and the external communication unit 33.

  Then, the process proceeds to step SP55, where the control unit 35 of the PDA 30 starts light irradiation by the barcode reader module 40, that is, reading of the barcode B.

  Thereafter, in step SP60, the control unit 35 of the PDA 30 determines whether information is acquired from the barcode B via the barcode reader module 40 and the slot communication unit 33. Until the information is acquired from the barcode B, the determination is not satisfied and the loop waits. And if information is acquired from barcode B, determination will be satisfied and it will move to step SP65.

  In step SP65, the control unit 35 of the PDA 30 executes predetermined application processing. Thereby, the information acquired from the barcode B is displayed on the display unit 36 and stored in the storage unit 37. The reading of the barcode B started in step SP55 is continuously executed until a stop signal described later is received. This step SP65 is also executed each time information is read from the barcode B.

  On the other hand, the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 determines whether or not the trigger switch 6 is turned off in step SR30. Until the trigger switch 6 is turned off, the determination is not satisfied and the loop waits. If the trigger switch 6 is turned off, the determination is satisfied and the routine goes to Step SR35.

  In step SR35, the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 outputs a stop signal for stopping the reading of the barcode B to the PDA 30 via the communication control unit 11 and the cable 20. Thereby, the control unit 35 of the PDA 30 receives the stop signal via the cable 20 and the external communication unit 33.

  Then, the process proceeds to step SP70, and the control unit 35 of the PDA 30 stops light irradiation by the barcode reader module 40, that is, reading of the barcode B.

  On the other hand, the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 determines whether or not a predetermined end operation, for example, powering off of the reader 1 is performed in step SR40. If the ending operation has not been performed, the determination is not satisfied and the routine returns to step SR20 and the same procedure is repeated. If an end operation has been performed, the determination is satisfied and this flow ends.

  The detailed procedure of step SP20 shown in FIG. 5 and the control procedure executed by the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 7 together with the transmission / reception of various signals transmitted / received between the reader 1 and the PDA 30. . In FIG. 7, each procedure is basically shown as a time series change from the upper side to the lower side in the figure.

  In FIG. 7, first, in step SP100, the control unit 35 of the PDA 30 outputs a mode selection signal corresponding to the tag communication mode to the reader 1 via the external communication unit 33 and the cable 20. Thereby, the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 receives the mode selection signal corresponding to the tag communication mode output from the PDA 30 in step SP100 through the cable 20 and the communication control unit 11 in step SR50.

  Then, the process proceeds to step SR52, and the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 determines whether or not to read the barcode B based on the mode selection signal received from the PDA 30. Specifically, it is determined whether to read the barcode B or to perform wireless communication with the wireless tag T. In step SR52, it is determined that wireless communication with the wireless tag T is executed based on the mode selection signal corresponding to the tag communication mode received in step SR50.

  Thereafter, in step SR55, the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 selects the tag communication mode from the two modes prepared in advance based on the determination result in step SR52.

  Then, the process proceeds to step SR60, and the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 outputs a control signal to the motor drive circuit 13 to control the conveyance motor 14. Thereby, the conveyance motor 14 drives the driving roller 9 based on the control of the motor driving circuit 13 and moves the barcode reader module 40 to a position where the barcode reader module 40 is located behind the straight line ST2. (See FIG. 4).

  Thereafter, in step SR65, the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 determines whether or not the trigger switch 6 is turned on. Until the trigger switch 6 is turned on, the determination is not satisfied and the loop waits. When the trigger switch 6 is turned on, the determination is satisfied and the routine goes to Step SR70.

  In step SR70, the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 starts reading information by wireless communication from the wireless tag T within the communication range S. Specifically, the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 transmits a tag reading signal for reading information stored in the RFID tag circuit section To of the RFID tag T within the communication range S via the transmission circuit 15 and the reader antenna 10. It transmits to the RFID circuit part To and prompts a reply.

  Then, the process proceeds to step SR75, and the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 determines whether or not information has been acquired by wireless communication from the wireless tag T within the communication range S. Specifically, has the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 received the response signal returned from the RFID tag circuit section To in the communication range S corresponding to the tag reading signal via the reader antenna 10 and the receiving circuit 16? Determine if. Until the response signal is received, the determination is not satisfied and the loop waits. And if a response signal is received, determination will be satisfy | filled, the information memorize | stored in the RFID circuit part To will be acquired based on the received response signal, and it will move to step SR80.

  In step SR80, the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 outputs the information acquired from the RFID tag circuit unit To of the RFID tag T to the PDA 30 via the communication controller 11 and the cable 20. Thereby, the control unit 35 of the PDA 30 receives the information acquired from the RFID tag circuit unit To of the RFID tag T via the cable 20 and the external communication unit 33.

  Thereafter, in step SP105, the control unit 35 of the PDA 30 executes predetermined application processing. Thereby, the information acquired from the RFID tag circuit unit To of the RFID tag T is displayed on the display unit 36 and stored in the storage unit 37.

  On the other hand, the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 determines whether or not the trigger switch 6 is turned off in step SR85. Until the trigger switch 6 is turned off, the determination is not satisfied and the process returns to step SR70 to repeat reading of information from the wireless tag T. If the trigger switch 6 is turned off, the determination is satisfied and the routine goes to Step SR90.

  In step SR90, the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 stops reading information by wireless communication from the wireless tag T within the communication range S.

  Then, the process proceeds to step SR95, and the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 determines whether or not a predetermined end operation, for example, the power of the reader 1 is turned off. If the ending operation has not been performed, the determination is not satisfied and the routine returns to step SR65 and the same procedure is repeated. If an end operation has been performed, the determination is satisfied and this flow ends.

  In the above, step SR5 shown in FIG. 6 and step SR50 shown in FIG. 7 function as selection signal input means for inputting the mode selection signal described in each claim. Moreover, step SR7 shown in FIG. 6 and step SR52 shown in FIG. 7 function as the determination means described in each claim. Furthermore, step SR15 shown in FIG. 6, step SR60 shown in FIG. 7, and motor drive circuit 13 function as advance / retreat control means for controlling the advance / retreat drive means.

  As described above, the reader 1 according to the present embodiment can perform wireless communication with the wireless tag T by the reader antenna 10. At the same time, the reader 1 can read the barcode B with the PDA 30 attached. Further, the reader body 1A is provided with an attaching / detaching portion 7 that detachably supports the PDA 30. When the PDA 30 is attached to the detachable portion 7, the PDA 30 in the attached state is driven to move forward and backward by the drive roller 9.

  Specifically, it is determined whether or not the barcode B is read by the barcode reader module 40 provided in the PDA 30. If it is determined to read the barcode B, the driving roller 9 moves the barcode reader module 40 to a position where the light irradiation range L is ahead of the straight line ST1 (see FIG. 3). reference). By this movement, the reader antenna 10 does not obstruct the light irradiation range L.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, barcode reading is smoothly performed without any obstacle to optical reading in the reader 1 that is mounted with a general PDA 30 and is capable of reading the barcode B. be able to.

  In the present embodiment, it is particularly determined whether to read the barcode B by the barcode reader module 40 or to perform wireless communication with the wireless tag T by the reader antenna 10. If it is determined that wireless communication with the wireless tag T is to be executed, the barcode reader module 30 is moved to a position behind the straight line ST2 (see FIG. 4). ). By this movement, the barcode reader module 30 is in a direction opposite to the radiation directivity direction of the reader antenna 10, in other words, the direction in which the communication range S is formed, and is behind the radiator 10a. Thereby, wireless communication by the reader antenna 10 is not hindered. As a result, it is possible to smoothly execute wireless communication without causing an obstacle to radio wave radiation.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, when the operator selects the optical reading mode using the PDA 30, a mode selection signal corresponding to the selection of the optical reading mode is input to the reader 1. In response to this, it is determined that the barcode B is to be read, and the drive roller 9 moves the barcode reader module 40 to a position where the light irradiation range L is ahead of the straight line ST1. On the other hand, when the operator uses the PDA 30 to select a tag communication mode, a mode selection signal corresponding to the selection of the tag communication mode is input to the reader 1. In response to this, it is determined that wireless communication with the wireless tag T is executed, and the drive roller 9 moves the barcode reader module 40 to a position where the barcode reader module 30 is located behind the straight line ST2. Let As a result of the foregoing, the operator simply operates the PDA 30 to select a mode, and the PDA 30 is automatically driven in the front-rear direction, so that barcode reading and wireless communication can be performed smoothly.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the present invention. Hereinafter, such modifications will be described in order.

(1) When the antenna housing rotates forward (Part 1)
That is, the antenna housing may be configured to be rotatable with respect to the front side of the main body housing 2.

  The external configuration of the reader of this modification will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 corresponds to FIG. 1A described above. Portions equivalent to those in FIG. 1A are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In FIG. 8, a reader 1 ′ as a portable wireless tag communication device according to this modification has a reader main body 1 </ b> A including a main body housing 2, an antenna housing 3 ′, and a grip portion 5.

  The main body case 2 includes a rotation drive shaft 21 that rotates the antenna case 3 ′ with respect to the front side of the main body case 2.

  The antenna housing 3 ′ is erected at the front end portion of the main body housing 2, and is rotatably connected to the front side of the main body housing 2 by the rotation drive shaft 21. The antenna housing 3 ′ is provided with a rail 18 having a plurality of (five in the illustrated example) drive rollers 19. The configuration of the antenna casing 3 ′ other than the above is the same as that of the antenna casing 3 shown in FIG.

  When the antenna housing 3 'rotates to the upper position (the position of the antenna housing 3' shown by the broken line in FIG. 8), the rail 18 and the rail 8 on the main body housing 2 are moved back and forth (in FIG. 8). In the left-right direction). Although the details will be described later, the upper position is a position where the antenna casing 3 ′ is continuous with the main body casing 2 in the front-rear direction.

  Each drive roller 19 is rotationally driven in synchronism with each other by transmitting the driving force of the conveying motor 14 through the gear mechanism in the same manner as each drive roller 9 described above. The drive roller 19 also functions as advance / retreat drive means described in each claim. That is, the plurality of driving rollers 9 and 19 cooperate with each other to drive the pedestal 7a in the front-rear direction along the rails 8 and 18, thereby indirectly moving the PDA 30 attached to the detachable portion 7 back and forth. Can be driven.

  The other configuration of the reader 1 ′ is the same as that of the reader 1 shown in FIG. The configurations of the PDA 30 and the barcode reader module 40 are the same as those shown in FIG.

  The functional configuration of the reader 1 'and the PDA 30 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 corresponds to FIG. 2 described above. Portions equivalent to those in FIG.

  9, the functional configuration of the reader 1 ′ is different from the functional configuration of the reader 1 shown in FIG. 2 described above in that an antenna driving motor 22, the rotation driving shaft 21, and the driving roller 19 are provided. It is a point.

  The antenna drive motor 22 drives the rotation drive shaft 21.

  The rotational drive shaft 21 rotationally drives the antenna casing 3 ′ with respect to the front side of the main body casing 2 based on the driving force of the antenna driving motor 22.

  The antenna drive motor 22 and the rotation drive shaft 21 function as the rotation drive means described in each claim.

  Further, the motor drive circuit 13 in the present modification controls the conveyance motor 14 and the antenna drive motor 22. Further, as described above, the conveyance motor 14 in the present modification rotationally drives the plurality of drive rollers 9 and 19 in synchronization with each other.

  The other functional configuration of the reader 1 'is the same as that of the reader 1 shown in FIG. The functional configuration of the PDA 30 is the same as that in FIG.

  The appearance of the reader 1 ′ when it is determined to read the barcode B will be described with reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 corresponds to FIG. 3 described above.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in this case, the antenna housing 3 ′ is located at an upper position where the antenna housing 3 ′ and the body housing 2 are continuous in the front-rear direction based on the driving force of the rotational drive shaft 21 (this (Position shown in FIG. 10). The bar code reader module 40 inserted into the slot 31 of the PDA 30 is driven to a predetermined position on the antenna housing 3 ′ rotated to the upper position based on the driving force of the driving rollers 9 and 19. Specifically, the barcode reader module 40 is driven to a position where the light irradiation range L is ahead of the straight line ST3.

  Here, the position where the light irradiation range L in which the barcode reader module 40 moves is ahead of the straight line ST3 is forward of the antenna housing 3 'in a state where the light irradiation range L is rotated to the upper position. It is a position. This position corresponds to the front position described in each claim.

  The external appearance of the reader 1 ′ when it is determined to perform wireless communication with the wireless tag T will be described using FIG. 11. FIG. 11 corresponds to FIG. 4 described above.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in this case, the bar code reader module 40 inserted into the slot 31 of the PDA 30 has the bar code reader module 40 based on the driving force of the driving rollers 9 and 19 as in FIG. It is driven to a position behind the straight line ST2. Then, the antenna housing 3 ′ rotates to a lower position (position shown in FIG. 11) that is lowered downward from the upper position based on the driving force of the rotational drive shaft 21.

  With reference to FIG. 12, the detailed procedure of step SP15 shown in FIG. 5 and the control procedure executed by the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 ′ in this modification are transmitted and received between the reader 1 ′ and the PDA 30. This will be described together with transmission / reception of various signals. FIG. 12 corresponds to FIG. 6 described above. The same steps as those in FIG. However, in FIG. 12, the control procedure executed by the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 shown in FIG. 6 is executed by the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 ′.

  FIG. 12 differs from FIG. 6 described above in that step SR15 ′ is provided instead of step SR15, and step SR12 is newly provided between step SR10 and step SR15 ′. That is, when the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 ′ selects the optical reading mode from the two modes prepared in advance in step SR10, the process proceeds to newly provided step SR12.

  In step SR12, the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 'outputs a control signal to the motor drive circuit 13 to control the antenna carrying motor 22. Accordingly, the antenna transport motor 22 drives the rotation drive shaft 21 based on the control of the motor drive circuit 13 and rotates the antenna housing 3 ′ to the upper position (see FIG. 10).

  Then, the process proceeds to step SR15 ′ provided in place of step SR15, and the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 ′ outputs a control signal to the motor drive circuit 13 to control the transport motor 14. Accordingly, the transport motor 14 drives the drive rollers 9 and 19 based on the control of the motor drive circuit 13, and moves the barcode reader module 40 to a position where the light irradiation range L is ahead of the straight line ST3. (See FIG. 10).

  The subsequent steps SR20 and subsequent steps are the same as those in FIG.

  With reference to FIG. 13, the detailed procedure of step SP20 shown in FIG. 5 and the control procedure executed by the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 ′ in this modification are transmitted and received between the reader 1 ′ and the PDA 30. This will be described together with transmission / reception of various signals. FIG. 13 corresponds to FIG. 7 described above. Steps equivalent to those in FIG. However, in FIG. 13, the control procedure executed by the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 shown in FIG. 7 is executed by the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 ′.

  FIG. 13 differs from FIG. 7 described above in that step SR60 ′ is provided instead of step SR60, and step SR62 is newly provided between step SR60 ′ and step SR65. That is, when the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 'selects the tag communication mode from the two modes prepared in advance in step SR55, the process proceeds to step SR60' instead of step SR60.

  In step SR60 ′, the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 ′ outputs a control signal to the motor drive circuit 13 to control the transport motor 14. As a result, the transport motor 14 drives the drive rollers 9 and 19 based on the control of the motor drive circuit 13, and places the barcode reader module 40 at a position where the barcode reader module 40 is behind the straight line ST2. Move (see FIG. 11).

  Then, the process proceeds to step SR62 newly provided, and the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 'outputs a control signal to the motor driving circuit 13 to control the antenna carrying motor 22. Thereby, the antenna conveyance motor 22 drives the rotation drive shaft 21 based on the control of the motor drive circuit 13, and rotates the antenna housing 3 'to the lower position (see FIG. 11).

  The subsequent steps SR65 and subsequent steps are the same as those in FIG.

  In the above, step SR12 shown in FIG. 12, step SR62 shown in FIG. 13, and motor drive circuit 13 function as rotation control means described in each claim. Further, step SR15 'shown in FIG. 12, step SR60' shown in FIG. 13, and motor drive circuit 13 function as advance / retreat control means.

  As described above, in the reader 1 ′ of this modification, when it is determined that the barcode B is to be read, the rotation drive shaft 21 rotates the antenna housing 3 ′ to the upper position. . Then, the drive rollers 9 and 19 move the barcode reader module 40 to a position where the light irradiation range L is ahead of the straight line ST3 on the antenna housing 3 ′ rotated to the upper position (see FIG. 10). reference). On the other hand, when it is determined that wireless communication with the wireless tag T is to be executed, the rotation drive shaft 21 rotates the antenna housing 3 ′ to the lower position (see FIG. 11).

  Thus, when reading the barcode B, the lower antenna casing 3 ′ is not obstructed by rotating the antenna casing 3 ′ to the upper position. As a result, the barcode reader module 40 can smoothly read the barcode B below the apparatus. Further, when performing wireless communication, by rotating the antenna casing 3 ′ to the lower position, it is possible to reduce the size of the entire apparatus in the front-rear direction and improve operability.

(2) When the antenna housing rotates forward (Part 2)
In the modified example of (1), when it is determined that the reading of the barcode B is performed, the light irradiation range L on the antenna housing 3 ′ rotated to the upper position is forward of the straight line ST3. Although the barcode reader module 40 is driven at the position where That is, an opening is provided in the antenna housing, and the barcode reader module 40 is placed at a position where the light irradiated by the barcode reader module 40 is transmitted through the opening on the antenna housing in a state where the irradiation light is rotated to the upper position. You may make it drive.

  The external structure of the reader of this modification will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14A is an external view of the reader as viewed from the side, and corresponds to FIGS. 1A and 8 described above. Portions equivalent to those in FIG. Moreover, FIG.14 (b) is an arrow line view from the arrow Z direction in Fig.14 (a).

  14 (a) and 14 (b), a reader 1 ″ as a portable wireless tag communication device of this modification is a reader main body including a main body housing 2, an antenna housing 3 ″, and a grip portion 5. 1A.

  The antenna housing 3 ″ is rotatably connected to the front side of the main body housing 2 by the rotation drive shaft 21, like the antenna housing 3 ′ shown in FIG. The body 3 ″ is provided with a rail 18A including a plurality (two in the illustrated example) of driving rollers 19. The rail 18A is the same as the rail 18 except that the length in the longitudinal direction is smaller than that of the rail 18 shown in FIG.

  Further, the antenna housing 3 ″ includes an opening 23 as a transmission portion. The opening 23 has a structure capable of transmitting the irradiation light from the barcode reader module 40 included in the PDA 30. Here, the PDA 30. In this modified example, the barcode reader module 40 inserted in the slot 31 is attached to the detachable portion 7 so that the light irradiation direction is downward, as in the above-described embodiment and the modified example (1). Therefore, the bar code reader module 40 provided in the PDA 30 that is driven to a predetermined position on the antenna housing 3 ″ rotated to the above-described upper position is provided in the opening 23 described above. The bar code reader module 40 can transmit the irradiation light below the opening 23. While transmission and can be read in the bar code B.

  The other configuration of the reader 1 ″ is the same as that of the reader 1 ′ shown in FIG. 8. The configurations of the PDA 30 and the barcode reader module 40 are the same as those of FIG.

  The functional configuration of the reader 1 ″ and the PDA 30 will be described with reference to FIG. 15. This FIG. 15 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 2 and FIG. 9 described above. The description is omitted.

  15, the functional configuration of the reader 1 ″ is different from the functional configuration of the reader 1 ′ shown in FIG. 9 described above. The reader 1 ′ shown in FIG. 9 includes five drive rollers 19. On the other hand, the reader 1 ″ shown in FIG. 15 is provided with two drive rollers 19. The other functional configuration of the reader 1 ″ is the same as that of the reader 1 ′ shown in FIG. 9. The functional configuration of the PDA 30 is the same as that of FIG.

  The external appearance of the reader 1 ″ when it is determined to read the barcode B will be described with reference to FIG. 16. FIG. 16 corresponds to FIGS. 3 and 10 described above.

  As shown in Fig. 16, in this case, the antenna casing 3 "rotates to the above-described upper position based on the driving force of the rotation driving shaft 21 as in the above-described Fig. 10. In the slot 31 of the PDA 30, The inserted barcode reader module 40 is driven to a predetermined position on the antenna housing 3 ″ rotated to the upper position based on the driving force of the driving rollers 9 and 19. Specifically, the barcode reader module 40 is driven to a position where the irradiation light passes through the opening 23 on the antenna housing 3 ″ rotated to the upper position. The position is referred to as “irradiation light transmission position”. This irradiation light transmission position corresponds to the front position described in each claim.

  The appearance of the reader 1 ″ when it is determined to execute wireless communication with the wireless tag T will be described with reference to FIG. 17. This FIG. 17 is a diagram corresponding to the above-described FIG. 4 and FIG. is there.

  As shown in FIG. 17, in this case, the barcode reader module 40 inserted into the slot 31 of the PDA 30 has the barcode reader module 40 based on the driving force of the driving rollers 9 and 19 as in FIG. 11 described above. It is driven to a position behind the straight line ST2. Then, the antenna casing 3 ″ rotates to the lower position described above based on the driving force of the rotation driving shaft 21 as in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 18, the detailed procedure of step SP15 shown in FIG. 5 and the control procedure executed by the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 ″ are transmitted and received between the reader 1 ″ and the PDA 30 in this modification. This will be described together with transmission / reception of various signals. FIG. 18 corresponds to FIGS. 6 and 12 described above. The same steps as those in FIG. In FIG. 18, however, the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 ″ executes the control procedure executed by the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 ′ shown in FIG.

  18 differs from FIG. 12 described above in that step SR15 ″ is provided in place of step SR15 ′. That is, in step SR12, the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 ″ is placed at the upper position in the antenna housing. When the body 3 ″ is rotated, the process proceeds to step SR15 ″ provided in place of step SR15 ′.

  In step SR15 ″, the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 ″ outputs a control signal to the motor drive circuit 13 to control the transport motor 14. Accordingly, the transport motor 14 drives the drive rollers 9 and 19 based on the control of the motor drive circuit 13 to move the barcode reader module 40 to the irradiation light transmission position (see FIG. 16). This step also functions as advance / retreat control means described in each claim.

  The subsequent steps SR20 and subsequent steps are the same as those in FIG.

  The detailed procedure of step SP20 shown in FIG. 5 and the control procedure executed by the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 ″ in this modification are the “reader 1 ′” and “antenna housing” shown in FIG. The description of the “body 3 ′” is almost the same as the flow in which the “reader 1 ″” and the “antenna housing 3 ″” are replaced, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, in the reader 1 ″ according to this modification, the antenna housing 3 ″ includes the opening 23. Thereby, the barcode reader module 40 can read the barcode B while transmitting the irradiation light downward of the opening 23. As a result, the drive rollers 9 and 19 do not need to drive the barcode reader module 40 to the foremost end of the antenna casing 3 ″ on the antenna casing 3 ″ rotated to the upper position. At the same time, the drive rollers 9 and 19 need only drive the barcode reader module 40 to the irradiation light transmission position (position shown in FIG. 16). Thus, according to this modification, the front-rear direction driving distance of the PDA 30 by the driving rollers 9 and 19 can be reduced, so that the operability for the operator can be improved.

(3) When selecting a mode according to the trigger switch gripping operation (1)
In the reader 1 of the above-described embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 4), either the optical reading mode or the tag communication mode is selected according to the mode selection operation on the PDA 30 side. Not limited to. That is, one of the two modes may be selected in accordance with the grip operation of the trigger switch 6 on the reader 1 side.

  In the present modification, the operator can perform a grip operation on the trigger switch 6 (see FIG. 1) of the grip portion 5 in either a “half press” or “full press” manner. “Half-press” is a mode in which the trigger switch 6 is pressed lightly, that is, a mode in which the trigger switch 6 is not fully pressed. Hereinafter, the gripping operation in the “half-pressing” mode will be referred to as “half-pressing operation” as appropriate. This “half-pressing operation” corresponds to a gripping operation of a predetermined mode described in each claim. On the other hand, “full press” is a mode in which the trigger switch 6 is pressed deeply, that is, a mode in which the trigger switch 6 is completely pressed. Hereinafter, the grip operation in the “full press” mode will be referred to as “full press operation” as appropriate.

  When the trigger switch 6 is “half-pressed” by the operator, the reader 1 switches the mode and selects a new mode. The drive roller 9 drives the PDA 30 in the front-rear direction.

  Specifically, when the currently selected mode is the tag communication mode, that is, the barcode reader module 40 is located at a position (position shown in FIG. 4) behind the straight line ST2 as described above. If it is located, the reader 1 determines to read the barcode B by the barcode reader module 40. Thereafter, the mode is switched and a new optical reading mode is selected. Then, the drive roller 9 drives the barcode reader module 40 to a position (position shown in FIG. 3) where the light irradiation range L described above is ahead of the straight line ST1.

  When the currently selected mode is the optical reading mode, that is, when the barcode reader module 40 is located at a position where the light irradiation range L is ahead of the straight line ST1, the reader 1 It is determined that wireless communication with the wireless tag T by the reader antenna 10 is executed. Thereafter, the mode is switched and a tag communication mode is newly selected. The driving roller 9 drives the barcode reader module 40 to a position where the barcode reader module 40 is behind the straight line ST2.

  On the other hand, when the trigger switch 6 is “fully pressed” by the operator, a function corresponding to the currently selected mode is executed.

  Specifically, when the currently selected mode is the optical reading mode, the barcode B is read by the barcode reader module 40. When the currently selected mode is the tag communication mode, wireless communication with the wireless tag T by the reader antenna 10 is executed.

  A control procedure executed by the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 in this modification will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 19, for example, when the reader 1 is turned on by the operator, this flow is started as represented by a “START” position in the drawing.

  First, in step SR100, the control circuit 12 determines whether the trigger switch 6 is turned on, in other words, whether the trigger switch 6 is gripped. Until the trigger switch 6 is turned on, the determination is not satisfied and the loop waits. When the trigger switch 6 is turned on, the determination is satisfied and the routine goes to Step SR105.

  In step SR105, the control circuit 12 determines whether or not the grip operation of the trigger switch 6 is the “half-press operation”. Specifically, the control circuit 12 determines whether or not the operation information acquired based on the grip operation of the trigger switch 6 is operation information based on the “half-press operation”. If the grip operation of the trigger switch 6 is a “half-press operation”, that is, if operation information based on the “half-press operation” is acquired, the determination is satisfied and the routine goes to Step SR110.

  In step SR110, the control circuit 12 determines whether or not the mode currently selected in the reader 1 is the optical reading mode. If the currently selected mode is the tag communication mode, the determination is not satisfied and the routine goes to Step SR115. Then, the control circuit 12 executes optical reading mode selection / execution processing (refer to FIG. 20 described later for the detailed procedure). Thereafter, this flow is terminated. On the other hand, if the currently selected mode is the optical reading mode, the determination is satisfied and the routine goes to Step SR120. Then, the control circuit 12 executes tag communication mode selection / execution processing (refer to FIG. 21 described later for the detailed procedure). Thereafter, this flow is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the gripping operation of the trigger switch 6 is the “full pressing operation” in step SR105, that is, if operation information based on the “full pressing operation” is acquired, the determination in step SR105 is satisfied. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step SR125.

  In step SR125, the control circuit 12 determines whether or not the mode currently selected in the reader 1 is the optical reading mode. If the currently selected mode is the optical reading mode, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to Step SR25 in FIG. On the other hand, if the currently selected mode is the tag communication mode, the determination is not satisfied, and the routine goes to Step SR70 in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 20, the control procedure executed by the control unit 35 of the PDA 30 and the detailed procedure of step SR115 shown in FIG. 19 will be described for various signals transmitted and received between the reader 1 and the PDA 30. It will be explained together with sending and receiving. FIG. 20 corresponds to FIG. 6 described above. The same steps as those in FIG.

  In FIG. 20, step SP50 and step SR5 are omitted, step SR7 'and step SR10' are provided instead of step SR7 and step SR10, and step SP52 and step SR22 are newly added. It is a point provided.

  That is, first, in step SR7 ′ provided in place of step SR7, the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 executes the reading of the barcode B based on the determination result in step S110 of FIG. It is determined whether to perform wireless communication. In step SR7 ′, it is determined in step S110 that the currently selected mode is the tag communication mode. In other words, the barcode reader module 40 is positioned behind the straight line ST2. Based on the position, it is determined that the reading of the barcode B is executed.

  Thereafter, in step SR10 ′ provided in place of step SR10, the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 selects the optical reading mode from the two prepared modes based on the determination result in step SR7 ′. . Then, a control signal for enabling the barcode reader module 40 is output to the PDA 30 via the communication control unit 11 and the cable 20. Thereby, the control unit 35 of the PDA 30 receives the control signal via the cable 20 and the external communication unit 33.

  Then, the control unit 35 of the PDA 30 validates the barcode reader module 40 in the newly provided step SP52. Thereby, light irradiation by the barcode reader module 40, that is, reading of the barcode B becomes possible.

  On the other hand, Step SR15 and Step SR20 executed by the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 are the same as in FIG. 6 described above, and the barcode reader module 40 is moved to a position where the light irradiation range L is ahead of the straight line ST1. When the trigger switch 6 is turned on, the determination in step SR20 is satisfied, and the process proceeds to newly provided step SR22.

  In step SR22, the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 determines whether or not the grip operation of the trigger switch 6 is a “full press operation”. Specifically, the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 determines whether or not the operation information acquired based on the grip operation of the trigger switch 6 is operation information based on the “full press operation”. If the grip operation of the trigger switch 6 is a “half-press operation”, that is, if operation information based on the “half-press operation” is acquired, the determination is not satisfied, and step SR52 ′ in FIG. Move. On the other hand, when the grip operation of the trigger switch 6 is “full push operation”, that is, when operation information based on the “full push operation” is acquired, the determination is satisfied and the routine goes to Step SR25.

  The subsequent steps SR25 and subsequent steps are the same as those in FIG.

  21, the control procedure executed by the control unit 35 of the PDA 30 and the detailed procedure of step SR120 shown in FIG. 19 in the present modification will be described for various signals transmitted and received between the reader 1 and the PDA 30. It will be explained together with sending and receiving. FIG. 21 corresponds to FIG. 7 described above. Steps equivalent to those in FIG.

  21 differs from FIG. 7 described above in that step SP100 and step SR50 are omitted, step SR52 'and step SR55' are provided in place of step SR52 and step SR55, and step SP102 and step SR67 are newly added. It is a point provided.

  That is, first, in step SR52 ′ provided in place of step SR52, the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 reads the barcode B based on the determination result in step S110 of FIG. It is determined whether to perform wireless communication. In step SR52 ′, it is determined that the currently selected mode is the optical reading mode in step S110. In other words, the barcode reader module 40 is positioned at a position where the light irradiation range L is ahead of the straight line ST1. Therefore, it is determined that wireless communication with the wireless tag T is executed.

  Thereafter, in step SR55 ′ instead of step SR55, the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 selects the tag reading mode from the two modes prepared in advance based on the determination result in step SR52 ′. Then, a control signal for invalidating the barcode reader module 40 is output to the PDA 30 via the communication control unit 11 and the cable 20. Thereby, the control unit 35 of the PDA 30 receives the control signal via the cable 20 and the external communication unit 33.

  Then, the control unit 35 of the PDA 30 invalidates the barcode reader module 40 in step SP102 newly provided. As a result, the barcode B cannot be read by the barcode reader module 40.

  On the other hand, Step SR60 and Step SR65 executed by the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 are the same as those in FIG. 7, and the barcode reader module 40 is moved to a position behind the straight line ST2. If the trigger switch 6 is turned on, the determination in step SR65 is satisfied, and the process proceeds to newly provided step SR67.

  In step SR67, the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 determines whether or not the grip operation of the trigger switch 6 is a “full press operation”. Specifically, the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 determines whether or not the operation information acquired based on the grip operation of the trigger switch 6 is operation information based on the “full press operation”. If the gripping operation of the trigger switch 6 is a “half-press operation”, that is, if operation information based on the “half-press operation” is acquired, the determination is not satisfied and the routine goes to Step SR7 ′ in FIG. . On the other hand, when the grip operation of the trigger switch 6 is “full press operation”, that is, when operation information based on the “full press operation” is acquired, the determination is satisfied and the routine goes to Step SR70.

  The subsequent steps SR70 and subsequent steps are the same as those in FIG.

  In the present modification, the barcode reader module 40 is positioned at a position (position shown in FIG. 4) behind the straight line ST2 so that the operator can read the barcode B. When reading is intended, the operator only has to “half-press the trigger switch 6”. As a result, the drive rollers 9 and 19 move from a position where the barcode reader module 40 is behind the straight line ST2 to a position where the light irradiation range L is ahead of the straight line ST1 (position shown in FIG. 3). The bar code reader module 40 is moved. As a result, the reader antenna 10 does not obstruct the light irradiation range L of the barcode reader module 40.

  Conversely, even when the operator intends to communicate with the wireless tag T in a state where the barcode reader module 40 is located at a position where the light irradiation range L is in front of the straight line ST1, the operator The trigger switch 6 may be “half-pressed”. As a result, the drive rollers 9 and 19 move the barcode reader module 40 from a position where the light irradiation range L is ahead of the straight line ST1 to a position where the barcode reader module 40 is behind the straight line ST2. Let As a result, the barcode reader module 40 does not hinder the wireless communication of the reader antenna 10.

  According to this modification, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment are obtained.

(4) When selecting the mode according to the grip operation of the trigger switch (part 2)
In the reader 1 ′ (see FIGS. 8 to 11) of the modified example (1) described above, either the optical reading mode or the tag communication mode is selected according to the mode selection operation on the PDA 30 side. However, it is not limited to this. That is, one of the two modes may be selected in accordance with the grip operation of the trigger switch 6 on the reader 1 'side.

  Here, in the present modification, the control procedure executed by the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 ′ differs from FIG. 19 described above in steps SR115 and SR120, and the other procedures are the same as those in FIG. It is the same. However, in this modification, the control procedure executed by the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 shown in FIG. 19 is executed by the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 ′.

  Further, in the detailed procedure of step SR115 in the present modification, step SR15 ′ is provided in place of step SR15, and step SR15 ′ is provided between step SR10 ′ and step SR15 ′ described above. The step SR12 shown in FIG. Other than this, it is the same as FIG. However, the detailed procedure of step SR115 in this modification is executed by the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 '.

  Further, in the detailed procedure of step SR120 in the present modified example, the difference from FIG. 21 described above is that step SR60 ′ is provided instead of step SR60, and further, the step shown in FIG. 13 is provided between step SR60 ′ and step S65. SR62 is newly provided. Other than this, the description is omitted because it is the same as FIG. 21 described above. However, the detailed procedure of step SR115 in this modification is executed by the control circuit 12 of the reader 1 '.

  In the present modification, the barcode reader module 40 is positioned at a position (position shown in FIG. 11) behind the straight line ST2 so that the operator can read the barcode B. When reading is intended, the operator may press the trigger switch 6 halfway. Thereby, the rotation drive shaft 21 rotates the antenna casing 3 'from the lower position described above to the upper position described above (see FIG. 10). The drive rollers 9 and 19 are moved from the position where the barcode reader module 40 is behind the straight line ST2 to the position where the light irradiation range L is ahead of the straight line ST3 (position shown in FIG. 10). The code reader module 40 is moved. As a result, the reader antenna 10 does not obstruct the light irradiation range L of the barcode reader module 40.

  Conversely, even when the operator intends to communicate with the wireless tag T in a state where the barcode reader module 40 is located at a position where the light irradiation range L is ahead of the straight line ST3, the operator The trigger switch 6 may be pressed halfway. As a result, the drive rollers 9 and 19 move the barcode reader module 40 from a position where the light irradiation range L is ahead of the straight line ST3 to a position where the barcode reader module 40 is behind the straight line ST2. Let Then, the rotation drive shaft 21 rotates the antenna housing 3 ′ from the above-described upper position to the above-described lower position (see FIG. 11). As a result, the barcode reader module 40 does not hinder the wireless communication of the reader antenna 10.

  In this way, according to the present modification, the PDA 30 is automatically driven in the front-rear direction by simply performing a half-press operation on the trigger switch 6 to smoothly execute barcode reading and wireless communication. be able to.

  Although not specifically described, the reader 1 ″ of the modified example (2) is also selected from the above two modes according to the gripping operation of the trigger switch 6 on the reader 1 ″ side. You may make it do.

(5) When the light irradiation direction of the bar code reader module is forward In the above description, the case where the light irradiation direction of the bar code reader module 40 inserted into the slot 31 of the PDA 30 is downward has been described as an example. Not limited to. That is, the light irradiation direction may be forward.

  The external configuration of the reader 1 equipped with the PDA 30 equipped with the barcode reader module according to this modification will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 22 shows a state when it is determined to read the barcode B described above, and corresponds to FIG. 1 described above. Portions equivalent to those in FIG.

  In FIG. 22, a barcode reader module 40 ′ as an optical reading unit is inserted into a slot 31 provided in the PDA 30. The bar code reader module 40 'can optically read the bar code B as in the bar code reader module 40 shown in FIG.

  The PDA 30 is attached to the attachment / detachment unit 7 so that the optical reading direction of the barcode reader module 40 ', that is, the light irradiation direction is directed forward. In other words, the PDA 30 is attached to the detachable portion 7 so that the optical reading range by the barcode reader module 40 ', that is, the light irradiation range L' is formed in the forward direction (left direction in FIG. 22). .

  According to this modification, the same effects as those of the above embodiment are obtained. Further, when the barcode reader module 40 'executes the reading of the barcode B, the light irradiation direction is forward, so that the lower antenna housing 3 does not get in the way. Therefore, it is only necessary to drive the PDA 30 to a position where the barcode B can be easily read, and the operability can be improved.

(6) Others In the above description, the case where the PDA 30 is used as a portable information terminal has been described as an example.

  With reference to FIG. 23, an external configuration of a mobile phone which is a mobile information terminal in the present modification will be described. FIG. 23A is an external view of the mobile phone viewed from the front, and FIG. 23B is an external view of the mobile phone viewed from the back.

  23A and 23B, a mobile phone 400 as a portable information terminal in this modification includes a telephone function, a network function, for example, a near field communication function such as Bluetooth, an image photographing function, and the like. Yes. The mobile phone 400 includes a mobile antenna (not shown), a camera 403 as an optical reading unit, a display unit 404, operation keys 405, and the like.

  The camera 403 has a so-called digital camera function, a barcode B reading function, and the like. Instead of the camera 403, an SD memory card type barcode reader module is inserted into a slot (not shown) provided in the mobile phone 400 so that the barcode B can be read by the barcode reader module. Good. In this case, the barcode reader module inserted in the slot functions as an optical reading unit.

  Even when the cellular phone 400 having the above-described configuration is used, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments and modifications can be obtained.

  In addition, in the above, the arrow shown in each figure of FIG.2, FIG.9, FIG.15 shows an example of the flow of a signal, and does not limit the flow direction of a signal.

  The flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 7, etc. are not intended to limit the present invention to the procedures shown in the above-described flow, and the addition / deletion or order of the procedures within the scope of the gist and technical idea of the invention. May be changed.

  In addition to those already described above, the methods according to the above-described embodiments and modifications may be used in appropriate combination.

  In addition, although not illustrated one by one, the present invention is implemented with various modifications within a range not departing from the gist thereof.

1 Reader (Portable wireless tag communication device)
1 'reader (portable wireless tag communication device)
1 ″ reader (portable wireless tag communication device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1A Reader main body 2 Main body housing | casing 3 Antenna housing | casing 3 'Antenna housing | casing 3 "Antenna housing | casing 5 Holding part 6 Trigger switch 7 Detachable part 9 Drive roller 10 Reader antenna (apparatus antenna)
10a Radiator (antenna element)
10b Reflector (antenna element)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 Motor drive circuit 14 Conveyance motor 19 Drive roller 21 Rotation drive shaft 22 Antenna drive motor 23 Opening part (transmission part)
30 PDA (Personal Digital Assistant)
40 Bar code reader module (optical reading means)
40 'Barcode reader module (optical reading means)
400 Mobile phone (personal digital assistant)
403 camera (optical reading means)
B Barcode L Light irradiation range L 'Light irradiation range S Communication range T Wireless tag

Claims (6)

A reader body including an attaching / detaching unit that detachably supports a portable information terminal provided with an optical reading unit capable of optically reading a barcode, and a device antenna for performing wireless communication with a wireless tag;
Advancing / retreating driving means for driving the portable information terminal mounted in the detachable portion back and forth;
Determining means for determining whether to perform reading by the optical reading means;
The advance / retreat driving means so as to drive the optical reading means provided in the portable information terminal to a front position on the device antenna side when the judgment means judges to perform reading by the optical reading means. A portable wireless tag communication device comprising: an advance / retreat control means for controlling The determination means includes
Determining whether to perform reading by the optical reading means or to perform wireless communication by the device antenna;
The advance / retreat control means includes:
When it is determined by the determination means that wireless communication is performed by the apparatus antenna, the optical reading means is in a direction opposite to the radiation directivity direction of the apparatus antenna and behind the antenna element of the apparatus antenna. 2. The portable wireless tag communication device according to claim 1, wherein the advancing / retreating driving unit is controlled so as to drive the optical reading unit provided in the portable information terminal at a rear position. The reader body is
A main body housing provided with the detachable portion;
An antenna housing that is rotatably connected to the front side of the main body housing and is provided with the device antenna;
A rotation driving means for rotating the antenna casing with respect to the main body casing;
And,
When it is determined by the determination means that the reading by the optical reading means is performed, the antenna casing is rotated to an upper position where the antenna casing and the main body casing are continuous in the front-rear direction, and the determination means Rotation control means for controlling the rotation drive means so as to rotate the antenna housing to a lower position lowered downward from the upper position. Provided,
The advance / retreat control means includes:
When it is determined by the determination means that the reading by the optical reading means is to be performed, the optical reading means provided in the portable information terminal at the front position on the antenna housing rotated to the upper position. 3. The portable wireless tag communication device according to claim 2, wherein the advancing / retreating drive unit is controlled so as to drive the device. The attachment / detachment portion of the reader body is
Wearing the portable information terminal so that the optical reading direction of the optical reading means is downward,
The antenna housing is
A transmission unit for transmitting irradiation light from the optical reading unit of the portable information terminal driven to the front position;
The advance / retreat control means includes:
When it is determined by the determination unit that the reading by the optical reading unit is to be performed, the irradiation light is moved to the front position so that the irradiation light is transmitted through the transmission unit on the antenna housing rotated to the upper position. 4. The portable RFID tag communication apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the advance / retreat driving means is controlled to drive the optical reading means provided in the portable information terminal. A mode in which one of an optical reading mode for reading the barcode by the optical reading means, or a tag communication mode for executing the wireless communication by the device antenna, output from the portable information terminal is selected. A selection signal input means for inputting a selection signal;
The determination means includes
When the mode selection signal in which the optical reading mode is selected is input by the selection signal input unit, it is determined that reading by the optical reading unit is performed, and the mode selection in which the tag communication mode is selected When a signal is input, it is determined that wireless communication is performed by the device antenna,
The advance / retreat driving means comprises:
When it is determined by the determination means that reading by the optical reading means is performed, the optical reading means provided in the portable information terminal is driven to the front position, and wireless communication by the apparatus antenna is performed by the determination means. 2. The advancing / retreating driving unit is controlled to drive the optical reading unit provided in the portable information terminal to the rear position when it is determined to execute. 5. The portable wireless tag communication device according to any one of 4 above. The reader body is
It is located at the bottom of the main body casing, and has a grip part that can be gripped by an operator.
The determination means includes
When operation information based on a gripping operation in a predetermined form of the gripping part is acquired, if the optical reading unit included in the portable information terminal is located at the rear position, reading by the optical reading unit is performed. If it is determined that the optical reading means provided in the portable information terminal is located at the front position, it is determined that wireless communication by the device antenna is performed,
The advance / retreat driving means comprises:
When it is determined by the determination means that reading by the optical reading means is performed, the optical reading means provided in the portable information terminal is driven to the front position, and the determination means wirelessly uses the apparatus antenna. 4. The advance / retreat driving means is controlled so as to drive the optical reading means provided in the portable information terminal to the rear position when it is determined to execute communication. The portable wireless tag communication device according to claim 4.

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