KR20010081414A - Name card having bar code, radio-telephone having bar code reader, and apparatus for managing information contained in name card with bar code - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A name card equipped with a bar code, a wireless terminal equipped with a bar code recognition device and a name card information management device are provided to increase the convenience of a user by transmitting information recorded in a name card in the electronic form of information without the need for inputting the information one by one. CONSTITUTION: A member gives a name card on which a bar code is displayed to the other member. The other member reads the bar code using a bar code recognition unit(402) of a wireless phone set(400). Code information on the card recognized from the bar code is stored in a memory(404). The information is transmitted to a mobile communication base station(408) through a communication circuit unit(406). The information is transmitted to a name card information management device(416) through an Internet(414) connected to a router(412). A service server is received from a database server in the name card information management device(416). The information is received through the communication circuit unit(406) and stored in the memory(404).

Description

NAME CARD HAVING BAR CODE, RADIO-TELEPHONE HAVING BAR CODE READER, AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN NAME CARD WITH BAR CODE}

The present invention relates to a business card provided with a barcode, a wireless terminal provided with a barcode recognition device, and a method and device for managing business card information. In particular, information on a business card is read to a wireless terminal equipped with a barcode recognition device and a service is provided. The present invention relates to a business card information management system for accessing a server and receiving business card information corresponding to a bar code and storing the same in a wireless terminal.

Most people exchange business cards with each other during the first meeting. Even a few days to many dozens of business cards are exchanged. Although many business cards are exchanged, it is not easy to electronically convert the information in the business card and input it into an information device (a wireless terminal such as a computer or a wireless telephone). It is mainly inconvenient to input by hand. Not only that, but you can also mistype it.

As a way to solve this inconvenience, electronic business card on the Internet that delivers information through electronic mail containing electronic information appeared. However, this electronic business card can only be exchanged through the Internet and has no relation with the actual business card.

As a result, it is required to develop a system that can be easily converted into electronic information while being used as a business card.

The object of the present invention in consideration of the problems of the prior art is to give a unique code to the business card, and the information contained in the business card received by the user only by input of the code card information management method that is delivered to the user desired device in electronic form and To provide a system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a business card with a barcode for use in the business card information management method and system as described above.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a wireless terminal having a barcode recognition device for use in the method and system for managing business card information as described above.

1 is a block diagram of a business card information management system according to an embodiment of the present invention

Figure 2 is a front view of a business card with a barcode according to an embodiment of the present invention

Figure 3 is a block diagram of a radiotelephone equipped with a barcode recognition device according to an embodiment of the present invention

4 is a flowchart illustrating a process of inputting or updating business card information in a business card information management system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a diagram illustrating the flow of barcode information and business card information of a business card in a business card information management system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

* Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings

10: business card information management device 12: Internet

14: Client System 16: Cordless Phone

18: base station

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a business card information management system for storing, transmitting, and managing business card information in an electronic form for at least a part of the information described in the business card.

Business cards with barcodes,

A wireless telephone provided with a barcode recognition unit for reading the barcode;

Is provided with a business card information management device connected through the wireless telephone and communication network,

The barcode of the business card received by the business card holder is read and decoded by the barcode recognition unit provided in the wireless telephone. The business card information is sent to a wireless telephone through a communication network, and the business card information management system is characterized in that it is stored in the wireless telephone.

According to another aspect of the present invention, in a conventional business card in which a name and contact information are recorded,

A code assigned to the business card is displayed on at least one surface, and the code is provided with a business card to which a unique code is assigned, wherein at least a part of the contents described in the business card corresponds to the business card information converted electronically.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, in a wireless terminal having a communication circuit unit, a memory, an input unit, a display unit, and a control unit connected thereto to control an operation thereof,

By further comprising a barcode recognition unit connected to the control unit,

A wireless terminal is provided that transmits a code read from a barcode recognition unit through a communication circuit unit, and receives and stores information corresponding to the code in a memory.

According to another aspect of the present invention, at least a part of the information described in the member's business card assigned a unique code is to store the electronic information converted to the business card holder, and to transmit to the card holder,

Receiving the code displayed on the business card,

Retrieving business card information corresponding to the code from a database;

And transmitting the retrieved business card information to a device or an electronic address requested by the business card holder.

According to the business card information management system according to the preferred embodiment, the business card is given a preset code. The business card is marked with a code for identifying the code. The symbol displayed on the business card may be a barcode. This marked symbol (bar code) is automatically recognized by the recognition device. This recognition device is provided in a wireless terminal. The code recognized by the recognition device is connected to the wireless terminal and the communication network and transmitted to the computer (server) of the service company. The computer stores business card information in a database in which at least part of the information described in the business card is in electronic form. The server extracts the business card information of the corresponding code from the database and sends it back to the terminal through the communication network. This electronic business card information is stored in the terminal.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this specification, the term business card information is used, which is information written on a business card (mainly the name of the individual or company owning the business card, a telephone number, a fax number, a wireless terminal number such as a wireless telephone or pager, an e-mail address, an address, etc.). Refers to information made in electronic form of at least a portion of the information on the business card). The electronic form of information refers to a form suitable for sending and receiving using electronic devices such as communication equipment. The business card code refers to a unique code owned by the business card. In the following example, the business card code is displayed in the form of a barcode on the business card.

Referring to FIG. 1, a business card information management apparatus 10 in a service company as a block diagram of a business card information management system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a host computer, which is connected to the Internet 12 via a hub and a router. ) The client computer 14 of the user is connected to the business card information management apparatus 10 via the Internet 12. In addition, the user's radiotelephone 16 is connected to the business card information management device 10 of the service company via the base station 18 via the server computer 20 of the communication service company and the Internet 12. The telecommunication company computer 20 is connected to the Internet 12 via an Internet interworking equipment (IWF). Alternatively, the business card information management device 10 may be connected to the telecommunication company computer 20 via a network other than the Internet.

The business card information management device 10 of the service company includes a processor and a storage device. The processor manages the entire system of the business card information management apparatus. The storage device stores an operating program of the processor, and a member information database including business card information for a member (personal or company). The member information database has fields such as ID, password, business card code number, name, telephone number, fax number, cordless telephone or pager number, e-mail address, address, and so on. The specific information of is entered. Although not illustrated, the business card information management device 10 further includes an input device, a display device, a printer, and the like.

2, various information 52 is described on the business card 50. As shown in FIG. On one side of the business card 50, a bar code 54 indicating a unique code is displayed. In addition to the bar code 54, a corresponding code number or letter may also be displayed. Bar code 54 may be in accordance with conventional bar code standards.

Referring to Figure 3, in the embodiment of the present invention to recognize the barcode 54 of the business card 50 and to transfer this information to the business card information management device 10 shows a configuration of a wireless terminal. A representative example of a wireless terminal is a mobile phone, that is, a wireless phone 100. The wireless telephone 100 includes a communication circuit unit 102, a recognition unit 104, and a control unit 106. In addition, the wireless telephone 100 further includes a serial port 108, an input unit 110 of a keypad, a display unit 112 of a liquid crystal panel, and a memory 114. The controller 106 controls the other parts.

The recognition unit 104 for recognizing a barcode includes an optical sensor 116, a signal amplifier 118, an A / D converter 120, and a decoder 122 that decodes a barcode code. In addition, a data buffer 124 is further provided. The sensor 116, which emits light and receives reflected light and reads a barcode, transmits the read signal to the amplifier 118. The amplified signal enters the A / D converter 120 and becomes a digital signal. The digital signal is decoded by the decoder 122 and transmitted to the controller 106. The buffer 124 is connected to the decoder 122 to temporarily store data. Such a barcode recognition unit may have a conventional configuration, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that any bar code recognition device may be used as long as it can deliver the decoded code (business card code) to the control unit.

The communication circuit unit 102 includes a voice processing unit (audio unit) 126, an RF / IF transmitter 128, an RF / IF receiver 130, and a duplex unit 132. An antenna 134 is connected to the duplex unit 132. The voice processing unit 126 includes a speaker (earphone) 136 and a microphone 138. When the voice is sent out, the signal processed by the voice processor 126 is transmitted via the RF / IF transmitter 128, the duplex unit 132, and the antenna 134. Upon reception, a signal received by the antenna 134 and processed by the voice processing unit 126 through the duplex unit 132 and the RF / IF receiving unit 128 is output through the speaker or is stored in the memory 114 under the control of the controller. Stored or indicated by display 112. When exporting character information or business card codes, the control unit 106 transmits the data via the RF / IF transmitter 128, the duplex unit 132, and the antenna 134. When receiving the business card information (text information), it is received by the antenna 134 and input to the control unit 106 via the duplex unit 132 and the RF / IF receiving unit 130.

The voice processing unit (audio unit) 126, the RF / IF transmitter 128, and the RF / IF receiver 130 are connected to the controller 106. The structure of such a communication circuit part can also use the same thing as the structure of the communication circuit part with a normal radio telephone.

The control unit 106 is for controlling the configuration of the entire telephone. The control unit 106 normally controls the same as controlling a general wireless telephone. When receiving the business card information, the component such as the barcode recognition unit 104 and the communication circuit unit 102 is controlled to operate as follows. First, when reading a barcode of a business card, the sensor 116 reads and decodes the business card code to be input to the control unit 106. The input business card code is output to the liquid crystal display 112 if necessary and stored in the memory 114. Meanwhile, the controller 114 transmits the RF through the RF / IF transmitter 128, the duplex unit 132, and the antenna 134. The business card information for this business card code is sent from the business card information management company of the service company. The business card information is received from the antenna 134 and passed through the duplex unit 132 and the RF / IF receiving unit 130 to the control unit 106. Is entered. The control unit 106 then displays this information on the display unit 112 of the liquid crystal panel and stores it in the memory 114.

4 and 5, the overall business card information management system will be described. 4 shows a process of generating and updating business card information. The main step in this process is at the business card information management device 10 of the service company and the client computer 14 connected thereto.

First, when the client computer 14 accesses the homepage through the Internet (202), the web page of the initial screen stored in the business card information management device 10 is delivered to the web browser of the client computer 14 to be displayed (204). . Thereafter, it is confirmed whether the member (206). If not a member, member registration (207) is performed. When registering as a member, register the information on the business card. The registered information is stored 208 in the member information database managed by the database server. At this time, a business card code is generated for each member. After that, the registered member fills out a business card application (210). At this time, the number of business cards to be printed and the design (type) of the business cards are selected (212). The business card is printed 214 according to the design desired by the member based on the information input through the Internet. The printed business card is delivered 215 to the member.

If the member is a username and password (password) is entered (216). Then, the web page containing the member's information is output 217 to the web browser of the client computer 14. The member confirms this and updates 218 if necessary. The updated information is stored in the member information database.

On the other hand, in the database, the number of the radiotelephone which obtained the member's information for each member is stored. When a member updates his or her information, the member automatically updates the information stored in the radiotelephone in which the member's information is stored. Specifically, the business card information management device 10 connects to the Internet 220 and accesses 222 a server of a wireless telephone service company. Then, the member's updated information is transmitted to the server (for example, SMS). The server 20 of the radiotelephone service company transmits the updated information to the radiotelephone 16 via the communication network and the base station 18 (224). The radiotelephone receives this and stores it in the memory of the radiotelephone (226).

5 is a diagram illustrating the flow of barcode information and business card information of a business card in a business card information management system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. One member (member A) hands the barcoded business card to another member (member B). Member B reads the barcode using the barcode recognition unit 402 of the wireless telephone 400 equipped with the barcode recognition unit. Thereafter, the memory card 404 stores business card code information recognized from the bar code. The business card code information is transmitted to the mobile communication base station 408 via the communication circuit unit 406. Subsequently, the card code information is sent to the card information management device 416 through the Internet 414 connected to the mobile communication central control server 410 and the router 412. In the business card information management device 416, the service server 418 receives business card information from the database server 420.

The business card information passes through the Internet 414, the mobile communication central control server 410 of the mobile communication company, and the mobile communication base station 408. As a result, the card information is received through the communication circuit unit 406 and stored in the memory 404.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and that such modifications and variations also fall within the present invention.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a non-member may also print a numeric code corresponding to the barcode together with the barcode so that the non-member may receive the business card information. In this case, even if the person receiving the business card is using a wireless telephone without a barcode recognition device, the business card code can be input by the button. Therefore, the card information can be provided from the card information management device. Also, when a barcode of a business card is damaged, the code can be used instead of the barcode.

In the above embodiment, the card information management apparatus transmits the card information to the wireless telephone when the barcode is input. In another embodiment, in addition to this, if there is an e-mail address of a preregistered member (a person who wants to receive the name card and download information), the e-mail address (e-mail address is one of the addresses that can receive the electronic form information). For example, in the present specification, an address for receiving information in electronic form may be referred to as an electronic address). At this time, the format (data format) of the business card information sent by e-mail is preferably a format required by the business card information management or contact management software used by the member who has received the e-mail.

In some cases, the person receiving the business card may not use a wireless terminal such as a wireless telephone. For such a user, the business card information management apparatus may be configured such that the business card information management apparatus provides business card information to a client computer connected to the Internet. That is, when a user accesses a business card information management device directly from a user's client computer and inputs a code displayed with a barcode on the business card (in this embodiment, the code number may be displayed without a barcode on the business card), the business card may be received by the user's e-mail. It is sending information.

Of course, it is also possible to enter the business card code on the client computer and to receive the business card information by the wireless terminal. Wireless telephones are usually configured to easily call a phone number stored in the memory, so anyone who receives a business card in the memory can easily call at any time, or a portable wireless telephone can fully function as an electronic organizer.

According to the above configuration of the present invention, the electronic form of the information recorded on the business card can be sent to the device or location desired by the user. Therefore, it is not necessary to input the information one by one, it is convenient, it is also prevented from entering incorrectly. When updating data, the stored information can also be updated automatically. In addition, since the code input means is attached to the wireless terminal, it is possible to increase the efficiency of using the device.

Claims (12)

A unique barcode is displayed on a business card, and a barcode recognition unit for recognizing the barcode is provided in a wireless telephone, and a business card information management system configured to store business card information is stored in a business card information management device connected through a wireless telephone and a communication network. By using the card to transfer the business card information to the user's wireless telephone to store and manage the business card information in the wireless telephone: Reading the barcode of the received business card into the barcode recognition unit provided in the wireless telephone; Transmitting the read code to the business card information management device through a communication network; Retrieving business card information corresponding to the code from the business card information management device; Sending the retrieved business card information to a wireless telephone through a communication network; And storing the business card information in the wireless telephone. A business card information management system for storing, transmitting, and managing business card information in electronic form for at least a part of information described in a business card, Business cards with barcodes, A wireless telephone provided with a barcode recognition unit for reading the barcode; Is provided with a business card information management device connected through the wireless telephone and communication network, The barcode of the business card received by the business card holder is read and decoded by the barcode recognition unit provided in the wireless telephone. Searching for information, sending the retrieved business card information to a wireless telephone through a communication network, and storing the business card information in the wireless telephone. In a normal business card with a name and contact information recorded, A code assigned to the business card is displayed on at least one surface, and the code corresponds to a business card information of an electronic form containing at least a part of the contents described in the business card. The business card of claim 3, wherein the code is displayed in the form of a barcode. In a wireless terminal having a communication circuit unit, a memory, an input unit, a display unit, and a control unit connected to them to control the operation, By further comprising a barcode recognition unit connected to the control unit, The wireless terminal, characterized in that for transmitting the code read from the barcode recognition unit through the communication circuit unit, and receives the information corresponding to the code and stored in the memory. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the barcode recognition unit comprises an optical sensor unit, a signal amplifier, an A / D converter, and a barcode symbol decoder unit to amplify a signal obtained by the optical sensor in the signal amplifier and then convert the signal to A / D. The wireless terminal, characterized in that for converting the digital signal in the converter, the decoder decodes and generates a code to transmit to the control unit. It is for storing and transmitting the electronic business card information containing at least a part of the information contained in the member's business card with a unique code, Receiving the code displayed on the business card, Retrieving business card information corresponding to the code from a database; And transmitting the retrieved business card information to a device or an electronic address requested by the business card holder. The method of claim 7, wherein In the step of receiving the code, the business card holder receives the business card code inputted and transmitted through the wireless terminal; The apparatus requested by the business card holder is the wireless terminal, and in the business card information transmitting step, the business card information management method of transmitting the business card information to the wireless terminal to be stored in the memory of the wireless terminal. The method of claim 8, The code displayed on the business card is a barcode. The wireless terminal is provided with a barcode recognition unit business card information management method characterized in that the recognition unit reads and transmits the barcode displayed on the business card. The method according to claim 7, wherein Storing a unique number or an electronic address of a device requested by the business card holder; Updating business card information of the member; And transmitting the updated business card information to the device or an electronic address. It is for storing and transmitting the electronic business card information containing at least a part of the information contained in the member's business card with a unique code, It has a processor and a storage device connected to the processor, The storage device stores a database of business card codes and business card information of a plurality of members and a computer program for operating the processor. The program Accept the code shown on the business card, Retrieve the business card information corresponding to the code from the database, And operate the processor to transmit the retrieved business card information to a device requested by a business card holder or an electronic address. The method of claim 11, The code displayed on the business card is a barcode; In the step of receiving the code, a business card holder receives a code for inputting and transmitting the code through a wireless terminal, wherein the wireless terminal is provided with a barcode recognition unit to read and transmit the barcode displayed on the business card; The apparatus requested by the business card holder is the wireless terminal, and in the transmitting business card information transmission step, the business card information management apparatus is configured to transmit the business card information to the wireless terminal to be stored in the memory of the wireless terminal.