JP2019194843A - Information reading device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an information reading device which allows a user to easily operate even when functions required for each scene are different.SOLUTION: A base module 10 includes a control part 12 which performs control using three functional modules of assembled top module, bottom module and back module, and a touch panel 14 whose display contents are controlled by the control part 12, in which the top module is connected to one end side in a longitudinal direction of the base module 10, the bottom module is connected to the other side in the longitudinal direction of the base module 10, and the back module is connected to the rear face side with respect to the display screen 14a of the touch panel 14 in the base module 10. The control part 12 recognizes each function according to information acquired from the three function modules connected to the base module 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an information reading apparatus.

  Conventionally, information readers such as optical information readers that optically read information codes and RFID tag reader / writers that read and write RFID tags in a non-contact manner have various functions such as logistics, storage, and storefronts. Is required. As an information reading apparatus capable of realizing such various functions, for example, an optical information reading apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 below is known. This information reading apparatus is configured by combining a hand-held barcode reader and PDA and a cradle that holds the PDA in a mounted state and is coupled to the barcode reader in a separable manner. It functions as a so-called bar code handy terminal that can read and process and collect the read data.

JP 2004-005164 A

  The information reading apparatus as described above is used properly in accordance with each scene such as physical distribution and inventory, and is often operated with a dedicated model completely different for each scene. For example, in a logistics process, a QR code (registered trademark) displayed in units of a transport pallet that transports products or the like is read by a company A QR code reader. In an inventory process such as a storefront, an RFID tag reader / writer of company B is used. Operation such as reading an RFID tag attached to a product or the like is assumed. Furthermore, in the distribution warehouse in the distribution process, it is assumed that the QR code attached to the packing box or the like placed on the shelf is read from a remote position by a QR code reader of company C.

  By the way, when managing from the recently increasing physical distribution to retailing in a lump, the model of the device used for reading information differs for each scene, which may deteriorate usability. For example, as part of collective management, a user who is in charge of reading using an RFID tag reader / writer in an inventory operation at a store or the like reads a QR code attached to a packing box or the like stored in a warehouse with a QR code reader. In such a case, the operation of the RFID tag reader / writer and the operation of the QR code reader are different, and thus there is a problem that the user experience is not good. This problem may not only be the operability of the application program executed when reading information, but may also be unusable even if the key arrangement is different, for example.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information reading apparatus that is easy for a user to operate even when functions required in each scene are different. .

In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 of the scope of claims
The base module (10) has a predetermined function by connecting the top module (20a, 20b, 20c), the bottom module (30a, 30d), and the back module (40a, 40c, 40e) to the base module (10). An information reading device (1a to 1e) configured to be added,
The base module includes a control unit (12) that performs control using the three functional modules, and a display unit (14) whose display content is controlled by the control unit,
The top module includes at least one of a first reading unit (23a, 23b, 26c) and an acoustic unit (25a) that are connected to one end side of the base module in the longitudinal direction and read external information.
The bottom module is connected at the other end in the longitudinal direction of the base module, and is at least one of a second reading unit for reading external information, a key operation unit (32a), and a battery unit (33a, 33d). With
The back module is connected on the back side to the display screen (14a) of the display unit in the base module, and a third reading unit for reading external information, an antenna (42a), a charging unit (46e). ) And a gripping part (43c),
The control unit recognizes each function according to information acquired from the three function modules connected to the base module.
In addition, the code | symbol in each said parenthesis shows the correspondence with the specific means as described in embodiment mentioned later.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, the base module includes a control unit that performs control using three functional modules that are assembled, a top module, a bottom module, and a back module, and a display unit whose display content is controlled by the control unit. The top module is connected at one end side in the longitudinal direction of the base module, and includes at least one of the first reading unit and the acoustic unit, and the bottom module is connected at the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the base module, The back module is connected on the back side to the display screen of the display unit in the base module, and includes a third reading unit, an antenna, and a charging unit. And at least one of the grips. And a control part recognizes each function according to the information acquired from three function modules connected with respect to the base module.

  Accordingly, by connecting three function modules each having a function suitable for the scene to be used to the base module, a predetermined function or the like corresponding to the connected function module is controlled by the control unit. In particular, each function module and multiple application programs prepared to realize each function can be designed based on a common design concept, making it easy to standardize operation methods, key layouts, and display modes during operation. Can be aimed at. Therefore, it is possible to realize an information reading apparatus that is easy for the user to operate even when the functions required for each scene are different.

  In the invention of claim 2, the control unit recognizes each function according to information acquired from the three function modules connected to the base module when the power is turned on. Normally, since the power is turned on after connecting each functional module to the base module, the function of each functional module to be connected can be reliably recognized.

  In the invention of claim 3, any one of the first reading unit, the second reading unit, and the third reading unit functions as a wireless communication unit that reads external information using wireless communication. The external information read by the wireless communication unit is received from the wireless communication unit without instructing the wireless communication unit. As a result, as long as the control unit first recognizes the wireless communication unit, an instruction to the wireless communication unit is not necessary thereafter, and the load related to communication processing in the control unit can be reduced.

  In the invention of claim 4, the control unit controls the notification unit to perform the first notification when connection to at least one of the top module, the bottom module, and the back module cannot be confirmed. Accordingly, when the first notification is performed by the notification unit, it is possible to easily recognize that at least one of the top module, the bottom module, and the back module is in a poor connection state that is not connected to the base module. The connection failure state can be quickly resolved.

  In the invention according to claim 5, the control unit performs the second notification when the function added by the top module, the function added by the bottom module, and the function added by the back module are a combination of predetermined functions. The notification unit is controlled to perform Thus, for example, by setting in advance a combination that should be excluded that adds functions that are incompatible with each other as a combination of predetermined functions, it is excluded when the second notification is performed by the notification unit. It can be easily recognized that the combination is a power combination, and the combination to be excluded can be quickly eliminated.

  In the invention of claim 6, the control unit displays an application program for realizing a recognized function among a plurality of application programs stored in the storage unit so as to be executable, and realizes an unrecognized function. The display unit is controlled so as not to display the application program. As a result, an application program for realizing a function different from the function added according to the connected function module is not displayed on the display unit, so that an erroneous operation is prevented and the operability can be improved. .

  In the invention of claim 7, the base module is configured to include at least one of a battery mounting unit and a base module key operation unit in addition to the control unit and the display unit. Thus, even if the base module has multiple functions, an information reading device that can be easily operated by the user can be realized.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the top module is configured to include at least one of a first reading unit, an acoustic unit, a top module key operation unit, a sensor, a top module vibrator, and an illumination unit. Thus, even if the top module is multifunctional, it is possible to realize an information reading device that is easy for the user to operate.

  In the invention of claim 9, the bottom module includes at least one of the second reading unit, the key operation unit, the battery unit, the bottom module acoustic unit, the battery lid opening detection unit, and the small protection unit. Is done. Thus, even if the bottom module is multifunctional, it is possible to realize an information reading device that is easy for the user to operate.

  In a tenth aspect of the invention, the back module is configured to include at least one of a third reading unit, an antenna, a charging unit, a gripping unit, a back module battery unit, and a back module vibrator. Thus, even if the back module is multi-functional, it is possible to realize an information reading device that is easy for the user to operate.

  In the invention of claim 11, the display content of the base module is controlled by the control unit in addition to the control unit that performs control using a plurality of functional modules including at least the first functional module and the second functional module. A base module display unit, a battery mounting unit, and a base module key operation unit. In addition, the first functional module is connected to the base module and has a first reading unit for reading external information, a first display unit, a first acoustic unit, a first key operation unit, a first key Sensor, first vibrator, first illumination unit, first battery unit, first battery lid opening detection unit, first small protection unit, first antenna, first charging unit, first grip The second functional module is connected to the base module and has a second reading unit for reading external information, a second display unit, a second acoustic unit, and a second acoustic unit. Key operation unit, second sensor, second vibrator, second illumination unit, second battery unit, second battery lid opening detection unit, second small protection unit, second antenna, second A charging unit and at least one of the second gripping portions It is configured. And a control part recognizes each function according to the information acquired from the several function module connected with respect to the base module.

  Thus, by connecting a plurality of function modules each having a function suitable for the scene to be used to the base module, a predetermined function or the like corresponding to the connected function module is controlled by the control unit. In particular, each function module and multiple application programs prepared to realize each function can be designed based on a common design concept, making it easy to standardize operation methods, key layouts, and display modes during operation. Can be aimed at. Therefore, it is possible to realize an information reading apparatus that is easy for the user to operate even when the functions required for each scene are different.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the information reader 1a, FIG. 1 (A) shows a top view, FIG.1 (B) shows a side view, FIG.1 (C) shows a front view. 2A and 2B are explanatory views showing the information reading device 1a of FIG. 1, FIG. 2A shows a rear view, and FIG. 2B shows a bottom view. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the information reading device 1a of FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an electrical configuration of the information reading apparatus 1a of FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an electrical configuration of an information code reading unit in FIG. 4. It is explanatory drawing which shows the information reader 1b, FIG. 6 (A) shows a top view, FIG.6 (B) shows a side view, FIG.6 (C) shows a front view. It is explanatory drawing which shows the information reader 1b of FIG. 6, FIG. 7 (A) shows a rear view, FIG.7 (B) shows a bottom view. FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the information reading device 1 b of FIG. 6. FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an electrical configuration of the information reading device 1b of FIG. 6. It is explanatory drawing which shows the information reader 1c, FIG. 10 (A) shows a top view, FIG.10 (B) shows a side view, FIG.10 (C) shows a front view. It is explanatory drawing which shows the information reading device 1c of FIG. 10, FIG. 11 (A) shows a rear view, FIG. 11 (B) shows a bottom view. It is an exploded view of the information reading apparatus 1c of FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an electrical configuration of the information reading device 1c in FIG. 10. FIG. 14 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an electrical configuration of the RFID tag processing unit of FIG. 13. It is explanatory drawing which shows the information reader 1d, FIG. 15 (A) shows a top view, FIG.15 (B) shows a side view, FIG.15 (C) shows a front view. FIGS. 16A and 16B are explanatory views showing the information reading apparatus 1d of FIG. 15, FIG. 16A shows a rear view, and FIG. 16B shows a bottom view. FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the information reading device 1d of FIG. FIG. 16 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an electrical configuration of the information reading apparatus 1d in FIG. 15. It is explanatory drawing which shows the information reader 1e, FIG. 19 (A) shows a top view, FIG.19 (B) shows a side view, FIG.19 (C) shows a front view. It is explanatory drawing which shows the information reader 1e of FIG. 19, FIG. 20 (A) shows a rear view, FIG.20 (B) shows a bottom view. FIG. 20 is an exploded view of the information reading device 1e of FIG. FIG. 20 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an electrical configuration of the information reading device 1e in FIG. 19. It is an exploded view of the information reader 1f. FIG. 24 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an electrical configuration of the information reading device 1 f in FIG. 23. It is an exploded view of the information reader 1g. FIG. 26 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an electrical configuration of the information reading device 1g of FIG. 25. FIG. 10 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an electrical configuration of an information reading apparatus according to a third modification of the second embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, an information reading apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
The information reading apparatus according to the present embodiment is a portable information processing system configured to add a predetermined function by connecting a top module, a bottom module, and a back module to a base module. It is a terminal. That is, a plurality of types are prepared in accordance with the functions added to the top module, the bottom module, and the back module, respectively, and an information reading device having a desired function can be configured by rearranging these functional modules.

  In the present embodiment, five types of information reading devices 1 a to 1 e having different functions are configured by a combination of three functional modules connected to the base module 10. The information reading apparatus 1a is configured to be able to read an information code and include a keyboard, and the information reading apparatus 1b can also read an information code at a position further away from the information reading apparatus 1a. Composed. The information reading device 1c is configured to be able to read and write a wireless tag such as an RF tag with respect to the information reading device 1a and to include a gun-type gripping unit. The information reading device 1d is configured as a smartphone type that does not have a keyboard with respect to the information reading device 1a, and the information reading device 1e is configured to be capable of non-contact charging with respect to the information reading device 1d.

Hereinafter, the configuration of each of the information reading devices 1a to 1e will be described in detail with reference to the drawings in order from the information reading device 1a.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the information reading apparatus 1 a is configured by assembling a top module 20 a, a bottom module 30 a, and a back module 40 a to the base module 10 and electrically connecting them through a connector or the like. The

First, the base module 10 will be described.
The base module 10 is a module that is used in common in each of the information reading devices 1a to 1e, and controls the entire device including each functional module to be connected to the case 11 constituting the outer shell. The storage unit 13, the touch panel 14, and the communication unit 15 are accommodated. On the one end side of the case 11 in the longitudinal direction (upper side in FIG. 3), the other end side in the longitudinal direction (lower side in FIG. 3), and the back side (right side in FIG. 3) A connector or the like to be connected is arranged.

  The storage unit 13 is configured by a known storage device such as a semiconductor memory device, for example, and a plurality of application programs and the like for realizing each function of each functional module that can be connected to the base module 10 is the control unit. 12 is stored in advance so as to be executable.

  The touch panel 14 is configured as a known touch panel type display device, and is superimposed on a display unit configured as a known display device such as a liquid crystal display and the display screen 14a of the display unit. On the other hand, a transparent operation panel that functions as a detection unit capable of detecting a range in which the pressing operation (contact) is performed is provided. In the touch panel 14, the display content of the display unit is controlled by the control unit 12, and a display screen 14 a enlarged so as to be narrowed (narrow bezel) is disposed on the surface 11 a of the case 11.

  The communication unit 15 is externally controlled by the control unit 12 and performs wireless communication or the like via a telephone line or a wireless LAN using an antenna disposed in the case 11 or an antenna provided in a connected functional module. It is configured as an interface.

Next, the top module 20a will be described.
The top module 20a is a functional module that is assembled to one end in the longitudinal direction of the case 11 of the base module 10, and an information code reading unit 23a and an acoustic unit that optically read an information code with respect to the case 21a that forms the outer shell. 25a is accommodated.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the information code reading unit 23a includes a light receiving sensor 24a composed of a CCD area sensor, an imaging lens 24b, an illumination unit 24c composed of a plurality of LEDs and lenses, and the like. Thus, in cooperation with the control unit 12, the information code C (bar code or two-dimensional code) attached to the reading target R is read. When reading is performed by the information code reading unit 23a, first, the illumination light Lf is emitted from the illumination unit 24c instructed by the control unit 12, and the illumination light Lf is irradiated to the reading object R through the reading port 22a. The Then, the reflected light Lr reflected from the information code C by the illumination light Lf is taken into the unit through the reading port 22a, and is received by the light receiving sensor 24a through the imaging lens 24b. The imaging lens 24b disposed between the reading port 22a and the light receiving sensor 24a is configured to form an image of the information code C on the light receiving sensor 24a, and the light receiving sensor 24a is an image of the information code C. The light reception signal corresponding to the is output. The light reception signal output from the light reception sensor 24a is stored in the storage unit 13 as image data, and is used for decoding processing for acquiring information recorded in the information code C. The information code reading unit 23a is provided with an amplifier circuit that amplifies the signal from the light receiving sensor 24a, an AD converter circuit that converts the amplified signal into a digital signal, and the like. Is omitted. The information code reading unit 23a may correspond to an example of a “first reading unit” that reads the information code C as external information.

  The acoustic unit 25a is configured to include a known speaker or the like, and is controlled by the control unit 12 to function to generate a sound, a predetermined beep sound, or the like. The sound unit may be configured to have a sound collection function such as a microphone, an earphone jack, and the like in addition to a sound generation function such as a speaker.

Next, the bottom module 30a will be described.
The bottom module 30a is a functional module that is assembled to the other end in the longitudinal direction of the case 11 of the base module 10, and the key operation unit 32a and the battery unit 33a are accommodated in the case 31a that constitutes the outer shell. It is configured. Further, a connector for external connection, a charging terminal of the battery unit 33a, and the like are disposed at the lower end of the case 31a.

  The key operation unit 32 a is configured to include a plurality of function keys, numeric keys, and the like, and is configured to output an operation signal corresponding to the key operation to the control unit 12.

Next, the back module 40a will be described.
The back module 40a is a functional module that is assembled on the back side with respect to the display screen 14a in the base module 10, and an antenna 42a that can be used in the communication unit 15 is disposed on the inner surface side of the case 41a that forms the outer shell. It is configured as follows.

  The top module 20a, the bottom module 30a, and the back module 40a configured as described above are assembled to one end in the longitudinal direction, the other end in the longitudinal direction, and the back side of the base module 10, and are shown in FIGS. Thus, the information reading device 1a is configured. At the time of assembly, as shown in FIG. 4, the information code reading unit 23a and the sound unit 25a of the top module 20a, the key operation unit 32a of the bottom module 30a, the antenna 42a of the back module 40a, and the like are controlled via connectors and the like. Connected to the unit 12. Further, the battery unit 33a of the bottom module 30a is connected to the control unit 12 and various electric components of each module so as to be able to supply power.

  In the information reading apparatus 1a configured as described above, the control unit 12 transmits a predetermined signal to each of the three functional modules connected to the base module 10 when the power is turned on. In accordance with the received (acquired) confirmation signal, the function added by the connected functional module is recognized.

  When the top module 20a, the bottom module 30a, and the back module 40a are connected as described above, the control unit 12 controls the information code reading unit 23a and the acoustic unit 25a of the top module 20a and the key operation unit of the bottom module 30a. 32a, the battery unit 33a, and the function to be added are recognized in accordance with signals from the antenna 42a of the back module 40a.

  Then, an application program for realizing the recognized function is displayed on the display screen 14a in a selectable manner. With the connection configuration as described above, for example, an application program for reading an information code and an application program for using the sound unit 25a are displayed on the display screen 14a so as to be selectable. In the above connection configuration, for example, since the addition of a function for reading a wireless tag as described later is not recognized, the application program for reading the wireless tag is not displayed in a selectable manner on the display screen 14a.

  On the other hand, for example, when the power is turned on in a state where the top module 20a is not connected, the control unit 12 cannot receive a signal from the top module 20a, and therefore the first notification that the connection of the top module 20a cannot be confirmed. As a result, the display module 14a of the touch panel 14 notifies that the top module is in a poor connection state. The touch panel 14 may correspond to an example of a “notification unit” whose notification content is controlled by the control unit 12.

Next, the configuration of the information reading device 1b will be described.
The information reading apparatus 1b is an apparatus configured to be able to read an information code at a more distant position. As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the information reading apparatus 1b is replaced with the top module 20a. It is comprised so that the top module 20b may be provided. That is, the information reading device 1b is configured by assembling the top module 20b, the bottom module 30a, and the back module 40a to the base module 10 and electrically connecting them through a connector or the like.

  The top module 20b is configured such that an information code reading unit 23b that optically reads an information code via a reading port 22b and an acoustic unit 25a are accommodated in a case 21b that constitutes an outer shell. The information code reading unit 23b is enlarged in size so that an information code farther than the information code reading unit 23a can be imaged, and the case 21b holding the information code reading unit 23a is larger than the case 21a. It is formed so that the projection height from the back module 40a is increased. The information code reading unit 23b may correspond to an example of a “first reading unit” that reads the information code C as external information.

  The top module 20b, the bottom module 30a, and the back module 40a configured as described above are assembled on one end side in the longitudinal direction, the other end side in the longitudinal direction, and the back side of the base module 10, and are shown in FIGS. Thus, the information reading device 1b is configured. At the time of assembly, as shown in FIG. 9, the information code reading unit 23b and the acoustic unit 25a of the top module 20b, the key operation unit 32a of the bottom module 30a, the antenna 42a of the back module 40a, and the like are controlled via connectors and the like. Connected to the unit 12. Further, the battery unit 33a of the bottom module 30a is connected to the control unit 12 and various electric components of each module so as to be able to supply power.

  In the information reading device 1b configured as described above, like the information reading device 1a, when the power is turned on, the control unit 12 causes the information code reading unit 23b and the acoustic unit 25a of the top module 20b and the key operation unit of the bottom module 30a to be operated. 32a, the battery unit 33a, and the function to be added are recognized in accordance with signals from the antenna 42a of the back module 40a. Then, an application program for realizing the recognized function is displayed on the display screen 14a in a selectable manner. When any functional module is not connected, it is displayed and notified on the display screen 14a that the module is in a poor connection state as a first notification.

Next, the configuration of the information reading device 1c will be described.
The information reading device 1c is a device that can read and write a wireless tag and includes a gun-type gripper. As shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, the information reading device 1c has a top module 20a and a back module. Instead of 40a, a top module 20c and a back module 40c are provided. That is, the information reading apparatus 1c is configured by assembling the top module 20c, the bottom module 30a, and the back module 40c to the base module 10 and electrically connecting them via a connector or the like.

  The top module 20c is configured such that the wireless tag processing unit 26c and the acoustic unit 25a are accommodated in the case 21c that forms the outer shell. The wireless tag processing unit 26c performs communication by electromagnetic waves with the wireless tag T in cooperation with the wireless tag antenna 27a and the control unit 12, reads data stored in the wireless tag T, or wireless tag T. It functions to write data to. The wireless tag processing unit 26c is configured as a circuit that performs transmission by a known radio wave system, and includes a transmission circuit 27b, a reception circuit 27c, a matching circuit 27d, and the like as schematically shown in FIG. Yes.

  The transmission circuit 27b includes a carrier oscillator, an encoding unit, an amplifier, a transmission unit filter, a modulation unit, and the like, and is configured to output a carrier (carrier wave) having a predetermined frequency from the carrier oscillator. The encoding unit is connected to the control unit 12, encodes transmission data output from the control unit 12, and outputs the encoded transmission data to the modulation unit. The modulation unit is a part to which the carrier (carrier wave) from the carrier oscillator and the transmission data from the encoding unit are input. The carrier (carrier wave) output from the carrier oscillator is encoded at the time of command transmission to the communication target. A modulated signal that is ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying) modulated by the encoded transmission code (modulated signal) output from the encoding unit is generated and output to the amplifier. The amplifier amplifies the input signal (the modulated signal modulated by the modulation unit) with a predetermined gain, and outputs the amplified signal to the transmission unit filter. The transmission unit filter filters the amplified signal from the amplifier. The transmission signal is output to the antenna 27a via the matching circuit 27d. When a transmission signal is output to the antenna 27a in this way, the transmission signal is radiated to the outside from the antenna 27a as a transmission radio wave.

  On the other hand, the response signal received by the antenna 27a is input to the receiving circuit 27c via the matching circuit 27d. The reception circuit 27c is configured by a reception unit filter, an amplifier, a demodulation unit, a binarization processing unit, a decoding unit, and the like, and after filtering the response signal received via the antenna 27a by the reception unit filter The signal is amplified by an amplifier, and the amplified signal is demodulated by a demodulator. Then, the demodulated signal waveform is binarized by the binarization processing unit, decoded by the decoding unit, and then the decoded signal is output to the control unit 12 as received data. The wireless tag processing unit 26c may correspond to an example of a “first reading unit” and a “wireless communication unit” that reads information recorded in the wireless tag T as external information.

  The back module 40c is a functional module that is assembled on the back side with respect to the display screen 14a in the base module 10, and is formed so that a part of the case 41c that constitutes the outer shell constitutes a grip portion 43c that is a gun type. The A trigger key 44c is disposed on the outer surface of the case 41c near the top module 20c, and a large-capacity battery unit 45c is accommodated in the case 41c.

  The top module 20c, the bottom module 30a, and the back module 40c configured as described above are assembled to one end in the longitudinal direction, the other end in the longitudinal direction, and the back side of the base module 10, and are shown in FIGS. Thus, the information reading device 1c is configured. At the time of assembly, as shown in FIG. 13, the RFID tag processing unit 26c and the acoustic unit 25a of the top module 20c, the key operation unit 32a of the bottom module 30a, the trigger key 44c of the back module 40c, etc. are connected via a connector or the like. Connected to the controller 12. Further, the battery unit 33a of the bottom module 30a and the large capacity battery unit 45c of the back module 40c are connected to the control unit 12 and various electric components of each module so as to be able to supply power.

  In the information reading apparatus 1c configured as described above, as with the information reading apparatus 1a, when the power is turned on, the control unit 12 performs the RFID tag processing unit 26c and the acoustic unit 25a of the top module 20c, and the key operation unit of the bottom module 30a. 32a, the battery unit 33a, the trigger key 44c of the back module 40c, and the function from the large capacity battery unit 45c are recognized.

  Then, an application program for realizing the recognized function is displayed on the display screen 14a in a selectable manner. If the connection configuration is as described above, for example, an application program for reading a wireless tag and an application program for using the sound unit 25a are displayed on the display screen 14a in a selectable manner, and the function of reading an information code is added. Since it is not recognized, the application program for reading the information code is not displayed in a selectable manner on the display screen 14a. When any functional module is not connected, it is displayed and notified on the display screen 14a that the module is in a poor connection state as a first notification.

  The wireless tag processing unit 26c of the information reading apparatus 1c according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of wireless tags without receiving an instruction from the control unit 12, except for a confirmation instruction for function recognition from the first control unit 12 when the power is turned on. Information read from the tag T is sequentially transmitted to the control unit 12. For this reason, the control part 12 can receive sequentially the information read from the RFID tag processing unit 26c, without giving a reading instruction | indication with respect to the RFID tag processing unit 26c.

Next, the configuration of the information reading device 1d will be described.
The information reading device 1d is a device configured as a smartphone type that does not have a keyboard in order to reduce the size and weight, and as shown in FIGS. 15 to 18, the information reading device 1a is replaced with a bottom module 30a. The bottom module 30d is provided. In other words, the information reading device 1d is configured by assembling the top module 20a, the bottom module 30d, and the back module 40a to the base module 10 and electrically connecting them via a connector or the like.

  The bottom module 30d is configured such that the battery unit 33d is accommodated together with the case 11 of the base module 10 by a case 31d that forms the outer shell. In addition, an external connection connector, a charging terminal of the battery unit 33d, and the like are disposed at the lower end of the case 31d.

  The top module 20a, the bottom module 30d, and the back module 40a that are configured as described above are assembled to one end in the longitudinal direction, the other end in the longitudinal direction, and the back side of the base module 10 as shown in FIGS. Thus, the information reading device 1d is configured. At the time of assembly, as shown in FIG. 18, the information code reading unit 23a and the acoustic unit 25a of the top module 20a, the antenna 42a of the back module 40a, and the like are connected to the control unit 12 via a connector or the like. Further, the battery unit 33d of the bottom module 30d is connected to the control unit 12 and various electric components of each module so as to be able to supply power.

  In the information reading device 1d configured as described above, as with the information reading device 1a, when the power is turned on, the control unit 12 causes the information code reading unit 23a and the acoustic unit 25a of the top module 20a, and the battery unit 33d of the bottom module 30d. The function to be added is recognized in accordance with the signal from the antenna 42a of the back module 40a.

  Then, an application program for realizing the recognized function is displayed on the display screen 14a in a selectable manner. With the connection configuration as described above, for example, an application program for reading an information code and an application program for using the sound unit 25a are displayed on the display screen 14a so as to be selectable, while reading and writing the wireless tag. The application program for this purpose is not displayed in a selectable manner on the display screen 14a. When any functional module is not connected, it is displayed and notified on the display screen 14a that the module is in a poor connection state as a first notification.

Next, the configuration of the information reading device 1e will be described.
The information reading device 1e is a device configured as a smart phone type capable of non-contact charging. As shown in FIGS. 19 to 22, the information reading device 1d is replaced with a back module 40e instead of the back module 40a. Configured to provide. That is, the information reading device 1e is configured by assembling the top module 20a, the bottom module 30d, and the back module 40e to the base module 10 and electrically connecting them through a connector or the like.

  The back module 40e is a functional module that is assembled on the back side with respect to the display screen 14a in the base module 10, similarly to the back module 40a. A case 41e constituting the outer shell of the back module 40e is formed with a recess protruding outward at the center on the inner surface side of the case 41a, and a non-contact charging unit 46e is disposed in the recess.

  The top module 20a, the bottom module 30d, and the back module 40e configured as described above are assembled to one end in the longitudinal direction, the other end in the longitudinal direction, and the back side of the base module 10 as shown in FIGS. Thus, the information reading device 1e is configured. At the time of assembly, as shown in FIG. 22, the information code reading unit 23a and the acoustic unit 25a of the top module 20a, the non-contact charging unit 46e of the back module 40e, etc. are connected to the control unit 12 via a connector or the like. Is done. Further, the battery unit 33d of the bottom module 30d is connected to the control unit 12 and various electric components of each module so as to be able to supply power.

  In the information reading apparatus 1e configured as described above, as with the information reading apparatus 1a, when the power is turned on, the control unit 12 causes the information code reading unit 23a and the acoustic unit 25a of the top module 20a, and the battery unit 33d of the bottom module 30d. The function to be added is recognized according to the signal from the non-contact charging unit 46e of the back module 40e.

  Then, an application program for realizing the recognized function is displayed on the display screen 14a in a selectable manner. When any functional module is not connected, it is displayed and notified on the display screen 14a that the module is in a poor connection state as a first notification.

  As described above, in the information reading apparatus according to this embodiment, the base module 10 includes the control unit 12 that performs control using the three functional modules of the top module, the bottom module, and the back module to be assembled, and the control unit 12. The top module is connected at one longitudinal end of the base module 10, the bottom module is connected at the other longitudinal end of the base module 10, and the back module is a base module. The back side is connected to the display screen 14 a of the touch panel 14 in the module 10. Then, the control unit 12 recognizes each function according to information acquired from the three functional modules connected to the base module 10.

  Accordingly, by connecting three function modules each having a function suitable for the scene to be used to the base module 10, predetermined functions and the like corresponding to the connected function modules are controlled by the control unit. In particular, each function module and multiple application programs prepared to realize each function can be designed based on a common design concept, making it easy to standardize operation methods, key layouts, and display modes during operation. Can be aimed at. Therefore, it is possible to realize an information reading apparatus that is easy for the user to operate even when the functions required for each scene are different.

  Furthermore, the control unit 12 recognizes each function according to information acquired from the three functional modules connected to the base module 10 when the power is turned on. Normally, since the power is turned on after connecting each functional module to the base module 10, the function of each functional module to be connected can be reliably recognized.

  In particular, in the information reader 1c, the control unit 12 receives external information read by the wireless tag processing unit 26c from the wireless tag processing unit 26c without giving an instruction to the wireless tag processing unit 26c. As a result, as long as the control unit 12 first recognizes the RFID tag processing unit 26c, an instruction to the RFID tag processing unit 26c is not necessary thereafter, so the load on the communication processing in the control unit 12 is reduced. Can do.

  In addition, the control unit 12 controls the display content of the display screen 14a so as to perform the first notification when connection to at least one of the top module, the bottom module, and the back module cannot be confirmed. . Thereby, when the first notification is performed using the display screen 14a, at least one of the top module, the bottom module, and the back module is in a poor connection state in which the base module 10 is not connected. Can be easily recognized, and the poor connection state can be quickly resolved. The first notification is not limited to being performed using the display content of the display screen 14a, but other functions of the base module 10, such as LEDs that are in a predetermined light emission state or the like, are used as the notification unit. May be performed.

  The control unit 12 performs the second notification when the function added by the top module, the function added by the bottom module, and the function added by the back module are a combination of predetermined functions. The display content of the display screen 14a may be controlled. Specifically, for example, when the reading function added by the top module and the reading function added by the back module interfere with each other, the combination to be excluded is a combination of the predetermined functions. And stored in the storage unit 13 in advance. When the combination to be excluded is recognized by the control unit 12, the display screen 14a displays and notifies that the combination is to be excluded as the second notification. As a result, even if each functional module is connected to the base module 10 in a combination that should be excluded by mistake during repair / replacement or the like, the combination that should be excluded when the second notification is performed. Can be easily recognized, and combinations that should be excluded can be quickly resolved. The second notification is not limited to being performed using the display content of the display screen 14a, but may be performed using other functions of the base module 10, such as the light emission state of the LED. .

  The control unit 12 displays an application program for realizing a recognized function among a plurality of application programs stored in the storage unit 13 so as to be executable, and an application for realizing an unrecognized function. The display screen 14a of the touch panel 14 is controlled so as not to display the program. Thereby, since an application program for realizing a function different from the function added according to the connected function module is not displayed on the display screen 14a, an erroneous operation can be prevented and operability can be improved. it can.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, an information reading apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
The second embodiment is mainly different from the first embodiment in that a plurality of functional modules including at least the first functional module and the second functional module are connected to the base module. Therefore, substantially the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  The base module according to the present embodiment is integrally configured so that the function added as the back module described in the first embodiment is incorporated in advance. For this reason, the information reader is configured to add a predetermined function to the base module by connecting the top module serving as the first functional module and the bottom module serving as the second functional module, respectively. The

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 23, the base module 10f according to the present embodiment is integrally configured so that functions added as the back module 40a to the above-described base module 10 are incorporated in advance. Yes. A case 11f constituting the outer shell of the base module 10f has a shape in which the case 11 and the case 41a described above are integrated. By connecting the top module 20a and the bottom module 30a to the base module 10f, an information reading device 1f having a predetermined function shown in FIG. 24 is configured.

  In the information reading device 1f configured as described above, the control unit 12 transmits a predetermined signal to each of the two functional modules connected to the base module 10f when the power is turned on. In accordance with the received (acquired) confirmation signal, the function added by the connected functional module is recognized.

  When the top module 20a and the bottom module 30a are connected as described above, the control unit 12 controls the information code reading unit 23a and the acoustic unit 25a of the top module 20a, the key operation unit 32a of the bottom module 30a, and the battery unit. In accordance with the signal from 33a, the function to be added is recognized.

  Then, an application program for realizing the recognized function is displayed on the display screen 14a in a selectable manner. With the connection configuration as described above, for example, an application program for reading an information code and an application program for using the sound unit 25a are displayed on the display screen 14a so as to be selectable. In the above connection configuration, for example, since the addition of the function of reading the wireless tag is not recognized, the application program for reading the wireless tag is not displayed in a selectable manner on the display screen 14a.

  In addition, a function corresponding to the connected top module is added to the base module 10f configured as described above by connecting either the top module 20b or the top module 20c described above instead of the top module 20a. The information reading apparatus can be configured. Further, by connecting the above-described bottom module 30d instead of the bottom module 30a to the base module 10f, it is possible to configure an information reading device to which a function corresponding to the connected bottom module is added.

  As a first modification of the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 25, a base module 10g is configured by integrating so that functions added as a back module 40e to the above-described base module 10 are incorporated in advance. May be. A case 11g constituting the outer shell of the base module 10g has a shape in which the case 11 and the case 41e described above are integrated. By connecting the top module 20a and the bottom module 30d to the base module 10g, an information reading device 1g having a predetermined function shown in FIG. 26 is configured.

  Even in this case, the control unit 12 of the information reading apparatus 1g recognizes the function added by the connected function module and displays the application program for realizing the recognized function on the display screen 14a so as to be selectable. Process to do. In addition, a function corresponding to the connected top module is added to the base module 10g configured in this manner by connecting either the top module 20b or the top module 20c described above instead of the top module 20a. The information reading apparatus can be configured. Further, by connecting the above-described bottom module 30a in place of the bottom module 30d to the base module 10g, an information reading device to which a function corresponding to the connected bottom module is added can be configured.

  As a second modification of the present embodiment, a base module is formed by integrating the functions added as the above-described bottom module in advance so that the top module becomes the first functional module. The information reading device may be configured to add a predetermined function by connecting the back module as the second functional module. In addition, the base module is configured by integrating the functions added as the above-described top module in advance so that the bottom module and the second functional module are the first functional module. The information reading device may be configured to add a predetermined function by connecting the back module.

  As a third modification of the present embodiment, at least four functional modules including the first functional module and the second functional module are connected to the base module having at least the control unit 12, respectively, and the control unit The information reader may be configured to add a predetermined function by recognizing each function according to information acquired by each function module 12.

  In this case, for example, the base module 50 of the information reading apparatus 1h according to the third modified example includes the control unit 12, the storage unit 13, the touch panel (base module display unit) 14, and the communication unit 15 as illustrated in FIG. In addition, the battery mounting unit 51 and the key operation unit (base module key operation unit) 52 can be provided. The base module 50 according to the third modified example includes at least one of the storage unit 13, the touch panel 14, the communication unit 15, the battery mounting unit 51, and the key operation unit 52 in addition to the control unit 12. It can also be configured.

  As shown in FIG. 27, the first functional module 60 according to the third modification includes a first reading unit 61, a first display unit 62, and a first acoustic unit 63 for reading external information. , First key operation unit 64, first sensor 65, first vibrator 66, first illumination unit 67, first battery unit 68, first battery lid opening detection unit 69, first small protection It can comprise so that the part 70, the 1st antenna 71, the 1st charging unit 72, and the 1st holding part 73 may be provided. The first functional module 60 according to the third modification includes a first reading unit 61, a first display unit 62, a first acoustic unit 63, a first key operation unit 64, and a first sensor 65. , First vibrator 66, first illumination unit 67, first battery unit 68, first battery lid opening detection unit 69, first small protection unit 70, first antenna 71, first charging unit 72 and at least one of the first gripping portions 73 can be provided.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 27, the second functional module 80 according to the third modification includes a second reading unit 81, a second display unit 82, and a second acoustic unit 83 for reading external information. , Second key operation unit 84, second sensor 85, second vibrator 86, second illumination unit 87, second battery unit 88, second battery lid opening detection unit 89, second small protection It can comprise so that the part 90, the 2nd antenna 91, the 2nd charging unit 92, and the 2nd holding part 93 may be provided. The second functional module 80 according to the third modification includes a second reading unit 81, a second display unit 82, a second acoustic unit 83, a second key operation unit 84, and a second sensor 85. , Second vibrator 86, second illumination unit 87, second battery unit 88, second battery lid opening detection unit 89, second small protection unit 90, second antenna 91, second charging unit 92 and at least one of the second gripping portions 93 may be provided.

  Here, the reading unit including the first reading unit 61 and the second reading unit 81 may be configured to read the information code C as external information, such as the information code reading unit 23a. The information recorded in the wireless tag T as external information such as the wireless tag processing unit 26c may be read. In addition, the display unit including the first display unit 62 and the second display unit 82 can be configured such that the display content is controlled by the control unit 12 like the touch panel 14 or a liquid crystal display. . In addition, the sound unit including the first sound unit 63 and the second sound unit 83 includes at least one of a sound generation function such as a speaker and a sound collection function such as a microphone, like the sound unit 25a. Can be configured. The key operation unit including the first key operation unit 64 and the second key operation unit 84 includes at least one of a trigger key, a power key, a magic key, a case side key, a function key, a numeric keypad, and the like. And an operation signal corresponding to the key operation can be output to the control unit 12. The sensors including the first sensor 65 and the second sensor 85 detect the surrounding environment or the state in the apparatus like a proximity sensor or an illuminance sensor, and send a signal corresponding to the detected state to the control unit 12. It can be configured to output. In addition, the vibrator including the first vibrator 66 and the second vibrator 86 can be configured to vibrate in a predetermined pattern in accordance with a drive signal from the control unit 12. Moreover, the illumination part including the 1st illumination part 67 and the 2nd illumination part 87 is LED etc., Comprising: It can comprise so that the irradiation state of illumination light may be controlled by the control part 12. FIG. Further, the battery unit including the first battery unit 68 and the second battery unit 88 supplies power to each component constituting the information reading device, such as the battery unit 33a and the battery unit 33d. Can be configured. Further, the battery lid opening detection unit including the first battery lid opening detection unit 69 and the second battery lid opening detection unit 89 outputs a detection signal to the control unit 12 when the opening of the battery lid is detected. It can be constituted as follows. In addition, the small protective part (smartphone design part) including the first small protective part 70 and the second small protective part 90 protects the connection portion with the base module, and the small case constituting the outer case corresponds to the case. The outline of the connection portion with the base module including the base module can be configured to be a part of a substantially flat plate shape such as a smartphone or a tablet. Further, the antenna including the first antenna 71 and the second antenna 91 is configured to perform wireless communication or the like via the antenna by the communication unit 15 or the like functioning as an external interface like the antenna 42a. Can do. In addition, the charging unit including the first charging unit 72 and the second charging unit 92 may be configured to be charged in a non-contact manner like the non-contact charging unit 46e, or connected to a terminal. The battery may be configured to be charged via the like. Further, the gripping part including the first gripping part 73 and the second gripping part 93 may be configured as a gun type like the gripping part 43c, or may be configured as another type that is easy to grip. .

  Note that in the third modification example of the present embodiment, some functional modules may be connected to the base module using wireless communication.

In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment etc., For example, you may actualize as follows.
(1) The information reading apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above-described five types of information reading apparatuses 1a to 1e, and is a top module having other functions with respect to the base module. The bottom module and the back module may be connected. For example, the top module may be configured to have a communication unit that reads and writes an IC card or the like using a near field communication (NFC) function as the first reading unit. The top module includes at least one of an information code reading unit 23a, an acoustic unit 25a, a top module key operation unit, a sensor, a top module vibrator, and an illumination unit that function as a first reading unit. It may be configured. Further, the bottom module may be configured to include the communication unit, the information code reading unit, the wireless tag processing unit, and the like as the second reading unit. Further, the bottom module may be configured to include at least one of the second reading unit, the key operation unit, the battery unit, the bottom module acoustic unit, the battery lid opening detection unit, and the small protection unit. . Further, the back module may be configured to include the communication unit, the information code reading unit, the wireless tag processing unit, and the like as the third reading unit. Further, the back module may be configured to include at least one of the third reading unit, the antenna, the charging unit, the gripping unit, the back module battery unit, and the back module vibrator.

(2) The base module to which the top module, the bottom module, and the back module are connected is not limited to the above-described base module 10, and a control unit that performs control using at least three functional modules and the control unit If it is a structure provided with the display part by which display content is controlled by, it may be comprised so that it may have other functions, such as an acoustic part, a battery mounting part, and a key operation part for base modules. In addition, the base module is not limited to be configured to perform wireless communication using the antenna disposed in the case 11 or the antenna 42a of the back module 40a to be connected. You may be comprised so that wireless communication may be performed using the antenna provided in a module.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1a-1e ... Information reader 10 ... Base module 12 ... Control part 13 ... Memory | storage part 14 ... Touch panel (a display part, alerting | reporting part)
15: Communication unit 20a, 20b, 20c ... Top module 23a, 23b ... Information code reading unit (first reading unit)
25a ... acoustic unit 26c ... RFID tag processing unit (first reading unit)
30a, 30d ... bottom module 32a ... key operation unit 33a, 33d ... battery unit 40a, 40c, 40e ... back module 42a ... antenna 43c ... gripping part 44c ... trigger key 45c ... large capacity battery unit 46e ... non-contact charging unit (charging) unit)

Claims (11)

An information reader configured to add a predetermined function by connecting three functional modules of a top module, a bottom module, and a back module to a base module,
The base module includes a control unit that performs control using the three functional modules, and a display unit whose display content is controlled by the control unit,
The top module is connected to one end side in the longitudinal direction of the base module and includes at least one of a first reading unit and an acoustic unit for reading external information,
The bottom module is connected at the other end in the longitudinal direction of the base module, and includes at least one of a second reading unit for reading external information, a key operation unit, and a battery unit.
The back module is connected on the back side to the display screen of the display unit in the base module, and includes at least one of a third reading unit, an antenna, a charging unit, and a gripping unit for reading external information. Prepared,
The information reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit recognizes each function according to information acquired from the three function modules connected to the base module.   The information reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit recognizes each function according to information acquired from the three function modules connected to the base module when the power is turned on. . Any one of the first reading unit, the second reading unit, and the third reading unit functions as a wireless communication unit that reads external information using wireless communication,
The information according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit receives the external information read by the wireless communication unit from the wireless communication unit without instructing the wireless communication unit. Reader. A notification unit whose notification content is controlled by the control unit;
The control unit controls the notification unit to perform a first notification when connection to at least one of the top module, the bottom module, and the back module cannot be confirmed. The information reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information reading apparatus is an information reading apparatus.   The control unit performs second notification when a function added by the top module, a function added by the bottom module, and a function added by the back module are a combination of predetermined functions. The information reading apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the notification unit is controlled. A storage unit in which a plurality of application programs for realizing the functions of the three functional modules that can be connected to the base module are stored so as to be executable by the control unit;
The control unit displays the application unit for realizing a recognized function among the plurality of application programs in a selectable manner, and does not display the application unit for realizing an unrecognized function. The information reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information reading apparatus is controlled.   The said base module is provided with at least any one of a battery mounting part and the key operation part for base modules in addition to the said control part and the said display part, The Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. The information reading apparatus described.   The top module includes at least one of the first reading unit, the acoustic unit, a key operation unit for a top module, a sensor, a vibrator for a top module, and an illumination unit. The information reading device according to any one of the above.   The bottom module includes at least one of the second reading unit, the key operation unit, the battery unit, a bottom module acoustic unit, a battery lid opening detection unit, and a small protection unit. Item 9. The information reading apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 8.   The back module includes at least one of the third reading unit, the antenna, the charging unit, the gripping unit, a back module battery unit, and a back module vibrator. 10. The information reading device according to any one of items 9. An information reader configured to add a predetermined function by connecting a plurality of functional modules including at least a first functional module and a second functional module to a base module,
The base module includes at least a base module display unit, a battery mounting unit, and a base module key operation unit whose display contents are controlled by the control unit, in addition to a control unit that performs control using the plurality of functional modules. One of them,
The first functional module is connected to the base module and includes a first reading unit for reading external information, a first display unit, a first acoustic unit, a first key operation unit, a first key unit, Sensor, first vibrator, first illumination unit, first battery unit, first battery lid opening detection unit, first small protection unit, first antenna, first charging unit, first grip Comprising at least one of the parts,
The second functional module is connected to the base module and has a second reading unit for reading external information, a second display unit, a second acoustic unit, a second key operation unit, a second key unit, Sensor, second vibrator, second illumination unit, second battery unit, second battery lid opening detection unit, second small protection unit, second antenna, second charging unit, second grip Comprising at least one of the parts,
The information reader according to claim 1, wherein the control unit recognizes each function according to information acquired from the plurality of functional modules connected to the base module.

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