JPH08287109A - Data transfer system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide a data transfer system which eliminates the need for a time wait required for data transfer between a data gathering terminal and a central computer office or requires no extra facilities accompanying the data transfer. CONSTITUTION: This system has the data gathering terminal 10 which has a data gathering means, a data storage means, and a couple of guide rails 22, and a module type data memory unit 76 which is constituted attachably to and detachably from the data gathering terminal 10; and the module type data memory unit 76 is slid and mounted between the guide rails 22 of the data gathering terminal 10 and data transfer is performed between the module type data memory unit 76 and data gathering terminal 10.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the transfer of data to and from portable data collection devices such as bar code scanners, data terminals, terminals with built-in scanners and the like. In particular, it relates to a data transfer system for transferring data to and from a data acquisition device or its associated cradle unit.

[0002]

The data transfer system, for example, does not require wiring or connection of a line to the central computer station, and is therefore convenient for obtaining various data on site. For example, the operator can move freely in the place and can input desired data into the portable data collection device, which is convenient for inventory in a warehouse or a retail store.

A bar code scanner is a type of portable data acquisition device that allows an operator to optically scan a bar code on an article or shelf label (Shelf Tag). The bar code has a change in light reflection pattern due to a bar and a space in which data such as a product identification number is encrypted. Such barcode scanners are well known in the art, and generally, a light source (visible laser diode) that emits visible light (light beam).
And a scanning part such as a sweeping mirror for sweeping the light beam horizontally and / or in a raster pattern across the bar code, and receiving the light beam reflected from the bar code, and converting the light energy into analog electric energy. And a light collector including a photodetector for converting into a signal. The analog electrical signal is processed, digitized and decrypted as data represented in place of the data encoded in the bar code. A configuration relating to such a general scanning system is, for example, the following U.S. Pat.
360,798, 4,369,361, 4,387,297,
No. 4,593,186, No. 4,496,831, No. 4,409,470, No. 4,460,120, No. 4,607,156, No. 4,673,80
No. 5, No. 4,736,095, No. 4,758,717, No. 4,76
No. 0,248, No. 4,806,742 and No. 4,808,804.

The above-mentioned optical scanning type scanner is not the only optical reading device capable of reading bar code symbols. Other optical readers include devices that are operated by the user either directly in contact with the bar code symbol or near the bar code. Such optical readers generally use light emitting diodes (LEs) that illuminate the barcode area.
D) and a photodetector in which the size of the detector of the charge coupled device (CCD) is larger than or substantially the same as the size of the bar code symbol. Thus, mechanical scanning components such as vibrating mirrors are unnecessary. Although such scanners are lightweight and easy to use, the reader must actually be in direct contact with, or placed close to, the bar code symbol to enable it to be read. I need. Such contact-based readings are suitable for operating modes for some applications. It is also suitable when used based on the user's personal taste.

A data terminal is another type of portable data collection device in which data is entered by manual input means, typically an alphanumeric keyboard. There is also a terminal in which a scanner and a keyboard as described above are integrated. As described above, since the scanner-integrated terminal can scan the barcode and manually input the number of items and other information as required, the operator is given the most freedom in using the terminal.

Data can be input manually by an operator from a keyboard, or by scanning a bar code, or
It is input by a combination of both means and is transferred to the central computer by various methods. For example, the data is modulated,
Transmitted via an RF connection to a local computer station using internal RF circuitry. The local computer station is located near the workplace of the portable data terminal. Several local computer stations are connected to the central computer station via a modem or the like. Therefore, real-time communication is performed between the terminal and the central computer station. Of course, communication is bidirectional.

The selection means for transferring the data collected by the terminal stores the data in a non-volatile memory device such as a random access memory (RAM) having a battery backup. The operator
When you want to sort out the memory capacity of the terminal, or when you want to transfer the collected data (for example,
After the end of work), the operator places the terminal in a cradle that is configured to hold. An optical communication interface means is used to facilitate and download data from the terminal RAM via the modem or the like to the central computer office.

This "batch" download scheme for data transfer eliminates the need for an RF transceiver in the terminal, thus reducing the cost of the product. However, it has been found that the time required to download several megabytes of batch data to the central computer via the cradle is unnecessary for the terminal. That is, the terminal is held in the cradle and cannot be used while the modem communicates with the central computer and waits for the connection.
Thus, while the terminal is held in the cradle and the RAM contents are downloaded, the terminal cannot collect data. Therefore, the operator needs extra equipment to work on the original work, but uses another data terminal, or wastes time, but waits until batch download is completed. I won't.

The conventional terminal has the above-mentioned RF.
Arranged as a unit or batch unit,
It was not possible for a user at the work site to easily and easily adapt from one data transfer device to another. It is desirable that modular data collection terminals and systems be easily and easily adapted by field users without having to disassemble the unit and send it to the manufacturer or service station.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to overcome the above problems in conventional data transfer systems. Another object of the present invention is to collect data together with a portable data collecting device, and to collect data with a central computer station without waiting for data transfer until the collecting device is used again. It is to provide a data transfer system capable of transferring data via a cradle.

Still another object of the present invention is to collect data together with a portable data collecting device, and to collect data with a central computer through a cradle without being combined with other data collecting device. It is to provide a data transfer system that enables transfer. In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a data transfer system which is modular and can be re-adapted (recombinant) for storing and transferring desired data by a user.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a data transfer system in which data is uploaded from a central computer to a portable data collection device.

[0013]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a portable device in which data can be collected by an operator and the collected data can be transferred to a modular data memory unit which is removably inserted. And a cradle for transferring data between a centrally-operated central office and a modular data memory unit that is removably inserted.
The operator inserts a new or empty capacity modular data memory unit into the receiving means on the data collection terminal, collects the desired data and stores the data in the modular data memory unit. When the data collection is complete, the operator removes the modular data memory unit and inserts it into the receiving means on the cradle. The cradle is then instructed by keyboard means or predetermined programming means to transfer the data in the modular data memory unit to the central computer office via an internal modem or other suitable communication means. The operator is then free to load another new or empty capacity data memory unit into the handheld terminal for data collection without having to wait for the cradle to complete the data transfer. The cradle has keyboard means for the operator to manually issue a data transfer command to the communication means, or the modular data memory unit commands the communication means for automatic data transfer without the need for an operator. It has a header part containing the operation instruction of.

The portable handheld data collection terminal of the present invention comprises a data collection means for collecting data and inputting the data to the data collection terminal, and a receiving means for receiving a modular data memory unit.
And data transfer means for transferring data from the data collecting means to the receiving means. The receiving means facilitates access to the operator and allows the modular data memory unit to be temporarily and removably inserted. Then, when the modular data memory unit is inserted into the receiving means, the receiving means establishes electrical communication between the data collection terminal and the modular data memory unit.

The data collection means in the portable handheld data collection terminal may be a keyboard that allows an operator to manually enter data.
Further, the data collecting means is composed of a barcode scanning module that generates an analog signal from the reflected light from the target barcode, a digitizer that converts the analog signal into a digital signal, and a decoder that decodes the digital signal. Is possible. In addition, the data collection means may be configured with the barcode scanning module and the keyboard together.

The data transfer means in the portable handheld data collection terminal is a means for formatting the data from the data collection means to be compatible with the modular data memory unit inserted into the receiving means. And a processing means for controlling the flow of data from the data collecting means to the formatting means.

The cradle of the present invention has a communication means for communicating with the central computer, a receiving means for detachably receiving the modular data memory unit, and a data transfer between the communication means and the receiving means. And data transfer means. The receiving means facilitates access to the operator and allows the modular data memory unit to be temporarily and removably inserted.
Then, when the modular data memory unit is inserted into the receiving means, the receiving means makes electrical communication between the data collection terminal and the modular data memory unit.

The communication means of the cradle is composed of a modem and communicates with the central computer office via a telephone line. The cradle may also include means for communicating with a local computing station, such as an RS-232 port. Further, the cradle may comprise keyboard means and display means as well as data transfer means. Cradle
Apart from the keyboard means, it may be incorporated in the header part of a modular data memory unit inserted in the receiving means or programmed and read as a formatted command for automatic transfer of data. The host may start the data transfer instead of the cradle.

The cradle may also include a plurality of modular data memory unit receiving means for communicating between the central computer office and the plurality of modular data memory units. In another embodiment of the cradle, the cradle is not provided with internal communication means such as a modem and the modem unit or RF transceiver unit together with the modular data memory unit having the data to be transferred is received by the cradle. It is configured so that it can be inserted into the means. Modem unit or R
The F transmitter / receiver unit is manually operated through the keyboard means.
Alternatively, the pre-programmed header section of the modular data memory unit can be read and the data can be automatically downloaded from the modular data memory unit to the central computer station.

The portable handheld data collection terminal in another embodiment of the present invention is programmed to be compatible with a modular data interface unit such as a modem unit or an RF transceiver unit. Rather than a method of transferring data via a cradle after collecting and storing the data in the modular data memory unit, the data from the terminal can be transferred via the modular data interface unit inserted as in this embodiment. It is better to transfer the data directly.

Thus, when the terminal is configured to operate the modem unit, data is stored in the RAM on the board (or the RAM included in the modem unit).
Is stored. And when the operator wants to download the stored data, the modular jack of the telephone of the modem unit, for communication with the central computer,
Connected to a nearby telephone line. Similarly, the terminal is RF
When configured for operation of the transceiver unit, the data is stored in RAM on board (or RA in the RF transceiver unit).
Stored in M), the RF transceiver unit is operated by the operator when he wants to download that data. Alternatively, the data is a RAM on the board that stores the data before data transfer.
Can be transferred in real time over an RF link without the need for a. In any case, according to the present embodiment, the need for a cradle for data communication can be eliminated.

In still another embodiment of the present invention,
The terminal has two receiving means (of a modular data memory unit) so that a modular data memory unit and a modem unit or an RF transceiver unit can be inserted. The data is collected, stored in a modular data memory unit and transferred to a central computer office via a modem unit or RF transceiver unit. The need for a cradle for data communication is eliminated by the present embodiment.

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A portable data collection terminal and its system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Reference numeral 10 is a lightweight, narrow body for 100% assistance to a user who uses a laser scanning system for each operation of reading, scanning and / or analyzing a bar code symbol (hereinafter referred to as a bar code). Streamlined, narrow tube mouth, handheld,
It is a laser scanning terminal that is sufficiently portable, easy to operate, and free from fatigue on your wrist or wrist. A typical bar code used is the international product code (U
universal Product Code: UP
C), EAN, Codabar, Code 39, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 1, the terminal 10 generally includes a handle portion 12 and an elongated, narrow casing or body portion 14.
A pistol-shaped housing having a.
The handle portion 12 has a thick cross-sectional shape, and its dimensions are so small as to fit within the operator's hand. Both the main body 14 and the handle portion 12 (housing) are lightweight, highly elastic, and resistant to impact,
It is made of a material such as synthetic plastic that is strong enough not to lose its shape. The housing is preferably injection molded, but in order to form a thin shell with an internal space and recess of volume less than 50 cubic inches,
It may be vacuum formed or blow molded. The value of 50 cubic inches is not particularly limited to this,
The volume may be less than 50 cubic inches, for example a 25 cubic inch housing, simply by estimating the overall maximum volume and size of the terminal 10.

The body 14 is generally horizontal and elongated along the lateral direction. And the front area 16 at the front end
And a rear region 18 at the rear end and a body region 20 intermediate the front region 16 and the rear region 18. Further, the main body portion 14 is separated from the bottom wall 25, the side walls 24 and 26 extending in the longitudinal direction by a predetermined length and facing each other at a distance, the front wall (nose) 28, and the rear of the front wall 28. And a rear wall 30.

Further, the main body portion 14 has an upper wall above the bottom wall 25. The top wall is made up of three sections. The first section 32 is a slanted wall that is located in the rear region 18 and is uphill in a direction toward the front region 16 of the housing. The second section 34 is a flat wall arranged in the front region 16 and having a plane parallel to the bottom wall 22. The third section 36 is disposed on the intermediate body portion 20,
It is an inclined wall that descends in a direction toward the front region of the housing. The sloped wall 32 has an upper end that smoothly joins to the upper end region of the sloped wall 36. Inclined wall 36 has a low linear end that lies in the same flat surface as flat wall 34.

A keyboard 38 having a plurality of manually depressible keys is mounted on the sloping wall 32 and is easily accessible to the operator. The plurality of keys includes alphanumeric keys and function keys. The keys are properly arranged parallel to each other in the row and column directions. Programmable function keys may be provided by custom order from the user. The display 40 with the screen area has a flat wall
It is mounted on 34. The display 40 may be a low power liquid crystal display screen. In this embodiment,
The screen has 8 lines. And each line is 2
It has zero characters and is easy to read due to the backlight. By mounting the display 40 and the keyboard 38 on the terminal 10, this function can be performed by inputting from the keyboard 38 and reading data at a bar code position to be read rather than at a place far away from the terminal 10. Makes it easy.

A light transmitting window (hereinafter referred to as window) 60 is mounted on the inclined wall 36. The window 60 allows horizontal and / or raster patterns generated by a bar code scanning module (not shown) in the terminal 10 to pass therethrough. The window 60 also allows the reflected light beam from the barcode to pass therethrough. Such bar code scanning modules are well known in the art, and include a light source such as a visible laser diode, a sweeping means having an amplitude mirror for sweeping the light beam, and a focusing light beam for focusing the desired light beam. It is composed of a lens and / or an optical element such as an aperture. Furthermore, the bar code scanning module receives the light beam reflected from the bar code and directs the received light beam from each bar and each space of the bar code into an analog signal 63 having an amplitude that varies with the difference in reflectivity. A photodetector for conversion is provided.

The terminal 10 complies with the standard popularized by the International Association of Personal Computer Memory Cards (hereinafter referred to as PCMCIA), and in the present embodiment, is configured to movably receive the modular data memory unit 76. ing. The PCMCIA standard recommends compatibility of data storage devices (eg memory cards) and expansion devices (eg I / O cards) between various computers and other electrical products. The PCMCIA standard achieves compatibility by defining a common set of physical dimensions for memory and I / O cards, electrical interfaces, and data formats. The physical dimensions department defines the external shape, mechanical resistance, card connectors, etc. The electrical interface department defines detailed pinouts and signal definitions. The data format department defines the system of data on the card. PCMCIA standard is magnetic R
AM, hard disk drive, or flash E
It facilitates the use of small, portable, lightweight memory cards based on EPROM technology.

Although the PCMCIA standard is considered in this embodiment, it should be understood that the concept of the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. The modular data memory unit 76 stores all addresses, data and control information in the modular data memory unit 76.
Unit connector 78 with the function of transferring to or from the modular data memory unit 76
Have. The terminal connector 23, together with the internal bus 41, is a unit connector effective for such data transfer.
It is provided at the bottom of the terminal 10 for detachably receiving the 78 and for matching.

Further, the terminal 10 has a pair of groove-shaped guide rails 22 for slidably receiving the modular data memory unit 76, so that the modular data memory unit 76 can be inserted into the terminal 10. Makes it easy. The guide rail 22 also serves to hold the modular data memory unit 76 securely while the terminal 10 is in use.

In the present embodiment, the modular data memory unit 76 is a PCMCIA memory module 76a capable of storing sufficient data for a desired application. Referring to the block diagram of FIG. 3 which illustrates the main electronic functions of the terminal 10, the PCMCIA memory module 76a includes a module controller 74 having the ability to transfer control data to and from the central processing unit (CPU) 68. It is electrically connected.
The module controller 74 transfers data to or from the selected modular data memory unit 76.
It serves to provide or be provided with data, addresses and control information relating to the IA standard. In addition, the module controller 74 is a PCMCIA modem.
It can be programmed to control the appropriate protocol for 76b and the PCMCIA RF transceiver 76c and to provide the appropriate protocol. A PCMCIA modem and a PCMCIA transceiver as another embodiment of the present invention will be described later.

Referring to the block diagram of FIG. 3, the terminal 10 also includes a digitizer 64 that processes the analog electrical signal 63 from the bar code scanner 62 into a digital signal 65. A suitable signal processing circuit for this purpose is described in US Pat. No. 4,251,789. Digital signal 65
Is input into the decoder 66 which decodes the data indicated by the barcode according to a predetermined algorithm.

The decrypted data is sent to the module controller under the control of the CPU 68 and the program control PROM 70.
It is stored in the PCMCIA memory module 76a via 74. The module controller 74 formats the decrypted data and provides the appropriate address and control information to the PC.
It is provided in the MCIA memory module 76a. CPU68
The internal data control element portion including the program control PROM 70, the RAM 72, and the module controller 74 is a single IC according to a well-known technique.
May be included in.

In addition to the data input from the bar code scanner 62 to the PCMCIA memory module 76a, data may be input from the keyboard 38 to the terminal 10. In other words, if the barcode is unreadable,
If quantities or other data must be entered, the operator may key in the data.
Then, the CPU 68 sends the data to the PCMCIA memory module 76a via the module controller 74.
Transfer to. Instead of the general keyboard 38 and the display 40, the pen input type computer interface may be a data display, which is a well-known technology in the past, or an input on a touch sensor screen. Good.

Once the operator has performed the data collection and stored the data that was easily sent to the operator via the display, or when it was time to switch to another task, the PCMCIA memory module
The 76a can be easily transferred from the guide rail 22 of the terminal 10. Then, a new or empty capacity module may be immediately inserted to continue using the terminal 10.

To transfer the data stored in the PCMCIA memory module 76a to the central computer, the operator must use the data cradle described below. FIG. 4 illustrates the cradle 100 of this embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the electronic component. The cradle 100 has a keyboard 102, a display 104, and a pair of module slots 106. Also cradle
The 100 may optionally comprise a battery container 108 for the battery recharge function and an RJ-11 telephone connector 107 to allow communication with an internal modem 175.

Each of the slots 106 has a PCMCIA
It is configured to detachably receive the modular data memory unit 76 which is the memory module 76a.
Matching connectors (not shown) are located in the cradle 100 at the end of each slot 106. The matching connector has almost the same structure as the matching terminal connector 23 in the terminal 10. Where slot 10
6 and matching connector for each PCMCIA memory module 76a for data transfer as described below.
Is configured to easily receive.

Referring to the block diagram of FIG. 5, the PCMCIA memory module 76a having data stored therein is inserted into the slot 106. Operator on keyboard 10
Cradle 100 via 2 and internal modem 17
Command the cradle effectively to transfer data via 5. The data stored in the PCMCIA memory module 76a is stored by the module controller 174.
It is transferred to the modem 175 under the control of the CPU 168 and the program control PROM 170. Modem 175
Data is formatted by a method well known in the art as a technique for transferring data using a telephone line to a central computer station. A new and unused PCMCIA memory module 76a can be easily inserted into the terminal 10 so that the operator does not have to wait for a telephone line connection or data transfer, and the operator does not need a data transfer. It can be achieved automatically.

The cradle 100 according to the present embodiment has two PCs via the modem 175 without operator intervention.
Two module slots 106 are provided to allow the MCIA module to be downloaded. If you want more slots,
The cradle 100 can be provided with a daisy chain circuit and can be added with the expansion cradle 114 shown in FIG. Expansion cradle 114 has a pair of module slots 106a (with module controller 174a) and an optical or electrical transfer type bus expansion connector 110. Matching bus connector 112 is a bus expansion connector
Located on Cradle 100 for connection to 110. The expansion cradle 114 further includes a matching bus connector 112a connected by a daisy chain circuit. Of course, cradle 100 can be initially manufactured with as many slots 106 and controller 174 as desired for a particular application.

Optional battery charger 108
Recharges the battery used by the terminal 10 in a manner well known in the art. If desired, a removable PCMCIA modem card 76b may be used and internal modem 175 may be omitted from cradle 100. In such an embodiment, the operator uses the keyboard 102 to transfer the data stored in the PCMCIA memory module 76a in one slot 106 to the PCMCIA modem card 76b in the other slot 106. To be ported
Command Cradle 100. PCMCIA modem card
76c is commercially available and is well known in the art. PCMCIA modem card 76b is a standard RJ-
11 telephone connector to connect to a telephone network.

Instead of using a PCMCIA modem card 76b, a removable PCMCIA R to transfer data to the base station via the RF link.
The F transceiver card 76c may be adopted. The cradle 100 can be considered so-called "intelligent" because it comprises computer processing means for effecting data transfer in accordance with instructions entered by an operator. On the other hand, if the extended cradle 114 is simply connected to the cradle 100 in a daisy chain circuit and used as a computer means of the cradle 100, it is a so-called "silent" cradle that does not have electric control functions. Is.
In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, an expansion cradle 11
The 4 can be connected to a terminal cradle 116 capable of interfacing with the data terminal 10. In this embodiment, by connecting the bus cable 111,
The expansion cradle 114 is a computer means of the terminal 10 (CPU 68, program control PROM 70, RAM 72,
The module controller 74, keyboard 38, display 40) can be effectively utilized. Operator cradle Terminal 10 to make internal connection with cradle
Can be placed at 116. Therefore, depending on the operator's special needs, one or more expansion cradle 11
4 is a terminal via cradle 116 and cable 111 for effective data transfer as previously described.
It can be connected to ten computer means as a daisy chain circuit. In addition, the cradle 116 may include an internal modem that opens both slots 106 of the expansion cradle 114 used with the PCMCIA memory module 76a. Expansion cradle 114
By eliminating the electrical components in the supported cradle at the terminal 10, the cost reduction of the product can be enjoyed.

Further, in another embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 7, a cradle 115, similar to the expansion cradle 114, is provided without the use of an interface cable.
It is integrally connected to the cradle 116. Instead of cables, matching connectors (not shown) on both cradle 115, 116 are combined together in a conventionally known manner for physical stability and electrical communication between them. There is. So without a bus cable,
By integrally connecting the cradle 115 to the cradle 116, the cradle 115 is connected to the computer means (CPU 68, program control PROM 70,
RAM 72, module controller 74, keyboard 38,
The display 40) can be used effectively. Thus, according to the operator's special needs, one or more expansion cradle 115 may also be integrated into the computer means of terminal 10 as well, via the cradle 116 for effective data transfer as described above. May be connected. Additionally, the cradle 116 may include an internal modem that opens the slot 106 of the expansion cradle 114 used with the PCMCIA memory module 76a.

Further, according to the cradle described herein, the keyboard means and the display means may be eliminated by the automatic control capability of the CPU in the cradle. The PCMCIA memory module 76a is configured as an address map 120 (see FIG. 8) including a header section 122, a data section 124 and a closure section 126. The header section 122 includes a control segment in which information about the telephone number (in the case of a modem interface) of the destination is programmed. The data section 124 contains the data to be transferred. Closure section 126 then contains other information that may be required. When the PCMCIA memory module 76a configured as described above is inserted into the slot 106 of the cradle without a keyboard, the control information in the header part 122 is to transfer data without requiring a request from an operator. Command the communication means (internal modem 175 or data unit 76b). While the PCMCIA memory module 76a is connected to the terminal 10 for performing data collection, the header section 122 (and the closure section 126 if necessary) may be programmed by the operator via the keyboard 38 of the terminal 10. Good.
Therefore, in this embodiment, the operator collects the data while the cradle automatically downloads the data by reading the programmed command contained in the header section 122 through the communication means, and the PCMCI
Instruct the A memory module 76a how to transfer the data, and easily transfer the PCMCIA memory module 76a,
Insert the PCMCIA memory module 76a into a cradle without a keyboard and plug it into a new, unused PCMCIA memory module 76a for performing data collection.

Still further, in the cradle embodiment described herein, it is desired that the local computing station, rather than the central computing station, transfer data via a communication means such as an RS-232 port. May. Appropriate control instructions are RS-2 for local download
Included in a cradle (PCMCIA memory module 76a with control address map 120) to port data to 32 ports.

Therefore, the cradle described here is
Fully modular and as many slots as needed
106 may be provided or may be provided for effective data transfer from each PCMCIA memory unit. In another embodiment of the present invention, the terminal 10
Have been used for data collection and transfer without the need for a cradle (there are examples). The terminal 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is the PCMCIA R described above.
Loaded by F transceiver 76c. Data is,
It may be collected in a conventional manner and stored in RAM 72 or optionally stored in a portion of PCMCIA RF transceiver 76c which may be arranged for storage of data. When the operator wants to transfer data to the central computer station, PCMCI
The A RF transceiver 76c is commanded by the keyboard 38 to effect the data transfer. The data is R
It is read from the AM 72, ported through the module controller 74 to the PCMCIA RF transceiver 76c, modularized and transferred according to methods known in the art. In addition, instead of storing a batch file of data in RAM 72, the terminal 10 can be used for effective real-time data transfer.
Can also be set up to transfer each segment of its data.

Similarly, without using the cradle 100, P
A CMCIA modem 76b is inserted in terminal 10 for data transfer. The data is collected in the usual way and stored in RAM 72. Alternatively, a PCMCIA RF transceiver 76, which may be arranged for storage of data.
Optionally stored in part c. When the operator wants to transfer data to the central computer, he connects a standard telephone line to the PCMCIA modem 76b. And
The modem is commanded by the keyboard 38 to make the data transfer effective. The data is read from RAM 72, modularized and transferred according to conventionally known methods.

Terminal 10 may be configured to accept two PCMCIA modules. as a result,
PCMCIA memory module 76a has RAM on board
To be used with a modem 76b or RF transceiver 76c without the need for an additional. 9 and 1
At 0, the second guide rail 22a is formed below the first guide rail 22 and a second matching terminal connector 23a is provided to receive the second PCMCIA module.

There are many possible alternative embodiments of the modular system useful in the present invention. For example, the terminal 10 may be a CCD scan module rather than a light beam swept scan module. Further, the present invention can be applied to a barcode scanner that does not include keyboard means and display means.
For terminals without keyboard means, data is only entered by scanning the bar code. The PCMCIA memory module is then used via the cradle for data transfer to the central computer office.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable data collection terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the portable data collection terminal shown in FIG.

3 is a block diagram of the portable data collection terminal shown in FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cradle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a block diagram of the cradle of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a data transfer system using a cradle according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a data transfer system using a cradle according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of an address map of a modular data memory unit.

FIG. 9 is a front view of a portable data collection terminal having two module slots according to another embodiment of the present invention.

10 is a perspective view of the portable data collection terminal shown in FIG. 9. FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Terminal 22 Guide Rail 23 Terminal Connector 38 Keyboard 40 Display 41 Internal Bus 68 CPU 70 Program Control PROM 72 RAM 74 Module Controller 76 Modular Data Memory Unit 76a Memory Module 76b Modem 76c RF Transceiver 78 Unit Connector 100 Cradle 102 Keyboard 104 Display 106 Module slot 107 Telephone connector 110 Expansion connector 112 Matching bus connector 114 Expansion cradle 115 Cradle 116 Terminal cradle 120 Address map 122 Header section 124 Data section 126 Closure section 168 CPU 170 Program control PROM 175 Internal modem

Claims (36)

[Claims] 1. A data transfer system, comprising: collecting means for collecting data, and storing means for storing the collected data in a storage part, wherein the data transfer system transfers the data between the storage part and a central computer station A data collection terminal having the collection means and the storage means; and a modular data memory unit having the storage section and configured to be attachable to and detachable from the data collection terminal, wherein the modular data memory unit is A data transfer system for transferring data between the modular data memory unit and the data collection terminal when inserted into the data collection terminal. 2. The data transfer system according to claim 1, further comprising a keyboard for allowing an operator to manually input data. 3. The bar code scanning module according to claim 1, wherein the bar code scanning module enables detection of a difference in light reflectance between different bar codes and generation of an analog signal corresponding to the bar code scanning module. A data transfer system comprising digitizer means for converting into a digital signal corresponding to the digitizer means and decoder means for decoding the digital signal into data representing the bar code. 4. The bar code scanning module according to claim 3, wherein a light source for emitting a light beam, a means for scanning the light beam emitted from the light source with respect to the bar code, and a reflected light from the bar code. And a light sensor that receives the reflected light and generates the analog signal whose amplitude changes according to the reflectance of the reflected light. 5. The collecting means according to claim 1, wherein the collecting means comprises a keyboard for allowing an operator to manually input data, and a difference in light reflectance between different bar codes is detected. A bar code scanning module enabling generation of a corresponding analog signal, digitizer means for converting the analog signal into a corresponding digital signal, and decoding the digital signal into data representing the bar code. And a second collecting unit including a decoder unit for performing the data transfer system. 6. The data collection terminal according to claim 1, further comprising a receiving means capable of inserting the modular data memory unit, wherein the receiving means is capable of slidingly inserting the modular data memory unit. A data transfer system comprising a pair of groove-shaped guide rails and a connector that enables data transfer. 7. The storage means according to claim 1, and formatting means for formatting the data from the collecting means such that it is compatible with a modular data memory unit inserted into the receiving means. A data transfer system comprising: a processing unit that controls a flow of data from the collecting unit to the formatting unit. 8. The data transfer system according to claim 7, wherein the formatting means formats the data to be compatible with a modular data memory unit having a non-volatile memory. 9. The data transfer system of claim 7, wherein the formatting means formats the data to be compatible with a modular data memory unit with a modem. 10. The data transfer system of claim 7, wherein the formatting means formats the data to be compatible with a modular data memory unit with an RF transceiver. 11. The data transfer system according to claim 9, further comprising a storage device for storing the data collected by the data collecting means. 12. The data transfer system of claim 1, wherein the data collection terminal comprises a control segment containing data transfer information and means for programming a removably inserted modular data memory unit. . 13. The data transfer system according to claim 1, wherein the data transfer means for transferring data between the modular data memory unit and the central computer is a cradle, and the cradle is the central A communication means for providing communication with a computer station, a modular data memory unit receiving means for detachably receiving the modular data memory unit, and a modular data memory unit formed in the receiving means. A data transfer system comprising a connector for enabling data transfer between the communication means and the modular data memory unit when inserted into the. 14. The data transfer system according to claim 13, wherein the communication means has a modem connectable to a telephone line. 15. The communication means according to claim 13,
A data transfer system having an F transceiver. 16. The data transfer system according to claim 13, wherein said communication means includes means for RS-232 serial communication of a local computer station. 17. The cradle of claim 13,
Furthermore, the data transfer system is characterized by having a keyboard means that allows an operator to manually input data. 18. The cradle of claim 13,
Furthermore, the data transfer system is characterized by having a display means that allows an operator to manually input data. 19. The cradle of claim 13,
Further, the control segment is read from the modular data memory unit inserted in the receiving means of the cradle, and the data is automatically transferred from the modular data memory unit according to the data transfer control information contained in the control segment. A data transfer system comprising means. 20. The data transfer system according to claim 1, wherein the data transfer means for transferring data between the modular data memory unit and the central computer is a cradle, and the cradle is the central Communication means for providing communication with a computer station, a plurality of modular data memory unit receiving means for detachably receiving a plurality of modular data memory units, and formed in each of the receiving means,
Between the modular data memory unit and the plurality of modular data memory unit receiving means, a connector that enables data transfer between the modular data memory unit and the cradle when inserted therein. And a data transfer means for transferring data. 21. The cradle of claim 20,
Furthermore, the data transfer system is characterized by having a keyboard means that allows an operator to manually input data. 22. The cradle of claim 20,
Furthermore, the data transfer system is characterized by having a display means that allows an operator to manually input data. 23. The cradle of claim 20,
A means for reading a control segment from the modular data memory unit inserted in the receiving means of the cradle and automatically transferring data from the modular data memory unit according to the data transfer control information contained in the control segment. A data transfer system having. 24. A modular data memory unit capable of storing data, a collecting means for collecting data, a modular data memory unit receiving means enabling detachable mounting of the modular data memory unit, and the module. A connector formed in the modular data memory unit receiving means for enabling electrical communication with the modular data memory unit, and storage means for storing the collected data in the modular data memory unit via the connector. A portable handheld data collection terminal having: a communication means for communicating with a central computer; a modular data memory unit receiving means for enabling the modular data memory unit to be detachably attached; and the modular data In the memory unit receiving means A cradle having a connector formed to allow electrical communication with the modular data memory unit and a transfer means for transferring data between the communication means and the modular data memory unit via the connector. A data transfer system comprising: 25. The data transfer device according to claim 24, wherein the collecting means comprises a keyboard for allowing an operator to manually input data. 26. The bar code scanning module according to claim 24, wherein the collecting means detects a difference in light reflectance of the bar code and generates an analog signal corresponding to the difference.
A data transfer device comprising digitizer means for converting the analog signal into a corresponding digital signal, and decoder means for decoding the digital signal into data representing the bar code. 27. The barcode scanning module according to claim 24, wherein the light source means emits a light beam, and the sweeping means sweeps the light beam toward the barcode.
A data transfer system, comprising: a light sensor means for receiving a light beam reflected from the bar code and generating the analog signal whose amplitude changes in accordance with a difference in light reflectance of the bar code. 28. The data transfer system according to claim 24, further comprising keyboard means for allowing an operator to manually input data. 29. The modular data memory unit receiving means of the data collection terminal according to claim 24, comprising a pair of groove-shaped guide rails for slidably receiving the modular data memory unit therebetween. A connector of the data collection terminal is configured to enable the electrical communication between the data collection terminal and the modular data memory unit when the modular data memory unit is inserted therein. A data transfer system characterized in that 30. The data transfer means of claim 24, a format for formatting the data from the collecting means to be compatible with the modular data memory unit inserted into the receiving means. Means and
And a processing unit for controlling a flow of data from the data collecting unit to the formatting unit. 31. The data transfer system according to claim 24, wherein said communication means comprises a modem connectable to a telephone line. 32. The communication means according to claim 24 is R
A data transfer system comprising an F transceiver. 33. A data transfer system according to claim 24, wherein said communication means comprises means for RS-232 serial communication to a local computer station. 34. The cradle of claim 24,
A data transfer system having keyboard means for allowing an operator to manually input data. 35. The cradle of claim 24,
A data transfer system comprising a display means that allows an operator to manually input data. 36. The portable handheld data collection terminal of claim 24, further comprising means for programming a removably inserted modular data memory unit with a control segment containing data transfer information. Then, in the cradle, a control signal is read from the modular data memory unit that is removably inserted, and the data is automatically transferred from the modular data memory unit according to the data transfer control information included in the control segment. A data transfer system, further comprising: