JP2001209468A - Network system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a network system of a server and clients, both comprising a plurality of computer apparatuses that have each function and are wearable on each region of an operator. SOLUTION: A server 11 and clients 12, comprising a plurality of computers worn on each region of an operator W, communicate by radio transmission.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a network system, and more particularly, to a network system in which a server and a client are arranged at short distances.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a computer is used for arranging shipping and managing inventory at a distribution base such as a distribution center, an operator needs a portable computer and a terminal device (handy terminal) while holding the computer. They had to input information. These portable computers and terminal devices are connected to the host device by communication means, and send various types of input information to the host device or take out necessary information from a database built in the host device.

[0003] When the work is carried out by directly holding a portable computer or the like in such a manner, an input operation using keys or the like must be performed with the other hand while holding the computer with one hand. It is inevitable that it will be blocked. It is inconvenient to close both hands of the worker during the work, and it is therefore desirable that at least one of the hands can be opened and moved freely if possible. Therefore, there has been proposed a wearable computer that is designed to be downsized by devising the shape and the like of a portable computer or the like, for example, to be mounted on an arm of a worker.

[0004]

However, the wearable computer to be worn on the worker's arm, although miniaturized, has all the functions of processing, storage, communication, etc. incorporated in one computer device. In addition, a power source for operating them has to be provided, and there is a limit to miniaturization. Therefore, the weight reduction is not sufficient, and it is not easy for an operator to attach a wearable computer to perform an operation.

In view of the above, a plurality of functions are distributed to provide a plurality of computer devices for each function that can be mounted on each part of the worker, and a network system is formed by a server and a client including the plurality of computer devices. Conceivable. By forming such a network system, it becomes possible to reduce the size and weight of each computer device specialized for each function and to increase the function.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a network system including a server and a client each including a plurality of computer devices for each function that can be attached to each part of an operator.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, a network system according to the present invention is characterized by wirelessly communicating between a server and a client comprising a plurality of computer devices mounted on various parts of a worker's body. And

[0008] With the above configuration, a plurality of computer devices are mounted on each part of the body of the worker, and a server and a client including the plurality of computer devices communicate wirelessly. As a result, a network system can be formed by a server and a client including a plurality of computer devices for each function that can be mounted on each part of the worker.

[0009]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
As shown in the figure, FAN (f
The atom area network 10 is composed of one server 11 and a plurality of clients 12 (only two are shown) mounted on each part of the body of the worker. FAN is the body range of a worker,
In other words, it means a network system in a range of about 2 m or less corresponding to the length (fathom) in which a person spreads both hands.

The FAN 10 is, for example, a public line for packet communication or an SS (spread spectrum).
A base station 13 connected by a local line such as a LAN (local area network) can communicate with another LAN system, for example, a headquarters LAN system 15, via the Internet 14.
The headquarters LAN system 15 includes a plurality of servers and clients 16, and can be switched to each server or client 16 to be connected by the router 17.

When carrying out dispatch arrangements or inventory management at a distribution base such as a distribution center via the FAN 10, the operator performs various information input operations and the like, and inputs the input information to the host device of the head office LAN system 15. Send or headquarters L
Necessary information is extracted from the database constructed in the AN system 15.

The server 11 includes a communication unit 18 and a CPU (c
central processing unit) 1
9, memory 20, external storage unit 21, F
It has an AN radio unit 22 and a battery 23.

The server 11 is a core device of the FAN 10 and has a high-level computing capability function and storage function for storing and processing various data required by an operator, and a WAN.
(Wide area network), LAN and I
-Net (institutional network)
k) and other network communication functions. Although no input / output means or display means is provided, an interface to which the input / output means or display means can be temporarily connected for maintenance or the like may be provided.

The communication means 18 carries out network communication between the server 11 and a host system installed in an office or the like. For example, SS-LAN, mobile phone packet communication, PHS (personal handyph).
A communication module such as one system is used. These communication modules are provided by a PCMCIA (personal computer) provided in the server 11.
memory card international
(e.g., association) slot.

The CPU 19 controls the operation of the entire server 11 to perform various processes, and executes a process in a memory (memory) 20.
Functions as a main memory of the CPU 19. The external storage unit 21 is a storage unit different from the memory 20, and an external storage module such as a memory card or an HD (hard disc) card is used. The use of these makes it possible to collect a large amount of data.

The FAN radio unit 22 communicates the server 11 fixed to the waist of the worker and each of the clients 12 attached to each part of the body of the worker with, for example, a radio frequency (r).
(adio frequency: RF) It communicates by radio. Since the communication range is the body range of the worker, the communication range may be about 2 m at the maximum. Battery 23
Supplies the driving power of the entire server 11, but is attached to the worker, for example, a waist belt or the like so as not to hinder the work.
By fixing the battery to the waist, a large rechargeable battery can be mounted.

As described above, since the limitation on the power supply capability of the server 11 is relaxed, the standard OS (operator)
It is possible to use an appointing system, and it is also possible to cope with an application that recognizes audio data from a headset, which will be described later. By incorporating a printer unit, a slip can be issued.

The client 12 includes an information input / output unit 24,
It has a CPU 25 and a FAN wireless unit 26. The client 12 inputs various information obtained by the worker's work and outputs various information required by the worker for the work. The information input / output unit 24 includes, for example, each unit such as a display device, a barcode reader (BCR), or a headset.

The display device is a display unit for displaying data such as operation instructions, and is formed as small and light as possible. Since wireless communication with the server 11 can be performed with minimal power through the FAN 10,
Operation with small batteries is possible. It is sufficient that the main components include a liquid crystal display unit and a touch panel or a push button switch, and the mounted CPU may have low processing capability but needs to have low power consumption.

As the bar code reader, for example, a laser type is used, and the read bar code is transmitted to the server 11 via the FAN 10. The CPU incorporated in the barcode reader only needs to have a function of converting a laser reflected signal into a barcode, and does not perform storage or processing.
The bar code reader is fixedly attached to a finger or a back of a worker in order to improve operability.

The headset is a device for giving an instruction to a worker by voice, and performing an operation such as the worker inputting information by voice. The audio input is converted to a digital signal via the FAN 10 and transmitted from the server 11, and the audio data is reproduced by the received digital signal. In this headset, only data transfer is performed without performing special audio data processing, and priority is given to low power consumption. The voice output from the headset is recognized by the function of the server 11 or used for a call through a mobile phone module.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a state where each unit of FIG. 1 is worn by an operator. As shown in FIG. 2, the server 11 in which various functions with large power consumption are collected is fixed to the waist of the worker W, for example, a waist belt. This server 1
On the other hand, arms, fingers, etc., each part of the body of the worker W,
Terminal device with only display function and input function (Client 1
2) is attached. The display device 27, the barcode reader 28, and the headset 29, which are terminal devices, are fixed to, for example, the right hand, left arm, and head of the worker W, respectively.

The display device 27 and the bar code reader 2
8 and headset 29 are connected to respective FAN radio units 2
6 and the FAN 10 through the FAN radio section 22 of the server 11
, And exchange data with the server 11 by wireless communication. Since the communication range of the FAN 10 may be a reach that does not exceed the communication target, that is, the body of the worker W such as the hands and the head around the waist, the FAN wireless units 22 and 26 may be used.
The maximum range of the wireless output from is about 1 m.

Therefore, the FAN radio units 22 and 26 need only have a radio output capability capable of securing a maximum reach of about 1 m, and the power supply can be reduced in size, so that the entire device can be reduced in size and weight. become. Display device 2 which is a terminal device
7. Since the bar code reader 28 and the headset 29 only need to have independent functions, it is possible to reduce the size of the power supply and the size and weight of the entire apparatus.

The server 11 can perform wireless communication with the base station 13 by communication means 18 such as a public line (packet communication) or a private line (SS-LAN).

As described above, for example, the following work can be performed using the FAN 10 including the server 11 and the client 12 within the body range of the worker W.

Warehouse Receiving and Shipping Operations In a centralized distribution center of a convenience store or a supermarket, or a mailing and distribution center, the server 11 receives the sorting item name and quantity sent from the host system, and the worker W Display device 27 worn
Is instructed to the worker W by characters or images through the headset 29 or by voice through the headset 29. Worker W who received instructions
Confirms receipt of an instruction by operating a response button (not shown) of the display device 27 or by voice input through the microphone 29a of the headset 29.

Delivery service by transport vehicle Used by the driver of a transport vehicle that performs a package delivery service to a courier service or a chain store. The processing of the delivery slip when the package is delivered or accepted is processed using the barcode reader 28 or a printer (not shown). Further, server 1
1 communicates with the home delivery service headquarters and the chain store headquarters to transmit / receive the trace data of the package.

Meter reading service To check the usage of gas and water supplied to each building, a meter reading company or the like who performs meter reading work such as a meter indicating the usage is used.

Mobile sales (over-the-counter sales) business Used by sales personnel who perform mobile sales and over-the-counter sales. The sales clerk can move around freely and can be used as a cash register for the sales clerk at the destination.

FIG. 3 shows the structure of each unit in FIG.
(A) is a block diagram of a server, (b) is a block diagram of a display device, (c) is a block diagram of a barcode reader,
(D) is a block diagram of the headset.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the server unit 11 includes a communication unit 18, a CPU 19, and a memory (memo).
ry) 20, an external storage unit 21, a FAN wireless unit 22, and a battery 23.

The communication means 18 is SS-L depending on the use mode.
Either an AN or a mobile phone is used. SS-LA
N is a wireless system between host systems used when the FAN 10 is used in a premises or the like.
Wireless system with host system using public line network (preferably packet communication, including PHS communication)
It is. If it is a PCMCIA card type module,
The selection can be made according to the usage pattern of the user. The communication means 18 and the base station 13 are transmitted and received via an antenna 18a.

The CPU 19 is a high-performance CPU for performing advanced processing and packet communication. The memory 20 includes the CPU 1
9 has a capacity required by the OS and the application. As the external storage device 21, a flash memory, a PCMCIA memory card, or a hard disk is used.

The FAN radio unit 22 has a maximum communication range of about 2 m (output power is 1 mW or less), and uses a frequency hopping spread spectrum (spread spectrum) method so as not to cause interference between adjacent workers W.
um: SS) radio is desirable, but if it is used for a short time, a weak FM (frequency modulatio)
n) It is also possible by wireless. Control is performed by a 1: n network protocol, but since it is a closed communication area, a simple method is preferable, and a simple protocol for suppressing the load on the terminal side is preferable. The FAN radio unit 22 is connected to the FAN of the terminal device.
It has an antenna 22a for transmitting and receiving to and from the wireless unit 26.

The battery 23 is of a rechargeable type. Since it is for business use, a smart battery capable of managing the remaining amount is desirable, and since it is mounted on the waist, there is no strict weight limit, but it needs a capacity that can be used for almost one day (about 10 hours).

As shown in FIG. 3B, the display device 27
Has a display unit 30, a CPU 25, a FAN wireless unit 26, and a battery 31. The display unit 30 is provided with a liquid crystal display (L).
CD) unit, and includes several simple push-button switches (not shown) for use in response of the worker W. A touch panel may be used instead of the push button switch.

The CPU 25 performs only transfer of display data to the display unit 30 and operation of a push button switch.
It is a low power consumption one chip CPU. FAN radio unit 26
Suffices if the communication range is about 2 m at the maximum.
The same one as the one FAN wireless unit 22 is used. The FAN wireless unit 26 has an antenna 26a for transmitting and receiving to and from the FAN wireless unit 22 of the server 11. It is desirable that the battery 31 be as small and lightweight as possible.
For example, a primary battery that can be used for about one month is used.

As shown in FIG. 3C, the bar code reader 28 has a laser scanner 32, a CPU 25, a fan radio unit 26, and a battery 31. The laser scanner 32 reads a barcode with a laser to generate a light / dark signal. The CPU 25 is a low-power-consumption one-chip CPU that performs a barcode decoding process and a read data transfer process. FAN radio unit 26 and battery 31
Are the same as those used for the display device 27.

As shown in FIG. 3D, the headset 2
Reference numeral 9 includes a microphone and a speaker 33, a CPU 25, a FAN wireless unit 26, and a battery 31. The microphone and speaker 33 capture and reproduce sound, and also have circuit components such as an amplifier circuit. The CPU 25 is a low power consumption one-chip CPU that performs digital double modulation and data transfer of audio data. FAN radio unit 26 and battery 3
1 is the same as that used for the display device 27.

Thus, according to the present invention, a plurality of functions are distributed and a plurality of computer devices for each function are provided which can be mounted on each part of the worker W, and the server 11 comprising the plurality of computer devices is provided. And a client 12 to form a network system. That is, the server 11
On the waist of the worker W, a display device 27, a barcode reader 28, and a headset 29, which are terminal devices, are respectively attached to the right hand, the left arm, and the head of the worker W. A network is formed within the body range of the worker W that can communicate with a simple radio wave.

The communication range in this network is the body range of the worker W, and only needs to be about 2 m at the maximum. In addition, the radio output from the server 11 and the client 12 does not exceed the communication target. Is set to

Therefore, it is possible to make each computer device specialized for each function smaller and lighter and to have higher functions, and the worker W can easily work without difficulty while wearing these terminal devices on various parts of the body. Can be.

In particular, in a logistics system for receiving and sending goods at a centralized distribution center such as a convenience store or a supermarket, or a mailing / delivery center, the baggage attached to the goods to be distributed is sent to a predetermined destination. It is possible to accurately and easily perform the classification for each.

[0046]

As described above, according to the present invention, a plurality of computer devices are mounted on each part of the body of the worker, and a server and a client including the plurality of computer devices communicate wirelessly. A network system can be formed by a server and a client including a plurality of computer devices for each function that can be attached to each part of the worker.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a worker wears each unit in FIG. 1;

3 shows the configuration of each unit in FIG. 2, (a) is a block diagram of a server, (b) is a block diagram of a display device,
(C) is a block diagram of a barcode reader, and (d) is a block diagram of a headset.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 FAN 11 server 12 client 13 base station 14 Internet 15 headquarters LAN system 16 server and client 17 router 18 communication means 19, 25 CPU 20 memory 21 external storage unit 22, 26 FAN wireless unit 22a, 26a antenna 23, 31 battery 24 information Input / output unit 27 Display device 28 Barcode reader 29 Headset 29a Microphone 30 Display unit 32 Laser scanner 33 Microphone and speaker W Worker

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification FI FI Theme Court II (Reference) H04Q 7/24 7/26 7/30 (72) Inventor Hiroyuki Sugie 7-3-35 Ogaya, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture Digi-Tech F-term (reference) 5B072 CC24 DD02 MM04 MM11 5K033 BA02 DA19 EA07 5K067 AA34 AA42 BB41 CC10 DD53 DD54 EE35 FF23 FF26 FF28 HH06 HH07 KK05 KK13 KK15

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A network system for wirelessly communicating between a server and a client comprising a plurality of computer devices mounted on various parts of a worker's body. 2. The network system according to claim 1, wherein wireless outputs from the plurality of computer devices are set within a range not exceeding a communication target. 3. The network system according to claim 1, wherein a distance between the server and the client does not exceed 2 m. 4. The server according to claim 1, wherein the server is mounted on a waist of the worker, and the client is mounted on a hand, arm or head of the worker. Network system. 5. The client mounted on the hand of the worker has a function of reading a barcode, the client mounted on the arm has an image display function, and the client mounted on the head. 5. The network system according to claim 4, wherein the network system has a function of inputting voice. 6. A distribution system using the network system according to claim 5, wherein the distribution target is classified into predetermined distribution destinations from a barcode attached to the distribution target.