USRE45767E1 - Information processing system, hand held cellular phone, and information processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

An information processing system comprises an information providing medium that stores electronic parts capable of reading information in an electromagnetic or optical manner, the information providing medium parts being attached to an entity in order to provide information associated with the entity; a hand held terminal device having an information read function that reads information from the information providing medium electronic parts in an electromagnetic or optical manner and record the information; and an information processing unit for retrieving reading and processing the information recorded in the hand held terminal device; wherein the information providing medium is inconspicuously attached to the entity. In this manner, the information can be recorded into the hand held terminal for later use by a user. In this way, in a case where an information user attempts to obtain information associated with an entity, such as commodity or advertising material, the information can be electronically recorded momentously and processed.

Description

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/652,150 filed on Aug. 31, 2000, the parent application being incorporated in its entirety by reference. continuation of reissue application Ser. No. 12/588,403 filed on Oct. 14, 2009; which is a reissue application of application Ser. No. 11/252,722 filed on Oct. 19, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,299,988; which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/665,667 filed on Sep. 20, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,458,514, the entirety of which being incorporated herein by reference. The present application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 11-268927 filed on Sep. 22, 1999.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an information processing system, a hand held cellular phone, and an information processing method preferably applied to an electronic advertising system, a commodity selling system, a commodity information providing system, a food information providing system, a recording medium information providing system, a commodity genuineness or counterfeit discriminating system or the like.

In detail, an information providing medium is attached to an entity (article or material) such as commodity or advertising material, and a hand held terminal device with its information read function is provided so as to be possessed by each of the individual information users. In the case where the information user attempts to obtain information associated with its entity, the information can be electrically stored in a hand held terminal device momentously, and the information can be read from the hand held terminal device to the information processing unit, whereby the information associated with its entity can be processed by the information processing unit.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, it is often that posters such as resort guide, employment guide, or event guide are presented at station concourse, and suspension advertisements of these guides are presented in train. In the case where one attempts to obtain a contact of an advertisement material of interest by seeing these posters or suspension advertisements, it is generally often that one learns the information by heart or writes it by paper and pen or pencil. In this case, if a large amount of information is provided, it takes long to write the information.

In the meantime, according to an information processing method of a conventional system, in the case where one can look at an advertising material carefully, for example, in the case where one sees an advertising material of interest at station concourse on the way of commutation, it is generally often that one must write the information such as address or contact associated with that advertising material by using pen or pencil, and such writing is very cumbersome. In particular, an E-mail address prepared to provide direct access to companies associated with that advertising material contains 30 to 50 characters or signs, thus making it difficult to precisely learn them by heart once. When the written memorandum is lost, there is a problem that one must rewrite the same information from its advertising material (hereinafter, referred to as “entity”) after one has dropped there.

In addition, when there occurs a case where so called brand commodities such as handbag, bag, or shoes is discriminated from counterfeit, it is discriminated by its sewing manner or buttons as whether the commodities are genuineness or counterfeit. However, a very high skill is required for such discrimination. Therefore, if no countermeasure is taken in advanced information processing technology, there is a problem that the damages of genuine commodity manufacturers is remarkably high.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in order to solve such conventional problems. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing system, a hand held cellular phone, and an information processing method for, in the case where an information user attempts to obtain information associated with an entity such as commodities or advertising materials, making it possible to electrically record the information momentously and then, making it possible to process the information.

In order to solve the aforementioned problems, there is provided an information processing system comprising: an information providing medium capable of reading information in an electromagnetic or optical manner, the information providing medium being attached to an entity in order to provide information associated with the entity; an hand held terminal device with its information read function for reading information in an electromagnetic or optical manner from this information providing medium and recording the information therein; and an information processing unit for reading the information recorded in the hand held terminal device and processing the information.

An information processing system according to the present invention is characterized in that an information capable of reading information in an electromagnetic or optical manner is attached to an entity such as commodities or advertising materials by the information provider. The information user uses a hand held terminal device with its information read function as required, wherein information is read from the information providing medium in an electromagnetic or optical manner, and is recorded. Then, the information read from the hand held terminal device is processed by an information processing unit to be converted into information of audible type, for example.

Therefore, in the case where one cannot look at an entity such as commodities or advertising materials carefully, for example, in the case where one sees an advertisement at station concourse on the way of commutation, information such as address or contact associated with its entity can be electronically stored momentously in a hand held terminal device even if the information is not written by pen or pencil. Thus, the information associated with the entity read at home from the hand held terminal device to an information processing unit, one can look at the information by using the information processing unit or can provide direct access to the company through Internet. The information processing system can be fully applied to an electronic advertising system, a commodity selling system, a commodity information providing system, a food information providing system, a recording medium information providing system, an exhibition information providing system, a commodity genuineness or counterfeit discriminating system or the like.

A hand held cellular phone according to the present invention is directed to a cellular phone for reading information from an information providing medium attached to an entity and processing the information, the hand held cellular phone comprising: a telephone function; information read means for reading information associated with the entity from the information providing medium; and non-volatile storage means for storing the information read from the information read means.

A hand held cellular phone according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the case where information is read from an information providing medium attached to an entity, and is processed, for example, the hand held cellular phone is made close to the information providing medium, whereby an antenna body is coupled with the information providing medium in an electromagnetic manner. The information associated with the entity from this antenna body is read from the information read means, and this information is stored in non-volatile storage means.

Therefore, the information associated with the entity read from storage means can always be processed by utilizing a telephone function.

An information processing method according to the present invention is characterized in that an information providing medium capable of reading information in an electromagnetic or optical manner is, the attached to an article or material information providing medium providing information associated with the article or material; the information is read in an electromagnetic or optical manner from the information providing medium; and then, the recorded information is read and processed.

The information processing method according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the case where an information user attempts to obtain information associated with the entity, the information can be read momentously in an electromagnetic or optical manner. Moreover, the information associated with the entity can be utilized any time even if the information is written by pen or pencil.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting an example of configuring aninformation processing system10 according to a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a example of processing in theinformation processing system10 according to a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an imaginary view showing an example of configuring anelectronic advertising system100 according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an imaginary view illustrating an example of the appearance of information providingelectronic parts11;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram depicting an example of an internal configuration of anIC chip16 thereof;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram depicting an example of an internal configuration of aninformation reading display12 according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7A is a view showing an example of transmitting and receiving a data row concerning advertising information D01 during writing and reading;

FIG. 7B is an imaginary view showing an example of a data format of the data row;

FIG. 8 is an imaginary view showing an example of processing in theelectronic advertising system100 according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 9 is an imaginary view showing an example of configuring a commodity sellingsystem200 according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating an example of processing in thecommodity selling system200;

FIG. 11 is an imaginary view showing an example of configuring a commodityinformation providing system300 according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating an example of processing in the commodity information providing system;

FIG. 13 is an imaginary view showing an example of configuring a foodinformation providing system400 according to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating an example of processing in the foodinformation providing system400;

FIG. 15 is an imaginary view showing an example of configuring a recording mediuminformation providing system500 according to a fifth embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating an example of processing in a recording mediuminformation providing system500;

FIG. 17 is an imaginary view showing an example of configuring an exhibitioninformation providing system600 according to a sixth embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a flow chart illustrating an example of processing in the exhibitioninformation providing system600;

FIG. 19 is an imaginary view showing an example of configuring a commodity genuineness orcounterfeit discriminating system700 according to a seventh embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a flow chart illustrating an example of processing in the commodity genuineness orcounterfeit discriminating system700;

FIG. 21 is an imaginary view showing an example of configuring aninformation processing system800 according to an eighth embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a block diagram depicting an example of configuring an opticalinformation reading display22;

FIG. 23 is an imaginary view showing an example of configuring aninformation processing system900 according to a ninth embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a block diagram depicting an example of configuring a magneticinformation reading display32;

FIG. 25A is an imaginary view showing an example of the appearance of a hand heldcellular phone401 with its information reading display function according to a tenth embodiment;

FIG. 25B is an imaginary view showing an example of an internal configuration of anantenna body52 thereof; and

FIG. 26 is a block diagram depicting an example of an internal configuration of the hand held cellular phone.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

One embodiment of an information processing system, a hand held cellular phone, and an information processing method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(1) Preferred Embodiments

FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting an example of configuring aninformation processing system10 according to one preferred embodiment.

In this embodiment, an information providing medium is attached to an arbitrary entity such as commodity or advertising material, a hand held terminal devices is provided so as to be possessed individually by each of the information users. In the case where the information user attempts to obtain information associated with the entity, the information can be electronically stored in the hand held terminal device momentously, and the information can be read from the hand held terminal device to the information processing unit, whereby the information associated with the entity can be processed by the information processing unit.

In aninformation processing system10 shown inFIG. 1, aninformation providing medium1 capable of reading information is provided in advance in an electromagnetic or optical manner. For theinformation providing medium1, there is used a recording medium for providing the electronic information content; a recording medium for providing the magnetic information content; or a recording medium for providing the optical information content. Theinformation providing medium1 is attached to anarbitrary entity2 such as commodity, food, recording medium, exhibition, or advertising material by the information provider.

For example, the information provider can mount theinformation providing medium1 to each of the commodities displayed at shop or in online commodity exhibition site; mount theinformation providing medium1 to each of the foods arranged at a food shop; mount theinformation providing medium1 to each of the recording media displayed at record shop; mount theinformation providing medium1 to each of the materials exhibited at museum or art gallery; or mount theinformation providing medium1 to each of the arbitrary advertising materials attached at station concourse, in train, at cinema, on street board or the like. In this manner, the information associated with anentity2 such as commodity, food, recording medium, exhibited material, advertising material or the like is provided to a user.

In this example, theinformation providing medium1 is attached to the top surface or bottom surface of theentity2 or a specific location in an object. Of course, theinformation providing medium1 may be attached to a package or storage material of theentity2 or may be provided as an accessory in the form of card. In order to emphasize the mount location (presence) of theinformation providing medium1, an indication indicative of the presence of the medium is given on the top surface of theentity2. In a method for mounting theinformation providing medium1, for example, in the case where theentity2 is an advertising material, a pocket or the like is provided at its top surface or bottom surface so as to store theinformation providing medium1 in the pocket. After theinformation providing medium1 has been stored, the pocket may be sealed to prevent it from being stolen.

In addition, in the case where this system is used to discriminate whether theentity2 is genuine or counterfeit, for example, in import or export materials, the form in which theinformation providing medium1 is embedded in the object. This is because, in the case where it is required to discriminate genuineness from counterfeit, only an authorized checker or a specific information user can grasp its mount location.

As the contents of records into thisinformation providing medium1, the information associated with theentity2 is stored in the form of data. For example, in the case where theentity2 is a commodity such as electric equipment, cloth, cosmetic, luggage, bag, or shoes, there are recorded in theinformation providing medium1 the information on commodity features, functions, specification, price which cannot be entered in a conventional tag or the information on contact. In the case where theentity2 is a food, there are recorded in theinformation providing medium1 the information on the food price, life, recipe, calorie, information on wines suitable to the food, the origin or information on contact. Of course, theinformation providing medium1 may record these items of character information, text information, or voice and video information.

In the case where the entity is a recording medium such as compact disk (CD) or digital versatile disc (DVD), there are recorded in theinformation providing medium1 the audio information on introductory portion of the CD associated with the recording medium or voice and video information on the cinema introduction portion of the DVD in order to expand commodity selling. In the case where theentity2 is an exhibited material such as picture or photograph, there are recorded in theinformation providing medium1 the information on picture guidance, the information on photographic conditions, audio information on artist or model or the like. In the case where theentity2 is an advertising material associated with exhibition, there is recorded in theinformation providing medium1 the information on date and time, place, admission, traffic, contact or the like. In recent years, there has been displayed an E-mail address for accessing an information provider through Internet as well as telephone number of contact. Of course, this E-mail address is also recorded in the information providing medium.

Theinformation providing medium1 has a film shaped substrate, for example. At this substrate, an IC chip and an antenna body connected to this IC chip are provided so as to store information associated with theentity2. Theinformation providing medium1 may be a monochrome barcode, a two dimensional code, or a magnetic information sheet without being limited to the IC chip and antenna body. It is sufficient if the information associated with theentity2 can be stored, and these items of information can be provided to an information user.

In thisinformation processing system10, a hand held cellularterminal device30 with its electromagnetic or optical information read function is used. Information is read in an electromagnetic or optical manner from at least theinformation providing medium1, and is recorded in the form of data. This hand heldterminal device30 is provided so as to be possessed individually by each of the information users.

An electromagnetic hand heldterminal device30 has at least an antenna body and information readmeans3. This terminal device is coupled with an antenna body of theinformation providing medium1 in an electromagnetic manner so that information associated with theentity2 is read from this antenna body by information readmeans3. Non-volatile storage means4 is connected to this information read means3 so as to store the information read by the information readmeans3.

An hand held terminal device with its optical information as read function has an optical sensor (not shown) so as to read at least a monochrome bar code or two dimensional code provided at theinformation providing medium1. Non-volatile storage means is connected to an optical sensor, and the information associated with theentity2 fetched from the optical sensor is stored.

A magnetic hand held terminal device has a magnetic sensor (not shown) so as to read at least a magnetic information sheet provided at theinformation providing medium1. Non-volatile storage means is connected to the magnetic sensor so as to store the information associated with theentity2 fetched from the magnetic sensor. The storage means4 may be incorporated in a hand held terminal device30 (internal type) or may be mounted to the hand held terminal device30 (external type). A flash memory such as EEPROM is used forstorage medium4.

In this example, the hand heldterminal device30 is made close to theinformation providing medium1 or the hand heldterminal device30 is scanned on theinformation providing medium1, whereby information is read from theinformation providing medium1 in an electromagnetic or optical manner (hereinafter, referred to as an electronic memo function). In addition, the hand heldterminal device30 may be a hand held cellular phone having its information read function without being limited to its specific terminal device for reading information from theinformation providing medium1.

This hand heldterminal device30 is generally used by being connected to aninformation processing unit5 so that the information recorded in the form of data is processed to be converted into information of audible type. Theinformation processing unit5 is provided so that the genuineness or counterfeit of the information read from the hand heldterminal device30 may be discriminated. In this embodiment, in the case where a configuration is adopted such that the hand heldterminal device30 incorporates theinformation processing unit5, theinformation processing unit5 is embodied by a central processing unit (CPU) in a narrow sense.

Display means6 is connected to thisinformation processing unit5, a liquid crystal display element with about some tens x some hundreds of pixels or a flat display element and the like is used as this display means5. Information processed in an audible form is displayed intact on the hand heldterminal device30 so that the content can be seen carefully.

In the case this hand heldterminal device30 is equipped with the aforementioned display function, theinformation processing unit5 is embodied by a desktop type personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as a personal computer) or hand held notebook type personal computer in a broad sense, and the information that cannot be processed by the and heldterminal device30 is processed to be converted into information of audible type. Depending on the industry type to which theinformation processing system10 is applied, theinformation processing unit5 may be an information processing unit with its money registry function provided at shop.

As display means6, there is used some inches of a cathode ray tube (CRT) with which the aforementioned personal computer is provided or a liquid crystal panel of a some hundreds x some hundreds of pixels, and the information processed in an audible form is displayed intact. In addition, theinformation processing unit5 extracts an E-mail address of the information provider obtained from the information read from the hand heldterminal device30. Internet is connected to the information provider, whereby information processing such as collecting more detailed information from the information provider is performed.

Now, an information processing method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to an example of information processing in theinformation processing system10.

This embodiment assumes that information such as commodity or advertising material associated with theentity2 is stored in advance in theinformation providing medium1. An information user is assumed to possess a hand heldterminal device30 with its electromagnetic, optical or magnetic information read function. In addition, there is shown an example when a personal computer provided at home or the like is used for aninformation processing unit5. In the case where theinformation processing system10 is applied to a commodity selling system or the like, an information processing unit with its money registry function provided at shop is used.

With this being presumed, at step A1 of the flow chart shown inFIG. 2, an electromagnetically or optically information readableinformation providing medium1 is attached to anarbitrary entity2 by the information provider. Theinformation providing medium1 is attached to anarbitrary entity2 such as commodity, food, recording medium, exhibited material, or advertising material by the information provider depending on industry type.

For example, information such as commodity features, functions, specification, or price that cannot be entered into a conventional tag or information such as contact is recorded in theinformation providing medium1. This commodity with its information providing medium is displayed intact in a show case at shop or online commodity exhibition site, for example.

At a food shop, information such as food price, life, recipe, calorie, information on wines suitable to the food or the origin or information on contact is recorded in theinformation providing medium1. These foods each having the information providing medium is arranged at a food shop, for example. At a CD or DVD shop, audio information on the introductory portion of a music associated with the recording medium or voice and video information at the introductory portion of a cinema is recorded in theinformation providing medium1. The recording media each with the information providing medium are displayed at record shop.

At museum or art gallery, there are recorded in theinformation providing medium1 the information on picture guidance, the information on photographic conditions, or the audio information on artists or models concerning exhibited materials. Thisinformation providing medium1 is displayed intact near a works such as picture or photograph, for example. In addition, in the case of advertisement type, there is recorded in theinformation providing medium1 the information such as date and time, place, admission, traffic, or contact described on the surface of an advertising material associated with an event. The advertisement material including this information providing medium is presented at station concourse, in train, at cinema, on street bulletin board or the like.

This is because information on theentity2 such as these commodities, foods, recording media, exhibited materials, advertising material is provided to a user. Depending on industry type, theinformation providing medium1 is attached on the top surface or bottom surface of theentity2 or at a specific position in an object. Of course, theinformation providing medium1 may be attached to the package or storage material of theentity2 or may be provided as an accessory of theentity2. In order to emphasize the mount location (presence) of theinformation providing medium1, an indication indicative of the presence of the medium is given on the top surface of theentity2. In a method for mounting theinformation providing medium1, for example, in the case where theentity2 is an advertising material, a pocket or the like is provided on its top surface or bottom surface so as to store theinformation providing medium1 in this pocket. After theinformation providing medium1 has been stored, the pocket may be sealed to prevent it from being stolen. Theinformation providing medium1 may be embedded in the entity such as import or export material.

Thereafter, at step A2, by the information user, information is read from theinformation providing medium1 in an electromagnetic or optical manner, and is recorded therein by using a hand heldterminal device30 with its information read function as required by referring to: commodities with information providing media displayed in a show case such as shop or online commodity exhibition site; foods with information providing media arranged at a food shop; recording media with information providing media displayed at record shop; exhibited materials with information providing media presented near works such as pictures or photographs; advertising materials with information providing media presented at station concourse, in train, at cinema, or on street bulletin board.

At step A3, information read from the hand heldterminal device30 is processed. For example, in the case where theinformation processing system10 is applied to a commodity selling system, commodity information read from theinformation providing medium1 according to a desired commodity is merely transferred to aninformation processing unit5 that serves as a fare adjustment site at that shop without bringing the commodity for a cash register so as to calculate a total amount of purchase or the like.

In the case of Internet commodity selling, information on cloth color, size, material is applied free in an online commodity exhibition site. Thus, the information user brings the hand heldterminal device30 back home, these items of information are transferred to a personal computer at home or the like, and the information is processed by the personal computer to be converted into information of audible type. In this manner, the information such as commodity features, functions, specification, or price that cannot be entered into a conventional tag can be obtained.

Theinformation providing medium1 added to a food is obtained together with that food. Thus, by using the hand heldterminal device30 at home, there is read from theinformation providing medium1 to theinformation processing device5 or the like the information such as food life, recipe, calorie, information on wines suitable to the food, the origin, or information on contact. A food can be processed based on the information.

The information associated with recording media read at a shop selling CDs or DVDs is transferred from the hand heldterminal device30 to theinformation processing unit5. Then, the audio information on the introductory portion of the CD according to a new release or voice or video information on the introductory portion of a cinema of the DVD is produced by theinformation processing unit5. In this manner, the information user can easily establish a plan for purchasing recording media.

At museum or art gallery, one can listen immediately to picture guidance information associated with its exhibited materials read from theinformation providing medium1 to the hand heldterminal device30, information on photographic conditions, or voice information on artists or models. Of course, one may bring the hand heldterminal device30 back home, transfer information to a personal computer at home and process the information to be converted into information of audible type.

Information associated with an event read from an advertising material with an information providing medium presented at station concourse, in train, at cinema, or on street bulletin board is transferred from the hand heldterminal device30 to theinformation processing unit5. Then, information such as date and time, place, admission, traffic, contact is reproduced by theinformation processing unit5.

When it is required to discriminate genuineness from counterfeit, the information is read from theinformation providing medium1 by an authorized checker or specific information user, and the genuineness or counterfeit of theentity2 is discriminated.

In this manner, there is provided aninformation processing system10 embodied according to the present invention, wherein theinformation providing medium1 capable of reading information in an electromagnetic or optical manner is attached by the information provider to anarbitrary entity2 such as commodity or advertising material. The information user uses a hand held terminal30 with its information read function as required, wherein information is read from theinformation providing medium1 in an electromagnetic or optical manner, and is recorded. Thereafter, the information read from the hand heldterminal device30 is processed by theinformation processing unit5 to be converted into information of audible type, for example.

Therefore, in the case where one cannot look at an entity such as commodity or advertising material carefully, for example, in the case where one sees such entity at station concourse on the way of commutation, one can store information such as address or contact associated with theentity2 momentously in the hand held terminal device without writing the information by pen or pencil. Thus, one can read the information associated with the entity from the hand heldterminal device30 to theinformation processing unit5, see the information associated withentity2 by using theinformation processing unit5, and provide a direct access to the company through Internet. Theinformation processing system10 can be fully applied to an electronic advertising system, a commodity selling system, a commodity information providing system, a food information providing system, a recording medium information providing system, an exhibition information providing system, a commodity genuineness or counterfeit discriminating system or the like.

(2) First Embodiment

FIG. 3 is an imaginary view showing an example of configuring anelectronic advertising system100 according to a first embodiment. Thiselectronic advertising system100 applies to anarbitrary advertising material201 concerning anentity2 so as to provide the contents of electronic information associated with thisadvertising material201 to an information user. Information providingelectronic parts11 modulated in advance are attached to thisadvertising material201. Information associated with theadvertising material201 is read from this information providingelectronic part11 in an electromagnetic manner by using a hand heldinformation reading display12. Then, the information recorded in the form of data is processed by apersonal computer15 to be converted into information of audible type.

In theelectronic advertising system100 shown inFIG. 3, the information providingelectronic parts11 are attached in advance as aninformation providing medium1 capable of reading information in an electromagnetic manner. A description of the information providingelectronic parts11 will be given with reference toFIG. 4 by way of example. The information providingelectronic parts11 are attached to anarbitrary advertising material201 presented by an information provider, for example, at station concourse, in train, at cinema, on street bulletin board or the like.

In this example, theinformation providing parts11 are attached so as to be stored in a pocket provided at the left diagonal lower part of the top surface of theadvertising material201. After the informationelectronic parts11 have been stored, the pocket is sealed to prevent it from being stolen. In order to emphasize its mount location, an outstanding red-colored frame is given so as to surround the periphery of the mount place.

As the contents of records into the information providingelectronic parts11, for example, in the case of an advertisement of a newly opened amusement park provided with a new roller coaster, a photograph of the entire roller coaster is presented on the top surface of theadvertising material201. At the lower part of the material, the start date and time, place, admission, traffic, contact or the like is described, and the advertising information D01 identical to the above content is recorded in the information providingelectronic parts11. Of course, an E-mail address as well as telephone number is recorded in the information providingelectronic parts11 for an information user who attempts to obtain more detailed advertising information D01 concerning such new roller coaster.

In thiselectronic advertising system100, a hand heldinformation reading display12 is used as a hand heldterminal device30. Thisinformation reading display12 is what is called card size of about 80 mm to 100 mm in horizontal length L shown inFIG. 3, about 50 mm to 60 mm in vertical length W, and about 5 mm to 10 mm in thickness, for example. In this example, theinformation reading display12 and the information providingelectronic parts11 are coupled with each other in an at least electromagnetic manner, the advertising information D01 is read from the information providingelectronic parts11 in an electromagnetic manner so as to be recorded in the form of data.

Thisinformation reading display12 is provided to be possessed individually by each of the information users. In a method for handing the aboveinformation reading display12, theinformation reading display12 is made close to the information providingelectronic parts11, and these display and parts are superimposed with each other, whereby the advertising information D01 is read from the information providingelectronic parts11 in an electromagnetic manner. In thisinformation reading display12, a flash memory such as EEPROM is incorporated or is externally provided as non-volatile storage means, and the advertising information D01 arbitrarily read from the information providingelectronic parts11 is recorded in the memory.

In this example, the advertising information D01 read from the information providingelectronic parts11 is processed by theinformation reading display12 to be converted into information of audible type. The information is displayed intact on a liquid crystal display element of theinformation display12 so that the content can be seen immediately. In addition, a universal serial bus (hereinafter referred to as USB)terminal13 is provided at theinformation reading display12 so as to enable collection to apersonal computer15 by using aUSB terminal13 or a communication cable according to the RS23C communication protocols. The information that cannot be processed by theinformation reading display12 is provided for communication processing. Of course, the information processed into audible type may be displayed by a CRT with which a personal computer is provided. In addition, an E-mail address of the information provider is extracted from the information, and connection to the information provider is made via Internet by using thepersonal computer15. In this manner, more detailed information associated with the roller coaster, for example, maximum angle of inclination, maximum height, maximum speed, predetermined time or the like can be obtained from the information provider.

Now, a description of information providingelectronic parts11 will be given by way of example. The information providingelectronic parts11 shown inFIG. 4 is provided with a film shapedsubstrate14 having its somewhat larger area relevant to the horizontal length L and longitudinal length W of theinformation reading display12, for example. Of course, the shape of the information providingelectronic parts11 may be circular or elliptical without being limited to a rectangular shape. Thesubstrate14 is composed of a resin sheet or the like. The size or material of thesubstrate14 is not limited to such resin sheet, either. AnIC chip16 is provided at thissubstrate14 so as to provide the advertising information D01 associated with theadvertising material201. This advertising information D01 includes start date and time, place, admission, traffic, contact or the like associated with an amusement part provided with a new roller coaster as shown in the foregoing example.

A loop shapedantenna body17 is provided at thissubstrate14, and is electrically connected to theIC chip16. Theantenna body17 is formed by winding a copper wire or copper foil pattern of about 0.5 mm in thickness by three turns, for example. A capacitor C as well asantenna body17 is connected to theIC chip16. This capacitor consists of a storage electrode dielectric, and an opposite electrode. The memory capacity of theIC chip16 is about 1.2 Kbytes to 4.0 Kbytes.

FIG. 4 shows only one electrode, This capacitor C is used for synchronizing anantenna body17 with the carrier frequency of an electromagnetic field, thereby maximizing reception efficiency. Of course, in the case where the lowering of the reception efficiency is allowed, the capacitor C may be eliminated. In addition, with respect to the information providingelectronic parts11, as in an IC card, a sheet member may be provided at the top and bottom thereof. In particular, in the case where the parts are attached on the bottom surface of anadvertising material201, the electronic parts may be used in a state in which no sheet member is provided.

Now, an internal configuration of theIC chip16 will be described by way of example. TheIC chip16 shown inFIG. 5 has a modulation/demodulation circuit61, asignal processing circuit62 and anon-volatile memory63.

In this example, advertising information D01 is Manchester-encoded. In theIC chip16, the advertising information D01 obtained in a data row of its predetermined data format is received from aninformation reading display12 through anantenna body17. A modulation/demodulation circuit61 is connected to theantenna body17. During information writing, a modulation wave (13.56 MHz) of an amplitude shift (ASK: Amplitude Shift Keying) received by thisantenna body17 is demodulated by means of a demodulation function of the modulation/demodulation circuit61. The ASK modulation wave is obtained by modulating an amplitude of a carrier signal to be amplitude-shifted by digital advertising information D01. The data transmission speed is 250 k bps/211.875 k bps. The bandwidth is ±300 kHz.

In the modulation/demodulation circuit61, for example, a data row according to the advertising information D01 is demodulated, the data row being sent from theinformation reading display12 to the information providingelectronic parts11. Then, the demodulated data row is transmitted from the modulation/demodulation circuit61 to thesignal processing circuit62. In response to this transmission, the demodulated data row is decoded in thesignal processing circuit62, and the advertising information D01 is written into anon-volatile memory63 based on the decoding result. In this manner, the information provider can write advertising information D01 associated with theadvertising material201 as a data row in thismemory63.

In addition, during information reading, the advertising information D01 read from thenon-volatile memory63 is ASK modulated by means of the modulation function of the modulation/demodulation circuit61, The data transmission speed is 250 k bps/211.875 k bps. The bandwidth is ±300 kHz, and a modulation signal is Manchester-encoded. In this manner, the advertising information D01 can be transmitted as a data row of its data format to theinformation reading display12 through theantenna body17.

The power supplies of the information providingelectronic parts11 are used by converting the electromagnetic field energy radiated from theinformation reading display12 into an electronic signal. In this example, apower generating section64 is provided so as to convert the electromagnetic field energy into a stable DC power supply.

For example, the electromagnetic field received by theantenna body17 is converted into an inductive electromotive force based on a law of electromagnetic induction. By rectifying this electromotive force, a DC power is obtained, and this DC power voltage is supplied to the modulation/demodulation circuit61,signal processing circuit62, andnon-volatile memory63. In an example showing a carrier frequency of about 13.56 MHz by three turns, a voltage of 2.2 V and a power supply of about 1 mA can be obtained. Of course, the power caused by the external high-frequency electromagnetic energy may be taken in theantenna body17 or other object.

Now, an internal configuration of aninformation reading display12 and its functions will be described by way of example. A loop shapedantenna body52 is provided at theinformation reading display12 shown inFIG. 6 so as to enable communication with the information providingelectronic parts11. Theantenna body17 of theinformation providing parts11 and anantenna body52 of theinformation reading display12 are coupled with each other as shown inFIG. 7A in an electromagnetic manner, and are used in an electrically non-contact state.

A modulation/demodulation circuit51 is connected to thisantenna body52, and the modulation wave sent from the information providingelectronic parts11 is demodulated by using its demodulation function. For example, a data row of the advertising information D01 associated with theadvertising material201 is demodulated, the data row being sent from the information providingelectronic parts11 to theinformation reading display12. The data row is configured based on a predetermined data format. For example, one packet of the data row of the advertising information D01 is composed of a header+data shown inFIG. 7B.

A signal processor unit (hereinafter referred to as an SPU)53 is connected to this modulation/demodulation circuit51. TheSPU53 comprises: a central processing unit (CPU) for executing a variety of computation processing (not shown); a ROM storing a control program; and a general-purpose RAM used as a work memory. In theSPU53, a variety of information processing according to demodulated information is performed based on the control program read from the ROM. Aflash memory42 that is shown as an example of non-volatile storage means is connected to theSPU53, and the advertising information D01 read from the information providingelectronic parts11 is recorded.

In addition, with respect to a function used exclusively by the information provider, during writing information shown inFIG. 7A, a variety of information received from theSPU53 is modulated by the modulation/demodulation circuit51, and then, a data row of the advertising information D01 caused by the modulation electric wave is transmitted to the information providingelectronic parts11 through theantenna body52. At this time, in order to efficiently discharge the data row as an electromagnetic field, the data row is ASK modulated by using a carrier wave of 13.56 MHz in frequency. Then, the modulated electric wave is transmitted as an electromagnetic field (about 500 micro-V/m) toward the information providingelectric parts11 by means of theantenna body52.

A power supply &control section57 is connected to the modulation/demodulation circuit51,SPU53,input tool54, andliquid crystal display55, and a DC power is supplied. A dry battery or charge type battery is used for power supply. In particular, a carrier wave of 13.56 MHz in frequency is supplied from the power supply &control section57 to the modulation/demodulation circuit51. An information writing function is adopted to disable information writing into the information providingelectronic parts11 in theinformation reading display12 possessed by the information user. In this case, the modulation function of the modulation/demodulation circuit51 is eliminated or a specific modulation method is adopted, thereby preventing the advertising information D01 from being raised by the information user.

In addition, theinput tool54 such as keyboard is connected to theSPU53 so that an operator can operate an instruction when the instruction is supplied to theSPU53. In addition, aliquid crystal display55 consisting of about some tens x some hundreds of pixels is connected so that information read from the information providingelectronic parts11 or information to be written therefrom to information providingelectronic parts11 is displayed intact on theliquid crystal display55 and is checked. AUSB terminal13 for external device is connected to thisSPU53 so as to make connection to a high-order computer or the like.

Then, an information processing method according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to an example of processing in anelectronic advertising system100.FIG. 8 is an imaginary view showing an example of processing according to the information processing method provided as the first embodiment.

In this example, it is presumed that the advertising information D01 onposter20 concerning a concert of a prominent talented artist is stored in advance in information providingelectronic parts11. In addition, let us show an example when aninformation reading display12 is used by connecting thedisplay12 to apersonal computer15 at home. With this being presumed, information providingelectronic parts11 capable of reading information in an electromagnetic manner is attached to anarbitrary poster20 on the information provider shown inFIG. 7A andFIG. 7B. For example, card shaped information providingelectronic parts11 are attached on a surface of theposter20. An information provider presents thisposter20 having the information providing electronic parts attached thereon at station concourse, in train, at cinema, or on street bulletin board and the like.

Then, when an information user sees such advertisement at station concourse, in train, at cinema, or on street bulletin board or the like, the advertising information D01 is read from the information providingelement parts11 in electromagnetic manner, and is read by using an hand heldinformation reading display12 as required. At this time, theinformation reading display12 and theinformation providing parts11 are superimposed with each other, and are coupled with each other in an electromagnetic manner. For example, theinformation reading display12 and thepersonal computer15 are connected to each other using aUSB terminal13 and communications cable at home, for example, and the advertising information D01 is read from thisinformation reading display12. The advertising information D01 is processed by apersonal computer15, and is converted into information of audible type.

Therefore, in the case where one cannot look at theposter20 carefully, even if one does not write advertising information D01 such as event or contact associated with thatposter20 which one looked in train on the way of commutation, the advertising information D01 can be stored in theinformation reading display12 momentously. One can read the advertising information D01 from theinformation reading display12 to thepersonal computer15 at home, can see the advertising information D01 associated with theposter20 on the display of thepersonal computer15, or can reserve or purchase an admission ticket directly to the event company of that concert through Internet.

According to the information providingelectronic parts11 of the present invention, advertising information D01 associated with anadvertising material201 can be read freely and as many times as one likes by an electromagneticinformation reading display12. Thus, the advertising information D01 can be transmitted publicly as if a large amount of handbills were distributed. Moreover, there is no need to prepare handbills in advance, these handbills are not disposed at street illegally, thus leading to street beatification.

(3) Second Embodiment

FIG. 9 is an imaginary view showing an example of configuring acommodity selling system200 according to asecond embodiment 2.

Thiscommodity selling system200 is a system that applies to a plurality of commodity #i (i=1 to n) concerning anentity2 and provides a commodity purchaser (information user) with the contents of electronic information associated with each commodity #i. In this example, every time each commodity purchaser possesses aninformation reading display12 and purchases any of a plurality of commodities #i displayed at a site, theinformation reading display12 is applied to a commodity #i or the like to be purchased, price information D02 or the like is read and stored from that commodity #i. When one has purchased everything that one wants, fare adjustment is performed at a specific site, and then, the purchased commodity #i can be received in batch at a package reception site.

In thiscommodity selling system200, information providingelectronic parts11 described in the first embodiment are attached to all commodities (□,◯,∇,⋆, . .) #i displayed at shop shown inFIG. 9; and price information D02 or the like associated with that commodity #i is read from the information providingelectronic parts11 in an electromagnetic manner so that the price information D02 recorded in a data format is fare adjusted by apersonal computer35 with its money register function of a fare adjustment site (register). Information providingelectronic parts11 is described with reference toFIG. 4.

The information providingelectronic parts11 are attached so as to be stored to a pocket provided atprice tag19 of commodity #i, for example, by an information provider. After the information providingelectronic parts11 have been stored, the pocket is sealed to prevent it from changed secretly and stolen. In order to emphasize the mount location, a red frame by an outstanding color is given so as to surround the periphery of the mount site. Of course, in the case where the information providingelectronic parts11 are attached to commodity #i itself, a commodityinformation providing system300 described in the next embodiment can be constructed.

The contents of records into the information providingelectronic parts11 in thissystem200 include the name and price of the commodity #i or the like. In addition, manufacturer, year and date of manufacture, telephone number of contact concerning thiscommodity #1 or the like are recorded. Of course, for an information user who wants to acquire more detailed information concerning the commodity #i, an E-mail address of the information provider as well as telephone number is recorded in theinformation providing parts11.

In this commodity selling system220 as well, the hand heldinformation reading display12 described in the first embodiment is used as a hand held terminal device with its information read function. A description of this configuration has been given in the first embodiment, and thus, its description is omitted. In this example as well, theinformation reading display12 and the information providingelectronic parts11 are coupled with each other in an at least electromagnetic manner, and price information D02 or the like is read from the information providingelectronic parts11 in an electromagnetic manner, and is processed in a data format.

Thisinformation reading display12 is provided so that a commodity purchaser (information user) possesses it individually. In a method for handling theinformation reading display12, theinformation reading display12 is made close to the information providingelectronic parts11, whereby information is read from the information providingelectronic parts11 in an electromagnetic manner. The approaching distance is about 10 cm in ticket examination type and about 2 cm in ticket selling machine type, depending on the performance ofinformation reading display12. In the case of extra-small type, the electronic parts are made in close contact with each other. When the frequency during communication is higher than 13.56 MHz, the distance can be about 50 cm to 70 cm.

Thisinformation reading display12 incorporates a non-volatile memory as described in the first embodiment, and the price information D02 of commodity #i arbitrary read from the information providingelectronic parts11 or the like is recorded. The price information D02 is not erased from a memory even if a power supply is turned OFF.

In this example, theUSB terminal13 described in the first embodiment is provided at theinformation reading display12, and thus, thisUSB terminal13 or a communications cable according to the RS23C communication protocols is used to enable communication with thepersonal computer35. Information processing that cannot be processed by theinformation reading display12 can be performed by thepersonal computer35.

Instead of wired communication using this communications cable, local radio communication using red infrared-rays may be performed. In this case, a red infrared-ray transmitting and receiving section is provided at theinformation reading display12 and thepersonal computer35 with its money register function. By way of this red-infrared ray communication, price information D02 or the like is transferred from theinformation reading display12 to thepersonal computer35 momentously. Of course, a CRT with which the personal computer is provided is adopted to display purchase information after purchased commodity #i has been summed in order for a seller to check the sold item.

Then, a description will be given to an example of processing in thecommodity selling system200. In this example, it is presumed that information providingelectronic parts11 are attached toprice tags19 of all commodity #i displayed in advance at shop; price information D02 or the like associated with the commodity #i is electomagnetically read from the information providingelectronic parts11 by using a hand heldinformation reading display12; and price information D02 recorded in the data format is fare adjusted by apersonal computer35 with its money register function at a fare adjustment site (register). Of course, each commodity purchaser possesses aninformation reading display12.

With this being presumed, at step B1 of the flow chart shown inFIG. 10, a commodity purchaser determined whether or not he or she purchases it at a site at which a plurality of commodity #i are displayed. When the purchaser purchases something, processing goes to step B2 at which theinformation reading display12 is made close to theprice tag19 of a desired commodity every time he or she purchases something. At this time, theinformation reading display12 and the information providingelectronic parts11 are coupled with each other in an electromagnetic manner.

After processing has gone to the step B3, price information D02 is read from the information providingelectronic parts11 of thatcommodity #1, and is stored in theinformation reading display12. Then, processing goes to step B4 at which it is determined as to whether or not everything has been purchased. This determination is made by the commodity purchaser. In the case where everything is not purchased, processing reverts to step B2 at which theinformation reading display12 is made close to theprice tag19 of desired commodity #i so as to repeat processing in the same way as above.

In the case where everything is purchased, fare adjustment is performed at a specific fare adjustment site. Fare adjustment may be an automatic bank transfer system by way of online system or may be a cash payment system. In the case of an online system, thepersonal computer35 is connected to a personal computer at bank via communications means such as telephone line, and settlement is made after the account balance of the commodity purchaser has been correlated. Then, the purchased commodity #i is moved to step B6 so as to be received in batch at a predetermined package reception site.

Thus, according to thecommodity selling system200 of the second embodiment, there is solved a problem that packages are increased at shopping cart every purchase until the purchaser has reached a fare adjustment site as in a conventional system. The commodity purchaser may wait at registry while the purchaser holds oneinformation reading display12.

Moreover, the name and price information D02 according to a purchased commodity #i is recorded in theinformation reading display12. Thus, the purchaser reads the price information D02 or the like from theinformation reading display12 to his or herpersonal computer15 or the like at home, and can record the data concerning the purchasedcommodity #1 in a balance sheet automatically on the display of thepersonal computer15. When this commodity #i is found to be faulty, information can be directly processed from additional information of the commodity #i so as to make a phone call to a manufacturer about handling or request for replacement of the commodity #i, as described in the next embodiment.

(4) Third Embodiment

FIG. 11 is an imaginary view showing an example of configuring a commodityinformation providing system300 according to a third embodiment.

In this example, information providingelectronic parts11 are attached to commodity #i at shop or sales sample in online shopping (Internet shopping) with respect of anentity2, and additional information is recorded in the information providingelectronic parts11. The additional information is directed to information such as the features, functions, or specification of commodity #i other than the name and price information of the commodity #i which cannot be included in a conventional paper tag. Therefore, if commodity #i is found to be faulty, one can inquire a manufacture directly from additional information of the commodity #i, and can know how to handle it or ask for replacement of such faulty commodity #i.

In particular, a sample exhibition site at which sales samples in Internet shopping are gathered is provided. In this system, with respect to color, size or the like of commodity #i which is hardly recognized from net sales information downloaded into apersonal computer15 via a provider, an information user visually checks them at the sample exhibition site, reads additional information on his or her owninformation reading display12 from the information providingelectronic parts11 attached to the commodity #i, making it possible to purchase what he or she really wants and to enjoy convenience such as online ordering or settlement.

In the case where a purchaser wants to purchase commodity #i, he or she may purchase it, but may determine such purchase in comparison with other commodities. In this case, the purchaser reads the additional information in theinformation reading display12 at shop or sample exhibition site, transfers the additional information to thepersonal computer15 at home or in office, and performs display processing or the like, thereby making it possible to determine whether or not to purchase that commodity #i.

In the commodityinformation providing system300 shown inFIG. 11, for example, the information providingelectronic parts11 described in the first embodiment are attached to all commodity #i such as business suits, handbags, wristwatch or the like displayed at a sample exhibition site for sales samples in Internet shopping. By using a hand heldinformation reading display12, information associated with that commodity #i is read from the information providingelectronic parts11 in an electromagnetic manner; additional information D03 recorded in a data format is processed by apersonal computer15 at home or in office, and is converted into information of audible type. The information providingelectronic parts11 have been described with reference toFIG. 4. The information providingelectronic parts11 are attached to aprice tag19 or the like of commodity #i by the information provider.

The contents of records into the information providingelectronic parts11 in thissystem300 include the name, price, manufacturer, date of manufacture, features, functions, specification, or telephone number of contact concerning the commodity #i. Of course, for an information user so who wants to acquire more detailed information concerning this commodity #i, an E-mail address of the information provider as well as telephone number is recorded in the information providingelectronic parts11.

In this commodityinformation providing system300 as well, the hand heldinformation reading display12 described in the first embodiment is used as a hand held terminal device with its information read function. The contents of this configuration has been described in the first embodiment, and thus, a duplicate description is omitted here. In this example as well, theinformation reading display12 and informationelectronic parts11 are coupled with each other in an at least electromagnetic manner. Additional information D03 is read from the information providingelectronic parts11 in an electromagnetic manner, and is converted to be recorded in a data format.

Thisinformation reading display12 is provided so that a commodity purchaser (information user) possesses it individually. In a method for mounting theinformation reading display12, as described in the first and second embodiments, theinformation reading display12 is made close to information providingelectronic parts11, whereby additional information D03 is read from the information providingelectronic parts11.

Thisinformation reading display12 incorporates a non-volatile memory as described in the first embodiment. In this memory, there is recorded additional information D03 or the like of commodity #i arbitrary read from the information providingelectronic parts11. The additional information D03 is not erased from the memory even if a power supply is turned OFF. In this example, additional information D03 is processed by theinformation reading display12, and is converted into information of audible type. The information obtained by processing by this additional information D03 is displayed intact on a liquid crystal display element or the like of theinformation reading display12, and the content can be seen immediately on the spot.

In addition, theinformation reading display12 is connected to thepersonal computer15 using the providedUSB terminal13 or communications cable according to RS23C communications protocols. Additional information D03 that cannot be processed by theinformation reading display12 is provided for communication processing. Of course, the information processed into audible type may be displayed on a CRT with which a personal computer is provided. In addition, an E-mail address of the information provider is extracted from additional information D03, connection to the information provider is made via Internet using thepersonal computer15 so that more detailed information is obtained, and processing goes to accounting processing of the commodity #i

Now, an example of processing in the commodityinformation providing system300 will be described here. In this example, it is presumed that information providingelectronic samples11 are attached in advance toprice tags19 of all of the commodity #i displayed at a sample exhibition site in Internet shopping; additional information D03 or the like associated with that commodity #i is read from the information providingelectronic parts11 in an electromagnetic manner by using a hand heldinformation reading display12; additional information D03 recorded in the data format processed by apersonal computer15 at home or in office. Of course, it is presumed that each commodity purchaser possesses theinformation reading display12.

With this being presumed, at step C1 of the flow chart shown inFIG. 12, a commodity purchaser determines whether or not there is desired information concerning sample commodity #i at an exhibition site at which a plurality of sample commodities #i are displayed. This determination is made by the commodity purchaser. In the case where there is desired information concerning sample commodity #i, processing goes to step C2 at which theinformation reading display12 is made close to thatprice tag19 or the like every sample commodity #i corresponding to such desired information. At this time, theinformation reading display12 and information providingelectronic parts11 are coupled with each other in an electromagnetic manner.

Then, processing goes to step C3 at which additional information D03 is read from information providingelectronic parts11 of that commodity #i, and is stored in thatinformation reading display12. Then, processing goes to step C3 at which it is determined as to whether or not all the desired information concerning sample commodity #i is read. This determination is made by the commodity purchaser. In the case where all the desired information concerning sample commodity #i is not read, processing reverts to step C2 at which theinformation reading display12 is made close to theprice tag19 of sample commodity #i corresponding to such desired information so that the processing is repeated in the same manner as the above.

In the case where all the desired information concerning sample commodity #i is read, processing goes to step C5 at which additional information D03 is processed by using theinformation reading display12, and information of audible type is displayed intact on a liquid crystal display element or the like so that the content can be seen immediately on the spot.

Then, processing goes to step C6 at which theUSB terminal13 of theinformation reading display12 is connected to thepersonal computer15 by using a communication cable, the content of information processed by theinformation reading display12 or additional information D03 that could not be processed there are transferred to thepersonal computer15. At thepersonal computer15, information processed in audible type, for example, the characteristics, functions, or specification of wrist watch that is sample commodity #i is displayed on a CRT with which the personal computer is provided. In addition, an E-mail address of an information provider is extracted from additional information D03 so that more detailed information is obtained from the information provider via Internet or processing goes to accounting processing of that commodity #i.

In this manner, according to the commodityinformation providing system300 of the third embodiment, in the case where there is provided a sample exhibition site at which sales samples are gathered in Internet shopping, with respect to the color, size or the like of commodity #i that is hardly recognized from net sales information downloaded into thepersonal computer15 via a provider, an information user checks them at this sample exhibition site, reads additional information D03 from the information providingelectronic parts11 attached to that commodity #i to theinformation reading device12, thereby making it possible to purchase what he or she really wants. In addition, the purchaser can enjoy convenience such as online ordering or settlement.

Moreover, when commodity #i is found to be faulty, the purchaser direct inquires that manufacturer from additional information D03 of that commodity #i by combining the second embodiment so that the purchaser can know the handling of thecommodity #1 and ask for replacement of the commodity #i or the like.

(5) Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 13 is an imaginary view showing an example of configuring a foodinformation providing system400 according to a fourth embodiment.

In this example, information providingelectronic parts11 are attached to foods with respect to anentity2. Food information D04 is recorded in the information providingelectronic parts11 at a food shop. The food information D04 used here includes information such as name, price, life of thefood202, recipe, information on wines suitable to the food, calorie, or origin or any other information that cannot be included in a conventional paper tag. Therefore, a food purchaser purchases thefood202 with information providingelectronic parts11, whereby the purchaser can obtain information such as life., recipe, information on wines suitable to the food, calorie, origin with respect of thefood202, and can perform menu management of thatfood202.

In the foodinformation providing system400 shown inFIG. 13, for example, the information providingelectronic parts11 described in the first embodiment are attached to allfoods202 displayed at a food shop. The information providingelectronic parts11 are attached to containers or housings for packing without being direct attached to thefoods202.

The contents of records into the information providingelectronic parts11 in thissystem400 include information on the name, price, manufacturer, date of manufacture, life, recipe, information on wines suitable to the food, calorie, origin or telephone number of contact concerning thefoods202.

Of course, for an information user who wants to obtain more detailed information concerning thesefoods202, an E-mail address of an information provider as well as telephone number is recorded in the information providingelectronic parts11. The information providingelectronic parts11 has been described with reference toFIG. 4. These information providingelectronic parts11 are attached toprice tags19 of thefoods202 at a food shop (by the information provider).

In this foodinformation providing system400 as well, there is used the hand heldinformation reading display12 described in the first embodiment. For example, theinformation reading display12 and the information providing electronic parts are coupled with each other in an at least electromagnetic manner, and food information D04 is read from the information providingelectronic parts11 in an electromagnetic manner so as to be recorded in the data format.

Thisinformation reading display12 is provided so that an information user possesses it individually. In a method for handling theinformation reading display12, as described in the first to third embodiments, theinformation reading display12 is made close to the information providingelectronic parts11, whereby food information D04 is read from the information providingelectronic parts11 in an electromagnetic manner.

Thisinformation reading display12 incorporates anon-volatile memory42 as described in the first embodiment. In thismemory42, there is recorded food information D04 or the like on thefoods202 arbitrarily read from the information providingelectronic parts11. The food information D04 is not erased from the memory even if a power supply is turned OFF. In this example, food information D04 processed into audible type by theinformation reading display12 is displayed intact by a liquid crystal display element of theinformation reading display12 so that the contents can be seen immediately on the spot.

In addition, aUSB terminal13 provided at theinformation reading display12 is connected to apersonal computer15 at home by using a communications cable. Food information D04 of theinformation reading display12 is transferred, and a video according to a detailed cooking method is displayed on a CRT with which a personal computer is provided. Together with this video, voice guidance is output from a provided speaker. A video such as information on wines suitable to this cuisine is displayed.

Now, an example of processing in the foodinformation providing system400 will be described here. In this example, it is presumed that information providingelectronic parts11 are attached toprice tags19 of allfoods202 displayed in advance on a food shop; when that food is purchased, and is brought back home, food information. D04 or the like associated with thatfood202 is read from the information providingelectronic parts11 in an electromagnetic manner; and the food information D04 recorded in a data format is processed by apersonal computer15 at home. Let us show an example when a cooking method is referred to from the food information D04. Of course, it is presumed that each food purchaser (information user) possesses theinformation reading display12.

With this being presumed, at step E1 of the flow chart shown inFIG. 14, a food purchaser determined whether or not there is a desiredfood202 at a food shop at which a plurality offoods202 are displayed. This determination is made by the food purchaser. In the case where a desiredfood202 is present, the purchaser purchases afood202 with its information providing electronic parts, and brings it back home.

At home, during preparation for cook, at step E2, theinformation reading display12 is made close to theprice tag19 or the like of thefood202. At this time, theinformation reading display12 and the information providingelectronic parts11 are coupled with each other in an electromagnetic manner. Then, processing goes to step E3 at which food information D04 is read from the information providingelectronic parts11 of thefood202, and is stored in theinformation reading display12. Then, processing goes to step E4 at which an information user determines whether or not the food information D04 is read. In the case where all the food information D04 is not read, processing reverts to step E2 at which information read processing is repeated.

In the case where all the food information D04 is read, processing goes to step E5 at which the food information D04 is read from aflash memory42 of theinformation reading display12, and is processed into audible type. This food information D04 is displayed intact on a liquid crystal display element or the like so that the content can be seen immediately on the spot.

Then, processing goes to step E6 at which theUSB terminal13 of theinformation reading device12 is connected to thepersonal computer15 by using a communications cable; and the content of information processed by theinformation reading display12 or the food information D04 that cannot be processed there are transferred to thepersonal computer15 or the like. At thepersonal computer15, the information processed into audible type, for example, the cooking method of thefood202 is displayed on a provided CRT. In addition, an E-mail address of the information provider is extracted from the food information D04 so that information concerning a more detailed cooking method is obtained from the information provider via Internet.

In this manner, according to the foodinformation providing system400 of the fourth embodiment, the information providingelectronic parts11 are attached to foods, and food information D04 is recorded in theinformation providing parts11 at a food shop. Therefore, with respect to thefood202, there can be obtained information such as life, recipe, information on wines suitable to the cuisine, calorie, origin or the like. The management of life or menu of thefood202 can be performed based on the food information D04.

The life may be linked with a computer of a refrigerator (not shown). In this case, red infrared-ray transmitting and receiving sections are provided at both of theinformation reading display12 and the refrigerator computer. By way of this red infrared-ray communication, information on life or the like is transferred from theinformation reading display12 to that computer momentously. This information concerning life is added to the inventory management information so that the user's diet is managed by that computer.

Moreover, when thefood202 is found to be faulty, a purchaser inquires a manufacturer directly from the food information D04 of thatfood202 so that the purchaser can know the countermeasure or ask for replacement of thefood202.

(6) Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 15 is an imaginary view showing an example of configuring a recording mediuminformation providing system500 according to a fifth embodiment.

In this example, information providingelectronic parts11 are attached torecording media203 such as CD or DVD with respect to anentity2. The information providingelectronic parts11 record experience information. The experience information is directed to name and price of a recording medium; audio information on an introductory portion of a music according to that recording medium; or voice and video information on the introductory portion of a cinema. In this system, a purchaser can read experience information from the information providingelectronic parts11 attached to therecording media203 by means of theinformation reading display12 brought into a record shop, checks this experience information, thereby making it possible to purchase what he or she really wants to. In addition, the purchaser can enjoy convenience such as online ordering or settlement.

In the case where a media purchaser wants to purchase arecording medium203, he or she may purchase it, but may determine such purchase by comparing it with another medium. In this case, the purchaser can read experience information in theinformation reading display12 at a record shop; bring it back home or office, transfer the experience information to apersonal computer15 or the like; and determine whether or not to purchase therecording medium203.

In the recording mediuminformation providing system500 shown inFIG. 15, for example, the information providingelectronic parts11 described in the first embodiment are attached to allrecording media203 such as CD, CD-ROM, DVD . . . displayed at arecord medium203. Experience information D05 associated with therecording media203 is read from the information providingelectronic parts11 in an electromagnetic manner by using the hand heldinformation reading display12. Then, the experience information D05 recorded in a data format is processed by apersonal computer15 at home or in office, and is converted into information of audible type.

The information providingelectronic parts11 have been described with reference toFIG. 4. In the information providingelectronic parts11, for example, a CD or DVD information provider records audio information of an introductory portion of a music according to therecording medium203 or voice and video information of an introductory portion of a cinema. The recording media with the information providing parts are displayed at a record shop in order to provide the information associated with theserecording media203 to the information user.

The information providingelectronic parts11 are attached toprice tags19 or the like of therecording media203 by the information provider. Of course, the information providingelectronic parts11 may be attached to packages or housings and the like of therecording media203 or may be provided as an additional material of therecording media203 in a card format. In order to emphasize the mount location (presence) of the information providingelectronic parts11, an indication indicative of its presence is given on the surface of therecording media203.

The contents of records into information providingelectronic parts11 in thissystem500 include information associated with the name, price, producer of therecording media203 or telephone number of contact concerning therecording media203, for example, as well as the aforementioned contents. Of course, for an information user who wants to obtain more detailed information concerning therecording media203, an E-mail address of the information provider as well as telephone number is recorded in the information providingelectronic parts11.

In this recording mediuminformation providing system500 as well, the hand heldinformation reading display12 described in the first embodiment is used as a hand held terminal device with its information read function. The contents of this configuration has been described in the first embodiment, and a duplicate description thereof is omitted. In this example, theinformation reading display12 and the information providingelectronic parts11 are coupled with each other in an at least electromagnetic manner. Then, experience information D05 is read from the information providingelectronic parts11, and is converted to be recorded in a data format.

Thisinformation reading display12 is provided so that a medium purchaser (information user) possesses it individually. In a method for handling theinformation reading display12, as described in the first to fourth embodiments, theinformation reading display12 is made close toinformation providing parts11, whereby experience information D05 is read from the information providingelectronic parts11 in an electromagnetic manner.

Thisinformation reading display12 incorporates a non-volatile memory as described in the first embodiment, and the experience information D-5 or the like of therecording media203 arbitrarily read from the information providingelectronic parts11 is recorded. This experience information D05 is not erased from a memory even if a power supply is turned OFF. In this example, the experience information D05 is processed by means of theinformation reading display12, and is converted into information of audible type. The information obtained by processing the experience information D05 is displayed intact on a liquid crystal display element of theinformation reading display12 or the like so that the contents can be seen immediately on the spot.

In addition, in this example as well, theUSB terminal13 of theinformation reading display12 and thepersonal computer15 are connected to each other using a communications cable. The experience information D05 that cannot be processed on theinformation reading display12 is provided for communication processing. Of course, the information processed in audible type may be displayed on a CRT with which a personal computer is provided. In addition, an E-mail address of the information provider is extracted from the experience information D05, and connection to the information provider is made by using thepersonal computer15 via Internet so that more detailed information is obtained.

Now, an example of processing in the recording mediuminformation providing system500 will be described. In this example, it is presumed that the information providingelectronic parts11 are attached toprice tags19 of allrecording media203 displayed in advance at a record shop; experience information D05 or the like associated with therecording media203 is read from the information providingelectronic parts11 in an electromagnetic manner by using the hand heldinformation reading display12; the experience information D05 recorded in a data format is processed by means of thepersonal computer15 at home or in office. Of course, it is presumed that each media purchaser possesses theinformation reading display12.

With this being presumed, at step F1 of the flow chart shown inFIG. 16, a medium purchaser determines whether or not desired information concerningrecording media203 is present at a record shop. This determination is made by the media purchaser. In the case where desired information concerningrecording media203 is present, processing goes to step F2 at which theinformation reading display12 is made close to theprice tag19 or the like by eachrecording medium203 corresponding to desired information. At this time, theinformation reading display12 and the information providingelectronic parts11 are coupled with each other in an electromagnetic manner.

Then, processing goes to step F3 at which experience information D05 is read from the information providingelectronic parts11 of therecording media203, and is recorded in theinformation reading display12. Then, processing goes to step F4 at which it is determined as to whether or not all the desired information concerning therecording media203 are read. This determination is made by the media purchaser. In the case where all the desired information concerning therecording media203 is not read, processing reverts to step F2 at which theinformation reading display12 is made close to theprice tag19 of therecording medium203 corresponding to desired information, and processing is repeated in the same manner as above.

In the case where all the desired information concerningrecording media203 is read, processing goes to step F5 at which experience information D05 is processed by using theinformation reading display12, and information of audible type is displayed intact on a liquid crystal display element or the like so that the contents can be seen immediately on the spot.

Then, processing goes to step F6 at which theUSB terminal13 of theinformation reading display12 and thepersonal computer15 are connected to each other using a communications cable, and the contents of information processed by theinformation reading display12 or experience information D05 that cannot be processed there is transferred to thepersonal computer15. At thepersonal computer15, the information processed in audible type, for example, a video of an introductory portion of a new release cinema according to the DVD is displayed on a provided CRT, and an E-mail address of an information provider is extracted from experience information D05 so that more detailed information is obtained from the information provider via Internet.

In this manner, according to the recording mediuminformation providing system500 of a fifth embodiment, experience information D05 is read from the information providingelectronic parts11 attached torecording media203 into theinformation reading display12 brought at a record shop, and a purchaser checks the experience information D05 so that the purchase can purchase what he or she really wants.

Moreover, when arecording medium203 is found to be faulty, a purchaser inquires a manufacturer directly from experience information D05 of therecording medium203 by combining the second embodiment so that the purchaser can know a method of handling the medium or ask for replacement of therecording medium203.

Therecording media203 may be VTR, book, or magazine without being limited to CD or DVD. The information providingelectronic parts11 are attached to these VTRs, books, or magazines and the like, a video of an introductory portion of dynamic VTR information is shown, and the table of contents or an introductory portion of a story are read by text in the case of a book or magazine.

(7) Sixth Embodiment

FIG. 17 is an imaginary view showing an example of configuring an exhibitioninformation providing system600 according to a sixth embodiment.

In this example, it is presumed that information providingelectronic parts11 are attached to exhibited materials concerning anentity2 in museum or in art gallery; and exhibition information is recorded in the information providingelectronic parts11. The exhibition information contains: the name of the exhibited material; picture guidance information associated with the exhibited material; information on photographic conditions; and voice information on artists or models. In this system, exhibition information is read from the information providingelectronic parts11 attached to the exhibited materials by means of theinformation reading display12 brought into museum or art gallery so that the exhibition information is checked by theinformation reading display12. In the case where an information user has different interest with the exhibited material, while the exhibition information is read in theinformation reading display12, the purchaser brings the display back home or office, transfers the exhibition information to apersonal computer15 or the like so as to perform display processing or the like.

In an exhibitioninformation providing system600 shown inFIG. 17, the information providingelectronic parts11 described in the first embodiment are attached to all exhibitedmaterials204 such as pictures, photographs . . . displayed in museum or in art gallery. Then, exhibition information D06 associated with the exhibitedmaterials204 is read from the information providingelectronic parts11 in an electromagnetic manner by using a hand heldinformation reading display12. Thereafter, the exhibition information D06 recorded in a data format is processed on the spot or by means of thepersonal computer15 at home or in office, and is converted to information of audible type.

The information providingelectronic parts11 have been described with reference toFIG. 4. In the information providingelectronic parts11, for example, there are recorded the name of the exhibitedmaterial204; picture guidance information associated with the exhibitedmaterial204; information on photographic conditions; voice information on artists or models or the like. The exhibitedmaterials204 with the information providing electronic parts are displayed in museum or in art gallery in order to provide information associated with these exhibitedmaterials204 to a user.

The information providingelectronic parts11 are attached totitle bulletin boards29 or the like near the exhibitedmaterials204 such as pictures or photographs, for example, by an information provider. Of course, the information providingelectronic parts11 may be attached to the insides of frames of the exhibitedmaterials204 or may be stored in a card format as an attached material in thetitle bulletin board29 of the exhibitedmaterial204. In order to emphasize the mount location (presence) of theinformation providing parts11, an indication indicative of the presence is given on the surface of thetitle bulletin board29.

The contents of records into the information providingelectronic parts11 in thissystem600 include, for example, the price of the exhibitedmaterial204, information associated with artist; telephone number of contact concerning the exhibitedmaterial204 or the like. Of course, for an information user who wants to obtain more detailed information concerning the exhibitedmaterial204, an E-mail address of the information provider as well as telephone number is recorded in the information providingelectronic parts11.

In this exhibitioninformation providing system600 as well, the hand heldinformation reading display12 described in the first embodiment is used as a hand held terminal device with its information reading function. The contents of this configuration have been described in the first embodiment, and thus, a duplicated description thereof is omitted here. In this example as well, theinformation reading display12 and the information providingelectronic parts11 are coupled with each other in an at least electromagnetic manner, and exhibition information D06 is read from the information providingelectronic parts11 in an electromagnetic manner so as to be recorded in a data format.

Thisinformation reading display12 is provided so that an information user possesses it individually. In a method for mounting theinformation reading display12, as described in the first to fifth embodiments, theinformation reading display12 is made close to the information providingelectronic parts11, whereby exhibition information D06 is read from the information providingelectronic parts11 in an electromagnetic manner.

As described in the first embodiment, thisinformation reading display12 incorporates a non-volatile memory that records exhibition information D06 or the like of the exhibited material arbitrarily read from the information providingelectronic parts11. The exhibition information D06 is not erased even if a power supply is turned OFF. In this example, the exhibition information D06 is processed by means of theinformation reading display12, and is converted into information of audible type. The information obtained by processing the exhibition information D06 is displayed intact by a liquid crystal display element or the like of theinformation reading display12 so that the contents can be seen or listened to immediately on the spot.

In this example as well, theUSB terminal13 of theinformation reading display12 and apersonal computer15 at home or in office are connected to each other by using a communications cable. Then, the contents of information processed by theinformation reading display12 or the exhibition information D06 that cannot be processed there are provided for communication processing. Of course, the information processed into audible type may be displayed on a CRT with which a personal computer is provided. In addition, an E-mail address of an information provider is extracted from the exhibition information D06, and connection to the information provider is made via Internet by using thepersonal computer15 so that more detailed information is obtained.

Now, an example of processing in the exhibitioninformation providing system600 will be described here. In this example, it is presumed that the information providingelectronic parts11 are attached to thetitle bulletin boards29 of all the exhibitedmaterials204 displayed in advance in museum or art gallery; exhibition information D06 or the like associated with the exhibitedmaterial204 is read from the information providingelectronic parts11 in an electromagnetic manner by using a hand heldinformation reading display12; and the exhibition information D06 recorded in a data format is processed by thepersonal computer15 at home or in office. Of course, it is presumed that each information user possesses theinformation reading display12.

With this being presumed, at step G1 of the flow chart shown inFIG. 18, an information user determines whether or not desired information concerning an exhibitedmaterial204 is present in museum or in art gallery. This determination is made by the information user. In the case where desired information concerning the exhibitedmaterial204 is present, processing goes to step G2 at which theinformation reading display12 is made close to thetitle bulletin board29 by each exhibitedmaterial204 corresponding to the desired information. At this time, theinformation reading display12 and theinformation providing parts11 are coupled with each other in an electromagnetic manner.

Then, processing goes to step G3 at which the exhibition information D06 is read from thetitle bulletin board29 of the exhibitedmaterial204, and is stored in theinformation reading display12. Together with this, the exhibition information D06 is processed by using theinformation reading display12. The information of audible type is displayed intact on the liquid crystal display element or the like so that the contents are seen or listened to immediately on the spot. An automatic guiding function in museum or art gallery can be used in thisinformation reading display12.

Then, processing goes to step G4 at which it is judged as to whether or not all the desired information concerning the exhibitedmaterial204 is read. This determination is made by an information user. In the case where all the desired information concerning the exhibitedmaterial204 is not read, processing reverts to step G2 at which theinformation reading display12 is made close to thetitle bulletin board29 of the exhibitedmaterial204 corresponding to the desired information so as to repeat processing in the same manner as the above.

In the case where all the desired information concerning the exhibitedmaterial204 is read, processing goes to step G5 at which it is determined as to whether or not theinformation reading display12 and thepersonal computer15 or the like are linked with each other at home or in office. This determination is made by an information user.

In the case where thisinformation reading display12 and thepersonal computer15 or the like are linked with each other, processing goes to step G6 at which theUSB terminal13 of theinformation reading display12 and thepersonal computer15 are connected to each other by using a communications cable, and the contents of information processed by theinformation reading display12 or the exhibition information D06 that cannot be processed there is read by thepersonal computer15. At thepersonal computer15, the information processed in audible type at step G7, for example, a profile video of an artist of the exhibitedmaterial204 is displayed on the provided CRT. In addition, an E-mail address of an information provider is extracted from the exhibition information D06 so that more detailed information is obtained from the information provider via Internet.

In this manner, according to the exhibitioninformation providing system600 of the sixth embodiment, the exhibition information D06 is read from the information providingelectronic parts11 attached to the exhibitedmaterial204 by means of theinformation reading display12 brought into museum or art gallery, and the exhibition information D06 can be checked by thepersonal computer15 at home.

Moreover, in the case where a purchaser wants to purchase the exhibitedmaterial204, the purchaser directly inquires the owner of the copyright from the exhibition information D06 of the exhibitedmaterial204 by combining the second embodiment so that the information such as purchasing method can be obtained. The exhibitedmaterial204 may be a copyright material such as sword, sculpture, or ceramic art without being limited to picture or photograph. The information providingelectronic parts11 are attached to thetitle bulletin board29 such as these copyright materials; and the information associated with the price or artist of the copyright material or telephone number of contact concerning the copyright material or the like is recorded so that these items of information can be easily obtained.

(8) Seventh Embodiment

FIG. 19 is an imaginary view showing an example of configuring a commodity genuineness orcounterfeit discriminating system700 according to a seventh embodiment.

In this exemplified system, information providingelectronic parts11 are attached to prominent commodities concerning anentity2; and item information is recorded in the information providingelectronic parts11. When the genuineness or counterfeit of the commodity must be discriminated, item information is read by theinformation reading display12 from the information providingelectronic parts11 attached to the commodity. Then, the item information is fetched from theinformation reading display12 to a personal computer of an governmental authority so as to discriminate the genuineness or counterfeit of the commodity. The item information includes the name of the commodity; manufacturer associated with the commodity; manufacturer specific code information; manufacturing information; quality inspection information or the like.

In the commodity genuineness orcounterfeit discriminating system700 shown inFIG. 19, the information providingelectronic parts11 described in the first embodiment are attached to prominent commodities such as bag, luggage, shoes or the like. When the genuineness or counterfeit of the commodity must be discriminated, item information D07 associated with the prominent commodity205 is read from the information providingelectronic parts11 in an electromagnetic manner by using aninformation reading display12 so that the item information D07 recorded in a data format can be discriminated by a personal computer85 such as governmental authority.

The information providingelectronic parts11 have been described with reference toFIG. 4. In the information providingelectronic parts11, there are recorded, for example, the name and manufacture of the prominent-commodity205, manufacturer, manufacturing information, quality inspection information, origin or the like. The information providingelectronic parts11 are mounted or sewn to hand bag, luggage, shoes or the like by a commodity manufacturer. In order to prevent illegality, the information providingelectronic parts11 may be sewn to the inside of the commodity so as to be easily seen from the outside thereof.

At this time, although the information providingelectronic parts11 having item information D07 recorded therein may be built in genuineness from the beginning, the information providingelectronic parts11 having nothing recorded therein are built in genuineness, and then, item information D07 may be recorded by using a specific information recording device at the time of shipment.

In addition, although the information providingelectronic parts11 are generally created in a rectangular shape, these electronic parts may be formed in an optimal shape coincident with an mount region site without being limited thereto. The information providingelectronic parts11 is composed of anIC chip16 and anantenna body17 as shown inFIG. 4, and thisantenna body17 may be formed in a circular shape, an elliptical shape, or a gourd shape. Theantenna body17 can be freely deformed. The prominent commodities205 with the information providing electronic parts are distributed in Japan, is exported outside Japan, or is imported to Japan.

The contents of records into the information providingelectronic parts11 in thissystem700 include, for example, the aforementioned contents; the price of the commodity205; telephone number of contact concerning the commodity205 or the like. Of course, for an information user who wants to obtain more detailed information concerning the commodity205, an E-mail address of a commodity manufacturer as well as telephone number is recorded in the information providingelectronic parts11.

In this commodity genuineness orcounterfeit discriminating system700 as well, theinformation reading display12 described in the first embodiment is used as a hand held terminal device with its information read function. The contents of this configure has been described in the first embodiment, and thus, a duplicate description thereof is omitted. In this example as well, theinformation reading display12 and the information providingelectronic parts11 are coupled with each other in an at least electromagnetic manner, and item information D07 is read from the information providingelectronic parts11 to theinformation reading display12 in an electromagnetic manner so as to be recorded in a data format.

Thisinformation reading display12 is provided so as to be possessed by associated authorities such as custom. In a method for handing theinformation reading display12, as described in the first to sixth embodiments, theinformation reading display12 is made close to the information providingelectronic parts11, whereby item information D07 is read from the information providingelectronic parts11 in an electromagnetic manner. As described in the first embodiment, theinformation reading display12 incorporates a non-volatile memory, and the item information D07 or the like of the commodity205 arbitrary read from the information providingelectronic parts11 are recorded. This item information D07 is not erased from a memory even if a power supply is turned OFF.

In this example, theUSB terminal13 of theinformation reading display12 and a personal computer85 are connected to each other by using a communications cable. Then, item information D07 is transferred from theinformation reading display12 to the personal computer85, and this item information D07 is discriminated in the personal computer85. At the personal computer85, the item information D07 of genuineness is recorded as an expected value. At the personal computer85, the item information D07 from theinformation reading display12 and the expected value are compared with each other concerning a problematic commodity.

As the result of comparison, in the case where the item information D07 displayed on theinformation reading display12 coincides with an expected value of the personal computer85, the commodity is provided to be regarded as genuineness. In the case where the item information D07 displayed by theinformation reading display12 does not coincide with the expected value of the personal computer85, the commodity is provided to be regarded as a counterfeit brand.

In the case where they do not coincide with each other, in the case where item information D07 cannot be read from a problematic commodity, information like item information D07 can be read from the commodity, and the contents are completely different. In the case where they coincide with each other, processing goes to analysis processing. These results of discrimination are displayed on a CRT with which a personal computer is provided. Item information D07 is processed into information of audible type by means of theinformation reading display12 so that the thus processed information may be displayed intact by the liquid crystal display element or the like of theinformation reading display12. The contents of display can be checked immediately on the spot during export or import check.

Now, an example of processing in the commodity genuineness orcounterfeit discriminating system700 will be described here. In this example, it is presumed that information providingelectronic parts11 are attached to the prominent commodity205; item information D07 or the like associated with the commodity205 is read from the information providingelectronic parts11 in an electromagnetic manner by using the information readdisplay12; and the item information D07 recorded in a data format is discriminated by means of the personal computer85. Of course, it is presumed that genuineness or counterfeit checker possesses theinformation reading display12.

With this being presumed, at step H1 of the flow chart shown inFIG. 20, when an governmental authority obtains information that a commodity imported from a country that is not an origin, for example, is suspected to be counterfeit, it is determined as to whether the commodity is genuine or counterfeit. This determination is made by the associated authority such as custom. In the case where it is determined that the genuineness or counterfeit must be discriminated, processing goes to step H2 at whichinformation reading display12 is made close to each of all the targeted export commodities (hereinafter, referred to as a target commodity). At this time, if the target commodity is genuineness (prominent commodity)205, theinformation reading display12 and the information providingelectronic parts11 are coupled with each other in an electromagnetic manner.

Then, processing goes to step H3 at which item information D07 is read from the information providingelectronic parts11 of the prominent commodity205, and is stored in theinformation reading display12. At this time, item information D07 is discriminated by utilizing a display function of theinformation reading display12, and the information of audible type or the like is displayed on a liquid crystal display element or the like so that the contents can be seen immediately on the spot.

Then, processing goes to step H4 at which it is determined as to whether or not all the item information D07 concerning a target commodity is read. This determination is made by genuineness or counterfeit checker. In the case where all the item information D07 concerning a target commodity is not read, processing goes to step H2 at which theinformation reading display12 of the commodity205 of item information D07 is made close to the commodity so that processing is repeated in the same manner as the above.

In the case where all the item information D07 of these target commodities is read, processing goes to step H5 at which theUSB terminal13 of theinformation reading display12 and the personal computer85 are connected to each other by using a communications cable, and the contents of information processed by theinformation reading display12 or item information D07 that cannot be processed there are read on the personal computer85. At step H6, the item information D07 from theinformation reading display12 concerning a target commodity is compared with an expected value by means of the personal computer85.

As the result of comparison, in the case where the item information D07 displayed by theinformation reading display12 coincides with an expected value of the personal computer85, the commodity is regarded as genuineness. In the case where the item information D07 displayed by theinformation reading display12 does not coincide with an expected value of the personal computer85, the commodity is regarded as counterfeit brand. In the case of partial coincidence, manufacturer specific encode information may differ, and thus, processing goes to analysis processing. These discrimination results are displayed on a CRT with which the personal computer is provided.

In this manner, according to a commodity genuineness orcounterfeit discriminating system700 of the seventh embodiment, item information D07 is read from the information providingelectronic parts11 attached to the prominent commodity205 to theinformation reading display12 so that the item information D07 can be discriminated by the personal computer85 at the governmental authority.

Therefore, distribution of counterfeit brand can be prevented immediately before such brand is imported. As a result, genuineness can be protected and guaranteed. The crackdown of counterfeit can be facilitated by the information providingelectronic parts11, and customer management based on the information providingelectronic parts11 or history management of genuineness can be performed. The information providingelectronic parts11 can be used in the same way as the written warrant of the prominent commodity.

In this example, although a hand heldinformation reading display12 is exemplified, a specific stationary counterfeit discriminating device having its information read function and data processing function of the personal computer85 can be configured. Item information D07 may contain a serial number, shop information or the like without being limited to the name of the commodity, encode information, manufacturer, manufacturing information, quality inspection information or the like.

(9) Eighth Embodiment

FIG. 21 is an imaginary view showing an example of configuring aninformation processing system800 according to an eighth embodiment.

In thisinformation processing system800, amonochrome bar code21 is provided as aninformation providing medium1 at anarbitrary entity2 so that information D08 associated with theentity2 is provided in an optical manner. Like elements denoted by like reference numbers in the first embodiment have the same functions, and thus, a description thereof is omitted. In theinformation processing system800 shown inFIG. 21, amonochrome bar code21 is provided as aninformation providing medium1 capable of reading information in an optical manner. Thisbar code21 is provided at anarbitrary entity2 by the information provider. For example, amonochrome bar code21 is attached to an arbitrary advertising material (hereinafter, referred to as “entity”) attached to station concourse, in train, at cinema, on street bulletin board or the like.

In this example, thebar code21 is attached to the surface of theentity2. Of course, in order to emphasize the mount location (presence) of thebar code21, that portion may be emphasized. In the case where theentity2 is provided as a commodity #i without being limited to the above pasting method, thebar code21 may be printed in that package or the like simultaneously.

Although the information D08 associated with theentity2 is stored as the contents of records into thisbar code21, a small amount of information is provided in comparison with the first to seventh embodiments. For example, in the case where theentity2 is associated with an event, such event is given on the surface of theentity2. Information D08 such as contact or E-mail address is recorded in thebar code21 containing date and time, site, admission, traffic, contact or the like.

In thisinformation processing system800, a hand held opticalinformation reading display22 is used, and information is read from at least thebar code21 in an optical manner, and is recorded in a data format. Thisinformation reading display22 is provided so that an information user possesses it individually. In this example, theinformation reading display22 is scanned on thebar code21, whereby information D08 is read from thebar code21 in an optical manner.

As in the first embodiment, aflash memory42 that is shown as an example of non-volatile storage means is provided at thisinformation reading display22. In this memory, information arbitrary read from thebar code21 is recorded. AUSB terminal13 is provided at thisinformation reading display22; thepersonal computer15 is connected by using thisUSB terminal13 or a communication cable (not shown), and the information D08 recorded in a data format is processed in audible type.

This opticalinformation reading display22, for example, has a barcode reading unit23 that is shown as an example of an optical sensor shown inFIG. 22. Alight emitting section24 is provided at thereading unit23, and a beam-like laser light or the like is emitted. Alight receiving section25 is provided adjacent to thislight emitting section24. When the laser light is emitted to amonochrome bar code21, for example, the reflection light reflected from that white pattern is received.

A SPU (signal processing unit)28 is connected to thislight receiving section25, and an optical detection signal obtained by reading themonochrome bar code21 is digitally processed. Then, information D08 such as inquiry associated with theentity2 or E-mail address is decoded. The decoding result is stored in a RAM contained in theSPU28 or in anexternal flash memory42 and the like. With respect to thisSPU28, a CPU (central processing unit) not shown is provided. Then, information D08 is processed in audible type, and is displayed intact on aliquid crystal display55 so that the contents can be seen on the spot.

In this example, a read unit scanning and/or drivingsection26 is provided. While aninformation reading display22 is made close to abar code21, thereading unit23 can be scanned on thebar code21. Of course, in the case where no space for providing the scanning and/or drivingsection26 is provided because of a compactedinformation reading display22, thelight emitting section24 and thelight receiving section25 are allocated and fixed in theinformation reading display22 with its predetermined angle. Theinformation reading display22 is scanned so that the information user traces on thebar code21 at a constant speed. In this manner, information D08 can be optically read.

A power supply & control section.27 is connected to thereading unit23, scanning and/or drivingsection26,SPU28,input tool54, andliquid crystal display55, and a DC power is supplied. A dry battery or charge type battery is used for power supply.

Thus, according to theinformation processing system800 of the eighth embodiment, an optically readablemonochrome bar code21 is attached to anarbitrary entity2 by the information provider. By the information user, a hand held opticalinformation reading display22 is used as required, and information D08 is read from thebar code21 in an optical manner, and is recorded. Then, information D08 read from theinformation reading display22 is processed into audible type by means of thepersonal computer15 or the like.

Therefore, even in the case where theentity2 cannot be seen carefully, a small amount of information is provided. As in the first embodiment, even if information D08 such as address or contact associated with theentity2 is not written by pen or pencil, the information D08 can be stored in theinformation reading display22 momentously. Thus, one reads the information D08 from theinformation reading display22 to the personal computer at home so that one can see the information D08 associated with theentity2 or provide direct access to the company through Internet.

In addition, according to amonochrome bar code21 of the present invention, as in the first to seventh embodiments, information D08 associated with theentity2 can be read freely as many times as one likes by means of an opticalinformation reading display22. In addition, as in the first embodiment, the information D08 can be transmitted publicly as if a large amount of handbills were distributed. Moreover, as in the first embodiment, there is no need to prepare handbills in advance, and these hand bills are not disposed illegally on street, which leads to street beatification,

In this example, although a case of themonochrome bar code21 has been described with respect to an information providing medium, such bar code may be a two-dimensional code to which a monochrome patch is applied in a checkered pattern or toothless shape.

(10) Ninth Embodiment

FIG. 23 is an imaginary view showing an example of configuring aninformation processing system900 according to a ninth embodiment.

In this example, amagnetic tape31 is provided as aninformation providing medium1 at anentity2 so that information D09 associated with theentity2 is magnetically provided. Like elements denoted by like reference numbers in the first embodiment have their same functions, and thus, a duplicate description thereof is omitted here. At theinformation processing system900 shown inFIG. 23, there is provided a sheet-like magnetic tape (magnetic information sheet)31 capable of magnetically reading information. Thismagnetic tape31 is provided at anarbitrary entity2 by the information provider. For example, the sheet-likemagnetic tape31 is attached to an arbitrary advertising material attached at station concourse, in train, at cinema, on street bulletin board or the like. Of course, thismagnetic tape31 may be formed of a resin substrate such as magnetic card.

In this example, themagnetic tape31 is attached to the surface of theentity2. Of course, in order to emphasize the mount location (presence) of themagnetic tape31, an indication to emphasize that portion may be given. As the contents of records into thismagnetic tape31, there is stored information D09 associated with theentity2. For example, as in the first embodiment, in the case of an advertising material associated with an event, theentity2 is given on the surface of that advertising portion. Information D09 such as date and time, site, administration, traffic, contact, or E-mail address is recorded in themagnetic tape31.

In thisinformation processing system900, a hand held magneticinformation reading display32 is used, and information D09 is magnetically read from at least themagnetic tape31, and is recorded in a data format. Thisinformation reading display32 is provided so that an information user possesses it individually. In this example, theinformation reading display32 is scanned on themagnetic tape31, whereby information D09 is read from themagnetic tape31.

As in the first embodiment, aflash memory42 that is shown as an example of non-volatile storage means is provided at thisinformation reading display32, and information arbitrary read from themagnetic tape31 is recorded. AUSB terminal13 is provided at thisinformation reading display32. Apersonal computer15 is connected by using thisUSB terminal13 or a communications cable (not shown), and the information D09 recorded in the data format is processed in audible type.

This magneticinformation reading display32 has amagnetic sensor23 shown inFIG. 24, for example. A magnetic head (not shown) is provided at amagnetic sensor33. When themagnetic sensor33 is scanned on a sheet-likemagnetic tape31, information D09 is reproduced from themagnetic tape31. In this example, theinformation reading display32 is scanned so that an information user traces on themagnetic tape32 at a constant speed. In this manner, information D09 can be read magnetically.

A SPU (signal processing unit)38 is connected to thismagnetic sensor33; a magnetic detection signal obtained by reading themagnetic tape31 is digitally processed; and information D09 associate with theentity2 is decoded. The decoding result is stored in a RAM contained in the SPU38 or anexternal flash memory42. With respect to this SPU38, a CPU (central processing unit) not shown is provided; and information D09 is processed into audible type, and is displayed intact on aliquid crystal display55 so that the contents can be seen on the spot. A power supply &control unit37 is connected to themagnetic sensor33, SPU38,input tool54, andliquid crystal display55, and a DC power is supplied. A dry battery or charge type battery is used for power supply.

Thus, according to aninformation processing system900 of a ninth embodiment, a sheet-likemagnetic tape31 capable of magnetically reading information D09 is attached to anarbitrary entity2 by the information provider. By the information provider, information D09 is magnetically read from themagnetic tape31 by using a hand held magneticinformation reading display32 as required, and is recorded. Then, the information D09 read from theinformation reading display32 is processed into audible type by means of apersonal computer15 or the like.

Therefore, even in the case where theentity2 cannot be seen carefully, as in the first and second embodiment, information D09 such as address or contact associated with theentity2 can be stored in theinformation reading display32 momentously without need to write the information by pen or pencil. In this manner, in the case where theinformation reading display32 with its high throughput, information D09 is displayed on theliquid crystal display55 on the spot. Even in the case of theinformation reading device32 with its low throughput, apersonal computer15 is connected; and the information D09 is read from theinformation reading display32 to thepersonal computer15. Then, the information D09 associated with theentity2 can be seen on a display with which a personal computer is provided or direct access to the company can be provided through Internet.

In addition, according to themagnetic tape31 of the present invention, as in the first to eighth embodiments, information D09 associated with theentity2 can be read freely as many times as one likes by means of a magneticinformation reading display32. Further, as in the first embodiment, the information D09 can be transmitted publicly as if a large amount of handbills were distributed. Moreover, as in the first embodiment, there is no need to prepare handbills or the like in advance, these handbills are not disposed illegally on the street, thus leading to street beautification.

(11) Tenth Embodiment

FIG. 25A andFIG. 25B are conceptual views each showing an example of configuring a hand heldcellular phone401 with its information read function according to a tenth embodiment.FIG. 26 is a block diagram depicting an internal configuration of the cellular phone.

In this example, an information is provided at a hand held cellular phone; information associated with theentity2 is read in an electromagnetic manner by using the information read function from theinformation providing medium1 attached to anarbitrary entity2; and the information recorded in the data format is processed in audible type so that the provided liquid crystal display element or the hand heldcellular phone401 is connected to thepersonal computer15 or the like to enable information to be displayed.

The hand heldcellular phone401 shown inFIG. 25A is directed to a cellular phone that reads information from the information providingelectronic parts11 attached to anadvertising material201 as shown inFIG. 3, for example, and processes the information. Acap body40 is engaged with the hand heldcellular phone401 so as to cover all or part of a cellular phonemain body section50. A speaker (microphone)72 is provided at thiscap body40, and there is provided a loop shapedantenna body52 shown inFIG. 25B, the antenna body configuring information read means; and there is provided a modulation/demodulation circuit IC51′ and high frequency generating circuit IC58′ so as to enable communication with the information providingelectronic parts11 attached to the entity2 (not shown). Thisantenna body52 consists of an antenna pattern by about three turns as described in the first embodiment.

Theantenna body52 of the hand heldcellular phone401 shown inFIG. 25A is coupled with anantenna body17 of the previously described information providingelectronic parts11 shown inFIG. 4 in an electromagnetic manner, and is used in an electrically non-contact state. Tennumeric keys80 are provided at a cellular phonemain body section50. These tennumeric keys80 consist of a “0” key (K0) to “9” key (K9); a symbol “#” key (K#); and a “*” key (K*) to be operated by an operator.

InFIG. 26, a modulation and/ordemodulation circuit51 configuring information read means is connected to theaforementioned antenna52. The information read means has at least the modulation/demodulation circuit51 configuring an information read and/or writeIC circuitry51′; and anantenna body52 so that information associated with theentity2 is read from the information providing electronic parts11 (not shown). For example, a modulation wave sent from the information providingelectronic parts11 is demodulated by using its demodulation function by means of the modulation/demodulation circuit51. A data row of information associated with theentity2 read from the information providingelectronic parts11 by the hand heldcellular phone401 is demodulated.

A high-frequency generating circuit58 is connected to this modulation/demodulation circuit51; and a carrier signal having its frequency of 13.56 MHz is generated. This carrier signal is utilized as an electromagnetic field energy from the modulation/demodulation circuit51 to the information providingelectronic parts11 as described inFIG. 6. Asystem bus60 is connected to this modulation/demodulation circuit51. ACPU49 is connected to thesystem bus60; information after demodulated is displayed and controlled based on a predetermined control program; and calling and called control according to a general telephone function is performed.

Akey input interface67 is connected to thissystem bus60, and a tennumeric keys80 provided at the cellular phonemain body section50 is connected to theinterface67. A command is supplied to aCPU49 by inputting operation using the tennumeric keys80. For example, when a specific ten numeric key K* is pressed several times, any of an information read and display mode or a general telephone mode can be selected.

Here, an information read and display mode denotes a function for reading information by superimposing acap body40 of this hand heldcellular phone40 on information providingelectronic parts11; and a general telephone mode denotes a general telephone function other than information read and display mode. When the information read and display mode is set, for example, information reading is started by pressing the key K#. An end display may be made when all information has been read. After information reading has completed, an operation is made such that the telephone mode is restored by pressing the key K* once. In the telephone mode, when the ten numeric key K1, K2, . . . K0 is operated, the key data D1 associated with the counterpart telephone number can be inputted.

Ajog dial65 is provided at this hand heldcellular phone401. Thisjog dial65 is connected to asystem bus60 through aninput interface46 for use in search for the counterpart telephone number and search for information read from the information providingelectronic parts11. In this example, when thejog dial65 is operated, display command data D6 is generated.

Adisplay controller44 and avideo RAM45 are connected to thissystem bus60, and aliquid crystal display66 with some tens ×some hundreds of pixels is connected to thisdisplay controller44. Demodulated information output from the modulation/demodulation circuit51, key data D1 output from akey input interface67, and display content data D2 are temporarily stored in thisvideo RAM45.

Thedisplay controller44 reads information fromvideo RAM45; key data D1; and display content data D2, and theliquid crystal display66 is controlled to be displayed based on these items of information or data. For example, in the case of vertically searching a list of information read from the information providingelectronic parts11 on the display screen of theliquid crystal display66 or a list of the counterpart telephone numbers, aliquid crystal display66 is controlled to be displayed by means of thedisplay controller44 so that these lists are moved from downward to upward on the display screen based on display command data D6 generated by operation of thejog dial65.

In this example, the display is controlled to be displayed so that the display contents on the display screen moves in a direction in which thejog dial65 is rotated. Information read from the information providingelectronic parts11 can be checked by being displayed on theliquid crystal display65.

In addition, aROM41 is connected to thesystem bus60, and a control program for controlling a telephone mode and an information read and display mode or the like is stored. Aflash memory42 that is shown as an example of non-volatile storage means is connected to thesystem bus60 so as to store the information read by information read means. Further, the user telephone number (ID number) or the like is recorded at a local station. A workingDRAM43 is connected to thissystem bus60; and there is temporarily recorded demodulated information, key data D1, Internet information D3, or display command data D6 for commanding the contents of the display screen to be commanded.

A backup RAM (non-volatile memory)47 is connected to thesystem bus60. A backup battery E is connected to abackup RAM47. A quartz crystaloscillating element48A is connected to atimer48 that shares thebackup RAM47 and the backup battery E, and time data D5 such as year or date and time is output.

In addition, a transmission and receptioninformation processing section71 is connected to thesystem bus60. Amicrophone72 that is a speaker is connected to the transmission and receptioninformation processing section71; and a user's voice is recorded based on the transmission and is reception processing data D7 from theCPU49. Then, amplification processing or the like is performed by the transmission and receptioninformation processing section71, and the amplified data is output to anRF processing section73. At theRF processing section73, the user's voice is converted into a radio frequency signal, and a radio electric wave is irradiated from anantenna77.

The counterpart radio electric wave received at thisantenna77 is demodulated into a voice frequency signal by means of theRF processing section73, and then, amplification processing or the like is performed by the transmission and receptioninformation processing section71, and the amplified data is output to aspeaker54 that is a cellular phone receiver. In this manner, the user can communicate with the counterpart.

In addition, atouch panel interface75 may be provided at thesystem bus60 to ensure pen input. In this case, atouch panel78 needs to be on the screen of theliquid crystal display66. Further, in this example, the externaldevice USB terminal13, IC card interfaces79 each havingsockets79A and81A, andexternal device interface81 are connected to thesystem bus60 so that information processing using the external personal computer, external IC card, and communications modem can be expanded.

Of course, apower supply section83 is connected to these function processing circuits, and an operation for connection to the counterpart telephone line is performed after a power switch SW has been turned ON. Even if the power switch SW is not turned ON, the buzzer from the counterpart is sounded by the backup battery E.

Now, a description will be given to an example of processing in a hand heldcellular phone401 with its information read function according to a tenth embodiment.

In this example, it is presumed that at this hand held cellular phone there are provided at least a modulation/demodulation circuit51, anantenna body52, a high-frequencywave generating circuit58, and aUSB terminal13 which achieve an information read function; from information providingelectronic parts11 attached to anarbitrary entity2, the information associated with theentity2 is read in an electromagnetic manner by using the information read function; and then, the information recorded in a data format is processed into audible type inside of the hand held cellular phone or is processed by the externalpersonal computer15 or the like.

With this being presumed, in the case where information is read from the information providingelectronic parts11 of theentity2 shown inFIG. 1, acap body40 is first opened from the cellular phonemain body section50. Then, an information read and display mode is set by pressing a specific key K* or the like several times. In this manner, a control program associated with the information read and display mode is read fromROM41 toCPU49, and the mode is executed. Thereafter, thecap body40 of the hand heldcellular phone401 is made close to information providingelectronic parts11 to be superimposed with each other. At this time, there is no need for both of them to be brought into contact with each other. Depending on the strength of electromagnetic field energy, they are made close to each other within the range of 10 cm, for example, whereby they are coupled with each other in an electromagnetic manner.

In this state, when a key K# is pressed, information reading is started. In a hand held cellular phone, a carrier signal of 13.65 MHz is generated by means of a high-frequency generating circuit, and is output to anantenna body52 through a modulation/demodulation circuit51. This carrier signal is used to be demodulated by means of a modulation/demodulation circuit51, and is used as a power supply to information providingelectronic parts11. A modulation wave sent from the information providingelectronic parts11 activated by this power supply to the hand heldcellular phone401 is demodulated by using the demodulation function of the modulation/demodulation circuit52. For example, a data row of information associated with theentity2 is demodulated, the information being sent from the information providing.electronic parts11 to the hand heldcellular phone401. This information after demodulated is temporarily stored in aflash memory42,DRAM47 or V-RAM45. Of course, information reading end flag is detected, and the end display may be made on theliquid crystal display66 after all the information has been read. After information reading has been completed, an operation is made such that a telephone mode is restored by pressing a key K* once.

{circle around (1)} When the Contents of Information is Seen on the Spot

This hand heldcellular phone401 is provided so as to enable search for the counterpart telephone number and search for information read from the information providingelectronic parts11 or the like by using ajog dial65. Of course, information is processed into audible type by means ofCPU49 andvideo RAM45. For example, after information has been converted into characters or symbols, image data is produced. Then, as in the case of search for the counterpart telephone number, thejog dial65 is operated, and display command data D6 is output to thedisplay controller44 or V-RAM45 through aninput interface46 and asystem bus60.

Aliquid crystal display66 of several tens x several hundreds of pixels is connected to thisdisplay controller44 so that the display is controlled based on image data (information) after processed from thevideo RAM45; key data D1 outputted from akey input interface67; and the display content data D2. For example, image data caused by information read from the information providingelectronic parts11 is displayed on the display screen of theliquid crystal display66 so that the contents can be checked on the spot.

At this time, when past information remains as update history information on lists, these information lists can be searched for by operation of thejog dial65. In this manner, information read from theentity2 such as advertising material attached to station concourse by using the information read and display function of the hand heldcellular phone401, and the information can be displayed on the liquid crystal display in train so that the read information can be seen carefully.

{circle around (2)} When Information is Checked by External Information Processing Unit

For example, the hand heldcellular phone401 andpersonal computer15 are connected to each other by using theUSB terminal13 and communications cable at home, and information is read from this hand heldcellular phone401. Information associated with theentity2 is displayed on a display with which a personal computer is provided.

Therefore, information such as address or contact associated with theentity2 can be recorded in aflash memory42 or the like in a hand held cellular phone momentously by means of the hand heldcellular phone401 with the information read and display function without depending on the specific information reading displays12,22, and32 described in the first to ninth embodiments.

Moreover, information associated with theentity2 read from theflash memory42 can be processed by utilizing a telephone function any time. In this manner, the information can be transferred to an acquaintance in the early stage. Even if the information is not written by pen or pencil, the information is read from the hand heldcellular phone401 to apersonal computer15 or the like in another place so that the information associated with theentity2 can be seen on theliquid crystal display66 or admission tickets can be reserved or purchased directly from the company being theentity2 through Internet.

According to this hand heldcellular phone401, data format information can be acquired. Thus, the information on theentity2 can be reviewed as many times as one likes without any visit to the advertising site of theentity2 again. As a result, a hand heldcellular phone401 or the like with its electronic memo function can be provided.

As has been described, according to an information processing system, information is read from an information providing medium attached to an entity in an electromagnetic or optical manner by using a hand held terminal device with its information read function. Then, information associated with the entity is read from the hand held terminal device to the information processing unit, and is processed.

With this configuration, in the case where an information user attempts to acquire information associated with the entity, the information can be stored in a hand held cellular phone momentously. Then, information is read from the hand held terminal device to the information processing unit so that information associated with the entity can be subjected to display processing, genuineness or counterfeit discrimination processing, voice output processing or the like. Therefore, the information processing system can be fully applied to an electronic advertising system, a commodity genuineness or counterfeit discriminating system, a commodity business providing system or the like.

According to a hand held cellular phone of the present invention, in the case where information is read from an information providing medium attached to an entity, and is processed, there is provided non-volatile storage means, wherein information read from an information providing medium of an entity is stored.

With this configuration, information associated with an entity read from storage means can be processed by utilizing a telephone function any time.

According to an information providing method of the present invention, information can be read in an electromagnetic or optical manner, an information providing medium for providing information associated with the entity is attached to an entity; information is read from this information providing medium in an electromagnetic or optical manner, and is recorded; and then, the recorded information is read and processed.

With this configuration, in the case where an information user attempts to acquire information associated with the entity, the information can be read in an electromagnetic or optical manner momentously. Moreover, information associated with the entity can be utilized even without the information being written by pen or pencil as many time as one likes.

The present invention is very preferable by being applied to an electronic advertising system, a commodity selling system, a commodity information providing system, a food information providing system, a recording medium information providing system, an exhibition information providing system, a commodity genuineness or counterfeit discriminating system and the like.

Claims (41)

What is claimed is:

1. An information processing system comprising:

an information providing medium attached to an object, said information providing medium having an IC chip for storing information corresponding to the object and a first antenna connected to the IC chip; and

a cellular phone having a second antenna configured for electro-magnetically interacting with the first antenna to obtain the information when the cellular phone is made close to the information providing medium, means for storing the obtained information in the cellular phone, an information reading unit for processing the information into an audible or visible form, a first means for representing the processed information, and means for transmitting the stored information to additional devices.

2. An information processing system as claimed inclaim 1, wherein said representing means is a display for displaying the processed information.

3. An information processing system as claimed inclaim 1, wherein said object is an advertising poster.

4. The information processing system ofclaim 1, further comprising:

an information processing unit, remote from the cellular phone, having means for receiving the stored information from the cellular phone, means for processing the received information into an audible or visible form, and a second means for representing the processed information.

5. The information processing system ofclaim 4, wherein the means for transmitting and receiving the stored information comprises an electrically conductive cable connecting the cellular phone and the information processing unit.

6. The information processing system ofclaim 4, wherein the means for transmitting and receiving the stored information comprises an RS23C interface.

7. The information processing system ofclaim 4, wherein the means for transmitting and receiving the stored information comprises a USB interface.

8. The information processing system ofclaim 4, wherein the second means for representing the processed information has a higher resolution than the first means.

9. The information processing system ofclaim 4, wherein the information processing unit further comprises means for connecting to the Internet.

10. The information processing system ofclaim 1, wherein said object is a product.

11. The information processing system ofclaim 1, wherein the cellular phone further comprises means to wirelessly supply power to the information providing medium.

12. A cellular phone comprising:

a telephone function;

means for reading information stored in an information providing medium attached to an object, said information providing medium having an IC chip storing the information corresponding to the object, and a first antenna connected to the IC chip, said reading means having a second antenna configured for electro-magnetically coupling the first antenna to obtain the first information when the cellular phone is made close to the information providing medium;

means for processing the information into an audible or visible form; and

means for representing the processed information.

13. The cellular phone ofclaim 12, further comprising means for transmitting the stored information to additional devices.

14. An information processing method comprising:

reading first information stored in an information providing medium attached to an article or material when a cellular phone is made close to the information providing medium, the reading being performed by electro-magnetically coupling between a first antenna: connected with an IC chip included in the information providing medium and a second antenna implemented in the cellular phone; processing the information into audible or visible form on the cellular phone; representing the processed information on the cellular phone; transmitting the information to an additional device; processing the information into audible or visible form on the additional device; and representing the processed information on the additional device.

15. An information reading device comprising:

a first antenna configured to electro-magnetically interact with a second antenna on an information providing medium and receive first information including location information from the information providing medium when the first antenna is placed close to the second antenna;

a storage unit configured to store the first information received from the information providing medium; and

a representing unit configured to represent second information which is received based on the location information included in the first information stored in the storage unit,

wherein the information reading device is a cellular phone.

16. The information reading device according to claim 15, wherein the information reading device has a telephone function.

17. The information reading device according to claim 15, wherein the information providing medium is attached to an object; and

the first information is corresponding to the object.

18. The information reading device according to claim 17, wherein the object is an advertising poster.

19. The information reading device according to claim 15, further comprises an information process unit configured to process the first information stored in the storage unit.

20. The information reading device according to claim 19, wherein the information process unit processes the first information into an audible or visible form.

21. The information reading device according to claim 15, wherein the information reading device is configured to run in a first mode or a second mode; and

the information reading device is configured to receive the first information in the first mode.

22. The information reading device according to claim 21, further comprises:

an input unit, a mode of the information reading device switching from the first mode to the second mode according to an operation on the input unit.

23. The information reading device according to claim 22, wherein the input unit is a touch panel on the representing unit.

24. The information reading device according to claim 23, wherein the first antenna is configured to electro-magnetically interact with the second antenna via a carrier signal configured to have a frequency of 13.56 MHz.

25. The information reading device according to claim 15, further comprises a communication unit configured to connect to Internet.

26. The information reading device according to claim 15, wherein the representing unit is a display.

27. The information reading device according to claim 15, further comprises an input unit, the information reading device being enabled to communicate with the information providing medium according to an operation on the input unit.

28. The information reading device according to claim 27, wherein the input unit is a touch panel on the representing unit.

29. The information reading device according to claim 28, wherein the representing unit is a display.

30. The information reading device according to claim 29, wherein the first antenna is configured to electro-magnetically interact with the second antenna via a carrier signal configured to have a frequency of 13.56 MHz.

31. The information reading device according to claim 15, wherein the first antenna electro-magnetically interacts with the second antenna by using a carrier signal having a frequency of 13.56 MHz.

32. An information reading method comprising:

receiving electro-magnetically by a first antenna of a cellular phone first information including location information from an information providing medium which comprises a second antenna when the first antenna is placed close to the second antenna;

storing the first information received from the information providing medium; and

representing second information which is received based on the location information included in the first information stored in the storage unit.

33. The information reading method according to claim 32, wherein the cellular phone is configured to run in a first mode or a second mode; and further comprising:

receiving the first information in the first mode,

switching from the first mode to the second mode according to an operation on an input unit of the cellular phone,

wherein the input unit is a touch panel on the representing unit.

34. The information reading method according to claim 33, wherein the receiving electro-magnetically by the first antenna of the cellular phone further comprises:

the first antenna electro-magnetically interacting via a carrier signal having a frequency of 13.56 MHz with the second antenna.

35. The information reading method according to claim 32, further comprises:

communicating by the cellular phone with the information providing medium according to an operation on an input unit of the cellular phone,

wherein the input unit is a touch panel on the representing unit, and

wherein the representing unit is a display.

36. The information reading method according to claim 35, wherein the receiving electro-magnetically by the first antenna of the cellular phone further comprises:

the first antenna electro-magnetically interacting via a carrier signal having a frequency of 13.56 MHz with the second antenna.

37. A non-transitory recording medium storing a computer readable program that, if executed by a processor of a computer, causes the processor to execute the steps of:

receiving electro-magnetically by a first antenna of a cellular phone first information including location information from an information providing medium which comprises a second antenna when the first antenna is placed close to the second antenna;

storing the first information received from the information providing medium; and

representing second information which is received based on the location information included in the first information stored in the storage unit.

38. The non-transitory recording medium according to claim 37, wherein the cellular phone is configured to run in a first mode or a second mode; and the processor further executes:

receiving the first information in the first mode,

switching from the first mode to the second mode according to an operation on an input unit of the cellular phone,

wherein the input unit is a touch panel on the representing unit.

39. The information reading medium according to claim 38, wherein the receiving electro-magnetically by the first antenna of the cellular phone further comprises:

the first antenna electro-magnetically interacting via a carrier signal having a frequency of 13.56 MHz with the second antenna.

40. The non-transitory recording medium according to claim 37, the processor further executes:

communicating by the cellular phone with the information providing medium according to an operation on an input unit of the cellular phone,

wherein the input unit is a touch panel on the representing unit, and

wherein the representing unit is a display.

41. The information reading medium according to claim 40, wherein the receiving electro-magnetically by the first antenna of the cellular phone further comprises:

the first antenna electro-magnetically interacting via a carrier signal having a frequency of 13.56 MHz with the second antenna.

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