Information processing device

Abstract

This invention provides an information processing device that eliminates the need to obtain new security certifications even if the external appearance of the information processing device changes due to modifications in its functions. [Solution] The information processing device 2 for manually communicating data with the communication target object 3 comprises a data communication unit 4 for communicating data with the communication target object 3, and an accessory unit 5 which is formed separately from the data communication unit 4, to which the data communication unit 4 is attached, and which is separable from the data communication unit 4. The data communication unit 4 includes an interface board, which is a circuit board for electrically connecting the information processing device 2 to a higher-level device of the information processing device 2. The accessory unit 5 includes electrical equipment that is electrically connected to the interface board.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] ,

[0005] , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an information processing apparatus for processing information including secret information has been known (for example, see Patent Document 1). The information processing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is, for example, a settlement terminal device used at the time of settlement of payment by a credit card or the like. This information processing apparatus includes an IC contact block for communicating with a contact-type IC (Integrated Circuit) card, a communication antenna for communicating with a non-contact-type IC card, a housing in which the IC contact block and the antenna are housed, and a touch panel for inputting a personal identification number (PIN (Personal Identification Number)).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For example, PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) has been established as an international data security standard for safely handling member data of credit cards. In the case of an information processing apparatus that handles data such as a credit card, like the information processing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, in order to ensure the security of the apparatus, customers may be required to obtain certification of security standards such as PCI DSS.

[0005] In the case of PCI DSS, each product needs to be certified by PCI DSS. For example, if the functionality of an information processing device is changed and its external form changes, the entire device needs to be newly certified by PCI DSS. On the other hand, obtaining PCI DSS certification requires, for example, undergoing an audit by a certification body, and there are certain costs involved in obtaining certification. Therefore, if PCI DSS certification had to be obtained every time the external form of the information processing device was changed according to customer requirements, the costs of obtaining certification would become substantial.

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device that, in an information processing device that is required to obtain certification for security standards such as PCI DSS, can eliminate the need to obtain new certification for security standards even if, for example, the external form of the information processing device is changed by modifying the functions of the information processing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, an information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing device for manually communicating data with a communication target object, comprising a data communication unit for communicating data with the communication target object, and an accessory unit formed separately from the data communication unit, to which the data communication unit is attached and which is separable from the data communication unit, wherein the data communication unit comprises an interface board which is a circuit board for electrically connecting the information processing device to a higher-level device of the information processing device, and the accessory unit comprises electrical equipment electrically connected to the interface board.

[0008] In this embodiment of the information processing device, the data communication unit that performs data communication with the communication target is equipped with an interface board, which is a circuit board for electrically connecting the information processing device to a higher-level device of the information processing device. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the accessory unit equipped with electrical equipment electrically connected to the interface board is formed separately from the data communication unit, to which the data communication unit is attached, and is also separable from the data communication unit. Therefore, by changing the accessory unit to which the data communication unit is attached, it becomes possible to change the functions of the information processing device without changing the data communication unit itself.

[0009] Therefore, in this embodiment, all the functions of an information processing device that require certification of security standards such as PCI DSS are provided in the data communication unit, and the functions of an information processing device that do not require certification of security standards are provided in the auxiliary unit. As a result, once the data communication unit has obtained certification of security standards, even if the auxiliary unit attached to the data communication unit is changed, it becomes possible to avoid obtaining new certification of security standards for the modified information processing device. Consequently, in this embodiment, even if the external appearance of an information processing device changes due to a change in the functions of the information processing device, for example, it becomes possible to avoid obtaining new certification of security standards for an information processing device that requires certification of security standards. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] As described above, in one aspect of the present invention, in an information processing device that is required to obtain certification for security standards such as PCI DSS, it becomes possible to eliminate the need to obtain new certification for security standards even if, for example, the external form of the information processing device changes due to a change in the functions of the information processing device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the information processing device shown in Figure 1 from a different direction. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the information processing device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the data communication unit shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the data communication unit shown in Figure 4 from a different direction. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the data communication unit shown in Figure 4. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the accessory unit shown in Figure 1. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the accessory unit shown in Figure 7. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0013] (Outline configuration of the information processing device) Figure 1 is a perspective view of an information processing device 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the information processing device 2 shown in Figure 1 from a different direction. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the information processing device 2 shown in Figure 1.

[0014] In the following explanation, for the sake of clarity, the Z direction in Figure 1 will be referred to as the up-and-down direction, the X direction in Figure 1 which is perpendicular to the up-and-down direction will be referred to as the front-and-back direction, and the Y direction in Figure 1 which is perpendicular to both the up-and-down and front-and-back directions will be referred to as the left-and-right direction. Furthermore, one side of the up-and-down direction, the Z1 direction in Figure 1, will be referred to as the "up" side, the opposite side of the up side, the Z2 direction in Figure 1, will be referred to as the "down" side, one side of the front-and-back direction, the X1 direction in Figure 1, will be referred to as the "front" side, the opposite side of the front side, the X2 direction in Figure 1, will be referred to as the "back" side, one side of the left-and-right direction, the Y1 direction in Figure 1, will be referred to as the "right" side, and the opposite side of the right side, the Y2 direction in Figure 1, will be referred to as the "left" side.

[0015] The information processing device 2 of this embodiment is a device for manually performing data communication with a non-contact IC card 3 (hereinafter referred to as "card 3"), which is a communication target. The information processing device 2 is, for example, a payment terminal used at the time of payment by credit card, and is mounted on and used by a host device of the information processing device 2. For example, the information processing device 2 is mounted on and used by a fuel dispenser at an unmanned or self-service gas station. Further, the information processing device 2 may be mounted on and used by, for example, an automatic ticket vending machine, a vending machine, an entrance / exit management device, or an ATM (Automatic Teller Machine). The card 3 incorporates an IC chip and a communication antenna electrically connected to the IC chip. The card 3 is a card compliant with international standards and JIS standards.

[0016] The information processing device 2 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with a thin thickness in the front-rear direction as a whole. When viewed from the front-rear direction, the outer shape of the information processing device 2 is a substantially rectangular shape with the left-right direction as the long side direction. A user who uses the information processing device 2 holds the card 3 in front of the information processing device 2.

[0017] The information processing device 2 includes a data communication unit 4 that performs data communication with the card 3 and an accessory unit 5 formed separately from the data communication unit 4. The information processing device 2 of this embodiment is composed of the data communication unit 4 and the accessory unit 5. The data communication unit 4 is attached to the accessory unit 5. The data communication unit 4 and the accessory unit 5 are each unitized, and the accessory unit 5 is separable from the data communication unit 4. Hereinafter, the specific configurations of the data communication unit 4 and the accessory unit 5 will be described.

[0018] (Configuration of Data Communication Unit) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the data communication unit 4 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the data communication unit 4 shown in FIG. 4 shown from different directions. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the data communication unit 4 shown in FIG. 4.

[0019] The data communication unit 4 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. When viewed from the front-rear direction, the outer shape of the data communication unit 4 is rectangular with the left-right direction being the long side direction. The front surface of the data communication unit 4 is a plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction. The data communication unit 4 includes a circuit board 6 for electrically connecting the information processing device 2 to a higher-level device, and three connectors 7 to 9 mounted on the circuit board 6. The circuit board 6 of this embodiment is an interface board.

[0020] Also, the data communication unit 4 includes a communication antenna 11 (see FIG. 3) for communicating with the card 3 in a non-contact manner, a circuit board 12 to which the antenna 11 is connected, electronic components 13 mounted on the circuit board 12, a first frame 14 to which the antenna 11 is attached, a second frame 15 for holding the circuit boards 6 and 12, a housing 16 that houses the circuit boards 6 and 12, the antenna 11, the electronic components 13, the first frame 14, and the second frame 15, and a front panel 17 that constitutes the front surface of the data communication unit 4. The circuit board 12 of this embodiment is a data communication board, and the housing 16 is a communication unit housing.

[0021] As described above, the data communication unit 4 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the housing 16 is formed in a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing 16 is composed of a first housing member 20 and a second housing member 21 that are divided in the front-rear direction. The first housing member 20 constitutes the front side portion of the housing 16, and the second housing member 21 constitutes the rear side portion of the housing 16. The first housing member 20 and the second housing member 21 are formed in a flat rectangular parallelepiped box shape with a thin thickness in the front-rear direction. Also, the first housing member 20 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped box shape with an open rear surface side, and the second housing member 21 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped box shape with an open front surface side. An opening for exposing the connectors 7 to 9 to the outside of the housing 16 is formed in the rear surface portion of the second housing member 21.

[0022] The front panel 17 is attached to the front of the housing 16. Specifically, the front panel 17 is attached to the front of the first housing member 20. The first frame 14 is located inside the first housing member 20. The antenna 11 is wound in a rectangular ring shape. The antenna 11 is fixed to the front of the first frame 14. The antenna 11 is located behind the front part of the first housing member 20. That is, the antenna 11 is located behind the front panel 17. The front panel 17 displays a predetermined mark to indicate the center position of the antenna 11. The mark is, for example, a logo mark (ripple mark) specified in the international standard EMV.

[0023] The second frame 15 is formed in a roughly rectangular cylindrical shape with a short length in the front-to-back direction. The circuit boards 6 and 12 are rigid substrates such as glass epoxy substrates. The circuit boards 6 and 12 are formed in a roughly rectangular flat plate shape. The thickness direction of circuit board 6 coincides with the front-to-back direction, and the thickness direction of circuit board 12 coincides with the front-to-back direction. Circuit board 6 is attached to the front end of the second frame 15. Circuit board 12 is attached to the rear end of the second frame 15. The circuit boards 6 and 12 and the second frame 15 are located behind the first frame 14.

[0024] Electronic component 13 is a component for processing the signal input from antenna 11. Electronic component 13 is mounted on the rear surface of circuit board 12. Antenna 11 is connected to the rear surface of circuit board 12. Connectors 7 and 8 are interface connectors for electrically connecting circuit board 6 to a higher-level device. Connector 9 is a connector for electrically connecting circuit board 6 to the accessory unit 5. Connectors 7 to 9 are mounted on the rear surface of circuit board 6. Specifically, connectors 7 and 8 are mounted on the left side of the rear surface of circuit board 6, and connector 9 is mounted on the right side of the rear surface of circuit board 6. The connection ports of connectors 7 to 9 face the rear. In this configuration, connector 9 is the data communication unit side connector.

[0025] A flexible printed circuit board 22 (hereinafter referred to as "FPC22") is arranged on the inner circumference side of the cylindrical second frame 15. In other words, the data communication unit 4 is equipped with an FPC22. The FPC22 is routed in a ring shape along the inner surface of the second frame 15. The thickness direction of the FPC22 is perpendicular to the vertical direction. The FPC22 is arranged between the circuit board 6 and the circuit board 12 in the front-to-back direction. The electronic components 13 are arranged on the inner circumference side of the FPC22. The FPC22 is connected to the rear surface of the circuit board 12.

[0026] The FPC22 has a detection circuit formed to detect at least one of either an open circuit or a short circuit. This detection circuit is formed across the entire surface of the FPC22. Detection circuits are also formed on the rear surface of the circuit board 6 and the front surface of the circuit board 12 to detect at least one of either an open circuit or a short circuit. This detection circuit is formed across the entire surface of, for example, the circuit boards 6 and 12. The area defined by the circuit boards 6 and 12 and the FPC22 is a protected area S surrounded by detection circuits from all directions. The protected area S is an area where security is ensured.

[0027] (Configuration of the included unit) Figure 7 is a perspective view of the accessory unit 5 shown in Figure 1. Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the accessory unit 5 shown in Figure 7.

[0028] The external shape of the accessory unit 5 is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped with a thin thickness in the front-to-back direction. When viewed from the front or back, the external shape of the accessory unit 5 is a roughly rectangular shape with the left-to-right direction as the longer side. The accessory unit 5 is equipped with electrical devices 25 that are electrically connected to the circuit board 6. The electrical devices 25 are, for example, lighting equipment, speakers, displays, or cameras for reading two-dimensional codes, etc. The accessory unit 5 is equipped with one or more types of electrical devices 25.

[0029] For example, the accessory unit 5 includes a lighting device as an electrical device 25, thus comprising one type of electrical device 25. Alternatively, for example, the accessory unit 5 includes both a lighting device and a speaker as electrical devices 25, thus comprising two types of electrical devices 25. Below, we will describe an embodiment in which the accessory unit 5 includes only a lighting device as an electrical device 25. In the following description, the electrical device 25 will be referred to as "lighting device 25". In this specification, "electrical device" refers to a device that operates using electricity, and electrical devices also include electronic devices that apply the technology of electronics engineering.

[0030] The accessory unit 5 includes two lighting devices 25. The accessory unit 5 also includes a frame 26 that holds the two lighting devices 25, a circuit board 27 to which the lighting devices 25 are electrically connected, a connector 28 mounted on the circuit board 27, and a housing 29 that houses the lighting devices 25, frame 26, circuit board 27, and connector 28. In this embodiment, the circuit board 27 is the accessory unit board, and the connector 28 is the accessory unit side connector. The housing 29 in this embodiment is the accessory unit housing.

[0031] The housing 29 comprises a first housing member 30 and a second housing member 31, which are divided in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the housing 29 is composed of the first housing member 30 and the second housing member 31. The first housing member 30 constitutes the front part of the housing 29, and the second housing member 31 constitutes the rear part of the housing 29. The first housing member 30 is composed of a rectangular frame-shaped front portion 30b that constitutes the front surface of the first housing member 30, and a rectangular cylindrical portion 30c that is connected to the outer circumferential surface of the front portion 30b. The cylindrical portion 30c extends from the front portion 30b toward the rear. The length of the cylindrical portion 30c in the front-rear direction is short.

[0032] The inner circumference of the front portion 30b is an opening 30d for exposing the front panel 17 to the outside of the housing 29. In other words, the first housing member 30 has an opening 30d. The opening 30d is rectangular in shape, with the left-right direction being the longer side. The front end of the data communication unit 4 is located inside the opening 30d. Specifically, the front end of the first housing member 20 and the front panel 17 are located inside the opening 30d. The front end of the data communication unit 4 is located in approximately the same position as the front of the front portion 30b in the front-rear direction.

[0033] The front portion 30b has an opening 30e for exposing the light-emitting part of the lighting device 25 to the outside of the housing 29. The opening 30e is formed in two places, above and below the opening 30d. The opening 30e is formed in a long, narrow rectangular shape in the left-right direction. The cylindrical portion 30c is located on the outer periphery of the data communication unit 4. Specifically, the cylindrical portion 30c is located on the outer periphery of the front portion of the data communication unit 4.

[0034] The second housing member 31 is composed of a rectangular rear portion 31b that forms the rear surface of the second housing member 31, a square cylindrical portion 31c connected to the outer circumferential surface of the rear portion 31b, and two fixed portions 31d that are fixed to the upper device. The cylindrical portion 31c extends forward from the rear portion 31b. The length of the cylindrical portion 31c in the front-rear direction is short. The rear portion 31b is located behind the data communication unit 4. The cylindrical portion 31c is located on the outer circumferential side of the data communication unit 4. Specifically, the cylindrical portion 31c is located on the outer circumferential side of the rear portion of the data communication unit 4. The first housing member 30 and the second housing member 31 are fixed to each other with the rear end of the cylindrical portion 30c and the front end of the cylindrical portion 31c in contact with each other.

[0035] An opening 31e is formed in the rear portion 31b to expose connectors 7 and 8 to the outside of the housing 29. The opening 31e is formed in a rectangular shape with the vertical direction as the longer side. The fixed portion 31d is formed in a flat plate shape with the front-to-back direction as the thickness direction. The fixed portion 31d is also formed in a rectangular shape with the vertical direction as the longer side. The fixed portion 31d is connected to the front end of the cylindrical portion 31c. The fixed portion 31d extends outward from the front end of the cylindrical portion 31c in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the information processing device 2 is fixed to the host device by fixing the fixed portion 31d to the host device.

[0036] The lighting device 25 is, for example, an LED lighting fixture comprising multiple LED (Light Emitting Diode) light sources and optical elements such as a diffuser plate. The frame 26 is formed in the shape of a rectangular frame with the left-right direction as the longer side. The frame 26 is located inside the first housing member 30 and is positioned behind the front portion 30b of the first housing member 30. The frame 26 is fixed to the front portion 30b. The lighting device 25 is attached to the frame 26 at two locations, the upper and lower edges, and is positioned at two locations, the upper and lower ends of the accessory unit 5. The front end of the lighting device 25 is positioned inside the opening 30e of the first housing member 30. The front of the lighting device 25 is the light-emitting surface.

[0037] The circuit board 27 is a rigid substrate such as a glass epoxy substrate. The thickness direction of the circuit board 27 coincides with the front-to-back direction. The circuit board 27 is composed of a rectangular first substrate portion 27b that constitutes the right side of the circuit board 27, a rectangular second substrate portion 27c that extends from the upper end of the first substrate portion 27b toward the left, and a rectangular third substrate portion 27d that extends from the lower end of the first substrate portion 27b toward the left.

[0038] The circuit board 27 is attached to the rear end of the frame 26. The circuit board 27 is located in front of the rear surface portion 31b of the second housing member 31. The circuit board 27 is also located behind the data communication unit 4. The first board portion 27b is located to the right of the right end of the opening 31e of the second housing member 31. The second board portion 27c is located above the upper end of the opening 31e. The third board portion 27d is located below the lower end of the opening 31e.

[0039] The rear end of the lighting fixture 25 is mounted on the front of the circuit board 27. Specifically, of the two lighting fixtures 25, one lighting fixture 25 is mounted on the front of the second circuit board section 27c, and the other lighting fixture 25 is mounted on the front of the third circuit board section 27d. Connector 28 is a connector for connecting circuit board 6 and circuit board 27. Connector 28 is mounted on the front of circuit board 27. Specifically, connector 28 is mounted on the left end of the front of the first circuit board section 27b. The connection port of connector 28 faces forward. Connector 9 can be connected to connector 28 from the front.

[0040] As described above, the front end of the data communication unit 4 is located inside the opening 30d, the rear portion 31b is located behind the data communication unit 4, and the cylindrical portions 30c and 31c are located on the outer circumference of the data communication unit 4. In other words, as shown in Figure 3, the data communication unit 4 is housed in the housing 29. Specifically, the entire data communication unit 4 is housed in the housing 29. The cylindrical portions 30c and 31c are located on the outer circumference of the data communication unit 4, and the housing 29 covers the entire side of the data communication unit 4. Also, as described above, the housing 29 houses the lighting equipment 25, frame 26, circuit board 27, and connector 28. In other words, the housing 29 houses the components of the accessory unit 5.

[0041] The first housing member 30 and the second housing member 31 are fixed to each other with a portion of the data communication unit 4 sandwiched between them. When the first housing member 30 and the second housing member 31 are fixed to each other with a portion of the data communication unit 4 sandwiched between them, the data communication unit 4 is housed in the housing 29 and attached to the accessory unit 5. Also, when the first housing member 30 and the second housing member 31 are fixed to each other with a portion of the data communication unit 4 sandwiched between them, the connector 9 and the connector 28 are connected. In other words, when the data communication unit 4 is housed in the housing 29, the connector 9 and the connector 28 are connected.

[0042] (Configuration of information processing device) As described above, the data communication unit 4 is housed in the housing 29. That is, the data communication unit 4 is built into the accessory unit 5. On the rear surface of the information processing device 2, connectors 7 and 8 are exposed, located in the openings and opening 31e on the rear surface of the second housing member 21. Wiring drawn from a higher-level device is connected to connectors 7 and 8. Specifically, connectors attached to the ends of the wiring are connected to connectors 7 and 8.

[0043] On the front of the information processing device 2, the front panel 17 is positioned within an opening 30d. When the information processing device 2 communicates data with the card 3 contactlessly, the user holds the card 3 over the front panel 17 from the front of the information processing device 2. Lighting units 25 are positioned on both the top and bottom sides of the front panel 17. The lighting units 25 serve to guide the user to hold the card 3 over the front panel 17.

[0044] In this configuration, the data communication unit 4 has the function of communicating data with the card 3. On the other hand, the accessory unit 5 has only a lighting function, for example. In other words, in this configuration, the data communication unit 4 has all the functions of the information processing device 2 that require certification of security standards such as PCI DSS, while the accessory unit 5 has the functions of the information processing device 2 that do not require certification of security standards.

[0045] (Main effects of this form) As described above, in this embodiment, the data communication unit 4, which communicates with card 3, is equipped with a circuit board 6 for electrically connecting the information processing device 2 to a higher-level device. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the accessory unit 5, which is equipped with electrical equipment 25 electrically connected to the circuit board 6, is formed separately from the data communication unit 4 and is attached to the data communication unit 4 while also being separable from the data communication unit 4. Therefore, by changing the accessory unit 5 to which the data communication unit 4 is attached, it becomes possible to change the functions of the information processing device 2 without changing the data communication unit 4.

[0046] Furthermore, in this configuration, the data communication unit 4 possesses all the functions of the information processing device 2 that require certification of security standards such as PCI DSS, while the auxiliary unit 5 possesses the functions of the information processing device 2 that do not require certification of security standards. Therefore, in this configuration, once the data communication unit 4 has obtained certification of security standards, even if the auxiliary unit 5 attached to the data communication unit 4 is changed, it becomes possible to avoid obtaining new certification of security standards for the modified information processing device 2. Consequently, in this configuration, even if the external appearance of the information processing device 2 changes, for example by changing the functions of the information processing device 2, it becomes possible to avoid obtaining new certification of security standards for the information processing device 2 that requires certification of security standards.

[0047] In this configuration, the data communication unit 4 includes a housing 16 that accommodates the circuit boards 6 and 12, the antenna 11, the electronic components 13, the first frame 14, and the second frame 15. Therefore, in this configuration, the data communication unit 4 can be easily handled together with the housing 16 before being attached to the accessory unit 5. Furthermore, in this configuration, the accessory unit 5 includes a housing 29 that accommodates the data communication unit 4 and the components of the accessory unit 5, making it easy to handle the information processing device 2 together with the housing 29.

[0048] In this configuration, when the data communication unit 4 is housed in the housing 29, the connector 9 of the data communication unit 4 and the connector 28 of the accessory unit 5 are connected. In other words, in this configuration, simply by housing the data communication unit 4 in the housing 29, the circuit board 6 of the data communication unit 4 and the electrical equipment 25 are electrically connected. Therefore, in this configuration, the electrical connection work between the circuit board 6 and the electrical equipment 25 can be easily performed. In particular, in this configuration, the first housing member 30 and the second housing member 31 are fixed to each other with a part of the data communication unit 4 in between, so that the connector 9 and the connector 28 are connected and the circuit board 6 and the electrical equipment 25 are electrically connected, making the electrical connection work between the circuit board 6 and the electrical equipment 25 even easier.

[0049] (Other embodiments) The above-described embodiments are examples of preferred embodiments of the present invention, but are not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made without altering the essence of the invention.

[0050] In the above-described configuration, the first housing member 30 and the second housing member 31 may be fixed to each other with the entire data communication unit 4 sandwiched between them. Also, in the above-described configuration, a part of the data communication unit 4 does not have to be housed in the housing 29. Furthermore, the entire data communication unit 4 does not have to be housed in the housing 29. In this case, for example, the data communication unit 4 is attached to the front side of the accessory unit 5. Moreover, in the above-described configuration, the housing 29 does not have to cover the entire side of the data communication unit 4. Also, in the above-described configuration, the accessory unit 5 does not have to have a housing 29.

[0051] In the above-described configuration, if a magnetic card reader that reads magnetic data recorded on a magnetic card and / or records magnetic data on a magnetic card, or an IC card reader that communicates data with a contact-type IC card, does not require certification of security standards, then the electrical device 25 may be a magnetic card reader or an IC card reader. Furthermore, the electrical device 25 may be a touch key for entering a PIN or personal identification number.

[0052] In the above-described configuration, the data communication unit 4 may include an IC contact block having multiple IC contact springs for data communication with a contact-type IC card. In this case, the data communication unit 4 does not need to include an antenna 11. That is, in the above-described configuration, the communication target is a contact-type IC card, and the information processing device 2 may be a device for manually communicating data with a contact-type IC card. The data communication unit 4 may also include a magnetic head for reading magnetic data recorded on a magnetic card or for recording magnetic data onto a magnetic card. The data communication unit 4 may also include a camera for reading two-dimensional codes, etc., and touch keys for entering PINs or personal identification numbers.

[0053] In the above-described configuration, the circuit board 6 and the circuit board 27 may be connected via wiring. Also, in the above-described configuration, the accessory unit 5 does not need to have a circuit board 27. In this case, the electrical equipment 25 is connected to the circuit board 6 via wiring. Furthermore, in the above-described configuration, the front panel 17 may be a display such as a liquid crystal display. In this case, the front panel 17 may be a display with a touch panel. Also, in the above-described configuration, the communication target with which data communication takes place between the information processing device 2 and the device may be an information recording medium other than the card 3, or an electronic device such as a smartphone or an RFID tag.

[0054] (Configuration of this technology) Furthermore, this technology can be configured as follows: (1) In an information processing device for manually communicating data with a communication target, The system comprises a data communication unit that performs data communication with the communication target object, and an accessory unit that is formed separately from the data communication unit, to which the data communication unit is attached, and which is separable from the data communication unit. The data communication unit includes an interface board, which is a circuit board for electrically connecting the information processing device to a higher-level device of the information processing device. The aforementioned auxiliary unit is characterized by comprising electrical equipment electrically connected to the interface board, thereby providing an information processing device. (2) The object to be communicated is a contactless IC card, The information processing apparatus according to (1), characterized in that the data communication unit is equipped with a communication antenna for contactless communication with the IC card. (3) The information processing apparatus according to (2), characterized in that the data communication unit comprises a data communication board which is a circuit board to which the antenna is connected, and a communication unit housing which is a housing that houses the interface board, the data communication board and the antenna. (4) The electrical equipment is a lighting device, speaker, camera or display, The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), characterized in that the auxiliary unit comprises one or more types of the aforementioned electrical equipment. (5) The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4), characterized in that the accessory unit comprises an accessory unit housing which houses at least a part of the data communication unit and also houses the components of the accessory unit. (6) The data communication unit is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, The information processing apparatus according to (5), characterized in that the attached unit housing covers the entire side of the data communication unit. (7) The data communication unit includes a data communication unit side connector which is a connector mounted on the interface board, The aforementioned accessory unit comprises an accessory unit board, which is a circuit board to which the electrical equipment is electrically connected, and an accessory unit side connector, which is a connector mounted on the accessory unit board. The information processing apparatus according to (5) or (6), characterized in that when at least a portion of the data communication unit is housed in the accessory unit housing, the data communication unit side connector and the accessory unit side connector are connected. (8) The accessory unit housing comprises a first housing member and a second housing member that are fixed to each other with at least a part of the data communication unit in between, The information processing apparatus according to (7), characterized in that when the first housing member and the second housing member are fixed to each other with at least a part of the data communication unit sandwiched between them, the data communication unit side connector and the accessory unit side connector are connected.

[0055] In this technology, for example, the object to be communicated is a contactless IC card, and the data communication unit is equipped with a communication antenna for contactless communication with the IC card.

[0056] In this technology, for example, the data communication unit comprises a data communication board, which is a circuit board to which an antenna is connected, and a communication unit housing, which is a housing that accommodates an interface board, a data communication board, and an antenna. In this case, since the interface board, a data communication board, and an antenna are housed in the communication unit housing, the data communication unit can be easily handled together with the communication unit housing before being attached to an accessory unit.

[0057] In this technology, for example, the electrical equipment may be a lighting fixture, speaker, camera, or display, and the accessory unit may comprise one or more types of electrical equipment.

[0058] In this technology, it is preferable that the accessory unit comprises an accessory unit housing, which is a housing that accommodates at least a portion of the data communication unit and the components of the accessory unit. With this configuration, since at least a portion of the data communication unit and the components of the accessory unit are housed in the accessory unit housing, the information processing device can be easily handled together with the accessory unit housing.

[0059] In this technology, for example, the data communication unit is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, and the attached unit housing covers the entire circumference of the sides of the data communication unit.

[0060] In this technology, the data communication unit includes a data communication unit-side connector, which is a connector mounted on the interface board, and the accessory unit includes an accessory unit board, which is a circuit board to which electrical equipment is electrically connected, and an accessory unit-side connector, which is a connector mounted on the accessory unit board. Preferably, when at least a portion of the data communication unit is housed in the accessory unit housing, the data communication unit-side connector and the accessory unit-side connector are connected. With this configuration, it becomes possible to electrically connect the interface board and the electrical equipment simply by housing at least a portion of the data communication unit in the accessory unit housing. Therefore, it becomes possible to easily perform the electrical connection work between the interface board and the electrical equipment.

[0061] In this technology, the accessory unit housing comprises a first housing member and a second housing member that are fixed to each other with at least a portion of the data communication unit sandwiched between them. When the first housing member and the second housing member are fixed to each other with at least a portion of the data communication unit sandwiched between them, it is preferable that the data communication unit side connector and the accessory unit side connector are connected. With this configuration, by fixing the first housing member and the second housing member to each other with at least a portion of the data communication unit sandwiched between them, it becomes possible to electrically connect the interface board and the electrical equipment, thus making the electrical connection work between the interface board and the electrical equipment easier. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0062] 2. Information Processing Device 3. Cards (IC cards, communication devices) 4. Data communication unit 5. Accessory Units 6. Circuit board (interface board) 9. Connector (Data communication unit side connector) 11 Antennas 12 Circuit board (data communication board) 16. Enclosure (Communication Unit Enclosure) 25 Lighting equipment (electrical equipment) 27 Circuit board (attached unit board) 28 Connectors (connectors on the included unit side) 29. Enclosure (included unit enclosure) 30 First housing component 31. Second housing component

Claims

1. In an information processing device for manually communicating data with a communication target, The system comprises a data communication unit that performs data communication with the communication target object, and an accessory unit that is formed separately from the data communication unit, to which the data communication unit is attached, and which is separable from the data communication unit. The data communication unit includes an interface board, which is a circuit board for electrically connecting the information processing device to a higher-level device of the information processing device. The aforementioned auxiliary unit is characterized by comprising electrical equipment electrically connected to the interface board, thereby providing an information processing device.

2. The communication target is a contactless IC card, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the data communication unit is equipped with a communication antenna for contactless communication with the IC card.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the data communication unit comprises a data communication board which is a circuit board to which the antenna is connected, and a communication unit housing which is a housing that houses the interface board, the data communication board, and the antenna.

4. The aforementioned electrical equipment includes lighting equipment, speakers, cameras, or displays. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the auxiliary unit comprises one or more types of electrical equipment.

5. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the accessory unit comprises an accessory unit housing which houses at least a part of the data communication unit and also houses the components of the accessory unit.

6. The data communication unit is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the attached unit housing covers the entire side surface of the data communication unit.

7. The data communication unit includes a data communication unit-side connector, which is a connector mounted on the interface board. The aforementioned accessory unit comprises an accessory unit board, which is a circuit board to which the electrical equipment is electrically connected, and an accessory unit side connector, which is a connector mounted on the accessory unit board. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that when at least a portion of the data communication unit is housed in the accessory unit housing, the data communication unit side connector and the accessory unit side connector are connected.

8. The aforementioned accessory unit housing comprises a first housing member and a second housing member that are fixed to each other with at least a portion of the data communication unit sandwiched between them. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that when the first housing member and the second housing member are fixed to each other with at least a portion of the data communication unit sandwiched between them, the data communication unit side connector and the accessory unit side connector are connected.

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