Search device and information processing program

Abstract

To allow a user to easily reach the position of a wireless tag which is a search target.SOLUTION: A search device of an embodiment includes an antenna with directivity, communication means, determination means, photographing means, and display means. The communication means wirelessly communicates, using the antenna, with a wireless tag to be searched. The determination means determines a relative position of the wireless tag with respect to the antenna based on a status of communication by the communication unit with the wireless tag to be searched. The photographing means obtains an image in a photographing range designated as a directional direction side of the antenna. The display means displays a screen in which a guide image for bringing the antenna closer to the position determined by the determination means is superimposed and represented on the image obtained by the photographing means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a search device and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] There is already known a search device that determines the position of a wireless tag based on the communication status with the wireless tag to be searched for and notifies the user of the position. However, a conventional search device notifies the position of the wireless tag on a screen representing the position on a two-dimensional plane as a relative position with respect to the search device, and there are cases where the user cannot efficiently reach the position of the wireless tag. Under such circumstances, it has been desired to enable the user to easily reach the position of the wireless tag to be searched for.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a search device and an information processing program that enable a user to easily reach the position of a wireless tag to be searched for.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The search device of the embodiment comprises a directional antenna, communication means, determination means, imaging means, and display means. The communication means communicates wirelessly with the wireless tag to be searched using the antenna. The determination means determines the relative position of the wireless tag with respect to the antenna based on the communication status with the wireless tag by the communication means. The imaging means obtains an image of the imaging range defined as the direction of the antenna's direction. The display means, Information that prompts the user to move Overlaying onto the image obtained by the photographic means The first guide screen displays information, and the second guide screen displays information prompting the user to change orientation, superimposed on the image obtained by the camera, alternating between the two. Display. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] A block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a search device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] A flowchart of the search process performed by the processor in Figure 1. [Figure 3] A flowchart of the search process performed by the processor in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the first guide screen as an example. [Figure 5] This diagram shows a second guide screen as an example. [Figure 6] This diagram shows an example of a detection screen. [Figure 7] A flowchart of the display processing performed by the processor in Figure 1. [Figure 8] This diagram shows a third guide screen as an example. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the fourth guide screen as an example. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the fifth guide screen as an example. [Figure 11] This diagram shows the seventh guide screen as an example. [Figure 12] This diagram shows the ninth guide screen as an example. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of a display screen in the third guide display. [Figure 14] A diagram showing a display screen as another example of the first guide display. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] An example of an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the search device 1 according to this embodiment. The search device 1 is implemented in a form that can be moved by the user. For example, the search device 1 is equipped with a grip and is used in a handheld state by the user holding the grip. Hereinafter, the state in which the user holds the search device 1 in a predetermined state will be referred to as the "usage state". The search device 1 then guides the user to move the search device 1 closer to the wireless tag, thereby assisting the user in reaching the location of, for example, an item to which a wireless tag is attached.

[0008] The search device 1 includes a processor 11, main memory 12, auxiliary storage unit 13, antenna 14, communication unit 15, camera 16, touch panel 17, motion sensor 18, and transmission line 19, etc. The processor 11, main memory 12, auxiliary storage unit 13, antenna 14, communication unit 15, camera 16, touch panel 17, and motion sensor 18 are connected via the transmission line 19.

[0009] By connecting the processor 11, main memory 12, and auxiliary storage unit 13 with a transmission line 19, a computer is configured to perform information processing for controlling the search device 1. The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 11 performs information processing to control each part in order to realize various functions as a search device 1, in accordance with information processing programs such as the operating system and application programs.

[0010] The main memory 12 corresponds to the main storage part of the above computer. The main memory 12 includes a read-only memory area and a rewritable memory area. The main memory 12 stores a part of the above information processing program in the read-only memory area. Also, the main memory 12 may store data necessary for the processor 11 to execute processes for controlling each part in the read-only memory area or the rewritable memory area. The main memory 12 uses the rewritable memory area as a work area by the processor 11.

[0011] The auxiliary storage unit 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the above computer. As the auxiliary storage unit 13, for example, an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory) is used. As the auxiliary storage unit 13, an HDD (hard disc drive), an SSD (solid state drive), or other various well-known storage devices can also be used. The auxiliary storage unit 13 stores data used by the processor 11 to perform various processes and data generated by the processes in the processor 11. The auxiliary storage unit 13 may store the above information processing program. In this embodiment, the auxiliary storage unit 13 stores a search program PRA which is one of the information processing programs.

[0012] The antenna 14 radiates radio waves corresponding to the electrical signals supplied from the communication unit 15 into space. The antenna 14 receives radio waves radiated from the wireless tag and arriving in space, and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the received radio waves to the communication unit 15. The antenna 14 has directivity. The antenna 14 is provided such that the directivity range faces the front of the user when the search device 1 is in use. In the following description, as an example, the direction of the central axis of the directivity range of the antenna 14 is defined as the direction of the search device 1.

[0013] The communication unit 15 wirelessly communicates with the wireless tag via the antenna 14 according to a predetermined sequence. The communication unit 15 can change the transmission output. The communication unit 15 is an example of communication means. The camera 16 includes an optical system and an image sensor, and generates image data representing an image within the angle of view formed by the optical system by the image sensor. The camera 16 preferably can shoot videos. However, the camera 16 may shoot still images alone or continuously. The central axis of the angle of view of the camera 16 is defined to face the front of the user when the search device 1 is in use. The camera 16 is an example of imaging means.

[0014] The touch panel 17 functions as an input device and a display device of the search device 1. The motion sensor 18 detects the movement of the search device 1. The motion sensor 18 determines the orientation of the search device 1 in the three-dimensional space based on the movement of the search device 1. As the motion sensor 18, for example, a well-known sensor device such as an acceleration sensor can be used. The transmission path 19 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, etc., and transmits data and control signals exchanged between the connected components. Note that a wireless transmission path such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be used for a part of the transmission path 19.

[0015] The search device 1 is configured, for example, with a first unit and a second unit, which are separate and detachably configured from each other. The housing of the first unit is partially formed as the aforementioned grip. The first unit includes, for example, an antenna 14, a communication unit 15, a camera 16, and part of a transmission line 19. The second unit includes, for example, a processor 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage unit 13, a touch panel 17, a motion sensor 18, and a transmission line 19. The second unit can also be an information terminal device such as a smartphone or tablet. For data transmission between the first unit and the second unit, it is preferable to use the aforementioned wireless transmission line. However, it is arbitrary which unit each element is provided in, such as providing the camera 16 in the second unit or the motion sensor 18 in the first unit. It may also be configured with a single unit or three or more units.

[0016] The search device 1 is transferred with the search program PRA stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13. Alternatively, the hardware of the search device 1 may be transferred without the search program PRA being stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13, or with another information processing program of the same type as the search program PRA stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13. In this case, the search program PRA is written to the auxiliary storage unit 13, for example, by the processor 11, under the instruction of the user. The transfer of the search program PRA may be done by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, or semiconductor memory, or by transferring it over a network.

[0017] Next, the operation of the search device 1, configured as described above, will be explained. When the search device 1 is in an operating state for searching for wireless tags, the processor 11 executes information processing based on the search program PRA (hereinafter referred to as the search process). Figures 2 and 3 are flowcharts of the search process performed by processor 11. Note that the process described below is an example, and the order of some processes can be changed, some processes can be omitted, or other processes can be added as appropriate.

[0018] In Figure 2, as ACT1, the processor 11 obtains the identifier of the wireless tag to be searched (hereinafter referred to as the target tag) as the target identifier. For example, the processor 11 uses an identifier specified by a predetermined operation on the touch panel 17 as the target identifier.

[0019] As ACT2, the processor 11 sets the transmission output of the communication unit 15 to a predetermined upper limit. The upper limit may be fixedly determined by, for example, the designer of the search device 1, or it may be arbitrarily determined by the user or administrator of the search device 1. As ACT3, the processor 11 starts the first guide display. The first guide display is a display that guides the user on the actions necessary to enable communication between the search device 1 and the target tag. For example, the processor 11 alternately displays on the touch panel 17 a first guide screen that prompts the user to move the search device 1, and a second guide screen that prompts the user to significantly change the orientation of the search device 1.

[0020] Figure 4 shows an example of the first guide screen SCA. The first guide screen SCA is a screen that overlays the video MPA and displays an image IMA and a text message MEA to prompt the user to move the search device 1. In the example in Figure 4, the image IMA and text message MEA prompt the user to move, but since the search device 1 moves when the user holding the search device 1 moves, the image IMA and text message MEA prompt the user to move the search device 1.

[0021] Figure 5 shows a second guide screen (SCB) as an example. The second guide screen (SCB) is a screen that overlays the video (MPA) and displays an image (IMB) and a text message (MEB) to prompt the user to change the orientation.

[0022] For example, the processor 11 activates the camera 16 and starts displaying the video MPA on the touch panel 17 based on the image data output by the camera 16. The processor 11 then repeatedly, at predetermined time intervals, displays the image IMA and text message MEA superimposed on the video MPA based on image data previously stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13, and displays the image IMB and text message MEB superimposed on the video MPA based on image data previously stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13. Although the video MPA is the same in Figures 4 and 5, it actually changes in various ways. The same applies to Figures 6, 8 to 12, and 14, which will be explained below.

[0023] As ACT4, the processor 11 instructs the communication unit 15 to start a read sequence for sequentially reading the identifiers of the communicable wireless tags. Existing, well-known sequences, such as those conforming to the ISO / IEC 18000 series standards, can be applied as the read sequence. The wireless tag operates by receiving radio waves emitted from the antenna 14 in response to a signal supplied from the communication unit 15, and emits radio waves containing the identifiers it has previously stored. Thus, the range in which the search device 1 can communicate with the wireless tag is smaller than the range in which the radio waves from the search device 1 can reach. In other words, the communicable range is determined by the directivity of the antenna 14 and the magnitude of the transmission output of the communication unit 15. Setting the transmission output of the communication unit 15 to the upper limit, as described above, is equivalent to setting the size of the communicable range to the maximum of a predetermined variable range. Thus, the search device 1 first attempts to communicate with the target tag within the maximum communicable range of the predetermined variable range.

[0024] The user moves while changing the orientation of the search device 1, following the first guide display. When the target tag enters the communication area of ​​the search device 1, the communication unit 15 becomes able to read the target identifier. However, since the user continues to move while changing the orientation of the search device 1, the target tag may sometimes move out of the communication area of ​​the search device 1.

[0025] As ACT5, the processor 11 waits for the wireless tag identified by the target identifier to be detected (hereinafter referred to as the detection state). For example, the processor 11 checks the identifier being read by the communication unit 15 when it performs a read sequence, and determines that the detection state is in effect if the read status of the target identifier matches predetermined conditions. For example, the processor 11 determines the detection state to be in effect when the number of times the target identifier has been read within a predetermined period exceeds a predetermined number of times. The above conditions may be fixedly set by the designer of the search device 1, or they may be arbitrarily set by the user or administrator of the search device 1. If the processor 11 confirms that the detection state is in effect, it determines YES and proceeds to ACT6. As ACT6, the processor 11 displays a detection screen on the touch panel 17. The detection screen is a screen that notifies the user that a detection state has been reached, that is, that the target tag has been detected.

[0026] The first guide display ends when the detection screen is displayed. In other words, the processor 11 displays the first guide during the period until the detection state is established. As a result, the processor 11 determines that the target tag is outside the communication range when it cannot confirm that the detection state is established, and displays the first and second guide screens on the touch panel 17, which are images such as image IMA, IMB and text messages MEA, MEB that are used to guide the target tag's position into the communication range, overlaid on the video MPA obtained by the camera 16. Thus, by the processor 11 executing information processing based on the search program PRA, the computer with the processor 11 as its central component functions as a determination means and a display control means. Furthermore, the function as a display means is realized through the cooperation between the function of the computer with the processor 11 as its central component as a display control means and the touch panel 17 as a display device.

[0027] Figure 6 shows an example of a detection screen SCC. The detection screen SCC is a screen that overlays an image IMC and a text message MEC onto the video MPA to notify the user that a target tag has been detected. For example, the processor 11 continues to display the video MPA and overlays the image IMC and text message MEC onto the video MPA based on image data previously stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13. By visually viewing this detection screen SCC, the user can recognize that they have approached the target tag to some extent.

[0028] As ACT7 in Figure 3, the processor 11 reduces the transmission output of the communication unit 15. For example, the processor 11 changes the transmission output setting of the communication unit 15 to a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined reduction value from the current value. The reduction value may be fixedly set by the designer of the search device 1, or it may be arbitrarily set by the user or administrator of the search device 1. As an example, the reduction value is expected to be the value obtained by dividing the difference between the upper and lower limits of the transmission output set by the user or administrator by a predetermined fixed number of steps. By reducing the transmission output in this way, the communication area of ​​the search device 1 is reduced, and the detection state cannot be maintained unless the user moves the search device 1 closer to the target tag.

[0029] As ACT8, the processor 11, for example, initiates a second guide display. The second guide display is a display that guides the user to move the search device 1 closer to the target tag. Figure 7 is a flowchart of the information processing by the processor 11 for the second guide display (hereinafter referred to as display processing). The processor 11 executes the display process in parallel with the search process, according to the search program PRA. Note that the information processing program for the search process and the information processing program for the display process may be separate application programs.

[0030] As ACT21, the processor 11 determines the position of the target tag. For example, the processor 11 determines the position of the target tag as the relative position of the target tag to the position of the search device 1, based on the acquisition status of the target identifier multiple times immediately preceding. More specifically, the processor 11 determines the position of the target tag by considering the orientation of the search device 1 in each of the multiple target identifier readings, the amount of deviation in the position of the search device 1 in each of the multiple target identifier readings, or the communication quality with the target tag. For this determination, a well-known process such as the one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-33033 can be applied. As an indicator of the communication quality with the target tag, for example, RSSI (receiver signal strength indicator) can be used. RSSI is measured by the communication unit 15 with respect to the radio waves emitted from the target tag. Alternatively, RSSI measured by the wireless tag with respect to the radio waves emitted from the search device 1 and notified from the wireless tag to the search device 1 may be used. In the latter case, the RSSI notified from the wireless tag is affected by changes in the transmission output of the search device 1, so it is desirable to correct for this effect by taking into account the transmission output setting.

[0031] As ACT22, the processor 11 displays a third guide screen on the touch panel 17. The third guide screen is designed to prompt the user to move the search device 1 while making small changes to its orientation.

[0032] Figure 8 shows an example of the third guide screen (SCD). The third guide screen SCD is a screen that displays an image IMD and a text message MED superimposed on the video MPA to prompt the user to move the search device 1 while slightly changing its orientation. The third guide screen SCD also displays a button BUA, an image IME, and an image IMF. The button BUA is a soft key for the user to instruct the user to stop the search. The image IME is an image that represents the horizontal relative position of the target tag with respect to the search device 1 using a radar chart. The image IMF is an image that represents the vertical relative position of the target tag with respect to the search device 1. For example, the processor 11 continues to display the video MPA and superimposes the image IMD, text message MED, and button BUA onto the video MPA based on image data previously stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13, and also superimposes the image IME and IMF generated to represent the positional relationship of the target tag onto the video MPA. Furthermore, if the processor 11 is proceeding from ACT21 to ACT22, it reflects the judgment result from ACT21 in the image IME and IMF.

[0033] As ACT23, processor 11 re-determines the location of the target tag. For example, processor 11 waits for the target identifier to be acquired multiple times, and based on the acquisition status of these multiple target identifiers, determines the location of the target tag in the same way as ACT21. If the user changes the position and orientation of the search device 1 at this time, the new location of the target tag corresponding to that operation will be determined. As ACT24, processor 11 checks whether the target tag is located above search device 1. If processor 11 cannot confirm the event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT25. As ACT25, processor 11 checks whether the target tag is located below search device 1. If processor 11 cannot confirm the event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT26. As ACT26, processor 11 checks whether the target tag is located to the left of search device 1. If processor 11 cannot confirm the event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT27. As ACT27, processor 11 checks whether the target tag is located to the right of search device 1. If processor 11 cannot confirm the event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT28. As ACT28, processor 11 checks whether the target tag is located behind search device 1.

[0034] For the processor 11 to verify ACT24 to ACT28 above, the three-dimensional space is divided vertically into three intermediate, upper, and lower ranges, and horizontally into four ranges: front, left, right, and rear, based on the current position of the search device 1. For example, the intermediate range is defined as a range that extends at a specified angle including the horizontal direction, starting from the current position of the search device 1. The upper and lower ranges are defined as the ranges above and below the intermediate range, respectively. For example, the front range is defined as a range that extends at a specified angle including the current orientation of the search device 1 in the horizontal plane, starting from the current position of the search device 1. The left and right ranges are defined as ranges adjacent to the left and right sides of the front range in the horizontal plane, starting from the current position of the search device 1 and extending at a specified angle. The rear range is defined as a range separate from the front, left, and right ranges in the horizontal plane, starting from the current position of the search device 1. The specified angles for the front range, left range, right range, and rear range are assumed to be 90 degrees each, for example. However, for example, the specified angles for the front range, left range, and right range may each be set to 60 degrees, and the specified angle for the rear range may be set to 180 degrees. The intermediate range, upper range, lower range, front range, left range, right range, and rear range may be arbitrarily set by the designer or user of the search device 1.

[0035] If processor 11 cannot confirm the relevant event in all of ACT24 to ACT28, it determines NO in ACT28 and proceeds to ACT29. In other words, processor 11 proceeds to ACT29 if the position of the target tag is within the intermediate range and within the preceding range. As ACT29, the processor 11 displays a fourth guide screen on the touch panel 17. The fourth guide screen is a screen that guides the user to move forward in order to approach the target tag.

[0036] Figure 9 shows an example of the fourth guide screen SCE. The fourth guide screen SCE is a screen that overlays an image IMG and a text message MEE indicating that the user should proceed, onto the video MPA. The fourth guide screen SCE also displays a button BUA, an image IME, and an image IMF in the same way as the third guide screen SCD. For example, while continuing to display the video MPA, the processor 11 overlays the image IMG, text message MEE, and button BUA onto the video MPA based on image data previously stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13, and also displays the image IME and IMF in the same way as the third guide screen SCD. However, the processor 11 reflects the judgment result from ACT23 in the image IME and IMF. Then, once the processor 11 has finished displaying the fourth guide screen for a predetermined display period, it returns to ACT22. When the processor 11 returns to ACT22 from a state other than ACT21, it reflects the judgment result from ACT23 in the image IME, IMF.

[0037] If processor 11 confirms that the newly determined tag location in ACT23 is within the above range, it determines YES in ACT24 and proceeds to ACT30. As ACT30, the processor 11 displays a fifth guide screen on the touch panel 17. The fifth guide screen is a screen that informs the user that the target tag is located above the current orientation of the search device 1.

[0038] Figure 10 is a diagram showing the fifth guide screen SCF as an example. The fifth guide screen SCF is a screen that overlays an image IMH and a text message MEF onto the video MPA to inform the user that the target tag is located higher up relative to the current orientation of the search device 1. The fifth guide screen SCF also displays a button BUA, an image IME, and an image IMF in the same way as the fourth guide screen SCE. For example, the processor 11 continues to display the video MPA and overlays the image IMH, text message MEF, and button BUA onto the video MPA based on image data previously stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13, and also displays the image IME and IMF in the same way as the fourth guide screen SCE. Then, once the processor 11 has finished displaying the fifth guide screen for a predetermined period of time, it returns to ACT22.

[0039] If processor 11 confirms that the newly determined tag location in ACT23 is within the lower range described above, it determines YES in ACT25 and proceeds to ACT31. As ACT31, the processor 11 displays a sixth guide screen on the touch panel 17. The sixth guide screen is a screen that informs the user that the target tag is located below the current orientation of the search device 1.

[0040] One example of a sixth guide screen is one in which the image IMG in the fifth guide screen SCF is replaced with an image in which the direction of the arrow contained in the said image IMG is reversed, and the text message MEF is replaced with a text message such as "It's a little further down." Then, once processor 11 has finished displaying the sixth guide screen for a predetermined display period, it returns to ACT22.

[0041] If processor 11 confirms that the newly determined tag location in ACT23 is within the aforementioned left range, it determines YES in ACT26 and proceeds to ACT32. As ACT32, the processor 11 displays a seventh guide screen on the touch panel 17. The seventh guide screen is a screen that informs the user that the target tag is to the left of the current orientation of the search device 1. Then, once processor 11 has finished displaying the seventh guide screen for a predetermined display period, it returns to ACT22.

[0042] Figure 11 is a diagram showing the seventh guide screen (SCG) as an example. The seventh guide screen SCG is a screen that overlays an image IMI and a text message MEG on the video MPA to inform the user that the target tag is located to the left relative to the current orientation of the search device 1. The seventh guide screen SCG also displays a button BUA, an image IME, and an image IMF in the same way as the fourth guide screen SCE. For example, the processor 11 continues to display the video MPA and overlays the image IMI, text message MEG, and button BUA on the video MPA based on image data previously stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13, and also displays the image IME and IMF in the same way as the fourth guide screen SCE. Then, once processor 11 has finished displaying the seventh guide screen for a predetermined display period, it returns to ACT22.

[0043] If processor 11 confirms that the newly determined tag location in ACT23 is within the aforementioned right-hand range, it determines YES in ACT27 and proceeds to ACT33. As ACT33, the processor 11 displays an eighth guide screen on the touch panel 17. The eighth guide screen is a screen that informs the user that the target tag is to the right of the current orientation of the search device 1.

[0044] One example of the eighth guide screen is a screen in which the image IMI in the seventh guide screen SCG is replaced with an image in which the circles and vertical lines contained in the said image IMI are positioned at the right edge of the video MPA, and the text message MEG is replaced with a text message such as "It's on the right." Then, once processor 11 has finished displaying the eighth guide screen for a predetermined display period, it returns to ACT22.

[0045] If processor 11 confirms that the newly determined tag location in ACT23 is within the aforementioned range, it determines YES in ACT28 and proceeds to ACT34. As ACT34, the processor 11 displays a ninth guide screen on the touch panel 17. The ninth guide screen is a screen that informs the user that the target tag is located behind the current orientation of the search device 1.

[0046] Figure 12 shows an example of the ninth guide screen, SCH. The ninth guide screen SCH is a screen that overlays an image IMJ and a text message MEH on the video MPA to inform the user that the target tag is located behind the current orientation of the search device 1. The ninth guide screen SCH also displays a button BUA, an image IME, and an image IMF in the same way as the fourth guide screen SCE. For example, the processor 11 continues to display the video MPA and overlays the image IMJ, text message MEH, and button BUA on the video MPA based on image data previously stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13, and also displays the image IME and IMF in the same way as the fourth guide screen SCE. Then, once processor 11 has finished displaying the ninth guide screen for a predetermined display period, it returns to ACT22.

[0047] The display period for the 4th to 9th guide screens may be set, for example, as the period from the start of display until a predetermined time has elapsed. Alternatively, the display period may be set, for example, as the period until a predetermined area on the screen is tapped. The display period may be arbitrarily set by the designer or user of the search device 1.

[0048] Now, if processor 11 starts the second guide display as ACT8 in Figure 3, it proceeds to ACT9. As ACT9, processor 11 checks whether or not the detection state is present. If processor 11 cannot confirm the relevant event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT10. As ACT10, processor 11 checks whether the system is in an undetected state. If processor 11 cannot detect the relevant event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT11. As ACT11, processor 11 checks whether or not it has been instructed to stop the search. If processor 11 cannot confirm the relevant event, it determines NO and returns to ACT9. Thus, the processor 11 waits for a state in which it can be confirmed that it is in a detected state or an undetected state as ACT9 to ACT11, or for a stop command to be issued.

[0049] If the user points the search device 1 in a direction significantly different from the direction in which the target tag is located, or moves the search device 1 away from the target tag, the target tag may move out of the communication range of the search device 1, making it impossible to read the target identifier. The processor 11 then determines that the target identifier is in an undetected state if the reading status of the target identifier matches predetermined conditions. For example, the processor 11 defines an undetected state as a state where the number of consecutive reading failures during repeated reading sequences exceeds a predetermined number. The above conditions may be fixedly set by the designer of the search device 1, or they may be arbitrarily set by the user or administrator of the search device 1. If the processor 11 confirms that the target is in an undetected state, it determines YES in ACT 10 and proceeds to ACT 12.

[0050] As ACT12, the processor 11 increases the transmission output of the communication unit 15. For example, the processor 11 changes the transmission output setting of the communication unit 15 to a value obtained by adding a predetermined increase value to the current value. However, the processor 11 keeps the changed setting value below the upper limit. The increase value may be fixedly set by the designer of the search device 1, or it may be arbitrarily set by the user or administrator of the search device 1. As an example, the increase value is expected to be the value obtained by dividing the difference between the upper and lower limits of the transmission output set by the user or administrator by a predetermined fixed number of steps. In other words, the increase value is expected to be the same value as the decrease value, for example. However, the decrease value and the increase value may be set to different values. This expands the communication area of ​​the search device 1, making it easier to detect the target tag again.

[0051] As ACT13, processor 11 checks whether the increased transmission power is at the upper limit. If the increased transmission power does not reach the upper limit, processor 11 determines NO and returns to the waiting state of ACT9 to ACT11. Thus, if the transmission power does not reach the upper limit even after increasing it, the second guide display continues. However, if the increased transmission power is at the upper limit, processor 11 determines YES in ACT13 and returns to ACT3 in Figure 2, and repeats the process as described above. In other words, the operating state of the search device 1 is returned to the initial state of the search.

[0052] On the other hand, when processor 11 is in the waiting state for ACT9 to ACT11 in Figure 3, if it is confirmed that the target identifier can be continuously received and that it is in a detection state, it will determine YES in ACT9 and proceed to ACT14. As ACT14, the processor 11 reduces the transmission output of the communication unit 15, similar to ACT7. However, the processor 11 limits the changed setting value to below a predetermined lower limit. The lower limit may be fixedly determined by, for example, the designer of the search device 1, or it may be arbitrarily determined by the user of the search device 1.

[0053] As ACT15, processor 11 checks whether the reduced transmit power is at the lower limit. If the reduced transmit power has not reached the lower limit, processor 11 determines NO and returns to the waiting state of ACT9-ACT11. Thus, if the reduced transmit power does not reach the lower limit, the second guide display continues.

[0054] As described above, the second guide display is performed when the transmission output is at an intermediate value within a variable range from the lower limit to the upper limit, excluding the lower and upper limits. In the second guide display, the processor 11 determines the position of the target tag based on the communication status. The processor 11 also displays the third to ninth guide screens on the touch panel 17, which are images such as IMD, IMG, IMH, IMI, IMJ and character messages such as MED, MEE, MEF, MEG, MEH, which are used to guide the search device 1 to the determined position, overlaid on the video MPA obtained by the camera 16. Thus, by the processor 11 executing information processing based on the search program PRA, the computer with the processor 11 as its central component functions as a determination means and a display control means. The function as a display means is realized through the cooperation between the function of the computer with the processor 11 as its central component as a display control means and the touch panel 17 as a display device.

[0055] If the reduced transmit power is at the lower limit, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT 15 and proceeds to ACT 16. As ACT16, processor 11 starts a third guide display. This terminates the second guide display. The third guide display is a display that guides the user to identify the location of the target tag. In other words, when the transmission output is reduced to the lower limit, the target tag is located within a sufficiently narrowed communication range, and should be in front of the search device 1 and not too far away. In that state, there is a high probability that the location of the target tag is captured in the image taken by camera 16. Therefore, the third guide display is, for example, a screen that shows that the target tag is located within the range captured by camera 16.

[0056] Figure 13 shows an example of a display screen SCI in the third guide display. The display screen SCI is a screen that overlays an image IMK and a text message MEI onto the video MPA to inform the user that the target tag is located at the position shown in the video MPA. The display screen SCI also displays a button BUA, an image IME, and an image IMF in the same way as the fourth guide screen SCE. For example, the processor 11 continues to display the video MPA and overlays the image IMK, text message MEI, and button BUA onto the video MPA based on image data previously stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13, and also displays the image IME and IMF in the same way as the fourth guide screen SCE.

[0057] As ACT17, processor 11 checks whether the event is undetected or not. If processor 11 cannot confirm the event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT18. As ACT18, processor 11 checks whether or not it has been instructed to stop the search. If processor 11 cannot confirm the relevant event, it determines NO and returns to ACT17. Thus, the processor 11 waits for ACT17 and ACT18 to confirm that it is in an undetected state or for a stop command to be issued.

[0058] While the processor 11 is in the waiting state for ACT17 and ACT18, it continues to display the third guide display and continues to display a display screen similar to the display screen SCI. However, each time a target identifier is obtained, the processor 11 changes the size of the area inside the circular line LIA included in the image IMK based on the communication quality with the target tag related to the acquisition of that target identifier. For example, the processor 11 increases the diameter of the line LIA as the communication quality improves. It is assumed that RSSI will be used as an indicator of communication quality, similar to what was described for ACT21. Thus, when the target tag remains within the communication range of the search device 1, the LIA line on the display screen becomes larger as the search device 1 approaches the target tag, allowing the user to recognize the approximate distance to the target tag.

[0059] If processor 11 confirms that it is in an undetected state, similar to ACT10, while in the waiting state for ACT17 and ACT18, it determines YES in ACT17 and proceeds to ACT19. As ACT19, processor 11 increases the transmission output of communication unit 15 in the same manner as in ACT12. After this, processor 11 returns to ACT8 and repeats the process as described above. As a result, search device 1 terminates the third guide display and returns to the state of providing guidance using the second guide display.

[0060] As described above, a third guide display is shown when the detection state continues while the transmission output is at its upper limit. Based on this, the processor 11 determines that the location of the target tag is within the vicinity of the search device 1, and displays a display screen on the touch panel 17 that superimposes an image IMG and a text message MEE, which are guidance images for bringing the search device 1 closer to the target tag, onto the video MPA obtained by the camera 16. Thus, by having the processor 11 perform information processing based on the search program PRA, the computer with the processor 11 as its central component functions as a determination means and a display control means. The function of the display means is realized through the cooperation between the function of the computer with the processor 11 as its central component as a display control means and the touch panel 17 as a display device.

[0061] Now, if the user decides to stop the search by the search device 1, they instruct the system to stop by performing a predetermined operation, such as touching button BUA. Once the processor 11 confirms that a stop has been instructed, it determines YES in ACT11 if it is in the waiting state for ACT9 to ACT11, or in ACT18 if it is in the waiting state for ACT17 or ACT18, and proceeds to ACT20 in either case. As ACT20, processor 11 terminates the read sequence performed by communication unit 15. Then processor 11 terminates the search process.

[0062] As described above, the search device 1 determines the relative position of the target tag with respect to the antenna 14 based on the communication status between the target tag and the communication unit 15 using the directional antenna 14. The search device 1 then displays a screen on the touch panel 17 that overlays images IMA, IMB, IMC, IMD, IMG, IMH, IMI, IMJ, IMK and text messages MEA, MEB, MEC, MED, MEE, MEF, MEG, MEH, which are guidance images for bringing the antenna closer to the determined position, onto an image obtained by the camera 16 with the antenna 14's directional direction as the shooting range. Thus, guidance to reach the determined position of the target tag is provided by displaying it on an image that captures the direction of the antenna 14's directional direction, making it possible for the user to easily reach the position of the target tag.

[0063] Furthermore, the search device 1 changes its transmission output based on the communication quality with the target tag, encouraging the user to efficiently bring the search device 1 closer to the target tag, while switching between the first to third guidance displays in synchronization with the change in transmission output. This enables effective guidance displays that are in line with the search operation of the search device 1.

[0064] This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows: The various screens that the processor 11 displays on the touch panel 17 through the search process may be modified as appropriate. Figure 14 shows a display screen SCJ as another example of the first guide display. The display screen SCJ is a screen that overlays the video MPA, with the image IML and button BUB displayed at the right edge of the video MPA. The image IML is an image that prompts the user to move the search device 1 while significantly changing its orientation. The button BUB is a soft key that the user uses to instruct the user to stop the search. In the first guide display, the processor 11 may alternate between the first guide screen and the second guide screen to display a screen like the display screen SCJ. Alternatively, the processor 11 may allow the user to arbitrarily select from multiple guidance modes. When the first mode is selected, the first guide display may alternate between the first guide screen and the second guide screen. When the second mode is selected, the first guide display may show a screen like the display screen SCJ. In this case, for example, the first mode may be for inexperienced users and the second mode for experienced users, and the operation of the search device 1 can be changed according to each user's level of proficiency in using the search device 1. Furthermore, if multiple guidance modes are to be selectable, it is preferable that the display screens in the second and third guide displays also differ according to the guidance mode.

[0065] In the above embodiment, it is not necessary to display some of the screens shown. For example, the rear range may be divided and included in the left range and right range respectively, and the display of the ninth guide screen may be omitted.

[0066] Guidance may be provided on a screen different from the one displayed in the above embodiment. For example, the processor 11 may, at the user's request, display only the image IME and IMF instead of various guide displays.

[0067] The location of the target tag may be determined by any method other than that of the above embodiment. For example, the guide displays may be switched according to the location determined based on the communication quality without changing the transmission output.

[0068] Each function realized by the processor 11 through information processing can also be partially or entirely realized by hardware that performs non-program-based information processing, such as logic circuits. Furthermore, each of the above functions can also be realized by combining the above-mentioned hardware, such as logic circuits, with software control.

[0069] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. The invention described in the original claims of this application is listed below. [Note 1] A directional antenna and A communication means that uses the aforementioned antenna to wirelessly communicate with the target wireless tag, A determination means for determining the relative position of the wireless tag with respect to the antenna based on the communication status of the wireless tag to be searched by the communication means, A shooting means for obtaining an image of a shooting range defined as the direction of the antenna's direction, A display means that displays a screen in which a guidance image for bringing the antenna closer to the position determined by the determination means is superimposed on the image obtained by the shooting means, A search device equipped with the following. [Note 2] The communication means changes the transmission strength of the signal to prompt a response from the wireless tag according to the communication quality with the wireless tag. The search device described in Appendix 1. [Note 3] The display means changes the guidance image according to the transmission strength of the communication means. The search device described in Appendix 2. [Note 4] The display means changes the guidance image depending on whether the transmission strength of the communication means is at the lower limit of a predetermined variable range, at the upper limit of the variable range, or at an intermediate value within the variable range excluding the lower and upper limits. The search device described in Appendix 3. [Note 5] The display means displays different guidance images even if the position determined by the determination means is the same, depending on which of the multiple guidance modes is selected. A search device as described in any one of the items in Appendix 1 to Appendix 4. [Note 6] A computer that controls a search device comprising a directional antenna, communication means for wirelessly communicating with a wireless tag to be searched using the antenna, and imaging means for obtaining an image of a shooting range defined as the direction of the antenna's direction, A determination means for determining the relative position of the wireless tag with respect to the antenna based on the communication status of the wireless tag to be searched by the communication means, A display control means that displays a screen on a display device in which a guidance image for bringing the antenna closer to the position determined by the determination means is superimposed on the image obtained by the shooting means, An information processing program that enables a function to work. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0070] 1... Search device, 11... Processor, 12... Main memory, 13... Auxiliary storage unit, 14... Antenna, 15... Communication unit, 16... Camera, 17... Touch panel, 18... Motion sensor, 19... Transmission line.

Claims

1. A directional antenna, A communication means that uses the aforementioned antenna to wirelessly communicate with the target wireless tag, A determination means that determines the relative position of the wireless tag with respect to the antenna based on the communication status of the wireless tag to be searched by the communication means, A shooting means for obtaining an image of a shooting range defined as the direction of the antenna's direction, A display means that alternately displays a first guide screen that overlays information prompting the user to move the device onto an image obtained by the shooting means, and a second guide screen that overlays information prompting the user to change the orientation onto an image obtained by the shooting means. A search device equipped with the following.

2. The communication means changes the transmission intensity of a signal to prompt a response from the wireless tag, depending on the communication quality with the wireless tag. The search device according to claim 1.

3. The display means displays the first guide screen and the second guide screen when the transmission strength of the communication means is at the upper limit of a predetermined variable range. The search device according to claim 2.

4. The display means, when the transmission strength of the communication means is at the lower limit of the variable range, or at an intermediate value within the variable range excluding the lower and upper limits, displays a screen that is different from the first guide screen and the second guide screen, and superimposed on the image obtained by the shooting means, each showing a different guidance image. The search device according to claim 3.

5. The display means displays the first guide screen and the second guide screen when one of the multiple guidance modes is selected. A search device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A computer controls a search device comprising a directional antenna, communication means for wirelessly communicating with a wireless tag to be searched using the antenna, and imaging means for obtaining an image of a shooting range defined as the direction of the antenna's direction. A determination means that determines the relative position of the wireless tag with respect to the antenna based on the communication status of the wireless tag to be searched by the communication means, A display control means that alternately displays on a display device a first guide screen that overlays information prompting the user to move the device onto an image obtained by the shooting means, and a second guide screen that overlays information prompting the user to change the orientation onto an image obtained by the shooting means. An information processing program that enables a function to work.

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