Wireless tag reading device

Abstract

The present invention discloses a wireless tag reading device capable of loading and unloading a handle portion on a main body portion, the wireless tag reading device comprising: a main body portion having a wireless tag reading portion for reading wireless tags, a handle portion detachably connected to the main body portion, a magnet arranged on the handle portion, a magnetic detection portion arranged on the main body portion and used to detect the magnetic force emitted by the magnet, a state detection portion for detecting the state of the handle portion based on the magnetic force detected by the magnetic detection portion, and a reading control portion for controlling the wireless tag reading portion.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority from Japanese patent application No. JP2020-040257, filed on Mar. 9, 2020, and cites the contents of the aforementioned application, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a wireless tag reading device. Background Art

[0003] At present, there is a known handheld wireless tag reading device for performing inventory management and / or warehouse entry and exit management of items attached with the wireless tag by reading data stored in the wireless tag. In addition, there is a demand for using such a handheld wireless tag reading device as a fixed wireless tag reading device in checkout processing and / or item inspection processing.

[0004] However, the existing handheld wireless tag reading device has a body and a handle that are integrally formed, so the handle often becomes an obstacle and is difficult to set up in a stable state. In addition, when the handheld wireless tag reading device is used by hand, there is also a risk that the handle becomes an obstacle and is difficult to insert when inserting the handheld wireless tag reading device into a narrow place to read the wireless tag. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of the above problems, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a wireless tag reading device, wherein a handle portion can be attached to and detached from a main body portion.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problem, one embodiment of the present invention provides a wireless tag reading device, comprising: a main body having a wireless tag reading unit for reading wireless tags, a handle detachably connected to the main body, a magnet arranged on the handle, and a magnetic detection unit arranged on the main body and used to detect the magnetic force emitted by the magnet.

[0007] According to the wireless tag reading device described above, since the main body and the handle are detachable and the handle has a magnet, the wireless tag can be stably read even when the main body is detached.

[0008] In the wireless tag reading device described above, the main body further includes a reading control unit that controls the wireless tag reading unit so that the wireless tag reading unit is in a state capable of reading the wireless tag when the magnetic detection unit detects no magnetic force.

[0009] According to the wireless tag reading device described above, the wireless tag can be read by removing the main body from the grip.

[0010] In the wireless tag reading device described above, the main body further includes an antenna that radiates radio waves.

[0011] According to the wireless tag reading device described above, it is possible to stably perform reading of radio waves radiated from the antenna.

[0012] In the wireless tag reading device described above, the wireless tag reading device does not include a connector for electrically connecting the main body and the grip.

[0013] According to the wireless tag reading device described above, the structure for attaching and detaching the main body and the grip can be simplified.

[0014] The above-mentioned wireless tag reading device also includes: an operating unit, which is arranged on the handle part and is used to operate the reading of the wireless tag; a state detection unit, which detects the state of the handle part based on the magnetic force detected by the magnetic detection unit; and a reading control unit, which controls the wireless tag reading unit, wherein the magnet moves in conjunction with the operation of the operating unit, and the distance between the magnet and the magnetic detection unit changes with the operation of the operating unit, and the reading control unit controls the wireless tag reading unit according to the state of the handle part detected by the state detection unit.

[0015] According to the wireless tag reading device described above, even if the grip portion is detachable, the main body portion can control the wireless tag reading portion in conjunction with the operation of the operation portion.

[0016] In the above-mentioned wireless tag reading device, when the state of the handle part detected by the state detection part is that the distance between the magnet and the magnetic detection part is close, the reading control part radiates radio waves, so that the wireless tag reading part becomes capable of reading the wireless tag; when the distance between the magnet and the magnetic detection part is far, the reading control part stops radiating radio waves, so that the wireless tag reading part becomes unable to read the wireless tag.

[0017] According to the wireless tag reading device described above, the emission or stop of radio waves can be controlled according to the difference between the distance between the magnet and the magnetic detection unit being close or being far.

[0018] In the wireless tag reading device described above, the state detection unit detects whether the grip portion is in a connected state connected to the main body portion or in a disconnected state disconnected from the main body portion based on the magnetic force detected by the magnetic detection unit.

[0019] According to the wireless tag reading device described above, the connection state between the main body and the grip can be detected based on the magnetic force detected by the magnetic detection unit.

[0020] In the above-mentioned wireless tag reading device, the main body also has a temperature detection unit, which is used to detect the temperature of the main body. The reading control unit controls the operation of the wireless tag reading unit based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit, and changes the control method of the operation of the wireless tag reading unit when the state of the handle is the connected state and the non-connected state.

[0021] According to the wireless tag reading device described above, the wireless tag reading unit can be controlled based on the temperature detection unit and the connection state.

[0022] In the above-mentioned wireless tag reading device, the magnetic detection unit detects magnetic force using magnetic flux density, and the state detection unit detects that the state of the handle part is a non-connected state when the magnetic flux density is less than a first threshold value; detects that the state of the handle part is a far distance between the magnet and the magnetic detection unit when the magnetic flux density is greater than the first threshold value and less than a second threshold value; and detects that the state of the handle part is a close distance between the magnet and the magnetic detection unit when the magnetic flux density exceeds the second threshold value.

[0023] According to the wireless tag reading device described above, the connection state of the grip portion can be detected using the magnetic force detected by the magnetic detection portion, and the distance between the magnetic detection portion and the magnet can be detected.

[0024] In the above-mentioned wireless tag reading device, the magnetic detection unit detects magnetic force using magnetic flux density, and the state detection unit detects that the state of the handle part is a non-connected state when the magnetic flux density is less than a first threshold value; detects that the state of the handle part is a far distance between the magnet and the magnetic detection unit when the magnetic flux density is greater than the first threshold value and less than a second threshold value; and detects that the state of the handle part is a close distance between the magnet and the magnetic detection unit when the magnetic flux density exceeds the second threshold value.

[0025] According to the wireless tag reading device described above, the connection state of the grip portion can be detected using the magnetic force detected by the magnetic detection portion, and the distance between the magnetic detection portion and the magnet can be detected. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the wireless tag reading device involved in the embodiment;

[0027] Figure 2is a diagram showing an example of the internal structure of the wireless tag reading device involved in the embodiment;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a grip portion is removed from a main body portion of a wireless tag reading device according to an embodiment;

[0029] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of a structure near a joint portion of a wireless tag reading device according to an embodiment;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing an example of a state in which the handle portion of the wireless tag reading device according to the embodiment is connected to the main body portion in the reverse direction;

[0031] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the wireless tag reading device involved in the embodiment;

[0032] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a wireless tag reading device according to the embodiment;

[0033] Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a state determination table of a wireless tag reading device according to an embodiment;

[0034] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a joint portion of a wireless tag reading device according to a modified example; and

[0035] Fig.10 This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a wireless tag reading device according to a modification.

[0036] Description of Reference Numerals

[0037] 1 Wireless tag reading device 2 Main body 3 Grip 4 Trigger switch 5 Joint 6 Magnetic sensor 7 Magnet 10 Control unit 11 Storage unit 12 Bus 13 Input / output controller 15 Temperature sensor 16 RFID reader 17 Antenna 101 CPU 102 ROM 103 RAM 121 Status detection unit 122 Reading control unit 123 Connection direction detection unit DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] (Configuration of wireless tag reading device)

[0039] Hereinafter, embodiments of the wireless tag reading device according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0040] First, the wireless tag reading device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the wireless tag reading device according to the embodiment. The wireless tag reading device 1 includes a main body 2 , a grip 3 , a trigger switch 4 , and a joint 5 .

[0041] The main body 2 includes an antenna, an RFID reader, a control unit, a battery, etc. The main body 2 wirelessly communicates with an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) tag attached to a product. The main body 2 sends and receives radio waves used for wireless communication with the RFID tag. In addition, the main body 2 has a protrusion 21. It should be noted that the RFID reader is an example of a "wireless tag reading unit". The RFID tag is an example of a "wireless tag". It should be noted that the antenna and the main body 2 can also be separate structures.

[0042] The handle portion 3 is a portion that the user holds during operation. The handle portion 3 is disposed on the rear side of the main body portion 2. The handle portion 3 is detachably connected to the main body portion 2. The trigger switch 4 is disposed on the handle portion 3. The trigger switch 4 is a switch for operating the reading of the RFID tag. It should be noted that the trigger switch 4 is an example of an "operating portion".

[0043] In this embodiment, when the main body 2 and the handle 3 are connected, the trigger switch 4 changes the state of the handle 3 through the operation of the user, so that the distance between the magnet 7 described later and the magnetic sensor 6 described later is close or the distance between the magnet 7 and the magnetic sensor 6 is far.

[0044] When the user operates the trigger switch 4 while holding the grip 3 to bring the magnet 7 and the magnetic sensor 6 closer together, the wireless tag reader 1 radiates radio waves forward (in the negative direction of the x-axis) from the antenna in the main body 2 .

[0045] When the user operates the trigger switch 4 to increase the distance between the magnet 7 and the magnetic sensor 6, the wireless tag reader 1 stops radiating radio waves from the antenna of the main body 2. The internal structure of the grip 3 including the trigger switch 4 will be described later.

[0046] In this embodiment, when the handle 3 of the wireless tag reader 1 is removed, the main body 2 is in a state of always radiating radio waves. In addition, the main body 2 is provided with a power switch (not shown), and when the handle 3 is removed, the radiation of radio waves can be stopped by cutting off the power of the main body 2. It should be noted that a switch having the same function as the trigger switch 4 for controlling the radiation / radiation stop of radio waves can also be provided on one side of the main body 2.

[0047] The joint portion 5 is a portion where the main body 2 and the grip portion 3 are joined when the main body 2 and the grip portion 3 are connected. The detailed structure of the joint portion 5 and its vicinity will be described later.

[0048] It should be noted that the wireless tag reading device 1 may also include a display unit for displaying information and an operation unit for receiving information input by a user. In addition, the display unit and the operation unit may be replaced by a display screen and / or a touch panel of a portable terminal such as a smart phone, a tablet PC, a mobile phone, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant).

[0049] Next, the internal structure of the grip portion 3 will be described. Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing an example of the internal structure of the wireless tag reading device near the joint portion. The wireless tag reading device 1 includes a magnetic sensor 6 inside the main body 2 and a magnet 7 inside the grip 3 .

[0050] The magnetic sensor 6 is disposed inside the protrusion 21 of the main body 2. The magnetic sensor 6 detects the magnetic force generated by the magnet 7. In the present embodiment, the magnetic sensor 6 detects the magnetic force by the magnetic flux density (i.e., the magnitude of the magnetic force is expressed by the magnetic flux density). It should be noted that the magnetic sensor 6 is an example of a "magnetic detection unit".

[0051] The magnet 7 is linked to the operation of the trigger switch 4 and operates, and the distance between the magnet 7 and the magnetic sensor 6 changes according to the operation of the trigger switch 4. In the present embodiment, the trigger switch 4 is pressed toward the inner side of the grip portion 3 by the user's index finger, etc., and returns to the original state (not pressed toward the inner side of the grip portion 3) when the user releases the index finger, etc.

[0052] In the present embodiment, the magnet 7 is mounted on the trigger switch 4, and is mounted on the trigger switch 4 in such a manner that it approaches or moves away from the magnetic sensor 6 in conjunction with the action of the user pressing the trigger switch 4 with a finger or returning from the pressed state to the original state by releasing the finger from the trigger switch 4. It should be noted that the magnet 7 is an example of a "magnet".

[0053] For example, when the user presses the trigger switch 4 while the main body 2 and the grip 3 are connected, the magnet 7 approaches the magnetic sensor 6. That is, the magnetic flux density detected by the magnetic sensor 6 becomes higher than before the user presses the trigger switch 4.

[0054] On the contrary, when the user releases his finger from the trigger switch 4 and returns to the original state from the pressed state, the magnet 7 moves away from the magnetic sensor 6. That is, the magnetic flux density detected by the magnetic sensor 6 becomes lower than before the user returns the trigger switch 4 to the original state.

[0055] Therefore, the wireless tag reading device 1 of this embodiment can detect the state of the handle part 3, based on the change of the magnetic flux density detected by the magnetic sensor 6, that is, the distance between the magnet 7 and the magnetic sensor 6 is close when the trigger switch 4 is pressed, or the distance between the magnet 7 and the magnetic sensor 6 is far when the trigger switch 4 is not pressed.

[0056] Furthermore, the wireless tag reading device 1 of this embodiment can also detect whether the grip portion 3 is in a connected state connected to the main body portion 2 or in a disconnected state disconnected from the main body portion 2. This structure will be described. Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a grip portion is removed from a main body portion of the wireless tag reading device according to the embodiment.

[0057] When the grip portion 3 is removed from the main body 2, the distance between the magnetic sensor 6 and the magnet 7 is the same as when the main body 2 and the grip portion 3 are connected and Figure 2 The state of the grip portion 3 shown is a state in which the distance between the magnet 7 and the magnetic sensor 6 is further increased than the state in which the distance between the magnet 7 and the magnetic sensor 6 is relatively large.

[0058] Therefore, the magnetic flux density becomes lower than when the distance between the magnet 7 and the magnetic sensor 6 is greater. That is, if the change in the magnetic flux density is detected, it is possible to detect that the grip portion 3 is detached from the body portion 2.

[0059] Next, the structure near the joining portion 5 will be described. Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of the structure near the joining portion of the wireless tag reading device according to the embodiment. Figure 4 The left side of FIG. 1 is a view of the main body 2 from the back side. Figure 4 The right side of the figure is a view of the handle 3 from the front side. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the back side of the main body 2 refers to the side to which the handle 3 is connected. In addition, the front side of the handle 3 refers to the side opposite to the main body 2 when connected to the main body 2.

[0060] The main body 2 of a substantially rectangular shape has a protruding portion 21 protruding on one side of the back side. The protruding portion 21 is provided at an upper portion compared to the center line of the short side direction (lateral direction) of the main body 2. A groove 53 formed in a curved shape that draws an approximate circle is provided in the protruding portion 21. The groove 53 is provided in such a manner that the center point of the approximate circle drawn by the groove 53 is located on the center line of the long side direction (longitudinal direction) of the main body 2.

[0061] The protruding portion 21 includes a pair of lock mechanisms (grooves) 51 and a magnetic sensor 6. The lock mechanism (grooves) 51 will be described later. The magnetic sensor 6 is provided so as to be located inside the protruding portion 21 and substantially at the center of the approximate circle drawn by the groove 53.

[0062] The handle 3 has a substantially circular convex portion 31 at the upper portion. The depth of the convex portion 31 is in contact with the groove 53 when the main body 2 and the handle 3 are connected. The convex portion 31 has a pair of lock mechanisms (claws) 52. The lock mechanisms (claws) 52 will be described later. In addition, the handle 3 has a trigger switch 4 embedded therein in an operable state.

[0063] The other end of the pressed portion of the trigger switch 4 is provided with a magnet 7. The magnet 7 is provided so as to be located substantially at the center of the substantially circular convex portion 31 when the trigger switch 4 is in a pressed state.

[0064] The lock mechanism (groove) 51 and the lock mechanism (claw) 52 are described. In the present embodiment, the lock mechanism (groove) 51 is in pairs, and is disposed on the circumference of the approximate circle drawn by the groove 53 and is disposed opposite to each other with the magnetic sensor 6 interposed therebetween. There is a space inside the lock mechanism (groove) 51. In addition, the lock mechanism (claw) 52 is in pairs, and is disposed opposite to each other with the magnet 7 interposed therebetween when the trigger switch 4 is in a pressed state.

[0065] The lock mechanism (claw) 52 is formed of an elastically deformable material and has a hook at the top. The lock mechanism (claw) 52 cannot be inserted into the lock mechanism (slot) 51 while maintaining its original shape. However, when the user pinches the lock mechanism (claw) 52 from both sides with two fingers and applies force to the paired lock mechanism (claw) 52, the lock mechanism (claw) 52 is elastically deformed and can be inserted into the lock mechanism (slot) 51 on the side of the main body 2.

[0066] After being inserted into the lock mechanism (slot) 51, the user releases the fingers holding the lock mechanism (claw) 52, and when the applied force is released, the lock mechanism (claw) 52 returns to its original shape. At this time, the return hook of the lock mechanism (claw) 52 is in a state of drilling into the space inside the lock mechanism (slot) 51.

[0067] Therefore, even if the handle 3 is pulled, the lock mechanism (claw) 52 cannot pass through the lock mechanism (slot) 51 because the hook is hooked in the depth of the lock mechanism (slot) 51. Therefore, the lock mechanism (claw) 52 will not be separated from the lock mechanism (slot) 51 unless force is applied to elastically deform the lock mechanism (claw) 52. That is, the wireless tag reading device 1 can connect the handle 3 and the main body 2 in a state that is difficult to separate through the lock mechanism (slot) 51 and the lock mechanism (claw) 52.

[0068] It should be noted that the main body 2 and the handle 3 can be connected in the positive direction from the top of the handle 3 toward the bottom side of the main body 2 and in the reverse direction from the top of the handle 3 toward the side opposite to the positive direction. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the bottom surface of the main body 2 is the surface in contact with the back surface, and is substantially parallel to the center line of the short side direction (lateral direction) of the main body 2, and is the surface in contact with the back surface of the main body 2 on the side without the protrusion 21.

[0069] Figure 5 This is a stereoscopic diagram showing an example of a state where the handle portion of the wireless tag reading device involved in the embodiment is connected to the main body in the reverse direction. The wireless tag reading device 1 of this embodiment can detect whether the state of the handle portion 3 is a connected state or a disconnected state, even when the main body 2 and the handle portion 3 are connected in the reverse direction, just like when the main body 2 and the handle portion 3 are connected in the forward direction, and can detect whether the distance between the magnet 7 and the magnetic sensor 6 is close or far when they are in the connected state.

[0070] This is because the magnet 7 is located at the approximate center of the circle drawn by the groove 53 and when the trigger switch 4 is pressed, the positional relationship between the magnetic sensor 6 and the magnet 7 does not change substantially when they are connected in the forward direction and when they are connected in the reverse direction. It should be noted that the above-mentioned installation direction of the handle portion 3 is an example, and the main body portion 2 and the handle portion 3 can be connected in any direction.

[0071] (Hardware Configuration of Wireless Tag Reader)

[0072] Next, the hardware configuration of the wireless tag reading device 1 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 6 This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the wireless tag reader according to the embodiment.

[0073] The wireless tag reader 1 includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 11, and an input / output controller 13 in the main body 2. The grip 3 includes a magnet 7. Since the magnet 7 of the grip 3 is as described above, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0074] Furthermore, the electrical mechanism of the main body 2 has no electrical relationship with the mechanism of the grip 3. Therefore, there is no need for a connector to electrically connect the main body 2 and the grip 3. Thus, no electrical connection connector is needed, and the structure can be simplified.

[0075] First, the control unit 10 will be described. The control unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101 , a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102 , and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103 . The CPU 101 is connected to the ROM 102 and the RAM 103 via a bus 12 .

[0076] The CPU 101 develops various programs stored in the ROM 102 and / or the storage unit 11 in the RAM 103. The CPU 101 operates according to the various programs developed in the RAM 103 to control the wireless tag reader 1. That is, the control unit 10 has a configuration of a general computer.

[0077] Furthermore, the control unit 10 is connected to the storage unit 11 and the input / output controller 13 via the bus 12 .

[0078] The storage unit 11 is a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory or a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) that retains stored information even when power is off. The storage unit 11 stores programs including a control program. The control program is a program for making the functions of the wireless tag reader 1 function.

[0079] The input / output controller 13 is connected to the magnetic sensor 6 and the temperature sensor 15. In addition, the input / output controller 13 is connected to the RFID reader 16 and the antenna 17. Based on the instruction from the control unit 10, the input / output controller 13 controls various connected hardware.

[0080] Since the magnetic sensor 6 is as described above, detailed description thereof is omitted. The temperature sensor 15 is used to detect the temperature of the main body 2. The temperature sensor 15 is a sensor capable of detecting temperature, such as a thermistor. It should be noted that the temperature sensor 15 is an example of a "temperature detection unit".

[0081] The RFID reader 16 operates the antenna 17 to radiate radio waves from the antenna 17. In addition, the RFID reader 16 obtains tag information from the RFID tag received by the antenna 17 and outputs it to a host device (main device, upper-level device) such as a POS terminal. In other words, the RFID reader 16 can also be said to read information stored in the RFID tag. In this embodiment, the RFID reader 16 reads information stored in the RFID tag.

[0082] As described above, by providing the magnetic sensor 6 in the main body 2 having the RFID reader 16 and the magnet 7 in the handle 3, the main body 2 is not affected by the magnet 7 when it is used after being removed from the handle 3. For example, when the main body 2 is placed on a table or the like, it is possible to prevent objects other than RFID tags (such as paper clips) from being attracted by the main body 2 and reducing the reading efficiency of the RFID tag.

[0083] In addition, when the antenna 17 and the RFID reader 16 are integrated, by not providing the magnet 7 in the main body 2 and providing the magnet in the handle 3, even when the wireless tag reading device 1 is used with the main body 2 and the handle 3 connected, it is possible to prevent the effects of reduced reading efficiency of the RFID tag, etc., as described above.

[0084] (Function of wireless tag reader)

[0085] Next, the functional configuration of the wireless tag reading device 1 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 7 This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the wireless tag reading device 1 according to the embodiment.

[0086] The wireless tag reading device 1 includes a state detection unit 121 and a reading control unit 122. The state detection unit 121 detects the state of the grip unit 3 based on the magnetic force detected by the magnetic sensor 6 when the main body 2 and the grip unit 3 are connected.

[0087] In addition, the state detection unit 121 detects whether the state of the handle portion 3 is in a connected state connected to the main body portion 2 or in a non-connected state not connected to the main body portion 2 based on the magnetic force detected by the magnetic sensor 6. In the present embodiment, the state detection unit 121 detects the state of the handle portion 3 based on the magnetic force detected by the magnetic sensor 6 with the magnetic flux density and the state determination table 111 described later.

[0088] It should be noted that, when the magnetic sensor 6 does not detect magnetic force, it can also be determined that the handle 3 is in a non-connected state not connected to the main body 2. As described above, when the handle 3 of the wireless tag reading device 1 is removed, the main body 2 is in a state of always radiating radio waves. Therefore, the reading control unit 122 that controls the wireless tag reading unit performs processing to make the RFID reader 16 as the wireless tag reading unit in a state where it can read the wireless tag when the magnetic sensor 6 as the magnetic detection unit does not detect magnetic force. In addition, the reading control unit 122 makes the RFID reader 16 in a state where it cannot read the RFID tag when the magnetic sensor 6 detects magnetic force. Thus, when the main body 2 is placed on a table or the like for use, the handle 3 is removed and used, and it can be stably set. In addition, when the main body 2 is moved, the handle 3 is connected to make it in a state where the RFID tag cannot be read. While being able to facilitate transportation, it can prevent unnecessary RFID tags from being read during transportation.

[0089] Specifically, the state detection unit 121 refers to the state determination table 111 of the storage unit 11, and when the magnetic flux density is less than the first threshold value, detects that the state of the handle portion 3 is in a non-connected state; when the magnetic flux density is above the first threshold value and below the second threshold value, detects that the state of the handle portion 3 is that the distance between the magnet 7 and the magnetic sensor 6 is in a far state; and when the magnetic flux density exceeds the second threshold value, detects that the state of the handle portion 3 is that the distance between the magnet 7 and the magnetic sensor 6 is in a close state.

[0090] The reading control unit 122 controls the RFID reader 16 according to the state of the handle 3 detected by the state detection unit 121. In the present embodiment, when the state of the handle 3 detected by the state detection unit 121 is that the distance between the magnet 7 and the magnetic sensor 6 is close, the reading control unit 122 radiates radio waves from the antenna 17 and makes the RFID reader 16 capable of reading the RFID tag.

[0091] In addition, in this embodiment, when the state of the handle portion 3 detected by the state detection unit 121 is that the distance between the magnet 7 and the magnetic sensor 6 is far, the reading control unit 122 stops the radiation of radio waves from the antenna 17, making the RFID reader 16 unable to read the RFID tag.

[0092] It should be noted that, contrary to the above, when the state of the handle portion 3 detected by the state detection unit 121 is that the distance between the magnet 7 and the magnetic sensor 6 is close, the reading control unit 122 stops the emission of radio waves from the antenna 17, so that the RFID reader 16 becomes unable to read the RFID tag; when the state of the handle portion 3 detected by the state detection unit 121 is that the distance between the magnet 7 and the magnetic sensor 6 is far, the reading control unit 122 emits radio waves from the antenna 17, so that the RFID reader 16 becomes able to read the RFID tag.

[0093] In addition, in this embodiment, when the state of the handle part 3 detected by the state detection part 121 is the disconnected state, the reading control part 122 changes the state of constantly radiating radio waves from the antenna 17, so that the RFID reader 16 can constantly read the RFID tag.

[0094] In addition, in this embodiment, the reading control unit 122 controls the action of the RFID reader 16 based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 15 to change the control method of the action of the RFID reader 16 when the handle portion 3 is in a connected state and when it is in a disconnected state.

[0095] Specifically, when the temperature of the main body 2 detected by the temperature sensor 15 exceeds a threshold value, the reading control unit 122 controls the transmission output of the RFID reader 16 to be lowered, the reading time to be shortened, or a rest time to be set. Furthermore, the reading control unit 122 performs the above control by changing the temperature threshold value according to whether the main body 2 and the grip 3 are in a connected state or a disconnected state.

[0096] The temperature threshold is changed depending on whether the main body 2 and the handle 3 are in a connected state or a disconnected state. This is because, when the main body 2 and the handle 3 are in a connected state, considering that the user is holding the handle 3, a certain increase in temperature is not a problem. When the main body 2 and the handle 3 are in a disconnected state, there is a possibility that the user is holding the main body 2, so the user's operability is improved.

[0097] Next, the information stored in the storage unit 11 of the wireless tag reading device 1 is described. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 11 stores a state determination table 111. The state determination table 111 in the present embodiment is a table that associates the state of the magnetic flux density detected by the magnetic sensor 6 with the state of the handle 3 of the wireless tag reading device 1. The state determination table 111 is used in the state detection of the handle 3 by the state detection unit 121.

[0098] Figure 81 is a diagram showing an example of a state determination table of the wireless tag reader 1 according to the embodiment. In this example, for example, when the magnetic flux density detected by the magnetic sensor 6 is 3 mT, the state detection unit 121 detects that the grip 3 and the body 2 are not connected.

[0099] In addition, for example, when the magnetic flux density detected by the magnetic sensor 6 is 7 mT, the state detection unit 121 detects that the handle portion 3 and the main body portion 2 are in a connected state, and the state of the trigger switch 4 is that the distance between the magnet 7 and the magnetic sensor 6 is far.

[0100] In addition, for example, when the magnetic flux density detected by the magnetic sensor 6 is 11 mT, the state detection unit 121 detects that the handle portion 3 and the main body portion 2 are in a connected state, and the state of the trigger switch 4 is that the distance between the magnet 7 and the magnetic sensor 6 is close. It should be noted that the storage location of the state determination table 111 is not limited to the storage unit 11. For example, it may also be a storage unit of an external device such as a server.

[0101] (Effect of wireless tag reading device)

[0102] Next, the effects of the wireless tag reading device 1 involved in this embodiment will be described. The wireless tag reading device 1 involved in this embodiment includes a handle portion 3 that can be detachably connected to the main body portion 2. Moreover, the user can connect the main body portion 2 and the handle portion 3 by simply pinching the lock mechanism (claw) 52 provided on the handle portion 3 and inserting it into the lock mechanism (groove) 51 provided on the protruding portion 21 of the main body portion 2.

[0103] That is, the wireless tag reading device 1 according to the present embodiment can be attached and detached from the main body 2 by simple steps. In this way, when the wireless tag reading device 1 according to the present embodiment is used in a fixed state, the handle 3 can be stably installed without becoming an obstacle. In addition, when the wireless tag reading device 1 according to the present embodiment is inserted into a narrow place for use, the handle 3 will not become an obstacle.

[0104] Furthermore, when the grip is made detachable, if a trigger switch for operating to read a wireless tag is provided in the grip, there is a risk that the main body cannot check the state of the trigger switch.

[0105] In view of this, the wireless tag reading device 1 involved in this embodiment has a magnetic sensor 6 in the main body 2 and a magnet 7 in the handle 3. The magnet 7 operates in conjunction with the operation of the trigger switch 4, and the distance between the magnetic sensor 6 and the magnet 7 changes according to the operation of the trigger switch 4.

[0106] In addition, the wireless tag reader 1 has a state detection unit 121, which detects the state of the handle 3 based on the magnetic force detected by the magnetic sensor 6, whether the distance between the magnet 7 and the magnetic sensor 6 is close or far.

[0107] Therefore, in the wireless tag reader 1 according to this embodiment, even if the grip portion 3 is detachable, the main body 2 can detect whether the distance between the magnet 7 and the magnetic sensor 6 is close or far.

[0108] Furthermore, the state detection unit 121 can also detect, based on the detection result of the magnetic sensor 6 , whether the main body 2 and the grip 3 are in the connected state or the unconnected state.

[0109] Specifically, the state detection unit 121 refers to the state judgment table 111 and, when the magnetic flux density is less than the first threshold, detects that the state of the handle portion 3 is a non-connected state; when the magnetic flux density is above the first threshold and below the second threshold, detects that the state of the handle portion 3 is a state in which the distance between the magnet 7 and the magnetic sensor 6 is far; and when the magnetic flux density exceeds the second threshold, detects that the state of the handle portion 3 is a state in which the distance between the magnet 7 and the magnetic sensor 6 is close.

[0110] Therefore, the status detection unit 121 can detect whether the main body 2 and the handle 3 are connected based on the detection result of the magnetic sensor 6. When they are connected, it can detect whether the distance between the magnet 7 and the magnetic sensor 6 is close or far.

[0111] That is, the wireless tag reading device 1 involved in this embodiment can detect the state of the handle part 3 (connected state / disconnected state, the distance between the magnet 7 and the magnetic sensor 6 is in a close state / the distance between the magnet 7 and the magnetic sensor 6 is in a far state) based on the combination of a magnetic sensor 6 and a magnet.

[0112] In addition, the wireless tag reading device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a temperature sensor 15 for detecting the temperature of the main body 2, and a reading control unit 122 for controlling the operation of the RFID reader 16 based on the detection result of the temperature sensor 15. In this way, when the temperature of the wireless tag reading device 1 exceeds a threshold value, the transmission output of the RFID reader 16 can be reduced, the reading time can be shortened, or a rest time can be set to suppress the temperature rise.

[0113] In addition, it is also considered that the user uses the wireless tag reading device 1 by holding the main body 2 when the grip portion 3 is removed. Since it is considered that the user uses the wireless tag reading device 1 by holding the grip portion 3 when the grip portion 3 is connected, it is not a big problem even if the temperature of the main body 2 rises to some extent. However, when the user uses the wireless tag reading device 1 by holding the main body 2, there is a risk that the operability will be reduced as long as the temperature rises to some extent.

[0114] In view of this, the reading control unit 122 changes the control of reducing the transmission output of the RFID reader 16, shortening the reading time, or setting the rest time when the main body 2 and the handle 3 are connected or disconnected. Specifically, the threshold value of the temperature for starting these controls is changed when the main body 2 and the handle 3 are connected or disconnected.

[0115] In this way, the wireless tag reading device 1 according to the present embodiment can maintain the operability of the user by controlling the transmission output of the RFID reader 16 to be low, the reading time to be shortened, or the rest time to be set in a timely manner when the main body 2 and the grip 3 are not connected.

[0116] In addition, in the wireless tag reading device 1 involved in this embodiment, the main body 2 and the handle 3 can be connected in the positive direction from the top of the handle 3 toward the bottom side of the main body 2, and can also be connected in the reverse direction from the top of the handle 3 toward the side opposite to the positive direction.

[0117] Moreover, the wireless tag reading device 1 involved in this embodiment has a structure in which the magnetic sensor 6 is located at the approximate center of the approximate circle described by the groove 53 provided in the main body 2, and when the trigger switch 4 is pressed, the magnet 7 is located at the approximate center of the protrusion 31 provided in the handle 3. Therefore, the positional relationship between the magnetic sensor 6 and the magnet 7 does not change substantially regardless of whether the connection is in the forward direction or in the reverse direction. Therefore, there is no need to separately provide a magnetic sensor and magnet for use in the case of connection in the reverse direction.

[0118] (Variation Example)

[0119] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the main body 2 and the handle 3 can be connected in the positive direction from the top of the handle 3 toward the bottom side of the main body 2, and can also be connected in the reverse direction from the top of the handle 3 toward the side opposite to the positive direction, but the wireless tag reading device 1 can also be configured to detect the connection direction. The following describes a case where the wireless tag reading device 1 is configured in a manner that can detect the connection direction.

[0120] Fig. 91 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the joint portion of the wireless tag reader according to the modification. In addition to the structure of the above-mentioned embodiment, the wireless tag reader 1 according to the modification further includes a connection direction detection magnetic sensor 61 inside the joint portion 5 of the main body 2. In addition, the convex portion 31 of the grip portion 3 includes a forward direction detection magnet 71 and a reverse direction detection magnet 72.

[0121] In this embodiment, the connection direction detection magnetic sensor 61 detects the magnetic flux density from the forward direction detection magnet 71 or the reverse direction detection magnet 72. The forward direction detection magnet 71 is a magnet for detecting that the main body 2 and the handle 3 are connected in the forward direction. The reverse direction detection magnet 72 is a magnet for detecting that the main body 2 and the handle 3 are connected in the reverse direction.

[0122] The magnetic flux density detected by the connection direction detecting magnetic sensor 61 is greatly influenced by the magnetic force of the forward direction detecting magnet 71 when connected in the forward direction, and is greatly influenced by the magnetic force of the reverse direction detecting magnet 72 when connected in the reverse direction.

[0123] Therefore, if there is a difference between the magnetic force of the forward direction detection magnet 71 and the magnetic force of the reverse direction detection magnet 72, there will be a difference in the magnetic flux density detected by the connection direction detection magnetic sensor 61 when the main body 2 and the grip 3 are connected. That is, if the magnetic flux density is detected by the connection direction detection magnetic sensor 61, it is possible to detect whether the connection is in the forward direction or in the reverse direction.

[0124] Fig.10 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a wireless tag reader according to a modified example. The wireless tag reader 1 according to the modified example further includes a connection direction detection unit 123 in addition to the configuration of the above-mentioned embodiment. The connection direction detection unit 123 detects whether the main body 2 and the grip 3 are connected in the forward direction or in the reverse direction based on the detection result of the connection direction detection magnetic sensor 61.

[0125] Specifically, for example, when the magnetic force of the forward direction detection magnet 71 of the connection direction detection unit 123 becomes stronger than that of the reverse direction detection magnet 72, when the state detection unit 121 detects that the main body 2 and the handle 3 are in a connected state, if the connection direction detection magnetic sensor 61 detects a magnetic flux density above the threshold, it is detected that they are connected in the forward direction; if the connection direction detection magnetic sensor 61 detects a magnetic flux density less than the threshold, it is detected that they are connected in the reverse direction.

[0126] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments are provided as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel embodiments may be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes may be made without departing from the gist of the invention. The embodiments and their variations are all included in the scope or gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

[0127] For example, although an example in which a wireless tag is read using radio waves has been described, the present invention can also be used in a wireless tag reading device that reads an RFID tag optically.

[0128] Furthermore, although an example in which the antenna 17 is provided in the main body 2 has been described, the main body 2 and the antenna 17 may be configured as separate bodies.

[0129] For example, the program executed in the wireless tag reading device 1 of the above-mentioned embodiment is provided by being pre-installed in a storage medium (ROM102 or storage unit 11) possessed by the wireless tag reading device 1, but is not limited to this. It can also be provided by being recorded in a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a floppy disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) in an installable or executable form.

[0130] It should be noted that the storage medium is not limited to a medium independent of the computer or embedded system, but also includes a storage medium that stores or temporarily stores a program after downloading it via a LAN and / or the Internet.

[0131] In addition, the program executed by the wireless tag reader 1 of the above embodiment may be stored in a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading via the network. In addition, the program executed by the wireless tag reader 1 of the above embodiment may be provided or deployed via a network such as the Internet.

Claims

1. A wireless tag reading device, characterized in that: have: The main body includes a wireless tag reading unit for reading the wireless tag; A handle portion, detachably connected to the main body portion; A magnet, disposed on the handle; A magnetic detection unit, disposed on the main body and used to detect the magnetic force emitted by the magnet; as well as a storage unit storing a state determination table associating a state of the magnetic flux density detected by the magnetic detection unit with a state of the grip portion, The wireless tag reading device further comprises: An operating unit, disposed on the handle, for operating the reading of the wireless tag; a state detection unit that detects a state of the grip portion based on the magnetic force detected by the magnetic detection unit; as well as a reading control unit, which controls the wireless tag reading unit, The magnet moves in conjunction with the operation of the operating unit, and the distance between the magnet and the magnetic detection unit changes with the operation of the operating unit. The reading control unit controls the wireless tag reading unit according to the state of the grip portion detected by the state detection unit. The state detection unit detects whether the grip portion is in a connected state connected to the main body portion or in a non-connected state not connected to the main body portion based on the magnetic force detected by the magnetic detection unit.

2. The wireless tag reading device according to claim 1, wherein: When the magnetic force is not detected by the magnetic detection unit, the wireless tag reader is placed in a state where the wireless tag can be read.

3. The wireless tag reading device according to claim 1, wherein: The main body further includes an antenna that radiates radio waves.

4. The wireless tag reading device according to claim 1, wherein: The wireless tag reading device does not include a connector for electrically connecting the main body and the grip.

5. The wireless tag reading device according to claim 1, wherein: When the state of the handle detected by the state detection unit is that the distance between the magnet and the magnetic detection unit is close, the reading control unit radiates radio waves to enable the wireless tag reading unit to read the wireless tag. When the distance between the magnet and the magnetic detection unit is far, the emission of radio waves is stopped, so that the wireless tag reader is unable to read the wireless tag.

6. The wireless tag reading device according to claim 1, wherein: The main body further includes a temperature detection unit, and the temperature detection unit is used to detect the temperature of the main body. The reading control unit controls the operation of the wireless tag reading unit based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit, and changes the control method of the operation of the wireless tag reading unit when the state of the grip portion is the connected state and the disconnected state.

7. The wireless tag reading device according to claim 1, wherein: The magnetic detection unit detects magnetic force by magnetic flux density. The state detection unit detects that the state of the grip portion is a disconnected state when the magnetic flux density is less than a first threshold value based on the state determination table, When the magnetic flux density is greater than or equal to a first threshold value and less than or equal to a second threshold value, it is detected that the state of the grip portion is a state in which the distance between the magnet and the magnetic detection portion is far. When the magnetic flux density exceeds the second threshold value, it is detected that the state of the grip portion is a state in which the distance between the magnet and the magnetic detection portion is close.

8. The wireless tag reading device according to claim 6, wherein: The magnetic detection unit detects magnetic force by magnetic flux density. The state detection unit detects that the state of the grip portion is a disconnected state when the magnetic flux density is less than a first threshold value based on the state determination table, When the magnetic flux density is greater than or equal to a first threshold value and less than or equal to a second threshold value, it is detected that the state of the grip portion is a state in which the distance between the magnet and the magnetic detection portion is far. When the magnetic flux density exceeds the second threshold value, it is detected that the state of the grip portion is a state in which the distance between the magnet and the magnetic detection portion is close.

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