Communication device

Abstract

Disclosed is a communication device capable of improving the accuracy of determining the position of a wireless tag. The communication device includes an antenna, a driving section, a first acquisition section, an input section, a second acquisition section, and a measurement control section. The driving section moves the position of the antenna. The first acquisition section acquires tag data of each wireless tag at a plurality of positions of the antenna. The input section inputs the tag data of each wireless tag acquired by the first acquisition section to a learned model. The second acquisition section acquires data indicating a level related to the range in which each wireless tag exists from the learned model based on the input of the tag data of each wireless tag to the learned model by the input section. The measurement control section controls measurement processing of a change in a measurement mode accompanying a plurality of wireless tags in a case where the levels of the plurality of wireless tags acquired based on measurement processing of the plurality of wireless tags more than or equal to once do not satisfy a condition.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese application filed on December 2, 2021, with application number JP2021-196446, and incorporates the contents of the aforementioned application in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a communication device. Background Technology

[0003] There is a device that determines whether a wireless tag is within or outside a specified range by receiving radio waves transmitted from a wireless tag attached to an object using an antenna. Such a device moves the antenna to measure the phase of the wireless tag. The device determines whether the wireless tag is within or outside the specified range based on the phase difference, which is the amount of the measured phase change.

[0004] Sometimes, the device cannot measure enough data for decision processing for all wireless tags due to factors such as antenna movement speed and the number of wireless tags. This results in decreased decision accuracy for wireless tags with insufficient data. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above problems, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a communication device that improves the accuracy of determining the location of wireless tags.

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, the communication device of an embodiment of the present invention includes an antenna, a driving unit, a first acquisition unit, an input unit, a second acquisition unit, and a measurement control unit. The driving unit moves the position of the antenna. The first acquisition unit acquires tag data of each wireless tag at multiple positions of the antenna. The input unit inputs the tag data of each wireless tag acquired by the first acquisition unit into a learning completion model. The second acquisition unit, based on the input of the tag data of each wireless tag to the learning completion model via the input unit, acquires data representing the level related to the range of each wireless tag's presence from the learning completion model. The measurement control unit controls a measurement process that changes the accompanying measurement method for multiple wireless tags when the level of multiple wireless tags acquired based on at least one measurement process for multiple wireless tags does not meet the conditions. The learning completion model is a model generated through machine learning based on learning data. The learning data includes tag data of multiple learning objects' wireless tags and data representing the range of each wireless tag's presence.

[0007] The aforementioned communication device can improve the accuracy of determining the location of wireless tags.

[0008] In the aforementioned communication device, the measurement method includes the moving speed of the antenna, and the measurement processing accompanying the change of the measurement method includes measurement processing accompanying the reduction of the moving speed of the antenna.

[0009] According to the aforementioned communication device, it is able to obtain the level of the wireless tag that meets the conditions by reducing the moving speed of the antenna and performing measurement processing.

[0010] In the aforementioned communication device, the measurement method includes shielding one or more wireless tags, and the measurement processing accompanying the change of the measurement method includes measurement processing accompanying shielding one or more wireless tags that meet the condition.

[0011] According to the aforementioned communication device, it can obtain the level of a wireless tag that needs to meet the conditions by shielding the wireless tag that meets the conditions and performing measurement processing.

[0012] In the aforementioned communication device, the level includes a first level related to the wireless tag being included in a first range and a second level related to the wireless tag being included in a second range, and the condition includes the case where the first level is greater than or equal to a first threshold or the second level is greater than or equal to a second threshold.

[0013] According to the aforementioned communication device, the communication device can improve the accuracy of determining whether each of the multiple wireless tags exists in a first range or a second range.

[0014] In the aforementioned communication device, the tag data includes at least one of phase data and radio wave reception strength data.

[0015] According to the aforementioned communication device, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the level related to the range of the presence of each wireless tag by using at least one of phase data or radio wave reception strength data.

[0016] In the aforementioned communication device, the measurement control unit repeatedly controls the measurement processing accompanying the change in measurement mode until the level of each wireless tag is greater than or equal to the first threshold or greater than or equal to the second threshold.

[0017] According to the aforementioned communication device, measurement processing can be repeated with changes in the measurement method until the level of each individual RFID tag of all RFID tags meets the conditions. The communication device can obtain the level of each RFID tag of all RFID tags whose conditions need to be met. Therefore, the communication device can provide a technique to improve the accuracy of determining the location of RFID tags.

[0018] The communication device described above also includes an output unit that, after performing measurement processing based on a change in the accompanying measurement mode of the measurement control unit, outputs judgment result data based on data representing the level acquired by the second acquisition unit to an external device.

[0019] Based on the aforementioned communication device, the determination result data can be output to an external device.

[0020] In the aforementioned communication device, the output unit outputs determination result data, which includes data representing the level of the range in which each wireless tag exists, to an external device.

[0021] Based on the aforementioned communication device, the level can be confirmed using an external device. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the communication system involved in the embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the reading device involved in the embodiment.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure constituting the measurement data involved in the embodiment.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the drive device involved in the embodiment.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the driving device involved in the embodiment.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram used to illustrate the first and second ranges involved in the embodiments.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a determination process performed by the processor of the reading device involved in the embodiment.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a graph representing an example of tag data for determination measured during high-speed movement of the antenna involved in the embodiment.

[0030] Figure 9 This is a graph illustrating an example of tag data for determination measured during low-speed movement of the antenna involved in the embodiment.

[0031] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of wireless tags for multiple learning objects involved in the embodiment.

[0032] Figure 11This is a diagram illustrating an example of the learning tag data involved in the embodiment.

[0033] Figure 12 These are diagrams illustrating other examples of learning tag data involved in the embodiments.

[0034] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating another example of the learning tag data involved in the embodiments.

[0035] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the learning-completed model generation process performed by the processor of the reading device involved in the embodiment.

[0036] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0037] 1. Communication system 10. Communication device 81. First range

[0038] 82 Second Range 100 Reading Device 101 Processor

[0039] 102 ROM 103 RAM 104 First connection interface

[0040] 105 Second connection interface; 106 High-frequency front end; 107 Digital amplitude modulation unit

[0041] 108 DA converter 109 AD converter 110 Demodulation unit

[0042] 111 Storage device; 112 Bus; 200 Drive unit

[0043] 201 Processor 202 ROM 203 RAM

[0044] 204 Connection interface; 205 Drive unit; 206 Starting position sensor

[0045] 208 Bus 211 Rotary Axis 212 Track

[0046] 213 Mobile station 300 Antenna 400 Terminal

[0047] 500 items, 600 wireless tags, 601-615 wireless tags

[0048] 700 Cashier Counter 1011 Mobility Control Department 1012 Communication Control Department

[0049] 1013 First Acquisition Section 1014 Input Section 1015 Second Acquisition Section

[0050] 1016 Output Unit 1017 Model Processing Unit 1018 Measurement and Control Unit

[0051] 1111 Measurement data storage area 1112 Learning data storage area

[0052] 1113 Learning completes the model storage area. 1114 Decision data storage area. Detailed Implementation

[0053] The communication system according to the embodiments will now be described using the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the scales of the various parts in the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments have been appropriately changed. Additionally, some of the components shown in the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments have been omitted for ease of explanation.

[0054] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the communication system 1 involved in the embodiment.

[0055] The communication system 1 includes a communication device 10, a terminal 400 (external device), and multiple wireless tags 600 attached to multiple items 500. Figure 1 Although a single wireless tag 600 attached to one item 500 is shown, the communication system 1 includes multiple wireless tags 600 attached to multiple items 500. Furthermore, the communication system 1 may also include a communication device 10 and a terminal 400, but not multiple items 500.

[0056] The communication device 10 is a device for reading information from the wireless tag 600. While the communication device 10 can be used for product inspection in warehouses, it can also be used in shops; its applications are not limited to these. The communication device 10 includes a reading device 100, a driving device 200, and an antenna 300.

[0057] The reading device 100 is a device that controls the drive device 200 and the antenna 300 and reads information from the wireless tag 600. An example of the configuration of the reading device 100 will be described later.

[0058] The driving device 200 is a device for the movable antenna 300. An example of the configuration of the driving device 200 will be described later.

[0059] Antenna 300 receives and transmits radio waves with wireless tag 600. Antenna 300 converts the radio waves received from wireless tag 600 into high-frequency signals and outputs the high-frequency signals to reading device 100.

[0060] Terminal 400 is a device for processing information read from wireless tag 600 by reading device 100. Terminal 400 can be a PC (personal computer) or the like, but it is not limited to any device that processes information.

[0061] Item 500 refers to goods, etc.

[0062] The wireless tag 600 is typically an RFID (radio frequency identification) tag. However, the wireless tag 600 can also be other types of wireless tags. The wireless tag 600 is a passive wireless tag that operates by using prescribed radio waves transmitted from the antenna 300 as its power source. The wireless tag 600 transmits a signal containing information stored in it by backscattering an unmodulated signal. The information stored in the wireless tag 600 may also include unique identification information. The information stored in the wireless tag 600 may also include information related to the item 500 to which the wireless tag 600 is attached.

[0063] Regarding the reading device 100, using Figure 2 Please provide an explanation.

[0064] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the reading device 100.

[0065] The reading device 100 includes a processor 101, a ROM (read-only memory) 102, a RAM (random-access memory) 103, a first connection interface 104, a second connection interface 105, a high-frequency front-end 106, a digital amplitude modulation unit 107, a DA (digital-to-analog) converter 108, an AD (analog-to-digital) converter 109, a demodulation unit 110, and a storage device 111. The various components of the reading device 100 are connected via a bus 112, etc.

[0066] The processor 101 is the central part of the computer that performs the calculations and control required for the operation of the reading device 100. The processor 101 expands various programs stored in the ROM 102 or storage device 111 in the RAM 103. The processor 101 implements the parts described later and performs various operations by executing the programs expanded in the RAM 103.

[0067] Processor 101 can be a CPU (central processing unit), MPU (microprocessing unit), SoC (system on a chip), DSP (digital signal processor), GPU (graphics processing unit), ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), PLD (programmable logic device), or FPGA (field-programmable gate array), etc. Processor 101 can also be a combination of several of these processors.

[0068] ROM 102 is equivalent to the main storage device of the computer with processor 101 as the central processing unit. ROM 102 is a non-volatile memory dedicated to data retrieval. ROM 102 stores the aforementioned program. In addition, ROM 102 stores data or various settings used by processor 101 during various processing operations.

[0069] RAM 103 is equivalent to the main storage device of a computer with processor 101 as its central processing unit. RAM 103 is a memory used for reading and writing data. RAM 103 is a working area that stores data temporarily used by processor 101 during various processing operations.

[0070] The first connection interface 104 is an interface for communication between the reading device 100 and the driving device 200.

[0071] The second connection interface 105 is an interface used for communication between the reading device 100 and the terminal 400.

[0072] The high-frequency front-end 106 outputs a high-frequency signal to the antenna 300. The high-frequency front-end 106 receives a high-frequency signal from the antenna 300.

[0073] The digital amplitude modulation unit 107 is a circuit that adds information to be transmitted to the wireless tag 600 to the carrier wave transmitted to the wireless tag 600.

[0074] The DA converter 108 is a circuit that converts digital signals into analog signals. The DA converter 108 converts the digital signal modulated by the digital amplitude modulation unit 107 into an analog signal. The DA converter 108 outputs the high-frequency signal to the antenna 300 via the high-frequency front-end unit 106.

[0075] The AD converter 109 is a circuit that converts analog signals into digital signals. The AD converter 109 converts the high-frequency signal input from the antenna 300 into a digital signal via the high-frequency front-end 106.

[0076] The demodulation unit 110 is a circuit that extracts various information based on the radio waves received from the wireless tag 600. For example, the demodulation unit 110 extracts the unique identification code stored in the wireless tag 600 from the digital signal converted by the AD converter 109. Furthermore, according to known techniques, when the demodulation unit 110 receives the radio waves from the wireless tag 600 via the antenna 300, it outputs tag data of the wireless tag 600 from the digital signal converted by the AD converter 109 in a time sequence. The tag data is time-series data based on the radio waves from the wireless tag 600 received via the antenna 300. The tag data includes phase data. Phase data is data representing the phase of the radio waves from the wireless tag 600. The tag data includes received signal strength indicator (RSSI) data. Received signal strength data is data representing the received strength of the radio waves from the wireless tag 600. The tag data includes at least one of phase data and received signal strength data. Furthermore, each RFID tag 600 can store radio wave reception strength data in its memory when it receives radio waves transmitted from the antenna 300. In this example, the demodulation unit 110 can also extract the radio wave reception strength data stored in the RFID tag 600 in a time sequence from the digital signal converted by the AD converter 109. The demodulation unit 110 is an example of a detection unit that detects tag data of each RFID tag 600 in a time sequence based on radio waves from each RFID tag 600.

[0077] Storage device 111 is a device composed of non-volatile memory for storing data and programs. While storage device 111 may be composed of HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive), it is not limited to these. Storage device 111 is an example of a storage unit.

[0078] Storage device 111 includes a measurement data storage area 1111. The measurement data storage area 1111 stores measurement data.

[0079] Each measurement process corresponds to multiple sets (groups) of tag data for decision-making. A measurement process is the process of measuring tag data via the communication device 10. The measurement process accompanies the movement of the antenna 300. For example, a single measurement process accompanies the movement of the antenna 300 within its scanning range. The communication device 10 sometimes controls a single measurement process for multiple target wireless tags 600, and sometimes controls multiple measurement processes. Multiple target wireless tags 600 are a set of wireless tags whose tag data is measured through at least one shared measurement process based on the communication device 10.

[0080] The determination tag data set is a data set corresponding to each wireless tag 600 of the determination object. The determination tag data is a collection of multiple tag data of the wireless tag 600 of the determination object measured by the communication device 10. Hereinafter, the tag data of the wireless tag 600 of the determination object associated with the determination tag data set is also referred to as determination tag data. The determination tag data set contains multiple determination tag data of the wireless tag 600 of the determination object at multiple locations of the antenna 300. Each of the multiple locations of the antenna 300 is used as the measurement location of the tag data. Sometimes, the communication device 10 can measure the determination tag data at all locations of the multiple locations of the antenna 300 based on the wireless tag 600 of the determination object. In this example, the determination tag data set contains determination tag data associated with each location of each location of all locations of the multiple locations of the antenna 300. Sometimes, the communication device 10 can only measure the determination tag data at a portion of the multiple locations of the antenna 300 based on the wireless tag 600 of the determination object. In this example, the determination tag data set contains determination tag data associated with each location of each location of a portion of the multiple locations of the antenna 300.

[0081] Multiple determination tag data sets may sometimes also be determination tag data sets for all wireless tags of multiple determination objects 600. Multiple determination tag data sets may also be determination tag data sets for a portion of wireless tags of multiple determination objects 600. Multiple determination tag data sets are an example of determination tag data sets for each wireless tag 600 of determination objects at multiple locations of antenna 300.

[0082] The wireless tag 600 that is the object to be determined is a wireless tag that is within the range of the wireless tag 600. The wireless tag 600 that is the object to be determined is an example of a wireless tag that is a measurement object. The wireless tag that is a measurement object is also called a measurement object wireless tag. The wireless tag 600 that is the object to be determined is an example of a wireless tag. The object that determines the range of the wireless tag 600 includes the object that determines whether the location of the wireless tag 600 is included in a first range or a second range. The first range and the second range are different ranges that do not overlap. For example, the first range and the second range are three-dimensional regions. Examples of the first range and the second range will be described later. Measurement data can be updated based on measurement processing performed through the communication device 10. Examples of the composition of the measurement data will be described later.

[0083] Storage device 111 includes a learning data storage area 1112. The learning data storage area 1112 stores learning data.

[0084] The learning data is data that includes data pre-measured via a communication device. Here, for simplicity, the communication device that pre-measures the data included in the learning data is referred to as communication device 10, but it could also be one or more communication devices of the same type as communication device 10. The learning data is data used for machine learning.

[0085] The learning data includes a set of learning tag data. This set of learning tag data contains multiple sets of data about multiple learning objects' wireless tags 600. The multiple learning objects' wireless tags 600 are a set of wireless tags whose tag data is measured through a shared measurement process (at least once) based on the communication device 10. The set of data about the learning objects' wireless tags 600 includes multiple tag data of the learning objects' wireless tags 600 measured at multiple locations of the antenna 300. Hereinafter, the tag data of the learning objects' wireless tags 600 associated with the learning tag data set is also referred to as learning tag data. The communication device 10 can sometimes measure the learning tag data at all locations of the multiple locations of the antenna 300 based on the learning object's wireless tag 600. In this example, the set of data about the learning objects' wireless tags 600 includes learning tag data associated with each location of all locations of the multiple locations of the antenna 300. The communication device 10 can sometimes only measure the learning tag data at a portion of the multiple locations of the antenna 300 based on the learning object's wireless tag 600. In this example, the dataset for the learning target wireless tag 600 includes learning tag data associated with various locations among a subset of locations of the antenna 300. The dataset for the learning target wireless tag 600 is one example of the learning tag data for the learning target wireless tag 600. The learning tag dataset is one example of the learning tag data for multiple learning targets wireless tags 600. The learning target wireless tag 600 is an example of a wireless tag.

[0086] The learning data includes data representing the range in which each wireless tag 600 of the multiple learning objects exists. Hereinafter, the data representing the range in which each wireless tag 600 of the multiple learning objects exists is also called the correct answer data. The correct answer data includes data indicating which range each wireless tag 600 of the multiple learning objects is included in—either a first range that is a processing object or a second range that is not a processing object. The expression "each wireless tag 600 of the multiple learning objects" can also be replaced with "the location of each wireless tag 600 of the multiple learning objects". The correct answer data is data input by the user. The learning data can be updated.

[0087] Storage device 111 includes a learning-completed model storage area 1113. The learning-completed model storage area 1113 stores the learning-completed model.

[0088] The learned complete model is a model generated through machine learning based on learning data. The term "generated" includes not only the aspect of remaking but also the aspect of updating. Multiple learned complete models are used to determine the range of the presence of wireless tags 600 of an object.

[0089] The learned model outputs decision-making output data based on the input data for decision-making. The input data for decision-making is the set of multiple decision-making tag data corresponding to each measurement process. The output data for decision-making is data representing the level related to the range of presence of each wireless tag 600 of the decision object. Hereinafter, the level related to the range of presence of the wireless tag 600 of the decision object is also referred to as the decision level. The decision level represents the degree of probability of the presence of the wireless tag 600 of the decision object in each range of at least one range. For example, the decision level is a probability, but it is not limited to this. The decision level can also be a level selected from multiple levels, such as 10 levels. Here, the decision level is described as a probability.

[0090] A range of one or more can be either a single defined range or two distinct defined ranges of one or more that do not overlap. The determination level includes the levels associated with each range of the wireless tag 600 included in the range of one or more. When the determination level is probabilistic, the total number of levels associated with each range included in the range of one or more is 100%. When the determination level is graded, the total number of levels associated with each range included in the range of one or more is the upper limit of the multiple grades.

[0091] The presence range of the target wireless tag 600 can be determined based on a comparison with a determination level and conditions. Conditions are used to determine the presence range of the target wireless tag 600 based on the determination level. Conditions include conditions where the determination level is greater than or equal to a threshold. The threshold is a threshold used to determine the presence range of the target wireless tag 600. For example, the threshold may be 70%, but it is not limited to this. The threshold can be set appropriately.

[0092] When the determination level meets the conditions, the range where the target wireless tag 600 exists is determined. The conditions for meeting the determination level include cases where the determination level is greater than or equal to a threshold. Hereinafter, the determination level that meets the conditions is also referred to as the sufficient determination level. On the other hand, when the determination level does not meet the conditions, the range where the target wireless tag 600 exists is not determined. The conditions for not meeting the determination level include cases where the determination level is less than a threshold. Hereinafter, the determination level that does not meet the conditions is also referred to as the insufficient determination level.

[0093] Here, a range of one or more is defined as a range that includes both the first range and the second range. The determination level includes a first level (containing data representing the first range and the determination level) related to the wireless tag 600 of the determination object being included in the first range. Hereinafter, the first level is also referred to as the first determination level. The determination level includes a second level (containing data representing the second range and the determination level) related to the wireless tag 600 of the determination object being included in the second range. Hereinafter, the second level is also referred to as the second determination level.

[0094] In this example, the conditions include either a first determination level greater than or equal to a first threshold or a second determination level greater than or equal to a second threshold. The first threshold is a threshold used to determine that the range where the wireless tag 600 of the determination object exists is a first range. For example, the first threshold is 70%, but it is not limited to this. Here, the first threshold is described as 70%. The first threshold can be appropriately set. The second threshold is a threshold used to determine that the range where the wireless tag 600 of the determination object exists is a second range. For example, the second threshold is 70%, but it is not limited to this. Here, the second threshold is described as 70%. The second threshold can be appropriately set.

[0095] The determination level is satisfied when either the first determination level included in the determination level is greater than or equal to a first threshold, or the second determination level included in the determination level is greater than or equal to a second threshold. When the first level is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the range in which the target wireless tag 600 is located can be determined to be a first range. Conversely, when the first level is less than the first threshold, the range in which the target wireless tag 600 is located cannot be determined to be a first range. When the second level is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the range in which the target wireless tag 600 is located can be determined to be a second range. Conversely, when the second level is less than the second threshold, the range in which the target wireless tag 600 is located cannot be determined to be a second range. For example, the determination level may be a level that includes a first level with a probability of 80% and a second level with a probability of 20%. The range in which the target wireless tag 600 is located can be determined to be a first range. In this example, the determination level is a sufficient determination level. On the other hand, for example, the determination level may be a level that includes a first level with a probability of 30% and a second level with a probability of 70%. The range in which the target wireless tag 600 is located can be determined to be a second range. In this example, the determination level is a sufficient determination level.

[0096] The determination level is not satisfied if both the first level and the second level contained in the determination level are less than a first threshold. In this case, the range where the target wireless tag 600 exists cannot be determined. For example, the determination level might be a level containing a first level with a 60% probability and a second level with a 40% probability. The range where the target wireless tag 600 exists cannot be determined to be either the first or the second range. In this example, the determination level is an insufficient determination level.

[0097] Storage device 111 includes a decision data storage area 1114. The decision data storage area 1114 contains decision data.

[0098] The decision data comprises a set of decision level data based on the output data of each measurement process for multiple decision objects' wireless tags 600. The decision level data set is a collection of multiple decision levels for the multiple decision objects' wireless tags 600. The decision level data set sometimes contains decision levels associated with each wireless tag of all wireless tags of the multiple decision objects' wireless tags 600. The decision level data set sometimes contains decision levels associated with each wireless tag of a portion of the multiple decision objects' wireless tags 600. Sometimes, the decision level data set contains at least one decision level that is entirely sufficient decision level. Sometimes, the decision level data set contains at least one decision level that is entirely insufficient decision level. Sometimes, the decision level data set contains at least one decision level that is entirely sufficient decision level, and the remainder are insufficient decision levels. The decision data can be updated each time a measurement process for the multiple decision objects' wireless tags 600 is repeated.

[0099] Bus 112 includes a control bus, an address bus, and a data bus. Bus 112 transmits signals received and transmitted by various parts of the reading device 100.

[0100] Furthermore, the hardware configuration of the reading device 100 is not limited to the configuration described above. The reading device 100 can appropriately omit or modify the aforementioned components and add new components.

[0101] The components implemented by processor 101 will be explained.

[0102] The processor 101 implements the motion control unit 1011, the communication control unit 1012, the first acquisition unit 1013, the input unit 1014, the second acquisition unit 1015, the output unit 1016, the model processing unit 1017, and the measurement control unit 1018. Each unit implemented by the processor 101 can also be referred to as a function. Each unit implemented by the processor 101 can also be implemented by a control unit including the processor 101, the ROM 102, and the RAM 103.

[0103] The movement control unit 1011 controls the movement of the antenna 300 by controlling the drive device 200.

[0104] The communication control unit 1012 controls the transmission of radio waves from the antenna 300.

[0105] The first acquisition unit 1013 acquires multiple sets of label data for judgment.

[0106] The input unit 1014 inputs decision input data into the learned model. The decision input data is a set of multiple decision label data obtained by the first acquisition unit 1013.

[0107] The second acquisition unit 1015 acquires decision output data from the learning completion model based on the decision input data input to the learning completion model through the input unit 1014.

[0108] Output unit 1016 outputs a determination result (determination result data) to terminal 400. The determination result includes multiple sufficient determination levels for multiple target wireless tags 600. The multiple sufficient determination levels are the sufficient determination levels of each wireless tag among all wireless tags of the multiple target wireless tags 600. Sometimes, the multiple sufficient determination levels are obtained by the reading device 100 in a single measurement process. Sometimes, the multiple sufficient determination levels are obtained by the reading device 100 in multiple measurement processes. In this case, each of the multiple sufficient determination levels is a determination level obtained by the reading device 100 in any one of the multiple measurement processes. Furthermore, the determination data, regarding a specific target wireless tag 600, sometimes includes multiple sufficient determination levels based on multiple measurement processes. In this case, the determination result only needs to include any one of the multiple sufficient determination levels as the sufficient determination level of the target wireless tag 600. The determination result data includes sufficient determination levels in addition to data representing a first range or data representing a second range.

[0109] The model processing unit 1017 generates the learned model.

[0110] Measurement and Control Unit 1018 controls measurement processing.

[0111] Figure 3This is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure that constitutes measurement data.

[0112] The antenna 300 is configured to reciprocate in one direction based on control via the drive device 200. The scanning range of the antenna 300 is configured to range from position O corresponding to the starting position to position L. Position L can be appropriately set.

[0113] The measurement data corresponds to each measurement process and includes a set of determination tag data for each wireless tag 600 of the target. The set of determination tag data includes multiple determination tag data for the wireless tags 600 of the target at multiple locations of the antenna 300. For example, the multiple locations of the antenna 300 include locations with a certain interval 'a' between location O and location L. The value of the certain interval 'a' can be appropriately set. Sometimes, the communication device 10 can measure the determination tag data at all locations with a certain interval 'a' between location O and location L, based on the wireless tag 600 of the target. Sometimes, the communication device 10 can only measure the determination tag data at a portion of the locations with a certain interval 'a' between location O and location L, based on the wireless tag 600 of the target. The multiple locations of the antenna 300 may also include at least one location different from the location with a certain interval 'a' between location O and location L.

[0114] use Figure 4 and Figure 5 The drive unit 200 will be described below.

[0115] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the drive unit 200.

[0116] The drive unit 200 includes a processor 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a connection interface 204, a drive unit 205, and a start position sensor 206. The various components of the drive unit 200 are connected via a bus 208, etc.

[0117] The processor 201 is equivalent to the central part of the computer that performs the necessary calculations and control processes for the operation of the drive device 200. The processor 201 expands various programs stored in the RAM 203 and the ROM 202, etc. The processor 201 performs various actions by executing the programs expanded in the RAM 203. The processor 201 can be a CPU, MPU, SoC, DSP, GPU, ASIC, PLD, or FPGA, etc. The processor 201 can also be a processor composed of multiple of these components.

[0118] ROM 202 is equivalent to the main storage device of a computer with processor 201 as its central processing unit. ROM 202 is a non-volatile memory dedicated to data retrieval. ROM 202 stores the aforementioned program. ROM 202 stores data or various settings used by processor 201 in various processes.

[0119] RAM 203 is equivalent to the main storage device of the computer, which uses the processor 201 as its central processing unit. RAM 203 is a memory used for reading and writing data. RAM 203 is a working area that stores data temporarily used by the processor 201 during various processing operations.

[0120] The connection interface 204 is an interface used to connect the drive device 200 and the reading device 100.

[0121] The drive unit 205 moves the antenna 300. For example, the drive unit 205 is a stepper motor.

[0122] The starting position sensor 206 is a sensor that detects whether the moving stage 213, described later, is in the starting position.

[0123] Bus 208 includes a control bus, an address bus, and a data bus. Bus 208 transmits signals received and transmitted by various parts of the drive device 200.

[0124] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram used to illustrate the drive unit 200.

[0125] The drive unit 200 includes a rotating shaft 211, a track 212, and a moving table 213.

[0126] like Figure 5 As illustrated, the drive unit 200 and antenna 300 are disposed at the lower part of the cash register 700. The cash register 700 is a platform having a horizontal surface for placing an item 500 with a wireless tag 600 attached. The cash register 700 is an example of a mounting unit. The cash register 700 may also be included in the communication system 1 or the communication device 10.

[0127] The rotating shaft 211 transmits the driving force of the drive unit 205. Screw grooves are formed on the rotating shaft 211 and the track 212. The screw grooves are connected to each other. Therefore, when the drive unit 205 is rotated, the rotating shaft 211 rotates and the track 212 moves. A mobile stage 213 on which the antenna 300 is mounted is mounted on the track 212.

[0128] The movable stage 213 includes a ball screw nut, and when rotated via the ball screw nut track 212, the movable stage 213 moves in the horizontal direction. That is, the movable stage 213 moves along... Figure 5The movement is along the x-axis. Furthermore, the moving stage 213 moves in the opposite direction when the rotation direction of the track 212 is reversed. In this way, the drive device 200 causes the antenna 300 to reciprocate along the track 212 in one direction along the x-axis.

[0129] Furthermore, the hardware configuration of the drive device 200 is not limited to the configuration described above. The drive device 200 can be suitably configured by omitting or changing the aforementioned components and by adding new components.

[0130] The first and second scopes are explained.

[0131] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram used to illustrate the first range 81 and the second range 82, and is a plan view seen from above the cashier counter 700.

[0132] The first range 81 and the second range 82 are ranges separated in the horizontal direction. The first range 81 is the range located at the center of the horizontal plane of the cash register 700. The second range 82 is the range located at the outer periphery of the horizontal plane of the cash register 700 and extends horizontally beyond the cash register 700. The second range 82 is configured to surround the first range 81. Figure 6 Although the second range 82 is set apart from the first range 81 without being adjacent, it is not limited to this. The second range 82 may also be adjacent to the first range 81.

[0133] Furthermore, the settings of the first range 81 and the second range 82 are not limited to these. The first range 81 may also be the range located at the center of the horizontal plane of the cash register 700, and the second range 82 may also be the range located at the outer periphery of the horizontal plane of the cash register 700. The first range 81 may also be the entire range of the horizontal plane of the cash register 700, and the second range 82 may also be the range located beyond the horizontal direction from the cash register 700. The second range 82 is not limited to being the range surrounding the first range 81.

[0134] The first range 81 and the second range 82 can be any different ranges that do not overlap, and are not limited to ranges separated in the horizontal direction. The first range 81 and the second range 82 can also be ranges separated in the vertical direction.

[0135] Next, the determination process performed by the processor 101 of the reading device 100 configured as described above will be explained. The determination process is the process of acquiring data indicating the level of the presence of each wireless tag 600 of the determination object.

[0136] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a determination process performed by the processor 101 of the reading device 100.

[0137] Furthermore, the processing order described below is merely an example, and each process can be modified to some extent. Additionally, regarding the processing order described below, appropriate steps can be omitted, substituted, or added depending on the embodiments.

[0138] For example, an item 500 is placed on the checkout counter 700, which is the object of reading information stored in the wireless tag 600. The wireless tag 600 attached to the item 500 placed on the checkout counter 700 can be the wireless tag 600 of the object to be determined. There is a case where there is an item near the checkout counter 700 that is not the object of reading information stored in the wireless tag 600. The wireless tag 600 attached to the item near the checkout counter 700 can be the wireless tag 600 of the object to be determined.

[0139] The processor 101 of the reading device 100 may also start the determination process based on the acquisition of the determination process start instruction input by the user to the terminal 400.

[0140] The movement control unit 1011 controls the movement of the antenna 300 (ACT1). In ACT1, for example, the movement control unit 1011 sends a movement instruction to the drive device 200. The movement instruction is an instruction to move the antenna 300 in a direction from position O corresponding to the starting position to position L.

[0141] The processor 201 of the drive unit 200 receives a movement instruction from the reading device 100. Based on the movement instruction, the processor 201 uses the start position sensor 206 to determine whether the antenna 300 is in the start position. If the antenna 300 is not in the start position, the processor 201 controls the drive unit 205 to move the antenna 300 to the start position. The drive unit 205 moves the antenna 300 to the start position based on the control performed by the processor 201. The processor 201 controls the drive unit 205 to start moving the antenna 300 from position O corresponding to the start position. The drive unit 205 moves the antenna 300 from position O based on the control performed by the processor 201. The processor 201 controls the drive unit 205 to move the antenna 300 in one direction from position O to position L. The drive unit 205 moves the antenna 300 in one direction from position O to position L based on the control performed by the processor 201.

[0142] The communication control unit 1012 controls the start of radio wave transmission from the antenna 300 (ACT2). In ACT2, for example, the communication control unit 1012 controls the start of radio wave transmission from the antenna 300 based on the movement of the antenna 300 from position O. The communication control unit 1012 may also control the start of radio wave transmission from the antenna 300 based on a movement start notification from the drive device 200. The movement start notification may also indicate that the movement of the antenna 300 has started from position O. The antenna 300 then begins radio wave transmission.

[0143] The first acquisition unit 1013 acquires the determination tag data (ACT3) of each wireless tag 600 of the target for determination. In the processing mode of reading wireless tags 600, information stored in each wireless tag 600 of the target for determination can also be read along with the determination tag data. In ACT3, the first acquisition unit 1013 acquires the determination tag data of each wireless tag 600 of the target for determination detected by the demodulation unit 110. If the first acquisition unit 1013 acquires the determination tag data (ACT3, YES), the process transitions from ACT3 to ACT4. If the first acquisition unit 1013 does not acquire the determination tag data (ACT3, NO), the process transitions from ACT3 to ACT5.

[0144] The first acquisition unit 1013, based on the acquisition of the determination tag data of each wireless tag 600 of the determination object, saves the determination tag data in the measurement data storage area 1111 (ACT4).

[0145] The communication control unit 1012 determines whether the movement of the antenna 300 has ended (ACT5). In ACT5, for example, the communication control unit 1012 determines whether the movement of the antenna 300 from position O to position L has ended. The communication control unit 1012 may also determine that the movement of the antenna 300 has ended based on a movement end notification from the drive device 200. The movement end notification may also indicate that the movement of the antenna 300 ended upon reaching position L. If the movement of the antenna 300 has ended (ACT5, YES), the process transitions from ACT5 to ACT6. If the movement of the antenna 300 has not ended (ACT5, NO), the process transitions from ACT5 to ACT3.

[0146] The first acquisition unit 1013 repeats the processes of ACT3 and ACT4 from the time the antenna 300 starts moving from position O until it stops moving at position L.

[0147] The first acquisition unit 1013 acquires multiple sets of determination tag data in a single measurement process by repeating the process of ACT3. For example, the first acquisition unit 1013 acquires determination tag data sequentially at some or all of multiple locations of the antenna 300 for each wireless tag 600 of the determination object. The first acquisition unit 1013 may also acquire determination tag data sequentially at some or all of the locations at intervals a certain distance 'a' between location O and location L. The number of locations of the determination tag data measured by the communication device 10 is sometimes the same and sometimes different for each wireless tag 600 of the determination object. The first acquisition unit 1013 can be linked with the drive device 200 to acquire the position of the antenna 300.

[0148] The first acquisition unit 1013, through the repeated processing of ACT4, saves multiple sets of determination tag data in the measurement data storage area 1111 during a single measurement process. For example, the first acquisition unit 1013 saves determination tag data in the measurement data storage area 1111 each time determination tag data is acquired for each wireless tag 600 of the determination object. The first acquisition unit 1013 associates the determination tag data with the position of the antenna 300 and saves it in the measurement data storage area 1111. The first acquisition unit 1013 may also save determination tag data acquired at a portion or all of the positions between positions O and L at a certain interval a in the measurement data storage area 1111.

[0149] The communication control unit 1012 controls the termination of radio wave transmission from the antenna 300 (ACT6). In ACT6, for example, the communication control unit 1012 controls the termination of radio wave transmission from the antenna 300 based on the termination of movement of the antenna 300 from position O to position L. The antenna 300 terminates radio wave transmission.

[0150] Input unit 1014 inputs decision input data (ACT7) to the learned model. In ACT7, for example, input unit 1014 obtains decision input data based on measurement data stored in measurement data storage area 1111. Input unit 1014 obtains multiple decision label data sets from a single measurement process as decision input data. Input unit 1014 inputs the obtained decision input data to the learned model.

[0151] The second acquisition unit 1015 acquires decision output data (ACT8) from the learning-completed model based on the decision input data input to the learning-completed model via the input unit 1014. In ACT8, for example, the second acquisition unit 1015 acquires decision output data from a single measurement process from the learning-completed model. Based on the acquired decision output data, the second acquisition unit 1015 stores the decision level data set from the single measurement process in the decision data storage area 1114.

[0152] The measurement control unit 1018 determines whether the determination level of the wireless tags 600 of multiple measurement objects meets the conditions (ACT9). In ACT9, for example, the measurement control unit 1018 obtains the determination level of the wireless tags 600 of multiple measurement objects based on determination data stored in the determination data storage area 1114. The determination level of the wireless tags 600 of multiple measurement objects is obtained by the second acquisition unit 1015 based on at least one determination output data, which is based on at least one measurement process. The case where the determination level of the wireless tags 600 of multiple measurement objects meets the conditions includes the case where the determination level of each wireless tag of all wireless tags 600 of the multiple measurement objects meets the conditions. The case where the determination level of each wireless tag of all wireless tags meets the conditions corresponds to the case where there is a sufficient determination level associated with each wireless tag of all wireless tags.

[0153] The situation where the determination level of multiple measurement objects' wireless tags 600 does not meet the conditions includes the situation where the determination level of at least one wireless tag among the multiple measurement objects' wireless tags 600 does not meet the conditions. The situation where the determination level of at least one wireless tag does not meet the conditions corresponds to the situation where at least one wireless tag does not have a sufficiently associated determination level.

[0154] The measurement control unit 1018 compares the determination levels and conditions associated with each of the multiple determination objects' wireless tags 600. The determination data, sometimes concerning a specific determination object's wireless tag 600, includes multiple determination levels based on multiple measurement processes. In this case, the measurement control unit 1018 compares each determination level of the multiple determination levels with the conditions. If at least one of the multiple determination levels meets the conditions, the measurement control unit 1018 determines that the determination level of the determination object's wireless tag 600 meets the conditions. If none of the determination levels in the multiple determination levels meet the conditions, the measurement control unit 1018 determines that the determination level of the determination object's wireless tag 600 does not meet the conditions.

[0155] If the determination level of multiple measurement objects' wireless tags 600 does not meet the conditions (ACT9, NO), the process transitions from ACT9 to ACT10. If the determination level of multiple measurement objects' wireless tags 600 meets the conditions (ACT9, YES), the process transitions from ACT9 to ACT11.

[0156] The measurement control unit 1018 controls the measurement processing (ACT10) that changes the accompanying measurement mode for multiple wireless tags 600 being measured. In ACT10, for example, in ACT9, the measurement control unit 1018 repeats the control of the measurement processing that changes the accompanying measurement mode until the determination level of all wireless tags 600 for the multiple measuring objects meets the conditions. The measurement mode is the method by which tag data is measured for the wireless tags 600 for the multiple measuring objects via the communication device 10. The measurement mode includes the operation of the hardware in the communication device 10. The measurement mode includes the processing of the software in the communication device 10.

[0157] The change in measurement method includes increasing the number of tag data points for determining the target wireless tag 600 measured in a single measurement process. As the number of tag data points used as input data for determination increases, the accuracy of predicting the range of the target wireless tag 600 increases. The determination level obtained from the learned model easily becomes a sufficient determination level that satisfies the conditions as the number of tag data points increases. Through measurement processing accompanied by the change in measurement method, the communication device 10 can obtain a sufficient determination level for target wireless tags 600 for which a sufficient determination level could not be obtained initially.

[0158] Hereinafter, the measurement process before the change of measurement method is referred to as the first measurement process. The measurement process after the change of measurement method is referred to as the second measurement process. The first measurement process corresponds to the measurement process performed before the second measurement process. The second measurement process corresponds to the measurement process accompanying the change of measurement method. In the case where multiple measurement processes are performed before the second measurement process, the first measurement process is the last measurement process performed in time sequence among the multiple measurement processes.

[0159] In one example, the measurement method includes the moving speed of antenna 300.

[0160] The measurement processing accompanying the change in measurement method includes measurement processing accompanying the reduction of the moving speed of antenna 300.

[0161] The moving speed of antenna 300 in the first measurement process is also called the first moving speed. The moving speed of antenna 300 in the second measurement process is also called the second moving speed.

[0162] In the first measurement process, the measurement control unit 1018 controls the measurement process based on a first moving speed of the antenna 300. In this example, the measurement control unit 1018 controls the antenna 300 to move at the first moving speed. The movement control unit 1011 controls the movement of the antenna 300 at the first moving speed in ACT1 based on the control of the measurement control unit 1018. The drive unit 205 moves the antenna 300 at the first moving speed. In the second measurement process, the measurement control unit 1018 controls the measurement process based on a second moving speed lower than the first moving speed. In this example, the measurement control unit 1018 controls the antenna 300 to move at the second moving speed. The movement control unit 1011 controls the movement of the antenna 300 at the second moving speed in ACT1 based on the control of the measurement control unit 1018. The drive unit 205 moves the antenna 300 at the second moving speed.

[0163] The rate of decrease in the moving speed of antenna 300 can be constant during the measurement process. The rate of decrease in the moving speed of antenna 300 can also be increased sequentially during each measurement process. Alternatively, the rate of decrease in the moving speed of antenna 300 can be decreased sequentially during each measurement process. When the moving speed of antenna 300 decreases, the number of tag data points for the determination of the wireless tag 600, the object to be determined, measured by communication device 10 in a single measurement process, increases.

[0164] In another example, the measurement method includes shielding at least one of the target wireless tags 600.

[0165] The measurement processing accompanying the change in measurement method also includes the measurement processing of wireless tags 600 that shield at least one of the criteria.

[0166] The case of blocking the target wireless tag 600 includes the case where the target wireless tag 600 is not read. Among a plurality of target wireless tags 600, at least one target wireless tag 600 that meets the conditions is not read by the communication device 10 during the second measurement process. In this example, the communication device 10 does not acquire tag data for at least one target wireless tag 600 that meets the conditions. Furthermore, if multiple measurement processes are performed before the second measurement process, the determination data regarding a certain target wireless tag 600 may sometimes include multiple determination levels. In this case, if one of the multiple determination levels meets the conditions, the measurement control unit 1018 determines that the target wireless tag 600 is blocked.

[0167] In the case where no wireless tag 600 is blocked, this includes selecting the wireless tag 600 as the target and using it as the reading target. Among multiple target wireless tags 600, at least one target wireless tag 600 that does not meet the conditions is the target read by the communication device 10 in the second measurement process. In this example, the communication device 10 acquires the tag data of at least one target wireless tag 600 that does not meet the conditions.

[0168] In the second measurement process, the measurement control unit 1018 controls the measurement process of wireless tags 600 that meet the criteria of at least one target being shielded. Based on the control of the measurement control unit 1018, the communication control unit 1012, in ACT2, shields wireless tags 600 that meet the criteria of at least one target being shielded and controls communication via the antenna 300.

[0169] The number of wireless tags 600 that meet the conditions among the multiple determination objects increases with each measurement process. Therefore, the number of wireless tags 600 that are shielded objects among the multiple determination objects increases with each measurement process. The communication device 10 can lock onto a wireless tag 600 that does not meet the conditions and perform a measurement process. By locking onto a wireless tag 600 that is a determination object, the communication device 10 increases the number of tag data points for determination of the wireless tag 600 measured in a single measurement process.

[0170] Furthermore, the measurement control unit 1018 can also combine the two examples described above to control measurement processing that accompanies changes in the measurement method. In this example, the measurement control unit 1018 controls the measurement processing of both sides, including reducing the moving speed of the antenna 300 and shielding at least one wireless tag that meets the conditions. Compared to the case of only one of the two examples, the number of tag data points for determining the wireless tag 600 of the target being determined, measured by the communication device 10 in a single measurement process, increases.

[0171] In ACT9, the reading device 100 performs measurement processing at least once until the determination level of the wireless tags 600 of multiple measurement objects meets the conditions.

[0172] The movement control unit 1011 controls the movement of the antenna 300 corresponding to each measurement process through the processing of ACT1 for each measurement process. In each measurement process, the movement control unit 1011 can also alternately change the direction of the antenna 300's movement. That is, the direction of the antenna 300's movement in the second measurement process can be different from the direction of the antenna 300's movement in the first measurement process. For example, in each measurement process, the movement control unit 1011 alternately changes the control of the antenna 300's movement from position O to position L and the control of the antenna 300's movement from position L to position O.

[0173] Hereinafter, the control of the movement of antenna 300 from position O to position L is also referred to as the first movement control. The movement of antenna 300 from position O to position L is an example of the movement of antenna 300 in a single measurement process. The drive unit 205 moves antenna 300 in one direction from position O to position L in a single measurement process through the first movement control based on the movement control unit 1011. In the first movement control, in ACT5, the communication control unit 1012 determines whether the movement of antenna 300 from position O to position L has ended.

[0174] Hereinafter, the control of the movement of antenna 300 from position L to position O is also referred to as the second movement control. The movement of antenna 300 from position L to position O is an example of the movement of antenna 300 in a single measurement process. The drive unit 205 moves antenna 300 in one direction from position L to position O in a single measurement process through the second movement control based on the movement control unit 1011. In the second movement control, in ACT5, the communication control unit 1012 determines whether the movement of antenna 300 from position L to position O has ended.

[0175] The movement process in the first measurement process can also be a first movement process. The movement process in the second measurement process can also be a second movement process. Position O is an example of a first position. Position L is an example of a second position different from the first position. In this example, the communication device 10 can perform at least one measurement process while repeating the first and second movement processes in each measurement process. The communication device 10 does not need to return the position of the antenna 300 to position O in each measurement process before starting the movement of the antenna 300. Therefore, the communication device 10 can shorten the time for the determination level of the wireless tag 600 reaching multiple measurement objects to meet the conditions.

[0176] The first acquisition unit 1013 acquires multiple sets of decision tag data in each measurement process through the processing of ACT3 for each measurement process.

[0177] The first acquisition unit 1013, through the processing of ACT4 for each measurement process, saves multiple sets of judgment tag data in the measurement data storage area 1111 for each measurement process.

[0178] The input unit 1014 processes ACT7 for each measurement process, and inputs multiple decision label datasets into the decision input data for each measurement process, and then inputs them into the learned model.

[0179] The second acquisition unit 1015, through the processing of ACT8 in each measurement process, acquires the decision output data (data representing the level related to the range of each wireless tag 600 of the decision object) corresponding to each measurement process from the learned model. For each measurement process, the second acquisition unit 1015 stores a decision level data set based on the decision output data in the decision data storage area 1114. The decision data includes the decision level data set based on the decision output data, which is acquired by the second acquisition unit 1015 in each measurement process.

[0180] The measurement control unit 1018 repeats the control of the measurement process accompanying the change in measurement mode until the determination level of all wireless tags 600 of the multiple measurement objects meets the conditions. When the determination level of all wireless tags 600 of the multiple measurement objects meets the conditions, the output unit 1016 outputs a determination result (determination result data) (ACT11) to the terminal 400. That is, after performing the measurement process accompanying the change in measurement mode based on the measurement control unit 1018, the output unit 1016 outputs a determination result based on the determination output data obtained by the second acquisition unit 1015. In ACT11, for example, the output unit 1016 obtains the determination result based on the determination data storage area 1114. The determination result includes multiple sufficient determination levels of the wireless tags 600 of the multiple determination objects (data indicating the range related to the presence of each wireless tag 600 of the determination object). The determination result includes data indicating that each wireless tag 600 of the determination object is included in either a first range that is a processing object or a second range that is not a processing object. The determination result may also include information stored in each wireless tag 600 of the determined object, which is read by the reading device 100.

[0181] Furthermore, if the measurement control unit 1018 terminates the measurement process if the level condition is not met even after repeating the measurement process for multiple wireless tags with changes in the accompanying measurement method a predetermined number of times. In this case, the output unit 1016 obtains a determination result including a non-sufficient determination level (data indicating the level related to the range where the wireless tag 600 to be determined exists), data indicating that the wireless tag 600 is included in either the first range that is the object of processing or the second range that is not the object of processing, and the information stored in the wireless tag 600 to be determined by the reading device 100. In this case, the situation of wireless tags with non-sufficient determination levels is output by the output unit 1016 and notified to the terminal 400. Thus, the operator of the terminal 400 can confirm the situation of wireless tags with non-sufficient determination levels. In addition, it is possible to confirm which wireless tag it is and the situation of the non-sufficient determination level of the wireless tag. Hereinafter, the case where all the wireless tags 600 to be determined are at the sufficient determination level will be described as an example.

[0182] The output unit 1016 outputs the obtained determination result to the terminal 400 via the second connection interface 105. The terminal 400 can also determine the range of the presence of each wireless tag 600 of the determination object based on multiple sufficient determination levels among the multiple determination objects' wireless tags 600 included in the determination result. The terminal 400 can also process the information stored in each wireless tag 600 of the determination object according to whether each wireless tag 600 of the determination object is included in a first range or a second range. The terminal 400 can also process the information stored in each wireless tag 600 of the determination object included in the first range. The terminal 400 can also choose not to process the information stored in each wireless tag 600 of the determination object included in the second range.

[0183] The number of tag data points for each wireless tag 600 used in a single measurement process will be explained. Here, the case where the measurement method is the moving speed of the antenna 300 will be used as an example.

[0184] Figure 8 This is a chart representing an example of tag data measured during the high-speed movement of antenna 300.

[0185] The horizontal axis represents the position of antenna 300. Position L is 600mm. The vertical axis represents the phase. The graph shows multiple tag data sets for each radio tag, from radio tag A to radio tag F. Radio tags A to F are radio tags 600 that are the targets of the determination.

[0186] Figure 9 This is a chart representing an example of tag data measured during the low-speed movement of antenna 300.

[0187] The horizontal axis represents the position of antenna 300. Position L is 600mm. The vertical axis represents the phase. The graph shows the tag data set used for determining each radio tag from radio tag A to radio tag F. Figure 9 The moving speed of antenna 300 in the measurement processing of multiple exemplified tag datasets is compared to... Figure 8 The illustrated multiple determinations use slow movement speeds in the measurement processing of the labeled dataset.

[0188] Will Figure 8 and Figure 9 The comparison shows that the number of data points of multiple decision tag data points contained in each decision tag data set increases as the moving speed of antenna 300 decreases. Figure 8 and Figure 9 While a graph showing the phase is provided, the same applies to the received radio wave strength.

[0189] This section explains the measurement examples of the learning labeled data included in the learning data used in generating the completed learning model.

[0190] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates a configuration example of multiple learning targets for wireless tags 601-615, and is a plan view seen from above the checkout counter 700. The multiple learning targets for wireless tags 601-615 are an example of wireless tag 600.

[0191] Wireless tags 601-615 are configured on an imaginary plane containing the checkout counter 700, and are parallel to the direction in which the antenna 300 moves in a direction perpendicular to it. Wireless tags 601-605 are configured at different locations and are included within a first range 81. Wireless tags 601-605 are arranged from position O in order of proximity to distance. During its movement from position O to position L, the antenna 300 passes through the positions corresponding to each wireless tag in the order of wireless tags 601-605.

[0192] Wireless tags 606-610 are configured at different locations and included within the second range 82. Wireless tags 606-610 are configured in order of proximity to location O. Antenna 300 moves away from wireless tags 606-610 during the movement from location O to location L.

[0193] Wireless tags 611-615 are configured at different locations and included within the second range 82. Wireless tags 611-615 are configured in order from near to far from location L. During the movement from location O to location L, antenna 300 moves closer to wireless tags 611-615.

[0194] Furthermore, the number and configuration examples of wireless tags for multiple learning objects are not limited to... Figure 10 The example shown illustrates this. It is sufficient that only a portion of the wireless tags of the multiple learning objects are configured in the first range 81, and the remaining portion of the wireless tags of the multiple learning objects are configured in the second range 82.

[0195] This document describes the training tag data for multiple locations of wireless tags 601 to 615 at various positions of antenna 300. Here, phase data is used as an example of the training tag data.

[0196] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of learning tag data for multiple wireless tags 601-615 at multiple locations of antenna 300.

[0197] The horizontal axis represents the position of antenna 300. Position L is 600mm. The vertical axis represents the phase. The graph shows the phase of each position for each radio tag 601 to 615, at a certain interval 'a' between position O and position L.

[0198] The phase of each wireless tag 601-605 changes with the position of antenna 300. This is because as antenna 300 moves, the distance between antenna 300 and each wireless tag 601-605 changes. Regardless of the position of antenna 300, the phase of each wireless tag 601-605 is different. This is because the distance between antenna 300 and each wireless tag 601-605 is different.

[0199] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating an example of learning tag data from multiple wireless tags 606-610 at multiple locations on antenna 300.

[0200] The horizontal axis represents the position of antenna 300. Position L is 600mm. The vertical axis represents the phase. The graph shows the phase of each position of radio tags 606-610, at a certain interval 'a' between position O and position L.

[0201] The phase of each wireless tag 606-610 changes with the position of antenna 300. Regardless of the position of antenna 300, the phase of each wireless tag 606-610 is different.

[0202] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing an example of learning tag data for multiple wireless tags 611-615 at multiple locations on antenna 300.

[0203] The horizontal axis represents the position of antenna 300. Position L is 600mm. The vertical axis represents the phase. The graph shows the phase of each position of radio tags 610 to 615, at a certain interval 'a' between position O and position L.

[0204] The phase of each wireless tag 611 to 615 changes as the position of antenna 300 changes. Regardless of the position of antenna 300, the phase of each wireless tag 611 to 615 is different.

[0205] While the characteristics of the phase data have been explained, the characteristics of the received radio wave strength data are also explained. The received radio wave strength of each of the wireless tags 601 to 615 varies with the position of the antenna 300. This is because the distance between the antenna 300 and each of the wireless tags 601 to 615 changes as the antenna 300 moves. Regardless of the position of the antenna 300, the received radio wave strength of each of the wireless tags 601 to 615 is different. This is because the distance between the antenna 300 and each of the wireless tags 601 to 615 is different.

[0206] As described above, the processor 101 of the reading device 100 acquires multiple learning tag data of wireless tags 600 of multiple learning objects at multiple locations of the antenna 300. Thus, the processor 101 of the reading device 100 acquires multiple data sets regarding the wireless tags 600 of the multiple learning objects. For example, as described above, the multiple locations of the antenna 300 include locations spaced a certain interval 'a' from location O to location L. The multiple locations of the antenna 300 may also include at least one location different from the location spaced a certain interval 'a' from location O to location L. The processor 101 stores the acquired learning tag data in the learning data storage area 1112.

[0207] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the learning and generation process of the processor 101 based on the reading device 100 to generate a model.

[0208] Furthermore, the processing order described below is merely an example, and each process can be modified to some extent. Additionally, regarding the processing order described below, steps can be appropriately omitted, substituted, or added according to the embodiments.

[0209] The model processing unit 1017 can also begin the generation process of the learned model at any time and recreate the learned model. The model processing unit 1017 can also begin the generation process of the learned model at any time and update the learned model.

[0210] The model processing unit 1017 acquires learning data (step S20). In step S20, the model processing unit 1017 acquires learning data from the learning data storage area 1112.

[0211] The model processing unit 1017 generates a completed learning model through machine learning based on the learning data (step S21). In step S21, for example, the model processing unit 1017 learns from the learning data using machine learning. The model processing unit 1017 infers the relationship between multiple datasets of wireless tags 600 representing multiple learning objects and positive solution data representing the range of each wireless tag 600. The model processing unit 1017 generates a completed learning model based on this inference. Machine learning may include neural networks, but is not limited to these.

[0212] The tag data used for learning the target wireless tag 600, including both phase data and radio wave received strength data, varies depending on the distance between the antenna 300 and the target wireless tag 600. The pattern of the data set for the target wireless tag 600 differs depending on the location of each target wireless tag 600. There can be a certain correlation between the data set of the target wireless tag 600 and the location of the wireless tag 600. Therefore, there can be a certain correlation between the tag data set of the wireless tag 600 and the level of correlation between the range of the wireless tag 600's presence.

[0213] The model processing unit 1017 saves the generated learning completed model in the learning completed model storage area 1113 (step S22).

[0214] According to this embodiment, the communication device includes an antenna. The communication device includes a drive unit for moving the antenna position. The communication device includes a first acquisition unit for acquiring tag data of each wireless tag at multiple positions of the antenna. The communication device includes an input unit for inputting the tag data of each wireless tag acquired by the first acquisition unit into a learning completion model. The communication device includes a second acquisition unit for acquiring data representing a level related to the range of each wireless tag's presence from the learning completion model based on the tag data of each wireless tag input to the learning completion model through the input unit. A measurement control unit controls a measurement process that changes the accompanying measurement method for multiple wireless tags when the level of multiple wireless tags acquired based on at least one measurement process for multiple wireless tags does not meet a condition. The learning completion model is a model generated through machine learning based on learning data. The learning data includes tag data of multiple learning objects' wireless tags and data representing the range of each wireless tag's presence.

[0215] When the level of a radio tag does not meet the requirements, the communication device can perform measurement processing that includes changes to the measurement method. This increases the likelihood of obtaining a level that meets the requirements from the radio tag. Therefore, the communication device can provide a technique to improve the accuracy of radio tag location determination.

[0216] The measurement method includes the antenna's moving speed. Measurement processing accompanying changes in the measurement method includes measurement processing that involves reducing the antenna's moving speed.

[0217] By reducing the antenna's moving speed and performing measurement processing, the communication device can increase the number of tag data points for each RFID tag that can be measured in a single measurement process. As the number of tag data points increases, the classification level related to the range of the RFID tag's presence becomes easier to meet. Therefore, by reducing the antenna's moving speed and performing measurement processing, the communication device can obtain the classification level of the RFID tag that needs to be met.

[0218] The measurement method includes methods for shielding wireless tags. Measurement processing accompanying changes in the measurement method includes measurement processing involving shielding at least one wireless tag that meets the specified conditions.

[0219] The communication device performs measurement processing by blocking at least one radio tag that meets the criteria, and then locking onto radio tags that do not meet the criteria. By locking onto the radio tags whose tag data is to be measured, the communication device increases the number of tag data points that can be measured for each radio tag in a single measurement process. As the number of tag data points increases, the level related to the range of the radio tags becomes easier to meet the criteria. Therefore, the communication device can obtain the level of the radio tags whose criteria need to be met by blocking radio tags that meet the criteria and performing measurement processing.

[0220] The levels include a first level related to the wireless tag being included in a first range and a second level related to the wireless tag being included in a second range. The conditions include a first level greater than or equal to a first threshold or a second level greater than or equal to a second threshold.

[0221] The communication device is capable of distinguishing between multiple wireless tags that are at a first level greater than or equal to a first threshold or a second level greater than or equal to a second threshold. Therefore, the communication device can provide a technique to improve the accuracy of determining whether each of the multiple wireless tags exists within a first or second range.

[0222] The tag data includes at least one of phase data and radio wave received strength data.

[0223] The communication device can improve the accuracy of the level related to the range of the presence of each wireless tag by using at least one of phase data or radio wave reception strength data.

[0224] The following describes a variation of this embodiment.

[0225] While an example of a model processing unit 1017 for generating a learned model has been described in relation to the processor 101 of the reading device 100, it is not limited thereto. The generation of the learned model can also be achieved by a device other than the reading device 100.

[0226] While an example of storing learning data and the completed learning model in the storage device 111 of the reading device 100 has been described, it is not limited thereto. The learning data and the completed learning model may also be stored in one or more devices different from the reading device 100.

[0227] While an example has been described regarding the processor 101 of the reading device 100 obtaining decision output data through software processing, the method is not limited thereto. The communication device 10 may also include a predictor (inferrer) using a learned model. In this example, the input unit 1014 of the processor 101 inputs decision input data to the predictor. The case where the reading device 100 inputs decision input data to the learned model includes the case where the decision input data is sent from the reading device 100 to the predictor. The second acquisition unit 1015 of the processor 101 obtains decision output data from the learned model based on the decision input data input to the learned model. The case where the reading device 100 obtains decision output data from the learned model includes the case where the reading device 100 receives decision output data from the predictor.

[0228] Communication devices can be implemented either through multiple devices as illustrated in the examples above, or by integrating the functions of multiple devices into a single device. Similarly, the reading device, driving device, and antenna can be implemented by integrating their functions into a single device. Conversely, the reading device can also be implemented through multiple devices with distributed functions.

[0229] The program can be transferred either in a state where it is stored in the device involved in the embodiment, or in a state where it is not stored in the device. In the latter case, the program can be transferred either via a network or in a state where it is stored in a storage medium. The storage medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The storage medium is a computer-readable medium. The storage medium is any medium capable of storing programs and readable by a computer, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, and its form is not limited.

[0230] While several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, these embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included within the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

Claims

1. A communication device, characterized in that, include: antenna; The drive unit moves the position of the antenna; The first acquisition unit acquires tag data of each wireless tag at multiple locations of the antenna; The input unit inputs the tag data of each wireless tag obtained by the first acquisition unit into the learned model; The second acquisition unit, based on the tag data of each wireless tag input to the learning completion model through the input unit, acquires data from the learning completion model representing the level of probability of the existence of each wireless tag in each range of a range greater than or equal to one. as well as The measurement control unit, when the level of the multiple wireless tags, obtained from at least one measurement process for the multiple wireless tags, does not meet the conditions, controls the measurement process that involves changing the accompanying measurement method for the multiple wireless tags, wherein... The learning completion model is a model generated through machine learning based on learning data. The learning data includes tag data of wireless tags of multiple learning objects and data indicating the range of each wireless tag of the multiple learning objects.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The measurement method includes the moving speed of the antenna. The measurement processing accompanying the change in the measurement method includes measurement processing accompanying a reduction in the moving speed of the antenna.

3. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The measurement method includes shielding one or more wireless tags. The measurement processing accompanying the change in the measurement method includes measurement processing accompanying the shielding of at least one wireless tag that satisfies the condition.

4. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The levels include a first level related to the wireless tag being included in a first range and a second level related to the wireless tag being included in a second range. The conditions include cases where the first level is greater than or equal to the first threshold or the second level is greater than or equal to the second threshold.

5. The communication device according to claim 3, wherein, The levels include a first level related to the wireless tag being included in a first range and a second level related to the wireless tag being included in a second range. The conditions include cases where the first level is greater than or equal to the first threshold or the second level is greater than or equal to the second threshold.

6. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The tag data includes at least one of phase data and radio wave reception strength data.

7. The communication device according to claim 3, wherein, The tag data includes at least one of phase data and radio wave reception strength data.

8. The communication device according to claim 4, wherein, The measurement control unit repeats the control of measurement processing accompanying the change in measurement mode until the level of each wireless tag is greater than or equal to the first threshold or greater than or equal to the second threshold.

9. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising: After performing measurement processing based on the change in the accompanying measurement mode of the measurement control unit, the output unit outputs judgment result data based on the data representing the level acquired by the second acquisition unit to an external device.

10. The communication device according to claim 9, wherein, The output unit outputs determination result data, which includes data representing the level of the range in which each wireless tag exists, to an external device.

Images