RFID tag manufacturing system, RFID tag manufacturing method, RFID tag manufacturing program, and database

Abstract

To provide an RFID tag manufacturing system which can correctly grasp identification information of a plurality of RFID tags stored in a packaging body.SOLUTION: An RFID tag manufacturing system 1 includes: a production part 4 and an inspection part 5 as a production inspection part for producing an RFID tag 10, and for performing inspection on the RFID tag 10 after production; a packaging part 6 for storing the RFID tag 10 which has passed the inspection in a packaging body 20 in the inspection order; and database 3 for recording information about the RFID tag 10. The inspection part 5 of the production inspection part records, in the database 3, a data set in which identification information (tag ID, EPC) of the RFID tag 10 which has passed the inspection is associated with information of the inspection order (inspection time and the like). The packaging part 6 records, in the database 3, the identification information (packaging body ID) of the packaging body 20 in which the RFID tag 10 which has passed the inspection is stored by associating it with the corresponding data set.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an RFID tag manufacturing system, an RFID tag manufacturing method, an RFID tag manufacturing program, and a database. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for inspecting manufactured RFID tags to determine whether they are functioning properly and for removing defective tags during the RFID tag manufacturing process, in which a writing operation is performed to write identification information such as a serial number into the RFID tag's IC chip at the same time as the inspection, in order to reduce the number of processes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-065867 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, after manufacture, RFID tags are generally placed in a package such as a box for transportation or delivery, and managed by package. For this reason, in the past, there was no need to list the identification information of multiple RFID tags placed in a package, and there was no need to accurately grasp all of the identification information of each tag. Thus, the conventional method has room for improvement in terms of the accuracy of managing multiple RFID tags placed in a package on a tag-by-tag basis.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an RFID tag manufacturing system that can accurately determine the identification information of multiple RFID tags contained in a package. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An RFID tag manufacturing system according to one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention includes a production inspection unit that produces RFID tags and inspects the RFID tags after production, a packing unit that places RFID tags that pass the inspection into packages in inspection order, and a database that records information about the RFID tags, wherein the production inspection unit records in the database a data set that links identification information of the RFID tags that passed the inspection with information about the inspection order, and the packing unit records in the database identification information of the packages containing the RFID tags that passed the inspection, linking it to the corresponding data set.

[0007] According to this embodiment, in a series of manufacturing processes of RFID tags in the RFID tag manufacturing system, each part of the system can successively update the database using new information obtained in each process. This makes it possible to create a database 3 in which the identification information of the package finally carried out from the conveyor line of the system and the identification information of each of the multiple RFID tags contained in the package are recorded as a data set linked to each other. As a result, by referring to the database created in this way, it becomes possible to accurately grasp the identification information of the multiple RFID tags contained in the package.

[0008] In an RFID tag manufacturing system according to another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, when placing an RFID tag that has passed the inspection into the packaging body, the packing section may obtain identification information of the RFID tag that is first in the inspection sequence as leading information and identification information of the RFID tag that is last in the inspection sequence as trailing information, and may link the identification information of the packaging body to the data set including the leading information to the trailing information and record the data in the database.

[0009] According to this aspect, it is possible to accurately match the identification information of the RFID tag recorded in the database with the identification information of the packaging material, thereby improving the reliability of the database ultimately created by the RFID tag manufacturing system.

[0010] An RFID tag manufacturing system according to another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a reading unit that reads information from the RFID tag contained inside the packaging body, and a checking unit that checks the number of the RFID tags contained in the packaging body by comparing the reading result of the reading unit with the database.

[0011] According to this embodiment, since the presence or absence of abnormalities in the RFID tags can be checked again after the packaging process, even if some problems occur with the RFID tags inside the package, such as some RFID tags being damaged or otherwise defective during the packaging process by the packaging department, the problematic tags can be removed. This further improves the reliability and operational stability of the RFID tags that are finally conveyed out of the conveyor line of the RFID tag manufacturing system.

[0012] In an RFID tag manufacturing system according to another aspect of the embodiment of the present invention, the production inspection unit may be configured to include a production unit that produces the RFID tags, and an inspection unit that inspects the RFID tags after they have been produced by the production unit.

[0013] According to this embodiment, the RFID tag production process by the production department and the RFID tag inspection process by the inspection department can be carried out separately. Therefore, if a problem occurs in the production inspection department, for example, it becomes possible to quickly determine whether the problem is due to the production process or the inspection process, making it easier to manage the production inspection department.

[0014] In the RFID tag manufacturing system according to another aspect of the embodiment of the present invention, the production section may be configured to provide identification information used for the produced RFID tags to the inspection section as inspection data.

[0015] According to this aspect, even if the production inspection department is divided into two elements, the production department and the inspection department, the inspection department does not need to obtain the information necessary for inspection from a database; this can be covered by the exchange of information within the production management department, thereby suppressing an increase in the amount of information communication within the system. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an RFID tag manufacturing system that can accurately determine the identification information of multiple RFID tags contained in a package. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] Overall configuration diagram of an RFID tag manufacturing system according to an embodiment [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the characteristics of the process performed by the RFID tag manufacturing system of the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a flowchart showing the steps of a method for manufacturing an RFID tag according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] Hardware configuration of the control unit DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In order to facilitate understanding of the description, the same components in each drawing are denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and duplicated description will be omitted.

[0019] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an RFID tag manufacturing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the characteristics of the process performed by the RFID tag manufacturing system 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0020] First, an overview of the process of the RFID tag manufacturing system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The RFID tag manufacturing system 1 shown in Fig. 1 first produces a plurality of RFID tags 10A to 10G as shown in Fig. 2(A). In Fig. 2, the order of production is from top to bottom in the figure, and the RFID tags 10A to 10G are shown to be the first to seventh tags produced in the figure, respectively.

[0021] In the RFID tag manufacturing system 1, identification information (tag ID) to be assigned to each of the multiple RFID tags 10 to be produced is assigned in advance. As the identification information, for example, an EPC (Electronic Product Code) is applied. In the example of FIG. 2(A), seven types of numbers "XXXX···01" to "XXXX···07" that increase by one are assigned as an example of the tag ID, and the tag IDs are recorded in order from the first RFID tag 10A in the production order to the seventh RFID tag 10G in the production order from the smallest number.

[0022] The tag ID is encoded in an IC tag provided in an inlay 11 of each of the RFID tags 10A to 10G. In Fig. 2, the conductive inlay 11 provided in each of the RFID tags 10A to 10G is shown by a solid line for convenience of illustration, but in reality it is built into the tag. Also, as shown in Fig. 2(A), an identifier such as a two-dimensional code 12 or a barcode containing information corresponding to the tag ID recorded in each tag is printed on the surface of each of the RFID tags 10A to 10G.

[0023] In the example of FIG. 2, seven tags, ie, RFID tags 10A to 10G, are illustrated, but in the following description, the multiple RFID tags 10A to 10G may be collectively referred to as "multiple RFID tags 10".

[0024] Next, the produced RFID tags 10A to 10G are inspected to see whether they can read and write information normally. In the example of Fig. 2(B), five of the seven tags, 10A, 10C, 10D, 10E, and 10G, are selected as "passed tags" that have passed the inspection. Meanwhile, the other two RFID tags 10B and 10F are removed from the production line as "failed tags" that have not passed the inspection.

[0025] Next, as shown in Fig. 2(C), a predetermined number (five in the example of Fig. 2) of tags 10A, 10C, 10D, 10E, and 10G that have passed the inspection are placed in a package 20. Identification information (packaging ID) is also assigned to each package 20. For example, as shown in Fig. 2(C), an identification tag 21 may be attached to the surface of the package 20, and the packaging ID assigned to the identification tag 21 may be recorded. The identification tag 21 may be an element having an IC chip that records the packaging ID, similar to the RFID tag 10, or an element on whose surface an identifier including information corresponding to the packaging ID, such as a barcode or two-dimensional code, is printed.

[0026] In particular, in this embodiment, when the passed tags are accommodated in the packaging body 20, the passed tags are accommodated in the packaging body 20 in the inspection order. In the example of Fig. 2(C), of the five passed tags, the RFID tag 10A which is the first in the inspection order is accommodated first in the packaging body 20, the RFID tag 10C which is the second in the inspection order is accommodated second in the packaging body 20, the RFID tag 10D which is the third in the inspection order is accommodated third in the packaging body 20, the RFID tag 10E which is the fourth in the inspection order is accommodated fourth in the packaging body 20, and the RFID tag 10G which is the fifth in the inspection order is accommodated fifth in the packaging body 20.

[0027] In this embodiment, when acceptable tags are accommodated in the package 20, the identification information of the RFID tag 10A at the beginning of the inspection sequence is acquired as the “leading information” and the identification information of the RFID tag 10G at the end of the inspection sequence is acquired as the “tailing information” as shown in Fig. 2(C). Then, the tag IDs of the RFID tags including the leading information to the tailing information are linked to the identification information (packaging ID) of the package 20 in which these tags are accommodated and recorded in the database 3.

[0028] In the RFID tag manufacturing system 1 of this embodiment, as explained with reference to Figure 2, the identification information (tag ID) of each produced RFID tag is linked to the packaging ID and recorded in database 3, so that a user of the system can accurately grasp the identification information of the multiple RFID tags 10 contained in each packaging 20 manufactured by the system by referring to database 3.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, the RFID tag manufacturing system 1 includes a numbering unit 2, a database 3, a production unit 4, an inspection unit 5, a packaging unit 6, a reading unit 7, a checking unit 8, and a control unit 9.

[0030] The numbering unit 2 pre-numbers identification information (tag ID) to be assigned to each of the multiple RFID tags 10 produced by the production unit 4. In this embodiment, the identification information is an EPC. The numbering unit 2 records a list of the numbered identification information in the database 3.

[0031] The database 3 records information about the RFID tags 10 manufactured by the RFID tag manufacturing system 1. Various pieces of information are added to the database 3 step by step in each process of the RFID tag manufacturing system 1, linked to identification information (tag ID) assigned to each RFID tag 10, and ultimately a series of data sets are generated and recorded for each tag ID. A detailed procedure for adding various pieces of information will be described later.

[0032] The RFID tags 10 produced in the system are transported along a conveyor line in the order of the production unit 4, inspection unit 5, packaging unit 6, reading unit 7, and checking unit 8, and processed in each unit. Any conveying device such as a belt conveyor can be used to transport the RFID tags between the units.

[0033] The production unit 4 produces RFID tags 10. The production unit 4 is configured to include, for example, a general tag manufacturing device. The production unit 4 acquires from the database 3 a set of identification information created by the numbering unit 2 according to the number of tags to be produced. The tag production process in the production unit 4 involves, for example, forming conductive inlays 11 (see FIG. 2) at predetermined intervals on a roll-shaped base material, placing IC chips at predetermined positions on the inlays 11, and cutting the base material into sections each including a single inlay 11. Then, one of the sets of identification information acquired from the database 3 is selected and encoded so as not to overlap with the IC chip on each cut tag, thereby producing a plurality of RFID tags 10.

[0034] The production section 4 collects the RFID tags 10 thus produced into bundles of a predetermined number of tags (e.g., 100 tags per bundle) and sends them to the inspection section 5. The production section 4 also transmits production management information on the produced RFID tags 10 to the database 3, links each piece of identification information recorded in the database 3 to the corresponding production management information, records the information, and creates a data set, thereby updating the database 3. Here, the production management information includes various information such as the identification information (EPC) of each tag, the unique information (TID) of the IC chip, the production time, and lot information (e.g., information on the original roll used). The production section 4 also provides the identification information used for the produced RFID tags 10 to the inspection section 5 as inspection data.

[0035] The inspection unit 5 inspects the RFID tags 10 after production by the production unit 4. The inspection unit 5 is configured to include a tag information reading device such as an RFID reader, and by referring to inspection data provided by the production unit 4, inspects whether or not the identification information recorded on the IC chip on the inlay 11 of each tag transported from the production unit 4 can be read.

[0036] When the inspection unit 5 has read the identification information from the IC chip, the inspection unit 5 performs the following inspection. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, an identifier such as a two-dimensional code 12 or a barcode containing information corresponding to the identification information recorded in the tag is printed on the surface of each RFID tag 10. The inspection unit 5 further has a device for reading identifiers, such as a two-dimensional code reader, and uses this device to read the identifier such as the two-dimensional code 12 of each tag to obtain the identification information of the tag. Then, it checks whether the identification information obtained from the identifier such as the two-dimensional code 12 matches the identification information read from the IC chip on the inlay 11 of each tag by an RFID reader or the like as described above, and inspects the consistency of the identification information of the IC chip and the two-dimensional code 12.

[0037] The inspection unit 5 can read the identification information from the IC chip on the inlay 11, and selects RFID tags 10 for which the read identification information can be collated with the inspection data and the read identification information is consistent with the identification information obtained from the two-dimensional code 12 on the tag surface as pass tags, and carries the pass tags to the packing unit 6. The inspection unit 5 also transmits pass tag information about the pass tags to the database 3, links and records the corresponding pass tag information in a data set of each piece of identification information recorded in the database 3, and updates the database 3. Here, the pass tag information includes various information such as the identification information of each tag of the pass tags, and information related to the inspection order such as the inspection time.

[0038] On the other hand, the inspection unit 5 discharges from the conveyance line, as a rejected tag, the RFID tag 10 whose identification information could not be read from the IC chip on the inlay 11, or the RFID tag 10 whose identification information could be read from the IC chip on the inlay 11 but the read identification information does not match the inspection data or the identification information acquired from the two-dimensional code 12 on the tag surface. For example, when RFID tags are bundled together with 100 sheets, the bundle containing the rejected tag is sorted out as a rejected tag. The database 3 may delete the information of the data set related to the rejected tag when updating based on the passed tag information. That is, the inspection unit 5 can record in the database 3 the data set in which the identification information of the RFID tag 10 that passed the inspection (passed tag) is linked to the information of the inspection order of the passed tag.

[0039] It should be noted that the inspection in the inspection unit 5 does not necessarily have to inspect all of the RFID tags 10. For example, when the RFID tags 10 are grouped into bundles of a predetermined number of tags, an arbitrary number of tags may be extracted from each bundle and inspected, and the entire bundle including any failed tags may be selected as failed tags.

[0040] The packing unit 6 stores the RFID tags 10 (passed tags) that have passed the inspection by the inspection unit 5 in the package 20 in the order of inspection. The packing unit 6 acquires passed tag information from the database 3, determines the inspection order of each of the passed tags transported from the inspection unit 5 based on the passed tag information, and stores the tags in the package 20 in the order of the inspection. For example, when 100 RFID tags are stored in one bundle, 60 bundles of passed tags (i.e., 6,000 RFID tags) can be stored in a single package 20. The packing unit 6 is configured to include, for example, a general transport device and a packaging device, and can store a predetermined number of passed tags in the package 20 by using these devices. The packing unit 6 conveys the package 20 in which the storage of multiple RFID tags 10 has been completed to the reading unit 7.

[0041] The packing unit 6 also links the identification information (package ID) of the package 20 in which the RFID tag 10 that passed the inspection (passed tag) is housed to a data set including the identification information (tag ID) of the corresponding passed tag and the inspection order information of the passed tag, which are recorded in the database 3 by the inspection unit 5, and records the data in the database 3. For example, as described with reference to FIG. 2(C), when the packing unit 6 houses the passed tag in the package 20, the packing unit 6 acquires the identification information of the RFID tag 10A at the top of the inspection order as "leading information" and the identification information of the RFID tag 10G at the bottom of the inspection order as "tail information". For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a two-dimensional code 12 including information corresponding to the identification information recorded in the tag is printed on the surface of each RFID tag 10. The packing unit 6 has, for example, a two-dimensional code reader, and can acquire the leading information and tail information by reading the two-dimensional code 12 of each tag using the two-dimensional code reader and acquiring the identification information of the tag. Then, the packing unit 6 records in the database 3 the data set including the beginning information to the end information, in association with the identification information (packaging ID) of the packaging 20 in which these tags are housed.

[0042] For example, the packing department 6 creates a data set by adding the identification information of the corresponding package 20 to the pass tag information acquired from the database 3 for use in placing tags in the package 20, and outputs the created data set as "packaging information" to the database 3 as shown in Fig. 1. Based on the packaging information input from the packing department 6, the database 3 updates the data set related to the pass tag information previously output to the packing department 6 from among the recorded data sets.

[0043] For example, if 60 bundles of 100 tags each are contained in one package 20, the identification information of the two-dimensional code 12 of the first tag 10 in the first bundle is obtained as the "starting information," and the identification information of the two-dimensional code 12 of the 100th tag 10 in the 60th bundle is obtained as the "ending information," and these are recorded together with the package ID in database 3 as information on the multiple RFID tags 10 contained in one package 20.

[0044] The reading unit 7 reads information from the multiple RFID tags 10 contained inside the packaging body 20 packed by the packing unit 6. The reading unit 7 is configured to include, for example, an RFID reader, and places the packaging body 20 within a readable area of ​​the RFID reader to read identification information from each RFID tag 10 inside the packaging body 20. The reading unit 7 outputs information on the reading result (the identification information of the read RFID tag and the packaging body ID of the packaging body 20) to the checking unit 8, and conveys the packaging body 20, whose tag has been read, to the checking unit 8.

[0045] The check unit 8 compares the read result of the reader 7 with the database 3 to check the number of RFID tags 10 contained in the package 20. The check unit 8 calculates the measured number of RFID tags 10 in the package 20 read by the reader 7 based on the information of the read result input from the reader 7. The check unit 8 also refers to the database 3 based on the package ID to obtain information on the recorded number of RFID tags in which the package ID is recorded. Then, the check unit 8 compares the measured number with the recorded number, and if the two are the same, the package 20 is conveyed as a package that has passed the reading inspection (OK product). On the other hand, if the measured number and the recorded number are different, it is determined that some problem has occurred with the RFID tags 10 in the package 20, for example, some of the RFID tags 10 are damaged or otherwise defective during the packaging process by the packaging unit 6, and the package 20 is conveyed from the conveyor line as a package that has failed the reading inspection (NG product).

[0046] The control unit 9 controls the operation of each unit in the RFID tag manufacturing system 1 .

[0047] 3 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the RFID tag manufacturing method in this embodiment. The operation of the RFID tag manufacturing system 1 in each step shown in FIG.

[0048] In step S01, the numbering unit 2 assigns an identification number and registers it in the database 3 as identification information of the RFID tag manufactured by the system 1. That is, at the time of step S01, the database 3 stores a plurality of pieces of identification information created by the numbering unit 2.

[0049] In step S02, the production department 4 produces the RFID tags 10 (production inspection step).

[0050] In step S03, the production unit 4 acquires the identification information registered in the database 3 in step S01, and encodes the identification information acquired from the database 3 as a tag ID individually in the IC chip on the inlay 11 of the RFID tag 10 produced in step S02 (production inspection step). The state after performing step S03 corresponds to the state in which a tag ID is encoded in each of the produced RFID tags 10, as shown in Fig. 2(A).

[0051] In step S04, the production unit 4 records production management information of the RFID tags 10 produced in steps S02 and S03 in the database 3. Here, the production management information includes, for example, the identification information (EPC) of each tag, the unique information (TID) of the IC chip, the production time, and lot information (for example, information on the original roll used). At the time of step S04, a data set is generated in the database 3, linking the TID, the production time, and the lot information to each of the multiple pieces of identification information created by the numbering unit 2, and these multiple sets of data sets are recorded.

[0052] In step S05, the production unit 4 outputs the identification information of the RFID tags produced in steps S02 and S03 to the inspection unit 5 as inspection data.

[0053] In step S06, the inspection unit 5 uses the inspection data input from the production unit 4 in step S05 to inspect the RFID tags 10 (production inspection step). The inspection unit 5 includes a tag information reading device such as an RFID reader, and refers to the inspection data provided by the production unit 4 to inspect whether the identification information recorded on the IC chip on the inlay 11 of each tag transported from the production unit 4 can be read.

[0054] When the inspection unit 5 has read the identification information from the IC chip, the inspection unit 5 performs the following inspection. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, an identifier such as a two-dimensional code 12 or a barcode containing information corresponding to the identification information recorded in the tag is printed on the surface of each RFID tag 10. The inspection unit 5 further has a device for reading identifiers, such as a two-dimensional code reader, and uses this device to read the identifier such as the two-dimensional code 12 of each tag to obtain the identification information of the tag. Then, it checks whether the identification information obtained from the identifier such as the two-dimensional code 12 matches the identification information read from the IC chip on the inlay 11 of each tag by an RFID reader or the like as described above, and inspects the consistency of the identification information of the IC chip and the two-dimensional code 12.

[0055] The inspection section 5 can read the identification information from the IC chip on the inlay 11, and selects RFID tags 10 for which the read identification information can be compared with the inspection data and the read identification information is consistent with the identification information obtained from the two-dimensional code 12 on the tag surface as passing tags, and transports the passing tags to the packaging section 6.

[0056] In step S07, the inspection unit 5 removes from the conveyor line as rejected tags any RFID tags 10 for which the identification information could not be read from the IC chip on the inlay 11 during the inspection in step S06, or for which the identification information could be read from the IC chip on the inlay 11 but the read identification information does not match the inspection data or the identification information obtained from the two-dimensional code 12 on the tag surface, and does not carry them out to the packaging unit 6. The state after step S07 is performed corresponds to the state in which rejected tags have been thinned out from each of the produced RFID tags 10, as shown in Fig. 2(B).

[0057] The method of sorting out the passed and failed tags in steps S06 and S07 is not limited to the above. For example, the inspection unit 5 may read the identification information from the IC chip on the inlay 11 without inspecting the consistency with an identifier such as the two-dimensional code 12, and may select the RFID tag 10 whose read identification information matches the inspection data as a passed tag and the other tags as failed tags.

[0058] In step S08, the inspection unit 5 updates the database 3 based on the passed tag information for the passed tags that passed the inspection in step S06 (inspection order information recording step). Here, the passed tag information includes, for example, the identification information of the passed tag and information related to the inspection order such as the inspection time. The inspection unit 5 transmits the passed tag information to the database 3, links the passed tag information to the data set of each identification information recorded in the database 3 and records it, thereby updating the database 3.

[0059] At the time of step S08, the data sets related to the failed tags are deleted and multiple data sets related to the passed tags are recorded in the database 3. The data sets of the passed tags include identification information (EPC), TID, production time, lot information, and inspection time (information on the inspection order).

[0060] In step S09, the packing unit 6 places the multiple RFID tags 10 included in the passed tags transported from the inspection unit 5 in step S06 in the package 20 in the inspection order (packing step). The packing unit 6 acquires passed tag information from the database 3, for example, and determines the inspection order of each tag 10 of the passed tags transported from the inspection unit 5 based on the passed tag information, and places them in the package 20 in the order according to the inspection order. The packing unit 6 conveys the package 20 in which the multiple RFID tags 10 have been accommodated to the reading unit 7.

[0061] In step S10, the packing section 6 updates the database based on the leading information and trailing information of the tag 10 contained in the package 20 (package information recording step).

[0062] In this step, as described with reference to FIG. 2(C), when the packing unit 6 places the passed tag 10 in the package 20, it acquires the identification information of the RFID tag 10A at the top of the inspection sequence as "leading information" and the identification information of the RFID tag 10G at the bottom of the inspection sequence as "tail information". For example, as shown in FIG. 2, an identifier such as a two-dimensional code 12 or a barcode containing information corresponding to the identification information recorded in the tag is printed on the surface of each RFID tag 10. The packing unit 6 has a device for reading identifiers, such as a two-dimensional code reader, and can acquire the leading information and tail information by reading the identifier such as the two-dimensional code 12 of each tag using this device to acquire the identification information of the tag.

[0063] The packing unit 6 transmits "packing information" (see FIG. 1) including the identification information group between the acquired leading information and trailing information of the identification information of the passed tag included in the passed tag information, and the identification information (packaging ID) of the package 20 in which the tags of this identification information group are contained, to the database 3. In the database 3, the corresponding packaging ID is linked to and recorded in the data set of the identification information group included in the packing information received from the packing unit 6, and the database 3 is updated accordingly.

[0064] At step S10, database 3 stores multiple data sets related to passed tags, and each data set of a passed tag includes the tag's identification information (EPC), TID, production time, lot information, inspection time (information on the inspection order), and packaging ID.

[0065] In step S11, the reading unit 7 reads identification information from each RFID tag 10 contained inside the packaging body 20 transported from the packing unit 6 in step S09, and outputs the reading result to the checking unit 8. The reading unit 7 is configured to include, for example, an RFID reader, and places the packaging body 20 within a readable area of ​​the RFID reader to read the identification information from each RFID tag 10 inside the packaging body 20. The reading unit 7 outputs information on the reading result (the identification information of the read RFID tag and the packaging body ID of the packaging body 20) to the checking unit 8, and transports the packaging body 20, whose tag has been read, to the checking unit 8.

[0066] In step S12, the checking unit 8 checks the number of tags in the package 20 transported from the reading unit 7 in step S11 by comparing the reading result by the reading unit 7 in step S11 with the information recorded in the database 3. Based on the information on the reading result input from the reading unit 7, the checking unit 8 calculates the measured number of RFID tags 10 in the package 20 read by the reading unit 7. The checking unit 8 also refers to the database 3 based on the package ID to obtain information on the recorded number of RFID tags in which the corresponding package ID is recorded. Then, the checking unit 8 compares the measured number with the recorded number, and if the two are the same, the checking unit 8 transports the package 20 as a package that has passed the reading inspection (OK product).

[0067] In step S13, the checking unit 8 removes from the conveying line any packages 20 that have a different tag number from that in the database 3 as a result of the determination in step S12 as rejected products, so as not to be carried out from the conveying line of the system 1. The checking unit 8 has, for example, a branching conveyor, and can remove rejected products from the conveying line by branching the conveying paths for OK products and rejected products.

[0068] In step S13, the checking unit 8 can transmit information on the sorting result between OK and NG products together with the package ID to the database 3 to further update the database 3. As a result, the database 3 records only a plurality of data sets related to the RFID tags 10 contained in the packages 20 that were ultimately carried out of the conveyor line of the system 1 as OK products. Each data set includes the identification information (EPC), TID, production time, lot information, inspection time (information on the inspection order), and package ID of the corresponding tag.

[0069] When the process of step S13 is completed, this control flow ends. After executing the flowchart of Fig. 3, the RFID tag manufacturing system 1 has manufactured a group of packages 20 that are carried out as OK products, a plurality of RFID tags 10 that are contained in each of the groups of packages 20 and determined to be acceptable tags, and a database 3 in which a data set relating to the plurality of RFID tags 10 is recorded.

[0070] FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of the control unit 9. As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 9 can be physically configured as a computer system including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102 and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 103 as main storage devices, an input device 104 such as a keyboard and a mouse as input devices, an output device 105 such as a display, a communication module 106 as a data transmission / reception device such as a network card, an auxiliary storage device 107 such as a hard disk, and the like. Each function of the control unit 9 for controlling the operation of each part of the RFID tag manufacturing system 1 described with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 is realized by reading predetermined computer software (RFID tag manufacturing program) onto hardware such as the CPU 101 and the RAM 102, operating the communication module 106, the input device 104, and the output device 105 under the control of the CPU 101, and reading and writing data in the RAM 102 and the auxiliary storage device 107. The database 3 according to this embodiment may be realized by reading and writing data in the RAM 102 and the auxiliary storage device 107 shown in FIG. 4.

[0071] The RFID tag manufacturing program according to this embodiment is stored in, for example, a storage device included in a computer. Note that the RFID tag manufacturing program may be configured so that a part or all of it is transmitted via a transmission medium such as a communication line, and is received and recorded (including installed) by a communication module 106 or the like included in the computer. Also, the RFID tag manufacturing program may be configured so that a part or all of it is recorded (including installed) in the computer from a state in which it is stored in a portable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or flash memory.

[0072] Similarly, the database 3, which is created and updated by the RFID tag manufacturing system 1 and ultimately records the identification information of each RFID tag 10 linked to the packaging ID of the packaging 20 in which the corresponding tag is contained, may be configured to be stored separately on a storage medium and carried around, transmitted via a transmission medium, or recorded in a computer.

[0073] Next, the effects of the RFID tag manufacturing system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. The RFID tag manufacturing system 1 of this embodiment includes a production unit 4 and an inspection unit 5 as a production inspection unit that produces RFID tags 10 and inspects the produced RFID tags 10, a packing unit 6 that stores the RFID tags 10 that have passed the inspection in a package 20 in the order of inspection, and a database 3 that records information about the RFID tags 10. The inspection unit 5 of the production inspection unit records in the database 3 a data set that links the identification information (tag ID, EPC) of the RFID tags 10 that have passed the inspection with information on the order of inspection (such as inspection time). The packing unit 6 records in the database 3 the identification information (packaging ID) of the package 20 in which the RFID tags 10 that have passed the inspection are stored, linking it to the corresponding data set.

[0074] With this configuration, in a series of manufacturing processes for the RFID tags 10 in the RFID tag manufacturing system 1, each unit of the system can successively update the database 3 using new information obtained in each process. This makes it possible to create the database 3 in which the identification information of the package 20 finally carried out from the conveyor line of the system 1 and the identification information of each of the multiple RFID tags 10 contained in the package 20 are recorded as a data set linked together. As a result, by referring to the database 3 created in this manner, it becomes possible to accurately grasp the identification information of the multiple RFID tags 10 contained in the package 20.

[0075] In addition, in the RFID tag manufacturing system 1 of this embodiment, when the packing section 6 places an RFID tag 10 that has passed inspection into a package 20, it acquires the identification information of the RFID tag that is at the beginning of the inspection sequence as leading information, and the identification information of the RFID tag that is at the end of the inspection sequence as trailing information, and links the identification information of the package 20 to a data set including the leading information to the trailing information and records the data in the database 3.

[0076] This configuration makes it possible to accurately match the identification information of the RFID tag recorded in the database 3 with the identification information of the packaging body 20, thereby improving the reliability of the database 3 ultimately created by the RFID tag manufacturing system 1.

[0077] In addition, the RFID tag manufacturing system 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a reading unit 7 that reads information from the RFID tag 10 contained inside the packaging body 20, and a checking unit 8 that compares the reading result of the reading unit 7 with the database 3 to check the number of RFID tags 10 contained in the packaging body 20.

[0078] With this configuration, the presence or absence of abnormalities in the RFID tags 10 can be checked again after the packaging process, so even if some problem occurs with the RFID tags 10 in the package 20, such as some of the RFID tags 10 being damaged or otherwise defective during the packaging process by the packaging unit 6, the tag with the problem can be removed. This can further improve the reliability and operational stability of the RFID tags 10 that are finally carried out from the conveyor line of the RFID tag manufacturing system 1.

[0079] In the RFID tag manufacturing system 1 of this embodiment, the production inspection section includes a production section 4 that produces the RFID tags 10 and an inspection section 5 that inspects the RFID tags 10 after they have been produced by the production section 4.

[0080] With this configuration, the production process of RFID tags 10 by the production department 4 and the inspection process of RFID tags 10 by the inspection department 5 can be carried out separately, so that if a problem occurs in the production inspection department, for example, it becomes possible to quickly determine whether the problem is due to the production process or the inspection process, making it easier to manage the production inspection department.

[0081] In the RFID tag manufacturing system 1 of this embodiment, the production unit 4 provides the identification information used for the produced RFID tags 10 to the inspection unit 5 as inspection data.

[0082] With this configuration, even if the production inspection department is divided into two elements, the production department 4 and the inspection department 5, the inspection department 5 does not need to obtain the information necessary for inspection from the database 3; this can be covered by the exchange of information within the production management department, thereby suppressing an increase in the amount of information communication within the system 1.

[0083] The present embodiment has been described above with reference to specific examples. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these specific examples. Any design modifications made by a person skilled in the art to these specific examples are also included within the scope of the present disclosure as long as they have the features of the present disclosure. The elements of each of the above-mentioned specific examples and their arrangements, conditions, shapes, etc. are not limited to those exemplified and can be changed as appropriate. The combination of each of the elements of each of the above-mentioned specific examples can be changed as appropriate as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0084] In the above embodiment, a configuration has been exemplified in which the packing unit 6 places a plurality of RFID tags 10 in a single package 20, and then the reading unit 7 and the checking unit 8 perform a reading inspection of the RFID tags 10 inside the package 20, but the RFID tag manufacturing system 1 may be configured not to include the reading unit 7 and the checking unit 8. In this case, the package 20 produced by the packing unit 6 is carried out as an OK product without undergoing a reading inspection.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the production unit 4 and the inspection unit 5 are provided as separate elements, but the production unit 4 and the inspection unit 5 may be integrated into a production inspection unit. The production inspection unit produces RFID tags 10 and inspects the produced RFID tags 10, i.e., it has the functions of both the production unit 4 and the inspection unit 5 of the above embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1. RFID tag manufacturing system 3. Database 4. Production Department (Production Inspection Department) 5. Inspection Department (Production Inspection Department) 6 Packaging Department 7 Reading section 8 Check Section 10. 10A~10G RFID Tags 20 Packaging

Claims

1. a production inspection department that produces RFID tags and inspects the RFID tags after production; a packaging unit that places the RFID tags that have passed the inspection into a package in the order of inspection; A database for recording information about the RFID tag; Equipped with The production inspection unit records a data set in the database, the data set linking the identification information of the RFID tags that have passed the inspection with the information on the inspection order, and The packaging department records, in the database, identification information of the package containing the RFID tag that has passed the inspection, in association with the corresponding data set. RFID tag manufacturing system.

2. When placing the RFID tag that has passed the inspection in the package, the packing unit acquires identification information of the RFID tag that is at the top of the inspection sequence as leading information and identification information of the RFID tag that is at the bottom of the inspection sequence as trailing information, and links the identification information of the package to the data set including the leading information to the trailing information, and records the data in the database. The RFID tag manufacturing system according to claim 1 .

3. a reading unit that reads information from the RFID tag contained inside the packaging body; a checking unit that checks the number of the RFID tags contained in the package by comparing a result of the reading by the reading unit with the database; Equipped with The RFID tag manufacturing system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The production inspection department: a production department that produces the RFID tags; an inspection unit that performs the inspection of the RFID tag after the production by the production unit; having The RFID tag manufacturing system according to claim 1 .

5. The production department provides the inspection department with identification information used in the produced RFID tags as inspection data. The RFID tag manufacturing system according to claim 4 .

6. An identifier including information corresponding to the identification information is printed on a surface of the RFID tag; the production inspection unit, in the inspection, refers to the identification information used for each of the produced RFID tags as inspection data, and inspects whether or not the identification information recorded in the IC chip on the inlay of the produced RFID tag can be read; When the identification information can be read from the IC chip, it is confirmed whether or not the identification information acquired from the identifier matches the identification information read from the IC chip, thereby inspecting the consistency of the respective identification information of the IC chip and the identifier. The RFID tag manufacturing system according to claim 1 .

7. a production inspection step in which a production inspection unit of the RFID tag manufacturing system produces RFID tags and inspects the produced RFID tags; an inspection order information recording step in which the production inspection unit records a data set linking identification information of the RFID tag that has passed the inspection with information on the inspection order of the inspection in a database that records information on the RFID tag; a packing step in which a packing unit of the RFID tag manufacturing system packs the RFID tags that have passed the inspection into a package in the order of the inspection; a package information recording step in which the packaging unit records, in the database, identification information of the package containing the RFID tag that has passed the inspection, in association with the corresponding data set; Including, RFID tag manufacturing method.

8. a production inspection function for producing RFID tags and inspecting the RFID tags after production; an inspection order information recording function for recording a data set linking identification information of the RFID tag that passed the inspection with information on the inspection order of the inspection in a database that records information on the RFID tag; a packaging function for packaging the RFID tags that have passed the inspection in a package in the order of the inspection; a package information recording function for recording in the database, in association with the corresponding data set, the identification information of the package containing the RFID tag that has passed the inspection; An RFID tag manufacturing program that causes a computer to realize the above.

9. A database for recording information about RFID tags produced by an RFID tag manufacturing system, Inspecting the RFID tags after production, and identifying information of the RFID tags that pass the inspection; Information on the inspection order of the RFID tags that have passed the inspection; and Identification information of a package in which the RFID tags that have passed the inspection are accommodated in the inspection order; A data set linking the two is recorded. Database.

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