Tag reading system

Abstract

To provide a technology for identifying a wireless tag located on an outside of a box body.SOLUTION: A tag reading system includes: a box body; an openable and closable storage unit that is fixed to an inside of the box body, can store a wireless tag, and is made of a shielding member that blocks a radio wave; an antenna that is fixed to the inside of the box body and located inside the storage unit when the storage unit is in a closed state; and a processing unit that processes a response wave received from the wireless tag by the antenna. The processing unit determines that a specific wireless tag is located outside the storage unit when intensity of the response wave received by the antenna from the specific wireless tag when the storage unit is in the closed state is weaker than intensity of the response wave received by the antenna from the specific wireless tag when the storage unit is in the open state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a tag reading system that reads information from a wireless tag. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a storage box that can store a wireless tag and is made of a material that blocks radio waves. The storage box can be opened and closed, and a radio wave transmitter and a receiving antenna are arranged inside the storage box. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-216925 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In an openable / closable storage box, there may be small gaps through which radio waves leak. Therefore, even when the storage box is closed, the antenna may receive a response wave from a wireless tag located outside the storage box. This may make it impossible to distinguish between a wireless tag located outside the storage box and a wireless tag located inside the storage box.

[0005] This specification provides a technique for identifying a wireless tag located on the outside of a box body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The tag reading system disclosed in this specification comprises a box body, an openable and closable storage section fixed to the inside of the box body, capable of storing a wireless tag, and composed of a shielding material that blocks radio waves, an antenna fixed to the inside of the box body and located inside the storage section when the storage section is in a closed state, and a processing section that processes response waves received by the antenna from a wireless tag, and the processing section determines that the specific wireless tag is located outside the storage section when the strength of the response waves received by the antenna from the specific wireless tag when the storage section is in the closed state is weaker than the strength of the response waves received by the antenna from the specific wireless tag when the storage section is in an open state.

[0007] In the closed state, the gap through which radio waves leak is smaller than in the open state. Therefore, when a specific wireless tag is located outside the box body, the strength of the response wave from the specific wireless tag in the closed state is weaker than the strength of the response wave from the specific wireless tag in the open state. With the above configuration, it is possible to determine whether the specific wireless tag is located outside the storage unit by comparing the strength of the response wave from the specific wireless tag before and after opening and closing the storage unit.

[0008] The processing unit may determine that the specific wireless tag is located inside the storage unit if the strength of the response wave received by the antenna from the specific wireless tag when the storage unit is in the closed state is stronger than the strength of the response wave received by the antenna from the specific wireless tag when the storage unit is in the open state.

[0009] When a specific wireless tag is located inside the box body, the strength of the response wave of the specific wireless tag in the closed state is stronger than the strength of the response wave of the specific wireless tag in the open state. With the above configuration, it is possible to determine whether the specific wireless tag is located inside the storage unit by comparing the strength of the response wave of the specific wireless tag before and after opening and closing the storage unit.

[0010] The processing unit may determine that the specific wireless tag is located inside the storage unit if the strength of the response wave received by the antenna from the specific wireless tag when the storage unit is in the closed state is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, without comparing the strength of the response wave received by the antenna from the specific wireless tag when the storage unit is in the open state.

[0011] In the closed state, if the strength of the response wave from a specific wireless tag is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, it means that there is a high possibility that the specific wireless tag is located inside the storage compartment. With the above configuration, it is possible to omit comparisons that are presumed to be unnecessary.

[0012] If the strength of the response wave received by the antenna from the specific wireless tag when the storage unit is in the closed state is less than the predetermined threshold, it may be compared with the strength of the response wave received by the antenna from the specific wireless tag when the storage unit is in the open state to determine whether the specific wireless tag is located outside the storage unit.

[0013] In a situation where the strength of the response wave from a specific wireless tag is less than a predetermined threshold in the closed state, it is unclear whether the specific wireless tag is located inside the storage unit. With the above configuration, for a specific wireless tag whose position inside the storage unit is unclear, the strength of the response wave from the specific wireless tag before and after the storage unit is opened and closed can be compared to determine the position of the specific wireless tag.

[0014] When the processing unit detects that the storage unit is in the open state, it starts monitoring the response wave from the wireless tag, and in determining whether the specific wireless tag is located outside the storage unit, the processing unit may not use the response wave received from the specific wireless tag between a first timing when the transition from the open state to the closed state is completed and a second timing that is a first predetermined time before the first timing.

[0015] During the time between the first timing and the second timing, it is highly likely that the door is in the process of transitioning from an open state to a closed state, for example, the door is in the process of closing. During this time, the strength of the response wave from the specific wireless tag is unstable. With the above configuration, by not using the response wave whose strength is unstable, it is possible to prevent erroneous determination of the position of the specific wireless tag.

[0016] When the processing unit detects that the storage unit is in the open state, it begins monitoring response waves from the wireless tag, and in determining whether the specific wireless tag is located outside the storage unit, the processing unit does not need to use response waves received multiple times from the specific wireless tag whose change in intensity per unit time is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0017] The change in intensity per unit time equal to or greater than a predetermined value means that the intensity is unstable. According to the above configuration, by not using a response wave with unstable intensity, it is possible to prevent erroneous determination of the position of a specific wireless tag.

[0018] The processing unit may start monitoring response waves from wireless tags when it is detected that the storage unit is in the closed state, and the processing unit may determine that the new wireless tag is located outside the storage unit when the antenna receives response waves from a new wireless tag after a second predetermined time has elapsed since it was detected that the storage unit was in the closed state.

[0019] In the closed state, no new wireless tag will be accommodated in the accommodation section. That is, if a reply wave is received from a new wireless tag in the closed state, the new wireless tag is likely to be located outside the accommodation section. In the open state, it can also be determined that a new wireless tag from which a reply wave is not received is located outside the accommodation section.

[0020] Another tag reading system disclosed in this specification comprises a box body, an openable storage section fixed to the inside of the box body, capable of storing a wireless tag, and composed of a shielding material that blocks radio waves, a first antenna fixed to the inside of the box body and located inside the storage section when the storage section is in a closed state, a second antenna fixed to the outside of the box body, and a processing section that processes response waves received from a wireless tag by the first antenna and the second antenna, and the processing section may determine that the specific wireless tag is located outside the storage section when both the first antenna and the second antenna receive response waves from the specific wireless tag when the storage section is in the closed state.

[0021] According to the above configuration, it is possible to determine whether a specific wireless tag is located outside the storage unit by using the first antenna located inside the storage unit and the second antenna located outside the storage unit. This is because the first antenna located inside the storage unit can easily receive reply waves from both the wireless tags inside the storage unit and the wireless tags outside the storage unit, while the second antenna located outside the storage unit cannot easily receive reply waves from the wireless tags inside the storage unit.

[0022] Another tag reading system disclosed in this specification comprises a box body, an openable storage section fixed to the inside of the box body, capable of storing a wireless tag, and composed of a shielding material that blocks radio waves, a first antenna fixed to the inside of the box body and located inside the storage section when the storage section is in a closed state, a second antenna fixed to the outside of the box body, and a processing section that processes response waves received from a wireless tag by the first antenna and the second antenna, and the processing section may determine that the specific wireless tag is located outside the storage section when the strength of the response wave received from the specific wireless tag by the second antenna when the storage section is in the closed state is stronger than the strength of the response wave received from the specific wireless tag by the first antenna when the storage section is in the closed state.

[0023] With the above configuration, it is possible to determine whether a specific wireless tag is located outside the storage unit by using the first inner antenna and the second outer antenna. This is because when a specific wireless tag is located outside the storage unit in the closed state, the strength of the response wave received by the second outer antenna is stronger than the strength of the response wave received by the first inner antenna.

[0024] The other tag reading system may further include a display unit that displays a communication range of the second antenna.

[0025] According to the above configuration, it is possible to notify the user of an area outside the storage unit where the wireless tag may be placed, because the processing unit can determine that the wireless tag located in the communication area is located outside the storage unit.

[0026] The other tag reading system further includes another box body and another openable and closable storage section that is arranged inside the other box body, is capable of storing a wireless tag, and is composed of a shielding material that blocks radio waves, and the second antenna may be located inside the other storage section when the other storage section is in a closed state.

[0027] According to the above configuration, a tag reading system can be realized by utilizing a device having a box body, a storage section, and a first antenna, and another device having another box body, another storage section, and a second antenna.

[0028] The other tag reading system further includes a display unit that displays an area where the communication coverage area of ​​the second antenna and the communication coverage area of ​​the first antenna overlap.

[0029] According to the above configuration, it is possible to inform the user of the area outside the storage unit where the wireless tag can be placed, because the wireless tag located in the overlapping area can communicate with both the first antenna and the second antenna, and the processing unit can determine whether or not the wireless tag is located outside the storage unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a tag reading system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing of the processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a closed state process. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a tag reading system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing of the processing device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing of a processing device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a tag reading system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing of a processing device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a tag reading system according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of a tag reading system according to a sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] (First Example) (Configuration of tag reading system 2; Figure 1) The tag reading system 2 includes a tag reading device 10 and a processing device 100. The tag reading device 10 is a box-shaped device that can store various items. The shape of the box is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped (for example, a square or a hexagonal prism), but may also be a cylinder, a pyramid, a cone, a sphere, etc. A wireless tag is attached to the item. The wireless tag stores item information, such as the item name and identification information. The tag reading device 10 reads the item information from the wireless tag. In the following, the wireless tag attached to the item will be referred to as a "management tag."

[0032] The wireless tag includes an IC chip that stores item information. The IC chip operates using the received radio waves as its power source, and adds the item information stored in the IC chip to a response wave in response to the received radio waves. The tag reading system 2 receives the response wave from the wireless tag and reads the item information from the wireless tag. The wireless tag is, for example, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag.

[0033] The processing device 100 is, for example, a terminal device such as a PC or a smartphone. The processing device 100 can communicate with the tag reading device 10 via wired or wireless communication. The processing device 100 manages the product information read by the tag reading device 10. For example, an application program for managing the product information is installed in the processing device 100.

[0034] (Configuration of tag reader 10; Figures 1 and 2) The tag reader 10 includes a box body 12, a drawer 14, an antenna 20, and a control board 22. The box body 12 and the drawer 14 are made of, for example, resin. A shielding member 16 is fixed to the top inner surface of the box body 12, and a shielding member 18 is also fixed to the inner surface of the drawer 14. The shielding members 16 and 18 are made of a material that blocks radio waves, for example, metal. When the drawer 14 is stored in the box body 12, the shielding members 16 and 18 form a closed space 30. On the other hand, when the drawer 14 is pulled out from the box body 12, the closed space 30 is opened. A user can store a management tag 200 (i.e., an item) in the drawer 14 by pulling the drawer 14 out of the box body 12. As shown in FIG. 2 , the drawer 14, the shielding member 16, and the shielding member 18 form an openable and closable storage section.

[0035] The antenna 20 transmits radio waves to the wireless tag and receives response waves from the wireless tag. The antenna 20 is attached to the inside of the shield member 16. The control board 22 controls the antenna 20 and communicates with the processing device 100.

[0036] 2, when the drawer 14 is housed in the box body 12 (hereinafter referred to as the "closed state"), the antenna 20 is located inside the closed space 30. In the closed state, shielding members 16 and 18 prevent almost all radio waves transmitted by the antenna 20 from leaking outside the box body 12, but even in the closed state, a small amount of radio waves can leak outside the box body 12. This is because a small gap exists in the closed space 30 due to the drawer 14 being movable.

[0037] On the other hand, when the drawer 14 is pulled out from the box body 12, the antenna 20 is not surrounded by the shielding members 16 and 18. Therefore, when the drawer 14 is pulled out from the box body 12 (hereinafter referred to as the "open state"), the radio waves transmitted by the antenna 20 leak out of the box body. The amount of radio waves leaking in the open state is greater than the amount of radio waves leaking in the closed state.

[0038] In both the closed and open states, radio waves leak out of the box body 12. For this reason, the antenna 20 can receive not only response waves from the management tag 200 inside the drawer 14 (hereinafter referred to as the "inner tag 200"), but also response waves from the management tag 202 located outside the box body 12 (hereinafter referred to as the "outer tag 202"). In order to manage the management tags inside the storage section, it is necessary to distinguish between the inner tag 200 and the outer tag 202.

[0039] (Processing by the processing device 100; Figure 3) The processing executed by the processing device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. For example, the processing device 100 executes the processing in accordance with an application program installed in the processing device 100. The processing in Fig. 3 is started when the application program is started as a trigger. When the application program is stopped, the processing in Fig. 3 ends. Note that some of the processes included in Fig. 3 may be executed by the control board 22 of the tag reading device 10 instead of the processing device 100.

[0040] In S10, the processing device 100 determines whether the storage unit of the tag reading device 10 is in an open state. For example, the tag reading device 10 is equipped with a sensor (not shown) that detects whether the drawer 14 is in a predetermined position. The predetermined position corresponds to, for example, a closed state. For example, the processing device 100 determines that the drawer is in a closed state when it receives a predetermined signal from the sensor, and determines that the drawer is in an open state when it does not receive a predetermined signal from the sensor. The sensor is, for example, a non-contact sensor such as a laser sensor, or a contact sensor.

[0041] When the processing device 100 determines that the storage section is in the open state (YES in S10), the processing device 100 proceeds to S20. In S20, the processing device 100 transmits a start instruction to the tag reading device 10 to start reading the wireless tag. Upon receiving the start instruction, the tag reading device 10 activates the antenna 20 and starts reading the wireless tag. Then, the tag reading device 10 repeatedly transmits response information indicating the response wave received from the wireless tag to the processing device 100. Here, the response information includes item information stored in the wireless tag that is the source of the response wave and the strength of the response wave. Here, the strength of the response wave is, for example, received power, Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), etc.

[0042] In S22, the processing device 100 stores the response information received from the tag reading device 10. As described above, the tag reading device 10 repeatedly transmits the response information, so the processing device 100 stores the response information in chronological order.

[0043] In the next step S30, the processing device 100 monitors whether the container is transitioning from the open state to the closed state. For example, if a predetermined signal is received from the sensor, it is determined that the container has transitioned from the open state to the closed state. If the container is transitioning from the open state to the closed state (YES in S30), the processing device 100 proceeds to step S32.

[0044] In S32, the processing device 100 transmits a stop instruction to stop reading of the wireless tag to the tag reading device 10. Upon receiving the stop instruction, the tag reading device 10 stops the operation of the antenna 20.

[0045] In the next step S34, the processing device 100 discards the response information during the transition from the open state to the closed state, among the time-series response information stored in S22. For example, the processing device 100 discards (deletes) the response information received from the tag reading device 10 between a first timing when the transition to the closed state is completed and a second timing that is a predetermined time (e.g., one second) before the first timing. During the time between the first timing and the second timing, the state is likely to be in the middle of transitioning from the open state to the closed state, i.e., the drawer 14 is being retracted. During this time, the strength of the response wave from the wireless tag is unstable. The response information stored in the open state is used to determine the position of the wireless tag (i.e., inside or outside the retractor). By not using response information with unstable strength, it is possible to prevent erroneous determination of the position of the wireless tag.

[0046] Furthermore, in a modification of S34, the processing device 100 may discard, from the time-series response information stored in S22, response information in which the change in intensity per unit time is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. A change in intensity per unit time equal to or greater than a predetermined value means that the intensity is unstable. A time in which the intensity is unstable is likely to be a time in which the drawer 14 is in the process of being stored. In this modification as well, it is possible to discard response information in the process of storing the drawer 14, thereby preventing erroneous determination of the position of the wireless tag.

[0047] In the next S36, the processing device 100 monitors whether a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) has passed since the determination in S30. If the predetermined time has passed since the determination in S30 (YES in S36), the processing device 100 returns to the determination in S10.

[0048] Furthermore, if the processing device 100 determines that the accommodation unit of the tag reading device 10 is in the closed state (NO in S10), the processing device 100 proceeds to S50. In S50, the processing device 100 executes the closed state process (FIG. 4) described later. When S50 ends, the processing device 100 returns to the determination in S10.

[0049] (Closed state processing; Figure 4) In S60, the processing device 100 transmits a start instruction to the tag reading device 10. In S62, the processing device 100 stores the response information received from the tag reading device 10. In S62, the time-series response information received from the tag reading device 10 in the closed state is stored.

[0050] In S70, the processing device 100 selects a target wireless tag, and selects one or more pieces of response information including product information for identifying the target wireless tag from the response information stored in S62.

[0051] In S72, the processing device 100 analyzes the response information of the target wireless tag and determines whether the strength of the response wave in the closed state of the target wireless tag is greater than a predetermined threshold. The determination in S72 may use, for example, the average value or the intermediate value of the response wave strength stored in S62. If the processing device 100 determines that the strength of the response wave in the closed state of the target wireless tag is greater than the predetermined threshold (YES in S72), the processing device 100 proceeds to S80.

[0052] In S80, the processing device 100 determines that the target unattached tag is the inner tag 200. When S80 ends, the processing device 100 proceeds to S84. In S84, the processing device 100 determines whether or not all wireless tags have been selected as target wireless tags. If the processing device 100 determines that all wireless tags have not been selected as target wireless tags (NO in S84), it returns to S70.

[0053] Furthermore, if the processing device 100 determines that the strength of the response wave in the closed state of the target wireless tag is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (NO in S72), the processing device 100 proceeds to S74. In S74, the processing device 100 analyzes the response information of the target wireless tag and determines whether the strength of the response wave in the closed state of the target wireless tag is stronger than the strength of the response wave in the open state of the target wireless tag. If the strength of the response wave in the closed state is stronger than the strength of the response wave in the open state (YES in S74), the processing device 100 proceeds to S80. On the other hand, if the strength of the response wave in the closed state is weaker than the strength of the response wave in the open state (NO in S74), the processing device 100 proceeds to S82.

[0054] In S82, the processing device 100 determines that the target unrelated tag is the outer tag 202. When S80 ends, the processing device 100 proceeds to S84.

[0055] Furthermore, if the processing device 100 determines that all wireless tags have been selected as target wireless tags (YES in S84), the processing device 100 proceeds to S90. In S90, the processing device 100 determines whether the container has transitioned from a closed state to an open state. For example, if the reception of a predetermined signal from the above sensor is interrupted, it is determined that the container has transitioned from a closed state to an open state. If the processing device 100 determines that the container has transitioned from a closed state to an open state (YES in S90), the processing device 100 proceeds to S92.

[0056] In S92, the processing device 100 transmits a stop instruction to the tag reading device 10. In S34, the processing device 100 discards the response information stored in S62, from the time series of response information, that is a predetermined time (e.g., 1 second) before the transition from the closed state to the open state. In S96, the processing device 100 monitors whether a predetermined time (e.g., 1 second) has passed since the determination in S90. If the predetermined time has passed since the determination in S90 (YES in S96), the processing device 100 ends the processing of FIG. 4.

[0057] Furthermore, if the processing device 100 determines that the closed state is being maintained (NO in S90), it proceeds to S100. In S100, the processing device 100 determines whether the closed state is being maintained for a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds) or more. If the processing device 100 determines that the closed state is not being maintained for the predetermined time or more (NO in S100), it returns to S90. On the other hand, if the processing device 100 determines that the closed state is being maintained for the predetermined time or more (YES in S100), it proceeds to S102.

[0058] In S102, the processing device 100 determines whether new response information including item information not stored in S22 and S62 has been received from the tag reading device 10. If the processing device 100 determines that new response information has not been received from the tag reading device 10 (NO in S102), it returns to S90. On the other hand, if the processing device 100 determines that new response information has been received from the tag reading device 10 (YES in S102), it proceeds to S104.

[0059] In S104, the processing device 100 determines that the wireless tag identified by the item information included in the new response information is the outer tag 202. When S104 ends, the processing device 100 returns to S90.

[0060] 3 and 4, the wireless tag read by the tag reading device 10 is identified as either the inner tag 200 or the outer tag 202. This allows the processing device 100 to manage the inner tag 200 appropriately.

[0061] (Effects of this embodiment) In the closed state, there is a smaller gap through which radio waves leak than in the open state. Therefore, the strength of the response wave from the outer tag 202 in the closed state is weaker than the strength of the response wave from the outer tag 202 in the open state. According to the configuration of this embodiment, if the strength of the response wave in the closed state is weaker than the strength of the response wave in the open state (NO in S74 of FIG. 4), the processing device 100 determines that the target wireless tag is the outer tag 202 (S82). By comparing the strength of the response wave from the target wireless tag before and after opening and closing the accommodation unit, it is possible to determine whether the target wireless tag is the outer tag 202.

[0062] Furthermore, the strength of the response wave of the inner tag 200 in the closed state is stronger than the strength of the response wave of the inner tag 200 in the open state. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the drawer 14 is stored, the inner tag 200 together with the antenna 20 is surrounded by the shield members 16 and 18, whereas when the drawer 14 is pulled out, the inner tag 200 is shielded from the antenna 20 by the shield member 18. According to the configuration of this embodiment, if the strength of the response wave in the closed state is stronger than the strength of the response wave in the open state (YES in S74), the processing device 100 determines that the target wireless tag is the inner tag 200 (S80). By comparing the strength of the response wave of the target wireless tag before and after the opening and closing of the storage section, it is possible to determine whether the target wireless tag is the inner tag 200.

[0063] Furthermore, if the strength of the response wave from the target wireless tag in the closed state is equal to or greater than the threshold, it means that there is a high possibility that the target wireless tag is located inside the storage compartment. In other words, if the strength of the response wave from the target wireless tag in the closed state is less than the threshold, it is unclear whether the target wireless tag is located inside the storage compartment. According to the configuration of this embodiment, the processing device 100 executes the determination of S74 for a target wireless tag whose response wave strength is less than the threshold, but does not execute the determination of S74 for a target wireless tag whose response wave strength is equal to or greater than the threshold. For a target wireless tag whose location inside the storage compartment is uncertain, the strength of the response wave from the target wireless tag before and after the storage compartment is opened and closed can be compared to determine the location of the first wireless tag.

[0064] Furthermore, in the closed state, a new wireless tag will not be accommodated in the accommodation section. That is, when a response wave is received from a new wireless tag in the closed state, the new wireless tag is likely to be the outer tag 202. According to the configuration of this embodiment, when the processing device 100 receives new response information containing item information that has not been stored even in the open state from the tag reading device 10 (YES in S102), the processing device 100 determines that the wireless tag identified by the item information included in the new response information is the outer tag 202 (S104). A new wireless tag from which a response wave has not been received in the open state can also be determined to be the outer tag 202.

[0065] (Correspondence) The tag reading system 2, the box body 12, and the antenna 20 are examples of a "tag reading system," a "box body," and an "antenna," respectively. The shielding members 16 and 18 are examples of a "shielding member." The shielding members 16 and 18 and the drawer 14 are examples of a "storage section." The processing device 100 is an example of a "processing section." The target wireless tag is an example of a "specific wireless tag." The predetermined time of S34 in FIG. 3 and the predetermined time of S100 in FIG. 4 are examples of a "first predetermined time" and a "second predetermined time," respectively.

[0066] (Second Example) (Configuration of tag reading system 3; Figure 5) The tag reading system 3 of this embodiment includes a tag reading device 10 and a processing device 100, as well as a stand 40 and an external reading device 50. The tag reading device 10 is arranged on the upper surface of the stand 40. Meanwhile, the external reading device 50 is arranged on the lower surface of the stand 40. The external reading device 50 also reads item information from a wireless tag. Like the tag reading device 10, the external reading device 50 includes an antenna 52 and a control board (reference numeral omitted). Unlike the tag reading device 10, the external reading device 50 is not box-shaped and does not include a storage section for storing wireless tags.

[0067] A display unit 42 that displays the communication area of ​​the external reading device 50 is formed on the top surface of the stand 40. The display unit 42 is, for example, a predetermined frame. The external reading device 50 can stably communicate with the outer tag 202 located inside the communication area displayed by the display unit 42. On the other hand, the external reading device 50 cannot stably communicate with the outer tag 202 located outside the communication area displayed by the display unit 42.

[0068] The processing device 100 of this embodiment can communicate with the external reader 50 in addition to the tag reader 10. The processing device 100 of this embodiment uses response information from not only the tag reader 10 but also the external reader 50 to determine whether the wireless tag is an outer tag 202.

[0069] (Processing by the processing device 100; Figure 6) The process executed by the processing device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The process in Fig. 6 is started when triggered by the change of the accommodation section of the tag reading device 10 from the open state to the closed state.

[0070] In S112, the processing device 100 transmits a start instruction to both the tag reading device 10 and the external reading device 50. As a result, both the tag reading device 10 and the external reading device 50 start reading the wireless tag.

[0071] In S120, the processing device 100 receives the response information from the tag reading device 10. In S122, the processing device 100 receives the response information from the external reading device 50.

[0072] In S130, the processing device 100 selects a target wireless tag, and selects one or more pieces of response information including product information for identifying the target wireless tag from the response information received in S120 and S122.

[0073] In S132, the processing device 100 determines whether the target wireless tag is the wireless tag read by the tag reading device 10. Specifically, if the response information received in S120 contains item information identifying the target wireless tag, the processing device 100 determines that the target wireless tag is the wireless tag read by the tag reading device 10. If the processing device 100 determines that the target wireless tag is not the wireless tag read by the tag reading device 10 (NO in S132), the processing device 100 proceeds to S138. In S138, the processing device 100 determines that the target wireless tag is the outer tag 202.

[0074] Furthermore, if the processing device 100 determines that the target wireless tag is a wireless tag read by the tag reading device 10 (YES in S132), the processing device 100 proceeds to S134. In S134, the processing device 100 determines whether the target wireless tag is a wireless tag read by the external reading device 50. Specifically, if the response information received in S122 contains item information identifying the target wireless tag, the processing device 100 determines that the target wireless tag is a wireless tag read by the external reading device 50. If the processing device 100 determines that the target wireless tag is a wireless tag read by the external reading device 50 (YES in S134), the processing device 100 proceeds to S138.

[0075] Furthermore, if the processing device 100 determines that the target wireless tag is not the wireless tag read by the external reader 50 (NO in S134), the processing device 100 proceeds to S136. In S136, the processing device 100 determines that the target wireless tag is the outer tag 202. When S136 and S138 are completed, the processing device 100 proceeds to S140.

[0076] S140 is the same as S84 in Fig. 4. When the processing device 100 determines that not all wireless tags have been selected as target wireless tags (NO in S140), it returns to S130. On the other hand, when the processing device 100 determines that all wireless tags have been selected as target wireless tags (YES in S140), it ends the processing in Fig. 6.

[0077] (Effects of this embodiment) According to the configuration of this embodiment, it is possible to determine whether the target wireless tag is located outside the storage unit by utilizing the antenna 20 located inside the storage unit and the antenna 52 located outside the storage unit. This is because the antenna 20 located inside the storage unit can easily receive reply waves from both the inner tag 200 and the outer tag 202, while the antenna 52 located outside the storage unit has difficulty receiving reply waves from the inner tag 200.

[0078] The tag reading system 3 of this embodiment also includes a display unit 42. This configuration makes it possible to inform the user of an area outside the storage unit where a wireless tag can be placed. This is because the processing in Fig. 6 makes it possible to determine that a wireless tag located within the display unit 42 is located outside the storage unit.

[0079] (Correspondence) The tag reading system 3, the antenna 20, and the antenna 52 are examples of a "tag reading system," a "first antenna," and a "second antenna," respectively. The display unit 42 is an example of a "display unit."

[0080] (Third Example) (Processing by the processing device 100; Figure 7) This embodiment is similar to the second embodiment except for the difference in the content of the processing by the processing device 100. S212 to S234 are similar to S112 to S134 in Fig. 6. When the processing device 100 determines that the target wireless tag is the wireless tag read by the external reader 50 (YES in S234), the processing proceeds to S250.

[0081] In S250, the processing device 100 determines whether the strength of the response wave received from the target wireless tag by the antenna 20 inside the storage unit is stronger than the strength of the response wave received from the target wireless tag by the antenna 52 outside the storage unit. If the processing device 100 determines that the strength of the response wave from the antenna 20 inside the storage unit is stronger than the strength of the response wave from the antenna 52 outside the storage unit (YES in S250), the processing device 100 proceeds to S236. S236 is the same as S136 in FIG. 6. On the other hand, if the processing device 100 determines that the strength of the response wave from the antenna 20 inside the storage unit is weaker than the strength of the antenna 52 outside the storage unit (NO in S250), the processing device 100 proceeds to S238. S238 is the same as S138 in FIG. 6. S240 following S236 and S238 is the same as S140 in FIG. 4.

[0082] In the configuration of this embodiment, it is also possible to determine whether the target wireless tag is located outside the storage unit by using the inner antenna 20 and the outer antenna 52. This is because, when the target wireless tag is located outside the storage unit in the closed state, the strength of the response wave received by the outer antenna 52 is stronger than the strength of the response wave received by the inner antenna 20.

[0083] (Fourth Example) (Configuration of tag reading system 4; Figure 8) The tag reading system 4 of this embodiment is similar to the tag reading system 3 of the third embodiment, except that it includes a tag reading device 60 instead of the external reading device 50 and that the processing content of the processing device 100 is different. The tag reading device 60 has a configuration similar to that of the tag reading device 10, and can accommodate a management tag 200 in the drawer 64 by pulling out the drawer 64. The tag reading device 60 is placed adjacent to the tag reading device 10 on the stand 40. The tag reading device 60 can communicate with the processing device 100. The tag reading system 4 is not limited to two tag reading devices 10, 60, and may include three or more tag reading devices.

[0084] In this embodiment, the display unit 42 is formed between the two tag readers 10 and 60. The display unit 42 in this embodiment is an area on the top surface of the stand 40 where the communication area of ​​the tag reader 10 and the communication area of ​​the tag reader 60 overlap.

[0085] (Processing by the processing device 100; Figure 9) The process executed by the processing device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. The process in Fig. 9 is started when triggered by all tag readers being in the closed state.

[0086] In S312, the processing device 100 transmits a start instruction to each of all tag readers to start reading wireless tags. In S320, the processing device 100 receives response information from each of all tag readers. In S330, the processing device 100 selects a target wireless tag and selects one or more pieces of response information including item information that identifies the target wireless tag from the response information received in S312.

[0087] In S332, the processing device 100 determines whether the target wireless tag is a wireless tag read by two or more tag readers. For example, the one or more pieces of response information selected in S330 may include response information received from the tag reader 10 and response information received from the tag reader 60. In this case, the processing device 100 determines that the target wireless tag is a wireless tag read by two tag readers 10 and 60. If the processing device 100 determines that the target wireless tag is a wireless tag read by two or more tag readers (YES in S332), the processing device 100 proceeds to S338. On the other hand, if the processing device 100 determines that the target wireless tag is a wireless tag read by only one wireless tag reader (NO in S332), the processing device 100 proceeds to S334.

[0088] In S334, the processing device 100 determines whether the strength of the reply wave from the target wireless tag is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. If the processing device 100 determines that the strength of the reply wave from the target wireless tag is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold (YES in S334), the processing device 100 proceeds to S336. On the other hand, if the processing device 100 determines that the strength of the reply wave from the target wireless tag is less than the predetermined threshold (NO in S334), the processing device 100 proceeds to S338.

[0089] S336, S338, and S340 are the same as S136, S138, and S140 in Fig. 6. When the processing device 100 determines that not all wireless tags have been selected as target wireless tags (NO in S340), it returns to S330. On the other hand, when the processing device 100 determines that all wireless tags have been selected as target wireless tags (YES in S340), it ends the processing in Fig. 6.

[0090] As described above, even in the closed state, a small amount of radio waves leaks out of the tag readers 10 and 60. For this reason, the radio waves from the tag readers 10 and 60 reach the outer tag 202 in the display unit 42. The tag readers 10 and 60 receive a small response wave from the outer tag 202. On the other hand, the radio waves from the tag reader 10 have a hard time reaching the inner tag 200 in the tag reader 60. In the configuration of this embodiment, it is possible to determine that the target radio tag is the outer tag 202 in the display unit 42 by determining that the target radio tag is a radio tag read by two or more tag readers.

[0091] When two or more tag readers are used as in this embodiment, an article may be accidentally left between the two tag readers. The configuration of this embodiment makes it possible to know the presence of the misplaced wireless tag.

[0092] The tag reading device 10 can also receive response waves from other wireless tags that are placed in areas around the tag reading device 10 other than the display unit 42. Response waves from other wireless tags are received only by the tag reading device 10, but the intensity of the response waves is weak. The processing device 100 can determine that the target wireless tag corresponding to the weak response wave is the outer tag 202 (NO in S334, S338). Note that in a modified example, the determination in S334 does not need to be executed. In this case, the tag reading system 4 may be operated by prohibiting the placement of wireless tags in areas other than the display unit 42.

[0093] (Correspondence) The tag reader 60 is an example of the "other box body" and the "container." The antenna of the tag reader 60 is an example of the "second antenna."

[0094] (Fifth Example) (Configuration of tag reading system 5; Figure 10) The tag reading system 5 of this embodiment includes four tag readers 10, 60, 70, and 80. The tag readers 70 and 80 have the same configuration as the tag reader 10. The four tag readers 10, 60, 70, and 80 can communicate with each other via a predetermined network. The predetermined network is, for example, a LAN or a mesh network. The tag reading system 5 of this embodiment does not include a processing device 100, and the control board 22 of the tag reader 10 performs the processing of FIG. 9 instead of the processing device 100. In this embodiment, the processing device 100 can be omitted. In this embodiment, the control board 22 is an example of a "processing unit."

[0095] (Sixth Example) (Configuration of tag reading system 6; Figure 11) In the tag reading system 6 of this embodiment, the tag reader 10 is placed on a stand 40, and the tag reader 60 is placed on the tag reader 10. As shown in Fig. 11 , the display unit 42 of this embodiment is placed on the top surface of the stand 40 in an area in front of or behind the tag reader 10, where the communication range 10a of the tag reader 10 and the communication range 60a of the tag reader 60 overlap. According to the configuration of this embodiment, it is possible to know the presence of a wireless tag left behind in front of or behind the tag reader 10.

[0096] Although specific examples of the technology disclosed in this specification have been described above, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples exemplified above. For example, the following modifications may be adopted.

[0097] (Modification 1) The processes of S80 in FIG. 4, S138 in FIG. 5, S238 in FIG. 6, and S336 in FIG. 9 do not have to be executed.

[0098] (Modification 2) The determination in S72 in Fig. 4 does not have to be performed. In this modification, the "predetermined threshold" can be omitted.

[0099] (Variation 3) The process of S34 in Fig. 3 does not have to be executed. In this case, the response information in transition is not discarded, and the remaining response information excluding the response information in transition may be used in the closed state processing. In another variation, the process of S34 in Fig. 3 may not be executed, and the response information in transition may be used in the closed state processing. In this variation, the "first timing," "second timing," "first predetermined time," and "predetermined value" can be omitted.

[0100] (Modification 4) The processes of S100 to S104 in Fig. 4 do not have to be executed. In this modification, the "second predetermined time" can be omitted.

[0101] (Modification 5) The second to sixth embodiments do not have to include the display unit 42. In this modification, the "display unit" can be omitted.

[0102] (Variation 6) The configuration of the "storage section" is not limited to a drawer-type structure such as the drawer 14, but may be, for example, a door-type structure with an openable / closable door or a lid-type structure with a detachable lid.

[0103] 3, 4, 6, 7, and 9 may be executed by the control board 22 of the tag reading device 10 instead of the processing device 100. In this modification, the control board 22 is an example of a "processing unit."

[0104] The technical elements described in this specification or drawings exhibit technical utility either alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technologies illustrated in this specification or drawings simultaneously achieve multiple objectives, and achieving one of those objectives is itself technically useful. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 2, 3, 4, 5, 6: Tag reading system 10: Tag reader 10a: Communication range 12: Box body 14: Drawer 16: Shielding material 18: Shielding material 20: Antenna 22: Control board 30: Closed space 40: stand 42: Display section 50: External reader 52: Antenna 60: Tag reader 60a: Communication range 64: Drawer 70: Tag reader 80: Tag reader 100: Processing device 200: Inner tag (management tag) 202: Outer tag (management tag)

Claims

1. 1. A tag reading system, comprising: The box itself and an openable and closable storage section that is fixed to the inside of the box body, can store a wireless tag, and is made of a shielding material that blocks radio waves; an antenna fixed to the inside of the box body and positioned inside the storage section when the storage section is in a closed state; a processing unit that determines that the specific wireless tag is located outside the storage unit when the intensity of the response wave received by the antenna from the specific wireless tag when the storage unit is in the closed state is weaker than the intensity of the response wave received by the antenna from the specific wireless tag when the storage unit is in the open state; Equipped with Tag reading system.

2. The processing unit 2. The tag reading system of claim 1, wherein the specific radio tag is determined to be located inside the storage unit if the strength of the response wave received by the antenna from the specific radio tag when the storage unit is in the closed state is stronger than the strength of the response wave received by the antenna from the specific radio tag when the storage unit is in the open state.

3. The processing unit 3. The tag reading system of claim 2, wherein if the strength of the response wave received by the antenna from the specific wireless tag when the storage unit is in the closed state is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the system determines that the specific wireless tag is located inside the storage unit without comparing the strength of the response wave received by the antenna from the specific wireless tag when the storage unit is in the open state.

4. 4. The tag reading system of claim 3, wherein if the strength of the response wave received by the antenna from the specific wireless tag when the storage unit is in the closed state is less than the predetermined threshold, the strength of the response wave received by the antenna from the specific wireless tag when the storage unit is in the open state is compared to determine whether the specific wireless tag is located outside the storage unit.

5. the processing unit starts monitoring a response wave from a wireless tag when it is detected that the storage unit is in the open state; 2. The tag reading system of claim 1, wherein, in determining whether the specific wireless tag is located outside the storage section, the processing section does not use the response wave received from the specific wireless tag between a first timing when the transition from the open state to the closed state is completed and a second timing that is a first predetermined time before the first timing.

6. the processing unit starts monitoring a response wave from a wireless tag when it is detected that the storage unit is in the open state; 2. The tag reading system of claim 1, wherein, in determining whether the specific wireless tag is located outside the storage section, the processing section does not use response waves received multiple times from the specific wireless tag whose change in intensity per unit time is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

7. the processing unit starts monitoring a response wave from a wireless tag when it is detected that the storage unit is in the closed state; The tag reading system of claim 1, wherein the processing unit determines that the new wireless tag is located outside the storage unit if the antenna receives a response wave from the new wireless tag after a second predetermined time has elapsed since the storage unit was detected to be in the closed state.

8. 1. A tag reading system, comprising: The box itself and an openable and closable storage section that is fixed to the inside of the box body, can store a wireless tag, and is made of a shielding material that blocks radio waves; a first antenna fixed to the inside of the box body and positioned inside the storage section when the storage section is in a closed state; a second antenna fixed to the outside of the box body; a processing unit that determines that a specific wireless tag is located outside the storage unit when both the first antenna and the second antenna receive a reply wave from the specific wireless tag while the storage unit is in the closed state; A tag reading system comprising:

9. 1. A tag reading system, comprising: The box itself and an openable and closable storage section that is fixed to the inside of the box body, can store a wireless tag, and is made of a shielding material that blocks radio waves; a first antenna fixed to the inside of the box body and positioned inside the storage section when the storage section is in a closed state; a second antenna fixed to the outside of the box body; a processing unit that determines that the specific wireless tag is located outside the storage unit when the intensity of the response wave received by the second antenna from the specific wireless tag when the storage unit is in the closed state is stronger than the intensity of the response wave received by the first antenna from the specific wireless tag when the storage unit is in the closed state; A tag reading system comprising:

10. The tag reading system according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising a display unit that displays a communication range of the second antenna.

11. Other box bodies and an openable and closable other storage section that is disposed inside the other box body, can store a wireless tag, and is made of a shielding material that blocks radio waves; Furthermore, The tag reading system according to claim 8 , wherein the second antenna is located inside the other storage section when the other storage section is in a closed state.

12. The tag reading system according to claim 11 , further comprising a display unit that displays an area where the communication coverage area of ​​the second antenna and the communication coverage area of ​​the first antenna overlap.

Images