Article management system, reading apparatus, and reading method

Abstract

To facilitate the management of articles.SOLUTION: An article management system 100 comprises plural wireless tags 120, a reading device 130, and a management device 150a or 150b. The plural wireless tags 120 are fitted to each of plural articles arranged at any of plural arrangement areas, and hold article identification information for identifying the fitted articles. The reading device 130 is used for reading the article identification information. The management device 150a or 150b manages the plural articles by using the article identification information read by the reading device 130. When a task is selected, the reading device 130 outputs electric waves at an output strength according to the selected task based on strength set information showing output strength by task, and reads the article identification information based on a response from each wireless tag 120 relative to the outputted electric waves.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an article management system, a reading device, and a reading method. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an object detection system that acquires detection information for multiple detectable objects. This object detection system is composed of one or more detectable objects, one or more search devices, a management server, and a database.

[0003] The one or more detectable objects described in Patent Document 1 have IC tags attached. One or more search devices are deployed at predetermined positions within a specific space and receive radio waves from the IC tags to detect the detection information of the detectable objects. A management server is connected to each of the multiple search devices via a network, controls the multiple search devices, and obtains and manages the detection information acquired by the search devices. A database stores the information acquired by the management server.

[0004] The object detection system described in Patent Document 1 acquires detection information from the orientation angle of the directional antenna equipped in the search device when it receives radio waves from the IC tag by scanning the antenna, and the distance from the antenna to the IC tag, which is calculated based on at least one of the transmitted radio wave strength or received radio wave strength of the directional antenna.

[0005] According to the description in Patent Document 1, the detection information is used to identify the position of the detection object and to detect the state (orientation, tilt, tipping, deformation) of the detection object. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-294114 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Generally, carts are used to transport packages such as home deliveries in bulk. The carts loaded with packages are moved between multiple bases where the packages are collected and delivered. Therefore, at each base, the carts are used to transport packages to other bases and to transport packages from other bases. Carts are sometimes stored at bases as spares to be used as needed. Carts are not items with predetermined uses, but rather change from time to time, and are moved according to their uses. It is difficult to manage such items by use.

[0008] For example, even if the technology described in Patent Document 1 is used to treat articles such as carts as the detected objects, it is difficult to manage carts according to their uses.

[0009] One of the problems that the present invention aims to solve is to facilitate the management of articles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The luggage management system of the present invention includes: a plurality of wireless tags attached to each of a plurality of articles to be placed in any of a plurality of placement areas, the wireless tags holding article identification information for identifying the attached articles; a reading device for reading the item identification information; a management device that manages the plurality of articles using the article identification information read by the reading device, When a task is selected, the reading device outputs radio waves at an output intensity corresponding to the selected task based on intensity setting information indicating the output intensity for each task, and reads the item identification information based on the response from the wireless tag to the output radio waves.

[0011] The reading device of the present invention comprises: When a task is selected, the radio wave output unit outputs radio waves at an output intensity corresponding to the selected task based on intensity setting information indicating the output intensity for each task, for reading item identification information held by a wireless tag attached to each of a plurality of items.

[0012] The reading method of the present invention comprises: When a task is selected, radio waves are output at an output intensity corresponding to the selected task based on intensity setting information indicating the output intensity for each task, in order to read the item identification information held by the wireless tags attached to each of the multiple items. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily manage items. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an item management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a reading device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of intensity setting information according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a first management apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a second management apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the physical configuration of a first management apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first example of a configuration of a selection screen according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second configuration example of a selection screen according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third example configuration of a selection screen according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a reading process according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first management process according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second management process according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fourth example of the configuration of a selection screen according to Modification 1. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fifth example of the configuration of a selection screen according to Modification 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, like components are designated by like reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0016] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an item management system 100 according to one embodiment. The item management system 100 is a system for managing a plurality of carts 110.

[0017] A wireless tag 120 is attached to each of the multiple carriages 110. The wireless tag 120 holds a carriage ID (Identification) for identifying the carriage 110 to which it is attached.

[0018] The multiple carts 110 are, for example, basket carts, flatbed carts, hand trucks, etc. used to transport packages such as parcels together. The multiple carts 110 include carts that move between multiple bases. A base is a location where the carts 110 are used. For example, if the user is a company that transports parcels, etc., a base is a location where packages are collected and delivered.

[0019] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the multiple locations include locations P, A, and B.

[0020] Each of the carts 110 is used, for example, to carry in luggage to a base P, to carry out luggage from a base P, or to be stored as a spare at a base P. The carts 110 stored as a spare are used, as needed, to transport luggage within the base P, to carry out luggage from that base, etc.

[0021] The multiple carts 110 are placed in any of multiple predetermined placement areas at each base, for example. In the example shown in the figure, the multiple placement areas at one base P include a carry-in area AI, a carry-out area AO, and a spare storage area AS.

[0022] The carry-in area AI is an area (placement area) for placing the carts 110 that are carried into the one base P. The carry-in area AI may include a plurality of areas by carry-in origin, where the carts 110 are carried into the one base P from different origins.

[0023] In the same figure, an example is shown in which multiple areas by carry-in origin include a first carry-in area AIa and a second carry-in area AIb, which are different bases that are the origins of carry-in to base P. The first carry-in area AIa is an area (area by carry-in origin) for placing the carts 110 that are carried from base A to base P. The second carry-in area AIb is an area (area by carry-in origin) for placing the carts 110 that are carried from base B to base P.

[0024] The carry-out area AO is an area (placement area) for placing the dolly 110 carried out from one base. The carry-out area AO may include a plurality of areas for different carry-out destinations from one base P.

[0025] In the same figure, an example is shown in which multiple areas by destination include a first carry-out area AOa and a second carry-out area AOb, which are different bases to which the items are carried from base P. The first carry-out area AOa is an area (area by destination) for placing the carts 110 that are carried from base P to base A. The second carry-out area AOb is an area (area by destination) for placing the carts 110 that are carried from base P to base B.

[0026] Here, the multiple input sources associated with the input source area and the multiple output destinations associated with the output destination area may be partially or entirely common, or may all be different from each other.

[0027] The spare storage area AS is an area (placement area) for placing the carts 110 stored as spares at one base P.

[0028] The uses of the dolly 110 are not limited to carrying in, carrying out, and storing as a spare. Also, the item is not limited to a dolly, and may be, for example, a container, a pallet (loading platform), a product, etc. The dolly ID is an example of item identification information for identifying the item.

[0029] Furthermore, there may be two or more bases, and each base is not limited to a location where packages are collected and delivered.

[0030] Furthermore, the carry-in area AI, the carry-out area AO, and the spare storage area AS are examples of multiple placement areas determined according to the use of the dolly 110, which is an item. The multiple placement areas may be selected as appropriate from the carry-in area AI, the carry-out area AO, the spare storage area AS, etc. That is, the multiple placement areas may include, for example, at least one of the carry-in area AI, the carry-out area AO, and the spare storage area AS. The multiple placement areas may include, for example, one or more areas other than the carry-in area AI, the carry-out area AO, and the spare storage area AS. Furthermore, the placement areas are not limited to those determined according to the use of the item, but may be any areas predetermined for placing the item.

[0031] As shown in the figure, the article management system 100 includes a plurality of wireless tags 120, one or more reading devices 130, and a management device group 150.

[0032] (About the wireless tag 120) The wireless tags 120 are attached to a plurality of items placed in any of a plurality of placement areas, respectively, and hold item identification information for identifying the attached items.

[0033] In this embodiment, a plurality of wireless tags 120 are attached to each of a plurality of carts 110 placed in any of the carry-in area AI, the carry-out area AO, and the auxiliary storage area AS. The plurality of wireless tags 120 hold a cart ID for identifying the cart 110 to which they are attached.

[0034] The multiple wireless tags 120 communicate wirelessly with one or more readers 130. The wireless tags 120 operate, for example, in response to radio waves from the readers 130, and transmit and receive data to and from the readers 130.

[0035] In detail, for example, the wireless tag 120 is an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag, and includes an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, an antenna, a housing member, and the like.

[0036] The IC chip stores various types of information and controls the processing operations of the wireless tag 120. The information stored in the IC chip includes item identification information such as a trolley ID. The antenna transmits and receives radio waves containing data to and from one or more readers 130. The radio waves may be, for example, in the UHF band with a frequency of 860 to 960 MHz or in the microwave band with a frequency of 2.45 GHz. Note that the radio waves used for communication between the wireless tag 120 and the readers 130 are not limited to those exemplified here. The housing member houses the IC chip, antenna, etc. The material of the housing member is, for example, resin, but is not limited to this. The wireless tag 120 may be formed, for example, in a sheet shape.

[0037] The wireless tag 120 may further include a power source that supplies operating power for operating the IC chip, antenna, etc. Examples of the power source include, but are not limited to, a primary battery that stores electricity in advance, a rechargeable secondary battery, a photovoltaic cell that converts light from a lamp or the like into electricity, etc. The electricity generated by the photovoltaic cell may be supplied as operating power via a secondary battery, etc., or may be supplied as operating power without via a secondary battery.

[0038] The wireless tag 120 is attached to an article such as the cart 110 using, for example, double-sided tape, a pressure-sensitive adhesive, an adhesive, a cable tie, a chain, etc. Note that the method of attaching the wireless tag 120 to an article such as the cart 110 is not limited to the example given here.

[0039] (Regarding the reading device 130) Each of the reading devices 130 is a device for reading a cart ID, which is the item identification information according to this embodiment. Each of the reading devices 130 may be a portable device or may be fixed to a predetermined location at a base.

[0040] At least one reading device 130 is used, for example, at each of the multiple locations P, A, and B. That is, there are multiple reading devices 130 according to this embodiment, and the multiple reading devices 130 include one or more reading devices 130 used at each of the multiple locations P, A, and B.

[0041] In addition, when managing the carts 110 at one base, the number of reading devices 130 may be one.

[0042] For example, when a task is selected, each of the reading devices 130 outputs radio waves at an output intensity corresponding to the selected task based on intensity setting information indicating the output intensity for each task. Each of the reading devices 130 reads the cart ID based on the response from the wireless tag 120 to the output radio waves.

[0043] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the reading device 130. The reading device 130 includes, for example, a display unit 131, a display control unit 132, an intensity storage unit 133, an intensity setting unit 134, a radio wave output unit 135, a radio wave receiving unit 136, and a reading communication unit 137.

[0044] The display unit 131 displays various screens under the control of the display control unit 132. In other words, the display control unit 132 causes various screens to be displayed on the display unit 131. An example of a screen that the display control unit 132 causes the display unit 131 to display is a task selection screen (described in detail later) that allows the user to select a task to be executed by the reading device 130.

[0045] The tasks include, for example, at least one of a carry-in management task, a carry-out management task, a reserve management task, and a total management task. For example, using a task selection screen, one task is selected from among candidate tasks to be selected.

[0046] The candidate tasks to be selected include, for example, tasks corresponding to at least one of the plurality of placement areas.

[0047] The carry-in management task is a process for managing the carts 110 placed in the carry-in area AI at one base.

[0048] In more detail, for example, the carry-in management task may include an overall carry-in management task for managing all of the carts 110 placed in the carry-in area AI at the base P.

[0049] The carry-in management task may include at least one carry-in-origin management task for managing the carts 110 placed in the carry-in area AI at the site P by their respective carry-in origins. In detail, for example, the carry-in area AI at the site P includes a first carry-in area AIa and a second carry-in area AIb, which have different carry-in origins, as described above. Therefore, at the site P, the multiple carry-in-origin management tasks may include a first carry-in management task for managing the carts 110 placed in the first carry-in area AIa and a second carry-in management task for managing the carts 110 placed in the second carry-in area AIb.

[0050] The carry-out management task is a process for managing the carts 110 placed in the carry-out area AO at one base.

[0051] In detail, for example, the carry-out management task may include a total carry-out management task for managing all of the dollies 110 arranged in the carry-out area AO at the base P.

[0052] The carry-out management task may include at least one destination-specific management task for managing the trolleys 110 placed in the carry-out area AO by destination at one base. In detail, for example, the carry-out area AO includes a first carry-out area AOa and a second carry-out area AOb, which have different destinations, as described above. Therefore, at the base P, the multiple destination-specific management tasks may include a first carry-out management task for managing the trolleys 110 placed in the first carry-out area AOa and a second carry-out management task for managing the trolleys 110 placed in the second carry-out area AOb.

[0053] The spare management task is a process for managing the carts 110 placed in the spare storage area AS at one base (for example, base P).

[0054] The total management task is a process for managing all the trolleys 110 present at one base (for example, base P). The total management task corresponds to the entire base (for example, base P) including the carry-in area AI, the carry-out area AO, and the spare storage area AS.

[0055] The intensity storage unit 133 is a storage unit that stores intensity setting information 133a that indicates output intensity for each task. The intensity setting information 133a is set, for example, for each location where the reading device 130 is used. For example, the intensity setting unit 134 stores, in the intensity storage unit 133, intensity setting information 133a that is suitable for the location where the reading device 130 is used, in response to an instruction from a user.

[0056] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of intensity setting information 133a. The intensity setting information 133a is, for example, information that associates each of a plurality of tasks with an output intensity set in accordance with a user's instruction. In the example shown in the figure, the plurality of tasks include an all-in management task, a first management task, and a second management task, which are examples of an in-management task, an all-out management task, a first management task, and a second management task, which are examples of an out-management task, a backup management task, and an all-management task.

[0057] When a task is selected, the radio wave output unit 135 outputs radio waves at an output intensity according to the selected task, based on the intensity setting information 133a indicating the output intensity for each task.

[0058] For example, a user selects a task from among candidate tasks using a task selection screen. The radio wave output unit 135 identifies the output intensity associated with the selected task based on the intensity setting information 133a. The radio wave output unit 135 outputs radio waves with the identified output intensity.

[0059] The radio wave receiving unit 136 receives radio waves that are a response from the wireless tag 120 to the radio waves output by the radio wave output unit 135. The radio waves from the wireless tag 120 include a cart ID that is item identification information held by the wireless tag 120. Therefore, the radio wave receiving unit 136 can read the cart ID that is item identification information.

[0060] The read communication unit 137 transmits the read information to, for example, the first control apparatus 150a (described later).

[0061] The read information includes, for example, the read item identification information (cart ID in this embodiment).

[0062] The read information may further include, for example, at least one of a reading device ID (Identification), base identification information, task information, reading time, delivery destination information, and delivery source information. This allows the read item identification information to be associated with at least one of the reading device ID, base identification information, task information, reading time, delivery destination information, and delivery source information.

[0063] The reading device ID is information for identifying the reading device 130. The base identification information is information for identifying the base where the reading device 130 is used. The task information is information indicating the selected task (i.e., the executed task). The reading time is information indicating the time when the item identification information (cart ID in this embodiment) was read.

[0064] The period is expressed using, for example, a date and time. However, the method of expressing the period is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a part of a date and time, or the xxth year, xxth time, etc.

[0065] The destination information is information indicating a base station to which the dolly 110 placed in the carry-out area AO is to be carried out. For example, the destination information may be generated when a destination-specific management task is executed, and includes the destination corresponding to the destination-specific management task.

[0066] The carry-in source information is information that indicates the base that is the carry-in source of the cart 110 placed in the carry-in area AI. For example, the carry-in source information may be generated when a carry-in source management task is executed, and includes the carry-in source corresponding to the carry-in source management task.

[0067] (Regarding the management device group 150) The management device group 150 is composed of one or more management devices for managing multiple items. Each management device manages management data for managing multiple items using read information transmitted from one or more reading devices 130. The management of the management data includes, for example, at least one of generating, storing, and updating the management data.

[0068] The management device group 150 according to this embodiment manages a plurality of carts 110 used at a plurality of bases P, A, and B using the cart IDs read by the reading device 130. The management device group 150 is made up of a plurality of management devices. The plurality of management devices includes a plurality of first management devices 150a and a second management device 150b. The management data includes first management data managed by each of the first management devices 150a and second management data managed by the second management device 150b.

[0069] For example, any one of the multiple first control devices 150a may have the functions of the second control device 150b. Also, for example, in the case of managing the carts 110 at one base, the control device group 150 may be composed of one control device. In this case, for example, the one control device may have some or all of the functions provided by the first control device 150a and the second control device 150b described below.

[0070] (Regarding the first control device 150a) The first control device 150a is a control device that controls the carts 110 present at each base, on a base-by-base basis. In this embodiment, the first control device 150a is provided in association with each of the bases P, A, and B, as shown in FIG. 1. The first control device 150a associated with each of the bases P, A, and B may be configured in the same way. In the following, the first control device 150a installed at the base P will be described as an example.

[0071] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the first control device 150a according to this embodiment. The first control device 150a functionally includes, for example, a read information acquisition unit 151, a first control unit 152, and a first communication unit 153.

[0072] The read information acquisition unit 151 acquires read information from one or more reading devices 130 used at the site P.

[0073] The first management unit 152 uses the acquired read information to manage first management data for managing the carts 110 present at the base P. The first management data can also be said to be management data for managing the carts 110 present at each base by base using the read information.

[0074] The first management data may include, for example, a dolly ID. The first management data may further include, for example, at least one of task information and reading time. The first management data may further include, for example, at least one of a reading device ID and base identification information. The first management data may further include, for example, at least one of delivery destination information and delivery source information.

[0075] The first communication unit 153 transmits the first management data to the second control device 150b.

[0076] (Regarding the second control device 150b) The second control device 150b is a control device that comprehensively controls the carts 110 used at multiple bases. The second control device 150b transmits and receives information to and from each of the multiple first control devices 150a via a communication network NT that is configured using wired or wireless communication or a combination of wired and wireless communication, as shown in FIG.

[0077] 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the second control device 150b according to this embodiment. The second control device 150b functionally includes, for example, a master information storage unit 154, a collection unit 155, a second control unit 156, and an output unit 157.

[0078] The master information storage unit 154 stores, for example, first master information 154a relating to the dolly 110 and second master information 154b relating to the reading device 130.

[0079] The first master information 154a is, for example, information that associates a vehicle ID with type information. The type information is information that indicates the type to which the vehicle belongs.

[0080] The type is determined, for example, according to a predetermined rule. Each of the multiple trolleys 110 belongs to one of multiple predetermined types. This rule may be, for example, an accounting rule. In detail, for example, the rule is whether or not the trolley 110 belongs to the assets of the user of the trolley 110. In this case, the type information may include, for example, information indicating a first type that is owned by the user (transporter) and belongs to the assets, and information indicating a second type that is rented or the like and does not belong to the user's assets. Note that there may be three or more types.

[0081] The cart ID, which is the item identification information of the cart 110, is associated with the type to which the cart 110 belongs by the first master information 154a.

[0082] The second master information 154b is information that associates, for example, a reader ID with base identification information. Each reader 130 is associated with the base where it is used by the second master information 154b.

[0083] The collection unit 155 collects first management data from a plurality of first management devices 150a.

[0084] The second management unit 156 uses the first management data to manage second management data for comprehensively managing the carts 110 present at the multiple bases P, A, and B. The second management data can also be said to be management data for comprehensively managing the carts 110 present at the multiple bases using read information.

[0085] The second management data may be used, for example, to manage the plurality of carts 110 on a predetermined date. The predetermined date may be a date corresponding to the end of a fiscal year.

[0086] For example, the second management unit 156 may select, from the collected first management data, first management data whose read time is a predetermined date. For example, the second management unit 156 may include a vehicle ID included in the selected first management data. For example, the second management unit 156 may further include type information associated with the vehicle ID in the first master information 154a. For example, the second management unit 156 may further include at least one of a reading device ID, base identification information, task information, and read time associated with the vehicle ID in the first management data. Here, the task information is information indicating the selected task (i.e., the executed task) as described above. Furthermore, the task corresponds to the area in which the vehicle 110 to be read is located when the vehicle ID is read. Therefore, the task information is also information indicating the area in which the vehicle 110 is located (e.g., the location area) when the vehicle ID is read. The second management data may further include, for example, at least one of destination information and source information.

[0087] For example, if the first management data includes a reader ID but does not include base identification information, while the second management data includes base identification information, the second management unit 156 may manage the second management data using the first master information 154a. In detail, for example, the second management unit 156 may identify the base identification information associated with the reader ID included in the first management data based on the first master information 154a, and manage the second management data using the identified base identification information.

[0088] The output unit 157 uses the second management data to create and output output information.

[0089] The output information includes predetermined information.

[0090] For example, the output information may include information or documents used for accounting. For example, the output information may include the number of carts 110 present at each base at a predetermined time (for example, the end of the month, etc.), or the number of carts 110 present in each area of ​​each base. Note that the output information is not limited to the examples given here.

[0091] The output method of the output unit 157 may be display, printing on a paper medium, creation of predetermined electronic data, or transmission of the created electronic data to a terminal (not shown). Note that the output method of the output unit 157 is not limited to the examples given here.

[0092] (Example of physical configuration of first control apparatus 150a) The first control apparatus 150a physically includes a bus 1010, a processor 1020, a memory 1030, a storage device 1040, a communication interface 1050, an input interface 1060, and an output interface 1070, as shown in FIG.

[0093] The bus 1010 is a data transmission path for transmitting and receiving data among the processor 1020, memory 1030, storage device 1040, communication interface 1050, input interface 1060, and output interface 1070. However, the method of connecting the processor 1020 and the like to each other is not limited to bus connection.

[0094] The processor 1020 is implemented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or the like.

[0095] The memory 1030 is a main storage device realized by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like.

[0096] The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device realized by a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a memory card, a read only memory (ROM), or the like. The storage device 1040 stores program modules for realizing the functions of the device. The processor 1020 reads each of these program modules into the memory 1030 and executes them, thereby realizing the function corresponding to the program module.

[0097] The communication interface 1050 is an interface for connecting the device to the communication network NT. Note that information may be exchanged with other devices (not shown) via the communication network NT.

[0098] The input interface 1060 is an interface for the user to input information, and is composed of, for example, a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like.

[0099] The output interface 1070 is an interface for presenting information to the user, and is configured, for example, by a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel, or the like.

[0100] The second control device 150b may have a physical configuration similar to that of the first control device 150a. The reading device 130 may also have an antenna and circuitry for transmitting and receiving radio waves in addition to the configuration of the first control device 150a.

[0101] Next, examples of the reading process executed by the reading device 130, the first management process executed by the first control device 150a, and the second management process executed by the second control device 150b will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0102] (About the reading process) The reading process is a process for reading, by radio waves, the item identification information held in the wireless tag attached to each of a plurality of items. The reading process is performed by the reading device 130.

[0103] For example, when display unit 131 receives an instruction from the user, under the control of display control unit 132, it displays a task selection screen (hereinafter also referred to as a "selection screen") for selecting a task.

[0104] 7 to 9 are diagrams showing first to third configuration examples of the selection screen, respectively. The selection screen shown in Fig. 7 is an example of a screen for selecting an import management task, an export management task, a backup management task, and an all management task.

[0105] The selection screen illustrated in Fig. 8 is an example of a screen that is displayed when the delivery management task includes more detailed tasks, for example, when the delivery management task is selected on the selection screen according to the first configuration example. The selection screen illustrated in Fig. 8 shows an example of a screen for selecting the entire delivery management task, the first delivery management task, and the second delivery management task.

[0106] The selection screen illustrated in Fig. 9 is an example of a screen that is displayed when the export management task includes more detailed tasks, for example, when the export management task is selected on the selection screen according to the first configuration example. The selection screen illustrated in Fig. 9 shows an example of a screen for selecting the total export management task, the first export management task, and the second export management task.

[0107] The user selects a task using, for example, a selection screen. At this time, the user selects a task at a reading location corresponding to each task, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The display unit 131 may include a touch sensor for selecting a task using the task selection screen. In this case, for example, the user can select a task to be executed by the reading device 130 by pressing (touching) an area on the task selection screen that displays the task to be executed by the reading device 130. Note that the method of accepting an input for selecting a task is not limited to a touch sensor. In detail, for example, when selecting a first delivery management task, the user presses (touches) the first delivery management task on the selection screen illustrated in FIG. 8 at the reading location for the first delivery management task illustrated in FIG. 1. Then, for example, the user points a portion (e.g., an antenna) of the reading device 130 that transmits and receives radio waves toward the first delivery area AIa corresponding to the selected first delivery management task. As a result, the reading device 130 can transmit radio waves from the reading location for the first carry-in management task to the first carry-in area AIa corresponding to the selected first carry-in management task, and receive radio waves from the wireless tag 120 in the first carry-in area AIa. Note that the configuration of the selection screen may be changed as appropriate, and the method for selecting a task to be executed by the reading device 130 is not limited to using the selection screen. For example, a task may be selected by pressing a physically provided button, etc.

[0108] The reading device 130 starts the reading process in response to, for example, the selection of a task.

[0109] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the reading process according to this embodiment.

[0110] The radio wave output unit 135 refers to the intensity setting information 133a and acquires the output intensity according to the selected task (step S101).

[0111] The radio wave output unit 135 outputs radio waves with the output intensity acquired in step S101 (step S102).

[0112] As a result, radio waves are transmitted to the placement area corresponding to the selected task. Here, the output strength is set in advance to, for example, an intensity at which radio waves can reach the placement area corresponding to the selected task from the reading position corresponding to the selected task. Also, the output strength is set in advance to, for example, an intensity at which radio waves cannot reach any area other than the placement area corresponding to the selected task from the reading position corresponding to the selected task. As a result, radio waves can be transmitted to wireless tags 120 only within the placement area corresponding to the selected task.

[0113] In the intensity setting information 133a, for example, an intensity at which radio waves reach all wireless tags 120 present at a base (for example, base P) is associated with all management tasks. In detail, for example, the maximum intensity of radio waves output by the reading device 130 may be set as the radio wave intensity corresponding to all management tasks.

[0114] The radio wave receiving unit 136 receives radio waves transmitted from the wireless tag 120 in response to the radio waves transmitted in step S102 (step S103).

[0115] As described above, in step S102, radio waves are transmitted to the wireless tags 120 only within the placement area corresponding to the selected task. Therefore, in step S103, radio waves can be received from the wireless tags 120 only within the placement area corresponding to the selected task. The received radio waves include the cart ID held in the wireless tag 120.

[0116] The reading communication unit 137 generates read information based on the radio waves received in step S103 (step S104).

[0117] The reading communication unit 137 transmits the read information generated in step S104 to the first control apparatus 150a (step S105), and the reading process ends.

[0118] For example, if the user is to perform a plurality of tasks, the reading process for each of the plurality of tasks may be repeatedly executed.

[0119] (Regarding the first management process) The first management process is a process for managing the first management data using the read information transmitted in the reading process. For example, the first management device 150a shown in Fig. 4 starts the first management process when the read information acquisition unit 151 acquires the read information transmitted in step S105.

[0120] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the first management process according to this embodiment.

[0121] The first management unit 152 uses the read information acquired by the read information acquisition unit 151 to manage (e.g., generate or update) first management data for managing the cart 110 located at the base where the first management device 150a is installed (step S201).

[0122] For example, the first management unit 152 uses the read information to generate first management data that associates each trolley ID with at least one of task information, read time, reading device ID, base identification information, delivery destination information, and delivery source information.

[0123] For example, if the first management data includes a read time corresponding to each of the cart IDs, and if a plurality of reading devices 130 are used at the base where the first management device 150a is installed, and if there is first management data that has already been created within a time period (within a predetermined time period) relatively close to the read time period included in the read information, the first management unit 152 may update the first management data using the read information.

[0124] At this time, if the read information (i.e., information read by the reading device 130) and the already created first management data contain a common trolley ID, the first management unit 152 may manage (e.g., update) the first management data using the trolley ID associated with the new reading time.

[0125] This allows for more reliable management of the placement area of ​​the cart 110, for example, in cases where, after a certain task is selected and a reading process is performed, the cart 110 is moved and its placement area is changed.

[0126] The first management unit 152 may store the history of the first management data.

[0127] The first communication unit 153 transmits the first management data generated or updated in step S201 to the second control apparatus 150b (step S202).

[0128] For example, when the first management data is generated or updated in step S201, the first communication unit 153 may transmit the first management data to the second control device 150b. For example, the first communication unit 153 may transmit the first management data to the second control device 150b at a predetermined time (for example, 12:00 every day, 15:00 every Friday, 15:00 at the end of the month, etc.). For example, the first communication unit 153 may transmit the first management data to the second control device 150b in response to a user instruction.

[0129] (Regarding the second management process) The second management process is a process for managing the second management data using the read information transmitted in the first management process. For example, when the collection unit 155 acquires the first management data transmitted in step S202, the second management device 150b starts the second management process.

[0130] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the second management process according to this embodiment.

[0131] The second management unit 156 uses the first management data acquired by the collection unit 155 to manage (e.g., generate or update) second management data for comprehensively managing the carts 110 located at multiple base stations (step S301).

[0132] For example, the second management unit 156 uses the first management data to generate second management data in which each trolley ID is associated with at least one of type information, reading device ID, base identification information, task information, reading time, destination information, and source information.

[0133] For example, the second management data may include a read time corresponding to each of the cart IDs. The collection unit 155 may collect multiple pieces of first management data from multiple first management devices 150a. In this case, if the multiple pieces of first management data include common item identification information, the second management data may be managed using a cart ID associated with a new read time.

[0134] This allows for more reliable management of the placement area of ​​the trolley 110, for example, in cases where the trolley 110 is moved and its placement area is changed after executing a reading process to generate the reading information used to manage the first management data.

[0135] The second management unit 156 may store the history of the second management data.

[0136] The output unit 157 outputs the second management data generated or updated in step S301 (step S302), and the second management process ends.

[0137] An embodiment of the present invention has been described above.

[0138] According to this embodiment, the item management system 100 includes a plurality of wireless tags 120, a reading device 130, and a management device 150a or 150b. The plurality of wireless tags 120 are attached to a plurality of items placed in one of a plurality of placement areas, and each wireless tag 120 holds item identification information for identifying the attached item. The reading device 130 is a device for reading the item identification information. The management device 150a or 150b manages the plurality of items using the item identification information read by the reading device 130.

[0139] When a task is selected, the reading device 130 outputs radio waves at an output intensity corresponding to the selected task based on intensity setting information indicating the output intensity for each task, and reads the item identification information based on the response from the wireless tag 120 to the output radio waves.

[0140] This allows a plurality of items to be managed by distinguishing them using the placement area in which the items are placed, thereby facilitating the management of the items.

[0141] According to this embodiment, the candidate tasks to be selected include a task corresponding to at least one of the plurality of placement areas, and the plurality of articles include a cart that moves between the plurality of bases.

[0142] This allows a plurality of carts moving between a plurality of bases to be managed separately according to their uses, thereby facilitating the management of the carts.

[0143] According to this embodiment, the multiple placement areas include at least one of a carry-in area for placing carts that are brought into the one base, an unloading area for placing carts that are brought out of the one base, and a spare storage area for placing carts that are stored as spares at the one base. The tasks include at least one of a carry-in management task for managing carts placed in the carry-in area, a carry-out management task for managing carts placed in the unloading area, a spare management task for managing carts placed in the spare storage area, and an all management task for managing all carts that exist at the one base.

[0144] This allows multiple carts at one location to be managed separately according to their intended use, making it easier to manage the carts.

[0145] According to this embodiment, each of the plurality of carts belongs to one of a plurality of predetermined types, and the item identification information is associated with the type to which the cart belongs.

[0146] This allows a plurality of carriages to be managed by distinguishing them by predetermined types, thereby facilitating the management of carriages.

[0147] According to this embodiment, the vehicle type is a type that conforms to accounting classification.

[0148] This allows a plurality of carts to be managed according to accounting classification, thereby facilitating the management of the carts.

[0149] According to this embodiment, the tasks include at least one of the following at one location: at least one import source management task for managing carts placed in the import area by import source, and at least one export destination management task for managing carts placed in the export area by export destination.

[0150] This allows a plurality of carts present at one location to be managed according to their respective input or output locations, thereby facilitating the management of the carts.

[0151] According to this embodiment, the strength setting information is set for each base where the cart is used.

[0152] This allows the reading device to output a signal of appropriate strength according to the location, so that the reading device can be used to manage multiple items by distinguishing them using the placement areas where the items are placed at various locations, thereby making it easier to manage items located at multiple locations.

[0153] According to this embodiment, there are multiple reading devices. The multiple reading devices include one or more reading devices used at each of the multiple locations. The management device manages management data indicating the location where each of the multiple carts is located, using the item identification information read by the reading device and location identification information for identifying the location where the reading device is used.

[0154] This allows the reading device to be used to manage multiple items by distinguishing them using the placement areas where the items are placed at multiple locations, thereby making it easier to manage items that exist at multiple locations.

[0155] According to the present embodiment, the item identification information is associated with task information indicating the selected task. The management data further includes at least one of destination information indicating a base to which the cart placed in the unloading area is to be transported and source information indicating a base from which the cart placed in the loading area is to be transported.

[0156] This allows a plurality of carts to be managed according to their respective input or output locations, thereby facilitating the management of the carts.

[0157] According to this embodiment, the item identification information is associated with a read time indicating when the item identification information was read. The management data further includes a read time corresponding to each of the multiple carts. If the information read by the reading device and the already created management data contain common item identification information, the management device manages the management data using the item identification information associated with the new read time.

[0158] This makes it possible to more reliably manage the placement area of ​​the carriage 110. Therefore, it becomes possible to accurately manage the carriages.

[0159] (Variation 1) In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the tasks include a management task for each import source and a management task for each export destination in order to manage the carts 110 by import source and by export destination. The tasks may include one or more of an import management task, an export management task, and an overall management task, or may not include a management task for each import source and a management task for each export destination. In this case, the import management task and the export management task may be tasks equivalent to the overall import management task and the overall export management task in the embodiment, respectively.

[0160] For example, the user may press (touch) the entry management task on the screen illustrated in FIG. 7 at the reading location for the entry area AI illustrated in FIG. 1. This selects the entry management task. The user may then point the part of the reading device 130 that transmits and receives radio waves (e.g., an antenna) toward the entry area AI corresponding to the selected task, which is the entry management task. This allows the reading device 130 to transmit radio waves from the reading location for the entry area AI to the entry area AI corresponding to the selected task, which is the entry management task, and to receive radio waves from the wireless tag 120 located in the entry area AI.

[0161] The same applies when an unloading management task is selected instead of the carrying-in management task. That is, the carrying-in area AI and the carrying-in management task in the above description may be replaced with an unloading area AO and an unloading management task, respectively.

[0162] Here, an example of selecting tasks corresponding to the all-in management task and the all-out management task in the embodiment has been described using Fig. 7, but the configuration of the selection screen is not limited to the example shown here. For example, when the carry-in management task illustrated in Fig. 7 is selected, a selection screen for selecting the all-in management task illustrated in Fig. 13 may be displayed. For example, when the carry-out management task illustrated in Fig. 7 is selected, a selection screen for selecting the all-out management task illustrated in Fig. 14 may be displayed.

[0163] According to this modification, the same effects as those of the embodiment are achieved, except for the effect that the tasks include a management task by import source and a management task by export destination.

[0164] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples of the present invention and may be modified as appropriate. For example, in the flowcharts used in the above description, multiple steps (processes) are described in order, but the order in which these steps are executed is not limited to the order in which they are described. The order of the steps shown in the drawings may be changed as long as it does not interfere with the content. For example, it goes without saying that applicable general technology may be used to realize the functions and processes exemplified in the embodiment and modifications. For example, one embodiment and modifications may be combined as long as the content is not contradictory. [Explanation of symbols]

[0165] 100 Inventory Management System 110 Cart 120 wireless tags 130 Reading device 131 Display section 132 Display control unit 133 Strength memory section 133a Strength setting information 134 Intensity setting section 135 Radio wave output unit 136 Radio wave receiving unit 137 Reading and communication unit 150 Management equipment group 150a 1st management device 150b 2nd management device 151 Read information acquisition unit 152 1st Management Department 153 First Communications Department 154 Master information storage unit 154a First master information 154b Second master information 155 Collection Department 156 2nd Management Department 157 Output section

Claims

1. a plurality of wireless tags attached to each of a plurality of articles to be placed in any of a plurality of placement areas, the wireless tags holding article identification information for identifying the attached articles; a reading device for reading the item identification information; a management device that manages the plurality of articles using the article identification information read by the reading device, When a task is selected, the reader outputs radio waves at an output intensity corresponding to the selected task based on intensity setting information indicating an output intensity for each task, and reads the item identification information based on a response from the wireless tag to the output radio waves. Inventory management system.

2. the selected task candidates include a task corresponding to at least one of the plurality of placement areas; The plurality of articles includes a cart that moves between a plurality of bases. The article management system according to claim 1 .

3. the plurality of placement areas include at least one of a carry-in area for placing a cart that is carried into a base, a carry-out area for placing a cart that is carried out from the base, and a spare storage area for placing a cart that is stored as a spare at the base, The tasks include at least one of a carry-in management task for managing the carts placed in the carry-in area, a carry-out management task for managing the carts placed in the carry-out area, a reserve management task for managing the carts placed in the reserve storage area, and an all management task for managing all the carts present at the one base. The article management system according to claim 2 .

4. Each of the plurality of carriages belongs to one of a plurality of predetermined types, The item identification information is associated with the type to which the cart belongs. The article management system according to claim 3 .

5. The above classification is based on accounting classification. The article management system according to claim 4.

6. The tasks include at least one of at least one carry-in origin management task for managing the carts placed in the carry-in area by carry-in origin, and at least one carry-out destination management task for managing the carts placed in the carry-out area by carry-out destination, at the one base. The article management system according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. The strength setting information is set for each base where the cart is used. The article management system according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

8. The reading device is a plurality of devices, the plurality of reading devices include one or more of the reading devices used at each of the plurality of bases, The management device manages management data indicating the base where each of the plurality of carts is located, using the item identification information read by the reading device and base identification information for identifying the base where the reading device is used. The article management system according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

9. The item identification information is associated with task information indicating the selected task, The management data further includes at least one of carry-out destination information indicating a base to which the cart placed in the carry-out area is to be carried out and carry-in source information indicating a base from which the cart placed in the carry-in area is to be carried in. The article management system according to claim 8.

10. The item identification information is associated with a read time indicating the time when the item identification information was read, The management data further includes the read time corresponding to each of the plurality of carriages, When the information read by the reading device and the management data already created contain common item identification information, the management device manages the management data using the item identification information associated with the new reading time. The article management system according to claim 8.

11. The radio wave output unit outputs radio waves for reading the item identification information held by the wireless tags attached to each of the multiple items at an output intensity corresponding to the selected task based on intensity setting information indicating the output intensity for each task when the task is selected. Reading device.

12. The apparatus further includes a display unit that displays a task selection screen for selecting a task. The reading device according to claim 11.

13. Portable 13. A reading device according to claim 11 or 12.

14. When a task is selected, radio waves for reading the item identification information held by the wireless tags attached to each of the multiple items are output at an output intensity corresponding to the selected task based on intensity setting information indicating the output intensity for each task. Reading method.

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