Article management tag, basket cart with article management tag, and method for manufacturing article management tag

Abstract

To facilitate management of articles.SOLUTION: The article management tag 100 includes a sheet-like radio communication tag 110, a holding sheet 120 in which sheet-like members 121122 and sandwiching the radio communication tag 110 are fixed to each other, and a hole 130 for inserting a string-like mounting member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an article management tag, a cart with an article management tag, and a method for manufacturing an article management tag. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a wireless tag label having a release material layer, a substantially sheet-like antenna substrate, and a trace-forming adhesive layer.

[0003] According to Patent Document 1, the release material layer is provided at one end of the label in the thickness direction and is peeled off from the remaining parts when the label is attached. The antenna substrate is disposed on the other side of the label in the thickness direction than the release material layer and has a radio frequency tag circuit element disposed thereon, the radio frequency tag circuit element including an IC circuit unit for storing information and a tag-side antenna for transmitting and receiving information. At least a portion of the trace-forming adhesive layer is provided adjacent to the other side of the release material layer in the thickness direction of the label, and when peeled off after attachment to the object to which the label is attached, it leaves a predetermined peel-off trace. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-286194 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the RFID label described in Patent Document 1 is difficult to apply to articles to be managed, and therefore, it may be difficult to manage articles using the RFID label. Examples of such articles include articles that are difficult to attach with a trace-forming adhesive layer, articles that are undesirable in that peeling marks are left when the label is peeled off after attachment, and articles that may peel off unintentionally when attached.

[0006] One of the problems that the present invention aims to solve is to facilitate the management of articles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The article management tag of the present invention comprises: a sheet-like wireless communication tag; a holding sheet in which sheet-like members sandwiching the wireless communication tag are fixed to each other; It has a hole for inserting a string-like attachment member.

[0008] The cart with the item management tag of the present invention is An article management tag; a string-like attachment member; Equipped with a basket car, The article management tag is attached to the car using the string-like attachment member, The article management tag includes: a sheet-like wireless communication tag; a holding sheet in which a sheet-like member is tightly attached with the wireless communication tag sandwiched therebetween; a hole for inserting the string-like attachment member; At least the edges of the sheet-like members are adhered to each other via an adhesive layer formed of a pressure sensitive adhesive or adhesive.

[0009] The method for manufacturing an article management tag of the present invention includes the steps of: Create a sheet-type wireless communication tag, the sheet-like members are fixed to each other with the wireless communication tag sandwiched therebetween; A hole is formed for inserting a string-like attachment member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily manage items. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of an example of an article management tag. [Figure 2]2 is an example of a side cross-sectional view of the article management tag taken along line AA in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a flow of a method for manufacturing an article management tag. [Figure 4] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a detailed example of a process for producing a wireless communication tag. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a group of wireless communication tags. [Figure 6] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a detailed example of a process for attaching a holding sheet. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of a pair of sheet-like member groups used to provide a holding sheet; [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which a plurality of wireless communication tags are arranged on a group of sheet-like members. [Figure 9] 10 is a front view of an example of an article management tag having no holes. FIG. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of a string-shaped attachment member. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a cart equipped with an article management tag. [Figure 12] 10 is a front view of another example of an article management tag. [Figure 13] 10 is a front view of yet another example of an article management tag. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments 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.

[0013] [Embodiment 1] (overview) The item management tag 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a tag for managing items.

[0014] 1 and 2, the item management tag 100 includes a sheet-like wireless communication tag 110, a holding sheet 120 in which sheet-like members 121 and 122 are fixed to each other and sandwich the wireless communication tag 110 therebetween, and a hole 130 for inserting a string-like attachment member. The item management tag 100 may further include a string-like attachment member.

[0015] 1 is an example of a front view of the item control tag 100. FIG. 2 is an example of a side cross-sectional view of the item control tag 100 taken along line AA in FIG.

[0016] A detailed example of the item management tag 100 according to the first embodiment will be described below. In the following description, terms indicating up, down, front, back, left, and right directions as shown in Figures 1 and 2 are used, but these directions are used for the purpose of explanation and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0017] (Detailed example) Next, a detailed example of the item management tag 100 will be described.

[0018] The item management tag 100 is, for example, a substantially rectangular sheet-like tag.

[0019] The term "sheet-like" means, for example, a thin plate-like shape, and the same applies hereinafter. The term "sheet-like" may include the shape of an object called a thin plate-like sheet having a thickness of 250 μm or more, a thin plate-like film having a thickness of less than 250 μm, etc.

[0020] The article management tag 100 is, for example, in the form of a sheet with a horizontal length of about 30 to 50 mm, a vertical length of about 70 to 150 mm, and a thickness of about 500 μm to 3 mm.

[0021] The sheet-like item control tag 100 has two main surfaces of approximately the same shape, which form the front and back surfaces at the front and back, respectively. The approximately rectangular shape of the item control tag 100 means that the main surfaces of the item control tag 100 are approximately rectangular. The approximately rectangular shape may include, for example, a pair of short sides and a pair of long sides that are approximately parallel to each other, and may have corners that are approximately 90 degrees, or may have a shape in which at least one of the corners is rounded.

[0022] The dimensions, dimensional ratios, shape, etc. of the item control tag 100 are not limited to those exemplified here and may be changed as appropriate. For example, the horizontal length of the item control tag 100 may be smaller than 30 mm or larger than 50 mm. For example, the vertical length of the item control tag 100 may be smaller than 70 mm or larger than 150 mm. For example, the thickness of the item control tag 100 may be thinner than 500 μm or thicker than 3 mm. For example, the shape of the item control tag 100 is not limited to a vertically elongated, approximately rectangular shape in which the vertical length is longer than the horizontal length, but may be any other appropriate shape, such as a horizontally elongated, approximately rectangular shape in which the horizontal length is longer than the vertical length, an approximately square shape, an approximately circular shape, an approximately oval shape, an approximately polygonal shape, etc.

[0023] (Regarding the wireless communication tag 110) The wireless communication tag 110 is a tag capable of communicating using radio waves and is a sheet-like member. Radio waves used for communication include, for example, UHF band with a frequency of 860 to 960 MHz, microwave band with a frequency of 2.45 GHz, etc. Note that the radio waves used for communication are not limited to those exemplified here.

[0024] The wireless communication tag 110 functionally includes, for example, a storage unit 110a, a communication unit 110b, and an information processing unit 110c.

[0025] The storage unit 110a stores information. For example, the storage unit 110a may store in advance item identification information (hereinafter also referred to as "item ID") for identifying an item to be managed. For example, the storage unit 110a may store in advance tag identification information (hereinafter also referred to as "tag ID") for identifying the item management tag 100. For example, the storage unit 110a may store in advance a program for realizing some or all of the functions of the information processing unit 110c described below. Note that the information stored in the storage unit 110a is not limited to these.

[0026] The communication unit 110b transmits and receives radio waves.

[0027] The information processing unit 110c performs information processing for transmitting and receiving radio waves. For example, when the communication unit 110b receives radio waves, the information processing unit 110c performs processing using at least a part of the information included in the received radio waves, the information stored in the storage unit 110a, etc. For example, when the received radio waves include information requesting a response, the information processing unit 110c may cause the communication unit 110b to transmit radio waves including information to be transmitted as a response.

[0028] The wireless communication tag 110 is physically composed of, for example, a substrate 111, an antenna 112, an IC (Integrated Circuit) circuit 113, etc. The above-mentioned storage unit 110a, communication unit 110b, and information processing unit 110c may be realized by, for example, the antenna 112, the IC circuit 113, etc.

[0029] The base material 111 is a sheet-like member whose main material is, for example, paper, resin, or the like, and is provided with the antenna 112, IC circuit 113, etc. There are various methods for providing the antenna 112, IC circuit 113, etc. on the base material 111. For example, the antenna 112, IC circuit 113, etc. may be attached and fixed to one main surface of the base material 111.

[0030] At least one of the main surfaces of the substrate 111 may have at least a portion of the information stored in the wireless communication tag 110 visibly displayed thereon. The visibly displayed information may be, for example, an article ID, but is not limited to this. The visibly displayed information may be represented by a code (a barcode or two-dimensional code including the article ID, etc.), or may be represented by one or more legible characters, numbers, symbols, signs, etc. In the substrate 111, the main surface on which the information is visibly displayed may be either the same main surface as or a different main surface from the main surface on which the antenna 112, the IC circuit 113, etc. are provided. The main surface on which the information is visibly displayed may be both surfaces of the substrate 111.

[0031] Although the example described here is one in which the wireless communication tag 110 is a passive type that does not have a power source, the wireless communication tag 110 may be an active type, a semi-passive type, or the like that further has a power source. In this case, the power source supplies power for operating the antenna 112, the IC circuit 113, and the like. The power source may be, for example, 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, or the like, but is not limited to these. The electricity generated by the photovoltaic cell may be supplied as power for operating the wireless communication tag 110 via a secondary battery or the like, or may be supplied without the use of a secondary battery.

[0032] (Regarding the retaining sheet 120) The holding sheet 120 is a member in which sheet-like members are fixed to each other and sandwich the wireless communication tag 110. For example, there may be a plurality of sheet-like members that are fixed to each other with the wireless communication tag 110 sandwiched between them. The sheet-like members may be fixed to each other, for example, so that the sandwiched wireless communication tag 110 does not fall out from the inside, in other words, so that the wireless communication tag 110 is sandwiched and sealed.

[0033] In this embodiment, an example in which the holding sheet 120 is made up of two sheet-like members 121 and 122 will be described.

[0034] The holding sheet 120 may be, for example, a member in which sheet-like members 121 and 122 are closely attached to each other with the wireless communication tag 110 sandwiched therebetween. The sheet-like members 121 and 122 constituting the holding sheet 120 may be fixed to each other by being closely attached to each other via an adhesive layer 123 formed of, for example, an adhesive or a bonding agent. In detail, for example, the sheet-like members 121 and 122 may be closely attached to each other via an adhesive layer 123 formed of, at least the edges thereof, of an adhesive or a bonding agent.

[0035] For example, the sheet-like members 121 and 122 are sheet-like members that are larger than the wireless communication tag 110 and have approximately the same size and shape. Therefore, the sheet-like members 121 and 122 cover the front and rear surfaces of the wireless communication tag 110, respectively. Furthermore, the regions of the sheet-like members 121 and 122 that are located outside the wireless communication tag 110 when viewed from the front (front) face each other without the wireless communication tag 110 in between. Therefore, by providing an adhesion layer 123 made of a pressure-sensitive adhesive or adhesive in a predetermined region including the edges of the sheet-like members 121 and 122 when viewed from the front (front), the sheet-like members can be adhered and fixed so as not to separate from each other.

[0036] In this way, the adhesive layer 123 is a layer that adheres and fixes the sheet-like members 121 and 122 so that they do not separate, and is formed of an adhesive or a pressure-sensitive adhesive. This makes it possible to manufacture the item management tag 100 more inexpensively than using heat fusion, such as lamination, to adhere the sheet-like members 121 and 122 so that they do not separate.

[0037] The material of the sheet-like members 121 and 122 may be, for example, resin.

[0038] At least one of the sheet-like members 121 and 122 may be translucent. When information is displayed visibly as described above, it is desirable that at least the sheet-like members 121 and 122 covering the main surface of the base material 111 on which the information is displayed be translucent so that the information can be viewed from outside the item management tag 100.

[0039] When both the sheet-shaped members 121 and 122 are translucent, the holding sheet 120 is also translucent. In this case, no matter which main surface of the base material 111 carries information, the information can be seen through the sheet-shaped members 121 and 122.

[0040] The material of the sheet-like members 121 and 122 is not limited to a light-transmitting material. The material of the sheet-like members 121 and 122 may be a material that does not interfere with radio wave communication in the wireless communication tag 110, and may be paper or the like. Each of the sheet-like members 121 and 122 may be made of a single sheet-like member, or may be made of multiple stacked sheet-like members or multiple layers.

[0041] On the opposing main surfaces of the sheet-like members 121, 122, the area where the adhesive or adhesive is provided may be a predetermined area including the edges, and may be, for example, the entire opposing main surfaces.

[0042] Furthermore, the method for fixing the sheet-like members 121 and 122 constituting the holding sheet 120 to each other is not limited to the method using the adhesive layer 123 formed of a pressure-sensitive adhesive or adhesive. For example, the sheet-like members 121 and 122 may be fixed to each other so as to sandwich and seal the wireless communication tag 110 using a stapler, a locking structure that locks them to each other, or the like.

[0043] (Regarding the hole 130) The hole 130 is a portion where a hole for inserting a string-like attachment member is formed. The hole 130 forms a hole that penetrates the item management tag 100 in the front-rear direction, for example.

[0044] In this embodiment, an example in which there is one hole 130 will be described.

[0045] The shape of the hole 130, i.e., the shape of the hole 130 as viewed from the front, may be selected as appropriate. For example, the shape of the hole 130 may be an elongated hole, which is a hole with a length. The length direction of the elongated hole formed by the hole 130 may be, for example, approximately parallel to the short side direction of the item management tag 100. The elongated hole formed by the hole 130 may be, for example, approximately rectangular, but is not limited to this.

[0046] The position where the hole 130 is provided on the item management tag 100 (that is, the position of the hole 130) may be selected as appropriate.

[0047] For example, if the item management tag 100 is approximately rectangular, the hole 130 may be located near the short side. The hole 130 may be located closer to the short side than the long side. This means that in FIG. 1, the distance S is smaller than the distance L. The distance S is the distance from the short side to the hole 130. The distance L is the distance from the long side to the hole 130.

[0048] (Example of a manufacturing method for the article management tag 100) Next, an example of a method for manufacturing the article management tag 100 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0049] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of a manufacturing method for the item management tag 100. The steps included in the manufacturing method for the item management tag 100 may be performed by either a manufacturing machine or a person. When a manufacturing machine is used, one or more types of machines may be used for each step.

[0050] (Step 1: Creating the wireless communication tag 110) A sheet-like wireless communication tag 110 is produced (step 1).

[0051] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a detailed example of the process (process 1) for producing the wireless communication tag 110.

[0052] A group of wireless communication tags 210 is prepared (step 11).

[0053] The wireless communication tag group 210 is a sheet-like member in which a plurality of wireless communication tags 110 are integrally connected. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the wireless communication tag group 210. The two-dot chain line in Fig. 5 is a virtual line indicating the boundary of the item management tag 100 created from the wireless communication tag group 210. That is, Fig. 5 shows an example of the wireless communication tag group 210 in which four wireless communication tags 110 are connected horizontally and two wireless communication tags 110 are connected vertically. Note that the wireless communication tag group 210 is not limited to this, and for example, the number of wireless communication tags 110 included in the wireless communication tag group 210, the shape of the wireless communication tag group 210, etc. may be changed as appropriate.

[0054] The wireless communication tag group 210 is created by, for example, providing components (components other than the substrate 111) that constitute the wireless communication tag 110, such as the antenna 112 and the IC circuit 113, at predetermined locations on a substrate group 210a, which is a sheet-like member formed by integrally connecting a plurality of substrates 111. The substrate group 210a may be, for example, paper, a resin sheet, a resin film, or the like, having a size corresponding to the plurality of substrates 111. The components other than the substrates 111 are provided in correspondence with each of the plurality of substrates 111 by, for example, attaching them to a portion of each of the plurality of substrates 111 that constitute the substrate group 210a. The area on each substrate 111 where the components other than the substrate 111 are provided may be determined in advance as appropriate.

[0055] In this case, for example, each of the IC circuits 113 included in the wireless communication tag group 210 may have a program stored in advance that enables the antenna 112, IC circuit 113, etc. to function as the above-mentioned memory unit 110a, communication unit 110b, information processing unit 110c, etc.

[0056] Information is written into each of the multiple storage units 110a included in the group of wireless communication tags 210 (step 12).

[0057] For example, using a writer or the like (not shown), predetermined information is written to each of the plurality of storage units 110a included in the wireless communication tag group 210. The writer is a device for writing information to the storage units 110a of the wireless communication tags 110. Here, the information written to the storage units 110a is, for example, one or more of the above-mentioned item ID, tag ID, etc. In this way, the predetermined information is stored in each of the plurality of storage units 110a.

[0058] The information written to the storage units 110a is not limited to the above example. For example, the tag ID may be stored in advance in each of the storage units 110a. In this case, the tag ID does not need to be written to the storage units 110a in step 12.

[0059] Information is printed on the substrate group 210a included in the wireless communication tag group 210 (step 13).

[0060] For example, predetermined information is printed on the substrate group 210a using a printer or the like (not shown). For example, at least a portion of the information stored in the corresponding storage unit 110a is printed on each of the plurality of substrates 111 constituting the substrate group 210a. The printed information may be, for example, an item ID or a tag ID, but is not limited to these. Furthermore, the area to be printed on each substrate 111 may be determined in advance as appropriate. In this way, the predetermined information is displayed on the substrate group 210a.

[0061] Although an example in which printing is used to indicate information on the base material group 210a has been described here, the method of indicating information on the base material group 210a is not limited to printing, and may be handwritten.

[0062] The group of wireless communication tags 210 is divided into a plurality of wireless communication tags 110 (step 14).

[0063] For example, the wireless communication tag group 210 may be cut using a cutting machine or the like (not shown) and divided into a plurality of wireless communication tags 110. Note that the method of dividing the wireless communication tag group 210 into a plurality of wireless communication tags 110 is not limited to cutting. For example, perforations may be provided in advance in the base material group 210a, and the wireless communication tag group 210 may be divided into a plurality of wireless communication tags 110 by a person, a machine, or the like using the perforations.

[0064] According to such a manufacturing process (process 1) of the wireless communication tag 110, it is possible to easily manufacture a plurality of wireless communication tags 110 at once. Furthermore, since the article ID is stored in the storage unit 110a and printed on the base material 111, it is possible to easily manufacture a plurality of wireless communication tags 110 at once, each corresponding to an article to which the tag is attached.

[0065] The method for producing the sheet-shaped wireless communication tag 110 is not limited to this. For example, the sheet-shaped wireless communication tag 110 may be produced individually. That is, for example, at least one of writing and printing information on each of the wireless communication tags 110 may be performed to produce the sheet-shaped wireless communication tag 110 individually. For example, at least one of writing information to the memory unit 110a (step 12) and printing information on the substrate 111 (step 13) may be performed after step 14. Furthermore, for example, an adhesive layer made of adhesive or the like and a release paper may be provided on one main surface of the substrate group 210a (for example, a main surface different from the main surface on which the antenna 112, the IC circuit 113, etc. are provided). In this case, the wireless communication tag 110 produced in step 1 may have an adhesive layer provided on one main surface and a release paper attached thereto.

[0066] (Step 2: Attaching the retaining sheet 120) For example, a holding sheet 120 is attached to the wireless communication tag 110 produced in step 1 (step 2).

[0067] For example, the sheet-like members 121 and 122 are fixed to each other with the wireless communication tag 110 sandwiched therebetween. In detail, for example, the holding sheet 120 is attached by sandwiching the wireless communication tag 110 and adhering at least the edges of the sheet-like members 121 and 122 to each other via an adhesive layer 123 formed of a pressure-sensitive adhesive or adhesive.

[0068] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a detailed example of the attachment step (step 2) of the holding sheet 120.

[0069] A group of sheet-like members 221 and 222 is prepared (step 21).

[0070] For example, the sheet-like member groups 221, 222 are each a sheet-like member formed by integrally connecting a plurality of sheet-like members 121, 122. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the sheet-like member groups 221, 222. The diagram shows an example of the sheet-like member groups 221, 222 in which four sheet-like members 121, 122 are connected horizontally and two sheet-like members 121, 122 are connected vertically. For example, attachment layers 223a, 223b formed of a pressure-sensitive adhesive or adhesive are provided on the entirety of one main surface of each of the sheet-like member groups 221, 222.

[0071] Note that the attachment layer 223a or 223b formed of an adhesive or pressure-sensitive adhesive may be provided on only one of the sheet-like member groups 221, 222. Furthermore, the attachment layers 223a, 223b may each be provided on a portion of one main surface of at least one of the sheet-like member groups 221, 222. In this case, for example, the attachment layers 223a, 223b may be provided in an area including at least the edges of each of the plurality of sheet-like members 121, 122 included in the sheet-like member groups 221, 222. Furthermore, the attachment layers 223a, 223b may be provided by applying an adhesive or pressure-sensitive adhesive in step 1.

[0072] For example, the plurality of wireless communication tags 110 produced in step 1 are placed on either one of the sheet-shaped member groups 221 and 222 (step 22).

[0073] 8 is a diagram showing an example in which a plurality of wireless communication tags 110 are arranged on a sheet-like member group 221. The two-dot chain line in the figure is a virtual line indicating the boundary of the item management tag 100 created from the sheet-like member group 221 on which the plurality of wireless communication tags 110 are arranged. As shown in the figure, each of the plurality of wireless communication tags 110 is arranged, for example, with a predetermined interval between adjacent wireless communication tags 110. Note that the number of the plurality of wireless communication tags 110 arranged in step 22 is not limited to eight and may be changed as appropriate.

[0074] The sheet-like member groups 221 and 222 are bonded together (step 23).

[0075] For example, one of the sheet-like member groups 221, 222 on which a plurality of wireless communication tags 110 are arranged is overlaid with the other sheet-like member group 221, 222. If the sheet-like member groups 221, 222 have the same size and shape, for example, they may be overlaid so that their edges coincide. By overlaying the sheet-like member groups 221, 222, the sheet-like member groups 221, 222 are attached together by the adhesive layers 223a, 223b. This creates an item control tag group 200 in which a plurality of wireless communication tags 110 are sealed in predetermined locations between the sheet-like member groups 221, 222. Note that the "sealed item control tag group 200" is not shown.

[0076] The tag group 200 is divided into a plurality of tags 100a each having no hole 130 (step 24).

[0077] For example, the item control tag group 200 may be cut using a cutting machine (not shown) or the like to separate the tag group 200 into multiple tags 100a that do not have holes 130. FIG. 9 shows an example of a front view of an item control tag 100a that does not have holes 130. Note that the method of separating the tag group 200 into multiple tags 100a is not limited to cutting. For example, perforations may be provided in advance in the sheet-like member groups 221 and 222, and a person, machine, or the like may use the perforations to separate the tag group 200 into multiple tags 100a.

[0078] According to this attachment step (step 2) of the holding sheet 120, a plurality of item control tags 100a without holes 130 can be easily produced at once.

[0079] The method for producing the sheet-like wireless communication tag 110 is not limited to this. For example, item control tags 100a without holes 130 may be produced individually. That is, for example, the holding sheet 120 may be attached by sandwiching one wireless communication tag 110 between the sheet-like members 121 and 122 and adhering at least the edges of the sheet-like members 121 and 122 to each other via an adhesive layer 123 formed of a pressure-sensitive adhesive or glue. The holding sheet 120 may be attached to the wireless communication tag 110 by fixing the sheet-like members 121 and 122 to each other using a stapler, a locking structure, or the like. In this way, one item control tag 100a without holes 130 can be produced. By repeating this process, multiple item control tags 100a without holes 130 can be produced.

[0080] (Step 3: Formation of hole 130) For example, a hole 130 is formed in the item management tag 100a produced in step 2 (step 3).

[0081] For example, the hole 130 is formed by opening a hole (for example, a long hole) at a predetermined position on the item control tag 100a. In this way, the item control tag 100 provided with the hole 130 is produced.

[0082] An appropriate tool may be used to form the hole 130. For example, the hole 130 may be formed using a punching machine (not shown) equipped with a punch and a die according to the shape of the hole.

[0083] The timing for forming the holes 130 is not limited to this. For example, the holes 130 may be formed in the item control tag group 200 after the above-described step 23, and the item control tags 100 may be created by dividing the item control tag group in which the holes 130 have been formed.

[0084] (Example of how to use the Item Management Tag 100) Next, an example of how to use the article management tag 100 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0085] The item management tag 100 is used by attaching it to an item to be managed (hereinafter also referred to as "item to be managed") using, for example, a string-like attachment member 310. The string-like attachment member 310 is a member that includes a string-like portion. The string-like portion is an elongated portion that may or may not be flexible.

[0086] The object to be managed is preferably an object including a rod-shaped portion around which the string-shaped attachment member 310 can be wound, such as a cart 320 described later.

[0087] The item control tag 100 is attached to the item to be managed by, for example, wrapping and fastening a string-like attachment member 310 (e.g., the string-like portion described above) inserted through the hole 130 around a rod-like portion of the item to be managed. Note that the item to be managed does not have to include a rod-like portion as long as the item to which the item control tag 100 can be attached using the string-like attachment member 310.

[0088] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a cable tie, which is a string-like attachment member 310. The string-like attachment member 310 (cable tie) includes, for example, a strap portion 310a having a generally rectangular shape with a flat cross section in the longitudinal direction, and a head portion 310b. The strap portion 310a is an example of a flexible string-like portion. One surface of the strap portion 310a is provided with, for example, a sawtooth portion 310c that forms peaks and valleys along the length of the strap portion 310a. The head portion 310b is provided with a through-hole 310d through which the strap portion 310a is inserted. The head portion 310b includes a claw that engages the sawtooth portion 310c to prevent the strap portion 310a from moving in the direction of removal when the strap portion 310a is inserted.

[0089] Such cable ties are commonly used to bundle wires and the like, and are suitable for attaching the item control tag 100 to an item to be managed. For example, the strap portion 310a may be inserted through the hole 130 and wrapped around a rod-shaped portion of the item to be managed, with the tip of the strap portion 310a being inserted through the through-hole 310d. The strap portion 310a may then be tightened to secure the item control tag 100 to the item to be managed. As described above, the sawtooth portion 310c of the strap portion 310a engages with the claws provided on the head portion 310b, so the strap portion 310a is virtually never loosened. Therefore, using the cable ties makes it easy to generally secure the item control tag 100 to the item to be managed.

[0090] For example, by having the cross section of the strap portion 310a be a flat, approximately rectangular shape and the hole portion 130 be a long hole having a certain length, the item control tag 100 can be fixed so as not to rotate relative to the item to be managed. Therefore, the item control tag 100 can be fixed so as to face in a generally predetermined direction relative to the item to be managed.

[0091] It should be noted that string-like attachment member 310 is not limited to a cable tie. For example, string-like attachment member 310 may be a string made of fiber, resin, or the like, or may be a metal wire, wire, or the like. For example, string-like attachment member 310 may include a string-like portion (i.e., a thin and long portion), and may be, for example, a padlock or the like, whose string-like portion is either inflexible or flexible.

[0092] The cable tie may also include a release mechanism in the head portion that releases the hook. This eliminates the need to use scissors or other tools to cut the strap portion 310a when removing the item control tag 100 from the item to be managed. This makes it easy to attach and detach the item control tag 100 to and from the item to be managed.

[0093] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a cart 300 with an article management tag. The cart 300 with an article management tag includes an article management tag 100, a string-like attachment member 310, and a cart 320. The article management tag 100 is attached to the cart 320 using the string-like attachment member 310.

[0094] The basket cart 320 is a cart for transporting packages such as parcels collectively. The basket cart 320 includes, for example, a cart section 321 having casters 322 provided at the bottom thereof, and a frame section 323 provided at the top of the cart section 321.

[0095] The cart 320 (cart section 321) may be substantially rectangular when viewed from above, as shown in the figure. Casters 322 are provided on the lower part of the cart section 321, allowing the cart 320 to be easily moved.

[0096] The frame 323 is, for example, a steel lattice- or mesh-like frame, and includes rod-shaped portions. The frame 323 may be provided so as to surround three sides when viewed from above. The configuration of the cart 320 is not limited to the example shown here. For example, the frame 323 may be provided so as to surround four sides when viewed from above, with at least one of the sides being openable and closable using, for example, a hinge.

[0097] The article management tag 100 is attached to the frame 323 (for example, a rod-shaped portion) using a string-shaped attachment member 310, for example.

[0098] The article control tag 100 may be attached within a predetermined range from a corner when viewed from above the cart 320. This predetermined range may be, for example, within a predetermined distance (e.g., several centimeters, tens of centimeters, etc.) from any one of the four corners when viewed from above the cart 320.

[0099] The item control tag 100 may be attached to the upper end of the cart 320 (frame 323). The item control tag 100 may be attached to a rod-shaped portion of the upper end.

[0100] The upper end may be, for example, a portion within a predetermined range from the upper end of the cart 320 (frame 323). This predetermined range may be, for example, within a predetermined distance (for example, several centimeters, several tens of centimeters, etc.) from the upper end of the cart 320 (frame 323). This predetermined range may be, for example, a range above the center of the cart 320 (frame 323) in the vertical direction.

[0101] The upper end may be, for example, a portion that is at least a predetermined distance away from the lower end of the cart 320 (frame 323). This predetermined distance may be, for example, several centimeters or several tens of centimeters.

[0102] The upper end portion may be, for example, a portion located at the uppermost end of the cart 320 (frame portion 323).

[0103] For example, the item control tag 100 may be fixed to the cart 320 in a predetermined direction. In more detail, the item control tag 100 may be fixed to the cart 320 while hanging downward. As described above, the attachment member 310 is preferably a cable tie that can easily fix the item control tag 100, but is not limited to this.

[0104] The position and manner in which the article management tag 100 is attached to the cart 320 are not limited to those exemplified here. For example, the article management tag 100 may be attached to the cart 320 so as to be suspended in a manner that allows the tag to freely change direction.

[0105] In this way, by attaching the item management tag 100 to an item to be managed, it is possible to read the information stored in the memory unit 110a, for example, using a scanner that communicates with the item management tag 100. As described above, if the orientation of the item management tag 100 is fixed relative to the cart 320, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the item management tag 100 will be facing in a direction that makes it difficult to receive radio waves for communication with the scanner, for example.

[0106] The scanner may be a portable hand scanner or a fixed scanner. The scanner may transmit the read information to an information processing device such as a computer for managing the managed items via a wired, wireless, or a combination of these communication networks. This allows the managed items to be managed using the item management tag 100.

[0107] An item management tag 100 may be attached to each of a plurality of items to be managed. This allows the information stored in the memory units 110a of the plurality of items to be managed to be read collectively using, for example, a scanner, and the plurality of items to be managed can be managed collectively. Here, reading the information collectively may mean, for example, reading the information at approximately the same time, and this same time may be within a period of, for example, several seconds to several minutes.

[0108] The first embodiment of the present invention has been described above.

[0109] According to this embodiment, the item management tag 100 includes a sheet-like wireless communication tag 110, a holding sheet 120 in which sheet-like members 121 and 122 are tightly attached with the wireless communication tag 110 sandwiched therebetween, and a hole 130 for inserting a string-like attachment member 310. At least the edges of the sheet-like members 121 and 122 are tightly attached to each other via an adhesive layer 123 formed of a pressure-sensitive adhesive or adhesive.

[0110] It can be easily attached to the managed item using the string-like attachment member 310. By using the string-like attachment member 310 for attachment, unlike when it is attached by gluing or the like, it is possible to reduce the possibility of it falling off from the managed item. Therefore, it becomes possible to easily manage the item.

[0111] Furthermore, if the item control tag 100 is attached to a metal part of an item to be managed, the item control tag 100 may be in close contact with or in close proximity to the metal part, which may impede wireless communication and reduce the accuracy of reading using, for example, a scanner. By attaching the item to the managed item using the string-like attachment member 310, the item control tag 100 can be attached with a certain distance from the metal part of the managed item. This stabilizes wireless communication for managing the managed item and prevents a reduction in the accuracy of reading using, for example, a scanner. This makes it possible to easily manage items.

[0112] According to this embodiment, at least one of the sheet-like members 121 and 122 is translucent. The wireless communication tag 110 includes a base material 111. At least one main surface of the base material 111 displays at least a portion of the information stored in the wireless communication tag 110 so that it can be seen.

[0113] This allows the user to visually check at least part of the information stored in the wireless communication tag 110, as needed, thereby facilitating the management of goods.

[0114] According to this embodiment, the item management tag 100 has a substantially rectangular shape. The hole 130 is located closer to the short side than to the long side.

[0115] This allows the item management tag 100 to be easily attached to an item to be managed even if the rod-shaped portion for attaching the item management tag 100 is short, thereby facilitating the management of items.

[0116] According to this embodiment, a cart 300 with an article management tag includes an article management tag 100, a string-like attachment member 310, and a cart 320. The article management tag 100 is attached to the cart 320 using the string-like attachment member 310. The article management tag 100 includes a sheet-like wireless communication tag 110, a retaining sheet 120 in which sheet-like members 121 and 122 are in close contact with each other with the wireless communication tag 110 sandwiched therebetween, and a hole 130 for inserting the string-like attachment member 310. At least edges of the sheet-like members 121 and 122 are in close contact with each other via an adhesion layer 123 formed of an adhesive or bonding agent.

[0117] This allows the cart 320 to be managed using the article management tag 100. Therefore, it becomes possible to easily manage the cart 320.

[0118] According to this embodiment, the article management tag 100 is fixed to the car in a predetermined direction.

[0119] This reduces the possibility that the article management tag 100 will be facing in a direction that makes it difficult to receive radio waves for communication with a scanner, for example. This reduces the possibility that it will become difficult to read the information stored in the article management tag 100 or that the accuracy of reading will decrease. This makes it easier to manage the cart 320.

[0120] According to this embodiment, the article management tag 100 is fixed to the cart 320 while hanging downward.

[0121] For example, if the article control tag 100 protrudes outward from the cart 320, there is a possibility that the article control tag 100 may come into contact with other objects and be damaged when the cart 300 equipped with the article control tag is moved. In more detail, for example, when the cart 300 equipped with the article control tag is loaded onto the bed of a truck, the article control tag 100 may come into contact with the roof of the bed and be damaged. By having the article control tag 100 hang down, the possibility of such damage is reduced, so that workers and others do not need to be so careful about damaging the article control tag 100, and the cart 300 equipped with the article control tag can be moved easily. Therefore, the cart 300 equipped with the article control tag can be handled easily. Ultimately, it becomes possible to easily manage the cart 320.

[0122] According to this embodiment, the cart 320 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above. The article management tag 100 is attached to the upper end of the cart 320 within a predetermined range from the corner when viewed from above.

[0123] This allows the item management tag 100 to be attached to a location where it is easy to stably receive radio waves used for communication with a scanner, for example. This reduces the possibility that it will become difficult to read the information stored in the item management tag 100 or that the accuracy of reading will decrease. This makes it easier to manage the cart 320.

[0124] [Embodiment 2] In the first embodiment, an example was described in which the hole portion 130 forms a long hole having a length, but the shape of the hole formed by the hole portion 130 may be changed as appropriate. In this embodiment, an example in which a round hole is formed will be described as another example of the shape of the hole formed by the hole portion 130. Note that in this embodiment, for simplicity of explanation, explanations that overlap with other embodiments will be omitted as appropriate.

[0125] 12 is an example of a front view of an item control tag 400. The item control tag 400 has a hole 430 instead of the hole 130 described in the first embodiment. As shown in the figure, the hole 430 forms a circular hole. Except for this, the item control tag 400 may be configured similarly to the item control tag 100 described in the first embodiment.

[0126] The item control tag 400 may be manufactured in a manner generally similar to that of the item control tag 100 described in embodiment 1. However, when drilling holes (for example, in step 3), the hole portion 430 may be formed by drilling a round hole. The item control tag 400 may be used in a manner generally similar to that of the item control tag 100 described in embodiment 1.

[0127] The second embodiment of the present invention has been described above.

[0128] According to this embodiment, the hole 430 forms a round hole.

[0129] Since hole 430 forms a round hole, string-like attachment member 310 can be easily attached even if the string-like portion has various cross-sectional shapes, making it possible to easily manage items.

[0130] (Variation 1) In the embodiment, examples have been described with reference to the drawings in which the shapes of the holes formed by the hole portions 130, 430, i.e., the shapes of the hole portions 130, 430, are elongated holes or round holes. However, the shapes of the hole portions are not limited to these. The shape of the hole portion may be, for example, a polygon or the like.

[0131] (Variation 2) In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the cross-sectional shape along the length of the strap portion 310a, which is the string-like portion of the mounting member 310, is substantially rectangular. The cross-sectional shape along the length of the string-like portion is not limited to a substantially rectangular shape and may be any other polygonal shape.

[0132] In this case, the shape of the hole and the cross-sectional shape of the string-like portion of the attachment member may be similar polygons. As a result, for example, when attaching an item control tag to an item to be managed using the attachment member, if the item control tag and the attachment member attempt to rotate relative to each other, the corners of the polygons of the hole and the attachment member will catch on each other, thereby suppressing the rotation. This prevents twisting of the attachment member or the item control tag, making it possible to easily attach the item control tag to an item to be managed using the attachment member.

[0133] [Embodiment 3] In the first embodiment, an example in which there is one hole portion 130 has been described, but a plurality of holes may be provided. In this case, the shapes of the holes formed by the plurality of holes may be the same or different. Furthermore, the plurality of holes may be provided at appropriate locations. In this embodiment, an example in which a plurality of holes are provided along the short side direction will be described. Note that in this embodiment, for simplicity of description, descriptions that overlap with other embodiments will be omitted as appropriate.

[0134] 13 is an example of a front view of an item management tag 500. The item management tag 500 has a plurality of holes 130 as described in the first embodiment. As illustrated in the figure, the plurality of holes 130 are provided only along the short side direction. Although not shown, in addition to the plurality of holes 130 provided along the short side direction, other holes 130 may be provided at appropriate locations.

[0135] Except for the fact that there are multiple hole portions 130, the item control tag 500 may be configured similarly to the item control tag 100 described in embodiment 1. Note that while the same figure shows an example in which the multiple hole portions 130 form elongated holes of the same shape, the shape of the holes formed by the multiple hole portions is not limited to elongated holes and may be changed to an appropriate shape such as a round hole. Furthermore, at least one of the shapes of the holes formed by the multiple hole portions may be different.

[0136] The item control tag 500 may be manufactured in a manner generally similar to that of the item control tag 100 described in embodiment 1. However, when punching holes (for example, in step 3), multiple holes may be punched to form multiple hole portions 130. The item control tag 500 may be used in a manner generally similar to that of the item control tag 100 described in embodiment 1.

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

[0138] According to this embodiment, a plurality of holes 130 are provided along the short side direction.

[0139] As a result, by inserting the string-like attachment members 310 into each of the holes 130 and attaching them to the managed item, the item control tag 500 can be attached to the managed item more securely than if there was only one hole 130. This reduces the possibility that the item control tag 500 will fall off or change direction, and reduces the effort required to deal with these issues.

[0140] Furthermore, by providing a plurality of tags along the short side, even if the rod-shaped portion for attaching the tag 500 is short, the tag can be easily attached to the item to be managed.

[0141] Therefore, it becomes possible to easily manage the items.

[0142] The above describes the embodiments and modifications of the present invention (including the proviso), with reference to the drawings. However, these are merely examples of the present invention and may be modified as appropriate. For example, in the flowchart of the manufacturing method used in the above description, multiple steps (processes) are described in order, but the order in which these steps are performed is not limited to the order 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 structures, functions, manufacturing methods, steps (processes), etc. exemplified in the embodiments and modifications (including the proviso). For example, the embodiments and modifications may be combined as long as the content is not contradictory. [Explanation of symbols]

[0143] 100,400,500 Item Management Tags 100a Item Management Tag 110 Wireless communication tag 110a Storage section 110b Communications Department 110c Information Processing Section 111 Base material 112 Antenna 113 IC circuit 120 Retaining Sheet 121,122 Sheet-like members 123 Adhesion layer 130,430 Hole 200 Item Management Tags 210 Wireless Communication Tags 210a Base material group 221, 222 Sheet-like members 223a,223b Pasting layer 300 basket carts with item management tags 310 Mounting parts 310a Strap part 310b Head 310c serrated part 310d through hole 320 Cage car 321 Bogie section 322 Caster 323 Frame

Claims

1. a sheet-like wireless communication tag; a holding sheet in which sheet-like members sandwiching the wireless communication tag are fixed to each other; and a hole for inserting a string-like attachment member. Inventory management tag.

2. At least one of the sheet-like members is translucent, The wireless communication tag includes a substrate, At least one of the main surfaces of the substrate has at least a part of the information stored in the wireless communication tag visibly displayed thereon. The article management tag according to claim 1 .

3. It is approximately rectangular, The hole is located closer to the short side than to the long side. The article management tag according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The hole is provided in a plurality along the short side. The article management tag according to claim 3 .

5. The hole portion forms a round hole. The article management tag according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The sheet-like members are fixed to each other by being adhered to each other at least at the edges via an adhesive layer formed of a pressure sensitive adhesive or adhesive. The article management tag according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The string-like attachment member is further provided, The shape of the hole and the cross-sectional shape of the string-shaped portion of the mounting member are similar polygons. The article management tag according to claim 1 or 2.

8. An article management tag; A string-like attachment member; Equipped with a cart, The article management tag is attached to the car using the string-like attachment member, The article management tag includes: a sheet-like wireless communication tag; a holding sheet in which a sheet-like member is tightly attached with the wireless communication tag sandwiched therebetween; a hole for inserting the string-like attachment member; At least the edges of the sheet-like members are adhered to each other via an adhesive layer formed of a pressure-sensitive adhesive or adhesive. A basket cart with an item management tag.

9. The article management tag is fixed to the car in a predetermined direction. A cart equipped with the article management tag according to claim 8.

10. The article management tag is fixed to the car while hanging downward. A cart equipped with the article management tag according to claim 9.

11. The car is substantially rectangular when viewed from above, The article management tag is attached to the upper end of the car within a predetermined range from the corner when viewed from above. A cart equipped with an article management tag according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

12. Create a sheet-type wireless communication tag, the sheet-like members are fixed to each other with the wireless communication tag sandwiched therebetween; Form a hole for inserting a string-like attachment member A manufacturing method for an article management tag.

13. The shape of the hole is a polygon similar to the cross-sectional shape of the string-shaped portion of the mounting member. The method for manufacturing the article management tag according to claim 12 .

Images