Reading system and reader

Abstract

To provide a reading system and a reader capable of suppressing cost by a simpler configuration and acquiring a more accurate integration time for quality control of a concrete structure.SOLUTION: A reading system comprising: an RFID tag provided on an inner surface side of a form used for placing concrete; and a reader provided on an outer surface side of the form to read the RFID tag, wherein the reader includes an output adjustment unit configured to adjust a radio wave output of the reader in accordance with an RSSI value received from the RFID tag and determine whether or not the concrete has been placed into the form based on an amount of change in a value of the radio wave output due to placing of the concrete.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a reading system and a reader. [Background technology]

[0002] As a quality control method for concrete structures, it is mandatory to allow concrete to harden through appropriate curing for a specified number of days after it has been poured into formwork. Curing period control can be confirmed by estimating the strength by integrating the concrete temperature, but estimating strength based on the concrete temperature requires the accumulated time since the concrete was poured. However, it was difficult for workers to visually (manually) determine when to start acquiring the accumulated time. This made it easy for the acquired accumulated time to be inaccurate. Therefore, various techniques have been proposed for remotely or automatically acquiring the accumulated time (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 below). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-71575 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5973308 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, although it is convenient to set the start timing of the integrated time acquisition by remote wireless control at any time, the timing is often inaccurate because it is done manually.Furthermore, if multiple types of sensors are installed to start measurement by automatic detection, the structure becomes large, complex, and expensive.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a reading system and a reading device that can reduce costs through a simpler configuration and obtain a more accurate accumulated time for quality control of concrete structures. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one embodiment of the present invention provides a reading system comprising an RFID tag provided on the inner surface of a formwork used for pouring concrete, and a reader provided on the outer surface of the formwork for reading the RFID tag, wherein the reader is equipped with an output adjustment unit that adjusts the radio wave output of the reader in accordance with the RSSI value received from the RFID tag and determines whether the concrete has been poured into the formwork based on the amount of change in the value of the radio wave output due to pouring of the concrete.

[0007] A reader according to one embodiment of the present invention is a reader that is installed on the outer surface of a formwork used for pouring concrete in order to read an RFID tag installed on the inner surface of the formwork, and is equipped with an output adjustment unit that adjusts the radio wave output of the reader in accordance with the RSSI value received from the RFID tag and determines whether the concrete has been poured into the formwork based on the amount of change in the value of the radio wave output due to the pouring of concrete.

[0008] A reading system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an RFID tag attached to the inner surface of a formwork used for pouring concrete, a power sensor that measures the power input to the RFID tag, and a reader attached to the outer surface of the formwork to read the RFID tag, wherein the reader comprises an output adjustment unit that adjusts the radio wave output of the reader in accordance with the power sensor value measured by the power sensor and determines whether the concrete has been poured into the formwork based on the amount of change in the value of the radio wave output due to the pouring of concrete.

[0009] A reader according to one embodiment of the present invention is a reader that is installed on the outer surface of a formwork used for pouring concrete in order to read an RFID tag installed on the inner surface of the formwork, and is equipped with an output adjustment unit that adjusts the radio wave output of the reader in accordance with the power sensor value received from the RFID tag and determines whether the concrete has been poured into the formwork based on the amount of change in the value of the radio wave output due to the pouring of concrete. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, for quality control of concrete structures, costs can be reduced by using a simpler configuration, and more accurate integrated time can be obtained. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a reading system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an RFID tag according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a reader according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a management system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of an output adjustment process in the reading system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of an accumulation start determination process in the reading system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of an accumulation start determination process in the reading system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of an output increase process in the reading system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9]10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of an output DOWN process in the reading system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of an accumulation start determination process in the reading system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of an accumulation start determination process in the reading system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the transition of radio wave output in the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transition of an RSSI value in the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0013] <<1. First Embodiment>> The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0014] <1-1. Reading system configuration> The configuration of a reading system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the reading system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0015] The reading system 1 shown in Figure 1 is a system for acquiring information necessary for quality control of concrete structures. As a quality control method for concrete structures, it is mandatory to allow concrete to harden by appropriate curing for a specified number of days after it is poured into formwork. In managing the curing period, it is possible to confirm the estimated strength obtained from the cumulative concrete temperature, but estimating strength from the concrete temperature requires the cumulative time since the concrete was poured. However, it was difficult for workers to visually (manually) confirm the timing when the concrete pouring was completed. As a result, the cumulative time was easily acquired inaccurately.

[0016] Therefore, the reading system 1 of the first embodiment automatically detects the timing when the concrete is poured, making it possible to more accurately obtain the accumulated time (an example of information necessary for quality control of concrete structures).

[0017] The formwork 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a formwork for concrete, into which pre-hardened concrete C is poured. The sheathing 101 that constitutes the formwork 100 is made of insulating materials such as wood, resin, etc. The sheathing 101 is formed, for example, from plywood. The space on the inner side of the sheathing 101 is an internal space 102 into which concrete C is poured. The surface of the sheathing 101 opposite the inner surface is called the outer surface. Hereinafter, pouring the concrete C refers to pouring the concrete C before hardening into the formwork 100. Furthermore, the timing at which the concrete C is poured refers to the timing at which the concrete C poured into the formwork 100 reaches the position (height) of an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag 10 provided on the inner surface of the formwork 100.

[0018] The reading system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes an RFID tag 10, a reader 20, and a management system 30.

[0019] The RFID tag 10 is attached at a position somewhere on the inner surface of the formwork 100. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, the RFID tag 10 is attached to the inner surface of a sheathing board 101 of the formwork 100. As an example, the RFID tag 10 is attached to the inner surface of the sheathing board 101 with double-sided tape. The RFID tag 10 is connected to a reader 20 via wireless communication so as to be able to communicate with the reader 20. The number and positions of the RFID tags 10 to be attached to the inner surface of the sheathing board 101 are not particularly limited, and any number of RFID tags 10 may be attached to any positions. However, it is desirable that the RFID tags 10 be attached to positions where their operation is less susceptible to external factors (for example, positions at a predetermined height or higher from the ground).

[0020] The reader 20 is provided at a position somewhere on the outer surface of the formwork 100. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, the reader 20 is provided on the outer surface of the sheathing 101 of the formwork 100 so as to face the RFID tag 10 provided on the inner surface. The reader 20 is connected to the RFID tag 10 and the management system 30 via wireless communication so as to be able to communicate with them. The number and positions of the readers 20 provided on the outer surface of the sheathing 101 are not particularly limited, and any number of readers 20 may be provided at any positions. The outer surface of the sheathing 101 includes the outer surface side, and the readers 20 may be located opposite the RFID tags 10 provided on the inner surface of the sheathing 101.

[0021] The management system 30 is a device that executes processes related to quality control of concrete structures. The management system 30 is a system that is capable of managing at least the pouring and curing of concrete C, and is, for example, a construction management system. The management system 30 is composed of one or more servers (for example, cloud servers) or PCs (Personal Computers). The management system 30 is connected to the reader 20 via wireless communication so that it can communicate with the reader 20.

[0022] The sensor data measured by the RFID tag 10 is read by the reader 20 and transmitted from the RFID tag 10 to the reader 20, and then transmitted from the reader 20 to the management system 30. After the concrete C starts to be poured into the formwork 100, the reader 20 determines whether the concrete C has been poured into the formwork 100 based on a change in the radio wave output of the RFID tag 10 due to the pouring of the concrete C. If it is determined that the concrete C has been poured into the formwork 100, the reader 20 transmits information indicating that the concrete C has been poured into the formwork 100 (hereinafter also referred to as "pouring information") to the management system 30. This allows the management system 30 to more accurately determine the timing to start acquiring the accumulated time based on the information received from the reader 20.

[0023] <1-2. RFID tag configuration> The configuration of the reading system 1 according to the first embodiment has been described above. Next, the configuration of the RFID tag 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the RFID tag 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0024] The RFID tag 10 is an example of a contactless data transmitter / receiver that transmits and receives information to and from the outside through wireless communication using radio waves as a medium.

[0025] 2, the RFID tag 10 includes a substrate 11, an IC chip 12, and a first antenna 13. The RFID tag 10 may also include a memory, a power supply circuit, and the like.

[0026] (1) Substrate 11 The substrate 11 is formed in, for example, a rectangular shape.

[0027] (2) IC chip 12 2, the IC chip 12 includes one or more sensors 14 and a control unit 15. Since the RFID tag 10 includes the sensor 14, it may be called a "sensor RFID."

[0028] (2-1) Sensor 14 The sensor 14 is a device that can convert the mechanical, electromagnetic, thermal, acoustic, or chemical properties of natural phenomena, objects, etc., or the information indicated by these properties, into a signal. A sensor is also called a detector.

[0029] Examples of the sensor 14 include a power sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, and a strain sensor. The power sensor measures the power input to the IC chip 12 (RFID tag 10). The temperature sensor measures the temperature of concrete poured into the formwork 100 (shearing 101) to which the RFID tag 10 is attached. Examples of the temperature sensor include a resistance temperature detector, a thermocouple, and a thermistor.

[0030] At least one of the sensors 14 is preferably a power sensor. When the IC chip 12 includes multiple sensors 14, the multiple sensors 14 may include a power sensor and a measurement sensor other than the power sensor. The measurement sensor other than the power sensor may be, for example, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a strain sensor, or the like. In the following, an example will be described in which the sensor 14 includes a power sensor and a temperature sensor.

[0031] (2-2) Control unit 15 The control unit 15 acquires the measurement information of the sensor 14 as digital information and sends an instruction signal to the first antenna 13. For example, if the sensor 14 is a power sensor, the control unit 15 acquires a power value (measurement information) that is a measurement value of power by the sensor 14 and sends an instruction signal corresponding to the power value to the first antenna 13. If the sensor 14 is a temperature sensor, the control unit 15 acquires a temperature measurement value (measurement information) by the sensor 14 and sends an instruction signal corresponding to the measurement value to the first antenna 13.

[0032] (3) First Antenna 13 The first antenna 13 receives an instruction signal from the control unit 15 and transmits measurement information of the sensor 14 by wireless signal. The first antenna 13 can also transmit ID information of the RFID tag 10 by wireless signal. The first antenna 13 is electrically connected to the IC chip 12 via, for example, a lead wire or a terminal of the IC chip.

[0033] <1-3. Reader configuration> The configuration of the RFID tag 10 according to the first embodiment has been described above. Next, the configuration of the reader 20 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the reader 20 according to the first embodiment.

[0034] The reader 20 is separate from the RFID tag 10. The reader 20 can receive a radio signal from the first antenna 13 of the RFID tag 10 to acquire measurement information. The reader 20 can receive a radio signal from the first antenna 13 of the RFID tag 10 to acquire ID information of the RFID tag 10.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3, the reader 20 includes a second antenna 21, a radio wave intensity confirmation unit 22, a radio wave intensity comparison unit 23, a memory 24 (an example of a storage unit), a sensor detection unit 25, a sensor comparison unit 26, an output adjustment unit 27, a data transmission unit 28, and a third antenna 29.

[0036] (1) Second Antenna 21 The second antenna 21 can receive a radio signal from the first antenna 13. The second antenna 21 can transmit a radio signal to the RFID tag 10.

[0037] (2) Radio wave strength check unit 22 The radio wave intensity check unit 22 checks the intensity (radio wave intensity) of the wireless signal received by the second antenna 21. The radio wave intensity is, for example, a received signal strength indicator (RSSI). The radio wave intensity is affected by the state of the radio waves transmitted and received between the RFID tag 10 and the reader 20. The radio wave intensity is a value that depends on, for example, the distance between the RFID tag 10 and the reader 20, the surrounding radio wave conditions, and the like.

[0038] (3) Radio wave intensity comparison unit 23 The radio wave intensity comparison unit 23 can compare the radio wave intensity of the radio signal received by the second antenna 21 with a suitable range of radio wave intensity. The suitable range of radio wave intensity can be determined arbitrarily, for example, taking into consideration that the reader 20 receives the radio signal from the RFID tag 10 and acquires the measurement information.

[0039] (4) Memory 24 The memory 24 can store measurement information and the like acquired based on the radio signal from the RFID tag 10 . The memory 24 also stores the identification information of the RFID tag 10 or the identification information of the reader 20 in association with the location of the concrete construction. The identification information of the RFID tag 10 is, for example, an ID unique to the RFID tag 10. The identification information of the reader 20 is, for example, an ID unique to the reader 20.

[0040] (5) Sensor detection unit 25 The sensor detection unit 25 acquires the measurement information of the sensor 14 as digital information.

[0041] (6) Sensor comparison unit 26 The sensor comparison unit 26 can compare the measurement information acquired by the sensor detection unit 25 with a suitable range of measurement information. The suitable range of measurement information can be determined arbitrarily.

[0042] (7) Output adjustment unit 27 The output adjustment unit 27 can adjust the output of radio waves transmitted from the second antenna 21 to the RFID tag 10. The output adjustment unit 27 can adjust the radio wave output in accordance with at least the radio wave strength (the radio wave strength confirmed by the radio wave strength confirmation unit 22).

[0043] The output adjustment unit 27 adjusts the radio wave output of the reader 20 according to the radio wave intensity (hereinafter also referred to as "RSSI value") received from the RFID tag 10, and determines whether or not concrete has been poured into the formwork 100 based on the amount of change in the radio wave output value due to the pouring of concrete. The amount of change in the radio wave output value is, for example, the amount of increase from the value of the radio wave output at the time of the previous check. It is known that the amount of increase by which it can be determined that concrete has been poured into the formwork 100 is approximately 3 dBm to 4 dBm. Therefore, any value between 3 dBm and 4 dBm can be set as a value (predetermined threshold) that serves as a criterion for determining whether or not concrete has been poured into the formwork 100.

[0044] When the increase in the value of the radio wave output reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold, the output adjustment unit 27 determines that concrete has been poured into the formwork 100, and outputs pouring information indicating that concrete has been poured into the formwork 100. When it determines that concrete has been poured into the formwork 100, the output adjustment unit 27 may determine the accumulation start time for measuring the temperature of the concrete, and output pouring information indicating the accumulation start time.

[0045] The output adjustment unit 27 adjusts the radio wave output when the power read from the RFID tag 10 is not within a normal range. By checking the power value, the output adjustment unit 27 can check whether the RFID tag 10 is being affected by the surrounding environment. If the power is not within the normal range, it is determined that the RFID tag 10 is being affected by the surrounding environment. Therefore, the output adjustment unit 27 adjusts the radio wave output in accordance with the influence from the surrounding environment, thereby reducing the influence from the surrounding environment and improving the accuracy of the acquired data.

[0046] When it is determined that concrete has been poured into the formwork 100, the output adjustment unit 27 may identify the construction location (pouring location) based on the identification information of the RFID tag 10 or the identification information of the reader 20, and output construction location information indicating the construction location (pouring location) together with the pouring information. Note that the output adjustment unit 27 can identify the construction location by referring to information that is stored in advance in the memory 24 and that associates the identification information of the RFID tag 10 or the identification information of the reader 20 with the construction location of the concrete.

[0047] In the first embodiment, an example will be described below in which the output adjustment unit 27 adjusts the radio wave output of the reader 20 according to both the RSSI value and the power sensor value received from the RFID tag 10, and determines whether concrete has been poured into the formwork 100 based on the amount of change in the value of the radio wave output due to the pouring of concrete.

[0048] (8) Data transmission unit 28 The data transmission unit 28 transmits data read from the RFID tag 10 and various information output by the output adjustment unit 27 to the management system 30 via wireless communication. For example, the data transmission unit 28 acquires measurement information, driving information, construction location information, etc. from the sensor 14 as information to be transmitted to the management system 30, and sends an instruction signal to the third antenna 29.

[0049] (9) Third Antenna 29 The third antenna 29 receives an instruction signal from the data transmitter 28 and transmits the measurement information, driving information, construction location information, etc. of the sensor 14 to the management system 30 by wireless communication.

[0050] <1-4. Management system configuration> The configuration of the reader 20 according to the first embodiment has been described above. Next, the configuration of the management system 30 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management system 30 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the management system 30 includes a communication unit 310, a storage unit 320, and a control unit 330.

[0051] (1) Communications unit 310 The communication unit 310 has a function of transmitting and receiving various information. In communication with the reader 20, the communication unit 310 receives, for example, measurement information, driving information, and construction location information.

[0052] (2) Storage section 320 The storage unit 320 has a function of storing various types of information. The storage unit 320 is configured by a storage medium provided as hardware in the management system 30, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a random access read / write memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), or any combination of these storage media. The storage unit 320 stores, for example, measurement information, driving information, construction location information, and the like.

[0053] (3) Control unit 330 The control unit 330 has a function of controlling the overall operation of the management system 30. The control unit 330 is realized, for example, by causing a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) that the management system 30 has as hardware to execute a program. As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 330 includes a data acquisition unit 331 and a construction management unit 332.

[0054] (3-1) Data Acquisition Unit 331 The data acquisition unit 331 has a function of acquiring various data. For example, the data acquisition unit 331 acquires measurement information, driving information, construction location information, etc. that the communication unit 310 receives from the reader 20, and stores the information in the storage unit 320.

[0055] (3-2) Construction Management Department 332 The construction management unit 332 has the function of executing various processes for construction management. The construction management unit 332 performs data processing and analysis used for construction management based on the measurement information, pouring information, construction location information, etc. acquired by the data acquisition unit 331, and outputs the processing results. For example, the construction management unit 332 estimates the strength of the concrete by accumulating the temperature based on the temperature value indicated by the measurement information and the accumulation start time indicated by the pouring information.

[0056] <1-5. Processing flow> The configuration of the reader 20 according to the first embodiment has been described above. Next, the flow of processing according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0057] (1) Flow of output adjustment process The flow of the output adjustment process according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of the output adjustment process in the reading system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 6, first, the reader 20 transmits an initial radio wave for generating electricity to the RFID tag 10 (step S101). Next, the RFID tag 10 transmits the ID information to the reader 20 (step S102).

[0059] Next, after confirming the ID information, the reader 20 requests the RFID tag 10 for the radio wave intensity (RSSI) and the measurement information (sensor value) by the sensor 14 (step S103). Next, the RFID tag 10 transmits the initial radio wave intensity (RSSI) and the initial measurement information (sensor value) to the reader 20 (step S104).

[0060] Next, the reader 20 transmits radio waves whose output has been adjusted according to the radio wave intensity (RSSI) and the measurement information (sensor value) to the RFID tag 10 (step S105). Next, the RFID tag 10 transmits the adjusted radio wave intensity (RSSI) and measurement information (sensor value) to the reader 20 (step S106).

[0061] If necessary, steps S105 and S106 are repeated until the radio wave intensity (RSSI) and the measurement information (sensor value) fall within a predetermined range. Also, at this time, when the power value of the power sensor, which is the measurement information, falls within a predetermined range, if the temperature value, which is the measurement information of the temperature sensor possessed by the IC chip 12, is outside the normal range, an abnormality in the temperature sensor can be noticed before the concrete starts to be poured.

[0062] (2) Flow of accumulation start determination process The flow of the accumulation start determination process according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6 to Fig. 7. Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 are flowcharts showing an example of the flow of the accumulation start determination process in the reading system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0063] (1st step: Preparation) A worker attaches an RFID tag 10 to the inner surface of a sheathing 101 of a formwork 100 used to pour concrete into a concrete structure to be managed. The worker also installs the reader 20 on the outer surface of the sheathing 101 at a position facing the RFID tag 10 installed on the inner surface. The position where the reader 20 is installed does not necessarily have to be a position facing the RFID tag 10, as long as it is within a distance where communication with the RFID tag 10 is possible.

[0064] After the worker has completed the preparations, the reader 20 sets the output of the radio waves to be transmitted to the RFID tag 10 to a lower limit value in advance, as shown in Figure 6 (step S201). The reader 20 transmits radio waves to the RFID tag 10.

[0065] (Second step: Obtaining measurement information and radio wave strength) The reader 20 gradually increases the output of the transmitted radio waves from the lower limit value to energize the RFID tag 10 (step S202).

[0066] The second antenna 21 receives a radio signal including the ID information from the RFID tag 10. The reader 20 determines whether or not the ID information of the RFID tag 10 has been acquired (step S203). If it is determined that the ID information has been acquired (step S203 / YES), the process proceeds to step S204. On the other hand, if it is determined that the ID information has not been acquired (step S203 / NO), the process proceeds to step S206.

[0067] When the process proceeds to step S204, the reader 20 requests the RFID tag 10 to transmit the radio wave intensity (RSSI) and the measurement information (sensor value) obtained by the sensor 14 (step S204).

[0068] The second antenna 21 receives a wireless signal from the RFID tag 10. The sensor detection unit 25 acquires measurement information (sensor value) by the sensor 14. The radio wave intensity confirmation unit 22 confirms the radio wave intensity (RSSI) of the wireless signal received by the second antenna 21.

[0069] The reader 20 determines whether or not both the radio wave intensity (RSSI) and the measurement information (sensor value) have been acquired (step S205). If it is determined that both the measurement information (sensor value) and the radio wave intensity (RSSI) have been acquired (step S205 / YES), the process proceeds to step S207. On the other hand, if it is determined that at least one of the measurement information (sensor value) and the radio wave intensity (RSSI) has not been acquired (step S205 / NO), the process proceeds to step S206.

[0070] If the process proceeds to step S206, the reader 20 executes an output increase process to increase the output of the radio waves transmitted to the RFID tag 10, and then returns to step S202.

[0071] If the process proceeds to step S207, the reader 20 determines whether or not the radio wave strength (RSSI) and the measurement information (sensor value) are both within a normal range (step S207). In detail, in step S207, the radio wave strength comparison unit 23 compares the radio wave strength (RSSI) with a preset range of radio wave strength (normal range), and the sensor comparison unit 26 compares the power sensor value with a preset range of measurement information (normal range).

[0072] (Third step: Adjusting the radio wave output) In step S207, if it is determined that both the radio wave intensity (RSSI) and the measurement information (sensor value) are within the normal range (step S207 / YES), the process proceeds to step S211 (connector A) shown in FIG. 7, which will be described later.

[0073] In step S207, if it is determined that at least one of the radio wave intensity (RSSI) and the measurement information (sensor value) is outside the normal range (step S207 / NO), the process proceeds to step S208.

[0074] If the process proceeds to step S208, it is determined whether or not both the radio wave strength (RSSI) and the measurement information (sensor value) are smaller than the normal range (step S208). If it is determined that the radio wave strength (RSSI) and the measurement information (sensor value) are smaller than the normal range (step S208 / YES), the process proceeds to step S209. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the radio wave strength (RSSI) and the measurement information (sensor value) are smaller than the normal range, that is, if it is determined that at least one of the radio wave strength and the measurement information is larger than the normal range (step S208 / NO), the process proceeds to step S210.

[0075] If the process proceeds to step S209, an output increase process is executed to increase the output of the radio waves transmitted to the RFID tag 10, and then the process returns to step S204 (step S209).

[0076] If the process proceeds to step S210, an output DOWN process is executed to reduce the output of the radio waves transmitted to the RFID tag 10, and then the process returns to step S204 (step S210).

[0077] In this way, if at least one of the radio wave strength (RSSI) and the measurement information (sensor value) is outside the normal range, the above-mentioned process is repeated until the radio wave strength (RSSI) and the measurement information (sensor value) are within the normal range.

[0078] When the process proceeds to step S211 shown in FIG. 7, the memory 24 of the reader 20 records the RSSI value, the temperature value, and the radio wave output value (step S211).

[0079] The reader 20 checks whether the measurement end flag is set (step S212). If the measurement end flag is not set (step S212 / NO), the process proceeds to step S213. On the other hand, if the measurement end flag is set (step S212 / YES), the sensor measurement is ended.

[0080] If the process proceeds to step S213, the output adjustment unit 27 of the reader 20 checks whether the increase in the radio wave output value is greater than a predetermined value (step S213). If the increase is greater than the predetermined value (step S213 / YES), the process proceeds to step S214. On the other hand, if the increase is not greater than the predetermined value (step S213 / NO), the process returns to step S204 (connector B) shown in FIG. 6.

[0081] If the process proceeds to step S214, the output adjustment unit 27 of the reader 20 determines that concrete has been poured into the formwork 100 (step S214). At this time, the output adjustment unit 27 may output pouring information indicating that concrete has been poured into the formwork 100, or may output pouring information indicating the start time of integrating temperature measurement of the concrete. After the determination, the process returns to step S204 (connector B) shown in FIG.

[0082] (3) Output increase process flow The flow of the output UP process according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the output UP process in the reading system 1 according to the first embodiment. Note that the output UP process shown in Fig. 8 is details of the processes executed in, for example, step S206 and step S209 in Fig. 6.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 9, when the output of the radio waves is increased, it is first determined whether the output is less than the maximum output of the reader 20 (step S301). If it is determined that the output is less than the maximum output of the reader 20 (step S301 / YES), the reader 20 increases the output of the radio waves by one step using the output adjustment unit 27 (step S302). This increases the output of the radio waves. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S301 that the output is not less than the maximum output of the reader 20 (i.e., is equal to or greater than the maximum output) (step S301 / NO), it is determined that there is a possibility of a malfunction in the RFID tag 10 (step S303).

[0084] (4) Output DOWN process flow The flow of the output DOWN process according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the output DOWN process in the reading system 1 according to the first embodiment. Note that the output DOWN process shown in Fig. 9 is, for example, details of the process executed in step S210 in Fig. 6.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 10, first, when the output of the radio wave is to be reduced, it is determined whether or not the output is greater than the minimum output of the reader 20 (step S401). If it is determined that the output is greater than the minimum output of the reader 20 (step S401 / YES), the reader 20 lowers the output of the radio waves by one level using the output adjustment unit 27 (step S402). As a result, the output of the radio waves is lowered. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S401 that the output is not greater than the minimum output of the reader 20 (i.e., is equal to or less than the minimum output) (step S401 / NO), it is determined that there is a possibility of a malfunction in the RFID tag 10 (step S403).

[0086] The processing flow according to the first embodiment has been described above. As described above, the reading system 1 of the first embodiment comprises an RFID tag 10 provided on the inner surface of a formwork 100 used for pouring concrete, and a reader 20 provided on the outer surface of the formwork 100 for reading the RFID tag 10. The reader 20 comprises an output adjustment unit 27 that adjusts the radio wave output of the reader 20 in accordance with the RSSI value received from the RFID tag 10 and determines whether or not concrete has been poured into the formwork based on the amount of change in the value of the radio wave output due to pouring of concrete.

[0087] With this configuration, it is possible to automatically determine whether concrete has been poured or not using a simple configuration that does not use multiple types of sensors, and it is possible to more accurately determine the timing to start acquiring the accumulated time. Therefore, the reading system 1 according to the first embodiment can reduce costs with a simpler configuration and can obtain a more accurate integrated time for quality control of concrete structures.

[0088] However, there remains a concern that the RSSI value received from the RFID tag 10 may be affected by the environment surrounding the RFID tag 10, such as contact with the sheathing 101 or metal objects near the sheathing 101. Furthermore, the power sensor included in the IC chip 12 may malfunction, resulting in a power sensor value that is out of the normal range. As a result, even if the radio wave output is adjusted, both the RSSI value and the power sensor value may not fall within the normal range. To address this issue, the output adjustment unit 27 may end the radio wave output adjustment once either the RSSI value or the power sensor value falls within the normal range after repeated adjustments of the radio wave output. However, by having the reader 20 acquire both the RSSI value and the power sensor value and using them to determine the adjustment, the radio wave output can be adjusted more stably than when only one of the values ​​is used for the determination. This allows for a determination of whether concrete has been poured into the formwork 100 based on the amount of change in the radio wave output value.

[0089] <<2. Second Embodiment>> Having described the first embodiment, the second embodiment will now be described with reference to FIG.

[0090] In the first embodiment described above, an example was described in which the output adjustment unit 27 of the reading system 1 shown in Figures 1 to 4 adjusts the radio wave output in accordance with both the radio wave intensity (RSSI) and the measurement information (sensor value), but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The output adjustment unit 27 can also adjust the radio wave output in accordance with only the radio wave intensity. Therefore, in the second embodiment, an example will be described in which the output adjustment unit 27 adjusts the radio wave output of the reader 20 in accordance with only the RSSI value received from the RFID tag 10, and determines whether concrete has been poured into the formwork 100 based on the amount of change in the value of the radio wave output due to the pouring of concrete. In the following description of the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0091] 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of an accumulation start determination process in a reading system according to the second embodiment. Descriptions of steps common to the first embodiment may be omitted. The information acquisition method according to the second embodiment will be described below. 10, in step S207, the reader 20 determines whether the radio wave strength (RSSI) is within a normal range. More specifically, in step S207, the radio wave strength comparison unit 23 compares the radio wave strength (RSSI) with a preset range of radio wave strength (normal range).

[0092] In step S207, if it is determined that the radio wave intensity (RSSI) is within the normal range (step S207 / YES), the process proceeds to step S211 (connector A) shown in FIG.

[0093] In step S207, if it is determined that the radio wave intensity (RSSI) is outside the normal range (step S207 / NO), the process proceeds to step S208.

[0094] If the process proceeds to step S208, it is determined whether the radio wave strength (RSSI) is smaller than the normal range (step S208). If it is determined that the radio wave strength (RSSI) is smaller than the normal range (step S208 / YES), the process proceeds to step S209. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the radio wave strength (RSSI) is smaller than the normal range, that is, if it is determined that the radio wave strength is larger than the normal range (step S208 / NO), the process proceeds to step S210.

[0095] If the process proceeds to step S209, an output increase process is executed to increase the output of the radio waves transmitted to the RFID tag 10, and then the process returns to step S204 (step S209).

[0096] If the process proceeds to step S210, an output DOWN process is executed to reduce the output of the radio waves transmitted to the RFID tag 10, and then the process returns to step S204 (step S210).

[0097] In this way, if the radio wave strength (RSSI) is outside the normal range, the above-described process is repeated until the radio wave strength (RSSI) is within the normal range.

[0098] As with the first embodiment, the reading system 1 of the second embodiment has a simpler configuration, which reduces costs and enables more accurate cumulative time to be obtained for quality control of concrete structures.

[0099] <<3. Third Embodiment>> Having described the second embodiment above, the third embodiment will now be described with reference to FIG.

[0100] In the second embodiment described above, an example was described in which the output adjustment unit 27 of the reading system 1 shown in Figures 1 to 4 adjusts the radio wave output in accordance with only the radio wave intensity, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The output adjustment unit 27 can also adjust the radio wave output in accordance with only the measurement information, particularly the power sensor value. Therefore, in the third embodiment, an example will be described in which the output adjustment unit 27 adjusts the radio wave output of the reader 20 in accordance with only the power sensor value received from the RFID tag 10, and determines whether concrete has been poured into the formwork 100 based on the amount of change in the value of the radio wave output due to the pouring of concrete. In the following description of the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first and second embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0101] 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of an accumulation start determination process in a reading system according to the third embodiment. Descriptions of steps common to the first and second embodiments may be omitted. The information acquisition method according to the third embodiment will be described below. 11, in step S207, the reader 20 determines whether the power sensor value is within a normal range. Specifically, in step S207, the sensor comparator 26 compares the power sensor value with a preset range (normal range) of power sensor values.

[0102] In step S207, if it is determined that the power sensor value is within the normal range (step S207 / YES), the process proceeds to step S211 (connector A) shown in FIG.

[0103] In step S207, if it is determined that the power sensor value is outside the normal range (step S207 / NO), the process proceeds to step S208.

[0104] If the process proceeds to step S208, it is determined whether the power sensor value is smaller than the normal range (step S208). If it is determined that the power sensor value is smaller than the normal range (step S208 / YES), the process proceeds to step S209. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the power sensor value is smaller than the normal range, that is, if it is determined that the power sensor value is larger than the normal range (step S208 / NO), the process proceeds to step S210.

[0105] If the process proceeds to step S209, an output increase process is executed to increase the output of the radio waves transmitted to the RFID tag 10, and then the process returns to step S204 (step S209).

[0106] If the process proceeds to step S210, an output DOWN process is executed to reduce the output of the radio waves transmitted to the RFID tag 10, and then the process returns to step S204 (step S210).

[0107] In this way, if the power sensor value is outside the normal range, the above-described process is repeated until the power sensor value is within the normal range.

[0108] The reading system 1 of the third embodiment, like the first and second embodiments, has a simpler configuration to reduce costs and enable more accurate cumulative time acquisition for quality control of concrete structures. [Example]

[0109] An example of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12 and Fig. 13. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the transition of radio wave output in this embodiment. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the transition of RSSI values ​​in this embodiment.

[0110] In this example, the RFID tag 10 was attached to the inside of the formwork 100 via a sheathing board 101 that constitutes the formwork 100, and the reader 20 was attached to the outside of the formwork 100. The concrete used was ordinary concrete, and was poured in the spring. The formwork 100 was made of plywood measuring 910 mm x 1820 mm x 12 mm thick. The RFID tag 10 is configured as a label consisting of double-sided tape, a base film, copper etching, an IC chip (with built-in temperature sensor and power sensor), and a waterproof film, for example. The shape of the RFID tag 10 is a rectangle of 30 x 75 mm. The reader 20 used was a UHF type RW developed in-house.

[0111] The graph shown in Fig. 12 shows the transition of radio wave output, with the vertical axis representing radio wave output (dBm) and the horizontal axis representing time (days). From the graph shown in Fig. 12, it can be seen that, in terms of the time from when the reader 20 was started, the radio wave output suddenly increased from around 15 dBm to around 20 dBm around 0.07 days after the concrete was poured. It is said that when concrete is poured into the formwork 100, the radio wave output increases by about 3 dBm to 4 dBm. From this, it can be seen that the concrete was poured 0.07 days after the reader 20 was started. Therefore, the accumulation start time can be determined to be the point 0.07 days after the start of the reader 20. As described above, by detecting an increase in radio wave output, it is possible to determine the starting point of the accumulation start time for collecting temperature data necessary for quality control of concrete.

[0112] The graph shown in Fig. 13 shows the transition of the RSSI value, with the vertical axis representing the RSSI value and the horizontal axis representing time (days). From the graph shown in Fig. 13, it can be seen that the RSSI value of the RFID tag 10 remains stable at around 12 despite the increase in radio wave output in Fig. 12. This shows that it is possible to obtain accurate temperature and RSSI values.

[0113] The above describes an embodiment of the present invention, but each configuration and their combination in the embodiment is an example, and additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications of the configuration are possible within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention.

[0114] For example, the reader 20 (see FIG. 3) in each of the above-described embodiments may be provided with a display unit that displays information such as measurement information and radio wave intensity.

[0115] Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, an example in which the RFID tag 10 is equipped with a temperature sensor has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the temperature sensor may be equipped in a device (e.g., an IoT device) different from the RFID tag 10. The device may be installed in any location and by any method as long as it can measure the temperature of the concrete poured into the formwork 100. The reader 20 and the management system 30 acquire (receive) the temperature measurement value (measurement information) from the device.

[0116] In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments, an example has been described in which the RFID tag 10 is attached to the inner surface of the sheathing 101 that constitutes the formwork 100 with double-sided tape, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the RFID tag 10 may be provided on the inner surface side of the formwork 100 (internal space 102) by any method, without being attached to the inner surface of the sheathing 101, as long as it is within a range where it can be read by the reader 20. Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, an example has been described in which the reader 20 is provided on the outer surface of the sheathing 101 that constitutes the formwork 100, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the reader 20 does not have to be provided so as to be in contact with the outer surface of the sheathing 101, and may be provided on the outer surface side of the formwork 100 (at a position away from the outer surface) by any method, as long as it is within a range in which the RFID tag 10 provided on the inner surface of the sheathing 101 can be read. In the second and third embodiments, an example has been described in which both an RSSI value and a sensor value are acquired, and then the radio wave output is adjusted based on the RSSI value or the power sensor value, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. It is not necessary to acquire both an RSSI value and a power sensor value, and it is also possible to acquire only the RSSI value or the power sensor value required for adjusting the radio wave output. When only either the RSSI value or the power sensor value is acquired, the amount of data to be acquired can be minimized. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 1...Reading system, 10...RFID tag, 11...Substrate, 12...IC chip, 13...First antenna, 14...Sensor, 15...Control unit, 20...Reader, 21...Second antenna, 22...Radio wave intensity confirmation unit, 23...Radio wave intensity comparison unit, 24...Memory, 25...Sensor detection unit, 26...Sensor comparison unit, 27...Output adjustment unit, 28...Data transmission unit, 29...Third antenna, 30...Management system, 310...Communication unit, 320...Memory unit, 330...Control unit, 331...Data acquisition unit, 332...Construction management unit

Claims

1. an RFID tag attached to the inner surface of a form used for pouring concrete; a reader provided on the outer surface of the formwork for reading the RFID tag; Equipped with The reader is an output adjustment unit that adjusts the radio wave output of the reader in accordance with the RSSI value received from the RFID tag, and determines whether the concrete has been poured into the formwork based on the amount of change in the value of the radio wave output due to pouring of concrete; Equipped with Reading system.

2. an RFID tag attached to the inner surface of a form used for pouring concrete; a power sensor that measures the power input to the RFID tag; a reader provided on the outer surface of the formwork for reading the RFID tag; Equipped with The reader is an output adjustment unit that adjusts the radio wave output of the reader in accordance with the power sensor value measured by the power sensor, and determines whether the concrete has been poured into the formwork based on the amount of change in the value of the radio wave output due to pouring of concrete; Equipped with Reading system.

3. The RFID tag is a power sensor for measuring the power input to the RFID tag; Furthermore, the output adjustment unit adjusts the radio wave output in accordance with the RSSI value and the power sensor value measured by the power sensor. The reading system according to claim 1 .

4. the output adjustment unit determines that the concrete has been poured when the increase in the value of the radio wave output is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and outputs pouring information indicating that the concrete has been poured.

3. A reading system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. When it is determined that the concrete has been poured, the output adjustment unit determines an accumulation start time for measuring the temperature of the concrete, and outputs pouring information indicating the accumulation start time.

3. A reading system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. The RFID tag is a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the concrete; Equipped with 3. A reading system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. a management system for managing the pouring of the concrete; Furthermore, The reader is a data transmission unit that transmits the data read from the RFID tag and the drive information output by the output adjustment unit to a management system by wireless communication; The reading system of claim 4 further comprising:

8. a storage unit that stores the identification information of the RFID tag or the identification information of the reader in association with the construction location of the concrete; Furthermore, When the output adjustment unit determines that the concrete has been poured, it identifies the construction location based on the identification information of the RFID tag or the identification information of the reader, and outputs construction location information indicating the construction location together with the pouring information. The reading system according to claim 4.

9. A reader provided on the outer surface of a formwork used for pouring concrete to read an RFID tag provided on the inner surface of the formwork, an output adjustment unit that adjusts the radio wave output of the reader in accordance with the RSSI value received from the RFID tag, and determines whether the concrete has been poured into the formwork based on the amount of change in the value of the radio wave output due to pouring of concrete; A reader comprising:

10. A reader provided on the outer surface of a formwork used for pouring concrete to read an RFID tag provided on the inner surface of the formwork, an output adjustment unit that adjusts the radio wave output of the reader in accordance with the power sensor value received from the RFID tag, and determines whether the concrete has been poured into the formwork based on the amount of change in the value of the radio wave output due to pouring of concrete; A reader comprising:

11. the output adjustment unit adjusts the radio wave output in accordance with the RSSI value and a power sensor value received from the RFID tag. The reader according to claim 9.

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