Wireless tag communication device and wireless tag communication program

Abstract

The objective is to provide a wireless tag communication device that automatically creates shipping lists. [Solution] The wireless tag communication device according to the embodiment includes an antenna, a reading unit, and a matching unit. The antenna receives radio waves transmitted from the wireless tag. The reading unit reads tag data, including the identification code of the wireless tag, based on the radio waves received by the antenna. The matching unit compares the identification code of the wireless tag read by the reading unit with a box list, which is a list of identification codes of wireless tags attached to each shipping box, to identify the shipping box to which the wireless tag read by the reading unit is attached. Furthermore, the matching unit creates a shipping list, which is a list of the identification codes of wireless tags attached to the identified shipping box and the identification codes of wireless tags attached to the items placed in the shipping box.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a wireless tag communication device and a wireless tag communication program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the use of wireless tags for accounting processes, inspection processes, etc. has been increasing. In such a system, a wireless tag is attached to an article or a commodity, and the wireless tag communication device detects the wireless tag and reads information from the wireless tag. When the wireless tag receives irradiation of radio waves from the wireless tag communication device, it transmits radio waves in response. The wireless tag communication device radiates radio waves from an antenna and receives the radio waves transmitted from the wireless tag that responds thereto with the antenna, thereby detecting the wireless tag and reading information from the wireless tag.

[0003] Furthermore, the wireless tag communication device performs radio wave transmission and reception while changing the relative position of the antenna with respect to the wireless tag, and infers the placement area of the wireless tag by reading information from the wireless tag at a plurality of relative positions of the antenna with respect to the wireless tag. As a method for inferring the placement area of the wireless tag, a method based on a phase difference that is a change in phase, a method using a learned model by machine learning, and the like are known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] For example, during the inspection process before shipment, it is usually necessary to take the goods out of the warehouse, place them in shipping boxes, and create a shipping list which is a list of the shipping boxes and the items.

[0006] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a wireless tag communication device and a wireless tag communication program that automatically create shipping lists. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The wireless tag communication device according to the embodiment includes an antenna, a reading unit, and a matching unit. The antenna receives radio waves transmitted from the wireless tag. The reading unit reads tag data, including the identification code of the wireless tag, based on the radio waves received by the antenna. The matching unit compares the identification code of the wireless tag read by the reading unit with a box list, which is a list of identification codes of wireless tags attached to each shipping box, to identify the shipping box to which the wireless tag read by the reading unit is attached. Furthermore, the matching unit creates a shipping list, which is a list of the identification codes of wireless tags attached to the identified shipping box and the identification codes of wireless tags attached to the items placed in the shipping box. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a wireless tag communication device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of the relative position change section shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows another example of the relative position change section shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows another example of the relative position change section shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the hardware configuration of the computer that makes up the reading unit, inference unit, relative position change unit, and terminal shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a first example of operation of the wireless tag communication device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing an operation example of the wireless tag communication device shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the reading process shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the inference process shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing another operation example of the inference process shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the collation process shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the terminal process shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a second operation example of the wireless tag communication device according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing an operation example of the wireless tag communication device shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the first reading process shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the first collation process shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the second reading process shown in FIG. 13.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Each drawing may show the configuration omitted or simplified as appropriate for the purpose of explanation.

[0010] (Wireless Tag Communication Device) First, referring to FIG. 1, the wireless tag communication device 10 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the wireless tag communication device 10 according to the embodiment.

[0011] The wireless tag communication device 10 is attached to an article 80 such as a product or a shipping box, reads tag data from a wireless tag 90, infers the placement area of the wireless tag 90 from the read tag data, and performs processing according to the application for each wireless tag 90 in the inferred placement area. For example, the wireless tag communication device 10 identifies a shipping box and products placed in the shipping box, and creates a shipping list which is a list of the shipping box and the products.

[0012] For the sake of convenience, FIG. 1 shows one article 80 and one wireless tag 90, but this does not imply the number of articles 80 and wireless tags 90. The number of articles 80 and wireless tags 90 may be one or plural, and generally, there are often plural. One wireless tag 90 is attached to one article 80.

[0013] The wireless tag communication device 10 includes an antenna 20, a relative position changing unit 30, a reading unit 40, an inferring unit 50, a terminal 60, and a collating unit 70.

[0014] The antenna 20 is a device for communicating with the wireless tag 90. The antenna 20 radiates radio waves. Also, the antenna 20 receives radio waves transmitted from the wireless tag 90 that responds to the radio wave radiation. The antenna 20 converts the radio waves received from the wireless tag 90 into a high-frequency signal, and outputs the high-frequency signal to the reading unit 40.

[0015] The relative position changing unit 30 changes the relative position of the antenna 20 with respect to the wireless tag 90. A configuration example of the relative position changing unit 30 will be described later.

[0016] The reading unit 40 controls the antenna 20 and the relative position changing unit 30, and reads tag data including the identification code of the wireless tag 90 based on the radio waves transmitted from the wireless tag 90 and received by the antenna 20. Specifically, the reading unit 40 reads the tag data of the wireless tag 90 at a plurality of relative positions of the antenna 20 with respect to the wireless tag 90.

[0017] The inference unit 50 infers the placement area of ​​the wireless tag 90 from the tag data of the wireless tag 90 at multiple relative positions of the antenna 20 with respect to the wireless tag 90 read by the reading unit 40. For example, the inference unit 50 infers whether the wireless tag 90 is inside or outside one placement area. The number of placement areas is not limited to one. That is, the inference unit 50 may infer whether the wireless tag 90 is inside or outside each of multiple placement areas. The inference unit 50 performs inference, for example, using a trained model obtained by machine learning, or based on the phase difference of the received radio waves.

[0018] Terminal 60 is a device that serves as an interface with the user (i.e., a user interface). Terminal 60 receives instructions from the user to the wireless tag communication device 10. Terminal 60 also presents the user with the processing results from the wireless tag communication device 10, such as the reading results from the reading unit 40 and the inference results from the inference unit 50.

[0019] Furthermore, terminal 60 processes the reading results from reading unit 40 and the inference results from inference unit 50. In one example, terminal 60 is a cash register terminal for accounting. In another example, terminal 60 is a portable terminal used for picking during inspection. However, terminal 60 is not limited to these examples and may be any terminal that processes the reading results from reading unit 40 and the inference results from inference unit 50 according to its purpose.

[0020] The matching unit 70 matches the identification codes of the wireless tags 90 that the inference unit 50 has inferred to be within the placement area with the box list to identify the shipping boxes within the placement area and create a shipping list. The box list is a list of the identification codes of the wireless tags 90 attached to each shipping box and is provided to the matching unit 70 in advance. The shipping list is a list of the identification codes of the wireless tags 90 attached to the identified shipping boxes and the identification codes of the wireless tags 90 attached to the products placed in the shipping boxes. For example, the shipping list is a list of the identification codes of the wireless tags that the inference unit 50 has inferred to be within the placement area.

[0021] Furthermore, for example, the matching unit 70 removes the identification code of the wireless tag 90 that matches the identification code of the wireless tag 90 that has been inferred to be within the placement area from the box list. The matching unit 70 also issues a warning if it fails to identify the shipping box. For example, the matching unit 70 instructs the terminal 60 to issue a warning.

[0022] Furthermore, terminal 60 processes the verification results from the verification unit 70. For example, terminal 60 displays the shipping list created by the verification unit 70. Also, terminal 60 receives a warning instruction from the verification unit 70 and issues a warning.

[0023] The item 80 may be, for example, goods displayed in a store for sale, goods stored in a warehouse or the like before shipment or after delivery during distribution, or shipping boxes in which goods are placed. However, the item 80 may be any item managed using the wireless tag 90.

[0024] The wireless tag 90 is, for example, an RFID (radio frequency identification) tag. However, it is not limited to this, and the wireless tag 90 may be any other type of wireless tag. For example, the wireless tag 90 is a passive wireless tag that operates using radio waves transmitted from the antenna 20 as an energy source. The wireless tag 90 transmits a signal containing the tag data stored in the wireless tag 90 by performing backscatter modulation on an unmodulated signal. The tag data stored in the wireless tag 90 includes uniquely identifiable identification tag data. For example, the tag data stored in the wireless tag 90 includes an identification code for the item 80 (product or shipping box) to which the wireless tag 90 is attached.

[0025] (Example of the configuration of the relative position change section) Next, with reference to Figure 2, an example of the configuration of the relative position changing unit 30 will be described. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the relative position changing unit 30 of the wireless tag communication device 10.

[0026] In the example configuration of the relative position changing unit 30 shown in Figure 2, the antenna 20 has one antenna 211. The antenna 20 is installed under the table 81 on which the item 80 to which the wireless tag 90 is attached is placed.

[0027] The relative position changing section 30 has a moving mechanism 310 for moving the antenna 211. The moving mechanism 310 is a linear motion mechanism for moving the antenna 211 in a straight line. The moving mechanism 310 has a stage 311, a guide rail 312, and a drive unit 316. The stage 311 holds the antenna 211. The guide rail 312 holds the stage 311 so that it can move in a straight line. The guide rail 312 has a ball screw 313 inside. The ball screw 313 has a rotatable screw shaft 314 and a nut 315 that can move along the screw shaft 314 as the screw shaft 314 rotates. The nut 315 holds the stage 311. The drive unit 316 rotates the screw shaft 314. The rotational motion of the screw shaft 314 is converted into the linear motion of the nut 315. Therefore, by rotating the screw shaft 314 with the drive unit 316, the antenna 211 held on the stage 311 is moved in a straight line.

[0028] The drive unit 316 is controlled by the reading unit 40. The drive unit 316 is, for example, a stepping motor. The reading unit 40 controls the change in the relative position of the antenna 211 to the wireless tag 90, i.e., linear movement, by controlling the stepping motor which is the drive unit 316.

[0029] (Another example of the relative position change section configuration) Next, with reference to Figure 3, another example of the relative position change unit 30 configuration will be described. Figure 3 is a diagram showing another example of the relative position change unit 30 of the wireless tag communication device 10.

[0030] In the example configuration of the relative position changing unit 30 shown in Figure 3, the antenna 20 has two antennas 221 and 222. The antennas 221 and 222 are installed under the table 81 on which the item 80 to which the wireless tag 90 is attached is placed.

[0031] The relative position changing unit 30 has a moving mechanism 320 for moving the antennas 221 and 222. The moving mechanism 320 is a rotation mechanism that rotates the antennas 221 and 222 around a rotation center axis 324. The moving mechanism 320 has a stage 321, a holding part 322, and a drive unit 323. The stage 321 holds the antennas 221 and 222. The holding part 322 rotatably holds the stage 321. The drive unit 323 rotates the holding part 322 around the rotation center axis 324. Therefore, by rotating the holding part 322 that holds the stage 321 with the drive unit 323, the antennas 221 and 222 held on the stage 321 are rotated around the rotation center axis 324.

[0032] The drive unit 323 is controlled by the reading unit 40. The drive unit 323 is, for example, a stepping motor. The reading unit 40 controls the change in the relative position, i.e., rotational movement, of the antennas 221 and 222 relative to the wireless tag 90 by controlling the stepping motor, which is the drive unit 323.

[0033] (Another example of the relative position change section configuration) Next, with reference to Figure 4, another example of the relative position change unit 30 configuration will be described. Figure 4 is a diagram showing yet another example of the relative position change unit 30 of the wireless tag communication device 10.

[0034] In the example configuration of the relative position changing unit 30 shown in Figure 4, the antenna 20 has multiple antennas, for example, seven antennas 231 to 237. Antennas 231 to 237 are installed under the table 81 on which the item 80 to which the wireless tag 90 is attached is placed. The number of antennas 231 to 237 is not limited to this, and any number is acceptable, but a larger number is preferable.

[0035] The relative position changing unit 30 has a switching unit 330 that switches between antennas 231 to 237. For example, the switching unit 330 switches the transmission and reception functions of antennas 231 to 237 on and off. In other words, the switching unit 330 can transmit and receive radio waves using any of the antennas 231 to 237.

[0036] The switching unit 330 is controlled by the reading unit 40. For example, the reading unit 40 controls the switching unit 330 to transmit and receive radio waves using one of the antennas 231 to 237 at a time, and to switch the antennas that transmit and receive radio waves over time. For example, the reading unit 40 controls the switching unit 330 to switch the antennas that transmit and receive radio waves along the arrangement of antennas 231 to 237. By switching the antennas that transmit and receive radio waves, the reading unit 40 controls the change in the relative position of antennas 231 to 237 with respect to the wireless tag 90.

[0037] (Hardware configuration) The reading unit 40, inference unit 50, terminal 60, and matching unit 70 of the wireless tag communication device 10 are, for example, composed of a computer. The computer includes, for example, a personal computer, a server computer, a tablet, etc.

[0038] In one example, the reading unit 40, the inference unit 50, the terminal 60, and the matching unit 70 are all comprised of a single computer. The reading unit 40, the inference unit 50, the terminal 60, and the matching unit 70 may each be comprised of a single computer. For example, the terminal 60 may be comprised of a single computer and communicate wirelessly with the other computers comprising the reading unit 40, the inference unit 50, and the matching unit 70.

[0039] The following describes an example of the hardware configuration of the computer 100 comprising the reading unit 40, the inference unit 50, the terminal 60, and the matching unit 70, with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the computer 100 comprising the reading unit 40, the inference unit 50, the terminal 60, and the matching unit 70.

[0040] The computer 100 includes a control device 120, an input device 140, and an output device 150.

[0041] The control device 120 controls the entire computer 100. The control device 120 includes a processor 121, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 122, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 123, and an auxiliary storage device 124.

[0042] The processor 121, ROM 122, RAM 123, auxiliary storage device 124, input device 140, and output device 150 are electrically connected to each other via the bus 130, enabling them to send and receive data.

[0043] The processor 121 is composed of a general-purpose hardware processor, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit). The processor 121 executes various functions of the computer 100 by running programs loaded into the RAM 123.

[0044] ROM122 is a non-volatile memory that constitutes part of the main memory. ROM122 non-temporarily stores the startup program necessary for starting up the computer 100. The processor 121 starts up the computer 100 by loading the startup program from ROM122 into RAM123 and executing it. ROM122 is, for example, composed of EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) and can store various startup settings in addition to the startup program.

[0045] RAM123 is a volatile memory that constitutes part of the main memory. RAM123 temporarily stores the programs necessary for processing by the processor 121 and the data necessary for executing those programs. In other words, RAM123 functions as a workspace for the processor 121.

[0046] The auxiliary storage device 124 consists of non-volatile memory such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive). The auxiliary storage device 124 can non-temporarily store various programs executed by the processor 121 and the data necessary for the execution of those programs. The processor 121 executes various functions of the computer 100 by loading the programs in the auxiliary storage device 124 into the RAM 123 and executing them.

[0047] The input device 140 is a device for the user to input information or instructions, and accepts the input of information or instructions. The input device 140 includes a keyboard, a pointing device, etc. The pointing device includes a mouse, a trackpad, a touchscreen, etc. The input device 140 also includes sensors. The sensors include a position sensor, a camera, etc. For example, the position sensor includes a home position sensor that detects when the antennas 211, 221, and 222 are in their initial position (home position) when the relative position change unit 30 has the configuration example shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0048] The output device 150 is a device that outputs information in order to provide information to the user. The output device 150 is, for example, a display device that displays characters, images, etc. on a screen. For example, the output device 150 is a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, etc. The output device 150 is also, for example, an audio output device and includes a speaker that outputs sound. The output device 150 is also, for example, a light-emitting device that communicates abnormalities by light and includes various light-emitting elements such as LEDs.

[0049] The input device 140 and the output device 150 may be composed of an input / output device having both functions. Such an input / output device may be composed of, for example, a touch panel display.

[0050] Furthermore, the input device 140 may also include devices that take in information or data from external sources. For example, the input device 140 may include wired or wireless interfaces and receiving devices.

[0051] Furthermore, the output device 150 may also include devices that output information or data to the outside. For example, the output device 150 may include wired or wireless interfaces or transmitting devices.

[0052] Furthermore, the input device 140 may also include a device that reads data from a computer-readable recording medium 160 on which data such as programs is stored non-temporarily. For example, the recording medium 160 includes disks such as flexible disks, optical disks (CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, etc.), magneto-optical disks (MO, etc.), and semiconductor memory. The input device 140 includes drives and readers for these.

[0053] The program stored in the auxiliary storage device 124 is provided to the computer 100, for example, via the recording medium 160. Alternatively, the program may be stored on a server on a network and provided to the computer 100 by downloading it.

[0054] For example, when the computer 100 starts up, the processor 121 executes the startup program in the ROM 122 to start the operating system (OS). Under the control of the OS, the processor 121 monitors instruction inputs and the connection of external devices. Also, under the control of the OS, the processor 121 sets up a program area and a data area in the RAM 123.

[0055] In response to a program startup instruction input, the processor 121 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 124 into the program area of ​​the RAM 123, and also reads the data necessary for the execution of the program from the auxiliary storage device 124 into the data area of ​​the RAM 123. The processor 121 performs calculations on the data in the data area according to the program and writes the calculation results to the data area.

[0056] Through this operation, the processor 121, RAM 123, and auxiliary storage device 124 work together to perform at least some of the functions of the control device 120. In addition, the control device 120, input device 140, and output device 150 work together to perform at least some of the functions of the computer 100.

[0057] The program stored non-temporarily in the auxiliary storage device 124 includes a program that causes the processor 121 to execute at least a portion of the functions of the control device 120. In other words, the processor 121 executes at least a portion of the functions of the control device 120 by executing this program.

[0058] For example, a program stored non-temporarily in the auxiliary storage device 124 includes a wireless tag communication program that causes the computer 100 to execute at least some of the functions of the reading unit 40, inference unit 50, terminal 60, and matching unit 70 of the wireless tag communication device 10. By the processor 121 executing the wireless tag communication program, the control device 120, in cooperation with the input device 140 and the output device 150, executes at least some of the functions of the reading unit 40, inference unit 50, terminal 60, and matching unit 70 of the wireless tag communication device 10.

[0059] (First example of operation of a wireless tag communication device) Next, a first example of operation of the wireless tag communication device 10 will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a flowchart of the first example of operation of the wireless tag communication device 10. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the example of operation of the wireless tag communication device 10 shown in Figure 6. The flowchart shown in Figure 6 is started, for example, by inputting an operation start instruction to the terminal 60.

[0060] In ACT11, the reading unit 40 performs a reading process. The reading unit 40 reads tag data from the wireless tag 90 while the relative position of the antenna 20 with respect to the wireless tag 90 is changed by the relative position change unit 30. As a result, the reading unit 40 reads the tag data of the wireless tag 90 at multiple relative positions of the antenna 20 with respect to the wireless tag 90. The reading unit 40 transmits the read tag data of the wireless tag 90 to the inference unit 50.

[0061] In ACT12, the inference unit 50 performs inference processing. The inference unit 50 infers the placement area of ​​each wireless tag 90 from the tag data of the wireless tag 90 read by the reading unit 40. For example, the inference unit 50 infers whether each wireless tag 90 is inside or outside the placement area. The inference method will be described later. The inference unit 50 transmits the inference result to the matching unit 70.

[0062] In ACT13, the matching unit 70 performs matching processing. For example, first, as shown in Figure 7, the matching unit 70 creates an area list. The area list is a list of identification codes of wireless tags 90 that the inference unit 50 has inferred to be within the placement area. Here, "placement area" refers to the area in which the target shipping box and the goods placed in the shipping box are placed. Next, the matching unit 70 matches each identification code of the wireless tag 90 in the area list with a pre-provided box list to identify the shipping box within the placement area. As mentioned above, the box list is a list of identification codes of wireless tags 90 attached to each shipping box. Subsequently, the matching unit 70 creates a shipping list. As mentioned above, the shipping list is a list of identification codes of wireless tags 90 attached to the identified shipping box and identification codes of wireless tags 90 attached to the goods placed in that shipping box. After that, the matching unit 70 transmits the shipping list to the terminal 60.

[0063] In ACT14, terminal 60 performs terminal processing. For example, terminal 60 displays the shipping list received from the matching unit 70.

[0064] (Example of reading process operation) Next, with reference to Figure 8, an example of the operation of the reading process shown in Figure 6 will be explained. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the reading process shown in Figure 6.

[0065] First, the reading unit 40 performs initial setup processing in ACT21 if necessary. For example, the initial setup processing includes setting antennas 211, 221, and 222 to their initial positions when the relative position change unit 30 has a configuration example that includes, for example, a moving mechanism 310 for moving antenna 211 as shown in Figure 2, and a moving mechanism 320 for moving antennas 221 and 222 as shown in Figure 3.

[0066] Next, in ACT22, the reading unit 40 starts transmitting radio waves via the antenna 20. At this time, the reading unit 40 transmits radio waves with an output that ensures the wireless tags 90 within the placement area respond reliably.

[0067] Next, in ACT23, the relative position changing unit 30 changes the relative position of the antenna 20 with respect to the wireless tag 90.

[0068] If the reading unit 40 is able to read the tag data of the wireless tag 90 in ACT24 (if the answer is Yes in ACT24), then in ACT25, it stores the tag data of the wireless tag 90 that it has read.

[0069] If the reading unit 40 can read the tag data from the wireless tag 90 (if Yes in ACT24), it stores the tag data. Alternatively, if it cannot read the tag data from the wireless tag 90 (if No in ACT24), in ACT26, it determines whether the change in the relative position of the antenna 20 to the wireless tag 90 has finished. Until the change in the relative position of the antenna 20 to the wireless tag 90 has finished (while No in ACT26), it repeatedly performs the processes of ACT24 and ACT25.

[0070] Once the relative position of the antenna 20 with respect to the wireless tag 90 has finished changing (if Yes in ACT26), the reading unit 40 terminates the transmission of radio waves in ACT27 and transmits the read tag data to the inference unit 50 in ACT28.

[0071] (Example of inference process operation) Next, with reference to Figure 9, we will explain an example of the inference process shown in Figure 6. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the inference process shown in Figure 6. This example uses a pre-trained model created by machine learning to infer whether the wireless tag 90 is inside or outside the deployment area.

[0072] In ACT31, the inference unit 50 receives tag data from the wireless tag 90 from the reading unit 40.

[0073] In ACT32, the inference unit 50 uses a machine learning-trained model to infer whether each wireless tag 90 is inside or outside the deployment area from the tag data at multiple relative positions of each received wireless tag 90.

[0074] The inference unit 50 repeatedly performs the inference in ACT 32 until the inference is completed for all wireless tags 90 (while the result in ACT 33 is "No").

[0075] Once inference is complete for all wireless tags 90 (if Yes in ACT33), the inference unit 50 transmits the inference results to the matching unit 70 in ACT34.

[0076] (Another example of inference processing behavior) Next, with reference to Figure 10, another example of the inference process shown in Figure 6 will be described. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the inference process shown in Figure 6. This example infers whether the wireless tag 90 is inside or outside the deployment area based on the phase difference of the radio waves received by the antenna 20.

[0077] In ACT41, the inference unit 50 receives tag data from the wireless tag 90 from the reading unit 40.

[0078] In ACT42, the inference unit 50 calculates the phase difference, which is the change in the phase of the tag data in response to the change in relative position at multiple relative positions of each received wireless tag 90, and determines whether the phase difference is greater than or equal to a threshold.

[0079] If the phase difference is greater than or equal to a threshold (Yes in ACT42), then in ACT43, the inference unit 50 infers that the wireless tag 90 is within the placement area.

[0080] Conversely, if the phase difference is less than the threshold (i.e., No in ACT42), then in ACT44, the inference unit 50 infers that the wireless tag 90 is outside the deployment area.

[0081] The inference unit 50 repeatedly performs the inferences in ACT42 to ACT44 until the inference is completed for all wireless tags 90 (while the result is "No" in ACT45).

[0082] Once inference is complete for all wireless tags 90 (if Yes in ACT45), the inference unit 50 transmits the inference results to the matching unit 70 in ACT46.

[0083] (Example of matching process operation) Next, with reference to Figure 11, an example of the matching process shown in Figure 6 will be explained. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the example of the matching process shown in Figure 6.

[0084] First, in ACT51, the matching unit 70 receives the inference result from the inference unit 50 and creates an area list based on the inference result. As mentioned above with reference to Figure 7, the area list is a list of identification codes of wireless tags 90 that the inference unit 50 has inferred to be within the placement area.

[0085] Next, in ACT52, the matching unit 70 reads the box list. As previously mentioned with reference to Figure 7, the box list is a list of identification codes for the wireless tags 90 attached to each shipping box. The box list is provided in advance.

[0086] Next, in ACT53, the matching unit 70 compares each identification code of the wireless tag 90 in the area list with the box list and determines whether there is an identification code in the box list that matches the identification code of the wireless tag 90 in the area list.

[0087] If, as a result of the determination in ACT53, an identification code matching the identification code of the wireless tag 90 in the area list is found in the box list (if the determination is Yes in ACT53), the matching unit 70 identifies the shipping box with that identification code as a shipping box located within the placement area, and in ACT54, it obtains the box information of that shipping box. The box information is, for example, the identification code of the wireless tag 90 attached to the shipping box, and the identification code is used to identify, for example, the shipping destination.

[0088] In the example shown in Figure 7, the identification code "12345" in the area list matches the identification code "12345" in the box list, so the shipping boxes within the placement area are identified as shipping boxes to which the wireless tag 90 with identification code "12345" is attached.

[0089] In this case, the matching unit 70 may delete from the box list any identification codes that match the identification codes of the wireless tags 90 in the area list in order to speed up subsequent matching.

[0090] Next, in ACT55 and ACT56, the matching unit 70 creates a shipping list. As mentioned above, the shipping list is a list of identification codes of wireless tags 90 attached to identified shipping boxes and identification codes of wireless tags 90 attached to the products placed in those shipping boxes. In this example, the shipping list is a list of identification codes of wireless tags that the inference unit 50 infers are within the placement area. For example, the shipping list is a list in which the identification code of the shipping box is placed first in the area list.

[0091] To create the shipping list, first, in ACT55, the matching unit 70 records the box information obtained in ACT54 at the beginning of the shipping list. Next, in ACT56, the matching unit 70 records the identification codes of the other wireless tags 90 in the area list, excluding the identification code of the wireless tag 90 which is the box information, after the box information at the beginning of the shipping list. This completes the shipping list.

[0092] In ACT57, the matching unit 70 stores the completed shipping list, and in ACT58, it transmits the shipping list to the terminal 60.

[0093] If, as a result of the determination in ACT53, there is no identification code in the box list that matches the identification code of the wireless tag 90 in the area list (i.e., the result is No in ACT52), the matching unit 70 sends a warning instruction to the terminal 60. The warning instruction includes displaying a warning message indicating that the shipping box could not be identified, lighting an LED, sounding a warning sound, etc.

[0094] Possible reasons why the identification code of the wireless tag 90 in the area list does not match the identification code of the box list include: the shipping box is not within the placement area, the wireless tag 90 is not attached to the shipping box, or there is an error in the inference.

[0095] In this example, the matching unit 70 sends a warning instruction to the terminal 60, causing the terminal 60 to issue a warning. However, instead of having the terminal 60 issue a warning, the matching unit 70 may issue the warning itself.

[0096] (Example of terminal processing operation) Next, with reference to Figure 12, we will explain an example of the terminal processing operation shown in Figure 6. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the example of the terminal processing operation shown in Figure 6.

[0097] First, in ACT61, terminal 60 receives the verification result from the verification unit 70. The verification result is either a shipping list or a warning instruction.

[0098] Next, in ACT62, terminal 60 determines whether the verification result received from verification unit 70 is a shipping list or a warning instruction.

[0099] If, as a result of the determination in ACT62, a shipping list is received from the matching unit 70 (i.e., a shipping list in ACT62), the terminal 60 displays the shipping list in ACT63.

[0100] If, as a result of the judgment in ACT62, a warning instruction is received from the matching unit 70 (in the case of a warning instruction in ACT62), the terminal 60 issues a warning in ACT64.

[0101] (Second example of operation of a wireless tag communication device) Next, a second example of operation of the wireless tag communication device 10 will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. Figure 13 is a flowchart of the second example of operation of the wireless tag communication device 10. Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing the example of operation of the wireless tag communication device 10 shown in Figure 13. The flowchart shown in Figure 13 is started, for example, by inputting an operation start instruction to the terminal 60.

[0102] In ACT71, the reading unit 40 performs a first reading process. In the first reading process, the relative position of the antenna 20 with respect to the wireless tag 90 remains unchanged, and the reading unit 40 reads the tag data from the wireless tag 90.

[0103] Now, with reference to Figure 15, the first reading process shown in Figure 13 will be explained. Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the first reading process shown in Figure 13.

[0104] First, in ACT80, the reading unit 40 sets the radio wave output to low power. Low-power radio waves mean radio waves with an output that can be responded to by wireless tags 90 within the deployment area, but not to wireless tags 90 outside the deployment area. In other words, low-power radio waves mean radio waves with an output that will not reliably be responded to by wireless tags 90 outside the deployment area.

[0105] For example, in the example shown in Figure 14, the area above table 81 is within the placement area, and the area outside of the area above table 81 is outside the placement area. Wireless tags 90 with identification code "12345" attached to shipping boxes within the placement area will respond, but wireless tags 90 with identification codes "67890" and "ABCDE" attached to shipping boxes outside the placement area will not respond. Furthermore, not all wireless tags 90 attached to products placed in shipping boxes with wireless tags 90 with identification code "12345" will necessarily respond. In Figure 14, the illustration of products placed in shipping boxes is omitted.

[0106] Next, the reading unit 40 starts transmitting radio waves via the antenna 20 in ACT81, reads the tag data of the wireless tag 90 in ACT82, and stores the tag data of the wireless tag 90 that it has read in ACT82.

[0107] Subsequently, the reading unit 40 terminates radio wave transmission in ACT84 and transmits the read tag data to the matching unit 70 in ACT85.

[0108] Returning to Figure 13, in ACT72, the matching unit 70 performs the first matching process. In the first matching process, the matching unit 70 compares each identification code of the wireless tag 90 read in the first reading process in ACT71 with the box list.

[0109] Now, with reference to Figure 16, the first matching process shown in Figure 13 will be explained. Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the first matching process shown in Figure 13.

[0110] First, in ACT91, the matching unit 70 receives the reading result from the reading unit 40 and, based on the reading result, creates a reading list as shown in Figure 14. The reading list is a list of identification codes of the wireless tags 90 read by the reading unit 40.

[0111] Next, in ACT92, the matching unit 70 reads the box list. As mentioned above, the box list is a list of identification codes for the wireless tags 90 attached to each shipping box.

[0112] Next, in ACT93, the matching unit 70 compares each identification code of the wireless tag 90 in the reading list with the box list and determines whether there is an identification code in the box list that matches the identification code of the wireless tag 90 in the reading list.

[0113] If, as a result of the determination in ACT93, an identification code matching the identification code of the wireless tag 90 in the reading list is found in the box list (if the determination is Yes in ACT93), the matching unit 70 identifies the shipping box with that identification code as a shipping box located in the placement area, and in ACT94, it obtains the box information of that shipping box. The box information is, for example, the identification code of the wireless tag 90 attached to the shipping box.

[0114] In the example shown in Figure 14, the identification code "12345" on the read list matches the identification code "12345" on the box list, so the shipping boxes within the placement area are identified as shipping boxes to which the wireless tag 90 with identification code "12345" is attached.

[0115] Next, in ACT95, the matching unit 70 reads the pre-verification shipping list. The pre-verification shipping list is provided in advance for each shipping box. Each pre-verification shipping list is a list of the identification codes of the wireless tags 90 attached to the shipping box and the identification codes of the wireless tags 90 attached to the products that are to be placed in that shipping box.

[0116] In the example shown in Figure 14, each shipping list for pre-confirmation includes the identification codes "BBB0", "BBB1", "BBB2", and "CCC0" in addition to the identification code of the reading list. These identification codes are the identification codes of the wireless tags 90 attached to the products to be placed in the shipping boxes, and are the identification codes of the wireless tags 90 that were not read by the reading unit 40 in the first reading process (ACT71).

[0117] Next, in ACT96, the verification unit 70 sends a shipping list for pre-confirmation to the terminal 60.

[0118] If, as a result of the determination in ACT93, there is no identification code in the box list that matches the identification code of the wireless tag 90 in the reading list (i.e., the result is No in ACT92), the matching unit 70 sends a warning instruction to the terminal 60. The warning instruction includes displaying a warning message indicating that the shipping box could not be identified, lighting an LED, sounding a warning sound, etc.

[0119] Possible reasons why the identification code of the wireless tag 90 on the reading list does not match the identification code on the box list include: the shipping box is not within the designated area, the wireless tag 90 is not attached to the shipping box, or the radio wave output is insufficient.

[0120] In this example, the matching unit 70 sends a warning instruction to the terminal 60, causing the terminal 60 to issue a warning. However, instead of having the terminal 60 issue a warning, the matching unit 70 may issue the warning itself.

[0121] Returning to Figure 13, in ACT73, terminal 60 performs the first terminal processing. The details of the first terminal processing are the same as those of the terminal processing in the first example of operation. For example, terminal 60 displays the pre-confirmation shipping list received from the matching unit 70.

[0122] In the example shown in Figure 14, the identification codes of the wireless tags 90 that were not read during the first reading process (ACT71) among the identification codes of products scheduled for shipment, namely "BBB0", "BBB1", "BBB2", and "CCC0", are displayed in a different color, such as gray, to draw attention to them.

[0123] Returning to Figure 13, in ACT74, the reading unit 40 performs a second reading process. In the second reading process, the reading unit 40 reads tag data from the wireless tag 90 while the relative position of the antenna 20 with respect to the wireless tag 90 is changed by the relative position change unit 30. As a result, the reading unit 40 reads the tag data of the wireless tag 90 at multiple relative positions of the antenna 20 with respect to the wireless tag 90. The reading unit 40 transmits the read tag data of the wireless tag 90 to the inference unit 50.

[0124] Now, with reference to Figure 17, the second reading process shown in Figure 13 will be explained. Figure 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the second reading process shown in Figure 13.

[0125] In ACT20, the reading unit 40 sets the radio wave output to a high output. A high-output radio wave means a radio wave with an output that ensures the wireless tag 90 within the placement area responds reliably. For example, the radio wave output in the second reading process is the same as the radio wave output in the reading process in the first example of operation.

[0126] For example, in the example shown in Figure 14, the high-power radio waves are at an output level that elicits responses from all wireless tags 90 with identification code "12345" attached to shipping boxes placed on table 81, and from all wireless tags 90 attached to the products inside those shipping boxes.

[0127] In the second reading process, the reading unit 40 reads tag data from the wireless tag 90 while the relative position of the antenna 20 with respect to the wireless tag 90 is changed by the relative position change unit 30. This allows the reading unit 40 to read the tag data of the wireless tag 90 at multiple relative positions of the antenna 20 with respect to the wireless tag 90. The processing from ACT21 onwards is the same as in the reading process of the first operation example. The reading unit 40 transmits the read tag data of the wireless tag 90 to the inference unit 50.

[0128] Returning to Figure 13, in ACT75, the inference unit 50 performs inference processing. The details of the inference processing are the same as those in the first example of operation. For example, the inference unit 50 infers whether each wireless tag 90 is inside or outside the placement area and transmits the inference result to the matching unit 70.

[0129] In ACT76, the matching unit 70 performs a second matching process. The details of the second matching process are the same as the matching process in the first example of operation. For example, the matching unit 70 creates an area list, matches the area list with the box list to identify the shipping boxes within the placement area, creates a shipping list, and sends it to the terminal 60.

[0130] In ACT77, terminal 60 performs terminal processing. The details of the second terminal processing are the same as those in the first example of operation. For example, terminal 60 receives and displays the shipping list created by the matching unit 70.

[0131] (effect) The wireless tag communication device 10 according to this embodiment reads the tag data of the wireless tag 90 at multiple relative positions of the antenna 20 relative to the wireless tag 90 using the reading unit 40, infers whether each wireless tag 90 is within the placement area using the inference unit 50, identifies the shipping boxes within the placement area using the matching unit 70, and creates a shipping list which is a list of shipping boxes and the products inside them. Therefore, the shipping list is automatically created using the wireless tag communication device 10.

[0132] In the first operational example, the shipping list is created in a single reading process, thus reducing the time required.

[0133] In the second example of operation, a pre-check shipping list is displayed before the actual shipping list is created. This makes it easier for the user to quickly notice errors in the items to be shipped (shipping boxes and products) or to forget to include items before creating the shipping list.

[0134] The program according to this embodiment may be transferred while stored on an electronic device, or it may be transferred while not stored on an electronic device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or it may be transferred while stored on a storage medium. The storage medium is a non-temporary tangible medium. The storage medium is a computer-readable medium. The storage medium can be any medium that is capable of storing a program and is readable by a computer, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, and its form is not limited.

[0135] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0136] 10...Wireless tag communication device, 20...Antenna, 30...Relative position change unit, 40...Reading unit, 50...Inference unit, 60...Terminal, 70...Verification unit, 80...Item, 81...Table, 90...Wireless tag, 100...Computer, 120...Control device, 121...Processor, 122...ROM, 123...RAM, 124...Auxiliary storage device, 130...Bus, 140...Input device, 150...Output device, 160...Recording medium, 211...Antenna, 310...Moving mechanism, 311...Stage, 312...Guide rail, 313...Ball screw, 314...Screw shaft, 315...Nut, 316...Drive unit, 221, 222...Antenna, 320...Moving mechanism, 321...Stage, 322...Holding unit, 323...Drive unit, 324...Rotation center axis, 231~237...Antenna, 330...Switching unit.

Claims

1. An antenna that receives radio waves transmitted from a wireless tag, A reading unit reads tag data including the identification code of the wireless tag based on radio waves received by the antenna, A matching unit compares the identification code of the wireless tag read by the reading unit with a box list, which is a list of identification codes of wireless tags attached to each shipping box, to identify the shipping box to which the wireless tag read by the reading unit is attached, and further creates a shipping list, which is a list of the identification codes of the wireless tags attached to the identified shipping box and the identification codes of the wireless tags attached to the items placed in the shipping box. A wireless tag communication device having the following features.

2. A relative position changing unit that changes the relative position of the antenna with respect to the wireless tag, The system further includes an inference unit that infers whether the wireless tag is within the placement area from the tag data of the wireless tag at multiple relative positions of the antenna with respect to the wireless tag. The matching unit identifies the shipping box by comparing the identification code of the wireless tag inferred to be located within the placement area with the box list, and creates the list of identification codes of the wireless tags inferred to be located within the placement area as the shipping list. The wireless tag communication device according to claim 1.

3. The inference unit performs inference using a pre-trained model obtained through machine learning. The matching unit removes from the box list the identification code of the wireless tag that matches the identification code of the wireless tag that has been inferred to be located within the placement area. The wireless tag communication device according to claim 2.

4. The reading unit reads the tag data of the wireless tag when the relative position of the antenna with respect to the wireless tag is constant. The matching unit compares the identification code of the wireless tag read by the reading unit with the box list to identify the shipping box to which the wireless tag read by the reading unit is attached, and selects the shipping list for the identified shipping box from a plurality of shipping lists for each shipping box that are held in advance. The system further includes a terminal that displays the shipping list selected by the matching unit, The wireless tag communication device according to claim 2.

5. The matching unit issues a warning if it fails to identify the shipping box. The wireless tag communication device according to claim 1.

6. On the computer, A function to read tag data including the identification code of the wireless tag based on radio waves transmitted from the wireless tag, The system includes a function to identify the shipping box to which the read wireless tag is attached by comparing the identification code of the wireless tag with a box list, which is a list of identification codes of wireless tags attached to each shipping box, and further, a function to create a shipping list, which is a list of the identification codes of wireless tags attached to the identified shipping box and the identification codes of wireless tags attached to the items placed in the shipping box. A wireless tag communication program that enables this operation.

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