Wireless tag communication device and wireless tag communication program

Abstract

The objective is to provide a wireless tag communication device that performs a warning process when there are difficulties in reading or inferring the tag. [Solution] The wireless tag communication device according to the embodiment includes an antenna, a reading unit, and a warning unit. The antenna receives radio waves transmitted from a wireless tag attached to an article. The reading unit reads the tag data of the wireless tag, including the article's identification code, based on the radio waves received by the antenna. The warning unit performs a warning process that suggests there is a possibility that the article placed in the placement area is different from the article corresponding to the identification code in the planning list, based on a planned list, which is a list of identification codes of articles to be placed in the placement area, and a read list, which is a list of identification codes of articles read by the reading unit.

Description

Technical Field

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[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, it has become increasingly common to use wireless tags for accounting processing, inspection processing, and the like. In such a system, a wireless tag is attached to an article or a commodity, and the wireless tag is detected by a wireless tag communication device, and information is read 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 thereto. The wireless tag communication device radiates radio waves from an antenna and receives the radio waves transmitted from the wireless tag that responds thereto by 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 arrangement 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 arrangement area of the wireless tag, there are known 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.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] For example, during the inspection process at the time of shipment, the wireless tag communication device reads information from the wireless tag and infers the location of the wireless tag. However, there are times when the reading or inference is not performed correctly. In such cases, the user is unaware of whether the reading or inference was performed correctly.

[0006] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a wireless tag communication device and a wireless tag communication program that perform warning processing when there are difficulties in reading or inference. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The wireless tag communication device according to this embodiment includes an antenna, a reading unit, and a warning unit. The antenna receives radio waves transmitted from a wireless tag attached to an article. The reading unit reads the tag data of the wireless tag, including the article's identification code, based on the radio waves received by the antenna. The warning unit performs a warning process that suggests there is a possibility that an article placed in the placement area is different from an article corresponding to an identification code in the planning list, based on a planned list, which is a list of identification codes of articles to be placed in the placement area, and a read list, which is a list of identification codes of articles read by the reading unit. [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] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the reading process shown in Figure 6. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the inference process shown in Figure 6. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing another example of the inference process shown in Figure 6. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing a first example of the warning process shown in Figure 6. [Figure 11] Figure 11 schematically shows the comparison of the area list and the schedule list, and an example of the flow of creating a missing list, in the first example of the warning processing shown in Figure 6. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of wireless tag placement corresponding to the processing flow shown in Figure 11. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing a second example of the warning process shown in Figure 6. [Figure 14] Figure 14 schematically illustrates an example of the flow of the second operational example of the warning processing shown in Figure 13, which involves comparing the in-domain list and the scheduled list, creating a missing list, and comparing the missing list and the out-of-domain list. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of wireless tag placement corresponding to the processing flow shown in Figure 14. [Figure 16] Figure 16 schematically illustrates an example of the flow of the second operational example of the warning processing shown in Figure 13, which involves comparing the in-domain list and the scheduled list, creating a missing list, and comparing the missing list and the out-of-domain list. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of wireless tag placement corresponding to the processing flow shown in Figure 16. [Figure 18] Figure 18 schematically illustrates the comparison between the area list and the schedule list, and an example of the flow of creating an excess list, in the second example of the warning processing shown in Figure 13. [Figure 19]FIG. 19 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the arrangement of radio tags corresponding to the processing flow shown in FIG. 18. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a second operation example of the radio tag communication device according to the embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the warning process shown in FIG. 20. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the flow of comparison between the schedule list and the read list and creation of the shortage list in the operation example of the warning process shown in FIG. 20. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the arrangement of radio tags corresponding to the processing flow shown in FIG. 22. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram schematically showing a first modification example of the operation example of the warning process of the radio tag communication device according to the embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram schematically showing a second modification example of the operation example of the warning process of the radio tag communication device according to the embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram schematically showing a third modification example of the operation example of the warning process of the radio tag communication device according to the embodiment.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

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

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

[0011] The wireless tag communication device 10 reads tag data from wireless tags 90 attached to goods 80, infers the placement area of ​​the wireless tags 90 from the read tag data, and performs processing on each wireless tag 90 in the inferred placement area according to its purpose. For example, if an item placed in the placement area for shipment differs from the planned shipment list, the wireless tag communication device 10 performs a warning process to alert the user.

[0012] Figure 1 shows, for convenience, one item 80 and one wireless tag 90, but this does not indicate the number of items 80 and wireless tags 90. The number of items 80 and wireless tags 90 can be one or more, and is generally more common. One wireless tag 90 is attached to one item 80.

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

[0014] Antenna 20 is a device for communicating with the wireless tag 90. Antenna 20 emits radio waves. Antenna 20 also receives radio waves transmitted from the wireless tag 90 in response to the radio wave emission. 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. An example of the configuration 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 to read tag data including the identification code of the wireless tag 90 based on 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 multiple relative positions of the antenna 20 to the wireless tag 90.

[0017] The identification code of the wireless tag 90 is also the identification code of the item to which the wireless tag 90 is attached. In other words, the identification code of the wireless tag 90 and the identification code of the item are synonymous.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] The warning unit 70 performs a warning process based on the schedule list and the read list. The schedule list is a list of identification codes of items 80 that are scheduled to be placed in the placement area for shipment, and is provided in advance. The items 80 that are scheduled to be placed in the placement area are goods scheduled for shipment. The read list is a list of identification codes of wireless tags 90 (i.e., identification codes of items 80) read by the reading unit 40. The warning process compares the schedule list and the read list and, if necessary, provides a warning to the user, for example, if the schedule list and the read list differ, and includes, for example, an instruction to display a warning message to the terminal 60. The warning message may, for example, suggest that the items 80 scheduled for shipment placed in the placement area may differ from the items 80 corresponding to the identification codes in the schedule list. In addition to the instruction to display a warning message, the warning process may also include sounding a warning, lighting or flashing a light-emitting element, etc.

[0022] For example, if at least one of the identification codes in the schedule list is not included in the read list, the warning unit 70 performs a warning process indicating a shortage of items 80 corresponding to the identification code that is included in the schedule list but not in the read list.

[0023] Preferably, the warning unit 70 performs warning processing using the inference result from the inference unit 50 obtained from the reading result from the reading unit 40. For example, the warning unit 70 creates an area list, which is a list of identification codes of items 80 that are inferred to be within the placement area, compares the scheduled list with the area list, and if the scheduled list and the area list do not match, performs warning processing that suggests the item 80 scheduled for shipment may be different from the item 80 on the scheduled list.

[0024] Furthermore, the warning unit 70 extracts identification codes that are included in the schedule list but not in the area list, creates a shortage list which is a list of identification codes for missing items 80, and performs a warning process that indicates a shortage of items 80 corresponding to the identification codes in the shortage list.

[0025] Furthermore, the warning unit 70 creates an out-of-area list, which is a list of identification codes of items 80 that are inferred to be outside the designated area. The warning unit 70 compares the missing items list with the out-of-area list, and if an identification code from the missing items list is included in the out-of-area list, it performs a warning process that suggests the possibility that an item 80 corresponding to the identification code from the missing items list included in the out-of-area list may be nearby.

[0026] Furthermore, terminal 60 displays a warning message in accordance with the warning message display instruction from the warning unit 70. Terminal 60 also sounds a warning sound, lights up or flashes a light-emitting element, etc., in accordance with instructions from the warning unit 70.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] (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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] (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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] (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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] (Hardware configuration) The reading unit 40, inference unit 50, terminal 60, and warning unit 70 of the wireless tag communication device 10 are composed of, for example, a computer. The computer includes, for example, a personal computer, a server computer, a tablet, etc.

[0042] In one example, the reading unit 40, the inference unit 50, the terminal 60, and the warning unit 70 are all comprised of a single computer. The reading unit 40, the inference unit 50, the terminal 60, and the warning 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 warning unit 70.

[0043] 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 warning 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 warning unit 70.

[0044] The computer 100 includes a control device 120, an input device 140, and an output device 150.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] For example, a program non-temporarily stored 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 warning 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 warning unit 70 of the wireless tag communication device 10.

[0063] (First example of operation of a wireless tag communication device) Next, with reference to Figure 6, a first example of operation of the wireless tag communication device 10 will be described. Figure 6 is a flowchart of the first example of operation of the wireless tag communication device 10. The first example of operation shown in Figure 6 is an example of operation in which a warning process is performed based on the inference result of the inference unit 50. The flowchart shown in Figure 6 is started, for example, by inputting an operation start instruction to the terminal 60.

[0064] 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.

[0065] In ACT12, the reading unit 40 transmits the tag data of the read wireless tag 90 to the inference unit 50.

[0066] In ACT13, 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 warning unit 70.

[0067] In ACT14, the warning unit 70 performs a warning process. For example, the warning unit 70 creates an area list, which is a list of identification codes of items 80 that are inferred to be within the placement area, compares the planned list with the area list, and sends a warning message display instruction to the terminal 60 according to the comparison result.

[0068] In ACT15, terminal 60 performs terminal processing. For example, terminal 60 displays a warning message in accordance with the warning message display instruction received from warning unit 70.

[0069] (Example of reading process operation) Next, with reference to Figure 7, we will explain an example of the operation of the reading process shown in Figure 6. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the reading process shown in Figure 6.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] Next, in ACT23, the relative position changing unit 30 changes the relative position of the antenna 20 with respect to the wireless tag 90.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] (Example of inference process operation) Next, with reference to Figure 8, we will explain an example of the inference process shown in Figure 6. Figure 8 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.

[0077] In ACT31, the inference unit 50 receives tag data from the wireless tag 90 from the reading unit 40.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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").

[0080] Once inference is complete for all wireless tags 90 (if Yes in ACT33), the inference unit 50 transmits the inference results to the warning unit 70 in ACT34.

[0081] (Another example of inference processing behavior) Next, with reference to Figure 9, another example of the inference process shown in Figure 6 will be described. Figure 9 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.

[0082] In ACT41, the inference unit 50 receives tag data from the wireless tag 90 from the reading unit 40.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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).

[0087] Once inference is complete for all wireless tags 90 (if Yes in ACT45), the inference unit 50 transmits the inference results to the warning unit 70 in ACT46.

[0088] (First example of warning handling) Next, with reference to Figure 10, a first example of the warning process shown in Figure 6 will be described. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the first example of the warning process shown in Figure 6.

[0089] First, in ACT51, the warning unit 70 receives the inference result from the inference unit 50.

[0090] Next, in ACT52, the warning unit 70 creates an area list based on the inference results received from the inference unit 50. The area list is a list of identification codes of the radio tags 90 that the inference unit 50 has inferred to be within the deployment area.

[0091] Next, in ACT53, the warning unit 70 reads the schedule list. The schedule list is a list of identification codes for the items 80 that are scheduled to be placed in the placement area for shipment. The schedule list is provided in advance.

[0092] Next, in ACT 54, the warning unit 70 compares the area list with the schedule list, and in ACT 55, it determines whether there is a discrepancy between the identification code of the item 80 in the schedule list and the identification code of the wireless tag 90 in the area list (i.e., the identification code of the item 80).

[0093] If, as a result of the determination in ACT55, there are missing identification codes for the wireless tags 90 in the area list (if the determination is Yes in ACT55), the warning unit 70 will, in ACT56, extract identification codes that are included in the scheduled list but not in the area list and create a missing list, which is a list of identification codes for the missing items 80.

[0094] Figure 11 schematically illustrates the comparison of the planned list and the area list in ACT54, and an example of the process for creating a missing list in ACT56. In Figure 11, the identification code of the wireless tag 90 is depicted as an EPC (Electronic Product Code). An EPC is an identification code used to identify items using RFID technology.

[0095] Figure 11 shows an example where, as a result of comparing the schedule list and the area list, EPC "CCC" that is included in the schedule list but not in the area list is extracted, and a missing list containing EPC "CCC" is created.

[0096] In ACT57, the warning unit 70 instructs the terminal 60 to notify it of the shortage. To this end, the warning unit 70 sends an instruction to the terminal 60 to display a warning message indicating a shortage of item 80 corresponding to the identification code in the shortage list. In ACT15 (terminal processing), the terminal 60 displays the warning message in accordance with the instruction to display the warning message received from the warning unit 70.

[0097] Possible reasons for the discrepancy between the identification codes in the planned list and the identification codes in the area list include: item 80 was not within the placement area; item 80 was located near the boundary of the placement area, preventing the reading unit 40 from correctly reading the wireless tag 90; or the inference unit 50 was unable to perform the inference correctly. Possible reasons for item 80 not being within the placement area include forgetting to pick it up or being out of stock.

[0098] Figure 12 schematically shows an example of wireless tag placement and warning message corresponding to the example shown in Figure 11. Figure 12 shows an example in which, because item 80 of EPC "CCC" is located near the boundary of the placement area, a shortage occurs in the area list relative to the planned list, and terminal 60 displays the warning message "Item CCC is missing" in accordance with instructions from warning unit 70.

[0099] If, as a result of the determination in ACT55, there are no missing identification codes for the wireless tags 90 in the area list (i.e., the result is No in ACT55), the warning unit 70 terminates the warning process without issuing instructions for creating a missing list in ACT56 or for notifying of the missing items in ACT57. In this case, the terminal 60 does not perform any processing in ACT15 (terminal processing).

[0100] (Second example of warning handling behavior) Next, with reference to Figure 13, a second example of the warning process shown in Figure 6 will be described. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the second example of the warning process shown in Figure 6.

[0101] First, in ACT61, the warning unit 70 receives the inference result from the inference unit 50.

[0102] Next, in ACT62, the warning unit 70 creates an area list based on the inference results received from the inference unit 50. The area list is a list of identification codes of the radio tags 90 that the inference unit 50 has inferred to be within the deployment area.

[0103] Next, in ACT63, the warning unit 70 creates an out-of-area list based on the inference results received from the inference unit 50. The out-of-area list is a list of identification codes of radio tags 90 that the inference unit 50 has inferred to be outside the deployment area.

[0104] Next, in ACT64, the warning unit 70 reads the schedule list. The schedule list is a list of identification codes for the items 80 that are scheduled to be placed in the placement area for shipment. The schedule list is provided in advance.

[0105] Next, in ACT65, the warning unit 70 compares the area list with the schedule list, and in ACT66, it determines whether the identification code of item 80 in the schedule list matches the identification code of the wireless tag 90 in the area list (i.e., the identification code of item 80).

[0106] If, as a result of the judgment in ACT66, the schedule list and the area list do not match (i.e., the result is No in ACT66), the warning unit 70 determines in ACT67 whether there is an excess or deficiency of the identification codes in the area list relative to the identification codes in the schedule list.

[0107] If, as a result of the judgment in ACT67, there is a shortage of identification codes in the area list for the identification codes in the schedule list (a shortage in ACT67), the warning unit 70 will, in ACT68, extract the identification codes that are included in the schedule list but not in the area list, and create a shortage list, which is a list of the identification codes of the missing items 80.

[0108] Next, in ACT69, the warning unit 70 compares the missing list and the out-of-bounds list, and in ACT70, it determines whether each identification code in the missing list is in the out-of-bounds list.

[0109] If, as a result of the determination in ACT70, the identification code of the missing item is in the out-of-bounds list (if the result is Yes in ACT66), the warning unit 70 instructs the terminal 60 in ACT71 to notify that the item 80 (missing item) corresponding to that identification code is nearby. Therefore, the warning unit 70 sends an instruction to the terminal 60 to display a warning message indicating that the missing item is nearby. In ACT15 (terminal processing), the terminal 60 displays a warning message in accordance with the instruction to display a warning message received from the warning unit 70.

[0110] The reason the identification code on the schedule list is in the out-of-bounds list is likely due to item 80 being forgotten.

[0111] Figure 14 schematically illustrates an example of the process for comparing the planned list and the in-domain list in ACT65, creating the missing list in ACT68, and comparing the missing list and the out-of-domain list in ACT69. In Figure 14, the identification code is depicted as EPC.

[0112] Figure 14 shows an example where, as a result of comparing the planned list and the in-domain list, EPC "CCC" which is included in the planned list but not in the in-domain list is extracted, a missing list containing EPC "CCC" is created, and EPC "CCC" from the missing list is included in the out-of-domain list.

[0113] Figure 15 schematically shows an example of the placement of wireless tags and a warning message corresponding to the example shown in Figure 14. Figure 15 shows an example where item 80 of EPC "CCC" is outside the placement area, and terminal 60 displays the warning message "Item CCC is missing. It may be nearby." in accordance with instructions from warning unit 70.

[0114] If, as a result of the determination in ACT70, the identification code of the missing item is not found in the out-of-bounds list (i.e., No in ACT66), the warning unit 70 instructs terminal 60 in ACT72 to notify that the item corresponding to that identification code (the missing item) is not nearby. Therefore, the warning unit 70 sends an instruction to terminal 60 to display a warning message indicating that the missing item is not nearby. In ACT15 (terminal processing), terminal 60 displays a warning message in accordance with the instruction to display a warning message received from the warning unit 70.

[0115] The reason why the identification code on the schedule list is not on the out-of-bounds list is likely due to a shortage of item 80.

[0116] Figure 16 schematically illustrates an example of the process for comparing the planned list and the in-domain list in ACT65, creating the missing list in ACT68, and comparing the missing list and the out-of-domain list in ACT69. In Figure 16, the identification code is depicted as EPC.

[0117] Figure 16 shows an example where, as a result of comparing the planned list and the in-domain list, EPC "CCC" which is included in the planned list but not in the in-domain list is extracted, a missing list containing EPC "CCC" is created, and EPC "CCC" in the missing list is not included in the out-of-domain list.

[0118] Figure 17 schematically shows an example of the placement of wireless tags and a warning message corresponding to the example shown in Figure 16. Figure 17 shows an example where item 80 of EPC "CCC" is neither within nor outside the placement area, and terminal 60 displays the warning message "Item CCC is missing. It may not be nearby." in accordance with instructions from warning unit 70.

[0119] If, as a result of the judgment in ACT67, there is an excess of identification codes in the area list compared to the identification codes in the schedule list (an excess in ACT67), the warning unit 70 extracts the identification codes that are not included in the schedule list but are included in the area list in ACT73 and creates an excess list, which is a list of identification codes for the excess items 80.

[0120] Next, in ACT 74, the warning unit 70 instructs the terminal 60 to notify it that there is an excess of items in the placement area corresponding to the identification code of the excess list. Therefore, the warning unit 70 sends an instruction to the terminal 60 to display a warning message indicating that there is an excess of items 80 in the placement area. In ACT 15 (terminal processing), the terminal 60 displays a warning message in accordance with the instruction to display a warning message received from the warning unit 70.

[0121] The reason for the excessive number of identification codes in the area list compared to the scheduled list is likely an error during the pickup of item 80.

[0122] Figure 18 schematically illustrates the comparison between the scheduled list and the area list in ACT65, and an example of the process for creating an overflow list in ACT73. In Figure 18, the identification code is depicted as EPC.

[0123] Figure 18 shows an example where, as a result of comparing the schedule list and the area list, EPC "EEE" that is not included in the schedule list but is included in the area list is extracted, and an over-list containing EPC "EEE" is created.

[0124] Figure 19 schematically shows an example of the placement of wireless tags and a warning message corresponding to the example shown in Figure 18. Figure 19 shows an example where there is an excess of item 80 of EPC "EEE" within the placement area, and the terminal 60 displays the warning message "There may be an excess of item EEE within the area" in accordance with instructions from the warning unit 70.

[0125] If, as a result of the judgment in ACT66, the schedule list and the area list match (i.e., Yes in ACT66), the warning unit 70 terminates the warning process without performing the processing in ACT67 to ACT74. In this case, the terminal 60 does not perform any processing in ACT15 (terminal processing).

[0126] (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 Figure 20. Figure 20 is a flowchart of the second example of operation of the wireless tag communication device 10. The second example of operation shown in Figure 20 is an example of operation in which a warning process is performed based on the reading result by the reading unit 40. The flowchart shown in Figure 20 is started, for example, by inputting an operation start instruction to the terminal 60.

[0127] In ACT81, the reading unit 40 performs a reading process. The details of the reading process in ACT81 are the same as the reading process (ACT11) in the first example of operation. The reading unit 40 reads the tag data of the wireless tag 90 at multiple relative positions of the antenna 20 to the wireless tag 90.

[0128] In ACT82, the reading unit 40 transmits the tag data of the read wireless tag 90 to the warning unit 70.

[0129] In ACT83, the warning unit 70 performs a warning process. For example, the warning unit 70 creates a read list, which is a list of identification codes of the wireless tags 90 read by the reading unit 40 (i.e., identification codes of the item 80), compares the read list with the scheduled list, and sends an instruction to the terminal 60 to display a warning message according to the comparison result.

[0130] In ACT85, terminal 60 performs terminal processing. For example, terminal 60 displays a warning message in accordance with the display instruction for the warning message received from the warning unit 70.

[0131] (Example of warning processing operation) Next, with reference to Figure 21, an example of the warning process shown in Figure 20 will be explained. Figure 21 is a flowchart showing the example of the warning process shown in Figure 20.

[0132] First, in ACT91, the warning unit 70 receives the reading result from the reading unit 40.

[0133] Next, in ACT92, the warning unit 70 creates a reading list based on the reading results received from the reading unit 40. The reading list is a list of the identification codes of the wireless tags 90 (i.e., the identification codes of the items 80) read by the reading unit 40.

[0134] Next, in ACT93, the warning unit 70 reads the schedule list. The schedule list is a list of identification codes for the items 80 that are scheduled to be placed in the placement area for shipment. The schedule list is provided in advance.

[0135] Next, in ACT94, the warning unit 70 compares the read list and the schedule list, and in ACT95, it determines whether the identification codes of the items 80 in the schedule list are all included in the identification codes of the wireless tags 90 in the read list (i.e., the identification codes of the items 80).

[0136] If, as a result of the judgment in ACT95, the identification codes of the scheduled list are not all included in the read list (i.e., the result is No in ACT95), the warning unit 70, in ACT96, extracts the identification codes that are included in the scheduled list but not in the read list and creates a missing list, which is a list of the identification codes of the missing items 80.

[0137] Figure 22 schematically shows an example of the process from comparing the read list and the scheduled list in ACT94 to creating the missing list in ACT96. In Figure 22, the identification code of the wireless tag 90 is depicted as EPC.

[0138] Figure 22 shows an example where, as a result of comparing the read list and the scheduled list, EPC "CCC" that is included in the scheduled list but not in the read list is extracted, and a missing list containing EPC "CCC" is created.

[0139] In ACT97, the warning unit 70 instructs the terminal 60 to notify it of the shortage. To this end, the warning unit 70 sends an instruction to the terminal 60 to display a warning message indicating a shortage of item 80 corresponding to the identification code in the shortage list. In ACT15 (terminal processing), the terminal 60 displays the warning message in accordance with the instruction to display the warning message received from the warning unit 70.

[0140] One possible reason why an identification code from the schedule list may not be included in the read list is that the wireless tag 90 corresponding to that identification code is not included in the wireless tags 90 that respond to radio waves transmitted from the wireless tag communication device 10. For example, this could be due to a shortage of the item 80 corresponding to that identification code.

[0141] Figure 12 schematically shows an example of the arrangement of wireless tags and a warning message corresponding to the example shown in Figure 22. Figure 12 shows an example in which item 80 of EPC "CCC" is not included in the wireless tags 90 that respond to radio waves transmitted from the wireless tag communication device 10, and the terminal 60 displays the warning message "Item CCC is missing. It may not be nearby." in accordance with instructions from the warning unit 70.

[0142] If, as a result of the judgment in ACT95, the identification codes of the schedule list are included in the read list without any omissions (i.e., the result is Yes in ACT95), the warning unit 70 terminates the warning process without issuing instructions for creating the omission list in ACT96 or for notifying of the omission in ACT97. In this case, the terminal 60 does not perform any processing in ACT15 (terminal processing).

[0143] (First variation of warning processing) Next, with reference to Figure 24, a first modified example of the warning process in the first operation example of the wireless tag communication device 10 will be described. Figure 24 is a schematic diagram showing the first modified example of the warning process.

[0144] In this modified version, instead of a single schedule list being provided beforehand, a group of schedule lists consisting of multiple schedule lists is provided beforehand. The identification data of the multiple schedule lists does not overlap with each other; that is, the multiple schedule lists do not contain the same identification data.

[0145] The warning unit 70 compares the identification data of the area list with each schedule list in the schedule list group, and selects and reads the schedule list that contains the identification data of the area list from the schedule list group. In the example in Figure 24, the warning unit 70 selects and reads schedule list L1, which contains the EPC "AAA" of the area list, from the schedule list group.

[0146] Subsequently, as described above, the warning unit 70 extracts identification codes that are included in the schedule list but not in the area list to create a missing list, compares the missing list with the area list, and instructs the terminal 60 to display a warning message according to the comparison result.

[0147] Figure 24 shows an example where, as a result of comparing the in-domain list and the planned list L1, the EPC "CCC" included in the planned list L1 but not in the in-domain list is extracted to create a missing list, and the EPC "CCC" from the missing list is included in the out-of-domain list.

[0148] (Second variation of the warning process) Next, with reference to Figure 25, a second modified example of the warning process in the first operation example of the wireless tag communication device 10 will be described. Figure 25 is a schematic diagram showing the second modified example of the warning process.

[0149] In this modified example, the warning unit 70 calculates the mismatch rate of the identification codes (EPCs) between the schedule list and the area list when comparing them. If the mismatch rate of the identification codes (EPCs) between the schedule list and the area list exceeds a threshold (e.g., 20%), the warning unit 70 instructs the terminal 60 to issue a notification suggesting that the schedule list has been misread.

[0150] Figure 25 shows an example where the mismatch rate between the identification codes (EPCs) of the schedule list and the area list exceeds a threshold, and terminal 60 displays a warning message, "You may have loaded an incorrect schedule list," in accordance with instructions from the warning unit 70.

[0151] (Third variation of warning processing) Next, with reference to Figure 26, a third modified example of the warning process in the first operation example of the wireless tag communication device 10 will be described. Figure 23 is a schematic diagram showing the third modified example of the warning process.

[0152] In this modified version, the warning unit 70 calculates the mismatch rate of the identification codes (EPCs) between the schedule list and the area list when comparing them, similar to the second modified version of the warning process. If the mismatch rate of the identification codes (EPCs) between the schedule list and the area list exceeds a threshold (e.g., 20%), the warning unit 70 performs the operation of the first modified version of the warning process. That is, it compares the identification data of the area list with each schedule list in the schedule list group and selects and reads the schedule list containing the identification data of the area list from the schedule list group.

[0153] (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 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, and performs warning processing using the warning unit 70 to alert the user if there are difficulties in reading or inferring. This allows the user to know if there are difficulties in reading or inferring.

[0154] For example, the warning unit 70 compares the schedule list with the area list, and if the schedule list and the area list do not match, it performs a warning process suggesting that the item 80 scheduled for shipment may be different from the item 80 on the schedule list. The warning unit 70 also performs a warning process suggesting that item 80 is missing if an identification code included in the schedule list is not included in the area list. Furthermore, if an identification code included in the schedule list is included in the out-of-area list, the warning unit 70 performs a warning process suggesting that the missing item 80 may be nearby. This allows the user to easily understand the reading and inference status, causes, and countermeasures.

[0155] 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.

[0156] 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]

[0157] 10...Wireless tag communication device, 20...Antenna, 30...Relative position change unit, 40...Reading unit, 50...Inference unit, 60...Terminal, 70...Warning 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 attached to an item, A reading unit reads tag data of the wireless tag, including the identification code of the item, based on radio waves received by the antenna. A warning unit performs a warning process based on a planned list, which is a list of identification codes of items to be placed within the placement area, and a read list, which is a list of identification codes of the items read by the reading unit, to indicate the possibility that the items placed within the placement area may differ from the items corresponding to the identification codes in the planned list. 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 uses a machine learning-trained model to infer whether the item to which the wireless tag is attached is located within the placement area, based on the tag data of the wireless tag at multiple relative positions of the antenna with respect to the wireless tag. The warning unit creates an area list, which is a list of identification codes of the items inferred to be within the placement area, compares the planned list with the area list, and performs a warning process if the planned list and the area list do not match. The wireless tag communication device according to claim 1.

3. The warning unit extracts identification codes included in the schedule list but not included in the area list to create a shortage list, which is a list of identification codes for missing items, and performs a warning process that indicates a shortage of the items corresponding to the identification codes in the shortage list. The wireless tag communication device according to claim 2.

4. The inference unit further uses the trained model to infer from the tag data of the wireless tag read by the reading unit whether the item to which the wireless tag is attached is outside the placement area. The warning unit creates an out-of-area list, which is a list of identification codes of the articles that are inferred to be outside the placement area, compares the missing list with the out-of-area list, and if an identification code from the missing list is included in the out-of-area list, performs a warning process that suggests the possibility that an article corresponding to the identification code from the missing list included in the out-of-area list may be nearby. The wireless tag communication device according to claim 3.

5. The warning unit performs a warning process indicating a shortage of the item corresponding to an identification code included in the schedule list but not included in the read list, if at least one of the identification codes in the schedule list is not included in the read list. The wireless tag communication device according to claim 1.

6. On the computer, A function to read tag data from a wireless tag attached to an item, including the identification code of the item, based on radio waves transmitted from the wireless tag attached to the item, A function that performs a warning process based on a planned list, which is a list of identification codes of items to be placed within the placement area, and a read list, which is a list of identification codes of the items that have been read, to indicate that the items placed within the placement area may differ from the items corresponding to the identification codes in the planned list. A wireless tag communication program that enables this operation.

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