Printer device, inventory management device, and control program for the inventory management device

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention provides a printer device, an item management device, and a control program for the item management device that output search results for RFID tags located far away that cannot be directly communicated with by the operating device alone. [Solution] The printer device according to the embodiment comprises a user interface, a wireless communication module, a printing unit, and a control unit. The user interface receives search information input from the user. The wireless communication module establishes a mesh network with multiple external devices. The printing unit prints information on paper. The control unit controls a tag reader or wireless communication module that receives information from nearby RFID tags to obtain search results based on the search information, and controls the printing unit to print the search results, for each node in the communication path from its own node to the terminal node of the mesh network.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a printer device, an article management device, and a control program for the article management device.

Background Art

[0002] Devices, methods, and programs for detecting the position of an RFID tag via a wireless relay system are known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] One embodiment of the present invention provides a printer device, an article management device, and a control program for the article management device that output search results obtained by investigating an RFID tag located remotely that cannot be directly communicated with by the operating device alone.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The printer device according to the embodiment includes a user interface, a wireless communication module, a printing unit, and a control unit. The user interface receives an input of search information from a user. The wireless communication module constructs a mesh network with a plurality of external devices. The printing unit prints information on paper. The control unit controls a tag reader or a wireless communication module that receives information from an RFID tag in the vicinity to obtain search results based on the search information, and controls the printing unit to print the search results for each node on the communication path from the self-node to the end node of the mesh network.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] [Figure 1] A block diagram showing an example configuration of an item management device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] A cross-sectional view showing an example configuration of an item management device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] A conceptual diagram showing an example of the software configuration for an item management device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] A layout diagram showing an example of the use of the item management device according to the embodiment in a store. [Figure 5] A table showing an example of a route database stored in the storage of the item management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of the settings screen for an item management device according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] A table showing an example of settings to be configured in the item management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] A diagram showing an example of the standby screen of the item management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] A flowchart illustrating the search operation of the item management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] A flowchart showing an example of the search operation of the item management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] A flowchart showing an example of the search operation of the item management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] A flowchart showing an example of the search operation of the item management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] A diagram showing an example of the search title input screen of the item management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] A table showing an example of a search database created by the item management device according to this embodiment. [Figure 15] A table showing an example of an inventory database created by the item management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] A diagram showing an example of a printed document output by the item management device according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the description, components having substantially the same function and configuration will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the embodiments shown below are illustrative of the technical concept. The embodiments do not specify the material, shape, structure, arrangement, etc., of the components. Various modifications can be made to the embodiments.

[0008] <Structure> Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an item management device according to an embodiment. The item management device 100 is a device that manages the inventory status of items equipped with RFID tags. In this embodiment, the case where the item management device 100 is a printer device will be described as an example. The item management device 100 includes a processor 101, a bus 102, RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, storage 104, a wireless communication module 105, a user interface 106, a cutting unit 107, a printing unit 108, a transport unit 109, and a reader / writer 110. The bus 102 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, and power lines, etc. The bus 102 interconnects the processor 101, RAM 103, storage 104, wireless communication module 105, user interface 106, cutting unit 107, printing unit 108, transport unit 109, and reader / writer 110. The processor 101, RAM 103, and storage 104 are connected by a bus 102 to form the computer of the item management device 100.

[0009] The processor 101 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 101 controls each part to realize various functions as an inventory management device 100 according to the operating system or application program. The processor 101 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 101 may also be called, for example, a control unit.

[0010] RAM 103 is a volatile memory device. RAM 103 is used as a work area where data can be rewritten as appropriate by the processor 101. Also, RAM 103 is used as a buffer memory that temporarily stores data.

[0011] Storage device 104 is a non-volatile memory device. Storage device 104 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the computer. Storage device 104 stores a preset operating system or application program, control data, data used by the processor 101 for performing various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 101, and the like. Storage device 104 is, for example, an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like.

[0012] The application program stored in storage device 104 includes a processing program described regarding the information processing executed by the article management device 100. The method of installing the processing program in storage device 104 is not particularly limited. The processing program can be recorded on a removable recording medium or distributed via communication over a network and then installed in storage device 104. The recording medium can be in any form as long as it can record a program and can be read by the device, such as a CD-ROM, a memory card, or the like.

[0013] Wireless communication module 105 is a module that performs wireless communication with the outside of the article management device 100. Wireless communication module 105 is, for example, a module corresponding to WiFi (registered trademark). Wireless communication module 105 constructs a mesh network with a device outside the article management device 100.

[0014] The user interface 106 is a device that presents information to the user of the article management device 100 and receives input from the user. The user interface 106 is, for example, a touch panel display.

[0015] The cutting unit 107 cuts the printing paper housed in the article management device 100. The cutting unit 107 includes, for example, a blade for cutting the paper.

[0016] The printing unit 108 forms an image on the printing paper housed in the article management device 100. The printing unit 108 is, for example, a thermal head.

[0017] The conveying unit 109 conveys the printing paper housed in the article management device 100. The conveying unit 109 may be referred to as, for example, a platen roller.

[0018] The reader / writer 110 communicates with the RFID tag. The reader / writer 110 receives the information stored in the RFID tag. The reader / writer 110 stores information in the RFID tag. The reader / writer 110 may be referred to as, for example, a tag reader.

[0019] The combination of the cutting unit 107, the printing unit 108, and the conveying unit 109 forms, conveys, and cuts an image on the printing paper housed in the article management device 100. That is, the combination of the cutting unit 107, the printing unit 108, and the conveying unit 109 outputs information to the outside of the article management device 100. The combination of the cutting unit 107, the printing unit 108, and the conveying unit 109 is referred to as, for example, an output unit.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of the article management device according to the embodiment. The article management device 100 houses the printing paper 201. The article management device 100 further includes a substrate 202.

[0021] The substrate 202 is, for example, a printed circuit board. A processor 101, a RAM 103, a storage 104, and a wireless communication module 105 are provided on the substrate 202. The substrate 202 is provided in a stable location within the article management device 100, for example, at the bottom.

[0022] The printing paper 201 is, for example, thermal roll paper made by winding thermal paper into a roll. The printing paper 201 is stored inside the item management device 100, and the paper is pulled out from its roll state for use. The printing paper 201 is routed from the upstream side where it is wound into a roll, passing sequentially through the section where it is sandwiched between the printing section 108 and the transport section 109, and through the section where it passes through the cutting section 107, to the downstream side which is outside the item management device 100.

[0023] The printing unit 108 and the transport unit 109 are positioned to sandwich the printing paper 201 that has been pulled out from a roll. An image is formed at the point where the printing unit 108 and the transport unit 109 sandwich the printing paper 201.

[0024] The cutting section 107 is provided so that the printed paper 201 being pulled through passes through its interior. The cutting section 107 is located downstream of the printing section 108 and the transport section 109.

[0025] The user interface 106 is located in a place that is easy for the user to operate, for example, on the top surface of the item management device 100.

[0026] The reader / writer 110 is installed in a location that facilitates communication with the RFID tag, for example, on top of the item management device 100.

[0027] Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the software configuration of an item management device according to an embodiment. The computer of the item management device 100 runs the Linux® Operating System 301. The Linux® Operating System 301 is system software that manages the computer's hardware and software resources and provides common services to computer programs. The WiFi® device driver 302 runs on the Linux® Operating System 301. The WiFi® device driver 302 is software that allows the Linux® Operating System 301 to control the wireless communication module 105. In addition, the software wpa_supplicant303, hostapd304, and iw305 run on the Linux® Operating System 301. wpa_supplicant303 is software for making connection requests to wireless LAN (Local Area Network) access points. hostapd304 is software for operating the wireless communication module 105 as an access point and authentication server. iw305 is software for configuring the wireless LAN network. Communication within the constructed mesh network is conducted according to RPL (IPv6 Routing Protocol for Low-Power and Lossy Networks) 306.

[0028] Figure 4 is a layout diagram showing an example of the use of the item management device according to the embodiment in a store. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the case in which six item management devices 100 are arranged in a store such as a bookstore will be explained as an example. Note that the store includes walls 500. Each item management device 100 is assigned a different address. Also, each item management device 100 is installed in front of a different shelf 600. Each shelf 600 is given a name. Each shelf 600 stores multiple books with RFID tags 400 attached. That is, in this embodiment, the items managed by the item management device 100 are books. In the example shown in Figure 4, only one RFID tag 400 is shown, and the others are omitted.

[0029] Six item management devices 100 are arranged in a clockwise direction around a wall 500. The first item management device 100 is assigned the address "fe80::6". A shelf 600 named "6.F Company shelf" is placed in front of the first item management device 100. The first item management device 100 can communicate with the RFID tags 400 stored in the shelf 600 named "6.F Company shelf".

[0030] The second item management device 100 is assigned the address "fe80::4". A shelf 600 named "5.E Company shelf" is placed in front of the second item management device 100. The second item management device 100 can communicate with the RFID tags 400 stored in the shelf 600 named "5.E Company shelf". The first item management device 100 communicates with the second item management device 100.

[0031] The third item management device 100 is assigned the address "fe80::2". A shelf 600 named "4.D Company shelf" is placed in front of the third item management device 100. The third item management device 100 can communicate with the RFID tags 400 stored in the shelf 600 named "4.D Company shelf". The second item management device 100 communicates with the third item management device 100.

[0032] The fourth item management device 100 is assigned the address "fe80::1". A shelf 600 named "1. Company A shelf" is placed in front of the fourth item management device 100. The fourth item management device 100 can communicate with the RFID tags 400 stored in the shelf 600 named "1. Company A shelf". The third item management device 100 communicates with the fourth item management device 100.

[0033] The fifth item management device 100 is assigned the address "fe80::3". A shelf 600 named "2.B Company shelf" is placed in front of the fifth item management device 100. The fifth item management device 100 can communicate with the RFID tags 400 stored in the shelf 600 named "2.B Company shelf". The fourth item management device 100 communicates with the fifth item management device 100.

[0034] The sixth item management device 100 is assigned the address "fe80::5". A shelf 600 named "3.C Company shelf" is placed in front of the sixth item management device 100. The sixth item management device 100 can communicate with the RFID tags 400 stored in the shelf 600 named "3.C Company shelf". The fifth item management device 100 communicates with the sixth item management device 100.

[0035] Figure 5 is a table showing an example of a route database stored in the storage of the item management device according to the embodiment. The route database contains information about the routes of a mesh network composed of multiple item management devices 100. The route database contains an address indicating the source address and a nexthop indicating the destination address for each address that makes up the mesh network. In the example shown in Figure 5, if the address is "fe80::6", the nexthop is "fe80::4". If the address is "fe80::4", the nexthop is "fe80::2". If the address is "fe80::2", the nexthop is "fe80::1". If the address is "fe80::1", the nexthop is "fe80::3". If the address is "fe80::3", the nexthop is "fe80::5". If the address is "fe80::5", the nexthop is "Null".

[0036] <Operation> The setting operation of the item management device 100 according to the embodiment will now be described. The setting operation is the operation of setting information used when using multiple item management devices 100 in combination. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the setting screen of the item management device according to the embodiment. When a user operates the user interface 106 and selects a setting from the standby screen described later, the screen displayed on the user interface 106 transitions to the setting screen SCa shown in Figure 6. The setting screen SCa is an example of how it is displayed when the fourth item management device 100, as described with reference to Figure 4, is used. The setting screen SCa displays an input box IBa for entering an address, an input box IBa for entering a group name, a confirmation button BTa for confirming the input content, a cancel button BTB for canceling the input content, and a keyboard button BTk for entering text. The user selects either input box IBa or IBa and operates the keyboard button BTk to enter the setting content. Once the user has finished entering information into input boxes IBa and IBa, they operate the confirmation button BTa to confirm the setting content.

[0037] Figure 7 is a table showing an example of the settings to be set in the item management device according to the embodiment. In Figure 7, the set address, group name, and supplementary explanation are shown for each address. If the address is "fe80::1", the group name is "1. Company A". If the address is "fe80::2", the group name is "4. Company D". If the address is "fe80::3", the group name is "2. Company B". If the address is "fe80::4", the group name is "5. Company E". If the address is "fe80::5", the group name is "3. Company C". If the address is "fe80::6", the group name is "6. Company F". The supplementary explanation is the same for all addresses: "This is the shelf opposite."

[0038] The standby operation of the item management device 100 according to the embodiment will now be described. The standby operation is the operation of the item management device 100 while it is waiting for user operation. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the standby screen of the item management device according to the embodiment. The standby screen SCb is displayed on the user interface 106. At the top of the standby screen SCb, the group name and supplementary explanation text set in the setting screen described above are displayed. In the center of the standby screen SCb, the keyword search button BTc for starting the search operation is displayed. At the bottom of the standby screen SCb, the setting button BTd for starting the setting operation described above and the list button BTe for displaying a list of inventory held by the item management device 100 are displayed.

[0039] The search operation of the item management device 100 according to this embodiment will be described in outline. The search operation is an operation in which the location of an item is searched for based on user input and the result is output. In this embodiment, the case in which the user is operating the first item management device 100 in the arrangement described with reference to Figure 4 will be described as an example. Figure 9 is a flowchart outlining the search operation of the item management device according to this embodiment. When the search operation is started, the item management device 100 accepts the input of search information (ACT 11). In detail, the processor 101 of the item management device 100 controls the user interface 106 to accept the input of search information from the user.

[0040] The item management device 100 sets its own node as the target of the search (ACT12). More specifically, the processor 101 sets its own node as the target of the search process to be performed within the mesh network configured by the item management device 100.

[0041] The item management device 100 acquires search results based on the search information (ACT 13). Specifically, if the target of the search process is its own node, the processor 101 controls the reader / writer 110 to communicate with the RFID tag 400 and update the inventory information. The processor 101 then acquires search results based on the updated inventory information and the search information. On the other hand, if the target of the search process is not its own node, the processor 101 controls the wireless communication module 105 to communicate with the target of the search process. In this communication, the processor 101 commands the node of the search process to update the inventory information and to transmit the inventory information and group name. The processor 101 acquires search results based on the inventory information received by the wireless communication module 105 and the search information.

[0042] The item management device 100 outputs the group name (ACT14). Specifically, the processor 101 controls the printing unit 108 and the transport unit 109 to print the group name of the item being searched onto the printing paper 201.

[0043] The item management device 100 outputs the search results (ACT15). Specifically, the processor 101 controls the printing unit 108 and the transport unit 109 to print the search results acquired in ACT13 onto the printing paper 201.

[0044] The item management device 100 determines whether the target to be searched is an end node (ACT16). If the target to be searched is not an end node (ACT16, No), the item management device 100 sets the target to the next node (ACT17). Specifically, the processor 101 refers to the route DB and sets the target to the next node. Then, the item management device 100 executes the process of ACT13. In other words, the item management device 100 repeats the processes of ACT13 to ACT15, setting the target to the next node each time.

[0045] In ACT16, if the search target is a terminal node (ACT16, Yes), the item management device 100 outputs undetected information (ACT18). More specifically, the processor 101 outputs items from the search information that have not been output as search results so far as undetected information. More specifically, the processor 101 controls the printing unit 108 and the transport unit 109 to print the undetected information onto the printing paper 201. Once printing is complete, the processor 101 controls the cutting unit 107 to cut the printing paper 201.

[0046] Once ACT18 is completed, the series of processes shown in Figure 9 will be finished.

[0047] A more detailed example of the search operation of the item management device 100 according to the embodiment will be described. Figures 10 to 12 are flowcharts showing an example of the search operation of the item management device according to the embodiment. When the search operation is started, the item management device 100 displays a search title input screen (ACT101). In detail, the processor 101 of the item management device 100 controls the user interface 106 to display the search title input screen.

[0048] Figure 13 shows an example of the search title input screen of the item management device according to the embodiment. The search title input screen SCc is displayed on the user interface 106. At the top of the search title input screen SCc, the print button BTf is displayed to start printing. In the central part of the search title input screen SCc, a serial number (No.) and input boxes IBc, IBd, IBe, IBf, and IBg for entering the title of the book to be searched are displayed. At the bottom of the search title input screen SCc, the keyboard button BTk for entering text is displayed. The user selects the input boxes in order from the input box with the smallest serial number and uses the keyboard button BTk to enter the title to be searched. Once the user has finished entering the title to be searched, they operate the print button BTf.

[0049] Let us return to the explanation referring to Figures 10 to 12. The item management device 100 determines whether the print button has been pressed (ACT 102). If the print button BTf has not been pressed (ACT 102, No), the item management device 100 repeatedly executes ACT 102 and waits until the print button BTf is pressed.

[0050] In ACT102, if the print button is pressed (ACT102, Yes), the item management device 100 creates a search DB (ACT103). Specifically, the processor 101 controls RAM 103 to create the search DB (database) on RAM 103.

[0051] Figure 14 is a table showing an example of a search database created by an item management device according to an embodiment. Figure 14 shows an example of a search database created based on the example shown in Figure 13. As shown in Figure 14, the search database includes a serial number (No.), a title, and a flag. The serial number and title correspond to the content displayed and entered on the search title input screen SCc shown in Figure 13. The flag is a parameter used to determine whether or not an item was output as a search result during the search operation. In the example shown in Figure 14, serial number 1 has the title "BBB Vol.3". Serial number 2 has the title "CCC Vol.5". Serial number 3 has the title "AAA Vol.2". Serial number 4 has the title "FFF Vol.1". Serial number 5 has the title "ZZZ Vol.100". In the example shown in Figure 14, all flags are "Null".

[0052] Let us return to the explanation referring to Figures 10 to 12. The item management device 100 assigns its own address to ADDR (ACT 104). In detail, the processor 101 assigns the address of the item management device 100 itself, whose print button BTf was pressed, to the variable ADDR.

[0053] The item management device 100 prints "Current Location" (ACT 105). Specifically, the processor 101 controls the printing unit 108 and the transport unit 109 to print the string "Current Location" onto the printing paper 201.

[0054] The item management device 100 commands the item management device with address ADDR to read the RFID tag and update the inventory database (ACT106). Specifically, the processor 101 commands the item management device 100 with address stored in the variable ADDR to read the RFID tag 400 and update the inventory database.

[0055] Figure 15 shows a table illustrating an example of an inventory database created by an item management device according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 15, the inventory database includes SGTIN (Serialized Global Trade Item Number), title, and reading result. SGTIN is a product identification code with a serial number. Title is the title of the book associated with the SGTIN. Reading result is a parameter indicating whether or not the corresponding RFID tag 400 could be read using the reader / writer 110. In the example shown in Figure 15, an item is listed where SGTIN is "012...1", title is "AAA Vol.1", and reading result is "NG". An item is listed where SGTIN is "012...2", title is "AAA Vol.1", and reading result is "NG". An item is listed where SGTIN is "023...1", title is "AAA Vol.2", and reading result is "NG". The entry for SGTIN is "023...2", the title is "AAA Vol.2", and the read result is "OK". The entry for SGTIN is "034...1", the title is "AAA Vol.3", and the read result is "OK".

[0056] Returning to the explanation with reference to Figures 10 to 12, the item management device 100 assigns 0 to NUM and the maximum number in the search database to MAX (ACT107). More specifically, the processor 101 assigns 0 to the variable NUM and the maximum value of the serial number in the search database to the variable MAX.

[0057] The item management device 100 prints the group name and the top of the frame (ACT108). Specifically, the processor 101 controls the printing unit 108 and the transport unit 109 to print the group name and the top of the frame onto the printing paper 201.

[0058] The inventory management device 100 increments NUM (ACT 109). More specifically, the processor 101 increments the variable NUM.

[0059] The inventory management device 100 determines if NUM is greater than MAX (ACT110). If the variable NUM is not greater than the variable MAX (ACT110, No), the inventory management device 100 determines if a search title corresponding to NUM No. exists in the inventory database (ACT111). If a search title corresponding to the serial number of the variable NUM does not exist in the inventory database (ACT111, No), the inventory management device 100 executes ACT109.

[0060] In ACT111, if a search title with a serial number corresponding to the variable NUM exists in the inventory DB (ACT111, Yes), the item management device 100 prints the existing search title (ACT112). Specifically, the processor 101 controls the printing unit 108 and the transport unit 109 to print the existing search title onto the printing paper 201. Subsequently, the item management device 100 updates the flag in the search DB for the existing search title to OK (ACT113). Then, the item management device 100 executes ACT109.

[0061] In this way, the inventory management device 100 repeats the operations of ACT109 to ACT113 until the variable NUM becomes greater than the variable MAX. That is, it checks whether the search title exists in the inventory DB sequentially from serial number 1 to the maximum value, and if it does, it prints and updates the flag.

[0062] In ACT110, if the variable NUM is greater than the variable MAX (ACT110, Yes), the item management device 100 prints the lower part of the frame (ACT114). Specifically, the processor 101 prints the lower part of the frame onto the printing paper 201 by controlling the printing unit 108 and the transport unit 109.

[0063] The item management device 100 determines whether the next address in the route DB is null (ACT115). If the next address in the route DB is not null (ACT115, No), the item management device 100 prints a downward arrow (ACT116). Specifically, the processor 101 controls the printing unit 108 and the transport unit 109 to print the downward arrow on the printing paper 201. Subsequently, the item management device 100 assigns the next address to ADDR (ACT117). Specifically, the processor 101 assigns the next address shown in the route DB to the variable ADDR. Then, the item management device 100 executes the process of ACT106.

[0064] In this way, the item management device 100 repeats the operations of ACT106 to ACT117 until the next address in the route DB becomes Null. That is, it sequentially updates the inventory DB and determines and prints whether the searched title exists, starting from its own node to the terminal node.

[0065] In ACT115, if the next address in the route DB is Null (ACT115, Yes), the item management device 100 determines whether there are any titles in the search DB with a flag that is not OK (ACT118). If there are titles in the search DB with a flag that is not OK (ACT118, Yes), the item management device 100 prints "Not Detected" (ACT119). Specifically, the processor 101 controls the printing unit 108 and the transport unit 109 to print the string "Not Detected" on the printing paper 201. Subsequently, the item management device 100 prints titles in the search DB with a flag that is not OK (ACT120).

[0066] In ACT118, if there are no titles with a flag of OK in the search DB (ACT118, No), and once the processing of ACT120 is complete, the item management device 100 cuts the paper (ACT121). Specifically, the processor 101 controls the cutting unit 107 to cut the printing paper 201.

[0067] Once the ACT121 process is complete, the series of processes shown in Figures 10 to 12 will be finished.

[0068] Figure 16 shows an example of a printed document output by the item management device according to the embodiment. The printed document PP shown in Figure 16 is output by a series of processes shown in Figures 10 to 12. As shown in Figure 16, the top of the printed document PP contains "Current Location," which was printed by the process of ACT105. Below that, the group name "6.F Company," which was printed by the process of ACT108, is written. Below that, "AAA Vol.2," which was printed by the process of ACT112, is written. Below that, the bottom of the frame, which was printed by the process of ACT114, is written, and a downward-pointing arrow, which was printed by the process of ACT116, is written. Below that, the group names and the search titles that existed are written as a result of repeating the processes of ACT106 to ACT117. At the bottom of the printed document PP, "Not Detected," which was printed by the process of ACT119, is written. Below that, "BBB Vol.3," which was printed by the process of ACT120, is written.

[0069] The correspondence between the overview of the search operation shown in Figure 9 and the specific examples of the search operation shown in Figures 10 to 12 will be supplemented. ACT11, explained with reference to Figure 9, corresponds to ACT101 to ACT103, explained with reference to Figures 10 to 12. The “search information” in ACT11 corresponds to the “search title” and “search DB” in ACT101 to ACT103. ACT12, explained with reference to Figure 9, corresponds to ACT104, explained with reference to Figures 10 to 12. The variable indicating the “search target” in ACT12 is the variable ADDR in ACT104. ACT13, explained with reference to Figure 9, corresponds to ACT106, explained with reference to Figures 10 to 12. The “search result” in ACT13 corresponds to the “inventory DB” in ACT106. ACT14, explained with reference to Figure 9, corresponds to ACT108, explained with reference to Figures 10 to 12. The output of the group name in ACT14 corresponds to the printing of the group name in ACT108. ACT15, described with reference to Figure 9, corresponds to ACT109 to ACT113, described with reference to Figures 10 to 12. The output of the search results in ACT15 corresponds to the printing of existing search titles in ACT112. ACT16, described with reference to Figure 9, corresponds to ACT115, described with reference to Figures 10 to 12. The terminal node in ACT16 corresponds to "the next address in the route DB is Null" in ACT115. ACT17, described with reference to Figure 9, corresponds to ACT117, described with reference to Figures 10 to 12. "Set to next node" in ACT17 corresponds to "assign the next address to ADDR" in ACT117. ACT18, described with reference to Figure 9, corresponds to ACT118 to ACT120, described with reference to Figures 10 to 12. "Undetected information" in ACT18 corresponds to "titles where the search DB flag is not OK" in ACT120.

[0070] <Effects> There is a limit to the distance at which a reader / writer can detect RFID tags. Therefore, to read RFID tags distributed in a large space, for example, it is advisable to deploy multiple reader / writers. By aggregating the detection results from multiple reader / writers, it is possible to determine the presence of RFID tags throughout the entire large space.

[0071] According to the embodiment, the item management device 100 includes a user interface 106 that receives search information input from the user, a wireless communication module 105 that constructs a mesh network with multiple external devices, a printing unit 108 that prints information on paper, and a processor 101 that controls a reader / writer 110 or wireless communication module 105 to receive information from nearby RFID tags 400 to obtain search results based on the search information, and controls the printing unit 108 to print the search results, for each node in the communication path from its own node to the terminal node of the mesh network. As a result, the item management device 100 according to the embodiment can print search results that have investigated even distant RFID tags 400 that cannot be detected from the item management device 100 that the user is operating, from the item management device 100 that the user is operating. Therefore, the user can obtain search results by simply operating the nearest item management device 100 without having to walk around in a large space.

[0072] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the processor 101 of the item management device 100 controls the printing unit 108 to print the search results in the order of the communication path from its own node to the terminal node. As a result, the item management device 100 according to the embodiment can show the user a path to retrieve items along the communication path. Therefore, the user can retrieve the desired items without walking unnecessary distances.

[0073] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the processor 101 of the item management device 100 controls the printing unit 108 to print any undetected information that was not included in any of the search results. This allows the item management device 100 according to the embodiment to inform the user of the search targets that were not included in the inventory.

[0074] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the processor 101 of the item management device 100 controls the printing unit 108 to print the group name associated with each device along with the search result. This allows the item management device 100 according to this embodiment to communicate the search result to the user in a more easily understandable manner.

[0075] <Other variations, etc.> In the above embodiment, the example described was one in which the item management device 100 comprises a cutting unit 107, a printing unit 108, and a transport unit 109, and outputs information by forming an image on printing paper 201, i.e., the item management device 100 is a printer device. The item management device 100 is not limited to a printer device, and a configuration different from the cutting unit 107, printing unit 108, and transport unit 109 may be used as the output unit. For example, a user interface 106 may be used as the output unit. Specifically, the processor 101 may control the user interface 106 to display, for example, the search results on the display, or to display, for example, a two-dimensional barcode that allows access to the search results on the display.

[0076] 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]

[0077] 100…Inventory management device, 101…Processor, 102…Bus, 103…RAM, 104…Storage, 105…Wireless communication module, 106…User interface, 107…Cutting unit, 108…Printing unit, 109…Conveying unit, 110…Reader / writer, 201…Printing paper, 202…Circuit board, 301…Linux (registered trademark) Operating System System, 302…WiFi(registered trademark) device driver, 303…wpa_supplicant, 304…hostapd, 305…iw, 306…RPL, 400…RFID tag, 500…Wall, 600…Shelf, BTa…OK button, BTB…Cancel button, BTC…Keyword search button, BTD…Settings button, BTe…List button, BTF…Print button, BTk…Keyboard button, IBa…Input box, IBa…Input box, IBa…Input box, IBa…Input box, IBa…Input box, IBa…Input box, IBa…Input box, SCa…Settings screen, SCb…Standby screen, SCc…Search title input screen.

Claims

1. A user interface that accepts search information input from the user, A wireless communication module that builds a mesh network with multiple external devices, The printing section prints information onto paper, A control unit that controls a tag reader or wireless communication module that receives information from nearby RFID tags to obtain search results based on the search information, and controls a printing unit to print the search results, for each node in the communication path from its own node to the terminal node of the mesh network, A printer device equipped with the following features.

2. The printer device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the printing unit to print the search results in the order of the communication path from the local node to the terminal node.

3. The printer device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the printing unit to further print undetected information from the search information that was not included in any of the search results.

4. The printer device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the printing unit to print the group names associated with each of the devices together with the search results.

5. A user interface that accepts search information input from the user, A wireless communication module that builds a mesh network with multiple external devices, An output unit that outputs information to the outside, A control unit that controls a tag reader or wireless communication module that receives information from nearby RFID tags to obtain search results based on the search information, and controls the output unit to output the search results, for each node in the communication path from its own node to the terminal node of the mesh network, An item management device equipped with the following features.

6. The processor of the inventory management device, The system controls a tag reader that receives information from nearby RFID tags or a wireless communication module that forms a mesh network with multiple external devices, and has it acquire search results based on search information input via a user interface, and controls the output unit to output the search results, and does this for each node in the communication path from the local node to the terminal node of the mesh network. Control program for an inventory management device.

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