Information processing equipment, information processing system, information processing method

Abstract

This will allow businesses to read data from IC tags attached to specific products within their premises. [Solution] One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device for managing products to which IC tags are attached within a business premises. This information processing device includes a storage unit that stores encoding information indicating the encoding format of an IC tag to be read from among a plurality of IC tags within the business premises, a data acquisition unit that acquires data stored in each of the plurality of IC tags, and a decoding unit that decodes data from each IC tag acquired by the data acquisition unit that satisfies the encoding format.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, and an information processing method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, inventory management of products has been performed using IC tags attached to products. For example, in Cited Document 1, when a server counts the number of IC tags and a difference occurs between the actual inventory number of products in a store and the number of IC tags, the count value of the number of IC tags is adjusted according to the circumstances in which the difference occurred, and the inventory number of products is managed based on the adjusted count value of the IC tags.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, although the code system of EPC (Electronic Product Code), which is the data written in an IC tag, is standardized, in reality, there are retailers and manufacturers that adopt their own code systems with the spread of IC tags. Therefore, when performing inventory taking and the like of products in stores (business operators) that handle various products, such as select shops, it is necessary to be able to read data corresponding to various code systems from the IC tags of the products handled by the store. In addition, it is necessary to prevent accidentally reading data from the IC tags of products not handled by the store itself.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention aims to enable businesses to read data from IC tags attached to products that are to be read from among multiple products located within their business premises. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device for managing products to which IC tags are attached within a business premises, comprising: a storage unit that stores encoding information indicating the encoding format of an IC tag to be read from among a plurality of IC tags within the business premises; a data acquisition unit that acquires data stored in each of the plurality of IC tags; and a decoding unit that decodes data from the data for each IC tag acquired by the data acquisition unit that satisfies the encoding format. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a business operator can read data from an IC tag attached to a product to be read from among several products located within the business premises. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a product management system configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates several exemplary encoding formats. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the data structure of the configuration information database. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the screen for setting the encoding format on the configuration support terminal. [Figure 5] This is a functional block diagram of each device in one embodiment of a product management system. [Figure 6] This is a functional block diagram of the control unit of the carrier terminal. [Figure 7] This is a sequence chart for when a business operator conducts inventory in a product management system according to one embodiment. [Figure 8]Figure 7 is a flowchart detailing the decoding process. [Figure 9] This is a sequence chart for when a business operator issues IC tags in a product management system according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The forms described below are not limited to those shown in the brief description of the drawings.

[0010] A first aspect of one aspect of the present invention is an information processing device for managing products to which IC tags are attached within a business premises, comprising: a storage unit that stores encoding information indicating the encoding format of an IC tag to be read from among a plurality of IC tags within the business premises; a data acquisition unit that acquires data stored in each of the plurality of IC tags; and a decoding unit that decodes data from the data for each IC tag acquired by the data acquisition unit that satisfies the encoding format.

[0011] According to a first aspect of a certain embodiment of the present invention, a business operator can read data from an IC tag attached to a product to be read from among several products located within the business premises.

[0012] A second aspect of one aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the encoded information includes a predetermined range of bit sequences in the data stored in the IC tag to be read, and the decoding unit decodes the acquired data when the predetermined range of bit sequences in the data acquired by the data acquisition unit matches the bit sequences included in the encoded information.

[0013] According to a second aspect of a certain embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to easily determine whether the data obtained from the IC tag satisfies the encoding format.

[0014] A third aspect of an embodiment of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the bit string within the predetermined range included in the encoding information includes a business operator code associated with a product to which the IC tag to be read is attached.

[0015] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to easily determine whether data acquired from an IC tag satisfies an encoding format.

[0016] A fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present invention is an information processing system including an information processing apparatus that manages products to which IC tags are attached within a business establishment, and a server capable of communicating with the information processing apparatus. The server has a storage unit that stores encoding information indicating an encoding format of an IC tag to be read among a plurality of IC tags within the business establishment. The information processing apparatus includes an information acquisition unit that acquires the encoding information from the server, a data acquisition unit that acquires data stored in each of the plurality of IC tags, and a decoding unit that decodes data that satisfies the encoding format among the data for each IC tag acquired by the data acquisition unit.

[0017] According to a fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a business operator can read data from an IC tag attached to a product to be read among a plurality of products within a business establishment.

[0018] A fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present invention is an information processing system including a writing device that writes data to an IC tag attached to a product received at a business office, a server communicable with the writing device, and an information processing terminal communicable with the server. The server has a storage unit that stores a plurality of encoding information indicating each of a plurality of encoding formats of IC tags to be read within the business office. The information processing terminal includes an information acquisition unit that acquires the plurality of encoding information from the server, a selection unit that selects any one of the plurality of encoding formats, and an instruction unit that transmits an instruction to the writing device to write data to the IC tag according to the encoding format selected by the selection unit.

[0019] According to a fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a business operator can issue an IC tag by pre-selecting a desired encoding format.

[0020] A sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present invention is that the information processing terminal further includes a display unit and a display control unit that causes the display unit to display one or more of the plurality of encoding formats as selectable encoding formats. The selection unit selects any one of the one or more encoding formats according to a user's operation input. This is the information processing system according to the fifth aspect.

[0021] According to a sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, when issuing an IC tag, a business operator can select an encoding format for encoding the IC tag on a screen.

[0022] A seventh aspect of an embodiment of the present invention is that the storage unit of the server stores encoding information indicating the encoding format of an IC tag to be read within each business office in association with business operator identification information for identifying each of a plurality of business operators. The information acquisition unit of the information processing device acquires the encoding information corresponding to the specified business operator identification information by specifying the business operator identification information. This is the information processing method according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects.

[0023] According to a seventh aspect of a certain embodiment of the present invention, data can be read from IC tags attached to products to be read from among multiple products located within each business premises for multiple businesses. Furthermore, encoding information indicating the encoding format of the IC tags to be read within each business premises can be centrally managed on a server.

[0024] An eighth aspect of a certain aspect of the present invention is an information processing method between an information processing device for managing products to which IC tags are attached within a business premises and a server that can communicate with the information processing device, wherein the server stores encoding information indicating the encoding format of an IC tag to be read from among a plurality of IC tags within the business premises, the information processing device obtains the encoding information from the server, the information processing device obtains data stored in each of the plurality of IC tags, and the information processing device decodes the data from each of the obtained IC tags that satisfies the encoding format.

[0025] According to an eighth aspect of a certain embodiment of the present invention, a business operator can read data from an IC tag attached to a product to be read from among a plurality of products located within the business premises.

[0026] A ninth aspect of one aspect of the present invention is an information processing method between a writing device for writing data to an IC tag to be attached to goods received at a business establishment, an information processing device that can communicate with the writing device, and a server that can communicate with the information processing device, wherein the server stores a plurality of encoding information indicating each of a plurality of encoding formats of an IC tag to be read within the business establishment, the information processing device obtains the plurality of encoding information from the server, the information processing device selects one of the plurality of encoding formats, and the information processing device sends an instruction to the writing device to write data to the IC tag according to the selected encoding format.

[0027] According to a ninth aspect of a certain embodiment of the present invention, a business operator can issue an IC tag by pre-selecting a desired encoding format.

[0028] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The product management system 1 shown in Figure 1 is a system for managing products handled by multiple businesses, such as tenants. Businesses that handle products include, for example, retailers such as stores that sell products, distributors that distribute products, or businesses that store and manage products in warehouses, etc.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, the business premises contain various products P handled by the business, and each product P is fitted with an IC tag TG. The business premises are equipped with a business terminal 2 (an example of an information processing device), a printer 3 (an example of a writing device), a reader / writer 4, and a computer terminal 7 (an example of an information processing terminal). Note that the business terminal 2 and the reader / writer 4 may be integrated into a single unit. In the product management system 1, the business terminal 2 can communicate with the configuration support terminal 5 and the server 6 via a network NW. The network NW is not limited to any particular type, but could be, for example, a wireless or wired LAN, a mobile communication network, or the internet. The configuration support terminal 5 and the server 6 will be described later. Figure 1 shows a scenario where one business manages products at a single business location, but this is not limited to this case; it is conceivable that multiple businesses each manage products at their respective business locations. In that case, each business's business terminal 2 can communicate with the configuration support terminal 5 and the server 6.

[0030] The operator terminal 2 is a terminal that instructs the reader / writer 4 to read data from each IC tag TG and instructs the printer 3 to print IC tags. The operator terminal 2 may be a tablet or a smartphone. Printer 3 is a thermal printer that issues IC tags, but it is not limited to that; it may also be an inkjet printer or an electrophotographic printer. In some cases, the goods that the business purchases may not have IC tags attached. In such cases, the business will issue IC tags using printer 3 and attach them to the purchased goods. When issuing IC tags, printer 3 will print a barcode or the like corresponding to the product code on the surface of the IC tag in response to a tag issuance instruction from server 6, and will also encode the IC tag (i.e., write EPC data, etc.). Note that the IC tags referred to below are configured so that the IC chip and the antenna connected to the IC chip are contained within plain paper, and if printer 3 is a thermal transfer printer, it is possible to print on plain paper (i.e., on the surface of the IC tag TG).

[0031] The reader / writer 4, in response to instructions from the operator terminal 2, transmits radio waves to acquire data from each IC tag TG within the business premises and transmits the acquired data to the operator terminal 2. In the following explanation, the data acquired from the IC tag refers to the EPC data written in the IC tag's memory. Computer terminal 7 is an information processing terminal equipped with a web browser, such as a personal computer or tablet terminal, and is operated by the service provider. Computer terminal 7 can communicate with server 6 via a network NW. As will be described later, computer terminal 7 sends a tag issuance instruction to server 6 when the service provider issues a new IC tag. The operator terminal 2, printer 3, and reader / writer 4 may be configured to communicate via wired connections, or they may be configured to communicate wirelessly via a local area network (LAN) within the business premises. The operator terminal 2 and reader / writer 4 may also be able to communicate via Bluetooth®.

[0032] For example, in inventory management, businesses can obtain data from IC tags (TG) attached to each product to keep track of the goods they handle. While the EPC code system (i.e., encoding format) is standardized by GS1, some companies may use non-standard encoding formats for IC tags for various reasons, such as wanting to continue using their own codes or assigning many product codes. In other words, even if IC tags are pre-attached to products purchased by businesses, the encoding format of those IC tags may not conform to the standard. In the following explanation, we will use the term "EPC data" to refer to both data in encoding formats that meet the standard and data in encoding formats that do not.

[0033] Figure 2 illustrates various encoding formats for EPC. In Figure 2, the encoding format Enc_1 is the GS1 standard encoding format (for 96-bit SGTIN). The first 14 bits of the Enc_1 encoding format are defined by the GS1 TDS (Tag Data Standard) and consist of a header (8 bits), a filter (3 bits), and a partition (3 bits). Following these first 14 bits are the 7-digit company code (24 bits), the 6-digit product code (20 bits), and the serial number (38 bits). The header, one of the first 14 bits, indicates the type of GS1 identification code (SGTIN, etc.). The filter is a value used by the reader / writer to select IC tags. The partition is a value that indicates the boundary between the company code and the product code. In the example shown in Figure 2, the partition is "101" (binary), and the company code is 7 digits (24 bits), and the product code is 6 digits (20 bits). The number of digits (bits) in the company code and product code varies depending on the partition value.

[0034] A business code is a code used to identify a business and is associated with products to which IC tags are attached. A single company can acquire multiple business codes. For example, a company that distributes goods may acquire another business code if the number of product codes that can be assigned to one business code is insufficient.

[0035] Encode format Enc_2 is identical to Encode format Enc_1 in that the first 14 bits and the 7 digits (24 bits) of the company code are in the same format, but it differs from Encode format Enc_1 in that a larger number of digits are reserved for the product code in the remaining bit sequence. Specifically, the 7 digits of the company code are followed by the 12 digits (40 bits) of the product code and the serial number (18 bits). Note that, even in the case of Encode format Enc_2, the number of digits (bits) of the company code and product code will vary depending on the partition value. For example, in the apparel industry, where there are many types of products, if the number of digits available for product codes in the Enc_1 encoding format is insufficient, the product codes may be made larger, as shown in the Enc_2 encoding format.

[0036] Encode format Enc_3 is an example where the first 14 bits are not set, as is the case with encoding formats Enc_1 and Enc_2. In encoding format Enc_3, the company code (10 bits), 12-digit product code (44 bits), terminal number (14 bits), and serial number (28 bits) are arranged in that order. For example, if a large company only needs to consider its own supply chain, it is not necessary to set the first 14 bits as in encoding format Enc_3, and the EPC code system can be freely configured.

[0037] As illustrated in Figure 2, various encoding formats can be applied to the IC tags TG attached to the goods that a business procures. Therefore, even if data is obtained from the IC tags TG within the business premises via the reader / writer 4, the data cannot be properly decoded if the encoding format is unknown. From another perspective, when a business obtains data from IC tags within the business premises via the reader / writer 4, if data is obtained from IC tags of goods other than those it handles, it is necessary to ignore that data (or prevent it from being properly decoded). Therefore, in the product management system 1, one or more encoding formats for the products handled by each individual business operator, such as a tenant, are registered in advance on server 6. Then, when conducting inventory of products, etc., the business operator terminal 2 downloads information (configuration information described later) indicating one or more encoding formats registered on server 6 and decodes the data obtained from the IC tag based on that information.

[0038] Server 6 has a configuration information database for registering configuration information corresponding to one or more encoding formats for products handled by each business operator, such as tenants. The configuration information database includes configuration information that indicates the encoding format of the IC tags to be read within each business location, associated with a business ID (an example of business identification information) that identifies each of the multiple businesses. Figure 3 shows an example of the data structure of the configuration information database. In the example shown in Figure 3, the configuration information database stores (registers) one or more configuration information entries, such as Enc_S1, Enc_S2, and Enc_S3, for each business ID used to identify each business. Configuration information (an example of encoding information) is information indicating the encoding format of the EPC. The configuration information includes, for example, the EPC encoding format information shown in Figure 2 (total number of bits, position of bit sequences corresponding to each piece of information, etc.).

[0039] In one embodiment, upon receiving a request from a business operator, a configuration support person uses a configuration support terminal 5 to assist in registering configuration information. Specifically, the configuration support terminal 5, in response to the operation by the configuration support person, creates configuration information corresponding to the IC tags attached to the products handled by the requesting business operator (setting the encoding format), and also accesses the server 6 to write the created configuration information to the configuration information database, associating it with the business operator ID.

[0040] Figure 4 shows the screen of the setting application (encoding format setting screen) for setting the encoding format on the setting support terminal 5. The setting support person enters the following information on the encoding format setting screen shown in Figure 4 and operates the "Settings" button at the bottom. • Information on whether the EPC is 96-bit or 128-bit (selected via radio button) • Information indicating which bits (From) and which bits (To) each of the header fixed code, product code, variable fixed code, serial number, and company code are used. • Information about the bit string of the header fixed code (a value common to multiple operators within the system), the variable fixed code (a value assigned by the operator), and the operator code. • Number of bits and digits in the first part of the product code (In some product codes, the company code may be included at the beginning of the product code; this company code corresponds to the "first part of the product code" and is specified by the number of bits and digits.) • Total number of digits in the product code • Information about whether or not a check digit is included in the data (set by the "Include in encoded read data" checkbox) • Information regarding whether the business operator will use the target encoding format for tag issuance (configured by the "Use for tag issuance" checkbox).

[0041] Note that the encoding format setting screen shown in Figure 4 is merely an example, and the input fields for values ​​on the encoding format setting screen can be appropriately modified for each business operator (tenant, etc.) according to the specific encoding format requested by that business operator. For example, in Figure 4, the EPC is configured to allow setting either 96 bits or 128 bits, but this is not limited to that, and it may be configured to allow specifying any number of bits.

[0042] Next, the configuration of each device included in the product management system 1 will be explained with reference to the functional block diagram in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 5, the operator terminal 2 includes a control unit 21, storage 22, operation input unit 23, display unit 24, reader / writer interface (I / F) 25, and communication unit 26. The control unit 21 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory (ROM (Read-only memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc.), and performs various processes by executing various programs. These processes will be described later. Storage 22 is a storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive). The operation input unit 23 is an input device such as a mouse, keyboard, or touch panel input mechanism. The display unit 24 includes, for example, a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel and a display driving circuit. The reader / writer interface 25 is an interface with the reader / writer 4 for reading data from IC tags within the business premises. The control unit 21 sends a data acquisition instruction (an instruction to acquire data from the IC tag) to the reader / writer 4 via the reader / writer interface 25. The control unit 21 acquires data from each IC tag via the reader / writer interface 25. The communication unit 26 is an interface for communication with the printer 3, and for communication with the configuration support terminal 5 and the server 6 via the network NW. The communication protocol is not limited, but could be HTTPS, for example.

[0043] As shown in Figure 5, the printer 3 comprises a control unit 31, a printing unit 32, an encoding unit 33, and a communication unit 34. The control unit 31 has a CPU and memory and executes various programs for issuing IC tags (i.e., printing on the surface of the IC tag and encoding it). The control unit 31 controls the printing unit 32 and the encoding unit 33 so that an IC tag is issued in response to a tag issuance instruction received from the server 6 via the communication unit 34. The printing unit 32 includes transport rollers and a thermal head that print on the surface of the IC tag while transporting the IC tag, as well as a head control unit for controlling the thermal head. The encoding unit 33 has a writing antenna and a reader / writer connected to the writing antenna, and communicates with the IC tag in response to a tag issuance instruction received from the server 6, and writes data to the IC tag (performs encoding). The communication unit 34 is a communication interface that communicates with the server 6.

[0044] Although the details of the configuration support terminal 5 are not shown in Figure 5, it includes a control unit, storage, operation input unit, display unit, and communication unit. The control unit of the configuration support terminal 5 executes a configuration application for setting the encoding format. For example, when a configuration support person performs a predetermined operation on the encoding format setting screen in response to a request from a business operator, the configuration application requests the server 6 to register the configuration information in association with the business operator ID. In response to this request, the server 6 records (registers) the configuration information in association with the business operator ID.

[0045] Furthermore, if a business operator stops receiving goods from a designated manufacturer, for example, it is no longer necessary to decode the data to meet the encoding format corresponding to that product, and therefore the configuration information corresponding to that encoding format may be deleted from the configuration information database. In that case, when a configuration support person performs a predetermined operation in the configuration application in response to a request from the business operator, the configuration application requests server 6 to delete the configuration information associated with the business operator ID. Server 6 deletes the requested configuration information (or removes the association with the business operator ID) in response to the request.

[0046] As shown in Figure 5, the server 6 includes a control unit 61, a storage unit 62, and a communication unit 63. The control unit 61 has a CPU and memory and performs various processes by executing a server program. For example, the control unit 61 accesses the storage 62 as needed to update the configuration information database in response to requests from the configuration support terminal 5. In addition, the control unit 61 retrieves configuration information associated with the business ID corresponding to the requesting business terminal 2 from the configuration information database in response to a request from the business terminal 2 and provides it to the business terminal 2. The control unit 61 provides web services to the computer terminal 7. For example, based on a tag issuance instruction from the computer terminal 7 corresponding to the business ID, the control unit 61 sends a tag issuance instruction to the printer 3 that includes configuration information corresponding to the business ID. Storage 62 (an example of a server's storage unit) is a large-capacity storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), which stores a configuration information database (see Figure 3). The communication unit 63 is a communication interface that communicates with the carrier terminal 2, the computer terminal 7, and the configuration support terminal 5, respectively.

[0047] Figure 6 is a detailed functional block diagram of the control unit 21 of the operator terminal 2. In Figure 6, all parts except the memory 211 are essentially executed by software. In Figure 6, the memory 211 (an example of a storage unit of an information processing device) is a ROM or RAM, and stores one or more configuration information acquired by the information acquisition unit 212. The information acquisition unit 212 obtains configuration information corresponding to a specified carrier ID from the server 6 via the communication unit 26 by specifying the carrier ID.

[0048] In Figure 6, the data acquisition unit 213 and the decoding unit 214 are related to reading IC tags within the business premises. The data acquisition unit 213 acquires data (EPC data) stored in each of the multiple IC tags located at the business premises via the reader / writer 4. The decoding unit 214 decodes the data from each IC tag acquired by the data acquisition unit 213 that satisfies the encoding format corresponding to the setting information in the memory 211.

[0049] Although details of the computer terminal 7 are not shown in Figure 5, it includes a control unit, storage, operation input unit, display unit, and communication unit. The control unit has a web browser that communicates with the server 6 via the communication unit. The web browser communicates with the server 6 via HTTP after successful login based on the business ID. The business can issue tag issuance instructions on the web page displayed by the web browser. The control unit of the computer terminal 7 functions as the following display control unit, selection unit, and instruction unit. When the display control unit causes the printer 3 to issue an IC tag, it pre-displays multiple encoding formats corresponding to the setting information corresponding to the business ID as selectable encoding formats on the display unit. The selection unit selects one of the multiple encoding formats displayed on the display unit in response to the user's selection operation. The instruction unit sends a tag issuance instruction to the server 6 to write data to the IC tag according to the encoding format selected by the selection unit. Note that if there is only one setting information corresponding to the business ID, there is no need to select an encoding format, and therefore the display control unit and selection unit are not required.

[0050] Next, with reference to Figures 7 and 8, the operation of the product management system 1 when a business operator processes inventory, receiving, and shipping of goods will be explained. Figure 7 is a sequence chart of when a business operator processes inventory, receiving, and shipping of goods. Figure 8 is a flowchart detailing the decoding process in Figure 7. Note that the processes when the product management system 1 is in operation are not limited to those described above, but also include product retrieval and the movement of goods within the business premises.

[0051] Referring to Figure 7, when a tenant or other business operator conducts inventory of goods, they first obtain configuration information associated with the business operator from the server 6 so that data can be appropriately decoded only from IC tags attached to the goods subject to inventory (goods handled by the business operator) within the business premises. Specifically, in response to a login operation by the business operator, the business operator terminal 2 starts communication with the server 6 and sends the business operator ID and password (PW) entered in the login operation to the server 6 (steps S2, S4). The server 6 performs authentication processing based on the received business operator ID and password (step S6). If authentication is successful, the server 6 extracts one or more configuration information items associated with the transmitted business operator ID from the configuration information database (step S8) and sends them to the business operator terminal 2 (step S10). The business operator terminal 2 saves the one or more configuration information items received (step S12).

[0052] Next, in response to an operation by the operator, the operator terminal 2 sends a data acquisition instruction to the reader / writer 4 (step S14). In response to the data acquisition instruction, the reader / writer 4 transmits radio waves within the business premises to communicate with the IC tags located there and receives data from each IC tag. The operator terminal 2 acquires the data from each IC tag via the reader / writer 4 (step S16) and performs decoding processing (step S18).

[0053] Refer to Figure 8 for a detailed explanation of the decoding process in step S18. The operator terminal 2 acquires data from each of the multiple IC tags within the business premises, and then selects the data to be processed one by one (step S20). The operator terminal 2 determines whether a predetermined range of bit sequences in the data to be processed matches any of the setting information (any of the setting information acquired and saved in steps S10 and S12 of Figure 7) (step S22).

[0054] In one embodiment, the bit sequences within a predetermined range included in the configuration information are a header fixed code and a carrier code. As explained in Figure 4, the configuration information includes information on which bits (From) and which bits (To) each code is located in the 96-bit or 128-bit EPC. Therefore, the carrier terminal 2 sequentially checks for each of the one or more configuration information saved in step S12 of Figure 7 whether the bit sequences of the header fixed code and carrier code indicated by the configuration information match the bit sequences at the corresponding positions in the data to be processed.

[0055] In step S22, if a predetermined range of bit sequences in the data to be processed matches any of the configuration information, the operator terminal 2 decodes the data to be processed based on the encoding format indicated by the matching configuration information and records it in the storage 22 (step S24). The processing in steps S20 to S24 is repeated until it is completed for all acquired data (step S26).

[0056] Furthermore, when determining whether a predetermined range of bit sequences in the data to be processed matches any of the setting information, using the header fixed code and the carrier code as the "predetermined range of bit sequences" is merely one example; it could also be a bit sequence located elsewhere.

[0057] Next, referring to Figure 9, we will explain the operation of the product management system 1 when a business operator issues IC tags for incoming goods. Figure 9 is a sequence chart of when a business operator, such as a tenant, issues IC tags. As mentioned earlier, there are cases where the goods purchased by the business do not have IC tags attached. In such cases, the business issues IC tags using printer 3 and attaches them to the purchased goods. This allows the business to perform inventory checks of the goods using reader / writer 4.

[0058] Referring to Figure 9, each of the processes in steps S30 to S34 performed by the computer terminal 7 is executed by a web browser after login based on the business ID. When the user performs a predetermined operation, the computer terminal 7 accepts the tag issuance request (Step S30: YES). Next, the computer terminal 7 displays the selectable encoding formats to be applied to the IC tag to be issued (Step S32). The selectable encoding formats are the encoding formats corresponding to each of the one or more setting information entries that have been pre-specified as the encoding format to be used for tag issuance among the setting information associated with the business ID. The encoding format to be used for tag issuance is pre-set by enabling the "Use for tag issuance" checkbox when registering the setting information, as shown in Figure 4.

[0059] When the business operator selects one of the available encoding formats (step S34: YES), the computer terminal 7 sends a tag issuance instruction to the server 6, which includes the result of the encoding format selection in step S34 and the data to be written to the IC tag (step S36). In the data to be written to the IC tag, the "business operator code" is, for example, a business operator such as a tenant issuing the IC tag that has already obtained business operator code. Tag issuance instructions may include not only the data to be written to the IC tag, but also printable data (such as a barcode) to be printed on the surface of the IC tag. Server 6 extracts configuration information from the configuration information database corresponding to the selected encoding format included in the tag issuance instruction received from Server 6 (step S38), and sends a tag issuance instruction to Printer 3 including the extracted configuration information, the data to be written to the IC tag, and the print data (step S40). Upon receiving the tag issuance instruction, Printer 3 writes the data included in the tag issuance instruction to the IC tag (i.e., performs encoding) (step S42), and prints based on the print data included in the tag issuance instruction (step S44). The data writing in step S42 is performed according to the configuration information included in the tag issuance instruction received in step S40. Note that the order of printing and encoding does not matter.

[0060] As explained above, in the product management system 1 described above, when a business operator such as a tenant conducts inventory, the business operator terminal 2 obtains setting information from the server 6 in advance, indicating the encoding format (registered encoding format) of the IC tags that the business operator will read from among the multiple IC tags located within the business premises. When the business operator terminal 2 obtains data from each of the multiple IC tags located within the business premises, it decodes the data from each obtained IC tag that satisfies the encoding format corresponding to the setting information obtained in advance from the server 6. Therefore, the business terminal 2 can read data (i.e., properly decode) from IC tags attached to products that the business operator selects to read from among multiple products within the business premises. Furthermore, the business terminal 2 does not decode data obtained from IC tags of products that the business operator does not select to read (such as products not handled in the store). Consequently, businesses such as tenants can easily and reliably conduct inventory of products using IC tags.

[0061] In the product management system 1 described above, the computer terminal 7 instructs the printer 3 via the server 6 to write data to the IC tag according to the encoding format selected according to the operator's operation from among the encoding formats corresponding to the configuration information obtained in advance from the server 6. Therefore, even if the goods purchased by the operator do not have IC tags attached, an IC tag with data written in the encoding format specified by the operator can be issued, and the data can be read when conducting inventory of the goods thereafter.

[0062] In one embodiment, the server 6 stores configuration information indicating the encoding format of IC tags to be read within each business premises, associated with the respective business IDs of multiple businesses such as tenants. Each business operator's business terminal 2 obtains the configuration information corresponding to the specified business ID by specifying the business ID. Therefore, multiple businesses can read data from IC tags attached to products that each business individually targets for reading from among multiple products within each business operator's premises. In other words, a readable encoding format can be set in advance for each business operator according to the products they handle, and each business operator can read data corresponding to the products they handle. Furthermore, the configuration information for each business operator can be centrally managed on the server 6.

[0063] Although embodiments of the information processing apparatus, information processing system, and information processing method of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Furthermore, the above embodiments can be improved or modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0064] In the embodiment described above, the configuration support terminal 5 is not essential. Instead of the configuration support terminal 5, the business operator terminal 2 may execute the configuration application. In that case, in response to a request from the business operator terminal 2, the server 6 registers configuration information corresponding to the business's desired encoding format. Server 6 can also perform the processing described above for the configuration support terminal 5, instead of the configuration support terminal 5.

[0065] The processing between server 6 and carrier terminal 2, and between server 6 and computer terminal 7 described above, is merely an example. At least a portion of the processing of server 6 described above may be executed on carrier terminal 2 and / or computer terminal 7, and at least a portion of the processing of carrier terminal 2 and / or computer terminal 7 described above may be executed on server 6. In other words, functions can be appropriately distributed between server 6 and carrier terminal 2, and between server 6 and computer terminal 7. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1…Product Management System 2… Carrier terminals 21... Control Unit 211…Memory 212…Information acquisition department 213...Data acquisition unit 214...Decoding section 215...Display Control Unit 216...Selection section 217…Instruction section 22…Storage 23... Operation input section 24…Display section 25…Reader / Writer Interface 26… Communications Department 3…Printer 31…Control Unit 32...Printing section 33…Encoding section 34… Communications Department 4… Reader / Writer 5…Setup support terminal 6… Server 61... Control Unit rule2…Storage 63... Communications Department 7… Computer terminals NW...Network TG…IC tag P…Product

Claims

1. An information processing device for managing products to which IC tags are attached within a business premises, A storage unit that stores encoding information indicating the encoding format of the IC tag to be read from among multiple IC tags located within the aforementioned business premises, A data acquisition unit that acquires data stored in each of the aforementioned multiple IC tags, The system includes a decoding unit that decodes data from each IC tag acquired by the data acquisition unit that satisfies the encoding format, Information processing device.

2. The encoded information includes a predetermined range of bit sequences within the data stored in the IC tag to be read. The decoding unit decodes the acquired data when the bit sequence within the predetermined range of the data acquired by the data acquisition unit matches the bit sequence included in the encoding information. The information processing apparatus described in claim 1.

3. The bit sequence within the predetermined range included in the encoded information includes the business code associated with the product to which the IC tag to be read is attached. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. An information processing system including an information processing device for managing products to which IC tags are attached within a business premises, and a server capable of communicating with the information processing device, The server has a storage unit that stores encoding information indicating the encoding format of the IC tag to be read from among the multiple IC tags located within the business premises. The aforementioned information processing device is An information acquisition unit that acquires the encoding information from the server, A data acquisition unit that acquires data stored in each of the aforementioned multiple IC tags, The system includes a decoding unit that decodes data from each IC tag acquired by the data acquisition unit that satisfies the encoding format, Information processing system.

5. An information processing system comprising: a writing device for writing data to IC tags attached to products received at a business establishment; a server capable of communicating with the writing device; and an information processing terminal capable of communicating with the server, The server has a storage unit that stores multiple encoding information indicating each of the multiple encoding formats of IC tags to be read within the business premises. The aforementioned information processing terminal is An information acquisition unit that acquires the plurality of encoding information from the server, A selection unit that selects one of the aforementioned plurality of encoding formats, The system includes an instruction unit that transmits instructions to the writing device to write data to the IC tag according to the encoding format selected by the selection unit, Information processing system.

6. The aforementioned information processing terminal is Display unit and The system further includes a display control unit that selects one or more encoding formats from the aforementioned plurality of encoding formats and displays them on the display unit as selectable encoding formats, The selection unit selects one of the one or more encoding formats according to the user's input. The information processing system described in claim 5.

7. The storage unit of the server stores encoding information indicating the encoding format of the IC tag to be read within each business location, associated with business identification information that identifies each of the multiple business operators. The information acquisition unit of the information processing device acquires encoding information corresponding to the specified business identification information by specifying the business identification information. The information processing system described in claim 4.

8. A method for processing information between an information processing device for managing products with IC tags attached within a business premises and a server that can communicate with the said information processing device, The server stores encoding information indicating the encoding format of the IC tag to be read from among the multiple IC tags located within the business premises. The information processing device acquires the encoding information from the server, The information processing device acquires the data stored in each of the plurality of IC tags, The information processing device decodes the data from each acquired IC tag that satisfies the encoding format. Information processing methods.

9. A method for processing information between a writing device that writes data to an IC tag attached to goods received at a business premises, an information processing device that can communicate with the writing device, and a server that can communicate with the information processing device, The server stores multiple encoding information, each representing one of the multiple encoding formats of the IC tags to be read within the business premises. The information processing device acquires the plurality of encoded information from the server, The information processing device selects one of the plurality of encoding formats, The information processing device transmits an instruction to the writing device to write data to the IC tag according to the selected encoding format. Information processing methods.

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