Item detection device

Abstract

To detect the quantity of goods using a simple configuration. [Solution] The item detection device comprises a storage section in which fluid is stored, a placement section placed on the storage section on which an item is placed, a flow section communicating with the storage section, on which the fluid moves from the storage section when an item is placed on the placement section, and an RFID medium having an IC chip and an antenna connected to the IC chip, and placed at a predetermined position in the flow section, wherein the fluid moving in the flow section changes the state of radio waves transmitted via the antenna according to the amount of items.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an article detection device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system in which an article and a wireless tag are associated with each other to manage the inventory of the article.

[0003] The system of Patent Document 1 is composed of an IC tag, a reader, and a mobile device, and can recognize the articles placed on the shelf by reading the signals from the IC tags attached to the articles placed on the shelf with the reader.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] As an example, in a sales floor or the like where articles are sold, in order to add articles (products) to store fixtures or shelves, it is not necessary to know the exact number of articles, but there is a demand to know the approximate quantity.

[0006] In the system of Patent Document 1, since it is necessary to prepare an IC tag for each article, the cost increases, the system having a shelf for storing articles and a mobile device to which a reader is attached becomes large-scale, and there are cases where it is not suitable for the actual situation of articles or sales floors. Furthermore, it cannot be applied to articles to which an IC tag cannot be attached. For these reasons, it has been difficult to introduce it for the demand of knowing the approximate quantity of articles.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to detect the quantity of an article using a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, an article detection device is provided, comprising: a storage section in which a fluid is stored; a placement section disposed on the fluid in the storage section on which an article is placed; a flow section communicating with the storage section, on which the fluid moves when the article is placed on the placement section; and an RFID medium having an IC chip and an antenna connected to the IC chip, and placed at a predetermined position in the flow section, wherein the fluid moving in the flow section changes the state of radio waves transmitted via the antenna according to the amount of the article. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, when the fluid moving through the fluidized section shields the RFID medium, the communication state via the antenna on the RFID medium deteriorates, and when the fluid does not shield the RFID medium, the communication state via the antenna on the RFID medium improves. According to one aspect of the present invention, the quantity of an item can be detected by a simple configuration in which the RFID medium is either shielded or not shielded by the fluid. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front view illustrating an article detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a rear view illustrating the item detection device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a side view illustrating the flow of fluid stored in the object detection device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a plan view illustrating an RFID medium applicable to this embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state in which the fluid shields the RFID medium in the flow section. [Figure 6]Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state in the fluid section where the fluid does not shield the RFID medium. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an article detection device as a first modified example. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an article detection device as a second modified example. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an article detection device as a third modified example. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an article detection device as a fourth modified example. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an article detection device as a fifth modified example. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating an article detection device as a sixth modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The forms described below are not limited to those shown in the brief description of the drawings.

[0012] A first aspect of one aspect of the present invention comprises a storage section in which a fluid is stored; a placement section disposed on the fluid in the storage section on which an article is placed; a flow section communicating with the storage section, on which the fluid moves when the article is placed on the placement section; and an RFID medium having an IC chip and an antenna connected to the IC chip, and positioned at a predetermined location in the flow section, wherein the fluid moving in the flow section changes the state of radio waves transmitted through the antenna according to the amount of the article.

[0013] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, when an article is placed on a placement portion disposed on a fluid, the fluid moves from a storage portion to a flow portion. Therefore, in a state where a predetermined number of articles M are placed on the placement portion, due to the weight of the plurality of articles M, the fluid moves through the flow portion and reaches the arrangement position of the RFID medium, and the RFID medium is shielded by the fluid. On the other hand, when the number of articles M placed on the placement portion decreases, in the flow portion, the liquid level of the fluid drops and is located below the arrangement position of the RFID medium, and the RFID medium is no longer shielded by the fluid.

[0014] When the RFID medium is shielded by the fluid, the communication state via the antenna in the RFID medium deteriorates. When the RFID medium is not shielded by the fluid, the communication state via the antenna in the RFID medium is good.

[0015] Therefore, according to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the amount of articles can be detected by a simple configuration in which the RFID medium is shielded or not shielded by the fluid.

[0016] Moreover, a second aspect of an embodiment of the present invention is the article detection device according to the first aspect, which includes an inner support body for supporting the load of the article inside the storage portion.

[0017] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, by providing an inner support body for supporting the load of the article inside the storage portion, compared with the case where the placement portion and the load of the article are supported depending only on the fluid, the movement of the fluid due to the load of the placement portion and the article can be restricted.

[0018] Therefore, according to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, compared with the case of designing to support the placement portion only by the fluid in a state where the placement portion is full of articles, the amount of fluid movement can be reduced. Therefore, space saving of the article detection device can be realized.

[0019] Furthermore, a third aspect of a certain embodiment of the present invention is an article detection device according to the first embodiment, further comprising an outer support for supporting the load of the article on the outside of the storage section.

[0020] According to a third aspect of one embodiment of the present invention, by providing an outer support outside the storage section to support the load of the article, the movement of the fluid due to the load of the mounting section and the article can be restricted compared to the case where the load of the mounting section and the article is supported solely by the fluid.

[0021] Therefore, according to a third aspect of a certain embodiment of the present invention, the amount of fluid movement can be reduced compared to the case where the mounting section is designed to be supported only by fluid when the mounting section is fully loaded with articles. Consequently, space saving can be achieved for the article detection device.

[0022] Furthermore, a fourth aspect of a certain embodiment of the present invention is an article detection device according to the first embodiment, wherein the storage section comprises a bag having at least a part of it being flexible, and a frame that restricts the articles from collapsing from the storage section even if the bag is deformed.

[0023] According to a fourth aspect of a certain embodiment of the present invention, even if the bag is deformed by the load of the articles placed on the mounting section, the articles can be prevented from collapsing from the mounting section, and therefore, even if articles are piled up on the mounting section, the articles can be stably held on the mounting section.

[0024] Furthermore, a fifth aspect of a certain embodiment of the present invention is an article detection device according to any one of the first to fourth embodiments, wherein a plurality of RFID media are arranged in the fluid section along the direction of fluid flow.

[0025] According to a fifth aspect of a certain embodiment of the present invention, changes in the weight or number of items can be detected in stages by identifying RFID media that have become unable to communicate due to being shielded by a fluid.

[0026] Furthermore, a sixth aspect of a certain embodiment of the present invention is an article detection device according to any one of the first to fifth embodiments, which is equipped with an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the amount of fluid that flows from the storage section to the flow section when the article is placed on the aforementioned storage section.

[0027] According to a sixth aspect of a certain embodiment of the present invention, by providing an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the amount of fluid flowing into the fluid section, the amount of fluid that flows from the storage section through the communication section to the fluid section can be adjusted in response to changes in the weight of the mounting section. This makes it possible to reduce the volume of the fluid section into which the fluid flows. Therefore, it is possible to achieve space savings in the object detection device.

[0028] Furthermore, a seventh aspect of a certain embodiment of the present invention is an article detection device according to any one of the first to sixth embodiments, wherein a moving member is arranged in the fluid section, which moves inside the fluid section by the fluid flowing through the fluid section and changes the state of radio waves transmitted from the antenna.

[0029] According to a seventh aspect of a certain embodiment of the present invention, the state of radio waves transmitted through the antenna can be changed by moving a moving member that moves inside the fluidized part by the flow of fluid to a position that shields the antenna or to a position that does not shield it.

[0030] Hereinafter, an article detection device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0031] <Item detection device> Figure 1 is a front view illustrating an object detection device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a rear view illustrating the object detection device 1. Figure 3 is a side view illustrating the flow of the fluid L stored in the object detection device 1, and the fluid L stored in the object detection device 1 is visibly shown.

[0032] The item detection device 1 comprises a storage section 10, a placement section 20, a flow section 30, and an RFID medium 40. In Figures 1 to 3, the width direction of the item detection device 1 is represented by X, the height direction by Z, and the depth direction by Y (front side Yf, back side Yr).

[0033] The storage section 10 is a box-shaped container with an open top, and is sealed except for the opening, and stores fluid L. In this embodiment, fluid L is water. It is represented by dots in the drawings.

[0034] The mounting portion 20 is a box-shaped member having a predetermined volume and an outer shape substantially identical to the inner opening shape of the storage portion 10. In this embodiment, the mounting portion 20 floats on the fluid L stored in the storage portion 10, and the outer edge surface of the mounting portion 20 is in contact with the inner wall of the storage portion 10, allowing it to slide vertically along the inside of the storage portion 10.

[0035] Articles M are placed on the placement section 20. Depending on the number and weight of the articles M placed, the placement section 20 lowers or rises along the inside of the storage section 10.

[0036] Although not shown in the diagram, a leak-proof treatment is applied between the outer edge surface of the mounting section 20 and the inner wall of the storage section 10 to prevent the fluid L from leaking out.

[0037] A cavity 30h extending in the Z direction is formed in the fluidized section 30. The upper end of the fluidized section 30 is open to allow air to flow inside the cavity 30h, and the lower side of the fluidized section 30 is connected to the storage section 10 by a connecting section 31.

[0038] When the mounting section 20 moves downward in the Z direction within the storage section 10, the fluid L moves from the storage section 10 to the cavity 30h of the fluid section 30. Consequently, the volume of fluid L in the fluid section 30 increases.

[0039] The moving width of the placement unit 20 in the vertical direction, that is, the moving width of the fluid L in the cavity 30h of the fluid section 30, can be adjusted by changing the volume and material of the placement unit 20 according to the type and number of the articles M.

[0040] The RFID medium 40 can be appropriately attached to a predetermined position in the fluid section 30 according to the moving width of the fluid L inside the cavity 30h of the fluid section 30.

[0041] Thereby, in the fluid section 30, when the fluid L rises or falls, the RFID medium 40 can be shielded or unshielded from the front side of the article detection device 1.

[0042] <RFID medium> FIG. 4 is a plan view for explaining the RFID medium 40 applicable to the present embodiment.

[0043] The RFID medium 40 in the present embodiment is, as an example, an RFID label provided with an antenna pattern and an IC chip corresponding to the RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology for transmitting and receiving information by non-contact communication.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 4, the RFID medium 40 includes a base material 41, an IC device 42 configured as an IC chip, an antenna 43, and a battery 44. The battery 44 is connected to the IC device 42 by a connection line 45. The IC device 42, the antenna 43, the battery 44, and the connection line 45 are arranged on the base material 41.

[0045] The battery 44 is a power source for operating the IC device 42. In the present embodiment, the battery 44 is a paper battery formed in a sheet shape.

[0046] In the present embodiment, the RFID medium 是 40 is a so-called active RFID label that includes a battery 44 and can always transmit a signal from the IC device 42.

[0047] It should be noted that in the translation of line , the original Chinese text seems to have an incorrect character "是". It is translated as "is" according to the overall context. If this is a misprint in the original, please check and correct it. In the RFID medium 40, a surface substrate 46 is laminated on the surface of the substrate 41 where the IC device 42, antenna 43, battery 44, and connecting wires 45 are arranged.

[0048] Antenna 43 is connected to IC device 42 and is applied, for example, to wireless communication using radio waves in the UHF band (frequency 860-960MHz).

[0049] As shown in Figure 4, the antenna 43 comprises a loop portion 51, meanders 52 and 53 extending symmetrically from the loop portion 51, and capacitor hats 54 and 55 connected to the ends of the meanders 52 and 53.

[0050] In this embodiment, the antenna 43 can be formed from a conductive sheet containing a conductive material. A metal foil can be used as the conductive sheet, and in particular, an aluminum or copper sheet can be used.

[0051] Furthermore, an adhesive layer is formed on the surface of the substrate 41 opposite to the surface substrate 46, and a separator covering the adhesive layer is attached. This allows the RFID medium 40 to be attached to a predetermined position in the fluid section 30.

[0052] In this embodiment, the surface substrate 46 is a so-called thermal paper having a heat-sensitive color-developing layer formed on it that changes color when heated, and can be printed on by a direct thermal printer.

[0053] <Explanation of the object detection operation by the object detection device> Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state in which the fluid L shields the RFID medium 40 in the fluid section 30.

[0054] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state in the fluid section 30 where the fluid L does not shield the RFID medium 40. In Figures 5 and 6, the fluid L stored in the item detection device 1 is visibly shown.

[0055] Figure 5 shows the state in which a predetermined number of items M are placed on the placement section 20 of the item detection device 1. In this state, the weight of the multiple items M causes the placement section 20 to descend a predetermined length downwards (see white arrow). The fluid L pushed out from the storage section 10 as the placement section 20 descends flows through the communication section 31, is guided into the cavity 30h of the fluid section 30, rises through the cavity 30h, and reaches the attachment position of the RFID medium 40.

[0056] As a result, the RFID medium 40 is shielded by the fluid L on the front side of the item detection device 1.

[0057] As shown in Figure 6, when the number of items M placed on the mounting section 20 of the item detection device 1 decreases compared to the state shown in Figure 5, the fluid L in the cavity 30h of the fluid section 30 flows through the communication section 31 and returns to the storage section 10, causing the fluid level L to drop and be located below the attachment position of the RFID medium 40.

[0058] As a result, the RFID medium 40 is no longer shielded by the fluid L on the front side of the item detection device 1.

[0059] <Effects and Effects> In this embodiment, when a predetermined number of articles M are placed on the placement section 20 of the article detection device 1, the weight of the multiple articles M causes the fluid section 30 to rise and reach the attachment position of the RFID medium 40. Therefore, on the front side of the article detection device 1, the RFID medium 40 is shielded by the fluid L.

[0060] When the RFID medium 40 is shielded by the fluid L, the communication between the RFID medium 40 and the reader 100 via the antenna deteriorates when the reader 100 is positioned in front of the item detection device 1.

[0061] On the other hand, as the amount of items M placed on the mounting section 20 decreases, the liquid level of the fluid L in the flow section 30 drops and becomes lower than the attachment position of the RFID medium 40. As a result, the RFID medium 40 is no longer shielded by the fluid L.

[0062] When the RFID medium 40 is not shielded by the fluid L, the communication between the RFID medium 40 and the reader 100 via the antenna is good when the reader 100 is positioned in front of the item detection device 1.

[0063] Therefore, according to the item detection device 1 of this embodiment, the quantity of an item can be detected by utilizing whether the RFID medium 40 can be detected by the reader 100 or whether it can be detected. For example, it is possible to detect that the quantity of item M has fallen below a predetermined amount when communication between the reader 100 and the RFID medium 40 becomes possible.

[0064] [Modified example of an object detection device] <First Torture> Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the first modified example of the article detection device 2. In the drawings applied below, a part of the internal structure of the article detection device is visually shown. Furthermore, in the article detection device shown later as a modified example, configurations that achieve the same effect as article detection device 1 are given the same number and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0065] The item detection device 2 includes an inner support 60 inside the storage section 10. The inner support 60 supports the load applied to the mounting section 20.

[0066] In this embodiment, the inner support 60 is a porous body having continuous pores, and as an example, a sponge can be used. The sponge has a predetermined modulus of elasticity and is capable of absorbing the fluid L.

[0067] The size of the inner support 60 in the Z direction is configured such that the upper surface 60a of the inner support 60 abuts against the lower surface 20b of the mounting portion 20, thereby supporting the mounting portion 20.

[0068] When the item M is placed on the mounting section 20, the mounting section 20 lowers by a predetermined width (see white arrow), and the inner support 60 is compressed as the lower surface 20b of the mounting section 20 and the upper surface 60a of the inner support 60 come into contact. As a result, the fluid L is pushed out from the inner support 60 and moves into the fluid section 30.

[0069] Depending on the space constraints for installing the item detection device and the characteristics of the item M to be placed, it may be difficult to design the storage section 10, the storage section 20, and the amount of fluid L so that sufficient buoyancy is obtained to support the item M and the storage section 20 even when the storage section is fully loaded with item M.

[0070] In contrast, the article detection device 2, by being equipped with an inner support 60, can limit the movement of the fluid due to the load of the mounting section 20 and the article M, compared to the case where the load of the mounting section 20 and the article M is supported solely by the fluid L.

[0071] This reduces the amount of fluid L that moves compared to a design where the mounting section 20 is supported solely by the fluid L when the mounting section 20 is fully loaded with items M. Therefore, space saving in the Z direction can be achieved.

[0072] <Second variation> Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the article detection device 3 as a second modified example.

[0073] The item detection device 3 is equipped with outer supports 61 and 62 on the outside of the storage section 10. The item detection device 3 also includes a mounting section 21, which comprises a floating body 22 and a plate 23.

[0074] The floating body 22 is a box-shaped member having a predetermined volume and an external shape substantially identical to the internal shape of the opening of the storage section 10. In this modified example, the floating body 22 floats on the fluid L stored in the storage section 10, and the outer edge surface of the floating body 22 is in contact with the inner wall of the storage section 10, allowing it to slide vertically along the inside of the storage section 10.

[0075] The plate 23 is longer in the X direction than the floating body 22 and extends outward beyond the opening of the storage section 10. The plate 23 is attached to the upper surface of the floating body 22, and the article M is placed on the upper surface of the plate 23.

[0076] The outer supports 61 and 62 each include a contact portion 61a that abuts against the plate 23 of the mounting portion 21, a rod 61b connected to the contact portion 61a, and a buffer mechanism 61c to which the rod 61b is connected. Similarly, the outer support 62 also includes a contact portion 62a, a rod 62b, and a buffer mechanism 62c.

[0077] The upper surfaces of the contact portions 61a and 62a are formed to be the same height, and they contact the plate 23 to support it.

[0078] As a result, when an item M is placed on the plate 23 and a load is applied to the mounting section 21, the mounting section 21 descends, and the lower surface 23b of the plate 23 descends while in contact with the upper surface of the contact section 61a of the outer support 61 and the upper surface of the contact section 62a of the outer support 62.

[0079] By providing the outer supports 61 and 62, the movement of the fluid L due to the load of the mounting section 21 and the articles M can be restricted compared to a design where the mounting section 21 is supported only by the fluid L when the mounting section 21 is fully loaded with articles M. Therefore, the amount of fluid L movement can be reduced. This enables space saving in the Z direction.

[0080] <Third variation> Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an article detection device 4 as a third modified example.

[0081] The item detection device 4 has a storage section 11 comprising a bag 12 and a frame 13. The bag 12 is flexible and stores fluid L. A resin material with water resistance and flexibility can be used as the material for forming the bag 12, and as an example, high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, etc. can be used.

[0082] The frame 13 houses the bag 12. The frame 13 prevents the contents from collapsing from the loading section 20 above the bag 12, even if the bag 12 is deformed by the load of the contents placed on the loading section 20. Although not shown in Figure 9, the frame 13 has an opening, and the bag 12 visible through the opening is connected to the communication section 31.

[0083] When an item M is placed on the placement section 20, the bag body 12 deforms, and the fluid L inside the bag body 12 decreases as it is pushed out from the bag body 12 to the communication section 31, causing the placement section 20 to descend along the inner wall surface of the frame body 13.

[0084] The article detection device 4 according to the third modified example is equipped with a frame 13, which prevents the articles M from collapsing from the loading section 20 even if the bag 12 is deformed by the load of the articles M placed on the loading section 20. Therefore, even if articles M are piled up on the loading section 20, the articles M can be stably held on the loading section 20.

[0085] <Fourth variation> Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the article detection device 5 as a fourth modified example.

[0086] The object detection device 5 includes a pressure adjustment unit 70 as an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the amount of fluid L flowing through the fluid section 30.

[0087] The pressure adjustment unit 70 is attached to the end of the fluid section 30 and closes the end of the fluid section 30, allowing a predetermined back pressure to be applied to the fluid L flowing through the fluid section 30. The pressure adjustment unit 70 can adjust the back pressure according to the weight and number of articles M placed on the mounting section 20.

[0088] The item detection device 5 can adjust the amount of fluid L flowing from the storage section 10 through the communication section 31 to the fluid section 30 in response to changes in the weight of the mounting section 20 by applying back pressure to the fluid L from the fluid section 30 side.

[0089] Therefore, the amount of change in the liquid surface of the fluid L in the flow section 30 upward in the Z direction can be adjusted. In this embodiment, the amount of fluid L flowing into the flow section 30 can be reduced, and the amount of change in the liquid surface of the fluid L in the flow section 30 upward in the Z direction can be reduced.

[0090] This reduces the volume of the fluid section 30 into which the fluid L flows. Therefore, the object detection device 5 can be made more compact.

[0091] <Fifth variation> Figure 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an article detection device 6 as a fifth modified example.

[0092] The object detection device 6 includes a movable member 80 inside the fluid section 30. The movable member 80 is a member that has the function of shielding radio waves, and it is preferable that it is made of a material that has a higher radio wave shielding effect than the fluid L. As an example, the movable member 80 is made of metal.

[0093] The moving member 80 is configured to float on the fluid L flowing in the fluid section 30 and moves inside the fluid section 30.

[0094] The movable member 80 moves near the area where the RFID medium 40 is attached, and can change the state of the radio waves transmitted via the antenna 43 by moving to a position that shields the antenna 43 or to a position that does not shield it.

[0095] According to the item detection device 6, by using a movable member 80 that has a radio wave shielding effect, the effect of shielding radio wave communication via the antenna 43 by the reading device 100 is enhanced, so that the state where communication is not possible and the state where communication is possible can be clearly distinguished, and the detection accuracy of item M can be improved.

[0096] <Sixth variation> Figure 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating an article detection device 7 as a sixth modified example.

[0097] In the item detection device 7, multiple RFID media 40 are arranged in the fluid section 30 along the direction of fluid flow (Z direction).

[0098] Since each RFID medium 40 has unique ID information, by identifying the RFID medium 40 that has become unable to communicate due to being shielded by the fluid L, changes in the weight and number of items M can be detected in stages.

[0099] Furthermore, the number of items M can be quantitatively detected by adjusting the spacing of the RFID media 40 placed in the fluid section 30 according to the volume and material of the mounting section 20, depending on the type and number of items M.

[0100] The sixth modification is also applicable to the item detection devices 2-6 shown in Figures 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11.

[0101] [Other embodiments] Although this embodiment has been described above, the above embodiment is merely one example of how the present invention can be applied, and it is not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to the specific configuration of the above embodiment.

[0102] The configuration of the article detection device 1 according to this embodiment is an example and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the article detection device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3, the flow section 30 and the communication section 31 can be made of tubular members such as linear or flexible pipes or hoses.

[0103] By constructing the connecting section 31 with a tubular member, the fluid section 30 can be positioned at a location away from the storage section 10.

[0104] In this embodiment, the fluid L may be water, oil, or other solutions. In particular, if the article M is a food product, oils or solutions usable in the food machinery or food processing fields can be used as the fluid L.

[0105] The configuration of the RFID medium 40 in this embodiment is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 4. The number of meanders and meander amplitude of the meanders 52 and 53, the shape of the capacitor hats 54 and 55, etc. can be changed as appropriate.

[0106] The battery 44 may be located on the opposite side of the surface where the antenna 43 and the IC device 42 are formed, and may be connected to the IC device 42 by connecting wires that penetrate the substrate 41.

[0107] The RFID medium 40 may be an active RFID equipped with a battery 44, or a passive RFID that uses electromotive force from external electromagnetic waves as its power source.

[0108] In this embodiment, the microwave band (frequency 2.45 GHz) can also be used as the frequency band for enabling wireless communication via radio waves.

[0109] Furthermore, in this embodiment, NFC by electromagnetic induction can also be applied, and the HF band (3MHz to 30MHz, particularly the specific frequency band of 13.56MHz) or the LF band (frequency of 135KHz or less) can also be used.

[0110] In the third modified example of the article detection device 4, the storage section 11 does not need to be flexible as a whole; at least a part of it may be flexible, such as the upper surface that constitutes the mounting section. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0111] 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 Item detection device 10 Storage section 10a Upper edge 11 Storage section 12 Bag body 14 Frame 20 Mounting section 20b Bottom side 21 Mounting section 22 Floating bodies 23 plates 23b Bottom side 30 Fluid section 30h hollow 31 Communication part 40 RFID Media 41 Base material 42 IC devices 43 Antenna 44 batteries 45 connecting wires 46 Surface base material 51 Loop section 52,53 Meanda 54,55 Capacitor Hat 60 Inner support 60a top 61,62 outer support 61a,62a Contact part 61b, 62b rods 61c,62c buffer mechanism 70 Pressure adjustment section 80 Movable member 100 Reader L fluid M Goods

Claims

1. A storage section in which fluid is stored, A mounting section is provided on the fluid in the storage section, on which an article is placed, A fluid section is connected to the storage section, and when the article is placed on the aforementioned placement section, the fluid moves from the storage section. An RFID medium having an IC chip and an antenna connected to the IC chip, and positioned at a predetermined location in the fluid section, Equipped with, The fluid moving in the fluid section is configured to change the state of the radio waves transmitted through the antenna, depending on the amount of the aforementioned article. Item detection device.

2. The article detection device according to claim 1, The storage section is provided with an inner support to support the load of the article, Item detection device.

3. The article detection device according to claim 1, The storage section is provided with an outer support to support the load of the article, Item detection device.

4. The article detection device according to claim 1, The storage section comprises a bag that is at least partially flexible, The bag has a frame that restricts the contents from collapsing from the aforementioned storage area even if the bag is deformed, Item detection device.

5. The article detection device according to claim 1, In the fluid section, a plurality of RFID media are arranged along the direction of fluid flow. Item detection device.

6. The article detection device according to claim 1, The system is equipped with an adjustment mechanism that adjusts the amount of fluid that flows from the storage section to the fluid section when the article is placed on the mounting section. Item detection device.

7. The article detection device according to claim 1, The fluidized portion is provided with a movable member that moves within the fluidized portion by the fluid flowing through it, thereby changing the state of the radio waves emitted from the antenna. Item detection device.

Images