Wireless tag reader and program

Abstract

This invention provides a wireless tag reader and program that can assist in inventory management of items stored within a facility. [Solution] The wireless tag reader of the embodiment is a wireless tag reader used in a facility where articles are stored, and comprises: a first acquisition means for acquiring captured images taken inside the facility; a second acquisition means for acquiring article identification information that can identify the type of article on an individual item basis, read from wireless tags attached to the articles; an inventory means for performing an inventory count of the number of articles of each type based on the article identification information acquired by the second acquisition means; a location identification means for identifying the location of the device within the facility; and a display control means for displaying the inventory status of the articles at a location on the captured image corresponding to the storage location of the articles, based on map information showing the storage locations of each type of article within the facility and the location of the device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a wireless tag reading apparatus and a program. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, inventory counting of articles is performed in facilities such as distribution warehouses that manage articles. For example, a technique has been conventionally proposed for counting articles by attaching a wireless tag such as an RFID tag to the article and reading tag information recorded by the wireless tag with a wireless tag reading apparatus.

[0003] By the way, with conventional wireless tag reading apparatuses, while tag information can be collectively read from wireless tags, it is difficult to confirm in which range the wireless tags from which tag information is read are located. [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] A problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a wireless tag reading apparatus and a program capable of supporting inventory counting of articles stored in a facility. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0005] A wireless tag reading apparatus according to an embodiment is a wireless tag reading apparatus used in a facility where articles are stored, comprising: first acquisition means for acquiring a captured image obtained by capturing an image of the inside of the facility; second acquisition means for acquiring article identification information, which is read from a wireless tag attached to the article and is capable of identifying the type of the article on an individual article basis; inventory counting means for executing inventory counting that counts the number of articles for each type based on the article identification information acquired by the second acquisition means; position specifying means for specifying the position of the present apparatus within the facility; and display control means for displaying a status related to inventory counting of the article at a position on the captured image corresponding to the storage position of the article, based on map information indicating storage positions for each type of the article within the facility and the position of the present apparatus. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the external configuration of a wireless tag reader according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a first example of the hardware configuration of a wireless tag reader according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the data structure of the inventory information table according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a second example of the hardware configuration of the wireless tag reader according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the functional configuration of a wireless tag reader according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of a wireless tag reader according to an embodiment of this device. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows another example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the wireless tag reader according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the control process performed by the wireless tag reader according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The following description of the wireless tag reader and program according to the embodiment will be given with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiment, the wireless tag reader will be described in a form in which it is used when taking inventory of goods in a facility such as a logistics warehouse (hereinafter also referred to as "facility"), but it is not limited to this form. In this embodiment, taking inventory means determining the quantity of goods in stock at a specific date and time.

[0008] Figure 1 shows an example of the external configuration of the wireless tag reader 1 according to this embodiment. The wireless tag reader 1 shown in Figure 1 is a handheld information terminal operated by the user while being held in their hand. The wireless tag reader 1 may also be mounted on a mobile device operated by the user of the wireless tag reader 1.

[0009] Wireless tag reader 1 is an example of a wireless tag reader. Wireless tag reader 1 is used, for example, by an inventory worker (hereinafter also referred to as "worker") at a facility. The worker can obtain and confirm information about items stored at the facility via wireless tag reader 1.

[0010] The wireless tag reader 1 communicates with the wireless tag TG, such as an RFID tag. By communicating with the wireless tag TG, the wireless tag reader 1 reads the tag information recorded on the wireless tag TG.

[0011] The wireless tag TG is a wireless communication device that operates using radio waves (output signals) from the wireless tag reader 1. The wireless tag TG includes a processor, memory, communication circuit, and antenna. In response to a read command from the wireless tag reader 1, the wireless tag TG outputs a response signal containing tag information stored in its memory. For example, a wireless tag TG is attached to each item being inventoryed.

[0012] The wireless tag TG attached to an item stores tag information in its internal memory, including information that identifies the type of item (hereinafter also referred to as the item ID). The wireless tag TG also includes an item ID in its tag information that uniquely identifies each item (i.e., identifies each item of the same type individually). In other words, the tag information holds information that allows for the identification of the item type at the individual item level. The item ID and item ID together are an example of item identification information. Furthermore, from now on, an item that is uniquely identified (an item uniquely identified by its item ID) will be referred to as an individual item.

[0013] In the configuration example shown in Figure 1, the wireless tag reader 1 is composed of a reader device 10 and an information terminal device 20. Here, the information terminal device 20 may be provided as the wireless tag reader 1. In this case, the wireless tag reader 1 as the information terminal device 20 is operated with the reader device 10 as an external device attached.

[0014] The reader device 10 comprises a housing on which an RFID tag interface having an antenna and a communication control circuit is installed. In the reader device 10, the antenna is positioned so that its directivity is strongest in the direction of arrow a shown in Figure 1. Here, the direction of arrow a is assumed to be the front (forward) direction of the wireless tag reader 1. Also, the front direction of the wireless tag reader 1 is assumed to be the direction of the antenna.

[0015] The reader device 10 has a gripping part 11 and a holding part 12. The gripping part 11 is the part that the operator grips. The holding part 12 is made up of a jig that holds the information terminal device 20. The holding part 12 holds the information terminal device 20 so that the display screen of the display unit 21 of the information terminal device 20 faces the operator who is gripping the gripping part 11. The wireless tag reader device 1 is operated by the operator gripping the gripping part 11 while the information terminal device 20 is set in the holding part 12.

[0016] The information terminal device 20 has a display unit 21 and an input unit 22. The display unit 21 and the input unit 22 are, for example, display devices with touch panels. When the information terminal device 20 is set in the holding unit 12 of the reader device 10, the screen displayed by the display unit 21 can be viewed by the operator. Also, when the information terminal device 20 is set in the holding unit 12 of the reader device 10, operation instructions from the operator are input to the input unit 22.

[0017] The wireless tag reader 1 is used while being held by an operator, and reads the tag information recorded on the wireless tag TG by receiving a response signal from the wireless tag TG that is within the reading area (reading range) of the antenna.

[0018] Also, the wireless tag reader 1 estimates the position of the own device using self-position estimation technology. For example, the wireless tag reader 1 estimates the self-position (the position of the own device) by a self-position estimation method used in AR (Augmented Reality) technology, based on an image captured by a camera of the information terminal device 20 or the reader device 10. Here, the self-position is a concept including the position and posture (three-dimensional posture) of the wireless tag reader 1 within a facility. It should be noted that publicly known techniques can be used for the methods, configurations and the like related to self-position estimation, and the present invention is not limited to any specific technique.

[0019] Hereinafter, the configuration of the wireless tag reader 1 described above will be described.

[0020] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a first configuration example of the hardware configuration of the wireless tag reader 1 according to the embodiment. In the configuration example shown in Figure 2, the wireless tag reader 1 includes a processor 31, a memory 32, a wireless tag communication unit 33, a sensor 34, a communication interface (I / F) 35, a camera 36, a display unit 21, and an input unit 22. As shown in Figure 2, the wireless tag reader 1 can communicate with a wireless tag TG via the wireless tag communication unit 33.

[0021] The processor 31 controls each unit. The processor 31 includes, for example, an arithmetic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 31 realizes control of each unit and various data processing by executing programs. Further, the processor 31 may be provided with an internal memory. The processor 31 executes various processes by executing programs stored in the memory 32 or the like.

[0022] The memory 32 includes various types of memory. For example, the memory 32 includes memories such as ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and NVM (Non Volatile Memory). ROM is a non-volatile memory that cannot be rewritten. ROM stores programs and the like executed by the processor 31. RAM is a volatile memory that temporarily stores data. RAM operates as a working memory or a buffer memory.

[0023] The NVM of the memory 32 is a rewritable non-volatile memory. The memory 32 stores information such as control information, setting information, and processing results in the NVM. Further, the memory 32 stores various programs for the processor 31 to execute each process described later in the NVM. For example, the memory 32 stores, in the NVM, an operation support program that outputs information for supporting an operator's operation of the housing.

[0024] Further, the NVM of the memory 32 stores information such as a read icon Ra and an unread icon Rb, which will be described later.

[0025] Further, the NVM of the memory 32 stores a spatial map 321, an inventory information table 322, and the like. The spatial map 321 associates a map inside a facility with the positions of articles stored in the facility. Here, the map inside the facility is a 3D map obtained by three-dimensionally converting the structure and equipment inside the facility into data. For example, the 3D map may be created by 3D scanning the interior of the facility. Further, the article ID of the corresponding article is stored in association with the storage position of each article in the 3D map. The spatial map 321 is an example of map information.

[0026] Here, the location where an item is stored (hereinafter also referred to as the storage location) may be expressed in units of fixtures such as shelves or display stands, or in units of the arrangement area within the fixture (also referred to as the shelf allocation). Items of the same type shall be stored together in the same location. Furthermore, if items of the same type are stored and managed in containers such as boxes, the storage location of such containers in the 3D map may be used as the storage location of the items.

[0027] The inventory information table 322 is a data table for managing the items to be inventoryed. Figure 3 shows an example of the data structure of the inventory information table 322 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the inventory information table 322 stores information (hereinafter also referred to as item information) associated with the item ID of each item. The item information includes, for example, the item name, item description, image data, theoretical stock quantity, and actual stock quantity.

[0028] The item name is the name of the item. The item description is text that provides additional information about the item, such as its size, expiration date, and place of origin.

[0029] Image data is, for example, two-dimensional image data and includes images representing the item corresponding to the item ID, as well as images used to describe the item.

[0030] The theoretical inventory quantity is the predetermined number of individual items corresponding to the item ID. The inventory quantity is the number of individual items that have been taken inventory corresponding to the item ID. In other words, the inventory quantity is the number of different individual item IDs acquired by the wireless tag reader 1.

[0031] Furthermore, the inventory information table 322 may store the storage location of items within the facility, associated with the item ID. In this case, it is not necessary to manage the storage location of items using a 3D map.

[0032] Furthermore, the inventory information table 322 is a three-dimensional image data of the item corresponding to the item ID, and may store 3D data as item information, such as an image that represents the item corresponding to the item ID in three dimensions.

[0033] Returning to Figure 2, the wireless tag communication unit 33 is a communicator capable of communicating with the wireless tag TG. The wireless tag communication unit 33 is, for example, a communicator having a communication control circuit and an antenna. The wireless tag communication unit 33 may also be configured with a connection interface that connects to an external antenna.

[0034] In the wireless tag communication unit 33, the communication control circuit includes a control circuit for communicating with the wireless tag TG via the antenna. The communication control circuit causes the antenna to emit a transmission signal (radio wave) supplied from the processor 31 at a set output value. The antenna outputs the transmission signal supplied from the communication control circuit as a radio wave that the wireless tag TG can receive. The wireless tag communication unit 33 sets the range (reading area, reading range) in which the wireless tag TG can respond based on the direction of the antenna and the output value of the radio wave output from the antenna.

[0035] Furthermore, in the wireless tag communication unit 33, the communication control circuit not only outputs a transmission signal to the antenna, but also supplies the signal received by the antenna to the processor 31 as received data. The communication control circuit receives a response signal from the wireless tag TG, processes the response signal (received signal) received by the antenna, and supplies it to the processor 31. For example, the communication control circuit supplies the processor 31 with tag information contained in the received signal from the wireless tag TG.

[0036] The sensor (sensor group) 34 detects the movement of the wireless tag reader 1. For example, the sensor 34 may be an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope, or a geomagnetic (compass) sensor. The sensor 34 may be configured to include multiple types of sensors. The sensor 34 may also include a position detection sensor that detects the position of the wireless tag reader 1. The sensor 34 is an example of a position detection sensor. The sensor 34 may also include a depth sensor capable of detecting the distance from the wireless tag communication unit 33 to surrounding objects and capturing the shape of the objects in three dimensions.

[0037] The communication interface (I / F) 35 is a wireless communication interface for communicating with external devices 6, such as server equipment. The communication interface 35 connects to a network via communication equipment such as a wireless LAN router, and communicates with external devices 6 connected to that network.

[0038] Camera 36 photographs the area around the wireless tag reader 1. The shooting direction of camera 36 changes according to the orientation of the wireless tag reader 1. For example, it is preferable to set the shooting direction of camera 36 to match the orientation of the antenna of the wireless tag communication unit 33. The images generated by camera 36 may be used not only for display on the display unit 21, but also for estimating the position of the wireless tag reader 1 (hereinafter also referred to as its own position). In this case, camera 36 becomes an example of a position detection sensor. For example, the wireless tag reader 1 estimates its own position (the position of its own device) based on the image captured by camera 36 using a self-position estimation method used in AR (augmented reality) technology.

[0039] Furthermore, the estimation of the self-position is not limited to using the output from the position detection sensor mentioned above, but may also be estimated using other methods that utilize the output from other devices. For example, the self-position may be estimated using a positioning method that employs UWB (Ultra Wide Band).

[0040] The display unit 21 and input unit 22 of the information terminal device 20 are connected to the processor 31 via an internal interface. The display unit 21 is a device that displays information. For example, the display unit 21 displays various screens under the control of the processor 31. The display unit 21 is implemented by a display device having, for example, a display and / or an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The display unit 21 may also have sound devices such as a buzzer and a speaker.

[0041] The input unit 22 is a device for the operator to input operation instructions, etc. The input unit 22 can be implemented, for example, by hard switches and / or buttons, a touch panel common to the display unit 21, etc. The input unit 22 supplies information indicating the content of the operator's instructions to the processor 31.

[0042] The wireless tag reader 1 has a power supply that provides power for operation. In the case of a handheld wireless tag reader 1, for example, a rechargeable battery (secondary battery) is provided as the power source. The battery supplies power to each part of the wireless tag reader 1 to operate it.

[0043] Figure 4 shows a second example of the hardware configuration of the wireless tag reader 1 according to the embodiment. In the example configuration shown in Figure 4, the information terminal device 20, which is the wireless tag reader 1, is connected to the reader device 10, which is an external device. In Figure 4, elements similar to those in Figure 2 are given the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0044] In addition to the wireless tag communication unit 33 described above, the reader device 10 also includes a processor 41, memory 42, and interface (I / F) 43.

[0045] The processor 41 controls each part of the reader device 10. The processor 41 includes, for example, an arithmetic circuit such as a CPU. The processor 41 performs control of each part and various data processing by executing a program. The processor 41 may also be equipped with internal memory. The processor 41 performs various processes by executing a program stored in memory 42 or the like.

[0046] Memory 42 includes various types of memory. For example, memory 42 includes ROM, RAM, NVM, and other types of memory. ROM is a non-volatile memory that cannot be rewritten. ROM stores programs executed by the processor 41. RAM is a volatile memory that temporarily stores data. RAM operates as working memory or buffer memory. NVM is a rewritable non-volatile memory. NVM stores information such as control information, configuration information, and processing results. The NVM in memory 42 stores various programs for the processor 41 to execute the processes described later.

[0047] Interface 43 only needs to be compatible with the interface 53 provided by the information terminal device 20. For example, interface 43 may be physically connected to an interface provided by the information terminal device 20, such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface or a LAN interface. Alternatively, interface 43 may communicate wirelessly, such as through a Bluetooth® interface.

[0048] The reader device 10 has a power supply that provides power for operation. The reader device 10 is equipped with, for example, a rechargeable battery (secondary battery) as a power source. The battery supplies power to each part of the reader device 10 to operate it.

[0049] In the configuration example shown in Figure 4, the information terminal device 20 is set in the holding unit 12 of the reader device 10. The information terminal device 20 can be any device that has a display unit 21, an input unit 22, etc., and communicates with the reader device 10. The information terminal device 20 is, for example, a portable information processing device such as a smartphone or a tablet PC. As shown in Figure 4, the information terminal device 20 has a display unit 21, an input unit 22, a sensor 34, a communication interface 35, and a camera 36, ​​as well as a processor 51, memory 52, an interface (I / F) 53, etc.

[0050] The processor 51 controls various parts of the information terminal device 20 and performs data processing, etc. The processor 51 is, for example, a CPU. The processor 51 performs various operations by executing programs stored in the memory 52.

[0051] Memory 52 includes various types of memory. For example, memory 52 includes ROM, RAM, NVM, etc. ROM is a non-volatile memory that cannot be rewritten. ROM stores programs executed by the processor 51. RAM is a volatile memory that temporarily stores data. RAM operates as working memory or buffer memory. NVM is a rewritable non-volatile memory. NVM stores information such as control information, configuration information, and processing results. The NVM in memory 52 stores various programs for the processor 51 to execute the processes described later. The NVM in memory 52 also stores the spatial map 321 and the inventory information table 322.

[0052] Interface 53 is an interface (second communication interface) for communicating with interface 43. Interface 53 can be any interface that is compatible with interface 43. For example, interface 53 can be a LAN, USB, Bluetooth®, or other similar interface.

[0053] The information terminal device 20 has a power supply that provides power for its operation. The information terminal device 20 is equipped with, for example, a rechargeable battery (secondary battery) as its power source. The battery supplies power to each part of the information terminal device 20 to operate it.

[0054] Next, the functional configuration of the wireless tag reader 1 will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the wireless tag reader 1 according to this embodiment.

[0055] The wireless tag reader 1 includes, as its functional configuration, a camera image acquisition unit 101, a tag information acquisition unit 102, a position estimation unit 103, an inventory control unit 104, and a display control unit 105.

[0056] The functional configuration of the wireless tag reader 1 is realized, for example, by the processor 31 of the wireless tag reader 1 shown in Figure 2 executing a program stored in memory 32. Alternatively, the functional configuration of the wireless tag reader 1 is realized, for example, by the processor 51 of the information terminal device 20 shown in Figure 4 executing a program stored in memory 52. ​​Note that some or all of the functional configuration of the wireless tag reader 1 may be realized by hardware configurations such as dedicated circuits.

[0057] The camera image acquisition unit 101 is an example of a first acquisition means. The camera image acquisition unit 101 acquires images captured by the camera 36 (hereinafter also referred to as captured images). The captured images are assumed to be real-time video captured by the camera 36, ​​but are not limited to this and may be still images captured by the camera 36.

[0058] The tag information acquisition unit 102 is an example of a second acquisition means. The tag information acquisition unit 102 acquires tag information read from a wireless tag TG attached to an item. Specifically, the tag information acquisition unit 102 acquires tag information including the item ID and individual item ID read from the wireless tag TG by the wireless tag communication unit 33. The tag information acquired by the tag information acquisition unit 102 is stored in, for example, memory 32 (memory 52).

[0059] Furthermore, the tag information acquisition unit 102 determines whether the individual item ID included in the acquired tag information is stored in memory 32 (memory 52). If the tag information acquisition unit 102 determines that no duplicate individual item IDs are stored in memory 32 (memory 52), it associates the item ID included in the acquired tag information with the individual item ID and stores them in memory 32 (memory 52).

[0060] The position estimation unit 103 is an example of a position determination means. The position estimation unit 103 identifies the location within the facility corresponding to the item ID acquired by the tag information acquisition unit 102 from the spatial map 321, and estimates its own position based on the identified location within the facility. In this case, the position estimation unit 103 may also estimate its own position using RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) values ​​obtained when reading the tag information.

[0061] Furthermore, for example, the position estimation unit 103 may estimate its own position based on the captured image acquired by the camera image acquisition unit 101 using a self-position estimation method used in AR technology. In this case, the position estimation unit 103 may also use the spatial map 321 and the sensing results of the sensor 34, or it may perform adjustments for positioning by using an AR marker or the like when starting operation of the wireless tag reader 1.

[0062] The inventory control unit 104 is an example of an inventory means. Specifically, the inventory control unit 104 performs inventory by counting the number of items for each item ID based on the item ID and individual item ID acquired by the tag information acquisition unit 102. More specifically, the inventory control unit 104 counts the quantity of individual item IDs held in memory 32 (memory 52) for each item ID.

[0063] Furthermore, the inventory control unit 104 refers to the inventory information table 322 and updates the inventory count. Specifically, the inventory control unit 104 stores the quantity of each individual item ID counted for each item ID as the inventory count.

[0064] The display control unit 105 is an example of a display control means. The display control unit 105 supports inventory management of items stored in the facility by displaying various information on the captured image using AR technology, etc.

[0065] Specifically, the display control unit 105 identifies the storage location of the item on the captured image taken by the camera 36, ​​based on the spatial map 321 and its own position estimated by the position estimation unit 103.

[0066] Furthermore, the display control unit 105 displays information about each item at its storage location on the captured image, based on various information stored in the inventory information table 322. For example, the display control unit 105 classifies items into those whose inventory is equal to the theoretical inventory (hereinafter also referred to as "read items") and those whose inventory is less than the theoretical inventory (hereinafter also referred to as "unread items"), based on the inventory quantity and theoretical inventory quantity of each item stored in the inventory information table 322. The display control unit 105 then displays information that can identify each classification (hereinafter also referred to as classification identification information), associating it with the storage location of the corresponding item on the captured image.

[0067] Furthermore, the display control unit 105 may classify the inventory quantity in the same way as when the inventory quantity is equal to the theoretical inventory quantity, or in the same way as when the inventory quantity is less than the theoretical inventory quantity, even when the inventory quantity exceeds the theoretical inventory quantity.

[0068] The following describes examples of screens displayed by the display control unit 105, with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

[0069] Figure 6 shows an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 21 of the wireless tag reader 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the display control unit 105 displays the captured image acquired by the camera image acquisition unit 101, that is, the scenery inside the facility, on the display unit 21.

[0070] Figure 6 shows an example in which multiple items are stored in box-shaped storage containers B placed on two shelves, Ta and Tb, one above the other. Specifically, it shows an example in which four storage containers B are placed on the upper and lower shelves of the front shelf Ta, and four storage containers B are placed on the upper and lower shelves of the back shelf Tb. Furthermore, it is assumed that multiple items of the same type are stored in the same storage container B. In the case of Figure 6, for example, the spatial map 321 is set with the three-dimensional arrangement and structure of the front shelf Ta and the back shelf Tb, and the information indicating the placement position (three-dimensional coordinates, etc.) of each storage container B placed on the upper and lower shelves of each shelf is associated with the item ID of the item stored in that storage container B.

[0071] As described above, by setting the shooting direction of the camera 36 to match the direction of the antenna of the wireless tag communication unit 33, the wireless tag communication unit 33 transmits radio waves in the shooting direction, thereby reading tag information from the wireless tags TG of the items stored in the storage container B. Based on the results of reading the tag information, the inventory control unit 104 updates the inventory information table 322 by counting the inventory quantity of each item. At this time, the display control unit 105 classifies each item into read items and unread items based on the relationship between the inventory quantity stored in the inventory information table 322 and the theoretical inventory quantity, and displays the classification so that it can be identified at the location of the storage container B in which the item is stored.

[0072] Figure 6 shows an example where a read icon Ra is displayed at the location where a read item is stored, and an unread icon Rb is displayed at the location where an unread item is stored. Here, the read icon Ra and the unread icon Rb have different shapes and colors, making them distinguishable from each other. Note that the read icon Ra and the unread icon Rb are examples of classification identification information.

[0073] In this way, the display control unit 105 displays, in an identifiable manner, items in the vicinity of the wireless tag reader 1 that have had their wireless tags TG read and items that have not yet had their wireless tags TG read. This allows workers to easily confirm which items have been read and which have not been read using the wireless tag reader 1; in other words, workers can easily understand which wireless tags within the facility have had their tag information read.

[0074] The information indicating scanned and unscanned items is not limited to the example in Figure 6, and may include other icons, text, or other information. For example, scanned and unscanned items may be distinguished by color-coding the storage container B shown in the captured image. Furthermore, the information indicating unscanned items may be changed according to the difference or ratio between the actual inventory and the theoretical inventory. For example, the display control unit 105 may gradually change the shape, color, and movement of the unscanned icon Rb according to the difference or ratio between the actual inventory and the theoretical inventory.

[0075] Furthermore, the display control unit 105 may, in place of or in conjunction with the read icon Ra and the unread icon Rb, display the quantity of individual item IDs associated with the item IDs corresponding to read or unread items held in memory 32 (memory 52), i.e., the inventory quantity, in relation to the storage position of the corresponding item on the captured image.

[0076] This allows for a visual confirmation of the extent to which the inventory of items stored in storage unit B has been completed, thereby further improving convenience.

[0077] Furthermore, the display control unit 105 displays the item name and description of each item stored in the inventory information table 322, associating them with the storage location on the corresponding item's image. The display control unit 105 may also display information such as the item ID, item name, item description, theoretical stock quantity, stock quantity, and image data of unread or read items, associating them with the storage location on the corresponding item's image.

[0078] As an example, the display control unit 105 may display the item ID of the read item, the item name, item description, theoretical stock quantity, stock quantity, image data, etc., along with the read icon Ra. As another example, when the display control unit 105 receives a touch operation on the read icon Ra, it may display the item ID, item name, item description, theoretical stock quantity, stock quantity, image data, etc., corresponding to that read icon Ra. In this case, the display control unit 105 may switch from the screen showing the captured image to a screen showing the item ID, item name, item description, theoretical stock quantity, stock quantity, image data, etc.

[0079] Furthermore, the display control unit 105 may display information such as the item ID of the unread item, the item name included in the item information, the item description, theoretical stock quantity, stock quantity, and image data. For example, the display control unit 105 may display the item ID of the unread item, the item name included in the item information, the item description, theoretical stock quantity, stock quantity, and image data along with the unread icon Rb. Another example is that when the display control unit 105 receives a touch operation on the unread icon Rb, it may display the item ID, item name, item description, theoretical stock quantity, stock quantity, and image data corresponding to that unread icon Rb. In this case, the display control unit 105 may switch from the screen of the captured image to a screen displaying the item ID, item name, item description, theoretical stock quantity, stock quantity, and image data.

[0080] Figure 7 shows another example of a screen displayed on the display unit 21 of the wireless tag reader 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 7 shows the screen displayed when one of the unread icons Rb displayed on the display unit 21 is selected by a touch operation or the like by an operator operating the wireless tag reader 1.

[0081] Display area G is the area that displays the item information of the unread item corresponding to the selected unread icon Rb. As shown in Figure 7, display area G displays the item ID corresponding to the unread icon Rb, and the item information of the unread item, including the item name, size (item description), theoretical stock quantity, stock quantity, and image data.

[0082] The following describes an example of the operation of the wireless tag reader 1.

[0083] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the control processing performed by the wireless tag reader 1 according to this embodiment. It should be assumed that, as a prerequisite for this processing, the worker is holding the wireless tag reader 1 while stationary in the vicinity of a location within the facility where multiple items are stored, in other words, the location where inventory is being taken. Furthermore, the display unit 21 of the wireless tag reader 1 displays the captured image acquired by the camera image acquisition unit 101, under the control of the display control unit 105. Additionally, the position estimation unit 103 of the wireless tag reader 1 is assumed to be constantly estimating its own position or at predetermined time intervals.

[0084] First, the tag information acquisition unit 102 determines whether it has acquired tag information (step S101). If the tag information acquisition unit 102 cannot acquire tag information (step S101; No), the processor 31 (processor 51) proceeds to step S105.

[0085] If the tag information acquisition unit 102 determines that it has acquired tag information (step S101; Yes), it acquires the item ID and individual item ID from the tag information (step S102). Next, the tag information acquisition unit 102 determines whether the individual item ID acquired in step S102 is stored in memory 32 (memory 52) (step S103).

[0086] In step S103, if it is determined that the acquired individual item ID is stored in memory 32 (memory 52) (step S103; Yes), the processor 31 (processor 51) returns to step S101.

[0087] In step S103, if it is determined that the acquired individual item ID is not stored in memory 32 (memory 52) (step S103; No), the tag information acquisition unit 102 associates the item ID acquired in step S102 with the individual item ID and stores it in memory 32 (memory 52) (step S104).

[0088] Next, the inventory control unit 104 counts the quantity of individual item IDs held in memory 32 (memory 52) for each item ID (step S105). Subsequently, the inventory control unit 104 refers to the inventory information table 322 and updates the inventory quantity. Specifically, the inventory control unit 104 stores the quantity of individual item IDs counted in step S105 as the inventory quantity for each item ID (step S106).

[0089] Next, the display control unit 105 refers to the inventory information table 322 and determines whether the theoretical inventory quantity and the actual inventory quantity match for each item ID (step S107).

[0090] In step S107, if it is determined that the inventory quantity matches the theoretical inventory quantity (step S107; Yes), the display control unit 105 distinguishes the item corresponding to the item ID from the already read item (step S108). Then, the processor 31 (processor 51) proceeds to step S110.

[0091] In step S107, if it is determined that the number of items in stock does not match the theoretical number of items in stock, in other words, that the number of items in stock is less than the theoretical number of items in stock (step S107; No), the display control unit 105 classifies the item corresponding to the item ID as an unread item (step S109).

[0092] Next, the display control unit 105 displays classification identification information at the storage location of the item on the captured image based on the spatial map 321 (step S110). For example, the display control unit 105 displays a read icon Ra at the storage location on the captured image of an item classified as a read item in step S108, based on the spatial map 321. Alternatively, for example, the display control unit 105 displays an unread icon Rb at the storage location on the captured image of an item classified as an unread item in step S109, based on the spatial map 321.

[0093] Next, processor 31 (processor 51) determines whether an termination operation has been performed to end the use of the wireless tag reader 1 (step S111).

[0094] If no termination operation is performed in step S111 (step S111; No), processor 31 (processor 51) returns to step S101. On the other hand, if a termination operation is performed in step S111 (step S111; Yes), processor 31 (processor 51) stops the operation of each functional configuration and terminates this process.

[0095] Through the above process, the worker conducting the inventory can easily grasp the status of the inventory by looking at the screen displayed on the display unit 21 of the wireless tag reader 1, and thereby obtaining tag information from the RFID tags attached to each item stored around the worker.

[0096] As described above, the wireless tag reader 1 of this embodiment (an example of a wireless tag reader) is a wireless tag reader 1 used in a facility where goods are stored, and comprises: a camera image acquisition unit 101 that acquires captured images taken inside the facility; a tag information acquisition unit 102 that acquires an item ID and an individual item ID that can identify the type of goods on an individual item basis, read from a wireless tag TG attached to the goods; an inventory control unit 104 that performs an inventory count to count the number of goods of each type based on the item ID and individual item ID acquired by the tag information acquisition unit 102; a position estimation unit 103 that identifies the position of the device within the facility; and a display control unit 105 that displays the inventory status of the goods at the position on the captured image corresponding to the storage location of the goods, based on a spatial map 321 showing the storage locations of each type of goods within the facility and the position of the device.

[0097] As a result, the wireless tag reader 1 can display information that identifies the inventory status of an item at a location on the captured image corresponding to the storage location of the item within the facility. Therefore, workers can easily grasp the inventory status by looking at the display unit 21 of the wireless tag reader 1. Consequently, the wireless tag reader 1 can assist in the inventory of items stored within the facility.

[0098] The embodiments described above can also be modified and implemented as appropriate by changing some of the configurations or functions of each of the devices described above. Therefore, several modifications of the embodiments described above will be described below as other embodiments. In the following, we will mainly describe the differences from the embodiments described above, and will omit detailed explanations of points that are common with what has already been described. Furthermore, the modifications described below may be implemented individually or in combination as appropriate.

[0099] (Variation 1) In the above-described embodiment, the wireless tag reader 1 is configured to hold the inventory information table 322 in memory 32 (memory 52), but this is not limited to this configuration. For example, instead of the wireless tag reader 1, an external device 6 may be configured to hold the inventory information table 322.

[0100] In this case, the tag information acquisition unit 102 of the wireless tag reader 1 notifies the external device 6 of the item ID included in the tag information when it acquires tag information from the wireless tag TG, or when it determines that the item ID included in the acquired tag information is not stored in memory 32 (memory 52). On the other hand, when the external device 6 receives notification of the item ID from the wireless tag reader 1, it refers to the inventory information table 322 and acquires item information corresponding to the received item ID. The external device 6 associates the acquired item information with the item ID and transmits it to the wireless tag reader 1. When the wireless tag reader 1 receives the item ID and item information from the external device 6, it stores the received item information in memory 32 (memory 52) associating it with the item ID.

[0101] As a result, in the above-described embodiment, the wireless tag reader 1 can acquire item information held in memory 32 (memory 52) instead of referring to the inventory information table 322 at the time it would normally refer to the inventory information table 322. Therefore, similar to the above-described embodiment, the wireless tag reader 1 can be used to assist in inventory management of items stored within the facility.

[0102] (Modification 2) In the above-described embodiment, the tag information acquisition unit 102 is configured to associate the acquired item ID with the item ID and store it in the memory 32 (memory 52) if it determines that the individual item ID included in the tag information acquired from the wireless tag TG is not stored in the memory 32 (memory 52), but the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0103] For example, if the tag information acquisition unit 102 determines that the individual item ID included in the tag information acquired from the wireless tag TG is not stored in memory 32 (memory 52), it may associate the date and time information measured by a timing unit (not shown) implemented by processor 31 (processor 51), etc., with the individual item ID and item ID included in the tag information and store it in memory 32 (memory 52) as inventory information. The date and time information may be the most recent date and time, or the date and time for a predetermined number of times (for example, 5 times).

[0104] As a result, the wireless tag reader 1 can store the date and time when the tag information acquisition unit 102 acquired tag information that is not stored in memory 32 (memory 52). Therefore, similar to the embodiment described above, the wireless tag reader 1 can be used to assist in inventory management of items stored within the facility.

[0105] While embodiments (and modifications) of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, combinations, 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.

[0106] Furthermore, the programs executed by each device in the above embodiments are provided pre-installed in the storage medium (ROM or storage unit) provided by the device, but are not limited to this. For example, the programs may be configured to be provided as installable or executable files recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). Moreover, the storage medium is not limited to a medium independent of the computer or embedded system, but also includes storage media that have downloaded and stored or temporarily stored programs transmitted via a LAN, the Internet, etc.

[0107] Furthermore, the programs executed by each device of the above embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by allowing users to download them via the network, or they may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0108] 1. Wireless tag reader 6 External device 101 Camera image acquisition unit 102 Tag Information Acquisition Unit 103 Position estimation part 104 Inventory Control Unit 105 Display Control Unit [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0109] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-160258

Claims

1. A wireless tag reader used within a facility where goods are stored, A first acquisition means for acquiring images taken inside the aforementioned facility, A second acquisition means for acquiring item identification information that can identify the type of item on an individual item basis, which is read from a wireless tag attached to the item, Based on the item identification information acquired by the second acquisition means, an inventory means performs an inventory count to count the number of items of each type, A location identification means for identifying the location of the device within the aforementioned facility, A display control means that displays the inventory status of the items at the location on the captured image corresponding to the storage location of the items, based on map information showing the storage location of each type of item within the facility and the location of the device itself. A wireless tag reader equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

2. The display control means displays information that identifies whether the number of items of each type counted by the inventory means meets a predetermined number for each type of item, at a position on the captured image corresponding to the storage location of the item. The wireless tag reader according to claim 1.

3. The display control means displays an icon image that clearly indicates whether or not the specified number is met, as information to be displayed at the position on the captured image corresponding to the storage location of the article. The wireless tag reader according to claim 2.

4. The display control means changes the information displayed at the position on the captured image corresponding to the storage location of an item, according to the difference or percentage between the number of items of each type counted by the inventory means and a predetermined number for each type of item. The wireless tag reader according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The display control means displays article information relating to the article at a position on the captured image corresponding to the storage location of the article. The wireless tag reader according to claim 1.

6. The computer of the wireless tag reader used within the facility where the items are stored, A first acquisition means for acquiring images taken inside the aforementioned facility, A second acquisition means for acquiring item identification information that can identify the type of item on an individual item basis, which is read from a wireless tag attached to the item, Based on the item identification information acquired by the second acquisition means, an inventory means performs an inventory count to count the number of items of each type, A location identification means for identifying the location of the device within the aforementioned facility, A display control means that displays the inventory status of the items at the location on the captured image corresponding to the storage location of the items, based on map information showing the storage location of each type of item within the facility and the location of the device itself. A program that makes it function as such.

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