Tag communication device and information processing program

Abstract

To provide a tag communication device capable of rewriting identification codes of a plurality of wireless tags with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: A tag communication device according to the embodiment includes a communication unit, a selection unit, a request unit, a rewrite unit, and a control unit. The selection unit causes the communication unit to transmit a first command for notification of selection of a wireless tag having an identification code that includes a mask pattern that is a part of a common portion of the identification code. The request unit causes the communication unit to transmit a second command requesting a response from a selected wireless tag. The rewrite unit causes, in response to data transmitted from the wireless tag in response to the second command being received by the communication unit, to the wireless tag that transmitted the data, the communication unit to transmit a third command requesting rewriting. The control unit repeats, until transmission of the third command is performed to a predetermined number of wireless tags, when the third command is transmitted, or when the data is not received from the wireless tag for the second command transmission, transmission of the second command.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a tag communication device and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Image forming apparatuses are known that form images on a print medium including a plurality of labels each having a wireless tag attached thereto, and that individually rewrite the identification codes of the wireless tags. However, in a tag communication device applied to such an image forming apparatus, since multiple wireless tags are located in close proximity, it was necessary to devise mechanical measures, such as arranging a radio wave shielding member, so that these multiple wireless tags could communicate sequentially one by one. In view of these circumstances, it has been desired to make it possible to rewrite the identification codes of multiple wireless tags with a simple configuration. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-79351 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a tag communication device and an information processing program that enable rewriting of identification codes of multiple wireless tags with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A tag communication device according to an embodiment includes a communication unit, a selection unit, a request unit, a rewriting unit, and a control unit. The communication unit communicates wirelessly with a plurality of wireless tags, each storing an identification code including at least a part of a known common portion. The selection unit designates at least a part of the common portion as a mask pattern and causes the communication unit to transmit a first command to notify the selection of a wireless tag having an identification code including the mask pattern. The request unit causes the communication unit to transmit a second command to request a response from the selected wireless tag. In response to reception by the communication unit of data transmitted from one wireless tag in response to the second command, the rewriting unit causes the communication unit to transmit a third command to the wireless tag that transmitted the data, requesting a rewriting of the identification code. The control unit causes the request unit to repeatedly transmit the second command until the rewriting unit has transmitted the third command to each of a predetermined number of wireless tags, or if the communication unit does not receive data transmitted from one wireless tag in response to transmission of the second command by the request unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a tagged label sheet. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the tag communication unit in FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart of a rewrite process performed by the processor in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of a communication sequence between a tag communication unit and a wireless tag and a state change of the wireless tag. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of a communication sequence between a tag communication unit and a wireless tag and a state change of the wireless tag. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of a communication sequence between a tag communication unit and a wireless tag and a state change of the wireless tag. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of a communication sequence between a tag communication unit and a wireless tag and a state change of the wireless tag. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of a communication sequence between a tag communication unit and a wireless tag and a state change of the wireless tag. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of a communication sequence between a tag communication unit and a wireless tag and a state change of the wireless tag. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of a communication sequence between a tag communication unit and a wireless tag and a state change of the wireless tag. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] An example of an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that in this embodiment, a multifunction peripheral having a function as a tag communication device will be described as an example. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a multifunction peripheral 1 according to this embodiment. The multifunction peripheral 1 is a device that combines the functions of a copier, scanner, printer, facsimile machine, etc. However, it does not need to have all of these functions, and it may also have other functions such as a file server function. The multifunction peripheral 1 is also called an MFP (multi-function peripheral).

[0008] The multifunction device 1 includes a processor 10, a main memory 11, an auxiliary storage unit 12, an operation and display unit 13, a scan unit 14, an image forming unit 15, a facsimile unit 16, a tag communication unit 17, an external communication unit 18, and a transmission path 19. The processor 10, the main memory 11, the auxiliary storage unit 12, the operation and display unit 13, the scan unit 14, the image forming unit 15, the facsimile unit 16, the tag communication unit 17, and the external communication unit 18 are connected via the transmission path 19.

[0009] A processor 10, a main memory 11, and an auxiliary storage unit 12 are connected via a transmission line 19 to form a computer that performs information processing. The processor 10 corresponds to the central part of the computer and executes information processing in accordance with information processing programs such as an operating system, middleware, and application programs.

[0010] The main memory 11 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 11 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 11 stores information processing programs in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 11 may also store data required for the processor 10 to execute processes for controlling each part in either the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 11 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor 10 as needed.

[0011] The auxiliary storage unit 12 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 12 may be a single or a combination of well-known storage devices, such as an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), an HDD (hard disk drive), or an SSD (solid state drive). The auxiliary storage unit 12 stores data used by the processor 10 when performing various processes, and data generated by the processes performed by the processor 10. The auxiliary storage unit 12 stores information processing programs. A portion of the storage area of the auxiliary storage unit 12 is used to store a setting file FIA, which will be described later.

[0012] The operation and display unit 13 inputs operations by the user of the multifunction device 1 and displays various information to the user. The operation and display unit 13 may include various operation devices and display devices such as a touch panel, a keyboard, key switches, LED lamps, or a liquid crystal display panel, as appropriate.

[0013] The scanning unit 14 reads an original document and generates image data of the image represented on the original document. The image forming unit 15 forms an image represented by the image data on a print medium. The image forming unit 15 includes a well-known image forming device, such as an electrophotographic image forming unit. As the print medium, various well-known media such as cut paper may be used, one of which is tagged label paper.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a label sheet with a tag. The tagged label paper shown in Fig. 2 is configured by pasting labels RAA, RAB, RAC, RAD, and RAE, each with a wireless tag TAA, TAB, TAC, TAD, or TAE, onto an A4-sized mount MOA, for example. Wireless tags are also called RFID (radio frequency identification) tags. In the following, the wireless tags TAA, TAB, TAC, TAD, and TAE will be referred to as the wireless tag TA when there is no need to distinguish them from one another.

[0015] 2 is merely an example, and any size of backing paper, label size, number of labels, label size, label shape, label position on backing paper, or wireless tag attachment position within the label may be used. Also, multiple types of tagged label paper that differ in some of these may be selectively used. However, the following will be described in detail with reference to the case where the tagged label paper shown in FIG. 2 is used as the print medium.

[0016] A facsimile unit 16 in FIG. 1 performs various well-known processes for carrying out image communication conforming to facsimile standards via a communication network (not shown) such as a PSTN (public switched telephone network). When tagged label paper is used as a print medium, the tag communication unit 17 communicates wirelessly with multiple RFID tags TA attached to the print medium. The tag communication unit 17 may communicate with the RFID tags TA either before the print medium is fed into the image forming unit 15, while the image forming unit 15 is forming an image on the print medium, or after the print medium is ejected from the image forming unit 15.

[0017] The external communication unit 18 executes communication processing for performing data communication with devices external to the multifunction peripheral 1 via the communication network 2. The external communication unit 18 can use, for example, an existing communication device for a LAN (local area network). The transmission path 19 includes an address bus, a data bus, and control signal lines, and transmits data and control signals exchanged between the connected components.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the tag communication unit 17. As shown in FIG. The tag communication unit 17 includes a modulator 171 , a transmitter amplifier 172 , a circulator 173 , an antenna 174 , a receiver amplifier 175 , a demodulator 176 , a controller 177 , and an interface 178 .

[0019] Modulation unit 171 obtains a transmission signal by modulating a carrier wave with data provided by control unit 177. Note that modulation unit 171 can also output an unmodulated carrier wave as a transmission signal as is while no data is provided from control unit 177. The transmission amplifier 172 amplifies the transmission signal output from the modulation section 171 to make the signal suitable for wireless transmission.

[0020] Circulator 173 outputs the transmission signal output from transmission amplifier 172 to antenna 174. Circulator 173 outputs the reception signal obtained by antenna 174 as described below to reception amplifier 175. In this way, circulator 173 allows antenna 174 to be used for both transmission and reception. Antenna 174 emits radio waves corresponding to the transmission signal provided from circulator 173. Antenna 174 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the radio waves that have propagated through space and arrived to circulator 173 as a received signal.

[0021] The receiving amplifier 175 amplifies the weak received signal obtained by the antenna 174 from the weak radio waves emitted from the RFID tag TA and arriving at the antenna 174, and makes the signal suitable for processing by the demodulation unit 176. If the received signal is a signal modulated by data, demodulation section 176 demodulates the data. The modulator 171, transmitter amplifier 172, circulator 173, receiver amplifier 175, and demodulator 176, or with the addition of antenna 174, function as a communication unit.

[0022] The control unit 177 outputs data to the modulation unit 171 and processes data obtained by the demodulation unit 176 in order to communicate with the RFID tag TA in accordance with a predetermined communication standard. The control unit 177 receives various data such as setting data for communication with the RFID tag TA by communicating with the processor 10 via a transmission path 19 through an interface 178. The control unit 177 notifies the processor 10 of various data such as data read from the RFID tag TA by communicating with the processor 10 via the transmission path 19 through the interface 178.

[0023] The control unit 177 includes a processor 1771 and a memory unit 1772. The processor 1771 includes a CPU (central processing unit). The processor 1771 may include a high-speed signal processor using an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) or the like. The processor 1771 controls the operation of each unit of the tag communication unit 17 so that transmission and reception are performed in a sequence compliant with a communication standard, and performs information processing and signal processing for generating and outputting data to be transmitted and processing received data. The memory unit 1772 stores an information processing program for the processor 1771. The memory unit 1772 is also used as a work area for storing data necessary for the processor 1771 to execute information processing and signal processing. One of the information processing programs stored in the memory unit 1772 is a rewrite program PRA that describes the rewrite processing described below. The rewriting program PRA may be stored in the storage unit 1772 when the multifunction device 1 is transferred, or may be written to the storage unit 1772 in response to an operation by the user or maintenance worker of the multifunction device 1 after the transfer of the multifunction device 1. The latter may be the case, for example, when the rewriting program PRA is provided as a version upgrade program. The rewriting program PRA is assumed to be transferred by communication via a network. However, the rewriting program PRA may also be transferred by being recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory. The interface 178 performs interface processing for data communication via the transmission path 19 .

[0024] Next, the operation of the multifunction peripheral 1 configured as above will be described. Note that the contents of the processes described below are merely examples, and it is possible to change the order of some of the processes, omit some of the processes, or add other processes as appropriate. In this embodiment, wireless communication between the tag communication unit 17 and the RFID tag TA complies with ISO (international standards organization) / IEC (international electrotechnical commission) 18000-6 Type C.

[0025] The multifunction device 1 operates to realize various functions as a copier, scanner, printer, facsimile machine, etc. This operation may be the same as that of another multifunction device of the same type. A characteristic operation of the multifunction device 1 in this embodiment is the operation for rewriting the identification code of the RFID tag TA. Therefore, the following explanation will focus on this operation. The identification code of the RFID tag TA is also called an EPC (electronic product code).

[0026] It is assumed that the RFID tags TAA to TAE are preset with an identification code that is at least partially common. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the same identification code is set for all of the RFID tags TAA to TAE. The identification code is "3008 33B2 DDD9 0140 0000 0000". This identification code is set for a product called "Monza 5" manufactured by Impinj at the time of shipment. However, the RFID tags TAA to TAE may be set with different codes that share a common leading portion. The RFID tags TAA to TAE store the identification code set as described above in their built-in memories.

[0027] As one of the settings for printing using tagged label paper as the print medium, as shown in Figure 2, the number of tags is set to "5." The mask pattern for this setting may be any code that is common to the identification codes of the RFID tags TAA to TAE before rewriting, but here it is "3008 33B2," which corresponds to the first eight digits. The mask pattern may also be the entire common part of the identification codes. Furthermore, as the identification codes after rewriting, any code may be set, but here it is "3010 2EDA F110 F040 0000 0001" to "3010 2EDA F110 F040 0000 0005." However, the mask patterns for the rewritten identification codes should be set so that they do not match. Furthermore, the rewritten identification codes may be set so that all or some of them are identical to each other. Setting data representing these settings is generated by the processor 10 in response to operations by the operator on the operation / display unit 13, for example, and is included in the setting file FIA. Alternatively, the setting data may be acquired from a server device or computer device (not shown in Fig. 1) via the communication network 2 and included in the setting file FIA. Thus, the auxiliary storage unit 12 stores the code designated by the operator as a mask pattern, including it in the setting file FIA, and functions as a storage unit.

[0028] When a need arises for printing using tagged label paper as a print medium accompanied by rewriting of the identification code, as a result of an operation on the operation / display unit 13 or a request made via the communication network 2, the processor 10 operates the image forming unit 15 in a well-known manner to form an image on the print medium, and instructs the tag communication unit 17 to perform the rewriting. The processor 10 then reads the above setting data from the setting file FIA and sends it to the tag communication unit 17. When the processor 10 starts the printing in response to a request made via the communication network 2, it may send the setting data obtained via the communication network 2 directly to the tag communication unit 17.

[0029] In the tag communication unit 17, when the data transmitted from the processor 10 to instruct the execution of rewriting is received via the interface 178, the processor 1771 starts the rewriting process in accordance with the rewriting program PRA. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the rewrite process by the processor 1771. In ACT1, the processor 1771 acquires the setting data sent from the processor 10 as described above via the interface 178. The processor 1771 stores the acquired setting data in the storage unit 1772. In ACT2, the processor 1771 sets the number of wireless tags represented in the setting data to the variable M. That is, in this embodiment, the processor 1771 sets "5" to the variable M. The variable M is a variable for managing the number of wireless tags TA whose identification codes should be rewritten.

[0030] In ACT3, processor 1771 starts radio wave emission. For example, processor 1771 causes modulation unit 171 to output a carrier wave that is not modulated by data as a transmission signal. This transmission signal is amplified by transmission amplifier 172 and then supplied to antenna 174 via circulator 173, thereby starting radio wave emission from antenna 174. When the radio waves emitted from the antenna 174 reach the RFID tag TA, the RFID tag TA starts operating using the power obtained from the radio waves. The tag TA then generates a random number RN of, for example, 16 bits.

[0031] 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 are diagrams showing an example of a communication sequence between the tag communication unit 17 and the RFID tags TAA to TAE and state changes of the RFID tags TAA to TAE. In response to the start of radio wave emission from the tag communication unit 17 as event EAA in Figure 5, the wireless tags TAA to TAE generate "AA", "AB", "AC", "AD", and "AE" as random numbers RN, respectively. Note that "AA", "AB", "AC", "AD", and "AE" each represent an arbitrary 16-bit number. There may be cases where two or more of "AA", "AB", "AC", "AD", and "AE" are the same number.

[0032] In ACT4, the processor 1771 transmits a Select command. When transmitting the Select command and various commands described later, the processor 1771 generates and outputs, for example, data corresponding to each command. Then, a transmission signal modulated by the Select command is obtained by the modulation unit 171, amplified by the transmission amplifier 172, and wirelessly transmitted from the antenna 174. The processor 1771 includes in the Select command a mask pattern represented in the setting data acquired in ACT1. The transmission of this Select command is the event EAB in FIG. 5. The Select command is received by each of the RFID tags TAA to TAE. The Select command is a command for specifying a mask pattern and notifying that an RFID tag TA having an identification code including the mask pattern is to be selected, and corresponds to the first command. Thus, the processor 1771 executes information processing based on the rewriting program PRA, whereby the processor 1771 functions as a selection unit. In addition, since the mask pattern represented by the setting data acquired in ACT1 is a code stored in the auxiliary memory unit 12 as a memory section, the function of the processor 1771 as a selection section is to use the code stored in the memory section as a mask pattern. In ACT5, the processor 1771 initializes a variable N. The variable N is a variable for managing the number of times tag detection is repeated. For example, the processor 1771 sets the variable N to a number that is predetermined as a limit on the number of times tag detection is repeated.

[0033] As ACT6, the processor 1771 transmits a Query command. The transmission of this Query command is the event EAC in FIG. 5. The Query command is received by each of the RFID tags TAA to TAE. This Query command and a QueryRep command, which will be described later, are commands for requesting a response from the RFID tag TA selected by the Select command, and correspond to the second command. Thus, the processor 1771 executes information processing based on the rewriting program PRA, and thereby functions as a requesting unit. When the RFID tag TA receives the Query command, if it has an identification code that matches the mask pattern included in the Select command, it randomly determines the counter value CV as a numerical value within a predetermined range. Since the RFID tags TAA to TAE all have identification codes that match the mask patterns, they generate counter values CV of "3," "0," "3," "2," and "4," respectively, in accordance with the event EAC in Fig. 5. Since each RFID tag TA generates a counter value CV independently of each other, there are cases where multiple counter values CV have the same numerical value, as in the above example.

[0034] The RFID tag TA transmits response data for notifying the random number RN when the determined counter value CV is "0." Note that the response data and various data described later are transmitted from the RFID tag TA using, for example, backscatter communication. In the example of Figure 5, only the wireless tag TAB has determined the counter value CV to be "0", so the wireless tag TAB sends response data including data representing its own random number RN, "AB", as the event EBA in Figure 6.

[0035] As ACT7 in FIG. 4, the processor 1771 checks whether or not a response has been made from the RFID tag TA. When a reflected wave from the RF tag TA modulated with various data reaches the antenna 174 and a received signal corresponding to this reflected wave is output from the antenna 174, the signal is amplified by a receiving amplifier 175 and then demodulated by a demodulator 176. The demodulated data is then provided to a control unit 177. When the response data transmitted by the RF tag TAB as described above is provided from the demodulator 176 to the control unit 177 in this manner, the processor 1771 determines YES in ACT7 if the response data has been received correctly and proceeds to ACT8.

[0036] The processor 1771 transmits an ACK command as ACT8. The transmission of this ACK command is the event EAD in Figure 6. The ACK command is a command for notifying the RFID tag TA that transmitted the response data that the response data has been received. Then, upon receiving the ACK command, the RFID tag TA transmits notification data. The RFID tag TA includes the identification code stored in its built-in memory in the notification data. In other words, the notification data is data for notifying the identification code. In the example of Figure 6, the ACK command transmitted in the event EAD is a notification to the RFID tag TAB. Then, the RFID tag TAB transmits notification data including the identification code "3008 33B2 DDD9 0140 0000 0000" as the event EBB. As ACT 9 in FIG. 4, the processor 1771 acquires the notification data demodulated by the demodulation unit 176.

[0037] In ACT10, the processor 1771 transmits a Write command. The transmission of this Write command is the event EAE in FIG. 6. The processor 1771 includes in the Write command one of the identification codes represented as the identification code after rewriting in the setting data acquired in ACT1. The Write command is a command for requesting the rewriting of the identification code, and corresponds to the third command. In this way, the processor 1771 executes information processing based on the rewriting program PRA, and thereby functions as a rewriting unit. The RFID tag TA that sent the notification data that triggered the transmission of the Write command waits for the Write command, and upon receiving the Write command transmitted as described above, rewrites the identification code stored in its built-in memory to the identification code included in the Write command. In the example of Figure 6, the RFID tag TAB receives the Write command transmitted in the event EAE and rewrites the identification code to "3010 2EDA F110 F040 0000 0001" included in the Write command. In actuality, the processor 1771 sends a ReqRN command and confirms the response from the wireless tag TA to this ReqRN command before sending a Write command in accordance with the provisions of ISO / IEC 18000-6 Type C, but detailed explanation and illustration of this process will be omitted here.

[0038] In ACT11 in FIG. 4, the processor 1771 decreases the value of the variable M by one. In ACT12, the processor 1771 checks whether rewriting of all RFID tags TA attached to the print medium to be subjected to image formation has been completed. If the variable M is equal to or greater than "1", for example, the processor 1771 determines that rewriting has not been completed and determines NO, and proceeds to ACT13.

[0039] In ACT13, the processor 1771 decrements the value of the variable N by one. In ACT14, the processor 1771 checks whether the round has ended. Here, a round is defined as a period during which tag detection attempts are repeated up to a predetermined limit number of times. If the variable N is equal to or greater than "1," for example, the processor 1771 determines that the round has not ended and determines NO, and proceeds to ACT15.

[0040] In ACT15, the processor 1771 transmits a QueryRep command. The transmission of this QueryRep command is the event EAF in Fig. 6. The QueryRep command is received by each of the wireless tags TAA to TAE. However, the wireless tag TA that has already responded to the Query command or the QueryRep command after receiving the Select command ignores this QueryRep command. In other words, the wireless tag TAB ignores the QueryRep command transmitted as the event EAF.

[0041] When the unresponsive wireless tag TA receives the QueryRep command, it decrements the counter value CV by one. If the counter value CV after decrement is "0", the wireless tag TA transmits response data to notify the random number RN. The wireless tags TAA, TAC to TAE set the counter value CV to "2", "2", "1", or "3" according to the event EAF. Therefore, none of the wireless tags TAA, TAC to TAE have a counter value CV of "0", and none of them transmits response data.

[0042] Once the processor 1771 has sent the QueryRep command, it returns to ACT7 in FIG. 4. If the processor 1771 does not receive response data within a predetermined waiting time after sending the QueryRep command, it determines NO in ACT7 as there is no response, skips ACT8 to ACT12, and proceeds to ACT13, repeating ACT13 and subsequent steps in the same manner as described above. Even if there is no response from the wireless tag TA in this way, the processor 1771 decrements the value of the variable N by 1 in ACT13. If the processor 1771 determines NO in ACT14 as the round has not yet ended, it repeats ACT15 and subsequent steps in the same manner as described above. As a result, the processor 1771 next sends a QueryRep command as the event EAG in FIG. 7. The wireless tags TAA, TAC to TAE set the counter value CV to "1", "1", "0", or "2" in response to this event EAG. Therefore, since the counter value CV of the RFID tag TAD has become "0", the RFID tag TAD transmits response data including data representing its own random number RN, "AD", as the event EBC in FIG. After this, as described above, the RFID tag TAD exchanges an ACK command for the event EAH, exchanges notification data for the event EBD, and then exchanges a Write command for the event EAI, and then rewrites the identification code to "3010 2EDA F110 F040 0000 0002."

[0043] Next, the processor 1771 transmits a QueryRep command as an event EAJ in FIG. 8. In response to this event EAJ, the RFID tags TAA, TAC, and TAE set their counter values CV to "0", "0", and "1". Therefore, since the counter value CV of the RFID tag TAA has become "0", it transmits response data as an event EBE, including data representing its own random number RN, "AA". Also, since the counter value CV of the RFID tag TAC has become "0", it transmits response data as an event EBF, including data representing its own random number RN, "AC". These events EBE and EBF occur almost simultaneously. As a result, a collision of response data occurs in the processor 1771 as an event EAK, and neither response data can be correctly obtained. Therefore, the processor 1771 determines that no response has been received and determines NO in ACT7.

[0044] Next, the processor 1771 transmits a QueryRep command as the event EAL in Fig. 9. In response to this event EAL, the RFID tag TAE sets the counter value CV to "0". Therefore, since the counter value CV of the RFID tag TAE has become "0", the RFID tag TAE transmits response data including data representing its own random number RN, "AE", as the event EBG. Note that the RFID tags TAA and TAC have already transmitted response data, so they do not transmit response data here. Next, as described above, the RFID tag TAE exchanges an ACK command for the event EAM, exchanges notification data for the event EBH, and then exchanges a Write command for the event EAN, and then rewrites the identification code to "3010 2EDA F110 F040 0000 0003."

[0045] After this, the processor 1771 repeats sending the QueryRep command in ACT15 in Fig. 4, but because neither the RFID tag TAA nor the RFID tag TAC sends response data, the rewriting is not completed and the processor 1771 determines NO in ACT12. Then, if the number of times the processor 1771 has repeated sending the Query command and the QueryRep command reaches the limit, the processor 1771 changes the variable N to "0" in ACT13. For example, if the variable N becomes "0" in this way, the processor 1771 determines YES in ACT14 as the round has ended, returns to ACT4, and repeats ACT4 and subsequent steps in the same manner as described above. In other words, the processor 1771 starts a new round. Then, the processor 1771 transmits a Select command similar to the event EAB as the event EAO in Fig. 10, and further transmits a Query command as the event EAP. The Select command and the Query command are received by each of the wireless tags TAA to TAE. However, the RFID tags TAB, TAD, and TAE ignore the Query command because their identification codes have been rewritten and the mask patterns do not match.The RFID tags TAA and TAC have identification codes that match the mask patterns, so they generate "0" and "1" as counter values CV, respectively, in response to the event EAP. Since the RFID tag TAA has determined the counter value CV to be "0", it transmits response data including data representing its own random number RN, "AA", as the event EBI. After this, as described above, the wireless tag TAA exchanges an ACK command for the event EAQ, exchanges notification data for the event EBJ, and then exchanges a Write command for the event EAR, and then rewrites the identification code to "3010 2EDA F110 F040 0000 0004."

[0046] Next, the processor 1771 transmits a QueryRep command as the event EAS in Fig. 11. In response to this event EAS, the wireless tag TAC sets the counter value CV to "0." Therefore, since the counter value CV of the wireless tag TAC has become "0," the wireless tag TAC transmits response data including data representing its own random number RN, "AC," as the event EBK. After this, as described above, the wireless tag TAC exchanges an ACK command for the event EAT, exchanges notification data for the event EBL, and then exchanges a Write command for the event EAU, and then rewrites the identification code to "3010 2EDA F110 F040 0000 0005." As described above, the processor 1771 repeatedly transmits the Query command and the QueryRep command. Thus, by the processor 1771 executing information processing based on the rewriting program PRA, the processor 1771 functions as a control unit that repeatedly transmits the Query command and the QueryRep command as the second command.

[0047] In this way, after the identification codes for all of the wireless tags TAA to TAE have been rewritten, the processor 1771 changes the variable M to "0" in ACT 11. For example, if the variable M has become "0" in this way, the processor 1771 determines YES in ACT 12 as the rewriting is complete, and proceeds to ACT 16. In ACT 16, the processor 1771 stops radio wave emission. For example, the processor 1771 stops output of the transmission signal from the modulation unit 171. Then, the processor 1771 ends this rewriting process.

[0048] As described above, the tag communication unit 17 in the multifunction device 1 selectively and sequentially rewrites the identification codes of the RF tags TAA to TAE through communication. Therefore, the tag communication unit 17 may be in a state in which it can communicate with the RF tags TAA to TAE simultaneously, and this can be realized with a simpler configuration than when mechanical measures such as the placement of a radio wave shielding member are taken.

[0049] Furthermore, the multifunction device 1 stores setting data including a mask pattern specified by the operator in a setting file FIA in the auxiliary storage unit 12 and applies it to the rewriting process. Therefore, if there are multiple types of tagged label paper with different identification codes preset in the attached RFID tags TA, proper operation is possible by setting a mask pattern according to which tagged label paper is to be used as the print medium.

[0050] This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows. In the above embodiment, the Select command in ISO / IEC 18000-6 Type C is used as the first command, the Query command and QueryRep command as the second command, and the Write command as the third command. However, while based on ISO / IEC 18000-6 Type C, at least one of the Select command, Query command, QueryRep command, and Write command may be partially modified or replaced with another command. Furthermore, by complying with a standard other than ISO / IEC 18000-6 Type C, commands completely different from the Select command, Query command, QueryRep command, and Write command may be used as the first to third commands.

[0051] The mask pattern may be a fixed code predetermined by the designer of the multifunction peripheral 1, for example.

[0052] The RFID tag TA, the target of which identification code is to be rewritten, does not necessarily have to be attached to a print medium and may be in any state. The tag communication device of the present application may be incorporated into any device other than the multifunction device 1, or may be realized as an independent tag communication device whose main function is to rewrite the identification code of the RFID tag TA.

[0053] Some or all of the functions realized by processor 1771 through information processing can be realized by hardware that executes information processing not based on a program, such as a logic circuit, etc. Each of the above functions can also be realized by combining hardware such as the above logic circuit with software control.

[0054] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 1...multifunction device, 2...communication network, 10...processor, 11...main memory, 12...auxiliary memory unit, 13...operation / display unit, 14...scan unit, 15...image forming unit, 16...facsimile unit, 17...tag communication unit, 18...external communication unit, 19...transmission path, 171...modulation unit, 172...transmitting amplifier, 173...circulator, 174...antenna, 175...receiving amplifier, 176...demodulation unit, 177...control unit, 178...interface, 1771...processor, 1772...memory unit, TA, TAA to TAE...wireless tag.

Claims

1. a communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a plurality of wireless tags each storing an identification code that includes at least a known common portion; a selection unit that designates at least a part of the common portion as a mask pattern and causes the communication unit to transmit a first command for notifying that a wireless tag having an identification code including the mask pattern is to be selected; a request unit for causing the communication unit to transmit a second command for requesting a response from the selected wireless tag; a rewriting unit that, in response to the communication unit receiving data transmitted from one wireless tag in response to the second command, causes the communication unit to transmit a third command to the wireless tag that transmitted the data, requesting a rewriting of the identification code; a control unit that causes the request unit to repeatedly transmit the second command when the rewriting unit has transmitted the third command to each of a predetermined number of wireless tags, or when data transmitted from one wireless tag in response to the transmission of the second command by the request unit is not received by the communication unit, until the rewriting unit has transmitted the third command to each of the predetermined number of wireless tags; A tag communication device equipped with the above.

2. the rewriting unit requests rewriting to a different identification code each time it transmits a third command. The tag communication device according to claim 1 .

3. a storage unit for storing a code designated by an operator; Furthermore, the selection unit selects the code stored in the storage unit as the mask pattern. The tag communication device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The image forming apparatus is provided in an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a print medium including a plurality of labels each having a plurality of wireless tags attached thereto, the communication unit wirelessly communicates with a plurality of wireless tags attached to print media on which images are to be formed by the image forming apparatus; the control unit causes the request unit to repeatedly transmit the second command until the rewriting unit transmits a third command to each of the wireless tags attached to the print medium. The tag communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A processor provided in a tag communication device including a communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a plurality of wireless tags, each of which stores an identification code including at least a known common part, a selection unit that designates at least a part of the common portion as a mask pattern and causes the communication unit to transmit a first command for notifying that a wireless tag having an identification code including the mask pattern is to be selected; a request unit for causing the communication unit to transmit a second command for requesting a response from the selected wireless tag; a rewriting unit that, in response to the communication unit receiving data transmitted from one wireless tag in response to the second command, causes the communication unit to transmit a third command to the wireless tag that transmitted the data, requesting a rewriting of the identification code; a control unit that causes the request unit to repeatedly transmit the second command when the rewriting unit has transmitted the third command to each of a predetermined number of wireless tags, or when data transmitted from one wireless tag in response to the transmission of the second command by the request unit is not received by the communication unit, until the rewriting unit has transmitted the third command to each of the predetermined number of wireless tags; An information processing program that makes it function as such.

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