Reading device, reading method, and program

Abstract

To provide a reading device, a reading method and a program capable of improving the control accuracy of electromagnetic force in a passive type RFID tag provided with a temperature sensor.SOLUTION: A reading device includes: a communication part for outputting a radio wave; a sensor part for measuring a first temperature of a first measurement object by a first temperature sensor; an acquisition part for acquiring first temperature information showing the first temperature from the sensor part, and acquiring second temperature information showing a second temperature and received radio wave intensity information showing received radio wave intensity of the radio wave received from the communication part by an RFID tag from a passive type RFID tag provided with a second temperature sensor for measuring the second temperature of a second measurement object; an optimal radio wave intensity determination part for determining optimum radio wave intensity of the radio wave received by the RFID tag on the basis of the first temperature information and the second temperature information; and a radio wave intensity adjustment part for adjusting output radio wave intensity being the intensity of the radio wave output by the communication part on the basis of the received radio wave intensity and the optimum radio wave intensity shown by the received radio wave intensity information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a reading device, a reading method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) ​​allows for contactless reading and writing of information from and to RFID tags through short-range wireless communication using radio waves (electromagnetic waves) or magnetic fields between an RFID tag and a reader / writer. RFID tags are classified into active RFID tags that have built-in batteries and passive RFID tags that do not. Passive RFID tags use power generated by rectification (in the case of radio waves) or resonance (in the case of magnetic fields) to operate control circuits and memory and perform the necessary processing. RFID tags are primarily used for transmitting and receiving information, but are not limited to this purpose. For example, some passive RFID tags are equipped with a temperature sensor that is activated by the power generated by communication and are used to measure temperature.

[0003] Passive RFID tags generate electromotive force by receiving radio waves, and the magnitude of the electromotive force varies depending on the radio wave reception environment. For example, with passive RFID tags, the radio wave reception status changes depending on the communication distance and the surrounding environment, and the electromotive force increases. If the electromotive force is large, the circuit itself will heat up, and the measurement results of the temperature sensor will be affected by the heat generated by the circuit. Therefore, with passive RFID tags equipped with a temperature sensor, if the electromotive force is large, the accuracy of temperature measurement will decrease.

[0004] Therefore, various techniques have been proposed to suppress heat generation in the circuit when the electromotive force in a passive RFID tag is large. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique for suppressing self-heat generation in the circuit when the electromotive force of an RFID tag is large by consuming part of the energy using a light-emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5561055 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in passive RFID tags equipped with a temperature sensor, reducing the electromotive force to suppress heat generation in the circuit can make the temperature sensor unstable or make it difficult to send and receive information. Therefore, in passive RFID tags equipped with a temperature sensor, the temperature measurement accuracy deteriorates even when the electromotive force is small. Thus, passive RFID tags equipped with a temperature sensor have had issues with controlling the electromotive force.

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a reading device, a reading method, and a program that can improve the control accuracy of electromotive force in a passive RFID tag equipped with a temperature sensor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a reading device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a communication unit that outputs radio waves, a sensor unit that measures a first temperature of a first measurement object using a first temperature sensor, an acquisition unit that acquires first temperature information indicating the first temperature from the sensor unit, and acquires second temperature information indicating the second temperature and received radio wave intensity information indicating the intensity of radio waves received by the RFID tag from the communication unit from a passive RFID tag that includes a second temperature sensor that measures a second temperature of a second measurement object, and When the temperature difference between the first temperature indicated by the first temperature information and the second temperature indicated by the acquired second temperature information is less than a predetermined threshold, the received radio wave intensity indicated by the acquired received radio wave intensity information is , the RFID tag of Optimal strength of received radio waves Show Optimal signal strength That isand a radio wave strength adjustment unit that adjusts an output radio wave strength, which is the strength of radio waves output by the communication unit, based on the received radio wave strength indicated by the acquired received radio wave strength information and the determined optimal radio wave strength. , the first measurement object and the second measurement object are the same object, and the reading device is .

[0009] A reading method according to one aspect of the present invention includes: electric a communication process that outputs waves; No. a measuring step of measuring a first temperature of a first measurement object by a first temperature sensor; Measured in the measurement process a second temperature sensor for measuring a second temperature of a second measurement object; a passive RFID tag for receiving first temperature information indicating the first temperature and a second temperature sensor for measuring a second temperature of the second measurement object; received I believed The aforementioned an acquisition step of acquiring received radio wave strength information indicating received radio wave strength, which is the strength of radio waves; before Record obtained When the temperature difference between the first temperature indicated by the first temperature information and the second temperature indicated by the acquired second temperature information is less than a predetermined threshold, the received radio wave intensity indicated by the acquired received radio wave intensity information is , the RFID tag of Optimal strength of received radio waves Show Optimal signal strength That is An optimal signal strength determination process for determining the optimal signal strength; before The communication is performed based on the received radio wave strength indicated by the acquired received radio wave strength information and the determined optimum radio wave strength. Output during the process A radio wave intensity adjustment process for adjusting the output radio wave intensity, which is the strength of the radio wave. and the first measurement object and the second measurement object are the same object. .

[0010] A program according to one aspect of the present invention includes a computer including a communication means for outputting radio waves, a measurement means for measuring a first temperature of a first measurement object by a first temperature sensor, and a passive RFID tag including a second temperature sensor for measuring a second temperature of a second measurement object, and a program for causing a computer to acquire first temperature information indicating the first temperature measured by the measurement means, and to receive second temperature information indicating the second temperature from the passive RFID tag and a program for transmitting the second temperature information to the communication means. from an acquisition means for acquiring received radio wave intensity information indicating the intensity of a received radio wave; When the temperature difference between the first temperature indicated by the first temperature information and the second temperature indicated by the acquired second temperature information is less than a predetermined threshold, the received radio wave intensity indicated by the acquired received radio wave intensity information is , the RFID tag of Optimal strength of received radio waves Show Optimal signal strength That is and a radio wave intensity adjustment means for adjusting an output radio wave intensity, which is the intensity of radio waves output by the communication means, based on the received radio wave intensity indicated by the acquired received radio wave intensity information and the determined optimal radio wave intensity. The first measurement object and the second measurement object are the same object, that is, a program. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the control accuracy of electromotive force in a passive RFID tag equipped with a temperature sensor. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a temperature control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of how to install a reader and an RFID tag on an object according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a reading device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an RFID tag according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of a preparation process for temperature measurement according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a flow of processing according to output radio wave intensity in the preparation processing for temperature measurement according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of a temperature measurement process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a flow of processing according to output radio wave intensity in a temperature measurement process according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration in which one reader controls the electromotive forces of a plurality of RFID tags in a modified example of the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The drawings also show mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes as necessary. The direction in which the arrow on each axis extends is referred to as the "positive direction," and the direction opposite to the positive direction is referred to as the "negative direction."

[0014] The temperature management system according to this embodiment is a system for measuring and managing the temperature of a managed object using a temperature sensor provided in a reading device and a temperature sensor provided in an RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) ​​tag. The object to be managed may be in any state, such as a solid, liquid, gas, or powder. The object to be managed may be, for example, a food product. One example of a food product is sake.

[0015] Hereinafter, the temperature sensor provided in the reading device will be referred to as the "first temperature sensor," the object whose temperature the first temperature sensor measures will be referred to as the "first measurement object," the temperature of the first measurement object measured by the first temperature sensor will be referred to as the "first temperature," and information indicating the first temperature will be referred to as "first temperature information." Also, the temperature sensor provided in the RFID tag will be referred to as the "second temperature sensor," the object whose temperature the second temperature sensor measures will be referred to as the "second measurement object," the temperature of the second measurement object measured by the second temperature sensor will be referred to as the "second temperature," and information indicating the second temperature will be referred to as "second temperature information." The first measurement object and the second measurement object may be in any state such as solid, liquid, gas, powder, or granular material. Note that the second measurement object in this embodiment is a management object.

[0016] The RFID tag is provided so that the second temperature sensor can measure the second temperature of the second measurement object (i.e., the temperature of the object to be managed). For example, the RFID tag is provided so that the second temperature can be measured directly or indirectly. Specifically, the RFID tag is attached to an object that comes into contact with the managed object (hereinafter also referred to as a "contact object"). The contact object is, for example, the packaging material in which the managed object is wrapped, the container in which the managed object is placed, or the packaging material in which the managed object is packed. The RFID tag is attached to the inner or outer surface of these contact objects. When the RFID tag is attached to the inner surface of the contact object, the second temperature sensor can directly measure the temperature of the managed object on the side opposite to the RFID tag attachment surface (i.e., in contact with a surface other than the attachment surface). On the other hand, when the RFID tag is attached to the outer surface of the contact object, the second temperature sensor can indirectly measure the temperature of the managed object on the side of the RFID tag attachment surface. If the object to be managed is a liquid, gas, powder, or granular material, the RFID tag may be placed inside the object to be managed. In this case, the second temperature sensor can directly measure the temperature of the object on either side of the RFID tag. If the object to be managed is a solid, the RFID tag may be directly attached to the object to be managed. In this case, the second temperature sensor can directly measure the temperature of the object on the side where the RFID tag is attached. For example, when managing the temperature of sake (one example of an object to be managed) in a sake brewery, the temperature of the sake can be measured and managed by placing an RFID tag inside the sake brewing tank.

[0017] The reader is provided so as to be able to read information from the RFID tag. That is, the reader may be provided at any location and by any method within a range where it can communicate with the RFID tag. For example, the reading device is attached to the outer surface of the contact object. In this case, the first temperature sensor may measure the first temperature of the contact object in contact with the attachment surface of the reading device as the first measurement object, or may measure the first temperature of the atmosphere (air) or the like in contact with a surface other than the attachment surface of the reading device as the first measurement object. Furthermore, if the management object is a solid, the reading device may be attached directly to the management object. In this case, the first temperature sensor may measure the first temperature of the management object in contact with the attachment surface of the reading device as the first measurement object, or may measure the first temperature of the atmosphere (air) or the like in contact with a surface other than the attachment surface of the reading device as the first measurement object.

[0018] As described above, the first temperature sensor may measure the temperature of the first measurement object on the mounting surface of the reader or the temperature of the first measurement object on a surface other than the mounting surface. The second temperature sensor may measure the temperature of the second measurement object on the RFID tag affixing surface or the temperature of the second measurement object on a surface other than the affixing surface. The first measurement object and the second measurement object may be the same or different. For example, suppose the object to be measured is a solid object, and the reader and RFID tag are directly attached to the solid object. In this case, the first measurement object and the second measurement object may be the same solid object. Alternatively, suppose the object to be measured is a liquid (e.g., sake) contained in a container (e.g., a sake brewing tank), and the reader is attached to the outer surface of the container, and the RFID tag is affixed to the inner surface of the container. In this case, the first measurement object may be the air outside the container, and the second measurement object may be the liquid inside the container.

[0019] <1. Temperature control system configuration> First, the configuration of a temperature control system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a temperature control system according to this embodiment. 1, the temperature control system 1 includes a reading device 10, an RFID tag 20, a server device 30, and a user terminal 40. In the following, an example will be described in which the reading device 10 and the RFID tag 20 are directly provided on an object 2 (an example of an object to be managed), and the first measurement object and the second measurement object are both the object 2.

[0020] (1) Reading device 10 The reading device 10 is a device that reads information from the RFID tag 20 and writes information to the RFID tag 20 in a non-contact manner by using near field communication (NFC) with the RFID tag 20. The reading device 10 is connected to a server device 30 so that they can communicate with each other. Note that the communication standard used for communication between the reading device 10 and the server device 30 is not particularly limited. For example, the reading device 10 and the server device 30 may communicate with each other using various communication standards such as LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and LTE (Long Term Evolution).

[0021] In this embodiment, the processing performed by the reading device 10 is roughly divided into two. One of the two processing is a processing for making preparations to start measuring the temperature of the object 2 (hereinafter also referred to as "temperature measurement preparation processing"), and the other processing is a processing for measuring the temperature of the object 2 (hereinafter also referred to as "temperature measurement processing").

[0022] In the preparation process for temperature measurement, the reading device 10 mainly acquires various information and adjusts the strength (hereinafter also referred to as "output radio wave strength") of radio waves (electromagnetic waves) output by the reading device 10. The reading device 10 may acquire information (hereinafter also referred to as "output radio wave strength information") indicating the output radio wave strength after adjustment. Specifically, the reading device 10 measures a first temperature of the object 2 using a first temperature sensor provided in the reading device 10, and acquires first temperature information indicating the first temperature. The reading device 10 also reads and acquires, from the RFID tag 20, second temperature information indicating a second temperature measured by a second temperature sensor provided in the RFID tag 20, and information indicating the strength of the radio waves received by the RFID tag 20 from the reading device 10 (hereinafter also referred to as "received radio wave strength information"). Based on the acquired information, the reader 10 adjusts the output radio wave intensity so that the RFID tag 20 receives an optimal radio wave intensity. Specifically, the reader 10 adjusts the output radio wave intensity so that the first temperature indicated by the first temperature information and the second temperature indicated by the second temperature information are equivalent. The reader 10 determines the received radio wave intensity when the first temperature and the second temperature are equivalent as the optimal intensity of the radio waves received by the RFID tag 20 (hereinafter also referred to as "optimum radio wave intensity"). The reader 10 then acquires information indicating the determined optimal radio wave intensity (hereinafter also referred to as "optimum radio wave intensity information"). At this time, the reader 10 also acquires information (hereinafter also referred to as "correction information") for correcting measurement data indicating the temperature of the object 2 measured in a temperature measurement process described below.

[0023] In the temperature measurement process, the reader 10 acquires, as measurement data, second temperature information indicating a second temperature measured when the received radio wave intensity at the RFID tag 20 is equivalent to the optimal radio wave intensity. The reading device 10 transmits the acquired measurement data to the server device 30. Note that the reading device 10 may transmit to the server device 30 measurement data that has been corrected using correction information as necessary. In the temperature measurement process, if the received radio wave strength at the RFID tag 20 is not equal to the optimum radio wave strength, the reader 10 adjusts the output radio wave strength so that the received radio wave strength becomes equal to the optimum radio wave strength.

[0024] In the temperature measurement preparation process and temperature measurement process, when adjusting the output radio wave intensity, if the output radio wave intensity has already reached its upper limit and the second temperature information of the RFID tag 20 cannot be acquired normally or the received radio wave intensity of the RFID tag 20 does not reach the optimum radio wave intensity, the reading device 10 detects an abnormality in the RFID tag 20 or an abnormality in the acquisition of the second temperature information. If an abnormality is detected, the reading device 10 transmits a notification indicating that an abnormality has been detected (hereinafter also referred to as an "abnormality notification") to the server device 30. In more detail, in the temperature measurement preparation process, the optimum radio wave intensity has not yet been determined, so the reader 10 detects an abnormality if the output radio wave intensity reaches the upper limit and the second temperature information of the RFID tag 20 cannot be normally acquired. In the temperature measurement process, the optimum radio wave intensity has already been determined, so the reader 10 detects an abnormality if the output radio wave intensity reaches the upper limit and the second temperature information of the RFID tag 20 cannot be normally acquired, or if the received radio wave intensity of the RFID tag 20 does not reach the optimum radio wave intensity. In addition, when the second temperature information of the RFID tag 20 cannot be normally acquired, specifically, when normal temperature information cannot be acquired, for example, when the temperature information itself cannot be acquired, or when the temperature difference between the first temperature indicated by the first temperature information acquired by the acquisition unit 151 and the second temperature indicated by the second temperature information is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

[0025] (2) 20 RFID tags The RFID tag 20 is a passive RFID tag that does not have a built-in power source (e.g., a battery). The RFID tag 20 operates a control circuit and memory to perform necessary processing using electromotive force obtained from radio waves received from the reader 10 through short-range wireless communication with the reader 10. For example, when the RFID tag 20 receives radio waves from the reader 10, it detects the received radio wave intensity of the received radio waves. The RFID tag 20 also activates a second temperature sensor using the electromotive force obtained from the received radio waves to measure the second temperature of the object 2. The RFID tag 20 also transmits received radio wave intensity information indicating the detected received radio wave intensity and second temperature information indicating the measured second temperature to the reader 10.

[0026] Here, a method for installing the reading device 10 and the RFID tag 20 on an object will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a method for installing the reading device 10 and the RFID tag 20 on an object according to this embodiment.

[0027] Fig. 2 shows the object 2, reader 10, and RFID tag 20 shown in Fig. 1 as viewed from the negative to the positive direction of the X axis. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the reader 10 and the RFID tag 20 are attached to the object 2 so that their surfaces face each other.

[0028] (3) Server device 30 The server device 30 is a server device capable of communicating with the reading device 10 and the user terminal 40. The server device 30 includes an input device (mouse, keyboard, touch panel, etc.), a display device (display, etc.), an output device (speaker, data output function), a central processing unit, a storage device, etc. The server device 30 may be a server owned by a business operator that provides the temperature control system 1, or may be a cloud server. The server device 30 transmits various types of information between the reading device 10 and the user terminal 40. For example, the server device 30 receives measurement data and abnormality notifications from the reading device 10 via the network. The server device 30 also transmits the measurement data and abnormality notifications to the user terminal 40 via the network. Furthermore, the server device 30 may transmit to the user terminal 40 information generated based on the information received from the reading device 10. For example, the server device 30 generates information that enables confirmation of time-series changes in the received measurement data or information indicating the content of the received abnormality notification, and transmits the information to the user terminal 40.

[0029] (4) User terminal 40 The user terminal 40 is a terminal used by a user. The user terminal 40 includes an input device (mouse, keyboard, touch panel, etc.), a display device (display, etc.), an output device (speaker, data output function), a central processing unit, a storage device, etc. The user terminal 40 may be any terminal such as a computer, smartphone, tablet, etc. The user terminal 40 displays on a display device the information received from the server device 30. For example, the user terminal 40 receives from the server device 30 information that enables checking time-series changes in the measurement data and information indicating the contents of the received abnormality notification, and displays this on a display device.

[0030] <2. Functional configuration of the reading device> The configuration of the temperature control system 1 according to this embodiment has been described above. Next, the functional configuration of the reading device 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the reading device 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the reading device 10 includes a communication unit 110, a sensor unit 120, a storage unit 130, a power supply unit 140, and a control unit 150.

[0031] (1) Communications Unit 110 The communication unit 110 has a function of transmitting and receiving various types of information. For example, the communication unit 110 transmits and receives information to and from the RFID tag 20 by near field communication (NFC). The near field communication is realized by an antenna (not shown) provided in the reading device 10. In communication with the RFID tag 20, the communication unit 110 outputs radio waves from the antenna to the RFID tag 20. In communication with the RFID tag 20, the communication unit 110 also receives second temperature information and received radio wave intensity information.

[0032] Furthermore, the communication unit 110 transmits and receives information to and from the server device 30 using various communication standards such as LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and LTE (Long Term Evolution). In communication with the server device 30, the communication unit 110 transmits measurement data and anomaly notifications to the server device 30.

[0033] (2) Sensor unit 120 The sensor unit 120 has a function of acquiring information about the target object 2. The function of the sensor unit 120 is realized by various sensor devices. In this embodiment, the function of the sensor unit 120 is realized by a first temperature sensor. The first temperature sensor is, for example, a resistance temperature detector, a thermocouple, a thermistor, or the like. The sensor unit 120 measures the first temperature of the object 2 using the first temperature sensor. Then, the sensor unit 120 acquires information indicating the first temperature as first temperature information. The first temperature sensor is activated by power supplied from the power supply unit 140, which will be described later. The first temperature sensor receives a stable supply of power from the power supply unit 140. Therefore, the operation of the first temperature sensor is stable. On the other hand, the second temperature sensor provided in the RFID tag 20 may not receive a stable supply of power depending on the radio wave reception state. In this case, the operation of the second temperature sensor may become unstable. In this way, when comparing the operation of the first temperature sensor with the operation of the second temperature sensor, it can be said that the operation of the first temperature sensor is more stable due to the difference in power supply source. Therefore, it can be said that the temperature measurement accuracy by the first temperature sensor is higher than the temperature measurement accuracy by the second temperature sensor. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first temperature measured by the first temperature sensor is used as a criterion for determining the accuracy of the second temperature measured by the second temperature sensor.

[0034] (3) Storage section 130 The storage unit 130 has a function of storing various types of information. The storage unit 130 is configured by a storage medium provided as hardware in the reading device 10, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a random access read / write memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), or any combination of these storage media. The storage unit 130 stores, for example, first temperature information, second temperature information, received radio wave intensity information, optimum radio wave intensity information, output radio wave intensity information, correction information, measurement data, and the like. The reading device 10 may have a configuration for reading out the information stored in the storage unit 130 via a wired connection.

[0035] (4) Power supply section 140 The power supply unit 140 has a function of supplying power to the entire reading device 10. The power supply unit 140 is, for example, a battery such as a cylindrical or button-type dry cell (primary cell) or a battery (secondary cell). The power supply unit 140 may also supply power supplied from an external power source to the entire reading device 10.

[0036] (5) Control unit 150 The control unit 150 has a function of controlling the overall operation of the reading device 10. The control unit 150 is realized, for example, by causing a CPU (Central Processing Unit) provided as hardware in the reading device 10 to execute a program. As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 150 includes an acquisition unit 151, a comparison unit 152, an optimum radio wave intensity determination unit 153, a radio wave intensity adjustment unit 154, a correction unit 155, an abnormality detection unit 156, and an output processing unit 157.

[0037] (5-1) Acquisition part 151 The acquisition unit 151 has a function of acquiring various types of information. The acquisition unit 151 writes and stores the acquired information in the storage unit 130. For example, the acquisition unit 151 acquires the first temperature information from the sensor unit 120. Furthermore, the acquiring unit 151 acquires the second temperature information and the received radio wave intensity information from the RFID tag 20. Specifically, the acquiring unit 151 acquires the second temperature information and the received radio wave intensity information received by the communication unit 110 from the RFID tag 20.

[0038] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 151 acquires, as correction information, the difference (hereinafter also referred to as "temperature difference") between the first temperature indicated by the first temperature information and the second temperature indicated by the second temperature information used in the determination of the optimal radio wave intensity by the optimal radio wave intensity determination unit 153. For example, suppose the first temperature is 29°C and the second temperature is 30°C. In this embodiment, the first temperature, 29°C, indicates a more accurate temperature. Therefore, if the first temperature, 29°C, is the correct temperature, it can be said that a difference (error) of +1°C occurs in the second temperature. In other words, subtracting 1°C from the second temperature results in the correct temperature. Therefore, in this example, the acquisition unit 151 acquires -1°C as correction information.

[0039] Furthermore, the acquiring unit 151 acquires the second temperature information as measurement data from the RFID tag 20 after the output radio wave intensity has been adjusted by the radio wave intensity adjusting unit 154. Specifically, "after the output radio wave intensity has been adjusted" refers to the time after the output radio wave intensity has been adjusted in the temperature measurement preparation process so that the received radio wave intensity at the RFID tag 20 becomes the optimal radio wave intensity, and the temperature measurement process has started.

[0040] (5-2) Comparison unit 152 The comparison unit 152 has a function of comparing various pieces of information. For example, in the preparation process for temperature measurement, the comparison unit 152 calculates the temperature difference between the first temperature indicated by the first temperature information and the second temperature indicated by the second temperature information, and compares the temperature difference with a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold to be compared with the temperature difference is, for example, 1°C. A temperature difference less than the predetermined threshold indicates that the first temperature and the second temperature are equivalent. Therefore, when the temperature difference is less than the predetermined threshold, comparison unit 152 outputs an instruction to optimal radio wave intensity determination unit 153 to determine optimal radio wave intensity. On the other hand, a temperature difference equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold indicates that the first temperature and the second temperature are not equal. Therefore, when the temperature difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the comparison unit 152 checks whether or not it is necessary to output an instruction to the radio wave intensity adjustment unit 154 to adjust the output radio wave intensity.

[0041] To this end, the comparison unit 152 compares the output radio wave strength of the reader 10 with its upper limit. If the output radio wave strength is less than the upper limit, this indicates that there is room for increasing the output radio wave strength. Therefore, the comparison unit 152 determines that it is necessary to output an instruction to the radio wave strength adjustment unit 154 to adjust the output radio wave strength, and outputs the instruction to the radio wave strength adjustment unit 154. On the other hand, if the output radio wave strength is equal to or greater than the upper limit, this indicates that there is no room to increase the output radio wave strength. Therefore, the comparison unit 152 determines that it is not necessary to output an instruction to the radio wave strength adjustment unit 154 to adjust the output radio wave strength, and does not output an instruction to the radio wave strength adjustment unit 154.

[0042] However, if the output radio wave intensity reaches the upper limit and the temperature difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, there is a possibility that an abnormality has occurred in the RFID tag. Therefore, if the output radio wave intensity is equal to or greater than the upper limit in the preparation process for temperature measurement, the comparison unit 152 outputs an instruction to the abnormality detection unit 156 to detect an abnormality.

[0043] Furthermore, in the temperature measurement process, the comparison unit 152 calculates the difference between the received radio wave strength indicated by the received radio wave strength information and the optimum radio wave strength indicated by the optimum radio wave strength information (hereinafter also referred to as the "radio wave strength difference"), and compares the radio wave strength difference with a predetermined threshold value. The predetermined threshold value to be compared with the radio wave strength difference is, for example, 5 dBm. If the difference in radio wave strength is less than the predetermined threshold, it indicates that the received radio wave strength is equal to the optimal radio wave strength. Therefore, if the difference in radio wave strength is less than the predetermined threshold, the comparison unit 152 outputs an instruction to the acquisition unit 151 to acquire measurement data. On the other hand, if the difference in radio wave strength is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, it indicates that the received radio wave strength and the optimal radio wave strength are not equivalent. Therefore, if the difference in radio wave strength is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the comparison unit 152 checks whether it is necessary to output an instruction to the radio wave strength adjustment unit 154 to adjust the output radio wave strength. In the temperature measurement process, the process of checking whether it is necessary to output an instruction to adjust the output radio wave intensity to the radio wave intensity adjuster 154 is the same as in the preparation process for temperature measurement described above.

[0044] However, if the output radio wave intensity reaches the upper limit and the radio wave intensity difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, or if the output radio wave intensity reaches the upper limit and the second temperature information (measurement data) cannot be normally acquired, there is a possibility that an abnormality has occurred in the temperature measurement. Therefore, if the output radio wave intensity is equal to or greater than the upper limit and the radio wave intensity difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold during the temperature measurement process, or if the second temperature information (measurement data) cannot be normally acquired, the comparison unit 152 outputs an instruction to the abnormality detection unit 156 to detect an abnormality. In addition, when the second temperature information cannot be obtained normally, specifically, when normal temperature information cannot be obtained, for example, when the temperature information itself cannot be obtained, or when the temperature difference between the first temperature indicated by the first temperature information and the second temperature indicated by the second temperature information is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

[0045] In addition, in comparing the temperature, radio wave intensity, etc., values ​​above a threshold are used as an example, but it is also possible to set optimal numerical ranges, upper and lower limits for each and compare them.

[0046] (5-3) Optimal radio wave strength determination unit 153 The optimum radio wave intensity determination unit 153 has a function of determining optimum radio wave intensity. For example, the optimum radio wave intensity determination unit 153 determines the optimum radio wave intensity of the radio waves received by the RFID tag 20 based on the first temperature information and the second temperature information acquired by the acquisition unit 151. Specifically, when the temperature difference between the first temperature indicated by the first temperature information and the second temperature indicated by the second temperature information is less than a predetermined threshold, the optimum radio wave intensity determination unit 153 determines that the received radio wave intensity indicated by the received radio wave intensity information is the optimum radio wave intensity. The optimum radio wave strength determination unit 153 acquires information indicating the determined optimum radio wave strength as optimum radio wave strength information, and writes and stores it in the storage unit 130.

[0047] (5-4) Radio wave intensity adjustment unit 154 The radio wave intensity adjustment unit 154 has a function of adjusting radio wave intensity. For example, the radio wave intensity adjustment unit 154 adjusts the output radio wave intensity of the radio wave output by the communication unit 110 based on the received radio wave intensity indicated by the received radio wave intensity information acquired by the acquisition unit 151 and the optimal radio wave intensity determined by the optimal radio wave intensity determination unit 153.

[0048] Specifically, when the temperature difference between the first temperature indicated by the first temperature information acquired by the acquisition unit 151 in the temperature measurement preparation process and the second temperature indicated by the second temperature information is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the radio wave intensity adjustment unit 154 adjusts the output radio wave intensity so that the temperature difference becomes less than the predetermined threshold.

[0049] Furthermore, when the difference in radio wave strength between the received radio wave strength and the optimal radio wave strength is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the radio wave strength adjustment unit 154 adjusts the output radio wave strength so that the received radio wave strength becomes the optimal radio wave strength. Specifically, after the acquisition unit 151 starts acquiring measurement data in the temperature measurement process, when the difference in radio wave strength between the received radio wave strength and the optimal radio wave strength is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the radio wave strength adjustment unit 154 adjusts the output radio wave strength so that the received radio wave strength becomes the optimal radio wave strength.

[0050] (5-5) Correction unit 155 The correction unit 155 has a function of correcting the measurement data. For example, the correction unit 155 corrects the measurement data based on correction information indicating the correlation between the first temperature indicated by the first temperature information acquired by the acquisition unit 151 and the second temperature indicated by the second temperature information. The correction information indicating the correlation between the first temperature and the second temperature is, for example, the temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature. As an example of correction, assume that -1°C is acquired as correction information and measurement data of 25°C is acquired. In this case, the correction unit 155 subtracts 1°C from the measurement data of 25°C and sets 24°C as the corrected measurement data.

[0051] (5-6) Abnormality detection unit 156 The abnormality detection unit 156 has a function of detecting an abnormality. For example, when the output radio wave intensity is adjusted by the radio wave intensity adjustment unit 154, the abnormality detection unit 156 detects an abnormality in the RFID tag 20 if the output radio wave intensity reaches an upper limit value and the second temperature information (measurement data) of the RFID tag 20 cannot be normally acquired, or if the received radio wave intensity of the RFID tag 20 does not reach an optimal radio wave intensity.

[0052] Specifically, when the output radio wave intensity adjustment unit 154 adjusts the output radio wave intensity, the abnormality detection unit 156 detects an abnormality in the RFID tag 20 if the output radio wave intensity reaches an upper limit and the received radio wave intensity of the RFID tag 20 does not reach an optimal radio wave intensity. The abnormality detection unit 156 detects an abnormality by comparing the radio wave intensity values ​​to determine whether the received radio wave intensity of the RFID tag 20 reaches the optimal radio wave intensity. As another example, the abnormality detection unit 156 may make a determination based on the temperature difference between the first temperature indicated by the first temperature information acquired by the acquisition unit 151 and the second temperature indicated by the second temperature information. If the temperature difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the abnormality detection unit 156 detects an abnormality in the RFID tag 20. An abnormality in the RFID tag 20 may occur, for example, when the RFID tag 20 is not operating due to a malfunction or deterioration.

[0053] Furthermore, when the output radio wave intensity is adjusted by the radio wave intensity adjustment unit 154, if the output radio wave intensity reaches an upper limit value and the second temperature information (measurement data) of the RFID tag 20 cannot be normally acquired, the abnormality detection unit 156 detects that there is an abnormality in the acquisition of the second temperature information (measurement data). If the second temperature information (measurement data) acquired by the acquisition unit 151 is not normally acquired and cannot be acquired at all, such as due to an error or blank, or if the temperature difference between the first temperature indicated by the first temperature information and the second temperature indicated by the second temperature information is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the abnormality detection unit 156 detects that there is an abnormality in the acquisition of the second temperature information. As another example, the abnormality detection unit 156 determines whether the second temperature information (measurement data) has been successfully acquired based on the radio wave intensity difference between the received radio wave intensity indicated by the received radio wave intensity information acquired by the acquisition unit 151 and the optimal radio wave intensity determined by the optimal radio wave intensity determination unit 153. If the radio wave intensity difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the abnormality detection unit 156 detects that there is an abnormality in the acquisition of the second temperature information (i.e., temperature measurement). An abnormality in the acquisition of the second temperature information may occur, for example, when the RFID tag 20 peels off, causing the communication distance with the reader 10 to become extremely long, or when something containing metal or moisture is brought close.

[0054] (5-7) Output processing unit 157 The output processing unit 157 has a function of controlling various outputs. For example, the output processing unit 157 controls the output of radio waves from the communication unit 110 and the transmission of measurement data and abnormality notifications to the server device 30.

[0055] For example, when the abnormality detection unit 156 detects an abnormality in the RFID tag 20, the output processing unit 157 transmits an abnormality notification (alert) of the RFID tag 20 to the server device 30 via the communication unit 110. The abnormality notification of the RFID tag 20 is, for example, a notification instructing replacement of the RFID tag 20. Furthermore, if the abnormality detection unit 156 detects an abnormality in the temperature measurement, the output processing unit 157 transmits a temperature measurement abnormality notification (alert) to the server device 30 via the communication unit 110. The temperature measurement abnormality notification is, for example, a notification to the user terminal 40 that it is not possible to continue the temperature measurement. Each abnormality notification sent to the server device 30 is further sent from the server device 30 to the user terminal 40.

[0056] This configuration allows the user to receive an alert at an appropriate time, preventing the user from leaving an abnormality unattended without being able to measure the temperature. Furthermore, even if the user is far from the measurement location, the user can grasp the state of the RFID tag 20 and the temperature measurement status, allowing the user to respond flexibly to the abnormality.

[0057] <3. RFID tag functional configuration> The functional configuration of the reader 10 according to this embodiment has been described above. Next, the functional configuration of the RFID tag 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the RFID tag 20 according to this embodiment. 4, the RFID tag 20 includes, as hardware, an antenna 21 and an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip 22. The antenna 21 includes a communication unit 210. The IC chip 22 includes a sensor unit 220 and a control unit 230. The IC chip 22 may also include a power supply circuit and a memory.

[0058] (1) Communications Unit 210 The communication unit 210 has a function of transmitting and receiving various information. For example, the communication unit 210 transmits and receives information to and from the reader 10 by near field communication (NFC). The near field communication is realized by an antenna 21 provided in the RFID tag 20. The communication unit 210 receives radio waves in communication with the reader 10. Furthermore, the communication unit 210 transmits second temperature information and received radio wave intensity information in communication with the reader 10.

[0059] (2) Sensor unit 220 The sensor unit 220 has a function of acquiring information about the target object 2. The function of the sensor unit 220 is realized by various sensor devices. In this embodiment, the function of the sensor unit 220 is realized by a second temperature sensor. The second temperature sensor is, for example, a resistance temperature detector, a thermocouple, a thermistor, or the like. The sensor unit 220 measures the second temperature of the target object 2 using the second temperature sensor. Then, the sensor unit 220 acquires information indicating the second temperature as second temperature information.

[0060] (3) Control unit 230 The control unit 230 has a function of controlling the overall operation of the RFID tag 20. For example, the control unit 230 outputs to the communication unit 210 an instruction signal for transmitting, to the reading device 10, the received radio wave intensity information acquired by the communication unit 210 and the second temperature information acquired by the sensor unit 220.

[0061] <4. Processing flow> The configuration of the RFID tag 20 according to this embodiment has been described above. Next, the flow of processing according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0062] (1) Preparation for temperature measurement First, the flow of the temperature measurement preparation process will be described with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of the temperature measurement preparation process according to this embodiment. Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing flow according to the output radio wave intensity in the temperature measurement preparation process according to this embodiment.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 5, first, the sensor unit 120 of the reading device 10 measures the first temperature of the target object 2 (step S101). Next, the radio wave intensity adjuster 154 of the reader 10 adjusts the output radio wave intensity (step S102). Specifically, the radio wave intensity adjuster 154 sets the output radio wave intensity to a lower limit value. Next, the communication unit 110 of the reader 10 outputs radio waves (step S103). Specifically, the communication unit 110 outputs radio waves whose output radio wave intensity is at the lower limit value.

[0064] Next, the communication unit 210 of the RFID tag 20 receives the radio waves output from the reader 10 (step S104). Next, the communication unit 210 of the RFID tag 20 detects the received radio wave intensity of the received radio wave (step S105). Next, the sensor unit 220 of the RFID tag 20 measures the second temperature of the object 2 (step S106). Next, the communication unit 210 of the RFID tag 20 transmits received radio wave intensity information indicating the detected received radio wave intensity and second temperature information indicating the second temperature measured by the sensor unit 220 to the reading device 10 (step S107).

[0065] Next, the acquisition unit 151 of the reading device 10 determines whether or not the second temperature information has been acquired (step S108). If the second temperature information has been acquired (step S108 / YES), the process proceeds to step S109. On the other hand, if the second temperature information has not been acquired (step S108 / NO), the process proceeds to step S201 shown in FIG. 6. In step S108, the acquisition unit 151 determines whether the second temperature information has been successfully acquired based on whether the second temperature information has been successfully acquired in the first place.

[0066] If the process proceeds to step S109, the comparison unit 152 of the reading device 10 calculates the temperature difference between the first temperature indicated by the first temperature information and the second temperature indicated by the second temperature information, and compares the temperature difference with a predetermined threshold (step S109). If the temperature difference is less than the predetermined threshold (step S109 / YES), the process proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, if the temperature difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold (step S109 / NO), the process proceeds to step S201 shown in FIG. 6. The temperature difference being equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold indicates that the received radio wave strength of the RFID tag 20 does not reach the optimal radio wave strength. In step S109, the comparison unit 152 determines whether the second temperature information has been successfully acquired based on whether the temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature is less than a predetermined threshold value.

[0067] If the process proceeds to step S110, the optimum radio wave strength determination unit 153 of the reading device 10 acquires optimum radio wave strength information (step S110). Specifically, the optimum radio wave strength determination unit 153 determines that the received radio wave strength indicated by the received radio wave strength information is the optimum radio wave strength. Then, the optimum radio wave strength determination unit 153 acquires information indicating the determined optimum radio wave strength as the optimum radio wave strength information and writes and stores it in the memory unit 130.

[0068] Next, the acquisition unit 151 of the reading device 10 acquires correction information (step S111). Specifically, the acquisition unit 151 acquires, as correction information, the temperature difference between the first temperature indicated by the first temperature information and the second temperature indicated by the second temperature information used in determining the optimal radio wave intensity by the optimal radio wave intensity determination unit 153. Then, the acquisition unit 151 writes and stores the acquired correction information in the storage unit 130. If there is no temperature difference, the acquisition unit 151 does not need to acquire the correction information.

[0069] After acquiring the correction information, the reading device 10 starts measuring the temperature of the object 2 (temperature measurement process) (step S112). The temperature measurement process starts from step S302 shown in FIG.

[0070] When the process proceeds to step S201, the comparison unit 152 compares the output radio wave intensity of the reader 10 with its upper limit (step S201). If the output radio wave intensity is less than the upper limit (step S201 / YES), the process proceeds to step S102 shown in FIG. 5. Note that the radio wave intensity adjustment unit 154 adjusts the output radio wave intensity so as to gradually increase it each time the process proceeds from step S201 to step S102. Furthermore, the communication unit 110 outputs radio waves at the adjusted output radio wave intensity each time the process proceeds to step S103. On the other hand, if the output radio wave intensity is equal to or greater than the upper limit (step S201 / NO), the process proceeds to step S202. The fact that the process proceeds to step S202 indicates that the output radio wave intensity has reached the upper limit and that the second temperature information (measurement data) of the RFID tag 20 cannot be normally acquired.

[0071] When the process proceeds to step S202, the abnormality detection unit 156 of the reader 10 detects that there is an abnormality in the RFID tag 20 (step S202). Next, the output processing unit 157 of the reader 10 transmits a notification of an abnormality in the RFID tag 20 to the server device 30 via the communication unit 110 (step S203). Next, the server device 30 transmits the abnormality notification of the RFID tag 20 received from the reader 10 to the user terminal 40 (step S204).

[0072] (2) Temperature measurement process Next, the flow of the temperature measurement process will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of the temperature measurement process according to this embodiment. Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of the process according to the output radio wave intensity in the temperature measurement process according to this embodiment. As explained in step S111 of Fig. 5, the temperature measurement process starts from step S302 shown in Fig. 7.

[0073] 7, first, the communication unit 110 of the reading device 10 outputs radio waves (step S302). Specifically, the communication unit 110 outputs radio waves with an output radio wave intensity adjusted so that the received radio wave intensity becomes the optimal radio wave intensity.

[0074] Next, the communication unit 210 of the RFID tag 20 receives the radio waves output from the reader 10 (step S303). Next, the communication unit 210 of the RFID tag 20 detects the received radio wave intensity of the received radio wave (step S304). Next, the sensor unit 220 of the RFID tag 20 measures the second temperature of the object 2 (step S305). Next, the communication unit 210 of the RFID tag 20 transmits received radio wave intensity information indicating the detected received radio wave intensity and second temperature information indicating the second temperature measured by the sensor unit 220 to the reading device 10 (step S306).

[0075] Next, the acquisition unit 151 of the reading device 10 determines whether the second temperature information has been acquired normally (step S307). If the second temperature information has been acquired normally (step S307 / YES), the process proceeds to step S308. On the other hand, if the second temperature information has not been acquired normally (step S307 / NO), the process proceeds to step S401 shown in FIG. 8.

[0076] If the process proceeds to step S308, the comparison unit 152 of the reader 10 calculates the radio wave strength difference between the received radio wave strength indicated by the received radio wave strength information and the optimal radio wave strength indicated by the optimal radio wave strength information, and compares the radio wave strength difference with a predetermined threshold (step S308). If the radio wave strength difference is less than the predetermined threshold (step S308 / YES), the process proceeds to step S309. On the other hand, if the radio wave strength difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold (step S308 / NO), the process proceeds to step S401 shown in FIG. 8. The radio wave strength difference being equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold also indicates that the second temperature information (measurement data) of the RFID tag 20 cannot be normally acquired.

[0077] When the process proceeds to step S309, the acquisition unit 151 of the reading device 10 acquires the second temperature information as measurement data (step S309). Next, the correction unit 155 of the reading device 10 corrects the measurement data using the correction information (step S310).

[0078] After correcting the measurement data, output processing unit 157 of reading device 10 transmits the corrected measurement data to server device 30 via communication unit 110 (step S311). After transmitting the corrected measurement data, reading device 10 repeats the process from step S302.

[0079] Next, the server device 30, which has received the measurement data from the reading device 10, stores the received measurement data in a storage device (not shown) (step S312). Next, the server device 30 transmits the measurement data to the user terminal 40 via a communication unit (not shown) (step S313).

[0080] When the process proceeds to step S401, the comparison unit 152 compares the output radio wave intensity of the reader 10 with its upper limit (step S401). If the output radio wave intensity is less than the upper limit (step S401 / YES), the process proceeds to step S301 shown in FIG. 7. Note that the radio wave intensity adjustment unit 154 adjusts the output radio wave intensity so as to gradually increase it each time the process proceeds from step S401 to step S301. Furthermore, the communication unit 110 outputs radio waves at the adjusted output radio wave intensity each time the process proceeds from step S301 to step S302. On the other hand, if the output radio wave intensity is equal to or greater than the upper limit (step S401 / NO), the process proceeds to step S402. Proceeding to step S402 indicates that the output radio wave intensity has reached the upper limit and the second temperature information (measurement data) of the RFID tag 20 cannot be normally acquired, or the received radio wave intensity of the RFID tag 20 does not reach the optimum radio wave intensity.

[0081] When the process proceeds to step S402, the abnormality detection unit 156 of the reading device 10 detects that there is an abnormality in the temperature measurement (step S402). Next, the output processing unit 157 of the reading device 10 transmits a temperature measurement abnormality notification to the server device 30 via the communication unit 110 (step S403). Next, the server device 30 transmits the abnormality notification of the temperature measurement received from the reader 10 to the user terminal 40 (step S404).

[0082] As described above, the reading device 10 according to this embodiment includes the communication unit 110, the sensor unit 120, the acquisition unit 151, the optimum radio wave intensity determination unit 153, and the radio wave intensity adjustment unit 154. The communication unit 110 outputs radio waves. The sensor unit 120 measures a first temperature of a first measurement object using a first temperature sensor. The acquisition unit 151 acquires first temperature information indicating a first temperature from the sensor unit 120, and acquires second temperature information indicating the second temperature and received radio wave intensity information indicating the received radio wave intensity, which is the intensity of the radio waves received by the RFID tag 20 from the communication unit 110, from a passive RFID tag 20 equipped with a second temperature sensor that measures a second temperature of a second measurement object. The optimum radio wave intensity determination unit 153 determines the optimum radio wave intensity, which is the optimum intensity of the radio wave received by the RFID tag 20, based on the acquired first temperature information and second temperature information. The radio wave intensity adjustment unit 154 adjusts the output radio wave intensity, which is the intensity of the radio wave output by the communication unit 110, based on the received radio wave intensity indicated by the acquired received radio wave intensity information and the determined optimum radio wave intensity.

[0083] With this configuration, the reader 10 according to this embodiment can adjust the output radio wave intensity of the radio waves output by the reader 10 in accordance with the received radio wave intensity and the second temperature at the passive RFID tag 20 so that the received radio wave intensity at the passive RFID tag 20 becomes optimal for measuring the second temperature. By adjusting the intensity of the output radio waves in this manner, the reader 10 can control the electromotive force generated in the passive RFID tag 20 so as to further reduce the influence of the electromotive force generated in the passive RFID tag 20 by the radio waves on the measurement of the second temperature.

[0084] Therefore, the reader 10 according to this embodiment makes it possible to improve the control accuracy of the electromotive force in a passive RFID tag equipped with a temperature sensor.

[0085] <5. Variations> The above describes the embodiments of the present invention. Next, modifications of the embodiments of the present invention will be described. Note that each modification described below may be applied alone to the embodiments of the present invention, or may be applied in combination to the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, each modification may be applied in place of the configuration described in the embodiments of the present invention, or may be applied in addition to the configuration described in each embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] In the above embodiment, an example in which one temperature sensor is provided in each of the reader 10 and the RFID tag 20 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the reader 10 and the RFID tag 20 may be provided with a plurality of different types of sensor devices. Specifically, the reader 10 and the RFID tag 20 may be provided with a humidity sensor in addition to a temperature sensor. In this case, humidity information indicating the humidity measured by the humidity sensor may be used in the temperature measurement preparation process and temperature measurement process, similar to the temperature information. In addition to the temperature sensor and humidity sensor, a sensor that measures airborne substances (for example, a CO2 sensor) may also be provided. With this configuration, the reader 10 can control the electromotive force in the RFID tag 20 based on more information than when one temperature sensor is used. Therefore, the reader 10 can improve the control accuracy of the electromotive force in the RFID tag 20 compared to when one temperature sensor is used.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the temperature control system 1 has been described as an example in which one reader 10 controls the electromotive force of one RFID tag 20, but is not limited to such an example. For example, the temperature control system 1 may control the electromotive forces of multiple RFID tags 20 with one reader 10.

[0088] Here, a configuration in a modified example in which one reader 10 controls the electromotive forces of a plurality of RFID tags 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration in a modified example in which one reader 10 controls the electromotive forces of a plurality of RFID tags 20. 9 shows an example in which there are three objects, but the present invention is not limited to this example and the number of objects may be any number. In the following, an example will be described in which only RFID tag 20 is provided so as to be able to measure the temperature of object 2 (an example of an object to be managed), and the first measurement object and the second measurement object are different.

[0089] 9, when controlling the electromotive forces of multiple RFID tags 20, the reader 10 does not need to be attached to the object 2 so as to face the RFID tags 20. For example, the reader 10 may be installed on a wall or ceiling. In this case, the first measurement target is the air in contact with a surface other than the surface on which the reader 10 is attached. A plurality of objects 2-1 to 2-3 are provided with RFID tags 20-1 to 20-3, respectively. Specifically, RFID tag 20-1 is attached to the top surface of object 2-1. RFID tag 20-2 is attached to the side surface of object 2-2. RFID tag 20-3 is disposed inside object 2-3. In this case, the second measurement object is object 2. As described above, reading device 10 and RFID tag 20 do not necessarily measure the temperature of the same measurement object, and the measurement objects may be different. In this case, by previously acquiring correction information for temperatures measured by reading device 10 and RFID tag 20 for different measurement objects, it is possible to correct the temperature information acquired from RFID tag 20. The RFID tags 20-1 to 20-3 do not necessarily have to be attached to the object 2, but may be attached to a wall or ceiling in the same manner as the reader 10. The reader 10 controls the electromotive force of each of the RFID tags 20-1 to 20-3 in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment. However, the optimal radio wave intensity and correction information may differ depending on the RFID tag. Therefore, the reader 10 performs a preparation process for temperature measurement for each RFID tag separately, determines the optimal radio wave intensity for each RFID tag, and acquires correction information. Furthermore, because the optimal radio wave intensity may differ depending on the RFID tag, the reader 10 must also output radio waves in the temperature measurement process for each RFID tag and perform the temperature measurement process for each RFID tag. For example, the reader 10 performs the temperature measurement process by shifting the sampling timing for each RFID tag. As an example, the reader 10 measures the temperature of RFID tag 20-1 one minute after the start of the temperature measurement process, the temperature of RFID tag 20-2 three minutes later, and the temperature of RFID tag 20-3 five minutes later.

[0090] Furthermore, part or all of the functions of the reading device 10 in the above-described embodiment may be implemented by a computer. In this case, a program for implementing the functions may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be loaded into a computer system and executed. Note that the term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an operating system and peripheral devices. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" may also include devices that dynamically store programs for a short period of time, such as communication lines used when transmitting programs via networks such as the Internet or telephone lines, or devices that store programs for a fixed period of time, such as volatile memory within a computer system serving as a server or client. The program may be for implementing part of the functions described above, or may be capable of implementing the functions in combination with a program already stored in the computer system, or may be implemented using a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0091] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to that described above, and various design changes can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1...Temperature control system, 10...Reading device, 20 (20-1 to 20-3)...RFID tag, 21...Antenna, 22...IC chip, 30...Server device, 40...User terminal, 110...Communication unit, 120...Sensor unit, 130...Memory unit, 140...Power supply unit, 150...Control unit, 151...Acquisition unit, 152...Comparator, 153...Optimum radio wave intensity determination unit, 154...Radio wave intensity adjustment unit, 155...Correction unit, 156...Abnormality detection unit, 157...Output processing unit, 210...Communication unit, 220...Sensor unit, 230...Control unit

Claims

1. a communication unit that outputs radio waves; a sensor unit that measures a first temperature of a first measurement object using a first temperature sensor; an acquisition unit that acquires first temperature information indicating the first temperature from the sensor unit, and acquires second temperature information indicating the second temperature and received radio wave intensity information indicating received radio wave intensity, which is the intensity of radio waves received by the RFID tag from the communication unit, from a passive RFID tag that includes a second temperature sensor that measures a second temperature of a second measurement object; an optimal radio wave intensity determination unit that determines, when a temperature difference between a first temperature indicated by the acquired first temperature information and a second temperature indicated by the acquired second temperature information is less than a predetermined threshold, that the received radio wave intensity indicated by the acquired received radio wave intensity information is an optimal radio wave intensity indicating an optimal intensity of radio waves received by the RFID tag; a radio wave intensity adjustment unit that adjusts an output radio wave intensity, which is the intensity of radio waves output by the communication unit, based on the received radio wave intensity indicated by the acquired received radio wave intensity information and the determined optimal radio wave intensity; Equipped with The first measurement target and the second measurement target are the same object. Reading device.

2. a correction unit that corrects the second temperature information based on correction information that indicates a correlation between a first temperature indicated by the acquired first temperature information and a second temperature indicated by the acquired second temperature information; The reading device of claim 1 further comprising:

3. an abnormality detection unit that detects an abnormality in the RFID tag and instructs the communication unit to notify the abnormality when the output radio wave intensity reaches an upper limit value during adjustment of the output radio wave intensity by the radio wave intensity adjustment unit and when second temperature information of the RFID tag cannot be normally acquired or when the received radio wave intensity of the RFID tag does not reach an optimum radio wave intensity; The reading device according to claim 1 .

4. A communication process that outputs radio waves; a measuring step of measuring a first temperature of a first measurement object by a first temperature sensor; an acquisition process of acquiring first temperature information indicating the first temperature measured in the measurement process, and acquiring second temperature information indicating the second temperature and received radio wave intensity information indicating the received radio wave intensity, which is the intensity of the radio waves received by the RFID tag, from a passive RFID tag equipped with a second temperature sensor that measures a second temperature of a second measurement object; an optimal radio wave intensity determination process for determining, when a temperature difference between a first temperature indicated by the acquired first temperature information and a second temperature indicated by the acquired second temperature information is less than a predetermined threshold, that the received radio wave intensity indicated by the acquired received radio wave intensity information is an optimal radio wave intensity indicating an optimal intensity of radio waves received by the RFID tag; a radio wave intensity adjustment process for adjusting an output radio wave intensity, which is the intensity of radio waves output in the communication process, based on the received radio wave intensity indicated by the acquired received radio wave intensity information and the determined optimal radio wave intensity; Including, The first measurement target and the second measurement target are the same object. A computer-implemented reading method.

5. Computer, A communication means that outputs radio waves; a measuring means for measuring a first temperature of a first measurement object by a first temperature sensor; an acquisition means for acquiring first temperature information indicating the first temperature measured by the measurement means, and acquiring second temperature information indicating the second temperature and received radio wave intensity information indicating the received radio wave intensity, which is the intensity of radio waves received by the RFID tag from the communication means, from a passive RFID tag equipped with a second temperature sensor that measures a second temperature of a second measurement object; an optimal radio wave intensity determining means for determining, when a temperature difference between a first temperature indicated by the acquired first temperature information and a second temperature indicated by the acquired second temperature information is less than a predetermined threshold, that the received radio wave intensity indicated by the acquired received radio wave intensity information is an optimal radio wave intensity indicating an optimal intensity of radio waves received by the RFID tag; a radio wave intensity adjusting means for adjusting an output radio wave intensity, which is the intensity of radio waves output by the communication means, based on the received radio wave intensity indicated by the acquired received radio wave intensity information and the determined optimum radio wave intensity; It functions as The first measurement target and the second measurement target are the same object. program.

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