Management system and wireless tag collection

Abstract

To provide a management system and a wireless tag assembly which allow for recognizing a change in the number of products with respect to each wireless tag.SOLUTION: A management system A1 comprises a controller Ct, a plurality of light devices L, and a plurality of wireless tags Wt each of which is disposed on a shelf Sb on which a plurality of products are piled. The controller Ct and the plurality of light devices L constitute a first wireless communication network Cn1 using a first radio wave. Each light device L outputs a second radio wave, and each wireless tag Wt uses power obtained by power generation at the time of receiving the second radio wave to transmit a first radio wave or a third radio wave, The controller Ct transmits measurement data based on an intensity of the first radio wave or the third radio wave received by the light device L, to an external cloud CL as commodity state data of the wireless tag Wt correlating with the number of piled products Gd.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a management system and a collection of wireless tags. [Background technology]

[0002] Wireless tags are widely used as devices that transmit their own wireless tag information via wireless communication. Patent Document 1 discloses a management system that manages products using multiple wireless tags (RFID tags) placed on product shelves. When a product placed on an RFID tag is removed, wireless transmission and reception occurs between the RFID tag and the antenna. This allows the removal of the product to be recognized. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-142801 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, while it is possible to detect the presence or absence of a single product placed on a single RFID tag, if multiple products are stacked on a single RFID tag, it is not possible to detect that one of the products has been removed.

[0005] The present invention has been devised in light of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a management system and a wireless tag assembly that can recognize changes in the number of multiple products for each wireless tag. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A management system provided by a first aspect of the present invention is a management system comprising a control device, a plurality of relay units, and a plurality of wireless tags arranged on a shelf on which a plurality of products are placed, wherein the control device and the plurality of relay units form a wireless communication network using first wireless radio waves, the relay unit outputs second wireless radio waves different from the first wireless radio waves, the wireless tags use power generated by receiving the second wireless radio waves to transmit third wireless radio waves separate from the first wireless radio waves or the first wireless radio waves and the second wireless radio waves, and the control device transmits measurement data based on the reception strength of the first wireless radio waves or the third wireless radio waves by the relay unit to an external server as product status data for each of the plurality of wireless tags correlated with the number of products placed.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the wireless tag has a wireless communication unit, a wireless tag side control unit, a wireless tag side memory unit, and a self-power generating unit, and the self-power generating unit has an antenna unit that receives radio waves and generates power through electromagnetic induction caused by the reception of radio waves by the antenna unit, or has a light receiving unit with photoelectric conversion function and generates power through the reception of light by the light receiving unit, and the wireless tag side control unit uses power generated by the self-power supply unit to transmit the wireless tag information stored in the wireless tag side memory unit from the wireless communication unit by the second wireless radio waves, and the wireless tag side control unit sets the transmission frequency of the first wireless radio waves or the third wireless radio waves according to the power generated by the self-power generating unit as product status data for each of the multiple wireless tags that correlates with the number of products placed on the unit.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a server is provided which communicates with the control device, the server having a server-side communication unit, a server-side memory unit and a server-side control unit, the server-side communication unit receiving the product status data for each of the multiple wireless tags, the server-side control unit storing the product status data in the server-side memory unit and setting the order point for the product based on the aggregation results of the time-series product status data stored in the server-side memory unit.

[0009] The radio tag assembly provided by the second aspect of the present invention is a radio tag assembly comprising a plurality of the radio tags used in the management system provided by the first aspect of the present invention and a support sheet supporting the plurality of the radio tags, wherein the plurality of the radio tags are arranged on the surface of the support sheet, a bonding layer is provided on the back surface of the support sheet, and a planned cutting line is formed on the support sheet to separate adjacent radio tags. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to recognize changes in the number of multiple products for each wireless tag.

[0011] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a lighting device of a management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing a wireless tag of a management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing a control device of a management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] 1 is a block diagram showing a setting device of a management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a sequence diagram of a management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1(a) and 1(b) are schematic diagrams showing product placement status in a management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 3 is a flowchart of a management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a management system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a wireless tag of a management system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart of a management system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a system configuration diagram showing a management system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a server in a management system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart of a management system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 10(a) to 10(c) are diagrams showing an order processing of a management system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 10(a) to 10(c) are diagrams showing an order processing of a management system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 1A and 1B are a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing an example of a wireless tag assembly according to the present invention. [Figure 18] 1A to 1C are perspective views showing a manufacturing process of an example of a wireless tag assembly according to the present invention. [Figure 19] 1A and 1B are plan views showing an example of use of the RFID tag assembly according to the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a reference example of a management system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0014] The terms "first," "second," "third," etc. in this disclosure are used for identification purposes only and are not intended to impose any ranking on their objects.

[0015] 1 to 8 show a management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the management system A1 of this embodiment includes a plurality of lighting devices L, a control device Ct, and a plurality of wireless tags Wt. In addition to these components, the management system A1 also includes a setting device Md, a cloud CL, and a clock unit Ut. Note that the management system A1 may be configured without all or any of the setting device Md, the cloud CL, and the clock unit Ut. The management system A1 is a system that manages products using a plurality of wireless tags Wt.

[0016] [Lighting device L (relay unit)] The lighting device L is a specific example of a relay unit in the present invention. A specific example of the relay unit is not limited to the lighting device L. For example, a relay unit having a dedicated configuration in which the light source unit 11 is removed from the lighting device L described below may be used.

[0017] The lighting devices L are used, for example, for indoor lighting and are installed in various locations such as ceilings, walls, and floors. The lighting devices L may also be configured for outdoor lighting. The specific form of the lighting devices L is not limited in any way, and various forms such as straight tube lighting, high ceiling lighting, ceiling lights, downlights, base lights, and spotlights may be appropriately adopted. In the following description, the lighting device L will be referred to as lighting device L when describing the general configuration of the lighting device L, and reference symbols such as lighting device L1, ..., lighting device Ln may be used as appropriate to distinguish between the multiple lighting devices L. The multiple lighting devices L1 to Ln in FIG. 1 may have the same configuration, may share some common features with each other, or may have different configurations or forms. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the multiple lighting devices L1 to Ln will be described as having the same configuration.

[0018] 2 is a block diagram of the lighting device L. The lighting device L includes a light source unit 11, a control unit 12, a storage unit 13, a wireless communication module 14, and a power supply unit 15.

[0019] The light source unit 11 is a part that performs a light-emitting function in the lighting device L. There are no particular limitations on the specific configuration of the light source unit 11, and it may, for example, be composed of a substrate and a plurality of LEDs mounted in a row on the substrate. In addition, the lighting device L may have a transparent or translucent cover (not shown) that transmits light from the light source unit 11.

[0020] The control unit 12 controls each part of the lighting device L based on control signals from the control device Ct, etc. The specific configuration of the control unit 12 is not particularly limited and may be, for example, a CPU. The storage unit 13 stores information necessary for the control of the control unit 12 and may be, for example, a semiconductor memory. Note that the storage unit 13 is not limited to being built into the housing (not shown) of the lighting device L, and may be detachably provided outside the housing of the lighting device L.

[0021] The wireless communication module 14 is a communication unit for wirelessly communicating with the control device Ct, other lighting devices L constituting the communication network, and at least one of the multiple wireless tags Wt, and is a module for transmitting and receiving wireless signals. The wireless communication module 14 is connected to the control unit 12 via, for example, UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) communication, but is not limited to this. The wireless communication module 14 of this embodiment has a first wireless communication unit 141 and a second wireless communication unit 142.

[0022] To give an example of the function of the wireless communication module 14, it receives data from the control device Ct and transmits a signal (e.g., a designation signal) included in the received data to the control unit 12. It also transmits an acknowledgement signal indicating that the data has been received to the control device Ct. It may also transmit a status information signal indicating the operating status of the lighting device L to the control device Ct.

[0023] In this embodiment, identification information such as a unique lighting device ID of each of the multiple lighting devices L is stored in the wireless communication module 14. Specific examples of the identification information are not particularly limited, and include, for example, a MAC (Media Access Control) address and location information. The lighting device ID may be stored in either the first wireless communication unit 141 or the second wireless communication unit 142, or in another component of the wireless communication module 14, or may be stored in, for example, the storage unit 13. When the wireless communication module 14 recognizes that a received signal is a signal corresponding to the lighting device ID (identification information) of the wireless communication module 14, it transmits the signal to the control unit 12.

[0024] The first wireless communication unit 141 uses a first wireless radio wave to wirelessly communicate with the control device Ct and other lighting devices L. The first wireless communication unit 141 also uses the first wireless radio wave or a third wireless radio wave that is different from the first wireless radio wave to wirelessly communicate with the wireless tag Wt. In the following description, a case where the first wireless communication unit 141 uses the third wireless radio wave to wirelessly communicate with the wireless tag Wt will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0025] The wireless communication using the first radio wave is not limited in any way, and in this embodiment, it will be described as wireless communication using the first protocol. The communication frequency of the wireless communication using the first protocol is not limited in any way, and examples thereof include the 920 MHz band, the 2.4 GHz band, and the 5 GHz band. Specific examples of the first protocol are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include Bluetooth (registered trademark) including BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), Zigbee (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or proprietary protocols. The wireless communication using the third radio wave is not limited in any way, and in this embodiment, it will be described as wireless communication using the third protocol. The communication frequency of the wireless communication using the third protocol is not limited in any way, and examples thereof include the 920 MHz band, the 2.4 GHz band, and the 5 GHz band. Specific examples of the third protocol are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include Bluetooth (registered trademark) including BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), Zigbee (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or proprietary protocols. The first wireless communication unit 141 may be configured with one unit and transmit and receive the first wireless radio waves and the third wireless radio waves in a time-division manner, or may be configured with two units and switch between the wireless communication using the first wireless radio waves and the wireless communication using the third wireless radio waves by switching between these units.

[0026] In this embodiment, a plurality of lighting devices L each having a first wireless communication unit 141 and a control device Ct construct a first wireless communication network Cn1, which is a mesh network shown in Fig. 1, using a unique protocol that uses a first wireless radio wave in the 2.4 GHz band, for example. As the first protocol is used to transfer various types of data between the plurality of lighting devices L as will be described later, a protocol that can construct a mesh network while ensuring the transfer speed and reliability required for the data transfer is selected.

[0027] In this embodiment, the control device Ct is a root node of the first wireless communication network Cn1. Any of the multiple lighting devices L may function as a GM (gate module). The gate module is the root node of the cluster and is connected to the control device Ct. At this time, the gate module builds a mesh network together with other gate modules and connects to the control device Ct for communication. The gate module constantly evaluates the communication quality with other gate modules and the control device Ct, and automatically connects to the one with the best communication quality. Similarly, the lighting device L constantly evaluates the communication quality with other lighting devices L or gate modules, and automatically connects to the one with the best communication quality. The hardware configuration is the same for a normal lighting device L and a lighting device L functioning as a gate module. The lighting device L may be equipped with different software, or may be switched between operating as a normal lighting device L and as a gate module by mode switching.

[0028] The wireless communication using the third radio wave is used, for example, by the RF tag Wt to ​​transmit the RF tag information of the RF tag Wt, and the first wireless communication unit 141 receives the third radio wave from the RF tag Wt.

[0029] The second wireless communication unit 142 outputs second wireless radio waves. The second wireless radio waves are different from the first and third wireless radio waves, and have different frequency bands and protocols. Alternatively, the first and second wireless radio waves may use the same frequency band and transmission protocol, but have different power levels. Even when the first and second wireless radio waves have different power levels, the relay unit, such as the lighting device L, constitutes a first wireless communication network Cn1 using the first wireless radio waves and outputs the second wireless radio waves separately from the first wireless radio waves. The second wireless communication using the second wireless radio waves is not limited in any way, and in this embodiment, it is described as wireless communication using a second protocol. The communication frequency of the wireless communication using the second protocol is not limited in any way, and examples include the 920 MHz band, the 2.4 GHz band, and the 5 GHz band. Specific examples of the second protocol are not particularly limited, and examples include Bluetooth (registered trademark), including BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), Zigbee (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and proprietary protocols. As the second protocol, for example, when wireless communication with a wireless tag Wt located in a short distance is intended, Bluetooth (registered trademark) is selected.

[0030] Alternatively, either or both of the first wireless communication unit 141 and the second wireless communication unit 142 may transmit a beacon signal using packet communication. The beacon signal is transmitted at predetermined intervals. The transmission interval of the beacon signal is set, for example, by a setting signal from the control device Ct, and is, for example, 100 to 500 ms. By lengthening the output interval, it is possible to reduce power consumption.

[0031] The beacon signal may include identification information (lighting device ID) of the lighting device L. The beacon signal may also include a timestamp. This identification information may be location information that directly indicates the location of the lighting device L, or may be a MAC address or the like.

[0032] The power supply unit 15 is for supplying the light source unit 11, the control unit 12, the wireless communication module 14, etc. with the power required for their operation. The power supply unit 15 has a function as an AC / DC converter that converts commercial AC 100V or 200V power into DC power, a voltage transformation function, etc.

[0033] [Wireless tag Wt] The RFID tag Wt is a device used in the management process of the management system A1 of this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the RFID tag Wt. The RFID tag Wt of this embodiment includes a control unit 42, a memory unit 43, a wireless communication unit 44, and a self-power generation unit 45. The specific configuration of the RFID tag Wt is not limited in any way, and it may be configured as a dedicated chip-shaped tag device. Alternatively, it may be configured to be supported by a resin sheet or the like having an adhesive layer. The RFID tag Wt of this embodiment is placed on a shelf Sb of the product shelf Sf, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0034] In the following description, when describing the general configuration of the RFID tag Wt, it will be referred to as the RFID tag Wt, and when distinguishing between multiple RFID tags Wt, symbols such as RFID tag Wt1, ..., RFID tag Wtm may be used as appropriate. The multiple RFID tags Wt1 to Wtm may have the same configuration, may share some common features with each other, or may have different configurations. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, a case will be described where the multiple RFID tags Wt1 to Wtm have the same configuration. Furthermore, the multiple RFID tags Wt1 to Wtm are individually arranged on multiple shelves Sb1 to Sbm of the product shelf Sf.

[0035] The control unit 42 is for controlling each part of the wireless tag Wt. The control unit 42 corresponds to the wireless tag side control unit in the present invention. The specific configuration of the control unit 42 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a CPU. The memory unit 43 is for storing information such as programs and setting conditions necessary for the control of the control unit 42, and may be, for example, a semiconductor memory. The memory unit 43 corresponds to the wireless tag side memory in the present invention. In this embodiment, the memory unit 43 stores wireless tag information unique to each wireless tag Wt. Specific examples of the wireless tag information are not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a tag ID.

[0036] The wireless communication unit 44 is for performing wireless communication with the lighting device L using the above-mentioned first wireless radio wave (first protocol) or wireless communication using the third wireless radio wave (third protocol).

[0037] The self-power generation unit 45 is for supplying the control unit 42, the wireless communication unit 44, and the like with the power necessary for their operation. The self-power generation unit 45 performs a self-power generation function of converting energy obtained from an external source into electric power. The method of self-power generation of the self-power generation unit 45 is not limited in any way. In this embodiment, the self-power generation unit 45 has an antenna unit 451. When the self-power generation unit 45 receives the second wireless radio wave via the antenna unit 451, it generates power using an induced current generated by the reception. The power of the wireless radio wave for generating the induced current is preferably 5 dBm or more, and by receiving a wireless radio wave of 10 dBm or more, it is possible to generate an induced current sufficient to control each unit of the wireless tag Wt. The power self-generated by the self-power generation unit 45 is supplied to the control unit 42, the wireless communication unit 44, and the like.

[0038] [Control device Ct] The control device Ct performs management control using multiple relay units (lighting devices L) and multiple wireless tags Wt, and controls the lighting of multiple lighting devices L1 to Ln. In this embodiment, the control device Ct may be installed in the same room as the room in which the multiple relay units (multiple lighting devices L1 to Ln) are installed, or in a different room or on a different floor of the same building, or in a different building. When the control device Ct and the multiple relay units (multiple lighting devices L1 to Ln) are located at a certain distance from each other, the control device Ct and the multiple relay units (multiple lighting devices L1 to Ln) may communicate with each other using not only wireless communication but also wired communication and wireless communication. Note that the management system A1 is only required to include at least one control device Ct, and may also include multiple control devices Ct in other configurations.

[0039] 4 is a block diagram of the control device Ct. In this embodiment, the control device Ct includes a display unit 21, a control unit 22, a storage unit 23, a wireless communication unit 24, and a power supply unit 25.

[0040] The display unit 21 is not necessarily required for the management processing of the management system A1, which will be described later, but is used for initial setup and maintenance of the control device Ct. The display unit 21 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and may further have a touch panel function. Also, instead of the display unit 21 functioning as a touch panel, the control device Ct may be provided with a separate operation device, for example, a keyboard or a mouse.

[0041] The control unit 22 is a main component that performs management control using multiple relay units (lighting devices L) and multiple wireless tags Wt, and lighting control of multiple lighting devices L1 to Ln, and controls each part of the control device Ct. For example, the control unit 22 transmits a control signal to the wireless communication unit 24 so as to transmit control data to the target relay unit (lighting device L). The specific configuration of the control unit 22 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a CPU. The storage unit 23 stores information such as programs and setting conditions required for the control of the control unit 22, and may be, for example, a semiconductor memory or a hard disk drive.

[0042] The wireless communication unit 24 is for performing wireless communication with the first wireless communication unit 141 of the wireless communication module 14 of the multiple relay units (the multiple lighting devices L1 to Ln). The frequency band of the wireless communication unit 24 and the wireless communication standard it complies with are wireless communication using the first protocol described above. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the control device Ct configures a first wireless communication network Cn1 together with the multiple relay units (the multiple lighting devices L1 to Ln). The wireless communication unit 24 transmits control data from the control unit 22 to the multiple relay units (the multiple lighting devices L1 to Ln) via the first wireless communication network Cn1, for example. Note that the control device Ct may have a wired or wireless communication circuit for connecting to the Internet in addition to the wireless communication unit 24.

[0043] The power supply unit 25 is for supplying the power necessary for operation to the display unit 21, the control unit 22, the wireless communication unit 24, etc. The power supply unit 25 has a function as an AC / DC converter that converts commercial AC 100V or 200V power into DC power, a voltage transformation function, etc.

[0044] The control device Ct has identification information such as lighting device IDs of the multiple relay units (multiple lighting devices L1 to Ln) and wireless tag information of the multiple wireless tags Wt, which are stored, for example, in the storage unit 23. The identification information held by the control device Ct may be, for example, a MAC address as the lighting device ID held by the lighting device L, or a tag ID or identification address held by the wireless tag Wt.

[0045] [Setting device Md] The setting device Md is a device for setting the identification addresses and operating conditions of multiple relay units in the management system A1. The specific configuration of the setting device Md is not limited in any way. The specific configuration of the setting device Md is not limited in any way, and examples of the setting device Md include a desktop PC, a notebook PC, a tablet terminal, etc.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 5, the setting device Md of this embodiment includes a display unit 51, a control unit 52, a storage unit 53, a wireless communication unit 54, a power supply unit 55, and an operation unit 58.

[0047] The display unit 51 is for displaying information and images necessary for operating the setting device Md, etc. The display unit 51 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0048] The wireless communication unit 54 performs the function of wirelessly communicating with the multiple relay units and the control device Ct. The wireless communication unit 54 transmits, for example, an identification signal (described later) to the multiple relay units and a setting signal (described later) to the control device Ct. The wireless communication unit 54 is used for wireless communication using a predetermined protocol. The communication frequency of the wireless communication using the predetermined protocol is not limited, and examples thereof include the 920 MHz band, the 2.4 GHz band, and the 5 GHz band. Specific examples of the predetermined protocol are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include Bluetooth (registered trademark) including BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), ZigBee (registered trademark), and Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Note that the protocol used by the wireless communication unit 54 when wirelessly communicating with the multiple relay units and the control device Ct is preferably the same as the protocol used in the first wireless communication network Cn1 after the management system A1 is established, but may be a different protocol.

[0049] The control unit 52 controls each unit of the setting device Md. The specific configuration of the control unit 52 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a CPU. The storage unit 53 stores information such as programs and setting conditions required for control by the control unit 52, and may be, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0050] The power supply unit 55 supplies the power necessary for the operation of the display unit 51, the control unit 52, the wireless communication unit 54, etc. The power supply unit 55 may have a function as an AC / DC converter that converts commercial AC 100V or 200V power into DC power, a voltage transformation function, or may be a rechargeable battery. The battery may be charged using either a contact charger or a contactless charger.

[0051] The operation unit 58 is used to operate the setting device Md. The operation unit 58 is, for example, a keyboard and a mouse. Note that if the display unit 51 functions as a touch panel, the setting device Md does not need to be equipped with the operation unit 58.

[0052] The setting device Md holds unique information of a plurality of relay units, and this information is stored, for example, in the storage unit 53. The unique information held by the setting device Md may be the MAC address held by the lighting device L, for example.

[0053] [Cloud CL] The cloud CL corresponds to an example of an external server of the present invention. The cloud CL is constructed, for example, by a commercial cloud service or the like, and includes a control unit 61, a memory unit 62, and a communication unit 63. The control unit 61 corresponds to an example of a server-side control unit of the present invention. The control unit 61 controls the operation of the cloud CL (described later) and is implemented, for example, by a CPU. The memory unit 62 corresponds to an example of a server-side memory unit of the present invention. The memory unit 62 stores product status data and the like in the management system A1 and is implemented, for example, by a semiconductor memory or a hard disk. The communication unit 63 corresponds to an example of a server-side communication unit. The communication unit 63 communicates with the control device Ct, for example, via a public communication network (Internet), and is capable of either wired communication or wireless communication, or both. Note that the server of the present invention is not limited to the cloud CL, and may be, for example, a server device installed in a different location from the control device Ct via a public communication network (Internet) or a server device installed in the same store as the control device Ct.

[0054] [Clock unit Ut] The clock unit Ut has a function of acquiring time information by receiving FM radio waves, for example, and a function of transmitting the time information to the control device Ct by Wi-Fi (registered trademark), for example.

[0055] Next, the operation of the management system A1 will be described below.

[0056] A case will be described in which the management system A1 of this embodiment is installed in a store. The product shelf Sf is where products Gd are placed within the store. A store may have multiple product shelves Sf. There is no limitation on the number of shelves Sb that each product shelf Sf has. The management system A1 of this example manages multiple products Gd placed on multiple shelves Sb1 to Sbm.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 6, time information is synchronized and a first wireless communication network Cn1 is established (step S1).

[0058] In constructing the first wireless communication network Cn1, for example, the setting device Md is used to determine identification addresses of the plurality of lighting devices L (relay units). The setting device Md generates an identification signal including a MAC address and an identification address, which are unique information, for each of the plurality of lighting devices L (relay units), and transmits the signal from the wireless communication unit 54 to each of the lighting devices L (relay units). Alternatively, the control device Ct may receive the identification signal transmitted from the setting device Md and transmit the signal to the plurality of lighting devices L. Next, in each lighting device L (relay unit), the first wireless communication unit 141 of the wireless communication module 14 receives the identification signal and transfers it to the control unit 12. The control unit 12, which has received the identification signal, stores the identification address in each storage unit 13. In this way, the first wireless communication network Cn1 is constructed by the control device Ct and the plurality of lighting devices L.

[0059] The synchronization of time information is performed for the control device Ct and multiple lighting devices L (relay units) that make up the first wireless communication network Cn1. Specifically, the clock unit Ut transmits time information, which is received by the control device Ct. The control device Ct creates time data by converting the time information into a first protocol and transmits it to the multiple lighting devices L (relay units) via the first wireless communication network Cn1. The lighting devices L1 to Ln that receive the time information synchronize their own time with the time data and forward the time data to the next lighting device L.

[0060] Next, second radio waves are output from the plurality of lighting devices L (step S2). In this embodiment, the second radio waves are output by the second wireless communication unit 142 of the wireless communication module 14 of the lighting device L. The power of the second radio waves output by the second wireless communication unit 142 is greater than the power of the first radio waves output by the first wireless communication unit 141. The power of the second radio waves is set to a level that enables energy harvesting by the wireless tag Wt. The output interval of the second radio waves from the second wireless communication unit 142 is not limited in any way and is, for example, about 100 ms to 500 ms.

[0061] Next, the RFID tag Wt transmits RFID tag information using the first or third RFID radio waves (step S3). In this embodiment, the RFID tag Wt transmits product status data using the third RFID radio waves. In the RFID tag Wt, the antenna unit 451 of the self-power generation unit 45 receives the second RFID radio waves from the lighting device L. Upon reception by the antenna unit 451, the second RFID radio waves become an induced current and are converted into electric power. The control unit 42 of the RFID tag Wt transmits the RFID tag information from the wireless communication unit 44 using the electric power from the self-power generation unit 45.

[0062] The wireless tag information transmitted from the wireless tag Wt is received by a lighting device L (lighting device Ln in the example of FIG. 6) placed near the wireless tag Wt (step S4). The reception strength of the wireless tag information of the third wireless radio wave (third communication protocol) received by the lighting device L varies depending on the placement status of the product Gd on the shelf Sb on which the wireless tag Wt is placed.

[0063] FIG. 7 shows a plurality of RFID tags Wt arranged on a product shelf Sf and a plurality of products Gd placed on the product shelf Sf. The product shelf Sf has a plurality of shelves Sb1 to Sbm. A plurality of RFID tags Wt1 to Wtm are individually arranged on the plurality of shelves Sb1 to Sbm. The manner in which the RFID tags Wt are arranged on the shelf Sb is not limited in any way. Various methods can be used to fix the RFID tags Wt to ​​the shelf Sb, such as bonding, fitting, engagement, fastening, and magnetic force. The RFID tags Wt may also be arranged on the top surface of the shelf Sb, or may be attached to the bottom surface of the shelf Sb depending on the material of the shelf Sb. In the example shown, the RFID tags Wt are arranged on the top surface of the shelf Sb by adhesive or other methods.

[0064] In the illustrated example, multiple products Gd placed on shelf Sb are stacked on wireless tags Wt arranged on the top surface of shelf Sb. In FIG. 1(a), three products Gd are stacked on each of multiple shelves Sb1 to Sbm. In this example, the maximum number of products Gd that can be placed on each shelf Sb is three. In this case, the third wireless radio wave, which transmits the wireless tag information of the wireless tags Wt1 to Wtm, is received by the lighting device L through the multiple products Gd (three products Gd in the figure). The reception strength of the lighting device L at this time corresponds to a situation where the shelf Sb is fully loaded with a predetermined number of products Gd.

[0065] FIG. 1B shows a state in which a customer of the store has purchased products Gd as needed. In FIG. 1B, the number of products Gd placed on each shelf Sb is different. Three products Gd are placed on shelf Sb2. Therefore, the reception strength of the third radio wave from the wireless tag Wt2 is approximately the same as the reception strength in the case of FIG. 1A. Two products Gd are placed on shelf Sb1. The third radio wave from the wireless tag Wt1 is received by the lighting device L through the two products Gd. The reception strength of the lighting device L in this case is stronger than the reception strength in the case of FIG. 1A by an amount corresponding to the reduction in reception strength due to one product Gd, i.e., the value of the reception strength is greater.

[0066] On shelf Sb3 in Figure 1(b), an additional product Gd has been purchased and one product Gd has been placed thereon. Therefore, the reception strength of the third radio wave from wireless tag Wt3 is even greater than the reception strength of the third radio wave from wireless tag Wt2. On shelf Sbm, all products Gd have been purchased and the number of products Gd placed thereon is zero. Therefore, the reception strength of the third radio wave from wireless tag Wtm is the same as the reception strength in Figure 1(a).

[0067] In this way, the reception strength (measurement data) when the lighting device L receives the third radio wave from the wireless tag Wt is data that correlates with the number of products Gd placed on the shelf Sb on which the wireless tag Wt is placed, and is an example of product status data for each wireless tag Wt.

[0068] 6, the lighting device Ln, which has received the third radio waves from the RF tag Wt, adds the above-mentioned reception intensity (measurement data) and time stamp to the RF tag information of the RF tag Wt transmitted by the third radio waves (third protocol). Then, the lighting device Ln converts the third protocol to the first protocol and transmits the RF tag information to which the reception intensity (measurement data) and time stamp have been added via the first wireless communication network Cn1. Note that if the transmission of the RF tag information from the RF tag Wt (step S3) is performed by the first radio waves (first protocol), the protocol conversion in step S4 is not necessary.

[0069] The lighting device L1 receives the wireless tag information from the lighting device Ln via the first wireless communication network Cn1 and transfers the wireless tag information via the first wireless communication network Cn1. Then, the lighting device L1 transfers the wireless tag information to the control device Ct via the first wireless communication network Cn1 (step S5).

[0070] The control device Ct transmits the received wireless tag information, the added reception intensity (measurement data), and the time stamp to the cloud CL (step S6).

[0071] The cloud CL performs product management processing using the wireless tag information, the assigned reception strength (measurement data), and the timestamp (step S7). For example, the cloud CL stores in the storage unit 62 the correspondence between the wireless tag information of the wireless tag Wt and the shelf Sb. This correspondence may be, for example, correspondence information set by the setting device Md and transmitted to the cloud CL via the control device Ct. Alternatively, in step S6, the cloud CL may transmit information about the corresponding shelf Sb to the cloud CL based on the wireless tag information.

[0072] The control unit 61 of the cloud CL estimates the number of products Gd placed on the corresponding shelf Sb from the reception strength (measurement data) assigned to the wireless tag information. In this example, the number of products Gd placed is estimated from 0, 1, 2, or 3 depending on the strength of the reception strength (the magnitude of the numerical value of the reception strength). This estimated number of products Gd is recognized as having been placed on the shelf Sb of the corresponding wireless tag Wt at the time indicated in the timestamp. The product management information obtained as a result of the product management process is stored in the memory unit 62. Note that the process of estimating the number of products Gd may be configured to be performed by the control device Ct.

[0073] The product management information obtained by the product management process in the cloud CL may be readable by a mobile terminal (not shown), such as a tablet, that can communicate with the cloud CL. The mobile terminal may have a proprietary application installed, and the read product management information may be displayed together with tables, graphs, or the store layout in which the product shelves Sf are arranged.

[0074] Next, the operation of the management system A1 will be described.

[0075] According to this embodiment, as described with reference to Figures 6 and 7, the number of products Gd stacked on the wireless tags Wt can be collected in the control device Ct via the first wireless communication network Cn1 and stored in the cloud CL as product status data. The product status data does not simply indicate the presence or absence of products Gd on each shelf Sb, but also includes the number of products Gd by recognizing changes in the number of products Gd on each shelf Sb. Therefore, the management system A1 can recognize changes in the number of multiple products Gd for each wireless tag Wt.

[0076] Other embodiments are shown in Figures 8 to 20. In these figures, elements that are the same as or similar to those in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those in the above embodiment.

[0077] Second Embodiment 8 is a flowchart showing the processing of a management system according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to a part of step S3 described above. In this embodiment, when the self-power generation unit 45 starts self-power generation by receiving radio waves (step S3-1-1), it generates power according to the intensity of the second radio waves from the lighting device L (step S3-1-2). That is, the power generated by the self-power generation unit 45 depends on the intensity of the second radio waves received by the antenna unit 451. As described with reference to FIG. 7, a plurality of products Gd are placed on the shelf Sb on which the wireless tags Wt are arranged. The intensity of the second radio waves received by the antenna unit 451 becomes weaker (the numerical value of the radio wave intensity becomes smaller) as the number of products Gd increases, and becomes stronger (the numerical value of the radio wave intensity becomes larger) as the number of products Gd decreases.

[0078] The control unit 42 of the wireless tag Wt determines whether the power generated by the self-power generation unit 45 is within a first power range or a second power range (step S3-1-3). The first power range and the second power range are ranges that define the power per unit time generated by the self-power generation unit 45. The second power range is a range of power lower than the first power range. For example, if the voltage generated by the self-power generation unit 45 is constant, the magnitude of the power per unit time generated by the self-power generation unit 45 is determined by the magnitude of the current. Therefore, determining whether the power generated by the self-power generation unit 45 is within the first power range or the second power range may be determined by determining whether the current generated by the self-power generation unit 45 is within a first current range corresponding to the first power range or a second current range corresponding to the second power range.

[0079] If the power generated by the self-power generation unit 45 is within the first power range (step S3-1-3: Yes), the control unit 42 sets the transmission frequency of the wireless tag information to the first transmission frequency (step S3-1-4). On the other hand, if the power generated by the self-power generation unit 45 is not within the first power range (step S3-1-3: No), the control unit 42 determines whether the power generated by the self-power generation unit 45 is within the second power range. If the power generated by the self-power generation unit 45 is within the second power range (step S3-1-5: Yes), the control unit 42 sets the transmission frequency of the wireless tag information to the second transmission frequency (step S3-1-6). The first transmission frequency and the second transmission frequency are different from each other, and the second transmission frequency is lower than the first transmission frequency. For example, if the first transmission frequency is set to once every 5 seconds, the second transmission frequency is set to once every 60 seconds.

[0080] Note that the configuration is not limited to one in which only the first and second transmission frequencies are set. For example, if the number of placed products Gd is 0, 1, 2, and 3, first, second, third, and fourth power ranges, each of which has a different power range, may be set, and corresponding first, second, third, and fourth transmission frequencies may be set. The first, second, third, and fourth transmission frequencies are different from each other. For example, the first, second, third, and fourth power ranges have increasing power in descending order, and correspond to numbers of placed products Gd of 0, 1, 2, and 3. Furthermore, the first, second, third, and fourth transmission frequencies have decreasing frequency in descending order, and correspond to numbers of placed products Gd of 0, 1, 2, and 3.

[0081] In step S4 described above, the lighting device L, which receives the third radio wave from the wireless tag Wt, adds the transmission frequency from the wireless tag Wt as measurement data to the wireless tag information. Then, the lighting device L transmits the wireless tag information to which the transmission frequency as measurement data and a timestamp, etc. are added. After steps S5 and S6, in step S7, the cloud CL estimates the number of products Gd placed based on the transmission frequency. This allows the above-mentioned product management information to be obtained.

[0082] This embodiment also makes it possible to recognize changes in the number of multiple products Gd for each wireless tag Wt. Furthermore, the measurement data (product status data) of the present invention may be any data that correlates with the number of products Gd placed, and various data such as reception strength and transmission frequency may be used.

[0083] Third Embodiment 9 to 11 show a management system A3 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The management system A3 of this embodiment differs mainly in the configuration of the wireless tags Wt and the configuration of the product shelves Sf.

[0084] 10 shows the wireless tag Wt of this embodiment. The self-power generating unit 45 of this embodiment has a light receiving unit 452. The light receiving unit 452 performs a photoelectric conversion function and is, for example, a phototransistor or a photodiode. When the light receiving unit 452 receives light, power is generated by the photoelectric conversion function of the light receiving unit 452. The self-power generating unit 45 supplies this power to the control unit 42, the wireless communication unit 44, etc. The power per unit time generated by power generation by the light receiving unit 452 depends on the illuminance (strength) of the light received by the light receiving unit 452.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 9, a product shelf Sf is provided with a plurality of lighting units Sl. The lighting units Sl have, for example, LEDs or the like as light sources and are provided corresponding to the shelves Sb. In the illustrated example, the lighting units Sl are disposed above and in front of the corresponding shelves Sb (on the side where customers are present). The lighting units Sl illuminate the products Gd placed on the shelves Sb. In this embodiment, the wireless tags Wt are fixed to the wall Sw or the like at the back of the shelves Sb. In the case of the wireless tag Wt3 in the same figure, no products Gd are placed on the corresponding shelf Sb3. Therefore, the light from the lighting units Sl3 reaches the wireless tag Wt3 almost unobstructed. The brightness of the light from the lighting units Sl that reaches the wireless tag Wt correlates with the number of products Gd placed thereon. In the illustrated example, a plurality of products Gd are arranged in the front-to-rear direction (left-to-right direction in the figure) of the shelf Sb. Therefore, the more the number of products Gd placed, the darker the light from the illumination unit Sl that the wireless tag Wt receives.

[0086] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing of the management system according to this embodiment, and corresponds to a part of step S3 described above. In this embodiment, when the self-power generation unit 45 starts self-power generation by receiving radio waves (step S3-2-1), it generates power according to the brightness of the light from the illumination unit S1 (step S3-2-2). The control unit 42 of the wireless tag Wt determines whether the power generated by the self-power generation unit 45 is within the first power range or the second power range (step S3-2-3). If the power generated by the self-power generation unit 45 is within the first power range (step S3-2-3: Yes), the control unit 42 sets the transmission frequency of the wireless tag information to the first transmission frequency (step S3-2-4). On the other hand, if the power generated by the self-power generation unit 45 is not within the first power range (step S3-2-3: No), the control unit 42 determines whether the power generated by the self-power generation unit 45 is within the second power range. If the power generated by the self-power generation unit 45 is within the second power range (step S3-2-5: Yes), the control unit 42 sets the transmission frequency of the wireless tag information to the second transmission frequency (step S3-2-6).

[0087] As described above, if the number of placed products Gd is 0, 1, 2, or 3, first, second, third, and fourth power ranges, each different from the other, may be set, and corresponding first, second, third, and fourth transmission frequencies may be set. After this, steps S4 to S7 are executed in the same manner as in the second embodiment described above.

[0088] This embodiment also makes it possible to recognize changes in the number of multiple products Gd for each wireless tag Wt. Furthermore, as can be seen from this embodiment, there are no limitations on the method for realizing self-power generation by the self-power generation unit 45. Furthermore, various types of energy and energy conversion mechanisms can be employed as long as the degree to which the self-power generation unit 45 receives the energy used for self-power generation (in this embodiment, light from the illumination unit S1) is correlated with (affected by) the number of products Gd placed on it.

[0089] <Fourth embodiment> 12 shows a management system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The management system A4 of this embodiment includes a first wireless communication network Cn1 and a second wireless communication network Cn2.

[0090] The first wireless communication network Cn1 is constructed by a control device Ct and a plurality of lighting devices L1 to Ln. The second wireless communication network Cn2 is constructed by another control device Ct and a plurality of lighting devices Ln+1 to Lp, and performs the same functions as the first wireless communication network Cn1. In this embodiment, the plurality of lighting devices L1 to Ln that constitute the first wireless communication network Cn1 communicate with a plurality of wireless tags Wt1 to Wtm, and the plurality of lighting devices Ln+1 to Lp that constitute the second wireless communication network Cn2 communicate with a plurality of wireless tags Wtm+1 to Wtq. The cloud CL communicates with both the control device Ct of the first wireless communication network Cn1 and the control device Ct of the second wireless communication network Cn2.

[0091] Even with this embodiment, it is possible to recognize changes in the number of multiple products Gd for each wireless tag Wt. Furthermore, as can be understood from this embodiment, there is no limitation on the number of wireless communication networks, and it may be three or more. By providing multiple wireless communication networks (first wireless communication network Cn1 and second wireless communication network Cn2) that can communicate with the cloud CL, it is possible to perform product management processing using a larger number of wireless tags Wt. For example, by establishing multiple wireless communication networks on different floors of a store, product management can be performed in an integrated manner for the entire store having multiple floors. Furthermore, by establishing a wireless communication network in each of multiple stores that make up a chain store, product management can be performed in an integrated manner for the entire chain store.

[0092] Fifth Embodiment 13 to 16 show a management system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing the specific configuration of a control unit 61 and a storage unit 62 of the cloud CL according to this embodiment.

[0093] The control unit 61 has an order reference point setting unit 611, a reference stock quantity determination unit 612, an order reference date setting unit 613, an order point setting unit 614, and an inventory quantity determination unit 615. The memory unit 62 has a product information memory unit 621 and an order reference date interval memory unit 622.

[0094] The reorder reference point setting unit 611 sets the reorder reference point by adding the additional reorder point number to the reorder point stored in the product information storage unit 621. The reference stock quantity determination unit 612 determines whether the stock quantity of product Gd has fallen below the reorder reference point stored in the product information storage unit 621. The order reference date setting unit 613 sets a new reorder point by multiplying the reorder reference point interval ratio by the reorder point. In other words, the reorder point is set according to the following formula: New reorder point = Current reorder point × Reorder reference point interval ratio. The stock quantity determination unit 615 determines whether the stock quantity of product Gd has fallen below the reorder point stored in the product information storage unit 621, and whether a product is out of stock.

[0095] The order reference date interval storage unit 622 stores the order quantity, order point, order reference point, order history, and other information for product Gd as product information. Here, the order quantity of the product is a preset value. The order point is a value set as appropriate by the order point setting unit. The order reference point is calculated by the order reference date setting unit 613 by adding the order point addition number to the order point, and is a value that is updated as appropriate. The order history is stored as the cumulative number of times product Gd has been ordered.

[0096] The order base date interval storage unit 622 stores past order base date intervals (the interval one time before, the interval two times before, etc.).

[0097] 14 shows an example of an ordering process for a product Gd in the cloud CL of this embodiment. Steps S8-1 to S8-6 relating to the ordering process shown in the drawing are executed as appropriate after step S7 in FIG.

[0098] First, in step S8-1, the order reference point setting unit 611 sets the order reference point to the order point stored in the product information storage unit 621. Next, in step S8-2, the reference inventory quantity determination unit 612 determines whether the inventory quantity of product Gd has fallen below the order reference point, based on the product management information obtained in steps S1 to S7. If the inventory quantity of product Gd has fallen below the order reference point (step S8-2: Yes), the order reference date setting unit 613 sets the date on which the inventory quantity fell below the order reference date as the order reference date. The order reference date interval storage unit 622 stores the product order reference date, etc. as order reference date data (step S8-3). If the inventory quantity of product Gd has not fallen below the order reference point, the process returns to step S8-2.

[0099] Next, in step S8-4, the order point setting unit 614 sets a new order point based on the order reference date interval.

[0100] Next, in step S8-5, the inventory determination unit 615 determines whether the inventory amount of the product Gd has fallen below the new order point. If the inventory amount of the product Gd has fallen below the new order point (step S8-5: Yes), the control unit 61 performs processing to order the product Gd (S8-6).

[0101] FIG. 15 shows an example of the order processing in steps S8-1 to S8-6. In the graphs shown in (a) to (c), the horizontal axis represents the number of days and the vertical axis represents the inventory amount of product Gd. In FIG. 15(a), order point 1 is set before date d1. Because the inventory amount on date d1 is equal to or less than order point 1 (step S8-5: Yes), an order is processed (step S8-6). In response to this order, a predetermined number of product Gd arrives on date d2, and the inventory amount exceeds order point 1. Note that the number of days from order processing to arrival is treated as a constant. Similarly, because the inventory amount on date d3 is equal to or less than order point 1 (step S8-5: Yes), an order is processed (step S8-6), and product arrives on date d4. Dates d1 and d3 are stored as order reference dates (step S8-3).

[0102] Here, for example, the next time the inventory quantity falls below the reorder point 1, date d5, step S8-2 The process of S8-6 will be described below. On date d5, the inventory amount becomes equal to or less than the order point 1 (step S8-2: Yes), and date d5 is stored as the order reference date (step S8-3).

[0103] Next, the reorder point is set (step S8-4). In this process, the reorder reference point interval is first calculated. Reorder reference point interval pd1 is the interval (number of days) between date d1 and date d3. Reorder reference point interval pd2 is the interval (number of days) between date d3 and date d5. Note that the rate of decrease in inventory on date d4=d5 is slower than the rate of decrease on dates d1 to d4. Therefore, reorder reference point interval pd2 is longer than reorder reference point interval pd1. Next, the new reorder point 2 is calculated by multiplying reorder point 1 by the reorder reference point interval ratio. The reorder reference point interval ratio is the ratio of the previous reorder reference point interval to the latest reorder reference point interval. In the case of Figure 1(a), the reorder reference point interval ratio is: reorder reference point interval pd1 / reorder reference point interval pd2. Because reorder reference point interval pd2 is smaller than reorder reference point interval pd1, the reorder reference point interval ratio is less than 1. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1(b), the new order point 2 will be smaller than the order point 1.

[0104] Immediately after executing step S8-4, it is determined whether the inventory amount is equal to or less than the new reorder point 2 (step S8-5). Because reorder point 2 was set to a value smaller than reorder point 1, the inventory amount on date d5 is greater than reorder point 2 (step S8-5: No). Therefore, no order is placed.

[0105] Next, on date d6, the inventory amount falls below reorder point 2 (step S8-5: Yes). Therefore, an order is placed on date d6 (step S8-6). After this, the same process is repeated. For example, on date d8, step S8-4 is performed using the earliest reorder reference point interval pd3 and the immediately preceding reorder reference point interval pd2'.

[0106] FIG. 16 shows another example of the ordering process in steps S8-1 to S8-6. As shown in FIG. 16(a), on date d5, the inventory level is equal to or less than reorder point 1 (step S8-2). The latest reorder reference point interval pd2 on date d5 is shorter than the previous reorder reference point interval pd1. Therefore, in step S8-4, the reorder reference point interval ratio (= reorder reference point interval pd1 / reorder reference point interval pd2) is greater than 1. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16(b), the new reorder point 2 is greater than the reorder point 1. When step S8-5 is performed immediately after step S8-4, the inventory level is smaller than the new reorder point 2 (step S8-5: Yes). Therefore, an order is placed on date d5 (step S8-6). The same process is then repeated. For example, on date d7, step S8-4 is performed using the earliest reorder reference point interval pd3 and the previous reorder reference point interval pd2.

[0107] Even with this embodiment, it is possible to recognize changes in the number of multiple products Gd for each wireless tag Wt. Furthermore, by combining the ordering process of this embodiment with the management systems described as the first to fourth embodiments, it is possible to comprehensively collect the inventory amount of products Gd on the target product shelf Sf in real time. The inventory amount of products Gd is data that serves as the basis for determining whether to place an order in the ordering process described above. By collecting actual inventory amounts in a timely manner, it is possible to perform ordering processes for products Gd with more accurate timing and without excess or shortage. Furthermore, by being able to grasp the inventory amount at each store and the inventory amount for the entire chain of stores, it is possible to flexibly process orders at each store and for the entire chain of stores.

[0108] <Configuration example using wireless tag aggregate Wa> 17 and 18 show an example of a wireless tag assembly according to the present invention. The wireless tag assembly Wa includes a plurality of wireless tags Wt, and has a support sheet 81, a bonding layer 82, and a release layer 83.

[0109] The support sheet 81 is a sheet material having a long or rectangular shape, and is made of a resin such as polyethylene terephthalate or polycarbonate. The thickness of the support sheet 81 is not particularly limited, and is, for example, 5 to 500 μm. A plurality of wireless tags Wt are arranged on the surface or inside the support sheet 81. The manner in which the wireless tags Wt are arranged on the support sheet 81 is not particularly limited. For example, the control unit 42, memory unit 43, wireless communication unit 44, and self-power generation unit 45 that constitute the wireless tag Wt may be formed on the surface of the support sheet 81. Furthermore, a film made of polyester, polyolefin, polycarbonate resin, or the like may be used as a protective layer (not shown) for protecting the wireless tag Wt. The thickness of the protective layer is, for example, 1 to 100 μm.

[0110] The bonding layer 82 is formed on the back surface of the support sheet 81. As will be described later, the bonding layer 82 is a layer for bonding the individual pieces separated from the RFID tag assembly Wa to an object such as a shelf Sb. The specific configuration of the bonding layer 82 is not limited in any way, and it may contain an adhesive whose main component is, for example, acrylic resin or polyester resin, and have a thickness of, for example, 3 to 50 μm. The release layer 83 is intended to prevent the bonding layer 82 from adhering to an unintended object when handling the RFID tag assembly Wa before use. The release layer 83 may be made of, for example, coated paper or a film material such as polyimide resin.

[0111] The RFID tag assembly Wa also has a plurality of planned cutting lines 84. The planned cutting lines 84 are portions that assist or guide cutting of the support sheet 81, and are formed, for example, by perforations or grooves. The planned cutting lines 84 separate adjacent RFID tags Wt. In this embodiment, the planned cutting lines 84 are configured to be able to cut the support sheet 81, the bonding layer 82, and the peeling layer 83 all at once, but may also be configured to be able to cut only the support sheet 81 and the bonding layer 82, for example.

[0112] In the illustrated example, in the case of a long RFID tag assembly Wa, the multiple RFID tags Wt are arranged at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction. Also, multiple planned cutting lines 84, each of which crosses the RFID tag assembly Wa in the short direction, are formed at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction. Unlike this example, for example, in the case where the RFID tag assembly Wa is rectangular and the multiple RFID tags Wt are arranged in a matrix, the multiple planned cutting lines 84 may be formed in a lattice pattern.

[0113] 19 shows an example of a method for manufacturing a wireless tag assembly Wa. A support sheet 81 is sequentially fed out from a roll on which the support sheet 81 is wound. Wireless tags Wt are sequentially attached to the surface of this support sheet 81. Furthermore, from the back side of the support sheet 81, a bonding layer 82 and a release layer 83 are sequentially fed out from a roll on which they are wound together, and the bonding layer 82 is bonded to the back side of the support sheet 81. Thereafter, a plurality of planned cutting lines 84 are formed using a perforation forming tool (for example, a tool having a blade or needle portion) not shown. In this way, a wireless tag assembly Wa is obtained.

[0114] Fig. 19 shows an example of use of an RFID tag assembly Wa. In the figure, a long RFID tag assembly Wa is used. In Fig. 19(a), a plurality of pieces, each including two RFID tags Wt, are attached to a shelf Sb by cutting every other piece along a plurality of planned cutting lines 84. The locations where the RFID tags Wt are arranged correspond to locations where products Gd are stacked, for example. In Fig. 19(b), a plurality of pieces, each including four RFID tags Wt, are attached to a shelf Sb by cutting every third piece along the plurality of planned cutting lines 84. Note that the pieces including the RFID tags Wt may be attached to a wall Sw of a product shelf Sf, for example, as shown in Fig. 9.

[0115] According to this embodiment, it is possible to manufacture a RFID tag assembly Wa including a plurality of RFID tags Wt in a batch, as shown in Fig. 18. Furthermore, it is possible to form pieces including any number of RFID tags Wt depending on the size, shape, etc. of the location where the RFID tags Wt are to be installed.

[0116] <Management system reference example> 20 shows a reference example of a management system. In the management system B of this reference example, a wireless tag Wt is attached to each product Gd. The products Gd are displayed on a shelf Sb in order from the back to the front. A customer purchases products Gd by taking them out in order, starting with the product Gd at the front and moving on to the product Gd at the back.

[0117] Products Gd with attached wireless tags Wt1, Wt2, and Wt3 are placed at the innermost positions of the shelves Sb1, Sb2, and Sb3, respectively. The wireless tags Wt1, Wt2, and Wt3 are set, for example, by operating the setting device Md when the products Gd are placed on the shelves Sb1, Sb2, and Sb3, and the wireless tags Wt located at the innermost positions of the shelves Sb at that time are defined as the wireless tags Wt1, Wt2, and Wt3, respectively, and stored in the memory unit 23 of the control device Ct.

[0118] In this example, the lighting device L2 is disposed in front of or diagonally above the shelves Sb1, Sb2, and Sb3. The lighting device L2 is disposed so that it can easily receive the first or third radio waves from the wireless tags Wt disposed on each shelf Sb1, Sb2, and Sb3. The lighting device L2 is also disposed so that it can easily receive the second radio waves from the lighting device L2.

[0119] For example, shelf Sb2 has only one product Gd at the back. Therefore, the numerical value of the reception strength of the first or third radio wave from the wireless tag Wt2 is large. Two products Gd are placed on shelf Sb3. Therefore, the reception strength of the first or third radio wave from the wireless tag Wt3 is weaker than the reception strength from the wireless tag Wt2. Furthermore, shelf Sb1 has three products Gd. Therefore, the reception strength of the first or third radio wave from the wireless tag Wt1 is even weaker than the reception strength from the wireless tag Wt3. This reception strength is used to perform the management process described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. As a result, product status data for each of shelves Sb1, Sb2, and Sb3 is stored in cloud CL. Furthermore, the second wireless wave from lighting device L2 reaches wireless tag Wt2 strongest, followed by wireless tag Wt3 and then Wt1 in decreasing order. Based on the strength of the second radio wave, for example, the management process shown in FIG. 8 is performed, whereby product status data for each of the shelves Sb1, Sb2, and Sb3 is stored in the cloud CL.

[0120] As shown in the figure, wireless tags Wt11, Wt12, and Wt13 may be attached to shelves Sb1, Sb2, and Sb3, respectively. The wireless tags Wt11, Wt12, and Wt13 are individually associated with shelves Sb1, Sb2, and Sb3. The wireless tags Wt11, Wt12, and Wt13 are attached further forward than the positions where products Gd are placed on shelves Sb1, Sb2, and Sb3, and are capable of good wireless communication with lighting device L2.

[0121] The number of products Gd placed on each shelf Sb may be stored in the cloud CL as product status data by performing a process to link the wireless tags Wt of the products Gd placed on each shelf Sb with the wireless tags Wt11, Wt12, and Wt13 that correspond to that shelf Sb. An example of the process of linking the wireless tags Wt11, Wt12, and Wt13 with the products Gd is a Bluetooth (registered trademark) pairing process.

[0122] From this reference example, it can be seen that even when wireless tags Wt are attached to products Gd, the number of products Gd placed on each shelf Sb can be recognized and stored as product status data in the cloud CL.

[0123] The management system and the RF tag assembly according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the specific configurations of the components of the management system and the RF tag assembly according to the present invention can be freely designed in various ways. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] A1, A3, A4, B: Management system 1: Order point 2: Order point 11: Light source section 12: Control section 13: Storage section 14: Wireless communication module 15: Power supply section 21:Display section 22: Control section 23: Storage section 24: Wireless communication unit 25: Power supply section 42: Control unit 43: Storage section 44: Wireless communication unit 45: Self-powered unit 51: Display section 52: Control unit 53: Storage section 54: Wireless communication unit 55: Power supply section 58:Operation section 61: Control unit 62: Storage section 63: Communications Department 81: Support sheet 82: Bonding layer 83: Peeling layer 84: Cutting line 141: First radio communication unit 142: Second wireless communication unit 451: Antenna section 452: Light receiving part 611: Order reference point setting unit 612: Standard stock amount judgment section 613: Order reference date setting section 614: Order point setting unit 615: Inventory amount judgment department 621:Product information storage section 622: Order base date interval storage unit CL: Cloud Cn1: First wireless communication network Cn2: Second wireless communication network Ct: Control device Gd:Product L, L1, L2, Ln: Lighting device (relay unit) Md: Setting device Sb, Sb1, Sb2, Sb3, Sbm: Shelf SF: Product shelf Sl:Lighting section Sl3: Lighting section Sw: Wall Ut: Clock unit Wa: RFID tag cluster Wt, Wt1, Wt11, Wt12, Wt13, Wt2, Wt3, Wtm: Wireless tag d1,d2,d3,d4,d5,d6,d7,d8: Date pd1, pd2, pd2', pd3: Order reference point interval

Claims

1. a control device; A plurality of relay units; a plurality of wireless tags arranged on a shelf on which a plurality of products are placed, the control device and the plurality of relay units form a wireless communication network using a first wireless radio wave, the relay unit outputs a second radio wave separately from the first radio wave; the wireless tag transmits the first wireless radio wave or a third wireless radio wave different from the first wireless radio wave and the second wireless radio wave, using power generated when the wireless tag receives the second wireless radio wave; The control device transmits measurement data based on the reception strength of the first radio wave or the third radio wave by the relay unit to an external server as product status data for each of the multiple wireless tags that correlates with the number of products placed.

2. the wireless tag has a wireless communication unit, a wireless tag control unit, a wireless tag storage unit, and a self-power generation unit; The self-power generation unit is The device has an antenna unit that receives radio waves and generates electricity by electromagnetic induction caused by the reception of radio waves by the antenna unit, or has a light-receiving unit with a photoelectric conversion function and generates electricity by receiving light by the light-receiving unit, the wireless tag control unit transmits the wireless tag information stored in the wireless tag storage unit from the wireless communication unit by the second wireless radio wave using the power generated by the self-power generation unit; 2. The management system described in claim 1, wherein the wireless tag side control unit sets the transmission frequency of the first wireless radio waves or the third wireless radio waves according to the power generated by the self-power generating unit as product status data for each of the multiple wireless tags that correlates with the number of products placed.

3. a server in communication with the control device; the server has a server-side communication unit, a server-side storage unit, and a server-side control unit; the server-side communication unit receives the product status data for each of the plurality of wireless tags; 3. The management system according to claim 1, wherein the server-side control unit stores the product status data in the server-side storage unit, and sets an order point for the product based on a result of compiling the time-series product status data stored in the server-side storage unit.

4. a plurality of the wireless tags used in the management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3; a support sheet that supports a plurality of the wireless tags; A wireless tag assembly comprising: A plurality of the wireless tags are arranged on the surface of the support sheet, A bonding layer is provided on the back surface of the support sheet, The support sheet has a cutting line formed thereon that separates adjacent wireless tags from each other.

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