Management System

Abstract

To provide a management system that can set a distance for wireless communication of wireless tag information regardless of a distance at which wireless power can be supplied.SOLUTION: The management system includes: a wireless communication network Cn that performs wireless communication using a first wireless radio wave; a wireless power supply device Ps that transmits a second wireless wave different from the first wireless wave; and a wireless product tag Wt that has an individual tag ID. The wireless product tag Wt transmits data to the wireless communication network Cn using the first wireless radio wave and generates power by receiving the second wireless wave transmitted from the wireless power supply device Ps.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a management system. [Background technology]

[0002] Wireless tags are widely used as devices that transmit their own tag IDs via wireless communication. Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a conventional management system that uses wireless tags as book wireless tags. Information including the tag IDs of the book wireless tags is read into a personal computer by a reader / writer via wireless communication using a dipole antenna. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4444736 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a book wireless tag transmits information wirelessly, the power required for the wireless communication is obtained by converting the radio waves received from a dipole antenna into electrical power. Therefore, the distance between the book wireless tag and the dipole antenna is limited not only to the distance over which information can be transmitted wirelessly, but also to the distance over which radio waves strong enough to be converted into electrical power can be received (the distance over which wireless power supply is possible).

[0005] The present invention was devised in light of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its objective is to provide a management system that makes it possible to set the distance for wirelessly transmitting information from wireless tags, regardless of the distance at which wireless power supply is possible. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The management system provided by the present invention comprises a wireless communication network that performs wireless communication using a first wireless radio wave, a server, a wireless power supply device that transmits a second wireless radio wave different from the first wireless radio wave, and a wireless tag having an individual tag ID, wherein the wireless tag transmits data to the wireless communication network using the first wireless radio wave and generates power by receiving the second wireless radio wave transmitted from the wireless power supply device.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of wireless tags include a plurality of wireless product tags individually attached to a plurality of products, the wireless power supply device is placed on a shelf on which the plurality of products are placed, the wireless communication network is composed of a control device and a plurality of relay units, the wireless power supply device has a plurality of transmitting units placed on the shelf and each transmitting the second wireless radio waves, and the wireless product tag transmits tag data including the tag ID to the control device via the first wireless radio waves via the plurality of relay units using power obtained by receiving the second wireless radio waves.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the server has a control unit, a storage unit, and a communication unit, and based on an instruction from a setting device, the server transmits a command to the wireless power supply device to sequentially transmit the second wireless radio waves from the plurality of transmission units, the wireless power supply device transmits unit data from each transmission unit, including a unit ID set for each of the plurality of transmission units, the wireless product tag, upon receiving the unit data, transmits the tag data, including the unit ID included in the unit data and its own tag ID, to the server via the wireless communication network, the control unit of the server stores the unit ID and the tag ID included in the tag data received by the communication unit in the storage unit, and transmits pairing data, in which the unit ID and the tag ID are associated with each other, from the communication unit to the setting device.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in a wireless communication network, the tag data from the wireless product tag is transmitted to the control device by transferring it between a plurality of relay units, and when the relay unit receives a plurality of tag data from a plurality of relay units, each of the tag data including the tag ID of the same wireless product tag, the relay unit generates and transfers tag data that integrates the plurality of tag data.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the frequency band of the first radio wave and the second radio wave is 2.4 GHz. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to set the distance over which information from a wireless tag is wirelessly transmitted, regardless of the distance over which wireless power supply is possible.

[0012] 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]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are a side view and a plan view of a main part of a management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing a lighting device of a management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing a wireless tag of a management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a block diagram showing a control device of a management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 1 is a block diagram showing a setting device of a management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7]1 is a block diagram showing a wireless power supply device of a management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a sequence diagram of a management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 3 is an example of a product management table of the management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a side view showing a first modified example of the management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a first modified example of the management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a system configuration diagram showing a management system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10 is a sequence diagram of a management system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating data integration in a management system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a system configuration diagram showing a management system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a wireless power supply device of a management system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a management system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a wireless tag of a management system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0015] Terms such as "first," "second," and "third" in this disclosure are used merely as labels and are not intended to assign any order to their objects.

[0016] 1 to 9 show a management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The management system A1 of this embodiment includes a wireless communication network Cn, a wireless power supply device Ps, and a plurality of wireless product tags Wt. The management system A1 is a system that manages products using a plurality of wireless product tags Wt. The management system A1 of this embodiment also includes a cloud CL.

[0017] [Wireless communication network Cn] The wireless communication network Cn is a network that transmits and receives data such as tag data from a plurality of wireless product tags Wt via a first wireless radio wave. In this embodiment, the wireless communication network Cn is configured by a plurality of lighting devices L and a control device Ct as a plurality of relay units.

[0018] [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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 3 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 unit 14, and a power supply unit 15.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] The wireless communication unit 14 is a communication unit for performing wireless communication using the first wireless radio waves with the control device Ct, other lighting devices L constituting the communication network, and at least one of the multiple wireless product tags Wt. The wireless communication unit 14 is connected to the control unit 12 by, for example, UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) communication, but is not limited to this.

[0024] The wireless communication using the first radio wave is not limited in any way, and in this embodiment, wireless communication using the first protocol will be described. The communication frequency of the wireless communication using the first protocol is not limited in any way, and examples include the 920 MHz band, the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and the 13.56 MHz band. Specific examples of the first 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.

[0025] To exemplify the functions of the wireless communication unit 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.

[0026] In this embodiment, identification information such as a unique lighting device ID of each of the plurality of lighting devices L is stored in the wireless communication unit 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, for example, the storage unit 13. When the wireless communication unit 14 recognizes that a received signal is a signal corresponding to the lighting device ID (identification information) of the lighting device L, it transmits the signal to the control unit 12.

[0027] The power supply unit 15 is for supplying the light source unit 11, the control unit 12, the wireless communication unit 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.

[0028] [Control device Ct] The control device Ct performs management control using multiple relay units (lighting devices L) and multiple wireless product 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 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.

[0029] 5 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] The control unit 22 is a main component that performs management control using multiple relay units (lighting devices L) and multiple wireless product 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 control by the control unit 22, and may be, for example, a semiconductor memory or a hard disk drive.

[0032] The wireless communication unit 24 is for performing wireless communication with the wireless communication units 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 wireless communication network Cn 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 wireless communication network Cn, 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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 product 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 product tag Wt.

[0035] In this embodiment, a plurality of lighting devices L each having a wireless communication unit 14 and a control device Ct construct a wireless communication network Cn, which is a mesh network shown in Fig. 1, using a unique protocol that uses a first wireless radio wave. Since 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.

[0036] In this embodiment, the control device Ct is a root node of the wireless communication network Cn. 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.

[0037] [Wireless Product Tag Wt] The wireless product tag Wt is a device used in the management process of the management system A1 of this embodiment and is an example of a wireless tag of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2(a), in this embodiment, multiple wireless product tags Wt are individually attached to multiple products Gd sold in stores and used to manage the multiple products Gd. In the following description, when describing the general configuration of the wireless product tag Wt, it will be referred to as the wireless product tag Wt, and when distinguishing between the multiple wireless product tags Wt, reference symbols such as wireless product tag Wt1, Wt2, ... may be used as appropriate. The multiple wireless product tags Wt1, Wt2, ... 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, a case will be described in which the multiple wireless product tags Wt1, Wt2, ... have the same configuration.

[0038] 4 is a block diagram of the wireless product tag Wt. The wireless product tag Wt of this embodiment includes a control unit 42, a storage unit 43, a wireless communication unit 44, and a self-power generation unit 45. The specific configuration of the wireless product 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 on a resin sheet or the like having an adhesive layer.

[0039] The control unit 42 is for controlling each unit of the wireless product tag Wt. The specific configuration of the control unit 42 is not particularly limited, and may be made up of a CPU, for example. The memory unit 43 is for storing information such as programs and setting conditions required for control of the control unit 42, and may be made up of a semiconductor memory, for example. The memory unit 43 corresponds to the wireless tag memory unit in the present invention. In this embodiment, the memory unit 43 stores a tag ID unique to each wireless product tag Wt. The specific configuration of the tag ID is not limited in any way.

[0040] The wireless communication unit 44 is for performing wireless communication with the lighting device L or the control device Ct using the above-mentioned first wireless radio waves (first protocol). In the present embodiment, the wireless communication unit 44 receives data (for example, unit data described below) transmitted from the wireless power supply device Ps by the second wireless radio waves. Unlike the present embodiment, the wireless communication unit 44 of the wireless product tag (wireless tag) Wt according to the present invention may be configured not to receive the second wireless radio waves.

[0041] The self-power generation unit 45 supplies the control unit 42, the wireless communication unit 44, and other components with the power necessary for their operation. The self-power generation unit 45 performs a self-power generation function by converting external energy into electric power. The method of self-power generation by 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 antenna unit 451 receives a second wireless radio wave transmitted from a wireless power supply device Ps (described later), the self-power generation unit 45 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. Furthermore, receiving a wireless radio wave of 10 dBm or more can generate an induced current sufficient to control each component of the wireless product 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 other components.

[0042] As an example of a specific configuration of the wireless product tag Wt, the wireless product tag Wt may have a flexible sheet made of a resin such as polyethylene terephthalate or polycarbonate. The control unit 42, memory unit 43, wireless communication unit 44, and antenna unit 451 of the self-power generation unit 45 are formed on the sheet. The antenna unit 451 is formed by patterning copper, aluminum, or the like by etching, laminating, or the like. For example, a loop antenna, a dipole antenna, or the like is selected as the antenna unit 451 to receive the second wireless radio wave having a frequency of 2.4 GHz.

[0043] [Wireless power supply device Ps] The wireless power supply device Ps is a device that transmits second radio waves used for self-power generation in multiple wireless product tags Wt. The specific configuration of the wireless power supply device Ps is not limited in any way. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the wireless power supply device Ps has a power supply switching unit 30 and multiple transmission units 31. In the following description, the multiple transmission units 31 may be distinguished from one another by reference symbols such as transmission units 311 and 312 or transmission units 31-1 and 31-2. FIG. 7 shows an example configuration including m transmission units 311, 312, ..., 31m. These transmission units 31 may have the same configuration, may share some common features with one another, or may have different configurations or forms. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the multiple transmission units 31 have the same configuration.

[0044] The power supply switching unit 30 switches which of the multiple transmission units 31 is to transmit the second wireless radio waves from. The power supply switching unit 30 has a power supply unit (not shown) that supplies power to each of the multiple transmission units 31, a communication unit (not shown) that receives commands from the cloud CL via wireless communication or wired communication, etc. The power supply unit of the power supply switching unit 30 may have a power conversion function that converts external power (100V AC power) into power suitable for the operation of the transmission unit 31, or may be a rechargeable battery.

[0045] The multiple transmission units 31 are units that transmit second radio waves independently of each other by being switched by the power supply switching unit 30. Each transmission unit 31 has a control unit 32, a wireless communication unit 34, and a power supply antenna unit 35. Note that the wireless power supply device Ps of the present invention is not limited to having multiple transmission units 31. For example, the wireless power supply device Ps may have a configuration that includes a power supply unit included in the power supply switching unit 30, the control unit 32, the wireless communication unit 34, and the power supply antenna unit 35.

[0046] The control unit 32 controls the operation of the transmission unit 31. For example, based on a switching command from the power supply switching unit 30, the control unit 32 controls the wireless communication unit 34 to transmit the second wireless radio wave from the power supply antenna unit 35. The control unit 32 is, for example, a CPU or an IC.

[0047] The wireless communication unit 34 is for performing wireless communication (radio wave output) using the second wireless radio waves. The second wireless radio waves are different from the first wireless radio waves, for example, having different frequency bands or protocols. Alternatively, the first and second wireless radio waves may have the same frequency band and transmission protocol but different powers. The second wireless communication using the second wireless radio waves is not limited in any way, and in this embodiment, wireless communication using the second protocol is described. The communication frequency of the wireless communication using the second protocol is not limited in any way, and examples include the 920 MHz band, 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, and 13.56 MHz 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), or proprietary protocols. For example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) is selected as the second protocol when wireless communication with a wireless product tag Wt located in close proximity is intended.

[0048] The power feeding antenna section 35 is a section that transmits the second radio wave. There are no particular limitations on the specific configuration of the power feeding antenna section 35, and for example, a loop antenna may be used.

[0049] In this embodiment, a unit ID as unique identification information possessed by each of the multiple transmission units 31 is stored in the wireless communication unit 34. Specific examples of the identification information are not particularly limited, and include, for example, a uniquely set identification number or a MAC (Media Access Control) address. Note that the unit ID may be stored in, for example, the control unit 32 or another storage unit (not shown).

[0050] In the example shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), the wireless power supply device Ps is arranged on a product shelf Sf. The product shelf Sf is a place in a store where products Gd are placed. The product shelf Sf has multiple shelves Sb. The shelf Sb is a location where a predetermined number of products Gd are placed. In the example of FIG. 2(a), the product shelf Sf has shelves Sb1 and Sb2. FIG. 2(b) shows shelf Sb1. Fifteen transmitting units 31-1 to 31-15 are arranged in a matrix on shelf Sb1. Each of the transmitting units 31-1 to 31-15 is positioned as a placement area where a product Gd is individually placed. Like shelf Sb1, shelf Sb2 has multiple transmitting units 31-21, 31-22, 31-23, ... arranged thereon.

[0051] [Cloud CL] The cloud CL corresponds to an example of a 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 storage unit 62, and a communication unit 63. The control unit 61 controls the operation of the cloud CL (described later) and is implemented, for example, by a CPU. The storage 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 communicates with the control device Ct and the wireless power supply device Ps via, for example, 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 and the wireless power supply device Ps via the public communication network (Internet), or a server device installed in the same store as the control device Ct and the wireless power supply device Ps. Unlike the present embodiment, the management system of the present invention may be configured without the cloud CL (server). In a configuration without the cloud CL (server), the functions of the cloud CL in the present embodiment may be executed, for example, by the control device Ct.

[0052] [Setting device Md] The setting device Md is a device for setting, for example, the identification addresses and operating conditions of a plurality of relay units in the management system A1 and the operation settings of the wireless power supply device Ps. 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 thereof include a desktop PC, a notebook PC, a tablet terminal, etc.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 6, 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] The wireless communication unit 54 performs a function of communicating with the cloud CL. The wireless communication unit 54 is for performing wireless communication using a predetermined protocol. The communication frequency of the wireless communication using the predetermined 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 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).

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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 include the operation unit 58 in addition to the display unit 51.

[0059] 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.

[0060] Next, an example of the operation of the management system A1 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0061] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the management system A1. Prior to the operation shown in the figure, for example, a wireless communication network Cn is established. In establishing the wireless communication network Cn, for example, identification addresses of multiple lighting devices L (relay units) are determined using a setting device Md. The setting device Md generates an identification signal including a MAC address and an identification address, which are unique information, for each of the multiple lighting devices L (relay units), and transmits the signal from the wireless communication unit 54 to each lighting device L (relay unit). Alternatively, the identification signal transmitted from the setting device Md may be received by the control device Ct, and the control device Ct may transmit the signal to the multiple lighting devices L. Next, in each lighting device L (relay unit), the wireless communication unit 14 receives the identification signal and transfers it to the control unit 12. Upon receiving the identification signal, the control unit 12 stores the identification address in each storage unit 13. In this way, a wireless communication network Cn is established by the control device Ct and the multiple lighting devices L.

[0062] Furthermore, time information may be synchronized in conjunction with the construction of the wireless communication network Cn. The synchronization of time information is performed for the control device Ct and multiple lighting devices L (relay units) that make up the wireless communication network Cn. Specifically, a clock unit (not shown) 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 wireless communication network Cn. The lighting devices L1 to Ln that receive the time information synchronize their own time with the time data, and also forward the time data to the next lighting device L.

[0063] Next, step S1 in Fig. 8 is performed. In step S1 of this example, the user uses the setting device Md to set product data such as a product category for each of the multiple transmission units 31 of the wireless power supply device Ps. Examples of the product data settings include the settings shown in Fig. 9. In the example shown in the figure, information on the location (sales floor), product shelf Sf, shelf Sb, and product category is set as product data for each transmission unit 31.

[0064] Next, in step S2, the product data for each transmission unit 31 set in the setting device Md is transmitted from the setting device Md to the cloud CL. The control unit 61 of the cloud CL, which has received the product data, stores the product data in the storage unit 62 (step S3).

[0065] Next, the control unit 61 of the cloud CL transmits the product data from the communication unit 63 to the wireless power supply device Ps. The transmission of the product data from the communication unit 63 of the cloud CL to the wireless power supply device Ps may be wireless communication using radio waves, or may be wired communication. When transmitting the product data by wireless communication, the cloud CL may use the first radio waves, the second radio waves, or a third radio waves different from the first radio waves and the second radio waves. The wireless power supply device Ps may receive the product data via a communication unit included in the power supply switching unit 30, or may receive the product data via the wireless communication unit 34 of the transmission unit 31.

[0066] The wireless power supply device Ps that has received the product data sets operating conditions for each of the multiple transmission units 31 based on the product data (step S4). For example, if the product data for a certain transmission unit 31 includes information on the location (sales floor), product shelf Sf, shelf Sb, and product category, the power supply switching unit 30 sets the transmission unit 31 to operate. The transmission unit 31 that has been set to operate transmits the second wireless radio wave from the wireless communication unit 34 and the power supply antenna unit 35. On the other hand, if no significant data is set in the product data for another transmission unit 31, the transmission unit 31 may be determined to be unused and set to not operate (suspended).

[0067] Once the operating conditions are set in step S4, the multiple transmitting units 31 transmit unit data (step S5). The unit data includes a unit ID as unique identification information for each transmitting unit 31. In each transmitting unit 31, the control unit 32 controls the wireless communication unit 34 to transmit the unit data from the power supply antenna unit 35 via the second radio waves. The timing at which the multiple transmitting units 31 transmit the unit data via the second radio waves can be set in various ways and is not limited in any way. For example, it is preferable to set different transmission timings for adjacent transmitting units 31 or for transmitting units 31 located close to each other vertically. In other words, it is preferable to reduce simultaneous transmissions from multiple transmitting units 31 and have each transmitting unit 31 transmit at different timings. The method for setting the transmission timing of each transmitting unit 31 is not limited in any way. For example, each transmitting unit 31 may transmit each time a transmission command is sent from the power supply switching unit 30, or each transmitting unit 31 may transmit based on a transmission schedule included in the product data.

[0068] A plurality of products Gd are placed on the product shelf Sf before or after steps S1 to S5, or in parallel with at least one of steps S1 to S5. In the example shown in Fig. 2, a plurality of transmitting units 31 are pre-arranged on each of shelves Sb1 and Sb2 of the product shelf Sf. Transmitting units 31-1 to 31-15 are arranged on shelf Sb1, and transmitting units 31-21 to 31-35, for example, are arranged on shelf Sb2. Each transmitting unit 31 is recognized as an area where products Gd of the corresponding product category are placed.

[0069] Furthermore, the above-mentioned wireless product tags Wt are individually attached to the products Gd placed on the product shelf Sf. The wireless product tags Wt may be attached before or after the products Gd are placed on the shelves Sb of the product shelf Sf. In this case, each wireless product tag Wt has a tag ID as unique identification information, but does not have information included in the above-mentioned product data (location, product shelf, shelf, transmitting unit, product category, etc.). When the wireless product tags Wt are attached to the products Gd in advance, the store clerk places the products Gd with the wireless product tags Wt attached on the corresponding transmitting units 31 according to the product category set for each shelf Sb of the product shelf Sf. There is no limitation on the number of products Gd placed on the transmitting units 31.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 8 , in step S5, when each transmitting unit 31 transmits the unit data by the second radio waves, the wireless product tag Wt of the product Gd placed on each transmitting unit 31 receives the second radio waves. More specifically, when the antenna unit 451 of the wireless product tag Wt receives the second radio waves, an induced current is generated and power is generated. This causes power to be supplied from the self-power generating unit 45 to the control unit 42, the wireless communication unit 44, and the like. The wireless communication unit 44 receives the second radio waves from the transmitting unit 31 of the wireless power supply device Ps by appropriately using the power supplied from the self-power generating unit 45. The wireless communication unit 44 transmits the unit data transmitted by the second radio waves to the control unit 42. The control unit 42 uses the power supplied from the self-power generating unit 45 to store the unit ID included in the unit data, for example, in the storage unit 43. Then, the control unit 42 creates tag data including the tag ID of its own tag and the unit ID stored in the storage unit 43, and transmits the tag data from the wireless communication unit 44 via the first wireless radio waves (step S6).

[0071] The unit data transmitted from the wireless product tag Wt by the first wireless radio waves is received by the lighting device L in the wireless communication network Cn and transferred appropriately in the wireless communication network Cn. Then, for example, the tag data is transferred from the control device Ct to the cloud CL.

[0072] The control unit 61 of the cloud CL that has received the tag data stores the tag ID and unit ID included in the tag data in the storage unit 62. This allows the corresponding transmission units 31 and wireless product tags Wt to ​​be paired in the cloud CL. The tag data from the multiple wireless product tags Wt is transferred sequentially to the cloud CL, thereby completing the pairing of the multiple transmission units 31 arranged on the product shelf Sf that is the management target with the multiple wireless product tags Wt.

[0073] The cloud CL transmits pairing data, which is the result of pairing between the multiple transmission units 31 and the multiple wireless product tags Wt, to the setting device Md (step S7). This allows a user operating the setting device Md to confirm the pairing of the product data shown in FIG. 9 with the multiple wireless product tags Wt. For example, the wireless product tags Wt1, Wt2, and Wt3 are paired with the transmission unit 31-1 and are recognized as being placed on the transmission unit 31-1 on the shelf Sb1 of the product shelf Sf1 in the general goods section. Similarly, the wireless product tags Wt15, Wt16, and Wt17 are recognized as being placed on the transmission unit 31-21 on the shelf Sb2 of the product shelf Sf1 in the general goods section. Furthermore, the wireless product tags Wt33, Wt34, and Wt35 are recognized as being placed on the transmission unit 31-51 on the shelf Sb1 of the product shelf Sf5 in the food section.

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

[0075] According to this embodiment, tag data from the wireless product tag Wt is transmitted to the lighting device L and other components of the wireless communication network Cn by the first wireless radio waves. Meanwhile, self-power generation for operating the wireless product tag Wt is performed by receiving the second wireless radio waves from the wireless power supply device Ps. Therefore, the distance over which wireless communication is performed between the wireless product tag Wt and the wireless communication network Cn (such as the lighting device L) can be set more freely, regardless of the distance over which wireless power supply is possible by the second wireless radio waves. Therefore, the distance over which wireless tag information is wirelessly transmitted can be set without being limited by the distance over which wireless power supply is possible.

[0076] For example, a configuration in which a product Gd with a wireless product tag Wt attached thereto is placed on the transmitting unit 31 of a wireless power supply device Ps makes it possible to maintain the distance between the wireless product tag Wt and the transmitting unit 31 within several tens of centimeters. This is advantageous for increasing the reception strength of the second wireless radio waves received by the antenna unit 451 of the wireless product tag Wt, and enables self-power generation to be performed more reliably. On the other hand, when the lighting device L constituting the wireless communication network Cn is installed on the ceiling of a store, for example, the distance from the wireless product tag Wt attached to the product Gd may be several meters or more. However, if data is transmitted wirelessly using the first wireless radio waves, sufficient communication quality can be maintained even at such a distance.

[0077] In this embodiment, the wireless power supply device Ps has a plurality of transmitting units 31. Each transmitting unit 31 is positioned as a placement area on which a corresponding product Gd is placed. By shifting the transmission timing of the second radio waves of adjacent transmitting units 31, it is possible to prevent the second radio waves from the plurality of transmitting units 31 from unduly interfering with each other.

[0078] Furthermore, the transmitting unit 31 transmits unit data including the unit ID via the second radio wave. The wireless product tag Wt transmits tag data including the unit ID included in the received unit data and the tag ID of its own device via the first radio wave. When the cloud CL receives this tag data, it is possible to pair multiple transmitting units 31 with multiple wireless product tags Wt in the cloud CL. Therefore, when placing the product Gd, it is possible to automatically obtain pairing data such as that shown in FIG. 9 without performing tag registration work or the like. This reduces the workload of workers in stores, etc.

[0079] As described above, the frequency bands of the first and second radio waves are not limited in any way. As an example, the frequency bands of the first and second radio waves may both be the 2.4 GHz band. In this example, the wireless communication unit 14 of the lighting device L, the wireless communication unit 24 of the control device Ct, the wireless communication unit 44 of the wireless product tag Wt, and the wireless communication unit 34 of the wireless power supply device Ps can all be configured using 2.4 GHz band communication devices. Since 2.4 GHz band communication devices are used in a wider variety of devices, the versatility of these communication devices can be expanded.

[0080] 10 to 18 show modifications and other embodiments of the present invention. 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.

[0081] <First Modification of First Embodiment> 10 and 11 show a first modified example of the management system A1. In the management system A11 of this modified example, the arrangement of the transmitting units 31 of the wireless power supply device Ps is different from that of the above-described management system A1. In this example, the transmitting units 31 are attached to the front side of the shelf Sb. In the example shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of transmitting units 31-1 to 31-5 are arranged horizontally side by side on the shelf Sb1. Furthermore, a plurality of transmitting units 31-21 to 31-25 are arranged horizontally side by side on the shelf Sb2. As shown in FIG. 10, one transmitting unit 31 transmits the second wireless radio waves to the wireless product tag Wt of the product Gd placed in the depth direction area of ​​the shelf Sb. In this example as well, it is preferable that the transmission timings of the second wireless radio waves of adjacent transmitting units 31 be different from each other.

[0082] In this example, the distance for wirelessly transmitting information from the wireless tag can be set regardless of the distance at which wireless power supply is possible. In addition, when a configuration is adopted in which the transmission unit 31 communicates with the wireless communication network Cn (lighting device L) via the first wireless radio wave, it is possible to prevent the wireless communication from being blocked by the product Gd.

[0083] Second Embodiment 12 to 14 show a management system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The management system A2 of this embodiment differs from the above-described embodiment in the process of transferring tag data from a plurality of wireless product tags Wt in a wireless communication network Cn.

[0084] 13 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the management system A21. In step S10, the unit data is transmitted from the transmitting unit 31-1 shown in FIG.

[0085] In step S11, the wireless product tags Wt1 to Wt3 placed on the transmitting unit 31-1 shown in FIG. 12 receive the unit data from the transmitting unit 31-1. Of these, the operation of the wireless product tag Wt1 will be described. In the wireless product tag Wt1, the control unit 42 uses power obtained by self-generation to create tag data including a unit ID and a tag ID, and transmits the tag data via a first wireless radio wave. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the tag data from the wireless product tag Wt1 can be received by a plurality of lighting devices L that make up the wireless communication network Cn. In this example, three lighting devices L1-1, L1-2, and L1-3 receive the tag data from the wireless product tag Wt1.

[0086] In step S12, the tag data received by the lighting devices L1-1, L1-2, and L1-3 is transferred via the wireless communication network Cn. is transferred to lighting device L2-1. Tag data from lighting device L1-2 is transferred to lighting device L2-1 and lighting device L2-3. Tag data from lighting device L1-3 is transferred to lighting device L2-3.

[0087] In step S13, the lighting device L2-1 and the lighting device L2-3 integrate the tag data. The lighting device L2-1 receives tag data transmitted from the wireless product tag Wt1 from the lighting device L1-1 and the lighting device L1-2. Each of these tag data includes the tag data of the wireless product tag Wt1 (the same tag data) as the tag ID. In this case, the control unit 12 of the lighting device L2-1 integrates the two tag data into one tag data. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the tag data transmitted through the lighting device L1-1 includes the unit ID of the transmitting unit 31-1, the tag ID of the wireless product tag Wt1, and the identification information of the lighting device L1-1. The tag data transmitted through the lighting device L1-2 includes the unit ID of the transmitting unit 31-1, the tag ID of the wireless product tag Wt1, and the identification information of the lighting device L1-2. The integrated tag data includes the unit ID of the transmitting unit 31-1 and the tag ID of the wireless product tag Wt1, as well as the identification information of the lighting devices L1-1 and L1-2 and the identification information of the lighting device L2-1. The lighting device L2-1 transfers this integrated tag data over the wireless communication network Cn. Similarly, the lighting device L2-3 integrates the tag data from the lighting devices L1-2 and L1-3 to generate tag data that includes the unit ID of the transmitting unit 31-1 and the tag ID of the wireless product tag Wt1, as well as the identification information of the lighting devices L1-2 and L1-3 and the identification information of the lighting device L2-3. The lighting device L2-3 transfers this integrated tag data over the wireless communication network Cn.

[0088] Furthermore, in step S14, the tag data from the lighting device L2-1 and the tag data from the lighting device L2-3 are transferred to the lighting device L3-2. In this case, these tag data contain the same tag ID (the tag ID of the wireless product tag Wt1). Therefore, the lighting device L3-2 12 generates tag data by integration, which includes the unit ID of the transmission unit 31-1 and the tag ID of the wireless product tag Wt1, as well as identification information of the lighting devices L1-1, L1-2, L1-3, L2-1, and L2-3 and identification information of its own device. Then, the integrated tag data is transferred from the lighting device L3-2 to the control device Ct.

[0089] In step S15, the control device Ct receives the tag data transferred from the lighting device L3-2. This tag data includes the unit ID of the transmission unit 31-1 and the tag ID of the wireless product tag Wt1, as well as the identification information of the lighting devices L1-1, L1-2, L1-3, L2-1, L2-3, and L3-2. This means that the tag data is either tag data transferred via the lighting devices L1-1, L1-2, L1-3, L2-1, L2-3, and L3-2, or tag data that integrates the tag data transferred via these devices. The control device Ct may store this integrated tag data directly in the storage unit 23 or transmit it to the cloud CL. Alternatively, the control unit 22 of the control device Ct may restore multiple tag data (six tag data in this case), each containing identification information for the lighting devices L1-1, L1-2, L1-3, L2-1, L2-3, and L3-2, and store or transmit this tag data.

[0090] According to this embodiment, the distance for wirelessly transmitting wireless tag information can also be set without being limited by the distance at which wireless power can be supplied. Furthermore, when tag data from one wireless product tag Wt is received by multiple lighting devices L (relay units) in a wireless communication network Cn, even if one tag data is duplicated into multiple tag data, the number of tag data is naturally reduced by the integration process in the transfer process. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of communication data in the wireless communication network Cn. In particular, when a mesh network using multiple lighting devices L (relay units) is constructed as the wireless communication network Cn, it is possible to effectively prevent the amount of communication data from increasing unnecessarily.

[0091] <Third embodiment> 15 and 16 show a management system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In the management system A3 of this embodiment, the wireless power supply device Ps does not have the multiple transmission units 31 in the above-described embodiment.

[0092] As shown in Fig. 16, the wireless power supply device Ps of this embodiment includes a power supply unit 39, a control unit 32, a wireless communication unit 34, and a power supply antenna unit 35. The power supply unit 39 supplies power for operating the control unit 32 and the wireless communication unit 34, and power transmitted from the power supply antenna unit 35 as second wireless radio waves. The wireless communication unit 34 receives, for example, a radio wave transmission command from the cloud CL. In this embodiment, the second wireless radio waves are transmitted from the power supply antenna unit 35, but the unit data in the above-described embodiment is not transmitted. That is, in this embodiment, the second wireless radio waves transmitted from the power supply antenna unit 35 are used for wireless power supply, not for data transmission.

[0093] 15, for example, a power feeding antenna unit 35 is placed on a shelf Sb. A predetermined number of products Gd are appropriately placed on this power feeding antenna unit 35. The wireless product tags Wt attached to these products Gd generate power by themselves when they receive the second radio waves from the power feeding antenna unit 35, and transmit tag data using the power generated. Note that the tag data in this embodiment includes the tag ID of the wireless product tag Wt, but does not include the unit ID in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0094] According to this embodiment, the distance for wirelessly transmitting information from a wireless tag can be set regardless of the distance at which wireless power supply is possible. As can be understood from this embodiment, the wireless power supply device Ps of the present invention is not limited to a configuration in which pairing with a wireless product tag Wt is automatically performed by transmitting unit data including the unit ID of the transmitting unit 31.

[0095] <Fourth embodiment> 17 and 18 show a management system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. A management system A4 according to this embodiment uses a wireless tag Wt0. While the wireless product tag Wt in the above-described embodiments was used for product management, the wireless tag Wt0 in this embodiment is used for purposes other than being attached to products, and is configured as a healthcare device that senses biological information such as body temperature, blood flow, and blood pressure.

[0096] 18 is a block diagram showing the wireless tag Wt0. The wireless tag Wt0 has a control unit 42, a memory unit 43, a wireless communication unit 44, a self-power generation unit 45, and a sensor unit 46. The configurations of the control unit 42, the memory unit 43, the wireless communication unit 44, and the self-power generation unit 45 are similar to, for example, the control unit 42, the memory unit 43, the wireless communication unit 44, and the self-power generation unit 45 of the wireless product tag Wt in the above-described embodiment.

[0097] The sensor unit 46 measures the body temperature, blood flow, blood pressure, etc. of the user to whom the wireless tag Wt0 is attached, using power supplied from the self-power generation unit 45. The control unit 42 generates tag data including the measurement data of the sensor unit 46 and a tag ID, using power supplied from the self-power generation unit 45, and transmits the tag data from the wireless communication unit 44 via the first wireless radio waves.

[0098] 17 wirelessly feeds power to the wireless tag Wt0 by transmitting a second radio wave from the power feeding antenna unit 35. The distance between the wireless power feeding device Ps and the wireless tag Wt0 is preferably short, and the wireless power feeding device Ps may be located in a position where the wireless tag Wt0 can come into contact with it. Alternatively, if a distance of about 1 to 3 meters is available for wireless power feeding, the wireless power feeding device Ps may be stored in a bag carried by the user.

[0099] According to this embodiment, the distance for wirelessly transmitting information from a wireless tag can be set regardless of the distance at which wireless power can be supplied. As can be seen from this embodiment, the use of the wireless tag of the present invention is not limited to product management, but can also be used for various purposes, including management of biometric information.

[0100] The management system according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the specific configuration of each part of the management system according to the present invention can be freely designed and modified in various ways. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] A1, A11, A2, A21, A3, A4: Management system 11: Light source part 12: Control section 13: Storage section 14: Wireless communication unit 15: Power supply section 21:Display section 22: Control section 23: Storage section 24: Wireless communication unit 25: Power supply section 30: Power supply switching unit 31: Transmitting unit 32: Control section 34: Wireless communication unit 35: Power supply antenna section 39: Power supply section 42: Control unit 43: Storage section 44: Wireless communication unit 45: Self-powered unit 46: Sensor section 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 451: Antenna part CL: Cloud (server) Cn: Wireless communication network Ct: Control device Gd:Product L:Lighting device Md: Setting device Ps: Wireless power supply device Sb: Shelf SF:Product shelf Wt: Wireless product tag (wireless tag) Wt0: Wireless tag

Claims

1. a wireless communication network for performing wireless communication using a first wireless radio wave; a wireless power supply device that transmits a second radio wave different from the first radio wave; a plurality of wireless tags each having an individual tag ID; the plurality of wireless tags include a plurality of wireless product tags individually attached to a plurality of products; the wireless power supply device includes a plurality of transmitting units that are arranged on a shelf on which the plurality of products are placed and each transmits the second radio wave; each of the transmitting units transmits the second radio wave at a different timing; The wireless tag is transmitting data to the wireless communication network via the first radio wave; and A management system that generates power by receiving the second radio wave transmitted from the transmitting unit.

2. A wireless communication network that performs wireless communication using a first wireless radio wave; a wireless power supply device that transmits a second radio wave different from the first radio wave; a wireless tag having an individual tag ID; The wireless tag is transmitting data to the wireless communication network via the first radio wave; and generating power by receiving the second radio wave transmitted from the wireless power supply device; the plurality of wireless tags include a plurality of wireless product tags individually attached to a plurality of products; the wireless power supply device is placed on a shelf on which the plurality of products are placed, the wireless communication network is configured by a control device and a plurality of relay units; the wireless power supply device includes a plurality of transmitting units arranged on the shelf, each transmitting the second radio wave; the wireless product tag transmits tag data including the tag ID to the control device via the first wireless radio waves and the plurality of relay units, using the power obtained by receiving the second wireless radio waves; further comprising a server having a control unit, a storage unit, and a communication unit; the server transmits a command to the wireless power supply device to sequentially transmit the second radio wave from the plurality of transmission units based on an instruction from the setting device; the wireless power supply device transmits unit data including a unit ID set for each of the plurality of transmission units from each of the transmission units; When the wireless product tag receives the unit data, the wireless product tag transmits the tag data including the unit ID included in the unit data and its own tag ID to the server via the wireless communication network; The control unit of the server stores the unit ID and the tag ID included in the tag data received by the communication unit in the memory unit, and transmits pairing data in which the unit ID and the tag ID are associated with each other from the communication unit to the setting device.

3. A wireless communication network that performs wireless communication using a first wireless radio wave; a wireless power supply device that transmits a second radio wave different from the first radio wave; a wireless tag having an individual tag ID; The wireless tag is transmitting data to the wireless communication network via the first radio wave; and generating power by receiving the second radio wave transmitted from the wireless power supply device; the plurality of wireless tags include a plurality of wireless product tags individually attached to a plurality of products; the wireless power supply device is placed on a shelf on which the plurality of products are placed, the wireless communication network is configured by a control device and a plurality of relay units; the wireless power supply device includes a plurality of transmitting units arranged on the shelf, each transmitting the second radio wave; the wireless product tag transmits tag data including the tag ID to the control device via the first wireless radio waves and the plurality of relay units, using the power obtained by receiving the second wireless radio waves; In the wireless communication network, the tag data from the wireless product tag is transmitted to the control device by being transferred between a plurality of the relay units; A management system in which, when the relay unit receives multiple tag data from multiple relay units, each of which contains the tag ID of the same wireless product tag, the relay unit generates and transfers tag data that integrates the multiple tag data.

4. 4. The management system according to claim 1, wherein the frequency band of the first radio wave and the second radio wave is 2.4 GHz.

Images