communication equipment

Abstract

To improve the determination accuracy of the position of a wireless tag.SOLUTION: A communication device of an embodiment includes an antenna, a drive unit, a first acquisition unit, an input unit, a second acquisition unit, and a measurement control unit. The drive unit moves the position of the antenna. The first acquisition unit acquires tag data of each wireless tag at a plurality of positions of the antenna. The input unit inputs the tag data of each wireless tag acquired by the first acquisition unit to a trained model. The second acquisition unit acquires data indicating a level about a range in which each wireless tag exists from the trained model based on the input of the tag data of each wireless tag to the trained model by the input unit. The measurement control unit controls measurement processing that involves changing a measurement mode for a plurality of wireless tags when the levels of the plurality of wireless tags acquired based on one or more times of measurement processing for the plurality of wireless tags do not satisfy conditions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to a communication device. [Background technology]

[0002] There are devices that use an antenna to receive radio waves transmitted from a wireless tag attached to an item and determine whether the wireless tag is within or outside a specified range. Such devices measure the phase of the wireless tag by moving the antenna. The device determines whether the wireless tag is within or outside the specified range based on the phase difference, which is the amount of change in the measured phase.

[0003] Depending on the antenna movement speed, the number of wireless tags, etc., the device may not be able to measure a sufficient amount of data for the determination process for all wireless tags. The determination accuracy for wireless tags that do not have enough data may decrease. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-219284 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a technique for improving the accuracy of determining the position of a wireless tag. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A communication device according to an embodiment includes an antenna, a driving unit, a first acquisition unit, an input unit, a second acquisition unit, and a measurement control unit. The driving unit moves the position of the antenna. The first acquisition unit acquires tag data of each wireless tag at multiple positions of the antenna. The input unit inputs the tag data of each wireless tag acquired by the first acquisition unit to a trained model. The second acquisition unit acquires data indicating a level relating to a range in which each wireless tag is present from the trained model based on the tag data of each wireless tag input to the trained model by the input unit. The measurement control unit controls a measurement process involving a change in the measurement mode for the multiple wireless tags when the levels of the multiple wireless tags acquired based on one or more measurement processes for the multiple wireless tags do not satisfy a condition. The trained model is a model generated by machine learning based on training data. The training data includes tag data of multiple learning target wireless tags and data indicating a range in which each of the multiple learning target wireless tags is present. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the reading device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure constituting measurement data according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the drive device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the driving device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the first range and the second range according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a determination process performed by the processor of the reading device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a graph showing an example of determination tag data measured as the antenna according to the embodiment moves at high speed. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a graph showing an example of determination tag data measured as the antenna according to the embodiment moves at low speed. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a plurality of wireless tags to be learned according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a graph showing an example of learning tag data according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a graph showing another example of learning tag data according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a graph showing yet another example of learning tag data according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a trained model generation process performed by a processor of a reading device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, a communication system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the scale of each part in each drawing used in the following description of the embodiment may be changed as appropriate. Also, for the sake of explanation, each drawing used in the following description of the embodiment may omit configurations.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system 1 according to an embodiment. The communication system 1 includes a communication device 10, a terminal 400, and a plurality of wireless tags 600 attached to a plurality of items 500. While Fig. 1 shows one wireless tag 600 attached to one item 500, the communication system 1 includes a plurality of wireless tags 600 attached to a plurality of items 500. Note that although the communication system 1 includes the communication device 10 and the terminal 400, it does not necessarily have to include a plurality of items 500.

[0010] The communication device 10 is a device that reads information from a wireless tag 600. The communication device 10 can be used for inspection in a warehouse, but may also be used in a store; application examples of the communication device 10 are not limited to this. The communication device 10 includes a reading device 100, a driving device 200, and an antenna 300.

[0011] The reader 100 is a device that controls the driving device 200 and the antenna 300 to read information from the wireless tag 600. An example of the configuration of the reader 100 will be described later. The driving device 200 is a device that moves the antenna 300. An example of the configuration of the driving device 200 will be described later. The antenna 300 transmits and receives radio waves to and from the wireless tag 600. The antenna 300 converts the radio waves received from the wireless tag 600 into a high-frequency signal, and outputs the high-frequency signal to the reader 100.

[0012] The terminal 400 is a device that processes information read from the wireless tag 600 by the reader 100. The terminal 400 is a personal computer (PC) or the like, but is not limited to this and may be any device that processes information.

[0013] The item 500 is a product or the like. The wireless tag 600 is typically an RFID (radio frequency identification) tag. The wireless tag 600 may be another type of wireless tag. The wireless tag 600 is a passive wireless tag that operates using a predetermined radio wave emitted from the antenna 300 as its energy source. The wireless tag 600 emits a signal including information stored in the wireless tag 600 by performing backscatter modulation on an unmodulated signal. The information stored in the wireless tag 600 may include uniquely identifiable identification information. The information stored in the wireless tag 600 may include information about the item 500 to which the wireless tag 600 is attached.

[0014] The reading device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the reading device 100. As shown in FIG. The reading device 100 includes a processor 101, a ROM (read-only memory) 102, a RAM (random-access memory) 103, a first connection interface 104, a second connection interface 105, a high-frequency front-end unit 106, a digital amplitude modulation unit 107, a DA (digital to analog) conversion unit 108, an AD (analog to digital) conversion unit 109, a demodulation unit 110, and a storage device 111. The units included in the reading device 100 are connected by a bus 112 or the like.

[0015] The processor 101 corresponds to the central part of a computer that performs calculations, control, and other processes required for the operation of the reading device 100. The processor 101 loads various programs stored in the ROM 102 or the storage device 111, etc., into the RAM 103. The processor 101 executes the programs loaded into the RAM 103 to realize each unit described below and perform various operations.

[0016] The processor 101 is a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), a system on a chip (SoC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), etc. The processor 101 may be a combination of two or more of these.

[0017] The ROM 102 corresponds to the main memory of a computer centered around the processor 101. The ROM 102 is a non-volatile memory used exclusively for reading data. The ROM 102 stores the above-mentioned programs. The ROM 102 also stores data and various setting values ​​used by the processor 101 when performing various processes.

[0018] The RAM 103 corresponds to the main memory device of a computer centered around the processor 101. The RAM 103 is a memory used for reading and writing data. The RAM 103 is a work area that stores data that is temporarily used when the processor 101 performs various processes.

[0019] The first connection interface 104 is an interface through which the reading device 100 communicates with the driving device 200 .

[0020] The second connection interface 105 is an interface through which the reader 100 communicates with the terminal 400 .

[0021] The high-frequency front-end unit 106 outputs a high-frequency signal to the antenna 300. The high-frequency front-end unit 106 receives the high-frequency signal from the antenna 300 as input.

[0022] The digital amplitude modulation unit 107 is a circuit that adds information to be transmitted to the wireless tag 600 to a carrier wave to be transmitted to the wireless tag 600 .

[0023] The DA conversion unit 108 is a circuit that converts a digital signal into an analog signal. The DA conversion unit 108 converts the digital signal modulated by the digital amplitude modulation unit 107 into an analog signal. The DA conversion unit 108 outputs the high-frequency signal to the antenna 300 via the high-frequency front-end unit 106.

[0024] The AD conversion unit 109 is a circuit that converts an analog signal into a digital signal, and converts the high-frequency signal input from the antenna 300 via the high-frequency front-end unit 106 into a digital signal.

[0025] The demodulation unit 110 is a circuit that extracts various information from radio waves received from the wireless tag 600. For example, the demodulation unit 110 extracts a unique identification code stored in the wireless tag 600 from the digital signal converted by the AD conversion unit 109. When the antenna 300 receives radio waves from the wireless tag 600, the demodulation unit 110 outputs tag data of the wireless tag 600 in time series from the digital signal converted by the AD conversion unit 109 using known technology. The tag data is time series data based on the radio waves from the wireless tag 600 received by the antenna 300. The tag data includes phase data. The phase data is data indicating the phase of the radio waves from the wireless tag 600. The tag data includes radio wave reception strength (RSSI (received signal strength indicator)) data. The radio wave reception strength data is data indicating the reception strength of the radio waves from the wireless tag 600. The tag data includes at least one of phase data and radio wave reception strength data. It should be noted that each wireless tag 600 may store radio wave reception intensity data in its own memory when receiving radio waves transmitted from the antenna 300. In this example, the demodulation unit 110 may extract the radio wave reception intensity data stored in the wireless tag 600 in chronological order from the digital signal converted by the AD conversion unit 109. The demodulation unit 110 is an example of a detection unit that detects the tag data of each wireless tag 600 in chronological order based on the radio waves from each wireless tag 600.

[0026] The storage device 111 is a device configured with a nonvolatile memory that stores data, programs, etc. The storage device 111 is configured with, but is not limited to, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage device 111 is an example of a storage unit.

[0027] The storage device 111 includes a measurement data storage area 1111. The measurement data storage area 1111 stores measurement data. The measurement data includes multiple tag data sets for determination for each measurement process. The measurement process is a process in which the communication device 10 measures tag data. The measurement process is a process that involves movement of the antenna 300. For example, one measurement process is a process that involves movement of the antenna 300 within the scanning range of the antenna 300. The communication device 10 may control one measurement process for multiple wireless tags 600 to be determined, or may control multiple measurement processes. The multiple wireless tags 600 to be determined are a set of wireless tags whose tag data is measured by one or more common measurement processes by the communication device 10.

[0028] The tag data set for determination is a data set for each RFID tag 600 to be determined. The tag data set for determination is a collection of multiple tag data of the RFID tag 600 to be determined measured by the communication device 10. Hereinafter, the tag data of the RFID tag 600 to be determined that is related to the tag data set for determination is also referred to as tag data for determination. The tag data set for determination includes multiple tag data for determination of the RFID tag 600 to be determined at multiple positions of the antenna 300. Each of the multiple positions of the antenna 300 is a measurement position of the tag data. Depending on the RFID tag 600 to be determined, the communication device 10 may be able to measure the tag data for determination at all of the multiple positions of the antenna 300. In this example, the tag data set for determination includes tag data for determination associated with each of all of the multiple positions of the antenna 300. Depending on the RFID tag 600 to be determined, the communication device 10 may be able to measure the tag data for determination at only some of the multiple positions of the antenna 300. In this example, the decision tag data set includes decision tag data associated with each of a subset of the multiple positions of the antenna 300 .

[0029] The multiple tag data sets for determination may be tag data sets for all of the multiple target RF tags 600. The multiple tag data sets for determination may be tag data sets for some of the multiple target RF tags 600. The multiple tag data sets for determination are an example of tag data for determination of each target RF tag 600 at multiple positions of the antenna 300.

[0030] The wireless tag 600 to be determined is a wireless tag for which the range in which the wireless tag 600 exists is to be determined. The wireless tag 600 to be determined is an example of a wireless tag to be measured. The wireless tag to be measured is also called a measurement target wireless tag. The wireless tag 600 to be determined is an example of a wireless tag. The target for determining the range in which the wireless tag 600 exists includes a target for determining whether the position of the wireless tag 600 is included in a first range or a second range. The first range and the second range are different ranges that do not overlap each other. For example, the first range and the second range are three-dimensional regions. Examples of the first range and the second range will be described later. The measurement data can be updated based on measurement processing by the communication device 10. An example of the configuration of the measurement data will be described later.

[0031] The storage device 111 includes a learning data storage area 1112. The learning data storage area 1112 stores learning data. The training data is data including data measured in advance by a communication device. Here, for simplicity of explanation, the communication device that measures the data included in the training data in advance is described as the communication device 10, but it may be one or more communication devices of the same type as the communication device 10. The training data is data used for machine learning.

[0032] The training data includes a training tag dataset. The training tag dataset includes multiple datasets for multiple training target RFID tags 600. The multiple training target RFID tags 600 are a set of RFID tags whose tag data is measured by one or more common measurement processes performed by the communication device 10. The dataset for the training target RFID tags 600 includes multiple tag data for the training target RFID tags 600 at multiple positions of the antenna 300. Hereinafter, the tag data of the training target RFID tags 600 associated with the training tag dataset is also referred to as training tag data. Depending on the training target RFID tag 600, the communication device 10 may be able to measure the training tag data at all of the multiple positions of the antenna 300. In this example, the dataset for the training target RFID tag 600 includes training tag data associated with each of all of the multiple positions of the antenna 300. Depending on the training target RFID tag 600, the communication device 10 may be able to measure the training tag data only at some of the multiple positions of the antenna 300. In this example, the data set for the RF tag 600 to be trained includes training tag data associated with each of some of the multiple positions of the antenna 300. The data set for the RF tag 600 to be trained is an example of training tag data for the RF tag 600 to be trained. The training tag data set is an example of training tag data for multiple RF tags 600 to be trained. The RF tag 600 to be trained is an example of a RF tag.

[0033] The learning data includes data indicating the range in which each of the multiple learning target wireless tags 600 is located. Hereinafter, the data indicating the range in which each of the multiple learning target wireless tags 600 is located will also be referred to as correct answer data. The correct answer data includes data indicating whether each of the multiple learning target wireless tags 600 is included in the first range or the second range. The expression "each of the multiple learning target wireless tags 600" may be read as "the position of each of the multiple learning target wireless tags 600." The correct answer data is data input by the user. The learning data can be updated.

[0034] The storage device 111 includes a trained model storage area 1113. The trained model storage area 1113 stores trained models. A trained model is a model generated by machine learning based on training data. The term "generated" includes not only newly created models but also updated models. Multiple trained models are used to determine the range in which the target wireless tag 600 exists.

[0035] The trained model outputs output data for determination based on input of input data for determination. The input data for determination is the above-mentioned plurality of tag data sets for determination for each measurement process. The output data for determination is data indicating a level related to the range in which each wireless tag 600 to be determined exists. Hereinafter, the level related to the range in which the wireless tag 600 to be determined exists is also referred to as a determination level. The determination level is a degree indicating the possibility that the wireless tag 600 to be determined exists in each of one or more ranges. For example, the determination level is a probability, but is not limited to this. The determination level may be a level selected from a plurality of levels, such as 10 levels. Here, the determination level will be described as a probability.

[0036] The one or more ranges may be one predetermined range, or two or more different predetermined ranges that do not overlap with each other. The determination level includes a level relating to whether the wireless tag 600 to be determined is included in each of the one or more ranges. If the determination level is a probability, the sum of the levels relating to whether the wireless tag 600 is included in each of the one or more ranges shall be 100%. If the determination level is a level, the sum of the levels relating to whether the wireless tag 600 is included in each of the one or more ranges shall be the upper limit of the number of levels.

[0037] The range in which the wireless tag 600 to be judged exists can be determined based on a comparison between the judgment level and the condition. The condition is a condition for making it possible to determine the range in which the wireless tag 600 to be judged exists based on the judgment level. The condition includes that the judgment level is equal to or greater than a threshold. The threshold is a threshold for making it possible to determine the range in which the wireless tag 600 to be judged exists. For example, the threshold is 70%, but is not limited to this. The threshold can be set as appropriate.

[0038] When the determination level satisfies the condition, it is assumed that the range in which the wireless tag 600 to be determined exists can be determined. When the determination level satisfies the condition, it includes the determination level being equal to or greater than the threshold. Hereinafter, a determination level that satisfies the condition is also referred to as a satisfied determination level. On the other hand, when the determination level does not satisfy the condition, it is assumed that the range in which the wireless tag 600 to be determined exists cannot be determined. When the determination level does not satisfy the condition, it includes the determination level being less than the threshold. Hereinafter, a determination level that does not satisfy the condition is also referred to as an unsatisfied determination level.

[0039] Here, the one or more ranges will be described as including a first range and a second range. The determination level includes a first level relating to whether the wireless tag 600 to be determined is included in the first range. Hereinafter, the first level will also be referred to as the first determination level. The determination level includes a second level relating to whether the wireless tag 600 to be determined is included in the second range. Hereinafter, the second level will also be referred to as the second determination level.

[0040] In this example, the conditions include the first determination level being equal to or greater than the first threshold or the second determination level being equal to or greater than the second threshold. The first threshold is a threshold for determining the range in which the wireless tag 600 to be determined exists as the first range. For example, the first threshold is 70%, but is not limited to this. Here, the first threshold will be described as being 70%. The first threshold can be set as appropriate. The second threshold is a threshold for determining the range in which the wireless tag 600 to be determined exists as the second range. For example, the second threshold is 70%, but is not limited to this. Here, the second threshold will be described as being 70%. The second threshold can be set as appropriate.

[0041] The determination level satisfying the condition includes a first determination level included in the determination level being equal to or greater than a first threshold, or a second determination level included in the determination level being equal to or greater than a second threshold. When the first level is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the range in which the target wireless tag 600 exists can be determined as the first range. On the other hand, when the first level is less than the first threshold, the range in which the target wireless tag 600 exists cannot be determined as the first range. When the second level is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the range in which the target wireless tag 600 exists can be determined as the second range. On the other hand, when the second level is less than the second threshold, the range in which the target wireless tag 600 exists cannot be determined as the second range. For example, the determination level includes a first level with a probability of 80% and a second level with a probability of 20%. The range in which the target wireless tag 600 exists can be determined as the first range. In this example, the determination level is a satisfactory determination level. On the other hand, for example, the determination level includes a first level with a probability of 30% and a second level with a probability of 70%. The range in which the wireless tag 600 to be determined exists can be determined as the second range. In this example, the determination level is a satisfactory determination level.

[0042] The determination level not satisfying the condition includes the first level included in the determination level being less than the first threshold and the second level included in the determination level being less than the second threshold. When the first level included in the determination level is less than the first threshold and the second level included in the determination level is less than the second threshold, the range in which the wireless tag 600 to be determined exists is not determinable. For example, the determination level includes a first level with a probability of 60% and a second level with a probability of 40%. The range in which the wireless tag 600 to be determined exists is not determinable as either the first range or the second range. In this example, the determination level is an unsatisfactory determination level.

[0043] The storage device 111 includes a judgment data storage area 1114. The judgment data storage area 1114 includes judgment data. The judgment data includes a judgment level data set based on judgment output data for each measurement process for the multiple RF tags 600 to be judged. The judgment level data set is a collection of multiple judgment levels for the multiple RF tags 600 to be judged. The judgment level data set may include judgment levels associated with all of the multiple RF tags 600 to be judged. The judgment level data set may also include judgment levels associated with some of the multiple RF tags 600 to be judged. One or more judgment levels included in the judgment level data set may all be satisfied judgment levels. One or more judgment levels included in the judgment level data set may all be unsatisfactory judgment levels. Some of the one or more judgment levels included in the judgment level data set may be satisfied judgment levels, and the rest may be unsatisfactory judgment levels. The judgment data may be updated each time the measurement process for the multiple RF tags 600 to be judged is repeated.

[0044] The bus 112 includes a control bus, an address bus, a data bus, etc. The bus 112 transmits signals exchanged among the various parts of the reading device 100.

[0045] The hardware configuration of the reading device 100 is not limited to the above configuration, and the reading device 100 allows the above components to be omitted or changed, and new components to be added, as appropriate.

[0046] Each unit realized by the processor 101 will be described. The processor 101 realizes a movement control unit 1011, a communication control unit 1012, a first acquisition unit 1013, an input unit 1014, a second acquisition unit 1015, an output unit 1016, a model processing unit 1017, and a measurement control unit 1018. Each unit realized by the processor 101 can also be referred to as each function. Each unit realized by the processor 101 can also be referred to as being realized by a control unit including the processor 101, ROM 102, and RAM 103.

[0047] The movement control unit 1011 controls the driving device 200 to control the movement of the antenna 300 .

[0048] The communication control unit 1012 controls the transmission of radio waves from the antenna 300 .

[0049] The first acquisition unit 1013 acquires a plurality of determination tag data sets.

[0050] The input unit 1014 inputs input data for determination to the trained model. The input data for determination is a plurality of tag data sets for determination acquired by the first acquisition unit 1013.

[0051] The second acquisition unit 1015 acquires output data for determination from the trained model based on input of input data for determination to the trained model by the input unit 1014.

[0052] The output unit 1016 outputs the determination result to the terminal 400. The determination result includes multiple sufficiency determination levels for multiple RFID tags 600 to be determined. The multiple sufficiency determination levels are the sufficiency determination levels for all of the multiple RFID tags 600 to be determined. The multiple sufficiency determination levels may be acquired by the reading device 100 in a single measurement process. The multiple sufficiency determination levels may be acquired by the reading device 100 in multiple measurement processes. In this case, each of the multiple sufficiency determination levels is the determination level acquired by the reading device 100 in any of the multiple measurement processes. Note that the determination data may include multiple sufficiency determination levels based on multiple measurement processes for a certain RFID tag 600 to be determined. In this case, the determination result may include any of the multiple sufficiency determination levels as the sufficiency determination level for the RFID tag 600 to be determined.

[0053] The model processing unit 1017 generates a trained model.

[0054] The measurement control unit 1018 controls the measurement process.

[0055] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure constituting the measurement data. The antenna 300 moves back and forth in one direction under the control of the driving device 200. The scanning range of the antenna 300 is from position 0, which corresponds to the home position, to position L. Position L can be set as appropriate.

[0056] The measurement data includes a tag data set for determination of each RF tag 600 to be determined for each measurement process. The tag data set for determination includes multiple tag data for determination of the RF tag 600 to be determined at multiple positions of the antenna 300. For example, the multiple positions of the antenna 300 include positions at a constant interval a between position 0 and position L. The value of the constant interval a can be set appropriately. Depending on the RF tag 600 to be determined, the communication device 10 may be able to measure the tag data for determination at all positions at the constant interval a between position 0 and position L. Depending on the RF tag 600 to be determined, the communication device 10 may be able to measure the tag data for determination only at some of the positions at the constant interval a between position 0 and position L. The multiple positions of the antenna 300 may include one or more positions other than the positions at the constant interval a between position 0 and position L.

[0057] The driving device 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the driving device 200. As shown in FIG. The driving device 200 includes a processor 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a connection interface 204, a driving unit 205, and a home position sensor 206. The units included in the driving device 200 are connected by a bus 208 or the like.

[0058] The processor 201 corresponds to the central part of a computer that performs processes such as calculations and controls required for the operation of the drive device 200. The processor 201 loads various programs stored in the ROM 202 or the like into the RAM 203. The processor 201 executes the programs loaded into the RAM 203 to perform various operations. The processor 201 is a CPU, MPU, SoC, DSP, GPU, ASIC, PLD, FPGA, or the like. The processor 201 may be a combination of two or more of these.

[0059] The ROM 202 corresponds to the main memory of a computer centered around the processor 201. The ROM 202 is a non-volatile memory used exclusively for reading data. The ROM 202 stores the above-mentioned programs. The ROM 202 stores data and various setting values ​​used by the processor 201 when performing various processes.

[0060] The RAM 203 corresponds to the main memory device of a computer centered around the processor 201. The RAM 203 is a memory used for reading and writing data. The RAM 203 is a work area that stores data that is temporarily used when the processor 201 performs various processes.

[0061] The connection interface 204 is an interface for connecting the driving device 200 to the reading device 100 .

[0062] The driving unit 205 moves the antenna 300. For example, the driving unit 205 is a stepping motor.

[0063] The home position sensor 206 is a sensor that detects whether or not a moving stage 213, which will be described later, is at the home position.

[0064] The bus 208 includes a control bus, an address bus, a data bus, etc. The bus 208 transmits signals exchanged among the various components of the drive device 200.

[0065] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the driving device 200. As shown in FIG. The drive unit 200 includes a rotation axis 211 , a rail 212 and a moving stage 213 .

[0066] 5, the drive unit 200 and the antenna 300 are disposed under a counter table 700. The counter table 700 has a horizontal surface on which an article 500 having a wireless tag 600 attached thereto is placed. The counter table 700 is an example of a placement unit. The counter table 700 may be included in the communication system 1 or the communication device 10.

[0067] The rotating shaft 211 transmits the driving force of the driving unit 205. Thread grooves are formed in the rotating shaft 211 and the rail 212. The thread grooves face each other and are connected. Therefore, when the driving unit 205 is driven to rotate, the rotating shaft 211 rotates and the rail 212 moves. A moving stage 213 on which the antenna 300 is placed is attached to the rail 212.

[0068] The moving stage 213 is equipped with a ball screw nut, and moves horizontally when the rail 212 rotates due to the ball screw nut. That is, the moving stage 213 moves in a direction along the x-axis shown in FIG. 5. Furthermore, when the rotation direction of the rail 212 is reversed, the moving stage 213 moves in the opposite direction. In this way, the driving device 200 moves the antenna 300 back and forth along the rail 212 in one direction along the x-axis.

[0069] The hardware configuration of the drive device 200 is not limited to the above configuration. The drive device 200 allows the above components to be omitted or changed, and new components to be added, as appropriate.

[0070] The first range and the second range will be described. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the first area 81 and the second area 82, and is a plan view of the counter table 700 as seen from above.

[0071] The first range 81 and the second range 82 are ranges separated in the horizontal direction. The first range 81 is a range set in the central portion of the horizontal surface of the counter table 700. The second range 82 is a range set in the outer periphery of the horizontal surface of the counter table 700 and outside the counter table 700 in the horizontal direction. The second range 82 is set to surround the first range 81. In FIG. 6, the second range 82 is set at a distance from the first range 81 without being adjacent to it, but this is not limited to this. The second range 82 may be adjacent to the first range 81.

[0072] The settings of the first range 81 and the second range 82 are not limited to this. The first range 81 may be a range set in the central part of the horizontal surface of the counter table 700, and the second range 82 may be a range set in the outer periphery of the horizontal surface of the counter table 700. The first range 81 may be a range set over the entire horizontal surface of the counter table 700, and the second range 82 may be a range set horizontally outboard of the counter table 700. The second range 82 is not limited to a range set to surround the first range 81.

[0073] The first range 81 and the second range 82 may be different ranges that do not overlap each other, and are not limited to ranges separated in the horizontal direction. The first range 81 and the second range 82 may also be ranges separated in the vertical direction.

[0074] Next, a description will be given of the determination process performed by the processor 101 of the reader 100 configured as above. The determination process is a process for acquiring data indicating the level of the range in which each wireless tag 600 to be determined exists.

[0075] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the determination process performed by the processor 101 of the reading device 100. The processing procedures described below are merely examples, and each process may be modified as much as possible. Furthermore, steps may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0076] For example, suppose that an item 500, from which information stored in a wireless tag 600 is to be read, is placed on a counter table 700. The wireless tag 600 attached to the item 500 placed on the counter table 700 can be the wireless tag 600 to be determined. There may be an item near the counter table 700 that is not a target from which information stored in the wireless tag 600 is to be read. The wireless tag 600 attached to an item present near the counter table 700 can be the wireless tag 600 to be determined.

[0077] The processor 101 of the reading device 100 may start the determination process based on the acquisition of an instruction to start the determination process input by the user at the terminal 400.

[0078] The movement control unit 1011 controls the movement of the antenna 300 (ACT1). In ACT1, for example, the movement control unit 1011 transmits a movement instruction to the driving device 200. The movement instruction is an instruction to move the antenna 300 in one direction from position 0 corresponding to the home position to position L.

[0079] The processor 201 of the drive device 200 receives a movement instruction from the reading device 100. Based on the movement instruction, the processor 201 determines using the home position sensor 206 whether the antenna 300 is in the home position. If the antenna 300 is not in the home position, the processor 201 controls the drive unit 205 to move the antenna 300 to the home position. The drive unit 205 moves the antenna 300 to the home position based on the control of the processor 201. The processor 201 controls the drive unit 205 to start moving the antenna 300 from position 0 corresponding to the home position. The drive unit 205 starts moving the antenna 300 from position 0 based on the control of the processor 201. The processor 201 controls the drive unit 205 to move the antenna 300 in one direction from position 0 to position L. The drive unit 205 moves the antenna 300 in one direction from position 0 to position L based on the control of the processor 201.

[0080] The communication control unit 1012 controls the start of radio wave transmission from the antenna 300 (ACT2). In ACT2, for example, the communication control unit 1012 controls the start of radio wave transmission from the antenna 300 based on the start of movement of the antenna 300 from position 0. The communication control unit 1012 may control the start of radio wave transmission from the antenna 300 based on a movement start notification from the driving device 200. The movement start notification may indicate that the movement of the antenna 300 has started from position 0. The antenna 300 starts radio wave transmission.

[0081] The first acquisition unit 1013 acquires tag data for determination of each wireless tag 600 to be determined (ACT3). In ACT3, the first acquisition unit 1013 acquires tag data for determination of each wireless tag 600 to be determined detected by the demodulation unit 110. If the first acquisition unit 1013 acquires tag data for determination (ACT3, YES), the process transitions from ACT3 to ACT4. If the first acquisition unit 1013 does not acquire tag data for determination (ACT3, NO), the process transitions from ACT3 to ACT5.

[0082] The first acquisition unit 1013 stores the tag data for determination in the measurement data storage area 1111 based on the acquisition of the tag data for determination of each wireless tag 600 to be determined (ACT4).

[0083] The communication control unit 1012 determines whether the movement of the antenna 300 has ended (ACT5). In ACT5, for example, the communication control unit 1012 determines whether the movement of the antenna 300 from position 0 to position L has ended. The communication control unit 1012 may determine that the movement of the antenna 300 has ended based on a movement end notification from the driving device 200. The movement end notification may indicate that the movement of the antenna 300 has ended by reaching position L. If the movement of the antenna 300 has ended (ACT5, YES), the process transitions from ACT5 to ACT6. If the movement of the antenna 300 has not ended (ACT5, NO), the process transitions from ACT5 to ACT3.

[0084] The first acquisition unit 1013 repeats the processes of ACT3 and ACT4 from when the antenna 300 starts moving at position 0 until when it finishes moving at position L.

[0085] The first acquisition unit 1013 acquires multiple tag data sets for determination in one measurement process by repeating the process of ACT3. For example, the first acquisition unit 1013 sequentially acquires tag data for determination at some or all of the multiple positions of the antenna 300 for each wireless tag 600 to be determined. The first acquisition unit 1013 may sequentially acquire tag data for determination at some or all of the positions at a fixed interval a between position 0 and position L. The number of positions of tag data for determination measured by the communication device 10 may be the same or different for each wireless tag 600 to be determined. The first acquisition unit 1013 may acquire the position of the antenna 300 in cooperation with the driving device 200.

[0086] The first acquisition unit 1013 stores multiple tag data sets for determination in the measurement data storage area 1111 in one measurement process by repeating the process of ACT4. For example, the first acquisition unit 1013 stores the tag data for determination in the measurement data storage area 1111 each time it acquires tag data for determination for each wireless tag 600 to be determined. The first acquisition unit 1013 associates the tag data for determination with the position of the antenna 300 and stores the tag data for determination in the measurement data storage area 1111. The first acquisition unit 1013 may store the tag data for determination in the measurement data storage area 1111 at some or all of the positions at a certain interval a between position 0 and position L.

[0087] The communication control unit 1012 controls the end of radio wave transmission from the antenna 300 (ACT6). In ACT6, for example, the communication control unit 1012 controls the end of radio wave transmission from the antenna 300 based on the end of movement of the antenna 300 from position 0 to position L. The antenna 300 ends radio wave transmission.

[0088] The input unit 1014 inputs input data for determination to the trained model (ACT7). In ACT7, for example, the input unit 1014 acquires input data for determination based on measurement data stored in the measurement data storage area 1111. The input unit 1014 acquires multiple tag data sets for determination in one measurement process as input data for determination. The input unit 1014 inputs the acquired input data for determination to the trained model.

[0089] The second acquisition unit 1015 acquires output data for determination from the trained model based on input of input data for determination to the trained model by the input unit 1014 (ACT8). In ACT8, for example, the second acquisition unit 1015 acquires output data for determination in one measurement process from the trained model. The second acquisition unit 1015 stores a determination level data set in one measurement process in the determination data storage area 1114 based on the acquired output data for determination.

[0090] The measurement control unit 1018 determines whether the judgment levels of the multiple measurement target wireless tags 600 satisfy the condition (ACT 9). In ACT 9, for example, the measurement control unit 1018 acquires the judgment levels of the multiple measurement target wireless tags 600 based on the judgment data stored in the judgment data storage area 1114. The judgment levels of the multiple measurement target wireless tags 600 are based on one or more pieces of judgment output data acquired by the second acquisition unit 1015 based on one or more measurement processes. The judgment levels of the multiple measurement target wireless tags 600 satisfying the condition include the judgment levels of all of the multiple measurement target wireless tags 600 satisfying the condition. The judgment levels of all of the wireless tags satisfying the condition corresponds to the existence of a sufficient judgment level associated with each of all of the wireless tags.

[0091] The determination levels of the multiple measurement target wireless tags 600 not satisfying the condition includes the determination level of at least one wireless tag among the multiple measurement target wireless tags 600 not satisfying the condition. The determination level of at least one wireless tag not satisfying the condition corresponds to at least one wireless tag not being associated with a sufficient determination level.

[0092] The measurement control unit 1018 compares the judgment level associated with each of the multiple RFID tags 600 to be judged with the condition. The judgment data may include multiple judgment levels based on multiple measurement processes for a certain RFID tag 600 to be judged. In this case, the measurement control unit 1018 compares each of the multiple judgment levels with the condition. If at least one of the multiple judgment levels satisfies the condition, the measurement control unit 1018 determines that the judgment level of the RFID tag 600 to be judged satisfies the condition. If none of the multiple judgment levels satisfies the condition, the measurement control unit 1018 determines that the judgment level of the RFID tag 600 to be judged does not satisfy the condition.

[0093] If the evaluation levels of the multiple measurement target wireless tags 600 do not satisfy the condition (ACT9, NO), the process transitions from ACT9 to ACT 10. If the evaluation levels of the multiple measurement target wireless tags 600 satisfy the condition (ACT9, YES), the process transitions from ACT9 to ACT11.

[0094] The measurement control unit 1018 controls the measurement process involving a change in the measurement mode for the wireless tags 600 of the measurement targets (ACT10). In ACT10, for example, the measurement control unit 1018 repeats the control of the measurement process involving a change in the measurement mode until the determination levels of the wireless tags 600 of the measurement targets satisfy the conditions in ACT9. The measurement mode is a mode in which the communication device 10 measures tag data for the wireless tags 600 of the measurement targets. The measurement mode includes the operation of hardware in the communication device 10. The measurement mode includes software processing in the communication device 10.

[0095] Changing the measurement mode includes changing the measurement mode to one that increases the number of pieces of tag data for determination in the wireless tag 600 to be determined that are measured in one measurement process. The trained model increases the accuracy of estimating the range in which the wireless tag 600 to be determined exists as the number of pieces of tag data for determination that serve as input data for determination increases. The more data pieces of tag data for determination, the more likely the determination level acquired from the trained model becomes a satisfactory determination level that satisfies the conditions. By performing a measurement process that involves a change in the measurement mode, the communication device 10 can acquire a satisfactory determination level for the wireless tag 600 to be determined that has not yet acquired a satisfactory determination level.

[0096] Hereinafter, the measurement process before changing the measurement mode will also be referred to as the first measurement process. The measurement process after changing the measurement mode will also be referred to as the second measurement process. The first measurement process corresponds to the measurement process executed immediately before the second measurement process. The second measurement process corresponds to the measurement process involving a change in the measurement mode. If multiple measurement processes have been executed before the second measurement process, the first measurement process is the measurement process that was executed last in chronological order among the multiple measurement processes.

[0097] In one example, the measurement aspect includes the speed at which the antenna 300 is moving. The measurement process involving a change in the measurement mode includes a measurement process involving a reduction in the moving speed of the antenna 300. The moving speed of the antenna 300 in the first measurement process is also referred to as a first moving speed, and the moving speed of the antenna 300 in the second measurement process is also referred to as a second moving speed.

[0098] In the first measurement process, the measurement control unit 1018 controls the measurement process at a first movement speed of the antenna 300. In this example, the measurement control unit 1018 controls the antenna 300 to move at the first movement speed. The movement control unit 1011 controls the movement of the antenna 300 at the first movement speed in ACT1 under the control of the measurement control unit 1018. The drive unit 205 moves the antenna 300 at the first movement speed. In the second measurement process, the measurement control unit 1018 controls the measurement process at a second movement speed that is slower than the first movement speed. In this example, the measurement control unit 1018 controls the antenna 300 to move at the second movement speed. The movement control unit 1011 controls the movement of the antenna 300 at the second movement speed in ACT1 under the control of the measurement control unit 1018. The drive unit 205 moves the antenna 300 at the second movement speed.

[0099] The reduction in the moving speed of the antenna 300 may be constant between measurement processes. The reduction in the moving speed of the antenna 300 may be increased in time series between each measurement process. The reduction in the moving speed of the antenna 300 may be decreased in time series between each measurement process. When the moving speed of the antenna 300 decreases, the number of pieces of tag data for determination in the wireless tag 600 to be determined measured by the communication device 10 in one measurement process increases.

[0100] In another example, the measurement aspect includes applying a mask to one or more of the wireless tags 600 to be determined. The measurement process involving a change in the measurement mode includes a measurement process involving masking one or more wireless tags 600 to be determined that satisfy a condition.

[0101] Masking the RFID tag 600 to be determined includes making the RFID tag 600 to be determined a target that will not be read. One or more RFID tags 600 to be determined that satisfy the condition among the multiple RFID tags 600 to be determined are targets that will not be read by the communication device 10 in the second measurement process. In this example, the communication device 10 does not acquire tag data from the one or more RFID tags 600 to be determined that satisfy the condition. Note that if multiple measurement processes have been executed before the second measurement process, the determination data may include multiple determination levels for a certain RFID tag 600 to be determined. In this case, if one determination level among the multiple determination levels satisfies the condition, the measurement control unit 1018 determines to mask the RFID tag 600 to be determined.

[0102] Not masking the wireless tag 600 to be determined includes selecting the wireless tag 600 to be determined and making the wireless tag 600 to be determined a target for reading. One or more wireless tags 600 to be determined that do not satisfy the conditions among the multiple wireless tags 600 to be determined are targets to be read by the communication device 10 in the second measurement process. In this example, the communication device 10 acquires tag data from the one or more wireless tags 600 to be determined that do not satisfy the conditions.

[0103] In the second measurement process, the measurement control unit 1018 controls the measurement process that involves masking one or more target wireless tags 600 that satisfy the conditions. Under the control of the measurement control unit 1018, in ACT2, the communication control unit 1012 masks one or more target wireless tags 600 that satisfy the conditions, and controls communication via the antenna 300.

[0104] The number of RFID tags 600 to be determined that satisfy the conditions among the multiple RFID tags 600 to be determined increases with each measurement process. Therefore, the number of RFID tags 600 to be determined that are to be masked among the multiple RFID tags 600 to be determined increases with each measurement process. The communication device 10 can execute the measurement process by narrowing down the RFID tags 600 to be determined that do not satisfy the conditions. By the communication device 10 narrowing down the RFID tags 600 to be determined, the number of pieces of tag data for determination in the RFID tags 600 to be determined measured in one measurement process increases.

[0105] The measurement control unit 1018 may control the measurement process involving a change in the measurement mode by combining the above two examples. In this example, the measurement control unit 1018 controls the measurement process involving both slowing down the moving speed of the antenna 300 and masking one or more wireless tags that satisfy the conditions. The number of pieces of tag data for determination in the wireless tag 600 to be determined measured by the communication device 10 in one measurement process is greater than in the case of using only one of the two examples.

[0106] In ACT9, the reader 100 executes the measurement process one or more times until the determination levels of the wireless tags 600 to be measured satisfy the conditions. The movement control unit 1011 controls the movement of the antenna 300 for each measurement process by processing ACT1 for each measurement process. The movement control unit 1011 may alternately change the direction in which the antenna 300 is moved for each measurement process. In other words, the direction in which the antenna 300 is moved in the second measurement process may be different from the direction in which the antenna 300 is moved in the first measurement process. For example, the movement control unit 1011 alternates between controlling the movement of the antenna 300 from position 0 to position L and controlling the movement of the antenna 300 from position L to position 0 for each measurement process.

[0107] Hereinafter, the control of the movement of antenna 300 from position 0 to position L is also referred to as first movement control. The movement of antenna 300 from position 0 to position L is an example of the movement of antenna 300 in one measurement process. The drive unit 205 moves antenna 300 in one direction from position 0 to position L in one measurement process through the first movement control by the movement control unit 1011. In the first movement control, the communication control unit 1012 determines in ACT5 whether the movement of antenna 300 from position 0 to position L has been completed.

[0108] Hereinafter, the control of the movement of antenna 300 from position L to position 0 is also referred to as second movement control. The movement of antenna 300 from position L to position 0 is an example of the movement of antenna 300 in one measurement process. The drive unit 205 moves antenna 300 in one direction from position L to position 0 in one measurement process through the second movement control by the movement control unit 1011. In the second movement control, the communication control unit 1012 determines in ACT5 whether the movement of antenna 300 from position L to position 0 has been completed.

[0109] The movement process in the first measurement process may be a first movement process. The movement process in the second measurement process may be a second movement process. Position 0 is an example of a first position. Position L is an example of a second position different from the first position. In this example, the communication device 10 can perform one or more measurement processes by repeating the first movement process and the second movement process for each measurement process. The communication device 10 does not need to start moving the antenna 300 after returning the position of the antenna 300 to position 0 for each measurement process. Therefore, the communication device 10 can shorten the time until the determination levels of the wireless tags 600 to be measured satisfy the conditions.

[0110] The first acquisition unit 1013 acquires a plurality of determination tag data sets for each measurement process by performing the process of ACT3 for each measurement process. The first acquisition unit 1013 stores a plurality of determination tag data sets for each measurement process in the measurement data storage area 1111 by processing ACT4 for each measurement process. The input unit 1014 inputs a plurality of determination tag data sets as determination input data for each measurement process to the trained model through the processing of ACT7 for each measurement process. The second acquisition unit 1015 acquires output data for determination for each measurement process from the trained model by processing ACT8 for each measurement process. The second acquisition unit 1015 stores a determination level data set based on the output data for determination for each measurement process in the determination data storage area 1114. The determination data includes a determination level data set based on the output data for determination acquired by the second acquisition unit 1015 for each measurement process. The output unit 1016 outputs the determination result to the terminal 400 (ACT11). In ACT11, for example, the output unit 1016 acquires the determination result based on the determination data stored in the determination data storage area 1114. The determination result includes a plurality of sufficiency determination levels for a plurality of RF tags 600 to be determined. The determination result may include information stored in each of the RF tags 600 to be determined that is read by the reading device 100. The output unit 1016 outputs the acquired determination result to the terminal 400 via the second connection interface 105. The terminal 400 may determine a range in which each of the RF tags 600 to be determined exists based on a plurality of sufficiency determination levels for the plurality of RF tags 600 to be determined that are included in the determination result. The terminal 400 may process the information stored in each of the RF tags 600 to be determined depending on whether each of the RF tags 600 to be determined is included in the first range or the second range. The terminal 400 may process information stored in each of the wireless tags 600 to be determined that are included in the first range. The terminal 400 does not need to process information stored in each of the wireless tags 600 to be determined that are included in the second range.

[0111] The number of pieces of tag data for determination measured in one measurement process in each of the RFID tags 600 to be determined will be described below. Here, the case where the measurement mode is the moving speed of the antenna 300 will be described as an example.

[0112] FIG. 8 is a graph showing an example of determination tag data measured as the antenna 300 moves at high speed. The horizontal axis represents the position of the antenna 300. Position L is assumed to be 600 mm. The vertical axis represents the phase. The graph shows a plurality of tag data sets for determination for each of RFID tags A to F. RFID tags A to F are RFID tags 600 to be determined.

[0113] FIG. 9 is a graph showing an example of determination tag data measured as the antenna 300 moves at low speed. The horizontal axis indicates the position of the antenna 300. Position L is assumed to be 600 mm. The vertical axis indicates the phase. The graph shows the determination tag data sets for each of RFID tags A to F. The moving speed of the antenna 300 in the measurement process for the multiple determination tag data sets illustrated in FIG. 9 is slower than the measurement process for the multiple determination tag data sets illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0114] 8 and 9, it can be seen that the number of pieces of determination tag data included in each determination tag data set increases as the moving speed of the antenna 300 decreases. While Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 show graphs for phase, the same is true for radio wave reception strength.

[0115] We will explain an example of measuring learning tag data included in the learning data used to generate a trained model.

[0116] 10 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of multiple wireless tags 601 to 615 to be studied, and is a plan view seen from above the counter table 700. The multiple wireless tags 601 to 615 to be studied are an example of the wireless tag 600.

[0117] The wireless tags 601 to 615 are arranged on an imaginary plane including the horizontal plane of the counter table 700, parallel to the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the antenna 300 moves. The wireless tags 601 to 605 are arranged at different positions from one another and are included in a first range 81. The wireless tags 601 to 605 are arranged in order so as to move away from position 0. While the antenna 300 moves from position 0 to position L, it passes through the positions corresponding to the wireless tags 601 to 605 in that order.

[0118] The wireless tags 606 to 610 are arranged at different positions from one another and are included in the second range 82. The wireless tags 606 to 610 are arranged in order of proximity to position 0. While moving from position 0 to position L, the antenna 300 moves away from the wireless tags 606 to 610.

[0119] The wireless tags 611 to 615 are arranged at different positions from one another and are included in the second range 82. The wireless tags 611 to 615 are arranged in order so as to move away from the position L. While the antenna 300 moves from the position 0 to the position L, it moves closer to the wireless tags 611 to 615.

[0120] The number and arrangement of the multiple learning target wireless tags are not limited to the example shown in Fig. 10. It is sufficient that some of the multiple learning target wireless tags are arranged in the first range 81 and the rest of the multiple learning target wireless tags are arranged in the second range 82.

[0121] A description will be given of a plurality of learning tag data of the wireless tags 601 to 615 at a plurality of positions of the antenna 300. Here, the description will be given using phase data as an example of learning tag data.

[0122] FIG. 11 is a graph showing an example of multiple learning tag data sets of wireless tags 601 to 605 at multiple positions of antenna 300. In FIG. The horizontal axis represents the position of antenna 300. Position L is assumed to be 600 mm. The vertical axis represents the phase. The graph shows the phase at each position at a fixed interval a between position 0 and position L for each of wireless tags 601 to 605.

[0123] The phases of the wireless tags 601 to 605 change as the position of the antenna 300 changes. This is because the distance between the antenna 300 and each of the wireless tags 601 to 605 changes as the antenna 300 moves. Regardless of the position of the antenna 300, the phases of the wireless tags 601 to 605 are different. This is because the distance between the antenna 300 and each of the wireless tags 601 to 605 is different.

[0124] FIG. 12 is a graph showing an example of multiple learning tag data sets of the wireless tags 606 to 610 at multiple positions of the antenna 300. In FIG. The horizontal axis represents the position of antenna 300. Position L is assumed to be 600 mm. The vertical axis represents the phase. The graph shows the phase at each position at a fixed interval a between position 0 and position L for each of wireless tags 606 to 610.

[0125] The phases of the wireless tags 606 to 610 change as the position of the antenna 300 changes. Regardless of the position of the antenna 300, the phases of the wireless tags 606 to 610 are different.

[0126] FIG. 13 is a graph showing an example of multiple learning tag data sets of the wireless tags 611 to 615 at multiple positions of the antenna 300. In FIG. The horizontal axis represents the position of antenna 300. Position L is assumed to be 600 mm. The vertical axis represents the phase. The graph shows the phase at each position at a fixed interval a between position 0 and position L for each of wireless tags 610 to 615.

[0127] The phases of the wireless tags 611 to 615 change as the position of the antenna 300 changes. Regardless of the position of the antenna 300, the phases of the wireless tags 611 to 615 are different.

[0128] The characteristics of the phase data have been described above, but the same applies to the characteristics of the radio wave reception strength data. The radio wave reception strength of each of the wireless tags 601-615 changes as the position of the antenna 300 changes. This is because the distance between the antenna 300 and each of the wireless tags 601-615 changes as the antenna 300 moves. Regardless of the position of the antenna 300, the radio wave reception strength of each of the wireless tags 601-615 is different. This is because the distance between the antenna 300 and each of the wireless tags 601-615 is different.

[0129] As described above, the processor 101 of the reading device 100 acquires multiple pieces of learning tag data for multiple learning target wireless tags 600 at multiple positions of the antenna 300. In this way, the processor 101 of the reading device 100 acquires multiple data sets for the multiple learning target wireless tags 600. For example, as described above, the multiple positions of the antenna 300 include positions at a fixed interval a between position 0 and position L. The multiple positions of the antenna 300 may also include one or more positions other than the positions at the fixed interval a between position 0 and position L. The processor 101 stores the acquired learning tag data in the learning data memory area 1112.

[0130] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a trained model generation process performed by the processor 101 of the reading device 100. The processing procedures described below are merely examples, and each process may be modified as much as possible. Furthermore, steps may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0131] The model processing unit 1017 may start the process of generating a trained model at any timing to create a new trained model. The model processing unit 1017 may start the process of generating a trained model at any timing to update the trained model.

[0132] The model processing unit 1017 acquires the learning data (step S20). In step S20, the model processing unit 1017 acquires the learning data from the learning data storage area 1112.

[0133] The model processing unit 1017 generates a trained model by machine learning based on the training data (step S21). In step S21, for example, the model processing unit 1017 trains the training data by machine learning. The model processing unit 1017 estimates the relationship between multiple data sets for multiple RF tags 600 to be trained and correct answer data indicating the range in which each of the multiple RF tags 600 to be trained exists. The model processing unit 1017 generates a trained model based on the estimation. The machine learning is, but is not limited to, a neural network or the like.

[0134] The learning tag data of the learning target RF tag 600, whether it is phase data or radio wave reception intensity data, varies depending on the distance between the antenna 300 and the learning target RF tag 600. The pattern of the data set for the learning target RF tag 600 differs depending on the position of the learning target RF tag 600. There may be a certain correlation between the data set for the learning target RF tag 600 and the position of the RF tag 600. Therefore, there may be a certain correlation between the tag data set for the RF tag 600 and the level related to the range in which the RF tag 600 exists.

[0135] The model processing unit 1017 stores the generated trained model in the trained model storage area 1113 (step S22).

[0136] According to this embodiment, the communication device includes an antenna. The communication device includes a drive unit that moves the position of the antenna. The communication device includes a first acquisition unit that acquires tag data of each wireless tag at multiple positions of the antenna. The communication device includes an input unit that inputs the tag data of each wireless tag acquired by the first acquisition unit to a trained model. The communication device acquires data indicating a level related to the range in which each wireless tag exists from the trained model based on the tag data of each wireless tag input to the trained model by the input unit. The measurement control unit controls measurement processing that involves changing the measurement mode for the multiple wireless tags when the levels of the multiple wireless tags acquired based on one or more measurement processes for the multiple wireless tags do not satisfy a condition. The trained model is a model generated by machine learning based on training data. The training data includes tag data of multiple learning target wireless tags and data indicating the range in which each of the multiple learning target wireless tags exists. The communication device can repeat the measurement process, which involves changing the measurement mode, until the levels of all of the multiple wireless tags satisfy the conditions. Because the communication device changes the measurement mode and executes the measurement process, it can obtain the levels of all of the wireless tags that satisfy the conditions. Therefore, the communication device can provide a technology that improves the accuracy of determining the location of wireless tags.

[0137] The measurement mode includes a moving speed of the antenna. The measurement process involving a change in the measurement mode includes a measurement process involving a decrease in the moving speed of the antenna. The communication device performs the measurement process by slowing down the antenna movement speed, thereby increasing the number of tag data points for each wireless tag that can be measured in one measurement process. As the number of tag data points for a wireless tag increases, the level related to the range in which the wireless tag is present becomes more likely to satisfy the condition. Therefore, by performing the measurement process by slowing down the antenna movement speed, the communication device can obtain the respective levels of all wireless tags that satisfy the condition.

[0138] The measurement mode includes masking the wireless tag. The measurement process with a change in the measurement mode includes a measurement process with masking one or more wireless tags that satisfy a condition. By masking one or more wireless tags that satisfy a condition, the communication device can narrow down the measurement process to wireless tags that do not satisfy the condition. By narrowing down the wireless tags whose tag data is to be measured, the communication device can increase the number of pieces of tag data for each wireless tag that can be measured in one measurement process. As the number of pieces of tag data for a wireless tag increases, the level related to the range in which the wireless tag exists becomes more likely to satisfy the condition. Therefore, by masking wireless tags that satisfy the condition and executing the measurement process, the communication device can obtain the respective levels of all wireless tags that satisfy the condition.

[0139] The levels include a first level relating to the wireless tag being within a first range and a second level relating to the wireless tag being within a second range, and the conditions include the first level being equal to or greater than a first threshold or the second level being equal to or greater than a second threshold. The communication device can change the measurement mode and repeat the measurement process for the multiple wireless tags until the first level is equal to or greater than the first threshold or the second level is equal to or greater than the second threshold, thereby providing a technology that improves the accuracy of determining whether each of the multiple wireless tags is located in the first range or the second range.

[0140] The tag data includes at least one of phase data and radio wave reception intensity data. The communication device can improve the level of accuracy regarding the range in which each wireless tag exists by using at least one of the phase data and the radio wave reception strength data.

[0141] A modification of this embodiment will now be described. Although an example has been described in which the processor 101 of the reading device 100 implements the model processing unit 1017 that generates a trained model, the present invention is not limited to this. The generation of a trained model may be implemented by a device other than the reading device 100.

[0142] Although an example in which the storage device 111 of the reading device 100 stores the training data and the trained model has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. The training data and the trained model may be stored in one or more devices other than the reading device 100.

[0143] Although an example has been described in which the processor 101 of the reading device 100 acquires output data for determination through software processing, the present invention is not limited to this. The communication device 10 may include an inference device using a trained model. In this example, the input unit 1014 of the processor 101 inputs input data for determination to the inference device. The reading device 100 inputting the input data for determination to the trained model includes transmitting the input data for determination from the reading device 100 to the inference device. The second acquisition unit 1015 of the processor 101 acquires output data for determination from the trained model based on the input of the input data for determination to the trained model. The reading device 100 acquiring output data for determination from the trained model includes the reading device 100 receiving output data for determination from the inference device.

[0144] The communication device may be realized by multiple devices as described in the above example, or may be realized by a single device that integrates the functions of multiple devices. The reader, drive unit, and antenna may be realized by a single device that integrates the functions. The reader may be realized by multiple devices with distributed functions.

[0145] The program may be transferred in a state where it is stored in the device according to the embodiment, or in a state where it is not stored in the device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or in a state where it is recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The recording medium is a computer-readable medium. The recording medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card, as long as it is capable of storing the program and is computer-readable.

[0146] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. The following is the scope of the claims as originally filed. (1) The antenna and a driving unit that moves the position of the antenna; a first acquisition unit that acquires tag data of each wireless tag at a plurality of positions of the antenna; an input unit that inputs tag data of each wireless tag acquired by the first acquisition unit into a trained model; a second acquisition unit that acquires data indicating a level related to a range in which each wireless tag exists from the trained model based on an input of tag data of each wireless tag to the trained model by the input unit; a measurement control unit that controls a measurement process involving a change in a measurement mode for the plurality of wireless tags when the levels of the plurality of wireless tags acquired based on one or more measurement processes for the plurality of wireless tags do not satisfy a condition; Equipped with The trained model is a model generated by machine learning based on training data, the learning data includes tag data of a plurality of learning target wireless tags and data indicating ranges in which each of the plurality of learning target wireless tags is present; Communication equipment. (2) the measurement mode includes a moving speed of the antenna, The measurement process involving a change in the measurement mode includes a measurement process involving a decrease in the moving speed of the antenna. A communication device according to (1). (3) The measuring method includes masking one or more wireless tags; The measurement process involving a change in the measurement mode includes a measurement process involving masking one or more wireless tags that satisfy the condition. A communication device according to (1) or (2). (4) the levels include a first level relating to the wireless tag being within a first range and a second level relating to the wireless tag being within a second range; the condition includes the first level being equal to or greater than a first threshold or the second level being equal to or greater than a second threshold; A communication device according to any one of (1) to (3). (5) The communication device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the tag data includes at least one of phase data and radio wave reception intensity data. [Explanation of symbols]

[0147] 1...communication system, 10...communication device, 81...first range, 82...second range, 100...reading device, 101...processor, 102...ROM, 103...RAM, 104...first connection interface, 105...second connection interface, 106...high frequency front end section, 107...digital amplitude modulation section, 108...DA conversion section, 109...AD conversion section, 110...demodulation section, 111...storage device, 112...bus, 200...driver, 201...processor, 202...ROM, 203...RAM, 204...connection interface, 205...driver, 206...home position Motion sensor, 208...bus, 211...rotation axis, 212...rail, 213...moving stage, 300...antenna, 400...terminal, 500...item, 600...wireless tag, 601 to 615...wireless tags, 700...counter stand, 1011...movement control unit, 1012...communication control unit, 1013...first acquisition unit, 1014...input unit, 1015...second acquisition unit, 1016...output unit, 1017...model processing unit, 1018...measurement control unit, 1111...measurement data storage area, 1112...learning data storage area, 1113...learned model storage area, 1114...judgment data storage area.

Claims

1. The antenna and a driving unit that moves the position of the antenna; a first acquisition unit that acquires tag data of each wireless tag at a plurality of positions of the antenna; an input unit that inputs tag data of each wireless tag acquired by the first acquisition unit into a trained model; a second acquisition unit that acquires data indicating a level of possibility that each wireless tag exists in each of one or more ranges from the trained model based on input of tag data of each wireless tag to the trained model by the input unit; a measurement control unit that controls a measurement process involving a change in a measurement mode for the plurality of wireless tags when the levels of the plurality of wireless tags acquired based on one or more measurement processes for the plurality of wireless tags do not satisfy a condition; Equipped with the measurement mode includes an operation of hardware in a communication device or a process of software in the communication device; The trained model is a model generated by machine learning based on training data, the learning data includes tag data of a plurality of learning target wireless tags and data indicating ranges in which each of the plurality of learning target wireless tags is present; Communication equipment.

2. the measurement mode includes a moving speed of the antenna, The measurement process involving a change in the measurement mode includes a measurement process involving a decrease in the moving speed of the antenna. The communication device according to claim 1 .

3. The measuring method includes masking one or more wireless tags; the measurement process involving a change in the measurement mode includes a measurement process involving masking one or more wireless tags that satisfy the condition; 3. The communication device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the levels include a first level relating to the wireless tag being within a first range and a second level relating to the wireless tag being within a second range; the condition includes the first level being equal to or greater than a first threshold or the second level being equal to or greater than a second threshold; A communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the tag data includes at least one of phase data and radio wave reception intensity data.

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