Wireless tag reader

Abstract

To reduce radio waves leaking to the outside.SOLUTION: A wireless tag reader comprises a wall member, an antenna, and a reader. The wall member includes a plate-like member and a conductor. The plate-like member has transparency for at least visible light. The conductor is disposed on the surface or the inside of the plate-like member. The wall member has frequency dependency such that a radio wave energy absorption rate is high at a specific frequency. The antenna is provided on a first surface of the wall member. The antenna emits a radio wave toward a region facing the first surface and receives a radio wave from a wireless tag that corresponds to the emitted radio wave. The reader reads data from a memory included in the wireless tag, via the antenna.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a radio tag reader. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a wireless tag reading device that reads information written on an electronic tag (wireless tag) such as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag by passing the item through a gate equipped with an antenna that communicates with the wireless tag.

[0003] The inner wall of the gate of the above-mentioned RFID tag reader is provided with a radio wave absorber to prevent radio waves emitted from the antenna from leaking outside the gate (outside the reading area). However, because this radio wave absorber is not translucent, there is a risk that users passing through the gate may feel closed in or oppressed. On the other hand, when a translucent conductive film is used as the radio wave absorber, i.e., when the conductive film is attached to a translucent material such as glass or acrylic, sufficient radio wave absorption performance may not be obtained. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to reduce leakage of radio waves to the outside. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The wireless tag reading device according to the embodiment includes a wall member, an antenna, and a reader. , a display unit, The wall member includes a plate-like member and a conductor. The plate-like member is translucent to at least visible light. The conductor is disposed on the surface or inside of the plate-like member. The wall member has frequency dependency such that the absorption rate of radio wave energy is high at a specific frequency. The wall member defines at least one face of the gate. The antenna is Inside the gateThe reader is provided on the first surface. The antenna radiates radio waves toward an area facing the first surface and receives radio waves from the wireless tag in response to the radiated radio waves. The reader reads data from the memory built into the wireless tag via the antenna. The display unit is provided on a second surface of the wall member on the outer side of the gate so as to be visible from inside the gate. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a wireless tag reading device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of the wireless tag reading device of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the wireless tag reader of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the wireless tag reading device of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the wireless tag reading device of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the process of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the processing of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an external perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a wireless tag reading device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, a wireless tag reader and a program according to each embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0008] The following embodiments will be described with reference to an example of reading tag information from a wireless tag attached to an item. In the following embodiments, examples of items with wireless tags attached include, but are not limited to, products sold in stores. Examples of items with wireless tags attached include various items that are managed in sales, logistics, storage, and the like.

[0009] (First embodiment) First, the configuration of a radio tag reader 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a radio tag reader 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of the radio tag reader 1 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the radio tag reader 1 of Fig. 1.

[0010] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the wireless tag reader 1 has a first wall member 11, a second wall member 12, and a floor member 15.

[0011] The first wall member 11 is disposed in a position facing the second wall member 12 in parallel. That is, the first surface (the surface on the Y- side) of the first wall member 11 faces the first surface (the surface on the Y+ side) of the second wall member 12. The first wall member 11 and the second wall member 12 are each set up approximately perpendicular to the floor member 15. Fig. 1 illustrates a case where the first wall member 11 and the second wall member 12, which are parallel to the ZX plane, are arranged along the Y direction.

[0012] The first wall member 11 and the second wall member 12 form a gate of the radio tag reader 1. The gate of the radio tag reader 1 according to this embodiment may be referred to as a glass absorber gate or an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) gate using a glass absorber. Here, the area inside the gate is the area facing the first surface (Y- side surface) of the first wall member 11 and the first surface (Y+ side surface) of the second wall member 12. Similarly, the area outside the gate includes the area on the side (Y+ side) of the second surface of the first wall member 11 opposite the first surface and the area on the side (Y- side) of the second surface of the second wall member 12 opposite the first surface. The area outside the gate also includes the area above (Z+ side) the upper ends (ends on the Z+ side) of the first wall member 11 and the second wall member 12, the area in front of (X+ side) the gate entrance 101, and the area behind (X- side) the gate exit 103.

[0013] The gate of the wireless tag reading device 1 is a passage through which shopping baskets containing products with wireless tags 9 attached or carts carrying the shopping baskets pass. For example, a user of the wireless tag reading device 1 passes through the inside of the gate by moving from the gate entrance 101 to the gate exit 103 while holding the shopping basket containing the products with wireless tags 9 attached or while pushing the cart carrying the shopping basket. When the wireless tag 9 passes through the inside of the gate, the wireless tag reading device 1 reads the wireless tag 9. Note that the floor member 15 may be configured as a conveying device that conveys products and the like from the gate entrance 101 to the gate exit 103 within the gate. In this way, the inside of the gate of the wireless tag reading device 1 defined by the first wall member 11 and the second wall member 12 is a reading area for the wireless tag 9.

[0014] The first wall member 11 includes a first support member 111, a first plate-shaped member 113, and a first conductor 115. The second wall member 12 includes a second support member 121, a second plate-shaped member 123, and a second conductor 125. Each of the first wall member 11 and the second wall member 12 has frequency dependence, i.e., a high absorption rate of radio wave energy at a specific frequency. The specific frequency includes, for example, the frequency of radio waves emitted from at least one antenna 31 of the RFID tag reader 1. The specific frequency also includes, for example, the frequency of radio waves emitted from the tag antenna of the RFID tag 9. In other words, each of the first wall member 11 and the second wall member 12 has the property of blocking radio waves by reflection and the property of absorbing radio waves of a specific frequency. The specific frequency may be defined by an arbitrary frequency or a frequency band including an arbitrary center frequency. For example, the specific frequency may be any of the LF band, HF band, UHF band, and microwave band, or a frequency within that frequency band. As an example, the specific frequency in the UHF band may be determined appropriately depending on the country or region to which the RFID tag reading device 1 according to the embodiment is applied. For example, in Japan, the specific frequency may be the 920 MHz band or a frequency within that frequency band. The 920 MHz band is, for example, 915 to 928 MHz, but may also be 916.0 to 923.4 MHz. For example, in Europe, the specific frequency may be a frequency band around 865 MHz or a frequency within that frequency band. The vicinity of 865 MHz may be, for example, 862 to 868 MHz. For example, in the United States, the specific frequency may be a frequency band of 902 to 928 MHz or a frequency within that frequency band.

[0015] The first support member 111 is a frame that supports the first plate-shaped member 113. The second support member 121 is a frame that supports the second plate-shaped member 123. As an example, the first support member 111 and the second support member 121 are each fixedly or detachably connected to the floor member 15.

[0016] 1 illustrates the first support member 111 and the second support member 121 each formed in a U-shape (rectangular U-shape) opening toward the negative Z-side, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Each of the first support member 111 and the second support member 121 may be formed using a pair of support columns extending in the Z-direction and a beam extending in the X-direction on the Z+ side of the pair of support columns to connect the support columns. Each of the first support member 111 and the second support member 121 may be formed using only a pair of support columns extending in the Z-direction, or may be formed in an L-shape using one of the support columns and a beam, or may be formed in a square shape (rectangular shape) using an additional beam extending in the X-direction on the negative Z-side of the pair of support columns to connect the support columns. The first support member 111 and the second support member 121 may each have a different shape or configuration.

[0017] Each of the first plate-shaped member 113 and the second plate-shaped member 123 is translucent to at least visible light. Translucent to visible light means that the transmittance is high for wavelengths in the visible range. Each of the first plate-shaped member 113 and the second plate-shaped member 123 is formed using a material that is transparent or appears to be transparent to visible light, such as glass or a resin such as acrylic. Each of the first plate-shaped member 113 and the second plate-shaped member 123 may have multiple layers, and may include layers made of different materials. Furthermore, the first plate-shaped member 113 and the second plate-shaped member 123 may have different shapes or configurations.

[0018] A first conductor 115 is disposed on the surface of or inside the first plate-shaped member 113. A second conductor 125 is disposed on the surface of or inside the second plate-shaped member 123. As an example, a thin film including the first conductor 115 and the second conductor 125 is formed on at least one main surface (the surface on the Y+ side or the surface on the Y- side) of each of the first plate-shaped member 113 and the second plate-shaped member 123. As an example, an internal layer including the first conductor 115 and the second conductor 125 is formed inside each of the first plate-shaped member 113 and the second plate-shaped member 123. For example, each of the first plate-shaped member 113 and the second plate-shaped member 123 has a structure in which an internal layer in which the first conductor 115 and the second conductor 125 are embedded with an adhesive is sandwiched between glass or resin panels.

[0019] For example, each of the first conductor 115 and the second conductor 125 may be a conductor formed in a mesh shape, or may be a plurality of fine conductor elements arranged or dispersed in the above-mentioned thin film or internal layer, or a combination thereof. For example, any conductor such as metal or carbon may be appropriately used as each of the first conductor 115 and the second conductor 125. Note that the first conductor 115 and the second conductor 125 may be different shapes or conductors.

[0020] The floor member 15 is formed of a radio wave absorber that blocks radio waves emitted from at least one antenna 31 of the radio tag reader 1 and the tag antenna of the radio tag 9. The radio wave absorber of the floor member 15 may be formed of any material such as a conductor, a dielectric, a magnetic material, or a combination thereof.

[0021] The floor member 15 may be formed in the same manner as the first wall member 11 and the second wall member 12. The wireless tag reading device 1 may further include a ceiling member (not shown) that extends in the Y direction on the Z+ side of the first wall member 11 and the second wall member 12 to connect the wall members. In other words, the wireless tag reading device 1 may include a ceiling member that covers the upper part (Z+ side) of the gate. This ceiling member may be formed in the same manner as the first wall member 11 and the second wall member 12, or may be formed in the same manner as the floor member 15. In other words, the first wall member 11 is perpendicular to the floor member 15 or the ceiling member, and the second surfaces of the first wall member 11 and the second wall member 12 face the reading area, i.e., the same space.

[0022] The wireless tag reading device 1 may not have either the first wall member 11 or the second wall member 12. Alternatively, either the first wall member 11 or the second wall member 12 may be formed in the same manner as the floor member 15. The wireless tag reading device 1 may have a wall member (not shown) that closes either the gate entrance 101 or the gate exit 103. Alternatively, the wireless tag reading device 1 may further have a wall member (not shown) that closes the other of the gate entrance 101 or the gate exit 103. In this case, at least one of the third wall member and the fourth wall member may be a door that closes the entrance / exit of the gate. The wall members provided at the gate entrance 101 and the gate exit 103 may be formed in the same manner as the first wall member 11 and the second wall member 12, or may be formed in the same manner as the floor member 15.

[0023] In this way, the RFID tag reader 1 according to the embodiment has at least one wall member that is translucent to at least visible light and has frequency dependency such that the absorption rate of radio wave energy is high at a specific frequency. In other words, at least one surface of the gate of the RFID tag reader 1 according to the embodiment has translucency to at least visible light and has frequency dependency such that the absorption rate of radio wave energy is high at a specific frequency.

[0024] 1, 2, and 3, the wireless tag reading device 1 has at least one antenna 31. The at least one antenna 31 is disposed on at least one of the wall, floor, and top surfaces inside the gate.

[0025] Each of the at least one antenna 31 is provided on the gate-inside surface of the first wall member 11 and the second wall member 12. Each of the at least one antenna 31 emits radio waves (transmission waves) for reading the wireless tag 9 toward the area inside the gate. Each of the at least one antenna 31 receives radio waves (response waves) output from the wireless tag 9 in response to the emitted radio waves.

[0026] 1 and 2 illustrate four antennas 31, namely, a first antenna 311, a second antenna 312, a third antenna 313, and a fourth antenna 314, as the at least one antenna 31. The first antenna 311 and the second antenna 312 are disposed on the surface of the first wall member 11 facing the gate interior (Y- side). The third antenna 313 and the fourth antenna 314 are disposed on the surface of the second wall member 12 facing the gate interior (Y+ side).

[0027] The position of the antenna 31 in the X and Z directions may be determined appropriately depending on various conditions such as the expected passing position of the wireless tag 9, such as the height of the basket held by a user or the height of the basket placed on a cart, the distance to the gate entrance 101 or the gate exit 103, the lengths of the first wall member 11 and the second wall member 12 in the X and Z directions, and the strength and directionality of the radio waves emitted from the antenna 31.

[0028] The number of antennas 41 may be three or less, or may be five or more. Furthermore, the antenna 31 may be provided on only one of the first wall member 11 and the second wall member 12. Furthermore, the antenna 31 may be provided on the ceiling member, the wall member that closes the gate entrance 101, or the wall member that closes the gate exit 103.

[0029] 1, 2, and 3, the RFID tag reading device 1 has a reader 32. The reader 32 is electrically connected to an antenna 31. The reader 32 is provided, for example, outside the gate, but may also be provided inside the gate together with the antenna 31. Under the control of the control unit 21, the reader 32 causes the antenna 31 to emit modulated waves (radio waves) for reading tag information from the RFID tag 9 at predetermined time intervals (for example, every few tens of milliseconds). The reader 32 also reads tag information held in the RFID tag 9 via the antenna 31 and outputs the read tag information to the control unit 21.

[0030] Here, the wireless tag 9 is an electronic tag such as an RFID tag. The wireless tag 9 has an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip that stores information and a tag antenna (inlay). In the wireless tag 9, the IC chip and antenna are embedded in, for example, a thin film. The wireless tag 9 receives radio waves (transmission waves) transmitted from the antenna 31 of the wireless tag reader 1 by the tag antenna. When the wireless tag 9 receives the radio waves, power is generated. When the wireless tag 9 receives radio waves from the antenna 31 of the wireless tag reader 1 to read data (tag information in this embodiment) stored in a storage medium (built-in memory) such as a flash memory in the IC chip, the wireless tag 9 transmits tag information as a response wave (radio wave) to the transmission wave using the power generated in response to the radio waves.

[0031] The tag information stored in the wireless tag 9 is, for example, a product code (e.g., an EPC (Electronic Product Code)) that can identify the product to which the wireless tag 9 is attached. The tag information may further include information about the product (product information in the embodiment). Furthermore, when the wireless tag 9 is attached to an item that is to be managed in sales, logistics, storage, etc., the tag information may be, for example, an identification code that can identify the product to which the wireless tag 9 is attached, or information about the item (product information in the embodiment).

[0032] The wireless tag 9 has, for example, an adhesive surface and is attached to the product by adhesive force. The wireless tag 9 may be attached to the product by a band or the like, or may be attached to the product by being embedded in the product packaging or by being formed as part of the product packaging.

[0033] 1, 2, and 3, the RFID tag reading device 1 has at least one display unit 51. Each of the at least one display unit 51 is arranged so that its display can be seen from inside the gate. Each of the at least one display unit 51 displays information about at least one of the RFID tag 9 to be read and the RFID tag 9 from which data has been read.

[0034] 1 and 2 illustrate a display 511 as an example of the at least one display unit 51. The display 511 is provided on the first wall member 11 so as to be visible from inside the gate. The display 511 is also provided on the outer side (Y+ side) of the gate of the first wall member 11. In other words, the display surface of the display 511 faces the surface of the first wall member 11 on the outer side (Y+ side) of the gate and faces inside the gate. The display 511 is configured to display the generated screen under the control of the control unit 21. As the display 511, various display devices such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display can be appropriately used.

[0035] The number of display units 51 may be two or more. Furthermore, in addition to or instead of the first wall member 11, the display unit 51 may be provided on the second wall member 12, the ceiling member, a wall member closing the gate entrance 101, or a wall member closing the gate exit 103. If the member on which the display unit 51 is provided is translucent to visible light, the display unit 51 is provided, for example, on the outside of the gate, but may also be provided on the inside of the gate. If the display unit 51 is provided on the outside of the gate, its display surface may be visible from inside the gate, for example, through, or transmitted by, the provided member. Even if the member on which the display unit 51 is provided is not translucent to visible light, the display surface may be visible from inside the gate by providing the display unit 51 in an open portion of the gate, such as by providing the display unit 51 above (on the Z+ side of) the first wall member 11 or the second wall member 12 when no ceiling member is provided.

[0036] 1, 2, and 3, the wireless tag reading device 1 has at least one detection unit 71. Each of the at least one detection unit 71 is disposed outside the gate so as to be able to detect objects such as people, carts, and shopping baskets located in the area inside the gate. In other words, the at least one detection unit 71 is able to detect objects through the wall member of the gate.

[0037] 1 and 2 illustrate a camera 711 as an example of the at least one detection unit 71. The camera 711 is disposed so as to be able to capture an image of an area inside the gate, for example, the vicinity of the gate entrance 101. The camera 711 is provided on the gate outer side (Y+ side) of the first wall member 11. The camera 711 is configured to acquire a captured image of an area inside the gate, for example, the vicinity of the gate entrance 101, under the control of the control unit 21. This captured image is subjected to various types of image processing related to object detection, such as face recognition processing, pupil detection processing, and object recognition processing.

[0038] The number of detectors 71 may be two or more. In addition to or instead of the first wall member 11, the detector 71 may be provided on the second wall member 12, the ceiling member, a wall member closing the gate entrance 101, or a wall member closing the gate exit 103. When the member on which the detector 71 is provided is translucent to visible light, the detector 71 is provided, for example, on the outside of the gate, but may also be provided on the inside of the gate. Even when the member on which the detector 71 is provided is not translucent to visible light, it may be possible to detect an object located in the area inside the gate from the outside by arranging the detector 71 in an open portion of the gate, such as above (on the Z+ side of) the first wall member 11 or the second wall member 12 when no ceiling member is provided.

[0039] Note that various types of image processing related to object detection may be performed by the camera 711. In this case, an information processing device such as a tablet PC or a smartphone equipped with a camera may be used as the camera 711. In other words, the camera 711 may be configured to be able to output the detection results of an object located in the area inside the gate.

[0040] 3, the wireless tag reading device 1 has a control unit 21, a storage unit 23, and a communication unit 25. In the wireless tag reading device 1, the control unit 21, the storage unit 23, the communication unit 25, the reader 32, the display unit 51, and the detection unit 71 are communicatively connected via a bus 29 or the like.

[0041] The control unit 21 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU, ROM, and RAM are communicably connected via an internal bus. The control unit 21 is configured similarly to, for example, a general computer, and is configured to load various programs stored in the ROM and storage unit 23 into the RAM, and control the operation of each unit of the RFID tag reading device 1 by having the CPU execute the various loaded programs.

[0042] The CPU of the control unit 21 according to the embodiment is an example of a processor in the RFID tag reading device 1. As the processor, another processor may be provided instead of or in addition to the CPU. As the other processor, various processors such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or a dedicated arithmetic circuit realized by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) can be used as appropriate.

[0043] The storage unit 23 is a storage device equipped with a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The storage unit 23 stores various programs and various data related to the operation of the wireless tag reading device 1. As an example, the storage unit 23 stores a control program 231, read data, a product master, and a read target table.

[0044] The control program 231 is a program for operating the wireless tag reading device 1. The read data is tag information data acquired from the wireless tag 9 via the antenna 31. The product master stores product information linked to the product code of the wireless tag 9. The read target table stores the product code of the wireless tag 9 to be read by the wireless tag reading device 1.

[0045] The communication unit 25 is a communication circuit for communicating with external devices such as a POS terminal and a store server (not shown) via an electric communication line such as the Internet or an intranet. The wireless tag reading device 1 outputs the reading result of the wireless tag 9 and product information linked to the reading result to these external devices.

[0046] The wireless tag reading device 1 may further include an input device configured to acquire input operations by an operator and transmit the same to the control unit 21. As the operation device, various devices such as a touch panel, a keyboard, and a microphone can be used as appropriate.

[0047] Here, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the wireless tag reading device 1. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the wireless tag reading device 1 of Fig. 1.

[0048] The control unit 21 of the wireless tag reading device 1 executes the control program 231 loaded into RAM, thereby realizing the functions of a detection control unit 211, a reading control unit 213, a product registration unit 215, an accounting processing unit 217, and a display control unit 219, as shown in Figure 4.

[0049] The detection control unit 211 controls the operation of the detection unit 71 and detects objects such as people, carts, and shopping baskets located in the area inside the gate based on the detection results of the detection unit 71. As an example, the detection control unit 211 detects objects by performing various types of image processing related to object detection, such as face recognition processing, pupil detection processing, and object recognition processing, on the image captured by the camera 711. As an example, the detection control unit 211 obtains the detection results of objects located in the area inside the gate from the camera 711.

[0050] The reading control unit 213 functions as a reader that reads tag information stored in the wireless tag 9 by working in cooperation with the antenna 31 and the reader 32. Specifically, the reading control unit 213 controls the operations of the antenna 31 and the reader 32, and reads tag information from the wireless tag 9 based on radio waves from the wireless tag 9 in response to radio waves from the antenna 31.

[0051] The product registration unit 215 registers tag information read from the wireless tag 9 attached to the product. Specifically, the product registration unit 215 performs product registration processing based on the product code included in the tag information from the reading control unit 213. The product registration processing is processing for registering the product read by the reading control unit 213 as a product to be purchased. For example, in the product registration processing, the product registration unit 215 generates a product registration file in which the product information is registered.

[0052] The accounting processor 217 performs accounting processing for the products registered by the product registration unit 215. The accounting processing is processing related to the accounting of one transaction, which is performed based on the product registration file.

[0053] The display control unit 219 outputs display information for displaying a screen to the display unit 51, thereby displaying various screens on the display unit 51. As an example, when the display control unit 219 detects an object entering the gate, it displays the wireless tag 9 to be read, i.e., information about the wireless tag 9 to be read, on the display unit 51. As an example, when tag information is read from the wireless tag 9, the display control unit 219 displays information about the read wireless tag 9 on the display unit 51.

[0054] Next, a description will be given of an example of the operation of the wireless tag reading device 1. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the wireless tag reading device 1 of Fig. 1.

[0055] The control unit 21 determines whether an object located in the area inside the gate has been detected (S101) based on the detection result of the detection unit 71. If an object located in the area inside the gate has not been detected (S101: No), the flow of FIG. 5 returns to the processing of S101.

[0056] If an object located in the area inside the gate is detected (S101: Yes), the control unit 21 starts the display process and the reading process (S102). Specifically, the control unit 21 displays a screen 81 for displaying information about the read wireless tag 9 on the display unit 51. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the screen 81 displayed in the process of FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 6, the screen 81 includes a display area 82 for displaying information about the read wireless tag 9. The screen 81 also includes a display area 821 for displaying the total price of registered products, a button 823 for instructing the start of reading, and a display area 83 for displaying reading instructions. Note that the display area 83 is not an essential component and may not be provided. The control unit 21 also starts the reading process when the button 823 on the screen 81 is operated. In this case, the control unit 21 cooperates with the antenna 31 and the reader 32 to start emitting radio waves for reading tag information stored in the wireless tag 9. It should be noted that displaying the button 823 is not an essential configuration, and the control unit 21 may start emitting radio waves and start the reading process at the same time as displaying the screen 81.

[0057] When tag information is read from the wireless tag 9 (S103: Yes), the control unit 21 registers the product to which the wireless tag 9 is attached based on the tag ID of the read tag information (S104), and also displays a screen 85 (see FIG. 7) including information about the read wireless tag 9 on the display unit 51 (S105). FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the screen 85 displayed in the processing of FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 7, the screen 85 includes, as information about the read wireless tag 9, display of product information 827 linked to tag information such as the product code of the read wireless tag 9. The screen 85 also includes display of a button 825 for instructing to end reading. Note that display of the button 825 is not an essential configuration and may not be provided.

[0058] If tag information is not read from the wireless tag 9 (S103: No), or after S105, the control unit 21 determines whether reading is to be terminated (S106). For example, the control unit 21 determines that reading is to be terminated if tag information is not read for a time longer than a predetermined threshold value stored in the storage unit 23, or if an operation is performed on the button 825 on the screen 85. Note that, as will be described later, if the wireless tags 9 to be read are identified, it may be determined that reading is to be terminated when reading of all of the wireless tags 9 to be read is completed.

[0059] If it is determined that reading has not ended (S106: No), the flow in Fig. 5 returns to the process in S103. On the other hand, if it is determined that reading has ended (S106: Yes), the control unit 21 performs the transaction process for the registered product (S107). Thereafter, the flow in Fig. 5 ends.

[0060] In addition, the control unit 21 may cause the display unit 51 to display a screen including the tag information of the read wireless tag 9 in addition to, or instead of, the product information 827 linked to the tag information of the read result, as information regarding the read wireless tag 9.

[0061] When an object located in the area inside the gate is detected, the control unit 21 may display information about the wireless tag 9 to be read on the display unit 51. For example, the control unit 21 may refer to the read target table in the storage unit 23, and cause the display unit 51 to display a screen including tag information such as a product code of the wireless tag 9 to be read, as information about the wireless tag 9 to be read. For example, the control unit 21 may refer to the read target table and the product master in the storage unit 23, and cause the display unit 51 to display a screen including product information linked to tag information such as the product code of the wireless tag 9 to be read, such as shipping and receiving schedule information and product images, as information about the wireless tag 9 to be read.

[0062] The control unit 21 may identify the wireless tag 9 to be read based on the identification result of the person detected in the process of S101. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may identify the wireless tag 9 to be read by reading a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or the like indicating specific information for identifying the wireless tag 9 to be read using the camera 711. In these cases, a read target table in the storage unit 23 may be prepared for each person and each piece of specific information.

[0063] Conventionally, radio wave absorbers installed on the inner walls of walk-through gates for RFID tag readers were not transparent to visible light, which could cause users passing through the gate to feel a sense of blockage or oppression. Furthermore, when using a transparent conductive film as a radio wave absorber, i.e., when the conductive film is attached to a transparent material such as glass or acrylic, sufficient radio wave absorption capacity cannot be obtained, resulting in the problem of radio waves leaking outside the gate.

[0064] Furthermore, when the view is obstructed by the gate, there is room for improvement in terms of safety, such as the need for measures to reduce the risk of collisions between people, cargo containers, or carts passing through the gate and people, cargo containers, or carts passing outside the gate near the gate exit.Also, when using a walk-through gate for checkout, there is room for improvement in terms of security, as store staff cannot see what is happening inside the gate, such as being unable to see what customers are doing.

[0065] In this regard, the wireless tag reading device 1 according to the embodiment has a first wall member 11 that is translucent to at least visible light and has frequency dependency with a high absorption rate of radio wave energy at a specific frequency, and an antenna 31 that is provided on the first surface of the first wall member 11, emits radio waves toward the inside of the gate, and receives radio waves from the wireless tag 9 in response to the emitted radio waves.

[0066] This configuration makes it possible to suppress radio wave leakage while providing the gate with translucency, thereby reducing discomfort to users and improving safety and security.

[0067] Furthermore, there is a risk that the display unit 51 and the detection unit 71 provided inside the gate may obstruct passage through the walk-through gate or be damaged by a collision. On the other hand, a configuration in which the display unit 51 and the detection unit 71 are embedded in a cutout in a radio wave absorber can prevent obstruction to passage, but there is a problem in that the radio waves emitted inside the gate are reflected by the display unit 51 and the detection unit 71. When radio waves are reflected inside the gate, the direct waves and the reflected waves overlap, creating areas where reading becomes unstable or leading to the reading of unintended wireless tags outside the gate.

[0068] In this situation, as described above, the RFID tag reading device 1 according to the embodiment allows the display unit 51 and the detection unit 71 to be located outside the gate by providing light-transmitting wall members that form the gate. This prevents the display unit 51 and the detection unit 71 from obstructing passage through the walk-through gate or being damaged by collisions, and suppresses reflection of radio waves from the display unit 51 and the detection unit 71. Suppressing reflection of radio waves contributes to reducing reading errors and improving reading accuracy and speed. Furthermore, by eliminating protrusions caused by the display unit 51 and the detection unit 71 from inside the gate, the inner walls of the gate are easier to clean, and hygiene is also improved.

[0069] In addition, since radio wave absorption can be achieved more efficiently than when a conductive film is attached to a transparent material, even if other wall materials located opposite the radio wave radiation surface of antenna 31 are made translucent, it has the effect of reducing unintended reading of radio tags outside the gate.

[0070] (Second embodiment) In the first embodiment, the display 511 is used as the display unit 51, but the present invention is not limited to this. Fig. 8 is an external perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a wireless tag reading device 1 according to a second embodiment.

[0071] FIG. 8 illustrates a projector 513 and a screen 515 as the at least one display unit 51.

[0072] The projector 513 is configured to project and display the generated screen on a screen 515 under the control of the control unit 21 .

[0073] The screen 515 is translucent to visible light. That is, the screen 515 is a transparent screen film (transmissive screen film). The screen 515 is configured to be able to scatter or reflect a portion of the visible light incident on its surface, for example, and is capable of displaying a projected image.

[0074] As an example, as shown in FIG. 8 , the projector 513 and the screen 515 are provided outside the gate so that the display surface of the screen 515 is visible from inside the gate. For example, the projector 513 is arranged below (Z-side) the gate outside (Y-side) of the second wall member 12, for example, on the floor. The projector 513 may also be arranged above (Z+ side) the gate outside (Y-side) of the second wall member 12. The screen 515 is attached to the gate outside (Y-side) of the second plate-shaped member 123 on the gate outside (Y-side) of the second wall member 12. In this configuration, the display surface of the screen 515 is the surface of the screen 515 facing the second plate-shaped member 123. Specifically, the projector 513 projects an image onto the surface of the screen 515 on the gate outside (Y-side). The image projected onto the outside of the gate of the screen 515 can be seen from inside the gate because light scattered inside the gate of the screen 515 passes through the second plate-shaped member 123. In other words, the display surface of the screen 515 faces the surface of the second wall member 12 on the outside of the gate (Y-side) and faces inside the gate.

[0075] The projector 513 and the screen 515 may be provided inside the gate so that the display surface of the screen 515 is visible from inside the gate. For example, the projector 513 is disposed above (on the Z+ side) the outer side (Y+ side) of the gate of the first wall member 11, which faces the second wall member 12 with the reading area interposed therebetween, for example, on the first support member 111. The projector 513 may also be disposed below (on the Z- side) the outer side (Y+ side) of the gate of the first wall member 11. The screen 515 is attached to the inner side (Y+ side) of the gate of the second plate-like member 123, on the inner side (Y+ side) of the gate of the second wall member 12. In this configuration, the display surface of the screen 515 is the surface of the screen 515 opposite to the second plate-like member 123. Specifically, the projector 513 projects an image onto the surface of the screen 515 on the inner side (Y+ side) of the gate of the first wall member 11. The image projected onto the inside of the gate of the screen 515 can be seen from inside the gate due to scattered light or reflected light on the inside of the gate of the screen 515. In other words, the surface of the screen 515 opposite the display surface faces the surface of the second wall member 12 on the inside of the gate (Y+ side), and the display surface faces the inside of the gate.

[0076] The screen 515 may be provided on the first wall member 11, the ceiling member, the wall member closing the gate entrance 101, or the wall member closing the gate exit 103, in addition to or instead of the second wall member 12. As the display unit 51, the screen 515 according to this embodiment may be used together with the display 511 according to the first embodiment.

[0077] 8 also illustrates an infrared sensor 713 as the at least one detection unit 71. The infrared sensor 713 is disposed so as to be able to detect an object in an area inside the gate, for example, near the gate entrance 101. The infrared sensor 713 is provided on the gate outer side (Y+ side) of the first wall member 11. The infrared sensor 713 is configured to detect an object that has passed through an area inside the gate, for example, near the gate entrance 101, under the control of the control unit 21. In this configuration, the first plate-like member 113 of the first wall member 11 is translucent to infrared light in addition to visible light.

[0078] The at least one detector 71 is not limited to the camera 711 or the infrared sensor 713, but may also be an ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor, a motion sensor, or the like. These sensors can also detect an object through the wall material of the gate. When an ultrasonic sensor is used as the at least one detector 71, the wall material can transmit ultrasonic waves in addition to visible light.

[0079] The at least one detector 71 may be a camera 711, an infrared sensor 713, an ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor, a motion sensor, or a combination of these, or may be a mat sensor in addition to or instead of these. The mat sensor is placed on the floor of the gate entrance 101, for example.

[0080] Even with this configuration, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, because the display unit 51 is translucent, when no projection display is being performed, the inside of the gate can be seen from outside the gate without being obstructed by the display unit 51. Furthermore, even when a projection display is being performed, the display is transparent, allowing people inside the gate to know that there is a person inside, thereby reducing the risk of collision.

[0081] (Third embodiment) In the RFID tag reading device 1 according to each of the above-described embodiments, the wall member and the antenna 31 may be formed integrally.

[0082] In the RFID tag reading device 1 according to this embodiment, the antenna 31 is translucent to at least visible light. As an example, the antenna 31 is a glass antenna made of glass.

[0083] Furthermore, the antenna 31 formed as a glass antenna is integrally formed with the wall member. For example, a first antenna 311 and a second antenna 312 are provided inside the first plate-shaped member 113 of the first wall member 11. The first conductor 115 is disposed at least in the peripheral portion of the periphery of the first antenna 311 and the second antenna 312 inside the first plate-shaped member 113 and the surface portions of the first antenna 311 and the second antenna 312 on the outer side (Y+ side) of the gate. Similarly, for example, a third antenna 313 and a fourth antenna 314 are provided inside the second plate-shaped member 123 of the second wall member 12. The second conductor 125 is disposed at least in the peripheral portion of the periphery of the third antenna 313 and the fourth antenna 314 inside the second plate-shaped member 123 and the surface portions of the third antenna 313 and the fourth antenna 314 on the outer side (Y- side) of the gate.

[0084] This configuration also provides the same effects as the above-described embodiment. Furthermore, since the antenna 31 is embedded in the wall member, a further reduction in thickness can be achieved.

[0085] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, it is possible to reduce leakage of radio waves to the outside.

[0086] In the above-mentioned embodiment, "determining whether it is A" may mean "determining whether it is A", "determining whether it is not A", or "determining whether it is A or not".

[0087] Each control program executed by the RFID tag reading device 1 of this embodiment is provided in advance in a storage medium such as a ROM.

[0088] Each control program executed by the wireless tag reading device 1 of this embodiment may be configured to be provided by being recorded in an installable or executable format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0089] Furthermore, each control program executed by the RFID tag reading device 1 of this embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. Also, each control program executed by the RFID tag reading device 1 of this embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0090] The control program 231 executed by the RFID tag reading device 1 of this embodiment has a modular configuration including the above-mentioned units (detection control unit 211, reading control unit 213, product registration unit 215, accounting processing unit 217, and display control unit 219). The CPU of the control unit 21 reads out the control program 231 from the storage medium and loads the above-mentioned units onto a main storage device such as RAM of the control unit 21. As a result, the above-mentioned units are generated on the main storage device.

[0091] 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.

[0092] (Addendum) (1) a wall member including a plate-like member that is translucent to at least visible light and a conductor disposed on the surface or inside of the plate-like member, the wall member having frequency dependency that has a high absorption rate of radio wave energy at a specific frequency; an antenna provided on a first surface of the wall member, the antenna emitting radio waves toward an area facing the first surface and receiving radio waves from a wireless tag in response to the radiated radio waves; a reader that reads data from the built-in memory of the wireless tag via the antenna. Radio tag reader. (2) The RFID tag reader may further include a display unit that displays information about at least one of the RFID tag to be read and the RFID tag from which the data has been read. (3) The wireless tag reading device may further include a display unit provided on a second surface of the wall member opposite the first surface so as to be visible from an area facing the first surface. (4) The wall member may include a first wall member and a second wall member. The antenna may be provided on at least one of the first wall member and the second wall member. The first surface of the first wall member and the first surface of the second wall member may face each other. (5) The wireless tag reading device may further include a detection unit provided on a second surface of the wall member opposite the first surface, so as to be able to detect an object located in an area facing the first surface. (6) The wireless tag reading device may further include a display unit disposed on the first surface or a second surface opposite the first surface, having transparency to at least visible light, and capable of displaying a projected image. (7) The antenna may be made of a light-transmitting material. The antenna and the plate-like member may be integrally formed. The conductor may be provided at least around the periphery of the antenna and on a side of the antenna opposite to a region facing the first surface. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1. Radio tag reader Gate 101 entrance Exit from Gate 103 11 First wall member 111 first support member 113 First plate-shaped member 115 First Conductor 12 Second wall member 121 second support member 123 Second plate-shaped member 125 Second Conductor 15 Flooring 21 Control section 23 Memory section 231 Control Program 25 Communications Department 29 Bus 31 Antenna 311 First Antenna 312 Second Antenna 313 Third Antenna 314 4th Antenna 32 Leader 51 Display section 511 Display 513 Projector 515 screens 71 Detector 711 Camera 713 Infrared Sensor 9. Radio tag [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0094] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-044756

Claims

1. a wall member that includes a plate-like member that is translucent to at least visible light and a conductor that is disposed on the surface or inside of the plate-like member, the wall member having a high frequency dependence in the absorption rate of radio wave energy at a specific frequency, and that constitutes at least one surface of the gate; an antenna provided on a first surface of the wall member inside the gate, the antenna emitting radio waves toward an area facing the first surface and receiving radio waves from a wireless tag in response to the radiated radio waves; a reader that reads data from a built-in memory of the wireless tag via the antenna; a display unit provided on a second surface of the wall member on the outer side of the gate so as to be visible from inside the gate. Radio tag reader.

2. The wireless tag may further include a display unit that displays information about at least one of the wireless tag to be read and the wireless tag from which the data has been read.

2. The wireless tag reader according to claim 1.

3. The wall members include a first wall member and a second wall member that constitute two opposing surfaces of the gate, The display unit is provided on at least one of the first wall member and the second wall member.

2. The wireless tag reader according to claim 1.

4. The wall member includes a first wall member and a second wall member that form two opposing surfaces of the gate, The antenna is provided on at least one of the first wall member and the second wall member.

2. The wireless tag reader according to claim 1.

5. a detection unit provided on the second surface of the wall member so as to be able to detect an object located inside the gate; 2. The wireless tag reader according to claim 1.

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