Wireless tag communication device and operation evaluation program

Abstract

To provide a wireless tag communication device and an operation evaluation program which allow an operation to be evaluated.SOLUTION: In accordance with an embodiment, the wireless tag communication device includes a wireless communication unit, a housing, a memory, and a processor. The wireless communication unit communicates with a wireless tag. The housing comprises the wireless communication unit. The memory stores therein an evaluation reference value for evaluating movement of the housing. The processor outputs information for evaluating an operation of the housing on the basis of information indicating the movement of the housing and the evaluation reference value stored in the memory.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a wireless tag communication device and an operation evaluation program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a wireless tag communication device aimed at finding an RFID tag (hereinafter also referred to as a wireless tag) located at an unspecified position. The wireless tag communication device communicates with the RFID tag while changing the direction of the antenna by the operation of an operator. The wireless tag communication device estimates the direction in which the RFID tag to be searched exists based on the communication state with the RFID tag to be searched. The conventional wireless tag communication device notifies the operator of the direction in which the RFID tag exists by displaying a guidance screen including the estimation result of the direction in which the RFID tag exists on a display.

[0003] The operator searches for the RFID tag or an article to which the RFID tag is attached while moving in the direction displayed on the display. However, even if the conventional wireless tag communication device displays the estimation result of the direction in which the RFID tag exists, it is necessary to be familiar with the operation for finding the desired RFID tag. There is a demand for a wireless tag communication device that can support an efficient operation for finding an RFID tag in a short time by evaluating the appropriateness of the operation for an operator who is not familiar with the operation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, an object is to provide a wireless tag communication device and an operation evaluation program capable of evaluating an operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one embodiment, the wireless tag communication device comprises a wireless communication unit, a housing, a memory, and a processor. The wireless communication unit communicates with the wireless tag. The housing houses the wireless communication unit. The memory stores evaluation criteria values ​​for evaluating the movement of the housing. The processor outputs information for evaluating the operation of the housing based on information indicating the movement of the housing and the evaluation criteria values ​​stored in the memory. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an external view showing an example of the external configuration of a wireless tag communication device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram showing a first configuration example of the control system in a wireless tag communication device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram showing a second example of the configuration of the control system in the wireless tag communication device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the operation guidance displayed by the wireless tag communication device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a wireless tag communication device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a table that displays recommended values ​​for swing amounts stored in a wireless tag communication device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a table displaying recommended values ​​for swing amounts stored in the wireless tag communication device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a table for scoring evaluation values ​​for operations stored by a wireless tag communication device according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a table for scoring evaluation values ​​for a series of search operations stored by a wireless tag communication device according to an embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration of the wireless tag communication device (wireless tag reader) 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 shows an example of the external configuration of a wireless tag communication device 1 according to an embodiment. The wireless tag communication device 1 shown in Figure 1 is a handheld device operated by an operator while being held in their hand. The wireless tag communication device 1 shown in Figure 1 is used, for example, as a search device for RFID tags or items to which RFID tags are attached.

[0009] The wireless tag communication device 1 according to this embodiment is a device that communicates with an RFID tag (wireless tag). The wireless tag communication device 1 is a wireless tag reader that reads tag information recorded on an RFID tag by communicating with the RFID tag. The wireless tag communication device 1 estimates information about the location of the RFID tag, such as the direction in which the RFID tag is located, from the reading result of the RFID tag. The wireless tag communication device 1 displays a guidance screen on a display unit that shows the estimated location of the RFID tag.

[0010] An RFID tag is a wireless communication device that operates using radio waves (output signals) from a wireless tag communication device 1. An RFID tag includes a processor, memory, communication circuitry, and antenna. In response to a read command from the wireless tag communication device 1, the RFID tag outputs a response signal containing tag information stored in its own memory. For example, an RFID tag is attached to an item such as a product or part. An RFID tag attached to an item stores tag information, including information identifying the item, in its internal memory.

[0011] The wireless tag communication device 1 according to this embodiment is operated by an operator. The wireless tag communication device 1 is a device that changes the orientation of the antenna used for communication with the RFID tag by the operator's operation. For example, the wireless tag communication device 1 is a handheld device that the operator holds and operates. Alternatively, the wireless tag communication device 1 may be mounted on a mobile device that the operator uses to control the orientation of the antenna.

[0012] The wireless tag communication device 1 according to this embodiment reads RFID tags attached to articles while changing their position and orientation through operator operation. The wireless tag communication device 1 reads tag information recorded on RFID tags by receiving response signals from RFID tags within its reading range. The wireless tag communication device 1 also acquires information such as RSSI value and phase value detected from the response signal from the RFID tag. As a result of reading the RFID tag, the wireless tag communication device 1 stores information such as RSSI value and phase value along with the tag information.

[0013] For example, the wireless tag communication device 1 is operated as a search device for locating items with RFID tags attached within a predetermined area such as a warehouse or store. As a search device, the wireless tag communication device 1 continuously reads the RFID tags to be searched while changing its position and orientation according to the operator's operation.

[0014] In the configuration example shown in Figure 1, the wireless tag communication device 1 consists of a reader device (base device) 10 and an information terminal 13 as a user interface. Alternatively, the reader device 10 may be provided as the wireless tag communication device 1. In this case, the wireless tag communication device 1 as the reader device 10 is operated with the information terminal 13 as an external device set as the user interface.

[0015] The reader device 10 includes a housing in which an RFID tag interface having an antenna and a communication control circuit is installed. In the reader device 10, the antenna is provided so that the directivity is strongest in the direction of arrow a shown in FIG. 1. Here, it is assumed that the direction of arrow a is the front (forward) direction of the wireless tag communication device 1. Also, it is assumed that the front direction of the wireless tag communication device 1 is the direction of the antenna.

[0016] In addition to the configuration of the control system described later, the reader device 10 has a gripping portion 11 and a holding portion 12. The gripping portion 11 is a portion that an operator grips. The holding portion 12 is constituted by a jig that holds the information terminal 13. The holding portion 12 holds the information terminal 13 so that the display screen of the display 14 of the information terminal 13 faces the operator who grips the gripping portion 11. The operator grips and operates the gripping portion 11 with the wireless tag communication device 1 in a state where the information terminal 13 is set in the holding portion 12.

[0017] The information terminal 13 has a display 14 and an input device 15. The display 14 and the input device 15 are, for example, a display device with a touch panel. The information terminal 13 allows the operator to visually recognize the screen displayed by the display 14 in a state where the information terminal 13 is set in the holding portion 12 of the reader device 10. Also, in a state where the information terminal 13 is set in the holding portion 12 of the reader device 10, an operation instruction by the operator is input to the input device 15.

[0018] The wireless tag communication device 1 continuously reads RFID tags while being operated by an operator. For example, the operator who grips the gripping portion 11 changes the position of the wireless tag communication device 1 provided with the antenna (the position of the own device) and the direction of the antenna. The wireless tag communication device 1 repeatedly reads RFID tags while performing estimation of the direction in which the RFID tag exists (tag direction) and estimation of the position of the own device.

[0019] The wireless tag communication device 1 estimates the direction (tag direction) in which the RFID tag exists from the reading result of the RFID tag. For example, the wireless tag communication device 1 estimates the direction (antenna orientation) in which the RSSI value is maximum in the reading result of reading a specific RFID tag as the tag direction in which the RFID tag exists. Also, the wireless tag communication device 1 may estimate the median value of the range of the direction (antenna orientation) in which a specific RFID tag can be read as the tag direction in which the RFID tag exists.

[0020] The wireless tag communication device 1 may estimate its own position using a self-estimation technique. For example, the wireless tag communication device 1 estimates its own position (the position of the device itself) by a self-position estimation method used in AR (augmented reality) technology. However, the method and configuration for estimating the position of the device itself used in the wireless tag communication device 1 may be any as long as the self-position can be estimated even indoors, and is not limited to a specific one.

[0021] The wireless tag communication device 1 stores the reading result of reading the RFID tag set as the search target in the memory. When the wireless tag communication device 1 receives a response signal from a specific RFID tag, it stores information such as tag information, tag direction, its own position, RSSI value, and phase value as the reading result.

[0022] The wireless tag communication device 1 estimates the tag direction for the RFID tag to be searched for and also estimates its own position. The wireless tag communication device 1 estimates the position where the RFID tag to be searched for exists based on the estimated tag direction and its own position. For example, the wireless tag communication device 1 estimates the position (tag position) of the RFID tag based on the change in its own position and the tag direction estimated at each position. As a specific example, the wireless tag communication device 1 estimates the position of the RFID tag using triangulation technology from the tag direction estimated at the first position and the tag direction estimated at the second position.

[0023] Next, the configuration of the control system in the wireless tag communication device 1 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram showing a first configuration example of the control system in the wireless tag communication device 1 according to the embodiment. In the configuration example shown in Figure 2, the wireless tag communication device 1 includes a processor 21, memory 22, wireless tag communication unit 23, sensor 24, communication interface (I / F) 25, display 14, and input 15.

[0024] The processor 21 controls each component. The processor 21 includes, for example, an arithmetic circuit such as a CPU. The processor 21 performs control of each component and various data processing by executing programs. The processor 21 may also be equipped with internal memory. The processor 21 performs various processes by executing programs stored in memory 22 or the like.

[0025] Memory 22 includes various types of memory. For example, memory 22 includes ROM, RAM, NVM, and other types of memory. ROM is a non-volatile memory that cannot be rewritten. ROM stores programs executed by the processor 21. RAM is a volatile memory that temporarily stores data. RAM operates as working memory or buffer memory.

[0026] The NVM of memory 22 is a rewritable, non-volatile memory. Memory 22 stores information such as control information, configuration information, and processing results in the NVM. Memory 22 also stores various programs in the NVM for the processor 21 to execute the processes described later. For example, memory 22 stores an operation support program in the NVM that outputs information to assist the operator in operating the chassis. Memory 22 also stores evaluation criteria values ​​in the NVM for the operation support program to evaluate the operation of the chassis.

[0027] The wireless tag communication unit 23 constitutes an RFID interface for communicating with RFID tags. The wireless tag communication unit 23 includes, for example, a communication control circuit and an antenna. However, the wireless tag communication unit 23 may also be configured with a connection interface that connects to an external antenna.

[0028] In the wireless tag communication unit 23, the communication control circuit includes a control circuit for communicating with the RFID tag via the antenna. The communication control circuit causes the antenna to emit a transmission signal (radio wave) supplied from the processor 21 at a set output value. The antenna outputs the transmission signal supplied from the communication control circuit as a radio wave that the RFID tag can receive.

[0029] Furthermore, in the wireless tag communication unit 23, the communication control circuit not only outputs a transmission signal to the antenna, but also supplies the signal received by the antenna to the processor 21 as received data. The communication control circuit receives a response signal from the RFID tag, processes the response signal (received signal) received by the antenna, and supplies it to the processor 21. For example, the communication control circuit supplies the processor 21 with tag information contained in the received signal from the RFID tag, as well as the RSSI value and phase value indicating the strength of the received signal.

[0030] The sensor (sensor group) 24 detects the movement of the wireless tag communication device 1. For example, the sensor 24 may be an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or a geomagnetic (compass) sensor. The sensor 24 may also consist of multiple types of sensors.

[0031] Communication I / F25 is an interface for communicating with external devices. Communication I / F25 is a communication interface for communicating with higher-level devices 19, such as servers. Communication I / F25 may be a wired communication interface or a wireless communication interface.

[0032] The display unit 14 and input unit 15 of the information terminal 13 are connected to the processor 21 via an internal interface. The display unit 14 is a device that displays information. For example, the display unit 14 displays a display screen instructed by the processor 21. The input unit 15 is a device for the operator to input operation instructions, etc. The input unit 15 supplies information indicating the content of the instructions given by the operator to the processor 21.

[0033] The wireless tag communication device 1 has a power supply that provides power for operation. In the case of a handheld wireless tag communication device 1, for example, a rechargeable battery (secondary battery) is provided as the power supply. The battery supplies power to each part of the wireless tag communication device 1 to operate it.

[0034] Next, the configuration of the control system in the wireless tag communication device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram showing a second configuration example of the control system in the wireless tag communication device 1 according to the embodiment. In the configuration example shown in Figure 3, the reader device 10, which functions as a wireless tag communication device 1, is connected to an information terminal 13, which functions as an external device. The reader device 10, which functions as a wireless tag communication device 1, includes a processor 21, memory 22, wireless tag communication unit 23, sensor 24, and interface (I / F) 26.

[0035] The processor 21 controls each component. The processor 21 includes, for example, an arithmetic circuit such as a CPU. The processor 21 performs control of each component and various data processing by executing programs. The processor 21 may also be equipped with internal memory. The processor 21 performs various processes by executing programs stored in memory 22 or the like.

[0036] Memory 22 includes various types of memory. For example, memory 22 includes ROM, RAM, and NVM. ROM is a non-volatile memory that cannot be rewritten. ROM stores programs executed by the processor 21. RAM is a volatile memory that temporarily stores data. RAM operates as working memory or buffer memory. NVM is a rewritable non-volatile memory. NVM stores information such as control information, configuration information, and processing results. The NVM in memory 22 stores various programs for the processor 21 to execute the processes described later.

[0037] The wireless tag communication unit 23 constitutes an RFID interface for communicating with RFID tags. The wireless tag communication unit 23 includes a communication control circuit and an antenna. However, the wireless tag communication unit 23 may also be configured with a connection interface that connects to an external antenna.

[0038] In the wireless tag communication unit 23, the communication control circuit includes a control circuit for communicating with the RFID tag via the antenna. The communication control circuit causes the antenna to emit a transmission signal (radio wave) supplied from the processor 21 at a set output value. The antenna outputs the transmission signal supplied from the communication control circuit as a radio wave that the RFID tag can receive.

[0039] Furthermore, in the wireless tag communication unit 23, the communication control circuit not only outputs a transmission signal to the antenna, but also supplies the signal received by the antenna to the processor 21 as received data. The communication control circuit receives a response signal from the RFID tag, processes the response signal (received signal) received by the antenna, and supplies it to the processor 21. For example, the communication control circuit supplies the processor 21 with tag information contained in the received signal from the RFID tag, as well as the RSSI value and phase value indicating the strength of the received signal.

[0040] The sensor (sensor group) 24 detects the movement of the wireless tag communication device 1. For example, the sensor 24 may be an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or a geomagnetic (compass) sensor. The sensor 24 may include multiple types of sensors. The sensor 24 may also be configured to be part of the information terminal 13. Furthermore, the sensor 24 may include sensors provided by the reader device 10 and sensors provided by the information terminal 13.

[0041] Interface 26 only needs to be compatible with the interface 33 provided by the information terminal 13. For example, interface 26 may be physically connected to an interface provided by the information terminal 13, such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface or a LAN interface. Alternatively, interface 26 may communicate wirelessly, such as with a Bluetooth® interface or a Wi-Fi interface.

[0042] The reader device 10, which functions as the wireless tag communication device 1, has a power supply that provides power for operation. In the case of a handheld wireless tag communication device 1, for example, a rechargeable battery (secondary battery) is provided as the power source. The battery supplies power to each part of the wireless tag communication device 1 to operate it.

[0043] In the configuration example shown in Figure 3, the information terminal 13 is set in the holding section 12 of the reader device 10, which is a wireless tag communication device 1. The information terminal 13 can be any device that has a display 14 and an input device 15, etc., and communicates with the reader device 10, which is a wireless tag communication device 1. The information terminal 13 is, for example, a portable information processing device such as a smartphone or a tablet PC.

[0044] As shown in Figure 3, the information terminal 13 includes a processor 31, memory 32, interface (I / F) 33, display 14, and input 15. The processor 31 controls each component and performs data processing. The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU. The processor 31 performs various operations by executing programs stored in the memory 32.

[0045] Interface 33 is an interface (second communication interface) for communicating with interface 26. Interface 33 can be any interface that is compatible with interface 26. For example, interface 33 can be a LAN, USB, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or Wi-Fi interface.

[0046] Next, the configuration of the wireless tag communication unit 23 in the wireless tag communication device 1 according to this embodiment will be described in detail. The wireless tag communication unit 23 comprises a communication control circuit and an antenna. The communication control circuit of the wireless tag communication unit 23 includes a modulation circuit, a transmitting amplifier circuit, a coupler, a receiving amplifier circuit, a demodulation circuit, an output setting circuit, and a level detection circuit. The antenna of the wireless tag communication unit 23 is connected to the coupler in the communication control circuit. The antenna transmits and receives radio waves for communication with the RFID tag. The communication control circuit processes signals transmitted to the RFID tag via the antenna and signals received from the RFID tag.

[0047] The modulation circuit modulates the waveform signal (carrier wave) with the input transmission data. The transmitting amplifier circuit amplifies the output signal of the modulation circuit. The coupler supplies the output signal of the transmitting amplifier circuit to the antenna. With this configuration, the communication control circuit outputs a carrier wave modulated with the transmission data from the antenna.

[0048] RFID tags receive radio waves as transmission signals sent from an antenna. For example, an RFID tag recognizes a read command included in the transmission signal sent from the antenna. When an RFID tag recognizes a read command, it outputs data (tag information) stored in its memory via radio waves, for example, by backscatter modulation.

[0049] The antenna receives radio waves as a received signal emitted by the RFID tag. The communication control circuit acquires the received signal received by the antenna using a coupler and supplies the acquired received signal to the receiving-side amplification circuit. The receiving-side amplification circuit amplifies the received signal received by the antenna. The demodulation circuit demodulates the data (tag information) contained in the received signal amplified by the receiving-side amplification circuit.

[0050] The antenna of the wireless tag communication unit 23 is directional and is installed at a predetermined location on the wireless tag communication device 1 facing a predetermined direction. The antenna is, for example, a planar antenna. However, the antenna of the wireless tag communication unit 23 is not limited to a specific configuration. The antenna is positioned in the housing to transmit electromagnetic waves toward the communication (reading) area centered on the direction in which the directivity is maximized (for example, direction a shown in Figure 1). The wireless tag communication device 1 is configured such that the direction in which the antenna's directivity is maximized is the front (direction a shown in Figure 1).

[0051] Furthermore, the communication control circuit of the wireless tag communication unit 23 sets the signal strength (output value) to be output by the output setting circuit. The transmitting amplifier circuit amplifies the signal supplied from the modulation circuit so that it becomes the output value set by the output setting circuit. The antenna emits an output signal (radio wave) with the output value set by the output setting circuit, which is supplied from the transmitting amplifier circuit via a coupler.

[0052] The communication control circuit of the wireless tag communication unit 23 detects the strength of the signal to be input to the receiving amplifier circuit using a level detection circuit. The receiving amplifier circuit receives the received signal from the antenna via a coupler. The communication control circuit of the wireless tag communication unit 23 detects information to identify the RSSI value, which indicates the strength of the received signal (response signal from the RFID tag) received by the antenna, using a level detection circuit.

[0053] Figure 4 shows an example of the display of the guidance screen during the RFID tag search operation by the wireless tag communication device 1. The display example shown in Figure 4 is an example of displaying information that evaluates the operator's actions in a display screen (guidance screen) that includes operational instructions for searching for RFDI tags. In the search mode for a specific RFID tag, the wireless tag communication device 1 displays operation instructions, including the RFID tag search results as shown in Figure 4, on the display unit 14. In the search mode, the wireless tag communication device 1 estimates the location (direction and distance) of a specific RFID tag from the RFID tag reading results. The wireless tag communication device 1 displays information indicating the location of the specific RFID tag estimated from the RFID tag reading results on the display unit 14 as the search result.

[0054] In the display example shown in Figure 4, the display unit 14 displays the reading range 202 read by the wireless tag communication device 1 superimposed on concentric circles 201 centered on the position of the wireless tag communication device 1. For example, the display unit 14 displays the reading range 202 on the concentric circles 201 such that the top is in front of the wireless tag communication device 1 (direction of arrow a shown in Figure 1). The reading range 202 indicates the amount of change in the antenna orientation (orientation of the housing) by the operator. Here, it is assumed that the antenna orientation is changed in the horizontal plane. The antenna is fixed inside the housing of the wireless tag communication device 1. Therefore, when the operator changes the orientation of the housing, the orientation of the antenna inside the housing changes. Hereinafter, the change in the orientation of the housing in the horizontal plane by the operator will be referred to as swing. The amount of swing will be defined as the amount of displacement (angle displacement) of the orientation of the housing (orientation of the antenna) due to the operator's operation, etc.

[0055] Furthermore, the display unit 14 displays a mark 203 indicating the position of the read RFID tag within the reading range 202 on the concentric circle 201. For example, the wireless tag communication device 1 estimates the distance from the wireless tag communication device 1 to the RFID tag based on the RSSI value included in the RFID tag reading result. The display unit 14 displays a mark 203 on the concentric circle 201 centered on the position of the wireless tag communication device 1 at a position corresponding to the estimated direction and distance. In this way, the display unit 14 can inform the operator of the direction and distance where the RFID tag is located by displaying the mark 203 on the reading range 202.

[0056] Furthermore, the display unit 14 displays the display area 211, the display area 212, the search start button 231, and the end button 232 in the display example shown in Figure 4. Display field 211 displays the part number of the RFID tag to be searched. Display field 212 displays the serial number of the RFID tag to be searched.

[0057] The search start button 231 and the search end button 232 are buttons that can be controlled by the operator via the touch panel, which serves as the input device 15. The search start button 231 is used by the operator to initiate the search for RFID tags. The search end button 232 is used by the operator to initiate the search for RFID tags. The operator can search for RFID tags by operating the wireless tag communication device 1 while viewing a screen as shown in Figure 4.

[0058] Furthermore, in the display example shown in Figure 4, the display unit 14 displays information in the display area 241 for evaluating the operator's actions during RFID tag retrieval. The information displayed in the display area 241 for evaluating the operator's actions is, for example, information indicating the degree of appropriateness (appropriateness) of the operation to retrieve the target RFID tag. The appropriateness of the operator's actions includes a first evaluation value that evaluates each operation performed by the operator on the casing, and a second evaluation value that evaluates the series of retrieval operations.

[0059] The first evaluation value is, for example, a score obtained by evaluating in real time the operator's actions on the casing (e.g., swing amount). The second evaluation value is, for example, a score obtained by scoring the search results based on the time required for the search (elapsed time since receiving a response from the RFID tag) and the estimated distance to the RFID tag (or the output level of the wireless tag communication unit).

[0060] In the display example shown in Figure 4, the display unit 14 displays a score representing the appropriateness of the operation (first evaluation value or second evaluation value) in the display field 241 as "Current score: ○○ points". For example, the display unit 14 displays a first evaluation value in the display field 241, which is a score representing the appropriateness of the operation determined in real time during the operation to search for the target RFID tag. The display unit 14 may also display a second evaluation value in the display field 241, which is a score representing the appropriateness (proficiency) of the series of search operations, when the series of searches is completed.

[0061] Next, the operation of the wireless tag communication device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the wireless tag communication device 1 according to this embodiment. First, the operator acting as the searcher for the RFID tag uses the input device 15 of the wireless tag communication device 1 to input information to register themselves as a searcher. The processor 21 of the wireless tag communication device 1 registers the operator, who is the searcher, based on the information input by the input device 15.

[0062] The processor 21 of the wireless tag communication device 1 operates in search mode when a searcher is registered, and is operated by the searcher (operator). The processor 21 accepts the settings of the RFID tag to be searched by the operator. After setting the RFID tag to be searched, the processor 21 accepts the operator's instruction to start the search. For example, the processor 21 accepts the instruction to start the search from the search start button 231 on the display screen shown in Figure 4 on the display unit 14.

[0063] The processor 21 of the wireless tag communication device 1 executes the reading process of the RFID tag to be searched in response to the operator's instruction to start the search (ACT11). The processor 21 stores the reading results of the RFID tags within the reading range (communication range) set by the wireless tag communication unit 23 in the memory 22.

[0064] The processor 21 stores information such as the seeker, tag information, orientation (reading direction), output value, and RSSI value in the memory 22 as the reading result for each RFID tag. Tag information is information output by an RFID tag in response to a response request (read command) from the wireless tag communication device 1. Tag information consists of, for example, a header, product code, and serial number. The header indicates the format of the tag information and the range of the product code in the tag information. The product code is information used to identify the product (item). The serial number is an identification number assigned to each individual product.

[0065] The orientation (reading direction) is information indicating the orientation of the antenna (orientation of the wireless tag communication device 1) when the RFID tag is read. The processor 21 acquires information indicating the orientation of the antenna detected by the sensor 24. For example, the processor 21 acquires information indicating the orientation of the antenna by detecting the amount of variation (angle of variation) of the orientation relative to a reference orientation using the sensor 24.

[0066] The output value is the strength of the output signal (radio wave) emitted from the antenna when an RFID tag is read. The output value is set by the output setting circuit of the communication control circuit according to instructions from the processor 21. The processor 21 identifies the output value set in the communication control circuit.

[0067] The RSSI value is information indicating the strength of the received signal from each RFID tag. The RSSI value is detected from the received signal of each RFID tag by a level detection circuit. The processor 21 acquires the RSSI value detected by the level detection circuit.

[0068] The processor 21 performs the RFID tag reading process and also measures (detects) the amount of swing of the reader device 10's housing as information indicating operator operation (ACT 12). Here, the amount of swing of the reader device 10's housing is the amount of change in the orientation of the antenna inside the housing.

[0069] For example, the processor 21 measures the swing amount based on the change in orientation detected by the sensor 24. The processor 21 measures the swing amount by the change (difference) between the orientation when the RFID tag was read and the orientation a predetermined time earlier. Alternatively, the processor 21 may measure the swing amount by the difference (change) between the orientation when the search was started and the orientation when the RFID tag was read. Furthermore, the processor 21 may measure the swing amount by the difference between the orientation when the RFID tag was read and the orientation when the RFID tag was read immediately before.

[0070] After measuring the swing amount, the processor 21 determines whether or not it has read the RFID tag to be searched (ACT13). If the RFID tag to be searched has not been read (ACT13, NO), the processor 21 proceeds to ACT19, which will be described later.

[0071] If the RFID tag to be searched is read (ACT13, YES), the processor 21 estimates the direction in which the RFID tag to be searched is located (tag direction) (ACT14). Once the tag direction is estimated, the processor 21 stores the reading results of the target RFID tag, including the estimated tag direction, in the memory 22 (ACT15). As a result, the memory 22 accumulates the reading results of the target RFID tags.

[0072] After saving the reading result of the RFID tag to be searched, the processor 21 determines whether the communication status with the RFID tag to be searched exceeds a reference level (ACT16). For example, the processor 21 determines whether the RSSI value of the received signal from the RFID tag to be searched exceeds a reference level as the communication status. Here, the processor 21 sets a reference level to compare with the communication status according to the output value set in the communication control circuit of the wireless tag communication unit 23.

[0073] If the communication status exceeds the reference level (ACT16, YES), the processor 21 determines whether the output value of the transmission signal (magnitude of the output signal) set in the communication control circuit of the wireless tag communication unit 23 is at the minimum possible value (ACT17).

[0074] If the output value of the transmitted signal is not the minimum value (ACT17, YES), the processor 21 reduces the output value of the output signal set in the communication control circuit of the wireless tag communication unit 23 (ACT18). Here, the processor 21 gradually reduces the output value until it reaches the minimum configurable value. Reducing the output value reduces the reading range of the RFID tag by the wireless tag communication device 1. In other words, by gradually reducing the output value, the processor 21 gradually limits the reading range in which the target RFID tag is read. This allows the wireless tag communication device 1 to pinpoint the location where the target RFID tag exists.

[0075] Furthermore, the processor 21 determines a recommended swing amount as a reference value (recommended value for the operation amount) for determining a first evaluation value indicating the appropriateness of the operator's operation (ACT19). The processor 21 determines the recommended swing amount according to the RFID tag reading status, the estimated tag direction result, the output value, the estimated distance to the RFID tag, etc. For example, the memory 22 stores a table showing recommended swing amounts. The processor 21 identifies the recommended swing amount based on the table stored in the memory 22.

[0076] Figure 6 shows a first example of a table that displays recommended values ​​for the swing amount according to the output level (output value) of the transmission signal output by the wireless tag communication unit 23. In the table shown in Figure 6, the smaller the output value of the transmitted signal (reading range), the smaller the recommended swing amount. The reading range of the RFID tag changes depending on the output value of the transmitted signal. The wireless tag communication device 1 controls itself to decrease the output value of the transmitted signal (narrow the reading range) as it approaches the RFID tag to be searched. The recommended swing amount shown in Figure 6 is set to be larger when the RFID tag to be searched is far away, and smaller when approaching the RFID tag to be searched. When referring to the table shown in Figure 6, the processor 21 determines the recommended swing amount based on the output value of the transmitted signal set in the communication control circuit of the wireless tag communication unit 23.

[0077] Figure 7 shows a second example of a table that displays recommended swing amounts based on the estimated distance to the RFID tag to be searched. According to the table shown in Figure 7, the recommended swing amount is set to be larger when the target RFID tag is far away and smaller when approaching the target RFID tag. In other words, the table shown in Figure 7 shows that the closer the distance to the target RFID tag, the smaller the recommended swing amount. When referring to the table shown in Figure 7, the processor 21 determines the recommended swing amount based on the distance to the RFID tag estimated from the RSSI value, etc.

[0078] Once the recommended swing amount is determined, the processor 21 determines a first evaluation value (ACT20) as the appropriateness of the operation based on the measured actual swing amount and the recommended swing amount. The first evaluation value is an index that evaluates the operator's operation. The processor 21 determines the first evaluation value by the deviation amount, which represents the difference between the operator's operation and the recommended operation. Here, the processor 21 determines the first evaluation value (appropriateness of operation) as a score obtained by quantifying the deviation amount, which is the difference between the measured actual swing amount and the recommended swing amount.

[0079] Figure 8 shows an example of a table in which a score is set as a first evaluation value according to the deviation between the actual swing amount and the recommended swing amount. The smaller the deviation from the recommended value, the closer the operator is to the recommended value. Therefore, in the table shown in Figure 8, the smaller the deviation, the higher the score assigned to the first evaluation value.

[0080] Furthermore, by calculating the deviation between the recommended swing amount and the measured swing amount, it is possible to determine whether the actual swing is too large or too small based on the sign (positive or negative) of the deviation. For example, the deviation amount (α) is defined as (recommended swing amount) - (measured actual swing amount). According to this definition, if α > 0, the actual swing amount (swing operation by the operator) can be evaluated as being too large compared to the recommended value, and if α < 0, it can be evaluated as being too small compared to the recommended value.

[0081] When the processor 21 determines a first evaluation value based on the deviation between the operator's operation and the recommended value, it outputs the first evaluation value (ACT21) and returns to ACT11. For example, the processor 21 displays the first evaluation value on the display unit 14 in the display field 241 of the guidance screen as shown in Figure 4, and continues the RFID tag reading process. The processor 21 may also announce the first evaluation value by voice, or it may output an alarm sound corresponding to the first evaluation value.

[0082] Furthermore, if the output value of the transmitted signal reaches its minimum value (ACT17, NO), the processor 21 terminates the search for the target RFID tag. Once the processor 21 terminates the search, it determines a second evaluation value (ACT22) that indicates the appropriateness (proficiency) of the series of search operations performed by the operator up to the termination of the search for the RFID tag.

[0083] For example, the processor 21 determines a score indicating the appropriateness (validity) of the search operation as a second evaluation value based on the time required to search for the target RFID tag (search time). For example, the search time for the target RFID tag is measured as the elapsed time from when the response from the RFID tag is first received until the output value of the transmitted signal reaches its minimum value.

[0084] Figure 9 shows an example of a table in which a score is set as a second evaluation value according to the time taken for the search. The shorter the search time (the elapsed time required for the search), the more efficiently the operator is considered to be operating the wireless tag communication device 1. For this reason, the table shown in Figure 9 is set so that the shorter the search time, the higher the score as the second evaluation value. When referring to the table shown in Figure 9, the processor 21 measures the search time and, upon completion of the search, determines a score as the second evaluation value corresponding to the search time. This second evaluation value serves as an indicator of proficiency (skill level) in the series of operations required to search for the target RFID tag using the wireless tag communication device 1.

[0085] When the processor 21 determines a second evaluation value indicating the appropriateness of the series of search operations, it outputs the second evaluation value (ACT23) and terminates the RFID tag search. For example, the processor 21 displays the second evaluation value on the display unit 14 in the display field 241 of the guidance screen as shown in Figure 4 and terminates the RFID tag search. Alternatively, the processor 21 may announce the second evaluation value by voice, or it may output an alert sound corresponding to the second evaluation value.

[0086] As described above, the wireless tag communication device according to the embodiment determines an evaluation value to assess the appropriateness of the operator's operation in the operation of searching for an RFID tag. The wireless tag communication device displays the determined evaluation value on a display. In this way, the wireless tag communication device can inform the operator of the evaluation value that assesses the appropriateness of the operation, thereby promoting efficient operation by the operator.

[0087] Furthermore, the wireless tag communication device according to the embodiment measures a swing amount, which indicates the amount of change in the direction of the antenna. The wireless tag communication device displays an evaluation value on a display, which is determined according to the deviation between the measured swing amount and the recommended value for the swing amount. In this way, the wireless tag communication device can notify the operator of the evaluation value that represents the deviation between the swing amount due to actual operation and the recommended value. As a result, the wireless tag communication device can encourage the operator to bring the amount of change in the direction of the antenna for searching for RFID tags closer to the recommended value.

[0088] Furthermore, the wireless tag communication device according to this embodiment displays an evaluation value on a display that is determined according to the search time required to search for the target RFID tag. As a result, the wireless tag communication device can inform the operator of an evaluation value that represents the operator's proficiency in the search operation based on the search time required. Consequently, the wireless tag communication device can encourage the operator to perform the operation to search for RFID tags more efficiently.

[0089] In the embodiments described above, the program executed by the processor was pre-stored in the device's memory. However, the program executed by the processor may be downloaded to the device from a network or installed on the device from a storage medium. The storage medium can be any medium that can store programs and is readable by the device, such as a CD-ROM. Furthermore, functions obtained through pre-installation or download may be implemented in cooperation with the device's internal OS (operating system), etc.

[0090] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0091] 1, 10... Wireless tag communication device, 10... Reader device, 11... Gripping unit, 12... Holding unit, 13... Information terminal, 14... Display unit, 15... Input unit, 21... Processor, 22... Memory, 23... Wireless tag communication unit, 24... Sensor, 26... Interface, 31... Processor, 32... Memory, 33... Interface.

Claims

1. A wireless communication unit that communicates with wireless tags, A housing equipped with the aforementioned wireless communication unit, A memory for storing evaluation criteria values ​​for evaluating the movement of the aforementioned enclosure, A processor that outputs information for evaluating the operation of the enclosure based on information indicating the movement of the enclosure and evaluation criteria values ​​stored in the memory, A wireless tag communication device having a tag.

2. The housing has a sensor that detects the amount of swing in orientation, The memory stores a recommended value for the swing amount of the orientation of the housing. The processor outputs an evaluation value for the operation of the housing, which is determined based on the difference between the swing amount detected by the sensor and the recommended value of the swing amount stored in the memory. The wireless tag communication device according to claim 1.

3. The memory stores a recommended value for the swing amount corresponding to the distance between the target wireless tag and the housing. The processor determines the evaluation value based on the difference between the recommended swing amount, which corresponds to the estimated distance between the target wireless tag and the housing, and the swing amount detected by the sensor. The wireless tag communication device according to claim 2.

4. The memory stores information for evaluating a series of search operations until the distance between the wireless tag targeted by the wireless communication unit and the housing is within a predetermined range. The processor outputs an evaluation value for a series of search operations determined based on the information stored in the memory. The wireless tag communication device according to claim 1.

5. A guidance screen containing information indicating the aforementioned evaluation value is displayed on the display unit. A wireless tag communication device according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. In an information processing device, Information indicating the movement of a housing equipped with a wireless communication unit that communicates with wireless tags is acquired. A criterion value for evaluating the movement of the aforementioned housing is obtained, The system outputs information that evaluates the operation of the housing based on information indicating the movement of the housing and the evaluation criteria value. An operation evaluation program for executing a task.

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