Communication equipment and programs

Abstract

To improve the accuracy of determining positional relationship of a wireless tag relative to a predetermined range.SOLUTION: A communication apparatus includes a first determination processing unit, a movement control unit, an acquisition unit, and a second determination processing unit. The first determination processing unit determines arrangement of objects including one or more wireless tags with respect to a predetermined range, on the basis of measurements of the objects by a measurement unit. The movement control unit controls movement of a position of an antenna relative to the objects. The acquisition unit which acquires, on the basis of radio waves of the wireless tags received by the antenna, multiple pieces of tag data related to the wireless tags in multiple relative positions of the antenna. The second determination unit determines positional relationships of the wireless tags with respect to the predetermined range, on the basis of data which is output from a trained model by inputting the multiple pieces of tag data related to the wireless tags to the trained model selected from among a plurality of trained models according to the arrangement of the objects.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a communication device and a program.

Background Art

[0002] There is a device that determines the range in which a wireless tag is included by receiving radio waves transmitted from a wireless tag attached to an article with an antenna. Such a device moves the antenna to detect the phase of the wireless tag. The device determines the range in which the wireless tag is included based on the detected phase pattern. For example, when the wireless tag is placed within a predetermined range, the device can determine that the wireless tag is within the predetermined range based on the detected phase pattern.

[0003] Here, when a person tries to place an article with a wireless tag attached or a housing containing this article within a predetermined range, the article or the housing may protrude from the predetermined range. When the article or the housing protrudes from the predetermined range, the wireless tag attached to the article may also protrude from the predetermined range. The phase pattern detected for this wireless tag may, depending on the position of the wireless tag, be similar to the phase pattern in another range different from the predetermined range rather than the phase pattern in the predetermined range. In such a case, the device determines that this wireless tag is within the other range. However, since this wireless tag is originally supposed to be placed within the predetermined range, it is not preferable to be determined to be within the other range.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve is to provide a technique for improving the accuracy of determining the positional relationship of wireless tags within a predetermined range. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The communication device of the embodiment comprises a first determination processing unit, a movement control unit, an acquisition unit, and a second determination processing unit. The first determination processing unit determines the placement of an object within a predetermined range based on measurements of the object, which includes one or more wireless tags, by a measurement unit. The movement control unit controls the movement of the relative position of the antenna with respect to the object. The acquisition unit acquires a plurality of tag data relating to the wireless tag at a plurality of relative positions of the antenna, based on the radio waves of the wireless tag received by the antenna. The second determination processing unit determines the positional relationship of the wireless tag within the predetermined range based on data output from a trained model selected from a plurality of trained models according to the placement of the object, by inputting the plurality of tag data relating to the wireless tag into the trained model. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a reading device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the data structure of measurement data according to the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a drive device according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the drive device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the first and second ranges according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 8]Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the determination process by the processor of the reading device according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the position of the wireless tag according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of multiple phase data related to a wireless tag placed within the first range according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of multiple phase data related to a wireless tag placed within the second range according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows another example of multiple phase data related to a wireless tag placed within the second range according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows an example of the arrangement of the measurement target within the first range according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the process by which the processor of the reading device according to the embodiment generates a trained model. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a block diagram showing a modified example of the communication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an inference device according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] (Embodiment) The communication system according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the scale of the parts in the drawings used in the description of the embodiment below may have been changed as appropriate. Also, for illustrative purposes, some components may be omitted from the drawings used in the description of the embodiment below.

[0009] (Example configuration) Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of communication system 1. The communication system 1 includes a communication device 10, terminals 400, and one or more wireless tags 600 attached to one or more articles 500. Although Figure 1 shows one wireless tag 600 attached to one article 500, the communication system 1 may include a plurality of wireless tags 600 attached to a plurality of articles 500. Note that the communication system 1 includes the communication device 10 and the terminals 400, but may not include one or more articles 500. The communication system 1 is an example of an information processing system.

[0010] The communication device 10 is a device that wirelessly communicates with the wireless tag 600. The communication device 10 can be applied to inspection in a warehouse or the like, but may also be a store, and the application examples of the communication device 10 are not limited to this. The communication device 10 includes a reading device 100, a driving device 200, an antenna 300, and a measurement device 800.

[0011] The reading device 100 is a device that controls the driving device 200 and the antenna 300 to read information from the wireless tag 600. The reading device 100 is also a device that controls the driving device 200 and the antenna 300 to detect tag data regarding the wireless tag 600. Detection includes the meaning of measurement. The configuration example of the reading device 100 will be described later.

[0012] The tag data is data detected in time series based on the radio wave of the wireless tag 600 received by the reading device 100. The radio wave of the wireless tag 600 is the radio wave transmitted from the wireless tag 600. The radio wave of the wireless tag 600 is sometimes referred to as the radio wave from the wireless tag 600. The tag data includes at least one of phase data, Doppler frequency data, and RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) data. The phase data is data indicating the phase of the radio wave of the wireless tag 600 received by the reading device 100. The Doppler frequency data is data indicating the frequency of the radio wave of the wireless tag 600 received by the reading device 100. The RSSI data is data indicating the RSSI of the radio wave of the wireless tag 600 received by the reading device 100. RSSI indicates the reception strength. The reception strength is also referred to as the radio wave reception strength or the received signal strength.

[0013] The driving device 200 is a device that moves the antenna 300. Moving the antenna 300 includes moving the position of the antenna 300. Moving the antenna 300 is an example of moving the relative position of the antenna 300 with respect to the wireless tag 600. The position of the antenna 300 is an example of the relative position of the antenna 300 with respect to the wireless tag 600. A configuration example of the driving device 200 will be described later.

[0014] The antenna 300 communicates with the wireless tag 600. The antenna 300 transmits radio waves. The antenna 300 receives the radio waves of the wireless tag 600. The radio waves of the wireless tag 600 are an example of the response wave from the wireless tag 600 with respect to the radio waves transmitted from the antenna 300. The antenna 300 converts the received radio waves into a high-frequency signal and outputs the high-frequency signal to the reader 100.

[0015] The measuring device 800 is a device that measures a measurement object in order to determine its placement within a first range. The measurement object is an object that includes one or more wireless tags 600 measured by the measuring device 800. Each of the articles 500 to which one or more wireless tags 600 are attached is an article that needs to be processed in the communication system 1. The measurement object may also be each of the articles 500 to which one or more wireless tags 600 are attached. The measurement object may also be a housing containing each of the articles 500 to which one or more wireless tags 600 are attached. For example, the housing is a basket, but is not limited to this. The placement of the measurement object within the first range includes whether the measurement object is within the first range or whether the measurement object is not within the first range. The measurement object being within the first range means that the entire measurement object is within the first range. The measurement object not being within the first range means that a part of the measurement object is within the first range and the rest of the measurement object is not within the first range. For example, the remaining portion of the object to be measured being outside the first range means that the remaining portion of the object to be measured is outside both the first and second ranges. If the object to be measured is not within the first range, the arrangement of the object to be measured relative to the first range may include a configuration in which the object to be measured extends beyond the first range. The configuration in which the object to be measured extends beyond the first range may include at least one of the position, direction, and amount by which the object to be measured extends beyond the first range. The arrangement of the object to be measured relative to the first range is also called the position and orientation of the object to be measured relative to the first range. The measuring device 800 may be a non-contact device that measures the object to be measured without contact, or a contact device that measures the object to be measured by contacting it. The measuring device 800 is an example of a measuring unit.

[0016] The measuring device 800 may also be a camera. In this example, the camera captures images of a first range and its vicinity. The camera is an example of a non-contact device.

[0017] The measuring device 800 may be an optical sensor that detects light. In this example, the first range is set on the upper surface of the counter base 700, which will be described later. The counter base 700 is made of a light-transmitting material. The lighting illuminates the upper surface of the counter base 700 from above. The optical sensor is installed on the bottom surface of the counter base 700, in a position opposite the first range and the vicinity of the first range, with the counter base 700 in between. The optical sensor detects weak light in the part of the counter base 700 that is facing the object to be measured. The optical sensor detects strong light in the part of the counter base 700 that is not facing the object to be measured. The optical sensor is an example of a non-contact device.

[0018] The measuring device 800 may also be a sensor that detects the housing. In one example, the sensor is a Hall sensor. In this example, the first range is set on the upper side of the counter base 700, which will be described later. The Hall sensor is installed on the bottom side of the counter base 700, in a position opposite the first range and the vicinity of the first range, with the counter base 700 in between. The housing has a magnet attached to it. The Hall sensor detects a magnetic field in the part of the housing on the counter base 700 that is opposite the magnet attached to it. The Hall sensor is an example of a non-contact device.

[0019] In another example, the sensor is a capacitive sensor. In this example, the first range is set on the upper side of the counter base 700, which will be described later. The capacitive sensor is installed on the upper side of the counter base 700, in the first range and in the vicinity of the first range. The capacitive sensor detects changes in capacitance at the part that is in contact with the housing. The capacitive sensor is an example of a contact-type device.

[0020] Terminal 400 is a device that processes information. Terminal 400 may be a PC (Personal Computer) or a dedicated device. Terminal 400 can be any device that processes information, but is not limited to these. Figure 1 shows one terminal 400, but communication system 1 may include multiple terminals 400. Terminal 400 is an example of an information processing terminal. An example configuration of terminal 400 will be described later.

[0021] Item 500 refers to goods, etc.

[0022] The wireless tag 600 is a wireless tag whose positional relationship to a first range is determined. For example, the positional relationship of the wireless tag 600 to the first range is that the wireless tag 600 is within the first range or the wireless tag 600 is within the second range. The first range and the second range are different ranges that do not overlap with each other. For example, the first range and the second range are three-dimensional ranges. The second range is a range that is not adjacent to the first range. Range includes the meaning of area. The first range is an example of a predetermined range. Examples of the first range and the second range will be described later. The wireless tag 600 may be a wireless tag within the first range or a wireless tag within the second range.

[0023] Determining the positional relationship of the wireless tag 600 with respect to the first range includes determining whether the wireless tag 600 is within the first range or the second range. Determining whether the wireless tag 600 is within the first range or the second range includes determining whether the wireless tag 600 is within the first range or the second range. Being within the first range of the wireless tag 600 includes the wireless tag 600 being located within the first range. Being within the first range of the wireless tag 600 may also include considering the wireless tag 600 to be within the first range. Being within the second range of the wireless tag 600 includes the wireless tag 600 being located within the second range. Being within the second range of the wireless tag 600 may also include considering the wireless tag 600 to be within the second range. An article 500 with a wireless tag 600 that is determined to be within the first range is an article that is processed by the communication system 1. Articles 500 that are attached to a wireless tag 600 determined to be within the second range are articles that are not treated as items to be processed by the communication system 1.

[0024] The wireless tag 600 is an IC tag that includes an IC chip and an antenna. The wireless tag 600 is typically an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag. The wireless tag 600 may be any other type of IC tag. The wireless tag 600 is a passive wireless tag that operates using radio waves transmitted from the antenna 300 as its energy source. The wireless tag 600 transmits a signal containing information stored on the IC chip of the wireless tag 600 via the antenna by performing backscatter modulation on an unmodulated signal. The information stored on the wireless tag 600 may include uniquely identifiable identification information. For example, the identification information stored on the wireless tag 600 may be an EPC (Electronic Product Code) number. The EPC number includes a unique identification code and serial number for item 500. Hereafter, the identification information stored on the wireless tag 600 may be abbreviated as "identification information". Identification information is an example of information about the wireless tag 600.

[0025] The reading device 100 will be explained using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the reading device 100. The reader 100 includes a processor 101, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random-Access Memory) 103, a first connection interface 104, a second connection interface 105, a high-frequency front-end unit 106, a digital amplitude modulation unit 107, a DA (Digital to Analog) conversion unit 108, an AD (Analog to Digital) conversion unit 109, a demodulation unit 110, and a storage device 111. Each part of the reader 100 is connected by a bus 112, etc.

[0026] The processor 101 corresponds to the central part of the computer that performs calculations and control necessary for the operation of the reader 100. The processor 101 loads various programs stored in the ROM 102 or storage device 111, etc., into the RAM 103. The programs are programs that cause the processor 101 to perform various processes. By executing the programs loaded into the RAM 103, the processor 101 realizes the various parts described later and performs various processes.

[0027] The processor 101 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), SoC (System On a Chip), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), etc. The processor 101 may be a combination of several of these. The processor 101 is an example of a processing circuit.

[0028] ROM 102 corresponds to the main memory of a computer centered around processor 101. ROM 102 is a non-volatile memory used exclusively for reading data. ROM 102 stores the above-mentioned program. ROM 102 also stores data or various setting values ​​used by processor 101 in performing various processes.

[0029] RAM103 corresponds to the main memory of a computer centered around processor 101. RAM103 is memory used for reading and writing data. RAM103 is a work area that stores data temporarily used by processor 101 when performing various processes.

[0030] The first connection interface 104 is an interface for the reader 100 to communicate with the drive unit 200.

[0031] The second connection interface 105 is an interface for the reader 100 to communicate with the terminal 400.

[0032] The high-frequency front-end unit 106 outputs a high-frequency signal to the antenna 300. The high-frequency front-end unit 106 receives a high-frequency signal from the antenna 300.

[0033] The digital amplitude modulation unit 107 is a circuit that adds data to be transmitted to the wireless tag 600 to the carrier wave transmitted to the wireless tag 600.

[0034] The DA conversion unit 108 is a circuit that converts a digital signal to an analog signal. The DA conversion unit 108 converts the digital signal modulated by the digital amplitude modulation unit 107 into an analog signal. The DA conversion unit 108 outputs a high-frequency signal to the antenna 300 via the high-frequency front-end unit 106.

[0035] The AD conversion unit 109 is a circuit that converts an analog signal into a digital signal. The AD conversion unit 109 converts the high-frequency signal input from the antenna 300 into a digital signal via the high-frequency front-end unit 106.

[0036] The demodulation unit 110 is a circuit that acquires information based on the radio waves of the wireless tag 600 received by the antenna 300. For example, the demodulation unit 110 acquires identification information stored in the wireless tag 600 from the digital signal converted by the AD conversion unit 109 using known technology. The demodulation unit 110 is an example of an information acquisition unit that acquires identification information stored in the wireless tag 600 based on the radio waves of the received wireless tag 600.

[0037] The demodulation unit 110 is also a circuit that detects tag data in a time series based on the radio waves of the wireless tag 600 received by the antenna 300. The demodulation unit 110 can detect phase data in a time series from the digital signal converted by the AD conversion unit 109 using known technology. The demodulation unit 110 can detect Doppler frequency data in a time series from the digital signal converted by the AD conversion unit 109 using known technology. The demodulation unit 110 can detect RSSI data in a time series from the digital signal converted by the AD conversion unit 109 using known technology. The demodulation unit 110 is an example of a detection unit that detects tag data based on the radio waves of the wireless tag 600 received by the antenna 300.

[0038] The storage device 111 is a device composed of non-volatile memory for storing data and programs. The storage device 111 is composed of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), but is not limited to these. The storage device 111 is an example of a storage unit.

[0039] The storage device 111 includes a measurement data storage area 1111. The measurement data storage area 1111 stores the measurement data. The measurement data includes a tag dataset for each wireless tag 600. The tag dataset includes multiple tag data at multiple locations on the antenna 300. The tag data is detected by the demodulation unit 110 in accordance with the movement of the antenna 300 along one direction by the drive unit 200. For example, one direction is the horizontal direction. The tag dataset includes multiple position data for the antenna 300. The multiple position data for the antenna 300 is data indicating multiple positions of the antenna 300. The multiple positions of the antenna 300 are multiple positions based on the movement of the antenna 300. Each of the multiple tag data is associated with each of the multiple position data for the antenna 300. Hereafter, the multiple tag data at multiple positions of the antenna 300 may also be referred to as "multiple tag data". In the following, the description will use the example of the antenna 300 moving along one direction, but the mode of movement of the antenna 300 is not limited to this. The mode of movement of the antenna 300 may be various modes, such as rotating and moving along the circumferential direction.

[0040] The multiple positions of the antenna 300 may include positions at regular intervals between position 0, which corresponds to the home position, and position L. The interval between position 0 and position L is the range of movement of the antenna 300 as it moves in one direction. The range of movement of the antenna 300 is an example of the range of movement of the antenna 300 relative to the wireless tag 600. Position 0 is an example of a first point. Position L is an example of a second point. The value of the regular interval can be set as appropriate. Position L can be set as appropriate. Depending on the wireless tag 600, the demodulation unit 110 may detect tag data for all positions at regular intervals between position 0 and position L. Depending on the wireless tag 600, the demodulation unit 110 may only detect tag data for some of the positions at regular intervals between position 0 and position L. The measurement data can be updated. An example of the configuration of the measurement data will be described later.

[0041] Although an example has been described in which the memory device 111 stores measurement data, the explanation is not limited to this. The RAM 103 may also store measurement data. In this case, the RAM 103 is an example of a memory unit.

[0042] The memory device 111 includes a learning data storage area 1112. The training data storage area 1112 stores multiple different training data sets corresponding to the arrangement of the training target within a first range. The training data is data used for machine learning. The training data includes multiple training tag datasets relating to multiple training wireless tags. Multiple training wireless tags include one or more training wireless tags included in the training target. The training target may be an item to which one or more training wireless tags are attached. The training target may also be a housing containing an item to which one or more training wireless tags are attached. The training wireless tag is an example of a wireless tag configured similarly to the wireless tag 600.

[0043] The arrangement of the learning object with respect to the first range includes the learning object being within the first range or not being within the first range. Being within the first range means that the entire learning object is within the first range. Not being within the first range means that part of the learning object is within the first range and the rest of the learning object is not within the first range. For example, the rest of the learning object not being within the first range means that the rest of the learning object is outside both the first and second ranges. If the learning object is not within the first range, the arrangement of the learning object with respect to the first range may include a manner in which the learning object extends beyond the first range. A manner in which the learning object extends beyond the first range may include at least one of the position, direction, and amount by which the learning object extends beyond the first range.

[0044] Multiple training data sets include training data where the training target falls within a first range. Multiple training data sets also include multiple training data sets where the training target falls outside a first range. Multiple training data sets where the training target falls outside a first range are multiple different sets of data depending on how the training target falls outside a first range.

[0045] The training tag dataset is an example of a tag dataset containing multiple training tag data at multiple antenna locations. The multiple antenna locations are examples of the antenna's relative positions to the training radio tags. The training tag data is an example of tag data relating to the training radio tags. The training tag data is detected by a reader based on the radio waves of the training radio tags received by the antenna in response to the antenna's movement along a unidirectional direction by a drive device. For example, the unidirectional direction is the horizontal direction. Moving the antenna is an example of changing the antenna's relative position to the training radio tags. The training tag data includes at least one of the following: training phase data, training Doppler frequency data, and training RSSI data. The training tag dataset includes multiple antenna location data. The multiple antenna location data indicates multiple positions of the antenna. The multiple antenna positions are multiple positions based on the antenna's movement. Each of the multiple training tag data is associated with each of the multiple antenna location data. Note that the antenna movement is not limited to the antenna moving along a unidirectional direction. The antenna may move in various ways, such as by rotating along the circumferential direction.

[0046] A training wireless tag may be a wireless tag within the first range or a wireless tag within the second range. If the training target is within the first range, one or more training wireless tags included in the training target are wireless tags within the first range. If the training target is not within the first range, one or more training wireless tags included in the training target may be a wireless tag within the first range or a wireless tag outside the first range. For example, a wireless tag outside the first range is a wireless tag that is outside both the first and second ranges. Multiple training tag datasets for multiple training wireless tags are an example of multiple training tag data for multiple training wireless tags.

[0047] The reading device may be the same as reading device 100, or it may be a different reading device from reading device 100. The antenna may be the same as antenna 300, or it may be a different antenna from antenna 300. The drive device may be the same as drive device 200, or it may be a different drive device from drive device 200.

[0048] The training data includes multiple ground truth data. The multiple ground truth data are multiple data showing the positional relationship of multiple training wireless tags with respect to a first range. For each training wireless tag, the ground truth data is data showing the positional relationship of the training wireless tag with respect to the first range. The positional relationship of the training wireless tag with respect to the first range is either the training wireless tag is within the first range or the training wireless tag is within the second range. Being within the first range of a training wireless tag includes the training wireless tag being in the first range. Being within the first range of a training wireless tag may also include considering the training wireless tag to be within the first range. Being within the second range of a training wireless tag includes the training wireless tag being in the second range. Being within the second range of a training wireless tag may also include considering the training wireless tag to be within the second range.

[0049] Multiple ground truth data sets include, for training wireless tags within a first range, ground truth data indicating that the training wireless tag is within the first range. Multiple ground truth data sets include, for training wireless tags within a second range, ground truth data indicating that the training wireless tag is within the second range. Multiple ground truth data sets include, for one or more training wireless tags included in the training target, ground truth data indicating that each of the one or more training wireless tags is within the first range. In other words, regardless of whether each of the one or more training wireless tags included in the training target is actually within the first range, the ground truth data indicates that the training wireless tag is within the first range. Therefore, each of the one or more training wireless tags included in the training target is considered to be within the first range, regardless of whether it is actually within the first range or not. Ground truth data is data entered by the user. Training data can be updated.

[0050] The memory device 111 includes a trained model memory area 1113. The trained model memory area 1113 stores multiple trained models. These multiple trained models are models generated by machine learning based on multiple training datasets. The multiple trained models are multiple different models corresponding to the placement of the training target within the first range; the term "generated" includes not only newly created models but also updated models. Each of the multiple trained models is associated with information indicating the placement of the training target within the first range.

[0051] The trained model is used to determine the positional relationship of the wireless tag 600 to a first range. For each wireless tag 600, the trained model outputs determination output data based on the input determination data. The determination input data includes multiple tag data at multiple locations on the antenna 300. The determination output data is data indicating the positional relationship of the wireless tag 600 to the first range. For example, the determination output data may indicate that the wireless tag 600 is within the first range or within the second range.

[0052] Bus 112 includes a control bus, an address bus, and a data bus, etc. Bus 112 transmits signals exchanged between the various parts of the reader 100.

[0053] The hardware configuration of the reading device 100 is not limited to the configuration described above. The reading device 100 may be modified or have its components omitted or changed as appropriate, and new components added as needed.

[0054] The various components implemented by processor 101 will now be described. The processor 101 implements a first determination processing unit 1011, a movement control unit 1012, a communication control unit 1013, an acquisition unit 1014, a second determination processing unit 1015, a notification processing unit 1016, an output unit 1017, and a model processing unit 1018. Each part implemented by the processor 101 can also be called a function. Each part implemented by the processor 101 can also be said to be implemented by a control unit including the processor 101, ROM 102, and RAM 103.

[0055] The first determination processing unit 1011 determines the placement of the object to be measured within a first range based on the measurement of the object by the measuring device 800. Determining the placement of the object to be measured within a first range includes determining whether or not the object to be measured is within the first range. Determining whether or not the object to be measured is within the first range includes determining whether or not the object to be measured is within the first range or not. If the object to be measured is not within the first range, determining the manner in which the object to be measured extends beyond the first range includes determining whether or not at least a part of the object to be measured is within the first range or whether or not the entire object to be measured is not within the first range. At least a part of the object to be measured is within the first range includes the entire object to be measured being within the first range, and a part of the object to be measured being within the first range and the remaining part of the object to be measured being not within the first range.

[0056] The movement control unit 1012 controls the movement of the antenna 300 along one direction by controlling the drive unit 200.

[0057] The communication control unit 1013 controls the start and end of radio wave transmission from the antenna 300.

[0058] The acquisition unit 1014 acquires tag data for each wireless tag 600 based on the radio waves of the wireless tag 600 received by the antenna 300.

[0059] The second determination processing unit 1015 selects one trained model from a plurality of trained models based on the arrangement of the measurement target within the first range determined by the first determination processing unit 1011. The second determination processing unit 1015 determines the positional relationship of the wireless tag 600 within the first range based on a plurality of tag data related to the wireless tag 600.

[0060] The notification processing unit 1016 processes a notification if the first determination processing unit 1011 determines that the entire measurement target is not within the first range. The notification is a notification that the entire measurement target is not within the first range. For example, the notification is a notification prompting the user to rearrange the measurement target so that at least a part of it is included within the first range. The notification may be output by display or by sound.

[0061] The output unit 1017 outputs the determination result to the terminal 400. The determination result pertains to the wireless tag 600 whose positional relationship to the first range has been determined by the second determination processing unit 1015. The determination result includes data indicating the positional relationship of the wireless tag 600 to the first range determined by the second determination processing unit 1015. For example, the determination result includes data indicating that the wireless tag 600 is within the first range or data indicating that the wireless tag 600 is within the second range. The determination result is associated with identification information.

[0062] The model processing unit 1018 generates a trained model.

[0063] Figure 3 shows an example of the data structure of measurement data. The measurement data includes a tag dataset for each wireless tag 600. The tag dataset includes multiple tag data at multiple locations on the antenna 300. The tag dataset includes tag data associated with some or all of the locations a at a fixed interval between location 0 and location L. The tag dataset may also include tag data associated with each location different from the locations a at a fixed interval between location 0 and location L.

[0064] The tag dataset may include multiple phase data points at multiple locations on the antenna 300. The phase value changes as the position of the antenna 300 changes. This is because the distance between the antenna 300 and the radio tag 600 changes as the antenna 300 moves. Since the phase value depends on the distance between the antenna 300 and the radio tag 600, the distribution of the multiple phase data points will differ depending on the position of the radio tag 600.

[0065] The tag dataset may include multiple Doppler frequency data at multiple locations of antenna 300. The Doppler frequency value changes as the position of antenna 300 changes. This is because the Doppler frequency value differs when antenna 300 is close to the wireless tag 600 and when antenna 300 is far from the wireless tag 600. The distribution of the multiple Doppler frequency data differs depending on the position of the wireless tag 600.

[0066] The tag dataset may include multiple RSSI data points at multiple locations on antenna 300. The RSSI value changes as the position of antenna 300 changes. This is because the distance between antenna 300 and the wireless tag 600 changes as antenna 300 moves. Since the RSSI value depends on the distance between antenna 300 and the wireless tag 600, the distribution of multiple RSSI data points will differ depending on the position of the wireless tag 600.

[0067] The drive unit 200 will be explained using Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the drive unit 200. The drive unit 200 includes a processor 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, connection interface 204, drive unit 205, and home position sensor 206. Each part of the drive unit 200 is connected by a bus 208, etc.

[0068] The processor 201 corresponds to the central part of the computer that performs calculations and control processing necessary for the operation of the drive unit 200. The processor 201 loads various programs stored in ROM 202, etc., into RAM 203. A program is a program that causes the processor 201 to perform various processes. The processor 201 performs various processes by executing the programs loaded into RAM 203. The processor 201 is a CPU, MPU, SoC, DSP, GPU, ASIC, PLD, or FPGA, etc. The processor 201 may be a combination of several of these. The processor 201 is an example of a processing circuit.

[0069] ROM202 corresponds to the main memory of a computer centered around processor 201. ROM202 is a non-volatile memory used exclusively for reading data. ROM202 stores the above-mentioned program. ROM202 also stores data or various settings used by processor 201 in performing various processes.

[0070] RAM203 corresponds to the main memory of a computer centered around processor 201. RAM203 is memory used for reading and writing data. RAM203 is a work area that stores data temporarily used by processor 201 when performing various processes.

[0071] The connection interface 204 is an interface for the drive unit 200 to communicate with the reader unit 100.

[0072] The drive unit 205 moves the antenna 300. For example, the drive unit 205 is a stepping motor.

[0073] The home position sensor 206 is a sensor that detects whether or not the antenna 300 is at the starting point. When the drive unit 205 moves the antenna 300 from the first point to the second point, the starting point is the first point and the ending point is the second point. When the drive unit 205 moves the antenna 300 from the second point to the first point, the starting point is the second point and the ending point is the first point.

[0074] Bus 208 includes a control bus, an address bus, and a data bus, etc. Bus 208 transmits signals exchanged between various parts of the drive unit 200.

[0075] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the drive unit 200. The drive unit 200 includes a rotating shaft 211, a rail 212, and a moving stage 213.

[0076] As illustrated in Figure 5, the drive unit 200 and the antenna 300 are located below the counter base 700. The counter base 700 is a platform having a horizontal surface on which the article 500 with the wireless tag 600 attached is placed. The counter base 700 is an example of a mounting section. The counter base 700 may be included in the communication system 1 or the communication device 10.

[0077] The rotating shaft 211 transmits the driving force of the drive unit 205. Screw grooves are formed on the rotating shaft 211 and the rail 212. The screw grooves are opposite each other and connected. Therefore, when the drive unit 205 is driven to rotate, the rotating shaft 211 rotates, and the rail 212 rotates.

[0078] Rail 212 extends in one direction. A mobile stage 213 on which antenna 300 is mounted is attached to rail 212.

[0079] The moving stage 213 is equipped with a ball screw nut, and when the rail 212 rotates due to the ball screw nut, it moves along the rail 212 in one direction. That is, the moving stage 213 moves horizontally along the x-axis as shown in Figure 5. In addition, the moving stage 213 reciprocates along one direction depending on the rotation direction of the rail 212. In this way, the drive device 200 causes the antenna 300 to reciprocate along the rail 212 in one horizontal direction along the x-axis.

[0080] The hardware configuration of the drive unit 200 is not limited to the configuration described above. The drive unit 200 allows for the omission and modification of the above-described components, as well as the addition of new components, as appropriate. For example, the movement mode of the antenna 300 may be various modes, such as moving along a circumferential direction instead of moving along a horizontal direction.

[0081] The first and second scopes will be explained below. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the first range 81 and the second range 82, and is a plan view of the countertop 700 seen from above.

[0082] The first range 81 and the second range 82 are horizontally separated ranges. The first range 81 is the range set in the central part of the horizontal plane of the counter base 700. The second range 82 is the range set in the outer perimeter of the horizontal plane of the counter base 700 and the range set horizontally outside the counter base 700. The second range 82 is set to surround the first range 81. In Figure 6, the second range 82 is set with a gap between it and the first range 81, without being adjacent to it.

[0083] The settings of the first range 81 and the second range 82 are not limited to these. The first range 81 may be a range set in the central part of the horizontal plane of the counter base 700, and the second range 82 may be a range set in the outer periphery of the horizontal plane of the counter base 700. The first range 81 may be a range set across the entire horizontal plane of the counter base 700, and the second range 82 may be a range set horizontally outside the counter base 700. The second range 82 is not limited to a range set to surround the first range 81.

[0084] Referring to Figure 6, the positional relationship between the first range and the range of movement of the antenna 300 will be explained. As illustrated below, the first range is opposite to part or all of the range of movement of the antenna 300. The x-axis is the direction of movement of the antenna 300. The direction of movement of the antenna 300 is an example of the direction of movement of the relative position of the antenna 300 with respect to the wireless tag 600. The z-axis is the direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the antenna 300. The range of movement of the antenna 300 is between a first point xa and a second point xb along the x-axis. The first point xa is a position that does not face the first range on the z-axis and is outside one end of the first range along the x-axis. The second point xb is a position that does not face the first range on the z-axis and is outside the other end of the first range along the x-axis. The first range is opposite to part of the range of movement of the antenna 300 on the z-axis. Either the first point xa or the second point xb may be a position on the z-axis that does not face the first range, while the other may be a position on the z-axis that faces the first range. In this case, the first range faces a portion of the movement range of the antenna 300 in the direction along the z-axis. Both the first point xa and the second point xb may be positions on the z-axis that face the first range. In this case, the first range faces the entire movement range of the antenna 300 on the z-axis.

[0085] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of terminal 400. Terminal 400 includes a processor 401, ROM 402, RAM 403, connection interface 404, storage device 405, input device 406, display device 407, and audio output device 408. Each component of terminal 400 is connected by a bus 409, etc. The configuration of processor 401 may be the same as that of processor 101. The configuration of ROM 402 may be the same as that of ROM 102. The configuration of RAM 403 may be the same as that of RAM 103. The connection interface 404 is an interface for terminal 400 to communicate with the reader 100. The configuration of storage device 405 may be the same as that of storage device 111.

[0086] The input device 406 is a device that can receive instructions based on user operation. The input device 406 may include pressable buttons. The input device 406 may also include a touch panel integrated with the display device 407.

[0087] The display device 407 is a device capable of displaying various images. The display device 407 is a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescent (EL) display, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0088] The audio output device 408 is a device capable of outputting sound. The audio output device 408 is a speaker, but is not limited to these.

[0089] (Example of operation) The processing in communication system 1 will be explained. The processing procedure described below is merely an example, and each process may be modified as much as possible. Furthermore, depending on the embodiment, steps in the processing procedure described below may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate.

[0090] The determination process performed by the processor 101 of the reading device 100 will now be described. The determination process is a process that determines the positional relationship of the wireless tag 600 with respect to a first range.

[0091] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the determination process performed by the processor 101 of the reading device 100. For example, the counter 700 may contain an object to be measured. The second range may also contain items 500 that do not need to be processed by the communication system 1.

[0092] The processor 101 of the reading device 100 may start the determination process based on the acquisition of a determination process start instruction entered by the user at the terminal 400.

[0093] Here, the starting point is the first point, and the ending point is the second point. Therefore, the drive unit 205 moves the antenna 300 in one direction from the first point to the second point.

[0094] The movement control unit 1012 determines whether or not the antenna 300 is present at the starting point (ACT1). If the antenna 300 is not present at the starting point (ACT1, NO), the process transitions from ACT1 to ACT2. If the antenna 300 is present at the starting point (ACT1, YES), the process transitions from ACT1 to ACT3.

[0095] The movement control unit 1012 controls the antenna 300 to move to the starting point (ACT2). In ACT2, for example, the movement control unit 1012 transmits a movement instruction to the drive unit 200 to move to the starting point. The movement instruction to the starting point is an instruction to move the antenna 300 to the starting point. The processor 201 of the drive unit 200 receives the movement instruction to the starting point from the reader 100. Based on the movement instruction to the starting point, the processor 201 controls the drive unit 205 to move the antenna 300 to the starting point. Based on the control by the processor 201, the drive unit 205 moves the antenna 300 to the starting point.

[0096] The first determination processing unit 1011 determines the placement of the object to be measured within a first range based on the measurement of the object by the measuring device 800 (ACT3). In ACT3, for example, the first determination processing unit 1011 obtains the measurement result from the measuring device 800. The first determination processing unit 1011 detects the range of the object to be measured based on the measurement result. For example, the range of the object to be measured is the range on the counter stand 700 on which the object to be measured is placed. The range of the measurement result may be a two-dimensional range of the part of the object to be measured that is in contact with the counter stand 700, or a three-dimensional range of the entire object to be measured. The first determination processing unit 1011 compares the detected range of the object to be measured with the first range set on the counter stand 700. Based on the comparison, the first determination processing unit 1011 determines the placement of the object to be measured within the first range.

[0097] If the first determination processing unit 1011 determines that the entire measurement target is not within the first range (ACT4, NO), the process transitions from ACT4 to ACT5. If the first determination processing unit 1011 determines that at least a part of the measurement target is within the first range (ACT4, YES), the process transitions from ACT4 to ACT6.

[0098] The notification processing unit 1016 processes the notification (ACT5). In ACT5, for example, the notification processing unit 1016 outputs notification information to the terminal 400 via the second connection interface 105. The notification information is information that causes the terminal 400 to output the notification. The notification information may also include information indicating the content of the notification. The processor 401 of the terminal 400 processes the output of the notification based on the notification information. The processor 401 may process the notification so that the image is displayed on the display device 407. The processor 401 may also process the notification so that the audio is output from the audio output device 408. Note that if the reader 100 includes one or both of the display device and the audio output device, the notification processing unit 1016 does not need to output notification information to the terminal 400. In this example, the notification processing unit 1016 may process the notification so that the image is displayed on the display device. The notification processing unit 1016 may also process the notification so that the audio is output from the audio output device.

[0099] The second decision processing unit 1015 selects one trained model from multiple trained models based on the arrangement of the object to be measured in the first range (ACT6). In ACT6, for example, the second decision processing unit 1015 compares the arrangement of the object to be measured in the first range with information indicating the arrangement of the object to be learned in the first range for multiple trained models. Based on the comparison, the second decision processing unit 1015 may search for the arrangement of the object to be learned in the first range that is most similar to the arrangement of the object to be measured in the first range. The second decision processing unit 1015 selects one trained model associated with the information indicating the arrangement of the object to be learned in the first range that was found.

[0100] If the measurement target is within the first range, the second determination processing unit 1015 selects a trained model based on training data in which the training target is within the first range. This allows the second determination processing unit 1015 to determine that each of the one or more wireless tags 600 included in the measurement target is within the first range. If the measurement target is not within the first range, the second determination processing unit 1015 selects a trained model based on training data corresponding to the manner in which the training target falls outside the first range. The manner in which the training target falls outside the first range is the manner most similar to the manner in which the measurement target falls outside the first range. This allows the second determination processing unit 1015 to determine that each of the one or more wireless tags 600 included in the measurement target is within the first range. In other words, the second determination processing unit 1015 can determine that even the wireless tags 600 that are not within the first range among the one or more wireless tags 600 included in the measurement target are within the first range.

[0101] The movement control unit 1012 controls the movement of the antenna 300 (ACT7). In ACT7, for example, the movement control unit 1012 controls the antenna 300 to move in one direction from the starting point to the ending point. The movement control unit 1012 transmits a movement instruction to the drive unit 200 to move to the ending point. The movement instruction to move to the ending point is an instruction to move the antenna 300 from the starting point to the ending point. The processor 201 of the drive unit 200 receives the movement instruction to the ending point from the reader 100. Based on the movement instruction to the ending point, the processor 201 controls the drive unit 205 to move the antenna 300 in one direction from the starting point to the ending point. Based on the control by the processor 201, the drive unit 205 moves the antenna 300 in one direction from the starting point to the ending point.

[0102] The communication control unit 1013 controls the start of radio wave transmission from the antenna 300 (ACT8). In ACT8, for example, the communication control unit 1013 controls the start of radio wave transmission from the antenna 300 based on the start of movement of the antenna 300 from the starting point. The communication control unit 1013 may also control the start of radio wave transmission from the antenna 300 based on a movement start notification from the drive unit 200. The movement start notification may indicate that the antenna 300 has started moving from the starting point. The antenna 300 starts transmitting radio waves to read the identification information stored in the radio tag 600.

[0103] The acquisition unit 1014 acquires tag data for each wireless tag 600 (ACT9). In ACT9, for example, the acquisition unit 1014 acquires tag data detected by the demodulation unit 110 for each wireless tag 600. If the acquisition unit 1014 acquires tag data (ACT9, YES), the process transitions from ACT9 to ACT10. If the acquisition unit 1014 does not acquire tag data (ACT9, NO), the process transitions from ACT9 to ACT11.

[0104] Based on the acquisition of tag data, the acquisition unit 1014 stores the tag data in the measurement data storage area 1111 as data that constitutes the measurement data (ACT10).

[0105] The communication control unit 1013 determines whether the movement of the antenna 300 has finished (ACT11). In ACT11, for example, the communication control unit 1013 determines whether the movement of the antenna 300 from the starting point to the ending point has finished. The communication control unit 1013 may also determine that the movement of the antenna 300 has finished based on a movement completion notification from the drive unit 200. The movement completion notification may indicate that the movement of the antenna 300 has finished upon reaching the ending point. If the movement of the antenna 300 has finished (ACT11, YES), the process transitions from ACT11 to ACT12. If the movement of the antenna 300 has not finished (ACT11, NO), the process transitions from ACT11 to ACT9.

[0106] The acquisition unit 1014 repeats the processing of ACT9 and ACT10 from the time the antenna 300 starts moving at the starting point until it finishes moving at the ending point.

[0107] In ACT9, the acquisition unit 1014 acquires multiple tag data detected by the demodulation unit 110 at multiple locations on the antenna 300 for each wireless tag 600. For example, the acquisition unit 1014 can acquire multiple phase data, Doppler frequency data, or RSSI data detected by the demodulation unit 110 at multiple locations on the antenna 300 for each wireless tag 600.

[0108] In ACT10, the acquisition unit 1014 stores multiple tag data at multiple locations on the antenna 300 for each wireless tag 600 in the measurement data storage area 1111. For example, the acquisition unit 1014 can store multiple phase data, Doppler frequency data, or RSSI data at multiple locations on the antenna 300 in the measurement data storage area 1111 for each wireless tag 600.

[0109] The communication control unit 1013 controls the termination of radio wave transmission from the antenna 300 (ACT12). In ACT12, for example, the communication control unit 1013 controls the termination of radio wave transmission from the antenna 300 based on the termination of movement of the antenna 300. The termination of movement of the antenna 300 is the termination of movement of the antenna 300 along one direction from the starting point to the ending point. The antenna 300 terminates radio wave transmission for reading the identification information stored in the wireless tag 600.

[0110] The second determination processing unit 1015 selects one wireless tag to be determined (ACT13). In ACT13, for example, the second determination processing unit 1015 selects one wireless tag 600 as the wireless tag to be determined from one or more wireless tags 600 whose tag dataset is stored in the measurement data storage area 1111. The second determination processing unit 1015 executes the processes of ACT14 to ACT16 for the wireless tag 600 selected as the wireless tag to be determined. Based on the processes of ACT14 and ACT15, the second determination processing unit 1015 determines the positional relationship of the wireless tag 600 with respect to the first range, based on multiple tag data relating to the wireless tag 600 selected as the wireless tag to be determined.

[0111] The second determination processing unit 1015 inputs determination input data to one of several trained models or a selected trained model according to the arrangement of the measurement target within the first range (ACT14). In ACT14, for example, the second determination processing unit 1015 acquires determination input data for the wireless tag 600 selected as the wireless tag to be determined, based on the measurement data stored in the measurement data storage area 1111. The second determination processing unit 1015 inputs the acquired determination input data to the trained model.

[0112] The second determination processing unit 1015 acquires determination output data (ACT15) from the trained model based on the input of determination input data to the trained model. Acquiring determination output data is an example of determining the positional relationship of the wireless tag 600 with respect to the first range based on the determination output data. Determining the positional relationship of the wireless tag 600 with respect to the first range based on the determination output data is an example of determining the positional relationship of the wireless tag 600 with respect to the first range based on multiple tag data related to the wireless tag 600.

[0113] The output unit 1017 outputs the determination result for the wireless tag 600 to the terminal 400 via the second connection interface 105 (ACT16). The output unit 1017 also outputs the identification information stored in the wireless tag 600 read by the reader 100 to the terminal 400 via the second connection interface 105. The determination result is associated with the identification information.

[0114] Terminal 400 may change whether or not to treat the item 500 with the wireless tag 600 attached as a processing target, depending on the determination result for the wireless tag 600. If the second determination processing unit 1015 determines that the wireless tag 600 is within the first range, terminal 400 treats the item 500 with the wireless tag 600 attached as a processing target. Treating the item 500 with the wireless tag 600 attached as a processing target includes treating the wireless tag 600 or the identification information stored in the wireless tag 600 as a processing target. If the second determination processing unit 1015 determines that the wireless tag 600 is within the second range, terminal 400 does not treat the item 500 with the wireless tag 600 attached as a processing target. Not treating the item 500 with the wireless tag 600 attached as a processing target includes not treating the wireless tag 600 or the identification information stored in the wireless tag 600 as a processing target.

[0115] The second determination processing unit 1015 determines whether or not all wireless tags 600 have been selected as the wireless tags to be determined (ACT17). In ACT17, for example, the second determination processing unit 1015 determines whether or not all wireless tags 600 whose tag dataset is stored in the measurement data storage area 1111 have been selected.

[0116] If the second determination processing unit 1015 selects all wireless tags 600 as the wireless tags to be determined (ACT17, YES), the process ends. If the second determination processing unit 1015 does not select all wireless tags 600 as the wireless tags to be determined (ACT17, NO), the process transitions from ACT17 to ACT13.

[0117] In this way, the reader 100 can determine that all wireless tags 600 attached to one or more articles 500 that need to be processed in the communication system 1 are within the first range. The reader 100 can also determine that wireless tags 600 attached to articles 500 that are in a second range that do not need to be processed in the communication system 1 are within the second range.

[0118] This section describes multiple phase data related to the wireless tag 600, depending on its position.

[0119] Figure 9 shows the location of the wireless tag 600. Area (A) is within the first range 81. Area (A) contains five wireless tags 600 arranged at different positions along the x-axis. Area (B) is within the second range 82. Area (B) is opposite to Area (A) on the y-axis. Area (B) contains five wireless tags 600 arranged at different positions along the x-axis. Area (C) is within the second range 82. Area (C) is opposite to Area (A) on the x-axis. Area (C) contains five wireless tags 600 arranged at different positions along the x-axis.

[0120] Figure 10 shows an example of multiple phase data for five radio tags 600 placed in area (A) within the first range 81. The horizontal axis shows the position of antenna 300 along the x-axis. The vertical axis shows the phase value. The graph shows multiple phase values ​​for each of the five radio tags 600 between the first point (0 mm) and the second point (600 mm). Focusing on any one of the five radio tags 600 placed in area (A), the phase value changes as the position of antenna 300 changes. Focusing on any one position, even at the same antenna 300 position, the phase values ​​for each of the five radio tags 600 placed in area (A) are different.

[0121] Figure 11 shows an example of multiple phase data related to a wireless tag 600 placed in area (B) within the second range 82. The horizontal axis shows the position of antenna 300 along the x-axis. The vertical axis shows the phase value. The graph shows multiple phase values ​​for each of the five radio tags 600 between the first point (0 mm) and the second point (600 mm). Focusing on any one of the five radio tags 600 placed in area (B), the phase value changes as the position of antenna 300 changes. Focusing on any one position, even at the same antenna 300 position, the phase values ​​for each of the five radio tags 600 placed in area (B) are different.

[0122] Figure 12 shows another example of multiple phase data related to a wireless tag 600 placed in area (C) within the second range 82. The horizontal axis shows the position of antenna 300 along the x-axis. The vertical axis shows the phase value. The graph shows multiple phase values ​​for each of the five radio tags 600 between the first point (0 mm) and the second point (600 mm). Focusing on any one of the five radio tags 600 placed in area (C), the phase value changes as the position of antenna 300 changes. Focusing on any one position, even at the same antenna 300 position, the phase values ​​for each of the five radio tags 600 placed in area (C) are different.

[0123] As illustrated in Figures 10 to 12, the distribution of multiple phase data related to the wireless tag 600 differs within the first range 81 and within the second range 82. The distribution of multiple phase data related to the wireless tag 600 also differs depending on the position of the wireless tag 600, even within the first range 81. The distribution of multiple phase data related to the wireless tag 600 also differs depending on the position of the wireless tag 600, even within the second range 82.

[0124] Figure 13 shows an example of the arrangement of the measurement target 83 within the first range 81. Here, it is assumed that a portion of the measurement target 83 is positioned outside the first range 81 along the y-axis. When the measurement target 83 extends outside the first range 81, the wireless tags 600 included in the measurement target 83 may also extend outside the first range 81. Here, it is assumed that the wireless tags 600 included in the measurement target 83 extend outside the first range 81 along the y-axis. The distribution of multiple phase data related to the wireless tags 600 that extend outside the first range 81 may be more similar to the distribution in the second range 82 illustrated in Figure 11 than to the distribution in the first range 81 illustrated in Figure 10.

[0125] Here, as a comparative example, the second determination processing unit 1015 uses a trained model based on training data in which the training target is within the first range 81. In this case, the second determination processing unit 1015 may determine that a wireless tag 600 that extends beyond the first range 81 is within the second range 82. To avoid such determinations, the second determination processing unit 1015 selects a trained model based on the arrangement of the measurement target 83 within the first range 81. For example, the second determination processing unit 1015 selects a trained model that corresponds to the arrangement of the training target within the first range 81 that is most similar to the arrangement of the measurement target 83 within the first range 81. In this case, the second determination processing unit 1015 can determine that a wireless tag 600 included in the measurement target 83 that extends beyond the first range 81 is within the first range 81. Therefore, even if one or more wireless tags 600 included in the measurement target 83 are not actually within the first range 81, they are still considered to be within the first range 81.

[0126] This section describes the process of generating a trained model by the processor 101 of the reading device 100. The trained model generation process is the process of generating a trained model. Here, we will describe an example of generating any one of several trained models, but the process is similar for generating other trained models.

[0127] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the process by which the processor 101 of the reading device 100 generates a trained model. The model processing unit 1018 may start the process of generating a trained model at any time and create a new trained model. The model processing unit 1018 may also start the process of generating a trained model at any time and update the trained model.

[0128] The model processing unit 1018 acquires training data (ACT21). In ACT21, for example, the model processing unit 1018 acquires training data from the training data storage area 1112.

[0129] The model processing unit 1018 generates a trained model (ACT22) using machine learning based on the training data. In ACT22, for example, the model processing unit 1018 learns the training data using machine learning. The model processing unit 1018 estimates the relationship between multiple training tag data for training wireless tags at multiple positions on the antenna and ground truth data showing the positional relationship of the training wireless tags to a first range. Based on the estimation, the model processing unit 1018 generates a trained model. Machine learning is, but is not limited to, neural networks.

[0130] Multiple training phase data points vary depending on the distance between the antenna and the training wireless tag. The distribution of multiple training phase data points differs depending on the position of the training wireless tag. A certain correlation may exist between multiple training phase data points at multiple antenna positions and the position of the training wireless tag. Multiple training Doppler frequency data points differ depending on whether the antenna is approaching or moving away from the training wireless tag. The distribution of multiple training Doppler frequency data points differs depending on the position of the training wireless tag. A certain correlation may exist between multiple training Doppler frequency data points at multiple antenna positions and the position of the training wireless tag. Multiple training RSSI data points vary depending on the distance between the antenna and the training wireless tag. The distribution of multiple training RSSI data points differs depending on the position of the training wireless tag. A certain correlation may exist between multiple training RSSI data points at multiple antenna positions and the position of the training wireless tag. Thus, a certain correlation may exist between multiple training tag data points at multiple antenna positions and the position of the training wireless tag.

[0131] The model processing unit 1018 saves the generated trained model to the trained model memory area 1113 (step S23).

[0132] The generation of the trained model may be achieved by a device other than the reader 100.

[0133] (modified version) A modified example of communication system 1 will be described. Figure 15 is a block diagram showing a modified example of communication system 1. In this modified version, the communication device 10 includes an inference device 900, which is a device capable of performing processing on a trained model. The reader device 100 includes a third connection interface for the reader device 100 to communicate with the inference device 900.

[0134] Figure 16 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the inference device 900. The inference device 900 includes a processor 901, a ROM 902, a RAM 903, a connection interface 904, and a storage device 905. Each component of the inference device 900 is connected by a bus 906, etc. The configuration of the processor 901 may be the same as that of the processor 101. The configuration of the ROM 902 may be the same as that of the ROM 102. The configuration of the RAM 903 may be the same as that of the RAM 103. The connection interface 904 is an interface for the inference device 900 to communicate with the reader 100. The configuration of the storage device 905 may be the same as that of the storage device 111.

[0135] The memory device 905 stores multiple different training data corresponding to the arrangement of the learning target within the first range described above. The memory device 905 also stores multiple different trained models corresponding to the arrangement of the learning target within the first range described above. Each of the trained models is associated with information indicating the arrangement of the learning target within the first range. The processor 901 selects one trained model from a plurality of trained models based on the arrangement of the measurement target within a first range determined by the first determination processing unit 1011 of the reading device 100. The processor 901 inputs determination input data for each wireless tag 600 to the trained model selected from the plurality of trained models according to the arrangement of the measurement target within the first range. For each wireless tag 600, the processor 901 obtains determination output data output from the trained model based on the input of determination input data to the trained model. The processor 901 generates a trained model through machine learning based on the training data.

[0136] An example of the operation of the reading device 100 and the inference device 900 in a modified example will be described. The second determination processing unit 1015 of the reading device 100 transmits information indicating the placement of the object to be measured within the first range determined by the first determination processing unit 1011 to the inference device 900 via the third connection interface. The processor 901 of the inference device 900 selects one trained model from a plurality of trained models based on the placement of the object to be measured within the first range. The trained model selection process by the processor 901 may be the same as the trained model selection process by the second determination processing unit 1015 described above.

[0137] The second determination processing unit 1015 of the reader device 100 transmits a tag dataset for each wireless tag 600 to the inference device 900 via the third connection interface. The processor 901 of the inference device 900 receives the tag dataset for each wireless tag 600 from the reader device 100 via the connection interface 904. For each wireless tag 600, the processor 901 inputs determination input data to a trained model selected according to the arrangement of the measurement target in the first range, based on the tag dataset. For each wireless tag 600, the processor 901 acquires determination output data output from the trained model based on the input of determination input data to the trained model. The processor 901 transmits the determination output data for each wireless tag 600 to the reader device 100 via the third connection interface. The second determination processing unit 1015 of the reader device 100 receives the determination output data for each wireless tag 600 from the inference device 900 via the third connection interface. Receiving output data for judgment is one example of obtaining output data for judgment.

[0138] (effect) The communication device 10 determines the placement of the object to be measured within a first range based on measurements of the object, including one or more wireless tags 600, by the measurement device 800. The communication device 10 determines the positional relationship of the wireless tags 600 within the first range using a trained model selected according to the placement of the object to be measured within the first range. If the object to be measured extends beyond the first range, the wireless tag 600 included in the object to be measured may also extend beyond the first range. The distribution of multiple phase data related to the wireless tag 600 that extends beyond the first range may be more similar to the distribution in the second range than to the distribution in the first range. When a wireless tag 600 that should have been placed within the first range extends beyond the first range, the communication device 10 can determine that this wireless tag 600 is within the first range. Therefore, the communication device 10 can avoid determining that this wireless tag 600 is within the second range. This allows the communication device 10 to improve the accuracy of determining the positional relationship of the wireless tag 600 with respect to the first range.

[0139] Multiple pre-trained models are multiple different models, each corresponding to the arrangement of the learning target within the first range. The communication device 10 can select a trained model corresponding to the arrangement of the training target in the first range, which corresponds to the arrangement of the measurement target in the first range. The communication device 10 can determine that for each of the one or more wireless tags 600 included in the measurement target, the wireless tag 600 is within the first range.

[0140] The aforementioned set of training data includes a set of ground truth data. The set of ground truth data includes ground truth data indicating that each of the one or more wireless tags included in the training target is within the first range, regardless of whether the training target is within the first range or not. Multiple trained models are capable of determining whether each of the one or more wireless tags 600 included in the measurement target is within the first range, regardless of the arrangement of the measurement target within the first range.

[0141] The items to be measured are each of the 500 items to which one or more wireless tags 600 are attached. The user may place the item 500 directly on the counter 700, which has a first range set. Even in such a case, the communication device 10 can select a learned model corresponding to the placement of the item within the first range.

[0142] The object to be measured is a housing containing items 500, each of which is fitted with one or more wireless tags 600. The user may place the enclosure containing the item 500 on a counter stand 700 with a first range set. Even in such a case, the communication device 10 can select a learned model corresponding to the placement of the enclosure within the first range.

[0143] (Note) The embodiment can be expressed as follows: (1) A first determination processing unit that determines the placement of an object within a predetermined range based on measurements of an object including one or more wireless tags by a measurement unit, A movement control unit that controls the movement of the relative position of the antenna with respect to the aforementioned object, An acquisition unit that acquires multiple tag data relating to the wireless tag at multiple relative positions of the antenna based on the radio waves of the wireless tag received by the antenna, A second determination processing unit determines the positional relationship of the wireless tag to the predetermined range based on data output from the trained model, which is selected from a plurality of trained models according to the arrangement of the target, by inputting a plurality of tag data relating to the wireless tag to the trained model according to the arrangement of the target, A communication device equipped with the following features. (2) The communication device according to (1), wherein the plurality of trained models are a plurality of different models corresponding to the arrangement of a learning target including one or more learning wireless tags within the predetermined range. (3) The aforementioned multiple trained models are models generated by machine learning based on multiple training data, The plurality of learning data includes a plurality of tag data relating to a plurality of learning wireless tags, including one or more learning wireless tags, and a plurality of data indicating the positional relationship of the plurality of learning wireless tags with respect to a predetermined range. The plurality of data indicating the positional relationship of the plurality of learning wireless tags with respect to the predetermined range includes data indicating that each of the one or more learning target wireless tags is within the predetermined range, regardless of whether the learning target is within the predetermined range or not. (2) The communication device described above. (4) The communication device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the predetermined range is opposite to a part or all of the range of movement of the relative position of the antenna. (5) The object is an article to which each of the one or more wireless tags is attached, the communication device described in any of (1) to (4). (6) The communication device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the object is a housing containing an article to which each of the one or more wireless tags is attached. (7) To the computer, A function that determines the placement of an object within a predetermined range based on measurements of the object, which includes one or more wireless tags, by the measurement unit, A function to control the movement of the relative position of the antenna with respect to the aforementioned target, A function to acquire multiple tag data related to the wireless tag at multiple relative positions of the antenna based on the radio waves of the wireless tag received by the antenna, A function to determine the positional relationship of the wireless tag with respect to a predetermined range based on data output from a trained model selected from a plurality of trained models according to the arrangement of the target, by inputting a plurality of tag data related to the wireless tag into the trained model, A program to make it executable.

[0144] (Other embodiments) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the drive device 200 moves the antenna 300, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The position of the antenna 300 may be fixed, and the drive device 200 may be a device that moves the wireless tag 600. In this embodiment, the drive device 200 may move the stage on which the wireless tag 600 is placed. The stage on which the wireless tag 600 is placed is not limited to a stage that moves in one direction. The stage on which the wireless tag 600 is placed may be a stage with various modes of movement, such as a rotating stage. Moving the wireless tag 600 is an example of moving the relative position of the antenna 300 with respect to the wireless tag 600. The position of the antenna 300 is an example of the relative position of the antenna 300 with respect to the wireless tag 600. Note that the drive device 200 may be a device that moves both the antenna 300 and the wireless tag 600. Moving both the antenna 300 and the wireless tag 600 is an example of moving the relative position of the antenna 300 with respect to the wireless tag 600. The position of antenna 300 is an example of the relative position of antenna 300 to the wireless tag 600.

[0145] The communication device may be implemented using multiple devices as described in the example above, or it may be implemented using a single device that integrates the functions of multiple devices. The reading device, driving device, antenna, and measuring device may be implemented using a single device that integrates their functions. The reading device may be implemented using multiple devices with distributed functions.

[0146] The embodiments described above may apply not only to the apparatus but also to the methods performed by the apparatus. The embodiments described above may apply to a program that can cause the computer of the apparatus to perform each function. The embodiments described above may apply to a recording medium that stores the program.

[0147] The program may be transferred while stored in the device, or it may be transferred without being stored in the device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or it may be transferred while recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-temporary tangible medium. The recording medium is a computer-readable medium. The recording medium can be any medium that is capable of storing a program and is readable by a computer, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, and its form is not limited.

[0148] 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]

[0149] 1...Communication system, 10...Communication device, 81...First range, 82...Second range, 83...Measurement target, 100...Reading device, 101...Processor, 102...ROM, 103...RAM, 104...First connection interface, 105...Second connection interface, 106...High frequency front end section, 107...Digital amplitude modulation section, 108...DA conversion section, 109...AD conversion section, 110...Demodulation section, 111...Storage device, 112...Bus, 200...Drive unit, 201...Processor, 202...ROM, 203...RAM, 204...Connection interface, 205...Drive unit, 206...Home position sensor, 208...Bus, 211...Rotation axis, 212...Rail, 213...Moving stage, 300...Antenna, 400...Terminal, 401...Processor, 4 02...ROM, 403...RAM, 404...Connection interface, 405...Storage device, 406...Input device, 407...Display device, 408...Audio output device, 409...Bus, 500...Item, 600...Wireless tag, 700...Counter stand, 800...Measurement device, 900...Inference device, 901...Processor, 902...ROM, 903...RAM, 904...Connection interface, 905...Storage device, 906...Bus, 1011...First judgment processing unit, 1012...Movement control unit, 1013...Communication control unit, 1014...Acquisition unit, 1015...Second judgment processing unit, 1016...Notification processing unit, 1017...Output unit, 1018...Model processing unit, 1111...Measurement data storage area, 1112...Training data storage area, 1113...Trained model storage area.

Claims

1. A first determination processing unit that determines the placement of an object within a predetermined range based on measurements of the object, which includes one or more wireless tags, by a measurement unit, A movement control unit that controls the movement of the relative position of the antenna with respect to the aforementioned object, An acquisition unit that acquires multiple tag data relating to the wireless tag at multiple relative positions of the antenna based on the radio waves of the wireless tag received by the antenna, A second determination processing unit determines the positional relationship of the wireless tag to the predetermined range based on data output from the trained model, which is selected from a plurality of trained models according to the arrangement of the target, by inputting a plurality of tag data relating to the wireless tag to the trained model according to the arrangement of the target, A communication device equipped with the following features.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of trained models are a plurality of different models corresponding to the arrangement of a learning target, which includes one or more learning wireless tags within the predetermined range.

3. The aforementioned multiple trained models are models generated by machine learning based on multiple training datasets. The plurality of learning data includes a plurality of tag data relating to a plurality of learning wireless tags, including one or more learning wireless tags, and a plurality of data indicating the positional relationship of the plurality of learning wireless tags with respect to a predetermined range. The plurality of data indicating the positional relationship of the plurality of learning wireless tags with respect to the predetermined range includes data indicating that each of the one or more learning target wireless tags is within the predetermined range, regardless of whether the learning target is within the predetermined range or not. The communication device according to claim 2.

4. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined range is opposite to a part or all of the range of movement of the relative position of the antenna.

5. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the object is an article to which each of the one or more wireless tags is attached or a housing containing the article.

6. On the computer, A function that determines the placement of an object within a predetermined range based on measurements of the object, which includes one or more wireless tags, by the measurement unit, A function to control the movement of the relative position of the antenna with respect to the aforementioned target, A function to acquire multiple tag data related to the wireless tag at multiple relative positions of the antenna based on the radio waves of the wireless tag received by the antenna, A function to determine the positional relationship of the wireless tag with respect to a predetermined range based on data output from a trained model selected from a plurality of trained models according to the arrangement of the target, by inputting multiple tag data related to the wireless tag into the trained model, A program to make it executable.

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