Wireless tag writing device and wireless tag reading device

Abstract

To provide a wireless tag writing device and a wireless tag reading device that can deal with wireless tags suitable for article management.SOLUTION: A wireless tag writing device comprises: receiving means that receives input of management information that is formed of the combination of the alphabet and numbers and that is related to management of articles; conversion means that converts character strings forming the management information according to a predetermined character code system and outputs binary number character strings; generation means that generates tag data including the binary number character strings; and writing means that writes the tag data in wireless tags.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a wireless tag writing device and a wireless tag reading device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a wireless tag is attached to an article to be managed, and inventory management and the like are performed by reading data stored in the wireless tag. For reading such a wireless tag, a reader / writer device using short-range wireless communication such as RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) is used.

[0003] By the way, in an actual field, there are cases where articles are managed by assigning a management number issued by a user. In this case, by separately preparing a data file associating the management number with the information stored in the wireless tag, it is possible to specify the management number corresponding to the article of the read wireless tag.

[0004] However, in the conventional management method, when managing articles using a management number, it is necessary to create the above-described data file, which is troublesome. Further, in the generally used wireless tag code system, the characters that can be written are limited, so the expressible character strings are limited, and using such a character string as a management number is inconvenient from the viewpoint of convenience.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a wireless tag writing device and a wireless tag reading device capable of handling a wireless tag suitable for article management.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The wireless tag writing device according to the embodiment includes a reception unit and a conversion unit, means of issuance,It comprises a generation means and a writing means. The receiving means receives input of management information related to the management of items, which consists of a combination of letters and numbers. The conversion means converts the string constituting the management information using a predetermined character code system. Number of bits in the first bit Outputs a binary string. The issuing means issues serial codes for the number of items owned, based on the number of items owned that are managed under the same management information. The generation means is the binary string and the aforementioned serial code and The system generates tag data that includes the following. The writing means writes the tag data to the wireless tag. Furthermore, the generation means generates the tag data by storing the binary string in the bit sequence of the first number of bits reserved for the binary string, out of a bit sequence of the second number of bits which is greater than the first number of bits that constitute the tag data, and storing the serial code in the remaining bit sequence. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of an item management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the external appearance of a wireless tag reader / writer device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a wireless tag reader / writer device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device according to the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the data structure of the item management table according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the data structure of an item management master according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a mobile terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of the functional configuration of a wireless tag reader / writer device and information processing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of the data structure of tag data generated by the writing processing unit of the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of a GUI displayed on the display unit of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 11]Figure 11 shows an example of the functional configuration of a wireless tag reader / writer device and a mobile terminal according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of a GUI displayed on the display unit of a mobile terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows an example of a GUI displayed on the display unit of a mobile terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows an example of a GUI displayed on the display unit of a mobile terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows an example of a GUI displayed on the display unit of a mobile terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows an example of a GUI displayed on the display unit of a mobile terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the wireless tag issuance process performed by the information processing device of the embodiment. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing an example of an inventory process performed by the mobile terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the search process performed by the mobile terminal of the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The following description will refer to the drawings and explain the wireless tag writing device and wireless tag reading device according to the embodiments. In this embodiment, an example of application to an item management system for managing items used in warehouses, factories, and other sites will be described. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0009] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of an item management system according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the item management system 1 includes a wireless tag reader / writer device 10, an information processing device 20, and a mobile terminal 30.

[0010] The wireless tag reader / writer device 10 is a reader / writer device capable of non-contact writing of data (hereinafter also referred to as tag data) to and reading of tag data from a wireless tag TG. The wireless tag TG is a passive wireless tag such as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag.

[0011] In this embodiment, the wireless tags TG are attached to each of the articles G, and the tag data is stored in a storage medium not shown. The tag data includes a management number code and a serial code described later, which are written by an information processing device 20 described later.

[0012] In this embodiment, when writing to the wireless tag TG, the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 is connected to the information processing device 20 and functions as a wireless tag writing device together with the wireless tag reader / writer device 10. Also, when reading the wireless tag TG, the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 is connected to the mobile terminal 30 and functions as a wireless tag reading device together with the wireless tag reader / writer device 10. When the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 reads tag data from the wireless tag TG, it outputs the read tag data to the mobile terminal 30.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the wireless tag reader / writer device 10. FIG. 2(a) shows the state as viewed from the front side (the side facing the article G), and FIG. 2(b) shows the state as viewed from the back side (the side facing the operator). The wireless tag reader / writer device 10 of this embodiment is a handy type wireless tag reader / writer device as exemplified in FIG. 2 and can be carried by an operator. When carrying it, the operator can use the handle 17 provided on the back of the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 as a handhold. The handle 17 is provided with a trigger button 171 that can be operated while gripping the handle 17. Also, the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 is provided with an attachment portion 18 for detachably attaching the mobile terminal 30.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 is directed towards, for example, a shelf containing items G, and is used to verify the items placed on the shelf. The handle 17 of the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 may be detachable. In this configuration, the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 can be used as a stationary unit by removing the handle 17 and placing it with the radiating surface of the antenna 151 (described later) facing upwards.

[0015] In this embodiment, the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 functions as an example of a wireless tag writing device together with the information processing device 20. Furthermore, the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 functions as an example of a wireless tag reading device together with the mobile terminal 30.

[0016] The information processing device 20 is an example of a wireless tag writing device. The information processing device 20 is an information processing device such as a PC (Personal Computer). The information processing device 20 can be connected to a wireless tag reader / writer device 10 or a mobile terminal 30 via wireless or wired connection.

[0017] In this embodiment, the information processing device 20 maintains an item management table (see Figure 5) in which management numbers for managing each item G are registered, and an item management master (see Figure 6) that defines the relationship between the management number and tag data. The information processing device 20 also transmits the item management table and item management master to the mobile terminal 30 for use in managing the items G. The data structure of the item management table and item management master will be described later.

[0018] Furthermore, the information processing device 20 creates wireless tags TG for managing each item G by using the wireless tag reader / writer device 10. Specifically, the information processing device 20 generates wireless tags TG for equipment management by writing tag data containing the management number of each item G to the wireless tags TG.

[0019] The mobile terminal 30 is an example of a wireless tag reader. The mobile terminal 30 is a portable terminal device such as a smartphone or tablet. The mobile terminal 30 is connected to the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 via a wireless connection such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or a wired connection. The mobile terminal 30 can also be connected to the information processing device 20 via a wired or wireless connection.

[0020] The mobile terminal 30 controls the wireless tag reading operation by the wireless tag reader / writer device 10. The mobile terminal 30 also receives tag data transmitted from the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 and supports the management of items G based on the tag data.

[0021] In this embodiment, the mobile terminal 30 is separate from the wireless tag reader / writer device 10, as shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the mobile terminal 30 can be detachably attached to the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 via an attachment part 18 provided on the wireless tag reader / writer device 10. However, the configuration of the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 and the mobile terminal 30 is not limited to this, and the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 and the mobile terminal 30 may be configured as an integrated unit.

[0022] Next, the hardware configuration of the wireless tag reader / writer device 10, the information processing device 20, and the mobile terminal 30 will be described.

[0023] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the wireless tag reader / writer device 10. As shown in Figure 3, the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, storage unit 14, etc. The CPU 11 is an example of a processor and comprehensively controls the operation of the wireless tag reader / writer device 10. The ROM 12 stores various programs. The RAM 13 is used as working memory for loading various data.

[0024] The CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, and storage unit 14 are connected via a bus or the like. Here, the CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 constitute the control unit 100. The control unit 100 performs various control processes by having the CPU 11 operate according to the programs stored in the ROM 12 and storage unit 14.

[0025] The memory unit 14 is composed of non-volatile memory such as flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The memory unit 14 stores various programs and setting information.

[0026] Furthermore, the control unit 100 is connected to the read / write unit 15 and the communication unit 16 via a bus or the like. The read / write unit 15 has an antenna 151, a transmitter 152, and a receiver 153.

[0027] Antenna 151 transmits and receives radio waves that enable communication with the wireless tag TG. Transmitter 152 supplies power to antenna 151 to radiate radio waves. Receiver 153 receives radio waves transmitted from the wireless tag TG via antenna 151.

[0028] The read / write unit 15, under the control of the control unit 100, emits radio waves to read the wireless tag TG and receives radio waves emitted by the wireless tag that has received the radio waves, thereby reading the tag data stored in the wireless tag TG. The read / write unit 15 also, under the control of the control unit 100, emits radio waves to write data to the wireless tag TG, thereby writing the tag data to the storage medium of the wireless tag TG.

[0029] The communication unit 16 is a communication interface for connecting to the information processing device 20 and the mobile terminal 30. For example, the communication unit 16 is a communication interface compliant with wireless communication standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). Alternatively, for example, the communication unit 16 is a communication interface compliant with communication standards such as USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0030] Figure 4 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 20. As shown in Figure 4, the information processing device 20 includes a CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, storage unit 24, etc.

[0031] The CPU 21 is an example of a processor and comprehensively controls the operation of the information processing device 20. The ROM 22 stores various programs. The RAM 23 is used as working memory for loading various data.

[0032] The CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, and storage unit 24 are connected via a bus or the like. Here, the CPU 21, ROM 22, and RAM 23 constitute the control unit 200. The display unit 25, operation unit 26, and communication unit 27, etc., are connected to the control unit 200 via a bus or the like. The control unit 300 performs various control processes to comprehensively control each of the above units (display unit 25, operation unit 26, communication unit 27, etc.) by having the CPU 21 operate according to the programs stored in the ROM 22 and storage unit 24.

[0033] The storage unit 24 consists of non-volatile memory such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The storage unit 24 stores various programs and setting information.

[0034] For example, the memory unit 24 stores an application program for controlling the wireless tag reader / writer device 10. When the CPU 21 executes this application program, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for operating the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 is displayed on the display unit 25.

[0035] Furthermore, the storage unit 24 stores the item management table TB and the item management master MS related to the management of item G.

[0036] Figure 5 shows an example of the data structure of the item management table TB. As shown in Figure 5, the item management table TB stores the management number, item name, model number, and inventory quantity in association with each other. The item management table TB is created in a data format such as a CSV file. Note that the item management table TB may be created using the information processing device 20, or it may be imported from an external device (not shown).

[0037] Here, the management number is management information related to the management of item G, which is assigned by the user. The management number is an arbitrary string consisting of a combination of letters and numbers, and a unique management number is assigned to each item G of the same type. Here, "letters" is a concept that includes not only English letters but also symbols, etc. In this embodiment, an example in which a 10-digit string is used as the management number will be described.

[0038] The item name is information indicating the name of item G. The model number is information indicating the model number, size, etc., of item G. The inventory quantity is the number of items G in stock. The inventory quantity can also be rephrased as the number of items G held. In the following, the inventory quantity registered in the item management table TB will also be referred to as the "theoretical inventory quantity".

[0039] Figure 6 shows an example of the data structure of the item management master MS. As shown in Figure 6, the item management master MS stores the management number and tag data in association. Here, the management number corresponds to the management number registered in the item management table TB. The tag data is the data held by the wireless tag TG of the item G corresponding to the management number, and is generated by the issuance processing unit 205 (see Figure 8), which will be described later. The tag data includes at least information indicating the management number represented by a binary string.

[0040] Note that Figure 6 shows an example of the binary string that constitutes the tag data being represented in hexadecimal, but it may also be stored as a binary string. Also, a management number with an empty tag data field indicates that the tag data has not yet been generated.

[0041] Returning to Figure 4, the display unit 25 is formed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel and displays various information to the operator. The operation unit 26 has input devices such as various operation buttons and a touch panel and accepts operations from the operator. The touch panel is mounted on top of the display unit 25 and accepts operations according to the display content (GUI) of the display unit 25. The communication unit 27 is a communication interface that conforms to the same communication standards as the communication unit 16 described above. The communication unit 27 communicates with the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 and the mobile terminal 30.

[0042] Figure 7 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a mobile terminal 30. As shown in Figure 7, the mobile terminal 30 includes a CPU 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, storage unit 34, etc.

[0043] The CPU 31 is an example of a processor and comprehensively controls the operation of the mobile terminal 30. The ROM 32 stores various programs. The RAM 33 is used as working memory for processing various data. The RAM 33 also holds a read buffer 331 for storing (hereinafter also referred to as registering) tag data read by the wireless tag reader / writer device 10.

[0044] The CPU 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, and storage unit 34 are connected via a bus or the like. Here, the CPU 31, ROM 32, and RAM 33 constitute the control unit 300. The display unit 35, operation unit 36, and communication unit 37, etc., are connected to the control unit 300 via a bus or the like. The control unit 300 performs various control processes to comprehensively control each of the above units (display unit 35, operation unit 36, communication unit 37, etc.) by having the CPU 31 operate according to the programs stored in the ROM 32 and storage unit 34.

[0045] The memory unit 34 is composed of non-volatile memory such as flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The memory unit 34 stores various programs and setting information.

[0046] For example, the memory unit 34 stores an application program for controlling the wireless tag reader / writer device 10. When the CPU 31 executes this application program, a GUI for operating the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 is displayed on the display unit 25.

[0047] Furthermore, the storage unit 34 stores the item management table TB and the item management master MS. The item management table TB and the item management master MS are the item management table TB provided by the information processing device 20. The item management table TB is used in the mobile terminal 30 for managing items G, such as inventory processing, which will be described later.

[0048] The display unit 35 is formed, for example, from a liquid crystal panel, and displays various information to the operator. The operation unit 36 ​​has input devices such as various operation buttons and a touch panel, and accepts operations from the operator. The touch panel is mounted on top of the display unit 35 and accepts operations according to the display content (GUI) of the display unit 35. The communication unit 37 is a communication interface that conforms to the same communication standards as the communication unit 16 described above. The communication unit 37 communicates with the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 and the information processing device 20.

[0049] Next, the functional configuration of the wireless tag reader / writer device 10, the information processing device 20, and the mobile terminal 30 will be described. First, with reference to Figure 8, the functional configuration related to writing to the wireless tag TG will be described.

[0050] Figure 8 shows an example of the functional configuration of the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 and the information processing device 20. As shown in Figure 8, the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 is functionally configured to include a writing processing unit 101 and a communication control unit 102.

[0051] Some or all of the functional configuration of the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 may be a software configuration realized through the cooperation of the processor (e.g., CPU 11) and a program stored in the memory (e.g., ROM 12, storage unit 14) of the wireless tag reader / writer device 10. Alternatively, some or all of the functional configuration of the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 may be a hardware configuration realized by a dedicated circuit or the like mounted on the wireless tag reader / writer device 10.

[0052] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 8, the information processing device 20 is functionally configured to include a communication control unit 201, a display control unit 202, an operation control unit 203, a write operation control unit 204, and an issuance processing unit 205.

[0053] Some or all of the functional configuration of the information processing device 20 may be a software configuration realized through the cooperation of the processor (e.g., CPU 21) and a program stored in the memory (e.g., ROM 22, storage unit 24) of the information processing device 20. Alternatively, some or all of the functional configuration of the information processing device 20 may be a hardware configuration realized by dedicated circuits or the like mounted on the information processing device 20.

[0054] The writing processing unit 101 works in cooperation with the read / write unit 15 to write tag data to the wireless tag TG. Specifically, the writing processing unit 101 writes tag data to the wireless tag TG located within the communication area of ​​the antenna 151, based on instructions from the information processing unit 20.

[0055] The communication control unit 102 works in cooperation with the communication unit 16 to control communication with the information processing device 20. For example, the communication control unit 102 receives tag data to be written from the information processing device 20. The communication control unit 102 also receives various information (such as operation instructions, which will be described later) transmitted from the information processing device 20.

[0056] The communication control unit 201 works in cooperation with the communication unit 27 to control communication with the wireless tag reader / writer device 10. Specifically, the communication control unit 201 transmits instruction information to the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 that instructs the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 to perform operations such as starting a write operation, which is output by the write operation control unit 204.

[0057] The display control unit 202 displays various types of information on the display unit 25. Specifically, the display control unit 202 displays a GUI related to the operation of the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 on the display unit 25.

[0058] The operation control unit 203 receives user input via the operation unit 26. For example, the operation control unit 203 receives input on the GUI displayed by the display control unit 202. The operation control unit 203 also receives input on hardware keys such as a keyboard.

[0059] The write operation control unit 204 instructs the operation related to writing tag data. Specifically, the write operation control unit 204 works in cooperation with the issuance processing unit 205 to output the tag data to be written and the instruction information that instructs the writing of said tag data.

[0060] The issuance processing unit 205 is an example of a receiving means, a conversion means, a generation means, and a writing means. The issuance processing unit 205 works in cooperation with the writing operation control unit 204 to issue a wireless tag TG by writing tag data to the wireless tag TG.

[0061] Specifically, upon receiving input of a management number, the issuance processing unit 205 outputs a binary string obtained by converting the management number string using a predetermined character code system. The issuance processing unit 205 also issues unique serial codes for the number of items G corresponding to the input management number, based on the number of items in stock. The issuance processing unit 205 then generates tag data for the number of items in stock, including the binary string representing the management number (hereinafter also referred to as the management number code) and the serial code, and works in cooperation with the write operation control unit 204 to write to the wireless tag TG.

[0062] Here, the management number code and serial code included in the tag data are identification codes used to identify the wireless tag TG and the item G to which the wireless tag TG is attached, and correspond to the EPC (Electronic Product Code). Specifically, the management number code corresponds to the GTIN, and the serial code corresponds to the SGTIN.

[0063] The character encoding system used for converting the management number may be a known character encoding system such as ASCII, UTF-8, or Shift JIS, or a proprietary character encoding system may be used. In this embodiment, an example using ASCII will be described. The conversion table used for converting the management number (hereinafter also referred to as the ASCII code table) is assumed to be stored in advance in the storage unit 24, etc. The method for generating tag data for writing using ASCII will be described below with reference to Figure 9.

[0064] Figure 9 shows an example of the data structure of tag data generated by the issuance processing unit 205. In Figure 9, an example is shown where the tag data consists of 96 bits. Also in Figure 9, an example is shown where "ABCDE12345" is entered as the management number. Note that the management number may be entered manually, or it may be entered by selecting the management number to be written from the management table, as will be described later.

[0065] First, as shown in Figure 9, the issuance processing unit 205 reserves a number of bits from the 96 bits that make up the tag data for storing the management number code, corresponding to the number of bits used in the character code, in order to represent the number of characters (10 characters) that make up the management number. Specifically, since one character is represented by one byte (8 bits) in ASCII code, the issuance processing unit 205 reserves 80 bits for 10 characters. The issuance processing unit 205 also reserves the remaining 16 bits for storing the serial code. Note that Figure 9 shows an example where the area for storing the management number code is reserved from the beginning of the bit sequence, but the position in the bit sequence where it is reserved is not limited to this.

[0066] Next, the issuance processing unit 205 converts the string representing the management number, "ABCDE12345", into a binary string based on the ASCII code table, and stores the converted binary string as the management number code in the area for storing management number codes. Specifically, the issuance processing unit 205 converts each character constituting the management number into an 8-bit binary string using the ASCII code. The issuance processing unit 205 stores the converted binary strings of each character in the order they appear in the string.

[0067] As shown in Figure 9, for example, the first character "A" of the management number is converted to the binary string "01000001", and this binary string is stored in the bit sequence from bits 1 to 8. Similarly, the second character "B" of the management number is converted to the binary string "01000010", and this binary string is stored in the bit sequence from bits 9 to 16. In this way, the issuance processing unit 205 obtains a binary string (management number code) by converting the string constituting the management number using the ASCII code table, and stores the obtained management number code in the area for storing management number codes.

[0068] Furthermore, the issuance processing unit 205 stores the issued serial codes in a serial code storage area, according to the inventory quantity for each item G corresponding to the management number. Here, the inventory quantity may be entered manually by the operator, or, as will be described later, the inventory quantity associated with a management number may be identified by selecting the management number to be written from a management table.

[0069] Specifically, the issuance processing unit 205 issues serial codes equal to the number of items in stock and sequentially stores the issued serial codes to generate tag data equal to the number of items in stock. Here, it is preferable to pre-define the rules for issuing serial codes. In this embodiment, each natural number less than or equal to the number of items in stock is represented as a binary string and issued as a serial code.

[0070] For example, if the inventory quantity is "1", the issuance processing unit 205 issues a serial code "0000000000000001" which represents "1" as a binary string. The issuance processing unit 205 then generates one tag data by storing the issued serial code in the serial code storage area.

[0071] For example, if the inventory quantity is "3", the issuance processing unit 205 issues serial codes "0000000000000001", "0000000000000010", and "0000000000000011", which represent the numbers "1" through "3" as binary strings. The issuance processing unit 205 then generates three tag data by individually storing each of the issued serial codes in the serial storage area. Here, the three generated tag data will contain the same management number code, but will have different serial codes. In other words, the serial code will be an identifier that identifies individual items G managed under the same management number.

[0072] When the issuance processing unit 205 generates tag data, it stores the generated tag data in the item management master MS, associating it with the corresponding management number. For example, if three tag data are generated from the same management number, the three tag data will be stored in the item management master MS, associated with that management number.

[0073] Furthermore, the issuance processing unit 205 works in cooperation with the write operation control unit 204 to write the generated tag data to the wireless tag TG as binary string bit data. The wireless tag TG with the written tag data is then attached to the corresponding item G by the operator or other person. For items G with the same management number and multiple stock quantities, the issuance processing unit 205 writes the generated tag data to the wireless tag TG for each item. As a result, each of the items G with the same management number and multiple stock quantities will be attached to a wireless tag TG with the same management number code but a different serial code.

[0074] Thus, the information processing device 20 can write the management number used on-site to the wireless tag TG, making it easy to manage items based on the management number.

[0075] Furthermore, the coding systems commonly used for wireless tags have a problem in that the number of writable characters is limited, thus restricting the strings that can be represented. Specifically, when representing strings using hexadecimal numbers, the information that can be written to a wireless tag is limited to combinations of numbers (0-9) and some letters (a-f), and letters other than a-f are invalid. Therefore, even if characters are represented using hexadecimal numbers, it is not possible to represent all numbers and letters, making it inconvenient to use as a management number from a convenience standpoint.

[0076] In contrast, the information processing device 20 allocates a 10-bit sequence capable of representing all numbers and letters for the storage of the management number code from the 96 bits that make up the tag data, and uses the remaining bit sequence as an area for storing the serial code. As a result, the information processing device 20 can represent all numbers and letters in the tag data, and can flexibly respond to management numbers arbitrarily set by the user. Therefore, the information processing device 20 can issue wireless tags TG that are suitable for use in item management.

[0077] The writing process of the issuing processing unit 205 described above may also be performed by operating a GUI. For example, the issuing processing unit 205 works in cooperation with the display control unit 202 to display a GUI for assisting in writing wireless tags, as shown in Figure 10.

[0078] Figure 10 shows an example of a GUI displayed on the display unit 25 of the information processing device 20. Note that Figure 10 shows an example of a wireless tag issuance screen.

[0079] As shown in Figure 10, the wireless tag issuance screen A has a first area Aa and a second area Ab. Various controls are displayed in the first area Aa. For example, the first area Aa displays a data acquisition button Aaa, a generation button Aab, an issuance button Aac, etc.

[0080] The data import button Aaa is an operator used to instruct the import (reading) of the item management table TB and the item management master MS. When the data import button Aaa is operated, the issuance processing unit 205 reads the item management table TB and the item management master MS stored in the storage unit 24 and displays the registered contents of the item management table TB and the item management master MS in the second area Ab. If multiple item management tables TB and item management master MS are stored, the system may be configured to allow selection of the items to be read. Also, if, for example, the item management table TB and the item management master MS are stored in an external device, the system may be configured to allow selection of the storage destination.

[0081] The generate button Aab is an operator used to instruct the issuance of tag data. The issue button Aac is an operator used to instruct the writing of tag data. The generate button Aab and issue button Aac will be described later.

[0082] The second area Ab displays the registered contents of the item management table TB and item management master MS, which were read by operating the data import button Aaa. Figure 10 shows an example of displaying the registered contents of the item management table TB and item management master MS as shown in Figures 5 and 6. Note that although the inventory quantity is displayed in Figure 10, it is not limited to this and the inventory quantity may be hidden. Furthermore, the second area Ab is scrollable, for example, vertically, and the registered contents of the item management table TB that are not currently displayed can be shown by scrolling.

[0083] Furthermore, in the second area Ab, in addition to the registered contents of the item management table TB, fields for tag data and issuance have been added. Here, the "tag data" field is an area for displaying the generated tag data. As mentioned above, the tag data itself consists of a binary string, but because the data length is very long, in this embodiment the tag data is displayed in hexadecimal notation.

[0084] The "Issued" section is an area that indicates whether or not tag data has been written to the wireless tag TG. In Figure 10, a circle indicates issued (written), and no mark indicates not issued.

[0085] The operator of the information processing device 20 can issue wireless tags TG to be attached to each item G by operating the wireless tag issuance screen A in Figure 10. For example, the operator selects the management number (or item name, model number) to which tag data will be issued from the management number (or item name, model number) displayed in the second area Ab. Then, the operator instructs the generation of tag data by operating the generate button Aab.

[0086] When the issuance processing unit 205 receives an operation on the generate button Aab, it generates tag data based on the selected management number and the inventory quantity associated with that management number. The issuance processing unit 205 then displays the generated tag data in hexadecimal notation in the "Tag Data" field for the selected management number. For example, if the inventory quantity is "3", the three generated tag data items will be displayed in the "Tag Data" field.

[0087] The generated tag data is stored in the item management master (MS) in association with the corresponding management number.

[0088] Furthermore, the operator can select a management number for which tag data has already been generated and instruct the wireless tag TG to be written by operating the issue button Aac. When the issue processing unit 205 receives the operation of the issue button Aac, it reads the tag data associated with the selected management number and, in cooperation with the write operation control unit 204, writes the read tag data to the wireless tag TG. Once the writing to the wireless tag TG is complete, the issue processing unit 205 notifies the completion of the writing by displaying a circle mark in the "Issue" field of the selected management number. Then, the operator of the information processing device 20 can attach the wireless tag TG with the tag data written to it to the corresponding item G, making it possible to manage items using the wireless tag TG.

[0089] Furthermore, if a reader / writer device such as the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 is not connected to the device, the issuance processing unit 205 may display a screen on the display unit 25 prompting the user to connect the reader / writer device before writing the tag data. In addition, the issuance processing unit 205 may display a screen on the display unit 25 instructing the user to place the wireless tag TG within the radiation range of the reader / writer device before writing the tag data.

[0090] Furthermore, if multiple tag data are associated with the same management number, the issuance processing unit 205 writes the corresponding number of wireless tags TG by sequentially writing the tag data, for example, in ascending order of the serial code. In this case, the issuance processing unit 205 may display a screen on the display unit 25 informing the user to replace the wireless tag TG each time the writing of one tag code is completed.

[0091] Furthermore, the method for selecting the tag data to be written is not limited to selecting a management number; for example, the tag data itself may be selected directly. In this case, the issuance processing unit 205 works in cooperation with the write operation control unit 204 to perform the processing required to write the selected tag data to the wireless tag TG.

[0092] Furthermore, it is preferable to store and manage whether the generated tag data has been written to the wireless tag TG (hereinafter also referred to as the issuance status) in the same way as the tag data. For example, flag information representing the issuance status of the tag data may be associated with the corresponding tag data and stored in the item management table TB, item management master MS, or a separate file. With this configuration, when the data import button Aaa is operated, the issuance processing unit 205 can read the tag data and flag information associated with the management number together, and display the status of tag data generation and issuance performed up to the previous time in the second area Ab.

[0093] In this way, the information processing device 20 can write the management number as tag data to the wireless tag TG. As a result, a user who manages items G can attach the issued wireless tag TG to the corresponding item G, and then read the wireless tag TG to perform item management based on the management number.

[0094] Note that the screen configuration of wireless tag issuance screen A is not limited to the example in Figure 10. For example, wireless tag issuance screen A may include an operator for instructing the output of the item management master MS. When such an operator is operated, the issuance processing unit 205 may, for example, output the item management master MS stored in the storage unit 24 in a data format such as a CSV file, or print it out via a printer device (not shown).

[0095] Next, the functional configuration related to reading the wireless tag TG will be explained with reference to Figure 11. Note that functional configurations that overlap with those in Figure 8 will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the functions related to reading will be explained accordingly.

[0096] Figure 11 shows an example of the functional configuration of a wireless tag reader / writer device 10 and a mobile terminal 30. As shown in Figure 11, the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 is functionally configured to include a communication control unit 102 and a reading processing unit 103.

[0097] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 11, the mobile terminal 30 is functionally configured to include a communication control unit 301, a display control unit 302, an operation control unit 303, a reading operation control unit 304, a setting change unit 305, a reading result processing unit 306, an inventory processing unit 307, and a search processing unit 308.

[0098] Some or all of the functional configuration of the mobile terminal 30 may be a software configuration realized through the cooperation of the mobile terminal 30's processor (e.g., CPU 31) and a program stored in its memory (e.g., ROM 32, storage unit 34). Alternatively, some or all of the functional configuration of the mobile terminal 30 may be a hardware configuration realized by a dedicated circuit or the like installed in the mobile terminal 30.

[0099] The reading processing unit 103 works in cooperation with the read / write unit 15 to read tag data from the wireless tag TG. Specifically, the reading processing unit 103 reads tag data from the wireless tag TG within the communication area of ​​the antenna 151 based on instructions from the mobile terminal 30. In addition, if a tag identification is specified by the mobile terminal 30, the reading processing unit 103 reads tag data including that tag identification.

[0100] The communication control unit 102 works in cooperation with the communication unit 16 to control communication with the mobile terminal 30. Specifically, the communication control unit 102 transmits the tag data read by the reading processing unit 103 to the mobile terminal 30. The communication control unit 102 also receives various information (such as operation instructions, which will be described later) transmitted from the mobile terminal 30.

[0101] The communication control unit 301 works in cooperation with the communication unit 37 to control communication with the wireless tag reader / writer device 10. Specifically, the communication control unit 301 transmits instruction information to the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 that instructs the operation of the wireless tag reader / writer device 10, such as the start / end of reading, output by the reading operation control unit 304. The communication control unit 301 also receives tag data transmitted from the wireless tag reader / writer device 10.

[0102] The display control unit 302 displays various types of information on the display unit 35. Specifically, the display control unit 302 displays a GUI related to the operation of the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 on the display unit 35. For example, the display control unit 302 displays the GUI shown in Figure 8 on the display unit 35.

[0103] Figure 12 shows an example of a GUI displayed on the display unit 35 of the mobile terminal 30. Figure 12 also shows an example of a menu screen. Menu screen B is an operation screen for selecting tasks to be performed using the mobile terminal 30, and has various controls.

[0104] The data import button Ba is an operator used to instruct the acquisition (update) of the management table. When the data import button Ba is operated, the control unit 300, in cooperation with the communication control unit 301, acquires the item management table TB and the item management master MS from the information processing device 20 connected to its own device and executes a data acquisition process to store them in the storage unit 34.

[0105] The settings button Bb is an operator used to change the settings of the mobile terminal 30. The inventory button Bc is an operator used to instruct the execution of the inventory process, which will be described later. When these operators are operated, the display control unit 302 works in cooperation with other functional configurations to display various business GUIs on the display unit 35.

[0106] Returning to Figure 11, the operation control unit 303 receives operator input via the operation unit 36. For example, the operation control unit 303 receives input on the GUI displayed by the display control unit 302. The operation control unit 303 also receives input on hardware keys such as the trigger button 171 provided on the wireless tag reader / writer device 10.

[0107] The reading operation control unit 304 instructs the operation of the wireless tag reader / writer device 10, such as starting reading, in response to operations received from the operator. Specifically, the reading operation control unit 304 receives operations from the operator via an operator displayed on the GUI or via the trigger button 171 of the wireless tag reader / writer device 10. For example, when the reading operation control unit 304 receives an operation to start reading, it outputs instruction information to start reading. Also, for example, when the reading operation control unit 304 receives an operation to end (stop) reading, it outputs instruction information to end reading.

[0108] Furthermore, the reading operation control unit 304 switches the reading time and enables / disables the trigger button 171 based on the setting information related to the reading operation.

[0109] The setting change unit 305 instructs the operator to change the settings related to the operation of the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 in response to the operator's input. The setting change unit 305 accepts the operator's input, for example, via the GUI shown in Figure 13.

[0110] Figure 13 shows an example of a GUI displayed on the display unit 35 of the mobile terminal 30. Figure 13 also shows an example of a settings screen. This settings screen is displayed, for example, when the settings button Bb is pressed on the menu screen B in Figure 12.

[0111] As shown in Figure 13, the settings screen C includes radio buttons Ca to Cc for making various settings. Here, radio buttons Ca to Cc are controls for setting the time required to read the wireless tag TG (hereinafter also referred to as the detection time), and can be selected alternately.

[0112] Radio button Ca is an operator used to explicitly specify the detection time. By selecting radio button Ca, it is possible to set the detection time. Figure 13 shows an example where 5 seconds is set as the detection time. In this case, the setting change unit 305 stores the specified detection time as setting information. Furthermore, if a detection time is set, the reading operation control unit 304 outputs instruction information to start reading with the specified detection time. The reading operation control unit 304 may also continue outputting the instruction information to start reading for the duration of the set detection time.

[0113] Radio button Cb is used when reading using the trigger button 171. When radio button Cb is selected, the setting change unit 305 stores as setting information that the start / end of reading should be linked to the operation of the trigger button 171. In this case, the setting change unit 305 outputs instruction information for starting and ending reading in response to the operation of the trigger button 171.

[0114] Radio button Cc is used to set the detection time to unlimited. When radio button Cc is selected, the setting change unit 305 sets the detection time to unlimited. In this case, reading of the wireless tag TG will continue until the operator instructs the user to stop reading.

[0115] However, the contents that can be set via the setting change unit 305 are not limited to those mentioned above. For example, the configuration may allow setting the output of radio waves (transmission output) emitted from the wireless tag reader / writer device 10. Alternatively, for example, the configuration may allow setting a Q value related to the anti-collision function that specifies the maximum number of wireless tags to be read in a single process. Alternatively, for example, the configuration may allow setting session IDs (S0~S3) to specify how the state of the inventory flags (A, B) of the wireless tags is maintained.

[0116] Furthermore, if the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 is configured to read code symbols such as barcodes (for example, a code scanner), it may be configured to allow setting whether the reading target is limited to wireless tags only, or to include both wireless tags and code symbols. When the reading target is set to wireless tags only, the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 disables the code symbol reading function in response to instructions from the setting change unit 305.

[0117] Returning to Figure 11, the reading result processing unit 306 functions as an example of a reading means together with the reading operation control unit 304. The reading result processing unit 306 acquires the tag data received by the communication control unit 301 and registers it in the read buffer 331 provided in the RAM 33. Here, each time new tag data is received by the communication control unit 301, the reading result processing unit 306 compares the tag data (a pair of management number code and serial code) with the tag data registered in the read buffer 331. The reading result processing unit 306 then performs a duplicate check and discards the received tag data if the tag identifier is duplicated. This prevents the same tag data from being registered twice in the read buffer 331.

[0118] The inventory processing unit 307 is an example of a determination means. Based on the reading results of the wireless tags and the item management table TB, the inventory processing unit 307 performs inventory processing to confirm the existence and stock quantity of each item registered in the item management table TB.

[0119] Here, the inventory process is a process to confirm whether each item G exists in a predetermined quantity (theoretical inventory quantity). For example, the operator points the antenna 151 of the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 towards the shelf where the items G are placed, and tag data is read from each item G.

[0120] Specifically, when the operator instructs the start of the inventory process, the inventory processing unit 307 works in cooperation with the reading operation control unit 304 to output a read start instruction. Next, the inventory processing unit 307 aggregates the results of the tag data reading based on the item management table TB and the item management master MS.

[0121] Specifically, the inventory processing unit 307 identifies the management number corresponding to the read tag data by comparing the tag data registered in the read buffer 331 with the tag data registered in the item management master MS. Next, the inventory processing unit 307 aggregates the number of items G read for each management number based on the identified management number. Then, the inventory processing unit 307 outputs the aggregated results as the inventory result. If the management number cannot be identified, it is preferable to exclude that tag data from the aggregation.

[0122] Furthermore, when aggregating items G on an individual item basis, the inventory processing unit 307 compares the tag data registered in the read buffer 331 with the tag data registered in the item management master MS to determine whether the read tag data is registered in the item management master MS. If the inventory processing unit 307 determines that it is registered in the item management master MS, it counts "1" as the number of read items G corresponding to that tag data. If it determines that it is not registered in the item management master MS, it is preferable to exclude that tag data from the aggregation (display).

[0123] Furthermore, the method for identifying the management number corresponding to the management number code is not limited to the method described above using the item management master MS. For example, the inventory processing unit 307 may identify the corresponding management number by converting (reverse conversion) the binary string management number code contained in the tag data registered in the read buffer 331 to a management number based on the ASCII code table. In this case, the ASCII code table may be pre-stored in the storage unit 34, or it may be provided by the information processing device 20 together with the item management table TB, etc.

[0124] Furthermore, the inventory processing unit 307 performs the inventory processing described above in response to operations received from the operator. For example, when the inventory button Bc is pressed on the menu screen B in Figure 12, the inventory processing unit 307 works in cooperation with the display control unit 302 to display a GUI related to the inventory processing as shown in Figure 14.

[0125] Figure 14 shows an example of a GUI displayed on the display unit 35 of the mobile terminal 30. Note that Figure 14 shows an example of an inventory screen.

[0126] As shown in Figure 14, the inventory screen D has a first area Da and a second area Db. The first area Da displays an operation button Daa and an exit button Dab.

[0127] Operation button Daa is an operator used to instruct the start / stop of the inventory process. Operation button Daa is a toggle button that switches between starting and stopping the inventory process each time it is operated. The inventory processing unit 307 works in cooperation with the reading operation control unit 304 to output instruction information that instructs the start or stop of reading in response to the operation of operation button Daa.

[0128] Figure 14 shows the inventory process in progress, with the operation button Daa displaying "Stopped," indicating that the inventory process has been stopped. When the operation button Daa is pressed in this state, the inventory processing unit 307 outputs instruction information to indicate the end of reading. Also, when the operation button Daa is pressed in the state shown in Figure 14, the display of the operation button Daa is switched to "Started," indicating the start of the inventory process.

[0129] The End button Dab is an operator used to signal the end of the inventory process. When the End button Dab is pressed, the display control unit 302 terminates the display of the inventory screen D and displays, for example, the menu screen B. If the End button Dab is pressed during the inventory process, the inventory processing unit 307, in cooperation with the reading operation control unit 304, outputs instruction information to signal the end of the reading process.

[0130] The second area, Db, displays the results of the inventory process. The second area, Db, is scrollable, for example, vertically, allowing users to view inventory process results that are not currently displayed by scrolling.

[0131] The results of the inventory process are shown, for example, in Figure 14, with the theoretical inventory quantity and the actual inventory quantity associated for each item G, along with its management number and item name. Here, the theoretical inventory quantity corresponds to the inventory quantity registered in the item management table TB. The actual inventory quantity represents the number of items read and aggregated by the inventory processing unit 307, and indicates the existence or non-existence of item G and the actual inventory quantity (number held). Note that the actual inventory quantity is "0" before the start of the inventory process.

[0132] For example, if all items of item G corresponding to the management number are present, the actual inventory value will be the same as the theoretical inventory value. Conversely, if some items of item G are missing, the actual inventory value will be smaller than the theoretical inventory value.

[0133] In this way, the operator can easily ascertain the existence and quantity of item G by checking the inventory results displayed in the second area Db. Therefore, according to this embodiment, equipment management can be easily performed.

[0134] Note that Figure 14 shows an example of aggregating the number of readings for item G by management number (item name), but it is not limited to this; aggregation may also be done on an individual item basis.

[0135] Figure 15 shows an example of a GUI displayed on the display unit 35 of the mobile terminal 30, illustrating another example of an inventory screen.

[0136] In the inventory screen D in Figure 15, an example is shown where the inventory processing results displayed in the second area Db are shown for each individual item (tag data) of item G. The inventory processing results are shown, for example as shown in Figure 15, with each item G's management number and item name associated with the tag data corresponding to that management number and the result of reading that tag data.

[0137] Here, the tag data displayed in the second area Db shall be, but not limited to, each tag data registered in the item management master MS. For example, the inventory processing unit 307 may use the same method as the issuance processing unit 205 to generate tag data from the management number and inventory quantity stored in the item management table TB based on an ASCII code table or the like, and display it in the second area Db.

[0138] Figure 15 shows an example of tag data represented in hexadecimal. Furthermore, Figure 15 shows the inventory count result for item G with management number "ABCDE12346" and a theoretical inventory quantity of "3," when one item G is absent.

[0139] In this way, by checking the inventory results displayed in the second area Db, the operator can easily determine, for example, which tag data item G exists and which does not for each of multiple item Gs assigned the same management number.

[0140] Furthermore, in the inventory screen D of Figure 15, a search button Dac is provided in the first area Da to instruct the execution of a search process to find items G on an individual item basis. For example, the operator can select the tag data of an item G that is missing and operate the search button Dac to instruct the search for the item G corresponding to that tag data. The processing when the search button Dac is operated will be described later.

[0141] Furthermore, it is preferable that the inventory screen D in Figure 14 and the inventory screen D in Figure 15 be switchable according to the operator's actions. For example, a detail display button or the like may be provided in the first area Da of the inventory screen D in Figure 14, and when the detail display button is operated, the inventory screen D in Figure 15 may be displayed.

[0142] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inventory processing unit 307 outputs the inventory results to the display unit 35, but the output destination is not limited to this. For example, the inventory processing unit 307 may output the inventory results to the storage unit 34 and store them in the storage unit 34. Alternatively, the inventory processing unit 307 may output the inventory results to the information processing device 20.

[0143] Returning to Figure 11, the search processing unit 308 is an example of a search means. The search processing unit 308 performs processing to search for a wireless tag TG that holds specific tag data in response to an operation from the operator. For example, when the search processing unit 308 receives an operation of the search button Dac provided on the inventory screen D in Figure 15, it performs search processing based on the tag data selected in accordance with the operation of the search button Dac (hereinafter also referred to as the tag data to be searched).

[0144] Specifically, the search processing unit 308 works in cooperation with the reading operation control unit 304 to output a read start command specifying the tag data to be searched. As a result, the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 selectively reads the specified tag data and outputs the reading result to the mobile terminal 30.

[0145] Furthermore, the search processing unit 308 estimates the location of the wireless tag TG that holds the tag data, i.e., the location of the item G, based on the reading results of the tag data to be searched. For example, the search processing unit 308 estimates the direction and distance of the wireless tag TG based on the reception status of the tag data, such as the directivity of the antenna 151 and the received radio wave strength of the communication control unit 301. Then, as shown in Figure 16, the search processing unit 308 displays the location corresponding to the direction and distance of the wireless tag TG on the display unit 35.

[0146] Here, Figure 16 shows an example of a GUI displayed on the display unit 35 of the mobile terminal 30. Figure 16 shows an example of a search screen. This search screen is displayed, for example, when the search button Dac is operated on the inventory screen D in Figure 15.

[0147] As shown in Figure 16, the search screen E has a first area Ea and a second area Eb. The first area Ea displays an operation button Eaa and an exit button Eab.

[0148] Operation button Eaa is an operator used to instruct the start / stop of the search process. Operation button Eaa is a toggle button that switches between starting and stopping the search process each time it is operated. The search processing unit 308 works in cooperation with the reading operation control unit 304 to output instruction information that instructs the start or stop of reading in response to the operation of operation button Eaa.

[0149] Figure 16 shows the state in which the search process is running, and the display on the operation button Eaa is set to "Stop," which means that the search process has stopped. If the operation button Eaa is operated in this state, the read operation control unit 304 outputs instruction information to indicate the end of reading. Also, if the operation button Eaa is operated in the state shown in Figure 16, the display on the operation button Eaa is switched to "Start," which means that the search process has started, etc.

[0150] The End button Eab is an operator used to signal the end of the search process. When the End button Eab is pressed, the display control unit 302 terminates the display of the search screen E and displays, for example, the inventory screen D shown in Figure 15. If the End button Eab is pressed during the search process, the search processing unit 308 works in cooperation with the read operation control unit 304 to output instruction information to signal the end of the read operation.

[0151] The second area Eb displays the tag data to be searched and the name of the item G corresponding to that tag data. The second area Eb also displays a radar screen Eba that shows the direction and distance to the wireless tag TG corresponding to the tag data to be searched.

[0152] The radar screen Eba is centered at Ebb, with the position of the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 as the center, and directions and distances are represented by concentric circles. In addition, the sector-shaped region Ebc on the radar screen Eba indicates the radiation range of the radio waves emitted by the wireless tag reader / writer device 10.

[0153] When the equipment to be searched enters the radiation range and the tag data of the wireless tag TG attached to that equipment is acquired by the communication control unit 301, the search processing unit 308 estimates the direction and distance where the wireless tag TG is located and displays the estimated position Ebd of the wireless tag TG in area Ebc.

[0154] This allows the operator to easily locate the location of the wireless tag TG, which holds the tag data to be searched, i.e., the location of item G, by moving so that the position Ebd and the center Ebb in the region Ebc are close together. Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to easily transition from inventory work for item G to search work for item G.

[0155] The following describes an example of the operation of the item management system 1, referring to Figures 17 to 19. First, referring to Figure 17, the wireless tag writing process performed by the information processing device 20 will be described.

[0156] Figure 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the wireless tag issuance process performed by the information processing device 20. This example describes the case where a wireless tag TG is issued (written) using the wireless tag issuance screen A (see Figure 11).

[0157] First, the issuing processing unit 205 reads the item management table TB and item management master MS from the storage unit 24 in response to an operation such as the data import button Aaa, and displays the information registered in the item management table TB and item management master MS on the display unit 25 (step S11).

[0158] Next, the issuance processing unit 205 determines whether or not the generation of tag data has been instructed by the operation of the generation button Aab (step S12). If the generation of tag data is not instructed (step S12; No), the process proceeds to step S16.

[0159] When the generation of tag data is instructed in step S12 (step S12; Yes), the issuance processing unit 205 generates a management number code converted to a predetermined character code based on the management number selected as the target for generation (step S13). Next, the issuance processing unit 205 issues serial codes for the number of items in stock based on the number of items in stock associated with the selected management number (step S14).

[0160] Next, the issuance processing unit 205 generates tag data for the number of items in stock by combining the management number code generated in step S13 and the serial code issued in step S14 (step S15). The issuance processing unit 205 then stores the generated tag data in the item management master MS, associating it with the corresponding management number.

[0161] Next, the issuance processing unit 205 determines whether or not the issuance button Aac has been pressed to instruct the writing of tag data (step S16). If the issuance of tag data is not instructed (step S16; No), the process proceeds to step S21.

[0162] If the instruction to write tag data is given in step S16 (step S16; Yes), the issuance processing unit 205 determines whether or not tag data for the management number selected as the target for writing has already been generated (step S17).

[0163] If tag data does not exist (step S17; No), the issuance processing unit 205 will issue a notification prompting the generation of tag data, and then proceed to step S21. Alternatively, if tag data does not exist, the issuance processing unit 205 may generate tag data for the selected management number by performing the processes in steps S13 to S15, and then proceed to step S18.

[0164] If step S17 determines that tag data has already been generated (step S17; Yes), the issuance processing unit 205 reads one unwritten tag data from among the tag data stored in association with the selected management number (step S18). For example, the issuance processing unit 205 reads the one with the smaller serial code. Next, the issuance processing unit 205 works in cooperation with the write operation control unit 204 to write the read tag data to the wireless tag TG (step S19).

[0165] Next, the issuance processing unit 205 determines whether or not it has written all the tag data stored in association with the management number (step S20). If there is any unwritten tag data (step S20; No), the issuance processing unit 205 returns to step S18 to write the unwritten tag data. If it determines that all tag data has been written (step S20; Yes), the issuance processing unit 205 proceeds to step S21.

[0166] Next, the issuance processing unit 205 determines whether or not the termination of this process has been instructed (step S21). If the termination of the process is not instructed (step S21; No), the issuance processing unit 205 continues the process by returning to step S12. If the termination of the process is instructed (step S21; Yes), the issuance processing unit 205 terminates this process.

[0167] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing an example of an inventory process performed by the mobile terminal 30. First, when the operator instructs the inventory process to begin, such as by operating the operation button Daa (see Figure 14) on the inventory screen D, the inventory processing unit 307 works in cooperation with the reading operation control unit 304 to instruct the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 to start reading (step S31).

[0168] Next, the inventory processing unit 307 determines whether or not tag data has been read by the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 (step S32). If tag data has not been read (step S32; No), the process proceeds to step S35.

[0169] If the inventory processing unit 307 determines in step S32 that tag data has been read (step S32; Yes), it aggregates the number of items G corresponding to each tag data item for each management number (or per individual item) based on the item management table TB and the item management master MS (step S33). Next, the inventory processing unit 307 displays the aggregation results on the display unit 35 (step S34) and proceeds to step S35.

[0170] Next, the inventory processing unit 307 determines whether or not an instruction to end the inventory processing has been given (step S35). Here, the instruction to end the inventory processing is a concept that includes not only operations performed by the operator, but also the termination of reading due to the expiration of the detection time.

[0171] If the inventory count process is not instructed to end (step S35; No), the inventory count processing unit 307 continues the inventory count process by returning to step S32. If the inventory count process is instructed to end (step S35; Yes), the inventory count processing unit 307 terminates this process.

[0172] Figure 19 is a flowchart showing an example of a search process performed by the mobile terminal 30. This process is performed, for example, in response to the operation of the search button Dac displayed on the inventory screen D in Figure 15. It is assumed that the tag data to be searched has already been selected as a prerequisite for this process.

[0173] First, the search processing unit 308, in cooperation with the read operation control unit 304, instructs the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 to start reading the tag data to be searched (step S41).

[0174] Next, the search processing unit 308 estimates the location of the wireless tag TG holding the tag data based on the reception status of radio waves related to reading the tag data to be searched (step S42). Then, the search processing unit 308 displays the relative positional relationship between the estimated location and the location of its own device on the display unit 35 using the radar screen Eba shown in Figure 16 (step S43).

[0175] Next, the search processing unit 308 determines whether or not an instruction to terminate the search process has been given (step S44). Here, the instruction to terminate the search process is a concept that includes not only an operation by the operator, but also the termination of reading due to the expiration of the detection time. Note that the search processing unit 308 may be configured to set the detection time to unlimited while the search process is in progress.

[0176] If the system does not instruct the end of the search process (step S44; No), the search processing unit 308 continues the search process by returning to step S42. If the system does instruct the end of the search process (step S44; Yes), the search processing unit 308 terminates this process.

[0177] As described above, the information processing device 20 of this embodiment receives input of a management number composed of a combination of letters and numbers, and outputs a binary string by converting the string constituting the management information into ASCII code. The information processing device 20 then generates tag data including the binary string and writes the tag data to the wireless tag TG.

[0178] As a result, the user managing item G can directly manage the item based on its management number by attaching the wireless tag TG issued by the information processing device 20 to the corresponding item G, and then reading the attached wireless tag TG using the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 and the mobile terminal 30.

[0179] Thus, according to the item management system 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to provide a wireless tag writing device and a wireless tag reader / writer device that can handle wireless tags suitable for item management.

[0180] The embodiments described above can also be modified and implemented as appropriate by changing some of the configurations or functions of each of the devices described above. Therefore, several modifications of the embodiments described above will be described below as other embodiments. In the following, we will mainly describe the differences from the embodiments described above, and will omit detailed explanations of points that are common with what has already been described. Furthermore, the modifications described below may be implemented individually or in combination as appropriate.

[0181] (Variation 1) In the above-described embodiment, the information processing device 20 was configured to issue a wireless tag TG by writing to the wireless tag TG. In this modification, a configuration is described in which a label with the information represented by the tag data is issued when the wireless tag TG is issued. It is assumed that a printing device such as a label printer (not shown) is connected to the information processing device 20.

[0182] Specifically, when the issuance processing unit 205 writes the generated tag data to the wireless tag TG, it may print the content represented by the tag data onto a label or other paper. Here, the issuance processing unit 205 converts the content represented by the tag data into a code symbol such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code, and prints the converted code symbol onto the paper. The printed paper is then attached to the item G, for example, by an operator, along with the wireless tag TG on which the tag data is written.

[0183] As a result, the operator can determine the management number of item G by reading the code symbol printed on the paper using a code reader device or the like, without having to use the wireless tag reader / writer device 10.

[0184] (Modification 2) In the above-described embodiment, the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 was a handheld type wireless tag reader / writer device, but the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 is not limited to this form. For example, the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 may be applied to a gate-type wireless tag reader / writer device. In this case, the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 reads the wireless tag TG by emitting radio waves to the item G passing through the gate. As a result, the mobile terminal 30 can manage the item G based on the tag data read by the gate-type wireless tag reader / writer device 10.

[0185] (Variation 3) In the above-described embodiment, the information processing device 20 is configured to generate and write tag data, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the mobile terminal 30 may be configured to generate and write tag data by having the same functional configuration as the information processing device 20.

[0186] Furthermore, while the above-described embodiment shows the mobile terminal 30 performing inventory processing and search processing, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the information processing device 20 may be configured to perform inventory processing and search processing by having the same functional configuration as the mobile terminal 30.

[0187] (Modification 4) In the above-described embodiment, a configuration was explained in which the settings related to the operation of the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 are changed from a mobile terminal 30. However, the device that can change the settings of the wireless tag reader / writer device 10 is not limited to the mobile terminal 30.

[0188] For example, the information processing device 20 may be used to change the settings related to the writing operation of the wireless tag reader / writer device 10. Furthermore, when changing settings using the information processing device 20, it is preferable to display a GUI on the display unit 25 of the information processing device 20 to assist in changing settings, similar to the setting screen C described above. The configurable settings may be the same as those when performed from the mobile terminal 30, or they may include settings specifically for writing wireless tags TG.

[0189] The programs executed in each of the above-described embodiments are provided pre-installed in ROM, storage units, etc. Alternatively, the programs executed in each of the above-described embodiments may be provided as installable or executable files recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0190] Furthermore, the programs executed by each of the above-described embodiments may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. Alternatively, the programs executed by each of the above-described embodiments may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0191] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments and their variations can be implemented 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]

[0192] 1. Inventory Management System 10 Wireless tag reader / writer device 20 Information Processing Devices 30 Mobile devices 101 Writing Processing Unit 102 Communication Control Unit 103 Reading Processing Unit 201 Communication Control Unit 202 Display Control Unit 203 Operation Control Unit 204 Write Operation Control Unit 205 Issuance Processing Unit 301 Communication Control Unit 302 Display Control Unit 303 Operation Control Unit 304 Reading Operation Control Unit 305 Settings Change Section 306 Reading Result Processing Unit 307 Inventory Processing Unit 308 Search Processing Unit TB Inventory Management Table MS Item Management Master [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0193] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-148230

Claims

1. A receiving means for receiving input of management information related to the management of goods, consisting of a combination of letters and numbers, A conversion means that converts the string constituting the management information using a predetermined character code system and outputs a binary string of the first bit length, An issuing means for issuing serial codes for the number of items owned, based on the number of items owned that are managed with the same management information, A generation means for generating tag data including the binary string and the serial code, A writing means for writing the aforementioned tag data to a wireless tag, Equipped with, The generation means is a wireless tag writing device that generates tag data by storing the binary string in the bit sequence of the first number of bits reserved for the binary string, out of a bit sequence of the second number of bits which is greater than the first number of bits that constitute the tag data, and storing the serial code in the remaining bit sequence.

2. The conversion means converts the string constituting the management information into ASCII code and outputs the binary string. The wireless tag writing device according to claim 1.

3. A wireless tag attached to an article, comprising a reading means for reading tag data from the wireless tag on which tag data has been written using the wireless tag writing device described in claim 1 or 2, A data file that associates the management information with the number of items managed by the management information; a binary string of a first bit obtained by converting the string of management information related to the management of the item, which is a combination of letters and numbers and contained in the tag data read by the reading means, using a predetermined character code system; and a serial code issued based on the number of items owned that are managed by the same management information, to determine whether or not an item managed by the management information corresponding to the binary string exists. Equipped with, The reading means is a wireless tag reader that reads the binary string from the bit sequence that is greater than the first number of bits constituting the tag data, specifically the bit sequence that is reserved for the first number of bits, and reads the serial code stored in the remaining bit sequence.

4. The system further includes a search means that searches for the location of a wireless tag holding specific tag data based on the radio wave reception status related to reading the wireless tag, and displays the searched location on a display unit. The wireless tag reader according to claim 3.

5. The determination means determines the number of items owned that are managed with the same management information based on the serial code included in the tag data. The wireless tag reader according to claim 3.

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