Foreign object detection device and program

Abstract

To enable efficiently detecting a foreign matter mixed in a stored object.SOLUTION: A foreign matter detection device comprises: determination means that determines whether or not a wireless tag attached to a foreign matter has been read on the basis of a reading result of the wireless tag which is obtained by emitting an electromagnetic wave for reading the wireless tag for a stored object storing an article and a data file in which a tag identifier held by the wireless tag attached to a foreign matter being different from the article is registered; and notification means that notifies that the foreign matter is detected when it is determined that the wireless tag attached to the foreign matter has been read.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a foreign object detection device and a program.

Background Art

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

[0003] By the way, at a site such as a logistics warehouse, tools such as scissors may be used for packing work of articles. At such a site, there is a possibility that a mistake may occur in which the container containing the articles is shipped with the tool mixed in the container. Therefore, a technology that can efficiently detect tools mixed in the container is desired.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to enable efficient detection of foreign objects mixed in a container.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The foreign object detection device according to the embodiment is The system includes: a determination means for determining whether a wireless tag attached to a foreign object has been read, based on the reading result of a wireless tag obtained by emitting radio waves for wireless tag reading to a container containing an article, and a data file that registers the tag identifier held by a wireless tag attached to a foreign object different from the article; a display control means for displaying a first screen representing the determination result of the determination means on a display unit, and for displaying an operator on the first screen that instructs the system to search for the location where the foreign object is located when the determination means reads a wireless tag attached to a foreign object; and a search means for emitting radio waves for wireless tag reading that specify the tag identifier of the wireless tag attached to the foreign object when the operator is operated, and searching for the location where the foreign object is located based on the reception status of radio waves transmitted by a wireless tag that responds to the radio waves, wherein the display control means switches from the first screen to display a second screen representing the location searched by the search means on the display unit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a foreign object detection system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a wireless tag reader according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a wireless tag reader according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a mobile terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the data structure of the equipment master according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the functional configuration of a wireless tag reader and a mobile terminal according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a GUI displayed on the display unit of a mobile terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a GUI displayed on the display unit of a mobile terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a GUI displayed on the display unit of a mobile terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of a GUI displayed on the display unit of a mobile terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of a GUI displayed on the display unit of a mobile terminal according to the 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 is a flowchart showing an example of the foreign object detection process performed by the mobile terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the search process performed by the mobile terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing an example of an inventory process performed by the mobile terminal of the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The foreign object detection device and program according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an example of application to a foreign object detection system that detects foreign objects mixed in with goods being transported at a logistics site such as a warehouse will be described. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0008] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of the foreign object detection system according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the foreign object detection system 1 includes a wireless tag reader 10, a mobile terminal 20, and an information processing device 30.

[0009] The wireless tag reader 10 is an example of a reading method. The wireless tag reader 10 is a reader / writer device capable of reading tag data stored in a wireless tag TG without contact. The wireless tag TG is a passive type of wireless tag, such as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag.

[0010] In this embodiment, the wireless tag TG is attached to each piece of equipment F used in logistics sites such as logistics warehouses, and stores tag data in a storage medium (not shown). The tag data includes a tag identifier that can identify the wireless tag TG itself. When the wireless tag reader 10 reads the tag data from the wireless tag TG, it outputs it to an external device such as a mobile terminal 20 connected to its own wireless tag reader 10.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the wireless tag reader 10. FIG. 2(a) shows the state as viewed from the front side (the side facing the product), and FIG. 2(b) shows the state as viewed from the back side (the side facing the operator). The wireless tag reader 10 of the present embodiment is a handy type wireless tag reader as illustrated in FIG. 2 and can be carried by an operator. When carrying, the operator can use the handle 17 provided on the back of the wireless tag reader 10 as a handle. The handle 17 is provided with a trigger button 171 that can be operated while gripping the handle 17. Further, the wireless tag reader 10 is provided with an attachment portion 18 for detachably attaching the portable terminal 20.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the wireless tag reader 10 is directed toward the contained object P and is used to detect foreign objects mixed in the contained object P. Here, the contained object P is, for example, a container or a cardboard box, etc., and houses the article G to be transported. Further, the foreign object is a non-logistics target article mixed in when the article G is housed. In the present embodiment, tools F such as pliers and cutters used at the logistics site are detected as foreign objects.

[0013] The portable terminal 20 is an example of a foreign object detection device. The portable terminal 20 is a portable terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The portable terminal 20 is communicably connected to the wireless tag reader 10 by wireless connection such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or wired connection. Further, the portable terminal 20 can also be connected to the information processing device 30 by wired connection or wireless connection.

[0014] The portable terminal 20 controls the operation of reading the wireless tag by the wireless tag reader 10. Further, the portable terminal 20 receives the tag data transmitted from the wireless tag reader 10 and detects foreign objects mixed in the contained object based on the tag data.

[0015] Note that the mobile terminal 20 of the present embodiment is separate from the wireless tag reader 10 as shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile terminal 20 can be detachably attached to the wireless tag reader 10 via an attachment portion 18 provided on the wireless tag reader 10. Note that the configurations of the wireless tag reader 10 and the mobile terminal 20 are not limited to this, and the wireless tag reader 10 and the mobile terminal 20 may be integrally configured.

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

[0017] In the present embodiment, the information processing device 30 generates and manages a data file for foreign object detection (hereinafter also referred to as a spare parts master) by using the wireless tag reader 10. For example, the information processing device 30 uses the wireless tag reader 10 to obtain the tag identifier of the wireless tag TG from each of the spare parts F used at the logistics site, generates a spare parts master in which the obtained tag identifier is associated with information regarding the spare parts F, and stores it in a storage medium (not shown). Further, the information processing device 30 transmits the generated spare parts master to the mobile terminal 20 so that it can be used for foreign object detection or the like. The data configuration of the spare parts master will be described later.

[0018] Note that the hardware configurations of the wireless tag reader 10 and the mobile terminal 20 will be described next.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the wireless tag reader 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the wireless tag reader 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a storage unit 14, and the like. The CPU 11 is an example of a processor and comprehensively controls the operation of the wireless tag reader 10. The ROM 12 stores various programs. The RAM 13 is used as a working memory for developing various data.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] The read / write unit 15, under the control of the control unit 100, emits radio waves to read the wireless tag TG and reads the tag data stored in the wireless tag TG by receiving radio waves emitted by the wireless tag that has received the radio waves. The read / write unit 15 can also write data to the storage medium of the wireless tag TG by emitting radio waves to write data to the wireless tag TG, under the control of the control unit 100.

[0025] The communication unit 16 is a communication interface for connecting the mobile terminal 20 and the information processing device 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).

[0026] Figure 4 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a mobile terminal 20. As shown in Figure 4, the mobile terminal 20 includes a CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, storage unit 24, etc.

[0027] The CPU 21 is an example of a processor and comprehensively controls the operation of the mobile terminal 20. The ROM 22 stores various programs. The RAM 23 is used as working memory for processing various data. The RAM 23 also holds a read buffer 231 for storing (hereinafter also referred to as registering) tag data read by the wireless tag reader 10.

[0028] 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 200 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.

[0029] The memory unit 24 is composed of non-volatile memory such as flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The memory unit 24 stores various programs and setting information.

[0030] For example, the memory unit 24 stores an application program for controlling the wireless tag reader 10. When the CPU 21 executes this application program, the display unit 25 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for operating the wireless tag reader 10.

[0031] Furthermore, the storage unit 24 stores the equipment master 241. Figure 5 shows an example of the data structure of the equipment master 241. As shown in Figure 5, the equipment master 241 stores the management number, item name, classification, and tag identifier in association with each other.

[0032] The management number is unique information assigned to each piece of equipment F for managing that piece of equipment F. The item name is information indicating the name of the piece of equipment F. Figure 5 shows an example where each piece of equipment F is assigned a unique item name. The classification is information indicating the classification to which the piece of equipment F belongs. For example, for piece of equipment F such as scissors, a string indicating scissors or a classification code is stored as the classification. Figure 5 shows an example where a classification code is stored as the classification. The tag identifier stores the tag identifier stored by the wireless tag TG attached to the piece of equipment F.

[0033] Note that the data structure of the equipment master 241 is not limited to the example in Figure 5. For example, the equipment master 241 may store the number of equipment F items belonging to each category.

[0034] 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 10 and the information processing device 30.

[0035] Next, the functional configuration of the wireless tag reader 10 and the mobile terminal 20 will be described. Figure 6 shows an example of the functional configuration of the wireless tag reader 10 and the mobile terminal 20.

[0036] As shown in Figure 6, the wireless tag reader 10 includes a reading processing unit 101 and a communication control unit 102 as its functional configuration.

[0037] Some or all of the functional configuration of the wireless tag reader 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 10. Alternatively, some or all of the functional configuration of the wireless tag reader 10 may be a hardware configuration realized by a dedicated circuit or the like mounted on the wireless tag reader 10.

[0038] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 6, the mobile terminal 20 is functionally configured to include a communication control unit 201, a display control unit 202, an operation control unit 203, a reading operation control unit 204, a setting change unit 205, a reading result processing unit 206, a foreign object detection unit 207, a search processing unit 208, and an inventory processing unit 209.

[0039] Some or all of the functional configuration of the mobile terminal 20 may be a software configuration realized through the cooperation of the mobile terminal 20's processor (e.g., CPU 21) and a program stored in its memory (e.g., ROM 22, storage unit 24). Alternatively, some or all of the functional configuration of the mobile terminal 20 may be a hardware configuration realized by a dedicated circuit or the like installed in the mobile terminal 20.

[0040] The reading processing unit 101 works in cooperation with the read / write unit 15 to read tag data from the wireless tag TG. Specifically, the reading processing unit 101 reads tag data from the wireless tag TG within the communication area of ​​the antenna 151 based on instructions from the mobile terminal 20. In addition, if a tag identification is specified by the mobile terminal 20, the reading processing unit 101 reads tag data including that tag identification.

[0041] The communication control unit 102 works in cooperation with the communication unit 16 to control communication with the mobile terminal 20. Specifically, the communication control unit 102 transmits the tag data read by the reading processing unit 101 to the mobile terminal 20. The communication control unit 102 also receives various information (such as operation instructions, which will be described later) transmitted from the mobile terminal 20.

[0042] The communication control unit 201 works in cooperation with the communication unit 27 to control communication with the wireless tag reader 10. Specifically, the communication control unit 201 transmits instruction information to the wireless tag reader 10 that instructs the operation of the wireless tag reader 10, such as the start / end of reading, output by the reading operation control unit 204. The communication control unit 201 also receives tag data transmitted from the wireless tag reader 10.

[0043] 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 10 on the display unit 25. For example, the display control unit 202 displays the GUI shown in Figure 7 on the display unit 25.

[0044] Figure 7 shows an example of a GUI displayed on the display unit 25 of the mobile terminal 20. Figure 7 also shows an example of a menu screen. Menu screen A is an operation screen for selecting tasks to be performed using the mobile terminal 20, and has various controls.

[0045] The data import button Aa is an operator used to instruct the acquisition (update) of the equipment master. When the data import button Aa is operated, the control unit 200, in cooperation with the communication control unit 201, acquires the equipment master from the information processing device 30 connected to its own device and executes a data acquisition process to store it in the storage unit 24 as the equipment master 241.

[0046] The setting button Ab is used to change the settings related to the operation of the wireless tag reader 10. The foreign object detection button Ac is used to instruct the execution of foreign object detection, which will be described later. The inventory button Ad is used to instruct the execution of inventory processing, which will be described later. When these buttons are operated, the display control unit 202 works in cooperation with other functional configurations to display various business GUIs on the display unit 25.

[0047] Returning to Figure 6, 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 the trigger button 171.

[0048] The reading operation control unit 204 instructs the operation of the wireless tag reader 10, such as starting reading, in response to operations received from the operator. Specifically, the reading operation control unit 204 receives operations from the operator via controls displayed on the GUI or trigger buttons 171. For example, when the reading operation control unit 204 receives an operation to start reading, it outputs instruction information to start reading. Also, for example, when the reading operation control unit 204 receives an operation to end (stop) reading, it outputs instruction information to end reading.

[0049] Furthermore, the reading operation control unit 204 switches the reading time and enables / disables the trigger button 171 based on the setting information related to the reading operation.

[0050] The setting change unit 205 instructs the wireless tag reader 10 to change its settings related to the reading operation, in response to an operation received from the operator. The setting change unit 205 receives the operator's operation, for example, via the GUI shown in Figure 8.

[0051] Figure 8 shows an example of a GUI displayed on the display unit 25 of the mobile terminal 20. Figure 8 also shows an example of a settings screen. This settings screen is displayed, for example, when the settings button Ab is pressed on menu screen A in Figure 7.

[0052] As shown in Figure 8, setting screen B includes radio buttons Ba to Bd for making various settings. Here, radio buttons Ba to Bc 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.

[0053] Radio button Ba is an operator used to explicitly specify the detection time. By selecting radio button Ba, it is possible to set the detection time. Figure 8 shows an example where 5 seconds is set as the detection time. In this case, the setting change unit 205 stores the specified detection time as setting information. Furthermore, if a detection time is set, the reading operation control unit 204 outputs instruction information to start reading with the specified detection time. The reading operation control unit 204 may also continue outputting the instruction information to start reading for the duration of the set detection time.

[0054] Radio button Bb is used when reading is performed using an operator (such as the start button Caa) or trigger button 171 displayed on the mobile terminal 20. When radio button Bb is selected, the setting change unit 205 stores as setting information that reading will start / stop in conjunction with the operation of the operator (such as the start button Caa) or trigger button 171 displayed on the mobile terminal 20. In this case, the setting change unit 205 outputs instruction information to start / stop reading in response to the operation of the operator (such as the start button Caa) or trigger button 171 displayed on the mobile terminal 20.

[0055] Radio button Bc is used to set the detection time to unlimited. When radio button Bc is selected, the setting change unit 205 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.

[0056] Radio button Bd is an operator used to specify the classification of the item to be read. By selecting radio button Bd, the operator can set the classification (classification code) of the item to be read. Figure 8 shows an example where classification codes from 01 to 99 have been set. The setting change unit 205 stores the set classification code as setting information. In this case, the reading result processing unit 206 extracts tag data (tag identifiers) that match the conditions of the set classification code from the tag data received by the communication control unit 201 and performs processing such as notification.

[0057] Returning to Figure 6, the read result processing unit 206 acquires the tag data received by the communication control unit 201 and registers it in the read buffer 231 provided in the RAM 23. Here, each time new tag data is received by the communication control unit 201, the read result processing unit 206 compares the tag identifier contained in the new tag data with the tag identifier of the tag data registered in the read buffer 231. The read result processing unit 206 then performs a duplicate check and discards the received tag data if the tag identifiers are duplicated. This prevents duplicate registration of tag data containing the same tag identifier in the read buffer 231.

[0058] The foreign object detection unit 207 is an example of a determination means and a notification means. The foreign object detection unit 207 detects foreign objects mixed into the contents P based on the equipment master 241. Specifically, each time new tag data is registered in the read buffer 231, the foreign object detection unit 207 compares the tag identifier of the tag data with the tag identifier registered in the equipment master 241 and determines whether a matching tag identifier is registered in the equipment master 241. In other words, the foreign object detection unit 207 determines whether the wireless tag TG attached to equipment F has been read by comparing the tag identifier registered in the read buffer 231 with the tag identifier registered in the equipment master 241. If the foreign object detection unit 207 determines that it is registered in the equipment master 241, that is, if it determines that the wireless tag TG attached to equipment F has been read, it determines that a foreign object has been detected and notifies the foreign object detection.

[0059] The foreign object detection unit 207 performs the aforementioned foreign object detection in response to operations received from the operator. For example, when the foreign object detection button Ac is pressed on the menu screen A in Figure 7, the foreign object detection unit 207 works in cooperation with the display control unit 202 to display a GUI related to foreign object detection as shown in Figures 9 to 12.

[0060] Figures 9 to 12 show examples of GUIs displayed on the display unit 25 of the mobile terminal 20. Figures 9 to 12 also show examples of foreign object detection screens.

[0061] As shown in Figure 9, the foreign object detection screen C has a first region Ca and a second region Cb. Here, the second region Cb is an area for displaying the operating status and reading results of the wireless tag reader 10.

[0062] The first area Ca displays various controls. For example, the first area Ca displays the start button Caa and the end button Cab.

[0063] The start button Caa is an operator used to instruct the start of foreign object detection. When the foreign object detection unit 207 receives the operation of the start button Caa, it works in cooperation with the reading operation control unit 204 to output instruction information to start reading. When reading is started by operating the start button Caa, information indicating that foreign object detection is in progress is displayed in the second area Cb, as shown in Figure 10.

[0064] Furthermore, the start button Caa is a toggle button that switches between starting and stopping foreign object detection each time it is operated. When the start button Caa is operated, it switches its display to the stop button Cac, which instructs the foreign object detection to stop, as shown in Figure 10. When the foreign object detection unit 207 receives an operation of the stop button Cac, it works in cooperation with the reading operation control unit 204 to output instruction information indicating the end of reading.

[0065] The End button Cab is an operator used to signal the termination of foreign object detection. When the display control unit 202 receives an operation of the End button Cab, it terminates the display of the foreign object detection screen C and displays, for example, the menu screen A. If the End button Cab is operated during a reading operation, the foreign object detection unit 207 works in cooperation with the reading operation control unit 204 to output instruction information to signal the termination of the reading operation.

[0066] When foreign object detection is initiated, the reading operation control unit 204 and the reading result processing unit 206 register the tag data read by the wireless tag reader 10 in the reading buffer 231. The foreign object detection unit 207 compares the tag identifier of the tag data read by the wireless tag reader 10 with the equipment master 241 to determine whether or not the wireless tag TG attached to equipment F has been read. Here, if the tag identifier registered in the reading buffer 231 is registered in the equipment master 241, the foreign object detection unit 207 determines that the wireless tag TG attached to equipment F has been read and notifies that a foreign object has been detected.

[0067] For example, the foreign object detection unit 207 reads the management number and item name of the equipment F associated with the corresponding tag identifier from the equipment master 241, and displays the read information in the second area Cb, as shown in Figure 11, thereby notifying the detection of a foreign object.

[0068] Figure 11 shows an example of the foreign object detection screen C when a foreign object is detected. As shown in Figure 11, the foreign object detection unit 207 notifies by displaying the management number and item name of the equipment F detected as a foreign object in the second area Cb. In addition, to emphasize that a foreign object has been detected, the foreign object detection unit 207 displays the background color of the second area Cb in a warning color such as red. Figure 11 shows an example in which the item name "Scissors 1" with management number "10001" is detected as a foreign object.

[0069] Figure 11 shows an example of notification when one foreign object is detected. However, if multiple foreign objects are detected, the processing unit 206 displays the management number and item name for each detected foreign object on the display unit 25. In this case, the operator can select one or more foreign objects displayed in the second area Cb as the target of the search process described later (hereinafter also referred to as the search target).

[0070] Furthermore, if a foreign object is detected, a search button Ca will be displayed in the first area Ca to instruct the system to search for the location of the containment P containing the foreign object. The process when the search button Ca is operated will be described later.

[0071] Furthermore, if the foreign object detection unit 207 does not detect a foreign object before the wireless tag reader 10 finishes reading, it notifies that no foreign object was detected via the second region Cb, as shown in Figure 12.

[0072] Here, Figure 12 shows the foreign object detection screen C where no foreign object was detected. When the foreign object detection unit 207 does not detect a foreign object, it notifies the user that no foreign object is present by displaying a message such as "no abnormality" in the second area Cb, as shown in Figure 12. In addition, to emphasize the absence of a foreign object, the foreign object detection unit 207 displays the background color of the second area Cb in a different color, such as blue, than when a foreign object is detected.

[0073] This allows the operator of the mobile terminal 20 to easily determine whether or not foreign matter is present by pointing the antenna 151 of the mobile terminal 20 towards the contents P. Therefore, the mobile terminal 20 can efficiently detect foreign matter mixed into the contents P.

[0074] Furthermore, the method of notifying the presence or absence of foreign objects is not limited to screen display. For example, the reading result processing unit 206 may notify the presence or absence of foreign objects by outputting a sound such as a beep from an audio output device (not shown) such as a speaker provided by the mobile terminal 20.

[0075] Returning to Figure 6, the search processing unit 208 is an example of a search means. The search processing unit 208 performs processing to search for the container P in which the equipment F detected as a foreign object is contained. For example, when the search processing unit 208 receives an operation on the search button Cad (see Figure 11) on the foreign object detection screen C described above, it performs the search process based on the tag identifier of the detected foreign object.

[0076] Specifically, the search processing unit 208 works in cooperation with the reading operation control unit 204 to output a read start command specifying the tag identifier of the foreign object to be searched (hereinafter also referred to as the target tag identifier). As a result, the wireless tag reader 10 selectively reads the tag data of the specified tag identifier and outputs the reading result to the mobile terminal 20.

[0077] Next, the search processing unit 208 estimates the location of the wireless tag TG that holds the tag identifier, that is, the location of the equipment F detected as a foreign object, based on the reading result of the tag identifier of the target to be searched. For example, the search processing unit 208 estimates the direction and distance to the wireless tag TG based on the reception status of tag data, such as the directivity of the antenna 151 and the received radio wave strength of the communication control unit 201. Then, as shown in Figure 13, the search processing unit 208 displays the location corresponding to the direction and distance to the wireless tag TG on the display unit 25.

[0078] Here, Figure 13 shows an example of a GUI displayed on the display unit 25 of the mobile terminal 20. Figure 13 shows an example of a search screen. This search screen is displayed, for example, when the search button Ca is operated on the foreign object detection screen C in Figure 11.

[0079] As shown in Figure 13, the search screen D, like the foreign object detection screen C, has a first area Da and a second area Db. The first area Ca displays an operation button Daa and an exit button Dab.

[0080] Operation button Daa is an operator used to instruct the start / stop of the search process. Operation button Daa is a toggle button that switches between starting and stopping the search process each time it is operated. The search processing unit 208 works in cooperation with the read operation control unit 204 to output instruction information that instructs the start or stop of reading in response to the operation of operation button Daa.

[0081] Figure 13 shows the state in which the search process is running, and the display on the operation button Daa is set to "Stop," which means the search process is stopped. If the operation button Daa is operated in this state, the read operation control unit 204 outputs instruction information to indicate the end of the read operation. Also, if the operation button Daa is operated in the state shown in Figure 13, the display on the operation button Daa is switched to "Start," which means the search process is started, etc.

[0082] The End button Dab is an operator used to signal the termination of the search process. When the End button Dab is pressed, the display control unit 202 terminates the display of the search screen D and displays, for example, the foreign object detection screen C. If the End button Dab is pressed during the search process, the search processing unit 208, in cooperation with the reading operation control unit 204, outputs instruction information to signal the termination of the reading process.

[0083] The second area Db displays the tag identifier to be searched and the name of the equipment F corresponding to that tag identifier. The second area Db also displays a radar screen Dba that shows the direction and distance to the wireless tag TG corresponding to the tag identifier to be searched.

[0084] The radar screen Dba is centered at the position of the wireless tag reader 10 (Dbb), and directions and distances are represented by concentric circles. In addition, the sector-shaped region Dbc on the radar screen Dba indicates the radiation range of the radio waves emitted by the wireless tag reader 10.

[0085] When the equipment F to be searched enters the radiation range and the tag data of the wireless tag TG attached to the equipment F is acquired by the communication control unit 201, the search processing unit 208 estimates the direction and distance where the wireless tag TG is located and displays the estimated position Dbd of the wireless tag TG in area Dbc.

[0086] This allows the operator to easily locate the location of the tag identifier being searched for, i.e., the location of the container P containing the equipment F detected as a foreign object, by moving so that the position Dbd and the center Dbb in the region Dbc are close together. Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to easily transition from detecting a foreign object to searching for the container P containing that foreign object.

[0087] Returning to Figure 6, the inventory processing unit 209 is an example of an inventory means. The inventory processing unit 209 performs inventory processing to determine the presence or absence of each foreign item registered in the equipment master 241, based on the reading results of the wireless tags and the equipment master 241. Here, inventory processing is a process to confirm whether each of the equipment F used in the logistics site exists in a predetermined number (hereinafter also referred to as the theoretical inventory number) in a designated location (hereinafter also referred to as the equipment management space). For example, the operator reads tag data from the equipment F to be inventoryed by pointing the antenna 151 of the mobile terminal 20 towards the equipment management space.

[0088] Specifically, when the operator instructs the start of the inventory process, the inventory processing unit 209, in cooperation with the read operation control unit 204, outputs a read start instruction. The inventory processing unit 209 also, in cooperation with the read result processing unit 206, clears the read buffer 231.

[0089] Next, the inventory processing unit 209 aggregates the results of reading the tag data based on the equipment master 241. Specifically, the inventory processing unit 209 aggregates the number of readings for each piece of equipment F corresponding to each tag identifier registered in the reading buffer 231. Here, the aggregation of readings may be done on an individual item (management number, item name) basis or on a classification basis. Then, the inventory processing unit 209 outputs the aggregated results as the inventory result.

[0090] The inventory processing unit 209 performs the inventory processing described above in response to the operation received from the operator. For example, when the inventory button Ad is operated on the menu screen A in Figure 7, the inventory processing unit 209 works in cooperation with the display control unit 202 to display a GUI related to the inventory processing as shown in Figure 14.

[0091] Figure 14 shows an example of a GUI displayed on the display unit 25 of the mobile terminal 20. Note that Figure 14 shows an example of an inventory screen.

[0092] As shown in Figure 14, the inventory screen E, like the foreign object detection screen C, has a first area Ea and a second area Eb. The first area Ea displays an operation button Eaa and an exit button Eab.

[0093] Operation button Eaa is an operator used to instruct the start / stop of the inventory process. Operation button Eaa is a toggle button that switches between starting and stopping the inventory process each time it is operated. The inventory processing unit 209 works in cooperation with the reading operation control unit 204 to output instruction information that instructs the start or stop of reading in response to the operation of operation button Eaa.

[0094] Figure 14 shows the inventory process in progress, with the operation button Eaa displaying "Stopped," indicating that the inventory process has been stopped. When the operation button Eaa is pressed in this state, the inventory processing unit 209 outputs instruction information to indicate the end of reading. Also, when the operation button Eaa is pressed in the state shown in Figure 14, the display of the operation button Eaa is switched to "Started," indicating the start of the inventory process.

[0095] The End button Eab is an operator used to signal the end of the inventory process. When the End button Eab is pressed, the display control unit 202 terminates the display of the inventory screen E and displays, for example, the menu screen A. If the End button Eab is pressed during the inventory process, the inventory processing unit 209, in cooperation with the reading operation control unit 204, outputs instruction information to signal the end of the reading process.

[0096] The second area Eb displays the results of the inventory process. The second area Eb is scrollable, for example, vertically, and inventory process results that are not currently displayed can be viewed by scrolling.

[0097] Figure 14 shows the inventory results at the individual item level, displaying the theoretical and actual inventory quantities associated with each management number and item name of equipment F. Here, since equipment F is represented at the individual item level, the theoretical inventory quantity is always "1". The actual inventory quantity represents the number of items read and aggregated by the inventory processing unit 209, and indicates whether or not equipment F exists. Note that the actual inventory quantity is always "0" before the start of the inventory processing.

[0098] For example, if all of equipment F is present in the equipment management space, the inventory count will show that the actual inventory quantity for all of them is "1". Conversely, if some of equipment F is mixed in with other items P and therefore not present in the equipment management space, the inventory count will show that the actual inventory quantity for the absent equipment F is "0".

[0099] This allows the operator to check the inventory results displayed in the second area Eb to confirm whether all equipment F items are present in the equipment management space, and to easily identify any missing equipment F items. Thus, according to this embodiment, the management of equipment F items can be easily performed.

[0100] In this embodiment, the inventory processing unit 209 outputs the inventory results to the display unit 25, but the output destination is not limited to this. For example, the inventory processing unit 209 may output the inventory results to the storage unit 24 and store them there. Alternatively, the inventory processing unit 209 may output the inventory results to the information processing device 30.

[0101] The following describes an example of the operation of the mobile terminal 20, referring to Figures 15 to 17.

[0102] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the foreign object detection process performed by the mobile terminal 20. First, when the operator instructs the foreign object detection unit 207 to start foreign object detection, such as by operating the start button Caa (see Figure 9) on the foreign object detection screen C, the unit 207 works in cooperation with the reading operation control unit 204 to instruct the wireless tag reader 10 to start reading (step S11).

[0103] Next, the foreign object detection unit 207 determines whether or not tag data has been read by the wireless tag reader 10 (step S12). Specifically, the foreign object detection unit 207 monitors the read buffer 231 to determine whether or not new tag data has been registered in the read buffer 231. If no tag data is read (step S12; No), the process proceeds to step S18.

[0104] If the foreign object detection unit 207 determines that tag data has been read in step S12 (step S12; Yes), it proceeds to step S13. In step S13, the foreign object detection unit 207 compares the tag identifier contained in the tag data read in step S12 with the tag identifier registered in the equipment master 241 to determine whether or not the tag identifier indicates a foreign object (equipment F) (step S13).

[0105] If the tag identifier of the tag data read in step S12 is not registered in the equipment master 241, the foreign object detection unit 207 determines that it is not a foreign object (step S13; No) and proceeds to step S17. If the tag identifier of the tag data read in step S12 is registered in the equipment master 241, the foreign object detection unit 207 determines that it has detected a foreign object (step S13; Yes) and proceeds to step S14.

[0106] In step S14, the foreign object detection unit 207 reads the management number and item name of the detected foreign object from the equipment master 241 and displays them on the display unit 25, thereby notifying the unit that a foreign object has been detected (step S14). The foreign object detection unit 207 also displays an operator (search button Ca) on the display unit 25 that allows the unit to instruct the unit to proceed to the search process (step S15).

[0107] Next, the foreign object detection unit 207 determines whether or not it has been instructed to proceed to the search process (step S16). If it has been instructed to proceed to the search process (step S16; Yes), the search processing unit 208 executes the search process (step S17). If it has not been instructed to proceed to the search process (step S16; No), the process proceeds to step S18.

[0108] Next, the foreign object detection unit 207 determines whether or not an instruction to terminate foreign object detection has been given (step S18). Here, the instruction to terminate foreign object detection is a concept that includes not only operation by the operator, but also termination of reading due to the expiration of the detection time.

[0109] If the termination of foreign object detection is not instructed (step S18; No), the foreign object detection unit 207 continues foreign object detection by returning to step S12. If the termination of foreign object detection is instructed (step S18; Yes), the foreign object detection unit 207 determines whether or not a foreign object was detected in this foreign object detection (step S19).

[0110] If it is determined that no foreign object was detected (Step S19; No), the foreign object detection unit 207 notifies the user that no foreign object is present by displaying a message such as "No abnormality" on the display unit 25 (Step S20), and then terminates the process. If it is determined that a foreign object was detected (Step S19; Yes), the foreign object detection unit 207 terminates the process while leaving the foreign object notification and search buttons displayed in Steps S14 and S15 available.

[0111] Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a search process performed by the mobile terminal 20. This process is performed, for example, in response to the operation of the search button Cad (see Figure 11) displayed on the foreign object detection screen C. This process also corresponds to the search process performed, for example, in step S17 of Figure 15.

[0112] First, the search processing unit 208, in cooperation with the read operation control unit 204, instructs the wireless tag reader 10 to start reading a tag identifier to be searched for (step S31).

[0113] Next, the search processing unit 208 estimates the location of the wireless tag TG holding the tag identifier based on the reception status of the radio waves related to reading the tag identifier to be searched (step S32). Then, the search processing unit 208 displays the relative positional relationship between the estimated location and the location of its own device on the display unit 25 using the radar screen Dba shown in Figure 13 (step S33).

[0114] Next, the search processing unit 208 determines whether or not an instruction to terminate the search process has been given (step S34). 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 208 may be configured to set the detection time to unlimited while the search process is in progress.

[0115] If the search process is not instructed to end (step S34; No), the search processing unit 208 continues the search process by returning to step S32. If the search process is instructed to end (step S34; Yes), the search processing unit 208 terminates this process.

[0116] If the execution of this process starts from step S17 in Figure 15, the search processing unit 208 may return to step S18 after the completion of the search process. In this case, the search processing unit 208 may also return to step S18 after clearing the read buffer 231.

[0117] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing an example of an inventory process performed by the mobile terminal 20. First, when the operator instructs the inventory process to begin, such as by operating the operation button Eaa (see Figure 14) on the inventory screen E, the inventory processing unit 209 works in cooperation with the reading operation control unit 204 to instruct the wireless tag reader 10 to start reading (step S41).

[0118] Next, the inventory processing unit 209 determines whether or not tag data has been read by the wireless tag reader 10 (step S42). If tag data is not read (step S42; No), the process proceeds to step S45.

[0119] If the inventory processing unit 209 determines in step S42 that tag data has been read (step S42; Yes), it calculates the number of read items F corresponding to each tag identifier included in the tag data based on the equipment master 241 (step S43). Next, the inventory processing unit 209 displays the calculation results on the display unit 25 (step S44) and proceeds to step S45.

[0120] Next, the inventory processing unit 209 determines whether or not an instruction to end the inventory processing has been given (step S45). Here, the instruction to end the inventory processing is given by an operator to end the reading process. Note that the instruction to end the inventory processing may also include the concept of ending the reading process due to the expiration of the detection time, not limited to an operation by the operator.

[0121] If the inventory counting process is not instructed to end (step S45; No), the inventory counting processing unit 209 continues the inventory counting process by returning to step S42. Also, if the search process is instructed to end (step S45; Yes), the inventory counting processing unit 209 terminates this process.

[0122] As described above, the portable terminal 20 of this embodiment determines whether the wireless tag TG attached to the equipment F has been read based on the reading result of the wireless tag TG obtained by the wireless tag reader 10 emitting radio waves for wireless tag reading to the container P containing the item G, and the equipment master 241 which has registered the tag identifier held by the wireless tag TG attached to the equipment F. If the portable terminal 20 determines that the wireless tag TG attached to the equipment F has been read, it notifies that a foreign object has been detected. If no foreign object is detected when the wireless tag reading operation is completed, the portable terminal 20 notifies that no foreign object is present.

[0123] This allows the operator of the mobile terminal 20 to easily determine whether or not equipment F is mixed in with the contents P by directing the radio waves of the wireless tag reader 10 towards the contents P. Therefore, according to the mobile terminal 20 of this embodiment, foreign objects mixed in with the contents P can be detected efficiently.

[0124] Furthermore, when a foreign object is detected, the mobile terminal 20 searches for the location of the foreign object based on the reception status of radio waves related to reading the wireless tag attached to the foreign object, and displays the searched location on the display unit 25.

[0125] This allows the operator of the mobile terminal 20 to pinpoint the location of the contents P containing foreign matter. Therefore, according to the mobile terminal 20 of this embodiment, foreign matter mixed into the contents P can be detected efficiently.

[0126] Furthermore, the mobile terminal 20 determines the existence or non-existence of each piece of equipment F registered in the equipment master 241 based on the reading result of the wireless tag by the wireless tag reader 10 and the equipment master 241, and displays the determination result on the display unit 25.

[0127] As a result, the operator of the mobile terminal 20 can easily determine the presence or absence of each piece of equipment F used in the distribution site by, for example, directing the radio waves of the wireless tag reader 10 towards the equipment management space. Therefore, according to the mobile terminal 20 of this embodiment, foreign objects mixed in with the contents P can be detected efficiently.

[0128] Thus, the foreign object detection system 1 of this embodiment can efficiently detect foreign objects mixed into the contents P.

[0129] 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.

[0130] (Variation 1) In the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which a wireless tag TG is attached to the equipment F that is a foreign object, and the foreign object is detected by comparing the read tag data with the equipment master 241. However, the wireless tag TG is not limited to equipment F, and may also be attached to item G.

[0131] For example, in logistics operations, wireless tags TG may be attached to each item G being transported, or to the container P that holds the item G, for use in item management such as receiving and shipping management and inventory management. In such cases, for example, an item management data file (hereinafter also called an item management master) is prepared, which registers information about the item G and the container P (hereinafter referred to as item information) associated with the tag identification of the wireless tags TG attached to the item G and the container P, and is stored in the storage unit 24 of the mobile terminal 20. The mobile terminal 20 may then be configured to detect foreign objects by comparing the tag data read via the wireless tag reader 10 with the equipment master 241, and to perform item management by comparing it with the item management master.

[0132] For example, if the tag identifier of the tag data read by the wireless tag reader 10 matches a tag identifier registered in the item management master, the foreign object detection unit 207 reads the item information associated with that tag identifier from the item management master. The foreign object detection unit 207 may then display the read item information on the display unit 25. Furthermore, if the foreign object detection unit 207 detects a foreign object when reading a wireless tag TG related to item management, it will notify the system that a foreign object has been detected by displaying the management number and item name of the detected foreign object along with the item information on the display unit 25.

[0133] Alternatively, for example, the inventory processing unit 209 may perform inventory processing related to the management of items G and contained items P based on the item management master. In this case, the foreign object detection unit 207 may perform foreign object detection based on the equipment master 241 in the background of the inventory processing related to item management by the inventory processing unit 209. In this case as well, if the foreign object detection unit 207 detects a foreign object, it will notify that a foreign object has been detected by displaying the management number and item name of the detected foreign object on the display unit 25.

[0134] As a result, the portable terminal 20 according to this modified example can manage items G and contents P, and can achieve the same effects as the embodiment described above.

[0135] (Modification 2) In the above-described embodiment, the wireless tag reader 10 was a handheld type wireless tag reader, but the wireless tag reader 10 is not limited to this form. For example, the wireless tag reader 10 may be applied to a gate-type wireless tag reader. In this case, the wireless tag reader 10 reads the wireless tag TG by emitting radio waves to the contents P passing through the gate. As a result, the mobile terminal 20 can detect foreign objects based on the tag data read by the gate-type wireless tag reader 10.

[0136] Alternatively, a configuration may be used in combination with a gate-type wireless tag reader 10 and a handheld wireless tag reader 10. In this case, for example, the mobile terminal 20 is first connected to the gate-type wireless tag reader 10. Then, when the gate-type wireless tag reader 10 detects a foreign object, the mobile terminal 20 connects to the handheld wireless tag reader 10 while retaining the tag identifier of the foreign object. The operator of the mobile terminal 20 can then use the handheld wireless tag reader 10 to perform a search process, thereby searching for the object P containing the foreign object from among multiple objects P that have passed through the gate.

[0137] (Variation 3) In the above-described embodiment, the mobile terminal 20 is configured to perform foreign object detection, search processing, and inventory processing. However, other devices may be configured to perform foreign object detection, search processing, and inventory processing by having other devices equipped with the same functional configuration as the mobile terminal 20 shown in Figure 6.

[0138] For example, the information processing device 30 may be configured to perform search processing and inventory processing by incorporating some or all of the functional configuration of the mobile terminal 20.

[0139] (Modification 4) In the above embodiment, an example of a setting screen (see Figure 8) related to the operation of the wireless tag reader 10 has been described, but the configurable contents are not limited to this.

[0140] For example, the wireless tag reader 10 may be configured to allow setting the output power (transmission output) of the radio waves it emits. Alternatively, it may be configured to 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. Furthermore, it may be configured to allow setting a session ID (S0~S3) to specify how the state of the inventory flags (A, B) of the wireless tag is maintained.

[0141] Furthermore, if the wireless tag reader 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 10 disables the code symbol reading function in response to instructions from the setting change unit 205.

[0142] 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).

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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]

[0145] 1. Foreign object detection system 10 Wireless tag reader 20 Mobile devices 30 Information Processing Devices 101 Reading Processing Unit 102 Communication Control Unit 201 Communication Control Unit 202 Display Control Unit 203 Operation Control Unit 204 Reading Operation Control Unit 205 Settings Change Section 206 Reading Result Processing Unit 208 Search Processing Unit 209 Inventory Processing Unit 241 Equipment Master [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0146] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-148230

Claims

1. A determination means for determining whether a wireless tag attached to a foreign object has been read, based on the reading result of a wireless tag obtained by emitting radio waves for reading wireless tags to an object containing an item, and a data file that registers the tag identifier held by a wireless tag attached to a foreign object different from the said item, A display control means that displays a first screen representing the determination result of the determination means on the display unit, and when the determination means reads a wireless tag attached to a foreign object, displays an operator on the first screen that instructs the system to search for the location where the foreign object is located. When the operator is operated, the search means emits radio waves for reading the radio tag, specifying the tag identifier of the radio tag attached to the foreign object, and searches for the location of the foreign object based on the reception status of the radio waves transmitted by the radio tag that responded to the radio waves. Equipped with, The display control means is a foreign object detection device that switches from the first screen to display on the display unit a second screen representing the position searched by the search means.

2. The display control means, when the determination means determines that the wireless tag attached to the foreign object has not been read, displays the first screen which does not have the operator. The foreign object detection device according to claim 1.

3. If the determination means determines that a wireless tag attached to a foreign object has been read, the determination means further comprises a notification means for notifying that a foreign object has been detected. The foreign object detection device according to claim 1.

4. The notification means, upon completion of the wireless tag reading operation, notifies that the wireless tag attached to the foreign object is not present if it has not been read. The foreign object detection device according to claim 3.

5. The reading means further comprises emitting radio waves for reading the aforementioned wireless tag and reading the tag identifier from the wireless tag that responds to the radio waves, The determination means determines, based on the reading result of the reading means and the data file, whether the wireless tag attached to the foreign object has been read. A foreign object detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The computer of the foreign object detection device, A determination means for determining whether a wireless tag attached to a foreign object has been read, based on the reading result of a wireless tag obtained by emitting radio waves for reading wireless tags to an object containing an item, and a data file that registers the tag identifier held by a wireless tag attached to a foreign object different from the said item, A display control means that displays a first screen representing the determination result of the determination means on the display unit, and when the determination means reads a wireless tag attached to a foreign object, displays an operator on the first screen that instructs the system to search for the location where the foreign object is located. When the operator is operated, the search means emits radio waves for reading the radio tag, specifying the tag identifier of the radio tag attached to the foreign object, and searches for the location of the foreign object based on the reception status of the radio waves transmitted by the radio tag that responded to the radio waves. and make it work The display control means is a program that switches from the first screen to display on the display unit a second screen representing the position searched by the search means.

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