RF tag attachment tool, submersion determination program, and submersion determination system

Abstract

Provided are an RF tag attachment tool that can be easily reduced in weight and size, and a submersion determination program, a submersion determination device, and a submersion determination system which can be applied to such a tag attachment tool. A submersion determination system 2 comprises: an RF tag attachment tool 100; antennas AT1-AT4; a receiver RV capable of wireless communication with an RF tag provided on the RF tag attachment tool 100 via the antennas AT1-AT4; and a submersion determination device 10 that connects to the receiver RV. The RF tag attachment tool 100 is for attaching the RF tag TG to the head HTX of a determination subject HT (for example, a swimmer) and comprises: a swimming cap CAP (attachment member) that is attached to the determination subject HT; a support member 110 that is mounted to the swimming cap CAP; and a tag package 120 incorporating the RF tag TG.

Description

RF tag attachment device, submersion detection program, and submersion detection system

[0001] The present invention relates to an RF tag attachment, a submersion determination program, a submersion determination device, and a submersion determination system.

[0002] Pools are installed in schools, gyms, hotels, etc. As the number of pool users increases, drowning accidents occur every year, making it urgent to take measures to prevent accidents. Preventive measures are especially necessary for infants, toddlers, and children, who may not have much knowledge of drowning. Traditionally, such measures have involved assigning lifeguards or relying on human monitoring.

[0003] Since there are limitations to monitoring by lifeguards, a submersion detection system has been proposed in which a transmitter is attached to the wearer's head and the submersion of the wearer is detected from the sensing signal of a pressure sensor built into the transmitter (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-252219

[0005] However, the pressure sensor described in Patent Document 1 requires an internal battery, so the submersion detection system will not operate if the battery is dead. Therefore, it is necessary to check the internal battery for each pressure sensor. Furthermore, if water gets into the internal battery, it could cause a malfunction or accident. Therefore, the transmitter must have a waterproof structure, which results in an increased weight and size of the transmitter.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide an RF tag attachment device that can be easily made lighter and smaller, a submergence detection program that can be applied to such an RF tag attachment device, a submergence detection device, and a submergence detection system.

[0007] The present invention is an RF tag attachment device for attaching an RF tag that communicates wirelessly in a frequency band that does not allow radio waves to penetrate water to an object to be identified, and is characterized in that it comprises a tag support structure that can support the RF tag, and an attachment structure that attaches the tag support structure to an attachment member for attaching the RF tag to the object to be identified, and a gap is formed between the position of the IC chip built into the RF tag and the object to be identified.

[0008] The tag support structure preferably includes a first support structure supporting the RF tag and a second support structure supporting the first support structure. When a portion of the first support structure near the location of the IC chip is defined as a proximal support structure portion, the proximal support structure portion is preferably spaced apart from the second support structure or the target of discrimination. Furthermore, when the first support structure is viewed from a predetermined direction, the end portion on one side of the proximal support structure portion is defined as a first-side support structure end portion, and the end portion on the other side of the proximal support structure portion is defined as an other-side support structure end portion. The proximal support structure portion is preferably spaced apart from the second support structure or the target of discrimination more than the first-side support structure end portion and the other-side support structure end portion. Furthermore, the one-side support structure end portion engages with a one-side engagement portion of the second support structure, and the other-side support structure end portion engages with a other-side engagement portion of the second support structure. The length between the one-side engagement portion and the other-side engagement portion is preferably shorter than the length between the one-side support structure end and the other-side support structure end portion. It is preferable that the one-side support structure end and the one-side engagement portion are detachable by a one-side button mechanism, and the other-side support structure end and the other-side engagement portion are detachable by a other-side button mechanism.

[0009] It is preferable that the tag support structure includes a mounting member that supports the tag support structure and is attached to the target of discrimination, and when a portion of the tag support structure near the arrangement position of the IC chip is defined as a proximal support structure portion, and when the mounting member is attached to the target of discrimination, the proximal support structure portion is spaced apart from the mounting member or the target of discrimination.Furthermore, when the tag support structure is viewed from a predetermined direction, an end portion on one side of the proximal support structure portion is defined as a one-side support structure end portion, and an end portion on the other side of the proximal support structure portion is defined as an other-side support structure end portion, it is preferable that the one-side support structure end portion engages with a one-side engaging portion of the mounting member, and the other-side support structure end portion engages with a other-side engaging portion of the mounting member, and the length between the one-side engaging portion and the other-side engaging portion is shorter than the length between the one-side support structure end and the other-side support structure end. Furthermore, it is preferable that the mounting member be formed in an elongated shape, that one side hole into which the mounting member can be inserted be formed at the one-side support structure end, and that the other side hole into which the mounting member can be inserted be formed at the other-side support structure end, and that when the position of the mounting member where the one side hole engages with the one mounting member is defined as a one-side engagement position, and the position of the mounting member where the other side hole engages with the other mounting member is defined as a other-side engagement position, the length between the one-side engagement position and the other-side engagement position is shorter than the length between the one side hole and the other side hole. It is also preferable that a spacer be provided between the tag support structure and the mounting member, and that the mounting member engage with the one-side support structure end, the other support structure end, and the spacer.

[0010] When the portion of the tag support structure that is located near the placement position of the IC chip is defined as the chip vicinity support structure portion, it is preferable that the gap is formed in the chip vicinity support structure portion of the tag support structure.

[0011] When the portion of the tag support structure that is near the placement position of the IC chip is defined as the chip proximity support structure portion, it is preferable that the gap is formed by arranging the tag support structure so as to avoid the chip proximity support structure portion.

[0012] It is preferable to have the RF tag supported by the tag support structure.

[0013] When the portion that comes into contact with the discrimination object is defined as a contact surface, it is preferable that the direction of the antenna pattern of the IC chip be oblique to the direction of the contact surface.

[0014] It is preferable that at least one of the following conditions be satisfied: in the first RF tag that is positioned at the top when the attachment member is attached to the object to be identified, the upper end of the antenna pattern of the first RF tag is farther from the contact surface than the lower end of the antenna pattern of the first RF tag; and in the second RF tag that is positioned at the bottom when attached, the lower end of the antenna pattern of the second RF tag is farther from the contact surface than the upper end of the antenna pattern of the second RF tag.

[0015] It is preferable that the tag support structure or the mounting member has a hinge structure that is switchable between a first state in which the antenna pattern faces a first direction and a second state in which the antenna pattern faces a second direction different from the first direction.

[0016] The mounting member preferably comprises a first mounting member to which the tag support structure is attached and a second mounting member connected to the first mounting portion, and the first mounting portion preferably arranges the multiple tag support structures around the object to be distinguished.

[0017] The attachment member is preferably attachable to the head of the object to be identified.

[0018] The submersion determination program of the present invention is characterized in that it causes a computer to execute the following steps: a signal output step of outputting a predetermined signal to the RF tag attached to the object to be determined by the RF tag attachment device; a response signal receiving step of receiving a response signal from the RF tag in response to the predetermined signal; a response signal storage step of storing the response signal in a storage device; a communication state determination step of reading a log of the response signals stored in the storage device and determining whether the state is a communication state in which a response signal from the RF tag has been detected under predetermined conditions, or a disconnected state in which a response signal from the RF tag has not been detected under predetermined conditions; and a submersion state determination step of determining that the object to be determined is submerged if the disconnected state continues for a predetermined period of time.

[0019] The submersion determination program of the present invention is characterized in that it causes a computer to execute the following steps: a signal output step of outputting a predetermined signal to an RF tag attached to an object to be determined by an RF tag attachment device; a response signal receiving step of receiving a response signal from the RF tag in response to the predetermined signal; a response signal storage step of storing the response signal in a storage device; a communication state determination step of reading a log of the response signals stored in the storage device and determining whether the object is in a communication state in which a response signal from the RF tag has been detected under predetermined conditions, or a communication outage state in which a response signal from the RF tag has not been detected under predetermined conditions; and a submersion state determination step of determining that the object to be determined is submerged if the communication outage state continues for a predetermined period of time.

[0020] Preferably, a plurality of RF tags are attached to the object to be discriminated by the RF tag attachment device, and the storage device is capable of storing the identifiers of the RF tags in association with the identifiers of the RF tag attachment device or the object to be discriminated, and the communication state determination step determines whether each of the plurality of RF tags is in the communicating state or the out-of-communication state, and the submerged state determination step determines that the object to be discriminated is submerged when it is determined that all of the RF tags associated with the identifiers of the RF tag attachment device or the object to be discriminated are in the out-of-communication state, while it determines that the object to be discriminated is not submerged when it is determined that at least one of the RF tags associated with the identifiers of the RF tag attachment device or the object to be discriminated is in the communicating state. Furthermore, in the submerged state determination step, when it is determined that all of the RF tags associated with the identifier of the RF tag attachment device or the object to be determined are in the out-of-communication state for a first period, it is determined that the RF tag attachment device or the object to be determined is in a submerged state, whereas when it is determined that, with respect to the identifier of the RF tag attachment device or the object to be determined to be submerged, at least one of the RF tags associated with the identifier is in the communication state for a second period, it is determined that the RF tag attachment device or the object to be determined has recovered from submersion, and it is preferable that the second period is shorter than the first period.

[0021] When it is determined that the RF tag attachment device or the object to be discriminated is submerged, it is preferable to have a computer execute the following steps: a last surviving tag extraction step of extracting the RF tag that last became out of communication from among the RF tags associated with the identifier of the RF tag attachment device or the object to be discriminated; a last communication antenna extraction step of extracting the antenna that last detected a response signal from the RF tag extracted by the last surviving tag detection step; and a submergence occurrence position determination step of determining candidate submergence occurrence positions based on the installation positions of the antennas extracted in the last communication antenna extraction step.

[0022] It is preferable to have a computer execute a partial submersion step of submerging a specified portion of the object to be discriminated to which the RF tag attachment device is attached, and an attachment position registration step of associating the specified portion with the identifier of the RF tag determined to be submerged in the submersion state discrimination step as the installation position of the RF tag on the object to be discriminated, and storing the identifier.

[0023] It is preferable to have a computer execute the following steps: a partial submersion step in which a predetermined portion of the object to be discriminated to which the RF tag attachment device is attached is submerged; an attachment position determination step in which the identifier of the RF tag determined to be submerged in the submersion state determination step is read from the storage device, and the installation position of the RF tag in the object to be discriminated associated with the RF tag identifier is read, and whether or not the predetermined portion in the partial submersion step matches the installation position of the RF tag; and an attachment position determination result output step in which the determination result in the attachment position determination step is output.

[0024] The submersion determination device of the present invention comprises a wireless communication control device that communicates wirelessly with an RF tag, and a memory device, and the wireless communication control device comprises a signal output unit that outputs a predetermined signal to the RF tag, a response signal receiving unit that receives a response signal from the RF tag in response to the predetermined signal, a communication state determination unit that determines whether the device is in a communication state in which a response signal from the RF tag has been detected under predetermined conditions, or a disconnected state in which a response signal from the RF tag has not been detected under predetermined conditions, a submersion determination unit that determines that the object to be determined is submerged if the disconnected state continues for a predetermined period of time, and an alarm output unit that outputs an alarm when it is determined that the object to be determined is submerged.

[0025] The submersion determination system of the present invention is characterized by comprising the above-mentioned RF tag attachment device, the above-mentioned submersion determination device, and an antenna that enables wireless communication between the RF tag attachment device and the submersion determination device.

[0026] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an RF tag attachment that can be easily made lighter and smaller, a submersion determination program that can be applied to such an RF tag attachment, a submersion determination device, and a submersion determination system.

[0027] [Correction based on Rule 91 30.04.2025] An explanatory diagram showing an overview of the submersion determination system. (A) is an explanatory diagram showing an overview when an RF tag attachment device is attached to a swimmer's head. (B) is a bottom view showing an overview of the RF tag attachment device. An exploded perspective view showing an overview of the tag package. An oblique view showing an overview of the tag package. An exploded view showing an overview of the tag package. An enlarged view of a main part of an overview of the tag package attached to a swimming cap. A plan view showing an overview of an RF tag attachment device (variant). A plan view showing an overview of an RF tag attachment device (variant). An exploded view showing an overview of an RF tag attachment device (variant). An enlarged view of a main part of an overview of an RF tag attachment device (variant). A plan view showing an overview of an RF tag attachment device (variant). An enlarged view of a main part of an overview of an RF tag attachment device (variant). A plan view showing an overview of an RF tag attachment device (variant). A plan view showing an overview of an RF tag attachment device (variant). A enlarged view of a main part of an overview of an RF tag attachment device (variant). A plan view showing an overview of an RF tag attachment device (variant). A plan view showing an overview of an RF tag attachment device (variant). A plan view showing an overview of an RF tag attachment device (variant). A plan view showing an overview of an RF tag attachment device (variant). A enlarged view of a main part of an overview of an RF tag attachment device (variant). 1 is a plan view showing an overview of a tag support plate (variant); FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a submergence determination device; FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a submergence determination device; FIG. 4 is a chart showing an overview of a communication state step and a submergence state determination step; FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing an overview of a submergence determination method; (A) is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of a tag DB; (B) is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of an antenna DB; (C) is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of a transmission log; (D) is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of a reception log; (E) is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of a communication state determination log; (F) is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of a submergence state determination log; FIG. 10 is a front view showing an outline of a tag package (modified example).1 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXIIIe-XXIIIe' showing an outline of a tag package (modified example). FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXIIIf-XXIIIf' showing an outline of a tag package (modified example). FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXIIIf-XXIIIf' showing an outline of a tag package (modified example) provided in the front portion. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXIIIf-XXIIIf' showing an outline of a tag package (modified example) provided in the rear portion. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of a discrimination object to which an RF tag attaching device (modified example) is attached. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of a discrimination object to which an RF tag attaching device (modified example) is attached. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of a discrimination object to which an RF tag attaching device (modified example) is attached. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of a direction of an antenna pattern housed in a tag package located at the forehead. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of a direction of an antenna pattern housed in a tag package located at the back of the head. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of a tag package (modified example). FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of a discrimination object to which an RF tag attaching device (modified example) is attached.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, the submersion determination system 2 comprises an RF tag attachment device 100, antennas AT1 to AT4, a receiver RV capable of wireless communication with the RF tag attached to the RF tag attachment device 100 via the antennas AT1 to AT4, and a submersion determination device 10 connected to the receiver RV.

[0029] The antennas AT1 to AT4 are installed on the poolside so as to surround the pool PL. If the pool PL is rectangular in plan view, the antennas AT1 to AT4 are preferably arranged along the four sides (Figure 1). The receivable ranges ATX1 to ATX4 of each of the antennas AT1 to AT4 preferably cover the area in which the object to be determined exists (for example, the entire pool PL), and the receivable ranges ATX1 to ATX4 of each of the antennas AT1 to AT4 preferably overlap each other.

[0030] The receiver RV is connected to the antennas AT1 to AT4, respectively. Based on a control signal from the submersion determination device 10, the receiver RV transmits a predetermined signal to the RF tag via the antennas AT1 to AT4 at predetermined intervals, using radio waves or magnetic fields. The receiver RV also receives response signals from the RF tags received by the antennas AT1 to AT4. Furthermore, the receiver RV assigns an identifier (e.g., AT1, AT2, etc.) of the antenna that received the response signal to the response signal from the RF tag received by the antennas AT1 to AT4, and outputs the signal to the submersion determination device 10.

[0031] 2, the RF tag attachment device 100 is for attaching an RF tag TG (FIG. 3) to the head HTX of a discrimination target HT (e.g., a swimmer), and comprises a swimming cap CAP (attaching member) to be attached to the discrimination target HT, a tag support structure TSC, and an attachment structure for attaching the tag support structure TSC to the swimming cap CAP. The tag support structure TSC also comprises a tag package 120 (first support structure) that incorporates the RF tag TG, and a support member 110 (second support structure) that is attached to the swimming cap CAP and supports the tag package 120.

[0032] For ease of explanation, any direction in a horizontal plane will be referred to as the X direction, any direction in the horizontal plane that is perpendicular to the X direction will be referred to as the Y direction, and any direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane will be referred to as the Z direction.

[0033] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the tag package 120 contains an RF tag TG, and comprises the RF tag TG, a tag support 122 capable of supporting the RF tag TG, and a tag cover 125 arranged on the tag support 122 and covering the RF tag TG.

[0034] An RF tag (TG) is a medium that uses radio waves (electromagnetic waves) to contactlessly read and write data from an internal memory. There are three types of RF tags (TG): passive types without a built-in power source, active types with a built-in power source, and semi-active types that normally operate as passive and only emit radio waves using an internal power source when called upon by a reader or writer. While each type is applicable, the passive type is preferred. A passive RF tag (TG) includes an insulating film (FL) made of synthetic resin, an IC chip (CP) disposed on the insulating film (FL), two electrode patterns (PT) disposed on the insulating film (FL) and connected to the electrodes of the IC chip (CP), and an antenna pattern (AP) disposed on the insulating film (FL) and extending from each of the two electrode patterns (PT). The insulating film (FL) is formed in a rectangular shape with sides in the longitudinal direction (X direction) and the lateral direction (Y direction).

[0035] When the antenna pattern AP receives radio waves or a magnetic field, an induced electromotive force is generated in the IC chip CP, activating the program stored in the IC chip CP. As a result, the information stored in the IC chip CP (such as the RF tag identifier) ​​and the information resulting from calculations are transmitted from the antenna pattern AP as a predetermined signal carried on the radio waves or magnetic field. The predetermined signal transmitted from the RF tag TG is read by the receiver RV via the antenna AT. The receiver RV then transmits the read signal as a response signal to the submersion determination device 10.

[0036] When specializing in submersion detection, the frequency band of radio waves used for wireless communication between the RF tag TG and the antenna AT is preferably a frequency band that radio waves do not penetrate through water. A frequency band that radio waves do not penetrate is preferably, for example, 300 kHz or higher. Specific examples that can be used for wireless communication between the RF tag TG and the antenna AT include the HF band (short wave band: 13.56 MHz), the UHF band (ultra high frequency band: 860 MHz to 920 MHz), and the SHF band (microwave band: 2.45 GHz). Considering communication distance and miniaturization of the antenna, receiver, etc., UHF (ultra high frequency band) is desirable.

[0037] The tag support 122 is formed in a plate-like shape and is rectangular with sides in the longitudinal direction (X direction) and the lateral direction (Y direction). The tag cover 125 is also formed in a plate-like shape and is rectangular with sides in the longitudinal direction (X direction) and the lateral direction (Y direction). The tag cover 125 preferably has smaller dimensions in the X direction and the Y direction than the tag support 122. The tag cover 125 is placed from above on the tag support 122, on which the RF tag TG is arranged, and the gap between the tag support 122 and the tag cover 125 is sealed to obtain the tag package 120 for the RF tag TG. Therefore, the tag package 120 has a waterproof structure. Furthermore, the tag support 122 and the tag cover 125 are preferably formed from synthetic resin and are flexible. The insulating film FL is also flexible. Therefore, the tag package 120 as a whole is preferably flexible.

[0038] The tag package 120 preferably includes a positioning mechanism that can position the RF tag TG at a predetermined position. The positioning mechanism is preferably a recess or multiple protrusions provided in the tag support 122 or the tag cover 125. The recess is preferably large enough to accommodate the RF tag TG. The multiple protrusions may be arranged around the placement position of the RF tag TG and may be capable of engaging the edges of the RF tag TG.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2 , the swimming cap CAP includes an edge portion CAP1 (attachment) that forms an opening through which the discrimination target HT can be inserted, and an extension portion CAP2 extending from one side of the edge portion CAP1. The extension portion CAP2 is formed in a hemispherical shape. The edge portion CAP1 is elastic and annular. Therefore, when a radially outward force is applied to the edge portion CAP1, the edge portion CAP1 deforms and extends radially outward. The head portion HTX of the discrimination target HT is inserted into the edge portion CAP1 in a state expanded by the outward force, and the head portion HTX is allowed to reach the extension portion CAP2. Then, when the outward force is released, the restoring force of the edge portion CAP1 tightly fastens the head portion HTX of the discrimination target HT. This allows the swimming cap CAP to fit snugly around the head portion HTX of the discrimination target HT.

[0040] The edge portion CAP1 is preferably made of an elastic material such as rubber or an elastic fabric such as knit. The extension portion CAP2 is preferably made of the same material as the edge portion CAP1 or a material with good drainage such as mesh.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 5 , the support member 110 is formed in a plate-like shape, and is rectangular with sides in the longitudinal direction (X direction) and the lateral direction (Y direction). The support member 110 is made of synthetic resin and is flexible. A button B1 (mounting structure) is provided on the underside 110U of the support member 110. Meanwhile, two buttons B2 (mounting structures) that are detachable from the button B1 are provided on the outer surface of the edge portion CAP1 of the swimming cap CAP, spaced a predetermined distance apart. The buttons B1 and B2 enable the support member 110 to be detachably attached to the edge portion CAP1. Here, the position where the button B2 is provided on one side of the swimming cap CAP is referred to as the one-side engagement portion CAP1L, and the position where the button B2 is provided on the other side is referred to as the other-side engagement portion CAP1R.

[0042] A female button 110A (one-side button structure) is provided at one end (one-side engagement portion) in the X direction on the upper surface 110T of the support member 110, and a female button 110B (other-side button structure) is provided at the other end (other-side engagement portion) in the X direction. Also, a male button 122A (one-side button structure) is provided at one end 122L (one-side support structure end) in the X direction on the lower surface 122K of the tag support body 122, and a male button 122B (other-side button structure) is provided at the other end 122R (other-side support structure end) in the X direction of the tag support body 122. The female button 110A is detachable from the male button 122A, and the female button 110B is detachable from the male button 122B.

[0043] The distance L1 in the X direction between the two female buttons 110A and 110B on the flat support member 110 is shorter than the distance L2 in the X direction between the two male buttons 122A and 122B provided on the tag support member 122. When the female button 110A is attached to the male button 122A and the female button 110B is attached to the male button 122B, respectively, the support member 110 curves convexly outward along the head HTX, as shown in Fig. 6, and the tag support member 122 attached to the support member 110 curves convexly outward (toward the upper surface 122T). Therefore, of the tag support member 122, an intermediate portion 122C in the X direction between one end portion 122L and the other end portion 122R in the X direction is farther from the head HTX of the object to be identified HT than both end portions 122L, 122R. As a result, the RF tag TG supported by the tag support 122 also curves upwardly convexly like the tag support 122, and moves away from the head HTX of the identification target HT. Therefore, the male buttons 122A and 122B provided at both ends of the tag support 122 in the X direction, the support member 110, and the female buttons 110A and 110B provided at both ends of the support member 110 in the X direction function as a distanced support structure.

[0044] When the swimming cap CAP is attached to the head HTX of the subject HT (Figure 2), the RF tag TG is kept away from the head HTX of the subject HT due to the distance support structure, making it possible for the RF tag TG to communicate wirelessly without being affected by moisture contained in or attached to the head or hair.

[0045] Furthermore, if the portion of the tag support 122 near the placement position of the IC chip CP is defined as the chip-neighborhood support portion 122CX (chip-neighborhood support structure portion) (FIGS. 3, 5, and 6), when the swimming cap CAP is attached to the subject HT, the tag support 122 has a shape in which the chip-neighborhood support portion 122CX is farther from the head HTX of the subject HT than the one end 122L and the other end 122R. This causes the IC chip CP embedded in the RF tag TG to be farther from the head HTX of the subject HT, forming a gap XX (FIGS. 3 and 6) between the IC chip CP and the swimming cap CAP. Here, the gap refers to a space where no objects (solids or liquids) constituting the RF tag attachment device are present, i.e., a space where atmospheric gas such as air is present. This facilitates induced electromotive force in the IC chip CP without being affected by moisture contained in the head or hair or moisture adhering thereto.

[0046] When the swim cap CAP is worn by the discrimination subject HT, the tag packages 120 attached to the swim cap CAP are preferably arranged around the head HTX at a predetermined interval, such as on the face (forehead, etc.), left head, back of the head, and right head (Fig. 2). Specifically, the tag packages 120 are preferably installed on the face (forehead, etc.) of the discrimination subject HT wearing the swim cap CAP to make it easier to detect submersion of the mouth and nose in water.

[0047] When multiple tag packages 120 are attached to a swimming cap CAP, as another layout example, they may be arranged on the face (forehead, etc.), the top of the head, the right side of the head, the left side of the head, etc., as shown in Fig. 7A. Note that when multiple tag packages 120 are attached to a swimming cap CAP, the tag packages 120 may be arranged vertically as shown in Fig. 7B.

[0048] Although another member may be present between the middle portion of the tag support 122 in the X direction (middle portion of the support) and the swim cap CAP, it is preferable that no other member be present, considering that the dielectric constant of air is relatively low compared to other substances. In other words, it is preferable that the tag package 120 is supported on the swim cap CAP by both ends of the tag support 122 in the X direction and the support member 110.

[0049] Although the support member 110 is detachable from the swimming cap CAP using buttons B1 or the like provided at both ends of its underside 110U in the X direction, it may also be fixed to the swimming cap CAP by sewing or gluing it to the swimming cap CAP. The tag package 120 may be attached directly to the swimming cap CAP, but if the rigidity of the extension portion CAP2 is relatively low, it is better to attach the tag package 120 via the support member 110, which has greater rigidity than the extension portion CAP2.

[0050] In this way, the RF tag attachment device 100 uses wireless communication using an RF tag, making it easy to miniaturize. Furthermore, even if the identification target HT is a person or animal with a high dielectric constant, or if the RF tag attachment device 100 is used in an environment where water or the like is likely to adhere to the RF tag attachment device 100, the RF tag attachment device 100 is provided with a distance support structure that keeps the RF tag away from the identification target HT when attached, making it less susceptible to adverse effects of wireless communication. Furthermore, the simple structure of the distance support structure makes it easy to miniaturize the device, and also makes it possible to stabilize quality and reduce manufacturing costs.

[0051] The support member 110 may be omitted, and the tag support 122 may be attached directly to the swimming cap CAP. In this case, as shown in Fig. 8A, it is preferable that the distance L1' in the X direction between the two buttons B2 is shorter than the distance L2 in the X direction between the male buttons 122A and 122B, and that the two buttons B2 provided on the outer surface of the edge portion CAP1 of the swimming cap CAP are detachable from the male buttons 122A and 122B provided on the tag support 122. In other words, the two buttons B2 and the male buttons 122A and 122B function as the attachment structure.

[0052] In the above embodiment, when the swimming cap CAP is attached to the discrimination target HT, the chip-neighborhood support portion 122CX of the tag support structure TSC (tag support 122) that directly supports the RF tag TG is described as being farther from the swimming cap CAP and the discrimination target HT than other portions of the tag support 122. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 8B, the shape of the support member 110 may be deformed in conjunction with the shape deformation of the tag support 122. The shape deformation of the support member 110 refers to a deformation such that the central portion of the support member 110 in the X direction is farther from the swimming cap CAP and the discrimination target HT than both ends of the support member 110 in the X direction.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the tag support 122 and support member 110 that support the entire RF tag TG from below are used as the tag support structure TSC, but the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in Figures 8C to 8G, a tag support structure TSC that is arranged to avoid the position of the IC chip CP of the RF tag TG may be used. For example, as shown in Figures 8C to 8D, a support plate 510 may be used as the tag support structure TSC. The support plate 510 is provided on the swim cap CAP and supports the tag support 122. The support plate 510 has a one-side support end 510L that is detachable from a button provided on one-side engagement portion CAP1L, and a other-side support end 510R that is detachable from a button provided on the other-side engagement portion CAP1R. The one-side support end 510L and the other-side support end 122R are provided with female buttons 510A and 510B, respectively, which are detachable from the male buttons 122A and 122B provided at both ends of the tag support 122 in the X direction. In a plan view from the Z direction ( FIG. 8C ), the one-side support end 510L and the other-side support end 510R are positioned to avoid the placement position of the IC chip CP. Therefore, a gap XX ( FIG. 8D ) is formed between the swimming cap CAP and the IC chip CP of the RF tag TG. Note that, in the plan view ( FIG. 6D ), the position at which the support plate 510 is provided is positioned to avoid the tag cover 125 and the RF tag TG in a plan view from the Z direction ( FIG. 8C ). However, the present invention is not limited to this. The position at which the support plate 510 is provided may overlap the tag cover 125 and the RF tag TG as long as it avoids the IC chip CP in a plan view from the Z direction ( FIG. 8C ).

[0054] Similarly, as shown in FIG. 8E , a support plate 610 may be used as the tag support structure TSC. The support plate 610 is provided on the swim cap CAP and supports the tag support 122. The support plate 610 includes a one-side engagement portion 610U that supports one support end portion 122U of the tag support 122 in the Y direction, and an other-side engagement portion 610D that supports the other support end portion 122D of the tag support 122 in the Y direction. In a plan view from the Z direction ( FIG. 8E ), the one-side engagement portion 610U and the other-side engagement portion 610D are positioned to avoid the IC chip CP. Therefore, a gap is formed between the swim cap CAP and the IC chip CP of the RF tag TG.

[0055] The one-side support end portion 510L and the other-side support end portion 510R may be used in combination with the one-side engaging portion 610U and the other-side engaging portion 610D.

[0056] Furthermore, in order to prevent foreign matter from entering the gap between the swimming cap CAP and the IC chip CP of the RF tag TG, a foreign matter entry prevention member 525 may be provided in the opening 510X (FIG. 8D) formed by the tag support 122, the one-side support end 510L, and the other-side support end 510R (FIGS. 8F to 8G). The foreign matter entry prevention member 525 may be plate-shaped, or may be mesh-shaped as long as it is strong enough to prevent the entry of the target foreign matter.

[0057] [Correction based on Rule 91, 30.04.2025] In the above embodiment, the tag support structure TSC is positioned away from the IC chip CP in a plan view from the Z direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figures 8H-8I, a support plate 710 may be used that supports the entire lower surface of the tag support 122 and has a through-hole 710X formed therein as a gap. The through-hole 710X is preferably positioned so that it overlaps the IC chip CP. A support plate 710 with a through-hole 710X formed in such a position also functions as a member to prevent foreign matter from entering the through-hole 710X, i.e., the gap. Note that blind holes may be formed in the support plate 710 instead of the through-hole 710X, as long as it does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention.

[0058] [Correction based on Rule 91 30.04.2025] As shown in Figures 8C to 8I, when using a tag support structure TSC that is arranged to avoid the position of the IC chip CP of the RF tag TG, the length L1 between the one-side engagement portion CAP1L and the other-side engagement portion CAP1R may be made shorter than the distance L2 in the X direction between the male buttons 122A and 122B, as in Figures 5 and 6.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 9, the submersion detection device 10 includes a CPU 11 (wireless communication control device), a RAM 12, a ROM 13, an external storage device 14 (storage device), an input device 15, an output device 16, an input / output interface 18, and a bus 19.

[0060] The CPU 11 is a so-called central processing unit that executes various programs to provide various services of the submersion detection device 10. The RAM 12 is a so-called RAM (random access memory) that is used as a work area for the CPU 11. The ROM 13 is a so-called ROM (read only memory) that stores the basic OS and various programs (e.g., a submersion detection program) that are executed by the CPU 11.

[0061] The external storage device 14 is used to construct various DBs (databases) and to store the results of calculations by various programs, and may be a built-in storage device (for example, a hard disk drive) or a removable storage device (for example, a memory card). The external storage device 14 may also be connected via a communication line, such as a NAS (Network Attached Storage).

[0062] The input device 15 is an input key, keyboard, or mouse for inputting various information, and the output device 16 is a display for displaying various operating states.

[0063] The input / output interface 18 enables communication over a communication line. The bus 19 is a wiring that integrally connects the CPU 11, RAM 12, ROM 13, input device 15, output device 16, input / output interface 18, etc., for communication.

[0064] When the basic OS and various programs stored in ROM 13 are executed by CPU 11, as shown in Figure 10, CPU 11 includes a receiver control unit 11RT that performs predetermined control over the receiver RV, a communication status determination unit 11EX that determines the status of wireless communication between the receiver RV and the RF tag TG, a submerged status determination unit 11EY that determines that the object to be determined is submerged when predetermined conditions are met, an alarm output unit 11AL that outputs an alarm when it is determined that the object to be determined is submerged, and a control unit 11CR that controls each unit.

[0065] The receiver control unit 11RT transmits a predetermined signal (such as a polling signal) to the RF tag. The polling signal includes a request signal for a predetermined process to be performed on the RF tag. Furthermore, the receiver control unit 11RT may store various information included in the polling signal (such as a request signal for a predetermined process to be performed on the RF tag) in the external storage device 14.

[0066] The receiver control unit 11RT also reads signals received by each antenna AT1-AT4 and determines whether they are response signals from an RF tag. Upon determining that a response signal is from an RF tag, the receiver control unit 11RT reads the identifier of each antenna AT1-AT4 that received the response signal, the reception time of the response signal received by each antenna AT1-AT4, the signal strength of the response signal for each antenna AT1-AT4, the RF tag identifier and RF tag status (normal or abnormal) included in the response signal, etc. Furthermore, the receiver control unit 11RT may compare the signal strength of the response signals for each antenna AT1-AT4 and rank the strength of each response signal. Additionally, the receiver control unit 11RT stores the identifier of each antenna AT1-AT4 that received the response signal, the reception time of the response signal, the signal strength of the response signal, the order of the response signal strength based on the comparison of the signal strength, the RF tag identifier and RF tag status (normal or abnormal) included in the response signal, etc., in association with its own (receiver) identifier in the external storage device 14.

[0067] The communication state determination unit 11EX determines whether or not a response signal from an RF tag has been detected within a predetermined period for all RF tags to be determined. If the communication state determination unit 11EX detects a response signal from an RF tag within the predetermined period, it determines that the RF tag is in a communicating state, but if it does not detect a response signal from an RF tag, it determines that the RF tag is in an out-of-communication state. Furthermore, the communication state determination unit 11EX associates the communication state determination result and determination time with the identifier of each RF tag and stores them in the external storage device 14.

[0068] The submergence state determination unit 11EY reads the determination result by the communication state determination unit 11EX from the external storage device 14 at predetermined intervals (e.g., 0.5 to 2 seconds), and determines whether the swimmer wearing the RF tag is submerged based on the determination result. Regarding the method of determining whether the swimmer is submerged, if at least one of all RF tags (TG1 to TG4 in the figure) worn by the swimmer via the RF tag attachment is in a communicating state, the swimmer is determined to be "not submerged," whereas if all RF tags are out of communication, the swimmer is determined to be "submerged." Furthermore, the submergence state determination unit 11EY associates the submergence determination result ("not submerged" or "submerged") with the identifier of the swimmer being determined, and stores the result in the external storage device 14.

[0069] In monitoring for submersion in a pool, under normal conditions, i.e., when the person wearing the RF tag attachment is swimming, all RF tags may be submerged. Therefore, if a determination of submersion is made based on the detection that "all RF tags associated with the identifiers of the swimmer to be identified are in a non-communicating state," "switching between a communicating state and a non-communicating state" occurs frequently, even when the swimmer is swimming normally. As a result, the submersion determination result, which is important to the lifeguard, cannot be displayed. In this case, it is preferable for the submersion state determination unit 11EY to determine that the swimmer is "submerged" when "all RF tags associated with the identifiers of the swimmer to be identified are in a non-communicating state" is maintained for the first period T1 ( FIG. 11 ).

[0070] Furthermore, the submergence status determination unit 11EY may determine that a swimmer has "recovered from submergence" when the RF tag associated with the swimmer's identifier determined to be "submerged" in the submergence determination transitions from "all RF tags are out of service" to "at least one RF tag is in a normal service state." However, frequent switching between the submergence status and the recovered status may prevent the swimmer from displaying the submergence determination result, which is important to lifeguards. In this case, if the state from "all RF tags are out of service" to "at least one RF tag is in a normal service state" is maintained for a second period T2, the submergence status determination unit 11EY determines that the swimmer has "recovered from submergence." The submergence status determination unit 11EY associates "recovered from submergence" with the swimmer's identifier as the submergence determination result and stores it in the external storage device 14. Setting the second period T2 makes it possible to determine whether the recovery from submergence is temporary or continuous.

[0071] Here, it is preferable that the first period T1 is shorter than the second period T2. If the second period is shorter than the first period, it may be determined that the device has recovered from submersion when in fact it has not recovered from submersion. This makes it possible to detect the "transition from a communication state to a non-communication state," which is important in terms of ensuring safety.

[0072] In addition, if the state is determined to be "a state in which all RF tags are out of communication" and this state is maintained for a third period, switching to the "state recovered from submersion" may be restricted.

[0073] When the identifier of a swimmer is determined to have been submerged, the alarm output unit 11AL displays the swimmer's name associated with the swimmer's identifier on the warning screen of the output device 16, sounds a buzzer BZ connected to the alarm output unit 11AL, and lights or flashes an alarm lamp LD connected to the alarm output unit 11AL.

[0074] Next, a method for determining whether a device is submerged in water (FIG. 12) in the submerged detection system 2 will be described.

[0075] The submersion detection method S500 includes an attachment step S510, a transmission / reception step S520, a communication state detection step S540, a submersion state detection step S550, and an alarm output step S560.

[0076] As a preliminary step to the attachment step S510, the identifier and name of the swimmer to be identified are stored in association with the RF tag identifier in the tag DB (FIG. 13A) of the external storage device 14. Furthermore, it is preferable that the RF tag identifier is associated with the attachment position of the RF tag in the tag DB.

[0077] In the attachment step S510, an administrator or a lifeguard has the swimmer attach the RF tag attachment device 100. For example, four RF tags are attached to the RF tag attachment device 100 worn by a swimmer (name: Yamada Ichiro, ID: USR001), and the identifiers and attachment positions of the RF tags, "face (forehead): TAG001," "occipital region: TAG002," "left temporal region: TAG003," and "right temporal region: TAG004," are associated with the swimmer's identifier "USR001" and stored in a tag DB ( FIG. 13(A) ) constructed in the external storage device 14. In addition, in an antenna DB ( FIG. 13(B) ) constructed in the external storage device 14, antenna identifiers (AT1 to AT4) are associated with antenna installation locations, etc.

[0078] In the transmission / reception step S520, a signal output step and a response signal reception step are performed. If there are multiple antennas, the signal output step and response signal reception step are performed for the first antenna AT1, and then the signal output step and response signal reception step are performed for the second antenna AT2. The signal output step and response signal reception step are similarly performed for the third antenna AT3 and the fourth antenna AT4. In this way, the processing for all antennas is considered as one set, and this set is repeated.

[0079] In the signal output step, under the control of the receiver control unit 11RT, the receiver RV transmits a polling signal to the RF tag TG. The transmission log at this time is as shown in Figure 14A. Upon receiving the polling signal, the RF tag TG reads the various information contained in the polling signal, assigns its own RF tag identifier along with the predetermined processing results for the request contained in the polling signal, and transmits these as a response signal.

[0080] In the response signal receiving step, under the control of the receiver control unit 11RT, it is determined whether a signal received via the antenna within a predetermined period of time is a response signal from an RF tag to a polling signal. If it is determined that the signal is a response signal from an RF tag, the identifier of the antenna that received the response signal, the identifier of the receiver that received the response signal, and the reception time of the response signal at the receiver are associated with the identifier of the RF tag TG and the recording time, and stored as a reception log (FIG. 14B) in the external storage device 14. Here, the recording time is the time recorded in the reception log. On the other hand, if a response signal from an RF tag cannot be detected within the predetermined period of time, "no reception" may be stored as a reception log (FIG. 14B) in the external storage device 14, instead of the reception time of the response signal at the receiver, associated with the antenna identifier, the receiver identifier, and the recording time.

[0081] In the communication state determination step S540, the communication state determination unit 11EX reads the reception log (FIG. 14B) from the external storage device 14 and determines whether or not a response signal from an RF tag has been detected in the same set in the transmitting and receiving step S520 for the RF tag to be determined. If the response signal reception time is recorded at any antenna in the same set, the RF tag is determined to be in a communicating state, while an RF tag that has no record in the reception log (FIG. 14B) for all antennas in the same set, or an RF tag that has a response signal reception time recorded as "not received," is determined to be in an out-of-communication state. Furthermore, the communication state determination unit 11EX associates the identifier of the RF tag TG to be determined with the time at which the determination was made (determination time) and the wireless communication status (communicating state or out-of-communication state), and stores this as a communication state determination log (FIG. 15) in the external storage device 14.

[0082] In the submergence state determination step S550, the submergence state determination unit 11EY reads the communication state determination log (FIG. 15) and performs a submergence state determination for each identifier of the swimmer to be determined at predetermined intervals. In the submergence state determination, if at least one RF tag (TG1 to TG4 in the figure) attached to the swimmer via the RF tag attachment is in a communication state, the swimmer is determined to be "not submerged." On the other hand, if all RF tags are in a communication state, the swimmer is determined to be "submerged."

[0083] For example, when the swimmer's identifier is "USR001" and the discrimination times are "10:00:01" and "10:00:02," four RF tags (identifiers: TAG001 to TAG004) are in a communicating state, and the result of the submersion discrimination is OK (not submerged). Also, when the discrimination times are "10:00:10" and "10:00:11," three RF tags (identifiers: TAG002 to TAG004) are out of communication, but one RF tag (identifier: TAG001) is in a communicating state, and the result of the submersion discrimination is OK (not submerged). Furthermore, when the determination time is "10:00:12", four RF tags (identifiers: TAG001 to TAG004) are in a disconnected state, but the first period T1 has not elapsed since the four RF tags became disconnected, so the result of the submersion determination is OK (not submerged). However, when the determination time is "10:00:13", four RF tags (identifiers: TAG001 to TAG004) are in a disconnected state, and the first period T1 has elapsed since the four RF tags became disconnected, so the result of the submersion determination is NG (submerged).

[0084] Furthermore, the submersion state determination unit 11EY associates the submersion state determination result ("not submerged," "submerged," or "recovered from submersion") with the identifier of the RF tag attachment device that is the subject of determination, and stores the result as a submersion state determination log (Figure 16) in the external storage device 14.

[0085] In the warning output step S560, if any of the swimmer's identifiers to be determined in the submerged state determination step S550 is determined to be "submerged," the warning output unit 11AL displays the swimmer's name associated with the swimmer's identifier on the warning screen of the output device 16, sounds the buzzer BZ, and lights or flashes the warning lamp LD. This notifies the manager or lifeguard of the risk of a submersion accident, and urges them to check whether submersion has actually occurred and to carry out any necessary rescue.

[0086] In this way, the submersion determination system 2 makes it easy to determine whether a swimmer is submerged. Furthermore, the submersion determination system 2 can be used with tag attachment devices that are easily made lighter and smaller, making it possible to minimize the adverse effects of high dielectric constants on wireless communications. Furthermore, because multiple RF tags can be attached to one tag attachment device and multiple antennas are provided in the submersion determination system 2, it is possible to prevent RF tags from becoming out of communication due to the orientation of the tag attachment device, even when the swimmer is not submerged.

[0087] The submersion determination system of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Modifications of the above embodiment will be described below, but the same components and processes as those in the above embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted, with only descriptions of the differences from the above embodiment being given.

[0088] In the above-described submersion determination system 2, when determining submersion, only the presence or absence of submersion is detected, but the location of the submersion may also be detected. For example, if, in the submersion state determination step S550, any of the identifiers of the swimmers to be determined is determined to be "submerged," the last survival tag extraction step and the last communication antenna extraction step may be performed.

[0089] In the last surviving tag extraction step, the reception log (Figure 14B) stored in the external storage device 14 is read, and the RF tag that last transitioned to an incommunicable state is extracted from the RF tags associated with the identifier of the swimmer who was determined to be submerged (in Figure 16, the ``RF tag with identifier ``TAG001'' at 10:00:11'' for swimmer identifier USR001).

[0090] In the last communication antenna extraction step, the identifier of the antenna that last detected a response signal from the RF tag extracted in the last surviving tag detection step is extracted. Here, by referring to the reception log in FIG. 14B based on the RF tag extracted in the last surviving tag detection step ("RF tag with identifier "TAG001" at 10:00:11"), the identifier of the antenna that last detected a response signal from the RF tag can be extracted.

[0091] Then, in the warning output step S560, the antenna DB (FIG. 13B) stored in the external storage device 14 may be read, and the installation positions of the antennas determined to be "potential submersion locations" may be displayed on a warning screen on the output device 16. Also, warning lamps LD and buzzers BZ may be individually installed for the antennas AT1 to AT4, and the "potential submersion locations" may be notified to a manager or watchman by activation of the warning lamps LD and buzzers BZ corresponding to the relevant antennas AT1 to AT4.

[0092] In addition, if multiple antennas are extracted in the final communication antenna extraction step, the signal strengths of the response signals received by the antennas may be compared, and the installation location of the antenna that received the response signal with the strongest signal strength may be determined as the ``candidate for the location where submergence will occur,'' or the installation location of the antenna that received the response signal with the strongest signal strength may be determined as the ``first candidate for the location where submergence will occur,'' and the installation location of the antenna that received the response signal with the second strongest signal strength may be determined as the ``second candidate for the location where submergence will occur.''

[0093] Next, a method for determining the mounting position will be described.

[0094] The wearing position determination method 501S (FIG. 17) includes a wearing step S510, a partial submersion step S515, a transmission / reception step S520, a communication state determination step S540, a wearing position determination step S555, and an alarm output step S560.

[0095] In the partial submersion step S515, the administrator or lifeguard instructs the swimmer to submerge only a predetermined part (for example, the face or forehead) so that the RF tag attached to that part will be in a non-communicating state. In this state, the transmission and reception step S520 and the communication status determination step S540 are performed, and the RF tag attached to the part intended by the administrator or lifeguard is determined to be in a non-communicating state. Then, in the attachment position determination step S555, by comparing the part intended by the administrator or lifeguard with the attachment position of the RF tag determined to be in a non-communicating state, it is possible to confirm whether the RF tag is attached in the orientation intended by the administrator or lifeguard.

[0096] The "predetermined portion" in the partial submersion step S515 may be one that is pre-stored in the tag DB (FIG. 13A) of the external storage device 14, or may be one that is input each time to the submersion determination device 10 by an administrator or monitor using the input device 15.

[0097] Furthermore, instead of the attachment position determination step S555, an attachment position registration step may be performed. In the attachment position registration step, the part intended by the manager or monitor is compared with the attachment position of the RF tag determined to be in an out-of-service state, and if the two differ, the "attachment position of the RF tag determined to be in an out-of-service state" in the tag DB (FIG. 13(A)) of the external storage device 14 may be updated to the "part intended by the manager or monitor."

[0098] In the above embodiment, the RF tag identifier and the swimmer's identifier are stored in association with each other in the tag DB (FIG. 13(A)). However, the present invention is not limited to this. The RF tag identifier and the swimmer's identifier may be associated with each other in the RF tag. In this case, the receiver control unit 11RT may request the RF tag TG to associate the swimmer's identifier with the RF tag identifier in the IC chip in advance.

[0099] The RF tags to be used for determining whether they have been submerged in water in this invention may be all of the identifiers of the wearer or swimmer to be used that have been stored in advance in the tag DB (Figure 13 (A)) of the external storage device 14, or they may be limited to those that have communicated from an antenna installed at the entrance / exit of the location where the submersion determination process is performed.

[0100] Furthermore, after an "event requiring submersion determination" such as swimming in a pool has ended, a transmission / reception step S520 is performed for all antennas, and a communication status determination step S540 is performed on the communication results of the transmission / reception step S520. When an RF tag in a communication status is detected, it can be determined that an RF tag or attachment has been left behind in the pool where swimming has ended.

[0101] In the above embodiment, one receiver is used, but multiple receivers may be used. Furthermore, if there are multiple RF tags associated with the same identification target, or if there are multiple antennas and receivers used in the system, it is advisable to store the operating status of the RF tags, antennas, and receivers in a reception log or other external storage device 14. By reading the reception log, etc., the control unit can identify RF tags, antennas, and receivers that are broken or operating unstable, and replace those devices.

[0102] In the transmission and reception step of the above embodiment, one antenna is used to transmit a polling signal that can be received by the RF tag to be identified, and then that antenna is used to receive a response signal from the RF tag, and this series of transmissions and receptions is performed one by one for all antennas, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to transmit a polling signal that can be received by the RF tag to be identified via all antennas, and then receive a response signal from the RF tag via all antennas.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the location of the pool where the submersion determination is performed may be any of a school, gym, hotel, etc., and may be an indoor pool or an outdoor pool.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the RF tag attachment of the present invention has been described with the attachment member being a swimming cap CAP, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0105] 18 to 20, the RF tag attachment device 100 (RF tag attachment device) comprises a tag package 120 and an annular rubber band 200 (attachment member) that is attached to the discrimination object HT. The tag packages 120 are arranged at a predetermined pitch on the annular rubber band 200. In the illustrated embodiment, four tag packages 120 are attached to the annular rubber band 200.

[0106] The cross-sectional shape of the annular rubber band 200 is preferably rectangular ( FIG. 19 ). The material used to form the annular rubber band 200 is a thermosetting elastomer (so-called rubber). Because the annular rubber band 200 is elastic, it deforms by stretching outward when an outward force is applied. Therefore, the head HTX of the subject HT is inserted into the annular rubber band 200 in a state expanded by the outward force. Then, when the outward force is released, the restoring force of the annular rubber band 200 tightly fastens it against the head HTX (forehead, etc.) of the subject HT. This causes the annular rubber band 200 to be attached to the head HTX of the subject HT.

[0107] Insertion holes 200X into which annular rubber bands 200 can be inserted are formed at both ends of the tag support 122 in the X direction. The insertion holes 200X are preferably rectangular. The annular rubber band 200 is inserted into the insertion hole 200X (one side hole) at one end (one support structure end) of the tag support 122 in the X direction, from the outside toward the inside when viewed from the head HTX of the identification target HT. The annular rubber band 200 is then positioned along the inner surface of the tag support 122. The annular rubber band 200 is then passed from the inside toward the outside through the insertion hole 200X (other side hole) at the other end (other support structure end) of the tag support 122 in the X direction. This attaches the tag support 122 to the annular rubber band 200. Therefore, the insertion holes 200X (one side hole) and the insertion holes 200X (other side hole) function as an attachment structure. At this time, the tag support 122 is positioned outside the annular rubber band 200 and is therefore separated from the head HTX of the object of discrimination HT.

[0108] Furthermore, due to friction with the annular rubber band 200, both ends of the tag support 122 in the X direction engage with the annular rubber band 200 at predetermined positions. Here, the position where the tag support 122 engages with one of the insertion holes 200X of the annular rubber band 200 is defined as one engagement position P1, and the position where the tag support 122 engages with the other insertion hole 200X is defined as the other engagement position P2. The distance L3 in the X direction between the two insertion holes 200X provided in the flat tag support 122 is preferably longer than the distance L4 between the one engagement position P1 and the other engagement position P2 when the tag support 122 is attached to the head HTX of the target HT. This causes the tag support 122 attached to the annular rubber band 200 to curve convexly outward ( FIG. 20 ). Therefore, a midpoint 122C between the one end 122L and the other end 122R of the tag support 122 is farther from the head HTX of the target HT than the one end 122L and the other end 122R. That is, the annular rubber band 200 and the insertion hole 200X function as a separation support structure.

[0109] 21 , a spacer 201 may be provided as a tag support structure TSC between the tag support 122 and the annular rubber band 200. The upper surface 201T of the spacer 201 is fixed to the center in the X direction of the lower surface 122K of the tag support 122 (the surface opposite the tag cover 125). The spacer 201 is formed in a block shape and has a through hole 201X formed therein into which the annular rubber band 200 can be inserted. The annular rubber band 200 passes through the insertion hole 200X at one end of the tag support 122 in the X direction, the through hole 201X of the spacer 201, and finally the insertion hole 200X at the other end of the tag support 122 in the X direction, in that order. This prevents the tag support 122 from approaching the head HTX of the identification target HT due to external force.

[0110] Although the spacer 201 disposed between the tag support 122 and the annular rubber band 200 is positioned between the IC chip CP embedded in the RF tag TG and the annular rubber band 200, the present invention is not limited to this. The spacer 201 may be positioned away from the IC chip CP in a planar view from the Z direction. Furthermore, when the spacer 201 is positioned so as to overlap the IC chip CP in a planar view ( FIG. 21 ), a through-hole 201Z extending in the Z direction may be formed in the spacer 201 between the IC chip CP and the annular rubber band 200. The formation of this through-hole creates a gap between the IC chip CP and the annular rubber band 200, making it easier for an induced electromotive force to be generated in the IC chip CP without being affected by moisture contained in the head or hair or moisture adhering thereto. Furthermore, the spacer 201 with a through-hole formed in such a position also functions as a foreign matter prevention member for the through-hole, i.e., the gap.

[0111] In the above embodiment, a rectangular tag support 122 was used. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A cross-shaped tag support may also be used, as shown in FIG. 22 . The cross-shaped tag support 122 shown in FIG. 22 includes an X-direction extension 122X extending in the X direction and a Y-direction extension 122Y extending in the Y direction. The RF tag TG may be placed on the tag support 122 so that its longitudinal direction is the X direction, or it may be placed on the tag support 122 so that its longitudinal direction is the Y direction. Furthermore, instead of the insertion hole 200X (FIGS. 18 to 21 ), an insertion hole 200Y (one side hole) formed on one side of the Y-direction extension 122Y in the Y direction and an insertion hole 200Y (other side hole) formed on the other side of the Y-direction extension 122Y in the Y direction may be provided. An annular rubber band 200 can be inserted into these insertion holes 200Y.

[0112] A modified example of the RF tag attachment device 100 shown in Figures 18 to 21 may include a tag package 120 (first support structure) shown in Figures 23A to 23E, an annular rubber band 200, and a support member 110 (second support structure) that supports the tag package 120.

[0113] 23A to 23E are formed in a rectangular shape with sides in the longitudinal direction (X direction) and the lateral direction (Y direction) when viewed from the Z direction (FIGS. 23A to 23B). Also, when viewed from the front in the Y direction (FIG. 23D), the tag package 120 is formed in an arc shape with its middle part convex upward relative to both ends.

[0114] The tag package 120 comprises a tag support 122 capable of supporting an RF tag TG, and a tag cover 125 disposed on the tag support 122 and covering the RF tag TG. The tag support 122 has a storage space capable of storing the RF tag TG, and the tag cover 125 is detachable from the tag support 122 so that the opening of the storage space can be switched between an open state (FIG. 23E) in which the opening is open to the outside space and a closed state (FIG. 23D) in which the opening is retracted from the open state.

[0115] The tag support 122 and the tag cover 125 are each formed in a plate shape, and like the tag package 120, when viewed from the Z direction, they are formed in a rectangular shape with sides in the longitudinal direction (X direction) and the lateral direction (Y direction) (Figures 23A to 23B), and when viewed from the front from the Y direction (Figures 23D to 23E), they are formed in an arc shape so that their middle part is convex upward relative to both ends.

[0116] The support member 110 includes a one-side support portion 110L (one-side support structure end portion) provided at one end portion 122L (one-side support structure end portion) in the X direction of the tag support 122, and an other-side support portion 110R (other-side support structure end portion) provided at the other end portion 122R (other-side support structure end portion) in the X direction of the tag support 122. Here, the one-side support portion 110L and the other-side support portion 110R are preferably arranged so as to avoid the chip vicinity support portion 122CX.

[0117] The one-side support portion 110L includes an upper portion 110LT that connects to one end portion 122L of the tag support 122 in the X direction, and a lower portion 110LU that is disposed below the upper portion 110LT. The lower portion 110LU is disposed so as to protrude downward from the one end portion 122L, and has an insertion hole 200X (one-side hole) on one side into which the annular rubber band 200 can be inserted. Similarly, the other-side support portion 110R includes an upper portion 110RT that connects to the other end portion 122R of the tag support 122 in the X direction, and a lower portion 110RU that is disposed below the upper portion 110RT. The lower portion 110RU is disposed so as to protrude downward from the other end portion 122R, and has an insertion hole 200X (other-side hole) on the other side into which the annular rubber band 200 can be inserted.

[0118] For this reason, the four tag packages 120 are connected by inserting the annular rubber band 200 into one insertion hole 200X and the other insertion hole 200X formed at both ends of the support member 110 in the X direction. Therefore, the one insertion hole 200X (one side hole) and the other insertion hole 200X (other side hole) function as an attachment structure. When the RF tag attachment device 100 is attached to the head HTX of the discrimination target HT, the four tag packages 120 are arranged around the head HTX. Then, the chip vicinity support body part 122CX is moved away from the annular rubber band 200 and the head HTX of the discrimination target HT, resulting in the formation of a gap XX.

[0119] Incidentally, when a person with short hair wears an RF tag attachment device 100 equipped with an annular rubber band 200, the RF tag attachment device 100 can be worn in the orientation shown in FIG. 24A . On the other hand, when a person with long hair wears an annular rubber band 200, it is conceivable that the RF tag attachment device 100 will be worn in a manner that avoids the hair HT10 tied at the back of the head ( FIG. 24B ). In this case, the antenna pattern AP ( FIG. 3 ) of the RF tag placed in front of the discrimination target HT will face diagonally upward rather than directly in front of the discrimination target HT. As such, the wearing state of the RF tag attachment device 100 may depend on the individual circumstances of the discrimination target HT. Therefore, when there are multiple discrimination targets HT, the orientation of the antenna pattern AP will not be uniform, which may result in a deterioration in the quality of communication between the RF tag TG attached to each discrimination target HT and the receiver RV.

[0120] Therefore, the RF tag attachment may be provided with an antenna adjustment mechanism that can adjust the orientation of the antenna pattern AP.

[0121] The RF tag attaching device 100 shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B comprises a tag package 120, an annular rubber band 200 (attaching member) to be attached to the object to be identified HT, and an antenna adjustment mechanism 280 (hinge structure).

[0122] The antenna adjustment mechanism 280 attaches the tag package 120 to the annular rubber band 200, and includes a first hinge plate 281 that supports the tag support 122 of the tag package 120, a second hinge plate 282 that is attached to the annular rubber band 200, and a rotation mechanism 283 that connects the first hinge plate 281 and the second hinge plate 282. The second hinge plate 282 is provided so as to be detachable from the annular rubber band 200 by a button (not shown).

[0123] The rotation mechanism 283 allows the first hinge plate 281 to rotate freely relative to the second hinge plate 282 around a rotation axis AX extending in the X direction. By allowing the first hinge plate 281 to rotate freely relative to the second hinge plate 282, the first hinge plate 281 can be switched between a prone state ( FIG. 25A ) in which it overlaps the second hinge plate 282 and an upright state ( FIG. 25B ) in which it stands up relative to the second hinge plate 282.

[0124] As a result, even if the mounting posture of the discrimination object HT is not as expected, the orientation of the antenna pattern AP will be as expected, thereby preventing a decrease in the quality of communication with the receiver RV.

[0125] Furthermore, in the Y direction, if the rotation axis AX is spaced a predetermined distance CL1 from the IC chip, a gap XX can be formed between the IC chip CP and the swimming cap CAP by rotating the first hinge plate 281 relative to the second hinge plate 282.

[0126] 24B , when an RF tag attachment device 100 is attached, which includes four tag packages 120 and annular rubber bands 200 connecting the tag packages 120, the first tag package 120 is located in front of the discrimination target HT, the second tag package 120 is located on the left side of the discrimination target HT, the third tag package 120 is located on the rear side of the discrimination target HT, and the fourth tag package 120 is located on the right side of the discrimination target HT. In this way, when the RF tag attachment device 100 is attached to the discrimination target, if the four tag packages 120 are lined up diagonally from the horizontal plane, the orientation of the antenna pattern AP may be adjusted appropriately for each tag package 120.

[0127] 24C and 24D are cross-sectional views of an arbitrary tag package 120 as viewed from the X direction. In a tag package 120 positioned at the top in the attached state, i.e., in a tag package 120 positioned at the front, it is preferable that the upper end APT of the antenna pattern AP of the RF tag TG be farther from the head HTX than the lower end APU of the antenna pattern AP of the RF tag TG (FIG. 24C). Also, in a tag package 120 positioned at the bottom in the attached state, i.e., in a tag package 120 positioned at the rear, it is preferable that the lower end APU of the antenna pattern AP of the RF tag TG be farther from the head HTX than the upper end APT of the antenna pattern AP of the RF tag TG (FIG. 24D). When adopting such a structure, it is preferable that, of the multiple antenna adjustment mechanisms 280 attached to each tag package 120, the rotation axis AX of one antenna adjustment mechanism 280 is located on one side of the width of the annular rubber band 200 (upward in Figure 24B), and the rotation axis AX of the other antenna adjustment mechanism 280 is located on the other side of the width of the annular rubber band 200 (downward in Figure 24B).

[0128] In other words, when the portion of the RF tag attachment device 100 that abuts against the head HTX of the discrimination target HT is defined as the abutment surface, it is preferable that the orientation of the antenna pattern AP of the IC chip CP be oblique to the orientation of the abutment surface. In this case, the portion that becomes the abutment surface is expected to be the tag support structure TSC, the attachment member, etc. In the RF tag attachment device 100 in Figures 24A and 24B, the portion that becomes the abutment surface may be the lower surface of the tag support body 122 (tag support structure TSC) or the inner surface of the annular rubber band 200 (attachment member).

[0129] In the above embodiment, a hinge structure is used as the antenna adjustment mechanism 280, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is sufficient if the orientation of the antenna pattern AP can be appropriately adjusted relative to the object to be identified, the tag support structure TSC, or the mounting member.

[0130] In the above embodiment, the antenna adjustment mechanism 280 is provided on the annular rubber band 200, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the antenna adjustment mechanism 280 may be provided on a swimming cap CAP as shown in Fig. 2 etc. In this case, the first hinge plate that is provided to support the tag support 122 may be provided to support the support member 110.

[0131] In the above embodiment, the angle of the antenna pattern AP is adjusted using the antenna adjustment mechanism 280 so that the orientation of the antenna pattern AP is oblique to the orientation of the contact surface, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a tag support structure TSC may be used in which the orientation of the antenna pattern AP of the IC chip CP is oblique to the orientation of the contact surface.

[0132] 23A to 23E is attached to the head HTX, the contact surfaces that come into contact with the head HTX are the lower surface LX of the lower part 110LU on one side of the support member 110 and the lower surface RX of the lower part 110RU on the other side (FIGS. 23D to 23E). ＡＰ is the direction of the contact surface D ＬＸ In FIG. 23F, the direction D of the antenna pattern AP is not parallel to the ＡＰ and the direction of the contact surface D ＬＸ The angle θ1 between the two points is preferably, for example, 1° or more and 30° or less, more preferably 3° or more and 25° or less, and particularly preferably 5° or more and 20° or less. ＡＰ refers to the direction extending perpendicular to the antenna pattern AP, and the direction D of the contact surface ＬＸ The term "direction perpendicular to the contact surface" refers to a direction extending perpendicular to the contact surface.

[0133] Here, in a tag package 120 positioned at the top in the attached state, i.e., in a tag package 120 positioned in the front portion, it is preferable that the upper end APT of the antenna pattern AP of the RF tag TG be farther from the head HTX than the lower end APU of the antenna pattern AP of the RF tag TG ( FIG. 23G ). Also, in a tag package 120 positioned at the bottom in the attached state, i.e., in a tag package 120 positioned in the rear portion, it is preferable that the lower end APU of the antenna pattern AP of the RF tag TG be farther from the head HTX than the upper end APT of the antenna pattern AP of the RF tag TG ( FIG. 23H ). When employing such a structure, it is preferable that, of the multiple antenna adjustment mechanisms 280 attached to each tag package 120, the pivot axis AX of one antenna adjustment mechanism 280 be located on one side of the width direction of the annular rubber band 200 (upward in FIG. 23B ), and the pivot axis AX of the other antenna adjustment mechanism 280 be located on the other side of the width direction of the annular rubber band 200 (downward in FIG. 23B ).

[0134] The tag support structure TSC in which the antenna pattern AP of the IC chip CP is oriented at an angle to the abutting surface can also be applied to other embodiments. Also, instead of using a tag support structure TSC in which the antenna pattern AP of the IC chip CP is oriented at an angle to the abutting surface, a tag support structure TSC in which the antenna pattern AP of the IC chip CP is oriented at an angle to the surface of the object to be determined may be used.

[0135] In the RF tag attachment device 100 (RF tag attachment device) described above, the antenna adjustment mechanism is the antenna adjustment mechanism 280, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of providing the antenna adjustment mechanism, an annular rubber band 210 (first attachment member) and an annular rubber band 220 (second attachment member) may be provided as attachment members (FIGS. 26A to 26B).

[0136] The annular rubber band 210 and the annular rubber band 220 each have the same structure as the annular rubber band 200 described above.

[0137] The tag packages 120 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the annular rubber band 210. By placing the annular rubber band 210 on the head HTX of the discrimination target HT, the multiple tag packages 120 are arranged around the head HTX at predetermined intervals.

[0138] One end 220L of the annular rubber band 220 is connected to one position 210L of the annular rubber band 210, and the other end 220R of the annular rubber band 220 is connected to the other position 210R of the annular rubber band 210. With the annular rubber band 210 placed on the head HTX, the middle portion 210C of the annular rubber band 220 passes near the back of the head of the person to be identified HT, thereby allowing the RF tag attachment device 100 (RF tag attachment device) to be attached to the head HTX. By changing the placement state of the annular rubber band 200 so that the orientation of the antenna pattern AP is desired, the orientation of the antenna pattern AP can be adjusted while maintaining the attachment state relative to the person to be identified HT.

[0139] The attachment member including such annular rubber band 210 and annular rubber band 220 can be said to have a function of adjusting the orientation of the antenna pattern AP to the desired orientation on the object to be distinguished, and a function of attaching the antenna pattern AP in the desired orientation to the object to be distinguished. Here, the orientation adjustment function is performed by annular rubber band 210, while the attachment function is performed by annular rubber band 220.

[0140] In the above embodiment, the annular rubber band 200 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The cross-sectional shape may be circular, elliptical, or other shapes. Furthermore, while the annular rubber band 200 is used in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. Any attachment that can be worn by directly contacting the discrimination target HT may be used. The attachment may be worn on the head, arm, wrist, waist, thigh, ankle, or other location. It is preferable that the attachment be made of an elastic material, like the annular rubber band 200. Therefore, the attachment may be made of not only thermosetting elastomer (so-called rubber), but also thermoplastic elastomer, elastic synthetic resin, metal, or other elastic material. The attachment may have a circular shape like the annular rubber band 200, a C-shape like a headband, or a linear object (such as a belt or cable tie) equipped with a fastener that can form a closed curve.

[0141] In the above embodiment, the RF tag attachment device 100 is attached to the head of the object HT to be identified, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the RF tag attachment device 100 may be attached to the arms, torso, legs, feet, etc. of the object HT to be identified.

[0142] In the above embodiment, the subject of submersion determination is a swimmer, but the present invention is not limited to this and may also be an RF tag attachment. In this case, it is sufficient to associate the identifier of the RF tag attachment to which the RF tag is attached with the identifier of the RF tag in the tag DB ( FIG. 13(A) ). Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the subject of submersion determination is a swimmer in a pool, but the present invention is not limited to this and may also be a bather in a bath at home, a public bath, a bathing facility in a health spa or nursing home, or a user of a water play area in an amusement park or the like. Furthermore, the subject of submersion determination may not only be a human, but also an animal or a non-living object.

[0143] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0144] 2 Submergence detection system 10 Submergence detection device 100 RF tag attachment device 110, 510, 610, 710 Support member 110L One side support portion 110R Other side support portion 120 Tag package 122 Tag support member 125 Tag cover 200 Annular rubber band 200X Insertion hole 200Y Insertion hole 201 Spacer 210 Annular rubber band 220 Annular rubber band 280 Antenna adjustment mechanism AP Antenna pattern APT Upper end APU Lower end CAP Swimming cap CAP1L One side engagement portion CAP1R Other side engagement portion CP IC chip D ＡＰ Orientation D ＬＸ Orientation HT Identification target TSC Tag support structure XX Gap

Claims

1. An RF tag attachment device for attaching an RF tag that communicates wirelessly in a frequency band that is impermeable to water to an object to be identified, comprising: a tag support structure capable of supporting the RF tag; and an attachment structure for attaching the tag support structure to an attachment member for attaching the RF tag to the object to be identified, wherein a gap is formed between the position of the IC chip built into the RF tag and the object to be identified.

2. The tag support structure comprises a first support structure that supports the RF tag, and a second support structure that supports the first support structure, and when the portion of the first support structure that is near the placement position of the IC chip is defined as a chip vicinity support structure portion, the chip vicinity support structure portion is away from the second support structure or the object to be discriminated, as described in claim 1.

3. When the first support structure is viewed from a predetermined direction, the end on one side of the chip vicinity support structure portion is defined as the one-side support structure end, and the end on the other side of the chip vicinity support structure portion is defined as the other-side support structure end, and the chip vicinity support structure portion is further away from the second support structure or the object to be discriminated than the one-side support structure end and the other-side support structure end, as described in claim 2.

4. An RF tag mounting device as described in claim 3, characterized in that the end of the one-side support structure engages with the one-side engagement portion of the second support structure, the end of the other-side support structure engages with the other-side engagement portion of the second support structure, and the length between the one-side engagement portion and the other-side engagement portion is shorter than the length between the one-side support structure end and the other-side support structure end.

5. An RF tag mounting device as described in claim 4, characterized in that the one-side support structure end and the one-side engagement portion are detachable by a one-side button mechanism, and the other-side support structure end and the other-side engagement portion are detachable by a other-side button mechanism.

6. An RF tag attachment device as described in claim 1, characterized in that it is provided with an attachment member that supports the tag support structure and is attached to the object to be identified, and when the portion of the tag support structure that is in the vicinity of the placement position of the IC chip is defined as the chip vicinity support structure portion, when the attachment member is attached to the object to be identified, the chip vicinity support structure portion is separated from the attachment member or the object to be identified.

7. When the tag support structure is viewed from a predetermined direction, the end on one side of the chip vicinity support structure portion is defined as the one-side support structure end, and the end on the other side of the chip vicinity support structure portion is defined as the other-side support structure end, the one-side support structure end engages with the one-side engagement portion of the mounting member, the other-side support structure end engages with the other-side engagement portion of the mounting member, and the length between the one-side engagement portion and the other-side engagement portion is shorter than the length between the one-side support structure end and the other-side support structure end. An RF tag mounting device as described in claim 6, characterized in that 8. The RF tag attachment device according to claim 7, wherein the attachment member is formed in an elongated shape, one side hole into which the attachment member can be inserted is formed at the end of the one side support structure, and the other side hole into which the attachment member can be inserted is formed at the end of the other side support structure, and when the position of the attachment member where the one side hole engages with the attachment member is defined as the one side engagement position, and the position of the attachment member where the other side hole engages with the attachment member is defined as the other side engagement position, the length between the one side engagement position and the other side engagement position is shorter than the length between the one side hole and the other side hole.

9. An RF tag mounting device as described in claim 7 or 8, characterized in that it comprises a spacer arranged between the tag support structure and the mounting member, and the mounting member engages with the one-side support structure end, the other-side support structure end, and the spacer.

10. An RF tag mounting device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that when the part of the tag support structure that is in the vicinity of the placement position of the IC chip is defined as the chip vicinity support structure part, the gap is formed in the chip vicinity support structure part of the tag support structure.

11. An RF tag attachment device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that when the part of the tag support structure that is in the vicinity of the placement position of the IC chip is defined as the chip vicinity support structure part, the gap is formed by arranging the tag support structure so as to avoid the chip vicinity support structure part.

12. An RF tag attachment device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises the RF tag supported by the tag support structure.

13. An RF tag attachment device as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that when the part that comes into contact with the object to be identified is defined as the contact surface, the orientation of the antenna pattern of the IC chip is oblique to the orientation of the contact surface.

14. An RF tag attachment device as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it satisfies at least one of the following: when the attachment member is attached to the object to be identified and the first RF tag is positioned at the top, the upper end of the antenna pattern of the first RF tag is farther from the contact surface than the lower end of the antenna pattern of the first RF tag; and when the attachment member is attached to the object to be identified and the second RF tag is positioned at the bottom, the lower end of the antenna pattern of the second RF tag is farther from the contact surface than the upper end of the antenna pattern of the second RF tag.

15. An RF tag attachment device as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it comprises a hinge structure provided on the tag support structure or the attachment member, and the hinge structure is freely switchable between a first state in which the antenna pattern faces a first direction, and a second state in which the antenna pattern faces a second direction different from the first direction.

16. An RF tag attachment device as described in any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the attachment member comprises a first attachment member to which the tag support structure is attached, and a second attachment member connected to the first attachment member, and the first attachment member arranges the multiple tag support structures around the object to be identified.

17. An RF tag attachment device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the attachment member can be attached to the head of the object to be identified.

18. A submersion discrimination program characterized by causing a computer to execute the following steps: a signal output step of outputting a predetermined signal to the RF tag attached to the object to be discriminated by the RF tag attachment device of claim 12; a response signal receiving step of receiving a response signal from the RF tag in response to the predetermined signal; a response signal storage step of storing the response signal in a storage device; a communication status discrimination step of reading a log of the response signals stored in the storage device and discriminating between a communication status in which a response signal from the RF tag has been detected under predetermined conditions and a disconnected status in which a response signal from the RF tag has not been detected under predetermined conditions; and a submersion status discrimination step of discriminating that the object to be discriminated is submerged if the disconnected status continues for a predetermined period of time.

19. A submersion discrimination program that causes a computer to execute the following steps: a signal output step of outputting a predetermined signal to an RF tag attached to an object to be discriminated by an RF tag attachment device; a response signal receiving step of receiving a response signal from the RF tag in response to the predetermined signal; a response signal storage step of storing the response signal in a storage device; a communication status determination step of reading a log of the response signals stored in the storage device and determining whether the object is in a communication status where a response signal from the RF tag has been detected under predetermined conditions, or a communication failure status where a response signal from the RF tag has not been detected under predetermined conditions; and a submersion status determination step of determining that the object to be discriminated is submerged if the communication failure status continues for a predetermined period of time.

20. A submersion discrimination program as claimed in claim 18 or 19, characterized in that: a plurality of RF tags are attached to the object to be discriminated by the RF tag attachment device; the storage device is capable of storing identifiers of the RF tags in association with identifiers of the RF tag attachment device or the object to be discriminated; the communication state discrimination step discriminates whether each of the plurality of RF tags is in the communicating state or the out-of-communication state; and the submersion state discrimination step discriminates that the object to be discriminated is submerged when it is determined that all of the RF tags associated with identifiers of the RF tag attachment device or the object to be discriminated are in the out-of-communication state, whereas the submersion state discrimination step discriminates that the object to be discriminated is not submerged when it is determined that at least one of the RF tags associated with identifiers of the RF tag attachment device or the object to be discriminated is in the communicating state.

21. The submersion discrimination program according to claim 20, characterized in that in the submersion state discrimination step, when it is determined that all of the RF tags associated with the identifier of the RF tag attachment device or the object to be discriminated are in the non-communicating state for a first period, it is determined that the RF tag attachment device or the object to be discriminated is in a submerged state, while when it is determined that, with respect to the identifier of the RF tag attachment device or the object to be discriminated that has been discriminated to be submerged, at least one of the RF tags associated with that identifier is in the communicating state for a second period, it is determined that the RF tag attachment device or the object to be discriminated has recovered from submersion, and the second period is shorter than the first period.

22. A submersion discrimination program as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that when it is determined that the RF tag attachment device or the object to be discriminated is submerged, the program causes a computer to execute the following steps: a last surviving tag extraction step for extracting the RF tag that last became out of communication from among the RF tags associated with the identifier of the RF tag attachment device or the object to be discriminated; a last communication antenna extraction step for extracting the antenna that last detected a response signal from the RF tag extracted by the last surviving tag detection step; and a submersion location discrimination step for discriminating candidate locations for submersion based on the installation positions of the antennas extracted in the last communication antenna extraction step.

23. A submersion discrimination program as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 22, characterized in that it causes a computer to execute the following steps: a partial submersion step in which a predetermined portion of the object to be discriminated to which the RF tag attachment device is attached is submerged; and an attachment position registration step in which the identifier of the RF tag determined to be submerged in the submersion state discrimination step is associated with the predetermined portion as the installation position of the RF tag on the object to be discriminated, and stored.

24. A submersion determination program as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 23, characterized in that it causes a computer to execute the following steps: a partial submersion step in which a predetermined portion of the object to be determined to be submerged in water to which the RF tag attachment device is attached; an attachment position determination step in which the identifier of the RF tag determined to be submerged in water in the submersion state determination step is read from the storage device, and the installation position of the RF tag in the object to be determined associated with the RF tag identifier is read, and whether or not the predetermined portion in the partial submersion step matches the installation position of the RF tag; and an attachment position determination result output step in which the determination result in the attachment position determination step is output.

25. A submersion detection device comprising: a wireless communication control device that communicates wirelessly with an RF tag; and a storage device, wherein the wireless communication control device comprises: a signal output unit that outputs a predetermined signal to the RF tag; a response signal receiving unit that receives a response signal from the RF tag in response to the predetermined signal; a communication state determination unit that determines whether the device is in a communication state in which a response signal from the RF tag has been detected under predetermined conditions, or a disconnected state in which a response signal from the RF tag has not been detected under predetermined conditions; a submersion determination unit that determines that the object to be determined is submerged if the disconnected state continues for a predetermined period of time; and an alarm output unit that outputs an alarm when it is determined that the object to be determined is submerged.

26. A submersion determination system comprising: an RF tag attachment device according to any one of claims 1 to 17; a submersion determination device according to claim 25; and an antenna that enables wireless communication between the RF tag attachment device and the submersion determination device.

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