JP2001048317A - Tag device for article control system, article storing method in the system, and article control system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an article control system excellent in fitting versatility to plural kind articles. SOLUTION: An article control system for storing plural files on a storage shelf is equipped with a tag device 20 fitted to each file and for informing a storage position of a desired article out of these files by luminescence. A long-pillarlike elastic fitting member 25 elastically deformable is provided on the case part 21 of the device 20 along its back surfaces, to nip a back cover portion, a component of, a back-cover-attached file, between the member 25 and the back surface of the case part 21 while making the member 25 elastically deformable outside.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a tag device for an article management system for storing and managing a large number of articles such as files in a storage means such as a storage shelf, an article storage method in the article management system, and an article management system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Various article management systems have been developed so that when a large number of articles such as files are stored on a storage shelf, desired articles can be quickly and easily taken out of the shelves.

An example of this kind of article management system is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-185497.

[0004] In this article management system, number tags assigned different identification codes are attached to each article. Each number tag has a receiving function and a notification function, and when an identification code included in a call signal transmitted from a predetermined transmitter matches the assigned identification code,
The position of the coincident number tag is notified by light emission or the like, whereby the storage position of the desired article can be easily specified.

Here, the number tag is formed in a thin plate shape, and is arranged to be accommodated in a dedicated holder for an article to be searched.

Further, the number tag operates using a solar battery as a power source, and does not require battery replacement.

[0007]

However, the article management system has a configuration in which the number tag is accommodated and arranged in a dedicated holder formed on the target article. For this reason, the target article is also limited to a dedicated configuration having a dedicated holder, and is inferior in versatility.

[0008] Further, since the solar battery is operated using the power supply, when the articles are stored in a dark place such as a storage shelf, the power generation cannot be sufficiently performed, causing a problem in the operation. Even in a light place where the solar cell can generate power, the silicon photoelectric element originally used for the solar cell originally has a small photoelectric effect in the visible light region, and particularly, a small solar cell which can be mounted on a number tag. For the output, it is difficult to use an informing means such as an LED that requires relatively large power. Actually, only a low power consumption LCD display can be used, and visibility is poor.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and a first object of the present invention is to provide a technique which is excellent in versatility for mounting on a plurality of types of articles. A second object is to provide a technology that can improve visibility.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tag device for an article management system according to the present invention, wherein a plurality of articles are stored in storage means. A tag device attached to each article to notify a storage position of a desired article from among the articles, a receiving unit for receiving a signal including an identification code for calling, and a receiving unit, Tag control means for determining whether or not the call identification code included in the received signal matches the unique identification code stored in advance; and the call control code based on the determination signal from the tag control means. A device comprising: a notifying unit for notifying that the identification code matches the unique identification code to the outside; and an attaching unit detachably attachable to the article by using a component of the stored article. A.

As a structure of such an attaching means, as described in claim 2, there is provided a holding portion which can be held by a plate-shaped component portion of the article to be stored. In this manner, the storage device may have a ring-shaped string that can be hooked on the protruding component of the article to be stored.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the article management system in which a plurality of articles are stored in the storage means, the tag device is attached to each of the articles and stores a desired one of the articles. A tag device for notifying a position, comprising: a charging photoelectric element that generates an electromotive force by receiving invisible light; a charging element that is charged by the electromotive force generated by the charging photoelectric element; Receiving means for receiving a signal containing the identification code of the above, and a unique identification code which is operable using the charging element as a power source, and a calling identification code included in the signal received by the receiving means is stored in advance. Tag control means for determining whether or not the identification code matches the identification code; and reporting to the outside that the calling identification code and the unique identification code match based on a determination signal from the tag control means. It is obtained by a known means.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the receiving means has a receiving photoelectric element for receiving an invisible light signal including a calling identification code and converting the signal into an electric signal,
The receiving photoelectric element and the charging photoelectric element may be arranged at positions capable of simultaneously receiving light from the same light source.

[0014] In this case, as the storage means, a storage shelf with a door, in which an invisible light source is provided inside the door, can be used as the storage means.

Further, in the article management method in the article management system according to claim 7 of the present invention, a tag device is attached to each of the plurality of articles stored in the storage means, and each of the tag devices is used to select one of the articles. What is claimed is: 1. An article storage method in an article management system for notifying a storage position of a desired article, comprising: receiving means for receiving a signal including an identification code for calling; and an identification code unique to the signal received by said receiving means. While the unique identification code is stored when the assignment instruction is included, and the unique identification code stored in advance when the signal received by the receiving means includes the calling identification code. Tag control means for determining whether or not they match each other, and externally determining that the call identification code and the unique identification code match based on a determination signal from the tag control means. A plurality of types of tag devices, and a plurality of types of tag devices, comprising: a notifying device for notifying, and an attaching device that can be detachably attached to the article by using a component part according to the kind of the article. An article comprising: an identification code registration device having setting means that can be set at the same time, and transmission means for transmitting a signal including a command to assign a unique identification code to each tag device set in the setting means. Applied to the management system, assigning a unique identification code to the article to be stored, and setting a plurality of types of tag devices in the setting means of the identification code registration device,
A step of writing the assigned unique identification code to each tag device set in the setting means; and a step of writing a plurality of types of tag devices in which the same unique identification code is set and written in the setting means. Taking out the tag device corresponding to the kind of the stored article from the inside, and attaching the tag device to the article.

In the article management system according to the present invention, a tag device is attached to each of a plurality of types of articles stored in the storage means, and a storage location of a desired article from among the articles by each of the tag devices. An article management system for notifying the user of the tag device according to claim 1 or 4, wherein when the name of the stored article is input, a unique identification code is assigned to the stored article to manage the article and the object to be taken out. When an article name is input, an identification code managing means for searching for a calling identification code corresponding to the article name, and a calling code corresponding to the article name to be taken out retrieved by the identification code managing means. A calling transmitting device for storing an identification code and transmitting a signal including the calling identification code to the tag device of each article stored in the storage means. .

At this time, as set forth in claim 9, there is provided a setting means capable of setting a plurality of tag devices, and a command including a command to assign the unique identification code to each tag device set in the setting means. An identification code registration unit having a non-visible light signal transmission unit for transmitting a visible light signal may be further provided.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Embodiment Hereinafter, an article management system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In this article management system, as shown in FIG. 1, a file 10 with a spine is stored as an article in a plurality of storage shelves 1 as storage means. The storage position of the file 10 with a cover is notified by light emission, and a plurality of tag devices 20 attached to each file 10 with a back cover and a tag for writing a predetermined identification code to each tag device 20 are provided. An identification code registration device 50 and an identification code management device 60 that manages the assignment of identification codes and the like, and a portable transmission device (commander) for transmitting a calling signal to each tag device 20
70.

The identification code management device 60 is a computer having a computer main unit 61, an input unit 62 such as a keyboard, and a display unit 63 such as a display device. The following operations are performed according to a program stored in the computer main unit in advance. It is configured to perform.

That is, when the name of an article such as the backstrip-attached file 10 to be stored and its storage command are input to the computer main body 61 via the input section 62, a predetermined identification code is assigned to the article. Do. This identification code is a unique identification code that does not overlap with the identification code assigned to the already registered article.

At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the display unit 63 displays a list in which an identification code (ID number) for a predetermined article name (item name), whether or not storage is performed, and whether or not extraction is performed are associated with each other. The configuration may be such that the article name is input while referring to this list.

When the unique identification code is assigned to the stored article in this way, the information of the identification code is transmitted to the identification code registration device 50.

[0024] The assigned unique identification code is stored as code data in association with the article. When the identification code is assigned as described above,
It is used as reference code data at the time of taking out an article described later.

The name of the article such as the file 10 with the spine to be taken out is input via the input section 62 to the computer main body 61.
Is specified, the identification code for calling corresponding to the article name is searched by referring to the code data. The designation method here can be performed by, for example, directly inputting the article name using a keyboard, or selecting and specifying the article name from the list displayed on the display unit 63 shown in FIG. .

When the identification code for calling is searched in this way, information including the identification code is transmitted to the stationary transmission device 64.

The identification code registration device 50 transmits and receives a signal to and from the tag device 20 set therein by an infrared communication method, and receives information on a unique identification code from the identification code management device 60. Then, a signal including a command to assign the unique identification code can be transmitted to the tag device 20 under the control of a transmission control unit (not shown).

The stationary transmitter 64 transmits and receives signals to and from the portable transmitter 70 by infrared communication, and receives information on the identification code for calling from the identification code management device 60. Then, a signal including the calling identification code can be transmitted to the portable transmitting device 70.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the tag device 20 has a case body 21 in which a long flat plate-shaped tag body 30 is accommodated.

The tag main body 30 has a transparent resin layer 32 formed on one surface of a substrate 33 on which a predetermined circuit is formed, and a resin layer 31 formed on the other surface of the substrate 33.

A plurality of charging photoelectric elements 34 are mounted on one side of the substrate 33 along the longitudinal direction thereof, and a receiving photoelectric element 35 and a notification light emitting element 48 are mounted thereon. The transparent resin layer 32 serves to protect the light receiving surface and the light emitting surface of the charging photoelectric device 34, the receiving photoelectric device 35, and the notification light emitting device 48.

A charging section 45 for charging a charging element 37 described later is provided on the back side of the tag main body 30.

The case portion 21 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape capable of accommodating and disposing the tag main body portion 30 inserted from above, and has, on one surface thereof, a region corresponding to the mounting area of the charging photoelectric element 34. The first window 22 is formed, and the second window 23 is formed corresponding to the mounting area of the receiving photoelectric element 35 and the notification light emitting element 44. This allows
The charging photoelectric element 34 is configured to receive visible light incident through the first window 22, and the receiving photoelectric element 35 is configured to receive infrared light signals through the second window 23, Further, the light emission of the notification light emitting element 44
3 so that it can be recognized from outside.

A lid 24 is attached so as to close the upper end of the case 21. In this lid part 24,
A long columnar elastic mounting member 25 that is elastically deformable is integrally formed. The elastic mounting member 25 is such that the lid 24 is
1 and is arranged on the other surface of the case portion 21 along the longitudinal direction thereof.
Then, while elastically deforming the elastic mounting member 25 outward,
By sandwiching the plate member between the elastic mounting member 25 and the other surface of the case portion 21, the tag device 20 is detachably attached to the plate member. At this time,
Attachment means that can be attached to the file 10 with spine by using both the elastic attachment member 25 and the case portion 21 by using the spine portion which is a component of the file 10 with spine, more specifically, The function as a holding portion that can be held between the spine portion, which is a plate-shaped component of the spine-backed file 10, is achieved.

The tag device 20 has an electrical configuration shown in FIG. 5 by a predetermined circuit formed on the substrate 33.

That is, the tag device 20 includes a plurality of charging photoelectric elements 34 connected in series, a charging element 37, a diode 36 for preventing reverse current, a power supply control section 38, a switching element 40, and an amplifier 41. , A tag control unit 42, and a light emitting element 44 for notification.

The charging photoelectric element 34 is a photoelectric element (silicon photodiode) that mainly receives infrared light and generates an electromotive force, and a voltage generated by the electromotive force is applied to the charging element 37. The charging element 37 is charged. In the tag device 20, the power supply control unit 38, the tag control unit 42, and the like operate using the charging element 37 as a power supply. In this case, the charging photoelectric element 34 does not need to consider signal noise prevention unlike the receiving photoelectric element 35, so that an infrared transmission filter is unnecessary. Further, as the charging element 37, it is preferable to use a capacitor that is small and can have a relatively large capacity. For example, a coin-type secondary battery or a capacitor can be used.

A pair of charging terminals 45a provided in the charging section 45 are connected to the charging element 37, and the charging element 37 can be charged by an external power supply through each charging terminal 45a. ing.

The power control section 38 has a voltage detecting function and a timer function of the charging element 37, detects the voltage of the charging element 37 at every predetermined time, and outputs the voltage to the tag control section 42 and the like. When the voltage is equal to or higher than a constant voltage sufficient to operate the switching element 40, a power-on signal is output to turn on the switching element 40. As a result, the discharge voltage of the charging element 37 is applied to the tag control unit 42, and the tag control unit 42
Starts the operation described later.

The receiving photoelectric element 35 is a photoelectric element for receiving an infrared light signal and converting the infrared light signal into an electric signal. For example, a silicon photodiode with a visible light cut filter is used. The electric signal output from the receiving photoelectric element 35 is input to the amplifier 41 and amplified, and then input to the tag control unit 42.

The tag control unit 42 includes a CPU 42a, a ROM
And a general microcomputer including a storage unit 42d such as a RAM, an input unit 42b, and an output unit 42c, and all operations are performed in accordance with a software program stored in advance.

The tag control unit 42 includes the receiving photoelectric element 3
A determination function for determining whether or not the calling identification code coincides with a unique identification code stored in advance when the input signal from 5 includes a calling identification code. In a state in which the tag device 20 is attached to a stored article such as the spine-backed file 10, the operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 is performed.

That is, the tag control unit 42 is initially in a standby mode in which power consumption is suppressed, and in step S1,
When the switching element 40 is turned on by the power supply control unit 38 and power is supplied to the tag control unit 42, the process proceeds to step S2 and shifts to the operation mode. Then, in step S3, power is supplied to the amplifier 41 through the output unit 42c, and the amplifier 41 is driven. Accordingly, when there is a predetermined output signal from the receiving photoelectric element 35, the output signal is amplified by the amplifier 41 and input to the tag control unit 42.

Here, the determination of the presence or absence of power supply in step S1 is performed, for example, by measuring the voltage of the charging element 37 by the power supply controller 38 and determining whether or not the measured voltage is equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage. When the measured voltage is equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage (a state in which the charging by the charging photoelectric element 34 is performed and the charging element 37 is sufficiently charged), it may be determined that power is supplied. This is to prevent the transition from the standby operation to the operation mode in a state where the charging of the charging element 37 is insufficient, thereby suppressing unnecessary power consumption. Even in this case, in a state where the infrared light is received by the receiving photoelectric element 35, the infrared light is also received by the charging photoelectric element 34 so that the charging element 37 is charged. If this is done, there is no particular problem in the operation of receiving the infrared light signal.

Next, in step S4, the presence or absence of a signal input from the amplifier 41 to the input section 42b is determined, and when it is determined that there is no input signal, that is, the receiving photoelectric element 35
If no infrared light signal is received, the process proceeds to step S5, and a reset signal is output to the power control unit 38 via the output unit 42c. As a result, the power control unit 38 outputs a power-off signal to turn off the switching element 40, and the tag control unit 42 shifts to the standby mode in step S6.

On the other hand, in step S4, the amplifier 41
When it is determined that there is a signal input to the input unit 42b from, the receiving operation is continued until the correct input signal can be received. And when the correct input signal is received,
In step S7, when the input signal includes a predetermined call identification code, it is determined whether the call identification code matches the unique identification code stored in the storage unit 42d. If they do not match, the process proceeds to steps S5 and S6 to shift to the standby mode. When the calling identification code and the unique identification code match, a current is supplied to the notification light emitting element 44 through the output unit 42c, and the light emitting element 44 is turned on for a predetermined period of time. Let it do. Then, step S
5, the process proceeds to S6 and shifts to the sleep mode.

The tag control unit 42 also has an identification code writing control function of storing the unique identification code in the storage unit 42d when the input signal includes an instruction to assign a unique identification code. In step S7,
When the input signal from the amplifier 41 includes a command to assign a unique identification code, the unique identification code is stored in the storage unit 42d.

The portable transmitting device 70 for calling is shown in FIG.
And the primary battery 71a or the primary battery 7 as shown in FIG.
The microcomputer controller 73 operates by using the power supply unit 71 that uses both the battery 1a and the rechargeable battery 71b as a power supply. The microcomputer control unit 73 converts an infrared light signal received by the infrared light receiving element 76a into an electric signal, and converts this into a microcomputer control unit 73. , A transmission light emitting element 74 such as an infrared LED for transmitting an output signal from the microcomputer control unit 73 as an infrared light signal, and an input such as a numeric keypad for inputting a predetermined command to the microcomputer control unit 73. A display unit 72 such as an LCD display for displaying predetermined information.

The microcomputer control unit 73 includes a CPU, RO
A general microcomputer including an M, a RAM, and the like is used, and the following operation is performed by a software program stored in advance.

That is, by infrared communication with the stationary transmission device 64 of the identification code management device 60, a signal including a calling identification code is received by the infrared light receiving element 76a of the receiving portion 76, and this is transmitted to the microcomputer control portion 73. , The identification code for the call is temporarily stored. With the calling identification code stored in this manner, the input unit 75
When a call command for a desired article is input through the, a signal including the stored identification code is transmitted by the transmission light emitting element 74 as an infrared light signal.

Next, an article storing operation and an article removing operation in the article management system will be described.

First, the article storage operation is performed according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG.

The tag device 20 is set in the identification code registration device 50 in advance, and the identification code registration device 5
By setting 0, the identification code can be written in the tag device 20.

In step T1, if the storage worker intends to register the article to be stored in the article management system, the process proceeds to step T2.

In the case of registering an article, the registration is performed by the identification code management device 60. Therefore, in step T2, the article name is input to the computer main body 61 via the input section 62.

Next, in step T3, an instruction to store the article is input. Thus, in step T4, the computer main body 61 assigns a unique identification code to the article.

In step T5, the unique identification code is transmitted from the identification code management device 60 to the identification code registration device 50, and the unique identification code is written in the tag device 20 by the identification code registration device 50 in step T6. It is.

Finally, in step T7, the storage operator takes out the tag device 20 on which the unique identification code is written from the identification code registration device 50, attaches the tag device 20 to an article, and stores the article. Store it on shelf 1. Thus, the storing operation is completed.

The operation of taking out a desired article is shown in FIG.
Is performed according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step T11, when the take-out operator takes out a desired article using the present system, the process proceeds to step T12.

In step T12, the identification code management device 6
At 0, the take-out operator designates the article name of the desired article in the computer main body 61 through the input section 62. When the article name is designated, in step T13, the identification code management device 60 searches for a calling identification code corresponding to the article name, and then in step T14, a signal including the calling identification code is identified. Code management device 6
0 is transmitted to the portable transmitting apparatus 70, and the identification code for calling is stored in the portable transmitting apparatus 70.

In step T15, the take-out worker inputs the calling command while holding the portable transmitting device 70 in front of the storage shelf 1. Then, from the portable transmitting device 70, the storage shelf 1
A signal including the calling identification code is transmitted to the tag device 20 of each spine-backed file 10.

In step T16, each tag device 20 receives a signal including the identification code for calling. Then
From among the tag devices 20, the tag device 20 to which a unique identification code that matches the calling identification code is assigned emits light.

In step T17, since the storage position of the desired article to which the unique identification code is assigned can be easily specified by the light emission of the tag apparatus 20, the article to which the light-emitting tag apparatus 20 is attached is taken out. Thus, the unloading operation is completed.

According to the tag device for the article management system configured as described above, the elastic mounting member 25 and the case 2
1, the function as an attachment means that can be attached to the spine-backed file 10 using the spine portion, which is a constituent part of the spine-backed file 10, is realized. As described above, there is no need to prepare an article having a dedicated configuration for attaching a number tag as a stored article, and the article to be attached is excellent in versatility.

More specifically, in this embodiment, a plate-like component such as the spine of the file 10 with spine is sandwiched between the elastic mounting member 25 and the case portion 21 for mounting. Therefore, it is sufficient for the article to be stored to have a plate-shaped component as an essential component. For example, in addition to the file 10 with spine as described above, a folded A3 sheet, It can also be attached to the edge of a housing with an upper opening, and is excellent in versatility for attachment.

As the photoelectric device 34 for charging, a photoelectric device which generates an electromotive force by exclusively receiving visible light such as sunlight or illumination light may be used. The following advantages are obtained when a photoelectric element (silicon photodiode) that causes the above is used.

First, when charging is performed by receiving infrared light or the like using a photoelectric element that generates electromotive force by exclusively receiving infrared light or the like, the photoelectric element that receives only visible light and generates electromotive force by using a photoelectric element that generates electromotive force is used. There is an advantage that the charging effect is higher than when charging is performed by receiving visible light. This is because a photoelectric element using silicon which is generally used has a high photoelectric effect in a non-visible light region such as infrared light.

As a result of having such advantages, it is possible to use the notification light emitting element 44 such as an LED having relatively large power consumption, and to improve the visibility thereof.

When a photoelectric device which generates electromotive force by exclusively receiving invisible light is used as the charging photoelectric device 34 in this way, it can be installed when the article to which the tag device 20 is attached is stored in a dark place. The invisible light from the invisible light source thus generated can effectively generate an electromotive force in the charging photoelectric element 34 to charge the charging element 37. Therefore,
The invisible light from the invisible light source does not hinder the visibility of light emission by the notification light emitting element 44. Further, even if the invisible light source is kept turned on for charging, it is possible to prevent the lighting from being recognized as if the lighting had been left on.

Specifically, for example, when an article to which the tag device 20 is attached is stored in the storage shelf 1 with a door, an invisible light source such as an infrared light source is installed inside the door, and Can be charged with non-visible light such as infrared light from the non-visible light source in a state where is closed.

When the charging photoelectric element 34 is provided close to the receiving photoelectric element 35, the receiving photoelectric element 35
There is also an advantage that the charging by the charging photoelectric element 34 is performed at the same time when the visible light signal is transmitted to the device.

It is to be noted that the position of the tag device 20 may be notified by sounding by a sounding body or the like instead of or in addition to the light emitting element 44 for notification.

The tag device 20 and the portable transmitting device 70
The communication between them and the communication between the stationary transmission device 64 of the identification code management device 60 and the portable transmission device 70 may be performed by another wireless communication method instead of the infrared communication method.

B-1. First to Fourth Modifications of Tag Device The following first to fourth modifications are modifications of the case unit 21 of the tag device 20.

FIGS. 11 (a), 11 (b) and 12
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a tag device 20B according to a first modification.

The tag device 20B is provided with the tag body 3
The case portion 21B for accommodating the “0” is formed in a flat semi-cylindrical shape, and the holding portion 25B is attached to a flat portion 21Ba on the back surface side of the case portion 21B. The holding portion 25B has a mounting side holding portion 25Ba attached to the case portion 21B and an elastic holding piece 25Bb formed so as to be folded downward from the upper end of the mounting side holding portion 25Ba. It is configured such that a plate-shaped member can be sandwiched between the mounting-side holding portion 25Ba and the elastic holding piece 25Bb by utilizing the elastic force of the holding piece 25Bb.

For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the tag device 20B has the upper end of the spine portion 10a of the spine file 10 sandwiched between the mounting side clamping portion 25Ba of the clamping portion 25B and the elastic clamping piece 25Bb. In this state, the case portion 21B is attached such that the flat surface on the back side of the case portion 21B is along the surface of the spine portion 10a.

Accordingly, on the surface of the spine portion 10a, the curved surface on the front side of the case portion 21B gradually rises above the surface of the spine portion 10a, and the spine is attached on a desk with the tag device 20B attached. When the attached file 10 is opened, there is an advantage that the tag device 20B hardly gets in the way.

FIGS. 13 (a), 13 (b) and 14
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a tag device 20C according to a second modification.

In the tag device 20C, the tag device 2
The holding portion 25C at 0B is provided with a mounting-side holding portion 25Ca attached to the case portion 21B, and a sharp elastic holding piece 25Cb having a sharpened front end whose width is gradually reduced toward the front end. Holding section 2 having
5C.

When the sharp elastic holding piece 25Cb is finished as described above, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, when attaching the tag device 20C to the document 10C obtained by folding A3 paper or the like into two, the sharp elastic holding piece 25Cb is used. Folded part 10Ca
There is an advantage that the tag device 20C can be easily attached so as to be inserted into the inside.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show a tag device 20D according to a third modification.

That is, in the tag devices 20, 20B, and 20C shown in FIGS. 3, 11, and 13, since the members that are close to each other are widened and the plate member is sandwiched between them,
There is a limit to the thickness dimension of the plate-like member that can be sandwiched.

Therefore, the tag device 20D is provided with a holding portion 25D suitable for holding a thick plate-like member, instead of the holding portion 25B in the tag device 20B. The holding portion 25D is a substantially U-shaped member in which holding pieces 27D are provided on both sides of a band-shaped back portion 26D having a predetermined width, and an operation portion 28D is provided on the outer surface of both holding pieces 27D.
Is provided. Then, by the closing and opening operation of both operation portions 28D, the holding piece 27D is elastically deformed and closed and opened,
The thick plate-shaped member is configured to be held between the holding pieces 27D.

In FIG. 15, the holding portion 25D is attached to the case portion 21B via the attachment piece 29D, and the back portion 26D has a posture extending rearward at right angles to the case portion 21B. The back 26D is the case 2
It may be provided in a posture extending upward from 1B (see FIG. 16), or a structure in which the back portion 26D is rotatably mounted between a posture orthogonal to the case portion 21B and a posture extending upward. There may be.

Since the tag device 20D has a configuration in which the holding pieces 27D are provided on both sides of the strip-shaped back portion 26D having a predetermined width, the two holding pieces 27D are attached to the tag devices 20, 20B, It is configured to open relatively large compared to the case of 20C. Therefore, it is possible to sandwich a relatively thick plate-shaped member. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, even for a document 10D in which only a plurality of sheets are bundled and there is no spine, The bundled sheet group can be attached so as to be sandwiched between both holding pieces 27D.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show a tag device 20E according to a fourth modification.

That is, since the tag devices 20, 20B, 20C, and 20D shown in FIGS. 3, 11, 13 and 15 all have a structure in which a plate-like member is sandwiched, such a plate-like member is used as a component. It cannot be attached to an article that does not even have it.

Therefore, this tag device 20E is provided with a ring-shaped string 25E as a mounting means instead of the holding portion 25B in the tag device 20B.

According to the tag device 20E, if the article originally has a protruding component as a component of the article, the tag device 20E can be attached to the article by hooking the string 25E on the protruding component. it can. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, when attaching to the necked bottle 10E, the string-like body 25E can be attached so as to be hooked on the neck portion 10Ea of the necked bottle 10E.

B-2. Fifth Modification of Tag Device This fifth modification is a modification in which the following electrical configuration is added to the tag device 20.

FIGS. 19A and 19B are diagrams showing an electrical configuration of a tag device according to a fifth modification. FIG. 20A is a rear view of the tag body 30F, and FIG. It is a side view, and FIG.20 (c) is a front view of 30 F of tag main-body parts.

In the tag device 20, first, a terminal 46a for writing a predetermined program or the like to the tag control section 42 is added.

That is, an interface section 46 is provided on the back side of the tag body section 30F, and a terminal 46a for writing an operation program or the like to the tag control section 42 is provided in the interface section 46. Then, a predetermined operation program or the like can be written in the tag control unit 42 at the factory shipment stage or the like through the writing terminal 46a.

Further, a transmitting light emitting element 47 for transmitting a visible light signal to the portable transmitting device 70 and the like is added.

The transmission light emitting element 47 uses an infrared light emitting diode or the like, and is mounted on the front side of the tag body 30F. The electric signal output from the tag control unit 42 is converted into an optical signal and transmitted to the portable transmitting device 70 or the like.

[0098] In this case, the tag device 20 having the unique identification code that matches the calling identification code transmits the coincidence to the portable transmitting device 70, and receives the portable transmission device 70. The device 70 may notify the storage worker of the fact through the display unit 72 or sound. As a result, the presence of the tag device 20 that has emitted light is notified to the storage worker, and the tag device 20 that emits light is thereby notified.
Can be prevented from being overlooked.

C. Modification of Identification Code Registering Apparatus and Article Storage Method By the way, in the article management system, a file 10 with a spine as described above, a document 10C in which paper is folded, and a thick paper 10D in which a plurality of papers are bundled are provided. When storing a wide variety of articles having extremely various variations such as a bottle 10E and a necked bottle 10E, a plurality of types of tag devices 20, 20B, 20C, 20D, 2
It is necessary to prepare 0E in advance.

In this modification, in such a case, the work of storing articles is facilitated.

In this modification, an identification code registration device 50B shown in FIG. 21 is used.

This identification code registration device 50B includes a housing 51B as a setting means having an open front and an upper part, and an invisible light source 52B as an invisible light transmitting means attached to the housing 51B.

A plurality of types of tag devices 20, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20D are provided through the opening of the housing 51B.
A plurality of Es can be placed and set.

As the invisible light source 52B, an infrared light emitting diode or the like is used, which is disposed at a substantially central portion on the inner surface side of the back plate portion 51Ba, and all the tag devices 20, 20B, A visible light signal can be transmitted to 20C, 20D, and 20E.

Here, a plurality of invisible light sources 52B may be provided. However, since light emitted from an infrared light emitting diode or the like generally spreads over a wide range, it is sufficient to provide only a single invisible light source 52B. .

The identification code registration device 5 configured as described above
If 0B is used, the same unique identification code can be simultaneously written to the plurality of tag devices 20, 20B, 20C, 20D, and 20E set in the housing 51B.

When the identification code registration device 50B is used, the following article storage method can be implemented.

That is, before step T5 in FIG. 9, a plurality of types of tag devices 20, 20B, 2
0C, 20D and 20E are set in advance.

Then, an article name and a storage instruction are input (step T2, step T3), a unique identification code is assigned (step T4), and the unique identification code is transmitted to the identification code registration device 50B. And an invisible light signal including the unique identification code is transmitted from the invisible light source 52B to each of the tag devices 20, 20B, 20C, 20D, and 20E, and the respective tag devices 20, 20B, 20C, and 2E are transmitted.
The unique identification code is written in 0D and 20E.

In step T7, the storage operator sets each tag device 20 set in the identification code registration device 50B,
20B, 20C, 20D, and 20E, tag devices 20, 20B, 20C, and 2 corresponding to the articles to be stored.
Take out the 0D and 20E, attach them to the article to be stored, and store the article in the storage shelf 1.

For example, if the file 10 with spine is to be stored, the tag device 20 is attached (see FIGS. 13 and 14). 20B (see FIGS. 13 and 14).

Thus, the article storing operation is completed.

According to the article management system provided with the identification code management device configured as described above, a plurality of types of tag devices 20, 20B, 20C,
20D, 20E and the plurality of tag devices 20, 20
Housing 51B in which B, 20C, 20D, and 20E can be set
And an invisible light source 52B for transmitting an invisible light signal including an instruction to assign a unique identification code to each article set in the housing 51B. When the user wants to store a unique article, he or she selects one of a plurality of types of tag devices 20, 20B, 20C, 20D, and 20E set in the identification code registration device 50 in advance according to the type of product to be stored. It can be selectively attached to the article, and the article can be stored easily.

D. Modification Example in which Relay Device is Added to Article Management System In this modification example, in the above-described article management system, the output of the transmission light of the portable transmitting device 70 which is required to be small, and the tag which is also required to be small. In order to supplement the reception sensitivity of the device 20, a relay device for infrared communication between them is provided.

First, in FIG. 22, each shelf 1a of the storage shelf 1 is
A relay device 80 is provided in front of the top surface 1b.

The relay device 80 includes an infrared illuminator 81 and an infrared receiver 82.

The infrared illuminating section 81 is, for example, one in which a plurality of infrared LEDs are arranged side by side in the lateral direction of the shelf 1a, and the infrared light therefrom is attached to each spine stored in the shelf 1a. The file 10 can be incident on the tag device 20.

The infrared light receiving section 82 is configured to be able to receive an infrared light signal from the portable transmitting device 70.

The relay device 80 includes a control unit (not shown). When no infrared light signal is received from the portable transmitting device 70, the infrared illuminating unit for charging the tag device 20 is used. When an infrared light signal including a calling identification code is received from the portable transmitting device 70 and the infrared light signal including the calling identification code is received from the portable transmitting device 70, the signal including the calling identification code is directed to each tag device 20 through the infrared illumination unit 81. It is configured to transmit.

Thus, infrared communication between the portable transmitting device 70 and each tag device 20 can be reliably performed.

In FIG. 23, a stand-type relay device 85 is provided in front of the storage shelf 1.

In the relay device 85, a head unit 89 having an infrared illuminating unit 87 and an infrared receiving unit 88 includes a supporting unit 86
And is supported at a predetermined height position.

The infrared illuminator 87 is configured to emit infrared light toward the tag device 20 of each spine file 10 stored in the storage shelf 1.

The infrared light receiving section 82 is configured to be able to receive an infrared light signal from the portable transmitting apparatus 70, and is provided with a portable transmitting section by a control section (not shown) similarly to the relay apparatus 80. When the infrared light signal is not received from the device 70, the infrared illuminator 87 is turned on for charging in the tag device 20, and the infrared light including the identification code for calling from the portable transmitting device 70 is included. When the optical signal is received, a signal including the calling identification code is transmitted to each tag device 20 through the infrared illuminating section 87.

Also with this relay device 85, infrared communication between the portable transmitting device 70 and each tag device 20 can be reliably performed.

Note that these relay devices 80 and 85 are connected to the identification code management device 60 in a wired communication system, and are not connected to the portable transmission device 70 but in response to a direct command from the identification code management device 60. In this case, the relay devices 80 and 85 may transmit an infrared light signal including a predetermined calling identification code.

[0127]

As described above, according to the tag device for the article management system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the attaching means which can be detachably attached to the article by utilizing the constituent parts of the article to be stored. As a result, it is not necessary to prepare a storage device having a special configuration for attaching a number tag as in the conventional case, and it is possible to attach a tag device to a wide variety of products, and to increase its versatility. Excellent.

Further, if the attaching means has a holding portion which can be held between the plate-like components of the stored articles, the article to be attached is a plate. As long as it only has a shape-like component, it is excellent in versatility.

Further, if the attaching means has a ring-shaped string which can be hooked on the projecting component of the article to be stored, the attaching means protrudes from the article to be attached. As long as it only has a portion, it is excellent in versatility.

According to the tag device for an article management system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a charging photoelectric element that generates an electromotive force by receiving invisible light, and an electromotive force generated by the charging photoelectric element. And a charging element that is charged by
Since the charging device is configured to operate using the power supply as a power source, when the article to which the tag device is attached is stored in a dark place, an invisible light effectively generates an electromotive force in the charging photoelectric device to perform charging. The element can be charged. Therefore, using the charging element that has been effectively charged as such as a power supply, for example, a notifying unit such as an LED that consumes relatively large power can be operated, and the visibility can be improved.

In this case, as set forth in claim 5, the receiving means has a receiving photoelectric element for receiving an invisible light signal including a calling identification code and converting it into an electric signal, When the receiving photoelectric element and the charging photoelectric element are arranged close to each other, when the receiving photoelectric element receives the invisible light signal, the charging by the charging photoelectric element can be performed together. The effect is obtained.

In this case, if the storage means is a storage shelf with a door and an invisible light source is provided inside the door, the invisible light source for charging is provided. Does not interfere with the recognizability of the light emission of the light emitting means for notification, and it is recognized as if the lighting is kept on even if the lighting of the invisible light source is continued for charging. Can be prevented.

Further, according to the identification code writing method in the article management system according to the seventh aspect, there is provided an attaching means which can be detachably attached to the article by utilizing the constituent part according to the kind of the article. A plurality of types of tag devices, a setting unit capable of simultaneously setting a plurality of types of tag devices, and a transmitting unit for transmitting a signal including a command to assign a unique identification code to each of the tag devices set in the setting unit. ,
(A) assigning a unique identification code to a stored article; and (b) assigning a plurality of identification codes to the setting means of the identification code registration device. Setting a kind of tag device; (c) writing the assigned unique identification code into a plurality of tag devices set in the setting means; and (d) setting the tag device in the setting means. And removing the tag device corresponding to the stored product type from the plurality of tag devices in which the unique identification code is written and attaching the tag device to the storage product. When trying to store, it is possible to select from the plurality of types of tag devices set in the identification code registration device according to the type of product to be stored and attach it to the article,
An article can be easily stored.

Further, according to the article management system of the present invention, when the name of the article to be stored is inputted, a unique identification code is assigned to the article to be stored. An identification code managing means for searching for a calling identification code corresponding to the article name when the name of the article to be extracted is input, and an article to be extracted retrieved by the identification code managing means. A calling transmission device for storing a calling identification code corresponding to the name, and transmitting a signal including the calling identification code to the tag device of each article stored in the storage means. It is no longer necessary to prepare a storage device having a special configuration for attaching a number tag as a storage product as in the conventional case, and it is possible to attach a tag device to a wide variety of products. In the configuration having the tag device according to the fourth aspect, the charging photoelectric element is effectively activated by the invisible light from the installed invisible light source. Electric power can be generated to charge the charging element. Thereby, even if the lighting of the invisible light source is continued for charging, it is possible to prevent the lighting from being recognized as if the lighting is not turned on.

A setting means capable of setting a plurality of tag devices, and an invisible light signal for transmitting an invisible light signal including an instruction to assign the unique identification code to each tag device set in the setting means. If the apparatus further comprises an identification code registration means having a signal transmission means, and if it is intended to store a variety of articles, the identification code registration apparatus will store the information from a plurality of types of tag devices set in the identification code registration apparatus. It is possible to select a product corresponding to the product type to be attached to the article, and to easily store the article.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an article management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a display unit of the identification code management device.

3A is a plan view of the tag device, FIG. 3B is a front view of the tag device, and FIG. 3C is a side view of the tag device.

FIG. 4 (a) is a rear view of the tag main body, and FIG. 4 (b)
Is a side view of the tag main body, and FIG. 4C is a front view of the tag main body.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the tag device.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the tag device.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the portable transmission device.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the portable transmission device.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure for storing articles in the article management system.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for removing an article in the article management system.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are perspective views each showing a first modification of the tag device.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a state where the tag device is attached to an article.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are perspective views each showing a second modification of the tag device.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a state where the tag device is attached to an article.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are perspective views each showing a third modification of the tag device.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a state where the tag device is attached to an article.

17A and 17B are perspective views each showing a fourth modification of the tag device.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a state where the tag device is attached to an article.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration according to a fifth modification of the tag device.

20 (a) is a rear view showing the above tag device, FIG. 20 (b) is a side view showing the above tag device, and FIG.
0 (c) is a front view showing the same tag device.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a modification of the identification code registration device.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a modification in which a relay device is added to the article management system.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing another modification in which a relay device is added to the article management system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Storage shelf 10 File with each spine 20 Tag device 21 Case part 25 Elastic mounting member 34 Photoelectric element for charging 35 Photoelectric element for receiving 37 Charging element 42 Tag control part 44 Light emitting element 46 Light emitting element for information 50 Identification code registration apparatus 51B Housing 52B Invisible light source 60 Identification code management device 70 Portable transmission device 1 Transmission light emitting element

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Tomonori Toda 1-4-1-12 Imafuku Higashi, Joto-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Inside Itoki Crebio Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Keiji Izuno 2-29 Hasune, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo -6 Hasune Building 3F Advantech Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2C017 VA01 VA45 3F022 CC02 FF01 MM08 MM11 MM22 MM35 PP04

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An article management system in which a plurality of articles are stored in a storage means, wherein the tag device is attached to each of the articles and notifies a storage position of a desired article from among the articles. Receiving means for receiving a signal including a calling identification code; and determining whether or not the calling identification code included in the signal received by the receiving means matches a unique identification code stored in advance. Tag control means, and notification means for notifying to the outside that the calling identification code and the unique identification code match based on a determination signal from the tag control means, and constituent parts of articles stored A tag device for an article management system, comprising: attachment means that can be detachably attached to the article using the tag. 2. The tag device for an article management system according to claim 1, wherein said attaching means has a holding portion that can be held between plate-shaped components of the stored articles. 3. The tag device for an article management system according to claim 1, wherein said attaching means has a ring-shaped body which can be hooked on a protruding component of the article to be stored. 4. An article management system in which a plurality of articles are stored in a storage means, wherein the tag apparatus is attached to each of the articles and notifies a storage position of a desired article among the articles. A charging photoelectric element that generates an electromotive force by receiving invisible light; a charging element that is charged by the electromotive force generated by the charging photoelectric element; and a reception that receives a signal including a calling identification code. And a tag operable with the charging element as a power source, and determining whether or not a calling identification code included in the signal received by the receiving means matches a unique identification code stored in advance. Control means; and a notifying means for notifying to the outside that the calling identification code and the unique identification code match based on a determination signal from the tag control means. Grayed apparatus. 5. The receiving means includes a receiving photoelectric element for receiving an invisible light signal including a calling identification code and converting the signal into an electric signal, and the receiving photoelectric element and the charging element. 5. The tag device for an article management system according to claim 4, wherein the photoelectric device and the photoelectric device are arranged at positions capable of simultaneously receiving light from the same light source. 6. The storage means is a storage shelf with a door,
The tag device for an article management system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein an invisible light source is provided inside the door. 7. An article storage method in an article management system in which a tag device is attached to each of a plurality of articles stored in storage means and a storage position of a desired article is notified from each of the articles by each tag apparatus. Receiving means for receiving a signal including an identification code for calling, and storing the unique identification code when the signal received by the receiving means includes a command to assign the unique identification code. On the other hand, when the signal received by the receiving means includes a calling identification code, a tag control means for determining whether or not the signal matches a unique identification code stored in advance, and the tag control means Notification means for notifying that the call identification code and the unique identification code match with each other based on the determination signal from the outside, and utilizing the constituent parts according to the product type of each article. A freely attachable attachment means detachably attached to the article, a plurality of kinds of tag devices having a time settable set means a plurality of types of tag devices,
An identification code registration device having transmission means for transmitting a signal including a command for giving a unique identification code to each of the tag devices set in the setting means; and an article management system comprising: (B) assigning a unique identification code to the stored article; (b) setting a plurality of types of tag devices in the setting means of the identification code registration device; and (c) setting the tag device in the setting means. Each tag device
Writing the assigned unique identification code; and (d) from among a plurality of types of tag devices set in the setting means and having the same unique identification code written therein,
Taking out the tag device corresponding to the kind of the article to be stored and attaching it to the article, and a method of storing the article in the article management system. 8. An article management system for attaching a tag device to each of a plurality of types of articles stored in a storage means and informing a storage position of a desired article from among the articles by each of the tag apparatuses, The tag device according to claim 1 or 4, wherein when the name of the stored article is input, a unique identification code is assigned to the stored article to manage the article, and when the name of the article to be taken out is input, the tag apparatus is operated. Identification code management means for searching for an identification code for calling corresponding to the article name; storing a calling identification code corresponding to the article name to be taken out retrieved by the identification code management means; A paging transmission device for transmitting a signal including an identification code to the tag device of each article stored in the storage means. 9. A setting means capable of setting a plurality of tag devices, and an invisible light for transmitting an invisible light signal including a command to assign the unique identification code to each tag device set in the setting means. 9. The article management system according to claim 8, further comprising: an identification code registration unit having a signal transmission unit.