JP2006256857A - Information processing device, information processing method, control program, recording medium recorded with control program, and information processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing device capable of detecting that the disposed positions of RFID tags are wrong when the disposed positions of the RFID tags are wrong in a system in which the plurality of RFID tags are present and the positions of the RFID tags are determined. <P>SOLUTION: A communication processing part 21 receives position information and manufacturing month information in RFID tags from a reader-writer 4. The position information is recorded in a document database 25 by a database recording part 23. On the other hand, information on the prescribed positions where the RFID tags are to be disposed is recorded in the document database 25. Then, the loaded position determination part compares the position information received by the communication processing part 21 with the information on the prescribed positions of the RFID tags corresponding to the position information and detects the RFID tags not disposed at the prescribed positions. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus that manages an article to which an RFID tag is attached, an information processing method, a control program, a recording medium that records the control program, and an information processing system.

  For example, in a library, a book store, a rental video / CD store, a video / CD store, etc., it is a big challenge to accurately manage a large number of books, videos, DVDs, CDs and other managed items. . Examples of such management target article management include entry / exit management such as sales performance, inventory status, warehousing status, and lending / return status of the management target product, and display management of the management target product.

  Conventionally, in order to perform the above-described entry / exit management, a method of using a barcode attached to each managed article has been widely adopted. In this method, the correspondence between each managed article and the barcode attached thereto is input to the management terminal in advance, and the barcode is read when entry / exit processing such as sales, warehousing, renting, and returning is performed. Entry / exit management is performed by

  As described above, if the bar code is used, the entrance / exit management can be sufficiently performed. However, the use of barcodes is not sufficient for display management such as which shelves the items to be managed are displayed.

  On the other hand, a system has been proposed in which each management target article is managed by attaching an RFID tag. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that uses a portable book retrieval terminal while attaching an RFID label to each book in a library or the like. In this system, a book searcher carries a portable book search terminal, moves along a bookshelf while transmitting radio waves of a specific book number, and receives a wireless response from the RFID label attached to the book. By receiving, the desired book is searched.

  For example, in Patent Document 2, in a library or the like, an RF tag is attached to each book, and an RF tag reading / writing unit attached to a movable body that can move on the floor surface with respect to a bookshelf that stores the books. A system for reading information from each RF tag by moving the tag is disclosed.

Further, for example, in Patent Document 3, a non-contact type IC tag is attached to a product such as a book and a CD, or a cover / case thereof, and the product is placed on the system rack. A system for recognizing, managing, and processing data using a non-contact IC tag reader / writer, such as taking out or returning a product on a system rack, is disclosed.
JP 2003-155103 A (published May 27, 2003) JP 2001-163417 A (published June 19, 2001) JP 11-283123 A (published on October 15, 1999)

  In the system disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to search for books, the searcher needs to move in front of the bookshelf with a book search terminal, so in order to manage all the books, It will move in front of all bookshelves. Therefore, for example, if the user forgets to move in front of a bookcase, there is a problem that the book cannot be managed accurately, and a problem that a labor for managing all the books is relatively large.

  In the system disclosed in Patent Document 2, it is necessary to provide a moving body for moving the RF tag reading / writing unit. Therefore, there is a problem that the cost of providing such a moving body for each bookshelf increases, and a space for moving the moving body must be secured.

  In the system disclosed in Patent Document 3, one reader / writer for a non-contact IC tag is basically provided for one system rack. Therefore, it is possible to recognize which product is present in one system rack, but it is not possible to recognize how each product is placed in the system rack.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an RFID tag in a system in which a plurality of RFID tags are present and positions where the RFID tags are to be arranged are determined. An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, a control program, a recording medium on which a control program is recorded, and an information processing system that can detect when the arrangement position is incorrect.

  In order to solve the above problems, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention obtains RFID tag position information from a tag communication apparatus capable of measuring the position of the RFID tag by performing wireless communication with the RFID tag. With respect to the communication processing unit to be received and a plurality of RFID tags, predetermined position information of the RFID tag corresponding to the position information received in the communication processing unit is obtained from a database that records predetermined position information in which each RFID tag is to be arranged. A placement position determination unit that compares the read and received position information with the predetermined position information and detects an RFID tag that is not disposed at the predetermined position is provided.

  In addition, the information processing method according to the present invention includes a position information receiving step of receiving position information of an RFID tag from a tag communication device capable of measuring the position of the RFID tag by performing wireless communication with the RFID tag. A recording step of recording predetermined position information in which each RFID tag is to be placed in a database with respect to a plurality of RFID tags; the received position information; and the predetermined position information of the RFID tag corresponding to the position information. And a placement position determination step of detecting an RFID tag that is not placed at a predetermined position.

  In the above configuration or method, first, RFID tag position information is received from a tag communication device capable of measuring the position of the RFID tag. Then, the received RFID tag position information and the predetermined position information corresponding to the RFID tag recorded in the database are compared to detect an RFID tag that is not disposed at the predetermined position. As a result, in a system in which there are a plurality of RFID tags and the positions where the RFID tags are to be arranged are determined, this can be detected when the arrangement positions of the RFID tags are incorrect. .

  The predetermined position information is information for specifying the arrangement positions of the RFID tags, and is preferably set so that the predetermined positions of the RFID tags are different from each other. Thereby, for example, even when the RFID tags are arranged in a line in a specific region, it is possible to detect that the arrangement order is incorrect.

  Further, in the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, in the above configuration, when an RFID tag that is not arranged at a predetermined position is detected by the placement position determination unit, a warning processing unit that notifies the user to that effect It is good also as a structure further equipped with.

  According to the above configuration, when an RFID tag that is not placed at a predetermined position is detected, the user is notified of this, so the user can set the RFID tag to a predetermined position, for example. It is possible to encourage an action such as rearranging.

  The information processing apparatus according to the present invention further includes a display unit that performs display in the above-described configuration, and the warning processing unit detects an RFID tag that is not arranged at a predetermined position by the placement position determination unit. In such a case, the display unit may display that effect.

  According to the above configuration, when an RFID tag that is not arranged at a predetermined position is detected, the display unit included in the information processing device notifies the user of the information processing device to that effect. A system administrator or the like can recognize an RFID tag placed at a wrong position.

  Further, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes, in the above-described configuration, a light, display, and display for a user, which is provided in an article placement unit on which an article to which the RFID tag is attached is placed. The warning processing unit may be configured to instruct a warning unit that issues a warning by at least one of the sounds so that the warning processing unit issues a warning.

  According to the above configuration, when an RFID tag that is not arranged at a predetermined position is detected, a warning means provided in the article placement means notifies the user to that effect. A warning can be given to a user who has placed an article to which an RFID tag is attached in an incorrect position. Therefore, it is possible to urge such a user to, for example, rearrange the arrangement position of the article to which the RFID tag is attached to a predetermined position.

  In addition, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention is configured to warn a user by at least one of light, display, and sound provided in an article to which the RFID tag is attached. It is good also as a structure which instruct | indicates the warning means to perform that the said warning process part performs a warning.

  According to the above configuration, when an RFID tag that is not arranged at a predetermined position is detected, the warning means provided in the article notifies the user to that effect. It is possible to give a warning to a user who places an attached article at an incorrect position. Therefore, it is possible to urge such a user to, for example, rearrange the arrangement position of the article to which the RFID tag is attached to a predetermined position.

  Further, by finding an article in which the warning means is operating, it is possible to easily find an article placed at an incorrect position.

  In addition, each part with which the said information processing apparatus is provided may be implement | achieved by the computer, In this case, the control program of the information processing apparatus which implement | achieves the said information processing apparatus by a computer by operating a computer as said each part is performed. A recorded computer-readable recording medium also falls within the scope of the present invention.

  Further, in the information processing system according to the present invention, each RFID tag is arranged with respect to a plurality of RFID tags and a position measuring unit that measures the position of the RFID tag by analyzing a signal sent from the RFID tag. An RFID tag that is not arranged at a predetermined position by comparing the database that records predetermined position information to be recorded, the position information measured by the position measurement unit, and the predetermined position information of the RFID tag corresponding to the position information And a placement position determination unit for detecting

  As a result, in a system in which there are a plurality of RFID tags and the positions where the RFID tags are to be arranged are determined, this can be detected when the arrangement positions of the RFID tags are incorrect. .

  As described above, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes the communication processing unit that receives the RFID tag position information from the tag communication apparatus, and the predetermined position information in which each RFID tag is to be placed with respect to the plurality of RFID tags. A mounting position for comparing a database to be recorded, position information received by the communication processing unit, and the predetermined position information of the RFID tag corresponding to the position information, and detecting an RFID tag that is not disposed at the predetermined position And a determination unit.

  The information processing method according to the present invention includes a position information receiving step of receiving position information of an RFID tag from a tag communication device, and a predetermined position information on which each RFID tag is to be placed for a plurality of RFID tags in a database. A recording step for recording, a placement position determination step for comparing the received position information with the predetermined position information of the RFID tag corresponding to the position information, and detecting an RFID tag not disposed at the predetermined position; It is the method which has.

  Further, in the information processing system according to the present invention, each RFID tag is arranged with respect to a plurality of RFID tags and a position measuring unit that measures the position of the RFID tag by analyzing a signal sent from the RFID tag. An RFID tag that is not arranged at a predetermined position by comparing the database that records predetermined position information to be recorded, the position information measured by the position measurement unit, and the predetermined position information of the RFID tag corresponding to the position information It is the structure provided with the mounting position determination part which detects this.

  As a result, in a system in which there are a plurality of RFID tags and the positions where the RFID tags are to be arranged are determined, this can be detected when the arrangement positions of the RFID tags are incorrect. There is an effect.

  An embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, for example, a book management system in a library or a book store will be described. However, the management target items are not limited to books, but sales results, inventory status, warehousing status, and lending / returning status. It is applicable to articles that require entry / exit management, etc., and display / storage position management. Examples of articles to be managed include articles such as videos, DVDs, and CDs in rental video / CD stores and video / CD dealers, articles such as drugs in drug dealers and hospitals, and other various products. It is done.

(Configuration of the book management system)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the book management system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the book management system 1 includes an RFID tag 2 attached to a plurality of books 6 stored in a book shelf 7, an antenna 3, a reader / writer (tag communication device) 4, and The management server 5 is provided.

  The RFID tag 2 stores information related to the attached book 6. The RFID tag 2 includes a wireless communication IC (Integrated Circuit), a storage unit, an antenna, and the like. In this embodiment, the RFID tag 2 does not have a power source such as a battery, and a circuit is operated by the power transmitted by radio waves from the reader / writer 4 to perform passive communication with the reader / writer 4. It is assumed that tags will be used. The RFID tag 2 used in the present embodiment is not limited to the passive type RFID tag as described above, and may be an active type RFID tag having a power source such as a battery.

  The antenna 3 is an antenna that transmits radio waves to the RFID tags 2... And receives radio waves transmitted from the RFID tags 2. The antenna 3 is configured by, for example, a patch antenna or an array antenna. In this configuration example, the antenna 3 has both a transmission function and a reception function. However, the transmission antenna and the reception antenna may be provided separately.

  The reader / writer 4 is a device that performs wireless communication with each RFID tag 2 via the antenna 3 and reads / writes information stored in the RFID tag 2. In the present embodiment, the reader / writer 4 reads and writes information stored in the RFID tag 2, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the information stored in the RFID tag 2 is read. It may be an RFID reader that performs only the above.

  In the present embodiment, the frequency band of radio waves transmitted and received by the reader / writer 4 via the antenna 3 is a so-called UHF band of about 800 MHz to 960 MHz. By using radio waves in such a frequency band, the reader / writer 4 can communicate with the RFID tag 2 located within a distance range of about several meters to several tens of meters. In the present embodiment, communication using the UHF band is assumed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the 13.56 MHz band, 2.45 GHz band, and the like as frequency bands for RFID tags are used. A frequency band may be used, and further, communication using another frequency band capable of performing wireless communication may be performed.

  Based on the information of each book 6 read by the reader / writer 4, the management server 5 manages entry / exit such as sales results, inventory status, warehousing status, lending / returning status, etc., and display / storage of the books 6. It is a server device that performs location management and the like. The management server 5 and the reader / writer 4 are connected by, for example, a wired LAN cable. Note that the connection format between the management server 5 and the reader / writer 4 is not limited to wired, and may be wireless. Further, the communication connection is not limited to LAN connection, and any communication connection is possible as long as communication is possible.

  In FIG. 2, one reader / writer 4 is connected to the management server 5, but a plurality of reader / writers 4 may be connected to the management server 5. In this case, each reader / writer 4 collects information from the RFID tags 2 of the plurality of books 6 stored in the plurality of book shelves 7, and the management server 5 receives information of each book 6 from the reader / writer 4. Is collected, the management server 5 can manage all the books 6.

  Further, a plurality of antennas 3 are connected to each reader / writer 4, and signals received by each antenna 3 are collectively transmitted to the reader / writer 4, and processing is performed in the reader / writer 4. May be.

(Configuration of reader / writer)
Next, the configuration of the reader / writer 4 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the reader / writer 4 includes a transmission processing unit 11, a reception processing unit 12, a communication control unit 13, a position measurement unit 14, and an external communication unit 15.

  The transmission processing unit 11 is a block that performs processing such as modulation and amplification of a transmission signal transmitted from the antenna 3. The reception processing unit 12 is a block that performs processing such as amplification and demodulation of a reception signal received by the antenna 3.

  The communication control unit 13 is a block that controls reading and / or writing of information via the antenna 3 with respect to the RFID tag 2 to be communicated.

  The position measurement unit 14 is a block that measures the position of the RFID tag 2 based on the received signal received from the RFID tag 2. Although details will be described later, the position of the RFID tag 2 is measured by measuring the distance between the antenna 3 and the RFID tag 2, measuring the direction of the RFID tag 2 when viewed from the antenna 3, and the space of the RFID tag 2. Measurement of the typical position.

  The external communication unit 15 transmits the read information of the RFID tag 2 read by the reader / writer 4 and the position information of the RFID tag 2 to the management server 5, and the RFID tag from the management server 5 2 is a block that performs processing for receiving write information for 2.

(Management server configuration)
Next, the configuration of the management server 5 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the management server 5 includes a communication processing unit 21, a management unit 28, a book database 25, a display unit 26, and an input unit 27.

  The display unit 26 is a display unit in the management server 5 and displays processing contents performed in the management server 5 as appropriate. The input unit 27 is an information input unit in the management server 5 and is configured by an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse. By this input unit 27, for example, book information to be recorded in the book database 25 is input by an operator.

  The communication processing unit 21 is a block that performs communication processing with the reader / writer 4 and functions as a communication interface. The management unit 28 is a block that performs management processing of the books 6... Managed by the management server 5, and includes a placement position determination unit 22, a database recording unit 23, and a warning processing unit 24.

  The database recording unit 23 performs processing for recording the read information of the RFID tag 2 received from the reader / writer 4 and the position information of the RFID tag 2 in the book database 25 as book information of the book 6 corresponding to the RFID tag 2. Do. The book information input by the input unit 27 is also recorded in the book database 25.

  The placement position determination unit 22 performs processing to determine whether each book 6 is placed at a correct position based on the book information recorded in the book database 25. Details of the mounting position determination process will be described later.

  When there is a book 6 that is determined not to be placed at a correct position by the placement position determination unit 22, the warning processing unit 24 performs a process of warning that effect. An example of this warning process is a process of displaying the warning content on the display unit 26, but other examples of the warning process will be described later.

  In the above example, the management server 5 includes the book database 25. However, as illustrated in FIG. 15, the book database 25 is provided in the database server 8 provided outside the management server 5. It is good. The database server 8 and the management server 5 are connected by, for example, a wired LAN cable. Note that this connection format is not limited to wired, and may be wireless. Further, the communication connection is not limited to LAN connection, and any communication connection is possible as long as communication is possible. In the case of such a configuration, the placement position determination unit 22, the database recording unit 23, and the warning processing unit 24 access the book database 25 in the database server 8 via the communication processing unit 21.

(Book database recording process)
Next, a recording process for the book database 25 in the management server 5 will be described. Here, as the position information of the RFID tag 2, information about which position on which shelf in the book shelf 7 is placed is transmitted from the reader / writer 4 to the management server 5. .

  Here, an example of the arrangement state of the book shelf 7, the books 6... And the antenna 3 will be described first. FIG. 4 shows an example of the arrangement state of the book shelf 7, the books 6..., And the antennas 3 and 3. In the example shown in the figure, the book shelf 7 is provided with a plurality of shelves 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D, and the antennas 3 and 3 are provided inside the top surface member of the book shelf 7. A plurality of books 6 are placed on the shelves 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D. Although not shown in the figure, the RFID tag 2 is attached to each book 6, for example, on its side as shown in FIG. The attachment position of the RFID tag 2 with respect to each book 6 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 5, and may be attached to various positions such as the back cover and the inside of the book 6, for example.

  Here, it is assumed that the reader / writer 4 can specify the arrangement position of the RFID tag 2 by analyzing the signal transmitted from the RFID tag 2. Then, based on the specified arrangement position, the reader / writer 4 receives information on the book shelf 7 on which the book 6 corresponding to each RFID tag 2 is placed, information on the shelf, and information on the position on the shelf from the management server 5. Shall be transmitted. For example, a book 6 to which an RFID tag 2 with ID information “0001” is attached is placed in a shelf position “0015” in a shelf “01” of a book shelf 7 “A”. The position information such as is transmitted from the reader / writer 4 to the management server 5. Note that the value of the position in the shelf may be represented by a distance from a reference position (for example, the position of the left side surface of the shelf) in the shelf, for example.

  When the position information and read information of the RFID tag 2 as described above are received from the reader / writer 4 by the communication processing unit 21, the database recording unit 23 records these information in the book database 25. FIG. 6 shows an example of information recorded in the book database 25. As shown in the figure, information items recorded in the book database 25 include ID information of each RFID tag 2, book name information of the corresponding book 6, predetermined position information where the book 6 is normally placed, There are current position information of the book 6, a renting flag indicating whether or not the book 6 is being lent, and a position error flag indicating whether or not the placement position of the book 6 may be incorrect.

  The ID information is ID information unique to each RFID tag 2. The book name information is information related to the book name of the book 6 to which each RFID tag 2 is attached. These ID information and book name information are information included in the information read from the RFID tag 2.

  The predetermined position information is information indicating a position where the corresponding book 6 is to be placed. Examples of this information include information such as a book shelf to be arranged, a shelf, and a position in the shelf. In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, for example, information “A-01-003” is stored. This information indicates that the book is placed third from the left of the shelf “01” of the book shelf 7 “A”. This predetermined position information is input in advance via the input unit 27 by an operator or the like.

  The current position information is information indicating a position where the corresponding book 6 is currently arranged. As this information, information such as the arranged book shelves, shelves, and positions in the shelves can be cited. In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, for example, information “A-01-0015” is stored. This information indicates that the book shelf 7 “A” is placed at a position 15 mm from the left of the shelf “01”. The current position information is recorded by the database recording unit 23 based on the position information sent from the reader / writer 4.

  In addition, as the position in the shelf in the current position information, not the distance information in the shelf but the placement order information in the shelf may be recorded. In this case, the database recording unit recognizes the distance information in the shelves of all the books 6... Placed in each shelf, specifies the placing order, and records the placing order information in the book database 25. You just have to do it.

  The renting flag is a flag indicating that the corresponding book 6 is currently lent. The lending flag is input via the input unit 27 by, for example, an operator or the like when the corresponding book 6 is lent. In this example, since an application example is assumed in a facility / store that lends a book such as a library, such a flag is provided. For example, when applied to a store that sells a book, A flag indicating that the book 6 has been sold may be used.

  The position error flag is a flag indicating information that there is a possibility that the corresponding book 6 is not arranged at the position where it should be arranged at present. The position error flag is determined by the placement position determination unit 22 by comparing the predetermined position information with the current position information, and is recorded in the book database 25.

(Mounting position determination process)
Next, the mounting position determination process by the mounting position determination unit 22 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The following processing is performed by the mounting position determination unit 22 unless otherwise specified. The predetermined position information of each book 6 recorded in the book database 25 is compared with the current position information (step 1, hereinafter referred to as S1). Picked up (S2). The book 6 picked up here has a wrong book shelf 7 placed thereon, so 1 is recorded in the position error flag as a book 6 in which the placement position is wrong (S4).

  Next, a book 6 whose shelf information does not match is picked up (S3). Since the book 6 picked up here has a wrong shelf on which it is placed, 1 is recorded in the position error flag as a book 6 with a wrong placement position (S4).

  Next, at this time, the books 6... For which the position error flag is not set to 1 and the lending flag is not set to 1 are placed on the same shelf of the same book shelf 7. Books 6 ... are picked up (S5). Then, based on the position in the shelf in the current position information of the picked-up books 6 ..., the current placement position order of the relevant books 6 ... is recognized (S6). For example, in the example illustrated in FIG. 6, “aaa” is assumed as a book 6 that is placed on a shelf “01” of a book shelf 7 “A”, and the position error flag and the renting flag are not set to 1. Books “bbb” and “ccc” are picked up. These shelf positions are “aaa” as “0015”, “bbb” as “0150”, and “ccc” as “0065”, so the current arrangement order is “aaa”, “ccc”, It turns out that it is "bbb".

  Thereafter, the recognized placement position order is compared with the placement position order indicated in the predetermined position information, and if there is a book 6 whose order is different (YES in S7), The position error flag is set to 1 (S4). In the example shown in FIG. 6, the placement position order indicated in the predetermined position information is “003” for “aaa”, “004” for “bbb”, and “005” for “ccc”. It is preferable that they are placed in the order of “aaa”, “bbb”, and “ccc”. That is, it can be seen that the order of “bbb” and “ccc” is erroneously placed. Here, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the position error flag is set for “ccc”, but the position error flag may be set for “bbb”, or both “bbb” and “ccc” may be position errors. A flag may be set.

  The placement position determination process as described above is performed on each shelf in each book shelf 7 (S8), so that all the books 6... Recorded in the book database 25 are placed normally. It is possible to determine whether or not there is.

  The placement position determination process as described above may be performed periodically, or may be performed using a change in the current position information as a trigger. Moreover, when performed regularly, you may set an execution space | interval in the book shelf 7 unit or shelf unit, respectively. Moreover, when the change of the current position information is used as a trigger, it may be executed in units of book shelves including books 6 whose current position information has been changed, or in units of shelves.

(Warning processing example 1)
If the book 6 placed in an illegal position is detected by performing the placement position determination process as described above, the warning processing unit 24 checks the position error flag in the book database 25 to detect this. Is detected. Then, as described above, the warning processing unit 24 notifies the operator or the like by displaying the information of the book 6 placed at an illegal position on the display unit 26 in the management server 5.

  On the other hand, not only the warning is displayed on the display unit 26 in the management server 5, but a warning may be given to the user from warning means provided in the book shelf 7. FIG. 8 shows this example. In the example shown in the figure, the book shelf 7 is provided with a control unit 31, a patrol light 32, a display unit 33, and an audio output unit 34 as warning means.

  The control unit 31 is communicatively connected to the communication processing unit 21 in the management server 5, and warning information output from the warning processing unit 24 is transmitted via the communication processing unit 21. Then, the control unit 31 controls operations of the patrol light 32, the display unit 33, and the audio output unit 34 based on the warning information received from the warning processing unit 24.

  The patrol light 32 warns the surrounding people when the light emitter rotates. Based on the warning information received from the warning processing unit 24, the display unit 26 displays information about the book 6 placed at an unauthorized position. Based on the warning information received from the warning processing unit 24, the audio output unit 34 outputs information on the book 6 placed at an unauthorized position by voice.

  By performing the warning process as described above, for example, when the user places the book 6 on the book shelf 7 in the wrong position, the placement position is incorrect for the user at that time. Can be notified. Therefore, for example, it is possible to reduce the trouble that the librarian goes to fix the mounting position later. In order to realize such warning processing, it is preferable that the placement position information of each book 6 is detected in real time.

  Further, in addition to the warning process, a guide display (advice display) for correcting the original shelf position may be performed. That is, when the warning processing unit 24 detects the book 6 in which the position error flag is set, the warning processing unit 24 identifies an appropriate arrangement position of the book 6, information on the book 6, and appropriate arrangement position information on the book 6. To the display unit 26 and / or the warning means. Then, the display unit 26 and / or the warning means displays / sound-outputs the information of the book 6 in which the placement position is incorrect and the appropriate arrangement position information of the book 6 to notify the user to that effect. . For example, the display unit 26 and the display unit 33 display the current incorrect position and the appropriate placement position side by side so that how to reposition them are displayed as a guide. "Please return it so that it is right next to the book bbb".

  In the above example, the book shelf 7 is provided with the patrol light 32, the display unit 33, and the audio output unit 34 as warning means. However, the present invention is not limited to these, and is used. Any configuration may be used as long as it can warn a person. Moreover, the book shelf 7 does not need to include all of the patrol light 32, the display unit 33, and the audio output unit 34, and may include at least one of them.

(Warning example 2)
In addition, the book 6 may be configured to include the LED 41 as a warning means in addition to the RFID tag 2 so that warning processing may be performed. FIG. 9 shows this example.

  The RFID tag 2 can perform light emission control of the LED 41 as a light emitting means. When the warning processing unit 24 in the management server 5 detects the book 6 with the wrong placement position, the warning processing unit 24 specifies the corresponding RFID tag 2 and sends instruction information for causing the RFID tag 2 to emit light via the communication processing unit 21. Transmit to the reader / writer 4. Based on this instruction information, the reader / writer 4 communicates with the corresponding RFID tag 2 via the antenna 3 to instruct the LED 41 to emit light. Thereby, LED41 provided in the book 6 in which the mounting position is incorrect light-emits.

  By performing the warning process as described above, for example, when the user places the book 6 on the book shelf 7 in the wrong position, the placement position is incorrect for the user at that time. Can be notified. Therefore, for example, it is possible to reduce the trouble that the librarian goes to fix the mounting position later. In order to implement such warning processing, it is necessary to detect the placement position information of each book 6 in real time. Further, even when the librarian goes to fix the placement position later, it is possible to easily find the book 6 in which the placement position is incorrect.

  In this example, the example in which the LED 41 is provided in the book 6 is shown, but other light emitting means, means for displaying, means for generating sound, and the like may be provided as warning means.

(Example of antenna arrangement for book shelf)
Next, an arrangement example of the antenna 3 with respect to the book shelf 7 will be described. In the configuration shown in FIG. 4, antennas 3 and 3 are provided inside the top surface member of the book shelf 7. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, the antennas 3 and 3 are provided inside the top surface member of the book shelf 7, and the antennas 3 and 3 are also provided inside the bottom surface member of the book shelf 7. It is good. In this case, four antennas 3 are provided for one book shelf 7, and the reader / writer 4 can more accurately measure the position of the RFID tag 2 of each book 6. In addition, by sharing the range of position measurement between the upper antennas 3 and 3 and the lower antennas 3 and 3, it is possible to perform position measurement using only a region with high measurement accuracy.

  In addition, the number of the antennas 3 with respect to the book shelf 7 is not limited to these examples, It is good also as a structure which provided the antenna 3 in three places, and the structure provided in five or more places. For example, if an antenna 3 is provided for each shelf and radio waves are blocked between adjacent shelves, one antenna 3 corresponds to one shelf. In this case, even if the position information of the RFID tag 2 measured by one antenna 3 is only the distance information, it is possible to specify the placement position of the corresponding book 6.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 11, it is good also as a structure which arrange | positions the antenna 3 in the position away from the books shelf 7. FIG. In this case, for example, it may be configured to communicate with the RFID tags 2 in the plurality of book shelves 7.

(Configuration for distance measurement)
Next, an example of a configuration for measuring the distance between the RFID tag 2 and the reader / writer 4 in the reader / writer 4 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the transmission processing unit 11 includes a PLL (Phase Locked Loop) unit 11A, a modulation unit 11B, and a power amplification unit 11C as frequency adjustment units. The reception processing unit 12 includes an amplification unit 12A and a frequency conversion unit 12B. The communication control unit 13 includes a frequency control unit 13A, a transmission control unit 13B, and a reception control unit 13C. The position measuring unit 14 includes a phase information acquiring unit 14A, a distance calculating unit 14B, and a position specifying unit 14C.

  In the transmission processing unit 11, the PLL unit 11 </ b> A is a block for setting a carrier frequency of a transmission signal transmitted from the antenna 3, and is configured by a PLL circuit. The modulation unit 11B performs a process of modulating the carrier signal generated by the PLL unit 11A and superimposing data on the transmission signal.

  In the present embodiment, the modulation unit 11B generates a transmission signal by ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying) modulation. Note that the transmission signal modulation method is not limited to the above ASK modulation, and other digital modulation methods such as FSK (Frequency Shift Keying) modulation and PSK (Phase Shift Keying) modulation may be adopted. . The power amplifier 11C is a block that amplifies the transmission signal.

  In the reception processing unit 12, the amplification unit 12 </ b> A is a block that amplifies the reception signal received by the antenna 3. The frequency conversion unit 12B is a block that performs processing of converting the frequency of the reception signal amplified by the amplification unit 12A and converting it to a lower frequency signal.

  In the communication control unit 13, the frequency control unit 13A is a block that controls the frequency of the carrier signal set by the PLL unit 11A. The transmission control unit 13B is a block that inputs data for modulating a transmission signal to the modulation unit 11B. The reception control unit 13C is a block that performs a process of receiving the position information specified by the position specifying unit 14C.

  In the position measurement unit 14, the phase information acquisition unit 14A is a block that detects the phase of the reception signal frequency-converted by the frequency conversion unit 12B and acquires this as phase information. The distance calculation unit 14B is a block that calculates the distance between the RFID tag 2 and the antenna 3 based on the phase information acquired by the phase information acquisition unit 14A.

  The position specifying unit 14C is a block that specifies the placement position of the corresponding RFID tag 2 based on the distance calculated by the distance calculating unit 14B. For example, when multiple antennas 3 are provided, the distance between each antenna 3 and the RFID tag 2 is calculated by the distance calculation unit 14B. In this case, the position specifying unit 14C specifies the position of the RFID tag 2 as two-dimensional coordinates (when the distance is two types) or three-dimensional coordinates (when the distance is three or more types) based on the plurality of distance information. be able to. Then, based on the coordinates of the specified RFID tag 2, the position specifying unit 14C can specify which shelf in which shelf the corresponding RFID tag 2 is arranged. The positional information of the RFID tag 2 specified in this way is transmitted to the external communication unit 15 via the reception control unit 13C and transmitted to the management server 5.

  In the above example, the coordinates of the RFID tag 2 are specified based on a plurality of pieces of distance information. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the presence position direction of the RFID tag 2 when viewed from the antenna 3 is determined. By detecting, the coordinates of the RFID tag 2 may be specified in combination with the distance information.

  In the above example, the position specifying unit 14C is provided on the reader / writer 4 side. However, the position specifying unit may be provided on the management server 5 side. In other words, the distance information calculated by the distance calculation unit 14 </ b> B may be transmitted from the external communication unit 15 to the management server 5 as it is, and the position specifying process provided in the management server 5 may be performed. Further, the position measurement unit 14 itself may be provided on the management server 5 side instead of the reader / writer 4 side.

(Details of distance measurement)
An example of the distance calculation method in the distance calculation unit 14B will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 (a) to 13 (c) and FIG.

  In this embodiment, the reader / writer 4 transmits an R / W request signal (request signal) to the RFID tag 2, and the RFID tag 2 returns a tag response signal in response thereto. This situation is shown in FIG.

  While the reader / writer 4 always transmits a specific signal, when requesting the RFID tag 2 to transmit a tag response signal, as shown in FIG. The requested R / W request signal is transmitted.

  That is, the transmission control unit 13B in the reader / writer 4 controls the modulation unit 11B to transmit data indicating the steady state in the steady state, and configures the R / W request signal when requesting the tag response signal. The modulation unit 11B is controlled to transmit data.

  The RFID tag 2 constantly monitors the signal sent from the reader / writer 4 and, when detecting that the R / W request signal has been received, transmits the tag response signal in response to it.

  As shown in FIG. 13C, the tag response signal is composed of a preamble part and a data part. The preamble portion indicates data indicating the start of the tag response signal, and is predetermined data common to all RFID tags 2 within the same standard (for example, EPC (Electronic Product Code)). The data portion is transmitted subsequent to the preamble portion, and indicates data indicating substantial information transmitted from the RFID tag 2. Examples of the information included in the data part include ID information unique to each RFID tag 2. Information to be transmitted from the RFID tag 2, for example, various information stored in a storage part in the RFID tag 2. Etc. may be included.

The reader / writer 4 transmits the R / W request signal twice, and makes the carrier frequencies different in transmission of each R / W request signal. That is, the frequency control unit 13A in the reader writer 4, at the time of transmission of the first R / W request signal, and controls the PLL section 11A so as to output a carrier signal at a first frequency f _1, 2 nd R / When transmitting the W request signal, the PLL unit 11A is controlled so as to output the carrier signal at the second frequency f ₂ different from the _first frequency f ₁ . This state is shown in FIG.

As shown in the figure, when the first R / W request signal transmitted at the frequency f ₁ RFID tag 2 receives the tag response signal is returned again in the first frequency f _1. Then, the reader writer 4, by analyzing the preamble portion of the tag response signal phase information acquisition unit 14A receives and detects the phi ₁ showing a change in phase of tag response signal. Similarly, when the second R / W request signal transmitted at the frequency f ₂ RFID tag 2 receives the tag response signal is returned again at the second frequency f _2. Then, the reader writer 4, by analyzing the preamble portion of the tag response signal phase information acquisition unit 14A receives, detects the phi ₂ showing the change in phase of tag response signal.

  In the above example, the change in the phase of the tag response signal is detected by analyzing the preamble part. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the change in the phase including the data part is also included. May be detected, or a change in phase may be detected in the data portion. However, when the modulation method is PSK, it is difficult to detect a change in phase with distance based on a data part whose contents can change. Therefore, a phase change in a preamble part whose contents are fixed. Is preferably detected.

  The reader / writer 4 is set to detect the change in phase every 50 msec in this embodiment. That is, the reader / writer 4 transmits the R / W request signal twice to the RFID tag 2 at 50 msec intervals. Note that the detection timing of the phase change is not limited to the 50 msec interval, and may be a shorter time interval or a longer time interval. It is preferable that the speed is appropriately determined according to the moving speed of the article.

  Further, in this embodiment, when detecting the change of the phase, it is configured to acquire the article information regarding the article stored in the RFID tag 2, but the acquisition of the article information is the detection of the change of the phase. It may be performed at different timings.

As described above, when the phase information acquiring section 14A detects a change phi ₁ and phi ₂ of the phase information of the change in the phase is transmitted to the distance calculation unit 14B. Distance calculating section 14B, based on the phi ₁ and phi _2, is calculated as follows distance between the RFID tag 2 and the antenna 3.

First, assuming that the distance from the antenna 3 to the RFID tag 2 is a distance r, a phase change φ caused by a signal carried by the first frequency f ₁ and the second frequency f ₂ propagating a distance of the round trip 2r ₁ and phi ₂ is expressed by the following equation.

  In the above formula, c represents the speed of light. Based on the above two formulas, the distance r is obtained by the following formula.

As described above, the distance r from the antenna 3 to the RFID tag 2 can be obtained based on the phase changes φ ₁ and φ ₂ . In the RFID tag 2, it is expected that a phase shift occurs between the reception of the R / W request signal and the transmission of the tag response signal. This phase shift is caused by the first frequency f _1. and it becomes even the same amount in both of the signal carried by the second frequency f _2. Therefore, the phase shift that occurs during transmission / reception of signals in the RFID tag 2 does not affect the calculation of the distance.

  Further, as described above, the reader / writer 4 is configured to transmit the R / W request signal twice to the RFID tag 2 at 50 msec intervals. Therefore, the reader / writer 4 can measure the distance between the RFID tag 2 and its own device every 50 msec.

  In Equation 2, when Δφ is 2π or more, the distance r cannot be calculated accurately. That is, the maximum value rmax of the distance r that can be measured is when Δφ = 2π, and is represented by the following equation.

Here, for example, when the difference between the first frequency f ₁ and the second frequency f ₂ is 5 MHz, the maximum distance rmax is 30 m from Equation 3. Similarly, when the difference between the first frequency f ₁ and the second frequency f ₂ is 2 MHz, the maximum distance rmax is 75 m from Equation 3. In the case of using the UHF band, the assumed maximum communication distance is about 10 m, and it can be seen that the above measurement has no practical problem.

  When measurement of the maximum distance rmax or more is necessary, the distance r can be measured by using, for example, measurement of the reception intensity of the received signal.

  Specifically, when Δφ may be 2π or more, the candidate r ′ for the distance r is r ′ = r + n · rmax (n is an integer of 0 or more). Therefore, it is possible to specify the value of n by using the fact that the reception intensity of the reception signal decreases as the distance r increases.

  Note that the measurement methods shown in the above “configuration related to distance measurement” and “details of distance measurement” are examples for measuring the distance between the antenna 3 and the RFID tag 2, and the reader / writer 4 according to the present embodiment. However, the configuration is not limited to this. That is, the reader / writer 4 may be configured to be able to measure the distance between the antenna 3 and the RFID tag 2 from the signal received from the RFID tag 2.

  When an active type RFID tag is used, the distance is measured based on the tag response signal actively sent from the RFID tag side without transmitting the R / W request signal from the reader / writer 4 side. It may be like this.

(Realization by software)
The communication control unit 13, the position measurement unit 14, and the external communication unit 15 included in the reader / writer 4, and the placement position determination unit 22, the database recording unit 23, and the warning processing unit 24 included in the management server 5 are: It may be configured by hardware logic, or may be configured such that a calculation unit such as a CPU executes a program stored in a storage unit such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM. .

  When each of the above-described configurations is configured by calculation means such as a CPU and storage means, the reader / writer 4 is provided by a computer having these means reading a recording medium on which the program is recorded and executing the program. Implement various functions and various processes of the communication control unit 13, the position measurement unit 14, the external communication unit 15, and the placement position determination unit 22, the database recording unit 23, and the warning processing unit 24 included in the management server 5. Can do. In addition, by recording the program on a removable recording medium, the various functions and various processes described above can be realized on an arbitrary computer.

  The recording medium may be a program medium such as a memory (not shown) such as a ROM for processing by a computer, or a program reading device as an external storage device (not shown). The program medium may be readable by inserting a recording medium therein.

  In any case, the stored program is preferably configured to be accessed and executed by the microprocessor. Furthermore, it is preferable that the program is read out, and the read program is downloaded to the program storage area of the microcomputer and the program is executed. It is assumed that the download program is stored in the main device in advance.

  In addition, if the system configuration is capable of connecting to a communication network including the Internet, the recording medium is preferably a recording medium that fluidly carries the program so as to download the program from the communication network.

  Further, when the program is downloaded from the communication network as described above, it is preferable that the download program is stored in the main device in advance or installed from another recording medium.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope shown in the claims. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means appropriately modified within the scope of the claims are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The information processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied as a management server for managing products in, for example, a library, a book store, a rental video / CD store, a video / CD store, a drug store, and a hospital.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the management server with which the book management system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is provided. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the said book management system. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the reader / writer with which the said book management system is provided. It is a front view which shows an example of the arrangement | positioning state of a book shelf, a book, and an antenna. It is a perspective view which shows an example in the state by which the RFID tag is mounted | worn with the book. It is a table which shows an example of the information currently recorded on the book database. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a mounting position determination process. It is a block diagram which shows the system structural example in case a control part, a patrol light, a display part, and an audio | voice output part are provided in the bookshelf as warning means. It is a block diagram which shows the system configuration example in case LED is provided as a warning means in the book. It is a front view which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the antenna with respect to a books shelf. It is a perspective view which shows another example of the example of arrangement | positioning of the antenna with respect to a books shelf. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of a reader / writer. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing a state in which an R / W request signal and a tag response signal are transmitted and received between the reader / writer and the RFID tag, and FIG. It is a figure which shows a transmission state, The figure (c) is a figure which shows the transmission state of a tag response signal. It is a figure which shows the change of the phase at the time of transmission / reception of the R / W request signal and tag response signal by two different frequencies. It is a block diagram which shows the outline of the other structural example of the said book management system.

Explanation of symbols

1 book management system 2 RFID tag 3 antenna 4 reader / writer (tag communication device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 5 Management server 6 Book 7 Books shelf 11 Transmission processing part 12 Reception processing part 13 Communication control part 14 Position measurement part 14A Phase information acquisition part 14B Distance calculation part 14C Position specification part 15 External communication part 21 Communication processing part 22 Placement position determination Unit 23 database recording unit 24 warning processing unit 25 book database 26 display unit 27 input unit 28 management unit 31 control unit 32 patrol light 33 display unit 34 audio output unit 41 LED

Claims (9)

A communication processing unit that receives position information of the RFID tag from a tag communication device capable of measuring the position of the RFID tag by performing wireless communication with the RFID tag;
With respect to a plurality of RFID tags, the predetermined position information of the RFID tag corresponding to the position information received in the communication processing unit is read from a database that records the predetermined position information where each RFID tag is to be arranged, and the received position information An information processing apparatus comprising: a mounting position determination unit that detects an RFID tag that is not disposed at a predetermined position by comparing the predetermined position information with the predetermined position information.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a warning processing unit that notifies a user when an RFID tag that is not placed at a predetermined position is detected by the placement position determination unit. . It further includes a display unit for displaying,
3. The information processing according to claim 2, wherein when the RFID tag that is not arranged at a predetermined position is detected by the placement position determination unit, the warning processing unit displays that fact on the display unit. apparatus.   With respect to warning means that is provided in an article placement means on which an article to which the RFID tag is attached is placed and warns the user by at least one of light, display, and sound The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the warning processing unit instructs to issue a warning.   The warning processing unit issues a warning to warning means provided on an article to which the RFID tag is attached, which gives warning to the user by at least one of light, display, and sound. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an instruction is given as follows. A position information receiving step of receiving position information of the RFID tag from a tag communication device capable of measuring the position of the RFID tag by performing wireless communication with the RFID tag;
A recording step of recording predetermined position information in which each RFID tag should be arranged in a database with respect to a plurality of RFID tags;
A placement position determination step of comparing the received position information with the predetermined position information of the RFID tag corresponding to the position information and detecting an RFID tag not disposed at the predetermined position; Information processing method.   A control program for operating the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control program causes a computer to function as each unit.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the control program for the information processing apparatus according to claim 7 is recorded. A position measuring unit that measures the position of the RFID tag by analyzing a signal sent from the RFID tag;
For a plurality of RFID tags, a database that records predetermined position information where each RFID tag is to be arranged;
A mounting position determination unit configured to compare the position information measured by the position measurement unit with the predetermined position information of the RFID tag corresponding to the position information and detect an RFID tag not disposed at the predetermined position; An information processing system characterized by this.

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