JP2008191961A - Recording medium and apparatus for reading wireless tag information - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recording medium and an apparatus for reading wireless tag information, with which a communication protocol can perform search in a simple and quick manner, with respect to an unknown wireless tag circuit element. <P>SOLUTION: A tag label T<SB>P</SB>is equipped with a wireless tag circuit element To-P holding information, and a memory section 155 of an IC circuit part 150 of a wireless tag circuit element To-P holds information of the type of communication protocol, corresponding to communication to wireless tag circuit elements To-A and To-B of wireless tag label T<SB>A</SB>and T<SB>B</SB>installed to a luggage L that is to be stored inside a warehouse 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a wireless tag information reading device that reads information by wireless communication with respect to a recording medium that holds information and a wireless tag that stores and holds wireless tag information.

  There is known an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system that reads / writes information in a non-contact manner between a small wireless tag and a reader (reading device) / writer (writing device).

  For example, a wireless tag circuit element provided in a label-like wireless tag includes an IC circuit unit that stores predetermined wireless tag information and an antenna that is connected to the IC circuit unit and transmits and receives information. Even if the battery is dirty or placed in an invisible position, the reader / writer can access (read / write information) the RFID tag information in the IC circuit unit, and manage the product. Practical use is expected in various fields such as inspection processes.

  Various communication protocols have been proposed for wireless communication with the wireless tag, and various communication protocols are used according to the use of each wireless tag. Correspondingly, a communication device that can handle a plurality of types of communication protocols has been described (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2001-291079 A

  The communication device of the above prior art is a multi-protocol compatible type capable of supporting a plurality of types of communication protocols, but if the communication protocol that matches the RFID tag circuit element to be communicated is unknown, how can the communication protocol be There was no particular consideration as to whether or not to specify. Therefore, in such a case, wireless communication is attempted while changing the communication protocol until there is a response from the communication target RFID circuit element, and the communication target RFID circuit element can be searched quickly. could not. As described above, in the conventional technology, it is not possible to easily and quickly search for the RFID tag circuit element.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a recording medium and a wireless tag information reading apparatus capable of easily and quickly searching for a wireless tag circuit element.

  To achieve the above object, the first invention is a recording medium comprising an information holding unit for holding information, wherein the information holding unit transmits and receives information to and from the first IC circuit unit for storing information. The first tag-side antenna is provided, and speed-up information for quickly communicating with a search RFID tag circuit element located in a predetermined communication area is held.

  In the recording medium of the first invention of this application, the information holding unit holds speed-up information for quickly communicating with the search RFID circuit element. As a result, when the operator searches for the RFID circuit element to be searched that is located within a predetermined communication area, first, the accelerating information for quickly communicating with the RFID circuit element for searching is recorded. Obtained from the medium. Then, using the acquired accelerating information, the wireless tag information reading device performs search processing by wireless communication. Thereby, based on the speed-up information acquired from the information holding unit, the search can be performed easily and quickly.

  According to a second aspect, in the first aspect, the speed-up information is communication protocol type information corresponding to communication with the search RFID circuit element.

  In the recording medium of the second invention of this application, communication protocol type information used for communication to the search RFID circuit element is held in the information holding unit. As a result, when the operator searches for the RFID tag circuit element to be searched located within the predetermined communication area, first, the type information of the communication protocol used for communication to the RFID tag circuit element to be searched is obtained from the recording medium. get. Then, using the acquired communication protocol, the wireless tag information reading device performs search processing by wireless communication.

  Thus, even if the operator does not know the type of communication protocol used for communication to the search RFID circuit element, the search is easily and quickly performed based on the communication protocol type information acquired from the information holding unit. be able to.

  According to a third invention, in the second invention, the information holding unit includes a second IC circuit unit storing the communication protocol type information and a second tag antenna for transmitting and receiving information, and the second tag side It is a wireless tag circuit element for protocol specification capable of transmitting the communication protocol type information by wireless communication through an antenna.

  Thus, even if the operator does not know the type of communication protocol used for communication to the search RFID circuit element, based on the communication protocol type information acquired by wireless communication from the protocol identification RFID circuit element, Search can be performed easily and quickly.

  In a fourth aspect based on the third aspect, the second tag side antenna is different from the communication protocol for searching used in wireless communication via the first tag side antenna in the searching RFID circuit element. The communication protocol type information can be transmitted by wireless communication using the type-specific communication protocol.

  Thereby, communication interference between the acquisition of the communication protocol type information from the protocol identifying RFID circuit element and the search processing of the searching RFID circuit element can be surely prevented.

  In a fifth aspect based on the third or fourth aspect, the second tag antenna can transmit the communication protocol type information using the identification communication protocol having a higher transmission speed than the search communication protocol. It is configured.

  Thereby, when acquiring protocol type information in which communication targets are limited, it is possible to perform efficient acquisition by shortening the communication time compared to searching when a plurality of communication targets may exist. As a result, the search can be performed more quickly.

  In a sixth aspect based on the second aspect, the information holding unit is a bar code recording unit that optically records the communication protocol type information.

  Thus, even if the operator does not know the type of communication protocol used for communication with the search RFID circuit element, it is simple and quick based on the communication protocol type information optically acquired from the barcode recording unit. A search can be performed.

  According to a seventh invention, in any one of the second to sixth inventions, the information holding unit includes a plurality of communication protocol type information respectively used for a plurality of different types of search RFID circuit elements, and The number information of the corresponding RFID tag circuit elements for search corresponding to each communication protocol type is stored.

  Thereby, the number of search RFID circuit elements for each communication protocol can be acquired on the RFID tag information reading device side. As a result, it is possible to compare the acquired number information with the communication result at the time of search and perform a more efficient search.

  In an eighth aspect based on the seventh aspect, the information holding unit holds number information for each use purpose identification code of the plurality of search RFID circuit elements.

  As a result, it is possible to perform a search in the form narrowed down by the identification code for each purpose of use on the RFID tag information reading device side from among the RFID tag circuit elements for search using the same communication protocol. As a result, a more efficient search can be performed.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to a ninth aspect of the present invention, information can be transmitted and received by wireless communication with respect to a wireless tag circuit element including an IC circuit unit for storing information and a tag-side antenna for transmitting and receiving information. A device-side antenna, a search processing means for performing a search process for the RFID tag circuit element to be searched located within a predetermined communication area via the device-side antenna, and communication to the RFID tag circuit element to be searched And an acquisition means for reading and acquiring the accelerating information in a substantially non-contact manner from an information holding unit that holds the accelerating information for quickly performing.

  In the ninth invention of the present application, when an operator searches for a RFID circuit element to be searched that is located within a predetermined communication area, first, the acquisition means promptly communicates with the RFID circuit element to be searched. Acceleration information for performing is acquired from the information holding unit. Then, using the acquired accelerating information, search processing is performed by wireless communication via the device-side antenna. Thereby, based on the speed-up information acquired from the information holding unit, the search can be performed easily and quickly.

  According to a tenth aspect, in the ninth aspect, the apparatus-side antenna is capable of transmitting and receiving information by wireless communication by selectively using a plurality of types of communication protocols with respect to the RFID circuit element. Is characterized in that the communication protocol type information is obtained from an information holding unit holding the communication protocol type information corresponding to the communication to the search target RFID circuit element as the speed-up information.

  In the tenth invention of the present application, when an operator searches for a RFID circuit element to be searched that is located within a predetermined communication area, first, communication that is used for communication to the RFID tag circuit element to be searched by the acquisition means. Protocol type information is acquired from the information holding unit. Then, using the acquired communication protocol, search processing is performed by wireless communication via the device-side antenna.

  Thus, even if the operator does not know the type of communication protocol used for communication to the search RFID circuit element, the search is easily and quickly performed based on the communication protocol type information acquired from the information holding unit. be able to.

  In an eleventh aspect based on the tenth aspect, the acquisition means is the information holding section, the communication tag type information stored in the IC circuit section from the RFID tag circuit element for protocol specification, the device. It is a radio | wireless acquisition means which acquires the said communication protocol kind information by radio | wireless communication via a side antenna.

  Searching can be performed easily and quickly based on the communication protocol type information acquired from the protocol specifying RFID circuit element by the wireless acquisition means.

  In a twelfth aspect based on the eleventh aspect, the wireless acquisition unit acquires the communication protocol type information from the protocol specifying RFID tag circuit element using the specifying communication protocol via the device-side antenna, The search processing means performs the search processing via the device-side antenna using a search communication protocol of a type different from the specifying communication protocol.

  Thereby, communication interference between communication protocol type information acquisition by the wireless acquisition means and search processing by the search processing means can be reliably prevented.

  In a thirteenth aspect based on the twelfth aspect, the wireless acquisition means acquires the communication protocol type information using the specifying communication protocol having a transmission speed faster than the search communication protocol. .

  Thereby, when acquiring protocol type information in which communication targets are limited, it is possible to perform efficient acquisition by shortening the communication time compared to searching when a plurality of communication targets may exist. As a result, the search can be performed more quickly.

  In a fourteenth aspect based on the tenth aspect, the acquisition means is an optical acquisition means for optically acquiring the communication protocol type information using light from a barcode recording section as the information holding section. It is characterized by.

  Based on the communication protocol type information acquired from the barcode recording unit by the optical acquisition means, the search can be performed easily and quickly.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it can communicate simply and rapidly with respect to a RFID circuit element.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present embodiment is an example in which the recording medium and the RFID tag information reading device of the present invention are applied to inventory management in a warehouse.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an operator M checks inventory in a warehouse according to the present embodiment.

In FIG. 1, the warehouse 1 has an entrance / exit 1A, and the loading / unloading of the luggage L is performed through the entrance / exit 1A. Each package L has a RFID circuit element To (which will be described in detail later) composed of an IC circuit unit 150 (first IC circuit unit) and an antenna 151 (first tag side antenna) in which package information representing contents and the like is written. ) Are provided respectively. As the RFID label T provided on the package L, a label corresponding to a plurality of types of communication protocols is used depending on the purpose and contents of the package L. In the example shown in this embodiment, the load L present in the warehouse 1, two different communication protocols RFID label T _A corresponding to (including standards for communication frequency), is T _B are provided. RFID label T _A is provided with a communication protocol protocol A wireless tag circuit element the To-A (search for the RFID circuit element) corresponding to the (search communication protocol), the RFID label T _B communication protocol protocol B ( The RFID tag circuit element To-B (search RFID tag circuit element) corresponding to the search communication protocol) is provided. Examples of protocols A and B include ISO / IEC 18000-6 type A, B, C in the UHF band, ISO / IEC 15693, ISO / IEC 14443, ISO / IEC 18000-3 mode 2 and the like in the HF band. .

Further, a RFID label TP having a RFID circuit element To- _P is provided in the warehouse 1 (for example, in the vicinity of the entrance / exit 1A). The RFID tag circuit element To-P (information holding unit, protocol specifying RFID circuit element) provided in the RFID label T _P (recording medium) has a protocol C (specifying communication protocol) different from the communication protocols A and B. The IC circuit unit 150 (see FIG. 4 to be described later) contains information on the type of communication protocol of the RFID label T of the package L existing in the warehouse 1 (in this example, protocol A and protocol B). ) Is stored and retained. The protocol C employs a protocol having a higher transmission speed than the protocols A and B. For example, when the protocols A and B are ISO / IEC 18000-6 type A and B, the protocol C is ISO / IEC 18000-6 type C.

When the operator M is examined for inventory luggage L is portable handy scanner 200 of the (radio tag information reading apparatus) carry it enters the warehouse 1, provided firstly on the RFID label T _P in the handy scanner 200 Information relating to the type of communication protocol of the RFID label T of the package L existing in the warehouse 1 is read from the RFID circuit element To-P. Then, using the communication protocol, information is read from a plurality of packages L in the warehouse 1 by wireless communication (details will be described later).

  FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram illustrating a schematic functional configuration of the handy scanner 200 of the present embodiment. In addition, the arrow shown in a figure shows an example of the flow of a signal, and does not limit the flow direction of a signal.

In FIG. 2, the handy scanner 200 transmits signals by radio communication with the respective antennas 151 of the RFID circuit elements To-P, To-A, and To-B provided in the tag labels T _P , T _A , and T _B , respectively. An antenna 210 (device-side antenna) that transmits and receives, and the IC circuit unit 150 of each of the RFID circuit elements To-P, To-A, and To-B via the antenna 210 are accessed by wireless communication, and the RFID tag When a high-frequency circuit 201 that processes signals read from the circuit elements To-P, To-A, and To-B, a display unit 205 that displays information related to the read RFID tag information, and information reading and writing In addition, an operation unit 206 (for example, a button, a switch, etc.) on which the operator M operates, and a notification when information reading or writing fails, for example, Having an audio notification means 207 etc., the high frequency circuit 201, a display unit 205, a control circuit 202 connected to the operation unit 206 and the audio notifying unit 207.

  FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating the overall schematic structure of the handy scanner 200 of the present embodiment. In FIG. 3, the handy scanner 200 is disposed so as to occupy most of the housing 204 and the upper portion (front side in FIG. 3) of the housing 204, and displays the contents of various information and warnings. The display unit 205, the operation unit 206 (for example, a button, a switch, etc.) disposed on the side surface of the housing 204 and operated by the operator M when reading and writing information, and reading and writing information For example, the above-mentioned voice notification means 207 such as a speaker is provided. In addition, the antenna 210 is attached to the housing 204.

Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the RFID circuit element the To-P provided on the tag label T _P. Note that the RFID circuit elements To-A and To-B provided in the tag labels T _A and T _B have the same functional configuration as the RFID circuit elements To-P, and therefore are described with reference numerals. To do. The arrows shown in FIG. 4 show an example of the signal flow, and do not limit the signal flow direction.

  In FIG. 4, the RFID circuit element To-P (or the RFID circuit elements To-A and To-B) transmits and receives signals without contact with the antenna 210 of the handy scanner 200 (on the second tag side). Antenna) and the IC circuit unit 150 (second IC circuit unit) connected to the antenna 151.

  The IC circuit unit 150 rectifies the interrogation wave received by the antenna 151, and a power supply unit that accumulates the energy of the interrogation wave rectified by the rectification unit 152 and serves as a driving power source for the IC circuit unit 150. 153, a clock extraction unit 154 that extracts a clock signal from the interrogation wave received by the antenna 151 and supplies the clock signal to a control unit 157 described later, and a memory unit 155 that functions as an information storage unit that can store a predetermined information signal And the operation of the RFID circuit elements To-P, To-A, To-B through the modulation / demodulation unit 156 connected to the antenna 151, the rectification unit 152, the clock extraction unit 154, the modulation / demodulation unit 156, and the like. And a control unit 157 for controlling.

  The modem 156 demodulates the communication signal received from the antenna 210 of the handy scanner 200 received by the antenna 151 and modulates the interrogation wave received by the antenna 151 based on the return signal from the controller 157. Retransmitted as a response wave from the antenna 151. The control unit 157 interprets the received signal demodulated by the modulation / demodulation unit 156, generates a return signal based on the information signal stored in the memory unit 155, and performs basic control such as returning by the modulation / demodulation unit 156. Execute proper control.

  The clock extraction unit 154 extracts a clock component from the received signal and extracts the clock to the control unit 157, and supplies a clock corresponding to the speed of the clock component of the received signal to the control unit 157.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing one example of a data configuration of the memory part 155 of the RFID circuit element the To-P of the IC circuit part 150 of the RFID label T _P.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5, the data stored in the memory unit 155 of the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To-P includes the UID that is identification information unique to the tag, and the package L existing in the warehouse 1. Protocol type information (protocol A and protocol B in this embodiment) regarding the type of communication protocol used for communication with the RFID tag circuit element To of the RFID label T of the RFID tag, and the corresponding RFID circuit element To for each communication protocol type Number information of (radio tag label T). That is, in the example shown in the present embodiment, the number information is 5 for the protocol A and 6 for the protocol B (see FIG. 1).

This label T update of the contents of the RFID circuit element the To-P of _P is performed for example by guards and the like at night or the like after completion of the loading and unloading operations in the warehouse 1 day. Note that the worker may perform the update every time the load L is carried into and out of the warehouse 1.

  The protocol type information corresponds to speed-up information for quickly communicating with the RFID tag circuit element described in the claims.

  FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the handy scanner 200. In addition, the arrow shown in a figure shows an example of the flow of a signal, and does not limit the flow direction of a signal.

  In FIG. 6, the high-frequency circuit 201 includes a transmitter 212 that transmits signals to the RFID circuit elements To-P, To-A, and To-B via the antenna 210, and an RFID circuit element that is received by the antenna 210. The receiving unit 213 inputs a reflected wave from To-P, To-A, and To-B, and a transmission / reception separator 214.

  The transmission unit 212 is controlled by the control circuit 202 and the crystal resonator 230 that generates a carrier wave for reading the RFID tag information of the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit elements To-P, To-A, and To-B. A PLL (Phase Locked Loop) 231 that generates a frequency signal, a VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator) 232, and the generated carrier wave are modulated based on a signal supplied from the control circuit 202 (in this example, a control circuit). A transmission multiplication circuit 216 (amplitude modulation based on the “TX_ASK” signal from 202) (in the case of the “TX_ASK signal”, an amplification factor variable amplifier or the like may be used), and a modulated wave modulated by the transmission multiplication circuit 216 Variable transmission amplifier 2 that amplifies the signal (in this example, the amplification factor is determined by the “TX_PWR” signal from the control circuit 202) And a 7. The generated carrier wave preferably uses a frequency in the UHF band, microwave band, or short wave band, and the output of the transmission amplifier 217 is transmitted to the antenna 10 via the transmission / reception separator 214, The power is supplied to the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit elements To-P, To-A, and To-B. Note that the RFID tag information is not limited to the signal modulated as described above, but may be only a carrier wave.

  The reception unit 213 multiplies the reflected wave from the RFID circuit elements To-P, To-A, and To-B received by the antenna 210 and the generated carrier wave and demodulates the received first multiplication circuit 218. A first bandpass filter 219 for extracting only a signal of a necessary band from the output of the reception first multiplication circuit 218, a reception first amplifier 221 for amplifying the output of the first bandpass filter 219, and A first limiter 220 that further amplifies the output of the reception first amplifier 221 and converts it into a digital signal; and a reflected wave from the RFID circuit elements To-P, To-A, and To-B received by the antenna 210; A reception second multiplication circuit 222 for multiplying the carrier wave whose phase is delayed by 90 ° after being generated by the phase shifter 227, and a signal of a necessary band from the output of the reception second multiplication circuit 222. A second band-pass filter 223 for extracting only the signal, a reception second amplifier 225 for amplifying the output of the second band-pass filter 223, and further amplifying the output of the reception second amplifier 225 for conversion into a digital signal. And a second limiter 224. The signal “RXS-I” output from the first limiter 220 and the signal “RXS-Q” output from the second limiter 224 are input to the control circuit 202 and processed.

  The outputs of the reception first amplifier 221 and the reception second amplifier 225 are also input to an RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) circuit 226 serving as an intensity detection means, and a signal “RSSI” indicating the intensity of these signals is used as a control circuit. 202 is input. In this manner, in the handy scanner 200 of this embodiment, demodulation of the reflected wave from the RFID circuit elements To-P, To-A, and To-B is performed by IQ orthogonal demodulation.

  The control circuit 202 inputs an operation signal from the operation unit 206 and outputs a display control signal to the display unit 205, a notification signal to the voice notification unit 207, and the like.

  FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram showing detailed functions of the control circuit 202.

  In FIG. 7, a control circuit 202 is a so-called microcomputer, and includes a CPU 202A, a ROM 202B, a RAM 202C, which are central processing units, a circuit control unit 202D that transmits and receives signals to and from the high-frequency circuit 201, and the temporary storage function of the RAM 202C. The signal processing is performed in accordance with a program stored in advance in the ROM 202B while using.

In the above, a feature of the present embodiment, as described above, when the operator M check for stock luggage L, the wireless tag circuit element the To-P provided in the RFID label T _P in handy scanner 200 of the portable From this, information on the type of communication protocol of the RFID label T of the package L existing in the warehouse 1 is read. Then, using the protocol, information is read from a plurality of packages L in the warehouse 1 by wireless communication. Hereinafter, with respect to the details, when checking the inventory for a specific package L (package L that knows the UID of the corresponding RFID circuit element To), and when creating an inventory list for the package L existing in the warehouse 1 This will be explained separately.

  First, a description will be given of a case where the inventory of a specific package L (package L for which the UID of the corresponding RFID tag circuit element To is grasped) is checked.

  FIG. 8A is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit 202 in this case, and FIG. 8B is a memory (for example, a memory of the control circuit 202 when step S20 in this flow is executed). It is a figure which represents notionally an example of a data structure of said RAM202C). For example, this flow is started when the operation unit 206 of the handy scanner 200 is operated.

In FIG. 8A, first, in step 10, a control signal is output to the high frequency circuit 201, and the RFID tag information stored in the RFID circuit element To-P is designated by the UID based on the communication protocol C described above. read transmits a specific search signal to the RFID label T _P of the RFID circuit element the to-P (described in Figure as "type tag"), and a reply is prompted. Correspondingly, the reply signal transmitted from the RFID circuit element To-P is taken in via the antenna 210 and the high-frequency circuit 201. The UID of the RFID circuit element To-P used in the communication of this step and the corresponding communication protocol C are made known by, for example, displaying them in the warehouse 1 and set when the operator M reads them. Alternatively, it may be stored in advance in the handy scanner 200 and automatically set.

  In the next step S20, based on the reply signal received in the above step S10, protocol type information relating to the type of communication protocol of the RFID label T of the package L existing in the warehouse 1 (in this example, protocol A, protocol B, and protocol 2) is acquired and stored in a memory (such as the RAM 202C). The data structure of the memory of the control circuit 202 at this time is as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8B, the memory of the control circuit 202 is sequentially stored in the acquisition number N (“2” in this example) indicating the number of acquired protocols and addresses 1 to N in the memory. Protocol information (in this example, address 1 is protocol A and address 2 is protocol B).

  In the next step S30, protocol information (protocol B in this example) is read from the address N of the memory (such as the RAM 202C), and a communication protocol used in the current communication is set based on this protocol information.

Thereafter, in step S40, a control signal is output to the high-frequency circuit 201 and stored in the RFID circuit element To-B (denoted as “package tag” in the figure) based on the communication protocol B set in step S30. send specific search signal for reading the wireless tag information specifying the UID to the RFID circuit element to-B of the RFID label T _B, and a reply is prompted.

  In the next step S50, it is determined whether or not a reply signal has been received from the RFID circuit element To-B via the antenna 210 in response to the specific search signal transmitted in step S40. If it has been received, the determination is satisfied and the process proceeds to step S55, where a display signal is output to the display unit 205 to indicate that there is a specific package L to be searched (for example, “there was stock” ) And proceeds to the next Step S60.

  On the other hand, if the reply signal has not been received in step S50, the determination is not satisfied and the process proceeds to step S90, where a display signal is output to the display unit 205 to indicate that there is no specific package L to be searched. Display (for example, “there is no stock”) is performed, and the process proceeds to the next step S60.

  In step S60, 1 is subtracted from the obtained number N, and the process proceeds to the next step S70.

  In step S70, it is determined whether or not the acquisition number N is zero. For example, in this example, after setting the protocol B by the above procedure, the number of acquisitions N = 1 in step S60, so the determination is not satisfied and the process returns to the previous step S30. In step S30, the protocol information (here, protocol A) is read from the address N (here, N = 1) of the memory, and the communication protocol is set to protocol A based on this protocol information. Thereafter, when step S40 to step S55 or step S90 is repeated in the same manner, the number of acquisitions N = 0 in step S60. Thereby, determination of step S70 is satisfy | filled and this flow is complete | finished.

  In the above, the procedure of step S40 to step S50 is the search processing means for performing the search processing of the RFID tag circuit element to be searched that is located in the predetermined communication area via the device-side antenna described in the claims. In addition, the procedure from step S10 to step S20 is performed in such a manner that the accelerating information is substantially non-contacted by the information holding unit holding the accelerating information for quickly communicating with the search target RFID tag circuit element. The communication protocol type information is configured by wireless communication via the device side antenna from the RFID tag circuit element for protocol specification that stores the communication protocol type information as the information holding unit stored in the IC circuit unit, and constitutes an acquisition unit that reads and acquires the information. The wireless acquisition means for acquiring

  Note that the above flow does not limit the present invention to the procedure shown in the above flow. For example, the protocol is set in the order in which the address is incremented by 1 starting from the address 1 (that is, the protocol after setting the protocol A in the above example). B may be added, deleted, replaced, or changed in order without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the invention.

Although not particularly described in the above, and reading the protocol type information from the wireless tag circuit element the To-P of the RFID label T _P, the RFID label T _A luggage L, T _B of the RFID circuit element the To-A , To-B may be read after waiting for the operator M to input a reading start instruction.

  Next, a case where an inventory list is created for the package L existing in the warehouse 1 will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit 202 in this case. For example, this flow is started when the operation unit 206 of the handy scanner 200 is operated.

First, at step 105, a control signal is output to the high-frequency circuit 201, and a specific search signal for reading out the RFID tag information stored in the RFID circuit element To-P based on the communication protocol C by designating the UID is read out by the RFID label T _This is transmitted to the _P RFID circuit element To-P (denoted as “type tag” in the drawing) to prompt a reply. Correspondingly, the reply signal transmitted from the RFID circuit element To-P is taken in via the antenna 210 and the high-frequency circuit 201.

  In the next step S110, based on the reply signal received in step S10, protocol type information (protocol A and protocol B in this example) regarding the type of communication protocol of the RFID label T of the package L existing in the warehouse 1 is acquired. To do.

  In the next step S115, based on the reply signal received in step S10, the number information of the corresponding RFID circuit element To for each communication protocol type (in this example, the number information Mmax = 5 for protocol A, protocol B) Number information Nmax = 6) is acquired.

  In the next step S120, the variable M for counting the number of RFID circuit elements To-A that have read information in protocol A and the number of RFID circuit elements To-B that have read information in protocol B are counted. Variable N is initialized to 1.

  In the next step S125, it is determined whether or not the variable M is larger than Mmax. If the variable M is less than or equal to Mmax, the determination is not satisfied and the routine goes to the next step S130.

  In the next step S130, based on the protocol type information acquired in step 110, a communication protocol used in the current communication is set. At this time, when a plurality of communication protocols are included in the protocol type information, it is set to one protocol (protocol A in this example) among the plurality of protocols.

In the next step S135, a control signal is output to the high-frequency circuit 201 and stored in the RFID circuit element To-A (denoted as “package tag” in the figure) based on the communication protocol A set in step S30. sends unspecified search signal for reading the UID to the RFID circuit element the to-a of the RFID label T _a, and a reply is prompted.

  In the next step S140, it is determined whether or not a reply signal has been received from the RFID circuit element To-A via the antenna 210 in response to the unspecified search signal transmitted in step S135. If received, the determination is satisfied and the routine goes to Step S145.

In step 145, a specific search signal is output by outputting a control signal to the high-frequency circuit 201 and reading out the RFID tag information stored in the RFID circuit element To-A based on the communication protocol A by specifying the UID received in step S140. transmitted to the RFID label T _a of the RFID circuit element the to-a (described in Figure as "baggage tags"), and a reply is prompted. Correspondingly, the reply signal transmitted from the RFID circuit element To-A is taken in via the antenna 210 and the high-frequency circuit 201. Thereby, the package information of the package L is acquired.

In the next step S150, a control signal is output to the high-frequency circuit 201, and a dormancy signal (sleep command signal) that prevents the reply signal from being returned to the RFID circuit element To-A based on the communication protocol A is obtained in step S145. in transmitting to the RFID circuit element the to-a of the RFID label T _a performing information reading. As a result, the transmitted RFID circuit element To-A does not return a reply signal even if it receives a search signal.

  In the next step S155, 1 is added to the variable M and the process proceeds to step S160. In step S160, it is determined whether or not the reading of information on the RFID labels T of all the packages L existing in the warehouse 1 has been completed. If not completed, the process returns to the previous step S125.

  On the other hand, if the variable M is larger than Mmax in the previous step S125, and if no reply signal is received in the previous step S140, the process proceeds to step S165 to determine whether or not the variable N is larger than Nmax. If it is larger, the determination is satisfied and the flow ends. On the other hand, if the variable N is less than or equal to Nmax, the determination is not satisfied, and the routine goes to the next Step S170.

  In the next step S170, a communication protocol (in this example, protocol B) different from the protocol set in the previous step S130 is set based on the protocol type information acquired in step 110.

In the next step S175, a control signal is output to the high-frequency circuit 201 and stored in the RFID circuit element To-B (denoted as “package tag” in the figure) based on the communication protocol B set in step S170. sends unspecified search signal for reading the UID to the RFID circuit element to-B of the RFID label T _B, and a reply is prompted.

  In the next step S180, it is determined whether or not a reply signal is received from the RFID circuit element To-B via the antenna 210 in response to the unspecified search signal transmitted in step S175. If received, the determination is satisfied and the routine goes to Step S145.

In step 185, a control signal is output to the high-frequency circuit 201, and a specific search signal for reading out the RFID tag information stored in the RFID circuit element To-B based on the communication protocol B by designating the UID received in the above step S180. transmitted to the RFID circuit element to-B of the RFID label T _B (described in Figure as "baggage tags"), and a reply is prompted. Correspondingly, the reply signal transmitted from the RFID circuit element To-B is taken in via the antenna 210 and the high-frequency circuit 201. Thereby, the package information of the package L is acquired.

In the next step S190, a sleep signal (sleep command signal) that outputs a control signal to the high-frequency circuit 201 and prevents a reply signal from being returned to the RFID circuit element To-B based on the communication protocol B is generated in the above-described step S185. in the information and transmits the read to the RFID circuit element to-B of the RFID label T _B was performed. As a result, the transmitted RFID circuit element To-B does not return a reply signal even if it receives a search signal.

  In the next step S195, 1 is added to the variable N and the process proceeds to step S160. In step S160, as described above, it is determined whether or not reading of information on the RFID labels T of all the packages L existing in the warehouse 1 is completed. If not completed, the process returns to the previous step S125. On the other hand, if it has been completed, the process moves to the next step S199.

  In step S199, a display signal is transmitted to the display unit 205, and an inventory list for all the packages L existing in the warehouse 1 is displayed based on the information read by the above procedure. Then, this flow ends.

  In the above, the procedure of steps S135 to S140 and steps S175 to S180 includes a search process of a search target RFID circuit element located in a predetermined communication area via the device-side antenna described in the claims. The search processing means is configured to perform the procedure from step S105 to step S110, in which the communication protocol type information is obtained from the information holding unit holding the communication protocol type information corresponding to the communication to the search target RFID circuit element. It constitutes an acquisition means for reading and acquiring in a substantially non-contact manner, and wirelessly via a device side antenna from a protocol identifying RFID circuit element storing communication protocol type information as an information holding unit in an IC circuit unit A wireless acquisition unit is configured to acquire communication protocol type information by communication.

Or in the RFID label T _P of the present embodiment described, the RFID circuit element the To-P, the communication used in communication to provided luggage L in the warehouse 1 RFID circuit element To-A, To-B Protocol type information representing the protocol type is stored and held. Thus, when the operator M searches for the RFID circuit elements To-A and To-B to be searched that are located within a predetermined communication area, first, the RFID circuit elements To-A and information about the type of communication protocol used in the communication to the to-B acquired from the RFID label T _P. Then, a search process is performed by wireless communication with the handy scanner 200 using the acquired communication protocol.

  As a result, even if the operator M does not know the type of communication protocol used for communication with the RFID circuit element To that is the search target, it is based on the communication protocol type information acquired from the RFID circuit element To-P. Thus, it is possible to easily and quickly search for the RFID circuit element To that is a search target.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the RFID circuit element To-P is different from the communication protocols A and B used in the wireless communication via the antenna 151 in the RFID circuit elements To-A and To-B. Using C, the protocol type information can be transmitted by wireless communication. As a result, communication interference between the wireless communication performed to acquire the protocol type information with the RFID circuit element To-P and the wireless communication performed with the RFID circuit elements To-A and To-B. It can be surely prevented.

  In this embodiment, in particular, as the protocol of the RFID circuit element To-P, the transmission speed is faster than the communication protocols A and B used in the wireless communication via the antenna 151 in the RFID circuit elements To-A and To-B. The communication protocol C is adopted. Thereby, when acquiring protocol type information in which the communication target is limited to the RFID circuit element To-P, communication is performed more than when searching for the RFID circuit elements To-A and To-B of the package L where a plurality of communication objects may exist. Time can be shortened and efficient information acquisition can be performed. As a result, the search can be performed more quickly.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the RFID circuit element To-P stores and holds the number information of the corresponding RFID circuit element To for each communication protocol type in addition to the protocol type information. Thereby, the number of RFID circuit elements To for each communication protocol can be acquired on the handy scanner 200 side. As a result, the obtained number information can be compared with the communication result at the time of search, and a search with higher efficiency and no leakage can be performed.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the present invention. Hereinafter, such modifications will be described in order.

(1) In the above embodiment when obtaining the protocol type information in the reading of the bar code has been from the RFID circuit element the To-P provided in the RFID label T _P so as to acquire the protocol type information by wireless communication, which For example, the protocol type information may be acquired by reading a barcode.

  FIG. 10 is a functional configuration diagram illustrating a schematic functional configuration of the handy scanner 200 ′ according to this modification, and corresponds to FIG. 2 described above. The same parts as those in FIG. In addition, the arrow shown in a figure shows an example of the flow of a signal, and does not limit the flow direction of a signal.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the handy scanner 200 ′ has a barcode reader 208 that optically detects the information of the barcode C printed on the member B provided in the warehouse 1 (for example, in the vicinity of the entrance 1A). is doing. The bar code C (information holding unit, bar code recording unit) includes protocol type information relating to the type of communication protocol of the RFID label T of the package L existing in the warehouse 1 and a corresponding radio tag for each type of communication protocol. The number information of the circuit element To is optically recorded, and the protocol type information can be acquired by detecting the barcode C with the barcode reader 208 of the handy scanner 200 ′.

  FIG. 11 shows the control executed by the control circuit 202 ′ (see FIG. 10) of the handy scanner 200 ′ when checking the inventory of a specific package L (package L that knows the UID of the corresponding RFID circuit element To). It is a flowchart showing a procedure and is a figure corresponding to above-mentioned FIG.

  In FIG. 11, first, in step S10A, the barcode C is detected by the barcode reader 208 of the handy scanner 200 '. In the next step S20, protocol type information is acquired based on the detection result and stored in a memory (for example, the RAM 202C). Subsequent steps S30 to S90 are the same as those in FIG.

  In the above, the procedure from step S10A to step S20 constitutes an optical acquisition unit that optically acquires communication protocol type information using light from the barcode recording unit as the information holding unit described in the claims. To do.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit 202 ′ when the inventory list is created for the package L existing in the warehouse 1, and corresponds to FIG. 9 described above.

  In FIG. 12, first, in step S105A, the barcode C is detected by the barcode reader 208 of the handy scanner 200 '. In the next step S110 and step S115, the protocol type information and the number information are acquired based on the detection result. Subsequent steps S120 to S199 are the same as those in FIG.

  In the above, the procedure from step S105A to step S110 constitutes an optical acquisition unit that optically acquires communication protocol type information using light from a bar code recording unit as an information holding unit described in each claim. To do.

According to the modification described above, similarly to the above embodiment, the operator M is the RFID label T _A provided to the package L, the wireless tag circuit element the To-A having the T _B, the communication to the To-B Even when the type of the communication protocol to be used is not known, the RFID tag circuit element To that is the search target can be easily and quickly searched based on the protocol type information optically acquired from the barcode C.

(2) When storing and storing identification codes for different purposes of use Although not specifically described in the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, a tag is stored in the memory unit 155 of the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To-P. UID, which is unique identification information, protocol type information regarding the type of communication protocol of the RFID label T of the package L existing in the warehouse 1, and identification information for each purpose of use of the RFID circuit elements To of the plurality of packages L ( Number information for each so-called AFI code) may be stored and held. As a result, it is possible to perform a search in the form narrowed down by the purpose-specific identification code on the handy scanner 200 side from the RFID circuit elements To using the same communication protocol. As a result, for example, the RFID tag circuit element To can be searched after being classified according to the application, and the search can be performed more efficiently and with improved convenience.

(3) Others In the above, communication protocol used for communication with the RFID tag circuit element To of the package L existing in the warehouse 1 as speed-up information for promptly communicating with the RFID circuit element To. Although the protocol type information related to the type is used, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, for example, information representing a communication frequency used for communication with the RFID circuit element To may be used, or information representing a range of IDs as tag identification information (the warehouse 1 has IDs within this range only). Or a variety of IDs may be mixed, but the normal search may be information indicating that only the range of this ID needs to be specified.

  Although not particularly described above, as a result of scanning the luggage L in the warehouse 1 with the handy scanner 200, the number of RFID circuit elements To that is different from the number information read from the RFID circuit element To-P. If detected, the result may be updated and written in the RFID circuit element To-P. For example, in the example shown in the above embodiment, there are five RFID circuit elements To-A corresponding to the protocol A, but when the scanning is actually performed, seven RFID circuit elements To-A are detected. This is the case. By doing so, the reliability of the number information stored in the RFID circuit element To-P can be improved.

  Although not particularly described above, for example, in the case where packages are stored in a plurality of warehouses, the RFID circuit element To (where the location information is stored in each warehouse in order to identify which warehouse is stored) So-called place tags) may be provided. In such a case, the protocol type information or the like is written in the place tag without providing the RFID circuit element To-P (type tag) for storing the protocol type information or the like independently as in the above embodiment. The place tag and the type tag may be used together.

  In the above, the case where the recording medium and the RFID tag information reading device of the present invention are applied to inventory management in a warehouse has been shown as an example. However, the application target of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when searching for a specific product from a product shelf displaying a plurality of products or creating a list of those products, a plurality of RFID circuit elements To corresponding to a plurality of protocols are within a predetermined communication area. If the RFID tag circuit element To whose protocol is unknown is searched for as a search target or a list of the plurality of RFID tag circuit elements To is created, the present invention is applicable.

  In addition to those already described above, the methods according to the above-described embodiments and modifications may be used in appropriate combination.

  In addition, although not illustrated one by one, the present invention is implemented with various modifications within a range not departing from the gist thereof.

It is a figure which shows a mode that the operator confirms the stock in a warehouse using one Embodiment of the recording medium of this invention, and a wireless tag information reading apparatus. It is a functional block diagram showing schematic functional structure of the handy scanner which is one Embodiment of the RFID tag information reading apparatus of this invention. It is a front view showing the whole schematic structure of a handy scanner. It is a block diagram showing an example of a functional structure of the RFID circuit element with which the tag label was equipped. It is a figure showing an example of the data structure of the memory part of the IC circuit part of the RFID tag circuit element of a tag label. It is a functional block diagram showing the structure of the control system of a handy scanner. It is a functional block diagram showing the detailed function of a control circuit. It is a figure showing notionally an example of a data structure of a memory of a control circuit at the time of step S20 in this flow and step S20 in which this control flow which a control circuit performs when checking inventory about a specific package is performed. . It is a flowchart showing the control procedure which a control circuit performs, when producing a stock list about the goods which exist in a warehouse. It is a functional block diagram showing the schematic functional structure of the handy scanner in the modification in the case of acquiring protocol type information by reading a barcode. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure executed by a control circuit when checking inventory for a specific package in a modification in which protocol type information is acquired by reading a barcode. 10 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by a control circuit when an inventory list is created for a package existing in a warehouse in a modification in which protocol type information is acquired by reading a barcode. It is a figure showing an example of the data structure of the memory part of the IC circuit part of the RFID tag circuit element of the tag label in the modification in the case of storing and holding the identification code classified by purpose of use.

Explanation of symbols

150 IC circuit part (first IC circuit part, second IC circuit part)
151 antenna (first tag side antenna, second tag side antenna)
200 Handy Scanner (Radio Tag Information Reading Device)
210 Antenna (device side antenna)
C Bar code (information holding unit, bar code recording unit)
To-A RFID circuit element (RFID tag circuit element for search)
To-B RFID circuit element (RFID tag circuit element for search)
To-P RFID circuit element (information holding unit, protocol specifying RFID circuit element)
T _P RFID label (recording medium)

Claims (14)

A recording medium comprising an information holding unit for holding information,
The information holding unit
The first IC circuit unit for storing information and the first tag antenna for transmitting / receiving information are provided, and speed-up information for quickly communicating with a search RFID tag circuit element located in a predetermined communication area is held. A recording medium characterized by: The recording medium according to claim 2,
The speed-up information is communication protocol type information corresponding to communication to the search RFID circuit element. The recording medium according to claim 2,
The information holding unit
A protocol specifying unit that includes a second IC circuit unit that stores the communication protocol type information and a second tag side antenna that transmits and receives information, and is capable of transmitting the communication protocol type information by wireless communication via the second tag side antenna. A recording medium comprising a wireless tag circuit element. The recording medium according to claim 3,
The second tag antenna is
The communication protocol type information by wireless communication using the communication protocol for identification different from the communication protocol for search used in the wireless communication via the first tag antenna in the search RFID circuit element. A recording medium configured to be capable of transmitting a message. In the recording medium according to claim 3 or 4,
The second tag antenna is
A recording medium configured to be capable of transmitting the communication protocol type information by using the identification communication protocol having a transmission speed higher than that of the search communication protocol. The recording medium according to claim 2,
The information holding unit
A recording medium characterized in that the recording medium is a bar code recording unit optically recording the communication protocol type information. The recording medium according to any one of claims 2 to 6,
The information holding unit
A plurality of communication protocol type information respectively used for a plurality of different types of search RFID circuit elements different from each other;
The number of the corresponding RFID tag circuit elements for search corresponding to each communication protocol type is stored. The recording medium according to claim 7,
The information holding unit
A recording medium which holds number information for each use purpose identification code of the plurality of search RFID circuit elements. An apparatus side antenna capable of transmitting and receiving information by wireless communication with respect to a wireless tag circuit element including an IC circuit unit for storing information and a tag side antenna for transmitting and receiving information;
Search processing means for performing a search process of the RFID tag circuit element to be searched located within a predetermined communication area via the device-side antenna;
An acquisition means for reading and acquiring the accelerating information in a substantially non-contact manner from an information holding unit holding accelerating information for quickly communicating with the search target RFID circuit element. A wireless tag information reader. The wireless tag information reading device according to claim 9, wherein
The device-side antenna is capable of transmitting and receiving information by wireless communication selectively using a plurality of types of communication protocols for the RFID circuit element.
The acquisition means acquires the communication protocol type information from an information holding unit that holds type information of the communication protocol corresponding to communication to the search target RFID circuit element as the speed-up information. RFID tag information reader. The wireless tag information reading device according to claim 10,
The acquisition means includes
Wireless communication for acquiring the communication protocol type information by wireless communication via the device-side antenna from the RFID tag circuit element for protocol specification storing the communication protocol type information in the IC circuit unit as the information holding unit. An apparatus for reading RFID tag information, characterized by being an acquisition means. The wireless tag information reader according to claim 11, wherein
The wireless acquisition means includes
The communication protocol type information is acquired from the protocol specifying RFID circuit element using the specifying communication protocol via the device-side antenna,
The search processing means includes
An apparatus for reading RFID tag information, wherein the search process is performed via the antenna on the apparatus side using a communication protocol for searching different from the communication protocol for specifying. The wireless tag information reading device according to claim 12,
The wireless acquisition means includes
An apparatus for reading RFID tag information, wherein the communication protocol type information is acquired using the specifying communication protocol having a transmission speed higher than that of the searching communication protocol. The wireless tag information reading device according to claim 10,
The acquisition means includes
A wireless tag information reading apparatus, comprising: an optical acquisition unit that optically acquires the communication protocol type information using light from a barcode recording unit as the information holding unit.

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