WO2022045019A1 - Article management system, reading device, and management device - Google Patents

Article management system, reading device, and management device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022045019A1
WO2022045019A1 PCT/JP2021/030645 JP2021030645W WO2022045019A1 WO 2022045019 A1 WO2022045019 A1 WO 2022045019A1 JP 2021030645 W JP2021030645 W JP 2021030645W WO 2022045019 A1 WO2022045019 A1 WO 2022045019A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
reading device
tag
reading
reader
identification information
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2021/030645
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
拓哉 保▲高▼
Original Assignee
京セラ株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 京セラ株式会社 filed Critical 京セラ株式会社
Priority to JP2022544557A priority Critical patent/JPWO2022045019A1/ja
Publication of WO2022045019A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022045019A1/en

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G1/00—Storing articles, individually or in orderly arrangement, in warehouses or magazines
    • B65G1/02—Storage devices
    • B65G1/04—Storage devices mechanical
    • B65G1/137—Storage devices mechanical with arrangements or automatic control means for selecting which articles are to be removed
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
    • G06K7/10—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an article management system, a reading device, and a management device.
  • Patent Document 1 describes a product display rack for displaying products with a wireless tag, and a cable-shaped reader / writer antenna laid in or facing the space where the products are displayed. , A product display rack having a shield member that separates the space from the external space is described.
  • real-time product management can be performed by reading the information of the wireless tag with the reader / writer antenna, and interference with the antennas of the adjacent racks is unlikely to occur, and the products are displayed in the adjacent racks. It is said that the wireless tag of the product is difficult to read.
  • the article management system is a system for managing articles using a wireless tag.
  • the article management system sandwiches the one or a plurality of target articles with a reading device that executes a reading operation for reading article identification information by wireless communication from a target radio tag attached to each of the one or a plurality of target articles. It is provided with a reference radio tag installed on the opposite side of the reading device.
  • the reading device executes a power adjustment operation for adjusting the transmission power of the radio wave transmitted from the reading device based on the radio wave received from the reference radio tag.
  • the reading device is a device used in an article management system for managing articles using a wireless tag.
  • the reading device sandwiches the one or a plurality of target articles with a tag reader that performs a reading operation for reading article identification information by wireless communication from a target radio tag attached to each of the one or a plurality of target articles. It includes a controller that executes a power adjustment operation that adjusts the transmission power of the radio wave transmitted from the tag reader based on the radio wave received from the reference radio tag installed on the opposite side of the reader.
  • the management device is configured separately or integrally with a reading device that executes a reading operation for reading article identification information by wireless communication from a target wireless tag attached to each of one or a plurality of target articles. It is a device.
  • the management device includes a controller that causes the reading device to perform a power adjustment operation for adjusting the transmission power of radio waves transmitted from the reading device in response to a decrease or increase in the number of the target articles.
  • Patent Document 1 The method described in Patent Document 1 is based on the premise that the transmission power of radio waves from a reader (reader / writer) is fixed and the transmission power is large enough to allow radio waves to leak from the product display space, and the shield member is used. Since it is configured to prevent the leakage of radio waves to the outside, there is a problem that the power consumption associated with the reading operation is large.
  • the product display rack is not always installed in a place where power can be taken, and the reading device may be driven by a battery, so it is highly necessary to reduce the power consumption associated with the reading operation.
  • the article management system is a system for managing articles using wireless tags.
  • the wireless tag may also be referred to as an electronic tag, an IC (Integrated Circuit) tag, or an RF (Radio Frequency) tag.
  • a system in which the target article managed by using the wireless tag is a product (that is, a product management system) will be described as an example. Further, an example in which the wireless tag is a passive wireless tag will be described.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a product management system 1 according to an embodiment.
  • the product management system 1 includes an instrument communication device 100 (100a, 100b, 100c ...), a reading device 200, a wireless tag 300 (300a, 300b, 300c ...), and a reference wireless tag 400. , And a management device 500.
  • the instrument communication device 100, the reading device 200, the wireless tag 300, the reference wireless tag 400, and the management device 500 are provided in the store.
  • the store is an apparel store and the product P is clothing will be mainly described.
  • the store may be any store as long as it sells the product P, and may be, for example, a supermarket or the like.
  • the instrument communication device 100, the reader 200, the wireless tag 300, and the reference wireless tag 400 are in the display zone Z in which at least one set of the product P and the instrument H is arranged.
  • the display zone Z is configured by a hanger rack 600 (see FIG. 2).
  • the display zone Z may be any zone as long as it is a zone for displaying the product P, for example, a display shelf or a showcase. And so on.
  • the display zone Z may be any zone as long as it is a zone for displaying the product P, for example, a display shelf or a showcase. And so on.
  • the appliance communication device 100 is provided on the appliance H for hanging or holding the product P.
  • the appliance H is a hanger on which the product P is hung.
  • the instrument H may be any instrument for hanging or holding the product P, for example, a tray or a product fixative. It may be.
  • the set of the appliance H and the product P arranged in the display zone Z may be one.
  • the appliance communication device 100 is a device provided in the appliance H.
  • the instrument communication device 100 may be incorporated in the instrument H or may be attached to the surface of the instrument H.
  • the wireless tag 300 is a passive type wireless tag attached to the product P, and is a target wireless tag to be read.
  • Product identification information indicating the corresponding product P is written in the wireless tag 300.
  • the product identification information is an example of the article identification information.
  • the wireless tag 300 may be attached to the surface of the product P, or may be attached to a label attached to the product P.
  • the phrase "the wireless tag 300 is attached to the product P" includes attaching the wireless tag 300 to the appliance H corresponding to the product P.
  • the reference wireless tag 400 is a passive wireless tag provided in the display zone Z, and is a wireless tag used for adjusting the transmission power of the radio wave of the reader 200.
  • the reference wireless tag 400 is installed on the opposite side of the reading device 200 with the product P sandwiched between them.
  • the reference radio tag 400 may have transmission directivity in the direction of the reader 200.
  • the reading device 200 is a reader or reader / writer provided in the display zone Z.
  • the reading device 200 executes a reading operation of reading the product identification information from the wireless tags 300 attached to each of the products P by wireless communication.
  • the reading device 200 may be incorporated in the display zone Z or may be mounted on the surface of the display zone Z.
  • the reading device 200 has a tag reader 220 that reads the product identification information from the wireless tag 300.
  • the tag reader 220 may have transmission directivity in the direction of the reference radio tag 400.
  • the reading device 200 is connected to the network NW via a wired line or a wireless line, and communicates with the management device 500 via the network NW.
  • the tag reader 220 transmits radio waves.
  • the wireless tag 300 receives radio waves from the tag reader 220 to generate electric power, and uses the generated electric power to transmit product identification information to the tag reader 220.
  • the tag reader 220 receives the product identification information from the wireless tag 300. In this way, the reading device 200 reads the product identification information of the wireless tag 300.
  • the management device 500 is a device that manages the product P.
  • the management device 500 is connected to the network NW via a wired line or a wireless line, and communicates with the reading device 200 via the network NW.
  • the management device 500 may be a server provided outside or inside the store.
  • the management device 500 may be integrally configured with the reading device 200.
  • the reference wireless tag 400 measures the reception strength (RSSI: Received Signal Strength Indicator) of the radio wave received from the reader 200, and the reception strength information (RSSI) indicating the measured reception strength ( RSSI value) is transmitted to the reader 200.
  • the reading device 200 executes a power adjustment operation for adjusting the transmission power of the radio wave based on the reception intensity information received from the reference radio tag 400.
  • the transmission power of the radio wave of the reader 200 can be appropriately adjusted by the feedback control. Therefore, since the transmission power of the radio wave of the reading device 200 can be minimized, the power consumption associated with the reading operation can be reduced.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an installation example of the reading device 200 and the reference wireless tag 400.
  • the display zone Z for displaying the product P is composed of the hanger rack 600.
  • a plurality of appliances H (hangers) are hung on the upper column 600T of the hanger rack 600, and a product P (clothing) is hung on each appliance H.
  • the reading device 200 is installed on the upper part of the support column 600L on the left side of the hanger rack 600.
  • the reading device 200 grasps each product P in the display zone Z by reading the product identification information from the wireless tag 300 attached to each product P.
  • the reference wireless tag 400 is installed on the upper part of the support column 600R on the right side of the hanger rack 600. That is, the reference wireless tag 400 is installed on the opposite side of the reading device 200 with the product P sandwiched between them.
  • the radio wave from the reader 200 passes through each product P and reaches the reference wireless tag 400.
  • the radio wave may be attenuated depending on the material and thickness of the product P.
  • the reception strength of the radio wave reaching the reference radio tag 400 is received. Can rise. In such a case, the transmission power of the radio wave of the reader 200 may be excessive.
  • the reception intensity of the radio wave reaching the reference wireless tag 400 is increased. Can be reduced. In such a case, the transmission power of the radio wave of the reader 200 may be too small.
  • the reading device 200 executes a power adjustment operation in response to a decrease or increase in the product P (wireless tag 300) in the display zone Z.
  • the power adjustment operation according to the embodiment is an operation of adjusting the transmission power of the radio wave of the reading device 200 so that the reception intensity of the reference wireless tag 400 is within a predetermined reception intensity range.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of an instrument communication device 100 according to an embodiment.
  • the equipment communication device 100 includes a wireless transmitter 110, a controller 120, a detection unit 130, and a battery 140.
  • the wireless transmitter 110 transmits a notification signal based on the detection of the movement of the own device H.
  • a BT beacon based on the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard is used as a notification signal.
  • the beacon is not limited to the BT beacon, and a standard other than the BT may be used.
  • the controller 120 controls various functions in the equipment communication device 100.
  • the controller 120 has at least one memory 122 and at least one processor 121 electrically connected to the memory 122.
  • the memory 122 includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory, and stores information used for processing in the processor 121 and a program executed by the processor 121.
  • the processor 121 performs various processes by executing the program stored in the memory 122.
  • the detection unit 130 detects that the own appliance H has been taken out from the display zone Z and that the own appliance H has been returned to the display zone Z, and outputs a signal indicating the detection result to the controller 120.
  • the detection unit 130 may include a switch that turns on / off according to the fact that the own device H (hanger) is hung on the display zone Z (hanger rack), or the own device H (hanger) may include the display zone Z. It may include a sensor that detects a change in a physical quantity (for example, mass, etc.) when it is hung on a (hanger rack).
  • the battery 140 stores electric power to be supplied to each part of the appliance communication device 100.
  • the controller 120 wirelessly transmits the first notification signal over a fixed period when the detection unit 130 detects that the own appliance H has been taken out from the display zone Z. Controls the transmitter 110.
  • the first notification signal is a signal indicating a state in which the own device H is taken out from the display zone Z, that is, a state in which the user holds the own device H.
  • the controller 120 has a second.
  • the wireless transmitter 110 is controlled so as to transmit the notification signal over a certain period of time.
  • the second notification signal is a signal indicating that the own device H has been returned to the display zone Z.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the reading device 200 according to the embodiment.
  • the reader 200 has a wireless receiver 210, a tag reader 220, a controller 230, a communication interface 240, and a battery 250. If the reader 200 is driven by power from a commercial power source, the reader 200 may not have the battery 250.
  • the wireless receiver 210 receives the notification signal transmitted from the instrument communication device 100, and outputs the received notification signal to the controller 230.
  • the tag reader 220 performs a reading operation of reading the product identification information from the wireless tags 300 attached to each of the products P by wireless communication, and outputs the read product identification information to the controller 230.
  • the controller 230 controls various functions in the reader 200.
  • the controller 230 controls the tag reader 220.
  • the controller 230 has at least one memory 232 and at least one processor 231 electrically connected to the memory 232.
  • the memory 232 includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory, and stores information used for processing in the processor 231 and a program executed by the processor 231.
  • the processor 231 performs various processes by executing the program stored in the memory 232.
  • the communication interface 240 is connected to the network NW via a wired line or a wireless line, and communicates with the management device 500 via the network NW.
  • the battery 250 stores electric power to be supplied to each part of the reader 200.
  • the controller 230 performs a reading operation in response to the reception of the first notification signal or the second notification signal by the wireless receiver 210 from the wireless transmitter 110 of the instrument communication device 100. Let the tag reader 220 execute. That is, the controller 230 causes the tag reader 220 to execute a reading operation when the number of products P in the display zone Z decreases or increases. The controller 230 does not cause the tag reader 220 to execute the reading operation at other timings. In this way, by limiting the timing at which the tag reader 220 executes the reading operation, the power consumption associated with the reading operation can be reduced.
  • the controller 230 identifies the product identification information of the product P that has decreased or increased in the display zone Z based on the product identification information read from the wireless tag 300. Specifically, the controller 230 reads the product identification information at the first reading timing, and then reads the product identification information at the second reading timing. When the product identification information read at the second read timing is reduced with respect to the product identification information read at the first read timing, the controller 230 reduces the product identification information corresponding to this decrease. It is specified as the product identification information of the product P. On the other hand, when the product identification information read at the second read timing is increased with respect to the product identification information read at the first read timing, the controller 230 provides the product identification information corresponding to this increase. It is specified as the product identification information of the increased product P.
  • the controller 230 When the controller 230 identifies the product identification information of the product P that has decreased or increased in the display zone Z, the controller 230 controls the communication interface 240 so as to transmit the identified product identification information to the management device 500. All of the product identification information read from the wireless tag 300 may be transmitted from the reading device 200 to the management device 500, and the management device 500 may specify the product identification information of the product P that has decreased or increased in the display zone Z. ..
  • the controller 230 executes the power adjustment operation.
  • the power adjustment operation may be an operation of adjusting the transmission power of the radio wave based on the designated transmission power designated by the management device 500.
  • the communication interface 240 receives the information of the designated transmission power from the management device 500 together with the transmission power adjustment command. By using such a designated transmission power as a reference, it is possible to efficiently carry out the power adjustment operation.
  • the controller 230 controls the tag reader 220 to transmit radio waves with a designated transmission power, and then adjusts the transmission power of the radio waves of the tag reader 220 based on the reception strength information received by the tag reader 220 from the reference wireless tag 400. Perform the action.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a management device 500 according to an embodiment.
  • the management device 500 has a communication interface 510 and a controller 520.
  • the communication interface 510 is connected to the network NW via a wired line or a wireless line, and communicates with the reader 200 via the network NW.
  • the controller 520 controls various functions in the management device 500.
  • the controller 520 has at least one memory 522 and at least one processor 521 electrically connected to the memory 522.
  • the memory 522 includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory, and stores information used for processing in the processor 521 and a program executed by the processor 521.
  • the processor 521 performs various processes by executing the program stored in the memory 522.
  • the communication interface 510 receives the product identification information of the product P that has decreased or increased in the display zone Z from the reading device 200.
  • the communication interface 510 receives all of the product identification information read from the wireless tag 300 by the reader 200 from the reader 200, and the controller 520 identifies the product identification information of the product P that has decreased or increased in the display zone Z. May be good.
  • the controller 520 determines whether or not to cause the reading device 200 to execute the power adjustment operation based on the product identification information of the product P that has decreased or increased in the display zone Z. For example, the product identification information and the information on the necessity of the power adjustment operation are associated in advance and stored in the memory 522.
  • the controller 520 is a thin product such as a T-shirt when the amount of radio wave attenuation (power loss) in the product P reduced or increased in the display zone Z is zero or very small (for example, the reduced or increased product P is a thin product such as a T-shirt). Case), it is determined not to cause the reader 200 to execute the power adjustment operation. If not, the controller 520 determines to have the reader 200 perform a power adjustment operation.
  • the controller 520 determines the designated transmission power as the reference transmission power in the power adjustment operation based on the specified product identification information. For example, the product identification information and the amount of radio wave attenuation (power loss amount) are associated with each other in advance and stored in the memory 522. For example, the controller 520 determines that a product with a metal such as a zipper has a loss of, for example, 3 dB.
  • the controller 520 controls the communication interface 510 so as to transmit information indicating that the transmission power is increased by 3 [dB] to the reading device 200.
  • the controller 520 controls the communication interface 510 to transmit information indicating that the transmission power is reduced by 3 dB to the reader 200.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an operation example of the product management system 1 according to the embodiment.
  • step S1 the controller 230 of the reader 200 controls the wireless receiver 210 so as to wait for the reception of the notification signal. Further, the controller 230 of the reading device 200 controls the tag reader 220 so as to suspend the reading operation.
  • step S2 the detection unit 130 of the appliance communication device 100 detects that the own appliance H has been taken out from the display zone Z or that the own appliance H has been returned to the display zone Z.
  • the controller 120 of the appliance communication device 100 controls the wireless transmitter 110 so as to transmit the first notification signal or the second notification signal over a certain period of time.
  • step S5 the controller 230 of the reader 200 determines whether or not the wireless receiver 210 has received the first notification signal or the second notification signal.
  • step S5: No the controller 230 of the reader 200 returns the process to step S1.
  • step S6 the controller 230 of the reading device 200 controls the tag reader 220 to execute the reading operation. Specifically, the tag reader 220 transmits radio waves and receives product identification information from the wireless tag 300.
  • step S7 the controller 230 of the reader 200 determines the product identification information (product ID) of the product P taken out from the display zone Z or returned to the display zone Z, that is, the product P decreased or increased in the display zone Z. It is determined whether or not the product identification information of is specified. When the product identification information of the reduced or increased product P is not specified in the display zone Z (step S7: No), the controller 230 of the reader 200 returns the process to step S6.
  • product ID product identification information
  • step S8 the controller 230 of the reader 200 determines the product P of the product P that has decreased or increased in the display zone Z.
  • the communication interface 240 is controlled so as to transmit the identification information to the management device 500.
  • the communication interface 510 of the management device 500 receives the product identification information of the product P that has decreased or increased in the display zone Z.
  • step S9 whether or not the controller 520 of the management device 500 causes the reading device 200 to perform a power adjustment operation (that is, change of transmission power) based on the product identification information of the product P that has decreased or increased in the display zone Z. To decide. If it is determined that the reader 200 performs the power adjustment operation, the controller 520 of the management device 500 sets the reference transmission power in the power adjustment operation based on the product identification information of the product P that has decreased or increased in the display zone Z. Determines the designated transmission power to be used.
  • a power adjustment operation that is, change of transmission power
  • step S10 the controller 520 of the management device 500 controls the communication interface 510 so as to transmit the power adjustment command and the information indicating the designated transmission power to the reading device 200.
  • the communication interface 240 of the reader 200 receives the power adjustment command and the information indicating the designated transmission power.
  • step S11 the controller 230 of the reading device 200 determines whether or not a power adjustment command has been received from the management device 500.
  • a power adjustment command is received from the management device 500 (step S11: Yes)
  • step S12 the controller 230 of the reading device 200 changes from the current transmission power to the designated transmission power and transmits radio waves with the designated transmission power.
  • the tag reader 220 is controlled in such a manner.
  • the tag reader 220 of the reader 200 receives the reception strength information (RSSI value) from the reference wireless tag 400.
  • the tag reader 220 of the reading device 200 may further receive identification information (tag ID) from the reference wireless tag 400, and the reference wireless tag 400 may be identified by this identification information.
  • step S14 the controller 230 of the reader 200 determines whether or not the RSSI value received in step S13 is within a predetermined range. When the RSSI value received in step S13 is within the predetermined range, the power adjustment operation is completed.
  • step S12 when the RSSI value received in step S13 is not within the predetermined range (step S14: No), in step S12, the controller 230 of the reader 200 fine-tunes the transmission power of the radio wave from the tag reader 220. For example, when the RSSI value received in step S13 exceeds a predetermined range, the controller 230 of the reader 200 uses the transmission power of the current radio wave as compared with the time of the previous transmission of the radio wave so that the RSSI value falls within the predetermined range. Lower.
  • the controller 230 of the reader 200 reduces the transmission power of the current radio wave as compared with the time of the previous transmission of the radio wave so that the RSSI value falls within the predetermined range. increase.
  • reception strength information (RSSI value) cannot be received from the reference wireless tag 400 in step S13, it is considered that the controller 230 of the reader 200 has too low the transmission power of the previous radio wave, so that when the previous radio wave is transmitted, the controller 230 is considered to be too low. In comparison, increase the transmission power of this radio wave.
  • the power adjustment operation is an operation of adjusting the transmission power of the radio wave of the reader 200 so that the reception intensity of the radio wave received from the reader 200 by the reference wireless tag 400 is within a predetermined reception intensity range.
  • the reference radio tag 400 measures the reception strength of the radio wave received from the reader 200, and transmits the radio wave including the reception strength information indicating the measured reception strength.
  • the power adjustment operation may be an operation of adjusting the transmission power of the radio wave of the reader 200 so that the reception intensity of the radio wave received from the reference wireless tag 400 by the reader 200 falls within a predetermined reception intensity range. .. That is, in this modification, the main body for measuring the reception strength is not the reference radio tag 400 but the reader 200. Since the reading device 200 measures the reception strength of the radio wave received from the reference radio tag 400, the reference radio tag 400 may transmit the radio wave including its own identification information, and does not need to transmit the reception strength information. The reference wireless tag 400 transmits the radio wave with a power of a magnitude corresponding to the reception intensity of the radio wave received from the reader 200.
  • the controller 230 of the reader 200 controls the tag reader 220 to transmit radio waves with the designated transmission power, and then measures and measures the reception intensity of the radio waves received by the tag reader 220 from the reference wireless tag 400.
  • a power adjustment operation for adjusting the transmission power of the radio wave of the tag reader 220 according to the reception strength is executed.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of changing the operation of the product management system 1.
  • steps S101 to S112 is the same as that of the above-described embodiment.
  • step S113 the tag reader 220 of the reader 200 receives radio waves including the identification information of the reference wireless tag 400 from the reference wireless tag 400.
  • the controller 230 of the reader 200 measures the reception intensity (RSSI) of the radio wave received from the reference radio tag 400 by the tag reader 220.
  • RSSI reception intensity
  • step S114 the controller 230 of the reader 200 determines whether or not the RSSI value measured in step S113 is within a predetermined range. When the RSSI value measured in step S113 is within the predetermined range, the power adjustment operation is completed.
  • step S112 the controller 230 of the reader 200 finely adjusts the transmission power of the radio wave from the tag reader 220. For example, when the RSSI value measured in step S113 exceeds a predetermined range, the controller 230 of the reader 200 determines the transmission power of the current radio wave as compared with the time of the previous transmission of the radio wave so that the RSSI value falls within the predetermined range. Lower.
  • the controller 230 of the reader 200 reduces the transmission power of the current radio wave as compared with the time of the previous transmission of the radio wave so that the RSSI value falls within the predetermined range. increase.
  • step S113 If the identification information of the reference wireless tag 400 cannot be received from the reference wireless tag 400 in step S113, it is considered that the controller 230 of the reading device 200 has too low the transmission power of the previous radio wave, so that when the previous radio wave is transmitted, the transmission power of the previous radio wave is considered to be too low. In comparison, increase the transmission power of this radio wave.
  • the reference radio tag 400 is a passive radio tag.
  • the reference radio tag 400 may be an active or semi-active radio tag.
  • a program for causing a computer to execute each process according to the above-described embodiment may be provided.
  • the program may be recorded on a computer-readable medium.
  • Computer-readable media can be used to install programs on a computer.
  • the computer-readable medium on which the program is recorded may be a non-transient recording medium.
  • the non-transient recording medium is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM.
  • Instrument communication device 110 Wireless transmitter 120: Controller 121: Processor 122: Memory 130: Detection unit 140: Battery 200: Reader 210: Wireless receiver 220: Tag reader 230: Controller 231: Processor 232 : Memory 240: Communication interface 250: Battery 300: Wireless tag 400: Reference wireless tag 500: Management device 510: Communication interface 520: Controller 521: Processor 522: Memory 600: Hanger rack

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Abstract

A product management system 1 for managing products using wireless tags comprises: a reading device 200 that performs a reading operation to read product identification information by wireless communication from a wireless tag 300 attached to each of one or more products P; and a reference wireless tag 400 that is installed on the opposite side from the reading device 200 so as to sandwich one or more products P therebetween. The reading device 200 performs a power adjustment operation to adjust the transmission power of the radio wave from the reading device 200 on the basis of the radio wave received from the reference wireless tag 400.

Description

物品管理システム、読取装置、及び管理装置Goods management system, reader, and management device
　本発明は、物品管理システム、読取装置、及び管理装置に関する。 The present invention relates to an article management system, a reading device, and a management device.
　特許文献１には、無線タグが付された商品を陳列するための商品陳列用ラックであって、商品が陳列される空間内又は当該空間に面して敷設されたケーブル状のリーダライタアンテナと、当該空間と外部空間とを区切るシールド部材とを有する商品陳列用ラックが記載されている。 Patent Document 1 describes a product display rack for displaying products with a wireless tag, and a cable-shaped reader / writer antenna laid in or facing the space where the products are displayed. , A product display rack having a shield member that separates the space from the external space is described.
　特許文献１に記載の技術によれば、リーダライタアンテナにより無線タグの情報を読取ることでリアルタイムの商品管理ができるとともに、隣接するラックのアンテナとの干渉を生じにくく、隣接するラックに陳列された商品の無線タグを読みにくくするとされている。 According to the technique described in Patent Document 1, real-time product management can be performed by reading the information of the wireless tag with the reader / writer antenna, and interference with the antennas of the adjacent racks is unlikely to occur, and the products are displayed in the adjacent racks. It is said that the wireless tag of the product is difficult to read.
特開２０１９－２０７４４５号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2019-207445
　第１の態様に係る物品管理システムは、無線タグを用いて物品を管理するためのシステムである。前記物品管理システムは、１つ又は複数の対象物品のそれぞれに付された対象無線タグから無線通信により物品識別情報を読取る読取動作を実行する読取装置と、前記１つ又は複数の対象物品を挟んで前記読取装置と反対側に設置された参照無線タグとを備える。前記読取装置は、前記参照無線タグから受信する電波に基づいて、前記読取装置から送信する電波の送信電力を調整する電力調整動作を実行する。 The article management system according to the first aspect is a system for managing articles using a wireless tag. The article management system sandwiches the one or a plurality of target articles with a reading device that executes a reading operation for reading article identification information by wireless communication from a target radio tag attached to each of the one or a plurality of target articles. It is provided with a reference radio tag installed on the opposite side of the reading device. The reading device executes a power adjustment operation for adjusting the transmission power of the radio wave transmitted from the reading device based on the radio wave received from the reference radio tag.
　第２の態様に係る読取装置は、無線タグを用いて物品を管理するための物品管理システムで用いる装置である。前記読取装置は、１つ又は複数の対象物品のそれぞれに付された対象無線タグから無線通信により物品識別情報を読取る読取動作を実行するタグリーダと、前記１つ又は複数の対象物品を挟んで前記読取装置と反対側に設置された参照無線タグから受信する電波に基づいて、前記タグリーダから送信する電波の送信電力を調整する電力調整動作を実行するコントローラとを備える。 The reading device according to the second aspect is a device used in an article management system for managing articles using a wireless tag. The reading device sandwiches the one or a plurality of target articles with a tag reader that performs a reading operation for reading article identification information by wireless communication from a target radio tag attached to each of the one or a plurality of target articles. It includes a controller that executes a power adjustment operation that adjusts the transmission power of the radio wave transmitted from the tag reader based on the radio wave received from the reference radio tag installed on the opposite side of the reader.
　第３の態様に係る管理装置は、１つ又は複数の対象物品のそれぞれに付された対象無線タグから無線通信により物品識別情報を読取る読取動作を実行する読取装置と別体又は一体に構成された装置である。前記管理装置は、前記対象物品の数が減少又は増加したことに応じて、前記読取装置から送信する電波の送信電力を調整する電力調整動作を前記読取装置に実行させるコントローラを備える。 The management device according to the third aspect is configured separately or integrally with a reading device that executes a reading operation for reading article identification information by wireless communication from a target wireless tag attached to each of one or a plurality of target articles. It is a device. The management device includes a controller that causes the reading device to perform a power adjustment operation for adjusting the transmission power of radio waves transmitted from the reading device in response to a decrease or increase in the number of the target articles.
一実施形態に係る商品管理システムの構成を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the structure of the product management system which concerns on one Embodiment. 一実施形態に係る読取装置及び参照無線タグの設置例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the installation example of the reading device and the reference wireless tag which concerns on one Embodiment. 一実施形態に係る器具通信装置の構成を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the structure of the appliance communication apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment. 一実施形態に係る読取装置の構成を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the structure of the reading apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment. 一実施形態に係る管理装置の構成を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the structure of the management apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment. 一実施形態に係る商品管理システムの動作例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the operation example of the product management system which concerns on one Embodiment. 一実施形態に係る商品管理システムの動作の変更例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the modification of the operation of the product management system which concerns on one Embodiment.
　特許文献１に記載の方法は、読取装置（リーダライタ）から電波の送信電力が固定されており、かつ商品陳列空間から電波が漏れ出る程度の大きな送信電力であることを前提として、シールド部材によって外部への電波の漏れ出しを阻止する構成であるため、読取動作に伴う消費電力が大きいという問題がある。 The method described in Patent Document 1 is based on the premise that the transmission power of radio waves from a reader (reader / writer) is fixed and the transmission power is large enough to allow radio waves to leak from the product display space, and the shield member is used. Since it is configured to prevent the leakage of radio waves to the outside, there is a problem that the power consumption associated with the reading operation is large.
　特に、商品陳列用ラックは電源をとれる場所に設置されるとは限らず、バッテリにより読取装置を駆動する場合があるため、読取動作に伴う消費電力を削減する必要性が高い。 In particular, the product display rack is not always installed in a place where power can be taken, and the reading device may be driven by a battery, so it is highly necessary to reduce the power consumption associated with the reading operation.
　そこで、本開示は、無線タグを用いて物品を管理可能としつつ、読取動作に伴う消費電力を削減可能とすることを目的とする。 Therefore, it is an object of the present disclosure to make it possible to manage an article by using a wireless tag and to reduce power consumption associated with a reading operation.
　図面を参照して実施形態に係る物品管理システムについて説明する。図面の記載において、同一又は類似の部分には同一又は類似の符号を付している。 The article management system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are designated by the same or similar reference numerals.
　物品管理システムは、無線タグを用いて物品を管理するためのシステムである。無線タグは、電子タグ、ＩＣ（Ｉｎｔｅｇｒａｔｅｄ　Ｃｉｒｃｕｉｔ）タグ、又はＲＦ（Ｒａｄｉｏ　Ｆｒｅｑｕｅｎｃｙ）タグと呼ばれることもある。以下において、無線タグを用いて管理する対象物品が商品であるシステム（すなわち、商品管理システム）を例に挙げて説明する。また、無線タグがパッシブ型の無線タグである一例について説明する。 The article management system is a system for managing articles using wireless tags. The wireless tag may also be referred to as an electronic tag, an IC (Integrated Circuit) tag, or an RF (Radio Frequency) tag. In the following, a system in which the target article managed by using the wireless tag is a product (that is, a product management system) will be described as an example. Further, an example in which the wireless tag is a passive wireless tag will be described.
　（商品管理システムの構成）
　まず、一実施形態に係る商品管理システムの構成について説明する。図１は、一実施形態に係る商品管理システム１の構成を示す図である。 (Structure of product management system)
First, the configuration of the product management system according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a product management system 1 according to an embodiment.
　図１に示すように、商品管理システム１は、器具通信装置１００（１００ａ，１００ｂ，１００ｃ…）と、読取装置２００と、無線タグ３００（３００ａ，３００ｂ，３００ｃ…）と、参照無線タグ４００と、管理装置５００とを有する。 As shown in FIG. 1, the product management system 1 includes an instrument communication device 100 (100a, 100b, 100c ...), a reading device 200, a wireless tag 300 (300a, 300b, 300c ...), and a reference wireless tag 400. , And a management device 500.
　一実施形態において、器具通信装置１００、読取装置２００、無線タグ３００、参照無線タグ４００、及び管理装置５００は、店舗に設けられている。以下において、店舗がアパレル店舗であり、商品Ｐが被服である一例について主として説明する。但し、店舗は、商品Ｐを販売する店舗であればどのような店舗であってもよく、例えばスーパーマーケット等であってもよい。 In one embodiment, the instrument communication device 100, the reading device 200, the wireless tag 300, the reference wireless tag 400, and the management device 500 are provided in the store. In the following, an example in which the store is an apparel store and the product P is clothing will be mainly described. However, the store may be any store as long as it sells the product P, and may be, for example, a supermarket or the like.
　器具通信装置１００、読取装置２００、無線タグ３００、及び参照無線タグ４００は、商品Ｐと器具Ｈとのセットが少なくとも１つ配置される陳列ゾーンＺ内にある。一実施形態において、陳列ゾーンＺは、ハンガーラック６００（図２参照）により構成される。以下において、陳列ゾーンＺがハンガーラックにより構成される一例について主として説明するが、陳列ゾーンＺは、商品Ｐを陳列するゾーンであればどのようなゾーンであってもよく、例えば陳列棚又はショーケース等であってもよい。また、陳列ゾーンＺが１つである一例を図示しているが、陳列ゾーンＺが複数であってもよい。 The instrument communication device 100, the reader 200, the wireless tag 300, and the reference wireless tag 400 are in the display zone Z in which at least one set of the product P and the instrument H is arranged. In one embodiment, the display zone Z is configured by a hanger rack 600 (see FIG. 2). In the following, an example in which the display zone Z is composed of a hanger rack will be mainly described, but the display zone Z may be any zone as long as it is a zone for displaying the product P, for example, a display shelf or a showcase. And so on. Further, although an example in which one display zone Z is shown is shown, there may be a plurality of display zones Z.
　器具通信装置１００は、商品Ｐを掛ける又は保持する器具Ｈに設けられている。一実施形態において、器具Ｈは、商品Ｐを掛けるハンガーである。以下において、器具Ｈがハンガーである一例について主として説明するが、器具Ｈは、商品Ｐを掛ける又は保持するための器具であればどのようなものであってもよく、例えばトレー又は商品固定具等であってもよい。また、陳列ゾーンＺに配置される器具Ｈ及び商品Ｐのセットが複数である一例について主として説明するが、陳列ゾーンＺに配置される器具Ｈ及び商品Ｐのセットが１つであってもよい。 The appliance communication device 100 is provided on the appliance H for hanging or holding the product P. In one embodiment, the appliance H is a hanger on which the product P is hung. In the following, an example in which the instrument H is a hanger will be mainly described, but the instrument H may be any instrument for hanging or holding the product P, for example, a tray or a product fixative. It may be. Further, although an example in which a plurality of sets of the appliance H and the product P arranged in the display zone Z are mainly described, the set of the appliance H and the product P arranged in the display zone Z may be one.
　器具通信装置１００は、器具Ｈに設けられる装置である。器具通信装置１００は、器具Ｈ内に組み込まれていてもよいし、器具Ｈの表面に取り付けられていてもよい。 The appliance communication device 100 is a device provided in the appliance H. The instrument communication device 100 may be incorporated in the instrument H or may be attached to the surface of the instrument H.
　無線タグ３００は、商品Ｐに付されたパッシブ型の無線タグであって、読取対象となる対象無線タグである。無線タグ３００には、対応する商品Ｐを示す商品識別情報が書き込まれている。商品識別情報は、物品識別情報の一例である。無線タグ３００は、商品Ｐの表面に取り付けられていてもよいし、商品Ｐに取り付けられるラベルに貼り付けられていてもよい。なお、「無線タグ３００が商品Ｐに付される」とは、商品Ｐに対応する器具Ｈに無線タグ３００が取り付けられることを含むものとする。 The wireless tag 300 is a passive type wireless tag attached to the product P, and is a target wireless tag to be read. Product identification information indicating the corresponding product P is written in the wireless tag 300. The product identification information is an example of the article identification information. The wireless tag 300 may be attached to the surface of the product P, or may be attached to a label attached to the product P. The phrase "the wireless tag 300 is attached to the product P" includes attaching the wireless tag 300 to the appliance H corresponding to the product P.
　参照無線タグ４００は、陳列ゾーンＺに設けられるパッシブ型の無線タグであって、読取装置２００の電波の送信電力の調整に用いる無線タグである。参照無線タグ４００は、商品Ｐを挟んで読取装置２００と反対側に設置される。参照無線タグ４００は、読取装置２００の方向に送信指向性を有していてもよい。 The reference wireless tag 400 is a passive wireless tag provided in the display zone Z, and is a wireless tag used for adjusting the transmission power of the radio wave of the reader 200. The reference wireless tag 400 is installed on the opposite side of the reading device 200 with the product P sandwiched between them. The reference radio tag 400 may have transmission directivity in the direction of the reader 200.
　読取装置２００は、陳列ゾーンＺに設けられるリーダ又はリーダライタである。読取装置２００は、商品Ｐのそれぞれに付された無線タグ３００から無線通信により商品識別情報を読取る読取動作を実行する。読取装置２００は、陳列ゾーンＺ内に組み込まれていてもよいし、陳列ゾーンＺの表面に取り付けられていてもよい。読取装置２００は、無線タグ３００から商品識別情報を読み取るタグリーダ２２０を有する。タグリーダ２２０は、参照無線タグ４００の方向に送信指向性を有していてもよい。読取装置２００は、有線回線又は無線回線を介してネットワークＮＷに接続されており、ネットワークＮＷを介して管理装置５００と通信する。 The reading device 200 is a reader or reader / writer provided in the display zone Z. The reading device 200 executes a reading operation of reading the product identification information from the wireless tags 300 attached to each of the products P by wireless communication. The reading device 200 may be incorporated in the display zone Z or may be mounted on the surface of the display zone Z. The reading device 200 has a tag reader 220 that reads the product identification information from the wireless tag 300. The tag reader 220 may have transmission directivity in the direction of the reference radio tag 400. The reading device 200 is connected to the network NW via a wired line or a wireless line, and communicates with the management device 500 via the network NW.
　読取装置２００による読取動作において、第１に、タグリーダ２２０が電波を送信する。第２に、無線タグ３００が、タグリーダ２２０からの電波を受けて発電し、発電した電力を用いて商品識別情報をタグリーダ２２０に送信する。第３に、タグリーダ２２０が、無線タグ３００からの商品識別情報を受信する。このようにして、読取装置２００は無線タグ３００の商品識別情報を読取る。 In the reading operation by the reading device 200, first, the tag reader 220 transmits radio waves. Second, the wireless tag 300 receives radio waves from the tag reader 220 to generate electric power, and uses the generated electric power to transmit product identification information to the tag reader 220. Third, the tag reader 220 receives the product identification information from the wireless tag 300. In this way, the reading device 200 reads the product identification information of the wireless tag 300.
　管理装置５００は、商品Ｐを管理する装置である。管理装置５００は、有線回線又は無線回線を介してネットワークＮＷに接続され、ネットワークＮＷを介して読取装置２００と通信する。管理装置５００は、店舗外又は店舗内に設けられるサーバであってもよい。管理装置５００は、読取装置２００と一体に構成されていてもよい。 The management device 500 is a device that manages the product P. The management device 500 is connected to the network NW via a wired line or a wireless line, and communicates with the reading device 200 via the network NW. The management device 500 may be a server provided outside or inside the store. The management device 500 may be integrally configured with the reading device 200.
　このように構成された商品管理システム１において、参照無線タグ４００は、読取装置２００から受信する電波の受信強度（ＲＳＳＩ：Ｒｅｃｅｉｖｅｄ　Ｓｉｇｎａｌ　Ｓｔｒｅｎｇｔｈ　Ｉｎｄｉｃａｔｏｒ）を測定し、測定した受信強度を示す受信強度情報（ＲＳＳＩ値）を読取装置２００に送信する。読取装置２００は、参照無線タグ４００から受信する受信強度情報に基づいて、電波の送信電力を調整する電力調整動作を実行する。 In the product management system 1 configured as described above, the reference wireless tag 400 measures the reception strength (RSSI: Received Signal Strength Indicator) of the radio wave received from the reader 200, and the reception strength information (RSSI) indicating the measured reception strength ( RSSI value) is transmitted to the reader 200. The reading device 200 executes a power adjustment operation for adjusting the transmission power of the radio wave based on the reception intensity information received from the reference radio tag 400.
　これにより、読取装置２００の電波の送信電力をフィーバック制御により適切に調整できる。このため、読取装置２００の電波の送信電力を必要最小限とすることができるため、読取動作に伴う消費電力を削減できる。 As a result, the transmission power of the radio wave of the reader 200 can be appropriately adjusted by the feedback control. Therefore, since the transmission power of the radio wave of the reading device 200 can be minimized, the power consumption associated with the reading operation can be reduced.
　（読取装置及び参照無線タグの設置例）
　次に、一実施形態に係る読取装置２００及び参照無線タグ４００の設置例について説明する。図２は、読取装置２００及び参照無線タグ４００の設置例を示す図である。 (Installation example of reader and reference wireless tag)
Next, an installation example of the reader 200 and the reference wireless tag 400 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an installation example of the reading device 200 and the reference wireless tag 400.
　図２に示すように、商品Ｐを陳列する陳列ゾーンＺがハンガーラック６００により構成される。ハンガーラック６００の上側の支柱６００Ｔには複数の器具Ｈ（ハンガー）が吊り下げられており、各器具Ｈには商品Ｐ（被服）が掛けられている。 As shown in FIG. 2, the display zone Z for displaying the product P is composed of the hanger rack 600. A plurality of appliances H (hangers) are hung on the upper column 600T of the hanger rack 600, and a product P (clothing) is hung on each appliance H.
　読取装置２００は、ハンガーラック６００の左側の支柱６００Ｌの上部に設置されている。読取装置２００は、各商品Ｐに付された無線タグ３００から商品識別情報を読取ることにより、陳列ゾーンＺ内にある各商品Ｐを把握する。 The reading device 200 is installed on the upper part of the support column 600L on the left side of the hanger rack 600. The reading device 200 grasps each product P in the display zone Z by reading the product identification information from the wireless tag 300 attached to each product P.
　参照無線タグ４００は、ハンガーラック６００の右側の支柱６００Ｒの上部に設置されている。すなわち、参照無線タグ４００は、商品Ｐを挟んで読取装置２００と反対側に設置される。 The reference wireless tag 400 is installed on the upper part of the support column 600R on the right side of the hanger rack 600. That is, the reference wireless tag 400 is installed on the opposite side of the reading device 200 with the product P sandwiched between them.
　読取装置２００からの電波は、各商品Ｐを透過して参照無線タグ４００に到達する。電波が商品Ｐを透過する際に、商品Ｐの素材及び厚み等に応じて電波が減衰し得る。 The radio wave from the reader 200 passes through each product P and reaches the reference wireless tag 400. When the radio wave passes through the product P, the radio wave may be attenuated depending on the material and thickness of the product P.
　このため、商品Ｐ及び器具Ｈのセットが陳列ゾーンＺから移動した場合（すなわち、ハンガーラック６００から商品Ｐ及び器具Ｈのセットから取られた場合）、参照無線タグ４００に到達する電波の受信強度が上昇し得る。このような場合、読取装置２００の電波の送信電力が過多になり得る。 Therefore, when the set of the product P and the appliance H is moved from the display zone Z (that is, when the set of the product P and the appliance H is taken from the hanger rack 600), the reception strength of the radio wave reaching the reference radio tag 400 is received. Can rise. In such a case, the transmission power of the radio wave of the reader 200 may be excessive.
　一方、商品Ｐ及び器具Ｈのセットが陳列ゾーンＺへ移動した場合（例えば、ハンガーラック６００へ商品Ｐ及び器具Ｈのセットが戻された場合）、参照無線タグ４００に到達する電波の受信強度が低下し得る。このような場合、読取装置２００の電波の送信電力が過小になり得る。 On the other hand, when the set of the product P and the equipment H is moved to the display zone Z (for example, when the set of the product P and the equipment H is returned to the hanger rack 600), the reception intensity of the radio wave reaching the reference wireless tag 400 is increased. Can be reduced. In such a case, the transmission power of the radio wave of the reader 200 may be too small.
　読取装置２００は、陳列ゾーンＺ内にある商品Ｐ（無線タグ３００）が減少又は増加したことに応じて、電力調整動作を実行する。ここで、一実施形態に係る電力調整動作は、参照無線タグ４００における受信強度が所定の受信強度範囲内に収まるように読取装置２００の電波の送信電力を調整する動作である。これにより、陳列ゾーンＺ内にある商品Ｐの数が減少又は増加しても、読取装置２００の電波の送信電力を適切な値に設定できる。 The reading device 200 executes a power adjustment operation in response to a decrease or increase in the product P (wireless tag 300) in the display zone Z. Here, the power adjustment operation according to the embodiment is an operation of adjusting the transmission power of the radio wave of the reading device 200 so that the reception intensity of the reference wireless tag 400 is within a predetermined reception intensity range. As a result, even if the number of products P in the display zone Z decreases or increases, the transmission power of the radio wave of the reader 200 can be set to an appropriate value.
　（器具通信装置の構成）
　次に、一実施形態に係る器具通信装置１００の構成について説明する。図３は、一実施形態に係る器具通信装置１００の構成を示す図である。 (Configuration of equipment communication device)
Next, the configuration of the instrument communication device 100 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of an instrument communication device 100 according to an embodiment.
　図３に示すように、器具通信装置１００は、無線送信機１１０と、コントローラ１２０と、検知部１３０と、バッテリ１４０とを有する。 As shown in FIG. 3, the equipment communication device 100 includes a wireless transmitter 110, a controller 120, a detection unit 130, and a battery 140.
　無線送信機１１０は、自器具Ｈの移動が検知されたことに基づく通知信号を送信する。以下において、通知信号としてブルートゥース（登録商標）の規格に基づくＢＴビーコンを用いる一例について主として説明する。但し、ＢＴビーコンに限定されるものではなく、ＢＴ以外の規格を用いてもよい。 The wireless transmitter 110 transmits a notification signal based on the detection of the movement of the own device H. Hereinafter, an example in which a BT beacon based on the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard is used as a notification signal will be mainly described. However, the beacon is not limited to the BT beacon, and a standard other than the BT may be used.
　コントローラ１２０は、器具通信装置１００における各種の機能を制御する。コントローラ１２０は、少なくとも１つのメモリ１２２と、メモリ１２２と電気的に接続された少なくとも１つのプロセッサ１２１とを有する。メモリ１２２は、揮発性メモリ及び不揮発性メモリを含み、プロセッサ１２１における処理に用いる情報と、プロセッサ１２１により実行されるプログラムとを記憶する。プロセッサ１２１は、メモリ１２２に記憶されたプログラムを実行することにより各種の処理を行う。 The controller 120 controls various functions in the equipment communication device 100. The controller 120 has at least one memory 122 and at least one processor 121 electrically connected to the memory 122. The memory 122 includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory, and stores information used for processing in the processor 121 and a program executed by the processor 121. The processor 121 performs various processes by executing the program stored in the memory 122.
　検知部１３０は、陳列ゾーンＺから自器具Ｈが取り出されたこと、及び、陳列ゾーンＺへ自器具Ｈが戻されたことを検知し、検知結果を示す信号をコントローラ１２０に出力する。例えば、検知部１３０は、自器具Ｈ（ハンガー）が陳列ゾーンＺ（ハンガーラック）に掛けられたことに応じてオン／オフするスイッチを含んでもよいし、自器具Ｈ（ハンガー）が陳列ゾーンＺ（ハンガーラック）に掛けられた際の物理量（例えば、質量等）の変化を検知するセンサを含んでもよい。 The detection unit 130 detects that the own appliance H has been taken out from the display zone Z and that the own appliance H has been returned to the display zone Z, and outputs a signal indicating the detection result to the controller 120. For example, the detection unit 130 may include a switch that turns on / off according to the fact that the own device H (hanger) is hung on the display zone Z (hanger rack), or the own device H (hanger) may include the display zone Z. It may include a sensor that detects a change in a physical quantity (for example, mass, etc.) when it is hung on a (hanger rack).
　バッテリ１４０は、器具通信装置１００の各部に供給する電力を蓄える。 The battery 140 stores electric power to be supplied to each part of the appliance communication device 100.
　このように構成された器具通信装置１００において、コントローラ１２０は、陳列ゾーンＺから自器具Ｈが取り出されたことを検知部１３０が検知したとき、第１通知信号を一定期間にわたって送信するように無線送信機１１０を制御する。第１通知信号は、陳列ゾーンＺから自器具Ｈが取り出された状態、すなわち、ユーザが自器具Ｈを持っている状態を示す信号である。 In the appliance communication device 100 configured in this way, the controller 120 wirelessly transmits the first notification signal over a fixed period when the detection unit 130 detects that the own appliance H has been taken out from the display zone Z. Controls the transmitter 110. The first notification signal is a signal indicating a state in which the own device H is taken out from the display zone Z, that is, a state in which the user holds the own device H.
　また、コントローラ１２０は、陳列ゾーンＺから自器具Ｈが取り出されたことを検知部１３０が検知した後、陳列ゾーンＺに自器具Ｈが戻されたことを検知部１３０が検知した場合、第２通知信号を一定期間にわたって送信するように無線送信機１１０を制御する。第２通知信号は、陳列ゾーンＺへ自器具Ｈが戻されたことを示す信号である。 Further, when the detection unit 130 detects that the own equipment H has been taken out from the display zone Z and then the detection unit 130 detects that the own equipment H has been returned to the display zone Z, the controller 120 has a second. The wireless transmitter 110 is controlled so as to transmit the notification signal over a certain period of time. The second notification signal is a signal indicating that the own device H has been returned to the display zone Z.
　（読取装置の構成）
　次に、一実施形態に係る読取装置２００の構成について説明する。図４は、一実施形態に係る読取装置２００の構成を示す図である。 (Configuration of reader)
Next, the configuration of the reader 200 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the reading device 200 according to the embodiment.
　図４に示すように、読取装置２００は、無線受信機２１０と、タグリーダ２２０と、コントローラ２３０と、通信インターフェイス２４０と、バッテリ２５０とを有する。読取装置２００が商用電源からの給電により駆動される場合、読取装置２００がバッテリ２５０を有していなくてもよい。 As shown in FIG. 4, the reader 200 has a wireless receiver 210, a tag reader 220, a controller 230, a communication interface 240, and a battery 250. If the reader 200 is driven by power from a commercial power source, the reader 200 may not have the battery 250.
　無線受信機２１０は、器具通信装置１００から送信される通知信号を受信し、受信した通知信号をコントローラ２３０に出力する。 The wireless receiver 210 receives the notification signal transmitted from the instrument communication device 100, and outputs the received notification signal to the controller 230.
　タグリーダ２２０は、商品Ｐのそれぞれに付された無線タグ３００から無線通信により商品識別情報を読取る読取動作を行い、読み取った商品識別情報をコントローラ２３０に出力する。 The tag reader 220 performs a reading operation of reading the product identification information from the wireless tags 300 attached to each of the products P by wireless communication, and outputs the read product identification information to the controller 230.
　コントローラ２３０は、読取装置２００における各種の機能を制御する。例えば、コントローラ２３０は、タグリーダ２２０を制御する。コントローラ２３０は、少なくとも１つのメモリ２３２と、メモリ２３２と電気的に接続された少なくとも１つのプロセッサ２３１とを有する。メモリ２３２は、揮発性メモリ及び不揮発性メモリを含み、プロセッサ２３１における処理に用いる情報と、プロセッサ２３１により実行されるプログラムとを記憶する。プロセッサ２３１は、メモリ２３２に記憶されたプログラムを実行することにより各種の処理を行う。 The controller 230 controls various functions in the reader 200. For example, the controller 230 controls the tag reader 220. The controller 230 has at least one memory 232 and at least one processor 231 electrically connected to the memory 232. The memory 232 includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory, and stores information used for processing in the processor 231 and a program executed by the processor 231. The processor 231 performs various processes by executing the program stored in the memory 232.
　通信インターフェイス２４０は、有線回線又は無線回線を介してネットワークＮＷに接続され、ネットワークＮＷを介して管理装置５００と通信する。 The communication interface 240 is connected to the network NW via a wired line or a wireless line, and communicates with the management device 500 via the network NW.
　バッテリ２５０は、読取装置２００の各部に供給する電力を蓄える。 The battery 250 stores electric power to be supplied to each part of the reader 200.
　このように構成された読取装置２００において、コントローラ２３０は、器具通信装置１００の無線送信機１１０から無線受信機２１０が第１通知信号又は第２通知信号を受信したことに応じて、読取動作をタグリーダ２２０に実行させる。すなわち、コントローラ２３０は、陳列ゾーンＺ内にある商品Ｐの数が減少又は増加したとき、読取動作をタグリーダ２２０に実行させる。コントローラ２３０は、その他のタイミングでは読取動作をタグリーダ２２０に実行させない。このように、読取動作をタグリーダ２２０に実行させるタイミングを限定することにより、読取動作に伴う消費電力を削減できる。 In the reading device 200 configured as described above, the controller 230 performs a reading operation in response to the reception of the first notification signal or the second notification signal by the wireless receiver 210 from the wireless transmitter 110 of the instrument communication device 100. Let the tag reader 220 execute. That is, the controller 230 causes the tag reader 220 to execute a reading operation when the number of products P in the display zone Z decreases or increases. The controller 230 does not cause the tag reader 220 to execute the reading operation at other timings. In this way, by limiting the timing at which the tag reader 220 executes the reading operation, the power consumption associated with the reading operation can be reduced.
　コントローラ２３０は、無線タグ３００から読取った商品識別情報に基づいて、陳列ゾーンＺにおいて減少又は増加した商品Ｐの商品識別情報を特定する。具体的には、コントローラ２３０は、第１の読取りタイミングにおいて商品識別情報の読取りを行った後、第２の読取りタイミングにおいて商品識別情報の読取りを行う。コントローラ２３０は、第２の読取りタイミングにおいて読み取った商品識別情報が、第１の読取りタイミングにおいて読み取った商品識別情報に対して減少している場合、この減少分に相当する商品識別情報を、減少した商品Ｐの商品識別情報として特定する。一方、コントローラ２３０は、第２の読取りタイミングにおいて読み取った商品識別情報が、第１の読取りタイミングにおいて読み取った商品識別情報に対して増加している場合、この増加分に相当する商品識別情報を、増加した商品Ｐの商品識別情報として特定する。 The controller 230 identifies the product identification information of the product P that has decreased or increased in the display zone Z based on the product identification information read from the wireless tag 300. Specifically, the controller 230 reads the product identification information at the first reading timing, and then reads the product identification information at the second reading timing. When the product identification information read at the second read timing is reduced with respect to the product identification information read at the first read timing, the controller 230 reduces the product identification information corresponding to this decrease. It is specified as the product identification information of the product P. On the other hand, when the product identification information read at the second read timing is increased with respect to the product identification information read at the first read timing, the controller 230 provides the product identification information corresponding to this increase. It is specified as the product identification information of the increased product P.
　コントローラ２３０は、陳列ゾーンＺにおいて減少又は増加した商品Ｐの商品識別情報を特定すると、特定した商品識別情報を管理装置５００に送信するように通信インターフェイス２４０を制御する。なお、無線タグ３００から読取った商品識別情報のすべてを読取装置２００から管理装置５００に送信し、管理装置５００において、陳列ゾーンＺにおいて減少又は増加した商品Ｐの商品識別情報を特定してもよい。 When the controller 230 identifies the product identification information of the product P that has decreased or increased in the display zone Z, the controller 230 controls the communication interface 240 so as to transmit the identified product identification information to the management device 500. All of the product identification information read from the wireless tag 300 may be transmitted from the reading device 200 to the management device 500, and the management device 500 may specify the product identification information of the product P that has decreased or increased in the display zone Z. ..
　そして、コントローラ２３０は、送信電力調整指令を管理装置５００から通信インターフェイス２４０が受信すると、電力調整動作を実行する。ここで、電力調整動作は、管理装置５００から指定された指定送信電力を基準として、電波の送信電力を調整する動作であってもよい。この場合、通信インターフェイス２４０は、送信電力調整指令と共に指定送信電力の情報を管理装置５００から受信する。このような指定送信電力を基準とすることにより、電力調整動作を効率的に実施することが可能である。 Then, when the communication interface 240 receives the transmission power adjustment command from the management device 500, the controller 230 executes the power adjustment operation. Here, the power adjustment operation may be an operation of adjusting the transmission power of the radio wave based on the designated transmission power designated by the management device 500. In this case, the communication interface 240 receives the information of the designated transmission power from the management device 500 together with the transmission power adjustment command. By using such a designated transmission power as a reference, it is possible to efficiently carry out the power adjustment operation.
　コントローラ２３０は、指定送信電力で電波を送信するようにタグリーダ２２０を制御した後、タグリーダ２２０が参照無線タグ４００から受信する受信強度情報に基づいて、タグリーダ２２０の電波の送信電力を調整する電力調整動作を実行する。 The controller 230 controls the tag reader 220 to transmit radio waves with a designated transmission power, and then adjusts the transmission power of the radio waves of the tag reader 220 based on the reception strength information received by the tag reader 220 from the reference wireless tag 400. Perform the action.
　（管理装置の構成）
　次に、一実施形態に係る管理装置５００の構成について説明する。図５は、一実施形態に係る管理装置５００の構成を示す図である。 (Configuration of management device)
Next, the configuration of the management device 500 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a management device 500 according to an embodiment.
　図５に示すように、管理装置５００は、通信インターフェイス５１０と、コントローラ５２０とを有する。 As shown in FIG. 5, the management device 500 has a communication interface 510 and a controller 520.
　通信インターフェイス５１０は、有線回線又は無線回線を介してネットワークＮＷに接続され、ネットワークＮＷを介して読取装置２００と通信する。 The communication interface 510 is connected to the network NW via a wired line or a wireless line, and communicates with the reader 200 via the network NW.
　コントローラ５２０は、管理装置５００における各種の機能を制御する。コントローラ５２０は、少なくとも１つのメモリ５２２と、メモリ５２２と電気的に接続された少なくとも１つのプロセッサ５２１とを有する。メモリ５２２は、揮発性メモリ及び不揮発性メモリを含み、プロセッサ５２１における処理に用いる情報と、プロセッサ５２１により実行されるプログラムとを記憶する。プロセッサ５２１は、メモリ５２２に記憶されたプログラムを実行することにより各種の処理を行う。 The controller 520 controls various functions in the management device 500. The controller 520 has at least one memory 522 and at least one processor 521 electrically connected to the memory 522. The memory 522 includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory, and stores information used for processing in the processor 521 and a program executed by the processor 521. The processor 521 performs various processes by executing the program stored in the memory 522.
　このように構成された管理装置５００において、通信インターフェイス５１０は、陳列ゾーンＺにおいて減少又は増加した商品Ｐの商品識別情報を読取装置２００から受信する。通信インターフェイス５１０は、読取装置２００が無線タグ３００から読取った商品識別情報のすべてを読取装置２００から受信し、コントローラ５２０が、陳列ゾーンＺにおいて減少又は増加した商品Ｐの商品識別情報を特定してもよい。 In the management device 500 configured as described above, the communication interface 510 receives the product identification information of the product P that has decreased or increased in the display zone Z from the reading device 200. The communication interface 510 receives all of the product identification information read from the wireless tag 300 by the reader 200 from the reader 200, and the controller 520 identifies the product identification information of the product P that has decreased or increased in the display zone Z. May be good.
　コントローラ５２０は、陳列ゾーンＺにおいて減少又は増加した商品Ｐの商品識別情報に基づいて、電力調整動作を読取装置２００に実行させるか否かを決定する。例えば、商品識別情報と電力調整動作の要否の情報とを予め対応付けてメモリ５２２に記憶させておく。 The controller 520 determines whether or not to cause the reading device 200 to execute the power adjustment operation based on the product identification information of the product P that has decreased or increased in the display zone Z. For example, the product identification information and the information on the necessity of the power adjustment operation are associated in advance and stored in the memory 522.
　コントローラ５２０は、陳列ゾーンＺにおいて減少又は増加した商品Ｐにおける電波の減衰量（電力損失量）がゼロ又は非常に小さい場合（例えば、減少又は増加した商品ＰがＴシャツのような薄い商品である場合）、電力調整動作を読取装置２００に実行させないと決定する。そうではない場合、コントローラ５２０は、電力調整動作を読取装置２００に実行させると決定する。 The controller 520 is a thin product such as a T-shirt when the amount of radio wave attenuation (power loss) in the product P reduced or increased in the display zone Z is zero or very small (for example, the reduced or increased product P is a thin product such as a T-shirt). Case), it is determined not to cause the reader 200 to execute the power adjustment operation. If not, the controller 520 determines to have the reader 200 perform a power adjustment operation.
　コントローラ５２０は、電力調整動作を読取装置２００に実行させる場合、特定された商品識別情報に基づいて、電力調整動作における基準の送信電力とする指定送信電力を決定する。例えば、商品識別情報と電波の減衰量（電力損失量）とを予め対応付けてメモリ５２２に記憶させておく。例えば、コントローラ５２０は、ジッパー等の金属が付属している商品は例えば３ｄＢの損失と判定する。 When the controller 520 causes the reader 200 to execute the power adjustment operation, the controller 520 determines the designated transmission power as the reference transmission power in the power adjustment operation based on the specified product identification information. For example, the product identification information and the amount of radio wave attenuation (power loss amount) are associated with each other in advance and stored in the memory 522. For example, the controller 520 determines that a product with a metal such as a zipper has a loss of, for example, 3 dB.
　増加した商品Ｐがこのような商品である場合、コントローラ５２０は、送信電力を３［ｄＢ］上げることを示す情報を読取装置２００に送信するように通信インターフェイス５１０を制御する。一方、減少した商品Ｐがこのような商品である場合、コントローラ５２０は、送信電力を３ｄＢ下げることを示す情報を読取装置２００に送信するように通信インターフェイス５１０を制御する。 When the increased product P is such a product, the controller 520 controls the communication interface 510 so as to transmit information indicating that the transmission power is increased by 3 [dB] to the reading device 200. On the other hand, when the reduced product P is such a product, the controller 520 controls the communication interface 510 to transmit information indicating that the transmission power is reduced by 3 dB to the reader 200.
　（商品管理システムの動作例）
　次に、一実施形態に係る商品管理システム１の動作例について説明する。図６は、一実施形態に係る商品管理システム１の動作例を示す図である。 (Operation example of product management system)
Next, an operation example of the product management system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an operation example of the product management system 1 according to the embodiment.
　図６に示すように、ステップＳ１において、読取装置２００のコントローラ２３０は、通知信号の受信を待機するように無線受信機２１０を制御する。また、読取装置２００のコントローラ２３０は、読取動作を休止するようにタグリーダ２２０を制御する。 As shown in FIG. 6, in step S1, the controller 230 of the reader 200 controls the wireless receiver 210 so as to wait for the reception of the notification signal. Further, the controller 230 of the reading device 200 controls the tag reader 220 so as to suspend the reading operation.
　ステップＳ２において、器具通信装置１００の検知部１３０は、陳列ゾーンＺから自器具Ｈが取り出されたこと又は陳列ゾーンＺへ自器具Ｈが戻されたことを検知する。 In step S2, the detection unit 130 of the appliance communication device 100 detects that the own appliance H has been taken out from the display zone Z or that the own appliance H has been returned to the display zone Z.
　ステップＳ３及びＳ４において、器具通信装置１００のコントローラ１２０は、第１通知信号又は第２通知信号を一定期間にわたって送信するように無線送信機１１０を制御する。 In steps S3 and S4, the controller 120 of the appliance communication device 100 controls the wireless transmitter 110 so as to transmit the first notification signal or the second notification signal over a certain period of time.
　ステップＳ５において、読取装置２００のコントローラ２３０は、無線受信機２１０が第１通知信号又は第２通知信号を受信したか否かを判定する。無線受信機２１０が第１通知信号又は第２通知信号を受信していない場合（ステップＳ５：Ｎｏ）、読取装置２００のコントローラ２３０は、ステップＳ１に処理を戻す。 In step S5, the controller 230 of the reader 200 determines whether or not the wireless receiver 210 has received the first notification signal or the second notification signal. When the wireless receiver 210 has not received the first notification signal or the second notification signal (step S5: No), the controller 230 of the reader 200 returns the process to step S1.
　無線受信機２１０が第１通知信号又は第２通知信号を受信した場合（ステップＳ５：Ｙｅｓ）、ステップＳ６において、読取装置２００のコントローラ２３０は、読取動作を実行するようにタグリーダ２２０を制御する。具体的には、タグリーダ２２０が電波を送信し、無線タグ３００からの商品識別情報を受信する。 When the wireless receiver 210 receives the first notification signal or the second notification signal (step S5: Yes), in step S6, the controller 230 of the reading device 200 controls the tag reader 220 to execute the reading operation. Specifically, the tag reader 220 transmits radio waves and receives product identification information from the wireless tag 300.
　ステップＳ７において、読取装置２００のコントローラ２３０は、陳列ゾーンＺから取り出された又は陳列ゾーンＺへ戻された商品Ｐの商品識別情報（商品ＩＤ）、すなわち、陳列ゾーンＺにおいて減少又は増加した商品Ｐの商品識別情報が特定されたか否かを判定する。陳列ゾーンＺにおいて減少又は増加した商品Ｐの商品識別情報が特定されない場合（ステップＳ７：Ｎｏ）、読取装置２００のコントローラ２３０は、ステップＳ６に処理を戻す。 In step S7, the controller 230 of the reader 200 determines the product identification information (product ID) of the product P taken out from the display zone Z or returned to the display zone Z, that is, the product P decreased or increased in the display zone Z. It is determined whether or not the product identification information of is specified. When the product identification information of the reduced or increased product P is not specified in the display zone Z (step S7: No), the controller 230 of the reader 200 returns the process to step S6.
　陳列ゾーンＺにおいて減少又は増加した商品Ｐの商品識別情報が特定された場合（ステップＳ７：Ｙｅｓ）、ステップＳ８において、読取装置２００のコントローラ２３０は、陳列ゾーンＺにおいて減少又は増加した商品Ｐの商品識別情報を管理装置５００に送信するように通信インターフェイス２４０を制御する。管理装置５００の通信インターフェイス５１０は、陳列ゾーンＺにおいて減少又は増加した商品Ｐの商品識別情報を受信する。 When the product identification information of the product P that has decreased or increased in the display zone Z is specified (step S7: Yes), in step S8, the controller 230 of the reader 200 determines the product P of the product P that has decreased or increased in the display zone Z. The communication interface 240 is controlled so as to transmit the identification information to the management device 500. The communication interface 510 of the management device 500 receives the product identification information of the product P that has decreased or increased in the display zone Z.
　ステップＳ９において、管理装置５００のコントローラ５２０は、陳列ゾーンＺにおいて減少又は増加した商品Ｐの商品識別情報に基づいて、電力調整動作（すなわち、送信電力の変更）を読取装置２００に実行させるか否かを決定する。電力調整動作を読取装置２００に実行させると決定した場合、管理装置５００のコントローラ５２０は、陳列ゾーンＺにおいて減少又は増加した商品Ｐの商品識別情報に基づいて、電力調整動作における基準の送信電力とする指定送信電力を決定する。 In step S9, whether or not the controller 520 of the management device 500 causes the reading device 200 to perform a power adjustment operation (that is, change of transmission power) based on the product identification information of the product P that has decreased or increased in the display zone Z. To decide. If it is determined that the reader 200 performs the power adjustment operation, the controller 520 of the management device 500 sets the reference transmission power in the power adjustment operation based on the product identification information of the product P that has decreased or increased in the display zone Z. Determines the designated transmission power to be used.
　ステップＳ１０において、管理装置５００のコントローラ５２０は、電力調整指令と、指定送信電力を示す情報とを読取装置２００に送信するように通信インターフェイス５１０を制御する。読取装置２００の通信インターフェイス２４０は、電力調整指令と、指定送信電力を示す情報とを受信する。 In step S10, the controller 520 of the management device 500 controls the communication interface 510 so as to transmit the power adjustment command and the information indicating the designated transmission power to the reading device 200. The communication interface 240 of the reader 200 receives the power adjustment command and the information indicating the designated transmission power.
　ステップＳ１１において、読取装置２００のコントローラ２３０は、管理装置５００から電力調整指令を受信したか否かを判定する。管理装置５００から電力調整指令を受信した場合（ステップＳ１１：Ｙｅｓ）、ステップＳ１２において、読取装置２００のコントローラ２３０は、現在の送信電力から指定送信電力に変更し、指定送信電力で電波を送信するようにタグリーダ２２０を制御する。 In step S11, the controller 230 of the reading device 200 determines whether or not a power adjustment command has been received from the management device 500. When a power adjustment command is received from the management device 500 (step S11: Yes), in step S12, the controller 230 of the reading device 200 changes from the current transmission power to the designated transmission power and transmits radio waves with the designated transmission power. The tag reader 220 is controlled in such a manner.
　ステップＳ１３において、読取装置２００のタグリーダ２２０は、参照無線タグ４００から受信強度情報（ＲＳＳＩ値）を受信する。ここで、読取装置２００のタグリーダ２２０は、参照無線タグ４００から識別情報（タグＩＤ）をさらに受信し、この識別情報により参照無線タグ４００を識別してもよい。 In step S13, the tag reader 220 of the reader 200 receives the reception strength information (RSSI value) from the reference wireless tag 400. Here, the tag reader 220 of the reading device 200 may further receive identification information (tag ID) from the reference wireless tag 400, and the reference wireless tag 400 may be identified by this identification information.
　ステップＳ１４において、読取装置２００のコントローラ２３０は、ステップＳ１３で受信したＲＳＳＩ値が所定範囲内にあるか否かを判定する。ステップＳ１３で受信したＲＳＳＩ値が所定範囲内にある場合、電力調整動作が完了する。 In step S14, the controller 230 of the reader 200 determines whether or not the RSSI value received in step S13 is within a predetermined range. When the RSSI value received in step S13 is within the predetermined range, the power adjustment operation is completed.
　一方、ステップＳ１３で受信したＲＳＳＩ値が所定範囲内にない場合（ステップＳ１４：Ｎｏ）、ステップＳ１２において、読取装置２００のコントローラ２３０は、タグリーダ２２０からの電波の送信電力を微調整する。例えば、ステップＳ１３で受信したＲＳＳＩ値が所定範囲を超える場合、読取装置２００のコントローラ２３０は、ＲＳＳＩ値が所定範囲内に収まるように、前回の電波の送信時に比べて今回の電波の送信電力を下げる。一方、ステップＳ１３で受信したＲＳＳＩ値が所定範囲を下回る場合、読取装置２００のコントローラ２３０は、ＲＳＳＩ値が所定範囲内に収まるように、前回の電波の送信時に比べて今回の電波の送信電力を上げる。 On the other hand, when the RSSI value received in step S13 is not within the predetermined range (step S14: No), in step S12, the controller 230 of the reader 200 fine-tunes the transmission power of the radio wave from the tag reader 220. For example, when the RSSI value received in step S13 exceeds a predetermined range, the controller 230 of the reader 200 uses the transmission power of the current radio wave as compared with the time of the previous transmission of the radio wave so that the RSSI value falls within the predetermined range. Lower. On the other hand, when the RSSI value received in step S13 is below the predetermined range, the controller 230 of the reader 200 reduces the transmission power of the current radio wave as compared with the time of the previous transmission of the radio wave so that the RSSI value falls within the predetermined range. increase.
　なお、ステップＳ１３において参照無線タグ４００から受信強度情報（ＲＳＳＩ値）を受信できない場合、読取装置２００のコントローラ２３０は、前回の電波の送信電力が低すぎると考えられるため、前回の電波の送信時に比べて今回の電波の送信電力を上げる。 If the reception strength information (RSSI value) cannot be received from the reference wireless tag 400 in step S13, it is considered that the controller 230 of the reader 200 has too low the transmission power of the previous radio wave, so that when the previous radio wave is transmitted, the controller 230 is considered to be too low. In comparison, increase the transmission power of this radio wave.
　（変更例）
　上述の実施形態において、電力調整動作が、参照無線タグ４００が読取装置２００から受信する電波の受信強度が所定の受信強度範囲内に収まるように読取装置２００の電波の送信電力を調整する動作である一例について説明した。具体的には、参照無線タグ４００は、読取装置２００から受信する電波の受信強度を測定し、測定した受信強度を示す受信強度情報を含む電波を送信していた。 (Change example)
In the above-described embodiment, the power adjustment operation is an operation of adjusting the transmission power of the radio wave of the reader 200 so that the reception intensity of the radio wave received from the reader 200 by the reference wireless tag 400 is within a predetermined reception intensity range. I explained an example. Specifically, the reference radio tag 400 measures the reception strength of the radio wave received from the reader 200, and transmits the radio wave including the reception strength information indicating the measured reception strength.
　しかしながら、電力調整動作は、読取装置２００が参照無線タグ４００から受信する電波の受信強度が所定の受信強度範囲内に収まるように読取装置２００の電波の送信電力を調整する動作であってもよい。すなわち、本変更例において、受信強度の測定主体は、参照無線タグ４００ではなく、読取装置２００である。読取装置２００が参照無線タグ４００から受信する電波の受信強度を測定するため、参照無線タグ４００は、自身の識別情報を含む電波を送信すればよく、受信強度情報を送信する必要がない。なお、参照無線タグ４００は、読取装置２００から受信する電波の受信強度に応じた大きさの電力で電波を送信する。 However, the power adjustment operation may be an operation of adjusting the transmission power of the radio wave of the reader 200 so that the reception intensity of the radio wave received from the reference wireless tag 400 by the reader 200 falls within a predetermined reception intensity range. .. That is, in this modification, the main body for measuring the reception strength is not the reference radio tag 400 but the reader 200. Since the reading device 200 measures the reception strength of the radio wave received from the reference radio tag 400, the reference radio tag 400 may transmit the radio wave including its own identification information, and does not need to transmit the reception strength information. The reference wireless tag 400 transmits the radio wave with a power of a magnitude corresponding to the reception intensity of the radio wave received from the reader 200.
　本変更例において、読取装置２００のコントローラ２３０は、指定送信電力で電波を送信するようにタグリーダ２２０を制御した後、タグリーダ２２０が参照無線タグ４００から受信する電波の受信強度を測定し、測定した受信強度に応じてタグリーダ２２０の電波の送信電力を調整する電力調整動作を実行する。 In this modification, the controller 230 of the reader 200 controls the tag reader 220 to transmit radio waves with the designated transmission power, and then measures and measures the reception intensity of the radio waves received by the tag reader 220 from the reference wireless tag 400. A power adjustment operation for adjusting the transmission power of the radio wave of the tag reader 220 according to the reception strength is executed.
　図７は、商品管理システム１の動作の変更例を示す図である。 FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of changing the operation of the product management system 1.
　図７に示すように、ステップＳ１０１乃至Ｓ１１２の動作は、上述の実施形態と同様である。 As shown in FIG. 7, the operation of steps S101 to S112 is the same as that of the above-described embodiment.
　ステップＳ１１３において、読取装置２００のタグリーダ２２０は、参照無線タグ４００から、参照無線タグ４００の識別情報を含む電波を受信する。読取装置２００のコントローラ２３０は、タグリーダ２２０が参照無線タグ４００から受信した電波の受信強度（ＲＳＳＩ）を測定する。 In step S113, the tag reader 220 of the reader 200 receives radio waves including the identification information of the reference wireless tag 400 from the reference wireless tag 400. The controller 230 of the reader 200 measures the reception intensity (RSSI) of the radio wave received from the reference radio tag 400 by the tag reader 220.
　ステップＳ１１４において、読取装置２００のコントローラ２３０は、ステップＳ１１３で測定したＲＳＳＩ値が所定範囲内にあるか否かを判定する。ステップＳ１１３で測定したＲＳＳＩ値が所定範囲内にある場合、電力調整動作が完了する。 In step S114, the controller 230 of the reader 200 determines whether or not the RSSI value measured in step S113 is within a predetermined range. When the RSSI value measured in step S113 is within the predetermined range, the power adjustment operation is completed.
　一方、ステップＳ１１３で測定したＲＳＳＩ値が所定範囲内にない場合（ステップＳ１１４：Ｎｏ）、ステップＳ１１２において、読取装置２００のコントローラ２３０は、タグリーダ２２０からの電波の送信電力を微調整する。例えば、ステップＳ１１３で測定したＲＳＳＩ値が所定範囲を超える場合、読取装置２００のコントローラ２３０は、ＲＳＳＩ値が所定範囲内に収まるように、前回の電波の送信時に比べて今回の電波の送信電力を下げる。一方、ステップＳ１１３で測定したＲＳＳＩ値が所定範囲を下回る場合、読取装置２００のコントローラ２３０は、ＲＳＳＩ値が所定範囲内に収まるように、前回の電波の送信時に比べて今回の電波の送信電力を上げる。 On the other hand, when the RSSI value measured in step S113 is not within the predetermined range (step S114: No), in step S112, the controller 230 of the reader 200 finely adjusts the transmission power of the radio wave from the tag reader 220. For example, when the RSSI value measured in step S113 exceeds a predetermined range, the controller 230 of the reader 200 determines the transmission power of the current radio wave as compared with the time of the previous transmission of the radio wave so that the RSSI value falls within the predetermined range. Lower. On the other hand, when the RSSI value measured in step S113 is below the predetermined range, the controller 230 of the reader 200 reduces the transmission power of the current radio wave as compared with the time of the previous transmission of the radio wave so that the RSSI value falls within the predetermined range. increase.
　なお、ステップＳ１１３において参照無線タグ４００から参照無線タグ４００の識別情報を受信できない場合、読取装置２００のコントローラ２３０は、前回の電波の送信電力が低すぎると考えられるため、前回の電波の送信時に比べて今回の電波の送信電力を上げる。 If the identification information of the reference wireless tag 400 cannot be received from the reference wireless tag 400 in step S113, it is considered that the controller 230 of the reading device 200 has too low the transmission power of the previous radio wave, so that when the previous radio wave is transmitted, the transmission power of the previous radio wave is considered to be too low. In comparison, increase the transmission power of this radio wave.
　（その他の実施形態）
　上述の実施形態において、参照無線タグ４００がパッシブ型の無線タグである一例について主として説明した。しかしながら、参照無線タグ４００は、アクティブ型若しくはセミアクティブ型の無線タグであってもよい。 (Other embodiments)
In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the reference radio tag 400 is a passive radio tag has been mainly described. However, the reference radio tag 400 may be an active or semi-active radio tag.
　上述の実施形態に係る各処理をコンピュータに実行させるプログラムが提供されてもよい。プログラムは、コンピュータ読取り可能媒体に記録されていてもよい。コンピュータ読取り可能媒体を用いれば、コンピュータにプログラムをインストールすることが可能である。ここで、プログラムが記録されたコンピュータ読取り可能媒体は、非一過性の記録媒体であってもよい。非一過性の記録媒体は、特に限定されるものではないが、例えば、ＣＤ－ＲＯＭやＤＶＤ－ＲＯＭ等の記録媒体であってもよい。 A program for causing a computer to execute each process according to the above-described embodiment may be provided. The program may be recorded on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media can be used to install programs on a computer. Here, the computer-readable medium on which the program is recorded may be a non-transient recording medium. The non-transient recording medium is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM.
　以上、図面を参照して実施形態について詳しく説明したが、具体的な構成は上述のものに限られることはなく、要旨を逸脱しない範囲内において様々な設計変更等をすることが可能である。 Although the embodiments have been described in detail with reference to the drawings above, the specific configuration is not limited to the above, and various design changes and the like can be made within a range that does not deviate from the gist.
　本願は、日本国特許出願第２０２０－１４２７５１号（２０２０年８月２６日出願）の優先権を主張し、その内容の全てが本願明細書に組み込まれている。 This application claims the priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-142751 (filed on August 26, 2020), all of which is incorporated in the specification of the present application.
１　　　　：商品管理システム
１００　　：器具通信装置
１１０　　：無線送信機
１２０　　：コントローラ
１２１　　：プロセッサ
１２２　　：メモリ
１３０　　：検知部
１４０　　：バッテリ
２００　　：読取装置
２１０　　：無線受信機
２２０　　：タグリーダ
２３０　　：コントローラ
２３１　　：プロセッサ
２３２　　：メモリ
２４０　　：通信インターフェイス
２５０　　：バッテリ
３００　　：無線タグ
４００　　：参照無線タグ
５００　　：管理装置
５１０　　：通信インターフェイス
５２０　　：コントローラ
５２１　　：プロセッサ
５２２　　：メモリ
６００　　：ハンガーラック 1: Product management system 100: Instrument communication device 110: Wireless transmitter 120: Controller 121: Processor 122: Memory 130: Detection unit 140: Battery 200: Reader 210: Wireless receiver 220: Tag reader 230: Controller 231: Processor 232 : Memory 240: Communication interface 250: Battery 300: Wireless tag 400: Reference wireless tag 500: Management device 510: Communication interface 520: Controller 521: Processor 522: Memory 600: Hanger rack

Claims (10)

  1. 　無線タグを用いて物品を管理するための物品管理システムであって、
    　１つ又は複数の対象物品のそれぞれに付された対象無線タグから無線通信により物品識別情報を読取る読取動作を実行する読取装置と、
    　前記１つ又は複数の対象物品を挟んで前記読取装置と反対側に設置された参照無線タグと、を備え、
    　前記読取装置は、前記参照無線タグから受信する電波に基づいて、前記読取装置から送信する電波の送信電力を調整する電力調整動作を実行する、物品管理システム。     An article management system for managing articles using wireless tags.
    A reading device that executes a reading operation for reading article identification information by wireless communication from a target wireless tag attached to each of one or a plurality of target articles.
    A reference radio tag installed on the opposite side of the reading device with the one or more target articles sandwiched therein.
    The reading device is an article management system that executes a power adjustment operation for adjusting the transmission power of the radio waves transmitted from the reading device based on the radio waves received from the reference radio tag.
  2. 　前記読取装置は、前記参照無線タグから受信する電波の受信強度を測定し、測定した受信強度に応じて前記電力調整動作を実行する、請求項１に記載の物品管理システム。 The article management system according to claim 1, wherein the reading device measures the reception intensity of radio waves received from the reference wireless tag and executes the power adjustment operation according to the measured reception intensity.
  3. 　前記参照無線タグは、前記読取装置から受信する電波の受信強度を測定し、測定した受信強度を示す受信強度情報を含む電波を送信し、
    　前記読取装置は、前記受信強度情報が示す前記受信強度に応じて前記電力調整動作を実行する、請求項１に記載の物品管理システム。     The reference radio tag measures the reception strength of the radio wave received from the reading device, and transmits the radio wave including the reception strength information indicating the measured reception strength.
    The article management system according to claim 1, wherein the reading device executes the power adjustment operation according to the reception strength indicated by the reception strength information.
  4. 　前記電力調整動作は、前記受信強度が所定の受信強度範囲内に収まるように、前記読取装置から送信する電波の送信電力を調整する動作である、請求項２又は３に記載の物品管理システム。 The article management system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the power adjustment operation is an operation of adjusting the transmission power of radio waves transmitted from the reader so that the reception intensity falls within a predetermined reception intensity range.
  5. 　前記読取装置と別体又は一体に構成された管理装置をさらに備え、
    　前記管理装置は、対象物品の数が減少又は増加したことに応じて、前記電力調整動作を前記読取装置に実行させる、請求項１乃至４のいずれか１項に記載の物品管理システム。     A management device separately or integrally configured with the reading device is further provided.
    The article management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the management device causes the reading device to perform the power adjustment operation in response to a decrease or increase in the number of target articles.
  6. 　前記読取装置は、前記対象無線タグから読取った前記物品識別情報に基づいて、減少又は増加した対象物品の物品識別情報を特定し、
    　前記管理装置は、前記特定された物品識別情報に基づいて、前記電力調整動作を前記読取装置に実行させるか否かを決定する、請求項５に記載の物品管理システム。     The reading device identifies the article identification information of the target article that has decreased or increased based on the article identification information read from the target radio tag.
    The article management system according to claim 5, wherein the management device determines whether or not to cause the reading device to perform the power adjustment operation based on the specified article identification information.
  7. 　前記電力調整動作は、前記管理装置から指定された指定送信電力を基準として、前記読取装置から送信する電波の送信電力を調整する動作であり、
    　前記管理装置は、前記電力調整動作を前記読取装置に実行させる場合、前記特定された物品識別情報に基づいて決定した前記指定送信電力を示す情報を前記読取装置に送信する、請求項６に記載の物品管理システム。     The power adjustment operation is an operation of adjusting the transmission power of the radio wave transmitted from the reading device with reference to the designated transmission power designated by the management device.
    The sixth aspect of the present invention, wherein the management device transmits information indicating the designated transmission power determined based on the specified article identification information to the reading device when the reading device is to perform the power adjustment operation. Goods management system.
  8. 　前記１つ又は複数の対象物品のそれぞれは、無線送信機を有する器具に掛けられる又は保持されており、
    　前記読取装置は、前記器具の移動が検知されたことに基づく通知信号を前記無線送信機から受信し、前記通知信号の受信に応じて前記読取動作を実行する、請求項１乃至７のいずれか１項に記載の物品管理システム。     Each of the one or more subject articles is hung or held on an instrument with a radio transmitter.
    One of claims 1 to 7, wherein the reading device receives a notification signal based on the detection of movement of the device from the wireless transmitter, and executes the reading operation in response to the reception of the notification signal. The article management system according to item 1.
  9. 　無線タグを用いて物品を管理するための物品管理システムで用いる読取装置であって、
    　１つ又は複数の対象物品のそれぞれに付された対象無線タグから無線通信により物品識別情報を読取る読取動作を実行するタグリーダと、
    　前記１つ又は複数の対象物品を挟んで前記読取装置と反対側に設置された参照無線タグから受信する電波に基づいて、前記タグリーダから送信する電波の送信電力を調整する電力調整動作を実行するコントローラと、を備える、読取装置。     A reading device used in an article management system for managing articles using wireless tags.
    A tag reader that performs a reading operation to read article identification information by wireless communication from a target wireless tag attached to each of one or a plurality of target articles, and a tag reader.
    A power adjustment operation for adjusting the transmission power of the radio wave transmitted from the tag reader is executed based on the radio wave received from the reference radio tag installed on the opposite side of the reading device across the one or a plurality of target articles. A reader, including a controller.
  10. 　１つ又は複数の対象物品のそれぞれに付された対象無線タグから無線通信により物品識別情報を読取る読取動作を実行する読取装置と別体又は一体に構成された管理装置であって、
    　前記対象物品の数が減少又は増加したことに応じて、前記読取装置から送信する電波の送信電力を調整する電力調整動作を前記読取装置に実行させるコントローラを備える、管理装置。     A management device separately or integrally configured with a reading device that performs a reading operation for reading article identification information by wireless communication from a target wireless tag attached to each of one or a plurality of target articles.
    A management device comprising a controller for causing the reading device to perform a power adjustment operation for adjusting the transmission power of radio waves transmitted from the reading device in response to a decrease or increase in the number of the target articles.
PCT/JP2021/030645 2020-08-26 2021-08-20 Article management system, reading device, and management device WO2022045019A1 (en)

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2006048108A (en) * 2004-07-30 2006-02-16 Toshiba Tec Corp Wireless tag reader
JP2008165802A (en) * 2006-12-31 2008-07-17 At & T Corp Method and apparatus for monitoring radio frequency identification network
JP2015033033A (en) * 2013-08-05 2015-02-16 東芝テック株式会社 Radio tag communication device and radio tag communication program

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2006048108A (en) * 2004-07-30 2006-02-16 Toshiba Tec Corp Wireless tag reader
JP2008165802A (en) * 2006-12-31 2008-07-17 At & T Corp Method and apparatus for monitoring radio frequency identification network
JP2015033033A (en) * 2013-08-05 2015-02-16 東芝テック株式会社 Radio tag communication device and radio tag communication program

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