JP2004059320A - System for storing and controlling books and method of using the system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve reliability in detecting book information in a system for storing and controlling books using an RF-ID element and to improve the efficiency of the control. <P>SOLUTION: In the method of using a system for storing and controlling books including a reading device for reading information recorded on a semiconductor IC chip in a non-contact fashion by communicating with an RF-ID element including the semiconductor IC chip and an antenna and a processing device for performing a detection process of books based on a signal sent from the reading device, which RF-ID element is stuck on a book and has the book information recorded thereon, and which book is contained in a bookrack, and one or a plurality of block plates are provided and inserted between books to specify a range of books to be detected, and the reading device is inserted within the range of the books to be detected. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to lending management, collection management, and inventory of documents that are stored in a library or a library, or documents that are stored in a field other than these libraries or the like for rental or sale purposes. The present invention relates to a storage management system for documents used for performing storage management such as management and searching for those documents, and a method of using the system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in order to manage collections and materials in a library or a library, an index collection, a catalog card, a rental ledger, and the like for the purpose of researching and searching for documents have been used. Even now, many schools continue to use the conventional loan management method.
In order to streamline document management, many libraries have introduced barcode (optical code reading) and OCR (optical character recognition) document storage management systems. According to this system, large labor savings and reliability can be achieved, but the documents must be read one by one with a scanner, and the information of multiple documents cannot be read at once, which is troublesome. Take it. At the time of reading, it is necessary to correctly trace the bar code with the scanner, otherwise there is a problem that a reading error occurs. In the case of OCR, there is also a problem that reading takes time.
[0003]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and to further streamline the management of documents in recent years, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, an RF-ID element T in which book information is recorded and registered in a document B is used. The information such as the registration number recorded on the semiconductor IC chip of the RF-ID element T is read by the RF-ID reader (portable scanner) 1 attached thereto.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
When actually using the conventional system / method, it often happens that information of some RF-ID elements T cannot be read. For example, the information of the RF-ID element T of the document B which is at the left end in FIG. 13 and is in contact with the side plate of the bookcase BS may not be read. When the built-in antenna of the portable scanner 1 and the antenna of the RF-ID element are electromagnetically coupled to each other, power is supplied to the RF-ID element and communication is performed. This is because electromagnetic coupling may not be satisfactorily performed depending on the state (for example, a state in which the shelf is in contact with the side plate of the bookcase BS that is a metal plate).
[0005]
If any one of the plurality of documents B cannot read the information, it must be manually confirmed which document information could not be read, which is a great deal of trouble. In this case, there is no point in introducing an RF-ID element to streamline management.
[0006]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and improves the reliability of book information detection in a book storage management system using an RF-ID element, thereby improving the efficiency of book management. An object of the present invention is to provide a storage management system and a method of using the same.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A document storage management system according to the present invention includes a reading device that communicates with an RF-ID element including a semiconductor IC chip and an antenna to read information recorded on the semiconductor IC chip in a non-contact manner. A processing device that performs detection processing of the document based on the signal, and a shielding plate inserted between the documents to divide the range of the document stored on the shelf to be detected,
The RF-ID element is attached to the book and information of the attached book is recorded,
The reading device is inserted within the range of the document divided by the shielding plate, reads information recorded by communicating with the RF-ID element attached to the document in the division, Information is sent to the processing device.
[0008]
Preferably, the shielding plate is formed by laminating a first metal plate and a second plate of at least one of ferrite, an amorphous material, and plastic, and the first plate is formed of the document. The size of the second plate is equal to or larger than the size of the antenna portion of the RF-ID element.
[0009]
Preferably, the shielding plate is formed by laminating a first plate having magnetism and a second plate of the electromagnetic wave absorber, and the first plate is equal to or larger than the size of the document. And the size of the second plate is equal to or larger than the size of the antenna section of the RF-ID element.
[0010]
Preferably, the shielding plate is formed by attaching a second plate of an electromagnetic wave absorber to both surfaces of a conductive first plate, and the first plate is equal to or larger than the size of the document. The size of the second plate is larger than or equal to the size of the antenna portion of the RF-ID element.
[0011]
Preferably, the shielding plate is formed by attaching a second plate of an electromagnetic wave absorber to one surface of a conductive first plate, and the first plate is equal to or larger than the size of the document. The size of the second plate is larger than or equal to the size of the antenna portion of the RF-ID element.
[0012]
Preferably, the reading device includes a first antenna and a second antenna for communicating with the RF-ID element, a transmitting and receiving unit that reads information recorded on the RF-ID element, An antenna switching unit that connects at least one of the antenna or the second antenna to the transmission / reception unit,
At least a part of the reading device is configured to be insertable between documents to be detected, and the first antenna is provided at a distal end portion of the reading device inserted between the documents, The second antenna is provided on or around the main body of the reading device other than the tip.
[0013]
Preferably, the reading device further includes a display unit that displays auxiliary information for a book collection check operation such as a communication state or the number of books to be read.
[0014]
A method for using a document storage management system according to the present invention includes: a reading device that communicates with an RF-ID element including a semiconductor IC chip and an antenna to read information recorded on the semiconductor IC chip in a non-contact manner; A processing device that performs a document detection process based on a signal from the device, wherein the RF-ID element is attached to the document and information of the attached book is recorded, and the document is stored on a shelf. How to use the document storage management system,
When detecting a document stored in the shelf of the shelf, inserting one or more shielding plates between the documents to divide the range of the document to be detected,
Inserting the reader within the range of the document to be detected, and reading information recorded by communicating with the RF-ID element attached to the document by the reader,
Sending the signal of the reading device to the processing device.
[0015]
Preferably, when the shielding plate is formed by bonding a first plate of a metal plate and a second plate of at least one of ferrite, an amorphous material, and plastic, the second plate is Insert it toward the document to be detected.
[0016]
Preferably, the shielding plate is inserted between the side plate of the bookshelf and the document, and the reader is inserted on the opposite side of the bookshelf from the side plate.
[0017]
Preferably, a plurality of the shield plates are prepared, the shield plates are inserted at both ends of a range of the document to be detected, and the reader is inserted between the documents sandwiched by the shield plates.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
First Embodiment of the Invention
A method / apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a method for using the document storage management system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. This method is characterized in that a shielding plate S is prepared (S11), and the reading range is limited by the shielding plate S (S12). When reading the information of the book B at the end of one step, the shielding plate S is desirably inserted between the side plate of the bookshelf and the book B (see FIG. 5B). The procedure of FIG. 1 will be described later in detail.
[0019]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of a document storage management system. In the following description, the management of books in a library (or library) will be described as an example.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 2, the document storage management system includes an RF-ID reader (portable scanner) 1 for reading information from an RF-ID element (tag) T (see FIG. 12) attached to a book B. A book detection processing unit (notebook personal computer) 2 that receives a signal from the portable scanner 1 to perform a book detection process, and a collection management system server 3 for managing the entire collection.
[0021]
The portable scanner 1 includes a transmitting / receiving unit 12 for reading information recorded on a semiconductor IC chip (not shown) built in the RF-ID element T, and an antenna 11 for communicating with the RF-ID element T. In addition, a display unit 13 for displaying a communication state with the RF-ID element T is provided. The antenna 11 is formed by, for example, a winding coil. In order to reduce the weight and simplify the antenna, the antenna 11 may be formed in a printed coil shape by metal printing. By printing the antenna on the film itself, it can be processed to be thinner than the printed circuit board. The housing portion of the antenna 11 is made of a material that does not affect the passage of the induced magnetic field, such as a resin. The transmission / reception unit 12 operates so as to control the antenna 11 and sequentially scan one shelf of the shelf BS to search for a target RF-ID element T. The display unit 13 is turned on when communicating with the RF-ID element T, for example.
[0022]
As a non-contact information transmission method between the RF-ID element T and the portable scanner 1, there are an induction magnetic field coupling method and a coupling method using radio waves such as microwaves, and the former is used in the embodiment of the present invention.
[0023]
When the portable scanner is inserted between the books B and becomes able to communicate with the RF-ID element T attached to the book B, the transmitting / receiving unit 12 communicates with the RF-ID element T and transmits the obtained information to the notebook computer 2. Send to During the communication state, the display unit 13 blinks. The reading range of the portable scanner 1 is not so large (about several tens of cm), and the portable scanner 1 can communicate with the RF-ID element T of the book B in the stage where the portable scanner 1 is inserted, but can communicate with the RF-ID element T in the other stage. Can not. Further, it cannot communicate with the RF-ID element T outside the shielding plate S described later. Therefore, the portable scanner 1 obtains information on a part of the books B separated by the shielding plate S among the books on one stage of the bookshelf. Due to such properties of the portable scanner 1, it is easy to manage the collection of books on each stage of the bookshelf (for example, listing the books placed on each stage, determining whether the books are placed at the correct position, etc.). be able to.
[0024]
The book detection processing unit (notebook computer) 2 receives a signal from the portable scanner 1, displays and stores the information of the detected book, and sends the detection result to the server 3. The book information is, for example, book information such as book name, author name, publisher name, ISBN code and classification number which is a management code in a library, shelf information of bookshelves, keywords of books, and the like.
[0025]
The book detection processing unit 2 is connected to a server computer 3 of the collection management system via a LAN control device. The LAN can be a wired system or a wireless system. The server 3 performs inspection, search, lending processing, and the like of the documents.
[0026]
In this system, an RF-ID element, which is a non-contact transmission mechanism composed of an IC chip and an antenna, is attached to the back of the cover of a document, thereby streamlining search and inspection of stored documents. The non-contact transmission mechanism uses an antenna connected to the semiconductor IC chip as a transmission element to absorb electromagnetic energy radiated from the RF-ID reader into the air and to perform non-contact power reception and signal transmission and reception. By doing so, the location of the document can be reliably detected in a short time.
[0027]
The RF-ID element is attached to the back of the book when purchasing the book (see FIG. 12). At this time, no data exists in the memory area built in the RF-ID element for recording the document data, and the document is in a blank state.
[0028]
Registration of a new document is performed, for example, as follows. The document registration program is started from the operation input unit of the terminal of the server 3 to input a document name, an author name, a publisher name, an ISBN code, a barcode, an issuance date, a registration date, etc. The user inputs a classification number, which is a management code, and additionally registers a new document in a document database (not shown). Then, the classification code unique to the document is recorded in the memory of the RF-ID element T by an RF-ID reading / writing device (not shown).
[0029]
A part of the classification code of the book B (for example, a code corresponding to a dictionary, indicating a specific technical field such as mechanical engineering or electrical engineering, etc.) is associated with the shelf code, and the registered book is processed. B is stored in the corresponding bookshelf BS. The bookshelf BS has a normal rack structure.
[0030]
FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of the portable scanner 1. Reference numeral 1a denotes a main body of the scanner 1, which is operated by holding this portion by hand. A transmitting / receiving unit 12 is housed in the main body 1a, and a display unit 13 is provided in an easily visible portion in the foreground. 1b is the tip of the scanner 1, in which the antenna 11 is housed. The tip portion 1b is made of resin and is thin, and can be easily inserted between the books B (see FIG. 12).
[0031]
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the shielding plate S according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 1A is a perspective view, and FIGS. 1B and 1C are front views. The shielding plate S can be used upside down, and its front view can be any of (b) and (c). The shielding plate S includes a first plate S1 that is a metal plate, and a second plate S2 that is attached to the first plate S1 and is at least one of ferrite, an amorphous material, and plastic. The first plate S1 is equal to or slightly larger than the size of the book B. In order to insert and remove the shielding plate S between the books B, it is preferable that the size is slightly larger like the latter. The second plate S2 is preferably large enough to reliably cover the RF-ID element T attached to the book B. However, the sizes of the first plate S1 and the second plate S2 may be the same. The first plate S1 is for preventing the coupling of the magnetic field between the antenna 11 and the RF-ID element T so that the RF-ID element T farther than the shielding plate S is not detected, and the second plate S2 is The RF-ID element T of the book B, which is in contact with the shielding plate S, is separated from the first plate S1 to ensure the coupling of the magnetic field between the antenna 11 and the RF-ID element T. Assuming that there is no second plate S2, the RF-ID element T comes into contact with the first plate S1 which is a metal plate. In this case, the coupling of the magnetic field between the antenna 11 and the RF-ID element T is hindered by the influence of the metal plate, and the reading thereof is hindered.
[0032]
The shielding plate S (particularly, the first plate S1) narrows the reading range by shielding the electromagnetic waves of the non-contact IC chip (RF-ID). As a material for shielding electromagnetic waves, there is a metal plate such as iron / aluminum. Further, when a material having a high magnetic permeability (a material having a function of shielding electromagnetic waves such as iron) is close to the shielding plate S (particularly, the second plate S2), a sufficient magnetic flux cannot be formed on the non-contact IC chip. This is to prevent the chip from becoming unable to respond. This phenomenon also occurs in a non-contact IC chip of a book in contact with a shelf end (side plate) of a metal book rack. In order to avoid this, a space is required between the metal plate and the non-contact IC chip for maintaining a sufficient magnetic flux. By using a specific material for the required space, the space can be reduced. Preferably, the second plate S2 is directed toward the document (portable scanner 1) to be detected. If the opposite is true, the electromagnetic wave is shielded by the first plate S1, so that reading of the RF-ID element becomes difficult.
[0033]
The following materials were evaluated as the materials of the second plate S2.
(1) Air
(2) Styrol
(3) Ferrite (magnetization / demagnetization)
(4) Amorphous
It was confirmed that the required space was reduced in (3) and (4) compared to (1) and (2). In any case, the distance between the metal surface and the non-contact IC chip needs to be 3.5 mm or more. By choosing the right material, this distance could be reduced. The thickness of 0.5 mm was evaluated by adjusting the magnetic powder composition and the filling amount of the electron-adsorbing rubber sheet as a ferrite component. In the ferrite, the magnetic flux is concentrated on the end face, but no difference is observed between the center and the end face of the ferrite. On the other hand, when the ferrite is smaller than the antenna of the non-contact IC chip, the gap must be widened. The specific material needs to be attached in a size enough to cover the antenna surface of the non-contact IC chip. Regarding ferrite, even when magnetized (rubber magnet mat), the magnetic flux of the ordinary magnet does not hinder electromagnetic waves.
[0034]
As a material of the shielding plate S, an electromagnetic wave absorbing sheet for reflecting and absorbing electromagnetic waves can be used. This material is used, for example, to suppress unnecessary reflection in an automatic toll payment system for toll roads, and does not transmit and absorb electromagnetic waves but absorbs the reflection efficiently. FIG. 4D shows an example of the shielding plate S using this.
[0035]
In FIG. 4D, S3 is a magnet (rubber), S4 is an electromagnetic wave absorbing sheet, and S5 is a color film. The magnet S3 is for attracting the shielding plate S to a side plate of a bookcase or a book end. The electromagnetic wave absorbing sheet S4 has a thickness of about 0.3 mm and absorbs electromagnetic wave reflection. The color film S5 is for improving the appearance of the shielding plate S. According to the shielding plate S of FIG. 4D, unnecessary reflection of the electromagnetic wave can be suppressed, so that the scanner can correctly read the RF-ID element. Since the electromagnetic wave absorbing sheet S4 does not transmit and absorb the shielding plate S in FIG. 4D, there is a problem that the scanner also reads the RF-ID element on the other side of the electromagnetic wave absorbing sheet S4. The shielding plate S is used in a state in which it is attracted to the side plate and book end of the bookcase by the magnet S3, and the iron side plate and book end transmit and absorb electromagnetic waves, so that no problem occurs.
[0036]
In order to use it with the shielding plate S inserted between books, the shielding plate S may have a laminated structure as shown in FIG. S7 is a resin substrate (such as a glass epoxy substrate), and S6 is a conductive paint applied to the surface thereof. The shielding plate S in FIG. 4E has S6 and S7 sandwiched between electromagnetic wave absorbing sheets S4. S6 and S7 perform the same function as the first plate S1. The reason why the conductive paint S6 is applied to the substrate S7 is mainly to reduce the weight (the electromagnetic wave absorbing sheet is preferably heavier than the above-mentioned material, and thus is preferably used). S6 and S7 may be metal plates. The electromagnetic wave absorbing sheet S4 may be provided only on one of the surfaces S6 and S7.
[0037]
Next, a method for using the document storage management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0038]
First, the number of books in the range (one stage of the bookshelf) in which collection inspection (inventory) is performed as a preparation is counted. If the actual number of books matches the number displayed on the notebook computer 2, it can be determined that the detection process has been performed correctly.
[0039]
S1: Prepare the shielding plate shown in FIG.
When limiting the reading range of the book B, two shielding plates S are prepared as shown in FIG. When the shielding plate S is used to correctly read the information of the book B in contact with the side surface of the metal shelf BS, one shielding plate S is sufficient as shown in FIG.
[0040]
S2: In order to limit the reading range, a plurality of books on a bookshelf are sandwiched between two shielding plates S as shown in FIG.
When the metal plate is closely attached to the antenna surface of the non-contact IC, the non-contact IC cannot respond due to the magnetic permeability of the metal plate. A similar phenomenon can be seen when a metal is close to the back surface of a resin shielding plate. By using the shielding plate S that has been subjected to the processing of shielding (or reflecting) the specific electromagnetic wave, it is possible to collect only the data of the book B to be read sandwiched between the two shielding plates S.
[0041]
When a shielding plate is used to correctly read the information of the book B in contact with the side surface of the metal bookshelf BS, the shielding plate S is placed between the bookshelf BS and the book B as shown in FIG. insert.
[0042]
S3: The portable scanner 1 is inserted into an arbitrary position of the book B between the shielding plates S as shown in FIG. Alternatively, it is placed at the end of the book B as shown in FIG.
[0043]
S4: The scanner communicates with the tag (RF-ID element) (read the tag).
In the case of FIG. 5A, the scanner 1 communicates with the RF-ID elements of the book B in a range separated by the two shield plates, and in the case of FIG. Communication with the RF-ID element of the book b.
[0044]
S5: Output a read signal to the notebook computer 2.
[0045]
S6: The notebook computer 2 performs a book detection process.
The notebook personal computer 2 detects and detects, for example, document information such as a document name, an author name, a publisher name, an ISBN code and a classification number which is a management code in a library, shelf information on bookshelves, keywords of documents, and the like. The information is displayed and sent to the server 3.
[0046]
According to the method / apparatus of the embodiment of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.
・ It is possible to check the presence or absence of a collection of books for each small unit volume using a dedicated shielding plate.
-By reducing the processing range, the operation of the non-contact IC can be easily checked, and the damaged non-contact IC can be easily specified.
-By attaching a specific material to the front and back of the shield, information can be collected without having to put in and out the tightly packed books. When trying to read information of a book by limiting a specific range without using a shielding plate, the book in that range had to be pulled out to the front (by pulling out the book, the position of the RF-ID element was shifted, When the scanner is inserted into the pulled-out book, even if the antenna is coupled to the RF-ID element at the near position, it prevents the RF-ID element at the deep position from being coupled to the scanner antenna).
-In many cases, metal bookshelves are used for closed bookshelves. In this case as well, by inserting a shield plate as shown in Fig. 5 (b), information on non-contact IC chips can be collected without sacrificing shelf width. it can. Note that a material having the same material as that of the second plate S2 of the shielding plate S may be attached to the shelf end.
-If a magnet mat is used as the second plate S2, the processing is easy, and even if the height of the shelf is changed, it can be easily replaced.
When the information read in a specific range is different from the number of books previously checked, the book in which the information of the non-contact IC chip cannot be read can be specified by narrowing the read range.
[0047]
Embodiment 2 of the invention
In the first embodiment of the present invention, the use of the shielding plate S improves the reliability of book information detection in a book storage management system using an RF-ID element, thereby increasing the management efficiency. By providing a plurality of antennas in the portable scanner 1 together with or instead of the shielding plate S, it is possible to improve the reliability of book information detection in a document storage management system using an RF-ID element and to improve the management efficiency. Can be. Hereinafter, this method will be described.
[0048]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a document storage management system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the figure, the same reference numerals are given to the same or equivalent elements as in FIG. In the system shown in FIG. 6, the portable scanner 1 includes a plurality of antennas 11a and 11b (in FIG. 6, the number is not limited to two, but may be three, four,...) And an antenna switching unit. 14. The antenna switching unit 14 connects one of the antennas 11a and 11b to the transmission / reception unit 12. The operation of the transmission / reception unit 12 and thereafter is the same as in the first embodiment of the invention.
[0049]
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portable scanner 1 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The portable scanner 1 includes an antenna 11a at a tip 1b and an antenna 11b at a main body 1a. When the distal end 1b of the portable scanner 1 is inserted between the documents B, the antenna 11a communicates with the RF-ID element during the document B, and the antenna 11b communicates with the RF-ID element outside thereof. Do. In the inserted state, the antenna 11a can communicate with a nearby RF-ID element, but rarely cannot communicate with a relatively distant (eg, near the shielding plate S) RF-ID element. In such a case, the information can be acquired by communicating with the relatively distant RF-ID element by the antenna 11b located outside the document B.
[0050]
In the case of one antenna, that is, the reason why some RF-ID elements cannot be read with only the antenna 11a is as follows.
The characteristics of a tag attached to a book depend on the permittivity / permeability that varies from book to book. Since the response characteristics are different as described above, there are combinations in which reading is improved when the antenna of the scanner and the antenna of the RF-ID element are close to each other, and combinations in which the separation is better when the antenna is separated. With the antenna 11a alone, reading of some RF-ID elements is good, but reading of other RF-ID elements is bad. Such a situation can be solved by using a plurality of antennas. All RF-ID elements can be read by any antenna.
Reading is automatically performed only by bringing the antenna close to the RF-ID element. Reading is not only performed when the antenna is inserted between documents B. That is, reading is performed in both the (1) insertion preparation stage (including the stage of adjusting the orientation of the scanner and the stage during insertion) and (2) the inserted stage of the portable scanner 1. Thus, when reading is performed in two stages, it is considered that the RF-ID of all documents can be read. However, for some workers, the step (1) is extremely short because the scanner 1 is inserted quickly, so that the RF-ID cannot be read at this step. On the other hand, in the stage (2), some RF-IDs may not be read due to the positional relationship with the antenna. Therefore, it seems that some RF-IDs cannot be read.
[0051]
To avoid the above, it is conceivable to hold the scanner for a while when the orientation of the scanner is adjusted, or to strictly determine the work procedure so that the scanner can be inserted slowly. It is not preferable because it imposes a burden. Therefore, in the second embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the normal antenna 11a (for (2)), the antenna 11b for (1) is provided, and these problems are solved by appropriately switching these.
[0052]
Next, the antenna switching operation will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG.
As shown in the timing chart at the top, when reading the RF-ID element with the portable scanner 1, first, the tip 1b of the scanner is aligned with the direction of the document B to prepare for insertion of the scanner. Then, the leading end 1b is inserted between the documents B so that the entire leading end 1b enters between the documents B. In this state, the apparatus is left for a while to read the RF-ID element. When the reading is completed, or after an appropriate time has elapsed, the tip 1b is pulled out.
[0053]
The switching of the antenna is desirably performed in accordance with the operation of the above-described scanner. Hereinafter, a specific switching operation will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0054]
FIG. 8A is a timing chart in the case where the antennas 11a and 11b are alternately selected at regular intervals regardless of the state of the scanner 1. In this case, it is desirable that both the antennas 11a and 11b be selected from the time the scanner is inserted until the scanner is removed (t3 in FIG. 8). For example, if the time during which the scanner is inserted is determined to be, for example, a minimum of 5 seconds, or if the average insertion time is 5 seconds (an example), the antenna switching interval is 2.5 seconds or less (period). 5 seconds or less). The duty ratio is not limited to 50%. The selection time of the auxiliary antenna 11b may be shortened.
[0055]
FIG. 8B is a timing chart when the antenna is switched based on whether or not the tip 1b of the scanner 1 is inserted into the document B. In order to determine whether or not the tip 1b is inserted, it is conceivable to provide a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, or the like on the tip 1b. Alternatively, a switch for notifying the completion of the insertion of the distal end portion 1b may be provided, and the operator may press the switch. One of the antennas 11a and 11b is selected from the start of the insertion of the scanner to the completion of the insertion of the scanner (t2 in FIG. 8). During a period from insertion of the scanner to removal of the scanner (t3 in FIG. 8), the antenna 11a is selected first, and then the antenna 11b is selected. This switching timing is determined, for example, starting from the completion of insertion of the scanner.
[0056]
FIG. 8C shows a case where the antenna is switched by the antenna switching signal. Usually, the antenna 11a is used, but when receiving the antenna switching signal, the antenna 11b is selected. For example, the following can be considered as the antenna switching signal.
[0057]
(1) An antenna changeover switch operated by an operator is provided on the main body 1b of the scanner 1 and received therefrom. After the switch is pressed, the antenna 11b is selected for a certain period. The operator may press the antenna switch when reading is unsuccessful (it is possible to roughly determine whether or not the detection operation is successful by looking at the screen of the book detection processing unit 2).
[0058]
(2) When the scanner cannot read the RF-IDs of all the documents B, an antenna switching signal is output. When not all the documents B can be read, for example, when communication is performed but there are many errors (this can be determined by the transmission / reception unit 12 or the book detection processing unit 2), the reading operation for a certain period of time is read. When the number of the counted documents B is smaller than the number of the previously counted documents B within the reading range (the book detection processing unit 2 can automatically determine if the number of the counted documents B is input by the operator). Yes), and so on.
[0059]
(3) The reception levels of the antennas 11a and 11b are compared. If the reception level of the antenna 11b is higher, an antenna switching signal is output.
[0060]
According to the second embodiment of the present invention, reading characteristics can be improved by combining a plurality of antennas into a portable scanner. By storing a plurality of antennas in the same housing, the same effect as that obtained by scanning at a plurality of positions at a fixed position is realized without repeating a plurality of scans.
[0061]
The radiation patterns of the antennas 11a and 11b may be the same or different. For example, the directivity of the antenna 11b may be directed toward the shielding plate S. By mounting a plurality of antennas having different characteristics on the portable scanner, the characteristics of the non-contact IC tag having different reading characteristics due to the difference in the attached medium are read by switching the plurality of antennas and scanning. Thereby, the reading characteristics can be improved.
[0062]
Embodiment 3 of the Invention
The second antenna 11b may be provided not on the main body 1a of the portable scanner 1 but on a separately provided auxiliary antenna mounting portion 1c. FIG. 9 shows this example. In FIG. 9, the auxiliary antenna mounting portion 1c is mounted on the right side (or left side) of the main body 1a substantially orthogonally (or obliquely) to the tip 1b.
[0063]
The auxiliary antenna mounting portion 1c may be provided on the back (front) or above and below the main body 1a, or may be provided on the main body 1a orthogonally (or obliquely).
[0064]
Embodiment 4 of the Invention
A display device 15 for judging the necessity of antenna switching or re-reading is provided on the main body as shown in FIG. 10, an antenna switching or re-reading instruction is displayed as shown in FIG. May be provided in the main body. The display device 15 and the LCD display device 16 may be provided in a scanner having a plurality of antennas shown in FIGS.
[0065]
When the scanner cannot read the RF-IDs of all the documents B, the display unit 15 is turned on or the LCD display device 16 indicates the fact. In more detail, information such as communication, but with many errors, reading operation for a certain period of time, but the number of read documents B is less than the number of book documents B counted in advance within the reading range, and further reading The information of the book that has been provided may be displayed.
[0066]
When two antennas are provided, the reception levels of the antennas 11a and 11b are compared. When the reception level of the antenna 11a is high (normal state), the display device 15 is turned off, and is displayed when the reception level of the antenna 11b is higher. The device 15 may be turned on. Alternatively, the reception level of the antenna 11a or 11b may be simply displayed.
[0067]
With reference to the display on the display device 15 or the LCD display device 16, the operator can select an appropriate antenna or change the position and orientation of the scanner to perform the reading process again. When reading is not successful, the operator can switch the antenna by pressing an antenna switch (not shown).
[0068]
Further, the LCD display device 16 may display an instruction such as "Please switch the antenna", "Change the position of the portable scanner, or change the left / right or up / down direction".
[0069]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims, which are also included in the scope of the present invention. Needless to say,
[0070]
Further, in this specification, means does not necessarily mean physical means, but also includes a case where the function of each means is realized by software. Further, the function of one unit may be realized by two or more physical units, or the function of two or more units may be realized by one physical unit.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram (flowchart) of a method of using a document storage management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a document storage management system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention and an explanatory diagram of a method of using a shielding plate.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portable scanner of the document storage management system.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view and a front view of the shielding plate according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a document storage management system and a method of using a shielding plate according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a document storage management system and a portable scanner according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portable scanner according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram (timing chart) of an antenna switching method according to the second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portable scanner according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portable scanner according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another portable scanner according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory view (perspective view) of a method of using a conventional document storage management system (particularly a portable scanner).
FIG. 13 is an explanatory view (front view) of a method of using a conventional document storage management system (particularly a portable scanner).
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Portable scanner
1a Scanner body
1b Scanner tip
1c Auxiliary antenna mounting part
2 Book detection processing unit (notebook computer)
3 Collection management system server
11 Antenna
11a First antenna
11b Second antenna
12 transmitting / receiving unit
13 Display
14 Antenna switching unit
15 Display
16 LCD display device
B Documents
S Shield plate
S1 First board
S2 Second plate

Claims (11)

A reading device that communicates with an RF-ID element including a semiconductor IC chip and an antenna to read information recorded on the semiconductor IC chip in a non-contact manner, and a processing device that performs document detection processing based on a signal from the reading device And a shielding plate inserted between the documents to divide the range of the documents stored on the bookshelf to be detected,
The RF-ID element is attached to the book and information of the attached book is recorded,
The reading device is inserted within the range of the document divided by the shielding plate, reads information recorded by communicating with the RF-ID element attached to the document in the division, A storage management system for documents, wherein information is sent to the processing device. The shielding plate is formed by bonding a first metal plate and a second plate of at least one of ferrite, amorphous material, and plastic, and the first plate has a size equal to the size of the document. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the size of the second plate is equal to or larger than the size of the antenna unit of the RF-ID element. 3. The shielding plate is formed by laminating a first plate having magnetism and a second plate of the electromagnetic wave absorber, and the first plate is equal to or larger than the size of the document, 2. The document storage management system according to claim 1, wherein the size of the second plate is equal to or larger than the size of the antenna unit of the RF-ID element. The shielding plate is formed by attaching a second plate of an electromagnetic wave absorber to both surfaces of a conductive first plate, and the first plate is equal to or larger than the size of the document, 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the size of the second plate is equal to or larger than the size of the antenna of the RF-ID element. The shielding plate is formed by bonding a second plate of an electromagnetic wave absorber to one surface of a conductive first plate, and the first plate is equal to or larger than the size of the document, 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the size of the second plate is equal to or larger than the size of the antenna of the RF-ID element. The reading device, a first antenna and a second antenna for communicating with the RF-ID element, a transmitting and receiving unit that reads information recorded on the RF-ID element, the first antenna or An antenna switching unit that connects at least one of the second antennas to the transmission / reception unit,
At least a part of the reading device is configured to be insertable between documents to be detected, and the first antenna is provided at a distal end portion of the reading device inserted between the documents, 2. The document storage management system according to claim 1, wherein the second antenna is provided at or around the main body of the reader other than the tip. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the reading device further includes a display unit that displays auxiliary information for checking a collection of books such as a communication state or the number of books to be read. A reading device that communicates with an RF-ID element including a semiconductor IC chip and an antenna to read information recorded on the semiconductor IC chip in a non-contact manner, and a processing device that performs document detection processing based on a signal from the reading device Wherein the RF-ID element is attached to the document and information of the attached book is recorded, and the document is a method of using a storage management system for the document stored on a shelf. ,
When detecting a document stored in the shelf of the shelf, inserting one or more shielding plates between the documents to divide the range of the document to be detected,
Inserting the reader within the range of the document to be detected, and reading information recorded by communicating with the RF-ID element attached to the document by the reader,
Sending a signal from the reading device to the processing device. In the case where the shielding plate is formed by bonding a first plate of a metal plate and a second plate of at least one of ferrite, an amorphous material, and plastic, the second plate is detected. 9. The method for using a document storage management system according to claim 8, wherein the document is inserted toward the side of the book to be processed. 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the shielding plate is inserted between the side plate of the bookshelf and the document, and the reader is inserted on the side opposite to the side plate of the bookshelf. . A plurality of the shield plates are prepared, the shield plates are inserted at both ends of the range of the document to be detected, and the reader is inserted between the documents sandwiched by the shield plates. A method of using the document storage management system according to claim 8.

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