JP2004102370A - Rfid tag, monitoring base station, tag management server, name server, article retrieving device and rfid tag monitoring system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an RFID (radio frequency identification) tag, a monitoring base station, a tag management server and an RFID tag monitoring system capable of recording an inherent ID and a private ID to an attached matter, and utilizing the individual use information while concealing the initial information. <P>SOLUTION: In this RFID tag, the monitoring base station, the tag management server and the RFID tag monitoring system, the RFID tag is attached to an article to communicate with the monitoring base station through a wireless part 12, the inherent initial information of the article is recorded in the unrewritable ROM 16, the individual use information eliminated or updated in accompany with the movement of the management of the article is recorded in a rewritable ROM 17, and the read-out of the initial information is stopped after the individual use information is recorded in a null of the rewritable ROM 17. The information of the RFID tag and the monitoring base station performing the communication are stored in the ID management database of the tag management server in a state of being related to each other. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an RFID (radio frequency identification) tag that can be used by masking initial information unique to an article with individual use information, a monitoring base station that monitors the RFID tag, and can read and rewrite ID information, and a RFID tag. The present invention relates to a tag management server that has an information database and performs ID management, a name server that enables access to information of an RFID tag by an article name, and an RFID tag monitoring system that can search and track an article including the tag server.
[0002]
[Prior art]
At present, most products are bar-coded and distributed on the market. The barcode is read by a barcode reader and is often used for merchandise management. For example, in a POS system adopted in a convenience store or the like, analysis of a sales trend from a read barcode is performed in real time and additional supply of a product based on the analysis is performed, thereby contributing to product management. However, the function of this barcode is limited. It cannot be used when reading is refused, such as when illegally taking out a product.
[0003]
Therefore, an inventory (inventory management) and lending management (circulation control) system using an RFID tag instead of a barcode has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). Library management systems are a prime example.
[0004]
The management system described in Patent Literature 1 uses an RFID tag attached to an article such as each book. Each tag has a unique identification or sequence number to identify the item. The inventory database keeps track of all of the tagged items and maintains rental status information for each item.
[0005]
The article is then checked out of the library by using the user self-checkout system. The checked-out article is returned to the library by being read into the book return box for reading the RFID tag and automatically checking in the article. The item data from the book return box is used to generate a reordering report for reordering items on the shelf.
[0006]
This management system is for preventing unauthorized removal from a closed small environment such as a library, and for managing inventory and lending. However, it did not manage goods at each stage of manufacturing, distribution and retailing in an open environment. There has been proposed a management method for managing the manufacture, distribution, and repair after purchase of such products (for example, see Patent Document 2).
[0007]
According to the management method described in Patent Literature 2, information is written into an IC chip of an RFID tag by a computer via an antenna coil. This tag is removably attached to the product. The information written on the IC chip is information unique to the product and information unique to the purchaser of this product. The product information and purchaser information written in the IC chip can be read from an external computer or a network. Further, additional information can be written to the IC chip from a computer or a network. By reading the information of the tag, the product can be properly repaired in addition to the production and distribution management.
[0008]
However, if an RFID tag is attached to a product instead of a barcode, the information unique to the product and the information unique to the purchaser of the product can be read and written from a computer or a network, and thus be illegal. There is a possibility that such unique information is read out and falsified. The information unique to the product is information such as a manufacturing process, a serial number, a manufacturing date, a manufacturing place, a sales place, and the like. The information unique to the purchaser is the purchase date, the name of the purchaser. , Telephone number, expiration date, etc., and also includes maintenance information (repair location, replacement parts, date of repair, etc.).
[0009]
In other words, in the transition from a mass consumption society to a recycling society, if information peculiar to products is read or rewritten illegally, copied products with the same serial number will be circulated, or false information will be found in the source or useful life. May cause a circulation of the recycle product with the written therein. In such a situation, a recycling system cannot be established. In a recycling society, it is necessary that information unique to a product from an RFID tag is not read or falsified by an unauthorized intruder.
[0010]
However, there is a possibility that the product will be transferred one after another, and due to maintenance and the like, the information unique to each purchaser must be made accessible to others to some extent. That is, it must be rewritable and rewritable at the same time as security protection, and if it has been tampered with, it must be able to detect it.
[0011]
As described above, the management method described in Patent Document 2 makes it possible to openly manage production, distribution, and repair after purchase using an RFID tag. Information) and individual use information (information unique to the buyer), how to manage it, and how to find it when tampered with unauthorized access, and individual use information There is no disclosure of a method for preventing the leakage of the data.
[0012]
Conventionally, a microcomputer for an IC card that prevents reading of a specific program from a mask ROM has been disclosed (for example, Patent Document 3). This microcomputer has a RAM, a mask ROM, an EEPROM, and a readout limiting circuit. This read restricting circuit prohibits the reading of the program in the specific area of the mask ROM, secures the confidentiality of the program configuration, and prevents the decoding of the data recorded in the mask ROM. The read restriction circuit includes a read restriction flag generation circuit for selectively setting execution of inhibition, a determination circuit for determining whether or not the program is stored in the EEPROM, a determination circuit for determining whether or not the instruction is a read instruction, and a determination circuit for determining whether or not the instruction is a read instruction. A determination circuit for determining whether or not the access is performed, and when all conditions are satisfied, a read restriction signal is output from the AND circuit.
[0013]
However, Patent Document 3 discloses a microcomputer that reads only data in a user-referenceable area of a mask ROM by a program stored in an EEPROM. It is divided into two types of information, the initial information and the individual use information as described above, and how these are recorded in rewritable and non-rewritable memories, masked with the initial information, and only the individual use information is read out to the outside. Not something like that.
[0014]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-511427 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-2002-37414
[Patent Document 3]
JP-A-7-78126
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, barcodes are currently widely used for product management. However, barcodes cannot be used when reading is impossible, such as when illegally taking out products. In addition, a conventional inventory and lending management system using an RFID tag prevents fraudulent removal in a limited space such as a library and performs inventory management and lending management. Further, the management method of manufacturing, distributing, and repairing after purchase using an RFID tag in an open environment is based on a method of identifying information unique to a product (initial information) and information unique to a purchaser (individual use information). It is unresolved how to manage the two types of information, how to find it when it has been tampered with by unauthorized access, and how to prevent leakage of individual use information.
[0015]
Further, a microcomputer for an IC card that prevents reading of a specific program from a mask ROM can read a program stored in an EEPROM only from a user-accessible area, so that absolutely confidential information and confidential information are kept for a certain period of time. It does not relate to how two types of information such as the information are recorded and which information is read out to the outside.
[0016]
It is expected that a transition to a recycling society will take place in the future. However, if information unique to products is read or rewritten incorrectly, copy products deceiving the unique information will be circulated, or false content will be written on RFID tags. Cause confusion. Moreover, products may be transferred one after another, and the information unique to each buyer must be opened up to some extent. At this time, it was a big issue how to store the information unique to the product and the information unique to the purchaser under the reading condition in the RFID tag.
[0017]
Accordingly, the present invention provides an RFID tag that can record initial information and individual use information on an adhered substance, is resistant to unauthorized access, can easily detect the information, and keeps the initial information secret and can use the individual use information. The purpose is to do.
[0018]
Another object of the present invention is to provide a monitoring base station that can read initial information and individual use information by communicating with an RFID tag, can rewrite the individual use information, and can confirm the location of the RFID tag. .
[0019]
It is another object of the present invention to provide a tag management server that stores initial information and individual use information of an RFID tag and can track movement of an article to which the RFID tag is attached.
[0020]
It is another object of the present invention to provide a name server that can manage an article using only the article name of the article to which the RFID tag is attached.
[0021]
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an article search device capable of searching and tracking even if an article to which an RFID tag is attached moves.
[0022]
It is another object of the present invention to provide an RFID tag monitoring system capable of searching and tracking even if an article to which the RFID tag is attached moves.
[0023]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problem, the RFID tag according to the present invention has a non-rewritable memory in which initial information unique to an adhered object is recorded, and an erasable data is erased in the rewritable memory along with transfer of the management of the adhered object. Alternatively, the individual use information to be updated is recorded, and after the individual use information is recorded in the null value of the rewritable memory, the reading of the initial information is stopped and the information unique to the adherend is concealed. I do.
[0024]
As a result, the initial information and the individual use information can be recorded on the adhered substance, and it can be easily detected by being resistant to unauthorized access. The initial information can be kept secret and the individual use information can be used.
[0025]
Further, the monitoring base station of the present invention includes a rewriting means for transmitting individual use information updated for rewriting the individual use information in the rewritable memory of the RFID tag, a tag management server for managing an ID management database via a network, and Communication management means for performing communication.
[0026]
Thereby, the initial information and the individual use information can be read out by communicating with the RFID tag, the individual use information can be rewritten, and the location of the RFID tag can be confirmed.
[0027]
The tag management server according to the present invention includes an ID management database that stores information relating to the adhered substance of the RFID tag and a monitoring base station that communicates with each other, based on a notification from the monitoring base station. I do.
[0028]
As a result, the initial information and the individual use information of the RFID tag are stored, and the article attached with the RFID tag can track the movement.
[0029]
Further, the name server of the present invention includes a name-information conversion table for associating the article name with the individual use information of the rewritable memory, and in response to an inquiry from the monitoring base station for individual use information corresponding to the article name, The individual use information is answered according to the name-information conversion table.
[0030]
Thereby, it is possible to manage the articles only by the article name of the article to which the RFID tag is attached.
[0031]
Then, the RFID tag monitoring system of the present invention transmits the individual use information of the RFID tag to the tag management server, checks the position of the article by the monitoring base station stored in the ID management database, and then checks the RFID by the monitoring base station. Communicate with the tag, and when the article is present in the zone of the monitoring base station, notify the adjacent monitoring base station to perform communication with the article and track the movement of the article. Features.
[0032]
Thereby, even if the article to which the RFID tag is attached moves, the article can be searched and tracked.
[0033]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
The invention described in claim 1 of the present invention is attached to the adhered object and communicates with the monitoring base station by the radio unit, and the rewritable memory records initial information unique to the adhered object, The rewritable memory is an RFID tag in which individual use information that is erased or updated in accordance with the transfer of the management of the adhered substance is recorded, and after the individual use information is recorded in the empty value of the rewritable memory. An RFID tag characterized in that reading of initial information is stopped and information peculiar to the adhered substance is kept secret, and is used for recording initial information in a non-rewritable memory and individual use information in a rewritable memory. Both the initial information and the individual use information can be used, but the recording of the individual use information is used as a trigger to mask the initial information, the security of the initial information is protected, and after the individual use information is recorded, Another use information solely can be used. Even if the individual use information has been tampered with by unauthorized access, it can be found out that the initial information is unchanged and that it is constantly monitored by the monitoring base station.
[0034]
In the invention described in claim 2 of the present invention, after confirming that the block area for recording the individual use information in the rewritable memory is null, the central control unit writes the individual use information in the block area, and 2. The RFID tag according to claim 1, wherein the information reading prohibition flag is turned on, and the initial information is masked by turning on the unique information reading prohibition flag triggered by recording of the individual use information; The security of the initial information is protected, and after the individual use information is recorded, the individual use information can be exclusively used.
[0035]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the central control unit turns off the initial information read prohibition flag by inputting an erasure ID equivalent to a null value. The initial information is unmasked by the erasing ID, and the initial information can be used.
[0036]
The invention described in claim 4 of the present invention is characterized in that the initial information includes a socially unique unique ID, and the individual use information includes a private ID individually assigned by a user. The RFID tag according to any one of Items 1 to 3, wherein initial information is specified by ID, and individual use information is also specified by ID, so management is extremely easy.
[0037]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wireless unit for communicating with an RFID tag, and rewriting means for transmitting individual use information for updating individual use information in a rewritable memory of the RFID tag. And a communication management means for communicating with a tag management server that manages an ID management database through a network. The monitoring base station reads out initial information and individual use information, It can be rewritten and the location of the RFID tag can be confirmed.
[0038]
The invention according to claim 6 of the present invention comprises a random number generator, wherein the random number generator generates a private ID as individual use information by an input from the rewriting means. It is a station and can easily generate a private ID as individual use information with a random number generator.
[0039]
The invention described in claim 7 of the present invention is characterized in that when attaching an RFID tag to an article, an initial information generating means for causing a random number generator to generate a unique ID as initial information is provided. And a unique ID as initial information can be easily generated by a random number generator.
[0040]
The invention according to claim 8 of the present invention comprises an erasing means for transmitting an erasing ID, and turns off an initial information reading prohibition flag of the RFID tag. The monitoring base station described above, after writing to the rewritable memory, the initial information cannot be read, but the mask for the initial information can be released by inputting the erasing ID.
[0041]
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, a notification for location confirmation is periodically sent to the RFID tags in the zone, and the monitoring base station and the competing base station list in the ID management database are updated. The monitoring base station according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein a monitoring base station capable of communicating with the RFID tag is periodically checked, and a monitoring base station can be selected from among the monitoring base stations. Monitoring can be performed reliably.
[0042]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication management unit for communicating with a network, and a monitoring base station that communicates with information relating to a substance attached to an RFID tag in response to a notification from the monitoring base station. A tag management server including an ID management database stored in association with the tag management server. By using the ID management database, articles can be managed collectively. Since the individual use information can be changed and stored one after another, leakage of the individual use information can be prevented.
[0043]
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the ID management database, at least initial information unique to the adhered object to which the RFID tag is attached and individual use information rewritten each time the management of the adhered object is transferred. 11. The tag management server according to claim 10, wherein a monitoring base station that communicates with the attached matter and a list of competing base stations that can communicate with the attached matter are stored in association with each other. Yes, since the initial information, individual usage information, monitoring base station, and competing base station list are stored in the ID management database, the initial information is masked and the monitoring base station where the article is located can be easily found.
[0044]
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the monitoring base station and the competing base station list in the ID management database are periodically updated based on the notification from the monitoring base station according to the ninth aspect. 12. The tag management server according to claim 10, wherein the monitoring base station and the competing base station list in the ID management database are updated periodically, so that the data in the ID management database and the location of the article can be prevented from being inconsistent. .
[0045]
In the invention according to claim 13 of the present invention, the user ID is stored in the ID management database, and the validity of the user is confirmed by the user authentication means. It is a tag management server, and when rewriting individual use information, can confirm that it is a legitimate user who has rewrite authority.
[0046]
The invention according to claim 14 of the present invention includes a communication management means for communicating with a network, and a name-information conversion table for associating an article name with individual use information of a rewritable memory, and This is a name server that responds to the individual use information inquiry corresponding to the article name by using the name-information conversion table, and a simpler RFID tag is attached to the complicated individual use information. The article can be managed only by the article name of the article.
[0047]
According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, an initial information satisfying a predetermined condition recorded on an RFID tag is input and transmitted to the tag management server according to any one of the tenth to thirteenth aspects, An article search device characterized by querying a user of an article to which an RFID tag is attached by inputting initial information that satisfies a manufacturing date for recall or the like. You can know the user.
[0048]
According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, an RFID tag according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, a monitoring base station according to the ninth aspect, a tag management server according to the twelfth aspect, and 15. The article search device according to item 15, wherein the individual use information of the RFID tag is input and transmitted to the tag management server, and the article is searched from the monitoring base station name stored in the ID management database. This is an RFID tag monitoring system. By inputting individual usage information, it is possible to know the monitoring base station where the article to which the RFID tag is attached is located based on the ID management database.
[0049]
According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an RFID tag according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, a monitoring base station according to the ninth aspect, a tag management server according to the twelfth aspect, and a tag management server. 15, the individual use information of the RFID tag is input and transmitted to the tag management server, and the position of the article is confirmed by the monitoring base station name stored in the ID management database of the tag management server. Then, the monitoring base station communicates with the RFID tag, and when the article is present in the zone of the monitoring base station, notifies the adjacent monitoring base station to perform communication with the article, and An RFID tag monitoring system characterized by tracking the movement of an article, comprising inputting individual usage information to know a monitoring base station where an article to which an RFID tag is attached is located, and transmitting the information to an adjacent monitoring base station. It is possible to track the movement of goods from notifying of to communicate with the article.
(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, the RFID tag monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of the RFID tag monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the RFID tag according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 3B is a configuration diagram of the monitoring base station, and FIG. 3B is an explanatory diagram of an input screen from the monitoring base station according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0050]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an RFID tag attached to an article A for wireless communication and also supplied with power via an antenna coil. _a , 2 _b , 2 _c , ..., 2 _n , 2 _{n + 1} Is a monitoring base station that wirelessly communicates with the RFID tag 1 in a communicable zone to read out the unique ID and private ID stored in the RFID tag 1 and rewrite the private ID. Reference numeral 3 denotes a monitoring base station 2 communicating with the RFID tag 1 _a , 2 _b , 2 _c , ..., 2 _n , 2 _{n + 1} Is a tag management server that notifies the user of the fact, and 4 is an ID management database provided in the tag management server 3. The initial information referred to in the present invention is the socially unique (worldwide) unique ID and its related information, and the individual use information of the present invention is the private ID and its related information. These will be described later.
[0051]
5 is a name server for notifying the private ID after notifying the article name of the article A, and 6 is a name server for notifying the private ID stored in the RFID tag 1 every time the private ID stored in the RFID tag 1 is changed. 9 is a name-ID conversion table for associating the private ID with the private ID. The private ID is deleted or updated every time the ownership of the article A is transferred and the management of the article A is transferred. Reference numeral 7 denotes an article search device for tracking the article A when the article A is taken out illegally, and reference numeral 8 denotes a network such as the Internet.
[0052]
Next, the configuration of the RFID tag 1 will be described. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 11 denotes an antenna for receiving a radio wave in a microwave band or the like, 12 denotes a radio unit for converting a received radio wave into an intermediate frequency and converting a signal of the transmitted intermediate frequency to a high frequency, and 13 denotes a signal from the received intermediate frequency. The demodulation circuit 14 is a modulation circuit that converts a signal to be transmitted to an intermediate frequency and outputs the signal to the radio unit 12.
[0053]
Reference numeral 15 denotes a power supply unit that charges a capacitor after rectifying an induced current induced in a coil of the antenna 11. This charged power supply becomes a drive power supply for the RFID tag 1. Reference numeral 16 denotes a non-rewritable ROM (non-rewritable memory of the present invention), and 17 denotes a rewritable ROM such as a flash memory (rewritable memory of the present invention). Can be rewritten in block units. Reference numeral 17a denotes a read management table for setting a read prohibition flag (initial information read prohibition flag of the present invention) indicating whether data can be read, 18 a RAM for volatilizing data, and 19 a central control unit, which is not rewritable. The basic control program stored in the type ROM 16 and the control program and data stored in the rewritable type ROM 17 are loaded into the RAM 18 serving as a work area, and function as function realizing means. Reference numeral 20 denotes an access management unit configured as a function realizing unit by the central control unit 19 by a control program for determining an accessible memory medium and performing memory management control.
[0054]
In the first embodiment, when the RFID tag 1 is attached to the article A, the unique ID and the related information related to the article A are written into the non-rewritable ROM 16 that can be written only once. The non-rewritable ROM 16 has a plurality of areas in units of 64 kbytes, and the unique ID is an ASCII code, and one character is one byte, so that a random number of up to about 60,000 digits can be given. The related information of the unique ID is, for example, the product number of the article A, product information, manufacturing date, and the like. Although the production number can be a unique ID, it is preferable to give another random number having a large number of digits in order to enhance confidentiality. Writing is performed by the monitoring base station 2 of the maker B (see FIG. 1) that manufactured the article A. _n Is entered from
[0055]
Similarly, the private ID can be given to the rewritable ROM 17 with a random number of up to about 60,000 digits. The related information of the private ID includes, for example, the purchase date of the article A, the purchaser's name, telephone number, warranty period, maintenance information (repair location, replacement part, repair date, etc.). When the number of digits of the private ID is large, it is preferable to store an article name for obtaining the private ID using the name server 5. For example, when the name of the article is notified to the name server 5, the name server 5 converts the name into a private ID using the name-ID conversion table 6, and notifies the user of this. With this private ID, the tag management server 3 can obtain information related to the private ID.
[0056]
By the way, the monitoring base station 2 _a , 2 _b , 2 _c ,..., The central control unit 19 records this in the non-rewritable ROM 16. Then, when a request for writing a private ID is made, the central control unit 19 confirms that the block area for recording the private ID in the rewritable ROM 17 is null by the access management means 20, and stores the private ID here. At the same time as writing, the initial information read prohibition flag in the read management table 17a is turned ON. Turning off the initial information read prohibition flag becomes impossible except by inputting a specific erasure ID equivalent to a null value.
[0057]
The ID for erasing is determined by an authorized person such as the owner of the article A by the monitoring base station 2. _a , 2 _b , 2 _c , ..., 2 _n , 2 _{n + 1} After performing user authentication using a user ID and password (hereinafter, referred to as a user ID including a password for the sake of explanation) or a card, the monitoring base station 2 _a , 2 _b , 2 _c , ..., 2 _n , 2 _{n + 1} Is transmitted to the RFID tag 1 only by pressing an erase button, which will be described later, which is installed in the RFID tag 1. Upon receiving this, the RFID tag 1 recognizes that the access management means 20 is the ID for erasure, turns off the initial information reading prohibition flag, and sets the erasure ID in the area of the rewritable ROM 17 where the private ID is recorded. Write the ID itself. This state is equivalent to the initial state after the recording of the unique ID, in which the unique ID can be read and provided for recycling or the like.
[0058]
The security of the private ID is protected by a user ID and a code having a digit number exceeding 10,000 digits. In some cases, the private ID is dynamically changed in the tag management server 3 or the name server 5, and It is preferable to update the private ID in the RFID tag 1 and the tag management server 3 one after another. At the same time, if the user ID and the article name of the article A are periodically changed, more reliable security protection can be achieved. In the present invention, since services such as maintenance cannot be received from outside unless the private ID is opened to some extent, security protection of such a form is considered first and security protection of the unique ID is considered first.
[0059]
As described above, on condition that the private ID is recorded, the read prohibition flag is turned ON, and if the private ID has been written at least once, the read prohibition flag is set if the normal erasing method or rewriting is performed. It cannot be turned off. Unless an authorized person presses the erase button on the side of the RFID tag 1 and inputs the erase ID, the unique ID cannot be read out, and the secret of the unique ID attached to the article A is securely protected. Also, various services can be provided for the goods A that are relocated from one place to another in a recycling society. Further, even if a theft or the like occurs, it can be immediately determined.
[0060]
Further, instead of the barcode currently being used, information on merchandise distribution management and sales status can be obtained in real time. In the case of barcodes, it was not possible to manage the distribution, use, and use after recycling during manufacture, distribution, and use of the user at once. It is possible to perform private management by itself and at the same time to manage until the article A is discarded by the unique ID.
[0061]
Then, the monitoring base station 2 _a , 2 _b , 2 _c , ..., 2 _n , 2 _{n + 1} Will be described. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 21 denotes a monitoring base station 2 _a , 2 _b , 2 _c , ..., 2 _n , 2 _{n + 1} An antenna for wireless communication with the RFID tag 22, a radio unit for converting a radio wave received from the RFID tag 1 into an intermediate frequency, and converting a signal of the transmitted intermediate frequency into a high frequency, a demodulation circuit 23 for extracting a signal from the received intermediate frequency, Reference numeral 24 denotes a modulation circuit that converts a signal to be transmitted into an intermediate frequency and outputs the signal to the wireless unit 22.
[0062]
Reference numeral 25 denotes a communication control unit that connects to the network 8 such as the Internet and controls communication up to the data link layer, 26 denotes a non-rewritable ROM, and 27 denotes a rewritable ROM. Reference numeral 28 denotes a RAM, and 29 denotes a central control unit which loads a basic control program stored in a non-rewritable ROM 26 and control programs and data stored in a rewritable ROM 27 into a RAM 28 serving as a work area. Function as a function realizing means. Reference numeral 30 denotes a random number generator which can give a private ID with a random number of up to about 60,000 digits.
[0063]
Reference numeral 31 denotes a communication management unit resident in the central control unit 29 and connected to the network 8 by a predetermined protocol such as TCP / IP and capable of communicating with the tag management server 3 having the ID management database 4; Is input to the central control unit 29, and 33 is a display means for operating the display. A private ID or an article name is input to the input screen displayed on the display using a keyboard or the like, and the input data is transmitted to the tag management server 3 directly or indirectly via the name server 5. In the case of the Internet, a private ID or an article name can be input to a web page of the tag management server 3 by a browser and transmitted to the tag management server 3.
[0064]
Reference numeral 34 denotes rewriting means for rewriting private ID when an input button (not shown) is pressed, and erasing means 35 for erasing private ID when a delete button (not shown) is pressed. When the input button is pressed, the rewriting means 34 causes the random number generator to generate a random number of digits of the private ID, and transmits a rewriting command in a predetermined format from the wireless unit 22 to the RFID tag 1. Upon receiving this, the central control unit 19 of the RFID tag 1 rewrites the private ID in the rewritable ROM 17. At the same time, the communication management unit 31 transmits a rewrite notification to the tag management server 3 using a predetermined protocol. Similarly, when the erasing button is pressed, the erasing unit 35 transmits an erasing command in a predetermined format from the wireless unit 22 to the RFID tag 1. Upon receiving this, the central control unit 19 of the RFID tag 1 rewrites the private ID in the rewritable ROM 17 to a specific erasing ID. At the same time, the communication management unit 31 transmits an erasure notification to the tag management server 3 by TCP / IP or the like. As a result, the tag management server 3 rewrites the private ID in the ID management database 4 to a specific deletion ID.
[0065]
36 is an authentication means. As described later, in the first embodiment, the user ID is input, and the validity of the management authority of the user is confirmed by the user authentication unit 44 of the tag management server 3. Therefore, the authentication means 36 is superimposed on the management base station side in order to increase the accuracy of authentication, and an authentication means using a card or a fingerprint which can identify the user is preferable.
[0066]
Note that the central control unit 29 periodically sends a notification for confirming the location to the RFID tag 1 by radio waves, and from the response notification transmitted from the RFID tag 1, the RFID tag 1 is transmitted to the tag management server 3 by the monitoring base station. Is transmitted via the network to update the monitoring base station in the ID management database 4. Further, a notification for confirming the location is sent to the RFID tag 1 from the adjacent monitoring base station, and the competing base station list is updated.
[0067]
Next, the tag management server and the ID management database according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 4A is a configuration diagram of a tag management server according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4B is a configuration diagram of an ID management database according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0068]
4A, reference numeral 40 denotes a central control unit of the tag management server 5, reference numeral 41 denotes a storage unit that stores data and control programs for the central control unit 40 and performs all storage, and reference numeral 42 denotes a connection to the network 8. And 43, a communication control unit that performs protocol processing up to the data link layer in order to connect to the network 8. The ID management database 4 is stored in the storage unit 41. 44 is the monitoring base station 2 _a , 2 _b , 2 _c This is a user authentication means for performing user authentication from a user ID when an inquiry is made from.
[0069]
In the ID management database 4, as shown in FIG. 4B, at least the unique ID column 4a, the private ID column 4b, the user ID column 4c of the user who owns the article A, and the article A are located. A monitoring base station column 4d, and a competing base station list column 4e in which zones covered by radio waves compete with each other are provided. The unique ID and the private ID are information on the adhered substance of the present invention. If the private ID and the user ID are input, the monitoring base station 2 of the zone where the private ID and the user ID are located is located. _a , 2 _b , 2 _c , ...
[0070]
Similarly, a name server and a name-ID conversion table according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 5A is a configuration diagram of a name server according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5B is a configuration diagram of a name-ID conversion table according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0071]
In FIG. 5A, 50 is a central control unit of the name server 5, 51 is a storage unit that stores data and control programs for the central control unit 50 and performs all storage, and 52 is a connection unit for connecting to the network 8. The communication management unit 53 is a communication control unit that performs protocol processing up to the data link layer in order to connect to the network 8. The name-ID conversion table 6 is stored in the storage unit 51.
[0072]
This name-ID conversion table 6 is provided with an article name column 6a and a private ID column 6b as shown in FIG. When the article name is entered, it is converted to a private ID and the monitoring base station 2 _a , 2 _b , 2 _c , ... Monitoring base station 2 _a , 2 _b , 2 _c ,... Update the ID management database 4 with the converted private ID and user ID.
[0073]
Although the respective configurations of the RFID tag monitoring system of the first embodiment have been described above, how the writing and reading of the unique ID of the RFID tag 1 from the monitoring base station are performed, and how the writing and reading of the private ID are performed. I will explain what is done. First, a process of writing a unique ID, a process of writing a private ID, and finally, a process of writing a unique ID and a process of reading a private ID will be described.
[0074]
First, the process of writing the unique ID will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the unique ID of the RFID tag 1 is recorded immediately after the manufacture by the manufacturer B. Manufacturer B is monitoring base station 2 _n The monitoring base station 2 _n The RFID tag 1 is placed near the RFID tag 1 and a unique ID and related information, for example, a write request such as a product number, product information, and date of manufacture are transmitted to the RFID tag 1. The unique ID is created by generating a random number of 10,000 digits or more by the random number generator 30. The related information is input to the monitoring base station 2 _n It is performed with a keyboard or the like. The writing of the unique ID and the related information and the request for writing the related information can be notified only from a monitoring base station such as a manufacturer.
[0075]
When the RFID tag 1 receives this, it is processed by the radio unit 12 and the demodulation circuit 13 into data, and the central control unit 19 stores the unique ID and the related information in the area of the non-rewritable ROM 16 selected by the memory management unit 20. Write. When the writing is completed, the central control unit 19 notifies this to the monitoring base station 2 _n Notify
[0076]
Next, a process of writing a private ID, that is, a process of writing or updating a private ID and its related information will be described. FIG. 6A is a flowchart of a process at the time of input and update at the monitoring base station according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6B is a diagram at the time of writing and updating at the RFID tag according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of a process of.
[0077]
As shown in FIG. 6A, the monitoring base station 2 _a Is in a state of waiting for input (step 1), the person who has purchased the article A etc. _a The user enters a private ID, a user ID / password (a combination of a user ID and a password, hereinafter referred to as a user ID) and related information from a keyboard or the like (step 2). After input, press the input button for writing, the monitoring base station 2 _a Makes an inquiry to the tag management server 3 to check whether the user ID is already registered (step 3). If there is no user ID in the ID management database 4, the process proceeds to step 5 as a newly registered portion. If there is a user ID, it is checked whether or not it matches the registered user ID (step 4). If they do not match, the following input processing is stopped and the process returns to step 1. If the user ID matches the registered user ID in step 4, the process proceeds to step 5.
[0078]
If the user IDs match or the registration is new, the monitoring base station 2 _a Sends a write request for the private ID and related information to the RFID tag 1 (step 5). The private ID is created by generating a random number of 10,000 digits or more by the random number generator 30. The related information is input to the monitoring base station 2 _a It is performed with a keyboard or the like. An input for registering the user ID is also performed. Subsequently, the process waits until there is a notification from the RFID tag 1 (step 6).
[0079]
At this time, as shown in FIG. 6B, the RFID tag 1 is in a state of waiting for transmission from the monitoring base station (step 9), but when the RFID tag 1 receives the write request (step 10), the wireless unit 12 The data is processed by the demodulation circuit 13, and the central control unit 19 writes the unique ID, the related information, and the user ID in the area of the rewritable ROM 17 selected by the memory management unit 20. When the writing is completed, the central control unit 19 notifies this to the monitoring base station 2a (step 11). Thereafter, the process returns to step 9 to be in a state of waiting for transmission again.
[0080]
Upon receiving the write completion notification from the RFID tag 1 (step 6), the monitoring base station 2a again notifies the tag management server 3 of the private ID, user ID, and related information of the RFID tag 1 in FIG. step7). The tag management server 3 newly writes or updates such information in the ID management database 4 (step 8). Thereafter, the monitoring base station 2a returns to step 1 and waits for an input.
[0081]
Lastly, a process of reading the unique ID and the private ID will be described. FIG. 7A is a flowchart of a reading process in the monitoring base station according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7B is a flowchart of a reading process in the RFID tag in the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0082]
As shown in FIG. 7A, when the monitoring base station 2a is in a state of waiting for a read request (step 21), the person holding the article A places the article A near the monitoring base station 2a and sets the user ID and the private ID. An ID is input (step 22). The article name may be transmitted to the name server 5, converted into a private ID, and obtained from the ID management database 4. When the input button is pressed for reading, the monitoring base station 2a makes an inquiry to the tag management server 3 to check whether the user ID is already registered (step 23). If there is no user ID in the ID management database 4, the process proceeds to step 25 as a newly registered portion, and if there is a user ID, it is checked whether or not it matches the registered user ID (step 24). If they do not match, the following input processing is stopped, and the process returns to step 21. If the user ID matches the registered user ID in step 24, the process proceeds to step 25.
[0083]
If the user IDs match or the registration is new, the monitoring base station 2a sends a read request for the private ID and related information to the RFID tag 1 (step 25). The input of the user ID is performed using a keyboard or the like of the monitoring base station 2a. Subsequently, the process waits until there is a response notification from the RFID tag 1 (step 26).
[0084]
At this time, as shown in FIG. 7B, the RFID tag 1 is in a state of waiting for transmission from the monitoring base station (step 28), but when the RFID tag 1 receives the read request (step 29), the RFID unit 1 The data is processed by the demodulation circuit 13 and the central control unit 19 determines whether or not a read prohibition flag indicating that a specific erasure ID indicating a null value or erasure is written in the rewritable ROM 17 is set. Is checked (step 30). When the read prohibition flag is not set and the empty ID or the erasure ID indicating erasure is not written in the rewritable ROM 17, the private ID and the related information of the rewritable ROM 17 are read and the monitoring base station 2a is read. (Step 31). When the read prohibition flag is set and a null value or an erasing ID is written in the rewritable ROM 17, the unique ID and related information of the non-rewritable ROM 16 are read and transmitted to the monitoring base station 2a (step 32). ). After that, the process returns to step 28 to be in a state of waiting for transmission again.
[0085]
Upon receiving the read response notification from the RFID tag 1 (step 26), the monitoring base station 2a again displays the read information in FIG. 7A (step 27). Thereafter, the monitoring base station 2a returns to step 21 and waits for an input.
[0086]
In the above, writing and reading to and from the RFID tag according to the first embodiment have been described. Hereinafter, a typical service performed by the RFID tag monitoring system and processing and operations executed at that time will be described. The service of the RFID tag monitoring system differs in the number and form of monitoring base stations.
[0087]
(1) When the number of monitoring base stations is small or mobile, and by registering the RFID tag 1 in the ID management database 4 of the tag management server 3, a service for collectively managing article information can be provided. . For example, a service for finding a recalled car. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a recalled car discovery service using the RFID tag monitoring system according to the first embodiment.
[0088]
This recall vehicle discovery service is based on the RFID tag monitoring system of FIG. In the name-ID conversion table 6 of the name server 5 in FIG. 1, the article name and the private ID are stored in association with each other. In the ID management database 4 of the tag management server 3, a private ID and a unique ID are registered.
[0089]
As shown in FIG. 8, for example, when a sedan manufactured by an automobile manufacturer XX from July 1, 2001 to August 10, 2002 has a defect and is recalled, a list of unique IDs of the produced sedan is used. “111111566”, “111111567”, and “111111568” are found. Subsequently, a private ID and a user ID are obtained from the ID management database 4. The private ID of the unique ID “111111566” is “400500600”, the user ID is “E”, the private ID of the unique ID “111111567” is “770880990”, the user ID is “F1”, and the private ID is “111111568”. Is "777788999" and the user ID is "C". From the user IDs "E", "F1", and "C", the current owner is known, and the recalled vehicle can be collected.
[0090]
In particular, the vehicle with the unique ID “111111567” is initially resold from the purchaser “F0” to “F1”, and it is difficult to identify the current owner. However, according to the recall vehicle discovery service of the first embodiment, Easy to find. Also, when a request to read the RFID tag 1 is issued using the private IDs “400500600”, “770880990”, “777788999” and the user IDs “E”, “F1”, and “C”, the vehicle with the unique ID “111111566” becomes private. As the ID-related information, it can be seen that the repair is performed on January 10, 2002. Even if the user makes a change, the maintenance history can be easily known. Then, if the same repair as the cause of the recall has been performed, readjustment of the repair cost burden can also be performed very easily.
[0091]
(2) If the number of monitoring base stations is large and the zone over which radio waves reach is fixed, each zone is formed like a large number of networks. Even if the article A is taken out and the location is unknown, the location can be searched and tracked from the article search device 7. FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram of article search and tracking using the RFID tag monitoring system according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 9B is an illustration of contention avoidance of a monitoring base station in the RFID tag monitoring system of FIG. FIG.
[0092]
In the case of searching for the article A by the RFID tag monitoring system shown in FIG. 9A, when the tag management server 3 is inquired about the location of the article A from the article search device 7, the location is specified from the private ID of the ID management database 4. I do. That is, as shown in FIG. 1B, the unique ID and the private ID, the monitoring base station, and the competing base station list are registered in the ID management database 4, and the zone where the article A exists can be specified. By the way, the monitoring base station and the competing base station list in the ID management database are registered as follows. First, the competitive base station list is a list of monitoring base stations that have been able to receive radio waves from the RFID tag 1 of the article A. For example, the radio wave transmitted by the RFID tag 1 of the article A existing in the zone Z2 is transmitted to the monitoring base station 2 _a , 2 _b , 2 _c And registered in the competing base station list. Among them, the monitoring base station 2 _a The electric field strength E (A) 2a of the monitoring base station 2 _b Electric field strength E (A) 2 _b Followed by the monitoring base station 2 _c Electric field strength E (A) 2 _c Is the smallest, the monitoring base station 2 _a Are registered as monitoring base stations. Similarly, in the zone Z3, the monitoring base station 2 receiving the RFID tag 1 of the article C _c Electric field strength E (C) 2 _c And the electric field strength E (C) 2 of the monitoring base station 2a is large. _a Is small, the monitoring base station 2 _c Is registered as a monitoring base station. The monitoring base station 2 can receive the RFID tag 1 of the article B in the zone Z1. _a Monitoring base station 2 _a Are registered as monitoring base stations.
[0093]
Therefore, the zone where the article A exists is the monitoring base station 2 _a , 2 _b , 2 _c Z2 in which the RFID tag 1 can be received at the monitoring base station 2 _a It can be seen that exists at a position in the zone Z2 where the strongest radio wave can be received.
[0094]
By the way, as described above, the monitoring base station 2 _a Among the receivable zones, the articles A and B exist in the zones Z2 and Z1, respectively. _c The article C exists in the zone 3 where the reception is possible. And each monitoring base station 2 _a , 2 _b , 2 _c Is provided with a random number generator 30, and each of the adjacent monitoring base stations 2 _a , 2 _b , 2 _c There is a possibility that private IDs may conflict with each other. Although the same private ID is excluded in the same zone, private ID conflict may occur in the independent random number generator 30. For example, as shown in FIG. 9B, the private ID of the RFID tag 1 of the article A is “456123”, the private ID of the RFID tag 1 of the article B is “123456”, and the private ID of the RFID tag 1 of the article C is “123456”. This is the case. The private ID only needs to be unique in combination with the monitoring base station. However, in the case of tracking an article by the RFID tag monitoring system, if the private ID conflicts between adjacent zones, the tracking becomes impossible.
[0095]
Thus, in the RFID tag monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, control is performed so as to eliminate competition of private IDs between adjacent monitoring base stations. That is, when the tag management server 3 detects a conflict between the private IDs registered in the ID management database 4, when tracking the article B, the tag management server 3 notifies the monitoring base station 2a of the reassignment of the private ID of the article B. In the monitoring base station 2a, the random number generator 30 assigns a new private ID, records the new private ID on the RFID tag 1, and simultaneously re-registers it in the ID management database 4.
[0096]
In FIG. 9B, since the private ID “123456” of the RFID tag 1 of the article B competes with the private ID “123456” of the RFID tag 1 of the article C, the private ID of the RFID tag 1 of the article B is set to “312837”. Has been changed. As a result, the article B to be tracked can be handed over in any zone without conflicting private IDs in adjacent zones.
[0097]
Next, a process for searching for an article and a process for performing tracking in the RFID tag monitoring system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 10A is a flowchart of a process when searching for an article in the RFID tag monitoring system, and FIG. 10B is a flowchart of a process when tracking the article in the RFID tag monitoring system.
[0098]
First, when performing a search, as shown in FIG. 10A, when the monitoring base station 2a is in a state of waiting for a search request to be issued (step 41), a person who searches for the article B sends a user ID to the article search apparatus 7. And input the private ID of the RFID tag of the article B (step 42), the tag management server 3 inquires whether or not the user ID is registered (step 43). If there is no user ID in the ID management database 4, the search process is stopped and the process returns to step 41. If there is a user ID, it is checked whether or not it matches the registered user ID (step 44). If they do not match, the following search process is stopped and the process returns to step 41. If the user ID matches the registered user ID in step 44, the zone in which the monitoring base station 2a exists is answered (step 45).
[0099]
Next, a process for tracking an article will be described. As shown in FIG. 10B, when the monitoring base station 2 a is in a state of waiting for a tracking request (step 46), the person who tracks the article B sends the user ID and the RFID tag of the article B to the article search device 7. When a private ID is entered and inquired (step 47), the tag management server 3 inquires whether a user ID is registered (step 48). If there is no user ID in the ID management database 4, the tracking process is stopped and the process returns to step 46. If there is a user ID, it is checked whether or not it matches the registered user ID (step 49). If they do not match, the following tracking processing is stopped, and the process returns to step 46. If the user ID matches the registered user ID in step 49, the monitoring base station 2a is answered (step 50).
[0100]
The article search device 7 is connected to the monitoring base station 2 _a Calls the RFID tag 1 of the article A from (step 51). On the other hand, if there is no response from the RFID tag 1 of the article A, the process returns to step 46 and a new monitoring base station 2 of the ID management database 4 of the tag management server 3 is returned. _a Wait for it to be updated. When there is a response from the RFID tag 1 of the article A, the article search device 7 transmits the surrounding monitoring base station 2 _b , 2 _c And the like (step 53). The surrounding monitoring base station calls the RFID tag 1 of the article A (step 54). The surrounding monitoring base station checks whether or not there is a response to this call, and if there is no response, repeats this until there is a response. When there is a response from the surrounding monitoring base station, it is notified as a candidate of the competing base station list, and when the radio wave strength is maximum in the list, the monitoring base station is identified as the monitoring base station 2a in the ID management database 4. Is updated (step 56), and an answer is sent to the article search device 7 as a new entry into the zone of the monitoring base station (step 57).
[0101]
As described above, according to the RFID tag monitoring system of the first embodiment, it is possible to extremely quickly and surely grasp the distributed products. In addition, if the same repair as the cause of the recall has been performed, the fact can be grasped very easily.
[0102]
The RFID tag monitoring system allows the user to immediately find where the target article is located. When the article is a stolen article or the like, it is possible to track where the article is transported.
[0103]
【The invention's effect】
According to the RFID tag of the present invention, since the initial information is recorded in the non-rewritable memory and the individual use information is recorded in the rewritable memory, both the initial information and the individual use information can be used, but the individual use information is recorded. With this as a trigger, the initial information is masked, the security of the initial information is protected, and after the individual use information is recorded, the individual use information can be exclusively used. The discovery is possible because the initial information is constant and is constantly monitored by the monitoring base station.
[0104]
The initial information is unmasked by the erasing ID, and the initial information can be used. Since the initial information is specified by the ID and the individual use information is also specified by the ID, the management is extremely easy.
[0105]
According to the monitoring base station of the present invention, the initial information and the individual use information can be read out and the individual use information can be rewritten, and the location of the RFID tag can be confirmed. A private ID as individual use information can be easily generated by a random number generator. A unique ID as initial information can be easily generated by a random number generator.
[0106]
After writing to the rewritable memory, the initial information cannot be read, but the mask for the initial information can be released by inputting the erasing ID. Since the monitoring base station which can communicate periodically can be checked and the monitoring base station can be selected from among them, the communication with the RFID tag can be surely performed, and the search and the tracking can be performed.
[0107]
According to the tag management server of the present invention, articles can be managed collectively by using the ID management database. Initial information, individual use information, a monitoring base station, and a list of competing base stations can be stored in the ID management database, masking the initial information and making it easy to find a monitoring base station where an article exists.
[0108]
Since the monitoring base station and the competing base station list in the ID management database are periodically updated, it is possible to prevent the data in the ID management database from being inconsistent with the location of the article. When rewriting the individual usage information, it can be confirmed that the user is a valid user having the rewriting authority.
[0109]
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the name server of this invention, article management can be performed only with the article name of the article which attached the simpler RFID tag with respect to complicated individual use information.
[0110]
According to the article search device of the present invention, the user of the article to which the RFID tag is attached can be known by inputting the initial information that satisfies the manufacturing date for recall or the like.
[0111]
According to the RFID tag monitoring system of the present invention, it is possible to know the monitoring base station where the article to which the RFID tag is attached is located based on the ID management database. By inputting individual usage information, the monitoring base station where the article with the RFID tag is located is known, and the adjacent monitoring base station is notified to communicate with the article, so that the movement of the article can be tracked. .
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an RFID tag monitoring system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an RFID tag according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 3 (a) is a configuration diagram of a monitoring base station according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
(B) An explanatory diagram of an input screen from a monitoring base station according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention
FIG. 4A is a configuration diagram of a tag management server according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
(B) Configuration diagram of ID management database according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention
FIG. 5 (a) is a configuration diagram of a name server according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
(B) Configuration diagram of name-ID conversion table according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention
FIG. 6A is a flowchart of a process at the time of input and update at the monitoring base station according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
(B) Flow chart of processing at the time of writing and updating in the RFID tag according to the first embodiment of the present invention
FIG. 7A is a flowchart of a reading process in the monitoring base station according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
(B) Flowchart of read processing in RFID tag according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a recalled car discovery service using the RFID tag monitoring system according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram of an article search and tracking using the RFID tag monitoring system according to the first embodiment.
(B) Explanatory diagram of contention avoidance of a monitoring base station in the RFID tag monitoring system of (a).
FIG. 10A is a flowchart of a process when searching for an article in the RFID tag monitoring system.
(B) Flow chart of processing when tracking an article in the RFID tag monitoring system
[Explanation of symbols]
1 RFID tag
2 _a , 2 _b , 2 _c , ..., 2 _n , 2 _{n + 1} Monitoring base station
3 Tag management server
4 ID management database
4a Unique ID column
4b Private ID column
4c User ID column
4d Monitoring base station column
4e Competing base station list field
5 Name server
6 Name-ID conversion table
6a Article name column
6b Private ID column
7 Article search device
8 Network
11,21 antenna
12,22 Radio section
13,23 Demodulation circuit
14,24 modulation circuit
15 Power supply section
16,26 Non-rewritable ROM
17,27 rewritable ROM
17a Read management table
18,28 RAM
19, 29, 40, 50 Central control unit
20 Access control means
25 Communication control unit
30 random number generator
31, 42, 52 Communication management means
32 Input control unit
33 display means
34 Rewriting means
35 Erasing means
36 Authentication means
41, 51 storage unit
43, 53 communication control unit
44 User authentication means

Claims (17)

It is attached to the adhered object and communicates with the monitoring base station by a wireless unit. The rewritable memory records initial information unique to the adhered object, and the rewritable memory manages the adhered object in the rewritable memory. An RFID tag on which individual usage information that is deleted or updated in accordance with the transfer of the
An RFID tag, wherein after the individual use information is recorded in a null value of the rewritable memory, reading of the initial information is stopped to conceal information unique to the adhered object. After confirming that the block area for recording the individual use information in the rewritable memory is null, the central control unit writes the individual use information in the block area and turns on a unique information read prohibition flag. The RFID tag according to claim 1, wherein 3. The RFID tag according to claim 1, wherein the central control unit turns off the initial information reading prohibition flag by inputting an erasing ID equivalent to the null value. 4. The RFID according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the initial information includes a socially unique ID, and the individual use information includes a private ID individually assigned by a user. tag. A wireless unit for communicating with the RFID tag,
Rewriting means for transmitting individual use information to update the individual use information in the rewritable memory of the RFID tag;
A monitoring base station comprising communication management means for communicating with a tag management server that manages an ID management database via a network. Equipped with a random number generator,
6. The monitoring base station according to claim 5, wherein the random number generator generates a private ID as individual use information in response to an input from the rewriting means. 7. The monitoring base station according to claim 6, further comprising an initial information generating unit that causes the random number generator to generate a unique ID as initial information when the RFID tag is attached to the article. The monitoring base station according to any one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising an erasing means for transmitting an erasing ID, wherein the initial information read prohibition flag of the RFID tag is turned off. The RFID tag in the zone is periodically notified for location confirmation, and a list of monitoring base stations and competing base stations in the ID management database is updated. The monitoring base station according to 1. A communication management means for communicating with the network,
A tag management server comprising: an ID management database that stores information relating to a substance attached to an RFID tag and a monitoring base station that communicates with each other based on a notification from the monitoring base station. An ID management database includes at least initial information unique to the adhered object to which the RFID tag is attached, individual use information rewritten each time the management of the adhered object is transferred, and a monitoring base for communicating with the adhered object. 11. The tag management server according to claim 10, wherein a station and a list of competing base stations capable of communicating with the attached matter are stored in association with each other. 12. The tag management server according to claim 10, wherein the monitoring base station and the competing base station list in the ID management database are periodically updated based on the notification from the monitoring base station according to claim 9. 13. The tag management server according to claim 10, wherein a user ID is stored in the ID management database, and the validity of the user is confirmed by a user authentication unit. A communication management means for communicating with the network;
A name-information conversion table for associating the article name with the individual use information of the rewritable memory,
A name server which responds to the inquiry of individual use information corresponding to the article name from the monitoring base station by using the name-information conversion table. An initial information satisfying a predetermined condition recorded on the RFID tag is input and transmitted to the tag management server according to any one of claims 10 to 13 to inquire about a user of the article to which the RFID tag is attached. An article search device characterized by the following. An RFID tag comprising the RFID tag according to any one of claims 1 to 4n, the monitoring base station according to claim 9, a tag management server according to claim 12, and an article search device according to claim 15. RFID tag monitoring system, wherein the individual use information is input and transmitted to the tag management server, and an article is searched for from the monitoring base station name stored in the ID management database. An RFID tag comprising the RFID tag according to any one of claims 1 to 4n, the monitoring base station according to claim 9, a tag management server according to claim 12, and an article search device according to claim 15. The individual use information is input and transmitted to the tag management server, and the position of the article is confirmed by the monitoring base station name stored in the ID management database of the tag management server. Communication, and when the article is present in the zone of the monitoring base station, notifies the adjacent monitoring base station to perform communication with the article, and tracks the movement of the article. RFID tag monitoring system.

Images