JP2005025691A - Article management system and its method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an article management system and an article managing method capable of correctly recognizing detection omission or the like when articles are managed by attaching RFID (Radio Frequency ID) tags. <P>SOLUTION: A management server 5 is provided with a set estimation means 44, and whether the detection omission of an RFID tag 3<SB>1-5</SB>detected by each reader/writer 4<SB>1-6</SB>exists is judged on the basis of a tag node management table 5a. When the detection omission exists, a tag set is estimated by compensating tag information which is not detected. When there is no detection omission, the detected tag set is determined as a tag set. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

The present invention provides an article with RF (radio
frequency) An article management system that attaches an ID tag and manages carry-in and carry-out to a predetermined area, and in particular, an article management system that can be correctly recognized even when there is a detection omission when an RFID tag is detected, and at that time The present invention relates to an article management method to be performed.

  Currently, most products are given barcodes and are distributed in the market. Bar codes are read by a bar code reader and are often used for merchandise management. For example, in a POS system adopted at a convenience store or the like, the sales trend is analyzed in real time from the read bar code and additional products are supplied based on the analysis, thereby contributing to product management. However, it is a bar code that demonstrates its power in product management, but its function is limited. It cannot be used when reading is refused, such as when an item is illegally taken out.

  Therefore, an inventory (inventory management) and rental management system using an RFID tag instead of a barcode has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). An example of this is a library management system.

  The management system described in Patent Document 1 uses an RFID tag attached to an article such as each book. Each RFID tag has a unique identification or serial number for identifying the item. The inventory database keeps track of all of the RFID tagged items and holds lending status information for each item.

  The article is then checked out of the library by using a user self-checkout system. The checked-out article is returned to the library by being loaded into a book return box that reads the RFID tag and automatically checks in the article. The article data from the book return box is used to generate a rearrangement report for rearranging the articles on the shelf.

  This management system was designed to prevent unauthorized take-out from a closed and narrow environment such as a library, and to manage inventory and lend. However, the output of the RFID tag is usually small, and it is actually quite difficult to grasp the movement of the article without error using the RFID tag. For example, if the distance between the RFID tag-attached article and the reader that receives the radio wave and reads the signal is large, or an obstacle such as a person is located during transmission or reception, or the radio wave noise is high, There are cases where information cannot be read. In addition, when reading a plurality of RFID tags at the same time, it may not be possible to confirm whether all of the RFID tags have been read reliably.

  Therefore, an article management system has been proposed for accurately determining whether or not all tag information has been read when the number information of RFID tags is not given (see Patent Document 2).

  In this method, information related to other RFID tags is written in advance in each RFID tag, and the related information is read by a reading unit. A representative example of related information is information that cyclically orders a plurality of RFID tags. By reading this cyclically ordered information, it is possible to grasp that all the related information of the RFID tag has been read. For example, as the information for cyclic ordering, as the related information of the ID information of each tag, ID information as a pointer for giving ID information of the next RFID tag, and values indicating the start and end at the beginning and end of the circulation Such as granting. This related information can be given for each group.

  However, although the article management system of Patent Document 2 can check the number of RFID tags using the related information of the ID information of the RFID tag, it is necessary to write information that is cyclically ordered as related information in advance. For example, when 6 articles are sent, this related information is written to an RFID tag attached to the article, and when these 6 articles are delivered, the number of sent articles is not notified. This is effective when it is determined whether all six items exist by reading the RFID tags of the six items. When an article that does not have a randomly selected number of related information is sent, it is difficult for the article management system of Patent Document 2 to determine whether or not all tag information has been read.

  In addition, when managing merchandise in a department store, a supermarket, or the like, it is considered to be an extremely effective means to manage using an RFID tag. Management using radio is easy, and there is a possibility that fraud can be detected. However, there are many cases where a plurality of products pass, such as when passing through a cash register. At this time, even if one RFID tag of the product passing through does not respond to the reader, the reliability of the result is lowered, and it is effectively taken out illegally. The same result will be shown. In such a case, a method of storing related information as in Patent Document 2 cannot be used.

  In addition to merchandise management at the sales floor, even in an article management system such as a library as in Patent Document 1, when RFID tags attached to a plurality of articles pass simultaneously, if one fails to be detected, inventory The situation will be unknown and the result will be the same as if it was illegally taken out.

Special table 2001-511427 gazette JP 2002-92224 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an article management system and an article management method capable of correctly recognizing even when there is a detection omission when an article is managed with an RFID tag attached to the article. .

  The present invention determines whether or not there is a detection failure in the RFID tag detected by each reader based on the tag / node management table of the management server. If there is a detection failure, the tag information not detected is compensated. The main feature is that tag set estimation means for estimating a tag set and determining the detected tag set as a tag set when there is no detection omission is provided.

  The article management system according to the present invention has an advantage that when an article is managed by attaching an RFID tag to the article, it is inferred correctly even if there is a detection failure, and the movement of the article can be correctly grasped as a highly reliable system. .

  Even if there is a detection omission based on the information of the RFID tag detected by the R / W node, this can be distinguished from the case where the article is returned or exchanged. By notifying by the notification means, human judgment can be used.

  Further, by detecting a plurality of detection tag information sets at all the R / W nodes at positions where they can go outside, unauthorized take-out can be prevented.

  First, a first mode for carrying out the present invention includes a plurality of readers installed at a plurality of locations in an article management area for detecting RFID tags attached to articles, and tag information detected by the readers. An article management system comprising a management server that receives and records in a tag / node management table and performs article management, wherein the management server includes an RFID tag detected by each reader based on the tag / node management table A tag that determines whether there is a detection failure, and if there is a detection failure, supplements tag information that was not detected to estimate the tag set, and if there is no detection failure, determines the detected tag set as a tag set An article management system provided with a set estimation means, where an RFID tag is attached to an article, and the RFID tag is detected by a plurality of installed R / W nodes, and there is a detection omission Also for estimating offset the tag information, can correctly monitor the movement of goods, it is possible to prevent illegal taking out.

  In the second mode of the present invention, in the first mode, the tag set estimation means determines whether or not a path from the entrance to the area to the exit is formed, and only when the path is formed. This is an article management system for determining an RFID tag detection omission, and it is easy to check the formation of a path, and an RFID tag detection omission can be easily determined.

  In the third mode of the present invention, in the second mode, the tag set estimation unit defines a directed graph based on the reader and the movement route, stores this in the tag / node management table, and performs path determination. This is an article management system that makes a judgment based on the directed graph, and since the path is judged by the directed graph, it can be easily checked.

  A fourth aspect of the present invention is an article management system in which, in the second or third aspect, when the tag set estimation unit determines that a path is not formed, the article management system notifies the notification unit, and an abnormal path is not formed. In order to respond to the situation, human judgment can be borrowed.

  A fifth aspect of the present invention is an article management system in which, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, when a reader of a passage that leads to the outside other than the exit of the area detects an RFID tag, the article management system notifies the RFID tag. Unauthorized take-out etc. can be prevented by informing.

  In the sixth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of readers capable of detecting RFID tags are installed at a plurality of locations in an area where article management is performed, and it is determined whether or not there is an RFID tag detection omission in each reader. If there is, the tag management is estimated by supplementing the tag information that was not detected, and if there is no detection omission, the detected tag set is determined as the tag set, and the article management method for grasping the article moving from the area to the outside Because multiple RFID tags are detected by multiple installed R / W nodes and the tag information is supplemented and estimated even when there is a detection failure, the movement of the item can be monitored correctly, preventing unauthorized take-out, etc. it can.

  A seventh aspect of the present invention is an article management method in which, in the sixth aspect, an RFID tag detection omission is determined only when a path from an entrance to an area to an exit is formed. The check is easy, and it is possible to easily judge the detection failure of the RFID tag.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the sixth or seventh aspect, a directed graph is defined from a reader and a movement route, stored in a tag / node management table, and a path is determined based on the directed graph. This is an article management method to be judged, and since a path is judged by a directed graph, it can be easily checked.

  Hereinafter, the article management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an article management system in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an RFID tag in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 3A is a block diagram in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3B is an explanatory diagram of an input screen from the R / W node according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, 1 is a store such as a department store or a supermarket, 1a is an entrance to a sales floor, and 1b is an exit from the sales floor. 2 ₁ This store 1 of the membership card, _{2 2} shopping basket, _{2 3} items A, _{2 4} the commodity B, _{2 5} is a trade C. Hereinafter, in Example 1, the member card 2 ₁ , the shopping basket 2 ₂ , the product A 2 ₃ , the product B 2 ₄ , and the product C 2 ₅ of the store 1 are collectively referred to as an article. 3 ₁ is an RFID tag attached to the member card 2 ₁ , 3 ₂ is an RFID tag attached to the shopping basket 2 ₂ , 3 ₃ is an RFID tag attached to the product A 2 ₃ , 3 ₄ is attached to the product B 2 ₄ an RFID tag, ₃₅ is an RFID tag that is attached to the product C2 _5. The RFID tags 31 to ₅ are supplied with electric power through an antenna coil and perform wireless communication.

4 _{1 to 6} are wirelessly communicated with the RFID tag 3 in the communicable zone, and IDs and related information stored in the RFID tags 3 _{1 to 5} (hereinafter, the RFID tags 3 ₁ to _{5 as a} whole are referred to as RFID tags 3). Is a reader / writer node (reader of the present invention, hereinafter referred to as R / W node). In addition, 5 notifies the RFID tag 3 detected by the R / W nodes 4 _{1 to 6} (hereinafter, the entire R / W nodes 4 to ₆ are referred to as the R / W node 4) that communicated with the RFID tags 3 ₁ to _5. The management server 5a is a tag / node management table provided in the management server 5, and 6 is a private network.

In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, six R / W nodes 4 are installed in the store 1, and the RFID tag 3 is assigned to each of the products A2 ₃ , the products B2 ₄ , and the products C2 ₅ in the first to third sales floors. _3-5 attached, further, are attached to the RFID tag _{3 2} membership card _{2 1} RFID tag _{3 1,} the shopping basket _{2 2.} Thus, shopper with a membership card _{2 1,} upon entering from the entrance 1a of the store 1, R / W Node _{4 1} detects the RFID tag _{3 1,} when having shopping basket _{2 2} basket storage, The R / W node 4 ₂ detects the RFID tags 3 ₁ and 3 ₂ . Next, when the commodity A2 ₃ is purchased at the second sales floor after passing through the first sales floor, the R / W node 4 ₄ detects the RFID tags 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ , 3 ₃ and directly passes through the third sales floor to the cash register. go and, R / W node _{4 6} detects the RFID tag _{3 1,} 3 2, _{3 3,} shopping basket _{2 2} is as it is placed, if membership card _{2 1} and the items A2 ₃ is get out from the outlet 1b, This means that the product A2 ₃ has been sold.

  Next, the configuration of the RFID tag 3 attached to the article will be described. In FIG. 2, 11 is an antenna that receives a radio wave such as a microwave band, 12 is a radio unit that converts the received radio wave to an intermediate frequency, and converts an intermediate frequency signal to be transmitted to a high frequency, and 13 is a signal from the received intermediate frequency. A demodulation circuit 14 to be extracted is a modulation circuit 14 that outputs a signal to be transmitted to the radio unit 12 with an intermediate frequency.

  A power supply unit 15 charges the capacitor after rectifying the induced current induced in the coil of the antenna 11. This charged power supply becomes a drive power supply for the RFID tag 3. Reference numeral 16 denotes an ID storage means for storing an ID related to the article (see FIG. 4A described later). Reference numeral 17 denotes a rewritable ROM such as a flash memory. Reference numeral 18 denotes a central control unit which loads data of the control program and ID storage means 16 into the rewritable ROM 17 and functions as function realizing means.

  Next, the configuration of the R / W node 4 will be described. In FIG. 3, 21 is an antenna for wireless communication with the R / W node 4, 22 is a radio unit that converts radio waves received from the RFID tag 3 to an intermediate frequency, and converts an intermediate frequency signal to be transmitted to a high frequency, and 23 A demodulator circuit that extracts a signal from the received intermediate frequency, and a modulation circuit 24 that outputs the signal to be transmitted to the radio unit 22 as an intermediate frequency.

  25 is a communication control unit, 26 is a non-rewritable ROM, and 27 is a rewritable ROM. Reference numeral 28 denotes a RAM, and 29 denotes a central control unit. The control program stored in the non-rewritable ROM 26 and the program and data stored in the rewritable ROM 27 are loaded into the RAM 28 serving as a work area to function. Functions as an implementation means. Reference numeral 31 denotes a communication management means that can connect to the central network 29 with a predetermined protocol and communicate with the management server 5. Reference numeral 32 denotes an input controller that performs input from a keyboard or the like. Reference numeral 33 denotes a display for operating the display. Means.

  Next, the management server and tag / node management table of the first embodiment will be described. 4A is a configuration diagram of the management server in the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4B is a correspondence diagram of elements of the tag / node management table in the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 4B is an explanatory diagram of a detected tag set in the tag / node management table in FIG. 4B, and FIG. 4D is an explanatory diagram of a directed graph in the tag / node management table in FIG.

  4A, 40 is a central control unit of the management server 5, 41 is a storage unit that performs storage for the central control unit 40, 42 is a communication management means for connecting to the private network 6, and 43 is communication control. Part. The tag / node management table 5 a is stored in the storage unit 41. Reference numeral 44 denotes tag set estimation means for checking whether there is a detection omission in the RFID tag detected by the R / W node 4, and reference numeral 45 denotes a counter for retrying. 46 is a notification means such as an alarm sound or a lamp for notifying when there is an abnormality.

  The output of the RFID tag 3 is small, and it may be impossible to confirm whether the tag information has been read correctly due to the reader distance, radio wave obstruction, radio wave noise, and the like. In the first embodiment, the tag set estimation unit 44 checks the history of the RFID tag 3 detected by the route that the shopper walked (the movement route of the article). Judgment is correct.

  In order for the tag set estimation means 44 to make a decision, as shown in FIG. 4 (c), the tag / node management table 5a defines a detected tag set G and the R / W node 4 that has detected it. It is related and remembered. That is, when a single RFID tag 3 reacts, it is stored as a detection tag set G when a plurality of RFID tags 3 react simultaneously, and is stored as a detection tag set G, and as history information related to the detected R / W node 4 I remember it. In the first embodiment, the paths are also related to these, and as shown in FIG. 4D, a directed graph is formed by the node set N of the R / W node 4 that the customer may follow and the route set R between them. Define and remember. FIG. 5A is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the R / W node and the detection tag detected correctly in the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5B shows a detection omission with the R / W node in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship of the detection tag detected at the time.

For example, the detection tag set G and the directed graph are stored as follows. First, storage of the detection tag set G will be described. 4 (c) (d) and FIG. 5 (a), the ID of the RFID tag 3 ₁ at the R / W node 4 ₁ (hereinafter referred to as the RFID tag 3 ₁ that detected this, simply referred to as 3 ₁ , The detection tag set G when detecting 3 to ₅ is G = {3 ₁ }. Having shopping basket _{2 2,} the R / W node _{4 2,} G ₌ a _{3 1, _{3 2}.} The first department will only pass, G ₌ the R / W Node _{4 3 {3} 1, _{3 2}} is recorded.

When the product A2 ₃ is purchased at the second sales floor, the R / W node 4 ₄ detects the RFID tags 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ , 3 ₃ and G = {3 ₁ , 3 ₂ , 3 ₃ }. Thereafter, when the product B2 ₄ is purchased at the third sales floor, G = {3 ₁ , 3 ₂ , 3 ₃ , 3 ₄ } is obtained by the R / W node 4 ₅ . After returning to the first sales floor, he does not purchase anything and reaches the cash register via the third sales floor. During this time, the R / W nodes 4 ₄ to ₆ detect and store G = {3 ₁ , 3 ₂ , 3 ₃ , 3 ₄ }.

Next, the directed graph will be described. R / W node _{4 1-6} characterizing define (in the following set _{is 4} referred _1-6) directed graph node set N of, _N = as in FIG. 4 (d) {4 1, ··, 4 6} It is. At this time, the route set R is expressed as follows. If the branch r from “a” to “b” is defined as r = <a, b>, the directed graph <N, R> has a node set N = {4 ₁ ,..., 4 ₆ } and a path set R = {<4 ₁ , 4 ₂ >, <4 ₂ , 4 ₃ >, <4 ₃ , 4 ₄ >, <4 ₄ , 4 ₅ >, <4 ₃ , 4 ₅ >, <4 ₂ , 4 ₁ >, <4 ₃ , 4 ₂ >, <4 ₄ , 4 ₃ >, <4 ₅ , 4 ₄ >, <4 ₅ , 4 ₃ >}. These are preferably input from input means (not shown). At this time, <4 ₂ , 4 ₆ >, <4 ₂ , 4 ₅ >, <4 ₃ , 4 ₆ >, <4 ₃ , 4 ₁ >, <4 ₃ , 4 ₂ >, <4 ₆ , 4 ₃ > , <4 ₁ , 4 ₃ >, <4 ₂ , 4 ₃ >, <4 ₆ , 4 ₂ >, <4 ₅ , 4 ₂ >, <4 ₁ , 4 ₅ ,><4 ₅ , 4 ₁ > There are no branches to be removed from the path set R.

  The tag set estimation means 44 checks that all the detected branches r are included in the route set R, and when the path is formed by connecting from the entrance 1a to the exit 1b, the tag detection omission data is output. It supplements and estimates the tag ID set G. Thereby, in this invention, even if there is a detection omission, the possibility of article management can be expanded. When two or more paths can be formed for one branch r, that is, when a loop is formed, it is difficult to determine which path has been passed. Therefore, in the article management system, it is preferable to create a route so as not to form such a route.

  Therefore, in the first embodiment, how the tag set estimation unit 44 specifically compensates for the tag detection omission will be described below.

The tag set estimation means 44 first checks whether there is an abnormality in the detected branch of the RFID tag 3 based on the detected tag set G, the node set N, and the path set R stored in the tag / node management table 5a. That is, the branch r detected by the R / W node 4 is <4 ₁ , 4 ₂ ><4 ₂ , 4 ₃ ><4 ₃ , 4 ₄ ><4 ₄ , 4 ₅ ><4 ₅ , 4 ₄ >< 4 _{4, 4 5> <calculates} that 4 5, _{4 6>,} included in the path set R, and, R / W nodes near the outlet 1b from the R / W node _{4 1} near the entrance 1a _{4 6} To confirm that a path is formed. As shown in FIG. 4C, in the first embodiment, paths are formed in the order of the above-described calculation results. At this time, if the path is not formed from the entrance 1a to the exit 1b, either the R / W node 4 has failed to detect all the tags due to a failure or failure, or there was an abnormal behavior on the way. I think. In such a case, an alarm sound or a lamp blinks by the notification means 46, and a judgment of a person such as a store clerk or a guard is requested.

Subsequently, the tag set estimation unit 44 checks whether the change of the detected tag set G is correctly generated in each R / W node 4. When a new tag for each R / W node 4 is correctly detected, _{3 1} with R / W Node _{4 1} As shown in FIG. 5 (a), _{3 1 with R / W node _{4 2,} 3 _{2}, {3 1} R / W node _{4 3,} 3 2}, _{{3 1} R / W node _{4 4,} 3 _2, 3 3}, R / W node _{4 5 {3 1, 3} 2, 3 ₃ , 3 ₄ } and R / W node 4 ₆ becomes {3 ₁ , 3 ₂ , 3 ₃ , 3 ₄ }.

However, for example, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), undetected _{{3 1}} with R / W node _{4 2,} when there is detected leakage _{{3 4}} with R / W node _{4 5,} the detection tag aggregation The change in G does not show the above process. In this case, the tag set estimation means 44 of the first embodiment estimates the detected tag set G by compensating for the detection omission as follows.

First, regarding detection omission at the R / W node 4 ₂ , {3 ₁ } is detected at the preceding and following R / W node 4 ₁ , and {3 ₁ , 3 ₂ } is detected at the R / W node 4 ₃ . It can be presumed that {3 ₁ } is common between the two R / W nodes 4 ₁ and 4 ₃ , and {3 ₁ } is missing even in the intermediate R / W node 4 ₂ , resulting in detection omission.

Similarly, the R / W node 4 ₄ first detects {3 ₁ , 3 ₂ , 3 ₃ }, then the R / W node 4 ₅ detects {3 ₁ , 3 ₂ , 3 ₃ }, and the R / W node 4 ₄ detects {3 ₁ , 3 ₂ , 3 ₃ , 3 ₄ } for the second time. The product B2 ₄ of {3 ₄ } is only in the third sales floor, and the fact that {3 ₄ } is detected at the second R / W node 4 ₄ means that the detection failure of {3 ₄ } at the R / W node 4 ₅ It can be seen that

Thus repeatedly estimated at each node, a first embodiment of the tag aggregation estimating unit 44, _{{3 1} detection tag set G with R / W node _{4 6} with a cash register, 3 _2, 3 3, _{3 4} }.

  By the way, in the actual movement of goods in the store, there are movements such as return of the selected product, exchange with another product, return to the original sales floor, in addition to the detection failure of the RFID tag 3. . Therefore, the fact that the tag set estimation means 44 can correctly determine these movements separately from the case of detection failure will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 (a), (b), (c), and (d). FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram of detection omission in return in Example 1 of the present invention, FIG. 6B is an explanatory diagram of return in Example 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 6C is an implementation of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing of the exchange in Example 1. FIG.

Figure 6 (a) (b) ( c) is, customers who have a membership card _{2 1,} after buying the goods A2 ₃ in the shopping basket _{2 2} in the second department, the third with a R / W node _{4 4} proceed to the sales floor, it is assumed that was Maimodo' to the R / W node 4 ₅ again. According to FIG. 6 (a), the from at R / W node _{4 5} of the third department is _{{3 1,} 3 2, _{3 3}} are detected in R / W node _{4 4 {3 1, 3} 2} , And {3 ₁ , 3 ₂ , 3 ₃ , 3 ₄ } is detected again at the R / W node 4 ₅ . This is determined to be a detection failure of {3 ₃ } from the detection results of the R / W nodes 4 ₄ and 4 ₅ .

Then the case shown in FIG. 6 (b), the third sales floor of the R / W node _{4 5 {3 1,} 3 2, _{3 3}} from the detection of, R / W node _{4 4 {3} 1, _{3 2} } Is detected, and {3 ₁ , 3 ₂ , 3 ₄ } is detected again at the R / W node 4 ₅ . In this case, {3 ₃ } is not detected twice in succession at the R / W nodes 4 ₄ and 4 ₅ , and this is not an omission of detection but is assumed to be returned. The estimation performed twice is one of the determination criteria of the tag set estimation means 44, and as an evaluation criterion, any R / W node 4 between the next R / W node 4 and the cash register is used. Thus, if this {3 ₃ } is detected, it is reasonable to judge that it is a detection failure and to return it otherwise.

According to FIG. 6 (c), the at R / W node 4 5 of the third department {3 1, 3 2, 3 3} from being detected, and {3 1 R / W node 4 4, 3 2, 3 3 *} are detected, is again {3 1 R / W node 4 5 3 2 3 3 *, it detected 3 4}. In R / W node 4 4 of the second department has changed to a different product A2 3 * tags {3 3 *} from the tag of the product A2 3 {3 3}, which is a different product from the product A2 3 A2 3 * is exchanged. Thereafter, in R / W node 4 5 {3 1, 3 2, 3 3 *, 3 4} are detected, different product A2 3 * is subsequently selected, that there was replacement is described consistently. As described above, according to the first embodiment, when there is a detection failure, when the product A {3 3 } is returned and returned again, and when the product A2 3 * {3 3 * } is exchanged. It can be seen that distinction is possible.

  The estimation of the detection tag set G described above is performed after the last RFID tag is detected at the store exit 1b. At this time, when the estimation is correctly performed, the article management is performed based on the estimation result. If the detected tag set G cannot be estimated by any means and it is determined that there is an abnormality, it is notified by an alarm or the like, so it is preferable to supplement the management by adding the determination of the store clerk or the like. Further, even at the entrance 1a of the store (the passage leading to the outside other than the exit 1b), if the detection tag set G is detected and notified by an alarm or the like, unauthorized take-out can be prevented.

  Hereinafter, a procedure for estimating the detection tag set G performed in the management server 5 when there is a detection failure of the RFID tag 3 in the R / W node 4 of the first embodiment, a product return to the sales floor by the customer, or a product exchange, etc. Will be explained. FIG. 7 is an estimation flowchart of the detection tag set using the R / W node in the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, it is checked whether each R / W node 4 has detected the RFID tag 3 (step 1). If not detected, the process returns to step 1, and if the RFID tag 3 is detected, this tag information is used as the tag node. Store in the management table 5a (step 2). Next, it is checked whether or not the R / W node 4 that has detected the RFID tag 3 is the R / W node of the cash register (step 3). When the detected R / W node 4 is a cashier node, it is usually a case where a shopper has finished shopping and arrives at a cashier for payment. The detection of the tag information at this cash register should be accurate, and may be repeated a plurality of times after retrying. The number of repetitions may be set in advance and counted by the counter 45.

  In order to check whether or not the detected tag set detected at the cash register is correct, a path from the entrance 1a to the exit 1b is calculated (step 4), and it is checked whether the path follows the path set R (step 5). This is to confirm whether or not the detected branch r is mixed with an abnormal branch r. If the path does not follow the route set R, it is presumed that an abnormal situation such as going out of the sales floor or having a faulty part in the R / W node 4 has occurred. Flashes to notify (step 6). Thereby, more appropriate judgment and processing can be performed by adding judgment of a person such as a store clerk or a guard.

If the path in step5 follows a path set R, sequentially checking the detection tag set respectively detected by the R / W node 4 of the path constituting a path from the initial R / W Node 4 _1. Then, in the R / W node 4 being examined, it is determined whether or not there is an RFID tag 3 that exists in the previous node but disappears from the detection tag set G in that node (step 7). If the RFID tag 3 that is no longer in the detected tag set G does not exist in the R / W node 4 being examined, the process proceeds to step 11. Further, when there is a missing RFID tag 3 in step 7, it is checked whether or not the missing RFID tag 3 is detected in any R / W node 4 from the next R / W node 4 to the cash register ( step 8).

When an RFID tag 3 that is no longer an R / W node 4 from the next R / W node 4 to the cash register is detected, it is assumed that there is a detection failure in this R / W node 4 and this tag information is stored. In addition to the detection tag set G (step 9), if the missing RFID tag 3 is not detected at any R / W node 4 from the next R / W node 4 to the cash register, this R / W node 4 Assuming that the product has been returned, the detection tag set G is left as it is (step 10). Similarly, when as shopping basket 2 ₂ separate customers were interlaced with one R / W node 4 is also detected tag aggregation in step10 is intact. After steps 9 and 10, it is checked whether or not the next R / W node 4 to be checked remains (step 11). If any R / W node 4 to be checked remains, the process returns to step 7 and all the R / W nodes 4 are checked. When the check is completed, the estimated tag set at the cash register or the detected tag set is finished as the cash register tag set.

  In the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, whether or not the RFID tag 3 is correctly detected is checked at a time when the RFID tag 3 is detected at the cash register, but such a check is performed at each R / W node 4. By doing so, it becomes possible to quickly notify the abnormal situation.

  As described above, the article management system according to the first embodiment can automatically and correctly estimate an article such as a product carried out from a store based on the information of the RFID tag 3 detected by the R / W node 4. it can. Even if there is an omission in detection at the R / W node 4, it can be distinguished from the case of returning to the store and returning the product, and the product exchange. Appropriate processing can be performed with the help of a store clerk or a security guard.

Also, rather than R / W node 4 ₆ provided in register, the R / W Node 4 ₁ out possible e.g. entrance 1a to the outside, if it detects a detection tag set G, any unauthorized taking out of products such as An alarm or the like can be sounded by the notification means 46.

  The article management system of the present invention can be applied to merchandise management in a store, book management in a library or the like, and other uses for preventing illegal taking-out of articles and monitoring the movement status of articles.

1 is a configuration diagram of an article management system in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Configuration diagram of an RFID tag in Embodiment 1 of the present invention (A) is a block diagram in Example 1 of this invention, (b) is explanatory drawing of the input screen from the R / W node in Example 1 of this invention (A) is a block diagram of the management server in the first embodiment of the present invention, (b) is a correspondence diagram of elements of the tag / node management table in the first embodiment of the present invention, (c) is a tag- Explanatory drawing of the detection tag set of a node management table, (d) is explanatory drawing of the directed graph of the tag node management table of (b). (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the R / W node in Example 1 of this invention and the detection tag detected correctly, (b) is the detection detected when there was a detection omission with the R / W node of (a). Explanatory diagram showing tag relationships (A) is explanatory drawing of the detection omission in the return in Example 1 of this invention, (b) is explanatory drawing of the return in Example 1 of this invention, (c) is description of replacement | exchange in Example 1 of this invention Figure Flowchart for estimating detection tag set using R / W node in embodiment 1 of the present invention

Explanation of symbols

1 store 1a entrance 1b exit 2 ₁ membership card 2 ₂ shopping basket 2 ₃ , 2 ₃ ^* Product A
2 ₄ product B
2 ₅ products C
3 _{1 to 5} , 3 ₃ ^* RFID tag 4 _{1 to 6} Reader / writer node 5 Management server 5a Tag / node management table 6 Private network 11 Antenna 12 Radio unit 13 Demodulation circuit 14 Modulation circuit 15 Power supply unit 16 ID storage means 17 Rewriting Possible ROM
18 Central control unit 21 Antenna 22 Radio unit 23 Demodulation circuit 24 Modulation circuit 25 Communication control unit 26 Non-rewritable ROM
27 Rewritable ROM
28 RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 29 Central control part 31 Communication management means 32 Input control part 33 Display means 40 Central control part 41 Memory | storage part 42 Communication management means 43 Communication control part 44 Tag set estimation means 45 Counter 46 Notification means

Claims (8)

A plurality of readers installed at a plurality of locations in the area where the article is managed and for detecting RFID tags attached to the article, and tag information detected by the reader is received and recorded in the tag / node management table. An article management system comprising a management server for performing management,
Based on the tag / node management table, the management server determines whether or not there is a detection failure in the RFID tag detected by each reader, and if there is a detection failure, supplements the tag information that has not been detected. An article management system comprising tag set estimation means for estimating a tag set and determining that the detected tag set is a tag set when there is no detection omission. The tag set estimation unit determines whether or not a path from the entrance to the exit to the area is formed, and only when the path is formed, the RFID tag detection omission is determined. The article management system according to claim 1. The tag set estimation means defines a directed graph based on the reader and a movement route, stores this in a tag / node management table, and makes a determination based on the directed graph when determining the path. The article management system according to claim 2. 4. The article management system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein when the tag set estimation unit determines that the path is not formed, a notification unit notifies the tag set estimation unit. The article management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when a reader of a passage leading to the outside other than the exit of the area detects the RFID tag, the article is notified by an informing means. A plurality of readers capable of detecting RFID tags are installed at a plurality of locations in the article management area, and it is determined whether or not there is an RFID tag detection failure in each reader. An article management method characterized in that a tag set is estimated by supplementing information, and when there is no detection omission, the detected tag set is determined as a tag set and an article moving from the area to the outside is grasped. 7. The article management method according to claim 6, wherein the determination of the RFID tag detection omission is made only when a path from the entrance to the exit to the exit is formed. 8. The article management according to claim 6, wherein a directed graph is defined from the reader and the movement route, stored in a tag / node management table, and the determination is made based on the directed graph when the path is determined. Method.

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