JP2005043329A - Object confirmation system and method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system and a method for confirming an object, capable of confirming the object such as document stored in a container, such as envelopes with noncontact, without opening the container. <P>SOLUTION: The document to be stored in a container is attached with a respective magnetic tag, then stored in the envelope. The magnetic tag stored in the envelope is detected from the outside of the envelope by a detection device 1 in noncontact manner, as to whether the desired document is stored therein is confirmed, based on the detected results. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an object confirmation apparatus and method thereof, and more particularly, to detect a magnetic tag attached to an object such as an original stored in a container such as an envelope in a non-contact manner from outside the container, and a desired object is detected in the container. The present invention relates to an object confirmation apparatus and method for confirming whether or not the object is stored.

  In recent years, a system for managing products by attaching IC tags to products, for example, an ACCUWAVE system (manufactured by Dainippon Printing Co., Ltd.) is used to attach IC tags (communication frequency is, for example, 13.56 MHz) to products such as clothes. A system for managing products is provided.

  Further, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a signal processing circuit such as a logic circuit or a memory is obtained from a high-frequency signal obtained from an antenna provided on a non-contact type IC card having no power source and a signal source such as a clock and a carrier wave. The clock, data, and power for operating the power supply are extracted, and a double voltage rectifier circuit with one stage is provided for the clock and data, and a double voltage rectifier circuit with two stages is provided for the detection and rectification of the power generation power source. A non-contact type IC card and a transmission / reception circuit that individually set impedance matching and impedance step-up for a rectifier circuit have been proposed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-322250

  However, in the proposed system, when the products with IC tags are overlapped, the IC tags interfere with each other and detect information from the IC tag when the IC tags are in a substantially contact state (˜2 cm or less). It can be difficult.

  In addition, in order to simultaneously detect and identify information of a plurality of IC tags attached to a plurality of products, a program of dedicated logic that can specify each IC tag from a plurality of IC tags in an IC chip Alternatively, it is necessary to provide a circuit, and the size of the IC chip increases.

  Therefore, when an IC tag is attached to a print paper or printed matter to manage the print paper or printed matter, the IC chip has a dedicated logic, which increases the size of the IC chip and increases the manufacturing cost. There is.

  In recent years, a very small IC chip (about 0.4 mm square) has been developed. However, the manufacturing cost is high at present, and the cost can be expected to be reduced due to the spread in the future, but a plurality of IC tags are overlapped. In order to be able to identify each IC tag, it is necessary to add a dedicated logic circuit or program.

  In addition, an antenna is required to increase the readable distance of the IC tag.

  For example, whether or not the necessary documents are securely contained in the sealed envelope after sealing a direct mail consisting of several to several tens of manuscripts in one set or putting an insurance card-related document in an envelope or case. For such applications as checking the tag, a tag which is disposable and low in cost and does not cause trouble even when attached to a print paper or the like is required.

  In order to use an IC tag for such an application, there is a problem in terms of the size and manufacturing cost of the IC tag as described above.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an object checking apparatus and method for checking an object such as a document stored in a container such as an envelope in a non-contact manner without opening the container. To do.

  In order to achieve the above object, the object confirmation apparatus according to claim 1 is provided with a detection unit that is provided with a magnetic tag and detects a magnetic tag of an object accommodated in the container from outside the container, and the detection unit. And confirming means for confirming whether or not a desired object is stored in the container based on the detection output of.

  The invention of claim 2 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 1, further comprising notifying means for notifying the administrator of the result of confirmation by the confirmation means.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the confirmation unit is configured to detect the output of the detection unit in a state where a desired object with the magnetic tag is stored in the container. Is stored in advance as reference data, comparison means for comparing the detection output of the detection means with reference data stored in the storage means, and a desired object in the container based on the comparison result of the comparison means And a discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the battery is stored.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, the desired object accommodated in the container comprises a plurality of objects each having a magnetic tag having different characteristics, Based on the comparison result of the comparison means, it is determined which object is missing in the container or stored in excess.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the case according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the object is made of a paper or sheet-like nonmagnetic material, and the container is made of an envelope or a nonmagnetic material. It is a feature.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the detection means detects a signal due to magnetostrictive vibration of the magnetic tag, and information on the magnetic tag is determined by a frequency pattern of the detected signal. It is characterized by detecting.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the detection means detects a signal due to magnetostrictive vibration of the magnetic tag, and information on the magnetic tag is determined by a resonance frequency of the detected signal. It is characterized by detecting.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the detection means detects a signal due to magnetization reversal of the magnetic tag, and uses a pulse signal at the time of magnetization reversal of the detected signal. It is characterized by detecting information of a magnetic tag.

  In the object checking method of the invention of claim 9, a magnetic tag is provided to each object accommodated in the container, the object provided with the magnetic tag is accommodated in the container, and the object is accommodated in the container. Detecting the magnetic tag of the detected object from the outside of the container by the detection means, and confirming whether the desired object is stored in the container based on the detection output of the detection means. Features.

  The invention of claim 10 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 9, the administrator is notified of the confirmation result by the confirmation means.

  The invention according to claim 11 is the detection output of the detection means in the invention according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the confirmation means is a state in which a desired object with the magnetic tag is accommodated in the container. Is stored in advance in the storage means as reference data, the detection output of the detection means is compared with the reference data stored in the storage means, and a desired object is stored in the container based on the comparison result of the comparison means. It is characterized in that it is discriminated by the discriminating means whether or not is stored.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the eleventh aspect, the desired object accommodated in the container is composed of a plurality of objects each having a magnetic tag having a different characteristic. Based on the comparison result of the comparison means, it is determined which object is missing in the container or stored in excess.

  The invention according to claim 13 is the case according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the object is made of a paper or sheet-like nonmagnetic material, and the container is made of an envelope or a nonmagnetic material. It is a feature.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the ninth to thirteenth aspects, the detection means detects a signal due to magnetostrictive vibration of the magnetic tag, and information on the magnetic tag is determined by a frequency pattern of the detected signal. It is characterized by detecting.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the invention, in the invention according to any one of the ninth to thirteenth aspects, the detection means detects a signal due to magnetostrictive vibration of the magnetic tag, and information on the magnetic tag is determined by a resonance frequency of the detected signal. It is characterized by detecting.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the ninth to thirteenth aspects, the detection means detects a signal due to magnetization reversal of the magnetic tag, and at the time of magnetization reversal of the detected signal. The magnetic tag information is detected by a pulse signal.

  According to the object management apparatus and method of the present invention, the magnetic tag is provided to each object accommodated in the container, the object to which the magnetic tag is imparted is accommodated in the container, and the object is accommodated in the container. The magnetic tag of the object is detected from the outside of the container by the detection means in a non-contact manner, and based on the detection output of the detection means, it is confirmed by the confirmation means whether the desired object is stored in the container. Therefore, it is possible to confirm whether or not a desired object is stored in the container without opening the container.

  In addition, since the magnetic tag attached to the object is small in size and low in cost, it can be used for other purposes.

  The object management apparatus and method according to the present invention, for example, when delivering a direct mail or the like, puts a plurality of types of originals having different contents as a set into an envelope or a case and seals it. It is possible to confirm whether or not a plurality of types of originals to be put in are enclosed without forgetting to put them, and forgetting to put the originals can be prevented.

  FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an object management apparatus and method according to the present invention.

  FIG. 1A is a schematic plan view of an object management apparatus 100 according to the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a side view corresponding to the plan view shown in FIG.

  In the object management apparatus 100, in order to confirm the types of documents contained in the sealed envelope without opening, the plurality of types of documents placed in the envelope have magnetic tags that can identify each type of document. The magnetic tag is formed and inserted, and the magnetic tag is detected from the outside of the envelope so that a document corresponding to each magnetic tag in the envelope can be confirmed without opening.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the configuration of the object management apparatus 100 is based on a detection apparatus 1 that detects a document existing in a sealed envelope 4 and a detection result of the envelope 4 detected by the detection apparatus 1. It is composed of a transport mechanism device 3 (portion surrounded by an alternate long and short dash line) that transports to the envelope collection box 34 or the envelope delivery box 33 and a computer 2 that controls the entire object management device 100.

  The transport mechanism device 3 includes a transport belt 30, a gate 31 and a gate control device 32 that controls opening and closing of the gate 31, an envelope collection box 34, and an envelope delivery box 33.

  The conveying belt 30 is moved in a predetermined direction (see arrow 35) by a driving device (not shown), and the envelope 4 placed on the delivery belt 30 is passed almost directly below the detecting device 1 to detect the detecting device 1. Based on the result, it is conveyed to the envelope collection box 34 or the envelope delivery box 33.

  A plate-like gate 31 is disposed in the vicinity of the exit of the detection device 1 of the conveying belt 30, and the envelope 4 is opened and closed according to instructions from the computer 2 based on the detection result of the detection device 1. Is conveyed to the envelope collection box 34 or the envelope delivery box 33.

  For example, the detection device 1 detects the type of the document contained in the envelope 4 conveyed almost directly below the detection device 1, and enters the envelope 4 detected by the computer 2 based on the detection result. If it is determined that the type of document does not match all the types of documents to be placed in the envelope 4, that is, if it is determined that there is a document forgotten in the envelope 4, the computer 2 closes the gate 31. Thus, the gate control device 32 is instructed, and the gate control device 32 controls the gate 31 to be closed.

  When the gate 31 is controlled to be in the closed state, the plate-like gate 31 is closed by a predetermined angle δ with respect to the transport direction of the transport belt 30 (see arrow 35). Is conveyed and stored in the envelope collection box 34 as the conveying belt 3 moves.

  Further, when it is determined that the type of the document contained in the envelope 4 detected by the computer 2 based on the detection result of the detection device 1 matches all the types of documents to be put in the envelope 4, that is, the envelope 4 has If it is determined that there is no document left forgotten, the computer 2 instructs the gate control device 32 to keep the gate 31 open, and the gate control device 32 controls the gate 31 to the open state.

  When the gate 31 is controlled to be in the open state, the plate-like gate 31 is stored at a predetermined position in a state parallel to the conveying direction of the conveying belt 30 (see arrow 35). The envelope 4 is conveyed and stored in the envelope delivery box 33.

  The detection device 1 transmits an alternating magnetic field of a predetermined frequency to the envelope 4 conveyed almost directly below the detection device 1 by the conveyance belt 30 of the conveyance mechanism device 3, and receives and receives the transmitted alternating magnetic field. The type of document contained in the envelope 4 is detected based on the received signal change.

  The detection device 1 includes a transmission unit and a transmission antenna that generate and transmit an alternating magnetic field having a predetermined frequency to the envelope 4 conveyed almost directly below the detection device 1, and a reception antenna and a reception unit that receive the transmitted alternating magnetic field. The alternating magnetic field transmitted to the envelope 4 is received by the receiving antenna and the receiving unit, and the received received signal is input to the computer 2.

  A computer 2 that performs overall control of the entire object management apparatus 100 includes the following blocks.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the computer 2, and for convenience of explanation, a detection device 1 and a transfer mechanism device 3 that exchange data with the computer 2 are also shown.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the computer 2 includes a CP control unit 20 that controls the entire computer 2, a screen display unit 21 that displays various processing results processed by the computer 2, and a mail that can send and receive e-mails. Data can be exchanged between the communication unit 22, the first storage unit 24 and the second storage unit 25 that store information, the computer 2 and the detection device 1, and the computer 2 and the transport mechanism device 40. An interface unit 23 is provided.

  When the alternating magnetic field having a predetermined frequency transmitted to the envelope 4 is received by the receiving unit via the receiving antenna of the detection device 1, the received reception signal is transmitted to the CP control unit 20 via the interface unit 24 of the computer 2. Is input.

  The CP control unit 20 compares the input reception signal with the reception signals stored in the first storage unit 24 and the second storage unit 25, and the input reception signal is input to the first storage unit 24 and the second storage unit 25. When the received signal stored in is compared with any received signal, whether or not there is a forgotten document in the envelope 4 detected by the detection device 1 based on the comparison result, or there is a forgotten document In addition, information such as which original is forgotten to be put is displayed on the screen display unit 21 and transmitted to the administrator's e-mail device via the mail communication unit 22 for notification.

  Further, when there is a document forgotten in the envelope 4 detected by the detection device 1 based on the comparison result, the CP control unit 20 closes the gate 31 to the gate control device 32 of the transport mechanism device 3 via the interface unit 23. An instruction signal is input so as to control the state.

  When the gate control device 32 controls the gate 31 to be closed based on the instruction signal from the computer 2, the envelope 4 transported from the outlet of the detection device 1 is moved to the envelope recovery box 34 by the movement of the transport belt 30 and the guidance of the gate 31. It is conveyed to and stored.

  The administrator who is notified by the screen display unit 21 or e-mail of information indicating that the envelope 4 with a forgotten document has been detected is stored in the envelope collection box 34 and collected, and the collected envelope 4 is opened. Then, the forgotten original is confirmed, added, and placed on the delivery belt 30 again, and the same operation as described above is performed.

  As a result, it is possible to detect whether or not a document has been forgotten without opening the envelope 4 containing a plurality of types of documents and prevent the document from being forgotten.

  In the object management apparatus 100, as described above, in order to check the types of documents contained in the sealed envelope without opening, each type of document placed in the envelope includes each type of document. A magnetic tag that can identify the document is formed and inserted.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a magnetic tag formed on each of a plurality of types of documents placed in an envelope.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a magnetic tag L41 is formed on the first document 40, a magnetic tag 2L43 is formed on the second document 42, and a magnetic tag 3L45 is formed on the third document 44. These magnetic tags 41, Reference numerals 43 and 45 are formed of magnetostrictive elements such as ferrite and amorphous, and are formed into thin thin foil shapes having different lengths so as to be able to specify the originals 40, 42, and 44, and are inserted into each original. ing.

  This magnetostrictive element has a so-called magnetostrictive characteristic that causes a dimensional change of the magnetostrictive element when an external magnetic field is applied, and transmits an alternating magnetic field having a predetermined frequency to the magnetostrictive element having such a magnetostrictive characteristic. Then, the magnetostrictive element vibrates by resonating with the frequency of the alternating magnetic field.

  The resonant frequency of the magnetostrictive vibration in which the magnetostrictive element vibrates is determined by the material and size of the magnetostrictive element, and the magnetostrictive element placed in the alternating magnetic field of the resonant frequency exhibits the largest amplitude distortion and vibrates. .

  Here, the intrinsic frequency at which the magnetostrictive element vibrates magnetostrictively in accordance with the size, shape, etc. of the magnetostrictive element is referred to as “self-resonant frequency”.

  Each of the magnetostrictive elements L41, 2L43 and 3L45 shown in FIG. 3 is a ferromagnetic material having magnetostrictive characteristics such as amorphous as described above, and has its own self-resonant frequencies f1 (magnetostrictive element L41) and f2 (magnetostrictive). Element 2L43) and f3 (magnetostrictive element 3L45).

  Note that the levels of the self-resonant frequencies f1, f2, and f3 are assumed to be f1 <f2 <f3.

  Therefore, after the first original 40, the second original 42 and the third original 44 on which the magnetostrictive elements L41, 2L43 and 3L45 are respectively formed are stacked and sealed in the envelope 4, each original in the envelope 4 is sealed. A method for detecting without opening will be described.

  The transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna of the detection apparatus 1 are arranged to face each other, and the envelope 4 containing the originals 40, 42, and 44 in which the magnetostrictive elements L41, 2L43, and 3L45 are formed between the antennas is conveyed. Pass by belt 30.

  At that time, the detection apparatus 1 continuously and linearly goes from a low frequency near f1 including f1 to a high frequency near f3 including f3 or from a high frequency near f3 to a low frequency near f1 via the transmitter and the transmission antenna. When transmission is performed while changing, and the transmitted alternating magnetic field is received by the receiving unit via the receiving antenna, a change is seen in the frequency characteristics of the transmitted alternating magnetic field.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a received signal waveform of an alternating magnetic field corresponding to a combination when each of the first document 40, the second document 42, and the third document 44 is in the envelope 4.

  FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a received signal waveform when all of the first document 40, the second document 42, and the third document 44 to be put in the envelope 4 are included, and FIG. FIG. 3C is a diagram showing received signal waveforms when the first document 40 and the second document 42 are in the envelope 4 except for the third document 44, and FIG. 3C shows the second document 42 and the third document 44. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a received signal waveform when only the first original 40 is in the envelope 4 excluding [FIG.

  Based on these received signal waveforms, the received signal waveform 400 when all the originals 40, 42 and 44 are present in the envelope 4, and the received signal waveform when only the first original 40 and the second original 42 are present in the envelope 4. When comparing 401 and each of the received signal waveforms 402 when only the first document 40 is present in the envelope 4, the following results are obtained.

  For example, when the third document 44 is forgotten to be put in the envelope 4, that is, when only the first document 40 and the second document 42 are present in the envelope 4, the received signal waveform 401 is all the documents 40, 42, When compared with the received signal waveform 400 in the case of 44, the received signal “G” signal of the received signal waveform 401 is detected as shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b). Absent.

  That is, when all the originals 40, 42 and 44 exist in the envelope 4, each of the received signals “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, “E”, “F”, “G” When the signal is detected but the third document 44 does not exist in the envelope 4, each of the received signals “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, “E”, “F” It can be seen that the signal is detected, but the signal of the received signal “G” is not detected.

  This is when the third document 44 is present in the envelope 4 (the signal “G” in the received signal 400) and when it is not present (the frequency portion corresponding to the signal “G” of the received signal 400 in the received signal 401). Depending on whether or not the magnetostrictive vibration of the magnetostrictive element 3L45 is generated, a change is seen in the received signal of the alternating magnetic field transmitted, and the frequency characteristic of whether or not the magnetostrictive element 3L45 is present in the envelope 4 is shown.

  Further, when the second document 41 and the third document 45 are forgotten to be put in the envelope 4, that is, when only the first document 41 exists in the envelope 4, all the documents 40, 42, 44 are stored in the envelope 4. When compared with the received signal waveform 400 in the case of being inserted, as shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3C, the received signal waveform 400 has received signals “A”, “B”, “C”, While “D”, “E”, “F”, and “G” signals are detected, the received signal waveform 402 includes received signals “A”, “B”, “C”, and “E”. , “F” are detected, but signals “D” and “G” are not detected.

  The fact that the signal “G” of the reception signal waveform 402 is not detected is detected as the frequency characteristic of the reception signal of the alternating magnetic field due to the absence of the third original 45 in the envelope 4 as described above. The fact that the signal “D” of the received signal waveform 402 is not detected is that the original second draft 42 does not exist in the envelope 4, so that the magnetostrictive vibration corresponding to the self-resonant frequency of the magnetostrictive element 2 </ b> L formed on the document 2. It is presumed that the frequency characteristic of the received signal of the alternating magnetic field transmitted is detected depending on whether or not.

  Further, when comparing the reception signal waveform 402 when only the first document 41 exists in the envelope 4 and the reception signal waveform 401 when only the second document 42 and the third document 45 exist in the envelope 4, As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the received signal waveform 401 includes received signals “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, “E”, and “F”. In contrast, the received signal waveform 402 detects the received signals “A”, “B”, “C”, “E”, and “F”, but the signal “D”. It can be seen that is not detected.

  This is when the second document 42 is present in the envelope 4 (signal “D” in the received signal 401) and when it is not present (frequency portion corresponding to the signal “D” of the received signal 401 in the received signal 402). Depending on whether or not the magnetostrictive vibration of the magnetostrictive element 2L43 is generated, a change is seen in the received signal of the alternating magnetic field transmitted, and the frequency characteristic of whether or not the magnetostrictive element 2L43 is present in the envelope 4 is shown.

  Thus, the detection device 1 transmits the envelope 4 while changing the frequency from the low frequency near f1 including f1 to the high frequency near f3 including f3, and receives the alternating magnetic field of each frequency transmitted. The frequency characteristics of the received signal of the alternating magnetic field corresponding to each combination can be detected by the combination of the first document 40, the second document 42, and the third document 44 existing in the envelope 4.

  Therefore, for example, all the documents to be put in the envelope 4 in advance, for example, the frequency characteristics when the first document 40, the second document 42, and the third document 45 exist, the case where the document 1 is forgotten to be inserted (in the envelope 4) Frequency characteristics when the second original 42 and the third original 44 are present), frequency characteristics when the second original 42 is forgotten (the first original 40 and the third original 44 are present in the envelope 4), and the third original 44 Frequency characteristics when forgetting to insert (the first original 40 and the second original 42 exist in the envelope 4), and when the second original 42 and the third original 44 are forgotten (only the first original 40 exists in the envelope 4) Frequency characteristics, frequency characteristics when first document 40 and third document 44 are forgotten (only second document 42 exists in envelope 4), frequency characteristics when first document 40 and second document 42 are forgotten (in envelope 4) 3rd manuscript 44 only Current frequency characteristics are detected and stored in the storage devices 24 and 25 of the computer 2, and the frequency characteristics of the respective combinations stored in the storage devices 24 and 25 and the detection device 1 are almost directly below the detection device 1. The envelope 4 is sent to the conveyed envelope 4 while changing from a low frequency in the vicinity of f1 including f1 to a high frequency in the vicinity of f3 including f3, and the frequency characteristics of the received signal of the transmitted alternating magnetic field are compared. It is possible to identify the originals that are forgotten to be detected by detecting the existence of the originals 40, 42, and 44 existing in the document.

  The first storage unit 24 detects in advance the frequency characteristics when all the documents to be put in the envelope 4, for example, the first document 40, the second document 42, and the third document 45 exist, by the detection device 1, The detection result is stored in the first storage unit 24, and the frequency characteristics corresponding to the combination of the originals (the first original 40, the second original 42, and the third original 45) existing in the other envelope 4 are stored in the second storage unit 25. To remember.

  Here, the detection apparatus 1 for detecting a document existing in the sealed envelope 4 will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of the detection device 1 illustrated in FIG. 1.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the detection apparatus 1 includes a transmission unit 10 that generates and transmits an alternating magnetic field, a reception unit 11 that receives the alternating magnetic field transmitted from the transmission unit 10, and a detection that controls the entire detection apparatus 1. A device control unit 12 is provided.

  The transmission unit 10 transmits the alternating magnetic field to the envelope 4 while continuously changing linearly from a low frequency to a high frequency, and the transmission unit 10 receives the transmitted alternating magnetic field.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the frequency of the alternating magnetic field is a low self-resonant frequency among the magnetostrictive elements 41, 43 and 45 formed on the originals 40, 42 and 44 to be put in the envelope 4, respectively. Based on the high frequency, for example, it changes linearly continuously from a low frequency near f1 including f1 to a high frequency near f3 including f3 or from a high frequency near f3 to a low frequency near f1.

  In this embodiment, an example is shown in which an alternating magnetic field that changes linearly continuously from a low frequency near f1 to a high frequency near f3 is generated and transmitted.

  The transmitter 10 generates, for example, a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) using a voltage controlled by the transmission frequency controller 101 in order to generate an alternating magnetic field that varies linearly from low frequency to high frequency or continuously from high frequency to low frequency. = Voltage Controlled Oscillator) 102, the voltage controlled oscillator 102 generates a waveform signal corresponding to the voltage controlled by the transmission frequency controller 101, and the transmitter 103 amplifies the power of the generated waveform signal to transmit antenna. Via 104.

  The receiving unit 11 receives the frequency characteristics of the alternating magnetic field via the receiving antenna 11 by the magnetostrictive vibrations of the magnetostrictive elements 41, 43, and 45 formed in the respective documents 40, 42, and 44 existing in the envelope 4.

  An alternating magnetic field (hereinafter referred to as “received signal”) received by the receiving antenna 111 is filtered by, for example, the low-pass filter 112 and the high-pass filter 113, and the filtered received signal is converted to a power level that can be converted into a digital signal by the amplifier 114. Amplify.

  The amplified received signal is subjected to FFT conversion by an FFT (= Fast Fourier Transform) unit 115 and then output to the computer 2 via the signal processing board 116.

  The reception frequency controller 117 limits the band of the low-pass filter 112 and the high-pass filter 113 to the vicinity of the transmission frequency corresponding to the voltage signal generated by the transmission frequency controller 101 of the transmission unit 10.

  As described above, the detection device 1 detects a document existing in the sealed envelope 4, and the computer 2 issues a control instruction for the gate 31 of the transport mechanism device 3 based on the detection result, whereby the envelope 4 is When there is no document forgotten to be placed, the document is conveyed to the envelope delivery box 33, and when there is a document forgotten to be placed in the envelope 4, it is conveyed to the envelope collection box 34.

  A method for inspecting whether or not the document 4 has been forgotten to be put in the envelope 4 sealed using the object management apparatus 100 and preventing forgetting to put the document will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 shows a case where a direct mail or the like is delivered using the object management apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 and is composed of a plurality of originals having different contents into one set, put in an envelope (case), and sealed. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of a method for detecting a type of a document contained in an envelope without opening it and preventing a document that has been left forgotten.

  As shown in FIG. 6, first, in order to create a direct mail composed of a plurality of originals having different contents, a required set of originals is prepared, and each original is provided as an envelope 4 for each set. And sealed (step 600, step 601).

  The created plurality of sets of envelopes 4 are placed on the delivery belt, and the delivery belt 30 sequentially conveys the envelopes 4 to a position immediately below the detection device 1 (step 603).

  When the envelope 4 sequentially reaches the position immediately below the detection device 1 by the conveying belt 30, the detection device 1 detects the frequency characteristic of the received signal corresponding to the combination of the magnetic tags contained in the envelope 4 sequentially (step 604).

  The reception signal detected by the detection device 1 is output to the computer 2, and the frequency characteristic (hereinafter referred to as “reception frequency characteristic”) of the reception signal input from the detection device 1 to the computer 2 and the first storage unit 24. Are compared with the frequency characteristics (hereinafter referred to as “stored frequency characteristics”) when all the originals 40, 42, and 44 to be placed in the envelope 4 are stored in the envelope 4 (step 605).

  As a result of the comparison, if the reception frequency characteristic matches the storage frequency characteristic (YES in step 606), the envelope 4 is directly conveyed to the envelope delivery box by the conveyance belt 30 and delivered (step 607).

  As a result of the comparison, if the reception frequency characteristic and the storage frequency characteristic do not match (NO in step 606), the gate 31 operates in the closed state and the envelope 4 is stored in the envelope collection box 34 (step 608). ) Notifying the administrator that the envelope 4 in which the document has been forgotten to be detected is detected via the screen display unit 21 and the mail communication unit 22 of the computer 2 (step 609).

  The administrator who has received the notification opens the envelope 4 stored in the envelope collection box 34, confirms and adds a forgotten document in the opened envelope 4, and then seals and places it on the delivery belt again, and performs the same operation as described above. (Step 610, Step 611).

  Then, the envelope 4 placed on the conveyance belt 30 again is inspected by the detection device 1 and the computer 2, and when the reception frequency characteristic and the storage frequency characteristic coincide with each other, the envelope 4 is directly conveyed by the conveyance belt 30. It is conveyed to an envelope delivery box and delivered.

  When the reception frequency characteristic input from the detection apparatus 1 and the storage frequency characteristic stored in the first storage unit 24 are compared in the above-described step 606, the reception frequency characteristic does not match the storage frequency characteristic. (NO in step 606) may specify a document that is forgotten to be put in the envelope 4 and notify the specified information.

  In the first embodiment, when an envelope with a document that has been forgotten to be detected is detected, the administrator is notified via an e-mail or the like, and the administrator who has received the notification collects the envelope and opens the envelope. It was configured to check for missing documents.

  Therefore, a method for preventing forgetting to put a document in an envelope by a method different from that of the first embodiment will be described as a second embodiment.

  FIG. 7 shows the operation of the object management apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 6 according to the first embodiment, in which, when it is detected that there is a document that has been left in the envelope 4, the document that has been forgotten is specified and the specified information is notified. Is a flowchart showing another operation.

  The operation of the method for preventing forgetting to put a document in the envelope shown in FIG. 7 is the same as the reception frequency characteristic detected by the detection device 1 and the storage frequency characteristic stored in the first storage unit 24 in the flowchart shown in FIG. If the received frequency characteristic and the stored frequency characteristic do not match (NO in step 606), it is further specified which original is forgotten to be put, and information on the specified original is sent to the administrator. It is configured to notify.

  As shown in FIG. 7, first, in order to create a direct mail composed of a plurality of originals each having a different content, a required set of originals is prepared, and each original is provided with an envelope 4 for each set. And sealed (step 700, step 701).

  The created plurality of sets of envelopes 4 are placed on the delivery belt, and the delivery belt 30 sequentially conveys the envelopes 4 to a position directly below the detection device 1 (step 703).

  When the envelope 4 sequentially reaches the position immediately below the detection device 1 by the conveying belt 30, the detection device 1 detects the frequency characteristics of the received signal corresponding to the combination of the magnetic tags contained in the envelope 4 sequentially (step 704).

  The reception signal detected by the detection device 1 is output to the computer 2, and the computer 2 receives all the reception frequency characteristics of the reception signal input from the detection device 1 and the envelope 4 stored in the first storage unit 24. The stored frequency characteristics when the originals 30, 32, and 34 are stored in the envelope 4 are compared (step 705).

  As a result of the comparison, if the reception frequency characteristic matches the storage frequency characteristic (YES in step 706), the envelope 4 is conveyed to the envelope delivery box by the conveyance belt 30 and delivered.

  As a result of the comparison, when the reception frequency characteristic and the storage frequency characteristic do not match (NO in step 706), the gate 31 is operated in the closed state and the envelope 4 is stored in the envelope collection box 34 (step 708). Further, the reception frequency characteristic and each storage frequency characteristic stored in the second storage device 25, for example, the first original 40, the second original 42 and the first original 40 of the third original 44 are contained in the envelope 4. The second original 42 is not included, the third original 44 is not included, the first original 40 and the second original 42 are not included, and the first original 40 and the third original 42 are included. If not, the storage frequency characteristics of the second document 42 and the third document 44 are compared with each other, and the information on the misplaced document corresponding to the matched storage frequency characteristics is displayed on the screen display unit 21 and And notifies the administrator through e-mail (step 709, step 710 and step 711).

  After receiving the notification, the administrator prepares the forgotten original based on the information content of the forgotten original, opens the envelope 4 stored in the storage / recovery box 34, and adds the forgotten original into the opened envelope. Sealing and placing on the delivery belt again, the same operation as described above is performed (steps 712 and 713).

  Then, the envelope 4 placed on the conveyance belt 30 again is inspected by the detection device 1 and the computer 2, and when the reception frequency characteristic and the storage frequency characteristic coincide with each other, the envelope 4 is directly conveyed by the conveyance belt 30. It is conveyed to an envelope delivery box and delivered.

  As described above, in the object management apparatus 100, a magnetic tag that can identify each type of document is formed on each of a plurality of types of documents to be placed in an envelope, and after the magnetic tag is placed in the envelope and sealed, Since the presence of the magnetic tag in the envelope is detected based on the frequency characteristics of the alternating magnetic field transmitted by transmitting an alternating magnetic field of a predetermined frequency from the outside, the type of the document contained in the sealed envelope is opened. It is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to put an unnecessary document in the envelope or forgetting to put the document in the envelope.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, a plurality of magnetostrictive elements having different self-resonant frequencies are used as magnetic tags, and the frequency characteristics of the alternating magnetic field transmitted to the envelope in which the plurality of magnetostrictive elements are put in an overlapping manner. An example is shown in which the type of the magnetic tag present in the envelope is specified by detecting the change in the envelope. However, it exists in the envelope 4 by detecting the resonance frequency of the magnetostrictive element used as the magnetic tag. It is also possible to specify the type of the magnetic tag and prevent forgetting to put the document based on the type of the document on which the specified magnetic tag is formed.

  In this case, the configuration of the object management apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 can be realized by changing the configuration and control method of the detection device 1 and the computer 2 to a method of detecting the resonance frequency of the magnetostrictive element.

  Here, the type of the magnetic tag present in the envelope 4 is specified by detecting the resonance frequency of the magnetostrictive element used as the magnetic tag, and the user forgets to put the original based on the type of the original on which the specified magnetic tag is formed. An example configured to prevent this will be described as another embodiment.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the magnetic tag L41 is formed on the first document 40, the magnetic tag 2L43 is formed on the second document 42, and the magnetic tag 3L45 is formed on the third document 44. The tags 41, 43 and 45 are formed of magnetostrictive elements such as ferrite and amorphous, and are formed in the shape of thin thin foils having different lengths so that the originals 40, 42 and 44 can be specified. It has been drowned.

  Each magnetostrictive element L41, 2L43 and 3L45 has its own self-resonant frequency f1 (magnetostrictive element L41), f2 (magnetostrictive element 2L43) and f3 (magnetostrictive element 3L45), respectively, as described above.

  Note that the levels of the self-resonant frequencies f1, f2, and f3 are assumed to be f1 <f2 <f3.

  When an alternating magnetic field having a frequency substantially equal to each self-resonant frequency is transmitted to the magnetostrictive elements L41, 2L43, and 3L45 having such magnetostrictive characteristics, the magnetostrictive elements L41, L43, and 3L45 undergo magnetostrictive vibration. Even if the transmission of the alternating magnetic field transmitted to the magnetostrictive element is stopped, it continues for a short time while converging.

  Here, for convenience of explanation, the magnetostrictive element receives an alternating magnetic field in the vicinity of the self-resonant frequency of the magnetostrictive element and vibrates magnetostrictively. After the magnetostrictive vibration, the alternating magnetic field transmitted to the magnetostrictive element is stopped for a short time. The vibration in which the magnetostrictive vibration of the magnetostrictive element is maintained is called “residual vibration”.

  Conversely, when a magnetostrictive element having magnetostrictive characteristics is subjected to a change in size by applying an external force, the magnetization state of the magnetostrictive element changes, so an alternating magnetic field having a frequency near the self-resonant frequency of the magnetostrictive element is changed. When the magnetostrictive vibration is transmitted to the magnetostrictive element, an electromagnetic wave corresponding to the magnetostrictive vibration frequency is emitted from the magnetostrictive element that is magnetostrictively vibrated.

  Therefore, the detection device in this embodiment transmits an alternating magnetic field having a predetermined frequency that is linearly changed from a low frequency to a high frequency to a plurality of magnetostrictive elements having different self-resonant frequencies existing in the envelope 4 and transmits them. By detecting the electromagnetic wave generated by the magnetostrictive vibration of each magnetostrictive element for each frequency of the alternating magnetic field, the type of document corresponding to the presence or absence of a plurality of magnetostrictive elements having different self-resonant frequencies contained in the envelope 4 is detected. It is composed.

  The transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna of the detection device are arranged to face each other, and the envelope 4 containing the respective originals 40, 42 and 44 in which the magnetostrictive elements L41, 2L43 and 3L45 are formed between these antennas is transported. Pass by 30.

  At that time, the detection device transmits three-stage alternating magnetic fields of f2 and high-frequency f3 in order from the low frequency f1 to the envelope 4 through the transmitter and the transmission antenna for a predetermined time. After transmission, the electromagnetic wave emitted by the residual vibration of the magnetostrictive element having a self-resonance frequency corresponding to each frequency of the transmitted alternating magnetic field is detected for a predetermined time.

  FIG. 8 shows the remaining of the magnetostrictive elements 41, 43, and 45 formed on the respective originals corresponding to the combinations in which the originals of the first original 40, the second original 42, and the third original 44 exist in the envelope 4. It is a figure which shows the received signal waveform which detected the electromagnetic waves discharge | released by the vibration.

  FIG. 8A is a diagram showing received signal waveforms in the case where all of the first document 40, the second document 42, and the third document 44 to be put in the envelope 4 are present, and FIG. FIG. 3C is a diagram showing received signal waveforms when the first document 40 and the second document 42 exist in the envelope 4 except for the third document 44, and FIG. 3C shows the second document 42 and the third document 44. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a received signal waveform when only the first original 40 is present in the envelope 4 except for the above.

  Based on these received signal waveforms, the received signal waveform 800 when all the documents 40, 42 and 44 exist in the envelope 4 and the reception when only the first document 40 and the second document 42 exist in the envelope 4. When the signal waveform 801 is compared with the received signal waveform 802 when only the first original 40 is present in the envelope 4, the following results are obtained.

  For example, when all the documents 40, 42, and 44 to be placed in the envelope 4 are contained, the self-resonant frequency f1 of the magnetic tag L41 of the first document 40 is near the self-resonant frequency f1 as indicated by the received signal 800 in FIG. The received signal “H” is detected, the received signal “I” is detected in the vicinity of the self-resonant frequency f2 of the magnetic tag 2L43 of the second document 42, and the received signal is detected in the vicinity of the self-resonant frequency f3 of the magnetic tag 3L45 of the third document 45. “J” is detected.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the received signal waveform 801 when the first document 40 and the second document 42 exist only when the third document 44 is forgotten to be put in the envelope 4, and the envelope 4 is compared with the received signal waveform 800 in the case where all the originals 40, 42 and 44 are included, the received signal waveform 801 is in the vicinity of the self-resonant frequency f1 of the magnetic tag L41 of the first original 40. The received signal “H” is detected, and each signal of the received signal “I” is detected in the vicinity of the self-resonant frequency f2 of the magnetic tag 2L43 of the second document 42. The self of the magnetic tag 3L45 of the third document 45 is detected. The reception signal “J” in the vicinity of the resonance frequency f3 is not detected.

This indicates that the reception signal “J” in the vicinity of the self-resonant frequency f3 of the magnetic tag 3L45 is not detected due to the absence of the magnetic tag 3L45 of the third document 44 in the envelope 4. Received signal waveform 802 when the second original 41 and the third original 45 are forgotten and only the first original 41 exists in the envelope 4, and a received signal when all the originals 40, 42, 44 are put in the envelope 4 When compared with the waveform 800, as shown in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8C, the received signal waveform 800 detects the received signals “H”, “I”, and “J”. On the other hand, in the received signal waveform 802, only the received signal “H” is detected, and the signals “I” and “J” are not detected.

  The fact that the signal “J” of the received signal waveform 802 is not detected indicates that residual vibration due to the absence of the third document 45 in the envelope 4 was not detected as described above. The fact that the signal “I” of the received signal waveform 802 is not detected means that the electromagnetic wave generated by the residual vibration of the magnetostrictive element 2L formed on the document 2 due to the absence of the original second draft 42 in the envelope 4 is detected. It is estimated that it was not done.

  Further, the received signal waveform 802 when only the first document 41 exists in the envelope 4 and the received signal waveform 801 when only the second document 42 and the third document 45 exist in the envelope 4 will be compared. As shown in FIG. 8B and FIG. 8C, the received signal waveform 801 has received signals “H” and “I” detected, whereas the received signal waveform 802 has It can be seen that only the received signal “H” is detected and the signals “I” and “J” are not detected.

  Thus, it can be determined whether or not the magnetic tag is present in the envelope 4 based on whether or not a received signal is detected in the vicinity of the self-resonant frequency of each magnetic tag present in the envelope 4.

  A detection device for detecting the resonance frequency of the magnetostrictive element used as the magnetic tag will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of a detection device that detects the resonance frequency of the magnetostrictive element.

  As illustrated in FIG. 9, the detection device 91 includes a transmission unit 900 that generates and transmits an alternating magnetic field, a reception unit 910 that receives the alternating magnetic field transmitted from the transmission unit 900, and a detection that controls the entire detection device 900. A device control unit 912 is provided.

  The transmission frequency controller 901 supplies an operating voltage to the voltage controlled oscillator 902, and the voltage controlled oscillator 902 generates a waveform signal having a frequency f1 for a predetermined time.

  The waveform signal of the frequency f1 generated by the voltage controlled oscillator 902 is input to the frequency converter 903, and the frequency converter 903 receives the waveform signal input from the voltage controlled oscillator 902 and synchronizes transmission and reception input from the synchronization controller 920. Output to the transmitter 904 based on the synchronization control signal for taking the signal, and the transmitter 904 amplifies the waveform signal input from the frequency converter 903 and envelopes the alternating magnetic field having the frequency f1 via the transmission antenna 905. 4 is transmitted for a predetermined time.

  When the alternating magnetic field having the frequency f1 is transmitted to the envelope 4, the magnetostrictive element L41 having the self-resonant frequency f1 among the respective magnetostrictive elements L41, 2L43 and 3L45 formed on the respective documents contained in the envelope 4 is magnetostrictively vibrated. The magnetostrictive vibration of the magnetostrictive element L41, however, remains for a short time even after transmission of the alternating magnetic field having the frequency f1 is stopped.

  While the magnetostrictive element L41 undergoes magnetostrictive vibration and residual vibration, electromagnetic waves are emitted from the magnetostrictive element L41. Therefore, the receiving unit 910 transmits the electromagnetic waves emitted by the residual vibration of the magnetostrictive element L41 via the reception antenna 911 for a predetermined time. Detect during.

  In the synchronization control for synchronizing the transmission and reception, the synchronization controller 920 stops the transmission unit 900 after transmitting the alternating magnetic field having the frequency f1 for a predetermined time, and the reception unit 910 performs magnetostriction for the predetermined time when the transmission is stopped. Control is performed so as to receive the electromagnetic wave emitted by the residual vibration of the element L41.

  The electromagnetic wave signal (detection signal) emitted by the residual vibration of the magnetostrictive element L41 is received via the receiving antenna 911, and is filtered by, for example, the low-pass filter 912 and the high-pass filter 913, and the filtered received signal is converted into a digital signal by the amplifier 914. Amplifies power to a level that can be realized.

  The amplified received signal is subjected to FFT conversion by an FFT (= Fast Fourier Transform) unit 915 and then output to the computer 2 via the signal processing board 916.

  In the embodiment 3 described above, a plurality of magnetostrictive elements having different self-resonance frequencies are used as magnetic tags, and the resonance frequency of the magnetostrictive element is detected with respect to an envelope in which the plurality of magnetostrictive elements are put in an overlapping manner. In the above example, the type of the magnetic tag present in the envelope is specified. However, a magnetic tag capable of detecting a magnetic field inversion pulse is formed on each original, and the magnetic field inversion pulse of the magnetic tag is detected. Thus, it is possible to specify the type of the magnetic tag present in the envelope and prevent forgetting to put the document based on the type of the document on which the specified magnetic tag is formed.

  In this case, in the configuration of the object management apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1, a magnetic tag that can detect a magnetic field inversion pulse is formed so that each original can be specified according to the type of the original. This can be realized by changing the configuration and control method of the detection device 1 and the computer 2 to be detected.

  Here, an example configured to detect a magnetic field reversal pulse of each magnetic tag so that a document corresponding to each magnetic material in the envelope can be confirmed without opening it as an example other than the other examples explain.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a magnetic tag formed on each of a plurality of types of documents placed in an envelope.

  As shown in FIG. 10, a magnetic tag M101 is formed on the first document 100, a magnetic tag 2M103 is formed on the second document 102, and a magnetic tag 3M105 is formed on the third document 104. These magnetic tags M101, 2M103 and 3M105 are formed of a magnetic material such as an amorphous material having a large Barghausen effect, and are formed into thin lines having different lengths so as to be able to identify the originals 100, 102, and 104, and are inserted into each original. It is rare.

  This magnetic material has a so-called large Barghausen effect in which magnetization is reversed when a predetermined magnetic field is applied from the outside, and a unique pulse signal is generated by this magnetization reversal.

  When an alternating magnetic field having a predetermined frequency that changes the magnetic field strength (H) is transmitted to each of the magnetic tags M101, 103, and 105 having the large Barghausen effect, each of the magnetic tags M101, 103, and 105 Sudden magnetization reversal occurs by receiving an alternating magnetic field greater than the coercive force.

  The magnetic tags M101, 103, and 105 that have received a predetermined alternating magnetic field have different coercive forces depending on their lengths, so that a time difference occurs in which magnetization is reversed according to the transmitted predetermined alternating magnetic field strength. , 103 and 105 are detected.

  Therefore, the detection device in this embodiment transmits an alternating magnetic field having a predetermined frequency that changes the magnetic field strength (H) to the magnetic tags M101, 103, and 105 having different coercive forces existing in the envelope 4, and each magnetic tag. By detecting a unique pulse signal generated when M101, 103, and 105 undergo magnetization reversal, the type of document corresponding to the presence or absence of a plurality of magnetic tags having different coercive forces in envelope 4 is detected. It is configured.

  A method for detecting each of the magnetic tags M101, M103, and 3M105 having the large Barghausen effect will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 11, a predetermined alternating magnetic field 1100 is transmitted to the envelope 4, and combinations of the originals contained in the envelope 4, for example, the first original 100, the second original 102, and the third original 104, respectively. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a received signal waveform obtained by detecting a unique pulse signal generated by magnetization reversal of the magnetic tags M101, 2M103 and 3M10 formed on each original according to the combination existing in the envelope 4;

  FIG. 11A is a diagram showing a pulse signal when all of the first document 100, the second document 102, and the third document 104 to be put in the envelope 4 are present, and FIG. FIG. 11C is a diagram illustrating a pulse signal when the first document 100 and the second document 102 exist in the envelope 4 excluding the document 104, and FIG. 11C illustrates the second document 102 and the third document 104. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a pulse signal when only the first document 100 is present in the envelope 4.

  Based on these detected pulse signals, only the first original 30 and the second original 32 in the pulse signal reception signal waveform 800 and the envelope 4 when all the originals 100, 102 and 104 exist in the envelope 4. When the received signal waveform 801 when present and the received signal waveform 802 when only the first original 30 exists in the envelope 4 are compared, the following results are obtained.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, when all of the first document 100, the second document 102, and the third document 104 exist in the envelope 4, the magnetic tags M101, M103, and 3M10 formed on each document. When the magnetic tag M101 receives the predetermined alternating magnetic field 1100, for example, when the magnetic field strength (H) of the predetermined alternating magnetic field 100 is H1, the magnetic reversal occurs, and the steep pulse signal “K” generated at that time is the time. The magnetic field strength of the alternating magnetic field 1100 is detected at time t1, the magnetic field strength of the alternating magnetic field 1100 becomes H2, and the magnetic tag 2M103 is magnetically reversed to detect the pulse signal “L”. At time t3, the magnetic field strength of the alternating magnetic field 1100 becomes H3 The tag 3M105 is magnetically inverted, and the pulse signal “M” is detected.

  When the first document 100 and the second document 102 exist in the envelope 4, that is, when the third document 104 is forgotten to be put in the envelope 4, as shown in FIG. The magnetic field intensity of the magnetic field 1100 becomes H1 and the magnetic tag M101 is magnetically inverted to detect the pulse signal “K”. At time t2, the magnetic field intensity of the alternating magnetic field 1100 becomes H2 and the magnetic tag 2M103 is magnetically inverted and the pulse signal “L” is detected. ”Is detected, but the pulse signal“ M ”of the magnetic tag 3M105 corresponding to the third original 104 is not detected.

  If only the first document 100 exists in the envelope 4, that is, if the second document 102 and the third document 104 are forgotten to be put in the envelope 4, as shown in FIG. 11C, the time t1 At this time, the magnetic field strength of the alternating magnetic field 1100 becomes H1, and the magnetic tag M101 is magnetically reversed to detect the pulse signal “K”. However, the magnetic tags 2 “M” and 3M105 corresponding to the second original 102 and the third original 104 are detected. No pulse signal “M” is detected.

  Therefore, an alternating magnetic field with a predetermined frequency that changes the magnetic field strength (H) is transmitted to the magnetic tags M101, 103, and 105 having different coercive forces existing in the envelope 4, and each magnetic tag M101, 103, and 105 By detecting a unique pulse signal generated at the time of magnetization reversal, it is possible to detect the type of document corresponding to the presence or absence of a plurality of magnetic tags having different coercive forces in the envelope 4.

  As described so far, the type of the magnetic tag existing in the envelope is identified by detecting the resonance frequency of the magnetostrictive element used as the magnetic tag, or the magnetic field reversal pulse of the magnetic tag is detected. A detection device that detects a magnetic tag for the operation of an object management device that uses a method for identifying the type of an existing magnetic tag and preventing forgetting to insert a document based on the type of document on which the identified magnetic tag is formed The computer 2 is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 except that the processing method of the received signal input from the detection device is different.

1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an object management apparatus and method according to the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the computer 2 shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the magnetic tag each formed in the multiple types of original document put into an envelope. It is a figure which shows the received signal waveform of the alternating magnetic field according to each combination of the 1st original 40, the 2nd original 42, and the 3rd original 44 which are in the envelope. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the principal part of the detection apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for detecting a document in an envelope sealed using the object management apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 without opening the document and preventing forgetting to insert the document. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing another method different from the method for detecting the document in the sealed envelope shown in FIG. 6 without opening it and preventing forgetting to put the document. It is a figure which shows the received signal waveform of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the residual vibration according to each combination of the 1st original 40, the 2nd original 42, and the 3rd original 44 which are in the envelope. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the principal part of the detection apparatus which detects the resonant frequency of a magnetostriction element. It is a figure which shows an example of the magnetic tag which has the large Barghausen effect each formed in the multiple types of original document put into an envelope. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing unique pulse signals generated by magnetization reversal corresponding to respective combinations of the first document 100, the second document 102, and the third document 104 contained in the envelope.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,91 Detection apparatus 2 Computer 20 CP control apparatus 21 Screen display part 22 Mail communication part 23 Interface part 24 1st memory | storage part 25 2nd memory | storage part 3 Conveyance mechanism apparatus 30 Conveyance belt 31 Gate 32 Gate control apparatus 33 Envelope delivery box 34 Envelope recovery box 35 Transport direction of delivery belt 4 Envelope 40 First document 42 Second document 43 Third document 41, 43, 45 Magnetostrictive element
12, 912 Detection device controller 10, 900 Transmitter 101, 901 Transmission frequency controller 102, 902 Voltage control transmitter 103, 904 Transmitter 903 Frequency converter 104, 905 Transmit antenna 11, 910 Receiver 111, 911 Receive antenna 112, 912 Low-pass filter 113, 913 High-pass filter 114, 914 Amplifier 115, 915 FFT unit 116, 916 Signal processing board 917 Reception frequency controller

Claims (16)

Detection means each provided with a magnetic tag and detecting the magnetic tag of an object contained in the container in a non-contact manner from outside the container;
An object confirmation apparatus comprising: confirmation means for confirming whether a desired object is stored in the container based on a detection output from the detection means. The object confirmation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising notification means for notifying an administrator of a result of confirmation by the confirmation means. The confirmation means includes
Storage means for preliminarily storing, as reference data, a detection output of the detection means in a state where a desired object to which the magnetic tag is attached is stored in the container;
A comparison means for comparing the detection output of the detection means with the reference data stored in the storage means;
The object confirmation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a determination unit that determines whether or not a desired object is stored in the container based on a comparison result of the comparison unit. The desired object contained in the container is
It consists of multiple objects with magnetic tags with different characteristics,
The discrimination means includes
4. The object confirmation apparatus according to claim 3, wherein it is determined which object is missing in the container based on a comparison result of the comparison means or an extra container. The object is
Made of paper or sheet-like non-magnetic material,
The container is
The object confirmation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the object confirmation device is an envelope or a case made of a nonmagnetic material. The detection means includes
The object confirmation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a signal due to magnetostrictive vibration of the magnetic tag is detected, and information on the magnetic tag is detected based on a frequency pattern of the detected signal. The detection means includes
The object confirmation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a signal due to magnetostrictive vibration of the magnetic tag is detected, and information on the magnetic tag is detected based on a resonance frequency of the detected signal. The detection means includes
6. The object confirmation device according to claim 1, wherein a signal due to magnetization reversal of the magnetic tag is detected, and information on the magnetic tag is detected by a pulse signal at the time of magnetization reversal of the detected signal. . A magnetic tag is attached to each object contained in the container,
The object to which the magnetic tag is attached is accommodated in the container,
Detecting the magnetic tag of the object contained in the container in a non-contact manner from the outside by the detection means;
An object confirmation method characterized by confirming whether or not a desired object is stored in the container based on a detection output of the detection means. The confirmation result by the confirmation means is notified to an administrator. The object confirmation method according to claim 9. The confirmation means includes
Storing the detection output of the detection means in a state in which a desired object with the magnetic tag is stored in the container as reference data in a storage means;
The detection output of the detection means and the reference data stored in the storage means are compared by a comparison means,
The object confirmation method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the determination means determines whether or not a desired object is stored in the container based on a comparison result of the comparison means. The desired object contained in the container is
It consists of multiple objects with magnetic tags with different characteristics,
The discrimination means includes
The object confirmation method according to claim 11, wherein it is determined which object is missing in the container based on a comparison result of the comparison unit or an extra container is accommodated. The object is
Made of paper or sheet-like non-magnetic material,
The container is
It is a case which consists of an envelope or a nonmagnetic material. The object confirmation method in any one of Claims 9 thru | or 12 characterized by the above-mentioned. The detection means includes
The object confirmation method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein a signal due to magnetostrictive vibration of the magnetic tag is detected, and information on the magnetic tag is detected based on a frequency pattern of the detected signal. The detection means includes
The object confirmation method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein a signal due to magnetostrictive vibration of the magnetic tag is detected, and information on the magnetic tag is detected based on a resonance frequency of the detected signal. The detection means includes
The object confirmation method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein a signal due to magnetization reversal of the magnetic tag is detected, and information on the magnetic tag is detected by a pulse signal at the time of magnetization reversal of the detected signal. .

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