JP2006268305A - Tag device management system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide technology capable of rapidly and properly managing a tag device imparted with an identification code. <P>SOLUTION: This tag device management system has: a plurality of tag devices each assigned with an identification code; and a management control means communicating with each of the tag device to manage each the tag device. Each of the tag device gives a response signal in a delay time U(1), U(2), etc., U(m), U(m+1), U(m+2), U(m+3), U(m+5), etc. according to its own identification code according to a first response instruction from a management controller. The management controller specifies the identification code according to the delay time when the response signal is given. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for managing a tag device to which an identification code is assigned.

  There is a technique in which each tag device is managed by attaching a tag device to which an identification code is assigned to each of a plurality of articles, and a predetermined management control device communicates with each of the tag devices.

  For example, there is an article management system in which a tag device assigned with a unique identification code is attached to each stored item stored in a storage shelf. In this type of article management system, mutual communication is performed between light and radio waves or the like between a predetermined management control device and each tag device. Then, based on the identification code assigned to each tag device, the management control device manages the removal / return state and storage position of each stored item.

  Such an article management system is disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example.

  Here, when there are a plurality of tag devices in an area communicable with the management control device, the management control device avoids interference due to the feeling of the plurality of tag devices, and manages the number of tag devices, specific management of identification codes, etc. Need to do.

  Conventionally, the number of tag devices and the specific management of identification codes are specified by sequentially specifying identification codes one by one, giving a response command to each tag device, and confirming whether or not there is a response to each command. Etc.

JP 11-59833 A

  However, in the above prior art, it is necessary to repeatedly check the response command and the presence / absence of a response for all tag devices, that is, for the number of types of identification codes.

  Therefore, there is a problem that the processing time for counting the total number becomes relatively long.

  In this case, it is also possible to receive broadcast responses from each tag device in advance and narrow down the identification code of the target tag device to some extent from the signal reception status of the broadcast response. However, even in this case, there is a limit to narrowing down, and it is difficult to significantly reduce the processing time.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of quickly and appropriately managing a tag device to which an identification code is assigned.

  The tag device management system according to the present invention comprises a plurality of tag devices each assigned an identification code, and a management control means for managing each tag device by communicating with each tag device. Each tag device emits a response signal at a delay time corresponding to its own identification code in response to a response command from the management control means, and the management control means responds from each tag device. Each of the tag devices is managed based on a signal delay time.

  In this case, the identification code includes a first information code portion and a second information code portion, and the management control means issues the response command by designating the first information code, The tag device may issue a response signal at a timing shifted back and forth in accordance with a match / mismatch of the designated first information code within a delay time corresponding to the second information code.

  When the management control unit determines that there is a tag device including a first information code that does not match the designated first information code, the management control unit designates a second information code corresponding to the tag device. In response to the response signal designating the second information code from the management control means, each tag device issues a response signal at a delay time corresponding to its own first information code, and The control means may identify and manage the first information code of each tag device based on the delay time of the response signal issued from each tag device.

  Furthermore, the first information code may be associated with the scheduled area of each tag device.

  In addition, when there is a tag device that includes a first information code that does not match the designated first information code, the management control means assigns an identification code assigned to the tag device to the designated first information code. You may perform the operation | movement for rewriting to the identification code | symbol containing 1 information code | cord | chord, or the operation | movement for prompting to move the article | item with which the tag apparatus was attached.

  Moreover, the tag device management method according to the present invention is a tag device management method for managing a plurality of tag devices each assigned an identification code, the step of giving a response command to each of the tag devices, Each tag device issues a response signal at a delay time corresponding to its own identification code in response to the response command, and manages each tag device based on the delay time of the response signal emitted from each tag device And the process of carrying out.

  In addition, the tag device according to the present invention provides a communication unit, a storage unit storing an identification code, and a response time through the communication unit, with a delay time corresponding to its own identification code, through the communication unit. And tag control means for issuing a response signal.

  Furthermore, the management control device according to the present invention is a management control device that manages a plurality of tag devices to which identification codes are assigned, and communicates between the tag device through the transmission / reception means and the transmission / reception means. Management control means for managing each of the tag devices, and the management control means gives a response command to each of the tag devices through the transmission / reception means, and each of the tags issued in response to the response command Each of the tag devices is managed based on the delay time of the response signal from the tag device.

  The article management system according to the present invention is an article management system for managing articles based on identification codes assigned to a plurality of tag devices, the storage means for storing a plurality of articles, and the storage Signal transmission / reception between a plurality of tag devices attached to each article stored in the means and assigned with an identification code, and each tag device attached to each article stored in the storage means Transmitting and receiving means, and management control means for managing the articles stored in the storage means by communicating with the tag device through the transmitting and receiving means, each tag device through the transmitting and receiving means When a response command is received, a delay time is obtained based on its own identification code, and a response signal is issued at the delay time. Giving a response command to the grayed device, based on the response signal of each tag device in accordance with the interrogation, and manages the stored goods in the storage unit.

  In this case, the storage means has a plurality of storage areas, and a plurality of the transmission / reception means are provided corresponding to the respective storage areas, and each of the articles stored in the corresponding storage area. It is configured to be able to send and receive signals to and from the tag device, and the management control means gives the response command to each storage area and manages each article through each transmission / reception means. There may be.

  Further, each identification code assigned to each tag device is divided into a plurality of divided identification code groups, and the management control means assigns a plurality of identification codes to be responded to for each divided identification code group. The specified response target information and the response command are given to the tag device, and the articles stored in the storage unit are managed based on the response signal of each tag device according to the response command. When receiving the response command, it determines whether or not it is a response target based on the response target information, and issues a response signal at the delay time when it is determined that it is a response target It may be.

  According to the tag device management system of the present invention, each tag device issues a response signal at a delay time corresponding to its own identification code in response to a response command from the management control unit, and the management control unit receives the response from each tag device. Since each tag device is managed based on the delay time of the response signal issued, each tag device is distinguished and managed promptly and appropriately without performing communication by designating all the identification codes sequentially as in the past. be able to.

  In this case, the management control means designates the first information code and issues the response command, and the tag devices are designated within the delay time corresponding to the second information code. By issuing a response signal at a timing shifted back and forth according to the coincidence / non-coincidence of the first information code, each tag device is distinguished and managed quickly and appropriately with respect to the identification code including the designated first information code. Can do.

  Further, in this case, when the management control means determines that there is a tag device including the first information code that does not match the designated first information code, the second information code corresponding to the tag device is present. In response to a response signal designating the second information code from the management control means, each tag device sends a response signal at a delay time corresponding to its own first information code. The management control means identifies and manages the first information code of each tag device based on the delay time of the response signal issued from each tag device, Each tag device can be distinguished and managed with regard to the inclusion or identification code.

  In this case, when the first information code is associated with the planned existence area of each tag device, each tag device can be managed quickly in consideration of the possibility of existence of each tag device for each area. .

  In addition, when there is a tag device including a first information code that does not match the designated first information code, the management control means assigns an identification code assigned to the tag device to the designated first information code. If the operation for rewriting the identification code including one information code or the operation for urging to move the article to which the tag device is attached is performed, the management of the area unit can be performed appropriately.

  Further, according to the tag device management method of the present invention, a step of giving a response command to each tag device, and each tag device outputs a response signal at a delay time corresponding to its own identification code according to the response command. Since each of the tag devices can be managed relatively quickly, the method includes a step of emitting and a step of managing each of the tag devices based on a delay time of a response signal emitted from each of the tag devices.

  Further, according to the tag device of the present invention, since the response signal is issued through the communication means during the delay time according to the identification code of the tag device, each tag device is identified based on the delay time when the response signal is issued. Can manage each tag device quickly and appropriately.

  Further, according to the management control device of the present invention, the management control means gives a response command to each tag device through the transmission / reception means, and a response signal from each tag device issued in response to the response command. Since each tag device is managed based on the delay time, each tag device can be managed quickly and appropriately.

  According to the article management system of the present invention, each tag device obtains a delay time based on its own identification code when receiving a response command through the transmission / reception means, and issues a response signal at the delay time, thereby managing control. The means gives a response command to each tag device through the transmission / reception means, and manages each article based on the response signal of each tag device according to the response command. Compared to the case where the confirmation is repeatedly performed for each tag device, it is possible to quickly manage the counting of the total number of articles.

  Further, in this case, the management control means gives a response command to each storage area of the storage means through each transmission / reception means, and manages the article based on the response signal, so that each storage area unit You can manage the goods.

  Further, the management control means provides the target information specifying the plurality of identification codes to be responded to and the response command for each of the divided identification code groups, and the response of each tag device according to the response command Managing the articles stored in the storage means based on the signal, the tag device, when receiving the response command, to determine whether or not it is a response target based on the response target information, If it is configured to issue a response signal after the waiting time has elapsed when it is determined that it is a response target, the time until each tag device receives a response command and issues a response signal may be made relatively short. it can.

  The basic configuration of the present invention is as follows. That is, an identification code is assigned to each of the plurality of tag devices. The management control device manages each tag device such as identifying the number of each tag device and the identification code of the existing tag device by communicating with each tag device. Usually, such a tag device is attached to a storage such as a file or a cargo. The management control device manages the stored articles through the management of each tag device.

  In the present invention, in response to a response command from the management control device, each tag device issues a response signal at a delay time corresponding to its own identification code. As a result, the management control device distinguishes and recognizes each tag device based on the delay time of each response signal, determines each identification code, the number, etc., and manages each tag device. .

  This will be described in more detail below.

{First embodiment}
Hereinafter, a tag device management system and a tag device management method according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a tag device management system. As shown in the figure, the tag device management system includes a plurality of tag devices 120 and a management control device 160.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the tag device. The tag device 120 includes a tag control unit 125, an ID storage unit 126, and a communication unit 127.

  The tag control unit 125 is a general microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a timer circuit, and the like, and performs an operation described later according to a predetermined software program stored in advance.

  Further, the ID storage unit 126 stores a unique identification code assigned to each tag device 120. The tag control unit 125 reads a unique identification code stored in the ID storage unit 126 and performs a predetermined operation described later. The ID storage unit 126 may store the unique identification code written at the time of initial setting so as not to be rewritable, or may store it so as to be rewritable. Further, the tag control unit 125 and the ID storage unit 126 may be integrated into one chip.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the identification code stored in the ID storage unit 126 includes a first information code portion and a second information code portion. The first information code is associated with, for example, the planned existence area of each tag device 120, and the second information code is associated with the response time (details of the association will be described later). In addition to this identification code, a code for identifying the tag device 120 may be stored. That is, apart from the identification code referred to in this process, for example, a code for identifying and managing the tag device 120 with a database or the like may be given to each tag device 120.

  The communication unit 127 is a means for communicating with the communication unit 169 on the management control device 160 side. The communication unit 127 may be configured to perform communication using an optical communication method, or may be configured to perform communication using a radio wave method.

  Each tag device 120 is, for example, a file stored in a storage means such as a storage shelf, a book, a video tape, a DVD disk, a card, or a container or a home delivery temporarily stored in a storage means in a collection center. To be mounted on the storage. Normally, these stored items are stored separately for each predetermined area, and managed in units of areas. The management control device 160 can manage each stored item through the management of each tag device 120. FIG. 1 shows an example in which each tag device 120 is arranged and managed separately in areas A1 and A2.

  The management control device 160 is configured by a computer including a management control unit 161 such as a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and a storage unit 161a such as a hard disk device, and performs operations described later in accordance with a program stored in advance. The instruction to the management control device 160 is made through an input unit such as a keyboard.

  The storage unit 161a stores a database in which identification information assigned to the tag device 120 is associated with specific information (for example, a file name) of an article to which the tag device 120 is attached. This database is created and updated by inputting the specific information of the stored article through the input unit while reading the identification code of the tag device 120 through the tag reader device or the like. Such a database is appropriately referred to when the tag device 120 is managed.

  In addition, the management control device 160 is configured to transmit a predetermined signal to each tag device 120 and receive a signal from each tag device 120 for each of the areas A1 and A2 through the communication unit 169. Yes. Then, the management control device 160 performs management operation of each tag device 120 by communicating with each tag device 120 through the communication unit 169. Here, the management operation includes an operation of specifying the identification code of the tag device 120 existing in each area A1 (or A2) and counting the number.

  Operations of the management control device 160 and the tag device 120 will be described. In the description here, the entire identification code has a 12-bit configuration, of which the upper 4 bits are associated with the scheduled area as the first information code, and the lower 8 bits are the response as the second information code. This will be described with an example associated with time.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a management operation by the management control device. The management control device 160 executes a management operation for identifying the presence / absence and identification code of each tag device 120 described below for each of the areas A1 and A2.

  That is, after starting the management operation, in step S61, the first response command is given by specifying the upper 4 bits of the identification code. The designated upper 4 bits indicate the target area A1 (or A2). In response to the first response command, each tag device 120 existing in the target area A1 (or A2) issues a response signal.

  In subsequent step S62, the identification code of each tag device 120 existing in the area A1 (or A2) is specified for the designated upper 4 bits based on the response signal issued from each tag device 120. How to identify each identification code will be described in detail later.

  Next, it progresses to step S63 and it is judged whether all the identification codes were able to be specified based on the response signal emitted from each tag apparatus 120. The determination method here will also be described in detail later. If it is determined that all the identification codes have been identified, the identification codes can be identified for all of the tag devices 120 existing in the target area A1 (or A2), and the process ends. On the other hand, if all the identification codes cannot be specified, the process proceeds to step S64.

  In step S64, the lower 8 bits of the identification code are designated to give a second response command, and then the process proceeds to step S65. The lower 8 bits designated here are codes included in the tag device 120 that could not identify the identification code in step S62. How to specify the lower 8 bits will be described in detail later.

  In response to the second response command, each tag device 120 including the designated lower 8 bits issues a response signal. In step S65, the identification code is specified for the designated lower 8 bits based on the response signal from each tag device 120.

  Next, it progresses to step S66, it is judged whether the identification code of all the tag apparatuses 120 was able to be specified, and when there exists what cannot be specified, it returns to step S64 and repeats the process of steps S64-S66. When the identification codes of all the tag devices 120 can be identified, the identification codes can be identified for all the tag devices 120 existing in the target area A1 (or A2), and the process ends.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the tag device.

  The tag device 120 is activated when a response command is given from the management control device 160. In step S71, the tag device 120 determines whether the command is a first response command or a second response command. If it is determined that the response command is the first, the process proceeds to step S74.

  In step S74, it is determined whether or not the upper 4 bits designated by the first response command match the upper 4 bits of its own identification code. If it is determined that they match, the process proceeds to step S75.

  In step S75, the tag device 120 determines a delay time corresponding to the lower 8 bits of its own identification code, and issues a response signal at timing A within this delay time. This timing A and timing B which will be described later are timings shifted back and forth within the determined delay time, and specific examples will be described later. After step S75, the tag device 120 ends its operation.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S74 that the upper 4 bits designated by the first response command do not match the upper 4 bits of the self identification code, the process proceeds to step S76. In step S76, the tag device 120 determines a delay time corresponding to the lower 8 bits of its own identification code, and issues a response signal at timing B within this delay time. Thereafter, the tag device 120 ends its operation.

  If it is determined in step S71 that the command from the management control device 160 is the second response command, the process proceeds to step S72. In step S72, the tag device 120 determines whether or not the lower 8 bits designated by the second response command match the own identification code. If they do not match, the process ends. If they match, the process proceeds to step S73.

  In step S73, the tag device 120 issues a response signal with a delay time corresponding to the upper 4 bits of its own identification code, and thereafter ends the process.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the transmission timing of the response signal according to the first response signal. FIG. 6 shows the response signal transmission timing in the processes shown in steps S61 and S62 in FIG. 4 and steps S74 to S76 in FIG.

  Here, the first response signal is given at time U0. Then, each tag device 120 determines a delay time corresponding to the lower 8 bits. For example, the period corresponding to the number obtained by multiplying the decimal number “n” indicated by the lower 8 bits of the identification code by a predetermined count “a” is the delay times U (1), U (2), .., U (m), U (m + 1), U (m + 2), U (m + 3), U (m + 5). Here, the delay time means a time having a certain width in order to distinguish the timing A and the timing B. Of course, when such distinction is not necessary, a time without such a width may be determined.

  If the upper 4 bits designated by the first response signal match the upper 4 bits of the self identification code, the determined delay times U (1), U (2),. (M), U (m + 1), U (m + 2), U (m + 3), U (m + 5)...

  Based on the delay time of the response signal received at timing A, the management control device 160 can identify the lower 8 bits of the tag device 120 having the designated upper 4 bits.

  On the other hand, if the upper 4 bits designated by the first response signal do not match the upper 4 bits of the self identification code, the determined delay times U (1), U (2),. m), U (m + 1), U (m + 2), U (m + 3), U (m + 5)...

  Based on the delay time of the response signal received at timing B, the management control device 160 can specify the lower 8 bits of the tag device 120 that does not have the designated upper 4 bits.

  To summarize the above, among the tag devices 120 existing in the target area A1 (or A2), the tag device 120 including the designated upper 4 bits can be identified and specified. For the tag device 120 that does not include the upper 4 bits, only the lower 8 bits can be specified.

  If it demonstrates in accordance with the example shown in FIG. 6, based on the signal emitted at the timing A within the delay time U (m), the designated upper 4 bits are included, and the delay time U (m) The presence of an identification code including the lower 8 bits to be distinguished is recognized.

  Also, an identification code that does not include the designated upper 4 bits and includes the lower 8 bits that are distinguished by the delay time U (m + 1) based on the signal generated at timing B within the delay time U (m + 1). The existence of is recognized.

  Further, since there is no signal state in the delay time U (m + 3), it is recognized that there is no identification code including the lower 8 bits distinguished by the delay time U (m + 3) regardless of the upper 4 bits.

  In the delay time U (m + 4), the lower 8 bits including the upper 4 bits designated based on the signal transmitted at the timing A and distinguished by the delay time U (m), as described above. The presence of an identification code including is recognized. Furthermore, the presence of an identification code that does not include the designated upper 4 bits and includes the lower 8 bits distinguished by the delay time U (m + 1) is recognized based on the signal transmitted at timing B.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the transmission timing of the response signal according to the second response signal. The response signal transmission timings in steps S63 to S66 in FIG. 4 and steps S72 and S73 in FIG. 5 are shown.

  That is, as described with reference to FIG. 6, the lower 8 bits of the tag device 120 having the designated upper 4 bits can be specified by the above process. Further, it is possible to specify the lower 8 bits of the tag device 120 that does not have the designated upper 4 bits. Here, the upper 4 bits are specified for the tag device 120 in which only the lower 8 bits are specified.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the second response signal is given at time V0. Then, each tag device 120 determines whether or not the lower 8 bits designated by the second response signal match the lower 8 bits of its own identification code (see step S72). The delay time corresponding to the upper 4 bits of the identification code is determined. For example, the period corresponding to the number obtained by multiplying the number “n” in decimal notation indicated by the upper 4 bits of the identification code by a predetermined count “a” has delay times V (0), V (1), V (2), V (3), V (4), V (5), ..., V (15) are determined. Note that the delay times V (0), V (1), V (2), V (3), V (4), V (5),. Means.

  Then, the management control device 160 specifies the upper order of the tag device 120 having the designated lower 8 bits based on the delay time of the received response signal based on the time V0 in the situation where the lower 8 bits are designated. 4 bits can be specified.

  By repeating this by designating the lower 8 bits of the tag device 120 whose existence has been recognized, the identification codes of all the tag devices 120 in the target area can be specified.

  According to the tag device management system configured as described above, each tag device 120 responds to the first response command or the second response command from the management control device 160 with its own identification code (here, the first information Delay time U (1), U (2),..., U (m), U (m + 1), U (m + 2), U according to the upper 4 bits as the code or the lower 8 bits as the second information code (M + 3), U (m + 5)... Or response signals to V (0), V (1), V (2), V (3), V (4), V (5),. The management control device 160 identifies and manages the identification code of each tag device 120 based on the period of the response signal issued from each tag device 120. For this reason, unlike the prior art, the identification codes of each tag device 120 can be quickly identified and managed quickly and appropriately without performing communication by sequentially specifying all the identification codes.

  Note that the management control device 160 does not necessarily need to identify and grasp the identification code of each tag device 120, and may be a process of managing the tag device 120 by counting only the number of tags.

  Further, the management control device 160 issues a first response command by designating the first information code, and each tag device 120 has a delay time U (1), U (2),... According to the second information code. U (m), U (m + 1), U (m + 2), U (m + 3), U (m + 5)... At timings A and B that are shifted back and forth in accordance with the coincidence / mismatch of the designated first information code. Issuing a response signal. Thereby, in the management control apparatus 160, each tag apparatus 120 can be distinguished and managed quickly and appropriately regarding the identification code including the designated first information code.

  In addition, when the management control device 160 determines that there is a tag device 120 including the first information code that does not match the designated first information code, the management control device 160 designates the second information code corresponding to the tag device 120. Each tag device 120 issues a delay time V (0) corresponding to its own first information code in response to the second response signal designating the second information code from the management control device 160. , V (1), V (2), V (3), V (4), V (5),..., V (15). Thereby, in the management control device 160, the delay time V (0), V (1), V (2), V (3), V (4), V (5) of the response signal issued from each tag device 120. ),..., V (15), the first information code of each tag device 120 can be specified, and each tag device 120 is also distinguished with respect to the identification code including the designated first information code. Can be managed separately.

  In particular, when the first information code is associated with the scheduled areas A1 and A2 of each tag device 120, for example, when managing the tag device 120 in a predetermined area A1, the first information code corresponds to the area A1. When the first response signal is issued by designating the attached first information code, identification codes can be specified for many tag devices 120 at this time. The tag device 120 that cannot specify the identification code is only the tag device 120 that does not include the designated first information code, that is, the tag device 120 stored in the area A1 unexpectedly. For this reason, rapid management can be performed for each of the areas A1 and A2.

  In the present embodiment, the management control device 160 may perform one of the following two processes when detecting the presence of the tag device 120 including the first information that does not match the specified one. Good.

  The first process is a process of rewriting the identification code assigned to the tag device 120 to another identification code including the designated first information code. This identification code is selected with reference to the database so as not to overlap with other identification codes.

  The second process is a process of moving the tag device 120 (or a storage object to which the tag device 120 is attached) to another area (location). The other area is preferably an area associated with the first information code of the tag device 120.

  By performing these processes, the tag device 120 including the first information code associated with the area A1 (or A2) may be present in the target area A1 (or A2). The next management operation can be performed quickly.

<Application example>
An application example of the tag device management system and the tag device management method will be described.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a first application example. The first application example is an example in which the tag device management system is applied to an article management facility such as a distribution center.

  That is, various products 212 are stored in a product shelf 210 in a warehouse such as a distribution center. The tag device 120 is attached to each of the various products 212. Each tag device 120 is assigned a unique identification code associated with each product 212.

  A tag reader / writer device 216 including the management control device 160 and the communication unit 169 is provided on the upstream side of the conveyor 214 for product shipment. Then, the tag reader / writer device 216 performs communication as described above with the product 212 flowing on the conveyor 214 to identify each identification code, thereby identifying the type and number of each product 212. It has become.

  The first application example is used as follows, for example. That is, according to a predetermined order, the product 212 is selected from the product shelf 210, taken out, and stored in a predetermined transfer tray 211. The transport tray 211 is sequentially placed on the upstream side of the conveyor 214 and is transported to the downstream side of the conveyor 214. While the transport tray 211 is being transported on the conveyor 214, the tag reader / writer device 216 identifies the type and number of each product 212 in the transport tray 211. It is determined whether or not this specific content matches the content of a predetermined purchase order registered separately. If the specific content does not match, for example, a predetermined warning is issued.

  As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent an error in shipping contents.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a second application example. The second application example is an example in which the tag device management system is applied to an article management facility such as a drawing or a plate.

  That is, in these management facilities, a plurality of storage items 222 such as drawings and plates are stored side by side on the storage shelf 220. The tag device 120 is attached to each stored item 222. Each tag device 120 is assigned a unique identification code associated with the identification information of the drawing or plate.

  A tag reader / writer device 226 including the management control device 160 and the communication unit 169 is attached to the upper ceiling of the storage shelf 220. Then, the tag reader / writer device 226 performs the communication as described above with the tag device 120 of the stored item 222 stored in the storage shelf 220 to identify each identification code, thereby Identify identification information.

  This second application example is used, for example, for purposes such as grasping and managing the inventory status and storage position of each stored item 222 in the storage shelf 220.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a third application example. This third application example is an example in which the tag device management system is applied as a system for managing underground objects.

  As shown in the figure, pipes 232 such as waterworks, sewage systems, and gas are buried in underground areas such as commercial and industrial areas and residential areas. The tag device 120 is attached to each pipe 232. For example, a unique identification code associated with the type of each pipe 232 is assigned to each tag device 120.

  A portable detector 236 is provided on the ground. The detector 236 has functions as the management control device 160 and the communication unit 169. Then, the detector 236 performs communication as described above with each tag device 120 to identify each identification code, thereby identifying the type of each pipe 232.

  This third application example is used for purposes such as grasping the type and position of a pipe buried underground. That is, when the underground construction is started, the detector 236 is arranged on the ground in a predetermined construction target area. Then, communication is performed between the detector 236 and the tag device 120 existing in the vicinity area communicable with the detector 236, and the type of the pipe 232 existing in the vicinity area is specified. Thereby, the type of the piping 232 existing in the construction target area can be known, and the underground construction can be appropriately advanced using this as a clue.

{Second Embodiment}
Hereinafter, an article management system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, a system for managing files stored in a storage shelf will be described. However, the present invention can be applied to a system for managing articles such as books, video tapes, and DVD disks stored in a predetermined storage unit. .

<Overview of the entire article management system>
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the article management system, and FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the article management system.

  The article management system includes a plurality of storage shelves 30, a tag device 20 attached to each file 10 stored in the storage shelf 30, a shelf control device 50, a rack control device 80, and a management control device 60. And an input unit 70 for receiving an input to the management control device 60. Each tag device 20 is assigned a unique identification code.

  In this article management system, the configuration means including the management control device 60 and the shelf control unit 53 of the shelf control device 50 is used as the management control means via the light emitting / receiving unit 53 of each shelf control device 50. Communication is performed with each tag device 20. Then, based on the identification code assigned to each tag device 20, inventory management of articles relating to the presence / absence of inventory of each file 10, inventory position, etc., storage location notification of the file 10 to be taken out to each tag device 20, and Then, an article management operation such as a count operation for the total number of stored items is performed.

<Storage shelf>
As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the storage shelf 30 has a plurality of shelf steps 31 in the vertical direction. In the present embodiment, the storage means is constituted by a plurality of storage shelves 30. Each storage shelf 30 has a plurality of shelf steps 31 (storage areas) in the vertical direction, and the number of stored files 10 is counted for each shelf step 31.

<Tag device>
13 is a perspective view showing the file 10 to which the tag device 20 is attached, FIG. 14 is a side view showing the tag device 20, and FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the tag device 20.

  The file 10 binds a sheet on which predetermined information is recorded, and is formed in a substantially square shape when viewed from the side. A tag device 20 is attached to one side of the file 10, and each file 10 is accommodated in parallel on each shelf 31 with the tag device 20 exposed to the outside.

  The tag device 20 has a configuration in which a substrate 22, a battery 23, and the like incorporating a predetermined electric circuit are accommodated in a thin bowl-shaped case portion 21 formed of resin or the like. Then, in a state where the case portion 21 and one side portion of the file 10 are overlapped, the tag device 20 can be attached to the file 10 by driving a stopper such as Stapler (trademark) H into the overlapped portion. It can be done. In addition, the attachment structure with respect to the file 10 of the tag apparatus 20 is not restricted to the said example. For example, a case portion in which the tag device 20 can be accommodated and held is formed on the spine portion of the file 10 and the tag device can be accommodated and held in this case portion.

  The electrical configuration of the tag device 20 will be described. The tag device 20 includes a light receiving unit 24, a tag control unit 25, an ID storage unit 26, a communication light emitting unit 27, and a notification light emitting unit 28. Yes.

  The tag control unit 25 is a general microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a timer circuit, and the like, and performs operations described later in accordance with a predetermined software program stored in advance.

  The ID storage unit 26 stores a unique identification code assigned to each tag device 20. The tag control unit 25 reads a unique identification code stored in the ID storage unit 26 and performs a predetermined operation described later. The ID storage unit 26 may store the unique identification code written at the time of initial setting in an rewritable manner, or may store it in a rewritable manner. Further, the tag control unit 25 and the ID storage unit 26 may be integrated into one chip.

  The light receiving unit 24 is a light receiving element such as a photodiode, converts an optical signal into an electric signal, and outputs this to the tag control unit 25.

  The communication light emitting unit 27 is a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode, and emits a predetermined response light signal in accordance with the control from the tag control unit 25.

  The light receiving unit 24 and the communication light emitting unit 27 constitute a tag-side communication unit.

  For example, a semiconductor element having a PN junction, generally called a light-emitting diode, emits light when a forward bias voltage is applied, and converts it into an electrical signal when receiving light. By switching the voltage applied to such an optical element between a forward bias voltage and a reverse bias voltage, a single optical element may function as the light receiving unit 24 and the communication light emitting unit 27.

  The notification light emitting unit 28 is a light emitting element such as a visible light emitting diode. The tag control unit 25 performs a predetermined operation set in advance on the notification light emitting unit 28 at a predetermined blinking timing (the time during which the lighting is continued, the interval at which the lighting is performed) by the time measurement of the built-in timer circuit. A blinking operation is performed for a predetermined number of times.

  In addition, the structure which implement | achieves both functions of the light emission part 27 for communication and the light emission part 28 for alerting | reporting may be sufficient as light emitting elements, such as a single light emitting diode. In addition, a light emitting element such as a two-color visible light emitting diode may be used as the notification light emitting unit 28.

  The operation of the tag device 20 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The tag device 20 mainly performs a response operation to the inquiry command and the display instruction command and a count response operation to the count start command. Here, the former response operation will be mainly described, and the latter operation will be described. This will be described in detail later.

  First, when an optical signal from the light receiving / emitting unit 53 of the shelf control device 50 or the portable search device 92 described later is received through the light receiving unit 24, the tag control unit 25 wakes up in step S1, Transition from a sleep state with low power consumption to an active state with relatively high power consumption.

  Next, in step S2, the tag control unit 25 determines whether or not a count start command is included in the received optical signal. Here, when it is determined that the count start command is included, the process proceeds to step S8, performs a count response operation described in detail later, and then shifts to a sleep state.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S2 that the count start command is not included, the process proceeds to step S3, where it is determined whether or not the calling code included in the received optical signal matches the identification code of the self. Here, if the two codes do not match, the operation is terminated and the sleep state is entered. On the other hand, if the two codes match, the process proceeds to step S4, and a response light signal is transmitted through the communication light emitting unit 27. This response light signal is represented by, for example, a predetermined number of pulse signals (number of blinks) in a predetermined time. By receiving this response optical signal, the management control device 60 side can grasp the presence / absence of the tag device 20 having the identification code, the position (at least the position of the shelf 31 where the file 10 exists), and the like. The

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S5, where the tag control unit 25 determines a command included in the received optical signal. Here, there are two types of commands given from the shelf control device 50: an inquiry command for simply searching for the presence / absence of inventory, and a display instruction command for notifying the inventory position of the file 10. If it is determined in step S5 that the command is an inquiry command, the operation is terminated and a sleep state is entered. On the other hand, if it is determined that the command is a display instruction command, the process proceeds to step S6.

  If it is determined in step S5 that the blink start command has been given, the process proceeds to the next step S6.

  In step S6, the notification light emitting unit 28 is blinked a predetermined number of times for a predetermined time (for example, 15 seconds), a blinking light emission operation is performed, the process shifts to the sleep mode and the process is terminated. The take-out operator grasps the position of the tag device 20 having a desired identification code by visually recognizing the flashing emission.

  When receiving an optical signal through the light receiving unit 24, the tag device 20 shifts from a sleep state, which is a relatively low power consumption state, to an active state, which is a relatively high power consumption state, and performs a predetermined response operation or A notification operation or a count response operation is performed, and after these operations, a transition is made to a sleep state.

<Management control device>
11 and 12, the management control device 60 includes a management control unit 61 such as a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, a computer main unit including a storage unit 61a such as a hard disk device, and a display unit such as a display device. The computer performs operations described later in accordance with a program stored in advance. Input of file specifying information, scheduled return time, count start command, and the like to the management control device 60 is performed through an input unit 70 such as a keyboard.

  The storage unit 61a stores a management database including a management master in which identification codes and specific information such as file names are associated with each other, and data in which inventory position information of each file is associated with the management master.

  For example, when the tag device 20 is attached to the predetermined file 10, the management master is created by inputting the specific information of the file through the input unit 70 while reading the identification code of the tag device 20 by the tag reader device 90. Is done.

  Further, the inventory position information associated with the identification code is updated as appropriate by communicating with each tag device 20 through each shelf control device 50 at a predetermined timing set in advance.

  The management database generated in this way is referred to as data at the time of taking out the article.

  The management control device 60 transmits a signal including a predetermined call code and an inquiry command to each tag device 20 through the light emitting / receiving unit 53 of each shelf control device 50 and a response signal from each tag device 20. Is received, the presence / absence of the inventory and the inventory position of the file 10 to which each tag device 20 is attached are searched. In addition, the management control device 60 transmits a signal including a call code and a display instruction command to each tag device 20 through the light receiving and emitting unit 53 of each shelf control device 50, thereby causing each tag device 20 to blink predetermined. Causes the light emission operation to be performed. Furthermore, as will be described later, the management control device 60 transmits a count start command to each tag device 20 through the light emitting / receiving unit 53 of each shelf control device 50. As a result, each tag device performs a predetermined count response operation, and the number of stored files 10 for each shelf 31 is counted in each shelf controller 52. Thereafter, each shelf control unit 52 gives the number of files 10 stored in each shelf 31 to the management control device 60 in response to a count number inquiry from the management control device 60. In the management control device 60, the total number of files 10 stored in each shelf 31 is totaled to obtain the total number of files 10 stored.

<Rack control device>
The rack control device 80 is provided in each storage shelf 30 and includes a rack control unit 82 and a light emitting display unit 84.

  The rack control unit 82 is a general microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and performs a predetermined operation according to a predetermined software program stored in advance. That is, the rack control unit 82 is connected to each shelf control device 50 in the predetermined storage shelf 30 in which the rack control unit 82 is installed, and is connected to the management control device 60 via the relay device 88. The communication relay is performed between 60 and each shelf control device 50 in the predetermined storage shelf 30. The rack control unit 82 installed in a predetermined storage shelf 30 is also connected to the rack control unit 82 of another storage shelf 30, and relays communication between the other rack control unit 82 and the management control device 60. Are also doing.

  The light emitting display unit 84 is configured by a visible light emitting diode or the like, and is configured to be capable of numerical display by segment display or the like. Then, in accordance with a command from the management control device 60, light emission display indicating the number of stocks is possible. This function may be realized by other notification means such as voice notification means. Further, only the presence / absence of stock in the corresponding storage shelf 30 or the like may be displayed by light emission.

  The rack control device 80 is installed in the upper part of each storage shelf 30 in a form accommodated in a substantially bowl-shaped case, for example.

<Shelf control device>
The shelf control device 50 is provided corresponding to each storage shelf 30, and includes a shelf control unit 52, a light emitting / receiving unit 53, an instruction unit 54 (shelf switch), and a notification light emitting unit 51a (shelf lamp). And a take-out number display part 51b. The shelf control device 50 functions as a tag blinking control device that gives a display instruction including an identification code to be called to each tag device 20 in response to a command from the management control device 60.

  The shelf control unit 52 is a general microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and performs a predetermined operation according to a predetermined software program stored in advance.

  The light emitting / receiving unit 53 is a communication means for performing communication (here, optical communication using red light) with each tag device 20. For example, a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode and a light receiving element such as a photodiode are connected. It consists of a combination. Of course, as described in the description of the tag device 20, a configuration in which a single optical element functions as a light emitting element and a light receiving element may be employed.

  In FIG. 12, a single light emitting / receiving unit 53 is shown for one shelf control unit 52, but actually, the tag devices 20 of the plurality of files 10 arranged in the shelf 31 In order to perform optical communication between them, a plurality of light emitting / receiving sections 53 are arranged along the width direction of the shelf 31.

  The shelf control unit 52 performs bidirectional communication with the management control device 60 via the rack control device 80 and the relay device 88 and is stored in the corresponding shelf 31 via the light emitting / receiving unit 53. The optical signal is transmitted to and received from the tag device 20 of each file 10. Then, when an electrical signal including a predetermined calling code and an inquiry command is received from the management control device 60, a predetermined optical signal corresponding to the received electrical signal is stored in the corresponding shelf 31 through the light emitting / receiving unit 53. Transmit to the tag device 20. Further, when the response light signal from the tag device 20 is received through the light emitting / receiving unit 53, a predetermined electrical signal corresponding to the response light signal is transmitted to the management control device 60. Further, when an electrical signal including a predetermined calling code and a display instruction command is received from the management control device 60, a predetermined optical signal is transmitted toward the tag device 20 of each file 10 stored in the corresponding shelf 31.

  Further, when the shelf control unit 52 receives an electrical signal including a count start command from the management control device 60, each file stored in the corresponding shelf 31 through the light emitting / receiving unit 53 is transmitted with a predetermined optical signal corresponding thereto. It transmits toward 10 tag apparatuses 20. Then, after giving the count start command, the shelf control unit 52 checks the presence / absence of a response from each tag device 20 every predetermined response monitoring period t, counts the number of responses, The count number in the shelf 31 is given to the management control device 60 at the timing.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration including the management control device 60 and each shelf control unit 52 performs management for counting the number of stored articles by communicating with each tag device 20 through the light emitting and receiving unit 53 as a transmission / reception means. A control means is realized, and an article management apparatus is realized by adding a light emitting / receiving unit 53 to the control means. Of course, the process of counting the number of stored articles as described above may be realized by being distributed by a larger number of control means, or may be realized by a smaller number or a single control means.

  The instruction unit 54 is configured by a push button switch or the like, and functions as an input unit that receives a notification instruction when the operator is turned on. When an operator in the system inputs a notification instruction through the instruction unit 54, the input command is transmitted from the shelf control device 50 to the management control device 60 via the rack control device 80 or the like. In response to this notification instruction, a notification command is given from the management control device 60 to the predetermined shelf control device 50, whereby the predetermined shelf control device 50 is stored in the corresponding shelf 31. A signal including an identification code and a display instruction command is transmitted to the tag device 20 of the file 10 which is the file 10 to be extracted.

  The light emitting unit 51a is configured by a visible light emitting diode or the like. In addition, the extraction number display unit 51b is configured such that, for example, a plurality of visible light emitting diodes display the extraction number in segment display. Then, in response to a command from the management control device 60, the shelf control unit 52 causes the light emitting unit 51a to emit light, and causes the extraction number display unit 51b to display a predetermined extraction number.

  Each of the shelf control devices 50 is fixed to the front portion of the shelf 32 on the upper side of the corresponding shelf 31 by screwing, bonding, double-sided tape, or the like in a state where it is incorporated in a long frame (not shown). Has been.

  Each light receiving / emitting unit 53 of each shelf control device 50 transmits an optical signal to the tag device 20 of the file 10 stored in the corresponding shelf 31 and the light transmitted from the tag device 20. Each light emitting / receiving area is set so that a signal can be received. Accordingly, each shelf control device 50 is configured to transmit and receive optical signals to and from the tag device 20 of the file 10 stored in the corresponding shelf 31 through the light receiving and emitting unit 53.

  The indicator 54 is attached to a position that can be operated from the outside in the frame, and the light emitting portion 51a and the removal number indicator 51b are attached to a position that can be seen from the outside in the frame.

<Tag reader device and portable search device>
In this article management device, a tag reader device 90 and a portable search device 92 are connected to the management control device 60.

  The tag reader device 90 is configured to be able to read an identification code assigned to the predetermined tag device 20 by communicating with the predetermined tag device 20 set in the reader device 90. The read identification code is given to the management control device 60. As a result, the identification code and the specific information such as the file name can be registered in association with each other.

  The portable search device 92 stores a management database that is kept substantially the same as the management database on the management control device 60 side by communicating with the management control device 60. When the identification code or the specific information of the file 10 is input via an input means such as an input key provided in the portable search device 92 itself, the inventory position is searched based on the management database, and the inventory position is It is displayed on a display means such as a liquid crystal display panel provided in the portable search device 92 itself. Further, after the identification code or the specific information of the file 10 is input via an input means such as an input key, the portable search device 92 is provided in the portable search device 92 itself with the portable search device 92 directed to the storage shelf 30. When a predetermined extraction button is operated, an optical signal including a desired identification code and a predetermined command is transmitted.

<Removal operation in the article management system>
The operation for taking out the file 10 in the article management system configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Here, for convenience of explanation, first, the procedure for extracting the file 10 will be described from the viewpoint of the operator.

  First, in step S <b> 10, the worker inputs specific information regarding the file 10 to be extracted to the management control device 60 via the input unit 70. Here, when there are a plurality of desired files 10, specific information corresponding to each file 10 is input separately. The input format may be a format for inputting character information such as a file name, or a format for selecting and inputting from a list displayed on the display means.

  Then, the management control device 60 refers to the management database and sends a signal including an identification code and an inquiry command to be called to each file 10 stored in each shelf 31 through each shelf control device 50. In response to the presence / absence of the response signal, the presence / absence and inventory position of the file 10 to be called are confirmed.

  Then, the management control device 60 causes each shelf control device 50 corresponding to each shelf 31 in which each file 10 to be called is stored to emit light, and causes the rack control device 80 including the shelf 31 to emit light. .

  Then, it progresses to step S11 and moves in front of the storage shelf 30 provided with the rack control apparatus 80 which the operator turned on.

  At this time, since the shelf control device 50 of the shelf 31 storing the desired file 10 is also lit, the lit shelf 31 is confirmed in step S12.

  Next, in step S <b> 13, the operator operates the instruction unit 54 corresponding to the lighted one of the plurality of shelf control devices 50.

  Subsequently, in step S14, the number of extractions displayed on the extraction number display portion 51b of the shelf control device 50 corresponding to the shelf 31 to be extracted is confirmed. The number of extractions indicates the number of files 10 that are the extraction target in the shelf 31 that is the extraction operation target.

  In step S15, the file 10 having the blinking tag device 20 is sequentially taken out while confirming the blinking status of the tag device 20 of each file 10 in the shelf 31 that is the take-out object.

  Next, in step S16, it is confirmed whether or not all the files 10 have been taken out within a certain time (the blinking time of the tag device 20) in the shelf 31 that is the work target. Returns to step S13, and the procedure of steps S13 to S15 is repeated. On the other hand, if all the files 10 have been extracted from the work target shelf 31, the process proceeds to step S17, where it is confirmed whether or not all the requested files 10 have been extracted. If not taken out, the process returns to step S11, and the procedure from step S11 onward is repeated for the other shelf 31. On the other hand, when all the requested files 10 are extracted, the extraction operation is terminated.

<Explanation regarding count operation>
This article management system basically transmits an inquiry command to each tag device 20 from the management control device 60 side at an appropriate timing on the basis of a unique identification code assigned to each tag device 20. The inventory management is performed while checking the presence / absence and inventory position and updating the database.

  However, the frequency with which the database can be updated by sending an inquiry command to each tag device 20 is also limited due to problems relating to battery life in each tag device 20. In addition, without the management control device 60, an operator may take out the file 10 without permission. For this reason, a mismatch may occur between the total number of files 10 stored in the database and the total number of files 10 actually stored in each storage shelf 30.

  Therefore, in this system, the total number of files 10 actually stored in each storage shelf 30 is quickly counted by adopting the following configuration.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing operations on the management control device 60 and each shelf control device 50 functioning as management control means. As shown in the figure, when the management control device 60 is input via the input unit 70 to count the total number of stored files 10, as shown in step S20, each shelf level control unit A count start command is transmitted to 52.

  In step S <b> 21, in each shelf 31, a count start command is transmitted from each shelf control unit 52 to each tag device 20 attached to each stored file 10 via each light emitting / receiving unit 53.

  Then, a response signal (described later) is transmitted from each tag device 20 at different timings. In step S22, each shelf control unit 52 receives each response signal and counts the number of responses.

  In step S23, the number of responses in each shelf 31 is transmitted from each shelf control unit 52 to the management control device 60 at a predetermined timing, and the number of responses in each shelf 31 is tabulated by the management control device 60. The In step S24, the total number is displayed as the total number of files 10 stored in each storage shelf 30, for example, on the display unit of the management control device 60. The operator of this system grasps the actual total number of stored files 10 by visually recognizing such display.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the count response operation in each tag device 20. That is, when it is determined in step S2 in the flowchart of FIG. 16 that the count start command has been given, the tag device 20 performs a count response operation shown in FIG.

  When the count start command is given, in step S30, the tag control unit 25 calculates a response waiting time based on the identification code. For example, when the identification code is assigned as a natural number “n”, a number obtained by multiplying the identification code by a preset coefficient “a” is calculated as the response waiting time. As a more specific example, when the coefficient a is “1” and the identification code of the tag device 20 is “1”, the response waiting time is “1 second”, and the identification code of the tag device 20 is When “2”, the response waiting time is “2 seconds”.

  At this time, since each tag device 20 is assigned with a different identification code, the tag control unit 25 calculates a response standby time based on the identification code, so that each tag device 20 has a different response standby time. Can be calculated. Note that the method of obtaining the response waiting time is not limited to the above example. In short, it is only necessary to obtain a separate response waiting time for each tag device 20 based on the identification code.

  When the response waiting time is calculated as described above, the process proceeds to step S31, in which it is determined whether or not the calculated response waiting time has elapsed since the reception of the count start command. If it is determined that the time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S32. Then, in step S32, after sending a response signal, the count response operation is terminated.

  That is, after receiving the count start command, each tag device 20 issues a response signal at a different timing after the response waiting time calculated based on the unique identification code has elapsed.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating signal transmission / reception timing between the shelf control device 50 and each tag device Tg in a predetermined shelf 31. In FIG. 20, for convenience of explanation, each tag device is represented by a symbol “Tg”, and identification codes 1 to n assigned to the respective tag devices are appended in parentheses.

  As shown in the figure, the shelf control unit 52 transmits a count start command to each tag device Tg (1) to Tg (n) in a predetermined shelf 31 through the light emitting / receiving unit 53.

  After transmitting the count start command, the shelf control unit 52 confirms the presence / absence of a response from each tag device 20 for each preset response monitoring period t, and counts the number of responses. The shelf control unit 52 calculates a period necessary for counting based on the number of identification codes given to the tag devices Tg (1) to Tg (n) (for example, n × t seconds), The presence or absence of a response is confirmed during the required period, and the number of responses is counted.

  On the other hand, each of the tag devices Tg (1) to Tg (n) calculates a response waiting time based on its own identification code. Here, the response waiting time of the tag device Tg (x) is t × x seconds, that is, the response waiting time of the tag device Tg (1) is t seconds, and the response waiting time of the tag device Tg (2) is 2 tsec. Suppose that

  Then, a response signal is transmitted from the tag device Tg (1) after t seconds from the transmission of the count start command, and this is added and counted by the shelf control unit 52. Further, after 2 t seconds, a response signal is transmitted from the tag device Tg (2), and this response is added and counted by the shelf control unit 52.

  When the tag device Tg (3) is taken out and absent, the response signal is not received on the side of the shelf control unit 52 after 3 t seconds, and therefore, the tag device Tg (3) is not counted.

  Hereinafter, the shelf control unit 52 monitors the presence / absence of a response signal every t seconds until n × t seconds elapses, and counts up when there is a response signal. The total number of responses is counted as the total number of files 10 stored in the shelf 31.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, each tag device 20 obtains a response waiting time based on its own identification code when receiving a count start command, and after the response waiting time has elapsed from the time when the count start command is received. , A response signal is issued, and the shelf control unit 52 counts the number of responses from each tag device 20 in response to the count start command as the number of stored files 10. The total number of files 10 can be quickly counted as compared with the case where the above confirmation is repeatedly performed for each tag device.

  Moreover, for each storage area (here, each shelf 31), each shelf controller 52 gives a count start command to each tag device 20, counts the number of responses, and counts the number of files 10. Therefore, the number of stored articles can be counted in each storage area unit (for example, each shelf 31 unit or storage shelf 30 unit that is an aggregate of a plurality of shelf 31).

<Modification>
By the way, in the said embodiment, the example which gives a count start command with respect to all the tag apparatuses 20 was demonstrated. For this reason, in some cases, the response waiting time of the tag device 20 can be considerably long. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 20, in the case of the tag device Tg (n) that should respond at the end, the response waiting time is n × t seconds, so it is necessary to continue the wake-up state throughout that time. Yes, power consumption increases.

  In this modification, an example for shortening the wake-up time of the tag device 20 will be described.

  The detection light is a flowchart showing operations on the management control device 60 and the shelf control unit 52 side in the modification. In short, in this modified example, the identification code assigned to each tag device 20 is divided into a plurality of groups, and a count object or range is designated for each divided identification code group (the designated information is referred to as count object information). By counting, the wake-up time of each tag device 20 is to be shortened.

  That is, when it is input to the management control device 60 via the input unit 70 that the total number of stored files 10 is counted, as shown in step S40 in the flowchart of FIG. A count start command is transmitted to 52, specifying the count target. For example, when an identification code between 1 and n is assigned to each tag device 20, a count start command is transmitted by designating a range of identification codes 1 to k (1 <k <n) as a count target To do.

  The count target is specified by dividing each identification code assigned to each tag device 20 into a plurality of divided identification code groups, and for each divided identification code group, a plurality of identification codes to be counted are assigned. This is done by specifying. The criteria for dividing each identification code into a plurality of divided identification code groups can be arbitrarily set. For example, the identification code may be divided into a fixed number of units (for example, in units of 100) in ascending order, or the total identification code may be divided equally into a predetermined number.

  In step S41, in each shelf 31, the count target is specified from each shelf control unit 52 to each tag device 20 attached to each stored file 10 via each light emitting / receiving unit 53. A start command is sent.

  Then, in each shelf 31, response signals are sequentially transmitted from the tag devices 20 to be counted at different timings. In step S42, each shelf control unit 52 receives each response signal and counts the number of responses.

  In step S43, it is determined whether or not the target designation of all the tag devices 20 has been completed. If NO is determined, the process returns to step S40, and the processes of steps S40 to S42 are performed again for the remaining tag devices 20 (for example, the range of the identification codes k + 1 to n), and the number is counted.

  If it is determined in step S43 that the target designation of all the tag devices 20 has been completed, the process proceeds to step S43, and the number of responses in each shelf 31 is transmitted from each shelf controller 52 to the management controller 60. . Here, the number of responses in each shelf 31 is the sum of the total number of files 10 counted for each divided identification code group. Then, the management controller 60 counts the number of responses of each shelf 31. This totaled number is displayed on the display unit of the management control device 60, for example, as the total number of files 10 stored in each storage shelf 30 in step S45.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the count response operation of the tag device 20 in the modification.

  That is, when a count start command is given, each tag device 20 determines whether or not it is a count target based on the designated count target in step S50. If it is determined that it is not a count target, the count response operation is terminated and the mode is shifted to the sleep mode (see FIG. 16).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S50 that self is to be counted, the tag control unit 25 calculates a response waiting time based on the identification code. At this time, the response waiting time is calculated so that each tag device 20 designated as the count target can sequentially issue response signals from the initial timing of the response monitoring period t.

  When the response waiting time is calculated, the process proceeds to step S52, where it is determined whether or not the calculated response waiting time has elapsed since receiving the count start command, and it is determined that the response waiting time has elapsed. Then, the process proceeds to step S53. In step S53, a response signal is transmitted, and then the count response operation is terminated.

  FIG. 23A and FIG. 23B are diagrams illustrating signal transmission / reception timings between the shelf control device 50 and each tag device Tg based on the modification in the predetermined shelf 31. In FIG. 23 (a) and FIG. 23 (b), for convenience of explanation, each tag device is represented by a symbol “Tg”, and identification codes 1 to k and k + 1 to n assigned thereto are added in parentheses. ing.

  In this example, each tag device Tg is assigned an identification code of 1 to n, and FIG. 23A shows a case where a count start command is given by specifying a range of identification codes 1 to k. FIG. 23B shows a case where a count start command is given by designating a range of identification codes k + 1 to n.

  That is, first, as shown in FIG. 23 (a), the shelf control unit 52 designates the range to be counted of the identification codes 1 to k and directs it to each of the tag devices Tg (1) to Tg (n). Send a count start command.

  Then, after transmitting the count start command, the shelf control unit 52 checks the presence / absence of a response from each tag device 20 for each preset response monitoring cycle t, and counts the number of responses.

  On the other hand, each of the tag devices Tg (1) to Tg (k) calculates a response waiting time based on its own identification code. Here, the response waiting time of the tag device Tg (x) is t × x seconds, that is, the response waiting time of the tag device Tg (1) is t seconds, and the response waiting time of the tag device Tg (2) is 2 tsec. Suppose that

  Then, similarly to FIG. 20, a response signal is transmitted from the tag device Tg (1) t seconds after the count start command is transmitted, and this response is added and counted by the shelf control unit 52. Further, after 2 t seconds, a response signal is transmitted from the tag device Tg (2), and this response is added and counted by the shelf control unit 52.

  When the tag device Tg (3) is taken out and absent, the response signal is not received on the side of the shelf control unit 52 after 3 t seconds, and therefore, the tag device Tg (3) is not counted.

  Hereinafter, the shelf control unit 52 monitors the presence / absence of a response signal every t seconds until n × k seconds elapses, and counts up when there is a response signal. Then, the number of responses in each shelf 31 is counted as the number of files 10 in the range of identification codes 1 to k.

  When the time necessary for counting the specified file (here, n × k seconds) has elapsed, the next range is counted.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 23B, the shelf controller 52 specifies the count target range of the identification codes k + 1 to n and starts counting toward the tag devices Tg (k + 1) to Tg (n). Send a command.

  After transmitting the count start command, the shelf control unit 52 checks the presence / absence of a response from each tag device 20 and counts the number of responses at each response monitoring period t set in advance, as described above. .

  On the other hand, each tag device Tg (k + 1) to Tg (n) calculates a response waiting time based on its own identification code. At this time, as described above, each tag device Tg (k + 1) to Tg (n) designated as a count target can sequentially issue response signals from the initial timing of the response monitoring period t. The response waiting time is calculated. For example, a time obtained by subtracting “k” (a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the minimum value of the identification code) from the identification code and multiplying this by a predetermined coefficient “a” is calculated as a response waiting time. That is, as an example, the response waiting time of the tag device Tg (x) is t × (x−k) seconds, that is, the response waiting time of the tag device Tg (k + 1) is t seconds, and the response of the tag device Tg (k + 2). The waiting time is calculated as 2 t seconds.

  Then, a response signal is transmitted from the tag device Tg (k + 1) t seconds after the count start command is transmitted, and this response signal is added and counted by the shelf control unit 52. Further, after 2 t seconds, a response signal is transmitted from the tag device Tg (k + 2), and this response is added and counted by the shelf controller 52.

  When the tag device Tg (k + 3) is taken out and absent, the response signal is not received on the side of the shelf control unit 52 after 3 t seconds, and therefore, it is not counted.

  Hereinafter, the shelf control unit 52 monitors the presence / absence of a response signal every t seconds until t × (n−k) seconds elapse, and increments and counts when there is a response signal. The number of responses in each shelf 31 can be counted as the number of files 10 in the range of identification codes k + 1 to n.

  For each shelf 31, the total number of files 10 in each shelf 31 is obtained by adding the number of files 10 and the number of files 10 in the range of identification codes 1 to k and the number of files 10 in the range of identification codes k + 1 to n. The number can be obtained.

  In this modified example, the management control device 60 provides each tag device 20 with target information specifying a plurality of identification codes to be counted and the count command for each divided identification code group, and also starts the count start command. When the tag device 20 receives a count start command, the number of responses of each tag device 20 corresponding to the number of responses is counted and the total number of files 10 stored is obtained based on the number of responses counted for each divided identification code group. In addition, the tag device 20 determines whether or not it is a count target, and issues a response signal after the standby time has elapsed when it is determined that the self is a count target. After that, the time until the response signal is issued can be made relatively short.

  That is, in the example shown in FIG. 20, when an identification code is assigned to each tag device Tg in the range of 1 to n, the response waiting time is about n × t seconds at the maximum.

  On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 23, the response waiting time is at most approximately n × k seconds or n × (nk) seconds and is not relatively small. Further, the tag device Tg that is not designated as the count target shifts to the sleep mode immediately after being determined not to be the count target (see step S50 in FIGS. 16 and 22). Therefore, the wake-up time of each tag device 20 can be made relatively short, and power saving can be achieved.

  Further, since each shelf control unit 52 can relatively shorten the period for monitoring the response from each tag device 20, each shelf control unit 52 monitors each response presence / absence every t seconds. Deviation between the timing and the timing at which each tag device 20 issues a response can be prevented.

  Further, the number stored for each range of the identification code can be grasped, which is convenient for management.

<Other variations>
In the above embodiment, an example in which optical communication is performed between each shelf control device 50 and each tag device 20 has been described. However, wireless communication using radio waves may be performed.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the example which counts the number of storing for every predetermined | prescribed shelf level 31, count start instruction | indication collectively to the tag apparatus 20 of the file 10 stored in the single or several storage shelf 30 And the number of storages may be counted in units of one storage shelf 30 or a plurality of storage shelves 30. The number of stored files may be counted for each predetermined width in each shelf 31, for each plurality of shelves, or for each storage shelf 30.

It is a figure showing the whole tag device management system composition concerning a 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a tag apparatus. It is a figure which shows the structural example of an identification code. It is a flowchart which shows the management operation | movement by a management control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a tag apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of the transmission timing of the response signal according to a 1st response signal. It is a figure which shows the example of the transmission timing of the response signal according to a 2nd response signal. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 1st application example of a tag apparatus management system. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 2nd application example of a tag apparatus management system. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 3rd application example of a tag apparatus management system. It is the schematic which shows the whole structure of the article | item management system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical constitution of an article | item management system same as the above. It is a perspective view which shows the file to which the tag apparatus was attached. It is a side view which shows a tag apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a tag apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a tag apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the extraction operation | movement procedure of a file. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement by the management control apparatus and each shelf control apparatus side. It is a flowchart which shows the count response operation in a tag apparatus. It is a figure which shows the transmission / reception timing of the signal between a shelf control apparatus and each tag apparatus in a predetermined shelf. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement by the side of the management control apparatus and shelf control part in a modification. It is a flowchart which shows the count response operation | movement of the tag apparatus in a modification. FIG. 23A and FIG. 23B are diagrams showing signal transmission / reception timings between the tag control device and each tag device based on the modification in a predetermined shelf.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 File 20 Tag apparatus 24 Light receiving part 25 Tag control part 26 ID memory | storage part 27 Communication light emission part 30 Storage shelf 31 Shelf level 50 Shelf level control apparatus 52 Shelf level control part 53 Light receiving / emitting part 60 Management control apparatus 61 Management control part 61a Storage unit 70 Input unit 120 Tag device 125 Tag control unit 126 ID storage unit 160 Management control device 161 Management control unit 161a Storage unit

Claims (11)

A plurality of tag devices each assigned an identification code;
Management control means for performing communication with each tag device and managing each tag device;
With
Each tag device emits a response signal in a delay time according to its own identification code in response to a response command from the management control means,
The tag control system, wherein the management control means manages each tag device based on a delay time of a response signal issued from each tag device. The tag device management system according to claim 1,
The identification code includes a first information code portion and a second information code portion,
The management control means issues the response command by designating the first information code,
The tag device management system, wherein each tag device issues a response signal at a timing shifted back and forth in accordance with a match / mismatch of the designated first information code within a delay time according to the second information code. The tag device management system according to claim 2,
When the management control means determines that there is a tag device including a first information code that does not match the designated first information code, the management control means designates a second information code corresponding to the tag device and issues a response command And
Each tag device emits a response signal in a delay time corresponding to its own first information code in response to the response signal designating the second information code from the management control means,
The tag control system, wherein the management control means specifies and manages a first information code of each tag device based on a delay time of a response signal issued from each tag device. A tag device management system according to claim 2 or claim 3,
The tag information management system, wherein the first information code is associated with the planned existence area of each tag device. The tag device management system according to claim 4,
The management control means, when there is a tag device including a first information code that does not match the designated first information code,
An operation of rewriting the identification code assigned to the tag device to an identification code including the designated first information code;
Or the tag apparatus management system which performs the operation | movement for encouraging to move the article | item with which the tag apparatus was attached. A tag device management method for managing a plurality of tag devices each assigned an identification code,
Providing a response command to each tag device;
Each tag device emits a response signal at a delay time according to its own identification code in response to the response command;
Managing each tag device based on a delay time of a response signal emitted from each tag device;
Provided tag device management method.   A communication unit; a storage unit storing an identification code; and a tag control unit that issues a response signal through the communication unit at a delay time corresponding to the identification code when receiving a response command through the communication unit. Provided tag device. A management control device that manages a plurality of tag devices to which identification codes are assigned,
Transmitting and receiving means;
Management control means for performing communication with each tag device through the transmission / reception means to manage each tag device;
With
The management control means gives a response command to each tag device through the transmission / reception means, and sets each tag device based on a delay time of a response signal from each tag device issued in response to the response command. Management control device to manage. An article management system for managing articles based on identification codes assigned to a plurality of tag devices,
Storage means for storing a plurality of articles;
A plurality of tag devices attached to each article stored in the storage means, each assigned an identification code;
Transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving signals to / from each tag device attached to each article stored in the storage means;
Management control means for communicating with the tag device through the transmission / reception means and managing articles stored in the storage means;
With
Each tag device, when receiving a response command through the transmission / reception means, obtains a delay time based on its own identification code and issues a response signal at the delay time,
The management control unit gives a response command to each tag device through the transmission / reception unit, and manages the articles stored in the storage unit based on the response signal of each tag device according to the response command. , Goods management system. The article management system according to claim 9,
The storage means has a plurality of storage areas,
A plurality of the transmission / reception means are provided corresponding to each storage area, and configured to be able to send and receive signals to and from each tag device of each article stored in the corresponding storage area,
The article management system, wherein the management control means gives the response command to each storage area through the transmission / reception means and manages each article. The article management system according to claim 9 or 10,
Each identification code assigned to each tag device is divided into a plurality of divided identification code groups,
The management control means includes
For each of the divided identification code groups, response target information designating a plurality of identification codes to be responded and the response command are given to the tag device, and the response signal of the tag device corresponding to the response command is given to the tag device. Based on the goods stored in the storage means,
When receiving the response command, the tag device determines whether or not it is a response target based on the response target information, and determines that the tag device is a response target when the delay time is determined. An article management system that issues a response signal.

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