JP2007055783A - Product physical distribution management system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To confirm consistency of an outer box and a product and to accomplish repairing of data content of a product radio tag in physical distribution management in which the product is stored in the outer box and is distributed. <P>SOLUTION: In the product physical distribution management system 10 in which a toner cartridge 20 is stored in the outer box 30 and distribution is performed, the product radio tag 22 is attached to the toner cartridge 20 in a production factory 12 and an outer box radio tag 32 is attached to the outer box 30 in a production warehouse 14. The outer box radio tag 32 has a part of production data memorized in the product radio tag 22 as common reference data with discrimination data of physical distribution. At a repairing point 17 on the midway of the physical distribution, the consistency of the outer box 30 and the toner cartridge 20 is determined by comparing respective common reference data of the product radio tag 22 and the outer box radio tag 32 and when there is no consistency, the production data corresponding to the common reference data of the outer box radio tag 32 are read out from a data center 60 and are re-rewritten on the product radio tag 22. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a product logistics management system, and more particularly to a product logistics management system that stores and delivers products in an outer box.

  As a method for managing product distribution, a system in which product identification information, for example, a product name or the like is represented by a barcode, a barcode label is attached to the surface of the product, and the barcode is read by a barcode reader is well known.

  The content of the bar code is usually a product name, and the data capacity may be insufficient to store individual information of the product, for example, data such as a serial number in the same product. In addition, the barcode printed on the label cannot be rewritten, and when the data is changed, it is necessary to use another new barcode label. Therefore, in recent years, a memory module with a wireless function has been used as one capable of taking a large memory capacity and rewriting data. A memory module with a wireless function is a small module that combines a memory that can read and write data and an antenna, etc., and performs non-contact wireless communication with an external reader / writer. The data stored in the memory module with a wireless function can be read out. As such a memory module with a wireless function, an IC card with a wireless function, a so-called wireless tag (TAG) or an ID tag attached to a component is known.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an individual management system for white robes with ID tags. In Patent Document 2, the operating conditions of the image forming apparatus are input from the external device to the nonvolatile memory using the infrared communication means in the image forming apparatus, and the operating conditions stored in the nonvolatile memory are read out to the outside. A technique for causing a device to transmit is disclosed.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-228561 discloses that an erroneous arrangement inspection of a large number of articles displayed on a shelf of a product arrangement system is performed using two types of information tags. Here, a shelf-side information tag is attached to a shelf, an article-side information tag is attached to each article, information stored in each is read by an information inspection device, and a predetermined article is placed at a predetermined shelf position by comparison. Check if it is. That is, the information specifying device reads out the position specifying information in the shelf stored in the shelf side information tag, temporarily stores it in the memory means, and then reads out the shelf position arrangement information stored in the article side information tag. By comparing this with the data temporarily stored in the memory means, it is possible to determine the coincidence of the in-shelf position.

  In addition, as a proposal for internationally unifying the data processing method of wireless function memory devices such as wireless tags, for example, proposed by ETC Global and Auto ID Center proposed by MIT in the United States, Professor Sakamura in Japan, etc. There is a ubiquitous ID center. According to these, for example, ID assignment and 128-bit format are standardized, and it is proposed that data can be read anywhere in the world under an environment in accordance with this.

JP 2002-169879 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-179457 JP 2001-247209 A

  In this way, product identification management and physical distribution management are actually performed using a memory device with a wireless function such as a wireless tag. And when delivering a product to a customer using packing, such as an outer box, it is possible to attach a wireless tag to a product and an outer box, respectively. That is, product identification data, product-specific quality data, etc. are product-specific, so the wireless tag storing these data is directly attached to the product as a product wireless tag, and the wireless tag attached to the outer packaging box As an outer box wireless tag, for example, when storing a product in the outer box, the product wireless tag is associated with the outer box wireless tag, and the outer box wireless tag is used for physical distribution management using the outer box.

  In this case, if the data of the product wireless tag is destroyed or deliberately altered or intentionally altered in the middle of distribution, the association between the product wireless tag and the outer box wireless tag is broken. Therefore, it may not be possible to guarantee from the data contents of the wireless tag only whether the contents stored in the outer box are correct or not.

  Further, once destroyed or altered in the middle of distribution in this way, it cannot be restored until the product is collected by a manufacturer or the like, and distribution management cannot be performed sufficiently.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a product distribution management system that can be easily repaired even if the data content of a product wireless tag is destroyed in the distribution management of products that are stored and delivered in an outer box. . Another object of the present invention is product logistics management that makes it possible to easily determine whether or not the content product stored in the outer box is correct in the logistics management of products that are stored and delivered in the outer box. Is to provide a system. The following means contribute to at least one of the above objects.

  The product logistics management system according to the present invention is a product logistics management system for products stored in an outer box. The product wireless tag is fixed to the product and can read and write product data by wireless communication. An outer box radio tag that can read the identification data, and has an identification data part for storing identification data and a common data part for storing a part of product data stored in the product wireless tag as common reference data Based on the tag, the product data storage means for storing the product data of each product in association with the data corresponding to the common reference data in the product data of each product, and the common reference data read from the outer box wireless tag The product data corresponding to the common reference data is read from the product data storage device, and the read product data is stored in the outer box. And product data rewriting means for writing back to Products wireless tag which is characterized in that it comprises a.

  The product distribution management system according to the present invention is a product distribution management system for products stored in an outer box. The product wireless tag is fixed to the product and can read and write product data by wireless communication, and the wireless communication is fixed to the outer box. An outer box wireless tag from which data can be read out, and having an identification data part for storing identification data and a common data part for storing a part of product data stored in the product wireless tag as common reference data Matching between the outer box and the product based on the box wireless tag, the common reference data read from the outer box wireless tag, and the data corresponding to the common reference data in the product data read from the product wireless tag And determining means for determining.

  In the product distribution management system according to the present invention, the common reference data read from the outer box radio tag and the data corresponding to the common reference data in the product data read from the product radio tag Based on this, it is preferable to include a judging means for judging matching between the outer box and the product.

  Further, in the product distribution management system according to the present invention, the pallet wireless tag is further fixed to a pallet on which a plurality of outer boxes storing products are mounted together and can be read out by wireless communication. It is preferable to provide a pallet wireless tag having an on-board content identification data portion for storing.

  In the product distribution management system according to the present invention, the mounted content identification data includes the number of mounted outer boxes and the identification data of each outer box, and each outer box is read from the outer box wireless tag. Matching between the outer box and the product based on the common reference data obtained and the data corresponding to the common reference data in the product data read from the product wireless tag of the product stored in the outer box And determining means for determining

  Further, it is preferable to use the minimum base data in the individual product data as it is as the common reference data.

  In the product distribution management system according to the present invention, the use frequency band of the outer case wireless tag is preferably higher than the use frequency band of the product wireless tag.

  According to at least one of the above-described configurations, the outer-box wireless tag has an identification data portion that stores identification data, and a common data portion that stores a part of product data stored in the product wireless tag as common reference data. Then, using the product data storage means for storing the product data of each product in association with the data corresponding to the common reference data in the product data of each product, the common reference data read from the outer box wireless tag is used. The product data of the corresponding product is read from the product data storage device, and the read product data is written again to the product wireless tag of the product stored in the outer box. Therefore, even if the data content of the product wireless tag is destroyed during the distribution, it can be restored as it was.

  In addition, according to at least one of the above-described configurations, the outer case wireless tag stores a part of the product data stored in the product wireless tag as common reference data separately from the identification data. That is, in a normal state, both the outer box wireless tag and the product wireless tag have common reference data having the same content. Based on the common reference data read from the outer radio tag and data corresponding to the common reference data in the product data read from the product radio tag, the matching between the outer box and the product is determined. . Therefore, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the content product stored in the outer box is correct.

  Further, in at least one of the above-described configurations, a pallet wireless tag fixed to a pallet on which a plurality of outer boxes storing products are collectively mounted and capable of reading data by wireless communication, and storing mounted content identification data A pallet wireless tag having a content identification data portion is provided. Thereby, even if the data content of the product wireless tag is destroyed during the distribution using the pallet, it can be restored as it was.

  In addition, in the distribution using pallets, the mounted content identification data includes the number of mounted outer boxes and the identification data of each outer box, and each outer box is read from the outer box wireless tag. Based on the common reference data and the data corresponding to the common reference data in the product data read from the product wireless tag of the product stored in the outer box, the matching between the outer box and the product is determined. It was decided to. Therefore, in the distribution using pallets, it is possible to easily determine not only whether the number of pallets mounted is correct but also whether the products in the contents stored in each outer box are correct.

  As the common reference data, the minimum base data in the individual product data is used as it is. In other words, the product wireless tag memory is used as a common reference data as it is without using any special data for associating the outer box with the product. There is no need to increase capacity.

  Further, since the use frequency band of the outer case wireless tag is higher than the use frequency band of the product wireless tag, the outer case wireless tag can be read out in a relatively long distance range.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following, as a product subject to physical distribution management, a toner cartridge of a copying machine is taken as an example, but other parts of the copying machine, for example, replacement parts such as a process cartridge including a developing cartridge, a photosensitive drum, and a circuit, It may be a substrate or the like. Further, it may be an image processing apparatus such as a facsimile or printer other than a copying machine. Other products may be used as long as the products are stored in the outer box and delivered to the customer.

  In the following, the product distribution factory, product warehouse, customer site, collection / recycling factory are used as multiple distribution points where products flow. However, it is not necessary to include all of these, and other distribution points are added. Also good. In the following description, there are a plurality of customers, but there may be a plurality of production factories, product warehouses, collection / recycling factories, and the like.

  There are various types of so-called wireless tags in the market, but the term wireless tag used in this specification is similar to that of a reader / writer, regardless of the terminology used in the market. A wireless function-equipped memory module including an antenna that can be wirelessly communicated with a wireless transmission / reception terminal and can be fixedly attached to a product and an outer box is included.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a product distribution management system 10 that uses a toner cartridge of a copying machine as a target product. The product distribution management system 10 collects and recycles the toner cartridge 20 production factory 12, the product warehouse 14 that stores the toner cartridge 20 in the outer box 30, the customer 16, and the used toner cartridge 20 that is collected and recycled. This system centralizes and manages the distribution of toner cartridges 20 across factories 18. FIG. 1 further shows a repair point 17 for repair for repair when the content of the product wireless tag 22 is destroyed. In FIG. 1, the repair point 17 is shown between the customer 16 and the collection / recycling factory 18, but even if other than this, if repair is required in the distribution route, the repair point 17 is referred to as the repair point 17. can do. There may be a plurality of repair points 17. Since the toner cartridge 20 flows from the production factory 12 to the product warehouse 14, the customer 16, the collection / recycling factory 18, the toner cartridge 20 including the repair point 17 can be called a distribution point, and the product distribution management system. 10 has a function of unifying and managing the flow of the toner cartridge 20 at each distribution point.

  In order to manage the flow of the toner cartridge 20 at each distribution point, the product distribution management system 10 has a product wireless tag 22 attached to the toner cartridge 20, an outer box wireless tag 32 attached to the outer box, and wireless communication with these. The collected information is collected in the data center 60 via the network 50 and necessary processing is performed. As the network 50, a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet can be used. The configuration and operation at each distribution point will be described below.

  The production factory 12 is a factory that produces the toner cartridge 20, and may be a factory dedicated to the toner cartridge, or may be a division of the printer manufacturing factory. In the production factory 12, the product wireless tag 22 is firmly fixed and attached to the toner cartridge 20 to be produced.

  FIG. 2 is a plan view and a side view of the product wireless tag 22, which is the same as the structure of a general wireless tag. That is, the product wireless tag 22 is an electronic component mounting circuit module having a substantially rectangular shape. The wireless tag IC 74 is disposed on the circuit board 72, and the surrounding wiring 76 constituting the antenna connected to the wireless tag IC 74 is formed as a pattern. As a whole, appropriate resin potting or resin sealing is performed. If necessary, other electronic components 78 are also arranged and connected. As an example of the dimensions, the circuit board 72 has a thickness of about 0.4 mm and a shape of about 15 to 22 mm square. The wireless tag IC 74 has a thickness of about 0.9 mm, and its size is about several millimeters both vertically and horizontally. The surrounding wiring 76 constituting the antenna is wound, for example, about 4 turns. These numerical values are merely examples for explanation, and other values may be used. As the product wireless tag 22, for example, a 13.56 MHz band wireless tag capable of short-range wireless communication can be used.

  The wireless tag IC 74 in the product wireless tag 22 is a semiconductor chip sometimes referred to as an RFID-IC or simply referred to as an RFID, and is a memory IC with a wireless function capable of reading and writing data by wireless communication with the outside. The inside of the wireless tag IC 74 includes a transmission / reception circuit, a circuit that generates operating power based on a wireless signal received from an antenna, a data memory, a CPU, and the like. As the data memory, a non-volatile memory capable of reading and writing data such as an EEPROM (Electrical Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) can be used.

  For attaching the product wireless tag 22, the product wireless tag 22 may be fixed to the toner cartridge 20 by, for example, adhesion. When the product wireless tag 22 has a circuit board shape, the toner is attached with an appropriate fixing means such as a screw. It may be fixed to the cartridge 20. Alternatively, the product wireless tag 22 may be embedded when the toner cartridge 20 is molded.

  Data relating to the toner cartridge 20 is written into the product wireless tag 22 attached to the toner cartridge 20 via the reader / writer 24. The reader / writer 24 is a data transmitter / receiver having a wireless transmission / reception function, and is connected to the data control computer 26. As the data control computer 26, a general computer such as a personal computer (PC) can be used.

  The data written to the product wireless tag 22 is unique data of the toner cartridge 20 to which the product wireless tag 22 is fixed. In addition to identification data such as a manufacturing serial number, the toner color, capacity, etc. of the toner cartridge 20 Specifications, quality data at the production factory 12, and the like. Further, a product wireless tag ID for identifying the product wireless tag 22 from another is assigned and written. The written data is stored in the product production database 28.

  The toner cartridge 20 to which the product wireless tag 22 is attached is sent to the product warehouse 14 where it is put in the outer box 30. The storage in the outer box 30 is preferably performed in a mode suitable for transporting and storing the toner cartridge 20. An outer box wireless tag 32 is firmly fixed and attached to the outer box 30. The outer box wireless tag 32 basically has the configuration of FIG. 2 described in relation to the product wireless tag 22. Then, for example, a wireless tag of a usable frequency band for 2.45 GHz band or UHF band capable of wireless communication for a longer distance than the product wireless tag 22 can be used. For attaching the outer box wireless tag 32, an appropriate fixing means such as adhesion or a screw can be used depending on the material of the outer box 30.

  An association computer 36 is disposed in the product warehouse 14 as a terminal device of the product distribution management system 10. The association computer 36 is connected to a reader / writer 35 that wirelessly communicates with the outer case wireless tag 32 and a reader / writer 34 that wirelessly communicates with the product wireless tag 22. The reader / writers 34 and 35 can be the same as the reader / writer 24 in the production factory 12.

  The association computer 36 stores the function for associating the outer case wireless tag 32 with the product wireless tag 22 of the toner cartridge 20 stored in the outer case wireless tag 32 and data for performing necessary identification in the outer case 30. It has the function to give to. Specifically, the product data stored in the product wireless tag 22 is read using the reader / writer 34, and the minimum base data that is determined to be indispensable at least is extracted from the product data. Data. Then, the common reference data and the identification data are combined and written to the outer box wireless tag 32 using the reader / writer 35.

  FIG. 3 shows the relationship between the product data 80 stored in the product wireless tag 22 and the outer box data 90 stored in the outer box wireless tag 32. As described above, the product wireless tag 22 stores the product wireless tag ID together with the product identification data, product specification data, quality data, and the like as the product data 80 unique to the product. Among them, the minimum base data is determined in advance, and is stored as common reference data in the common data portion 82, and other data is stored in the general data portion 84. The minimum base data is data that is narrowed down to the minimum among the data having universal character while being individual data of products. Universality can also be evaluated from the viewpoint of ease of search. Specifically, the manufacturing serial number of the product or data obtained by further simplifying it can be used as the minimum base data.

  As the outer box data 90 stored in the outer box wireless tag 32, identification data necessary for physical distribution of the toner cartridge 20 stored in the outer box 30 is stored in the identification data unit 86. At the same time, the minimum base data in the product data of the toner cartridge 20 stored in the outer box 30 is stored in the common data unit 88 as common reference data. Therefore, when associating the toner cartridge 20 stored in the outer box 30 with the association computer 36, the data contents stored in the common data portion 82 of the product wireless tag 22 and the common data portion 88 of the outer case wireless tag 32 are stored. The stored data contents are the same.

  The identification data portion 86 has an industry standard data format. For example, the 128-bit data format promoted by the above ETC global and auto ID centers can be used. Here, the identification data is identification data for distribution, and generally a distribution management serial number is used. In addition, it may be identification data combined with a product type, order number, or the like.

  Thus, the outer box data 90 stored in the outer box wireless tag 32 is a combination of the identification data for logistics management expressed in the global standard format and the common reference data. Therefore, the outer box data 90 does not include details of manufacturing data such as specifications and quality data regarding the toner cartridge 20. As a result, the internal data in the production factory 12 of the toner cartridge 20 cannot be obtained by a third party unless the product wireless tag 22 is wirelessly communicated, and the confidentiality of manufacturing internal data that is not directly related to physical distribution management is improved. Can do.

  Further, after the outer box data 90 is given by the association computer 36 in the product warehouse 14, the data can be left unchanged. In other words, the outer box wireless tag 32 substantially functions as a read-only memory at a distribution point after the product warehouse 14. Of course, when there is room in the outer box data 90, the distribution data at the distribution point after the product warehouse 14, for example, the delivery date / time data at the customer 16 may be written.

  Returning to FIG. 1 again, the product data 80 read by the reader / writer 34 and the outer box data 90 written by the reader / writer 35 are associated with the common reference data by the operation of the association computer 36, respectively. Stored in the server 40. At the same time, the data is transmitted to the data center 60 via the network 50.

  The data center 60 is a computer having a function of centralizing and managing distribution management data related to products. The data center 60 includes an ID resolution server 62, a content server 64, and a common reference data association server 66. These servers are connected to each other by an internal bus of the data center 60 or the like. The data center 60 is connected to a terminal at each distribution point via the network 50, and can manage detailed data at each distribution point, for example, the passage date and time of the outer box 30 at each distribution point.

  The ID resolution server 62 stores data about the outer box data 90. For example, using the identification data as a search key, the location of the outer box wireless tag 32 having the identification data, that is, the outer box 30, and the product stored in the outer box 30 Can be read out. The content server 64 stores data about the product data 80, and can read, for example, the product specifications and quality data corresponding to the manufacturing serial number using the manufacturing serial number as a search key. The common reference data association server 66 stores data related to the common reference data. Specifically, the common reference data association server 66 stores the association between the common reference data and the identification data, and the association between the common reference data and the product data. Here, the identification data corresponding to the common reference data can be read using the common reference data as a search key, and the entire manufacturing data including the common reference data can be read using the common reference data as the search key.

  Further, since the terminals at the respective distribution points are connected to the data center 60 by the network 50, the manufacturing serial number, specifications, quality data, etc. of each toner cartridge 20 can be obtained from the product wireless tag 22 to the product warehouse 14, customer 16 or It can be read out at the collection / recycling factory 18. Of course, the data center 60 may be connected to the data control computer 26 of the production factory 12 to manage the production information in the product production database 28 together. In this way, the data center 60 manages data such as production information and collection information of the toner cartridge 20 in a centralized manner. Therefore, when a problem occurs in the toner cartridge, the problem solution is concentrated here. be able to.

  Thus, the toner cartridge 20 associated with the outer case wireless tag 32 and the product wireless tag 22 and stored in the outer case 30 is in accordance with a delivery instruction from a sales department or management department (not shown). For example, it is delivered to the customer 16 by a delivery truck 15 or the like. When the toner cartridge 20 contained in the outer box 30 is delivered to the customer 16 in this manner, the customer takes out the toner cartridge 20 from the outer box 30 and uses it mounted on a copying machine, for example.

  The customer 16 is provided with a reading device 38, and the reading device 38 is connected to the network 50 via an appropriate terminal device 42. The reading device 38 has a function of reading identification data and the like of the outer box wireless tag 32. The reading device 38 is obtained by omitting the writing function from the reader / writer 34 provided in the product warehouse 14, and is more standard than the reader / writer 34, that is, a so-called industry standard (defact standard) can be used. .

  The reading device 38 is connected to the terminal device 42, and the terminal device 42 is connected to the data center 60 via the network 50. The terminal device 42 is a computer that controls the reading device 38 at the customer 16 and can process the read data. For example, a process of attaching the date and time data when the toner cartridge 20 is delivered to the customer 16 to the data read from the reading device 38 and transmitting the processed data to the data center 60 via the network 50 is performed. It can be carried out. Further, based on the data read from the reading device 38, detailed data relating to the toner cartridge 20, for example, quality data can be inquired to the data center 60.

  The contents of the repairing point 17 in FIG. 1 will be described in detail later. When the toner cartridge 20 is fully used at the customer site 16 and has been used, or when a malfunction occurs during use, it is removed from the copying machine. Returned. The returned toner cartridge 20 is sent to the collection / recycling factory 18.

  The collection / recycling factory 18 is provided with a data control computer 46 as a terminal device of the product distribution management system 10. For example, the data control computer 46 can be the same as the data control computer 26 of the production factory 12. The data control computer 46 is connected to a reader / writer 44 that wirelessly communicates with the product wireless tag 22. The reader / writer 44 can be the same as the reader / writer 24 in the production factory 12. Alternatively, a reading device that is simplified only for the reading function may be used.

  Incidentally, the returned toner cartridge 20 may be sent in a suitable outer box, and the outer box may have a wireless tag. However, the outer box may be different from the outer box in which the returned toner cartridge 20 is initially stored. Therefore, in the collection / recycling factory 18, it is desirable not to use the data even if the outer box has a wireless tag, but to take out the toner cartridge 20 from the outer box and use the product wireless tag 22 attached thereto. . Therefore, the reader / writer 44 is used to read the product data 80 from the product wireless tag 22.

  The read product data 80 is stored in the product collection database 48 together with the collection time. When the toner cartridge 20 is collected and recycled and processed, the data is also stored in the product collection database 48 as collection information. Further, the read product data 80 and the collection information such as the collection time are transmitted to the data center 60 via the network 50. In the data center 60, the common reference data in the transmitted product data 80 is extracted, and the common reference data association server 66 is searched using the extracted common reference data as a search key, thereby identifying the outer box data 90. Can be associated with data. As described above, by mediating the common reference data, the continuity of the distribution management data can be maintained before and after the toner cartridge 20 is separated from the outer box 30.

  As described above, since the correspondence between the product wireless tag 22 and the outer box wireless tag 32 is maintained through the common reference data in normal distribution, the toner cartridge 20 is separated from the outer box 30 as described above. Regardless of before and after, continuous logistics management can be performed. However, if the data of the product wireless tag is destroyed or deliberately altered or intentionally altered during distribution, the correspondence between the product wireless tag 22 and the outer case wireless tag 32 is broken. In such a case, the repair point 17 in FIG. 1 restores the product data 80 of the product wireless tag 22. Here, a description will be given of a case where the repair is performed with the toner cartridge 20 stored in the outer box 30.

  The repair can be performed using a reader / writer 52 capable of wireless communication with the product wireless tag 22 and a reading device 54 capable of wireless communication with the outer box wireless tag 32. The reader / writer 52 and the reading device 54 are connected to the data center 60 via the network 50, and are preferably portable devices in order to improve the degree of freedom in setting the repair point 17.

  The restoration is executed by the function of the data center 60 which is a computer. This restoration function includes the function for determining the consistency between the outer box 30 and the toner cartridge 20 and the correct product data 80 of the product wireless tag 22 when it is determined that there is no consistency between the outer box and the product. It consists of a rewrite function for rewriting. These functions are realized by software, and specifically can be realized by executing a corresponding repair program. A computer other than the data center 60, which is a computer, may be provided at the repair point 17 to execute these functions.

  Specifically, the function for determining consistency is to compare the data contents of the common data portion 88 in the outer box wireless tag 32 and the data contents of the common data portion 82 in the product wireless tag 22 with the following processing procedures. It is realized by executing. That is, the outer box data 90 is read from the outer box wireless tag 32 using the reading device 54 (outer box data reading processing procedure), and the common reference data in the outer box data 90 is extracted according to a predetermined extraction standard ( Outer box common reference data extraction processing procedure), the product data 80 is read from the product wireless tag 22 using the reader / writer 52 (product data read processing), and the common reference data in the product data 80 is obtained in accordance with a predetermined extraction standard. Extracting (product common reference data extraction processing procedure), comparing both extracted common reference data to determine whether or not they match (matching determination processing procedure), and if they match, outer box 30 and toner cartridge 20 is determined to be consistent (consistency determination process).

  Specifically, the rewrite processing function is to write the correct product data 80 to the product wireless tag 22 again when it is not determined in the matching determination processing procedure that the outer box and the product match. This is realized by executing the processing procedure. That is, the outer box data 90 is read from the outer box wireless tag 32 using the reading device 54 (outer box data reading processing procedure), and the common reference data in the outer box data 90 is extracted according to a predetermined extraction standard ( Outer box common reference data extraction processing procedure), the common reference data association server 66 is searched using the extracted common reference data as a search key, and the corresponding product data 80 of the toner cartridge 20 is read (product data search processing procedure). Then, the product data 80 read using the reader / writer 52 is rewritten to the product wireless tag 22 (rewrite processing procedure).

  In this way, it is possible to determine the consistency between the outer case 30 and the toner cartridge 20 using the common reference data, and when it is determined that the outer case and the product are not consistent, the product wireless The product data 80 of the tag 22 can be rewritten to the correct data. Of course, it is also possible to provide a distribution point where only consistency judgment is performed. When the restoration is completed, the outer box 30 in which the toner cartridge 20 is stored is returned to the normal distribution management, and finally reaches the collection / recycling factory 18 as described above.

  As described above, in the product distribution management system 10, the product data 80 stored in the product wireless tag 22, the outer box data 90 including the identification data stored in the outer box wireless tag 32, the identification data from the customer 16 or The delivery information transmitted together with the outer box data 90 and the collection information transmitted together with the product data 80 from the collection / recycling factory 18 are managed in association with, for example, identification data using the common reference data as an intermediary. ing. This is because the product warehouse 14 associates the product wireless tag 22 with the outer box wireless tag 32 using the common reference data. As a result, at any subsequent distribution point, it is possible to perform unified management regardless of the use of any wireless tag to create distribution management data. Even if the data content of the product wireless tag 22 is destroyed or altered during the distribution process, it can be restored to the original repair point using the common reference data, and centralized management can be maintained.

  For example, by combining production information, delivery information, and collection information, the period from production to collection / recycling can be ascertained, and whether the toner cartridge that is a consumable item is used within the expiration date can be confirmed. An uncollected toner cartridge can be identified. By using this, various after-sales services can be provided to customers, and maintenance and maintenance can be facilitated.

  In addition, when a problem occurs with a toner cartridge of a market type, it is possible to quickly grasp the total production amount, the total shipment amount, the total collection amount, etc. of the same type of toner cartridge. Further, it is possible to quickly search data such as which customer has uncollected toner cartridges. In addition, it is possible to quickly associate these data with production data, quality data, and the like of a production factory.

  In this way, service to customers can be improved, collection and recycling can be performed efficiently, and prompt resolution of quality problems and the like can be achieved.

  In the above description, the common reference data has been described as using the minimum base data that is a part of the product data 80 as it is. Thereby, the product wireless tag 22 and the outer box wireless tag 32 can be associated with each other without particularly increasing the number of bits of the product data 80. In addition to this, additional data only for the purpose of associating the product wireless tag 22 and the outer box wireless tag 32 is used as common reference data, and this is used as the common data portion 82 of the product data 80 and the outer box data 90. It can also be written and used in the common data part 88, respectively.

  Distribution management of the toner cartridges 20 stored in the outer box 30 is performed for each toner cartridge 20 in one outer box 30, that is, in units of individual boxes, and a plurality of individual boxes are collectively mounted on a pallet. Often, this is done on a pallet basis. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of the product distribution system 100 including pallet loading. Elements similar to those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted below. The product distribution system 100 including the pallet loading is also a system that unifies and manages the distribution of the toner cartridge 20 across the production factory 12, the product warehouse 14, the customer site 16, and the collection / recycling factory 18 as in FIG. is there. In FIG. 4, in addition to the repair point 17 as in FIG. 1, an alignment confirmation point 110 for inspecting and confirming the consistency between the individual outer case 30 and the toner cartridge 20 in the mounted state of the pallet 102 is also illustrated. . The matching confirmation point 110 is included in the physical distribution point. The contents of the production factory 12, the customer 16, the collection / recycling factory 18, and the repair point 17 are the same as those described in relation to FIG.

  Pallet loading is performed in the product warehouse 14. That is, after the product wireless tag 22 fixed to the toner cartridge 20 and the outer box wireless tag 32 fixed to the outer box 30 are associated with the same common reference data, a plurality of products are placed on the pallet 102. A stored outer box 30 is mounted. A pallet wireless tag 104 is fixed to the pallet 102. The pallet wireless tag 104 has the configuration of the general wireless tag described with reference to FIG. 2, and the use frequency band of the UHF band can be used.

  In the pallet wireless tag 104, the mounted content identification data is written by the association computer 36 using the reader / writer 106. The reader / writer 106 can be the same as the reader / writer 35 used for the outer box wireless tag 32.

  The mounted content identification data includes the total number of product-stored outer boxes 30 mounted on the pallet 102 and identification data related to each outer box 30. Further, in order to prevent data errors, so-called checksum data obtained by adding each identification data may be included. In the example of FIG. 4, “27” data, which is the total number of outer boxes 30 in which products are stored, each identification data of the 27 outer boxes 30, that is, 27 “identification data”, and 27 identification data. The “total added value data” is calculated by the associating computer 36 as mounting content identification data, and is written to the pallet wireless tag 104 via the reader / writer 106.

  By comparing the mounting content identification data with the identification data of each outer box 30, it can be confirmed that a predetermined number of product-stored outer boxes 30 having a predetermined content are mounted on the pallet 102. However, it is impossible to confirm the consistency between the outer box and the product stored in the outer box only by using the mounted content identification data. The alignment confirmation point 110 is for inspecting and confirming whether or not the contents of the plurality of product-stored outer boxes 30 mounted on the pallet 102 are consistent with the contents displayed on the outer box 30. . In FIG. 4, the alignment confirmation point 110 is shown as a point between the product warehouse 14 and the customer 16, but any other point where the product stored outer box 30 is mounted on the pallet 102. Good. There may be a plurality of matching confirmation points 110.

  The matching check can be performed using a reader / writer 52 capable of wireless communication with the product wireless tag 22 and a reading device 54 capable of wireless communication with the outer box wireless tag 32. The reader / writer 52 may be simplified to a read-only one. In FIG. 4, a reading device 108 capable of wireless communication with the pallet wireless tag 104 is shown, but this is for confirming the mounting state of the pallet 102. The reader / writer 52, the reading device 54, and the reading device 108 are connected to the data center 60 via the network 50, and are preferably portable devices in order to improve the degree of freedom in setting the alignment confirmation point 110.

  The confirmation of the alignment between the outer box 30 and the toner cartridge 20 for each product-stored outer box 30 is the same as the determination regarding the consistency described in relation to the repair point 17. That is, the data content of the common data portion 88 in the outer box wireless tag 32 and the data content of the common data portion 82 in the product wireless tag 22 are compared, and matching between the outer box 30 and the toner cartridge 20 is confirmed. Specifically, it is realized by executing the following processing procedures as in the consistency determination. First, the outer box data 90 is read from the outer box wireless tag 32 using the reading device 54 (outer box data reading processing procedure), and common reference data in the outer box data 90 is extracted according to a predetermined extraction standard ( Outer box common reference data extraction processing procedure), the product data 80 is read from the product wireless tag 22 using the reader / writer 52 (product data read processing), and the common reference data in the product data 80 is obtained in accordance with a predetermined extraction standard. Extracting (product common reference data extraction processing procedure), comparing both extracted common reference data to determine whether or not they match (matching determination processing procedure), and if they match, outer box 30 and toner cartridge 20 is determined to be consistent (consistency determination process). This is sequentially performed for each product-stored outer box 30.

  In this way, the consistency between the outer case 30 and the toner cartridge 20 can be inspected and confirmed for each product-stored outer case 30 mounted on the pallet 102 using the common reference data. Further, since the repair point 17 is provided, the product data 80 of the product wireless tag 22 can be restored using the common reference data when the outer case 30 and the toner cartridge 20 are not consistent. Therefore, even in the case of pallet loading, unified management can be performed for the distribution of the toner cartridge 20 stored in the outer box 30.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the product physical distribution management system in embodiment which concerns on this invention. It is the top view and side view of a product wireless tag. In embodiment which concerns on this invention, it is a figure which shows the relationship between the product data memorize | stored in a product radio | wireless tag, and the outer case data memorize | stored in an outer case radio | wireless tag. In embodiment which concerns on this invention, it is a figure which shows the structure of the product physical distribution management system which uses a pallet.

Explanation of symbols

  10,100 Product logistics management system, 12 Production factory, 14 Product warehouse, 15 Delivery truck, 16 Customer, 17 Repair point, 18 Collection / recycling factory, 20 Toner cartridge, 22 Product wireless tag, 24, 34, 35, 44 , 52, 106 Reader / writer, 26 Data control computer, 28 Product production database, 30 Outer box, 32 Outer box wireless tag, 36 Associated computer, 38, 54, 108 Reading device, 40 Warehouse management server, 42 Terminal device, 46 Data Control computer, 48 Product collection database, 50 Network, 60 Data center, 62 ID resolution server, 64 Content server, 66 Common reference data association server, 72 Circuit board, 76 Circulation wiring, 78 Electronic component, 80 Product data, 82, 88 Common data part, 84 General data part, 86 Identification data part, 90 Outer box data, 102 pallet, 104 pallet wireless tag, 110 Consistency check point.

Claims (7)

In the logistics management system for products stored in the outer box,
A product wireless tag that is fixed to the product and can read and write product data by wireless communication,
An outer box wireless tag fixed to the outer box and capable of reading data by wireless communication, and stores an identification data portion for storing identification data and a part of product data stored in the product wireless tag as common reference data An outer box wireless tag having a common data portion;
Product data storage means for storing product data of each product in association with data corresponding to common reference data in the product data of each product;
Based on the common reference data read from the outer box wireless tag, the product data of the product corresponding to the common reference data is read from the product data storage device, and the read product data is stored in the outer box. Product data rewriting means for rewriting the product wireless tag
A product logistics management system characterized by comprising: In the logistics management system for products stored in the outer box,
A product wireless tag that is fixed to the product and can read and write product data by wireless communication,
An outer box wireless tag fixed to the outer box and capable of reading data by wireless communication, and stores an identification data portion for storing identification data and a part of product data stored in the product wireless tag as common reference data An outer box wireless tag having a common data portion;
Judgment means for judging matching between the outer box and the product based on the common reference data read from the outer box radio tag and data corresponding to the common reference data in the product data read from the product radio tag When,
A product logistics management system characterized by comprising: In the product logistics management system according to claim 1,
further,
Judgment means for judging matching between the outer box and the product based on the common reference data read from the outer box radio tag and data corresponding to the common reference data in the product data read from the product radio tag A product logistics management system characterized by comprising: In the product logistics management system according to claim 1,
Furthermore, the pallet wireless tag is a pallet wireless tag that is fixed to a pallet on which a plurality of outer boxes storing products are mounted and can be read out by wireless communication, and has a mounting content identification data section that stores mounting content identification data Product logistics management system characterized by having a tag. In the product logistics management system according to claim 4,
The mounted content identification data includes the number of mounted outer boxes and the identification data of each outer box,
further,
For each outer box, common reference data read from the outer box wireless tag and data corresponding to the common reference data in the product data read from the product wireless tag of the product stored in the outer box And a determination means for determining the consistency between the outer box and the product based on
A product logistics management system characterized by comprising: In the product distribution management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A product logistics management system characterized in that the common reference data uses the minimum base data in the individual product data as it is. In the product distribution management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The product distribution management system characterized in that the use frequency band of the outer case wireless tag is higher than the use frequency band of the product wireless tag.

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