JP2007156798A - Wireless tag, wireless tag main part, probe, and manufacturing history management system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce malfunction and influence to EMC caused by miniaturization of a wireless tag and mixture of a plurality of wireless tags. <P>SOLUTION: The wireless tag is equipped with; a wireless tag main part 20a which can record tag information to be recorded on the wireless tag; and a probe 30a comprising an antenna for the wireless tag composed as a separate part of the wireless tag main part 20a. The wireless tag main part 20a is attached to products or parts, and when reading or writing of manufacturing history information to the wireless tag main part 20a, the reading and writing of the manufacturing history information are performed by contacting the probe 30a. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a wireless tag, a wireless tag main body, a probe, and a manufacturing history management system, and more particularly, to a technique for reducing the size of a wireless tag and solving malfunctions and EMC problems due to mixing of a plurality of wireless tags.

In production process management, parts assembly information is managed using a bar code or a two-dimensional code to reduce human error. On the other hand, in recent years, the use of radio frequency identification tags (Radio Frequency Identification Tags) has been promoted mainly in the logistic field, but due to the size of radio tag antennas and the nature of radio tags being weak against metals and water, It is difficult to use a wireless tag for production management of small electronic products, and the use of a wireless tag as a substitute for a bar code or a two-dimensional code has not been widespread. In addition, when a wireless tag is attached to a small product, an area where the wireless tag can be attached is limited, and the wireless tag needs to be downsized. In this regard, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for reducing the size of the wireless tag itself on which the antenna is mounted, using an antenna that is integrated with the wireless tag and that can be reduced in size.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-167813

  When manufacturing history of a product using a wireless tag at a production factory or the like, a wireless tag may be attached to each part. In this case, there is a concern about malfunctions due to mixing of wireless tags and influence on EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility). Further, as described above, since the wireless tag has a property that is weak against water and metal, if it is attached to an electronic board or a metal casing, there is a possibility that a malfunction due to this will occur. Further, when a wireless tag is attached to a small product, the size of the wireless tag is desired to be further reduced because there are not many places that can be attached.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a wireless tag technology that can also be used for manufacturing history management of small electronic products.

  In order to achieve the above object, a wireless tag according to the present invention includes a wireless tag body and a wireless tag antenna configured separately from the wireless tag body, wherein the wireless tag body includes the wireless tag body. A main body side electrode portion exposed for electrical connection by contacting the tag antenna is provided, and the radio tag antenna is exposed for electrical connection by contacting the main body side electrode portion It is characterized by comprising an antenna side electrode part and an antenna part that conducts with the antenna side electrode part and performs transmission and reception of radio waves.

  By configuring the antenna separately, the radio tag body can be downsized. Therefore, the wireless tag main body can be easily attached to a small object. Further, even when a product or the like with a wireless tag main body gets wet, the wireless tag antenna is not exposed to water. Furthermore, even when a plurality of wireless tags coexist, only the wireless tag main body electrically connected by contacting the wireless tag antenna can be wirelessly communicated, and malfunction due to the wireless tag mixing can be prevented. The influence of can also be reduced.

  The wireless tag main body according to the present invention includes a main body side electrode portion exposed to be in contact with and electrically connected to a wireless tag antenna configured separately from the wireless tag main body. To do.

  By configuring the antenna separately, the radio tag body can be downsized. Therefore, the wireless tag main body can be easily attached to a small object. Further, even when a product or the like with a wireless tag main body gets wet, the wireless tag antenna is not exposed to water. Furthermore, even when a plurality of wireless tags coexist, only the wireless tag body that is electrically connected by contacting the wireless tag antenna can wirelessly communicate, so that malfunction due to the mixture of wireless tags can be prevented. The impact can also be reduced.

  In addition, a thin plate-like substrate, an IC chip that is disposed on the substrate and includes a control unit and a memory unit that records tag information, and a cover unit that covers the surface of the IC chip and protects the IC chip And the main body side electrode portion may be constituted by a metal terminal that is electrically connected to the IC chip and exposed from the cover portion.

  As a result, the IC chip can be electrically connected to the antenna for the wireless tag while protecting the IC chip from water and dust.

  The power generation unit may further include a power generation unit that generates power based on a carrier wave received via the wireless tag antenna brought into contact with the main body side electrode unit.

  Thus, only the wireless tag body to which the wireless tag antenna is connected operates, so that the wireless tag body that does not read or write tag information becomes electrically invalid, and wireless interference can be prevented.

  Further, the probe according to the present invention is a probe with a built-in RFID tag antenna, a probe main body portion that can be gripped, an antenna portion built in the probe main body portion, and the antenna portion from the probe main body portion. An antenna-side electrode portion made of an exposed metal terminal, the antenna-side electrode portion being in contact with and electrically connected to the body-side electrode portion provided in the wireless tag body Features.

  As a result, the antenna side electrode portion exposed from the probe main body portion can be brought into contact with the main body side electrode portion of the wireless tag main body while holding the probe main body portion, and the connection work between the wireless tag main body and the wireless tag antenna is performed. Can be easily performed.

  The probe main body may be configured as a barcode reader or a two-dimensional code reader.

  Thereby, it can be used for both the use as a barcode reader or a two-dimensional code reader and the use as an antenna for a wireless tag by a single device (wireless tag antenna).

  The antenna unit may be configured to transmit and receive radio waves in different frequency bands.

  Thereby, it can use for the radio | wireless transmission / reception from which a frequency band differs with one radio | wireless tag antenna.

  The manufacturing history management system according to the present invention includes a wireless tag body that records product manufacturing history information, and a wireless tag body that is configured separately from the wireless tag body and that is in contact with and electrically connected to the wireless tag body. A manufacturing history management system comprising: a tag antenna; and a management device that performs wireless communication with the wireless tag body via the wireless tag antenna and manages manufacturing history information of the product, wherein the wireless tag A main body side electrode portion configured to be exposed to be in contact with and electrically connected to the wireless tag antenna and an IC chip having a control portion and a memory portion for recording the manufacturing history information The antenna for a wireless tag is in contact with the main body side electrode portion and exposed to be electrically connected to the antenna side electrode portion, and is electrically connected to the antenna side electrode portion. An antenna unit for transmitting and receiving waves, and the management device includes a wireless communication unit that transmits and receives radio waves to and from the wireless tag antenna, and a storage unit that stores the manufacturing history information. At least one wireless tag body is attached to a part used in the product, or a package of the product and the part, and reading or writing of the manufacturing history information is desired from the attached wireless tag body. By contacting the antenna-side electrode portion with the body-side electrode portion of the wireless tag body, the manufacturing history information can be stored between the wireless tag body and the management device via the wireless tag antenna and the wireless communication portion. Transmission and reception are performed, and the storage unit stores the transmitted and received manufacturing history information.

  The management device may be composed of a single device or a plurality of devices. For example, the wireless communication unit may be configured as a tag scanner that performs wireless communication with a wireless tag, and the storage unit may be configured as a computer device (terminal) or a server device. In this case, the tag scanner and the computer device or server device may be directly connected, or may be connected via a network such as a LAN.

  As a result, when a wireless tag body is attached to the product and manufacturing history information is read or written to this wireless tag body, the antenna for the wireless tag is connected. Only the desired wireless tag body can perform wireless communication. Furthermore, malfunction due to radio interference can be prevented, and the influence on the EMC problem can be further reduced. In addition, since the wireless tag main body has a separate antenna, it can be made smaller, and attachment to a small product becomes easy. Furthermore, in the manufacturing history management system using the conventional barcode or two-dimensional code, it is difficult to update the information recorded in the barcode or two-dimensional code at the work site. By using a wireless tag including an antenna, the manufacturing history information can be easily updated.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the radio | wireless tag technique which can be utilized also for manufacture log | history management of a small electronic product can be provided.

  Preferred embodiments of a wireless tag, a wireless tag body, a probe, and a manufacturing history management system according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<First Embodiment>
[Schematic configuration of the system]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an overall configuration of a manufacturing history management system 1 using a wireless tag according to the present invention. The manufacturing history management system 1 according to the present embodiment is a system used at the production site of the camera 10 in order to manage the manufacturing history of the camera 10. Components constituting the camera 10, such as a substrate, a lens unit, a CCD in a bag, and a casing, a wireless tag main body 20a in which tag information including serial numbers of each component, assembly date and time, work line specific information, and the like is recorded. 20b, 20c, ..., 20n (hereinafter referred to as "20a-n") are attached. The wireless tag body that is no longer needed is reused by removing it from the parts and rewriting the tag information.

  The wireless tag bodies 20a to 20n include probes 30a, 30b, 30c,... 30m (hereinafter referred to as “30a to m”) incorporating antennas for wirelessly transmitting and receiving the tag information of the wireless tag bodies 20a to 20n. Electrically connected. The probes 30a to 30m can be electrically connected to any of the wireless tag bodies 20a to 20n. Therefore, although the probes 30a to 30m are illustrated in FIG. 1, one probe, for example, 30a may be used for connection with the wireless tag bodies 20a to 20n. The wireless tag bodies 20a to 20n have functions of recording tag information and controlling wireless transmission / reception, but do not perform wireless communication when the probes 30a to 30m are not connected, and while the probes 30a to 30m are connected. Only perform wireless communication.

  The manufacturing history management system 1 includes antennas 40a, 40b, 40c, ... 40l (hereinafter referred to as "40a-1") that receive radio waves from the probes 30a-m. The antennas 40a to 40l are installed at various locations on the manufacturing site managed by the manufacturing history management system 1. The probes 30a-m and the antennas 40a-l are capable of wireless communication with a distance of about 40 cm to 100 cm. This distance depends on the frequency of the radio wave used for wireless communication.

  A tag scanner 50 is connected to the antennas 40a to l. The tag scanner 50 converts radio waves received by the antennas 40a to 40l into electrical signals that can be read by the computer device 60, and converts information acquired from the computer device 60 into electrical signals that can be wirelessly transmitted from the antennas 40a to 40l.

  A computer device 60 is connected to the tag scanner 50. The computer device 60 is connected to the LAN 70. A database server (hereinafter referred to as “DB”) 80 is connected to the LAN 70. The DB 80 stores manufacturing history information indicating manufacturing process history information.

  In the present specification, the antenna antennas 40a to 40l, the tag scanner 50, the computer device 60, and the DB 80 are referred to as "production management system". A system for transmitting / receiving manufacturing history information to / from a wireless tag comprising

  Next, the configuration of the wireless tag main body and the probe will be shown based on FIG. In FIG. 2, the wireless tag body 20a and the probe 30a will be described, but the wireless tag bodies 20b to 20n and the probes 30b to 30m have the same configuration.

  The wireless tag main body 20a includes a substantially square thin plate-shaped substrate 25, an IC chip 26 on a thin plate which is disposed in a substantially central portion of the substrate 25 and records tag information to control the operation of the wireless tag main body, and the IC A transparent or semi-transparent seal-like chip cover 27 for covering and protecting the metal surface (surface) of the chip 26, an electrode portion 28 configured by exposing the metal surface to the outer periphery of the chip cover 27, and an electrode portion 28 And a separation band 29a for separating the substrate into an anode part and a cathode part.

  The probe 30 a includes a main body portion 31 that is configured in a substantially bar shape that can be gripped, and an antenna portion 32 built in the main body portion 31. The front end of the antenna unit 32 is exposed from the main body unit 31 and includes two electrode contact portions 33 and 33 made of metal terminals at the front end. The electrode contact portions 33 and 33 are brought into contact with the anode portion and the cathode portion, respectively, with the separation band 29a of the electrode portion 28 interposed therebetween.

  When the user holds the main body 31 of the probe 30a and brings the electrode contact portions 33 and 33 into contact with the electrode portion 28 of the wireless tag main body 20a, the wireless tag main body 20a is connected to the antenna 40a via the antenna portion 32 of the probe 30a. Wireless communication using radio waves becomes possible.

  Next, the configuration of the manufacturing history management system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the function of the manufacturing history management system 1.

  The wireless tag body 20a includes a memory unit 21 that records ID information for uniquely identifying the wireless tag body 20a and information desired by the user, and a control unit 22 that controls the operation of the wireless tag body 20a. And the modulation unit 23 for converting the digital signal read from the memory unit 21 by the control unit 22 into an analog signal, and the radio tag main body 20a converts the radio wave received from the antenna 32 of the probe 30a from the analog signal to the digital signal. A demodulating unit 24, an electrode unit 28 for electrical connection with the probe 30a, and a power generation unit 29b for generating electric power for driving the wireless tag main body 20a.

  The wireless tag configured by combining the wireless tag main body 20a and the probe 30a is a passive type, and the power generation unit 29b is configured to have a function of using the carrier wave of the radio wave received by the antenna unit 32 as power. Although the wireless tag body that does not contact the probe 30a can be electrically invalidated when configured as a passive type, there is an advantage of preventing interference, but it is also possible to configure the wireless tag body as an active type with a built-in battery. It is.

  The memory unit 21 includes an ID area 21a for recording ID information and a user area 21b for recording tag information desired by the user. Since the wireless tag bodies 20b to 20n have the same configuration as the wireless tag body 20a, the description thereof is omitted.

  The tag scanner 50 receives an antenna interface (I / F) unit 51a for connecting to the antenna unit 40, a PC I / F unit 51b for connecting to the computer device 60, and the antenna I / F unit 51a. Information that the computer device 60 can handle the tag information that can be recorded on the radio tag main body 20a, the reception amplifying unit 52 for amplifying the analog signal from the antenna 40a, the demodulating unit 53 for converting the analog signal into a digital signal, and the like. The data conversion unit 54 that performs conversion processing (protocol conversion) and vice versa, the control unit 55 that controls the operation of the tag scan 50, and the data of the data conversion unit 54 from digital signals to analog signals A modulation unit 56 for conversion and a transmission amplification unit 57 for amplifying an analog signal for wireless communication are provided.

  The computer device 60 stores a tag scanner I / F unit 61 for connection to the tag scanner 50, a CPU 62 for controlling the operation of the computer device 60, a memory 63 serving as a work area for the CPU 62, and various application programs. A hard disk 64, an input unit 65 such as a keyboard or a mouse (not shown), a display unit 66 such as a CRT device or a liquid crystal display device (not shown), and a network adapter 67 for connecting to a LAN 70 disposed at the manufacturing site. Prepare.

[Process flow]
A processing flow of the manufacturing history management system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing a procedure of operation processing of the manufacturing history management system.

  In S1, the user attaches the wireless tag main bodies 20a to 20n to a part or product (S1). In S2, the tag scanner 50 is turned on to enter a standby state for searching for the wireless tag body 20 with which the probe 30a is in contact (S2). The wireless tag body 20 with which the probe 30a is in contact functions as a wireless tag capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving tag information. In S3, the computer 60 is turned on and enters a standby state (S3). In S4, the DB 80 is turned on and enters a standby state (S4).

  In S5, the user brings the two electrode contact portions 33, 33 of the probe 30a into contact with the probe electrode portion 28 of the wireless tag body 20 (S5). In S6, the tag scanner 50 finds the wireless tag body 20a with which the probe 30a is contacted in S3 (S6). Here, a wireless communication path is established between the tag scanner 50 and the wireless tag main body 20 in contact with the probe 30a.

  In S <b> 7, the computer device 60 transmits an operation instruction for the wireless tag body 20 a, for example, an operation instruction such as updating tag information of the wireless tag body 20 a or reading the tag information to the tag scanner 50.

  In S8, the tag scanner 50 wirelessly transmits a command signal based on the operation instruction acquired from the computer device 60 via the antenna 40a (S8).

  In S9, the wireless tag body 20 receives a command signal via the antenna unit 32 of the probe 30a (S9).

  In S10, the control unit 22 of the wireless tag main body 20a executes the command signal received in S7. If the command signal means updating the tag information, the tag information in the memory 21 is rewritten. If the command signal means reading of tag information, the tag information is read from the memory 21 (S10).

  In S11, the control unit 22 of the wireless tag main body 20a transmits a response signal via the antenna unit 32 of the probe 30a (S11). If the tag information is updated in S10, a signal indicating the end of the update is sent as a response signal. If the tag information is read, the read tag information is sent as a response signal.

  In S12, the tag scanner 50 receives a response signal (S12). In S13, it is determined whether or not the tag scanner 50 has finished the task. If “Y”, the process ends. If “N”, the process returns to S2 and enters a standby state (S13).

  In S14, it is determined whether or not the work on the wireless tag is finished (S14). When the user removes the probe 30a from the wireless tag main body 20a, the process proceeds to “Y” and the process is terminated. If the user maintains the state in which the probe 30a is in contact with the wireless tag main body 20a, the process proceeds to “N”, and the process returns to S9. Then, it waits for the next instruction from the tag scanner 50.

  In S15, the computer device 60 performs processing based on the operation instruction of the tag information instructed in S5 (S15). When reading the tag information is instructed, the read tag information is displayed on the display unit 66. When the tag information update is instructed, the DB 80 is transmitted to the DB 80 having the content instructed to update in S7, and the DB 80 is instructed to update the manufacturing history information.

  In S16, the DB 80 updates the manufacturing history information in accordance with the instruction in S13 (S16). In S17, it is determined whether or not the computer device 60 has finished the task. If “Y”, the process ends. If “N”, the process returns to S5 and returns to the standby state in S3 (S17).

  In S18, it is determined whether or not the DB 80 has finished the task. If “Y”, the process ends, and if “N”, the process returns to the standby state in S4 (S18).

  According to this embodiment, in order to separate a conventional wireless tag device in which a wireless tag main body and an antenna are integrally formed into a wireless tag main body and a probe with a built-in antenna, the size of the wireless tag is reduced to the size of the antenna. Can be small. This makes it possible to attach even small products.

  Further, by separating the antenna from the wireless tag, the antenna can be enlarged and the influence of water and metal can be avoided.

  In addition, since only the wireless tag brought into contact with the probe is in a wireless state, even when a plurality of wireless tags are mixed, malfunction due to mutual interference of radio waves and the influence on EMC can be eliminated. In particular, when the wireless tag is configured as a passive type, power is not supplied to the wireless tag unless the probe is touched, and the wireless tag that is not used can be electrically invalidated. EMC problems can be avoided.

  By performing manufacturing history management using such a wireless tag device, manufacturing history can be recorded for each process, and the reliability of traceability in the manufacturing history management system can be improved. In addition, the manufacturing history information of the camera 10 is not stored in the memory of the camera body, but is written in the wireless tag body attached to the camera 10, so that the memory of the camera breaks down and the manufacturing history information cannot be read. In addition, manufacturing history information can be read from the wireless tag body, and the convenience of repair and maintenance can be improved.

  In the above-described embodiment, the wireless tag capable of separating the antenna is used in the manufacturing history management system. However, if this wireless tag is a wireless communication system using the wireless tag and the tag scanner or the wireless tag reader device, the manufacturing history management system is used. It can be applied without limitation.

<Other embodiments>
FIG. 5 shows a probe 95 in which a conventional barcode reader 90 and a wireless tag antenna are integrally formed. In the manufacturing history management system, management is still often performed using a barcode or a two-dimensional code. Therefore, by using the barcode reader of FIG. 5, even when the manufacturing history management system using the wireless tag according to the above embodiment is introduced into an existing manufacturing history management system, reading of information from the barcode and wireless Information can be written to and read from the tag body. Information read by the bar code reader 90 is transferred to the computer device 60 and can be confirmed by updating to the DB 80 or displaying it on the display unit 66 of the computer device 60.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing variations of the probe 30. The probe 30a can correspond to different frequencies with the same probe. Therefore, a wireless communication system in which the wireless tag body 20a and the antenna 40a perform wireless communication in the first frequency band and a wireless communication system in which the wireless tag body 20b and the antenna 40b perform wireless communication in the second frequency band are provided. Even in some cases, wireless communication can be performed in different frequency bands using one probe 30a.

Conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of the manufacturing history management system 1 Block diagram for explaining the function of the manufacturing history management system 1 Schematic diagram showing the probe in contact with the wireless tag body Sequence diagram showing operation process of manufacturing history management system 1 Probe integrated with barcode reader Schematic diagram showing probes that can be used in different frequency bands

Explanation of symbols

1: Manufacturing history management system 10: Camera, 20: Radio tag body, 30: Probe, 40: Antenna, 50: Tag scanner, 60: Computer device, 70: LAN, 80: DB

Claims (8)

A wireless tag main body, and a wireless tag antenna configured separately from the wireless tag main body,
The wireless tag body is
A main body side electrode portion exposed for electrical connection in contact with the radio tag antenna,
The wireless tag antenna is
An antenna-side electrode portion exposed to be in contact with and electrically connected to the body-side electrode portion;
An antenna unit that conducts with the antenna side electrode unit and performs transmission and reception of radio waves, and
A wireless tag characterized by that.   A wireless tag main body comprising a main body side electrode portion exposed to be in contact with and electrically connected to a wireless tag antenna configured separately from the wireless tag main body. A thin substrate,
An IC chip that is disposed on the substrate and includes a control unit and a memory unit that records tag information;
A cover part for covering the surface of the IC chip and protecting the IC chip,
The main body side electrode part is composed of metal terminals that are electrically connected to the IC chip and exposed from the cover part.
The wireless tag body according to claim 2, wherein: A power generation unit that generates power based on a carrier wave received via the radio tag antenna brought into contact with the main body side electrode unit;
The wireless tag body according to claim 2 or 3, wherein A probe with a built-in radio tag antenna,
A graspable probe body,
An antenna part built in the probe body part;
An antenna side electrode portion made of a metal terminal configured by exposing the antenna portion from the probe main body portion, the antenna side being in contact with and electrically connected to the main body side electrode portion provided in the radio tag main body An electrode part;
A probe comprising: The probe body is configured as a barcode reader or a two-dimensional code reader.
The probe according to claim 5. The antenna unit can transmit and receive radio waves in different frequency bands.
The probe according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: A wireless tag main body that records manufacturing history information of the product, a wireless tag antenna that is configured separately from the wireless tag main body and that is electrically connected to the wireless tag main body, and the wireless tag antenna A manufacturing history management system comprising a management device that performs wireless communication with the wireless tag body and manages manufacturing history information of the product,
The radio tag main body is configured to be exposed to be in contact with and electrically connected to the radio frequency tag antenna and an IC chip having a control unit and a memory unit for recording the manufacturing history information. A side electrode part,
The wireless tag antenna is
An antenna side electrode part configured to be exposed to be in contact with and electrically connected to the main body side electrode part;
An antenna portion that conducts with the antenna side electrode portion and transmits and receives radio waves;
The management device includes a wireless communication unit that transmits and receives radio waves to and from the wireless tag antenna;
A storage unit storing the manufacturing history information,
At least one RFID tag body is attached to the product, a part used in the product, or a package of the product and the part,
Of the attached wireless tag main body, the antenna side electrode portion is brought into contact with the main body side electrode portion of the wireless tag main body from which the manufacturing history information is desired to be read or written. The manufacturing history information is transmitted and received via the wireless tag antenna and the wireless communication unit between,
The storage unit stores manufacturing history information transmitted and received.
Manufacturing history management system characterized by this.

Images