JP2008134878A - Radio tag information reading system, radio tag information management server and radio tag information reading device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radio tag information reading system, a radio tag information management server and a radio tag information reading device for reducing the operation burden on an operator, and for improving convenience. <P>SOLUTION: A reader 200 is provided with an antenna 210 equipped with an IC circuit part 150 for storing information and an antenna 151 for transmitting/receiving information, and configured to communicate by radio with a radio tag circuit element To. A tag label creating device 300 is provided with a storage part 310 for storing information acquired from a radio tag circuit element To for reading information through a reader 200 connected by a line concentrator 30 and a control circuit 311 for controlling information stored in the storage part 310 to be output to a corresponding PC terminal 100 among a plurality of PC terminals 100 connected by the line concentrator 30 on the basis of receiver information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a wireless tag information reading device for reading wireless tag information of a wireless tag circuit element capable of reading / writing information without contact, a wireless tag information management server connected to the wireless tag information reading device, and these The present invention relates to a wireless tag information reading system having

  An RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system that reads / writes information in a non-contact manner between a small wireless tag and a reader (reading device) / writer (writing device) is known. For example, a wireless tag circuit element included in a label-like wireless tag includes an IC circuit unit that stores predetermined wireless tag information and an antenna that is connected to the IC circuit unit and transmits / receives information. When a transmission wave is transmitted from the reader antenna to the RFID circuit element, the RFID circuit element transmits a response using the energy of the radio wave of the transmission wave. As a conventional technique for reading information from a RFID circuit element using such a reader, for example, there is one described in Patent Document 1.

  In this conventional technology, an operation terminal (PC) is connected to a reader, and a predetermined operation is performed on the operation terminal, whereby a file or information stored in a RFID tag circuit element held by a person is read and acquired from the reader. It is.

  On the other hand, for example, a RFID label producing apparatus that creates RFID tags by writing RFID tag information in such RFID circuit elements has already been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In this prior art, a strip-shaped tag tape (base tape) provided with RFID circuit elements at predetermined intervals is fed from a tag tape roll (first roll) and from another roll (second roll). The printed tape is bonded to the tag tape. At this time, predetermined RFID tag information generated on the device side is transmitted to the RFID tag circuit element of the tag tape and written to the IC circuit unit, and printing corresponding to the RFID tag information to be written is printed on the tape to be printed. This is performed by the printing means, whereby a wireless tag label with printing is created.

JP-A-2005-298100 JP 2005-186567 A

  In general, the RFID label produced by the tag label producing apparatus as described in Patent Document 2 is provided in association with, for example, being attached to a management target (article or the like). Then, the RFID tag information is read from the RFID label provided on the product etc. by a reader as described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, information on the product is obtained, and the product is managed.

  Here, generally, the RFID tag information read from the RFID tag label by the reader is transmitted from the reader to a PC terminal, an information server, or the like via a network such as a LAN. At this time, when a plurality of PC terminals, servers, and the like are connected to the network, there are a plurality of information transmission destinations from the reader. In such a case, it is necessary for the operator to manually set the transmission destination of the RFID tag information for the reader, which is troublesome.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a wireless tag information reading system, a wireless tag information management server, and a wireless tag information reading device that can reduce an operation burden on an operator and improve convenience.

  In order to achieve the above object, a first invention includes a RFID tag information management server, a plurality of RFID tag information reading devices, and a plurality of operation terminals provided corresponding to the plurality of RFID tag information reading devices. A wireless tag information reading system comprising distribution connection means for connecting the wireless tag information management server, the plurality of wireless tag information reading devices, and the plurality of operation terminals to a signal output destination via a network in a distributable manner. The wireless tag information reading device includes a reading antenna for performing wireless communication with a wireless tag circuit element including an IC circuit unit that stores information and a tag-side antenna that transmits and receives information. The wireless tag information management server transmits the wireless tag for reading information via the wireless tag information reading device connected by the distribution connecting means. A plurality of read information storage means for storing information acquired from the circuit element; and the information stored in the read information storage means or the information corresponding thereto based on the distribution destination information. And an information distribution means for distributing and outputting to the corresponding operation terminals.

  In the RFID tag information reading system according to the first aspect of the present invention, information is read from the RFID circuit element for reading information by the RFID tag information management server via the reading antenna of the RFID tag information reading device arranged corresponding to the operation terminal. Is acquired, and the acquired information is read and stored in the information storage means. Then, based on the distribution destination information, the information distribution means sets the output destination to the corresponding one of the plurality of operation terminals, so that the information stored in the read information storage means (or the information corresponding thereto) ) Is output to the set operation terminal.

  In this way, the plurality of operation terminals and the plurality of RFID tag information reading devices are connected to the RFID tag information management server via the distribution connection means, and acquired from the RFID circuit element for reading information in the RFID tag information management server. Even if the output destination of information is indefinite, the corresponding operation terminal is automatically set as the output destination without the need for complicated manual settings. be able to. As a result, the operation burden on the operator can be reduced and the convenience can be improved.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the RFID tag information management server obtains distribution destination information from the RFID tag circuit element for information distribution destination setting via the RFID tag information reading device. The information distribution unit includes information stored in the read information storage unit or information corresponding to the information stored in the read information storage unit based on the distribution destination information acquired by the distribution destination information unit. It is characterized in that it is sorted and output.

  In the RFID tag information reading system according to the second invention of the present application, information is read from the RFID circuit element for reading information via the RFID reading information antenna of the RFID tag information reading device arranged corresponding to the operation terminal by the RFID tag information management server. Is acquired, and the acquired information is read and stored in the information storage means. On the other hand, the distribution destination information acquisition means acquires distribution destination information from the RFID tag circuit element for information distribution setting via the reading antenna of the RFID tag information reader. Then, based on the acquired distribution destination information, the information distribution unit sets the output destination to the corresponding one of the plurality of operation terminals, so that the information stored in the read information storage unit (or Corresponding information) is output to the set operation terminal.

  In this way, the plurality of operation terminals and the plurality of RFID tag information reading devices are connected to the RFID tag information management server via the distribution connection means, and acquired from the RFID circuit element for reading information in the RFID tag information management server. Even if the output destination of information is indefinite, the operator can read the information from the RFID tag circuit element for information distribution setting and acquire the distribution destination information. However, the corresponding operation terminal can be automatically set as the output destination without performing complicated manual setting. As a result, the operation burden on the operator can be reduced and the convenience can be improved.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention based on the second aspect, the distribution destination information acquisition means of the RFID tag information management server is connected to the information distribution destination setting RFID tag circuit element via one RFID tag reading device. The distribution destination information for associating the acquired information with one operation terminal corresponding to the one RFID tag information reading device is acquired, and the information distribution unit is configured to read the read information based on the acquired distribution destination information. The output destination is set so that the information stored in the information storage means or information corresponding thereto is output to the one operation terminal corresponding to the one RFID tag information reading device.

  Accordingly, one RFID tag information reading device and one operation terminal are associated with each other, and information acquired from the RFID tag circuit element for reading via a certain RFID tag information reading device corresponds to the RFID tag information reading device. Can be output to the operation terminal.

  In a fourth aspect based on the third aspect, the information distribution means of the RFID tag information management server is based on the distribution destination information associating the one RFID tag information reading device with the one operation terminal. When setting the output destination, if the information to be output is acquired from the RFID circuit element for reading information via a plurality of RFID tag information readers, the received signal strength at the time of acquisition is set. The output destination is set accordingly.

  Accordingly, even if information from the same RFID tag circuit element for reading is acquired via a plurality of RFID tag information reading devices, any RFID tag information reading device is selected according to the magnitude of the received signal strength. Specify whether it corresponds to the RFID circuit element for reading (e.g., the closest distance, in a place suitable for communication, etc.), and an operation terminal corresponding to the specified RFID tag information reading device is output. It can be regarded as a terminal to be set, and can be set as an output destination. Therefore, erroneous delivery of information can be prevented.

  In a fifth aspect based on the third aspect, the plurality of RFID tag information readers transmit and receive information to and from the RFID tag circuit element for reading information by a plurality of types of transmission outputs, and transmission and reception for each output. The result is output to the RFID tag information management server, and the information distribution means of the RFID tag information management server is based on the distribution destination information that associates the one RFID tag information reading device with the one operation terminal. When setting the output destination, if the information to be output is acquired from the information reading RFID circuit element via the plurality of RFID tag information reading devices, the information is input from the RFID tag information reading device. An output destination is set according to the transmission / reception result for each output.

  As a result, even if information from the same RFID tag circuit element for reading is acquired via a plurality of RFID tag information reading devices, it depends on the transmission / reception results for each output size in each RFID tag information reading device. Identify which RFID tag information reader is compatible with the RFID tag circuit element for reading (for example, the closest distance, suitable for communication, etc.), and the identified RFID tag information An operation terminal corresponding to the reading device can be regarded as a terminal to be output, and can be set as an output destination.

  A sixth invention is a wireless tag information management server connected to a plurality of RFID tag information reading devices and a plurality of operation terminals provided corresponding to the plurality of RFID tag information reading devices, Read information storage means for storing information acquired from the RFID circuit element for reading information via a tag information reading device, and information stored in the read information storage means based on distribution destination information or corresponding to this Information distribution means for distributing and outputting information to be distributed to a corresponding operation terminal among the plurality of operation terminals.

  In the RFID tag information management server of the sixth invention of this application, information is acquired from the RFID circuit element for reading information via the reading antenna of the RFID tag reading device arranged corresponding to the operation terminal, and the acquisition is performed. The read information is read and stored in the information storage means. Then, based on the distribution destination information, the information distribution means sets the output destination to the corresponding one of the plurality of operation terminals, so that the information stored in the read information storage means (or the information corresponding thereto) ) Is output to the set operation terminal.

  In this way, a plurality of operation terminals and a plurality of RFID tag information reading devices are connected via the distribution connection means, and the output destination of information acquired from the RFID circuit element for reading information is a plurality of operation terminals. Even if it is indefinite, the corresponding operation terminal can be automatically set as the output destination without the operator performing complicated manual settings. As a result, the operation burden on the operator can be reduced and the convenience can be improved.

  The seventh invention has a distribution destination information acquisition means for acquiring distribution destination information from the RFID circuit element for information distribution destination setting via the RFID tag information reader in the sixth invention, The information distribution unit distributes and outputs the information stored in the read information storage unit or the information corresponding thereto to the corresponding operation terminal based on the distribution destination information acquired by the distribution destination information unit. And

  In the RFID tag information management server of the seventh invention of this application, information is acquired from the RFID circuit element for reading information via the reading antenna of the RFID tag information reading device arranged corresponding to the operation terminal, and the acquisition is performed. The read information is read and stored in the information storage means. On the other hand, the distribution destination information is acquired by the distribution destination information acquisition means from the RFID circuit element for information distribution setting via the reading antenna of the RFID tag information reader. Then, based on the obtained distribution destination information, the information distribution means sets the output destination to the corresponding one of the plurality of operation terminals, so that the information stored in the read information storage means (or Corresponding information) is output to the set operation terminal.

  In this way, a plurality of operation terminals and a plurality of RFID tag information reading devices are connected via the distribution connection means, and the output destination of information acquired from the RFID circuit element for reading information is any of the plurality of operation terminals. Even if it is uncertain, by reading information to the RFID tag circuit element for information distribution setting and acquiring the distribution destination information, the operator does not need to perform complicated manual settings each time. The corresponding operation terminal can be set as the output destination. As a result, the operation burden on the operator can be reduced and the convenience can be improved.

  In an eighth aspect based on the seventh aspect, the distribution destination information obtaining means obtains information obtained from the RFID tag circuit element for setting the information distribution destination through one RFID tag information reader. The distribution destination information associated with one operation terminal corresponding to one RFID tag information reading device is acquired, and the information distribution unit stores information stored in the read information storage unit based on the acquired distribution destination information Alternatively, the output destination is set so as to output information corresponding thereto to the one operation terminal corresponding to the one RFID tag information reading device.

  Accordingly, one RFID tag information reading device and one operation terminal are associated with each other, and information acquired from the RFID tag circuit element for reading via a certain RFID tag information reading device corresponds to the RFID tag information reading device. Can be output to the operation terminal.

In a ninth aspect based on the eighth aspect, the information distribution means sets the output destination based on the distribution destination information that associates the one RFID tag information reading device with the one operation terminal. When the information to be output has been acquired from the RFID circuit element for reading information via the plurality of RFID tag information reading devices, an output destination is set according to the reception intensity at the time of acquisition. It is characterized by.

  Accordingly, even if information from the same RFID tag circuit element for reading is acquired via a plurality of RFID tag information reading devices, any RFID tag information reading device is selected according to the magnitude of the received signal strength. Specify whether it corresponds to the RFID circuit element for reading (e.g., the closest distance, in a place suitable for communication, etc.), and an operation terminal corresponding to the specified RFID tag information reading device is output. It can be regarded as a terminal to be set, and can be set as an output destination.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the eighth aspect, each output when the information is transmitted / received to / from the information reading RFID circuit element from the plurality of RFID tag information reading devices by a plurality of types of transmission outputs. Transmission / reception result input means for inputting a transmission / reception result for each, and the information distribution means determines the output destination based on the distribution destination information that associates the one RFID tag information reading device with the one operation terminal. When setting, if the information to be output is acquired from the RFID circuit element for reading information via the plurality of RFID tag information reading devices, for each output inputted by the transmission / reception result input means The output destination is set in accordance with the transmission / reception result of.

  Thus, even when information from the same RFID tag circuit element for reading is acquired via a plurality of RFID tag information reading devices, each output magnitude in each RFID tag information reading device input by the transmission / reception result input means Depending on the transmission / reception result, specify which RFID tag information reader is compatible with the RFID circuit element for reading (for example, the closest distance or the location suitable for communication). The operation terminal corresponding to the specified RFID tag information reading device can be regarded as the terminal to be output, and can be set as the output destination.

  In an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the sixth to tenth aspects, a tag medium in which an RFID circuit element for a label including an IC circuit unit for storing information and a tag-side antenna for transmitting and receiving information is arranged. And a label producing antenna for transmitting and receiving information to and from the label RFID tag circuit element via wireless communication.

  A tag medium is transported by a transport means, and information is transmitted / received to / from a label RFID circuit element provided in the tag medium by a label creating antenna, thereby creating a RFID label.

  In order to achieve the above object, a twelfth aspect of the invention is to provide a reading antenna for performing wireless communication with a wireless tag circuit element including an IC circuit unit for storing information and a tag side antenna for transmitting and receiving information. A RFID tag information reading device connected to the RFID tag information management server, acquiring information from the RFID circuit element for reading information via the reading antenna, and outputting the information to the RFID tag information management server The RFID circuit element for setting information distribution destination from the RFID tag information management server of the information output to the RFID tag information management server in the general information output mode via the reading antenna and the general information output mode Mode for switching the distribution destination information output mode for acquiring the distribution destination information from and outputting to the RFID tag information management server It characterized by having a replacement unit.

  In the RFID tag information reading device of the twelfth invention of the present application, the general information output mode and the distribution destination information output mode can be switched by the mode switching means. In the general information output mode, information is acquired from the RFID circuit element for reading information via the reading antenna, and the acquired information is output to the RFID tag information management server. On the other hand, in the distribution destination information output mode, distribution destination information is acquired from the RFID circuit element for information distribution setting via the reading antenna, and the acquired distribution destination information is output to the wireless tag information management server. Thereby, in the RFID tag information management server, the output destination of the information input from the RFID tag information reading device in the general information output destination mode is changed to the distribution destination information input from the RFID tag information reading device in the distribution destination information output mode. It becomes possible to set based on.

  In this way, even when the output destination of information acquired by the RFID tag information management server from the RFID circuit element for reading information via the RFID tag information reading device is indefinite, the RFID tag information reading device distributes the information. By reading information from the RFID tag circuit element for information distribution setting in the destination information output mode and acquiring the distribution destination information by the RFID tag information management server, the output destination can be automatically set. As a result, the operation burden on the operator can be reduced and the convenience can be improved.

  In a thirteenth aspect based on the twelfth aspect, the mode switching means switches to the distribution destination information output mode immediately after the apparatus power is turned on. In the distribution destination information output mode, one of the information distribution destination setting wireless tags When acquisition of distribution destination information from a circuit element and output to the RFID tag information management server are completed, the mode is switched to the general information output mode.

  As a result, information is automatically read from the RFID tag circuit element for information distribution setting as the distribution destination information output mode immediately after the power is turned on, and the output destination is automatically set by the RFID tag information management server based on the distribution destination information can do. When the setting is completed, information can be automatically read from the normal reading RFID circuit element in the general information output mode.

  According to the present invention, the operation burden on the operator can be reduced and the convenience can be improved.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of an embodiment of the RFID tag information reading system of the present invention.

  1, the RFID tag information reading system 1 includes an RFID circuit element To (an after-mentioned diagram) including an IC circuit unit 150 for storing information and an antenna 151 (tag antenna) connected to the IC circuit unit 150. The RFID label T has a function as an RIS (Registration Information Server) that stores the RFID tag information read from the RFID circuit element To of the RFID label T and distributes it to a predetermined transmission destination. A plurality of (two in this example) readers for reading the RFID tag information from the RFID tag circuit element To of the RFID label T, which includes the creation device 300 (RFID tag information management server) and the antenna 210 that is a patch antenna. 200 (wireless tag information reader) and the corresponding reader 200 among the plurality of readers 200 The taken RFID tag information is transmitted, a plurality (two in this example) of PC terminals 100 (operation terminals) having the display unit 101 and the operation unit 102, the tag label producing device 300, the plurality of readers 200, and the plurality of It has the concentrator 30 (distribution connection means) which comprises a network by connecting the PC terminal 100 so that transmission / reception of information is possible.

  In the present embodiment, the RFID tag information reading system 1 is used for employee attendance management. That is, each reader 200 is arranged on a desk D provided with a PC 110 or the like of each employee (subordinates a and b in this example), and the RFID circuit element To provided on the employee ID card possessed by each employee. The attendance information (attendance time, attendance time, etc.) of each employee is acquired by communicating. In addition, business files and various materials used by employees are provided with RFID tag labels that store the contents of the files and materials (file names, material names, etc.). The work information of each employee is acquired by communicating with the above-mentioned RFID label of the document. The time management information read in this way (including the above-mentioned attendance information and work information) is stored in the PC terminal 100 of each employee's boss (in this example, the boss A of the subordinate a and the boss B of the subordinate b). Each is transmitted via the concentrator 30.

  At this time, the communicable area (indicated by areas X and Y in the figure) performed via the antenna 210 of each reader 200 is set so as to sufficiently cover each employee's desk so as not to be read out. For this reason, there is an overlap area Z in which a plurality of readers 200 (in this example, the subordinate a reader 200 and the subordinate b reader 200) can communicate.

  As the concentrator 30, a switching hub that can interpret address information included in data and transmit data only to an appropriate destination is used. Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and a normal hub that does not have a switching function, a router that relays data from a network to another network, a server, or the like may be used.

  The transmission destination of the RFID tag information read via the antenna 210 of the reader 200 is obtained by causing the reader 200 to read the RFID tag T for setting the transmission destination when the reader 200 is connected to the concentrator 30, for example. (Details will be described later).

  The PC terminal 100 includes the display unit 101 and the operation unit 102 as described above, and the user (supervisor A, B, etc.) refers to the display screen displayed on the display unit 101 while using the operation unit 102. By using it, it is possible to input various commands and various information to the tag label producing apparatus 300.

  FIG. 2 is an overall configuration diagram conceptually showing the overall configuration of the reader 200 and the tag label producing apparatus 300. In addition, the arrow shown in a figure shows an example of the flow of a signal, and does not limit the flow direction of a signal.

  In FIG. 2, the tag label producing apparatus 300 has a function as an RIS and an RFID label producing function as described above. That is, the tag label producing apparatus 300 includes a tag tape roll 304 wound with a tag tape 303 (tag medium) provided with RFID circuit elements To at predetermined intervals, and a tag tape 303 fed out from the tag tape roll 304. Of these, information is transmitted by wireless communication between the print head 305 that performs predetermined printing in an area corresponding to each RFID circuit element To, a conveyance roller 308 (conveying means) that conveys the tag tape 303, and the RFID circuit element To. The tag tape 303 that has finished printing on the tag tape 303 and writing information on the RFID circuit element To. A cutter 307 cut into lengths to form the above-described RFID label T, and the plurality of PC terminals 100 An interface control unit 309 that controls communication performed via the line concentrator 30 and a non-volatile storage unit 310 (read information storage) for storing transmission destination information of the RFID tag information read via the reader 200 And a control circuit 311 for controlling the above-described high-frequency circuit 301, print head 305, cutter 307, transport roller 308, interface control unit 309, storage unit 310, and the like.

  On the other hand, the reader 200 receives the antenna 210 (reading antenna) that transmits and receives signals to and from the antenna 151 of the RFID circuit element To provided in the RFID label T provided in the file or document. And the high frequency circuit 201 that processes the signal read from the RFID circuit element To and accesses the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To via the antenna 210 (in this example, performs reading). Then, a signal read from the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To is processed through the high-frequency circuit 201 to read information, and access information for accessing the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To is generated. Including a function and a control circuit 202 for controlling the operation of the entire reader 200, and a RFID circuit element To Having a et read RFID tag information such as capable of storing storage unit 203, an interface control unit 204 for controlling communication through the concentrator 30 between the tag label producing apparatus 300 and PC 100.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the reader 200. Although not shown here, the high frequency circuit 301 of the tag label producing apparatus 300 has the same configuration as the high frequency circuit 201 described below. Moreover, the arrows shown in the figure show an example of the signal flow, and do not limit the signal flow direction.

  In FIG. 3, the high-frequency circuit 201 includes a transmission unit 212 that transmits a signal to the RFID circuit element To via the antenna 210 and a reception unit that receives a reflected wave from the RFID circuit element To that is received by the antenna 210. 213 and a transmission / reception separator 214.

  The transmission unit 212 includes a crystal resonator 230 that generates a carrier wave for reading the RFID tag information of the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To, and a PLL (Phase Locked) that generates a signal of a predetermined frequency under the control of the control circuit 202. Loop) 231 and VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator) 232, and the generated carrier wave is modulated based on the signal supplied from the control circuit 202 (in this example, the amplitude based on the “TX_ASK” signal from the control circuit 202) A transmission multiplier circuit 216 that performs modulation (in the case of a “TX_ASK signal”, an amplification factor variable amplifier or the like may be used), and a modulated wave modulated by the transmission multiplier circuit 216 is amplified (in this example, from the control circuit 202). And a transmission amplifier 217 for amplifying the amplification factor determined by the “TX_PWR” signal. The generated carrier wave preferably uses a frequency in the UHF band, microwave band, or short wave band, and the output of the transmission amplifier 217 is transmitted to the antenna 210 via the transmission / reception separator 214, This is supplied to the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To. Note that the RFID tag information is not limited to the signal modulated as described above, but may be only a carrier wave.

  The reception unit 213 multiplies the reflected wave from the RFID circuit element To received by the antenna 210 and the generated carrier wave and demodulates the received first multiplication circuit 218, and the reception first multiplication circuit 218 A first bandpass filter 219 for extracting only a signal of a necessary band from the output, a reception first amplifier 221 that amplifies the output of the first bandpass filter 219, and further amplifies the output of the reception first amplifier 221 Then, the first limiter 220 that converts the signal into a digital signal is multiplied by the reflected wave from the RFID circuit element To received by the antenna 210 and the carrier wave generated by the phase shifter 227 and delayed in phase by 90 °. Receiving second multiplication circuit 222 and a second band pass filter for extracting only a signal of a necessary band from the output of the reception second multiplication circuit 222 223, a reception second amplifier 225 that amplifies the output of the second band pass filter 223, and a second limiter 224 that amplifies the output of the reception second amplifier 225 and converts it into a digital signal. The signal “RXS-I” output from the first limiter 220 and the signal “RXS-Q” output from the second limiter 224 are input to the control circuit 202 and processed.

  The outputs of the reception first amplifier 221 and the reception second amplifier 225 are also input to an RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) circuit 226 serving as an intensity detection means, and a signal “RSSI” indicating the intensity of these signals is used as a control circuit. 202 is input. Thereby, the reader 200 can detect the signal intensity from the RFID circuit element To at the time of communication with the RFID circuit element To.

  The control circuit 202 transmits / receives information to / from the tag label producing apparatus 300 and the plurality of PC terminals 100 by communication control of the interface control unit 204 and writes / reads various information to / from the storage unit 203.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing detailed functions of the control circuit 311 of the tag label producing apparatus 300.

  In FIG. 4, a control circuit 311 is a so-called microcomputer, and includes a CPU 311A, a ROM 311B, a RAM 311C, which are central processing units, a circuit control unit 311D for transmitting / receiving signals to / from a high frequency circuit 301, etc. The signal processing is performed in accordance with a program stored in advance in the ROM 311B while using.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the RFID circuit element To provided in the tag tape 303 and the RFID label T.

  In FIG. 5, the RFID circuit element To includes the antenna 151 that transmits and receives signals without contact with the antenna 210 of the reader 200 (or the antenna 306 of the tag label producing apparatus 300), and the IC circuit that is connected to the antenna 151. Part 150. In addition, the arrow shown in a figure shows an example of the flow of a signal, and does not limit the flow direction of a signal.

  The IC circuit unit 150 includes a rectification unit 152 that rectifies the carrier wave received by the antenna 151, and a power source unit 153 that accumulates energy of the carrier wave rectified by the rectification unit 152 and serves as a driving power source for the IC circuit unit 150. A clock extraction unit 154 that extracts a clock signal from a carrier wave received by the antenna 151 and supplies the clock signal to a control unit 157 described later, a memory unit 155 that functions as an information storage unit that can store a predetermined information signal, and A modulation / demodulation unit 156 connected to the antenna 151 and a control unit 157 for controlling the operation of the RFID circuit element To through the rectification unit 152, the clock extraction unit 154, the modulation / demodulation unit 156, and the like are provided.

  The modulation / demodulation unit 156 demodulates the communication signal received by the antenna 151 from the antenna 210 of the reader 200 (or the antenna 306 of the tag label producing apparatus 300), and based on the return signal from the control unit 157, the antenna 151 Modulates the received carrier wave and retransmits it as a reflected wave from the antenna 151. The control unit 157 interprets the received signal demodulated by the modulation / demodulation unit 156, generates a return signal based on the information signal stored in the memory unit 155, and performs basic control such as returning by the modulation / demodulation unit 156. Execute proper control.

  The clock extraction unit 154 extracts a clock component from the received signal and extracts a clock to the control unit 157, and supplies a clock corresponding to the frequency of the clock component of the received signal to the control unit 157.

  In the RFID tag information reading system 1 configured as described above, attendance management information of each employee is read by a reader 200 provided on each employee's desk and transmitted to the PC terminal 100 of each employee's boss via the line concentrator 30. Is done. At this time, as described above, since there is an overlapping area Z in the communicable area performed via the antenna 210 of each reader 200, depending on the positions of employees, files, and materials, the RFID tag information may be stored in a plurality of readers. 200 may be read. In this case, the received signal strength at each reader 200 is compared, and the one with the larger signal strength is regarded as an appropriate reader, and the RFID tag information is transmitted to the transmission destination corresponding to the reader.

  Note that when setting the transmission destination of the read RFID tag information for each reader 200, the user (for example, boss A, B, etc.) first connects the reader 200 that performs the setting to the line concentrator 30. Necessary information is input using the operation unit 102 of the PC terminal 100, and a setting RFID tag T (hereinafter referred to as “setting tag T” as appropriate) in which transmission destination information is written is created by the tag label creating apparatus 300. . Next, the RFID label T is created in the tag label producing apparatus 300 by reading the RFID tag information by bringing the created RFID label T close to the reader 200 (the reader 200 of the subordinates a and b in this example) as the information transmission destination setting target. The information transmission destination of the reader 200 is set, and the reader 200 and the transmission destination information are stored in association with each other. As a result, the information is read from the RFID tag T for reading information (hereinafter referred to as “general tag T” as appropriate) attached to the employee ID, file, document, etc. by the reader 200 to which the information destination is set. The wireless tag information is transmitted to the set transmission destination.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit 311 of the tag label producing apparatus 300 when producing the setting RFID label T.

  In FIG. 6, first, in step S105, it is determined whether or not a setting tag T creation instruction has been input. This determination is performed by determining whether or not the command signal has been input by inputting a setting tag creation instruction input using the operation unit 102 of the PC terminal 100 by a user (for example, superiors A and B). . This step is repeated until a creation start instruction is input. If there is an input, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next Step S110.

  In step S107, transmission destination information indicating the transmission destination of the RFID tag information read by the reader 200 is input. For this input, for example, an input screen for transmission destination information (for example, a network address) is displayed on the display unit 101 of the PC terminal 100, and the transmission destination information input by the user using the operation unit 102 according to this display is displayed via the concentrator 30. It is done by receiving. In the present embodiment, as the information transmission destination, the PC terminal 100 arranged corresponding to the reader 200 to be set (that is, the transmission destination of the reader 200 of the subordinate a is the transmission of the PC terminal 100 of the supervisor A and the reader 200 of the subordinate b). First, the PC terminal 100 of the superior B is set.

  Although the user inputs the transmission destination information here, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the PC terminal 100 is connected via the line concentrator 30, the tag label producing apparatus 300 can acquire the IP address (Internet Protocol Address) of the PC terminal 100, and therefore automatically using the acquired IP address. Alternatively, an information transmission destination may be set. In this case, it is possible to save the user from inputting the transmission destination information via the PC terminal 100, so that the operation burden on the user can be further reduced and the convenience can be further improved.

  In the next step S110, a setting tag flag indicating that the tag label T having the RFID circuit element To to be written is for setting the information transmission destination of the reader 200 is created, and this is combined with the input transmission destination information. Thus, tag writing information for writing to the RFID circuit element To is created.

  In the next step S113, print information to be printed on the label surface of the setting tag T is input. This print information is identification information that can identify the reader that is the target of setting the information transmission destination, and includes, for example, the identification number of the reader and the name of the employee corresponding to the reader. The print information is input by causing the display unit 101 of the PC terminal 100 to display a print information input screen, and receiving the print information input by the user using the operation unit 102 via the communication line NW. By doing.

  In the above description, the user inputs the print information. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the print information may be automatically set based on the contents of the tag writing information set in step S110.

  In the next step S115, for example, a control signal is output to the conveying roller 308, and the tag tape 303 is fed out from the tag tape roll 304 by the driving force of a cartridge motor (not shown).

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S120, where the tag tape 303 reaches a position where the next tag circuit element To almost faces the antenna 306 after the tag tape 303 has written the RFID tag information to the predetermined value C (for example, the preceding RFID circuit element To. It is determined whether or not it has been transported by a transporting distance). This conveyance distance determination may be performed, for example, by detecting the marking provided on the tag tape 303 with a known tape sensor (not shown). If the determination is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S200.

  In step S200, tag information writing / printing processing is performed, a transmission signal including the RFID tag information is transmitted to the RFID tag circuit element To on the tag tape 303 for writing, and the print head 305 performs printing corresponding to the tag tape 303. Printing is performed in an area (not shown) (refer to FIG. 7 described later for the detailed procedure). When step S200 is completed, the process proceeds to step S135.

  In step S135, after confirming whether or not all the printing in the print area corresponding to the RFID circuit element To that is the processing target at this time in the tag tape 303 is completed, the process proceeds to step S140.

  In step S140, the tag tape 303 is further transported by a predetermined amount (for example, a transport distance by which the target RFID circuit element To and the print area all exceed the cutter 307 by a predetermined length (margin amount)). Judge whether. For example, the conveyance distance determination at this time may be the same as in step S120 described above. If the determination is satisfied, the process moves to step S145.

  In step S145, a control signal is output to the transport roller 308 to stop driving the cartridge motor, and the feeding and transport of the tag tape 303 from the tag tape roll 304 are stopped.

  Thereafter, in step S 150, for example, a control signal is output to a solenoid driving circuit (not shown) to drive a cutter solenoid (not shown), and the tag tape 303 is cut by the cutter 307. As described above, at this time, for example, all of the tag tape 303 including the RFID circuit element To to be processed and the region S sufficiently exceed the cutter 307, and the RFID circuit element To is cut by cutting the cutter 307. The RFID tag label T in the form of a label on which the RFID tag information is written and the predetermined printing corresponding thereto is performed is generated.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S155, and the RFID label T generated in the label form in step S150 is discharged to the outside of the tag label producing apparatus 300 (Note that a separately provided discharge roller may be driven and controlled. The operator may pull it out by hand). This flow is completed by the above.

  Through the above-described control, the setting RFID label T in which the transmission destination information corresponding to the reader 200 that is the transmission destination setting target is written is generated by the tag label generation apparatus 300.

  Note that the above flow does not limit the present invention to the procedure shown in the above flow. For example, the above steps S107, S110, and S113 are interchanged, and the procedure is not deviated from the spirit and technical idea of the invention. It may be changed.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of step S200 described above.

  In FIG. 7, first, in step S235, for example, a control signal is output to a print drive circuit (not shown), the print head 305 is energized, and the tag circuit 303 corresponds to the RFID circuit element To to be processed. Printing of the print information input in step S113 is started in the print area.

  Then, the process proceeds to step S240, where a “Program” signal for writing desired data (here, the tag write information created in step S110) to the memory unit 155 of the RFID circuit element To is generated and information is transmitted via the high frequency circuit 301. The data is transmitted to the RFID circuit element To to be written, and the information is written in the memory unit 155. At this time, the “Program” signal includes transmission destination information indicating the transmission destination of the RFID tag information read through the reader 200, and the tag label T is the information transmission destination of the reader 200 as described above. A setting tag flag indicating that it is for setting is also included.

  Thereafter, in step S245, a “Verify” signal for confirming whether or not the communication result is acceptable is generated and transmitted to the RFID circuit element To as the information writing target via the high frequency circuit 301 to prompt a reply.

  Thereafter, in step S250, a reply signal transmitted from the RFID circuit element To to be written corresponding to the “Verify” signal is received via the antenna 306 and taken in via the high-frequency circuit 301.

  Next, in step S255, based on the reply signal, the information stored in the memory unit 155 of the RFID circuit element To is confirmed, and whether or not the transmitted predetermined information is normally stored in the memory unit 155. Determine whether. If the determination is satisfied, this routine is terminated. This completes the writing of information to the RFID circuit element To to be written. When determination is not satisfy | filled, it returns to step S240 and repeats the same procedure.

  With the above routine, the corresponding information can be written to the RFID tag circuit element To to be written on the tag tape 303, and the predetermined print can be printed on the corresponding print area on the tag tape 303.

  The above-mentioned flow does not limit the present invention to the procedure shown in the above-mentioned flow. For example, the procedure is performed within the range not departing from the spirit and technical idea of the invention, for example, the step S235 is a procedure after the step S255. It may be changed.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram conceptually showing the data contents stored in the memory unit 155 of the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To provided in the RFID label T created as described above.

  In FIG. 8, the RFID circuit element To of the RFID label T reads the tag ID as tag identification information, the setting tag flag indicating that it is an information transmission destination setting tag of the reader 200, and the reader 200. The destination information (for example, network address) indicating the destination of the received RFID tag information is stored and held in the memory unit 155.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit 202 of the reader 200 when the reader 200 reads the RFID tag information. The following flow is executed independently in each reader 200. However, for example, a plurality of readers 200 may be executed at regular intervals with the same timing.

  In FIG. 9, first, in step S 510, an inquiry signal for reading information stored in the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To of the RFID label T is generated, and communication is performed via the high-frequency circuit 201 and the antenna 210. A reply is urged to be sent to the RFID circuit element To provided in the above-mentioned employee ID, file, document, etc. existing in the possible area.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S520, and it is determined whether or not a reply signal transmitted (returned) from the RFID tag circuit element To of the RFID label T corresponding to the inquiry signal is received via the antenna 210 and the high frequency circuit 201. If no reply signal is received from any of the RFID label T, the determination is not satisfied and the process returns to step S510 and the inquiry signal is transmitted again. On the other hand, if the reply signal is received from the RFID label T, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next Step S530.

  In step S530, based on the received reply signal, the RFID tag information of the RFID label T that transmitted (replies) the reply signal is read and acquired. In this wireless tag information, when the wireless tag label T that transmitted (replies) the reply signal is a setting tag, the transmission destination of the wireless tag information read via the antenna 210 of the reader 200 as described above is set. And a setting tag flag indicating that the RFID label T is used for setting the information transmission destination of the reader 200. On the other hand, when the RFID label T that transmitted (replies to) the reply signal is not a setting tag but a general tag, the information (data itself or identification information such as a tag ID associated with the data may be used). Is included. Note that the wireless tag information is temporarily stored in the storage unit 203.

  In the next step S540, a signal “RSSI” indicating the strength of the received reply signal is input from the RSSI circuit 226.

  In the next step S550, the RFID tag information acquired and stored in step S530 is transmitted to the tag label producing apparatus 300 through the interface control unit 204 and the concentrator 30 together with the signal intensity information input in step S540. Thus, this flow is finished.

  Note that the above flow does not limit the present invention to the procedure shown in the above flow. For example, the procedure may be changed within a range not departing from the spirit and technical idea of the invention, such as replacing the step S530 and the step S540. Also good.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit 311 of the tag label producing apparatus 300 when the RFID tag information is received from the reader 200.

  First, in step S310, it is determined whether a signal output from the reader 200 is received via the line concentrator 30 and the interface control unit 309. If received, the determination is satisfied and the routine goes to the next Step S315.

  In step S315, the RFID tag information and the received signal strength information of the RFID label T read by the reader 200 are acquired based on the received signal. Further, identification information (such as an IP address) that can identify the reader 200 that has transmitted the signal is acquired. The acquired information is temporarily stored in the storage unit 310. At this time, when signals are received from a plurality of readers 200, wireless tag information and received signal strength information are acquired in correspondence with the respective readers.

  In the next step S320, it is determined whether or not the signal is received from a plurality of readers 200 at the same time in step S310. Here, the term “simultaneous” does not mean only perfect coincidence, but includes a case where a difference in reception time is included in a preset time range. If the signals are received from a plurality of readers 200 at the same time, the determination is satisfied and the routine goes to Step S400.

  In step S400, information distribution processing for comparing the received signal strengths and specifying the information transmission destination is performed (refer to FIG. 11 described later for details), and then this flow ends.

  On the other hand, if the above signals are not received from a plurality of readers 200 at the same time in step S320, the determination is not satisfied and the routine goes to the next step S325.

  In step S325, based on the RFID tag information acquired in step S315, it is determined whether or not the RFID label T from which the information has been read is a setting tag. That is, when the set tag flag is included in the acquired wireless tag information, the determination is satisfied by considering it as a set tag, and the process proceeds to the next step S330.

  In step S330, transmission destination information is acquired from the RFID tag information read and stored from the RFID label T in step S315.

  In the next step S335, the transmission destination information acquired in step S330 is associated with the identification information of the reader 200 that has read information from the RFID tag circuit element To of the RFID label T, and the associated information is described above. The data is stored in the storage unit 310 (or the RAM 311C included in the control circuit 311). At this time, if the information has been stored before, the information is updated and stored. Then, this flow ends.

  If the set tag flag is not included in the acquired RFID tag information in step S325, it is regarded as a general tag for reading information attached to the employee ID card, file, document, etc., and the determination is not satisfied. Then, the process proceeds to step S345.

  In step S345, it is determined whether the destination information and the reader identification information are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit 310 in step S335. If it is not stored, the determination is not satisfied and the process proceeds to step S360, a control signal is output to the PC terminal 100 (for example, all units) via the line concentrator 30, and an error display (for example, “transmission” is displayed). No previous setting is done! "). The error notification is not limited to display, and may be performed by voice. Moreover, you may make it alert | report by the error alerting means (not shown) of the tag label production apparatus 300 instead of the PC terminal 100 (for example, lighting of an error lamp etc.).

  On the other hand, if the destination information and the reader identification information are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit 310 and the determination in step S345 is satisfied, the determination is satisfied and the process proceeds to step S350.

  In the next step S350, based on the information of the transmission destination information and the reader identification information stored in the storage unit 310, the transmission destination information corresponding to the reader 200 that has read the information is extracted and read, and the transmission destination is set. Do.

  In the next step S360, the RFID tag information read from the RFID circuit element To of the general tag T is used as the transmission destination set in the above step S350 (in this example, the transmission destination of the reader 200 of the subordinate a is the PC terminal 100 of the supervisor A. The transmission destination of the reader 200 of the subordinate b transmits to the PC terminal 100 of the superior B. As a result, the destination PC terminal 100 performs appropriate processing such as storage and display of the received information. Then, this flow ends.

  With the above control, once the information transmission destination of the reader 200 is set using the setting tag T, the setting is stored, and when the information of the general tag T is subsequently read by the reader 200 that has already been set. Information is transmitted to the already set transmission destination without newly setting the information transmission destination. Here, every time transmission destination information is newly acquired from the setting tag T, it is replaced with the new transmission destination information (setting is updated). For example, the information transmission destination is once set for the reader 200. If this is done, the transmission destination may not be updated even if the setting tag T is read next.

  Note that the procedure of step S330 in the above flow constitutes distribution destination information acquisition means for acquiring distribution destination information from the RFID tag circuit element for information distribution destination setting described in each claim, and in step S355 The procedure is based on the distribution destination information, and information distribution means for distributing the information stored in the read information storage means or information corresponding thereto to a corresponding operation terminal among a plurality of operation terminals connected by the distribution connection means. Configure.

  In addition, the said flow does not limit this invention to the procedure shown to the said flow, You may change a procedure within the range which does not deviate from the meaning and technical idea of invention.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of step S400.

  In FIG. 11, in step S410, based on the RFID tag information from the plurality of readers acquired and stored in the preceding step S315, whether or not the RFID tag information has been read redundantly from the same RFID label T by different readers 200. Determine whether. If the RFID tag information is not redundantly read, the determination is not satisfied and the routine goes to Step S430 described later. On the other hand, if the RFID tag information is read redundantly, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next Step S420.

  In step S420, the signal intensity information acquired in the previous step S315 is compared for the same RFID tag information read by each reader 200. Then, the reader 200 having the higher strength is specified.

  In the next step S430, the wireless tag information read from the wireless tag circuit element To of the general tag T is transmitted to the transmission destination corresponding to the reader specified in step S420. As a result, the destination PC terminal 100 performs appropriate processing such as storage and display of the received information. Then, this routine ends.

  The procedure of step S420 in the above flow is obtained when the information to be output described in the claims is acquired from the RFID circuit element for reading information through a plurality of RFID tag readers. The information distribution means for setting the output destination according to the received signal strength at the time is configured.

  In addition, the said flow does not limit this invention to the procedure shown to the said flow, You may change a procedure within the range which does not deviate from the meaning and technical idea of invention.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of information distribution performed by the control described above.

  In FIG. 12, RFID tags T1, T2, T3, and T4 attached to appropriate files and materials are read by a reader 200 provided on the desk of the subordinate a. The signal strengths of reply signals from the respective RFID labels are 10, 8, 9, and 2 (relative values when the signal strength of the RFID label T1 is 10). On the other hand, RFID tags T4, T5, and T6 attached to appropriate files and materials are read by a reader 200 provided on the desk of the subordinate b. The signal strengths of reply signals from the respective RFID labels are 5, 8, and 7 (relative values when the signal strength of the RFID label T1 is 10). Here, the RFID label T4 is present in the overlap area Z described above, and information is read by the readers 200 of both subordinates a and b.

  At this time, by the information distribution process shown in FIG. 11 described above, the signal strengths of the RFID label T4 are compared, and the reader 200 having the higher strength is specified. In other words, the information on the RFID label T4 is considered to be read by the reader 200 of the subordinate b who has the higher signal strength. As a result, the RFID tag information of the RFID labels T1, T2, and T3 is transmitted to the supervisor A's PC terminal 100 that is the transmission destination of the reader 200 of the subordinate a, and the RFID tag information of the RFID labels T4, T5, and T6 is the subordinate b. The data is transmitted to the PC terminal 100 of the superior B who is the transmission destination of the reader 200.

  In the above, the transmission destination information written in the RFID circuit element To of the setting RFID label T corresponds to the distribution destination information described in the claims.

  In the RFID tag information reading system 1 of the present embodiment described above, RFID tag information is acquired from the RFID circuit element To for reading information via the antenna 210 of the reader 200 disposed corresponding to the PC terminal 100. The acquired information is stored in the storage unit 310 of the tag label producing apparatus 300. Based on the transmission destination information, the tag label producing apparatus 300 sets the transmission destination to a corresponding one of the plurality of PC terminals 100, so that the information stored in the storage unit 310 is set to the set PC terminal. Is output to 100.

  In this way, a plurality of PC terminals 100 and a plurality of readers 200 are connected to the tag label producing device 300 via the concentrator 30, and information obtained from the RFID circuit element To for reading information is output from the tag label producing device 300. Even if the destination is uncertain among a plurality of PC terminals 100, the corresponding PC terminal 100 is automatically set as an output destination without the user having to perform complicated manual settings. Can do. As a result, the operation burden on the user can be reduced and the convenience can be improved.

  Further, in the present embodiment, in particular, when setting the transmission destination of the RFID tag information read from the RFID label T, if the information is read through the plurality of readers 200, the received signal strength at the time of acquisition is determined. Set the output destination. As a result, even when the RFID label T to be read exists in the overlap region Z described above and the RFID tag information of the RFID label T is acquired through the plurality of readers 200, the received signal strength can be reduced. Accordingly, it is specified which reader 200 corresponds to the RFID tag information (for example, the nearest distance, a location suitable for communication, etc.), and the PC terminal 100 corresponding to the specified reader 200 Can be set as a transmission destination. Therefore, erroneous delivery of information can be prevented.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the present invention. Hereinafter, such modifications will be described in order.

(1) When information is read by a reader with a plurality of types of transmission output In the above embodiment, the signal strength is high by comparing the received signal strength from the RFID label T when the RFID tag information is read by the reader 200. Information is distributed to the transmission destination corresponding to the other reader, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, information may be read by a reader using a plurality of types of transmission output, the reader may be specified based on the reception result, and information may be distributed to a transmission destination corresponding to the reader.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit 202 ′ (not shown) of the reader 200 according to this modification, and corresponds to FIG. 9 described above. In FIG. 13, the same steps as those in FIG. The following flow is executed independently in each reader 200. However, for example, a plurality of readers 200 may be executed at regular intervals with the same timing.

  In FIG. 13, first, in step S <b> 505, the “TX_PWR” signal is output to the transmission amplifier 217 of the transmission unit 212 of the high-frequency circuit 201 described above, and the inquiry signal output to the RFID label T is transmitted via the antenna 210. The output is set so as to have a predetermined large output value.

  The next steps S510 to S530 are the same as those in FIG. 9, and the inquiry signal is set in the RFID tag circuit element To provided in the above-mentioned employee ID, file, document, etc. existing in the communicable area in the above step S505. The wireless tag information of the RFID label T that transmits (replies) the reply signal is read and acquired based on the reply signal transmitted and transmitted with the transmitted output. The wireless tag information is temporarily stored in the storage unit 203.

  In the next step S535, the “TX_PWR” signal is output to the transmission amplifier 217 of the transmission unit 212 of the high-frequency circuit 201, and the transmission output of the inquiry signal output to the RFID label T via the antenna 210 is determined in advance. Set to a small output value.

  The next steps S540 to S547 are the same as the above steps S510 to S530, and the inquiry signal is sent to the RFID tag circuit element To provided in the above-mentioned employee ID, file, document, etc. existing in the communicable area. The RFID tag information of the RFID label T that transmits (replies) the reply signal is read and acquired based on the reply signal that has been transmitted with the transmission output set in step S2. The wireless tag information is temporarily stored in the storage unit 203.

  In the next step S550, the RFID tag information acquired and stored in the above steps S530 and S547 is transmitted to the tag label producing apparatus 300 via the interface control unit 204 and the line concentrator 30. Thus, this flow is finished.

  The above flow does not limit the present invention to the procedure shown in the above flow. For example, the above steps S505 to S530 and steps S535 to S547 are interchanged, and the scope of the invention does not depart from the spirit and technical idea. You may change the procedure.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit 311 ′ (not shown) of the tag label producing apparatus 300 when the RFID tag information is received from the reader 200 in the present modified example. It is a figure corresponding to. In FIG. 14, the same procedures as those in FIG.

  In FIG. 14, when a signal output from the reader 200 is received in step S310, the determination is satisfied and the process proceeds to the next step S315A, and the RFID label read by the reader 200 based on the received signal is obtained. T RFID tag information (including both large and small transmission output) is acquired. Also, identification information (such as an IP address) that can identify the reader 200 that transmitted the signal is acquired. The acquired information is temporarily stored in the storage unit 310. At this time, when signals are received from a plurality of readers 200, wireless tag information is acquired in correspondence with each reader.

  In the next step S320, it is determined whether or not the signals are simultaneously received from a plurality of readers 200 in step S310. If the signals are simultaneously received from a plurality of readers 200, the determination is satisfied and step S400A is satisfied. Move on.

  In step S400A, an information distribution process for specifying an information transmission destination is performed based on both reception results when the transmission output is set to a large / small value in a plurality of readers 200 (see FIG. 15 described later for details). ), And then the flow ends.

  The other steps S325 to S360 are the same as those in FIG.

  The procedure of step S315A in the above flow is when information is transmitted / received to / from the RFID circuit element for reading information from a plurality of RFID tag information reading devices described in the claims by a plurality of types of transmission outputs. The transmission / reception result input means for inputting the transmission / reception result for each output is configured.

  In addition, the said flow does not limit this invention to the procedure shown to the said flow, You may change a procedure within the range which does not deviate from the meaning and technical idea of invention.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of step S400A, and corresponds to FIG. 11 described above. In FIG. 15, the same steps as those in FIG.

  In FIG. 15, in step S410A, it is determined based on the RFID tag information received from a plurality of readers whether or not the RFID tag information is read redundantly from the same RFID label T by different readers 200. Here, the determination is made based on the reception result when the transmission output is set to a large value. If the RFID tag information is not redundantly read, the determination is not satisfied and the routine goes to Step S430 described later. On the other hand, if the RFID tag information is read redundantly, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next Step S420A.

  In step S420A, the reader 200 is specified based on both reception results when the transmission output is set to a large / small value in each reader 200 with respect to the RFID tag information read in duplicate. Specifically, the reader 200 whose reception result does not differ between when the transmission output is large and when the transmission output is small is specified.

  In the next step S430, the wireless tag information read from the wireless tag circuit element To of the general tag T is transmitted to the transmission destination corresponding to the reader specified in step S420. As a result, the destination PC terminal 100 performs appropriate processing such as storage and display of the received information. Then, this routine ends.

  The procedure of step S420A in the above flow is that when the information to be output described in the claims is acquired from the RFID circuit element for reading information through a plurality of RFID tag information reading devices, the RFID tag An information distribution means for setting an output destination according to a transmission / reception result for each output input from the information reader is configured.

  In addition, the said flow does not limit this invention to the procedure shown to the said flow, You may change a procedure within the range which does not deviate from the meaning and technical idea of invention.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining an example of information distribution according to the present modification performed by the control described above.

  In FIG. 16, the RFID labels T1, T2, T3, and T4 are read by the reader 200 provided on the desk of the subordinate a when the transmission output is large, and the RFID labels T1, T2, and T2 when the transmission output is small. T3 is being read. On the other hand, the RFID labels T4, T5, and T6 are read by the reader 200 provided on the desk of the subordinate b both when the transmission output is large and when the transmission output is small. Here, when the RFID label T4 exists in the overlap area Z described above and the transmission output is large by both the readers 200 of the subordinates a and b, the information is read redundantly.

  At this time, according to the information distribution process shown in FIG. 15 described above, based on both the transmission output large and small reception results in the reader 200 corresponding to the subordinate a and the subordinate b, the reception result in the case of the large transmission output and the small transmission output. The readers 200 that are not different are identified. That is, here, it is assumed that the reader 200 corresponding to the subordinate b whose reception result is not different between the transmission output large and the transmission output small is specified, and the information on the RFID label T4 is read by the reader 200 of the subordinate b. As a result, the RFID tag information of the RFID labels T1, T2, and T3 is transmitted to the supervisor A's PC terminal 100 that is the transmission destination of the reader 200 of the subordinate a, and the RFID tag information of the RFID labels T4, T5, and T6 is the subordinate b. The data is transmitted to the PC terminal 100 of the superior B who is the transmission destination of the reader 200.

  Also in the modified examples described above, the same effects as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

  In the above description, the case where information is read by two types of transmission outputs, large and small, has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and information may be read by many types of transmission outputs. Thereby, the reader can be specified more finely.

(2) When the reader has an information transmission destination setting mode and a general mode In the above embodiment, the reader 200 always reads information from all types of RFID label T (for example, the setting tag T and the general tag T) during activation. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may have a mode in which only a specific type of tag is read.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit 202 ″ (not shown) of the reader 200 of this modification, and corresponds to FIG. 9 and the like described above. The same reference numerals are given to the same procedures as those of 9 and the like, and the description thereof will be omitted. The control circuit 202 ″ starts this flow when the reader 200 is powered on.

  First, in step S <b> 501, the operation mode of the reader 200 is set to “setting mode” in which transmission destination information is acquired from the setting tag T and transmitted to the tag label producing apparatus 300.

  In the next step S600, a setting mode process is performed in which transmission destination information is acquired from the setting tag T and transmitted to the tag label producing apparatus 300 (refer to FIG. 18 described later for details).

  In the next step S503, it is determined whether or not the setting mode process has been completed. For example, when the setting mode process is not completed, such as when the RFID tag information cannot be read favorably from the setting tag T due to communication failure, the determination is not satisfied and the process returns to step S600 and the setting mode process is performed again. On the other hand, if the setting mode process has been completed, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next Step S507.

  In step S <b> 507, the operation mode of the reader 200 is set to “normal mode” in which the RFID tag information is acquired from the general tag T and transmitted to the tag label producing apparatus 300.

  The next steps S510 to S530 are the same as those in FIG. 9, and the inquiry signal is transmitted to the RFID circuit element To provided in the above-mentioned employee ID, file, document, etc. existing in the communicable area and returned. Based on the reply signal, the RFID tag information of the RFID label T that has transmitted (returned) the reply signal is read and acquired. The wireless tag information is temporarily stored in the storage unit 203.

  In the next step S535, it is determined whether or not the RFID label T from which the information has been read is a general tag, based on the RFID tag information acquired in step S530. This determination is performed by determining whether or not the set tag flag described above is included in the acquired wireless tag information. If the setting tag flag is included, it is regarded as a setting tag, the process proceeds to step S537, a control signal is output to the PC terminal 100 (for example, all units) via the line concentrator 30, and an error display (for example, “ The destination is already set! ”). The error notification is not limited to display, and may be performed by voice. Further, notification may be performed not by the PC terminal 100 but by error notification means (not shown) of the reader 200. And it returns to previous step S510. On the other hand, if the setting tag flag is not included in step S535, it is regarded as a general tag and the process proceeds to the next step S540.

  Steps S540 and S550 are the same as in FIG. 9 described above, and a signal “RSSI” indicating the strength of the received reply signal is input from the RSSI circuit 226, and the RFID tag information acquired and stored in step S530 is stored. The signal intensity information input in step S540 is transmitted to the tag label producing apparatus 300 via the interface control unit 204 and the concentrator 30.

  In the next step S560, it is determined whether or not the reader 200 is turned off. If the power is not turned off, the process proceeds to the previous step S510, and the inquiry signal is transmitted again to the RFID circuit element To existing in the communicable area. On the other hand, when the power is turned off, this flow ends.

  In addition, the said flow does not limit this invention to the procedure shown to the said flow, You may change a procedure within the range which does not deviate from the meaning and technical idea of invention.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of step S600.

  In FIG. 18, first, in step S610, an inquiry signal for reading information stored in the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To of the RFID label T is generated, and communication is performed via the high-frequency circuit 201 and the antenna 210. It transmits to the RFID circuit element To provided to the RFID label T existing in the possible area, and prompts a reply.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S620, and it is determined whether or not a reply signal transmitted (returned) from the RFID tag circuit element To of the RFID label T corresponding to the inquiry signal is received via the antenna 210 and the high frequency circuit 201. If no reply signal is received from the RFID label T, the determination is not satisfied and the process returns to step S610 to repeat the transmission of the inquiry signal again. On the other hand, if the reply signal is received from the RFID label T, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next Step S630.

  In step S630, based on the received reply signal, the RFID tag information of the RFID label T that transmitted (replies) the reply signal is read and acquired. In this RFID tag information, as described above, the destination information indicating the destination of the RFID tag information read via the antenna 210 of the reader 200 and the RFID tag T are used for setting the information destination of the reader 200. A setting tag flag representing is included. The acquired wireless tag information is temporarily stored in the storage unit 203.

  In the next step S635, based on the RFID tag information acquired in step S630, it is determined whether or not the RFID label T from which the information has been read is a setting tag. This determination is performed by determining whether or not the set tag flag is included in the acquired wireless tag information. If the setting tag flag is not included, the tag is regarded as a general tag, and the process proceeds to step S637. A control signal is output to the PC terminal 100 (for example, all units) via the line concentrator 30, and an error is displayed on the display unit 101 (for example, "Please set the destination!"). The error notification is not limited to display, and may be performed by voice. Further, notification may be performed not by the PC terminal 100 but by error notification means (not shown) of the reader 200. Then, the process returns to the previous step S610. On the other hand, if the setting tag flag is included in step S635, the setting tag is regarded as a setting tag, and the process proceeds to the next step S640.

  In the next step S640, the RFID tag information acquired and stored in step S630 is transmitted to the tag label producing apparatus 300 via the interface control unit 204 and the line concentrator 30. This is the end of this routine.

  In the above, the setting mode is a distribution destination that acquires distribution destination information from the RFID tag circuit element for information distribution destination setting from the RFID tag information management server described in each claim, and outputs the distribution destination information to the RFID tag information management server Corresponding to the information output mode, the normal mode corresponds to a general information output mode in which information is acquired from the RFID circuit element for reading information and output to the RFID tag information management server. The procedure of step S503 executed by the control circuit 202 ″ constitutes a mode switching unit that switches between the distribution destination information output mode and the general information output mode.

  In addition, the said flow does not limit this invention to the procedure shown to the said flow, You may change a procedure within the range which does not deviate from the meaning and technical idea of invention.

  According to the modification described above, the information is automatically read from the setting tag T as the setting mode immediately after the power is turned on, and the transmission destination is automatically set by the tag label producing apparatus 300 based on the read transmission destination information. it can. When the setting is completed, information can be automatically read from the general tag T in the normal mode. As a result, when information is to be transmitted to a new transmission destination, it is possible to prevent information from being erroneously transmitted to the old transmission destination set before power-on. Particularly, when a handy type reader that can be carried by the user is used, it is effective because there are many changes in the transmission destination of information due to changes in the place of use and the frequency of power ON / OFF is high.

  In the above description, the case of setting two types of modes, the setting mode and the general mode, has been described as an example. However, a configuration in which more types of modes can be set may be used.

(3) When used for time management of a plurality of employees In the above description, the case where time management information of one employee is transmitted to the supervisor has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a reader having a wider communication area The present invention may be applied to a time management system in which a plurality of employee time management information is transmitted to the boss by using.

  FIG. 19 is a system configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of the RFID tag information reading system 1 'in this case. Here, the attendance management information of the subordinates a1 to a4 read by the reader 200 having the communication area X is transmitted to the PC terminal 100 of the supervisor A, and the attendance of the subordinates b1 to b4 read by the reader 200 having the communication area Y is transmitted. Management information is transmitted to the PC terminal 100 of the superior B. The RFID tag information read redundantly by both readers 200 in the overlap area Z is appropriately distributed by the above-described control and transmitted to the PC terminal 100 of the supervisor A or the supervisor B.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the attendance management of employees in such a company, and the present invention can be applied to various situations such as merchandise management in stores and inventory management in warehouses.

(4) Others In the above, the case where a patch antenna is used as the antenna 210 of the reader 200 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a dipole antenna may be used, for example. Further, the case where information transmission / reception is performed between the reader 200 and the RFID circuit element To by radio wave communication using the UHF band has been described above as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A coiled loop antenna may be used as the antenna 151 on the tag circuit element To side, and information may be transmitted and received by magnetic induction (including electromagnetic induction, magnetic coupling, and other non-contact methods performed via electromagnetic fields). .

  In the above, an example of writing / reading / printing RFID tag information on the moving tag tape 303 in the tag label producing apparatus 300 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the tag tape 303 is stopped at a predetermined position. (Furthermore, reading and writing may be held by a predetermined conveyance guide.) The above printing, reading and writing may be performed.

  In the above description, the tag label T is created by cutting the tag tape 303 that has been printed and accessed (read or written) to the RFID circuit element To by the cutter 307. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. That is, in the case where a label mount (so-called die-cut label) separated in advance to a predetermined size corresponding to the label is continuously arranged on the tape fed out from the roll, even if it is not cut by the cutter 307, After the tape is discharged from the discharge port, only the label mount (the one provided with the already accessed RFID circuit element To and the corresponding printing) may be peeled off from the tape to produce the tag label T. Can be applied to such things.

  Further, in the above, the method of printing on the tag tape 303 (a type in which bonding is not performed) is not limited to this, but a cover film different from the tag tape 303 having the RFID circuit element To is used. You may apply this invention to the system which prints and bonds these together.

  Further, the above description has been given by taking as an example the case where the tag tape is wound around the reel member to form a roll, and the tag tape is fed out from the roll. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a long flat paper-like or strip-like tape or sheet in which at least one RFID circuit element To is arranged (the one formed by cutting a tape wound around a roll and cutting it to an appropriate length) May be stacked in a predetermined storage part (for example, stacked in a tray shape) and transferred and transported from this storage part to print and write to create a tag label. .

  It is assumed that the “Verify” signal, “Program” signal, and the like used above conform to the specifications established by EPC global. EPC global is a non-profit corporation established jointly by the International EAN Association, which is an international organization of distribution codes, and the United Code Code Council (UCC), which is an American distribution code organization. Note that signals conforming to other standards may be used as long as they perform the same function.

  In addition to those already described above, the methods according to the above-described embodiments and modifications may be used in appropriate combination.

  In addition, although not illustrated one by one, the present invention is implemented with various modifications within a range not departing from the gist thereof.

1 is a system configuration diagram showing an overall configuration of an embodiment of a wireless tag information reading system of the present invention. It is a whole block diagram showing notionally the whole structure of a reader and a tag label production apparatus. It is a functional block diagram showing the structure of the control system of a reader. It is a functional block diagram showing the detailed function of the control circuit of a tag label production apparatus. It is a block diagram showing an example of a functional structure of the said RFID tag circuit element with which the tag tape and the RFID tag label were equipped. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure performed by the control circuit of a tag label production apparatus, when producing the setting RFID label. It is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of step S200. It is a figure which represents notionally the data content memorize | stored in the memory part of the IC circuit part of the RFID circuit element provided in the produced RFID tag label. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure performed by the control circuit of a reader when the RFID tag information is read by the reader. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure performed by the control circuit of a tag label production apparatus, when RFID tag information is received from a reader. It is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of step S400. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of distribution of information. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure performed by the control circuit of a reader in the modification in the case where information is read by a reader with a plurality of types of transmission outputs. 7 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by a control circuit of a tag label producing apparatus when receiving RFID tag information from a reader in a modification in which information is read by a reader with a plurality of types of transmission outputs. It is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of step S400A. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of information distribution in the modification in the case of reading information by multiple types of transmission output with a reader. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure executed by a control circuit of a reader in a modification in a case where the reader has an information transmission destination setting mode and a general mode. It is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of step S600. It is a system block diagram showing the whole structure of the RFID tag information reading system in the modification used for attendance management of a plurality of employees.

Explanation of symbols

1 RFID tag information reading system 1 'RFID tag information reading system 30 Concentrator (distribution connection means)
100 PC terminal (operation terminal)
150 IC circuit section 151 Antenna (tag side antenna)
200 reader (wireless tag information reader)
202 control circuit 202 'control circuit 202 "control circuit 210 antenna (reading antenna)
300 Tag label production device (wireless tag information management server)
303 Tag tape (tag medium)
306 Antenna (Label making antenna)
308 Conveying roller (conveying means)
310 Storage unit (reading information storage means)
311 control circuit 311 ′ control circuit To RFID tag circuit element

Claims (13)

Radio tag information management server, a plurality of radio tag information readers, a plurality of operation terminals provided corresponding to the radio tag information readers, the radio tag information management server, and the radio tag information A wireless tag information reading system comprising: a reading device and a plurality of operation terminals connected to a signal output destination via a network so that distribution is possible;
The wireless tag information reader is
Provided with a reading antenna for wireless communication with a wireless tag circuit element comprising an IC circuit unit for storing information and a tag side antenna for transmitting and receiving information,
The wireless tag information management server
Read information storage means for storing information acquired from the RFID circuit element for reading information via the RFID tag information reader connected by the distribution connection means;
Information distribution means for distributing the information stored in the read information storage means or the information corresponding thereto to the corresponding operation terminals among the plurality of operation terminals connected by the distribution connection means based on the distribution destination information And a wireless tag information reading system. The wireless tag information reading system according to claim 1,
The wireless tag information management server
Via the wireless tag information reading device, having distribution destination information acquisition means for acquiring distribution destination information from the RFID circuit element for information distribution destination setting;
The information distribution means includes
RFID tag information reading characterized in that, based on the distribution destination information acquired by the distribution destination information means, the information stored in the read information storage means or the information corresponding thereto is distributed and output to the corresponding operation terminal system. The wireless tag information reading system according to claim 2,
The distribution destination information acquisition means of the wireless tag information management server includes:
The distribution for associating the information acquired from the RFID tag circuit element for setting the information distribution destination through one RFID tag information reader with one operation terminal corresponding to the RFID tag information reader. Get the destination information,
The information distribution means includes
Based on the acquired distribution destination information, the information stored in the read information storage means or the information corresponding thereto is output to the one operation terminal corresponding to the one RFID tag information reading device. A wireless tag information reading system characterized by setting a destination. The wireless tag information reading system according to claim 3,
The information distribution means of the wireless tag information management server includes:
When setting the output destination based on the distribution destination information that associates the one RFID tag information reading device with the one operation terminal, the information to be output includes a plurality of the RFID tag information reading devices. When the information is acquired from the information reading RFID circuit element, an output destination is set according to the received signal strength at the time of acquisition. The wireless tag information reading system according to claim 3,
The plurality of RFID tag information reading devices,
Sending and receiving information to and from the RFID circuit element for reading information by a plurality of types of transmission output, and outputting a transmission and reception result for each output to the RFID tag information management server,
The information distribution means of the wireless tag information management server includes:
When setting the output destination based on the distribution destination information that associates the one RFID tag information reading device with the one operation terminal, the information to be output includes a plurality of RFID tag information reading devices. Wireless tag information, wherein an output destination is set according to a transmission / reception result for each output input from the wireless tag information reading device when the information is acquired from the wireless tag circuit element for reading information Reading system. A wireless tag information management server connected to a plurality of RFID tag information reading devices and a plurality of operation terminals provided corresponding to the plurality of RFID tag information reading devices,
Read information storage means for storing information acquired from the RFID circuit element for reading information via the RFID tag reader;
Information distribution means for distributing and outputting information stored in the read information storage means or information corresponding thereto to a corresponding operation terminal among the plurality of operation terminals based on distribution destination information. Wireless tag information management server. In the wireless tag information management server according to claim 6,
Via the wireless tag information reading device, having distribution destination information acquisition means for acquiring distribution destination information from the RFID circuit element for information distribution destination setting;
The information distribution means includes
RFID tag information management characterized in that, based on distribution destination information acquired by the distribution destination information means, information stored in the read information storage means or information corresponding thereto is distributed and output to the corresponding operation terminal server. In the wireless tag information management server according to claim 7,
The distribution destination information acquisition means includes
The distribution for associating the information acquired from the RFID tag circuit element for setting the information distribution destination through one RFID tag information reader with one operation terminal corresponding to the RFID tag information reader. Get the destination information,
The information distribution means includes
Based on the acquired distribution destination information, the output is performed so that the information stored in the read information storage means or the information corresponding thereto is output to the one operation terminal corresponding to the one RFID tag information reading device. A wireless tag information management server characterized by setting a destination. In the wireless tag information management server according to claim 8,
The information distribution means includes
When setting the output destination based on the distribution destination information that associates the one RFID tag information reading device with the one operation terminal, the information to be output includes a plurality of the RFID tag information reading devices. When the information is acquired from the RFID circuit element for reading information, an output destination is set according to the reception intensity at the time of acquisition. In the wireless tag information management server according to claim 8,
Transmission / reception result input means for inputting transmission / reception results for each output when information is transmitted / received to / from the information reading RFID circuit element from the plurality of RFID tag information reading devices by a plurality of types of transmission outputs. Have
The information distribution means includes
When setting the output destination based on the distribution destination information that associates the one RFID tag information reading device with the one operation terminal, the information to be output includes a plurality of the RFID tag information reading devices. And an output destination is set according to a transmission / reception result for each output inputted by the transmission / reception result input means when the information is acquired from the information reading RFID circuit element . In the wireless tag information management server according to any one of claims 6 to 10,
A transport means for transporting a tag medium in which a RFID tag circuit element for a label having an IC circuit section for storing information and a tag-side antenna for transmitting and receiving information is disposed;
An RFID tag information management server, comprising: a label creation antenna for transmitting and receiving information to and from the RFID tag circuit element for labeling via wireless communication. RFID tag information provided with a reading antenna for performing wireless communication with an RFID circuit element having an IC circuit unit for storing information and a tag-side antenna for transmitting and receiving information, and connected to the RFID tag information management server A reading device,
A general information output mode for acquiring information from the RFID circuit element for reading information via the reading antenna and outputting the information to the RFID tag information management server; and a general information output mode via the reading antenna. The distribution destination information for acquiring the distribution destination information from the RFID circuit element for setting the information distribution destination from the RFID tag information management server of the information output to the RFID tag information management server and outputting the information to the RFID tag information management server A wireless tag information reading device comprising mode switching means for switching between output modes. The wireless tag information reading device according to claim 12,
The mode switching means is
Immediately after the device power is turned on, switch to the distribution destination information output mode,
In this distribution destination information output mode, when acquisition of distribution destination information from one information distribution destination setting RFID circuit element and output to the RFID tag information management server are completed, switching to the general information output mode is performed. A wireless tag information reading device as a feature.

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