JP2009169595A - Non-contact electronic tag reader - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate reading work in a non-contact electronic tag reader clearly showing a readable range by sighting light. <P>SOLUTION: The sighting light of an optical axis according with a directional axis of an antenna 2 is projected onto an object stuck with an electronic tag 5 by a projector 3 of an antenna unit 1. A user aligns the sighting light of the projector 3 with the electronic tag 5. The sighting light shows a tag reading range. An electric wave is transmitted to the electronic tag 5 from the antenna 2 to drive the electronic tag 5. By control of a controller 4, wireless communication with the electronic tag 5 is performed by the antenna unit 1 to contactlessly read data of the electronic tag 5. The projector 3 projects and displays the data of the electronic tag 5 in the tag reading range on the object. A distance to the electronic tag 5 is measured, and a focus of the sighting light of the projector 3 can be aligned with the object, and lighting can be performed, only when it is in a communicable range. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a non-contact electronic tag reader, and more particularly, to a non-contact electronic tag reader that projects and displays tag data by a projector for aiming an antenna at an electronic tag.

  Conventionally, electronic tags (IC tags) that can read and write data without contact have been widely used. Unlike bar codes, electronic tags are not read or written by applying light, so it may be difficult to visually determine the positional relationship between an electronic tag and a reader / writer. As a solution to this problem, there is a method in which light for aiming is applied to an electronic tag from a reader / writer. Examples of related art related to this will be given below.

  The “non-contact type data read / write device” disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a low-cost reader / writer that can easily and reliably read and write RFID tags. On the surface of the object to which the RFID tag is attached, an outer sign indicating the RFID tag position and an inner sign are drawn to indicate an annular region where the reading and writing process can be performed reliably. When the user moves the reader / writer and applies the spot light from the light source unit to the annular region of the RFID tag, the antenna faces the RFID tag. In this state, press the operation button to read / write the RFID tag.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, an RFID tag is attached to the object. RFID tags include a tag antenna with a circular spiral shape along the surface. The tag antenna is an RFID tag built-in antenna. On the surface of the object, an outer sign and an inner sign are drawn. The outer sign is drawn outside the RFID tag, and the inner sign is drawn inside the RFID tag. The outer sign and the inner sign indicate an annular region corresponding to the tag antenna of the RFID tag. When spot light is applied to the annular area, the irradiation area is an appropriate irradiation area indicating that data can be reliably read and written by the reader / writer. The reader / writer includes an apparatus circuit, an antenna, a light source unit, and operation buttons. The device circuit is a circuit that performs the main function of the reader / writer. The antenna transmits radio waves that drive the RFID tag and receives radio waves from the RFID tag. The light source unit is provided on the front end surface of the reader / writer, and projects the spot light of a conical visible ray in the radio wave radiation direction of the antenna. The operation button is used by the user to instruct the reader / writer to start reading and writing.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, the device circuit includes a transmission / reception unit, a signal processing unit, an input operation unit, an output display unit, and a central processing unit. An antenna is connected to one of the transmission / reception units, and a signal processing unit is connected to the other. When a driving instruction is received from the central processing unit via the signal processing unit, the transmission / reception unit transmits a radio wave via the antenna and generates power with the RFID tag by induction. The signal processing unit is between the transmission / reception unit and the central processing unit, encodes and modulates the transmission signal from the central processing unit, and transfers the transmission signal to the transmission / reception unit. Also, the received signal from the transmission / reception unit is demodulated and decoded, and transferred to the central processing unit. The input operation unit has a keyboard and function buttons. Input settings and instructions by user operation. The output display unit displays the state of the reader / writer, the input data from the input operation unit, the processing result of the central processing unit, and the like. The central processing unit also controls the light source unit and operation buttons.

  As shown in FIG. 5C, the user uses the input operation unit to set the reading / writing contents to the RFID tag in the reader / writer. After pointing the tip of the reader / writer to an external sign on the object surface corresponding to the RFID tag, the input operation unit is used to instruct execution of reading and writing. The reader / writer accepts read / write settings to the RFID tag from the input operation unit, and then accepts an instruction to execute read / write. When the reader / writer receives an instruction to execute reading and writing, the reader / writer projects spot light in a conical shape from the light source unit at the tip. The user moves the reader / writer while visually confirming the irradiation position of the spot light, and adjusts the center point of the spot light to the center point of the outer sign. Next, the distance D is adjusted so that the outer peripheral line of the spot light is matched with the annular area (appropriate irradiation area) between the outer sign and the inner sign. When the outer peripheral line of the spot light settles in the appropriate irradiation area, the user instructs the reader / writer to execute read / write processing by operating the operation button.

When the reader / writer receives an instruction to start execution of read / write processing, the central processing unit drives the signal processing unit. The transmitting / receiving unit transmits radio waves to the RFID tag via the antenna. At this time, since the reader / writer is at an appropriate position with respect to the RFID tag, the reading / writing process of the RFID tag can be surely executed. When the outer peripheral line of the spot light is outside the annular region, the reader / writer cannot perform reading / writing, so a warning is displayed on the output display unit. In this way, reading and writing of the RFID tag can be surely performed with a reader / writer having a simple configuration.
JP 2006-011839 A

  However, the conventional method for reading and writing an electronic tag has the following problems. Since the reading range of the reader / writer is indicated by light, the user watches the area. Since the tag information is displayed on the display device, the user reads it. That is, since the user sees the tag reading range and the tag information alternately, the operation becomes complicated.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems and make it easy to read an electronic tag.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention has a configuration in which the reading range of the electronic tag is shown by the projector and the tag information is projected and displayed. That is, an antenna of a non-contact electronic tag reading device that includes an antenna unit for wirelessly communicating with an electronic tag attached to an object and a control device that controls the antenna unit, and reads data of the electronic tag in a non-contact manner A directional antenna for transmitting radio waves to the electronic tag and receiving radio waves from the electronic tag, and aiming light with an optical axis that is parallel to or coincides with the directional axis of the antenna is projected onto the unit. And a projector having means for projecting and displaying the data of the electronic tag on the object.

  The antenna unit includes a distance measuring device that measures a distance from the electronic tag, and the control device includes a means for acquiring distance information from the distance measuring device and a means for controlling lighting and extinction of the projector according to the distance. The projector includes a focusing device for focusing the aiming light on the object, and the control device includes a unit that controls the focusing device according to the distance to focus. The antenna unit includes a helmet for fixing to the head.

  With the above configuration, the reading operation of the electronic tag is simplified.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  Embodiment 1 of the present invention is a non-contact electronic tag reading device that displays the read tag information and the like on a projector while showing the reading range of the electronic tag with the aiming light of the projector.

  FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a contactless electronic tag reading apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a functional block diagram of a non-contact electronic tag reader. FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating an aiming state of the non-contact electronic tag reader. FIG. 1C is a diagram illustrating a state in which tag information is projected and displayed by the non-contact electronic tag reader. FIG. 1D is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the non-contact electronic tag reader. In FIG. 1, an antenna unit 1 is a reading unit including an antenna and a projector. The antenna 2 is a directional antenna that transmits and receives radio waves. Loop antennas and other directional antennas can be used. The projector 3 is means for projecting aiming light and projecting and displaying tag information on an object. The optical axis of the aiming light substantially coincides with the directivity axis of the antenna. As the projector 3, a projector similar to a known liquid crystal projector can be used. Other projection apparatuses having similar functions may be used. The control device 4 is an electronic circuit that controls reading of the electronic tag. The electronic tag 5 is a non-contact readable IC tag.

  The function and operation of the non-contact electronic tag reader according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention configured as described above will be described. First, an outline of functions of the non-contact electronic tag reader will be described. The projector 3 of the antenna unit 1 projects aiming light having an optical axis that coincides with the directivity axis of the antenna 2. Since it is difficult to exactly match the optical axes, they should be matched or parallel to the extent that the reading of the electronic tag 5 is sufficiently possible. The user matches the aiming light of the projector 3 to the electronic tag 5. The antenna 2 of the antenna unit 1 transmits radio waves to the electronic tag 5 and receives radio waves from the electronic tag 5. Under the control of the control device 4, the antenna unit 1 communicates with the electronic tag 5 wirelessly, and reads the data of the electronic tag 5 in a non-contact manner. The projector 3 projects and displays the data of the electronic tag 5 on the object. The data of the electronic tag 5 may be read data or the number of read electronic tags 5.

  Next, the function of each part of the non-contact electronic tag reader will be described with reference to FIG. The antenna unit 1 includes an antenna 2 and a projector 3. The antenna 2 transmits radio waves and generates inductive power in the electronic tag 5 to supply operating power. In addition, it receives radio waves from the electronic tag 5. The projector 3 projects the aiming light onto the electronic tag 5 to help align the directivity axis of the antenna 2 with the electronic tag 5. Also, tag information such as data read from the electronic tag 5 is projected and displayed on the surface of the object to which the electronic tag 5 is attached. The control unit 4 controls the antenna unit 1 to read the data of the electronic tag 5.

  Next, the aiming function will be described with reference to FIG. The projector 3 projects aiming light for indicating the readable range of the electronic tag 5. Aiming light is light that spreads in a conical shape, and when irradiated properly, the irradiation range substantially coincides with the readable range. The user reads the data of the electronic tag 5 with the antenna unit 1 after moving the non-contact electronic tag reader and aiming.

  Next, the projection display function will be described with reference to FIG. After the antenna unit 1 reads the data of the electronic tag 5, information related to the reading of the electronic tag 5 is projected and displayed in the readable range of the electronic tag 5 by the projector 3. As shown in the figure, the number of read sheets may be displayed, or the read data may be displayed.

  Next, an electronic tag reading process procedure will be described with reference to FIG. After the user has aimed, the tag information is read from the electronic tag 5 by the antenna unit 1 under the control of the control device 4 according to the user's instruction. The read tag information is projected and displayed on the object by the projector 3. The reading of tag information may be automatically started when the aiming is correct and reading becomes possible. Further, the projection display may be a method in which a plurality of pieces of information are sequentially changed and repeatedly displayed.

  As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the non-contact electronic tag reader is configured to project and display the read tag information and the like while showing the reading range of the electronic tag with the aiming light of the projector. The reading operation of the electronic tag is simplified.

  The second embodiment of the present invention is a non-contact electronic tag reading method in which the read tag information and the like are projected and displayed on the projector while the reading range of the electronic tag is indicated by the aiming light of the projector when it is within the communication range with the electronic tag. Device.

  FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a contactless electronic tag reader according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a functional block diagram of the non-contact electronic tag reader. FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating an aiming state of the non-contact electronic tag reader. FIG. 2C is a diagram illustrating a non-sighting state in which the non-contact electronic tag reading device is not within a communication range with the electronic tag. FIG. 2D is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the non-contact electronic tag reader. In FIG. 2, a distance measuring device 6 is means for measuring the distance to the electronic tag. A well-known device such as a distance measuring means using ultrasonic waves can be used. Other basic configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  The function and operation of the non-contact electronic tag reader according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention configured as described above will be described. First, an outline of functions of the non-contact electronic tag reader will be described. The distance measuring device 6 of the antenna unit 1 measures the distance from the electronic tag 5. If within the communicable range, the projector 3 of the antenna unit 1 projects aiming light having an optical axis that coincides with the directivity axis of the antenna 2. The user matches the aiming light of the projector 3 to the electronic tag 5. The antenna 2 of the antenna unit 1 transmits radio waves to the electronic tag 5 and receives radio waves from the electronic tag 5. Under the control of the control device 4, the antenna unit 1 communicates with the electronic tag 5 wirelessly, and reads the data of the electronic tag 5 in a non-contact manner. The projector 3 projects and displays the data of the electronic tag 5.

  Next, the function of each part of the non-contact electronic tag reader will be described with reference to FIG. The antenna unit 1 includes an antenna 2, a projector 3, and a distance measuring device 6. The distance measuring device 6 measures the distance to the electronic tag 5 under the control of the control device 4. The control device 4 acquires distance information from the distance measuring device 6. When the distance to the electronic tag 5 is within the communicable range, the projector 3 is turned on, and when the distance is outside the communicable range, the projector 3 is turned on / off according to the distance. The functions of the antenna 2 and the projector 3 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  Next, a case where the electronic tag is within the communicable range will be described with reference to FIG. When the distance to the electronic tag 5 is measured by the distance measuring device 6 and the electronic tag 5 is within the communicable range, the projector 3 indicates the readable range of the electronic tag 5 under the control of the control device 4. Project aiming light. The user reads the data of the electronic tag 5 with the antenna unit 1 after moving the non-contact electronic tag reader and aiming. Although not shown, the information read from the electronic tag is projected and displayed by the projector 3 within the tag reading range as in the first embodiment.

  Next, a case where the electronic tag is not within the communicable range will be described with reference to FIG. When the distance to the electronic tag 5 exceeds the communicable range between the antenna 2 and the electronic tag 5, the control device 4 turns off the projector 3 to indicate that the electronic tag 5 cannot be read. The projector 3 may blink so that the electronic tag 5 is not within the communicable range so that the aiming operation can be easily performed. Or, conversely, when the electronic tag 5 enters the communicable range, the projector 3 may blink to notify that communication is possible.

  Next, an electronic tag reading process procedure will be described with reference to FIG. A distance measuring device 6 measures the distance to the electronic tag 5. The control device 4 acquires distance information from the distance measuring device 6 and turns off the projector 3 if it is farther than the communicable distance. If it is close, the projector 3 is turned on. After the user has aimed, the tag information is read from the electronic tag 5 by the antenna unit 1 under the control of the control device 4 according to the user's instruction. The read tag information is projected and displayed on the object by the projector 3. Wait for a certain time and repeat from acquisition of distance information.

  As described above, in the second embodiment of the present invention, when the non-contact electronic tag reader is within the communicable range with the electronic tag, the tag read while showing the electronic tag reading range with the aiming light of the projector Since the information is projected and displayed by the projector, the reading operation of the electronic tag is simplified.

  In the third embodiment of the present invention, when it is within the communicable range with the electronic tag, the aiming light of the projector is focused on the object, and the read tag information and the like are displayed while showing the reading range of the electronic tag. This is a non-contact electronic tag reading device that displays a projected image.

  FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of a contactless electronic tag reader according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 3A is a functional block diagram of the non-contact electronic tag reader. FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an aiming state of the non-contact electronic tag reader. FIG. 3C is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the non-contact electronic tag reader. In FIG. 3, a focusing device 7 is means for focusing the aiming light of the projector on the object. A well-known auto-focusing means can be used. Other basic configurations are the same as those in the second embodiment.

  The function and operation of the non-contact electronic tag reader according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention configured as described above will be described. First, an outline of functions of the non-contact electronic tag reader will be described. The distance measuring device 6 of the antenna unit 1 measures the distance from the electronic tag 5. If within the communicable range, the projector 3 of the antenna unit 1 projects aiming light having an optical axis that coincides with the directivity axis of the antenna 2. At this time, the control device 4 controls the focusing device 7 according to the distance so that the aiming light of the projector 3 is focused on the object. The user matches the aiming light of the projector 3 to the electronic tag 5. The antenna 2 of the antenna unit 1 transmits radio waves to the electronic tag 5 and receives radio waves from the electronic tag 5. Under the control of the control device 4, the antenna unit 1 communicates with the electronic tag 5 wirelessly, and reads the data of the electronic tag 5 in a non-contact manner. The projector 3 projects and displays the data of the electronic tag 5.

  Next, the function of each part of the non-contact electronic tag reader will be described with reference to FIG. The antenna unit 1 includes an antenna 2, a projector 3, and a distance measuring device 6. The projector 3 has a focusing device 7. The control device 4 acquires distance information from the distance measuring device 6. When the distance to the electronic tag 5 is within the communicable range, the projector 3 is turned on, and when the distance is outside the communicable range, the projector 3 is turned on / off according to the distance. When within the communicable range, the control device 4 further controls the focusing device 7 so that the aiming light of the projector 3 is focused on the object. The functions of the antenna 2, the projector 3, and the distance measuring device 6 are the same as those in the second embodiment.

  Next, a case where the electronic tag is within the communicable range will be described with reference to FIG. When the distance to the electronic tag 5 is measured by the distance measuring device 6 and the electronic tag 5 is within the communicable range, the projector 3 indicates the readable range of the electronic tag 5 under the control of the control device 4. Aiming light is projected with the focusing device 7 in focus on the object. The user reads the data of the electronic tag 5 with the antenna unit 1 after moving the non-contact electronic tag reader and aiming. Although not shown, the information read from the electronic tag 5 is projected and displayed by the projector 3 within the tag reading range as in the first embodiment. Even when the contactless electronic tag reader is moved during the operation, and the distance from the projector 3 to the object changes, the focus can be automatically adjusted and the tag information is always clearly projected. Can be displayed.

  Next, an electronic tag reading process procedure will be described with reference to FIG. A distance measuring device 6 measures the distance to the electronic tag 5. The control device 4 acquires the distance information from the distance measuring device 6 and turns off the projector 3 if the distance is longer than the communicable distance to notify that the electronic tag 5 cannot be read. If close, the projector 3 is turned on with the focus on the object. After the user has aimed, the tag information is read from the electronic tag 5 by the antenna unit 1 under the control of the control device 4 according to the user's instruction. The read tag information is projected and displayed on the object by the projector 3. Wait for a certain time and repeat from acquisition of distance information.

  As described above, in the third embodiment of the present invention, when the non-contact electronic tag reader is within the communicable range with the electronic tag, the aiming light of the projector is focused on the object, Since the read tag information and the like are projected and displayed by the projector while showing the reading range, the reading operation of the electronic tag is simplified.

  In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, when it is within the communicable range with the electronic tag, the aiming light of the projector is focused on the object, and the read tag information and the like are shown while showing the reading range of the electronic tag. This is a helmet-type non-contact electronic tag reader that displays a projected image.

  FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of a contactless electronic tag reader according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. In FIG. 4, a helmet 8 is a means for protecting the head while mounting the antenna unit of the non-contact electronic tag reader on the user's head. Other basic configurations are the same as those in the third embodiment.

  The function and operation of the non-contact electronic tag reader according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention configured as described above will be described. First, an overview of the function of the helmet-type non-contact electronic tag reader will be described. The distance to the electronic tag 5 is measured by the distance measuring device 6 of the antenna unit 1 attached to the helmet 8. If within the communicable range, the projector 3 of the antenna unit 1 projects aiming light having an optical axis that coincides with the directivity axis of the antenna 2. At this time, the control device 4 controls the focusing device 7 according to the distance so that the aiming light of the projector 3 is focused on the object. The user matches the aiming light of the projector 3 to the electronic tag 5. The antenna 2 of the antenna unit 1 transmits radio waves to the electronic tag 5 and receives radio waves from the electronic tag 5. Under the control of the control device 4, the antenna unit 1 communicates with the electronic tag 5 wirelessly, and reads the data of the electronic tag 5 in a non-contact manner. The projector 3 projects and displays the data of the electronic tag 5.

  Next, the operation of the helmet-type non-contact electronic tag reader will be described with reference to FIG. The helmet 8 protects the user's head and holds the antenna unit 1 so that the user can work without holding it. In addition, the reading range and tag information of the electronic tag 5 are always displayed in the direction of the wearer's line of sight. The distance to the electronic tag 5 is measured by the distance measuring device 6 of the antenna unit 1 attached to the helmet 8. The control device 4 acquires distance information from the distance measuring device 6 and controls the lighting / extinction and the focus of the projector 3. When the distance to the electronic tag 5 exceeds the communicable range between the antenna 2 and the electronic tag 5, the projector 3 is turned off to notify that the electronic tag 5 can no longer be read.

  If the electronic tag 5 is within the reading range, the projector 3 irradiates the aiming light indicating the tag reading range with the focus on the object. The user moves the head to aim and then reads the data of the electronic tag 5 with the antenna unit 1. Although not shown, the information read from the electronic tag 5 is projected and displayed by the projector 3 within the tag reading range as in the first embodiment. Even when the head is moved during the work and the distance from the projector 3 to the object changes, the focus can be automatically adjusted and the tag information can always be clearly projected and displayed.

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, when the antenna unit is held in the helmet and is within the communication range with the electronic tag, the aiming light of the projector is focused on the object, and the electronic tag Since the read tag information and the like are projected and displayed on the projector while the reading range is shown, the reading operation of the electronic tag is simplified.

  The non-contact electronic tag reader of the present invention is optimal as a device for reading a non-contact electronic tag provided on a large object.

It is a conceptual diagram of the non-contact electronic tag reader in Example 1 of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram of the non-contact electronic tag reader in Example 2 of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram of the non-contact electronic tag reader in Example 3 of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram of the non-contact electronic tag reader in Example 4 of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram of the conventional non-contact electronic tag reader.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Antenna unit 2 Antenna 3 Projector 4 Control apparatus 5 Electronic tag 6 Distance measuring apparatus 7 Focusing apparatus 8 Helmet

Claims (4)

In a non-contact electronic tag reading device that includes an antenna unit for wirelessly communicating with an electronic tag attached to an object, and a control device that controls the antenna unit, and reads the data of the electronic tag in a non-contact manner, The antenna unit transmits a radio wave to the electronic tag and receives a radio wave from the electronic tag, and an optical axis parallel to or coincident with the directional axis of the antenna. A non-contact electronic tag reader, comprising: a projector for projecting aiming light; and the projector includes means for projecting and displaying the data of the electronic tag on the object. The antenna unit includes a distance measuring device that measures a distance from the electronic tag, and the control device controls a means for acquiring distance information from the distance measuring device, and controls turning on and off of the projector according to the distance. The non-contact electronic tag reader according to claim 1, further comprising: The projector includes a focusing device for focusing the aiming light on the object, and the control device includes means for controlling the focusing device according to the distance to focus. The non-contact electronic tag reader according to claim 2. The non-contact electronic tag reading device according to claim 3, wherein the antenna unit includes a helmet for fixing to an operator's head.

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