JP2009216253A - Storage box - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a storage box surely detecting the position of a desired stored object or the like with small electric power. <P>SOLUTION: A refrigerator 100 which is one example of the storage box comprises: a case 70 opened in the front; an opening/closing door 71 opening/closing an opening of the case 70; separation walls 72 separating the space in the case 70 in air when the opening/closing door 71 is closed; storage shelves 73 installed parallel with the separation walls 72 in a storage chamber separated by the separation walls 72; a feeder loop antenna 1 arranged facing the case top part 74, a case bottom part 75 or the separation walls 72; parasitic loop antennas 2 arranged facing the storage shelves 73; and a control part 150 switching supply electric power to the feeder loop antenna 1 stepwise. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a storage provided with a feeding loop antenna and a parasitic loop antenna.

  In recent years, in order to manage stored items such as food stored in the refrigerator, an antenna is arranged in the refrigerator, a wireless tag (IC tag) is added to the stored item, and communication between the refrigerator and the stored item is performed. It has been known.

  As an example of a refrigerator that performs such communication, a plurality of RF signal transmission / reception loop antennas having different recognition distances and different radii are provided on one end surface of a storage room, There is known a refrigerator capable of detecting the storage position of a stored item using the difference in recognition distance (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 40225553

  However, in such a conventional refrigerator, since it is necessary to feed power to a plurality of loop antennas, compared with the power consumption of communication when a parasitic loop antenna that does not feed power is used, there is a gap between the refrigerator and stored items. The power consumption in communication will increase.

  In addition, when a large amount of stored items such as food is stored in the refrigerator, communication in the refrigerator is affected by the stored items, and magnetic field coupling cannot be performed with sufficient strength. As a result, a communication failure in the refrigerator may occur, and the position of the stored item may not be accurately detected.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a storage that can reliably detect the position of a desired stored item or the like with low power.

  The storage of the present invention includes a housing that is open at the front, an opening / closing door that opens and closes the opening of the housing, and a separation wall that pneumatically separates the space in the housing when the opening / closing door is closed. , Storage shelves installed in parallel to the separation wall in the storage chambers separated by the separation wall, and a power feeding loop arranged facing the top of the casing, the bottom of the casing, or the separation wall An antenna, a parasitic loop antenna disposed facing the storage shelf, and a power control unit that switches the feeding power to the feeding loop antenna in stages.

  With this configuration, the position of a desired stored item or the like can be reliably detected with low power. For example, a plurality of feeding loop antennas and parasitic loop antennas are prepared in the refrigerator, and these loop antennas are arranged substantially in parallel so that the parasitic loop antennas can be excited. Since the communication can be performed by freely changing the position, the position can be detected. Further, since the non-feed loop antenna does not require a connection means to the feed section, it is possible to prevent the refrigerator system from being damaged by getting wet, for example.

  The storage of the present invention has a plurality of parasitic loop antennas, and the power control unit supplies the feeding power to the feeding loop antenna to the first feeding loop antenna by electromagnetic waves from the feeding loop antenna. An induction current is not generated in the first parasitic loop antenna by an electromagnetic wave from the feeding loop antenna from a first feeding power that generates an induced current, and the feeding loop antenna and the first parasitic power are not generated. It switches to the 2nd feeding electric power which generates an induced current in the 2nd parasitic loop antenna whose distance with the above-mentioned feeding loop antenna is shorter than the distance with a loop antenna.

  With this configuration, the position of a desired stored item or the like can be reliably detected with a small amount of power by reducing the feeding power step by step.

  The storage of the present invention has a plurality of parasitic loop antennas, and the power control unit supplies the feeding power to the feeding loop antenna to the third parasitic loop antenna by electromagnetic waves from the feeding loop antenna. A third circuit that generates an induced current and does not generate an induced current in the fourth parasitic loop antenna having a distance from the feeding loop antenna that is longer than a distance between the feeding loop antenna and the third parasitic loop antenna. Is switched to the fourth feeding power that causes the fourth parasitic loop antenna to generate an induced current by the electromagnetic wave from the feeding loop antenna.

  With this configuration, the position of a desired stored item or the like can be reliably detected with low power by increasing the feed power stepwise.

  In the storage of the present invention, the power control unit may include a fifth feeding power that generates an induced current in the parasitic loop antenna by an electromagnetic wave from the feeding loop antenna as a feeding power to the feeding loop antenna. The sixth feeding power that does not generate an induction current in the parasitic loop antenna is switched.

  With this configuration, it is possible to switch between the power at which electromagnetic waves reach the bottom storage shelf and the power at which electromagnetic waves do not reach the storage shelf, and even when stored items are placed on the bottom of the storage, The position can be detected with certainty.

  Moreover, the storage of this invention has a timing control part which controls the timing which supplies electric power to the said electric power feeding loop antenna.

  With this configuration, it is possible to detect the position of a stored item or the like at a desired timing.

  Moreover, the storage of this invention has an operation part which receives predetermined | prescribed operation input, and the said timing control part supplies electric power to the said electric power feeding loop antenna in the case of the operation input by the said operation part.

  With this configuration, it is possible to start detection of the position of the stored item or the like by an operation input according to a user instruction or the like.

  The storage of the present invention has an open / close detection unit that detects an open / close state of the predetermined storage chamber, and the timing control unit detects that the open / close detection unit has changed the open state to the closed state. In this case, power is fed to the feeding loop antenna.

  With this configuration, it is possible to start position detection of the stored item at the timing when the stored item is stored in the refrigerator. If necessary, the position can be stored in the refrigerator memory.

  In the storage of the present invention, the timing control unit periodically feeds power to the feeding loop antenna.

  With this configuration, it is possible to periodically detect the position of the stored item.

  The storage according to the present invention reduces the power supplied to the power supply loop antenna when the power control unit acquires predetermined information until a predetermined time elapses after power is supplied to the power supply loop antenna.

  With this configuration, it is possible to change from large power supply power to small power supply in stages. For example, first, the maximum feeding power applied to the refrigerator is set and gradually reduced. Therefore, when a stored item exists in the refrigerator, the predetermined information is first acquired. And if the predetermined information is not acquired by the above-mentioned predetermined time from the transmission request based on the power supply, that is, if it is determined that there is no stored item, the range that can be communicated by the power supply at that time, It can be known that there is a stored item within the communicable range by the immediately preceding feeding power (that is, feeding power larger by one step).

  Further, the storage of the present invention increases the power supplied to the power supply loop antenna when the power control unit does not acquire predetermined information until a predetermined time elapses after power is supplied to the power supply loop antenna. .

  With this configuration, it is possible to change from a small power supply power to a large power supply in stages. For example, the minimum power supply applied to the refrigerator is first increased and gradually increased. Therefore, the predetermined information is not acquired at first. When predetermined information is acquired from the transmission request based on power supply until the predetermined time elapses, that is, when it is determined that there is a stored item, the range that can be communicated with the power supply at that time and the power supply immediately before that It can be known that there is a stored item within a communicable range by electric power (that is, one-step smaller supply power).

  In addition, the storage of the present invention includes a matching circuit that is connected to the parasitic loop antenna and matches the impedance of the parasitic loop antenna at a predetermined frequency.

  With this configuration, it is possible to adjust the amount of re-radiation of electromagnetic waves by the parasitic loop antenna, and it is possible to adjust the communication distance. Therefore, it is possible to reliably detect the position of a desired stored item or the like with low power.

  Further, the storage of the present invention includes a housing opened at the front, an open / close door that opens and closes the opening of the housing, and a separation that air-separates the space in the housing when the open / close door is closed. A storage comprising a wall and a storage shelf installed in parallel to the separation wall in a storage chamber separated by the separation wall, and a surface surrounded by a feeding loop antenna and a parasitic power supply A plurality of parasitic loop antennas are provided so that a plane surrounded by the loop antenna is substantially parallel to each other, and the feed loop antennas and the parasitic loop antennas are arranged at different distances. .

  With this configuration, it is possible to change the communication distance by arranging a plurality of parasitic loop antennas at different positions, and it is possible to reliably detect the position of a desired stored item or the like with low power.

  According to the present invention, the position of a desired stored item or the like can be reliably detected with low power.

  Hereinafter, the storage of the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

  The storage of the embodiment of the present invention may be a refrigerated freezer (including home use and business use) and other storage. In this embodiment, a refrigerator-freezer (hereinafter simply referred to as a refrigerator) will be described as an example. Here, the configuration and operation of a general refrigerator may be omitted.

  1 and 4 are external views showing an example of a refrigerator in an embodiment of the present invention. 1 shows a state in which the open / close door 72 of the refrigerator 100 is open, and FIG. 4 shows a state in which the open / close door 72 of the refrigerator 100 is closed.

  The refrigerator according to the present embodiment air-separates the space in the housing 70 when the opening and closing door 71 is closed, and the opening and closing door 71 that opens and closes the opening of the housing 70. A separation wall 72, a storage shelf 73 installed in the storage chamber separated by the separation wall 72 so as to be parallel to the separation wall, and the case top 74, the case bottom 75 or the separation wall 72. The feed loop antenna 1 arranged in this manner, the parasitic loop antenna 2 arranged facing the storage shelf 73, and a power control unit that switches the feed power to the feed loop antenna 1 in stages.

  The feed loop antenna 1 and the parasitic loop antenna 2 are shown in FIG. The function as a power control unit is included in the control unit 150 shown in FIG.

  Further, the refrigerator of the present embodiment includes a housing 70 opened at the front, an opening / closing door 71 that opens and closes the opening of the housing 70, and a space in the housing 70 when the opening / closing door 71 is closed. There may be a case in which a separation wall 72 that is separated into two and a storage shelf 73 that is installed in parallel to the separation wall 72 in the storage chambers separated by the separation wall 72 may be provided. In this case, a plurality of parasitic loop antennas 2 are provided such that a surface surrounded by the feeding loop antenna 1 and a surface surrounded by the parasitic loop antenna 2 are substantially parallel, and the feeding loop antenna is provided. 1 and each parasitic loop antenna 2 may be arranged so that the distance between them is different.

  Moreover, the refrigerator of this embodiment may be provided with the matching circuit for matching the impedance in the predetermined frequency of the said parasitic loop antenna connected to the said parasitic loop antenna.

  The refrigerator of the present embodiment has a plurality of parasitic loop antennas 2, and the power control unit uses the electromagnetic waves from the feeding loop antenna 1 to supply the feeding power to the feeding loop antenna 1 to the first parasitic loop antenna 1. Inductive current is not generated in the first parasitic loop antenna by electromagnetic waves from the feeding loop antenna 1 from the first feeding power that generates an induced current in the feeding loop antenna 1 and the first parasitic loop. There is a case where the second feed power that causes an induced current to be generated in the second parasitic loop antenna whose distance to the feed loop antenna 1 is shorter than the distance to the antenna may be switched.

  The refrigerator of the present embodiment has a plurality of parasitic loop antennas 2, and the power control unit uses the electromagnetic waves from the feeding loop antenna 1 to supply the feeding power to the feeding loop antenna 1 to the third parasitic loop antenna 1. Inductive current is generated at the same time, and no induced current is generated in the fourth parasitic loop antenna having a longer distance from the feeding loop antenna 1 than the distance between the feeding loop antenna 1 and the third parasitic loop antenna. May be switched to the fourth feed power that generates an induced current in the fourth parasitic loop antenna by the electromagnetic wave from the feed loop antenna 1.

  Further, in the refrigerator of the present embodiment, the power control unit uses the fifth feeding power that causes the parasitic loop antenna 2 to generate an induced current by the electromagnetic wave from the feeding loop antenna 1 as the feeding power to the feeding loop antenna 1. The sixth feed power that does not generate an induction current in the parasitic loop antenna 2 may be switched.

  Moreover, the refrigerator of this embodiment may have a timing control part which controls the timing which supplies electric power to the electric power feeding loop antenna 1. FIG. Note that the control unit 150 described later has a function as a timing control unit.

  Moreover, the refrigerator of this embodiment has the operation part 160 which receives predetermined | prescribed operation input, and a timing control part may supply electric power to the electric power feeding loop antenna 1 in the case of the operation input by the operation part 160. FIG.

  In addition, the refrigerator of the present embodiment has an open / close detection unit 170 that detects the open / close state of a predetermined storage room, and the timing control unit has detected that the open / close detection unit 170 has changed the open state to the closed state. In some cases, the feeding loop antenna 1 may be fed.

  In the refrigerator of the present embodiment, the timing control unit may periodically supply power to the power supply loop antenna 1.

  In the refrigerator according to the present embodiment, when the power control unit acquires predetermined information (such as information on stored items) from when power is supplied to the power supply loop antenna 1 until a predetermined time has elapsed, Reduce the power supply.

  In the refrigerator according to the present embodiment, when the power control unit does not acquire predetermined information (such as information on stored items) until a predetermined time elapses after power is supplied to the power supply loop antenna 1, the power supply loop antenna 1. Increase the power supplied to the.

  A refrigerator 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a plurality of storage rooms. The storage room is, for example, the refrigerating room 10, the freezing room 20, the vegetable room 30, the ice making room 40, the switching room 50 that can be switched according to the application. Further, the refrigerator 100 may include only one storage room.

  The refrigerator 100 can also include a network communication unit (not shown). The network communication unit can be connected to the Internet as an external communication network. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a display 140 having a touch panel function is provided on the open / close door 71 of the refrigerator 100, a predetermined input operation is acquired from the display 140, and the network communication unit connects to the Internet.

  The refrigerator compartment 10 includes a plurality of storage shelves 73 for arranging stored items such as food. The refrigerator compartment 10 is usually provided with a water supply tank 12 and a chilled compartment 13. The water supply tank 12 and the chilled chamber 13 are examples of a storage case. The refrigerator 10 includes a mechanism that makes the position of the storage shelf 73 variable.

  The freezer compartment 20 and the vegetable compartment 30 are usually provided with cases for storing stored items such as food. There may be a plurality of predetermined cases. A storage shelf may be provided.

  Even storage rooms other than the storage rooms 10, 20, and 30 may include storage shelves and predetermined cases.

  Next, an example of the configuration and operation of the feed loop antenna and the parasitic loop antenna in the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a feeding loop antenna and a parasitic loop antenna in the embodiment of the present invention.

  A feeding loop antenna 1 shown in FIG. 2 is a loop antenna to which feeding is performed. This refers to a loop antenna that receives a signal current from the feeding portion 3 of the loop antenna and radiates electromagnetic waves to its surroundings.

  Further, the parasitic loop antenna 2 shown in FIG. 2 is a loop antenna that is not fed. The term "self-feeding is not performed" means that no signal current is electrically supplied directly to the feeding portion of the loop antenna. For example, current is supplied based on mutual inductance caused by electromagnetic waves generated from other loop antennas. The thing is not included. In this case, the parasitic loop antenna refers to whether the power feeding unit 3 is not connected, or whether the signal current is not directly electrically supplied even if it is connected. This means that current can be generated by magnetic field supply from any power supply. The parasitic loop antenna 2 may be connected to a resonance circuit for performing efficient communication at a desired frequency, a matching circuit for matching impedance, and a termination resistor.

  The feed loop antenna 1 and the non-feed loop antenna 2 may be loop antennas each having an opening at the center and having one or more turns. The shape of the loop may be any of a circle, an ellipse, a substantially rectangle, a polygon, and the like. Further, the material of the loop antenna can be appropriately selected from conductive metal wire, metal plate, metal foil, metal cylinder, and the like. Further, the feed loop antenna 1 and the parasitic loop antenna 2 may be made of the same shape and material, or may be made of different materials.

  The feeding loop antenna 1 and the parasitic loop antenna 2 are desirably arranged so that the opening surfaces, which are main surfaces formed by the loop, are in a substantially parallel relationship. In the case of being substantially parallel, the induced current generated in the parasitic loop antenna 2 is increased by the radiated electromagnetic wave of the feed loop antenna 1, and the current and the radiated electromagnetic wave can be effectively generated in the parasitic loop antenna 2. The distance between the feed loop antenna 1 and the parasitic loop antenna 2 is desirably a distance at which a sufficient induced current is generated in the parasitic loop antenna 2. This interval is determined by the strength of the current fed by the feed loop antenna 1 and the strength of the generated magnetic field or electric field. In addition, even if it is not substantially parallel, even if it arrange | positions with a some angle, it is possible to obtain a desired operation | movement.

  When a signal current is supplied from the power feeding unit 3 to the power feeding loop antenna 1, a first high-frequency current that changes with time is generated. This first high-frequency current generates a magnetic flux in the feed loop antenna 1 according to the right-handed screw law. As a result, electromagnetic waves are radiated from the feeding loop antenna 1. The magnetic flux that changes with time in the feed loop antenna 1 also penetrates the parasitic loop antenna 2, generates an induced voltage in the parasitic loop antenna 2 due to mutual inductance, and flows a second high-frequency current. Furthermore, magnetic flux is generated in the parasitic loop antenna 2 in accordance with the right-handed screw law by the second high-frequency current that changes with time. That is, electromagnetic waves can be radiated from the parasitic loop antenna 2, and the parasitic loop antenna 2 can operate as an antenna in the same manner as the fed loop antenna 1. Therefore, by arranging the parasitic loop antennas 2 continuously, these parasitic loop antennas 2 can be operated as antennas in order.

  Thus, by arranging the feeding loop antenna 1 and the parasitic loop antenna 2 in combination, the effective communication range is expanded. In addition, when the communication range is the same, the power consumption when the electromagnetic wave is radiated using the feeding loop antenna 1 and the parasitic loop antenna 2 is reduced compared to the case where the electromagnetic wave is radiated only by the feeding loop antenna 1. It can be greatly reduced.

  Next, an example of antenna arrangement in the refrigerator 100 will be described.

  In the refrigerator 100, at least one feeding loop antenna 1 and a parasitic loop antenna 2 are provided. For example, the feeding loop antenna 1 is disposed on the casing top 74, the casing bottom 75, and the separation wall 72 (the lower surface and the upper surface of the storage chamber) of the refrigerator 100. The feed loop antenna 1 and the non-feed loop antenna 2 are arranged at various positions so as to be excited by electromagnetic waves from the feed loop antenna 1.

  In addition, it is desirable that the feeding loop antenna 1, the parasitic loop antenna 2, and the parasitic loop antenna provided in the stored item provided in the refrigerator 100 are designed so that the resonance frequencies thereof coincide with each other. Thereby, the transmission efficiency between each loop antenna improves.

  Further, the parasitic loop antenna included in the stored item can be placed so as to be excited by electromagnetic waves from the feeder loop antenna 1 or the parasitic loop antenna 2 included in the refrigerator 100. In this case, the surface surrounded by the feeding loop antenna 1 or the parasitic loop antenna 2 and the surface surrounded by the feeding loop antenna provided in the stored item are arranged substantially parallel to each other.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of antenna arrangement in the refrigerator 100. In FIG. 3, a storage room such as the refrigerator compartment 10 of the refrigerator 100 includes a storage shelf 73 (73A to 73D), and the parasitic loop antenna 2 (2A to 2D) is disposed on the storage shelf 73. Yes. Each storage shelf 73 is disposed substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the refrigerator compartment 10. The number of storage shelves is not limited to this. The feeding loop antenna 1 is disposed on the lower surface of the refrigerator compartment 10, and the parasitic loop antenna 2 is disposed on the storage shelf 73.

  Note that the number, orientation, arrangement position, size, shape, and the like of the antenna are not limited to this, but the parasitic loop antenna 2 is excited by electromagnetic waves radiated from the feeding loop antenna 1 or other parasitic loop antenna 2. Arranged as possible. Specifically, the electromagnetic wave radiated from the antenna 1 or 2 is arranged so as to pass through the opening of the loop antenna. In addition to the refrigerator compartment 10, the feed loop antenna 1 and the feed loop antenna 2 may be arranged as described above.

  3 shows that the magnetic field is coupled in the vertical direction in FIG. 3, but the feed loop antenna 1 is arranged on the side surface of the housing of the refrigerator 100 so that the electromagnetic wave travels in the left and right direction. The parasitic loop antenna 2 may be arranged so that the surface formed by the step and the surface formed by the parasitic loop antenna 2 are substantially parallel to each other. In this case, the parasitic loop antenna 2 is disposed, for example, on the side wall of the vertical partition plate or the case in the storage chamber.

  Next, functional blocks of the refrigerator system including the refrigerator 100 and the IC tag 200 added to the stored items stored in the refrigerator will be described. Here, as an example of communication, communication using an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) tag 200 added to a stored item such as food and an RFID reader provided in the refrigerator 100 is assumed. That is, the refrigerator system of the present embodiment is an RFID system that performs communication by an electromagnetic induction method using, for example, 13.56 MHz. The RFID system communicates by magnetically coupling the reader / writer loop antenna and the tag loop antenna. It is assumed that An induced current flows through the tag side loop antenna due to the magnetic field. The RFID tag is an example of an IC tag, and the RFID reader is an example of an IC tag reader / writer.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the refrigerator system. The refrigerator 100 includes a communication unit 110, a power supply unit 120, a memory 130, a display 140, a control unit 150, an operation unit 160, and an open / close detection unit 170. The IC tag 200 includes a communication unit 210, a memory 220, and a control unit 230.

  The communication unit 110 includes a feed loop antenna 1 and radiates and receives electromagnetic waves. The communication unit 110 includes various information in the electromagnetic wave, and transmits and receives various signals via the feeding loop antenna 1. The feed loop antenna 1 may be one or plural. Further, the communication unit 110 has a function as the RFID reader 112. For example, predetermined information is read from the received electromagnetic wave. The predetermined information is sent to the memory 130 and the display 140 according to an instruction from the control unit 150 as necessary.

  The parasitic loop antenna 2 of the refrigerator 100 is excited by the electromagnetic waves radiated from the feed loop antenna 1. The parasitic loop antenna 2 is also excited by electromagnetic waves from other parasitic loop antennas 2. Therefore, it is possible to extend the communication distance by arranging the parasitic loop antenna 2 continuously so as to be excited. Thus, the parasitic loop antenna 2 has a communication function.

  The power supply unit 120 is configured by a predetermined power supply circuit. The power supply circuit 120 is connected to a power supply unit for supplying power to the power supply loop antenna 1.

  The memory 130 stores various information.

  The display 140 displays various information.

  The control unit 150 controls other components in the refrigerator 100. Further, the control unit 150 switches the feeding power to the feeding loop antenna 1 in a stepwise manner. In this case, the power supply is switched so as to increase stepwise or decrease. Whether to switch the feeding power to be larger or smaller is set in advance by using the operation unit 160 or the like. Details of this switching by the control unit 150 will be described later. Further, the control unit 150 instructs the IC tag 200 to transmit an information acquisition request to be described later. Details of the information acquisition request by the control unit 150 will be described later.

  The operation unit 160 receives a predetermined input operation. The operation unit 160 is, for example, a touch panel, input keys, setting buttons, and the like.

  The open / close detection unit 170 detects the open / close state of the storage chamber. For example, it is detected whether the open / close door 71 provided in the storage room is in an open state or a closed state, or whether the drawer-type storage room is in an open state or a closed state.

  The communication unit 210 includes a parasitic loop antenna 2 and radiates and receives electromagnetic waves. In addition, since the parasitic loop antenna 2 is excited by receiving electromagnetic waves, it can function as an antenna although it is not connected to the feeder. The communication unit 210 includes various information in the electromagnetic wave, and transmits and receives various signals via the parasitic loop antenna 2. The predetermined information is sent to the memory 220 according to an instruction from the control unit 230 as necessary.

  The memory 220 can store various types of information and is configured by a nonvolatile memory (EEPROM, FRAM, etc.). Information related to stored items such as food is stored, and includes, for example, food information (name and type of stored items, date of entry into the refrigerator 100, expiration date, etc.) and menu suggestion information using the food. Further, other information may be stored. The memory 220 stores at least identification information of stored items.

  The control unit 230 controls other components in the IC tag 200.

  Next, an example of an operation when the refrigerator 100 acquires information from the IC tag 200 added to the stored item will be described. First, when an information acquisition request is made according to a user instruction or the like, power is supplied to the power supply loop antenna. Thereby, the feed loop antenna radiates an electromagnetic wave including an information acquisition request. The parasitic loop antenna of the refrigerator is excited by radiated electromagnetic waves. That is, an induced voltage is generated by the mutual inductance, a current flows, and the electromagnetic wave is re-radiated. Then, the parasitic loop antenna of the IC tag added to the stored item is excited by the electromagnetic wave radiated from the feeder loop antenna or the parasitic loop antenna of the refrigerator. This electromagnetic wave includes an information acquisition request. The IC tag reads necessary information from the memory based on the information acquisition request, and re-radiates electromagnetic waves from the parasitic loop antenna to respond to the refrigerator. And the electric power feeding loop antenna of a refrigerator receives the electromagnetic waves containing the information from an IC tag. Furthermore, the information from the IC tag is stored in the memory of the refrigerator as necessary.

  In this way, it is possible to acquire information from the IC tag in response to an information acquisition request from the refrigerator 100. The acquired information includes at least identification information of the stored item to which the IC tag is added. Based on this identification information, the position of the stored item can be specified. Note that the information from the IC tag can include food information (name, type of stored item, date of entry into the refrigerator 100, expiration date, etc.) and menu suggestion information using the food.

  Next, an example of timing for instructing the control unit 150 to transmit an information acquisition request will be described.

  For example, the control unit 150 instructs the power supply unit 120 to supply power to the power supply loop antenna 1 when an operation input is performed by the operation unit 160. In this operation input, for example, the expiration date information is acquired in a stored item such as food and is displayed on the display 140. Thereby, an information acquisition request is transmitted, and the user can know the information of the stored item at a desired time.

  For example, when the control unit 150 detects that the open / close detection unit 170 has changed from the open state to the closed state, the control unit 150 instructs the power supply unit 120 to supply power to the power supply loop antenna 1. Thereby, an information acquisition request is transmitted, for example, when stored goods are newly accommodated in the refrigerator 100, information on stored goods can be known.

  For example, the control unit 150 instructs the power supply unit 120 to periodically supply power to the power supply loop antenna 1. Thereby, an information acquisition request is transmitted, and the user can know the information on the stored items periodically.

  Next, an example of switching the power supply by the control unit 150 of the refrigerator 100 will be described in detail.

  Note that, here, that a predetermined parasitic loop antenna 2 can be excited means that an induced current is generated on the parasitic loop antenna 2 due to electromagnetic waves from the feeder loop antenna 1 or other parasitic loop antenna 2, and no parasitic loop antenna 2 is excited. It shows that the feeding loop antenna 2 can re-radiate electromagnetic waves. Further, the fact that a predetermined parasitic loop antenna 2 cannot be excited means that no induction current is generated on the parasitic loop antenna 2 due to electromagnetic waves from the feeder loop antenna 1 or other parasitic loop antenna 2, and no parasitic power is supplied. It indicates that the loop antenna 2 cannot re-radiate electromagnetic waves.

  For example, the control unit 150 can supply the feeding power to the feeding loop antenna 1 in a stepwise manner by the parasitic feeding loop antenna 2A arranged on the storage shelf 73A by the electromagnetic wave from the feeding loop antenna 1. From the electric power, the parasitic loop antenna 2A arranged on the storage shelf 73A cannot be excited by the electromagnetic waves from the feeding loop antenna 1, and the parasitic loop antenna 2B arranged on the storage shelf 73B is separated from the feeding loop antenna 1. In addition to the second feeding power that can be excited by the electromagnetic wave, the parasitic loop antenna 2B arranged on the storage shelf 73B cannot be excited by the electromagnetic wave from the feeding loop antenna 1 and is arranged on the storage shelf 73C. The third parasitic power supplied to the third feeding power that can be excited by the electromagnetic wave from the feeding loop antenna 1 In addition, the parasitic loop antenna 2C arranged on the storage shelf 73C cannot be excited by the electromagnetic waves from the feeding loop antenna 1, and the parasitic loop antenna 2D arranged on the storage shelf 73D is separated from the feeding loop antenna 1. Switching to the fourth feeding power that can be excited by electromagnetic waves, and further to the fifth feeding power that the parasitic loop antenna 2D arranged in the storage shelf 73D cannot be excited by electromagnetic waves from the feeding loop antenna 1 is performed. Do. That is, the feed power is reduced stepwise. Further, only a part of the stepwise switching (for example, switching from the second feeding power to the third feeding power) may be used.

Further, the control unit 150, for example, supplies power to the power supply loop antenna 1 step by step.
From the fifth feeding power that the parasitic loop antenna 2D arranged on the storage shelf 73D cannot be excited by the electromagnetic wave from the feeding loop antenna 1, the parasitic loop antenna 2C arranged on the storage shelf 73C is fed to the feeding loop antenna 1. The parasitic loop antenna 2D disposed on the storage shelf 73D cannot be excited by the electromagnetic waves from the power supply loop 73, and can be excited by the electromagnetic waves from the feed loop antenna 1, and further to the storage shelf 73B. The parasitic loop antenna 2B arranged cannot be excited by electromagnetic waves from the feeding loop antenna 1, and the parasitic loop antenna 2C arranged on the storage shelf 73C can be excited by electromagnetic waves from the feeding loop antenna 1. In addition to the third feeding power, the parasitic loop antenna 2A arranged on the storage shelf 73A is also connected to the feeding loop antenna. To the second feeding power that cannot be excited by the electromagnetic wave from the tener 1 and that can be excited by the electromagnetic wave from the feeding loop antenna 1, the parasitic loop antenna 2 </ b> A arranged on the storage shelf 73 </ b> B is further stored. The parasitic loop antenna 2 </ b> A arranged at 73 </ b> A performs switching to the first feeding power that can be excited by the electromagnetic wave from the feeding loop antenna 1. That is, the feed power is increased stepwise. Further, only a part of the stepwise switching (for example, switching from the third feeding power to the second feeding power) may be used.

  In FIG. 6, the range that can be communicated with the first feed power is D1, the range that can be communicated with the second feed power is D2, the range that can be communicated with the third feed power is D3, and the fourth feed power. The range in which communication is possible is indicated as D4, and the range in which communication is possible with the fifth feeding power is indicated as D5. Here, as an example, a case where the feeding loop antenna 1 and the parasitic loop antenna 2 are arranged in the refrigerator compartment 10 as shown in FIG. 3 is shown.

  Next, an example of the timing of switching the power supply by the control unit 150 of the refrigerator 100 will be described.

  When switching so as to reduce the feed power, the control unit 150 obtains information from the storage by the communication unit 110 before a predetermined time elapses from the transmission instruction of the information acquisition request (that is, feeding to the feed loop antenna 1). Determine whether or not. When information from a stored item is acquired within the predetermined time, there is a stored item to which an IC tag is added within a communicable range by electromagnetic wave radiation by the power supplied when this information acquisition request is made. It shows that. If the information from the stored item is not acquired within the predetermined time, it indicates that there is no stored item to which the IC tag is added within the communicable range. When the stored item exists in this range, the control unit 150 reduces the one-stage power supply power and instructs the information acquisition request to be transmitted again. This process is repeated to reduce the power supply in steps. As a result, there is a storage between the range that can be communicated by the power supply power when it is determined that there is no storage and the range that can be communicated by the power supply just before that (that is, the power supply power that is one step larger). You can know what to do.

  For example, first, the controller 150 sets the feed power that can excite the parasitic loop antenna 2A. When the information from the stored item is not acquired before the elapse of a predetermined time from the transmission instruction of the information acquisition request, there is no stored item with an IC tag added in the refrigerator 100. When the information from the stored item is acquired within a predetermined time, the control unit 150 reduces the feed power, can feed the parasitic loop antenna 2B, and cannot feed the parasitic loop antenna 2A. And If the information from the stored item is not acquired before the elapse of a predetermined time from the transmission instruction of the information acquisition request, the stored item to which the IC tag is added is placed on the storage shelf 73A including the parasitic loop antenna 2A. ing. In this way, the IC tag is added to any storage shelf by switching the power supply power to be small until the power supply power is reduced step by step and the lowermost storage shelf is set to a power supply that cannot be excited. It is possible to determine whether the stored item is placed.

  On the other hand, when switching to increase the feeding power, the control unit 150 causes the communication unit 110 to receive information from the stored item until a predetermined time has elapsed from the transmission instruction of the information acquisition request (that is, feeding to the feeding loop antenna 1). It is determined whether or not When information from a stored item is acquired within the predetermined time, there is a stored item to which an IC tag is added within a communicable range by electromagnetic wave radiation by the power supplied when this information acquisition request is made. It shows that. If the information from the stored item is not acquired within the predetermined time, it indicates that there is no stored item to which the IC tag is added within the communicable range. When the stored item exists within this range, the control unit 150 increases the one-stage power supply power and instructs the information acquisition request to be transmitted again. This process is repeated to increase the power supply step by step. As a result, there is a storage between the range that can be communicated with the power supply at the time when it is determined that there is no storage and the range that can be communicated with the power just before that (that is, the power that is one step smaller). You can know what to do.

  For example, first, the control unit 150 sets the parasitic loop antenna 2D to a feed power that cannot be excited. When the information from the stored information is not acquired within a predetermined time from the transmission instruction of the information acquisition request, the stored item exists on the bottom surface of the refrigerator 100, or the IC tag is added to the refrigerator 100. Things will not exist. When the information from the stored item is acquired within a predetermined time, the control unit 150 increases the feed power, can feed the parasitic loop antenna 2D, and cannot feed the parasitic loop antenna 2C. And When the information from the stored item is not acquired before the elapse of a predetermined time from the transmission instruction of the information acquisition request, the stored item to which the IC tag is added is placed on the storage shelf 73D including the parasitic loop antenna 2D. ing. In this way, the IC tag is added to any storage shelf by increasing the power supply step by step and switching the power supply power to increase until the uppermost storage shelf becomes unfeedable power supply power. It is possible to determine whether the stored item is placed.

  According to the refrigerator 100 of this embodiment, the position of a desired stored item can be reliably detected with low power. Moreover, it becomes possible to acquire the information of a stored thing simultaneously with performing a position detection.

  It should be noted that information may be transmitted / received to / from an IC tag attached to a sensor or the like instead of a stored item, and position detection may be performed or information such as a sensor may be acquired.

  Further, although not shown, a matching circuit for matching the impedance at a predetermined frequency of the parasitic loop antenna 2 instead of switching the feeding power by the control unit 150 or together with switching of the feeding power is provided as a parasitic loop antenna. 2 may be connected. Thereby, the parasitic loop antenna 2 can change the re-radiation amount of the electromagnetic wave and change the communication distance. Further, the parasitic loop antenna 2 can be invalidated.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION This invention is useful as a refrigerator, a store | warehouse | chamber, etc. which can communicate between desired storage goods etc. reliably with small electric power.

An example of an external view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention The figure which shows an example of the feed loop antenna and parasitic loop antenna of embodiment of this invention Specific example of antenna arrangement in refrigerator of embodiment of the present invention An example of an external view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention The block diagram which shows an example of the refrigerator system of embodiment of this invention The figure which shows an example of the communicable range of the refrigerator of embodiment of this invention

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Refrigerator 10 Refrigerating room 12 Water supply tank 13 Chilled room 14 Opening / closing door 15 Storage shelf 16 provided with opening / closing door Partition member 20 Freezing room 30 Vegetable room 40 Ice making room 50 Switching room 70 Case 71 Opening / closing door 72 Separation wall 73 Storage shelf 74 Case Body part 75 Case bottom part 110 Communication part 120 Power supply part 130 Memory 140 Display 150 Control part 200 IC tag 210 Communication part 220 Memory 230 Control part

Claims (12)

A housing with an open front;
An opening and closing door for opening and closing the opening of the housing;
A separation wall that pneumatically separates the space in the housing when the opening and closing door is closed;
Storage shelves installed in parallel to the separation walls in the storage chambers separated by the separation walls;
A feeding loop antenna disposed facing the casing top, the casing bottom or the separation wall;
A parasitic loop antenna disposed facing the storage shelf;
A power control unit that switches the feeding power to the feeding loop antenna in stages;
A warehouse with The storage according to claim 1,
Have multiple parasitic loop antennas,
The power control unit supplies power to the power feeding loop antenna,
From the first feeding power that generates an induced current in the first parasitic loop antenna by the electromagnetic wave from the feeding loop antenna,
An electromagnetic current from the feed loop antenna does not generate an induced current in the first parasitic loop antenna, and the feed loop antenna is more than a distance between the feed loop antenna and the first parasitic loop antenna. A storage that switches to a second feed power that generates an induced current in a second parasitic loop antenna with a short distance. The storage according to claim 1,
Have multiple parasitic loop antennas,
The power control unit supplies power to the power feeding loop antenna,
An electromagnetic current from the feed loop antenna generates an induced current in the third parasitic loop antenna, and the distance between the feed loop antenna and the feed loop antenna is greater than the distance between the feed loop antenna and the third parasitic loop antenna. From the third feeding power that does not generate an induced current in the long fourth parasitic loop antenna,
A storage that switches to a fourth feeding power that generates an induced current in the fourth parasitic loop antenna by electromagnetic waves from the feeding loop antenna. The storage according to claim 1,
The power control unit is configured to generate a fifth feeding power that generates an induced current in the parasitic loop antenna by an electromagnetic wave from the feeding loop antenna as a feeding power to the feeding loop antenna, and an induction in the parasitic loop antenna. A storage that switches between the sixth feeding power that does not generate current. The storage according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising:
A storage having a timing control unit that controls timing of feeding power to the feeding loop antenna. The storage according to claim 5, further comprising:
Having an operation unit for receiving predetermined operation inputs;
The timing control unit feeds power to the feeding loop antenna when an operation is input by the operation unit. The storage according to claim 5, further comprising:
An open / close detector for detecting an open / closed state of the predetermined storage chamber;
When the timing control unit detects that the open / close detection unit has changed from an open state to a closed state, the timing control unit supplies power to the feeding loop antenna. The storage according to claim 5, further comprising:
The timing controller periodically feeds power to the feeding loop antenna. The storage according to claim 2,
The power control unit reduces power supplied to the power supply loop antenna when predetermined information is acquired before a predetermined time elapses after power is supplied to the power supply loop antenna. The storage according to claim 3,
The power control unit increases the power supplied to the power supply loop antenna when the predetermined information is not acquired until a predetermined time elapses after power is supplied to the power supply loop antenna. The storage of claim 1, further comprising:
A storage that is connected to the parasitic loop antenna and includes a matching circuit for matching impedance of the parasitic loop antenna at a predetermined frequency. A housing with an open front;
An opening and closing door for opening and closing the opening of the housing;
A separation wall that pneumatically separates the space in the housing when the opening and closing door is closed;
A storage comprising a storage shelf installed in parallel to the separation wall in the storage chambers separated by the separation wall,
A plurality of parasitic loop antennas are provided so that a surface surrounded by the feeding loop antenna and a surface surrounded by the parasitic loop antenna are substantially parallel,
A storage formed by arranging the feeding loop antennas and the parasitic loop antennas to have different distances.

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