JP2010044565A - Ic tag - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an IC tag with good operability which hardly causes any deterioration in transmission output of the tag when an operation button is operated even when the tag is worn on a user's body. <P>SOLUTION: The IC tag is provided with a thin plate state body 12 and the body 12 is provided with a memory means 42 in which initial data for information processing is stored and a fixed command processing means 44a for carrying out prescribed information processing according to a command which is set beforehand. In addition, more than one manual type switches SW1, SW2 arranged on one of the surfaces of the body 12 and an arbitrary command processing means 44b for carrying out prescribed information processing according to the command which is given at an arbitrary timing by operations of the switches SW1, SW2 are provided. The IC tag is also provided with a radio transmission means 46 for emitting the information processing results in the fixed command processing means 44a and the arbitrary command processing means 44b as electric waves and a battery 16 for supplying power to an electronic circuit inside. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an IC tag using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology, and more particularly to a multi-function IC tag to which a function instructed by a switch operation is added.

  An IC tag using RFID technology embeds ID information or the like in a tag body, and exchanges information by wireless communication using radio waves or other electromagnetic waves. In addition, the battery built-in type active tag is capable of emitting electromagnetic waves and radio waves by itself, so it can take a relatively long communication distance, regularly transmits information, and has a built-in sensor. Functions such as sending information when changes are observed can be provided. Such an IC tag is applied to, for example, an entrance / exit management system where only a specific person is allowed to enter a room, a location management system for grasping the location of a specific person, and the like.

Conventionally, as an IC tag used in this type of system, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is an IC tag device that can be wirelessly added to an object, and includes predetermined function information and ID information. There is an IC tag device provided with storage means for storing tag information including, processing execution means for executing predetermined processing in response to an input command, and a switch for generating the command when operated. In addition, this IC tag device is built in a thin rectangular parallelepiped identification card, and is attached to the user's clothes, etc. by a safety pin provided on the top of the identification card. The usage example arrange | positioned on the surface which does not contact | connect (the front surface and side edge surface of an identification card) is described.
JP 2007-193735 A

  In general, when radio waves are radiated toward the human body, a part of the radio waves is absorbed by the human body and consumed as heat. Therefore, when the IC tag device is used in the form of the identification tag described in Patent Document 1, the IC tag device emits radio waves at a position very close to the user's body, and the transmitted radio waves are weakened by the influence of the human body. There was a problem. In particular, since the pushbutton type operation switch is arranged on the front side of the above ID card, when the user holds the ID card on the chest with a safety pin and presses the operation switch with a finger, the ID card The radio waves transmitted to the IC tag device are absorbed by the human body and the radio waves are attenuated, and normal communication may not be possible depending on the position of the receiver.

  In order to avoid the above problem, a method of setting the radio wave transmission intensity to a high value in advance may be considered, but there is a problem that the power consumption of the internal electronic circuit increases and the battery is consumed in a short time. In addition, a method of setting a plurality of wireless means and setting each of the operation switch functions and performance suitable for each usage mode (for example, frequency band, directivity, etc.) is conceivable, but the tag size and weight are hindered, It is not a fundamental measure.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described background art, and provides an IC tag with good operability, in which the output of the tag is less likely to be lowered when the operation button is operated even when attached to the user's body. The purpose is to do.

  The present invention is an IC tag that is mounted on a user's body and wirelessly transmits necessary information to a management device including a receiver, and includes a thin plate-shaped main body, and the main body includes information processing. Memory means in which initial data is stored, predetermined instruction processing means for performing predetermined information processing in accordance with a preset instruction, one or more manual switches disposed on one surface of the main body, Arbitrary command processing means for performing predetermined information processing in accordance with a command given at an arbitrary timing by operation of the switch, wireless transmission means for transmitting information processing results of the predetermined command processing means and the arbitrary command processing means as radio waves, And a power supply unit for supplying power to the electronic circuit. And when the said main body is mounted | worn with a user's body, it is an IC tag mounted | worn with the surface provided with the said switch facing the body side.

  The power supply unit includes power supply voltage detection means for detecting a power supply voltage supplied to the electronic circuit, and the predetermined command processing means is configured to detect when the detected voltage measured by the power supply voltage detection means is less than a reference value. The IC tag performs information processing so that an electromagnetic wave indicating that is transmitted from the wireless transmission means.

  Further, the main body is an IC tag provided with a hanging portion for attaching a string-like member for lowering from a user's neck.

  Further, the display unit on the front side of the main body is provided with a transparent panel, and an IC tag in which an accommodating part for storing a name tag or the like on which a user's identification is displayed is formed between the transparent panel and the main body. is there.

  According to the IC tag of the present invention, since the operation switch is arranged on the back side (the user's body side) of the main body, the user unconsciously uses the IC tag when transmitting information by operating the switch. Since the operation is performed such that the radio wave is separated from the body, the rate at which radio waves are absorbed by the human body can be suppressed.

  Further, by providing the power supply voltage detection means and the like, the administrator can grasp the deterioration of the battery, so that it is possible to take measures such as replacing the battery before the IC tag becomes inoperable.

  In addition, if a strap is attached to the hanging part provided on the main body of the IC tag and it is used by suspending it from the user's neck, the switch can be operated naturally, and also when the switch is not used. Does not interfere with user actions.

  In addition, by providing a transparent panel on the surface opposite to the surface where the switch is mounted, the user's name tag, etc. can be accommodated inside the transparent panel so that it can be worn by a third party. Since it can, it can be used as an identification card and is convenient.

  Hereinafter, an IC tag 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The IC tag 10 is used by a user hanging on a neck with a string or the like, and has an outer shape of a thin plate of almost a business card size. When viewed from the back side in contact with the user's body, the main body 12 is entirely covered with a back cover 14 as shown in FIG. A disc-shaped battery 16 is accommodated in a slightly lower part of the main body 12, and a battery cover 18 that covers the accommodating portion is attached flush with the back cover 14 and fixed to the main body 12 by screws 20. . A power switch 22 for turning on / off the power supply from the battery 16 to a substrate 24 described later in the main body 12 is provided at a lower portion of the left end of the main body 12.

  Push button type switches SW1 and SW2 which are operated by the user himself and give predetermined commands to the board 24 at arbitrary timings are attached to the right side and the upper side of the main body 12 and the pressed portion is the back cover 14. It is exposed from the through-hole formed in. The pressing portions of the switches SW1 and SW2 are arranged at locations where the user can naturally press the main body 12 with his / her fingertip with his / her thumb. Further, a light emitting diode LED1 for indicating that power is supplied to the substrate 24 is attached in the vicinity of the switches SW1 and SW2, and a light emitting portion is exposed from a through hole formed in the back cover 14.

  Further, a label 26 is attached so as to surround the peripheral regions of the switches SW1 and SW2 and the light emitting diode LED1. The label 26 is a nameplate on which a product type name, characters indicating the switches SW1 and SW2, and the like are written. The design of the label 26 is preferably a color / pattern different from that of the back cover 14 and the like in order to alert the user to the switches SW1 and SW2 and the light emitting diode LED1.

  A semicircular cutout 28 is provided at the center of the right end of the back cover 14. This notch 28 is for making it easy to pick the end of the name tag 32 with a finger when a name tag 32 which is a sheet-like display piece to be inserted inside a transparent panel 30 described later is put in and out.

  A hanging part 34 for attaching a string or the like for the user to hang the main body 12 from the neck extends in an arc shape at the center of the upper end of the main body 12. In the center of the hanging part 34, a through hole 34a through which a string or the like (not shown) is inserted is formed. In addition, the hanging part 34 may have another structure that can be coupled to, for example, a clip or a hook attached to a string or the like.

  When the main body 12 is viewed from the front side that does not come into contact with the user's body, as shown in FIG. 2, a front cover 36 having a substantially rectangular shape and substantially the same outer shape as the back cover 14 is provided. A transparent panel 30 made of acrylic or the like is attached so as to cover the entire surface. The transparent panel 30 has three sides except for one side at the left end fixed to the front cover, and one side of the left end is opened to form a housing portion 38. A notch 40 having the same shape is provided at the left end of the front cover 36 at a position facing the notch 28 of the back cover 14.

  A sheet-like name tag 32 displaying the company name, the name of the user, the affiliation, and the like is inserted into the accommodating portion 38 in the gap between the front cover 36 and the transparent panel 30 and is held between the front cover 36 and the transparent panel 30. ing. As a result, the user's name or the like written on the name tag 32 is visually recognized by a third party through the transparent panel 30, and the IC tag 10 can also have a function of name tag and identification card.

  Next, the internal structure of the main body 12 is shown in FIG. A substrate 24 is incorporated so as to be sandwiched between the front cover 36 and the back cover 14 from the upper end to the center of the main body 12. Further, the battery 16 is accommodated so as to be sandwiched between the front cover 36 and the battery cover 18 from the center to the lower end of the main body 12. On the substrate 24, switches SW1 and SW2, the light emitting diode LED1, and other electronic components are mounted, and a predetermined electronic circuit is configured.

  Hereinafter, the electrical functions of the substrate 24 will be described with reference to FIG. The substrate 24 includes a power supply unit 40 that supplies power to the entire electronic circuit, a memory unit 42 that stores initial data for information processing, and a predetermined command processing unit 44a that performs predetermined information processing operations in accordance with preset commands. An arbitrary command processing means 44b for performing a predetermined information processing operation in accordance with an instruction given at an arbitrary timing by operating the switches SW1 and SW2, and a wireless transmission means 46 for transmitting the processing results of the processing means 44a and 44b as radio waves. It has.

  The power supply unit 40 includes a battery 16, a power switch 22, a light emitting diode LED 1, and a power supply voltage detection unit 48. The battery 16 supplies power to the entire electronic circuit via a power switch 22 connected in series. The power supply voltage detection means 48 monitors and measures the voltage at the output terminal of the power switch 22, and transmits the power supply voltage information to the predetermined command processing means 44a. The light emitting diode LED1 is connected to the output terminal of the power switch 22, and when power is supplied, current flows and emits light.

  In the memory means 42, various information that can be transmitted by the IC tag 10 is written in advance. For example, ID information for identifying the user, information for identifying the state of the user's action, information for identifying the state of the power supply voltage, and the like.

  The predetermined instruction processing unit 44 a and the arbitrary instruction processing unit 44 b are configured by one microprocessor 44. The predetermined command processing unit 44 a has a function of periodically reading ID information for identifying the user from the memory unit 42 and periodically transmitting the ID information to the wireless transmission unit 46. Further, as another function, the power supply voltage information is taken from the power supply voltage detecting means 48, and when it is determined to be normal, information indicating that the power supply is normal is stored, and when it is determined that it is abnormal, information indicating a voltage value abnormality is stored in the memory. A function of reading from the means 42 and transmitting to the wireless transmission means 46 is also provided. That is, the predetermined command processing means 44a performs a predetermined information processing operation according to one or more preset commands.

  On the other hand, the arbitrary command processing means 44b performs an information processing operation according to a command given at an arbitrary timing according to the intention of the user. That is, when the user operates the switch SW1, the arbitrary command processing unit 44b reads out information corresponding to the switch SW1 indicating the user's intention from the memory unit 42 and transmits the information to the wireless transmission unit 46. Also, when the switch SW2 is operated, the information corresponding to the switch SW2 indicating the user's intention is read from the memory means 42 and transmitted to the wireless transmission means 46 as in the case of the switch 1. Specific operations of the predetermined command processing unit 44a and the arbitrary command processing unit 44b will be described in detail in the description of the management system using the IC tag 10 later.

  The wireless transmission means 46 includes, for example, an oscillator 46a, a mixer 46e, a transmission amplifier 46b, a filter 46c, and a transmission antenna 46d. Digital signals such as ID information sent from the predetermined command processing means 44a and the arbitrary command processing means 44b are digitally modulated by an oscillator 46a and a mixer 46e. As a modulation method, for example, amplitude shift keying (ASK) in which the amplitude of a sinusoidal carrier wave generated by the oscillator 46a is changed in accordance with the digital signal, and further amplified by the transmission amplifier 46b and ASK modulated. Generate a signal. The ASK modulated signal is sent to the transmission antenna 46d through the filter 46c and transmitted as a radio wave. Amplitude shift modulation is merely an example of a modulation method, and transfer shift modulation, frequency shift modulation, and other modulation methods are appropriately selected according to the environment in which various management systems are installed and the nature of radio waves to be handled. .

  As described above, the electronic circuit integrally formed on the substrate 24 wirelessly transmits arbitrary information selected by a user's switch operation in addition to the function of transmitting ID information and the like according to a preset command. It has a function to do. Then, the wireless transmission of the processing results of the respective functions is performed by one wireless transmission means 46. As a result, the circuit configuration of the IC tag can be simplified, and the entire apparatus can be reduced in size and weight while being multifunctional. In addition, since the power consumption of the internal electronic circuit can be reduced, the power supply unit can be configured with a small battery.

  Next, as an example of a system using the multi-functionality of the IC tag 10, a parking lot gate management system 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. The parking gate management system 50 is a system that manages the closing / opening of the gate 52 based on the ID information transmitted by the IC tag 10 worn by the driver of the car. As shown in FIG. , A gate control unit 56 connected to the server 54 via a LAN, and a receiver 58 including a receiving antenna AN and a receiver main body 58a.

  The operation of the IC tag 10 is expressed as shown in FIG. First, when the power switch 22 is turned on to activate an internal electronic circuit, the IC tag 10 transmits driver identification ID information at regular time intervals in accordance with a command from the predetermined command processing means 44a. This operation is continued until the driver operates the switch SW1 of the IC tag. When the driver stops the vehicle immediately before the gate 52 and operates the switch SW1, the IC tag 10 obtains the driver identification ID information and the gate opening request information for a predetermined period by the information processing operation of the arbitrary command processing means 44b. Send continuously.

  The parking lot gate management system 50 receives each piece of information transmitted by the IC tag 10 by the receiver 58 and performs the operation shown in FIG. First, the gate control unit 56 collates whether the received ID information includes gate opening request information. When it is not included, the reception operation is continued as it is. On the other hand, when the gate opening request information is included, the driver identification ID received at the same time is checked against the identification ID of the passer registered in the server 54, and the driver is determined to be the passer. Then, the gate 52 is opened to allow the automobile to pass through. Otherwise, the gate 52 is not opened. Then, the history is recorded in the server 54, and the entire operation is completed.

  For example, when the automobile stops just before the gate 52, the reception antenna AN is attached to a position slightly forward when viewed from the driver. Accordingly, when the driver requests the opening of the gate 52, the driver grasps the IC tag 10 provided from the neck with the finger of the right hand, unconsciously moves away from the body toward the receiving antenna AN, and the back side of the IC tag 10 Since the switch SW1 is operated, the transmitted radio wave is not absorbed by the human body and the intensity of the radio wave is not weakened.

  Next, an emergency call management system 60, which is another example of a system using the IC tag 10, will be described with reference to FIGS. The emergency call management system 60 can be used as a name tag or ID identification mark of organizations of various corporations or other groups. In particular, this emergency call management system is, for example, a nursing care living in a nursing home facility. This is effective for emergency calls when a person wears the IC tag 10 and uses it. That is, it is a system that manages the whereabouts and situations of the care recipient based on the ID information transmitted by the IC tag 10.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the receiver 58 is a receiver main body that collects reception antennas AN (1) to AN (n) provided for each of n rooms in the facility and signals received by the respective reception antennas. 58a. A server 54 installed in the management center is connected to the receiver main body 58a so as to communicate with the LAN.

  The operation of the IC tag 10 is as shown in the flowchart of FIG. The care recipient identification ID information is transmitted at intervals. This operation is continued until the care recipient operates the switch SW2 of the IC tag, and the location of the care recipient is recognized on the server 54 side. Then, when any inconvenience occurs in the care recipient and when it is desired to call the caregiver or the like, when the switch SW2 is operated, the IC tag 10 is processed by the information processing operation of the arbitrary command processing means 44b. The identification ID information and the emergency call information are transmitted continuously for a predetermined period.

  The emergency call management system 60 receives each ID information and the like transmitted by the IC tag 10 by the receiver 58, and performs the operation of the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the server 54 confirms the care recipient identification ID and identifies the care recipient. Furthermore, it is confirmed by which receiving antenna the ID information is received, and the whereabouts of the care recipient is specified. Then, the server 54 checks whether the received information includes emergency call information. When it is not included, information such as the care recipient and whereabouts is recorded in the server 54 as a history. On the other hand, when the emergency call information is included, a buzzer or a light emitting device (not shown) is operated to notify the caregiver of the care recipient who made the emergency call and its whereabouts. At the same time, the emergency call history is recorded in the server 54.

  Note that the receiving antennas AN (1) to AN (n) are attached to easily visible places near the ceiling of each room. Therefore, when a care recipient needs to make an emergency call, he picks the IC tag 10 from his neck with his right finger and unconsciously moves the switch SW2 toward the receiving antenna AN. Radio waves are not absorbed by the human body and the strength of the radio waves is not reduced.

  Further, the IC tag 10 has a function of transmitting the battery replacement request ID information before the voltage of the battery 16 is lowered to a voltage at which the electronic circuit cannot operate normally by the operation of the power supply voltage detection means 48 and the predetermined command processing means 44a. Therefore, when the battery replacement request information is confirmed by the server 54, it is easy to add a system that informs the caregiver of the fact.

  The IC tag of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and the number and contents of functions set in the default command processing means and the arbitrary command processing means are the purposes of various management systems using IC tags. It can be freely set according to the mode.

  The number of switches can be set arbitrarily, and the type is preferably a push button type switch. However, as long as it is easy to operate with a finger, it may be a slide type, seesaw type or other type of switch. Good.

  Furthermore, the body shape of the IC tag and the attachment position of the hanging portion can be freely set. For example, a hanging portion is provided on the short side of the business card-like body to hang it vertically. It may be a size or other external shape.

It is a rear view which shows the external appearance of the IC tag which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the external appearance of the IC tag of this embodiment. It is AA sectional drawing of FIG. 2 which shows the internal structure of the IC tag of this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical function of the electronic circuit comprised on the board | substrate of this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the parking lot gate management system using the IC tag of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the IC tag used for the parking lot gate management system of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the parking lot gate management system of this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the emergency call management system using the IC tag of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the IC tag used for the emergency call management system of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the emergency call management system of this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 IC tag 12 Main body 16 Battery 24 Board | substrate 30 Transparent panel 34 Suspension part 40 Power supply part 42 Memory means 44 Microprocessor 44a Predetermined command processing means 44b Arbitrary command processing means 46 Wireless transmission means 48 Power supply voltage detection means SW1, SW2 Switch

Claims (4)

In an IC tag that is mounted on a user's body and wirelessly transmits necessary information to a management device equipped with a receiver, and a predetermined display unit is provided on the front side,
A thin plate-shaped main body includes a memory means in which initial data for information processing is stored, a default command processing means for performing predetermined information processing according to a preset command, and a rear side of the main body. An arranged manual switch, arbitrary command processing means for performing predetermined information processing by operating the switch, and each information processing result by the predetermined command processing means and the arbitrary command processing means are transmitted via radio waves. An IC tag, comprising: a wireless transmission unit; and a power supply unit that supplies power to an internal electronic circuit.   The power supply unit includes power supply voltage detection means for detecting a power supply voltage supplied to the electronic circuit, and the predetermined command processing means is configured such that when the detected voltage measured by the power supply voltage detection means is below a reference value, 2. The IC tag according to claim 1, wherein information processing is performed so that a radio wave indicating the effect is transmitted from the wireless transmission means.   3. The IC tag according to claim 1, wherein a suspending portion for attaching a string-like member to be lowered from a user's neck is provided on the main body. The display unit on the front side of the main body is provided with a transparent panel, and a storage unit is formed between the transparent panel and the main body to store a sheet-like display piece showing a user's identification display. The IC tag according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that:

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