JP2010079330A - Radio tag communication equipment and radio tag communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To smoothly transmit and receive information to and from a radio tag circuit element even when the block size of the IC circuit part of a radio tag circuit element as the object of communication is not clear. <P>SOLUTION: A reader/writer 1 includes: a device antenna 13 for performing radio communication with a radio tag circuit element To and configured to generate one block reading command for acquiring information stored in one block of the memory of an IC circuit part 150, to transmit the generated one block reading command through a device antenna 13 by radio communication to a radio tag circuit element To, to receive the storage data of one block transmitted from the radio tag circuit element To in response to the transmitted one block reading command, to detect the data length of the received storage data of one block, and to calculate the number of bytes configuring one block on the basis of the detected data length. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a wireless tag communication device that performs communication with a wireless tag that can transmit and receive information to and from the outside, and a wireless tag communication system using the wireless tag communication device.

  It is widely performed to provide a small wireless tag capable of transmitting / receiving information to / from an external object to search and manage the object. The wireless tag circuit element provided in the wireless tag includes an IC circuit unit that stores information and a tag antenna that transmits and receives information, and can transmit and receive information without contact with the wireless tag communication device. Identification information (identifier) is attached to each wireless tag circuit element, and the wireless tag circuit element that receives the inquiry signal from the wireless tag communication device sends a response signal including the identification information to the wireless tag communication device. Reply.

  Here, several standards have already been proposed for the RFID circuit elements. In each standard, updating of information in the IC circuit unit is allowed only in units of blocks. For this reason, it is necessary to manage the internal memory of the IC circuit unit in units of blocks and to read and write information from the RFID tag communication apparatus using commands corresponding to the units of blocks.

  At present, there are a plurality of types of memory bytes constituting one block in the IC circuit unit. For example, one block includes a 4-byte wireless tag and an 8-byte wireless tag. Therefore, for example, a technique described in Patent Document 1 has already been proposed as a conventional technique that can cope with the number of bytes of a plurality of types of memories.

In this prior art, the number of bytes in one block of the memory of the IC circuit unit of the RFID tag circuit element to be used is registered in advance in the block size holding unit. When reading information (or writing information) to the IC circuit portion of the wireless tag circuit element, the wireless tag is referred to by referring to the number of bytes per block registered in the block size holding portion and using a corresponding inquiry signal or the like. The circuit element is accessed.
JP 2007-94887 A

  In the above prior art, when there are a plurality of types of RFID tag circuit elements in which the number of bytes per block of the IC circuit unit is known, the mode of the command is changed according to the number of bytes per block (registered) in each type. By switching, information can be smoothly transmitted / received to / from any type of RFID tag circuit element. However, no consideration is given to the case where the number of bytes per block of the IC circuit unit is unknown in advance. Therefore, in such a case, it has been difficult to smoothly transmit / receive information to / from the RFID tag circuit element.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a wireless tag communication device and a wireless tag capable of smoothly transmitting / receiving information to / from the wireless tag circuit element even when the block size of the IC circuit portion of the wireless tag circuit element to be communicated is unknown It is to provide a communication system.

  In order to achieve the above object, the first invention provides an IC antenna for storing information, a device antenna for performing wireless communication with a RFID circuit element having a tag antenna for transmitting and receiving information, and the IC circuit. Command generating means for generating a one-block reading command for acquiring information stored in one block of the memory of the memory, and the one-block reading command generated by the command generating means by the wireless communication via the device antenna Command transmitting means for transmitting to the RFID circuit element; and information receiving means for receiving the storage data of the one block transmitted from the RFID circuit element in response to the one-block reading command transmitted from the command transmitting means; First data length detecting means for detecting a data length of the storage data of the one block received by the information receiving means; Based on the data length detected by the length detecting means, and having a first block size calculating means for calculating the number of bytes constituting the block.

  In the RFID tag communication apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the command transmission means transmits the one-block reading command generated by the command generation means to the RFID circuit element via the device antenna. As a result, the RFID circuit element that has received the one-block read command returns the information data stored in one block of the memory of the IC circuit section as a response signal, so that the information receiving means receives the one block of stored data. . Then, the first data length detection means detects the data length of the stored data, and based on the detected data length, the first block size calculation means uses the number of bytes constituting one block of the memory of the IC circuit unit ( = Block size) can be calculated.

  As described above, in the first invention of the present application, even if the block size of the IC circuit portion of the RFID tag circuit element to be communicated is unknown, it is simple only by transmitting a one-block read command. The block size can be calculated by this method. As a result, information transmission / reception from the apparatus side to the RFID circuit element can be facilitated.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the first write data for generating write data to be written to the IC circuit unit in a mode corresponding to the number of bytes of the one block calculated by the first block size calculating unit. And a write data transmitting unit configured to transmit the write data generated by the first write data generating unit to the RFID circuit element by wireless communication via the device antenna.

  In the second invention of the present application, the block size of the IC circuit portion of the RFID circuit element is calculated in advance as described above, and write data is generated and transmitted in a mode corresponding to the size (number of bytes). As a result, inconveniences such as a write error can be prevented and smooth writing can be reliably performed.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, when an operation means operable by an operator and a writing operation for writing predetermined information to the RFID circuit element are performed by the operating means, the predetermined information is stored in the predetermined information. Prior to the transmission of the corresponding write data, the one-block read command is generated and transmitted to the RFID circuit element, and the number of bytes constituting one block is calculated based on the data length of the storage data of the one block. The command generation means, the command transmission means, the information reception means, the first data length detection means, the first block size calculation means, the first write data generation means, and the write data transmission means And having a first cooperation control means for controlling.

  In the third invention of the present application, when the operator performs a writing operation of predetermined information, the block size of the IC circuit portion of the RFID circuit element is automatically detected in advance under the control of the first cooperation control means. Thereafter, information writing is performed. That is, the operator only needs to perform an information writing operation (no special operation for block size detection is required). As a result, smooth writing can be surely performed while preventing an increase in the burden of operation labor, and convenience can be improved.

  In order to achieve the above object, a fourth aspect of the invention relates to a wireless tag communication device having an apparatus antenna for performing wireless communication with a wireless tag circuit element having an IC circuit unit for storing information and a tag antenna for transmitting and receiving information. A wireless tag communication system having an operation terminal connected to the wireless tag communication device and capable of operating the wireless tag communication device, wherein the wireless tag communication device is stored in one block of a memory of the IC circuit unit A command generating means for generating a one-block reading command for obtaining the received information, and the one-block reading command generated by the command generating means is transmitted to the RFID circuit element by radio communication via the device antenna. A command transmission means, and the RFID tag circuit element transmitted in response to the one-block read command transmitted from the command transmission means; A second data length for detecting a data length of the one block of storage data received by the information receiving unit of the RFID tag communication device. It has a detection means and a second block size calculation means for calculating the number of bytes constituting the one block based on the data length detected by the second data length detection means.

  The wireless tag communication system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention includes a wireless tag communication device and an operation terminal. The one-block reading command generated by the command generating unit of the wireless tag communication device is transmitted to the wireless tag circuit element via the device antenna by the command transmitting unit. As a result, the RFID circuit element that has received the one-block read command returns the information data stored in one block of the memory of the IC circuit section as a response signal. Receive stored data. Then, in the operation terminal, the second data length detecting unit detects the data length of the stored data, and based on the detected data length, the second block size calculating unit selects one block of the memory of the IC circuit unit. The number of bytes (= block size) can be calculated.

  As described above, in the fourth invention of the present application, even if the block size of the IC circuit unit of the RFID tag circuit element to be communicated is unknown, it is simple only by transmitting a one-block reading command. The block size can be calculated by this method. As a result, information transmission / reception between the RFID tag communication device and the RFID tag circuit element can be facilitated.

  According to a fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect, the operation terminal is configured to write to the IC circuit unit in a mode corresponding to the number of bytes of the one block calculated by the second block size calculation unit of the operation terminal. A second write data generation unit configured to generate write data, wherein the RFID tag communication device transmits the write data generated by the second write data generation unit by wireless communication via the device antenna; Write data transmitting means for transmitting to

  In the fifth invention of the present application, the block size of the IC circuit portion of the RFID tag circuit element is calculated in advance in the operation terminal as described above, and write data is generated in a manner corresponding to the size (number of bytes) to perform RFID tag communication. Send from the device. As a result, inconveniences such as a write error can be prevented and smooth writing can be reliably performed.

  In a sixth aspect of the present invention based on the fifth aspect, when the operator performs a write operation for writing predetermined information in the RFID circuit element in the operation terminal, the write data corresponding to the predetermined information is transmitted. Prior to the generation, the RFID tag communication device generates the one-block read command and transmits it to the RFID circuit element, and calculates the number of bytes constituting one block based on the data length of the storage data of the one block. The command generation means, the command transmission means, the information reception means, and the write data transmission means, the second data length detection means of the operation terminal, the second block size calculation means, and the second It has the 2nd cooperation control means which controls write data generation means in cooperation.

  In the sixth invention of this application, when the operator performs a writing operation of predetermined information on the operation terminal, the block size of the IC circuit portion of the RFID circuit element is automatically detected in advance by the control of the second cooperation control means. After being performed, information writing is performed. That is, the operator only needs to perform an information writing operation (no special operation for block size detection is required). As a result, smooth writing can be surely performed while preventing an increase in the burden of operation labor, and convenience can be improved.

  According to the present invention, even when the block size of the IC circuit portion of the RFID tag circuit element to be communicated is unknown, information can be smoothly transmitted / received to / from the RFID tag circuit element.

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

  FIG. 1 shows an external structure of a reader / writer 1 that is a wireless tag communication apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the lid 4 of the reader / writer 1 is removed (in order to prevent complication, the illustration of the cable 6 is omitted in FIG. 2).

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the reader / writer 1 includes a small casing 2 that constitutes the outer shell of the device, and is configured so that the user can use it by placing (fixing) it on an appropriate installation surface. (It is also possible to use the case 2 by gripping the case 2 with the hand placed on the installation surface).

  The housing 2 includes a rectangular shallow dish-shaped lower case 3 whose front end is open in the width direction, and a rectangular flat plate-shaped lid 4 attached on the lower case 3. In the housing 2, a control board 12 and a device antenna 13 electrically connected to the control board 12 are provided. The control board 12 is a rectangular electronic circuit board on which an electronic circuit such as a high-frequency circuit 131 (see FIG. 3 described later) is mounted.

  The device antenna 13 is a rectangular plate provided so that the antenna conductor 13a forms a rectangular loop coil, and is installed in parallel with the control board 12 at a height above the control board 12.

  The cable 6 drawn from the outside of the housing 2 includes a connector 15 (see FIG. 3 to be described later) provided at the front end thereof and a board-side connector 135 (to be described later) provided at the left side of the rear side of the control board 12. It is connected to the control board 12 via FIG.

  FIG. 3 shows a functional configuration of the wireless tag communication system of the present embodiment. In addition, the arrow shown in a figure shows an example of the flow of a signal, and does not limit the flow direction of a signal.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the RFID tag communication system S includes a reader / writer 1 having a device antenna 13 and a server 140 (operation terminal) connected to the reader / writer 1 and capable of operating the reader / writer 1. ing.

  The reader / writer 1 is provided in the housing 2 with the control board 12 and the RFID circuit element To that is a communication target (for example, provided in a wireless tag (not shown) including a wireless tag label or a wireless tag card). And the device antenna 13 for transmitting and receiving information by wireless communication. The wireless tag circuit element To includes an IC circuit unit 150 that stores information and a tag antenna 151 that transmits and receives information. The control antenna 12 accesses the IC circuit unit 150 by wireless communication via the tag antenna 151 of the RFID circuit element To by the device antenna 13 and processes a signal read from the RFID circuit element To. The high-frequency circuit 131 and the board-side connector 135 are provided. The other end of the cable 6 is connected to the server 140, and the reader / writer 1 is supplied with power from the server 140 via the cable 6.

  The server 140 includes an interface unit 142 that controls communication with the reader / writer 1 via the cable 6, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 144, a storage unit 146 made of, for example, RAM or ROM, and operations for performing various operation inputs. Part 148.

  The CPU 144 performs signal processing according to a program stored in advance in the ROM while using the temporary storage function of the RAM, detects the RFID circuit element To, reads and writes the RFID tag information stored therein, and further supports Management processing of information to be performed is performed.

  The RFID circuit element To is connected to the tag antenna 151 that transmits and receives signals without contact with the device antenna 13 of the reader / writer 1 as described above, and the predetermined tag received by the tag antenna 151 is connected to the tag antenna 151. The IC circuit unit 150 includes a memory unit (memory) 155 that can store an information signal.

  Here, the greatest feature of the present embodiment is that the data length of the stored data in the IC circuit unit 150 is detected from the response content of the RFID circuit element To to the reader / writer 1, and 1 of the memory unit 155 is based on the data length. It is to calculate the number of bytes constituting the block. Hereinafter, the details will be sequentially described. In the present embodiment, a case where reading and writing are performed with respect to the RFID circuit element To conforming to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) International Standard (ISO) 15693 will be described as an example. The present invention is not limited to reading and writing with respect to the RFID tag circuit element To compliant with the standard.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of a time chart of signals transmitted and received among the server 140, the reader / writer 1, and the RFID circuit element To in the present embodiment. In this example, as a typical example in which it is effective to calculate the number of bytes constituting one block of the memory unit 155, a case where desired data is written to the IC circuit unit 150 will be described as an example.

  In the figure, the time series changes from left to right. An arrow written between the server 140 and the reader / writer 1 indicates the output direction of the signal via the cable 6, and an arrow written between the reader / writer 1 and the RFID circuit element To. Indicates the direction of signal transmission by wireless communication. In addition, when the transmission partner is unspecified between the reader / writer 1 and the RFID circuit element To, it is indicated by a broken line, and when the transmission partner is specified, it is indicated by a solid line.

  In FIG. 4, the server 140 first writes data to the RFID circuit element To (hereinafter referred to as “initial data” where appropriate. In this example, the total number of initial data D = 18). [Byte] is output. Then, the reader / writer 1 receiving this write instruction signal transmits an inventory command (see FIG. 5A described later) as an inquiry signal to the RFID circuit element To.

  FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating an example of a frame configuration of the inventory command transmitted from the reader / writer 1 to the RFID circuit element To. As shown in FIG. 5A, this frame includes “SOF”, “flag”, “inventory”, “option AFI”, “mask length”, “mask value”, “CRC16”, and “EOF” in order. It consists of each part. Each byte shown in each grid in the figure represents the data amount of the corresponding data string. For example, in FIG. 5A, “flag” is 1 byte, “inventory” is 1 byte, “option AFI” is 1 byte, “mask length” is 1 byte, “mask value” is 2 bytes, and “CRC16”. Contains a data amount of 2 bytes.

  “SOF” (Start Of Frame) is a code (data string) indicating the start of a frame. The “flag” is a code for setting an operation. “Inventory” is a command code for acquiring “UID” described later from the RFID circuit element To. “Option AFI” (Option Application Family Identifier) is a code representing the type of the set application.

  The “mask length” is a code that represents the data length of a “mask value” described later in bits. “Mask value” is a code representing a mask value of data. “CRC16” (Cyclic Redundancy Check16) is an error detection code for detecting whether data is correctly transferred. “EOF” (End Of Frame) is a code representing the end of a frame.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the RFID circuit element To that has received this inventory command has a response corresponding to the inventory command and includes “UID” as tag identification information (= response signal; FIG. 5B described later). )) Is transmitted to the reader / writer 1 (only one RFID circuit element To is shown in the figure).

  FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a response frame transmitted from the RFID circuit element To in response to the inventory command. As shown in FIG. 5B, this frame is composed of “SOF”, “flag”, “DSFID”, “UID”, “CRC16”, and “EOF” in order. In this example, the “flag” includes 1 byte, “DSFID” includes 1 byte, “UID” includes 8 bytes, and “CRC16” includes 2 bytes of data.

  “DSFID” (Data Storage Format Identifier) is a code representing data configuration information in the memory unit 155 of the RFID circuit element To. “UID” (Unique Identifier) is a code representing unique identification information (tag ID) of the RFID circuit element To.

  Returning to FIG. 4 again, when the response including “UID” transmitted from the RFID circuit element To as described above is received, the reader / writer 1 is stored in one block of the memory unit 155 of the RFID circuit element To. A single block read command (= 1 block read command; see FIG. 6A described later) for acquiring the stored data is generated. Then, the generated single block read command is transmitted to the RFID circuit element To.

  FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an example of a frame configuration of the single block read command transmitted from the reader / writer 1 to the RFID circuit element To. As shown in FIG. 6 (a), this frame is composed of “SOF”, “flag”, “single block read”, “UID”, “block number”, “CRC16”, and “EOF” in order. ing. In this example, “flag” includes 1 byte, “single block read” includes 1 byte, “UID” includes 8 bytes, “block number” includes 1 byte, and “CRC16” includes 2 bytes.

  “Single block read” is a command code for reading information (stored data) included in one block of the memory unit 155 of the RFID circuit element To designated by “block number” described later. The “block number” is a code that designates a block number of the memory unit 155 of the RFID circuit element To.

  Returning to FIG. 4 again, the RFID circuit element To that has received the single block read command as described above includes the stored data stored in one block of the memory unit 155 with the content corresponding to the single block read command. A response (see FIG. 6B described later) is transmitted to the reader / writer 1.

  FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a response frame transmitted from the RFID circuit element To in response to the single block read command illustrated in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6B, this frame is composed of “SOF”, “flag”, “block security status”, “stored data”, “CRC 16”, and “EOF” in order. In this example, “flag” includes 1 byte, “block security status” includes 1 byte, “stored data” includes 4 bytes, and “CRC16” includes 2 bytes of data.

  The “block security status” is a code representing the security status of the designated block in the memory unit 155 of the RFID circuit element To. “Stored data” is stored data included in one designated block of the memory unit 155 of the RFID circuit element To.

  Returning to FIG. 4 again, the reader / writer 1 receives the response including the storage data stored in one block as described above from the RFID circuit element To. Specifically, the reader / writer 1 first receives “SOF” indicating the start of a frame, and then receives “flag” → “block security status” → “stored data” in units of 1 byte. After that, “CRC16” that detects whether the data has been transferred correctly is received, and finally “EOF” that represents the end of the frame is received. Then, the reader / writer 1 outputs a signal including a data string of the “flag”, “block security status”, and “stored data” to the server 140.

  Next, when the above-mentioned “flag”, “block security status”, and “stored data” output from the reader / writer 1 are input, the server 140 subtracts the “flag” and “block security status” from these (these items). “Stored data” is detected. That is, in this example, since the number of bytes of “flag” and “block security status” is 2, the number of bytes of “stored data” is 6-2 = 4. That is, this is the data length of the storage data of one block (in this example, 4 bytes). The server 140 calculates a block size BS (the number of bytes constituting one block) of the memory unit 155 of the RFID circuit element To based on the detected data length of one block of stored data. That is, in this example, the block size BS is 4 [bytes].

  Then, the server 140 generates write data to be written in the memory unit 155 of the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To in a mode corresponding to the calculated block size BS. Specifically, the quotient obtained by dividing the total number D of the initial data by the block size BS is Bm, and the remainder is Km. When Km = 0 (when D is divisible by BS), b = Bm is the number of blocks b in which the initial data is written to the memory unit 155, and when Km = 0 is not 0 (when D is not divisible by BS), b = Bm + 1.

In the above example, since the total number of initial data D = 18 [bytes] and the block size BS = 4 [bytes],
Bm = 4
Km = 0.5
(D is not divisible by BS), and the number of blocks b for writing the initial data to the memory unit 155 is:
b = 4 + 1 = 5
It becomes.

  Therefore, the server 140 divides the initial data to be written in the memory unit 155 into the calculated number of write blocks b (in this example, b = 5), and generates write data in a mode according to the block size BS, A signal including the generated write data is output to the reader / writer 1.

  Next, when the reader / writer 1 inputs a signal including the write data output from the server 140, a single block write command including the write data (see FIG. 7A) to the RFID circuit element To. ) Multiple times (for the number of write blocks b, in this example, 5 times). At this time, the “block number” included in the single block write command designates the block to be written (for example, the 0th block to the 4th block). As a result, the write data is written to the memory unit 155 of the RFID circuit element To that has received this single block write command with the contents corresponding to the single block write command, and the RFID circuit element To receives the response ( 7B) is transmitted to the reader / writer 1.

  FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an example of a frame configuration of the single block write command transmitted from the reader / writer 1 to the RFID circuit element To. As shown in FIG. 7A, this frame includes “SOF”, “flag”, “single block write”, “UID”, “block number”, “write data”, “CRC16”, “EOF” in this order. It is comprised by each part. In this example, “flag” is 1 byte, “single block write” is 1 byte, “UID” is 8 bytes, “block number” is 1 byte, “write data” is 4 bytes, and “CRC16” is 2 bytes. Includes data volume.

  “Single block write” is a command code for writing “write data” to one block designated in the memory unit 155 of the RFID circuit element To by the “block number”.

  FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a response frame transmitted from the RFID circuit element To in response to the single block write command shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6B, this frame is composed of “SOF”, “flag”, “CRC16”, and “EOF” sections in order. In this example, the “flag” includes a data amount of 1 byte, and the “CRC 16” includes a data amount of 2 bytes.

  FIG. 8 shows a control procedure executed by the CPU 144 of the server 140 in the present embodiment. In this example, after the server 140 is turned on, this flow is started (“START position”).

  First, in step S10, it is determined whether or not a writing operation for writing predetermined information (the initial data) to the RFID circuit element To is performed by the operator via the operation unit 148. The process waits in a loop until the write operation is performed. When the write operation is performed, the determination is satisfied, and the process proceeds to the next step S15.

  In step S15, initial data input by the operator via the operation unit 148 in step S10 is acquired, and the process proceeds to next step S20.

  In step S20, an instruction signal is output to the reader / writer 1 to transmit a command to the RFID circuit element To via the cable 6 and the interface unit 142, and the process proceeds to the next step S30.

  In step S30, the data strings “flag”, “block security status”, and “stored data” included in the response corresponding to the single block read command are input from the reader / writer 1 via the cable 6 and the interface unit 142. It is determined whether or not there was. The process waits in a loop until the data string is input. If the data string is input, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next Step S40.

  In step S40, as described above, by subtracting the number of bytes of “flag” and “block security status” from the data string of “flag”, “block security status”, and “stored data” input in step S30. The data length of one block of stored data is detected (function as second data length detection means).

  In the next step S50, the block size BS is calculated based on the data length of the storage data of one block detected in step S40 (function as the second block size calculating means), and the process proceeds to the next step S60.

  In step S60, a write data generation process for generating write data to be written to the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To is performed in a manner corresponding to the block size BS calculated in step S50 (second write data generation). Function as means (see FIG. 9 described later).

  In the next step S70, a signal including the write data generated in step S60 is output to the reader / writer 1 via the cable 6 and the interface unit 142. Then, this flow ends.

  Note that the above flowchart does not limit the present invention to the procedure shown in the above flow, and procedures may be added / deleted or the order may be changed without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the invention.

  FIG. 9 shows the detailed procedure of step S60 of FIG.

  First, in step S62, Km = mod (D / BS) as described above, that is, the remainder Km obtained by dividing the total number D of initial data by the block size BS is calculated.

  In the next step S63, as described above, Bm = round (D / BS), that is, a quotient Bm obtained by dividing the total number D of initial data by the block size BS is calculated.

  In the next step S64, it is determined whether or not the value of Km is 0, that is, whether or not the total number D of the initial data is divisible by the block size BS. If the value of Km is not 0, the determination is not satisfied, the number b of blocks in which the initial data is written in the memory unit 155 of the RFID circuit element To is set to Bm + 1 in step S66, and the process proceeds to step S67.

  On the other hand, if the value of Km is 0, the determination is satisfied, b = Bm is set in step S65, and the process proceeds to step S67.

  In step S67, the initial data to be written in the memory unit 155 of the RFID circuit element To is divided into the number of write blocks b set based on the above step S65 or step S66, and the write data is changed in a mode according to the block size BS. Generate. Then, this routine ends.

  Note that the above flowchart does not limit the present invention to the procedure shown in the above flow, and procedures may be added / deleted or the order may be changed without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the invention.

  FIG. 10 shows the operation contents executed by the high-frequency circuit 131 and the antenna 13 of the reader / writer 1 based on the control of the server 140. In this example, when a transmission instruction signal of an inventory command is input from the server 140 to the RFID circuit element To via the cable 6 and the interface unit 142 (see step S20 above), this flow is started (“ START position ").

  First, in step S110, the high frequency circuit 131 generates a carrier wave in the HF band (for example, 13.56 MHz), modulates and amplifies the generated carrier wave, and the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To via the device antenna 13. An inventory command (see FIG. 5A) is transmitted to

  In the next step S120, the high frequency circuit 131 sends a response corresponding to the inventory command from the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To that has transmitted the inventory command via the device antenna 13 (see FIG. 5B). ) (Acquire tag ID). Thereafter, the process proceeds to the next step S130.

  In step S130, the high-frequency circuit 131 uses the single block read command (FIG. 6 (a) for acquiring the storage data stored in one block of the memory unit 155 of the RFID circuit element To that has acquired the tag ID in step S120. ))) (Function as command generation means).

  In the next step S140, the high frequency circuit 131 transmits the single block read command generated in step S130 to the RFID circuit element To that has acquired the tag ID in step S120 via the device antenna 13 (command transmission). Function as a means).

  In the next step S150, the high frequency circuit 131 responds to the single block read command transmitted in step S140, and includes a response including the stored data of the one block transmitted from the RFID circuit element To (FIG. 6B). (Refer to FIG. 11 described later for details).

  In the next step S160, the “flag”, “block security status”, and “stored data” included in the response received in step S150 from the high-frequency circuit to the server 140 via the cable 6 and the interface unit 142 are displayed. Output the data string.

  In the next step S170, a signal including write data (see step S60 in FIG. 8) is input from the server 140 via the cable 6 and the interface unit 142. Thereafter, the process proceeds to the next step S180.

  In step S180, the high frequency circuit 131 performs a data writing process for transmitting the write data input in step S170 to the RFID circuit element To via the device antenna 13 (function as a write data transmitting unit). Refer to FIG. 12 for details). Then, this flow ends.

  Note that the above flowchart does not limit the present invention to the procedure shown in the above flow, and procedures may be added / deleted or the order may be changed without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the invention.

  FIG. 11 shows the detailed procedure of step S150.

  First, when the device antenna 13 receives a response start notification (“SOF”) corresponding to the single block read command from the RFID circuit element To that has transmitted the single block read command in step S140, the process starts from step S152. The process moves to the next step S153.

  In step S153, the high-frequency circuit 131 transmits one byte of the “flag”, “block security status”, and “stored data” data strings from the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To via the device antenna 13. Receive minutes.

  After that, until the high-frequency circuit 131 receives the response reception end notification (“EOF”) corresponding to the single block read command from the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To via the device antenna 13, step S155 is performed. Then, the process returns to step S153, and one more byte is received from the data string of “flag”, “block security status”, and “stored data”. When a response reception end notification (“EOF”) is received from the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To, step S155 is completed, and this routine ends.

  Note that the above flowchart does not limit the present invention to the procedure shown in the above flow, and procedures may be added / deleted or the order may be changed without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the invention.

  FIG. 12 shows the detailed procedure of step S180 in FIG.

  First, in step S182, a single block write command (see FIG. 7A) including the write data input from the server 140 via the cable 6 in step S170 is generated. The “block number” included in the single block write command specifies the block number of the memory unit 155 of the RFID circuit element To. Then, the single block write command is transmitted to the RFID circuit element To via the high-frequency circuit 131 and the device antenna 13.

  Thereafter, if there remains a block for which a single write command has not yet been transmitted, the process returns from step S184 to step S182, and the single block write command is transmitted again. Thereby, data writing is sequentially performed for each unwritten block in the IC circuit unit 150.

  When data writing by the single block write command is repeated and there is no block to which the single write command is not transmitted, step S184 is completed and this routine is ended.

  Note that the above flowchart does not limit the present invention to the procedure shown in the above flow, and procedures may be added / deleted or the order may be changed without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the invention.

  In the above, the entire flow shown in FIG. 8 to FIG. 11 is performed when a writing operation for writing predetermined information to the RFID circuit element is performed by the operator in the operation terminal according to the claims. Prior to transmission of write data corresponding to predetermined information, a one-block read command is generated and transmitted to the RFID circuit element, and the number of bytes constituting one block is calculated based on the data length of one block of stored data. In addition, command generation means, command transmission means, information reception means, and write data transmission means of the wireless tag communication device, second data length detection means, second block size calculation means, and second write data of the operation terminal The 2nd cooperation control means which controls a production | generation means in cooperation is comprised.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the reader / writer 1 generates a single block read command for acquiring stored data stored in one block of the memory unit 155 of the RFID circuit element To (step S130). And transmitted to the RFID circuit element To (step S140). In response to this, the RFID circuit element To transmits a response (response signal) including storage data stored in one block of the memory unit 155 to the reader / writer 1, and the reader / writer 1 stores the one block. A response including data is received (step S150). Then, the server 140 detects the data length of the stored data (step S40), and can calculate the block size BS of the memory unit 155 of the RFID circuit element To based on the detected data length. (Step S50).

  As a result, even if the block size BS of the memory unit 155 of the RFID circuit element To that is the communication target is unknown, the reader / writer 1 simply transmits a single block read command as described above. The block size BS can be calculated by a technique. As a result, smooth data transmission / reception between the reader / writer 1 and the RFID circuit element To can be achieved.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, when information is written to the RFID circuit element To, the server 140 calculates in advance the block size BS of the memory unit 155 of the RFID circuit element To, and the size (bytes) of the memory unit 155 is calculated. Write data is generated in a manner according to the number (step S60), and is transmitted to the RFID circuit element To via the reader / writer 1 (step S70). As a result, inconveniences such as a write error can be prevented and smooth writing can be reliably performed.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, when the operator performs an initial data write operation on the server 140 using the operation unit 148, the block size BS of the memory unit 155 of the RFID circuit element To is automatically detected in advance. Thereafter, data writing is performed (step S180). That is, the operator only needs to perform the initial data writing operation (no need to perform a separate operation for detecting the block size BS). As a result, smooth writing can be surely performed while preventing an increase in the burden of operation labor, and convenience can be improved.

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

(1) When the reader / writer performs data length detection, block size calculation, and write data generation processing In the above embodiment, the server 140 stores data stored in one block of the memory unit 155 of the RFID circuit element To. Detection of the data length, calculation of the block size BS of the memory unit 155, and generation of write data for writing to the IC circuit unit 150 in a manner corresponding to the block size BS are performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the reader / writer 1 may perform all of the data length detection, the block size BS calculation, and the write data generation.

  FIG. 13 shows an external structure of a reader / writer 1 that is a wireless tag communication apparatus according to this modification. Note that FIG. 13 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 1 of the above-described embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as in FIG. 1, and the description will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in this modification, the reader / writer 1 allows the operator to perform a write operation for writing predetermined information (initial data) to the RFID circuit element To ( Operation means) is newly provided.

  FIG. 14 shows a functional configuration of the reader / writer 1 of the present modification. Parts equivalent to those in FIG. 3 are given the same reference numerals. 14, in this modification, a control circuit 133 that controls the entire reader / writer 1 including the high-frequency circuit 131 and a memory 134 that stores information are newly provided.

  FIG. 15 shows a control procedure executed by the control circuit 133 of the reader / writer 1 in this modification.

  First, in step S200, it is determined whether or not a writing operation for writing predetermined information (initial data) to the RFID circuit element To is performed by the operator via the operation unit 136. The process waits in a loop until the write operation is performed. If the write operation is performed, the determination is satisfied, and the process proceeds to the next step S210.

  In step S210, the initial data input by the operation unit 136 is acquired, and the process proceeds to the next step S220.

  In step S220, a control signal is output to the high-frequency circuit 131, a carrier wave in the HF band (for example, 13.56 MHz) is generated, the carrier wave generated based on the control signal is modulated and amplified, and the wireless tag is passed through the device antenna 13. An inventory command is transmitted to the IC circuit unit 150 of the circuit element To.

  In the next step S230, whether or not a response corresponding to the inventory command has been received from the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To that has transmitted the inventory command via the device antenna 13 (whether the tag ID has been acquired). Or not). If the response signal is not received, the determination is not satisfied and the process returns to step S220. On the other hand, when a response corresponding to the inventory command is received from the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To (when a tag ID is acquired), the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next Step S240.

  In step S240, a single block read command for acquiring stored data stored in one block of the memory unit 155 of the RFID circuit element To that has acquired the tag ID in step S230 is generated (function as a command generating unit). ).

  In the next step S250, the single block read command generated in step S240 is transmitted to the RFID circuit element To that has acquired the tag ID in step S230 via the high frequency circuit 131 and the device antenna 13 (command transmission means). As a function).

  In the next step S260, in response to the single block read command transmitted in step S250, a data reception process is performed for receiving a response including the stored data of the one block transmitted from the RFID circuit element To (information reception). Functions as means (the detailed procedure is omitted because the same procedure as in FIG. 11 is sufficient).

  In step S270, as in step S40 of FIG. 8 executed by the server 140, the “flag”, “block security status”, and “stored data” data strings included in the response received in step S260 are “flag”. ”,“ Block security status ”is subtracted from the number of bytes to detect the data length of the storage data of one block (function as first data length detection means).

  In the next step S280, the block size BS is calculated based on the data length of one block of storage data detected in step S270, as in step S50 of FIG. 8 executed by the server 140, and the next step S290 is performed. (Function as first block size calculation means).

  In step S290, write data to be written to the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To in a manner corresponding to the block size BS calculated in step S280 as in step S60 of FIG. Write data generation processing is performed (function as first write data generation means. Since the same procedure as in FIG. 9 is sufficient, detailed description is omitted).

  In step S300, as in step S180 of FIG. 10 described above, data writing processing is performed for transmitting the write data generated in step S290 to the RFID circuit element To via the high-frequency circuit 131 and the device antenna 13. (Function as write data transmission means. Detailed procedure is the same as in FIG. 12 described above). Then, this flow ends.

  In the above, the entire flow shown in FIG. 15 includes one block prior to transmission of write data corresponding to predetermined information when a write operation for writing predetermined information to the RFID circuit element is performed by the operation means. A command generation unit, a command transmission unit, an information reception unit, a first command generation unit, a command transmission unit, an information reception unit, a first command generation unit, a command transmission unit, an information reception unit, 1 data length detection means, 1st block size calculation means, write data generation means, and 1st cooperation data control means which cooperates and controls the 1st write data transmission means are constituted.

  Note that the above flowchart does not limit the present invention to the procedure shown in the above flow, and procedures may be added / deleted or the order may be changed without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the invention.

  According to the modification described above, the reader / writer 1 detects the data length of the stored data transmitted from the RFID circuit element To (step S270), and based on the detected data length, the RFID circuit The block size BS of the memory unit 155 of the element To can be calculated (step S280). Thereby, it is possible to facilitate data transmission / reception to / from the RFID tag circuit element To by the reader / writer 1 alone without preparing the server 140 or the like.

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

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

It is a top view which shows the reader / writer which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the state which removed the lid | cover of the reader / writer. It is a figure which shows the functional structure of the radio | wireless tag communication system of this embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of the time chart of the signal transmitted / received between a server, a reader / writer, and a wireless tag circuit element. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure in the frame unit of the signal transmitted / received between a reader / writer and a RFID circuit element. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure in the frame unit of the signal transmitted / received between a reader / writer and a RFID circuit element. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure in the frame unit of the signal transmitted / received between a reader / writer and a RFID circuit element. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure performed by CPU of a server. It is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of write data generation processing. It is a flowchart showing the operation content performed by the reader / writer. It is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of a data reception process. It is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of a data writing process. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a reader / writer in a modification in the case where data length detection, block size calculation, and write data generation processing are performed in the reader / writer. It is a figure which shows the functional structure of a reader / writer. It is a flowchart showing the control content performed by the control circuit of a reader / writer.

Explanation of symbols

1 Reader / Writer (Radio Tag Communication Device)
6 Cable 13 Device antenna 131 High frequency circuit 136 Operation unit (operation means)
140 server (operation terminal)
150 IC circuit part 151 Tag antenna 155 Memory part (memory)
S RFID tag communication system To RFID tag circuit element

Claims (6)

An apparatus antenna for performing wireless communication with an RFID circuit element including an IC circuit unit for storing information and a tag antenna for transmitting and receiving information;
Command generating means for generating a one-block read command for acquiring information stored in one block of the memory of the IC circuit unit;
Command transmission means for transmitting the one-block read command generated by the command generation means to the RFID circuit element by wireless communication via the device antenna;
Information receiving means for receiving stored data of the one block transmitted from the RFID circuit element in response to the one-block reading command transmitted from the command transmitting means;
First data length detecting means for detecting the data length of the storage data of the one block received by the information receiving means;
A wireless tag communication apparatus comprising: first block size calculation means for calculating the number of bytes constituting one block based on the data length detected by the first data length detection means. The wireless tag communication device according to claim 1, wherein
First write data generation means for generating write data for writing to the IC circuit unit in a manner corresponding to the number of bytes of the one block calculated by the first block size calculation means;
A wireless tag communication apparatus comprising: write data transmission means for transmitting the write data generated by the first write data generation means to the wireless tag circuit element by wireless communication via the apparatus antenna. The wireless tag communication device according to claim 2, wherein
Operation means that can be operated by the operator;
When a writing operation for writing predetermined information to the RFID circuit element is performed by the operating means, the one-block reading command is generated and the wireless data is generated prior to transmission of the write data corresponding to the predetermined information. The command generating means, the command transmitting means, the information receiving means, and the first data so as to calculate the number of bytes constituting one block based on the data length of the stored data of the one block. RFID tag communication comprising: length detection means; first block size calculation means; first write data generation means; and first cooperation control means for controlling the write data transmission means in cooperation with each other. apparatus. A wireless tag communication device having an apparatus antenna for performing wireless communication with a wireless tag circuit element having an IC circuit unit for storing information and a tag antenna for transmitting and receiving information;
A wireless tag communication system having an operation terminal connected to the wireless tag communication device and capable of operating the wireless tag communication device;
The wireless tag communication device includes:
Command generating means for generating a one-block read command for acquiring information stored in one block of the memory of the IC circuit unit;
Command transmission means for transmitting the one-block read command generated by the command generation means to the RFID circuit element by wireless communication via the device antenna;
Information receiving means for receiving stored data of the one block transmitted from the RFID circuit element in response to the one-block reading command transmitted from the command transmitting means;
The operation terminal is
Second data length detection means for detecting the data length of the storage data of the one block received by the information receiving means of the RFID tag communication device;
A wireless tag communication system comprising: second block size calculation means for calculating the number of bytes constituting one block based on the data length detected by the second data length detection means. The wireless tag communication system according to claim 4,
The operation terminal is
Second write data generation means for generating write data for writing to the IC circuit unit in a manner corresponding to the number of bytes of the one block calculated by the second block size calculation means of the operation terminal;
The wireless tag communication device includes:
A wireless tag communication system, comprising write data transmission means for transmitting the write data generated by the second write data generation means to the wireless tag circuit element by wireless communication via the device antenna. The wireless tag communication system according to claim 5,
When a write operation for writing predetermined information to the RFID circuit element is performed by an operator at the operation terminal, the one block read command is generated prior to transmission of the write data corresponding to the predetermined information. The command generation means of the RFID tag communication apparatus, the command transmission means, so as to calculate the number of bytes constituting one block based on the data length of the storage data of the one block. The information receiving means, the write data transmitting means, the second data length detecting means, the second block size calculating means, and the second write data generating means of the operation terminal are controlled in cooperation. And a second cooperative control means.

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