JP2011228898A - Ic tag reader, terminal device provided with ic tag reader, and method for grouping response signals from ic tags - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an IC tag reader unlike a prior art case in which plural IC tag readers have to be used to determine the position of an IC tag.SOLUTION: An IC tag reader includes a trigger signal transmitting unit having a function of transmitting a trigger signal that causes a simultaneously readable IC tag to respond to the IC tag reader while changing a range capable of effective response by changing a transmission intensity of the trigger signal, a response signal detecting unit that detects a response signal sent from the IC tag in response to the trigger signal, a number-of-times-of-tag-detection calculating unit that, for a change in the transmission intensity of the trigger signal transmitted from the trigger signal transmitting unit, calculates a change in the number of times the IC tag is detected on the basis of the number of the response signals in the response signal detecting unit, and a grouping unit that groups the response signals in accordance with the calculated change in the number of times. In addition, the IC tag reader is provided in a terminal device that is portable.

Description

  The present invention relates to an IC tag reader, a terminal device including the IC tag reader, and a method for grouping response signals from the IC tag.

  In recent years, a system for reading information of an IC tag attached to an article or an organism with an IC tag reader in a non-contact manner has been introduced. For example, a system is known in which an IC tag is attached to each product of a store, a plurality of IC tags can be read simultaneously with an IC tag reader at a cash register, and payment can be performed in a short time.

  In recent years, techniques for detecting the positions of IC tags arranged at various positions have also been disclosed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for measuring the distance from a plurality of IC tag readers to a target IC tag and specifying the position of the IC tag using a triangulation method.

JP 2006-133128 A

  However, since the IC tag reader has a higher charge and is not small in size as compared with the IC tag, it is not preferable to provide a plurality of IC tag readers from the viewpoint of cost and weight reduction.

  In order to solve the above problems, a trigger signal transmission unit having a function of changing an effective response possible region by changing a transmission intensity of a trigger signal that is a signal for prompting a response to a simultaneously readable IC tag; A response signal detector for detecting a response signal returned from the IC tag in response to the trigger signal; and responding to a change in the number of detected IC tags with respect to a change in the transmission intensity of the trigger signal transmitted from the trigger signal transmitter. An IC tag reader or the like having a tag detection number calculation unit that calculates from the number of response signals of the signal detection unit and a grouping unit that groups response signals according to changes in the calculated detection number is proposed. A portable terminal device equipped with the IC tag reader is also proposed.

  In addition, a trigger signal transmission step for changing the effective response possible region by changing the transmission intensity of a trigger signal that is a signal for prompting a response to a plurality of simultaneously readable IC tags, and according to the trigger signal A response signal detection step for detecting a response signal returned from the IC tag, and a change in the number of detections of the IC tag with respect to a change in transmission intensity of the trigger signal transmitted in the trigger signal transmission step in the response signal detection step A method of grouping response signals from IC tags, comprising: a tag detection number calculation step for calculating from a response signal to be detected; and a grouping step for grouping response signals according to changes in the calculated detection number is proposed.

  According to the above-described invention, it becomes possible to group a plurality of IC tags for each arrangement region by a single IC tag reader.

The figure which shows the outline | summary of IC tag reader etc. of Example 1 The figure which shows an example of the functional block of the IC tag reader of Example 1 A diagram showing the number of response signals newly detected at each transmission strength when the transmission strength of the trigger signal is increased The figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the IC tag reader of Example 1 The figure which shows an example of a process of the IC tag reader of Example 1 The figure which showed the time change of the processing result of the grouping in plural timings The figure which shows an example of the functional block of the IC tag reader of Example 2 The figure which shows an example of a process of the IC tag reader of Example 2 The figure which shows an example of the functional block of the IC tag reader of Example 3 The figure which shows an example of a process of the IC tag reader of Example 3 The figure which shows an example of the functional block of the IC tag reader of Example 4 The figure which shows an example of a process of the IC tag reader of Example 4 The figure which shows the other example of a process of the IC tag reader of Example 4.

  Examples of the present invention will be described below. The relationship between the embodiments and the claims is as follows. Example 1 mainly relates to claims 1, 5, 6 etc., Example 2 mainly relates to claims 2, 5, 7 etc., Example 3 mainly relates to claims 3, 5, 8 etc. 4 mainly relates to claims 4, 5, 9 and the like. In addition, this invention is not limited to these Examples at all, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof.

<Overview>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of an IC tag reader and the like of the present embodiment. When transmitting a trigger signal for prompting a response from the IC tag reader to the IC tag, the response area of the IC tag changes depending on the transmission intensity of the trigger signal, and the number of IC tags that can be detected by the IC tag reader changes. To do. When the trigger signal transmission intensity is increased in the situation of the above figure, first, an IC tag belonging to the region (0101) is detected and the number of detections increases. However, even if the transmission intensity is increased between the area (0101) and the area (0102), a new IC tag is not detected, and a responseable area extends to the area (0102), and the number of detections increases again. It will be. That is, using the fact that the number of detected IC tags (detection signals) does not change between the area (0101) and the area (0102), the IC tags belonging to the area (0101) can be grouped. .

<Configuration>
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the IC tag reader according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the “IC tag reader” 0200 of this embodiment includes a “trigger signal transmission unit” 0201, a “response signal detection unit” 0202, a “tag detection number calculation unit” 0203, and a “grouping unit” "0204".

  Note that the functional blocks of the apparatus described below can be realized as hardware, software, or both hardware and software. Further, the present invention can be realized not only as an apparatus but also as a method (the same applies throughout the present specification).

  The “trigger signal transmission unit” has a function of changing the effective response possible region by changing the transmission intensity of a trigger signal that is a signal for prompting a response to a plurality of simultaneously readable IC tags. The trigger signal transmission unit includes, for example, a CPU, a modulation unit, a transmission amplifier, an antenna, and the like.

  Here, “simultaneous reading is possible” means that response signals from the respective IC tags can be read without causing interference. The reception of response signals from a plurality of IC tags does not need to be at the same time in a strict sense, and includes a mode in which a plurality of response signals are received within a certain time width. Specifically, it is conceivable to employ a communication method such as an anti-collision method or a time slot method. Good communication with a plurality of IC tags can be established by these communication methods.

  As described above, the trigger signal is a signal that prompts the IC tag to respond. As a signal for prompting a response to the IC tag, a command for prompting transmission of ID information held in a memory (ROM or the like) of the IC tag is mainly considered. However, a command for starting communication with the IC tag, a command for interrupting communication with the IC tag, a command for resuming communication with the IC tag, and writing to the memory of the IC tag. A mode in which these commands are included is also possible.

  The IC tag existing in the valid response possible area receives the signal transmitted from the IC tag reader, and transmits a response signal to the IC tag reader through internal control. Here, each IC tag has a unique tag ID and can be distinguished even if they are attached to the same product or the like. Further, when the IC tag is a passive type, it is preferable that the intensity of the radio wave from the IC tag reader necessary for generating the power used for transmitting the response signal is the same. Further, when the IC tag is an active type, it is preferable to set the reception sensitivity of the trigger signal transmitted from the IC tag reader to be the same.

  The valid response possible area refers to an area where the IC tag can respond by receiving a trigger signal from the IC tag reader. Since the effective response possible area becomes larger in proportion to the magnitude of the transmission intensity of the trigger signal, when transmitting the trigger signal to the IC tag located at a position away from the IC tag reader, the effective response possible area is closer to the IC tag reader. It is necessary to increase the transmission intensity as compared with the case of a certain IC tag.

  The “response signal detector” has a function of detecting a response signal returned from the IC tag in response to the trigger signal. The response signal detection unit includes, for example, a CPU, a demodulation unit, a reception amplifier, an antenna, and the like. Here, when the reception strength of the response signal returned from the IC tag is weak, a configuration in which the trigger signal is transmitted again can be employed.

  The response signal detection unit can distinguish each signal based on the tag ID of the IC tag acquired from the response signal. Further, even when response signals are received redundantly from the same IC tag, it can be determined that the signals are from the same IC tag by referring to the tag ID, and can be regarded as one detection.

  In addition, when response signals are received simultaneously from a plurality of IC tags, a trigger signal may be transmitted to each IC tag so that the response signal is transmitted again in a time slot corresponding to the ID. is there.

  In addition, when there are a plurality of IC tags in the effective response possible region, response signals are returned at different timings. Therefore, it is preferable to provide an appropriate detection time (for example, 0.1 s) at each transmission intensity. Further, a configuration in which detection is continued for a predetermined time from the time when the response signal is detected last is also possible.

  Here, the farther away the IC tag is from the IC tag reader, the longer the reciprocation distance of the radio wave, the longer the time from when the IC tag reader transmits a trigger signal until the response signal is detected. Therefore, it is possible to perform processing for calculating the distance to each IC tag in the valid area using time information until the response signal is detected.

  Furthermore, since the intensity of the response signal becomes weaker as the IC tag is farther from the IC tag reader, the intensity of the response signal is detected and the process of calculating the distance to each IC tag in the effective area may be performed. Is possible.

The “tag detection number calculation unit” has a function of calculating a change in the detection number of the IC tag with respect to a change in transmission intensity of the trigger signal transmitted from the trigger signal transmission unit from the number of response signals of the response signal detection unit. The tag detection number calculation unit is constituted by, for example, a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a dedicated processing circuit, and the like.

  As a configuration for calculating the change in the number of detected IC tags, a configuration for calculating the difference between the number of response signals after increasing the transmission intensity of the trigger signal by one step and the number of response signals before increasing by one step can be considered. . Similarly, the change in the number of detected IC tags when the transmission intensity of the trigger signal is increased by several steps can be obtained by calculating the difference. It is possible to take various values for the change width of each step of the transmission strength. For example, it is considered that the transmission strength of each step is set so that the maximum detection distance of the effective response possible region increases by about 10 cm. It is done.

  The calculation processing of the tag detection number calculation unit includes processing for determining whether or not the number of response signals after changing the transmission intensity of the trigger signal matches the number of response signals before changing. There is no particular limitation as long as it is a process in which the change in the number of detected IC tags is known.

  The “grouping unit” has a function of grouping response signals according to changes in the calculated number of detections. The grouping unit includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a dedicated processing circuit, and the like. Here, grouping response signals refers to performing a process of grouping one or a plurality of response signals. Specifically, it means assigning a group ID that is the same identifier to one or a plurality of response signals. However, when there is one grouping target, it is not always necessary to assign a group ID.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the number of response signals newly detected at each transmission intensity when the transmission intensity of the trigger signal is increased. In the example of this figure, the number of response signals newly detected exists in the portion where the transmission strength is 4 to 8 or less (0301) and the portion where the step is 12 to 18 or less (0302). The number of response signals to be newly detected does not exist in the portion where 0 is 3 or less, the portion 9 or 11 or less. In such a case, the response signals detected in the part where the transmission intensity level is 4 to 8 or less (0301) and in the part where the transmission intensity level is 12 to 18 or less (0302) are detected from IC tags belonging to different areas. And a group ID is assigned to each. In addition, about the number of groups and how to divide a group, various systems can be considered, and it is not limited to the above example.

  In addition, it is also possible to incorporate the IC tag reader which consists of each structure demonstrated above in the portable terminal device. The portable terminal device may be a mobile phone, a PDA, a portable music player, a notebook computer, or the like, but is not particularly limited to this (the same applies to the following embodiments).

  In addition, an IC tag reader having the above-described configuration can be arranged in a shopping cart or the like. For example, it may be arranged in an appropriate space of a shopping cart and output information on products in the shopping cart on a display of an IC tag reader or the like. Here, it is also conceivable to arrange an IC tag reader antenna near the center of the shopping cart so that only the IC tag in the shopping cart can be easily detected.

<Specific configuration>
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration when each functional component of the IC tag reader of the present embodiment is realized as hardware. The operation of the hardware configuration unit will be described using this figure.

  As shown in this figure, the IC tag reader includes “CPU” 0401, “ROM” 0402, “RAM” 0403, “modulation unit” 0404, “demodulation unit” 0405, “transmission amplifier” 0406, and “reception amplifier” 0407. , “Antenna” 0408, “display control circuit” 0409, “display” 0410, and “IF (interface)” 0411A, 0411B, 0411C. The above-described configuration is mutually connected by a data communication path of “system bus” 0412, and performs transmission / reception and processing of information.

  The CPU controls each component by a program stored in the ROM. The RAM is configured by a volatile memory or the like in which data necessary for the CPU to control each configuration is written and read.

<Process flow>
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure executed by the CPU or the like. An example of processing performed by the IC tag reader according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S0501, processing for setting the transmission intensity of the trigger signal to an initial value is performed. Next, in step S0502, processing for increasing the transmission intensity of the trigger signal by one level is performed. Next, in step S0503, the modulation unit and the transmission amplifier are controlled to perform processing for transmitting the transmission intensity trigger signal (signal for requesting the tag ID) from the antenna.

  In step S0504, a response signal indicating a tag ID returned from the IC tag according to the trigger signal is detected via the antenna and the demodulator. Next, in step S0505, a process of calculating the number of response signals (IC tags) newly detected by increasing the transmission intensity of the trigger signal by one step with reference to the tag ID information is performed.

  Next, in step S0506, it is determined whether the number of newly detected response signals is smaller than a predetermined number (eg, 1). If the determination here is that the number of newly detected response signals is smaller than the predetermined number, the process proceeds to step S0507. If it is determined that the number of newly detected response signals is greater than or equal to the predetermined number, the process returns to step S0502.

  In step S0507, it is determined whether or not the stage where the number of response signals is smaller than the predetermined number has continued a predetermined number of times (for example, three times). If it is determined that the step where the determination is small has continued a predetermined number of times or more, the process proceeds to step S0508. If it is determined that the stage where the determination is small has not continued for a predetermined number of times, the process returns to step S0502.

  In step S0508, it is determined whether the total number of response signals detected in the loop processing from step S0502 to step S0507 is greater than or equal to a predetermined number (for example, 1). If it is determined that the total number of response signals is greater than or equal to the predetermined number, the process proceeds to step S0509. If the determination here is that the total number of response signals is not greater than or equal to the predetermined number, the process ends. In step S0509, a process of assigning one group ID to one or a plurality of response signals detected in the loop process from step S0502 to step S0507 is performed.

  In addition, in order to improve the certainty of a process, it is also possible to repeat said series of processes in multiple times. Although it is possible to assume that the relative positional relationship between the IC tag reader and the IC tag is substantially fixed within the above-described series of processing times, the relative relationship between the IC tag reader and the IC tag after a certain time elapses. The target position may change. For this reason, it is conceivable to perform the above-described series of processing at regular intervals and update the results.

  For example, consider a case where an IC tag reader is placed in a shopping cart (or a person with a shopping cart has an IC tag reader) and moves near a display shelf. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing how the grouping processing result changes with time in this situation. First, in addition to the IC tag (0601, 0602, 0603) attached to the product in the shopping cart at a certain timing, the IC tag (0604) attached to the product on the display shelf near the shopping cart is also provided. It is determined that they belong to the same group. However, since the relative position of the IC tag reader (0600) and the IC tag (0604) changes with the passage of time, the IC tag (0604) is out of the group, and the IC tag (0605) is added to the group. In other words, a determination process is performed in which IC tags (0601, 0602, 0603) that are common to the groups at different timings exist in the shopping cart, and IC tags (0604) exist outside the shopping cart. Is also possible. In addition to the above example, the same processing may be performed when shopping carts pass each other.

  It is also conceivable that the processing results of grouping performed at a plurality of timings are held in a storage device inside the ID tag reader and can be output to a display or another device at any timing.

  Further, it is conceivable that the initial value of the trigger signal transmission strength set in step S0501 in FIG. 5 is set as the trigger signal transmission strength at the time when the previous series of processing ends. With this configuration, it is possible to assign a group ID to each IC tag existing in a plurality of areas with different distances from the IC tag reader.

  In addition, when the transmission intensity | strength of a trigger signal is too large, the situation where the circuit of an IC tag does not operate | move appropriately but cannot respond is assumed. Therefore, when the transmission intensity of the trigger signal reaches the upper limit threshold value, a configuration in which the process is interrupted and the process of grouping the response signals according to the detection results so far is possible.

  Furthermore, in the above series of processing, the trigger signal transmission strength is gradually increased from the initial value, but conversely, the trigger signal transmission strength can be gradually decreased from the initial value. is there. In this case, it is conceivable that the initial value of the transmission strength of the trigger signal is set high (for example, set to the upper threshold value of the transmission strength). It is also possible to perform a process of gradually increasing the transmission intensity and then decreasing it again. Here, the increase or decrease width of the transmission intensity of the trigger signal does not need to be constant.

  In the example of FIG. 5, in step S0506, a process for determining whether or not the number of newly detected response signals is smaller than a predetermined number is performed. Instead of this process, the transmission intensity of the trigger signal is set. It is also possible to perform processing for comparing the total number of response signals before and after the change.

<Invention of method>
The above invention can be realized not only as a device but also as a method for grouping response signals from IC tags. The grouping method of response signals from the IC tag is to transmit a trigger signal that is transmitted by changing the effective response possible region by changing the transmission intensity of a trigger signal that is a signal for prompting a response to a plurality of simultaneously readable IC tags. A response signal detecting step for detecting a response signal returned from the IC tag in response to the trigger signal, and a detection number of the IC tag with respect to a change in transmission intensity of the trigger signal transmitted in the trigger signal transmitting step. The tag detection number calculation step for calculating from the response signal detected in the response signal detection step, and the grouping step for grouping the response signals according to the calculated change in the detection number. The process flow of the method is the same as the process flow in the apparatus invention.

<Effect>
According to the invention of this embodiment, it is possible to group a plurality of IC tags for each arrangement area by using only a single IC tag reader.

<Configuration>
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the IC tag reader according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the “IC tag reader” 0700 of this embodiment includes a “trigger signal transmission unit” 0701, a “response signal detection unit” 0702, a “tag detection number calculation unit” 0703, and a “grouping unit”. “Trigger Signal Transmitter” has “Stepwise Time Change Control Unit” 0705. Hereinafter, “stepped time change control means” which is different from the first embodiment will be described.

  The “stepped time change control means” has a function of changing the transmission intensity of the trigger signal in steps. Here, changing the transmission strength in time stepwise means increasing or decreasing the transmission strength as time elapses. Note that the change in transmission intensity over time does not necessarily have to increase or decrease uniformly with the passage of time, and a mode in which the transmission intensity changes periodically is also possible.

  The time width for changing the transmission intensity stepwise can be determined based on the information held in the tag reader in advance in response to the response from the IC tag after transmitting the trigger signal. Is possible. Further, the time width does not need to be constant, and a mode in which the time width is changed as the transmission intensity increases is also conceivable.

<Specific configuration>
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure executed by the CPU or the like of the IC tag reader of this embodiment.

  First, in step S0801, processing for setting the transmission intensity of the trigger signal to an initial value is performed. Next, in step S0802, the trigger signal transmission strength is increased by one step. Next, in step S0803, the modulation unit and the transmission amplifier are controlled to perform a process of transmitting the transmission intensity trigger signal (a signal for requesting the tag ID) from the antenna.

  In step S0804, a response signal indicating the tag ID returned from the IC tag in response to the trigger signal is detected via the antenna and the demodulator. Next, in step S0805, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed. If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S0804. If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S0806. In step S0806, processing for calculating the number of newly detected response signals (IC tags) by increasing the transmission intensity of the trigger signal by one step with reference to the tag ID information is performed.

  In step S0807, it is determined whether the number of newly detected response signals is smaller than a predetermined number (for example, 1). If it is determined that the number of newly detected response signals is smaller than the predetermined number, the process proceeds to step S0808. If it is determined that the number of newly detected response signals is greater than or equal to the predetermined number, the process returns to step S0802.

  In step S0808, it is determined whether or not the stage where the number of response signals is smaller than the predetermined number continues for a predetermined number of times (for example, three times). If it is determined that the step where the determination is small has continued a predetermined number of times or more, the process proceeds to step S0809. If it is determined that the stage where the determination is small has not continued for a predetermined number of times, the process returns to step S0802.

In step S0809, it is determined whether the total number of response signals detected in the loop processing from step S0802 to step S0808 is a predetermined number (for example, 1) or more. If it is determined that the total number of response signals is greater than or equal to the predetermined number, the process proceeds to step S0810. If the determination here is that the total number of response signals is not greater than or equal to the predetermined number, the process ends. In step S0810, a process of assigning one group ID to one or a plurality of response signals detected in the loop process from step S0802 to step S0808 is performed.

<Invention of method>
The above invention can be realized not only as a device but also as a method for grouping response signals from IC tags. The response signal grouping method from the IC tag is the same as that described in the invention of the method of the first embodiment. However, in the trigger signal transmission step, it is possible to change the transmission intensity of the trigger signal in stages. Yes (stepwise time change control substep).

<Effect>
With the IC tag reader of this embodiment, it is possible to specify a region where an article or the like to which an IC tag is attached exists only with a single IC tag reader.

<Configuration>
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the IC tag reader according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the “IC tag reader” 0900 of this embodiment includes a “trigger signal transmission unit” 0901, a “response signal detection unit” 0902, a “tag detection number calculation unit” 0903, and a “grouping unit” "9044", and the "grouping unit" has "first grouping means" 0905. Hereinafter, the “first grouping unit” which is different from the first and second embodiments will be described.

  The “first grouping means” is a response signal returned from the IC tag in the effective response possible area at that time when the number of detected IC tags does not change with respect to a change of the transmission intensity of the trigger signal more than a predetermined value. Have the function of grouping

  Whether or not the trigger signal transmission strength has changed more than a predetermined value, whether or not there has been a change in strength that exceeds a predetermined threshold, or whether the step of changing the transmission strength has been performed a predetermined number of times A process of determining whether or not is possible.

  Using the fact that the number of detected IC tags does not change when the transmission intensity of the trigger signal exceeds a predetermined value, it is possible to determine whether or not it is possible to group them as an independent group.

  Specifically, consider a situation where shopping is performed with a shopping cart. There are products with IC tags attached to the display shelves located slightly away from the basket at hand. By gradually increasing the transmission intensity of the trigger signal of the IC tag reader, the IC tag in the basket is gradually detected. However, since the basket area and the display shelf area are generally separated from each other, the number of detected IC tags does not change in the space. That is, even if the transmission intensity is changed by a predetermined value or more, the number of IC tags detected does not change, so that one or a plurality of products with IC tags in the basket can be extracted as a group.

<Specific configuration>
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure executed by the CPU or the like of the IC tag reader of this embodiment.

  First, in step S1001, processing for setting the transmission intensity of the trigger signal to an initial value is performed. Next, in step S1002, processing for increasing the transmission intensity of the trigger signal by one step is performed. Next, in step S1003, the modulation unit and the transmission amplifier are controlled to perform processing for transmitting the transmission intensity trigger signal (signal for requesting the tag ID) from the antenna.

In step S1004, a response signal indicating a tag ID returned from the IC tag according to the trigger signal is detected via the antenna and the demodulator. Next, in step S1005, a process for obtaining the total number of response signals (IC tags) detected by the transmission intensity of the trigger signal at the present time with reference to the tag ID information is performed.

  In step S1006, it is determined whether the total number of response signals is the same as the total number of response signals before the transmission intensity is increased by one step. If it is determined that the total number of response signals is the same, the process proceeds to step S1007. If it is determined that the total number of response signals is not the same, the process returns to step S1002.

  In step S1007, it is determined whether or not the stage where the total number of response signals does not change has continued a predetermined number of times (for example, three times) or more. If it is determined that the stage in which the total number of response signals does not change continues for a predetermined number of times or more, the process returns to step S1002. If it is determined that the step in which the total number of response signals does not change continues for a predetermined number of times or more, the process proceeds to step S1008.

  In step S1008, it is determined whether the total number of detected response signals is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (eg, 1). If it is determined that the total number of response signals is greater than or equal to the predetermined number, the process proceeds to step S1009. If the determination here is that the total number of response signals is not greater than or equal to the predetermined number, the process ends. In step S1009, a process of assigning one group ID to one or more detected response signals is performed.

  In the above processing flow, in step S1006, processing is performed to determine whether or not the total number of response signals is the same as the total number of response signals before the transmission intensity is increased by one step. Processing for calculating the number of newly detected response signals (IC tags) by increasing the transmission intensity of the trigger signal by one step and determining whether the number of newly detected response signals is smaller than a predetermined number It is also possible to perform.

<Invention of method>
The above invention can be realized not only as a device but also as a method for grouping response signals from IC tags. The grouping method of the response signals from the IC tag is the same as that described in the method invention of the first embodiment. However, in the grouping step, the number of detected IC tags with respect to a predetermined change in the transmission intensity of the trigger signal. When the change does not change, it is possible to group response signals returned from the IC tags in the effective response possible area at that time (first grouping sub-step).

<Effect>
According to the invention of this embodiment, it is possible to group a plurality of IC tags for each arrangement area by using only a single IC tag reader.

<Configuration>
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the IC tag reader according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the “IC tag reader” 1100 of this embodiment includes a “trigger signal transmission unit” 1101, a “response signal detection unit” 1102, a “tag detection number calculation unit” 1103, and a “grouping unit”. ”1104,“ Information acquisition unit ”1105, and“ Information output unit ”1106. Hereinafter, the “information acquisition unit” and the “information output unit” which are the differences from the first to third embodiments will be described.

  The “information acquisition unit” has a function of acquiring information based on a response signal returned from the IC tag. The information acquisition unit includes, for example, a CPU, RAM, ROM, and the like.

  Other information can be acquired by various methods using the tag ID acquired by the response signal returned from the IC tag. For example, when detailed information is held in addition to the tag ID in the IC tag, a signal for requesting detailed information may be transmitted to the IC tag.

  Further, when the information associated with the tag ID is held in the auxiliary storage device or the like of the IC tag reader, it is possible to perform processing for reading out the related information based on the tag ID and storing it in the memory. .

  Furthermore, when the information associated with the tag ID of the IC tag is held in a server device or other devices connected via a network, the tag ID information is sent from the IC tag reader to the server device. It is also conceivable to perform processing for transmitting and receiving information associated with the tag ID.

  The information acquired by the information acquisition unit includes, in addition to the tag ID of the IC tag, information such as the price of the product to which the IC tag is attached, the manufacturer / seller, the date of manufacture, the place of origin, the raw material, etc. Information on the type, sex, age, health status, etc. of organisms with IC tags can be considered. Various other information is conceivable and is not limited to the above example.

  The “information output unit” has a function for outputting the acquired information. Various output destinations such as a display output device, an audio output device, a print output device, a storage device, and a transmission device can be considered.

  The information output unit can be configured to output the acquired information as it is, but can also be configured to output the information after performing some processing on the acquired information. For example, a plurality of charges in the shopping cart are summed from the charge information associated with the tag ID of the IC tag, and the outside of the total money is output to the display or transmitted to the mobile terminal device. It is possible.

  It is also possible to perform processing for checking the grouping processing result using information associated with the tag ID. For example, consider the case of shopping at a store. While there are many relatively different types of products in shopping carts, the same type of products on display shelves often occupy a certain area. For this reason, it is possible to determine whether or not the same type of product exists in a certain area by using information associated with the tag ID, and output the determination result.

<Specific configuration>
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed by the CPU or the like of the IC tag reader according to the present embodiment.

  First, in step S1201, processing for setting the transmission intensity of the trigger signal to an initial value is performed. Next, in step S1202, processing for increasing the transmission intensity of the trigger signal by one step is performed. In step S1203, the modulation unit and the transmission amplifier are controlled to perform a process of transmitting the transmission intensity trigger signal (a signal for requesting the tag ID) from the antenna.

  In step S1204, a response signal indicating a tag ID returned from the IC tag according to the trigger signal is detected via the antenna and the demodulator. In step S1205, a process of calculating the number of response signals (IC tags) newly detected by increasing the transmission intensity of the trigger signal by one step with reference to the tag ID information is performed.

  In step S1206, it is determined whether or not a newly detected response signal exists. If the determination here is that there is no newly detected response signal, the process proceeds to step S1207A. If it is determined that there is a newly detected response signal, the process proceeds to step S1207B.

  In step S1207B, a process for transmitting a signal requesting detailed information to the newly detected IC tag (or server device or the like) is performed. Next, in step S1208B, a process of receiving a signal indicated by information associated with the tag ID from the newly detected IC tag (or server device or the like) is performed, and the process returns to step S02.

  In step S1207A, it is determined whether or not a stage where a newly detected response signal does not exist has continued a predetermined number of times (for example, three times) or more. If the determination here is that the stage in which no newly detected response signal exists is a predetermined number of times or more, the process proceeds to step S1208A. If the determination here is that the stage in which there is no newly detected response signal does not continue for a predetermined number of times, the process returns to step S1202.

  In step S1208A, it is determined whether the total number of response signals detected in the loop processing from step S1202 to step S1207A is a predetermined number (for example, 1) or more. If it is determined that the total number of response signals is greater than or equal to the predetermined number, the process advances to step S1209. If the determination here is that the total number of response signals is not greater than or equal to the predetermined number, the process ends.

  In step S1209, processing for assigning one group ID to one or a plurality of response signals detected in the loop processing from step S1202 to step S1207A is performed. In step S1210, a process of outputting information on IC tags belonging to the group to a display of an IC tag reader or the like is performed.

  As another example, it may be possible to perform the processing as shown in FIG.

  First, in step S1301, processing for setting the transmission intensity of the trigger signal to an initial value is performed. Next, in step S1302, processing for increasing the transmission intensity of the trigger signal by one level is performed. In step S1303, the modulation unit and the transmission amplifier are controlled to perform a process of transmitting the transmission intensity trigger signal (signal requesting the tag ID) from the antenna.

  In step S1304, a response signal indicating a tag ID returned from the IC tag according to the trigger signal is detected via the antenna and the demodulator. Next, in step S1305, processing for obtaining the total number of response signals (IC tags) detected by the current transmission intensity of the trigger signal is performed with reference to the tag ID information.

  In step S1306, it is determined whether the total number of response signals is the same as the total number of response signals before the transmission intensity is increased by one step. If it is determined that the total number of response signals is the same, the process proceeds to step S1307. If it is determined that the total number of response signals is not the same, the process returns to step S1302.

  In step S1307, it is determined whether or not the stage where the total number of response signals does not change has continued a predetermined number of times (for example, three times) or more. If it is determined that the stage in which the total number of response signals does not change continues for a predetermined number of times or more, the process returns to step S1302. If it is determined that the stage in which the total number of response signals does not change continues for a predetermined number of times or more, the process proceeds to step S1308.

  In step S1308, it is determined whether the total number of detected response signals is greater than or equal to a predetermined number (for example, 1). If it is determined that the total number of response signals is greater than or equal to the predetermined number, the process advances to step S1309. If the determination here is that the total number of response signals is not greater than or equal to the predetermined number, the process ends.

  In step S1309, a process of assigning one group ID to one or a plurality of response signals acquired in step S1305 is performed. In step S1310, processing for transmitting a signal for requesting information associated with the tag ID of each IC tag belonging to the group to the server device or the like is performed. In step S1311, a signal indicating information associated with the tag ID of each IC tag is received from the server device or the like and stored in the memory. Next, in step S1312, a process of outputting information associated with the tag ID of the IC tag belonging to the group to a display or the like is performed.

<Invention of method>
The above invention can be realized not only as a device but also as a method for grouping response signals from IC tags. The grouping method of the response signals from the IC tag is the same as that described in the method invention of the first embodiment, but the step of acquiring information based on the response signal returned from the IC tag (information acquisition step); And a step for outputting the acquired information (information output step).

<Effect>
According to the invention of this embodiment, it is possible to group a plurality of IC tags for each arrangement area by using only a single IC tag reader.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 0200 ... IC tag reader, 0201 ... Trigger signal transmission part, 0202 ... Response signal detection part, 0203 ... Tag detection number calculating part, 0204 ... Grouping part, 0705 ... Stepwise time change control means, 1105 ... Information acquisition part, 1106 ... Information output unit, 0401 ... CPU, 0402 ... ROM, 0403 ... RAM, 0404 ... modulation unit, 0405 ... demodulation unit, 0406 ... transmission amplifier, 0407 ... reception amplifier, 0408 ... antenna, 0409 ... display control circuit, 0410 ... display, 0411A ・ B ・ C ... IF (Interface)

Claims (6)

A trigger signal transmission unit having a function of changing and transmitting an effective response possible region by changing a transmission intensity of a trigger signal that is a signal for prompting a response to a plurality of simultaneously readable IC tags;
A response signal detector that detects a response signal returned from the IC tag in response to the trigger signal;
A tag detection number calculation unit that calculates a change in the detection number of the IC tag with respect to a change in transmission intensity of the trigger signal transmitted from the trigger signal transmission unit, from a response signal detected by the response signal detection unit;
A grouping unit for grouping response signals according to changes in the calculated number of detections;
IC tag reader. The trigger signal transmitter
2. The IC tag reader according to claim 1, further comprising stepwise time change control means for stepwise changing the transmission intensity of the trigger signal.   The grouping unit groups response signals returned from the IC tags in the effective response possible area at that time when the detected number of the IC tags does not change with respect to a change of the transmission intensity of the trigger signal more than a predetermined value. The IC tag reader according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising first grouping means. An information acquisition unit for acquiring information based on a response signal returned from the IC tag;
An information output unit for outputting the acquired information;
The IC tag reader according to claim 1, comprising:   A portable terminal device comprising the IC tag reader according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A trigger signal transmission step of changing the effective response possible area by changing the transmission intensity of the trigger signal, which is a signal for prompting a response to a plurality of simultaneously readable IC tags;
A response signal detecting step of detecting a response signal returned from the IC tag in response to the trigger signal;
A tag detection number calculation step for calculating a change in the detection number of the IC tag with respect to a change in the transmission intensity of the trigger signal transmitted in the trigger signal transmission step, from a response signal detected in the response signal detection step;
A grouping step for grouping response signals according to changes in the calculated number of detections;
A method for grouping response signals from an IC tag.

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