JP2015060260A - Communication device, communication system, and method of using communication device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication device that can prevent the misrecognition of the opening state of a package, and can manage a packed material after the opening of the package.SOLUTION: A package 50 with an RFID tag is a communication device having an RFID tag 11 and slit S formed thereon and including a metal film that functions as a communication antenna at a first frequency band of the RFID tag 11. The metal film constitutes a part of a package 40 in which a packed material is accommodated, and has a first part having a part of the slit S formed thereon and a second part having the remainder of the slit formed thereon, which are separated from each other in association with the opening of the package 40; when the first and second parts are separated from each other, the first part functions as the communication antenna at a second frequency band different from the first frequency band.

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication device, a communication system, and a method for using the communication device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a communication device including an RFID tag, a communication system including the communication device, and a method for using the communication device.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a packaging container that includes an RFID tag that can communicate in a plurality of frequency bands and stores an object to be packaged is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  This packaging container is configured so that the frequency band that can be communicated is reduced by one when the container is opened in order to check the opening condition of the container and to manage the packaged items after the container is opened. Yes.

  However, in the packaging container disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that the opening state of the container is misidentified.

  The present invention is a communication device comprising at least one RFID tag and a conductor having a slit formed therein and functioning as a communication antenna in a predetermined frequency band of the RFID tag, the conductor being packaged A first part in which at least a part of a package in which an object is stored is formed, and a part of the slit of the conductor is formed with the opening of the package, and a remaining part of the slit of the conductor Are separated from each other, and when the first and second parts are separated from each other, at least one of the first and second parts has the predetermined frequency of the RFID tag It is a communication device that functions as a communication antenna in a frequency band different from the band.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the misidentification of the opening condition of a package can be prevented, and management of the to-be packaged object after a package opens is attained.

It is a figure for demonstrating schematic structure of the RFID system of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the packaging bag with an RFID tag of FIG. FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 3. It is a figure which shows the frequency-sensitivity characteristic of a 1st slit antenna. It is a figure which shows the state which opened the package body with a RFID tag. It is the elements on larger scale of FIG. It is a figure which shows the frequency-sensitivity characteristic zone | band of a 2nd slit antenna. It is a figure for demonstrating the attachment position of the RFID tag with respect to the slit formed in the packaging bag, and a package body. It is a figure for demonstrating the electric field around a slit when an electromagnetic wave is radiated | emitted from the RW apparatus. FIGS. 11A to 11C are views (No. 1 to No. 3) for explaining a method of manufacturing an RFID tag, respectively. 12 (A) and 12 (B) are diagrams for explaining a method of manufacturing a packaging bag. FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C are diagrams for explaining a manufacturing method of a packaging bag with an RFID tag according to a modification.

  Below, one Embodiment of this invention is described based on FIGS. 1-12 (B). FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an RFID system 1000 as a communication system according to the present embodiment.

  The RFID system 1000 is used for use management, quality control, physical distribution management, and the like of packages, such as drugs, foods, and electronic parts, enclosed (contained) in the packaging bag 40 (packaging body).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the RFID system 1000 includes an RFID tag 11, a packaging bag 40, two RW devices 20a and 20b (a reader / writer device, only one RW device is shown in FIG. 1), a management device 30, and the like. I have. Each RW device and the management device 30 can transmit / receive data to / from each other in a wired or wireless manner.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the RFID tag 11 is attached to the packaging bag 40. Hereinafter, the RFID tag 11 and the packaging bag 40 are also collectively referred to as a packaging bag 50 with an RFID tag.

  As an example, the packaging bag 40 includes two sheets 42 having the same shape (here, rectangular) and the same size, and the edges (the dark pattern portions in FIG. 2) of the two sheets 42 are joined to each other. It is a thin bag. In the packaging bag 40, the above-mentioned packaged object is enclosed between two sheets 42. Therefore, in the following, the edges of the two sheets 42 are also referred to as “joining portions”. Further, the thin pattern portion in FIG. 2 is a portion where the two sheets 42 are not joined, and hereinafter, this portion is also referred to as a “non-joined portion”.

  More specifically, each sheet 42 has, as an example, a resin film 42b laminated on both surfaces of a metal film 42a (conductor) as shown in FIG. 4 which is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. A three-layer structure. The corresponding edges of the two sheets 42 are joined in the stacking direction by, for example, thermal welding, ultrasonic welding, or the like. For this reason, the sheet | seat 42 is excellent in light-shielding property and waterproofness.

  As the metal film 42a, for example, an aluminum foil or a copper foil is used. The resin film 42b has a protection function, a waterproof function, an insulation function, and the like of the metal film 42a. As a material of the resin film 42b, for example, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is used. In this embodiment, an explanation is given using an XYZ three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system in which the direction in which the short side of the sheet extends is the X-axis direction, the direction in which the long side of the sheet extends is the Y-axis direction, and the stacking direction of the sheets is the Z-axis direction. To do.

  The two sheets 42 are sealed (bonded) by applying pressure while heating three corresponding edges (+ X side edge, -X side edge and + Y side edge), After the package is put, the remaining one edge (the edge on the -Y side) is sealed (joined) by being pressurized while being heated.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a slit S is formed at the joint between the two sheets 42 on the + Y side and the −X side. As shown in FIG. 3, the slit S is an X line portion S1 that is a linear region extending in the X-axis direction, and a linear region that is orthogonal to the X-th line portion S1 and extends in the Y-axis direction. Y-line part S2, isosceles trapezoid-shaped isosceles trapezoidal part S3 continuous to the + Y-side end of Y-line part S2, and isosceles-trapezoidal part continuous to the -Y-side end of Y-line part S2 A leg trapezoidal portion S4. The X line portion S1 and the Y line portion S2 share an intersection. Here, the slit S has a symmetrical shape with respect to a predetermined plane parallel to the YZ plane. That is, two portions of the X line portion S1 that sandwich the Y line portion S2 in the X axis direction have the same length.

  As described above, the slits S are formed in the metal film 42a in the joint portion on the + Y side and the −X side of the two sheets 42, so that the metal film 42a of the two sheets 42 has the first frequency band ( For example, it functions as an antenna for communication in the 920 MHz band). Therefore, hereinafter, the slit S is also referred to as a “first slit antenna”. The slit antenna is also called a slot antenna.

  In this case, the packaging bag 50 with an RFID tag functions as a communication device capable of communication in the first frequency band (predetermined frequency band).

  FIG. 5 is a graph showing the frequency-sensitivity characteristics of the first slit antenna. FIG. 5 shows that the first slit antenna has a peak sensitivity (amount of current flowing through the IC chip 12) in the 920 MHz band.

Note that the wavelength used in the RFID system 1000 is 1 / √ε _r times as long as the relative dielectric constant ε _r of the resin film 42 b of the packaging bag 40 and the resin film of the RFID tag 11.

  Returning to FIG. 2, in the two sheets 42, a cutting line CL1 extending in the X axis direction is formed on the −X side extension line of the X line portion S1, and the X axis is set on the + X side extension line of the X line portion S1. A cutting line CL2 extending in the direction is formed. That is, the two cutting lines CL1 and CL2 are included in one imaginary line that passes through the X line portion S1 and extends in the X axis direction. The cutting line CL1 is formed at the joining portion of the two sheets 42, and the cutting line CL2 is formed so as to straddle the joining portion and the non-joining of the two sheets 42. Examples of the cutting lines include perforations, half-cut perforations, and half-cut lines. The cutting line is also called a cutting line.

  That is, the strength (shear strength (stress)) of the portions on the cutting lines of the two sheets 42 is lower than the other portions of the sheets 42. In this case, the packaging bag 40 can be easily cut along the cutting lines by applying a shearing force along the cutting lines. Further, V-shaped notches (notches) are formed on the −X side of the cutting line CL1 and the + X side of the cutting line CL2 in the two sheets 42 (see FIG. 2). Can be easily recognized, and the cutting into the packaging bag 40 can be easily started from either the + X side or the −X side. In addition, the said notch part is not restricted to V shape, For example, other shapes, such as U shape, may be sufficient.

  Therefore, by cutting the two cutting lines CL1 and CL2, the packaging bag 40 includes the first part of the metal film 42a on which the predetermined part of the slit S is formed, and the RFID tag 11 is attached. The side portion 40a and the other side portion 40b including the second portion of the metal film 42a in which the remaining portion of the slit S is formed can be separated and opened (see FIG. 6). As a result, the contents (packaged items) can be taken out.

  That is, each cutting line is provided at the boundary between the first portion and the second portion in the metal film 42a.

  When the packaging bag 40 is opened in this manner, the first portion of the metal film 42a that is included in the separated one side portion 40a and on which the predetermined part of the slit S is formed is the first portion of the RFID tag 11. It functions as a communication antenna in a second frequency band (for example, 2.4 GHz band) (see FIG. 7). The second frequency band is a frequency band different from the first frequency band. Therefore, hereinafter, a predetermined part of the slit S formed in the metal film 42a included in the one side portion 40a is also referred to as a “second slit antenna”. Here, “the two frequency bands are different” means that, for example, a plurality of elements defining a frequency band such as a frequency range and a peak do not completely match between the two frequency bands, that is, the two frequency bands It means that at least one of the plurality of elements is different.

  In this case, the packaging bag 50 with an RFID tag functions as a communication device capable of communication in the second frequency band (a frequency band different from the predetermined frequency band).

  FIG. 8 is a graph showing the frequency-sensitivity characteristics of the second slit antenna. FIG. 8 shows that the second slit antenna has a peak sensitivity (amount of current flowing through the IC chip 12) in the 2.4 GHz band.

  By the way, the length of the Y line portion S2 is set to a length that is ½ times the wavelength of the radio wave used in the RFID system 1000 (see FIG. 9). In this case, the voltage generated between both ends in the Y-axis direction of the Y line portion S2 when receiving the radio wave is maximized, and the antenna efficiency can be increased as much as possible.

  The width L (here, S1 and S2 are the same width) of the X line portion S1 and the Y line portion S2 of the slit S is related to the width of the frequency at which a desired gain (good antenna performance) as an antenna can be obtained. ing. That is, as the width L is reduced, the frequency width at which a desired gain is obtained becomes narrower. On the other hand, when the width L is increased, the frequency width at which a desired gain is obtained is increased. However, as the width L is increased, the impedance increases and the antenna efficiency decreases. Accordingly, the width L is preferably set in consideration of the balance between the frequency width at which a desired gain is obtained and the antenna efficiency.

  In general, the slit S is formed by punching using a mold, and is shaped by secondary processing as necessary. In this case, if the width L is too narrow, it is difficult to obtain a desired width with a predetermined accuracy. Therefore, it is conceivable to form the slits S by laser processing, but there is an inconvenience that the cost is increased. On the other hand, if the width L is too narrow, a foreign object such as a metal piece may be caught in the slit S and the antenna performance may be deteriorated. Therefore, the width L is preferably set to an appropriate size in consideration of processability and antenna performance.

  The RFID tag 11 is a so-called passive tag, and includes an IC chip 12, two terminal members 14a and 14b, and the like, as shown in FIG.

  As an example, each terminal member includes a metal foil (conductive member) and a resin film that laminates both surfaces of the metal foil. The resin film has a metal foil protective function, a waterproof function, and an insulating function. Here, the two terminal members 14a and 14b share a resin film. As a material for the metal foil, for example, aluminum, copper or the like is used. As a material for the resin film, for example, transparent PET or the like is used.

  The two terminal members 14a and 14b are bonded to the surface (+ Z side surface) of the + Z side sheet 42 of the packaging bag 40 with an adhesive such as a double-sided tape so as to face each other in the X-axis direction ( (See FIG. 3). Here, the terminal member 14a is disposed on the + X side of the terminal member 14b.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, at least a part of the + X side terminal member 14a is disposed on the + X side of the Y line portion S2. At least a portion of the −X side terminal member 14b is disposed on the −X side of the Y line portion S2. That is, the RFID tag 11 is attached to the packaging bag 40 so as to straddle the Y line portion S2.

  Here, two V-shaped notches (notches) whose apexes are located on the Y line portion S2 are formed at both ends in the Y-axis direction of the resin film. The notch is not limited to a V shape, and may be another shape such as a U shape.

Here, a resin film having a thickness of 20 μm is used, and the area of each metal foil is approximately 100 mm ² . That is, the area of each metal foil is set so that an alternating current having a frequency of at least the UHF band can pass between the metal foil and the sheet 42 even if the RW device and the RFID tag 11 are several meters apart.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the IC chip 12 has two electrodes 12a and 12b. Here, the IC chip 12 is disposed on the + X side of the Y line portion S2 (see FIG. 3). The IC chip 12 stores a unique ID number.

  In the IC chip 12, the two electrodes 12a and 12b are individually connected to the metal foils of the two terminal members 14a and 14b. The IC chip 12 is disposed between the metal foils of the two terminal members 14a and 14b and the resin film. That is, the IC chip 12 is covered and protected with a resin film.

  The RFID tag 11 configured as described above is disposed at a position shifted in the Y-axis direction from the center in the Y-axis direction of the Y line portion S2 so that impedance matching can be obtained when the IC chip 12 is mounted. (See FIG. 9).

  Note that a printable sheet may be attached to the RFID tag 11 from the + Z side. In this case, a barcode, a product name, a serial number, and the like may be displayed on the printing surface of the sheet.

  Here, when a radio wave of, for example, UHF band linearly polarized wave or circularly polarized wave is radiated toward the slit S from the RW device, an electric field is generated around the slit S as shown in FIG. This electric field generates a reverse voltage (alternating current) between the pair of terminal members 14a and 14b. As a result, a current is supplied to the IC chip 12 and the IC chip 12 is activated.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the metal foil of the RFID tag 11 and the metal film 42 a of the packaging bag 40 are closely fixed via a resin film, a resin film 42 b and an adhesive, and thus the packaging bag 40. The metal film 42a and the metal foil of the RFID tag 11 constitute a capacitor and are electrostatically coupled. As a result, the UHF high-frequency alternating current generated in the metal film 42 a of the packaging bag 40 flows from the metal film 42 a of the packaging bag 40 to the metal foil of the RFID tag 11. This phenomenon is called a capacitive short state.

  Further, the two sheets 42 of the packaging bag 40 are not in a DC connection state. However, in reality, the two sheets 42 have a sufficiently large area, and both the metal films 42a are close to each other with a gap of several hundreds μm, and are connected and integrated in terms of high frequency. You can say that In this case, electromagnetic waves are radiated from each sheet 42 to both the front and back sides (+ Z side and −Z side). That is, a part of the packaging bag 40 functions as a large antenna.

  As described above, a radio wave communication method using radio waves in a high frequency band (the first and second frequency bands) such as the UHF band is applied to the RFID tag 11. Since power can be supplied to 12, for example, a communication distance of 1 to 10 m can be secured.

  Therefore, the RFID tag-equipped packaging bag 50 receives the command signal transmitted from the RW device, updates the tag information stored in the memory according to the information of the command signal, adds the tag information, and if necessary, Tag information is transmitted to the RW device as a read signal.

  The two RW devices 20a and 20b are reader / writer devices for the RFID tag 11 as described above. A space area in which each RW device and the RFID tag 11 can communicate is also called an “effective communication area”. Here, although the handy type shown in FIG. 1 is used as each RW device, a stationary type or a fixed type gate type may be used. The RW device 20a can communicate with the RFID tag 11 in the first frequency band. The RW device 20b can communicate with the RFID tag 11 in the second frequency band.

  Each RW device, when reading the unique ID number from the RFID tag 11, notifies the management device 30 through the data transmission path as “detection information” together with the reading date and time and its own device number. Hereinafter, the reading date and time is referred to as “detection date and time”.

  Each RW device writes the detection date and time and its own device number to the RFID tag 11 as “history information”.

  The management device 30 includes a CPU, a ROM described in a program written in code readable by the CPU, and various data used when executing the program, a RAM as a working memory, a hard disk device, An input device, a display device, and the like are included. A personal computer can be used as the management device 30.

  The hard disk device has a hard disk in which information is recorded, and a drive device that reads and writes the hard disk according to instructions from the CPU.

  The input device includes, for example, at least one input medium of a keyboard, a mouse, a tablet, a light pen, a touch panel, and the like, and notifies the CPU of various types of information input from an operator via the input medium. Note that information from the input medium may be input in a wireless manner.

  The display device includes a display unit using, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a plasma display panel (PDP), and displays various information instructed by the CPU. As an integrated display device and input device, for example, there is an LCD with a touch panel.

  The management device 30 is set to generate an interrupt when notified from the RW device. The management device 30 is connected to a host device (for example, a host computer), and transmits various information to the host device in response to a request.

  Here, the operation of the RFID system 1000 before opening the packaging bag 40 will be briefly described. First, the user positions the RW device 20a corresponding to the first frequency band held in the hand within the effective communication area with respect to the RFID tag packaging bag 50, and operates the RW device 20a to transmit a command signal. (See FIG. 1).

  At this time, the RFID tag 11 transmits a signal including an ID number in response to the command signal from the RW device 20a.

  When receiving the signal from the RFID tag 11, the RW device 20 a extracts the ID number included in the signal, notifies the management device 30 of the detection information, and writes the history information to the RFID tag 11.

  The management device 30 records the received information on the hard disk and displays the status on the display unit of the display device. Thereby, the user can recognize that the writing of the history information for the RFID tag 11 having the predetermined ID number has been completed.

  Next, the usage method of the packaging bag 50 with an RFID tag is demonstrated. As described above, in the RFID tag packaging bag 50, the RFID tag 11 can wirelessly communicate with the RW device 20a in the first frequency band (eg, 920 MHz band) before the packaging bag 40 is opened. is there.

  First, as described above, at least one of reading and writing of information is performed on the RFID tag 11 of the packaging bag with RFID tag 50 by wireless communication in the first frequency band. In this way, it is possible to manage the object to be packaged before the packaging bag 40 is opened.

  Next, when a shearing force is applied to the −X side notch portion of the RFID tag packaging bag 50 along the −X side cut line, cutting starts from the −X side notch portion, along the cut line CL1. When the cutting proceeds and the cutting reaches the X line portion S1, both side portions of the cutting line CL1 in the packaging bag 40 are separated.

  Further, when a force is applied to the packaging bag 40 along the cutting line from the −X side to the + X side, the cutting starts from the end of the cutting line CL2 on the −X side, and the cutting progresses along the cutting line CL2. When the cut reaches the + X side end of the cutting line CL2, both side portions of the cutting line CL2 in the packaging bag 40 are separated. As a result, the packaging bag 40 is opened by being separated into the one side portion 40a and the other side portion 40b (see FIG. 6).

  In addition, when cutting the packaging bag 40 along each cutting line, both sides of the imaginary line (the + Y side part and the -Y side part of the imaginary line) are individually grasped with both hands, and + X side or -X side For example, a shearing force may be applied from the + X side or the −X side using a tool such as scissors or a cutter.

  As described above, the packaging bag 50 with the RFID tag can be opened, and the contents (packaged object) can be taken out.

  Further, by separating the packaging bag 40 into the one side portion 40a and the other side portion 40b, the RFID tag 11 and the RW device 20a cannot communicate with each other or the response radio wave intensity becomes extremely weak. The device 20b can communicate wirelessly in the second frequency band (2.4 GHz band), or the first response radio wave intensity >> the second response radio wave intensity from the RFID tag 11 in the first frequency band From the state of the second response radio wave intensity that is the response radio wave intensity from the RFID tag 11 in the frequency band, the state becomes the state of the first response radio wave intensity << the second response radio wave intensity. At this time, the opened information (history information) of the packaging bag 40 is sent from the RW device 20b to the management device 30, and the opened information is written to the hard disk by the management device 30.

  Note that the transmission of the first frequency band radio wave from the RW device 20a to the RFID tag 11 and the transmission of the second frequency band radio wave from the RW device 20b to the RFID tag 11 are performed one after the other. The second response radio wave intensity may be acquired. In this case, by comparing the first and second response radio wave intensities, any one of the first response radio wave intensity >> the second response radio wave intensity and the first response radio wave intensity << the second response radio wave intensity is obtained. That is, the state (opened state or unopened state) of the packaging bag 40 can be determined. Acquisition of the first and second response radio wave intensities from the RFID tag 11 may be performed by the RW device, or may be performed by the management device 30 via the RW device. It is preferable to display the acquisition result regardless of which of the RW device and the management device 30 is used. The comparison between the first and second response radio wave intensities and the determination of the state of the packaging bag 40 (whether or not the packaging bag 40 has been opened) are performed by the user based on the result obtained by the RW device or the management device 30. Alternatively, the management device 30 may display the comparison / determination results.

  Next, if necessary, information is transmitted by wireless communication in the second frequency band (eg, 920 MHz) to the RFID tag 11 attached to the one side portion 40a using the RW device 20b as described above. At least one of reading and writing is performed. In this way, it is possible to exclude the packaged object from the management target after opening the packaging bag 40 and to manage the packaged object (for example, tracking information stored in the IC chip 12).

  If necessary, the RFID tag 11 is cut along two notches formed on the resin film to disconnect the electrical connection between the two terminal members 14a and 14b. That is, it can be invalidated.

  As can be seen from the above description, in the present embodiment, two RW devices 20 a and 20 b that are different before and after opening the packaging bag 40 are used. For this reason, the user can perform management of the packaged item, exclusion from the management target, and the like while clearly conscious of whether the packaging bag 40 is before or after opening. In order not to mistake the two RW devices 20a and 20b, it is preferable that an identification display for identifying them at a glance is displayed on at least one of the two RW devices 20a and 20b.

Below, an example of the manufacturing method of the RFID tag 11 is demonstrated easily.
(A-1) One surface of two metal foils is laminated with one resin film (see FIG. 11A).

(A-2) The two electrodes 12a and 12b of the IC chip 12 are individually connected to the other surfaces of the two metal foils (see FIG. 11B).

(A-3) The other surface of the two metal foils and the IC chip 12 are laminated with one resin film. (See FIG. 11C).

  Note that the order of the step (A-1) and the step (A-2) may be reversed.

  Below, an example of the manufacturing method of the packaging bag 40 is demonstrated easily.

(B-1) The resin film 42b is laminated (laminated) on both surfaces of each of the two metal films 42a, and two sheets 42 (three-layer structure) are created (see FIG. 12A).

(B-2) The two sheets 42 are overlapped, and the corresponding three edges of the two sheets 42 are heated and pressurized while being heated, and the remaining one edge is not sealed. After putting an article to be packaged, the one edge is pressurized while being heated and sealed.

(B-3) Two cutting lines CL1 and CL2 (for example, perforations, half-cut perforations, half-cut lines, etc.) are formed on the two sheets 42 by punching, marking, or the like.

(B-4) The slits S are formed in the two sheets 42 by, for example, punching or the like so that the X-line portion S1 is positioned between the two cutting lines CL1 and CL2 (see FIG. 12B).

  Note that the order of the step (B-3) and the step (B-4) may be reversed. That is, after forming the slit S, two cutting lines CL1 and CL2 may be formed.

  Therefore, the RFID tag 11 packaging bag 50 is completed by adhering the RFID tag 11 to a predetermined portion of the packaging bag 40 manufactured as described above with an adhesive such as double-sided tape. Specifically, the RFID tag 11 is bonded to the packaging bag 40 so that the two notches of the resin film are positioned on the Y line portion S2 (see FIG. 3).

  As described above, the RFID tag-equipped packaging bag 50 of the present embodiment includes the RFID tag 11 and the metal film 42a in which the slit S is formed and functions as a communication antenna in the first frequency band of the RFID tag 11. The metal film 42a constitutes a part of the packaging bag 40 that accommodates an object to be packaged, and a part of the slit S of the metal film 42a is formed as the packaging bag 40 is opened. When the first portion and the second portion where the remaining portion of the slit of the metal film 42a is formed are separated from each other, and the first and second portions are separated from each other, the first portion of the RFID tag 11 is It functions as a communication antenna in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band.

  In this case, the RFID tag 11 can communicate only in the first frequency band before the packaging bag 40 is opened, and can communicate only in the second frequency band after the packaging bag 40 is opened. That is, the RFID tag 11 has different communicable frequency bands before and after opening the packaging bag 40.

  As a result, misidentification of the opening state of the packaging bag 40 can be prevented, and management of the article to be packaged after the opening of the packaging bag 40 is possible.

  Thereby, the to-be-packaged object in the opened packaging bag 40 can be removed from the target of history management. In addition, after opening the packaging bag 40, it is possible to continue the history management of the packaged items and track the history information.

  On the other hand, in the packaging container disclosed in Patent Document 1, the RFID tag can communicate in a plurality of frequency bands before opening the container, and in at least one frequency band among the plurality of frequency bands after opening the container. Communication is possible. That is, in Patent Document 1, the RFID tag can communicate in the same frequency band before and after opening the container. As a result, there is a risk of misidentifying the opening state of the container. Specifically, when an RW device corresponding to a frequency band that can be communicated before and after opening the container is used, it is possible to communicate in the same frequency band before and after opening the container using the RW device. The situation cannot be confirmed. For this reason, even if the container is actually opened, there is a possibility that it is misunderstood that it is not opened.

  The packaging bag 40 is provided with two cutting lines CL1 and CL2 for opening at the boundary between the first portion of the metal film 42a and the second portion of the metal film 42a.

  In this case, when opening the packaging bag 40, the metal film 42a can be reliably separated into the first portion and the second portion. That is, the second slit antenna for communication in the second frequency band of the RFID tag 11 can be reliably formed. As a result, the RFID tag 11 can be reliably communicated in the second frequency band after the packaging bag 40 is opened.

  The slit S has an X line portion S1 and a Y line portion S2 which are two linear regions orthogonal to each other, and the X line portion S1 is positioned on an imaginary line including two cutting lines CL1 and CL2. doing.

  In this case, by cutting the packaging bag 40 along each cutting line, the slit S that is the first slit antenna can be easily separated into the predetermined part and the remaining part that are the second slit antenna. .

  The RFID tag 11 includes an IC chip 12 and two conductive members (metal foils) individually connected to the two electrodes 12a and 12b of the IC chip 12, and one of the two conductive members. Is attached to the surface of the sheet 42 via an insulating member (resin film) so that at least a portion is located on the + X side of the Y line portion S2, and at least a portion of the other of the two conductive members is Y It is attached to the surface of the sheet 42 via the insulating member (resin film) so as to be positioned on the −X side of the line portion S2.

  In this case, the IC chip 12 and both ends in the width direction of the Y line portion S2 in the packaging bag 40 can be electrostatically coupled, and current can be supplied to the IC chip 12. That is, the RFID tag 11 can be communicated in the first frequency band simply by attaching the RFID tag 11 to a predetermined position of the packaging bag 40.

  In addition, the two conductive members are sized so that an alternating current having a frequency of at least the UHF band can pass between the two conductive members. In this case, for the communication between the RFID tag 11 and each RW device, a UHF band radio wave that can be expected to wrap around the obstacle can be used, and the communication distance between the RFID tag 11 and the RW device is set as much as possible. Can be long.

  Further, in the RFID tag packaging bag 50, the metal film 42a of the two sheets 42 in which the slits are formed functions as a communication antenna of the RFID tag 11, so that compared with the case where the RFID tag has a communication antenna. Since many electromagnetic waves can be captured, a large amount of current can be supplied to the IC chip 12, the communicable distance can be increased, and the RFID tag 11 can be reduced in size and cost. be able to.

  As a result, the RFID tag-equipped packaging bag 50 can perform wireless communication in the UHF band without causing a reduction in communication distance and an increase in size.

  Since the RFID system 1000 includes the RFID tag 11, the information including the ID number can be read accurately and stably, and the reliability of the system can be improved.

  In addition, the communication antenna of the RFID tag 11 can be created simply by forming the slits S in the packaging bag 40, that is, without subjecting the packaging bag 40 to complicated processing. That is, the communication antenna of the RFID tag 11 can be easily created without increasing the cost.

  By the way, conventionally, when UHF band radio waves affected by metal are used, a metal-compatible tag is attached to a packaging bag including a metal film or an alloy film, or a spacer is disposed between the packaging bag and the RFID tag to provide a gap. And so on. For this reason, the material cost, the processing cost, and the attachment cost increase, and the portion to which the RFID tag is attached rises and the shape becomes thick, which makes the appearance worse.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, since the structure which uses the metal which restrict | limits a communication distance as an antenna conversely when using the electromagnetic wave of the UHF band which receives the influence of a metal is used, the packaging body containing a metal film The packaging bag 50 with an RFID tag can be realized with a simple configuration in which the RFID tag 11 is simply attached to a predetermined position of the packaging bag 40 without changing the shape of the packaging bag 40.

  That is, in the RFID tag-equipped packaging bag 50, the communicable frequency of the RFID tag 11 can be switched with the opening of the packaging bag 40 without causing an increase in cost and without deteriorating the appearance of the packaging bag 40. it can.

  In the above embodiment, the slits S are formed in the two sheets 42, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a slit may be formed only in the metal film 42a of each sheet 42 as in the modification shown in FIG.

  Below, an example of the manufacturing method of the packaging bag with an RFID tag of the modification shown by FIG.13 (C) is demonstrated easily.

(C-1) A slit similar to the slit S is formed in each of the two metal films 42a, for example, by punching or the like, and a resin film is laminated (laminated) on both surfaces of the metal film 42a, and the sheet 42 (three-layer structure) Are created (see FIG. 13A).

(C-2) The two sheets 42 are overlapped, and the corresponding three edges of the two sheets 42 are heated and pressurized while being heated, and the remaining one edge is not sealed. After putting an article to be packaged, the one edge is pressurized while being heated and sealed (see FIG. 13B).

(C-3) Two cutting lines (for example, perforations, half-cut perforations, half-cut lines, etc.) are formed at positions where the X-line portions of the slits in the two sheets 42 are sandwiched in the length direction.

(C-4) An RFID tag created by the same procedure as in the above embodiment is attached to a predetermined position of the packaging bag via an adhesive. As a result, a packaging bag with an RFID tag is completed (see FIG. 13C). In this case, since the slit is covered with a resin film, the slit can be protected and foreign matter can be prevented from entering the slit.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although a part (metal film) of the packaging bag 40 is functioning as an antenna, the whole packaging bag 40 may function as an antenna.

  In the above-described embodiment, a so-called passive tag is employed as the RFID tag. Instead, for example, a so-called active tag having a battery and operating with its power may be employed.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the sheet | seat 42 of the packaging bag contains the metal film, it may replace with or in addition to this, for example, may contain an alloy film, a conductive plastic layer, a conductive polymer layer etc. In short, it is only necessary to include a conductive layer having electrical conductivity. “Conductive plastic” means a composite material that is made conductive by kneading an insulating plastic with an inorganic conductor such as metal or carbon fiber, or forming a thin film of conductor on the surface. To do. The “conductive polymer” is a polymer compound having electrical conductivity, and is also referred to as a conductive polymer or a conductive polymer. As conductive polymers, for example, polyacetylene, polythiazyl, and the like are known.

  In the above embodiment, the terminal member of the RFID tag 11 includes a metal foil. Instead of or in addition to this, for example, an alloy foil, a conductive plastic layer, a conductive polymer layer, and the like are included. In short, it suffices to include a conductive layer having electrical conductivity.

  In addition, in the RFID system 1000, wavelengths of the UHF band (for example, 860 MHz band to 960 MHz band, 2.4 GHz band) are usually used as the first and second frequency bands, but the present invention is not limited to this. Other frequency bands such as bands may be used. Specifically, when the packaging bag 40 is large, for example, a wavelength such as a 435 MHz band or a 300 MHz band of the UHF band may be used.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the length of Y line part S2 is set to the 1/2 wavelength of the electromagnetic wave used, it is not restricted to this. For example, it may be set to ¼ wavelength. That is, the length of the Y line portion S2 is preferably set according to the wavelength of the radio wave used in the RFID system 1000.

  Moreover, the shape, arrangement | positioning, magnitude | size, etc. of the slit in the said embodiment can be changed suitably. For example, although the case where the X line part S1 and the Y line part S2 of the slit S are linear has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, at least one of the X line portion and the Y line portion may be bent. In the slit S, the two line-shaped regions are orthogonal to each other.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the length of each cutting line, a shape, a number, etc. can be changed suitably. For example, the cutting line may be bent or partially formed. Note that the cutting line is not necessarily provided.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the notch part is formed in the packaging bag 40, it does not need to be formed.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the notch is formed in the resin film of the RFID tag 11, it does not need to be formed.

  In the above-described embodiment, for example, a resin color film may be attached to the two sheets 42 so as to cover the slits S. In this case, the blinding effect of the slit S can be obtained.

  Moreover, in the packaging bag 40 of the said embodiment, although the shear strength of the site | part on each cutting line is made weaker than another site | part, it is not restricted to this. For example, the cutting line may be a line that does not require processing of the material (for example, a colored line). In this case, it is desirable to use a tool such as scissors or a cutter when cutting the packaging bag along the cutting line.

  Further, a chuck (not shown) as an opening / closing part may be provided at the non-joining part on the −Y side of the virtual line of the two sheets 42. The chuck includes a first chuck member provided in one of the two sheets 42 and extending in the X-axis direction, and an X-axis direction provided in the other of the two sheets 42 and capable of being fitted to the first chuck member. And a second chuck member extending in the direction. Before opening the packaging bag 40, the first and second chuck members are fitted. Therefore, following the opening of the packaging bag 40, the packaging bag 40 can be opened by releasing the fitting of the first and second chuck members. Moreover, the packaging bag 40 can be closed by re-fitting the first and second chuck members. That is, the packaging bag 40 can be appropriately opened and closed as necessary.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the case where information was written in the RFID tag 11, it is not limited to this. When information is not written to the RFID tag 11, the IC chip 12 does not require a memory area in which information is written. Further, instead of the RW device, a read-only device (reader) that only reads the ID number can be used.

  Moreover, the contents of the detection information and history information in the above embodiment are examples, and the present invention is not limited to this.

  Moreover, the content displayed on the display part in the said embodiment is an example, and is not limited to this.

  In the above embodiment, the two RW devices a and b individually corresponding to the first and second frequency bands are used. Instead, for example, both the first and second frequency bands are used. One RW device corresponding to the above may be used. In this case, wireless communication is performed using the same RW device before and after opening the packaging bag 40. However, since the frequency bands that can be communicated before and after opening are different, it is possible to prevent misidentification of the opening state of the packaging bag 40.

  Moreover, the structure of the packaging bag 40 in the said embodiment can be changed suitably. For example, the packaging bag may be configured by folding one sheet and joining the edges. Moreover, although the metal film is employ | adopted as a conductor, what is necessary is just to employ | adopt the member which has electroconductivity not only in this but in short. Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the metal film 42a as a conductor comprises a part of packaging bag 40, you may comprise the whole packaging bag.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the packaging bag 40 is employ | adopted as a package, it is not restricted to this, For example, the sheet-like tablet containing the conductor (for example, a metal film, an alloy film, etc.) in which the slit was formed. A package, a box-shaped package including a conductor (for example, a metal film, an alloy film, etc.) in which slits are formed may be employed.

  For example, when using a tablet package integrally including a plurality of tablet accommodating portions as the package, the first portion and the slit in which a part of the slit in the conductor is formed as the plurality of tablet accommodating portions are separated from each other. The second portion formed with the remaining portion may be separated from each other, or the first portion and the second portion of the conductor are separated from each other as the tablet is taken out from the tablet accommodating portion. You may make it.

  Further, when a box-type package is used as the package, for example, a first part in which a part of the slit of the conductor is formed in accordance with opening and closing of the lid or door of the box and a second part in which the remaining part of the slit is formed. The parts may be separated from each other.

  In the above embodiment, after opening the packaging bag 40, the second portion of the metal film 42a is caused to function as a communication antenna in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band of the RFID tag 11. However, for example, a frequency adjusting element or the like may be provided so that the second portion of the metal film 42 a functions as a communication antenna in the first frequency band of the RFID tag 11.

  In the above embodiment, one RFID tag 11 is attached to the packaging bag 40, but a plurality of RFID tags 11 may be attached. Specifically, for example, one RFID tag 11 is attached to one side portion 40a of the packaging bag 40, and another RFID tag 11 is attached to the other side portion 40b of the packaging bag 40. Then, before opening the packaging bag 40, the metal film 42a is caused to function as an antenna for communication in the first frequency band of one and other RFID tags 11. Furthermore, after opening the packaging bag 40, the first portion of the metal film 42a is caused to function as a communication antenna in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band of one RFID tag 11, and the metal film 42a The second portion may be made to function as a communication antenna in a third frequency band different from the first and second frequency bands of the other RFID tags 11.

  In addition, the communication device of the present invention is a process progress management, traceability of work and parts, inventory management from completion to shipment, for example, for consumables such as clothes, medicines, foods, electronic parts, and office machines. , Inventory management in the warehouse at the time of product failure, factory shipment, shipment defect management by SCM route, inventory issue management at sales company trading company, inventory at consumption place, freshness, medication management, use confirmation at the time of bag collection after consumption It is expected to be suitably used for management and the like.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... RFID tag, 12 ... IC chip, 12a, 12b ... Electrode, 14a, 14b ... Terminal member (member containing a conductive member), 20a, 20b ... RW apparatus (wireless communication apparatus), 40 ... Packaging bag (packaging body) 42a ... metal film (conductor), 50 ... packaging bag with RFID tag (communication device), 30 ... management device, 1000 ... RFID system (communication system), CL1, CL2 ... cutting line, S ... slit, S1 ... X Line part (line area), S2... Y line part (line area).

JP 2011-170714 A

Claims (12)

A communication device comprising at least one RFID tag and a conductor having a slit formed therein and functioning as a communication antenna in a predetermined frequency band of the RFID tag,
The conductor constitutes at least a part of a package in which an article to be packaged is accommodated,
With the opening of the package, the first part of the conductor formed with a part of the slit and the second part of the conductor formed with the remaining part of the slit are separated from each other,
When the first and second parts are separated from each other, at least one of the first and second parts functions as a communication antenna in a frequency band different from the predetermined frequency band of the RFID tag. Communication device.   The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the package is provided with a cutting line for opening at a boundary between the first part and the second part. The slit has two line-shaped regions intersecting each other,
The communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein one of the two line-shaped regions is located on an imaginary line including the cutting line. The RFID tag has an IC chip and two conductive members individually connected to two electrodes of the IC chip,
One of the two conductive members is attached to the surface of the package via an insulating member so that at least a part is located on one side in the other width direction of the two line-shaped regions,
The other of the two conductive members is attached to the surface of the packaging body via the insulating member so that at least a part thereof is located on the other side in the other width direction of the two line-shaped regions. The communication apparatus according to claim 3, wherein:   5. The communication device according to claim 4, wherein the two conductive members have a size that allows an alternating current having a frequency in the UHF band to pass between the two conductive members.   The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first frequency band is an 860 MHz band to a 960 MHz band, and the second frequency band is a 2.4 GHz band. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
At least one wireless communication device that performs at least one of reading and writing of information with respect to the RFID tag by wireless communication;
And a management device that manages the information read by the wireless communication device.   The at least one wireless communication device includes a first wireless communication device capable of wireless communication only with the RFID tag in the first frequency band, and a first wireless communication device capable of wireless communication only with the RFID tag in the second frequency band. The communication system according to claim 7, comprising two wireless communication devices. It is a usage method of the communication apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-6,
Performing at least one of reading and writing of information by wireless communication in the predetermined frequency band with respect to the RFID tag;
A method of using the communication device, comprising: opening the package.   10. The method of claim 9, further comprising a step of performing at least one of reading and writing of information with respect to the RFID tag by wireless communication in a frequency band different from the predetermined frequency band after the opening step. A method for using the communication device according to claim 1. It is a usage method of the communication apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-6,
Transmitting a radio wave of the predetermined frequency band to the RFID tag, and obtaining a first response radio wave intensity that is a response radio wave intensity from the RFID tag in the predetermined frequency band;
Transmitting a radio wave in a frequency band different from the predetermined frequency band to the RFID tag, and obtaining a second response radio wave intensity that is a response radio wave intensity from the RFID tag in the frequency band; A method of using a communication device including:   The method of using a communication device according to claim 11, further comprising a step of comparing the first and second response radio wave intensities to determine whether or not the package has been opened.

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