JP2020115277A - Information processing device and reading system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, a reading device, and a program capable of presenting a user with a place where a wireless tag is likely to be overlooked in terms of reading.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment, an information processing device controls a mobile device including an antenna that transmits and receives data to and from a plurality of wireless tags attached to a plurality of articles, and a moving mechanism that moves the antenna. The information processing device includes a control unit. The control unit reads the plurality of wireless tags a plurality of times for each of a plurality of areas, calculates a read success degree of the plurality of wireless tags for each area, and outputs information associated with the read success degree for each area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information processing device and a reading system.

In recent years, a reading system for reading a wireless tag such as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) using an autonomous mobile robot (hereinafter, referred to as a self-propelled robot) having an antenna has been provided. Such a reading system reads a wireless tag by passing a self-propelled robot in front of a shelf or the like in which a plurality of articles with wireless tags are stored.

International Publication 2006/87764

However, for example, when the articles are thin such as magazines, documents or T-shirts, the RFID tags attached to the articles displayed on the shelves tend to be close to each other. When the wireless tags are close to each other and the density of the wireless tags increases, the antenna characteristics of the wireless tags change. Then, the wireless tag cannot sufficiently receive the electric power emitted from the antenna of the reading system. Therefore, when the density of the wireless tags is high, the reading system cannot read the wireless tags, and there is a risk that the wireless tags will be missed.

Further, depending on the orientation of the wireless tag with respect to the antenna of the reading system, the wireless tag cannot sufficiently receive the electric power emitted from the antenna of the reading system. Therefore, depending on the orientation of the wireless tag with respect to the antenna of the reading system, the reading system cannot read the wireless tag and may miss the reading.

As described above, the reading system may miss the RFID tag depending on the state of the RFID tag.

If the reading system can read the wireless tag, the position of the wireless tag that can be read can be presented to the user. On the other hand, if the reading system fails to read the wireless tag, the position of the wireless tag that has not been read cannot be presented to the user. Therefore, the user cannot grasp where there is a high possibility that the wireless tag read by the reading system is high.

In order to solve the above problems, an information processing device and a reading system that can present a user with a place where a wireless tag is easily overread are provided.

According to the embodiment, the information processing device controls a moving device including an antenna that transmits and receives data to and from a plurality of wireless tags attached to a plurality of articles, and a moving mechanism that moves the antenna. The information processing device includes a control unit. The control unit reads the plurality of wireless tags a plurality of times for each of a plurality of areas, calculates a read success degree of the plurality of wireless tags for each area, and outputs information associated with the read success degree for each area. To do.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a reading system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the reading system according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of work instruction information according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a tag list list according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the reading system according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a reading result in the reading area 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a reading result in the reading area 7 according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram exemplifying a calculation result of the reading success degree in the reading area 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram exemplifying the calculation result of the reading success degree in the reading area 7 according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen diagram according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the display screen diagram according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the overall operation of the reading system according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart exemplifying the operation of calculating the reading success degree of all the reading areas by the reading system according to the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of calculating the reading success degree of each reading area by the reading system according to the embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the reading system 1.
The reading system 1 is a system that reads a plurality of wireless tags in a region where a plurality of wireless tags exist. For example, the reading system 1 is used for stocktaking of articles in a store having a plurality of shelves. The reading system 1 is an example of a reading device that reads a plurality of wireless tags.

Note that reading the wireless tag is an operation that attempts to acquire tag data from the wireless tag. Reading can also be referred to as measurement. The acquisition of tag data can also be referred to as the reception of tag data. Acquisition of the tag data is realized by reading the wireless tag. The reading of the wireless tag can also be referred to as detection of the wireless tag.

Here, the position of the plane in the region where the plurality of shelves are arranged is indicated by the coordinates defined by the x axis and the y axis orthogonal to the x axis. The position in the height direction in the area where the plurality of shelves are arranged is indicated by the coordinates defined by the z axis orthogonal to the x axis and the y axis.

Each shelf is assumed to have a width of a predetermined length that extends along the x-axis.
Here, one shelf A of the plurality of shelves will be described as an example.

The shelf A stores a plurality of items. The plurality of articles are stored (displayed) on the shelf A along the x-axis. The article 400 is one of the plurality of articles stored on the shelf A. A wireless tag 401 is attached to the article 400. For example, the wireless tag 401 is an RFID. Items other than the item 400 stored on the shelf A are also provided with the same wireless tag as the wireless tag 401.

The wireless tag 401 wirelessly transmits/receives data to/from at least one of antennas 104a to 104d described later. The wireless tag 401 wirelessly receives power from at least one of the antennas 104a to 104d and is activated. The wireless tag 401 returns tag data including an identifier that uniquely identifies itself in response to a request through at least one of the antennas 104a to 104d. When the item is a book, the identifier includes a book code, a serial number of the book, and the like.

The reading system 1 includes a system controller 10 and a self-propelled robot 100. The system controller 10 and the self-propelled robot 100 are electrically connected to each other.

The system controller 10 controls the reading system 1 as a whole. The system controller 10 controls the movement of the self-propelled robot 100 and the reading of the wireless tag 401. The system controller 10 will be described later.

Under the control of the system controller 10, the self-propelled robot 100 autonomously travels to a destination while generating a route by itself. The self-propelled robot 100 moves in parallel or substantially parallel to the shelf A along the x-axis while directly facing the antennas 104a to 104d to the shelf A. The self-propelled robot 100 is an example of an autonomous traveling vehicle. The self-propelled robot 100 is also an example of a mobile device.

As shown in FIG. 1, the self-propelled robot 100 has a housing 101, wheels 102, a sensor 103, antennas 104a to 104d, and the like.

The housing 101 forms the outer shell of the self-propelled robot 100. Wheels 102, a sensor 103, and antennas 104a to 104d are attached to the housing 101.

The wheel 102 is attached to the lower part of the housing 101. The wheels 102 are driven by a motor 202 described later to move the housing 101. Further, the wheel 102 changes the direction of the housing 101.

The sensor 103 is formed on the front surface of the self-propelled robot 100. The sensor 103 is a sensor for detecting surrounding obstacles. The sensor 103 detects an obstacle in the traveling direction of the self-propelled robot 100. For example, the sensor 103 includes a radar or the like.

The antennas 104a to 104d are sequentially formed from the top to the bottom of the housing 101. The antennas 104 a to 104 d are formed on the side surface of the housing 101 so as to face the shelf A.

Next, the antenna 104a will be described.
The antenna 104a is a device that wirelessly transmits and receives data to and from the wireless tag 401 attached to the article 400. The antenna 104a receives a radio wave from the wireless tag 401. The antenna 104a also transmits radio waves to the wireless tag 401. The antenna 104a preferably has directivity, and a reading range capable of transmitting and receiving radio waves is set depending on the characteristics (directivity and the like) of the antenna 104a and the installation direction.

The configurations of the antenna 104b, the antenna 104c, and the antenna 104d are similar to those of the antenna 104a, and thus the description thereof is omitted. The sum of the reading ranges of the antennas 104a to 104d is set to include the upper end to the lower end of the shelf A. Sometimes referred to simply as antenna 104 to refer to at least one of antennas 104a-104d.

The number and positions of the antennas 104 included in the self-propelled robot 100 are not limited to a particular configuration.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the reading system 1.
The system controller 10 is an example of an information processing device that controls the self-propelled robot 100.

The system controller 10 includes a processor 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, an NVM (Non-volatile Memory) 14, a communication unit 15, and the like. The processor 11, the ROM 12, the RAM 13, the NVM 14, and the communication unit 15 are connected to each other via a data bus or the like.

The processor 11 has a function of controlling the operation of the entire system controller 10. For example, the processor 11 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 11 is an example of a control unit. The processor 11 may include an internal memory and various interfaces. The processor 11 implements various processes by executing a program stored in advance in the internal memory, the ROM 12, the NVM 14, or the like.

Note that some of the various functions realized by the processor 11 executing the program may be realized by a hardware circuit. In this case, the processor 11 controls the function performed by the hardware circuit.

The ROM 12 is a non-volatile memory that stores a control program and control data in advance. The ROM 12 is incorporated in the system controller 10 in a state of storing a control program, control data, etc. at the manufacturing stage. That is, the control program and control data stored in the ROM 12 are incorporated in advance according to the specifications of the system controller 10.

The RAM 13 is a volatile memory. The RAM 13 temporarily stores data that is being processed by the processor 11. The RAM 13 stores various application programs based on instructions from the processor 11. Further, the RAM 13 may store data necessary for executing the application program, an execution result of the application program, and the like.

The NVM 14 is a non-volatile memory in which data can be written and rewritten. For example, the NVM 14 includes an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), or a flash memory. The NVM 14 stores a control program, an application, various data, and the like according to the operational use of the system controller 10. The NVM 14 is an example of a storage unit.

The NVM 14 stores work instruction information, a tag list list, tag data acquired from wireless tags, and the like.
The work instruction information is information for instructing stocktaking work. That is, the work instruction information instructs the system controller 10 to perform an operation of reading a plurality of wireless tags using the self-propelled robot 100. Here, the work instruction information indicates one or more shelves from which the reading system 1 reads a plurality of wireless tags. The work instruction information will be described later.

The tag list list is a list showing all the wireless tags stored in all the shelves to be inventoried. For example, the tag list list has IDs of all wireless tags in the store. Note that the tag list list may be managed by associating all the wireless tags with information indicating a shelf in which each wireless tag is stored. The tag list list will be described later.

The communication unit 15 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from the self-propelled robot 100. The communication unit 15 transmits/receives data to/from the mobile robot 100 by wire or wirelessly. For example, the communication unit 15 is an interface that supports LAN (Local Area Network) connection.

As shown in FIG. 2, the self-propelled robot 100 includes a sensor 103, antennas 104a to 104d, a moving mechanism 200, a reader 210, and the like. The sensor 103 and the antennas 104a to 104d are as described above.

The moving mechanism 200 is a mechanism for moving the self-propelled robot 100. Since the self-propelled robot 100 has the antennas 104a to 104d, it can be said that the moving mechanism 200 is a mechanism that moves the antennas 104a to 104d. The moving mechanism 200 includes wheels 102, a traveling controller 201, a motor 202, a rotary encoder 203, and the like. The traveling controller 201, the motor 202, and the rotary encoder 203 are electrically connected. The wheel 102 and the motor 202 are physically connected. The wheels 102 are as described above.

The traveling controller 201 moves the self-propelled robot 100 under the control of the system controller 10. The traveling controller 201 controls the motor 202 or the like to move the self-propelled robot 100. For example, the traveling controller 201 supplies electric power or pulses to the motor 202.

The traveling controller 201 is composed of a processor and the like. The travel controller 201 may be realized by the processor executing software. The travel controller 201 may also be configured by hardware such as an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) as a processor.

The motor 202 is driven under the control of the traveling controller 201. The motor 202 is connected to the wheel 102 via a gear, a belt or the like. The motor 202 rotates the wheel 102 by its own driving force.

The rotary encoder 203 is connected to the rotating shaft of the motor 202. The rotary encoder 203 measures the rotation angle of the motor 202. The rotary encoder 203 transmits the measured rotation angle to the system controller 10. The rotary encoder 203 may be built in the motor 202.

The reader 210 is an interface for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data to and from the wireless tag through the antennas 104a to 104d. For example, the reader 210 transmits radio waves from any one of the antennas 104a to 104d while switching the antennas 104a to 104d in time division.

The reader 210 acquires the tag data of the wireless tag by performing data communication with the wireless tag. For example, the reader 210 transmits a predetermined read command to the wireless tag under the control of the system controller 10. The reader 210 receives the tag data as a response to the read command. The reader 210 transmits the received tag data to the system controller 10. The reader 210 stores the tag data acquired from the wireless tag in the NVM 14.

The self-propelled robot 100 may include four readers according to the number of antennas.

The reading system 1 includes a display device 30 in addition to the system controller 10 and the self-propelled robot 100 described above.

The display device 30 is connected to the system controller 10 by wire or wirelessly. The display device 30 displays various information under the control of the system controller 10. For example, the display device 30 is a liquid crystal display, but is not limited to this. The display device 30 is an example of a display unit.

Note that the example in which the reading system 1 includes the moving mechanism 200 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The reading system 1 may include a moving mechanism that is manually pushed by a person instead of the moving mechanism 200 that operates under the control of the system controller 10.

Note that the reading system 1 may have a configuration as necessary in addition to the configurations shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, or a specific configuration may be excluded from the reading system 1.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the structure of work instruction information. As shown in FIG. 3, the work instruction information includes “work number”, “work content”, “shelf number”, “shelf number”, and the like.
The “work number” is a number that uniquely identifies the work indicated by the work instruction information.
The “work content” indicates the work performed by the reading system 1. Here, the “work content” is inventory.
The “number of shelves” is the number of shelves for which work is instructed. That is, the “number of shelves” is the number of shelves on which the articles to which the wireless tags to be read are attached are displayed. Here, the “number of shelves” is 3.
The “shelf number” indicates the shelf on which the articles to which the wireless tags to be read are attached are displayed. Here, the “shelf number” indicates a shelf in alphabet.
The work instruction information of the work number 001 illustrated in FIG. 3 is related to inventory in the order of shelf A, shelf B, and shelf C.

The work instruction information is stored in the NVM 14 by an operator or the like. The processor 11 may also receive work instruction information from an external device and store it in the NVM 14. The work instruction information may be updated as appropriate.
The structure of the work instruction information is not limited to a specific structure.

FIG. 4 shows a configuration example of the tag list list.
The tag list list manages all 20 wireless tags stored in all the shelves subject to inventory.

The tag list list is stored in the NVM 14 by an operator or the like. Further, the processor 11 may receive the tag list list from the external device and store it in the NVM 14. Further, the tag list list may be updated as appropriate.
The configuration of the tag list list is not limited to a particular configuration.

Next, an operation example of the reading system 1 will be described.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the reading system 1.

Here, it is assumed that the shelf A, the shelf B, and the shelf C are sequentially arranged along the X axis. The shelves A, the shelves B, and the shelves C are all or a part of all shelves to be inventoried. Therefore, it is assumed that the shelves A, the shelves B, and the shelves C store some or all of the 20 wireless tags managed in the tag list. The X axis is an example of the predetermined direction. Here, three shelves are described as an example, but the number of shelves may be one or more.

The processor 11 realizes the following functions by executing software stored in the ROM 12 or the NVM 14.

First, the processor 11 has a function of moving the self-propelled robot 100 to the work start position.
For example, the processor 11 receives an input of an operation for starting work. Upon receiving the input, the processor 11 acquires the work instruction information of the work number 001 from the NVM 14. The processor 11 identifies the position of the end of the shelf A as the work start position based on the work instruction information and the shelf information indicating the position of the shelf.

When the work starting position is specified, the processor 11 specifies the route from the position where the self-propelled robot 100 is currently located to the work starting position. For example, the processor 11 acquires map information of the store where each shelf is installed. For example, the map information includes information such as the position of a shelf, a travelable area, a non-travelable area, and an obstacle position. The processor 11 identifies the route based on the map information.

When the route is specified, the processor 11 moves the self-propelled robot 100 along the route. For example, the processor 11 controls the moving mechanism 200 to move the self-propelled robot 100 along the path. Note that the processor 11 may correct the route to avoid the obstacle detected by the sensor 103.

The processor 11 moves the self-propelled robot 100 to the work start position by moving the self-propelled robot 100 along the path. When the processor 11 moves the self-propelled robot 100 to the work start position, the processor 11 stops the self-propelled robot 100.

Next, the processor 11 has a function of reading a wireless tag using the antenna 104 and the reader 210.

For example, when the self-propelled robot 100 reaches the work start position, the processor 11 moves the moving mechanism 20 in front of the shelves A, B, and C in this order. In a typical example, the processor 11 moves the moving mechanism 20 along the x-axis in parallel or substantially parallel to the shelves A, B, and C while directly facing the antenna 104 to the shelves A. The processor 11 may control the moving mechanism 20 at a constant speed, or may control the moving mechanism 20 by a repeated operation of moving and stopping. The processor 11 transmits the request to the wireless tag using the antenna 104 and the reader 210 while moving the moving mechanism 20. As a result, the processor 11 sends a request to the wireless tag using the antenna 104 and the reader 210 to read the wireless tag.

The processor 11 obtains the tag data acquisition position according to the acquisition of the tag data from the wireless tag. The processor 11 stores the data of the acquisition position of the tag data in the NVM 14 in association with the tag data. For example, the processor 11 acquires the rotation angle of the motor 202 from the rotary encoder 203. The processor 11 calculates the movement distance that the self-propelled robot 100 has moved from the work start position based on the rotation angle and the like. As a result, the processor 11 obtains the tag data acquisition position. The tag data acquisition position can be said to be the position where the wireless tag is detected or the position where the tag data is read from the wireless tag.

Here, the processor 11 sets a plurality of reading areas by dividing the area where the moving mechanism 20 has moved in front of the shelf A, the shelf B, and the shelf C. For example, the plurality of reading areas are nine reading areas 1 to 9 that are evenly divided along the X axis. The number of divisions is not limited to this. Although each of the plurality of reading areas has a size along the X axis, the size is not limited to this. Each of the plurality of reading areas may be one specific point.
Next, the processor 11 has a function of reading the plurality of wireless tags a plurality of times for each reading area of the plurality of reading areas.
For example, the processor 11 repeats the operation based on the work instruction information of the work number 001 a prescribed number of times. That is, the processor 11 moves the moving mechanism 20 along the X axis a prescribed number of times in parallel or substantially parallel to the shelves A, B, and C. That is, the processor 11 repeats the operation of reading the wireless tag a prescribed number of times while moving the moving mechanism 20 in the order of the shelf A, the shelf B, and the shelf C. Therefore, the processor 11 repeats the operation of reading the wireless tag a prescribed number of times in each of the reading areas 1 to 9. Here, it is assumed that the specified number of times is three, but it may be two or more times. One operation of reading the wireless tag while moving the moving mechanism 20 in the order of the shelf A, the shelf B, and the shelf C is referred to as reading attempt. Therefore, the specified number of times is also referred to as the number of reading attempts.

The processor 11 has a function of obtaining a reading result in a specified number of reading attempts after the specified number of reading attempts.
For example, the processor 11 refers to the data of the acquisition position of the tag data stored in the NVM 14. The processor 11 finds the reading result of each reading area by associating the acquisition position of the tag data with the position of each reading area.

The reading result associates, for each reading area, all 20 wireless tags managed in the tag list with information indicating detection or non-detection in each reading trial. The processor 11 stores the reading result of each reading area in the NVM 14.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a reading result in the reading area 1.
The reading result associates each wireless tag with information indicating detection or non-detection in the first to third reading attempts. “1” is information indicating detection of the wireless tag in the reading area 1. “0” is information indicating non-detection of the wireless tag in the reading area 1. In each reading trial, the processor 11 associates “1” with the wireless tag when at least one tag data acquisition position for the certain wireless tag is included in the reading area 1. On the other hand, in each reading attempt, the processor 11 associates “0” with this wireless tag when the reading area 1 does not include the tag data acquisition position for a certain wireless tag.

For example, Tag1 is associated with "0" for each of the first to third reading attempts. That is, the measurement result of the reading area 1 indicates that the processor 11 could not acquire the tag data from the Tag 1 in the reading area 1 in each of the first to third reading attempts.

For example, Tag 11 is associated with “1” for the first reading trial and is associated with “0” for the second and third reading trials. That is, the measurement result of the reading area 1 indicates that the processor 11 was able to acquire the tag data from the Tag 11 in the reading area 1 in each first reading trial. The measurement result of the reading area 1 indicates that the tag data could not be acquired from Tag 11 in the second and third reading attempts.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a reading result in the reading area 7.
The reading result associates each wireless tag with information indicating detection or non-detection in the first to third reading attempts. “1” is information indicating detection of the wireless tag in the reading area 7. “0” is information indicating non-detection of the wireless tag in the reading area 7.

For example, Tag1 is associated with "1" for each of the first to third reading attempts. That is, the measurement result of the reading area 7 indicates that the processor 11 was able to acquire the tag data from the Tag 1 in the reading area 1 in each of the first to third reading attempts.

For example, Tag11 is associated with "0" for each of the first to third reading attempts. That is, the measurement result of the reading area 7 indicates that the processor 11 could not acquire the tag data from the Tag 11 in the reading area 7 in the first to third reading attempts.

The same applies to the reading results in the reading areas 2 to 6.

Next, the processor 11 has a function of calculating the read success degrees of the plurality of wireless tags for each reading area.
The reading success degree is an index indicating the average detection degree of the wireless tags detected at least once by a plurality of reading attempts among the plurality of wireless tags. The degree of detection is an index indicating how much one RFID tag could be detected in a plurality of reading attempts. Therefore, the read success degree does not target a specific wireless tag but a wireless tag detected at least once among a plurality of wireless tags.

For example, the processor 11 refers to the reading result of the reading area stored in the NVM 14. The processor 11 refers to the reading result of the reading area and calculates the detection degree for each of the wireless tags detected at least once among all the 20 wireless tags managed in the tag list. For example, the processor 11 calculates the degree of detection based on a value obtained by dividing the number of detection times by the number of reading attempts for each of the wireless tags detected at least once among the plurality of wireless tags. The degree of detection may be a 100-minute rate or a rate. On the other hand, the processor 11 omits the calculation of the detection degree of the wireless tag that could not be detected even once.

The processor 11 calculates the read success degree based on the average value of the detection degrees. That is, the processor 11 considers the wireless tag that has been detected at least once in the calculation of the reading success degree, but does not consider the wireless tag that has not been detected even once in the calculation of the reading success degree. The processor 11 can appropriately calculate the reading success degree by calculating the reading success degree based on the average value of the detection degrees of the wireless tags detected at least once.

Note that the calculation of the reading success degree is not limited to this.

FIG. 8 is a diagram exemplifying the calculation result of the reading success degree in the reading area 1.
The calculation result associates each wireless tag with the detection degree.

For example, Tag 11 is detected at least once in the reading area 1. Therefore, Tag 11 is a wireless tag whose detection degree is to be calculated, that is, a wireless tag which is a target of consideration in the calculation of the reading success degree. Tag 11 is detected in one reading attempt out of three reading attempts. Therefore, the degree of detection is 0.33 (=33%). Since the tags 12 to 16 are also detected at least once in the reading area 1, they are wireless tags whose detection degrees are calculated.

The processor 11 calculates the read success degree based on the average value of the detection degrees of the six RFID tags Tag 11 to 16 that have been detected at least once. The detection degree average illustrated in FIG. 8 corresponds to the reading success degree. The degree of read success is 0.5 (=50%). Note that the processor 11 does not consider the 14 wireless tags Tag 1 to 10 and 17 to 20 that were not detected even once in the calculation of the read success degree.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the calculation result of the reading success degree in the reading area 7.
The calculation result associates each wireless tag with the detection degree.

For example, Tag1 is detected at least once in the reading area 1. Therefore, Tag1 is a wireless tag whose detection degree is to be calculated, that is, a wireless tag which is a target of consideration in the calculation of the reading success degree. Tag1 is detected in three reading attempts out of three reading attempts. Therefore, the degree of detection is 1 (=100%). Since the tags 2 to 8 are detected at least once in the reading area 1, they are wireless tags whose detection degrees are calculated.

The processor 11 calculates the read success degree based on the average value of the detection degrees of the eight wireless tags Tag1 to Tag8 that have been detected at least once. The average detection degree illustrated in FIG. 9 corresponds to the reading success degree. The degree of read success is 0.83 (=83%). Note that the processor 11 does not consider 12 wireless tags of Tag 9 to 20 that were not detected even once in the calculation of the reading success rate.

Next, the processor 11 has a function of outputting information associated with the reading success degree for each reading area.
For example, the processor 11 acquires information indicating the read success degree for each read area from the NVM 14, and generates information associated with the read success degree for each read area. The information in which the reading success degree is associated with each reading area is also referred to as presentation information. The presentation information is information for presenting the degree of success in reading for each reading area to the user and notifying a place where there is a high possibility that the missed reading of the wireless tag has occurred.

The processor 11 outputs the presentation information to the display device 30. Based on the output of the presentation information, the processor 11 causes the display device 30 to display the reading success degree in association with each reading area. The processor 11 can appropriately adjust the display mode of the presentation information on the display device 30.

A display example of the presentation information on the display device 30 will be described.
FIG. 10 is an example of a display screen diagram based on the presentation information on the display device 30.
The display device 30 arranges and displays the respective reading areas in the ascending order of reading success.

FIG. 11 is another example of a display screen diagram based on the presentation information on the display device 30.
The display device 30 displays the reading success degree in association with each reading area on the map showing the positions of the reading areas on the shelves A, B, and C.

Note that the display device 30 may display each reading area in a color corresponding to the reading success degree, instead of displaying the reading success degree in association with each reading area on the map. For example, the display device 30 may distinguish the reading success degree of each reading area by the shade of the color so that the color becomes darker as the reading success degree becomes higher. The display device 30 may distinguish the reading success degree of each reading area by a color corresponding to a predetermined reading success degree, instead of the shade.

Note that the display device 30 may display the presentation information in a manner other than the above-described aspect.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the overall operation of the reading system 1.
Based on the work instruction information, the processor 11 starts reading the wireless tag using the antenna 104 and the reader 210 while moving the moving mechanism 20 (Act 101).

The processor 11 saves the tag data acquired from the wireless tag and the data of the acquisition position of the tag data in the NVM 14 (Act102).

The processor 11 determines whether the specified number of reading attempts have been completed (Act 103).

When the processor 11 determines that the specified number of reading attempts have not been completed (Act 103, No), Act 101 and Act 102 are repeated.

When the processor 11 determines that the specified number of reading attempts are completed (Act 103, Yes), the reading of the wireless tag is ended (Act 104).

As described above, the processor 11 calculates the read success degrees of all the read areas (Act105).

As described above, the processor 11 outputs the presentation information associated with the reading success degree for each reading area (Act 106).

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of calculating the reading success degree of all reading areas by the reading system 1. FIG. 13 shows a typical operation of Act 105 in FIG.

As described above, the processor 11 calculates the reading success degree of each reading area (Act201).

The processor 11 determines whether or not the calculation of the reading success degrees of all the reading areas is completed (Act202).

When the processor 11 determines that the calculation of the reading success degrees of all the reading areas has not been completed (Act202, No), Act201 is repeated.

When the processor 11 determines that the calculation of the reading success degrees of all the reading areas is completed (Act202, Yes), the operation is ended.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart exemplifying the operation of calculating the reading success degree of each reading area by the reading system 1. FIG. 14 shows a typical operation of Act 201 in FIG. Here, one arbitrary reading area will be described as an example.

The processor 11 refers to the reading result in any one reading area and determines whether or not a certain one RFID tag is detected at least once (Act 301). When the processor 11 determines that the wireless tag is detected at least once (Act 301, Yes), the processor 11 calculates the detection degree of the wireless tag as described above (Act 302). The processor 11 determines whether or not the confirmation of all the wireless tags has been completed (Act 303).

When the processor 11 determines that the confirmation of all the wireless tags is completed (Act 303, Yes), the processor 11 calculates the reading success degree of this reading area (Act 304) as described above. When the processor 11 determines that confirmation of all wireless tags is not completed (Act 303, No), Act 301 is repeated.

Returning to Act 301, when the processor 11 determines that the wireless tag has not been detected even once (Act 301, No), the processor 11 processes Act 303. That is, the processor 11 omits the calculation of the detection degree of the wireless tag.

According to this embodiment, the system controller 10 can contribute to the efficiency of the difference closing work by the user by outputting the presentation information. For example, the user can easily recognize the reading area having a low reading success degree by checking the display device 30. It can be said that a place near the reading area having a low reading success degree is a place where the reading system 1 has a high possibility that the wireless tag is missed. Therefore, the user can improve the efficiency of the difference close-up work by confirming the location in the vicinity of the reading area having a low reading success rate at the time of stocktaking.

Further, the system controller 10 can contribute to the efficiency of the difference closing work by the user by setting a plurality of reading areas in parallel or substantially in parallel with one or more shelves. For example, the user can easily associate each reading area with a shelf or each reading area with a part of the shelf. Therefore, the user can easily specify the location in the vicinity of the reading area having a low reading success degree.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the scope of equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Reading system, 10... System controller, 11... Processor, 12... ROM, 13... RAM, 14... NVM, 15... Communication part, 30... Display device, 100... Self-propelled robot, 102... Wheels, 103... Sensor, 104... Antenna, 104a... Antenna, 104b... Antenna, 104c... Antenna, 104d... Antenna, 200... Moving mechanism, 201... Travel controller, 202... Motor, 203... Rotary encoder, 210... Reader, 400... Article, 401... Wireless Tag, A... Shelf, B... Shelf, C... Shelf.

Claims (5)

An information processing device for controlling a mobile device comprising an antenna for transmitting and receiving data to and from a plurality of wireless tags attached to a plurality of articles, and a moving mechanism for moving the antenna,
A control unit that reads the plurality of wireless tags a plurality of times for each of a plurality of areas, calculates a read success degree of the plurality of wireless tags for each area, and outputs information associated with the read success degree for each area,
An information processing apparatus including. The control unit calculates a detection degree for each of the wireless tags detected at least once among the plurality of wireless tags, and calculates the reading success degree based on an average value of the detection degrees. Information processing equipment. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display the read success degree associated with each area based on the output of the information. The control unit moves the moving mechanism a plurality of times in parallel or substantially in parallel with one or more shelves in which some or all of the plurality of articles are stored, and divides the area moved by the moving mechanism. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of areas are set. An antenna for transmitting and receiving data to and from a plurality of wireless tags attached to a plurality of articles,
A moving mechanism for moving the antenna,
A control unit that reads the plurality of wireless tags a plurality of times for each of a plurality of areas, calculates a read success degree of the plurality of wireless tags for each area, and outputs information associated with the read success degree for each area,
A reading system including.