JP2020149125A - Electronic tag writing system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technique for writing information different according to objects into an electronic tag.SOLUTION: An electronic tag writing system 1 comprises a writing device 60 for writing write information into an electronic tag 10 and an information acquisition unit 70 for acquiring write information on an object 50 associated with the electronic tag 10. The write information acquired by the information acquisition unit 70 is written into the electronic tag 10 by the writing device 60.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an electronic tag writing system and a method thereof.

As is well known, an electronic tag (also called an RF tag, IC tag, RF label, etc.) connects an IC chip and an antenna connected to the IC chip in order to store and read information in a non-contact manner by short-range wireless communication. Have. In addition, electronic tags generally have an adhesive surface on the back surface for being attached to an object, or have no adhesive surface and are attached to a product with a string or the like. RFID (Radio frequency identification) is an automatic recognition system that uses such an electronic tag to write information about an object on the electronic tag and read the information stored in the electronic tag by wireless communication.

Various studies and proposals have been made on electronic tags, and some have been realized and some have not. For example, electronic tags are expected to be applied to individual product management as an alternative to optically readable tags such as barcodes, but are used in low-priced retailers such as convenience stores. Has not been realized in Japan. The main reason for this is that the unit price of electronic tags is high, but there are problems with reading accuracy (blocking of radio waves due to water contained in the product contents, metal product containers, etc.) and writing of electronic tags to individual products. The incompleteness of the technology is also a hindrance to its widespread use.

Of these, regarding the electronic tag writing technology, certain information (for example, manufacturing information, truck loading information, inventory information, sales information, loss information, delivery information, expiration date information, consumption information) is added to the electronic tag for a certain product. ) Has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 4).

However, in order to realize individual product management of products by using the method of attaching electronic tags with certain information written to products, source tagging (manufacturers attach electronic tags to products) is required for almost all products. It needs to be done, and it takes a lot of time to improve the environment.

Moreover, even if it becomes possible, the retail store cannot respond to the request to attach an electronic tag in which different information is written for each object. That is, when attaching an electronic tag at a retail store, it is necessary to attach an electronic tag in which different information is written to each product having different types (size, packaging, etc.), quantity, etc. (small quantity and many kinds). It is not realistic to do this manually, and the current situation is that no device is provided to do this automatically. Of course, it goes without saying that other than retail stores, manufacturers of small-lot, high-mix manufacturing, etc. have the same demands as retail stores.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-104521 JP-A-2007-091246 JP-A-2007-091298 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-044661 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-62965

Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a technique for writing different information in an electronic tag according to an object.

The electronic tag writing system that solves the above problems and its method are as follows.
<First aspect>
A writing device that writes writing information to an electronic tag,
It is equipped with an information acquisition unit that acquires written information about the object associated with the electronic tag.
The writing information acquired by the information acquisition unit is written to the electronic tag by the writing device.
An electronic tag writing system that features this.

(Action effect)
In this electronic tag writing system, since the writing information about the object associated with the electronic tag is acquired and the writing is performed to the corresponding electronic tag, different information can be written to the electronic tag according to the object. .. For example, when attaching an electronic tag at a retail store, when attaching an electronic tag to in-stock products of different types (size, packaging, etc.), quantity, etc. (small quantity, high variety), different information is electronically sent according to the object. You can write to the tag.

<Second aspect>
The written information includes a part or all of the primary information acquired from the object, and at least one of the secondary information acquired based on the acquired primary information.
The electronic tag writing system of the first aspect.

(Action effect)
It is preferable to acquire the written information from the object by detection or the like because the preparation of the written information becomes more accurate and easier.
<Third aspect>
A tag supply unit for sequentially supplying electronic tags to the writing device is provided.
The electronic tag writing system of the first or second aspect.

(Action effect)
By providing such a tag supply unit, it is possible to automatically sequentially produce electronic tags in which different information is written according to the object.

<Fourth aspect>
A tag supply unit that sequentially supplies electronic tags and
It has a tag attachment part that attaches an electronic tag supplied from the tag supply part to the object.
The writing device writes the writing information on an electronic tag attached to the object.
The electronic tag writing system of the first or second aspect.

(Action effect)
In this electronic tag writing system, for example, at a retail store or the like, an unwritten electronic tag is attached to an in-stock product of different types (size, packaging, etc.), quantity, etc. Write information can be written to the tag. In this case, in addition to attaching and writing electronic tags for each object, attach electronic tags to all the objects to be processed at once, and then write to the electronic tags attached to each object in order. You can also.

<Fifth aspect>
It is not provided with an electronic tag supply unit, and the writing information acquired by the information acquisition unit is written to the electronic tag attached to the object by the writing device.
The electronic tag writing system of the first or second aspect.

(Action effect)
This electronic tag writing system is a system that does not supply an electronic tag and attaches it to an object, but merely writes writing information in the electronic tag. For example, when a producer ships a product with an unwritten electronic tag attached to the product or its container or packaging, the retail store uses this system to write on the electronic tag attached to the received product. be able to.

<Sixth aspect>
Steps to get written information about the object associated with the electronic tag,
Steps to write the acquired write information to the corresponding electronic tag,
An electronic tag writing method characterized by including.

(Action effect)
It has the same effect as the first aspect.

According to the present invention, there are advantages such as being able to write different information in an electronic tag depending on the object.

It is the schematic of the electronic tag writing system. It is the schematic of the electronic tag writing system. It is the schematic of the electronic tag writing system. It is the schematic of the electronic tag writing system. It is the schematic of the electronic tag writing system. It is the schematic of the electronic tag writing system. It is the schematic of the electronic tag writing system. It is a block diagram of a control part. It is (a) plan view, (b) side view, (c) bottom view, (d) plan view, (e) side view, (f) bottom view which shows the example of an electronic tag. It is a perspective view which shows the object which attached the electronic tag. It is a front view which shows typically the electronic tag writing system. It is a side view which shows typically the electronic tag writing system. It is a front view which shows the example of the tag supply part. It is a front view which shows the delivery part of an electronic tag. It is a front view which shows the main part of the electronic tag writing system schematicly. It is a front view which shows the main part of the electronic tag writing system schematicly. It is a front view which shows the main part of the electronic tag writing system schematicly. It is a front view which shows the main part of the electronic tag writing system schematicly. It is a front view which shows the main part of the electronic tag writing system schematicly. It is a side view which shows typically the electronic tag writing system. It is a side view which shows typically the electronic tag writing system. It is a front view which shows the example of the tag supply part schematicly. It is a front view which shows the main part of the electronic tag writing system schematicly. It is a flowchart which shows an example of control.

<Basic matters>
1 to 7 show a typical example of the electronic tag writing system 1. These electronic tag writing systems 1 include a writing device 60 that writes writing information to the electronic tag 10, an information acquisition unit 70 that acquires writing information about an object 50 associated with the electronic tag 10, and an information acquisition unit 70. It is provided with a control unit 90 that writes the writing information acquired by the writing device 60 to the corresponding electronic tag 10.

Therefore, in the electronic tag writing system 1, since the writing information about the object 50 associated with the electronic tag 10 is acquired and the writing is performed to the corresponding electronic tag 10, different information is electronically transmitted according to the object 50. It can be written on the tag 10. For example, when the electronic tag 10 is attached at a retail store, it differs depending on the object 50 when the electronic tag 10 is attached to the received products having different types (size, packaging, etc.), quantity, etc. (small quantity and many kinds). Information can be written in the electronic tag 10.

(Control unit)
In order to operate the system, the control unit 90 controls each component by communicating with the components of the system while performing input / output and calculation of information as needed. Therefore, the control unit may have an input / output device, an arithmetic device, a communication device, a storage device, and the like. Such a control unit 90 can be configured by using a known industrial control device such as a sequencer (PLC) or a computer (PC, microcontroller) alone, or by combining a plurality of known industrial control devices according to functions and the like. For example, in the case of the application example described later, the basic control and interface of the conveyor, sensor, robot, etc. are realized by the sequencer, and the information processing and commands to the sequencer based on it (mode setting, parameter setting, operation start instruction, etc.) are realized by the computer. Can be configured to

As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 90 includes an input device 81 for inputting by an operator, and can perform various operations (information acquisition, writing, etc.) of the system in response to the input. The input device 81 can be a keyboard, a mouse, or a dedicated switch. It is also preferable to include a display device 82 that displays a graphical user interface such as a button for executing the process so that the worker can select the process. In this case, a touch panel in which the input device 81 and the display device 82 are integrated is provided, and the process selection input is performed by touching a button or the like displayed on the display device 82 for executing continuous processing. Is particularly preferable. Further, although not shown, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone having a display device 82 and an input device 81 can be connected to the control unit 90 by network, short-range wireless communication, or wired communication. The display device 82 and the input device 81 of the mobile terminal can be used to make a selection of processing.

(Electronic tag)
The shape and structure of the electronic tag 10 are not particularly limited as long as it is attached to the object, and a known electronic tag 10 can be used as appropriate. The electronic tag 10 may be one that is externally attached to the object, such as a price tag or a tag, or one that is built in the container, lid, packaging box, or corrugated cardboard box for transportation of the object. .. The electronic tag 10 externally attached to the object may be fixed or connected to the object by an adhesive surface, a string, a tag pin, or the like, but is fixed to the object as long as it is processed (handled) together with the object. Alternatively, it may be unconnected and freely movable.

For example, the shape of the electronic tag 10 having an adhesive surface is a rectangular shape with corners as shown in the examples shown in FIGS. 9 (a) to 9 (c) and the examples shown in FIGS. 9 (d) to 9 (f). It is common, but not limited to this. Further, one of the typical electronic tags 10 is, for example, as shown in FIGS. 9 (c) and 9 (f), a passive type having an IC chip 10i as inlets 10a and 10i and an antenna 10a connected thereto. The electronic tag 10 is not limited to this.

It is desirable that at least a part of the antenna 10a of the electronic tag 10 is separated from the object to be attached 50 in order to prevent deterioration of communication quality. Therefore, in the case of the electronic tag 10 having the adhesive surface 11, as shown in FIGS. 9D to 9F, a part of the electronic tag 10 including the antenna 10a is folded at the folding position 10p, and the adhesive surfaces 11 are attached to each other. The combined non-adhesive portion 12 and the residual adhesive portion 13 on which the adhesive surface 11 is exposed are formed, and the adhesive surface 11 of the residual adhesive portion 13 can be attached to the object 50. Such folding of the electronic tag 10 may be performed by a mechanism inside the tag supply unit 20 when the tag supply unit 20 is provided as described later (see, for example, Patent Document 5), and a part of the electronic tag 10 is folded in advance. The electronic tag 10 may be supplied to the electronic tag writing system 1.

(Writing information)
The information written to the electronic tag 10 is information about the object 50 associated with the electronic tag 10, and includes information different depending on the object 50. To this extent, the written information is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to include a part or all of the individual information 51 of the object 50. The individual information 51 is not only identification information for distinguishing the object 50 from other objects, but also an attribute representing the characteristics, properties, etc. of the object 50, although the object 50 cannot be distinguished from other objects. Contains both information. As the identification information, a product code, a serial number, a product number, a lot number, or the like can be exemplified. Further, as the attribute information, in addition to trademarks such as shipping order, manufacturing date, expiration date, and product name, the color of the product or packaging, the product weight, and the like can be exemplified. In addition, the written information can include ancillary information other than identification information and attribute information. As the attached information, time information such as time required for manufacturing, temperature information such as air temperature at the time of manufacturing, humidity information such as humidity at the time of manufacturing, random number information regarding fortune-telling and winning / losing of lottery, etc. can be exemplified. ..

As shown in FIG. 10, the individual information 51 and the attribute information of the object 50 are information added to the object 50 by printing or the like as a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code, or as characters or pictures as they are. This is preferable because it can be easily obtained from the object 50, but the present invention is not limited to this.

(Information acquisition department)
The information acquisition unit 70 can use a part or all of the written information as primary information that can be acquired from the object 50. This makes the preparation of write information more accurate and easier. For example, the information acquisition unit 70 can include an individual information sensor 71 that detects individual information 51 from the object 50.

The individual information sensor 71 is not particularly limited as long as the individual information 51 can be detected from the object 50. For example, the individual information sensor 71 can be at least one such as a code reader, an optical character reading device, a color sensor, a weight sensor, a magnetic sensor, and a voice recognition sensor. When the individual information sensor 71 is a code reader such as a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code, an electronic tag 10 in which the read information is written can be attached to the object 50. Therefore, for example, by attaching such an electronic tag 10 to a product for sale, a retailer can identify a large number of products in a non-contact manner in cash register / inspection / inventory business and shoplifting prevention using a security gate. Can be done all at once. When the individual information sensor 71 is an optical character reader, the product size, product color, content, manufacturing date, expiration date, etc. attached to the object 50 (usually the product exterior or the product itself), etc. An electronic tag 10 in which the notation is read and the read information is written can be attached to the object 50. Further, when the individual information sensor 71 is a color sensor, an electronic tag 10 in which information about the color of the object 50 is written can be attached to the object 50, and the individual information sensor 71 is a weight sensor. An electronic tag 10 in which information about the weight of the object 50 is written can be attached to the object 50. Therefore, for example, by attaching these electronic tags 10 to the products for sale, the retailer can manage the products based on the individual information 51 which is not included in the one-dimensional code or the two-dimensional code which is usually attached. ..

When the individual information sensor 71 is a magnetic sensor, the magnetic recording information of an object with a magnetic stripe such as a ticket, a check (MICR), a passbook, or a credit card is read, and the electronic tag 10 on which the read information is written is attached to the object 50. Can be attached to.

When the individual information sensor 71 is a voice recognition sensor composed of a microphone and a voice recognition system, the worker recognizes the individual information by visually recognizing the individual information of the object and uttering it, and an electronic tag in which the recognition information is written. 10 can be attached to the object 50.

The detection target by the individual information sensor 71 preferably includes at least identification information, and more preferably includes both identification information and attribute information.

The code reader, the optical character reader, and the color sensor are preferably realized by using an image sensor (image sensor) such as a CCD image sensor or a CMOS image sensor. The method using an image sensor not only enables detection in a wide range, but can also be used as a multipurpose reader for detecting a plurality of types of detection targets. That is, in this case, it is possible to detect a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code, characters, and colors with one sensor without providing a sensor for each detection target. Of course, the individual information sensor 71 is not limited to the image sensor, and for example, in the case of a code reader, various known sensors such as a laser scan method can be used.

The individual information sensor 71 is installed on a conveyor used in the process of production and distribution of the object 50, or an additional conveyor equipped with the individual information sensor 71 is added, and the individual information 51 is transmitted from the object 50 being conveyed by the conveyor. Is preferable to detect.

The individual information sensor 71 is used as a handy type device (handy type code reader, etc.), and when the object 50 is carried in, carried out, displayed, etc., the worker holds it by hand and holds it over the object 50 to obtain a plurality of objects 50. It is also possible to sequentially detect the individual information 51 of the object 50. Further, the individual information sensor 71 is used as a stationary type device, and when the object 50 is carried in, carried out, displayed, etc., the worker holds the object 50 by hand and holds it over the stationary type individual information sensor 71. Therefore, the individual information 51 of the plurality of objects 50 can be sequentially detected.

When the information acquisition unit 70 includes the individual information sensor 71, the information acquisition unit 70 can be configured by a computer (PC, microcontroller, tablet terminal, smartphone) equipped with the individual information sensor 71 such as a digital camera and a microphone.

(Memory)
The information acquisition unit 70 does not acquire all the written information from the object 50, but can read it from the storage unit 80 in which the written information and the like are stored. Further, the information acquisition unit 70 can acquire a part of the written information from the object 50 and read the rest from the storage unit 80.

The storage unit 80 is a storage device such as a hard disk or SSD built or externally attached to the control unit 90, as well as a network access storage, cloud storage, other storage server, or database server connected via a local network or the Internet. Can be. The storage unit 80 is a distribution system such as a POS system, a storage unit 80 such as a production management system, or information duplicated from the information of the storage unit 80 of another system thereof, or changes or additions are made to the information. It may contain information. In this case, in the process of production and distribution of the object 50, the processing order of the object 50 and the writing information of each object 50 in the process are stored in the storage unit 80. Further, based on a part or all of the primary information acquired by the individual information sensor 71 or the like in the process of production and distribution of the object 50, and at least one of the secondary information acquired based on the acquired primary information. , The processing order of the objects 50 in the process and the writing information of each object 50 can be stored in the storage unit 80.

When there are a plurality of types of stored information, a storage unit 80 may be provided for each type, or a single storage unit 80 for storing all the stored information may be provided. For example, in the case of the application example described later, the writing information and the pasting position information are assumed to be stored in a single storage unit 80 in the illustrated example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

When the information acquisition unit 70 reads the written information from the storage unit 80, the information acquisition unit 70 can be configured by a computer (PC, microcontroller, tablet terminal, smartphone), and can include input devices such as a mouse, keyboard, and touch panel. It can be included (ie, it can be similar to the control unit 90).

The storage unit 80 stores the identification information of the object 50 and the writing information associated therewith, and the information acquisition unit 70 stores the identification information read by the individual information sensor 71, or a mouse, a keyboard, or the like. The written information may be read from the storage unit 80 based on the identification information input by the input device 81 such as a touch panel. That is, the written information may include the secondary information acquired based on the primary information acquired from the object 50. For example, in the case of the electronic tag 10 attached to the product, the identification information such as the one-dimensional code described above is detected by the individual information sensor 71, and the control unit 90 bases the identification information and the product name and the expiration date based on the detection result. The attribute information can be acquired from the storage unit 80 stored in association with the attribute information such as the above, and only the acquired attribute information or this and the identification information can be written in the electronic tag 10 as writing information.

When the information acquisition unit 70 reads the write information from the storage unit 80, the information acquisition unit 70 selects one or a plurality of write information from the storage unit 80 by an input device or the like, and one by one or a plurality of continuously. The write information may be read into.

In particular, when the writing information is continuously read, if the writing information of the object 50 and the processing order are stored in association with each other in the storage unit 80, the information acquisition unit 70 performs the processing order from the storage unit 80 according to the processing order. The writing information associated with the above can be read, and the read writing information can be written to the electronic tag 10 by the writing device 60.

(Writing device)
The writing device 60 is capable of writing to the electronic tag 10 (so-called reader / writer), and its installation position and the like can be appropriately determined. For example, when writing to the electronic tag 10 from a certain distance, the writing device 60 is fixedly installed in the movement path of the electronic tag 10 and sequentially writes to the electronic tag 10 during movement or suspension of movement. It can be performed. In this case, the electronic tag 10 may be the one after being attached to the object 50 or the one before being attached to the object 50. In the former case, for example, the writing device 60 can be installed on a conveyor that conveys the object 50, and in the latter case, the writing device 60 can be installed, for example, in the tag supply unit 20.

When writing is performed by bringing the writing device 60 close to the electronic tag 10, the writing device 60 is used as a handy type device (handy type code reader, etc.), and the work is performed when the object 50 is carried in, out, displayed, or the like. When a member holds the electronic tag 10 by hand and holds it over the electronic tag 10, writing can be sequentially performed on the plurality of electronic tags 10. It is also possible to attach the writing device 60 to the robot 40 and control the robot 40 to bring the writing device 60 closer to the electronic tag 10 to perform writing.

Further, the writing device 60 is a stationary type device, and when the object 50 is carried in, carried out, displayed, etc., the worker holds the object 50 by hand and holds it over the stationary type writing device 60. It is also possible to sequentially write to a plurality of electronic tags 10.

For the writing process by the writing device 60, a known method can be adopted without particular limitation.

(Tag attachment)
In order to attach the electronic tag 10 to the object 50 in the electronic tag writing system 1, a tag attachment portion can be provided. In the case of the electronic tag 10 having the adhesive surface 11, the tag attachment portion can employ a robot 40 of an application example described later or another known sticking device (labeler). The tag attachment portion may be a handy type affixing device (handy labeler) for affixing the electronic tag 10 by a worker holding it by hand and pressing it against the object 50. In the case of the electronic tag 10 having no adhesive surface 11, the tag attachment portion is a tagging device for attaching the electronic tag 10 to an object 50 such as clothing via a string, a tag pin, or the like, or is electronically stored in a product packaging box. It may be an insertion device for inserting the tag 10.

(robot)
The robot 40 may have at least two or more degrees of freedom in which it can move in the horizontal direction and in the vertical direction, but it corresponds to a case where the position of the object 50 on the conveyor 30 is irregular. Therefore, a robot 40 having four or more degrees of freedom is suitable so that it can move in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, the Z-axis direction, and the rotation direction about the Z-axis. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10C, the electronic tag 10 can be attached to the upper surface of the object 50 in all directions. Further, when the robot 40 having 6 or more degrees of freedom is used, the electronic tag 10 can be attached not only to the upper surface of the object 50 but also to the side surface as shown in FIG. 10 (b). Therefore, the electronic tag 10 can be attached to a position that does not easily affect the product or a position that does not easily deteriorate the communication quality according to the object 50. As the robot 40, not only a parallel link robot as shown in the illustrated example, but also known industrial robots such as a vertical articulated robot, a horizontal articulated robot, and a Cartesian robot can be used.

(Tag supply section)
In order to supply the electronic tag 10 into the electronic tag writing system 1, the tag supply unit 20 can be deployed. The tag supply unit 20 sequentially supplies the electronic tag 10 to the writing device 60 or the tag attachment unit, and as long as it is limited to this, any known supply mechanism (for example, those described in Patent Documents 1 to 5) is adopted. can do. For example, when supplying the electronic tag 10 having the adhesive surface 11, it is possible to use the tag supply unit 20 that sequentially peels and supplies the electronic tag 10 from the strip-shaped release sheet 16 to which the electronic tag 10 is repeatedly attached. When the electronic tag 10 having no adhesive surface 11 is supplied, the electronic tag 10 is sequentially formed and supplied by cutting or punching the strip-shaped material in which the unit portions to be the electronic tag 10 are repeatedly continued at the boundary of each unit portion. The tag supply unit 20 can be used. The tag supply unit 20 may be built in the device attached to the tag.

(Equipment configuration)
In the electronic tag writing system 1, all of the components may be integrated as one device, or a system in which a plurality of devices composed of one or a plurality of components are combined may be used. In particular, components that can be built as a combination of hardware or software on one device, such as components such as the information acquisition unit 70, control unit 90, and storage unit 80, are partially or all built on one device. Is preferable. In addition, some or all of the components can be wired or wirelessly unidirectionally or bidirectionally communicated (including those that do not go through the network and those that go through the network) in order to work together as a system. .. Further, some of the components may operate independently of the other components.

The electronic tag writing system 1 may be a handy type device as a whole, or may be a stationary type device that can be installed on a desk or a register of a retail store. Further, as in the application example described later, it may be a larger device including a conveyor and a robot 40. Further, when the electronic tag writing system 1 is composed of a plurality of devices, even if each device is one handy type device, it can be installed on a desk or deferred to a cash register of a retail store. It may be a type of device or a device of a larger size.

Hereinafter, specific examples of the device configuration and the like will be described.
<First example>
FIG. 1 shows a first example of the electronic tag writing system 1. This example has a writing device 60, a tag supply unit 20 that supplies an electronic tag 10 to the writing device 60, and an information acquisition unit 70, and supplies the writing information acquired by the information acquisition unit 70 as a tag. The writing device 60 writes to the electronic tag 10 supplied from the unit 20. Therefore, in the system of this example, the electronic tags 10 in which different information is written according to the object 50 can be automatically sequentially produced.

In the first example, the information acquisition unit 70 may be any of the above-mentioned ones, but the example shown in FIG. 1A includes an individual information sensor 71, and the individual information 51 detected by the individual information sensor 71. The writing information including the above is written in the electronic tag 10. On the other hand, the information acquisition unit 70 of the example shown in FIG. 1B reads the write information from the storage unit 80. In the example shown in FIG. 1C, both information acquisition units 70 are combined, and the individual information 51 detected by the individual information sensor 71 and the secondary information read from the storage unit 80 based on the individual information 51 are written. As information, it is written in the electronic tag 10.

In the first example, the electronic tag 10 is externally attached to the object 50. Therefore, as in the application example described later, it is preferable to have a tag attachment portion for attaching the electronic tag 10 that has been written by the writing device 60 to the object 50, but the worker manually attaches the electronic tag 10 to the object 50. It may be attached to the object 50. The attachment referred to here includes not only fixing or connecting to the object 50, but also simply putting it in the package of the object 50.

The system of the first example can be a stationary type device E0 as a whole, as in the example shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C. In this case, writing to the electronic tag 10 can be automatically performed in response to an input to the device E0 or each time the information acquisition unit 70 acquires the writing information.

Further, as in the example shown in FIG. 1 (b), the storage unit 80 is a stationary type first device E1 and the storage unit 80 is a second device E2, and the information acquisition unit of the first device E1 is used. The 70 can be configured to read from the storage unit 80 of the second device E2. In this case, the information acquisition unit 70 can sequentially acquire the writing information and write to the electronic tag 10 in response to the processing start input to the second device E2.

In these examples, when the worker manually attaches the electronic tag 10 to the object 50, the device having the writing device 60 is provided with a discharge part or a delivery part of the electronic tag 10, and the worker is provided from there. Can receive the electronic tag 10 and attach it to the object 50.
<Second example>
FIG. 2 shows a second example of the electronic tag writing system 1. This example has a tag attachment part for attaching the electronic tag 10 to the object 50 and a tag supply part 20 for supplying the electronic tag 10 to the tag attachment part, and the writing device 60 has the electronic tag 10 attached to the object 50. The writing information acquired by the information acquisition unit 70 is written in the information acquisition unit 70. In the electronic tag writing system 1, for example, at a retail store or the like, an unwritten electronic tag 10 is attached to an in-stock product of different types (size, packaging, etc.), quantity, etc. Writing information can be written on the electronic tag 10. In this case, the electronic tag 10 is attached and written for each object 50, and after the electronic tag 10 is attached to all the objects 50 to be processed at one time, the electronic tag 10 attached to each object 50 is attached. It is also possible to write in order.

In the second example, the information acquisition unit 70 may be any of the above-mentioned ones, but the example shown in FIG. 2A includes an individual information sensor 71, and the individual information 51 detected by the individual information sensor 71. The writing information including the above is written in the electronic tag 10. On the other hand, the information acquisition unit 70 of the example shown in FIG. 2B reads the write information from the storage unit 80. In the example shown in FIG. 2C, both information acquisition units 70 are combined, and the individual information 51 detected by the individual information sensor 71 and the secondary information read from the storage unit 80 based on the individual information 51 are written. As information, it is written in the electronic tag 10.

The system of the second example can be a stationary type device E0 as a whole, as shown in the example shown in FIG. 2A. In this case, as in the application example described later, while transporting the object 50 by the conveyor, the electronic tag 10 is attached to the object 50, and then (may be before) the individual information sensor 71 acquires and writes the writing information. Writing by the device 60 can be performed automatically.

As shown in the example shown in FIG. 2B, the tag attachment unit and the tag supply unit 20 are set as the first stationary type device E1, and the information acquisition unit 70, the control unit 90, the writing unit, and the storage unit 80 are deferred. It can also be the second device E2. In this case, the worker can operate the first device E1 to attach the electronic tag 10 to the object 50, and then operate the second device E2 to acquire and write information. This example has the advantage that the first device E1 and the second device E2 can be installed separately.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2C, the tag attachment part and the tag supply part 20 are the first handy type or stationary type device E1, and the information acquisition part 70, the control part 90, and the writing part are of the handy type. The second device E2 may be used, and the storage unit 80 may be a stationary type third device E3. In this case, the worker operates the first device E1 to attach the electronic tag 10 to the object 50. On the other hand, the worker detects the individual information 51 of the object 50 by holding it over the individual information sensor 71 of the second device E2, and based on this, the information acquisition unit 70 of the second device E2. After acquiring information from the storage unit 80 of the third device E3 and creating write information, the writing device 60 of the second device E2 is held over the object 50 and written on the electronic tag 10 attached to the object 50. It can be performed.

<Third example>
FIG. 3 shows a third example of the electronic tag writing system 1. This example is different from the second example in that the tag supply unit 20 and the tag attachment unit are not provided, and the electronic tag 10 attached in advance to the object 50 is written. For example, when a producer ships a product with an unwritten electronic tag 10 attached to the product or its container or packaging, the retail store uses this system to write on the electronic tag 10 attached to the received product. It can be performed.

In the third example, the information acquisition unit 70 may be any of the above-mentioned ones, but the example shown in FIG. 3A includes an individual information sensor 71, and the individual information 51 detected by the individual information sensor 71. The writing information including the above is written in the electronic tag 10. On the other hand, the information acquisition unit 70 of the example shown in FIG. 3B reads the write information from the storage unit 80. In the example shown in FIG. 3C, both information acquisition units 70 are combined, and the individual information 51 detected by the individual information sensor 71 and the secondary information read from the storage unit 80 based on the individual information 51 are written. As information, it is written in the electronic tag 10.

The system of the third example is suitable for a compact system because it does not include a tag attachment and a tag supply 20. For example, as shown in the example shown in FIG. 3A, the entire device can be a handy type device E0. In this case, the worker holds the device E0 in his hand and holds the individual information sensor 71 of the device E0 over the object 50 to detect the individual information 51 of the object 50 and creates written information including the individual information 51. After that, the writing device 60 of the device E0 can be held over the electronic tag 10 attached to the object 50 to write.

As shown in the example shown in FIG. 3B, the storage unit 80 may be a handy type first device E1 and the storage unit 80 may be a stationary type second device E2. In this case, after the worker operates the first device E1, acquires information from the second device E2, and creates the writing information, the writing device 60 of the first device E1 is attached to the object 50. It can be configured to hold the tag 10 for writing.

Further, as shown in the example shown in FIG. 3C, the storage unit 80 may be a stationary type first device E1 and the storage unit 80 may be a stationary type second device E2. In this case, the worker holds the object 50 in his hand and holds it over the individual information sensor 71 of the first device E1 to detect the individual information 51 of the object 50, and based on this, the information of the first device E1. After the acquisition unit 70 acquires information from the storage unit 80 of the second device E2 and creates the writing information, the object 50 is held over the writing device 60 of the first device E1 and is placed on the electronic tag 10 of the object 50. It can be configured to write.

<Fourth example>
FIG. 4 shows a fourth example of the electronic tag writing system 1. In this example, the writing information and the processing order are stored in association with the storage unit 80, and the writing information associated with the processing order is stored in the storage unit 80 according to the processing order acquired from the storage unit 80 by the information acquisition unit 70. The point of writing to the electronic tag 10 is different from that of the first example. In this example, since the writing information associated with the processing order is written to the electronic tag 10 according to the processing order read from the storage unit 80, the writing information associated with the processing order is written to the electronic tag 10 for the plurality of types of objects 50 processed (handled) in a fixed order. When the electronic tag 10 is attached, different information can be automatically written according to the object 50.

In the fourth example, the electronic tag 10 is externally attached to the object 50. Therefore, as in the application example described later, it is preferable to have a tag attachment portion for attaching the electronic tag 10 that has been written by the writing device 60 to the object 50, but the worker manually attaches the electronic tag 10 to the object 50. It may be attached to the object 50. The attachment referred to here includes not only fixing or connecting to the object 50, but also simply putting it in the package of the object 50.

The system of the fourth example can be entirely a stationary type device E0, as in the example shown in FIG. 4, for example. In this case, the device E0 is input to specify the processing target object 50 (the range of the processing target), the information acquisition unit 70 acquires the necessary processing order and the writing information, and the processing order is set according to the processing order. The associated writing information can be written to the electronic tag 10.

<Fifth example>
FIG. 5 shows a fourth example of the electronic tag writing system 1. In this example, in the first process in the production and distribution of the object 50, the processing order of the object 50 and the writing information of each object 50 in the process are acquired and stored in the storage unit 80, and the first In the second process of processing the object 50 in the processing order on the downstream side of the process, the writing device 60 sequentially writes the writing information associated with the processing order to the electronic tag 10 according to the processing order. Different from the example.

In this system, for example, the first object 50 is processed (handled) in a certain order, such as the transfer process and inspection process of the object 50 in the production facility of the object 50, the transfer process in the distribution of the object 50, and the like. In the process P1, the processing order and the writing information of the object 50 are stored in the storage unit 80 in advance, and then in the second process P2 in which the object 50 is processed in the processing order, the processing order is followed. Writing to the electronic tag 10 is performed in sequence. Therefore, by sequentially attaching the written electronic tags 10 to the object 50, it is possible to automatically attach the electronic tags 10 to which different information is written according to the object 50 to the object 50.

When the processing order of the objects 50 and the writing information of each object 50 are stored in the storage unit 80 in the first process P1, the storage unit 80 stores the existing system (production control) as shown in FIG. 5A. If it is a storage unit 80 of a system, a distribution system, etc.), or if it is a storage unit 80 that includes information duplicated from the information of the storage unit 80 of an existing system or information that has been changed or added to the information, the existing unit 80 As a result of the operation of the system, the processing order of the objects 50 and the writing information of each object 50 are stored in the storage unit 80 in the first process P1. Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the individual information sensor 71 is installed in the equipment of the first process P1, and a part or all of the primary information such as the individual information 51 detected by the individual information sensor 71, and It is also possible to acquire the processing order of the object 50 and the writing information of each object 50 based on at least one of the secondary information acquired based on the acquired primary information, and store the writing information in the storage unit 80.

The system of the fifth example can also be constructed on a single transfer line P0 of production equipment and distribution equipment, for example, as shown in FIG. 5A. Further, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), the first process P1 is set as the shipping process of the production equipment, the individual information sensor 71 and the storage unit 80 are installed in the equipment, and downstream from the first process P1. On the side, the second process P2 for processing the object 50 in the same processing order as the first process P1 is set as the delivery process of the distribution equipment, and the information acquisition unit 70, the control unit 90, and the writing device 60 are installed in the equipment. You can also do it. In each of the examples shown in FIG. 5, since the processing is performed while the object 50 is being conveyed by the conveyor 30, the processing order of the object 50 does not change, but the first process P1 and its downstream thereof. It is not necessary to carry out continuous transportation in the process of writing to the electronic tag 10 on the side.

In these fifth examples, when the worker manually attaches the electronic tag 10 to the object 50, the device including the writing device 60 is provided with a discharge unit or a delivery unit of the electronic tag 10 from there. The worker can receive the electronic tag 10 and attach it to the object 50.

<Sixth example>
FIG. 6 shows a sixth example of the electronic tag writing system 1. This example includes a tag attachment part for attaching the electronic tag 10 to the object 50 and a tag supply part 20 for supplying the tag to the tag attachment part, and is the first process P1 in the production and distribution of the object 50. The processing order of the object 50 and the writing information of each object 50 are acquired and stored in the storage unit 80, and in the second process P2 in the production and distribution of the object 50, the tag attachment portion is stored in the object 50. In the third process P3 in which the electronic tag 10 is attached and the object 50 is processed in the same processing order on the downstream side of the first process P1 and the second process P2, the processing order is changed according to the processing order. The associated writing information is sequentially written by the writing device 60 to the electronic tag 10 attached to the object 50.

In this system, for example, the first object 50 is processed (handled) in a certain order, such as the transfer process and inspection process of the object 50 in the production facility of the object 50, the transfer process in the distribution of the object 50, and the like. In the process P1, the processing order and the writing information of the object 50 are stored in the storage unit 80 in advance. Further, in the second process P2 at the same time as or before and after this, the electronic tag 10 is attached to the object 50. After that, in the third process P3 of processing the object 50 in the processing order, writing to the electronic tag 10 attached to the object 50 is sequentially performed according to the processing order. As a result, an electronic tag 10 in which different information is automatically written according to the object 50 can be attached to the object 50.

More specifically, when transporting products of different types (size, packaging, etc.), quantity, etc. (small quantity, high variety) from the distribution center to the product delivery destination such as a retail store, the distribution center (first process) , The processing order and the writing information are stored in the storage unit 80 in the second process), the electronic tag 10 is attached, and the electronic tag 10 is written in the product delivery destination (third process). It will be possible. In the tag attachment part, the electronic tag 10 is attached and written for each object 50, and after the electronic tag 10 is attached to all the objects 50 to be processed at one time, they are attached to each object 50. It is also possible to write on the electronic tags 10 in order.

The method of storing the processing order of the objects 50 and the writing information of each object 50 in the storage unit 80 in the first process P1 in the sixth example is the same as that of the fifth example.

The system of the sixth example can also be constructed on a single transfer line of production equipment and distribution equipment, for example, as shown in FIG. 6A. Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, the first process P1 is set as the shipping process of the production equipment, and the tag attachment part, the tag supply part 20, the individual information sensor 71, and the storage part 80 are installed in the equipment. The process of processing the object 50 in the same processing order as the first process P1 on the downstream side of the first process P1 is defined as the delivery process of the distribution equipment, and the equipment includes the information acquisition unit 70, the control unit 90, and the control unit 90. A writing device 60 can also be installed. In each of the examples shown in FIG. 6, since the processing is performed while transporting the object 50 by the conveyor, the processing order of the object 50 does not change, but the first process P1 and the downstream side thereof. It is not necessary to carry out continuous transportation in the process of writing to the electronic tag 10 in.

<7th example>
FIG. 7 shows a third example of the electronic tag writing system 1. This example is different from the sixth example in that the tag supply unit 20 and the tag attachment part are not provided, and the electronic tag 10 attached to the object 50 is written. That is, the electronic tag writing system 1 does not supply the electronic tag 10 and attach it to the object 50, but acquires it by the information acquisition unit 70 in the process of processing the object 50 in the processing order in production and distribution. This is a system in which the writing information associated with the processing order is written to the electronic tag 10 attached to the object 50 by the writing device 60 according to the processing order. More specifically, when transporting products of different types (size, packaging, etc.), quantity, etc. (small quantity, high variety) from the producer to retail stores, etc., the producer puts the product, its container, or packaging. In the process of shipping a product with an unwritten electronic tag 10 attached and handling the product in a fixed order at a retail store or its distribution center, different information can be automatically written according to the object 50.

In the seventh example, the method of storing the processing order of the object 50 and the writing information of each object 50 in the storage unit 80 is the same as in the fifth example, and other than the process of production and distribution of the object 50. It may be stored in the storage unit 80 based on the acquired information or the like.

The system of the seventh example can also be constructed on a single transfer line of production equipment and distribution equipment, for example, as shown in FIG. 7A. Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, an individual information sensor 71 and a storage unit 80 are installed in the equipment of the delivery process (first process P1) of the distribution equipment, and the individual information sensor 71 and the storage unit 80 are installed on the downstream side of the first process P1. The process of processing the object 50 in the same processing order as the first process P1 is a handy type including the information acquisition unit 70, the control unit 90, and the writing device 60 in the equipment of the import process (second process) of the retail store. Equipment E4 can also be installed. In this case, the worker can write on the electronic tag 10 by holding the writing device 60 of the handy type device E4 over the electronic tag 10 attached to the object 50. In the example shown in FIG. 7A, since the processing is performed while transporting the object 50 by the conveyor, the processing order of the object 50 does not change, but the first process P1 and the downstream side thereof. It is not necessary that continuous transfer is performed in the second process P2 for writing to the electronic tag 10 in. Therefore, the system configuration as shown in FIG. 7B is also possible.

<Other examples>
The partial configuration of each example from the first example to the seventh example can be applied to other examples as long as it does not impair the basic configuration of the other examples. Further, the partial configuration of the application example described later can also be applied to the second to seventh examples within a range that does not impair the basic configuration of the example.
<Application example>
11 and 12 show an electronic tag writing system 1 to which the first example described above is applied. In this electronic tag writing system 1, a tag supply unit 20 that sequentially supplies an electronic tag 10 having an adhesive surface 11 and an electronic tag 10 supplied from the tag supply unit 20 are attached to an object 50 such as a product to be attached. It is provided with affixing portions 30 and 40 to be affixed. Further, the electronic tag writing system 1 is a writing device 60 that writes writing information about the object 50 to the electronic tag 10 in the process of being attached to the object 50, and individual information that detects individual information of the object 50. A sensor 71 is provided, and the writing device 60 writes the writing information including a part or all of the individual information detected by the individual information sensor 71 and at least one of the related information related to the detected individual information. A control unit 90 for writing on an electronic tag 10 to be attached to the object 50 on which the above is detected is provided.

Therefore, in the electronic tag writing system 1, the individual information of the object 50 is detected in the device, and the writing information based on the detection result is attached to the object 50 for which the individual information is detected. Since it is written on the electronic tag 10, even if the electronic tag 10 is attached to a plurality of types of objects 50 in no particular order, the electronic tag 10 on which appropriate information is automatically written is attached. Can be done. For example, when affixing an electronic tag 10 at a retail store, workers are aware of what kind of object 50 is for in-stock products of different types (size, packaging, etc.), quantity, etc. (small quantity, high variety). It becomes possible to attach the electronic tag 10 in which appropriate information is automatically written in sequence without doing so. Hereinafter, each part will be described in order.

(Attachment part)
The sticking portions 30 and 40 are operated by the worker like a handy type labeler as long as the electronic tag 10 supplied from the electronic tag 10 supply section can be stuck to the object 50 to be stuck. In this case, it is preferable that the individual information sensor 71 and the writing device 60 are built in, but at least one of the electronic tag 10 supply part and the sticking part and the individual information sensor 71 and the writing device 60 may be separated. it can. The sticking portions 30 and 40 of the illustrated example receive the conveyor 30 that conveys the object 50 to which the electronic tag 10 is attached and the electronic tag 10 supplied from the tag supply unit 20 and are conveyed on the conveyor 30. It has a robot 40 to be attached to the object 50. In this way, while the object 50 is being conveyed by the conveyor 30, if the electronic tag 10 is attached to the object 50 being conveyed by the robot 40, a large number of objects 50 can be automatically and continuously processed.

(Conveyor)
As the conveyor 30, any known conveyor can be used as long as the moving body is moved in the transport direction by the driving force of the driving source and the object 50 on the moving body can be transported. For example, a belt whose upper surface is a loading surface. A conveyor, a plate conveyor, or the like can be preferably used. It is preferable that the conveyor 30 has a loading surface wider than the object 50, for example, because an operator can load various kinds of objects 50 having different sizes without being aware of the position and orientation. Of course, the conveyor 30 may have a constant type of object 50 and a loading position (including orientation). It is also possible to mechanically load the object 50 on the conveyor 30.

As in the example shown in FIG. 11 and the like, the conveyor 30 may be configured by connecting a plurality of conveyors 31 and 32, or may be provided in only one as shown in FIG. 23. Further, if the free roller conveyor 33 is provided on the most downstream side of the conveyor 30, the object 50 is pushed out onto the free roller conveyor 33 and stopped, so that the subsequent work becomes easy.

It is desirable that the conveyor 30 is continuously conveyed at a constant speed, but it should be driven intermittently with a standby time at an appropriate position in order to match various timings such as the attachment timing of the electronic tag 10. You can also.

(Individual information sensor)
It is preferable that the individual information sensor 71 can detect all surfaces of the object 50. Therefore, when the object 50 is conveyed by the conveyor 30 and detected by the individual information sensor 71, it is preferable to use the device configuration shown in FIG. 11 or the like. That is, the electronic tag writing system 1 is connected to the first conveyor 31 that conveys the object 50 with a gap on the downstream side of the first conveyor 31, and receives and conveys the object 50 that is sent out from the first conveyor 31. The individual information sensor 71 has a second conveyor 32 and a lower sensor 71L that detects individual information of the object 50 from below the object 50 through a gap between the first conveyor 31 and the second conveyor 32. The upper sensor 71U that detects individual information of the object 50 from above the object 50 on the upstream side of the stickable range of the robot 40 is included.

In this way, not only the conveyor 30 is divided into the first conveyor 31 and the second conveyor 32, but also the individual information of the object 50 can be detected from both the top and bottom by using the gap of the delivery portion. It is possible to continuously process a plurality of types of pasted objects 50 having different positions of individual information on the object 50 up and down without being aware of the vertical orientation.

In particular, when the individual information sensor 71 can be detected in a wide range by using an imaging sensor, as shown in FIG. 12, the upper sensor 71U that detects from diagonally above one of the CD directions with the conveyor 30 in between, and the CD direction. It is preferable to provide the upper sensor 71U that detects from diagonally above the other side and the lower sensor 71L that detects from directly below the conveyor 30 because three sensors can detect four surfaces of the object 50. That is, as shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, individual information on the upper surface, the side surface, and the lower surface of the object 50 can be detected. The MD direction means the machine direction (transportation direction), and the CD direction means the lateral direction orthogonal to the MD direction.

(Tag supply section)
The tag supply unit 20 is not particularly limited, and any known supply mechanism (for example, those described in Patent Documents 1 to 5) should be adopted as long as the electronic tag 10 can be supplied to the attachment units 30 and 40. Can be done. FIG. 13 shows an example of the tag supply unit 20 used by attaching the electronic tag roll 23R. The electronic tag roll 23R is a roll of a continuous band-shaped electronic tag sheet 15, and the electronic tag sheet 15 is an electronic tag repeatedly attached in a continuous direction of a continuous band-shaped release sheet 16 at predetermined intervals. It has 10. The electronic tag roll 23R is rotatably supported by a rotation shaft (not shown).

Further, the tag supply unit 20 assumes a case where an electronic tag is attached to the object 50 by a robot 40 described later, and transfers the electronic tag sheet 15 in the continuous direction thereof and sequentially from the downstream side in the transfer direction. It has a delivery portion that peels off the electronic tag 10 and delivers it to the robot 40, and a winding shaft 23W that winds up the continuous strip-shaped peeling sheet 16 after peeling off the electronic tag 10. The delivery portion uses a folding guide 23G (a plate-shaped one as shown in the illustrated example, or a rotating shaft or a non-rotating shaft) that guides the release sheet 16 so as to fold back to the side opposite to the side holding the electronic tag 10. The electronic tag sheet 15 is peeled off by folding back the peeling sheet 16. The take-up shaft 23W is rotationally driven by a stepping motor (not shown), and each time the leading electronic tag 10 is peeled off, the succeeding electronic tag 10 moves to the leading position at an appropriate control timing. (That is, one sheet at a time) is wound up.

The electronic tag sheet 15 is unwound from the electronic tag roll 23R and then folded back at an acute angle by the folding guide 23G. At the time of this folding, the rigid electronic tag 10 is naturally peeled from the peeling sheet 16, so that the tag 10 can be delivered directly to the robot 40 or indirectly via a belt conveyor or the like. The release sheet 16 remaining after the electronic tag 10 is peeled off is wound around the take-up shaft 23W.

On the surface (non-adhesive surface 11) of the electronic tag 10 on the electronic tag sheet 15, the tag supply unit 20 provides a description of the retail store logo and the electronic tag 10, and a two-dimensional code for guiding the user to a related WEB site. A printer 23P for printing predetermined additional information such as the above can be provided. As a result, additional information can be sequentially printed on the electronic tag 10 as much as it is used.

(Delivery of electronic tags to robots)
When the robot 40 attaches the electronic tag to the object 50, the robot 40 receives the electronic tag 10 supplied from the tag supply unit 20 and attaches the electronic tag to the object 50 conveyed on the conveyor 30. Although not limited, as shown in the illustrated example, the suction portion 41 has a suction portion 41 that holds an object by suction of air as an end effector, and the electronic tag 10 attached on the first belt 21B of the first belt conveyor 21 is attracted to the suction portion. It is preferable that the electronic tag 10 is peeled off from the belt by the movement of the suction portion 41 and then attached to the object 50. The suction portion 41 of the illustrated example is a tubular body to which a rubber cup is attached to the tip portion, but the suction portion 41 is not limited to this, and a known structure / material can be adopted.

As shown in FIG. 14A, the electronic tag 10 is delivered to the robot 40 having the suction portion 41 in a state where the suction portion 41 of the robot 40 is sucked on the surface of the electronic tag 10 attached on the release sheet 16. Then, the electronic tag 10 can be peeled off from the belt by raising the suction portion 41 (see, for example, Patent Document 5). However, when the electronic tag 10 adhered to the release sheet 16 is peeled off by such an ascending movement of the suction portion 41, the delivery may be uncertain.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14B, the suction portion 41 is attracted to the electronic tag 10 on the release sheet 16 on the front side of the folding start position RP of the release sheet 16 at the delivery portion by the drive control of the robot 40. After that, the suction portion 41 is moved together with the release sheet 16 while adsorbing the electronic tag 10 up to the folding start position RP, and after the folding start position RP, the peeling sheet 16 is tangent to the moving direction MD while adsorbing the electronic tag 10. A delivery mechanism is proposed in which the electronic tag 10 peeled from the peeling sheet 16 by folding back the peeling sheet 16 is delivered to the suction unit 41 by moving the peeling sheet 16 in the direction TD at the same speed as the peeling sheet 16. In this case, the peeling force acting on the electronic tag 10 by folding back the release sheet 16 is mainly used, and the force due to the suction portion 41 being separated from the release sheet 16 is hardly used, and the suction portion 41 and the electronic tag 10 are used. It can be held and peeled from the release sheet 16. Therefore, although it is a very simple mechanism, it is possible to reliably deliver the electronic tag 10 with less adsorption force.

In the state where the suction unit 41 is attracted to the electronic tag 10, the suction unit 41, the electronic tag 10 and the release sheet 16 are integrated, so that the suction unit 41 is not driven by the drive source and is free in the moving direction of the release sheet 16. It is also possible to move the suction portion 41 by using the moving force of the release sheet 16 only by supporting it as much as possible. However, in order to enable more reliable operation, the suction unit 41 is moved together with the release sheet 16 while adsorbing the electronic tag 10 up to the folding start position RP by driving the robot 40, and after the folding start position RP. It is preferable to move the release sheet 16 in the tangential direction TD of the moving direction MD while adsorbing the electronic tag 10.

When the suction portion 41 is attracted to the electronic tag 10, the release sheet 16 and the electronic tag 10 attached to the release sheet 16 are preferably stopped, but the first belt 21B moves together with the release sheet 16 without stopping. The adsorption unit 41 may be adsorbed on the electronic tag 10 to be attached.

In this delivery mechanism, the support device does not have to be the robot 40 as long as the suction portion 41 is movably supported, and may be a movable portion that moves at a constant cycle. Further, the suction unit 41 of the delivery mechanism does not attach the electronic tag 10 to the final attachment object 50 such as a product, but instead attaches the electronic tag 10 to a transfer device such as another conveyor, a temporary attachment stand, or another. It can also be attached to the suction part.

(Writing device)
The installation position of the writing device 60 is not particularly limited as long as it can be written on the electronic tag 10 in the process of being attached to the object 50. For example, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a writing device 60 for writing writing information about the object 50 to the electronic tag 10 is installed between the tag supply unit 20 and the conveyor 30 (next to the conveyor 30 in the illustrated example). Then, as shown in FIG. 15, the robot 40 receives the electronic tag 10 supplied from the tag supply unit 20, moves the electronic tag 10 to a writable position by the writing device 60, and holds the electronic tag 10 for a certain period of time. The writing device 60 writes information about the object 50 on the electronic tag 10, and then, as shown in FIG. 18, the robot 40 moves the electronic tag 10 from the writing device 60 to the object 50 and puts the electronic tag 10 on the object 50. Can be pasted.

Further, as shown in FIG. 21, the writing device 60 can be integrated with the suction unit 41 to enable writing to the electronic tag 10 sucked by the suction unit 41. In this case, at an appropriate stage from the time when the electronic tag 10 is adsorbed on the adsorption unit 41 to the time when the electronic tag 10 is attached to the object 50 (the adsorption unit 41 may be moving or the adsorption unit 41 may be stopped). Information can be written on the tag 10.

Further, as shown in FIG. 22, a writing device 60 can be installed in the transport path of the electronic tag 10 in the tag supply unit 20, and information can be written to the electronic tag 10 before being delivered to the robot 40. In the example shown in FIG. 22, the writing device 60 is provided below the electronic tag 10 to be transmitted next in the tag supply unit 20, but it can be appropriately changed such as providing it on the side. ..

(robot)
When the electronic tag 10 is attached by the robot 40, it is desirable to specify an appropriate attachment position that differs depending on the type of the object 50 and attach the electronic tag 10 to the designated attachment position. Thereby, for example, the electronic tag 10 can be attached to a position that does not easily affect the product or a position that does not easily deteriorate the communication quality according to the object 50. Further, even if the worker irregularly places the object 50 on the conveyor 30 without being aware of the position (including the orientation) of the object 50 on the conveyor 30, the electron is placed at the designated attachment position of the object 50. The tag 10 can be attached. As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, assuming that the electronic tag 10 is attached on the same surface as the detection surface of the individual information 51 and does not overlap with the individual information 51, the electronic tag 10 is attached after the electronic tag 10 is attached. Since the individual information 51 is not hidden, it is easy to compare and confirm the stored contents of the electronic tag 10 with the individual information 51 of the object 50. However, as shown in FIG. 10C, the detection surface of the individual information 51 It may be a different surface, or it may be a position where part or all of the individual information 51 overlaps (not shown).

Specifically, an image pickup device 72 for imaging an object 50 conveyed on the conveyor 30 is provided on the conveyor 30 upstream of the stickable range of the robot 40, and the individual information sensor 71 is provided from the image pickup device 72. Is also provided on the upstream side. Further, a storage unit 80 is provided in which the image information of the object 50 and the designated sticking position on the object 50 are stored in association with each other. Then, the control unit 90 compares the image pickup information by the image pickup device 72 with the image information of the object 50 stored in the storage unit 80 by image recognition, and when the object 50 is recognized on the conveyor 30, the recognition is recognized. The designated sticking position associated with the object 50 is read from the storage unit 80, the position of the object 50 on the conveyor 30 is detected, and the robot 40 receives the designated sticking position and the position of the object 50 based on the designated sticking position. The electronic tag 10 is attached to the designated attachment position on the object 50 to be conveyed on the conveyor 30. Here, among the position information of the object 50 on the conveyor 30, the position coordinates in the MD direction can be calculated based on the imaging timing by the imaging device 72 and the transport speed of the conveyor 30, and are orthogonal to the MD direction. The position coordinates and the orientation of the direction can be obtained by image recognition from the image pickup information by the image pickup apparatus 72. Further, the transport speed of the conveyor 30 can be detected by attaching a rotary encoder (not shown) to the drive system (for example, a belt) of the conveyor 30, for example. Therefore, the control unit 90 can make the robot 40 attach the electronic tag 10 to the designated attachment position on the object 50 at the timing when the object 50 is within the attachment range by the robot 40 based on the position information.

<Operation flow of application example>
In the electronic tag writing system 1, the worker places the object 50 on the supply position of the conveyor 30, the step of detecting the individual information of the object 50 conveyed by the conveyor 30 by the individual information sensor 71, and the conveyor 30. Writing including a step of detecting the position information of the object 50 conveyed by the device, a part or all of the individual information detected by the individual information sensor 71, and at least one of the related information acquired based on the detected individual information. Basically, it includes a step of writing information on the electronic tag 10 and a step of attaching the electronic tag 10 on which the information is written to the object 50 conveyed by the conveyor 30. As long as these steps can be executed, detailed control such as operation timing of each part can be appropriately performed.

FIG. 24 is an example of the operation flow. When the operation of the electronic tag writing system 1 is started, the conveyor 30 is driven by the control unit 90, and the detection and photographing by the individual information sensor 71 and the imaging device 72 are started. At the same time, as shown in FIG. 15, the robot 40 receives the electronic tag 10 from the tag supply unit 20, moves the electronic tag 10 to a writable position by the writing device 60, and stands by. In this way, by making the electronic tag 10 wait at the writable position by the writing device 60 in advance, it is possible to shorten the time from the detection of the individual information to the writing to the electronic tag 10. As a result, not only the sticking efficiency as a whole can be improved, but also the transport distance from the individual information sensor 71 to the sticking position can be shortened, and the device can be miniaturized. Instead of this, when writing to the electronic tag 10 described later, the process from receiving the electronic tag 10 to writing can be performed at once.

Next, the worker places the object 50 on the supply position on the conveyor 30 (on the upstream side of the individual information sensor 71) and conveys the object 50. As a result, as shown in FIG. 16, the object 50 first passes through the detection position by the individual information sensor 71, and at that time, the individual information of the object 50 is detected. Here, as shown in the illustrated example, a passage sensor 73 for detecting the passage of the object 50 is provided in front of the individual information sensor 71, and a predetermined time (1) after the passage sensor 73 detects the passage of the object 50 ( If the individual information is not detected by the individual information sensor 71 by the elapse of (for example, about several seconds), the control unit 90 determines that the individual information detection error has occurred, and at least the conveyor 30 can be stopped. In this case, of course, the entire device 1 may be temporarily stopped. For example, if the position of the target individual information (one-dimensional code or the like) on the object 50 exists on a surface that cannot be detected by the individual information sensor 71, this situation occurs. In this case, by taking out the object 50 and then restarting from the device start, the operation of the electronic tag 10 can be restarted without being wasted. When an error in detecting individual information occurs, only the operation of the conveyor 30 may be continued for a time during which the object 50 can be discharged, and then the normal operation may be automatically restored. In any case, if such an individual information detection error occurs, writing to the electronic tag 10 becomes impossible. As the passage sensor 73, the light emitting element and the light receiving element are arranged to face each other with the passing position of the object 50 on the conveyor 30 interposed therebetween, and the light blocking of the light emitting element due to the passage of the object 50 is detected by the change in the output of the light receiving element. A known passage sensor 73, such as a photo sensor, can be used.

When the individual information of the object 50 is detected, the control unit 90 includes a part or all of the individual information detected by the individual information sensor 71, and at least one of the related information acquired based on the detected individual information. The writing information is acquired or created, and the writing device 60 writes the writing information on the electronic tag 10 to be attached to the object 50 on which the individual information is detected. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 17, the object 50 advances on the conveyor 30 and is photographed by the image pickup device 72, and the image pickup result by the image pickup device 72 is continuously input to the control unit 90. The control unit 90 compares the image pickup information by the image pickup device 72 with the image information of the object 50 stored in the storage unit 80 by image recognition, and when the object 50 is recognized on the conveyor 30, the recognized object is recognized. The designated sticking position associated with the 50 is read from the storage unit 80, and the position of the object 50 on the conveyor 30 is detected. Then, the control unit 90 attaches the object 50 to the robot 40 at the timing when the object 50 is within the range that can be attached by the robot 40, as shown in FIG. 18, based on the designated attachment position and the position of the object 50. The electronic tag 10 is attached to the designated attachment position in. As shown in FIG. 11, the object 50 to which the electronic tag 10 is attached advances by the conveyor 30 and is taken out by the worker. As shown in FIG. 11, if the free roller conveyor 33 is provided on the most downstream side of the conveyor 30, the object 50 is pushed out onto the free roller conveyor 33 and stopped, so that subsequent work becomes easy. After the robot 40 attaches the electronic tag 10, it returns at the start, and the robot 40 receives the electronic tag 10 from the tag supply unit 20 regardless of the presence or absence of the object 50 on the conveyor 30, and the writable position by the writing device 60. The electronic tag 10 is moved to and waits.

A writing error may occur when writing to the electronic tag 10. In this case, since the write error detection timing is during the transportation of the object 50, the transportation is continued if the writing redo is in time, or the transportation is temporarily stopped if the writing redo is not in time. Then, it is desirable to redo the writing as shown in the flow of FIG. 24. However, in the method of writing the electronic tag 10 received by the robot 40 close to the writing device 60 by the robot 40 as shown in the illustrated example, when a writing error of the electronic tag 10 occurs, the electronic tag 10 is released. Only then can the next process be performed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11 and the like, a temporary attachment unit 35 for attaching the electronic tag 10 to be discarded is provided in addition to the transport space of the object 50 by the conveyor 30, and the control unit 90 uses the electronic tag. When the writing error of 10 occurs, as shown in FIG. 19, the electronic tag 10 received by the robot 40 is attached to the temporary attachment portion 35, and the object 50 to which the electronic tag 10 is scheduled to be attached is attached. It is preferable to discharge the electronic tag 10 from the conveyor 30 without attaching the electronic tag 10. When the object 50 is discharged from the conveyor 30, it is discharged in the same manner as in normal operation as shown in FIG. 19, and as shown in FIG. 20, a defective discharge unit 36 such as a discharge chute and the conveyor 30 are discharged to the side of the conveyor. It is also possible to provide an pushing device 37 such as an air cylinder that pushes the above object 50 to the defective discharging portion 36. Further, when the writing error of the electronic tag 10 occurs repeatedly, it is often not solved by rewriting. Therefore, as shown in the flow of FIG. 24, the control unit 90 counts the writing error, and when the error occurs a predetermined number of times. At least the conveyor 30 can be stopped. In this case, of course, the entire device 1 may be temporarily stopped.

When reading out the designated sticking position, an error in reading the designated sticking position may occur due to an image recognition error or the fact that the image of the object 50 and the designated sticking position are not stored in the storage unit 80. is there. In this case, the robot 40 cannot attach the already received electronic tag 10 to the object 50. Moreover, as described above, in order to speed up the processing, if the electronic tag 10 is handed over to the robot 40 and the writing is completed before the reading of the designated sticking position is completed, the electronic tag 10 is completed. The next process can be performed only after releasing. Therefore, a temporary sticking portion 35 is provided, and after the individual information is detected by the individual information sensor 71, when the designated sticking position is not read out until the object 50 passes the stickable range of the robot 40, the designated sticking position is read. It is planned that the electronic tag 10 received by the robot 40 is attached to the temporary attachment unit 35 and the electronic tag 10 is attached, as in the case of the above-mentioned writing error of the electronic tag 10. It is preferable to discharge the object 50 from the conveyor 30 without attaching the electronic tag 10 to the object 50.

Here, "after the individual information is detected by the individual information sensor 71 until the object 50 passes the stickable range of the robot 40" means, for example, the object 50 located on the upstream side of the imaging device 72. A sensor for detection (the above-mentioned passage sensor 73 or individual information sensor 71 may be used as this sensor, or a dedicated sensor may be provided) detects the object 50 with the lapse of time. be able to. Of course, the passage sensor 73 may be provided on the downstream side of the image pickup device 72, and the timing at which the object 50 passes the stickable range of the robot 40 may be detected based on the detection result.

As another example, when the input device 81 selects continuous processing of the same object 50, the control unit 90 detects it by the individual information sensor 71 when the electronic tag 10 is attached to the first object 50. The writing information including a part or all of the individual information and at least one of the related information acquired based on the detected individual information is attached to the object 50 for which the individual information has been detected by the writing device 60. When the electronic tag 10 is written on the electronic tag 10 and the electronic tag 10 is attached to the same object 50 after the first object 50, the writing information on the first object 50 is written by the writing device 60 on the first object 50. It is also proposed to write on the electronic tag 10 to be attached to the subsequent object 50. In this case, when the worker selects continuous processing using the input device 81, a plurality of the same object 50 can be continuously processed while the selection is valid, so that a certain amount of processing is possible. If the object 50 is processed, the information can be efficiently written and attached to the electronic tag 10 (semi-automatic). Further, as compared with the case of automatically recognizing the product, the control is simplified and there is no risk of erroneous recognition of the object 50.

The present invention can be used to write information about an object on the electronic tag when the electronic tag is attached to the object such as a product.

1 ... Electronic tag writing system, 10 ... Electronic tag, 10a, 10i ... Inlet, 10a ... Antenna, 10i ... IC chip, 11 ... Adhesive surface, 12 ... Non-adhesive part, 13 ... Residual adhesive part, 15 ... Electronic tag sheet , 16 ... Release sheet, 20 ... Tag supply part, 21 ... 1st belt conveyor, 21B ... 1st belt, 23G ... Folding guide, 23R ... Electronic tag roll, 23W ... Winding shaft, 30, 40 ... Sticking part, 30 ... Conveyor, 31 ... 1st conveyor, 32 ... 2nd conveyor, 33 ... Free roller conveyor, 35 ... Temporary sticking part, 36 ... Defective discharge part, 37 ... Extruding device, 40 ... Robot, 41 ... Suction part, 50 ... Object , 51 ... Individual information, 60 ... Writing device, 70 ... Information acquisition unit, 71 ... Individual information sensor, 71L ... Lower sensor, 71U ... Upper sensor, 72 ... Imaging device, 73 ... Passing sensor, 80 ... Storage unit, 81 ... Input device, 82 ... Display device, 90 ... Control unit, E1 ... 1st device, E2 ... 2nd device, E0 ... 1 device, E3 ... 3rd device, P1 ... 1st process, P2 ... 1st Process 2, P3 ... Third process.

Claims (6)

A writing device that writes writing information to an electronic tag,
It is equipped with an information acquisition unit that acquires written information about the object associated with the electronic tag.
The writing information acquired by the information acquisition unit is written to the electronic tag by the writing device.
An electronic tag writing system that features this. The written information includes a part or all of the primary information acquired from the object, and at least one of the secondary information acquired based on the acquired primary information.
The electronic tag writing system according to claim 1. A tag supply unit for sequentially supplying electronic tags to the writing device is provided.
The electronic tag writing system according to claim 1 or 2. A tag supply unit that sequentially supplies electronic tags and
It has a tag attachment part that attaches an electronic tag supplied from the tag supply part to the object.
The writing device writes the writing information on an electronic tag attached to the object.
The electronic tag writing system according to claim 1 or 2. It is not provided with an electronic tag supply unit, and the writing information acquired by the information acquisition unit is written to the electronic tag attached to the object by the writing device.
The electronic tag writing system according to claim 1 or 2. Steps to get written information about the object associated with the electronic tag,
Steps to write the acquired write information to the corresponding electronic tag,
An electronic tag writing method characterized by including.

Images