JP4110412B2 - Wireless tag information communication device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a wireless tag information communication apparatus that reads or writes information on a wireless tag capable of wireless communication of information with the outside.

  An RFID (Ratio Frequency Identification) system that reads / writes information in a non-contact manner between a small wireless tag and a reader (reading device) / writer (writing device) is known.

  For example, a wireless tag circuit element provided in a label-like wireless tag includes an IC circuit unit that stores predetermined wireless tag information and an antenna that is connected to the IC circuit unit and transmits and receives information. Even if the battery is dirty or placed in an invisible position, the reader / writer can access (read / write information) the RFID tag information in the IC circuit unit, and manage the product. Practical use is expected in various fields such as inspection processes. For example, Non-Patent Document 1 describes that various communication protocols exist for wireless communication with the wireless tag.

Auto-ID Center, TECHNICAL REPORT “860 MHz-930 MHz Class I Radio Frequency Identification Tag Radio Frequency & Logical Year Information Co., Ltd. 1-17

  As described above, the wireless tag has been dramatically used in recent years and is being used in various fields. However, as described in the related art, there are many types of communication protocols. Currently, a wide variety of communication protocols are used.

  For this reason, even when trying to communicate with a certain wireless tag, the communication protocol suitable for the wireless tag circuit element may be different from the communication protocol to be communicated from the device side. In such a case, it is quick and easy. Was unable to communicate.

  In addition, tags such as frequency, which is a communication parameter similar to the above communication protocol, or antenna sensitivity of the RFID tag circuit element, memory capacity of the IC circuit unit, width of the tape to which the element is attached, and element arrangement interval on the tape As with the above, the attribute parameters differ depending on the type of the RFID tag circuit element, and there are cases where it is not possible to quickly and easily communicate.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an RFID tag information communication apparatus that can be brought into a state in which communication can be performed quickly and easily regardless of the type of RFID tag circuit element to be communicated.

  In order to achieve the above object, a first invention is provided with a casing, an IC circuit section provided in the casing and storing predetermined information, and a tag side antenna connected to the IC circuit section for transmitting and receiving information. A cartridge holder having a plurality of RFID tag circuit elements each having a detachable cartridge holder portion and a tag-side antenna of a specific RFID tag circuit element among the plurality of RFID tag circuit elements by wireless communication A device-side antenna that performs transmission / reception, an access information generation unit that generates access information for accessing the RFID tag information of the IC circuit unit, and the access information generated by the access information generation unit via the device-side antenna Provided in the cartridge, information transmitting means for transmitting to the tag side antenna in a non-contact manner and accessing the RFID tag information of the IC circuit unit It said to match the tag attribute parameters or the communication parameters of the wireless tag circuit element, and a sending control means for controlling a transmission mode from the information transmitting unit.

  In the first invention of this application, the access information generated by the access information generating means is transmitted by the information transmitting means to the tag side antenna of the RFID circuit element via the device side antenna, and further to the RFID tag information of the IC circuit section. Access (read or write) is performed. At this time, the transmission mode from the information transmission unit is controlled by the transmission control unit so as to match the tag attribute parameter or the communication parameter of the RFID tag circuit element of the cartridge attached to the cartridge holder unit. Thus, even when a plurality of cartridges having different tag attribute parameters and communication parameters of the provided RFID tag circuit element are attached to and used from the cartridge holder part as appropriate, the RFID tag of each cartridge can be quickly and easily used. Information communication can be performed using optimum parameters corresponding to circuit elements.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the first information detection means detects first parameter information formed in the cartridge corresponding to the tag attribute parameter and the communication parameter of the corresponding RFID circuit element. The transmission control means controls the transmission mode from the information transmission means based on the first parameter information detected by the first information detection means.

  The first parameter information formed on the cartridge is detected by the first information detection means, and based on this, the transmission control means controls the transmission mode so as to match the tag attribute parameter or the communication parameter from the information transmission means, Even when a plurality of cartridges having different tag attribute parameters and communication parameters of the provided RFID tag circuit element are attached to and used from the cartridge holder part, the RFID tag circuit element of each cartridge can be quickly and easily used. Information communication can be performed using the corresponding optimum parameter.

  According to a third invention, in the first invention, after the access information is transmitted by the information transmitting means, a response signal transmitted from the IC circuit unit according to the transmitted access information is sent to the tag side antenna. The second parameter information related to the tag attribute parameter of the corresponding RFID circuit element based on the information receiving means for receiving and reading by the device-side antenna in a non-contact manner and the response signal read by the information receiving means And a transmission control unit that controls a transmission mode from the information transmission unit based on the second parameter information detected by the second information detection unit. And

  A response signal returned from the IC circuit unit after the access information is transmitted from the information transmitting means is received by the information receiving means, and the second parameter information is detected by the second information detecting means based on the response signal, and transmission control is performed based on this. The transmission mode is controlled so that the means matches the tag attribute parameter or the communication parameter from the information transmission means. Thus, even when a plurality of cartridges having different tag attribute parameters and communication parameters of the provided RFID tag circuit element are attached to and used from the cartridge holder part as appropriate, the RFID tag of each cartridge can be quickly and easily used. Information communication can be performed using optimum parameters corresponding to circuit elements.

  According to a fourth invention, in the first invention, a third information detecting means for detecting third parameter information formed in the cartridge corresponding to the communication parameter of the corresponding RFID tag circuit element; Based on the third parameter information detected by the information detection means, a confirmation command signal for confirming the tag attribute parameter of the RFID circuit element is transmitted to the tag antenna without contact via the device antenna. Confirmation command transmitting means for performing fourth parameter information relating to the tag attribute parameter read from the IC circuit unit in response to the confirmation command signal in a non-contact manner via the tag antenna. Confirmation information receiving means for receiving and reading the data, and the transmission control means includes the fourth parameter read by the confirmation information receiving means. And over data information, based on said third parameter information detected by the third information detecting means, and controls the transmission mode from the information transmitting unit.

  The third parameter information formed on the cartridge is detected by the third information detection means, and based on this, a confirmation command signal is transmitted from the confirmation command transmission means to the tag side antenna, and the fourth parameter information corresponding to the confirmation command signal is obtained. It is read from the IC circuit unit and received by the confirmation information receiving means. Then, based on the fourth parameter information and the previously detected third parameter information, the transmission control unit controls the transmission mode so that the tag attribute parameter or the communication parameter from the information transmission unit is matched. Thus, even when a plurality of cartridges having different tag attribute parameters and communication parameters of the provided RFID tag circuit element are attached to and used from the cartridge holder part as appropriate, the RFID tag of each cartridge can be quickly and easily used. Information communication can be performed using optimum parameters corresponding to circuit elements.

  According to a fifth invention, in the second or fourth invention, the first or third information detecting means is means for optically or electrically identifying an identifier formed on the cartridge.

  By identifying the identifier formed on the cartridge optically or electrically, the first parameter information or the third parameter information formed on the cartridge can be detected.

  A sixth invention is characterized in that, in the second invention, there is provided storage means for storing the detected first parameter information.

  Thereby, the first parameter information can be stored and held in the storage means so as to be re-readable.

  A seventh invention is characterized in that, in the third or fourth invention, a memory means for storing the detected second to fourth parameter information is provided.

  As a result, the second to fourth parameter information can be stored and held in the storage means so as to be re-readable.

  In an eighth aspect based on the seventh aspect, after the information transmission means performs the access in a transmission mode based on the control of the transmission control means, it is determined whether or not the access to the IC circuit unit is successful. A determination unit to perform, and when the determination unit determines that access has failed, a reconfirmation command signal for reconfirming the tag attribute parameter or the communication parameter of the RFID circuit element is transmitted to the device side antenna. Re-check command transmission means for transmitting to the tag-side antenna via a non-contact, and fifth parameter information relating to the tag attribute parameter or the communication parameter read from the IC circuit unit in response to the re-check command signal , Information re-receiving means for receiving and reading by the device-side antenna via the tag-side antenna in a non-contact manner, and parameter information in the storage means And characterized in that it has an update control unit for updating the fifth parameter.

  In the eighth invention of this application, after accessing the IC circuit portion of the RFID circuit element in a transmission mode based on the control of the transmission control means, the determination means determines whether or not the access is successful. When it is determined that the access has failed, the reconfirmation command transmitting unit transmits a reconfirmation command signal, and in response to this, the fifth parameter information read from the IC circuit unit is received and read by the information rereceiving unit. Then, the update control means updates the stored information to the read fifth parameter regardless of the storage contents in the storage means so far. Thereby, even if the parameter information related to the initially read tag attribute parameter and communication parameter is incorrect for some reason (incorrect reading), it can be corrected to correct information at the time of update.

  According to a ninth invention, in the seventh or eighth invention, an initial confirmation command signal for initially confirming the tag attribute parameter or the communication parameter of the RFID circuit element when the cartridge is replaced or when the power is turned on. An initial confirmation command transmitting means for transmitting to the tag-side antenna in a non-contact manner via the device-side antenna; and the tag attribute parameter or the communication parameter read from the IC circuit unit in response to the initial confirmation command signal 6th parameter information is received by the device side antenna via the tag side antenna in a non-contact manner, and an initial information receiving means for reading is received, and the update control means is a parameter stored in the storage means. The information is updated to the sixth parameter.

  In the ninth invention of the present application, each time the power is turned on, the initial confirmation command transmitting means transmits an initial confirmation command signal, and in response thereto, the sixth parameter information read from the IC circuit unit is received by the initial information receiving means. Is read. The writing means updates the stored information to the read sixth parameter regardless of the stored contents in the storing means. This ensures that the parameter information in the storage means is correct every time the power is turned on or when the cartridge is replaced, regardless of the storage contents of the storage means up to that point (corrected if there is an erroneous reading, stored normally) If it has been, you can recheck).

  In a tenth aspect based on the eighth or ninth aspect, the reconfirmation command transmission means or the initial confirmation instruction transmission means is based on the communication parameter based on the parameter information stored in the storage means. The reconfirmation command signal and the initial confirmation command signal are generated and transmitted.

  At the time of generating and transmitting the reconfirmation command signal or the initial confirmation command signal, the past history is referred to by generating a signal along the communication parameters stored in the storage means, so at least the communication parameters are in a fixed order. Or compared with the case where it produces | generates at random, it becomes possible to shorten the time required for acquiring a correct communication parameter.

  In an eleventh aspect based on the tenth aspect, if a valid signal is not read from the IC circuit unit in response to the reconfirmation command signal or the initial confirmation command signal, the reconfirmation command transmission means or The initial confirmation command transmission unit newly generates and transmits the reconfirmation command signal and the initial confirmation command signal along communication parameters different from the communication parameters stored in the storage unit. .

  As described above, if the re-confirmation command signal or the initial confirmation command signal is generated and transmitted starting from past experience values, there is no valid response from the IC circuit unit and the communication parameter is incorrect. By generating a reconfirmation command signal and initial confirmation command signal along communication parameters different from the above, it is possible to search for the correct communication parameters, reach the correct communication parameters, and be effective from the IC circuit unit Answer can be obtained.

  In a twelfth aspect according to any one of the sixth to eleventh aspects, the storage means is a nonvolatile storage means.

  Thereby, even if the power is off, the stored contents can be held without requiring a backup power source.

  In a thirteenth aspect based on any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the tag attribute parameter includes sensitivity of the tag-side antenna of the corresponding RFID tag circuit element, memory capacity of the IC circuit unit, wireless It includes at least one of the width of the tape to which the tag circuit element is attached and the RFID tag circuit element arrangement interval on the tape.

  The transmission control means transmits the transmission control means so as to match the sensitivity of the tag side antenna of the RFID tag circuit element of the cartridge, the memory capacity of the IC circuit section, the width of the tape to which the element is attached, and the element arrangement interval on the tape. Aspects can be controlled.

  In a fourteenth aspect based on any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the communication parameter includes at least one of a frequency of a radio wave used for the wireless communication and a communication protocol.

  The transmission control means can control the transmission mode of the transmission control means so as to match the frequency of the radio wave used for wireless communication or the communication protocol.

  According to the present invention, the transmission mode from the information transmission means is controlled to match the tag attribute parameter or the communication parameter of the RFID tag circuit element of the cartridge attached to the cartridge holder portion. Regardless of the type, it is possible to quickly and easily communicate.

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

  A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a wireless tag generation system.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a wireless tag generation system to which the wireless tag information communication apparatus of this embodiment is applied.

  In the RFID tag generating system 1 shown in FIG. 1, an RFID tag information communication device 2 is connected to a route server 4, a terminal 5, a general-purpose computer 6, and a plurality of information servers 7 via a wired or wireless communication line 3. ing.

  FIG. 2 is a conceptual configuration diagram showing a detailed structure of the RFID tag information communication apparatus 2.

  In FIG. 2, the apparatus body 8 of the RFID tag information communication apparatus 2 is provided with a cartridge holder portion (not shown) as a recess, and the cartridge 100 is detachably attached to the holder portion.

  The apparatus main body 8 includes the above-described cartridge holder portion into which the cartridge 100 is fitted and a casing 9 that forms an outer shell, and a print head (thermal) that performs predetermined printing (printing) on a cover film 103 (see FIG. 3 described later). Head) 10, a ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 11 for driving the ink ribbon that has finished printing on the cover film 103, a tape feed roller drive shaft 12 for feeding out the tag label tape 110 with print from the cartridge body 100, An antenna 14 for transmitting and receiving signals by radio communication using a radio frequency such as a UHF band with a RFID circuit element To (described later in detail) provided in the tag label tape 110 with print, and the tag label tape 110 with print described above. Is cut to a predetermined length at a predetermined timing to generate a label-like RFID label T A pair of transport guides 13 for holding and holding the RFID tag circuit element To in a predetermined access area facing the antenna 14 and guiding each RFID label T after cutting at the time of exchanging signals with the cutter 15 and the wireless communication. A delivery roller 17 that conveys and sends the guided RFID label T to the carry-out port (discharge port) 16 and a sensor 18 that detects the presence or absence of the RFID label T at the carry-out port 16.

  On the other hand, the apparatus main body 8 also processes the signal read from the RFID circuit element To and the RF circuit 21 for accessing (reading or writing) the RFID circuit element To via the antenna 14. A signal processing circuit 22 for driving, a cartridge motor 23 for driving the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 11 and the tape feed roller drive shaft 12 described above, a cartridge drive circuit 24 for controlling the drive of the cartridge motor 23, and A print drive circuit 25 that controls energization of the print head 10, a solenoid 26 that drives the cutter 15 to perform a cutting operation, a solenoid drive circuit 27 that controls the solenoid 26, and the delivery roller 17 are driven. Delivery roller motor 28 and delivery roller drive circuit for controlling the delivery roller motor 28 9, a lid open / close detection sensor 19 for detecting an open / closed state of a lid (not shown) provided on the housing 9, and parameter information (first description) provided in a detected portion 190 (details will be described later) provided on the cartridge 100. Sensor 20 (first information detection means) for detecting one parameter information (details will be described later), the high-frequency circuit 21, the signal processing circuit 22, the cartridge drive circuit 24, the print drive circuit 25, the solenoid drive circuit 27, and the feed roller drive And a control circuit 30 for controlling the overall operation of the RFID tag information communication apparatus 2 via the circuit 29 and the like.

  The control circuit 30 is a so-called microcomputer, and although not shown in detail, is composed of a central processing unit such as a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and is stored in advance in the ROM while using a temporary storage function of the RAM. Signal processing is performed according to the program. The control circuit 30 is connected to, for example, the communication line 3 via the communication circuit 31, and is connected to the route server 4, the other terminal 5, the general-purpose computer 6, the information server 7 and the like connected to the communication line 3. Information can be exchanged between them.

  FIG. 3 is a side view showing the detailed structure of the cartridge 100 according to this embodiment provided in the RFID tag information communication apparatus 2.

  In FIG. 3, the cartridge 100 includes a first roll 102 around which a strip-shaped base tape (tag tape) 101 is wound, and a transparent cover film 103 having substantially the same width as the base tape 101. The second roll 104, the ribbon supply side roll 111 for feeding out the ink ribbon 105, the ribbon take-up roller 106 for taking up the ink ribbon 105 after printing, the base tape 101 and the cover film 103 are pressed. A tape feed roller 107 that feeds the tape in the direction indicated by the arrow A while adhering to the tag label tape 110 with print is provided.

  The first roll 102 is wound with the base tape 101 in which a plurality of RFID circuit elements To are sequentially formed, for example, at regular intervals in the longitudinal direction around a reel member 102a. The second roll 104 is a reel The cover film 103 is wound around the member 104a.

  The ribbon take-up roller 106 and the tape feed roller 107 are driven by a driving force of a cartridge motor 23 (see FIG. 2 described above), for example, a pulse motor provided outside the cartridge 100. By being transmitted to the feed roller drive shaft 12, it is rotationally driven.

  The base tape 101 wound around the first roll 102 has a four-layer structure in this example (see a partially enlarged view in FIG. 3), and the opposite side (the right side in FIG. 3) from the side wound inside (the right side in FIG. 3). (Left side in FIG. 3) In order of an adhesive layer 101a made of an appropriate adhesive material, a colored base film 101b made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate), an adhesive layer 101c made of an appropriate adhesive material, and a release paper 101d. Stacked and configured.

  An antenna (antenna unit) 152 for transmitting and receiving information is integrally provided on the back side (left side in FIG. 3) of the base film 101b, and an IC circuit unit 151 for storing information is formed so as to be connected thereto. Thus, the RFID circuit element To is constituted (detailed structure will be described later).

  The adhesive layer 101a for later bonding the cover film 103 is formed on the front side (right side in FIG. 3) of the base film 101b, and the RFID circuit element is formed on the back side (left side in FIG. 3) of the base film 101b. The release paper 101d is bonded to the base film 101b by the adhesive layer 101c provided so as to enclose To. The release paper 101d is one that can be adhered to the product or the like by the adhesive layer 101c when the RFID label T finally completed in a label shape is attached to a predetermined product or the like by peeling it off. It is.

  The cover film 103 fed out from the second roll 104 has a ribbon 105 driven by a ribbon supply side roll 111 and a ribbon take-up roller 106 arranged on the back side thereof (that is, the side to be bonded to the base tape 101). When pressed by the print head 10, it is brought into contact with the back surface of the cover film 103.

  In the above configuration, when the cartridge 100 is mounted on the apparatus main body 8 and a roller holder (not shown) having the platen roller 108 and the sub roller 109 is moved from the separation position to the contact position, the cover film 103 and the ink ribbon 105 are arranged. Is sandwiched between the print head 10 and the platen roller 108, and the base tape 101 and the cover film 103 are sandwiched between the tape feed roller 107 and the sub roller 109. The ribbon take-up roller 106 and the tape feed roller 107 are rotationally driven in synchronization with the direction indicated by the arrow B by the driving force of the cartridge motor 23. At this time, the tape feed roller drive shaft 12, the sub roller 109, and the platen roller 108 are connected by a gear (not shown), and the tape feed roller 107, sub roller 109, Then, the platen roller 108 rotates, and the four-layer base tape 101 is fed out from the first roll 102. On the other hand, the cover film 103 is fed out from the second roll 104 and the plurality of heating elements of the print head 10 are energized by the print drive circuit 25. As a result, printing R (see FIG. 12A described later) such as predetermined characters, symbols, barcodes, etc. is printed on the back surface (= the surface on the adhesive layer 101a side) of the cover film 103 (however, since printing is performed from the back surface) (Prints mirror-symmetric characters, etc. when viewed from the side). The base tape 101 having the four-layer structure and the cover film 103 after printing are bonded and integrated by the tape feeding roller 107 and the sub-roller 109 to form a tag label tape 110 with print, and the cartridge 100 It is carried out. The ink ribbon 105 that has finished printing on the cover film 103 is taken up by the ribbon take-up roller 106 by driving the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 11.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing detailed functions of the high-frequency circuit 21. In FIG. 4, the high-frequency circuit 21 receives a transmission unit 32 that transmits a signal to the RFID circuit element To through the antenna 14 and a reflected wave from the RFID circuit element To that is received by the antenna 14. The unit 33 and the transmission / reception separator 34 are configured.

  The transmitting unit 32 includes a crystal resonator 35 that generates a carrier wave for accessing (reading or writing) the RFID tag information of the IC circuit unit 151 of the RFID circuit element To, a PLL (Phase Locked Loop) 36, and a VCO. (Voltage Controlled Oscillator) 37 and transmission for modulating the generated carrier wave based on the signal supplied from the signal processing circuit 22 (in this example, amplitude modulation based on the “TX_ASK” signal from the signal processing circuit 22) Multiplier circuit 38 (in the case of amplitude modulation, an amplification factor variable amplifier or the like may be used) and the modulation wave modulated by transmission multiplier circuit 38 determine the amplification factor by “TX_PWR” signal from control circuit 30 And a variable transmission amplifier 39 for amplification. The generated carrier wave preferably uses a frequency in the UHF band, and the output of the transmission amplifier 39 is transmitted to the antenna 14 via the transmission / reception separator 34, and the IC circuit of the RFID circuit element To Supplied to the unit 151.

  The reception unit 33 is necessary from the reception first multiplication circuit 40 that multiplies the reflected wave from the RFID circuit element To received by the antenna 14 and the generated carrier wave, and the output of the reception first multiplication circuit 40. Received by the antenna 14, the first band-pass filter 41 for extracting only a signal in a wide band, the reception first amplifier 43 that amplifies the output of the first band-pass filter 41 and supplies the amplified signal to the first limiter 42. The reception second multiplication circuit 44 that multiplies the reflected wave from the RFID circuit element To and the carrier wave that has been generated and shifted in phase by 90 °, and the output of the reception second multiplication circuit 44 has a necessary band. The second band pass filter 45 for extracting only the signal and the output of the second band pass filter 45 are input and amplified and supplied to the second limiter 46. Receiving second amplifier 47. The signal “RXS-I” output from the first limiter 42 and the signal “RXS-Q” output from the second limiter 46 are input to the signal processing circuit 22 and processed.

  The outputs of the reception first amplifier 43 and the reception second amplifier 47 are also input to an RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) circuit 48, and a signal “RSSI” indicating the strength of these signals is input to the signal processing circuit 22. It has become so. In this way, in the RFID tag information communication apparatus 2 of the present embodiment, the reflected wave from the RFID tag circuit element To is demodulated by IQ orthogonal demodulation.

  FIG. 5 is a conceptual configuration diagram illustrating the detailed structure and function of the sensor 20, and FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating the positional relationship between the sensor 20 and the detected unit 190.

  5 and 6, the detected unit 190 includes four identifiers 190A to 190D in this example. The sensor 20 uses light reflection in this example. The sensor 20 receives light reflected by the light emitting diode 20A that emits light in response to a signal from the control circuit 30 and the identifiers 190A to 190D of the light emission, and outputs a corresponding detection signal. The phototransistor 20B output to the control circuit 30 is provided corresponding to each identifier.

  The identifiers 190 </ b> A to 190 </ b> D represent those that are reflected in white and those that are reflected in black are those that are not reflected. The identifiers 190A to 190D indicate communication parameters (radio frequency used for wireless communication, communication protocol, etc.) and tag attribute parameters (wireless tag circuit) for the RFID circuit element To in the cartridge 100 depending on the presence or absence of reflection. The parameter information regarding the sensitivity of the antenna 152 of the element To, the memory capacity of the IC circuit unit 151, the width of the tape 101 to which the element To is attached, the arrangement interval of the elements To on the tape 101, and the like. Note that the communication parameters and the tag attribute parameters are all the same (common) for all the RFID circuit elements To provided in one cartridge.

  In FIG. 7, in this example, of the identifiers 190A to 190D, information relating to communication parameters is associated with the identifier 190B and the identifier 190C.

  The identifier 190B represents a communication frequency (access frequency), and 950 MHz and 2.4 GHz are prepared in advance. In the illustrated cartridge 100, the communication frequency of the RFID circuit element To of the base tape 101 included therein is shown. Is 950 MHz. Similarly, the identifier 190C represents the type of the communication protocol. Among the predetermined types A and B, in the illustrated cartridge 100, the communication protocol of the RFID circuit element To of the base tape 101 included therein is the communication protocol. It is type A.

  Information about communication parameters is associated with the identifier 190B and the identifier 190C.

  On the other hand, the identifier 190A represents the presence / absence of the RFID circuit element To in the base tape 101. In the illustrated cartridge 100, the base tape 101 included therein has the RFID circuit element To. Similarly, the identifier 190D represents the sensitivity of the antenna 152 of the RFID circuit element To, and the high sensitivity type (see FIG. 8A) and the low sensitivity type (see FIG. 8B) as shown in FIG. In the illustrated cartridge 100, the RFID circuit element To of the base tape 101 included in the cartridge 100 is of a low sensitivity type.

  Regarding the connection of the signal lines to the control circuit 30 of the sensor 20, for example, a known so-called matrix drive system is used (the detailed structure is not shown) so that the number of signal line connection ports on the control circuit 30 side is reduced. In addition to being able to reduce significantly, it is also possible to save power by saving the power required for light emission of the light emitting diode 20A.

  Further, the sensor 20 is not limited to the optical type described above, and as shown in FIG. 9, other methods, for example, contacts 190 </ b> A ′ to D ′ of the detected portion 190 ′ having a concavo-convex shape are contacted by a spring member 20 </ b> A. You may use the mechanical switch which detects uneven | corrugated shape by carrying out the urging | biasing contact of 20B.

  FIG. 10 is a conceptual configuration diagram showing detailed functions of the antenna 14.

  As described above, the RFID tag communication apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment has a characteristic that it corresponds to a plurality of communication parameters, and in particular, the antenna 14 can correspond to a plurality of access frequencies. For example, the antenna 14 is a broadband antenna such as a biconical antenna or a log-peri antenna, or a multiband antenna corresponding to a plurality of frequencies.

  FIG. 10 shows an example in which the antenna 14 is configured as a multiband antenna capable of supporting two frequencies of 915 MHz and 2.4 GHz. The first element 14A, the second element 14B, the trap 14C, and the power supply are shown. And a point 14D.

  The first element 14A has a length corresponding to 2.4 GHz, and the trap 14C is also tuned to 2.4 GHz. The sum of the lengths of the first element 14A and the second element 14B is a length corresponding to 915 MHz.

  With such a configuration, when the antenna 14 is excited at 2.4 GHz, the impedance of the trap 14C is sufficiently large, so that the antenna 14 operates as a 2.4 GHz antenna by the first element 14A, while being excited at 915 MHz. In this case, since the impedance of the trap 14C is sufficiently small, it operates as a 915 MHz antenna by the first element 14A and the second element 14B.

  FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the RFID circuit element To. In FIG. 11, the RFID circuit element To is connected to the antenna 152 on the RFID tag information communication apparatus 2 side and the antenna 152 that performs non-contact signal transmission and reception using a high frequency such as a UHF band, and the antenna 152. And the IC circuit portion 151.

  The IC circuit unit 151 includes a rectification unit 153 that rectifies the carrier wave received by the antenna 152, a power supply unit 154 that accumulates energy of the carrier wave rectified by the rectification unit 153 and serves as a driving power source, and the antenna 152. A clock extraction unit 156 that extracts a clock signal from a received carrier wave and supplies it to a control unit 155 (described later), a memory unit 157 that functions as an information storage unit that can store a predetermined information signal, and the antenna 152 are connected The modulation / demodulation unit 158, and the control unit 155 for controlling the operation of the RFID circuit element To through the rectification unit 153, the clock extraction unit 156, the modulation / demodulation unit 158, and the like.

  The modem unit 158 demodulates the communication signal received from the antenna 152 of the RFID tag information communication apparatus 2 received by the antenna 152, and the carrier wave received from the antenna 152 based on the response signal from the control unit 155. Modulated reflection.

  The control unit 155 interprets the received signal demodulated by the modulation / demodulation unit 158, generates a return signal based on the information signal stored in the memory unit 157, and performs basic control such as returning by the modulation / demodulation unit 158. Execute proper control.

  12 (a) and 12 (b) are external views of the RFID label T formed after the information reading (or writing) of the RFID circuit element To and the cutting of the printed tag label tape 110 are completed as described above. FIG. 12A is a top view, and FIG. 12B is a bottom view. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the XIII-XIII ′ section in FIG.

  12A, 12B, and 13, the RFID label T has a five-layer structure in which the cover film 103 is added to the four-layer structure shown in FIG. From the (upper side in FIG. 13) to the opposite side (lower side in FIG. 13), the cover film 103, the adhesive layer 101a, the base film 101b, the adhesive layer 101c, and the release paper 101d constitute five layers. As described above, the RFID circuit element To including the antenna 152 provided on the back side of the base film 101b is provided in the adhesive layer 101c and printed on the back surface of the cover film 103 (in this example, the RFID label T). "RF-ID" indicating the type) is printed.

  FIG. 14 is displayed on the terminal 5 or the general-purpose computer 6 when the RFID tag information communication apparatus 2 as described above accesses (reads or writes) the RFID tag information of the IC circuit unit 151 of the RFID circuit element To. It is a figure showing an example of a screen.

  In FIG. 14, in this example, the print character R printed corresponding to the RFID circuit element To, the access (reading or writing) ID that is an ID unique to the RFID circuit element To, and stored in the information server 7 The address of the received article information and the storage destination address of the corresponding information in the route server 4 can be displayed on the terminal 5 or the general-purpose computer 6. Then, the RFID tag information communication apparatus 2 is activated by the operation of the terminal 5 or the general-purpose computer 6 so that the print character R is printed on the cover film 103 and is stored in advance in the IC circuit unit 151 as will be described later. RFID tag information such as article information is read (or information such as the write ID and article information is written in the IC circuit unit 151).

  In the above description, an example in which the conveyance guide 13 is held in the access area and accessed (read or written) with respect to the moving printed tag label tape 110 in connection with the printing operation is shown. However, the access may be performed with the printed tag label tape 110 stopped at a predetermined position and held by the transport guide 13.

  Further, at the time of reading or writing as described above, the ID of the generated RFID label T and the information read from the IC circuit unit 151 of the RFID label T (or information written to the IC circuit unit 151) The correspondence relationship is stored in the route server 4 and can be referred to as necessary.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit 30, which is a main part of the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 15, this flow is started when the above-described terminal 5 or general-purpose computer 6 performs an operation for determining the type of the cartridge 100 (in other words, determining the type of the RFID circuit element To).

  First, in step S1, the communication / tag attribute parameter of the RFID circuit element To unified for each cartridge 100 as described above is detected and determined (tag type determination procedure).

  When step S1 ends and the access operation by the RFID tag information communication apparatus 2 is performed by the terminal 5 or the general-purpose computer 6, this flow is started. In step S2, the wireless tag information of each RFID circuit element To of the cartridge 100 is accessed (read or written) based on the determined parameter (tag information access procedure).

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of step S1 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 16, first, in step S11, a detection signal of the detected portion 190 of the cartridge 100 detected by the parameter detection sensor 20 is input (identified).

  After that, in step S12, by performing predetermined processing (including calculation, analysis, extraction, etc. as necessary) based on the detection signal detected in step S11, among the parameter information represented by the identifiers 190A to 190D After obtaining the communication parameters (frequency of radio wave used for wireless communication, communication protocol, etc.) in step S12, the communication parameter information is stored in the RAM (or via communication circuit 31 and communication line 3) in step S13. And stored in the terminal 5 or the general-purpose computer 6 and further in the route server 4 or the information server 7. In step S14, the tag attribute parameters (the sensitivity of the antenna 152 of the RFID circuit element To, the memory capacity of the IC circuit unit 151, the width of the tape 101 to which the element To is attached, the arrangement interval of the elements To on the tape 101, etc.) are set. In step S15, the tag attribute parameter information is stored in the RAM (or in the terminal 5 or the general-purpose computer 6 as well as the route server 4 or the information server 7 via the communication circuit 31 and the communication line 3) as described above. .

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a procedure for reading RFID tag information from the IC circuit unit 151 of the RFID circuit element To, which is an example of the tag information access in step S2 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 17, when the reading operation of the RFID tag information communication apparatus 2 is performed as described above, this flow is started.

  First, in step S100, after the printed tag label tape 110 is printed, the RFID circuit element To as an information reading target is transported to the vicinity of the antenna 14, and the target tag is set.

  Thereafter, in step S110, a variable N for counting the number of retries (retry) when communication failure is suspected is initialized to zero.

  In step S120, the communication protocol and the access frequency read from the identifiers 190A to 190D of the cartridge 100, for example, in accordance with the communication parameters and the tag attribute parameters acquired in the previous step S1 are set. In addition, a “Scroll All ID” command for reading out information stored in the RFID circuit element To with an output corresponding to the antenna sensitivity and memory capacity is output to the signal processing circuit 52. Based on this, a “Scroll All ID” signal as access information is generated by the signal processing circuit 22 and transmitted to the RFID tag circuit element To to be accessed via the high frequency circuit 21 to prompt a reply.

  Next, in step S130, a reply signal (RFID tag information such as article information) transmitted from the RFID tag circuit element To be accessed in response to the “Scroll All ID” signal is received via the antenna 14, The high-frequency circuit 21 and the signal processing circuit 22 are used for capturing.

  Next, in step S140, it is determined using a known CRC code (Cyclic Redundancy Check) whether or not there is an error in the reply signal received in step S130.

  If the determination is not satisfied, the process moves to step S150, 1 is added to N, and it is further determined in step S160 whether N = 5. If N ≦ 4, the determination is not satisfied and the routine returns to step S120 and the same procedure is repeated. If N = 5, the process proceeds to step S170, and an error display signal is output to the terminal 5 or the general-purpose computer 6 via the communication circuit 31 and the communication line 3, and a corresponding reading failure (error) display is performed, and the process proceeds to step S180. Move (described later). In this way, even if reading is unsuccessful, retry is performed up to five times.

  If the determination in step S140 is satisfied, reading of the RFID tag information from the RFID circuit element To to be read is completed, and the process proceeds to step S180.

  In step S180, it is determined whether or not reading of the RFID tag information has been completed for all RFID circuit elements To in the cartridge 100. If there is a RFID circuit element To that has not been read yet, the determination is not satisfied, and the process returns to Step S100 and the same procedure is repeated for the next RFID circuit element To. When the reading of the RFID tag information is completed for all RFID circuit elements To in the cartridge 100, the determination is satisfied, and this routine is finished.

  By the above routine, the RFID tag information of the IC circuit unit 151 is accessed for all RFID tag circuit elements To to be accessed in the cartridge 100 in a mode in accordance with the optimum communication parameter and tag attribute parameter corresponding thereto. This can be read out.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a wireless tag information writing procedure to the IC circuit unit 151 of the wireless tag circuit element To, which is another example of the tag information access in step S2 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 18, when the writing operation of the RFID tag information communication apparatus 2 is performed as described above, this flow is started.

  First, in step S200, the identification number ID is set by a known appropriate method, and the RFID circuit element To that is the information writing target is transported to the vicinity of the antenna 14.

  Thereafter, in step S210, variables N and M for counting the number of retries (retry) when communication failure is suspected are initialized to 0, respectively.

  In step S 220, an “Erase” command for initializing information stored in the memory unit 157 of the RFID circuit element To is output to the signal processing circuit 22. Based on this, an “Erase” signal as access information is generated in the signal processing circuit 22 and transmitted to the RFID tag circuit element To to be written through the high frequency circuit 21 to initialize the memory unit 157.

  Next, in step S230, a “Verify” command for confirming the contents of the memory unit 157 is output to the signal processing circuit 22. Based on this, a “Verify” signal as access information is generated by the signal processing circuit 22 and transmitted to the RFID circuit element To as an information write target via the high frequency circuit 21 to prompt a reply. Thereafter, in step S240, a reply signal transmitted from the RFID tag circuit element To to be written corresponding to the “Verify” signal is received via the antenna 14 and taken in via the high frequency circuit 21 and the signal processing circuit 22.

  Next, in step S250, based on the reply signal, information in the memory unit 157 of the RFID circuit element To is checked to determine whether or not the memory unit 157 has been normally initialized.

  If the determination is not satisfied, the process moves to step S260, 1 is added to M, and it is further determined in step S270 whether M = 5. If M ≦ 4, the determination is not satisfied and the routine returns to step S220 and the same procedure is repeated. When M = 5, the process proceeds to step S280, and an error display signal is output to the terminal 5 or the general-purpose computer 6 via the communication circuit 31 and the communication line 3, and a corresponding writing failure (error) display is performed, and step S360 is performed. Move (described later). In this way, even if initialization is not successful, retry is performed up to five times.

  When the determination in step S250 is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S290, and a “Program” command for writing desired data in the memory unit 157 is output to the signal processing circuit 22. Based on this, the signal processing circuit 22 generates a “Program” signal as access information including ID information that is originally intended to be written, and transmits the signal to the RFID circuit element To as the information writing target via the high frequency circuit 21, and the memory unit 157. The predetermined information is written in

  Thereafter, a “Verify” command is output to the signal processing circuit 22 in step S300. Based on this, a “Verify” signal as access information is generated by the signal processing circuit 22 and transmitted to the RFID circuit element To as an information write target via the high frequency circuit 21 to prompt a reply. Thereafter, in step S310, the reply signal transmitted from the RFID circuit element To to be written corresponding to the “Verify” signal is received via the antenna 14 and taken in via the high frequency circuit 21 and the signal processing circuit 22.

  Next, in step S320, based on the reply signal, the information stored in the memory unit 157 of the RFID circuit element To is confirmed, and whether or not the transmitted predetermined information is normally stored in the memory unit 157. Determine whether.

  If the determination is not satisfied, the process moves to step S330, 1 is added to N, and it is further determined in step S340 whether N = 5. If N ≦ 4, the determination is not satisfied and the routine returns to step S290 and the same procedure is repeated. If N = 5, the process proceeds to the above-described step S280, similarly, a writing failure (error) display corresponding to the terminal 5 or the general-purpose computer 6 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S360. In this way, even if information writing is not successful, retry is performed up to five times.

  If the determination in step S320 is satisfied, the process moves to step S350, and a “Lock” command is output to the signal processing circuit 22. Based on this, a “Lock” signal is generated in the signal processing circuit 22 and transmitted to the RFID circuit element To as the information writing target via the high frequency circuit 21, and writing of new information to the RFID circuit element To is prohibited. Is done. Thereby, the writing of the RFID tag information to the RFID circuit element To to be written is completed, and the RFID circuit element To is discharged as described above. When step S350 is completed, the process proceeds to step S360.

  In step S360, it is determined whether or not the writing of the RFID tag information has been completed for all RFID circuit elements To in the cartridge 100. If there is a RFID circuit element To that has not been written yet, the determination is not satisfied, and the process returns to step S200 to repeat the same procedure for the next RFID circuit element To. When writing of the RFID tag information is completed for all RFID circuit elements To in the cartridge 100, the determination is satisfied, and this routine is ended.

  With the above routine, the desired RFID tag information is sent to the IC circuit unit 151 in a manner in accordance with the optimum communication parameter and tag attribute parameter corresponding to all RFID tag circuit elements To to be accessed in the cartridge 100. Can be written.

  In the above-described operation flow, an example is shown in which the conveyance guide 13 is held in the access area and accessed (read or written) with respect to the moving tag label tape 110 that is moving in accordance with the printing operation. Not limited to this. That is, the access may be performed while the printed tag label tape 110 is stopped at a predetermined position and held by the transport guide 13. Further, at the time of reading or writing as described above, the correspondence relationship between the generated printing information of the RFID label T and the ID of the IC circuit unit 151 of the RFID label T is stored in the route server 4 and necessary. You can refer to it accordingly.

  In the above, the signal processing circuit 22 has access information (“Scroll All ID” signal, “Erase” signal, “Verify” signal, “Program” signal, and “Ping” signal described later) for accessing the IC circuit unit 151. Etc.) is formed. Further, the transmission unit 32 and the antenna 14 of the high-frequency circuit 21 transmit the access information generated by the access information generating unit to the IC circuit unit of the wireless tag circuit element via wireless communication in a non-contact manner, and to the wireless tag information An information access unit that performs access is configured, and the transmission unit 32 transmits the access information generated by the access information generation unit to the tag-side antenna through the device-side antenna in a non-contact manner, and transmits the access information to the RFID tag information of the IC circuit unit. It also constitutes information transmitting means for performing access.

  Further, the control circuit 30 constitutes a transmission control means for controlling the transmission mode from the information transmission means so as to match the tag attribute parameter or the communication parameter of the RFID tag circuit element provided in the cartridge attached to the cartridge holder portion. To do.

  In the wireless tag information communication device 2 of the present embodiment configured as described above, the access information generated by the signal processing circuit 22 is transmitted from the antenna 14 to the antenna 152 of the wireless tag circuit element To, and the IC circuit unit 151. Is accessed (read or written). At this time, the communication / tag attribute parameter information by the identifiers 190A to 190D formed in the detected portion 190 of the cartridge 100 is detected by the sensor 19, and based on this, the control circuit 30 relates to the RFID tag circuit element To of the cartridge 100. The transmission mode is controlled to match the tag attribute parameter or the communication parameter.

  Accordingly, even when a plurality of cartridges 100 having different tag attribute parameters and communication parameters of the RFID circuit element To are used in the single RFID tag information communication device 2 by being appropriately attached to and removed from the cartridge holder unit, Information communication can be performed quickly and easily using the optimum parameters corresponding to the RFID tag circuit element To of each cartridge 100. That is, regardless of the type of cartridge 100 (in other words, the type of RFID tag circuit element To to be communicated), it is possible to quickly and easily communicate.

  In the first embodiment, as described above with reference to the flow of FIG. 16, the communication / tag attribute parameter information acquired based on the detection signal of the sensor 20 is stored in the RAM or the like in the control circuit 30. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be stored in a non-volatile storage means (so-called EEPROM or the like) constituted by a non-volatile memory provided separately (inside or outside the control circuit 30).

  In this case, since the stored contents can be held even when the power is turned off, the communication / tag attribute parameter information once stored as described above may be read when the power is turned on.

  FIG. 19 is a control flow corresponding to the “tag type determination” procedure in step S1 of FIG. 15 by the control circuit 30 corresponding to such a modification, and corresponds to FIG. 16 described above.

  In FIG. 19, as described above, when the power is turned on from the power-off state, this flow is started. First, in step S16, communication parameters that have already been stored are read from the nonvolatile storage means. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S17. Similarly, the tag attribute parameter already stored is read from the non-volatile storage means, and this routine is terminated.

  Thereafter, as described above, the RFID tag information is read or written according to the flow of FIG. 17 or 18 using the read communication parameter / tag attribute parameter.

  It should be noted that the above is further advanced, and not only when the power is turned on, but also, for example, when the lid provided on the housing 9 is opened / closed in order to replace the cartridge 100, the parameters are read from the storage means as described above. May be performed. In this case, the flow shown in FIG. 19 may be started when the lid opening / closing detection sensor 19 shown in FIG. 2 detects that the lid is opened and further closed.

  A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment is an embodiment when the present invention is applied to a wireless tag generation system, as in the first embodiment, and uses a parameter information detection sensor as in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the parameter information is obtained by wireless communication to the RFID circuit element To. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the communication / tag attribute parameter is obtained by contactless wireless communication in the “tag type determination procedure” in step S1 shown in FIG. Different.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of step S1 (tag type determination procedure) performed by the control circuit 30, which is a main part of the present embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the above-described communication parameters (access frequency of radio wave used for wireless communication, communication protocol, etc.) and tag attribute parameters (sensitivity of antenna 152 of RFID circuit element To, memory capacity of IC circuit unit 151, element To In view of the fact that communication cannot be performed at all if the access frequency and the communication protocol that constitute the communication parameters are different among the width of the tape 101 to be attached, the arrangement interval of the elements To on the tape 101, etc. The focus is on control to match.

  In this embodiment, a plurality of communication protocol types and access frequency patterns (in this example, five protocol numbers P1 to P5 and five frequency patterns F1 to F5) are prepared in advance. The type of the cartridge 100 (in other words, the RFID circuit element To) is searched to detect and determine correct communication parameters.

  First, in step S21, the communication protocol number P = 1 and the access frequency number F = 1 are set as initial values.

  Next, in step S22, the value of the “TX_PWR” signal that determines the amplification factor in the variable transmission amplifier 39 (see FIG. 4) that determines the output value of the transmission signal from the transmission unit 32 is set to a relatively large predetermined value. Set. This is to obtain a certain response signal as reliably as possible including the inside of the cartridge 100 (even if there is a response from a plurality or a large number of RFID tag circuit elements To), thereby enabling communication parameters to be detected. (In other words, there is no need to specify the RFID circuit element To, and response signals from an unspecified number or a large number of RFID circuit elements To may be obtained).

  In step S 23, a “Ping” command that prompts a response to the RFID circuit element To in the communication range is output to the signal processing circuit 22. Based on this, the signal processing circuit 22 generates a “TX_ASK” signal and outputs it to the transmission multiplication circuit 38, and the transmission multiplication circuit 38 performs the corresponding amplitude modulation to provide a “Ping” signal as access information. This “Ping” signal is further amplified by an amplification factor based on the “TX_PWR” signal input from the control circuit 30 by the transmission amplifier 39 (“TX_PWR” is a relatively large value as described above). If there is a RFID circuit element To that is transmitted and transmitted through the transmission / reception separator 34 and the antenna 14 and is in the accessible range, a reply is urged from there.

  Next, in step S24, if there is a RFID circuit element To in the accessible range, a reply signal (article information) as a response signal transmitted from the RFID circuit element To in response to the “Scroll All ID” signal. Wireless tag information) is received via the antenna 14 and captured via the receiver 33 and the signal processing circuit 22.

  Next, in step S25, it is determined whether or not at least one correct ID has been acquired by the CRC code of the reply signal received in step S24.

  If the communication protocol (protocol number P = 1) and access frequency (frequency number F = 1) at this time do not match the communication protocol and frequency of the RFID tag circuit element To in the cartridge 100, a reply signal cannot be obtained. Therefore, this determination is not satisfied and the routine goes to Step S26.

  In step S26, 1 is added to the protocol number P without changing the frequency number F = 1, and the process returns to step S23 via step S27. If a good reply signal cannot be obtained in step S24 and step S25, P = 1 → 2 →... → 5 and steps S23 to S27 are repeated. If a good reply signal cannot be obtained even if the protocol number is increased to P = 5 and a trial is performed, the determination in step S27 is satisfied and the protocol number is returned to P = 1 in step S28. Add 1 to 2 and go back to Step S23 again through Step S30. If a favorable reply signal cannot be obtained in steps S24 and S25, P = 1 → 2 →... → 5 and steps S23 to S27 are repeated in the state of F = 2 as described above.

  As described above, when one of the 25 combinations of P = 1 to 5 and F = 1 to 5 matches the communication protocol and access frequency of the RFID tag circuit element To of the cartridge 100, a good reply signal is obtained. Therefore, the determination in step S25 is satisfied at that time, and the process proceeds to step S32. If a favorable reply signal cannot be obtained with any of the above 25 combinations, the determination in step S30 is finally satisfied and the process proceeds to step S31, and the RFID circuit element To is stored in the cartridge 100. Is not outside the applicable range of the RFID tag information communication apparatus 2 of the present embodiment that sets the communication protocol and access frequency ranges in the above 25 ways, and the error display signal is transmitted to the communication circuit 31 and the communication. Output to the terminal 5 or the general-purpose computer 6 via the line 3 to display a corresponding reading failure (error), and proceed to the above-described step S2 (or stop access to the RFID tag information at this point, and control flow May end).

  In step S32, similar to steps S12 and S13 of FIG. 16, the predetermined processing (including calculation, analysis, extraction, etc. as necessary) is performed based on the response signal (reply signal) received in step S24. Thus, after acquiring communication parameters (corresponding to the cartridge 100) (corresponding to the cartridge 100) corresponding to the RFID circuit element To that has returned the response signal, in step S33 Communication parameter information is stored in the RAM (or in the terminal 5 or the general-purpose computer 6 and further in the route server 4 or the information server 7 via the communication circuit 31 and the communication line 3).

  Next, since the acquisition of communication parameters is completed as described above and the above-described necessity is no longer necessary, the value of the “TX_PWR” signal is relatively small (communication with the target tag is performed in step S34). To the predetermined value (reset).

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S 35, where the RFID circuit element To that has returned the reply signal is specified, and the “Scroll ID” command similar to the above is output to the signal processing circuit 22. Based on this, a “Scroll ID” signal as access information is generated in the signal processing circuit 22 and transmitted to the RFID circuit element To to be accessed via the high frequency circuit 21 to prompt a reply.

  Next, in step S36, a reply signal (wireless tag information such as article information) transmitted from the RFID circuit element To corresponding to the “Scroll ID” signal is received via the antenna 14, and the high frequency circuit 21 and the signal are received. Capture via the processing circuit 22.

  Thereafter, in step S37, as in steps S14 and S15 of FIG. 16, the RFID circuit element To that has returned the reply signal is stored in the memory unit 157 in a predetermined format (in other words, the cartridge). The tag attribute parameters (corresponding to 100) (the sensitivity of the antenna 152 of the RFID circuit element To, the memory capacity of the IC circuit unit 151, the width of the tape 101 to which the element To is attached, the arrangement interval of the elements To on the tape 101, etc.) In step S38, the tag attribute parameter information is stored in the RAM (or the terminal 5 or the general-purpose computer 6 as well as the route server 4 or the information server 7 via the communication circuit 31 and the communication line 3) as described above. And terminate this routine.

  When the “tag type determination procedure” in step S1 shown in FIG. 15 is completed in this way, the process proceeds to step S2 as in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the RFID tag information reading procedure from the IC circuit unit 151 of the RFID circuit element To, which is an example of the tag information access in step S2 executed by the control circuit 30 in the second embodiment. is there.

  21 is different from the flow shown in FIG. 17 of the previous first embodiment in that step S90 is newly provided before step S100, and the reading operation of the RFID tag information communication apparatus 2 is performed as described above. When this is done, step S90 is first executed.

  That is, in step S90, the communication parameters and tag attribute parameters previously stored in the RAM or the like in steps S33 and S38 shown in FIG. 20 are read from the RAM or the like. The subsequent procedure uses the read parameters and is substantially the same as that in FIG.

  FIG. 22 shows a procedure for writing RFID tag information to the IC circuit unit 151 of the RFID circuit element To, which is another example of the tag information access in step S2 executed by the control circuit 30 in the second embodiment. It is a flowchart.

  22 differs from the flow shown in FIG. 18 of the first embodiment described above in that step S190 is newly provided before step S200, and the write operation of the RFID tag information communication apparatus 2 is performed as described above. When step S190 is performed, step S190 is first executed.

  That is, in step S190, the communication parameters and tag attribute parameters previously stored in the RAM or the like in steps S33 and S38 shown in FIG. 20 are read from the RAM or the like. The subsequent procedure uses the read parameters and is almost the same as that in FIG.

  In the above, the receiving unit 33 transmits the response signal transmitted from the IC circuit unit according to the transmitted access information after transmitting the access information by the information transmitting unit described in each claim through the tag side antenna. An information receiving means for receiving and reading with the antenna on the apparatus side by contact is configured.

  Further, the communication parameter and tag attribute parameter information acquired in step S32 and step S37 in FIG. 20 are added to the second parameter information related to the tag attribute parameter of the corresponding RFID circuit element based on the response signal read by the information receiving means. These steps correspond to the second information detection means.

  Also in the present embodiment configured as described above, the same effects as in the first embodiment are obtained. That is, a response signal returned from the IC circuit unit 151 after transmission of access information generated by the signal processing circuit 22 and transmitted via the antenna 14 is received by the reception unit 33, and communication parameter information and tag attribute parameters are received based on the response signal. Information is acquired, and based on this information, the control circuit 30 controls the transmission mode so that the tag attribute parameter or the communication parameter from the transmission unit 32 is matched. As a result, as in the first embodiment, a plurality of cartridges 100 having different tag attribute parameters and communication parameters related to the provided RFID tag circuit element To are used by appropriately attaching and detaching them to the cartridge holder portion. However, information communication can be performed promptly and easily using the optimum parameters corresponding to the RFID tag circuit element To of each cartridge 100. That is, regardless of the type of cartridge 100 (in other words, the type of RFID tag circuit element To to be communicated), it is possible to quickly and easily communicate.

  In the second embodiment of the present invention, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. Hereinafter, such modifications will be described.

(1) Re-inquiry at the time of access failure That is, when the communication parameter and the tag attribute parameter are acquired as described above and communication is started with all the RFID circuit elements To of the cartridge 100, the access fails. In this case, since the parameter information acquired at the beginning may be wrong, the RFID tag circuit element To side is again inquired for confirmation.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a tag information reading procedure performed by the control circuit 30 that constitutes a main part of the present modification, and corresponds to FIG. 21 in the second embodiment.

  In the flow shown in FIG. 23, step S170A is provided instead of step S170 in FIG. In other words, if the variable N = 5 that counts the number of retries when retrying communication is suspected in step S160 (if 5 attempts have been made but failed), the process proceeds to step S170A, where Judgment processing is performed.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of this redetermination process.

  The control procedure in FIG. 24 is relatively similar to the tag type determination process procedure in FIG. 20 described above. That is, first, in step S21A newly provided in place of step S21, the communication protocol number P and the access frequency number F already stored in the storage means such as the RAM are read.

  Thereafter, Steps S22 to S25 are the same as in FIG. 20, and the value of the “TX_PWR” signal is set to a relatively large predetermined value, and the “Ping” command is output to the signal processing circuit 22 and is within the accessible range. A reply from the RFID circuit element To is prompted, and the received reply signal is taken in to determine whether at least one correct ID has been acquired.

  If a good reply signal cannot be obtained, the frequency number F and the protocol number P are appropriately changed in step S26A newly provided in place of step S26, and the same procedure is repeated again by returning to step S23. In this case, it may be tried by adding numbers one by one as in step S26 described above, or other methods may be used.

  If all F and P have been tried (25 in the above example, F, P = 1 to 5) and a satisfactory reply signal cannot be obtained, the process proceeds to step S31 as in FIG. Output a display signal to display a reading failure (error).

  When the communication protocol and the access frequency of the RFID tag circuit element To of the cartridge 100 are matched with any one of the combinations of P and F, the determination in step S25 is satisfied, and the received response signal (in FIG. Based on the reply signal), a communication parameter corresponding to the RFID circuit element To that has returned the response signal is acquired.

  Thereafter, in step S33A newly provided in place of step S33, the acquired communication parameter information is stored in the RAM (or the terminal 5 or the general-purpose computer 6 or the route server 4 via the communication circuit 31 and the communication line 3). The data is stored in the information server 7 and overwrite update processing is performed (regardless of the contents stored up to that point, the same value is updated).

  Thereafter, Steps S34 to S37 are the same as those in FIG. 20, and the value of the “TX_PWR” signal is returned to the minimum necessary predetermined value, the RFID circuit element To that has returned the reply signal is identified, and “Scroll All” is specified. An “ID” command is output to the signal processing circuit 22 to prompt the reply of the RFID tag circuit element To to be accessed, the reply signal transmitted from the corresponding RFID tag circuit element To is fetched, and the RFID tag that has returned the reply signal A tag attribute parameter corresponding to the circuit element To is acquired.

  Thereafter, in step S38A newly provided in place of step S38, the acquired tag attribute parameter information is stored in the RAM (or the terminal 5 or the general-purpose computer 6 or the route server 4 via the communication circuit 31 and the communication line 3). (Or in the information server 7), and overwrite update processing is performed (the same value is updated regardless of the stored contents up to that point), this routine is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S180 of FIG. .

  In the above, steps S140, S150, and S160 of the flow shown in FIG. 23 are performed in the transmission mode based on the control of the transmission control unit according to claim 8, and after the information transmission unit performs the access, the access to the IC circuit unit Corresponds to a determination unit that determines whether or not the communication has succeeded. When the determination unit determines that the access has failed in step S170A, the tag attribute parameter or the communication parameter of the RFID circuit element is reconfirmed. This reconfirmation command signal corresponds to reconfirmation command transmission means for transmitting the reconfirmation command signal to the tag side antenna through the device side antenna without contact.

  Further, the communication parameter information and tag attribute parameter information from the RFID circuit element To received and recognized in step S24 and step S25 correspond to the fifth parameter information, and the receiving unit 33 responds to the reconfirmation command signal by the IC circuit. The fifth parameter information related to the tag attribute parameter or the communication parameter read from the unit is received by the device side antenna via the tag side antenna in a non-contact manner and constitutes an information re-receiving unit for reading.

  Further, step S33A and step S38A in the flow shown in FIG. 23 correspond to update control means for updating the parameter information in the storage means to the fifth parameter.

  The above description has been made by taking the flow of the RFID tag information reading procedure from the IC circuit unit 151 of the RFID circuit element To as an example of the tag information access in step S2 executed by the control circuit 30, but the tag information It goes without saying that the same procedure may be used for writing RFID tag information, which is another example of access.

  In this modified example configured as described above, after accessing the IC circuit unit 151 of the RFID circuit element To in the transmission mode based on the control of the control circuit 30, in steps S140 to S160 of FIG. Determine if the access was successful. If it is determined that the access has failed, a reconfirmation command signal is transmitted in step S170A, and the communication parameter / tag attribute parameter information read from the IC circuit unit 151 is received and read by the receiving unit 33 accordingly. . Then, in step S33A and step S38A in FIG. 24, the control circuit 30 updates the stored information to the read parameter information regardless of the storage contents in the storage means such as the RAM so far. Thereby, even if the tag attribute parameter and communication parameter information read at the beginning are erroneous for some reason (incorrect reading), it can be corrected to correct information at the time of update.

  In particular, at this time, as described above, when the Scroll All ID signal as the reconfirmation command signal is generated and transmitted in step S23 of FIG. 24, first, in step S21A, first, it is stored in the storage means such as the RAM. A signal is generated along the communication parameters (protocol P and frequency F). Then, in step S26A, a signal is generated starting from this past experience value along further communication parameters. In this way, the probability of reaching the correct communication parameter in the end is increased compared to the case of generating the Scroll All ID signal with at least the above communication parameters at random by referring to the past experience values so far. Alternatively, it is possible to make the time to reach relatively early.

(2) Inquiry automatically when power is turned on In the second embodiment, as described in steps S32 and S37 of the flow of FIG. 20, the acquired communication / tag attribute parameter information is stored in the control circuit 30. Although it is stored in the RAM or the like, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be stored in a non-volatile storage means (so-called EEPROM or the like) provided separately (inside or outside the control circuit 30).

  In this case, since the stored contents can be held even when the power is turned off, the communication / tag attribute parameter information once stored as described above may be read when the power is turned on.

  FIG. 25 is a control flow corresponding to the “tag type determination” procedure in step S1 of FIG. 15 by the control circuit 30 corresponding to such a modification, and corresponds to the above-described FIG.

  In FIG. 25, as described above, when the power is turned on from the power-off state, this flow is started. The control procedure of this flow is relatively similar to the procedure of the tag redetermination process of FIG. 24 described above in (1). That is, first, in step S21B newly provided in place of step S21A, the communication protocol number P and the access frequency number F already stored in the nonvolatile storage means such as the EEPROM are read as described above.

  Thereafter, Steps S22 to S38A are the same as those in FIG. 24, and the value of the “TX_PWR” signal is set to a relatively large predetermined value and the “Ping” command is output to the signal processing circuit 22 and is within the accessible range. A reply from the RFID circuit element To is prompted, and the received reply signal is taken in to determine whether at least one correct ID has been acquired. When a good reply signal cannot be obtained, the frequency number F and the protocol number P are changed as appropriate, and when a satisfactory reply signal cannot be obtained even after trying all F and P, a reading failure (error) is displayed. Make it. When the communication protocol and the access frequency of the RFID circuit element To of the cartridge 100 are matched with either of the combinations of P and F, the RFID circuit element To that has returned the response signal based on the received response signal (reply signal). Is acquired and stored in the EEPROM or RAM (or in the terminal 5 or the general-purpose computer 6 as well as in the route server 4 or the information server 7 via the communication circuit 31 and the communication line 3), and updated by overwriting. Processing is performed (regardless of the contents stored so far, the same value is updated). Thereafter, the value of the “TX_PWR” signal is returned to a relatively small predetermined value, the RFID circuit element To that has returned the reply signal is specified, and a “Scroll All ID” signal is output to prompt a reply. A tag attribute parameter corresponding to the RFID circuit element To that fetches the reply signal and returns the reply signal is acquired, and the same overwriting update process as described above is performed.

  Thereafter, after step S38A is completed, this routine is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S2 described above to access (read or write) the RFID tag information.

  In the above, the “Ping” signal transmitted in step S23 of the flow shown in FIG. 25 is the initial confirmation command for initially confirming the tag attribute parameter or communication parameter of the RFID circuit element when the power is turned on. The transmitting unit 32 that corresponds to a signal and transmits this signal constitutes an initial confirmation command transmitting means for transmitting the initial confirmation command signal to the tag side antenna without contact via the device side antenna.

  Further, the communication parameter information and tag attribute parameter information from the RFID circuit element To received and recognized in step S24 and step S25 correspond to sixth parameter information, and the receiving unit 33 receives the IC circuit according to the initial confirmation command signal. The sixth parameter information related to the tag attribute parameter or the communication parameter read from the unit is received by the device side antenna via the tag side antenna in a non-contact manner and constitutes an initial information receiving means for reading.

  Furthermore, step S33A and step S38A of the flow shown in FIG. 25 correspond to update control means for updating the parameter information in the storage means to the sixth parameter.

In this modification, every time the power is turned on, the transmission unit 32 transmits a Ping signal as an initial confirmation command signal, and the communication parameter / tag attribute read from the IC circuit unit 151 of the RFID circuit element To in response to this. The parameter information is received and read by the receiving unit 33. Then, in step S33A and step S38A in FIG. 25, the control circuit 30 updates the stored information to the read parameter information regardless of the storage contents in the storage means such as the EEPROM or the RAM so far. As a result, every time the power is turned on, the parameter information in the storage unit is surely normalized regardless of the storage contents of the storage unit up to that point (if there is an erroneous reading, it is corrected, if it is stored normally) Reconfirmation). )
Further, as described above, when the Ping signal as the initial confirmation command signal is generated and transmitted in step S23 of FIG. 25, first, in step S21B, it has been stored in the nonvolatile storage means such as an EEPROM so far. A signal is generated along communication parameters (protocol P and frequency F). Then, in step S26A, a signal is generated starting from this past experience value along further communication parameters. In this way, as much as referring to past experience values so far, at least the above communication parameters are randomized and compared to the case of generating a Ping signal, the probability of finally reaching the correct communication parameters is increased, or It is possible to reach the arrival time relatively early.

  It should be noted that the above is further advanced, and not only when the power is turned on, but also, for example, when the lid provided on the housing 9 is opened / closed in order to replace the cartridge 100, the parameters are read from the storage means as described above. May be performed. In this case, the flow shown in FIG. 25 may be started when the lid opening / closing detection sensor 19 shown in FIG. 2 detects that the lid is opened and further closed.

(3) Sharing / combination of detection by sensor and detection by sensor In other words, in the first embodiment, communication parameters (frequency of radio waves used for wireless communication, communication protocol, etc.) and tag attribute parameters (wireless tag circuit) The sensitivity of the antenna 152 of the element To, the memory capacity of the IC circuit unit 151, the width of the tape 101 to which the element To is attached, the arrangement interval of the elements To on the tape 101, etc. In the second embodiment, both the communication parameter and the tag attribute parameter are detected and acquired by non-contact wireless communication to the RFID circuit element To.

  Therefore, as an intermediate method, it is conceivable that some of the communication parameters and tag attribute parameters are detected by a sensor, and the rest are detected by wireless communication. Two examples will be described below.

(3-1) Detecting communication parameter with sensor and tag attribute parameter with wireless communication FIG. 26 shows a control procedure of tag type determination executed by the control circuit 30 (step in FIG. 15), which is the main part of this modification. This is a flowchart showing the equivalent of S1.

  As shown in FIG. 26, this control procedure is equivalent to the combination of the control flow of FIG. 16 of the first embodiment described above and the control flow of FIG. 20 of the second embodiment (equivalent procedure). Are given the same step number).

  That is, first in S11, the detected portion 190 of the cartridge 100 detected by the parameter detection sensor 20 described in the first embodiment (in this case, only communication parameter information is formed in the identifiers 190A to 190D). Are input (identified), and then, in step S12, predetermined processing (including calculation, analysis, extraction, etc. as necessary) is performed based on the detection signal detected in step S11. Among the parameter information represented by D, after acquiring the communication parameters (frequency of radio wave used for wireless communication, communication protocol, etc.) in step S12, the communication parameter information is stored in the RAM (or communication) in step S13. Via the circuit 31 and the communication line 3, the terminal 5 or the general-purpose computer 6 and further the route processor Bar 4 or the information server within 7) is stored.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S35, and a predetermined RFID circuit element To is identified and a “Scroll ID” command is output to the signal processing circuit 22 as in the second embodiment. Based on this, a “Scroll ID” signal as access information is generated in the signal processing circuit 22 and transmitted to the RFID circuit element To to be accessed via the high frequency circuit 21 to prompt a reply. Next, in step S 36, the reply signal transmitted from the RFID circuit element To corresponding to the “Scroll ID” signal is received via the antenna 14 and taken in via the high frequency circuit 21 and the signal processing circuit 22.

  In step S37, the tag attribute parameter (sensitivity of the antenna 152 of the RFID tag circuit element To, the memory capacity of the IC circuit unit 151, the tape 101 to which the element To is attached is associated with the RFID circuit element To that has returned the reply signal. And the tag attribute parameter information in step S38 in the RAM (or via the communication circuit 31 and the communication line 3) in step S38. The program is stored in the general-purpose computer 6 and further in the route server 4 or the information server 7, and this routine is terminated.

  When the “tag type determination procedure” corresponding to step S1 shown in FIG. 15 is thus completed, the process proceeds to step S2.

  In the above, the sensor 20 constitutes the third information detecting means for detecting the third parameter information formed in the cartridge corresponding to the communication parameter of the corresponding RFID tag circuit element according to claim 4, and the transmitting unit 32. However, based on the third parameter information detected by the third information detecting means, a confirmation command signal for confirming the tag attribute parameter of the RFID circuit element is transmitted to the tag side antenna via the device side antenna in a non-contact manner. Confirmation command transmission means is configured.

  Confirmation that the receiving unit 33 receives and reads the fourth parameter information related to the tag attribute parameter read from the IC circuit unit in response to the confirmation command signal by the device side antenna via the tag side antenna without contact. The information receiving means is configured.

  In this modification, communication parameter information by the identifiers 190A to 190D formed in the cartridge 100 is detected by the sensor 20, and based on this, a Scroll All ID signal as a confirmation command signal is transmitted from the transmission unit 32 to the antenna 152, Tag attribute parameter information corresponding to this is read from the IC circuit unit 151 and received by the receiving unit 33. As a result, based on the tag attribute parameter information and the communication parameter information previously detected by the sensor 20, the control circuit 30 controls the transmission mode so that the tag attribute parameter or the communication parameter from the transmission unit 33 matches.

  As described above, also in the present modified example, as in the first and second embodiments, a plurality of cartridges 100 having different tag attribute parameters and communication parameters of the provided RFID tag circuit element To are appropriately attached to the cartridge holder portion. Even in the case of using the detachable exchange, information communication can be performed quickly and easily using the optimum parameter corresponding to the RFID tag circuit element To of each cartridge 100. That is, regardless of the type of cartridge 100 (in other words, the type of RFID tag circuit element To to be communicated), it is possible to quickly and easily communicate.

(3-2) Detection by sharing communication parameters between sensor and wireless communication FIG. 27 shows a tag type determination control procedure executed by the control circuit 30 (step S1 in FIG. 15), which is the main part of this modification. It is a flowchart showing an equivalent.

  As shown in FIG. 27, this control procedure detects and acquires a part of communication parameters (protocol information in this example) in steps S12 and S13 shown in FIG. 26 of the modified example (3-1). The rest (access frequency in this example) is detected and acquired in accordance with the control procedure shown in FIG. 20 in the second embodiment (the same procedure is assigned the same step number). .

  That is, first in S11, the detected portion 190 of the cartridge 100 detected by the parameter detection sensor 20 described in the first embodiment (in this case, only the communication protocol information is formed in the identifiers 190A to 190D). In step S12 ′ corresponding to step S12, predetermined processing (including calculation, analysis, extraction, etc. as necessary) is performed based on the detection signal detected in step S11. Thus, after the communication protocol information represented by the identifiers 190A to 190D is acquired, the communication protocol information is stored in the RAM (or via the communication circuit 31 and the communication line 3) in step S13 ′ corresponding to step S13. And stored in the general-purpose computer 6 and further in the route server 4 or the information server 7.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S21 ′ according to step S21, and the access frequency number F = 1 is set as an initial value.

  Subsequent steps S22 to S25 are the same as those in FIG. 20 of the second embodiment, and after setting the value of the “TX_PWR” signal to a relatively large predetermined value, the “Scroll All ID” signal is transmitted, and the accessible range The response signal from the RFID circuit element To is received and taken in, and it is determined whether or not at least one correct ID has been acquired.

  If the access frequency (frequency number F = 1) at this time does not match the access frequency of the RFID circuit element To in the cartridge 100, a good reply signal cannot be obtained, so the determination in step S25 is not satisfied, In step S29, 1 is added to the frequency number F, and the process returns to step S23 via step S30. If a good reply signal cannot be obtained in steps S24 and S25, steps S23 to S30 are repeated while increasing the number F = 1 → 2 →. If a satisfactory reply signal cannot be obtained even if the frequency number is increased to F = 5 and a trial is performed, the determination in step S30 is satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S31 to display the above-mentioned reading failure (error) display.

  If either of F = 1 to 5 matches the access frequency of the RFID tag circuit element To of the cartridge 100, a good reply signal is obtained, the determination of step S25 is satisfied, and the routine proceeds to step S32 'in accordance with step S32.

  In step S32 ', the RFID circuit that has returned the response signal by performing predetermined processing (including calculation, analysis, extraction, etc. as necessary) based on the response signal (reply signal) received in step S24. After acquiring the frequency information of the radio wave used for the wireless communication corresponding to the element To (in other words, corresponding to the cartridge 100), the frequency information is stored in the RAM (or the communication circuit 31 and the step S33 'in accordance with step S33). The information is stored in the terminal 5 or the general-purpose computer 6 and further in the route server 4 or the information server 7 via the communication line 3.

  Since step S34 to step S38 are the same as those shown in FIG.

  In this way, the process up to step S38 is completed, and when the “tag type determination procedure” in step S1 shown in FIG. 15 is completed, the process proceeds to step S2 as described above.

  Also in this modified example, tag attribute parameters and communication parameters of the RFID circuit element To provided in the cartridge 100 can be finally obtained as in the first and second embodiments and the modified examples. Even when a plurality of cartridges 100 having different parameters are appropriately attached to and detached from the cartridge holder part and used, information can be quickly and easily used using the optimum parameters corresponding to the RFID tag circuit element To of each cartridge 100. Communication can be performed. That is, regardless of the type of cartridge 100 (in other words, the type of RFID tag circuit element To to be communicated), it is possible to quickly and easily communicate.

  In the above description, the base tape 101 in which a plurality of RFID tag circuit elements To are sequentially formed in the longitudinal direction is wound around the first roller 102 and used as the RFID tag circuit element storage portion. Absent. That is, instead of the roller 102, a tray member (so-called stack type) that stores a plurality of flat paper-like label materials each formed with one RFID circuit element To in the stacking direction. May be used. In this case, the same effect is obtained.

  Furthermore, in the above, the RFID tag information communication apparatus 2 reads or writes RFID tag information from the IC circuit unit 151 of the RFID circuit element To and identifies the RFID circuit element To by the thermal head 10. However, this printing does not necessarily have to be performed, and only reading or writing of the RFID tag information may be performed.

  It is assumed that the “Scroll All ID signal”, “Erase signal”, “Verify signal”, and “Program signal” used above conform to the Auto-ID specification formulated by EPC global. EPC global is a non-profit corporation established jointly by the International EAN Association, which is an international organization of distribution codes, and the United Code Code Council (UCC), which is an American distribution code organization. Note that signals conforming to other standards may be used as long as they perform the same function.

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

1 is a system configuration diagram showing a wireless tag generation system to which a wireless tag information communication device of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is applied. It is a notional block diagram showing the detailed structure of the RFID tag information communication apparatus shown in FIG. It is a side view showing the detailed structure of the cartridge by this embodiment with which the RFID tag information communication apparatus shown in FIG. 2 was equipped. It is a functional block diagram showing the detailed function of the high frequency circuit shown in FIG. It is a conceptual block diagram showing the detailed structure and function of the sensor shown in FIG. It is a figure which represents typically the positional relationship of a sensor and a to-be-detected part. It is explanatory drawing showing assignment of the parameter in an identifier. It is a figure showing the example of the RFID circuit element of a high sensitivity type and a low sensitivity type, respectively. It is a figure showing the example in the case of using a mechanical switch as a sensor of a detected part. It is a notional block diagram showing the detailed function of the antenna shown in FIG. It is a functional block diagram showing the functional structure of a wireless tag circuit element. It is the top view and bottom view showing an example of the appearance of the formed wireless tag. FIG. 13 is a transverse sectional view taken along the XIII-XIII ′ section in FIG. 12. It is a figure showing an example of the screen displayed on a terminal or a general purpose computer in accessing wireless tag information. 3 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit shown in FIG. 2. It is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of step S1 shown in FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a wireless tag information reading procedure, which is an example of step S2 shown in FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a wireless tag information writing procedure, which is another example of step S2 shown in FIG. In a modification in which communication / tag attribute parameter information is read when the power is turned on, the control flow corresponds to a tag type determination procedure by a control circuit. It is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of the tag classification determination implemented by the control circuit which is the principal part of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart showing the RFID tag information reading procedure performed by the control circuit of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart showing the RFID tag information writing procedure performed by the control circuit of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart showing the tag information reading procedure which the control circuit performs in the modification which re-inquires at the time of access failure. It is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of the redetermination process shown in FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a tag type determination procedure executed by a control circuit in a modification in which an inquiry is automatically made when the power is turned on. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the tag classification determination performed by the control circuit, which is a main part of a modified example in which a communication parameter is detected by a sensor and a tag attribute parameter is detected by wireless communication. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the tag classification determination which a control circuit performs, which is the principal part of the modification which distributes and detects a communication parameter with a sensor and radio | wireless communication.

Explanation of symbols

2 RFID tag information communication device 9 Case 14 Antenna (device side antenna, information access means)
20 sensor (first information detecting means; third information detecting means)
22 Signal processing circuit (access information generating means)
30 Control circuit (transmission control means)
32 Transmitter (information transmission means, information access means; initial confirmation command transmission means; confirmation command transmission means)
33 Receiving section (information receiving means; information re-receiving means; initial information receiving means; confirmation information receiving means)
100 Cartridge 151 IC circuit part 152 Antenna (tag side antenna)
To RFID tag circuit element

Claims (14)

A housing,
A cartridge holder which is provided in the housing and can be attached and detached with a cartridge including a plurality of RFID tag circuit elements having an IC circuit unit for storing predetermined information and a tag side antenna connected to the IC circuit unit for transmitting and receiving information And
Among the plurality of RFID tag circuit elements, a device-side antenna that transmits and receives by radio communication with the tag-side antenna of a specific RFID tag circuit element;
Access information generating means for generating access information for accessing the RFID tag information of the IC circuit unit;
The access information generated by the access information generating means is transmitted to the tag-side antenna through the device-side antenna in a contactless manner, and information transmitting means for accessing the RFID tag information of the IC circuit unit;
RFID tag information communication, comprising: a transmission control unit that controls a transmission mode from the information transmission unit so as to match a tag attribute parameter or a communication parameter of the RFID circuit element provided in the cartridge. apparatus. The wireless tag information communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
First information detecting means for detecting first parameter information formed in the cartridge corresponding to the tag attribute parameter and the communication parameter of the corresponding RFID circuit element;
The wireless tag information communication apparatus, wherein the transmission control unit controls a transmission mode from the information transmission unit based on the first parameter information detected by the first information detection unit. The wireless tag information communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
After transmitting the access information by the information transmitting means, the response signal transmitted from the IC circuit unit according to the transmitted access information is received by the device-side antenna in a non-contact manner via the tag-side antenna, Information receiving means for reading;
Second information detection means for detecting second parameter information related to the tag attribute parameter of the corresponding RFID circuit element based on the response signal read by the information receiving means;
The wireless tag information communication apparatus, wherein the transmission control means controls a transmission mode from the information transmission means based on the second parameter information detected by the second information detection means. The wireless tag information communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
Third information detecting means for detecting third parameter information formed in the cartridge corresponding to the communication parameter of the corresponding RFID circuit element;
Based on the third parameter information detected by the third information detection means, a confirmation command signal for confirming the tag attribute parameter of the RFID circuit element is contactlessly connected to the tag side via the device-side antenna. A confirmation command transmission means for transmitting to the antenna,
Confirmation information reception for receiving and reading the fourth parameter information related to the tag attribute parameter read from the IC circuit unit in response to the confirmation command signal by the device side antenna via the tag side antenna without contact. Means,
The transmission control unit controls a transmission mode from the information transmission unit based on the fourth parameter information read by the confirmation information reception unit and the third parameter information detected by the third information detection unit. A wireless tag information communication apparatus characterized by the above. The wireless tag information communication device according to claim 2 or 4,
The RFID tag information communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first or third information detecting means is means for optically or electrically identifying an identifier formed on the cartridge. The wireless tag information communication device according to claim 2,
A wireless tag information communication apparatus comprising storage means for storing the detected first parameter information. The wireless tag information communication device according to claim 3 or 4,
A wireless tag information communication apparatus comprising storage means for storing the detected second to fourth parameter information. The wireless tag information communication device according to claim 7,
A determination unit for determining whether or not the access to the IC circuit unit has succeeded after the information transmission unit has performed the access in a transmission mode based on the control of the transmission control unit;
If the determination means determines that the access has failed, a reconfirmation command signal for reconfirming the tag attribute parameter or the communication parameter of the RFID circuit element is contactlessly transmitted via the device-side antenna. Reconfirmation command transmission means for transmitting to the tag side antenna;
Fifth parameter information related to the tag attribute parameter or the communication parameter read from the IC circuit unit in response to the reconfirmation command signal is received and read by the device-side antenna via the tag-side antenna in a non-contact manner. Information re-receiving means for performing
An RFID tag information communication apparatus comprising: update control means for updating parameter information in the storage means to the fifth parameter. The wireless tag information communication device according to claim 7 or 8,
An initial confirmation command signal for initially confirming the tag attribute parameter or the communication parameter of the RFID circuit element when the cartridge is replaced or when the power is turned on, is contactlessly transmitted to the tag side antenna via the device side antenna. Initial confirmation command transmission means for transmitting;
Sixth parameter information related to the tag attribute parameter or the communication parameter read from the IC circuit unit in response to the initial confirmation command signal is received and read by the device antenna without contact via the tag antenna. Initial information receiving means for performing
The wireless tag information communication apparatus, wherein the update control means updates parameter information stored in the storage means to the sixth parameter. The wireless tag information communication device according to claim 8 or 9,
The reconfirmation command transmission unit or the initial confirmation command transmission unit generates and transmits the reconfirmation command signal and the initial confirmation command signal based on the communication parameter based on the parameter information stored in the storage unit. A wireless tag information communication apparatus characterized by the above. The wireless tag information communication device according to claim 10,
When a valid signal is not read from the IC circuit unit in response to the reconfirmation command signal or the initial confirmation command signal, the reconfirmation command transmission unit or the initial confirmation command transmission unit is stored in the storage unit. The RFID tag information communication apparatus, wherein the reconfirmation command signal and the initial confirmation command signal are newly generated and transmitted along communication parameters different from the stored communication parameters. The wireless tag information communication device according to any one of claims 6 to 11,
The wireless tag information communication apparatus, wherein the storage means is a nonvolatile storage means. The wireless tag information communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
The tag attribute parameter includes the tag side antenna sensitivity of the corresponding RFID circuit element, the memory capacity of the IC circuit unit, the width of the tape to which the RFID circuit element is attached, and the RFID circuit element arrangement interval on the tape. An RFID tag information communication apparatus comprising at least one of them. The wireless tag information communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
The wireless tag information communication apparatus, wherein the communication parameter includes at least one of a frequency of a radio wave used for the wireless communication and a communication protocol.

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