JP4169687B2 - RF tag information management system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a RF tag information management system to the RF tag information terminal equipment components for reading the tag information from the RF tag, in particular, the transmission of each predetermined tag information from a plurality of RF tags that wirelessly transmits If the radio wave can be outputted to the spacing or distance between the other of the RF tag, the RF tag information management system that a component of the RF tag information terminal equipment to read the tag information from any one of said RF tags it relates to.

In recent years, RF tags have been widely used for managing products in stores, warehouses, factories and the like.
The RF tag uses RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) technology, and information in the RF tag (hereinafter referred to as tag information) is read by a reader. Further, there is a device (reader / writer) having a function of writing tag information to an RF tag. Hereinafter, these readers and reader / writers are collectively referred to as information terminal devices for RF tags.
RF tags are classified into contact type (up to several mm), proximity type (up to about 200 mm), proximity type (up to about 1 m), and remote type (more than that), depending on the transmission distance (reach distance) of the transmitted radio waves. .
For RF tags with a short signal transmission distance such as a close contact type, a proximity type, and a proximity type, a batteryless type in which an internal circuit on the tag side is operated by an electromagnetic wave emitted by a reader is often used.
On the other hand, in remote RF tags, it is difficult to drive a tag by electromagnetic induction or the like, and therefore, a battery type in which the RF tag itself incorporates a battery is adopted and tag information is transmitted at a predetermined time interval. It is.
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of a conventional RF tag information management system B using RF tags.
The conventional RF tag information management system B shown in FIG. 13 receives a plurality of RF tags 1 (remote type RF tags) that wirelessly transmit tag information to the remote and the transmission radio waves output from the RF tags 1 respectively. A base station tag reader 2 (RF tag reading base station) that reads the tag information based on the received signal and outputs it externally, and an information processing device that inputs the tag information from the base station tag reader 2 and stores it in a predetermined storage means A certain server 3 is provided.
This RF tag information management system B receives each tag information (in this case, identification information of each RF tag) from the plurality of RF tags 1 attached to each manufactured product, product, etc. in the factory or warehouse, etc. And the server 3 grasps the inventory quantity and the lost state of manufactured products. Here, the base station tag reader 2 cannot detect where the RF tag 1 that is the source of the tag information is located.
Since many such RF tags are used in one system, it is required to simplify the configuration as much as possible in order to save resources and reduce costs, and to provide advanced (expensive) communication functions. Is not preferred. Accordingly, the long-distance type RF tag has only a function of unilaterally outputting a transmission radio wave at its own timing at a predetermined time interval (for example, a random time interval), and performs a handshake with a specific counterpart device, etc. In general, the advanced communication establishment function is not provided.
Here, in the base station tag reader 2, a plurality of transmission radio waves can interfere with each other. However, when a collision (interference) of transmission radio waves from the plurality of RF tags 1 occurs, each RF signal is discarded by discarding the signal or the like. Each tag information is read from the tag 1.
On the other hand, as a conventional information terminal device for an RF tag that reads tag information from a close contact type, proximity type, or near type RF tag, for example, in Patent Document 1, according to a distance to an RF tag from which information is to be read, etc. An information terminal device for an RF tag in which an antenna unit can be exchanged is shown. Further, Patent Document 2 includes an internal antenna built in and an external antenna that can be brought close to an RF tag in a narrow place, and an RFID reader / writer that reads and writes tag data using these in combination. A portable terminal is shown.
JP 2001-101353 A JP 2001-155120 A

By the way, in a factory, a warehouse, etc., it is often desired to select an arbitrary one of a plurality of existing products and to know individual information (for example, the name / type of the product, work history, etc.).
However, since a remote RF tag has a long transmission distance of transmission radio waves, transmission radio waves from a plurality of RF tags can reach the same position in an overlapping manner. For this reason, in the conventional RF tag information management system B described above, even if an operator carries an RF tag reader terminal, transmission radio waves from a plurality of RF tags can reach the RF tag reader terminal. There is a problem that the tag information of any one RF tag selected by the operator cannot be known unless an advanced communication function that enables individual communication with the tag is provided. If you want to know individual information about each manufactured product, you must record visible symbols and numbers, work history information, etc. on the RF tag itself or the record book attached to it, and check it visually. was there. With this, it is not possible to utilize the precious RF tag. Further, the conventional RF tag information terminal devices shown in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 described above do not solve the problems described above.
On the other hand, if an RF tag of close contact type, proximity type, or near type is used, and a system in which transmission radio waves from a plurality of RF tags do not reach one RF tag reader at the same time and at different timings, the RF carried by the worker is carried out. The tag information of the selected RF tag can be read by bringing the tag reader closer to any one RF tag. However, in this case, there is a problem that a receiving base station such as the base station tag reader 2 is installed, and tag information cannot be collected and managed from all RF tags in a predetermined area.
Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the object of the present invention is to collect and manage tag information from all RF tags in a predetermined area. Even if the transmission radio wave arrival area and the transmission radio wave arrival area from another RF tag overlap each other for one RF tag, the RF tag itself has a simple configuration and the one RF tag has a simple configuration. and to provide a R F tag information management system that can be read tag information.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a plurality of RF tags for outputting transmission radio waves each transmitting predetermined tag information to a distance equal to or greater than a mutual interval at predetermined time intervals, and the transmission radio waves from each of the RF tags. An RF tag reading base station that reads the tag information based on the received signal and externally outputs the tag information, and an information processing device that inputs the tag information from the RF tag reading base station and stores it in a predetermined storage means An RF tag information management system comprising a portable RF tag information terminal device that reads the tag information from a specific tag that is any one of the plurality of RF tags. . Further, the RF tag information terminal device covers a part or all of the periphery of the radio reception means for receiving the transmission radio wave from the specific tag and the radio wave reception unit of the radio reception means, and the transmission from the outside Radio wave blocking means for blocking radio wave intrusion and including the specific tag, tag information reading means for reading the tag information based on a signal received by the wireless receiving means, and related information related to the tag information And a tag information transmission means for transmitting the input information by the related information input means to the information processing apparatus together with the tag information read by the tag information reading means. Further, the information processing device receives the tag information and the related information from the RF tag information terminal device, and the received tag is stored in the storage means corresponding to the received tag information. It has a function of storing in the storage means in association with information.
Here, instead of the radio wave blocking means, the RF tag information terminal device radiates in a predetermined range from a support portion that supports the specific tag and the specific tag supported by the support portion. Radio wave reflecting means for reflecting the transmitted radio wave and converging it to the radio wave receiving section of the wireless receiving means may be provided.
According to the present invention, related information of tag information, for example, process progress information of a product or the like to which an arbitrary RF tag is attached (an example of the related information) is input as needed, and the input information is used as tag information. The information processing apparatus (server or the like) can be managed in association with each other.

  Further, it is conceivable that the RF tag information terminal device includes first display means for displaying the tag information read by the tag information reading means.
  In addition, the RF tag information terminal device inputs tag information input means for inputting a part or all of the tag information for recording on the specific tag, and wirelessly inputs information by the tag information input means to the specific tag. It is also conceivable to include an input information wireless transmission means for transmitting.

Further, the RF tag information terminal device includes a related information requesting unit that requests the related information from the information processing device based on the tag information read by the tag information reading unit, and the related information requesting unit. It is conceivable to include reply information receiving means for receiving information returned from the information processing apparatus in response to a request, and second display means for displaying information received by the reply information receiving means. In this case, the information processing device receives the tag information from the RF tag information terminal device, and sends the related information in the storage unit corresponding to the received tag information to the RF tag information terminal device. Has a function to reply.
As a result, when it is desired to confirm the related information (process information or the like) about a product or the like to which a certain RF tag is attached, it can be obtained and confirmed from the information processing apparatus.

According to the present invention, Ru can be radio receiver primarily wireless receiving means to transmit radio waves only or transmit radio waves that from a particular one of the RF tag is received (antenna) (to receive a higher than the other signal strength) the in, as in the case of collecting and managing tag information collectively from all RF tags in the given area, the radio wave transmitted from the transmission radio wave arrival area and other RF tag for any one of the RF tag Even when the arrival area overlaps with the arrival area, the tag information of the one RF tag can be read without causing the problem of overlap of the transmission radio wave arrival area while the RF tag itself has a simple configuration. it can.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings so that the present invention can be understood. The following embodiment is an example embodying the present invention, and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an RF tag information management system Z including the specific tag reader terminal X1 (RF tag information terminal device) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a specific tag reader. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an RF tag whose information is read by the terminal X1, FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a base station tag reader constituting the RF tag information management system Z, and FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration of the specific tag reader terminal X1. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional schematic diagram of the specific tag reader terminal X1, FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional schematic diagram of the specific tag reader terminal X2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an RF tag whose information is read by the specific tag reader terminal X3 according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 8 shows a schematic configuration of the specific tag reader terminal X3. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an RF tag in which information is read and written by a specific tag reader / writer terminal X4 (RF tag information terminal device) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a specific tag reader / writer terminal X4. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an RF tag whose information is read and written by the specific tag reader / writer terminal X5 according to the fifth embodiment of the invention. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the specific tag reader terminal X5, and FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram of a conventional RF tag information management system B.

First, the overall configuration of the RF tag information management system Z including the specific tag reader terminal X1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention as a component will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the RF tag information management system Z receives a plurality of RF tags 1 each outputting a transmission radio wave output for transmitting predetermined tag information to the remote, and transmission radio waves from each of the RF tags 1. A base station tag reader 2 (an example of the RF tag reading base station) that reads tag information based on the received signal and outputs it to the outside, and a predetermined storage device 31 such as a hard disk device by inputting the tag information from the base station tag reader 2 A server 30 that is an example of an information processing device to be stored in (storage means) and one or more specific tag reader terminals X1 (RF tag information terminal devices) that read tag information from any one RF tag 1 As prepared.
Each RF tag 1 is attached to each of a plurality of manufactured products and products existing in factories, warehouses, stores, and the like, and can move together with the manufactured products and the like in a communicable area 4 such as a factory.
Each RF tag 1 transmits predetermined tag information stored in the internal memory by outputting a transmission radio wave. The RF tag 1 is a long-distance type RF tag, and the transmitted radio wave has a power level that reaches the base station tag reader 2 regardless of the location of the RF tag 1 in the communicable area 4. Is output.
Each RF tag 1 can change the distance between each other due to movement, but since it is a long distance type, in many cases, the output radio wave of each RF tag is output to a distance greater than the interval between the radio waves of other RF tags. Can be done. Therefore, even if the position is close to any one RF tag 1 (hereinafter referred to as a specific tag 1) selected by the operator as the one who wants to obtain tag information, there is a transmission radio wave from the specific tag 1 at that position. In addition, transmission radio waves from other RF tags 1 can also reach (the arrival areas of transmission radio waves overlap).
The server 30 includes a CPU and its peripheral devices, a display means such as a liquid crystal display, an input means such as a keyboard and a mouse, a communication interface with the base station tag reader 2 (IEEE802.3-compliant communication interface or USB interface) Etc.), and a general computer (information processing apparatus) such as a personal computer having a so-called wireless LAN interface (IEEE 802.11b compliant interface) for communication with the specific RF tag reader terminal X1.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the RF tag 1.
The RF tag 1 is a conventional general long-distance RF tag shown in FIG. 13, and includes an antenna 11, a signal modulation unit 12, a baseband signal (BB signal) processing unit 13, a memory 14, and the like. , And a power supply unit 15.
The memory 14 is a non-volatile memory such as a flash ROM, and stores tag information (identification information and the like of each RF tag 1) of the RF tag.
The baseband signal processing unit 13 transmits a baseband signal (for a wired transmission system) that transmits tag information stored in the memory 14 at a predetermined time interval (for example, (fixed time ± random fine adjustment time)). Low-frequency information transmission signal) is output to the signal modulator 12.
The signal modulation unit 12 converts (modulates) the baseband signal from the baseband signal processing unit 13 into a high-frequency transmission radio wave of a radio transmission system, amplifies the signal strength, and transmits the signal via the antenna 11. Output radio waves.
The power supply unit 15 is a rechargeable or replaceable battery, and supplies power to each device in the RF tag 1.
As described above, the RF tag 1 outputs a transmission radio wave unilaterally at its own timing, and does not have an advanced communication establishment function such as handshaking with a specific counterpart device.

3 is a general tag reader that is the same as the conventional base station tag reader shown in FIG. 13, and includes an antenna 21, a signal demodulator 22, a baseband signal (BB signal) processor 23, a controller 24, A memory 25, a power supply unit 26, and a communication unit 27 are provided.
The antenna 21 receives a transmission radio wave from each of the RF tags 1 and demodulates the received signal (modulated high frequency signal) into an original baseband signal by the signal demodulator 22.
Further, the baseband signal processing unit 23 extracts and reads tag information included in the demodulated signal (baseband signal).
The control unit 24 comprises a microcomputer and its peripheral devices, etc., receives the tag information read by the baseband signal processing unit 23, controls the communication unit 27, and transmits the tag information to the server 30. (External output).
The memory 25 is a storage unit such as an SRAM, and is used for storing various control parameters referred to by the control unit 24, temporarily storing tag information, and the like.
The communication unit 27 is an interface that performs communication control with the server 30, and includes, for example, an IEEE 802.3-compliant communication interface or a USB interface.
The power supply unit 26 converts AC power input from the outside into DC power, and supplies power to each component device of the base station tag reader 2.

(First embodiment)
The specific tag reader terminal X1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is an information terminal device for RF tag that reads tag information from one RF tag 1 that is arbitrarily selected by an operator carrying the tag reader terminal X1.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the specific tag reader terminal X1.
As shown in FIG. 4, the specific tag reader terminal X1 includes an antenna 51, a signal demodulation unit 52, a baseband signal (BB signal) processing unit 53, a control unit 54, a memory 55, a power supply unit 56, a wireless A LAN interface 57, an operation unit 58, a display unit 59, and a radio wave blocking unit 60 (or 60 ') are provided.
The antenna 51, the signal demodulator 52, and the baseband signal processor 53 are the same as the antenna 21, the signal demodulator 22, and the baseband processor 23 in the base station tag reader 2 described above.
Here, the antenna 51 and the signal demodulator 52 receive transmission radio waves from the RF tag 1, and constitute an example of the wireless receiving means. Also, the baseband signal processing section 53 is for reading by extracting tag information included in the demodulated signal (baseband signal) by the signal demodulator 52, an example of a prior northern grayed information reading means Constitute.
The memory 55 is a storage unit such as an SRAM, and is used for storing various control parameters referred to by the control unit 24, temporarily storing tag information and related information described later.
The wireless LAN interface 57 is an interface that controls wireless communication with the server 30, and is configured by, for example, a communication interface compliant with IEEE802.11b.
The operation unit 58 is information input means such as a sheet key, and the display unit 59 is display means constituted by a liquid crystal panel or the like.
The power source 56 is a rechargeable or replaceable battery, and supplies power to each device in the specific tag reader terminal X1.

Next, the radio wave blocking unit 60 (60 ′), which is a characteristic part of the specific tag reader terminal X1, will be described using the cross-sectional view of FIG.
The radio wave blocking unit 60 (60 ′) (an example of the radio wave blocking unit) is provided outside the device body 50 of the specific tag reader terminal X1, and is around the antenna 51 (an example of the radio wave receiving unit of the wireless receiving unit). In addition to covering all or a part of this, it is possible to block intrusion of transmission radio waves from the outside and include any one RF tag 1. Here, FIG. 5A shows an example of the radio wave blocking unit 60 that covers the entire periphery of the antenna 51, and FIG. 5B shows a part of the periphery of the antenna 51 (in this example, it is substantially omitted). An example of the radio wave blocking unit 60 ′ covering a half range) is shown.
As shown in FIG. 5 (a), the radio wave blocking section 60 is provided with a hinge 60c so that it can be opened and closed. Further, the antenna 51 and one RF tag 1 can be included with the radio wave blocking unit 60 closed. A support member 60a for the RF tag 1 to be included is provided inside the radio wave blocking unit 60, and the RF tag 1 is supported (placed, fitted, etc.) on the support unit 60b formed on the support member 60a. As a result, the RF tag 1 is positioned inside the radio wave blocking unit 60. As the material of the support member 60a, it is conceivable to use a resin material or the like as a material that has little influence on the propagation characteristics of radio waves.
As the material of the radio wave blocking unit 60, a highly conductive material that blocks radio waves (for example, a metal such as copper or aluminum, a conductive plastic, or the like) is used.
Even if it is in the position where the transmission electric wave from the other RF tag 1 reaches by including the arbitrary one RF tag 1 selected by the operator inside the electric wave blocking unit 60, the electric wave since is blocked, the only transmission waves of the antenna one which is contained in 51 RF tag 1 is received, it is possible to read the tag information without causing an overlap problem of transmitting radio coverage area. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide the RF tag 1 with an advanced communication establishment function such as handshaking with a specific counterpart device.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), the radio wave blocking unit 60 ′ has a container shape that includes the antenna 51 and is partially released. The radio wave blocking unit 60 ′ is covered with the RF tag 1 attached to any one management object 90 (manufactured product, product, etc.) selected by the operator, so that the RF tag 1 and the A part (approximately half in the figure) around the antenna 51 is covered with the radio wave blocking unit 60 ', and the remaining part is covered with the management object 90 to which the RF tag 1 is attached. This is because it is easy to accommodate the selected RF tag 1 in the radio wave blocking unit 60 ′ when the management object 90 is made of a material that blocks radio waves such as metal. It is valid.
Such a radio wave blocking unit 60 ′ is also an example of an embodiment of the present invention, and has the same effects as the radio wave blocking unit 60.

The control unit 54 includes a microcomputer and its peripheral devices, and inputs tag information read by the baseband signal processing unit 53, and controls the wireless LAN interface, the operation unit 58, and the display unit 59. I do.
Here, the display unit 59 (an example of the first display unit) displays the tag information read by the baseband signal processing unit 53 under the control of the control unit 54. Thereby, the worker can confirm the tag information of one arbitrary selected RF tag 1 by display.
In addition, the operation unit 58 (an example of the related information input unit) is controlled by the control unit 54, so that related information related to the read tag information (for example, each RF tag 1 is attached). A process of inputting process information (process progress information) relating to processing, assembly, inspection, etc. of the manufactured product, and information related to the planned shipment date) is executed.
The wireless LAN interface 57 (an example of a tag information transmission unit) is controlled by the control unit 54 so that the tag information read by the baseband signal processing unit 53 (tag information reading unit) and the tag information are transmitted. Input information (the related information) by the operation unit 58 (the related information input unit) is transmitted to the external server 30 (information processing apparatus).
On the other hand, the server 30 (information processing device) receives the tag information and the related information from the specific tag reader terminal X1 (RF tag information terminal device), and converts the received related information into the received tag information. It has a function of storing in the storage means 31 in association with the corresponding tag information in the storage means 31 (that is, tag information received via the base station tag reader 2). This function is realized by the server 30 executing a predetermined program by the calculation unit.
An example of the related information stored in the storage means 31 of the server 30 in this way is shown in FIG.
In FIG. 1, TagID (d1), which is identification information of each RF tag 1 acquired from the RF tag 1 via the base station tag reader 2 as tag information, is input as the related information at the specific tag reader terminal X1. The product code d2 (code indicating the type of the product to which the RF tag 1 is attached) acquired from the specific tag reader X1 and the process information d3 of the product are stored in the storage means 31. Here, “1” and “0” in the process information d3 indicate the progress of the three processes (completed process is “1” and incomplete process is “0”). For example, “110” represents a state in which the first step and the second step are “completed” and the third step is “incomplete”.
Accordingly, even if the RF tag 1 is not provided with a function of receiving and storing (writing) the related information, the server 30 can manage the tag information and the related information in association with each other.

Further, the wireless LAN interface 57 transmits a predetermined related information request notification including tag information read by the baseband signal processing unit 53 (tag information reading means) to the server 30 in the past. Processing for requesting the related information transmitted to the server 30 (an example of processing of the related information requesting unit), and reply information including the related information returned from the server 30 (information processing apparatus) in response to the request The process (an example of the process of the reply information receiving means) is executed. Then, the display unit 59 (an example of the second display unit) displays the reply information returned from the server 30 (that is, information including the related information).
That is, the server 30 (information processing device) receives the related information request notification including tag information from the specific tag reader terminal 1 (RF tag information terminal device), and the storage means 31 corresponding to the received tag information. The related information is returned to the specific tag reader terminal 1. This function is realized by the server 30 executing a predetermined program by the calculation unit.
Thus, even if the RF tag 1 does not have a function of storing the related information, the operator can correspond to any one selected RF tag 1 (that is, corresponding to the tag information of the RF tag). Relevant information can be acquired from the server 30 and confirmed by display.
The tag information reading from the RF tag 1, information transmission to the server 30, information acquisition from the server 30, and display processing are executed according to the start operation of each processing input by the operator from the operation unit 58. The

(Second Embodiment)
The specific tag reader terminal X1 reads the tag information of the specific tag by blocking the transmission radio wave from the other RF tag 1 by the radio wave blocking unit 60 (60 ′).
On the other hand, instead of the radio wave blocking unit 60 (60 ′), the antenna 51 (wireless radio) is reflected by reflecting a transmission radio wave radiated from any one RF tag 1 selected by an operator in each direction within a predetermined range. A specific tag reader terminal X2 provided with a radio wave reflection unit 61 (an example of the radio wave reflection unit) that converges on a radio wave reception unit of the reception unit may be considered.
A schematic cross-sectional view of the specific tag reader terminal X2 shown in FIG. 6 represents such a second embodiment.
The specific tag reader terminal X2 according to the present embodiment is provided with the bowl-shaped radio wave reflection part 61 whose cross-sectional shape is approximately half of an ellipse, instead of the radio wave blocking part 60 (60 ′). The inner surface is formed of a member that reflects radio waves. For example, it is conceivable that the radio wave reflection part 61 itself is made of a metal plate, or that a metal foil is attached or a metal film is deposited on the inner surface of a lightweight member such as plastic. It is also conceivable to use a metal net knitted at an interval sufficiently smaller than the wavelength of the transmission radio wave of the RF tag 1.
The antenna 51 is disposed at the position of one of the two focal points of an ellipse whose cross section of the radio wave reflection part 61 forms a part thereof. Further, a support member 61a for the RF tag 1 is provided inside the radio wave reflection portion 61, and any one RF tag 1 is supported (placed) on the support portion 61b formed on the support member 61a. The RF tag 1 is positioned at the other focal point inside the radio wave reflection unit 61. As the material of the support member 61a, it is conceivable to use a resin material or the like as a material having little influence on the propagation characteristics of radio waves.
In addition, the shape of the radio wave reflection portion 61 is not limited to the bowl shape, but may be another shape such as another curved shape, a conical shape, a roof shape, or the like.
As a result, the radio wave radiated in multiple directions converges on the antenna 51 from the RF tag 1 in the support portion 61b, while the other RF tags 1 in one direction converge in one direction. Only the transmitted radio wave will reach.
As a result, the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal received by the antenna 51 is increased. Therefore, the signal demodulator 52 (an example of the first tag information reading unit) performs a known filtering process, so that the target signal can be easily obtained. It is possible to extract (a signal corresponding to a transmission radio wave from the RF tag 1 in the support portion 61b).

(Third embodiment)
The specific tag readers X1 and X2 read tag information from the RF tag by wireless transmission. Hereinafter, a specific tag reader terminal X3 (third embodiment) for reading tag information by wired transmission will be described.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the RF tag 1a from which information is read by the specific tag reader terminal X3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
The RF tag 1a is obtained by adding a connector 16 to the RF tag 1.
That, RF tag 1a includes said memory 1 4 for storing tag information, and the baseband signal processing unit 1 3 for generating the transmission baseband signal for transmitting tag information, for wireless transmission of the transmission baseband signal and the signal modulator 1 2 to signal modulation transmission radio wave, comprising an antenna 1 1 and outputs the transmission wave (far, the RF tag 1 and the same).
Further comprising the connector 16, the connector 1 6, against the specific tag reader terminal X 3, a connector that provides connection and cleavage of the signal output path to wired outputs the transmission baseband No. signal.

On the other hand, FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the specific tag reader terminal X3.
The specific tag reader terminal X3 is wired to the connector 16 of the RF tag 1a (that is, to any one of the RF tags) instead of the antenna 51 and the signal demodulator 52 in the specific tag reader terminals X1 and X2. comprising a signal input connector 6 2 that can be connected and separated paths, the baseband signal inputted from the connector 62 is input to the baseband signal processing section 53. Then, the tag information (extracted) is read more from the baseband signal to the baseband signal processing section 5 3.
As a result, if the operator selects any one of the RF tags 1a and connects the connector 62 of the specific tag reader terminal X3 to the connector 16, the position where the transmission radio wave from the other RF tag 1 arrives. also, the radio wave is the so baseband not the signal processing section 53 is input, it is possible to read the tag information without causing an overlap problem of transmitting radio coverage area.
Further, in the RF tag 1a, it is only necessary to branch and output an existing transmission baseband signal, and it is not necessary to add an advanced communication function. And the configuration is simple.
Similarly to the specific tag reader X1, the specific tag reader X3 reads the tag information from the RF tag 1a, transmits information to the server 30, acquires information from the server 30, and displays the information. Are executed according to the start operation of each process input by the operator.

(Fourth embodiment)
The specific tag readers X1 and X2 only have a function of reading tag information stored in advance in the RF tag 1 by wireless transmission with respect to the RF tag 1, but part or all of the tag information by wireless transmission. A specific tag reader / writer terminal X4 (fourth embodiment) that also has a function of writing "."
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an RF tag 1b in which information is read and written by a specific tag reader / writer terminal X4 (RF tag information terminal) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
RF tag 1b, the relative RF tag 1, as a means to wirelessly receive some or all of the tag information to be stored in a specific tag reader-writer terminal X 4 or al the memory 1 4, received from the antenna 11 The signal demodulator 12a for demodulating the radio signal (here, the antenna 11 is used for both transmission and reception) to the baseband signal is added, and the signal demodulator 12a is further added to the baseband signal processor 13. Is added with a function of extracting tag information from the baseband signal demodulated by the above and storing it in the memory 14 (this is referred to as a baseband signal processing unit 13 '). By using the transmission radio wave for tag information transmission and the reception radio wave for tag information reception as signals of different frequency channels, radio wave interference between transmission and reception can be prevented.

On the other hand, FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the specific tag reader / writer terminal X4.
The specific tag reader / writer terminal X4 sends a part or all of the tag information for recording to the RF tag 1b (input information input by the operation unit 58) to the specific tag reader terminals X1 and X2. As a means for wirelessly transmitting (an example of the input information wireless transmitting means), a function for generating a baseband signal for transmitting tag information input from the operation unit 58 is added to the baseband signal processing unit 53 ( This is referred to as a baseband signal processing unit 53 ′), and a signal modulation unit 52a that modulates the generated baseband signal into a transmission radio wave to the RF tag 1b is added.
Further, the operation unit 58 (an example of the tag information input unit) executes a process of inputting a part or all of the tag information for recording to the RF tag 1b, similarly to the input process of the related information. .
The specific tag reader / writer terminal X4 is provided with the radio wave blocking unit 60 (or 60 ') or the radio wave reflecting unit 61.
With the configuration described above, part or all of the tag information can be written into the RF tag 1b. In this case, even when the tag information is written, a one-to-one signal transmission mode between the RF tag 1b and the specific reader / writer terminal X4 by the radio wave blocking unit 60 (60 ′) or the radio wave reflection unit 61. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the tag information from being erroneously written to the other RF tag 1b by the tag information writing radio wave output from the specific reader / writer terminal X.

Information written to the memory 14 of the RF tag 1b by the specific tag reader / writer X4 is transmitted to the server 30 via the base station tag reader 2 as tag information and stored in the storage means 31. As in the first embodiment, the specific tag reader / writer terminal X4 can read and display on the display unit 59.
Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, if the related information is also handled as a part of the tag information, the wireless interface 57 and the information transmission function to the server 30 by this may be omitted.
However, if the amount of the related information increases, it is necessary to increase the memory capacity of the RF tag 1b, which may be impractical. In such a case, an embodiment in which tag information to be written to the RF tag 1 b is minimized and other related information is transmitted to the server 30 via the wireless LAN interface 57 can be considered.

(Fifth embodiment)
Although the specific tag reader / writer X4 reads and writes tag information by wireless transmission, as in the third embodiment, the specific tag reader / writer X5 (fifth) reads and writes tag information by wired signal transmission. Embodiment) is also conceivable.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an RF tag 1c from / to which information is read / written by the specific tag reader / writer terminal X5 (RF tag information terminal) according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
The RF tag 1c is obtained by removing the signal demodulator 12a from the RF tag 1b and adding a connector 16 '.
The connector 16 ', the connector 16 (FIG. 7), i.e., the baseband signal processing section 13' connector that provides connections and separated wired output signal output path transmission baseband No. signal output by the a connector configured integrally with connector that can be connected and separated wired signal input path against the particular reader-writer X 5. Of course, these connectors may be provided individually.
The transmission baseband signal is externally output via the connector 16 ′, and the reception baseband signal for recording to the memory 14 is externally input. The input received baseband signal is input to the baseband signal processing unit 13 ′ , whereby a part or all of the tag information is extracted and the tag information is recorded (stored) in the memory 14.

On the other hand, FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the specific tag reader / writer terminal X5.
The specific tag reader / writer terminal X5 is connected to the connector 16 ′ of the RF tag 1c (that is, to any one RF tag) instead of the antenna 51 and the signal demodulator 52 in the specific tag reader terminal X4. a wired signal input connection and the cutting are possible wherein the connector passage 62 (FIG. 8), constituting a connector which can be connected and separated wired signal output path integral for any one of the RF tag 1c Connector 62 '. Of course, these connectors may be provided individually.
The baseband signal input from the connector 62 ′ (the baseband signal output from the RF tag 1a) is input to the baseband signal processing unit 53 ′, and the baseband signal processing unit 53 ′ Information is read (extracted).
Further, the baseband processor 53 ', the input information by the operation unit 58 (an example of the tag information input means) the connector 62' and outputs it to the RF tag 1c through.
As a result, as with the specific tag reader terminal X3, tag information can be read without causing a problem of overlapping transmission radio wave arrival areas, and tag information can be written without affecting other RF tags 1c. It can be carried out.
In addition, it is not necessary to add an advanced communication function to the RF tag 1c. On the other hand, in the specific tag reader terminal X5, the wireless receiving means for the RF tag 1c can be omitted, and the configuration becomes simple.

(Other)
The specific tag reader X3 (FIG. 8) and the specific tag reader / writer X5 (FIG. 12) read and write tag information by wired signal transmission of the transmission baseband signal. The tag information may be read and written by a signal branched from the position.
For example, the output signals (signals branched from the transmission signal path) of the signal modulation unit 12 in the RF tags 1a (FIG. 7) and 1c (FIG. 11) are output to the connectors 16 and 16 ′ via the wired signals. A specific tag reader or a specific tag reader / writer for reading tag information can be considered. In this case, the specific tag reader or the specific tag reader / writer is configured such that the specific tag reader X3 or the specific tag reader / writer terminal X5 is provided with the signal demodulator 52 (FIG. 4 or the like), and an input signal from the connectors 62, 62 ′. May be input to the baseband signal processing units 53 and 53 ′ via the signal demodulation unit 52.
Similarly, for writing tag information to the RF tag, the specific tag reader / writer X5 is provided with the signal modulation unit 52a (FIG. 10), and the output signal of the baseband signal processing unit 53 ′ is used as the signal. A device that performs wired output to the connector 62 'via the modulation unit 52a is conceivable. As an RF tag corresponding to this, the signal demodulator 12a (FIG. 9) is provided in the RF tag 1c (FIG. 11), and an input signal from the connector 16 ′ is transmitted to the baseband via the signal demodulator 12a. What is necessary is just to comprise so that it may input into signal processing part 13 '.
Such a configuration is also an example of an embodiment of the present invention.

The present invention is applicable to the RF tag information management system comprising an RF tag information terminal end of reading or writing tag information from the RF tag.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an RF tag information management system Z including a specific tag reader terminal X1 (RF tag information terminal device) according to a first embodiment of the present invention as a component. The block diagram showing schematic structure of the RF tag from which information is read by specific tag reader terminal X1. The block diagram showing the schematic structure of the base station tag reader which comprises RF tag information management system Z. The block diagram showing the schematic structure of the specific tag reader terminal X1. The schematic diagram of the schematic cross section of the specific tag reader terminal X1. The schematic diagram of the schematic cross section of the specific tag reader terminal X2 which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram showing schematic structure of the RF tag from which information is read by the specific tag reader terminal X3 which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram showing the schematic structure of the specific tag reader terminal X3. The block diagram showing schematic structure of the RF tag by which information is read / written by the specific tag reader / writer terminal X4 (information terminal device for RF tag) which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram showing the schematic structure of the specific tag reader / writer terminal X4. The block diagram showing schematic structure of the RF tag by which information is read / written by the specific tag reader / writer terminal X5 which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram showing the schematic structure of specific tag reader terminal X5. The schematic block diagram of the conventional RF tag information management system B.

Explanation of symbols

1, 1a, 1b, 1c ... RF tag 2 ... Base station tag reader (RF tag reading base station)
4. Communication areas 11, 21, 51 ... Antennas 12, 22, 52 ... Signal modulation units 13, 13 ', 23, 53, 53' ... Baseband signal processing units 14, 25, 55 ... Memory 15, 26, 56 ... Power supply units 16, 16 '... Connectors 24, 54 ... Control unit 30 ... Server (information processing apparatus)
31 ... Storage means 50 ... Device main body 58 ... Operation unit 59 ... Display unit 60, 60 '... Radio wave blocking unit 61 ... Radio wave reflection unit X1, X2, X3 ... Specific tag reader terminal (RF tag information terminal)
X4, X5 ... Specific tag reader / writer terminal (RF tag information terminal)

Claims (5)

A plurality of RF tags that output transmission radio waves that transmit predetermined tag information to a distance equal to or greater than a mutual interval at predetermined time intervals , and the tags received based on received signals received from the transmission radio waves from the RF tags. An RF tag information management system comprising: an RF tag reading base station that reads information and outputs it externally; and an information processing device that inputs the tag information from the RF tag reading base station and stores it in a predetermined storage means.
A portable RF tag information terminal device that reads the tag information from a specific tag that is an arbitrary one of the plurality of RF tags;
The information terminal device for RF tag is
Wireless receiving means for receiving the transmission radio wave from the specific tag;
Radio wave blocking means that covers part or all of the periphery of the radio wave receiving unit of the radio receiving means and blocks the intrusion of the transmitted radio wave from the outside and can contain the specific tag;
Tag information reading means for reading the tag information based on a signal received by the wireless receiving means;
Related information input means for inputting related information related to the tag information;
Tag information transmission means for transmitting the input information by the related information input means together with the tag information read by the tag information reading means to the information processing apparatus,
The information processing device receives the tag information and the related information from the RF tag information terminal device, and the received related information is stored in the tag information in the storage unit corresponding to the received tag information. An RF tag information management system having a function of associating and storing in the storage means.   A plurality of RF tags that output transmission radio waves that transmit predetermined tag information to a distance equal to or greater than a mutual interval at predetermined time intervals, and the tags received based on received signals received from the transmission radio waves from the RF tags. An RF tag information management system comprising: an RF tag reading base station that reads information and outputs it externally; and an information processing device that inputs the tag information from the RF tag reading base station and stores it in a predetermined storage means.
  A portable RF tag information terminal device that reads the tag information from a specific tag that is an arbitrary one of the plurality of RF tags;
  The information terminal device for RF tag is
  A support for supporting the specific tag;
  Wireless receiving means for receiving the transmission radio wave from the specific tag;
  Radio wave reflecting means for reflecting the transmission radio wave radiated in each direction within a predetermined range from the specific tag supported by the support part and converging the radio wave receiving part of the radio receiving means;
  Tag information reading means for reading the tag information based on a signal received by the wireless receiving means;
  Related information input means for inputting related information related to the tag information;
  Tag information transmission means for transmitting the input information by the related information input means together with the tag information read by the tag information reading means to the information processing apparatus,
  The information processing device receives the tag information and the related information from the RF tag information terminal device, and the received related information is stored in the tag information in the storage unit corresponding to the received tag information. An RF tag information management system having a function of associating and storing in the storage means. 3. The RF tag information management system according to claim 1, wherein the RF tag information terminal device includes first display means for displaying the tag information read by the tag information reading means. . The information terminal device for RF tag is
  Tag information input means for inputting part or all of the tag information for recording on the specific tag;
  Input information wireless transmission means for wirelessly transmitting input information by the tag information input means to the specific tag;
  The RF tag information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   The information terminal device for RF tag is
  Related information requesting means for requesting the related information to the information processing device based on the tag information read by the tag information reading means;
  Reply information receiving means for receiving information returned from the information processing apparatus in response to a request by the related information requesting means;
  Second display means for displaying information received by the reply information receiving means,
  The information processing apparatus is
  A function of receiving the tag information from the RF tag information terminal device and returning the related information in the storage unit corresponding to the received tag information to the RF tag information terminal device. Item 5. The RF tag information management system according to any one of Items 1 to 4.

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