JP4255975B2 - Wireless communication system and wireless communication method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a wireless communication control device, a wireless communication system, a wireless communication method, and a wireless communication control program.

  The wireless tag system is basically designed on the assumption that there is only one device for reading or writing (hereinafter referred to as a reader / writer) in the same wireless area. For this reason, when a plurality of reader / writers are installed in the same wireless communication area, if a wireless tag (hereinafter referred to as a tag) receives radio waves from a plurality of reader / writers, radio wave interference occurs and the tags cannot operate normally. Also, the reader / writer itself cannot receive good radio communication due to the interference of radio waves from other reader / writers.

  In order to solve these radio wave interference problems, for example, Patent Document 1 adds a function for entering a sleep state when a sleep request / release signal is transmitted to the reader / writer, a sleep signal reception function, and a sleep signal are received. However, interference is prevented by prohibiting the signal transmission of other reader / writers.

Also, in Patent Document 2, interference is prevented by receiving an identification signal from another reader / writer and communicating at a timing that is different from the detected transmission timing based on the received identification signal.
JP 2003-150916 A JP-A-11-102419

  Conventionally, when a plurality of reader / writers are arranged, there is a problem in that it is necessary to newly add a function for preventing interference to the reader / writer, resulting in an increase in cost. Further, since the reader / writer performs control to prevent interference, there is a problem that it is difficult to efficiently read and write the tag data when viewed as the whole RFID tag system. Further, since control is performed to prevent interference in wireless communication between reader / writers, radio wave interference is not actually observed at the place where the tag is located. In this respect as well, there is a problem that the prevention of radio wave interference cannot be controlled efficiently.

  An object of the present invention is to read and write a tag efficiently at a low cost when a plurality of tags and a reader / writer are arranged.

The wireless communication control device of the present invention
A communication unit that communicates with a plurality of reading devices that transmit to one or more wireless tags and read data from the wireless tags;
A storage unit for storing data received from the reader by the communication unit;
A determination unit that determines a combination of readers that can simultaneously transmit to a wireless tag based on data stored in the storage unit;
And a control unit that controls the transmission of each reading device to the wireless tag based on the combination of the reading devices determined to be simultaneously transmitted by the determination unit.

The wireless communication control device further includes:
The apparatus includes a determination command unit that causes the determination unit to determine a combination of readers that can simultaneously transmit when a predetermined time elapses.

The determination instruction unit further includes:
When the installation, removal, and movement of the reader are detected, the determination unit is caused to determine a combination of readers that can transmit simultaneously.

The wireless communication control device further includes:
One or more other wireless communication control devices and an exchange unit for exchanging data stored in the storage unit are provided.

The wireless communication system of the present invention is
One or more first wireless tags;
One or more second wireless tags disposed in the vicinity of the first wireless tag;
A plurality of reading devices that transmit to the first wireless tag and the second wireless tag and read data from the first wireless tag and the second wireless tag;
A wireless communication control device for controlling the reading device,
The wireless communication control device
A communication unit for communicating with the reader;
A storage unit that stores data read from the second wireless tag by the reader, the communication unit receiving from the reader;
A determination unit that determines a combination of the reading devices that can simultaneously transmit to the second wireless tag based on data stored in the storage unit;
And a control unit that controls transmission of each reading device to the first wireless tag based on the combination of the reading devices determined to be simultaneously transmitted by the determination unit.

The wireless communication system includes:
A plurality of the wireless communication control devices are provided,
The wireless communication control device further includes:
One or more other wireless communication control devices and an exchange unit for exchanging data stored in the storage unit are provided.

The second wireless tag is:
A plurality of antennas are arranged near each of the first radio tags (hereinafter referred to as arrangement locations), and the antennas of the second radio tags arranged at the same arrangement location are arranged to face different directions. To do.

The second wireless tag is:
An antenna larger than the antenna included in the first wireless tag is provided.

The second wireless tag is:
A plurality of antennas are provided.

The reader is
The transmission power for transmitting to the second wireless tag is set to be larger than the transmission power for transmitting to the first wireless tag.

The wireless communication control method of the present invention includes:
A plurality of readers transmit to one or more first wireless tags and read data from the first wireless tags;
One or more second wireless tags are disposed in the vicinity of the first wireless tag;
The reading device transmits to the second wireless tag and reads data from the second wireless tag;
The wireless communication control device
Communicate with the reader;
Storing the data received from the reader, the data read by the reader from the second wireless tag;
Determining a combination of the readers that can simultaneously transmit to the second wireless tag based on the stored data;
The transmission of each reading device to the first wireless tag is controlled based on the combination of the reading devices determined to be simultaneously transmitted.

The wireless communication method includes:
A plurality of the wireless communication control devices,
It is characterized by exchanging stored data with one or more other wireless communication control devices.

The wireless communication method includes:
A plurality of the second wireless tags are arranged in the vicinity of each of the first wireless tags (hereinafter referred to as arrangement locations) so that the antennas of the second wireless tags arranged at the same arrangement location face in different directions. It is characterized by being arranged in.

The wireless communication method includes:
The reading device sets transmission power when transmitting to the second wireless tag to be larger than transmission power when transmitting to the first wireless tag.

The wireless communication control program of this invention is
Communication processing for communicating with a plurality of reading devices that transmit to one or more wireless tags and read data from the wireless tags;
A storage process for storing data received from the reader by the communication process;
A determination process for determining a combination of readers that can simultaneously transmit to the wireless tag based on the data stored in the storage process;
According to the present invention, the computer is caused to execute a control process for controlling transmission to the wireless tag of each reading device based on a combination of the reading devices determined to be capable of transmitting the determination processing at the same time.

The wireless communication control program further includes:
When a predetermined time elapses, the computer is caused to execute a determination command process that causes the determination process to determine a combination of readers that can transmit simultaneously.

The determination command processing further includes:
When the installation, removal, and movement of the reading device are sensed, the determination processing determines a combination of reading devices that can transmit simultaneously.

  According to the present invention, when a plurality of tags and a reader / writer are arranged, it is possible to read and write tags efficiently at a low cost.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing the entire system of the present embodiment.

  The system according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of reader / writers 12 (an example of a reading device) and reader / writers A, B, C, and D. The reader / writer 12 transmits a signal to the calibration tag 13 and receives a signal from the calibration tag 13. The receiving operation of the reader / writer 12 is performed simultaneously by all the reader / writers in synchronism with each other, not only the transmitting reader / writer 12. The reader / writer 12 is connected to a host computer 11 (an example of a wireless communication control device). The host computer 11 controls transmission / reception timing of the reader / writer 12 and data read by the reader / writer 12 from the calibration tag 13. Perform an analysis. As long as the host computer 11 and the reader / writer 12 can communicate with each other, the connection method may be either wireless or wired. Each may be connected via one or more networks such as the Internet.

  The reader / writer 12 communicates with a product tag (not shown) in addition to the calibration tag 13. The product tag is a tag attached to a product, and transmits information about the product to the reader / writer 12 when receiving radio waves from the reader / writer 12 or periodically on its own. The product information received by the reader / writer 12 is processed and used by the system of this embodiment or another system.

  Tags A to P are calibration tags 13 and are uniformly installed near the product. The calibration tag 13 has the same physical configuration as that of the product tag in the part related to wireless communication, and is used for calibration. For this reason, it is determined that the tag is a calibration tag based on an ID (identification number) or the like.

  Calibration refers to controlling (calibrating) the transmission of radio waves from the reader / writer 12. For example, in a supermarket or the like, it is possible to calibrate communication between the reader / writer 12 and the product tag by attaching a product tag to each product and attaching the calibration tag 13 to a product shelf, wall, or floor.

  In the present embodiment, the object from which the reader / writer 12 obtains information is a product, but any substance including an organism can be applied as long as a tag can be attached. In the present embodiment, the calibration tag 13 is arranged at a location different from the product, but it can also be mounted on the product or mounted on the same tag as the product tag. When the calibration tag 13 is mounted on the same tag as the product tag, a portion related to wireless communication such as an antenna can be used for both calibration and transmission of product information.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the control in the host computer 11 in the present embodiment.

  The communication unit 24 receives the data of the calibration tag 13 from the reader / writer 12. The reader / writer received data storage unit 22 (an example of a storage unit) is mounted on a volatile memory or a nonvolatile memory and has a function of storing this data. Based on the data stored in the reader / writer received data storage unit 22, the host computer 11 calculates a combination of reader / writers 12 that can be simultaneously transmitted by a reader / writer determination unit 23 capable of simultaneous transmission (an example in which a determination unit and a determination command unit are combined). To do. Based on the calculation result, the reader / writer synchronization control unit 21 (an example of a control unit) controls transmission / reception operations of the plurality of reader / writers 12. At this time, the communication unit 24 transmits a control signal to each reader / writer 12. The reader / writer synchronization control unit 21 and the reader / writer determination unit 23 capable of simultaneous transmission are mounted on a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, or the like.

  Next, the operation of the system according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the operation of the entire system. First, a combination of reader / writers 12 free from the problem of radio wave interference is investigated, and it is determined which reader / writer 12 can simultaneously transmit (simultaneous transmission is possible) (S1). As a result, the reader / writers 12 capable of simultaneous transmission are operated simultaneously, and a normal product tag read / write operation is performed (S2).

  When a certain time has elapsed and reception errors occur frequently, it is assumed that it is necessary to reconfirm the result of the determination made in S1 (determination recheck) (S3), and the determination is made again from the simultaneous transmission determination (S1). Also, if the reader / writer 12 is moved, the determination recheck is necessary (S3), and the determination is made again from the simultaneous transmission determination (S1).

  The operation for simultaneous transmission determination will be described in detail. FIG. 4 shows a flowchart for determining whether simultaneous transmission is possible.

  First, one reader / writer 12 transmits (S11). Reception for this transmission (that is, reception of a signal returned from the reader / writer 12 by the calibration tag 13) is performed by all the reader / writers 12, and each reader / writer 12 receives data of the calibration tag 13. Is read (S12). Repeat until all the reader / writers 12 finish sending (S13). When the transmission by all the reader / writers 12 is completed and the data is collected, the reader / writer 12 capable of simultaneous transmission is determined based on the result (the influence of the mutual radio wave is determined), and the reader / writer 12 capable of simultaneous transmission is determined. Are registered in the list (S14). Although it is possible to make this combination result the final result, in order to further improve accuracy, a confirmation operation is performed next.

  In accordance with the registration list, a plurality of reader / writers 12 transmit simultaneously (S15). Reception for this transmission is performed by all the reader / writers 12 and data from the calibration tag 13 is read (S16). The result obtained in step S12 and the result obtained in step S16 are confirmed, and it is checked whether the reception is normal (S17). At this time, if there is data from the calibration tag 13 that can be received when individually transmitted in the step of S11, but cannot be received when simultaneously transmitted in the step of S15, calibration is performed due to radio wave interference. It is determined that the tag 13 cannot operate normally. Therefore, the reader / writer 12 of this combination determines that it cannot simultaneously transmit and deletes it from the registration list (S18). The same processing is repeated until all combinations in the registration list are confirmed (S19).

  Next, the operation of the system according to the present embodiment will be described using a specific example.

  Assume a situation in which reader / writers A, B, C, and D and tags A to P exist as shown in FIG.

  First, the reader / writer A transmits, and the reader / writers A, B, C, and D simultaneously receive data from the calibration tag 13. The reception result is shown in FIG.

  It can be seen that the reader / writer A has received data from the tags A, B, and C, and the reader / writer B has received the data of the tags C, D, E, and F. Tag C is received by both reader / writers 12. The reader / writers C and D are not receiving anything.

  Next, the reader / writer B transmits, and the reader / writers A, B, C, and D simultaneously receive the data from the calibration tag 13. The reception result is shown in FIG.

  The reader / writer A receives data from the tags A, B, and C, the reader / writer B receives the data of the tags C, D, E, F, G, and H, and the reader / writer C receives the data of the tags G and H. You can see that it was received. Tags C, G, and H are received by a plurality of reader / writers 12. The reader / writer D has not received anything.

  Next, the reader / writer C transmits, and the reader / writers A, B, C, and D simultaneously receive data from the calibration tag 13. The reception result is shown in FIG.

  The reader / writer A receives data from the tag C, the reader / writer B receives the data of the tags C, D, E, F, G, and H, and the reader / writer C receives the tags G, H, I, J, K, and It can be seen that L data has been received. Tags C, G, and H are received by a plurality of reader / writers 12. The reader / writer D has not received anything.

  Finally, the reader / writer D transmits, and the reader / writers A, B, C, and D simultaneously receive data from the calibration tag 13. The reception result is shown in FIG.

  It can be seen that the reader / writer C has received data from the tags I, J, K, and L, and the reader / writer D has received the data of the tags M, N, O, and P. The reader / writers A and B are not receiving anything.

  From these results, it can be seen that the same calibration tag 13 is not operating when the reader / writer A is transmitted and when the reader / writer D is transmitted. It can also be seen that the same calibration tag 13 does not operate when the reader / writer B is transmitted and when the reader / writer D is transmitted. These two combinations (AD, BD) are registered in the list.

  Next, the registration list is confirmed.

  First, the reader / writers A and D are simultaneously sent. The reception result is shown in FIG.

  Since the result of FIG. 9 is equal to the sum of FIG. 5 and FIG. 8, it can be seen that there is no problem even if the reader / writers A and D transmit simultaneously.

  Next, the reader / writers B and D are sent simultaneously. The reception result is shown in FIG.

  Comparing the result of combining FIG. 6 and FIG. 8 with the result of FIG. 10, data from the tag J cannot be received. That is, it can be seen that the radio waves of the reader / writer B and the reader / writer D interfere with each other at the place of the tag J, so that the tag J cannot be operated normally, and the reader / writer B and the reader / writer D cannot simultaneously transmit. Therefore, this combination is deleted from the combination registration list of the reader / writer 12 that can transmit simultaneously.

  As described above, the reader / writer 12 that can simultaneously transmit to each other is determined, and simultaneously transmitted in a combination that does not cause a problem even if transmitted simultaneously, so that the tag data can be efficiently read and written when a plurality of reader / writers 12 are provided. be able to.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the first embodiment, one host computer 11 is connected to all the reader / writers 12, but in the present embodiment, a plurality of host computers 11 are connected to a plurality of reader / writers 12, respectively.

  FIG. 11 is a system configuration diagram when there are two host computers 11. The host computers 11 are connected by a LAN 51 or the like and cooperate with each other to control the reader / writer 12 as a whole system.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the control in the host computer 11 in the present embodiment.

  The communication unit 24 receives the data of the calibration tag 13 from the reader / writer 12. The reader / writer received data storage unit 22 (an example of a storage unit) is mounted on a volatile memory or a nonvolatile memory and has a function of storing this data. The exchange unit 25 transmits data in the reader / writer received data storage unit 22 to another host computer 11 or receives similar data from the other host computer 11. The host computer 11 can simultaneously transmit by the reader / writer determination unit 23 (an example in which the determination unit and the determination command unit are combined) based on the data in the reader / writer received data storage unit 22 and the data received by the exchange unit 25. A combination of various reader / writers 12 is calculated. Based on the calculation result, the reader / writer synchronization control unit 21 (an example of a control unit) controls transmission / reception operations of the plurality of reader / writers 12. At this time, the communication unit 24 transmits a control signal to each reader / writer 12. The reader / writer synchronization control unit 21 and the reader / writer determination unit 23 capable of simultaneous transmission are mounted on a CPU, a memory, or the like.

  Here, the host computer 11 does not calculate the combination of reader / writers 12 capable of simultaneous transmission by the reader / writer determination unit 23 capable of simultaneous transmission, and the exchange unit 25 receives the result calculated by the other host computer 11 and receives it. It is also possible to control the transmission / reception operation of the reader / writer 12 based on the calculated result.

  Other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, since there are a plurality of host computers 11, the processing burden on each host computer 11 is reduced as compared with the case where there is only one host computer 11. In FIG. 11, each reader / writer 12 is connected to one host computer 11, but even if a failure occurs in one host computer 11 by connecting each reader / writer 12 to a plurality of host computers 11, It is also possible to adopt a redundant configuration in which the host computer 11 supplements the processing.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
In the present embodiment, in order to improve the accuracy of the data analysis of the simultaneous transmission determination described above, a plurality of calibration tags 13 are installed at one place, and the directivity of the calibration tag 13 is eliminated or reduced. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the calibration tag 13 is arranged on three surfaces (three axes x, y, and z) orthogonal to each other. By arranging in this way, it is possible to efficiently respond to radio waves coming from various directions. Other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  When the directivity of the calibration tag 13 is eliminated, the reader / writer 12 can obtain data from a wider range of the calibration tag 13. Thereby, the error of the simultaneous transmission possibility determination can be reduced.

  Specific examples are shown below. Here, an example is used in which the calibration tags 13 are uniformly arranged and the reader / writers A and B check whether transmission is possible at the same time. 14 and 15, the calibration tag 13 is a square, and the range in which there is a tag that can react when each of the reader / writers A and B transmits is indicated by a circle. In each figure, (a) shows a normal reaction range (when this embodiment is not applied), and (b) shows a wider reaction range (when this embodiment is applied).

  In FIG. 14A, since there is no calibration tag 13 that reacts to both the reader / writers A and B, it can be determined that the reader / writers A and B can simultaneously transmit. Similarly, in FIG. 14B to which this embodiment is applied, since there is no calibration tag 13 that reacts to both the reader / writers A and B, it can be determined that the reader / writers A and B can simultaneously transmit.

  Next, in FIG. 15A, since there is no calibration tag 13 that reacts to both the reader / writers A and B, it is determined that the reader / writers A and B can simultaneously transmit. However, a portion indicated by an asterisk in the figure (a portion where two circles overlap) is a portion that is affected by the radio waves of both the reader / writers A and B. If a product is placed here, the reader / writer A, If both B send at the same time, the product tag information cannot be read normally. This is because, although the reader / writers A and B are originally not capable of simultaneous transmission, it has been determined that simultaneous transmission is possible depending on the location where the calibration tag 13 is installed. On the other hand, in FIG. 15B to which the present embodiment is applied, since the calibration tag 13 that reacts to both the reader / writers A and B appears, it can be determined that the reader / writers A and B cannot simultaneously transmit.

  In this way, by making the calibration tags 13 in a wide range react, it is possible to reduce errors in determining whether simultaneous transmission is possible due to the arrangement of the calibration tags 13.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
In the present embodiment, the calibration tag 13 having an antenna larger than that of a normal product tag is used in order to improve the accuracy of the data analysis of the simultaneous transmission determination described above. By having a large antenna, the radio wave reception / transmission capability of the calibration tag 13 is increased, and the reader / writer 12 can obtain more data of the calibration tag 13. Therefore, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the simultaneous transmission determination. Other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  When the calibration tag 13 is provided with a large antenna, the reader / writer 12 can obtain data from a wider range of the calibration tag 13. As a result, as described in the third embodiment, it is possible to reduce errors in the simultaneous transmission determination.

Embodiment 5 FIG.
In the present embodiment, the radio wave from the reader / writer 12 is output stronger than normal (when communicating with the product tag) at the time of the simultaneous transmission determination described above (normal output is determined at the time of simultaneous transmission determination and output during normal operation). May be lowered). The reader / writer 12 can obtain more data of the calibration tag 13 and can improve the accuracy of the simultaneous transmission determination. Other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  When the transmission power of the reader / writer 12 is increased, the reader / writer 12 can obtain data from the calibration tag 13 in a wider range. As a result, as described in the third embodiment, it is possible to reduce errors in the simultaneous transmission determination.

Embodiment 6 FIG.
In the present embodiment, after the simultaneous transmission enable determination described above is completed, the calibration tag 13 is prevented from performing a transmission operation during a normal product tag read / write operation. Thereby, since interference of radio waves is reduced, the product tag can be read and written efficiently.

Embodiment 7 FIG.
In the present embodiment, the calibration tag 13 includes a plurality of antennas to eliminate or reduce the directivity of the calibration tag 13 in order to improve the accuracy of the data analysis of the above-described simultaneous transmission determination. For example, the antenna is arranged on three planes (three axes of x, y, and z) orthogonal to each other. By arranging in this way, it is possible to efficiently respond to radio waves coming from various directions. Other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  When the directivity of the calibration tag 13 is eliminated, the reader / writer 12 can obtain data from a wider range of the calibration tag 13. As a result, as described in the third embodiment, it is possible to reduce errors in the simultaneous transmission determination.

In each of the embodiments described above, the host computer 11 can be realized by a computer.
Although not shown, the host computer 11 includes a CPU that executes a program.

For example, the CPU is connected to a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a communication board, a display device, a K / B (keyboard), a mouse, an FDD (Flexible Disk Drive), and a CDD (Compact Disc) via a bus. Drive), magnetic disk device, optical disk device, printer device, scanner device and the like.
The RAM is an example of a volatile memory. ROM, FDD, CDD, magnetic disk device, and optical disk device are examples of nonvolatile memory. These are examples of a storage device or a storage unit.
The data and information handled by the host computer 11 of each of the embodiments described above are stored in a storage device or storage unit, and are recorded and read out by each unit of the host computer 11.

  The communication board is connected to a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as a LAN, the Internet, or ISDN.

The magnetic disk device stores an operating system (OS), a window system, a program group, and a file group (database).
The program group is executed by a CPU, OS, and window system.

  Each part of the host computer 11 may be constituted by a program that can be operated partly or entirely by a computer. Alternatively, it may be realized by firmware stored in the ROM. Alternatively, it may be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of software, hardware, and firmware.

  The program group stores a program that causes the CPU to execute the processing described as “˜unit” in the description of the embodiment. These programs are created by computer languages, such as C language, HTML, SGML, and XML, for example.

  The program is stored in another recording medium such as a magnetic disk device, FD (Flexible Disk), optical disk, CD (compact disk), MD (mini disk), DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), and read by the CPU. And executed.

As described above, the control method described in the first to seventh embodiments is as follows.
A plurality of wireless tag reader / writer devices with a plurality of calibration tags arranged uniformly and connected to the host computer perform transmission and reception under the control of the host computer, and the host computer analyzes the calibration tag data to generate radio waves. It is characterized by reading and writing tags efficiently.

The control method is
One reader / writer transmits the data, and a plurality of other reader / writers including itself receive data from the tag at the same time.

The control method is
When the reader / writer is connected to a plurality of host computers instead of a single host computer, the reader / writer is controlled by communicating between the host computers.

The control method is
It is characterized by eliminating the directivity of the calibration tag and improving the accuracy of data analysis.

The control method is
The calibration tag antenna is enlarged to improve the accuracy of data analysis.

The control method is
It is characterized by controlling the strength of radio waves transmitted by the reader / writer and improving the accuracy of data analysis.

The control method is
After the simultaneous call determination, the calibration tag is silenced during normal operation.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a radio communication system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a host computer in the first embodiment. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of a radio | wireless communications system. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement of simultaneous transmission possibility determination. The table | surface which shows the reception result at the time of reader / writer A separate transmission. The table | surface which shows the reception result at the time of reader / writer B separate transmission. The table | surface which shows the reception result at the time of reader / writer C separate transmission. The table | surface which shows the reception result at the time of reader / writer D separate transmission. The table | surface which shows the reception result at the time of reader / writer A and D simultaneous transmission. The table | surface which shows the reception result at the time of reader / writer B and D simultaneous transmission. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a wireless communication system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a host computer in a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the arrangement of calibration tags in the third embodiment. The conceptual diagram which shows the reaction range of the calibration tag which does not overlap. The conceptual diagram which shows the reaction range of the calibration tag which overlaps.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Host computer, 12 Reader / writer, 13 Calibration tag, 21 Reader / writer synchronous control part, 22 Reader / writer reception data storage part, 23 Simultaneous transmission possible reader / writer determination part, 24 Communication part.

Claims (14)

One or more first wireless tags;
A plurality of second wireless tags uniformly disposed in the vicinity of the one or more first wireless tags and having a transmission / reception capability higher than that of the one or more first wireless tags;
A plurality of reading devices that transmit to the one or more first wireless tags and the plurality of second wireless tags and read data from the one or more first wireless tags and the plurality of second wireless tags; ,
A wireless communication control device for controlling the plurality of reading devices,
Each reader is
In turn, send to the plurality of second wireless tags,
The plurality of reading devices are:
For each transmission by each reading device, read data returned from the plurality of second wireless tags, send the read data to the wireless communication control device,
The wireless communication control device
A communication unit for communicating with the plurality of reading devices;
A storage unit that stores data read from the plurality of second wireless tags by the plurality of reading devices for each transmission by the reading devices received by the communication unit from the plurality of reading devices;
It said storage unit has stored, in the data to which the plurality of reader during outgoing read from the plurality of second wireless tag according to one reader, the plurality when placing by another reader reader of the plurality If the data read from the second wireless tag does not contain any, by determining a with the one reading device and the other reading devices can be simultaneously transmitting on the plurality of second wireless tag A determination unit that identifies a combination of readers that can transmit simultaneously ;
A wireless communication system , comprising: a control unit that causes each of the reading devices included in the combination specified by the determination unit to simultaneously transmit to the one or more first wireless tags. One or more first wireless tags;
A plurality of second wireless tags uniformly disposed in the vicinity of the one or more first wireless tags;
A plurality of reading devices that transmit to the one or more first wireless tags and the plurality of second wireless tags and read data from the one or more first wireless tags and the plurality of second wireless tags; ,
A wireless communication control device for controlling the plurality of reading devices,
Each reader is
Transmitting to the plurality of second wireless tags in order with a transmission power larger than the transmission power when transmitting to the one or more first wireless tags,
The plurality of reading devices are:
For each transmission by each reading device, read data returned from the plurality of second wireless tags, send the read data to the wireless communication control device,
The wireless communication control device
A communication unit for communicating with the plurality of reading devices;
A storage unit that stores data read from the plurality of second wireless tags by the plurality of reading devices for each transmission by the reading devices received by the communication unit from the plurality of reading devices;
It said storage unit has stored, in the data to which the plurality of reader during outgoing read from the plurality of second wireless tag according to one reader, the plurality when placing by another reader reader of the plurality If the data read from the second wireless tag does not contain any, by determining a with the one reading device and the other reading devices can be simultaneously transmitting on the plurality of second wireless tag A determination unit that identifies a combination of readers that can transmit simultaneously ;
A wireless communication system , comprising: a control unit that causes each of the reading devices included in the combination specified by the determination unit to simultaneously transmit to the one or more first wireless tags. The wireless communication system includes:
A plurality of the wireless communication control devices are provided,
The wireless communication control device further includes:
The wireless communication system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises one or more other radio communication control device, an exchange unit for exchanging data the storage unit is stored. The plurality of second wireless tags are:
A plurality of antennas are arranged in the vicinity of each of the one or more first wireless tags (hereinafter referred to as arrangement locations), and the antennas of the second wireless tags arranged at the same arrangement location are arranged to face different directions. The wireless communication system according to claim 1 , wherein the wireless communication system is a wireless communication system. The plurality of second wireless tags are:
The wireless communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of antennas. The wireless communication control device further includes:
6. The wireless communication system according to claim 1, further comprising a determination command unit that causes the determination unit to re-specify a combination of readers that can transmit simultaneously when a predetermined time elapses. The determination instruction unit further includes:
The wireless communication control device according to claim 6, wherein when the installation, removal, and movement of the reader are detected, the determination unit re-specifies a combination of readers that can transmit simultaneously. Each reading device included in the combination specified by the determination unit,
Sending to the plurality of second wireless tags simultaneously with the readers included in the same combination,
The plurality of reading devices are:
At the time of simultaneous transmission by each reading device included in the same combination, read data returned from the plurality of second wireless tags, and transmit the read data to the wireless communication control device,
The storage unit
Storing the data read from the plurality of second wireless tags by the plurality of reading devices at the time of simultaneous transmission by the reading devices included in the same combination received from the plurality of reading devices by the communication unit;
The determination unit
The data read by the plurality of reading devices from the plurality of second wireless tags at the time of simultaneous transmission by the reading devices included in the same combination and stored in the storage unit, by one reading device included in the combination When at least one of the data read from the plurality of second wireless tags by the plurality of reading devices is not included at the time of transmission, each reading device included in the combination transmits to the plurality of second wireless tags at the same time. The wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein it is determined that it is not possible. 9. The wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of second wireless tags are mounted on the same wireless tag as the one or more first wireless tags. In a wireless communication method in which a plurality of reading devices transmit to one or more first wireless tags and read data from the one or more first wireless tags,
A plurality of second wireless tags are uniformly arranged in the vicinity of the one or more first wireless tags, and have a transmission / reception capability higher than that of the one or more first wireless tags,
Each reading device transmits in turn to the plurality of second wireless tags ,
Each of the plurality of reading devices reads data returned from the plurality of second wireless tags for each transmission by each reading device, and transmits the read data.
The wireless communication control device
Communicate with the plurality of readers;
Storing data read from the plurality of second wireless tags by the plurality of reading devices for each transmission by the reading devices received from the plurality of reading devices;
The stored data read from the plurality of second wireless tags by the plurality of reading devices at the time of transmission by one reading device, and the plurality of reading devices by the plurality of second wireless at the time of transmission by another reading device. If none of the data read from the tag is included, the one reading device and the other reading device can simultaneously transmit by determining that the plurality of second wireless tags can transmit simultaneously. Specific reader combinations,
A wireless communication method , wherein each of the reading devices included in the identified combination is caused to transmit simultaneously to the one or more first wireless tags. In a wireless communication method in which a plurality of reading devices transmit to one or more first wireless tags and read data from the one or more first wireless tags,
A plurality of second wireless tags are uniformly disposed in the vicinity of the one or more first wireless tags;
Each reading device transmits to the plurality of second wireless tags in order with transmission power larger than the transmission power when transmitting to the one or more first wireless tags ,
Each of the plurality of reading devices reads data returned from the plurality of second wireless tags for each transmission by each reading device, and transmits the read data.
The wireless communication control device
Communicate with the plurality of readers;
Storing data read from the plurality of second wireless tags by the plurality of reading devices for each transmission by the reading devices received from the plurality of reading devices;
The stored data read from the plurality of second wireless tags by the plurality of reading devices at the time of transmission by one reading device, and the plurality of reading devices by the plurality of second wireless at the time of transmission by another reading device. If none of the data read from the tag is included, the one reading device and the other reading device can simultaneously transmit by determining that the plurality of second wireless tags can transmit simultaneously. Specific reader combinations,
A wireless communication method , wherein each of the reading devices included in the identified combination is caused to transmit simultaneously to the one or more first wireless tags. The wireless communication method includes:
A plurality of the wireless communication control devices,
The wireless communication method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein stored data is exchanged with one or more other wireless communication control devices. The wireless communication method includes:
The plurality of second wireless tags are arranged in the vicinity of each of the one or more first wireless tags (hereinafter referred to as arrangement locations), and the antennas of the second wireless tags arranged at the same arrangement location The wireless communication method according to claim 10, wherein the wireless communication methods are arranged so as to face in different directions. The wireless communication method includes:
Each reading device included in the combination specified by the wireless communication control device transmits to the plurality of second wireless tags simultaneously with the reading device included in the same combination,
The plurality of reading devices read data returned from the plurality of second wireless tags at the time of simultaneous transmission by each reading device included in the same combination, and transmit the read data to the wireless communication control device,
The wireless communication control device is
Storing data read from the plurality of second wireless tags by the plurality of reading devices at the time of simultaneous transmission by the respective reading devices included in the same combination received from the plurality of reading devices;
The stored data read by the plurality of reading devices from the plurality of second wireless tags at the time of simultaneous transmission by the respective reading devices included in the same combination are added to the plurality of data at the time of transmission by one reading device included in the combination. If at least one of the data read from the plurality of second wireless tags is not included in each of the reading devices, it is determined that the reading devices included in the combination cannot simultaneously transmit to the plurality of second wireless tags. The wireless communication method according to claim 10, wherein the wireless communication method is performed.

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