JP4422516B2 - Wireless tag reader - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a wireless tag reading device that reads identification information stored in a wireless tag from a wireless tag provided in a distribution product by wireless communication.

  For example, it is proposed that a wireless tag, which is an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag, is provided in a distribution item such as a registered mail, and management in the distribution process is performed based on identification information of the wireless tag. . A plurality of such distribution items are accommodated and delivered in a storage box between each base for management, and identification information is read at each base by a wireless tag reader for reading identification information from a wireless tag.

  The wireless tag reader includes, for example, an interrogator having an antenna disposed in a mounting table on which a storage box is mounted, and a computer device that is a host device. In such a case, after placing the storage box on the mounting table, the operator inputs an instruction to start reading the wireless tag to the computer device, for example, by operating a key of the operation unit of the computer device. .

  By the way, it is conceivable that a large amount of storage boxes are delivered at each base, and it is desired to shorten the work time for reading the wireless tag. As described above, when the operator instructs the wireless tag reader to start reading the wireless tag after placing the storage box on the mounting table, the work efficiency for reading the wireless tag from one storage box is increased. It gets worse.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a wireless tag reader capable of improving the working efficiency for reading a wireless tag.

  The present invention provides a radio wave for performing wireless communication with a second wireless tag storing storage box information indicating a storage box storing a distribution object provided with a first wireless tag storing identification information. If it is determined that the information indicated by the received radio wave contains the storage box information when the radio wave that is always output and is responded to the output radio wave is received, the first wireless in the storage box Reading of the identification information of the tag is started.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the wireless tag reader which can improve the working efficiency for reading a wireless tag can be provided.

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

(First embodiment)
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a case where a registered tag 2 (first radio tag), for example, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is pasted on the distribution 1 will be described. To do. In addition, the identification information of the registered tag 2 attached to the distribution item 1 is registered in advance in a server or the like, and the distribution item 1 is based on the identification information on a postal system connected by a network (not shown), for example. Managed. Since the system for managing the identification information is not directly related to the present invention, the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the wireless tag reader 4 that reads the identification information of the registered tag 2 from the storage box 3 that stores the article 1 provided with the registered tag 2. The wireless tag reader 4 includes an interrogator 5 having an antenna unit 5a described later and a host computer 6. In the storage box 3 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, a plurality of articles 1 in which the registered tags 2 are stuck at predetermined positions are stored in two rows in the longitudinal direction of the storage box 3. In addition, on the side surface in the vertical direction with respect to the longitudinal direction of the storage box 3, for example, a tag tag tag 7 (second wireless tag) which is an RFID tag is provided. When the registered tag 2 is read at a relay station or the like that relays the circulated material 1, the storage box 3 is placed on the placing table 8 as indicated by an arrow in the figure. An antenna unit 5 a is arranged in the mounting table 8 in order to read identification information from the registered tag 2. The interrogator 5 is connected to a host computer 6 that is a host device. The antenna portion 5a has a thick rectangular shape, and includes a plurality of loop-shaped antennas therein. In addition, a mark 8 a for placing the storage box 3 at an appropriate position is written at one corner on the placing table 8.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main part configuration of the wireless tag reader 4 and a configuration common to the registered mail tag 2 and the tag tag tag 7.

  The interrogator 5 includes an antenna unit 5 a and an interrogator body 10. The interrogator body 10 transmits information to the interface unit 11 with the host computer 6, a control unit 12 including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM having a buffer for storing information, a registered tag 2 and a vote tag tag 7. A modulation unit 13 that modulates, an output unit 14 that amplifies the modulated radio wave and radiates it from the antenna unit 5a, an antenna switching unit 15 that switches each antenna of the antenna unit 5a that radiates the radio wave at a predetermined pattern and every predetermined time, The amplifier unit 16 amplifies the radio wave received by the antenna unit 5a and the demodulator 17 that demodulates the amplified received radio wave. The predetermined time for switching the antenna of the antenna unit 5a is set so that, for example, the total time when the antenna unit 5 is switched 12 times is read so that the host computer 6 described later reads information stored in the buffer in the control unit 12. Set to be shorter than the set time.

  The configuration common to the registered tag 2 and the tag tag 7 includes a tag antenna 18 formed of a loop coil and the like, and a power generation unit that supplies power to each unit by rectifying and stabilizing the modulated radio wave received by the tag antenna 18 19, a demodulator 21 that demodulates the modulated radio wave and sends it to the controller 20, a modulator 22 that modulates the information sent from the controller 20 and sends it to the tag antenna 18, and the information demodulated by the demodulator 21 When the command is a predetermined command, the information is stored in the storage unit 23 and read out and sent to the modulation unit 22. The control unit 20 and the LSI chip 24 including the storage unit 23 are configured.

  The storage unit 23 is configured by, for example, an electrically rewritable PROM. The registered tag 2 and the vote tag tag 7 are distinguished from each other by making the data areas of the storage unit 23 different. Identification information that is a unique identification ID number is stored in the storage unit 23 of the registered mail tag 2. In the tag tag tag storage unit 23, storage box information indicating the storage box 3 is stored.

  Next, the configuration of the host computer 6 will be described. The host computer 6 includes a CPU 25 as a control unit main body, a ROM 26 storing various information and control programs, a RAM 27 used as a work area, an interface unit 28 connected to the interrogator 5, a keyboard, and the like. An operation unit 29 for performing operations, a display unit 30 for displaying information necessary for the operator, an HDD (hard disk drive) unit 31 for storing various information, and the like are provided. The HDD unit 31 stores storage box information indicating the storage box 3. In this storage box information, for example, one piece of identification information indicating that it is the storage box 3 is set in the postal system, and the identification information is stored in the HDD unit 31 as storage box information.

  With this configuration, the interrogator 5 modulates a predetermined read command into a radio wave and transmits it from the antenna unit 5a under the control of the host computer 6 connected to the interface unit 11. On the other hand, when the registered tag 2 and the tag tag tag 7 receive radio waves with the tag antenna 18, power is supplied to each unit from the power generation unit 19 and the control unit 20 operates to read the information stored in the storage unit 23. It is done. And after the information memorize | stored in the memory | storage part 23 is modulated by the modulation | alteration part 22 in the form suitable for radio | wireless transmission, it transmits as a radio wave from the tag antenna 18. FIG. The interrogator 5 receives this radio wave via the antenna unit 5 a and stores it in a buffer in the control unit 12. Information stored in the buffer in the control unit 12 is transmitted to the host computer 6 based on an instruction given every preset time (for example, 100 milliseconds) from the host computer 6. It is like that.

  Next, control when the RFID tag reader 4 starts reading the identification information of the registered tag 2 in the storage box 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a reading start process executed by the CPU 25. When a power source (not shown) is turned on to the interrogator 5 and the host computer 6, this processing is started.

  First, the CPU 25 places the interrogator 5 in a standby state. In the standby state, the interrogator 5 always outputs a reading command for reading the identification information from the radio tag such as the registered tag 2 and the tag tag tag 7 from the nearest antenna to the position of the mark 8a of the mounting table 8. Yes. (ST1, output means). Subsequently, the CPU 25 monitors the buffer in the control unit 12 of the interrogator 5, and determines whether or not the radio wave responded to the read command is received in the buffer (ST2, reception determination means). If NO in this determination, the process returns to step ST1 to continue the standby state. If YES, the information stored in the buffer in the control unit 12 of the interrogator 5 is read (ST3). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the read information includes storage box information (ST4, storage box information determination means). This determination is made, for example, by detecting whether the information that matches the storage box information stored in the HDD unit 31 is included in the read information. If it is determined that the storage box information is not included, the process returns to step ST1 to continue the standby state. If it is determined that the storage box information is included, the interrogator 5 is instructed to start reading the identification information of the registered tag 2. (ST5, reading start control means). In response to the instruction, the interrogator 5 switches the antenna of the antenna unit 5a based on a predetermined pattern and reads the identification information of the registered tag 2 in the storage box 3.

  Next, the processing of the CPU 25 after starting the reading of the identification information of the registered tag 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the CPU 25 determines whether or not a preset time set in advance for reading the information stored in the buffer in the control unit 12 of the interrogator 5 has passed (ST11). If it is determined that this time has elapsed, the information stored in the buffer of the control unit 12 of the interrogator 5 is read (ST12). Subsequently, the CPU 25 determines whether or not the storage box information is included in the read information (ST13). If it is determined that the storage box information is included, the process returns to step ST11, and the stored information is read from the buffer of the control unit 12 of the interrogator 5 after the set time has elapsed. In step ST13, if the CPU 25 determines that the storage box information is not included, the CPU 25 instructs the interrogator 5 to start reading the identification information of the registered tag 2 (ST14).

  Hereinafter, an operation when the registered tag 2 is read from the storage box 3 provided with the vote tag tag 7 by the wireless tag reader 4 will be described. When reading the identification information from the registered tag 2 affixed to the circulated material 1 accommodated in the storage box 3, the operator makes the side of the storage box 3 on which the tag tag tag 7 is provided be near the mark 8a. The accommodation box 3 is mounted on the mounting table 8. Since the antenna nearest to the mark 8a of the antenna unit 5a arranged in the mounting table 8 always outputs a read command, the registered tag 2 and the vote tag tag 7 respond to the read command, and each storage unit The information stored in 23 is output. Information output from the registered tag 2 and the vote tag tag 7 is stored in a buffer in the control unit 12 of the interrogator 5 via an antenna or the like. Information stored in the buffer in the control unit 12 is transmitted to the host computer 6 based on an instruction from the host computer 6. When the host computer 6 determines that the storage box information is included in the transmitted information, the host computer 6 recognizes that the storage box 3 has been placed on the placement table 8, and stores the registered tag in the interrogator 5. 2 starts reading of the identification information. The interrogator 5 that has received this instruction switches the antenna switching unit 15 based on the pattern, and reads the identification information stored in the registered tag 2 in the storage box 3. The host computer 6 reads the information stored in the buffer in the control unit 12 of the interrogator 5 every time the set time elapses.

  When the worker is informed that reading of the identification information of the registered mail tag 2 is completed by a buzzer sound or a display on the display unit 30 of the host computer 6, the storage box 3 is moved from the mounting table 8. . The completion of reading is performed by, for example, storing information related to the number of circulations 1 in the container 3 in advance in the tag tag 7 and identifying the registered tags 2 as many as the number indicated by the information. It is judged when reading is performed, and it is configured to be notified based on the judgment. When the storage box 3 is moved from the mounting table 8 by the operator, the host computer 6 does not include the storage box information in the information read from the interrogator 5 for the first time. Instruct the device 5 to end reading. Thereby, the reading of the identification information of the registered tag 2 in the storage box 3 is completed, and the interrogator 5 is again in a standby state.

  As described above, when the storage box 3 is placed by the operator so that the vote tag tag 7 is positioned in the vicinity of the mark 8a of the placement base 8, the registered RFID in the storage box 3 is automatically registered. Since the reading of the identification information of the tag 2 is started, the work efficiency can be improved and the time until the registered tag 2 can be read can be shortened.

  Further, since the RFID tag reader 4 can automatically finish reading the identification information of the registered tag 2 when the storage box 3 is moved from the mounting table 8, the burden on the operator is reduced and the work efficiency is improved. be able to.

  Further, the wireless tag reader 4 reads the identification information stored in the registered tag 2 only while recognizing the storage box information stored in the vote tag tag 7, and the registered tag 2 is accidentally attached. When the distribution item 1 or the like is placed in the vicinity of the mounting table 8, the container box information cannot be read from the vote tag tag 7, so that the identification information of the registered mail tag 2 is not read. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the identification information of the registered tag 2 not stored in the storage box 3 from being read erroneously.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part same as 1st Embodiment mentioned above, and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.
First, a configuration different from the first embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, an arrangement tag (third wireless tag) 32 is provided on the side opposite to the side on which the vote tag tag 7 is provided. In addition, the vote tag tag 7 and the placement tag 32 are provided so as to be positioned on a substantially diagonal line of the storage box 3. The arrangement tag 32 has the same configuration as the registered tag 2 and the tag tag tag 7 described with reference to FIG. 3, but the storage unit 23 has a configuration opposite to the surface on which the tag tag tag 7 is provided. Opposite surface arrangement information indicating that it is provided on the surface is stored. In the second embodiment, the storage box 3 provided with the vote tag tag 7 and the placement tag 32 is mounted on the mounting table 8, and the identification information of the registered tag 2 in the storage box 3 is read.

  Next, the control for starting the reading of the identification information of the registered tag 2 in the storage box 3 by the wireless tag reader 4 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, after making a determination of YES in step ST <b> 4 described with reference to FIG. 4, before giving an instruction to start reading in step ST <b> 5, read from the buffer in the control unit 12 of the interrogator 5. Step ST6 for determining whether or not the information includes the opposite surface arrangement information is provided (opposite surface arrangement information determination means). When it is determined that the opposite surface arrangement information is not included, the process returns to the standby state of step ST1, and when it is determined that the opposite surface arrangement information is included, a reading start instruction is issued.

  According to the wireless tag reader 4 configured as described above, the tag tag 7 disposed on the side surface in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing box 3 and the placement tag 32 disposed on the opposite surface are not recognized. Reading of the identification information of the registered mail tag 2 in the box 3 is not started. Therefore, the wireless tag reader 4 can start reading the identification information of the registered tag 2 after the longitudinal direction of the storage box 3 is accurately placed at a position corresponding to the antenna portion 5a. In addition, since the tag tag tag 7 and the arrangement tag 32 are provided so as to be positioned on a substantially diagonal line of the storage box 3, the wireless tag reader 4 has the short direction of the storage box 3 corresponding to the antenna unit 5a. After being correctly placed at the position, reading of the identification information of the registered tag 2 can be started. That is, reading of the identification information can be started after the storage box 3 is placed at a position where the identification information of the registered tag 2 can be accurately read by the antenna unit 5a (in the reading area of the antenna unit 5a). Therefore, for example, the registered tag 2 that cannot read the identification information that occurs when the longitudinal direction of the antenna unit 5a and the longitudinal direction of the storage box 3 are placed orthogonally can be prevented.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage, and a plurality of components disclosed in the above-described embodiment. Various inventions can be modified by appropriately combining the components.

The figure which shows the distribution thing by which the registered mail tag in the 1st Embodiment of this invention was affixed. The figure which shows schematically the structure of the radio | wireless tag reader which reads the identification information memorize | stored in the registered mail tag from the storage box in the embodiment. The block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the radio | wireless tag reader in the same embodiment, and the structure common to a registered mail tag and a tag tag tag. 6 is a flowchart showing a reading start process in the embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing a registered tag reading process in the embodiment. The figure which shows the storage box which provided the arrangement | positioning tag in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart showing a reading start process in the embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Distribution thing, 2 ... Registered tag, 3 ... Storage box, 4 ... Wireless tag reader, 5 ... Interrogator, 6 ... Host computer, 7 ... Vote tag tag, 8 ... Mounting table, 5a ... Antenna part, 12 ... Control unit, 25 ... CPU, 26 ... ROM, 32 ... Arrangement tag

Claims (2)

A wireless tag reader that performs wireless communication with a wireless tag in a storage box that houses a product provided with a first wireless tag that stores identification information, and reads the identification information of the first wireless tag in the storage box In
An output means for constantly outputting radio waves for wireless communication with a second wireless tag provided in the storage box and storing storage box information indicating the storage box;
Reception determination means for determining whether or not a radio wave responded to the radio wave output by the output means has been received;
A storage box information determination means for determining whether or not the storage box information is included in the information indicated by the received radio wave when it is determined that the reception determination means has received;
If the storage box information determination unit determines that the storage box information is included, the storage box information determination unit includes a reading start control unit that starts reading the identification information of the first wireless tag in the storage box. A wireless tag reader. Wireless communication is performed with a wireless tag in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped storage box that accommodates a distribution article provided with a first wireless tag that stores identification information, and the identification information of the first wireless tag in the storage box is read. In the wireless tag reader,
Provided on the side of the storage box opposite to the side where the second wireless tag storing the storage box information indicating the storage box and the second wireless tag of the storage box are provided. Output means for constantly outputting radio waves for wireless communication with the third wireless tag storing the opposite surface arrangement information indicating that the opposite surface arrangement information is provided on the opposite surface;
Reception determination means for determining whether or not a radio wave responded to the radio wave output by the output means has been received;
A storage box information determination means for determining whether or not the storage box information is included in the information indicated by the received radio wave when it is determined that the reception determination means has received;
When it is determined that the reception determination means has received, the opposite surface arrangement information determination means for determining whether or not the opposite surface arrangement information is included in the information indicated by the received radio wave,
If it is determined that the storage box information is included in the storage box information determination unit and the opposite surface arrangement information determination unit determines that the opposite surface arrangement information is included, A wireless tag reading apparatus comprising: a reading start control unit that starts reading identification information of one wireless tag.

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