JP4978450B2 - Article position management system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an article position management system in which a visible light communication device receives an optical signal transmitted from a visible light communication tag attached to an article and grasps the position of the article.

Assuming a system that grasps the position (location) of a plurality of articles in a space, for example, an RFID tag is attached to each article, and one or more antennas are arranged in the space to read a tag reader. Can read the data. However, in the case of radio signals, the range of signal reading by the antenna is widened, so it is difficult to specify the position of each article.
In addition, when multiple jewels with a small product size are arranged and displayed in the product case, assuming that the same system is applied, the overall scale becomes smaller, so a smaller reading antenna can be read. It is necessary to arrange them at a high density as much as the number of tags, which makes the system complicated and more difficult to implement.

For example, in Patent Document 1, a number of antenna coils are arranged in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, and the RFID tag is scanned by shifting the time with the X-axis antenna and the Y-axis antenna. A system capable of grasping the position is disclosed. However, also in this case, it is necessary to dispose the antenna over the entire reading surface of the tag, and it is inevitable that the system configuration becomes complicated.
In addition, in order to grasp the position of a baggage placed on the floor in a wide range, for example, using an active RFID tag, radio waves emitted by three base stations are received, and the difference between the received strengths is measured. Although it is conceivable to specify the position based on this, sufficient position accuracy cannot be obtained.

Patent Document 2 includes an LED illumination having a function of transmitting an ID signal by optical communication on the ceiling, and a photosensor that receives an ID signal transmitted by optical communication from an ID communication device carried by a person or a robot. A system is disclosed that locates and grasps a person who has passed under the lighting.
Further, Patent Document 3 uses an RFID tag with an optical communication function, and when a tag having a specific ID is recognized by wireless communication, a function that emits an LED to notify the user, and is positioned in the vicinity by directional optical communication. A package management device that communicates with a single tag is disclosed.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-336071 JP 2005-061934 A JP 2006-206262 A

  However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, it can be understood that a person or a robot has passed under a specific illumination position, but a plurality of ID communication devices and tags are located under one illumination. In addition, each of these positions cannot be determined individually and cannot be applied to a system that manages a plurality of article positions. Further, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 3 is basically assumed to communicate with one tag, and therefore cannot be applied to a system that manages a plurality of article positions.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an article position management system capable of individually grasping the position of an article arranged in a predetermined space with high accuracy.

According to the article position management system of claim 1, when the visible light communication tag transmits the identification number and the attribute data stored in the storage means by the optical communication means, the visible light communication device is two-dimensional. Based on the signal information received by the image sensor, image data for displaying the position of the visible light communication tag superimposed on the image captured by the image sensor is generated. Further, the modulated signal transmitted by the visible light communication tag is demodulated from the signal received by the image sensor, and the position of each visible light communication tag in the image data is assigned a corresponding identification number based on the demodulated signal. Display on the display means.
Therefore, when a plurality of articles are arranged, the visible light communication device displays their two-dimensional positions together with an identification number based on the optical signal transmitted by the visible light communication tag attached to each article. Since the information is displayed on the means, the position of the article corresponding to each identification number can be easily grasped.
Further, the visible light communication tag is provided with a radio wave communication means for performing communication using a radio wave signal, and the visible light communication tag transmits the identification number and the attribute data even using the radio wave communication means. Further, the controller in communication with the radio communication device and a visible light communication device, the information association unit, the identification number and attribute data transmitted using the radio wave communication means from the visible light communication tag during arrival of the article, the After the arrival, the identification number transmitted using the optical communication means is linked. Then, the information writing means writes at least a part of the date and place where the identification number is received by the radio wave communication device, and the date and place where the identification number is received by the optical communication means of the visible light communication device, into its own storage means. To remember.
Therefore, when the article arrives, the information linking means confirms whether the visible light communication tag-article grasped by the controller via the radio communication device has been carried into a temporary storage place such as a warehouse. be able to. Further, the information writing means writes information such as date and place received from the visible light communication tag in the storage means, so that, for example, the arrival information can be managed on the controller side.

  According to the article position management system of claim 2, the visible light communication tag transmits the identification number when receiving the identification number reply command transmitted from the visible light communication device. By performing transmission at the timing when there is power consumption, it is possible to suppress power consumption.

  According to the article position management system according to claim 3, since the convex lens is arranged on the front surface of the image sensor in the visible light communication device, even when a plurality of article-visible light communication tags are distributed over a wide range, You can capture their position.

  According to the article position management system according to claim 4, the visible light communication tag allows the optical communication means to emit an optical signal in all directions and to receive an optical signal from all directions. Therefore, optical communication with a visible light communication device can be performed over a wide range. Here, “omnidirectional” means at least an orientation that covers the hemisphere with reference to the ground plane of the photoelectric element.

  According to the article position management system of the fifth aspect, since the visible light communication tag includes a plurality of photoelectric elements, it is possible to increase the optical signal intensity and extend the communication distance. Alternatively, optical communication can be reliably performed even when the surrounding brightness is stronger.

  According to the article position management system of the sixth aspect, since the visible light communication device includes the photoelectric element capable of emitting an optical signal in all directions in the optical communication means, optical communication with the visible light communication tag is performed. Can be done in a wide range.

  According to the article position management system of the seventh aspect, since the visible light communication device includes a plurality of photoelectric elements, the communication distance can be increased by increasing the optical signal intensity. Alternatively, optical communication can be reliably performed even when the surrounding brightness is stronger.

According to the article position management system of the eighth aspect, since the visible light communication tag includes the battery in the power source, the power source can be stably supplied and operated.
According to the article position management system according to claim 9, since the visible light communication tag includes a photovoltaic device as a power source, for example, when light from illumination is irradiated on a room where the article is arranged, It can operate with the electric power generated by the photovoltaic element.

  According to the article position management system according to claim 10, the visible light communication tag is configured such that the power generation means generates power based on the radio wave signal received via the antenna, and the antenna is disposed below the article. The radio wave signal transmitted from the transmitting antenna is received. Therefore, the visible light communication tag can operate by receiving power supply generated by the radio signal.

  According to the article position management system of the eleventh aspect, since the optical information recording medium is affixed to the surface of the visible light communication tag, the information held by the visible light communication tag can be stored in the recording medium. For example, information can be read by using an optical information reading unit as necessary.

  According to the article position management system of the twelfth aspect, the visible light communication device can read information recorded on the optical information recording medium affixed to the surface of the visible light communication tag by including the reading unit. it can.

  According to the article position management system according to claim 13, the host combines the images obtained from the image sensors of the plurality of visible light communication devices, and corrects the position of each article in the image based on the corresponding identification number. Then, since the display is made on its own display means, even when the articles are distributed over a wider range, their two-dimensional positions can be displayed as a single image.

According to claim 1 4 article position management system according, or visible light communication tag, the switching command is transmitted from the visible light communication device, communication is performed using any of the optical communication means and radio communication means Since switching is performed, the visible light communication device side can control which communication means is used for communication.

According to claim 1 5 article position management system according, visible light communication tag, the power, so also supplied to any of the configuration of an optical communication means side of the structure and radio wave communication means side, a common power supply Any communication means can be operated by the supplied electric power.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment when the present invention is applied to a system (article position management system) for grasping the position (location) of a load placed on the floor will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the entire system. For example, a plurality of packages (articles) 1 are appropriately arranged on the floor of a warehouse or the like, and a visible light communication tag 2 is affixed to the upper surface of each package 1 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The visible light communication tag 2 has an optical communication function using visible light, and transmits the held data to the visible light communication device 3 arranged on the ceiling.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the internal configuration of the visible light communication tag 2. The visible light communication tag 2 includes a power source (battery) 4, a CPU 5, a memory (storage means) 6, a transmitter 7, an LED (optical communication means, photoelectric element) 8, and the like. The memory 6 stores a unique identification number (ID information), attribute data indicating the type of the package 1, and the like. The LED 8 is omnidirectional and can irradiate an optical signal in all directions (at least the direction covering the hemisphere with the ground plane of the LED 8 as a reference).

  FIG. 3 schematically illustrates the principle of visible light communication together with the visible light communication device 3. The CPU 5 of the visible light communication tag 2 modulates the optical signal by the modulation circuit 7a in the transmitter 7 according to the data read from the memory 6, and transmits visible light from the LED 8 through the drive circuit (amplifier) 7b. Transmit optical signal intermittently. When the visible light communication device 3 receives the transmitted optical signal by the photoelectric element-two-dimensional image sensor (area sensor) 9, the visible light communication device 3 supplies the demodulated circuit 11 via the amplifier circuit 10 and demodulates it to obtain received data.

  FIG. 4 shows a state in which the visible light communication device 3 receives the optical signals transmitted by the plurality of visible light communication tags 2A and 2B in a more specific image. The visible light communication device 3 forms an image of the optical signal received through the light receiving lens (convex lens) 12 on the two-dimensional image sensor 9, and the visible light communication tags 2A and 2B are attached. The position of the light transmitted by the visible light communication tags 2A and 2B according to the two-dimensional position of the luggage 1 (A and B) is projected onto the two-dimensional image sensor 9. That is, in principle, it is the same as the imaging performed by the digital camera, and images such as the luggage 1A, 1B placed on the floor and the tags 2A, 2B are captured with the image shown in FIG.

  In addition, the visible light communication device 3 includes a transmitter 13 and an LED 14 for transmitting an optical signal in the same manner as the tag 2, but these are not used in this embodiment. Further, the visible light communication device 3 includes a display (display means) 15, and the display 15 is installed at a position where a human can visually recognize (for example, the space shown in FIG. 1-the outer wall of a warehouse, etc.). An image as shown in FIG. 5 can be displayed on the display 15.

  Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of processing performed between the visible light communication tag 2 and the visible light communication device 3, and shows the processing of both. The visible light communication tag 2 intermittently transmits an optical signal modulated with the data held in the memory 6 (step S1), and the visible light communication device 3 uses the two-dimensional image sensor 9 to display the entire panoramic image below. At the same time, the modulated signal transmitted by the tag 2 is received (step S2). At this time, in order to record the temporal change of the optical signal, the received signal is sequentially stored in the memory in time series.

  Subsequently, when receiving the optical signal, the visible light communication device 3 extracts and demodulates the signal portion transmitted by the visible light communication tag 2 with modulation, and acquires the identification number of the tag 2 (step S3). . Then, image processing is performed so as to superimpose the acquired position of each tag 2 on the panoramic image captured in step S2 (image processing means), and an identification number corresponding to the position of each tag 2 is attached (FIG. 5). As shown, it is displayed on the display 15 (step S4).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the visible light communication tag 2 transmits the identification number stored in the memory 6 and the attribute data of the package 1 by the LED 8, the visible light communication device 3 is two-dimensional. Based on the signal information received by the image sensor 9, image data for displaying the position of the visible light communication tag 2 superimposed on the image captured by the image sensor 9 is generated. Further, the modulated signal transmitted by the visible light communication tag 2 is demodulated from the received optical signal, and the position of each visible light communication tag 2 in the image data is displayed with a corresponding identification number based on the demodulated signal. It was made to display on the vessel 15. Therefore, even when a plurality of packages 1 are arranged in a warehouse or the like, the position of the package 1 corresponding to each identification number can be easily grasped by referring to the display on the display 15.

Moreover, since the visible light communication tag 2 and the visible light communication device 3 include the LEDs 8 that can emit optical signals in all directions, they can perform optical communication over a wide range. And since the visible light communication apparatus 3 arrange | positions the convex lens 12 in the front surface of the image sensor 9, even when the several luggage 1-visible light communication tags 2 are distributed in the wide range, those positions can be caught. it can.
Furthermore, since the visible light communication tag 2 includes a battery as the power source 4, it can be operated by stably supplying power.

(Second embodiment)
7 to 9 show a second embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, different parts will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, the visible light communication tag 21 of the second embodiment also has an optical signal receiving function. That is, the signal received by the photoelectric element 22 such as a phototransistor is demodulated by the receiver 23, and the demodulated data is given to the CPU 24. The photoelectric element 22 has no directivity with respect to the reception characteristic of the optical signal, and can receive the optical signal in all directions (at least the direction covering the hemisphere with the ground plane of the electric element 22 as a reference).

In FIG. 8, after obtaining the identification numbers of the visible light communication tags 21A and 21B as in the first embodiment, the visible light communication device 3 uses the same command (identification number reply command) to the tags 21A and 21B. This shows the case where data is transmitted simultaneously. FIG. 9 shows a case where the visible light communication device 3 (a) selects the tag 21A and transmits data, and (b) selects the tag 21B and transmits data.
That is, in the case shown in FIG. 8, the data is transmitted without specifying the identification numbers of the tags 21A and 21B, and the transmitted data is simultaneously acquired by the tags 21A and 21B. In this case, on the tag 21 side, the data may be written and stored in the memory 6 as necessary.

In the case shown in FIG. 9A, data is transmitted by designating the identification number of the tag 21A, and the tag 21A recognizes that it is transmission data addressed to itself and acquires the transmitted data. The transmission data is also received by the tag 21B at the same time. However, when it is recognized that the demodulated identification number is not addressed to itself, subsequent data is not demodulated. In the case shown in FIG. 9B, data is transmitted by specifying the identification number of the tag 21B, and the tag 21B recognizes that it is transmission data addressed to itself and acquires the transmitted data.
As described above, according to the second embodiment, the visible light communication tag 2 transmits the identification number when receiving the identification number reply command transmitted from the visible light communication device 3. Can be transmitted at the timing of the request, and consumption of the power supply 4 can be suppressed.

(Third embodiment)
10 and 11 show a third embodiment of the present invention. In the third embodiment, the visible light communication tag 31 is configured by adding a radio wave communication function similar to that of the RFID tag. A tag 31A shown in FIG. 10A is obtained by adding a transmitter (radio wave communication means) 32, a receiver (radio wave communication means) 33, and an antenna (radio wave communication means) 34 for radio wave communication to the tag 2 of the first embodiment. The tag 31B shown in FIG. 10B is obtained by adding the same configuration as the tag 31A to the tag 21 of the second embodiment. In this case, the power supply 4 also supplies power for operation to the radio wave communication means side.

The visible light communication tag 31A basically transmits an optical signal intermittently by the LED 8, similarly to the tag 2 of the first embodiment. However, when the antenna 34 receives a radio wave signal, it automatically enters the radio wave communication side. It is configured to perform communication by switching. Further, from this state, when the reception of the radio wave signal is interrupted beyond a certain interval, the optical communication is resumed.
Further, the visible light communication tag 31B does not perform communication spontaneously in the initial state, and starts when receiving an optical signal and starts optical communication (transmission). When the antenna 34 receives a radio signal from that state, As with the tag 31A, the communication is automatically switched to the radio wave communication side. Even in a state where radio wave communication is performed, when a switching command transmitted from the visible light communication device 3 is received, the state returns to the state where optical communication is performed.

  FIG. 11 shows the configuration of the entire system. In the third embodiment, an RFID tag reader (radio wave communication device) 35 and a controller 36 configured to be able to communicate with the visible light communication device 3 are prepared. In addition, the controller 36 includes, for example, an identification number resolution unit (information linking unit) 37, an image processing unit (image processing unit) 38, a memory (storage unit) 39, a display ( Display means) 40 and the like. The image processing unit 38 has the same function as the image processing function performed by the visible light communication device 3 in the first embodiment, and the display 40 corresponds to the display 15.

  Next, the operation of the third embodiment will be described. When the visible light communication tag 31 is attached to the package 1 and arrives, the tag reader (or a reader / writer) 35 performs RF communication with the visible light communication tag 31 and acquires the identification number of the tag 31. It is transmitted to the controller 36 and stored in the memory 39 (information writing means). At this time, the controller 36 also stores in the memory 39 information on the date and time when the identification number was acquired.

  Thereafter, when the luggage 1 is stored in a warehouse or the like as in the first embodiment, the visible light communication tag 31 is activated when the visible light communication device 3 transmits an optical signal, and optical communication is performed between the two. . Also at this stage, the identification number of the visible light communication tag 31 is acquired by the visible light communication device 3, and the information is transmitted to the controller 36 and stored in the memory 39. Also at this time, the controller 36 causes the memory 39 to store information on the date and time when the identification number is acquired, and information on the location where the information is acquired (all or part of them).

Further, at this time, the controller 36 causes the identification number resolution unit 37 to “link” (verify) the visible light communication tag 31—the identification number of the package 1 acquired at the time of arrival stored in the memory 39. In addition, the image processing unit 38 performs the same processing as step S4 of the first embodiment, so that the visible light communication tag 31-the two-dimensional position of each package 1 is displayed in the same manner as in FIG. 40.
When the package 1 is shipped, when the tag reader 35 acquires the identification number of the visible light communication tag 31, the information is transmitted to the controller 36. At this time, the controller 36 performs processing so that the image of the visible light communication tag 31 -the package 1 shipped by the image processing unit 38 is erased from the display 40.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, the visible light communication tag 31 includes the transmitter 32, the receiver 33, and the antenna 34 for performing communication using radio wave signals. Also, the attribute data of the package 1 is transmitted using a radio signal. Then, the controller 36 uses the identification number resolution unit 37 to link the identification number and attribute data transmitted from the visible light communication tag 31 by radio wave communication with the identification number transmitted by optical communication when the package 1 is received. Therefore, when the article arrives, whether or not the visible light communication tag 31-package 1 that the controller 36 has grasped via the radio communication device is carried into a temporary storage place such as a warehouse is displayed on the display 40. This can be confirmed by referring to the display.

Further, the controller 36 writes the date / time and location at which the tag reader 35 received the identification number and at least part of the date / time and location at which the visible light communication device 3 received the identification number into the memory 39. Can be performed on the controller 36 side.
Further, since the visible light communication tag 31B switches between optical communication and radio wave communication by a switching command transmitted from the visible light communication device 3, which communication means is used on the visible light communication device 3 side. Control whether to communicate. In addition, since the visible light communication tag 31 supplies the power supply 4 to the configuration on the radio wave communication means side, any communication means can be operated by the power supplied from the common power supply 4.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 12 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and different portions from the first embodiment will be described. 12A is a front view showing the appearance of the visible light communication tag 41, and FIG. 12B is a vertical side view. The information of the LED 8 included in the tag 41 includes, for example, a QR code (two-dimensional code, registered trademark). An optical code (optical information recording medium) 42 is attached. In the optical code 42, the same information as that stored in the memory 6 (not shown in FIG. 12) of the tag 41 is optically recorded. In addition, a convex lens 43 is disposed in front of the LED 8, and light emitted from the LED 8 is aggregated and transmitted by the convex lens 43, thereby increasing the optical signal intensity and extending the communication distance, and the optical code 42. Is prevented from being obstructed when read by a code reader (optical information reading means) or the like.

  According to the fourth embodiment configured as described above, since the optical code 42 is affixed to the surface of the visible light communication tag 41, for example, the optical communication function of the visible light communication tag 41 may be impaired for some reason. Alternatively, even when the power source 4 is consumed, the same information stored in the memory 6 can be read by the code reader. Further, by arranging the convex lens 43, the outer size of the visible light communication tag 41 can be reduced.

(5th Example)
FIG. 13 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The fifth embodiment shows a case where the present invention is applied to an exhibition stand for displaying and selling jewelry such as jewelry and precious metals, luxury watches, and the like. For example, a plurality of jewels (articles) 52 are placed on the rectangular plate-shaped display stand 51, and the visible light communication tag 2 of the first embodiment is attached to each jewel 52, for example. In this case, the visible light communication tag 2 may be arranged in the vicinity of each jewel 52. In addition, usually, each jewel 52 has a paper tag on which a product name, a selling price, and the like are written, tied with a string or arranged in the vicinity of the jewel 52. Therefore, the visible light communication tag 2 may be attached to the paper tag (however, it is necessary to arrange the LED 8 so as to face upward).

  The display stand 51 is covered with a transparent glass or acrylic display case 53, and the visible light communication device 3 is arranged on the inner side of the top plate portion 53 a of the display case 53. If comprised in this way, the position management of each jewel 52 on the display stand 51 can be performed by the visible light communication apparatus 3, and by referring the display of the indicator 15 (not shown in FIG. 13), It is also possible to monitor the occurrence of theft.

(Sixth embodiment)
FIG. 14 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In the sixth embodiment, the present invention is applied to a case where a plurality of packages are arranged in a warehouse having shelf boards. In the warehouse 61, a plurality of packages 1a to 1d are arranged on a floor 62 and a shelf board (medium ceiling) 63. Visible light communication tags 2a to 2d are placed on the upper surfaces of the packages 1a to 1d. Each is affixed. The luggage 1a and 1b are arranged on the floor 62, and the luggage 1c and 1d are arranged on the shelf plate 63.

  Visible light communication devices 3D and 3U are arranged on the back side of the shelf plate 63 and the ceiling 64, respectively. The visible light communication device 3D grasps the positions of the luggage 1a and 1b, and the visible light communication apparatus 3U The positions of 1c and 1d are grasped. In this case, the position management of the luggage 1a, 1b on the floor 62 and the position management of the luggage 1c, 1d on the shelf plate 63 may be performed individually by the visible light communication devices 3D, 3U. The communication devices 3D and 3U may transmit the respective image data to a common host, so that the management status may be displayed and collectively managed on the host side.

(Seventh embodiment)
FIGS. 15 and 16 show a seventh embodiment of the present invention, and differences from the fifth embodiment will be described. The seventh embodiment is a modification of the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, the visible light communication tag 71 of the seventh embodiment is equipped with an antenna 34 for radio wave communication, similarly to the tag 31 shown in FIG. 10, but does not perform transmission / reception using radio wave signals. In addition, an energy converter (power generation means) 72 for generating operating power from the radio signal received by the antenna 34 is provided.

  In other words, the energy converter 72 is the same as the mechanism for generating the operating power from the carrier received by the passive type RFID tag, and rectifies and smoothes the radio wave signal received from the antenna 3 to obtain the CPU 5 and other electric power. Power to the building blocks. That is, the energy converter 72 is prepared instead of the power source 4. 16 (a) and 16 (b) correspond to FIGS. 10 (a) and 10 (b).

  As shown in FIG. 15, in the seventh embodiment, a visible light communication tag 71 is disposed in the vicinity of the jewel 52. In addition, an induction coil (transmission antenna) 54 for transmitting a radio signal to the visible light communication tag 71 is embedded in the display stand 51, and the radio signal is constantly transmitted by a transmitter (not shown). Accordingly, each visible light communication tag 71 is supplied with electric power by a radio wave signal transmitted through the induction coil 54, and therefore can operate without the built-in power source 4 such as a battery.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings, and the following modifications or expansions are possible.
A plurality of LEDs for optical communication may be provided in a visible light communication tag or a visible light communication device. In that case, the communication distance can be extended by increasing the optical signal intensity. Alternatively, optical communication can be reliably performed even when the surrounding brightness is stronger.
Further, the visible light communication tag may be provided with a photovoltaic device such as a solar cell as a power source. In this case, for example, when light from an illumination is irradiated on a room in which an article is arranged, the photovoltaic element can operate with electric power generated. In this case, only the photovoltaic element may be provided so that it can be operated only during a period in which light can be received, or by combining a capacitor and a secondary battery so that they can be charged so that they can operate to some extent even in a state where light cannot be received. It may be configured.

  The configuration of the sixth embodiment may be applied two-dimensionally. That is, when many luggages 1 are arranged in a warehouse with a large floor area, a plurality of visible light communication devices 3 are arranged on the ceiling. Then, the host combines the images obtained from the image sensors 9 of the plurality of visible light communication devices 3, and corrects the position of each package 1 in the image based on the corresponding identification number and displays it on its own display. By doing so, even when the packages 1 are distributed over a wider range, their two-dimensional positions can be displayed as a single image.

Further, for example, in the warehouse, the visible light communication device 3 is arranged on the ceiling, and another visible light communication device 3 is arranged on the side wall, so that the position of the luggage 1 arranged in the warehouse is three-dimensionally arranged. The system may be configured so as to grasp. In this case, the number of visible light communication devices 3 arranged on the side wall varies from 1 to 4 depending on how the conditions for attaching the visible light communication tag 2 to one package 1 are set.
For example, the position management of the luggage may be performed by juxtaposing the display devices 15 connected to the visible light communication devices 3. In that case, the three-dimensional position of the package 1 corresponding to each identification number can be grasped by comparing the respective displays. Further, for example, as in the sixth embodiment, image data may be transmitted to a common host, and the host may combine the image data to display one three-dimensional image. In that case, the three-dimensional position of the luggage 1 can be grasped collectively.

The light receiving lens 12 may be arranged as necessary.
The optical code in the fourth embodiment may be a two-dimensional code other than a QR code, and may be a bar code depending on the amount of information to be stored.
The visible light communication device 3 may have a function of a code reader for reading information recorded on the optical code 42 in the fourth embodiment.

The figure which is 1st Example of this invention and shows the whole structure of a package location grasping | ascertainment system Functional block diagram showing the internal configuration of the visible light communication tag A diagram that outlines the principles of visible light communication, including visible light communication devices. The figure which shows the state which a visible light communication apparatus receives the optical signal which transmitted several visible light communication tags in a more concrete image The figure which shows the example of an image displayed with a display Flow chart showing processing contents performed between visible light communication tag and visible light communication device FIG. 2 equivalent diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 equivalent (part 1) Figure 4 equivalent (part 2) FIG. 2 equivalent view showing a third embodiment of the present invention. 1 equivalent diagram It is 4th Example of this invention, (a) is a front view which shows the external appearance of a visible light communication tag, (b) is a vertical side view FIG. 1 equivalent view showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 equivalent view showing a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 equivalent diagram showing a seventh embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 equivalent

Explanation of symbols

  In the drawings, 1 is a luggage (article), 2 is a visible light communication tag, 3 is a visible light communication device, 4 is a power source, 6 is a memory (storage means), 8 is an LED (light communication means, photoelectric element), and 9 is 2 Dimensional image sensor, 12 is a light receiving lens (convex lens), 15 is a display (display means), 21 is a visible light communication tag, 22 is a photoelectric element, 31 is a visible light communication tag, 32 is a transmitter (radio wave communication means), 33 is a receiver (radio wave communication means), 34 is an antenna (radio wave communication means), 35 is a tag reader (radio wave communication apparatus), 36 is a controller (information writing means), and 37 is an identification number resolution unit (information linking means). , 38 is an image processing unit (image processing means), 39 is a memory (storage means), 40 is a display (display means), 41 is a visible light communication tag, 42 is an optical code (optical information recording medium), and 52 is a gemstone. (Article), 54 is an induction coil ( Shin antenna), 71 visible light communication tag 72 indicates the energy converter (power generation unit).

Claims (15)

In an article position management system in which a visible light communication device receives an optical signal transmitted from a visible light communication tag attached to an article and grasps the position of the article two-dimensionally,
The visible light communication tag includes a power source, optical communication means for transmitting and receiving the optical signal, storage means for storing a unique identification number and article attribute data, and radio wave communication means for performing communication using a radio signal. And transmitting the identification number and the attribute data by modulating the optical signal by the optical communication means, and transmitting the identification number and attribute data using the radio wave communication means,
The visible light communication device is:
Optical communication means having a function of transmitting the optical signal and a two-dimensional image sensor for receiving the optical signal;
Based on signal information received by the image sensor, image processing means for generating image data for displaying the position of the visible light communication tag superimposed on the image captured by the image sensor and displaying on the display means;
Demodulating means for demodulating the modulated signal transmitted by the visible light communication tag from the signal received by the image sensor;
A control unit configured to display the display unit with a corresponding identification number based on the signal demodulated by the demodulation unit at the position of each visible light communication tag in the image data;
A radio communication device that communicates with the radio communication means at the time of arrival and shipment of the article ;
A controller configured to be able to communicate with the visible light communication device,
The controller is
Information linking for linking the identification number and attribute data transmitted from the visible light communication tag using the radio wave communication means and the identification number transmitted using the optical communication means when the article is received Means,
The storage means stores the date and location when the radio wave communication device received the identification number, and the date and location when the visible light communication device received the identification number via optical communication means after the arrival of the identification number. An article position management system comprising information writing means for writing and storing.   The article position management system according to claim 1, wherein the visible light communication tag transmits the identification number when receiving an identification number reply command transmitted from the visible light communication device.   The article position management system according to claim 1, wherein the visible light communication device has a convex lens disposed on a front surface of the image sensor.   The said visible light communication tag is comprised as an optical communication means with the photoelectric element which can discharge | release an optical signal with respect to all directions, and can receive the optical signal from all directions. The article position management system according to any one of 1 to 3.   The article position management system according to claim 4, wherein the visible light communication tag includes a plurality of the photoelectric elements.   6. The article position management system according to claim 1, wherein the visible light communication device includes a photoelectric element capable of emitting an optical signal in all directions as the optical communication unit.   The article position management system according to claim 6, wherein the visible light communication device includes a plurality of the photoelectric elements.   The article position management system according to claim 1, wherein the visible light communication tag includes a battery as the power source.   The article position management system according to claim 1, wherein the visible light communication tag includes a photovoltaic element as the power source. The visible light communication tag includes an antenna and power generation means for generating power by a radio signal received via the antenna,
The article position management system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the antenna receives a radio signal transmitted from a transmission antenna disposed below the article.   11. The article position management system according to claim 1, wherein an optical information recording medium is attached to a surface of the visible light communication tag.   12. The article position management system according to claim 11, wherein the visible light communication device includes a reading unit that optically reads information recorded on an optical information recording medium. When a plurality of the visible light communication devices are installed, a host that communicates with the plurality of visible light communication devices is provided,
The host synthesizes an image obtained from an image sensor of each communication device, corrects the position of each article in the image based on a corresponding identification number, and causes the display unit to display the corrected article. Item position management system according to any one of Items 1 to 12. The visible light communication tag includes a switching unit that switches between using the optical communication unit and the radio wave communication unit in accordance with a switching command transmitted from the visible light communication device. The article position management system according to any one of claims 1 to 13 . 15. The visible light communication tag supplies the power to both the configuration on the optical communication means side and the configuration on the radio wave communication means side. Article position management system.

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