JP5354509B1 - Container management system, container information reader, and rack information reader - Google Patents

Abstract

A specific container is efficiently taken out from a large number of racks after long-term storage.
In the system according to the present invention, a wireless tag is attached to each container and rack, and unique individual information is assigned to each container and rack. This system consists of (1) a container information reader having a function of automatically acquiring storage position information of containers in the rack, (2) individual information of racks, individual information of containers stored in racks and container information A database server that links and registers information such as storage location information inside the rack and location information of rack storage shelves that store racks, and (3) container registration, search, transfer, and deletion operations It is composed of a management PC and (4) rack storage shelves that automatically detect individual information of stored racks, and each is used in a state of being connected via an IP network.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a container management system that manages a large number of containers that are put in and out of a rack and manages the location of each container when the container storage rack is arranged on a storage shelf, and a container information reading device and a rack used in this system The present invention relates to an information reader.

  Conventionally, when a large number of containers are stored in a rack, a container management system that can collectively manage individual information of each container in the rack has been proposed. This container management system is affixed to each container stored in the rack with a wireless tag in which individual information of the container is registered, and by reading and registering the tag information from the wireless tag of the container stored in the rack, It is possible to centrally manage individual information of containers stored in a rack.

  Currently, RF-ID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags used as wireless tags are available in 13.56MHz band, 2.45GHz band, and UHF band (920MHz band) depending on the application. Each frequency band RF-ID is properly used according to the purpose of use.

  Among these wireless tags, those using UHF band frequencies have been proposed in which a plurality of densely arranged wireless tags are read by electromagnetic waves. By using these techniques, the container management apparatus can collectively read a plurality of wireless tags attached to a container storing moisture in a rack.

  However, in the container management system using the above technology, only the number of containers stored in the rack and individual information thereof are managed, and the designated container is stored in what row and column in the rack. Management of location information, such as whether or not it is, has not been performed. Also, the location of the storage shelf that stores the rack body is not managed. In such a management system, it takes time to find a target container.

  For example, in the medical field, when a large number of specimens are put in containers and stored in a plurality of racks, and each rack is placed on a storage shelf in a freezer and stored frozen, the target container is located anywhere in the freezer. Finding this is an extremely complicated task. Currently, specimens used for medical care are stored and stored in racks with test tubes (also referred to as vacuum blood collection tubes, pitzs, and sample tubes) attached with barcodes, and stored in storage racks in a freezer. At this time, the information on the rack in which the test tube is stored and the location of the freezer in which the rack is stored is not systematically registered and managed. In such management, when searching for a specific specimen after storing for a period of several years to several decades, a great amount of man-hours are generated.

Japanese Patent No. 4774004 JP 2008-071071 A PCT / JP2010 / 056717

“Test tube capable of writing data” Developed sample tube (test tube) management system using small RFID chip (news release July 2006), Internet <http://www.maxei.co.jp/news /pdf/060714Jpn.pdf> "UHF band RFID tag technology that is not easily affected by liquids" (News Release, February 01, 2010), Internet <http://jp.fujitsu.com/journal/strength/technologies/201002.html>

  As described above, in the conventional container management system, when storing and storing a plurality of containers in a rack, since the storage position information of the containers in the rack is not managed, a large number of containers are stored. In some cases, it is very difficult to quickly find and identify the container of interest. Also, when racks are arranged on storage shelves, it is often not recorded which rack is arranged where. Therefore, if it becomes necessary to remove a specific container from the storage shelf after several years to several decades, the storage location of the rack storing the target container is specified, and the rack It takes a lot of effort to find the target container from the inside.

  Even in the conventional operation method, it is possible to register and manage the container position information in the rack when storing the container in the rack. However, in that case, the barcode attached to the container is individually read with a barcode reader, placed in the rack, and the position information (matrix information, position number information) in the rack storing each container is manually registered. There is a need to. In this way, the work is complicated and time consuming, and mistakes during registration may occur. Information regarding which storage shelves the racks are stored in may also be registered manually, but this is not actually done because the work is complicated and takes time.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above circumstances. The purpose of the present invention is, firstly, the storage position information of the container in the rack can be automatically obtained and registered in the database of the server. Thus, it is intended to provide a container management system capable of simplifying and improving work efficiency and reducing errors during registration.

  Second, to provide a container management system capable of automatically registering rack management information in the server database when managing racks on storage shelves and managing them together with the container management information in the rack. is there.

In order to solve the above problems, a container management system according to the present invention is configured in the following manner.
(1) A plurality of containers to which wireless tags emitting container identification information are attached, a rack having a plurality of storage areas partitioned to store the plurality of containers, and a container assigned to each of the plurality of containers A server that constructs a database by registering identification information and linking and registering individual information related to the container to the container identification information, and acquiring the container identification information from the wireless tag when the container is taken in and out of the rack Container identification information acquisition means, position information acquisition means for acquiring container position information of the storage area that has been taken in and out when the container is taken in and out of the rack, and the container identification information acquisition means obtained from the database. The container identification information is searched, and the position information acquisition unit is linked to the searched container identification information. In the container position information obtained manner; and a registration means for registering in the database.

  (2) In (1), rack identification information presenting means that is provided for each rack and presents rack identification information, and rack identification information obtaining means for acquiring the rack identification information when the container is taken in and out of the rack. And the registration means registers the rack identification information acquired by the rack identification information acquisition means in the database so as to be associated with the container identification information together with the container position information.

  (3) In (2), the rack identification information acquisition means affixes a wireless tag that emits the rack identification information to the plurality of racks, and when the container identification information is read by the container identification information acquisition means, The rack identification information is read from the wireless tag attached to the rack.

  (4) In (2), a storage shelf further comprising: a plurality of storage areas in which the plurality of racks are arranged, and area information presenting means for presenting area information assigned in advance to each of the plurality of storage areas; And storage management information acquisition means for acquiring, as storage management information, rack identification information of the rack and area information of the storage area that has been taken in and out when the rack is taken in and out of the storage shelf, When acquiring the management information, the rack identification information in the storage management information is searched from the database, and the area information in the storage management information is linked to the searched rack identification information and linked to the container identification information. It is set as the aspect registered into the said database with the individual information and container position information.

  (5) In (1), the registration means newly registers the container identification information so as to link the position information when the container is put into the rack, and when the container is taken out from the rack, The container position information linked to the container identification information is deleted and registered, and when the container is taken out from the rack and placed in another position, the position information linked to the container identification information is updated and registered.

  (6) In (4), when the rack is placed in the storage area of the storage shelf, the registration means uses the individual information of the container linked to the container identification information, the container position information, and the rack identification information. When newly registering the area information so as to be associated, and when removing the rack from the storage area of the storage shelf, the area information associated with the rack identification information is deleted and registered, and the rack is removed from the storage shelf. When entering in another position, the area information associated with the rack identification information is updated and registered.

Moreover, the container information reader of the container management system according to the present invention is configured in the following manner.
(7) A plurality of containers to which wireless tags emitting container identification information are attached, a rack having a plurality of storage areas partitioned to store the plurality of containers, and a container assigned to each of the plurality of containers The wireless tag is used in a container management system that includes a server for registering identification information and linking and registering individual information about the container to the container identification information to construct a database, and when the container is taken in and out of the rack Container identification information acquisition means for acquiring the container identification information from the position, position information acquisition means for acquiring container position information of the storage area that has been taken in and out when the container is taken in and out of the rack, and the container identification information from the database. Search the container identification information acquired by the acquisition means, and associate the retrieved container identification information Is the container position information acquired by the positional information acquiring unit to the embodiment includes a registration means for registering in the database.

Moreover, the rack information reader of the container management system according to the present invention is configured in the following manner.
(8) A plurality of containers to which wireless tags that emit container identification information are attached, a plurality of racks having a plurality of storage areas partitioned to store the plurality of containers, and the plurality of racks are arranged. A plurality of storage areas, a storage shelf including area information presenting means for presenting pre-assigned area information to each of the plurality of storage areas, and container identification information assigned to each of the plurality of containers, A server that constructs a database by registering individual information related to the container in association with container identification information, and the container identification information is acquired from the wireless tag when the container is taken in and out of the rack, and the container for the rack When the container is taken in and out, the container position information of the storage area put in and out is obtained, and the container is obtained from the database. It is used in a container management system comprising container information registration means for searching for different information and registering the container position information in the database so as to be associated with the searched container identification information. At the time of loading / unloading, the storage management information acquiring means for acquiring the rack identification information of the rack and the area information of the storage area that has been loaded / unloaded as the storage management information, The rack is searched for the rack identification information, the area information in the storage management information is linked to the searched rack identification information, and registered in the database together with the individual information and the container position information linked to the container identification information. And an information registration means.

  The above-described problems are solved by the present invention, and the following effects can be expected.

  First, when storing containers in the rack, the storage position information of each container in the rack is registered in the database of the server only by the operation of storing the container in the rack by using the container information reader of the present invention. be able to. When this information is registered by the conventional method, it is necessary to input the position information inside the rack stored manually after the container is stored in the rack. By automating these, work efficiency can be improved and mistakes can be reduced.

  Next, by mounting the RFID tag reading antenna on the rack storage shelf and grasping the specific information of the rack to be taken in and out of the storage shelf, it is possible to always automatically grasp the storage status of the rack in the storage shelf.

  Next, it becomes easy to search for containers stored in the rack. In the conventional method, the position information of the container inside the rack and the information of the location of the rack storage shelf where the rack is stored are not registered. Therefore, when a specific container is taken out after several years to several tens of years, a great number of man-hours have occurred. By using the system of the present invention, the location information of the rack storage shelf where the rack is stored and the location information of the container in the rack can be easily obtained by simply inputting the individual information of the container to be searched on the management PC screen. Can be acquired.

  Next, a series of management such as changing the storage location of the container that is registered and managed and deleting the registration information of the container itself can be easily performed by using the container information reader of the present invention. The rack in which the container whose storage location is to be changed is stored is set in the container information reading device of the present invention. In this state, the storage location information of the container can be easily changed by taking out the container whose storage location is to be changed, deleting the registration from the database once, and storing it again in the new location.

  From the above, according to the present invention, firstly, the storage position information of the container in the rack can be automatically acquired and registered in the database of the server, thereby simplifying and improving the efficiency of the work. And can provide a container management system that can reduce errors during registration. Second, when racks are placed on storage shelves, rack management information is automatically registered in the server database. A container management system that can be managed together with the container management information in the rack can be provided.

It is a whole lineblock diagram showing one embodiment of the container management system concerning the present invention. In the system shown in FIG. 1, it is a conceptual diagram which shows the flow of a series of operation | work until a container is stored in a rack using a container information reader, and the rack is stored in the designated place. In the system shown in FIG. 1, it is a conceptual diagram which shows the flow of a series of operation | work from searching a specific container from management PC using a container information reader, and taking out the target container according to the result of the database of a server. In the system shown in FIG. 1, it is a figure which shows arrangement | positioning of the container preserve | saved at the rack and rack from an upper surface, a long side surface, and a short side surface. It is a figure which shows the structure of the container information reader of the system shown in FIG. 1 from an upper surface, a long side surface, and a short side surface. It is a figure which shows the case where the rack which accommodated the container is mounted in the container information reader of the system shown in FIG. 1 from an upper surface, a long side surface, and a short side surface. It is a top view which shows the system which fixes the bridge | bridging which has a container registration port, and moves a rack with the container reading information apparatus of the system shown in FIG. In the container information reading device of the system shown in FIG. 1, when the bridge having the container registration port is movable, the appearance of the device when the bridge having the container registration port is movable and the electromagnetic wave shielding cover is provided on the upper part of the device It is a figure which shows the example of 1 structure of the electromagnetic wave shielding cover attached to a figure and the upper part of a container information reader. In the container information reader of the system shown in FIG. 1, when the bridge having a container registration port is fixed, an example of the configuration of the electromagnetic wave shielding cover attached to the external view of the apparatus, the upper surface of the apparatus, and the upper part of the container information reader FIG. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a container registration port of a movable bridge mounted on a container information reader of the system shown in FIG. 1, a state before inserting a container, a state during container insertion, a state after container insertion, after container insertion, It is a figure which shows the condition which has irradiated the radio | wireless tag read electromagnetic wave. It is a figure which shows the container position detection method of the container information reader of the system shown in FIG. 1 with an equivalent circuit. It is sectional drawing of another embodiment of the container registration port of the movable bridge | bridging mounted in the container information reader of the system shown in FIG. 1, The state which set the container to the container registration port, and a container passes a container registration port. It is a figure which shows the state which has finished passing through the container registration port. The container registration port of the movable bridge mounted on the container information reader of the system shown in FIG. 1 is set with the number of containers as many as the number of rows, and the container set in the first row passes through the container registration port. It is the figure which showed the state which the container set to the 1st line has passed the container registration port. In the container information reader of the system shown in FIG. 1, it is the top view which shows the structure of the Example using the container insertion unit which mounts the radio | wireless tag reading antenna of a container sticking to a movable ridge, A long side direction side view. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration inside a container insertion unit of an embodiment using a container insertion unit in which a wireless tag reading antenna attached to a container is mounted on a movable ridge in the container information reading device of the system shown in FIG. 1. In the container information reading device of the system shown in FIG. 1, it is an embodiment using a container insertion unit in which a wireless tag reading antenna attached to a container is mounted on a movable ridge. It is a figure which shows the state at the time of discharging and a container to a rack. It is a figure which shows the structure in another Example (2nd Example) of the container information reader of the system shown in FIG. 1 from an upper surface, a long side surface, and a short side surface. It is a figure which shows the case where the rack which accommodated the container is mounted in another Example (2nd Example) of the container information reader of the system shown in FIG. 1 from an upper surface, a long side surface, and a short side surface. It is a figure which shows the structural example at the time of using a probe (probe) type | mold sensor as a container position detection sensor of the system shown in FIG. 1, and an operation condition. It is a figure which shows the structure and operation | movement of a probe (probe) type | mold sensor shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure and operation | movement of a photo sensor unit used as a container position detection sensor of the system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure and operation | movement of a light quantity sensor unit used as a container position detection sensor of the system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure and operation | movement of an ultrasonic sensor unit used as a container position detection sensor of the system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure and operation | movement of a pressure sensor switch used as a container position detection sensor of the system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship of the rack of the system shown in FIG. 1, and a magnetic sensor from an upper surface, a long side surface, and a short side surface. It is a figure which shows the correct mounting position and the incorrect mounting position at the time of mounting a rectangular rack in the container information reader of the system shown in FIG. When a square rack is mounted on the container information reader of the system shown in FIG. 1, a correct mounting position, a first example of a wrong mounting position, a second example of a wrong mounting position, a third of a wrong mounting position It is a figure which shows an example. It is a figure which shows the correct mounting position and the incorrect mounting position at the time of mounting a rectangular rack in the container information reader of the system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the processing flow at the time of new container registration of the container information reader of the system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the processing flow at the time of the container addition to the existing rack of the container information reader of the system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the processing flow at the time of the registered container search of the container information reading apparatus of the system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the processing flow at the time of container registration deletion of the container information reader of the system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the processing flow at the time of a container storage position change of the container information reader of the system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the main routine of management system software when storing a container in a rack using the container information reader of the system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the subroutine 1 of management system software when storing a container in a rack using the container information reading apparatus of the system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the subroutine 2 of management system software when storing a container in a rack using the container information reading apparatus of the system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the subroutine 3 of management system software when storing a container in a rack using the container information reading apparatus of the system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the management PC screen in the case of performing a container search process in the management system software of the container information reader of the system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the management PC screen in the case of performing a container search process in the management system software of the container information reader of the system shown in FIG. It is a top view when the test-tube rack taken out from the freezer is mounted in the container information reader of the system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the management PC screen in the case of performing a container search process in the management system software of the container information reader of the system shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows the position of the searched test tube when the test-tube rack taken out from the freezer is mounted in the container information reader of the system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the management PC screen in the case of performing a container search process in the management system software of the container information reader of the system shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows the place which took out the searched test tube when the test-tube rack taken out from the freezer is mounted in the container information reader of the system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the management PC screen in the case of performing a container search process in the management system software of the container information reader of the system shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the shelf (rack storage shelf) which stores the rack which accommodated the container of the system shown in FIG. It is a display example at the time of confirming the use condition of a rack storage shelf on management PC of the system shown in FIG. 1, and is a figure which shows the position of each storage shelf. FIG. 4 is a display example when the usage status of a rack storage shelf is confirmed on the management PC of the system shown in FIG. 1, and is a diagram showing a rack storage status in the storage shelf. It is the figure which showed the inside of the rack storage shelf of the system shown in FIG. 1, the rack is stored in four places among six storage sections, two places are vacant, one of two empty sections It is a figure which shows the state which stored the rack in the state which accommodated the rack in all the storage sections. FIG. 4 is a display example when the usage status of a rack storage shelf is confirmed on the management PC of the system shown in FIG. 1, and is a diagram showing a rack storage status in the storage shelf. In the rack storage shelf of the system shown in FIG. 1, racks are stored in four of the six storage sections, two are empty, the rack storage destination lamp is flashing, the rack It is a figure which shows the state which was stored in the designated division, and the state which stored the rack accidentally in places other than the designated storage division. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which racks are stored in five of six storage sections and one is empty in the rack storage shelf of the system illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the state when storing the rack in the places other than the designated storage section in the inside of the rack storage shelf of the system shown in FIG.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiment described below is an example of the configuration of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment.
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the invention. However, the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the scope of claims, and all combinations of features described in the embodiments are included. It is not always essential for the solution of the invention.

  FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of a container management system according to the present invention. The container management system includes a database server 1, a container reader 3, a management personal computer (hereinafter, management PC) 4, a working rack 5, a container 6 with a wireless tag, a container stored rack 7 and a rack storage shelf 8. Each is connected via an IP network (Internet, Intranet) 2. Note that it is assumed that the network connection is performed by secure communication such as SSL (Secure Socket Layer) or IPSec (Security Architecture for Internet Protocol). The management PC 4 operates application software for performing registration work using the container information reader 3, searching for a specific container, moving a storage position, and deleting container information from the database. Each of these components is always connected via the network 2, and when there is a change at the time of container registration, the contents are reflected in the database of the server 1 in real time.

  FIG. 2 shows a series of flow from storing the container 6 with the wireless tag to the rack 5 and storing the container-stored rack 7 in the rack storage shelf 8 using the container information reading device 3. First, a container 6 to which a wireless tag is attached and a rack 5 to which a wireless tag for storing the container 6 is attached are prepared. On the surface label of the wireless tag, individual information stored in the wireless tag is printed as a barcode or a character string. In this way, even if the wireless tag is destroyed, it is possible to ensure traceability by reading the barcode or character string printed on the label.

  The rack 5 is provided with unique identification information (hereinafter referred to as rack specific information) by attaching a wireless tag, and the container 6 is provided with individual information including the contents in the container by attaching the wireless tag. Is granted. First, the empty rack 5 is set in the container information reader 3. The container information reading device 3 automatically detects that the rack 5 is mounted by a rack mount sensor provided therein, and determines whether the mounted rack 5 is in the correct direction by the rack storage direction detection sensor. Is automatically detected. After that, reading the electromagnetic wave read from the RFID tag reading antenna to read the rack specific information, the read rack specific information is newly registered in the database of the server 1. Next, using the container information reading device 3, the wireless tag-equipped containers 6 are stored one by one in the rack 5. The container information reading device 3 is equipped with a container position detection sensor, and each time one container 6 with a wireless tag is inserted, position information in the rack 5 storing the container 6 can be detected. Thereafter, the individual information of the wireless tag attached to the container 6 is acquired by the wireless tag reading electromagnetic wave. Individual information of each container 6 is sequentially registered in the database of the server 1 in a form linked to the specific information of the rack 5 storing the container 6 and the positional information of the container 6 in the rack 5 storing the container 6. The

  The rack 7 in which the storage of the container 6 is completed is taken out from the container information reading device 3 and carried to the rack storage shelf 8 for storage. In the example of FIG. 2, the rack specific information is indicated as R0001 and the storage location of the rack 7 is indicated as the third row in the A column of the storage shelf number 0001. The rack storage shelf 8 is equipped with a wireless tag reading antenna, and always grasps specific information of the rack to be taken in and out. In the example of FIG. 2, when the rack of rack specific information R0001 is stored in the third row of row A of the storage shelf 0001, the RFID tag reading antenna mounted on the rack storage shelf 8 automatically acquires the rack specific information. The fact that the unique information R0001 is stored in the third row of the A column of the storage shelf 0001 is registered in the database of the server 1.

  FIG. 3 shows a series of flow until a specific container 6 stored in the rack storage shelf 8 is taken out using the container information reading device 3. The retrieval of the container 6 to be taken out is performed from the management PC 4 connected to the server 1 via the network 2. The container search keyword can be information associated with the individual information in addition to the individual information of the container 6. Taking sample storage as an example, the individual information of the container 6 is associated with a name, sample collection date, sample type, sample manufacturer specific code, etc. The storage information of the corresponding specimen can be obtained from the server 1. When there are a plurality of corresponding containers 6, they are output as a list, and the person who made the inquiry selects a target container from the list.

  In the example of FIG. 3, as a result of searching for the container 6, the target container 6 is stored in the 3rd row and the Dth column of the rack number R0001 stored in the 3rd row of the rack storage shelf number 0001. The result is output. The person who performed the search goes to the place where the storage shelf number 0001 is installed, and takes out the rack (rack number R0001) 7 stored in the third row of row A of the storage shelf 0001. When the rack 7 is removed from the storage shelf, the RFID tag reading antenna mounted on the storage shelf cannot acquire the unique number R0001 of the removed rack 7. As a result, the database of the server 1 detects that the corresponding rack 7 has been removed from the storage shelf, and changes the state of the rack 7 from “in storage” to “in extraction”.

  When the taken-out rack 7 is stored in the container information reader 3, it is detected that the rack 7 is stored by a rack mount sensor mounted inside the container information reader 3, and the rack 7 is detected by a rack storage direction detection sensor. Check that it is set in the correct direction. After that, the RFID tag reading electromagnetic wave is irradiated to the rack 7 and the rack unique number and the individual numbers of all the containers stored in the rack 7 are collectively read. The read information is checked against the database of the server 1 to check in real time whether there is a difference. After that, the container 6 in the storage location (in this example, 3 rows and D columns) of the target container 6 displayed on the screen of the management PC 4 may be taken out. At the time of container search, the container information reader 3 always irradiates the rack 7 and the container 6 stored in the rack 7 with a read electromagnetic wave, and acquires the read RFID tag information. Therefore, when the target container 6 is taken out from the rack 7 installed in the container information reader 3, the individual number of the container 6 taken out at that moment cannot be read. The server 1 detects the individual number of the extracted container 6 and changes the state of the corresponding container 6 on the database from “saving” to “removing” and displays the result on the management PC screen. When the taken-out container 6 is returned to the original location of the rack 7, the container position detection sensor mounted on the container information reading device 3 acquires the position information of the returned container 6 in the rack 7, and the wireless tag The individual information of the container 6 is acquired by irradiation of the read electromagnetic wave, and the result is notified to the database on the server 1. The server 1 confirms that the taken-out container 6 has been returned to its original position, and receives the fact that the individual number of the container 6 that could not be read during the take-out can be read again. 6 is changed from “Retrieving” to “Saving”, and the result is displayed on the screen of the management PC 4. In addition, when the taken-out container 6 is returned to the place different from the original, it notifies a user of that and asks whether the storage position change process of the container 6 is performed.

  When the container 6 is taken out from the rack 7 and discarded, the container 6 is deleted from the screen of the management PC 4 when the container 6 is taken out. Thereby, the corresponding container 6 is deleted from the database of the server 1.

  In order to change the storage position of the container 6, the storage position change process of the container 6 is performed from the screen of the management PC 4 when the container 6 is taken out. When the extracted container 6 is stored in a different position of the rack 7, a new storage position of the container 6 is automatically detected by the container position detection sensor mounted on the container information reading device 3. The server 1 notifies the user that the return position of the container 6 is different from the previously stored position, and inquires whether or not to change the storage position of the container 6. When the storage position change process for the container 6 is selected here, the previous storage position information of the corresponding container 6 is erased and the new storage position information of the corresponding container 6 is registered in the database of the server 1.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of a rack used in this embodiment. In this embodiment, a rack 9 that stores containers 10 in a shape of 5 rows × 10 columns is used. FIG. 4A shows the upper part of the rack 9. When the rack 9 is viewed from above, the upper left end point is defined as the rack origin, and the location is defined as 1 row and A column. A wireless tag 11 that adds a unique number to the rack 9 is attached to the rack origin. As described above, the information stored in the wireless tag 11 is also printed on the surface label of the wireless tag 11 as a barcode and a character string. By attaching the wireless tag 11 to the rack origin, it is possible to visually confirm the rack origin, so that the rack 9 can be prevented from being placed in the wrong direction when the rack is stored in the container information reader. Since the rack 9 taken as an example has a configuration of 5 columns × 10 rows, the rack origin is set as the starting point, and the rows 1 to 5 rows and the columns A to J columns are given, so that the inside of the rack is given. An arbitrary position is represented by a matrix. FIG. 4B shows a side surface of the rack long side. FIG. 4C shows a side surface on the short side of the rack. In the rack 9 shown in FIG. 4, the container 10 to which the wireless tag 12 having an individual identification number is attached is stored in a storageable area in the rack.

  In FIG. 5, the 1st Example of the container information reader of this embodiment is shown. In this figure, the casing portion is expressed transparently in order to express the internal structure in an easy-to-understand manner. 5 shows a state in which the rack is not mounted in the apparatus. FIG. 5A is a top view, FIG. 5B is a long side view, and FIG. 5C is a short side view. Yes, 13 is an RFID tag reading antenna, 14 is a container position detection sensor (movable bridge), 15 is a rack position fixing frame, 16 is a column number display, 17 is a container registration port, 18 is a column number confirmation window, 19 is a row number display, 20 is a guide rail for moving a movable bridge, 21 is a rack mount detection sensor, and 51 is a rack storage direction detection sensor.

  The container information reading apparatus shown in FIG. 5 has a box shape made of a material that prevents leakage of electromagnetic waves. There is an opening in the upper surface of the apparatus, through which the rack is stored in the apparatus. In addition, rack fixing frames 15 are provided at the four corners to fix the rack in place. Further, a rack mount detection sensor 21 that automatically detects that the rack is mounted on the container information reader is installed at the bottom of the container information reader. Furthermore, a rack storage direction detection sensor 51 is installed to check whether the rack is stored in the correct direction.

  In the first embodiment, a method is shown in which a movable bridge 14 installed on the upper surface of the apparatus is used as the container position detection sensor 14. A movable bridge 14 is provided on the upper surface of the apparatus. When the rack 11 is stored inside the container information reader, the movable bridge is retracted at either the left or right end of the container information reader so as not to hinder the rack storage. In this embodiment, the movable bridge 14 that can be moved in the row direction of the racks 9 is taken as an example. The movable bridge 14 is moved along the bridge moving guide rail 20. Notches are formed so that the amount of movement is the width of one row. Which column is currently located is confirmed by a column display (alphabet from A to J in this embodiment) displayed in the column number confirmation window 18. When the movable bridge 14 is moved to the designated column, information on the current position of the movable bridge 14 is displayed on the column number confirmation window 18 and at the same time, the column information of the bridge 14 is automatically acquired as an electrical signal. It is configured. A container registration port 17 is provided on the upper part of the movable bridge 14. The container registration ports 17 are arranged vertically as many as the number of rows of racks to be used. Since this embodiment assumes a rack of 5 rows × 10 columns, there are five container registration ports 17 from 1 to 5. Next to each container registration port 17, the number of rows is displayed as a numerical value (in this embodiment, a numerical value from 1 to 5).

  FIG. 5B shows a side view of the long side of the container information reading device. In the apparatus of the present embodiment, two RFID tag reading antennas 13 are installed facing the long side surface of the container information reading apparatus. The installation position, the number of installed antennas, and the installation position of the antenna 13 are not particularly specified as long as the unique identification information of the wireless tag 11 attached to the rack 9 and the wireless tag attached to the container 10 can be read collectively. FIG. 5C shows a short side surface of the container information reading device. The movable bridge 14 is provided with a container registration port 17 along the row interval of the racks 9.

  FIG. 6 shows a state in which the rack 9 is mounted on the first embodiment of the container information reading apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 6A shows from the top the situation where the movable bridge 14 is moved to mount the rack 9 on the container information reader and store the container 10 in the storage area of 3 rows and I columns. The movable bridge 14 has moved to the I column, and “I” is displayed in the column number confirmation window 18 of the movable bridge 14. The rack 9 is fixed inside the container information reader with the rack origin placed at the upper left. The rack 9 is firmly fixed in the rack position fixing frame 15 so that the mounting position does not shift. At the origin of the rack 9, a wireless tag 11 storing identification information unique to the rack is attached to the side of the rack. At the stage when the rack 9 is mounted on the container storage device, the rack mounting detection sensor 21 of the container information reading device automatically detects the mounting of the rack 9, and at the same time, the rack storage direction detection sensor 51 is installed in the correct direction of the rack 9. To see if it is.

  FIG. 6B is a view of the situation of FIG. In the figure, a place where the test tube 10 to which the wireless tag is attached is stored in the 3 rows and I columns of the rack 9 is shown. The movable bridge 14 has moved to the position of the I row along the movable bridge moving guide rail 20. In this state, “I” is displayed on the column number confirmation window 18 of the movable bridge 14 and an electrical signal corresponding to the column position of the movable bridge 14 is automatically generated.

  FIG. 6C is a view of the situation of FIG. 6A viewed from the side of the short side of the apparatus. The test tube 10 to which the wireless tag is attached is stored in the rack 9 through the “third row” hole of the container registration port 17 provided in the upper part of the movable bridge 14. A sensor provided inside the container registration port 17 detects the passage of the test tube, and an electric signal indicating that the test tube 10 has been stored is automatically generated from the hole in the third row of the movable bridge 14. The As described above, the rack 9 is stored in the container information reading device, the movable bridge 14 is moved to the column in which the container 10 is to be stored, and the container 10 is inserted from the container registration port 17 immediately above the row in which the container 10 is to be stored. By repeating this operation, the individual identification information of the stored container 10 and its storage position are automatically acquired.

  FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the first embodiment of the container information reading device of the present invention. 7A, 7B, and 7C show a state where the fixed bridge 22 provided with the container position detection sensor is shifted from the left to the right in the drawing. Here, reference numeral 23 denotes a rack tray, and 24 denotes a rack tray moving lever.

  That is, in FIG. 6, the movable bridges 14 are used by being moved over each row of the racks 9, but in FIG. 7, the bridges themselves are fixed and the rack 9 is mounted on a rack tray and moved. ing. The fixed bridge 22 is provided at the center of the container information reader. First, on the left side of the container information reader, a rack 9 in which containers are to be stored is installed. The rack 9 is fixed on the rack tray 23 with the rack origin position aligned. The rack tray 23 is configured by a rack tray moving lever 24 so that it can be moved in units of width for each row. When the container is stored in the rack 9, the rack tray moving lever 24 is operated to move the rack 9 to the bottom of the fixed bridge until the container is stored. A column number confirmation window 18 is provided at the upper part of the fixed bridge 22 so that it can be confirmed which column it is. The rack tray moving lever 24 has a notch so that it can be moved by the width of the row of the rack 9, and is configured so that the row information immediately below the fixed bridge can be automatically acquired by an electric signal. As described above, the rack tray moving lever is used to move the column in which the containers are to be stored directly below the fixed bridge and repeat the operation of storing the containers from the container registration port immediately above the row in which the containers are registered. Thus, the individual information of the stored container and its storage position are automatically acquired.

  FIG. 8 shows the external appearance of the first embodiment of the container information reader of the present invention shown in FIG. A wireless tag reading antenna for reading information on the wireless tag is mounted inside the container information reading device. Therefore, when the radio tag reading radio wave leaks to the outside of the container, there is a possibility that a test tube or the like attached to the radio tag placed outside the container information reading device is erroneously read. Therefore, the structure of the container information reading device needs to be a structure that eliminates leakage of radio waves read by the wireless tag. FIG. 8A shows a case where the casing of the container information reading device is covered with a material 25 that shields electromagnetic waves. Except for the upper surface portion of the container information reading device, the remaining surface is covered with an electromagnetic wave shielding material 25. By adjusting the intensity of radio waves read by the wireless tag so that radio waves do not leak from the top, radio wave leakage to the outside is prevented. In this case, since there is nothing that covers the upper surface of the container information reader, there is no problem in the rack removal operation.

  FIG. 8B is an example in which the method of FIG. 8A is further improved, and the upper part of the container information reading device is also covered with an electromagnetic wave shielding cover 26 made of a material that shields electromagnetic waves. When the rack 9 is attached or detached and when a specific container is taken in or out of the rack 9, the electromagnetic wave shielding cover 26 on the upper part of the container information reader is removed. After the rack 9 is set in the container information reading device, the upper portion is covered with the electromagnetic wave shielding cover 26, and registration work is performed.

  FIG. 8C shows an example of the electromagnetic wave shielding cover 26 used in FIG. As the material of the electromagnetic shielding cover 26, a metal plate or electromagnetic shielding cloth for shielding electromagnetic waves is considered. The electromagnetic shielding cover 26 has a hole in accordance with the storage position of the rack. Therefore, there is no obstacle when the container is inserted into the rack from the container registration opening of the movable rack. Further, it is assumed that the hole of the electromagnetic wave shielding cover is large enough to visually confirm whether or not the container is stored in the rack. When the electromagnetic wave shielding cover is made of an electromagnetic wave shielding cloth, not only a hole for inserting the container but also a cut may be made. Thereby, the electromagnetic wave shielding ability is further improved. With the above processing, it is possible to eliminate the possibility of radio tag reading radio waves inside the container information reading apparatus leaking to the outside.

  FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C show the appearance of the first embodiment of the container information reading apparatus of the present invention shown in FIG. In the container information reading device of FIG. 7, unlike the case of FIG. 5, the container 22 is stored in the rack 7 by fixing the bridge 22 and moving the rack 7. If the upper surface of the container information reading device is opened, the radio tag reading radio wave is more likely to leak. Since the fixed bridge 22 is used in FIG. 7, the electromagnetic wave shielding cover 26 only needs to have a hole in the container registration opening. When the rack is attached to and detached from the container information reading device and when a specific container is taken in and out of the rack 7, the electromagnetic wave shielding cover 25 is removed. The material of the electromagnetic shielding cover may be a metal plate or electromagnetic shielding cloth that shields electromagnetic waves. When the electromagnetic wave shielding cover is made of an electromagnetic wave shielding cloth, not only a hole for inserting the container but also a cut may be made. Thereby, the electromagnetic wave shielding ability is further improved. With the above processing, it is possible to eliminate the possibility of radio tag reading radio waves inside the container information reading apparatus leaking to the outside.

  10 (a), (b), (c), and (d) show the structure of the movable bridge 14 as a container position detection sensor and its operation in the first embodiment of the container information reading device of the present invention. Show. The movable bridge 14 is used by inserting the container 10 from the container registration port 17 directly above the row in which the container 10 is to be stored after moving the container 10 in the rack 9 to the column in which the container 10 is to be stored. 10A, 10 </ b> B, 10 </ b> C, and 10 </ b> D show a series of operations inside the movable bridge 14 when the container 10 is passed through the container registration port 17.

  FIG. 10A shows a state before the container is inserted. A sensor for detecting that the container 10 has passed is stored in each container registration port 17 of the movable bridge 14. In this embodiment, an optical detection means using the light emitting diode 27 and the photo sensor 28 is described as an example of the sensor. In addition, a physical detection means using a microswitch can be considered. When the container 10 is not inserted, the light output from the light emitting diode 27 reaches the photosensor 28, and the switch of the photosensor 28 is in the ON state.

  FIG. 10B shows a state where the container 10 passes through the container registration port 17. When the container 10 passes through the container registration port 17, the light of the light emitting diode 27 is blocked by the container 10, so that the photosensor 28 is turned off. In the management system, the OFF state of the photo sensor 28 is detected, and the container 10 in the rack 9 is detected from the position information of the movable bridge 14 installed at that time and the position information of the container registration port 17 into which the container 10 is inserted. The position information of is acquired electrically.

  FIG. 10C shows a state where the container 10 has finished passing through the container registration port 17. Since the light output from the light emitting diode 27 reaches the photosensor 28 again, the photosensor 28 returns to the ON state, and the container is stored in the rack.

  FIG. 10D shows a state after detecting that the container is stored. When it is detected that the container 10 is newly stored through the movable bridge 14, after the container 10 is stored in the rack 9, the RFID tag reading electromagnetic wave is transmitted once or a plurality of times from the RFID tag reading antenna. Irradiated automatically, the unique information of the container 10 inside the rack 9 and the unique information of the rack 9 are collectively read. The collectively read information and the newly stored position information of the container 10 are transmitted to the database on the server via the network. The server determines the unique identification number of the newly registered container 10 by comparing it with the previous batch reading information, associates the position information where the container 10 is stored, and registers it in the database.

  FIG. 11 shows a container position information detection method using a movable bridge in the first embodiment of the container information reader of the present invention, using an equivalent circuit diagram. In FIG. 11, 30 is a position information acquisition processing device (microprocessor), 31 is a column detection contact switch, 32 is a row detection sensor switch, and 33 is a position information signal output to the server.

  In this embodiment, a case where a rack of 5 rows × 10 columns is used will be described. Five row detection sensor switches 32 are mounted on the container registration port 17 of the movable bridge 14. The movable bridge 14 can be moved to 10 positions from the A row to the J row along the movable bridge moving guide rail 20. On the movable bridge moving guide rail 20, ten contact switches 31 from A to J are mounted at the positions of the respective rows. This figure shows a case where a container is inserted in 3 rows and E columns. When the above-described photosensor is used as the sensor of the container registration port 17, only the switch in the third row is turned off when the container is passing. Further, the contact switch 31 in the E row provided on the movable bridge moving guide rail 20 is turned ON. The position information acquisition device (microprocessor) 30 notifies the database on the server of the two pieces of information and the identification number unique to the container of the wireless tag attached to the container stored at that time.

  In the above example, the method of inserting and registering one container at a time into the container registration port of the movable bridge 14 as the container position detection sensor has been described. However, with this method, if two or more containers are inserted at the same time by mistake, the registration cannot be performed normally. In addition, when registering a plurality of containers successively, it takes time to insert the containers one by one into the container registration port. As an embodiment in which the above points are improved, FIG. 12 shows another structure of the container registration port.

  FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C show the structure and operation of a separate container registration port. In FIG. 12, 38 is a solenoid, 39 is a plunger pin, and 40 is a shutter. In this example, a solenoid 38 is built in the container registration port 17. The shutter 10 is connected to the plunger pin 39 of the solenoid 38, and the container registration port 17 is closed by the shutter 10 in the initial state. If a material that shields electromagnetic waves is used for the shutter 10, external reading of electromagnetic waves read by the wireless tag can be prevented, which is effective. FIG. 12A shows a state when the container 10 is set in the container registration port 17. Since the plunger pin 39 has come out from the solenoid 38 and the shutter 40 blocks the container insertion port, the container 10 cannot pass through the container registration port 17. Further, the light emitting diode 27 and the photo sensor 28 under the container registration port 17 are in an ON state because there is nothing to block. As an example, it is assumed that five rows of container registration ports 17 are provided on the movable bridge 14. First, the container 10 to be registered is set in the container registration port 17. In this example, the container 10 is set at the position of the first row. When an operation of registering the container 10 in the first row is executed from the management PC, the solenoid 38 of the container registration port 17 in the first row pulls the plunger pin 39 and the shutter 40 is opened. The set container 10 passes through the container registration port 17 and shields the signal from the light emitting diode 27, so that the photosensor 28 is turned off (FIG. 12B). After the container 11 is stored in the rack, it is detected that the photo sensor 28 is turned on again, the plunger pin 39 of the solenoid 38 is pushed back, and the shutter 40 closes the container registration port 17 (FIG. 12 (c) )). As for the subsequent processing, as in the first embodiment, the wireless tag batch reading processing is performed inside the container information reading device, and the unique identification number of the newly stored container 14 is acquired. In this way, by using a structure in which only one shutter of the container registration port 17 is always opened when registering the container 10, the risk of accidentally inserting a plurality of containers simultaneously can be eliminated.

  Also, with this method, it is possible to automatically register a plurality of containers 10 together. FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C show an example in which five containers 10 are sequentially registered with the movable bridge 14 having five container registration ports 17. FIG. When sequentially registering containers 10 in five rows, it has been necessary to insert containers one by one into the container registration port according to the conventional method. However, by adopting this method, five containers are set together, the shutters 40 of the container registration port 17 are opened one by one in order, and the containers 10 are stored in the rack 9, so that the set five containers Can be automatically and sequentially registered.

  FIG. 13A shows a state where five containers 10 to be registered in the movable bridge 14 are set. Since the shutter 40 inside the container registration port 17 closes all the container registration ports 17, the container 10 cannot pass through the container registration port 17. After setting the containers 10 to be registered, the management PC issues an instruction to register all five containers together. Among the five container registration openings, the shutter inside the first (first row) container registration opening is opened, and the container is stored in the rack (FIG. 13B). After the containers are registered in the database on the server, the shutter of the second (second line) registration / registration opening is opened, and then five containers are automatically registered in the same manner. In this way, by performing opening / closing control of the container registration port using the solenoid, it becomes possible to automatically and sequentially register a plurality of containers set in the container registration port of the movable bridge. In addition, by blocking the container registration port that does not perform container registration with a shutter 40 that shields electromagnetic waves, it is possible to prevent leakage of electromagnetic waves irradiated from the RFID tag reading antenna mounted inside the container information reading device to the outside. There is also an advantage of being able to do it.

  In the embodiment described above, the wireless tag attached to the container is collectively read by the wireless tag reading antenna installed in the container information reader. That is, when a new container is stored in the rack, the number of container specific information is increased by one from the previous batch read number, and the increase is recognized as the unique information of the newly stored container.

  In addition to this method, a method may be considered in which a wireless tag reading antenna is mounted on the container registration opening and the wireless tag information of the container is read before the container is stored in the rack. Move the container registration port to the location where you want to store the container, and when acquiring the matrix information to store the container, wireless tag attached to the container set in the container registration port with the wireless tag reading antenna mounted on the container registration port Read the unique information of the tag. Furthermore, after storing the container in the rack, the wireless tag reading antenna installed in the container information reader as usual, the wireless tag in the rack is collectively read, and the newly added container is identified. It is also possible to double check the stored container.

  FIG. 14 shows an embodiment thereof. 14A shows the upper surface of the container information reading device, FIG. 14B shows the long side surface, 41 is a container insertion unit, 42 is a guide rail for moving the container insertion unit, and 43 is a container insertion unit row. A confirmation window 44 is a container insertion unit row confirmation window 45 is an RFID tag reading antenna.

  A device in which the wireless tag reading antenna 45 is mounted on the container registration opening portion is referred to as a container insertion unit 41. The container insertion unit 41 can move in both directions of the matrix on the container insertion unit moving guide rail 42. The container insertion unit 41 of this embodiment has one container registration port. In the example of FIG. 14, the rack 9 having 5 rows × 10 columns is used, so that the container insertion unit 41 can be moved to a total of 50 locations, 5 locations in the row direction and 10 locations in the column direction. . When the container insertion unit 41 is moved in the row direction, row numbers (A to J) are displayed in the container insertion unit row confirmation window 43. When the container insertion unit 41 is moved in the row direction, the row number (1 to 5) is displayed in the container insertion unit row confirmation window 44. The amount of movement of each row and each column is adjusted to the storage position of the rack 9, and is configured to be able to move one row and one column by a notch.

  FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the container insertion unit 41. Inside the container insertion unit 41, a wireless tag reading antenna 45 for reading the wireless tag information attached to the set container 10 is mounted. The RFID tag reading antenna 45 used here only needs to be able to read RFID tag information at a close distance, and may be small and have a low output. However, since the position of the wireless tag affixed to the side surface of the container 10 is not always in a fixed direction, it is necessary to configure so that the wireless tag can be reliably read regardless of the position. In the example of FIG. 15, the four small RFID tag antennas 45 are arranged so as to surround the container 10, but if there is sufficient reading ability, the number of antennas below this may be used. If the shape of the antenna can be changed flexibly, it is conceivable to mount the antenna in a cylindrical shape along the inner wall of the container registration port.

  A shutter 40 connected to a solenoid 38 and a plunger pin 39 is disposed above and below the container registration port 17. Using a material that shields electromagnetic waves for the shutter 40 is effective in preventing leakage of electromagnetic waves. When the wireless tag information is read with the container 10 set, the upper and lower shutters 40 are closed to prevent leakage of the electromagnetic wave read by the wireless tag inside the container registration port. Further, a photo sensor 29 for detecting that a container is inserted is installed inside the container registration opening.

  FIG. 16 shows the structure and operation of the container insertion unit. FIG. 16A shows a state when the container is set in the container insertion unit. The lower shutter of the container registration port is closed and the upper shutter is open. The photosensor does not detect the insertion of the container. Further, no read electromagnetic wave is irradiated from the container-attached wireless tag reading antenna. FIG. 16B shows a state when the container is set in the container insertion unit. When the photo sensor detects that the container 10 has been inserted, the upper shutter 40 of the container registration port is closed. As a result, the container registration port 17 is hermetically sealed in an electromagnetic wave. Thereafter, a radio wave reading radio tag is irradiated from the container-attached radio tag reading antenna 45. When a plurality of antennas 45 are mounted, a method of irradiating all antennas at once and a method of sequentially irradiating one by one can be considered. A method of improving the radio tag reading accuracy by intermittently performing the number of irradiations a plurality of times is also conceivable. FIG. 16C shows a state when the reading of the wireless tag attached to the container 10 is completed and the container 10 is stored in the rack 9. When it is confirmed that the wireless tag information has been read, the wireless tag reading electromagnetic wave irradiation is stopped and the upper and lower shutters 40 of the container registration port 17 are opened. The container 10 is stored in the rack 9, and the photosensor 29 inside the container registration port 17 returns to the container undetected state again.

  In this method, since the RFID tag information affixed to the container 10 to be stored is read by the container insertion unit 41, the RFID tag reading antenna mounted on the container information reader is stored after the container 10 is stored in the rack 9. It is not necessary to perform batch reading at 45. However, in order to confirm whether or not the container 10 is securely stored in the rack 9, the container 10 is actually stored when the RFID tag batch reading is performed even after the container 10 is stored in the rack 9. Can be confirmed twice, which is effective.

  FIG. 17 shows a second embodiment of the container information reading device with a radio tag according to the present invention. In the first embodiment, the movable bridge installed on the upper surface of the apparatus is used as the container position detection sensor. However, in the second embodiment, the container position detection is performed on the bottom surface of the wireless tag-equipped container information reading apparatus. It has a configuration with a sensor. The container position detection sensor has a structure in which sensors for detecting the presence or absence of a container are arranged in the same pattern as the container storage position in the rack. In order to detect the presence / absence of containers from the bottom of the rack, the rack used in the second embodiment is configured with a wire frame, or a small hole is opened in the storage position of each container on the bottom of the rack. Use what you have. In the second embodiment, when the container is stored in the rack, it is not necessary to move the bridge, and it is detected that the container is mounted on the rack simply by inserting the container into the rack storage position.

  FIG. 17A shows an upper surface of the container information reading apparatus according to this method. The basic structure such as the housing is the same as that of the first embodiment. A rack mount detection sensor 21 that detects the storage of the rack and a rack storage direction detection sensor 51 that detects the storage direction of the rack are also mounted as in the first embodiment. On the bottom surface of the position where the rack is mounted, the container position detection sensor 14 is arranged in the same pattern as the container storage position in the rack. FIG. 17B shows a long side surface of the container information reading device according to this method. A container position detection sensor 14 is mounted on the bottom surface where the rack is placed. FIG. 17 (c) shows a short side surface of the container information reading device according to this method.

  FIG. 18 shows a view in which a rack 9 storing containers 10 is mounted on a container information reader of this system. FIG. 18A shows the upper surface of the apparatus when the rack 9 is mounted on the container information reading apparatus of this system. The container position detection sensor 14 is disposed below each container 10 in the rack 9. When the rack 9 is mounted, the presence or absence of the container 10 at each storage position in the rack 9 is automatically detected. FIG. 18B shows a long side surface of the container information reading device according to this method. A container position detection sensor 14 is mounted on the bottom surface of the rack 9. FIG.18 (c) shows the short side surface of the container information reader in this system.

  FIG. 19 shows an example in which a probe (probe) type switch is used as the container position detection sensor 14. FIG. 19A shows an arrangement state of sensors for one rack. Since the container position detection sensor is arranged in the same pattern as the storage position of the container in the rack, for example, when a rack of 5 rows × 10 columns is used, the sensor having the structure shown in FIG. They will be used side by side. FIG. 19B shows the operation status of the container position detection sensor. The rack 9 used in the present embodiment is configured in a wire frame shape or has a small hole in the storage position of each container on the bottom of the rack. Therefore, the probe 54 of the container position detection sensor 14 has a structure that protrudes through the bottom of the rack. When the container 10 is in the container storage position in the rack, the probe 54 of the container position detection sensor 14 is pushed in, and the switch is closed to be in the “ON” state. On the other hand, when the container 10 is not contained, the probe 54 is not pushed in and the switch 55 remains “OFF”. By detecting the opening / closing of the switch 55, the storage status of the container 10 inside the rack can be grasped collectively.

  20 to 24 show structures of various sensors used for the container position detection sensor 14.

  FIG. 20 shows a structure of a probe (probe) type sensor using the above-described probe (probe) 54 and switch 55 as the container position detection sensor 14.

  FIG. 21 shows a case where a photo sensor unit 56 is used as the container position detection sensor 14. When the container 10 is not stored, the light emitted from the photosensor light emitting unit 57 is reflected and does not reach the light receiving unit 58, so that the photosensor unit 56 is turned off. On the other hand, when the container 10 is stored, the light emitted from the photosensor light-emitting unit 57 is reflected by the bottom of the container 10 and enters the photosensor light-receiving unit 58, so that the “ON” state is set.

  FIG. 22 shows a case where a light amount sensor unit 59 is used as the container position detection sensor 14. When the container 10 is not stored, the light quantity sensor (CdS cell or the like) 60 has incident light, so the sensor is in the “OFF” state. On the other hand, when the container 10 is stored, the incident light is blocked by the container 10, so that the amount of light is reduced and the sensor is turned “ON”.

  FIG. 23 shows a case where an ultrasonic sensor unit 61 is used as the container position detection sensor 14. When the container 10 is not stored, the ultrasonic wave output from the ultrasonic wave transmission unit 62 is “OFF” because it does not reach the ultrasonic wave reception unit 63, but when the container 10 is stored, the ultrasonic wave transmission is performed. The ultrasonic wave output from the unit 62 reaches the ultrasonic wave receiving unit 63 and becomes “ON”.

  FIG. 24 shows a case where a pressure sensor switch 64 is used as the container position detection sensor 14. A probe 54 is attached to the pressure sensor switch 64. When the container 10 is not stored, no pressure is applied to the probe 54, so that the pressure sensor switch 64 is “OFF”. When the container 10 is stored, the probe 54 is pushed by the container 10 and pressure is applied to the sensor 54, so that the “ON” state is set.

  The operation of the container information reader in this system is basically the same as that of the first embodiment. In the container information reading apparatus of this system, after the rack 9 is set, the container 10 is inserted into a place where it is desired to store. After the container position detection sensor 14 detects the storage of the container 10 and acquires the storage position information, the RFID tag reading electromagnetic wave mounted in the container information reader is automatically irradiated once or a plurality of times, and the rack The unique identification information of the internal container and the unique identification information of the rack are collectively read. The RFID tag information collectively read and the container position information stored by the container position detection sensor 14 are transmitted to the server via the network. The server determines the unique identification information of the newly registered container 10 by comparing with the previous batch reading information result, associates it with the position information where the current container is stored, and registers it in the database.

  In the present invention, the origin of the rack 9 is defined, and the container positions inside the rack are shown in a matrix display based on the origin. What is important here is that when the rack 9 is mounted with the container information reading device, the rack origin must be placed at a predetermined position. In the present embodiment, a method has been described in which a wireless tag indicating rack unique identification information is attached to a place corresponding to the rack origin so that the direction of the rack 9 is visually confirmed. However, in this case, there is a possibility that the rack 9 is installed in the wrong direction when it is mounted. Therefore, a system that automatically recognizes that the rack 9 is always set in the correct direction for system operation, and notifies the error when it is installed in the wrong direction is installed. It is preferable to do.

  As one method for improving the above points, a magnet is attached at the same time that the wireless tag 11 is attached to the rack origin. In the container information reading device, a magnetic sensor using a Hall element or the like is mounted near the corner of the rack origin. In this way, it is possible to automatically determine whether the rack is installed in the wrong direction.

  FIG. 25 shows the positional relationship between the magnet 36 attached to the rack 9 and the magnetic sensor 37 mounted on the container information reading device. The magnet 36 is attached in the vicinity of the wireless tag 11 storing rack unique identification information. The magnetic sensor 37 detects the magnetic flux from the magnet 36 when the rack 9 is installed in the correct direction. However, when installed in the wrong direction, magnetic flux cannot be detected, so an installation error is notified.

  FIG. 26 shows a top view of a correct mounting position and an incorrect mounting position when the rectangular rack 11 is used. Since the rack is rectangular, the rack mounting direction in the container information reader is limited to two. In FIG. 26A, since the magnetic sensor 37 and the magnet 36 are arranged close to each other, it can be determined that the magnetic sensor 37 detects the magnet 36, but in FIG. 26B, the magnet 36 is magnetic. Since the magnetic sensor 37 is located diagonally to the sensor 37, the magnetic sensor 37 cannot detect the magnet 36 and notifies an installation error.

  FIG. 27 shows a top view of a correct mounting position and an incorrect mounting position when the square rack 9 is used. Since the rack 9 is square, there are four rack mounting directions in the container information reader. In FIG. 27A, since the magnetic sensor 37 and the magnet 36 are arranged close to each other, the magnetic sensor 37 can detect the magnet 36 and determine the correct position. On the other hand, in each of FIGS. 27B, 27C, and 27D, since the magnetic sensor 37 and the magnet 36 are separated from each other, the magnetic sensor 37 cannot detect the magnet 36 and notifies an installation error. To do.

  For automatic detection of the rack origin, the following method can be considered in addition to the magnet 36 described above. FIG. 28 shows another embodiment. A small RFID tag reading antenna 46 is installed near the rack origin position. The small RFID tag reading antenna 46 is provided separately from the RFID tag reading antenna installed inside the container information reading device. By adjusting the electromagnetic wave output from the antenna 46, the irradiation area 47 of the read electromagnetic wave is adjusted to be only the area near the wireless tag 11 that is attached to the rack origin and stores the rack unique identification information. That is, the output of the small wireless tag reading antenna 46 may be small. With the container 10 not stored in the rack 9, the rack 9 is placed in the container information reader, the contents of the wireless tag storing the rack unique identification information are recognized by the small wireless tag reading antenna 46, and the rack 9 is placed on the server. Register in the database. When the rack unique identification information is registered on the database, it is always performed in a state where the container 10 is not stored in the rack 9. If the container 10 is in the rack 9, the wireless tag storing the unique identification information of the container 10 near the rack origin may be read at the same time, so which information is the rack unique identification information. This is because it will not be understood. FIG. 28A shows a situation when rack unique identification information is registered on the database. An electromagnetic wave irradiation area 47 of the small wireless tag reading antenna 46 is indicated by a dotted line. Since the wireless tag 11 storing the rack unique identification information is present in the electromagnetic wave irradiation region 47, the information can be read. FIG. 28B shows a case where the rack 9 is installed in the wrong direction. At this time, the small wireless tag reading antenna 46 cannot read the contents of the wireless tag 11 storing the rack unique identification information.

  When the rack 9 in which the rack unique identification information is registered is used from the next time onward, if the rack 9 is installed in the container information reading device with the wrong orientation, the electromagnetic wave irradiated from the small wireless tag reading antenna 46 stores the rack unique identification information. The wireless tag 11 cannot be recognized. In this case, the rack origin can be accurately aligned by notifying the installation error of the rack 9, stopping the subsequent container registration work, and instructing the operator to reinsert the rack 9 in the correct orientation. Once the wireless tag 11 storing the rack unique identification information is registered on the server, the unique identification information is always read from the small wireless tag reading antenna 46 at the time of container registration if the rack 9 is installed at the correct position from the next time. Can do. When the container 10 is stored in the rack 9, there is a possibility that the wireless tag 11 storing the container unique identification information affixed to the container near the rack origin may be read, but the unique identification information of the rack 9 is stored on the database. Is registered in advance, so there is no problem.

  FIG. 29, FIG. 30, FIG. 31, FIG. 32, and FIG. 33 show the work flow of each operation when managing containers using the container information reader of the present invention.

  FIG. 29 shows a work flow when a container is stored in a new rack and registered in the database. In this case, a new rack and containers to be stored in the rack are prepared (step S11), and the management software of the container information reading device is activated on the management PC (step S12). Next, a new registration process is selected with the management software (step S13), the rack is set in the container information reading device (step S14), and the container is stored in the rack (step S15). Thereby, the position information of the container stored in the rack is read and registered in the database of the server. After the container is stored, the rack is taken out from the container information reader (step S16), stored in the designated storage location (step S17), and the series of operations is completed.

  FIG. 30 shows a work flow in the case of newly registering a new container in an existing rack already registered in the database. In this case, the container reader management software is started on the management PC (step S21), the container addition process for the existing rack is started (step S22), the container is additionally registered, and the rack storage location (rack storage shelf) ) Is searched (step S23). Subsequently, according to the search result display, the rack is taken out from the storage location (step S24), the rack is set in the container information reader (step S25), and the container to be additionally registered is stored in the rack (step S26). Thereby, the information of the container to be additionally registered is read and additionally registered in the server database. After the registration is completed, the rack is taken out from the container information reading device (step SS27), the rack is stored in the designated storage location (step S28), and the series of operations is completed.

  FIG. 31 shows a work flow when searching for registered containers. In this case, the container reader management software is started on the management PC (step S31), container search is selected (step S32), and information on the container to be searched is input (step S33). Since the display is performed, the rack is taken out from the storage location (rack storage shelf) according to the search result display (step S34). When the rack is set in the container information reader (step S35), the search target container is searched and the position information is displayed. In accordance with the search result display, the container is removed from the designated position inside the rack (step S36), the work using the removed container is performed (step S37), and the removed container is returned to the rack (step S38). It is registered that the container information is read and returned to the server database. After the registration is completed, the rack is taken out from the container information reading device (step SS39), the rack is stored in the designated storage location (step S40), and the series of operations is completed.

  FIG. 32 shows a work flow when the container registration is deleted. In this case, the container reader management software is started on the management PC (step S41), the container erasure process is selected (step S42), and information on the container to be erased is input (step S43). Since the display is performed, the rack is taken out from the storage location (rack storage shelf) according to the search result display (step S44). Then, when the rack is set in the container information reading device (step S45), the container to be erased is searched and its position information is displayed. In accordance with the search result display, the container to be deleted is taken out from the designated position inside the rack (step S46), the container removed on the management PC is deleted (step S47), and the container information is deleted from the database of the server (step S47). Step S48). After the erasure process, the rack is taken out from the container information reader (step S49), stored in the designated storage location (step S50), and the series of operations is completed.

  FIG. 33 shows a work flow when changing the container storage position. In this case, the container reader management software is started on the management PC (step S51), the container position changing process is selected (step S52), and the information of the container whose storage position is to be changed is input (step S53). ). As a result, the rack search result is displayed, and the rack is taken out from the storage location (rack storage shelf) according to the search result display (step S54). Then, when the rack is set in the container information reading device (step S55), the position change processing target container is searched and the position information is displayed. In accordance with the search result display, the container whose storage position is to be changed is taken out from the designated position inside the rack (step S56), the storage position processing of the container taken out on the management PC is instructed (step S57), and the container is stored from the server database. Is deleted (step S58). Subsequently, the container is stored in the storage position to be changed with respect to the rack (step S59). Thereby, the changed position information is registered in the database of the host server (step S60). After the registration is completed, the rack is taken out from the container information reading device (step S61), the rack is stored in the designated storage location (step S62), and the series of operations is completed.

  Next, the actual processing flow will be described by taking the case of registering containers in a rack as an example.

  FIG. 34 shows an outline of the main routine of the management system software for storing containers in a rack using the container information reading device of the present invention. The main routine consists of three subroutines: “rack specific information and container specific information confirmation process”, “matrix information acquisition process during container registration”, and “new container specific information and position information registration process”. The The main routine first irradiates the radio tag reading radio wave, and reads the information of the radio tag attached to the rack (step S71). Next, the server database is inquired about already registered information (step S72). Next, the wireless tag reading radio wave is stopped, and the container position detection sensor waits for detection of container insertion (steps S73 and S74). When the container position detection sensor detects the insertion of the container and acquires the matrix position of the container registration port (step S73), the wireless tag reading radio wave is irradiated (step S74), and the unique information of the wireless tag attached to the rack and the container Are collectively read (step S75), and the position information of the new storage container is sent to the server and registered in the database (step S76), and the radio wave is stopped (step S78). At this time, the newly stored container information, container storage position information, and rack specific information are registered as a set in the database of the server. Thereafter, the processes in steps S74 to S77 are repeated until the container registration process is completed.

  FIG. 35 shows a configuration in the subroutine of “rack specific information and container specific information confirmation processing”. In FIG. 35, all the RFID tag specific information is read at once (step S81), the rack specific information is acquired (step S82), the registration data on the management server database is inquired (step S83), and the presence or absence of the registration data is determined. Determination is made (step S84). If there is no registration data, a new database is created (step S85), the database registration of the management server is executed (step S86), and the series of processing ends. If it is determined in step S84 that registered data is present, the data is compared with past data (step S87), and the presence or absence of a difference is determined (step S88). Determines the necessity of correction (step S89), and if correction is necessary, corrects and updates the contents of the database of the management server (step S90), and ends the series of processing. If there is no difference in step S88, or if no correction is required in step S89, the series of processing ends at that point.

  FIG. 36 shows the in-subroutine configuration of the “matrix information acquisition process during container registration”. In FIG. 36, when the position information (row and column information in the rack) is acquired from the container position detection sensor (step S91), the position in the rack is recorded as coordinates from the row and column information (step S92). The position information of the new storage container is registered in the management server database (step S93), and the series of processes is terminated.

  FIG. 37 shows the in-subroutine configuration of “new storage container specific information and position information registration process”. In FIG. 37, when newly added RFID tag information is acquired (step S101), it is determined whether it is a new ID (step S102). If it is a new ID, position information of a new storage container is acquired (step S103). Then, the new RFID tag information and the position information are linked and registered in the management server (step S104), registered as a new storage container position in the management server database (step S105), and a series of processing is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S102 that the ID is not a new ID, it is first determined whether a container without a wireless tag has been stored (step S106). If the container has no wireless tag, a wireless tag reading error is generated. Notification is made (step S107), error processing is performed (step S108), and a series of processing ends. If it is determined in step S106 that a container without a wireless tag has been stored, it is notified that a container without a wireless tag has been stored (step S109), and it is determined whether or not to register as a container without an RF-ID (step S109). (S110) In the case of registration, the position information is registered as a wireless tag-less container in the management server (step S111), and the series of processes is terminated. If it is specified in step S110 that the container is not registered, the registration process is canceled (step S112), the removal of the container is instructed (step S113), and the series of processes ends.

  Next, an operation when a necessary container is taken out from a container already registered and stored by using the container information reading device of the present invention will be described. The management system software is operated on the management PC, and the container search process is selected. An example is shown in FIG. Here, it is assumed that a specific test tube is taken out from the test tubes stored in the freezer. First, input the retrieval information of the test tube to be taken out. In this example, the target test tube is searched by inputting either the unique information of the wireless tag affixed to the test tube or various information linked to the unique information on the server database. It is configured as follows. When a search keyword is input and the search is executed, target test tube information is searched from information registered on the server database and output on the management PC screen. At this time, if a fuzzy search is performed, a plurality of candidate test tubes are displayed. Therefore, a further refined search is performed, or a target one is directly specified from the displayed candidates.

  FIG. 39 shows that the search has been executed and the target test tube has been found on the database. Various information about the test target test tubes registered in the database of the server is displayed as a list. If the searched test tube is correct, the location where the rack storing the test tube is stored is confirmed according to the display of the search result. On the screen, as the storage location of the rack, the number of the freezer at the storage destination, the number of the shelf in the freezer, and the column and stage information of the shelf on which the rack is placed are displayed. From this information, the rack storing the test tube is taken out from the storage location.

  FIG. 40 shows the rack 9 taken out set in the container information reader of the present invention. In this example, six specimens are contained in the rack 9, one of which is the target test tube 34. When the rack mount detection sensor detects that the rack 9 is set in the container information reading device, the RFID tag reading electromagnetic wave is automatically irradiated, and the RFID tags of the containers stored in the rack 9 and the rack 9 are collectively read. Then, it is determined whether there is no difference from the registered contents of the upper database.

  If the contents of the data are correct, as shown in FIG. 41, a list of test tubes stored in the rack is displayed on the management PC screen together with storage position information. A target test tube is selected from the list of test tubes stored in the rack 9. In this example, it is assumed that the test tube of SMP0003 stored in 3 rows and D columns is the target test tube. Since the position information in which the target test tube is stored is displayed on the screen, the test tube may be taken out from the rack 9 accordingly. FIG. 42 shows a situation where the target container 34 is taken out.

  FIG. 43 shows a display of the management PC screen after the target test tube is taken out. At the time of container search, the unique information of the test tubes contained in the rack is read at once or at regular time intervals in a batch by radio tag reading electromagnetic waves. If one test tube is taken out in this state, only one test tube information that has been read at a time than the test tube information registered in the database of the server is insufficient. The server determines that a missing test tube has been taken out, and changes the status display of the corresponding test tube to “being taken out”.

  FIG. 44 shows the state of the container information reading device and the rack when the taken-out test tube is returned to the original position.

  FIG. 45 shows a screen example of the management PC after the taken test tube is returned to the original position. As described above, during the container search process, the container information reading device reads the unique information of the rack 9 and the test tube stored in the rack 9 constantly or collectively at a fixed time interval using the electromagnetic wave read by the RFID tag. When the container is returned to the rack 9, the unique information of the returned test tube is automatically detected. In response to this, the server changes the state of the test tube from “Retrieving” to “Registered”. When the test tube is returned to the original position, the test tube is stored according to the position information in the rack displayed on the screen of the management PC. At this time, as in the first embodiment of the present invention, when a movable bridge is used, the test tube is returned to the original position by storing it again through the movable bridge when the taken-out container is returned. Make sure. On the other hand, when the container position detection sensor is mounted on the bottom of the rack as in the second embodiment of the present invention, the container position information is automatically obtained when the container is returned to the rack. You can check whether the position has been correctly returned.

  FIG. 46 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a rack storage shelf used in the article management system of the present invention. Here, the storage shelf 48 having two rows and three stages is taken as an example. There are six storage compartments inside the storage shelf. Each section is equipped with a wireless tag reading antenna 49 so that the unique identification information of the rack 7 stored in the section can be read at any time. Each storage section is partitioned by a material that shields electromagnetic waves, and there is no possibility of reading rack-specific identification information of other sections. When the rack 7 is stored in an empty section of the rack storage shelf 48, the RFID tag reading antenna 49 mounted on the shelf reads the rack unique identification information. At this time, the unique identification information of the containers 10 mounted on the rack 7 is also read at the same time. However, since the rack unique identification information has already been registered in the server database at the initial operation setting stage, the rack unique identification information is used here. It is only necessary to focus on the identification information. While the wireless tag reading antenna 49 can acquire the rack unique identification information registered in the database, the rack 7 is stored in the corresponding section of the storage shelf 48. When reading is no longer possible, it indicates that the rack 7 has been removed from the corresponding section or that the corresponding section is empty.

  FIG. 47 shows an example of how the rack storage shelf 50 is used on the management PC screen. FIG. 47 shows a list of locations where each storage shelf is installed. Here, the number of the storage shelf whose status is to be confirmed is selected. In this example, the usage status of the storage shelf 0001 is confirmed. It is displayed that the storage shelf 0001 is installed in the A refrigerator in the first floor, room 101 of the sample storage building. When the storage shelf 0001 is clicked, as shown in FIG. 48, the usage status inside the shelf at the time of inquiry is displayed. FIG. 48 shows, as an example, the use situation of a shelf having six storage sections in a two-row, three-stage configuration. This figure shows that the sections in the third row of row A and the second row of row B are empty, and the racks with the numbers displayed are stored in the other sections. Consider a case in which two racks with rack specific numbers R0001 and R0005 are newly stored in this rack storage shelf.

  FIG. 49A shows a front view of the rack storage shelf 0001 confirmed from the management PC in FIG. The rack storage shelf 48 has six storage compartments, and each compartment has a display indicating a row and a stage in front. The state of each storage compartment is displayed by two lamps 50 of blue and red. In this example, since the racks 7 are stored except for the third row of the A row and the second row of the B row, the display lamp 50 on the front surface of the section is lit in red indicating that it has been stored. The front lamps 50 in the sections of the third row of A row and the second row of B row are lit in blue indicating vacancy.

  When the rack 7 with the rack specific number R0001 is stored in the three rows of the A row, the rack specific information R0001 is read from the RFID tag reading antenna provided in the section, and the rack storage location is registered in the database on the server. At the same time, the lamp 50 on the front of the section changes from blue to red, indicating that the rack 7 has been stored in the section. Next, the same operation is performed when the rack 7 of R0005 is stored in the B-row, 2-stage section. Fig. 49 (b) shows the state of the front of the rack when the R0001 rack is stored in the three rows of the A row, and Fig. 49 (c) shows the rack of R0005 stored in the two rows of the B row. The state of the front of the rack is shown.

  FIG. 50 is a screen when the management PC confirms the usage status of the storage shelf when all racks are stored in the two empty sections of the rack storage shelf 0001. Since the rack 7 is stored in the two sections that are empty in FIG. 48, the rack unique numbers stored in the sections are displayed. The usage status of the rack storage shelves 48 is performed in real time by reading the rack-specific information from time to time by the RFID tag reading antenna mounted in each section of the rack storage shelves 48. Immediately reflected on the management PC screen.

  In the above example, the operation | movement at the time of storing a rack in the arbitrary empty divisions of a rack storage shelf was shown. However, depending on the operation, there are cases where it is desired to predetermine a section for storing the rack. The operation method in that case is shown below.

  FIG. 51 shows an example of a rack storage shelf. The front display lamp 50 is lit in red in the section where the rack is already stored, and the empty section is lit in blue. Consider a case in which the rack 7 having the rack specific number R0001 is stored in the storage shelf 48 in the section of row A, three stages.

  FIG. 51A shows the internal state of the storage shelf 48 before the rack storage process is started. In the storage shelf 48, two sections of three rows of A row and two rows of B row are vacant, and the front display lamp 50 is lit in blue. Since the racks are registered in the other sections, the front display lamp is lit red. When the rack unique number R0001 is stored in the three rows of the A row, the third row of the A row is designated in advance as the storage location of the rack 7 from the management PC. FIG. 51B shows a state of the storage shelf 18 when the storage location of R0001 is designated to the server. Since the storage of the rack 7 is designated in the three rows in row A, the front display lamp 50 blinks in red, indicating that the designated rack 7 is to be stored. FIG. 51 (c) shows a state after the rack unique number R0001 is stored in the third row of the A row as specified. The RFID tag reading antenna provided in the storage shelf section detects that the R0001 rack 7 has been stored in the three rows of row A and registers it in the server database, and the front display lamp 50 blinks red. Changes from red to red, indicating that the compartment is storing rack 7. FIG. 52 shows a screen of the management PC after the above operation is performed. It shows that the rack 7 of R0001 is stored in the three rows of the A row.

  On the other hand, FIG. 51D shows a case where the rack 7 is not stored in the designated section. In this example, the R0001 rack 7 that should be stored in the third row of the A row is erroneously stored in the second row of the B row. In the second row of row B, the rack 7 with the unique number R0001 is detected even though there is no plan to store the rack 7, so an error is notified to the server database and the front display lamp 50 red and blue simultaneously. Lights up and notifies the user of a storage error. On the other hand, the front display lamp 50 in the third row of row A, which is the original storage location, blinks a red lamp and instructs to insert the rack 7. FIG. 53 shows a screen display of the management PC when the storage section of the rack 7 is wrong. In the second row of row B, a storage error is displayed together with a correct storage destination partition. Instructions are displayed in the 3rd row of row A to insert R0001 that is scheduled to be stored.

  As described above, the container management system of the above embodiment includes a container information reading device used when storing containers in a rack, a database construction server for managing registration information, and operations such as container registration, update, and change. Means (for example, a management PC), and a rack information reading device that automatically detects storage of a rack in a storage shelf. These devices are always connected via a network, for example.

  In the present embodiment, the wireless tag is attached to each of the container and the rack, and the rack identification information and the container identification information are added. A label is attached to the wireless tag, and the unique information is printed on the label with characters and a barcode so that the unique information stored in the wireless tag can be visually confirmed. By doing so, even if the RFID tag main body is destroyed, it becomes possible to identify the rack or container based on the information printed on the label. Although the present invention can be operated with only a wireless tag, it is possible to further improve traceability by adding a character string and a barcode to a label.

  The shape of the rack for storing the container is defined in advance. A wireless tag for identifying the rack is attached to a predetermined position among the four corners of the rack. In the rack used in the management system of the present invention, a rack with a wireless tag attached to a predetermined corner among the four corners in the rack is used. The place where the wireless tag is attached is defined as the origin of the rack. The rack storage location includes a management method using matrix information or a management method for assigning consecutive numbers to the rack storage positions.

  As an example of management using matrix information, let us consider a case in which rack rows are represented numerically and rack columns are represented alphabetically. The rack origin to which the wireless tag is attached corresponds to (1 row A column). For example, assume that the rack to be used can store 5 rows × 10 columns of test tubes. At this time, 5 numbers 1 to 5 are assigned to the rack rows, and 10 alphabets A to J are assigned to the rack columns. In this way, management is performed by adding the matrix information from (1 row A column) to (5 rows J column) to the rack storage position of 5 rows × 10 columns.

  On the other hand, as an example of management that assigns consecutive numbers, the rack origin may be number 1 and the storage location may be specified by giving consecutive numbers line by line. In this case, assuming that the rack to be used can store the test tubes of the above-mentioned 5 rows × 10 columns, the rack origin corresponds to the storage position No. 01. Hereinafter, numbers from 01 to 10 are assigned to the first column, and numbers from 11 to 20 are assigned to the second column. In this way, position management is performed by assigning numbers 01 to 50 to the rack storage positions of 5 rows × 10 columns.

  When managing containers stored in a rack on the server database, rack-specific information, container-specific information, matrix position information of container storage locations, position information of storage shelves that store racks, etc. are linked. Do.

  The container information reading apparatus is provided with a frame for installing the rack at a predetermined position and a rack mount detection sensor for detecting that the rack is installed. A rack storage direction detection sensor is also provided for detecting whether the rack origin is installed at a predetermined location. When placing the rack in the container information reader, the rack origin is set at a predetermined location inside the container information reader. At this time, the rack mount sensor detects the storage of the rack, and at the same time, the rack storage direction detection sensor checks whether the rack is installed in the correct direction. An RFID tag information reading antenna and its control device are stored in the container information reading device. The container information reading device is a box-shaped housing, and each surface of the device is made of a material that shields electromagnetic waves so that the radio tag reading electromagnetic waves do not leak outside the device. The rack is attached to and detached from the container information reading device from the top of the device.

  The container information reader is used in a state of being connected to a database server installed at a higher level via a network. When a container is stored inside the rack by using the container information reader, in addition to the rack-specific identification information stored in the wireless tag and the container-specific identification information, the position information of the container in the rack is transmitted via the network. Registered and updated on the server in real time. A management PC for managing the server database is also connected via a network. On this management PC screen, it is possible to perform a container storage operation in the rack, a search operation for containers already stored, a container movement operation within the rack, and a container registration information deletion operation. Furthermore, rack storage shelves for storing racks are also installed in a state of being connected to the network, automatically detecting racks that are put in and out of the rack storage shelves, and reflecting the situation in real time in the server database.

  Before storing a container in a rack, it is necessary to register a new rack. When registering a new rack, an empty rack in which no container is stored is installed in the container information reader. In the container information reading device, the unique information of the rack is detected and registered as a new rack in the database of the server.

  In addition, the container information reading device detects, for example, that the rack is installed inside the device by a rack mount sensor provided inside the device, and at the same time, confirms that the rack is installed in the correct direction by the rack storage direction detection sensor. Check. Thereafter, a batch reading operation of the wireless tag attached to the rack and the wireless tag attached to the container stored therein is automatically performed. Information on the wireless tag attached to the rack is used as identification information unique to the rack. When a container is newly registered while the rack is empty, only the rack-specific identification information is read and registered in the database as a new rack in the database server. When a rack that has already been registered on the database is installed, the registration information of the corresponding rack is called up from the database of the server onto the management PC screen. At this time, the registered information on the database is collated with the information acquired by the wireless tag batch reading to check whether there is a difference, and when there is a difference, the existing information is updated or changed. .

  The container information reading device is provided with a container position detection sensor that automatically detects in which storage position in the rack the container is stored. When each container is stored in the rack, the position information of the automatically inserted container inside the rack is acquired. This position information may be either the matrix information described above or continuous number information. In the following description, it is assumed that position information in the rack is managed as matrix information.

  Further, the container information reading device incorporates a container position detection sensor for detecting when the container is stored in the rack. When the container is inserted into the rack, the sensor automatically detects that the container has been inserted into the rack. The container information reading device receives the reaction of the container position detection sensor, automatically acquires the container storage position information, and simultaneously notifies the server database of the acquired position information of the new container. Thereafter, the RFID tag reading electromagnetic wave is automatically or intermittently irradiated once or a plurality of times from the RFID tag reading antenna to collectively read the RFID tag information attached to the container stored in the rack. Each time the container is stored in the rack, the container information reader reads the RFID tag information in the rack at a time and notifies the server database of the reading result each time. Each time a container is stored, the newly added identification information unique to the container can be determined by comparing the result with the previous batch reading. In the database of the server, the added identification information unique to the container is associated with the position information of the container acquired at that time, and the new container position information is registered on the database.

  By repeating the above operation, the containers are sequentially stored in the rack. The position information storing the container and the stored container identification information are automatically linked and registered on the database of the server. On the container information reading device side, the container identification information and position information can be acquired simply by placing the containers one by one in the desired location in the rack.

  The rack for which the container storage operation has been completed is taken out from the container information reader and stored and stored in a rack storage shelf. The RFID tag reading antenna is mounted on the rack storage shelf. When the rack is stored in the storage shelf, the RFID tag reading antenna automatically reads the rack-specific information and reflects the location and position information of the shelf storing the rack in the server database.

  Next, consider a case where a specific one is taken out from a large number of stored containers. The management PC connected to the server via the network inputs the specific information or search keyword of the container to be taken out, and searches the information on the container registered in the database on the server. When the target container is searched, the installation location of the rack storage shelf in which the corresponding container is stored, the rack-specific identification information, the container-specific identification information, and the position information in the rack in which the container is stored are retrieved from the server database. Is output on the screen of the management PC. Based on these pieces of information, the corresponding rack is first taken out from the storage shelf where the rack is stored.

  The identification information unique to the rack taken out from the rack storage shelf cannot be read by the wireless tag reading antenna mounted on the rack storage shelf. Thus, it is automatically detected that the rack has been taken out, and the fact that the rack has been taken out is registered in the database on the server.

  The taken out rack is installed in the container information reading device of the present invention. When the rack mount sensor and the rack storage direction detection sensor provided inside the container information reader detect that the rack is correctly installed in the container information reader, the RFID tag batch reading operation is performed, and the rack specific information and the container specific The information is transmitted to the database server, and it is determined whether there is no difference from the registered contents. Since the containers stored in the rack and their storage positions are displayed in a list on the management PC screen, the target container is taken out in accordance with the matrix information display storing the target containers.

  At the time of container search, the container information reader always reads the RFID tag information in the stored rack. Therefore, when the target container is removed from the rack, the RFID tag information attached to the removed container cannot be read. By notifying this to the server database, the corresponding container on the management PC screen is changed from “saving” to “retrieving”.

  In order to return the taken-out container to the original location, the container is returned to the matrix position of the container displayed as “Now taking” on the management PC screen. At this time, it is confirmed whether or not the container is correctly returned to the original place by the container position detection sensor mounted on the container information reading device. When the container is returned to the original storage position of the rack, the database of the server is updated, and the screen display of the management PC is updated from “Removing” to “Saving”.

  When discarding the removed container without returning it to the rack, it is necessary to delete the information of the container from the database of the server. In the container erasing process, after the container is taken out, the container which is “being taken out” is changed to “erase” from the screen of the management PC. By this operation, the registration information of the corresponding container is deleted from the database of the server.

  In order to move the container taken out from the rack to another storage location, it is necessary to change the storage position information of the container from the database of the server. In the container storage position changing process, after the container is taken out, the container that is “being taken out” is designated as the storage position change from the management PC screen, and the container is inserted into the storage position to be changed. The container position detection sensor mounted on the container information reader automatically acquires the moved storage position, and the registered position information of the corresponding container in the server database is automatically changed.

  After a series of operations using the containers stored in the rack, the rack is returned to the storage shelf. At this time, when the rack is returned to the original location on the storage shelf, the RFID tag reading antenna mounted on the storage shelf reads the identification information unique to the rack, and the server database indicates that the rack has returned to its original location. sign up. However, when the rack is stored in a different location from the previous storage shelf, the information is different from the information registered in the database as the rack storage location. In this case, it is notified that the rack has not been returned to the original location, and the process of returning to the original location or changing the storage location is performed.

  According to the above embodiment, the following effects can be expected.

  First, when storing containers in the rack, the storage position information of each container in the rack is registered in the database of the server only by the operation of storing the container in the rack by using the container information reader of the present invention. be able to. When this information is registered by the conventional method, it is necessary to input the position information inside the rack stored manually after the container is stored in the rack. By automating these, work efficiency can be improved and mistakes can be reduced.

  Next, by mounting the RFID tag reading antenna on the rack storage shelf and grasping the specific information of the rack to be taken in and out of the storage shelf, it is possible to always automatically grasp the storage status of the rack in the storage shelf.

  Next, it becomes easy to search for containers stored in the rack. In the conventional method, the position information of the container inside the rack and the information of the location of the rack storage shelf where the rack is stored are not registered. Therefore, when a specific container is taken out after several years to several tens of years, a great number of man-hours have occurred. By using the system of the present invention, the location information of the rack storage shelf where the rack is stored and the location information of the container in the rack can be easily obtained by simply inputting the individual information of the container to be searched on the management PC screen. Can be acquired.

  Next, a series of management such as changing the storage location of the container that is registered and managed and deleting the registration information of the container itself can be easily performed by using the container information reader of the present invention. The rack in which the container whose storage location is to be changed is stored is set in the container information reading device of the present invention. In this state, the storage location information of the container can be easily changed by taking out the container whose storage location is to be changed, deleting the registration from the database once, and storing it again in the new location.

  From the above, according to the present invention, firstly, the storage position information of the container in the rack can be automatically acquired and registered in the database of the server, thereby simplifying and improving the efficiency of the work. And can provide a container management system that can reduce errors during registration. Second, when racks are placed on storage shelves, rack management information is automatically registered in the server database. A container management system that can be managed together with the container management information in the rack can be provided.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some configurations may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different example embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

  In particular, the present invention attaches a wireless tag to a test tube, a vacuum blood collection tube, and a rack for storing them, manages and registers where each article stored in the rack is stored, and stores the rack. It is suitable for a management system that improves convenience when taking out an article specified at a later date by managing it in association with the place.

1 ... Server 2 ... Network (Internet, Intranet)
3 ... Container information reader 4 ... System management PC
5 ... Container storage rack 6 ... Radio tag-equipped container 7 ... Container storage rack 8 ... Radio tag reading antenna built-in rack storage shelf 9 ... Test tube rack 10 ... Test tube 11 with wireless tag attached ... Affixed to the test tube rack , Wireless tag 12 storing rack specific information ... wireless tag 13 storing test tube specific information affixed to test tube ... wireless tag reading antenna 14 ... container position detection sensor (movable bridge)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 ... Rack position fixing frame 16 ... Column number display 17 ... Container registration port 18 ... Column number confirmation window 19 ... Row number display 20 ... Movable bridge movement guide rail 21 ... Rack mount detection sensor 22 ... Container position detection Sensor (fixed bridge)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 23 ... Rack tray 24 ... Rack tray moving lever 25 ... Case 26 made of a material that shields electromagnetic waves ... Electromagnetic wave shielding cover 27 ... Light emitting diode 28 ... Photo sensor 29 ... Radio tag reading radio wave irradiation area 30 ... Position information acquisition processing device ( Microprocessor)
31 ... Contact switch for column detection 32 ... Sensor switch for row detection 33 ... Position information signal output 34 to server ... Test tube 35 searched for ... Test tube 36 stored in return position ... Magnet 37 ... Magnetic sensor (Hall element) etc)
38 ... Solenoid 39 ... Plunger pin 40 ... Shutter 41 ... Container insertion unit 42 ... Container insertion unit moving guide rail 43 ... Container insertion unit row confirmation window 44 ... Container insertion unit row confirmation window 45 ... Radio tag reading antenna 46 ... Small wireless tag reading antenna 47 ... Radio wave irradiation area 48 of the small wireless tag reading antenna ... Radio tag reading antenna built-in rack storage shelf 49 ... Radio tag reading antenna 50 ... Lamp 51 ... Rack storage direction detection sensor 52 ... Rack row display 53 ... Rack Column display 54 ... Probe
55 ... Switch 56 ... Photo sensor unit 57 ... Light emitting part 58 of the photo sensor unit ... Light receiving part 59 of the photo sensor unit ... Light quantity sensor unit 60 ... Light quantity sensor (CdS cell, etc.)
61 ... Ultrasonic sensor unit 62 ... Ultrasonic transmitter 63 ... Ultrasonic receiver 64 ... Pressure sensor switch

Claims (8)

A plurality of containers each with a wireless tag that emits container identification information;
A rack having a plurality of storage areas that are partitioned in a matrix direction and identified by row numbers and column numbers, each of which is formed so that the container can be inserted and removed from the upper opening ;
Registering the container identification information assigned to each of the plurality of containers, a server that constructs a database by registering the container identification information in association with the individual information about the container; and
Of the plurality of storage areas, each of the storage areas arranged in the row direction includes a bridge formed with a container registration port through which the container can freely pass in and out, and the bridge is formed in the upper opening of the rack. A container loading / unloading assisting means positioned at the top of any row of the plurality of storage areas on the surface;
Container identification information acquisition means for acquiring the container identification information from the wireless tag of the container that has passed when the container has passed through any container registration port of the bridge ;
When the container passes through one of the container registration ports of the bridge, the row number of the storage area facing the container registration port through which the container has passed and the column number where the bridge is located are detected, and the loading / unloading is performed. Position information acquisition means for acquiring container position information of the storage area,
The container identification information acquired by the container identification information acquisition unit is searched from the database, and the container position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit is registered in the database so as to be associated with the searched container identification information. A container management system comprising: Furthermore, rack identification information presenting means equipped for each rack and presenting rack identification information;
Rack identification information acquisition means for acquiring the rack identification information when the container is taken in and out of the rack;
The container management system according to claim 1, wherein the registration unit registers the rack identification information acquired by the rack identification information acquisition unit in the database so as to be associated with the container identification information together with the container position information.   The rack identification information acquisition unit affixes wireless tags that emit the rack identification information to the plurality of racks, and the wireless tag is attached to the rack when the container identification information is read by the container identification information acquisition unit. The container management system according to claim 2, wherein the rack identification information is read from the container. Further, the storage shelf comprises a plurality of storage areas in which the plurality of racks are arranged, and a storage shelf provided with area information presentation means for presenting area information pre-assigned to each of the plurality of storage areas,
Storage management information acquisition means for acquiring, as storage management information, rack identification information of the rack and area information of the storage area that has been withdrawn / inserted when the rack is taken in and out of the storage shelf,
The registration means retrieves rack identification information in the storage management information from the database at the time of acquisition of the storage management information, associates the area information in the storage management information with the searched rack identification information, and The container management system according to claim 2, wherein the information is registered in the database together with individual information and container position information associated with container identification information.   The registration means newly registers the container identification information so as to be associated with the position information when the container is put in the rack, and is associated with the container identification information when the container is taken out from the rack. The container management system according to claim 1, wherein the container position information is registered for deletion, and the position information associated with the container identification information is updated and registered when the container is taken out of the rack and placed in another position.   When the rack is arranged in the storage area of the storage shelf, the registration unit links the area information to the individual information and the container position information associated with the container identification information and the rack identification information. When newly registering and removing the rack from the storage area of the storage shelf, the area information linked to the rack identification information is deleted and registered, and when the rack is removed from the storage shelf and placed in another position, The container management system according to claim 4, wherein the area information associated with the rack identification information is updated and registered. A plurality of containers each with a wireless tag that emits container identification information;
A rack having a plurality of storage areas that are partitioned in a matrix direction and identified by row numbers and column numbers, each of which is formed so that the container can be inserted and removed from the upper opening ;
Registered container identification information assigned to each of the plurality of containers, used in a container management system comprising a server that builds a database by linking and registering individual information related to containers to the container identification information,
Of the plurality of storage areas, each of the storage areas arranged in the row direction includes a bridge formed with a container registration port through which the container can freely pass in and out, and the bridge is formed in the upper opening of the rack. A container loading / unloading assisting means positioned at the top of any row of the plurality of storage areas on the surface;
Container identification information acquisition means for acquiring the container identification information from the wireless tag of the container that has passed when the container has passed through any container registration port of the bridge ;
When the container passes through one of the container registration ports of the bridge, the row number of the storage area facing the container registration port through which the container has passed and the column number where the bridge is located are detected, and the loading / unloading is performed. Position information acquisition means for acquiring container position information of the storage area,
The container identification information acquired by the container identification information acquisition unit is searched from the database, and the container position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit is registered in the database so as to be associated with the searched container identification information. And a container information reading device for a container management system. A plurality of containers each with a wireless tag that emits container identification information;
A plurality of racks having a plurality of storage areas that are partitioned in a matrix direction and are identified by row numbers and column numbers, each of which is formed so that the container can be freely inserted and removed from the upper opening ;
A storage shelf comprising a plurality of storage areas in which the plurality of racks are arranged, and a storage shelf including area information presenting means for presenting area information pre-assigned to each of the plurality of storage areas;
Registering the container identification information assigned to each of the plurality of containers, a server that constructs a database by registering the container identification information in association with the individual information about the container; and
Of the plurality of storage areas, each of the storage areas arranged in the row direction includes a bridge formed with a container registration port through which the container can freely pass in and out, and the bridge is formed in the upper opening of the rack. A container loading / unloading assisting means positioned at the top of any row of the plurality of storage areas on the surface;
When the container passes through any container registration port of the bridge, the container identification information is acquired from the wireless tag of the passed container, and the row number of the storage area facing the container registration port through which the container has passed The column number where the bridge is located is detected , the container position information of the storage area taken in and out is obtained, the container identification information is searched from the database, and is linked to the searched container identification information. Used in a container management system comprising container information registration means for registering the container position information in the database;
Storage management information acquisition means for acquiring, as storage management information, rack identification information of the rack and area information of the storage area withdrawn / inserted when the rack is taken in and out of the storage shelf;
At the time of acquisition of the storage management information, the rack identification information in the storage management information is searched from the database, the area information in the storage management information is linked to the searched rack identification information, and the container identification information is linked. A rack information reading device of a container management system comprising: rack information registration means for registering in the database together with attached individual information and container position information.

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