JP5359075B2 - Radio tag, article management system, and article management method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radio tag smoothly performing communication for management of various articles in various areas such as various countries or various regions, and also to provide an article management system using the radio tag, and an article management method thereof. <P>SOLUTION: The radio tag 102 attached to the article 101 acquires a present position by receiving a radio wave from a GPS satellite 109. A list of communication specifications corresponding to various positions is stored in the radio tag 102. Thus, when the article is moved to a warehouse 103 at an arbitrary point, the necessary management information can be delivered by determining the communication specification of a reader-writer 104 of the warehouse 103, and communicating thereby. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a radio tag, an article management system using the radio tag, and an article management method, and more particularly, to a radio tag, an article management system, and an article management method suitable for moving to different locations.

  The wireless tag is a device using a semiconductor chip for communicating predetermined management information using wireless. Wireless tags are widely used as cards for managing boarding / exiting transportation such as trains. Such a card is referred to as a boarding management card in this specification.

  When using the train, the user holds the boarding management card over the reading section of the ticket gate at the ticket gate at station A, for example. The ticket gate is provided with a “reader” that wirelessly reads information on the boarding management card and a “writer” that writes necessary information to the ticket reader. The ticket gate reads predetermined information such as the amount of money prepared for boarding from the boarding management card. And the information which shows that a boarding station is A station is written in a boarding management card. Assume that the user gets off at station B. When passing the ticket gate at the ticket gate, hold the boarding management card used at station A over the reading section of the ticket gate. Then, information that boarded from A station is read from a boarding management card, and the charge of the boarding area which uses A station and B station as a use area is deducted from the remaining amount stored on the card. It is also possible to add a function of automatically making a credit payment when the balance of the amount allocated to the boarding management card becomes lower than a certain amount.

  In the wireless tag system using the boarding management card described above, a ticket gate having a reader / writer function that combines a reader and a writer manages information related to the current position or boarding / exiting point. The communication specifications used in the wireless tag system are determined based on the reader / writer side. Here, “communication specifications” refers to specifications such as the frequency, modulation method, demodulation method, etc. by radio used. Therefore, even if another “communication specification” card such as a credit card using a wireless tag or a hotel membership card is held over the ticket gate, the ticket gate cannot communicate management information with the card.

  Incidentally, the communication specifications between the wireless tag and the reader / writer may differ depending on the country or region. For example, at present, even if a boarding management card used in the Kanto region is held in a Kansai ticket gate, communication cannot be performed because the communication specifications of the reader / writer are different.

  The same applies to wireless tags used in addition to boarding management cards for transportation such as trains and buses. For example, it is assumed that a warehouse or a store attaches a wireless tag to a product and manages these products. The manager of the warehouse or the store does not use the general or standard specification of the country but sets the original specification to communicate with the wireless tag.

  For example, suppose that there is a thing that moves in a limited narrow area based on the idea of local production for local consumption, which was proposed as a project to improve local eating habits. An administrator of a warehouse or store that handles such items can manage items using wireless tags attached to these items using unique communication specifications.

  However, many things circulate across areas such as countries and regions. Therefore, conventionally, there is a problem that even if a wireless tag is used for a product that circulates in these wide areas, it cannot be used as it is in a target area. In order to solve this problem, a new wireless tag is attached when the product is transported to the corresponding area, or the communication specification of the reader / writer at the final destination in the area as the starting point of the product. It was necessary to attach the wireless tag which was in.

  However, when the former method is adopted, when an object moves in a plurality of areas, it is necessary to attach or replace a wireless tag in each area. For this reason, not only is the procedure complicated, but in the case of a low-priced product, there is a problem in that the ratio of the management cost due to the wireless tag is high and cannot be put into practical use.

  Further, when the latter method is adopted, when an object moves in a plurality of areas, management using the wireless tag can be performed only in the area as the final destination. Therefore, for example, when the final destination is Japan, there is a problem that the product cannot be managed by the wireless tag at a foreign airport or port shipped to Japan or at a local production factory.

  Therefore, an article that affixes a wireless tag to each article to be transported and moves the information processing apparatus together with the article transport means to notify the management server of the position information acquired by the information processing apparatus. A management system has been proposed as a related technique of the present invention (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  FIG. 14 shows an outline of an article management system according to this related technology. The article management system 800 uses a truck 802 as an example of a conveying means for a load 801 composed of a plurality of articles. A predetermined number of information processing devices 803 are prepared in the track 802. Although not shown, each article constituting the load 801 has a wireless tag attached thereto, and the information processing apparatus 803 can communicate with these. The information processing device 803 has a function of receiving radio waves from a plurality of GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites 804 and calculating a current position. The information processing device 803 can wirelessly communicate with the wireless base station 805 and can be connected to the management server 807 via the communication network 806. The management server 807 manages wireless tag information for a plurality of articles.

The related art article management system 800 includes a plurality of communication cards so that the information processing apparatus 803 can support a plurality of communication methods. Then, a communication card corresponding to the destination area is selected according to the current position obtained based on the GPS satellite 804. Accordingly, an appropriate communication environment between the wireless tag and the management server 807 can be ensured regardless of the region, and good data can be transmitted and received between the tag attached to the article and the management server 807 regardless of the country or region. Is possible. In the example illustrated in FIG. 14, the truck 802 is illustrated as a transport unit for the load 801 including a plurality of articles, but a transport unit such as a tanker or an airplane may be used.
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2006-163611 (paragraphs 0006, 0020, 0021, FIG. 1)

  In the article management system 800 shown in FIG. 14, the problem that the wireless tag communication specifications differ depending on the country or region is solved by switching communication cards by the information processing device 803. However, in this related technique, the use of the information processing apparatus 803 causes the following problems.

  First, regarding the articles constituting the load 801, if there is a transshipment such as unloading of some of these items or the movement of the location between the articles, the management of individual articles by the information processing device 803 becomes complicated. This is because collective management is performed for a plurality of articles.

  Next, a load may be concentrated on the information processing apparatus 803. In addition, there is a problem in that a predetermined number of such special information processing devices 803 are prepared for each moving unit, which leads to an increase in the cost of the entire article management system 800.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a wireless tag, an article management system using the wireless tag, and an article management method capable of smoothly performing communication for managing each article in various areas such as each country or each region. There is to do.

  In the present invention, (b) current position calculation means for calculating the current position by receiving radio waves, (b) area / communication specification storage means for defining communication specifications in a plurality of predetermined areas, and (c) this area Communication specification search means for searching for communication specifications in an area corresponding to the position calculated by the current position calculation means from the communication specification storage means; and (d) relating to an article to be managed with the communication specifications searched by the communication specification search means. The wireless tag includes communication means for performing communication of predetermined management information.

  Further, in the present invention, (b) an article that is to be moved at a plurality of points, (b) a current position calculation means that is attached to the article and calculates a current position by receiving radio waves, and a plurality of predetermined points An area / communication specification storage means for defining communication specifications in the area, a communication specification search means for searching for the communication specifications of the area corresponding to the position calculated by the current position calculation means from the area / communication specification storage means, and the communication And (c) a wireless tag provided with a communication means for performing communication regarding the article to be managed with the communication specification searched by the specification search means, and (c) provided at each of the plurality of points, and stored in the area / communication specification storage means. The article management system includes the wireless tag and a point-by-point communication means for communicating information related to the article management in accordance with the communication specifications.

  Further, in the present invention, (b) a current position acquisition step of acquiring a current position using a current position calculation means incorporated in a wireless tag attached to an article, and (b) communication specifications in a plurality of predetermined areas. A communication specification selection step for selecting a communication specification in an area corresponding to the current position acquired in the current position acquisition step using the determined area / communication specification storage means; and (c) a communication selected in the communication specification selection step. According to the specification, the article management method includes a management apparatus that manages articles at the current position and a current position corresponding communication start step that starts communication.

  As described above, according to the present invention, since the wireless tag itself calculates the current position by receiving radio waves, communication can be performed with communication specifications suitable for each area by using the area / communication specification storage means. Can do. As a result, even when an article to which a wireless tag is attached moves in different areas such as a country or a region, communication for managing the article can be smoothly performed in each place.

  Next, the present invention will be described together with an embodiment.

  FIG. 1 shows a main part of an article management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the article management system 100 of this embodiment, a wireless tag 102 is attached to an article 101. In the warehouse 103 that carries out and carries in the article 101, a reader / writer 104 that reads and writes management information from the wireless tag 102, and a loading / unloading management computer 105 that is connected to the warehouse and manages the loading and unloading. . The entry / exit management computer 105 is connected to the communication network 108 in order to exchange data with an entry / exit management computer in another warehouse (not shown). The wireless tag 102 not only communicates with the reader / writer 104 but also can receive radio waves from a plurality of GPS satellites 109 to grasp the current position.

FIG. 2 shows the relationship between the communication network and each warehouse or store in the article management system of the present embodiment. Connected to the communication network 108 are first to M-th warehouses 103 _{1 to} 103 _M having the same configuration as the warehouse 103 shown in FIG. 1 and first to K-th stores 103 _{M + 1 to} 103 _{M + K.} Has been. The first to M-th warehouses 103 _{1 to} 103 _M and the first to K-th stores 103 _{M + 1 to} 103 _{M + K} may be arranged in different regions within the same country. , Some or all of them may be located in different countries. In addition to this, other facilities that handle articles 101 ₁ , 101 ₂ ,... Such as factories are connected to the communication network 108, but illustration is omitted.

Each article 101 ₁ , 101 ₂ ,... Has a wireless tag 102 ₁ , 102 ₂ ,. The desired conveying means such as the truck 111 or a ship (not shown), the desired number of these articles 101 ₁ , 101 ₂ ,..., As an example, the first to M-th warehouses 103 _{1 to} 103 _M and the first ~ K-th store 103 _{M + 1 to} 103 _{M + K} is transported between any one of them.

FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the wireless tag used in this embodiment. This will be described with reference to FIGS. In particular, when the description is made without individually specifying each of the articles 101 ₁ , 101 ₂ ,..., “Symbol without subscript” is used for these as shown in FIG.

  The wireless tag 102 includes a control unit 121 including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) and a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores a control program. The control unit 121 includes a storage unit 122 that stores various data, a GPS unit 123 that receives radio waves from the GPS satellite 109 illustrated in FIG. 1 and calculates position information of the current position, and a reader / writer 104 illustrated in FIG. Are connected to a modulation / demodulation unit 124 that modulates and demodulates a signal and an oscillation unit 125 that oscillates at a predetermined frequency, and controls them. The oscillation output 126 of the oscillation unit 125 is supplied to the modulation / demodulation unit 124. The modulation / demodulation unit 124 is attached with an antenna 127 for transmitting and receiving radio waves. Further, the wireless tag 102 according to this embodiment has a built-in battery 128 for an active type, and supplies power to each unit.

  The storage unit 122 of the wireless tag 102 stores a management information storage area 131 that stores management information for managing the article 101, and a position area correspondence communication specification list 132 that records communication specifications corresponding to each location. ing. The wireless tag 102 configured as described above is configured as one semiconductor chip except for the battery 128.

FIG. 4 shows items related to management information stored in the management information storage area. The management information stored in the management information storage area 131 of the wireless tag includes (a) an identification number of the wireless tag, (b) a product name as the article 101 shown in FIG. 1, (c) an identification number of the article 101 itself, (D) The delivery location of the article 101, (e) the delivery date and time of the article 101, (f) the receipt location of the article 101, and (g) the receipt date and time of the article 101. The management information is composed of alphanumeric characters. The management information stored in the management information storage area 131 is stored in the antenna 127 (FIG. 3) by the reader / writer 104 (FIG. 1) disposed in each of the _first to M-th warehouses 103 _{1 to} 103 _M shown in FIG. It is possible to read and write wirelessly via the.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the communication specification list for position area. The position area correspondence communication specification list 132 includes “position areas” indicating respective areas such as the _first to M-th warehouses 103 _{1 to} 103 _M shown in FIG. 2 and “position areas” corresponding to these “position areas”. It consists of “communication specifications”.

Of these, the “location area” is a “location coordinate” for specifying the “region” in the country indicated by the “country name” and its “country name”, such as Japan and the United States, and the coordinates of the “region” with the coordinates of the ground surface. It consists of information. For example, in the case of “first warehouse 103 ₁ ” in the country “AAA”, if latitude and longitude are represented by (X, Y) coordinates with a predetermined reference point on the ground surface as the origin, (eeee, fff) ggg, hh). Even when the corresponding specific place is indoors, it is represented by the coordinates of the same outdoor position where radio waves are received from the GPS satellite 109 (FIG. 1). At this time, in order to associate the indoor and outdoor coordinates, the indoor is provided with some kind of transmission means for transmitting information indicating each coordinate position to an appropriate place. “Position coordinate information” does not need to be expressed by latitude and longitude, and may be displayed as coordinate values of an arbitrary scale.

“Communication specifications” include “specification standards”, “RF tag oscillation frequency”, “Reader / writer oscillation frequency”, “RF tag modulation method or reader / writer demodulation method”, and “RF tag demodulation”. System or reader / writer modulation system ". For example, when the above-described position area is “first warehouse 103 ₁ ”, the “oscillation frequency of the wireless tag” is 426 Mhz, and the “oscillation frequency of the reader / writer” is also 426 Mhz. The “modulation method of the wireless tag or the demodulation method of the reader / writer” is PSK (Phase Shift Keying), and the “demodulation method of the wireless tag or the modulation method of the reader / writer” is SSB-ASK (Single side band amplitude). shift keying).

Wireless tag 102 based on the position information obtained current location by the GPS unit 123, for example, is determined to be located in the first storage 103 _1. In this case, the wireless tag 102 selects a communication specification that matches the reader / writer 104 in the corresponding position area with reference to the position area corresponding communication specification list.

  Acquisition of the current position by the wireless tag 102 is performed intermittently, for example, every few seconds. However, in order to reduce power consumption, when leaving from point A to point B, the shortest time to reach point B may be input to wireless tag 102 on the point A side. Thus, the wireless tag 102 sets a timer circuit (not shown) until the minimum time elapses, thereby stopping the operation of the GPS unit 123 and related circuit parts and preventing the consumption of these powers. . The timer circuit can be realized by dividing the clock signal supplied from the oscillation unit 125 by the control unit 121 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 6 shows a state of communication control for each area performed by the wireless tag side using the position area correspondence communication specification list. It demonstrates with FIGS. 1-3.

Wireless tag 102 attached to the article 101 to be represented in the article 101 _1, the GPS unit 123 receives radio waves from a plurality of GPS satellites 109, and calculates the current position, which is the location area corresponding communication specifications list 132 It is checked whether it corresponds to one of the position coordinate information of one country shown in “country name” (step S201). If it corresponds to one of the position coordinate information of one country (Y), the calculated current position corresponds to any of the position coordinate information of each area listed in the position area correspondence communication specification list 132 in that country. It is determined whether or not to do so (step S202). If it does not correspond to any position coordinate information of any region (Y), the communication specification is the oscillation frequency in the general or standard wireless tag 102 of the country, the modulation method of the wireless tag 102 (demodulation method of the reader / writer 104) The demodulation method of the wireless tag 102 (the modulation method of the reader / writer 104) is set. Then, the wireless tag 102 communicates with the corresponding reader / writer 104 arranged in the warehouse 103 or the like (step S203).

For example, the position information acquired by the wireless tag 102 from the GPS satellite 109 belongs to the general or standard position coordinate information of the country name AAA, and the first warehouse 103 ₁ , the first store in the area of the country name AAA. Suppose that it does not belong to any position coordinate information of the second store. In this case, the oscillation frequency is determined to be 426 Mhz, which is a general or standard oscillation frequency of the wireless tag 102 corresponding to the country name AAA. Also, the modulation method of the wireless tag 102 is determined as ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying), and the demodulation method of the wireless tag 102 is determined as DSB-ASK (Double Side Band-Amplitude Shift Keying).

On the other hand, when the current position calculated by the wireless tag 102 corresponds to any of the position coordinate information of each area listed in the position area correspondence communication specification list 132 in the country (step S202: N), The communication specification of the corresponding region is determined for communication between the wireless tag 102 and the reader / writer 104 (step S204). For example, a wireless tag 102 on the surface of the country AAA, and is determined to be present in the first storage 103 ₁ of the reader-writer 104 and ground or indoor areas can communicate with the antenna. In this case, the oscillation frequency is determined to be 426 Mhz, which is the oscillation frequency of the wireless tag 102 corresponding to the _first warehouse 103 ₁ . Also, the modulation method of the wireless tag 102 is determined as PSK, and the demodulation method of the wireless tag 102 is determined as SSB-ASK.

  When the oscillation frequency according to the communication specifications is determined by the above step S203 or step S204, the oscillation unit 125 of the wireless tag 102 oscillates at the frequency determined by the instruction of the control unit 121 (step S205). Similarly, the data signal is modulated or demodulated by the modulation / demodulation method determined by the modulation / demodulation unit 124 according to the instruction of the control unit 121 (step S206). As a result, the antenna 127 transmits or receives the modulated data signal.

In such an article management system 100, the first warehouse 103 ₁ is an article warehouse located the source country AAA countries are issuing an article wireless tag 102 has been granted, the country of the destination country BBB It is assumed that an article provided with the wireless tag 102 is received at the Kth store 103 _{M + K} located in This example will be specifically described.

  FIG. 7 shows the relationship between the first warehouse connected to the communication network and the Kth store. 1 to 6 will be described.

Each of the articles 101 ₁ , 101 ₂ ,... Existing in the delivery area 141 ₁ of the first warehouse 103 ₁ is individually assigned wireless tags 102 ₁ , 102 ₂ ,. In the wireless tags 102 ₁ , 102 ₂ ,..., Information shown in the position area correspondence communication specification list 132 is stored in advance for countries or areas where the articles 101 ₁ , 101 ₂ ,. . The wireless tag 102 _1, 102 _2, the ...., article 101 _1, 101 _2, among the management information of ..., identification number of the wireless frequency tag depicted in FIG. 4, trade name, stored identification number of the article in advance ing.

The dispatch area 141 ₁ of the first warehouse 103 _1, the antenna 142 ₁ is disposed, is connected to the reader-writer 104 _1. The communicable area of the antenna 142 ₁ is the entire area of the shipping area 141 ₁ . The reader / writer 104 ₁ has a wireless communication tag 102 ₁ , 102 ₂ ,... With a frequency of 426 Mhz, a modulation method of SSB-ASK, a demodulation method of PSK, which are predetermined communication specifications of the first warehouse 103 _1. Communicate. Is different from the state of FIG. 7, the article 101 _1, 101 _2, ... it is not yet brought to dispatch area 141 _1, initially present in the first region other than the leaving area 141 ₁ warehouse 103 ₁ Suppose you are. In this initial state, the reader / writer 104 ₁ has not detected the articles 101 ₁ , 101 ₂ ,.

Specifically it described by taking the article 101 ₁ as an example. The GPS unit 123 of the wireless tag 102 ₁ attached to the article 101 ₁ acquires position information intermittently in this initial state. The control unit 121 of the wireless tag 102 refers to the position coordinate information of the position area correspondence communication specification list 132 from the acquired position information, and recognizes the country name or region where the wireless tag 102 ₁ attached to the article 101 ₁ exists. (Step S201 or Step S202). The acquired position information is the position coordinate information (X, Y) of the position area correspondence communication specification list 132 and is within (ggg, hhh) from (eeee, fff). Thereby, the wireless tag 102 ₁ recognizes that the article 101 ₁ is present in the first warehouse 103 ₁ in the country of the country name AAA. The wireless tag 102 ₁ has communication specifications (oscillation frequency of the wireless tag 102: 426 Mhz, modulation method of the wireless tag 102: PSK, wireless) corresponding to the _first warehouse 103 ₁ in the country of the country AAA from the position area correspondence communication specification list 132. The demodulation method of the tag 102: SSB-ASK) is selected, and the oscillation unit 125 and the modulation / demodulation unit 124 start operation with the selected communication specifications (step S205, step S206).

At a predetermined time after this, and the article 101 ₁ for the left from the first warehouse 103 ₁ of leaving area 141 ₁ other regions, it conveyed to the dispatch area 141 _1. The reader / writer 104 ₁ repeats an inquiry signal from the antenna 142 _{1 in accordance} with the communication specifications of the first warehouse 103 _{1 in accordance} with an instruction from the storage management computer 105 _{1 in} order to manage objects existing in the delivery area 141 _1. Outgoing. Therefore, the article 101 ₁ is transported to the dispatch area 141 _1, the wireless tag 102 ₁ will receive the interrogation signal from the reader-writer 104 ₁ in the first storage 103 ₁ communication specifications.

  FIG. 8 shows processing of the wireless tag when an inquiry signal is received at the time of delivery. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 7.

When the wireless tag 102 ₁ attached to the article 101 ₁ receives the inquiry signal (step S221: Y), it determines whether it has already responded to this (step S222). This is because the inquiry signal is repeatedly transmitted, and it is sufficient to respond to this once. If the response has been completed (Y), the process is terminated (END).

When the wireless tag 102 ₁ receives the inquiry signal in the first warehouse 103 ₁ for the first time (step S222: N), the management information (wireless tag 102 _{1 is} stored in the management information storage area 131 of the storage unit 122). ID number, product name, article identification number) are read out (step S223). Then, the management information is transmitted to the reader / writer 104 ₁ of the first warehouse 103 _{1 in} the country of the corresponding country name AAA with the corresponding communication specification as a result of referring to the position area corresponding communication specification list 132 (step S224). And it waits for reception of the response signal with respect to this from the _1st warehouse 1031 side (step S225).

  FIG. 9 shows the signal processing on the warehouse side for the wireless tag at the time of delivery. 1, 2, 3, and 7 will be described.

As described above, the entry / exit management computer 105 ₁ of the first warehouse 103 ₁ transmits an inquiry signal through the reader / writer 104 ₁ (step S241). Specifically, send the goods issue location and unloading time, to write to the storage unit 122 as the management information, and requests the wireless tag 102 _1. If the management information is not received even after a relatively short time t ₁ has elapsed (step S242: N, step S243: Y), the inquiry signal is transmitted again (step S241).

If management information is sent from the wireless tag 102 ₁ in step S242 (Y), the delivery location and delivery date and time as the management information are transmitted to the entry / exit management computer 105 ₁ (step S244). The entry / exit management computer 105 ₁ obtains the date and time when the management information was received from a clock mechanism (not shown), and stores the delivery location and the delivery date and time as management information in a storage area (not shown) together with information representing the date and time (step) S245). The management information received at this time includes the identification number of the wireless tag 102 ₁ , the product name, and the identification number of the article 101 _1. Further, the delivery destination and the transportation means such as an automobile for moving to the delivery destination May contain information about. For example, when the wireless tag 102 ₁ side temporarily stops the inquiry signal reception operation or the reception operation from the GPS satellite 109 (FIG. 1) shown in step S221 of FIG. This information is sent.

If this information is sent (step S246: Y), entry and leaving management computer 105 of the _first warehouse 103 _1, based on the article in such historical transit time, to reach the goods issue destination shortest Time is calculated (step S247). Then, it transmits it to create a response signal in the form including the shortest time as the calculation result corresponding to the wireless tag 102 ₁ (step S248).

On the other hand, when the delivery destination and the transportation means are not found in step S246 (N), the shortest time to reach the delivery destination cannot be calculated. Therefore, in this case, only the response signal is simply transmitted to the corresponding wireless tag 102 ₁ (step S249).

Returning to FIG. After receiving the response signal from the first warehouse 103 ₁ (step S225: Y), checks if it contains a shortest time to reach the goods issue destination (step S226). If it is not included (N), the processing is ended as it is (end). If it contains the shortest time to reach the goods issue destination (step S226: Y), the wireless tag 102 ₁ sets its shortest time to the timer circuit (step S227). Then, the reception of the inquiry signal is stopped until the date and time obtained by adding the shortest time to the current time (step S228). Then, the article 101 ₁ to which the wireless tag 102 ₁ is attached is transported to the storage area 151 _{M + K} of the Kth store 103 _{M + K} in the country of the country name BBB by transportation means such as a vehicle or a ship.

  FIG. 10 shows the processing of this circuit when the counter circuit in the wireless tag is set. The control unit 121 shown in FIG. 3 checks whether or not the counter circuit is set (step S271), and if not set (N), the processing ends as it is (end).

  If the counter circuit is set (step S271: Y), it is checked whether or not the count value has decreased to “0” (step S272), and the value is still larger than “0”. If yes (Y), the countdown is performed based on the clock signal (step S273). And it returns to the process of step S272 again. In this way, the count value of the counter circuit decreases as time elapses.

When the count value of the counter circuit in which the count value corresponding to the shortest time to reach the delivery destination at the time of delivery from the _first warehouse 1031 toward the Kth store 103 _{M + K} becomes “0” (Step S272: N), the wireless tag 102 ₁ resumes the power supply from the battery 128 to the GPS unit 123 and resumes the reception operation from the GPS satellite 109 (FIG. 1) (Step S274). Further, the power is also supplied to the modulation / demodulation unit 124, and the inquiry signal reception operation is resumed (step S275).

In this way, the wireless tag 102 ₁ is in a state where the current position can be confirmed before the article 101 ₁ to which the wireless tag 102 ₁ is attached reaches the storage area 151 _{M + K} of the Kth store 103 _{M + K.} Communication is enabled in the country of the country name BBB. Further, as the area of the Kth store 103 _{M + K} , when the (X, Y) coordinates reach the inside of the rectangular range from (qqq, rrr) to (sss, ttt), the Kth store 103 _{M +} recognizes that it has entered the region of the _K, the wireless tag 102 ₁ its communication specifications (frequency: 433 MHz, modulation scheme: PSK, demodulation method: DSB-ASK) switched to.

Incidentally, an antenna 152 _{M + K} and a reader / writer 104 _{M + K} connected to the antenna 152 _{M + K} are installed in the storage area 151 _{M + K} of the Kth store 103 _{M + K.} The reader / writer 104 _{M + K} is connected to the entry / exit management computer 105 _{M + K.} The entry / exit management computer 105 ₁ of the first warehouse 103 ₁ is connected to the entry / exit management computer 105 _{M + K} of the Kth store 103 _{M + K} via the communication network 108.

In entry area 151 _{M + K} retailer 103 _{M + K} of the K, antenna by 152 _{M + K,} for example, can communicate with the wireless tag 102 ₁ attached to the article 101 _1. The communicable area of the antenna 152 _{M + K} is the entire storage area 151 _{M + K.} For this reason, when the wireless tag 102 ₁ is carried into the warehousing area 151 _{M + K} of the _K-th store 103 _{M + K} , the reader / writer 104 _{M + K} determines the predetermined K-th store 103. Communication with the wireless tag 102 ₁ is performed with _{M + K} communication specifications (frequency: 433 Mhz, modulation method: DSB-ASK, demodulation method: PSK).

  FIG. 11 shows processing of the wireless tag when an inquiry signal is received at the time of warehousing. This will be described together with FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7.

When the wireless tag 102 receives the inquiry signal in the warehousing area 151 _{M + K} (step S291: Y), the wireless tag 102 determines whether or not it has already responded (step S292). This is because the inquiry signal is repeatedly transmitted, and it is sufficient to respond to this once. If the response has been completed (Y), the process is terminated (END).

When the reception of the interrogation signal at the retailer 103 _{M + K} of the first K for the radio tag 102 ₁ is the first one (step S292: N), the management information (radio from the management information storage area 131 of the storage unit 122 The identification number, the product name, and the article identification number of the tag 102 are read out (step S293). Then, the management information in the corresponding communication specifications as a result of referring to the position area corresponding communication specification list 132 for the reader / writer 104 _{M + K} of the Kth store 103 _{M + K} in the country of the corresponding country BBB Is transmitted (step S294). At this time, the wireless tag 102 ₁ reads out the management information (shipping location, shipping date and time) stored in the storage unit 122 in the shipping area 141 ₁ of the first warehouse 103 ₁ and similarly transmits these as management information. Then, it waits for reception of a response signal from the Kth store 103 _{M + K} side (step S295).

  FIG. 12 shows a state of signal processing on the Kth store side for the wireless tag at the time of warehousing. 1, 2, 3, and 7 will be described.

As described above, the entry / exit management computer 105 _{M + K} of the Kth store 103 _{M + K} transmits an inquiry signal through the reader / writer 104 _{M + K} (step S301). Specifically, it sends the goods receipt location and receipts dates, as written into the storage unit 122 as the management information, and requests the wireless tag 102 _1. Then, when the reception of the management information for this is not done even after a relatively short time t ₂ (step S302: N, Step S303: Y), repeated transmission of the inquiry signal again (step S301).

Step S302, for example, management information from the wireless tag 102 ₁ When sent (Y), and transmits warehousing locations and receipts date as the management information in the entry and leaving management computer 105 M + _K (step S304). The entry / exit management computer 105 _{M + K} obtains the date and time when this management information was received from a clock mechanism (not shown), and stores the entry location and the date and time of receipt as management information in a storage area (not shown) together with information representing this date and time. (Step S305). The management information received this time, the wireless tag 102 ₁ identification number, product name, contains the identification number of the article 101 _1.

Goods Movement Management Computer 105 M + _K creates a response signal incorporating the receipts location and Receipt date stored in the storage area, and transmits the corresponding to the radio tag 102 ₁ (step S306).

Returning to FIG. 11, the description will be continued. When the wireless tag 102 ₁ receives the response signal from the Kth store 103 _{M + K} (step S295: Y), the wireless tag 102 ₁ stores the storage location and the storage date and time included in the response signal in the storage unit 122 as management information. (Step S296), and a series of processing ends (end). At this time, it is natural that the wireless tag 102 ₁ may stop supplying power to circuit parts such as the GPS unit 123 and the modulation / demodulation unit 124.

As for the movement of the wireless tag 102 ₁ described above, the location of the article 101 ₁ to which the wireless tag 102 ₁ is attached is posted on the position area correspondence communication specification list 132 shown in FIG. It has become a place (region). Next, examples of the movement of the article 101 ₃ location (region) with each other is not listed in the location area corresponding communication specifications list 132.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the movement of an article between places (areas) not listed in the position area correspondence communication specification list. 1 to 6 will be described. Here, a case where the article 101 ₃ moves from the P-th factory 103 _P in the country of the country AAA to the L-th store 103 _L in the country of the country BBB will be described.

Each of the articles 101 ₃ , 101 ₄ ,... Existing in the delivery area 141 _P of the P-th factory 103 _P is individually attached with wireless tags 102 ₃ , 102 ₄ ,. In the wireless tags 102 ₃ , 102 ₄ ,..., Among the management information of the articles 101 ₃ , 101 ₄ ,..., The wireless tag identification number, product name, and article identification number shown in FIG. Yes.

An antenna 142 _P is disposed in the delivery area 141 _P of the P-th factory 103 _P , and is connected to the reader / writer 104 _P. Communicable area of the antenna 142 _P is the entire region of the leaving area 141 _P. Writer 104 _P Since plant 103 _P of the P is not on the location area corresponding communication specification list 132, and performs communication general or standard specification standards in countries country AAA . That is, the reader / writer 104 _P communicates with the wireless tags 102 ₃ , 102 ₄ ,... With a frequency of 426 Mhz, a modulation method of DSB-ASK, and a demodulation method of ASK. Is different from the state of FIG. 7, the article 101 _3, 101 _4, ... are not yet brought to dispatch area 141 _P, initially present in the region other than the leaving area 141 _P factory 103 _P of the P Suppose you are. In this initial state, the reader / writer 104 _P has not detected the articles 101 ₃ , 101 ₄ ,.

Specifically described by taking the article 101 ₃ Examples In the case of this example. The GPS unit 123 of the wireless tag 102 ₃ attached to the article 101 ₃ acquires position information intermittently in this initial state. The control unit 121 of the wireless tag 102 ₃ refers to the position coordinate information of the position area correspondence communication specification list 132 from the acquired position information. As a result, it is determined that the country of the country name AAA is the current location (step S201: Y), but reference at the “region” level is not possible (step S202: Y). Therefore, the wireless tag 102 ₃ determines the selection of the common or standard specification standards in countries country AAA (step S203). This is a communication specification in which the frequency is 426 Mhz, the modulation method is DSB-ASK, and the demodulation method is ASK from the position area correspondence communication specification list 132. Therefore, the oscillation unit 125 and the modulation / demodulation unit 124 start operating with the determined communication specifications (steps S205 and S206).

At a predetermined time after this, and the article 101 ₃ has been transported to the unloading area 141 _P from a region other than the leaving area 141 _P factory 103 _P of the P. In order to manage items existing in the delivery area 141 _P , the reader / writer 104 _P transmits an inquiry signal according to a general or standard specification standard in the country of the country AAA according to an instruction of the entry / exit management computer 105 _P. 142 _P repeatedly calling. Therefore, when the article 101 ₃ is conveyed to the delivery area 141 _P , the wireless tag 102 ₃ receives an inquiry signal from the reader / writer 104 _{P according} to a general or standard specification standard in the country of the country name AAA. Become.

Next, the processing of the wireless tag 102 ₃ at the time of delivery will be described with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG.

When the wireless tag 102 ₃ attached to the article 101 ₃ receives the inquiry signal (step S221: Y), the wireless tag 102 ₃ determines whether it has already responded (step S222). This is because the inquiry signal is repeatedly transmitted, and it is sufficient to respond to this once. If the response has been completed (Y), the process is terminated (END).

If the wireless tag 102 ₃ receives the inquiry signal at the _P-th factory 103 _P for the first time (step S222: N), the management information (wireless tag 102 _{3 is} stored in the management information storage area 131 of the storage unit 122. ID number, product name, article identification number) are read out (step S223). Then, the first P factory 103 _P of the reader-writer 104 _P of the corresponding country AAA countries, transmits the management information in a generic or standard specification standards in countries country AAA (step S224). Thereafter, it waits for reception of a response signal from the _P-th factory 103 _P side (step S225).

  Next, with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 13, signal processing on the factory side for the wireless tag at the time of delivery will be described with reference to FIG.

As described above, the entry / exit management computer 105 _P of the P-th factory 103 _P transmits an inquiry signal through the reader / writer 104 _P (step S241). Specifically, send the goods issue location and unloading time, to write to the storage unit 122 as the management information, and requests the wireless tag 102 _3. If the management information is not received even after a relatively short time t ₁ has elapsed (step S242: N, step S243: Y), the inquiry signal is transmitted again (step S241).

Step S242, for example, management information from the wireless tag 102 ₃ When the transmitted (Y), and transmits a goods issue location and issuing date as the management information in the entry and leaving management computer 105 _P (step S244). The entry / exit management computer 105 _P obtains the date and time when this management information was received from a clock mechanism (not shown), and stores the delivery location and the delivery date and time as management information in a storage area (not shown) together with information representing this date and time (step) S245). The management information received at this time includes the identification number of the wireless tag 102 ₃ , the product name, and the identification number of the article 101 _3. Further, the delivery destination and the transportation means such as an automobile for moving to the delivery destination May contain information about. For example, when the wireless tag 102 ₃ side temporarily interrupts the inquiry signal reception operation and the reception operation from the GPS satellite 109 (FIG. 1) shown in step S221 of FIG. 8, to suppress the power consumption of the battery 128. This information is sent.

If this information is sent (step S246: Y), entry and leaving management computer 105 _P factory 103 _P of the P is shortest based on the article in such historical transit time, to reach the goods issue destination Time is calculated (step S247). Then, it transmits it to create a response signal in the form including the shortest time as the calculation result corresponding to the wireless tag 102 ₃ (step S248).

On the other hand, when the delivery destination and the transportation means are not found in step S246 (N), the shortest time to reach the delivery destination cannot be calculated. Therefore, in this case, it sends simply only the response signal corresponding to the wireless tag 102 ₃ (step S249).

Returning to FIG. When a response signal is received from the P-th factory 103 _P (step S225: Y), it is checked whether or not this includes the shortest time to reach the delivery destination (step S226). If it is not included (N), the processing is ended as it is (end). If it contains the shortest time to reach the goods issue destination (step S226: Y), the wireless tag 102 ₃ sets the shortest time to the timer circuit (step S227). Then, the reception of the inquiry signal is stopped until the date and time obtained by adding the shortest time to the current time (step S228). Then, the article 101 ₃ to which the wireless tag 102 ₃ is attached is transported to the L-th store 103 _L entry area 151 _L in the country of the country name BBB by transportation means such as a vehicle or a ship.

The processing of the counter circuit in the wireless tag 102 ₃ is the same as that shown for the wireless tag 102 ₁ in FIG. Therefore, the description about this is omitted.

In this way, the wireless tag 102 ₃ can check the current position before the article 101 ₃ to which the wireless tag 102 ₃ is attached reaches the storage area 151 _L (FIG. 13) of the _Lth store 103 _L. In this example, when the (X, Y) coordinates indicating the position coordinate information reach the inside of the rectangular range from (iii, jjj) to (kkk, llll), it is recognized that the country is the country of the country name BBB. tag 102 ₃ general or standard communication specifications in the country (frequency: 433 MHz, modulation scheme: ASK, demodulation scheme: DSB-ASK) switched to.

Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 13, an antenna 152 _L and a reader / writer 104 _L connected to the antenna 152 _L are installed in the warehousing area 151 _{L of the Lth} store 103 _L. Writer 104 _L is connected to the entry and leaving management computer 105 _L. The entry / exit management computer 105 _L of the _Lth store 103 _L is connected to the entry / exit management computer 105 _P of the Pth factory 103 _P via the communication network 108.

In the storage area 151 _{L of the Lth} store 103 _L , for example, communication with a wireless tag 102 ₃ attached to the article 101 ₃ is possible by the antenna 152 _L. Communicable area of the antenna 152 _L is the entire region of the entry area 151 _L. Therefore, when the L-th dealer 103 _L entry area 151 of the _L of the radio tag 102 ₃ comes is carried, the reader-writer 104 _L, it dealer 103 _L of the L in the location area corresponding communication specifications list 132 by not registered, the general or standard communication specifications in the national country BBB (frequency: 433 MHz, modulation scheme: DSB-ASK, demodulation scheme: ASK) with communicates with the radio tag 102 _3.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 11, the processing of the wireless tag when receiving an inquiry signal at the time of warehousing will be described together with FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 13. FIG.

Wireless tag 102 ₃ receives the inquiry signal in entry area 151 _L (step S291: Y), and determines whether the already respond to this (step S292). This is because the inquiry signal is repeatedly transmitted, and it is sufficient to respond to this once. If the response has been completed (Y), the process is terminated (END).

When the reception of the interrogation signal at the retailer 103 _L of the first L for the radio tag 102 ₃ is the first one (step S292: N), the management information from the management information storage area 131 of the storage unit 122 (the wireless tag 102 ₃ identification number, product name, article identification number) are read out (step S293). Then, the reader-writer 104 _L of the L shop 103 _L of countries corresponding country BBB, a result of referring to the location area corresponding communication specification list 132, since "area" is not specified, generally in the country Management information is transmitted as a communication specification corresponding to a target or standard communication specification (step S294). In this case the wireless tag 102 _3, first P factory 103 _P of leaving area 141 management information (issuing location, issuing date and time) stored in the storage unit 122 in _P reads also those transmitting in the same manner as the management information. Then, it waits for reception of a response signal from the _Lth store 103L side (step S295).

  Next, the state of signal processing on the Kth store side for the wireless tag at the time of warehousing will be described with reference to FIG. 12, with reference to FIGS.

Already entry and leaving management computer 105 _L retailer 103 _L of the L, as described transmits an inquiry signal through the reader-writer 104 _L (step S301). Specifically, it sends the goods receipt location and receipts dates, as written into the storage unit 122 as the management information, and requests the wireless tag 102 _3. Then, when the reception of the management information for this is not done even after a relatively short time t ₂ (step S302: N, Step S303: Y), repeated transmission of the inquiry signal again (step S301).

Step S302, for example, management information from the wireless tag 102 ₃ Once sent (Y), and transmits warehousing locations and receipts date as the management information in the entry and leaving management computer 105 _L (step S304). The entry / exit management computer 105 _L obtains the date and time when this management information was received from a clock mechanism (not shown), and stores the entry location and the date and time of receipt as management information in a storage area (not shown) together with information representing this date and time (step) S305). The management information received at this time includes the identification number of the wireless tag 102 ₃ , the product name, and the identification number of the article 101 ₃ .

Goods Movement Management computer 105 _L creates a response signal incorporating the receipts location and Receipt date stored in the storage area, and transmits the corresponding to the radio tag 102 ₃ (step S306).

Returning to FIG. 11, the description will be continued. Wireless tag 102 ₃ upon receiving a response signal from the dealer 103 _L of the L (step S295: Y), stores the goods receipt location and Receipt date contained in the response signal as the management information in the storage unit 122 (Step S296), a series of processing ends (end). At this time, it is natural that the wireless tag 102 ₃ may stop supplying power to circuit parts such as the GPS unit 123 and the modulation / demodulation unit 124.

  As described above, as in the example shown in FIG. 13, in this embodiment, an article is carried out from a place (area) that is not listed in the position area correspondence communication specification list 132 or is placed in the position area correspondence communication specification list 132. When goods are carried into places (regions) that are not used, communication is performed based on general or standard specification standards in the country or region as those places. Therefore, the article can be managed even in a place (area) that does not have a communication-specific specification for managing the movement of the article, such as a store or factory that is not listed in the position area correspondence communication specification list 132.

  In addition, when such a place starts managing articles with its own communication specifications, in a transition period until the communication specifications are listed in the position area correspondence communication specification list 132, Communication with the wireless tag 102 can be ensured by performing communication by alternately switching between standard specification standards and original communication specifications, or by preparing a reader / writer 104 having these two communication specifications. .

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the wireless tag receives a radio wave from a GPS satellite and specifies the current position. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, by communicating with the nearest radio base station, the position information of the radio base station may be acquired, and this may be used as the position information of the radio tag. Further, the current position of the wireless tag may be calculated based on the position information of each wireless base station and the strength of each radio wave by communicating with a plurality of nearby wireless base stations.

  In the embodiment, the case where the article moves between two points has been described. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to the case where the article moves at three or more points including a relay point.

It is a system configuration figure showing the important section of the article management system in one embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which showed the relationship between the communication network in each article management system of this Embodiment, and each warehouse and a store. It is a block diagram showing the structure of the wireless tag used by this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which showed the item regarding the management information stored in the management information storage area of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the position area corresponding | compatible communication specification list | wrist in this Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the communication control according to area which the radio | wireless tag side performs in this Embodiment. It is the block diagram which showed arrangement | positioning of the 1st warehouse and Kth store connected to the communication network in this Embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the process of the radio | wireless tag at the time of receiving the inquiry signal at the time of leaving in this Embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the mode of the signal processing of the warehouse side with respect to the radio | wireless tag at the time of leaving in this Embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing a state of processing of a counter circuit in the wireless tag in the present embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the process of the radio | wireless tag at the time of receiving an inquiry signal at the time of warehousing in this Embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the mode of the signal processing by the Kth store side with respect to the radio | wireless tag at the time of warehousing in this Embodiment. It is the block diagram which showed arrangement | positioning of the Pth factory and Lth shop connected to the communication network in this Embodiment. It is a system configuration figure showing the outline of the article management system by related technology of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

100 article management system 101 article 102 wireless tag 103 ₁ 10 @ 2 to 10 @ 3 _M warehouse 103 _{M +} 1 ~103 _M + _K dealer 104 interrogator 105 Goods Movement Management computer 108 communications network 109 GPS satellite 111 track 121 control unit 122 storage unit 123 GPS unit 124 Modulation / demodulation unit 125 Oscillating unit 127, 142, 152 Antenna 128 Battery 131 Management information storage area 132 Communication specification list for position area 141 Delivery area 151 Arrival area

Claims (8)

Goods moving from the delivery location to the receipt location ;
A current position calculation means that is attached to the article and calculates a current position by receiving radio waves, an area / communication specification storage means that defines communication specifications in a plurality of predetermined areas, and from the area / communication specification storage means Communication specification search means for searching for communication specifications in an area corresponding to the position calculated by the current position calculation means, and communication means for performing communication related to the article to be managed with the communication specifications searched by the communication specification search means. Wireless tag,
The point-by-point communication means that communicates information about the management of the article with the wireless tag according to the communication specifications stored in the area / communication specification storage means , provided at the delivery place ,
The information on the management of the article includes information about the delivery place and information about the entry place,
The point-by-point communication means includes shortest time notifying means for notifying the shortest time required for movement from the exit location to the entry location for each wireless tag, and the wireless tag has the shortest time from the point-by-point communication means. Article management characterized by comprising a calculation pause means for temporarily stopping the calculation of the current position calculation means for power saving when a notification is received until the date and time of the current time plus the shortest time system.
The current position calculation means includes a GPS receiver that receives radio waves from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite, and a current position calculation means that calculates the current position based on the radio waves received by the GPS receiver. The article management system according to claim 1.
3. The article management system according to claim 2, wherein the point-by-point communication means is a reader / writer that reads information on management of the article from the wireless tag and writes information necessary for management on the wireless tag. .
The article management system according to claim 1, wherein the current position calculation unit wirelessly acquires position information of the wireless station from a nearby wireless station.
The current position calculation means includes position information acquisition means for individually acquiring position information of each radio station from a plurality of radio stations, reception intensity measurement means for measuring radio wave reception intensity from the plurality of radio stations, 2. The article management system according to claim 1, wherein the current position of the wireless tag is calculated from the position information of the plurality of wireless stations acquired by the position information acquisition means and the reception intensity measured by the reception intensity measurement means.
The area / communication specification storage means stores a specific communication specification in a specific area and a general communication specification in a wide area as a larger area including the specific area, and the communication specification search 3. The article management system according to claim 1, wherein the means is a means for searching for a specific area with priority over a wide area.
The article management system according to claim 6, wherein the communication specifications include a frequency of a signal used for communication, a signal modulation method, and a demodulation method.
An article management method for managing an article by communication with a wireless tag attached to the article moving from the delivery place to the entry place,
A current position acquisition step of acquiring a current position using a current position calculation means incorporated in the wireless tag ;
A communication specification for selecting a communication specification in an area corresponding to the current position acquired in the current position acquisition step by using an area / communication specification storage unit that is incorporated in the wireless tag and defines communication specifications in a plurality of predetermined areas. A selection step;
A current position corresponding communication start step for starting communication with a management device that manages the article at the current position with the communication specification selected in the communication specification selection step ;
In the delivery place , comprising a communication step by point for communicating information related to the management of the article and the wireless tag in accordance with the communication specifications stored in the area and communication specification storage means,
The point-by-point communication step includes a shortest time notifying step for notifying the shortest time required for movement from the leaving location to the receiving location for each wireless tag ,
In the current position corresponding communication start step, when the notification of the shortest time is received in the shortest time notification step, the calculation of the current position calculation means is omitted until the date and time when the notification of the shortest time is added to the current date and time. An article management method comprising a calculation pause step for temporarily stopping for electric power.

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