JP6470168B2 - Reading control apparatus, reading control method, and reading control program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a reading control device that controls reading of an RFID tag.

  Conventionally, there has been an RFID reader that reads an RFID tag attached to each of a plurality of products (see Patent Document 1 below). A conventional RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader (for example, a device for reading a tag of a product conveyed by a conveyance mechanism such as a conveyor) has read conditions (conveying speed, conveyance interval, antenna) for reading an RFID tag. Set the configuration (number of sheets, radio wave intensity, etc.) to a fixed value according to the one with the highest level of difficulty in reading the RFID tag (generally with a large number of products and high arrangement density). It was. For example, when the number of product points is large, that is, when the number of RFID tags is large, the number of antennas increases due to the expansion of the reading range, and the reading processing time increases. Therefore, the conveyance speed has been set low. In general, the larger the radio wave output, the better the reading rate. Therefore, the radio wave output is set to be higher in accordance with the product group that handles the highest level of difficulty in reading.

  On the other hand, even if the reading condition of the RFID tag is set to the highest level of difficulty, it is determined that the level of difficulty is the highest and determining appropriate reading conditions requires specialized knowledge. The reading conditions were determined by trial and error using a typical product group pattern by requesting a person with knowledge or a vendor.

  In addition, as for countermeasures due to reading omissions, if reading omissions occur, the operator manually takes out the product with or without stopping the reading line and passes it again through the reading line, or a handy type RFID tag reader. And so on.

JP 2006-60283 A

  However, as described above, if the conveying speed of the reading line (conveying mechanism such as a conveyor) is fixed at a low speed based on the maximum number of products, the number of products is small and the products that can be read in a short time In the case of a group, it takes time and wastes time. That is, when the reading conditions are set in a fixed manner in this way, the performance of the system is deteriorated when the flow rate of the commodity group having high reading difficulty is low. For this reason, in order to respond to the demand for increased processing capacity accompanying an increase in production volume, it was necessary to respond to overtime and increase the number of lines.

  In addition, as a means of avoiding the above problems, there are methods to deal with by dividing handling time for each product group or by manually switching the conveyance speed and antenna configuration by dividing the reading line, but there are various methods such as apparel products Considering the current situation that various product groups flow in a short cycle and the need for specialized knowledge to change the reading configuration and conditions, it has been difficult to realize.

  In addition, wasteful output increases for radio wave output include harmful effects of excess radio waves, that is, misreading of products flowing around and around, expansion of null points due to reflection, waste of power consumption / heat generation, etc. Optimization was desired.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention can efficiently read RFID tags of a wide variety of product groups, eliminates the need for setting reading conditions having specialized knowledge, and prevents reading line performance from being deteriorated. An object is to provide an apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a reading control device for controlling a reading line for reading an RFID tag of a product for each packaging box containing a plurality of products each having an RFID tag attached thereto. The identification information for identifying the packaging box attached to the packaging box read by the reading line, and the information on the packing content of the packaging box that is acquired in advance and associated with the identification information Based on the identification unit for identifying the packaging content of the packaging box, the identified packaging content, and a correspondence table indicating the reading conditions for reading the RFID tag associated with the packaging content, An acquisition unit that acquires the reading condition, and a setting unit that sets the acquired reading condition in the reading line.

  Further, in the reading control apparatus of the present invention, the packing content includes a plurality of product handling categories indicating product form, packed box size, product quantity, RFID tag mounting direction, RFID tag performance, product handling restrictions. Among these categories, it is a preferable aspect that the device is composed of at least one category.

  Further, in the reading control apparatus of the present invention, the reading line includes an RFID tag reader and a transport mechanism control unit that controls a transport mechanism that transports the packing box, and the reading condition includes the radio wave intensity of the RFID tag reader, the usage It is a preferable aspect that at least one condition is selected among the type, number, and position of antennas to be performed, the transport speed of the transport mechanism, and the transport interval between the packing boxes.

  In the reading control apparatus of the present invention, the transport mechanism includes a transport path for transporting the packaging box, and the transport path transports a transport path in a reading area where the RFID tag is read and transports in other areas. It is preferable that the setting unit instructs the transport mechanism control unit to control driving of a transport path in an area other than the reading area based on a transport interval value between the packaging boxes. It is an aspect.

  Further, in the reading control device of the present invention, when the number of products in the packing box read by the reading line has not reached the planned number specified based on the information of the packing content, the setting unit, It is a preferable aspect to change the acquired reading condition and set the changed reading condition in the reading line.

  Further, in the reading control apparatus of the present invention, the reading line in which the changed reading condition is set is configured such that the packing box is placed in a predetermined reading position in a direction opposite to the conveying direction of the packing box before the reading condition is changed. It is a preferable aspect that the reading of the RFID tag is started while being conveyed to the beginning, or the reading of the RFID tag is started while being conveyed in the reverse direction.

  Further, in the reading control device of the present invention, the setting unit is acquired until the number of products in the packing box read by the reading line reaches a predetermined number specified based on the information on the packing contents. It is a preferred aspect that the reading conditions are set in one or a plurality of combinations based on a predetermined priority.

  Further, in the reading control apparatus of the present invention, when the reading condition cannot be acquired, the setting unit moves from the optimum reading condition that is the most likely reading condition to the non-optimizing direction that reduces the reading possibility. It is preferable that reading conditions are set to the reading line step by step, and the previous reading condition when the reading of the RFID tag cannot be performed by the reading line is set to the reading line as an optimum value. It is an aspect.

  Further, in the reading control apparatus of the present invention, when the reading under the reading conditions is performed for a predetermined designated number of times, and when the designated number of times has been achieved, it is determined that the RFID tag has been completely read, and 1 It is a preferable aspect that it is determined that the RFID tag cannot be completely read if the specified number of times cannot be achieved even once.

  In addition, the present invention is a reading control method by a reading control device that controls a reading line for reading the RFID tag of the product for each packaging box containing a plurality of products each having an RFID tag attached thereto. The identification information for identifying the packaging box attached to the packaging box read by the reading line, and the information of the packaging content of the packaging box associated with the identification information acquired in advance. Based on the step of specifying the packing content of the packing box, the specified packing content, and a correspondence table indicating the reading conditions for reading the RFID tag associated with the packing content, And a step of setting the acquired reading condition in the reading line.

  Further, in the reading control method of the present invention, the packaging content includes a plurality of product handling categories indicating product form, packed box size, product quantity, RFID tag mounting direction, RFID tag performance, product handling restrictions. Among these categories, it is a preferable aspect that the device is composed of at least one category.

  In the reading control method of the present invention, the reading line includes an RFID tag reader and a transport mechanism control unit that controls a transport mechanism that transports the packing box, and the reading condition includes the radio wave intensity of the RFID tag reader, the usage It is a preferable aspect that at least one condition is selected among the antenna (type, number, position) to be performed, the conveyance speed of the conveyance mechanism, and the conveyance interval between the packing boxes.

  In the reading control method of the present invention, the transport mechanism includes a transport path for transporting the packaging box, and the transport path transports a transport path in a reading area where the RFID tag is read and transports in other areas. It is preferable that the method further includes a step of instructing the transport mechanism control unit to control driving of the transport path in an area other than the reading area based on a transport interval value between the packaging boxes. It is.

  Further, in the reading control method of the present invention, when the number of products in the packing box read by the reading line does not reach the planned number specified based on the information on the packing contents, the acquired reading is performed. It is a preferable aspect that the method further includes a step of changing the conditions and setting the changed reading condition in the reading line.

  Further, in the reading control method of the present invention, the reading line in which the changed reading condition is set causes the packing box to move in a direction opposite to the conveying direction of the packing box before the reading condition is changed. It is a preferable aspect that the reading of the RFID tag is started while being conveyed to the beginning, or the reading of the RFID tag is started while being conveyed in the reverse direction.

  Further, in the reading control method of the present invention, the acquired reading condition is set until the number of products in the packing box read by the reading line reaches a predetermined number specified based on the information on the packing contents. It is a preferable aspect to set one or a plurality of combinations based on a predetermined priority.

  Further, in the reading control method of the present invention, when the reading condition cannot be acquired, the reading condition is gradually stepped toward the non-optimization direction that reduces the reading possibility from the optimum reading condition that is the highest reading possibility condition. It is preferable that the method further includes a step of setting the reading line to the reading line as an optimum value when the RFID tag is set to the reading line, and the reading condition when the RFID tag cannot be completely read by the reading line is optimized. It is.

  Further, in the reading control method of the present invention, when the reading under the reading condition is performed for a predetermined designated number of times and can be achieved up to the designated number of times, it is determined that the RFID tag has been completely read, and 1 It is a preferable aspect that it is determined that the RFID tag cannot be completely read if the specified number of times cannot be achieved even once.

  In addition, the present invention provides a reading control program executed by a reading control device that controls a reading line that reads an RFID tag of a product for each packaging box that stores a plurality of products each having an RFID tag attached thereto. The identification information for identifying the packaging box attached to the packaging box read by the reading line, and the packing contents of the packaging box associated with the identification information acquired in advance. Based on the information, based on the step of identifying the packaging content of the packaging box, the identified packaging content, and a correspondence table indicating the reading conditions for reading the RFID tag associated with the packaging content, The step of acquiring the reading condition and the step of setting the acquired reading condition in the reading line are executed.

  Further, in the reading control program of the present invention, the packing content includes a plurality of product handling categories indicating product form, packed box size, product quantity, RFID tag mounting direction, RFID tag performance, product handling restrictions. Among these categories, it is a preferable aspect that the device is composed of at least one category.

  In the reading control program of the present invention, the reading line includes an RFID tag reader and a transport mechanism control unit that controls a transport mechanism that transports the packing box, and the reading condition includes the radio field intensity of the RFID tag reader, the usage It is a preferable aspect that at least one condition is selected among the antenna (type, number, position) to be performed, the conveyance speed of the conveyance mechanism, and the conveyance interval between the packing boxes.

  In the reading control program of the present invention, the transport mechanism includes a transport path for transporting the packing box, and the transport path transports a transport path in a reading area where the RFID tag is read and transports in other areas. It is preferable that the method further includes a step of instructing the transport mechanism control unit to control driving of the transport path in an area other than the reading area based on a transport interval value between the packaging boxes. It is.

  Further, in the reading control program of the present invention, when the number of products in the packing box read by the reading line has not reached the planned number specified based on the information of the packing contents, the acquired reading is performed. It is a preferable aspect that the method further includes a step of changing the conditions and setting the changed reading condition in the reading line.

  Further, in the reading control program of the present invention, the reading line in which the changed reading condition is set causes the packing box to move in a direction opposite to the conveying direction of the packing box before the reading condition is changed. It is a preferable aspect that the reading of the RFID tag is started while being conveyed to the beginning, or the reading of the RFID tag is started while being conveyed in the reverse direction.

  Further, in the reading control program of the present invention, the acquired reading condition is maintained until the number of products in the packing box read by the reading line reaches a predetermined number specified based on the information on the packing contents. It is a preferable aspect to set one or a plurality of combinations based on a predetermined priority.

  Further, in the reading control program of the present invention, when the reading condition cannot be acquired, the reading condition is gradually stepped toward the non-optimization direction that reduces the reading possibility from the optimum reading condition that is the highest reading possibility condition. It is preferable that the method further includes a step of setting the reading line to the reading line as an optimum value when the RFID tag is set to the reading line, and the reading condition when the RFID tag cannot be completely read by the reading line is optimized. It is.

  Further, in the reading control program of the present invention, it is determined that the RFID tag has been completely read when the reading under the reading condition is performed for a predetermined number of times and the specified number of times has been achieved. It is a preferable aspect that it is determined that the RFID tag cannot be completely read if the specified number of times cannot be achieved even once.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently read RFID tags of a wide variety of merchandise groups, making it unnecessary to set reading conditions having specialized knowledge, and preventing deterioration in reading line performance.

It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the reading control system in embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a function structure of the reading control apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the identification information in embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the packaging box in embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the corresponding | compatible table in embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions for implement | achieving the reading control apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the specific operation example of the reading control system containing the reading control apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the mode of the reading control system at the time of reading unsuccessfully after reading an RFID tag. It is a figure which shows an example of the mode of the reading control system which makes the packing box back in the direction opposite to the approach direction in order to perform re-reading of the RFID tag. It is a figure which shows an example of the mode of the reading control system which is re-reading of an RFID tag, and an example of a time chart. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a reading process flow in a reading control system including a reading control apparatus according to an embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the relationship between tag direction and an antenna in embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the relationship (table | surface) of the number of goods and conveyance speed in embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the relationship (graph) of the number of goods in embodiment, and a conveyance speed.

  Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. First, an example of a reading control system in the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The reading control system includes a reading control PC (reading control device) 1, an RFID RW (RFID reader) 2, an RFID reading device 3, a conveyor control unit 4, a transport control unit 5 (5a, 5b, 5c), and product data. The server 6 is configured. The reading control device 1, the RFID reader 2, the conveyor control unit 4 (conveyance mechanism control unit), and the product data server 6 are connected via a LAN.

  The reading control device 1 controls the reading line for reading the information of the RFID tag, that is, the RFID reader 2, the RFID reading device 3, the conveyor control unit 4, and the conveyance control unit 5 to read the information of the RFID tag. Specifically, the RFID reading condition is acquired, and the acquired reading condition is set in the RFID reader 2 or the conveyor control unit 4 to read the RFID tag. Details will be described later.

  A plurality of antennas are connected to the RFID reader 2. These antennas are arranged in the RFID reader 3, and two pairs of antennas arranged up and down across the conveyance path 11 of the automatic conveyance conveyor 10, one pair arranged on both sides of the conveyance path 11. There are two antennas, and a total of eight antennas are arranged. As will be described later, these antennas are properly used depending on the situation. The RFID reader 2 outputs radio waves and receives a response signal from the RFID tag via the antenna in order to read information on the RFID tag attached to the product in the packaging box (1 to 3). Here, there are two RFID readers 2, but only one RFID reader 2 may be provided.

  The RFID reader 3 is a device arranged to read information of an RFID tag attached to a product in the packaging box. When the approach of the packaging box is detected by the entrance door control sensor 12, the RFID reader 3 is not shown. When the entrance door is opened and the entrance door control sensor 12 detects that the packaging box has completely entered the RFID reader 3 (completely passed through the entrance door), the entrance door is closed. The RFID reader 3 reads information on the RFID tag of the product in the packaging box with the entrance door closed and the exit door (not shown) closed. After the reading, when the approach of the packaging box is detected by the exit door control sensor 13, the RFID reader 3 opens the exit door, and the packaging box is completely out of the RFID reader 3 (the exit door is completely opened). When it is detected by the exit door control sensor 13, the exit door is closed.

  The conveyor control unit 4 outputs a signal to the conveyance control unit 5 (5a, 5b, 5c) based on an instruction from the reading control device 1, and the conveyance speed of the automatic conveyance conveyor 10, that is, the conveyance speed of the conveyance path 11 To control. The automatic conveyer 10 has three conveyance paths, that is, a conveyance path to the entrance door of the RFID reader 3, a conveyance path in the reading area of the RFID tag in the RFID reader 3, and a conveyance path after the exit door of the RFID reader 3. The conveyance path 11 comprised from these is provided.

  These three transport paths are independently driven and controlled by the three transport control units 5 (the transport control unit 5a, the transport control unit 5b, and the transport control unit 5c). That is, the conveyance control unit 5a controls the conveyance speed of the conveyance path to the entrance door of the RFID reader 3, which is a conveyance path controlled by the conveyance control unit 5a. The conveyance control unit 5b controls the conveyance speed of the conveyance path in the reading area of the RFID tag in the RFID reader 3, which is a conveyance path controlled by the conveyance control unit 5b. The conveyance control unit 5c controls the conveyance speed of the conveyance path after the exit door of the RFID reader 3, which is a conveyance path controlled by the conveyance control unit 5c.

  The BCR (bar code reader) 15 reads identification information (bar code) attached to the packaging box when the entry detection sensor 14 detects the passage of the packaging box. As will be described later, the identification information attached to the packaging box is not limited to the barcode, but may be an RFID tag or the like.

The product data server 6 stores product information described later.
Here, an example of a functional configuration of the reading control apparatus 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The reading control device 1 includes a specifying unit 20, an acquiring unit 21, a setting unit 22, a communication control unit 23, and a storage unit 24. The configuration of the reading control device 1 is not limited to this, and may include other components.

  The specifying unit 20 specifies the packing content of the packing box based on the identification information (bar code) attached to the packing box read by the BCR 15. Here, the barcode attached to the packaging box is read by the BCR 15, but an RFID tag may be attached to the packaging box instead of the barcode and the RFID tag reader may read the RFID tag. An example of the barcode and an example of the EPC code of the RFID tag are shown in FIG. The bar code is for JSI-128. The EPC code is for 96 bits.

  An example of the packaging box will be described with reference to FIG. In the packing box, products each having an RFID tag attached are packed (accommodated), and in this example, 10 products are packed. The size of the packaging box is horizontal (W) 60 cm, height (H) 60 cm, and depth (D) 60 cm. On the exterior of the packaging box, identification information (such as a barcode or RFID tag) for identifying the packaging box ) Is attached.

  The above-mentioned packing content indicates what kind of product is in the packing box and what kind of RFID tag is attached to the product. For example, it corresponds to the product information in the correspondence table shown in FIG. It is. In the case of the packaging box shown in FIG. 4, the product information includes product form: boxed clothing, box size: W60 × D60 × H60, product quantity: 10, tag orientation: horizontal and entry direction orientation, tag performance: standard type , Product handling category: No limit.

  Here, the correspondence table will be described with reference to FIG. The correspondence table shown in FIG. 5 includes product information and RFID tag reading conditions. In this example, the product information consists of six categories (product form, box size, product quantity, tag orientation, tag performance, product handling classification), and reading conditions are associated with the contents of the product information.

  The product form indicates the field to which the product belongs. For example, thin / small items (handkerchiefs, towels, underwear, T-shirts, etc.), thick / large items (blouson, coats, etc.), metal (belts, accessories) Class).

  The box size indicates the size of the packaging box, and there are sizes such as L (large), M (medium), and S (small).

  The merchandise quantity indicates the number of merchandise in the packaging box. In the case of thin / small merchandise, the merchandise is thin and not bulky, and may be 250 or more depending on the merchandise.

  The tag orientation (RFID tag attachment orientation) indicates the orientation of the RFID tag attached to the product. For example, the orientation with respect to a pair of antennas arranged above and below the conveyance path 11 is indicated. Show. For example, when the packaging box is placed on the transport path 11 in the state shown in FIG. 4, the RFID tag is horizontal with respect to the antennas arranged above and below. This horizontal corresponds to the horizontal indicated in the correspondence table of FIG. In addition to the horizontal direction, there is a direction in which the RFID tag is attached vertically to an antenna disposed above and below. In addition, the correspondence table includes a mixture, but the mixture indicates that the directions of all RFID tags are not the same.

  An example of the relationship between the tag orientation and the antenna is shown in FIG. For example, in the case of clothing (folded product), the tag orientation is horizontal, the antenna type is circular, and the essential antenna orientation is desirably arranged vertically with the conveyance path 11 in between. In the case of bottles, vases, and kokeshi dolls, the tag orientation is vertical, the type of antenna is circular or straight, and the essential antenna orientation is preferably a side arrangement on both sides of the conveyance path 11.

  The tag performance indicates the performance of the RFID tag, and there are a small type (small) smaller than the standard type in addition to a standard type (standard) indicating standard performance and size. Since products with metal (belts, accessories) are often small, a small type RFID tag is attached.

  The merchandise handling category indicates restrictions when handling merchandise. For example, since it is necessary to prohibit the upside-down of raw products and glass products, in that case, a restriction of prohibiting upside down is described. In this example, there is no restriction because there is no restriction on the handling of merchandise.

  On the other hand, the RFID tag reading condition associated with the product information is composed of radio wave intensity, antenna used, transport speed, transport interval, duplication prevention flag, RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) (dBm) lower limit value, and special transport mechanism. Has been.

  The radio wave intensity is the intensity of the radio wave output from the RFID reader 2 and includes L1, L2, L3, and the relationship is L1> L2> L3. Thin and small products have a relatively large number of products in the packaging box compared to thick and large products, that is, the number of RFID tag readings is large, so thin and small products are thicker than large products. High signal strength.

  The used antenna indicates an antenna used when reading information of the RFID tag, and is configured by an antenna connected to the reader 1 (basic) and an antenna connected to the reader 2 (extended). The reader 1 (basic) is the RFID reader 2 drawn with a solid line shown in FIG. 1, and the reader 2 (extended) is the RFID reader 2 drawn with a broken line shown in FIG.

  The antenna of the reader 1 (basic) is an antenna connected to the RFID reader 2 drawn by a solid line shown in FIG. 1, and is a pair of two antennas (horizontal (right)) arranged on both sides of the conveyance path 11. Horizontal (left)) and a pair of two antennas (vertical (upper) and vertical (lower)) above and below the transport path 11. The antenna of the reader 2 (extension) is an antenna connected to the RFID reader 2 drawn by a broken line shown in FIG. 1, and a pair of two antennas (horizontal (right)) arranged on both sides of the conveyance path 11 Horizontal (left)) and a pair of two antennas (vertical (upper) and vertical (lower)) above and below the transport path 11. With metal (belt, accessories), the orientation of RFID tags is not constant and often mixed, so use more antennas (reader 1 (basic) and reader 2 (extended) antennas). The information of the RFID tag is read.

  The conveyance speed indicates the conveyance speed of the conveyance path 11 in the RFID reader 3 and is 1.0 to 0.4 m / s. Thin and small products have a relatively large number of products compared to thick and large products, that is, the number of readings is large. Therefore, the conveyance speed is slower than that of thick and large products so as to increase the reading time. An example of the relationship between the number of products and the conveyance speed is shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B. FIG. 11A shows the relationship between the number of products and the conveyance speed as a table, and FIG. 11B shows the relationship between the number of products and the conveyance speed as a graph. As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the conveyance speed decreases as the number of products increases.

  A conveyance interval shows the space | interval between the packaging boxes at the time of conveying a packaging box. Thin and small products have a relatively large number of products compared to thick and large products, that is, the number of readings is large. In addition, the item of the conveyance interval is that there are shielding doors at the entrance and the exit of the RFID reader 3, and the packaging box (following packaging box) that passes behind until the reading of the RFID tag of the preceding packaging box is completed. ) Waits in front of the entrance of the RFID reader 3 (the transport control unit 5a stops the transport path 11 before the entrance of the RFID reader 3). However, in the case of an embodiment in which there are no shielding doors at the entrance and exit of the RFID reader 3 and the subsequent packaging box enters the RFID reader 3 without waiting, the RFID reader 3 The conveyance interval is necessary so as not to read the RFID tag information of the subsequent packing box. In the case of such an embodiment, the information on the conveyance interval is passed to the conveyor control unit 4, and the conveyor control unit 4 instructs each conveyance control unit so that the conveyance interval is maintained.

  The duplication prevention flag is a state flag for preventing the RFID tag from responding for a certain period of time (S1, S2, S3) after the RFID tag responds to the RFID reader. For example, S1 is 0.5 seconds, S2 and S3 are 2 seconds, and no response can be made during this time. Specifically, after reading the RFID tag, when the RFID reader 2 designates each RFID tag, the RFID tag does not respond for a certain period of time by designating values such as the state flags S1, S2, and S3. In this example, both S2 and S3 are 2 seconds. However, for example, when there are a plurality of RFID readers 2, S2 and S3 are used when each reader wants to manage the response of the RFID tag.

  The RSSI (dBm) lower limit value indicates the lower limit value of RSSI, which is the response signal strength of the RFID tag, and is intended to prevent reading far away RFID tags.

  The special transport mechanism is for facilitating reading of information of the RFID tag. For example, in the case of a metal-attached (belt, accessories), the RFID tag direction is mixed, and the RFID tag is often overlapped and is difficult to read. Therefore, the conveyance path 11 is vibrated and the product is displaced (RFID tag displacement). ) To facilitate reading of information on the RFID tag. For example, START / STOP is used as a method of vibration, and this means that the conveyance path 11 is moved and stopped.

  Returning to the description of the functional configuration of the reading control device 1, the specifying unit 20 uses the identification information (barcode) attached to the packing box when specifying the packing content (product information). Packing content information (not shown) associated with the information is stored in the product data server 6 in advance, and the packing content (product information) is specified (acquired) from the information using the identification information as a key. In addition, although merchandise information is specified based on identification information, merchandise information may be previously attached to the packaging box, and the specific process by the specific | specification part 20 is abbreviate | omitted in that case.

  The acquiring unit 21 acquires the RFID reading conditions corresponding to the packaging content (product information) specified by the specifying unit 20 from the correspondence table.

  The setting unit 22 sets the acquired reading condition in the RFID reader 2 or the conveyor control unit 4 (conveyance control unit 5).

  The communication control unit 23 transmits / receives information to / from the outside (RFID reader 2, conveyor control unit 4, product data server 6).

  The storage unit 24 stores programs and the like necessary for operating the reading control apparatus 1.

  Here, an example of a hardware configuration for realizing the reading control apparatus 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The hardware configuration includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 61, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 62, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 63, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 64, a communication interface (I / F) 65, and a bus 66. It has. The CPU 61, HDD 62, ROM 63, RAM 64, and communication interface (I / F) 65 are connected to each other via a bus 66, for example.

  The CPU 61 reads a program for performing various processes of the reading control apparatus 1 stored in the HDD 62 or the like via the bus 66, temporarily stores the read program in the RAM 64, and performs various processes according to the program. This functions mainly as the above-described specifying unit 20, acquisition unit 21, and setting unit 22.

  The HDD 62 stores application programs for performing various processes of the reading control apparatus 1, data necessary for the processing of the reading control apparatus 1, and the like, and mainly functions as the storage unit 24 described above.

    The ROM 63 is a non-volatile memory, and stores programs such as a boot program and BIOS (BasicInput / Output System).

  The RAM 64 is a volatile memory, and temporarily stores a part of an OS (Operating System) program and application programs to be executed by the CPU 61. The RAM 64 stores various data necessary for processing by the CPU 61.

The communication interface (I / F) 65 performs data transmission / reception with the outside (the RFID reader 2, the product data server 6, etc.), and mainly functions as the communication control unit 23 described above.
The bus 66 is a path that mediates transmission / reception of control signals and data signals between the devices.

  Hereinafter, a specific operation example of the reading control system including the reading control apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 shows an example of a reading control system and a time chart of processing in the reading control system. The reading control system shown in FIG. 7 is similar to the reading control system shown in FIG. The reader 2, the conveyor control unit 4, the conveyance control unit 5, and the product data server 6 are included, but are omitted here. In FIG. 7 and FIGS. 8A and 8C described later, the reading range of the RFID tag information by the antenna (the range indicated by the dashed circle or ellipse) is shown. The horizontal axis of the time chart indicates the conveyance direction of the packaging box, and the solid line of each chart indicates the approximate conveyance position of the packaging box.

  First, at T1 of the time chart, the entry detection sensor 14 detects the entry of the packing box (for example, the packing box 3). At T2, the BCR 15 reads the barcode attached to the exterior of the packing box based on the detection of the entry detection sensor 14, and the reading control device 1 reads the product information (packing contents) corresponding to the read barcode. The product data server 6 is requested and acquired. The reading control apparatus 1 determines (acquires) reading conditions (such as radio wave intensity, antenna to be used, and conveyance speed) based on the acquired product information, and sets the reading conditions in the RFID reader 2 and the like.

  At T3, the packaging box stops before the entrance of the RFID reader 3, waits for the entrance door to open, and when the entrance door opens at T4, the packaging box is moved into the RFID reader 3 at the set conveyance speed. Start entering. At T5, when the entry of the packing box is completed, it waits for the entrance door to close. At T6, reading of information on the RFID tag is started with the set radio wave intensity, antenna used, and the like. While the information of the RFID tag is being read, the entrance door and the exit door are closed.

  When the reading is completed at T7, the transport of the packing box is stopped, the radio wave output is also stopped, and the number of read RFID tags is confirmed. At T8, the exit door is opened, and the exit of the packaging box is started. At T9, when the packing box completes exit from the RFID reader 3, the exit door is closed. At T7, the subsequent packaging box is waiting before the entrance of the RFID reader 3. Then, at T8, with the withdrawal of the packaging box, the subsequent packaging box enters the RFID reader 3, and at T9, information on the RFID tag of the product in the subsequent packaging box is read.

  Hereinafter, a specific operation example of the reading control system including the reading control device 1 when reading of information of the RFID tag fails will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8A shows an example of the state of the reading control system at the time when reading of the RFID tag fails. FIG. 8B shows an example of the state of the reading control system in which the packing box (for example, packing box 2) is backed in the direction opposite to the approach direction in order to reread the RFID tag. FIG. 8C is a diagram illustrating an example of a state of the reading control system performing rereading of the RFID tag and an example of a time chart of processing in the reading control system illustrated in FIGS. 8A to 8C. The reading control system shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C includes the reading control device 1, the RFID reader 2, the conveyor control unit 4, the conveyance control unit 5, and the product data server 6, similarly to the reading control system shown in FIG. It is omitted here.

  First, at T1 of the time chart, the entry detection sensor 14 detects the entry of the packing box (for example, the packing box 2). At T2, the BCR 15 reads the barcode attached to the exterior of the packing box based on the detection of the entry detection sensor 14, and the reading control device 1 reads the product information (packing contents) corresponding to the read barcode. The product data server 6 is requested and acquired. Based on the acquired product information, a reading condition (a radio wave intensity, an antenna to be used, a conveyance speed, etc.) is determined (acquired), and the reading condition is set in the RFID reader 2 or the like.

  At T3, the packaging box stops before the entrance of the RFID reader 3 and waits for the entrance door to open. At T4, when the entrance door opens, the packaging box starts to enter at the set conveyance speed. At T5, when the entry of the packing box is completed, it waits for the entrance door to close. At T6, reading of information on the RFID tag is started with the set radio wave intensity, antenna used, and the like. While the information of the RFID tag is being read, the entrance door and the exit door are closed.

  When the reading is completed at T7, the transport of the packing box is stopped, the radio wave output is also stopped, and the number of read RFID tags is confirmed (FIG. 8A). When the number of read RFID tags does not match the planned number (originally the number of products packed in the packaging box and the number of products specified based on the packaging content information), that is, there is an erroneous reading (NG determination) ), Reread (retry) is performed. When performing re-reading, the packaging box is backed in the direction opposite to the approach direction, and at T8, for example, the radio wave intensity in the reading conditions is incremented by +1, and reading of the RFID tag information is performed at a predetermined reading position (for example, RFID The position is started from the position where the reader 3 is completely entered (FIG. 8B). While the information of the RFID tag is being read, the entrance door and the exit door are closed.

  At T9, when the reading is completed, the transport of the packing box is stopped, the radio wave output is also stopped, and the number of read RFID tags is confirmed. When the number of read RFID tags matches the planned number (originally the number of products packaged in the packaging box and specified based on the packaging content information), that is, there is a planned number (success determination) ), At T10, the exit door is opened and the exit of the packaging box is started. At T11, when the packing box completes exit from the RFID reader 3, the exit door is closed. At T9, the subsequent packaging box (for example, packaging box 3) is waiting in front of the entrance of the RFID reader 3. Then, at T10, with the withdrawal of the packaging box, the subsequent packaging box enters the RFID reader 3, and at T11, information on the RFID tag of the product in the subsequent packaging box is read.

  In the case of the retry process, here, the radio wave intensity obtained by adding 1 to the radio wave intensity of the reading condition is set to perform re-reading, but the radio wave intensity is not limited thereto. For example, according to a predetermined priority, the radio wave intensity of the reading condition is increased, the number of antennas used is increased, or the conveyance speed is decreased. A combination of these may also be used.

  In addition, retry processing is repeated until the expected number of readings is cleared (successful). If clearing is completed, the reading process is terminated and the reading condition values that have been cleared are registered (updated) in the correspondence table. Used when reading. If the number of retry processes is n and all n times are cleared, the success determination is made. If all n times are not cleared, the retry process is repeated in the same manner. Thereby, the case where it can be read by chance can be excluded.

  In addition, the packaging box is backed for retry processing, but re-reading may be performed during the backing (in the middle). Thereby, the re-reading time can be shortened.

  In addition, a case will be described in which a new handling product cannot be obtained because there is no packing content (product information) corresponding to the identification information, and the reading condition cannot be obtained from the correspondence table.

  In such a case, first, the RFID reader 2 and the conveyor control unit are set to the highest value at which the RFID tag can be read 100% (the highest set value in the reading rate, that is, the highest (optimum) reading condition that is the most likely to be read). Set to 4 or the like to read the RFID tag information. After that, the reading condition is reduced (the non-optimized direction that reduces the possibility of reading), that is, the radio wave intensity is reduced, the number of antennas used is reduced, the conveyance speed is increased, or the use of the state flag is stopped. The reading is executed step by step, and the value immediately before the point when 100% reading (complete reading) cannot be performed (reading condition) is set as the optimum value on the reading line, and reading control is performed. Record in the storage area (not shown) of the device. As a result, it is possible to additionally register in the correspondence table the review of the product information system for new products and the correspondence with the reading conditions based on this record information. Note that the criterion for determining whether or not the reading has been successful can be, for example, a case where 100% reading has been performed all n times. Further, the review of the product system for the new product and the additional registration work to the correspondence table are, for example, manual work after line stop after work, and detailed description of the procedure is omitted.

  Next, an example of a reading process flow in the reading control system including the reading control apparatus according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, first, the reading control device 1 is packed on a transport path 11 (a transport path that is controlled by the transport control unit 5a) before entering the RFID reader 3 by various sensors (not shown). It is determined whether or not there is a box (step S901). If there is no packing box (Yes in step S901), the conveyor control unit 4 instructs the transfer control unit 5a to send out the packing box to the transfer path 11 when there is a packing box to be transferred. Is started (step S902).

  When the ingress detection sensor 14 detects the passage of the packaging box, the BCR 15 reads identification information (for example, a barcode) attached to the exterior of the packaging box (step S903). As described above, the identification information is not limited to the barcode, and may be an RFID tag or the like.

  Based on the identification information (barcode) read by the BCR 15, the specifying unit 20 of the reading control device 1 stores information on the contents of the packing (product information) associated with the identification information stored in advance in the product data server 6. Product information (for example, product information shown in FIG. 4) is identified (obtained) from (step S904).

  The acquisition unit 21 of the reading control device 1 acquires the RFID reading conditions corresponding to the product information specified by the specifying unit 20 from the correspondence table (step S905), and the setting unit 22 of the reading control device 1 is acquired. Reading conditions are set in the RFID reader 2 and the conveyor control unit 4 (conveyance control unit 5) (step S906). Specifically, the setting unit 22 sets the radio wave intensity, the antenna used, the state flag, and the RSSI lower limit value for the RFID reader 2, and the conveyance speed, the conveyance interval, and the special value for the conveyor control unit 4. Set the transport mechanism (START / STOP in vibration mode).

  When set, the conveyor control unit 4 carries into the RFID reader 3 (including door opening / closing control) (step S907). That is, when the approach of the packing box is detected by the entrance door control sensor 12, the conveyor control unit 4 instructs the transport control unit 5a to stop the transport, and the RFID reader 3 opens the entrance door. When the entrance door is fully opened, the conveyor control unit 4 instructs the transport control unit 5b to transport the packaging box at the set transport speed, and the packaging box completely passes through the entrance door by the entrance door control sensor 12. When it is detected, the RFID reader 3 closes the entrance door, and notifies the reading controller 1 directly or via the conveyor controller 4 that the door has been closed. As described above, at least the transport speed of the transport path 11 in the RFID reader 3 can be variably set.

  When the carry-in to the RFID reader 3 is completed, the RFID tag information is read (step S908). After confirming that the entrance door is closed and the exit door is closed, the reading control apparatus 1 (for example, the setting unit 22) sets the radio wave intensity, antenna used, and other parameters set for the RFID reader 2. Instruct to start reading the information of the RFID tag. Thereafter, when the exit door control sensor 13 detects that the packaging box has reached the front of the exit door, the conveyor control unit 4 controls the transport path 11 (the transport control unit 5b is controlled by the transport control unit 5b). And the reading control apparatus 1 is notified. The reading control device 1 instructs the RFID reader 2 to end reading (stop of radio wave output) and receives the reading result.

  Upon receiving all the reading results, the reading control device 1 compares the product quantity acquired in advance from the product data server 6 and determines whether or not the reading result is successful (validity) (step S909).

  The reading control device 1 determines whether or not the reading is successful (normal) (step S910). If the reading is successful (Yes in step S910), the reading control device 1 causes the packaging box to be unloaded from the RFID reading device 3 (step S911). Specifically, the RFID reader 3 opens the exit door, and when the exit door is fully opened, the conveyor control unit 4 causes the transport control units 5b and 5c to drive the transport path 11 and the exit door control sensor 13. When it is detected that the packaging box has completely passed through the exit door, the RFID reader 3 closes the exit door. When the exit door is closed and there is a subsequent packing box, the entrance door is opened and the same reading process is performed.

  On the other hand, if the reading is not successful (No in step S910), the reading control apparatus 1 automatically determines whether or not there is a re-reading (retry) mechanism (step S912), and if there is a retry mechanism (step S912). In step S912, the reading control device 1 updates the already set reading conditions (step S913), for example, increases the radio wave intensity by adding 1 to the radio wave intensity, and the conveyance control unit 5b via the conveyor control unit 4 Is instructed to transport the packaging box in the reverse direction (reverse transport) to the entrance door point (step S914). Thus, the process returns to step S908 to perform the reading process.

  If there is no retry mechanism (No in step S912), the reading control apparatus 1 notifies the operator or the like of an abnormality (for example, notification of occurrence of reading failure by turning on an unillustrated indicator lamp) (step S915). Even in this case, as in the case of successful reading, the unloading process of the packing box from the RFID reader 3 and the subsequent packing box loading process are performed. The recovery process is performed by reading.

  In the above-described example, the entrance / exit of the RFID reader 3 is provided with a shielding door (entrance door or exit door) for shielding leakage of radio waves, and the conveyor control unit 4 confirms the sensor signal for door opening / closing control. In this case, the RFID reader 3 is made alone, but the reading controller 1 may be made to do it.

  Moreover, although there is a shielding door in the above-described example, it can be implemented even when there is no shielding door. In this case, it is not necessary to stop in front of the shielding door, but it is necessary to avoid misreading of the packaging boxes connected to the front and rear. As a countermeasure against this, a control for increasing the conveyance interval of the packaging boxes (conveyance interval for the conveyor control unit 4). Instruction) becomes effective.

  Moreover, although the process of the conveyance control part 5a, 5b, 5c mentioned above is performed independently, you may interlock | cooperate. In that case, the operation of the flow of all the packaging boxes becomes the same operation.

  According to the reading control apparatus as described above, even when a person with specialized knowledge or a vendor performs determination of the optimum reading condition of the RFID tag, the optimum reading condition is found in all of a wide variety of products. The frequency of reading omissions is a problem that is unrealistic because it takes time, and that when reading omissions occur, reading lines must be suspended temporarily or manual operations are required manually. If the value is high (the reading rate is low), the problem of reducing the performance of the reading line can be solved.

  That is, according to the reading control apparatus as described above, reading of RFID tags of a wide variety of products can be efficiently performed, setting of reading conditions having specialized knowledge is unnecessary, and deterioration of reading line performance is prevented. Can do.

  In the above-described embodiment, the main processing of the reading control apparatus has been described as being executed by software processing by the CPU. However, all or part of this processing may be realized by hardware.

  Further, the above-described embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes can be made without departing from the gist of the embodiment.

1 Reading control device 2 RFID RW (RFID reader)
3 RFID reader 4 Conveyor control unit 5 Conveyance control unit 5 (5a, 5b, 5c)
6 Commodity Data Server 10 Automatic Conveyor 11 Transport Path 12 Entrance Door Control Sensor 13 Exit Door Control Sensor 14 Ingress Detection Sensor 15 BCR
20 identification unit 21 acquisition unit 22 setting unit 23 communication control unit 24 storage unit 61 CPU
62 HDD
63 ROM
64 RAM
65 Communication interface (I / F)
66 Bus

Claims (27)

A reading control device that controls a reading line for reading the RFID tag of the product for each packaging box containing a plurality of products with RFID tags attached thereto,
Based on the identification information for identifying the packaging box attached to the packaging box read by the reading line, and the information on the packaging content of the packaging box associated with the identification information acquired in advance. A specifying unit for specifying the packing content of the packing box,
An acquisition unit that acquires the reading condition based on the identified packing content and a correspondence table indicating a reading condition for reading the RFID tag associated with the packing content;
A setting unit for setting the acquired reading condition in the reading line;
A reading control apparatus comprising:   The package content includes at least one or more of a plurality of categories of product handling categories indicating a product form, a packed box size, a product quantity, an RFID tag mounting direction, an RFID tag performance, and a product handling restriction. The reading control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reading control apparatus is composed of categories. The reading line includes an RFID tag reader and a transport mechanism control unit that controls a transport mechanism that transports the packing box.
The reading condition is at least one of the following conditions: radio field intensity of the RFID tag reader, type of antenna used, number, position, transport speed of the transport mechanism, and transport interval between the packaging boxes. The reading control apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The transport mechanism includes a transport path for transporting the packing box,
The transport path is composed of a transport path in a reading area for reading the RFID tag and a transport path in other areas,
The said setting part instructs the said conveyance mechanism control part to control the drive of the conveyance path of areas other than the said reading area based on the value of the conveyance interval between the said packaging boxes. The reading control apparatus according to the description. When the number of products in the packing box read by the reading line has not reached the planned number specified based on the information of the packing content,
The reading control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit changes the acquired reading condition and sets the changed reading condition in the reading line.   The reading line in which the changed reading condition is set, reads the RFID tag by conveying the packing box to a predetermined reading position in a direction opposite to the conveying direction of the packing box before the reading condition is changed. The reading control apparatus according to claim 5, wherein reading of the RFID tag is started while starting or transporting in the reverse direction.   Until the number of products in the packing box read by the reading line reaches a predetermined number specified based on the information of the packing content, the setting unit determines the acquired reading condition as a predetermined priority. The reading control apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the reading control apparatus sets one or a plurality of combinations based on the degree. If the reading conditions cannot be acquired,
The setting unit sets a reading condition in the reading line stepwise from an optimum reading condition which is a condition with the highest possibility of reading to a non-optimization direction that reduces the possibility of reading. 8. The reading control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a reading condition immediately before the RFID tag cannot be completely read is set to the reading line as an optimum value.   The reading under the reading condition is performed for a predetermined number of times, and when the specified number of times has been reached, it is determined that the RFID tag has been completely read, and when the specified number of times cannot be achieved even once. 9. The reading control apparatus according to claim 8, wherein it is determined that the RFID tag cannot be completely read. A reading control method by a reading control device for controlling a reading line for reading the RFID tag of the product for each packing box containing a plurality of products with RFID tags attached thereto,
Based on the identification information for identifying the packaging box attached to the packaging box read by the reading line, and the information on the packaging content of the packaging box associated with the identification information acquired in advance. Identifying the packing contents of the packing box,
Acquiring the reading condition based on the identified packing content and a correspondence table indicating the reading condition for reading the RFID tag associated with the packing content;
Setting the acquired reading condition in the reading line;
A reading control method comprising:   The package content includes at least one or more of a plurality of categories of product handling categories indicating a product form, a packed box size, a product quantity, an RFID tag mounting direction, an RFID tag performance, and a product handling restriction. The reading control method according to claim 10, comprising a category. The reading line includes an RFID tag reader and a transport mechanism control unit that controls a transport mechanism that transports the packing box.
The reading condition is at least one of the following conditions: radio field intensity of the RFID tag reader, type of antenna used, number, position, transport speed of the transport mechanism, and transport interval between the packaging boxes. The reading control method according to claim 10 or 11. The transport mechanism includes a transport path for transporting the packing box,
The transport path is composed of a transport path in a reading area for reading the RFID tag and a transport path in other areas,
13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: instructing the transport mechanism control unit to control driving of a transport path in an area other than the reading area based on a transport interval value between the packing boxes. Reading control method. When the number of products in the packing box read by the reading line has not reached the planned number specified based on the information of the packing content,
14. The reading control method according to claim 10, further comprising a step of changing the acquired reading condition and setting the changed reading condition in the reading line.   The reading line in which the changed reading condition is set, reads the RFID tag by conveying the packing box to a predetermined reading position in a direction opposite to the conveying direction of the packing box before the reading condition is changed. The reading control method according to claim 14, wherein reading of the RFID tag is started in the middle of starting or transporting in the reverse direction.   Until the number of products in the packing box read by the reading line reaches a predetermined number specified based on the information of the packing contents, the acquired reading condition is set based on a predetermined priority. 16. The reading control method according to claim 14, wherein the reading control method is set by one or a plurality of combinations. If the reading conditions cannot be acquired,
The reading condition is set to the reading line step by step in the direction of non-optimization that reduces the possibility of reading from the optimum reading condition that is the condition with the highest reading possibility, and the reading line completes the RFID tag completely. The reading control method according to any one of claims 10 to 16, further comprising a step of setting, as an optimum value, a reading condition immediately before when reading is impossible in the reading line.   The reading under the reading condition is performed for a predetermined number of times, and when the specified number of times has been reached, it is determined that the RFID tag has been completely read, and when the specified number of times cannot be achieved even once. The reading control method according to claim 17, wherein it is determined that the RFID tag cannot be completely read. A reading control program that is executed by a reading control device that controls a reading line that performs reading of the RFID tag of the product for each packaging box containing a plurality of products with RFID tags attached thereto,
Based on the identification information for identifying the packaging box attached to the packaging box read by the reading line, and the information on the packaging content of the packaging box associated with the identification information acquired in advance. Identifying the packing contents of the packing box,
Acquiring the reading condition based on the identified packing content and a correspondence table indicating the reading condition for reading the RFID tag associated with the packing content;
Setting the acquired reading condition in the reading line;
A reading control program that is executed.   The package content includes at least one or more of a plurality of categories of product handling categories indicating a product form, a packed box size, a product quantity, an RFID tag mounting direction, an RFID tag performance, and a product handling restriction. The reading control program according to claim 19, comprising a category. The reading line includes an RFID tag reader and a transport mechanism control unit that controls a transport mechanism that transports the packing box.
The reading condition is at least one of the following conditions: radio field intensity of the RFID tag reader, type of antenna used, number, position, transport speed of the transport mechanism, and transport interval between the packaging boxes. The reading control program according to claim 19 or 20. The transport mechanism includes a transport path for transporting the packing box,
The transport path is composed of a transport path in a reading area for reading the RFID tag and a transport path in other areas,
23. The method according to claim 21, further comprising: instructing the transport mechanism control unit to control driving of a transport path in an area other than the reading area based on a transport interval value between the packaging boxes. Reading control program. When the number of products in the packing box read by the reading line has not reached the planned number specified based on the information of the packing content,
The reading control program according to any one of claims 19 to 22, further comprising a step of changing the acquired reading condition and setting the changed reading condition in the reading line.   The reading line in which the changed reading condition is set, reads the RFID tag by conveying the packing box to a predetermined reading position in a direction opposite to the conveying direction of the packing box before the reading condition is changed. 24. The reading control program according to claim 23, wherein reading of the RFID tag is started in the middle of starting or transporting in the reverse direction.   Until the number of products in the packing box read by the reading line reaches a predetermined number specified based on the information of the packing contents, the acquired reading condition is set based on a predetermined priority. The reading control program according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the reading control program is set by one or a plurality of combinations. If the reading conditions cannot be acquired,
The reading condition is set to the reading line step by step in the direction of non-optimization that reduces the possibility of reading from the optimum reading condition that is the condition with the highest reading possibility, and the reading line completes the RFID tag completely. The reading control program according to any one of claims 19 to 25, further comprising a step of setting, in the reading line, an optimum reading condition when reading is impossible.   The reading under the reading condition is performed for a predetermined number of times, and when the specified number of times has been reached, it is determined that the RFID tag has been completely read, and when the specified number of times cannot be achieved even once. 27. The reading control program according to claim 26, wherein it is determined that the RFID tag cannot be completely read.