JP7283355B2 - lighting equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to lighting devices.

Patent Literature 1 discloses a purchased product settlement system. This system comprises an IC chip and a POS register. The IC chip transmits product information. The POS register continuously receives product information from multiple IC chips via short-range wireless communication. The POS register tallies and settles the product prices of the products based on the unit price table in which the unit price information is registered and the unit price information based on the obtained plural product information.

JP-A-2003-132427

As shown in Patent Document 1, there is a system for collectively acquiring product information stored in an IC chip attached to each product from a reader in a non-contact manner, and making payments. In such a product management system, it is disadvantageous for both the store side and the payer side to take out the product for which payment has not been completed, even if it is unintentional.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a lighting device capable of notifying a user of the status of processing using RFID.

A lighting device according to the present disclosure includes a light source unit, an RFID reader unit that outputs a control signal when information is received from an RFID tag, a light source control unit that controls the lighting state of the light source unit according to the control signal, The RFID tag is attached to the product, and the RFID reader unit outputs a first control signal as the control signal when the product can be taken out from the area where the RFID reader unit is provided, and the product cannot be taken out. , the second control signal is output as the control signal .
A lighting device according to the present disclosure includes a light source unit, an RFID reader unit that outputs a control signal when information is received from an RFID tag, a light source control unit that controls the lighting state of the light source unit according to the control signal, The RFID tag is attached to the product, the RFID reader unit outputs a first control signal as the control signal when the payment for the product is completed, and when the payment for the product is not completed A second control signal is output as the control signal.
A lighting device according to the present disclosure includes a light source unit, an RFID reader unit that outputs a control signal when information is received from an RFID tag, a light source control unit that controls the lighting state of the light source unit according to the control signal, and the RFID reader unit transmits the information to the external system, outputs the control signal based on a response from the external system, and the response indicates that the checkout of the product with the RFID tag has been completed. Includes information on whether or not

In the lighting device according to the present invention, the RFID reader section outputs a control signal when information is received from the RFID tag. The light source control section controls the lighting state of the light source section according to the control signal. Therefore, the user can be notified of the status of the process using the RFID.

1 is a diagram illustrating a lighting device according to Embodiment 1; FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram of a lighting device and an RFID tag according to Embodiment 1; FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the lighting device according to Embodiment 1; FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a lighting device according to a modification of Embodiment 1; FIG. 10 is a circuit block diagram of a lighting device according to Embodiment 2; FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a lighting device according to Embodiment 2; FIG.

A lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding components, and repetition of description may be omitted.

Embodiment 1.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a lighting device 5 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. The lighting device 5 has a product management system for adjusting the product. The lighting device 5 is installed on the ceiling 1 in the room, for example. The illumination device 5 includes an RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) reader section 3 and a light source section 4 . The light source unit 4 has, for example, an LED as a light source. The light source unit 4 illuminates the floor 2 downward. In FIG. 1, an irradiation range 62 of the light source unit 4 is indicated by a dashed line.

The illumination device 5 has three RFID reader units 3 . Any number of RFID reader units 3 may be provided in the illumination device 5 . As the number of RFID reader units 3 increases, the detection range of an RFID tag 8, which will be described later, expands. Therefore, detection accuracy can be improved. On the other hand, the smaller the number of RFID reader units 3, the smaller the illumination device 5 can be.

The RFID reader unit 3 outputs radio waves for detecting the RFID tag 8 downward from an antenna 10, which will be described later. That is, the RFID reader unit 3 outputs radio waves toward the floor 2 . In FIG. 1, a detection area 61 in which the RFID reader unit 3 can detect the RFID tag 8 is indicated by a solid line. A detection area 61 is an area where the RFID reader unit 3 can communicate with the RFID tag 8 .

A user 40 passes through the detection area 61 while holding the product 50 to which the RFID tag 8 is attached. Here, the user 40 is a person who wants to pay for the product 50, that is, a payer. As a result, information on the product 50 is transmitted from the RFID tag 8 to the RFID reader section 3 .

In this embodiment, the light source unit 4 irradiates the detection area 61 of the RFID reader unit 3 . This makes it easier for the user 40 to recognize the checkout location. Therefore, it is possible to prompt a sure settlement. Also, the RFID reader unit 3 can easily detect the RFID tag 8 . The area of the floor 2 illuminated by the light source unit 4 and the detection range of the RFID reader unit 3 of the floor 2 may be the same.

The detection area 61 of the RFID reader unit 3 is determined by the intensity of the radio waves to be output, the configuration of the antenna 10, the mounting position, and the like. In the example of FIG. 1, radio waves are output from the antenna 10 so that the detection areas 61 of the respective RFID reader units 3 have the same size. Further, the RFID reader unit 3 is arranged so that the detection areas 61 are appropriately overlapped. The sizes of the detection areas 61 of the plurality of RFID reader units 3 are not limited to this, and may be different from each other.

FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of lighting device 5 and RFID tag 8 according to the first embodiment. The illumination device 5 includes an RFID reader section 3 , a light source control section 15 and a light source section 4 . The RFID reader section 3 includes an antenna 10 and an RFID control section 14 . The RFID tag 8 has an antenna 9 and a control IC 13 .

When the RFID tag 8 is present in the detection area 61 of the RFID reader section 3, communication between the RFID reader section 3 and the RFID tag 8 is started. Antenna 9 of RFID tag 8 communicates with antenna 10 of RFID reader section 3 . The control IC 13 of the RFID tag 8 is activated using radio waves received by the antenna 9 as power. Thereby, the control IC 13 responds to the radio waves received from the RFID reader section 3 . Thus, the RFID tag 8 is powered by the illumination device 5 to operate. The RFID tag 8 is batteryless.

The control IC 13 stores product information of the product 50 to which the RFID tag 8 is attached, for example. The control IC 13 transmits, for example, product information in response to the radio waves received from the RFID reader unit 3 . The product information is information specifying the product, the price of the product, or the like. Further, the product information may be information that associates the product with the information in the database of the external system 30, which will be described later.

RFID controller 14 receives the response from RFID tag 8 at antenna 10 . The RFID control unit 14 decodes and determines the signal received by the antenna 10 . The RFID control unit 14 transmits the decoded signal to the external system 30 . Thus, when receiving information from the RFID tag 8 , the RFID reader unit 3 transmits the received information to the external system 30 .

The external system 30 is, for example, a POS (Point of Sales) system. The external system 30 is composed of, for example, a PC or a server. The external system 30 performs processing based on the signal received from the RFID controller 14 and responds to the RFID controller 14 . The response from the external system 30 includes, for example, information as to whether or not the payment for the product attached with the RFID tag 8 has been completed. Communication between the external system 30 and the RFID control unit 14 may be wired or wireless.

The RFID controller 14 outputs a control signal to the light source controller 15 based on the response from the external system 30 . In the present embodiment, the RFID control unit 14 outputs a control signal based on the information on whether or not payment is completed included in the response from the external system 30 . The RFID reader unit 3 outputs a first control signal as a control signal when the payment for the product 50 is completed. The RFID reader unit 3 outputs a second control signal as a control signal when the payment for the product 50 is not completed.

The light source control section 15 controls the lighting state of the light source section 4 according to the control signal. The lighting state of the light source unit 4 differs between when the payment is completed and when the payment is not completed. The lighting state of the light source unit 4 may be switched among the following lighting patterns 1-3. A lighting pattern 1 is a lighting state in the standby state before the RFID tag 8 is detected. A lighting pattern 2 is a lighting state in a state in which the payment is completed after the RFID tag 8 is detected. A lighting pattern 2 is a lighting state according to the first control signal. A lighting pattern 3 is a lighting state in a state in which settlement has failed after detection of the RFID tag 8 . The state in which settlement has failed indicates a state in which settlement has not been completed normally in the processing of the external system 30, for example. A lighting pattern 3 is a lighting state according to the second control signal.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the lighting device 5 according to the first embodiment. The transition of the lighting pattern of the light source unit 4 will be described with reference to FIG. First, when the RFID reader unit 3 does not detect the RFID tag 8, the RFID control unit 14 instructs the light source control unit 15 to turn on the lighting pattern 1 as a control signal. As a result, the light source unit 4 is lit in the lighting pattern 1 . The lighting pattern 1 is maintained until the RFID tag 8 passes through the detection area 61 .

When the RFID tag 8 passes through the detection area 61, the RFID reader unit 3 communicates with the RFID tag 8 and acquires product information. Further, the RFID reader unit 3 transmits the received product information to the external system 30 . The external system 30 performs settlement processing based on the product information, and responds to the RFID control unit 14 with information as to whether or not the settlement has been completed.

When the payment is completed, the RFID control unit 14 instructs the light source control unit 15 to use the lighting pattern 2 as a control signal. As a result, the light source unit 4 lights up in the lighting pattern 2 .

If the payment has not been completed, the RFID control unit 14 instructs the light source control unit 15 to turn on the lighting pattern 3 as a control signal. As a result, the light source unit 4 is lit in the lighting pattern 3 .

The lighting state in lighting pattern 2 or lighting pattern 3 is maintained for a certain period of time, for example. After that, the light source control section 15 instructs the lighting pattern 1 to the light source section 4 . As a result, the light source unit 4 is lit in the lighting pattern 1 . That is, the illumination device 5 returns to the standby state.

By switching the lighting state in this way, it is possible to notify the user 40 whether or not the payment has been completed. Therefore, it is possible to prompt a sure settlement.

The lighting patterns 1 to 3 may be any lighting patterns. The light source control unit 15 may control at least one of the brightness and light color of the light source unit 4 based on the result of communication between the RFID reader unit 3 and the RFID tag 8 . The lighting pattern is, for example, bright and dark, blinking, and a change in the lighting color of the light source. The lighting pattern may be a change in the lighting range of the light source, or a signage that displays characters or pictures. Any lighting pattern may be used as long as it gives a visual effect by using illumination light. It is preferable that the lighting pattern can make a sufficient announcement to the payer and that the lighting state is not offensive.

This embodiment can be applied to an RFID checkout system in which the checkout for the product is completed when the user 40 passes through the gate provided with the RFID reader unit 3 . Here, in the RFID checkout system, there are cases where a plurality of products pass through the gate at once. In other words, there may be multiple products whose RFID tags 8 are to be read. Also, the place where the RFID tag 8 is attached differs for each product. Therefore, it may be difficult to reliably communicate with the RFID tag 8 .

On the other hand, the light source unit 4 of this embodiment illuminates the detection area 61 of the RFID reader unit 3 . Thereby, the user 40 can be guided to an area where communication with the RFID tag 8 is possible. Therefore, communication between the RFID tag 8 and the RFID reader section 3 can be facilitated. In addition, the user 40 can be urged to settle the account with certainty.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the light source unit 4 can notify the user 40 whether or not the payment has been completed. Therefore, it is possible to prompt a sure settlement.

As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the communication environment between the RFID tag 8 and the RFID reader unit 3, and to promote reliable settlement. As a result, it is possible to provide a user-friendly system for both the side that operates the merchandise management system and the side that uses it.

In this embodiment, the RFID tag 8 is attached to the product. Not limited to this, the RFID tag 8 may be attached to an object other than the product. For example, the user 40 may carry an electronic money device, and the electronic money device may be provided with the RFID tag 8 . In this case, the information stored in the RFID tag 8 of the electronic money device is read by the RFID reader section 3 without contact. As a result, the user 40 can complete the payment by the electronic money device just by passing through the gate. Thus, the information received by the RFID reader unit 3 from the RFID tag 8 is not limited to product information.

Also, the illumination device 5 may be used for purposes other than the payment. For example, the lighting device 5 may be used for product management when loading and unloading packages in a warehouse. In this case, the RFID tag 8 is attached to the luggage. The RFID reader section 3 receives information about the package from the RFID tag 8 . The RFID reader unit 3 outputs a control signal in accordance with information on packages to be carried into or out of the warehouse. Thereby, the lighting pattern of the light source unit 4 is controlled.

Thus, this embodiment can be applied to any system that performs processing using RFID. The RFID reader unit 3 outputs a first control signal as a control signal when the product or package can be taken out from the area where the RFID reader unit 3 is provided, and outputs a second control signal as a control signal when it is not allowed to be taken out. do it. The light source control unit 15 controls the lighting state of the light source unit 4 according to the control signal, and notifies the user of the processing state using the RFID. Thus, according to the illumination device 5, the user can be notified of the status of the process using the RFID. Therefore, the system can be operated efficiently.

Here, the RFID reader unit 3 does not need to communicate with the external system 30 if processing by the external system 30 is not required. The RFID reader section 3 may output a control signal to the light source control section 15 according to the information received from the RFID tag 8 .

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating lighting device 5 according to a modification of the first embodiment. The lighting device 5 is installed on the floor 2 in the room. As described above, the light source unit 4 and the RFID reader unit 3 may be provided on either the ceiling 1 or the floor 2 .

In the modified example, the RFID reader unit 3 outputs radio waves upward through the antenna 10 . That is, the RFID reader unit 3 outputs radio waves in one direction of the ceiling. Further, the light source unit 4 outputs light upward. The light source unit 4 illuminates the direction of the ceiling 1 .

The floor 2 is made of a material that transmits and diffuses the light emitted from the light source unit 4 . Therefore, the floor surface is brightly illuminated.

Also in the illumination device 5 according to the modification, the illumination range 62 in which the light source unit 4 illuminates the floor 2 and the detection area 61 of the RFID reader unit 3 are set so as to overlap. This makes it easier for the user 40 to recognize the checkout location. The user 40 can be guided to an area where communication between the RFID tag 8 and the RFID reader unit 3 is possible, thereby facilitating communication.

In this modified example, the RFID reader section 3 and the light source section 4 are covered with the floor 2 . Not limited to this, the RFID reader section 3 or the light source section 4 may be exposed from the floor 2 .

These modifications can be appropriately applied to lighting devices according to the following embodiments. In addition, since the lighting apparatus according to the following embodiment has many points in common with the first embodiment, the explanation will focus on the points of difference from the first embodiment.

Embodiment 2.
FIG. 5 is a circuit block diagram of lighting device 205 according to the second embodiment. The illumination device 205 includes an RFID detection section 206 and an illumination section 207 . The RFID detection unit 206 and illumination unit 207 are housed in separate housings. RFID detection unit 206 includes RFID reader unit 203 and antenna 211 . RFID reader section 203 includes antenna 10 and RFID control section 214 . The lighting section 207 includes an antenna 212 , a light source control section 215 and a light source section 4 .

Antenna 211 is connected to RFID controller 214 . RFID controller 214 transmits a control signal via antenna 211 . Antenna 212 is connected to light source controller 215 . The light source controller 215 receives control signals via the antenna 212 . That is, the RFID control unit 214 outputs a lighting command from the antenna 211 , and the light source control unit 215 receives the lighting command from the antenna 212 and performs lighting control of the light source unit 4 . This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that RFID control section 214 and light source control section 215 communicate with each other via antennas 211 and 212 .

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating lighting device 205 according to the second embodiment. RFID detector 206 is provided on floor 2 . A lighting unit 207 is provided on the ceiling 1 . In this embodiment, RFID reader section 203 transmits a control signal to light source control section 215 by wireless communication. Accordingly, the RFID detection unit 206 and the illumination unit 207 can be provided separately.

Therefore, the degree of freedom of layout can be increased. Therefore, the light source unit 4 can be easily arranged according to the intended illumination state. Also, the RFID reader section 3 can be installed at a location where the RFID tag 8 can be easily detected. Therefore, the layout can be adjusted so that the irradiation range 262 of the light source unit 4 and the detection area 261 of the RFID reader unit 3 overlap.

In this embodiment, antennas 211 and 212 are used to communicate between RFID controller 214 and light source controller 215 . However, the RFID control unit 214 and the light source control unit 215 may communicate with each other through infrared communication or wired communication.

Further, in this embodiment, the light source section 4 is provided on the ceiling 1 and the RFID reader section 203 is provided on the floor 2 . Alternatively, the light source unit 4 may be provided on the floor 2 and the RFID reader unit 203 may be provided on the ceiling 1 . That is, the light source unit 4 may be provided on either the ceiling 1 or the floor 2, and the RFID reader unit 203 may be provided on the other of the ceiling 1 or the floor 2. FIG. Also in this embodiment, both the light source unit 4 and the RFID reader unit 203 may be provided on either the ceiling 1 or the floor 2 .

Note that the technical features described in each embodiment may be used in combination as appropriate.

1 ceiling, 2 floor, 3 RFID reader section, 4 light source section, 5 lighting device, 8 RFID tag, 9, 10 antenna, 14 RFID control section, 15 light source control section, 30 external system, 40 user, 50 product, 61 Detection area 62 Irradiation range 203 RFID reader section 205 Lighting device 206 RFID detection section 207 Lighting section 211, 212 Antenna 214 RFID control section 215 Light source control section 261 Detection region 262 Irradiation range 13 Control IC

Claims (9)

a light source;
an RFID reader unit that outputs a control signal when information is received from the RFID tag;
a light source control unit that controls a lighting state of the light source unit according to the control signal;
with
The RFID tag is attached to the product,
The RFID reader unit outputs a first control signal as the control signal when the product can be taken out from the area where the RFID reader unit is provided, and outputs a second control signal as the control signal when the product cannot be taken out. A lighting device characterized by outputting . a light source;
an RFID reader unit that outputs a control signal when information is received from the RFID tag;
a light source control unit that controls a lighting state of the light source unit according to the control signal;
with
The RFID tag is attached to the product,
The RFID reader unit outputs a first control signal as the control signal when payment for the product is completed, and outputs a second control signal as the control signal when payment for the product is not completed. A lighting device characterized by: 3. The lighting device according to claim 2 , wherein the lighting state of the light source section differs depending on whether the payment has been completed or not. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the RFID reader unit transmits the information to an external system and outputs the control signal based on a response from the external system. a light source;
an RFID reader unit that outputs a control signal when information is received from the RFID tag;
a light source control unit that controls a lighting state of the light source unit according to the control signal;
with
The RFID reader unit transmits the information to an external system, outputs the control signal based on a response from the external system,
The lighting device, wherein the response includes information as to whether or not payment for the product to which the RFID tag is attached has been completed. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the light source unit illuminates a region where the RFID reader unit can communicate with the RFID tag. 7. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein both the light source section and the RFID reader section are provided on either the ceiling or the floor. 7. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the light source section is provided on one of the ceiling and the floor, and the RFID reader section is provided on the other of the ceiling and the floor. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the RFID reader section transmits the control signal to the light source control section by wireless communication.

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