JPH1173461A - Beer barrel management system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To accurately grasp and manage a beer barrel distribution state by writing or reading beer barrel distribution information by a noncontact data carrier and a noncontact reader-writer provided within a communication distance in each stage of beer barrel distribution. SOLUTION: The noncontact data carrier 1 is attached to a beer barrel 2, which is distributed in the route of a maker to a wholesaler, a beverage store and then the maker. In each stage of the distribution route, the noncontact reader writer 3 is provided and data are written to and read out of the data carrier 1 through the antenna part 3b of the reader writer 3 without contacting. Then the data read by the reader writer 3 are displayed on a display device when necessary. Further, the maker reads all data out of the data carrier 1 of collected beer barrels 2 and processed by a computer to grasp various data in the distribution stages.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method of managing via barrel distribution using a non-contact data carrier provided in a vial and a non-contact reader / writer provided at each stage of the vial distribution process. Aim.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a vial barrel distribution management system, a management system using a barcode on a label attached to a vial barrel is known. In this method, an individual number or management number of a vial is recorded in a barcode, and is read by a barcode reader to manage the vial.

However, in the management method using this bar code, the data attached to the bar code is only the individual number of the vial, and the distribution management reads the bar code information with a bar code reader and batch-processes the data. Alternatively, the data is transmitted to the host computer in real time, and is performed on the host computer.

[0004]

In this case, communication must always be performed with the host computer, the load on the host computer is large, and the host computer must be referred to in order to view management information. There was an inconvenient problem. Further, in the bar code system, there is a problem that the bar code label attached to the vial barrel may be damaged or stained at each stage of distribution, which hinders smooth system operation. It is conceivable to manage the vial barrel with a contact-type data carrier. However, the contact-type data carrier requires a certain operation procedure, and it is difficult to adopt it in a distribution stage or the like where rationalization is required. Therefore, the present invention has been made to reduce the trouble of communication and the load on the host computer at each beverage store (or restaurant) where beer barrels are distributed, and to achieve a system free of label breakage and contamination. It is.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A first aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problem is a system for managing via-barrel distribution at each stage of via-barrel distribution. Understand and manage the vial barrel distribution status by writing or reading vial barrel information at the barrel and at each stage of vial barrel distribution by the non-contact type data carrier and the non-contact type reader / writer provided within the communication distance. A beer barrel management system. With such a vial barrel management system, accurate distribution information can be grasped and managed without communication with the host computer.

A second aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problem is that, in a system for managing via-barrel distribution, a via-barrel attached with a non-contact type data carrier is subjected to the non-contact at each stage of via-barrel distribution. After collecting the vial barrel in which the vial barrel distribution information is written by a non-contact type reader / writer provided within a communication distance with the systemic data carrier, the data written in the data carrier is read and computer-processed, and the vial barrel distribution is performed. A via-barrel management system characterized in that the situation is grasped and managed. With such a vial barrel management system, accurate distribution information can be grasped and managed.

[0007]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a beer barrel management system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a beer barrel management system according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, a non-contact data carrier 1 is attached to a vial 2 and is distributed through a route from a maker → a wholesaler → a beverage store → a maker. A non-contact type reader / writer 3 is provided at each stage of the distribution route, and writing and reading of data to and from the data carrier 1 are performed in a non-contact manner through the antenna unit 3b of the reader / writer. The manufacturer writes the vial barrel individual number, shipping date, and the like at the time of shipment, but the wholesaler needs to write the arrival date and shipping date, so it is necessary to write both at the time of receiving and shipping the vial barrel. Also, at the beverage store, it is necessary to write the arrival date and the beer barrel return date, and it is necessary to write both dates. The writing of such data is performed by a non-contact type reader / writer provided at a receiving portion of a vial barrel or at a shipping window. In order to perform writing without omission, it is preferable that the control unit 3a of the reader / writer accumulates the writing data of one lot in each department, and issues a delivery note or a receipt based on the accumulated data. The non-contact type reader / writer 3 may be a permanent one at a predetermined position or a handy terminal type. In the case of a beverage store, a contactless reader / writer may be provided at the via server position.

[0008] Such a vial barrel management system has the following advantages. First, wholesalers can eliminate the acceptance of via barrels with the wrong shipping code. In addition, since the arrival date can be accurately grasped, the first-in first-out management can be thoroughly performed. Even in a beverage store, acceptance of a beer barrel with an incorrect destination code can be eliminated, and the date of arrival can be accurately grasped, so that fresh beer can be provided to customers. For this, the reader / writer communicates with the data carrier via the antenna unit 3b to read predetermined data, and for example, when the control unit 3a determines that the reference date has been exceeded from the shipping date of the vial barrel,
The control unit 3a may be activated to emit a warning signal. The data read by the reader / writer is displayed on the display device 3c as necessary. Further, the manufacturer can read out all the data written in the data carrier from the collected vial barrels and process it with a computer, so that various data in the distribution process can be grasped. For example, it is possible to grasp the average number of distribution days, the amount of shipment in a specific distribution channel, and the tendency of sales.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a vial barrel 2 to which a non-contact type data carrier 1 is attached. Data carriers include:
There are various types such as a coin type, a card type, a watch type, and a pendant type, and the weight is formed as light as about 5 grams. These data carriers are attached to predetermined locations of the vial barrel 2 so as to be distributed through the vial barrel distribution route. The attachment position of the data carrier may be any position as long as the reader / writer and the data carrier can approach a close distance in which communication is possible within the distribution route. For example, when a data carrier is provided at the top of a vial, a reader / writer is provided within a communication distance above the receiving unit, and when a data carrier is provided at the bottom of the vial, a vial is provided below a roller transport surface of a roller conveyor. A reader / writer can be provided at a position where the barrel does not receive an impact. If the heights of the vials are not uniform, it is difficult to provide them in the sky, but if the height is at the bottom, the size and shape of the vials are less affected.
In addition, as long as the distance from the vial is kept constant, it may be provided on the side surface of the vial.

The non-contact type data carrier 1 has a read-only type in which stored data can only be read and a read / write type in which data in the data carrier can be freely written and read. Also, among the read-only types, there is a programmable read-only type in which writing can be performed only by a dedicated writing device. Any of these can be selected according to the purpose of use. However, in the case of the vial barrel management system of the present invention, since it is necessary to write the history, something that can be written by some method is required.

The communication distance of the data carrier is classified into a proximity type in which communication is performed at a short distance of a millimeter unit and a remote type in which communication is possible even in a distance of several tens of centimeters. In the case of a vial barrel, it is difficult to maintain a constant distance from the reader / writer at a distance of a millimeter unit. Further, at a distance of several tens of centimeters, interference may occur at the same time as communication with a plurality of vials, and mechanical processing such as conveyor switching may be difficult at the time of discharging or sorting the vials. Therefore, it is considered appropriate that the communication distance of the vial barrel is within a range of about several centimeters. In the case of the contact type, the contact between the data carrier and the reader / writer is indispensable, but the stress due to this contact wears the terminals of the carrier and the reader / writer, causing failure, destruction, or data deterioration. An advantage of the non-contact type is that it is free from failures and data deterioration caused by these.

The method of communicating with the data carrier includes an electromagnetic induction system for performing communication by induction of an electromagnetic field, a radio communication system for performing communication by radio waves, an optical communication system for performing communication by light,
There is an electrostatic coupling method in which communication is performed by electrostatic induction using a metal foil or the like. The electromagnetic induction method utilizes the phenomenon that when a coil on the reader side (planar antenna) and a coil on the data carrier side are placed close to each other and an electric current flows through one coil, an electromotive force is generated in the other coil. Is what you do. The coil on the data carrier side is usually embedded in the carrier as a planar coil. In addition, there are a built-in battery type in which a battery is mounted as a power source for communication and data retention, and a batteryless type operated by power supply from the reader side. Power supply in the latter case is also performed via the coil. These can also be used by selecting appropriate ones according to the purpose of use and use environment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a non-contact type reader / writer. As shown, the reader / writer 3 includes a control unit 3a, an antenna unit 3b, a display device 3c, and the like. The display device may be provided only when necessary. The control unit 3a is a unit that supplies and stops power to the reader / writer, sends a write signal, and performs read / write control. The antenna section is usually formed in a planar shape, and has a diameter of several cm to several tens cm. The antenna is a part that transmits and receives a write signal and a read signal, and supplies power when the data carrier does not include a battery. When the system is operating, power is supplied to the reader / writer and a signal is transmitted from the antenna 3b, but power supply is stopped in a case where a via barrel is not being conveyed.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the non-contact data carrier 1 and the antenna section 3b of the non-contact reader / writer. The activation signal 5 is constantly transmitted from the antenna unit 3b of the reader / writer (or the reader). The data carrier 1 is normally in a sleep state in a range where the start signal does not reach (FIG. 4A), but when the data carrier approaches a range where the start signal 5 reaches, an electromotive force is generated in the data carrier and the circuit starts. (FIG. 4B). afterwards,
The signal 6 is transmitted from the data carrier, and communication with the reader starts (FIG. 4C). The communication is terminated before the data carrier passes through the reader and goes out of reach of the activation signal.

The via barrel management system of the present invention described in detail above uses a non-contact type data carrier.
The contact resistance between the data carrier and the reader / writer is small, and the data carrier is not worn or damaged. Also,
Communication is not hindered even if a non-metallic body is interposed between the data carrier and the reader. Therefore, it can be used in an environment where moisture, oil, dust and dirt are present. Further, since the connection portion is not exposed, it is hardly affected by static electricity or the like. Furthermore, a contact-type data carrier requires a certain operation procedure to perform communication, but a non-contact-type data carrier enables data communication even when the above-mentioned inclusions are present. Systems, devices, and management can be simplified.

[0016]

EXAMPLE A coin-type non-contact type data carrier 1 [memory 1024 bits] was mounted on a side surface of a vial barrel 2 on a vial barrel 2 distributed on the market. On the other hand, each stage of beer barrel distribution,
In other words, manufacturers, wholesalers, and beer barrel receptions of beverage stores,
A non-contact type reader / writer 3 was installed at the shipping port. The data communication between the non-contact data carrier and the reader / writer is performed by the electromagnetic induction method, and the communication distance between the carrier and the reader / writer is maintained at 30 to 45 mm regardless of the type and size of the vial barrel. . It should be noted that the data carrier does not include a power supply battery.

(1) First, when a vial is shipped from a manufacturer, recorded data of the vial individual number, shipping date, and shipping destination code are recorded on the data carrier by the non-contact reader / writer 3, respectively. (2) Next, when the beer barrel is accepted by the wholesaler, the date of arrival and the distribution channel code (wholesale code) are recorded on the data carrier, and when the beer is shipped from the wholesaler to the beverage store, the shipping date and the shipping destination code are recorded. Was recorded. (3) Further, when the beer barrel is accepted by the beverage store, the date of arrival is recorded in the data carrier, and when the used beer barrel is returned to the manufacturer, the date of return is recorded. (4) When the vial was collected by the manufacturer, (10) the collection date was recorded.

In this way, at each stage of beer barrel distribution, distribution information can be recorded and read by the reader / writer on the data carrier without communication with the host computer, so that there is no error in the acceptance and shipping date of the vial. Management can be done correctly. After the beer barrels are collected by the manufacturer,
By reading the data of the above (10) and processing it using a computer, necessary distribution information can be grasped. For example, by integrating the period from the shipping date to the (10) collection date and calculating the average value, the average distribution period of beer barrels can be ascertained. It is possible to know the handling volume and sales tendency.

Although the present invention relates to a vial barrel management system, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be similarly applied to containers and equipment that are used for a long period of time, such as gas cylinders and containers, and need to grasp distribution information. It is obvious.

[0020]

According to the via-barrel management system of the present invention, the distribution information can be held in the data carrier attached to the vial. At each distribution stage, the information is recorded and read only by writing and reading with a non-contact type reader / writer. There is an advantage that distribution information can be determined (so-called distributed processing) without communication with the host computer. In addition, when grasping the overall distribution information of the vial barrel distribution, when the manufacturer collects the vial barrel, it is possible to read and write the data written on the data carrier and to perform computer processing to grasp and manage necessary information. it can.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a beer barrel management system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a vial barrel provided with a non-contact data carrier.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a non-contact type reader / writer;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a reader / writer and a contactless data carrier.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Non-contact type data carrier 2 Via barrel 3 Non-contact type reader / writer 3a Control part 3b Antenna part 3c Display device 5 Activation signal 6 Signal from data carrier

Claims (4)

[Claims] In a system for managing via-barrel distribution at each stage of via-bar distribution, in a via-bar with a non-contact data carrier, and at a communication distance with the non-contact data carrier at each stage of via-bar distribution. A via-bar management system characterized in that the via-bar distribution status is grasped and managed by writing or reading via-bar distribution information with a non-contact type reader / writer provided in the system. 2. A system for performing via-barrel distribution management, wherein a via-bar with a non-contact type data carrier is provided with a non-contact type provided within a communication distance with the non-contact type data carrier at each stage of via-bar distribution. Via barrel management characterized by collecting via vials to which via barrel distribution information is written by a reader / writer, reading the data written to the data carrier, and performing computer processing to grasp and manage the vial barrel distribution status. system. 3. The vial barrel management system according to claim 1, wherein the non-contact data carrier communicates with the reader / writer by an electromagnetic induction method. 4. The non-contact type reader / writer is a handy terminal.
A beer barrel management system as described.