JPWO2019003479A1 - Wireless tag reader, wireless tag system, and wireless tag reader control method - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a wireless tag reader that is more flexible in the case of changing operating conditions. A reading unit (13) for reading operation control information recorded in a wireless tag within a range communicable via the antenna (11) in a non-contact manner, An operation control unit (143) for controlling the operation of each unit of the device. The operation control unit (143) controls, for example, the angle of the antenna (11), the output power, the reception sensitivity of the reading unit (13), the type of information to be read, and the like based on the operation control information.

Description

  The present invention relates to a tag reader that reads information recorded on a tag in a contactless manner, a tag system including the tag reader, and a tag reader control method.

  A tag reader that reads information recorded on a tag without contact is well known. An example of such a tag is a wireless tag that can read recorded information by wireless communication. Another example is an optical tag that can optically read recorded information such as a barcode or QR code (registered trademark). Here, there is an application in which reading of information from a tag is performed at a plurality of reading positions. In such an application, there is a problem that the installation of a tag reader is required for each reading position, which increases the cost for installation.

  A technique related to such a problem is described in Patent Document 1. The tag reader described in Patent Document 1 records the intensity of a radio wave received from a radio tag while moving the antenna within a predetermined range, and identifies that the radio tag exists at the coordinates where the radio wave intensity has recorded the maximum value. If this tag reader is used to move the antenna within a range including a plurality of reading positions, a single tag reader can handle a plurality of reading positions. In this case, it is not necessary to provide a tag reader facility for each reading position, and the installation cost can be reduced.

Japanese Patent Publication “JP 2010-89844 (published Apr. 22, 2010)”

  Here, there are cases where it is desired to change the operating conditions of the tag reader in accordance with the reading position. However, the tag reader described in Patent Document 1 operates under the same conditions at any reading position and reads information from the wireless tag. That is, the tag reader described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that it has low flexibility in the case of changing the operating condition of each part of its own device.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to realize a tag reader, a tag system, and a tag reader control method that are highly flexible in the case of changing the operating conditions of each unit of the device itself. is there.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a tag reader according to one aspect of the present invention includes a reading unit that reads operation control information recorded on a tag in a non-contact manner, and the own device based on the operation control information read by the reading unit. An operation control unit that controls the operation of each unit.

  A tag system according to an aspect of the present invention includes the tag reader described above and a tag that stores the operation control information.

  A tag reader control method according to an aspect of the present invention is a control method for controlling a tag reader including a reading unit that reads operation control information recorded on a tag in a non-contact manner, and the operation read by the reading unit. A step of controlling the operation of each part of the own device based on the control information is included.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize a tag reader, a tag system, and a tag reader control method that are highly flexible in the case of changing the operating conditions of each unit of the device itself.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a wireless tag system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a wireless tag reader according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control method of the wireless tag reader which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the wireless tag system which concerns on the other application example of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the wireless tag system which concerns on the specific example of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the information stored in the radio | wireless tag of reading object in the specific example of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the information stored in the stationary radio | wireless tag in the specific example of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the information stored in a host apparatus in the specific example of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the other information stored in a host apparatus in the specific example of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the wireless tag system which concerns on the modification of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the information stored in the stationary radio | wireless tag in the modification of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the wireless tag system which concerns on the other modification of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the wireless tag system which concerns on the other modification of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the wireless tag system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control method of the wireless tag reader which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the information stored in the stationary radio | wireless tag in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a tag system that uses an optical tag instead of a wireless tag in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a tag reader that uses an optical tag instead of a wireless tag in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the tag system using the optical tag in addition to the radio | wireless tag in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the tag reader using the optical tag in addition to the wireless tag in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows another structure of the tag system using the optical tag in addition to the wireless tag in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows another structure of the tag reader using the optical tag in addition to the wireless tag in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a tag system that uses an optical tag instead of a wireless tag in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the wireless tag system which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control method of the wireless tag reader which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the information stored in the portable radio | wireless tag in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the wireless tag system which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the wireless tag reader which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the information stored in the stationary radio | wireless tag in the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the information stored in the radio | wireless tag of reading object in the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the information stored in a host apparatus in the specific example of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the other information stored in a host apparatus in the specific example of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view showing composition of a tag system concerning an embodiment of the present invention applied to a management system. It is a block diagram showing composition of a wireless tag reader concerning an embodiment of the present invention applied to a management system.

  Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described. In each embodiment, the same configuration and the same process are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. In each embodiment, an example in which a wireless tag is applied as a tag in one embodiment of the present invention will be described. The wireless tag refers to a tag including an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip that stores information and an antenna that performs short-range wireless communication. Accordingly, in each embodiment, a tag reader and a tag system according to one embodiment of the present invention are described as a wireless tag reader and a wireless tag system. Note that a tag that can be used in one embodiment of the present invention is not limited to a wireless tag. Examples of other tags that can be used for the same purpose as the wireless tag include an optical tag on which a bar code, a QR code, or the like is displayed. An application example of the optical tag will be described at the end of this specification. Examples of information that can be stored in the tag include a position identifier, operation control information, and an operation control identifier, which will be described later, in addition to individual information for identifying an individual to which the tag is attached.

  In the following description of each embodiment, “near” a point refers to that point or the vicinity of that point. Further, the “periphery” of a certain point refers to a range in which communication with a wireless tag located at that point or a range where communication with a wireless tag reader located at that point is possible.

[First Embodiment]
(Production system configuration)
The wireless tag system 1 as the first embodiment of the present invention is applied to a production system 900. First, the configuration of the production system 900 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a production system 900 including the wireless tag system 1.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the production system 900 includes manufacturing apparatuses 901 </ b> _ <b> 1 to 901 </ b> _N on a production line 909 on which an object 902 to be produced moves. Here, N is a natural number of 1 or more. Although FIG. 1 shows a case where N = 3, the number N of manufacturing apparatuses 901_1 to 901_N is arbitrary. The production system 900 may be installed indoors (for example, in a factory) or may be installed outdoors. Hereinafter, the manufacturing apparatus 901_1, the manufacturing apparatus 901_2, and the manufacturing apparatus 901_3 will be described as a manufacturing apparatus 901_i as a representative. Here, i is a natural number of 1 or more and N or less. The article 902 moves on the production line 909 of the production system 900 from upstream to downstream. In FIG. 1, a dashed arrow indicates a direction in which the article 902 moves. Note that the manufacturing apparatus 901_1, the manufacturing apparatus 901_2, and the manufacturing apparatus 901_3 may be the same type of manufacturing apparatus or different types of manufacturing apparatuses. Of the manufacturing apparatuses 901_i, each manufacturing apparatus may be the same type of apparatus as another, or may be a different type of apparatus.

  A wireless tag 903 is attached to the article 902. The wireless tag 903 is an example of a wireless tag to be read in one embodiment of the present invention. The wireless tag 903 stores various types of information regarding the article 902. For example, the wireless tag 903 may store information indicating the type of the article 902. Further, the wireless tag 903 may store information for identifying the individual item 902. The wireless tag 903 may store other information related to the article 902. The wireless tag 903 may store any combination of these various types of information.

  The manufacturing apparatus 901 — i performs processing related to production on the article 902 moving on the production line 909. A reading position of the wireless tag 903 is determined in the vicinity of the carry-in port where the article 902 is carried into the manufacturing apparatus 901 — i and the carry-out port where the article 902 is carried out. Specifically, a reading position 9000_1 is defined near the carry-in port where the article 902 is carried into the manufacturing apparatus 901_1, and a reading position 9000_2 is defined near the carry-out port. Also, a reading position 9000_3 is defined near the carry-in port where the article 902 is carried into the manufacturing apparatus 901_2, and a reading position 9000_4 is defined near the carry-out port. In addition, a reading position 9000_5 is defined near the carry-in port where the article 902 is carried into the manufacturing apparatus 901_3, and a reading position 9000_6 is defined near the carry-out port. In addition, a reading position 9000_0 is also defined at a movement start point at which the movement of the wireless tag reader 10 is started on the production line 909. FIG. 1 shows an example in which the movement start point (that is, the reading position 9000_0) is set further upstream than the reading position 9000_1 that is the most upstream among the other reading positions 9000_1 to 9000_6. . However, the position of the movement start point on the production line 909 is not limited to this. For example, the movement start point may be defined between two adjacent reading positions among the other reading positions 9000_1 to 9000_6. Further, the movement start point may be set further downstream than the reading position 9000_6 which is the most downstream among the other reading positions 9000_1 to 9006. Further, the movement start point may be set at the same position as any of the other reading positions 9000_1 to 9000_6. Hereinafter, each of the reading positions 9000 — 0 to 9000 — 6 is also referred to as a reading position 9000 — j. Note that j is a natural number of 0 or more and M or less, and M is a natural number of 1 or more. In the present embodiment, an example of M = 6 is shown, but the number of reading positions 9000 — j determined in the wireless tag system 1 is arbitrary. In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which there are two reading positions determined for each of the manufacturing apparatuses 901 — i. However, the number of reading positions determined for each manufacturing apparatus 901 — i is not limited. Further, the reading position 9000 — j is not limited to the position illustrated in FIG. A wireless tag 90_j is deferred at each reading position 9000_j. Details of the wireless tag 90_j will be described later.

  A rail 905 is laid along the production line 909 in the vicinity of the production line 909. A wireless tag reader 10 described later moves on the rail 905.

(Configuration of the entire RFID tag system)
Next, the configuration of the wireless tag system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the wireless tag reader 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the wireless tag system 1 includes a wireless tag reader 10, a host device 80, and a plurality of stationary wireless tags 90_0 to 90_M. Here, M is a natural number of 1 or more. Although FIG. 1 shows a case where M = 6, the number (M + 1) of the wireless tags 90_0 to 90_M is arbitrary. Note that hereinafter, the wireless tags 90_0, 90_1, 90_2, 90_3, 90_4, 90_5, and 90_6 are represented as wireless tags 90_j. Here, j is a natural number between 0 and M. The wireless tag reader 10 is configured to be movable on the rail 905 described above. The moving direction is either the upstream direction toward the upstream side of the production line 909 or the downstream direction toward the downstream side. In FIG. 1, an alternate long and short dash line arrow indicates a direction in which the wireless tag reader 10 can move.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the wireless tag reader 10 includes an antenna 11, an antenna angle control unit 111, a moving unit 12, a reading unit 13, a control unit 14, and a power supply unit 15. The control unit 14 includes a movement direction determination unit 141, a movement control unit 142, an operation control unit 143, and a communication unit 144.

  The antenna 11 and the reading unit 13 are communicably connected via a cable or the like. The control unit 14 is controllably connected to each unit of the antenna angle control unit 111, the moving unit 12, and the reading unit 13 through a cable or the like. The communication unit 144 is communicably connected to the host device 80 via a wireless network, a wired network, or a combination thereof. In addition, the power supply unit 15 is connected to these units so as to supply power to the antenna angle control unit 111, the moving unit 12, the reading unit 13, and the control unit 14.

(Configuration of deferred wireless tag)
Next, details of the configuration of the stationary wireless tag 90_j will be described. Each of the plurality of stationary wireless tags 90 — j is disposed in the vicinity of each reading position 9000 — j set on the production line 909. As described above, the reading position 9000 — j is set at the movement start point and the vicinity of the carry-in port and the carry-out port of the manufacturing apparatus 901 — i, and is therefore N × 2 + 1 (N is a natural number of 1 or more). . In the present embodiment, assuming that one wireless tag 90 is placed in the vicinity of each reading position 9000 — j, the number M of stationary wireless tags 90 — j is N × 2 + 1. Note that the number of stationary wireless tags 90_j is not necessarily the same as the number of reading positions 9000_j.

  The stationary wireless tag 90_j stores a position identifier. The position identifier is an ID for identifying the reading position 9000_j. The deferred wireless tag 90_j is deferred in the vicinity of the reading position 9000_j identified by the stored position identifier. In other words, the stationary wireless tag 90_j stores a position identifier for identifying the reading position 9000_j near the stationary position. The place where the wireless tag 90_j is deferred includes, for example, the side of the flow line of the wireless tag reader 10, that is, the vicinity of the production line 909. Moreover, the flow line of the wireless tag reader 10 is mentioned. However, the wireless tag 90_j may be installed inside or on the surface of the manufacturing apparatus 901_i.

  Here, two methods for updating the stationary wireless tag 90_j when the reading position 9000_j is changed will be described. In the first method, it is assumed that natural number position identifiers are sequentially assigned to each reading position 9000 — j in order from 0 from the upstream side to the downstream side of the production system 900. In this case, the wireless tag 90_j deferred at each reading position 9000_j stores a natural number of position identifiers in order from 0 according to the arrangement order of the reading positions 9000_j. If the reading position 9000 — j is added or deleted, the position identifier is reassigned according to the new arrangement order of the reading position 9000 — j. Then, a new wireless tag 90_j is deferred at the added reading position 9000_j, and the wireless tag 90_j is removed from the deleted reading position 9000_j. In addition, the re-assigned position identifier is stored in the wireless tag 90_j deferred at each reading position 9000_j in accordance with the arrangement order of the deferred reading positions 9000_j. However, for the wireless tag 90_j in which the position identifier to be stored is not changed, the process of updating the position identifier can be omitted.

  The second method is based on the premise that the host device 80 or the control unit 14 manages a sequence of position identifiers indicating the arrangement order of the reading positions 9000 — j on the production line 909. Hereinafter, such a column of position identifiers is also referred to as arrangement order information. In this case, a position identifier is stored in advance in accordance with the arrangement order information in the wireless tag 90_j placed at each reading position 9000_j. If a new reading position 9000_j is added, the host device 80 or the control unit 14 adds the new position identifier assigned to the new reading position 9000_j to the existing arrangement order information, and the new reading position 9000_j. Insert at the position corresponding to the insertion position. Then, at the new reading position 9000_j, a new wireless tag 90_j is deferred and a new position identifier is stored. When the existing reading position 9000_j is deleted, the host device 80 or the control unit 14 deletes the position identifier of the corresponding reading position 9000_j from the existing arrangement order information. Then, the wireless tag 90_j is removed from the corresponding reading position 9000_j.

  As described above, the wireless tag 90_j that stores the position identifier for identifying the reading position 9000_j on which it is deferred can flexibly cope with a change in the reading position 9000_j. Accordingly, it is possible to flexibly cope with a change in the layout of the manufacturing apparatus 901_i or an addition or deletion of the manufacturing apparatus 901_i. Note that the method of updating the stationary wireless tag 90_j when the reading position 9000_j is changed is not limited to the two methods described above.

  Each stationary wireless tag 90_j stores operation control information in addition to the position identifier. The operation control information is information for controlling the operation of each unit when the wireless tag reader 10 reads information from the wireless tag 903 at the destination of the wireless tag reader 10. One stationary wireless tag 90 may store a plurality of operation control information. Each operation control information is assigned an operation control identifier.

  Specifically, the operation control information may include information indicating the angle of the antenna 11. Further, for example, the operation control information may include information indicating the output power of the antenna 11. Further, for example, the operation control information may include information instructing the reception sensitivity of the reading unit 13. For example, the operation control information may include information specifying the type of information read from the wireless tag 903. Hereinafter, such information is also referred to as reading target designation information. That is, the operation control information may include reading target designation information. For example, the reading target designation information may be information that designates the type of the article 902. Further, for example, the reading target designation information may be information that designates the type of other information related to the article 902. Further, for example, the reading target designation information may be information that designates one or more types, or a combination of information that designates other types of information.

(Host device configuration)
Next, details of the configuration of the host device 80 will be described. The host device 80 is configured by a computer device including a processor, a memory, and a network interface. The host device 80 transmits a set of a position identifier indicating a movement destination and an operation control identifier to be applied at the movement destination to the wireless tag reader 10. The operation control identifier will be described later. Further, the host device 80 receives from the wireless tag reader 10 a set of information read based on the position identifier indicating the reading position 9000_j and the wireless tag 903 existing in the vicinity of the reading position 9000_j based on the operation control identifier. These functions of the host device 80 are realized by the processor reading and executing the program and data stored in the memory and communicating with the wireless tag reader 10 via the network interface.

  For example, the host device 80 may transmit a set of a position identifier and an operation control identifier indicating the next movement destination to the wireless tag reader 10 every time movement to a certain movement destination is completed. Alternatively, the host device 80 may transmit a set of a position identifier and an operation control identifier indicating the next movement destination to the wireless tag reader 10 at each timing to move. Such a configuration is suitable for an environment in which the wireless tag reader 10 and the host device 80 can communicate with each other in most of the movement range of the wireless tag reader 10.

  In addition, for example, the host device 80 may transmit in advance to the wireless tag reader 10 a column in which a set of position identifiers and operation control identifiers indicating movement destinations is arranged according to the order of reading positions 9000 — j to be moved. Good. Hereinafter, such a sequence of pairs of position identifiers and operation control identifiers is also referred to as movement order information. Such a configuration is suitable for an environment where it is difficult for the wireless tag reader 10 and the host device 80 to communicate with each other in most of the movement range of the wireless tag reader 10.

(Configuration of wireless tag reader)
Next, details of the configuration of each part of the wireless tag reader 10 will be described.

  The antenna 11 is configured such that the angle can be adjusted by the antenna angle control unit 111. The antenna angle control unit 111 operates based on control from the outside. The direction of the communication area that can be communicated by the antenna 11 is changed by adjusting the angle of the antenna 11. The antenna 11 converts the electric signal acquired from the reading unit 13 into an electromagnetic wave and radiates it into the communication area. The antenna 11 converts the electromagnetic wave received from the wireless tag in the communication area into an electric signal and provides the signal to the reading unit 13. The wireless tag reader 10 is not limited to one antenna 11 and may include a plurality of antennas 11. In that case, the wireless tag reader 10 includes an antenna angle control unit 111 that adjusts the angle of each antenna 11.

  The moving unit 12 moves the entire wireless tag reader 10 on the rail 905. The moving unit 12 is configured to be movable based on control from the outside. For example, the moving unit 12 includes a pedestal that supports the entire RFID tag reader 10, wheels that run on the rails 905, and an externally controllable drive device that rotationally drives the wheels.

  The reading unit 13 receives information stored in the wireless tag via the antenna 11. For example, the reading unit 13 transmits information instructing reading via the antenna 11 toward the wireless tag 90_j or 903 that may exist in the vicinity. The reading unit 13 reads the information stored in the wireless tag via the antenna 11 from the wireless tag that has received the information instructing reading. Examples of information to be read include, but are not limited to, a position identifier, an operation control identifier, and article identification information.

  The control unit 14 is configured by a computer device including a processor, a memory, and a network interface. The movement direction determination unit 141, the movement control unit 142, the operation control unit 143, and the communication unit 144, which are functional blocks of the control unit 14, read and execute the program and data stored in the memory and execute them via the network interface. By implementing communication with the host device 80, it is realized as a software function. However, some or all of the functional blocks of the control unit 14 may be realized by dedicated hardware.

  The movement direction determination unit 141 determines the movement direction based on the position identifier indicating the current location and the position identifier indicating the movement destination. The position identifier indicating the current position is a position identifier read by the reading unit 13 from the stationary wireless tag 90_j in the vicinity of the current position of the wireless tag reader 10. Further, the position identifier indicating the movement destination is received from the host device 80 as described above. The movement direction determination unit 141 performs communication with the host device 80 via a communication unit 144 described later. The moving direction is a direction in which the wireless tag reader 10 is moved from the current location to the moving destination. Here, as described above, the wireless tag reader 10 moves along the production line 909. Assuming that there is no branch in the middle of the production line 909, either the upstream direction or the downstream direction is determined as the moving direction. With this configuration of the moving direction determination unit 141, in this embodiment, when the reading position 9000_j is set near the production line 909 without a branch, the moving direction of the antenna 11 can be easily determined. The wireless tag reader 10 can be realized. Further, according to the configuration of the moving direction determination unit 141 as described above, in the present embodiment, when the reading position 9000 — j is set near the production line 909 without a branch, the moving direction of the antenna 11 can be easily determined. A possible wireless tag system 1 can be realized. Similarly, in the present embodiment, when the reading position 9000 — j is set near the production line 909 without a branch, a method for controlling the RFID tag reader that can easily determine the moving direction of the antenna 11 is realized. can do.

  Specifically, the movement direction determination unit 141 determines the movement direction based on the order relationship between the position identifier indicating the current location and the position identifier indicating the movement destination. In this case, the order relationship between the position identifiers represents an arrangement order relationship on the production line 909 of the reading position 9000 — j identified by each position identifier.

  For example, as described above, it is assumed that the position identifier is represented by a natural number according to the arrangement order. In this case, the movement direction determination unit 141 determines either the upstream direction or the downstream direction as the movement direction based on the magnitude relationship between the position identifier indicating the current location and the position identifier indicating the movement destination.

  Alternatively, the movement direction determination unit 141 may acquire the arrangement order information described above. The arrangement order information may be received from the host device 80 or stored in advance in the memory of the control unit 14. In this case, the movement direction determination unit 141 refers to the arrangement order information so that the reading position 9000_j identified by the position identifier indicating the movement destination is upstream from the reading position 9000_j identified by the position identifier indicating the current location. It is judged whether it is in or downstream. Then, the movement direction determination unit 141 determines either the upstream direction or the downstream direction as the movement direction based on the determination result.

  The movement control unit 142 controls the moving unit 12 to move the wireless tag reader 10 in the moving direction determined by the moving direction determining unit 141. Then, when the wireless tag reader 10 moves the position identifier indicating the destination received from the host device 80 to a readable area that can be read by the reading unit 13 via the antenna 11, the movement control unit 142 moves to the wireless tag reader 10. The moving unit 12 is controlled so as to stop the movement.

  Specifically, the movement control unit 142 determines whether the wireless tag reader 10 has reached the destination based on the position identifier read by the reading unit 13 via the moving antenna 11 and the position identifier indicating the destination. Judge whether or not. Here, reaching the destination means reaching any position in the readable area where the position identifier indicating the destination can be read. When the movement control unit 142 determines that the wireless tag reader 10 has reached the destination, the movement control unit 142 controls the moving unit 12 to stop the movement of the wireless tag reader 10.

  The determination that the destination has been reached may be made when the position identifier indicating the destination matches for the first time with the position identifier read by the reading unit 13 during movement. Alternatively, the determination that the destination has been reached may be made at a timing determined based on the time (for example, after a predetermined time elapses from the time or after a predetermined distance from the time). Alternatively, the determination that the destination has been reached may be made based on the reception intensity of information representing a location identifier indicating the destination.

  Examples of a method for determining whether or not the destination has been reached based on the reception intensity include the following three methods. The first determination method is whether or not the antenna 11 is in a range communicable with the wireless tag 90_j placed at the reading position as the movement destination, in other words, the antenna 11 is a position identifier indicating the movement destination. This is a method for determining whether or not it can be received. Here, the determination that the antenna 11 is within the range in which the wireless tag 90_j can communicate is made by the wireless tag reader 10 determining that the antenna 11 can receive the position identifier indicating the destination. To do. Further, it is assumed that the determination that the antenna 11 is not within the communication range with the wireless tag 90_j is made by the wireless tag reader 10 determining that the antenna 11 cannot receive the position identifier indicating the destination. .

  The second determination method is to determine whether or not the antenna 11 is close to the wireless tag 90_j placed at the reading position as the movement destination, that is, the antenna 11 sets a position identifier indicating the movement destination to a predetermined lower limit value. This is a method for determining whether or not the signal is received with the above strength. Here, the determination that the antenna 11 is close to the wireless tag 90_j placed at the reading position as the movement destination is that the antenna 11 sets the position identifier indicating the movement destination with an intensity equal to or higher than a predetermined lower limit value. It is assumed that the wireless tag reader 10 determines that it has been received. The determination that the antenna 11 is not close to the wireless tag 90_j placed at the reading position as the movement destination is that the antenna 11 receives the position identifier indicating the movement destination with an intensity equal to or higher than a predetermined lower limit value. It is assumed that the wireless tag reader 10 determines that it is not performed.

  In the third determination method, the antenna 11 is closer to the wireless tag 90_j placed at the reading position to be moved than when the antenna 11 is closer to the second determination method (hereinafter simply referred to as “closer”). This is a method of determining whether or not the antenna 11 has received the position identifier indicating the destination with the maximum strength. Here, it is determined that the antenna 11 is closer to the wireless tag 90_j placed at the reading position as the movement destination when the antenna 11 receives the position identifier indicating the movement destination with the maximum intensity. It is assumed that the tag reader 10 performs the determination. The determination that the antenna 11 is not closer to the wireless tag 90_j placed at the reading position to be the movement destination is that the antenna 11 does not receive the position identifier indicating the movement destination with the maximum intensity. It is assumed that the determination is performed by 10.

  The movement control unit 142 determines whether or not the destination has been reached by at least one of these three determination methods.

  Furthermore, when stopping the movement of the antenna 11, the movement control unit 142 is based on the determination result obtained by at least one of the three determination methods described above (as in the present embodiment, When the antenna 11 moves together with the wireless tag reader 10, the moving speed of the wireless tag reader 10) can be controlled.

  Examples of a method for controlling the moving speed of the antenna 11 based on the determination result obtained by the second determination method include the following three methods. The first control method is a method of starting deceleration of the antenna 11 when it is determined that the antenna 11 is close to the wireless tag 90_j placed at a reading position as a movement destination according to the second determination method. Thereafter, the movement control unit 142 gradually decreases the moving speed of the antenna 11 until the antenna 11 stops, for example. The second control method changes the movement of the antenna 11 from normal movement to low-speed movement when it is determined that the antenna 11 is close to the wireless tag 90_j placed at the reading position as the movement destination according to the second determination method. It is a method of switching. Thereafter, the movement control unit 142 stops the antenna 11 after, for example, operating the antenna 11 at a low speed for a predetermined time. The third control method is a method in which the movement of the antenna 11 is immediately stopped when it is determined that the antenna 11 is close to the wireless tag 90_j placed at the reading position as the movement destination according to the second determination method. .

  Examples of a method for controlling the moving speed of the antenna 11 based on the determination results obtained by the first determination method and the second determination method include the following methods. First, when the movement control unit 142 determines that the antenna 11 has entered a range communicable with the wireless tag 90_j placed at the reading position as the movement destination according to the first determination method described above, Deceleration is started, or the movement of the antenna 11 is switched from normal movement to low-speed movement. After that, the movement control unit 142 stops the antenna 11 when it is determined that the antenna 11 is close to the wireless tag 90_j placed at the reading position as the movement destination according to the second determination method described above. According to such a control method, the antenna 11 can be stopped depending on whether or not the antenna 11 has received the position identifier indicating the destination with a strength equal to or higher than a predetermined lower limit value. The wireless tag reader 10 capable of bringing the antenna 11 close to the previous reading position can be realized.

  Moreover, the following method is mentioned as a method of controlling the moving speed of the antenna 11 based on the judgment result obtained by the 1st judgment method, the 2nd judgment method, and the 3rd judgment method. First, when the movement control unit 142 determines that the antenna 11 has entered a range communicable with the wireless tag 90_j placed at the reading position as the movement destination according to the first determination method described above, Deceleration is started, or the movement of the antenna 11 is switched from normal movement to low-speed movement. Thereafter, the movement control unit 142 temporarily stops the antenna 11 when it is determined that the antenna 11 is close to the wireless tag 90_j placed at the reading position as the movement destination according to the second determination method described above. Thereafter, the movement control unit 142 reciprocates the antenna 11 in the vicinity of the temporarily stopped position while monitoring the reception intensity of the position identifier indicating the destination. In this reciprocating motion, the movement control unit 142 is a point where the antenna 11 is closer to the wireless tag 90_j placed at the reading position as the movement destination according to the above-described third determination method (hereinafter also simply referred to as a proximity point). ) Is specified, and the antenna 11 is stopped at the specified point. According to such a control method, the antenna 11 can be stopped depending on whether or not the antenna 11 has received the position identifier indicating the destination with the maximum intensity. It is possible to realize the wireless tag reader 10 capable of bringing 11 closer.

  In the above control method, the antenna 11 is determined until it is determined that the antenna 11 has entered the communication range with the wireless tag 90_j placed at the reading position to be moved according to the first determination method described above. The angle of the antenna 11 may be controlled so as to face the moving direction of 11 or the direction in which the wireless tag 90_j placed at the reading position serving as the moving destination exists. Further, in the above control method, the antenna 11 is determined until it is determined that the antenna 11 is within a range communicable with the wireless tag 90_j placed at the reading position to be moved according to the first determination method described above. The output power may be controlled to high power (a predetermined power higher than the normal power). Also, while the antenna 11 decelerates, until the movement of the antenna 11 is switched from the normal movement to the low speed movement, or until the work for specifying the proximity point is started after the low speed movement, it is for confirmation of the proximity point. The angle of the antenna 11 may be controlled so as to face a predetermined direction. Further, in the above control method, while the antenna 11 decelerates, until the movement of the antenna 11 is switched from the normal movement to the low-speed movement, or after the low-speed movement, work for specifying the proximity point is started. Up to this point, the output power of the antenna 11 may be returned from the high power to the normal power. As described above, before starting the operation of specifying the proximity point with respect to the wireless tag 90_j placed at the reading position as the movement destination in accordance with the third determination method, the direction predetermined as the confirmation direction of the proximity point is set. By controlling the angle of the antenna 11 so as to face, it is possible to suppress variations in specified proximity points.

  The operation control unit 143 acquires one or more pieces of operation control information read by the reading unit 13 from the wireless tag 90_j that stores a position identifier indicating a destination. In addition, the operation control unit 143 specifies operation control information corresponding to the operation control identifier received from the host device 80 among the read operation control information. Then, based on the identified operation control information, the operation control unit 143 may be described as each unit of the device of the wireless tag reader 10 (hereinafter, simply referred to as each unit depending on the content of the paragraph. Further, a specific configuration is described. To be described later).

  For example, it is assumed that information specifying the angle of the antenna 11 is included in the specified operation control information. In this case, the operation control unit 143 controls the antenna angle control unit 111 to adjust the angle according to the information. For example, it is assumed that the specified operation control information includes information indicating the output power of the antenna 11. In this case, the operation control unit 143 controls the antenna 11 to adjust the output power according to the information. For example, it is assumed that the specified operation control information includes information instructing the reception sensitivity of the reading unit 13. In this case, the operation control unit 143 controls the reading unit 13 to adjust the reception sensitivity according to the information. For example, it is assumed that the specified operation control information includes a condition for designating information to be read. In this case, the operation control unit 143 filters the information read from the wireless tag 903 existing in the vicinity of the destination according to the condition.

  In addition, the operation control unit 143 transmits the read information read by the reading unit 13 from the wireless tag 903 existing in the vicinity of the movement destination and the position identifier indicating the movement destination to the host device 80. The read information is information stored in the wireless tag 903, for example, article identification information described later. Transmission to the host device 80 is performed via a communication unit 144 described later. For example, the operation control unit 143 may transmit a set of the read information and the position identifier to the host device 80 every time read information is read from the wireless tag 903 existing in the vicinity of the movement destination. Such a configuration is suitable for an environment in which the wireless tag reader 10 and the host device 80 can communicate with each other in most of the movement range of the wireless tag reader 10.

  Further, for example, every time the operation control unit 143 reads the read information from the wireless tag 903 existing in the vicinity of the movement destination, the operation control unit 143 associates the read information with a position identifier indicating the reading position 9000 — j of the movement destination and stores the information in the memory. May be. In this case, the operation control unit 143 may collectively transmit a set of information and a position identifier stored in the memory to the host device 80 at a predetermined timing. In this case, the predetermined timing may be, for example, a timing at which communication with the host device 80 becomes possible, or a timing at which a transmission instruction is received from the host device 80. Alternatively, the predetermined timing may be a timing at which the predetermined reading position 9000 — j is reached. Such a configuration is suitable for an environment where it is difficult for the wireless tag reader 10 and the host device 80 to communicate with each other in most of the movement range of the wireless tag reader 10.

  The communication unit 144 performs communication with the host device 80. The communication unit 144 performs communication with the host device 80 via a wireless network, a wired network, or a combination thereof.

  The power supply unit 15 supplies power to each unit of the wireless tag reader 10. Moreover, the power supply unit 15 is configured to be rechargeable, and may be configured to be charged with power supplied from a power supply (not shown) at the above-described movement start point, for example.

(Control method of wireless tag reader)
Next, a method for controlling the wireless tag reader 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the control method S1 of the wireless tag reader 10. The control method S1 is executed by the control unit 14 and includes the following steps.

  Step S101: The moving direction determination unit 141 acquires the position identifier read by the reading unit 13 from the wireless tag 90_j placed in the vicinity of the current location of the wireless tag reader 10. This position identifier is a position identifier indicating the current location.

  Step S102: The movement direction determination unit 141 receives a set of a position identifier and an operation control identifier indicating a movement destination from the host device 80. In addition, the execution order of process S101, S102 does not necessarily need to be this order, and may be performed in order of process S102, S101.

  Step S103: The movement direction determination unit 141 determines whether or not the position identifier indicating the current location and the position identifier indicating the movement destination are the same. When it is determined that they are the same, step S108 described later is executed. When it is determined that they are not the same, the next step S104 is executed.

  Step S104: The movement direction determination unit 141 determines the movement direction based on the position identifier indicating the current location and the position identifier indicating the movement destination.

  Step S105: The movement control unit 142 controls the moving unit 12 to move the wireless tag reader 10 in the moving direction determined by the moving direction determining unit 141.

  Step S106: The movement control unit 142 acquires the position identifier read by the reading unit 13 from the stationary wireless tag 90_j that can be read via the moving antenna 11. Then, the movement control unit 142 determines whether the wireless tag reader 10 has reached the movement destination based on the acquired position identifier and the position identifier indicating the movement destination.

  As described above, in step S106, the movement control unit 142 determines that the wireless tag reader 10 has reached the destination at the time when the acquired position identifier and the position identifier indicating the destination match for the first time or at a timing based on that point. You may judge. Alternatively, the movement control unit 142 may determine whether or not the destination has been reached based on the reception strength of the position identifier indicating the destination.

  When it is determined that the wireless tag reader 10 has reached the destination, the next step S107 is performed. If it is determined that the wireless tag reader 10 has not reached the destination, step S106 is repeated.

  Step S107: The movement control unit 142 controls the moving unit 12 to stop the movement of the wireless tag reader 10.

  Step S108: The operation control unit 143 corresponds to the operation control identifier received in step S102 among the one or more pieces of operation control information read by the reading unit 13 from the wireless tag 90_j storing the position identifier indicating the destination. Specify control information.

  Step S109: The operation control unit 143 controls the operation of each unit of the wireless tag reader 10 according to the specified operation control information. For example, the operation control unit 143 controls the antenna angle control unit 111 to adjust the angle of the antenna 11 according to the operation control information. For example, the operation control unit 143 controls the antenna 11 to adjust the output power according to the operation control information. For example, the operation control unit 143 controls the reading unit 13 to adjust the reception sensitivity according to the operation control information.

  Step S110: The operation control unit 143 filters information read by the reading unit 13 from the wireless tag 903 existing in the vicinity of the movement destination according to the operation control information.

  Step S111: The operation control unit 143 transmits the information obtained as a result of filtering in Step S110 and the location identifier indicating the movement destination received in Step S102 to the host device 80.

  Step S112: The movement direction determination unit 141 determines whether there is a position identifier indicating the next movement destination. If there is a position identifier indicating the next destination, steps S101 to S110 are performed again. When there is no position identifier indicating the next destination, the control unit 14 ends the operation of the wireless tag reader 10.

  The determination of the presence / absence of the position identifier indicating the next movement destination is made by receiving a set of the position identifier and the operation control identifier indicating the next movement destination from the host device 80 within a predetermined elapsed time from the execution of step S112. It may be performed based on whether or not. Alternatively, the presence / absence of the position identifier indicating the next movement destination may be determined based on the movement order information described above. The movement order information may be received from the host device 80 in advance. In this case, the movement direction determination unit 141 may receive the above-described movement order information from the host device 80 in advance, and sequentially acquire a position identifier indicating the next movement destination from the movement order information in step S102. . In addition, the movement direction determination unit 141 stores the above-described movement order information in the memory in advance, and sequentially acquires a position identifier indicating the next movement destination from the movement order information stored in the memory in step S102. May be.

  Further, in step S111, the control unit 14 may store the set of the information and the position identifier in the memory instead of transmitting the information and the position identifier to the host device 80. In this case, as described above, the control unit 14 may transmit the accumulated set of the information and the position identifier to the host device 80 at a predetermined timing.

(Other application examples)
In the present embodiment, the example in which the wireless tag system 1 applies the wireless tag 903 attached to the production target item 902 moving on the production line 909 as a reading target has been described. In addition, the wireless tag system 1 of the present embodiment can also be applied to a case where a wireless tag attached to a tool used in a production system is to be read.

  Such another application example will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a production system 910 that produces a linear product (which may be a planar product). As illustrated in FIG. 4, the production system 910 includes manufacturing apparatuses 911_1 to 911_N. Here, N is a natural number of 1 or more. FIG. 4 shows a case where N = 2, but the number N of the manufacturing apparatuses 911_1 to 911_N is arbitrary. The production system 910 may be installed indoors (for example, in a factory) or may be installed outdoors. Hereinafter, the manufacturing apparatus 911_1, the manufacturing apparatus 911_2,..., And the manufacturing apparatus 911_N are represented as manufacturing apparatuses 911_i. Here, i is a natural number of 1 or more and N or less. Note that the manufacturing apparatus 911_1 and the manufacturing apparatus 911_2 may be the same type of manufacture, or may be different types of manufacture apparatuses.

  A bobbin 912a_i around which a linear article is wound is disposed at the carry-in port of each manufacturing apparatus 911_i. Note that the bobbins 912a_i refer to the bobbins 912a_1 and 912a_2, respectively. From the bobbin 912a_i arranged at the carry-in port, a linear article is fed out and carried into the manufacturing apparatus 911_i. Further, a bobbin 912b_i different from the bobbin 912a_i at the carry-in port is disposed at the carry-out port of each manufacturing apparatus 911_i. The bobbin 912b_i may be a bobbin having the same shape, structure, and material as the bobbin 912a_i, or may be a bobbin having a different shape, structure, or material from the bobbin 912a_i. Note that the bobbins 912b_i indicate the bobbins 912b_1 and 912b_2, respectively. The bobbin 912b_i arranged at the carry-out port winds the linear article carried out from the manufacturing apparatus 911_i. In addition, the arrow of the broken line shown in FIG. 4 has shown the direction in which a linear article | item is carried in / out of each manufacturing apparatus 911_i. Hereinafter, each of the bobbins 912a_i and 912b_i is also simply referred to as a bobbin 912. The type of each bobbin 912 may be the same as or different from the other bobbins 912.

  The bobbin 912b_i at the exit of a certain manufacturing apparatus 911_i may be the same bobbin as the bobbin 912a_k at the entrance of another manufacturing apparatus 911_k (k is a natural number between 1 and N, where k ≠ i). . This is because the bobbin 912b_i that has finished winding the linear article can be disposed at the carry-in port of another manufacturing apparatus 911_k. In that case, the movement of the bobbin 912 from the carry-out port of a certain manufacturing apparatus 911_i to the carry-in port of another production apparatus 911_k may be performed by an operator or may be performed by another moving method. However, the bobbin 912b_i that has finished winding the linear article does not necessarily have to be disposed at the carry-in port of the other manufacturing apparatus 911_k, and the bobbin 912a_k at the carry-in port of a certain production apparatus 911_k is not necessarily manufactured by another manufacture. It is not necessary to have been moved from the carry-out port of the device 911_i.

  A wireless tag 903a_i is attached to the bobbin 912a_i. The bobbin 912b_i is attached with a wireless tag 903b_i. Note that the wireless tags 903a_i indicate the wireless tags 903a_1 and 903a_2, respectively. The wireless tag 903b_i refers to each of the wireless tags 903b_1 and 903b_2. Hereinafter, each of the wireless tags 903a_i and b_i is also simply referred to as a wireless tag 903. In this case, the wireless tag 903 stores various information regarding the bobbin 912. For example, the wireless tag 903 includes information indicating the type of the bobbin 912, information identifying the bobbin 912, information regarding the winding state of the bobbin 912, other information regarding the bobbin 912, or any combination of these information. It may be stored. Information other than information identifying the individual bobbin 912 may be stored in an external database or the like without being stored in the wireless tag 903.

  The manufacturing apparatus 911_i performs a process related to production on the linear article carried in from the carry-in port, and carries it out from the carry-out port. The vicinity of the carry-in port of the manufacturing apparatus 911 — i and the vicinity of the carry-out port to be carried out are respectively defined as reading positions 9000 — j of the wireless tag 903. In addition, a reading position 9000 — j is also defined at a movement start point where the movement of the wireless tag reader 10 is started in the production system 910. In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which there are two reading positions 9000_j defined for each of the manufacturing apparatuses 911_i. However, the number of reading positions 9000_j and the total number of reading positions 9000_j defined for each manufacturing apparatus 911_i are as follows. , Not limited. Further, the reading position 9000 — j is not limited to the position illustrated in FIG.

  Further, it is assumed that the rail 915 for moving the wireless tag reader 10 is laid so as to pass through the reading position 9000_j, which is determined at the loading / unloading port of each manufacturing apparatus 911_i and the movement start point. One of the directions along the rail 915 is regarded as the upstream direction, and the other is regarded as the downstream direction.

  Each wireless tag 90_j stores the position identifier of the reading position 9000_j and is deferred near the reading position 9000_j. Note that examples of the place where the wireless tag 90_j is deferred include the side of the flow line of the wireless tag reader 10, that is, the side of the rail 915. Further, for example, the flow line of the wireless tag reader 10 can be mentioned. For example, the upper surface of the column provided between the manufacturing apparatus 901_i and the bobbin 912 is mentioned. Further, for example, the ground plane on which the manufacturing apparatus 901_i is installed can be cited.

  Also in such other application examples, the wireless tag system 1 of the present embodiment operates in the same manner and achieves the same effect. In this case, for example, the wireless tag system 1 according to the present embodiment uses the individual number of the bobbin 912 used at the carry-in port and the carry-out port of the manufacturing apparatus 911_i and the winding state thereof in the production system 910 that produces a linear product. Etc. can be used for tracing purposes.

(Specific example of wireless tag reader control method)
Next, a specific example of the control method S1 of the wireless tag reader 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. The wireless tag reader 10 in this specific example is applied to a production system 910A obtained by modifying the production system 910 described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the wireless tag reader 10 applied to the production system 910A. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the production system 910A includes manufacturing apparatuses 911_1, 911_2, and 911_3. The manufacturing apparatuses 911_1, 911_2, and 911_3 may be the same type of apparatuses as those of the other apparatuses, but in this specific example, they are different types of apparatuses.

  In FIG. 5, the manufacturing apparatus 911_1 is a device that processes the type A member 916a set at the carry-in entrance and winds the finished linear semi-finished product Q around the bobbin 912b_1 set at the carry-out exit. The bobbin 912b_1 around which the semi-finished product Q is wound may be disposed at the carry-in port of the manufacturing apparatus 911_2, and in that case, is regarded as the bobbin 912a_2.

  The manufacturing apparatus 911_2 processes the three points of the semi-finished product Q, the type B member 916b and the type C member 916c wound around the bobbin 912a_2 set at the carry-in port, It is a device which winds around the bobbin 912b_2 set at the carry-out port. The bobbin 912b_2 around which the semi-finished product R has been wound may be arranged at the carry-in port of the manufacturing apparatus 911_3, and in that case, it is regarded as the bobbin 912_a3.

  The manufacturing apparatus 911_3 uses a type G jig 917 to process the semi-finished product R and the type D member 916d wound around the bobbin 912_a3 set at the carry-in entrance, and the finished linear semi-finished product This is a device for winding S around a bobbin 912b_3 set at the carry-out port. The jig 917 includes a jig for changing the moving direction or width of the semi-finished product R. When the semi-finished product R is planar, a jig for performing a resist mask, a jig for performing die cutting, or the like can be used as the jig 917.

  Next, the reading position 9000 — j and the wireless tag 90 — j in this specific example will be described. In this specific example, a reading position 9000_j is defined at each of the movement start point, the vicinity of the carry-in port of each manufacturing device 911_i, the vicinity of the carry-out port, and the jig mounting position of the manufacturing device 911_3, and the wireless tag 90_j is deferred. ing. Specifically, 0 is stored as a position identifier in the wireless tag 90_0 deferred at the reading position 9000_0 in the vicinity of the movement start point. Further, 1 is stored as a position identifier in the wireless tag 90_1 placed at the reading position 9000_1 near the carry-in port of the manufacturing apparatus 911_1. The wireless tag 90_2 placed at the reading position 9000_2 near the carry-out port of the manufacturing apparatus 911_1 stores 2 as a position identifier. The wireless tag 90_3 placed at the reading position 9000_3 in the vicinity of the carry-in port of the manufacturing apparatus 911_2 stores 3 as a position identifier. The wireless tag 90_4 placed at the reading position 9000_4 near the carry-out port of the manufacturing apparatus 911_2 stores 4 as a position identifier. The wireless tag 90_5 placed at the reading position 9000_5 in the vicinity of the carry-in port of the manufacturing apparatus 911_3 stores 5 as a position identifier. The wireless tag 90_6 placed at the reading position 9000_6 in the vicinity of the jig mounting position of the manufacturing apparatus 911_3 stores 6 as a position identifier. 7 is stored as a position identifier in the wireless tag 90_7 placed at the reading position 9000_7 near the carry-out port of the manufacturing apparatus 911_3. In this specific example, j as a position identifier stored in the wireless tag 90 — j is described as “position identifier: j”.

  In addition, each of the bobbin 912, the members 916a to 916d, and the jig 917 is attached with any of the wireless tags 903_1 to 903_10. Each of the wireless tags 903_1 to 903_10 is also referred to as a wireless tag 903. As shown in FIG. 6, the wireless tag 903 includes information indicating the type of the attached item (“A” in FIG. 6) and information indicating the individual number of the attached item (“001” in FIG. 6). ”) And at least item identification information is stored. However, the wireless tag 903 attached to the bobbin 912 may store the item identification information of the bobbin 912 or the item identification information of a linear semi-finished product wound around the bobbin 912. May be. In the former case, the article identification information of the semi-finished product wound around the bobbin 912 is associated with the article identification information of the bobbin 912 in an external database or the like. The types of various articles (members 916a to 916d, jig 917, semi-finished products Q, R, and S) shown in FIG. 5 are eight types of A, B, C, D, G, Q, R, and S. It is expressed in either. For the member 916a of type A, in the item identification information stored in the wireless tag 903 attached to the member, information indicating the type of the item is also “A”. The same applies to the type B member 916b, the type C article 916c, and the type D jig 917. On the other hand, for the semi-finished product Q, the information indicating the type of the semi-finished product in the article identification information of the semi-finished product associated with the article identification information of the bobbin 912 around which the semi-finished product is wound is also “Q”. " The same applies to the semi-finished product R and the semi-finished product S. However, the information indicating the types of various articles described above that can be stored as article identification information in the wireless tag 903 is not limited to these eight types, and may be any number.

  In addition, each stationary wireless tag 90_j stores operation control information to which an operation control identifier is added in addition to the position identifier. FIG. 7 is an example of operation control information stored in the wireless tag 90_3. The wireless tag 90_3 stores operation control information to which “301” is assigned as an operation control identifier, and operation control information to which “302” is assigned as an operation control identifier. Hereinafter, “X” as the operation control identifier is also referred to as “operation control information: X”. For example, the operation control information of the operation control identifier 301 stored in the wireless tag 90_3 includes “Q, B” as the reading target designation information. This specifies reading the product identification information of the semi-finished product Q and the type B. The operation control information includes “+315 degrees” as the horizontal angle and “+30 degrees” as the vertical angle. This is because the azimuth angle of the antenna 11 (when the wireless tag reader 10 is viewed from above, the angle formed by the direction in which the antenna 11 faces and the reference direction parallel to the ground) and the elevation angle (when the wireless tag reader 10 is viewed from the side). The angle between the direction in which the antenna 11 is facing and the reference direction parallel to the ground) is specified to be controlled to +315 degrees and +30 degrees, respectively. The sign “+” attached to the angle indicates that the angle is measured clockwise with a predetermined direction as a reference, and the sign “−” attached to the angle indicates that the angle is The angle is measured clockwise with a predetermined direction as a reference. The operation control information includes “+25 dBm” as output power. This is a value that specifies the output power of the antenna 11, and is a setting example in which information can be received from the wireless tag 90_j existing in an area wider than “+10 dBm” described later. The operation control information includes “−60 dBm” as the reception sensitivity. This is a value that specifies the reception sensitivity of the reading unit 13. The operation control information includes “C” as filter information. This specifies that the article identification information including type C is excluded from the read article identification information. The reading target designation information can be regarded as information for designating the type of article to be read, while the filter information can be regarded as information for designating the type of article to be ignored even if read.

  Further, the operation control information of the operation control identifier 302 includes “C” as the reading target designation information. This specifies that type C article identification information is to be read. The operation control information includes “+45 degrees” as the horizontal angle and “+60 degrees” as the vertical angle. This specifies that the azimuth angle and elevation angle of the antenna 11 are controlled to +45 degrees (45 degrees clockwise from the reference direction) and +60 degrees (60 degrees upward from the reference direction), respectively. Yes. The operation control information includes “+10 dBm” as output power. This is a value that specifies the output power of the antenna 11, and is a setting example in which information can be received from the wireless tag 90_j existing in an area narrower than the aforementioned “+25 dBm”. The operation control information includes “−60 dBm” as the reception sensitivity. This is a value that specifies the reception sensitivity of the reading unit 13. This operation control information does not include filter information.

  As described above, the wireless tag 90_3 can store a plurality of pieces of operation control information. More specifically, in accordance with the specific example shown in FIG. 5, the wireless tag 90_3 includes (1) operation control information for reading information stored in the wireless tag 903_3 corresponding to the semi-finished product Q; (2) Operation control information for reading information stored in the wireless tag 903_4 corresponding to the type B member 916b, and (3) Reading information stored in the wireless tag 903_5 corresponding to the type C member 916c. The operation control information can be stored respectively. Accordingly, (1) when reading the wireless tag 903_3, the angle and output power of the antenna 11 are set to a state suitable for reading the wireless tag 903_3, and (2) when reading the wireless tag 903_4, the antenna 11 Is set to a state suitable for reading the wireless tag 903_4, and (3) when reading the wireless tag 903_5, the angle and output power of the antenna 11 are set to a state suitable for reading the wireless tag 903_5. can do. As a result, it is also possible to detect misplacement of each item in at least two types of articles among the semi-finished product Q, the type B member 916b, and the type C member 916c at the carry-in port of the manufacturing apparatus 911_2. .

  Next, the host device 80 in this specific example will be described. The host device 80 stores a combination list of position identifiers and operation control identifiers. FIG. 8 is an example of a combination list. In the combination list, the combination of the position identifier and the operation control identifier represents the operation control identifier stored in the wireless tag 90_j that stores the position identifier. In other words, the combination of the position identifier and the operation control identifier represents the operation control information applicable to the wireless tag reader 10 at the reading position 9000 — j identified by the position identifier. In this example, the host device 80 stores the combination list including information indicating an outline of the operation control information corresponding to the corresponding operation control identifier. This is information for the administrator of the host device 80 to refer to when managing the combination list. Information relating to the position such as “manufacturing apparatus 911_1-loading entrance” in each process represents a reading position in the process, and corresponds to a position identifier stored in the wireless tag 90_i placed at the reading position. In addition, the information on the article such as “member A” in each process represents the type of the article to be read in the process, and corresponds to the article identification information stored in the wireless tag 903 attached to the article. Information relating to timing such as “Before production” in each process represents the read timing in that process, and is managed by the host device 80 as the timing for transmitting a read command including a position identifier and an operation control identifier. Corresponding to In this combination list, as an outline of the operation control information associated with the position identifier: 2, it is described that it is confirmed that the bobbin Q is disposed at the carry-out port of the manufacturing apparatus 911_1 before the start of production. Yes. In addition, the purpose of performing such confirmation is that, if the bobbin Q is not disposed at the carry-out port of the manufacturing apparatus 911_1 before the start of production, foreign matters are mixed into the semi-finished product. Note that the outline of the operation control information is not information that is referred to by the apparatus, and is not information that is necessary for implementing one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the host device 80 does not necessarily need to store the combination list including information representing the outline of the operation control information.

  Further, the host device 80 generates the above-described movement order information based on such a combination list in order to instruct the movement order to the wireless tag reader 10. FIG. 9 is an example of movement order information. The movement order information is first read based on the operation control information 301 at the reading position 9000_3 with the position identifier 3 and then read based on the operation control information 401 at the reading position 9000_4 with the position identifier 4. In the following, reading is performed in the order shown.

  In this specific example, the host device 80 transmits a set of a position identifier and an operation control identifier to the wireless tag reader 10 according to the movement order information. Here, the host device 80 transmits a set of position identifiers and operation control identifiers to the wireless tag reader 10 and then receives a set of position identifiers and read information from the wireless tag reader 10, and then transmits the next set to the wireless tag reader 10. It shall be.

  In the initial state, it is assumed that the wireless tag reader 10 is located at the movement start point. As described above, the movement start point is a point at which the movement of the wireless tag reader 10 is started, and is a position where communication with the wireless tag 90_0 placed near the reading position 9000_0 defined in the vicinity thereof is possible.

  In this case, the moving direction determination unit 141 acquires the position identifier: 0 indicating the current location, which is read from the wireless tag 90_0 by the reading unit 13 (step S101).

  Next, it is assumed that the movement direction determination unit 141 receives a set of a position identifier: 3 and an operation control identifier: 301 indicating the movement destination from the host device 80 (step S102). The reading position 9000_3 indicated by the position identifier: 3 is in the vicinity of the carry-in entrance of the manufacturing apparatus 911_2.

  Next, the movement direction determination unit 141 compares the position identifier 0 indicating the current location with the position identifier 3 indicating the movement destination, and the position identifier indicating the movement destination is larger. (No in step S103, step S104).

  Next, the movement control unit 142 controls the moving unit 12 to move the wireless tag reader 10 in the downstream direction (step S105). Specifically, the movement control unit 142 controls the output power of the antenna 11 to high power, and controls the antenna angle control unit 111 so that the antenna 11 faces the moving direction, and then moves the wireless tag reader 10 in the downstream direction. The moving unit 12 is controlled so as to make it.

  Next, the movement control unit 142 acquires the position identifier 1 read by the reading unit 13 from the wireless tag 90_1 that can be read from the moving antenna 11. Then, the movement control unit 142 determines that the wireless tag reader 10 has not reached the destination because the position identifier 1 read during movement and the position identifier 3 indicating the movement destination do not match (step). No in S106).

  Therefore, the movement control unit 142 repeats step S106. That is, the movement control unit 142 acquires the position identifier: 2 read by the reading unit 13 from the wireless tag 90_2 that can be read next from the moving antenna 11. Then, the movement control unit 142 determines that the wireless tag reader 10 has not reached the movement destination because the position identifier: 2 read during movement does not match the position identifier: 3 indicating the movement destination (step). No in S106).

  Therefore, the movement control unit 142 further repeats step S106 until the position identifier: 3 indicating the movement destination can be read. Here, the fact that the position identifier: 3 indicating the movement destination can be read indicates that communication with the wireless tag 90_3 placed at the reading position serving as the movement destination becomes possible. Here, an example is described in which the movement control unit 142 determines that the wireless tag reader 10 has reached the destination based on the reception sensitivity of the position identifier indicating the destination.

  Then, the movement control unit 142 controls the movement unit 12 to stop the movement of the wireless tag reader 10 when the position identifier: 3 indicating the movement destination can be read (Yes in step S106). (Step S107). The method for controlling the moving speed of the movement control unit 142 when stopping the movement of the wireless tag reader 10 is as described in detail above.

  Next, the operation control unit 143 operates corresponding to the operation control identifier 301 received in step S102 among the operation control information read by the reading unit 13 from the wireless tag 90_3 storing the position identifier 3 indicating the movement destination. Control information is specified (step S108).

  The operation control unit 143 controls each unit of the wireless tag reader 10 according to the operation control information of the operation control identifier 301. Specifically, the operation control unit 143 controls the antenna angle control unit 111 so that the azimuth angle and the elevation angle of the antenna 11 are +315 degrees and +30 degrees from the reference direction, respectively. In addition, the operation control unit 143 controls the output power of the antenna 11 to +25 dBm. In addition, the operation control unit 143 controls the reception sensitivity of the reading unit 13 to −60 dBm (step S109).

  Here, a bobbin 912a_2 around which the semi-finished product Q is wound, a type B member 916b, and a type C member 916c exist near the carry-in port of the manufacturing apparatus 911_2. Therefore, it is assumed that the operation control unit 143 acquires the article identification information “Q001” read by the reading unit 13 from the wireless tag 903_3 attached to the bobbin 912a_2 around which the semi-finished product Q is wound. Further, it is assumed that the operation control unit 143 acquires the information “B001” read by the reading unit 13 from the wireless tag 903_4 attached to the type B member 916b. Further, it is assumed that the operation control unit 143 acquires the information “C001” read by the reading unit 13 from the wireless tag 903_5 attached to the type C member 916c. Then, the operation control unit 143 sets “C001” in accordance with the read target designation information “Q, B” and the filter information “C” included in the operation control information of the operation control identifier 301 among the read article identification information. Exclude and obtain “Q001” and “B001” (step S110).

  The operation control unit 143 transmits a set of the information “Q001” and “B001” obtained in step S110 and the position identifier: 3 indicating the movement destination to the host device 80 (step S111).

  The movement direction determination unit 141 determines whether or not there is a position identifier indicating the next movement destination (step S112). Here, it is assumed that a set of a position identifier: 4 and an operation control identifier: 401 indicating the next movement destination is received from the host device 80. The reading position 9000_4 indicated by the position identifier: 4 is in the vicinity of the carry-out port of the manufacturing apparatus 901_2.

  Therefore, the control unit 14 determines that there is a next movement destination (YES in step S112), and again executes steps S101 to S110. As a result, the wireless tag reader 10 moves to the vicinity of the carry-out port of the manufacturing apparatus 901_2. Then, according to the operation control information of the operation control identifier 401, the horizontal angle, the vertical angle and the output power of the antenna 21 and the reception sensitivity of the reading unit 13 are adjusted, and the article identification information is read.

  In this way, if there is a position identifier indicating the next destination, the control unit 14 executes steps S101 to S110 again. If there is no position identifier indicating the next destination, the control unit 14 It is determined that there is no destination (NO in step S112), and the operation of the wireless tag reader 10 is terminated. Note that as a process when it is determined that there is no destination, the wireless tag reader 10 may be returned to the reading position 9000_0 that is the movement start point.

(Effect of this embodiment)
In the present embodiment, the number of wireless tag readers 10 required when reading the wireless tag 903 at a plurality of reading positions 9000_j is smaller than the number of reading positions 9000_j, but flexibility in the case of changing the reading position 9000_j. Thus, the wireless tag reader 10 and the wireless tag system 1 can be realized. Similarly, it is possible to realize a method for controlling the wireless tag reader 10 that can increase the flexibility with respect to the case of changing the reading position 9000 — j.

  The reason will be described. In the present embodiment, the wireless tag reader 10 determines the moving direction of the antenna 11 based on the position identifier indicating the current location and the position identifier indicating the moving destination, and the position identifier indicating the moving destination according to the determined moving direction. This is because the antenna 11 is moved to a readable area. Here, the position identifier indicating the current location is a location identifier read by the reading unit 13 from the wireless tag 90 — j placed in the vicinity of the current location of the antenna 11. Further, the location identifier indicating the movement destination is received from the host device 80.

  With this configuration, in the present embodiment, the wireless tag reader 10 that can move to a plurality of reading positions 9000 — j and read information from the wireless tag to be read can be realized by one wireless tag reader 10. Further, with this configuration, in this embodiment, the wireless tag system 1 that can move to a plurality of reading positions 9000 — j and read information from a wireless tag to be read by one wireless tag reader 10. realizable. Similarly, in the present embodiment, it is possible to realize a control method of the wireless tag reader 10 that can use one wireless tag reader 10 to move to a plurality of reading positions 9000 — j and read information from a wireless tag to be read. .

  In this embodiment, when the position where the wireless tag 90_j is placed is changed or the position identifier stored in the stationary wireless tag 90_j is rewritten, only one wireless tag reader 10 can read a plurality of reading positions. The information can be read from the wireless tag to be read by moving to 9000 — j. Therefore, the wireless tag reader 10 that can flexibly cope with the change of the reading position 9000 — j can be realized. In this embodiment, the wireless tag 90_j is moved to a plurality of reading positions 9000_j by only changing the position where the wireless tag 90_j is placed or rewriting the position identifier stored in the stationary wireless tag 90_j. Thus, information can be read from the wireless tag to be read. Therefore, the wireless tag system 1 that can flexibly cope with the change of the reading position 9000 — j can be realized. Similarly, in the present embodiment, when the position where the wireless tag 90_j is deferred is changed or the position identifier stored in the deferred wireless tag 90_j is rewritten, only this one radio tag reader 10 is used. It is possible to move to a plurality of reading positions 9000 — j and read information from the wireless tag to be read. Therefore, the control method of the wireless tag reader 10 that can flexibly cope with the change of the reading position 9000 — j can be realized.

  In the present embodiment, the wireless tag reader 10 operates based on the position identifier indicating the movement destination received from the host device 80, whereby the host device 80 can control the movement destination of the wireless tag reader 10. Therefore, the wireless tag reader 10 can be controlled not only by the position identifier stored in the stationary wireless tag 90_j as described above but also by the host device 80, and can be managed with different position information. Therefore, the wireless tag reader 10 that can flexibly cope with the change of the reading position 9000 — j with a relatively simple configuration can be realized. Further, it is possible to realize the wireless tag reader 10 that can relatively easily and flexibly cope with the change of the reading position 9000 — j.

  In addition, when one wireless tag reader 10 is present in the vicinity of at least one reading position 9000_j among the plurality of reading positions 9000_j, the following operational effects can be obtained. That is, in the present embodiment, the control unit 14 of the wireless tag reader 10 performs the operation content suitable for each of the plurality of reading positions 9000 — j by one wireless tag reader 10, and the antenna 11, the antenna angle control unit 111, Each unit (all or a part) of the own apparatus such as the moving unit 12 and the reading unit 13 can be operated. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to realize the wireless tag reader 10, the wireless tag system 1, and the wireless tag reader 10 control method with high flexibility in the case of changing the operating condition of each unit of the device itself.

  The reason will be described. In the present embodiment, the wireless tag reader 10 includes the antenna 11, the antenna angle control unit 111, the moving unit 12, and the reading unit of the wireless tag reader 10 based on the operation control information read from the wireless tag 90 — j installed in the vicinity of the moving destination. This is because each part (all or part) of the part 13 is controlled. Note that which of the antenna 11, the antenna angle control unit 111, the moving unit 12, and the reading unit 13 is to be controlled is determined according to the operation control information.

  With this configuration, for example, even in the case where the same RFID tag reader 10 is used, according to the reading position 9000 — j, the present embodiment can determine the angle of the antenna 11, the output power, the receiving sensitivity of the reading unit 13, and the reading target. It is possible to flexibly change operation control information such as the type of article to be performed and the type of article not to be read. In addition, the wireless tag reader 10 and the wireless tag system 1 that can flexibly adapt to changes in the surrounding radio wave environment can be realized.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, each unit of the wireless tag reader 10 can be operated with different operation contents according to an instruction even at the same reading position 9000 — j.

  The reason will be described. This is because in the present embodiment, the wireless tag 90_j placed in the vicinity of the destination can store a plurality of pieces of operation control information. Then, the wireless tag reader 10 refers to the operation control information to which the operation control identifier to be applied at the movement destination of the wireless tag reader 10 is attached among the operation control information read from the wireless tag 90_j placed in the vicinity of the movement destination. This is because each part described above is controlled.

  With this configuration, for example, in the present embodiment, the wireless tag reader 10 stays at one reading position 9000 — j while the wireless tag reader 10 is attached to a plurality of types of articles 902 existing in different directions in the vicinity thereof. Information can be read from the tag 903.

  The wireless tag system 1 of the present embodiment having the effects as described above traces the type and individual number of the article 902 that has passed through the manufacturing apparatus 901 — i in the production system 900 in which the article 902 moves on the production line 909. It can be used for applications.

(Modification 1)
In the present embodiment, the description has been given on the assumption that the plurality of reading positions 9000 — j are set on the production line 909 having no branch. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a plurality of reading positions 9000 — j are set on a path having a branch that is laid in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional space by modifying as follows. The present invention is also applicable when set at an arbitrary position in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional space.

  FIG. 10 shows a configuration of a production system 900B to which the wireless tag system 1 is applied in this modification. In FIG. 10, a rail 905B having a branch is laid in the production system 900B in the vicinity of the manufacturing apparatuses 901_1 to 901_3. The rail 905B branches from the upstream in two downstream directions d1 and d2 at the branch point 905b. In the stationary wireless tag 90_j, direction information is stored in addition to the position identifier and the operation control information. The direction information is information indicating the relative direction of the reading position 9000 — j indicated by another position identifier with respect to the reading position 9000 — j indicated by the position identifier. For example, the direction information is represented by a set of another position identifier and a relative direction. Note that the form of branching such as the number of branch points and the number of branches in the rail 905B is not limited to the form shown in FIG.

  Here, an example of direction information stored in the wireless tag 90_2 is illustrated in FIG. In this example, a set of another position identifier “1” and direction information “upstream direction” is stored in the wireless tag 90_2 in which the position identifier “2” is stored. This indicates that the reading position 9000_1 identified by the position identifier: 1 is in the upstream direction with respect to the reading position 9000_2 where the wireless tag 90_2 is deferred nearby. The wireless tag 90_2 in which the position identifier “2” is stored stores a set of another position identifier “3” and direction information “downstream direction d2”. This indicates that the reading position 9000_3 identified by the position identifier: 3 is in the downstream direction d2 with respect to the reading position 9000_2 where the wireless tag 90_2 is deferred in the vicinity. Note that a wireless tag storing such direction information may be placed near the branch point. In that case, the wireless tag placed in the vicinity of the branch point only needs to store at least the direction information, and does not necessarily store the position identifier or the operation control information.

  In this case, the movement direction determination unit 141 operates as follows in step S104 illustrated in FIG. That is, the moving direction determination unit 141 acquires the direction information read by the reading unit 13 from the wireless tag 90_j that stores a position identifier indicating the current location. And the movement direction determination part 141 should just determine the direction linked | related with the position identifier which shows a movement destination among the acquired direction information as a movement direction. Further, it is assumed that the direction information stored in the wireless tag placed in the vicinity of the moving path is read by the reading unit 13 while the wireless tag reader 10 is moving. In this case, the movement direction determination unit 141 may determine the direction associated with the position identifier indicating the movement destination in the newly read direction information as the new movement direction. In this case, the movement control unit 142 controls the moving unit 12 to move the wireless tag reader 10 in the newly determined moving direction.

  Note that the moving direction determination unit 141 may apply not only the direction information read by the reading unit 13 but also the direction information received from the host device 80 as the direction information for determining the moving direction. In this case, the movement direction determination unit 141 may receive direction information from the host device 80 in addition to the position identifier and the operation control identifier in step S102 illustrated in FIG.

  In this modification, the wireless tag reader 10 has been described as moving on a rail 905 having a branch, which is laid in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional space. However, the wireless tag reader 10 may be configured to be freely movable in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional space. In this case, for example, information indicating the direction of another reading position 9000_k (k ≠ j) viewed from a certain reading position 9000_j may be used as the direction information. Further, when the wireless tag reader 10 can be freely moved in the three-dimensional section, for example, a propeller may be used as the moving unit 12.

  FIG. 12A is a perspective view showing the wireless tag system 1 in which a plurality of reading positions are set on a two-dimensional space. In the wireless tag system 1 shown in FIG. 12A, three reading positions 9000_0 to 9000_2 are set on the floor which is a two-dimensional space, and each reading position 9000_j (j is a natural number of 0 or more and 2 or less). ) Is placed in the vicinity of the wireless tag 90_j in which a position identifier corresponding to the reading position is stored. The wireless tag reader 10 can freely move on the floor, and for example, reads various information from a wireless tag 903 arranged in the vicinity of the reading position 9000_0. In FIG. 12A, only the reading positions 9000_0 to 9000_2, the stationary wireless tags 90_0 to 90_2, the wireless tag 903 to be read, and the wireless tag reader 10 are illustrated, and the other components are not illustrated. doing.

  In the wireless tag system 1 shown in FIG. 12A, the wireless tag 90_j placed in the vicinity of each reading position 9000_j includes other readings viewed from the reading position 9000_j in addition to the position identifier and the operation control information. Direction information indicating the direction of the position 9000_k (k is a natural number different from j of 0 or more and 2 or less) is stored in association with the position identifier “k” of the other reading position 9000_k. For example, in the wireless tag 90_0 deferred in the vicinity of the reading position 9000_0, (1) direction information indicating the direction of the reading position 9000_1 viewed from the reading position 9000_0 is stored in association with the position identifier “1” of the reading position 9000_1. (2) Direction information indicating the direction of the reading position 9000_2 as viewed from the reading position 9000_0 is stored in association with the position identifier “2” of the reading position 9000_2.

  FIG. 12B is a perspective view showing the wireless tag system 1 in which a plurality of reading positions are set on a three-dimensional space. In the wireless tag system 1 shown in FIG. 12B, three reading positions 9000_0 to 9000_2 are set in a room that is a three-dimensional space, and each reading position 9000_j (j is a natural number of 0 or more and 2 or less). ) Is placed in the vicinity of the wireless tag 90_j in which a position identifier corresponding to the reading position is stored. The wireless tag reader 10 can freely move in the room, and for example, reads various information from a wireless tag 903 arranged in the vicinity of the reading position 9000_0. In FIG. 12B, only the reading positions 9000_0 to 9000_2, the stationary wireless tags 90_0 to 90_2, the wireless tag 903 to be read, and the wireless tag reader 10 are illustrated, and the other components are not illustrated. doing.

  In the wireless tag system 1 shown in FIG. 12B, the wireless tag 90_j placed in the vicinity of each reading position 9000_j includes other readings as seen from the reading position 9000_j in addition to the position identifier and the operation control information. Direction information indicating the direction of the position 9000_k (k is a natural number different from j of 0 or more and 2 or less) is stored in association with the position identifier “k” of the other reading position 9000_k. For example, in the wireless tag 90_0 deferred in the vicinity of the reading position 9000_0, (1) direction information indicating the direction of the reading position 9000_1 viewed from the reading position 9000_0 is stored in association with the position identifier “1” of the reading position 9000_1. (2) Direction information indicating the direction of the reading position 900_2 as viewed from the reading position 9000_0 is stored in association with the position identifier “2” of the reading position 9000_2.

  In the wireless tag system 1 shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the moving direction determination unit 141 of the wireless tag reader 10 operates as follows. That is, the movement direction determination unit 141 acquires the direction information read by the reading unit 13 from the wireless tag 90_j located in the vicinity of the current location. And the movement direction determination part 141 determines the direction which the direction information linked | related with the position identifier which shows a movement destination among the acquired direction information represents as a movement direction. For example, when the position identifier indicating the movement destination is the position identifier “2”, the movement direction determination unit 141 includes the direction information associated with the position identifier “2” among the direction information acquired from the wireless tag 90_0, that is, The direction of the reading position 9000_2 viewed from the reading position 9000_0 is determined as the movement direction.

  By modifying as described above, in the present embodiment, a plurality of reading positions 9000 — j are set on a path having a branch, or are set at arbitrary positions in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional space. In addition, the wireless tag reader 10 and the wireless tag system 1 that can easily determine the moving direction of the antenna 11 while achieving the same effects as described above can be realized.

(Modification 2)
Further, the present embodiment may be modified so that the moving speed of the wireless tag reader 10 can be controlled.

  The configuration of the wireless tag system 1A according to such a modification is shown in FIG. In FIG. 13, the wireless tag system 1 </ b> A is applied to the production system 900 similarly to the wireless tag system 1. The wireless tag system 1 </ b> A includes a wireless tag 99 in addition to the same configuration as the wireless tag system 1. The wireless tag 99 stores speed control information and is deferred at the speed control position 9009. Here, the speed control information is information indicating the control content of the moving speed of the wireless tag reader 10. The speed control information may be information specifying a speed, for example. Further, the speed control information may be information instructing a speed change such as deceleration or acceleration, for example. The speed control position is a position for controlling the moving speed of the wireless tag reader 10. When the speed control position and the reading position 9000_j are shared, the wireless tag 90_j placed in the vicinity of the reading position 9000_j may further store speed control information in addition to the position identifier and the operation control information. When the speed control position is determined at a position different from the reading position 9000_j, the wireless tag 99 placed near the speed control position only needs to store at least speed control information, and stores a position identifier and operation control information. It does not have to be. The number and position of the wireless tags 99 that store the speed control information are not limited to those shown in FIG. 13 and are arbitrary.

  In this case, the movement control unit 142 is modified to operate as follows. Specifically, the movement control unit 142 controls the moving unit 12 to move the wireless tag reader 10 according to the speed indicated by the speed control information read by the reading unit 13 in step S105 of FIG. For example, it is assumed that speed control information is stored in the wireless tag 90_j that stores a position identifier indicating the current location. In this case, the movement control unit 142 controls the moving unit 12 to move the wireless tag reader 10 in the movement direction determined by the movement direction determination unit 141 at a speed according to the speed control information. In addition, it is assumed that the speed control information stored in the wireless tag placed in the vicinity of the moving path is read by the reading unit 13 while the wireless tag reader 10 is moving. In this case, the movement control unit 142 controls the moving unit 12 to change the moving speed of the wireless tag reader 10 according to the read speed control information.

  Thereby, this embodiment can control the moving speed of the wireless tag reader 10. For example, in the present embodiment, it is possible to perform control such that the moving speed of the wireless tag reader 10 is reduced as the reading position 9000 — j as the moving destination is approached.

  By deforming as described above, the present embodiment can realize the wireless tag reader 10 that can control the moving speed before and after the movement of the wireless tag reader 10 or during the movement while exhibiting the same effects as described above. it can. Further, when the wireless tag 99 storing speed control information for accelerating the moving speed of the wireless tag reader 10 is provided around the wireless tag 90_j that stores the position identifier indicating the current location, the reading of the moving destination is performed. Since the moving speed of the wireless tag reader 10 can be accelerated toward the position 9000 — j, the wireless tag reader 10 capable of speed control such that the wireless tag reader 10 can be stopped more quickly and at the reading position 9000 — j of the moving destination and its periphery can be realized. Further, when the wireless tag 99 storing the speed control information for reducing the moving speed of the wireless tag reader 10 is provided on the upstream side from the reading position 9000_j of the moving destination, as the moving position approaches the reading position 9000_j of the moving destination. Since the moving speed of the wireless tag reader 10 can be reduced, the wireless tag reader 10 that can perform more precise position control such that the wireless tag reader 10 can stop at the reading position 9000_j of the moving destination and its periphery can be realized.

(Modification 3)
In the present embodiment, it is also possible to perform control so that information is written in the wireless tag 903 to be read at the movement destination of the wireless tag reader 10. In this case, the wireless tag reader 10 is configured to further include a writing unit (not shown). The writing unit writes information to the wireless tag via the antenna 11. In addition, the wireless tag 90_j placed in the vicinity of the reading position 9000_j further includes operation control information for instructing contents to be written to the wireless tag 903. In the case of such modification, the operation control unit 143 controls the writing unit to perform writing to the wireless tag 903 according to the operation control information read at the movement destination of the wireless tag reader 10 in step S110 of FIG. Good. An example of information to be written in the wireless tag 903 includes the usage status of the article 902 attached with the wireless tag 903 (for example, the remaining amount of a linear article wound around the bobbin 912), but is not limited thereto. Absent.

  The operation control unit 143 is not limited to the operation control information read by the reading unit 13 but may be operation control information received from the host device 80 as the operation control information instructing the content to be written. For example, in step S102 shown in FIG. 3, it is assumed that operation control information for instructing write contents is received from the host device 80 in addition to the position identifier and the operation control identifier. In this case, the operation control unit 143 may control the writing unit in accordance with the operation control information received from the host device 80 in step S110.

  Note that although the writing of information to the wireless tag 903 has been described here, writing or updating of information to the wireless tag 90_j placed at each reading position can be performed. For example, when it becomes necessary to update the position identifier, operation control information, or operation control identifier stored in the wireless tag 90_j, the wireless tag reader 10 follows the instruction from the host device 80 and stores the position stored in the wireless tag 90_j. Update the identifier, operation control information, or operation control identifier. As a case where the position identifier stored in the wireless tag 90_j needs to be updated, for example, there is a case where the position identifier is reassigned with the addition of the reading position. Moreover, as a case where the operation control information stored in the wireless tag 90_j needs to be updated, for example, there is a case where the angle of the antenna 11 is changed to cope with the wireless environment.

(Other variations)
In the present embodiment, the example in which the wireless tag system 1 includes the host device 80 has been described. However, the wireless tag system 1 may not include the host device 80. In this case, the control unit 14 of the wireless tag reader 10 may store a set of a position identifier and an operation control identifier indicating the destination or a sequence thereof in a memory in advance. Alternatively, the control unit 14 of the wireless tag reader 10 may have a function capable of calculating a set of position identifiers and operation control identifiers indicating movement destinations or a sequence thereof based on information acquired from the outside. Further, the control unit 14 of the wireless tag reader 10 may output a set of information read from the wireless tag 903 and a position identifier of the reading position 9000 — j to an output device connected separately.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the wireless tag 903 to be read has been described as being attached to the article 902 that moves on the route of the production system 900. The wireless tag 903 to be read is not limited to this, and may be attached to other articles existing in the production system 900. Such an article may be, for example, an article carried or worn by an operator, an auxiliary material such as a paint or a chemical, a jig attached to the manufacturing apparatus 911, a production instruction, a manual, or the like.

  In the present embodiment, the host device 80 transmits to the wireless tag reader 10 movement order information, which is a sequence of pairs of position identifiers indicating movement destinations and operation control identifiers, collectively in advance. explained. In this case, the host device 80 may transmit interrupt information to the wireless tag reader 10 that is moving sequentially to the movement destination according to the movement order information. The interrupt information is information instructed to move to at least a different destination in preference to a set of a position identifier and an operation control identifier indicating the destination, which has been received from the host as movement order information. Such different destinations are also referred to as priority destinations. The interrupt information includes at least a position identifier indicating a preferential movement destination. Further, the interrupt information may include an operation control identifier to be applied to the wireless tag reader 10 at the preferential movement destination. In this case, when the movement direction determination unit 141 and the movement control unit 142 receive the interrupt information, the position identifier indicating the priority movement destination included in the interrupt information is used as the position identifier and the operation control identifier indicating the next movement destination. Apply. Further, the operation control unit 143 may use an operation control identifier included in the interrupt information when controlling the operation of each unit of the wireless tag reader 10 at the priority movement destination. Then, the movement direction determination unit 141 and the movement control unit 142 move the wireless tag reader 10 to the priority movement destination to control the operation of each unit, and then, the movement destination that has not been visited yet among the movement order information received originally. It is sufficient to apply and operate as the next destination in order.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the example to which a natural number is applied as a position identifier was demonstrated. In addition, the position identifier may be represented by including information indicating the geographical division of the reading position 9000 — j. For example, the position identifier can be expressed as “nm”. Note that n and m are both natural numbers. In this case, the position identifier “nm” is given to the mth reading position 9000 — j in the section “n”. In addition, it is assumed that the section “n” partitions the path in order of the value of n. Further, it is assumed that the reading positions 9000 — j with the position identifier “nm” are arranged on the path in the order of the value of m in the section “n”. In this case, the movement direction determination unit 141 compares the position identifier “n1-m1” indicating the current location with the position identifier “n2-m2” indicating the movement destination, and based on the magnitude relationship between the values of n1 and n2. What is necessary is just to determine a moving direction. Moreover, the movement direction determination part 141 should just determine a movement direction based on the magnitude relationship of m1 and m2, when n1 and n2 are equal.

[Second Embodiment]
(Configuration of manufacturing equipment)
The wireless tag system 2 as the second embodiment of the present invention is applied to a manufacturing apparatus 921 that manufactures a linear product (may be a planar product). First, the configuration of the manufacturing apparatus 921 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the manufacturing apparatus 921. Note that the wireless tag 99 and the speed control position 9009 in FIG. 14 are configurations used in a modified example described later, and are not essential configurations in the present embodiment.

  The bobbin 922a around which the linear article is wound is disposed at the carry-in port of the manufacturing apparatus 921. From the bobbin 922a disposed at the carry-in port, a linear article is fed out and carried into the manufacturing apparatus 921. Further, a bobbin 922b different from the bobbin 922a at the carry-in port is disposed at the carry-out port of the manufacturing apparatus 921. The bobbin 922b may be a bobbin having the same shape, structure, and material as the bobbin 922a, or may be a bobbin having a different shape, structure, or material from the bobbin 922a. The bobbin 922b disposed at the carry-out port winds the linear article carried out from the manufacturing apparatus 921. Hereinafter, each of the bobbins 922a and 922b is also simply referred to as a bobbin 922. 14 indicates the direction in which a linear article is carried into and out of the manufacturing apparatus 921.

  A wireless tag 923a is attached to the bobbin 922a. The bobbin 922b is attached with a wireless tag 923b. Hereinafter, each of the wireless tags 923a and 923b is also simply referred to as a wireless tag 923. The wireless tag 923 stores various information regarding the bobbin 922 to which the wireless tag 923 is attached. For example, the wireless tag 923 includes information indicating the type of the bobbin 922, information identifying the bobbin 922, information regarding the winding state of the bobbin 922, other information regarding the bobbin 922, or any combination of these information. It may be stored. Information other than information identifying the individual bobbin 922 may be stored in an external database or the like without being stored in the wireless tag 923. The information for identifying the individual bobbin 922 may be associated with the article identification information of the semi-finished product wound around the bobbin 922 in an external database or the like.

  The manufacturing apparatus 921 performs a process related to production on the linear article carried in from the carry-in port, and carries it out from the carry-out port. The vicinity of the carry-in port of the manufacturing apparatus 921 and the vicinity of the carry-out port to be carried out are respectively defined as reading positions 9002 — j (j is a natural number of 0 or more and 1 or less) of the wireless tag 923. In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which there are two reading positions determined by the manufacturing apparatus 921, but the number of reading positions 9002_j is not limited.

  In addition, a moving unit 22 that moves the antenna 21 and the antenna angle control unit 211 is installed in the manufacturing apparatus 921. The antenna 21, the antenna angle control unit 211, and the moving unit 22 constitute a part of the wireless tag reader 20 described later. The moving unit 22 includes, for example, a pedestal that supports the antenna 21 and the antenna angle control unit 211, a wheel that moves the pedestal, and a rail that is laid between a reading position 9002_j near the carry-in entrance and a read position 9002_j near the carry-out port. The drive device may be configured to rotate the wheel.

(Configuration of the entire RFID tag system)
The configuration of the wireless tag system 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 14, the wireless tag system 2 includes a wireless tag reader 20, a host device 82, and a plurality of stationary wireless tags 92. The wireless tag reader 20 includes the moving unit 22 described above, an antenna 21 and an antenna angle control unit 211 configured to be movable by the moving unit 22, a reading unit 23, and a control unit 24. The control unit 24 includes a movement direction determination unit 241, a movement control unit 242, and an operation control unit 243.

  The antenna 21 and the reading unit 23 are communicably connected via a cable or the like. The control unit 24 is connected to other units via a cable or the like so as to be controllable. The control unit 24 is communicably connected to the host device 82 via a wireless network, a wired network, or a combination thereof.

(Configuration of deferred wireless tag)
Next, a detailed configuration of the stationary wireless tag 92 will be described. Each of the plurality of stationary wireless tags 92 is disposed in the vicinity of each reading position 9002 — j set in the manufacturing apparatus 921. As described above, the reading position 9002_j is set in the vicinity of the carry-in port and the carry-out port. In the present embodiment, assuming that one wireless tag 92 is placed in the vicinity of each reading position 9002_j, the number of stationary wireless tags 92 is two. Hereinafter, each stationary wireless tag 92 may be described as a stationary wireless tag 92_j (j is 0 or 1). However, the number of the stationary wireless tags 92_j is not limited to two. Further, the number of stationary wireless tags 92_j is not necessarily the same as the number of reading positions 9002_j. For example, the further reading position 9002_j may be set at an arbitrary position on the rail laid between the reading position 9002_j near the carry-in port and the read position 9002_j near the carry-out port.

  The stationary wireless tag 92_j stores a position identifier. The position identifier is as described in the first embodiment. For example, 0 may be assigned as the position identifier to the reading position 9002_j near the carry-in port (upstream side), and 1 may be given as the position identifier to the read position 9002_j near the carry-out port (downstream side). When three or more reading positions 9002_j are set, natural position identifiers are assigned in order from 0 toward the reading position 9002_j on the carry-in (upstream) side toward the read position 9002_j on the carry-out (downstream) side. May be. The stationary wireless tag 92_j is placed in the vicinity of the reading position 9002_j identified by the stored position identifier. In other words, the stationary wireless tag 92_j stores a position identifier for identifying the reading position 9002_j near the stationary position. As a place where the wireless tag 92_j is deferred, for example, beside the flow line of the wireless tag reader 20. Further, for example, the flow line of the wireless tag reader 20 can be mentioned. For example, the upper surface of the column provided between the manufacturing apparatus 921 and the bobbin 922 is mentioned. Further, for example, the ground plane on which the manufacturing apparatus 921 is installed can be cited.

  Each stationary wireless tag 92_j stores operation control information to which an operation control identifier is assigned in addition to the position identifier. Since the operation control information is as described in the first embodiment, the description in this embodiment is omitted.

(Host device configuration)
The host device 82 is configured similarly to the host device 80 described in the first embodiment.

(Configuration of wireless tag reader)
Next, the configuration of each part of the wireless tag reader 20 will be described. The antenna 21 and the antenna angle control unit 211 are installed in the manufacturing apparatus 921. The antenna 21 and the antenna angle control unit 211 are moved by the moving unit 22 installed in the manufacturing apparatus 921. About the other point, since the antenna 21 and the antenna angle control part 211 are comprised similarly to the antenna 11 in 1st Embodiment, description in this embodiment is abbreviate | omitted.

  The moving unit 22 is installed in the manufacturing apparatus 921 as described above. Since the other points are configured in the same manner as the moving unit 12 in the first embodiment, the description in the present embodiment is omitted.

  Note that some or all of the antenna 21, the antenna angle control unit 211, and the moving unit 22 may exist outside the manufacturing apparatus 921.

  The reading unit 23 is configured in the same manner as the reading unit 13 in the first embodiment. However, unlike the reading unit 13 in the first embodiment, the reading unit 23 is not supported by the moving unit 22 and does not move together with the antenna 21.

  The control unit 24 is configured by a computer device including a processor, a memory, and a network interface. The movement direction determination unit 241, the movement control unit 242, the operation control unit 243, and the communication unit 244, which are functional blocks of the control unit 24, read and execute the program and data stored in the memory and execute them via the network interface. By implementing communication with the host device 82, it is realized as a software function. However, some or all of the functional blocks of the control unit 24 may be realized by dedicated hardware. Unlike the control unit 14 in the first embodiment, the control unit 24 is not supported by the moving unit 22 and does not move with the antenna 21.

  The movement direction determination unit 241 is configured similarly to the movement direction determination unit 141 in the first embodiment.

  The movement control unit 242 controls the moving unit 22 to move the antenna 21 in the moving direction determined by the moving direction determining unit 241. Then, the movement control unit 242 stops the movement of the antenna 21 when the antenna 21 moves into a readable area where the reading unit 23 can read the position identifier indicating the movement destination from the wireless tag 92_j placed near the movement destination. The moving unit 22 is controlled to do so.

  The configuration for determining whether or not the antenna 21 has reached the destination by the movement control unit 242 is as described in the first embodiment, and thus the description in the present embodiment is omitted.

  The operation control unit 243, the communication unit 244, and the power supply unit 25 are configured similarly to the operation control unit 143, the communication unit 144, and the power supply unit 15 in the first embodiment, respectively.

(Control method of wireless tag reader)
Next, a method for controlling the wireless tag reader 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the control method S2 of the wireless tag reader 20. The control method S2 is executed by the control unit 24 and includes the following steps.

  Step S201: The moving direction determination unit 241 acquires the position identifier read by the reading unit 23 from the wireless tag 92_j placed near the current location of the antenna 21. This position identifier is a position identifier indicating the current location.

  Step S202: The movement direction determination unit 241 receives a set of a position identifier and an operation control identifier indicating a movement destination from the host device 82. In addition, the execution order of process S201, S202 does not necessarily need to be this order, and may be performed in order of process S202, S201.

  Step S203: The movement direction determination unit 241 determines whether or not the position identifier indicating the current location and the position identifier indicating the movement destination are the same. If it is determined that they are the same, step S208 described later is executed. If it is determined that they are not the same, the next step S204 is executed.

  Step S204: The movement direction determination unit 241 determines the movement direction based on the position identifier indicating the current location and the position identifier indicating the movement destination.

  Step S205: The movement control unit 242 controls the moving unit 22 to move the antenna 21 in the moving direction determined by the moving direction determining unit 241.

  Step S206: The movement control unit 242 acquires the position identifier read by the reading unit 23 from the stationary wireless tag 92_j that can be read via the moving antenna 21. Then, the movement control unit 242 determines whether the antenna 21 has reached the movement destination based on the acquired position identifier and the position identifier indicating the movement destination.

  As described above, the movement control unit 242 determines in step S206 that the antenna 21 has reached the destination at the time when the acquired position identifier and the position identifier indicating the destination match for the first time or at a timing based on that point. May be. Alternatively, the movement control unit 242 may determine whether or not the destination has been reached based on the reception strength of the information indicating the position identifier indicating the destination.

  When it is determined that the antenna 21 has reached the destination, the next step S207 is performed. If it is determined that the antenna 21 has not reached the destination, step S206 is repeated.

  Step S207: The movement control unit 242 controls the moving unit 22 to stop the movement of the antenna 21.

  Step S208: The operation control unit 243 corresponds to the operation control identifier received in step S202, out of one or more pieces of operation control information read by the reading unit 23 from the wireless tag 92_j that stores a position identifier indicating a destination. Specify control information.

  Step S209: The operation control unit 243 controls the operation of each unit of the wireless tag reader 20 according to the specified operation control information. For example, the operation control unit 243 controls the antenna angle control unit 211 to adjust the angle of the antenna 21 according to the operation control information. For example, the operation control unit 243 controls the antenna 21 to adjust the output power according to the operation control information. For example, the operation control unit 243 controls the reading unit 23 to adjust the reception sensitivity according to the operation control information.

  Step S210: The operation control unit 243 filters information read by the reading unit 23 from the wireless tag 923 existing in the vicinity of the movement destination according to the operation control information.

  Step S211: The operation control unit 243 transmits the information obtained in Step S210 and the location identifier indicating the destination to the host device 82.

  Step S212: The movement direction determination unit 241 determines whether there is a position identifier indicating the next movement destination. If there is a position identifier indicating the next destination, steps S201 to S210 are performed again. If there is no position identifier indicating the next destination, the control unit 24 ends the operation of the wireless tag reader 20. Note that as a process when it is determined that there is no destination, the wireless tag reader 20 may be returned to the reading position 9002_0 that is the movement start point.

  Note that details of the determination of the presence / absence of the position identifier indicating the next destination are the same as in the first embodiment, and thus the description in this embodiment is omitted. In addition, since the operation for storing the information and the position identifier instead of transmitting in step S211 is the same as that in the first embodiment, the description in this embodiment is omitted.

(Specific example of wireless tag reader control method)
Next, a specific example of the control method S2 of the wireless tag reader 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 14 to 16.

  Here, 0 is stored as a position identifier in the wireless tag 92_0 installed in the vicinity of the carry-in port of the manufacturing apparatus 921. Further, 1 is stored as a position identifier in the wireless tag 92_1 placed in the vicinity of the carry-out port of the manufacturing apparatus 921.

  The wireless tag 923 attached to the bobbin 922 stores information similar to the information shown in FIG. 6 referred to in the specific example of the first embodiment of the present invention. Here, the type A or B represents the type of the bobbin 922. The individual number represents the individual number of the bobbin 922.

  In addition, each stationary wireless tag 92_j stores operation control information to which an operation control identifier is added in addition to the position identifier. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation control information stored in the wireless tag 92_j. As shown in FIG. 16, the wireless tag 92_0 stores operation control information of the operation control identifier 101. The operation control information of this operation control identifier: 101 includes “A” as reading target designation information. This designates reading of article identification information including “A” as a type. The operation control information includes “+315 degrees” as the horizontal angle and “+30 degrees” as the vertical angle. This specifies that the azimuth angle and elevation angle of the antenna 21 are controlled to +315 degrees (315 degrees clockwise) and +30 degrees (30 degrees upward), respectively, from the reference direction. The operation control information includes “+25 dBm” as output power. This is a value that specifies the output power of the antenna 21. The operation control information includes “−60 dBm” as the reception sensitivity. This is a value that specifies the reception sensitivity of the reading unit 13. Further, the wireless tag 92_1 stores operation control information of an operation control identifier 201. The operation control information of the operation control identifier: 201 includes “B” as the reading target designation information. This designates reading of article identification information including “B” as a type. The information other than the reading target designation information included in the operation control control information of the operation control identifier 201 is the same as the information included in the operation control control information of the operation control identifier 101 except for the horizontal angle. This is because the wireless tag 923a is in the left direction of the reading position 9002_1 at the reading position 9002_0, whereas the wireless tag 923b is in the right direction of the reading position 9002_1 at the reading position 9002_1.

  In the initial state, it is assumed that the antenna 21 is at a reading position 9002_1 in the vicinity of the carry-out port.

  In this case, the movement direction determination unit 241 acquires the position identifier: 2 indicating the current location, which is read from the wireless tag 92_1 by the reading unit 23 (Step S201).

  Next, it is assumed that the movement direction determination unit 241 receives a set of a position identifier: 0 and an operation control identifier: 101 indicating a movement destination from the host device 82 (step S202). The reading position 9002_0 indicated by the position identifier: 0 is in the vicinity of the carry-in port of the manufacturing apparatus 921.

  Next, the movement direction determination unit 241 determines the movement direction toward the carry-in entrance (upstream) side based on the position identifier 1 indicating the current location and the position identifier 0 indicating the movement destination (step S204).

  Next, the movement control unit 242 controls the moving unit 22 to move the antenna 21 in the direction toward the carry-in entrance side (step S205).

  Next, the movement control unit 242 acquires the position identifier: 0 read by the reading unit 23 from the wireless tag 92_0 that can be read from the moving antenna 21. Then, the movement control unit 242 determines that the antenna 21 has reached the movement destination because the read position identifier: 0 matches the position identifier: 0 indicating the movement destination (YES in step S206). That is, the antenna 21 has reached the vicinity of the carry-in port of the manufacturing apparatus 921.

  Here, an example is described in which the movement control unit 242 determines that the antenna 21 has reached the destination when the read position identifier and the position identifier indicating the destination match for the first time after the movement.

  Therefore, the movement control unit 242 controls the moving unit 22 to stop the movement of the antenna 21 (step S207).

  Next, the operation control unit 243 performs the operation corresponding to the operation control identifier 101 received in step S202 out of the operation control information read by the reading unit 23 from the wireless tag 92_0 storing the position identifier 0 indicating the destination. Control information is specified (step S208).

  The operation control unit 243 controls each unit of the wireless tag reader 20 according to the operation control information of the operation control identifier: 101. Specifically, the operation control unit 243 controls the antenna angle control unit 211 so that the azimuth angle and elevation angle of the antenna 21 are +315 degrees and +30 degrees from the reference direction, respectively. In addition, the operation control unit 243 controls the output power of the antenna 21 to +25 dBm. In addition, the operation control unit 243 controls the reception sensitivity of the reading unit 23 to −60 dBm (Step S209).

  Here, it is assumed that there is a type C bobbin 922c (not shown) in addition to the type A bobbin 922a in the vicinity of the carry-in port of the manufacturing apparatus 921. Assume that a wireless tag 923c (not shown) is attached to the bobbin 922c. Therefore, the operation control unit 243 obtains information “C001” read from the wireless tag 923c attached to the type C bobbin 922c. In addition, the operation control unit 243 acquires information “A001” read from the wireless tag 923a attached to the type A bobbin 922a. Then, the operation control unit 243 obtains “A001” as a result of filtering the read information by including the type A according to the read target designation information included in the operation control information of the operation control identifier 101 (step S210).

  The operation control unit 243 transmits the set of the information “A001” obtained in step S210 and the position identifier: 0 indicating the movement destination to the host device 82 (step S211).

  The movement direction determination unit 241 determines whether or not there is a position identifier indicating the next movement destination (step S212). Here, it is assumed that a set of a position identifier: 1 and an operation control identifier: 201 indicating the next movement destination is received from the host device 82. The reading position 9002_1 indicated by the position identifier: 1 is near the exit of the manufacturing apparatus 921.

  Therefore, the control unit 24 determines that there is a next movement destination (YES in step S212), and again executes steps S201 to S210. As a result, the antenna 21 moves in the vicinity of the carry-out port of the manufacturing apparatus 921. Then, according to the operation control information of the operation control identifier 201, the horizontal angle, the vertical angle and the output power of the antenna 21 and the reception sensitivity of the reading unit 23 are adjusted, and the article identification information is read.

  If there is no position identifier indicating the next destination, the control unit 24 determines that there is no next destination (NO in step S212), and ends the operation of the wireless tag reader 20. Note that as a process when it is determined that there is no destination, the wireless tag reader 20 may be returned to the reading position 9002_0 that is the movement start point.

(Effect of this embodiment)
In the present embodiment, even if it is difficult to secure a space for moving the wireless tag reader 20 outside the manufacturing apparatus 921 by installing the moving unit 22 that moves the antenna 21 inside one manufacturing apparatus 921. The same effects as those of the first embodiment of the present invention can be obtained.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which the reading unit 23 is not supported by the moving unit 22 and does not move with the antenna 21 has been described. In addition to this, in the present embodiment, the reading unit 23 may be supported by the moving unit 22. In this case, the reading unit 23 moves together with the antenna 21. Even in this case, the present embodiment has the same effects as described above.

(Modification 1)
This embodiment can be modified to a form in which the moving speed of the wireless tag reader 20 can be controlled.

  FIG. 14 shows a configuration of the wireless tag system 2 according to such a modification. In FIG. 14, the wireless tag system 2 is applied to the manufacturing apparatus 921 similarly to the wireless tag system 2. The wireless tag system 2 includes a wireless tag 99 in addition to the same configuration as the wireless tag system 2. The wireless tag 99 stores speed control information and is deferred at the speed control position 9009. Here, the speed control information is information indicating the control content of the moving speed of the wireless tag reader 20. The speed control information may be information specifying a speed, for example. Further, the speed control information may be information instructing a speed change such as deceleration or acceleration, for example. The speed control position is a position for controlling the moving speed of the wireless tag reader 20. When the speed control position and the reading position 9002_j are shared, the wireless tag 92_j placed in the vicinity of the reading position 9002_j may further store speed control information in addition to the position identifier and the operation control information. In the case where the speed control position is determined at a position different from the reading position 9002_j, the wireless tag 99 placed in the vicinity of the speed control position only needs to store at least speed control information, and stores a position identifier and operation control information. It does not have to be. The number and position of the wireless tags 99 that store the speed control information are not limited to those shown in FIG. 14 and are arbitrary.

  In this case, the movement control unit 242 is modified to operate as follows. Specifically, the movement control unit 242 controls the moving unit 22 to move the wireless tag reader 20 according to the speed indicated by the speed control information read by the reading unit 23 in step S205 of FIG. For example, it is assumed that speed control information is stored in the wireless tag 92_j that stores a position identifier indicating the current location. In this case, the movement control unit 242 controls the moving unit 22 to move the wireless tag reader 20 in the movement direction determined by the movement direction determination unit 241 at a speed according to the speed control information. In addition, it is assumed that the speed control information stored in the wireless tag placed in the vicinity of the moving path is read by the reading unit 23 while the wireless tag reader 20 is moving. In this case, the movement control unit 242 controls the moving unit 22 to change the moving speed of the wireless tag reader 20 according to the read speed control information.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the moving speed of the wireless tag reader 20 can be controlled. For example, in the present embodiment, it is possible to perform control such that the moving speed of the wireless tag reader 20 is reduced as the reading position 9002_j of the moving destination is approached.

  By deforming as described above, the present embodiment can realize the wireless tag reader 20 that can control the moving speed before and after the start of the movement of the wireless tag reader 20 or while moving, while exhibiting the same effects as described above. it can. Further, when the wireless tag 99 storing speed control information for accelerating the moving speed of the wireless tag reader 20 is provided around the wireless tag 92_j that stores the position identifier indicating the current location, the reading of the moving destination is performed. Since the moving speed of the wireless tag reader 20 can be accelerated toward the position 9002_j, the wireless tag reader 20 capable of speed control such that the wireless tag reader 20 can be stopped at the reading position 9002_j of the moving destination and the vicinity thereof can be realized. Further, when the wireless tag 99 storing the speed control information for reducing the moving speed of the wireless tag reader 20 is provided on the upstream side of the moving destination reading position 9002_j, as it approaches the moving position reading position 9002_j. Since the moving speed of the wireless tag reader 20 can be reduced, the wireless tag reader 20 that can perform more precise position control such that the wireless tag reader 20 can more reliably stop at the reading position 9002_j of the moving destination and its periphery can be realized.

(Modification 2)
Further, this embodiment can be modified to write information in the wireless tag 923 to be read at the destination of the wireless tag reader 20. In this case, the wireless tag reader 20 is configured to further include a writing unit (not shown). The writing unit writes information to the wireless tag via the antenna 21. In addition, the wireless tag 92_j placed in the vicinity of the reading position 9002_j further includes operation control information for instructing contents to be written to the wireless tag 923. In such a case, the operation control unit 243 may control the writing unit to perform writing to the wireless tag 923 in accordance with the operation control information read at the movement destination of the wireless tag reader 20 in step S210 of FIG. Good. An example of information to be written in the wireless tag 923 includes the usage status of the article 922 attached with the wireless tag 923 (for example, the remaining amount of a linear article wound around the bobbin 922), but is not limited thereto. Absent.

  Note that the operation control unit 243 is not limited to the operation control information read by the reading unit 23 as the operation control information instructing the content to be written, and may apply the operation control information received from the host device 80. For example, in step S202 shown in FIG. 15, it is assumed that operation control information for instructing write contents is received from the host device 80 in addition to the position identifier and the operation control identifier. In this case, the operation control unit 243 may control the writing unit in accordance with the operation control information received from the host device 80 in step S210.

(Other variations)
In the present embodiment, the example in which the wireless tag system 2 includes the host device 80 has been described. However, the wireless tag system 2 may not include the host device 80. In this case, the changes to the control unit 24 of the wireless tag system 2 are the same as the changes to the control unit 14 of the wireless tag system 1 described in the other modifications of the first embodiment.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the wireless tag 923 to be read has been described as being attached to the article 922 that moves on the route of the manufacturing apparatus 921. However, the wireless tag 923 to be read may be attached to another article existing in the manufacturing apparatus 921. Such an article may be, for example, an article carried or worn by an operator, an auxiliary material such as a paint or a chemical, a jig attached to the manufacturing apparatus 911, a production instruction, a manual, or the like.

  In the present embodiment, the host device 80 transmits to the wireless tag reader 20 movement order information, which is a set of position identifiers and movement control identifiers indicating movement destinations, in a batch. explained. In this case, the host device 80 may transmit the interrupt information to the wireless tag reader 20 that is moving sequentially to the movement destination according to the movement order information. The interrupt information is information instructing to move to at least a different destination with priority over a set of a position identifier and an operation control identifier indicating the destination. Such different destinations are also referred to as priority destinations. The interrupt information includes at least a position identifier indicating a preferential movement destination. Further, the interrupt information may include an operation control identifier to be applied to the wireless tag reader 20 at the priority movement destination. In this case, the movement direction determination unit 241 and the movement control unit 242 that have been received from the host as the movement order information, when receiving the interrupt information, use the interrupt information as the position identifier and the operation control identifier indicating the next movement destination. A position identifier indicating the preferential movement destination included may be applied. Further, the operation control unit 243 may use an operation control identifier included in the interrupt information when controlling the operation of each unit of the wireless tag reader 20 at the priority movement destination. Then, the movement direction determination unit 241 and the movement control unit 242 move the wireless tag reader 20 to the priority movement destination to control the operation of each unit, and then, the movement destination that has not been visited yet among the movement order information received initially. It is sufficient to apply and operate as the next destination in order.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the example to which a natural number is applied as a position identifier was demonstrated. In addition, the position identifier may be represented by including information indicating the geographical division of the reading position 9002 — j. For example, the position identifier can be expressed as “nm”. Note that n and m are both natural numbers. In this case, the position identifier “nm” is given to the mth reading position 9002 — j in the section “n”. In addition, it is assumed that the section “n” partitions the path in order of the value of n. In addition, it is assumed that the reading positions 9002_j to which the position identifier “nm” is attached are arranged on the path in the order of the magnitude of the value m in the section “n”. In this case, the movement direction determination unit 241 compares the position identifier “n1-m1” indicating the current location with the position identifier “n2-m2” indicating the movement destination, and based on the magnitude relationship between the values of n1 and n2. What is necessary is just to determine a moving direction. Moreover, the movement direction determination part 241 should just determine a movement direction based on the magnitude relationship of m1 and m2, when n1 and n2 are equal.

[Usage example 1 of optical tag]
Next, a usage example of the optical tag will be described. The optical tag is a tag that can optically read recorded information. Examples of the information recorded on the optical tag include a bar code that is an aspect of a one-dimensional code, a QR code that is an aspect of a two-dimensional code, and the like. However, the information is not limited thereto, and may be a three-dimensional code. The optical tag can be realized, for example, as an attachable label (or sticker) on which the above-described barcode, QR code, or the like is printed. Hereinafter, information recorded on the optical tag is also referred to as an information code.

  A tag system 1C obtained by modifying the wireless tag system 1 according to the first embodiment using an optical tag instead of the wireless tag will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the tag system 1C. FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the tag reader 10C.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the tag system 1C is applied to a production system 900C. The production system 900C is different from the production system 900 in the first embodiment in that an optical tag 94_j described later is deferred at each reading position 9000_j instead of the wireless tag 90_j. Another difference is that an optical tag 943 is attached to the article 902 instead of the wireless tag 903. The optical tag 943 is different from the wireless tag 903 in that the information described above as being stored in the wireless tag 903 is displayed so as to be optically readable. The configuration of the other production system 900C is the same as that of the production system 900.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the tag system 1C is different from the wireless tag system 1 according to the first embodiment in that a tag reader 10C is used instead of the wireless tag reader 10, and an optical tag 94_j (j is used instead of the wireless tag 90_j. Is an integer from 0 to M). The other configuration of the tag system 1C is the same as that of the wireless tag system 1. The optical tag 94_j indicates each of the optical tags 94_0 to 94_6. In this usage example, an example of M = 6 is shown, but the number of optical tags 94_j provided in the tag system 1C is arbitrary.

  As described above, the optical tag 94_j is deferred at each reading position 9000_j. The optical tag 94_j is different from the wireless tag 90_j in that the information code representing the information described above as being stored in the wireless tag 90_j is displayed so as to be optically readable.

  Specifically, the optical tag 94_j displays an information code representing a position identifier and operation control information. The position identifier is as described in the first embodiment. The operation control information is information for controlling the operation of each unit when the tag reader 10C reads information from the optical tag 943 at the destination. Specifically, the operation control information may include information indicating an angle of the optical sensor 41 described later. Further, the operation control information may include information indicating the type of information code (bar code or QR code) displayed on the optical tag 943. Further, the operation control information may include information specifying the type of information read from the optical tag 943.

  In addition, in addition to the position identifier and the motion control information, the optical tag 94_j displays an information code that further represents the direction information described in the first modification or the speed control information described in the second modification. May be.

  As illustrated in FIG. 18, the tag reader 10C omits the antenna 11, the antenna angle control unit 111, and the reading unit 13 from the wireless tag reader 10 according to the first embodiment, and instead uses the optical sensor 41 and the optical sensor angle control. A part 411 and a reading part 43 are added. The other configuration of the tag reader 10C is the same as that of the wireless tag reader 10.

  The optical sensor 41 captures information displayed on the optical tag 94_j or the optical tag 943 and outputs an image signal. For example, the optical sensor 41 may include an illumination light source, a lens, and light receiving elements arranged one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally. In this case, the optical sensor 41 forms an image of reflected light reflected by the optical tag 94_j from the illumination light source on the optical tag 94_j on an array of light receiving elements by a lens, and based on the light reception signal obtained from each light receiving element, Output a signal.

  The reading unit 43 decodes the image signal obtained by the optical sensor 41 and reads information recorded on the optical tag 94_j or the optical tag 943. Specifically, the reading unit 43 performs decoding by performing image processing corresponding to the characteristics of the information code type on the image signal. Information read by decryption includes a position identifier, an operation information identifier, article identification information, and the like. In addition, the information read by decoding may include direction information or speed control information.

  The tag system 1 </ b> C and the tag reader 10 </ b> C configured as described above have the same effects as those of the first embodiment by operating in the same manner as the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 3. In other words, the number of tag readers 10C required when reading the optical tag 943 at a plurality of reading positions 9000_j is smaller than the number of reading positions 9000_j, but the flexibility for changing the reading position 9000_j is further increased. be able to. In addition, this usage example can further increase the flexibility with respect to the case of changing the operating condition of the tag reader 10C.

  Further, this usage example can be similarly applied to the second embodiment. For example, when this usage example is applied to the second embodiment, the wireless tag 92_j is replaced with the optical tag 94_j, the wireless tag 923 attached to the bobbin 922 is replaced with the optical tag 943, and the wireless tag reader 20 The antenna 21 may be replaced with the optical sensor 41, the optical sensor angle control unit 411 may be added, and the reading unit 23 may be replaced with the reading unit 43.

[Usage example 2 of optical tag]
Next, a tag system 1D obtained by modifying the wireless tag system 1 according to the first embodiment to use an optical tag in addition to the wireless tag will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the tag system 1D. FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the tag reader 10D.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the tag system 1D is applied to a production system 900D. The production system 900D is different from the production system 900 in the first embodiment in that a wireless tag 95_j and an optical tag 96_j, which will be described later, are deferred instead of the wireless tag 90_j at each reading position 9000_j. The configuration of the other production system 900D is the same as that of the production system 900.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the tag system 1D is different from the wireless tag system 1 according to the first embodiment in that a tag reader 10D is used instead of the wireless tag reader 10, a wireless tag 95_j and an optical tag are used instead of the wireless tag 90_j. The difference is that it includes a tag 96_j (j is an integer of 0 to M). Note that the wireless tag 95_j indicates each of the wireless tags 95_0 to 95_6. The optical tag 96_j indicates each of the optical tags 96_0 to 96_6. In this usage example, an example of M = 6 is shown, but the number of wireless tags 95_j and the number of optical tags 96_j provided in the tag system 1D are arbitrary.

  As described above, the wireless tag 95_j is deferred at each reading position 9000_j. The wireless tag 95_j stores a position identifier among the information described above as stored in the wireless tag 90_j. The wireless tag 95_j may further store the direction information described in the first modification or the speed control information described in the second modification.

  As described above, the optical tag 96_j is placed at each reading position 9000_j. The optical tag 96_j displays an information code representing the operation control information among the information described above as stored in the wireless tag 90_j so as to be optically readable. The operation control information is as described in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 20, a tag reader 10D is obtained by adding an optical sensor 41 and an information code reading unit 53 to the wireless tag reader 10 according to the first embodiment. The configuration of the optical sensor 41 is as described in the first usage example. The information code reading unit 53 is configured in the same manner as the reading unit 43 in Usage Example 1. However, the tag which the information code reading unit 53 targets is an optical tag 96_j, which is different from the reading unit 43. Note that the information code reading unit 53 is an example of a part of the reading unit in one embodiment of the present invention.

  The tag system 1D and the tag reader 10D configured as described above have the same effects as those of the first embodiment by operating in the same manner as in the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. That is, the number of the RFID tag readers 10D required when reading the wireless tag 903 at the plurality of reading positions 9000_j is smaller than the number of the reading positions 9000_j, but the flexibility in the case of changing the reading position 9000_j is further increased. can do. In addition, this usage example can further increase the flexibility with respect to the case of changing the operation conditions (for example, the angle of the antenna, output power, reception sensitivity, etc.) of the tag reader 10D.

  Further, this usage example can be similarly applied to the second embodiment. For example, when this usage example is applied to the second embodiment, the wireless tag 92_j may be replaced with the wireless tag 95_j and the optical tag 96_j, and the optical sensor 41 and the information code reading unit 53 may be added to the wireless tag reader 20. .

  The tag system 1D can also be applied to a production system 900C in which the optical tag 943 is attached to the article 902 as in the first usage example. In that case, the tag reader 10D may further include an optical sensor angle control unit 411. As described above, in each embodiment of the present invention, which information can be stored in the tag (for example, position identifier, operation control information, direction information, speed control information, article identification information, etc.) As for whether to store in the optical tag, any combination is possible.

[Usage example 3 of optical tag]
Next, a tag system 1E obtained by modifying the wireless tag system 1 according to the first embodiment to use an optical tag in addition to the wireless tag will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the tag system 1E. FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the tag reader 10E.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the tag system 1E is applied to a production system 900E. The production system 900E differs from the production system 900 according to the first embodiment in that an optical tag 943 is attached instead of the wireless tag 903 attached to the article 902. The optical tag 943 is different from the wireless tag 903 in that the information described above as being stored in the wireless tag 903 is displayed so as to be optically readable. The configuration of the other production system 900E is the same as that of the production system 900.

As shown in FIG. 21, the tag system 1E is different from the wireless tag system 1 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a tag reader 10E instead of the wireless tag reader 10. The other configuration of the tag system 1E is the same as that of the wireless tag system 1.
As shown in FIG. 22, the tag reader 10E is obtained by adding an optical sensor 41, an optical sensor angle control unit 411, and an information code reading unit 53 to the wireless tag reader 10 according to the first embodiment. Other configurations of the tag reader 10E are the same as those of the wireless tag reader 10. The configurations of the optical sensor 41 and the optical sensor angle control unit 411 are as described in the first usage example, and the configuration of the information code reading unit 53 is as described in the second usage example. .
The tag system 1E and the tag reader 10E configured as described above have the same effects as those of the first embodiment by operating in the same manner as in the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. In other words, the number of tag readers 10E required when reading the optical tag 943 at a plurality of reading positions 9000_j is smaller than the number of reading positions 9000_j, but the flexibility with respect to the case of changing the reading position 9000_j is further increased. be able to. In addition, this usage example can further increase the flexibility with respect to the case of changing the operating conditions (for example, the angle of the antenna, output power, reception sensitivity, etc.) of the tag reader 10E.

  Also, this usage example can be used in the second embodiment as well. For example, when this usage example is applied to the second embodiment, the wireless tag 923 attached to the bobbin 922 is replaced with the optical tag 943, the optical sensor 41, the optical sensor angle control unit 411, In addition, an information code reading unit 53 may be added.

  FIG. 23A is a perspective view showing an example of a tag system 1E in which a plurality of reading positions are set in a two-dimensional space. In the tag system 1E shown in FIG. 23A, three reading positions 9000_0 to 9000_2 are set on the floor which is a two-dimensional space, and each reading position 9000_i (i is a natural number of 0 or more and 2 or less). The wireless tag 90_i in which a position identifier corresponding to the reading position is stored is deferred in the vicinity of. The tag reader 10E can freely move on the floor, and for example, reads various information from the optical tag 943 arranged in the vicinity of the reading position 9000_1. In FIG. 23A, only the reading positions 9000_0 to 9000_2, the stationary wireless tags 90_0 to 90_2, the optical tag 943 to be read, and the tag reader 10E are illustrated, and the other components are not illustrated. ing.

  In the tag system 1E shown in FIG. 23A, in addition to the position identifier and the operation control information, the wireless tag 90_i placed in the vicinity of each reading position 9000_i has another reading position viewed from the reading position 9000_i. Direction information indicating the direction of 9000_k (k is a natural number different from i of 0 or more and 2 or less) is stored in association with the position identifier “k” of another reading position 9000_k. For example, in the wireless tag 90_0 deferred in the vicinity of the reading position 9000_0, (1) direction information indicating the direction of the reading position 9000_1 viewed from the reading position 9000_0 is stored in association with the position identifier “1” of the reading position 9000_1. (2) Direction information indicating the direction of the reading position 9000_2 as viewed from the reading position 9000_0 is stored in association with the position identifier “2” of the reading position_9000.

  FIG. 23B is a perspective view showing the tag system 1E in which a plurality of reading positions are set on a three-dimensional space. In the tag system 1E shown in FIG. 23B, three reading positions 9000_0 to 9000_2 are set in a room that is a three-dimensional space, and each reading position 9000_i (i is a natural number of 0 or more and 2 or less). The wireless tag 90_i in which a position identifier corresponding to the reading position is stored is deferred in the vicinity of. The tag reader 10E can move freely in this room, and for example, reads various information from an optical tag 943 arranged in the vicinity of the reading position 9000_0. In FIG. 23B, only the reading positions 9000_0 to 9000_2, the stationary wireless tags 90_0 to 90_2, the optical tag 943 to be read, and the tag reader 10E are illustrated, and the other components are not illustrated. ing.

  In the tag system 1E shown in FIG. 23B, in addition to the position identifier and the operation control information, the wireless tag 90_i placed in the vicinity of each reading position 9000_i has another reading position viewed from the reading position 9000_i. Direction information indicating the direction of 9000_k (k is a natural number different from i of 0 or more and 2 or less) is stored in association with the position identifier “k” of another reading position 9000_k. For example, in the wireless tag 90_0 deferred in the vicinity of the reading position 9000_0, (1) direction information indicating the direction of the reading position 9000_2 viewed from the reading position 9000_0 is stored in association with the position identifier “2” of the reading position 9000_2. (2) Direction information indicating the direction of the reading position 900_3 viewed from the reading position 9000_1 is stored in association with the position identifier “3” of the reading position_9000_3.

  In the tag system 1E shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B, the moving direction determination unit 141 of the tag reader 10E operates as follows. That is, the movement direction determination unit 141 acquires the direction information read by the reading unit 13 from the wireless tag 90_j located in the vicinity of the current location. And the movement direction determination part 141 determines the direction which the direction information linked | related with the position identifier which shows a movement destination among the acquired direction information represents as a movement direction. For example, when the position identifier indicating the movement destination is the position identifier “1”, the movement direction determination unit 141 includes the direction information associated with the position identifier “1” among the direction information acquired from the wireless tag 90_0, that is, The direction of the reading position 9000_1 viewed from the reading position 9000_0 is determined as the movement direction.

  Further, in this usage example, the optical tag 943 to be read has been described as being attached to the article 902 that moves on the path of the production system 900. Not limited to this, the optical tag 943 to be read may be attached to another article existing in the production system 900. Such an article may be, for example, an article carried or worn by an operator, an auxiliary material such as a paint or a chemical, a jig attached to the manufacturing apparatus 911, a production instruction, a manual, or the like.

  In the present embodiment, a configuration is described in which the host device 80 collectively transmits movement order information, which is a sequence of a position identifier indicating a movement destination and an operation control identifier, to the tag reader 10E in advance. did. In this case, the host device 80 may transmit interrupt information to the tag reader 10E that is moving to the destination sequentially according to the movement order information. The interrupt information is information instructed to move to at least a different destination in preference to a set of a position identifier and an operation control identifier indicating the destination, which has been received from the host as movement order information. Such different destinations are also referred to as priority destinations. The interrupt information includes at least a position identifier indicating a preferential movement destination. The interrupt information may include an operation control identifier to be applied to the tag reader 10E at the priority movement destination. In this case, when the movement direction determination unit 141 and the movement control unit 142 receive the interrupt information, the position identifier indicating the priority movement destination included in the interrupt information is used as the position identifier and the operation control identifier indicating the next movement destination. Apply. Further, the operation control unit 143 may use an operation control identifier included in the interrupt information when controlling the operation of each unit of the tag reader 10E at the preferential movement destination, or a position indicating the movement destination before receiving the interrupt information. The motion control identifier paired with the identifier may be used, or these two motion control identifiers may be used in combination. Then, the movement direction determination unit 141 and the movement control unit 142 move the tag reader 10E to the priority movement destination to control the operation of each unit, and then, from the movement destination information that has not been visited yet, of the movement order information originally received. In order, it may be applied as the next destination.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the example to which a natural number is applied as a position identifier was demonstrated. In addition, the position identifier may be represented by including information indicating the geographical division of the reading position 9000 — j. For example, the position identifier can be expressed as “nm”. Note that n and m are both natural numbers. In this case, the position identifier “nm” is given to the mth reading position 9000 — j in the section “n”. In addition, it is assumed that the section “n” partitions the path in order of the value of n. Further, it is assumed that the reading positions 9000 — j with the position identifier “nm” are arranged on the path in the order of the value of m in the section “n”. In this case, the movement direction determination unit 141 compares the position identifier “n1-m1” indicating the current location with the position identifier “n2-m2” indicating the movement destination, and based on the magnitude relationship between the values of n1 and n2. What is necessary is just to determine a moving direction. Moreover, the movement direction determination part 141 should just determine a movement direction based on the magnitude relationship of m1 and m2, when n1 and n2 are equal.

[Third Embodiment]
The wireless tag system according to the first and second embodiments described above includes a mobile wireless tag reader and a stationary wireless tag. In the present embodiment, a wireless tag system including a stationary wireless tag reader instead of a mobile wireless tag reader and a portable wireless tag instead of a stationary wireless tag will be described.

  The wireless tag system 3 as the third embodiment of the present invention is applied to a manufacturing apparatus 931 that manufactures a linear product (may be a planar product). FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of the wireless tag system 3 and the manufacturing apparatus 931.

(Configuration of manufacturing equipment)
First, the configuration of the manufacturing apparatus 931 will be described. As shown in FIG. 24, the manufacturing apparatus 931 performs a process related to production on the linear article carried in from the carry-in port, and carries it out from the carry-out port.

  The bobbin 932a around which the linear article is wound is disposed at the carry-in port of the manufacturing apparatus 931. From the bobbin 932a arranged at the carry-in port, a linear article is fed out and carried into the manufacturing apparatus 931. Further, a bobbin 932b different from the bobbin 932a at the carry-in port is disposed at the carry-out port of the manufacturing apparatus 931. The bobbin 932b may be a bobbin having the same shape, structure, and material as the bobbin 932a, or may be a bobbin having a different shape, structure, or material from the bobbin 932a. The bobbin 932b arranged at the carry-out port winds the linear article carried out from the manufacturing apparatus 931. Hereinafter, each of the bobbins 932a and 932b is also simply referred to as a bobbin 932. Note that the dashed arrows shown in FIG. 24 indicate the directions in which linear articles are carried into and out of the manufacturing apparatus 931.

  A wireless tag 933a is attached to the bobbin 932a. A wireless tag 933b is attached to the bobbin 932b. Hereinafter, each of the wireless tags 933a and 933b is also simply referred to as a wireless tag 933. The wireless tag 933 stores various types of information regarding the bobbin 932 to which the wireless tag 933 is attached. For example, the wireless tag 933 includes information indicating the type of the bobbin 932, information identifying the bobbin 932, information regarding the winding state of the bobbin 932, other information regarding the bobbin 932, or any combination of these information. It may be stored. Information other than information for identifying the individual bobbin 932 may not be stored in the wireless tag 933 but managed in an external database or the like. Further, the information for identifying the individual bobbin 932 may be associated with article identification information of a semi-finished product wound around the bobbin 932 in an external database or the like.

(Configuration of the entire RFID tag system)
Next, the configuration of the wireless tag system 3 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 24, the wireless tag system 3 includes a stationary wireless tag reader 30, a host device 83, and a portable wireless tag 93. The wireless tag reader 30 includes an antenna 31 and an antenna angle control unit 311, a reading unit 33, a control unit 34, and a power supply unit 35. The control unit 34 includes an operation control unit 343 and a communication unit 344.

  The antenna 31 and the reading unit 33 are communicably connected via a cable or the like. The control unit 34 is connected to other units via a cable or the like so as to be controllable. The control unit 34 is communicably connected to the host device 83 via a wireless network, a wired network, or a combination thereof.

(Configuration of portable wireless tag)
Next, a detailed configuration of the portable wireless tag 93 will be described. The portable wireless tag 93 is disposed in the vicinity of the manufacturing apparatus 931 so as to be replaceable. For example, the wireless tag 93 may be attached to a manufacturing instruction sheet applied to the manufacturing apparatus 931. The manufacturing instruction is a document on which manufacturing contents to be applied to the manufacturing apparatus 931 are described. The described manufacturing content includes information for specifying the bobbins 932 to be arranged at the carry-in port and the carry-out port of the production apparatus 931, respectively. Here, it is assumed that different manufacturing instructions can be applied to the same manufacturing apparatus 931 in different periods. In this case, an operator who performs work on the manufacturing apparatus 931 during a certain period carries a manufacturing instruction sheet to be applied to the manufacturing apparatus 931, and sets the bobbins 932 at the carry-in port and the carry-out port according to the carried production instruction sheet. Deploy. Thereafter, the operator may place the manufacturing instruction at a predetermined position such as inside or on the surface of the manufacturing apparatus 931. Thereby, the wireless tag 93 attached to the manufacturing instruction sheet is disposed in the vicinity of the manufacturing apparatus 931 so as to be replaceable. However, the portable wireless tag 93 is only required to be replaceable in the vicinity of the manufacturing apparatus 931 and does not necessarily have to be attached to the manufacturing instruction sheet.

  The portable wireless tag 93 stores a manufacturing identifier and operation control information. The manufacturing identifier is information for identifying manufacturing contents to be applied to the manufacturing apparatus 931 in a certain period.

  The operation control information is information for controlling the operation of each unit when the wireless tag reader 30 reads information from the wireless tag 933. The portable wireless tag 93 may store a plurality of operation control information. Each operation control information is assigned an operation control identifier. The details of the operation control information are as described in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof will not be repeated.

(Host device configuration)
Next, details of the configuration of the host device 83 will be described. The host device 83 is configured by a computer device including a processor, a memory, and a network interface. The host device 83 has a function of receiving information read from the wireless tag 933 (hereinafter referred to as read information) from the wireless tag reader 30. The host device 83 may have a function of storing the received read information in a memory, a function of displaying it on a display device (not shown), and the like. These functions of the host device 83 are realized by the processor reading and executing the program and data stored in the memory and communicating with the wireless tag reader 30 via the network interface.

(Configuration of wireless tag reader)
Next, the configuration of each part of the wireless tag reader 30 will be described.

  The antenna 31 is installed at a position where information can be read from the wireless tag 933 attached to the bobbin 932 respectively disposed at the carry-in port and the carry-out port of the manufacturing apparatus 931. Such a position may be, for example, above the manufacturing apparatus 931 as shown in FIG. 24, but is not limited thereto. The antenna 31 is configured such that the angle can be adjusted by the antenna angle control unit 311. Note that, unlike the first embodiment, the antenna 31 and the antenna angle control unit 311 do not need to be movable and may be fixedly installed. About the other point, since the antenna 31 and the antenna angle control part 311 are comprised similarly to the antenna 11 and the antenna angle control part 111 in 1st Embodiment, description in this embodiment is not repeated.

  The reading unit 33 reads the operation control information recorded on the wireless tag within a communicable range via the antenna 31 in a non-contact manner. Examples of the wireless tag in a range where communication is possible via the antenna 31 include, but are not limited to, the wireless tag 93 and the wireless tag 933. Unlike the reading unit 13 in the first embodiment, the reading unit 33 does not need to be movable. Further, examples of information that the reading unit 33 reads from a wireless tag within a range in which communication is possible via the antenna 31 include a manufacturing identifier, an operation control identifier, and article identification information, but are not limited thereto.

  The control unit 34 is configured by a computer device including a processor, a memory, and a network interface. The operation control unit 343 and the communication unit 344, which are each functional block of the control unit 34, read and execute the program and data stored in the memory and execute communication with the host device 83 via the network interface. It is realized as a function of However, some or all of the functional blocks of the control unit 34 may be realized by dedicated hardware.

  The operation control unit 343 acquires one or more operation control information read by the reading unit 33 from the portable wireless tag 93. Further, the operation control unit 343 may describe each unit of the wireless tag reader 30 according to the read operation control information (hereinafter simply referred to as each unit depending on the content of the paragraph. The specific configuration will be described later). Control). If a plurality of operation control information is read, the operation control unit 343 may control each unit of the own device sequentially according to each operation control information.

  For example, it is assumed that information read from the portable wireless tag 93 includes two pieces of operation control information. Further, it is assumed that each operation control information includes information for designating the angle of the antenna 31, information for designating output power, information for designating the reception sensitivity of the reading unit 33, and conditions for designating information to be read. For example, the first operation control information may have a configuration suitable for reading information from the wireless tag 933a attached to the bobbin 932a disposed at the carry-in port of the manufacturing apparatus 931. Further, for example, the second operation control information may have a configuration suitable for reading information from the wireless tag 933b attached to the bobbin 932b disposed at the carry-out port of the manufacturing apparatus 931.

  In this case, the operation control unit 343 adjusts the angle of the antenna 31, the output power, and the reception sensitivity of the reading unit 33 according to the first operation control information, and then is read from the wireless tag 933 a by the reading unit 33. The information is filtered according to the specified conditions to obtain first read information. The first read information may be, for example, article identification information of a semi-finished product wound around the bobbin 932a, but is not limited thereto. Thereafter, the operation control unit 343 adjusts the angle of the antenna 31, the output power, and the reception sensitivity of the reading unit 33 according to the second operation control information, and then the information read from the wireless tag 933b by the reading unit 33. Are filtered according to a specified condition to obtain second read information. The second read information may be, for example, article identification information of a semi-finished product wound around the bobbin 932b, but is not limited thereto.

  Note that the operation control unit 343 may start control of each unit based on the read operation control information when the manufacturing identifier and the operation control information are read from the portable wireless tag 93. Alternatively, the operation control unit 343 reads the manufacturing identifier and the operation control information from the portable wireless tag 93, and then, triggered by input of information for instructing the operation unit (not shown) to read. You may start control of each part based on the read operation control information.

  In addition, when a plurality of pieces of operation control information are read from the portable wireless tag 93, the operation control unit 343 immediately performs control based on the next operation control information after finishing the control based on the previous operation control information. You may start. Alternatively, the operation control unit 343 may start control based on the next operation control information after waiting for a predetermined period after completing the control based on the previous operation control information. In that case, the waiting period may be determined in advance. Alternatively, information indicating a standby period may be included in the operation control information.

  In addition, the operation control unit 343 transmits the read information read from the nearby wireless tag 933 by the reading unit 33 according to the operation control information and the manufacturing identifier to the host device 83. Note that transmission to the host device 83 is performed via the communication unit 344. For example, each time the read information is read from the wireless tag 933 existing in the vicinity, the operation control unit 343 may transmit the set of the read information and the manufacturing identifier to the host device 83. Alternatively, the operation control unit 343 may collectively transmit the read information read according to one or more operation control information read from the portable wireless tag 93 to the host device 83 together with the manufacturing identifier. . Further, when transmitting the read information to the host device 83, the operation control unit 343 associates the operation control identifier of the operation control information applied when the read information is obtained with the read information, and You may transmit to the apparatus 83.

  Since the communication unit 344 and the power supply unit 35 are configured in the same manner as the communication unit 144 and the power supply unit 15 in the first embodiment, detailed description will not be repeated.

(Control method of wireless tag reader)
Next, a method for controlling the wireless tag reader 30 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 25 is a flowchart for explaining a control method S3 of the wireless tag reader 30. The control method S3 is executed by the control unit 34 and includes the following steps.

  Step S301: The reading unit 33 acquires a manufacturing identifier and one or more operation control information from the portable wireless tag 93 disposed in the vicinity of the manufacturing apparatus 931.

  Step S302: The operation control unit 343 controls the operation of each unit of the wireless tag reader 30 according to one of the operation control information. For example, the operation control unit 343 controls the antenna angle control unit 311 to adjust the angle of the antenna 31 according to the operation control information. Further, for example, the operation control unit 343 controls the antenna 31 to adjust the output power according to the operation control information. For example, the operation control unit 343 controls the reading unit 33 to adjust the reception sensitivity according to the operation control information. Note that step S302 may be executed in response to input of information for instructing reading to an operation unit (not shown) after step S301 is executed.

  Step S303: The operation control unit 343 filters the information read by the reading unit 33 from the wireless tag 933 existing in the vicinity according to the operation control information to obtain read information.

  Step S304: The operation control unit 343 stores a set of read information and an operation control identifier. In this step, the operation control unit 343 may transmit the read information and the operation control identifier to the host device 83 instead of storing the set.

  Step S305: The operation control unit 343 determines whether there is operation control information that has not been processed among the operation control information read in step S301. If there is operation control information that has not been processed yet (Yes in step S305), the processing from step S302 is repeated. Note that the operation control unit 343 may wait for a predetermined period before repeating the processing from step S302. If all the read operation control information has been processed (No in step S305), the next step S305 is executed.

  Step S306: The operation control unit 343 transmits the manufacturing identifier and the combination of the read information and the operation control identifier stored in each of the steps S304 executed so far to the host device 83. It should be noted that this step is omitted when a set of read information and operation control identifier is transmitted to the host device 83 every time step S304 is executed.

(Specific example of wireless tag reader control method)
Next, a specific example of the control method S3 of the wireless tag reader 30 will be described with reference to FIG. 6 and FIGS.

  Here, it is assumed that the information shown in FIG. 26 is stored in the portable wireless tag 93 arranged in the vicinity of the manufacturing apparatus 931. That is, 0 is stored in the wireless tag 93 as a manufacturing identifier. The wireless tag 93 stores operation control information with an operation control identifier: 311 and operation control information with an operation control identifier: 312. The operation control information of the operation control identifier: 311 includes “A” as the reading target designation information. This designates reading of article identification information including “A” as a type. The operation control information includes “+315 degrees” as the horizontal angle and “+30 degrees” as the vertical angle. This specifies that the azimuth angle and elevation angle of the antenna 31 are controlled to +315 degrees (315 degrees clockwise) and +30 degrees (30 degrees upward), respectively, from the reference direction. The operation control information includes “+25 dBm” as output power. This is a value that specifies the output power of the antenna 31. The operation control information includes “−60 dBm” as the reception sensitivity. This is a value that specifies the reception sensitivity of the reading unit 33. Further, the operation control information of the operation control identifier: 312 includes “B” as the reading target designation information. This designates reading of article identification information including “B” as a type. The information other than the reading target designation information included in the operation control control information of the operation control identifier 312 is the same as the information included in the operation control control information of the operation control identifier 311 except for the horizontal angle. This is because, in FIG. 24, the wireless tag 933 a is in the left direction of the antenna 31, whereas the wireless tag 933 b is in the right direction of the antenna 31.

  Further, the wireless tag 933 attached to the bobbin 932 disposed at each of the carry-in port and the carry-out port has a format similar to the information shown in FIG. 6 referred to in the specific example of the first embodiment of the present invention. Information is stored. Here, the type A or B represents the type of the bobbin 932. The individual number represents the individual number of the bobbin 932.

  In this case, first, the reading unit 33 receives from the portable wireless tag 93 the operation control information to which the manufacturing identifier: 0, the operation control identifier: 311 is assigned, and the operation control information to which the operation control identifier: 312 is assigned. Are read (step S301).

  Next, the operation control unit 343 controls each unit of the wireless tag reader 30 according to the operation control information of the operation control identifier 311. Specifically, the operation control unit 343 controls the antenna angle control unit 311 so that the azimuth angle and elevation angle of the antenna 31 are +315 degrees and +30 degrees from the reference direction, respectively. Further, the operation control unit 343 controls the output power of the antenna 31 to +25 dBm. Further, the operation control unit 343 controls the reception sensitivity of the reading unit 33 to −60 dBm (step S302).

  Then, the operation control unit 343 acquires information “A001” read from the wireless tag 933a attached to the type A bobbin 932a disposed at the carry-in port of the manufacturing apparatus 931. Then, the operation control unit 343 obtains “A001” as a result of filtering the read information with information including the type A according to the read target designation information included in the operation control information of the operation control identifier: 311 (step S303). . Then, the operation control unit 343 stores a set of “operation control identifier: 311 and read information: A001” (step S304).

  Next, the operation control unit 343 determines that the operation control information assigned with the operation control identifier 312 among the operation control information read in step S301 has not yet been processed (Yes in step S305).

  Therefore, the operation control unit 343 controls each unit of the wireless tag reader 30 according to the operation control information of the operation control identifier 312. Specifically, the operation control unit 343 controls the antenna angle control unit 311 so that the azimuth angle and elevation angle of the antenna 31 are +45 degrees and +30 degrees from the reference direction, respectively. Note that the output power of the antenna 31 and the reception sensitivity of the reading unit 33 are the same as the operation control information of the operation control identifier: 311. Therefore, the operation control unit 343 does not perform the steps related to these in this step. Control may be omitted (step S302).

  Then, the operation control unit 343 acquires information “B001” read from the wireless tag 933b attached to the type B bobbin 932b disposed at the carry-out port of the manufacturing apparatus 931. Then, the operation control unit 343 obtains “B001” as a result of filtering the read information by including the type B in accordance with the read target designation information included in the operation control information of the operation control identifier 312 (step S303). . Then, the operation control unit 343 stores a set of “operation control identifier: 312 and read information: B001” (step S304).

  Next, the operation control unit 343 determines that there is no unprocessed operation control information read in step S301 (No in step S305).

  Therefore, the operation control unit 343 sets the manufacturing identifier: 0, a set of “operation control identifier: 311 and read information: A001” obtained in each of the steps S303, and “operation control identifier: 312 and read information: B001”. Are sent to the host device 83 (step S306).

  For example, the host device 83 may present the information received from the wireless tag reader 30 to the user by displaying the information on a display device. Thereby, the user can confirm whether the correct bobbin 932 is arrange | positioned in the carrying-in port and carrying-out port of the manufacturing apparatus 931 in the manufacture content which the manufacture identifier: 0 shows.

(Effect of this embodiment)
In this embodiment, by making it possible to change the operating conditions of each part of the device, it is not necessary to install an antenna for each place where the RFID tag to be read is placed, and the cost associated with the installation and space of the RFID tag reader can be reduced. Can be reduced.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, it is assumed that the portable wireless tag 93 is attached to the manufacturing instruction, and the control method S <b> 3 is started upon reading from the portable wireless tag 93. In other words, when a manufacturing instruction is placed near the manufacturing apparatus 931, the control method S3 is started. In this case, in the present embodiment, the operator confirms whether or not the correct bobbin 932 is disposed at the carry-in port and the carry-out port of the production device 931 without making the worker aware of the wireless tag system 3. It can be executed simply by placing a manufacturing instruction in the vicinity of.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the first and second embodiments described above, the example in which the wireless tag system of one aspect of the present invention is applied to a production system for producing a product has been described. In this embodiment, an example in which the wireless tag system of one embodiment of the present invention is used for managing an inventory of articles stored in a warehouse will be described.

  The wireless tag system 7 as the fourth embodiment of the present invention is applied to a warehouse 970. First, the configuration of the warehouse 970 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the wireless tag system 7 and the warehouse 970.

(Structure of warehouse)
As illustrated in FIG. 27, the warehouse 970 includes areas 971_1 to 971_N. Here, N is a natural number of 1 or more. FIG. 27 shows a case where N = 3, but the number N of areas 971_1 to 971_N is arbitrary. The warehouse 970 may be installed indoors (for example, in a factory) or may be installed outdoors. Hereinafter, each of the areas 971_1 to 971_N is represented as an area 971_i as a representative. Here, i is a natural number of 1 or more and N or less.

  In each area 971_i, racks 971_i_1 to 971_i_n are installed. Here, n is a natural number of 1 or more. In FIG. 27, n = 3 is shown, but the number n of racks in each area 971_i is arbitrary. FIG. 27 shows an example in which the same number of racks are installed in each area 971_i, but the number of racks installed in each area 971_i is not necessarily the number of racks installed in the other area 971_i. It does not have to be the same as the number. Hereinafter, the racks 971_i_1 to 971_i_n are also referred to as racks 971_i_k as representatives. Here, k is a natural number of 1 or more and n or less.

  Each of the articles 972_1 to 972_m is stored in any of the areas 971_i. Here, m is a natural number of 1 or more. FIG. 27 shows a case where m = 12, but the number m of the articles 972_1 to 972_m is arbitrary. Hereinafter, each of the articles 972_1 to 972_m is represented as an article 972_1. Here, l is a natural number between 1 and m.

  In the example of FIG. 27, articles 972_1 to 972_4 are stored in the area 971_1. Specifically, the article 972_1 is stored in the rack 971_1_1. The article 972_2 is stored in the rack 971_1_2. In addition, the article 972_3 and the article 972_4 are stored in the rack 971_1_3. Similarly, in the area 972_2, each of the articles 972_5 to 972_8 is stored in any of the racks 971_2_1 to 971_2 to 3 as illustrated. In the area 972_3, each of the articles 972_9 to 972_12 is stored in any of the racks 971_3_1 to 971_3_3 as illustrated. Note that the number of articles 972_l stored in each area 971_i and each rack 971_i_k is arbitrary, and may not necessarily be the same as the number of articles 972_l stored in other areas 971_i or other racks 971_i_k.

  A wireless tag 973_l is attached to the article 972_l. The wireless tag 973_l is an example of a wireless tag to be read in one embodiment of the present invention. The wireless tag 973 — l stores various information related to the article 972 — l. For example, the wireless tag 973 — l may store information indicating the type of the article 972 — l. In addition, the wireless tag 973_1 may store information for identifying an individual of the article 972_1. The wireless tag 973_l may store other information related to the article 972_l. Further, the wireless tag 973 — l may store any combination of these various pieces of information.

(Configuration of reading position)
In each area 971_i, a reading position of information from the wireless tag 973 is defined. Specifically, a reading position 9007_1 and a reading position 9007_2 are defined in the area 971_1. As the reading position 9007_1, a position suitable for reading information from the wireless tag 973_1 in the rack 971_1_1 is determined. As the reading position 9007_2, a position suitable for reading information from the wireless tag 973_1 in the rack 971_1_2 or 971_1_3 is determined.

  Similarly, a reading position 9007_3 and a reading position 9007_4 are defined in the area 971_2. As the reading position 9007_3, a position suitable for reading information from the wireless tag 973_1 in the rack 971_2_1 is determined. As the reading position 9007_2, a position suitable for reading information from the wireless tag 973_1 in the rack 971_2_2 or the rack 971_2_3 is determined.

  Similarly, a reading position 9007_5 and a reading position 9007_6 are defined in the area 971_3. As the reading position 9007_5, a position suitable for reading information from the wireless tag 973_1 in the rack 971_3_1 is determined. As the reading position 9007_6, a position suitable for reading information from the wireless tag 973_1 in the rack 971_3_2 or the rack 971_3_3 is determined.

  In addition, a reading position 9007_0 is defined as a movement start point where movement of the wireless tag reader 70 described later is started.

  In addition, rails are laid on a path 975 that passes through the reading positions 9007_0 to 9007_6. A wireless tag reader 70 to be described later moves on the route 975. Hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity, the side having the reading position 9007_0 on the path 975 is referred to as upstream, and the side having 9007_6 is referred to as downstream. A direction from the reading position 9007_0 to 9007_6 is referred to as a downstream direction, and a direction from the reading position 9007_6 to 9007_0 is referred to as an upstream direction.

  FIG. 27 illustrates an example in which the movement start point (that is, the reading position 9007_0) is determined further upstream than the reading position 9007_1 that is the most upstream among the other reading positions 9007_1 to 9007_6. However, the position of the movement start point on the route 975 is not limited to this. For example, the movement start point may be determined between two adjacent reading positions among the other reading positions 9007_1 to 9007_6. Further, the movement start point may be set further downstream than the reading position 9007_6 which is the most downstream among the other reading positions 9007_1 to 9007_6. In addition, the movement start point may be set at the same position as any of the other reading positions 9007_1 to 9007_6. Hereinafter, each of the reading positions 9007_0 to 9007_6 is also referred to as a reading position 9007_j. Note that j is a natural number of 0 or more and M or less, and M is a natural number of 1 or more. In the present embodiment, an example of M = 6 is shown, but the number of reading positions 9007_j determined in the wireless tag system 7 is arbitrary. Further, in the present embodiment, an example in which there are two reading positions defined for each area 901_i is shown, but the number of reading positions defined for each area 901_i is not limited. The reading position 9007_j is not limited to the position illustrated in FIG. In addition, a wireless tag 97_j is placed in the vicinity of each reading position 9007_j. Details of the wireless tag 97_j will be described later.

(Configuration of the entire RFID tag system)
Next, the configuration of the wireless tag system 7 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 27, the wireless tag system 7 includes a wireless tag reader 70, a host device 87, and a plurality of stationary wireless tags 97_0 to 97_M. As described above, M is a natural number of 1 or more. FIG. 27 shows the case where M = 6, but the number (M + 1) of the wireless tags 97_0 to 97_M is arbitrary. Hereinafter, the wireless tags 97_0, 97_1, 97_2, 97_3, 97_4, 97_5, and 97_6 are represented as wireless tags 97_j as representatives. Here, j is a natural number between 0 and M. The wireless tag reader 70 is configured to be movable on the route 975 described above. The moving direction is either the upstream direction or the downstream direction. In FIG. 27, an alternate long and short dash line arrow indicates a direction in which the wireless tag reader 70 can move.

(Configuration of deferred wireless tag)
Next, a detailed configuration of the stationary wireless tag 97 will be described. Each of the plurality of stationary wireless tags 97 is disposed in the vicinity of each reading position 9007_j. In the present embodiment, assuming that one wireless tag 97 is placed in the vicinity of each reading position 9007_j, the number of wireless tags 97 placed in each area 971_i is two. Hereinafter, each stationary wireless tag 97 is also referred to as a stationary wireless tag 97_j (j is a natural number between 0 and M). However, the number of the stationary wireless tags 97_j is not limited to M. Further, the number of stationary wireless tags 97_j is not necessarily the same as the number of reading positions 9007_j.

  The stationary wireless tag 97_j stores a position identifier and operation control information to which the operation control identifier is assigned. The position identifier and the operation control information are as described in the first embodiment. As a place where the wireless tag 97_j is deferred, for example, beside the flow line of the wireless tag reader 70. Further, for example, the flow line of the wireless tag reader 70 can be mentioned. For example, the surface of the pillar which comprises rack 971_i_k installed in area 971_i, or the upper surface of a shelf is mentioned. In addition, for example, on the ground plane on which such a rack 971_i_k is installed.

(Host device configuration)
Next, details of the configuration of the host device 87 will be described. The host device 87 is configured by a computer device including a processor, a memory, and a network interface. The host device 87 has the following function in addition to the same configuration as the host device 80 in the first embodiment. The host device 87 has a function of collectively transmitting movement order information to the wireless tag reader 70. In addition, the host device 87 has a function of collectively receiving one or more pieces of read information read from each of the reading positions 9007_j from the wireless tag reader 70. Hereinafter, one or more pieces of read information that are collectively received are also referred to as a read information list. In addition, the host device 87 has a function of storing the read information list received from the wireless tag reader 70 in a memory, and detecting and outputting the increase / decrease in the article 972 based on the history of the read information list. For example, the host device 87 compares the article identification information included in the read information list received last time with the article identification information included in the read information list received this time, and determines the article identification information that has increased or decreased. You may make it detect and display on a display apparatus. These functions of the host device 87 are realized by the processor reading and executing the program and data stored in the memory and communicating with the wireless tag reader 70 via the network interface.

(Configuration of wireless tag reader)
Next, the configuration of each part of the wireless tag reader 70 will be described. FIG. 28 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the wireless tag reader 70. The wireless tag reader 70 includes an antenna 71, an antenna angle control unit 711, a moving unit 72, a reading unit 73, a control unit 74, and a power supply unit 75. The control unit 74 includes a movement direction determination unit 741, a movement control unit 742, an operation control unit 743, and a communication unit 744. Since each of these parts is configured in the same manner as each part in the first embodiment, description thereof will not be repeated.

(Specific example of wireless tag reader control method)
Next, a specific example of a method for controlling the wireless tag reader 70 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 29 to 31. Note that the control method of the wireless tag reader 70 is the same as the control method S1 of the wireless tag reader 10 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 3, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted. Now, a specific example will be described.

  In this specific example, it is assumed that a natural number of position identifiers j is sequentially assigned to each reading position 9007 — j from 0 toward the downstream side of the path 975 in order from 0. Information is stored in the wireless tag 97_j arranged in the vicinity of each reading position 9007_j as follows. That is, the wireless tag 97_j stores the position identifier: j. Each of the wireless tags 97_1 to 97_6 stores one or more operation control information in addition to the position identifier. Each operation control information has contents suitable for reading information from the wireless tag 973 — l in the target rack 971 — i — k at the reading position 9007 — j.

  FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in the wireless tag 97_j. In FIG. 29, for example, the wireless tag 97_1 stores operation control information to which a position identifier: 1 and an operation control identifier 701 are assigned. The operation control information provided with the operation control identifier 701 is content suitable for reading information from the wireless tag 973_1 in the rack 971_1_1 at the reading position 9007_1. In FIG. 29, details of the information included in the operation control information are not shown.

  In addition, for example, the wireless tag 97_2 stores a position identifier: 2, operation control information to which the operation control identifier 702 is assigned, and operation control information to which the operation control identifier 703 is assigned. The operation control information to which the operation control identifier 702 is assigned has a configuration suitable for reading information from the wireless tag 973_1 in the rack 971_1_2 at the reading position 9007_2. The operation control information to which the operation control identifier 703 is assigned has a configuration suitable for reading information from the wireless tag 973_1 in the rack 971_1_3 at the reading position 9007_2.

  Further, in this specific example, it is assumed that the wireless tag 973_1 attached to the article 972_l stores article identification information for identifying the solid of the article 972_l. FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of article identification information stored in the wireless tag 973 — l. In FIG. 30, for example, the wireless tag 973_1 stores article identification information “A001” of the article 971_1.

  In this specific example, the host device 87 stores a combination list of position identifiers and operation control identifiers. FIG. 31 is an example of a combination list. In FIG. 31, the operation control identifier associated with each position identifier is the operation of the operation control information having a configuration suitable for reading the wireless tag 973_l in the target rack 971_i_k at the reading position identified by the position identifier. Control identifier.

  In addition, the host device 87 generates the above-described movement order information based on such a combination list in order to instruct the movement order to the wireless tag reader 70. FIG. 32 is an example of movement order information. The movement order information shown in FIG. 32 includes position identifiers in ascending order from 1, and finally includes a position identifier 0. That is, the movement order information represents a movement order in which the reading positions 9007_1 to 9007_6 are circulated in order, and finally, the reading position 9007_0 that is the movement start point is returned.

  In this specific example, the host device 87 transmits the movement order information all at once to the wireless tag reader 70 at the movement start point, and then circulates each reading position and returns to the movement start point from the wireless tag reader 70. Assume that a set of position identifier and read information is received.

  Further, in this specific example, the wireless tag reader 70 moves the reading position 9007_j sequentially according to the movement order information collectively received from the host device 87, and the wireless tag according to the operation control information at the movement destination reading position 9007_j. It is assumed that reading from 973 — l is performed.

  In this specific example, the host device 87 only needs to be able to communicate with the wireless tag reader 70 at the reading position 9007_0 that is the movement start point, and is not necessarily communicable with the wireless tag reader 70 on the other path 975. It does not have to be. In the following description, it is assumed that the wireless tag reader 70 has already received movement order information from the host device 87 in a batch.

  First, the moving direction determination unit 741 acquires the position identifier: 0 indicating the current location, read from the wireless tag 97_0 by the reading unit 73 (step S101).

  Next, the movement direction determination unit 741 acquires a set of a position identifier: 1 and an operation control identifier: 701 indicating the movement destination based on the movement order information received from the host device 87 (step S102).

  Next, the movement direction determination unit 741 compares the position identifier: 0 indicating the current location with the position identifier: 1 indicating the movement destination, and since the position identifier indicating the movement destination is larger, the movement direction is determined to be the downstream direction. (No in step S103, step S104).

  Next, the movement control unit 742 controls the moving unit 72 to move the wireless tag reader 70 in the downstream direction, and stops the wireless tag reader 70 at the reading position 9007_1 (in the area 971_1) identified by the movement destination identifier: 1. (Steps S105 to S107). Note that details of the control in steps S105 to S107 are the same as described in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof will not be repeated.

  Next, in the operation control unit 743, the operation control information 701 read by the reading unit 73 from the wireless tag 97_1 that stores the position identifier 1 indicating the destination is the same as the operation control identifier 701 acquired in step S102. Is determined (step S108).

  Therefore, the operation control unit 743 controls each unit of the wireless tag reader 70 according to the operation control information of the operation control identifier: 701 (step S109). As described above, the operation control information of the operation control identifier: 701 has contents suitable for reading information from the wireless tag 973_1 in the rack 971_1_1 in the area 971_1 as described above.

  Then, the operation control unit 743 acquires the item identification information “A001” from the wireless tag 973_1 attached to the item 972_1 stored in the rack 971_1_1 (Step S110).

  Then, the operation control unit 743 stores a set of “position identifier: 1 and article identification information: A001” in the memory (step S111).

  Next, the movement direction determination unit 741 determines whether there is a position identifier indicating the next movement destination based on the movement order information received from the host device 87 (step S112). Here, there is a set of position identifier: 2 and operation control identifier: 702 indicating the next destination.

  Therefore, the control unit 74 determines that there is a next destination (YES in step S112), and again executes steps S101 to S111 in the same manner.

  Specifically, the wireless tag reader 70 moves to the reading position 9007_2 in the same area 971_1 (steps S101 to S107).

  Then, each part of the wireless tag reader 70 is adjusted according to the operation control information of the operation control identifier 702 (steps S108 to S109). Thereby, the article identification information “B001” is read from the wireless tag 973_2 attached to the article 972_2 stored in the rack 971_1_2 (step S110). Then, the operation control unit 743 adds and stores a set of “position identifier: 2 and article identification information: B001” in the memory (step S111).

  Next, the movement direction determination unit 741 determines whether there is a position identifier indicating the next movement destination based on the movement order information received from the host device 87 (step S112). Here, there is a set of a position identifier: 2 and an operation control identifier: 703 indicating the next movement destination.

  Therefore, the control unit 74 determines that there is a next destination (YES in step S112), and again executes steps S101 to S111 in the same manner.

  Specifically, since the movement identifier: 2 of the current location is the same as the next movement identifier: 2 (Yes in step S103), the wireless tag reader 70 does not move from the reading position 9007_2.

  Then, each part of the wireless tag reader 70 is adjusted according to the operation control information of the operation control identifier: 703 (steps S108 to S109). Thereby, the article identification information “A002” and “B002” is read from the wireless tags 973_3 and 972_4 attached to the articles 972_3 and 972_4 stored in the rack 971_1_3, respectively (step S110). Then, the operation control unit 743 additionally stores a set of “position identifier: 2 and article identification information: A002” and a set of “position identifier: 2 and article identification information: B002” in the memory.

  Thereafter, if there is a position identifier indicating the next destination, the control unit 74 executes steps S101 to S111 again. When the wireless tag reader 70 returns to the reading position 9007_0, the control unit 74 determines that there is no position identifier indicating the next movement destination (NO in step S112). Then, the control unit 74 transmits the set of the position identifier and the read information stored in the memory in each step S111 so far to the host device 87 as a read information list. The read information list includes, for example, “position identifier: 1 and article identification information: A001, position identifier: 2 and article identification information: B001, position identifier: 2 and article identification information: A002, position identifier: 2, and article identification information: B002,... ”Is included.

  Then, the host device 87 stores the read information list in the memory in association with the reception time. In addition, the host device 87 acquires the previously received read information list from the memory, and detects the increased or decreased article identification information as compared with the read information list received this time. Then, the host device 87 may display the increased or decreased article identification information on the display device.

  Alternatively, the host device 87 may acquire the previously received read information list from the memory and compare the read information list received this time with the article identifier information whose associated position identifier has changed. There is a possibility that the storage location of the article 972_l represented by such article identification information has been changed. Then, the host device 87 may display the article identification information whose position identifier has changed on the display device.

  In the specific example of the control method of the wireless tag reader 70, there is a possibility that the same article identification information may be read multiple times. For example, there is a possibility that the same article identification information may be read redundantly at different reading positions 9007_j in the same area 971_i_k. Further, for example, in each reading operation based on different operation control information at the same reading position 9007_j, there is a possibility that the same article identification information is read redundantly. In such a case, the operation control unit 743 may select any one of a plurality of identically read item identification information, and discard the item identification information that has not been selected. The process of selecting such article identification information may be performed based on the reception intensity by the antenna 71, for example. For example, in step S <b> 111, the operation control unit 743 stores the reception strength by the antenna 71 in association with the set of the position identifier and the item identification information. Then, if the newly stored article identification information is the same as any of the article identification information stored so far, the operation control unit 743 deletes the article identification information having the smaller reception intensity from the memory. May be.

  In the specific example of the method of controlling the wireless tag reader 70, the wireless tag reader 70 collectively receives movement order information from the host device 87 before starting the movement, returns to the movement starting point, and then stores the reading information list. The description has been made assuming that the data is transmitted to the device 87 in a batch. However, the wireless tag reader 70 may receive a set of a location identifier and operation control information as a movement destination from the host device 87 every time the movement destination is reached. The wireless tag reader 70 may transmit a set of a position identifier and read information to the host device 87 every time read information is read from the wireless tag 973.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the rail passing through the path 975 may be formed in a loop shape while passing through each position of the reading position 9007_j. In this case, in step S104, the wireless tag reader 70 determines the clockwise direction or the counterclockwise direction as the moving direction based on the position identifier indicating the moving destination and the position identifier at the current location. Specifically, the wireless tag reader 70 may compare the distance in the clockwise direction from the current position to the destination and the distance in the counterclockwise direction, and determine the closer one as the movement direction. For example, the wireless tag reader 70 may determine the moving direction by comparing the distances in the respective directions on the assumption that the distances between the respective reading positions 9007 — j are substantially the same. Further, the wireless tag reader 70 may determine the moving direction by comparing the distances in the respective directions using the distances between the reading positions 9007 — j stored in advance. Note that the method of determining the moving direction when the rail passing through the route 975 is in a loop shape is not limited to these.

  Further, in the specific example of the method of controlling the wireless tag reader 70, the wireless tag reader 70 has been described as ending the operation when it is determined in step S112 that there is no next destination. However, the wireless tag reader 70 may repeat the processing from step S101 in order from the top of the movement order information when it is determined in step S112 that there is no next movement destination. In other words, the wireless tag reader 70 may be configured to repeat the patrol of each reading position 9007_j indicated by the movement order information. In this case, the movement order information may be updated halfway. In this case, each time the wireless tag reader 70 returns to the reading position 9007_0 defined as the movement start point, the wireless tag reader 70 may perform various operations for patrol. Examples of various operations for patrol include, but are not limited to, charging of the power supply unit 75 and reception of new movement order information from the host device 87.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, various variations can be considered as a place where the rail passing through the route 975 is laid. For example, the rail may be laid on the ground contact surface of the rack 971_i_k. Moreover, the rail may be laid over the rack 971_i_k. However, the place where the rail is laid is not limited to these.

  In the present embodiment, rails are not necessarily provided on the path 975. For example, when the moving unit 72 is configured by a drone, the wireless tag reader 70 can move in a space including the route 975, and a rail is unnecessary.

(Effect of this embodiment)
In the present embodiment, a plurality of reading positions 9007_j are installed in a warehouse, a stationary wireless tag 97_j is arranged, and an article stored in the warehouse is used by using the wireless tag reader 70 having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment. You can check the stock. In the present embodiment, the number of wireless tag readers 70 required is less than the number of reading positions 9007_j set in each area of the warehouse, but flexibility in the case of changing the reading position 9007_j due to a warehouse configuration change or the like. Can be further improved.

  In addition, this embodiment is suitable when the time required for the wireless tag reader 70 to make a round of each reading position 9007 — j in the warehouse 970 is shorter than the interval at which reading from each wireless tag 973 is required. For example, in the case where the article 972 — l is not frequently taken in and out of the warehouse 970, the frequency of checking the inventory may be less than that in the frequent case. In other words, the present embodiment is suitable for an application for checking inventory in a case where the article 972 — l is not frequently taken in and out. In such an application, the present embodiment can check the inventory at an appropriate frequency while reducing the number of the wireless tag readers 70 as compared with the case where the wireless tag readers are installed near the respective reading positions 9007_j. However, the application of this embodiment is not limited to the application described above.

[Additional Notes]
Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, usage examples, and modifications, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims, and different embodiments, usage examples, and modifications are possible. Forms obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in the above are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, an example in which one aspect of the present invention is applied to product production has been described. However, the scope of application of the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, the present invention can be applied to management of any article. Therefore, any tag reader that reads information stored in a tag attached to an arbitrary article, a tag system that includes such a tag reader, and a control method that controls such a tag reader are all included in the scope of the present invention. . A management system including such a tag system is also included in the scope of the present invention.

  FIG. 33 is a perspective view showing the tag system 4 that can be used for management of an arbitrary article. The tag system 4 includes a tag reader 40 and tags 94_0 to 94_2 placed in the vicinity of reading positions 9004_0 to 9004_2, and reads information stored in a tag 904 attached to an arbitrary article A. The tag 94_j placed in the vicinity of each reading position 9004_j (j is a natural number of 0 or more and 2 or less) has a position identifier corresponding to the reading position and the tag reader 40 at the reading position as in the above-described embodiments. Operation control information for controlling the operation is stored.

As shown in FIG. 34, the tag reader 40 includes an antenna 81, an antenna angle control unit 811, a moving unit 82, a reading unit 83, a control unit 84, and a power supply unit 85. Control unit 84 includes a movement direction determination unit 841, a movement control unit 842, an operation control unit 843, and a communication unit 844. Since these units are configured in the same manner as the units of the wireless tag reader 10 in the first embodiment, detailed description will not be repeated.
The tag reader 40 includes each unit shown in FIG. 34, so that it is a position identifier indicating the current location, which is a position identifier (for example, position identifier: 0) read from the tag (for example, tag 94_0), and a destination. The movement direction is determined based on a position identifier (for example, position identifier: 1) acquired from a host device (not shown), and a position identifier (for example, position identifier: 1) indicating the movement destination is read. Move in the determined direction of movement to within the possible area. At the destination, the tag reader 40 controls the operation of each unit of the own device based on the operation control information read from the tag (for example, tag 94_1).

  The tag system 4 and the tag reader 40 configured as described above have the same effects as those of the first embodiment by operating in the same manner as in the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. That is, while the number of tag readers 40 required for reading the tags 94_0 to 94_2 placed in the vicinity of the plurality of reading positions 9004_0 to 9004_2 is smaller than the number of reading positions 9004_0 to 9004_2 (here, three). In addition, the flexibility with respect to the case of changing the reading positions 9004_0 to 9004_2 can be further increased. In addition, this usage example can further increase the flexibility with respect to the case of changing the operating conditions of the tag reader 40 (for example, the angle of the antenna 81, output power, reception sensitivity, etc.).

  In addition, for example, in each of the above-described embodiments, modifications, and supplementary items, an example in which the stationary wireless tags (90, 92, 94, 97) store the position identifier and the operation control information has been described. However, the stationary wireless tag according to one embodiment of the present invention only needs to store at least the operation control information and does not necessarily store the position identifier.

  Further, for example, in each of the above-described embodiments, modifications, and supplementary notes, the wireless tag reader (10, 20, 40, 70) includes the movement control unit (142, 242, 742, 842) and the operation control unit (143). 243, 743, 843) has been described. However, the wireless tag reader according to one embodiment of the present invention only needs to include at least an operation control unit, and does not necessarily include a movement control unit. In other words, the wireless tag reader according to one embodiment of the present invention has at least a function of performing operation control of the own device, and does not necessarily have a function of performing movement control of the own device.

  The wireless tag reader according to one embodiment of the present invention having at least a function of controlling the operation of the device itself is an AGV (Automatic Guided Vehicle), a robot cleaner, a drone, a game machine, an automobile having an automatic driving function, an exploration It can be mounted on various autonomous control moving bodies such as cars.

[Summary]
The tag readers (10, 20, 30, 40, 70) according to the above-described embodiments read the operation control information recorded on the tags (90, 92, 93, 95, 97) in a contactless manner (13, 23). , 33, 43, 73, 83) and an operation control unit that controls the operation of each unit of the device based on the operation control information read by the reading unit (13, 23, 33, 43, 73, 83). (143, 243, 343, 743, 843).

  The tag reader (10, 20, 30, 40, 70) according to the above-described embodiment further includes an antenna (11, 21, 31, 71, 81), and the reading unit (13, 23, 33, 43, 73, 83) preferably reads the operation control information stored in the tag via the antenna (11, 21, 31, 71, 81).

  In the tag reader (10, 20, 30, 40, 70) according to the above-described embodiment, the operation control unit (143, 243, 343, 743, 843) includes the antenna ( It is preferable to adjust the angle of the antenna (11, 21, 31, 71, 81) based on information indicating the angle of the 11, 21, 31, 71, 81).

  In the tag reader (10, 20, 30, 40, 70) according to the above-described embodiment, the operation control unit (143, 243, 343, 743, 843) includes the antenna ( It is preferable to adjust the output power of the antenna (11, 21, 31, 71, 81) based on the information indicating the output power of the 11, 21, 31, 71, 81).

  In the tag reader (10, 20, 30, 40, 70) according to the above-described embodiment, the operation control unit (143, 243, 343, 743, 843) is included in the operation control information. It is preferable to adjust the reception sensitivity of the reading unit (13, 23, 33, 43, 73, 83) based on the information indicating the reception sensitivity of (13, 23, 33, 43, 73, 83). .

  Further, in the tag reader (10, 20, 30, 40, 70) according to the above-described embodiment, the operation control unit (143, 243, 343, 743, 843) includes the read information included in the operation control information. It is preferable to filter the information read by the reading unit (13, 23, 33, 43, 73, 83) based on the information specifying the type.

  In the tag reader (10, 20, 30, 40, 70) according to the above-described embodiment, the operation control unit (143, 243, 343, 743, 843) is connected to the reading unit (13, 23, 33, 43). 73, 83), it is preferable to control the operation of each part of the device based on the operation control information specified by the operation control identifier acquired from the outside.

  Further, the tag reader (10, 20, 30, 40, 70) according to the above-described embodiment further includes an optical sensor, and the reading unit (13, 23, 33, 43, 73, 83) includes the optical sensor. It is preferable to read the operation control information displayed on the tag.

  In the tag reader (10, 20, 30, 40, 70) according to the above-described embodiment, the operation control unit (143, 243, 343, 743, 843) includes the optical sensor included in the operation control information. It is preferable to adjust the angle of the optical sensor based on information indicating the angle.

  Further, the tag reader (10, 20, 30, 40, 70) according to the above-described embodiment moves to move at least one of the antenna (11, 21, 31, 71, 81) and the optical sensor. It is preferable that a part (12, 22, 72, 82) is further provided.

  Further, the tag system (1, 2, 3, 7) according to the above-described embodiment includes the above-described tag reader (10, 20, 30, 40, 70) and a tag (90, 92, 93, 95, 97).

  Moreover, the control method of the tag reader (10, 20, 30, 40, 70) according to the above-described embodiment reads the operation control information recorded on the tag (90, 92, 93, 95, 97) in a non-contact manner. A control method for controlling a tag reader (10, 20, 30, 40, 70) provided with a unit (13, 23, 33, 43, 73, 83), the reading unit (13, 23, 33, 43, 73) , 83) includes a step (S109, S209, S302) of controlling the operation of each part of the own device based on the operation control information read by the device.

1, 2, 3, 7 Wireless tag systems 1C, 1D, 1E, 4 Tag systems 10, 20, 30, 70 Wireless tag readers 10C, 10D, 10E, 40 Tag readers 11, 21, 31, 71, 81 Antennas 12, 22, 72, 82 Moving unit 13, 23, 33, 43, 73, 83 Reading unit 14, 24, 34, 74, 84 Control unit 15, 25, 35, 75, 85 Power supply unit 41 Optical sensor 53 Information code reading unit 80, 82, 83, 87 Host devices 90, 92, 93, 95, 97 Stationary wireless tags 903, 923, 933, 973 Wireless tags 94, 96 Stationary optical tags 943 Optical tags 111, 211, 311, 711 to be read 811 Antenna angle control unit 141, 241, 741, 841 Movement direction determination unit 142, 242, 742, 842 Movement control unit 143, 243, 343, 743, 843 Operation control unit 144, 244, 344, 744, 844 Communication unit 411 Optical sensor angle control unit 900, 910 Production system 901, 911, 921, 931 Production apparatus 909 Production line

Claims (9)

An antenna,
A non-contact reading unit that reads operation control information recorded on a wireless tag within a range in which communication is possible via the antenna;
An operation control unit that controls the operation of each unit of the device based on the operation control information read by the reading unit;
A wireless tag reader. The operation control unit adjusts the angle of the antenna based on information indicating the angle of the antenna included in the operation control information.
The wireless tag reader according to claim 1. The operation control unit adjusts the output power of the antenna based on information indicating the output power of the antenna included in the operation control information.
The wireless tag reader according to claim 1, wherein the wireless tag reader is provided. The operation control unit adjusts the reception sensitivity of the reading unit based on information indicating the reception sensitivity of the reading unit included in the operation control information.
The wireless tag reader according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the wireless tag reader is provided. A moving unit for moving the antenna;
The wireless tag reader according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the wireless tag reader is provided. The operation control unit filters the information read by the reading unit based on information specifying the type of information to be read included in the operation control information.
The wireless tag reader according to claim 1, wherein: The operation control unit controls the operation of each unit of the device based on the operation control information specified by the operation control identifier acquired from the outside among the plurality of operation control information read by the reading unit.
The wireless tag reader according to claim 1, wherein: A wireless tag reader according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A wireless tag for storing the operation control information;
A wireless tag system comprising: A control method for controlling a wireless tag reader, comprising: an antenna; and a reading unit that reads operation control information recorded on a wireless tag in a range in which communication is possible via the antenna, in a non-contact manner,
Based on the operation control information read by the reading unit, including the step of controlling the operation of each unit of its own device,
And a method of controlling the wireless tag reader.

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