WO2007052679A1

WO2007052679A1 - Information management system, information reading device, tag label creation device, and radio tag circuit element

Info

Publication number: WO2007052679A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/321797
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kazunari Taki; Yasuhisa Ichikawa; Katsuyuki Kuramoto; Tomoyasu Fukui; Tomoaki Shibata; Katsumi Toda; Kunihiro Yasui; Takuya Nagai
Original assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
Priority date: 2005-10-31
Filing date: 2006-10-31
Publication date: 2007-05-10

Abstract

[PROBLEMS] Provided are an information management system, an information reading device, a tag label creation device, and a radio tag circuit element capable of improving management of a management object via a smooth information acquisition operation. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] A radio tag circuit element To includes an IC circuit unit (150) for storing information and an antenna (151) to be connected to the IC circuit unit (150). The IC circuit unit (150) has a control unit (157) for setting a response ratio for outputting a response signal to an inquiry signal upon reception of the one from a reader (1200), a random number generator (158), and a memory unit (155).

Description

Information management system, information reader, tag label generator, RFID circuit element

Technical field

[0001] The present invention can function as an information management system that acquires information from an information holding unit provided for an information acquisition target and performs information management, an information reading device for acquiring the information, and an information holding unit The present invention relates to a radio tag circuit element and a tag label producing apparatus for producing a radio tag label including the radio tag circuit element.

Background art

[0002] Information is read and written in a non-contact manner between a small wireless tag provided on an article to be managed and a reader (reading device) Z writer (writing device). Radio Frequency Identification) system is known. The wireless tag circuit element provided in the wireless tag includes an IC circuit unit that stores predetermined wireless tag information and an antenna that is connected to the IC circuit unit and transmits and receives information, and the wireless tag is dirty. Even if it is placed in an invisible position, it is possible to access the wireless tag information of the IC circuit section from the reader side (reading information and Z writing), and already in various fields, Practical use is progressing.

As one of wireless communication systems using wireless tags that are being used in various fields as described above, a plurality of wireless tag circuit elements and wireless communication with the wireless tag circuit elements. There is a wireless tag information reading system including an interrogator that reads information by using the wireless tag information (see Patent Document 1, for example). In this RFID tag information reading system, when the interrogator transmits an inquiry signal to a plurality of RFID tag circuit elements, a response signal is transmitted from each RFID tag circuit element existing within the communication range to the interrogator. The information of the RFID tag circuit element is read.

[0004] On the other hand, as another conventional technique, as described in Patent Document 2, for example, there is a technique for managing the movement of articles in a store. In this management system, a wireless tag is attached to an article, while a purchaser also holds a wireless tag. When the purchaser purchases the article and payment is completed, the purchase is completed. After the tag ID of the person's wireless tag is read by the reader (article processing device), the tag ID (purchaser ID) is written in the wireless tag of the purchased article. Another reader (shoplifting prevention device) force provided at the store exit After reading the tag ID of the wireless tag of the person who passes here and the purchaser tag ID written on the wireless tag of the product, These are compared, and if they match, it is determined that the purchase is appropriate by the purchaser. If they do not match, it is determined that theft / shoplifting is not appropriate and a predetermined warning is issued.

[0005] Further, as another prior art, there is an information reading device for managing the rental of books in a library as described in Patent Document 3, for example. In this information reading device (article management system), a reader provided at the exit of the library uses a wireless tag circuit element provided to the user who passes through the exit and a wireless device provided to the book that the user intends to borrow. Both powers of the tag circuit element By reading the RFID tag information, it becomes possible to know which book has been lent to whom!

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11 149530

Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-115086

Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-229263

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] In the case of the above prior art, there are the following problems.

[0008] That is, for example, a plurality of RFID circuit elements have a management target to be read (hereinafter referred to as a first reading target) that needs to read information at a relatively high frequency, and information at a relatively low frequency. May be provided for the management object that is the target of reading (hereinafter referred to as the second reading target). In such a case, the wireless tag information reading system of the prior art described in Patent Document 1 is used even though it is not necessary to read information frequently with respect to the RFID circuit element to be read. Therefore, it is necessary to transmit the interrogator power inquiry signal at a high frequency according to the first reading target, and to read information at a high frequency for both the first and second reading target RFID circuit elements. As a result, unnecessary reading such as reading information at a high frequency with respect to the second reading target, which only needs to read information at a low frequency, is performed, which reduces the reading efficiency. I was invited.

[0009] In addition, in the related art described in Patent Document 2, in order to execute the movement management of an article, each time a purchaser purchases an article, the salesperson performs settlement by a predetermined manual operation (in other words, data reading Z It was necessary to execute a writing instruction), and it was impossible to perform fully automated article management.

[0010] In addition, in the conventional technique described in Patent Document 3, it is necessary to read out information on both the RFID tag circuit element of the user and the RFID tag circuit element of the book by a reader. At this time, the following issues exist when wireless communication is performed from a reader using a uniform frequency. That is, when a reader performs wireless communication using, for example, a commonly used short wave (such as 13.56 MHz), there is an advantage of high communication stability, but since the communication distance is short, the user brings the book closer to the reader. Thus, it is necessary to read the information of the RFID tag circuit element of the book and to read the information of the RFID tag circuit element close to the reader, which is troublesome for the user. On the other hand, when a reader performs radio communication using ultra-high frequency waves (2.45 GHz, etc.), since the communication distance is long, RFID tag circuit elements (for example, other than the RFID tag circuit elements of users and books) For example, information is also read for people around you and RFID tag circuit elements of books), and accurate information may not be obtained. Furthermore, there is a risk of interference due to the response of many RFID circuit elements. In other words, when wireless communication is performed at a uniform frequency in the conventional technology described in Patent Document 3, the burden on the user and the communication such as interference are reduced when the reader and the reader acquire information about both the user and the book. Both aspects of prevention of adverse effects were not satisfied.

[0011] As described above, in the conventional techniques described in the above-mentioned documents, information can be read quickly and efficiently regardless of the frequency of necessity, article management can be automated, and communication interference can be prevented. Is difficult. In other words, it was not possible to improve the manageability of management objects through a smooth information acquisition operation.

[0012] A first object of the present invention is to provide an information management system, an information reading device, a tag label producing device, and a wireless tag circuit element that can improve the manageability of an object to be managed through a smooth information acquisition operation. There is. [0013] A second object of the present invention is to provide an information management system and an information reading system capable of executing a smooth information acquisition operation by quickly and efficiently reading information and improving the manageability of a management object. The present invention provides a device, a tag label producing device, and a wireless tag circuit element.

[0014] A third object of the present invention is to provide an information management system capable of realizing fully automated article management without a manual operation by a smooth information acquisition operation and improving the manageability of a management object. There is.

[0015] A fourth object of the present invention is to obtain information smoothly and easily in a few steps from a plurality of information acquisition targets while preventing mutual interference 'adverse effects during information acquisition. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information reading apparatus that can improve the manageability of the information.

Means for solving the problem

[0016] In order to achieve the first object, the first invention has an information holding unit provided corresponding to an information acquisition target, and manages information based on the information acquired from the information holding unit. An information management system to perform, comprising: first setting means for setting the operation mode factor based on a setting auxiliary factor for setting an operation mode factor at the time of the information acquisition operation from the information holding unit It is characterized by that.

[0017] In the first invention of the present application, the first setting means sets the operation mode factor based on the setting auxiliary factor, and the information acquisition operation from the information holding unit is executed according to the operation mode factor. As a result, a smooth information acquisition operation is realized, and the manageability of the management target can be improved.

In order to achieve the first and second objects, the second invention is the first invention, wherein the information holding unit is connected to an IC circuit unit for storing information and the IC circuit unit A tag-side antenna that includes a device-side antenna that transmits and receives information to and from the RFID tag circuit element, and an inquiry signal to the RFID tag circuit element. An interrogator having information access means for generating access information, transmitting the access information to the RFID circuit element via the device-side antenna, and reading information from an IC circuit unit of the RFID circuit element; The RFID tag circuit element is provided with a tag side response rate setting means as the first setting means for setting a response rate for outputting a response signal to the inquiry signal when the inquiry signal is received from the interrogator. To . [0019] In the information management system according to the second invention of the present application, when the RFID circuit element receives the inquiry signal from the interrogator, the tag side response rate setting means for setting a response rate for outputting a response signal to the inquiry signal is provided. The RFID circuit element outputs a response signal to the interrogator power inquiry signal according to the response rate set by the tag side response rate setting means. As a result, a high response rate is set for the first RFID tag circuit element provided for the first reading target that needs to read information at a relatively high frequency, and information is read at a relatively low frequency. If the response rate is set low for the second RFID circuit element provided for the sufficient second reading target, the response signal is output at a high frequency for the first RFID circuit element in response to the interrogator inquiry signal. The second RFID tag circuit element can output a response signal at a low frequency. As a result, it is possible to read information with high frequency and finely with respect to the first reading object, and to read information roughly with low frequency with respect to the second reading object. Thus, by setting the response rate of the RFID circuit element according to the reading target, it is possible to read information with a reading frequency corresponding to the reading target. Therefore, it is possible to suppress unnecessary reading such as reading information to a reading target that is sufficient if reading information is performed at a low frequency, so that a uniform response rate (response or non-response) Information can be read quickly and efficiently as compared with the case where information is read at a uniform frequency for all reading targets using the alternative RFID tag circuit element.

[0020] In a third aspect based on the second aspect, the tag-side response rate setting means includes a tag-side random number generation means for generating a random number, a random number generated by the tag-side random number generation means, and a predetermined number. Response determination means for determining whether or not to output a response signal to the interrogator power inquiry signal by comparing with a threshold value.

[0021] In the information management system of the third invention of the present application, a random number is generated by the tag-side random number generating means included in the RFID circuit element, and the random number is compared with a predetermined threshold and value by the response determining means. The response rate of the RFID tag circuit element is set by determining whether or not to output a response signal. Therefore, for example, it is determined to output a response signal when the random number generated by the tag-side random number generator is less than a predetermined threshold value. If the generated random number is larger than the predetermined threshold value and the response signal is not output, the response rate is set high by setting the threshold value to a large value. Conversely, the response rate can be set low by setting the threshold value to a small value. As a result, the response rate of the RFID circuit element can be set according to the reading target, so that information can be read at a frequency appropriate for the reading target, and as a result, the reading efficiency can be improved. it can.

[0022] In a fourth aspect based on the second aspect, the interrogator has apparatus-side random number generating means for generating random numbers, and the tag-side response rate setting means is the apparatus-side random number generating means. Response determining means for determining whether or not to output a response signal to the interrogator power inquiry signal by comparing the random number generated by the interrogator power and the predetermined threshold value. It is characterized by that.

[0023] In the information management system of the fourth invention of the present application, the random number generated by the device-side random number generation means possessed by the interrogator is transmitted to the interrogator power wireless tag circuit element, and the response determination means possessed by the wireless tag circuit element The response rate of the RFID tag circuit element is set by determining whether to output a response signal by comparing the random number with a predetermined threshold value. Therefore, for example, it is determined to output a response signal when the random number generated by the device-side random number generation means is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value, and on the contrary, the generated random number is determined from the predetermined threshold V and value. If it is determined that the response signal is not output, the response rate can be set high by setting the threshold value to a large value. The response rate can be set low by setting a small value. As a result, the response rate of the RFID circuit element can be set according to the reading target, so that information can be read with a frequency corresponding to the reading target, and as a result, the reading efficiency can be improved.

[0024] In a fifth aspect based on the second aspect, the tag-side response rate setting means includes a counting means for counting the number of times the interrogation power inquiry signal is received, and an inquiry signal counted by the counting means. Response determination means for determining whether or not to output a response signal to the interrogation power inquiry signal by comparing the number of times of reception with a predetermined threshold value. [0025] In the information management system of the fifth invention of the present application, the number of times the interrogator power inquiry signal is received by the counting means of the RFID circuit element is counted, and the number of times received by the response determining means is set to a predetermined value. The response rate of the RFID tag circuit element is set by deciding whether or not to output a response signal by comparing the threshold value. Therefore, for example, if the threshold value is set to 10 and it is determined to output a response signal when the number of receptions counted by the counting means reaches 10, the response rate of the RFID circuit element can be set to lZio. It becomes possible. In this way, it is possible to set the response rate according to the reading target by setting the threshold value to an appropriate value, so that information can be read at a frequency appropriate for the reading target, and as a result Reading efficiency can be improved.

[0026] In a sixth aspect based on any one of the third to fifth aspects, the RFID circuit element is received from the interrogator and nonvolatile storage means for storing the predetermined threshold value. And changing means for changing the response rate set by the tag side response rate setting means by rewriting the threshold value stored in the storage means in accordance with the rewritten signal.

[0027] In the information management system of the sixth invention of the present application, the threshold value stored in the storage means by the changing means possessed by the RFID circuit element is rewritten according to the rewrite signal received by the interrogator. Change the response rate set by the tag side response rate setting means. As a result, the response rate of the RFID tag circuit element can be finely set according to the status of the reading target such as the usage frequency. As a result, information can be read more quickly and efficiently.

[0028] In order to achieve the above first and third objects, according to a seventh invention, in the first invention, the information holding unit is connected to an IC circuit unit for storing information and the IC circuit unit A database in which tag identification information of the RFID tag circuit element and management target location information as the information acquisition target corresponding to the RFID tag circuit element are stored and held. The first setting means is a mode setting means that can access the database and set a plurality of operation modes as the operation mode factors based on the access result as the setting auxiliary factor. Depending on the operation mode set by the means, information is transmitted by wireless communication with the RFID circuit element. At least one first wireless communication means for receiving and acquiring the tag identification information of the RFID circuit element is provided.

[0029] In the seventh invention of the present application, the existence position information of the management target and the tag identification information (tag ID) of the corresponding RFID circuit element are stored and held in the database, and a plurality of operation modes are set. Possible mode setting means sets various operation modes based on the access result to the database, and the first wireless communication means transmits and receives information by wireless communication with the wireless tag circuit element according to the set operation mode. To obtain tag identification information. In this way, the operation mode of the first wireless communication means is set according to the state of the database and the tag identification information is acquired, so that the location of the management target and its fluctuation are automatically managed. be able to. As a result, unlike conventional techniques that require manual operation for data reading, Z writing, etc. for management, fully automated article management can be implemented, and efficiency can be improved.

[0030] In an eighth aspect based on the seventh aspect, the mode setting means, as the operation mode, includes the location information in the state where the location information of the management target is held in the database. The first wireless communication means corresponding to the above-mentioned first wireless communication means transmits and receives information, and has a normal mode for acquiring the tag identification information of the wireless tag circuit element.

[0031] In the state where the management target location information is held in the database, when the mode setting means sets the operation mode to the normal mode, the first wireless communication means corresponding to the presence location information transmits and receives information. In line, the tag identification information of the RFID circuit element is acquired. Thereby, the existence position can be automatically confirmed for the management target. In addition, when it is difficult to acquire the tag identification information, it can be confirmed that the location has changed, and corresponding processing can be performed.

[0032] In a ninth aspect based on the eighth aspect, the normal mode provided in the mode setting means includes the first identification information of the article as the management target and the corresponding RFID circuit element for the article. A first procedure for obtaining the first tag identification information, and a second procedure for obtaining the second identification information of the person to be managed and the second tag identification information of the corresponding RFID circuit element for the person, It is a mode for executing at a predetermined repetition frequency rate. It is characterized by that.

[0033] Thus, it is possible to manage both persons and articles as management targets, and it is possible to appropriately set the degree of management (which weight is frequently managed with which weight). It becomes.

[0034] In a ninth aspect based on the ninth aspect, the mode setting means executes the first procedure at a repetition frequency ratio of 3 to 5 times that of the second procedure in the normal mode. It is set to be performed.

[0035] Thereby, it is possible to mainly manage articles mainly.

[0036] In an eleventh invention according to the ninth or tenth invention, the mode setting means passes the first procedure and the second procedure as the operation mode according to a predetermined temporal condition. It is characterized by having an inventory mode for changing and executing the repetition frequency ratio of the first procedure as compared with the normal mode.

[0037] In company offices, warehouses, etc., there are people going in and out during the day, but in many cases there are no people or no people going in and out at night. The same applies to articles. In the fifth invention of the present application, using this, an inventory mode in which the ratio of the first procedure for reading the first tag identification information of the first RFID circuit element corresponding to the article is further increased is set. This ensures that quantity management by inventory is automatically executed in the absence of goods.

[0038] In a twelfth aspect based on the eleventh aspect, the mode setting means sets the operation mode to the inventory mode when a specific time period in a day or a predetermined busy period in a year is reached. It is characterized by doing.

[0039] Thereby, according to the needs of the manager, for example, inventory can be automatically executed at a specific time zone such as late-night time zone or a specific time such as a settlement period.

[0040] In a thirteenth aspect of the present invention according to any one of the ninth to twelfth aspects of the present invention, the article RFID tag circuit element and the article are arranged near an exit passage of a building where the first wireless communication device is installed. It has a second wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving information to and from the person wireless tag circuit element by wireless communication and acquiring the first and second tag identification information. [0041] Thereby, it is possible to automatically perform take-out management of articles and out-of-person management of persons.

[0042] In a fourteenth aspect based on the thirteenth aspect, when the second wireless communication means acquires the first tag identification information of the radio tag circuit element for goods, the corresponding wireless tag for person is used. In the case where the second tag identification information of the circuit element cannot be obtained, it has a notification control means for performing a notification process corresponding to the operator.

[0043] If the second tag identification information of the second RFID circuit element corresponding to the human being cannot be read when the first tag identification information of the first RFID circuit element corresponding to the article is read, the recognition is impossible. There is a high possibility that the article was taken out by a stranger, that is, an outsider or a trespasser. Therefore, in the fourteenth aspect of the present application, the notification process is automatically executed in such a case, so that the operator in charge of the management can be notified.

[0044] In a fifteenth aspect based on any one of the eighth to fourteenth aspects, the mode setting means corresponds to the first wireless communication means corresponding to specific location information in the normal mode as the operation mode. If the tag identification information of the RFID circuit element cannot be acquired by the above and the location information of the management target is not held in the database, the first wireless communication means or the other first wireless communication means Thus, a search mode for trying to acquire the tag identification information is provided.

[0045] When the tag identification information cannot be acquired in the normal mode, and the location information is no longer held in the database, the mode setting means sets the operation mode to the search mode, whereby another first wireless communication means (or the same The first wireless communication means) tries to acquire tag identification information of the RFID circuit element. As a result, the information management system automatically indicates that the management object has moved to the communication range of the other first wireless communication means (or that the management object has moved because of a detection error in the normal mode, etc.). Can be recognized.

[0046] In a sixteenth aspect based on the fifteenth aspect, tag label creating means for creating a RFID label including the RFID circuit element, and the first and all the first modes in the normal mode and the search mode. Even if an attempt is made to acquire the tag identification information by wireless communication means, and the presence position information of the management target is not held in the database, a new RFID tag label is newly generated using the tag identification information. To create the above It has a label production control means for controlling the tag label production means.

[0047] If the tag identification information cannot be acquired even if all the first wireless communication means are tried in the normal mode or the search mode, and the presence position information is not retained in the database, the corresponding wireless tag circuit element is There is a high probability that it was damaged or lost. The 16th invention of the present application corresponds to this, and in such a case, a new RFID label is created (= reissued) by the tag label creating means. As a result, the unmanageable state due to accidents such as failure or loss can be minimized and automatically returned to the original state, and thorough management can be realized.

[0048] In a seventeenth aspect based on any one of the eighth to sixteenth aspects, the mode setting means, when new information is registered in the database as the operation mode, includes the first wireless communication means. A registration mode in which the tag identification information of the corresponding wireless tag circuit element is acquired by the method, and the presence position information corresponding to the acquired first wireless communication unit is stored in the database in association with the tag identification information. It is characterized by.

[0049] When the new registration information is found by accessing the database, the mode setting means sets the operation mode to the registration mode, so that the tag identification information of the wireless tag circuit element is obtained by the first wireless communication means. The acquired location information corresponding to the first wireless communication means is associated with the tag identification information and stored in the database. Thus, after this, in the normal mode, the management target location confirmation process corresponding to the RFID circuit element can be automatically performed (and the movement detection process if the search mode is provided). .

[0050] In an eighteenth aspect according to any one of the fifteenth to seventeenth aspects, the mode setting means sets the operation mode to the search mode or the registration mode, and completes the corresponding processing. The operation mode is set to the normal mode.

[0051] Thus, when the movement detection process in the search mode is completed or the new registration to the database in the registration mode is completed, the process can automatically shift to the normal existence position confirmation process.

[0052] A nineteenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any one of the seventh to eighteenth aspects, the first wireless communication device is installed at a plurality of locations of at least one building, respectively. To do.

[0053] Thereby, the existence position confirmation process of the management target corresponding to the RFID circuit element is automatically performed at a plurality of locations in the building (when the search mode is provided, the movement detection process is also performed). It can be carried out.

[0054] In order to achieve the first object, the twentieth invention is an information reading device for acquiring the held information from an information holding unit provided corresponding to the information acquisition object, wherein the information It has the 2nd setting means which sets the said operation mode factor based on the setting auxiliary factor for setting the operation mode factor at the time of acquisition operation, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

[0055] In the twentieth invention of the present application, the second setting means sets the operation mode factor based on the setting auxiliary factor, whereby the information acquisition operation from the information holding unit is executed according to the operation mode factor. As a result, a smooth information acquisition operation is realized, and the manageability to the management target can be improved.

In order to achieve the first and fourth objects, the twenty-first invention is the first identification held in the first information holding unit provided corresponding to the first information acquisition object in the twentieth invention. First acquisition means for reading and acquiring information in a substantially non-contact manner using the first acquisition mode as the operation mode factor set by the second setting means, and the acquisition result by the first acquisition unit Depending on the result, the second identification information held in the second information holding unit provided corresponding to the second information acquisition target is set by the second setting means to be different from the first acquisition mode. And a second acquisition means for reading and acquiring in a substantially non-contact manner using the second acquisition mode as the operation mode factor.

[0057] In the twenty-first invention of the present application, after first acquiring the first identification information held in the first information holding unit by the first acquisition means in the first acquisition mode, the second acquisition means is performed according to the acquisition result. The second identification information held in the second information holding unit is acquired in the second acquisition mode. In this way, by using different acquisition modes for the first acquisition means and the second acquisition means, it is possible to reduce the number of information acquisition targets from a plurality of information acquisition targets while preventing mutual interference at the time of information acquisition. And information can be easily acquired.

[0058] In a twenty-second aspect based on the twenty-first aspect, the first and second acquisition means are configured so that the first and second RFID tag circuit elements as the first and second information holding units are 1st and 2nd As one of the two acquisition modes, radio communication using ultra high frequency waves is performed, and as the other of the first and second acquisition modes, radio communication using short waves is performed.

[0059] Different frequency bands of ultrashort waves and short waves are used during communication between the first acquisition means and the first RFID circuit element and during communication between the second acquisition means and the second RFID circuit element. As a result, it is possible to easily and easily acquire information in a procedure with little ability to acquire information on the first and second RFID tag circuit elements while preventing mutual interference at the time of information acquisition.

[0060] In a twenty-third aspect based on the twenty-second aspect, the first acquisition means performs wireless communication using a short wave as the first acquisition mode, and the second acquisition means is the first acquisition means. In this case, after the acquisition of the first identification information is completed, radio communication is performed using ultra high frequency as the second acquisition mode, and the second identification information is acquired.

Accordingly, for example, after the first identification information of the first RFID tag circuit element is acquired using a short wave having a short communication distance by bringing the article close to the first acquisition unit, the ultra high frequency wave having a long communication distance is acquired. Thus, the second identification information of the second RFID circuit element related to the person corresponding to the article can be acquired. Also, by acquiring the second identification information after completing the acquisition of the first identification information, if the first identification information cannot be acquired, the acquisition operation of the second identification information is stopped, and unnecessary power consumption is achieved. Can be prevented.

[0062] In a twenty-fourth aspect based on the twenty-third aspect, the first acquisition means is configured as the short wave to the first RFID circuit element associated with the article as the first information acquisition target. Wireless communication is performed using a frequency of 56 MHz, and the second acquisition unit performs wireless communication using the ultrahigh frequency with respect to the second RFID circuit element associated with the person as the second information acquisition target. It is characterized by performing.

[0063] 13. Communication distance is short 13. After the identification information of the first RFID tag circuit element related to the article is obtained using radio waves with a frequency of 56 MHz, the second frequency related to the person is detected by the ultra high frequency with a long communication distance of 950 MHz. Identification information of the wireless tag circuit element can be acquired.

[0064] In a twenty-fifth aspect based on the twenty-third or twenty-fourth aspect, the first and second acquisition means include the first wireless tag in which the first acquisition means is located on one side from the information reading device. Wirelessly communicable with a circuit element, and the second acquisition means is arranged so as to be wirelessly communicable with the second RFID tag circuit element located on the other side of the information reading device. It is characterized by.

Thus, for example, when the information reading apparatus is configured as a portable type, the identification information of the first RFID circuit element is acquired by bringing the article closer to the first acquisition means in accordance with the portable posture of the user. In this case, it is possible to transmit radio waves to the front side of the device, and to acquire identification information of the second RFID tag circuit element related to the person, to transmit the radio waves to the rear side of the device.

[0066] In a twenty-sixth aspect based on the twenty-third aspect, the first acquisition means is provided for the first RFID circuit element associated with the person or the article transport means as the first information acquisition target. Wireless communication is performed using a frequency of 13.5 MHz as the short wave, and the second acquisition unit is configured to transmit the pole to the second wireless tag circuit element associated with the article as the second information acquisition target. It is characterized by performing wireless communication using ultrashort waves.

[0067] After the identification information of the first RFID tag circuit element related to the person or the article transporting means is acquired using the radio wave of the frequency of 13.5 MHz having a short communication distance, the second Identification information of the wireless tag circuit element can be acquired.

[0068] In a twenty-seventh aspect based on the twenty-first aspect, the first acquisition means uses an optical device that uses light as the first acquisition mode with respect to the barcode recording section serving as the first information holding section. The second acquisition means performs acquisition on the second RFID circuit element serving as the second information holding unit after the acquisition of the first identification information is completed in the first acquisition means. As a second acquisition mode, the second identification information is acquired by performing wireless communication using ultra high frequency waves.

[0069] Thereby, for example, after acquiring the first identification information of the barcode recording unit using light by bringing the article close to the first acquisition means, the person corresponding to the article by the ultra high frequency wave having a long communication distance It is possible to acquire the second identification information of the second RFID circuit element related to. In addition, by acquiring the second identification information after completing the acquisition of the first identification information, if the first identification information cannot be acquired, the second identification information acquisition operation is stopped, and unnecessary power consumption is achieved. Can be prevented. In addition, an existing bar code article management system can be utilized or linked to form a system.

[0070] In a twenty-eighth aspect according to any one of the twenty-first to twenty-seventh aspects, the first acquisition means The first identification information acquired in step 1 is associated with the second identification information acquired by the second acquisition unit, and the first related information generation unit generates information representing the association.

[0071] Thereby, the two identification information acquired by the two acquisition means can be linked to each other and stored in an appropriate storage means such as a database.

[0072] In a twenty-ninth aspect of the invention, in any one of the twenty-first to twenty-seventh aspects, the third information holding unit provided corresponding to the third information acquisition target according to the acquisition result by the second acquisition means The third acquisition means for reading and acquiring the acquired third identification information in a substantially non-contact manner, the first identification information acquired by the first acquisition means, and the first acquisition information acquired by the second acquisition means. (2) A second related information generation unit that associates the identification information with the third identification information acquired by the third acquisition unit and generates information indicating the association is provided.

Accordingly, the three pieces of identification information acquired by the three acquisition units can be linked to each other and stored in an appropriate storage unit such as a database.

[0074] In a thirtieth aspect according to any one of the twenty-first to twenty-ninth aspects, the first acquisition means acquires the first identification information, and then the second acquisition means or the third acquisition means In the case where the second identification information or the third identification information cannot be acquired, it has a notification signal generating means for generating a corresponding notification signal.

[0075] This ensures that the first acquisition means can first acquire the first identification information, but the second or third acquisition means thereafter fails to acquire the second or third identification information. Can be recognized by the operator.

[0076] In order to achieve the first and second objects, the thirty-first invention is handled in association with an object and stores an IC circuit unit for storing information and a tag side antenna connected to the IC circuit unit. A third wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving information by wireless communication with a wireless tag circuit element having a power supply, and the third wireless communication means based on attribute information of the object or the wireless tag circuit element corresponding to the object. And determining means for determining a communication mode.

In the thirty-first aspect of the present application, information is transmitted / received by wireless communication by the third wireless communication means with respect to the wireless tag circuit element handled in association with the object. At this time The communication mode by the third wireless communication means is determined by the determining means according to the attribute information of the object and the RFID tag circuit element.

Accordingly, for example, a wireless tag circuit element of an object that needs to read information at a relatively high frequency has a high communication frequency or a wireless tag circuit element of an object with a relatively small communication distance. The communication output is reduced, the directivity is sharpened for the target RFID circuit elements whose communication direction is roughly determined, or the communication fails for the target RFID circuit elements that require careful handling. It is possible to set various communication modes such as increasing the number of retry attempts.

[0079] Thus, by determining the communication mode to the RFID circuit element according to the attribute information of the object and the RFID circuit element, communication corresponding to the properties and characteristics of the object and the RFID circuit element Information can be read in a manner. Therefore, it is possible to read information efficiently and quickly and effectively for the operator as compared with the case where information is read from the RFID tag circuit elements related to all objects in a uniform communication mode.

[0080] In a thirty-second invention according to the thirty-first invention, in accordance with an attribute information specifying signal designating a type of the attribute information, tag identification information of the RFID circuit element corresponding to the attribute information is acquired. Identification information acquisition means, wherein the third wireless communication means is configured to communicate the information in the communication mode determined by the determination means with respect to the RFID circuit element having acquired the tag identification information by the identification information acquisition means. Is transmitted and received.

[0081] When the operator specifies desired attribute information, an attribute information specifying signal is generated based on the attribute information, and the identification information acquiring means acquires tag identification information of the RFID circuit element corresponding to the attribute information specifying signal. Then, the third wireless communication means transmits / receives information to / from the wireless tag circuit element using the communication mode determined by the determination means. In this way, the corresponding communication mode is determined simply by specifying the attribute information by the operator, and the information can be read in a communication mode suitable for the properties and characteristics of the object and the RFID circuit element. .

[0082] In a thirty-third aspect based on the thirty-second aspect, the third wireless communication means accesses the IC circuit portion of the RFID circuit element in accordance with the attribute information specifying signal. It is characterized by comprising signal generating means for selecting and generating one of the interrogation signals. [0083] Thereby, for example, for a RFID circuit element of an object whose movement frequency is relatively high, an ID is specified and a ScrollID signal which is a command for requesting a response to the RFID circuit element is transmitted and individually read. For example, by sending a Ping signal, which is a command for requesting a response by specifying a part of the ID, for a RFID circuit element of an object whose movement frequency is relatively low, Information can be read in an inquiry mode suitable for the properties and characteristics of the object and the RFID circuit element.

[0084] In a thirty-fourth aspect based on the thirty-third aspect, the signal generating means specifies a part of tag identification information of the RFID circuit element in accordance with the attribute information specific signal. It is characterized in that a multiplying signal is generated.

[0085] By generating an inquiry signal designating a part of the tag identification information and transmitting it to the RFID circuit element, information can be read from a plurality of RFID circuit elements having the corresponding tag identification information. Can do. In particular, when the attribute information of the target object or the RFID circuit element is incorporated in the tag identification information, the tag identification information represents the attribute information. This makes it possible to determine the communication mode and makes it more convenient.

[0086] In a thirty-fifth aspect according to any one of the thirty-first to thirty-fourth aspects, the determining means corresponds to creation history information of a wireless tag including the wireless tag circuit element as the attribute information. The communication mode is determined.

[0087] By determining the communication state according to the creation history information of the RFID tag having the RFID circuit element, the determination unit determines, for example, when the RFID tag was created, with which device, and who created it. The communication mode can be switched according to the above.

[0088] The thirty-sixth invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned thirty-fifth invention, the determining means determines the communication mode in accordance with the creation time of the wireless tag as the creation history information. .

[0089] With this, for example, if the creation time is relatively new, it is considered that the object is likely to move relatively well, so the communication frequency is increased and the information is read in detail, while the creation times are compared. As a result, it can be assumed that the object does not move so much, so that the communication frequency can be increased and information can be read roughly. As a result, infrequently It is possible to prevent a useless reading operation such as reading information with respect to a sufficient object uniformly at a high frequency.

[0090] In a thirty-seventh aspect according to any of the thirty-first to thirty-fourth aspects, the determining means determines the communication mode according to type information of the object as the attribute information. Features.

[0091] The determination means determines the communication mode according to the type of the RFID tag circuit element, for example, shared or private property, documents or consumables, handling dangerous drugs or normal items. It is possible to switch the communication mode according to the above.

[0092] In a thirty-eighth aspect according to any one of the thirty-first to thirty-fourth aspects, the determining means applies the wireless tag information stored in the IC circuit unit of the wireless tag circuit element as the attribute information. The communication mode is determined according to reading history information.

[0093] By determining the communication mode according to the reading history information of the IC circuit unit by the determining means, for example, the number of times of reading of the information reading device power, the position information of the reading device of the RFID tag information that has been read It becomes possible to switch the communication mode according to etc.

[0094] In a thirty-ninth aspect based on the thirty-eighth aspect, the determining means moves the object calculated based on the number of times the different information readers read the RFID tag information as the reading history information. The communication mode is determined according to the number of times.

[0095] As a result, for example, if the number of movements of an object based on, for example, the number of times of reading is large, it is considered that there is a high possibility that the object will move relatively in the future, and the communication frequency is increased to provide detailed information. On the other hand, if the number of movements of the object is small, it can be assumed that the object does not move so much that the communication frequency is lowered and information can be read roughly. As a result, it is possible to prevent a useless reading operation in which information is read at a high frequency uniformly with respect to an object that suffices at a low frequency.

[0096] In a fortieth aspect based on the thirty-eighth aspect, the determining means is a position of an information reading apparatus that has read the RFID tag information as the reading history information. The communication mode is determined according to a moving distance of the object calculated from information.

[0097] Thereby, for example, when the moving distance of the target object is large, it is considered that there is a high possibility that the target object will move relatively in the future, and the communication frequency is increased to read the information finely. If the distance is small, the object will not move much in the future, so it is possible to increase the communication frequency and read the information roughly. As a result, it is possible to prevent a useless reading operation in which information is read at a high frequency uniformly with respect to an object that is sufficient at a low frequency.

[0098] In a forty-first aspect according to any of the thirty-first to forty-first aspects, the determining unit determines a communication frequency with the RFID circuit element in the third wireless communication unit as the communication mode. It is characterized by doing.

[0099] With this, when information is read at a high frequency uniformly with respect to an object that is sufficient at a low frequency, it is possible to prevent unnecessary reading operations.

[0100] In a forty-second invention according to any of the thirty-first to forty-first inventions, the determining means, as the communication mode, outputs a communication output with the RFID circuit element in the third wireless communication means, or It is characterized by determining the number of retries at the time of communication failure or the directivity of the antenna on the device side that has multiple antenna element forces.

[0101] Thus, for example, information can be read with a large output evenly for an object that requires a small output with a short communication distance, or information can be read with a wide directivity for an object with a fixed direction. In addition, it is possible to prevent unnecessarily reading operations, such as performing, and to manage objects that require strict handling and always need to know the location by increasing the number of retries.

[0102] In order to achieve the first object, the forty-third invention includes an IC circuit unit for storing information, and an RFID circuit element having a tag-side antenna connected to the IC circuit unit. The wireless tag circuit element storage body having the tag medium stored so as to be continuously supplied can be wirelessly communicated between the storage body installation section that can be detachably installed and the IC circuit section of the wireless tag circuit element. A third wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving information by means of access to the wireless tag circuit element via the third wireless communication means, and to an interrogator in the wireless tag circuit element. The apparatus side setting means for setting the setting auxiliary factor for setting the operation mode factor at the time of the information acquisition operation, and printing on the tag medium conveyed from the RFID circuit element housing or the print medium to be bonded to the tag medium And a printing means for performing printing.

[0103] In the tag label producing device according to the 43rd invention of the present application, when the RFID tag circuit element storage body is attached to the storage body installation portion and the tag medium is continuously supplied, the wireless tag circuit element of the tag medium is provided. Information is transmitted and received through the IC circuit unit and the third wireless communication means, and printing is performed on the tag medium (or the medium to be printed) conveyed by the printing means to create a wireless tag label. At this time, a setting auxiliary factor for setting an operation mode factor at the time of information acquisition operation by the interrogator of the radio tag circuit element provided in the RFID label is set by the apparatus side setting means. As a result, the RFID circuit element provided in the created RFID tag label performs the acquisition operation according to the operation mode factor set by the apparatus-side setting means during the information acquisition operation by the interrogator. As a result, a smooth information acquisition operation is realized, and the manageability of the management target can be improved.

In order to achieve the first and second objects, in the forty-fourth invention, in the forty-third invention, the apparatus-side setting means outputs a response signal to the inquiry signal as the setting auxiliary factor It is a device-side response rate setting means for setting response rate setting information as the operating state factor.

[0105] In the tag label producing device according to the 44th invention of the present application, when the RFID tag circuit element storage body is attached to the storage body installation portion and the tag medium is continuously supplied, the wireless tag circuit element of the tag medium is provided. Information is transmitted and received through the IC circuit unit and the third wireless communication means, and printing is performed on the tag medium (or the medium to be printed) conveyed by the printing means to create a wireless tag label. At this time, the apparatus-side response rate setting means sets response rate setting information for outputting a response signal to the inquiry signal in the RFID tag circuit element provided in the RFID tag label. As a result, the wireless tag circuit element provided in the created RFID tag label outputs a response signal to the received inquiry signal according to the response rate corresponding to the information set by the device-side response rate setting means. As a result, the RFID label provided on the first reading target that needs to be read at a relatively high frequency A high response rate is set for the first RFID tag circuit element, and it is sufficient to read information at a relatively low frequency. If set to a low value, the first RFID circuit element can output a response signal at a high frequency and the second RFID circuit element can output a response signal at a low frequency in response to an interrogator inquiry signal. It becomes possible. As a result, it is possible to read information with high frequency and fineness for the first reading target, and to read information with a minimum frequency to the second reading target with low frequency. In this way, by setting the response rate of the RFID circuit element according to the reading target, it is possible to read information with a reading frequency corresponding to the reading target. Therefore, it is possible to suppress unnecessary reading such as reading information to a reading target that is sufficient if information is read at low frequency, and wireless communication with a uniform response rate (100% or 0%) is possible. Compared with the case where information is read at a uniform frequency for all reading targets using tag circuit elements, information can be read quickly and efficiently.

In order to achieve the first and second objects, the forty-fifth aspect of the invention is the forty-third aspect of the invention, in which the apparatus side setting means is wireless communication by the third wireless communication means, and the printing means. It is a creation history information generating means for generating the creation history information of the RFID label as the setting auxiliary factor, which is created by executing printing according to the above.

[0107] In the 45th invention of the present application, when the RFID tag circuit element housing body tag medium installed in the housing body installation section is supplied, the IC circuit section of the RFID tag circuit element provided in the tag medium Information is transmitted / received by wireless communication by the third wireless communication means, and predetermined printing is performed on the tag medium (or print medium) by the printing means to create a wireless tag label. At this time, creation history information of the created RFID label is generated by the creation history information generation means. As a result, when the RFID circuit element of the created RFID tag label is read by the information reading device, based on the creation history information, for example, when the RFID tag was created, which device was used, and who created the RFID tag It is possible to switch the communication mode at the time of reading depending on whether it was created. As a result, information can be read in a communication mode that is suitable for the properties and characteristics of the target object and the wireless tag circuit element, so that information can be transmitted in a uniform communication mode for the RFID tag circuit elements related to all the target objects. Reading The information can be read efficiently and quickly compared to the case where the operator performs the operation.

[0108] In a forty-sixth aspect according to the forty-fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided information output means for outputting the creation history information created by the creation history information generation means to a storage device having a database.

[0109] Thus, using the creation history information output by the information output means and stored and held in the database by the storage device, the communication mode at the time of reading is switched, and the property and characteristics of the target object and the RFID circuit element are suitable. Information can be read in a communication mode.

[0110] In a forty-seventh aspect based on the forty-fifth aspect, the third wireless communication means writes the creation history information created by the creation history information generation means into the IC circuit section via wireless communication. It is characterized by that.

[0111] Thus, using the creation history information written in the IC circuit unit, the communication mode at the time of reading is switched, and the information is read in a communication mode corresponding to the properties and characteristics of the object and the RFID tag circuit element. It can be carried out.

[0112] In a forty-eighth aspect of the present invention, in any of the forty-fifth to forty-seventh aspects, the creation history information generating means creates the creation time information of the RFID label as the creation history information. And

[0113] With this, for example, if the creation time is relatively new, it is considered that the object is likely to move relatively well, so the communication frequency is increased and the information is read in detail, while the creation time is compared. As a result, it can be assumed that the object does not move so much, so that the communication frequency can be increased and information can be read roughly. As a result, it is possible to prevent a useless reading operation such as reading information with a high frequency uniformly with respect to an object which is sufficient with a low frequency.

[0114] In order to achieve the first object, a forty-ninth aspect of the present invention is a wireless tag circuit element having an IC circuit section for storing information and a tag side antenna connected to the IC circuit section. The IC circuit unit includes first setting means for setting the operation mode factor based on a setting auxiliary factor for setting the operation mode factor during the information acquisition operation by the interrogator.

[0115] Thus, the interrogator is set by the first setting means during the information acquisition operation. The acquisition operation is performed according to the operation mode factor. As a result, a smooth information acquisition operation is realized, and the manageability of the management target can be improved.

[0116] In order to achieve the above first and second objects, in the fifty-th invention, in the forty-ninth invention, the IC circuit section outputs a response signal to the interrogation power inquiry signal. And a tag-side response rate setting means as the first setting means.

[0117] The RFID circuit element of the 50th invention of the present application has tag side response rate setting means for setting a response rate for outputting a response signal to the inquiry signal upon reception of the inquiry signal from the interrogator. The response signal is output in response to the inquiry signal from the interrogator according to the response rate set by the tag side response rate setting means. As a result, a high response rate is set for the wireless tag circuit element (hereinafter referred to as the 1st RFID tag circuit element) provided for the reading target (hereinafter referred to as the 1st reading object) that needs to read information at a relatively high frequency. However, the response rate is set to be low for the RFID tag circuit element (hereinafter referred to as the second RFID tag circuit element) provided for the reading target (hereinafter referred to as the second reading target) that only needs to read information at a relatively low frequency. In response to the inquiry signal of the interrogator power, the first RFID circuit element outputs a response signal with a frequency of V, and the second RFID circuit element with a low frequency. A response signal can be output. As a result, information can be read frequently and finely for the first reading target, and information can be read to the second reading target at a low frequency and to the minimum necessary. As described above, by setting the response rate of the RFID circuit element according to the reading target, it is possible to read information with a reading frequency corresponding to the reading target. Therefore, it is possible to suppress unnecessary reading such as reading information to a reading target that is sufficient if reading information is performed at a low frequency, so that a uniform response rate (100% or 0%) can be obtained. Compared to the case where information is read at a uniform frequency with respect to all reading targets using the RFID tag circuit element, information can be read quickly and efficiently.

[0118] In a fifty-first invention according to the fifty-first aspect, the tag-side response rate setting means includes a tag-side random number generating means for generating a random number, a random number generated by the tag-side random number generating means, and a predetermined value. By comparing with the threshold value, the response signal to the interrogation power inquiry signal And a first response determining means for determining whether or not to output.

[0119] In the RFID circuit element of the 51st invention of the present application, a response signal is generated by generating a random number with the tag-side random number generation means and comparing the random number with a predetermined threshold value with the first response determination means. The response rate is set by determining whether to output. Therefore, for example, when the random number generated by the tag-side random number generator is less than a predetermined threshold value, it is determined to output a response signal, and the generated random number has a predetermined threshold! /, Value. Larger than

V, in the case where it is determined that the response signal is not output, the response rate can be set high by setting the threshold value to a large value, and conversely, the threshold value is set to a small value. By setting to, the response rate can be set low. As a result, the response rate can be set according to the reading target, so that information can be read at a frequency corresponding to the reading target, and as a result, the reading efficiency can be improved.

[0120] In a fifty-second invention according to the fifty-first invention, the tag-side response rate setting means includes a random number generated by the device-side random number generation means of the interrogator and transmitted from the interrogator and a predetermined threshold. And a second response determining means for determining whether or not to output a response signal to the interrogator power inquiry signal by comparing with a value.

[0121] In the RFID circuit element according to the 52nd aspect of the present invention, the random number generated by the device-side random number generating means is received, and the second response determining means compares the random number with a predetermined threshold value. Determine whether to output a response signal. The response rate is set according to the threshold value. Therefore, for example, when the random number generated by the device-side random number generation means is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold value, it is determined to output a response signal, and on the contrary, the generated random number is larger than the predetermined threshold value. If you decide to output no response signal at! /, The response rate can be set higher by setting the threshold value to a larger value, and the threshold value is decreased. By setting the value, the response rate can be set low. As a result, the response rate can be set according to the reading target, so that information can be read at a frequency appropriate for the reading target, and as a result, the reading efficiency can be improved.

[0122] In a 53rd aspect based on the 50th aspect, the tag side response rate setting means counts the number of times the interrogation power inquiry signal has been received, and the counting means A third response deciding means for deciding whether or not to output a response signal in response to the interrogative inquiry signal by comparing the received inquiry signal reception count with a predetermined threshold value. Features.

[0123] In the RFID circuit element according to the 53rd invention of the present application, the counting means counts the number of times the interrogator has received the inquiry signal, and the third response determining means counts the counted number of receptions and a predetermined threshold value. To determine whether to output a response signal. The response rate is set according to the threshold value. Therefore, for example, if the threshold value is set to 10 and it is determined to output a response signal when the number of receptions counted by the counting means reaches 10, the response rate of the RFID circuit element can be set to 1Z10. Become. In this way, by setting the threshold value to an appropriate value, it is possible to set the response rate according to the reading target, so that information can be read at a frequency appropriate for the reading target, and the result Reading efficiency can be improved.

[0124] In a fifty-fourth aspect based on the fifty-first aspect, the tag side response rate setting means receives the previous interrogation signal when the interrogator force also receives the interrogation signal, and calculates the elapsed time of the force. A fourth response decision for deciding whether or not to output a response signal to the inquiry signal having the above-mentioned interrogation capability by comparing the calculation means for calculating and the elapsed time calculated by this calculation means with a predetermined threshold value Means.

[0125] In the RFID circuit element of the 54th invention of the present application, when an inquiry signal is received from the interrogator, the calculation means receives the previous inquiry signal, calculates the elapsed time, and determines the fourth response. The response rate is set by deciding whether or not to output a response signal by comparing the elapsed time with a predetermined threshold. Therefore, for example, it is determined not to output a response signal when the time difference is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold value, and conversely, it is determined to output a response signal when the time difference is larger than the predetermined threshold value. In such cases, the response rate can be set high by setting the threshold value to a small value, and conversely, the response rate can be set low by setting the threshold value to a large value. It becomes. As a result, since the response rate can be set according to the reading target, information can be read at a frequency corresponding to the reading target, and as a result, the reading efficiency can be improved. [0126] In a fifty-fifth aspect according to the fifty-fifth aspect of the present invention, the tag-side response rate setting means includes a charging means that performs charging when receiving an inquiry signal from the interrogator, and a charging voltage of the charging means. And a fifth response determining means for determining whether or not to output a response signal in response to the inquiry signal from the interrogator by comparing with a predetermined threshold value.

[0127] In the RFID circuit element according to the 55th aspect of the present invention, charging is performed by the charging means when an inquiry signal is received from the interrogator !, and the charging voltage of the charging means and a predetermined threshold are set by the fifth response determining means. The response rate is set by determining whether to output the response signal by comparing the value. Therefore, for example, it is determined to output a response signal when the charging voltage is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value, and conversely, when the charging voltage is larger than the predetermined threshold value, the response signal is not output. If the threshold value is determined, the threshold value can be set to a large value and the response rate can be set high, while the threshold value is set to a small value to set the response rate low. It becomes possible. As a result, the response rate can be set according to the reading target, so that information can be read with a frequency corresponding to the reading target, and as a result, the reading efficiency can be improved.

[0128] The fifty-sixth invention is characterized in that in any of the fifty-first to fifty-fifth inventions, there is a non-volatile storage means for storing the predetermined threshold value.

[0129] This makes it possible to maintain a predetermined threshold even when reception of an inquiry signal having an interrogative power is completed and power supply is cut off. As a result, the response rate set by the setting means or the response rate changed by the changing means can be held.

[0130] In a fifty-seventh aspect of the present invention, in the fifty-sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided changing means for changing the response rate set by the tag side response rate setting means by rewriting the threshold value stored in the storage means. It is characterized by that.

In the RFID tag circuit element according to the 57th aspect of the present invention, the response rate set by the setting means is changed by rewriting the threshold value stored in the storage means by the changing means. As a result, for example, articles that have been used less frequently over time, etc., although information was initially required to be read at a relatively high frequency, it is now relatively low! The response rate of the RFID tag circuit element provided for the reading target is sufficient. It is possible to make small changes by the changing means. In this way, by appropriately changing the response rate by the changing means, it is possible to set the response rate in detail according to the status of the reading target such as the usage frequency. As a result, information can be read more quickly and efficiently.

[0132] The 58th invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned 57th invention, said changing means rewrites said threshold value stored in said storage means in response to a rewrite signal received from said interrogator.

In the RFID circuit element according to the 58th aspect of the present invention, the response rate set by the setting means is obtained by rewriting the threshold value stored in the storage means by the changing means in accordance with the rewrite signal received by the interrogator. change. As a result, the response rate can be set in detail according to the status of the reading target such as the usage frequency. As a result, information can be read more quickly and efficiently.

The invention's effect

[0134] According to the invention of claim 1, claim 20, claim 43, and claim 49, it is possible to realize a smooth information acquisition operation and to improve the manageability of the management object.

[0135] According to the invention of claim 2, claim 44, and claim 50, information can be read quickly and efficiently.

[0136] According to the invention of claim 7, there is no need for a manual data write instruction or the like.

Fully automated article management can be performed.

[0137] According to the invention of claim 21, information can be easily and easily acquired from a plurality of information acquisition targets in a few steps while preventing mutual interference and adverse effects during information acquisition.

[0138] According to the invention described in claim 31 and claim 45, it is possible to read information effectively and quickly and effectively by the operator.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0139] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0140] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. This embodiment is an embodiment when the present invention is applied to a warehouse luggage management system. [0141] FIG. 1 is a conceptual system configuration diagram showing the entire information management system (wireless tag information reading system) of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0142] The RFID tag information reading system (information management system) ST1 shown in Fig. 1 is provided in the warehouse 1 in this example. This RFID tag information reading system ST1 is equipped with a plurality of RFID label T (T to T) affixed to a plurality of packages L (L1 to L11) that are loaded and unloaded via the entrance 1A of the warehouse 1. Multiple RFID tag circuit elements

L LI L11

(Details will be described later), the RFID tag circuit element To (which will be described in detail later) worn by the worker M who carries in and out the plurality of loads L, and the plurality of these A reader 1200 (interrogator) that accesses the RFID circuit element To (in this example, reads predetermined information stored).

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall schematic structure of T among the RFID label Τ and T described above.

L L1

2 (a) is a top view of the RFID label T, and FIG. 2 (b) is a bottom view. Figure 2 (a) and 1

In FIG. 2 (b), the RFID label T is, for example, a substantially sheet-shaped substrate 1002 (label 1).

RFID tag circuit element To, each of which has an IC circuit unit 150 disposed on the base material 1002 and stores information, and an antenna 151 (tag antenna) connected to the IC circuit unit 150. I have.

[0144] As shown in Fig. 2 (a), the front side (upper surface) of the base material 1002 of the RFID label T corresponds to 1

Area S indicating the print information (in this example, “package 1”). Note that these regions S may not be characters but may be figures or symbols, or simple coloring or patterns.

[0145] Although not shown, the RFID label T worn by the worker M has the same configuration as the RFID tag T. In the area S of the RFID label T,

LI

For example, the name of the worker is written.

[0146] FIG. 3 shows the function of the RFID circuit element To provided in the RFID labels 上記 and T.

L

It is a block diagram showing an example of a typical structure.

In FIG. 3, the RFID circuit element To is a non-contact signal using the antenna 1210 (device side antenna) of the reader 1200 and a high frequency such as a short wave band (eg, 13.56 MHz), UHF band, and microwave band. And the IC circuit unit 150 connected to the antenna 151. The IC circuit unit 150 rectifies the carrier wave received by the antenna 151 and stores the energy of the carrier wave rectified by the rectification unit 152 to serve as a driving power source for the IC circuit unit 150. The power supply unit 153 and the carrier wave force received by the antenna 151 also function as a clock extraction unit 154 that extracts a clock signal and supplies it to a control unit (described later) 157, and an information storage unit that can store a predetermined information signal. When receiving an inquiry signal (for example, unspecified search signal Scroll All ID, or specific search signal Scroll ID, or search signal Ping) from the memory unit 155, the modulation / demodulation unit 156 connected to the antenna 151, and the reader 1200 A random number generator 158 (details will be described later) for generating a random number for setting a response rate for outputting a response signal (reply signal) in response to the inquiry signal, the rectifier 152, the clock extractor 154, Fine modem part 156, via a random number generator 158 or the like and a control unit 157 for controlling the operation of the RFID circuit element To.

Modulation / demodulation unit 156 demodulates a communication signal received from antenna 151 from antenna 1210 of reader 1200 (interrogator), and also receives antenna 151 based on a return signal from control unit 157. The modulated carrier wave is modulated and retransmitted as a reflected wave from the antenna 151.

The control unit 157 interprets the received signal demodulated by the modulation / demodulation unit 156, generates a reply signal based on the information signal stored in the memory unit 155, and then generates the modulation / demodulation signal. Part

The basic control such as the control of returning by 156 is executed.

[0151] The clock extraction unit 154 extracts the clock component of the received signal force and extracts the clock to the control unit 157, and supplies the control unit 157 with a clock corresponding to the speed of the clock component of the received signal. To do.

[0152] The memory unit 155 is a non-volatile memory, and a set value (setting auxiliary factor, where 0 to: an integer of L00) is set in advance for setting the response rate by the label producing device when creating a tag label. Has been written. As a result, when setting the response rate, the control unit 157 compares the random number generated by the random number generator 158 with the set value stored in the memory unit 155, thereby setting the set value. (Details will be described later).

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing detailed functions of the reader 1200. In FIG. 4, the reader 1200 includes a plurality of RFID circuit elements provided in the RFID labels Τ and T. The antenna 12 10 that transmits and receives signals to and from the antenna 151 of the child To by wireless communication and the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To via the antenna 1210 are accessed (in this example, reading is performed). ) And the RFID circuit element To force the high-frequency circuit 1201 that processes the read signal and the signal read from the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To via the high-frequency circuit 1201 to read the information Along with the control circuit 1202 that controls the operation of the reader 1200 as a whole, including the function of generating access information for accessing the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID tag circuit element To, and appropriate buttons and keys that can be operated by the operator And an operation unit 1203 including a display unit 1204 that performs predetermined display.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing a detailed functional configuration of the high-frequency circuit 1201.

In FIG. 5, a high-frequency circuit 1201 includes a transmission unit 1212 that transmits a signal to each of a plurality of RFID tag circuit elements To via an antenna 1210, and each RFID circuit element To received by the antenna 1210. It comprises a receiving unit 1213 for inputting a strong reflected wave and a transmission / reception separator 1214.

Transmitter 1212 is controlled by control of crystal oscillator 1215 and control circuit 1202 that generate a carrier wave for accessing (reading and writing Z) the RFID tag information of IC circuit portion 150 of RFID circuit element To. A PLL (Phase Locked Loop) 1230 and a VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator) 1231 that generate a signal having a frequency of 1 and a carrier wave generated by the carrier wave generator based on a signal supplied from the control circuit 1202 Transmission multiplier circuit 1216 that modulates (in this example, amplitude modulation based on the “TX-ASK” signal from the control circuit 1202) (However, in the case of the “TX-ASK signal”, a variable amplification factor amplifier or the like may be used) And a variable transmission amplifier 1217 for amplifying the modulated wave modulated by the transmission multiplication circuit 1216 (in this example, amplification determined by the “TX-PWR” signal from the control circuit 1202). The carrier wave generated by the carrier wave generator uses high frequency waves such as UHF band and microwave band, and the output of the transmission amplifier 1217 is transmitted to the antenna 1210 via the transmission / reception separator 1214 to Supplied to the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To. Note that the RFID tag information transmitted and received is not limited to the signal modulated as described above, but may be just a carrier wave. [0157] Receiving section 1213 is a first reception multiplication circuit 1218 that multiplies and demodulates each RFID circuit element received by antenna 1210 with a reflected wave of the power and the generated carrier wave, and a first reception multiplication thereof. The first band-pass filter 1219 for extracting only the signal in the necessary band for the output power of the circuit 1218, the reception first amplifier 1221 for amplifying the output of the first band-pass filter 1219, and the reception first amplifier 1221 A first limiter 1220 that further amplifies the output and converts it into a digital signal, and a reflected wave from each RFID tag circuit element To received by the antenna 1210 and the phase shifter 1227 delays the phase by 90 ° after being generated. Reception second multiplication circuit 1222 for multiplying the received carrier wave, second band pass filter 1223 for extracting only a signal of a necessary band from the output of the reception second multiplication circuit 1222, and this second band pass filter 12 A reception second amplifier 1225 for amplifying the output of 23, and a second limiter 1224 for further amplifying the output of the reception second amplifier 1225 and converting it to a digital signal. The signal “RXS-I” output from the first limiter 1220 and the signal “RXS-Q” output from the second limiter 1224 are input to the control circuit 1202 and processed.

[0158] The outputs of the reception first amplifier 1221 and the reception second amplifier 1225 are also input to an RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) circuit 1226 as strength detection means, and a signal "RSSI" indicating the strength of these signals is input. "Is input to the control circuit 1202. Thus, in this example, the reader 1200 demodulates the reflected wave from each RFID circuit element To by IQ quadrature demodulation.

[0159] The control circuit 1202 outputs the amplification control signal and the modulation control signal to the high-frequency circuit transmission unit 1212, and after receiving the reception signal from the high-frequency circuit reception unit 1213, each RFID circuit element To Force Performs predetermined calculation processing to process the read signal.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing detailed functions of the control circuit 1202.

[0161] In FIG. 6, a control circuit 1202 is a so-called microcomputer, and a CPU 1202A ROM1202B RAM1202C, which is a central processing unit, and a circuit control unit 1202D for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the high-frequency circuit 1201 are also configured. Signal processing according to the program stored in ROM 1202B in advance while using the temporary storage function It has become.

[0162] In the above configuration, the feature of this embodiment is that the RFID label ラベル and T 〖are provided.

L

The response rate of multiple RFID circuit elements To is set in advance, and response signals are output in response to inquiry signals from each RFID circuit element To card 1200 according to the set response rates. It is to have done.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit 1202.

First, in step S1510, the information stored in the IC circuit unit 150 of the plurality of RFID tag circuit elements To of the RFID tag labels Τ and T via the high frequency circuit 1201 and the antenna 1210.

L

An inquiry signal for reading is transmitted. Specifically, for example, if the first 4 bits of the ID are 1111, the subsequent bits are optional, and an unspecified tag is specified to acquire all IDs and related information (corresponding device information). RFID tag circuit element To (in this example, all label L and label M of worker L in warehouse 1) that exist within the communication range via high-frequency circuit 1201 by generating search signal (or unspecified search signal) Tag label on T

L

It is transmitted to the provided RFID circuit element To) to prompt a reply.

[0165] Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1520, and the response signal transmitted (returned) from the RFID circuit element To corresponding to the inquiry signal is received via the antenna 1210 and taken into the control circuit 1202 via the high-frequency circuit 1201. Determine whether or not. If a response signal is not received, the determination is not satisfied, and the procedure returns to step S1510 and the same procedure is repeated. At this time, the search signal may be generated by changing the value of the first designated bit and the number of designated bits in order as necessary. If a response signal is received, the determination is satisfied and the routine goes to Step S1530.

[0166] In step S1530, a display signal corresponding to the read information of each RFID circuit element To force is also output to display unit 1204 for display (for example, stored in warehouse 1! In the next step S1540, it is determined whether or not to end (the operation unit force is also instructed to end), and if it ends, this flow ends.

[0167] Although not specifically shown here, the information read from each RFID circuit element To is used, such as inventory management in the warehouse 1 and checking whether the loading / unloading of the package L is performed normally. Do other processing. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control unit 157 provided in the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To.

In FIG. 8, first, in step S1610, a signal (carrier wave) transmitted from the antenna 1210 force of the reader 1200 is received by the antenna 151, and the carrier wave received by the antenna 151 is rectified by the rectifier 152, The energy of the rectified carrier wave is accumulated by the power supply unit 153, and when the voltage reaches a predetermined voltage, the IC circuit unit 150 is activated and reset to the initial state. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S1620.

In step S1620, the signal received by antenna 151 in step S1610 is a command (for example, search signal “Scroll IDJ, erase signal“ Erase ”, confirmation signal“ Verify ”, or write signal“ Pr ₀ gram ”). ) Is determined. For example, if the received signal is a signal from another wireless device, it is not a command, so the determination is not satisfied, and step S1620 is repeated to enter a command waiting state. If a command is received, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next Step S1630.

[0171] In step S1630, whether the command confirmed to be received in step S1620 is an inquiry signal (unspecified search signal or search signal that matches the tag ID of the RFID circuit element To) Determine. For example, if the received command is a rewrite signal for rewriting the set value to change the response rate of the RFID circuit element To (write signal “Program”), the judgment is not satisfied because it is not an inquiry signal. The process proceeds to step S 164 0. In step S1640, if a process corresponding to the received command, for example, the rewrite signal is received, the set value written in the memory unit 155 is updated based on the rewrite signal, and the process returns to step S1620. To wait for a command. On the other hand, if it is an inquiry signal, the determination is satisfied and the routine goes to Step S 1650.

In step S1650, random numbers are generated using the random number generator 158 (tag-side random number generation means, tag-side response rate setting means, first setting means). Here, the random number is generated as an integer from 0 to L00 (but not limited to this, for example, it may be generated in increments of 0.01 between 0 and 1).

In the next step S 1660, the set value stored in the memory unit 155 is read, and it is determined whether or not the random number generated in the step S1650 is equal to or greater than the set value (first step S1660). Response decision means, tag side response rate setting means, first setting means). If the random number is smaller than the set value, the determination is not satisfied and the process returns to the previous step S 1620 to wait for a command. On the other hand, if the random number is greater than or equal to the set value, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next Step S1670.

[0174] In step S1670, the storage information of the IC circuit unit 150, that is, the information related to the tag ID and the stored content is transmitted as a response signal to the antenna 1210 of the reader 1200 by the modem unit 156 via the antenna 151. Return to step S1620 to wait for a command.

[0175] Normally, in the command waiting state in step S1620, a signal (carrier wave) from the reader 1200 is not received and the power supply is cut off. Therefore, the wireless tag circuit element To stops spontaneously while waiting for a command! /.

[0176] By comparing the random number with the set value by the above procedure and controlling the wireless tag circuit element To force to transmit a response signal to the antenna 1210 of the reader 1200 when the random number is greater than or equal to the set value. The response rate of the RFID circuit element To can be set according to the set value. That is, if the set value is 0, the response rate of the RFID circuit element To is 100%, and if the set value is 90, the response rate of the RFID circuit element To is set to 10%. If no set value is written at the time of label creation, it is handled as set value = 0 (that is, response rate 100%).

[0177] In the present embodiment, the RFID circuit element provided in the tag label T attached to the package L

A relatively small set value is written for the child To, so that the response rate is set to be relatively high. The RFID tag circuit element provided in the tag label T worn by the worker M

For To, a relatively large setting value is written, so the response rate is set to be relatively low.

[0178] If necessary, a rewrite signal is transmitted from the antenna 1210 of the reader 1200 as described above, and the set value stored in the memory unit 155 of the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To is appropriately rewritten. Thus, the response rate can be appropriately changed.

[0179] The RFID labels され and T configured and used as described above are used.

L

An example of a label production device 1300 (tag label production device) that produces bells, and T

L

For example, the apparatus shown in Fig. 9 is used. In FIG. 9, this tag label producing device 1300 (RFID tag information writing device) is a tag tape roll 1304 (tag medium) wound around a tag tape 1303 (tag medium) provided with a RFID circuit element To at a predetermined interval ( The RFID tag circuit element housing) can be attached or removed (or the cartridge equipped with the tag tape tool 1304 can be attached or detached). The tag tape roll holder part 1310 (container installation part) and the tag tape roll 1304 can be fed out. A print head 1305 (printing means) that performs predetermined printing on the region S corresponding to the RFID tag circuit element To in the tag tape 1303 (or a print medium not shown to be bonded to the tag tape 1303); Antenna 1306 for transmitting / receiving information to / from the RFID circuit element To by wireless communication (third wireless communication means, device side antenna. Note that in the fifth embodiment described later, the fourth wireless communication Means), the high-frequency circuit 1301 and the control circuit 1302, and the tag tape 1303, which has finished printing on the tag tape 1303 and writing the information to the RFID circuit element To, is cut to a predetermined length, and the RFID label T ( = Cutter 1307 with the above (Τ, Τ, etc.) and printing

L

A transport device 1309 which is provided opposite to the head 1305 and transports the tag tape 1303 under the control of the control circuit 1302.

[0181] The high-frequency circuit 1301 and the control circuit 1302 are not described in detail, but have substantially the same functions as the high-frequency circuit 1201 and the control circuit 1202 of the reader 1 200, and the IC of the RFID circuit element To Access information to the circuit unit 150 is generated, transmitted to the RFID circuit element To via the device-side antenna 1 306, and information is written to the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To. The control circuit 1302 is connected to other computers, servers, terminals, etc. via a wired or wireless communication line (network), and can send and receive information to / from them.

[0182] RFID tag label T (= Τ, 上記 etc.) is created with the above-mentioned tag label creation device 1300

L

In this case, the access information corresponding to the setting value for setting the response rate is generated by the high-frequency circuit 1301 and the control circuit 1302, and is transmitted to the wireless tag circuit element To via the device-side antenna 1306. Thus, the setting value is written to the memory unit 155 of the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit 1302 when the RFID label T is created. In FIG. 10, first, in step S1710, the above-described region S of the wireless tag label T is input by the print head 1305, which is separately input by an operation terminal (connected to the control circuit 1302 via the communication line). The print information to be printed on and the write information to the RFID circuit element To (including the set value information (= setting auxiliary factor) for setting the response rate) are acquired via the communication line (device side Response rate setting means. Device side setting means). Instead of the above-mentioned operation terminal, etc., input from an operation unit (not shown) of the tag label producing apparatus 1300.

[0185] After that, the process proceeds to step S1720, and after writing and printing information (for example, writing the tag ID and the article information, the set value, etc.) to the RFID circuit element To, and after printing, In step S1730, tape cutting is performed to create a RFID label T (= 上記, Τ, etc.) having one RFID circuit element To, and this flow is terminated.

L

[0186] In the above, the memory unit 155 constitutes a nonvolatile storage unit that stores the predetermined threshold value described in each claim. Further, the high frequency circuit 1201 and the control circuit 1202 constitute information access means for reading information as much as the IC circuit portion of the RFID tag circuit element described in each claim.

[0187] In the present embodiment configured as described above, the RFID circuit element To that exists in the communication range from the reader 1200 every predetermined time (in this example, the tag labels T of all packages L in the warehouse 1 and For operator M's tag label T

L

An inquiry signal is sent to prompt a reply. At this time, each RFID circuit element To has a response rate for outputting a response signal to the above inquiry signal, and outputs a response signal to the inquiry signal from the reader 1200 according to the set response rate. To do.

[0188] At this time, in this embodiment, as described above, the response rate is set to be relatively high for the RFID circuit element To provided to the tag label T attached to the luggage L, and the worker M wears it. For the RFID circuit element To provided for the tag label T to be worn, the response rate is set to be relatively low. From this point of view, since frequent loading and unloading is performed via the entrance 1A, the frequency of the RFID tag circuit element To of the tag label T provided in the package L that needs to read information relatively frequently is high. To output a response signal and

(E.g., all day) Reading information at a relatively low frequency to stay in the warehouse 1 and work It is possible to output a response signal at a low frequency for the RFID circuit element To of the tag label T worn by the worker M, which is sufficient if it is taken. As a result, it is possible to read the information for the luggage L frequently and finely, and for the worker M to read the information at a low frequency and to the minimum necessary. In this manner, by setting the response rate of the RFID circuit element To according to the reading target, it is possible to read information with a reading frequency corresponding to the reading target. Therefore, it is possible to suppress unnecessary reading such as reading information to a reading target that is sufficient if information is read infrequently, so a wireless tag with a uniform response rate (100% or 0%) can be suppressed. Compared to reading information at a uniform frequency for all reading targets using circuit elements, information can be read quickly and efficiently. In this way, as a result of realizing a smooth information acquisition operation from the RFID circuit element To, it is possible to improve the manageability with respect to the luggage L and the worker M that are management objects.

Further, in this embodiment, in particular, the rewrite signal is transmitted from the antenna 1210 of the reader 1200, and the response rate is changed by rewriting the set value stored in the memory unit 155 of the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To. Can be changed to an appropriate value. As a result, for example, for packages with a reduced carry-in frequency in warehouse 1 (for example, L7 to L11 stored in the back), the response rate of RFID circuit element To is changed to be small, and For packages with high frequency (for example, L1 to L6 stored on the entrance / exit side), the response rate of the RFID circuit element To can be changed to increase. In this way, the response rate of the RFID circuit element To can be finely set according to the situation of the reading target, so that information can be read more quickly and efficiently.

In the present embodiment, in particular, the setting value for setting the response rate is stored in the nonvolatile memory unit 155 included in the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To. As a result, even when reception of the inquiry signal from the reader 1200 is completed and power supply to the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To is cut off, the set value can be held. As a result, the set value written in the memory unit 155 when the tag label is created can be held without being reset, and a response can be made with the set response rate.

[0191] The first embodiment is not limited to the above, but departs from the spirit and scope of the technical idea. Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope. The modifications will be described below.

[0192] (1-1) When a random number generator is installed on the reader side

In the first embodiment, the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To has the random number generator 158. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a random number generator is provided on the reader 1200 side. The random number generated by the generator may be transmitted from the reader 1200 to the IC circuit unit 150 of the wireless tag circuit element To together with the inquiry signal.

FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing the detailed functions of the control circuit 1202 ′ in this modification, and corresponds to FIG. 6 described above. In FIG. 11, parts similar to those in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 11, the control circuit 1202 ′ has a random number generator 1202E (device-side random number generation means) in addition to the CPU 1202A, ROM 1202B, RAM 1202C, and circuit control unit 1202D. This control circuit 1202 ′ is provided with a plurality of RFID tag circuits which are provided in the RFID label T, T and have no random number generator via the high frequency circuit 1201 and the antenna 1210.

L

A random number generated by the random number generator 1202 E is transmitted to the path element To-1 together with an inquiry signal for reading information.

FIG. 12 shows a control procedure executed by the control unit 157-1 (not shown) provided in the IC circuit unit 150-1 (not shown) of the RFID circuit element To- 1 in this modification. FIG. 9 is a flow chart corresponding to FIG. 8 described above. In FIG. 12, the description of the same parts as in FIG. 8 is omitted.

[0196] The difference between the flow in FIG. 12 and the flow in FIG. 8 described above is that step S1650 is replaced with step S1655. In other words, in this flow, when the inquiry signal from the reader 1200 is received, the determination in step S1630 is satisfied, and the process proceeds to the next step S1655, where the random number is generated by the control circuit 1202 'on the reader side received after the inquiry signal. Get the random number generated by the 1202E. Then, it is stored in a temporary storage area (not shown) of the control unit 157-1. Thereafter, in the next step S1660, the set value stored in the memory unit 155 is read, and it is determined whether or not the random number obtained in step S1655 and stored in the temporary storage area is equal to or greater than the set value (second response Determining means, tag side response rate setting means, first setting means).

[0197] This variation of the above configuration can also achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment. wear.

[0198] (1 2) When the set value is updated by the tag itself

In the first embodiment, the response rate is changed by sending a rewrite signal from the reader side and rewriting the set value. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is set by the tag itself every time it responds. Update the value and change the response rate accordingly.

FIG. 13 shows an IC circuit portion 150 of the RFID circuit element To-2 (not shown) in this modification.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by a control unit 155-2 (not shown) provided in 2 (not shown), and corresponds to FIG. 8 described above. In FIG. 13, the description of the same parts as in FIG. 8 is omitted.

[0200] The difference between the flow of Fig. 13 and the flow of Fig. 8 described above is that step S1680 is newly added. That is, in this flow, in step S1670, the memory information of the IC circuit unit 150-2 is transmitted as a response signal to the antenna 1210 of the reader 1200 via the antenna 151, and then the process proceeds to step S1680 to update the set value (change). means). For example, when the set value force SO is 100, the set value is updated to 100, and when the set value is 100, it is 90, and when it is 90, 80, ... If there is 0, if it is 0, it will again be 100 V. 0 → 100 → 90 → 80 → 70 → 60 → 50 → 40 → 30 → 20 → 10 → 0 To do. As a result, the response rate is updated in the order of 100% → 0% → 10% → 20% → 30% → 40% → 50% → 60% → 70% → 80% → 90% → 100%. Note that the method of updating the set value is not limited to the above. For example, the set value may be increased gradually to decrease the response rate sequentially, or may be changed based on other appropriate rules. It's good.

[0201] In this way, each time a response is made, the set value is updated by the tag itself so that the response rate of the RFID circuit element To-2 is updated. If the frequency of use is a reading target that changes over time, such as a new book that arrives at a library whose lending frequency gradually decreases over time, the RFID tag circuit will be finely tuned according to the status of the reading target. The response rate of element To-2 can be set.

[0202] The RFID tag circuit element has a random number generator as in the first embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present modification may be applied to a structure in which a random number generator is provided on the reader side as in the modification (1-1).

[0203] (1-3) When responding according to the number of response requests

In the embodiment described above, the force that compares the random number with the set value and responds when the random number is greater than or equal to the set value is not limited to this. That is, for example, count the number of response requests from the reader 1200 and respond when the number of response requests reaches a certain number.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the RFID circuit element To-3 in the present modification, and corresponds to FIG. 3 described above. In FIG. 14, the same parts as those in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 14, the IC circuit unit 150-3 of the RFID circuit element To-3 has received the inquiry signal from the antenna 1210 of the reader 1200 received by the antenna 151 (hereinafter, A counter 159 that counts the number of response requests). The counter value counted by the counter 159 is written into the memory unit 155 by the control unit 153-3 every time it is updated. As a result, even when the signal (carrier wave) from the reader 1200 is not received and the power supply is cut off, the counter value counted by the counter 159 can be held.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control unit 153-3 provided in the IC circuit unit 150-3 of the RFID circuit element To-3 in the present modification.

In FIG. 15, first, in step S1810, the power supply unit 153 is charged by a signal (carrier wave) transmitted from the antenna 1210 force of the reader 1200, and when the predetermined voltage is reached, the IC circuit unit 150-3 is Start up and reset to initial state. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S1820.

[0208] In step S1820, it is determined whether the signal received by antenna 151 in step S1810 is a command signal. If it is not a command signal, the determination is not satisfied, and step S1820 is repeated to wait for a command. If a command signal is received, the determination is satisfied and the routine goes to the next Step S 1830.

[0209] In step S1830, the command signal confirmed to be received in step S1820 is received. It is determined whether it is an inquiry signal. If it is not an inquiry signal, the determination is not satisfied and the routine goes to Step S1840, where the processing corresponding to the received command is performed, and the routine returns to the previous Step S1820 to enter a command waiting state. On the other hand, if it is an inquiry signal, the judgment is satisfied and the routine goes to Step S 1850.

[0210] In step S1850, the counter value C is read from the memory unit 155.

[0211] In the next step S1855, it is determined whether or not the counter value C read in step S1850 is zero. If the counter value C is 0, the determination is made and the process proceeds to the next step S 1860, where the stored information of the IC circuit unit 150-3 is transmitted to the antenna of the reader 1200 via the antenna 151 by the modem unit 156. It transmits to 1210 as a response signal. Then move to next step S1865. On the other hand, if the counter value C is not 0, the determination is not satisfied and the routine goes directly to the next step S1865.

[0212] In step S1865, the counter value C is incremented by 1, and the process proceeds to the next step S1870 (counting means).

[0213] In step S1870, the setting value stored in advance in memory unit 155 is read, and it is determined whether or not counter value C obtained by counting 1 in step S1865 is equal to the setting value. This step S1870 and the above-described step S1855 constitute third response determining means. These and the counting means constitute a tag side response rate setting means and also constitute a first setting means. If the counter value C is equal to the set value, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next step S1875, where the counter value C is reset to 0 and the routine goes to the next step S1880. On the other hand, if the counter value C is not equal to the set value, the determination is not satisfied, and the routine goes directly to the next step S1880. Note that the above setting value is a setting value for setting the response rate (operation mode factor) written to the memory unit 155 of the IC circuit unit 150-3 of the RFID tag circuit element To-3 at the time of tag label generation. (Setting cofactor).

[0214] In step S1880, the counter value C is written to the memory unit 155, and then the process returns to the previous step S1820 to enter a command waiting state.

[0215] Every time a response request from the reader 1200 is received by the above procedure, the count value C is incremented by 1. When the count value reaches the set value and is reset to 0, the RFID tag circuit element To reads the reader. Control to send response signal to 1200 antennas 1210 As a result, the response rate of the RFID circuit element To can be set according to the set value. That is, if the set value is 1, the response rate of the RFID circuit element To is 100%, and if the set value is 10, the RFID circuit element To responds at a rate of once every 10 times (that is, Response rate 10%).

[0216] The present modification having the above-described configuration can provide the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment.

[0217] (1 4) When responding according to the response request interval time

In the embodiment described above, the force that compares the random number with the set value and responds when the random number is greater than or equal to the set value is not limited to this. That is, for example, the time when the response request is received from the reader 1200 may be stored, and the response may be made when the elapsed time until the next response request is received from the reader 1200 reaches a certain time.

[0218] In this modification, although not shown in particular, the control circuit 1202 of the reader 1200 is provided with a clock means.

(Or timer means). The control circuit 1202〃 has a plurality of wireless tags provided in the wireless tag labels, and T via the high-frequency circuit 1201 and the antenna 1210.

L

The time stamp (time information) generated by the clock means can be transmitted to the circuit element To-4 together with the inquiry signal for reading the information.

FIG. 16 shows a control unit 157-4 (not shown) provided with the IC circuit unit 150-4 (not shown) of the RFID circuit element To-4 (not shown) in the present modification. 5 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the computer.

In FIG. 16, first, in step S1910, the power supply unit 153 is charged by a signal (carrier wave) transmitted from the antenna 1210 force of the reader 1200, and when the predetermined voltage is reached, the IC circuit unit 150-4 is connected. Start up and reset to initial state. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S1920.

[0221] In step S1920, it is determined whether the signal received by antenna 151 in step S1910 is a command signal. If it is not a command signal, the determination is not satisfied, and step S 1920 is repeated to wait for a command. If a command signal is received, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next Step S1930.

[0222] In step S1930, it is determined whether the command signal confirmed to be received in step S1920 is an inquiry signal. If it is not an inquiry signal, the decision is satisfied. Instead, the process moves to step S1940, performs processing according to the received command, returns to the previous step S1920, and waits for a command. On the other hand, if it is an inquiry signal, the judgment is satisfied and the routine goes to Step S1950.

In step S 1950, a time stamp T received after the inquiry signal is acquired.

[0224] In the next step S1960, the time stamp TO is read from the memory unit 155 (storage means). This time stamp TO is time information written in the memory unit 155 when the RFID circuit element To-4 sent a response signal last time (see step S1995 described later), and the RFID circuit element To responds. It is updated every time you do it.

[0225] In the next step S1970, the set value stored in advance in the memory unit 155 is read, and the difference (time difference) between the time stamp T acquired in step S 1950 and the time stamp TO read in step S 1960 above. Is equal to or greater than the set value read out (calculation means, fourth response determination means, tag side response rate setting means, first setting means). The above setting value is a setting for setting the response rate (operation mode factor) written in the memory circuit 155 of the IC circuit section 150-4 of the RFID circuit element To-4 by the label creating apparatus when the tag label is created. Value (setting cofactor). If the time difference T-TO is not equal to or greater than the set value, the determination is not satisfied and the routine returns to the previous step S1920 to enter a command waiting state. On the other hand, if the time difference T-TO is greater than or equal to the set value, the determination is satisfied and the routine goes to the next step S 1980.

[0226] In step S1980, the information stored in the IC circuit unit 150-4 is transmitted as a response signal by the modem unit 156 to the antenna 1210 of the reader 1200 via the antenna 151.

[0227] In step S1990, the time stamp T0 is updated to the time stamp T acquired in step S1950, and stored in the memory unit 155 in the next step S1995. Thereafter, the process returns to step S1920 and enters a command waiting state.

[0228] When the time stamp T is received together with the response request from the reader 1200 by the above procedure, the time stamp T0 of the previous response written in the memory unit 155 is read, and these time stamp T and time When the time difference from the stamp T0 is equal to or greater than the set value, the wireless tag circuit element To force is also controlled to send a response signal to the antenna 1210 of the reader 1200. By controlling, the response rate of the RFID circuit element To can be set according to the set value. That is, if the set value is set to a long time, the response rate of the RFID circuit element To becomes low, and if the set value is set to a small time, the response rate of the RFID circuit element To is set high.

[0229] The present modification having the above-described configuration can provide the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment.

In the above description, the RFID circuit element To obtains time information by receiving a time stamp from the reader 1200 side. However, a clock means (or a timer may be used! /,) Is provided on the tag side. The tag itself may get time information (or elapsed time information).

[0231] (1 5) When responding according to the charging voltage

In the above embodiment, a random number is compared with a set value and a response is made when the random number is greater than or equal to the set value. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, when the RFID circuit element To has a response charging unit that is charged little by little every time there is a response request, for example, the voltage of the response charging unit is equal to or higher than the set value and has already responded. Do not respond.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the RFID circuit element To-5 in this modification, and corresponds to FIG. 3 described above. In FIG. 17, parts similar to those in FIG. 3 are given the same reference numerals and explanations thereof are omitted.

[0233] As shown in Fig. 17, the IC circuit unit 150-5 of the RFID circuit element To-5 receives the inquiry signal from the antenna 1210 of the reader 1200 by the antenna 151. A response charging unit 160 that stores and charges the energy of the carrier wave rectified by 152 is provided. The time constant of the response charging unit 160 is larger than the time constant of the power supply unit 153, so that it is charged more slowly than the power supply unit 153.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control unit 157-5 provided in the IC circuit unit 150-5 of the RFID circuit element To-5 in the present modification.

In FIG. 18, first, in step S1110, the power supply unit 153 is charged with a signal (carrier wave) transmitted from the antenna 1210 force of the reader 1200. When the voltage reaches a predetermined voltage, the IC circuit unit 150-5 is Start up and reset to initial state. In addition, the flag F described later is also reset to F = 0. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S 1120.

[0236] In step S1120, the signal was received by antenna 151 in step S1110. Determine whether the signal is a command signal. If it is not a command signal, the determination is not satisfied, and step S1120 is repeated to wait for a command. If a command signal is received, the determination is satisfied and the routine goes to the next Step S1130.

In step S1130, it is determined whether or not the command signal confirmed to be received in step S1120 is an inquiry signal. If it is not an inquiry signal, the determination is not satisfied and the routine goes to Step S1140, where the processing corresponding to the received command is performed, and the routine returns to the previous Step S1120 to be in a command waiting state. On the other hand, if it is an inquiry signal, the determination is satisfied and the routine goes to Step S 1150.

[0238] In step S1150, the energy of the carrier wave rectified by the rectification unit 152 is accumulated, and the response charging unit 160 is charged (charging means, tag side response rate setting means, first setting means).

In the next step S 1160, the set value stored in advance in the memory unit 155 is read, and it is determined whether or not the voltage of the response charging unit 160 charged in step S 1150 is smaller than the read set value (first step (5 response determination means, tag side response rate setting means, first setting means). The set value is a set value for setting the response rate written in the memory unit 155 of the IC circuit unit 150-5 of the RFID circuit element To-5 by the label producing device when the tag label is produced. If the voltage is equal to or higher than the set value, the determination is not satisfied and the routine goes to the next step S 1165.

[0240] In step S1165, it is determined whether or not the flag F indicating whether the RFID circuit element To has transmitted a response signal to the reader 1200 is 1 indicating that it has responded. If the response has already been made and the flag F is 1, the determination is satisfied, the process returns to the previous step S 1120, and a command is waited for. On the other hand, if the flag F is 0 indicating that no response has been made yet, the determination is not satisfied and the routine goes to the next Step S 1170.

[0241] In step S1160, when the voltage of response charging unit 160 is smaller than the set value, the determination is satisfied, and the routine proceeds directly to next step S1170.

[0242] In step S1170, the information stored in the IC circuit unit 150-5 is transmitted as a response signal by the modem unit 156 to the antenna 1210 of the reader 1200 via the antenna 151.

In the next step S 1180, the flag F is updated to 1 indicating that it has responded, and in the next step S 1 190, it is stored in the memory unit 155. Here, a response confirmation signal is received from the reader 1200. The flag F is updated to 1 when it is done. Thereafter, the process returns to step S1120 and enters a command waiting state.

[0244] According to the above procedure, the response charging unit 160 responds until the voltage reaches the set value, and stops responding when the voltage reaches the set value. The response rate of the RFID circuit element To can be set in accordance with the above set value. Yes. That is, if the set value is large, the response rate of the RFID circuit element To is high, and if the set value is small, the response rate of the RFID circuit element To is low.

[0245] Also with this modification example having the above-described configuration, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

In addition, according to the present modification, it is possible to prevent a predetermined RFID tag circuit element To from responding to force at an appropriate time by storing an appropriate setting value, so that a sleep command is transmitted from the reader 1 200. There is also an effect that it is not necessary to do.

[0246] In the above, an example in which the present invention is applied to a system for reading information on luggage and workers in a warehouse has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, information on a person and his / her belongings is obtained. It can be applied to systems that read information from reading targets with different required information reading frequencies, such as reading systems and systems that read information between objects that have different usage frequencies or take-out frequencies.

[0247] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. The present embodiment is an embodiment when the present invention is applied to a building management system. Parts equivalent to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted or simplified as appropriate.

FIG. 19 is a diagram schematically showing an overall configuration of the information management system (wireless tag management system) of the present embodiment. In this example, the case where the RFID tag management system ST2 of this embodiment is applied to an entire office building (building; hereinafter simply referred to as “building”) 2002 having a plurality of floors is shown. A plurality of predetermined rooms (for example, an office room, a hot water room, a break room, etc., which will be described later) may be included. In FIG. 19, in order to avoid the complexity of the illustration, the type, structure, number of rooms, etc. (Not shown in particular, conceptually! /), And the vicinity of the entrance / exit door (exit passage) 2003 that is the exit passage to the outside of the building 2002 Each of the areas is an independent area to be managed, and a monitoring room 2004 where an operator in charge of management (not shown, hereinafter referred to as “manager”) waits is provided inside the building 2002. . In this example, the document 'equipment' that should be kept in one of the above-mentioned rooms in the normal case, such as a project file, etc. 2005, for example, an employee of the company where the building 2002 is located A person who is a predetermined management target, such as a visitor permitted to take out the management target article 2005, is set as a monitoring target. Each managed article 2005 is attached with a wireless tag Tb for goods (or may be associated in some form such as bundled), and the managed person 2006 has a personal wireless tag Tt. I am letting.

[0249] Then, the RFID tag management system ST2 of the present embodiment has a reader (radio tag information reading device; may be provided with a writing function) installed in the vicinity of a predetermined room and an entrance door in the building 2002. ) 2007, terminal 2008 installed in monitoring room 2004 and connected to each reader 2007 via communication network NW, management server 2009, and tag label creation device (tag label creation means) 2010 Speak.

[0250] In each predetermined room, one reader 2007 is installed, for example, at the center position of the ceiling. In addition, at the entrances and exits, the doors 2003 are placed one by one on the ceiling inside the building 2002 and on the outside ceiling of the building 2002 (such as the bottom of the eaves). 2007a, 2007b) o All readers 2007, 2007a, 2007b have the same configuration. Each RFID tag Tb, Tt existing inside each room (or in the vicinity of the entrance door 2003) is searched and the identification information ( (Tag ID) will be detected! /, (Details will be described later).

[0251] Of these, the two readers 2007a and 2007b installed in the vicinity of the entrance door 2003 are installed in an arrangement spaced at an appropriate interval, and when the wireless tags Tb and Tt pass through the entrance door 2003, they 2 There is a time difference in the detection timing of the identification information of the RFID tags Tb and Tt by the two readers 2007a and 2007b, so that if the outer reader 2007a detects it first, the RFID tags Tb and Tt are externally detected. It is possible to detect that the force has entered the building 2002, and when the inner reader 2007b detects first, the RFID tags Tb, T t can detect that the force in the building 2002 has also gone outside. it can. In addition, going to Building 2002 When entry is distinguished between an entrance-side passage and an exit-side passage,

It is only necessary to provide a 2007a and a leader 2007b in the exit passage. Hereinafter, all the readers 2007a and 2007b for detecting access and the reader 2007 for each room will be collectively referred to as “reader 2007” as appropriate.

In addition, the management server 2009 stores the existence position information of each wireless tag Tb, Tt, and also presents each reader 2007 by detecting the identification information of each wireless tag Tb, Tt. Monitor the position every predetermined time and memorize the monitoring results! /, Various operation modes (= operation mode factors) are set according to the result of comparison with the existing location information, and processing according to that is executed (details will be described later).

FIG. 20 is a system configuration diagram showing an outline of the radio tag management system ST2 of the present embodiment. In order to avoid the complexity of the illustration, the reader 2007 has a single configuration, and only the system configuration of the tag label creation device 2010 is separately shown in FIG.

In FIG. 20, the RFID tag management system ST2 detects the identification information by wireless communication with the RFID tags Tb and Tt as described above, and the reader 2007 The terminal includes a terminal 2008, a management server 2009, and a tag label producing device 2010, which are connected to each other by an appropriate communication network NW. When an administrator (operator) resident in the monitoring room 2004 operates the terminal 2008, the terminal 2008 sends and receives instruction signals and management information to and from the management server 2009 via the communication network NW. In response to the signal, a control signal is output from the management server 2009 to each reader 2007 via the communication network NW, and a detection result signal from the reader 2007 is output to the management server 2009.

[0255] When the detection result from the reader 2007 satisfies a predetermined condition, a control signal is output from the management server 20 09 to the tag label producing device 2010 via the communication network NW, and the tag label producing device 2010 A new article RFID tag Tb or a person RFID tag Tt is newly created as an RFID label.

The reader 2007 includes a control unit 2011 and a reader antenna 2012. The control unit 2011 is a network communication control unit 2 that controls transmission and reception of control signals and information signals between the CPU (central processing unit) 2013 and the management server 2009 via the communication network NW. 014, for example, a memory 2015 composed of RAM, ROM, and the like, and an RF communication control unit 2016 that controls wireless communication with the wireless tags Tb and Tt via the reader antenna 2012 (about wireless tags Tb and Tt) Will be detailed later).

[0257] The CPU 2013 performs signal processing according to the program stored in the ROM in advance using the temporary storage function of the RAM, thereby accepting the input of the detection processing execution command from the management server 2009, and the reader The wireless tags Tb and Tt are detected by wireless communication via the antenna 2012, and the detection results are output to the management server 2009 via the communication network NW.

[0258] The management server 2009 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 2021, a memory 2022 similar to the above, and a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk device, and each wireless tag Tb, Tt and each reader 20

Database 2023 for storing various information related to 07, etc. and the above communication network N

And a network communication control unit 2024 that controls transmission / reception of control signals and information signals to / from the reader 2007 via W. The database 2023 is not limited to being provided in the management server 2009, and an external database connected so as to be able to send and receive information via some kind of communication line may be used.

[0259] The terminal 2008 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 2031, a memory 2032 similar to the above, an operation unit 2033 for inputting instructions and information from the administrator, and a display unit for displaying various information and messages. 2034, a network communication control unit 2035 that controls transmission / reception of control signals and information signals to / from the management server 2009 via the communication network NW, and when an abnormality in the security state of the article 2 005 to be managed is detected. And a buzzer 2036 for voice notification to the administrator.

[0260] In the present embodiment, the power assumed to be a wired network using a cable or the like for the communication network NW is not limited to this, and a wireless network may be used. The frequency band and transmission / reception method may be different from those of the control unit 2016.

FIG. 21 is a conceptual explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the tag label producing apparatus 2010, and is equivalent to FIG. 9 of the first embodiment. In FIG. 21, this tag label producing apparatus 2010 is similar to the tag label producing apparatus 1300 of the first embodiment in the cartridge holder 1310. (Corresponding to the tag tape roll holder portion of the first embodiment), a print head 1305 that performs predetermined printing on a predetermined area of the tag tape 1303 (or a medium to be printed), an antenna 1306, a high-frequency circuit 1301, and the above The tag tape 1303 that has finished printing and information writing is cut to a predetermined length to form the wireless tags Tb and Tt, and a cutter 1307 and a transport device 1309 are provided.

[0262] A cartridge 1308 for continuously supplying the tag tape 1303 by winding a tag tape 1303 having RFID circuit elements To at predetermined intervals around the tag tape roll 1304 is detachable from the cartridge holder 1310. Yes. The control circuit 1302 is connected to the communication network NW via the input / output interface 1302A.

[0263] The high-frequency circuit 1301 and the control circuit 1302 included in the tag label producing apparatus 2010 are not described in detail, but have substantially the same functions as the RF communication control unit 2016 and CPU2013 of the reader 2007 described later. , RFID circuit element (RF tag circuit element for articles provided in RFID tag Tb for articles or RFID tag circuit element for persons provided in RFID tag Tt for person) Access information to IC circuit unit 150 of To (identification (Including a tag ID that is information) and is transmitted to the RFID circuit element To via the device-side antenna 1306, and information is written to or read from the IC circuit unit 150 of the wireless tag circuit element To.

[0264] FIG. 22 shows the above-described wireless tag circuit provided in common with the wireless tags Tb and Tt that are attached to the articles to be managed 2005 to be detected by the reader 2007, the person to be managed 2006, etc. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an element To, and corresponds to FIG. 3 and the like of the first embodiment.

[0265] As shown in FIG. 22, the RFID circuit element To of the present embodiment is an antenna that transmits and receives signals without contact using a reader antenna 2012 of a reader 2007 and a high frequency such as a UHF band or a microwave. 151 and an IC circuit unit 150 connected to the antenna 151.

The IC circuit unit 150 includes a rectification unit 152, a power supply unit 153, a clock extraction unit 154, a memory unit 155, a modulation / demodulation unit 156, and a control unit 157, as in FIG. . Note that the random number generator shown in FIG. 3 of the first embodiment may be omitted. The memory unit 155 has the above No set value is provided as in the first embodiment.

In FIG. 22, for example, tag identification information (tag ID) for individually identifying the radio tags Tb and Tt in the information signal stored in the memory unit 155 is the article to be managed 2005 This is information that can be distinguished between the RFID tag Tb for goods attached to the tag and the RFID tag Tt for humans possessed by the person to be managed 2006. In response to this, the reader 2007 can distinguish and detect the article RFID tag Tb and the person RFID tag Tt (details will be described later).

FIG. 23 is a functional block diagram showing detailed configurations of the CPU 2013, the RF communication control unit 2016, and the reader antenna 2012 in the reader 2007, and corresponds to FIG. 5 of the first embodiment.

In FIG. 23, the RF communication control unit 2016 of the reader 2007 accesses the information (RFID tag information including the tag ID) of the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To via the reader antenna 2012. In addition, the CPU 13 of the reader 2007 processes the signal read from the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To reads information and generates access information for accessing the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To. This function controls the overall operation of Reader 2007.

[0270] The RF communication control unit 2016 includes a transmission unit 2212 that transmits a signal to the RFID circuit element To through the reader antenna 2012, and a reflection of the RFID circuit element To force received by the reader antenna 2012. The receiving unit 2213 for inputting a wave and a transmission / reception separator 2214 are included.

The transmission unit 2212 has substantially the same configuration as the transmission unit 1212 shown in FIG. 5, and is equivalent to the above-described crystal resonator 1215, PLL1230, VC01231, transmission multiplication circuit 1216, and variable transmission amplifier 1217. A crystal oscillator 2215A, PLL2215B, VC02215C, transmission multiplication circuit 2216, and variable transmission amplifier 2217, which are functions, are provided.

[0272] The receiving unit 2213 has substantially the same configuration as the above-described receiving unit 1213 shown in Fig. 5, and reflects the reflected wave from the RFID circuit element To received by the reader antenna 2012 and the generated carrier wave. A reception first multiplication circuit 2218 (corresponding to the reception first multiplication circuit 1218) is provided for multiplication and demodulation. In addition, the first bandpass filter 1219 described above, the reception first amplifier The first limiter 1220, the first limiter 1220, the phase shifter 1227, the second reception multiplier circuit 1222, the second bandpass filter 1223, the second reception amplifier 1225, and the second limiter 1224 have the same functions. Evening 2219, receiving fl amplifier 2221, 1 limiter 2220, ¾ ^ 2227, receiving second multiplier circuit 2222, second band pass filter 2223, receiving second amplifier 2225, and second limiter 2224 are provided. The signal “R XS—I” output from the first limiter 2220 and the signal “RXS—Q” output from the second limiter 2224 are input to the CPU 2013 and processed.

[0273] The outputs of the reception first amplifier 2221 and the reception second amplifier 2225 are also input to an RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) circuit 2226 as strength detection means, and a signal "RSSI" indicating the strength of these signals is input. "Is entered into CPU2013. In this way, also in the reader 2007 of this embodiment, the reflected wave from the RFID circuit element To is demodulated by I-Q orthogonal demodulation as in the first embodiment.

[0274] In the above, the most significant feature of the present embodiment is that various operations are performed based on the holding status information of the wireless tags Tb and Tt stored and held in the database 2023 of the management server 2009. According to the mode, location management, movement management, etc. of the management target article 2005 or the management target person 2006 corresponding to each of the wireless tags Tb and Tt are automatically performed. Hereinafter, the details will be described in order.

First, in the example of this embodiment, each table stored and held in the database 2023 will be described.

[0276] Fig. 24 is a diagram conceptually showing a place table for managing the correspondence between the names of the respective management target areas and the place codes. This location table is information stored and held in the database 2023 (the same applies to the tables shown in FIG. 25, FIG. 27, and FIG. 28). In this example, the location code consisting of a combination of alphabets and numbers, the location The name is stored in the form of correlation information associated with each name beforehand. In this example, the location code is a one-letter alphabet (P stands for building 2002, G stands for building 200 2), and identifies each managed area. It consists of a combination with a three-digit identification number.

[0277] In this example, every place in Building 2002 is subdivided, and Leader 2007 Although they are registered in places other than the managed area where they are placed, they can be used later when additional readers 2007 are added if necessary.

[0278] Fig. 25 mainly shows the article code, name, location, tag I of each managed article 2005

FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an article table for managing correspondence with D. As shown in FIG. 25, the article table includes an article code having an alphabet and number combination power in this example.

The name (first identification information) of the article to be managed 2005, the latest update date, the location indicated by the location code, and the tag ID (first tag identification information) are associated in advance. Stored in the form of correlation information.

[0279] The article code is a one-letter alphabet representing the article to be managed 2005 (in this example, “B

)) And a five-digit identification number that identifies the article 2005 to be managed.

[0280] The latest update date and time stores the date and time when the content of the item at the location corresponding to the article code was updated most recently.

[0281] The location is stored as the location code of the management target area where the RFID tag Tb for the product with the tag ID corresponding to the product code (and the managed product 2005 attached) is detected most recently. .

[0282] The tag ID is identification information stored in the IC circuit unit 150 of the article wireless tag Tb corresponding to the article code, and is represented in hexadecimal in the figure.

[0283] Here, the configuration of the tag ID in this example will be described. FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the tag ID, FIG. 26 (a) is a diagram showing the arrangement of codes in the bit string of the tag ID, and FIG. 26 (b) is a diagram showing the contents of each code.

[0284] First, as shown in Fig. 26 (a), the tag ID in this example is a binary information string consisting of a 64-bit bit string, and the two bits from the first 0 bit to the first bit are shown. 26 Functions as a header code as shown in (b). The next 15 bits function as a manufacturer code, the next 13 bits function as a type code, and the last 34 bits function as a serial code.

[0285] Then, depending on the contents of the above type code, the RFID tag Tb for articles attached to (or bundled with) the management target is distinguished from the RFID tag Tt for the person held by the person 2006 to be managed. In this example, when the type code is 1, that is, when the character power is the eighth character from the beginning in the tag ID in hexadecimal notation, it is recognized as the tag ID of the wireless tag for goods Tb. The Also, when the type code is 2, that is, when the first character of the tag ID in hexadecimal notation is 8 (see Fig. 9 described later), it is recognized as the tag ID of the personal radio tag Tt. (Assuming that the first 2 bits of the serial code are 0) In this way, the tag ID of this example can uniquely identify the wireless tags Tb and Tt, and can identify the product wireless tag Tb and the person wireless tag Tt.

Next, FIG. 27 is a diagram conceptually showing a person table for managing the correspondence between the person code, name, location, and tag ID of each person to be managed 2006. As shown in FIG. 27, in this example, the person table includes a person code consisting of a combination of alphabets and numbers, the name (second identification information) of the person to be managed 2006 (second identification information), and the location indicated by the location code. And tag ID (second tag identification information) are stored in the form of correlation information associated with each other in advance.

[0287] The person code is a one-letter alphabet (in this example, “

“S” represents an employee, “C” represents a visitor), and a combination of a 5-digit identification number that identifies each person to be managed 2006.

[0288] As the location, the location code of the management target area in which the RFID tag Tt for the person with the tag ID corresponding to the person code (and the management target person in possession of 2006) is detected is stored. ing.

[0289] The tag ID is identification information stored in the IC circuit unit 150 of the wireless tag Tt corresponding to the person code, and is expressed in hexadecimal in the figure.

FIG. 28 is a diagram conceptually showing a reader table that manages the correspondence between the name, IP address, and installation location of each reader 2007. As shown in FIG. 28, in this example, the reader table includes a person code consisting of a combination of alphabets and numbers, the name of the person to be managed 2006, the location indicated by the location code, and the tag ID. It is stored in the form of correlation information associated with each in advance.

[0291] The reader code also has a combination of a one-letter alphabet representing reader 2007 ("R" in this example) and a two-digit identification number that identifies reader 2007.

[0292] In this example, the IP address of the communication network NW conforms to the Internet Protocol (IP) system in this example, and the private address assigned to each reader 2007 is Stored.

[0293] The installation location stores the location code of the management target area where the reader 2007 corresponding to the reader code is installed.

[0294] As described above, each table force database 2023 shown in Fig. 24, Fig. 25, Fig. 27, Fig. 28 is stored and stored, and the location information of the article to be managed 2005 or the person to be managed 2006 is related to it. Used as information.

[0295] Figure 29 shows the management server 2009 in order to monitor each management target area as described above.

It is a flow chart showing a control procedure related to the wireless tag Tb, Tt monitoring operation performed by the CPU2021.

In FIG. 29, for example, when a monitoring start instruction is input (for example, key operation) in the operation unit 2033 of the terminal 2008, this flow is started.

First, in step S2005, the monitoring processing loop count L and the inventory mode flag Ft are set. This is because this monitoring process switches the monitoring of the management object 2005 and the monitoring of the person 2 006 individually, depending on the time conditions at the time of the monitoring process. This is a procedure for setting the frequency ratio to be repeated.

[0298] Here, before describing the setting procedure of step S2005, the overall flow of the monitoring process according to this flowchart will be described. This monitoring process consists of an article monitoring loop (steps S2030, S2200, S2035, S2040, S2045; first step in the figure) that sequentially monitors a plurality of managed articles 2005 and a plurality of managed persons 2006 sequentially. Switch one of the person monitoring loops (steps S2050, S2055, S2200, S2060, S20 65, S2070; 2nd procedure in the figure) to be monitored at once. A unit loop (step S2100 to step S2080 in the figure) that is repeated as many times as one processing is taken as one processing unit. Further, the unit loop is repeated until it is determined that an end operation has been performed at terminal 2008 (step S2085 described later).

[0299] Among the monitoring loops that are repeatedly performed L times in one unit loop, the person monitoring loop is performed only the first time, and the other monitoring loops are set as the article monitoring loop. Under these conditions, the number L of monitoring processing loops, that is, one unit loop The greater the number of monitoring loops that are performed, the more frequently the frequency of repeated article monitoring loops in one unit loop.

[0300] In addition, the inventory mode flag Ft is set to 1 to force the article monitoring loop without performing branch judgment between the article monitoring loop and the person monitoring loop (step S2020 in the figure). I do. That is, while the inventory mode flag Ft is set to 1, only the article monitoring loop is repeated without performing the person monitoring loop.

[0301] Then, in the setting procedure at Step S2005, the number of monitoring processing loops L is set in the time zone before and after the business hours such as early morning and night, in which there are relatively few persons to be managed such as employees in Building 2002. By setting a large value (for example, 6 times), the frequency ratio of performing the person monitoring loop in the unit loop can be reduced, and the frequency ratio of repeating the article monitoring loop can be increased accordingly (when L = 6, The article monitoring loop is performed at a repetition frequency rate five times that of the person monitoring loop). In addition, by setting the monitoring processing loop count L to a small value (for example, 4 times) during the daytime business hours when there are many people to be managed 2006 and in the building 2002, the frequency ratio of repeating the person monitoring loop is relatively high. (If L = 4, the article monitoring loop will be repeated three times as often as the person monitoring loop).

[0302] In addition, the inventory mode flag Ft is used when inventory of managed articles 2005 is performed at a specific time, such as a late-night time when there are many people to be managed 2006 and the building 2002 does not exist in the building 2002. By setting it to 1, it is possible to keep monitoring only the management object 2005 without performing a person monitoring loop (= corresponding to execution of “inventory mode”).

[0303] Then, after the setting procedure of step S2005, the process proceeds to step S2010, where the counter variable C of the unit loop is initialized to 1.

[0304] Next, the process moves to step S2100, and a take-out monitoring process is performed to monitor the force that the article to be managed 2005 is taken out of the building 2002 through the first floor entrance (see Fig. 30 described later)

) o

[0305] Next, the process moves to step S2015, where it is set whether or not the inventory mode flag Ft is set to 1, that is, the inventory mode is entered and the article monitoring loop is forcibly performed without performing the person monitoring loop. Judgment whether or not the power is. Inventory mode flag Ft is set to 1. If yes, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes directly to Step S 2025 which is the preparation procedure for the article monitoring loop. On the other hand, if the inventory mode flag Ft is set to 0, the determination is not satisfied, and the routine goes to the next step S2020 where the branch determination between the article monitoring loop and the person monitoring loop is performed.

In step S2020, it is determined whether or not the counter variable C of the unit loop is 1, that is, whether or not the person monitoring loop is performed as the first monitoring loop in the unit loop. If it is other than the counter variable C force, the determination is not satisfied, and the routine goes to Step S 2025 which is the preparation procedure for the article monitoring loop.

[0307] In step S2025, the counter variable M of the article monitoring loop is initialized to 1, and the process proceeds to the next step S2030 to perform the subsequent article monitoring loop. Note that this counter variable M is one of the article information of a plurality of articles to be managed 2005 whose head force is also sequentially arranged in the article table (see FIG. 25) stored and held in the database 2023 of the management server 2009. (= Identify the M-th listed in the table) (This is also true for specifying the information in the person table in the person monitoring loop described later).

[0308] Then, in step S2030, information on the existing position (location code) corresponding to the M-th managed article 2005 from the top in the article table is acquired, and the existing position information is blank (unregistered) ( (For example, if the wireless tag for goods Tb attached to the Mth article 2005 is newly created, its location is still registered in the article table of the database 2023!) Determine whether. If the location information has already been registered, the determination is not satisfied, and the routine goes to the next Step S2200.

[0309] In step S2200, the reader installed in the presence position of the Mth article 2005 registered in the article table (= the position where the Mth article 2005 was detected in the previous article monitoring loop) 2007 Thus, the previous presence position detection process is performed to detect whether or not the same Mth article 2005 still exists (see FIG. 31 described later for details).

[0310] Next, the process proceeds to step S2035, and based on the detection result by the reader 2007 in step S2200, it is determined whether the tag ID of the Mth article 2005 is detected at the same position as the previous position. To do. If the Mth item 2005 is in the previous location, The decision is satisfied, that is, it is considered that there is no movement of the Mth article 2005, and the process moves to the next step S 2040.

[0311] On the other hand, in the determination of step S 2030, if the location information of the Mth article 2005 is not registered and is blank, the determination is satisfied (for example, attached to the Mth article 2005). The new wireless tag Tb for goods that has just been created has not been registered yet), and the registration mode processing (registration mode; see Figure 32 below for details) in step S2300 When searching for the location of the Mth article 2005, the location information is written and registered in the database 2023, and then the process proceeds to step S2040.

[0312] On the other hand, in the determination in step S 2035, if the tag ID of the Mth article 2005 is not detected at the same position based on the detection result of reader 2007 in step S2200, the determination is not satisfied. (That is, the M-th article 2005 is also considered to have moved the previous presence position force), and the search mode processing in step S 2400 (search mode; see FIG. 33 to be described later in detail) adds a new M-th article 2005. Search for a new location, and then move to step S2040.

[0313] Then, in step S2040, the force / force resulting from the above monitoring process performed on all the managed articles 2005 registered in the article table, that is, the counter variable M becomes the maximum value! / Judge whether or not to speak. If all the articles to be managed 2005 have not been monitored yet (counter variable M is not at the maximum value), the judgment is not satisfied, i.e., the counter variable is determined in step S2045 as continuing the article monitoring loop. After adding 1 to M, return to step S2030 and repeat the same article monitoring loop procedure. On the other hand, when all the articles to be managed 2005 are monitored, the determination is satisfied, that is, it is considered that the article monitoring loop for that time is finished, and the process proceeds to the next step S2075.

[0314] On the other hand, in the determination of step S2020, if the counter variable C of the unit loop is 1, the determination is satisfied, that is, the person monitoring loop in which the current monitoring loop is first performed in the unit loop. And the process moves to step S2050.

[0315] In step S2050, after the counter variable M of the person monitoring loop is initially set to 1, the process proceeds to the next step S2055 to perform the subsequent person monitoring loop. This step S2055 The person monitoring loop performed in the procedure from step S2070 to step S2070 has the same general procedure flow as the article monitoring loop, and in step S2055, the person management loop of the person table (see Fig. 27) The information of the location corresponding to the person 2006 is obtained and the blank is determined, and the tag ID corresponding to the Mth person to be managed 2006 in the person table is detected at the previous location in step S 2060. It is different from the procedure of the article monitoring loop in that it is determined whether or not it is done.

[0316] If the counter variable M is at the maximum value in the determination in step S2065, the determination is satisfied, that is, it is considered that the person monitoring loop for that time has ended, and the flow proceeds to the next step S2075.

[0317] Then, in step S2075 which moves after finishing the article monitoring loop or the person monitoring loop, it is determined whether or not the counter variable C of the unit loop has the same value as the number L of monitoring processing loops. If the counter variable C has a value different from the monitoring processing loop count L, the determination is not satisfied, i.e., 1 is added to the counter variable C in step S2080, assuming that the unit loop of that count is continued, and then the step Return to S2100 and repeat the same unit loop procedure. On the other hand, when the counter variable C reaches the same value as the monitoring processing loop count L, the determination is satisfied, that is, it is considered that the unit loop of that time has ended, and the process proceeds to the next step S2085.

[0318] In step S2085, it is determined whether or not an operation for ending this flow has been performed in operation unit 2033 of terminal 2008. If the end operation has not been performed, the determination is not satisfied, and the flow returns to step S2005 to repeat this flow for the first time. On the other hand, if the end operation has been performed, the determination is satisfied, and the flow ends.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of take-out monitoring processing executed by CPU 2021 of management server 2009 in step S2100. In FIG. 30, first, in step S2103, two leaders of the first-floor population 2007a, 2007b (Rl l, Obtain the IP address corresponding to each of R 12).

[0320] Then, the process proceeds to the next step S2105, where the two readers 2007a and 2007b at the first floor entrance / exit are operated via the communication network NW by using the two acquired IP addresses. ng "signal is transmitted and the process proceeds to the next step S2110.

[0321] In step S2110, based on the reply signals received corresponding to the above "Ping" signals by the two readers 2007a and 2007b at the first floor entrance / exit (if necessary, further using the "Scroll ID" signal or the like hierarchically) The tag ID is specified (by the reply signal), and the management server 2009 obtains the specified tag ID via the communication network NW.

[0322] In the next step S2115, based on the detection result of step S2110 above, the reader 2007b (R12) inside the first floor entrance (P102) to the leader 2007a (R11) outside the first floor entrance (P101) are the same in this order. It is determined whether or not there is any single tag ID that has passed through the entrance door 2003 toward the outside as well as the force at which the tag ID signal was detected. Note that there may be a plurality of tag IDs that satisfy the condition at the same time. If any tag ID that passes in the outward direction is detected, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next step S 2120.

[0323] In step S2120, it is determined whether or not the tag ID detected in step S2115 includes the tag ID of the personal radio tag Tt. If at least one tag ID of the RFID tag for human use Tt is included in the detected tag ID, the judgment is satisfied, that is, at least one person to be managed 2006 is considered to have left the building 2002. Then go to the next step S2125.

[0324] In step S2125, the person to be managed 2006 corresponding to the tag ID of the person RFID tag Tt whose passage is detected is searched in the person table of the database 2023, and the existence position corresponding to the person 2006 to be managed is searched. Update the item to Outside (G001).

[0325] Then, in the next step S2130, it is determined whether or not the tag ID detected in step S2115 includes the tag ID of the article wireless tag Tb. If the tag ID of the article wireless tag Tb is included in the detected tag ID, the judgment is satisfied, that is, the article 2005 to be properly managed by the person to be managed 2006 who has gone out is building 20 It is considered that it was taken out of 02 and moves to the next step S2135.

[0326] In step S2135, the management target article 2005 corresponding to the tag ID of the article RFID tag Tb whose passage has been detected is searched in the article table of the database 2023, and the location corresponding to the management target article 2005 is searched. After updating the item to External (G001), this flow Exit.

[0327] On the other hand, in the determination in step S2130, if the tag ID of the detected passage tag does not include all the tag IDs of the article radio tag Tb, the determination is not satisfied, that is, only the management target person 2006 Is considered to have gone out through the entrance door 2003, and this flow is finished as it is.

[0328] On the other hand, if, in the determination in step S2120, the tag ID of the wireless tag for human use Tt is not included in the detected tag ID, the determination is not satisfied, and the flow proceeds to step S2140. .

In the next step S2140, it is determined whether or not the tag ID of the article wireless tag Tb is included in the tag ID detected in step S2115. Here, when the tag ID of the article wireless tag Tb is included in the detected tag ID, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to Step S2150. In other words, in conjunction with the determination in step S 2120 above, the tag ID from which the passage was detected passed only by the tag ID of the article wireless tag Tb without the tag ID of the person wireless tag Tt. In other words, it is considered that the article 2005 to be managed was illegally taken outside the building 2002 by a suspicious person other than the person to be managed 2006.

[0330] For this reason, in step S2150, the control signal is output to the terminal 2008 to cause the buzzer 2036 to ring and the display unit 2034 to appropriately display the notification, so that the administrator can secure the article 2005 to be managed. Announce the abnormality. At this time, the name of the management target article 2005 corresponding to the detected tag ID is also searched for the article table power in the database 2023, and the name of the management target article 2005 taken out illegally is displayed as the name of the management target article 2005. May be displayed. Then, after the notification procedure of step S2150, this flow is finished.

[0331] On the other hand, in the determination in step S2140, if the tag ID of the article wireless tag Tb is not included in the detected tag ID, the determination is not satisfied, that is, in step S2115, the tag ID Although the passage was detected, the tag ID of the person RFID tag Tb and the tag ID of the article RFID tag Tb are not included, and in the next step 2145, the display unit 2034 of the terminal 2008 is displayed. Let this display the appropriate detection error and end this flow. [0332] On the other hand, if even the same tag ID that has passed through the entrance door 2003 from the inside to the outside of the building 2002 is not detected in step S2115, the determination is not satisfied and this End the flow. This was combined with the case where the tag ID was not detected on either the inside or outside near the 1st floor entrance / exit, and conversely, it passed through the entrance / exit door 2003 from the outside to the inside of building 2002 (inside building 2002). This also includes cases where the same tag ID was detected. Note that the tag ID that has entered the building 2002 as described above is detected by the previous position detection process in the monitoring loop described above.

[0333] With the above flow, when the person to be managed 2006 or the article to be managed 2005 goes out of the building 2002 from the inside to the outside, appropriate management of location information and detection 'notification for unauthorized take-out' are notified. It can be done automatically.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of the previous location detection process executed by CPU 21 of management server 2009 in step S200. Note that the flowchart shown in FIG. 31 is commonly applied to both the previous location detection process executed in each of the article monitoring loop and the person monitoring loop in FIG.

In FIG. 31, first, in step S2205, whether or not the counter variable of the unit loop is 1, that is, the monitoring loop that is performed at that time is the article monitoring loop and the person monitoring. Determine if it is one of the loops. If it is not the counter variable C force ^, the determination is not satisfied, and the routine goes to Step S2210.

[0336] In step S2210, the location information corresponding to the M-th article 2005 from the top in the article table of the database 2023 (the article to be managed 2005 detected in this process) and the tag ID of the article RFID tag Tb And moves to the next step S2220.

[0337] On the other hand, if the counter variable C is 1 in the determination in Step S2205, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to Step S2215. In step S2215, the presence position information corresponding to the Mth person 2006 from the top in the person table of the database 2023 (the person to be managed 2006 to be detected in this process) and the tag ID of the person wireless tag Tt are obtained. Acquire and proceed to the next step S2220.

[0338] Then, in step S2220, the Lee corresponding to the acquired location information (installation location) is displayed. Search the database 2023 for the leader tape, and obtain the IP address corresponding to the reader 2007.

[0339] Next, in step S2225, the reader 2007 corresponding to the acquired IP address (that is, the reader 2007 installed at the location where the article 2005 or person 2006 to be detected was detected in the previous monitoring loop) is sent to the reader 2007. In contrast, a control signal is output via the communication network NW, and a “Scroll ID” signal using the acquired tag ID is transmitted by wireless communication.

[0340] In the next step S2230, the reader 2007 obtains the tag ID from which the reply signal power corresponding to the "Scroll ID" signal is also detected via the communication network NW. Then, this flow ends.

[0341] As described above, since the previous location detection process is commonly performed in the article monitoring loop and the person monitoring loop, the counter variable M of each monitoring loop is stored in the same storage area in the memory ( Need to be shared). Not limited to this, a dedicated location detection processing program may be provided for each monitoring loop. The same applies to registration mode processing and search mode processing described later.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of registration mode processing executed by CPU 2021 of management server 2009 in step S2300. The flowchart shown in FIG. 32 is commonly applied to both the registration mode processing executed in each of the article monitoring loop and the person monitoring loop in FIG.

[0343] In FIG. 32, first, in step S2305, whether or not the counter variable of the unit loop is 1, that is, the monitoring loop performed at that time is the article monitoring loop and the person monitoring. Determine if it is one of the loops. If it is other than the counter variable C force ^, the determination is not satisfied, and the routine goes to Step S2310.

[0344] In step S2310, the tag ID of the product wireless tag Tb corresponding to the M-th product 2005 from the top in the product table of the database 2023 (the managed product 2005 to be registered in this process) is acquired, Move to next step S2320.

[0345] On the other hand, if the counter variable C is 1 in the determination in step S2305, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to step S2315. In step S2315, the Mth person from the top in the human table in the database 2023 2006 (registration target in this process) The tag ID of the person RFID tag Tt corresponding to the person to be managed (2006) is acquired, and the process moves to the next Step S2320.

In step S2320, the counter variable N of the search loop performed from the next step S2325 to step S2350 is initialized to 1, and the force also moves to step S2325. This counter variable N specifies one of the information of a plurality of readers 2007 whose leading forces are also sequentially arranged in the reader table of the database 2023 (see FIG. 28) (= the Nth in the reader table). (This also applies to the search mode processing of FIG. 33 described later).

In step S2325, the IP address corresponding to the Nth reader 2007 from the top in the reader table is acquired, and the flow proceeds to step S2330.

In step S2330, a control signal is output to the reader 2007 corresponding to the acquired IP address (that is, the Nth reader 2007 in the reader table) via the communication network NW, and the acquired tag Send the “Scroll ID” signal using ID by wireless communication.

[0349] In the next step S2335, the reader 2007 acquires the tag ID from which the reply signal power corresponding to the "Scroll ID" signal is also detected via the communication network NW.

[0350] Next, the process moves to step S 2340, and whether or not the tag IDs of the wireless tags Tb and Tt of the Mth article 2005 or the person 2006 are detected based on the detection result by the Nth reader 2007 in the above step S2335. Determine whether. If the Mth article 2005 or the person 2006 is not present at the position corresponding to the Nth leader 2007 (the detection range of the leader 2007), the determination is not satisfied, and the routine goes to the next step S2345.

[0351] In step S2345, it is determined whether or not the force / force force, that is, the counter variable N that has been subjected to the above search processing by all the readers 2007 registered in the reader table is the maximum value. If the search processing has not been performed by all the readers 2007 (counter variable N is not at the maximum value), the determination is not satisfied, that is, the counter variable N is set to 1 in step S2350 as the search loop is continued. After calculating, return to Step S2325 and repeat the same search loop procedure. On the other hand, search by all leaders 2007 When the process is completed, the judgment is satisfied, that is, the managed article 2005 or the managed person 2006 is registered in the article table or person table, but the corresponding wireless tags Tb, Tt are not registered. Assuming that there is actually no power to find anywhere (lost or broken, or has not been created yet), move to the next step S2355, and display a radio tag not created error on display 2034 of terminal 2008 Display.

[0352] Then, in the next step S2360, a control signal is output to the tag label producing device 2010, and the wireless tags Tb and Tt are created with the tag ID obtained in the above step S2310 or step S2315, and this flow is terminated. To do.

[0353] On the other hand, in the determination in step S2340, if the M-th article 2005 or the person 2006 is present at the same position as the power leader 2007, the determination is satisfied, that is, after a new creation. The wireless tags Tb and Tt attached to and possessed by the Mth article 2005 or the person 2006 are assumed to be placed at the installation location of the Nth reader 2007, and the process proceeds to step S2365.

[0354] In step S2365, the installation location information (location code) corresponding to the Nth reader 2007 is acquired from the reader table of the database 2023, and the process proceeds to the next step S2370.

[0355] In step S2370, it is determined whether or not the counter variable C of the unit loop is 1, that is, whether or not the monitoring loop performed at that time is a deviation between the article monitoring loop and the person monitoring loop. To do. If it is other than the counter variable C force, the judgment is not satisfied, and the process moves to step S2375, where the leader acquired in step S2365 above at the position corresponding to the Mth article 2005 in the article table of the database 2023 (the blank state until then). Register the location information of 2007 and finish this flow.

[0356] On the other hand, if the counter variable C is 1, the determination is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S2375, and the above-described step is performed at the position corresponding to the Mth person 2006 in the person table of the database 2023 (the blank state until then). Registers the installation location information of Reader 2007 acquired in S2365 and ends this flow.

[0357] With the above flow, the administrator automatically searches for the existence position of the newly created RFID tags Tb and Tt without registering the existence position in the database 2023. You can register.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of search mode processing executed by CPU 2021 of management server 2009 in step S2400. The flowchart shown in FIG. 33 is commonly applied to both search mode processing executed in each of the article monitoring loop and the person monitoring loop in FIG.

[0359] Then, the search mode process and the registration mode process shown in Fig. 32 can be executed in almost the same processing procedure except that the article 2005 (or person 2006) to be registered is handled as a search target. However, the procedure is different only when the tag ID cannot be detected even if search processing is performed by all readers 2007 in the search loop. That is, in step S2445 in the figure, it is determined whether or not the search processing has been performed by all the readers 2007 registered in the reader table, and the search processing by all the readers 2007 has already been performed and the determination has been completed. If it is satisfied, that is, it is considered that the Mth article 2005 or the person 20 06 was not found anywhere, and the process proceeds to the next step S2455.

[0360] In step S2455, a wireless tag loss error is displayed on display unit 2034 of terminal 2008 to notify the administrator of an abnormality in the management state of wireless tags Tb and Tt. At this time, the name of the article 2005 (or person 2006) corresponding to the tag ID of the Mth article 2005 (or person 2006) that could not be detected is stored in the article table (or person table) of the database 2023. Search for power and display it on the display 2034 of the terminal 2008.

[0361] Then, in the next step S2460, a control signal is output to the tag label producing apparatus 2010 to create the radio tags Tb and Tt with the tag ID obtained in the above step S2410 or step S2415, and this flow is ended. To do.

[0362] Further, in steps S2375 and S2380 in the registration mode process in FIG. 32, new registration is performed for the item of the existence position that was blank, but steps corresponding to each in the search mode process. In S2475 and step S2480, updating is performed so as to rewrite the item of the existing position detected last time.

[0363] With the above flow, the existence positions of the RFID tags Tb and Tt whose existence positions have changed (the article 2005 or the person 2006 has moved) can be automatically searched and updated in the database 2023. [0364] In the above, the control procedure executed by the CPU 2021 of the management server 2009 shown in Fig. 29, that is, steps S2005 to S2085, S2100, S2200, S2300, S2400 force database 2023, and based on the access result, a plurality of It functions as a mode setting means that can set the operation mode, and also as the first setting means.

[0365] Also, the reader antenna 2012 12 (excluding the Jida 2007 reader 2007a and 2007b) is connected to the wireless tag circuit element To and the radio depending on the operation mode set in the control procedure of the flowchart shown in FIG. At least one first wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving information by communication and obtaining the tag ID of the RFID circuit element To is configured.

[0366] Step S2030, S2035, S2040, S2045, S2050, S2055, S2060, S2065, S2070, S2200 force in FIG. 29 In the state where the management target location information is stored in the database 2023, It functions as a normal mode for sending and receiving information by the corresponding reader 2007 and acquiring the tag ID of the RFID circuit element To.

[0367] In addition, two leaders of the first-floor population 2007a, 2007b (R11 ,: R12) force S leader antenna 2012 force Each leader 2007 is placed near the first-floor population door 2003 of Vinole 2002 The wireless tag circuit element for goods and the wireless tag circuit element for persons transmit and receive information by wireless communication, respectively, and acquire the respective tag IDs of the wireless tag Tb for goods and the wireless tag Tt for persons Tt. 2 Configure the wireless communication means.

[0368] Step S2150 force in Fig. 30 Two leaders at the first floor entrance 2007a, 2007b

Management when the RF communication control unit 2016 and reader antenna 2012 of (Rl l, R12) acquire the tag ID of the wireless tag Tb for goods and the tag ID of the corresponding wireless tag Tt for person cannot be acquired. Functions as notification control means for performing notification processing corresponding to a person.

[0369] Step S2460 shown in Fig. 33 functions as a label creation control means for controlling the tag label creation device 2010 so that a new RFID label is created using the tag ID.

[0370] In the second embodiment configured as described above, the location information of the article to be managed 2005 or the person to be managed 2006 and the tag ID of the corresponding RFID circuit element To are de-identified. A control procedure that can be stored and stored in the database 2023 and set multiple operation modes sets various operation modes based on the access result to the database 2023, and multiple control modes in the building 2002 are set according to the set operation mode. Each reader 2007 installed at the location transmits and receives information by wireless communication with the wireless tag circuit element To, and acquires the tag ID. In this way, the operation mode of each reader 2007 is set according to the state of the database 2023 and the tag ID is acquired, so that the managed article 2005 or the managed person 2 006 It is possible to automatically manage the locations and variations at multiple locations where Reader 2007 is installed. As a result, unlike the conventional technology that requires a manual data read / write instruction for management, etc., fully automated management can be performed, and efficiency can be improved. In other words, manageability to management targets 2005 and 2006 can be improved through smooth information acquisition.

[0371] In the second embodiment, in particular, in FIG. 29, in the article monitoring loop and the person monitoring loop, the previous location detection process in step S2200 and the procedural force in steps S2035 and S2060 are performed. Based on the location information of the management target article 2005 or the management target person 2006 corresponding to, the reader 2007 corresponding to the location information sends and receives information and acquires the tag ID of the RFID circuit element To The As a result, it is possible to automatically confirm the location of the managed article 2005 or the managed person 2006. In addition, if the tag ID cannot be obtained, it can be confirmed that the location has changed, and corresponding processing can be performed.

[0372] In the second embodiment, in particular, by setting the monitoring processing loop count L to an appropriate value, the article monitoring loop and the person monitoring loop can each be executed at a predetermined repetition rate. As a result, it is possible to manage both the person 2006 and the article 2005 as management targets, and it is also possible to appropriately set the degree of management (which is frequently managed with what weight). . At this time, in the second embodiment, in particular, the article 2005 can be frequently managed mainly by setting the article monitoring loop to be executed at a frequency ratio of 3 to 5 times that of the person monitoring loop. .

[0373] Further, in the second embodiment, in particular, the article monitoring loop and the person according to a predetermined time condition. Execute by changing the repetition frequency ratio of each object monitoring loop to increase the repetition frequency ratio of the article monitoring loop more than the above repetition frequency ratio (the article monitoring loop is 3 to 5 times the person monitoring loop) Equipped with an inventory mode. In other words, in offices, warehouses, etc., there are many people going in and out during the day, but there are often no people or no people going in and out at night. The same applies to Article 2005. In the second embodiment, this is used to set the inventory mode in which the ratio of the article monitoring loop that reads the tag ID of the article wireless tag Tb is further increased. It is possible to automatically execute quantity management by inventory.

[0374] Note that the above inventory mode is set to the inventory mode when, for example, a specific time period in the day (such as late-night time period) or a predetermined busy period in the year (such as the end of the year) is reached. In this way, according to the needs of the manager, for example, inventory can be automatically executed at a specific time zone such as late-night time zone, or at a specific time such as a settlement period.

[0375] In the second embodiment, in particular, the two readers 2007a, 2007b (Rll, R12) arranged in the vicinity of the entrance door 2003 of the building 2002 are connected to the article wireless tag Tb and the person wireless tag Tt. By sending and receiving information via wireless communication, and acquiring the respective tag IDs, it is possible to automatically manage take-out of managed articles 2005 and out-of-house management of managed persons 2006. At this time, in particular, when the two readers 2007a, 2007b (Rl, R12) arranged near the entrance door 2003 of the building 2002 read the tag ID of the article RFID tag Tb, the tag of the person RFID tag Tt If the ID cannot be read, the notification process is automatically executed in step S2150 in FIG. 30 on the assumption that the article 2005 is likely to be taken out by an unrecognizable person, that is, an outsider or a trespasser. By doing so, the operator in charge of management can be notified of this.

[0376] In the second embodiment, in particular, in FIG. 29, the previous presence position detection process in step S2200 and the procedural force specific presence position information in steps S2035 and S2060 respectively performed in the article monitoring loop and the person monitoring loop. If the RFID tag circuit element To tag ID cannot be obtained by the reader 2007 corresponding to, the search mode processing is performed. From another reader 2007 (or the same reader 2007), the RFID circuit element An attempt is made to obtain the tag ID of To. As a result, managed goods 2005 or managed people 2006 Moved to the communication range of the reader 2007 (or the detection object of the reader 2007 corresponding to the above specific location information, etc., and the managed item 2005 or the managed person 2006 moved) Can be confirmed automatically.

[0377] In the second embodiment, in particular, in step S2200, step S2035, and step S2060 in Fig. 29, the search mode processing is performed. In this case, the corresponding RFID circuit element To may have failed or lost. In such a case, a new RFID label is created in the tag label producing device 2010 in step S2460 in FIG. Issue). As a result, the unmanageable state due to accidents such as failure or loss can be minimized and automatically returned to the original state, and thorough management can be realized.

[0378] In the second embodiment, in particular, when a tag ID that is not associated with the presence position information is found when accessing the database 2023, each reader 2007 performs the registration mode process. The tag ID of the RFID circuit element To is acquired and its reader 200

The location information corresponding to 7 is stored in the database 2023 in association with the tag ID. As a result, after this, the article to be managed corresponding to the RFID circuit element To

The process of confirming the location of the person 2005 or the person to be managed 2006 can be automatically performed (and the movement detection process if a search mode process is provided). Note that the registration mode process may be performed for all new information registrations, not limited to the case where a tag ID that is not associated with presence position information is found. In other words, even if there is new information registration and the location information and tag ID are actually associated correctly, the registration is performed in order to confirm the correct association just in case immediately after the new information registration. You can also perform mode processing (see also variants below).

[0379] The second embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the second embodiment. Hereinafter, such modifications will be described.

That is, in the second embodiment, even if a new RFID tag Tb, Tt is newly created, the location corresponding to the new RFID tag Tb, Tt in the article table or person table of the database 2023 Placed in the building 2002 without registering information, such an unmanaged state The power obtained by finding the wireless tags Tb and Tt and searching for the position of the new wireless tag by the registration mode processing and registering it in the database 2023 is not limited to this. In other words, for example, when a new RFID tag Tb, Tt is newly created, information indicating that such a newly created state is registered in the article table or person table, and the administrator creates the new tag in advance. The temporary location information of the wireless tags Tb and Tt may be registered in the database 2023 and updated to the correct location information by the registration mode process.

[0381] The hardware configuration of this modification is exactly the same as that of the above embodiment, and the control procedure to be executed is slightly different from the article table and person table of the database 2023 and the CPU 2021 force S of the management sano 2009. Only.

FIG. 34 is a diagram conceptually showing an article table used in this modification, and is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 25 in the above embodiment. In FIG. 34, the article table is stored in the form of correlation information in which the history is associated with the article code, name, latest update date / time, location, and tag ID in advance.

[0383] When a new article wireless tag Tb is created, the administrator associates the new article wireless tag Tb with the new article wireless tag Tb by a new registration procedure (not shown) and updates the article code, name, and latest update. The date / time and tag ID correlation information is registered (registered at the bottom in the example in the figure), and the history item is still in the newly created state and still has the power of detecting the presence position by Reader 2007! / “1” indicating that this is registered (in the case of other wireless tags already detected by the reader 2007, it is “0”). The manager registers in advance the location code (P201 in the example of the figure) scheduled to be placed for the managed article 2005 to which Tb is attached as a temporary location. Even when a new RFID tag label is created for a person, although not particularly shown, a new RFID tag for a person is similarly used using a person table in which the items of history are added to the person table in FIG. 27 of the second embodiment. It is only necessary to register “1” in the history item in association with Tt, and to register temporary location information in advance.

[0384] The control procedure executed by the CPU 2021 of the management server 2009 in the present modification is almost the same as the control procedure shown in Fig. 29 of the second embodiment, of which step It is determined in step S2030 and step S2055 whether the item in the history of the article table or the person table is 1, respectively. If the item in the history is 1, the determination is satisfied and the registration mode processing in step S2300 is performed. Can be done.

[0385] Further, the registration mode process executed in the present modification is almost the same as the control procedure shown in Fig. 32 of the second embodiment, and each of the registration procedures is performed according to the registration procedure of step S2375 and step S2380. You can follow the procedure to update the corresponding history item in the table to 0. At this time, the comparison result between the temporarily registered location and the actually existing location may be displayed on the display unit 2034 of the terminal 2008 and checked by the administrator.

[0386] In this variation configured as described above, when the newly registered tag identification information is found when the database 2023 is accessed, each reader 2007 performs the registration mode process. The tag ID of the RFID circuit element To is acquired, and the presence position information corresponding to the reader 2007 is compared with the presence position information that is temporarily registered in association with the tag ID. As a result, it is possible to confirm whether the location information temporarily registered by the administrator in advance is correct or not, and when it is different, it can be updated to the acquired correct location information. Thereafter, the RFID circuit The process of confirming the location of the managed article 2005 or the managed person 2006 corresponding to the element To can be automatically performed (when the search mode is provided, the movement detection process is also performed).

[0387] Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. This embodiment is an embodiment when the present invention is applied to a book lending management system in a library.

In FIG. 35, in the library equipped with the information reading apparatus of the present embodiment, user M (second information acquisition target, information acquisition target) has a user-specific ID (first ID) when entering the library. (2) Wear the tag label T having the RFID circuit element To (identification information) written (details will be described later). Each book B in the library (first information acquisition target, information acquisition target) is provided with a tag label T having a RFID circuit element To in which an ID (first identification information) unique to the book is written. Yes. And when a user borrows a book,

B

Carry the handy scanner 3200 (information reader) provided in the library and go to the book B you want to borrow. [0389] FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a situation when user M borrows book B in the above library. As shown in FIG. 35, when the user M borrows the book B, for example, the non-day scanner 3200 borrowed at the reception of the library is brought close to the book B, and the tag label T is provided with

B

Reads the information of line tag circuit element To—B (see Fig. 36). At this time, the handy scanner 3200 also reads information on the RFID circuit element To-M (see FIG. 36) provided in the tag label T worn by the user M (details will be described later). The information read by the handy scanner 3200 is sent to the database DB of the server 3207 via the wireless LAN, the base station 3205, and the communication line 3206.

FIG. 36 is a system configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of the RFID tag information communication system provided in the library and having the information reading device (handy scanner 3200) of the present embodiment.

[0391] In FIG. 36, the RFID tag information communication system ST3 is provided in the tag labels, and T.

B

The handy scanner 3200 (information reading device) that accesses the information of the RFID circuit elements To—B and To—M (which reads in this example), and the handy scanner 3200 and the wireless LAN (Local Area Network) A base station 3204 capable of wireless communication, and a server 3207 having a database DB connected to the base station 3204 via a wireless communication line 3206 (which may be wired) are provided.

[0392] The handy scanner 3200 is connected to the tag label T and the tag label T.

B M

The antennas 3010M and 3010B that transmit and receive signals to and from the antennas 151—M and 151-B of the road elements To—B, To—M, and the RFID circuit elements To—B via the antenna 3010B According to wireless communication (= first acquisition mode, operation mode factor) using short wave (HF) to the IC circuit unit 150-B of the (first information holding unit, information holding unit, first RFID tag circuit element) The RFID circuit element To-M (second circuit) is accessed via the antenna 3010M and the high-frequency circuit 3201B that processes (reads here) and processes the signal read from the RFID circuit element To-B. Information holding unit, information holding unit, IC circuit unit 150-M of the second RFID tag circuit element) Ultra-high frequency (UHF) is used (Yes! / Is using microwave) Wireless communication (= No. (2) Acquisition mode, operation mode factor) and read from the RFID circuit element To-M A high frequency circuit 3201M for processing signals, the base station 320 A wireless LAN communication unit 3203 for performing communication by wireless LAN through the four antennas 3205, and a control circuit 3202 connected to the high frequency circuits 3201M and 3201B and the wireless LAN communication unit 3203 to control them.

[0393] Tag label T and RFID tag circuit elements provided on tag label T are To-B and To-M.

B

IC circuit units 150-B, 150-M for storing information, respectively, and antennas 151-B, 151-M connected to the IC circuit units 150-B, 150-M, respectively. The antenna 151 M is a well-known dipole antenna, and the antenna 151-B is configured in a loop coil shape as shown in FIG. 36, and has a structure suitable for communication in the short wave band! The above-mentioned IC circuit unit 150-M, 150-B (memory unit 155) is a unique (however, rewritable) that can identify the corresponding (information acquisition) object (here, document B or user M). ) The tag ID as identification information is stored and held, and when the control circuit 3202 makes an inquiry to the server 3207 using this tag ID, various items related to the target object stored and held in the database DB of the server 3207 are stored. Information (here, book name, person name, etc.) can be read from the server 3207. The memory unit 155 may store book information and personal information directly instead of the tag ID.

Note that the data of each book B is input in advance using an appropriate terminal or the like and stored and held in the database DB of the servo 3207. For the personal information of each user M, for example, when entering a library, the information is input at a terminal of a wireless tag information writing device (not shown), and the wireless tag circuit element To-M in which the information is written is provided. The tag label T is passed to the user M, and the human information input at this time is stored in the database DB of the server 3207.

FIG. 37 is a front view showing the overall schematic structure of the handy scanner 3200 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 37, this non-scanner 3200 is arranged so as to occupy most of the housing 3004 and the upper part (front side in FIG. 37) of the housing 3004. A display unit 3005 for displaying contents and the like, an operation unit 3006 (for example, a button, a switch, etc.) disposed on the side surface of the housing 3004 and operated by the user M when reading information, For example, a voice notification means 3007 such as a speaker is provided. [0396] The housing 3004 includes the antennas 3010M and 3010B that transmit and receive signals to the RFID circuit element To. Signals transmitted from the antennas 3010M and 3010B are transmitted with directivity by known directivity control, and are sent to the RFID tag circuit element To-B of the book B via the antenna 3010B. The signal transmitted to the handy scanner 3200 is on the front side (upper side in Fig. 37), and the signal transmitted to the RFID tag circuit element To-M of user M via the antenna 3010M is the rear side of the handy scanner 3200 ( Sent to the lower side in Fig. 37. In addition, an antenna 3203a of the wireless LAN communication unit 3203 for performing communication by wireless LAN is provided.

[0397] FIG. 38 shows the RFID tag circuit elements To-B, To-M provided in the tag labels, and T provided to the book B and the user M to be read by the handy scanner 3200.

B M

FIG. 23 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration, and corresponds to FIG. 22 and the like of the second embodiment.

[0398] In FIG. 38, the RFID circuit element To- B may use the radio wave antenna 30 10B and shortwave bands of the handy scanner 3200 (in the present embodiment but it may also be used 13. 56 MHz ₀ although other frequencies) The antenna 151-B that transmits and receives signals without contact and the IC circuit unit 150-B connected to the antenna 151-B are provided.

[0399] On the other hand, the RFID circuit element To-M is a non-contact signal using the antenna 3010M on the handy scanner 3200 side and ultra-high frequency (2.45 GHz in this embodiment, but other frequencies may be used). It has an antenna 151-M that transmits / receives and an IC circuit unit 150-M connected to the antenna 151-M.

[0400] The IC circuit section 150-B (or 150-M, hereinafter the same correspondence) has the same configuration as the IC circuit section 150 shown in FIG. 4B. That is, the IC circuit unit 150-B (or 150-M) includes a rectifier unit 152-B (or 152-M) that rectifies the carrier wave received by the antenna 151-B (or 151-M), and this rectification. A power supply unit 153-B (or 153 M) for storing the energy of the carrier wave rectified by the unit 152-B (or 152-M) and driving the IC circuit unit 150-B (or 150-M) The clock extractor 154—B (or 154—M) extracts the clock signal from the carrier wave received by the antenna 151-B (or 151 M) and supplies it to the controller 157—B (or 157—M) described later. ) And the prescribed information A memory unit 155—B (or 155—M) that functions as an information storage unit that can store an information signal, and a modem unit 156—B (or 1 56 −) connected to the antenna 151—B (or 151—M). M) and the rectifier 152-B (or 152-M), the clock extractor 154-B (or 154-M), the modem 156-B (or 156-M), etc. A control unit 157—B (or 157—M) for controlling the operation of the element To is provided.

[0401] With the above configuration, RFID tag circuit element To-B and tag label provided in tag label T

B

The frequency characteristics of the reception sensitivity are different from each other for the RFID tag circuit element To-M provided. In other words, RFID tag circuit element To-B has the highest reception sensitivity for 13.56MHz carrier wave (short wave), and RFID tag circuit element To-M has the reception sensitivity for 2.45GHz carrier wave (ultra-short wave). It's getting bigger.

FIG. 39 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the handy scanner 3200.

[0403] In FIG. 39, the high-frequency circuit 3 201B for accessing (reading here) the IC circuit section 150-B information of the RFID circuit element To-B via the antenna 3010B, and the antenna The RF circuit 3201 M for accessing (reading here) the information of the IC circuit portion 15 0—M of the RFID circuit element To—M via the 3010M and the RFID circuit element To—B, To— M IC circuit section 150—B, 150— Processes signals read from M and reads information, and accesses RFID circuit elements To-B, To-M IC circuit sections 150—B, 150—M And the above-described control circuit 3202 for controlling the operation of the entire handy scanner 3200.

[0404] The high-frequency circuits 3201B and 3201M have the ability to communicate with RFID circuit elements To-B and ToM by transmitting and receiving radio waves in the well-known short- and ultra-high-frequency bands. It has a functional configuration similar to that of the high-frequency circuit 2016 shown in FIG. 23 of the second embodiment. That is, these high-frequency circuits 3201B and 3201M are connected to the RFID tag circuit elements To-B and To-M via the antennas 3010B and 3010M, and the transmitters 3212B and 3212M, and the antennas 3010B and 3010M, Receiving units 3213B and 3213M that receive reflected waves from line tag circuit elements To—B and To—M The transmission / reception separators 3214B and 3214M.

[0405] In the following, the functional configuration of the high-frequency circuit 3201B will be described for the sake of simplicity, but the high-frequency circuit 3201M has the same configuration except for the portion indicated in particular by force drawing.

[0406] The transmission unit 3212B generates a carrier wave for accessing (in this case, reading) the RFID tag information of the IC circuit unit 150-B of the RFID circuit element To-B. Phase Locked Loop) 323 IB and VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator) 3232B and the generated carrier wave is modulated based on the signal supplied from the control circuit 3202 (in this example, the “TX-ASK” from the control circuit 3202 Transmitter multiplier 3216B (amplitude modulation based on the signal) (in the case of the “TX_ASK signal”, a variable gain amplifier may be used) and the modulated wave modulated by the transmitter multiplier 3216B is amplified (this In the example, a variable transmission amplifier 3217B that amplifies the amplification factor by the “TX-PWR” signal from the control circuit 3202 is provided. The generated carrier wave uses a frequency in the HF band (in the high-frequency circuit 3201M, the UHF band), and the output of the transmission amplifier 32 17B is transmitted to the transmission antenna 3010B via the transmission / reception separator 3214B, so that the wireless tag Supplied to IC circuit section 150-B of circuit element To-B.

[0407] At this time, the 13.56 6 MHz carrier wave (short wave) generated by the crystal oscillator 3230B, PLL3231B, and VC03232B is modulated and amplified, and the front side of the handy scanner 3200 (upper side in FIG. 37) And is supplied to the IC circuit section 150-B of the RFID tag circuit element To-B of the above book B (in the high-frequency circuit 3201M, it is generated by the crystal resonator 3230M, PLL3231M, and VC03232M) 2. The 45 GHz carrier wave (ultra-short wave) is modulated and amplified, and transmitted to the rear side of the handy scanner 3200 (the lower side in FIG. 37). The RFID tag circuit element To— IC circuit part 150—M is supplied to M). Note that the RFID tag information is not limited to the signal modulated as described above, but may be just a carrier wave.

[0408] The receiving unit 3213B includes a reception first multiplication circuit 3218B that multiplies and demodulates the reflected wave from the RFID circuit element To-B received by the antenna 3010B and the generated carrier wave, and the reception first multiplication circuit 3218B. 1 To extract only the signal of the required band from the output of the multiplier circuit 3218B First bandpass filter 3219B, first reception amplifier 3221B that amplifies the output of the first bandpass filter 3219B, and first limiter that further amplifies the output of the reception first amplifier 3221B and converts it to a digital signal. A second receiving circuit 3222B for multiplying 3220B by the reflected wave of the RFID tag circuit element To-B received by the antenna 3010B and the carrier wave generated by the phase shifter 3227B and delayed by 90 ° by the phase shifter 3227B The second band-pass filter 3223B for extracting only a signal in the necessary band for the output power of the reception second multiplication circuit 3222B, the reception second amplifier 3225B for amplifying the output of the second band-pass filter 3223B, and this A second limiter 3224B for further amplifying the output of the reception second amplifier 3225B and converting it into a digital signal. The signal “RXS-I” output from the first limiter 3220B and the signal “RXS-Q” output from the second limiter 3224B are input to the control circuit 3202 and processed.

[0409] The outputs of the reception first amplifier 3221B and the reception second amplifier 3225B are also input to an RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) circuit 3226B as intensity detection means, and a signal “ RSSI ”is input to the control circuit 202. In this manner, in the handy scanner 3200 of the present embodiment, the reflected wave of the RFID tag circuit element To force is demodulated by IQ orthogonal demodulation.

[0410] The wireless LAN communication unit 3203 is connected to the control circuit 3202 via an input / output interface (not shown).

[0411] Note that the control circuit 3202 is used for communication with the RFID circuit element To and the base station so that the wireless communication can be performed exclusively without mutual interference with the wireless communication on the wireless LAN communication unit 3203 side. Different communication modes are used for communication with the antenna 3205 of the 3204 (for example, different protocols, frequencies, etc.). When different protocols are used, the amplification control signal and the modulation control signal are output to the high frequency circuit transmission units 3212B and 3212M corresponding to the protocol, and the reception signal from the high frequency circuit reception units 3213B and 3213M is input. After that, based on the above protocol, predetermined arithmetic processing for processing signals read from the RFID circuit elements To-B, To-M is performed. Further, the control circuit 3202 inputs an operation signal from the operation means such as the operation unit 3006, and outputs a display control signal to the display unit 3005, a notification signal to the voice notification unit 3007, and the like. FIG. 40 is a functional block diagram showing detailed functions of the control circuit 3202.

In FIG. 40, a control circuit 3202 is a so-called microcomputer, and includes a central processing unit CPU3202A, ROM3202B, RAM3202C, a circuit control unit 3202D that transmits and receives signals to and from the high-frequency circuits 3201B, 3201M, and the like. The signal processing is performed according to the program stored in advance in the ROM 3202B while using the temporary storage function of the RAM 3202C. The control circuit 3202 is connected to a communication line 3206 (see FIG. 35 described above) via the wireless LAN communication between the wireless LAN communication unit 3203 and the antenna 3205 and the base station 3204, and is connected to the communication line 3206. Information can be exchanged with the aforementioned server 3207 and other terminals, computers, servers and the like. Further, a nonvolatile memory (Flash ROM) 3202E may be provided. Note that the server 3207 is also composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like.

[0414] In the above, the feature of the third embodiment is that the RFID circuit element To-B provided in the book B and the RFID circuit element To-M provided in the user M have different frequency bands. When the user M borrows the book B using the tag circuit element, the handy scanner 3200 performs wireless communication using different frequencies for the RFID circuit elements To-B and To-M, The information is read at a time. The detailed procedure is described below in order using FIG.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit 3202. For example, this flow is started when the handy scanner 3200 is turned on.

[0416] First, in step S3010, it is determined whether or not the operation unit 3006 is operated by the user M and an operation signal corresponding to the operation is input to the CPU 3202A of the control circuit 3202. That is, if the user M goes to the front of the book B to be borrowed with the handy scanner 3200 and moves the handy scanner 3200 close to the book B and operates the operation unit 3006, the determination is satisfied. Then go to the next step S3015. If the above operation is not performed, the operation waits until there is an operation input.

[0417] In step S3015, a control signal is transmitted to the transmission unit 3212B of the high-frequency circuit 3201B, and the frequency of the carrier wave in which the crystal oscillator 3230B, PLL3231B, and VC03232B force are also generated is transmitted. Set the wave number to 13.56MHz.

[0418] In the next step S3020, a control signal is transmitted to the transmission unit 3212B to generate a carrier wave (short wave) set to 13.56 MHz from the crystal oscillator 3 230B, PLL3231B, and VC03232B force, The RFID circuit element To-B IC circuit provided on the tag label T of the book B that the user M is going to borrow from the transmitter / receiver separator 3214B and the transmitting antenna 3010B. Part 150—Read for B

B

Send a sampling signal (for example, search signal Ping). This read signal is transmitted from the antenna 3010 toward the front of the handy scanner 3200.

[0419] In the next step S3030, it is determined whether a response signal corresponding to the read signal is received from the IC circuit unit 150-B of the RFID circuit element To-B that has transmitted the read signal. If a response signal has not been received, the determination is not satisfied and the process returns to step S3015. On the other hand, if a response signal is received, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next Step S3035.

[0420] In step S3035, a control signal is transmitted to the transmission unit 3212M of the high-frequency circuit 3201M, and the frequency of the carrier wave generated from the crystal resonator 3230M, PLL3231M, and VC03232M is set to 2.45 GHz.

[0421] In the next step S3040, a control signal is transmitted to the transmission unit 3212M, and a carrier wave (ultra-high frequency) set to 2.45 GHz is generated from the quartz crystal 3230M, PLL3231M, and VC03232M force. A tag label that can be worn by user M via transmission / reception separator 3214M and transmission antenna 3010M is modulated / amplified based on the carrier wave generated based on RFID tag circuit element To- M IC circuit section 150— Send a reading signal (eg search signal Ping) to M. This read signal is transmitted toward the rear side of the handy scanner 3200 with the antenna 30 10 force.

In the next step S 3050, it is determined whether a response signal corresponding to the read signal is received from the IC circuit unit 150 -M of the RFID circuit element To-M that has transmitted the read signal. If a response signal is received, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next Step S3060.

[0423] In step S3060, information on book B read in steps S3020 and 3030 above. And the information related to the user M read in steps S3040 and 3050 above are associated with each other, and the association information is transmitted to the base station 3204 by wireless communication via the wireless LAN, and the base station 3204 and the communication line 3206 are transmitted. To be registered in the database DB of the server 3207 connected. Then, the process returns to the previous step S3010.

[0424] In step S3050, if a response signal is received, the determination is not satisfied, and the routine goes to step S3070.

[0425] In step S3070, after transmitting a read signal to the RFID tag circuit element To-M of the user M for the first time in step S3040, it is determined whether or not the force has passed a predetermined time. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the determination is not satisfied and the routine returns to step S3035. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has passed without receiving the response signal, the determination is satisfied and the routine goes to the next Step S3080.

[0426] In step S3080, a notification signal is output to the voice notification unit 3007, and the voice notification unit 3007 notifies the user that the user tag has been successfully read. Note that a display signal may be output to the display unit 3005 so that the display unit 3005 indicates that the user tag reading power S has not been successful. Then, the process returns to the previous step S3010.

[0427] In the above, the case where user M borrows one book B has been described as an example. However, for example, when user M borrows a plurality of books B (for example, B1 to B3), it is used. When the user M makes a similar operation by bringing the non-scanner 3200 close to each book B, the procedure shown in the above flow is repeated.

FIG. 42 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing an example of association information registered in the database DB of the server 3207 as described above.

As shown in FIG. 42, in the database DB of the server 3207, a lending table including users, books, lending date, and return date power is registered. As described above, the information on the user and the book is the association information (here, the user and the book's I blueprint) received from the handy scanner 3200 via the wireless LAN, the base station 3204, and the communication line 3206. By comparing the person and book information in the database DB, the user name and book name are registered on the lending table (the ID itself may be registered). Also, the loan date and return date are automatically added and registered by the server 3207, for example. It has become. In the example of Fig. 42, user Ml borrows three books B1 to B3 on the same day (not yet returned), and book B9 borrowed by user M2 has already been returned. Yes.

[0430] Note that this lending table information may be displayed on display 咅 3005 of handy scanner 3200 by user M performing an appropriate operation!

[0431] In the flow shown in FIG. 41 executed by the control circuit 3202, the step S3015 and the step S3035 are the setting auxiliary factors (= object attributes in this example) for setting the operation mode factor during the information acquisition operation. Based on the information), the second setting means for setting the operation mode factor (radio frequency in this example) is configured. Further, step S3020 constitutes a first acquisition unit that reads and acquires the first identification information substantially non-contact using the first acquisition mode as the operation mode factor set by the second setting unit. Step S 3040 reads the second identification information in a substantially non-contact manner using the second acquisition mode as an operation mode factor set different from the first acquisition mode by the second setting means. Constitutes the second acquisition means. Step S3060 constitutes first related information generating means for generating information representing the association described in each claim. Further, step S3080 also constitutes notification signal generating means for generating a notification signal.

[0432] As described above, in the third embodiment, when the user M wants to borrow the book B in the library, he goes with the handy scanner 3200 in front of the book B, Move the 3200 close to Book B and operate the operation unit 3006 to read the information. At this time, 13.56M is applied to the RFID circuit element To-B IC circuit section 150-B provided in the tag label T of the book B via the transmitting antenna 3010B.

B

A reading signal is transmitted at a frequency of Hz, the book information of book B is read, and the tag circuit T to be worn on the tag label T worn by the user M via the transmitting antenna 3010M IC circuit part of the To-M A read signal is sent to 150—M at a frequency of 2.45 GHz, and the personal information of user M is read. The read book information and user information are transmitted to the server 3207 via the wireless LAN communication unit 3203, the base station 3205, and the communication line 3206, and appropriate information (date information, etc.) is added to the database. Registered in DB. As described above, in the third embodiment, the book information held in the RFID tag circuit element To-B of the book B using the 13.56 MHz shortwave (HF) by the non-scanner 3200. After completing the acquisition, 2. User information held in the radio tag circuit element To-M of user M is acquired using 45GHz ultra high frequency (UHF). In this way, when information acquisition is performed in a uniform acquisition mode (here, a uniform frequency) by using different acquisition modes (in this embodiment, wireless communication using different frequencies) for book B and user M. In comparison, mutual interference and adverse effects (in this case, interference and adverse effects on communications such as interference) during information acquisition can be prevented. As a result, a smooth information acquisition operation is realized, and the manageability to the book B and the user M, which are management targets, can be improved.

[0434] Furthermore, information can be read from a plurality of information acquisition targets (book B and user M) by simply performing an easy operation (in this embodiment, operating the operation unit 3006 with the handy scanner 3200 brought close to the book B). Therefore, it is possible to easily and easily acquire information from a plurality of information acquisition targets with a few steps.

[0435] In the third embodiment, in particular, when reading the information of the RFID circuit element To-B provided in the book B, 13.56MHz short wave (HF) is used for communication, and the user M When reading information on the RFID tag circuit element To-M that can be worn 2. Communication is performed using 45 GHz ultra-high frequency (UHF).

[0436] Here, in general, when performing wireless communication using short waves (13. 56 MHz, etc.), there is a feature that communication stability is short but communication stability is high. On the other hand, when performing wireless communication using ultra high frequency waves (2.45 GHz, etc.), the communication distance is long, but there is a feature that information may be read even for objects in the vicinity of the reading target. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the frequency is used as described above, so that they are arranged side by side on the bookshelf. For reading information from the RFID tag circuit element To-B of the adjacent book B at a close distance, It is possible to reliably communicate with the RFID tag circuit element To-B of the book B to be read using a short wave (such as 13.56 MHz) having a short communication distance. On the other hand, when reading information from the RFID tag circuit element To-M of user M, the persons do not exist so close and close to each other, so the communication distance is relatively long and the ultra high frequency (2.45 GHz). Etc.) can be used to read the target user M's information. this As described above, in this embodiment, the frequency to be read according to the reading target is used (the order of use may be reversed), thereby preventing the influence on communication such as mutual interference at the time of information acquisition, and the reading target. Can be read reliably.

[0437] In the third embodiment, in particular, the signal transmitted from the handy scanner 3200 to the RFID tag circuit element To-B of the book B via the antenna 3010B is the front side of the handy scanner 3200 (see FIG. 37), the signal transmitted from the handy scanner 3200 to the RFID tag circuit element To-M of the user M via the antenna 3010M is transmitted to the rear side of the handy scanner 3200 (lower side in FIG. 37). . Thereby, the user M can transmit radio waves in accordance with the carrying posture of the handy scanner 3200, and the operability of the information reading operation using the handy scanner 3200 can be improved.

In the third embodiment, in particular, the information on the book B read by the handy scanner 3200 is associated with the information on the user M, and this association information is registered in the database DB of the server 3207. This makes it possible to efficiently manage the rental of books. In addition, using the association information registered in the database DB, for example, a list of books that you have borrowed so far (person table) and a list of books you have borrowed so far (book table) Etc., it is possible to solve the problem and improve convenience.

[0439] Also, particularly in the third embodiment, after reading information from the RFID tag circuit element To-B of the book B, the RFID tag circuit element To-M force information of the user M is read. When the power is good, the voice notification means 3007 notifies the user. As a result, the user M can be surely recognized that the acquisition of the personal information related to the user M has failed. As a result, the user M can be prompted to perform the reading operation again.

Note that the third embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the gist and the technical idea. The modifications will be described below.

[0441] (3-1) Using a stationary scanner

In the above-described embodiment, the force of reading the information of the book B and the user M using the handy scanner 3200 that can be carried by the user is not limited to this, and a stationary scanner may be used. FIG. 43 is a diagram showing a situation when user M borrows book B in the present modification. As shown in FIG. 43, in this modification, for example, a stationary scanner 3300 (information reading device) is installed at the reception of a library. In this stationary scanner 3300, the signal transmitted from the above-mentioned handy scanner 3200 to the RFID tag circuit element To-B of the book B is sent to the front side of the handy scanner 3200 and the RFID tag circuit element To-M of the user M The signal to be sent to is sent to the rear side of the handy scanner 3200, while either radio tag circuit element To-B, To-M is on the front side of the scanner 3300 (right side in Fig. 43). A signal is transmitted. Other functions are almost the same as the Handy Scanner 3200.

[0443] In this variation of the above configuration, when user M enters the library, he wants to wear tag label T with RFID circuit element To—M in which the user's unique ID is written Book B Is taken out of the bookshelf and taken to the reception desk, and the book B is brought close to the scanner 3300 at the reception desk. As a result, the scanner 3300 performs wireless communication using the RFID tag circuit element To-B provided in the book B and 13.56 MHz short wave (HF), and at the same time, the RFID tag circuit element To— provided for the user M. Wireless communication is performed using M and 2.45 GHz ultra-high frequency (UHF), and information is read from both Book B and User M. The information read by the scanner 3300 is registered as association information in the database DB of the server 3207 via the wireless LAN, the base station 3204, and the communication line 3206.

[0444] In this modified example, when the scanner 3300 reads information, the user M operates the appropriate operation unit (not shown) of the scanner 3300, and thus the flow shown in Fig. 41 is the same. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a reading signal (e.g., search signal Ping) is constantly transmitted from the high-frequency circuit and antenna of the scanner 3300. You may make it read automatically. In this case, when a response signal is received from the book tag To-M by the user M approaching the book B in the scanner 3300, the bow I continues and the RFID tag circuit element To-M force information of the user M is transmitted. Reading is done.

[0445] The present modification having the above-described configuration can provide the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment.

[0446] (3- 2) Place tag Although not particularly installed in the above embodiment, the RFID tag circuit element To storing the position information of the book is provided at an appropriate position, and the position information is read with the handy scanner 320 (with the book information. Anyway!

[0447] FIG. 44 is a diagram showing a state in which the library staff in this variation returns book B to bookshelf C (the third information acquisition target). In the library of this modification, the radio tag circuit element To-C (third information) in which the identification information (ID) of the bookcase C is written on the floor in front of each bookcase (or even under the floor!) (Holding unit) is installed (a tag label having the RFID circuit element To-C may be provided). In FIG. 44, the RFID circuit element To-C in which the identification information (third identification information) of the bookcase C is written is installed on the floor surface in front of the bookcase C in which the book B is stored. When the handy scanner 320 (returns the book, the RFID circuit element To-B provided on the book B and the RFID circuit element To-C provided on the floor are wirelessly connected at different frequencies. A control circuit 3202 ′ (not shown) that performs communication is included, and the other configuration is the same as that of the third embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

[0448] In this modification, when the user M borrows a book, the same procedure as in the above embodiment is performed.

That is, when the user M enters the library, the user M wears the tag label T having the RFID circuit element To—M in which the user-specific ID is written, and then the handy scanner 32.

The information is read from the RFID tag circuit element To-B of the book B and the RFID tag circuit element To-M of the user M in the vicinity of the book B to which 00 'is borrowed. As a result, the association information including the user information and the book information is registered in the database DB of the server 3207. Then, when returning, user M returns book B to the reception, for example. The returned book B is taken by the library clerk M ', carrying the handy scanner 3200' to the bookshelf C and storing it in the original location. After storage, the handy scanner 320 (is brought close to book B to read the information. In the above, staff M 'tried to return book B to its original location, but borrowed book B. The user M may return it.

FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing the control procedure executed by the control circuit 3202 ′ when returning. For example, the flow starts when the handy scanner 320 (is turned on. [0450] Steps S3010 to S3030 are the same as the flow shown in Fig. 41 described above. When the operation unit 3006 of the handy scanner 320 (is operated by the operator M ', a short wave with a set frequency of 13.56MHz. RFID tag circuit provided for tag label T of book B

B

Wireless communication with element To—B is performed to read book information. When the response signal is received from the RFID circuit element To-B, the determination at Step S3030 is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next Step S3 035.

[0451] In step S3035, a control signal is transmitted to the transmission unit 3212M of the high-frequency circuit 3201M, and the frequency of the carrier wave generated from the crystal resonator 3230M, PLL3231M, and VC03232M is set to 2.45 GHz.

[0452] In the next step S3040A, a control signal is transmitted to the transmission unit 3212M, and a carrier wave (ultra-short wave) set to 2.45 GHz is generated from the crystal oscillator 3230M, PLL3231M, and VC03232M force. Based on the above, the generated carrier wave is modulated and amplified, and the RFID circuit element To-C IC circuit section 150 provided on the floor surface in front of the bookshelf C via the transmission / reception separator 3214M and the transmission antenna 3010M 150 — Send a reading signal (eg search signal Ping) to C (not shown). Wireless communication at this time is performed using, for example, 2.45 GHz ultra high frequency (UHF).

In the next step S3050A, it is determined whether or not a response signal corresponding to the read signal has been received from the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To-C that has transmitted the read signal. If the response signal is received, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next Step S 3090.

[0454] In step S3090, association information between book B and book shelf C registered in the database DB of server 3207 is read via communication line 3206, base station 3204, and wireless LAN, and read in steps S3020 and S3030 above. Compared with the information related to the book B and the information related to the position of the book B read in steps S3040A and 3050A (that is, the identification information of the bookcase), whether or not the book B is returned to the correct position (correctly, the bookcase) Is determined. If it is returned to the correct position, the determination is satisfied and the routine goes to the next Step S3060A.

[0455] In step S3060A, information on book B read in step S3020 above, The information related to the user M read in step S3040 is associated with the information related to the position of book B read in steps S3040A and 3050A (that is, the identification information of bookshelf C), and this association information is associated with the wireless LAN, base station 3204, and It is sent to the database DB of the server 3207 via the communication line 3206 to register that the book B is correct and returned to the position. Then, the process returns to the previous step S3010.

[0456] Steps S3070 and S3080 are the same as the flow shown in Fig. 41 described above, and if the information of the RFID circuit element To-C is read successfully, the voice notification means 3007 is notified. A signal is output and the voice notification means 3007 notifies the fact. If the book B is not returned to the correct position in step S3090, the process moves to step S3080, and the voice notification means 3007 notifies that the return position is incorrect. Note that a display signal may be output to the display portion 3005 and displayed on the display portion 3005. Then, the process returns to the previous step S3010.

[0457] The present modification having the above-described configuration can also achieve the same effects as those of the third embodiment.

[0458] In the above modification, the RFID circuit element To-C is installed on the floor in front of the bookcase C in which the book B is stored. However, the installation location is not limited to this. It is sufficient that the return position of the book B, such as itself or a structure other than the floor, can be specified and can be read by the handy scanner 3200 '.

[0459] Further, in the above modification, the book information and person information at the time of lending, and the power to read the book information and position information at the time of return are not limited to this. For example, both at the time of lending and at the time of return! Then, all information of book information, person information and position information may be read. As a result, for example, it is possible to grasp the position from which a book is taken out, who has returned it, and the like, and it is possible to perform more detailed book rental management. In this case, step S304C constitutes third acquisition means, and step S3060A constitutes second related information generation means.

[0460] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. The present embodiment is an example in which the present invention is applied to an article management system in a warehouse.

In the article management system provided with the information reading device of the present embodiment, each package L Is provided with a tag label T having a RFID circuit element To-L (details will be described later) in which a package-specific ID (second identification information) is written. On the other hand, the fo

Shi

One clift FO is provided with a tag label T having a radio tag circuit element To-F in which an ID (first identification information) unique to the vehicle is written at the bottom. And luggage to the warehouse

F

When loading L, the forklift FO transports the cargo L and passes through the warehouse entrance 3030.

FIG. 46 is a system configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of the RFID tag information communication system provided in the warehouse and having the information reading device of the present embodiment.

[0463] In FIG. 46, the RFID tag information communication system ST3 'is attached to a tag label T (not necessarily a label) provided at the bottom of the forklift FO that carries in and out the warehouse.

F

RFID tag circuit element provided for tag label T provided on package L carried by To-FO and forklift FO (first information acquisition target, information acquisition target, article conveying means) provided above To—L and access (reading information here)

A scanner 3400 (information reading device) and a Sano 3407 connected to the scanner 3400 via a communication line 3406 and having a database DB are included.

[0464] The scanner 3400 is provided with the RFID tag circuit element To—FO (first

F

The antenna 3010A for transmitting / receiving signals to / from the information holding unit, the information holding unit, and the first RFID tag circuit element) and the RFID tag circuit element To included in the tag label T

Shi

L (second information holding unit, information holding unit, second RFID tag circuit element) An antenna 3010B that transmits and receives signals by wireless communication, and a short wave to the RFID tag circuit element To-FO via the antenna 3010A (HF is used for wireless communication (= 1st acquisition mode, operation mode factor)) and access (here, reading of information) is performed, and the RFID circuit element To-FO force is also processed. The high-frequency circuit 3401A and the RFID tag circuit element To— L via the antenna 3010B are accessed by radio communication (= second acquisition mode, operating mode factor) using the ultra high frequency (UHF) (here, information) Communication control unit for communicating with the high frequency circuit 3401B for processing the signal read from the RFID circuit element To-L and the database DB of the Sano 3407 via the communication line 3406 3403, high frequency 3401A, is connected to the 3401B and the communication control section 3403 thereof And a control circuit 3402 for controlling the above. The antenna 3010A is excellently connected to the RFID tag circuit element To-FO of the tag label T provided at the bottom of the forklift FO.

F

The antenna 3010B is arranged at the lower part of the warehouse entrance 3030 (for example, the road surface) so that communication can be performed. The antenna 3010B is connected to each piece of luggage L (second information acquisition target, information acquisition target, goods) ) RFID tag circuit element To— L

Is arranged on the side surface (or may be the upper surface) of the entrance / exit 3030 so that communication can be performed with the port 3030.

[0465] RFID tag circuit element provided for tag label T and tag label T To— FO, To

F

—L is provided with an IC circuit unit 150 for storing information and an antenna 151 connected to the IC circuit unit 150, although not specifically illustrated. That is, the RFID circuit element To-FO uses the antenna 3010A on the scanner 3400 side and a short wave (in this embodiment, 13.56 MHz, but other frequencies may be used) to transmit and receive signals without contact. The antenna 151-F to be performed and the IC circuit unit 150-F connected to the antenna 151-F are provided. On the other hand, the RFID circuit element To-L transmits and receives signals in a non-contact manner using the antenna 3010B on the scanner 3400 side and ultra-high frequency (2.45 GHz in this embodiment, but other frequencies may be used). Antenna 151-L for performing the operation, and IC circuit section 150-L connected to the antenna 151-L.

[0466] The IC circuit unit 150 (memory unit 155) has a tag ID as unique identification information (which may be rewritable) that can identify the corresponding object (here, forklift FO or luggage L). When the control circuit 3402 makes an inquiry to the server 3407 using the tag ID, various information relating to the object stored in advance in the database DB of the server 3407 (for example, the vehicle number of a forklift) (Or driver name, luggage name, etc.) can be read from the server 3407. Note that the memory unit 155 may store the above information directly instead of the tag ID.

FIG. 47 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the scanner 3400, and corresponds to FIG. 39 of the third embodiment described above. In FIG. 47, the description of the same parts as those in FIG. 39 is omitted.

[0468] In FIG. 47! /, The scanner 3400 is connected to the RFID circuit via the antenna 3010A. The high-frequency circuit 3401A for reading information on the element To—FO, the high-frequency circuit 3401B for reading information on the RFID circuit element To—L via the antenna 30 10B, and the RFID circuit element To—FO, The entire scanner 3400 includes a function that reads the information by processing the signals read from the To—L card and generates access information for accessing the RFID circuit elements To—FO, To—L. And the control circuit 3402 for controlling the operation.

[0469] The configuration of the high-frequency circuits 3401A and 3401B is the same as that of the above-described high-frequency circuits 3201B and 3201M. That is, the transmitter 3412A of the high-frequency circuit 3401A generates a carrier wave for accessing (reading here) the RFID tag information of the IC circuit unit 150-F of the RFID circuit element To-FO. , PLL (Phase Locked Loop) 3431 A, and VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator) 3432A, and the generated carrier wave uses a frequency in the HF band. Further, the transmitter 3412B of the high-frequency circuit 3401B generates a carrier wave for accessing (reading here) the RFID tag information of the IC circuit unit 150-L of the RFID circuit element To-L. PLL (Phase Locked Loop) 343 IB and VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator) 3432B, and the generated carrier wave uses a frequency in the UHF band. The 13.56 MHz carrier wave (short wave) generated by the quartz crystal resonator 3430A, the PLL3431A, and the VC03432A of the high frequency circuit 3401A is modulated and amplified, transmitted through the antenna 3010A, and wirelessly transmitted from the forklift FO. It is supplied to the IC circuit section 150-F of the tag circuit element To—FO. On the other hand, the 2.45 GHz carrier wave (ultra-short wave) generated by the crystal oscillator 3430B, PL L3431B, and VC03432B of the high-frequency circuit 3401B is modulated and amplified and transmitted via the antenna 3010B. It is supplied to the IC circuit section 150-L of the tag circuit element To-L. Note that the RFID tag information is not limited to the signal modulated as described above, but may be only a carrier wave.

[0470] The communication control unit 3403 is connected to the control circuit 3402 via an input / output interface (not shown). The control circuit 3402 inputs an operation signal from an operation unit such as an operation unit 3416 (not shown), and also displays a display control signal to the display unit 3415 (not shown) and an audio notification unit 3417 (not shown). A notification signal etc. is output. FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit 3402. For example, this flow is started when the power of the scanner 3400 is turned on.

[0472] First, in step S3105, a control signal is transmitted to the transmission unit 3412A of the high-frequency circuit 3401A, and the frequency of the carrier wave that generates the forces of the crystal resonator 3430A, the PLL3431A, and the VC03432A is set to 13.56 MHz.

[0473] In the next step S3110, a control signal is transmitted to the transmission unit 3412A, and a carrier wave (short wave) set to 13.56 MHz is generated from the crystal unit 3 430A, PLL3431A, and VC03432A, and the control signal is generated. The generated carrier wave is modulated and amplified, and a read signal (for example, search signal Ping) is transmitted via the transceiver 3414A and the antenna 301OA. The reading signal is always transmitted.

[0474] In the next step S3120, it is determined whether or not a response signal corresponding to the transmitted read signal has been received from the RFID circuit element To-FO IC circuit unit 150-F of the forklift FO. That is, for example, the forklift FO passes through the warehouse entrance 3030, and the read signal that is constantly transmitted via the antenna 3010A in step S3110 is the RFID circuit element To-FO of the tag label T provided at the bottom of the forklift FO. By

F

If a response signal corresponding to the RFID circuit element To—FO force is received, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next Step S3125. On the other hand, while the response signal is not received, the process returns to step S3105 to continue the reading signal transmission state.

[0475] In step S3125, a control signal is transmitted to the transmission unit 3412B of the high-frequency circuit 3401B, and the frequency of the carrier wave that also generates the quartz crystal 3430B, PLL3431B, and VC03432B forces is set to 2.45 GHz.

[0476] In the next step S3130, a control signal is transmitted to the transmission unit 3412B, and the carrier wave (ultra high frequency) set to 2.45 GHz is generated from the crystal unit 3 430B, PLL3431B, and VC03432B, and the control signal is generated. IC circuit part of RFID tag circuit element To-L of tag label T provided on a plurality of packages L which are modulated / amplified based on the carrier wave and modulated by forklift FO via transmission / reception separator 3414B and antenna 3010B 150—Shinishi

A reading signal (for example, a search signal Ping) is transmitted to the terminal. Wireless communication at this time is performed using 2.45 GHz ultra-high frequency (UHF). [0477] In the next step S3140, it is determined whether or not a response signal corresponding to the read signal has been received from the RFID circuit elements To- associated with all the loads L transported by the forklift FO. If a response signal is received from all package tags To-L, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next Step S3150.

[0478] In step S3150, the information on forklift FO read in steps S3110 and 3120 is associated with the information on luggage L read in steps S3130 and 3140, and this association information is stored in the database of server 3407 via communication line 3406. Register in the DB. Then, go back to the previous step S3110.

[0479] Note that in the above step S3140, if all the package tag To-L forces have not received the response signal, the determination is not satisfied and the routine goes to the next step S3160.

[0480] In step S3160, after a read signal is first transmitted to the RFID tag circuit element To-L of the package L in step S3130, it is determined whether or not the force has passed a predetermined time. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the determination is not satisfied and the routine returns to Step S3125. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has passed without receiving the response signal, the determination is satisfied and the routine goes to the next Step S3170.

[0481] In step S3170, a notification signal is output to the voice notification means 3417, and the voice notification means 3417 notifies the user that the package tag has been successfully read. Note that a display signal may be output to the display unit 3415 so that the display unit 3415 displays that the package tag has not been read successfully. Then, the process returns to the previous step S3105.

FIG. 49 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing an example of the association information registered in the database DB of the server 3407 as described above.

[0483] As shown in Fig. 49, the database DB of the server 3407 registers a table that also includes forklifts, luggage, and carry-in power. As described above, the forklift and luggage information are obtained by comparing the association information (forklift and luggage ID information here) received from the scanner 3400 via the communication line 3406 with the forklift and luggage information in the database DB. The number of the forklift (may be the driver's name) and the name of the luggage (the contents of the luggage) are registered on the table (note that the ID itself may be registered! 自体). In addition, the delivery date is automatically added and registered by the server 3407, for example. Yes. In the example of FIG. 49, the loads L10 to L17 are loaded into the warehouse on 10/17 by the forklift FOl, the loads L5 to L7 are loaded on the 10/18 by the forklift F02, and the loads L1 to L4 are loaded by the forklift FOl. Indicates that it has been imported.

Note that this table information may be displayed on the display unit 3 415 of the scanner 3400 by performing an appropriate operation!

[0485] Based on the setting auxiliary factor (= attribute information of the object in this example) for setting the operation mode factor during the step S3105 and step S3125 force information acquisition operations in the flow of FIG. The second setting means for setting the operation mode factor (radio frequency in this example) is configured. Step S3130 constitutes first acquisition means for reading and acquiring the first identification information in a substantially non-contact manner using the first acquisition mode as the operation mode factor set by the second setting unit. Step S3040 reads and acquires the second identification information in a substantially non-contact manner using the second acquisition mode as the operation mode factor set differently from the first acquisition mode by the second setting means. The second acquisition means is configured. Also, step S3150 constitutes first related information generating means for generating information representing the association. Step S3170 constitutes notification signal generation means for generating a corresponding notification signal.

[0486] As described above, in the fourth embodiment, when the forklift FO passes through the entrance 3030 of the warehouse, information related to the forklift FO and the load L to be transported is read. At this time, the RFID circuit element To—FO IC circuit section 150—F provided in the tag label T of the forklift FO is connected to the IC circuit portion 150—F of the forklift FO via the transmitting antenna 3010A.

F

A read signal is transmitted at a frequency of 56 MHz, information on the forklift FO is read, and an IC of the RFID circuit element To-L provided on the tag label T provided on the luggage L carried by the forklift FO via the transmission antenna 3010B Circuit part 150

A reading signal is sent to L at a frequency of 2.45 GHz, and the information on package L is read. The read vehicle information and package information are input to the server 3407 via the communication line 3406, and appropriate information (date information, etc.) is added and registered in the database DB.

[0487] Thus, in this embodiment, the scanner 3400 first performs a short-circuit of 13.56 MHz. Tag circuit element of forklift FO using wave (HF) To— After completing the acquisition of vehicle information held in FO, 2. tag circuit element of luggage L using ultra-high frequency (UHF) of 45GHz — Get the package information held in L. In this way, by using different acquisition modes (for wireless communication of different frequencies in this embodiment) for forklift FO and baggage L, compared to the case of acquiring information in a uniform acquisition mode (here, a uniform frequency), Mutual interference and adverse effects (in this case, interference and adverse effects on communications such as interference) during information acquisition can be prevented. As a result, a smooth information acquisition operation is realized, and the manageability of the forklift FO and the luggage L that are the management targets can be improved.

[0488] Furthermore, since it is possible to read information from multiple information acquisition targets (forklift FO and luggage L) only by an easy operation (in this embodiment, only forklift FO passes through doorway 3030), multiple information can be read. It is possible to acquire information easily and easily with a small number of procedures. In addition, the same effects as those of the third embodiment described above can be obtained.

[0489] In the fourth embodiment, the forklift is described as an example of the article transporting means for transporting the load. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other transporting means such as a truck or a trailer, or The present invention may be applied to the case of carrying a package using a (hand-held) cart or the like. Furthermore, the RFID tag circuit element (first information holding unit, first RFID tag circuit element) is not limited to such a transport means, but is worn by an operator who operates the transport means (described above). It may be provided for the tag label T)!

M

[0490] Further, in the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment of the present invention described above, when acquiring a plurality of information acquisition target power information, a case where communication frequencies are different as a plurality of acquisition modes will be described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the acquisition mode may be changed by changing the communication protocol or changing the transmission output of the read signal. In this case, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

[0491] In the third and fourth embodiments of the present invention described above, acquisition of information at a short distance (acquisition of book information in the third embodiment, acquisition of forklift information in the fourth embodiment) As an example of the acquisition means for performing wireless communication, a case where wireless communication using a short communication distance and short wave (HF) is performed has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, as an information holding means For example, a bar code or the like is used (that is, the bar code is provided on the book in the third embodiment, and the bar code is provided on the forklift in the fourth embodiment), and information is obtained by an optical information acquisition means such as a bar code reader. It may be. According to this, the same effect as the above embodiment can be obtained. In this case, there is also an advantage that a system can be formed by utilizing or linking existing article management systems using barcodes.

[0492] Hereinafter, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. This embodiment is an embodiment when the present invention is applied to a file management system in a company.

FIG. 50 is a system configuration diagram showing an overall configuration of a file management system ST4 having the information reading device (wireless tag information reading device) according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 50, the cabinet C has a two-stage configuration of an upper stage and a lower stage. A plurality of files F (objects and information acquisition targets) are in the upper stage, and a plurality of files F ( Object and information acquisition

H L

Subject) is housed. In this embodiment, file F stored in the upper row is lower.

H

This file was created more recently than file F in the column and was taken out by employee M

It is assumed that the frequency is high. For ease of understanding, file F,

H

File F is stored in the lower row, but files F and F are mixed in the upper or lower row.

L H L

May be accommodated.

[0494] Each of the files F 1 and F 2 has a RFID circuit element that stores information about the file.

H L

RFID labels Τ and T each having a child To are provided. File management system

FH FL

The system ST4 has a plurality of files included in the RFID labels T and T of the files F and F.

H L FH FL

Reader 4200 (information reading device) that accesses (in this example reads) the information of the line tag circuit element To via the antenna 1210 (equivalent to the first embodiment described above), and the reader 4200 and the communication line And a Sano 4207 (storage device) connected via 4206 and having a database DB.

[0495] RFID tag T and RFID tag circuit element To be provided with RFID label T

FH FL

Is a unique object that can identify the corresponding object (information acquisition target, here files F and F)

H L

The tag ID as identification information (which may be rewritable) is stored and held. The reader 4200 reads the tag ID and makes an inquiry to the server 4207 so that the file can be specified. In this way, file management system ST4 By periodically reading information from multiple readers 4200 accommodated in the cabinet C from the reader 4200, which file F is brought out from the cabinet C and which file F is accommodated in the cabinet C. It ’s now possible to detect!

[0496] FIG. 51 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall schematic structure of T among the RFID labels Τ and T described above.

FH F then FH

51 (a) is a top view of the RFID label T, and FIG. 51 (b) is a bottom view. These figures

FH

In FIG. 51 (a) and FIG. 51 (b), the RFID label T is, for example, a substantially sheet-shaped substrate 4.

FH

002 and a RFID circuit element To disposed on the base material 4002.

[0497] As shown in Figure 51 (a), the front side (upper surface) of the base material 4002 of the RFID label T is supported.

FH

It has an area S that shows the print information to be printed (in this example, “File 1”). Note that these regions S may not be characters but may be figures or symbols, or simple color paintings or patterns.

[0498] Further, the RFID circuit element To is the same as that described in Fig. 22 and the like of the second embodiment. That is, the RFID circuit element To transmits and receives signals in a contactless manner using the antenna 1210 (device-side antenna) of the reader 4200 and electromagnetic waves such as a short wave band (eg, 13.56 MHz), UHF band, and microwave band. The antenna 151 to be performed and the IC circuit unit 150 connected to the antenna 151 are provided.

FIG. 52 is a functional block diagram showing detailed functions of the reader 4200, and is a diagram substantially corresponding to FIG. 4 of the first embodiment. Parts equivalent to those in FIG. 4 are given the same reference numerals, and explanations thereof will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0500] In FIG. 52, the reader 4200 includes a plurality of RFID tags,

FH FL

The antenna 1210 that transmits and receives signals by radio communication with the antenna 151 of the RFID circuit element To accesses the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To via the antenna 1210 (in this example, reading) In addition, the high-frequency circuit 1201 that processes the signal read from the RFID circuit element To and the signal that is read from the IC circuit unit 150 of the wireless tag circuit element To via the high-frequency circuit 1201 are processed. And a control circuit 4202 that controls the operation of the entire reader 4200, including a function for generating access information for accessing the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To An operation unit 4203 having appropriate buttons, keys, etc., a network communication unit 4204 for communicating with the server 4207 via the communication line 4206, and a relatively short cycle T1 (described later) ) And a second timer 4209 that counts a relatively long period and a period T2 (described later).

[0501] The RFID label T and the RFID tag circuit element To are provided with the RFID label T are:

FH FL

As described above, the IC circuit unit 150 for storing information and the antenna 151 connected to the IC circuit unit 150 are provided. The IC circuit unit 150 (specifically, the memory unit 155) is a unique (however, the files F and F) that can identify the corresponding target (information acquisition target, here files F and F).

H L

(It may be rewritable) The tag ID as identification information is stored and held, and when the control circuit 4202 makes an inquiry to the server 4207 with this tag ID, the target stored and held in the database DB of the server 4207 Various information (file names, etc.) on the object is read from the Sano 207 so that the file can be specified. The memory unit 155 (see FIG. 22) provided in the IC circuit unit 150 may store the file name information directly instead of the tag ID.

[0502] The data of each file F is input in advance using an appropriate terminal or the like and stored in the database DB of the server 4207.

[0503] The high-frequency circuit 1201 has the same configuration as that shown in Fig. 5 in the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. With the configuration of the high-frequency circuit 1201, the reader 4200 demodulates the reflected wave of each RFID circuit element To force by, for example, IQ orthogonal demodulation.

FIG. 53 is a functional block diagram showing detailed functions of the control circuit 4202.

In FIG. 53, a control circuit 4202 is a so-called microcomputer, and is composed of a CPU 4202A, a ROM 4202B, a RAM 4202C, which are central processing units, a circuit control unit 4202D that performs signal transmission / reception with a high-frequency circuit 1201, and the like. Signal processing is performed according to a program stored in advance in ROM4202B while using the temporary storage function of RAM4202C.

The control circuit 4202 having the above configuration is connected to the network communication unit 4204, the first and second timers 4208 and 4209, and the high-frequency circuit 1201 (antenna 1210) described above.

[0507] In the above configuration, the feature of the present embodiment is that a plurality of files to be read are grouped according to the frequency of use, and information is frequently read for each group. It is in changing the degree.

FIG. 54 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit 4202.

First, in step S 4010, a start signal is output to first timer 4208 to start first timer 4208.

[0510] In step S4020, a start signal is output to second timer 4209 to start second timer 4209.

[0511] In step S4030, it is determined whether the count value of the first timer 4208 started in step S4010 is greater than the threshold value T1. This threshold value T1 is the value of the RFID circuit element To (the RFID tag circuit element T in the tag list 1) provided in the relatively frequently used file F.

H

In order to set the frequency of reading information from (0), the threshold value, which will be described later, is set to a value smaller than the value T2, and is stored in advance in the RAM 4202C of the control circuit 4202, for example. If the count value of first timer 4208 is greater than threshold value T1, the determination is satisfied and the routine goes to the next Step S4040.

[0512] In step S4040, the tag list 1 (see FIG. 56 described later) is acquired from the database DB of the servo 207 via the network communication unit 4204 and the communication line 4206. This tag list 1 is generated by the tag label producing device when the RFID label T provided in each file F is produced by the tag label producing device (described later).

F

Creation time information of each RFID label T (RFID circuit element To) registered in the database

F

List extracted under predetermined conditions from the generation history information, attribute information, and setting auxiliary factors). In the present embodiment, the tag list 1 is a ratio in which the creation date / time is a predetermined date / time or later in the list of RFID circuit elements To included in all the RFID labels T provided in the files F.

F

A relatively new RFID tag circuit element To is extracted in the tag list 1. That is, as described above, the wireless tag of the RFID label T provided in the file F created relatively recently is used.

H FH

The circuit element To is extracted as tag list 1. This extraction procedure is performed by a CPU (not shown) included in the servo 4207, for example.

[0513] In step S4050, read processing is performed to read information from the RFID circuit element To of all RFID label T that is described in the tag list 1 acquired in step S4040 above.

FH

5o [0514] In the next step S4060, a control signal is output to the first timer 4208 to reset the count value of the first timer 4208. Thereafter, the process returns to the previous step S4030.

[0515] If the count value of the first timer 4208 is less than or equal to the threshold value T1 in the previous step S4030, the determination is not satisfied and the routine goes to the next step S4070.

[0516] In step S4070, it is determined whether or not the count value of the second timer 4209 started in step S4020 is greater than the threshold value T2. This threshold value T2 is relatively infrequently used! RFID circuit element To provided in file F (RF tag circuit element T in tag list 2

L

In order to set the frequency at which information is read from (0), the threshold value is larger than the threshold value T1, and the value is set in the value, and is stored in advance in the RAM 4202C of the control circuit 4202, for example. If the count value of second timer 4209 is greater than threshold value T2, the determination is satisfied and the routine goes to the next Step S4080.

In step S4080, tag list 2 (see FIG. 56 described later) is acquired from the database DB of the servo 207 via the network communication unit 4204 and the communication line 4206. This tag list 2 is generated by the tag label producing device when the RFID label T provided in each file F is produced by the tag label producing device (described later) in the same manner as the tag list 1 described above.

F

Each RFID label T (RFID circuit element) registered in the database DB of Sano 207

F

This is a list extracted under a predetermined condition from a list of creation history of (child To). In the present embodiment, the tag list 2 includes all RFID tag labels T provided in each file F described above.

F

In the list of line tag circuit elements To, a relatively old RFID circuit element To whose creation date is earlier than a predetermined date is extracted in the tag list 2. That is, as described above, the RFID circuit element To of the RFID label T provided in the file F created relatively earlier is the tag.

L FL

Extracted as Glist 2. Note that this extraction procedure is performed by the CPU, not shown in FIG.

[0518] In step S4090, read processing is performed to read information from the RFID circuit elements To of all RFID labels T described in the tag list 2 acquired in step S4080 above.

FL

[0519] In the next step S4100, a control signal is output to the second timer 4209 to reset the count value of the second timer 4209. Thereafter, the process returns to the previous step S4030. [0520] FIG. 55 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of step S4050 (or step S4090, hereinafter the same correspondence).

[0521] First, in step S4210, the top ID of tag list 1 (or tag list 2) acquired in step S4040 (or step S4080) is selected.

[0522] In the next step S4220, information is read by designating an ID for the RFID circuit element To having the ID selected in step S4210. Specifically, an inquiry signal (e.g., a specific search signal Scroll ID) for acquiring a related information (corresponding file information) by specifying a specific tag is generated and placed within the communication range via the high-frequency circuit 1201. Existing radio tag circuit element To (in this example, it is prepared for tag label T of all files F in cabinet C.

F

To the RFID tag circuit element To), and prompts for a reply.

[0523] In the next step S4230, whether or not reading of information is completed for the RFID circuit element To with the last ID in the acquired tag list 1 (or tag list 2), in other words, tag list 1 (or tag list 2). ) It is determined whether or not reading of information is completed for all RFID tag circuit elements To. If the reading of information up to the RFID tag circuit element To related to the last ID in the tag list 1 (or tag list 2) has not been completed, the determination is not satisfied and the process moves to the next step S4240, where the tag list 1 Select the next ID in (or tag list 2). Then, the process returns to step S4220. On the other hand, when the reading of information is completed for all the RFID circuit elements To in the tag list 1 (or tag list 2), the determination is satisfied and this flow is finished.

[0524] By performing the flow shown in FIG. 54 and FIG. 55 described above, the RFID circuit element To of the RFID label T described in the tag list 1 has a short period T1 (ie, high!

FH

Information) is read and the RFID label T

FL

For the line tag circuit element To, information is read with a relatively long period T2 (that is, at a low frequency).

[0525] Note that, in the above, the force described by taking as an example the case where the tag lists 1 and 2 are determined in advance in the database DB of the server 4207 is not limited to this. For example, the tag list is selected by the control circuit 4 202 of the reader 4200 The tag list may be updated every time (step S4040, step S4080 in FIG. 54). For example, tags for files within one month from the creation date If you want to tag the tag list 1 and the tag of the file whose creation date has passed 1 month into the tag list 2, you need to update the tag list every day. In such a case, in step S4040 in Fig. 54 above, step S4080 [Before! Select the tag list before reading the tag list registered in the database DB from Sano 420 7 and create date / time information. Based on V, it is sufficient to update the tag list and rewrite the list in the database DB, and then select the tag list. In this way, the communication frequency can always be determined using the latest attribute information (tag list).

[0526] Also, in the above, each RFID circuit element To force, when reading information, sends a query signal (specific search signal Scroll ID) to specify a specific tag and acquire information. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the inquiry signal command may be determined according to the attribute of the object. For example, the specific search signal Scroll ID is transmitted to the RFID circuit element To in the tag list 1 in step S4050, and the unspecified search signal Ping to the RFID circuit element To in the tag list 2 in step S4090. May be sent to read the information. As a result, the RFID tag circuit element To of the file 1 with a relatively high movement frequency is sent to the RFID tag circuit element To of the file 2 with a relatively low movement frequency by transmitting a Scroll ID signal individually. In response to this, a Ping signal can be sent to read multiple data at a time, further improving reading efficiency.

[0527] FIG. 56 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the creation history list, tag list 1, and tag list 2 of each RFID circuit element To registered in the database DB of the server 4207.

[0528] A tag label producing device (described later) is connected to the database DB of the server 4207 via a network, for example, and is generated when the RFID label T provided in each file F is produced by the tag label producing device. Each RFID label T (RF tag times

F F

The creation history information of the road element To) is registered as a list. In FIG. 56, the creation history information consists of each RFID circuit element To ID, information on the object (file name in this case), creation date and time, and the three RFID circuit elements To and F

H

For the four RFID circuit elements To provided in Isle F, the creation history information of the above items

Each news is registered as a list! RU [0529] Then, for example, by the CPU (not shown) of the Sano 207, the registered list is grouped under a predetermined condition. In this embodiment, as shown in the figure, the tag with the latest creation date (created after October 1, 2005) is extracted as tag list 1, and the creation date is old (September 2005). Extracted (created 30 days ago) as Tagris 卜 2!

[0530] In the fifth embodiment, as described above, the communication frequency is determined using the creation date and time as the creation history information. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, each RFID label T (none

F

The power of making the line tag circuit element (To) with which creation device It may be included in the creation history information such as which cartridge was made, the color, shape, printed information of the created tag label, or who made it. Oh ,. By determining the communication frequency according to such creation history information, the communication frequency can be determined more finely according to the attribute of the object.

[0531] The RFID labels Τ and T configured and used as described above are used.

FH FL

As an apparatus for producing the line tag labels T, T, for example, in the first embodiment described above,

FH FL

It is sufficient to use the label production apparatus 1300 (tag label production apparatus) shown in FIG. At this time, although the detailed description of the high-frequency circuit 1301 and the control circuit 1302 is omitted, the high-frequency circuit 1301 and the control circuit 4202 have substantially the same functions as the high-frequency circuit 1201 and the control circuit 4202 of the reader 4200. Generates access information to the circuit unit 150, transmits it to the RFID circuit element To via the device-side antenna 1306 (fourth wireless communication means), and writes information to the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To . The control circuit 1302 is connected to the Sano 4207, other computers, terminals, and the like via the wired or wireless communication line (network) 4206, and information can be transmitted / received to / from them. As a result, the creation history information of the radio tag label T (= 上記, Τ, etc.) is stored in the Sano 207 database.

FH FL

It can be sent to DB and registered.

[0532] FIG. 57 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit 4302 when the RFID label label Τ is created.

In FIG. 57, first, in step S4710, the above-mentioned area S of the RFID label Τ is input by the print head 4305 separately input by an operation terminal (connected to the control circuit 4302 via the communication line 4206). Print information to be printed on the RFID tag circuit element To Information to be written to is acquired via the communication line 4206. In place of the operation terminal or the like, an input from an operation unit (not shown) of the tag label producing apparatus 1300 may be used.

[0534] Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S4720, and after printing is performed on the RFID circuit element To, the process proceeds to step S4725, where the information is conveyed to the tag writing position and written (for example, the tag ID and the file information to be stored). )I do. After that, the tape is cut in the above step S4730 to produce the RFID label T (= 上記, Τ, etc.) having one RFID circuit element To.

FH FL

To do.

[0535] After that, in the next step S4740, the tag ID of the RFID circuit element To provided in the tag label 上記 created above, the written file information (file name), and the creation history information consisting of the creation date and time are communicated. It is transmitted to the server 4207 via the line 4206 (creation history information generation means, device side setting means; information output means), and is registered in the database DB. Then, this flow is finished.

[0536] In the above, the high-frequency circuit 1201 constitutes signal generation means for selecting and generating one of a plurality of types of inquiry signals described in each claim, and the antenna 1210 is configured to perform wireless communication with the RFID tag circuit element To. This constitutes the third wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving information. Further, in the flow of FIG. 54 executed by the control circuit 4202, step S4030, step S4070 constitute a determining means for deciding the communication mode in the force communication means and also constitute a second setting means, and steps S4040, S4080 are An identification information acquisition means for acquiring tag identification information of the RFID circuit element corresponding to the attribute information is configured.

In the fifth embodiment configured as described above, the RFID circuit element To existing within the communication range from the reader 4200 every predetermined time (in this example, the files F and F accommodated in the cabinet C). Tag label Τ, T

H L FH FL

An inquiry signal is sent to prompt a reply. At this time, the database of the server 4207 stores in advance the attribute information to be read (in this embodiment, the information provided in the files F and F).

H L

The creation date / time information of the line tag circuit element To) is registered, and the control circuit 4202 of the reader 4200 determines the frequency of transmitting the inquiry signal based on this attribute information. That is, in this embodiment, the RFID circuit element of the RFID label T described in the tag list 1 is used. For the child To, the information is read with a period T1 (that is, high !, frequently), and the RFID circuit element To of the RFID label T described in the tag list 2 is relatively long.

F

Read information at V, period T2 (ie low !, frequency).

[0538] This makes it more frequent, such as file F, which was created relatively recently and is used frequently.

H

Communication frequency can be increased for the RFID tag circuit element To, which requires reading of information.

The frequency of communication can be lowered for the RFID circuit element To, which is an object that is sufficient if information is read at a frequency. In this way, by determining the communication mode (communication frequency in this embodiment) to the RFID circuit element To according to the attribute information of the target object (creation date and time in this embodiment), the nature of the target object, Information can be read in a communication mode appropriate to the characteristics. Therefore, compared to the case where information is read in a uniform communication mode (here, uniform communication frequency) for the RFID circuit elements To related to all objects, the frequency of the objects that need to be infrequent is uniformly high. Since useless reading operations such as reading information can be prevented, information can be read efficiently and quickly and effectively for the operator of the file management system ST4. As a result, a smooth information acquisition operation is realized, and the manageability to the management target can be improved.

[0539] The fifth embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical idea. The modifications will be described below.

[0540] (5-1) When grouping by target product type

In the fifth embodiment, the attribute information of the object is grouped using the creation date and time of the tag provided on the object, and the communication frequency is changed according to the group. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, you may group them according to the product type (type information, attribute information, setting auxiliary factors).

[0541] Fig. 58 is a system configuration diagram showing an overall configuration of a file management system ST4 'having an information reading device in the present modification. As shown in FIG. 58, a plurality of files Fpr (objects, information acquisition targets), which are personal items of employee M, are placed on desks of employee M's desk D. On the other hand, the cabinet C contains a file Fpu (object, information acquisition target) shared by other employees M. Therefore, in this variation, employee M Since the file Fpr on the desk is a personal item, the file Fpu contained in the cabinet C, which is taken out less frequently than the desk D! / Because it is shared, it is often taken out more than the cabinet. And

Each of the above-mentioned files Fpr and Fpu is provided with RFID labels Τ and T each having a RFID circuit element To storing information related to the target file. These radio

FPR FPU

Tag labels, and T (RF tag circuit element To) are created by the tag label creation device.

FPR FPU

In this case, creation history information is created in the same manner as in the above embodiment, and is registered as a list in the database DB of the server 4207 via the communication line 4206. At this time, the RFID circuit element To provided in the file Fpu is extracted as the tag list 1, and the RFID circuit element To provided in the file Fpr is extracted as the tag list 2. The other configuration of the file management system ST 4 ′ is the same as that of the above-described file management system ST4, and thus description thereof is omitted.

[0543] In this variation having the above-described configuration, the RFID tag circuit element To of the RFID label T described in the tag list 1 has a short cycle T1 (that is, high! By frequency)

FPU

The information is read and the RFID tag of the RFID label T listed in tag list 2 is

FPR

For the path element To, information is read with a relatively long period T2 (that is, at a low frequency).

[0544] This makes it possible to increase the communication frequency for the RFID circuit element To of an object that needs to be read frequently, such as a file Fpu that is used as a shared object and is frequently used. It is possible to reduce the communication frequency for the RFID circuit element To, which is an object that only needs to be read at a low frequency, such as the file Fpr, which is used as a private item and is not frequently used. Therefore, as in the above-described embodiment, information can be read efficiently and quickly and effectively for the operator of the file management system ST4 ′.

[0545] In this modification, the case where the object is a private item and a common item is described as an example of the type of the object. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. In this case, it can be applied to objects that have different varieties such as powerful drugs that are handled with care or normal drugs. [0546] (5-2) Writing attribute information to a tag

In the fifth embodiment, the force to register the creation date and time as the attribute information of the object in the database DB of the server 4207 is not limited to this. For example, each time a RFID label T is created by the tag label creation device, The tag ID to be written to the RFID circuit element To! May be represented by a part of the ID (for example, the number of digits of the leading part) to indicate the attribute of the object.

[0547] In the case of this modification, for example, if the first 4 bits of the ID are 1111, the tag belongs to the tag list 1, and if the first 4 bits of the ID is 1110, the tag belongs to the tag list 2. When the RFID label T is created by the tag label creation device 1300, the ID starting from the above 4 bits is written according to the creation date. When reading information with the reader 4200, for the reading performed in the T1 cycle, the first 4 bits of the ID are 1111, and the subsequent bits are arbitrary and specify an unspecified tag. !, A call signal (for example, a specific search signal Scroll ID) is transmitted to the RFID circuit element To in the communication range. On the other hand, for reading in the T2 cycle, a query signal (for example, specific search signal Scroll ID) that specifies an unspecified tag in which the first 4 bits of the ID is 1110 and the subsequent bits are optional. Is transmitted to the wireless tag circuit element To within the communication range.

[0548] When the attribute information of the object is incorporated in the information written in the RFID circuit element To as in this modification, the tag ID represents the attribute information. It is not necessary to register the creation history information as attribute information in the database DB of the server 4207 as in the form. Therefore, the database DB becomes unnecessary.

[0549] In the above, the first 4 bits of the ID are specified, and the subsequent bits are optional. The information is read by an inquiry signal that specifies an unspecified tag (for example, the specific search signal Scroll ID). Not limited to this, it is not limited to this, but it asks all RFID tag elements To in the communication range by a query signal (for example, unspecified search signal Ping) for an unspecified tag that does not specify an ID at all. It is also possible to acquire attribute information from a part of the read ID and automatically determine the communication mode.

[0550] (5-3) When specifying attribute conditions

In the above embodiment, the tag list registered in advance in the database DB of Sano 207 1 , 2 The power to determine the communication frequency is not limited to this. For example, the management system operator can specify the attribute (in this case, specify the tag list).

[0551] In this modification, when an operator inputs a tag list using the operation unit 4203 of the reader 4200, the control circuit 4202 performs network communication based on the specified input signal (attribute information specifying signal). The tag list on the database DB of the server 4207 is rewritten via the unit 4204 and the communication line 4206! /.

[0552] Thus, for example, in the above embodiment, the file is classified as file F because its creation time is old. However, if there is a file whose contents are important and frequently used, the file F is provided. The ID of RFID tag circuit element To can be rewritten to tag list 1. As a result, the file F is high along with the file F in a short cycle T1.

L H

Information is read at a frequency. As described above, according to the present modification, the attributes of the object can be set more finely according to the situation and the like, so that information can be read more efficiently and effectively. .

[0553] Note that, in the above, it is possible to input the attribute of the object by using the operation unit 4203 of the reader 4200. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, another appropriate terminal equal force connected to the communication line 4206 is also input. The list on the database 4207 of the server 4207 may be rewritten.

[0554] (5— 4) Other attribute information variations

(i) When the number of movements of the object is used as attribute information

In the above-described embodiment, the force used to create the RFID label label creation history information provided on the object as the attribute information of the object is not limited to this. For example, the total number of movements of the object (read history information, attribute information, The communication frequency may be determined according to a setting auxiliary factor.

FIG. 59 is a system configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of the file management system ST4 in the present modification. As shown in FIG. 59, the cabinets CI, C2, and C3 have a plurality of files F (targets) each provided with a RFID label Τ having a RFID circuit element To.

F

Objects, information acquisition targets) are housed.

[0556] The file management system ST4 is accommodated in the cabinets CI, C2, and C3, respectively. The information on the RFID circuit element To included in the RFID label T of each file F (see above)

F

Readers 4200A, 4200B, 4200C († blueprint reader) accessed via antennas 1210A, 1210B, 1210C (third wireless communication means) (which reads in this example) with the same configuration as antenna 1200; This reader has 4200A, 4200B, 4200C and a Sano 4207 ′ having a database DB connected via a communication line 4206.

[0557] In the file management system ST4 group configured as described above, each file F force information stored in the cabinets CI, C2, and C3 is periodically read by the readers 4200A, 4200B, and 4 200C. File F is brought out of any cabinet C force and can be managed in which cabinet C.

[0558] In this modification, based on the information that each reader 4200A, 4200B, and 4200C force is input by the CPU (not shown) of the server 4207 ', the reading history information of each RFID circuit element To (in this modification, The number of movements) is created, listed, and registered in the database DB. The number of movements is counted as one when reading is performed by a different reader. For example, the file F that has been read in the cabinet C1 (ie, by the reader 4200A) is the next. If the reading is done in cabinet C2 or C3 (ie by reader 4200B or 4200C), the force counted as one time File F that was read in cabinet C1 will continue to be in the same cabinet C1 When reading is done, it is not counted! /.

FIG. 60 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the read history list, tag list 1 and tag list 2 of each RFID circuit element To registered in the database DB of the server 4207 ′ in this modification. is there.

[0560] As shown in FIG. 60, the reading history information includes ID for each RFID circuit element To, information on the object (file name in this case), and the number of times of movement. The reading history information of the above items is registered as a list. For example, the registered list is grouped under a predetermined condition by a CPU (not shown) of the server 4207 ′. In this embodiment, as shown in the figure, a tag list 1 is extracted by extracting a relatively large number of movements (here, for example, 5 or more). Extract the one with relatively few movements (here, for example, less than 4) and use it as taglist 卜 2!

[0561] The procedure for reading information from each RFID circuit element To performed by each reader 4200A, 4200B, 4200C is the same as that in Figs.

[0562] According to this variation described above, the frequency of file F movement based on the total number of readings is large, and it is considered that there is a high possibility that it will move relatively well in the future. The frequency of file F based on the total number of readings is low, and the frequency of communication is reduced by assuming that the object does not move too much. The information can be read roughly. As a result, it is possible to prevent a useless reading operation such as reading information with respect to an object that is sufficient infrequently at a uniform high frequency. The same effect is obtained that the information can be read effectively.

[0563] (ii) When the moving distance of the object is used as attribute information

In the above embodiment, the creation history information of the RFID label label provided on the object is used as the attribute information of the object. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the movement distance of the object (read history information, attribute information, Determine the communication frequency according to the setting auxiliary factor.

[0564] In the file management system in this variation, the read history information of each RFID circuit element To based on the information that each reader 4200A, 4200B, 4200C force is also input by the CPU (not shown) of the server 4207 '(this variation) (Travel distance) is created, listed, and registered in the database DB. This moving distance is the distance when the RFID circuit element To force information is read by each reader compared to the position where the RFID circuit element To was read before. This is the total of the movement distances detected (total movement distance). The distance between each cabinet CI, C2, C3 is registered in the database DB in advance. Thus, for example, file F that was read in cabinet C1 (ie, by reader 4200A) is then transferred to cabinet C2 or C3 (ie, to reader 4200B or 4200C). When reading is performed, the corresponding travel distance is accumulated, but the file F that has been read in the cabinet C1 will continue to be read in the same cabinet C1 as V. If it is, the movement distance will be accumulated as 0. Other functions' configuration is the same as that of the file management system ST4 shown in FIG.

FIG. 61 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the read history list, tag list 1 and tag list 2 of each RFID circuit element To registered in the database DB of the server 4207 ′ in this modification. is there.

[0566] As shown in Fig. 61, the reading history information includes the ID information for each RFID circuit element To, the information about the object (file name in this case), and the moving distance force. The reading history information of the above items is registered as a list. For example, the registered list is grouped under a predetermined condition by a CPU (not shown) of the server 4207 ′. In the present embodiment, as shown in the figure, the tag list 1 is extracted by extracting a relatively long moving distance (in this case, for example, 25 m or more), and the moving number is relatively small (in this case, for example, 20 m). Extract the following) and use it as taglist 2!

[0567] According to this variation described above, file F, which has a long moving distance, is considered to be likely to move relatively well in the future, and the communication frequency is increased and information is read in detail. For file F with a short movement distance, it can be assumed that the object will not move much in the future, and the communication frequency can be lowered and information can be read roughly. As a result, it is possible to prevent unnecessary reading operations when information is read uniformly and frequently with respect to an object that is sufficient infrequently, and therefore, as in the above-described embodiment, it can be performed efficiently and quickly. The same effect is obtained that the information can be read effectively for the operator.

[0568] (5-5) Variation of communication mode

In the fifth embodiment, the communication mode for determining the force that determines the communication frequency as the operation mode factor according to the attribute of the object is not limited to this. That is, for example, as another operational mode factor, the wireless communication in the reader 4200 (high frequency circuit 1201) The communication output with the tag circuit element To, the number of retries at the time of communication failure, or when the antenna 1210 of the reader 4200 has multiple antenna element forces, determine the directivity of the antenna. Well ...

[0569] This makes it possible, for example, to read information with a uniformly large output for an object that requires a small output with a short communication distance, or to read information with a wide directivity for an object with a fixed direction. This can prevent useless reading operations such as reading, and it can be managed reliably by increasing the number of retries for objects that are handled rigorously and always need to know their location.

[0570] In the above fifth embodiment, the example in which the present invention is applied to a file management system that reads and manages file information in a company has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied to a system that reads object force information as a plurality of group powers that preferably change the communication mode when reading information, such as a system that reads information on the possessed property.

[0571] It should be noted that the "Scroll ID" signal, "Ping" signal, "Erase" signal, "Verify" signal, "Program" signal, etc. used above conform to the specifications established by EPC global. To do. EPC global is a non-profit corporation established jointly by the International EAN Association, an international organization for distribution codes, and the Uniformed Code Council (UCC), a US distribution code organization. Note that signals conforming to other standards may be used as long as they perform the same function.

[0572] Further, in addition to those already described above, the methods according to the above-described embodiments and modifications may be used in appropriate combination.

[0573] Other than that, although not illustrated one by one, the present invention is implemented with various modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a conceptual system configuration diagram showing an entire RFID tag information reading system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view and a bottom view showing an example of the overall schematic structure of a RFID label provided with the RFID circuit element according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the RFID tag circuit element provided in the RFID label. FIG.

[4] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing detailed functions of the reader according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [5] It is a functional block diagram showing the detailed functional configuration of the high-frequency circuit.

[6] It is a functional block diagram showing detailed functions of the control circuit.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit.

[8] This is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control unit provided in the IC circuit unit of the RFID circuit element.

[9] FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of the tag label producing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit when the RFID label is created.

[11] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing detailed functions of the control circuit in a modification in which a random number generator is provided on the reader side.

[12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by a control unit provided in the IC circuit unit of the RFID circuit element in a modification in which a random number generator is provided on the reader side.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control unit provided in the IC circuit unit of the RFID tag circuit element in a modification in which the set value is updated by the tag itself.

[14] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the RFID circuit element in a modified example in which a response is made according to the number of response requests.

15] A flowchart showing a control procedure executed by a control unit provided in the IC circuit unit of the RFID tag circuit element in a modified example in which a response is made according to the number of response requests.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by a control unit provided in the IC circuit unit of the RFID tag circuit element in a modified example in which a response is made according to a response request interval time.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a RFID circuit element in a modification in which a response is made according to a charging voltage.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by a control unit provided in the IC circuit unit of the RFID circuit element in a modified example in which a response is made according to a charging voltage.

FIG. 19 schematically shows an overall configuration of a wireless tag management system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure.

FIG. 20 is a system configuration diagram showing an outline of a wireless tag management system.

圆 21] It is a conceptual explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a tag label producing apparatus.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a wireless tag circuit element provided in the wireless tag.

FIG. 23 is a functional block diagram showing a detailed configuration of an RF communication control unit and a reader antenna in the reader.

[24] It is a diagram conceptually showing a place table.

FIG. 25 is a diagram conceptually showing an article table.

FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the tag ID, showing the arrangement of codes in the bit string of the tag ID and the contents of each code.

FIG. 27 is a diagram conceptually showing a person table.

FIG. 28 is a diagram conceptually showing a reader table.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a control procedure related to a wireless tag monitoring operation performed by the CPU of the management server.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of take-out monitoring processing executed by the management server CPU in step S2100.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of a previous location detection process executed by the management server CPU in step S2200.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of registration mode processing executed by the CPU of the management server in step S2300.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of search mode processing executed in step S2400 by the CPU of the management server.

FIG. 34 is a diagram conceptually showing a product table used in a modified example in which location information corresponding to a new wireless tag is provisionally registered.

[35] FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a state where a user borrows a book in a library provided with the information reading device of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[36] A system that represents the overall configuration of an RFID tag information communication system having an information reader. FIG.

[37] FIG. 37 is a front view showing an overall schematic structure of a handy scanner as an information reading device.

38] A block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a wireless tag circuit element provided in a book to be searched and a tag label provided to a user.

FIG. 39 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the handy scanner.

40] A functional block diagram showing detailed functions of the control circuit.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit.

[42] It is a conceptual diagram schematically showing an example of association information registered in the server database.

[43] FIG. 43 is a diagram showing a state in which a user borrows a book in a modification in the case of using a stationary scanner.

[44] FIG. 44 is a diagram showing a state in which a library clerk returns a book to the bookshelf in a modified example in which a place tag is provided.

圆 45] This is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit at the time of return in a modified example in the case of providing a place tag.

FIG. 46 is a system configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of an RFID tag information communication system having an information reading device of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 47 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a scanner control system.

FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit.

[49] This is a schematic diagram schematically showing an example of association information registered in the server database.

FIG. 50 is a system configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of a file management system having an information reading device (reader) of a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 51 is a top view and a bottom view showing an example of the overall schematic structure of a wireless tag label.

FIG. 52 is a functional block diagram showing detailed functions of the reader.

[53] FIG. 53 is a functional block diagram showing detailed functions of the control circuit.

FIG. 54 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit. FIG. 55 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of tag reading processing shown in the flow of FIG. 54.

FIG. 56 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a creation history list, tag list, and tag list of each RFID circuit element registered in the database of the server.

FIG. 57 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit of the tag label producing device when producing the RFID label.

FIG. 58 is a system configuration diagram showing an overall configuration of a file management system in a modified example in the case of grouping by object type.

[59] FIG. 59 is a system configuration diagram showing an overall configuration of a file management system in a modification in which reading history information is attribute information.

60] A conceptual diagram showing an example of a read history list and a tag list of each RFID circuit element registered in the database of the server in a modification in which the number of movements of an object is attribute information.

61] A conceptual diagram showing an example of a read history list and a tag list of each RFID circuit element registered in a database of a server in a modification in which the moving distance of an object is attribute information.

Explanation of symbols

150 IC circuit

151 Antenna (Tag side antenna)

155 Memory section (storage means)

158 random number generator

1200 reader (interrogator)

1201 High-frequency circuit (information access means; signal generation means)

1202 Control circuit (information access means)

1202E Random number generator (equipment side random number generator)

1210 Antenna (3rd wireless communication means, device side antenna)

1210A antenna (third wireless communication means)

1210B antenna (third wireless communication means) 1210C antenna (third wireless communication means)

1300 Tag label making device

1301 High frequency circuit

1302 Control circuit

1303 Tag tape (tag medium)

1304 Tag tape roll (wireless tag circuit element housing) 1305 Print head (printing means)

1306 Antenna (4th wireless communication means, device side antenna)

1310 Tag tape roll holder part (container installation part)

2002 Office building

2003 Entrance door (exit passage)

2004 Monitoring room

2005 Goods (managed)

2006 Person (managed)

2007 leader

2007a outer reader

2007b inner reader

2008 terminal

2009 management server

2010 Tag label production equipment (tag label production means) 2012 Reader antenna (first wireless communication means)

2016 RF communication control unit

2021 CPU

2023 database

2033 Operation unit

2034 Display

2036 buzzer

3200 Handy scanner (information reader) 3200 'handy scanner (information reader)

3300 scanner (information reader)

3400 scanner (information reader)

4200 reader (information reader)

4200A reader (information reader)

4200B reader (information reader)

4200C reader (information reader)

4202 Control circuit

4207 Server (storage device)

B Book (first information acquisition target)

C Bookcase (Third information acquisition target)

DB database

F file (object, information acquisition target)

FO forklift (first information acquisition target, goods transport means)

F, F

H L file (object, information acquisition target)

Fpr, Fpu file (target object, information acquisition target)

L Luggage (Second information acquisition target, goods)

M user (second information acquisition target)

NW communication network

ST1 RFID tag information reading system (information management system)

ST2 RFID tag management system (information management system)

Tb Radio tag for goods (Radio tag label)

TFH, TFL RFID label (RF tag)

To RFID circuit element

To-B RFID tag circuit element (first information holding unit, first RFID tag circuit element) To-C RFID tag circuit element (third information holding unit)

To-FO RFID tag circuit element (first information holding unit, first RFID tag circuit element) To-L RFID tag circuit element (second information holding unit, second RFID tag circuit element) Wireless tag circuit element (second information holding unit, second wireless tag circuit element) Person wireless tag (wireless tag label)

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] Has an information holding unit (To) provided for the information acquisition target (L, M; 2005, 2006), and manages information based on the information acquired from this information holding unit (To) An information management system (S T1; ST2),

First setting means (S 1650, S1660, S1660 ′, S1865) for setting the operation mode factor based on a setting auxiliary factor for setting the operation mode factor at the time of the information acquisition operation from the information holding unit (To). , S1855, S1870, S1970, S1150, S1160; S2005 to S2085, S2100, S2200, S2300, S2400)

Information management system (ST1; ST2).

[2] In the information management system according to claim 1,

The information holding unit

An RFID circuit element (To) having an IC circuit unit (150) for storing information and a tag side antenna (151) connected to the IC circuit unit (150);

A device-side antenna (1210) for transmitting and receiving information to and from the RFID circuit element (To), and access information including an inquiry signal to the RFID circuit element (To), Information access means (1201, 1202) for transmitting information to the RFID circuit element (To) via the device-side antenna (1210) and reading information from the IC circuit section (150) of the RFID circuit element (To). ) And an interrogator (1200)

In the RFID circuit element (To),

Tag side response rate setting means (S1650, S1660; S1660Z; S1865) as the first setting means for setting a response rate for outputting a response signal to the inquiry signal when receiving the inquiry signal of the interrogator (1200) , S1855, S1870; S1970; S1150, S1160), an information management system (ST1).

[3] In the information management system according to claim 2,

The tag side response rate setting means includes:

Tag-side random number generator (S1650) that generates random numbers,

By comparing the random number generated by the tag-side random number generation means (S 1650) with a predetermined threshold! /, A value is used to output a response signal to the interrogator (1200) force inquiry signal. And an information management system (ST1) characterized by comprising first response determining means (S1660) for determining whether or not.

[4] In the information management system according to claim 2,

The interrogator (1200) has device-side random number generation means (1202E) for generating random numbers,

The tag side response rate setting means includes:

By comparing the random number generated by the device-side random number generation means (1202E) and transmitted from the interrogator (1200) with a predetermined threshold value, a response signal to the interrogator (1200) force inquiry signal The information management system (ST1), characterized by having second response determining means (S1660 ') for determining whether or not to output.

[5] In the information management system according to claim 2,

The tag side response rate setting means includes:

Counting means (S1865) for counting the number of times the interrogator (1200) force has also received an inquiry signal;

By comparing the number of times the inquiry signal received by the counting means (S 1865) is received with a predetermined threshold value, it is determined whether or not to output a response signal to the interrogator (1200) force inquiry signal. Third response determining means (S 1855, S1870)

An information management system (ST1) characterized by comprising:

[6] In the information management system according to any one of claims 3 to 5,

The RFID circuit element (To)

Non-volatile storage means (155) for storing the predetermined threshold!

By rewriting the threshold value stored in the storage means (155) in accordance with the rewrite signal received from the interrogator (1200), the tag side response rate setting means (S1855, S1870, S1660; S1660Z; Change means (S 1680) to change the response rate set in S1865, S1855, S 1870)

An information management system (ST1) characterized by comprising:

[7] In the information management system according to claim 1,

The information holding unit An RFID circuit element (To) having an IC circuit unit (150) for storing information and a tag side antenna (151) connected to the IC circuit unit (150);

A database (2023) is provided for storing and holding the tag identification information of the RFID circuit element (To) and the corresponding location information of the management target (2005, 2006) as the information acquisition target,

The first setting means includes

Mode setting means (S2005 to S2085, S2100, S2200, S2300, S2200, S2200, S2300, S2300, S2200, S2200, S2300, S2200, S2200, S2300, S2400),

According to the operation mode set by the mode setting means (S2005 to S2085, S2100, S2200, S2300, S2400), information is transmitted / received by wireless communication with the RFID circuit element (To), and At least one first wireless communication means (2012) for obtaining the tag identification information of the wireless tag circuit element (To) is provided.

Information management system (ST2) characterized by this.

[8] In the information management system according to claim 7,

The mode setting means (S2005 to S2085, S2100, S2200, S2300, S2400) is in a state where the existence position information of the management target (2005, 2006) is held in the database (2023) as the operation mode. Then, in the normal mode (S2030, S2035) for transmitting / receiving information by the first wireless communication means (2012) corresponding to the presence position information and acquiring the tag identification information of the RFID circuit element (To) , S2040, S2045, S2050, S2055, S2060, S2065, S2070, S2200), an information management system (ST2).

[9] In the information management system according to claim 8,

The mode setting means (S2005 to S2085, S2100, S2200, S2300, S2400)

The first procedure for acquiring the first identification information of the article (2005) as the management target and the first tag identification information of the corresponding RFID circuit element (To) for the article (S2030, S2200, S20 35, S2040, S2045), the second identification information of the person (2006) as the management target, and this The second procedure (S2050, S2055, S2200, S2060, S2065, S2070) for acquiring the second tag identification information of the person RFID circuit element (To) corresponding to is executed at a predetermined repetition rate. It is a mode for

Information management system (ST2) characterized by this.

In the information management system according to claim 9,

The mode setting means (S2005 to S2085, S2100, S2200, S2300, S2400) is the same as that in the normal mode [the first Tagawa page (S2030, S2200, S2035, S2040, S2 045)] Set to be executed at a repetition frequency ratio of 3 times to 5 times of 2 procedures (S2050, S2055, S2200, S2060, S2065, S2070)

Information management system (ST2) characterized by this.

In the information management system according to claim 9 or 10,

The mode setting means (S2005 to S2085, S2100, S2200, S2300, S2400) is the operation mode according to the first procedure (S2030, S2200, S2035, S2040, S2045) and the above according to a predetermined time condition. The second procedure 2050, S2055, S2200, S2060, S 2065, S2070) is changed to the normal mode i: Increase the repetition frequency ratio of the first Tagawa page (S2030, S2200, S2035, S2040, S2045) Inventory mode 2030, S2035, S2040, S2045, S2050, S2055, S2060, S 2065, S2070, S2200)

Information management system (ST2) characterized by this.

In the information management system according to claim 11,

The mode setting means (S2005 to S2085, S2100, S2200, S2300, S2400) sets the operation mode to the inventory mode (S2030, S2035) when a specific time zone in a day or a predetermined busy period in a year. , S2040, S2045, S2050, S20

(55, S2060, S2065, S2070, S2200)

Information management system (ST2) characterized by this.

The information management system according to any one of claims 9 to 12,

The RFID tag circuit element for goods (To) and the RFID tag circuit for person are arranged near the exit passage (2003) of the building (2002) where the first wireless communication means (2012) is installed. An information management system comprising second wireless communication means (2012) for transmitting and receiving information to and from the path element (To) by wireless communication and acquiring the first and second tag identification information (2012) ST2).

[14] In the information management system according to claim 13,

When the second wireless communication means (2012) acquires the first tag identification information of the article RFID circuit element (To), the second tag of the corresponding person RFID circuit element (To) In the event that identification information cannot be obtained, notification control means (S2150) for performing notification processing corresponding to the operator is provided.

Information management system (ST2).

[15] In the information management system according to any one of claims 8 to 14,

The mode setting means (S2005 to S2085, S2100, S2200, S2300, S2400) is the normal mode (S2030, S2035, S2040, S2045, S20 50, S2055, S2060, S2065, S2070, S2200) as the operation mode. The above-mentioned tag identification information of the RFID circuit element (To) cannot be acquired by the first wireless communication means (2012) corresponding to a specific location † blueprint, and the database (2023 ) When the location information of the management target (2005, 2006) is no longer held, the first wireless communication means (2012) or other first wireless communication means (2012) An information management system (S T2) characterized by having a search mode (S2400) for attempting acquisition.

[16] In the information management system according to claim 15,

Tag label creating means (2010) for creating a RFID label (Tb, Tt) including the RFID circuit element (To);

The normal mode 2030, S2035, S2040, S2045, S2050, S2055, S2060, S2065, S2070, S2200) and the search mode (S2400) [koo! /, All the first wireless communication means (2012) The tag identification information cannot be acquired even if an attempt is made by using the tag identification information in a state where the location information of the management target (2005, 2006) is not retained in the database (2023). A label production control unit for controlling the tag label production means (2010) to newly produce the RFID label (Tb, T t). Step (S2460)

An information management system (ST2) characterized by comprising:

[17] In the information management system according to any one of claims 8 to 16,

The mode setting means (S2005 to S2085, S2100, S2200, S2300, S2400) corresponds to the first wireless communication means (2012) when new information is registered in the database (2023) as the operation mode. The tag identification information of the RFID circuit element (To) to be acquired is acquired, and the acquired location information corresponding to the first wireless communication means (2012) is stored in the database (2023) in association with the tag identification information Registration mode (S2300)

Information management system (ST2) characterized by this.

[18] In the information management system according to any one of claims 15 to 17,

When the mode setting means (S2005 to S2085, S2100, S2200, S2300, S2400) sets the operation mode to the search mode (S2400) or the registration mode (S2300) and the corresponding processing is completed, the operation mode Is set in the normal mode (S2030, S2035, S2040, S2045, S2050, S2055, S2060, S2065, S2070, S2200), and the information management system (ST2).

[19] In the information management system according to any one of claims 7 to 18,

The information management system (ST2), wherein the first wireless communication means (2012) is installed in a plurality of locations of at least one building (2002).

[20] Information holding section (To-B, To-FO, To-L, To-M) provided for information acquisition targets (B, FO, L, M; F1, F2, F3, F4, F) Information reading device 200, 3200 ′, 3300, 3400; 4200, 4200A, 4200B, 4200C)

Second setting means (S3015, S3035, S3105, S31 25; S4030, S4070) for setting the operation mode factor based on a setting auxiliary factor for setting the operation mode factor during the information acquisition operation

An information reading apparatus.

[21] The information reading device according to claim 20, First identification information held in a first information holding unit (To-B; To-FO) provided corresponding to a first information acquisition target (B, FO) is stored in the second setting means (S3015; S3105). First acquisition means (S3020; S3110) for reading and acquiring in a substantially non-contact manner using the first acquisition mode as the operation mode factor set in

According to the acquisition result by the first acquisition means (S3020; S3110), the second information storage unit (To-L; To-M) provided for the second information acquisition target (L, M) The second identification information is substantially non-determined using the second acquisition mode as the operation mode factor set to be different from the first acquisition mode by the second setting means (S3035; S3125). Second acquisition means (S3040; S3130) for reading and acquiring by contact;

An information reading device (3200, 3200 ′, 3300, 3400) characterized by comprising:

[22] The information reading device according to claim 21,

The first acquisition means (S3020; S3110) and the second acquisition means (S3040; S3130) include a first RFID circuit element (To-B; To-FO) as the first information holding section and the second information holding section. ) And the second RFID circuit element (To-L; To-M) perform radio communication using ultra high frequency as one of the first and second acquisition modes, and the first and second acquisition modes. Wireless communication using shortwave as the other

† Blueprint reading device (3200, 3200 ', 3300, 3400).

[23] The information reading device according to claim 22,

The first acquisition means (S3020; S3110)

Wireless communication using short waves as the first acquisition mode,

The second acquisition means (S3040; S3130)

In the first acquisition means (S 3020; S 3110), after the acquisition of the first identification information is completed, radio communication is performed using ultra high frequency as the second acquisition mode, and the second identification information is acquired. To get

† Blueprint reading device (3200, 3200 ', 3300, 3400).

[24] The information reading device according to claim 23,

The first acquisition means (S3020)

The first RFID tag circuit associated with the article (B) as the first information acquisition target Wireless communication using the frequency of 13.56MHz as the short wave to the element (To-B),

The second acquisition means (S3040)

Wireless communication is performed using the ultrahigh frequency to the second RFID tag circuit element (To-M) associated with the person (M) as the second information acquisition target

† Blueprint reading device (3200, 3200 ', 3300, 3400).

[25] In the information reading device according to claim 23 or 24,

The first acquisition means (S3020) and the second acquisition means (S3040)

The first acquisition means (S3020) can wirelessly communicate with the first RFID circuit element (To-B) located on one side from the information reading device (3200), and the second acquisition means (S3040) Arranged so as to enable wireless communication with the second wireless tag circuit element (To-M) located on the other side from the information reading device (3200).

An information reader (3200) characterized by that.

[26] The information reading device according to claim 23,

The first acquisition means (S3110)

The first radio tag circuit element (To-FO) associated with the person or the article conveying means (FO) as the first information acquisition target performs wireless communication using a frequency of 13.5 MHz as the short wave. Done

The second acquisition means (S3130)

Wireless communication is performed using the ultrahigh frequency to the second RFID tag circuit element (To-L) associated with the article (L) as the second information acquisition target.

An information reader (3400) characterized by this.

[27] The information reading device according to claim 21,

The first acquisition means includes

Optical acquisition using light as the first acquisition mode is performed on the barcode recording unit as the first information holding unit;

The second acquisition means (S3040; S3130)

After the acquisition of the first identification information is completed in the first acquisition means, the second information is acquired. For the second RFID circuit element (To-L; To-M) as an information holding unit, wireless communication is performed using ultra high frequency as the second acquisition mode, and acquisition of the second identification information is performed. † Blueprint readers (3200, 3200 ', 3300, 3400) characterized by what they do.

[28] In the information reading device according to any one of claims 21 to 27,

The first identification information acquired by the first acquisition means (S3020; S3110) and the second identification information acquired by the second acquisition means (S3040; S3130) are associated with each other, and information indicating the association is generated. 1. Information reading device (3200, 3200 ′, 3300, 3400) characterized by having related information generating means (S3060; S3150).

[29] In the information reading device according to any one of claims 21 to 27,

According to the acquisition result by the first acquisition means (S3040), the third identification information held in the third information holding unit (To-C) provided corresponding to the third information acquisition target (C) is substantially A third acquisition means (S3040A) for reading and acquiring in a non-contact manner,

The first identification information acquired by the first acquisition means (S3020), the second identification information acquired by the second acquisition means (S3 040), and the acquired by the third acquisition means (S3040A) A second related information generating means (3060A) that associates the third identification information and generates information representing the association;

An information reader (3200) characterized by comprising:

[30] The information reading device according to any one of claims 21 to 29,

After the first identification information is acquired by the first acquisition means (S3020; S3110), the second identification information or the second information is acquired by the second acquisition means (S3040; S3130) or the third acquisition means (S3040A). (3) An information reading device (3200, 3200 ′, 3300, 3400) comprising notification signal generation means (S3080; S3170) for generating a corresponding notification signal when identification information cannot be acquired.

[31] The information reading device according to claim 20,

An IC circuit unit (150) that is handled in association with the object (FH, FL; Fpr, Fpu; F) as the information acquisition target and stores information, and a tag side antenna connected to the IC circuit unit (150) A third wireless communication means (1210; 1210A, 1210B, 1210C) for transmitting and receiving information by wireless communication with the RFID circuit element (To) as the information holding unit comprising (151) Have

The second setting means includes

Based on the attribute information of the object (FH, FL; Fpr, Fpu; F) or the RFID circuit element (T 0) corresponding to the object (F10, 1210A, 1210B, 1210C) It is a decision means (S4030, S4070) that decides the communication mode

† Blueprint reader (4200; 4200A, 4200B, 4200C).

[32] The information reading device according to claim 31,

In accordance with an attribute information specifying signal that specifies the type of attribute information, there is provided identification information acquisition means (S4040, S4080) for acquiring tag identification information of the RFID circuit element (To) corresponding to the attribute information. ,

The third wireless communication means (1210; 1210A; 1210B; 1210C) provides the determination means with respect to the wireless tag circuit element (To) that has acquired the tag identification information by the identification information acquisition means (S4040, S4080). An information reading device (4200; 4200A, 4200B, 4200C), which transmits and receives the information according to the communication mode determined in S4030, S4070).

[33] The information reader according to claim 32,

The third wireless communication means (1210; 1210A; 1210B; 1210C)

Signal generation means (1201) that selects and generates one of a plurality of types of inquiry signals for accessing the IC circuit unit (150) of the RFID circuit element (To) according to the attribute information specifying signal. ) (4200; 4200A, 4 200B, 4200C).

[34] The information reading device according to claim 33,

The signal generating means (1201)

In response to the attribute information specifying signal, an information reading device (4 200; 4200A, 4200A, 4200A, 4200B, 4200C).

[35] The information reading device according to any one of claims 31 to 34,

The determining means (S4030, S4070)

Radio tag (TFH, TFL) provided with the RFID circuit element (To) as the attribute information The information reading device (4200), wherein the communication mode is determined according to the creation history information.

[36] The information reading device according to claim 35,

The determining means (S4030, S4070)

The information reading device (4200), wherein the communication mode is determined according to the creation time of the wireless tag (TFH, TFL) as the creation history information.

[37] In the information reading device according to any one of claims 31 to 34,

The determining means (S4030, S4070)

The information reading device (4200), wherein the communication mode is determined according to the type information of the object (Fpr, Fpu) as the attribute information.

[38] In the information reading device according to any one of claims 31 to 34,

The determining means (S4030, S4070)

The communication mode is determined according to read history information for the RFID tag information stored in the IC circuit unit (150) of the RFID circuit element (To) as the attribute information. (4200A, 4200B, 4200C).

[39] The information reading device according to claim 38,

The determination means (S4030, S4070) is configured to calculate the object (F) calculated based on the number of readings by different information reading devices (4200A, 4200B, 4200C) for the wireless tag information as the reading history information. The information reading device (4200A, 4200B, 4200C) is characterized in that the communication mode is determined according to the number of times of movement.

[40] The information reading device according to claim 38,

The determining means (S4030, S4070)

According to the movement distance of the object (F) calculated from the position information of the information reading device (4200A, 4200B, 4200C) that has read the RFID tag information as the reading history information, the communication mode Information reader (4200A, 4200B, 4200C) characterized by determining

[41] The information reading device according to any one of claims 31 to 40,

The determining means (S4030, S4070) As the communication mode, an information reading device (4200; characterized in that the communication frequency with the RFID circuit element (To) in the third wireless communication means (1210; 1210A, 1210B, 1210C) is determined. 4200A, 4200B, 4200C).

[42] The information reading device according to any one of claims 31 to 40,

The determining means (S4030, S4070)

As the communication mode, the third wireless communication means (1210) communicates with the RFID circuit element (To), the number of retries when communication fails, or a device-side antenna (1210) that also has a plurality of antenna element forces Information reader (4200) characterized by determining the directivity of

[43] An RFID circuit element (To) having an IC circuit unit (150) for storing information and a tag side antenna (151) connected to the IC circuit unit (150) is arranged continuously. A storage body installation section (1310) for removably installing a RFID circuit element storage body (1304) having a tag medium (1303) stored for supply;

Third wireless communication means (1306) for transmitting and receiving information by wireless communication with the IC circuit part (150) of the wireless tag circuit element (To);

The RFID tag circuit element (To) is accessed through the third wireless communication means (1306), and an operation mode factor at the time of information acquisition operation by the interrogator (1200) in the RFID tag circuit element (To) is set. Device side setting means (S1710; S4740) for setting a setting auxiliary factor for

A printing means (1305) for printing on the tag medium (1303) conveyed from the RFID circuit element housing (1304) or a print medium to be bonded to the tag medium (1303);

A tag label producing apparatus (1300) characterized by comprising:

[44] The tag label producing device according to claim 43,

The device side setting means includes

Tag label generation, characterized in that it is a device-side response rate setting means (S17 10) for setting response rate setting information as the operation state factor that outputs a response signal to the inquiry signal as the setting auxiliary factor apparatus.

[45] The tag label producing apparatus according to claim 43, The device side setting means includes

The creation history information of the RFID label (TFH; TFL) as the setting auxiliary factor created by executing the wireless communication by the third wireless communication means (1306) and the printing by the printing means (1305) It is a creation history information generation means (S4740) to generate

Tag label making device (1300) characterized by this.

[46] The tag label producing apparatus according to claim 45,

It has an information output means (S4740) for outputting the creation history information created by the creation history information generation means (S4740) to a storage device (4207) equipped with a database (DB). Tag label making device (1300).

[47] The tag label producing apparatus according to claim 45,

The third wireless communication means (1306)

The creation history information created by the creation history information generation means (S4740) is written to the IC circuit unit (150) via wireless communication.

Tag label making device (1300) characterized by this.

[48] In the tag label producing apparatus according to any one of claims 45 to 47,

The creation history information generating means (S4740)

Creation time information of the RFID label (TFH, TFL) is created as the creation history information

Tag label making device (1300) characterized by this.

[49] IC circuit section (150) for storing information;

A wireless tag circuit element (To) having a tag side antenna (151) connected to the IC circuit part (150),

The IC circuit part (150)

First setting means (S1650, S166 0 S1660z; S1865, S1855, S1870; first setting means for setting the operation mode factor based on a setting auxiliary factor for setting the operation mode factor during the information acquisition operation by the interrogator (1200) (S1970, S1150, S1160)

A RFID circuit element (To), comprising:

[50] The RFID circuit element according to claim 49, The IC circuit part (150)

Interrogator (1200) Tag side response rate setting means (S 1650, S1660; S1660Z; S1865) as the first setting means for setting a response rate as the operation mode factor for outputting a response signal to the inquiry signal of force , S1855, S1870; S1970; S1150, S1160), and a RFID circuit element (To).

[51] The RFID circuit element according to claim 50,

The tag side response rate setting means includes:

Tag-side random number generator (S1650) that generates random numbers,

Whether a response signal is output to the interrogator (1200) force inquiry signal by comparing the random number generated by the tag-side random number generation means (S 1650) with a predetermined threshold! /, Value. First response determining means (S1660) for determining

A RFID circuit element (To), comprising:

[52] The RFID circuit element according to claim 50,

The tag side response rate setting means includes:

By comparing the random number generated by the device-side random number generation means (1202E) of the interrogator (1200) and transmitted by the interrogator (12000), the interrogator (120 0) And a second response determining means (S 1660 ′) for determining whether or not to output a response signal in response to the inquiry signal from the RFID circuit element (To).

[53] The RFID circuit element according to claim 50,

The tag side response rate setting means includes:

A RFID circuit element (To), comprising:

[54] The RFID circuit element according to claim 50,

The tag side response rate setting means includes: Calculation means (S1970) for receiving the previous inquiry signal and calculating the elapsed time of the force when the interrogator (1200) force inquiry signal is received;

By comparing the elapsed time calculated by the calculating means (S1970) with a predetermined threshold value, the interrogator (1200) determines whether or not to output a response signal to the interrogation signal. 4 Response decision means (S 1970)

A RFID circuit element (To), comprising:

[55] The RFID circuit element according to claim 50,

The tag side response rate setting means includes:

Charging means (S 1150) for charging when receiving an interrogation signal of the interrogator (1200),

By comparing the charging voltage of the charging means (S1150) with a predetermined threshold value, a fifth response determining means for determining whether or not to output a response signal to the interrogator (1200) powerful inquiry signal ( S 1160) and

A RFID circuit element (To), comprising:

[56] The wireless tag circuit element according to any one of [51] to [55], wherein the wireless tag circuit element includes a nonvolatile storage means for storing the predetermined threshold value. Circuit element (To).

[57] The RFID circuit element according to claim 56,

The response rate set by the tag side response rate setting means (S1650, S1660; S1660Z; S1865, S1855, S1870; S1970; S1150, S1160) is changed by rewriting the threshold value stored in the storage means RFID tag circuit element (To), characterized in that it has a changing means.

[58] The RFID circuit element according to claim 57,

The changing means is

A RFID circuit element (To), wherein the threshold value stored in the storage means is rewritten in response to a rewrite signal received from the interrogator (1200).