WO2013121564A1 - Rfid tag search assistance system and position marker as well as reader device - Google Patents

Rfid tag search assistance system and position marker as well as reader device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013121564A1
WO2013121564A1 PCT/JP2012/053710 JP2012053710W WO2013121564A1 WO 2013121564 A1 WO2013121564 A1 WO 2013121564A1 JP 2012053710 W JP2012053710 W JP 2012053710W WO 2013121564 A1 WO2013121564 A1 WO 2013121564A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
rfid tag
reader
support system
rfid
proximity
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2012/053710
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
繁 山内
裕敏 内山
弘明 宍戸
山方　茂
裕文 森本
貴章 由井
Original Assignee
株式会社日立システムズ
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
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Publication date
Application filed by 株式会社日立システムズ filed Critical 株式会社日立システムズ
Priority to PCT/JP2012/053710 priority Critical patent/WO2013121564A1/en
Publication of WO2013121564A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013121564A1/en

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01C—MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY
    • G01C15/00—Surveying instruments or accessories not provided for in groups G01C1/00 - G01C13/00
    • G01C15/02—Means for marking measuring points
    • G01C15/04—Permanent marks; Boundary markers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/74—Systems using reradiation of radio waves, e.g. secondary radar systems; Analogous systems
    • G01S13/75—Systems using reradiation of radio waves, e.g. secondary radar systems; Analogous systems using transponders powered from received waves, e.g. using passive transponders, or using passive reflectors
    • G01S13/751—Systems using reradiation of radio waves, e.g. secondary radar systems; Analogous systems using transponders powered from received waves, e.g. using passive transponders, or using passive reflectors wherein the responder or reflector radiates a coded signal
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01V—GEOPHYSICS; GRAVITATIONAL MEASUREMENTS; DETECTING MASSES OR OBJECTS; TAGS
    • G01V15/00—Tags attached to, or associated with, an object, in order to enable detection of the object

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a technique for searching for an RFID tag by a reader device, and more particularly, an RFID tag search support system, a position marker, and a reader that assist a user to search a structure in which the RFID tag is installed and reach the position.
  • the present invention relates to an effective technique applied to a device.
  • RFID Radio Frequency IDentification
  • the use of the RFID tag has been expanded due to the increase in the strength of the RFID tag itself (for example, strength against deformation, impact, temperature, etc.) and the performance such as the lifetime.
  • positions where RFID tags are semi-permanently embedded in structures such as roads, walls, shelves, survey piles, etc. (mainly outdoors), etc., and the positions of these structures themselves can be searched Cases used as markers are also being studied.
  • These structures may need to be found by searching for the structure after going through the installation site after a long time after installation, for example.
  • the surrounding landscape and situation, the shape of the structure itself, etc. are different from the time of installation (for example, if the structure is moved or missing, the structure is moved or partly lost) Therefore, it may be difficult to find the structure by visual inspection. For example, when searching for stone piles for surveying, vegetation is overgrown and cannot be found, but it is possible to search brute force using a mower or scoop, but it took more than half a day to find it. obtain. Such a situation is often seen particularly in the case of a structure installed in a natural environment rather than a structure in an urban area.
  • an RFID tag is embedded in a target structure, set as a position marker, and read by a reader, thereby specifying the position of the structure (position marker). It is being considered.
  • various techniques have been proposed for identifying the position of a specific RFID tag with a reader, or conversely, for identifying the position of a reader using an RFID tag.
  • Patent Document 1 discloses that an RFID tag reader that wirelessly reads information from an RFID tag and a signal that reads information of the RFID tag from the RFID tag reader can be changed to read the information. At least two or more of a means for measuring the intensity at the time of becoming unreadable or unreadable, a means for calculating the distance to the RFID tag based on the measured intensity, and the calculated distance and the position of the RFID tag reader And a means for easily detecting the position of an article in the space by arranging a number of RFID tag readers in the space and attaching RFID tags to the article. Is described.
  • Patent Document 2 describes a plurality of RFID tags in which position information is written and arranged at a corresponding position in a space, a reader that reads information from the RFID tag, and a signal intensity that is variable by the reader. Means for calculating the distance to the RFID tag from the signal strength when the information is read or read from the RFID tag or when the information cannot be read, and the calculated distance to the plurality of RFID tags and the plurality of RFID tags, respectively.
  • an RFID tag in which a plurality of position information is written is arranged in the space so that the position of the moving reader can be easily and highly accurately The technology to identify is described.
  • a large-scale device is installed, especially in outdoor environments where the installation conditions are severe, such as natural environments such as mountainous areas, mountain forests, and wilderness areas.
  • an object of the present invention is to provide an RFID tag search support system, a position marker, and a reader device that support a search by a simple device and technique when a user searches for a structure in which an RFID tag is arranged.
  • An RFID tag search support system calls a plurality of RFID tags installed in a structure to be searched, and each of the RFID tags, and returns information on the IDs that have been responded to.
  • An RFID tag search support system having a reader for reading, wherein each RFID tag has a different sensitivity, and the reader can call each RFID tag and read an ID.
  • a proximity between the reader and the structure to be searched is calculated based on information relating to the least sensitive of them, and information indicating the proximity is output and notified to the user It is what.
  • the present invention includes a structure in which one or more RFID tags are arranged, a position marker installed in the structure to be searched, and one or more RFID tags installed in the structure to be searched.
  • the present invention can also be applied to a reader device that calls and reads an ID.
  • the search when a user searches for a structure in which an RFID tag is arranged, the search can be supported by a simple device and method.
  • An RFID tag search support system easily supports a search operation by a simple mechanism when a user searches for a structure in which an RFID tag is arranged, for example, outdoors. It is a system that makes it possible to reach the target structure.
  • the user can search the position of the target structure with a simple device such as one portable reader.
  • the RFID tag arranged in the structure if there is at least one position marker having one or more RFID tags, the user can search for the position marker. There is no need to install a large-scale device (such as a large number of readers and RFID tags).
  • stone piles may be installed at the place as a mark.
  • measurement was performed using GPS (Global Positioning System) or the like.
  • Information on latitude / longitude is acquired, and a position such as a stone pile is reached using GPS based on the information on the latitude / longitude.
  • the RFID tag is embedded in a structure such as a stone stake that serves as a mark, and the user uses a portable reader device.
  • the proximity between the reader and the RFID tag is obtained, and this information is notified to the user.
  • the image data of the surrounding scenery when a landmark such as a stone pile is installed is also displayed on the reader.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of an RFID tag search support system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • the RFID tag search support system 1 includes a tag information management server 10, a reader 20, and a position marker 30 having one or more RFID tags 31.
  • the tag information management server 10 is connected to a public network such as the Internet, a network 40 such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), and the like, for example, as a cloud computing service via the network 40, It is a server device that provides each reader 20 with a management function of information related to the ID of each RFID tag 31.
  • the tag information management server 10 includes, for example, a tag information management unit 11 implemented as a software program that operates on middleware such as an OS (Operating System) or a database management system (not shown), and a tag information database (DB) 12. .
  • the tag information management unit 11 searches and acquires related information from the tag information DB 12 based on the ID of the RFID tag 31 designated by the reader 20, and responds.
  • the tag information DB 12 for example, for the RFID tag 31 that is uniquely specified by the target ID, the type of structure to be searched for, the position information such as latitude and longitude, the date and time when the structure was installed
  • Various information (tag information) associated with the target RFID tag 31 such as peripheral image data at the time of structure installation, text data explaining the contents of the structure, and the like can be registered and held.
  • the tag information management unit 11 may be installed not only on the tag information management server 10 but also on the reader 20 described later. This is because the reader 20 in the present embodiment is used outdoors, and also outdoors including remote areas such as mountainous areas, and the connection with the tag information management server 10 is always secured via the network 40. This is because it is not always done.
  • the tag information related to the RFID tag 31 to be worked is retrieved in advance from the tag information management server 10 and downloaded to the reader 20 at a base such as an office where a connection with the network 40 can be secured in advance.
  • the tag information is used locally. This enables the reader 20 to search for the RFID tag 31 without connecting to the network 40.
  • the tag information is not only downloaded and arranged on the tag information DB 12 or the reader 20 of the tag information management server 10, but the RFID tag 31 is arranged in advance when the RFID tag 31 is arranged on the structure to be searched. It is good also as a structure stored in 31. FIG. Thereby, for example, when there are a plurality of RFID tags 31 around the site of the structure where the RFID tag 31 to be searched is arranged, it becomes easy to distinguish the search target.
  • the reader 20 is a reader device that can call each RFID tag 31 and read the information of the ID.
  • the reader 20 includes, for example, a reading unit 21, an input / output unit 22, a communication unit 23, and a control unit 24, which are implemented as software programs that operate on middleware such as an OS (not shown) or hardware using electronic circuits. It has each part.
  • the reading unit 21 has a function of outputting a calling signal to each RFID tag 31 at a predetermined frequency and reading ID information responded from the RFID tag 31 in response to this.
  • a frequency in the UHF (Ultra High Frequency) band is used in order to use a high radio wave output so that the RFID tag 31 can be recognized even from a distance.
  • an ID for identifying the RFID tag 31 to be called may be specified, or the ID of the RFID tag 31 that responds by calling without specifying the ID (not specifying the RFID tag 31). The ID may be read.
  • the input / output unit 22 has a function related to input / output by the user with respect to the reader 20. For example, in addition to various inputs from a user via a button, keyboard, touch panel, etc., an instruction to start or end the search for the RFID tag 31 is received, or information related to the ID of the RFID tag 31 is managed as tag information An instruction to be acquired from the server 10 can be received. Further, as will be described later, information acquired from the tag information management server 10, the status of searching for the RFID tag 31 in the reading unit 21 (whether it is read, a hit rate when it is read, etc.) It can be output to the user by image or sound via a display, a speaker or the like.
  • the communication unit 23 has a function of connecting to the network 40 by wired or wireless communication and performing communication with the tag information management server 10.
  • the reader 20 is a portable portable type, so it is preferable to use wireless communication.
  • GPS information may be received so that approximate position information of the reader 20 can be grasped.
  • the control unit 24 has a function of controlling the operation of each unit as a whole. For example, as will be described later, information related to the RFID tag 31 to be searched is acquired in advance from the tag information management server 10 via the communication unit 23, and the reading unit 21 receives the information based on an instruction from the user. Start the search.
  • the reading unit 21 can read the ID of the target RFID 31, the related information acquired from the tag information management server 10 is output via the input / output unit 22. For example, image data of surrounding scenery is displayed on the display. Further, as will be described later, the information indicating the proximity obtained based on the information of the RFID tag 31 read by the reading unit 21 is notified to the user via the input / output unit 22.
  • the volume of a notification sound such as a beep sound, the size of a telop image for displaying related information on the display, and the like are changed according to the proximity.
  • the reader 20 itself may be vibrated and its intensity may be varied according to the proximity.
  • the position marker 30 is a structure in which n (n> 1) passive type RFID tags 31 having no power source are arranged. As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, n RFID tags 31 having different sensitivities are embedded in the bottom side of a rectangular parallelepiped structure to form a position marker 30.
  • the building material, dimensions, and shape of the position marker 30 and the location of the RFID tag 31 are particularly limited as long as practical sensitivity and response area (for example, a range within several meters) can be secured. Not.
  • the building material of the position marker 30 for example, concrete, stone, plastic, glass, brick, or the like can be used as appropriate.
  • the shape is a rectangular parallelepiped.
  • the present invention is not limited to this, and various shapes such as a cylinder and a sphere can be appropriately employed.
  • the position marker 30 (or a structure in which the position marker 30 is embedded) is a stake-shaped one, if it is a prism, the general size of the cross section is about 10 cm square and the height is about 10 cm to 50 cm. It is preferable to use a stone pillar made of granite building materials.
  • the arrangement location and arrangement method of the plurality of RFID tags 31 are not particularly limited, and may be attached to the surface of the structure by welding or the like, or may be embedded in an appropriate place inside (hereinafter, referred to as the following). Then, these may be collectively referred to as “arrangement”).
  • the plurality of RFID tags 31 need to be collectively arranged in a range that is determined to be arranged at the same position with respect to the sensitivity of the reader 20 (the highest sensitivity when the sensitivity is variable).
  • RFID tags 31 having different sensitivities up to the RFID tag 31 are arranged on the position marker 30.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the position marker 30 is installed in the structure.
  • FIG. 2 (a) shows an example of installation on a stone pile for surveying or the like.
  • the position marker 30 is embedded inside the stone pile, and the portion where the position marker 30 is embedded is buried in the ground.
  • FIG. 2B shows an example in which the position marker 30 is installed on a stone pavement such as a road.
  • the position marker 30 is embedded inside a specific stone. It may be buried in the ground below a specific stone.
  • FIG. 2 (c) shows an example in which the position marker 30 is installed in a wave breaker block for revetment.
  • the position marker 30 is embedded inside the wave-dissipating block to be searched.
  • a plurality of RFIDs 31 may be directly embedded in each structure as described above. However, by installing the structure in the form of the position marker 30 as described above, the position is specified and searched.
  • the RFID tag 31 can be arranged more easily and in a stable state / strength with respect to a structure that is required.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an outline of an example of a method for searching for the position marker 30.
  • n RFID tags having different sensitivities which are arranged on position markers 30 (may be installed in other structures) embedded at a position of depth D in the ground.
  • 31 schematically shows the state of the response area 31 (first, second,..., N-th RFID tag 31 in order from the highest sensitivity).
  • the first RFID tag 31 having the highest sensitivity is placed at a position such as a stone pile with respect to the frequency of the electromagnetic wave output by the reader 20.
  • the marker 30 is created with a size to be tuned in the medium.
  • the second high sensitivity is realized by creating the second RFID tag 31 with a smaller size than the first RFID tag 31 and shifting the tuning.
  • the size of the third RFID tag 31 is made smaller than that of the second RFID tag 31, and the size of the third RFID tag 31 is gradually reduced to the nth RFID tag 31, so that the sensitivity of the RFID tag 31 is gradually increased in order of size. Can be lowered.
  • the state of the response area shows a state where the upper diagram is viewed from above, and the lower diagram is a cross-sectional state viewed from the side.
  • the response area of the first RFID tag 31 is the widest, It becomes narrow in order of 2nd, 3rd, ..., and it has shown that the response area of the nth RFID tag 31 is the narrowest.
  • the depth D can be appropriately determined depending on the practical sensitivity of each RFID tag 31, the installation conditions, and the like. When it can be installed above the ground surface, the response area is larger than when buried underground, but the risk of accidents such as loss is also increased as described above.
  • the search method of the position marker 30 for example, when there is a response only from the first RFID tag 31 (the ID can be read) in response to a call from which the ID is not specified from the reader 20, the reader 20 exists within the response area of the first RFID tag 31 and outside the response area of the second RFID tag 31. Therefore, the user further moves the position of the reader 20 and searches for a position where there is a response from the second RFID tag 31. The same procedure is repeated for subsequent RFID tags 31 to gradually approach the position marker 30 and finally search for a position where there is a response from the n-th RFID tag 31 with the lowest sensitivity, whereby the position marker Near 30 can be reached.
  • the ID may be specified in order from the first RFID tag 31, and the calling may be performed individually.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of an example of the flow of processing in the reader 20 when searching for the position marker 30.
  • the reader 20 calls the RFID tag 31 without specifying an ID by the reading unit 21, and waits for a response (S01).
  • the reading unit 21 has the lowest sensitivity (the narrowest response area) among the readings based on the ID of each read RFID tag 31.
  • the RFID tag 31 is determined (S03).
  • the RFID tag 31 with the lowest sensitivity is one of the n RFID tags 31 (first, second,..., N-th RFID tag 31 in order from the highest sensitivity) arranged on the position marker 30. Of these, it is assumed that the RFID tag 31 is the i-th RFID tag.
  • the hit rate of the i-th RFID tag 31 is calculated by the reading unit 21 (S04).
  • the hit rate is calculated, for example, by a ratio between the number of calling signals transmitted by the reading unit 21 and the number of responses received from the RFID tag 31 (hits number).
  • the reader 20 and the RFID tag The closer the distance to 31, the higher.
  • the hit rate becomes higher as the antenna faces the direction in which the RFID tag 31 exists.
  • the direction in which the RFID tag 31 exists for example, a configuration in which an electronic compass is provided in the reader 20 to detect the direction in which the reader 20 is facing and the direction in which the hit rate is the highest is recorded can be searched. Can be made more efficient.
  • the direction is not limited to the measurement using an electronic compass, and the user may determine an approximate direction and direction.
  • the antenna of the reader 20 or the external antenna connected to the reader 20 is an RFID having a high directivity such as a stack type Yagi antenna (registered trademark), a horn type antenna, a parabolic antenna, or the like.
  • the direction in which the tag 31 exists can be obtained with high accuracy.
  • the direction is detected by installing an electronic compass or the like so that the direction in which the antenna directivity is directed, not the direction in which the reader 20 is directed, can be measured.
  • the output content is changed by the input / output unit 22 according to the proximity calculated here, and notification information is output.
  • notification information is output.
  • the sound volume is changed according to the proximity.
  • the reader 20 has a mechanism that vibrates by a motor or the like, the intensity or interval of vibration may be changed according to the proximity.
  • related information such as the ID of the RFID tag 31 having the lowest sensitivity read by the reader may be simply displayed on a display or notified by voice or the like.
  • the hit rate information calculated in step S04 may be reflected.
  • the volume may be adjusted so that the volume increases as the hit rate increases, based on the volume determined based on the proximity described above. .
  • the volume of the notification volume is changed depending on the position, and the user is more detailed. Can be notified of proximity information.
  • the user grasps information such as the approximate position of the target position marker 30 and whether the user is approaching or moving away from the position marker 30 when moving. Can do.
  • the notification by the reader 20 reaches the maximum level, the position marker 30 (and the structure in which it is installed) exists in the immediate vicinity, and after that, the user visually confirms the position marker 30 (and this is installed). Searched for). This makes it possible to limit the search range by hand such as visual inspection to the minimum and facilitate the search.
  • the search when the notification by the reader 20 reaches the maximum level can be, for example, a method in which the target region is sequentially searched in a matrix form by visual observation or the like.
  • the direction in which the target position marker 30 (the RFID tag 31 disposed thereon) exists is detected by a method such as scanning the antenna of the reader 20, and along the detected direction. Move while detecting. At that time, when the proximity starts to decrease, the procedure is stopped and the procedure of detecting the direction in which the RFID tag 31 exists again is repeated, so that the target position marker 30 (the RFID tag disposed thereon) The method of gradually approaching 31) can be taken.
  • the reader 20 has received a response from the RFID tag 31 arranged in the position marker 30 in, for example, step S02 of FIG. 4 (ID
  • the image data of the surrounding scenery captured when the position marker 30 is installed may be displayed on the display by the input / output unit 22.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an outline of an example in which search is supported by image data of surrounding scenery when the position marker 30 is installed.
  • the stone pile 32 in which the position marker 30 is installed is moved to the position marker 30 portion (the position marker 30).
  • An example is shown in which the RFID tag 31 portion disposed is placed at a depth D from the ground surface.
  • the upper diagram of FIG. 5 shows an example of the state when the stone pile 32 (position marker 30) is installed, and the lower diagram shows the state when searching for the stone pile 32 (position marker 30). Shows an example.
  • the user acquires the image data 13 by photographing the scenery around the stone pile 32 with a digital camera or the like. Keep it. The user further stores the acquired image data 13, position information such as latitude and longitude, and text information such as a description of the stone pile 32 in advance in the tag information DB 12 of the tag information management server 10 and the RFID tag in the position marker 30. It is registered in association with the ID of 31.
  • the reader 20 accesses the tag information management server 10 in advance, and the RFID in the position marker 30 to be searched is sent via the tag information management unit 11. Based on the ID information of the tag 31, the image data 13 of the scenery around the stone pile 32 (position marker 30) is downloaded from the tag information DB 12 and held in the reader 20. You may perform as one of the initialization processes at the time of performing the search process shown in the example of FIG. In step S02 of FIG. 4, when the reader 20 receives a response from the RFID tag 31 in the position marker 30 to be searched (reads the ID), the reader 20 accesses the tag information management server 10 and reads the read ID. The image data 13 of the surrounding scenery may be automatically downloaded based on the information. However, in these cases, the search place needs to be a place where the reader 20 can connect to the network 40 (for example, wireless communication is possible).
  • the user having the reader 20 reaches the vicinity of the stone pile 32 using GPS or the like, and starts searching by the reader 20 by the processing shown in the example of FIG.
  • the reader 20 downloads and holds it as shown in the lower diagram of FIG.
  • the image data 13 of the scenery around the stone pile 32 (position marker 30) is displayed on the display by the input / output unit 22.
  • the user uses the image data 13 displayed on the display as reference information for specifying the installation position of the stone pile 32, and specifies the installation position of the stone pile 32 by visually comparing this with the surrounding landscape. . This makes it easy to specify the installation position even when the surrounding scenery has changed somewhat since installation. Conversely, by actively grasping the change in the landscape since installation, it is also possible to confirm whether or not an abnormality has occurred.
  • the reader 20 determines the sound volume and telop level based on the proximity between the reader 20 and the position marker 30 (RFID tag 31).
  • the degree of proximity can be notified by size or the like.
  • the reader 20 displays the RFID tag 31 (or the position marker 30) downloaded from the tag information management server 10 when displaying the image data 13 on the display of the reader 20.
  • the text information associated with the stone pile 32) can be displayed as a balloon or a telop.
  • the balloon or the telop is changed so as to be displayed larger as it approaches the stone pile 32 (position marker 30) (as the proximity increases).
  • the display method such as the display color, the size of the display font, the number of blinking of the balloons, etc. may be changed for notification.
  • the image data 13 of the surrounding landscape displayed on the display is taken when the stone pile 32 (position marker 30) is installed.
  • the reader 20 are provided with a function that can determine the position and orientation by GPS and an electronic compass and a camera function that can shoot a moving image, and for the surrounding image data that has been captured using this function, a known AR (Augmented Reality) : Augmented reality)
  • AR Augmented Reality
  • the above balloons and telops may be overlapped and displayed on the display using technology.
  • the output content of the input / output unit 22 may be changed according to the proximity and notified.
  • the user searches for a structure on which the position marker 30 is installed while moving using a car, the hand cannot be used, and the display of the reader 20 cannot be seen. It is possible to support the user more flexibly by searching for the position marker 30 by making it possible to select and change the notification method as appropriate according to the user's search status and conditions, such as notifying the proximity based on the sound volume. it can.
  • the RFID tag search support system 1 As described above, according to the RFID tag search support system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a large-scale device or the like for directly searching the accurate position of the position marker 30 (RFID tag 31) is required. First, it is easy for the user to reach a position where the position marker 30 (the structure on which the position marker 30 is installed) can be easily searched by human eyes such as visual inspection, and to actually search by visual inspection or the like. It is possible to assist with the apparatus and the technique, and it is possible to easily improve the efficiency of the search work.
  • the procedure when the reader 20 searches for the position marker 30 (RFID tag 31) is different from that in the first embodiment, and the RFID tag on the reader 20 side.
  • the position marker 30 (RFID tag 31) is searched based on the response status from the RFID tag 31 at each radio wave output, with the radio wave output when calling 31 being variable in plural types. Accordingly, it is assumed that the reading unit 21 and the control unit 24 of the reader 20 in the present embodiment can change the radio wave output of the calling signal. In the present embodiment, it is desirable that the RFID tag 31 arranged on the position marker 30 has high sensitivity.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an outline of an example of a technique for searching for the position marker 30 in the present embodiment.
  • the first to m-th m types of radio wave outputs from the reader 20 (the first radio wave output is the maximum output, decreases in the order of the second, third,..., And the m-th radio wave output is the minimum output.
  • the state of an area where a response can be received is schematically shown.
  • the state of the response area shows a state where the upper diagram is seen from above, and a lower diagram shows the state of a cross section seen from the side.
  • the response area in the case of the first radio wave output is the widest, It becomes narrow in the order of 3rd, ..., and shows that the response area in the case of the m-th radio wave output is the narrowest.
  • the depth D can be appropriately determined depending on the practical sensitivity of the RFID tag 31, installation conditions, and the like.
  • the reader 20 when there is a response from the RFID tag 31 to the call with the first radio wave output from the reader 20 (ID can be read).
  • the reader 20 is present at least in the response area in the case of the first radio wave output.
  • the reader 20 further calls the second radio wave output with the radio wave output lowered.
  • there is a response from the RFID tag 31 it exists at least in the response area in the case of the second radio wave output.
  • the process of calling the RFID tag 31 is repeated until the radio wave output is further reduced step by step and no response is obtained.
  • the user moves the position of the reader 20 and searches for a position where the response can be obtained with the radio wave output. By searching for a position where a response is finally obtained with the minimum m-th radio wave output, the vicinity of the position marker 30 can be reached.
  • the call may be made by specifying the ID of the RFID tag 31, or the call may be made without specifying the ID.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an outline of an example of the flow of processing in the reader 20 when searching for the position marker 30 in the present embodiment.
  • a user who uses the reader 20 to search for a structure on which the position marker 30 is installed uses, for example, information such as GPS. It is assumed that the vicinity has been reached.
  • the reader 20 starts loop processing for sequentially processing the first to m-th radio wave outputs (S11).
  • the reading unit 21 calls the RFID tag 31 disposed on the position marker 30 with the radio wave output to be processed in the loop (referred to as the j-th radio wave output), and waits for a response. (S12). After waiting for a response for a predetermined time, it is determined whether or not there is a response from the RFID tag 31 (S13). If there is no response from the RFID tag 31, it is determined that there is a reader outside the response area in the j-th radio wave output, and information indicating the proximity is output and notified to the user. Proceed to step S17.
  • the reading unit 21 calculates the hit rate of the RFID tag 31 (S14).
  • the hit rate is calculated by, for example, the ratio of the number of call signals transmitted by the reading unit 21 and the number of responses received from the RFID tag 31 (hits number). deep. Thereafter, the above loop processing is repeated for the next radio wave output (S15, S11).
  • the output information is changed by the input / output unit 22 according to the proximity calculated here, and notification information is output.
  • notification information For example, the volume of a notification sound such as a beep sound, the size or color of a balloon or telop that displays a comment or the like on the display is changed according to the proximity, and is output. If no response is obtained from the RFID tag 31 with the first radio wave output (maximum output), the proximity notification may not be output (or output at the lowest level), or outside the response area. You may be made to notify a user that he / she is in.
  • the hit rate information calculated in step S14 may be reflected.
  • the volume may be adjusted so that the volume increases as the hit rate increases, based on the volume determined based on the proximity described above. .
  • the approximate position of the user with respect to the target position marker 30 and whether the user is approaching the position marker 30 when moving Information such as whether the user is moving away can be grasped.
  • the antenna is oriented in the direction in which the RFID tag 31 exists.
  • the hit rate is high. Therefore, for the direction in which the RFID tag 31 exists, for example, a configuration in which an electronic compass is provided in the reader 20 to detect the direction in which the reader 20 is facing, and the direction in which the hit rate is the highest is recorded. Can be made more efficient.
  • the direction is not limited to the measurement using an electronic compass, and the user may determine an approximate direction and direction.
  • the antenna of the reader 20 or the external antenna connected to the reader 20 is an RFID having a high directivity such as a stack type Yagi antenna (registered trademark), a horn type antenna, a parabolic antenna, or the like.
  • the direction in which the tag 31 exists can be obtained with high accuracy.
  • the direction is detected by installing an electronic compass or the like so that the direction in which the antenna directivity is directed, not the direction in which the reader 20 is directed, can be measured.
  • the direction in which the target position marker 30 (the RFID tag 31 arranged on the target marker 30) is detected is detected, and the target position marker 30 moves while performing detection along the detected direction.
  • the procedure is stopped and the procedure of detecting the direction in which the RFID tag 31 exists again is repeated, so that the target position marker 30 (the RFID tag disposed thereon)
  • the method of gradually approaching 31) can be taken.
  • the reader 20 needs to be able to output a call signal with a plurality of radio wave outputs. Since the number of the RFID tags 31 arranged on 30 is one, the manufacturing cost of the position marker 30 can be reduced.
  • the position marker 30 is described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment by distinguishing between the case where a plurality of RFID tags 31 are arranged and the case where only one RFID tag 31 may be arranged.
  • a specific RFID tag 31 for example, the one having the highest sensitivity
  • a search may be made by calling from the reader 20 with a plurality of radio wave outputs.
  • the performance (sensitivity) is the same or close.
  • a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of RFID tags 31 are arranged and made redundant.
  • the present invention can be used for an RFID tag search support system, a position marker, and a reader device that support a user searching for a structure in which an RFID tag is installed and reaching the position.
  • 1 RFID tag search support system DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Tag information management server, 11 ... Tag information management part, 12 ... Tag information database (DB), 13 ... Image data, 20 ... Reader, 21 ... Reading unit, 22 ... Input / output unit, 23 ... Communication unit, 24 ... Control unit, 30 ... Position marker, 31 ... RFID tag, 32 ... Stone pile.
  • DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Tag information management server, 11 ... Tag information management part, 12 ... Tag information database (DB), 13 ... Image data, 20 ... Reader, 21 ... Reading unit, 22 ... Input / output unit, 23 ... Communication unit, 24 ... Control unit, 30 ... Position marker, 31 ... RFID tag, 32 ... Stone pile.

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Abstract

The present invention is an RFID tag search assistance system which, when a user searches a structure in which an RFID tag has been disposed, assists the search by way of a simple device and method. An exemplary embodiment of the invention is an RFID tag search assistance system which has a plurality of RFID tags that are placed at position markers, and a reader which performs a call with respect to each of the RFID tags in order to read information of the IDs for which responses have been made. Each of the RFID tags has a respective different sensitivity. The reader performs calling with respect to each of the RFID tags, and on the basis of information related to the RFID tags with the lowest sensitivity among the same for which it has been possible to read the IDs thereof, calculates the degree of proximity between the reader and the position markers in order to output information indicating the degree of proximity so as to report the same to the user.

Description

ＲＦＩＤタグ探索支援システムおよび位置マーカならびにリーダ装置RFID tag search support system, position marker, and reader device
　本発明は、ＲＦＩＤタグをリーダ装置により探索する技術に関し、特に、ＲＦＩＤタグが設置された構造物をユーザが探索して当該位置まで到達することを支援するＲＦＩＤタグ探索支援システムおよび位置マーカならびにリーダ装置に適用する有効な技術に関するものである。 The present invention relates to a technique for searching for an RFID tag by a reader device, and more particularly, an RFID tag search support system, a position marker, and a reader that assist a user to search a structure in which the RFID tag is installed and reach the position. The present invention relates to an effective technique applied to a device.
　例えば、商品等の陳列や倉庫管理といった物流の分野などを始め、多数の物品を管理する必要がある分野においては、物品等にいわゆるＲＦＩＤ（Radio Frequency IDentification）タグを貼付や組み込み等して付加し、これをリーダ装置で読み取ることで、各物品の個体識別を行ったり、目的の物品の探索を行ったり等の作業を、目視によらずに精度よく効率的に行えるようにする技術が利用されている。 For example, in the field of logistics such as display of goods, warehouse management, etc., where a large number of articles need to be managed, a so-called RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) tag is affixed or incorporated into the articles. Therefore, by reading this with a reader device, a technology is used that enables individual identification of each article or search for a target article to be performed efficiently and accurately without visual inspection. ing.
　また、近年では、ＲＦＩＤタグ自体の強度（例えば、変形や衝撃、温度などに対する強度）や寿命等の性能が高まってきたことなどから、利用される場面も広がっている。例えば、道路や壁、棚、測量杭などのコンクリートや石材等による（主に屋外の）構造物等にＲＦＩＤタグが半永久的に埋め込まれて、これらの構造物自体の位置を探索可能とする位置マーカとして用いられるケースも検討されている。 Also, in recent years, the use of the RFID tag has been expanded due to the increase in the strength of the RFID tag itself (for example, strength against deformation, impact, temperature, etc.) and the performance such as the lifetime. For example, positions where RFID tags are semi-permanently embedded in structures (mainly outdoors) such as roads, walls, shelves, survey piles, etc. (mainly outdoors), etc., and the positions of these structures themselves can be searched Cases used as markers are also being studied.
　これらの構造物は、例えば、設置してから長時間を経た後に再度設置場所に行って当該構造物を探索して見つけ出すことが必要となる場合がある。しかしながら、周辺の風景や状況、構造物自体の形状等が設置時点から異なるものとなっている（例えば、草木が茂っている／なくなっている、構造物が移動したり一部欠損したりしている等）ため、目視では当該構造物を探索して見つけ出すことが困難な場合がある。例えば、測量用の石杭を探すのに、草木が生い茂っていて見つからず、草刈機やスコップ等を利用して総当り的に探索するが、見つかるまで半日以上かかった、というようなことも生じ得る。このような状況は、特に市街地での構造物よりも自然環境に設置された構造物の場合に多く見受けられる。 These structures may need to be found by searching for the structure after going through the installation site after a long time after installation, for example. However, the surrounding landscape and situation, the shape of the structure itself, etc. are different from the time of installation (for example, if the structure is moved or missing, the structure is moved or partly lost) Therefore, it may be difficult to find the structure by visual inspection. For example, when searching for stone piles for surveying, vegetation is overgrown and cannot be found, but it is possible to search brute force using a mower or scoop, but it took more than half a day to find it. obtain. Such a situation is often seen particularly in the case of a structure installed in a natural environment rather than a structure in an urban area.
　そこで、上述したように、対象の構造物にＲＦＩＤタグを埋め込んで、位置マーカとして設置し、これをリーダで読み取るようにすることで、当該構造物（位置マーカ）の位置を特定するということが検討されている。ここで、リーダにより特定のＲＦＩＤタグの位置を特定する技術、もしくは逆に、ＲＦＩＤタグを利用してリーダの位置を特定する技術については種々のものが提案されている。 Therefore, as described above, an RFID tag is embedded in a target structure, set as a position marker, and read by a reader, thereby specifying the position of the structure (position marker). It is being considered. Here, various techniques have been proposed for identifying the position of a specific RFID tag with a reader, or conversely, for identifying the position of a reader using an RFID tag.
　例えば、特開２００６－７１５１６号公報（特許文献１)には、ＲＦＩＤタグから無線で情報を読み出すＲＦＩＤタグリーダと、ＲＦＩＤタグリーダからＲＦＩＤタグの情報を読み出す信号の強度を変えてその情報が読み取りできるようになったときあるいは読み取りできなくなったときの強度を測定する手段と、測定した強度をもとにＲＦＩＤタグまでの距離を算出する手段と、算出した距離とＲＦＩＤタグリーダの位置の、少なくとも２つ以上をもとに、物品の位置を算出する手段とを備えることで、空間内に多数のＲＦＩＤタグリーダを配置して、物品にＲＦＩＤタグを貼付し、空間内の物品の位置を簡易に検出する技術が記載されている。 For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2006-71516 (Patent Document 1) discloses that an RFID tag reader that wirelessly reads information from an RFID tag and a signal that reads information of the RFID tag from the RFID tag reader can be changed to read the information. At least two or more of a means for measuring the intensity at the time of becoming unreadable or unreadable, a means for calculating the distance to the RFID tag based on the measured intensity, and the calculated distance and the position of the RFID tag reader And a means for easily detecting the position of an article in the space by arranging a number of RFID tag readers in the space and attaching RFID tags to the article. Is described.
　また特開２００６－１１８９９８号公報（特許文献２）には、位置情報を書き込んで空間内の該当位置に配置する複数のＲＦＩＤタグと、ＲＦＩＤタグから情報を読み取るリーダと、リーダによって信号強度を可変して送信しＲＦＩＤタグから情報を読み出させたときあるいは読み取れなくなったときの信号強度からＲＦＩＤタグまでの距離を算出する手段と、算出した複数のＲＦＩＤタグまでの距離および複数のＲＦＩＤタグからそれぞれ読み取った位置情報をもとにリーダの位置を算出する手段とを備えることで、空間内に複数の位置情報等を書き込んだＲＦＩＤタグを配置して、移動するリーダの位置を簡易かつ高精度に特定する技術が記載されている。 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-118998 (Patent Document 2) describes a plurality of RFID tags in which position information is written and arranged at a corresponding position in a space, a reader that reads information from the RFID tag, and a signal intensity that is variable by the reader. Means for calculating the distance to the RFID tag from the signal strength when the information is read or read from the RFID tag or when the information cannot be read, and the calculated distance to the plurality of RFID tags and the plurality of RFID tags, respectively. By means of calculating the reader position based on the read position information, an RFID tag in which a plurality of position information is written is arranged in the space so that the position of the moving reader can be easily and highly accurately The technology to identify is described.
特開２００６－７１５１６号公報JP 2006-71516 A 特開２００６－１１８９９８号公報JP 2006-118998 A
　上述したように、ＲＦＩＤタグを埋め込んだ位置マーカとなる構造物を探索する際、例えば、山岳部や山林・原野等の自然環境など、設置条件が厳しい屋外においては特に、大規模な装置を設置することが困難である場合が多く、また、位置マーカを探索するユーザも、例えば携帯型のリーダ１つなど、簡易な装置および手法で探索が可能であることが必要となる。 As described above, when searching for a structure that becomes a position marker embedded with an RFID tag, a large-scale device is installed, especially in outdoor environments where the installation conditions are severe, such as natural environments such as mountainous areas, mountain forests, and wilderness areas. In many cases, it is difficult for a user who searches for a position marker to be able to search with a simple device and method such as one portable reader.
　この点、上述した従来技術では、ＲＦＩＤタグ（ＲＦＩＤタグを貼付した物品）の位置、もしくはリーダ（携帯型リーダを保持しているユーザ）の位置を検出することが可能であるが、いずれも、複数の距離情報に基づいて幾何学的計算により位置を特定することから、空間内に多数のＲＦＩＤタグリーダを配置したり、位置情報を書き込んだ複数のＲＦＩＤタグを配置したりする必要がある。従って、例えば、位置マーカ（ＲＦＩＤタグ）を設置できてもせいぜい１つというような条件の厳しい屋外などでは、位置を特定可能な環境を構築することが実際上困難な場合が多いと考えられる。 In this regard, in the above-described conventional technology, it is possible to detect the position of an RFID tag (an article to which an RFID tag is attached) or the position of a reader (a user holding a portable reader). Since the position is specified by geometric calculation based on a plurality of distance information, it is necessary to arrange a large number of RFID tag readers in the space or to arrange a plurality of RFID tags in which position information is written. Therefore, for example, it is considered that it is practically difficult to construct an environment in which the position can be specified, for example, outdoors where conditions are severe even if a position marker (RFID tag) can be installed.
　そこで本発明の目的は、ＲＦＩＤタグが配置された構造物をユーザが探索する際に、簡易な装置および手法により探索を支援するＲＦＩＤタグ探索支援システムおよび位置マーカならびにリーダ装置を提供することにある。本発明の前記ならびにその他の目的と新規な特徴は、本明細書の記述および添付図面から明らかになるであろう。 Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an RFID tag search support system, a position marker, and a reader device that support a search by a simple device and technique when a user searches for a structure in which an RFID tag is arranged. . The above and other objects and novel features of the present invention will be apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.
　本願において開示される発明のうち、代表的なものの概要を簡単に説明すれば、以下のとおりである。 Of the inventions disclosed in this application, the outline of typical ones will be briefly described as follows.
　本発明の代表的な実施の形態によるＲＦＩＤタグ探索支援システムは、探索対象の構造物に設置された複数のＲＦＩＤタグと、前記各ＲＦＩＤタグに対して呼び出しを行い、応答されたＩＤの情報を読み取るリーダとを有するＲＦＩＤタグ探索支援システムであって、前記各ＲＦＩＤタグは、それぞれ異なる感度を有し、前記リーダは、前記各ＲＦＩＤタグに対して呼び出しを行い、ＩＤを読み取ることができたもののうち最も感度の低いものに係る情報に基づいて、前記リーダと前記探索対象の構造物との間の近接度を算出して、当該近接度を示す情報を出力してユーザに通知することを特徴とするものである。 An RFID tag search support system according to a typical embodiment of the present invention calls a plurality of RFID tags installed in a structure to be searched, and each of the RFID tags, and returns information on the IDs that have been responded to. An RFID tag search support system having a reader for reading, wherein each RFID tag has a different sensitivity, and the reader can call each RFID tag and read an ID. A proximity between the reader and the structure to be searched is calculated based on information relating to the least sensitive of them, and information indicating the proximity is output and notified to the user It is what.
　また、本発明は、１つ以上のＲＦＩＤタグが配置された構造物からなり、探索対象の構造物に設置される位置マーカ、および探索対象の構造物に設置された１つ以上のＲＦＩＤタグに対して呼び出しを行い、ＩＤを読み取るリーダ装置にも適用することが可能である。 In addition, the present invention includes a structure in which one or more RFID tags are arranged, a position marker installed in the structure to be searched, and one or more RFID tags installed in the structure to be searched. The present invention can also be applied to a reader device that calls and reads an ID.
　本願において開示される発明のうち、代表的なものによって得られる効果を簡単に説明すれば以下のとおりである。 Among the inventions disclosed in the present application, effects obtained by typical ones will be briefly described as follows.
　本発明の代表的な実施の形態によれば、ＲＦＩＤタグが配置された構造物をユーザが探索する際に、簡易な装置および手法により探索を支援することが可能となる。 According to a typical embodiment of the present invention, when a user searches for a structure in which an RFID tag is arranged, the search can be supported by a simple device and method.
本発明の実施の形態１であるＲＦＩＤタグ探索支援システムの構成例について概要を示した図である。It is the figure which showed the outline | summary about the structural example of the RFID tag search assistance system which is Embodiment 1 of this invention. 本発明の実施の形態１における構造物に位置マーカを設置する場合の例について示した図である。It is the figure shown about the example in the case of installing a position marker in the structure in Embodiment 1 of this invention. 本発明の実施の形態１における位置マーカを探索する手法の例について概要を示した図である。It is the figure which showed the outline | summary about the example of the method of searching the position marker in Embodiment 1 of this invention. 本発明の実施の形態１における位置マーカを探索する際のリーダでの処理の流れの例について概要を示した図である。It is the figure which showed the outline | summary about the example of the flow of a process in the reader at the time of searching the position marker in Embodiment 1 of this invention. 本発明の実施の形態１における位置マーカを設置した際の周辺の風景の画像データにより探索を支援する場合の例について概要を示した図である。It is the figure which showed the outline | summary about the example in the case of assisting a search with the image data of the surrounding scenery at the time of installing the position marker in Embodiment 1 of this invention. 本発明の実施の形態２における位置マーカを探索する手法の例について概要を示した図である。It is the figure which showed the outline | summary about the example of the method of searching the position marker in Embodiment 2 of this invention. 本発明の実施の形態２における位置マーカを探索する際のリーダでの処理の流れの例について概要を示した図である。It is the figure which showed the outline | summary about the example of the flow of a process in the reader at the time of searching the position marker in Embodiment 2 of this invention.
　以下、本発明の実施の形態を図面に基づいて詳細に説明する。なお、実施の形態を説明するための全図において、同一部には原則として同一の符号を付し、その繰り返しの説明は省略する。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that components having the same function are denoted by the same reference symbols throughout the drawings for describing the embodiment, and the repetitive description thereof will be omitted.
　本発明の一実施の形態であるＲＦＩＤタグ探索支援システムは、例えば、屋外等においてＲＦＩＤタグが配置された構造物をユーザが探索する際に、簡易な仕組みによりその探索作業を支援して容易に対象の構造物まで到達することを可能とするシステムである。ユーザは、例えば、携帯型のリーダ１つというような簡易な装置で目的の構造物の位置を探索することができる。また、構造物に配置されるＲＦＩＤタグについても、１つ以上のＲＦＩＤタグを有する位置マーカが少なくとも１つあれば、ユーザは当該位置マーカを探索することができるため、位置を特定したい場所に予め大規模な装置（多数のリーダやＲＦＩＤタグなど）を設置しておく必要がない。 An RFID tag search support system according to an embodiment of the present invention easily supports a search operation by a simple mechanism when a user searches for a structure in which an RFID tag is arranged, for example, outdoors. It is a system that makes it possible to reach the target structure. The user can search the position of the target structure with a simple device such as one portable reader. In addition, regarding the RFID tag arranged in the structure, if there is at least one position marker having one or more RFID tags, the user can search for the position marker. There is no need to install a large-scale device (such as a large number of readers and RFID tags).
　例えば、山林等の屋外における特定の場所について、継続的もしくは定期的に構造物等を管理等する必要がある場合、当該場所に石杭等を設置して目印とすることがある。このとき、後に当該場所にユーザが石杭等を目印として到達することを容易にするため、従来では、例えば、石杭等を設置した際にＧＰＳ（Global Positioning System）等を利用して測定した緯度・経度の情報を取得しておき、当該緯度・経度の情報に基づいて、石杭等の位置までＧＰＳを利用して到達するというようなことが行われていた。 For example, when it is necessary to manage a structure or the like continuously or regularly for a specific place such as a mountain forest, stone piles may be installed at the place as a mark. At this time, in order to make it easier for the user to reach the place later with the stone piles as landmarks, conventionally, for example, when the stone piles were installed, measurement was performed using GPS (Global Positioning System) or the like. Information on latitude / longitude is acquired, and a position such as a stone pile is reached using GPS based on the information on the latitude / longitude.
　これにより、従来の石杭等を目印とした目視等のみによる探索と比較すれば格段に容易かつ高精度に目的の場所に到達することができる。しかしながら、ＧＰＳの精度には限界があり、ある程度の誤差が生じることは避けられない。従って、目的の場所の近辺までは到達することができても、ピンポイントに当該場所に到達することが困難な場合がある。特に、例えば山林等の場合、草木の繁殖や積雪、自然災害による地形の変動等により、目印となる石杭等が目視できなくなる場合も多く、誤差が大きい場合には目的地点に到達するのが困難となる場合もある。また、例えば橋桁や護岸用の消波ブロックなど、外見上同様な構造物が複数あり、そのうちの１つを目印としているような場合に、いずれが目印に該当するのか判別が困難であるという場合もある。 This makes it possible to reach the target location much more easily and with a higher degree of accuracy than a conventional search using only a stone stake as a landmark. However, there is a limit to the accuracy of GPS, and it is inevitable that some error will occur. Therefore, even if it can reach the vicinity of the target location, it may be difficult to reach the location at the pinpoint. In particular, in the case of forests, for example, stone piles that serve as landmarks are often not visible due to the propagation of vegetation, snowfall, or changes in topography due to natural disasters, etc. It can be difficult. In addition, when there are multiple structurally similar structures such as bridge girder and breakwater wave breaker blocks, and one of them is a landmark, it is difficult to determine which one is a landmark. There is also.
　これに対し、本実施の形態のＲＦＩＤタグ探索支援システムでは、これらの目印となる石杭等の構造物にＲＦＩＤタグを埋め込むなどして配置し、ユーザは携帯型のリーダ装置を利用してこれを探索する。すなわち、石杭等の近辺までは、これまでと同様に、例えばＧＰＳ等を利用して到達し、その後、目視が困難な石杭等の目印となる構造物について、石杭等に配置されたＲＦＩＤタグとリーダとの間の通信に基づいて、リーダとＲＦＩＤタグとの間の近接度を求め、この情報をユーザに通知する。また、石杭等の目印を設置した際の周辺の風景の画像データについても合わせてリーダ上に表示する。これらにより、目視できない石杭等の構造物について、探索のために移動するユーザに対してその遠近や目安となる周辺の風景の情報を通知し、ユーザが目的の位置を特定することを支援する。 In contrast, in the RFID tag search support system of the present embodiment, the RFID tag is embedded in a structure such as a stone stake that serves as a mark, and the user uses a portable reader device. Explore. That is, up to the vicinity of the stone pile, etc., as in the past, for example, using GPS or the like, the structure that becomes a landmark such as the stone pile that is difficult to see is placed on the stone pile etc. Based on the communication between the RFID tag and the reader, the proximity between the reader and the RFID tag is obtained, and this information is notified to the user. In addition, the image data of the surrounding scenery when a landmark such as a stone pile is installed is also displayed on the reader. With these, for a structure such as a stone stake that cannot be seen, the user is informed of the perspective and the surrounding landscape that serves as a guide to the user who moves to search, and assists the user in identifying the target position. .
　＜実施の形態１＞
　図１は、本発明の実施の形態１であるＲＦＩＤタグ探索支援システムの構成例について概要を示した図である。ＲＦＩＤタグ探索支援システム１は、タグ情報管理サーバ１０と、リーダ２０、および１つ以上のＲＦＩＤタグ３１を有する位置マーカ３０を有する構成となっている。 <Embodiment 1>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of an RFID tag search support system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The RFID tag search support system 1 includes a tag information management server 10, a reader 20, and a position marker 30 having one or more RFID tags 31.
　タグ情報管理サーバ１０は、インターネット等の公衆ネットワークや、ＬＡＮ（Local Area Network）、ＷＡＮ（Wide Area Network）等からなるネットワーク４０に接続され、例えば、当該ネットワーク４０を介したクラウドコンピューティングサービスとして、各リーダ２０に対して、各ＲＦＩＤタグ３１のＩＤに関連する情報の管理機能を提供するサーバ機器である。このタグ情報管理サーバ１０は、例えば、図示しないＯＳ（Operating System）やデータベース管理システム等のミドルウェア上で動作するソフトウェアプログラムとして実装されるタグ情報管理部１１と、タグ情報データベース（ＤＢ）１２を有する。 The tag information management server 10 is connected to a public network such as the Internet, a network 40 such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), and the like, for example, as a cloud computing service via the network 40, It is a server device that provides each reader 20 with a management function of information related to the ID of each RFID tag 31. The tag information management server 10 includes, for example, a tag information management unit 11 implemented as a software program that operates on middleware such as an OS (Operating System) or a database management system (not shown), and a tag information database (DB) 12. .
　タグ情報管理部１１は、リーダ２０から指定されたＲＦＩＤタグ３１のＩＤに基づいて、タグ情報ＤＢ１２から関連する情報を検索・取得して応答する。タグ情報ＤＢ１２には、例えば、対象のＩＤにより一意に特定されるＲＦＩＤタグ３１について、これが配置された探索対象となる構造物の種類や緯度・経度等の位置情報、構造物が設置された日時、構造物設置時の周辺の画像データや、構造物の内容等について説明するテキストデータなど、対象のＲＦＩＤタグ３１に関連付けられる各種情報（タグ情報）を登録して保持しておくことができる。 The tag information management unit 11 searches and acquires related information from the tag information DB 12 based on the ID of the RFID tag 31 designated by the reader 20, and responds. In the tag information DB 12, for example, for the RFID tag 31 that is uniquely specified by the target ID, the type of structure to be searched for, the position information such as latitude and longitude, the date and time when the structure was installed Various information (tag information) associated with the target RFID tag 31 such as peripheral image data at the time of structure installation, text data explaining the contents of the structure, and the like can be registered and held.
　なお、タグ情報管理部１１は、タグ情報管理サーバ１０上に配置するのみではなく、後述のリーダ２０上に設置するものであってもよい。これは、本実施の形態におけるリーダ２０の使用が屋外、それも山間部等の僻地を含む屋外での使用も考慮しており、ネットワーク４０を介してタグ情報管理サーバ１０との接続が常時確保されているとは限らないからである。この場合、事前にネットワーク４０との接続が確保できる事務所等の拠点にて、タグ情報管理サーバ１０から作業対象となるＲＦＩＤタグ３１に関するタグ情報を事前に検索してリーダ２０にダウンロードしておき、そのタグ情報を現地にて利用する構成を採る。これにより、ネットワーク４０への接続を行うことなく、リーダ２０によるＲＦＩＤタグ３１の探索を可能とするものである。 Note that the tag information management unit 11 may be installed not only on the tag information management server 10 but also on the reader 20 described later. This is because the reader 20 in the present embodiment is used outdoors, and also outdoors including remote areas such as mountainous areas, and the connection with the tag information management server 10 is always secured via the network 40. This is because it is not always done. In this case, the tag information related to the RFID tag 31 to be worked is retrieved in advance from the tag information management server 10 and downloaded to the reader 20 at a base such as an office where a connection with the network 40 can be secured in advance. The tag information is used locally. This enables the reader 20 to search for the RFID tag 31 without connecting to the network 40.
　また、タグ情報は、前記タグ情報管理サーバ１０のタグ情報ＤＢ１２もしくはリーダ２０上にダウンロードして配置するのみではなく、探索対象となる構造物にＲＦＩＤタグ３１を配置する際に事前に当該ＲＦＩＤタグ３１内に格納しておく構成としてもよい。これにより、例えば、探索対象のＲＦＩＤタグ３１が配置された構造物の現場の周辺に複数のＲＦＩＤタグ３１が存在するような場合に、探索対象を区別することが容易となる。 In addition, the tag information is not only downloaded and arranged on the tag information DB 12 or the reader 20 of the tag information management server 10, but the RFID tag 31 is arranged in advance when the RFID tag 31 is arranged on the structure to be searched. It is good also as a structure stored in 31. FIG. Thereby, for example, when there are a plurality of RFID tags 31 around the site of the structure where the RFID tag 31 to be searched is arranged, it becomes easy to distinguish the search target.
　リーダ２０は、各ＲＦＩＤタグ３１を呼び出してＩＤの情報を読み取ることができるリーダ装置である。本実施の形態では、屋外での使用を考慮して、例えば、携帯型のリーダ装置など、小型で可搬性を有するものであるほうが望ましい。このリーダ２０は、例えば、図示しないＯＳ等のミドルウェア上で動作するソフトウェアプログラムや、電子回路によるハードウェアとして実装される、読取部２１、入出力部２２、通信部２３、および制御部２４などの各部を有する。 The reader 20 is a reader device that can call each RFID tag 31 and read the information of the ID. In the present embodiment, in consideration of outdoor use, for example, it is desirable that the portable reader device is small and portable. The reader 20 includes, for example, a reading unit 21, an input / output unit 22, a communication unit 23, and a control unit 24, which are implemented as software programs that operate on middleware such as an OS (not shown) or hardware using electronic circuits. It has each part.
　読取部２１は、所定の周波数により各ＲＦＩＤタグ３１に対する呼び出し信号を出力し、これに対してＲＦＩＤタグ３１から応答されたＩＤ情報を読み取る機能を有する。本実施の形態では、遠方からでもＲＦＩＤタグ３１を認識することができるよう、高い電波出力を利用するためＵＨＦ（Ultra High Frequency）帯の周波数を利用するものとする。ＲＦＩＤタグ３１の呼び出しに際しては、呼び出し対象のＲＦＩＤタグ３１を特定するＩＤを指定してもよいし、ＩＤを指定しない（ＲＦＩＤタグ３１を特定しない）で呼び出して、応答のあったＲＦＩＤタグ３１のＩＤを読み取るものであってもよい。 The reading unit 21 has a function of outputting a calling signal to each RFID tag 31 at a predetermined frequency and reading ID information responded from the RFID tag 31 in response to this. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a frequency in the UHF (Ultra High Frequency) band is used in order to use a high radio wave output so that the RFID tag 31 can be recognized even from a distance. When calling the RFID tag 31, an ID for identifying the RFID tag 31 to be called may be specified, or the ID of the RFID tag 31 that responds by calling without specifying the ID (not specifying the RFID tag 31). The ID may be read.
　入出力部２２は、リーダ２０に対するユーザによる入出力に係る機能を有する。例えば、ボタンやキーボード、タッチパネル等を介して、ユーザから、各種の入力に加えて、ＲＦＩＤタグ３１の探索の開始や終了の指示を受けたり、ＲＦＩＤタグ３１のＩＤに関連する情報をタグ情報管理サーバ１０から取得する指示を受けたりすることができる。また、後述するように、タグ情報管理サーバ１０から取得した情報や、読取部２１でのＲＦＩＤタグ３１の探索の状況（読み取れているか否かや、読み取れている場合のヒット率等）などを、ディスプレイやスピーカ等を介して画像や音声によりユーザに対して出力することができる。 The input / output unit 22 has a function related to input / output by the user with respect to the reader 20. For example, in addition to various inputs from a user via a button, keyboard, touch panel, etc., an instruction to start or end the search for the RFID tag 31 is received, or information related to the ID of the RFID tag 31 is managed as tag information An instruction to be acquired from the server 10 can be received. Further, as will be described later, information acquired from the tag information management server 10, the status of searching for the RFID tag 31 in the reading unit 21 (whether it is read, a hit rate when it is read, etc.) It can be output to the user by image or sound via a display, a speaker or the like.
　通信部２３は、有線もしくは無線通信によりネットワーク４０に接続し、タグ情報管理サーバ１０との間で通信を行う機能を有する。本実施の形態では、リーダ２０は可搬な携帯型であることから、無線通信によるほうが望ましい。また、ネットワーク４０を介した通信以外にも、例えばＧＰＳの情報を受信可能として、リーダ２０の概略の位置情報を把握できるようにしてもよい。 The communication unit 23 has a function of connecting to the network 40 by wired or wireless communication and performing communication with the tag information management server 10. In the present embodiment, the reader 20 is a portable portable type, so it is preferable to use wireless communication. In addition to communication via the network 40, for example, GPS information may be received so that approximate position information of the reader 20 can be grasped.
　制御部２４は、各部の動作を全体として制御する機能を有する。例えば、後述するように、探索対象のＲＦＩＤタグ３１に関連する情報を、通信部２３を介して予めタグ情報管理サーバ１０から取得しておき、ユーザからの指示等に基づいて読取部２１での探索を開始させる。読取部２１で対象のＲＦＩＤ３１のＩＤが読み取れると、タグ情報管理サーバ１０から取得しておいた関連情報を入出力部２２を介して出力する。例えば、周辺の風景の画像データなどをディスプレイに表示する。また、後述するように、読取部２１で読み取ったＲＦＩＤタグ３１の情報に基づいて得られる近接度を示す情報を、入出力部２２を介してユーザに通知する。例えば、ビープ音等の通知音声の音量や、ディスプレイ上に関連情報を表示するテロップ画像の大きさなどを近接度に応じて変動させる。リーダ２０自体を振動させてその強度を近接度に応じて変動させてもよい。 The control unit 24 has a function of controlling the operation of each unit as a whole. For example, as will be described later, information related to the RFID tag 31 to be searched is acquired in advance from the tag information management server 10 via the communication unit 23, and the reading unit 21 receives the information based on an instruction from the user. Start the search. When the reading unit 21 can read the ID of the target RFID 31, the related information acquired from the tag information management server 10 is output via the input / output unit 22. For example, image data of surrounding scenery is displayed on the display. Further, as will be described later, the information indicating the proximity obtained based on the information of the RFID tag 31 read by the reading unit 21 is notified to the user via the input / output unit 22. For example, the volume of a notification sound such as a beep sound, the size of a telop image for displaying related information on the display, and the like are changed according to the proximity. The reader 20 itself may be vibrated and its intensity may be varied according to the proximity.
　位置マーカ３０は、電源を有さないパッシブタイプのＲＦＩＤタグ３１がｎ個（ｎ＞１）集合して配置された構造物である。図１に示すように、本実施の形態では、感度の異なるｎ個のＲＦＩＤタグ３１を、直方体状の構造物の底面側の内部に埋め込んで位置マーカ３０としている。なお、位置マーカ３０の建材や寸法、形状、ＲＦＩＤタグ３１の配置場所等については、実用的感度や応答エリア（例えば、数メートル以内の範囲）を確保することができるものであれば、特に限定されない。 The position marker 30 is a structure in which n (n> 1) passive type RFID tags 31 having no power source are arranged. As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, n RFID tags 31 having different sensitivities are embedded in the bottom side of a rectangular parallelepiped structure to form a position marker 30. The building material, dimensions, and shape of the position marker 30 and the location of the RFID tag 31 are particularly limited as long as practical sensitivity and response area (for example, a range within several meters) can be secured. Not.
　位置マーカ３０の建材としては、例えば、コンクリートや石、プラスチック、ガラス、レンガなどを適宜用いることができる。また、本実施の形態では形状を直方体としているが、これに限らず、円柱や球など種々の形状を適宜採用することができる。例えば、位置マーカ３０（もしくはこれを埋め込んだ構造物）を杭状のものとする場合、角柱であれば、一般的な大きさである断面が１０ｃｍ四方程度で高さが１０ｃｍ～５０ｃｍ程度とし、花崗岩質の建材を用いた石柱とするのが好適である。 As the building material of the position marker 30, for example, concrete, stone, plastic, glass, brick, or the like can be used as appropriate. In the present embodiment, the shape is a rectangular parallelepiped. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various shapes such as a cylinder and a sphere can be appropriately employed. For example, in the case where the position marker 30 (or a structure in which the position marker 30 is embedded) is a stake-shaped one, if it is a prism, the general size of the cross section is about 10 cm square and the height is about 10 cm to 50 cm. It is preferable to use a stone pillar made of granite building materials.
　また、複数のＲＦＩＤタグ３１の配置場所や配置方法についても特に限定されず、構造物の表面に溶接等によって付されていてもよいし、内部の適当な場所に埋設されていてもよい（以下ではこれらを総称して「配置」と記載する場合がある）。なお、複数のＲＦＩＤタグ３１は、リーダ２０の感度（感度が可変の場合は最高感度）に対して同じ位置に配置されていると判断される範囲にまとめて配置されている必要がある。 Further, the arrangement location and arrangement method of the plurality of RFID tags 31 are not particularly limited, and may be attached to the surface of the structure by welding or the like, or may be embedded in an appropriate place inside (hereinafter, referred to as the following). Then, these may be collectively referred to as “arrangement”). The plurality of RFID tags 31 need to be collectively arranged in a range that is determined to be arranged at the same position with respect to the sensitivity of the reader 20 (the highest sensitivity when the sensitivity is variable).
　本実施の形態では、位置マーカ３０に組み込んで配置した状態において高感度（例えば、数メートル程度の距離でも読み取り可能）のＲＦＩＤタグ３１から、低感度（数センチメートル程度の距離で読み取り可能）のＲＦＩＤタグ３１まで、それぞれ異なる感度のｎ個のＲＦＩＤタグ３１を位置マーカ３０に配置する。これにより、後述するように、リーダ２０を移動させて探索する場合において、読み取ることができたＲＦＩＤタグ３１の感度の情報に基づいて位置マーカ３０との間の概略の距離等を把握することができる。 In the present embodiment, low sensitivity (readable at a distance of about several centimeters) from the RFID tag 31 having high sensitivity (for example, can be read at a distance of about several meters) in a state of being incorporated in the position marker 30 and arranged. The n RFID tags 31 having different sensitivities up to the RFID tag 31 are arranged on the position marker 30. As a result, as will be described later, when searching by moving the reader 20, it is possible to grasp the approximate distance from the position marker 30 based on the sensitivity information of the RFID tag 31 that can be read. it can.
　この位置マーカ３０は、これ自体を、位置を特定して探索する必要がある他の構造物に埋め込んだり、貼付や溶接等により組み込んだりすることができる（以下ではこれらを総称して「設置」と記載する場合がある）。図２は、構造物に位置マーカ３０を設置する場合の例について示した図である。図２（ａ）では、測量用などの石杭に設置する場合の例を示している。ここでは、石杭の内部に位置マーカ３０が埋め込まれており、位置マーカ３０が埋め込まれた部分は地中に埋設された状態となっている。これにより、例えば、除雪作業時に除雪車により石杭が切断や切削される等によるＲＦＩＤタグ３１の紛失事故を低減することができる。 The position marker 30 can be embedded in other structures that need to be searched by specifying the position, or can be incorporated by pasting or welding (hereinafter collectively referred to as “installation”). May be described). FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the position marker 30 is installed in the structure. FIG. 2 (a) shows an example of installation on a stone pile for surveying or the like. Here, the position marker 30 is embedded inside the stone pile, and the portion where the position marker 30 is embedded is buried in the ground. Thereby, for example, the loss accident of the RFID tag 31 due to the stone pile being cut or cut by the snowplow at the time of snow removal work can be reduced.
　同様に、図２（ｂ）では、道路などの石畳に位置マーカ３０を設置する場合の例を示している。ここでは、特定の石の内部に位置マーカ３０が埋めこまれている。特定の石の下部の地中に埋設されていてもよい。同様に、図２（ｃ）では、護岸用の消波ブロックに位置マーカ３０を設置する場合の例を示している。ここでは、探索対象となる消波ブロックの内部に位置マーカ３０が埋め込まれている。上記のような各構造物に対して複数のＲＦＩＤ３１を直接埋め込む等により設置してもよいが、上記のように位置マーカ３０の形態で構造物に設置することで、位置を特定して探索する必要がある構造物に対して、より容易に、かつ安定した状態・強度でＲＦＩＤタグ３１を配置することができる。 Similarly, FIG. 2B shows an example in which the position marker 30 is installed on a stone pavement such as a road. Here, the position marker 30 is embedded inside a specific stone. It may be buried in the ground below a specific stone. Similarly, FIG. 2 (c) shows an example in which the position marker 30 is installed in a wave breaker block for revetment. Here, the position marker 30 is embedded inside the wave-dissipating block to be searched. A plurality of RFIDs 31 may be directly embedded in each structure as described above. However, by installing the structure in the form of the position marker 30 as described above, the position is specified and searched. The RFID tag 31 can be arranged more easily and in a stable state / strength with respect to a structure that is required.
　図３は、位置マーカ３０を探索する手法の例について概要を示した図である。図３では、地中の深さＤの位置に埋設された位置マーカ３０（他の構造物に設置された状態であってもよい）に配置されている、それぞれ感度の異なるｎ個のＲＦＩＤタグ３１（高感度のものから順に第１、第２、…、第ｎのＲＦＩＤタグ３１とする）の応答エリアの状態を模式的に示している。 FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an outline of an example of a method for searching for the position marker 30. In FIG. 3, n RFID tags having different sensitivities, which are arranged on position markers 30 (may be installed in other structures) embedded at a position of depth D in the ground. 31 schematically shows the state of the response area 31 (first, second,..., N-th RFID tag 31 in order from the highest sensitivity).
　なお、各ＲＦＩＤタグ３１の感度をそれぞれ異なるものとする実現方法として、例えば、最も高感度である第１のＲＦＩＤタグ３１を、リーダ２０が出力する電磁波の周波数に対して、石杭などの位置マーカ３０における媒質中で同調させる寸法で作成する。これに対し、第２のＲＦＩＤタグ３１を、第１のＲＦＩＤタグ３１よりも小さい寸法で作成して同調をずらすことで、２番目の高感度を実現する。以下、第３のＲＦＩＤタグ３１は第２のＲＦＩＤタグ３１よりも寸法を小さくし、第ｎのＲＦＩＤタグ３１まで順次寸法を小さくしていくことで、寸法順にＲＦＩＤタグ３１の感度を段階的に下げることができる。 In addition, as an implementation method for making the sensitivity of each RFID tag 31 different, for example, the first RFID tag 31 having the highest sensitivity is placed at a position such as a stone pile with respect to the frequency of the electromagnetic wave output by the reader 20. The marker 30 is created with a size to be tuned in the medium. On the other hand, the second high sensitivity is realized by creating the second RFID tag 31 with a smaller size than the first RFID tag 31 and shifting the tuning. Hereinafter, the size of the third RFID tag 31 is made smaller than that of the second RFID tag 31, and the size of the third RFID tag 31 is gradually reduced to the nth RFID tag 31, so that the sensitivity of the RFID tag 31 is gradually increased in order of size. Can be lowered.
　図３において、応答エリアの状態は、上段の図が上方から見た状態、下段の図が側方から見た断面の状態を示しており、第１のＲＦＩＤタグ３１の応答エリアが最も広く、第２、第３、…の順で狭くなっていき、第ｎのＲＦＩＤタグ３１の応答エリアが最も狭くなっていることを示している。なお、深さＤについては、各ＲＦＩＤタグ３１の実用感度や設置条件等により適宜決定することができる。地上面より上部に設置可能な場合は、地下に埋設するよりも応答エリアは広くなるが、上述したように紛失事故等のリスクも高くなる。 In FIG. 3, the state of the response area shows a state where the upper diagram is viewed from above, and the lower diagram is a cross-sectional state viewed from the side. The response area of the first RFID tag 31 is the widest, It becomes narrow in order of 2nd, 3rd, ..., and it has shown that the response area of the nth RFID tag 31 is the narrowest. The depth D can be appropriately determined depending on the practical sensitivity of each RFID tag 31, the installation conditions, and the like. When it can be installed above the ground surface, the response area is larger than when buried underground, but the risk of accidents such as loss is also increased as described above.
　位置マーカ３０の探索手法の概要としては、例えば、リーダ２０からのＩＤを指定しない呼び出しに対して、第１のＲＦＩＤタグ３１からのみ応答があった（ＩＤを読み取ることができた）場合、リーダ２０は、第１のＲＦＩＤタグ３１の応答エリア内で、かつ、第２のＲＦＩＤタグ３１の応答エリア外に存在することになる。そこでユーザは、リーダ２０の位置をさらに移動させ、第２のＲＦＩＤタグ３１からも応答がある位置を探索する。同様の手順を以降のＲＦＩＤタグ３１についても繰り返すことで漸次位置マーカ３０に近づいていき、最終的に最も低感度の第ｎのＲＦＩＤタグ３１からの応答がある位置を探索することで、位置マーカ３０の近辺に到達することができる。なお、リーダ２０からの呼び出しの際に、第１のＲＦＩＤタグ３１から順にＩＤを指定して個別に呼び出しを行うようにしてもよい。 As an outline of the search method of the position marker 30, for example, when there is a response only from the first RFID tag 31 (the ID can be read) in response to a call from which the ID is not specified from the reader 20, the reader 20 exists within the response area of the first RFID tag 31 and outside the response area of the second RFID tag 31. Therefore, the user further moves the position of the reader 20 and searches for a position where there is a response from the second RFID tag 31. The same procedure is repeated for subsequent RFID tags 31 to gradually approach the position marker 30 and finally search for a position where there is a response from the n-th RFID tag 31 with the lowest sensitivity, whereby the position marker Near 30 can be reached. In addition, when calling from the reader 20, the ID may be specified in order from the first RFID tag 31, and the calling may be performed individually.
　図４は、位置マーカ３０を探索する際のリーダ２０での処理の流れの例について概要を示した図である。ここでは、リーダ２０を使用して位置マーカ３０が設置された構造物を探索するユーザは、例えばＧＰＳ等の情報を利用して当該構造物の近辺までは到達しているものとする。まず、リーダ２０は、初期化処理等を行った後、読取部２１によりＩＤを指定せずにＲＦＩＤタグ３１の呼び出しを行い、応答を待ち受ける（Ｓ０１）。 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of an example of the flow of processing in the reader 20 when searching for the position marker 30. Here, it is assumed that the user who searches for the structure where the position marker 30 is installed using the reader 20 has reached the vicinity of the structure using information such as GPS. First, after performing initialization processing and the like, the reader 20 calls the RFID tag 31 without specifying an ID by the reading unit 21, and waits for a response (S01).
　所定の時間応答を待ち受けた後、いずれかのＲＦＩＤ３１から応答があったか否か（ＩＤが読み取れたか否か）を判定する（Ｓ０２）。位置マーカ３０に配置されたいずれのＲＦＩＤタグ３１からも応答がなかった場合は、図３の例において最も外側の第１のＲＦＩＤタグ３１の応答エリア外にリーダ２０があるものと判断し、ステップＳ０５に進んで、その旨を入出力部２２を介してユーザに通知する（Ｓ０５）。ここでは、例えば、応答エリア外にいる旨をリーダ２０のディスプレイ等に表示するようにしてもよいし、後述する近接度に応じた各種通知を停止する（もしくは最低レベルにする）ようにしてもよい。 After waiting for a response for a predetermined time, it is determined whether or not there is a response from any RFID 31 (whether or not the ID has been read) (S02). If there is no response from any RFID tag 31 arranged at the position marker 30, it is determined that the reader 20 is outside the response area of the outermost first RFID tag 31 in the example of FIG. Proceeding to S05, the fact is notified to the user via the input / output unit 22 (S05). Here, for example, a message indicating that the user is outside the response area may be displayed on the display or the like of the reader 20, or various notifications corresponding to the proximity described later may be stopped (or set to the lowest level). Good.
　ステップＳ０２で、いずれかのＲＦＩＤタグ３１から応答があった場合は、読取部２１は、読み取った各ＲＦＩＤタグ３１のＩＤに基づいて、読み取った中で最も低感度の（最も応答エリアが狭い）ＲＦＩＤタグ３１を判定する（Ｓ０３）。ここでは、最も低感度のＲＦＩＤタグ３１が、位置マーカ３０に配置されたｎ個のＲＦＩＤタグ３１（高感度のものから順に第１、第２、…、第ｎのＲＦＩＤタグ３１とする）のうち第ｉのＲＦＩＤタグ３１であったものとする。 If there is a response from one of the RFID tags 31 in step S02, the reading unit 21 has the lowest sensitivity (the narrowest response area) among the readings based on the ID of each read RFID tag 31. The RFID tag 31 is determined (S03). Here, the RFID tag 31 with the lowest sensitivity is one of the n RFID tags 31 (first, second,..., N-th RFID tag 31 in order from the highest sensitivity) arranged on the position marker 30. Of these, it is assumed that the RFID tag 31 is the i-th RFID tag.
　次に、読取部２１により、第ｉのＲＦＩＤタグ３１のヒット率を算出する（Ｓ０４）。当該ヒット率は、例えば、読取部２１が送信した呼び出し信号の数と、これに対してＲＦＩＤタグ３１から受信した応答の数（ヒット数）との比により算出し、通常、リーダ２０とＲＦＩＤタグ３１との距離が近いほど高くなる。また、例えば、ユーザを中心軸としてリーダ２０のアンテナを回転させながら灯台の燈火状に走査した場合、アンテナがＲＦＩＤタグ３１の存在する方向を向いているほどヒット率は高くなる。なお、ＲＦＩＤタグ３１の存在する方向について、例えば、リーダ２０に電子コンパスを設けてリーダ２０の向いている方角を検出し、ヒット率が最も高くなった方角を記録する構成とすることで、探索を効率化することが可能となる。また、上記の方角については、電子コンパスによる計測に限らず、おおよその方角・方向をユーザが判断するものであってもよい。 Next, the hit rate of the i-th RFID tag 31 is calculated by the reading unit 21 (S04). The hit rate is calculated, for example, by a ratio between the number of calling signals transmitted by the reading unit 21 and the number of responses received from the RFID tag 31 (hits number). Usually, the reader 20 and the RFID tag The closer the distance to 31, the higher. Further, for example, when the lighthouse is scanned like a lighthouse while rotating the antenna of the reader 20 around the user as the center axis, the hit rate becomes higher as the antenna faces the direction in which the RFID tag 31 exists. For the direction in which the RFID tag 31 exists, for example, a configuration in which an electronic compass is provided in the reader 20 to detect the direction in which the reader 20 is facing and the direction in which the hit rate is the highest is recorded can be searched. Can be made more efficient. In addition, the direction is not limited to the measurement using an electronic compass, and the user may determine an approximate direction and direction.
　ここで、リーダ２０のアンテナまたはリーダ２０に接続する外部アンテナを、例えば、スタック型などの八木アンテナ（登録商標）、またはホーン型アンテナ、パラボラアンテナ等の指向性の高いアンテナとすることで、ＲＦＩＤタグ３１の存在する方角を高い精度で求めることができる。この場合、方角の検出は、リーダ２０の向いている方角ではなく、アンテナの指向性が向いている方角を測定することができるように電子コンパス等を設置する。 Here, the antenna of the reader 20 or the external antenna connected to the reader 20 is an RFID having a high directivity such as a stack type Yagi antenna (registered trademark), a horn type antenna, a parabolic antenna, or the like. The direction in which the tag 31 exists can be obtained with high accuracy. In this case, the direction is detected by installing an electronic compass or the like so that the direction in which the antenna directivity is directed, not the direction in which the reader 20 is directed, can be measured.
　その後、リーダ２０と位置マーカ３０（ＲＦＩＤタグ３１）との近接度を示す情報を出力してユーザに通知する（Ｓ０５）。ここでは、例えば、ステップＳ０３で判定した最も低感度の第ｉのＲＦＩＤタグ３１について、制御部２４は、位置マーカ３０に配置されたＲＦＩＤタグ３１の数ｎとiとの比などに基づいて近接度を算出する。例えば、位置マーカ３０に感度の異なる４つのＲＦＩＤタグ３１が配置されている場合（ｎ＝４）で、第３のＲＦＩＤタグ３１が最も低感度であった場合（ｉ＝３）、近接度を３／４＝７５％として近似的に算出することができる。 Thereafter, information indicating the proximity between the reader 20 and the position marker 30 (RFID tag 31) is output and notified to the user (S05). Here, for example, for the i-th RFID tag 31 of the lowest sensitivity determined in step S03, the control unit 24 approaches based on the ratio between the number n of RFID tags 31 arranged at the position marker 30 and i, and the like. Calculate the degree. For example, when four RFID tags 31 having different sensitivities are arranged on the position marker 30 (n = 4), and the third RFID tag 31 has the lowest sensitivity (i = 3), the proximity is It can be calculated approximately as 3/4 = 75%.
　ここで算出した近接度に応じて、入出力部２２によって出力内容を変更して通知情報を出力する。例えば、ビープ音等の通知音声をスピーカから出力する際の音量によって近接度を通知する場合には、音量を近接度に従って変更する。また、後述するように、ディスプレイに位置マーカ３０についての各種情報やコメント等を吹き出しやテロップ等で表示することで通知する場合には、吹き出しやテロップの大きさや色等を近接度に従って変更して出力する。また、リーダ２０がモータ等により振動するような仕組みを有している場合は、振動の強さや間隔等を近接度に従って変更するようにしてもよい。また、リーダが読み取った最も低感度のＲＦＩＤタグ３１のＩＤなどの関連情報を、単に、ディスプレイに表示したり音声等により通知したりするものであってもよい。 The output content is changed by the input / output unit 22 according to the proximity calculated here, and notification information is output. For example, when notifying the proximity according to the sound volume when a notification sound such as a beep sound is output from a speaker, the sound volume is changed according to the proximity. As will be described later, when various information about the position marker 30 or a comment is displayed on the display by displaying a balloon or a telop, the size or color of the balloon or telop is changed according to the proximity. Output. Further, when the reader 20 has a mechanism that vibrates by a motor or the like, the intensity or interval of vibration may be changed according to the proximity. In addition, related information such as the ID of the RFID tag 31 having the lowest sensitivity read by the reader may be simply displayed on a display or notified by voice or the like.
　また、上記の近接度に基づいて通知情報の出力内容を変更して通知する際に、さらに、ステップＳ０４で算出したヒット率の情報を反映させてもよい。例えば、スピーカから通知音声を出力する際の音量によって通知する場合、上記の近接度に基づいて決定された音量を基準として、さらに、ヒット率が大きいほど音量が大きくなるよう調整を加えてもよい。これにより、ステップＳ０３で判定した最も低感度のＲＦＩＤタグ３１の応答エリアの範囲内でリーダ２０が移動する場合であっても、その位置によって通知音量の大小を変動させ、ユーザに対してより詳細に近接度の情報を通知することができる。 Also, when the notification information output content is changed and notified based on the proximity, the hit rate information calculated in step S04 may be reflected. For example, in the case of notifying by the volume at the time of outputting the notification sound from the speaker, the volume may be adjusted so that the volume increases as the hit rate increases, based on the volume determined based on the proximity described above. . As a result, even when the reader 20 moves within the response area range of the lowest-sensitive RFID tag 31 determined in step S03, the volume of the notification volume is changed depending on the position, and the user is more detailed. Can be notified of proximity information.
　その後、ユーザから探索終了の指示があったか否かを判定し（Ｓ０６）、指示がなかった場合はステップＳ０１に戻って一連の処理を繰り返して探索処理を継続する一方、終了指示があった場合は探索処理を終了する。 Thereafter, it is determined whether or not there has been an instruction to end the search from the user (S06). If there is no instruction, the process returns to step S01 to repeat the series of processes and continue the search process. The search process is terminated.
　以上の処理により、ユーザは、目的の位置マーカ３０に対して概略どの程度の位置にいるのかや、移動した際に位置マーカ３０に対して近づいているのか遠ざかっているのかといった情報を把握することができる。リーダ２０による通知が最大レベルに達した場合は、ごく近傍に位置マーカ３０（およびこれが設置された構造物）が存在することになり、それ以降はユーザは目視等により位置マーカ３０（およびこれが設置された構造物）を探索することになる。これにより、目視等の人手による探索範囲を最小限に限定し、探索を容易にすることが可能となる。 Through the above processing, the user grasps information such as the approximate position of the target position marker 30 and whether the user is approaching or moving away from the position marker 30 when moving. Can do. When the notification by the reader 20 reaches the maximum level, the position marker 30 (and the structure in which it is installed) exists in the immediate vicinity, and after that, the user visually confirms the position marker 30 (and this is installed). Searched for). This makes it possible to limit the search range by hand such as visual inspection to the minimum and facilitate the search.
　なお、リーダ２０による通知が最大レベルに達した場合の探索は、例えば、目視等により対象領域をマトリクス状に順次しらみつぶしに探索する方法をとることができる。また、上述したように、リーダ２０のアンテナを走査する等の方法により、目的の位置マーカ３０（これに配置されたＲＦＩＤタグ３１）の存在する方向を検出しておき、検出された方向に沿って検出を行いながら移動する。その際、上記の近接度が低下し始めた場合は停止して、再度ＲＦＩＤタグ３１の存在する方向を検出するという手順をを繰り返すことで、目的の位置マーカ３０（これに配置されたＲＦＩＤタグ３１）に漸次接近するという方法をとることができる。 It should be noted that the search when the notification by the reader 20 reaches the maximum level can be, for example, a method in which the target region is sequentially searched in a matrix form by visual observation or the like. In addition, as described above, the direction in which the target position marker 30 (the RFID tag 31 disposed thereon) exists is detected by a method such as scanning the antenna of the reader 20, and along the detected direction. Move while detecting. At that time, when the proximity starts to decrease, the procedure is stopped and the procedure of detecting the direction in which the RFID tag 31 exists again is repeated, so that the target position marker 30 (the RFID tag disposed thereon) The method of gradually approaching 31) can be taken.
　さらに、本実施の形態では、目視等の人手による探索を支援する機能として、リーダ２０は、例えば図４のステップＳ０２において、位置マーカ３０に配置されたＲＦＩＤタグ３１からの応答があった（ＩＤが読み取れた）場合に、当該位置マーカ３０（およびこれが設置された構造物）を設置した際に撮影した周辺の風景の画像データを、入出力部２２によりディスプレイに表示するようにしてもよい。 Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as a function for supporting a manual search such as visual inspection, the reader 20 has received a response from the RFID tag 31 arranged in the position marker 30 in, for example, step S02 of FIG. 4 (ID When the position marker 30 (and the structure on which the position marker 30 is installed) is installed, the image data of the surrounding scenery captured when the position marker 30 is installed may be displayed on the display by the input / output unit 22.
　図５は、位置マーカ３０を設置した際の周辺の風景の画像データにより探索を支援する場合の例について概要を示した図である。図５の例では、家屋の地下に埋設された水道管に対して、その管理設備の場所を特定するために、位置マーカ３０を設置した石杭３２を、位置マーカ３０部分（位置マーカ３０に配置されたＲＦＩＤタグ３１部分）が地表面から深さＤの位置になるよう設置した場合を例としている。なお、図５の上段の図は、石杭３２（位置マーカ３０）を設置した際の状態についての例を示しており、下段の図は、石杭３２（位置マーカ３０）の探索時の状態についての例を示している。 FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an outline of an example in which search is supported by image data of surrounding scenery when the position marker 30 is installed. In the example of FIG. 5, in order to specify the location of the management facility for the water pipe buried in the basement of the house, the stone pile 32 in which the position marker 30 is installed is moved to the position marker 30 portion (the position marker 30). An example is shown in which the RFID tag 31 portion disposed is placed at a depth D from the ground surface. The upper diagram of FIG. 5 shows an example of the state when the stone pile 32 (position marker 30) is installed, and the lower diagram shows the state when searching for the stone pile 32 (position marker 30). Shows an example.
　図５の上段の図に示すように、石杭３２（位置マーカ３０）を設置した際に、ユーザは、石杭３２の周辺の風景をデジタルカメラ等により撮影することで画像データ１３を取得しておく。ユーザはさらに、取得した画像データ１３や、緯度・経度等の位置情報、石杭３２についての説明等のテキスト情報を、予めタグ情報管理サーバ１０のタグ情報ＤＢ１２に、位置マーカ３０内のＲＦＩＤタグ３１のＩＤと関連付けて登録しておく。 As shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 5, when the stone pile 32 (position marker 30) is installed, the user acquires the image data 13 by photographing the scenery around the stone pile 32 with a digital camera or the like. Keep it. The user further stores the acquired image data 13, position information such as latitude and longitude, and text information such as a description of the stone pile 32 in advance in the tag information DB 12 of the tag information management server 10 and the RFID tag in the position marker 30. It is registered in association with the ID of 31.
　ユーザは、石杭３２（位置マーカ３０）を探索を開始する際、事前にリーダ２０によりタグ情報管理サーバ１０にアクセスし、タグ情報管理部１１を介して、探索対象の位置マーカ３０内のＲＦＩＤタグ３１のＩＤ情報に基づいて、タグ情報ＤＢ１２から石杭３２（位置マーカ３０）の周辺の風景の画像データ１３をダウンロードしてリーダ２０に保持しておく。図４の例に示した探索処理を行う際の初期化処理の一つとして行ってもよい。また、図４のステップＳ０２において、リーダ２０が探索対象の位置マーカ３０内のＲＦＩＤタグ３１からの応答を受け取った（ＩＤを読み取った）際に、タグ情報管理サーバ１０にアクセスし、読み取ったＩＤの情報に基づいて周辺の風景の画像データ１３を自動的にダウンロードするようにしてもよい。ただしこれらの場合は、探索場所がリーダ２０によりネットワーク４０に接続可能（例えば無線通信が可能）な場所である必要がある。 When the user starts searching for the stone pile 32 (position marker 30), the reader 20 accesses the tag information management server 10 in advance, and the RFID in the position marker 30 to be searched is sent via the tag information management unit 11. Based on the ID information of the tag 31, the image data 13 of the scenery around the stone pile 32 (position marker 30) is downloaded from the tag information DB 12 and held in the reader 20. You may perform as one of the initialization processes at the time of performing the search process shown in the example of FIG. In step S02 of FIG. 4, when the reader 20 receives a response from the RFID tag 31 in the position marker 30 to be searched (reads the ID), the reader 20 accesses the tag information management server 10 and reads the read ID. The image data 13 of the surrounding scenery may be automatically downloaded based on the information. However, in these cases, the search place needs to be a place where the reader 20 can connect to the network 40 (for example, wireless communication is possible).
　その後、リーダ２０を有するユーザは、ＧＰＳ等を利用して石杭３２の近辺まで到達し、図４の例に示した処理により、リーダ２０による探索を開始する。ここで、例えば図４のステップＳ０２において、位置マーカ３０に配置されたＲＦＩＤタグ３１からの応答があった場合に、リーダ２０は、図５の下段の図に示すように、ダウンロードして保持している石杭３２（位置マーカ３０）の周辺の風景の画像データ１３を、入出力部２２によりディスプレイに表示する。ユーザは、ディスプレイに表示された画像データ１３を石杭３２の設置位置を特定する際の参考情報とし、これと周辺の風景とを目視により比較することで、石杭３２の設置位置を特定する。これにより、設置時から周辺の風景が多少変わっている場合であっても設置位置を特定することが容易となる。また逆に、設置時からの風景の変化を積極的に把握することにより、異常発生の有無などを確認することも可能となる。 Thereafter, the user having the reader 20 reaches the vicinity of the stone pile 32 using GPS or the like, and starts searching by the reader 20 by the processing shown in the example of FIG. Here, for example, when there is a response from the RFID tag 31 arranged at the position marker 30 in step S02 of FIG. 4, the reader 20 downloads and holds it as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. The image data 13 of the scenery around the stone pile 32 (position marker 30) is displayed on the display by the input / output unit 22. The user uses the image data 13 displayed on the display as reference information for specifying the installation position of the stone pile 32, and specifies the installation position of the stone pile 32 by visually comparing this with the surrounding landscape. . This makes it easy to specify the installation position even when the surrounding scenery has changed somewhat since installation. Conversely, by actively grasping the change in the landscape since installation, it is also possible to confirm whether or not an abnormality has occurred.
　またこのとき、画像データ１３の表示と合わせて、図４において示したように、リーダ２０は、リーダ２０と位置マーカ３０（ＲＦＩＤタグ３１）との近接度に基づいて、音声の音量やテロップの大小等により近接度を通知することができる。例えば、図５の下段の図に示したように、リーダ２０は、画像データ１３をリーダ２０のディスプレイに表示する際に、タグ情報管理サーバ１０からダウンロードされた、ＲＦＩＤタグ３１（もしくは位置マーカ３０、石杭３２）に関連付けられたテキスト情報を、吹き出しやテロップとして合わせて表示することができる。 At this time, together with the display of the image data 13, as shown in FIG. 4, the reader 20 determines the sound volume and telop level based on the proximity between the reader 20 and the position marker 30 (RFID tag 31). The degree of proximity can be notified by size or the like. For example, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 5, the reader 20 displays the RFID tag 31 (or the position marker 30) downloaded from the tag information management server 10 when displaying the image data 13 on the display of the reader 20. The text information associated with the stone pile 32) can be displayed as a balloon or a telop.
　このとき、例えば、制御部２４によって算出された上記の近接度に基づいて、石杭３２（位置マーカ３０）に近付くほど（近接度が大きくなるほど）吹き出しやテロップが大きく表示されるよう変更する。大きさだけに限らず、例えば、表示色や表示フォントの大きさ、吹き出し等の点滅（ブリンク）の回数など、表示方法を変更させて通知するようにしてもよい。なお、本実施の形態では、上述したように、ディスプレイに表示する周辺の風景の画像データ１３を、石杭３２（位置マーカ３０）を設置した際に撮影したものとしているが、例えば、リーダ２０にＧＰＳと電子コンパス等により位置と方位とが判定できる機能と動画撮影が可能なカメラ機能を設け、これを利用して撮影した現時点での周辺の画像データに対して、公知のＡＲ（Augmented Reality：拡張現実）技術を利用して上記の吹き出しやテロップを重ねてディスプレイに表示するようにしてもよい。 At this time, for example, based on the proximity calculated by the control unit 24, the balloon or the telop is changed so as to be displayed larger as it approaches the stone pile 32 (position marker 30) (as the proximity increases). Not only the size but also the display method such as the display color, the size of the display font, the number of blinking of the balloons, etc. may be changed for notification. In the present embodiment, as described above, the image data 13 of the surrounding landscape displayed on the display is taken when the stone pile 32 (position marker 30) is installed. For example, the reader 20 Are provided with a function that can determine the position and orientation by GPS and an electronic compass and a camera function that can shoot a moving image, and for the surrounding image data that has been captured using this function, a known AR (Augmented Reality) : Augmented reality) The above balloons and telops may be overlapped and displayed on the display using technology.
　また、上述したように、これらの視覚情報と合わせて、スピーカから出力する通知音声の音量や、リーダ２０自体の振動の大小など、聴覚や触覚を始めとする他の知覚手段により把握できるように、入出力部２２による出力内容を近接度に応じて変更して通知するようにしてもよい。例えば、ユーザが自動車を利用して移動しながら位置マーカ３０が設置された構造物を探索する場合など、手が使用できず、リーダ２０のディスプレイを目視することもできないような場合には、通知音声の音量により近接度を通知するなど、ユーザの探索の状況や条件に応じて通知の手法を適宜選択・変更可能とすることで、より柔軟にユーザによる位置マーカ３０の探索を支援することができる。 In addition, as described above, in addition to the visual information, it can be grasped by other perceptual means such as auditory sense and tactile sense such as the volume of the notification sound output from the speaker and the magnitude of the vibration of the reader 20 itself. The output content of the input / output unit 22 may be changed according to the proximity and notified. For example, when the user searches for a structure on which the position marker 30 is installed while moving using a car, the hand cannot be used, and the display of the reader 20 cannot be seen. It is possible to support the user more flexibly by searching for the position marker 30 by making it possible to select and change the notification method as appropriate according to the user's search status and conditions, such as notifying the proximity based on the sound volume. it can.
　以上に説明したように、本発明の実施の形態１であるＲＦＩＤタグ探索支援システム１によれば、位置マーカ３０（ＲＦＩＤタグ３１）の正確な位置を直接探索するための大掛かりな装置等を要さず、位置マーカ３０（これが設置された構造物）を目視等の人手で容易に探索することができる程度の近傍までユーザが到達し、さらに実際に目視等により探索することを、簡易的な装置および手法で支援することができ、探索作業の効率化を容易に図ることが可能となる。 As described above, according to the RFID tag search support system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a large-scale device or the like for directly searching the accurate position of the position marker 30 (RFID tag 31) is required. First, it is easy for the user to reach a position where the position marker 30 (the structure on which the position marker 30 is installed) can be easily searched by human eyes such as visual inspection, and to actually search by visual inspection or the like. It is possible to assist with the apparatus and the technique, and it is possible to easily improve the efficiency of the search work.
　＜実施の形態２＞
　本発明の実施の形態２であるＲＦＩＤタグ探索支援システムは、基本的な構成は上述した実施の形態１とほぼ同様であるが、位置マーカ３０に配置されるＲＦＩＤタグ３１が１個でもよい（ｎ≧１）点が相違する。なお、以下の説明では、代表的な例として、位置マーカ３０に配置されるＲＦＩＤタグ３１が１個である場合について説明する。 <Embodiment 2>
The basic configuration of the RFID tag search support system according to the second embodiment of the present invention is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment described above, but one RFID tag 31 may be arranged on the position marker 30 ( n ≧ 1) is different. In the following description, a case where there is one RFID tag 31 arranged on the position marker 30 will be described as a representative example.
　この場合、ＲＦＩＤタグ３１の感度は１種類しかないことから、リーダ２０が位置マーカ３０（ＲＦＩＤタグ３１）を探索する際の手順は、実施の形態１の場合と異なり、リーダ２０側でＲＦＩＤタグ３１を呼び出す際の電波出力を複数種類で可変として、それぞれの電波出力でのＲＦＩＤタグ３１からの応答状況に基づいて位置マーカ３０（ＲＦＩＤタグ３１）を探索する。従って、本実施の形態におけるリーダ２０の読取部２１および制御部２４は、呼び出し信号の電波出力を可変にできるものとする。なお、本実施の形態では、位置マーカ３０に配置されるＲＦＩＤタグ３１は高感度であることが望ましい。 In this case, since the RFID tag 31 has only one type of sensitivity, the procedure when the reader 20 searches for the position marker 30 (RFID tag 31) is different from that in the first embodiment, and the RFID tag on the reader 20 side. The position marker 30 (RFID tag 31) is searched based on the response status from the RFID tag 31 at each radio wave output, with the radio wave output when calling 31 being variable in plural types. Accordingly, it is assumed that the reading unit 21 and the control unit 24 of the reader 20 in the present embodiment can change the radio wave output of the calling signal. In the present embodiment, it is desirable that the RFID tag 31 arranged on the position marker 30 has high sensitivity.
　図６は、本実施の形態における位置マーカ３０を探索する手法の例について概要を示した図である。図６では、地中の深さＤの位置に埋設された位置マーカ３０（他の構造物に設置された状態であってもよい）に配置されている１個のＲＦＩＤタグ３１に対して、リーダ２０から第１～第ｍのｍ種類の電波出力（第１の電波出力が最大出力であり、第２、第３、…の順で小さくなっていき、第ｍの電波出力が最小出力となる）でそれぞれ呼び出しを行った際に、応答を受け取ることができるエリアの状態を模式的に示している。 FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an outline of an example of a technique for searching for the position marker 30 in the present embodiment. In FIG. 6, with respect to one RFID tag 31 arranged on a position marker 30 (which may be installed in another structure) embedded at a position of depth D in the ground, The first to m-th m types of radio wave outputs from the reader 20 (the first radio wave output is the maximum output, decreases in the order of the second, third,..., And the m-th radio wave output is the minimum output. When a call is made, the state of an area where a response can be received is schematically shown.
　応答エリアの状態は、上段の図が上方から見た状態、下段の図が側方から見た断面の状態を示しており、第１の電波出力の場合の応答エリアが最も広く、第２、第３、…の順で狭くなっていき、第ｍの電波出力の場合の応答エリアが最も狭くなっていることを示している。なお、実施の形態１における図３の例と同様に、深さＤについては、ＲＦＩＤタグ３１の実用感度や設置条件等により適宜決定することができる。 The state of the response area shows a state where the upper diagram is seen from above, and a lower diagram shows the state of a cross section seen from the side. The response area in the case of the first radio wave output is the widest, It becomes narrow in the order of 3rd, ..., and shows that the response area in the case of the m-th radio wave output is the narrowest. As in the example of FIG. 3 in the first embodiment, the depth D can be appropriately determined depending on the practical sensitivity of the RFID tag 31, installation conditions, and the like.
　ここで、位置マーカ３０の探索手法の概要としては、例えば、リーダ２０からの第１の電波出力での呼び出しに対して、ＲＦＩＤタグ３１から応答があった（ＩＤを読み取ることができた）場合、リーダ２０は、少なくとも、第１の電波出力の場合の応答エリア内に存在することになる。このとき、リーダ２０は、さらに電波出力を落として第２の電波出力で呼び出しを行う。ＲＦＩＤタグ３１から応答があった場合は、少なくとも、第２の電波出力の場合の応答エリア内に存在することになる。 Here, as an outline of the search method of the position marker 30, for example, when there is a response from the RFID tag 31 to the call with the first radio wave output from the reader 20 (ID can be read). The reader 20 is present at least in the response area in the case of the first radio wave output. At this time, the reader 20 further calls the second radio wave output with the radio wave output lowered. When there is a response from the RFID tag 31, it exists at least in the response area in the case of the second radio wave output.
　同様に、電波出力をさらに段階的に落として、応答が得られなくなるまでＲＦＩＤタグ３１を呼び出す処理を繰り返す。応答が得られなくなった場合は、ユーザは、リーダ２０の位置を移動させ、当該電波出力で応答が得られる位置を探索する。最終的に最小の第ｍの電波出力で応答が得られる位置を探索することで、位置マーカ３０の近傍に到達することができる。なお、リーダ２０からの呼び出しの際に、ＲＦＩＤタグ３１のＩＤを指定して呼び出しを行うようにしてもよいし、ＩＤを指定せずに呼び出しを行うようにしてもよい。 Similarly, the process of calling the RFID tag 31 is repeated until the radio wave output is further reduced step by step and no response is obtained. When no response can be obtained, the user moves the position of the reader 20 and searches for a position where the response can be obtained with the radio wave output. By searching for a position where a response is finally obtained with the minimum m-th radio wave output, the vicinity of the position marker 30 can be reached. Note that when calling from the reader 20, the call may be made by specifying the ID of the RFID tag 31, or the call may be made without specifying the ID.
　図７は、本実施の形態における位置マーカ３０を探索する際のリーダ２０での処理の流れの例について概要を示した図である。ここでも、実施の形態１の図４の例と同様に、リーダ２０を使用して位置マーカ３０が設置された構造物を探索するユーザは、例えばＧＰＳ等の情報を利用して当該構造物の近辺までは到達しているものとする。まず、リーダ２０は、初期化処理等を行った後、第１～第ｍの各電波出力についてそれぞれ順に処理を行うループ処理を開始する（Ｓ１１）。 FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an outline of an example of the flow of processing in the reader 20 when searching for the position marker 30 in the present embodiment. Here again, as in the example of FIG. 4 of the first embodiment, a user who uses the reader 20 to search for a structure on which the position marker 30 is installed uses, for example, information such as GPS. It is assumed that the vicinity has been reached. First, after performing initialization processing and the like, the reader 20 starts loop processing for sequentially processing the first to m-th radio wave outputs (S11).
　ループ処理では、まず、読取部２１により、当該ループでの処理対象の電波出力（第ｊの電波出力とする）にて、位置マーカ３０に配置されたＲＦＩＤタグ３１の呼び出しを行い、応答を待ち受ける（Ｓ１２）。所定の時間応答を待ち受けた後、ＲＦＩＤタグ３１から応答があったか否かを判定する（Ｓ１３）。ＲＦＩＤタグ３１から応答がなかった場合は、第ｊの電波出力での応答エリア外にリーダがあるものと判断し、近接度を示す情報を出力してユーザに通知するため、ループ処理を抜けてステップＳ１７に進む。 In the loop processing, first, the reading unit 21 calls the RFID tag 31 disposed on the position marker 30 with the radio wave output to be processed in the loop (referred to as the j-th radio wave output), and waits for a response. (S12). After waiting for a response for a predetermined time, it is determined whether or not there is a response from the RFID tag 31 (S13). If there is no response from the RFID tag 31, it is determined that there is a reader outside the response area in the j-th radio wave output, and information indicating the proximity is output and notified to the user. Proceed to step S17.
　一方、ステップＳ１３で、ＲＦＩＤタグ３１から応答があった場合は、読取部２１により、ＲＦＩＤタグ３１のヒット率を算出する（Ｓ１４）。ヒット率は、実施の形態１と同様に、例えば、読取部２１が送信した呼び出し信号の数と、これに対してＲＦＩＤタグ３１から受信した応答の数（ヒット数）との比により算出しておく。その後、次の電波出力について上記のループ処理を繰り返す（Ｓ１５、Ｓ１１）。 On the other hand, if there is a response from the RFID tag 31 in step S13, the reading unit 21 calculates the hit rate of the RFID tag 31 (S14). As in the first embodiment, the hit rate is calculated by, for example, the ratio of the number of call signals transmitted by the reading unit 21 and the number of responses received from the RFID tag 31 (hits number). deep. Thereafter, the above loop processing is repeated for the next radio wave output (S15, S11).
　ループ処理が終了、もしくは、ステップＳ１３でＲＦＩＤタグ３１からの応答がなかった場合は、リーダ２０と位置マーカ３０（ＲＦＩＤタグ３１）との近接度を示す情報を出力してユーザに通知する（Ｓ１６）。ここでは、例えば、ステップＳ１１～Ｓ１５のループ処理において応答があった中で最小の第ｊの電波出力について、制御部２４は、電波出力の種類の数ｍとｊとの比などに基づいて近接度を算出する。例えば、読取部２１が異なる４種類の電波出力でＲＦＩＤタグ３１を呼び出す場合（ｎ＝４）で、応答があった最小の電波出力が第３の電波出力であった場合（ｊ＝３）、近接度を３／４＝７５％として近似的に算出することができる。 When the loop processing is completed or there is no response from the RFID tag 31 in step S13, information indicating the proximity between the reader 20 and the position marker 30 (RFID tag 31) is output and notified to the user (S16). ). Here, for example, for the smallest j-th radio wave output that has been responded in the loop processing of steps S11 to S15, the control unit 24 approaches based on the ratio between the number m of radio wave output types and j, and the like. Calculate the degree. For example, when the reading unit 21 calls the RFID tag 31 with four different types of radio wave outputs (n = 4), and the minimum radio wave output with a response is the third radio wave output (j = 3), The degree of proximity can be approximately calculated as 3/4 = 75%.
　実施の形態１の場合と同様に、ここで算出した近接度に応じて、入出力部２２によって出力内容を変更して通知情報を出力する。例えば、ビープ音等の通知音声の音量や、ディスプレイにコメント等を表示する吹き出しやテロップの大きさや色等を、近接度に応じて変更して出力する。なお、第１の電波出力（最大出力）でＲＦＩＤタグ３１から応答が得られなかった場合は、近接度の通知を出力しない（もしくは最低レベルで出力する）ようにしてもよいし、応答エリア外にいる旨をユーザに通知するようにしてもよい。 As in the case of the first embodiment, the output information is changed by the input / output unit 22 according to the proximity calculated here, and notification information is output. For example, the volume of a notification sound such as a beep sound, the size or color of a balloon or telop that displays a comment or the like on the display is changed according to the proximity, and is output. If no response is obtained from the RFID tag 31 with the first radio wave output (maximum output), the proximity notification may not be output (or output at the lowest level), or outside the response area. You may be made to notify a user that he / she is in.
　また、実施の形態１と同様に、上記の近接度に基づいて通知情報の出力内容を変更して通知する際に、さらに、ステップＳ１４で算出したヒット率の情報を反映させてもよい。例えば、スピーカから通知音声を出力する際の音量によって通知する場合、上記の近接度に基づいて決定された音量を基準として、さらに、ヒット率が大きいほど音量が大きくなるよう調整を加えてもよい。 Further, as in the first embodiment, when the notification information output content is changed based on the proximity described above, the hit rate information calculated in step S14 may be reflected. For example, in the case of notifying by the volume at the time of outputting the notification sound from the speaker, the volume may be adjusted so that the volume increases as the hit rate increases, based on the volume determined based on the proximity described above. .
　その後、ユーザから探索終了の指示があったか否かを判定し（Ｓ１７）、指示がなかった場合はステップＳ１１に戻って一連の処理を繰り返して探索処理を継続する一方、終了指示があった場合は探索処理を終了する。 Thereafter, it is determined whether or not an instruction to end the search is received from the user (S17). If there is no instruction, the process returns to step S11 to repeat the series of processes to continue the search process. The search process is terminated.
　以上の処理により、ユーザは、実施の形態１の例と同様に、目的の位置マーカ３０に対して概略どの程度の位置にいるのかや、移動した際に位置マーカ３０に対して近づいているのか遠ざかっているのかといった情報を把握することができる。 With the above processing, as in the example of the first embodiment, the approximate position of the user with respect to the target position marker 30 and whether the user is approaching the position marker 30 when moving Information such as whether the user is moving away can be grasped.
　また、実施の形態１の場合と同様に、例えば、ユーザを中心軸としてリーダ２０のアンテナを回転させながら灯台の燈火状に走査した場合、アンテナがＲＦＩＤタグ３１の存在する方向を向いているほどヒット率は高くなる。従って、ＲＦＩＤタグ３１の存在する方向について、例えば、リーダ２０に電子コンパスを設けてリーダ２０の向いている方角を検出し、ヒット率が最も高くなった方角を記録する構成とすることで、探索を効率化することができる。また、上記の方角については、電子コンパスによる計測に限らず、おおよその方角・方向をユーザが判断するものであってもよい。 Similarly to the case of the first embodiment, for example, when scanning the lighthouse like a lighthouse while rotating the antenna of the reader 20 around the user as the central axis, the antenna is oriented in the direction in which the RFID tag 31 exists. The hit rate is high. Therefore, for the direction in which the RFID tag 31 exists, for example, a configuration in which an electronic compass is provided in the reader 20 to detect the direction in which the reader 20 is facing, and the direction in which the hit rate is the highest is recorded. Can be made more efficient. In addition, the direction is not limited to the measurement using an electronic compass, and the user may determine an approximate direction and direction.
　ここで、リーダ２０のアンテナまたはリーダ２０に接続する外部アンテナを、例えば、スタック型などの八木アンテナ（登録商標）、またはホーン型アンテナ、パラボラアンテナ等の指向性の高いアンテナとすることで、ＲＦＩＤタグ３１の存在する方角を高い精度で求めることができる。この場合、方角の検出は、リーダ２０の向いている方角ではなく、アンテナの指向性が向いている方角を測定することができるように電子コンパス等を設置する。 Here, the antenna of the reader 20 or the external antenna connected to the reader 20 is an RFID having a high directivity such as a stack type Yagi antenna (registered trademark), a horn type antenna, a parabolic antenna, or the like. The direction in which the tag 31 exists can be obtained with high accuracy. In this case, the direction is detected by installing an electronic compass or the like so that the direction in which the antenna directivity is directed, not the direction in which the reader 20 is directed, can be measured.
　これにより、目的の位置マーカ３０（これに配置されたＲＦＩＤタグ３１）の存在する方向を検出しておき、検出された方向に沿って検出を行いながら移動する。その際、上記の近接度が低下し始めた場合は停止して、再度ＲＦＩＤタグ３１の存在する方向を検出するという手順をを繰り返すことで、目的の位置マーカ３０（これに配置されたＲＦＩＤタグ３１）に漸次接近するという方法をとることができる。 Thus, the direction in which the target position marker 30 (the RFID tag 31 arranged on the target marker 30) is detected is detected, and the target position marker 30 moves while performing detection along the detected direction. At that time, when the proximity starts to decrease, the procedure is stopped and the procedure of detecting the direction in which the RFID tag 31 exists again is repeated, so that the target position marker 30 (the RFID tag disposed thereon) The method of gradually approaching 31) can be taken.
　一方、実施の形態１の例と比較して、本実施の形態では、リーダ２０が複数の電波出力で呼び出し信号を出力できる必要があることから、リーダ２０の構成が複雑になる一方、位置マーカ３０に配置されるＲＦＩＤタグ３１が１個であることから、位置マーカ３０の製造コストを低減することができる。 On the other hand, compared with the example of the first embodiment, in the present embodiment, the reader 20 needs to be able to output a call signal with a plurality of radio wave outputs. Since the number of the RFID tags 31 arranged on 30 is one, the manufacturing cost of the position marker 30 can be reduced.
　以上、本発明者によってなされた発明を実施の形態に基づき具体的に説明したが、本発明は前記実施の形態に限定されるものではなく、その要旨を逸脱しない範囲で種々変更可能であることはいうまでもない。 As mentioned above, the invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Needless to say.
　例えば、位置マーカ３０について、実施の形態１と実施の形態２とで、配置されるＲＦＩＤタグ３１の数が複数の場合と１個でもよい場合とを区別して記載したが、これらの構成を組み合わせて利用することも当然可能である。例えば、実施の形態１での複数のＲＦＩＤタグ３１を有する位置マーカ３０に対して、その中の特定のＲＦＩＤタグ３１（例えば最も高感度のもの）を対象として、実施の形態２の手法により、リーダ２０から複数の電波出力で呼び出しを行って探索するようにしてもよい。また、実施の形態１および実施の形態２での位置マーカ３０の構成において、配置されるＲＦＩＤタグ３１が寿命や故障等により動作しない場合を考慮して、例えば、同一もしくは近い性能（感度）のＲＦＩＤタグ３１を複数個配置して冗長化した構成としてもよい。 For example, the position marker 30 is described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment by distinguishing between the case where a plurality of RFID tags 31 are arranged and the case where only one RFID tag 31 may be arranged. Of course, it is also possible to use them. For example, with respect to the position marker 30 having a plurality of RFID tags 31 in the first embodiment, a specific RFID tag 31 (for example, the one having the highest sensitivity) among them is used as a target by the method of the second embodiment. A search may be made by calling from the reader 20 with a plurality of radio wave outputs. Further, in the configuration of the position marker 30 in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, in consideration of the case where the arranged RFID tag 31 does not operate due to a lifetime or failure, for example, the performance (sensitivity) is the same or close. A configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of RFID tags 31 are arranged and made redundant.
　本発明は、ＲＦＩＤタグが設置された構造物をユーザが探索して当該位置まで到達することを支援するＲＦＩＤタグ探索支援システムおよび位置マーカならびにリーダ装置に利用可能である。 The present invention can be used for an RFID tag search support system, a position marker, and a reader device that support a user searching for a structure in which an RFID tag is installed and reaching the position.
　１…ＲＦＩＤタグ探索支援システム、
　１０…タグ情報管理サーバ、１１…タグ情報管理部、１２…タグ情報データベース（ＤＢ）、１３…画像データ、
　２０…リーダ、２１…読取部、２２…入出力部、２３…通信部、２４…制御部、
　３０…位置マーカ、３１…ＲＦＩＤタグ、３２…石杭。 
 
  1 RFID tag search support system,
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Tag information management server, 11 ... Tag information management part, 12 ... Tag information database (DB), 13 ... Image data,
20 ... Reader, 21 ... Reading unit, 22 ... Input / output unit, 23 ... Communication unit, 24 ... Control unit,
30 ... Position marker, 31 ... RFID tag, 32 ... Stone pile.

Claims (9)

  1. 　探索対象の構造物に設置された複数のＲＦＩＤタグと、
    　前記各ＲＦＩＤタグに対して呼び出しを行い、応答されたＩＤの情報を読み取るリーダとを有するＲＦＩＤタグ探索支援システムであって、
    　前記各ＲＦＩＤタグは、それぞれ異なる感度を有し、
    　前記リーダは、前記各ＲＦＩＤタグに対して呼び出しを行い、ＩＤを読み取ることができたもののうち最も感度の低いものに係る情報に基づいて、前記リーダと前記探索対象の構造物との間の近接度を算出して、当該近接度を示す情報を出力してユーザに通知することを特徴とするＲＦＩＤタグ探索支援システム。     A plurality of RFID tags installed in the structure to be searched;
    An RFID tag search support system having a reader that calls each RFID tag and reads information of the responded ID,
    Each RFID tag has a different sensitivity,
    The reader makes a call to each of the RFID tags, and based on the information related to the least sensitive one that can read the ID, proximity between the reader and the structure to be searched An RFID tag search support system that calculates a degree, outputs information indicating the degree of proximity, and notifies the user.
  2. 　探索対象の構造物に設置されたＲＦＩＤタグと、
    　前記ＲＦＩＤタグに対して呼び出しを行い、応答されたＩＤの情報を読み取るリーダとを有するＲＦＩＤタグ探索支援システムであって、
    　前記リーダは、前記ＲＦＩＤタグに対して複数の異なる電波出力により逐次呼び出しを行い、ＩＤを読み取ることができた電波出力のうち最も小さいものに係る情報に基づいて、前記リーダと前記探索対象の構造物との間の近接度を算出して、当該近接度を示す情報を出力してユーザに通知することを特徴とするＲＦＩＤタグ探索支援システム。     An RFID tag installed in the structure to be searched;
    An RFID tag search support system having a reader that calls the RFID tag and reads information of the responded ID,
    The reader sequentially calls the RFID tag with a plurality of different radio wave outputs, and based on the information related to the smallest radio wave output from which the ID can be read, the reader and the structure of the search target An RFID tag search support system characterized in that it calculates a proximity between an object, outputs information indicating the proximity, and notifies the user.
  3. 　請求項１または２に記載のＲＦＩＤタグ探索支援システムにおいて、
    　前記探索対象の構造物に設置された前記各ＲＦＩＤタグは、前記各ＲＦＩＤタグが配置された構造物からなる位置マーカとして設置されていることを特徴とするＲＦＩＤタグ探索支援システム。     The RFID tag search support system according to claim 1 or 2,
    The RFID tag search support system, wherein each RFID tag installed in the search target structure is installed as a position marker made of a structure in which each RFID tag is arranged.
  4. 　請求項１～３のいずれか１項に記載のＲＦＩＤタグ探索支援システムにおいて、
    　前記リーダは、前記近接度を示す情報を出力してユーザに通知する際、前記近接度に応じて、前記リーダからの出力内容を変更させて出力することを特徴とするＲＦＩＤタグ探索支援システム。     The RFID tag search support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
    The RFID tag search support system, wherein when the reader outputs information indicating the proximity and notifies the user, the content output from the reader is changed according to the proximity.
  5. 　請求項４に記載のＲＦＩＤタグ探索支援システムにおいて、
    　前記リーダは、前記近接度に応じて前記リーダからの出力内容を変更させて出力する際に、さらに、前記ＲＦＩＤタグに対する呼び出し信号の送信数に対する前記ＲＦＩＤタグからの応答の受信数の比からなるヒット率に応じて、前記リーダからの出力内容を変更させて出力することを特徴とするＲＦＩＤタグ探索支援システム。     The RFID tag search support system according to claim 4,
    When the reader changes and outputs the output content from the reader according to the proximity, the reader further includes a ratio of the number of responses received from the RFID tag to the number of transmissions of the calling signal to the RFID tag. An RFID tag search support system, wherein the content output from the reader is changed according to a hit rate and output.
  6. 　請求項１～５のいずれか１項に記載のＲＦＩＤタグ探索支援システムにおいて、
    　さらに、前記ＲＦＩＤタグが設置された前記探索対象の構造物を設置した際の周辺の風景の画像データを含む前記ＲＦＩＤタグに関連する情報を、前記ＲＦＩＤタグのＩＤと関連付けて保持するタグ情報データベースを有するタグ情報管理サーバを有し、
    　前記リーダは、前記ＲＦＩＤタグに対して呼び出しを行い、ＩＤを読み取ることができた場合に、前記タグ情報管理サーバから取得した、前記ＲＦＩＤタグに係る前記画像データを表示することを特徴とするＲＦＩＤタグ探索支援システム。     The RFID tag search support system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
    Further, a tag information database that holds information related to the RFID tag including image data of surrounding scenery when the structure to be searched on which the RFID tag is installed is associated with the ID of the RFID tag A tag information management server having
    The reader displays the image data related to the RFID tag acquired from the tag information management server when the reader makes a call to the RFID tag and can read the ID. Tag search support system.
  7. 　請求項１～６のいずれか１項に記載のＲＦＩＤタグ探索支援システムにおいて、
    　前記探索対象の構造物は、前記探索対象の構造物に設置された前記ＲＦＩＤタグが、地下部分に埋設された位置になるよう設置されていることを特徴とするＲＦＩＤタグ探索支援システム。     The RFID tag search support system according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
    The RFID tag search support system, wherein the structure to be searched is installed so that the RFID tag installed in the structure to be searched is located at a position embedded in an underground part.
  8. 　１つ以上のＲＦＩＤタグが配置された構造物からなり、探索対象の構造物に設置される位置マーカであって、
    　前記各ＲＦＩＤタグは、それぞれ異なる感度を有することを特徴とする位置マーカ。     It is a position marker composed of a structure in which one or more RFID tags are arranged, and is installed in a structure to be searched,
    Each of the RFID tags has a different sensitivity.
  9. 　探索対象の構造物に設置された１つ以上のＲＦＩＤタグに対して呼び出しを行い、ＩＤを読み取るリーダ装置であって、
    　前記ＩＤを読み取ることができた前記ＲＦＩＤタグに係る情報に基づいて、前記ＲＦＩＤタグが設置された前記探索対象の構造物を設置した際の周辺の風景の画像データを表示し、また、前記リーダと前記探索対象の構造物との間の近接度を算出して、当該近接度を示す情報を出力してユーザに通知することを特徴とするリーダ装置。
     
     
     
          A reader device that calls one or more RFID tags installed in a structure to be searched and reads an ID,
    Based on the information related to the RFID tag from which the ID could be read, image data of a surrounding landscape when the search target structure with the RFID tag is installed is displayed, and the reader A reader device that calculates a proximity between the search target structure and the search target structure, outputs information indicating the proximity, and notifies the user.



PCT/JP2012/053710 2012-02-16 2012-02-16 Rfid tag search assistance system and position marker as well as reader device WO2013121564A1 (en)

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