WO2006070461A1

WO2006070461A1 - Information reader, information reading method and information reading program

Info

Publication number: WO2006070461A1
Application number: PCT/JP2004/019617
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hirotaka Nishida; Norihiro Nakamura; Haruo Obana
Original assignee: Fujitsu Limited; Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
Priority date: 2004-12-28
Filing date: 2004-12-28
Publication date: 2006-07-06
Also published as: JPWO2006070461A1; JP4740882B2

Abstract

A reader/writer (21) reads out information of configuration codes stored in RFID tags (14) attached to a plurality of articles such as a product (10), a box (11), a case (12) and a pallet (13). An RFID tag number detecting part (22) detects a total number of the RFID tags (14) whose configuration code information is read. A match judging section (25) judges whether a total number of the RFID tags (14) calculated by an RFID tag number calculating section (35) based on the configuration code read from each RFID tag (14) attached to the articles matches with the total number of the RFID tags (14) detected by the RFID tag number detecting section (22).

Description

Specification

Information reading apparatus, information reading method, and information reading program

Technical field

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to an information reading device, an information reading method, and an information reading program for reading information stored in RFID tags attached to a plurality of articles, and more particularly to data of RFID tags attached to articles. The present invention relates to an information reading apparatus, an information reading method, and an information reading program capable of reliably confirming whether or not the force has been successfully read. Background art

In recent years, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags have been widely used in the field of physical distribution. An RFID tag is an IC chip that stores various data, and performs data communication with a reader / writer that reads and writes data using radio waves.

[0003] For example, the RFID tag can be used for confirming the number of products when receiving and shipping products. Specifically, the number of products can be confirmed by attaching RFID tags to each product and checking the number of RFID tags from which data could be read.

[0004] However, it is difficult to set the reading rate when reading data with RFID tag power to 100% every time, so it is not possible to reliably check whether the number of products is correct. Occurs.

[0005] The reason why the reading rate does not reach 100% is the distance between the RFID tag and the reader / writer, the positional relationship between the R FID tag and the reader / writer, the moving speed of the product with the RFID tag attached, This is due to the effects of radio wave interference, radio wave noise, surrounding metal, moisture, and RFID tag failures.

[0006] In order to improve this, SCM (Shipping) includes information on the number of products as barcode information in a packaging box that stores the products just by attaching RFID tags to each product.

(Container Marking) A method has been proposed in which a label is attached and the number of products is double checked from the RFID tag and the barcode on the SCM label (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0007] However, in this method, the packaging boxes for which the number of products should be confirmed are successively sent. In this case, it is troublesome to read each barcode one by one with a barcode reader. For this reason, instead of attaching the SCM label to the packaging box, a method has been proposed in which an RFID tag storing information on the number of products is attached to the packaging box and the information is read by radio waves to check the number of products ( For example, see Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3;).

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-91088

Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-115214

Patent Document 3: JP 2002-37413 A

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0009] However, in the above prior art, if the RFID tag that stores the number of products and the RFID tag cannot be read successfully, the information on the number of products stored in the packing box cannot be obtained. There was a problem that it was difficult to confirm the number of products.

[0010] That is, as described above, since it is difficult to set the reading rate of the RFID tag to 100% each time, when the RFID tag storing the number of products has the power to read well, it is attached to the product. It was difficult and difficult to confirm whether or not all RFID tag data could be read.

[0011] For this reason, an important issue is whether or not the reader / writer can read the data of the RFID tag attached to the product without fail by confirming whether it is V or not. It is coming.

[0012] The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems caused by the prior art, and reliably confirms whether or not all the data of the RFID tag attached to the article can be read. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information reading apparatus, an information reading method, and an information reading program.

Means for solving the problem

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention is an information reading device that reads information stored in RFID tags attached to a plurality of articles, and is attached to the plurality of articles. Read the information to read the information used to identify the total number of RFID tags stored in the RFID tag or the information search key to identify the total number of RFID tags. And an RFID tag number detection means for detecting the total number of RFID tags read from the information for specifying the total number of RFID tags or the information search key for specifying the total number of RFID tags; The total number of RFID tags calculated based on the information obtained by reading the RFI D tag force attached to a plurality of articles by the information reading means and the total number of RFID tags detected by the RFID tag number detecting means match. And a match determining means for determining whether or not the force is applied.

[0014] Further, according to the present invention, the information processing apparatus further includes a database storing information for specifying the total number of RFID tags in association with search keys, and the match determination unit refers to the data base. The information for specifying the total number of RFID tags is acquired by the above, and the total number of RFID tags calculated based on the information for specifying the total number of RFID tags and the RFID detected by the RF ID tag number detection means It is characterized by determining whether or not the total number of tags matches the power.

[0015] Also, in the present invention according to the present invention, the database stores information for specifying the total number of RFID tags for each of different packing forms, and the coincidence determining unit has a predetermined packing form. Based on the information for identifying the total number of RFID tags, it is determined whether or not the total number of RFI D tags calculated based on the total number of RFID tags detected by the RFID tag number detection means matches. It is characterized by doing.

[0016] Also, in the present invention according to the above-described invention, the information reading unit includes information for specifying a total number of RFID tags stored for each of different packing forms in RFID tags attached to a plurality of articles. The matching determination means reads the total number of RFID tags calculated based on information for specifying the total number of RFID tags in a predetermined packing form and the total number of RFID tags detected by the RFID tag number detection means. -It is characterized by determining whether or not it matches.

[0017] Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the information reading means is information for specifying the total number of RFID tags stored in RFID tags attached to a plurality of articles or the total number of RFI D tags. In addition to reading information serving as a search key for information for specifying the information, the information related to the packing form stored in the RFID tag is read, and the match determination means is the packing form read by the information reading means. Packaging type specified by information on The total number of RFID tags calculated based on the information for specifying the total number of RFID tags or the information search key for specifying the total number of RFID tags and the RFID tag number detection means are detected. It is characterized by determining whether or not the total number of RFID tags matches.

[0018] Further, the present invention is an information reading method for reading information stored in RFID tags attached to a plurality of articles, and includes an R FID tag stored in RFID tags attached to a plurality of articles. An information reading process for reading information for specifying the total number or information used as a search key for specifying the total number of RFID tags, and specifying the total number of RFID tags or the total number of RFID tags RFID tag number detection process for detecting the total number of RFID tags that have read information serving as a search key for information to be read, and RFID tag power attached to a plurality of articles by the information reading process Based on the read information A matching determination step for determining whether or not the total number of RFID tags calculated by V and the total number of RFI D tags detected by the RFID tag number detection step match. Let's say.

[0019] Further, the present invention provides an information reading program for reading information stored in RFID tags attached to a plurality of articles, the RFID tag stored in the RFID tags attached to the plurality of articles. Information reading procedure for reading information to identify the total number or information to be used as a search key for identifying the total number of RFID tags, and information for identifying the total number of RFID tags or the total number of RFID tags RFID tag number detection procedure for detecting the total number of RFID tags that have read information that serves as a search key for information, and RFID tag force attached to a plurality of articles by the information reading procedure Based on the read information Causing the computer to execute a coincidence determination procedure for determining whether the calculated total number of RFID tags and the total number of R FID tags detected by the RFID tag number detection procedure match each other. And it features.

The invention's effect

[0020] According to the present invention, information for specifying the total number of RFID tags stored in RFID tags attached to a plurality of articles or information serving as a search key for information for specifying the total number of RFID tags is obtained. Read information to identify the total number of RFID tags or RFID tags The total number of RFID tags that have read the information that serves as a search key for information to identify the total number of RFID tags is detected, and the RFID tag power attached to multiple items The RFID tag that is calculated based on the read information Since it was decided whether or not the total number and the total number of detected RFID tags match, the information to identify the total number of RFID tags stored in at least one RFID tag or the total number of RFID tags If the information used as a search key for identifying information can be read, the total number of RFID tags can be identified, and whether or not all RFID tag data attached to the article could be read. If it can be confirmed with certainty!

[0021] Further, according to the present invention, information for specifying the total number of RFID tags is acquired by referring to a database in which information for specifying the total number of RFID tags is stored in association with search keys. Based on the information for specifying the total number of RFID tags, it was decided whether or not the total number of R FID tags calculated and the total number of detected RFID tags would match. By storing information for specifying the total number of RFID tags and referring to it, the amount of information stored in the RFID tags can be reduced, and the RFID tags can be used effectively. Has an effect.

[0022] According to the present invention, the database for storing the information for specifying the total number of RFID tags for each different packing form is referred to, and the total number of RFID tags is specified for a predetermined packing form. Based on this information, it was decided whether the total number of RFID tags calculated and the total number of detected RFID tags would match, so the data of RFID tags attached to articles for each packing form If you can confirm whether or not you were able to read all of them correctly!

[0023] Further, according to the present invention, the information for specifying the total number of RFID tags stored for each different packing form in the RFID tags attached to a plurality of articles is read, and in a predetermined packing form, Based on the information for identifying the total number of RFID tags, it is determined whether the total number of RFID tags calculated and the total number of detected RFID tags match each other. Based on the information for identifying the total number of RFID tags stored for each packing form in the tag, make sure that all the data of the RFID tags attached to the article can be read. There is an effect that can be. [0024] Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a search key for information for specifying the total number of RFI D tags stored in RFID tags attached to a plurality of articles, or for specifying the total number of RFID tags. Information for identifying the total number of RFID tags in the packing form specified by the information on the packing form stored in the RFID tag and reading the packing form stored in the RFID tag. Because it was decided whether or not the total number of RFID tags calculated based on the information used as a search key for information for specifying the total number of RFID tags matches the total number of detected RFID tags. By storing the information related to the packing form in the RFID tag, the user can pack the product when confirming whether it is possible to read all the data of the RFID tag attached to the product. Specify the form An effect that it is possible to save labor.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the concept of information reading processing according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the information reading apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration information definition file shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the information reading process according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of tag storage information stored in an RFID tag according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the information reading apparatus according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of a computer serving as the terminal device shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of a computer serving as the server device shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of a computer serving as the information reading device shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of tag storage information including package level information. Explanation of symbols

[0026] 10 items

11 boxes 12 cases

13 Noretto

14 RFID tag

15, 40, 60 Tag memory information

16 RFID tag number database

20 Terminal equipment

21, 51 Reader 'Writer

22, 54 RFID tag number detector

23, 32, 52 Input section

24, 33, 53 Display

25, 56 Match judgment part

26, 34, O I

27, 31 Wireless communication unit

28, 36, 58 Control unit

30 server equipment

34a. Configuration information definition file

35, 55 RFID tag number calculator

50 Information reader

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an information reading apparatus, an information reading method, and an information reading program according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that here, at the time of product arrival / exit, whether or not all the data of the RFID tag attached to the product, the box containing the product, the case containing the box, the pallet carrying the case, etc. could be read. The case of confirming this will be described.

Example 1

First, the concept of the information reading process according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the concept of information reading processing according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, in this information reading process, each product 10, a box 11 containing a plurality of products, and a case 12 containing a plurality of boxes are stored. The RFID tag 14 is attached to the pallet 13 on which a plurality of cases are placed.

[0029] All attached RFID tags 14 store tag storage information 15 that also includes the ID, configuration code, and general data power of the RFID tag 14. Here, the ID is an ID for uniquely identifying the RFID tag 14. The configuration code is information for identifying the product whose number is to be confirmed. Further, the general data is arbitrary data stored by the RFID tag user, for example, data relating to a product such as a product name and a manufacturing date.

In the example of FIG. 1, a case where the configuration code is “123000” is shown. The same configuration code “123000” is stored in each RFID tag 14 attached to each product 10, box 11, case 12, and pallet 13.

[0031] Further, for this information reading process, an RFID tag number database 16 in which a configuration code and information on the number of RFID tags are stored in association with each other is used. For example, when confirming the number of products on the «let 13», the RFID tag 14 is attached to the product 10, the box 11, the case 12 and the pallet 13 with the information reader of the RFID tag 14 on the pallet 13. Read tag storage information 15 from.

[0032] Then, the information reading device detects the number of RFID tags that could read the tag storage information 15, and refers to the RFID tag number database 16 to correspond to the configuration code included in the tag storage information 15 The information on the number of tags is acquired, and the tag storage information 15 is compared with the number of RFID tags that could be read to determine whether or not they match.

[0033] If the number of RFID tags matches, it turns out that tag storage information 15 of all RFID tags 14 attached to product 10, box 11, case 12, and pallet 13 could be read. To do.

[0034] However, if the number of RFIDs does not match, among the RFID tags 14 attached to the product 10, the box 11, the case 12, and the «let 13 ', the tag storage information 15 could not be read. It turns out that there is. In this case, the user can be prompted to reload the RFID tag 14 by outputting an error message.

[0035] Thus, in this information reading process, if the information of the configuration code stored in at least one RFID tag 14 can be read, the total number of RFID tags 14 can be specified, and the product 10, RFID attached to items such as box 11, case 12, pallet 13 It is possible to confirm with certainty whether all the data of tag 14 has been read.

Next, a functional configuration of the information reading apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the information reading apparatus according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the information reading device is composed of a terminal device 20 and a server device 30.

[0037] The terminal device 20 also reads the information of the configuration code of the RFID tag 14 and transmits the information to the server device 30, and also detects the number of RFID tags 14 that could read the data. When information on the total number of tags 14 was received, the total number of RFID tags 14 was compared with the number of RFID tags 14 that were able to read the data. Process to determine whether or not

The terminal device 20 includes a reader / writer 21, an RFID tag number detection unit 22, an input unit 23, a display unit 24, a coincidence determination unit 25, a storage unit 26, a wireless communication unit 27, and a control unit 28. The reader / writer 21 performs processing for reading the tag storage information 15 stored in the RFID tag 14 from the product 10, the box 11, the case 12, and the pallet 13 by performing radio wave communication.

The RFID tag number detection unit 22 performs processing for detecting the number of RFID tags 14 that the reader / writer 21 has read the tag storage information 15. The input unit 23 is an input device such as a touch panel or a button. The display unit 24 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display.

[0040] When the reader / writer 21 reads the RFID tag 14 and also the tag storage information 15, the match determination unit 25 sends the configuration code included in the tag storage information 15 to the server device 30 via the wireless communication unit 27. And requests the server device 30 to transmit information on the total number of RFID tags 14 corresponding to the configuration code.

[0041] Then, the coincidence determination unit 25 compares the total number of RFID tags 14 detected by the RFID tag number detection unit 22 with the total number of RFID tags 14 received from the server device 30, and the matching force is obtained. The result of the comparison is output to the display unit 24.

[0042] The storage unit 26 is a storage device such as a flash memory, and stores data handled by the RFID tag number detection unit 22 and the match determination unit 25. The wireless communication unit 27 is connected to the server device 30. It is a communication part which communicates by radio | wireless. The control unit 28 controls the terminal device 20 as a whole, and controls data exchange between the functional units.

[0043] When the server device 30 is requested to transmit information on the total number of RFID tags 14 from the terminal device 20, the server device 30 performs processing to transmit the information to the terminal device 20. This server device

30 includes a wireless communication unit 31, an input unit 32, a display unit 33, a storage unit 34, an RFID tag number calculation unit 35, and a control unit 36.

The wireless communication unit 31 is a communication unit that performs wireless communication with the terminal device 20. The input unit 32 is an input device such as a mouse or a keyboard. The display unit 33 is a display device such as a display.

The storage unit 34 is a storage device such as a hard disk device. The storage unit 34 stores a configuration information definition file 34a. Figure 3 shows the configuration information definition file shown in Figure 2.

It is a figure which shows an example of 34a.

[0046] The configuration information definition file 34a is included in the box 11 in each packing state of the box 11 in which the product 10 is stored, the case 12 in which the box is stored, and the pallet 13 in which the case 12 is loaded. This file stores information on the number of products 10, the number of boxes 11 included in case 12, and the number of cases 12 loaded on pallet 13.

[0047] In the information reading process described with reference to FIG. 1, the power to preliminarily store the total number of RFID tags 14 as the RFID tag number database 16 Here, in the configuration information definition file 34a, The total number of RFID tags 14 is calculated based on the stored information.

As shown in FIG. 3, the configuration information definition file 34a stores information on the configuration code, the classification, and the number of items stored by packaging level. The configuration code is the same as the configuration code described in FIG. 1, and is a number for identifying the product 10 that is the target for checking whether or not all data has been read from the RFID tag 14. .

[0049] The classification is information indicating the type of the product 10. The number of items stored by packaging level is the number of items stored in box 11, case 12 or pallet 13 for each packaging level of product 10 !.

[0050] Here, as described in FIG. 1, the packing level means that the product 10 is a box 11, a case 12, and This is the level of the packing state of the box 11, the case 12, and the pallet 13 when the pallet 13 is transported in the packing state.

[0051] In the example of FIG. 3, the packing state of the box 11 is “1” at the packing level, the packing state of the case 12 is “2” at the packing level, and the packing state of the pallet 13 is “ For each product 10 that is set to `` 3 '' and specified by the configuration code, the number of products 10 contained in the box 11, the number of boxes 11 contained in the case 12, and the pallet 13 are loaded. The number of cases 12 is stored for each packing level “1”, “2”, and “3”.

Note that the information stored in the configuration information definition file 34a is equivalent to the information stored in the RFID tag number database 16 shown in FIG. In other words, the total number of RFID tags 14 at each package level is calculated by referring to this configuration information definition file 34a. The calculation method will be described later in detail.

[0053] Returning to the description of FIG. 2, the RFID tag number calculating unit 35 uses the configuration code and the configuration information definition file 34a transmitted by the terminal device 20 to detect the RFID at each package level of the product 10 corresponding to the configuration code. The total number of tags 14 is calculated, and the calculation result is transmitted to the terminal device 20 via the wireless communication unit 31.

[0054] Specifically, the RFID tag number calculation unit 35 is attached to the product 11 that is stored in the box 11 and the box 11 when the package level force is “l”. Total number of tags 14 X

1

X level

1 = (number of items in package 1) + 1 ... (Formula 1)

Calculated by

[0055] For example, in FIG. 3, when the configuration code is "123000", X = 4 + 1 = 5

1

It becomes.

[0056] When the package level force is other than "l", the RFID tag number calculation unit 35 calculates the total number X of RFID tags 14 in each package state level "n"

X = X X (Containment number of packing level “n”) + 1... (Formula 2)

n n-1

It calculates using the relational expression.

For example, in FIG. 3, when the configuration code is “123000”, the case 12 at the packing level “2”, the box 11 housed in the case 12, and the box 11 are housed. Product The total number of RFID tags 14 attached to 10

2

X = X X (number of items with packing level "2") + 1 = 5 X 3 + 1 = 16

twenty one

It becomes.

[0058] Also, in FIG. 3, when the configuration code is "123000", the pallet ノ 13 and the pallet 卜 13 [packing level 12] are stored. [The box 11 to be stored and the total number X of RFID tags 14 attached to the product 10 stored in the box 11 is

3 Using Equation 2,

X = X X (number of items with packing level "3") + 1 = 16 X 18 + 1 = 289

3 2

It becomes.

Returning to the description of FIG. 2, the control unit 36 is a control unit that controls the server device 30 as a whole, and controls data exchange between the functional units.

Next, a processing procedure of information reading processing according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the information reading process according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, first, the input unit 23 of the terminal device 20 also accepts input of the load level of the load for measuring the number of RFID tags (step S101).

Then, the reader / writer 21 reads the tag storage information 15 by performing wireless communication with the RFID tag 14 existing in the load for measuring the number of RFID tags (step S102). Subsequently, the RFID tag number detection unit 22 counts the number of RFID tags 14 that the reader / writer 21 has been able to read the tag storage information 15 (step S 103).

[0062] Then, the coincidence determination unit 25 extracts the configuration code information from the tag storage information 15 read by the reader / writer 21 (step S104), and the input unit 23 accepts the package level information and the configuration code information. Information is transmitted to the server device 30 (step S105).

On the other hand, the radio communication unit 31 of the server device 30 receives the package level information and the configuration code information transmitted by the terminal device 20 (step S106). Then, the RFID tag number calculation unit 35 searches the configuration information definition file 34a for the configuration code received from the terminal device 20 (step S107).

[0064] Thereafter, the RFID tag number calculation unit 35 checks whether or not the package appearance level received from the terminal device 20 is "1" (step S108). If the package level force is “l” (Step SI (08, Yes), the RFID tag number calculation unit 35 calculates the total number X of RFID tags 14 corresponding to the packing state “1” using Equation 1 (step S109).

1

[0065] Then, the RFID tag number calculation unit 35 stores the information of the calculated total number X of RFID tags 14 in the terminal

1

The data is transmitted to the device 20 (step S111), and the processing on the server device 30 side is terminated.

[0066] When the packing level is not "1" (step S108, No), the RFID tag number calculation unit 35 uses Equation 2 to calculate the total number X of RFID tags 14 corresponding to the packing level "n". (Step S110). Then, the process proceeds to step S111, and the information of the calculated total number X of RFID tags 14 is transmitted to the terminal device 20, and the processing on the server device 30 side is terminated.

On the other hand, the radio communication unit 27 of the terminal device 20 receives information on the number of RFID tags transmitted by the server device 30 (step S 112). Then, the coincidence determination unit 25 checks whether or not the number of RFID tags detected by the RFID tag number detection unit 22 matches the number of RFID tags received from the server device 30 (step S113).

[0068] When the number of two RFID tags matches (step S113, Yes), the match determination unit 25 outputs a message indicating that both match to the display unit 24 (step S114). This information reading process is terminated.

[0069] If the number of two RFID tags does not match (step S113, No), the match determination unit 25 outputs a message to the display unit 24 indicating that they do not match and does not match (step S113). S1 15) Further, it is checked whether the number of times that the same load is determined to be inconsistent is greater than or equal to a threshold value (step S116).

[0070] If the number of times determined to be inconsistent is not greater than or equal to the threshold value (step S116, No), the coincidence determining unit 25 outputs a message to start re-reading the tag storage information 15 to the display unit 24 ( In step S117), the process proceeds to step S102, and the reader / writer 21 executes the process of reading the tag storage information 15 again.

[0071] If the number of times that the discrepancy is determined to be greater than or equal to the threshold value (step S116, Yes), the match determination unit 25 cannot read all the RFID tag 14 forces in the tag storage information 15. A message is output to the display unit 24 (step S118), and this information reading process is terminated.

[0072] As described above, in the first embodiment, the reader / writer 21 is the product 10, the box 11, the case 1 or the like. 2.Read the configuration code information stored in the RFID tags 14 attached to multiple items such as pallets 13 and the number of RFID tag detection units 22 read the configuration code information. The matching determination unit 25 detects the total number of RFID tags 14 calculated by the RFID tag number calculation unit 35 and the number of RFID tags based on the configuration code obtained by reading the force of the RFID tags 14 attached to a plurality of articles. Since it is determined whether or not the total number of RFID tags 14 detected by the detection unit 22 matches, the RFID tag 14 can be read if the configuration code information stored in at least one RFID tag 14 can be read. The total number of RFID tags 14 can be specified, and it can be surely confirmed whether or not all the data of the RFID tag 14 attached to the article has been read.

In the first embodiment, the coincidence determination unit 25 acquires and acquires information on the total number of RFID tags 14 calculated by the RFID tag calculation unit 35 by referring to the configuration information definition file 34a. Since it is determined whether or not the total number of RFID tags 14 and the total number of RFID tags 14 detected by the RFID tag number detection unit 22 match, the configuration information definition file 34a includes the RFI D tag 14 By configuring information for specifying the total number and referring to it, the amount of information stored in the RFID tag 14 can be reduced, and the RFID tag 14 can be used effectively.

Further, in the first embodiment, the coincidence determination unit 25 refers to the configuration information definition file 34a in which the RFID tag calculation unit 35 stores information on the number of products 10, boxes 11, and cases 12 for each packing level. As a result, it is determined whether or not the total number of RFID tags 14 calculated at a predetermined packaging level matches the total number of RFID tags 14 detected by the RFID tag detection unit 22. It is possible to reliably confirm whether or not the RFID tag data attached to the product 10, the box 11, the case 12, the pallet 13, etc. can be read all.

In the first embodiment, the server device 30 calculates the total number of RFID tags 14, but the terminal device 20 may calculate the total number of RFID tags 14. At that time, the configuration information definition file 34a referred to when calculating the total number of R FID tags 14 may be stored in the server device 30 or stored in the terminal device 20. .

Example 2 By the way, in the first embodiment, the force R FID tag 14 is used to calculate the total number of RFID tags 14 by referring to the configuration information definition file 34a stored in the storage unit 34 of the server device 30. By storing information related to the total number in the RFID tag 14, an external server device may be unnecessary. Therefore, in the second embodiment, a case where information related to the total number of RFID tags 14 is stored in the RFID tags 14 will be described.

First, tag storage information stored in the RFID tag 14 according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of tag storage information 40 stored in the RFID tag 14 according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5, the tag storage information 40 includes information on ID, number of packages 1 packaged items, package 2 number of packages, number of packages 3 packaged items, and general data. The ID is an ID that uniquely identifies the RFID tag 14.

[0079] Package Number 1 Package Number, Package Shape 2 Package Number, Package Shape 3 Package Number is the number of packages corresponding to the package level “1”, Γ 2 ”, and“ 3 ”, respectively. In the example of FIG. 5, the packaging level “1” corresponds to the box 11, the packaging level “2” corresponds to the case 12, and the packaging level “3” corresponds to the pallet 13. .

[0080] And the number of items 10 contained in the box 11 (4 cans) and the number of items 2 contained in the box 12 are the number of boxes 11 (3 boxes) contained in the case 12. Package 3 The number of items contained is the number of cases 12 (18 cases) stored in pallet 13. Further, the general data is arbitrary data stored by the RFID tag user, for example, data relating to a product such as a product name and date of manufacture.

[0081] By reading out the RFID tag 14 force from such information and using Equations 1 and 2 described in Example 1, the total number of RFID tags 14 can be calculated in the same manner as in Example 1. . Then, by comparing the calculated total number of RFID tags 14 with the number of R FID tags 14 that were able to read the tag storage information 40, it was determined whether or not the information could be read from all the RFID tags 14. Can be determined.

Next, a functional configuration of the information reading apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the information reading apparatus according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, this information reader 50 includes a reader / writer 51, an input unit 52, a display unit 53, and an RFID tag number detection unit 54. A RFID tag number calculating unit 55, a coincidence determining unit 56, a storage unit 57, and a control unit 58.

The reader / writer 51 performs processing of reading the tag storage information 40 stored in the RFID tag 14 from the product 10, the box 11, the case 12, or the pallet 13 by performing radio wave communication.

[0084] The input unit 52 is an input device such as a touch panel or a button. This input unit 52 accepts input of the load level of the load for measuring the number of RFID tags. The display unit 53 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The RFID tag number detection unit 54 performs a process of detecting the number of RFID tags 14 that the reader / writer 51 can read the tag storage information 40.

[0085] The RFID tag number calculation unit 55 calculates the formula from the information on the number of packages 1 contained, the number 2 contained, the number 3 contained, and the number 3 contained in the tag storage information 40 that also read the RFID tag 14 force. The total number of RFID tags 14 is calculated using 1 and Equation 2.

[0086] The coincidence determination unit 56 calculates the number of RFID tags 14 detected by the RFID tag number detection unit 54 and R

The number of RFID tags 14 calculated by the FID tag number calculation unit 55 is compared, and a determination result as to whether or not they match is output to the display unit 53.

The storage unit 57 is a storage device such as a flash memory, and the RFID tag number detection unit 54 or

Data handled by the RFID tag number calculation unit 55, the coincidence determination unit 56, and the like are stored. The control unit 58 is a control unit that controls the information reading apparatus 50 as a whole, and controls data exchange between the functional units.

As described above, in the second embodiment, the reader / writer 51 is attached to the RFID tag 14 attached to a plurality of articles such as the product 10, the box 11, the case 12 and the pallet 13 for each packing level. The total number of RFID tags 14 identified by the information on the number of items 10, box 11, and case 12 is read from the stored information on the number of items 10, box 11, and case 12 by the match determination unit 56. And the number of RFID tags 14 detected by the RFID tag number detection unit 54 is determined. Therefore, the products 10 and boxes 11 stored in the RFID tag 14 for each packing level are determined. Based on the information on the number of cases 12, it is possible to surely confirm whether or not all the data of the RFID tag 14 attached to the article can be read. Now, the various processes described in the above-described embodiments can be realized by executing a prepared program on a computer. Therefore, in the following, an example of a computer that executes a program that realizes the various processes will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a computer serving as the terminal device 20 illustrated in FIG. This computer is a reader / writer 100 that reads tag storage information stored in the RFID tag 14 by performing radio wave communication, an input device 110 that accepts data input from a user, a display 120, a RAM (Random Access Memory) ) 130, flash memory 140, recording medium that records various programs, reading device 150 that reads programs, wireless communication device 160 that performs wireless communication with server device 30, CPU (Central

A processing unit (170) and a ROM (read only memory) 180 are connected by a bus 190.

In ROM 180, a program that exhibits the same function as that of terminal device 20, that is, RFID tag number detection program 180a and coincidence determination program 180b shown in FIG. 7 is stored. Note that the RFID tag number detection program 180a and the coincidence determination program 180b may be appropriately integrated or distributed and stored.

Then, the CPU 170 reads the RFID tag number detection program 180a and the coincidence determination program 180b from the ROM 180 and executes them, thereby functioning as the RFID tag number detection process 170a and the coincidence determination process 170b.

This RFID tag number detection process 170a corresponds to the RFID tag number detection unit 22 shown in FIG. The coincidence determination process 170b corresponds to the coincidence determination unit 25 shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a computer serving as the server device 30 illustrated in FIG. This computer is a radio that performs wireless communication with an input device 200 that receives data input from a user, a display 210, a RAM 220, a ROM 230, a reading device 240 that reads programs from various recording media, and a terminal device 20. The communication device 250, CPU 260 and HDD 270 are connected by a bus 280.

Then, HDD 270 stores a program that exhibits the same function as that of server device 30, that is, RFID tag number calculation program 270 b shown in FIG. RFI The D tag number calculation program 270b may be stored in a distributed manner as appropriate.

Then, by reading the CPU 260 power RFID tag number calculation program 270b from the HDD 270 and executing it, it functions as the RFID tag number calculation process 260a. this

The RFID tag number calculation process 260a corresponds to the RFID tag number calculation unit 35 shown in FIG.

In addition, the HDD 270 stores a configuration information definition file 270a. The configuration information definition file 270a corresponds to the configuration information definition file 34a stored in the storage unit 34 of the server device 30 shown in FIG.

Then, CPU 260 reads configuration information definition file 270a from HDD 270 and performs RA

R based on configuration information definition file 220a stored in RAM220 and stored in RAM220

Execute the calculation process for the number of FID tags.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of a computer that is the information reading device 50 shown in FIG. This computer is a reader / writer 300 that reads tag storage information stored in the RFID tag 14 through radio communication, an input device 310 that accepts data input from the user, a display 320, a RAM 330, a flash memory 340, various types Recording medium power for recording program A reader 350 for reading a program, a CPU 360 and a ROM 370 are connected by a bus 380.

[0100] The ROM 370 has a program that exhibits the same function as that of the information reader 50, that is, the RFID tag number detection program 370a, the RFID tag number calculation program 370b, and the match determination program 370c shown in FIG. Is remembered.

[0101] The RFID tag number detection program 370a, the RFID tag number calculation program 370b, and the match determination program 370c may be integrated or distributed as appropriate and stored.

[0102] Then, by reading and executing the CPU 360 power RFID tag number detection program 370a, RFID tag number calculation program 370b and match determination program 370c from the ROM 370, the RFID tag number detection process 360a, the RFID tag number calculation process 360b And it will function as a match judgment process 360c.

This RFID tag number detection process 360a corresponds to the RFID tag number detection unit 54 shown in FIG. In addition, the RFID tag number calculation process 360b includes the RFID tag number calculation unit 55 shown in FIG. Corresponding to The match determination process 360c corresponds to the match determination unit 56 shown in FIG.

By the way, the RFID tag number detection program 180a, the coincidence determination program 180b, the RFID tag number calculation program 270b, the RFID tag number detection program 370a, the RFID tag number calculation program 370b, and the coincidence determination program 370c are not necessarily ROM from the beginning. 180, HDD270 or ROM370 need not be stored.

[0105] For example, a “portable physical medium” such as a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, an MO disk, a DVD disk, a magneto-optical disk, an IC card, or the like that is inserted into a computer, or provided inside or outside the computer. Hard disk drives (HDD) and other “fixed physical media” and “other computers (or servers)” connected to the computer via public lines, the Internet, LAN, WAN, etc. You may make it memorize | store a program and a computer may read each program and execute these also.

[0106] The embodiments of the present invention have been described so far, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be applied to various different embodiments within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. May be implemented.

[0107] For example, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the tag storage information includes the load load level information to be received by the user as input of the load load level for which the number of RFID tags is first measured. It may be stored in a tag and the user's input can be saved by reading the information.

[0108] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of tag storage information 60 including information on the packing level. As shown in FIG. 10, this tag storage information 60 includes information on ID, configuration code, packing level and general data.

Here, the ID is the same as the ID described in FIG. 1, and is an ID for uniquely identifying the RFID tag 14. The configuration code is the same as the configuration code described in FIG. 1, and is information for identifying the product whose number is to be confirmed.

[0110] The packing level is the same as the packing level described with reference to Fig. 3, and is information on the level of packing of the product. The general data is the same as the general data described with reference to FIG. 1, and is arbitrary data stored by the RFID tag user. For example, general data Is data relating to a product such as a product name and date of manufacture. In the example of Fig. 10, the case where the package level is “Case” is shown!

[0111] Also, here, the case is shown where the tag storage information 15 of Example 1 includes package level information, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the tag level information 40 of Example 2 includes the package level information. May be stored.

[0112] In this way, the reader / writer 21 or the reader / writer 51 has information on the configuration code stored in the RFID tag 14 attached to a plurality of items such as the product 10, the box 11, the case 12, and the pallet 13. Alternatively, in preparation for reading the information on the number of products 10, box 11, and case 12, the packing level information stored in the R FID tag 14 is read, and the match determination unit 25 or the match determination unit 56 At the level, the total number of RFID tags 14 specified by the configuration code information or the information on the number of products 10, boxes 11, and cases 12, and the RFID detected by the RFID tag number detection unit 22 or the RFID tag number detection unit 54 Since it was decided whether or not the total number of tags 14 would match, by storing the packing level information in the RFID tag 14, all the data of the RFID tag 14 attached to the article is stored. Can be read When to check the power not, the user can avoid having to specify the packing level of the article.

[0113] Of the processes described in the present embodiment, all or part of the processes described as being automatically performed can be manually performed, or are described as being manually performed. All or part of the processing is done automatically by a known method.

[0114] In addition, the processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified.

[0115] Further, each component of each illustrated apparatus is functionally conceptual, and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the specific form of distribution / integration of each device is not limited to the one shown in the figure, and all or a part thereof is functionally or physically distributed in an arbitrary unit according to various loads and usage conditions. · Can be integrated and configured. [0116] Furthermore, all or a part of each processing function performed in each device is realized by a program analyzed and executed by the CPU and the CPU, or as hardware by wired logic. Can be realized.

Industrial applicability

[0117] As described above, the information reading device, the information reading method, and the information reading program according to the present invention surely confirm whether or not all the data of the RFID tag attached to the article could be read. This is useful for information reading systems that need to do this.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] An information reading device that reads information stored in RFID tags attached to a plurality of articles,

Information reading means for reading information for specifying the total number of RFID tags stored in RFID tags attached to a plurality of articles or information for searching for information for specifying the total number of RFID tags;

RFID tag number detection means for detecting the total number of RFID tags read from the information for specifying the total number of RFID tags or the information search key for specifying the total number of RFID tags;

The RFID tag force attached to a plurality of articles by the information reading means The total number of RFID tags calculated based on the read information matches the total number of RFID tags detected by the RFID tag number detection means Match determination means for determining whether or not to perform,

An information reading apparatus comprising:

[2] The database further includes a database that stores information for specifying the total number of RFID tags in association with search keys, and the match determination unit is configured to specify the total number of RFID tags by referring to the database. Whether the total number of RFID tags calculated based on the information for acquiring the information and specifying the total number of RFID tags matches the total number of RFID tags detected by the RFID tag number detection means The information reading device according to claim 1, wherein the information reading device determines whether or not.

[3] The database stores information for specifying the total number of RFID tags for each different packing form, and the coincidence determining means is based on the information for specifying the total number of RFID tags in a predetermined packing form. The information reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein it is determined whether or not the calculated total number of RFID tags matches the total number of RFID tags detected by the RFID tag number detection means.

[4] The information reading means reads information for specifying the total number of RFID tags stored for each of different packing forms in RFID tags attached to a plurality of articles, and the coincidence determining means is a predetermined packing. The total number of RFID tags calculated based on the information for identifying the total number of RFID tags and the R detected by the RFID tag number detection means 2. The information reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not the total number of FID tags matches.

[5] The information reading means includes information for specifying a total number of RFID tags stored in RFID tags attached to a plurality of articles or information serving as a search key for information for specifying the total number of RFID tags. In preparation for reading, the information related to the packing form stored in the RFID tag is read, and the coincidence determining means is the RFID tag in the packing form specified by the information relating to the packing form read by the information reading means. The total number of RFID tags calculated based on information for specifying the total number of information or information serving as a search key for information for specifying the total number of RFID tags and the number of RFID tags detected by the RFID tag number detecting means 5. The information reading device according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not the force matches the total number.

[6] An information reading method for reading information stored in RFID tags attached to a plurality of articles,

An information reading step of reading information for specifying the total number of RFID tags stored in RFID tags attached to a plurality of articles or information for searching for information for specifying the total number of RFID tags;

RFID tag number detection step for detecting the total number of RFID tags read from the information for identifying the total number of RFID tags or the information search key for identifying the total number of RFID tags;

The RFID tag force attached to a plurality of articles by the information reading process The total number of RFID tags calculated based on the read information matches the total number of RFID tags detected by the RFID tag number detection process A match determination step for determining whether or not to perform,

An information reading method comprising:

[7] An information reading program for reading information stored in RFID tags attached to a plurality of articles,

An information reading procedure for reading information for identifying the total number of RFID tags stored in RFID tags attached to a plurality of articles or information for searching for information for identifying the total number of RFID tags; RFID tag number detection procedure for detecting the total number of RFID tags read from information for specifying the total number of RFID tags or information serving as a search key for information for specifying the total number of RFID tags;

Force of RFID tags attached to a plurality of articles by the information reading procedure The total number of RFID tags calculated based on the read information matches the total number of RFID tags detected by the RFID tag number detection procedure. A match determination procedure for determining whether or not there is a failure,

An information reading program for causing a computer to execute.