JP2009098876A - Radio tag reader/writer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mobile radio tag reader/writer for reducing the overlooking of a radio tag to be read. <P>SOLUTION: This radio tag reader/writer reads a radio tag while automatically traveling, and compares the scheduled number of sheets of reading with the completed number of sheets of reading for every fixed distance, and when the scheduled number of sheets of reading becomes less than the completed number of sheets of reading, the radio tag reader/writer stops automatic traveling. Alternately, the radio tag reader/writer reads the radio tag while automatically traveling, and compares the scheduled number of sheets of reading with the completed number of sheets of reading for every fixed distance, and when the completed number of sheets of reading becomes less than the scheduled number of sheets of reading, the radio tag reader/writer decelerates, and stops automatic traveling when it is not able to catch up with the reading of the radio tag even after decelerating. Also, the radio tag reader/writer reads the radio tag while being manually moved, and compares the scheduled number of sheets of reading n with the completed number of sheets of reading r, and turns on each warning light according to the scale of a reading error D. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a wireless tag reader / writer that is a device that transmits and receives signals to and from a wireless tag, and more particularly relates to a mobile wireless tag reader / writer that reduces reading over of a wireless tag to be read.

  In a mobile wireless tag reader / writer that transmits and receives signals while moving a stationary wireless tag, there is a problem in that a wireless tag to be read may be missed if the wireless tag reader / writer is moved quickly.

In this regard, a mobile bar code reader is provided after a bar code indicating the start of reading is affixed to a predetermined position of a storage shelf in which an article to which a bar code to be read is affixed is stored, and the bar code is read. There has been proposed a technique relating to a barcode reading apparatus that controls the reading start timing based on the number of rotations of an encoder provided in (for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2000-168918 A

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, the reading start timing can be controlled, but the speed of the wireless tag reader / writer after the start of reading cannot be controlled, and there is a possibility that reading may occur after the start of reading. was there.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mobile wireless tag reader / writer in which reading over of a wireless tag to be read is reduced.

  In order to achieve this object, the present invention includes a moving distance detection device that detects the distance that the RFID tag reader / writer has moved the housing, and a control unit that receives input from the moving distance detection device and controls transmission and reception of signals. When the controller calculates the scheduled number of RFID tags to be read based on the output from the movement distance detector, and determines that the number of RFID tags that have been read is less than the scheduled number of readings, the moving speed of the housing An RFID tag reader / writer is provided that outputs an instruction to reduce the power consumption.

  According to the present invention, there is an effect that reading over of a wireless tag to be read can be reduced.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a wireless tag reader / writer according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, while attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol about the same location in each figure, the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

<Outline of Embodiment>
In one embodiment of the wireless tag reader / writer according to the present invention, the wireless tag reader / writer receives an input from the antenna for transmitting / receiving a signal to / from the wireless tag, a moving distance detecting device for detecting a distance moved by the housing, and the moving distance detecting device. And a control unit that controls transmission and reception of signals.

  In this wireless tag reader / writer, the control unit calculates the scheduled number of RFID tags to be read based on the output from the moving distance detection device, An instruction to reduce the moving speed of the housing is output until it is determined that reading of the predetermined number of wireless tags has been completed.

  When the wireless tag reader / writer includes a driving device that moves the housing and is configured to automatically move, the control unit calculates the number of wireless tags to be read based on the output from the moving distance detection device. When it is determined that the number of wireless tags that have been read is less than the scheduled number of readings, the drive speed of the driving device is controlled to be stopped or decelerated until it is determined that the reading of the predetermined number of wireless tags has been completed.

  That is, the wireless tag reader / writer that moves automatically controls the moving speed according to the reading status of the wireless tag.

  When the wireless tag reader / writer includes an alarm device that emits an alarm, for example, a light emitting element such as an LED that emits light, or a speaker that emits an alarm sound, the control unit uses the wireless tag based on the output from the moving distance detection device. When the number of RFID tags that have been read is determined to be less than the number of expected readings, the alarm device is notified until it is determined that reading of the number of RFID tags to be read has been completed. It is characterized by.

  The wireless tag reader / writer equipped with this alarm device warns when the wireless tag reader / writer moves too fast due to the reading status of the wireless tag when reading the wireless tag while moving it manually regardless of the presence or absence of the drive device. To emit.

  This will be specifically described below.

<Details of Embodiment>
In the present invention, the wireless tag reader / writer includes a device that reads information from a wireless tag, a device that writes information to the wireless tag, or a device that reads and writes information. The wireless tag means a storage medium capable of wireless communication, and usually includes an antenna and an IC chip. The wireless tag may further have a calculation function, and is desirably a portable size, but may be a minute one. The wireless tag is sometimes referred to as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification).

(First embodiment)
<Configuration of wireless tag reader / writer>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wireless tag reader / writer 1 according to the present embodiment. The wireless tag reader / writer 1 of the present embodiment is provided such that an antenna that transmits and receives signals to and from the wireless tag 23 and at least a part of the wireless tag reader / writer 1 are exposed from the housing of the wireless tag reader / writer 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as a housing). A roller 10 that rotates with movement, a drive motor 18 that drives the roller 10, an encoder 19 that detects the rotation of the roller 10, and a control unit that receives input from the encoder 19 and controls transmission and reception of signals and the drive motor 18. Is provided.

  It is desirable that a plurality of rollers 10 be provided so as to be self-supporting even if the hand is released. In this case, a part of the roller 10 may be a so-called driven roller that is not driven by the drive motor 18.

  The wireless tag reader / writer 1 is moved by the rotation of the roller 10. That is, the wireless tag reader / writer 1 automatically runs as the roller 10 rotates. For this reason, the surface of the roller 10 is desirably an elastic body having a frictional force. Examples of the elastic body include, but are not limited to, urethane rubber and silicon rubber.

  The wireless tag reader / writer 1 further includes a reset switch 11 for resetting information such as a moving distance of the wireless tag reader / writer 1, a scheduled reading number of the wireless tag 23, and a reading completion number of the wireless tag 23, and a wireless tag to the wireless tag reader / writer 1. 23, a start switch 12 for instructing the start of reading 23, a read lamp 13 indicating that the wireless tag reader / writer 1 is reading the wireless tag 23, an alarm lamp 14 indicating an abnormal reading of the wireless tag 23, and power supply And a code 17 for transmitting a signal for performing communication with a higher-level model.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the wireless tag 23 and the wireless tag reader / writer 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the wireless tag 23 includes a memory 111 that is a storage device, a wireless tag control unit 112 that reads / writes data from / to the memory 111, and rectification and stabilization of received modulated electromagnetic waves. A power generation unit 115 that supplies power, a modulation unit 113 that modulates data transmitted from the wireless tag control unit 112 and transmits the modulated data to the wireless tag antenna 116, and demodulates the received modulated electromagnetic wave and transmits the modulated electromagnetic wave to the wireless tag control unit 112 And a demodulator 114.

  The wireless tag reader / writer 1 according to the present embodiment transmits an antenna 121 that transmits / receives a signal to / from the wireless tag 23, a reader / writer control unit 126 that controls communication with the wireless tag 23 and hardware to be connected, and a reader / writer control unit 126. A modulation unit 122 that modulates the received data, a transmission amplifier 123 that amplifies the modulated signal and sends it to the antenna 121, a reception amplifier 124 that amplifies the received modulated electromagnetic wave, and a demodulation unit that demodulates the received modulation signal 125, and an interface 130 that is connected to a host device such as a personal computer to exchange data. The reader / writer control unit 126 includes a CPU 127 and a ROM 128 and a RAM 129 for storing data.

  The wireless tag reader / writer 1 further includes a drive motor 18 whose operation is controlled by the control unit 126, a roller 10 driven by the drive motor 18, and an encoder 19 that detects the rotation of the drive motor 18 and outputs the rotation to the control unit 126. Is provided.

<Operation of wireless tag reader / writer>
In the wireless tag reader / writer 1 of the present embodiment, the control unit 126 calculates the number of scheduled readings of the wireless tag 23 based on the output from the encoder 19, and the number of wireless tags 23 that have been read is less than the scheduled number of readings. When the determination is made, the drive motor 18 is stopped until it is determined that the reading of the scheduled number of wireless tags 23 has been completed. This will be specifically described below.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the wireless tag reader / writer 1 of the present embodiment is operating. The wireless tag reader / writer 1 automatically travels in the vicinity of the article 22 to which the wireless tag 23 is attached.

  Each article 22 has the same shape or thickness and is arranged in a certain direction. The wireless tag reader / writer 1 automatically travels in the direction of arrow X, which is the direction in which the articles 22 are arranged. The wireless tag reader / writer 1 preferably has a rail 20 having a groove 21 that guides the traveling of the wireless tag reader / writer 1 in a certain direction, for example, in the vicinity of, for example, the front of the arranged articles 22 and travels thereon. In addition, this rail 20 may be integrally molded on the shelf board of the shelf in which articles are stored.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the operation of the control unit 126. Before starting the operation shown in the flowchart, the control unit 126 initializes the moving distance or the count of the encoder 19 and the reading completion number r of the wireless tag 23.

  In step S <b> 401, the control unit 126 starts reading the wireless tag 23 upon receiving an instruction to start reading. In step S <b> 402, the control unit 126 starts counting the movement distance based on the output from the encoder 19. In step S403, the control unit 126 drives the drive motor 18 to start moving.

  In step S <b> 404, the control unit 126 determines whether or not the wireless tag has been moved by k wireless tags based on the scheduled reading number, that is, a predetermined value k. Here, a method for determining the number of moving sheets will be described. The control unit 126 calculates a moving distance L from the output of the encoder 19 and divides this L by a preset article thickness T to calculate the moving number m.

  The control unit 126 determines whether or not k sheets have been moved depending on whether k and m are equal. If the control unit 126 determines that k and m are not equal, that is, if the control unit 126 has not yet moved by k sheets, the control unit 126 returns to step S404 and continues moving. If the controller 126 determines that k and m are equal, that is, if the controller 126 has moved k sheets, the process proceeds to step S405.

  In step S405, the control unit 126 compares the number r of radio tags 23 that have actually been read with k. If the controller 126 determines that reading of k sheets has not been completed, that is, if r <k, the process proceeds to step S406. If it is determined that the reading for k sheets has been completed, that is, if r ≧ k, the control unit 126 proceeds to step S409.

  In step S406, the controller 126 stops the drive motor 18 and stops the movement of the wireless tag reader / writer 1. The control unit 126 continues to read the wireless tag 23.

  In step S407, the control unit 126 compares the number r of radio tags 23 that have actually been read with k. If it is determined that the reading for k sheets has not been completed, that is, if r <k, the control unit 126 returns to step S407. If the control unit 126 determines that reading of k sheets has been completed by reading the wireless tags 23 that have not been read, that is, if r ≧ k, the process proceeds to step S408. In step S408, the control unit 126 initializes m and r, drives the drive motor 18 to start movement, and proceeds to step S409.

  In step S409, the control unit 126 determines whether or not it has moved by i wireless tags based on the scheduled number of readings, that is, i set in advance. If the control unit 126 determines that i and m are not equal, that is, if the control unit 126 has not yet moved i sheets, the control unit 126 returns to step S409 and continues moving. When it is determined that i and m are equal, that is, when the control unit 126 has moved i sheets, the control unit 126 proceeds to step S410.

  In step S410, the control unit 126 compares the number r of the wireless tags 23 that have actually been read with i. If the control unit 126 determines that i sheets have not been read, that is, if r <i, the process proceeds to step S411. When it is determined that reading of i sheets has been completed, that is, when r ≧ i, the control unit 126 initializes m and r, and returns to step S409.

  In step S411, the control unit 126 stops the drive motor 18 and stops the movement of the wireless tag reader / writer 1. The control unit 126 continues to read the wireless tag 23.

  In step S412, the control unit 126 compares the number r of the wireless tags 23 that have actually been read with i. If it is determined that i sheets have not been read, that is, if r <i, the control unit 126 returns to step S412. If it is determined that reading of i sheets has been completed, that is, if r ≧ i, the control unit 126 proceeds to step S413. In step S413, the control unit 126 initializes m and r, drives the drive motor 18 to start movement, and returns to step S409.

  Although k and i may be equal to each other, it takes some time from the start of movement until the moving speed becomes constant, so it is desirable that k> i.

<Effect of the first embodiment>
As described above, the wireless tag reader / writer 1 according to the present embodiment reads the wireless tag 23 while automatically running, compares the scheduled number of readings with the number of completed readings at a fixed distance, and the number of completed readings indicates the number of scheduled readings. If it falls below, automatic driving stops. For this reason, the wireless tag reader / writer 1 of the present embodiment has an effect that reading over of the wireless tag 23 to be read can be reduced.

(Second Embodiment)
<Configuration of wireless tag reader / writer>
The configuration of the wireless tag reader / writer according to the present embodiment is the same as the configuration of the wireless tag reader / writer 1 according to the first embodiment.

<Operation of wireless tag reader / writer>
In the wireless tag reader / writer 1 of the present embodiment, the control unit 126 calculates the number of scheduled readings of the wireless tag 23 based on the output from the encoder 19, and the number of wireless tags 23 that have been read is less than the scheduled number of readings. When the determination is made, the drive motor 18 is decelerated until it is determined that the reading of the scheduled number of wireless tags 23 has been completed. When the drive motor 18 is decelerated, the wireless tag 23 is scheduled to be read based on the output from the encoder 19. The number of sheets is calculated, and when it is determined that the number of wireless tags 23 that have been read is less than the number of sheets to be read, the drive motor 18 is stopped until it is determined that the reading of the number of wireless tags 23 to be read has been completed. And This will be specifically described below.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the operation of the control unit 126. Before starting the operation shown in the flowchart, the control unit 126 initializes the moving distance or the count of the encoder 19 and the reading completion number r of the wireless tag 23.

  In step S <b> 501, the control unit 126 starts reading the wireless tag 23 upon receiving an instruction to start reading. In step S502, the control unit 126 starts counting the movement distance based on the output from the encoder 19. In step S503, the control unit 126 drives the drive motor 18 to start moving.

  In step S <b> 504, the control unit 126 determines whether or not the wireless tag has been moved by k wireless tags based on the scheduled number of readings, that is, k that is a predetermined value. Here, a method for determining the number of moving sheets will be described. The control unit 126 calculates a moving distance L from the output of the encoder 19 and divides this L by a preset article thickness T to calculate the moving number m.

  The control unit 126 determines whether or not k sheets have been moved based on whether k and m are equal. If the control unit 126 determines that k and m are not equal, that is, if the control unit 126 has not yet moved by k sheets, the control unit 126 returns to step S504 and continues moving. If the controller 126 determines that k and m are equal, that is, if the controller 126 has moved k sheets, the process proceeds to step S505.

  In step S505, the control unit 126 compares the number r of radio tags 23 that have actually been read with k. If the controller 126 determines that reading of k sheets has not been completed, that is, if r <k, the process proceeds to step S506. If the control unit 126 determines that the reading of k sheets has been completed by reading the wireless tags 23 that have not been read, that is, if r ≧ k, the process proceeds to step S509.

  In step S506, the control unit 126 stops the drive motor 18 and stops moving. The control unit 126 continues to read the wireless tag 23.

  In step S507, the control unit 126 compares the number r of radio tags 23 that have actually been read with k. If the controller 126 determines that reading of k sheets has not been completed, that is, if r <k, the process returns to step S507. If it is determined that the reading for k sheets has been completed, that is, if r ≧ k, the control unit 126 proceeds to step S508. In step S508, the control unit 126 initializes m and r, drives the drive motor 18 to start movement, and proceeds to step S509.

  In step S509, the control unit 126 determines whether or not it has moved by i wireless tags based on the scheduled number of readings, that is, i set in advance. If the control unit 126 determines that i and m are not equal, that is, if the control unit 126 has not yet moved i sheets, the control unit 126 returns to step S509 and continues moving. When it is determined that i and m are equal, that is, when the control unit 126 has moved i sheets, the control unit 126 proceeds to step S510.

  In step S510, the control unit 126 compares the number r of the wireless tags 23 that have actually been read with i. If it is determined that i sheets have not been read, that is, if r <i, the control unit 126 proceeds to step S511. When it is determined that reading of i sheets has been completed, that is, when r ≧ i, the control unit 126 initializes m and r, and returns to step S509.

  In step S511, the control unit 126 decelerates the driving speed of the driving motor 18 to decelerate the moving speed of the wireless tag reader / writer 1. The control unit 126 continues to read the wireless tag 23.

  In step S512, the control unit 126 compares the number r of the wireless tags 23 that have actually been read with i. If it is determined that i sheets have not been read, that is, if r <i, the control unit 126 proceeds to step S513. If it is determined that reading of i sheets has been completed, that is, if r ≧ i, the control unit 126 returns to step S509. The control unit 126 continues to read the wireless tag 23.

  In step S513, the control unit 126 compares the number r of the wireless tags 23 that have actually been read with i. If the control unit 126 determines that reading of i sheets has not been completed, that is, if r <i, the process proceeds to step S514. If it is determined that reading of i sheets has been completed, that is, if r ≧ i, the control unit 126 returns to step S509.

  In step S514, the control unit 126 stops the drive motor 18, stops the movement of the wireless tag reader / writer 1, and returns to step S513. The control unit 126 continues to read the wireless tag 23.

  Although k and i may be equal to each other, it takes some time from the start of movement until the moving speed becomes constant, so it is desirable that k> i.

<Effects of Second Embodiment>
As described above, the wireless tag reader / writer 1 according to the present embodiment reads the wireless tag 23 while automatically running, compares the scheduled number of readings with the number of completed readings at a fixed distance, and compares the scheduled number of readings with the number of completed readings. If it falls below, the vehicle first decelerates, and if the reading of the wireless tag 23 cannot catch up even after decelerating, the automatic running is stopped. For this reason, the wireless tag reader / writer 1 of the present embodiment has an effect that the reading speed of the wireless tag 23 does not need to be lowered more than necessary.

(Third embodiment)
<Configuration of wireless tag reader / writer>
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the wireless tag reader / writer 2 of the present embodiment. The wireless tag reader / writer 2 of the present embodiment is provided with an antenna for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the wireless tag 23, at least a part of which is exposed from the housing, and a roller 10 that rotates as the housing moves, and detects the rotation of the roller 10 The encoder 19 that performs the reading, the good indicator lamp 15G indicating that the reading state is good, the deceleration warning lamp 15Y that warns that the wireless tag reader / writer 2 should be decelerated, and the warning that the wireless tag reader / writer 2 should be stopped. A stop warning lamp 15R and a controller 126 that receives input from the encoder 19 and controls transmission / reception of signals, deceleration warning lamp 15Y, and stop warning lamp 15R are provided.

  The good indicator lamp 15G can use, for example, a green LED, the deceleration warning lamp 15Y can use, for example, a yellow LED, and the stop warning lamp 15R can use, for example, a red LED.

  It is desirable that a plurality of rollers 10 be provided so as to be self-supporting even if the hand is released. The wireless tag reader / writer 2 is moved manually. For this reason, the surface of the roller 10 is desirably an elastic body having a frictional force. Examples of the elastic body include, but are not limited to, urethane rubber and silicon rubber.

  The wireless tag reader / writer 2 further includes a reset switch 11 for resetting information such as a moving distance of the wireless tag reader / writer 2, a scheduled reading number of the wireless tag 23, and a reading completion number of the wireless tag 23, and a wireless tag to the wireless tag reader / writer 2. 23, a start switch 12 for instructing the start of reading of the wireless tag 23, a read lamp 13 indicating that the wireless tag reader / writer 2 is reading the wireless tag 23, an alarm lamp 14 indicating a reading abnormality of the wireless tag 23, and power supply And a code 17 for transmitting a signal for performing communication with a higher-level model.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the wireless tag 23 and the wireless tag reader / writer 2 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the wireless tag 23 is the same as that in the first embodiment.

  The wireless tag reader / writer 2 according to the present embodiment transmits an antenna 121 that transmits / receives a signal to / from the wireless tag 23, a reader / writer control unit 126 that controls communication with the wireless tag 23 and hardware to be connected, and a reader / writer control unit 126. A modulation unit 122 that modulates the received data, a transmission amplifier 123 that amplifies the modulated signal and sends it to the antenna 121, a reception amplifier 124 that amplifies the received modulated electromagnetic wave, and a demodulation unit that demodulates the received modulation signal 125, and an interface 130 that is connected to a host device such as a personal computer to exchange data. The reader / writer control unit 126 includes a CPU 127 and a ROM 128 and a RAM 129 for storing data.

  The wireless tag reader / writer 2 further includes a roller 10 and an encoder 19 that detects the rotation of the roller 10 and outputs it to the control unit 126.

<Operation of wireless tag reader / writer>
In the wireless tag reader / writer 2 according to the present embodiment, the control unit 126 calculates the number of scheduled readings of the wireless tag 23 based on the output from the encoder 19, and the number of the wireless tags 23 that have been read is the first scheduled number of readings. When it is determined that the reading is less than the threshold number of sheets, the deceleration warning lamp 15Y is turned on until it is determined that the reading of the wireless tag 23 of the scheduled reading number is completed, and the number of the wireless tag 23 that has completed the reading is the number of the scheduled reading. When it is determined that the number is less than the second threshold value greater than the threshold value of 1, the stop warning lamp 15R is turned on until it is determined that the reading of the scheduled number of wireless tags 23 has been completed. This will be specifically described below.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the operation of the control unit 126. In step S <b> 801, the control unit 126 initializes the moving distance or the count of the encoder 19, and the reading completion number r of the wireless tag 23, and starts reading the wireless tag 23.

  In step S <b> 802, the control unit 126 calculates the movement distance based on the output from the encoder 19.

  In step S803, the control unit 126 calculates the scheduled reading number n. Here, a method of calculating n will be described. The control unit 126 calculates a moving distance L from the output of the encoder 19 and divides this L by a preset article thickness T to calculate n.

  In step S <b> 804, the control unit 126 calculates the number r of read completed sheets that have been read from the memory. In step S805, the control unit 126 calculates the reading error D by subtracting n from r.

  In step S806, the control unit 126 determines whether or not D is equal to or less than 0, which is the first threshold value, that is, whether all of the scheduled reading number n is read. When D is 0 or less, the control unit 126 proceeds to step S807. If D is not less than or equal to 0, the control unit 126 proceeds to step S808.

  In step S807, the control unit 126 turns on the good indicator lamp 15G, and proceeds to step S802.

  In step S808, the control unit 126 determines whether D is 4 or less, which is the second threshold value, that is, whether or not the scheduled reading number n has been read. When D is 4 or less, the control unit 126 proceeds to step S809. If D is not 4 or less, the control unit 126 proceeds to step S810. The first threshold value and the second threshold value can be set as appropriate.

  In step S809, the control unit 126 turns on the deceleration warning lamp 15Y, and proceeds to step S802. In step S810, the control unit 126 turns on the stop warning lamp 15R, and proceeds to step S802.

<Effect of the third embodiment>
As described above, the wireless tag reader / writer 2 according to the present embodiment reads the wireless tag 23 while being manually moved, compares the scheduled reading number n with the reading completion number r, and according to the magnitude of the reading error D. Turn on each warning light. For this reason, the wireless tag reader / writer 2 of the present embodiment can be manufactured at a lower cost than the wireless tag reader / writer 1 of the first embodiment because the number of parts is small.

(Fourth embodiment)
<Configuration of wireless tag reader / writer>
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the wireless tag reader / writer 3 of the present embodiment. The wireless tag reader / writer 3 of this embodiment includes an antenna that transmits and receives signals to and from the wireless tag 23, an optical sensor 16 that detects reflected light outside the housing, and a deceleration warning light that warns that the wireless tag reader / writer 3 should be decelerated. 15Y, a stop warning light 15R that warns that the wireless tag reader / writer 3 should be stopped, and a control unit 126 that receives input from the optical sensor 16 and controls transmission / reception of signals, deceleration warning light 15Y, and stop warning light 15R. Is provided.

  The optical sensor 16 includes, for example, a light emitting element that emits laser light toward the outside of the housing, and a light receiving element that inputs reflected light of the laser light and converts it into an electrical signal.

  The wireless tag reader / writer 3 may further include a reset switch 11, a start switch 12, a read lamp 13, an alarm lamp 14, and a code 17.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the wireless tag 23 and the wireless tag reader / writer 3 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the wireless tag 23 is the same as that in the first embodiment.

  The wireless tag reader / writer 3 according to the present embodiment transmits an antenna 121 that transmits / receives a signal to / from the wireless tag 23, a reader / writer control unit 126 that controls communication with the wireless tag 23 and hardware to be connected, and a reader / writer control unit 126. A modulation unit 122 that modulates the received data, a transmission amplifier 123 that amplifies the modulated signal and sends it to the antenna 121, a reception amplifier 124 that amplifies the received modulated electromagnetic wave, and a demodulation unit that demodulates the received modulation signal 125, and an interface 130 that is connected to a host device such as a personal computer to exchange data. The reader / writer control unit 126 includes a CPU 127 and a ROM 128 and a RAM 129 for storing data. Further, the wireless tag reader / writer 3 includes an optical sensor 16. The optical sensor 16 outputs a signal obtained by converting the reflected light from the barcode 24 or the like to the control unit 126.

<Operation of wireless tag reader / writer>
In the wireless tag reader / writer 3 of the present embodiment, the control unit 126 calculates the number of scheduled readings of the wireless tag 23 based on the output from the optical sensor 16, and the number of the wireless tags 23 that have been read is the number of scheduled readings. When it is determined that the number of readings is less than or equal to the threshold value of 1, the deceleration warning lamp 15Y is turned on until it is determined that the reading of the number of wireless tags 23 to be read is completed. When it is determined that the number is less than the second threshold value greater than the first threshold value, the stop warning lamp 15R is lit until it is determined that reading of the scheduled number of wireless tags 23 has been completed. This will be specifically described below.

  FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which the wireless tag reader / writer 3 according to the present embodiment is in operation. The wireless tag reader / writer 3 is manually moved in the vicinity of the article 22 to which the wireless tag 23 is attached.

  Each article 22 has the same shape or thickness and is arranged in a certain direction. The wireless tag reader / writer 3 is manually moved in the direction of arrow X, which is the direction in which the articles 22 are arranged. A reflective seal such as a barcode 24 is installed in the vicinity of the article 22, that is, a portion where the wireless tag reader / writer 3 is moved.

  The wireless tag reader / writer 3 is moved on the barcode 24 so that the laser light of the optical sensor 16 is reflected on the barcode 24 and the reflected light is incident on the light receiving element of the optical sensor 16. The bar code 24 is configured to repeat light and dark at regular intervals.

  The operation of the control unit 126 of the wireless tag reader / writer 3 is almost the same as that in FIG. 8, and will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S <b> 801, the control unit 126 initializes the moving distance or the count of the optical sensor 16, and the reading completion number r of the wireless tag 23, and starts reading the wireless tag 23.

  In step S <b> 802, the control unit 126 calculates the movement distance L based on the output from the optical sensor 16. The control unit 126 calculates L by multiplying the number of brightnesses of the barcode 24 by the stripe width of the barcode 24.

  In step S803, the control unit 126 calculates the scheduled reading number n. Here, a method of calculating n will be described. The control unit 126 calculates a moving distance L from the output of the optical sensor 16, and calculates n by dividing this L by a preset thickness T of the article.

  In step S <b> 804, the control unit 126 calculates the number r of read completed sheets that have been read from the memory. In step S805, the control unit 126 calculates the reading error D by subtracting n from r.

  In step S806, the control unit 126 determines whether or not D is equal to or less than 0, which is the first threshold value, that is, whether all of the scheduled reading number n has been read. When D is 0 or less, the control unit 126 proceeds to step S807. If D is not less than or equal to 0, the control unit 126 proceeds to step S808.

  In step S807, the control unit 126 turns on the good indicator lamp 15G, and proceeds to step S802.

  In step S808, the control unit 126 determines whether D is 4 or less, which is the second threshold value, that is, whether or not the scheduled reading number n has been read. When D is 4 or less, the control unit 126 proceeds to step S809. If D is not 4 or less, the control unit 126 proceeds to step S810. The first threshold value and the second threshold value can be set as appropriate.

  In step S809, the control unit 126 turns on the deceleration warning lamp 15Y, and proceeds to step S802. In step S810, the control unit 126 turns on the stop warning lamp 15R, and proceeds to step S802.

<Effect of the fourth embodiment>
As described above, the wireless tag reader / writer 3 according to the present embodiment calculates the movement distance L using the optical sensor 16. For this reason, the wireless tag reader / writer 3 of this embodiment can use inexpensive parts, and has an effect that it can be manufactured at a lower cost than the wireless tag reader / writer 2 of the third embodiment.

(Fifth embodiment)
<Configuration of wireless tag reader / writer>
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the wireless tag reader / writer 4 of the present embodiment. The wireless tag reader / writer 4 of the present embodiment warns that the antenna for transmitting / receiving signals to / from the wireless tag 23, the deceleration warning lamp 15Y for warning that the wireless tag reader / writer 4 should be decelerated, and the wireless tag reader / writer 4 should be stopped. And a control unit 126 that controls transmission / reception of signals, deceleration warning lamp 15Y, and stop warning lamp 15R.

  The wireless tag reader / writer 4 may further include a reset switch 11, a start switch 12, a read lamp 13, an alarm lamp 14, and a code 17.

  FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the wireless tag 23 and the wireless tag reader / writer 4 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the wireless tag 23 is the same as that in the first embodiment.

  The wireless tag reader / writer 4 according to this embodiment includes an antenna 121 that transmits and receives signals to and from the wireless tag 23, a reader / writer control unit 126 that controls communication with the wireless tag 23 and hardware to be connected, and a reader / writer control unit 126 that transmits the signal. A modulation unit 122 that modulates the received data, a transmission amplifier 123 that amplifies the modulated signal and sends it to the antenna 121, a reception amplifier 124 that amplifies the received modulated electromagnetic wave, and a demodulation unit that demodulates the received modulation signal 125, and an interface 130 that is connected to a host device such as a personal computer to exchange data. The reader / writer control unit 126 includes a CPU 127 and a ROM 128 and a RAM 129 for storing data.

<Operation of wireless tag reader / writer>
In the wireless tag reader / writer 4 according to the present embodiment, the control unit 126 calculates the number of wireless tags 23 to be read based on a signal received from the tag 25 which is a wireless tag arranged at every predetermined number of wireless tags 23 to be read. When it is determined that the number of wireless tags 23 that have been read is less than the predetermined number of readings, the deceleration warning lamp 15Y is displayed until it is determined that reading of the wireless tags 23 of the predetermined number of readings has been completed. When it is determined that the number of wireless tags 23 that have been lit and the number of wireless tags 23 that have been read has dropped below the scheduled number of readings by a value equal to or greater than a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, The stop warning lamp 15R is lit until the operation is continued. This will be specifically described below.

  FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a state in which the wireless tag reader / writer 4 of the present embodiment is operating. The wireless tag reader / writer 4 is manually moved in the vicinity of the article 22 to which the wireless tag 23 is attached.

  The articles 22 may not be equal in shape or thickness, but are arranged in a certain direction. The wireless tag reader / writer 4 is manually moved in the direction of arrow X, which is the direction in which the articles 22 are arranged. Label tags 25, which are wireless tags that transmit a predetermined signal, are arranged every predetermined number Z of wireless tags 23 to be read.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the operation of the control unit 126. In step S1501, the control unit 126 initializes the moving distance and the number r of completed readings of the wireless tag 23, and starts reading of the wireless tag 23.

  In step S1502, the control unit 126 determines whether the marker tag 25 has been passed. When the tag tag 25 is set to have a lower transmission / reception sensitivity than the other radio tags 23, and the radio tag reader / writer 4 can read the tag tag 25, the control unit 126 determines that the tag tag 25 has passed. To do.

  In step S1503, the control unit 126 calculates the scheduled reading number n. Here, a method of calculating n will be described. The control unit 126 calculates a value n by adding a certain number Z every time the marker tag 25 is read.

  In step S <b> 1504, the control unit 126 calculates the read completion number r of reading completed from the memory. In step S1505, the control unit 126 calculates the reading error D by subtracting n from r.

  In step S1506, the control unit 126 determines whether D is equal to or less than 0, which is the first threshold value, that is, whether all of the scheduled reading number n has been read. When D is 0 or less, the control unit 126 proceeds to step S1507. If D is not equal to or less than 0, the control unit 126 proceeds to step S1508.

  In step S1507, the control unit 126 turns on the good indicator lamp 15G, and proceeds to step S1502.

  In step S1508, the control unit 126 determines whether D is equal to or less than 4 which is the second threshold value, that is, whether or not the scheduled reading number n has been read. When D is 4 or less, the control unit 126 proceeds to step S1509. If D is not 4 or less, the controller 126 proceeds to step S1510. The first threshold value and the second threshold value can be set as appropriate.

  In step S1509, the control unit 126 lights the deceleration warning lamp 15Y, and proceeds to step S1502. In step S1510, the control unit 126 turns on the stop warning lamp 15R, and proceeds to step S1502.

<Effect of Fifth Embodiment>
As described above, the wireless tag reader / writer 4 according to the present embodiment calculates the scheduled reading number n by reading the marker tags 25 that are arranged at every fixed number Z. For this reason, the wireless tag reader / writer 4 of the present embodiment can prevent the wireless tag 23 from being read over even when the shape and thickness of the article 22 are different, and can be manufactured at a lower cost.

(Sixth embodiment)
<Configuration of wireless tag reader / writer>
The wireless tag reader / writer 5 of the present embodiment is characterized in that the wireless tag reader / writer of the first to fifth embodiments includes an alarm device, and the alarm device includes a speaker that emits an alarm sound.

<Operation of wireless tag reader / writer>
When the control unit 126 lights the alarm lamp 14, the deceleration warning lamp 15Y, or the stop warning lamp 15R, an alarm sound is emitted from a speaker.

<Effect of the sixth embodiment>
As described above, the wireless tag reader / writer 5 of this embodiment issues an alarm by sound. This eliminates the need for the operator to pay attention to the wireless tag reader / writer 5 during reading of the wireless tag 23, thereby improving working efficiency.

<Possibility in the embodiment of the present invention>
Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

1 is a perspective view of a wireless tag reader / writer 1 according to a first embodiment. It is the schematic which showed the structure of the wireless tag and the wireless tag reader / writer 1 of 1st Embodiment. It is the perspective view which showed the state which the radio | wireless tag reader / writer of 1st Embodiment is operate | moving. It is a flowchart of operation | movement of the control part of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart of operation | movement of the control part of 2nd Embodiment. It is a perspective view of the wireless tag reader / writer of the third embodiment. It is the schematic which showed the structure of the wireless tag and the wireless tag reader / writer of 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart of operation | movement of the control part of 3rd Embodiment. It is a perspective view of the radio | wireless tag reader / writer of 4th Embodiment. It is the schematic which showed the structure of the wireless tag and the wireless tag reader / writer of 4th Embodiment. It is the perspective view which showed the state which is operating the RFID tag reader / writer of 4th Embodiment. It is a perspective view of the radio | wireless tag reader / writer of 5th Embodiment. It is the schematic which showed the structure of the wireless tag and the wireless tag reader / writer of 5th Embodiment. It is the perspective view which showed the state which is operating the RFID tag reader / writer of 5th Embodiment. It is a flowchart of operation | movement of the control part of 5th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1, 2, 3, 4: Wireless tag reader / writer,
10: Roller
11: Reset switch,
12: Start switch
13: Lead lamp,
14: Alarm lamp
15G: Good indicator lamp,
15Y: Deceleration warning light,
15R: Stop warning light,
16: Optical sensor
18: Drive motor,
19: Encoder,
23: Wireless tag.

Claims (10)

A wireless tag reader / writer comprising an antenna that transmits and receives signals to and from a wireless tag, a moving distance detecting device that detects a distance that a housing has moved, and a control unit that receives input from the moving distance detecting device and controls transmission and reception of signals. And
The control unit is
Based on the output from the moving distance detection device, to calculate the number of scheduled reading of the wireless tag,
When it is determined that the number of the RFID tags that have been read is less than the scheduled number of readings,
An instruction to reduce the moving speed of the housing is output until it is determined that the reading of the scheduled number of radio tags is completed.
A wireless tag reader / writer. An antenna for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the wireless tag, a moving distance detecting device for detecting a distance moved by the housing, a driving device for moving the housing, an input from the moving distance detecting device, and transmission and reception of signals and the driving device. A wireless tag reader / writer comprising a control unit for controlling,
The control unit is
Based on the output from the moving distance detection device, to calculate the number of scheduled reading of the wireless tag,
When it is determined that the number of the RFID tags that have been read is less than the scheduled number of readings,
Control to stop or decelerate the driving speed of the driving device until it is determined that the reading of the scheduled number of radio tags is completed.
A wireless tag reader / writer. An antenna that transmits and receives signals to and from the wireless tag, a moving distance detection device that detects the distance that the housing has moved, an alarm device that issues an alarm, and receives input from the moving distance detection device, and controls transmission and reception of signals and the alarm device A wireless tag reader / writer comprising a control unit,
The control unit is
Based on the output from the moving distance detection device, to calculate the number of scheduled reading of the wireless tag,
When it is determined that the number of the RFID tags that have been read is less than the scheduled number of readings,
Causing the alarm device to issue a notification until it has been determined that the reading of the scheduled number of radio tags has been completed;
A wireless tag reader / writer. An antenna that transmits and receives signals to and from the wireless tag, at least a part of the antenna that is exposed from the housing, a roller that rotates as the housing moves, a drive motor that drives the roller, and an encoder that detects the rotation of the roller And a wireless tag reader / writer comprising a control unit that receives input from the encoder and controls transmission and reception of signals and the drive motor,
The control unit is
Based on the output from the encoder, the number of radio tags to be read is calculated,
When it is determined that the number of the RFID tags that have been read is less than the scheduled number of readings,
The drive motor is stopped until it is determined that the reading of the scheduled number of radio tags is completed.
A wireless tag reader / writer. An antenna that transmits and receives signals to and from the wireless tag, at least a part of the antenna that is exposed from the housing, a roller that rotates as the housing moves, a drive motor that drives the roller, and an encoder that detects the rotation of the roller And a wireless tag reader / writer comprising a control unit that receives input from the encoder and controls transmission and reception of signals and the drive motor,
The control unit is
Based on the output from the encoder, the number of radio tags to be read is calculated,
When it is determined that the number of the RFID tags that have been read is less than the scheduled number of readings,
Decelerate the drive motor until it is determined that reading of the scheduled number of radio tags has been completed,
When the drive motor is decelerated, the number of radio tags to be read is further calculated based on the output from the encoder, and when it is determined that the number of radio tags that have been read is less than the number of read sheets, The drive motor is stopped until it is determined that the reading of the scheduled number of radio tags is completed.
A wireless tag reader / writer. An antenna for transmitting / receiving signals to / from the wireless tag, at least a part of which is exposed from the housing, a roller that rotates as the housing moves, an encoder that detects the rotation of the roller, and a deceleration warning light that warns of deceleration A RFID tag reader / writer comprising: a stop warning light for warning a stop; and a control unit that receives input from the encoder and controls signal transmission / reception, the deceleration warning light, and the stop warning light,
The control unit is
Based on the output from the encoder, the number of radio tags to be read is calculated,
When it is determined that the number of the RFID tags that have been read is less than the first threshold number or more than the predetermined number of readings, a deceleration warning lamp is lit until it is determined that the reading of the RFID tags for the predetermined number of readings is completed. And
When it is determined that the number of the RFID tags that have been read is lower than the scheduled number of readings by a number equal to or greater than a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, it is determined that the reading of the scheduled number of RFID tags has been completed. Turn on the stop warning light until
A wireless tag reader / writer. An antenna that transmits and receives signals to and from the wireless tag, a light sensor that detects reflected light outside the housing, a deceleration warning light that warns of deceleration, a stop warning light that warns of a stop, and an input from the light sensor that accepts input. A wireless tag reader / writer comprising a control unit for controlling transmission / reception, the deceleration warning light, and the stop warning light,
The control unit is
Based on the output from the optical sensor, to calculate the number of scheduled reading of the wireless tag,
When it is determined that the number of the RFID tags that have been read is less than the first threshold number or more than the predetermined number of readings, a deceleration warning lamp is lit until it is determined that the reading of the RFID tags for the predetermined number of readings is completed. And
When it is determined that the number of the RFID tags that have been read is lower than the scheduled number of readings by a number equal to or greater than a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, it is determined that the reading of the scheduled number of RFID tags has been completed. Turn on the stop warning light until
A wireless tag reader / writer. An antenna for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the wireless tag, a deceleration warning light for warning of deceleration, a stop warning light for warning of stop, and a control unit for controlling transmission and reception of signals, the deceleration warning light, and the stop warning light A wireless tag reader / writer,
The control unit is
Based on a signal received from a tag that is a wireless tag arranged at a predetermined number of wireless tags to be read, the number of wireless tags to be read is calculated,
When it is determined that the number of the RFID tags that have been read is less than the first threshold number or more than the predetermined number of readings, a deceleration warning lamp is lit until it is determined that the reading of the RFID tags for the predetermined number of readings is completed. And
When it is determined that the number of the RFID tags that have been read is lower than the scheduled number of readings by a number equal to or greater than a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, it is determined that the reading of the scheduled number of RFID tags has been completed. Turn on the stop warning light until
A wireless tag reader / writer.   4. The wireless tag reader / writer according to claim 3, wherein the alarm device includes a speaker that emits an alarm sound. The wireless tag reader / writer further comprises a speaker that emits an alarm sound,
The control unit is
9. The wireless tag reader / writer according to claim 6, wherein an alarm sound is emitted from the speaker when the deceleration warning light or the stop warning light is turned on.

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