JP4727225B2 - Article storage device and article management system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an RF tag, an article storage device, and an article management system. More specifically, even if the article accommodated in the article accommodation device is a metallic article, the recorded information can be reliably read. The present invention relates to an RF tag, an article storage device, and an article management system.

In recent years, information recording media called IC cards are widely available on the market and used for various purposes. The IC card is a generic name for cards having a card-like or sheet-like shape such as a credit card, a bank card, a point card, etc., and an IC (Integrated Circuit) incorporated in the card. Recently, RF tags that record information based on the same principle as IC cards have been attached to various products, contributing to efficiency in various fields such as product type and content discrimination, sorting and inventory management. . In the case of IC cards and RF tags attached to a plurality of articles that are collectively handled in this way, data is exchanged with reader / writers by radio waves in a lump. There is a particular problem that does not occur particularly in an IC card that is processed in units of one sheet such as a commuter pass for getting on and off.
For example, when storing a plurality of metallic items such as keys and tools made of metal materials in a container, the RF tag that records the record information about each item is attached to each item in the storage container. The storage state is managed by collectively reading the recording information of the RF tag attached to each internal article by an external reader / writer via an antenna provided in the storage container. However, when individual metallic articles equipped with RF tags are close to each other or are in a positional relationship in which at least a part of them overlaps when viewed from the direction of transmission / reception of radio waves with the reader / writer, When trying to read the recorded information, there arises a problem that information on the RF tag cannot be read correctly due to magnetic flux attenuation by metal.
In order to solve this problem, in the conventional RF tag shown in FIG. 9, a magnetic sheet 72 that forms magnetic paths of magnetic fluxes 70 and 73 is arranged on one side of the RF tag 200, so that Even if the metal 75 is present, the magnetic fluxes 70 and 73 cross the loop antenna (not shown) of the RF tag 200 using the magnetic sheet 72 as a magnetic path, so that communication with a reader / writer (not shown) can be performed. In the example of FIG. 9, the magnetic flux 74 is attenuated by the metal 75, but the magnetic sheet 72 becomes a magnetic flux path and the influence of the metal can be ignored. A non-contact type information transfer device including this magnetic sheet is disclosed in Patent Document 1.
Further, in Patent Document 2, an equipment management electronic tag including an antenna unit for transmitting information and generating an electromotive force, and a semiconductor chip having a function of recording information and transmitting information is provided as an appliance. There is disclosed a technique for directly or indirectly attaching and storing recorded information such as a change in use place as electronic data.
JP 2001-331772 A JP 2003-123041 A

However, when the recording information of the metallic article to which the RF tag 200 having the magnetic sheet 72 of FIG. 9 is attached is read by the reader / writer in units of one piece, it is only necessary to read the recording information about a small number of metallic articles. Although there is no problem, it takes a lot of time to read the recording information of a large number of metallic articles on a unit basis, which is very inefficient.
In addition, a magnetic sheet must be attached to the RF tag, and there is a problem that the RF tag is expensive.
In addition, the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 2 does not disclose means for solving the problem that information on an RF tag cannot be read correctly due to a magnetic flux attenuation failure caused by metal. Technology
In view of such a problem, the present invention reduces the occurrence of magnetic flux attenuation failure due to metal by making the RF tag into an annular shape including a coil shape and including a magnetic core having a shape that can be inserted into the annular opening. It is another object of the present invention to provide an RF tag, an article storage device, and an article management system that can accurately read recorded information of a large number of metallic articles collectively.

In order to solve the problem, the present invention provides a magnetic core that forms a magnetic path through which magnetic flux passes, a coil wound around at least a part of the magnetic core, and a magnetic path formed in the magnetic core. Or a magnetic path connecting / disconnecting means for interrupting the magnetic path , and an annularly formed antenna including a coil shape, and data exchange between the antenna and a reader disposed close to the antenna when accommodating an RF tag having a control IC for controlling the magnetic core, at least a portion of have a insertable shape to the opening of the RF tag, the magnetic core, the coil and the magnetic path disengaging means container The container is comprised of a container body and a lid that opens and closes the container body, and is configured to form a magnetic path of the magnetic core when the lid is closed .
The RF tag of the present invention is characterized in that the antenna is formed in an annular shape including a coil shape. A control IC is disposed close to the antenna. That is, an RF tag is formed by integrating an annular antenna having an opening (having a hollow center portion) and a control IC.
Moreover, when magnetic flux propagates in the air, a large magnetic resistance is generated. Since the magnetic resistance is inversely proportional to the magnetic permeability, the magnetic resistance can be reduced by using a magnetic core having a magnetic permeability larger than that of air as a magnetic path. In accordance with this principle, the present invention is provided with a magnetic path connecting / disconnecting means for winding a coil around a magnetic core and forming a magnetic path in the magnetic core or interrupting the magnetic path.
Moreover, the shape of the magnetic core of the present invention needs to be a shape that can be inserted into at least the opening of the RF tag. For example, a rod-like shape is provided, and the rod-like magnetic core is inserted into the opening to facilitate magnetic coupling with the antenna by magnetic flux passing through the magnetic core.
In addition, the present invention accommodates a magnetic core, a coil and a magnetic path connecting / disconnecting means in a container, and the container is composed of a main body and a lid, and a magnetic path of the magnetic core is formed when the lid is closed. It is comprised so that it may be.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, an informing RF tag that records information for informing that the lid is closed is inserted into a part of the magnetic core.
In the present invention, the state in which the lid of the container is opened and closed is detected by the content recorded in the notification RF tag. That is, since the contents of all RF tags cannot be read when the lid is open, it is the same as when no article with an RF tag is contained in the container, and is the lid open? It cannot be determined whether there is no RF tag. Therefore, in the present invention, an article with an RF tag is accommodated in the container by always inserting an informing RF tag recording information for informing that the lid is closed into a part of the magnetic core. Even when the cover is not closed, the information on the notification RF tag can be read without fail .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the article storage device according to claim 1, the reader for reading the recorded information recorded on the RF tag attached to the metallic article stored in the article storage device, and the entire system. An article management system comprising: a control means for controlling the article, when the control means reads information recorded on a notification RF tag that records information notifying that the lid is closed by the reader; It is judged that the lid of the storage device is closed, and the record information recorded in the RF tag is updated.
The present invention relates to a system using an article storage device to which a notification RF tag is attached, and further includes an RF tag, a reader, and control means. Then, when the information on the notification RF tag is read by the reader, the control means determines that the lid of the article storage device is closed, and updates the recorded information recorded on the RF tag attached to the article.
A fourth aspect of the present invention controls the article storage device according to claim 1 or 2, a reader for reading record information recorded on an RF tag attached to a metallic article stored in the article storage device, and the entire system. And a control means that, when the control means detects that the lid is closed by the open / close detection means for detecting the open / closed state of the lid, the magnetic path disconnecting means connects the magnetic path. The recording information recorded in the RF tag is updated by determining that the is formed.
The present invention relates to a system that uses an article storage device provided with an open / close detection means, and further includes an RF tag, a reader, and a control means. When the control means detects that the lid is closed by the open / close detection means, the control means determines that the magnetic path is formed by the magnetic path connecting / disconnecting means, and updates the recorded information recorded on the RF tag attached to the article. Is.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the shape of the antenna of the RF tag is formed in an annular shape including a coil shape, it is possible to insert a magnetic core into the annular opening and strengthen the magnetic coupling with the reader. Can do.
In addition, since a magnetic path connecting / disconnecting means for winding a coil around the magnetic core and forming a magnetic path in the magnetic core or interrupting the magnetic path is provided, an article attached with an RF tag can be freely inserted into or removed from the magnetic core. can do.
Also, since the shape of the magnetic core is at least insertable into the opening of the RF tag, the magnetic core of that shape is inserted into the opening of the RF tag so that the magnetic coupling with the antenna is facilitated by the magnetic flux passing through the magnetic core. Can do.
Further, the magnetic core, the coil, and the magnetic path connecting / disconnecting means are accommodated in a container so as to be integrated, and this container is composed of a main body and a lid so that the magnetic path of the magnetic core is formed when the lid is closed. Therefore, the operation of closing the lid and the magnetic path formation are integrated, and the recorded information of the article can be read only when the lid is closed .

According to the second aspect of the present invention , since the notification RF tag is inserted into a part of the magnetic core, the opening / closing of the lid can be detected by the reader.
According to a third aspect of the present invention , when the information on the notification RF tag is read by the reader, the control means determines that the lid of the article storage device is closed and updates the recorded information recorded on the RF tag attached to the article. Accurate recording information can be obtained.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention , when the control means detects that the lid is closed by the open / close detection means, it is determined that the magnetic path is formed by the magnetic path connecting / disconnecting means, and the recorded information is recorded on the RF tag attached to the article. Is updated, so that accurate recording information can be obtained.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings. However, the components, types, combinations, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like described in this embodiment are merely illustrative examples and not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only unless otherwise specified. .
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a general RF tag reader / writer. This RF tag reader / writer (hereinafter simply referred to as a reader / writer) 100 is controlled by a PC 50 that exchanges data with the reader / writer 100 and controls the entire system. The reader / writer 100 includes a transmission / reception device 1 that controls a data communication protocol with an external PC 50, a control device 2 that controls the operation of the entire reader / writer 100, firmware that records a procedure for operating the control device 2, and read data A memory device 3 for storing data, a modulator 4 for modulating data from the control device 2 on a carrier wave, an input device 5 for inputting an operation command, and a display device 6 for displaying information controlled by the control device 2 A power amplifier 7 that amplifies the power supply signal that is an AC signal from the control device 2 and a write command from the modulator 4, and a detector demodulator that converts the carrier wave received from the loop antenna 9 into binary data 8 and a loop antenna 9 for exchanging power and data with an RF tag (not shown).
Next, before describing the operation of the reader / writer 100 according to this configuration, the configuration of the RF tag will be described first. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a general RF tag. The RF tag 200 of the present embodiment receives a loop antenna 20 that transmits and receives data using a power carrier wave from the reader / writer 100, a transmission / reception circuit 21 that generates a write command read command, and a power carrier wave from the loop antenna 20. A power generation circuit 22 that rectifies and converts it into DC power, a memory device 23 that manages storage of control firmware and data, a modulator 24 that modulates a transmission command from the control circuit 26 with a carrier wave, The detector 25 is configured to convert the carrier wave data from the transmission / reception circuit 21 into binarized data, and the control circuit 26 controls the overall operation of the RF tag 200.

Next, each operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 together. When a power supply (not shown) is turned on, the reader / writer 100 starts an operation according to a program stored in the memory device 3 after the initial operation of the control device 2. First, initialization is performed. Next, the control device 2 alternately transmits a power supply signal supplied to the RF tag 200 and a polling signal from the power amplifier 7. The signal is radiated to the outside from the loop antenna 9 as an electromagnetic wave. Next, when the RF tag 200 comes close to the reader / writer 100, the loop antenna 20 rectifies the carrier wave by the power generation circuit 22 to convert it into DC power and supplies it to all the circuits in the RF tag. When power is supplied and the control circuit 26 is driven, control is started in accordance with a program stored in the memory device 23.
Next, the control circuit 26 first demodulates the command from the transmission / reception circuit 21 by the detector 25, converts it to a binary signal, and analyzes the command. As a result, when it is recognized that it is called, the response is modulated by the modulator 24 and transmitted from the loop antenna 20 via the transmission / reception circuit 21. The reader / writer 100 receives this response with the loop antenna 9, converts it into a binarized code with the detector demodulator 8, analyzes it with the control circuit 2, and recognizes that the RF tag 200 is a tag conforming to the standard. Thereby, data is exchanged between the reader / writer 100 and the RF tag 200 thereafter.

  FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the RF tag of the present invention. (A) is a surface view of the RF tag attached to the article, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the RF tag. The same components will be described with the same reference numerals. The RF tag 200 includes an antenna 20 formed in an annular shape (circular, rectangular, polygonal, indeterminate shape, etc., or a wire rod having a ring shape, a coil shape, or a spiral shape regardless of the number of windings) And a control IC 210 that is arranged in the vicinity of the antenna 20 and controls the exchange of data with a reader (not shown) via the antenna 20. For example, the key (metallic article) 2 is attached to the opening 24 of the RF tag 200 through the string 1. The antenna 20 and the control IC 210 have a configuration covered with a resin or the like in order to protect the conductor portion and the like.

  FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of the article storage device of the present invention. The article storage device 300 includes a ferrite core (magnetic core) 19 that forms a magnetic path through which magnetic flux passes, a coil 9 wound around at least a part of the ferrite core 19, and a magnetic path formed in the ferrite core 19. A plate-shaped ferrite core (magnetic path connecting / disconnecting means) 12 that interrupts the magnetic path, and a container 23 that accommodates the ferrite core 19, the coil 9, and the plate-shaped ferrite core 12 are configured. The container 23 includes a container body 15 and a lid 10 that opens and closes the container body 15. When the lid 10 is closed, the magnetic path of the ferrite core 19 is formed by the T-shaped ferrite core 12. It is configured. The ferrite core 19 has a shape (for example, a rod shape) that can be inserted into the opening 24 of the RF tag 200 of FIG. In this example, the ferrite core 19 is attached to the container body 15 side and the plate-like ferrite core 12 is attached to the lid 10 side. However, the configuration may be reversed.

  Next, the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, a case where the notification RF tag 16 in which information for notifying that the lid 10 is closed is recorded is inserted into a part of the ferrite core 19 is shown. That is, since the contents of all the RF tags cannot be read when the lid 10 is opened, it is possible to determine whether the lid 10 is opened or an article attached with the RF tag 200 is not accommodated. Can not. Therefore, in the present embodiment, at least one of the notification RF tags 16 in which information for notifying that the lid 10 is closed is recorded is overlapped with the recess 13 formed in the ferrite core 12 of the lid. Thus, even if no RF tag 200 is accommodated in the container, the information on the notification RF tag 16 can be read without fail if the lid 10 is closed.

  The article storage device 300 stores and manages fixtures made of metal such as keys and tools. For example, the key 2 to which the RF tag 200 is attached is attached to the hanging portion 28 of the ferrite core 19 by the RF tag. Assume that 200 openings are inserted and accommodated. First, the case where the lid 10 is closed will be described. When the lid 10 is closed, the tips of the suspended portions 26, 27, and 28 of the ferrite core 19 are fitted into the recesses 13 provided in the plate-like ferrite core 12, thereby forming a magnetic path of the ferrite core 19. The state at that time will be described with reference to the schematic diagrams of FIGS. FIG. 5C is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the ferrite core 19 and the plate-like ferrite core 12, and the tip of the hanging portion 28 is fitted into the recess 13 of the plate-like ferrite core 12 to form a magnetic path. Is done. FIG. 5D is a schematic circuit diagram at that time. In FIG. 5D, when the ferrite core 19 and the plate-like ferrite core 12 come into contact with each other by the recess 13, a magnetic path of the ferrite core 19 is formed, and a carrier wave transmitted from a reader 100 (not shown) is passed through the coil 9. 19 is supplied. As a result, a magnetic flux 29 is generated in the ferrite core 19, and the antenna 20 of the RF tag 200 inserted into the hanging portion 28 is magnetically coupled to supply power to the control IC 210. Thereafter, as described with reference to FIG. 1, communication is performed between the reader 100 and the RF tag 200. In this embodiment, the reporting RF tag 16 is inserted into the ferrite core 19, and it is possible to recognize that the lid 10 has been closed by reading the information recorded on the reporting RF tag 16. For example, information such as “the lid is closed” is recorded in the notification RF tag 16. By reading this information, the PC 50 can read and update the information of the articles attached with all the RF tags in the container.

  Next, a case where the lid 10 is opened will be described. FIG. 5A is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the ferrite core 19 and the plate-like ferrite core 12, and the tip of the hanging portion 28 is separated from the concave portion 13 of the plate-like ferrite core 12 to block the magnetic path. The FIG. 5B shows a schematic circuit diagram at that time. In FIG. 5B, when the ferrite core 19 and the plate-like ferrite core 12 are separated from each other, the magnetic path of the ferrite core 19 is interrupted, and a carrier wave transmitted from a reader 100 (not shown) is supplied to the ferrite core 19 via the coil 9. However, no magnetic flux is generated in the ferrite core 19. Therefore, the RF tag 200 inserted into the hanging portion 28 and the antenna 20 of the notification RF tag 16 are not magnetically coupled, and power is not supplied to the control IC 210. In this embodiment, the reporting RF tag 16 is inserted into the ferrite core 19, but the information recorded in the reporting RF tag 16 cannot be read, so the PC 50 has the container lid 10 opened. It recognizes that.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, instead of the notification RF tag 16, an open / close detection means such as a switch or a sensor for detecting the open / close state of the lid 10 is provided. In FIG. This is a case where a detection means cover) 25 is provided. In this description, it is assumed that the lid 10 is in an open state when the switch 25 is ON, and the lid 10 is in a closed state when the switch 25 is OFF. That is, when the lid 10 is opened, the switch 25 is turned on, and the signal is transmitted to the PC 50 (not shown) via the connector 18. When the PC 50 detects it, the contents of the articles to which all the RF tags are attached cannot be read, so the carrier wave supplied to the coil 9 is stopped. When the lid 10 is closed, the switch 25 is turned off, and the signal is transmitted to the PC 50 (not shown) via the connector 18. When detecting it, the PC 50 determines that the magnetic path of the ferrite core 19 has been formed, supplies a carrier wave to the coil 9, and reads information on the article to which the RF tag is attached. As described above, in this embodiment, by providing the container body 15 with the switch 25 that detects that the lid 10 is opened and closed, it is possible to detect that the lid 10 is closed and determine the reading timing of the reader 100. it can. In FIG. 4, both the notification RF tag 16 and the switch 25 are provided, but either one may be provided. If both the notification RF tag 16 and the switch 25 are provided, the reader 100 is stopped when the lid 10 is open, and the reader 100 is driven only when the lid 10 is closed. Can be used.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the article management system of the present invention. The article management system 400 includes recorded information recorded on the RF tag 200 shown in FIG. 3, the article storage device 300 shown in FIG. 4, and the RF tag 200 attached to the article stored in the article storage device 300. And a PC (control means) 50 for controlling the entire system.

FIG. 7A is an operation flowchart in the case of the article accommodation apparatus of the first embodiment, and FIG. 7B is an operation flowchart in the case of the article accommodation apparatus of the second embodiment. In FIG. 7A, the PC 50 transmits a read command to the reader 100, and the reader 100 transmits a carrier wave to the article storage device 300. As a result, it is checked whether or not the information of the notification RF tag can be read (S1). If it can be read (YES route in S1), the process proceeds to step S4. If it cannot be read in step S1 (NO route in S1), it is recognized that the lid 10 is in an open state (S2), and it is checked again whether or not the information of the notification RF tag can be read (S3). (NO route at S3), return to step S2 and repeat. When the information of the notification RF tag can be read in step S3 (YES route in S3), the information of all the RF tags in the container 15 is read (S4), and the recorded information stored in the memory of the PC 50 is changed. (S5), if there is no change, it is left as it is, and if there is a change, the recorded information is updated (S6). In step S5, whether or not there is a change is checked. However, the read information may always be overwritten.
In FIG. 7B, the PC 50 checks the state of the switch 25 of the article storage device 300 (S11). If the switch 25 is OFF (NO route in S11), the process proceeds to step S14. If it is ON in step S11 (YES route in S11), the lid 10 recognizes that it is open (S12), checks the state of the switch 25 again (S13), and if it is ON (YES in S13). Route) and return to step S12 and repeat. If the switch 25 is OFF in step S13 (NO route in S13), the information of all the RF tags in the container 15 is read (S14), and whether or not the recorded information stored in the memory of the PC 50 is changed. If there is no change, the recording information is updated (S16). It should be noted that although the presence or absence of a change is checked in step S15, the read information may always be overwritten.

  FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of an article accommodating device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In the article storage device 500, the coil 9 is wound around a part of the “U” -shaped ferrite core 30, and both ends thereof are connected to the reader 100. In addition, the opening 34 of the ferrite core 30 is provided with a movable arm 32 that is freely movable, and is configured to be constantly urged in the direction of the arrow by a spring 31 and to contact the protrusion 33 of the ferrite core 30. Next, a case where an article with the RF tag 200 attached is accommodated in the article accommodation apparatus 500 will be described. The movable arm 32 is urged in the direction of the arrow by the spring 31 and is in contact with the protrusion 33 of the ferrite core 30 (position of the movable arm 32a). When a carrier wave is transmitted from the reader 100 in this state, a magnetic flux 35 is generated in the ferrite core 30 by the coil 9. If an article to which the RF tag is attached is not accommodated, no information can be obtained from the reader 100. In this state, in order to accommodate the article attached with the RF tag 200 attached with the key 2 in the ferrite core 30, the movable arm 32 is pushed in the direction opposite to the arrow, and the opening 24 of the RF tag 200 is inserted into the ferrite core 30. The movable arm 32 is returned to the position 32a. As a result, a magnetic flux 35 is generated in the ferrite core 30, and a magnetic field is induced in the antenna 20 of the RF tag 200 to drive the RF tag 200. As a result, the reader 100 reads the record information of the article to which the RF tag 200 is attached.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the reader / writer for general RF tags. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a general RF tag. It is an external perspective drawing of the RF tag of this invention, (a) is a surface view of the RF tag attached to articles | goods, (b) is sectional drawing of RF tag. It is an external appearance perspective view of the article | item accommodation apparatus of this invention. (A), (c) is a figure showing the positional relationship of the ferrite core 19 and the plate-shaped ferrite core 12, (b), (d) is a circuit schematic diagram. It is a block diagram of the article | item management system of this invention. (A) is an operation | movement flowchart in the case of the articles | goods accommodation apparatus of 1st Embodiment, (b) is an operation | movement flowchart in the case of the articles | goods accommodation apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the article | item accommodating apparatus of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the conventional RF tag.

Explanation of symbols

  9 Coil, 10 Lid, 12 Plate-shaped ferrite core (magnetic path connection / disconnection means), 15 Container body, 19 Ferrite core (magnetic core), 20 Coil, 23 Container, 24 Opening, 50 PC, 100 Reader, 200 RF tag , 300 Article storage device

Claims (4)

A magnetic core that forms a magnetic path through which the magnetic flux passes, a coil wound around at least a part of the magnetic core, and a magnetic path connection / disconnection means that forms a magnetic path in the magnetic core or interrupts the magnetic path. And an antenna formed in an annular shape including a coil shape, and an RF tag provided with a control IC that is arranged in proximity to the antenna and controls the exchange of data with the reader via the antenna. Has a shape that can be at least partially inserted into the opening of the RF tag, and the magnetic core, coil, and magnetic path connection / disconnection means are accommodated in a container, and the container opens and closes the container body and the container body. The article storage device is configured to form a magnetic path of the magnetic core when the lid is closed.   2. The article storage device according to claim 1, wherein a notification RF tag recording information for notifying that the lid is closed is inserted into a part of the magnetic core. The article storage device according to claim 1, a reader for reading recorded information recorded on the RF tag attached to the metallic article stored in the article storage device, and a control unit for controlling the entire system In the article management system, the control means reads the recording information of the notification RF tag that records the information for notifying that the lid is closed by the reader. An article management system, wherein the article management system updates the record information recorded in the RF tag by judging that the tag is closed. The article accommodating device according to claim 1, a reader for reading record information recorded on an RF tag attached to a metallic article accommodated in the article accommodating device, a control means for controlling the entire system, In the article management system, the control means determines that a magnetic path has been formed by the magnetic path connecting / disconnecting means when detecting that the lid is closed by the open / close detection means for detecting the open / closed state of the lid. The article management system is characterized in that the record information recorded in the RF tag is updated.

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