WO2006070563A1 - Wireless tag communication system, wireless tag communication equipment and wireless tag detecting system - Google Patents

Abstract

A wireless tag communication system by which an accurate position of a wireless tag, which is a communication target, can be easily detected. The wireless tag communication system includes a first wireless tag (14) provided at a position fixed to a prescribed reference position; a second wireless tag (16) movable from the reference position; and wireless tag communication equipment (12) for communicating information between the first wireless tag (14) and the second wireless tag (16). The wireless tag communication equipment (12) judges the position of the first wireless tag (14) to the reference position by communicating the information between the first wireless tag (14) and the second wireless tag (16), and judges the position of the wireless tag (16) to the reference position, based on the position of the first wireless tag (14). Therefore, even when the wireless tag communication equipment (12) moves from the reference position, the position of the second wireless tag (16) can be correctly detected from the relative positional relationship with first wireless tag (14).

Description

 Specification

 Wireless tag communication system, wireless tag communication apparatus, and wireless tag detection system

 [0001] The present invention relates to a wireless tag communication device that performs non-contact communication of information with a predetermined wireless tag, and a wireless tag communication system and a wireless tag detection system using the wireless tag communication device. Regarding improvement.

 Background art

 An RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system is known in which information is read out in a non-contact manner from a small-sized wireless tag (responder) in which predetermined information is stored by a predetermined wireless tag communication device (interrogator). ing. This RFID system can read information stored in a wireless tag by communication with the wireless tag communication device even when the wireless tag is dirty or placed at an invisible position. Therefore, practical use is expected in various fields such as product management and inspection processes.

 [0003] As one form of use of such an RFID system, practical use for article management and the like is considered. For example, there is an article search method using RFID described in Patent Document 1, and according to this technology, the above-mentioned wireless tag is attached to each article to be managed, and between the wireless tags. By communicating information, it is said that it is possible to suitably search or manage articles.

 [0004] Further, as one use form of the RFID system, a technique for detecting a position in a limited space such as a room has been proposed. For example, this is the destination guidance system described in Patent Document 2. According to this technology, by attaching a wireless tag to a display shelf or the like to be guided, the position can be displayed on the floor map.

[0005] In addition, in the wireless tag detection system that detects the wireless tag by communicating with the wireless tag, the communication distance of the wireless tag communication device is usually limited to about several meters. For this reason, the wireless tag placed in a relatively large space could not be suitably detected with only a single wireless tag communication device. Therefore, a technique for detecting a wireless tag arranged within a predetermined communication range by a plurality of wireless tag communication devices has been proposed. The For example, this is the article search system described in Patent Document 3. According to this technology, it is said that a wireless tag arranged within a communication range can be suitably detected by covering the communication range with a plurality of wireless tag communication devices capable of transmitting / receiving information to / from each other.

 [0006] Patent Document 1: JP 2002-271229 A

 Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-116583

 Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-132732

 [0007] However, in the conventional technique as described in Patent Document 1, a target wireless tag is searched by changing the directivity of a radio wave (transmission signal) transmitted from the wireless tag communication device. Therefore, for example, when the RFID tag communication device used for the search is a portable handy reader, the relative direction of the RFID tag to be communicated changes due to the movement of the handy reader. , There was a bad effect that the search becomes difficult. In addition, when managing the arrangement position of the article, it may be necessary to perform manual registration or the like, which is cumbersome and suitable for practical use. For this reason, there has been a demand for the development of a wireless tag communication system that can easily detect the exact position of a wireless tag that is a communication target.

 [0008] In addition, considering the practical use of the RFID system for article management and the like, in addition to the above-described wireless tag having location information for position detection (hereinafter referred to as a location tag), the RFID system can be attached to an article or the like. In some cases, communication with a wireless tag having management information for managing them (hereinafter referred to as an article tag) is desired. However, in the conventional technology described in Patent Document 2, communication with the place tag and communication with the article tag are simultaneously performed, and correct communication is performed by superimposing communication signals. There was a risk of not being done. Moreover, there was a detrimental effect that communication data increased by performing these communications simultaneously. For this reason, there has been a demand for the development of a technique for appropriately communicating with and obtaining a plurality of types of wireless tags.

[0009] In addition, a so-called passive tag that does not include an internal power supply source is generally one that cannot communicate by receiving a plurality of transmission signals simultaneously. With regard to communication according to the conventional technology as described in Patent Document 3, the wireless tag is not able to receive a signal correctly in a portion where the communication ranges of the plurality of wireless tag communication devices overlap. There was a possibility that suitable communication could not be performed. In order to solve this problem, a sufficient time interval should be provided for transmission of transmission signals by adjacent wireless tag communication devices. However, the number of wireless tags existing around the station and the number of wireless tags communicate with each other. When the timing is weak, there is a limit to improving the communication speed because the sequence control becomes complicated, such as a sufficient time interval. For this reason, the development of a wireless tag detection system that can detect wireless tags placed in the communication range as quickly as possible has been demanded. Disclosure of the invention

 Problems to be solved by the invention

 [0010] The present invention has been made against the background of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a wireless tag communication system that can easily detect an accurate position of a wireless tag that is a communication target. Provide a technology that can suitably communicate with multiple types of wireless tags, and provide a wireless tag communication system that can detect wireless tags placed within the communication range as quickly as possible. There is to do.

 Means for solving the problem

 [0011] In order to achieve such an object, the gist of the first invention is a wireless tag communication system that performs non-contact communication of information with a predetermined wireless tag, A first wireless tag provided at a fixed position with respect to a reference position, and a wireless tag communication device that communicates information with the first wireless tag, the wireless tag communication device comprising: The communication of information between the first wireless tag and the second wireless tag determines the position of the first wireless tag with respect to the reference position, and the position of the first wireless tag. The position of the RFID tag communication device with respect to the reference position is determined based on the above.

 [0012] In order to achieve the above object, the gist of the second invention is that a transmission signal is transmitted toward a predetermined wireless tag, and the RFID tag power is returned according to the transmission signal. A wireless tag communication device that receives a reply signal transmitted and communicates information with the wireless tag, and a signal dividing unit for dividing the reception signal of the wireless tag power into a plurality of signal areas It is characterized by having.

[0013] In order to achieve the above object, the gist of the third invention is the second invention. The wireless tag communication system using the wireless tag communication device of the present invention is characterized in that information is communicated with a plurality of types of wireless tags having different signal areas.

 [0014] In order to achieve the above object, the gist of the fourth invention is that wireless communication is performed by communicating information with a wireless tag storing predetermined information in a contactless manner. A wireless tag detection system for detecting a tag, wherein one or a plurality of transmission terminal devices that transmit a predetermined transmission signal toward the wireless tag, and the wireless communication according to a transmission signal transmitted by the transmission terminal device A plurality of receiving terminal devices that receive a reply signal returned from the tag are provided at different positions as separate devices.

 The invention's effect

 As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, information is communicated between the first wireless tag provided in a fixed position with respect to the predetermined reference position and the first wireless tag. A wireless tag communication device that determines the position of the first wireless tag relative to the reference position by communicating information with the first wireless tag. And the position of the RFID tag communication device relative to the reference position is determined based on the position of the first RFID tag, so that the RFID tag communication device moves relative to the reference position. Even so, the relative positional relationship force with the first wireless tag can suitably detect the position of the wireless tag communication device. That is, it is possible to provide a wireless tag communication system that can easily detect an accurate position of the wireless tag communication apparatus.

[0016] Here, in the first invention, it preferably includes a second wireless tag that is movable with respect to the reference position and communicates information with the wireless tag communication device. The position of the second wireless tag with respect to the reference position is determined based on the position of the communication device. In this way, it is possible to suitably detect the relative position of the second radio tag with respect to the first radio tag. In addition, by registering the position of the first wireless tag with respect to the reference position in the wireless tag communication device in advance, complicated operations such as manually registering the position of the detected second wireless tag are performed. No need to do it. That is, it is possible to provide a wireless tag communication system that can easily detect the accurate position of a wireless tag that is a communication target. [0017] Preferably, the apparatus includes a storage device for storing a position of the first wireless tag with respect to the reference position. In this way, the position of the first wireless tag with respect to the reference position can be managed in a practical manner.

[0018] Preferably, the storage device stores a position of the second wireless tag with respect to the reference position. In this way, the position of the second radio tag with respect to the reference position can be managed in a practical manner.

[0019] Preferably, the storage device stores the position of the first wireless tag and the position of the second wireless tag with respect to the reference position in association with each other. In this way, the positions of the first wireless tag and the second wireless tag with respect to the reference position can be managed in a practical manner.

[0020] Preferably, the wireless tag communication device includes a display unit that displays a position of the first wireless tag or a position of the second wireless tag with respect to the reference position. In this way, the position of the second wireless tag with respect to the reference position can be visually confirmed.

 [0021] Preferably, the wireless tag communication device alternately performs communication of information with the first wireless tag and communication of information with the second wireless tag. Is. In this way, it is possible to prevent communication overlap between the first wireless tag and the second wireless tag in a practical manner.

 [0022] Preferably, the strength of a transmission signal for performing information communication with the first wireless tag is equal to that of the transmission signal for performing information communication with the second wireless tag. It is larger than the signal strength. In this way, in addition to being able to distinguish the communication range between the first wireless tag and the second wireless tag, it is easy to communicate with a plurality of first wireless tags. The

 [0023] Preferably, the communicable distance of the first wireless tag is larger than the communicable distance of the second wireless tag. In this way, it is easy to communicate with a plurality of first radio tags, because the communication range can be differentiated between the first radio tag and the second radio tag. It is said.

[0024] Preferably, the wireless tag communication device is configured such that the strength of a return signal from the wireless tag When a plurality of the first RFID tag response signals are received, the signal strength corresponding to the plurality of first RFID tags is received. The position with respect to the reference position is determined based on the signal intensity detected by the detection unit. In this way, the position relative to the reference position can be reliably detected.

 [0025] Preferably, the wireless tag communication device is configured so that a predetermined relational force is also detected based on the signal strength detected by the signal strength detection unit corresponding to each of the plurality of first wireless tags. The position of the second wireless tag between the plurality of first wireless tags is determined. In this way, the position relative to the reference position can be detected more accurately in a practical manner.

 [0026] Preferably, in the first wireless tag and the second wireless tag, commands for returning a reply signal are separately determined in advance. In this way, it is possible to prevent communication overlap between the first wireless tag and the second wireless tag in a practical manner.

[0027] Preferably, the first wireless tag is an active tag having a power supply device.

 In this way, the communicable distance of the first wireless tag can be extended, and the number of installed first wireless tags can be reduced.

 [0028] Preferably, the second wireless tag is used by being affixed to an article in order to manage the prescribed article. In this way, the arrangement position of the article can be managed in a practical manner.

 [0029] According to the second aspect of the invention, since the signal division unit for dividing the received signal from the wireless tag into a plurality of signal areas is provided, Information can be communicated between them simultaneously, and adverse effects such as superimposition of communication signals and increase in communication errors can be prevented. That is, it is possible to provide a wireless tag communication device that can suitably communicate with a plurality of types of wireless tags.

[0030] Also, in the second invention, preferably, the signal dividing unit divides received signals from a plurality of types of wireless tags having different functions into a plurality of signal regions according to functions. is there. In this way, multiple types of wireless tags with different functions can be used simultaneously. It is possible to communicate information.

 [0031] In addition, preferably, an AZD converter that converts the received signal having the RFID tag power into a digital signal is provided, and the signal dividing unit divides the received signal into a plurality of signal regions by digital signal processing. Is. In this way, by using digital signal processing, frequency decomposition using a filter bank or FIR (Finite Impulse Response) filter becomes possible.

 [0032] Preferably, the reception phased array includes a plurality of antenna elements, and controls the reception directivity by controlling the phase of each of the reception signals from the wireless tag received by the plurality of antenna elements. It has a control part. In this way, the direction of the wireless tag can be suitably specified.

 [0033] Preferably, the apparatus includes a plurality of antenna elements, and a transmission phased array control unit that controls transmission directivity by controlling the phase of each transmission signal transmitted from the plurality of antenna elements. is there. In this way, the direction of the wireless tag can be suitably specified.

 [0034] Further, according to the third invention, since information is communicated with a plurality of types of wireless tags having different signal areas, communication signals are superimposed and communication errors increase. Can prevent harmful effects. That is, it is possible to provide a wireless tag communication system that can suitably communicate with a plurality of types of wireless tags.

[0035] In the third invention, preferably, the plurality of types of wireless tags have different modulation frequencies. In this way, the signal areas of the plurality of types of radio tags can be distinguished in a practical manner.

[0036] Preferably, at least one type of wireless tag among the plurality of types of wireless tags performs information communication with the wireless tag communication device by frequency modulation. In this way, communication signal superposition can be prevented in a practical manner.

[0037] Preferably, the wireless tag that performs frequency modulation performs frequency hopping that selects any one of a plurality of frequencies and uses it as a center frequency of the modulation frequency. In this way, it is possible to more suitably prevent communication signals from being superimposed and to establish communication correctly. [0038] Preferably, at least one of the plurality of types of wireless tags returns a response signal to all transmission commands transmitted from the wireless tag communication device. is there. In this way, it is possible to suitably perform simultaneous communication with the plurality of types of wireless tags that do not need to send a transmission command to the target wireless tag.

 [0039] Preferably, at least one of the plurality of types of wireless tags is a semi-passive tag having a power supply device. In this way, stable communication is possible even when a large amount of energy is required to generate a modulation signal in which the modulation frequency of the target wireless tag is high.

 [0040] Preferably, the RFID tag communication apparatus processes a plurality of types of received signals of a plurality of types of wireless tags received in association with each other. In this way, complex information processing can be performed using the plurality of types of wireless tags.

 [0041] Preferably, at least one of the plurality of types of wireless tags is a tag that is provided in a fixed position at a predetermined location and has location information indicating the location. In this way, information about a place can be acquired in a practical manner.

 [0042] Preferably, at least one of the plurality of types of wireless tags is a tag having management information that is attached to an item and manages the item. In this way, article management information can be acquired in a practical manner.

 [0043] Preferably, the RFID tag communication apparatus includes a plurality of antenna elements, and controls the phase of each received signal of the RFID tag power received by the plurality of antenna elements. Having a reception phased array control unit for controlling transmission characteristics, or having a transmission phased array control unit for controlling transmission directivity by controlling the phase of each transmission signal transmitted from the plurality of antenna elements. The plurality of types of wireless tags are arranged around the wireless tag communication device, and received signals received simultaneously from the plurality of types of wireless tags are processed in association with each other. In this way, the direction of the article to which the tag having the management information is attached can be suitably detected by referring to the information regarding the location indicated by the tag having the location information.

[0044] According to the fourth invention, one or a plurality of transmission terminal devices that transmit a predetermined transmission signal toward the wireless tag, and a transmission signal transmitted by the transmission terminal device And a plurality of receiving terminal devices that receive reply signals sent back from the wireless tag according to the above are provided at different positions as separate devices, so that a necessary and sufficient number of transmitting terminal devices and receiving terminals are provided. By installing the devices at appropriate positions, all wireless tags placed within the communication range can be detected quickly with relatively simple control. In other words, it is possible to provide a wireless tag communication system that can detect wireless tags arranged within a communication range as quickly as possible.

 [0045] Also, in the fourth aspect of the invention, preferably, a plurality of receiving terminal devices receive a reply signal that is returned in response to the RFID tag power in response to a transmission signal transmitted from the predetermined transmitting terminal device. These transmitting terminal devices and a plurality of receiving terminal devices are provided at such positions. In this way, by installing a larger number of receiving terminal devices than the transmitting terminal device, it is possible to receive a plurality of reply signals sent back from the wireless tag in response to a transmission signal transmitted from a predetermined transmitting terminal device. It can be received by the terminal device, and all wireless tags arranged in the communication range can be efficiently detected while suitably preventing communication overlap.

 [0046] Preferably, the reception terminal device includes a reception directivity control unit that controls a reception directivity direction for receiving a reply signal returned from the wireless tag. In this way, the wireless tag disposed within the communication range can be quickly detected by relatively simple control.

 [0047] Preferably, the position where the wireless tag exists is detected based on a direction of reception directivity controlled by a reception directivity control unit of the reception terminal device. In this way, the position where the wireless tag arranged in the communication range is present can be detected quickly by relatively simple control.

 [0048] In addition, preferably, the wireless tag is configured based on a direction of reception directivity controlled by a reception directivity control unit of each of the plurality of reception terminal devices and a distance between the plurality of reception terminal devices. It detects the existing position. In this way, the position where the wireless tag disposed within the communication range is present can be quickly detected by practical control.

[0049] Preferably, the transmitting terminal device transmits a transmission signal toward the wireless tag. The transmission directivity control unit for controlling the transmission directivity is provided. In this way, the wireless tag disposed within the communication range can be quickly detected by relatively simple control.

 [0050] Preferably, the position where the wireless tag exists is detected based on a direction of transmission directivity controlled by a transmission directivity control unit of the transmission terminal device. In this way, the position where the wireless tag arranged in the communication range is present can be detected quickly by relatively simple control.

 [0051] Preferably, the receiving terminal device includes a received signal strength detection unit that detects the strength of a reply signal returned from the wireless tag. In this way, the RFID tag can be suitably detected based on the strength of the reply signal returned.

 [0052] Preferably, the direction of transmission directivity controlled by the transmission directivity control unit of the transmission terminal device and the reception signal detected by the reception signal strength detection units of the plurality of reception terminal devices, respectively. The position where the wireless tag exists is detected based on the intensity ratio. In this way, the position where the wireless tag disposed within the communication range is present can be quickly detected by practical control.

 [0053] Preferably, an equal signal strength ratio curve in which the specific power of at least two received signal strengths is also determined, and a direction of transmission directivity controlled by the transmission directivity control unit of the transmission terminal device are shown. The position where the wireless tag exists is detected based on the straight line. In this way, the position where the wireless tag disposed within the communication range is present can be quickly detected by practical control.

 [0054] Preferably, the transmission directivity of the transmission signal and the reception directivity of the reception signal are both omnidirectional, and the reception signal strength detected by the reception signal strength detection unit of the reception terminal device is set. Based on this, the position where the wireless tag exists is detected. In this way, the position where the wireless tag disposed within the communication range is present can be detected quickly by relatively simple control.

[0055] Preferably, the position where the radio tag is present based on a plurality of equal signal strength curves determined from the received signal strengths respectively detected by the received signal strength detectors of the plurality of receiving terminal devices. Is detected. In this way, it is arranged within the communication range. The position where the wireless tag is present can be quickly detected by practical control.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a radio tag communication system according to an embodiment of the first invention.

 2 is a plan view for explaining the external appearance of the RFID tag communication device that constitutes the RFID tag communication system of FIG. 1. FIG.

 FIG. 3 is a rear view of the RFID tag communication apparatus of FIG. 2 as viewed from the direction of arrow III.

4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the wireless tag communication device in FIG. 2.

 FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an appearance of a first wireless tag constituting the wireless tag communication system of FIG. 1.

 6 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the wireless tag in FIG.

 FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the appearance of a second wireless tag constituting the wireless tag communication system of FIG. 1.

 8 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the wireless tag in FIG.

 9 is a flowchart for explaining detection control of the wireless tag in FIG. 6 and the wireless tag in FIG. 8 by the control unit of the wireless tag communication device in FIG.

 10 is a diagram for explaining reading of the RFID tag of FIG. 6 and the RFID tag power information of FIG. 8 by the RFID tag communication apparatus of FIG.

 FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating information reading control of the wireless tag in FIG. 6, which is a part of the control in FIG.

 FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating information reading control of the wireless tag in FIG. 8, which is a part of the control in FIG.

 FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the relative positional relationship between the radio tags in FIG. 6 and the radio tags in FIG. 8 in a mode in which a plurality of radio tags are arranged.

 FIG. 14 is a diagram conceptually illustrating location determination control by the wireless tag communication device of FIG. 4.

15 is a flowchart for explaining registration control for storing the position of the wireless tag in FIG. 6 and the position of the wireless tag in FIG. 8 relative to the reference position by the control unit of the wireless tag communication apparatus in FIG. 4 in association with each other. FIG. 16 is an example of a screen showing registration locations displayed on the display unit of the RFID tag communication apparatus of FIG.

 FIG. 17 is an example of a database stored in the storage device of the server in FIG. 1.

 18 is a flowchart for explaining search control of the wireless tag of FIG. 6 and the wireless tag of FIG. 8 by the control unit of the wireless tag communication device of FIG. 4, and display control of the search result on the display unit.

 FIG. 19 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the RFID tag communication apparatus of FIG.

 FIG. 20 is an example of a “here is notification” screen displayed on the display unit of the RFID tag communication device of FIG.

 FIG. 21 is an example of the “This is Notification” screen displayed on the display unit of the RFID tag communication device of FIG.

 FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining position detection control by the control unit of the RFID tag communication apparatus of FIG.

 FIG. 23 is a flowchart for explaining location determination control which is a part of the control of FIG.

 FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining a code representing a linear relative position between two wireless tags of FIG.

 [FIG. 25] Search control of the wireless tag of FIG. 6 and the wireless tag of FIG. 8 by the control unit of the wireless tag communication device of FIG. 4, display control of the search result on the display unit, and radio of FIG. 6 with respect to the reference position 9 is a flowchart for explaining registration control for storing the tag position and the position of the wireless tag in FIG. 8 in association with each other.

 FIG. 26 is an example of a “location error notification” screen displayed on the display unit of the RFID tag communication apparatus of FIG.

[27] FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the wireless tags in FIG. 6 are arranged in a plane.

 FIG. 28 is a diagram conceptually illustrating determination of a planar location of the wireless tag of FIG. 8 arranged between a plurality of wireless tags of FIG. 6 in the embodiment of FIG. 27.

29] FIG. 29 is a diagram for explaining a radio tag communication system according to an embodiment of the third invention. FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a wireless tag communication device according to an embodiment of the second invention. FIG. 31 is an example of a frequency spectrum showing a modulation frequency used for modulation by the article tag of FIG. 3 and the location tag of FIG.

[32] The RFID tag device of FIG. 30 is also a frequency spectrum showing a response wave when the interrogation wave to be transmitted is modulated by the modulation frequency shown in FIG.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a relationship between a main carrier and a response wave used in the communication system of FIG. 29, and illustrates frequency hopping.

 FIG. 34 is a diagram for explaining a practical usage mode of the communication system of FIG. 29.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing the relationship between the IDs of the article tags of FIG. 3 stored in the database of FIG. 34 and the management information of the articles managed by these article tags.

 FIG. 36 is a flowchart for explaining article list display control corresponding to the embodiment of FIG. 34 by the wireless tag communication device of FIG. 30.

 FIG. 37 is a diagram for explaining another practical use mode of the communication system of FIG. 29.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart for explaining article list display control corresponding to the embodiment of FIG. 37 by the wireless tag communication device of FIG.

39] A diagram illustrating the configuration of a wireless tag communication device according to another embodiment of the second invention. 40) The configuration of a wireless tag communication device according to still another embodiment of the second invention will be described. It is a figure.

 FIG. 41 is a diagram for explaining another configuration of a place tag that is a communication target of the wireless tag communication device of FIG.

 FIG. 42 is an example of a frequency spectrum showing a modulation frequency used for modulation by the article tag of FIG. 3 and the location tag of FIG. 41.

[43] The RFID tag communication device shown in FIG. 30 is also a frequency spectrum showing the carrier wave and sideband signal of the response wave when the transmitted interrogation wave is modulated by the modulation frequency shown in FIG.

44 is a diagram showing a relationship between a main carrier and a response wave used in the communication system of FIG. 29. FIG. 45 is a diagram for explaining a wireless tag detection system according to one embodiment of the fourth invention.

[46] FIG. 46 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a transmission terminal device provided in the wireless tag detection system of FIG.

47] A diagram illustrating a configuration of a receiving terminal device provided in the wireless tag detection system of FIG.

 FIG. 48 is a diagram exemplifying wireless tag detection results by a plurality of receiving terminal devices stored in a server provided in the wireless tag detection system of FIG. 45.

 FIG. 49 is a diagram illustrating position detection of the wireless tag by the wireless tag detection system of FIG. 45.

50] is a flowchart for explaining a main part of the interrogation transmission control by the DSP of the transmission terminal device of FIG.

 51 is a flowchart for explaining a main part of wireless tag detection control using the receiving terminal device of FIG. 47 by a server provided in the wireless tag detection system of FIG. 45.

 FIG. 52 is a diagram for explaining a wireless tag detection system according to another embodiment of the fourth invention.

53] A diagram illustrating a configuration of a receiving terminal device provided in the wireless tag detection system of FIG.

 54 is a diagram for explaining an equal signal intensity curve used for position detection of a wireless tag by the wireless tag detection system of FIG. 52.

 FIG. 55 is a diagram for describing position detection of the wireless tag by the wireless tag detection system of FIG. 52.

 FIG. 56 is a diagram for explaining a wireless tag detection system according to still another embodiment of the fourth invention.

[57] FIG. 57 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a transmission terminal device by the wireless tag detection system of FIG.

FIG. 58 is a diagram showing the ID of the wireless tag and the received signal strength detected by each receiving terminal device when a transmitting signal is transmitted from the transmitting terminal device in FIG. 57 in a predetermined transmission directivity direction. There is a case where one wireless tag is detected.

 FIG. 59 is a diagram showing the ID of a wireless tag and the received signal strength detected by each receiving terminal device when a transmitting signal is transmitted from the transmitting terminal device in FIG. 57 in a predetermined transmission directivity direction. The case where a wireless tag is detected is illustrated.

 FIG. 60 is a diagram for explaining the position detection of the wireless tag by the wireless tag detection system of FIG. 56, and shows an example of specifying the position of the tag with ID “1” from the detection result of FIG.

FIG. 61 is a flow chart for explaining a main part of wireless tag detection control using the transmission terminal device of FIG. 57 and the reception terminal device of FIG. 53 by a server provided in the wireless tag detection system of FIG.

 FIG. 62 is a flowchart for explaining tag position specifying control which is a part of the wireless tag detection control shown in FIG. 61; Explanation of symbols

10: wireless tag communication system, 12: wireless tag communication device, 13: network, 14, 17: wireless tag (location tag, tag with location information), 16: wireless tag (article tag, tag with management information), 16 ': Excluded product tag, 18: User, 20: Product, 22: Main unit, 24: Antenna unit, 26: Housing, 28: Display unit, 30: Operation unit, 32: Sound generator, 34: Antenna, 36: Unit base, 38: Transmitter, 40: Receiver, 42: Controller, 44: Image processor, 46: Wireless LAN communication unit, 48: Reference frequency generator, 50: PLL, 52 : VCO, 54: Transmission signal modulation section, 56: Transmission signal amplification section, 58: 1 phase signal conversion section, 60: Q phase signal conversion section, 62: Transmission / reception separation section, 64: 1 phase signal, 66: 1 phase Signal amplification section, 68: Q phase signal BPF, 70: Q phase signal amplification section, 72: RSSI circuit (signal strength detection section), 74: Antenna section, 76: IC circuit section, 78: Rectification section, 80: Power supply Part, 82: Clock extraction part, 84: Memory unit, 86: modulation / demodulation unit, 88: control unit, 90: power supply unit, 92: antenna unit, 94: IC circuit unit, 96: server, 98: storage device, 100: database, 110: RFID tag communication system, 112, 162, 168: RFID tag communication device, 118: transmission command generation unit, 120: modulation signal generation unit, 122: modulation unit, 124: amplification unit, 126: antenna, 128: transmission / reception separation unit, 130: demodulation unit 132: Bandpass filter (signal division unit) 134: Received signal processing unit 152: Power supply unit 153: Channel determination unit 154: Room 156: Display unit 158: Database 160: Shelf 164: AZD Conversion unit, 166: DSP, 170: Transmission Phase control unit, 172: Transmission amplitude control unit, 174: Antenna element, 176: Reception phase control unit, 178: Reception amplitude control unit, 180: Directivity control unit (transmission / reception phased array control unit), 210, 290, 300: Wireless tag detection system, 212: wireless tag, 214, 302: transmitting terminal device, 216, 292: receiving terminal device, 218: room, 220: command bit string generation unit, 222: FSK code unit, 224: AM modulation , 226: Transmit signal DZA converter, 228: Local oscillator, 230: Up converter, 232: Transmit signal amplifier, 234: Transmit antenna element, 236: DSP, 238: Receive antenna element, 240: Local oscillator, 242 : Downconverter, 244: Received signal amplifier, 246: Received signal AZD converter, 248: Received memory, 250: DSP, 252: Received PAA processor, 254: AM demodulator, 256: FSK decoder, 258: Response bit string interpretation unit, 260: Received signal strength detection unit, 262: Reception PAA weight control unit (Reception directivity control unit), 264: Received PAA weight multiplication unit, 266: Received signal synthesis unit, 268: Server, 304: Transmission PAA processing unit, 306: Transmission PAA weight control unit (transmission directivity control unit), 308: Transmission memory unit, 310: Transmission PAA weight multiplier

 BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

 Example 1

 FIG. 1 is a view for explaining a radio tag communication system 10 (hereinafter referred to as communication system 10) according to an embodiment of the first invention. This communication system 10 is a so-called RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) composed of a wireless tag communication device 12 and a plurality of types (two types in FIG. 1) of wireless tags 14 and 16 with which the wireless tag communication device 12 is to communicate. The RFID tag communication device 12 functions as an interrogator of the RFID system, and the RFID tags 14 and 16 function as responders. That is, when the interrogation wave F, which is a transmission signal, is transmitted from the radio tag communication device 12 to the radio tags 14 and 16, a predetermined information signal ( Data), the interrogation wave F is modulated, and response waves F and F which are return signals (hereinafter referred to as c ra rb unless otherwise distinguished)

As a response wave F), the information is communicated between the RFID tag communication device 12 and the RFID tags 14 and 16. Here, the wireless tag communication device 12 is a portable device provided so as to be movable with respect to a predetermined reference position. The wireless tag communication device (non-reader), the user 18 carries the wireless tag communication device 12 and detects the wireless tags 14 and 16 while referring to the screen. Further, different IDs are assigned to the wireless tags 14 and 16, respectively, and it is possible to identify each wireless tag based on the IDs.

 The communication system 10 includes a single or plural (single in FIG. 1) first wireless tags 14 as communication targets of the RFID tag communication apparatus 12, and a single or plural (single single in FIG. 1). ) Of the second wireless tag 16. The first wireless tag 14 is preferably provided with location information that is fixed in position with respect to a predetermined reference position (for example, a room to which the communication system 10 of the present embodiment is applied) and indicates a predetermined location. In the following description, it is referred to as a place tag 14. The second wireless tag 16 is preferably a tag having management information for managing the article 20 that is used by being affixed to the article 20 in order to manage the predetermined article 20. In the following description, it is referred to as an article tag 16. In the place tag 14 and the article tag 16, commands to which a reply signal is to be returned are separately determined in advance. Further, the communication system 10 is provided with a server 96 having a storage device 98 for storing information on the place tag 14 and the article tag 16 in association with each other. The server 96 is connected via the network 13. Information can be exchanged with the wireless tag communication device 12.

 FIG. 2 is a plan view for explaining the external appearance of the RFID tag communication apparatus 12, and FIG. 3 is a rear view of FIG. 2 viewed from the direction of arrow III. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the RFID tag communication device 12 also includes a main unit 22 and an antenna unit 24 force detachably provided on the main unit 22. The main unit 22 includes a housing 26, a display unit 28 provided on a flat surface portion of the housing 26, an operation unit 30 provided on the side of the display unit 28 in the flat surface portion, a buzzer, an alarm, Alternatively, a sound generating device 32 such as a chime speaker is provided. The operation unit 30 includes input devices such as predetermined keys, buttons, switches, and pads, and the input device is used for display on the display unit 28 and communication with the wireless tags 14 and 16. Do various operations! Get to get! /

[0062] The antenna unit 24 transmits a predetermined interrogation wave F to the wireless tags 14 and 16 in order to communicate information with the wireless tags 14 and 16 in a contactless manner, In accordance with the interrogation wave F _e , a transmission / reception shared antenna 34 for receiving response waves returned from the wireless tags 14 and 16 is provided so as to protrude from the unit base 36 to the left and right. The antenna 34 is, for example, a unimodal antenna having a relatively narrow directivity, and the wireless tags 14 and 16 are detected and obtained pinpoint by using a so-called pencil beam shape with a narrow directivity. It is structured as follows.

 FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the RFID tag communication apparatus 12. As shown in FIG. 4, the wireless tag communication device 12 is transmitted from the transmission unit (transmission circuit) 38 for transmitting a predetermined interrogation wave F to the wireless tags 14 and 16, and transmitted from the transmission unit 38. The receiver is a communication target via the receiver (homodyne detection circuit) 40 for processing the response wave F returned from the wireless tags 14 and 16 according to the interrogation wave F, and the transmitter 38 and receiver 40. A control unit 42 that controls information communication between the wireless tags 14 and 16, an image processing unit 44 that displays a predetermined image on the display unit 28 in accordance with a command from the control unit 42, a predetermined unit A wireless LAN communication unit 46 for connecting the control unit 42 to the server 96 and the like via a network is provided. The control unit 42 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and is a so-called microcomputer that performs signal processing according to a program stored in advance in the ROM while using a temporary storage function of the RAM.

 [0064] The transmission unit 38 includes a reference frequency generation unit 48 that generates a reference signal for the carrier wave f.

 P

The PLL (Phase Locked Loop) 50 that sets the frequency of the main carrier based on the reference wave generated by the reference frequency generator 48 and the control signal from the controller 42, and the frequency of the main carrier from the PLL 50 A VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator) 52 that outputs in accordance with the control voltage of the control signal and a main carrier having a predetermined frequency controlled by the VC052 based on a predetermined control signal TX-ASK supplied from the control unit 42. A transmission signal modulation unit for modulating, and a transmission signal amplification unit for amplifying an output signal from the transmission signal modulation unit based on a predetermined control signal TX-PWR and supplying the amplified signal to the antenna. The transmission signal output from the transmission signal amplifying unit 56 is transmitted from the antenna 34 to the wireless tags 14 and 16 as the interrogation wave F via the transmission / reception separating unit 62. Here, as the transmission / reception separating unit 62, a circulator or a directional coupler is preferably used. The receiving unit 40 converts the received signals from the wireless tags 14 and 16 received by the antenna 34 and supplied via the transmission / reception separating unit 62 into an I-phase signal and a Q-phase signal that are orthogonal to each other. I-phase signal converter 58 and Q-phase signal converter 60, I-phase signal BP F64 for extracting only signals in a predetermined frequency band from the I-phase signals output from the I-phase signal converter 58, and I-phase signal I-phase signal amplification unit 66 that amplifies I-phase signal output from BPF64, and Q-phase signal that extracts only signals in a predetermined frequency band from the Q-phase signal output from Q-phase signal conversion unit 60 Signal BPF68, Q-phase signal amplifier 70 that amplifies Q-phase signal output from Q-phase signal BPF68, I-phase signal and Q-phase signal output from I-phase signal BPF64 and Q-phase signal BPF68 above RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) circuit, which is a signal strength detector that detects the strength 7 2 and the signals output from the I-phase signal amplifying unit 66, the Q-phase signal amplifying unit 70, and the RSSI circuit 72 are processed by the control unit 42 and a predetermined information signal is read out. .

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the appearance of the place tag 14, and FIG. 6 is a view for explaining the configuration of the place tag 14. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the location tag 14 includes an antenna unit 74 such as a dipole antenna for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the RFID tag communication device 12, and the antenna unit 74. And an IC circuit unit 76 for processing the received signal. The IC circuit unit 76 rectifies the interrogation wave F received from the RFID tag communication apparatus 12 received by the antenna unit 74, and the energy of the interrogation wave F rectified by the rectification unit 78. A power supply unit 80 for storing, a clock extraction unit 82 that extracts a clock signal from the carrier wave received by the antenna unit 74 and supplies the clock signal to the control unit 88, and an information storage unit that can store a predetermined information signal The location tag via the memory unit 84 functioning as the above, the modulation / demodulation unit 86 connected to the antenna unit 74 to modulate and demodulate the signal, the rectification unit 78, the clock extraction unit 82, the modulation / demodulation unit 86, etc. 14 functionally includes a control unit 88 for controlling 14 operations. The control unit 88 performs control to store the predetermined information in the memory unit 84 by communicating with the RFID tag communication device 12 and transmits the interrogation wave F received by the antenna unit 74 to the modulation / demodulation unit 86. On the other hand, basic control such as control of reflecting and returning the response wave F as the response wave F from the antenna unit 74 is executed based on the information signal stored in the memory unit 84. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the appearance of the article tag 16, and FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the article tag 16. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the article tag 16 includes an antenna unit 92 such as a dipole antenna for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the wireless tag communication device 12, and the antenna unit 92. And an IC circuit section 94 for processing the received signal. The IC circuit unit 94 functionally includes the rectifying unit 78, the power supply unit 80, the clock extraction unit 82, the memory unit 84, the modulation / demodulation unit 86, and the control unit 88 described above. Similarly to 76, the control for storing the predetermined information in the memory unit 84 by communicating with the RFID tag communication apparatus 12, and the interrogation wave F received by the antenna unit 92 are transmitted to the modem unit 86 in the above manner. Based on the information signal stored in the memory unit 84, the control unit performs basic control such as control to reflect the reflected wave from the antenna unit 92 as the response wave F after modulation.

 The location tag 14 preferably includes a predetermined power supply device 90 as shown in FIG. 6, and the IC circuit unit 76 supplies power from the power supply device 90. It has an electrode for receiving. Further, the power supply unit 80 of the IC circuit unit 76 is configured so that the energy supplied from the power supply device 90 can be used as the power supply in addition to the energy of the interrogation wave F rectified by the rectification unit 78. ing. That is, the place tag 14 is preferably a semi-nositive tag or an active tag that includes a predetermined power supply device 90 and operates by energy supplied from the power supply device 90. The antenna portion 74 provided in the place tag 14 is larger than the antenna portion 92 provided in the article tag 16. With these configurations, the communicable distance of the place tag 14 is larger than the communicable distance of the article tag 16. The article tag 16 is a passive tag that uses the interrogation wave F transmitted from the wireless tag communication device 12 as energy for operation.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the detection control of the wireless tags 14 and 16 by the control unit 42 of the wireless tag communication device 12, and is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle. In this control, first, the reading control of the location tag 14 is executed in a step SA shown in detail in FIG. 11 (hereinafter, step is omitted) SA. Next, in the SB shown in detail in FIG. 12, the reading control of the article tag 16 is executed. Next, in SC, SA And after the association control of the information read by the SB is executed, this routine is terminated.

 FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining reading of information from the wireless tags 14 and 16 by the wireless tag communication device 12. As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 described above, the RFID tag communication device 12 alternately performs communication of information with the place tag 14 and communication of information with the article tag 16. Is. That is, first, in order to communicate information with the location tag 14, the tag type flag for extracting the location code is “1” as a command for the location tag 14 to send back a reply signal. After transmitting a question wave F including a certain command and communicating information with the place tag 14, the article tag 16 is connected to the article tag 16 in order to communicate information. As a command for returning a reply signal, for example, a query wave F including a command whose tag type flag for extracting an article code is “0” is transmitted, and information is communicated with the article tag 16. . By doing so, the place tag 14 and the article tag 16 can separately perform communication processing, and the data of the place tag 14 and the data of the article tag 16 can be correlated with each other.

In the reading control of the location tag 14 shown in FIG. 11, first, in SA1, “Ping (l)” processing for listing the ID of the location tag 14 is executed. This process specifies a part of the tag ID, specifies the so-called “Ping” command that receives all tag power replies including the specified ID, and specifies that the tag ID starts with “1”. To use. By using this processing, it is possible to list all the location tags 14 even if there are a plurality of location tags 14 within the communication range. Next, in SA2, it is determined whether or not the place tag 14 is listed in SA1. If the determination of SA2 is negative, the force that can be returned to the main routine shown in FIG. 9 accordingly. If the determination of SA2 is positive, the location tag 14 received by the antenna 34 is determined in SA3. The response signal from the receiver is processed by the receiver 40, and the location code stored in the location tag 14 is extracted. Next, in SA4, the location of the place tag 14 and the location of the wireless tag communication device 12 itself with respect to the place tag 14 are determined based on the location code extracted in SA3, and then the main routine shown in FIG. Recovery Be brought back.

 In the reading control of the article tag 16 shown in FIG. 12, first, in SB1, “Ping (0)” processing for listing the ID of the article tag 16 is executed. This process uses the “Ping” command by designating that the head of the tag ID is “0”. By using this processing, it is possible to list all the article tags 16 even when there are a plurality of article tags 16 within the communication range. Next, in SB2, it is determined whether or not the product tag 16 is listed in SB1. If the determination of SB2 is negative, the force to be returned to the main routine shown in FIG. 9 is determined. The reply signal from the group 16 is processed by the receiving unit 40, and the article code stored in the article tag 16 is extracted. Next, in SB4, after the article codes extracted in SB3 are listed, the process returns to the main routine shown in FIG.

 [0073] The wireless tag communication device 12 determines the position of the place tag 14 with respect to a predetermined reference position by communicating information between the place tag 14 and the article tag 16, and Based on the position of the place tag 14, the positions of the wireless tag communication device 12 and the article tag 16 with respect to the reference position are determined. The association control indicated by SC in FIG. 9 is a control for associating the position of the place tag 14 and the position of the article tag 16 with respect to the reference position, and the information thus associated is the wireless LAN communication unit. It is stored in the storage device 98 of the server 96 through 46.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the relative positional relationship between the plurality of place tags 14 and the article tag 16, and describes an aspect in which the articles 20m and 20η are managed in a warehouse or a library. In this mode, the location tag 14a storing the location code “Loc A” for indicating the location Α is stored in the location A, and the location tag 14b storing the location code “Loc B” for indicating the location B is stored. In place B, a place tag 14c in which a location code “Loc C” for indicating place C is stored is provided in place C; In addition, an article code for managing the article 20m “the article 20m to which the article tag 16m storing the Mat MJ is attached is installed at the location A and the article code for managing the article 20η” Product tag with Mat NJ stored 16η It is installed in the middle of location B and location.

 [0075] In the detection control by the wireless tag communication device 12, preferably, by first performing information reading control of the place tag 14, the position of the location tag 14 with respect to a predetermined reference position and the wireless tag communication device After determining the position of 12, the information reading control of the article tag 16 is performed, and the position of the article tag 16 with respect to the reference position is determined based on the position of the place tag 14 detected immediately before. Here, preferably, when reply signals are received from a plurality of the location tags 14, the article with respect to the reference position is based on the signal strength detected by the RSSI circuit 72, which is a signal strength detection unit. The position of tag 16 is determined. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the information reading control of the article tag is performed after a reply of the signal strength “10” is received from the location tag 14a storing the location code “Loc Aj” by the information reading control of the location tag 14. When the article code of “Mat M” is read out by the above, the RFID tag communication device 12 exists at a position close to the place A, and the article tag 16m in which the article code of “Mat M” is stored is also stored in the place It is determined that it is located near A. In addition, the location tag 14b in which the location code “Loc B” is stored by the information reading control of the location tag 14 returns a signal strength “3” and the location tag in which the location code “Loc C” is stored. When the article code of “Mat N” is read by the information reading control of the article tag after the signal strength “5” is returned from 14c, the RFID tag communication device 12 is connected between the location B and the location C. An article tag 16η that is present at a position near the place C and stores the article code of “Mat N” is also disposed between the place C and the place C from the place C. It is determined that This location determination will be described later with reference to FIG.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining registration control for storing the position of the place tag 14 and the position of the article tag 16 with respect to the reference position by the control unit 42 of the wireless tag communication device 12 in association with each other. It is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle. In this control, first, the reading control of the place tag 14 is executed in the SA shown in detail in FIG. Next, in the SB shown in detail in FIG. 12 described above, the reading control of the article tag 16 is executed. Next, in the SC described above, the association control of the information read by the SA and SB is executed. Next, in Sla, restore The number of tagged tags is substituted for n, and in the subsequent Sib, it is determined whether n = 0. If the determination of Sib is affirmed, the force with which this routine is terminated is determined, and if the determination of Sib is negative, in S1, for the nth tag in the list, for example, in FIG. As shown, the location code read by SA, the article code (tag ID) read by SB, the article name corresponding to the article code, the date and time of reading, etc. are mutually displayed on the display unit 28. Associated and displayed. Next, in S2, it is determined whether or not a scanning operation has been performed via the operation unit 30 or the like. If the determination of S2 is affirmed, the force to re-execute the processing below SA to re-create the list. If the determination of S2 is negative, in S3, it is registered via the operation unit 30 or the like. It is determined whether or not the recording operation has been performed. If the determination of S3 is negative, the force that causes the routine to be terminated with this determination. If the determination of S3 is affirmative, in S4, the above-mentioned reference position relative to each other in SC is determined. After information such as the position of the place tag 14 and the position of the article tag 16 is stored (registered) in the storage device 98 of the server 96 via the wireless LAN communication unit 46, the next tag is selected in S4a. It is determined whether or not the operation has been performed. If the determination in S4a is affirmative, 1 is subtracted from n in S4b, and then the registered operation for the next tag listed in Sib is performed. If the determination in S4a is negative, the processes after S2 are executed again. By the above registration control, for example, a database 100 as shown in FIG. 17 is formed in the storage device 98 of the server 96.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating search control of the wireless tags 14 and 16 by the control unit 42 of the wireless tag communication device 12, and display control of the search results on the display unit 28, and is repeated at a predetermined cycle. Is to be executed. In this control, first, in S5, articles (article names) that are to be searched for a predetermined list power are narrowed down. Next, in S6, an article code (tag ID) corresponding to the article name narrowed down in S5 is determined. Next, in S7, the registration location where the search is performed is read via the operation unit 30 or the like. Next, in S8, a screen showing the registration location read in S7 is displayed on the display unit 28. FIG. 19 shows an example of an image displayed on the display unit 28 in S8. Next, in the SA shown in detail in FIG. 11, the reading of the location tag 14 is performed. Take control. Next, in S9, it is determined whether or not the force indicates the registered location read in the location code force 7 read in SA. If the determination in S9 is negative, the power to execute the processing below SA again. If the determination in S9 is positive, in S10, the RFID tag communication device 12 is read in S7. “Here it is” is displayed on the display unit 28, indicating that it is located. FIG. 20 shows an example of an image displayed on the display unit 28 in S10. On this screen, a column indicating a registration location such as “Loc A” is flashed, and “ The text telop “This is!” Flashes. Next, in the SB shown in detail in FIG. 12 described above, the reading control of the article tag 16 is executed. Next, in S11, it is determined whether or not the article code read in SB indicates the article to be searched determined in S6. If the determination in S11 is negative, the processing below SB is executed again. However, if the determination in S11 is positive, the wireless tag communication device 12 is determined in S6 in S12. After this “notification of this” is displayed on the display unit 28 indicating that the article that is the search target has been approached, this routine is terminated. FIG. 21 shows an example of an image displayed on the display unit 28 in S 11. On this screen, a column indicating the article name to be searched for such as “article 1” is flashed and the screen is displayed. The text telop “This is it!” Flashes at the bottom.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining position detection control by the control unit 42 of the RFID tag communication apparatus 12, and is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle. In this control, first, in S13, the “Ping (l)” process for listing IDs is executed as described above. Next, in S 14, it is determined whether or not the place tag 14 has been found, that is, whether or not the place tag 14 has returned the response wave F. If this determination of S14 is negative, the force with which this routine is terminated is determined. If the determination of S14 is affirmative, in S15, there is only one power tag that has been found. That is, it is determined whether or not a response wave F is returned from one place tag 14. If the determination of S15 is affirmative, in S16, the reply signal from the location tag 14 received by the antenna 34 is processed by the reception unit 40, and the information of the location tag 14 is described above. Force that this routine is terminated after being stored in the storage device 98 etc. of the server 96 S1 If the determination of 5 is denied, it is determined in S17 whether there are two location tags 14 found, that is, whether the two location tags 14 have the response wave F returned. The If the determination in S17 is negative, SD processing is performed after two of the found place tags having the largest RSSI value are selected in S17a. If the determination in S17 is affirmative, location determination control is performed in the SD shown in detail in FIG. In S18, the location information determined by the SD is stored in the storage device 98 of the server 96, and then this routine is terminated.

 [0079] The location determination control shown in FIG. 23 is the same as the control shown in FIG. 22 described above, except that the location tag 14b storing the location code "Loc B" and the location code "Loc Cj" The control when the stored location tag 14c is selected will be described.In this control, first, in SD1, the received signal strength of the response wave F from the location tag 14b detected by the RSSI circuit 72 is shown. Based on RSSI (B) and the received signal strength RSSI (C) of the response wave F from the location tag 14c, R (B) is derived from Eq. (1) and R (C) in Eq. (2). Next, after the location is determined as “BR (B) CR (C)” in SD2, the process returns to the main routine shown in FIG. The location determined as described above represents the position between the two location tags 14 as shown in FIG. 24, and the location tag 14b storing the location code “Loc B” is installed. The position between the place tag 14c where the location code “Loc C” is stored is “B9C1,” “B8C2,” “B7C3,” “B3C7”, “ It is expressed in the coordinates of “B2C8” and “B 1C9”. As described above, the RFID tag communication apparatus 12 itself or the article tag is based on the signal strength of the two place tags 14 detected by the RSSI circuit 72 from a predetermined relationship. Detailed positions (coordinates) such as 16 can be detected.

FIG. 25 shows the search control of the wireless tags 14 and 16 by the control unit 42 of the wireless tag communication device 12 when the target object (target product tag 16) is specified, and the search result of the search result. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining display control on the display unit 28 and registration control for storing the location of the place tag 14 and the location of the product tag 16 with respect to the reference position in association with each other, and is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle. Is. In this control, the location tag The intensity of the transmission signal for communicating information with 14 is greater than the intensity of the transmission signal for communicating information with the article tag 16. That is, first, in S19a, the object is specified, and in subsequent S19b, the ID of the object tag attached to the object and the ID of the place tag registered as the place tag indicating the place of the object are read. It is. Next, in S19, the setting “POWER = HIGH” is set, in which the intensity of the transmission signal transmitted from the transmission unit 38 is relatively large. Next, in the SA shown in detail in FIG. 11 described above, the reading control of the location tag 14 is executed. Next, in S20, the setting “POWER = LOW” is set, in which the intensity of the transmission signal transmitted from the transmission unit 38 is relatively small. Next, in the SB shown in detail in FIG. 12 described above, the reading control of the article tag 16 is executed. Next, in S21, it is determined whether or not the target place tag 14 and the target article tag 16 have been found. If the determination in S21 is affirmative, in S22, the “here is notification” as shown in FIG. 20 described above is displayed on the display unit 28, and in S23, as shown in FIG. After the message `` This is notification '' is displayed on the display unit 28, if the judgment of S21 is negative, it is determined in S24 whether or not the target location tag 14 has been found. To be judged. If the determination in S24 is affirmative, in S25, the “here is notification” as shown in FIG. 20 described above is displayed on the display unit 28, and then the processing in S19 and subsequent steps is executed again. If the determination is negative, it is determined in S26 whether or not the target article tag 16 has been found. If the determination in S26 is negative, the processing from S19 is executed again, but if the determination in S26 is positive, a screen indicating a destination location error is displayed in S27 in S27. Is displayed at 28. FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a destination location error screen displayed on the display unit 28 in S27. Next, in S28, the contents of the database 100 stored in the storage device 98 of the server 96 are updated. In S29, the “this is notification” as shown in FIG. 21 is displayed on the display unit 28, and then this routine is terminated.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the first wireless tag 14 provided in a fixed position with respect to the predetermined reference position and the wireless tag communication for communicating information between the first wireless tag 14. Device 12, and the RFID tag communication device 12 communicates information with the first RFID tag 14. The position of the first wireless tag 14 with respect to the reference position is determined by performing communication of the wireless tag communication device 12 with respect to the reference position based on the position of the first wireless tag 14. Therefore, even if the wireless tag communication device 12 is moved with respect to the reference position, the relative position of the wireless tag communication device 12 is determined based on the relative position relationship with the first wireless tag 14. The position can be detected suitably. That is, it is possible to provide the wireless tag communication system 10 that can easily detect the accurate position of the wireless tag 14 to be communicated.

 Further, the wireless tag communication device 12 further includes a second wireless tag 16 that is movable with respect to the reference position and communicates information with the wireless tag communication device 12, and is based on the position of the wireless tag communication device 12. Since the position of the second wireless tag 16 with respect to the reference position is determined, the relative position of the second wireless tag 16 with respect to the first wireless tag 14 can be suitably detected. In addition, by registering the position of the first wireless tag 14 with respect to the reference position in the wireless tag communication device 12 in advance, the position of the detected second wireless tag 16 can be manually registered. There is no need for complicated work. That is, it is possible to provide a wireless tag communication system that can easily detect an accurate position of a wireless tag to be communicated.

 [0083] Further, since the storage device 98 for storing the position of the first wireless tag 14 with respect to the reference position is included, the position of the first wireless tag 14 with respect to the reference position is a practical aspect. Can be managed with.

 [0084] Further, since the storage device 98 stores the position of the second wireless tag 16 with respect to the reference position, the position of the second wireless 16 tag with respect to the reference position is practically used. It can be managed in a manner.

 [0085] Further, the storage device 98 stores the position of the first wireless tag 14 and the position of the second wireless tag 16 with respect to the reference position in association with each other. The positions of the first wireless tag 14 and the second wireless tag 16 can be managed in a practical manner.

[0086] Since the wireless tag communication device 12 includes a display unit 28 that displays the position of the first wireless tag 14 and the position of the second wireless tag 16 with respect to the reference position, the reference The position of the second wireless tag 16 with respect to the position can be visually confirmed. The wireless tag communication device 12 alternately performs information communication with the first wireless tag 14 and information communication with the second wireless tag 16. Therefore, it is possible to associate the first wireless tag 14 and the second wireless tag 16 in a practical manner.

[0088] The strength of the transmission signal for communicating information with the first wireless tag 14 is the intensity of the transmission signal for communicating information with the second wireless tag 16. Since the strength is higher than the strength, the communication range can be distinguished between the first wireless tag 14 and the second wireless tag 16.

 Further, since the communicable distance of the first wireless tag 14 is larger than the communicable distance of the second wireless tag 16, the first wireless tag 14 and the second wireless tag 14 The communication range can be distinguished between the tags 16.

 In addition, the wireless tag communication device 12 includes an RSSI circuit 72 that is a signal strength detection unit that detects the strength of a return signal from the wireless tags 14 and 16, and includes a plurality of the first wireless communication devices. When a reply signal is received from the tag 14, the position with respect to the reference position is determined based on the signal strength detected by the RSSI circuit 72, so the position with respect to the reference position is more reliably detected. can do.

 Further, the wireless tag communication device 12 has a plurality of second based on signal strength detected by the RSSI circuit 72 corresponding to each of the plurality of first wireless tags 14 from a predetermined relationship. Since the position of the second wireless tag 16 between the wireless tags 14 is determined, the position relative to the reference position can be reliably detected in a practical manner.

 [0092] Further, since the first wireless tag 14 and the second wireless tag 16 each have a command to which a reply signal is to be returned separately in advance, the first wireless tag 14 and the second wireless tag 16 have a practical aspect. Communication between the wireless tag 14 and the second wireless tag 16 can be prevented.

In addition, since the first wireless tag 14 is an active tag having a power supply device 90, the communicable distance of the first wireless tag 14 is set to the communicable distance of the second wireless tag 16. In comparison, it can be extended. In the above embodiment, the first wireless tag 14 is configured such that the communication distance is increased by the active tag having the power supply device 90. Needless to say, the antenna of the first wireless tag 14 may be configured to have a higher gain than that of the second.

 [0094] Further, since the second wireless tag 16 is used by being affixed to the article 20 in order to manage the predetermined article 20, the arrangement of the article 20 in a practical manner is provided. The position etc. can be managed.

 The preferred embodiments of the first invention have been described above in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the first invention is not limited to these embodiments, and may be implemented in other modes.

[0096] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the RFID tag communication device 12 is based on the signal strength detected by the RSSI circuit 72 corresponding to each of the two location tags 14 from a predetermined relationship. The position on the straight line between the place tags 14 is determined. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, two or more place tags 14 are detected by detecting two or more place tags 14 (two-dimensional). The target position may be determined. FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the location tag 14 is arranged in a plane, a location tag 14al storing the location code “Loc Al”, and a location storing the location code “Loc A2”. Tag 14a2, location tag 14a3 with location code "Loc A3" ... Location tag 14bl with location code "Loc Bl" Location tag 14b2 with location code "Loc B2" Location tag 14b3 where code "Loc B3" is stored, location tag 14cl where location code "Loc Cl" is stored, location tag 14c2 where location code "Loc C2" is stored, location code "Loc C3" The location tags 14c3,... Where “is stored are arranged in a grid pattern in a fixed manner. In this embodiment, in order to detect the position of the article tag 16 affixed to the article 1 disposed at the position shown in FIG. 28, the RSSI circuit 72 corresponds to each of the location tags 14a2, 14bl, 14b2. Based on the signal strength detected by the above, a predetermined relationship force also determines the position on the plane between the place tags 14. For example, the received signal strength corresponding to the location tag 14a2 is A2 (3), the received signal strength corresponding to the location tag 14bl is Bl (l), and the received signal strength corresponding to the location tag 14b2 is B2 (5). If there is, the article tag 16 is relatively close to the place tag 14b2 between the place tags 14a2, 14b 1 and 14b2, and then relatively close to the place tag 14b1 which is close to the place tag 14a2. Far away Determined. In this way, a planar position with respect to the reference position can be reliably detected in a practical manner. Further, a mode in which a spatial (three-dimensional) position between the location tags 14 is determined based on the signal intensity detected by the RSSI circuit 72 corresponding to each of the four or more location tags 14 is also conceivable. .

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the usage mode of the communication system 10 using the wireless tag communication device 12 that is a non-reader reader provided to be movable with respect to a predetermined reference position will be described. As described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is also suitably applied to a communication system using a stationary reader provided in a fixed position with respect to a predetermined place.

 [0098] Further, in the above-described embodiment, the RFID tag communication device 12 is a force that is integrally provided with the display unit 28 for displaying information on the RFID tags 14 and 16. The RFID tag communication Even if the display device is provided separately from the device 12 and information is exchanged with the wireless tag communication device 12, information related to the wireless tags 14 and 16 can be displayed on the display device. Ok.

 [0099] In the above-described embodiment, when the wireless tag communication device 12 discovers the wireless tags 14 and 16, the wireless tag communication device 12 notifies the discovery by changing the display on the display unit 28. However, the discovery may be notified by voice or the like using the voice generation device 32 provided in the RFID tag communication device 12.

 [0100] In the above-described embodiment, the RFID tag communication apparatus 12 includes the antenna 34 that is used for both transmission and reception. However, the transmission antenna for transmitting the carrier wave F and the response wave described above are used. A receiving antenna for receiving F may be provided separately. Further, a mode is also conceivable in which a plurality of antenna elements are provided and the directivity of the antenna constituted by these antenna element covers can be controlled by phased array processing or the like.

 [0101] Further, in the above-described embodiment, the place tag 14 does not have the powerful power supply device 90 which is an active tag having the predetermined power supply device 90! Yo ... The article tag 16 may be an active tag having a power supply device.

[0102] Further, in the above-described embodiment, the database 100 is a force provided separately from the wireless tag communication device 12. It may be built in the communication device 12. Further, the database 100 is not necessarily provided.

[0103] In addition, although not illustrated one by one, the first invention is implemented with various modifications within a range not departing from the gist thereof.

[0104] Next, another preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, portions common to the embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

 Example 2

 FIG. 29 is a view for explaining a radio tag communication system 110 (hereinafter referred to as communication system 110) according to an embodiment of the third invention. Similarly, the communication system 110 includes a wireless tag communication device 112 according to an embodiment of the second invention, and a plurality of types (two types in FIG. 29) having different signal areas that are communication targets of the wireless tag communication device 112. Wireless tag 14 and 16, and so-called RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system, the wireless tag communication device 112 is an interrogator of the RFID system, and the wireless tags 14 and 16 are responders. Function. That is, when the interrogation wave F, which is a transmission signal, is transmitted from the radio tag communication device 112 to the radio tags 14 and 16, a predetermined information signal is transmitted in the radio tags 14 and 16 that have received the interrogation wave F. (Data) modulates the interrogation wave F, and response waves F 1, F 2, F 3, F 4, which are return signals (hereinafter, rl r2 r3 r4

 As a response wave), the information is communicated between the wireless tag communication device 112 and the wireless tags 14 and 16.

[0106] The communication system 110 includes a plurality of (three in FIG. 29) first wireless tags 16a, 16b, and 16c as communication targets of the wireless tag communication device 112, and the singular or A plurality of (single in FIG. 29) second wireless tags 14 are included. The first wireless tag 16 is preferably a tag attached to a predetermined article and having management information for managing the article, and is referred to as an article tag 16 in the following description. The second radio tag 14 is preferably a tag that is provided in a fixed position at a predetermined location and has location information indicating the location, and is referred to as a location tag 14 in the following description. As described above, the communication system 110 according to the present embodiment has a plurality of types having different signal areas (two types in this embodiment). ) To communicate information with the wireless tags 14 and 16. The second wireless tag 14, that is, the place tag 14 has the configuration described with reference to FIG. 6 in the first embodiment, and the first wireless tag 16, that is, the article tag 16. Are the same as those described with reference to FIG. 8 in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted in this embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the RFID tag communication apparatus 112 described above. As shown in FIG. 30, the wireless tag communication device 112 reads / writes information from / to the product tag 16 and detects the location tag 14 and the location tag 14 in order to detect the direction or position of the product tag 16 or the location tag 14. The unit communicates information with the article tag 16, and generates and outputs a predetermined transmission signal (transmission command), and a carrier signal generation that generates a carrier signal of a predetermined frequency. Modulation that modulates the carrier signal based on the transmission command by multiplying the transmission signal output from the transmission unit 120 and the transmission command generation unit 118 by the carrier signal output from the carrier signal generation unit 120. Unit 122, an amplifying unit 124 that amplifies the transmission signal modulated by the modulating unit 122, and an article tag 1 that is a communication target using the transmission signal amplified by the amplifying unit 124 as a query wave F 6 or the place tag 14, and in response to the interrogation wave F, the article tag 16 or V receives the response wave F returned from the place tag 14 and a transmission / reception antenna 126, The demodulator 130 that demodulates the received signal by multiplying the received signal received by the antenna 126 and the carrier signal output from the carrier signal generator 120, and the transmission signal output from the amplifier 124 A transmission / reception demultiplexing unit 128 that supplies the received signal received by the antenna 126 to the demodulating unit 130, and a received signal demodulated by the demodulating unit 130, each having a predetermined frequency band. A plurality of (two in FIG. 30) bandpass filters 132a and 132b (hereinafter simply referred to as the bandpass filter 132 unless otherwise specified) that allow only the signal to pass. First received signal processing unit 134a and second received signal processing unit 134b that respectively process the received signals divided into signal regions corresponding to the pass-pass filters 132a and 132b (hereinafter, unless otherwise specified) Simply referred to as a received signal processing unit 134). Here, as the transmission / reception separating unit 128, a circulator or a directional coupler is used. Preferably used. When the place tag 14 and the article tag 16 perform a reply, the carrier wave is transmitted as an unmodulated carrier signal, and the carrier signal modulated by the article tag 16 or the place tag 14 is a reply signal. It becomes.

[0108] The band-pass filter 132 passes only the signals of a predetermined frequency band among the reception signals received by the antenna 126, thereby allowing the reception signals received by the antenna 126 to have a plurality of signal regions. It functions as a signal divider for dividing the signal into two. For example, the bandpass filter 132a corresponds to the article tag channel used by the article tag 16, and is set so as to pass a reception signal (article tag data) corresponding to the response wave F from the article tag 16. Yes. Thereby, only the reception signal corresponding to the response wave F from the article tag 16 is supplied to the first reception signal processing unit 134a, and the processing of the signal is performed exclusively. The band pass filter 132b corresponds to the location tag channel used by the location tag 14 and the response wave F from the location tag 14 using the channel F.

 It is set to pass the received signal (location tag data) corresponding to r4. As a result, only the received signal corresponding to the response wave F from the location tag 14 is supplied to the second received signal processing unit 134b, and the processing of the signal is performed exclusively.

 r4

 The control unit 88 included in the place tag 14 that is a communication target of the communication system 110 of the present embodiment performs control to store predetermined information in the memory unit 84 by communicating with the wireless tag communication device 112. Further, the interrogation wave F received by the antenna unit 74 is modulated by the modulation / demodulation unit 86 as a signal using the modulation frequency corresponding to the location tag channel based on the information signal stored in the memory unit 84. And the antenna r4 as the response wave F

Basic control such as control of reflection return from unit 74 is executed. Further, as shown in FIG. 6 described above, the location tag 14 is provided with a predetermined power supply device 90. The power supply unit 80 includes the energy of the interrogation wave F rectified by the rectification unit 78 in addition to the energy of the interrogation wave F. The energy supplied from the power supply device 90 can be used as a power supply. The power supply device 90 is preferably provided externally as a separate body from the IC circuit unit 76. In other words, the place tag 14 is a semi-passive tag that includes a predetermined power supply device 90 and that is operated by energy supplied from the power supply device 90. Preferably, the location tag 14 returns a response signal to all transmission commands transmitted from the RFID tag communication apparatus 112. To believe.

 In addition, the control unit 88 included in the article tag 16 that is a communication target of the communication system 110 of the present embodiment stores predetermined information in the memory unit 84 by communicating with the RFID tag communication device 112. And the interrogation wave F received by the antenna unit 74 is modulated as a signal using the modulation frequency corresponding to the article tag channel based on the information signal stored in the memory unit 84 in the transformation modulation unit 86. Then, basic control such as control of reflecting and returning the response wave F from the antenna unit 74 is executed. Preferably, the article tag 16 returns a response signal to a predetermined command among the transmission commands transmitted from the RFID tag communication device 112.

 The location tag 14 and the article tag 16 communicate information with the wireless tag communication device 112 by frequency modulation via the modulation / demodulation unit 86. FIG. 31 is an example of a frequency spectrum showing a modulation frequency used for modulation by the place tag 14 and the article tag 16, f is a modulation frequency used for modulation by the article tag 16, and f is the field.

 pO pi

 Each modulation frequency used for modulation by the station tag 14 is shown. I.e. f

 θ represents the article tag channel and f represents the location tag channel. The wireless tag

 i

 When the interrogation wave F transmitted from the communication device 112 is modulated, a pair of sideband signals (sideband signals) are formed in the vertical direction around the frequency of the interrogation wave F corresponding to each modulation frequency. Is done. FIG. 32 is a frequency spectrum showing the carrier wave f and the sideband signal of the response wave F when the interrogation wave F having the frequency f is modulated by the modulation frequency shown in FIG. 31. Response wave F from 16 f and f

 c pO r c pi

 Response wave F from tag 14 is shown. In addition, the modulation frequency of the location tag 14 is higher than the modulation frequency of the product tag 16 so that they do not overlap each other.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing the relationship between the main carrier F and the response wave F used in the communication system 110. The article tag 16 responds at every communication timing, such as the article tag 16a responds at timing T1, the article tag 16b responds at timing T2, and the article tag 16c responds at timing T3. The selection is made by a transmission command transmitted from the wireless tag communication device 112. The place tag 14 responds to all transmission commands regardless of the contents of the transmission command, so the frequency of f / f at all timings.

c pi A response wave with a spectrum is generated.

 FIG. 34 is a diagram for explaining a practical use form of the communication system 110 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 34, the location tag 14 is a tag that is provided in a fixed position with respect to a predetermined chamber 154 and has location information indicating a location in the chamber 154. The article tag 16 These tags are attached to articles installed in the kara-room 154 and have management information for managing those articles. Here, the article tag 16 is shown attached to each of the four books from the first volume to the fourth volume and the three files from the file 1 to the file 3, respectively. Seven article tags 16 each having a different identification code (ID) are arranged.

 The wireless tag communication device 112 is preferably a portable wireless tag communication device (handy reader) provided so as to be movable with respect to the chamber 154, and a user can use the wireless tag communication device 112. The place tag 14 or the article tag 16 is detected while referring to a screen displayed on the display unit 156 (enlarged in FIG. 34) of the RFID tag communication device 112. Further, the communication system 110 is provided with a database 158 for storing information related to the article tag 16, and the RFID tag communication device 112 receives information on the database 158 via a predetermined interface (not shown). It is possible to read and write.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing the relationship between the ID of the article tag 16 stored in the database 158 and the management information of the article managed by the article tag 16. As shown in FIG. 35, in the database 158, an article tag 16 with an ID “145604” is affixed to “this fourth basket”, and the room 154 is placed in “2004/10/01 10:20”. It is now possible to memorize information that it has been confirmed that there is “is”. The wireless tag communication device 112 processes received signals from a plurality of types of wireless tags received at the same time in association with each other. For example, when the place tag 14 provided in a fixed position with respect to the chamber 154 is detected at the same time when a predetermined article tag 16 is detected, the name information (ID) of each of the article tags 16 ( Management information) and area information (location information) which is the ID of the location tag 14 are processed in association with each other. As a result, the position of the RFID tag communication device 112 with respect to the room 154 is detected by the place tag 14 provided in a fixed position with respect to the room 154. By detecting the position of the article tag 16 to be issued, the exact position of the article tag 16 can be detected, and by storing the information associated with the tag in the database 158, the article in the chamber 154 is stored. Can be suitably managed.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart for explaining the article list display control corresponding to the embodiment of FIG. 34 by the RFID tag communication apparatus 112, and is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle.

 [0117] First, in step SA100 (hereinafter step is omitted), i = l is set.

Next, in SA101, the i-th ID in the article list is selected, and the transmission command generation unit 118 generates a transmission command representing a “Scroll ID” command, and the modulation unit 122, the amplification unit 124, etc. Then, the antenna 126 transmits the interrogation wave F toward the place tag 14 and the article tag 16. This “Scroll ID” command is a command for requesting a reply to a tag having a specified ID. Next, in SA102, it is determined whether or not a response wave F is returned from the place tag 14 or the article tag 16. If the determination of SA102 is negative, the operation of SA105 to SA108 is skipped and the processing from SA109 is executed, but if the determination of SA102 is affirmative, that is, the location tag 14 to the article tag. When it is determined that the response wave F from 16 has been returned, in SA105, the name information of the IDs of the place tag 14 and the article tag 16 from which the response signal! ^ Obtained from. Next, in SA106, a name list of the acquired IDs is created, and information on the location tag 14 is displayed on the display unit 156. Next, in SA107, it is determined whether or not the database 158 has been updated. When the determination of SA107 is denied, the power to execute the processing after SA109 is confirmed. When the determination of SA107 is affirmed, the information of the location tag 14 and the stored ID are stored in SA108. After the list is associated and transmitted to the database 158, the processing following SA109 is executed. In SA109, it is determined whether or not the i-th ID is the last item in the article list. If the determination at SA109 is denied, then at SA110, 1 is added to i, and then the power to execute the processing after SA101. If the determination at SA109 is affirmative, this routine is used accordingly. It will be terminated. Thus, according to the present embodiment, the band pass filter 1 32 that functions as a signal dividing unit for dividing the received signals from the place tag 14 and the article tag 16 into different signal regions is provided. Therefore, information can be communicated simultaneously with a plurality of types of wireless tags 14 and 16 having different signal areas, and adverse effects such as overlapping of communication signals and an increase in communication errors can be prevented. That is, it is possible to provide a wireless tag communication device 112 that can perform communication between a plurality of types of wireless tags 14 and 16 V.

 [0119] Further, the band-pass filter 132 divides received signals from a plurality of types of wireless tags 14 and 16 having different functions into a plurality of signal areas according to functions, and thus a plurality of functions having mutually different functions. Information can be communicated simultaneously with various types of wireless tags 14 and 16.

 [0120] In addition, since the communication system 110 performs information communication with a plurality of types of wireless tags 14 and 16 having different signal areas, there is an adverse effect such as superimposition of communication signals and an increase in communication errors. Can be prevented. In other words, it is possible to provide a communication system 110 that suitably performs communication with a plurality of types of wireless tags.

 [0121] Further, since the plurality of types of wireless tags 14 and 16 have different modulation frequencies, the signal areas of the plurality of types of wireless tags can be distinguished from each other in a practical manner.

 In addition, since the wireless tags 14 and 16 perform information communication with the wireless tag communication device 112 by frequency modulation, it is possible to prevent communication signals from being superimposed in a practical manner.

 [0123] Further, since the location tag 14 returns a response signal to all transmission commands transmitted from the RFID tag communication device 112, the plurality of types of RFID tags 14,

It is possible to preferably perform simultaneous communication with 16.

[0124] Further, since the location tag 14 is a semi-passive tag having the power supply device 90, stable communication is possible even when the modulation frequency is high.

[0125] The wireless tag communication device 112 can receive a plurality of types of wireless tags 14 and 1 received simultaneously.

Since the received signals from 6 are processed in association with each other, complex information processing can be performed using the plurality of types of radio tags 14 and 16. [0126] Further, since the location tag 14 is a tag that is provided in a fixed location at a predetermined location and has location information indicating the location, information on the location can be acquired in a practical manner.

 [0127] Further, since the article tag 16 is a tag that is attached to a predetermined article and has management information for managing the article, the article management information can be acquired in a practical manner. I'll do it.

 Example 3

 [0128] Fig. 37 is a diagram for explaining the mode of use in another embodiment of the second invention and the third invention. In this embodiment, a plurality of (two in FIG. 37) place tags 17 are provided in fixed positions in the respective areas in the shelf 160 partitioned into the same number of areas, and the target article tag 16 faces the page. Are arranged in the region A on the left side. In addition, in the region B on the right side of the page, an unapplicable article tag W is arranged. This article tag W has the same configuration as the article tag 16 described above with reference to FIG. The location tag 17 has a configuration shown in FIG. 41 described later. Here, the two place tags 17 provided in a fixed position in the shelf 160 have place information indicating the areas A and B, respectively, and the RFID tag communication device 112 receives the above-mentioned information received at the same time. The received signals from the article tag 16 and the place tag 17 are processed in association with each other. Thus, by referring to the location information of the location tag 17 detected at the same time as the target product tag 16, it is possible to detect whether the product tag 16 exists in the region A or the region B. It is.

 FIG. 39 is a view for explaining the configuration of the RFID tag communication apparatus 162 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 39, the RFID tag communication apparatus 162 according to the present embodiment includes an AZD conversion unit 164 that converts the demodulated reception signal output from the demodulation unit 130 into a digital signal, and the AZ D conversion unit 164. And a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 166 for processing the received signal converted into a digital signal.

[0130] The DSP 166 is a so-called microcomputer system that includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like and performs signal processing according to a program stored in the ROM in advance using the temporary storage function of the RAM. And execute signal processing control, etc. The That is, in the RFID tag communication apparatus 162, the bandpass filter 132 and the received signal processing unit 134 described above are functionally included in the DSP 166, and the bandpass filter 132 functioning as a signal dividing unit is a digital The received signal is divided into a plurality of signal areas by signal processing.

 [0131] The band-pass filter 132 passes only a signal in a predetermined frequency band among the reception signals received by the antenna 126, thereby allowing the reception signal received by the antenna 126 to have a plurality of signal regions. It functions as a signal divider for dividing the signal into two. For example, the bandpass filter 132a corresponds to the article tag channel used by the article tag 16, and is set so as to pass a reception signal (article tag data) corresponding to the response wave F from the article tag 16. Yes. Thereby, only the reception signal corresponding to the response wave F from the article tag 16 is supplied to the first reception signal processing unit 134a, and the processing of the signal is performed exclusively. The bandpass filter 132b corresponds to the first location tag channel used by the location tag 17 and the received signal corresponding to the response wave! ^ From the location tag 17 using the channel (first location). Tag data) is set to pass. As a result, only the received signal corresponding to the response wave F from the location tag 17 using the first location tag channel is supplied to the second received signal processing unit 134b, and the processing of the signal is performed exclusively. . The bandpass filter 132c corresponds to the second location tag channel used by the location tag 17 and the received signal (second location) corresponding to the response wave! ^ From the location tag 17 using the channel. Tag data) is set to pass. As a result, only the received signal corresponding to the response wave F from the location tag 17 using the second location tag channel is supplied to the third received signal processing unit 134c, and the processing of the signal is performed exclusively. . The bandpass filter 132d corresponds to the third place tag channel used by the place tag 17 and the received signal corresponding to the response wave ^ from the place tag 17 using the channel (third place tag). Data) is set to pass. Thereby, only the received signal corresponding to the response wave F from the location tag 17 using the third location tag channel is supplied to the fourth received signal processing unit 134d, and the processing of the signal is performed exclusively. .

FIG. 41 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the location tag 17. This place tag 17 Similar to the location tag 16, the antenna portion 74 and the IC circuit portion 76 b are provided. The parts common to the location tag 16 in FIG. 8 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. ing. The IC circuit unit 76b includes a channel determination unit 53, which determines a location tag channel to be used for the response wave F of the location tag 17 based on a predetermined method. In addition, the control unit 88b included in the IC circuit unit 76b performs control for storing the predetermined information in the memory unit 84 by communicating with the RFID tag communication device 162, and the question received by the antenna unit 74. Based on the information signal stored in the memory unit 84 in the modulation / demodulation unit 86, the wave F is modulated as a signal using the modulation frequency corresponding to the location tag channel determined by the channel determination unit 53, and then the response wave F As a result, basic control such as control of reflecting back from the antenna unit 74 is executed. Further, as shown in FIG. 41, the location tag 17 includes the above-described external power supply device 90. The power supply unit 80 includes, in addition to the energy of the interrogation wave F rectified by the rectification unit 78, The energy supplied from the power supply device 90 can be used as a power supply. That is, the location tag 17 is a semi-passive tag that includes a predetermined power supply device 90 and operates by energy supplied from the power supply device 90. Preferably, the location tag 17 returns a response signal to all transmission commands transmitted from the RFID tag communication apparatus 12.

 The article tag 16 and the place tag 17 communicate information with the wireless tag communication device 162 by frequency modulation via the modulation / demodulation unit 86. FIG. 42 is an example of a frequency spectrum showing a modulation frequency used for modulation by the article tag 16 and the location tag 17, where f is a modulation frequency used for modulation by the article tag 16, and f is the field.

 The modulation frequency when the first location tag channel is used for modulation by pO pi location tag 17 is

 P

 Is modulated by the location tag 17 when the second location tag channel is used for modulation.

2

Where f is the third location tag channel used for modulation by location tag 17

 p3

The modulation frequency in each case is shown. That is, f indicates the item tag channel

 θ

F is the first location tag channel, f is the second location tag channel, f is the third location tag pi p2 p3

Shows the channel. When the interrogation wave F transmitted from the RFID tag communication device 162 is modulated by frequency modulation, the frequency of the interrogation wave F corresponding to each modulation frequency A pair of sideband signals (sideband signals) is formed around FIG. 43 is a frequency spectrum showing the carrier wave f and the sideband signal of the response wave F when the interrogation wave F having the frequency f _e is modulated by the modulation frequency shown in FIG. 42, and f ± f is the object cc ρθ Product tag 16 response waves F, f ± f, f ± f, f ± f indicate response waves F rc pi c p2 c p3 r from the tag 17. In this way, the modulation frequency of the place tag 17 is higher than the modulation frequency of the article tag 16, so that they do not overlap each other!

FIG. 44 is a diagram showing the relationship between the main carrier F and the response wave F used in the communication system 110. The article tag 16 responds at every communication timing, such as the article tag 16a responds at timing T1, the article tag 16b responds at timing T2, and the article tag 16c responds at timing T3. Selection is made by a transmission command transmitted from the RFID tag communication device 162. Location tag 17 responds to all transmission commands regardless of the contents of the transmission command. At this time, the modulation frequency used for modulation by the location tag 17 is preferably frequency hopped in a different manner for each location tag 17. For example, as described above, in the location tag 17, the modulation frequency is determined according to the channel determined by the channel determination unit 53, and any of f ± f, f ± f, and f ± f is selected. As shown in Figure 44, location tag 17a uses the first location tag channel at timing T1 and uses the third location tag channel at timing T2, as shown in Figure 44. T3 uses the second location tag channel. The location tag 17b uses the second location tag channel at timing T1, uses the first location tag channel at timing T2, and uses the third location tag channel at timing T3. That is, the response wave F from the location tag 14a and the response wave F from the location tag 14b are pseudo-random

 Since the frequency hopping is based on the signal and the probability of collision with each other is very small, the signals related to the modulation included in these response waves F can be extracted independently. In FIG. 44, only one (upper side wave) of a pair of sideband signals formed by modulation is shown.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart for explaining the article list display control corresponding to the embodiment of FIG. 37 by the wireless tag communication device 162, in order to know the position of the tag for search whose ID is already known. Is to be executed. First, in the SB 101, a transmission signal representing a “Scroll ID” command is generated by the transmission command generation unit 118, and the antenna 126 transmits the interrogation wave F as the interrogation wave F via the modulation unit 122, the amplification unit 124, and the like. Sent to shelf 160. This “Scroll ID” command is a command for requesting a reply to a tag having a specified ID. Next, in SB102, it is determined whether or not a response wave F is returned from the article tag 16 indicating the target article. If the determination of SB102 is denied, the processing after SB101 is executed again, but if the determination of SB102 is affirmed, it is determined whether or not the ID of location tag 17 has been correctly detected in SB102a. To do. If multiple location tags 17 use the same location tag channel, the location tag 17 ID cannot be received correctly, so it is possible to determine whether the location tag usage channels overlap. If this determination of SB102a is negative, the power to execute the processing after SB101 again.If the determination of SB102a is affirmative, it is determined that the location tag 17 has been correctly detected. The RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) value of the place tag 14 detected simultaneously with the response of the article tag 16 is stored in the RAM or the like of the RFID tag communication device 162 (not shown). Next, in SB104, it is determined whether or not the RSSI in the region A of the shelf 160 is larger than the RSSI in the region B. If the determination of SB104 is affirmed, in SB105, information indicating that the item tag 16 indicating the target item is in region A of the shelf 160 is displayed on the display unit 156, and then this routine is terminated. If the determination of the force SB104 is denied, in SB106, the information indicating that the item tag 16 indicating the target item is in the region B of the shelf 160 is displayed on the display unit 156, and then this routine is executed. Is terminated.

 As described above, according to the present embodiment, the bandpass filter 132 having the AZD conversion unit 164 that converts the received signals from the wireless tags 16 and 17 into digital signals and functions as a signal dividing unit is provided. Since the received signal is divided into a plurality of signal regions by digital signal processing, the use of digital signal processing enables frequency decomposition using a filter bank or FIR (Finite Impulse Response) filter. .

[0138] Further, since the wireless tag 17 selects one of a plurality of modulation frequencies and performs frequency hopping used for reply, it is preferable to prevent communication signals from being superimposed. Communication can be established correctly.

Example 4

FIG. 40 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of an RFID tag communication apparatus 168 that is still another embodiment of the second and third inventions. As shown in FIG. 40, the RFID tag communication apparatus 168 of the present embodiment multiplies the transmission signal output from the transmission command generation unit 118 and the modulation signal output from the carrier wave signal generation unit 120. A plurality of (three in FIG. 40) modulators 122a, 122b, and 122c (hereinafter simply referred to as modulators 122 unless otherwise specified) that modulate the transmission signal, and the plurality of modulations A plurality of (three in FIG. 40) transmission phase control units 170a, 170b, 170c that control the phase of the transmission signal modulated by unit 122 (hereinafter, simply referred to as transmission phase control unit 170 unless otherwise distinguished) ) And a plurality of (three in FIG. 40) transmission amplitude control units 172a, 172b, 172c (hereinafter referred to as “the transmission phase control unit 170”) that controls the amplitude of the transmission signal whose phase is controlled. Unless otherwise distinguished, the transmission amplitude control unit 172 is simply used. The transmission signals amplified by the plurality of transmission amplitude control units 172 are transmitted as interrogation waves F to the article tag 16 or the location tag 17 to be communicated, and in response to the interrogation waves F. A plurality of antenna elements 174a, 174b, 174c (three in FIG. 40) for receiving and receiving the response wave F returned from the product tag 16 or the place tag 17 (hereinafter, unless otherwise distinguished, are simply used). Antenna elements 174) and a plurality of (three in FIG. 40) reception phase control units 176a, 176b, 176c that control the phases of the received signals respectively received by the plurality of antenna elements 174 (hereinafter, particularly distinguished from each other). If not, it is simply referred to as a reception phase control unit 176), and the transmission signals output from the plurality of transmission amplitude control units 172 are supplied to each antenna element 174, and are also transmitted by the antenna elements 174. A plurality of (three in FIG. 40) transmission / reception separators 128a, 128b, 128c (hereinafter simply referred to as transmission / reception separators unless otherwise specified) that supply the received signals received to the plurality of reception phase controllers 176. 1), a plurality of (three in FIG. 40) reception amplitude control units 178a, 178b, 178c that control the amplitudes of the reception signals whose phases are controlled by the plurality of reception phase control units 176 (hereinafter referred to as Unless otherwise distinguished, they are simply referred to as reception amplitude control unit 178), the reception signals amplified by the plurality of reception amplitude control units 178, and the carrier signal. A plurality of (three in FIG. 40) demodulation units 130a, 130b, and 130c that demodulate the received signal by multiplying by the modulation signal output from the generation unit 120 (hereinafter simply demodulated unless otherwise distinguished) (Referred to as part 130).

 In the RFID tag communication apparatus 168, the transmission phase control unit 170, the transmission amplitude control unit 172, the reception phase control unit 176, and the reception amplitude control unit 178 constitute a directivity control unit 180. The directivity control unit 180 functions as a transmission phased array control unit that controls the transmission directivity by controlling the phase of each transmission signal transmitted from the plurality of antenna elements 174, and the plurality of antennas. It functions as a reception phased array control unit that controls the reception directivity by controlling the phase of each received signal received by the element 174. Also, the phase and amplitude are controlled by the directivity control unit 180, and the received signals demodulated by the plurality of demodulation units 130 are converted into digital signals by the AZD conversion unit 164 and input to the DSP 166. It is becoming. The DSP 166 functionally includes the band-pass filter 132 and the reception signal processing unit 134 described above, and divides the reception signal into a plurality of signal areas by digital signal processing, and receives the reception of each signal area. Process each signal.

 The wireless tag communication device 168 is preferably used, for example, in the mode shown in FIG. 37 described above. That is, the wireless tag communication device 168 processes a plurality of types of reception signals of the wireless tag power received at the same time, and processes, for example, the article tag 16 around the wireless tag communication device 168. , 16 'and place tags 17a, 17b are arranged, the received signals received simultaneously from the article tags 16, 16' and the place tags 17a, 17b are processed in association with each other. In this way, the position of the RFID tag communication device 168 relative to the shelf 160 is detected by the place tags 17a and 17b provided in a fixed position with respect to the shelf 160, and the article tag 16 detected at the same time. By detecting the position of 16 ', it is possible to detect the exact position of the article tags 16, 16'.

[0142] Thus, according to this embodiment, a plurality of antenna elements 174 are provided, and the phases of the received signals from the wireless tags 16 and 17 received by the plurality of antenna elements 174 are controlled. Function as a reception phased array controller that controls reception directivity. Therefore, the direction of the wireless tags 16 and 17 can be suitably specified.

 [0143] Further, it has a directivity control unit 180 that functions as a transmission phased array control unit that controls the transmission directivity by controlling the phase of each transmission signal transmitted from the plurality of antenna elements 174. Therefore, it is possible to limit the arrangement range of the wireless tags 16 and 17 that can send back a reply signal, and it is possible to suitably specify the direction.

 [0144] Also, the article tag 16 and the place tag 17 are arranged around the wireless tag communication device 168, and the reception signals received simultaneously from the article tag 16 and the place tag 17 are correlated and processed. Therefore, the direction of the article to which the article tag 16 is attached can be suitably detected by referring to the information regarding the place indicated by the place tag 17. In particular, when the wireless tag communication device 168 is a portable handy reader, the position of the article tag 16 is fixed relative to the chamber 154 even when the article tag 16 is moving relative to the wireless tag communication device 168. The position of the article tag 16 can be reliably detected by referring to the relative positional relationship with the place tag 17 provided in the.

 [0145] The preferred embodiments of the second invention and the third invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. The second and third inventions are not limited to this, and are in another aspect. Even implemented.

 [0146] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the usage mode of the communication system 110 using the wireless tag communication device 112, which is a handy reader provided so as to be movable with respect to the room 154, has been described. The present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can be suitably applied to a communication system using a stationary reader provided in a fixed position with respect to a predetermined place.

 [0147] In the above-described embodiment, the bandpass filter 132 is provided as a signal dividing unit. However, the bandpass filter 132 may not be used as long as the received signal can be divided into a plurality of signal regions. Thus, various types of signal division units can be used as appropriate according to the design.

[0148] In the above-described embodiment, the RFID tag communication device 112 or the like includes the antenna 126 for transmission / reception or the plurality of antenna elements 174. The carrier wave F A transmission antenna or a plurality of transmission antenna elements for transmitting a signal and a reception antenna or a plurality of reception antenna elements for receiving the response wave may be provided separately.

 [0149] Further, in the above-described embodiment, the RFID tag communication apparatus 168 includes both a transmission phased array control unit that controls transmission directivity and a reception phased array control unit that controls reception directivity. Naturally, an aspect having only one of the two forces is also conceivable.

 [0150] Further, in the above-described embodiment, the location tags 14 and 17 are semi-passive tags having the predetermined power supply device 90. They do not have the power supply device 90! / And are passive tags. May be. Further, the article tag 16 may be a semi-passive tag having a power supply device.

 [0151] In the above-described embodiment, the article tag 16 uses one modulation frequency, but may use a plurality of modulation frequencies selectively.

 [0152] In the above-described embodiment, the location tags 14 and 17 always return a response regardless of the content of the transmission command transmitted by the wireless tag communication device 112 or the like. Tags 14 and 17 may also return replies based on the contents of transmission commands transmitted by the RFID tag communication device 112 !! /.

 [0153] In the above-described embodiment, the database 158 is a force provided separately from the RFID tag communication device 112, etc. The database 158 is stored in the RFID tag communication device 112, etc. It may be a built-in one. The database 158 is not necessarily provided.

 [0154] In addition, although not illustrated one by one, the second and third inventions are implemented with various modifications within the scope not departing from the gist thereof.

 Example 5

[0155] Fig. 45 is a diagram for explaining a radio tag detection system 210 according to an embodiment of the fourth invention. As shown in FIG. 45, the wireless tag detection system 210 of the present embodiment is directed to one or more (single in FIG. 45) wireless tags 212 that are communication targets (detection targets) and the radio tags 212. Singular or plural (single in FIG. 45) for transmitting a predetermined transmission signal. A plurality of (4 in FIG. 45) receiving terminal devices 216a and 216b that receive a reply signal sent back from the wireless tag 212 in accordance with a transmission terminal device 214 and a transmission signal transmitted by the transmission terminal device 214 , 216c, 216d (hereinafter simply referred to as a receiving terminal device 216 unless otherwise distinguished), a so-called RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system, and the wireless tag 212 is used as a responder of the RFID system. The transmitting terminal device 214 and the receiving terminal device 216 each function as an interrogator by a composite operation. That is, when the interrogation wave F (transmission signal) is transmitted from the transmitting terminal device 214 toward the radio tag 212, the radio tag 212 that has received the interrogation wave F receives the interrogation wave F by a predetermined information signal (data). By interrogating the interrogation wave F and returning it as a response wave F (reply signal) to the receiving terminal device 216, the receiving terminal device 216 reads the stored contents of the wireless tag 212 that is the communication target.

[0156] The wireless tag communication system 210 is a system for detecting, for example, a wireless tag 212 present in a room 218 that is a communication area, and the transmission terminal device 214 and the reception terminal device 216 transmit the same. The return signal sent back from the wireless tag 212 in response to the transmission signal transmitted from the terminal device 214 is arranged at a relative position so that the plurality of receiving terminal devices 216 can receive it. For example, as shown in FIG. 45, the transmitting terminal device 214 is provided at a substantially center of a room 218 as a communication area, and the plurality of receiving terminal devices 216 are provided at fixed positions at four corners of the room 218, respectively. Any of the receiving terminal devices 216 is configured to receive a reply signal returned from the wireless tag 212 in response to the transmission signal transmitted from the transmitting terminal device 214. In this aspect, each receiving terminal device 216 can search the entire interior of the room 218 that is the communication area by swinging the directivity direction by 45 °, and the swing angle of the reception directivity can be relatively small. It ’s like that. Note that the wireless tag 212 has the same configuration as the wireless tag (article tag) 16 described with reference to FIG. 51 in the first embodiment described above, and therefore the description thereof is in this embodiment. Is omitted.

FIG. 46 is a view for explaining the configuration of the transmission terminal device 214. As shown in FIG. 46, the transmission terminal device 214 includes a command bit string generation unit 220 that generates a command bit string corresponding to a transmission signal to the wireless tag 212, and the command bit string generation unit 220. An FSK code unit 222 that encodes the command bit string generated by the FSK method, an AM modulation unit 224 that modulates and outputs the signal encoded by the FSK code unit 222 using the AM method, and A transmission signal for converting a digital signal output from the AM modulation unit 224 into an analog signal, a DZA conversion unit 226, a local oscillator 228 for outputting a predetermined local oscillation signal, and a local oscillation signal output from the local oscillator 228 In response to the transmission signal, the upconverter 230 that upconverts the transmission signal output from the DZA converter 226, and the transmission signal amplification that amplifies the transmission signal upconverted by the upconverter 230 with a predetermined gain. And a transmission antenna element 234 that transmits the transmission signal amplified by the transmission signal amplification unit 232 as a question wave F. In such a configuration, the command bit string generation unit 220, the FSK code generation unit 222, and the AM modulation unit 224 include a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and use a temporary storage function of the RAM. This is functionally provided in a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 236 that performs signal processing in accordance with a program stored in advance.

FIG. 47 is a view for explaining the configuration of the receiving terminal apparatus 216. As shown in FIG. 47, the receiving terminal device 216 receives a response wave F (reply signal) returned by the wireless tag 212 in response to the interrogation wave F transmitted from the transmitting terminal device 214. Multiple receiving antenna elements 238a, 238b, and 238c (hereinafter simply referred to as receiving antenna element 238 unless otherwise specified) and a local oscillator 240 that outputs a predetermined local oscillation signal 240 And a plurality (three in FIG. 47) of down converters 242a, 242b, which down-convert each of the received signals received by the plurality of receiving antenna elements 238 according to the local oscillation signal output from the local oscillator 240. 242c (hereinafter simply referred to as downconverter 242 unless otherwise distinguished), and amplifies each of the received signals downconverted by the plurality of downconverters 242 with a predetermined gain. A number of received signal amplifiers 244a, 244b, 244c (hereinafter simply referred to as received signal amplifiers 244 unless otherwise specified) and a plurality of received signal amplifiers 244 Received signals AZD converters 246a, 246b, 246c (hereinafter simply referred to as received signal AZD converter 246 unless otherwise specified) that convert the received signals into digital signals, respectively (three in FIG. 47) And these received signals by the AZD converter 246 A reception memory unit 248 that stores a reception signal converted into a digital signal and a DSP 250 that reads and processes the reception signal stored in the reception memory unit 248 are provided. Here, the local oscillator 240 may use the local oscillator 228 of the transmission terminal device 214 via a predetermined cable or the like. In this way, the carrier frequency shift between transmission and reception becomes as small as possible due to the common local signal.

 [0159] The DSP 250 is a so-called microcomputer system that includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and performs signal processing according to a program stored in the ROM in advance using the temporary storage function of the RAM. Received PAA (Phased Array Antenna) processing unit 252 that performs phased array processing by multiplying each received signal read from the signal by a predetermined weight, and the received signal subjected to phased array processing by the PAA processing unit 252 An AM demodulator 254 that detects an AM demodulated wave by demodulating using the AM system, an FSK decoder 256 that decodes an AM demodulated wave demodulated by the AM demodulator 254 using an FSK system, and a decoder Based on the decoded decoded signal output from the response bit string interpreting unit 258 that interprets the decoded decoded signal and reads out the information signal related to the modulation of the wireless tag 212, and the FSK decoding unit 256 A received signal strength detecting unit 260 that detects the received signal strength, a received PAA weight control unit 262 that calculates a PAA weight to be given to each received signal read from the received memory unit 248 based on a desired reception directivity, and Is functionally equipped. The PAA processing unit 252 multiplies each received signal read from the reception memory unit 248 by the PAA weight calculated by the received PAA weight control unit 262 (three in FIG. 47). Multiplying units 264a, 264b, 264c (hereinafter simply referred to as receiving PAA weight multiplying unit 264 unless otherwise distinguished) and received signals multiplied by PAA weights by receiving PAA weight multiplying unit 264 are combined (added). The reception signal synthesis unit 266 supplied to the AM demodulation unit 254 is configured to control reception directivity in communication with the wireless tag 212.

[0160] Further, the plurality of receiving terminal devices 216 can transmit and receive information to and from a predetermined server 268 via a LAN or the like, and are interpreted by the response bit string interpreting unit 258. Information signals relating to the modulation of the wireless tag 212 can be stored in the server 268 in a centralized manner. The server 268 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like, and is a so-called microcomputer system that performs signal processing in accordance with a program stored in the ROM in advance while using a temporary storage function of the RAM. It functions as a controller that controls the operation of the receiving terminal device 216. Preferably, a process of detecting the position where the wireless tag 212 exists based on a direction of reception directivity controlled by a reception PAA weight control unit 262 which is a reception directivity control unit of the reception terminal device 216 is performed. Is what you do. Furthermore, the operation of the transmission terminal device 214 may also be controlled.

FIG. 48 is a diagram illustrating a detection result of the wireless tag 212 by the plurality of receiving terminal devices 216 stored in the server 268. As shown in FIG. 48, in the server 268, the ID that is the identification number of the wireless tag 212 detected by the receiving terminal device 216 includes the receiving terminal device 216 that is the detection subject, the receiving directivity direction, And stored in association with the received signal strength. That is, the ID “1” is stored in association with the identification number “R1” indicating the receiving terminal device 216a that is the detection subject, the reception directivity direction “Θ = 30”, and the received signal strength “8”. The ID “1” is also detected by the receiving terminal device 216b. The identification number “R2” indicating the receiving terminal device 216b that is the detection subject, the reception directivity direction “Θ = 60”, the reception It is also stored in association with the signal strength “5”. Since the relative positional relationship between the plurality of receiving terminal devices 216 is fixed, when the wireless tag 212 indicated by the ID “1” is detected by the plurality of receiving terminal devices 216 in this way, FIG. As shown, the position where the wireless tag 212 exists can be obtained as the coordinates of the intersection of the reception directivity directions by each reception terminal device 216. In addition, when a predetermined wireless tag 212 is detected by three or more receiving terminal devices 216, the position of the wireless tag 212 is suitably set by using two pieces of information with relatively high received signal strength. Can be detected. For example, as shown in FIG. 48, the ID “2” is received by the receiving terminal device 216a at the received signal strength “4”, received by the receiving terminal device 216c at the received signal strength “2”, and received by the receiving terminal device 216d. When the received signal strength is detected as “8”, the detection information by the receiving terminal devices 216a and 216d having a relatively high received signal strength is displayed. As shown in FIG. 49, the position where the wireless tag 212 indicated by the ID “2” exists can be obtained as the coordinates of the intersection of the reception directivity directions by the receiving terminal devices 216a and 216d. In the wireless tag detection system 210 of the present embodiment, the direction of the reception directivity controlled by the reception PAA weight control unit 262 of the plurality of reception terminal apparatuses 216 and the plurality of reception terminal apparatuses 216 mutually as described above. The position where the wireless tag 212 exists can be detected based on the distance between them.

 FIG. 50 is a flowchart for explaining a main part of the interrogation wave transmission control by the DSP 236 of the transmission terminal apparatus 214, which is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle.

 [0163] First, in step (hereinafter, step is omitted) In SA201, the command bit string corresponding to "Scroll All ID" or "Scroll IDJ" which is a command for reading the ID from the wireless tag 212 is the command bit string. Generated by the generation unit 220. Next, in SA202, the command bit string generated in SA201 is encoded by the FSK method by the FSK encoding unit 222. Next, in SA203, the code is encoded by SA202. The modulated signal is modulated by the AM modulation unit 224 in the AM system, and transmitted from the transmission antenna element 234 via the transmission signal DZA conversion unit 226, the up converter 230, the transmission signal amplification unit 232, and the like. Then, it is transmitted as F. Next, in SA204, it is determined whether or not the power to continue the detection of the wireless tag 212. If the determination of SA204 is affirmed, the processing after SA201 is executed again. If the determination of the force SA204 is negative, this routine is terminated.

 FIG. 51 is a flowchart for explaining a main part of the wireless tag detection control using the receiving terminal device 216 by the server 268, which is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle.

First, in SB 201, a value corresponding to Θ = 0 S (for example, Θ S = 0 °) is set as an initial value in the reception PAA weight register in the reception PAA wait control unit 262. Next, in SB202, the response wave F from the wireless tag 212 is received and stored in the reception memory unit 248 via the down converter 242, the reception signal amplification unit 244, the reception signal AZD conversion unit 246, and the like. The received signal subjected to phased array processing by the reception PAA processing unit 252 is demodulated by the AM method by the AM demodulation unit 254, The FSK decoding unit 256 interprets the decoded signal decoded by the FSK method and determines whether or not the information signal related to the modulation of the wireless tag 212 has been read correctly (at this time, the wireless signal such as the preamble). If some information related to the modulation of tag 212 can be read, it can be determined that there was a response). If the determination of SB202 is negative, the processing from SB205 is executed.However, if the determination of SB202 is affirmative, in SB203 corresponding to the operation of received signal strength detection section 260, The received signal stored in the reception memory unit 248 is further read, and the ID of the wireless tag 212 is read through the reception PAA processing unit 252, AM demodulation unit 254, FSK decoding unit 256, etc. Based on the decoded signal output from FSK decoding section 256, the received signal strength of the received signal is detected. Next, in SB 204, the ID read out in SB 203 is stored in a table in association with the received signal strength and the receiving terminal device 216 that is the detection subject. Next, in SB205, a predetermined value ΔΘ is added to Θ and the value of the reception PAA wait register in the reception PAA wait control unit 262 is updated. Then, in SB206, 0 is a predetermined value 0 E (for example, 0 E = 9O ° Whether or not the beam is large is determined, and if the determination of S B206 is negative, the power to execute the processing after SB202 again is determined when the determination of SB2 06 is positive In SB207, a determination is made as to whether or not at least one tag ID is stored in the table.If the determination in SB207 is negative, this routine is used to terminate the routine. If the determination is affirmative, an ID (for example, ID2) indicating the predetermined wireless tag 212 is specified in SB208, and then, in SB209, the receiving terminal device that has detected the ID specified in SB208 216 ID (Rl, R2, R3, R4 in Fig. 48) Next, in SB210, it is determined whether or not a plurality of IDs of receiving terminal device 216 that has detected the ID specified in SB208 have been read out. If the determination of SB210 is affirmative (for example, R1, R3, R4 that detected ID2), SB211 receives the two received signals with the highest received signal strength. The IDs of the terminal devices 216 are selected (R1 and R4) Next, in the SB212, the directivity directions Θ 1 corresponding to the IDs (R1 and R4) of the two receiving terminal devices 216 selected in the SB211 Θ 2 is read out (60 ° and 40 °), then in SB213, read out in SB212 Directivity directions 0 1, 0 2 (60 ° and 40 °), ID (R1 and R4) of receiving terminal device 216 specified by SB211 and force It is determined. Next, in SB214, after the ID specified in SB208 and the information associated therewith are deleted from the table, the processes in SB207 and subsequent steps are executed again. In the above control, the SB 201 and the SB 205 correspond to the operation of the reception PAA weight control unit 262.

 As described above, according to this embodiment, a single transmission terminal device 214 that transmits a predetermined transmission signal toward the wireless tag 212 and a transmission signal transmitted by the transmission terminal device 214 Since a plurality of receiving terminal devices 216 that receive reply signals returned from the wireless tag 212 are provided in different positions as separate devices, a necessary and sufficient number of transmitting terminal devices 214 and receiving terminals are provided. By installing the devices 216 at appropriate positions, it is possible to quickly detect all the wireless tags 212 arranged in the room 218 that is a communication range by relatively simple control. That is, it is possible to provide the wireless tag communication system 210 that can detect the wireless tag 212 arranged in the communication range as quickly as possible. Also, since a plurality of receiving terminal devices 216 are provided, even if they cannot be detected by one receiving terminal device 216, they can be detected by another receiving terminal device 216, so that the communication range can be widened.

 [0167] In addition, a response signal transmitted from the wireless tag 212 in response to a transmission signal transmitted from the predetermined transmission terminal device 214 is transmitted to a position where a plurality of the reception terminal devices 216 can receive them. Since the terminal device 214 and the plurality of receiving terminal devices 216 are provided, by installing a larger number of receiving terminal devices 216 than the transmitting terminal device 214, it is possible to respond to a transmission signal transmitted from a predetermined transmitting terminal device 214. The reply signals returned from the wireless tag 212 can be received by the plurality of receiving terminal devices 216, and all the wireless tags 212 arranged in the communication range can be efficiently prevented while suitably preventing communication superposition. Can be detected.

[0168] Further, the receiving terminal device 216 includes a reception PAA weight control unit 262 (SB201 and SB205) which is a reception directivity control unit for controlling the reception directivity of the reply signal returned from the wireless tag 212. Therefore, the wireless tag 212 placed within the communication range is compared. It can be detected quickly by comparatively simple control.

 [0169] Further, since the position where the wireless tag 212 exists is detected based on the direction of the reception directivity controlled by the reception PAA weight control unit 262 of the reception terminal device 216, The position where the arranged wireless tag 212 exists can be quickly detected by relatively simple control.

 [0170] Also, based on the direction of reception directivity controlled by the reception PAA weight control unit 262 of each of the plurality of receiving terminal devices 216 and the distance (relative positional relationship) between the plurality of receiving terminal devices 216. Therefore, the position where the wireless tag 212 is present can be detected, so that the position where the wireless tag 212 disposed in the communication range is present can be quickly detected by practical control.

 In addition, since the receiving terminal device 216 includes a received signal strength detecting unit 260 (SB203) that detects the strength of a reply signal returned from the wireless tag 212, the wireless tag 212 The wireless tag 212 can be suitably detected based on the strength of the reply signal returned from the terminal.

 Example 6

 FIG. 52 is a view for explaining an RFID tag detection system 290 that is another embodiment of the fourth invention. As shown in FIG. 52, the wireless tag detection system 290 of the present embodiment is replaced with a plurality of receiving terminal devices 216 in the wireless tag detection system 210 shown in FIG. 45 described above, as shown in FIG. A plurality (four in FIG. 52) of receiving terminal devices 292a, 292b, 292c, 292d (hereinafter simply referred to as receiving terminal device 292 unless otherwise distinguished) whose reception directivity cannot be controlled are communication areas. The four corners of the chamber 218 are configured to fix the position.

FIG. 53 is a view for explaining the configuration of the receiving terminal apparatus 292. In FIG. As shown in FIG. 53, the receiving terminal device 292 receives a response wave F (reply signal) returned by the wireless tag 212 in response to the interrogation wave F transmitted from the transmitting terminal device 214. Receiving antenna element 238, downconverter 242 for downconverting the received signal received by receiving antenna element 238 in accordance with the local oscillation signal output from local oscillator 240, and downconverted by the downconverter 242 Receive signal Received signal amplifying unit 244 that amplifies at a constant gain, received signal AZD converting unit 246 that converts the received signal amplified by received signal amplifying unit 244 into a digital signal, and digitally received by the received signal AZD converting unit 246 DSP250 which processes the received signal converted into the signal is comprised. This DSP 250 functionally includes the AM demodulator 254, FSK decoder 256, response bit string interpreter 258, and received signal strength detector 260 described above. The plurality of receiving terminal devices 292 can transmit and receive information to and from the servo 268 via a LAN or the like, and the wireless tag 212 interpreted by the response bit string interpreting unit 258 The information signal related to the modulation and the received signal strength detected by the received signal strength detector 260 can be stored in the server 268 in an integrated manner.

 The wireless tag detection system 290 of the present embodiment is based on a plurality of equal signal strength curves in which the received signal strength strengths detected by the received signal strength detectors 260 of the plurality of receiving terminal devices 292 are also determined. The position where the wireless tag 212 exists is detected. FIG. 54 is a diagram for explaining this equal signal strength curve. The distance from the transmitting terminal device 214 to the wireless tag 212 that is the detection target is the distance from the receiving terminal device 292 to the wireless tag 212 that is the detection target. The distance is indicated by r. In addition, the xy coordinates shown in Fig. 54

 2

In this case, the transmitting terminal device 214 is at a position indicated by coordinates (a, 0), the receiving terminal device 292 is at a position indicated by coordinates (one a, 0), and the wireless tag 212 to be detected is a coordinate ( It is assumed that they are placed at the positions indicated by X, y). In such a relative positional relationship, the received power at the receiving terminal device 292 is proportional to lZ (r, r) ^2, and therefore, if r −r is constant, the intensity of the reflected wave F from the radio tag 212 is also It is also constant. Here, as shown in the following equation (1), if r -r is set to a constant value k, the equation (1) is transformed.

 1 2

 (2) is obtained. This equation (2) with k as a parameter is a plurality of curves shown in FIG. 54, and the plurality of curves are received signal strength forces detected by the received signal strength detector 260 of the receiving terminal device 292. It is a plurality of equal signal intensity curves to be determined.

[0175] r -r = {(x + a) ² + y ² } ^1/2 -{(x + a) ² + y ² } ^1/2 = k---(1)

[0176] y ⁴ + 2- (x ² + a ² ) · + (χ ² -a ² ) ² — k ² = 0 '· · (2)

FIG. 55 shows the position detection of the wireless tag 212 by the wireless tag detection system 290 of the present embodiment. It is a figure explaining about this. In FIG. 55, a predetermined equal signal strength curve in the receiving terminal device 292a is a thin line, a predetermined equal signal strength curve in the receiving terminal device 292b is a thin chain line, and a predetermined equal signal in the receiving terminal device 292d. Intensity curves are shown as thin dashed lines. When the response signal F from the wireless tag 212 is received by the receiving terminal device 292 and the received signal strength is detected by the received signal strength detector 260, one equal signal strength curve is determined. That is, it can be seen that the wireless tag 212 to be detected is disposed at any position where the equal signal intensity curve passes. As described above with reference to FIG. 54, the equal signal strength curve determined from the received signal strength detected by the received signal strength detector 260 of the receiving terminal device 292 is a closed curve. As shown in FIG. 55, when the equal signal strength curves in at least three receiving terminal devices 292 are determined, the position of the wireless tag 212 can be specified as the intersection of the three equal signal strength curves. it can. The process of specifying the position of the wireless tag 212 based on the plurality of equal signal intensity curves is preferably performed by numerical analysis by the server 268 or the like. Further, when it is desired to roughly detect the position of the wireless tag 212, the equal signal strength curve force in the two receiving terminal devices 292 can be obtained. That is, by setting an equal signal strength curve in at least two receiving terminal devices 292 for a predetermined wireless tag 212 as a communication target, the position of the wireless tag 212 is any of the two intersections of the two equal signal strength curves. Can be identified.

 [0178] Thus, according to the present embodiment, the transmission directivity of the transmission signal and the reception directivity of the reception signal are both omnidirectional, that is, the directivity is not particularly controlled. Since the position where the wireless tag 212 exists is detected based on the received signal strength detected by the received signal strength detection unit 260, the wireless tag 212 disposed in the room 218 which is a communication range. It is possible to quickly detect the position where the is present by relatively simple control.

[0179] Further, the position where the wireless tag 212 exists is detected based on a plurality of equal signal strength curves determined from the received signal strengths detected by the received signal strength detectors 260 of the plurality of receiving terminal devices 292, respectively. Since the The position where the line tag 212 exists can be quickly detected by practical control. Example 7

 [0180] Fig. 56 is a diagram for explaining a wireless tag detection system 300 according to still another embodiment of the fourth invention. As shown in FIG. 56, the wireless tag detection system 300 according to the present embodiment has a plurality (four in FIG. 56) of transmission terminal devices 302a, 302b, 302b that can control transmission directivity as shown in FIG. 302c, 302d (hereinafter simply referred to as “transmission terminal device 302” unless otherwise distinguished) and a plurality of (9 in FIG. 56) receiving terminals that cannot control the reception directivity described above with reference to FIG. Devices 292a, 292b, 292c, 292d, 292e, 292f, 292g, 29 2h, 292i (hereinafter simply referred to as receiving terminal device 292 unless otherwise specified) are fixed in position within chamber 218, which is the communication area. It is prepared for.

FIG. 57 is a view for explaining the configuration of the transmission terminal apparatus 302. In FIG. As shown in FIG. 57, the transmission terminal apparatus 302 performs phased array processing by multiplying the transmission signal output from the AM modulation unit 224 by a predetermined weight corresponding to each transmission antenna element 234. A transmission PAA processing unit 304, a transmission PAA weight control unit 306 that calculates a PAA weight multiplied by the transmission PAA processing unit 304, and a transmission memory that stores a transmission signal output from the transmission PAA processing unit 304 A plurality of (three in FIG. 57) transmission signals DZA conversion units 226a, 226b, and 226c that convert the digital signals corresponding to the transmission antenna elements 234 read from the transmission unit 308 and the transmission memory unit 308 into analog signals, respectively. (Hereinafter, simply referred to as a transmission signal DZA conversion unit 226 unless otherwise distinguished) and the plurality of transmission signal DZ A conversion units 226 according to the local oscillation signal output from the local oscillator 228. A plurality of upconverters 230a, 230b, 230c (hereinafter referred to as upconverter 230 unless otherwise specified) that upconvert each of the transmission signals output from A plurality of (three in FIG. 57) transmission signal amplifying units 232a, 232b, and 232c that amplify the transmission signals up-converted by the plurality of up-converters 230 with a predetermined gain, respectively. And a plurality of (three in FIG. 57) transmission antenna elements 234a, 234b, 234c (three in FIG. 57) that transmit the transmission signals amplified by the plurality of transmission signal amplification units 232 as interrogation waves F. Hereinafter, unless otherwise distinguished, it is simply referred to as a transmitting antenna element 234. ). In such a configuration, the transmission PAA processing unit 304 and the transmission PAA weight control unit 306 are functionally provided in the DSP 236. The transmission PAA processing unit 304 multiplies each of the transmission signals output from the AM modulation unit 234 by the PAA weight calculated by the transmission PAA weight control unit 306 (three in FIG. 57). PAA weight multipliers 310a, 310b, 310c (hereinafter simply referred to as “transmission PAA weight multiplier 310” unless otherwise distinguished) are provided, and transmission directivity in communication with the wireless tag 212 is improved. Control. In this transmission directivity control, in order to prevent transmission radio waves from being transmitted by a plurality of transmission terminal apparatuses 302, for example, as shown in FIG. 56, the transmission directivity of 1 to 24 illustrated as the transmission terminal apparatus 302b is exemplified. Control is performed so that each transmission terminal apparatus 302 has directivity in order.

In the wireless tag detection system 300 shown in FIG. 56, the plurality of transmission terminal devices 302 can transmit / receive information to / from a predetermined server 268 via a LAN or the like. The ID of the target wireless tag 212 can be acquired from the server 268. The plurality of receiving terminal devices 292 can transmit / receive information to / from the servo 268 via a LAN or the like, and the wireless tag 212 interpreted by the response bit string interpreting unit 258 is used. It is possible to store information signals related to the modulation in the server 268 in a centralized manner. That is, preferably, the server 268 functions as a controller that controls the operations of the plurality of transmission terminal apparatuses 302 and the plurality of reception terminal apparatuses 292 in the radio tag detection system 300, and the transmission terminal Processing for detecting the position where the wireless tag 212 exists is performed based on the direction of transmission directivity controlled by the transmission PAA weight control unit 306 which is a transmission directivity control unit of the device 302.

The server 268 stores the ID power of the wireless tag 212 detected by the receiving terminal device 292 in association with the receiving terminal device 302 that is the detection subject, the transmission directivity direction, and the received signal strength. It is like that. FIG. 58 shows the ID of the radio tag 212 and the received signal strength detected by each receiving terminal device 292 when the transmitting signal is transmitted from the transmitting terminal device 302a in the transmission directivity direction Θ = 30 °. The tag of ID “1” is indicated by “R2” with the received signal strength “8” by the receiving terminal device 292a indicated by “R1”. Receiving terminal device 292b detects ID “1” tag with received signal strength “4”, and receiving terminal device 292e detects ID tag “1” with received signal strength “2”. It has been shown. That is, FIG. 58 shows an example in which the wireless tag 212 (single tag) with ID “1” is detected when a transmission signal is transmitted from the transmission terminal device 302a in the transmission directivity direction 0 = 30 °. Is shown. FIG. 59 shows the ID and received signal strength of the radio tag 212 detected by each receiving terminal device 292 when a transmitting signal is transmitted from the transmitting terminal device 302a in the transmission directivity direction Θ = 60 °. The tag of ID “2” is received signal strength “4” by the receiving terminal device 29 2b indicated by “R2”, and the tag of ID “2” is received by the receiving terminal device 292 d indicated by “R4”. When the received signal strength is “8”, the tag of ID “2” is received by the receiving terminal device 292e indicated by “R5” and the ID “2” is indicated by the receiving terminal device 292b indicated by “R2”. The tag “3” is detected at the received signal strength “6”, and the tag “ID” “3” is detected at the received signal strength “3” by the receiving terminal device 292d indicated by “R4”. . That is, FIG. 58 shows that wireless tags 212 (two tags) with IDs “2” and “3” are detected when a transmission signal is transmitted from the transmission terminal device 302a in the transmission directivity direction Θ = 60 °. An example is shown.

 The wireless tag detection system 300 of the present embodiment includes a transmission directivity direction (main lobe direction) controlled by a transmission PAA weight control unit 306 that is a transmission directivity control unit of the transmission terminal device 302, and the plurality of the plurality of transmission directivity control units. Based on the ratio of the received signal strengths detected by the received signal strength detector 260 of the receiving terminal device 292, the position where the wireless tag 212 exists is detected. FIG. 60 is a diagram for explaining the position detection of the wireless tag 212 by the wireless tag detection system 300 of the present embodiment, and shows an example of specifying the position of the tag of ID “1” from the detection result of FIG. is there. In FIG. 60, the distance from the receiving terminal device 292a to the detection target wireless tag 212 is shown as the distance ¾τ from the reception terminal device 292b to the detection target wireless tag 212. Also shown in Figure 60.

 2

In the xy coordinates, the receiving terminal device 292a is located at the position indicated by the coordinates (one a, 0), the receiving terminal device 292b is located at the position indicated by the coordinates (a, 0), and the wireless tag 212 to be detected is Assume that they are placed at the positions indicated by coordinates (X, y). In this relative positional relationship, the received power at each receiving terminal device 292 is proportional to lZr 1 / τ ² . Therefore, the ratio (r / τ) ² — if constant, the intensity of the reflected wave F from the wireless tag 212

The 1 2 r ratio is also constant. Here, as shown in the following equation (3), (r Zr) ² is set to a constant value k and

 1 2

 Then, equation (4) is obtained by transforming equation (3). The equation (4) with k as a parameter is a plurality of curves shown in FIG. 60, and these curves determine the received signal strength by the receiving terminal device 292a and the received signal strength strength by the receiving terminal device 292b. Is an equal signal intensity ratio curve.

[0185] (r

1 Λ 2Ϋ = {(x + a) ² + y ² } ^1/2 / {(χ-a) ² + y ² } ^1/2 = k- · · (3)

[0186] {xa (l + k ² ) / (l -k ² )} ² + y ² = {2ka / (l -k ² )} ² ---(4)

[0187] In FIG. 60, the transmission directivity direction of the transmission terminal apparatus 302 is indicated by a thin one-dot chain line. Since the relative positional relationship between the plurality of receiving terminal devices 292 is fixed, the response wave F from the predetermined radio tag 212 is received by the receiving terminal devices 292a and 292b and received by the respective received signal strength detecting units 260. When the signal strength is detected, an equal signal strength ratio curve is determined from the ratio. That is, it can be seen that the wireless tag 212 to be detected is disposed at any position where the equal signal intensity ratio curve passes. Further, the wireless tag 212 that is a detection target is considered to exist in the transmission directivity direction of the transmission terminal device 302 when such detection is performed, and the plurality of transmission terminal devices 302 and the reception terminal devices 292 Since the relative positional relationship is fixed, as shown in FIG. 60, the position of the wireless tag 212 to be detected is equal to the equal signal strength ratio determined by the received signal strength by the receiving terminal devices 292a and 292b. It can be identified as the intersection of a curve and a straight line indicating the transmission directivity direction of the transmission terminal apparatus 302. Further, the transmission PAA weight control unit 306 of each transmission terminal device 302 searches the entire region 218 as a communication region while changing the transmission directivity direction, and the reception results by the plurality of reception terminal devices 292 are transmitted in the transmission direction. If the wireless tag 212 having the same ID is stored in association with a plurality of transmission directivity directions, the received signal strength is the highest. A mode in which the position of the radio tag 212 is specified based on the detection result of the transmission directivity direction is also conceivable. The process of specifying the position of the wireless tag 212 based on the equal signal intensity ratio curve and the transmission directivity direction is preferably performed by numerical analysis by the server 268 or the like. FIG. 61 is a flowchart for explaining the main part of the wireless tag detection control using the transmitting terminal device 302 and the receiving terminal device 292 by the server 268, which is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle. .

First, in SC 201, a value corresponding to θ = Θ S is set as an initial value in the transmission PAA weight register in transmission PAA weight control section 306 of transmission terminal apparatus 302. Next, in SC202, a command bit string for reading an ID from the radio tag 212 is generated by the command bit string generation unit 220 of the transmission terminal apparatus 302, and the FSK encoding unit 222, the AM modulation unit 224, and the transmission The interrogated wave F is transmitted in the directivity direction indicated by Θ from the plurality of transmitting antenna elements 234 via the PAA processing unit 304 or the like. Next, in SC 203, the response wave F from the wireless tag 212 is received by the reception terminal device 292, and the reception terminal device 292 receives the response signal F through the down converter 242, the reception signal amplification unit 244, the reception signal AZD conversion unit 246, and the like. The reception signal stored in the reception memory unit 248 and subjected to the phased array processing by the reception PAA processing unit 252 is demodulated by the AM demodulation unit 254 by the AM method, and is further decoded by the FSK decoding unit 256 by the FSK method. The decoded decoding signal is interpreted, and it is determined whether or not the information signal related to the modulation of the wireless tag 212 has been read correctly. When the determination of SC203 is negative, the power to execute the processing of SC205 and subsequent processing is performed. When the determination of SC203 is affirmative, the reception at SC204 corresponding to the operation of reception signal strength detection unit 260 is performed. The received signal stored in the memory unit 248 is further read out, and the ID of the wireless tag 212 is read out through the AM demodulating unit 254 and the FSK decoding unit 256, etc., and output from the FSK decoding unit 256 After the received signal strength of the received signal is detected based on the signal and the like, the read ID is stored in the table in association with the received signal strength and the receiving terminal device 292 that is the detection subject. Next, tag position specifying control shown in FIG. 62 is executed in SD. Next, in SC205, a predetermined value ΔΘ is added to Θ and the value of the transmission PAA wait register in the transmission PAA weight control unit 306 is updated. Then, in SC206, Θ is greater than the predetermined value θE. It is determined whether or not it is large. When the determination of SC206 is denied, the power to execute the processing after SC202 again. When the determination of SC206 is affirmed, the routine is terminated. In the above control, SC201 and SC205 correspond to the operation of the transmission PAA weight control unit 306 of the transmission terminal apparatus 302.

 FIG. 62 is a flowchart for explaining tag position specifying control which is a part of the wireless tag detection control shown in FIG. In this control, first, in SD201, it is determined whether or not the tag ID is stored in the table. If the determination of SD201 is negative, the force that can be returned to the wireless tag detection control shown in FIG. 61 is determined. If the determination of SD1 is positive, the predetermined wireless tag 212 is indicated in SD202. ID is specified (for example, if Θ = 30 °, Fig. 58 Force et al. ID1). Next, in the SD 203, the IDs (Rl, R2, R5 in FIG. 58) of the receiving terminal device 292 that has detected the ID specified in the SD 202 are read from the tape. Next, in SD204, it is determined whether or not a plurality of IDs of receiving terminal device 292 that detected the ID specified in SD202 have been read. When the determination of SD204 is denied, the power to execute the processing below SD209 is performed. When the determination of SD204 is affirmed, in SD205, the two receiving terminal devices with the highest received signal strength are received. IDs are selected (R1 and R2). Next, in SD206, received signal strengths corresponding to the IDs of the two receiving terminal devices 292 selected in SD205 are read out. Next, in SD207, the intensity ratio is calculated from the received signal intensity read in SD206. Next, in SD208, based on the ratio of the received signal strength calculated in SD207 and the transmission directivity direction Θ in the wireless tag detection control shown in FIG. 61, the wireless tag 212 corresponding to the ID specified in SD202. The position is determined (from the positional relationship in Fig. 60). Next, in SD209, the ID specified in SD202 and the information associated with it are deleted from the table, and then the processing below SD1 is executed again.

 Thus, according to the present embodiment, based on the direction of transmission directivity controlled by the transmission PAA weight control unit 306 (SC201 and SC205) which is the transmission directivity control unit of the transmission terminal apparatus 302. Since the position where the wireless tag 212 exists is detected, the position where the wireless tag 212 arranged in the room 218 which is the communication range can be quickly detected by relatively simple control.

[0192] Also, the direction of transmission directivity controlled by the transmission PAA weight control section 306 of the transmission terminal apparatus 302 and the reception signal strength detection sections 260 (SC2) of the plurality of reception terminal apparatuses 292 04), the position where the wireless tag 212 is present is detected based on the ratio of the received signal strengths detected by each of the above (4), so that the position where the wireless tag 212 disposed in the chamber 218 is present is practically used. Can be detected promptly by automatic control.

 Further, an equal signal strength ratio curve determined from a ratio of received signal strengths by at least two receiving terminal devices 292, and a direction of transmission directivity controlled by the transmission PAA weight control unit 306 of the transmitting terminal device 302 Since the position where the wireless tag 212 exists is detected based on the straight line indicating the position, the position where the wireless tag 212 arranged in the communication range can be detected quickly by practical control. .

 [0194] The preferred embodiment of the fourth invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the fourth invention is not limited to this embodiment, and may be implemented in another mode.

 For example, in the embodiment described above, the reception PAA processing unit 252, the reception signal strength detection unit 260, and the reception PAA weight control unit 262 are connected to the DSP 250 of the reception terminal device 216, and the transmission PAA processing The unit 304 and the transmission PAA weight control unit 306 are powers that are functionally provided in the DSP 236 of the transmission terminal device 302. These control functions are the individual control devices of the reception terminal device 216 and the transmission terminal device 306. It may be provided in the terminal device 302 or the like. Further, the processing by these control functions may be performed by analog signal processing or by digital signal processing.

 [0196] Further, in the above-described embodiment, the force used to identify the position of the wireless tag 212 by the processing of the server 268 by controlling the plurality of receiving terminal devices 216 and the like. By giving this function to any receiving terminal device 216, the receiving terminal device 216, which is the master device, may be processed. In this case, the server 268 is not necessarily provided. Further, a mode in which such a function is imparted to the transmission terminal device 214 is also conceivable, and even if so, the effects of the present invention are achieved.

 [0197] In addition, although not illustrated one by one, the fourth invention is implemented with various modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.

Claims

The scope of the claims  [1] A wireless tag communication system that performs non-contact communication of information with a predetermined wireless tag,  A first wireless tag provided in a fixed position with respect to a predetermined reference position;  A wireless tag communication device for communicating information with the first wireless tag;  Including,  The RFID tag communication apparatus is configured to determine a position of the RFID tag communication apparatus with respect to the reference position by communicating information with the first RFID tag. system.  [2] The apparatus further includes a second wireless tag that is movable with respect to the reference position and communicates information with the wireless tag communication device, and the reference position is based on the position of the wireless tag communication device. 2. The wireless tag communication system according to claim 1, wherein the position of the second wireless tag with respect to the device is determined.  [3] The wireless tag communication system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a storage device for storing the position of the first wireless tag with respect to the reference position. 4. The wireless tag communication system according to claim 3, wherein the storage device stores a position of the second wireless tag with respect to the reference position. 5. The wireless tag communication system according to claim 4, wherein the storage device stores the position of the first wireless tag and the position of the second wireless tag with respect to the reference position in association with each other.  [6] The wireless tag communication device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the wireless tag communication device includes a display unit that displays the position of the first wireless tag or the position of the second wireless tag with respect to the reference position. Tag communication system. 7. The wireless tag communication device alternately performs communication of information with the first wireless tag and communication of information with the second wireless tag. The wireless tag communication system according to any one of 6 above. [8] The strength of the transmission signal for communicating information with the first wireless tag is greater than the strength of the transmission signal for communicating information with the second wireless tag. Is a thing The wireless tag communication system according to claim 2. 9. The wireless tag communication system according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein a communicable distance of the first wireless tag is larger than a communicable distance of the second wireless tag. [10] The RFID tag communication apparatus includes a signal strength detection unit that detects the strength of a return signal from the RFID tag, and when a plurality of the first RFID tag response signals are received. 10. The method according to claim 2, wherein a position with respect to the reference position is determined based on a signal strength detected by the signal strength detection unit corresponding to each of the plurality of first wireless tags. RFID tag communication system. [11] The wireless tag communication device is configured so that, based on a predetermined relationship, the plurality of first wireless communication devices based on the signal strength detected by the signal strength detection unit corresponding to each of the plurality of first wireless tags. 11. The wireless tag communication system according to claim 10, wherein the position of the second wireless tag between the wireless tags is determined. [12] The RFID tag communication system according to any one of [2] to [11], wherein each of the first RFID tag and the second RFID tag has a predetermined command for returning a reply signal separately. System.  13. The wireless tag communication system according to claim 1, wherein the first wireless tag has a power supply device.  14. The wireless tag communication system according to claim 2, wherein the second wireless tag is used by being affixed to the article in order to manage a predetermined article. [15] A wireless tag that transmits a transmission signal toward a predetermined wireless tag and receives a reply signal returned in response to the wireless tag power in response to the transmission signal, and performs communication of information with the wireless tag. Communication device,  A wireless tag communication apparatus comprising: a signal dividing unit configured to divide a reception signal of the RFID tag power into a plurality of signal areas. 16. The wireless tag communication device according to claim 15, wherein the signal dividing unit divides received signals from a plurality of types of wireless tags having different functions into a plurality of signal areas according to functions. [17] An AZD conversion unit that converts the received signal of the RFID tag power signal into a digital signal, and the signal dividing unit divides the received signal into a plurality of signal regions by digital signal processing. The wireless tag communication device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein: [18] comprising a plurality of antenna elements, and having a reception phased array control section for controlling the reception directivity by controlling the phase of each of the reception signals of the RFID tag power received by the plurality of antenna elements The wireless tag communication device according to any one of claims 15 to 17.  19. A transmission phased array control unit comprising a plurality of antenna elements and controlling a transmission directivity by controlling a phase of each transmission signal transmitted from the plurality of antenna elements. Any of the RFID tag communication devices.  [20] A wireless tag communication system using the wireless tag communication device according to any one of claims 15 to 19,  A wireless tag communication system characterized in that information is communicated with a plurality of types of wireless tags having different signal areas. 21. The wireless tag communication system according to claim 20, wherein the plurality of types of wireless tags have different modulation frequencies. [22] The wireless tag communication system according to claim 20 or 21, wherein at least one of the plurality of types of wireless tags communicates information with the wireless tag communication device by frequency modulation. .  23. The wireless tag that performs frequency modulation performs frequency hopping that selects any one of a plurality of frequencies and uses it as a center frequency of the modulation frequency. 2. RFID tag communication system. [24] At least one of the plurality of types of wireless tags returns a response signal to all transmission commands transmitted from the wireless tag communication device. Any RFID tag communication system. 25. The wireless tag communication system according to claim 20, wherein at least one of the plurality of types of wireless tags has a power supply device. 26. The wireless tag communication system according to claim 20, wherein the wireless tag communication device processes received signals from a plurality of types of wireless tags received simultaneously with each other. [27] The device of any one of claims 20 to 26, wherein at least one of the plurality of types of wireless tags is a tag provided in a fixed position at a predetermined location and having location information indicating the location. Wireless tag communication system. [28] The wireless tag according to any one of claims 20 to 27, wherein at least one of the plurality of types of wireless tags is a tag attached to an article and having management information for managing the article. Communications system. [29] The wireless tag communication device according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the plurality of types of wireless tags are disposed around the wireless tag communication device, and the plurality of types of wireless tags are provided. The received signals received simultaneously from the receiver are processed in association with each other. The RFID tag communication system according to any one of 6 to 28. [30] A wireless tag detection system for detecting a wireless tag by communicating information without contact with a wireless tag storing predetermined information,  One or a plurality of transmission terminal devices for transmitting a predetermined transmission signal toward the wireless tag; and  A plurality of receiving terminal devices for receiving a reply signal returned from the wireless tag in response to a transmission signal transmitted by the transmitting terminal device;  Are provided at different positions as separate devices, respectively.  [31] In a position where a plurality of receiving terminal devices can receive a reply signal returned from the wireless tag in response to a transmission signal transmitted from the predetermined transmitting terminal device, the transmitting terminal device and the plurality of transmitting terminal devices 32. The wireless tag detection system according to claim 30, further comprising a receiving terminal device.  32. The wireless tag detection system according to claim 30, wherein the reception terminal device includes a reception directivity control unit that controls reception directivity for receiving a reply signal returned from the wireless tag. 33. The wireless tag detection system according to claim 32, wherein a position where the wireless tag is present is detected based on a direction of reception directivity controlled by a reception directivity control unit of the reception terminal device. [34] The position where the wireless tag exists is detected based on the direction of reception directivity controlled by the reception directivity control unit of each of the plurality of reception terminal devices and the distance between the plurality of reception terminal devices. 34. The wireless tag detection system according to claim 33.  [35] The wireless tag detection according to any one of claims 30 to 34, wherein the transmission terminal device includes a transmission directivity control unit that controls transmission directivity for transmitting a transmission signal toward the wireless tag. system.  36. The wireless tag detection system according to claim 35, wherein the position of the wireless tag is detected based on a transmission directivity direction controlled by a transmission directivity control unit of the transmission terminal device.  [37] The wireless tag detection system according to any one of claims 30 to 36, wherein the reception terminal device includes a reception signal strength detection unit that detects a strength of a reply signal returned from the wireless tag.  [38] Based on the direction of the transmission directivity controlled by the transmission directivity control unit of the transmission terminal device and the ratio of the received signal strengths respectively detected by the reception signal strength detection units of the plurality of reception terminal devices. The wireless tag detection system according to claim 37, wherein the position where the wireless tag is present is detected.  [39] The radio based on an equal signal strength ratio curve determined from a ratio of at least two received signal strengths and a straight line indicating a direction of transmission directivity controlled by a transmission directivity control unit of the transmission terminal device 39. The wireless tag detection system according to claim 38, which detects a position where the tag exists.  [40] The presence of the wireless tag based on the received signal strength detected by the received signal strength detecting unit of the receiving terminal device, wherein both the transmission directivity of the transmitted signal and the received directivity of the received signal are omnidirectional 38. The wireless tag detection system according to claim 37, wherein the position is detected.  [41] The received signal strength detected by each of the received signal strength detectors of the plurality of receiving terminal devices detects a position where the wireless tag exists based on a plurality of equal signal strength curves determined. 41. The wireless tag detection system of claim 40.