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WO2025115127A1 - Dispositif d'identification d'emplacement, procédé d'identification d'emplacement et support d'enregistrement - Google Patents

Dispositif d'identification d'emplacement, procédé d'identification d'emplacement et support d'enregistrement Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2025115127A1
WO2025115127A1 PCT/JP2023/042751 JP2023042751W WO2025115127A1 WO 2025115127 A1 WO2025115127 A1 WO 2025115127A1 JP 2023042751 W JP2023042751 W JP 2023042751W WO 2025115127 A1 WO2025115127 A1 WO 2025115127A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
area
antenna
read
item
controlled
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/JP2023/042751
Other languages
English (en)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
麻子 豊田
哲也 三平
浩之 川本
紳司 小栗
享 小野原
啓希 菅ヶ谷
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
NEC Platforms Ltd
NEC Corp
Original Assignee
NEC Platforms Ltd
NEC Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by NEC Platforms Ltd, NEC Corp filed Critical NEC Platforms Ltd
Priority to PCT/JP2023/042751 priority Critical patent/WO2025115127A1/fr
Publication of WO2025115127A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025115127A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S5/00—Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations
    • G01S5/02—Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K17/00—Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups G06K1/00 - G06K15/00, e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
    • G06K7/10—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation

Definitions

  • This disclosure relates to location identification devices, etc.
  • Patent Document 1 describes a technology that identifies the placement area in which each item is placed based on which antenna can read the tag information.
  • One example of the objective of this disclosure is to provide a location identification device that makes it easier to search for items.
  • a position determination device includes: A reading means for issuing a read instruction to an RFID reader installed in a predetermined space to read an RFID tag attached to an article; A determination unit that determines an area in which the item is placed based on a read area of an antenna that can read the RFID tag from among a plurality of antennas connected to the RFID reader; A control means for controlling a reading area of a controlled antenna; an output means for outputting that an article is present in the identified area; Equipped with The identification means identifies a new area in which the article is placed based on the identified area and a read area of the controlled antenna, The output means outputs that the item is present in the newly identified area.
  • a location determination method includes: The computer A read instruction is issued to an RFID reader installed in a predetermined space to read the RFID tag attached to the item, Identifying an area in which the item is placed based on a read area of the antenna that can read the RFID tag from among a plurality of antennas connected to the RFID reader; Controlling the reading area of the controlled antenna; outputting that an article is present in the identified area; Execute the process, In the process of identifying, a new area in which the article is placed is identified based on the identified area and a read area of the controlled antenna; In the output process, it is output that the item is present in the newly identified area.
  • a program includes: A read instruction is issued to an RFID reader installed in a predetermined space to read the RFID tag attached to the item, Identifying an area in which the item is placed based on a read area of the antenna that can read the RFID tag from among a plurality of antennas connected to the RFID reader; Controlling the reading area of the controlled antenna; outputting that an article is present in the identified area; Execute the process, In the process of identifying, a new area in which the article is placed is identified based on the identified area and a read area of the controlled antenna; In the output process, it is output that the item is present in the newly identified area.
  • Each program may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium.
  • This disclosure makes it easier to search for items.
  • FIG. 1 is a first block diagram showing a configuration example of a position specifying device. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the position specifying device.
  • FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a connection between a position specifying device and another device.
  • FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of installation of a plurality of antennas and a plurality of RFID readers.
  • FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of one RFID reader and a plurality of antennas connected to the RFID reader. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a reading area of each antenna shown in FIG. 5 .
  • FIG. 2 is a second block diagram showing a configuration example of a position specifying device.
  • FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an item tag DB.
  • 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which an overlapping area of read areas of antennas that have been read is specified as a placement area.
  • FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which an area obtained by excluding the read area of an antenna that could not be read from the read area of an antenna that could be read is specified as the placement area.
  • FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which an area obtained by excluding the read area of an antenna that could not be read from the overlap area of an antenna that could be read is specified as the placement area.
  • FIG. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of controlling the output intensity of a control target antenna, which is a read antenna.
  • FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a new placement area is specified.
  • FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of increasing the size of the reading area of an antenna that could not be read;
  • FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a new placement area is specified.
  • 11 is a flowchart showing a first operation example of the position identifying device;
  • FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of moving an antenna that has been read.
  • FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a new placement area is specified.
  • FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of moving an antenna that could not be read.
  • FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a new placement area is specified.
  • FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a second operation example of the position identifying device.
  • FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of moving a drone to a placement area.
  • 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the position specifying device.
  • FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a frame representing a placement area is superimposed on a map of a predetermined space.
  • FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which an LED of an item tag is turned on.
  • FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer.
  • an item will be described using luggage as an example.
  • an item that can carry one or more items such as a cart with a basket, may also be considered an item.
  • identifying an area in which an item is placed may be interpreted as identifying an area in which a basket cart is placed.
  • the size of the item, the unit of the item, etc. are not particularly limited.
  • the specified space is, for example, a space in which items are placed, and is not particularly limited.
  • the specified space may be a warehouse.
  • (First embodiment) 1 is a first block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a position specifying device 10.
  • the position specifying device 10 includes a reading unit 102, a specifying unit 104, a control unit 106, and an output unit 108.
  • the reading unit 102 issues a read instruction to an RFID reader installed in a specified space to read the RFID tag attached to the item.
  • the location identification device 10 may be equipped with an RFID reader, or the location identification device 10 may be connected to an RFID reader via a communication network or the like.
  • the reading unit 102 instructs the RFID reader to read the information stored in the RFID tag.
  • the RFID tag may be affixed to the item, or the RFID tag may be included in a tag that is attached to the item with a string or the like, such as a price tag. In this way, the method of attaching an RFID tag to an item is not particularly limited.
  • An RFID tag attached to an item is also called an item tag.
  • the item tag may store item identification information that identifies the item.
  • the item tag may store tag identification information that identifies the item tag.
  • the RFID reader reads the information stored in the item tag via an antenna connected to the RFID reader. For example, in a specified space, multiple antennas are connected to the RFID tag.
  • the identification unit 104 identifies the area in which the item is placed based on the reading area of the antenna that can read the RFID tag out of the multiple antennas connected to the RFID reader.
  • the area in which the item is placed may be called the placement area.
  • the reading area of an antenna is the range in which the antenna can read information from the RFID tag. It is difficult to set the reading area of an antenna to an accurate rectangle. In other words, it is difficult to precisely divide the reading areas of multiple antennas in a given space. For this reason, when multiple antennas are installed, the reading areas of the multiple antennas overlap.
  • the identification unit 104 identifies an area where the reading areas of antennas that can read item tags overlap as an area where an item is placed. Alternatively, for example, the identification unit 104 identifies an area obtained by excluding the reading areas of antennas that cannot read item tags from the reading areas of antennas that can read item tags as an area where an item is placed.
  • the identification unit 104 may combine a process of identifying an overlapping area of the reading areas of antennas that have been read, with a process of identifying an area obtained by excluding the reading areas of antennas that have not been read from the reading areas of antennas that have been read.
  • the order of these processes performed by the identification unit 104 is not particularly limited.
  • the identification unit 104 may identify, as an area where an item is placed, an area obtained by excluding the reading areas of antennas that have not been able to read the item tag from the overlapping areas of the reading areas of antennas that have been able to read the item tag.
  • the control unit 106 controls the reading area of the antenna to be controlled based on the area identified by the identification unit 104.
  • the antenna to be controlled may be at least one of a plurality of antennas connected to an RFID reader, or may be an antenna different from these antennas.
  • the different antenna may be an antenna provided in an RFID reader mounted on a mobile device.
  • the mobile device may be an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle), a drone, etc.
  • control unit 106 may control the controlled antenna to change the size of the reading area.
  • control unit 106 changes the size of the controlled antenna's reading area by controlling the output strength of the controlled antenna. A specific example of changing the size will be described in the second embodiment.
  • control unit 106 may perform control to change the position of the reading area of the controlled antenna.
  • control unit 106 changes the position of the reading area of the controlled antenna by moving the controlled antenna that is installed on a rail.
  • control unit 106 changes the position of the reading area of the controlled antenna by moving a mobile device equipped with the controlled antenna. Specific examples of changing the position will be described in the second embodiment.
  • the identification unit 104 identifies a new area in which the item is placed based on the identified area and the reading area of the controlled antenna. Note that it is assumed that the reading unit 102 has issued a reading instruction to the controlled antenna.
  • the identification unit 104 uses the read state of the controlled antenna to identify a new area in which the item is placed, based on the identified area and the read area of the controlled antenna. For example, if the controlled antenna can read the item tag, the identification unit 104 identifies the overlapping area of the identified area and the read area of the controlled antenna as the new area in which the item is placed. For example, if the controlled antenna cannot read the item tag, the identification unit 104 identifies the area excluding the read area of the controlled antenna from the identified area as the new area in which the item is placed.
  • the output unit 108 outputs that an item is present in the area identified by the identification unit 104.
  • the output method is not particularly limited.
  • the output method by the output unit 108 may include audio output, screen display, registration in a database, etc.
  • the output unit 108 may register in the database that an item is present in the area identified by the identification unit 104.
  • the output unit 108 may register in the database position information indicating the position of the area identified by the identification unit 104 as position information of the item.
  • the method of expressing the position information is not particularly limited.
  • the position information may be position information indicating a position such as a coordinate value in a specific specified space.
  • the position information may be identification information identifying an aisle near the area identified by the identification unit 104, or identification information identifying a shelf located at the position of the area identified by the identification unit 104.
  • the output unit 108 outputs to the user's terminal device that an item is present in the area identified by the identification unit 104.
  • (flowchart) 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the position identification device 10.
  • the reading unit 102 issues a read instruction to the RFID reader to read an item tag (step S101).
  • the identification unit 104 identifies an area in which the item is placed (step S102).
  • the control unit 106 controls the reading area of the antenna to be controlled (step S103).
  • the identification unit 104 identifies a new placement area in which the item is placed based on the identified placement area and the read area of the antenna to be controlled (step S104).
  • the output unit 108 outputs a signal that an item is present in the identified placement area (step S105). Then, the position identification device 10 ends the series of processes shown in FIG. 2.
  • the position identification device 10 identifies the area in which an item is placed based on the reading state of the reading areas of multiple antennas, and controls the reading area of the antenna to be controlled based on the identified area. The position identification device 10 then identifies a new area in which an item is placed based on the reading area of the antenna to be controlled and the identified area. In this way, the reading area of the antenna to be controlled can be dynamically changed. And the area in which an item is placed can be narrowed down. This makes it easier to identify the area in which an item is placed. It also makes it possible to reduce the number of antennas in a large space.
  • FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a connection between a position identification device and another device.
  • the position identification device 20 may be connected to an RFID reader 22 via a communication network.
  • the RFID reader 22 may be connected to multiple antennas 21.
  • the position identification device 20 sends a read instruction to the RFID reader 22, the RFID reader 22 can output radio waves for reading to the multiple antennas 21.
  • the RFID reader 22 may be configured to have an antenna 21.
  • the multiple antennas 21 may be n+1 antennas 21, which is the sum of the antenna 21 provided in the RFID reader 22 and n antennas 21 connected to the RFID reader 22.
  • n is an integer equal to or greater than 1.
  • the location identification device 20 may control the output intensity of the antenna 21 connected to the RFID reader 22 via the RFID reader 22. Note that there may be multiple RFID readers 22.
  • multiple antennas 21 may be installed on the ceiling, walls, floor, or shelves installed in a specified space.
  • At least some of the multiple antennas 21 may be fixedly arranged. At least some of the multiple antennas 21 may be movably arranged. Rails may be installed in a specified space, and the multiple antennas 21 may be movably arranged on the rails. For example, rails may be installed on the ceiling of the specified space, or rails may be installed on a shelf. The position identification device 20 may be capable of controlling the movement of the multiple antennas 21.
  • the location identification device 20 may be connected to a user's terminal device 23 via a communication network.
  • the user may be, for example, a person searching for an item. Examples of users include warehouse workers and warehouse managers.
  • the type of terminal device 23 is not particularly limited, and may be a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, a tablet device, or the like.
  • the terminal device 23 may be pre-installed with an application program capable of transmitting information to the location identification device 20 and outputting information from the location identification device 20.
  • the terminal device 23 may be able to access a website connected to the location identification device 20 and transmit and receive information to and from the location identification device 20 via the website.
  • the positioning device 20 is connected to the drone 24 via a communication network.
  • the drone 24 is equipped with an RFID reader 22 having an antenna 21.
  • the positioning device 20 may control the movement of the drone 24.
  • the positioning device 20 may also control a reading instruction to the RFID reader 22 mounted on the drone 24.
  • FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the installation of multiple antennas 21 and multiple RFID readers 22.
  • the specified space is exemplified as a large warehouse.
  • luggage and the like are stored in the warehouse.
  • the multiple RFID readers 22 and the multiple antennas 21 are installed on approximately the same plane, such as the ceiling.
  • FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of one RFID reader 22 and multiple antennas 21 connected to the RFID reader 22.
  • the RFID reader 22 is connected to multiple antennas 21-1 to 21-4.
  • FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the reading area 31 of each antenna 21 shown in FIG. 5.
  • antennas 21 When multiple antennas are not specifically identified individually, they are referred to as antennas 21. As shown in FIG. 6, the reading areas 31 of multiple antennas 21 overlap.
  • the reading area 31-1 of antenna 21-1, the reading area 31-2 of antenna 21-2, the reading area 31-3 of antenna 21-3, and the reading area 31-4 of antenna 21-4 overlap with each other.
  • the reading area 31 of each antenna 21 can be identified by the position of the antenna 21 and the output strength of the antenna 21. Note that if the antennas 21 are fixedly disposed and the output strength of the antennas 21 is fixed, the reading area 31 of the antennas 21 may be stored separately for each antenna 21. Also, for example, the size of the reading area 31 of the antenna 21 according to the output strength is stored in advance, and the position identification device 20 can identify the reading area 31 of the antenna 21 based on the position of the antenna 21 and the output strength of the antenna 21.
  • FIG. 7 is a second block diagram showing an example configuration of the position identification device 20.
  • the position identification device 20 includes a reception unit 201, a reading unit 202, an identification unit 204, a control unit 206, an output unit 208, and a determination unit 210.
  • the reading unit 202 may have the function of the reading unit 102 shown in FIG. 1 as a basic function.
  • the identification unit 204 may have the function of the identification unit 104 shown in FIG. 1 as a basic function.
  • the control unit 206 may have the function of the control unit 106 shown in FIG. 1 as a basic function.
  • the output unit 208 may have the function of the output unit 108 shown in FIG. 1 as a basic function.
  • the location identification device 20 may have, for example, an item tag DB (DataBase) 2000.
  • the item tag DB 2000 is, for example, information for managing item tags.
  • FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of item tag DB2000.
  • item tag DB2000 stores information for associating item tags with items.
  • item tag DB2000 stores, for each item tag, tag identification information for identifying the item tag and item identification information for identifying the item in association with each other.
  • an item tag ID (Identifier) is given as an example of tag identification information.
  • an item ID is given as an example of item identification information.
  • a tag identified by a tag ID "T01" is attached to an item identified by an item ID "AAA".
  • the location identification device 20 may have an item DB for managing items, and the item DB may manage information about the items on an item-by-item basis.
  • the item DB may manage the items by item ID.
  • the item information may include the product name and price.
  • the parcel information may include the name of the parcel and the destination of the parcel.
  • the item tag DB 2000 and the item DB may be a single database.
  • the reception unit 201 receives the designation of the item to be searched for.
  • the reception method may be via an input device or the like, and is not particularly limited to screen input or voice input.
  • the reception unit 201 receives the designation of the item to be searched for by a user's operation on the terminal device 23.
  • the terminal device 23 may display a screen including information that allows the user to specify an item, and the user may specify an item by operating the screen.
  • the information that allows the user to specify an item may be, but is not limited to, information that identifies the item, such as the name of the item, the characteristics of the item, and an image of the item, or a tag ID that identifies a tag attached to the item.
  • the terminal device 23 may display a selectable product name, package name, etc., and when the user selects a product name displayed on the screen, the reception unit 201 may accept the product with the selected product name as the item to be searched for.
  • the terminal device 23 may display a screen including an input field that allows the user to specify an item, and the user may input information that allows the user to specify an item, such as the name of the item, into the input field on the screen.
  • the reception unit 201 may then accept the item identified by the information that allows the user to specify the item entered into the input field as the item to be searched for.
  • the reading unit 202 issues a read instruction to the RFID reader 22 installed in a specified space to read the item tag.
  • the RFID reader 22 transmits the reading results of each antenna 21 to the location identification device 20.
  • the identification unit 204 identifies the area in which the item is placed based on the reading area 31 of the antenna 21 that can read the item tag, among the multiple antennas 21 connected to the RFID reader 22. For example, if the item tag stores an item tag ID, the read antenna 21 is the antenna 21 that can read the item tag ID of the item tag attached to the specified item to be searched. That is, for example, if the item tag ID included in the information read from the antenna 21 matches with the item tag ID of the item tag attached to the item to be searched, the identification unit 204 determines that antenna 21 as the antenna that has read the item. On the other hand, if the item tag ID included in the information read from the antenna 21 does not match with the item tag ID of the item tag attached to the item to be searched, the identification unit 204 determines that antenna 21 as the antenna that has not read the item.
  • the information stored in the item tag is not particularly limited as long as the item to be searched for can be identified using an item DB, item tag DB, etc.
  • the item tag may store item identification information that identifies the item.
  • the identification unit 204 to identify the area in which the item is placed based on the reading area 31 of the antenna 21.
  • the identification unit 204 identifies the area where the reading areas 31 of the antennas 21 that have read the item tag overlap as the area where the item is placed.
  • FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of identifying an overlapping area of the read reading area 31 of antenna 21-1 as a placement area.
  • antennas 21-1, 21-3, and 21-4 can read item tags, but antenna 21-2 cannot read item tags. Therefore, the identification unit 204 identifies placement area 41, which is an overlapping area of the read reading area 31-1 of antenna 21-1, the read reading area 31-3 of antenna 21-3, and the read reading area 31-4 of antenna 21-4.
  • the identification unit 204 may also identify, as the placement area, an area obtained by excluding the reading area 31 of the antenna 21 that could not be read from the reading area 31 of the antenna 21 that could be read.
  • FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of identifying an area obtained by excluding the reading area 31 of an antenna 21 that could not be read from the reading area 31 of an antenna 21 that could be read as the placement area.
  • the identification unit 204 identifies the area obtained by excluding the reading area 31-1 of antenna 21-1, the reading area 31-2 of antenna 21-2, and the reading area 31-4 of antenna 21-4 from the reading area 31-3 of antenna 21-3 as the placement area 42.
  • the identification unit 204 may also identify an area in which an item is placed by excluding the reading area 31 of an antenna 21 in which an item tag cannot be read from the overlapping area of the reading area 31 of an antenna 21 in which an item tag can be read.
  • FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of identifying an area obtained by excluding the reading area 31 of an antenna 21 that could not be read from the overlapping area of an antenna 21 that could be read as a placement area.
  • antennas 21-1, 21-3, and 21-4 can read item tags, but antenna 21-2 cannot read item tags. Therefore, the identification unit 204 identifies the area obtained by excluding the reading area 31-2 of antenna 21-2 from the overlapping area of the reading area 31-1 of antenna 21-1, the reading area 31-3 of antenna 21-3, and the reading area 31-4 of antenna 21-4 as placement area 43.
  • the control unit 206 controls the reading area 31 of the antenna to be controlled based on the placement area identified by the identification unit 204.
  • the antenna to be controlled may be at least one of the multiple antennas 21 connected to the RFID reader 22, or may be an antenna 21 different from these antennas 21.
  • the control unit 206 may control the reading area 31 of the antenna to be controlled when the size of the placement area is large. Therefore, the determination unit 210 may determine whether the size of the placement area identified by the identification unit 204 is equal to or larger than a predetermined size.
  • the predetermined size is, for example, a size that makes it easy for a user to find an item, and is not particularly limited. The predetermined size may be specified by the user. If the size of the placement area identified by the identification unit 204 is equal to or larger than the predetermined size, the control unit 206 may control the reading area 31 of the antenna to be controlled. On the other hand, if the size of the placement area identified by the identification unit 204 is not equal to or larger than the predetermined size, the output unit 208 may output the placement area. For example, the control unit 206 may repeat control over the reading area 31 of the antenna to be controlled until the size of the placement area becomes less than the predetermined size.
  • examples of the control unit 206 controlling the reading area 31 of the controlled antenna include controlling the output strength of the controlled antenna and controlling the position of the controlled antenna.
  • the antenna to be controlled may be at least one of the antennas 21 that have been read out of the multiple antennas 21 connected to the RFID reader 22. For example, if there are multiple antennas 21 that have been read out, the antenna to be controlled may be at least some of the antennas 21 out of the multiple antennas 21 that have been read out.
  • the control unit 206 controls the controlled antenna to weaken the output strength of the controlled antenna.
  • the read area 31 of the controlled antenna becomes smaller.
  • the identification unit 204 identifies a new placement area based on the identified placement area and the reading area 31 of the controlled antenna. If the controlled antenna can read the item tag after control, the identification unit 204 identifies the area where the already identified placement area and the reading area 31 of the controlled antenna overlap as the new placement area. If the controlled antenna cannot read the item tag after control, the identification unit 204 identifies the area obtained by excluding the reading area 31 of the controlled antenna from the already identified placement area as the new placement area.
  • FIG. 10 shows an example in which antenna 21-3 was able to read information from an item tag.
  • FIG. 12A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of controlling the output strength of the antenna to be controlled, which is the antenna 21 that was able to read.
  • the antenna to be controlled is antenna 21-3 that was able to read.
  • the control unit 206 weakens the output strength of antenna 21-3 that was able to read. This allows the control unit 206 to reduce the size of the reading area 31 of antenna 21-3.
  • FIG. 12B is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a new placement area has been identified.
  • FIG. 12B shows an example in which antenna 21-3 has been read after control.
  • the identification unit 204 identifies the overlapping area between the previously identified placement area 42 and the reading area 31 of antenna 21-3 as the new placement area 43. In this way, it is possible to narrow down the area in which the item is placed.
  • the control unit 206 controls the controlled antenna so as to increase the output strength of the controlled antenna.
  • the reading area 31 of the controlled antenna becomes larger.
  • the identification unit 204 identifies a new placement area based on the placement area already identified and the reading area 31 of the controlled antenna.
  • the specific processing method of the identification unit 204 for identifying a new placement area may be the same as that in the case of the antenna 21 that could be read by the controlled antenna. For example, if the controlled antenna after control can read an item tag, the identification unit 204 identifies an area where the placement area already identified by the identification unit 204 and the reading area 31 of the controlled antenna overlap as a new placement area. If the controlled antenna after control cannot read an item tag, the identification unit 204 identifies an area obtained by excluding the reading area 31 of the controlled antenna from the placement area already identified by the identification unit 204 as a new placement area.
  • the antenna to be controlled may be an antenna 21 selected from the antennas 21 that could not be read according to the degree of overlap with the reading area 31 of the antenna 21 that could be read.
  • the degree of overlap is the degree of overlap of the surfaces of the reading areas.
  • the degree of overlap may be expressed by the area of the surface where the reading areas overlap, and the method of expressing the degree of overlap is not particularly limited.
  • the control unit 206 may select, as the antenna to be controlled, an antenna 21 that has a large degree of overlap with the reading area 31 of the antenna 21 that could be read, from the multiple antennas 21 that could not be read.
  • the control unit 206 may select, as the antenna to be controlled, an antenna 21 with the largest degree of overlap.
  • the control unit 206 may select, as the antenna to be controlled, a predetermined number of antennas 21 in descending order of the degree of overlap.
  • the predetermined number may be specified by the user, may vary depending on the size of the identified placement area, and is not particularly limited. For example, the predetermined number may be greater as the size of the identified placement area increases.
  • control unit 206 may set antennas 21 whose overlapping degree is equal to or greater than a predetermined degree as antennas to be controlled.
  • control unit 206 may set a predetermined number of antennas 21 whose overlapping degree is equal to or greater than a predetermined degree as antennas to be controlled.
  • antenna 21-3 can read the item tag
  • antennas 21-1, 21-2, and 21-4 cannot read the item tag.
  • antennas 21-1 and 21-4 have a high degree of overlap with antenna 21-3's reading area 31.
  • antenna 21-4 is the antenna to be controlled.
  • FIG. 13A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of increasing the size of the reading area 31 of an antenna 21 that could not be read.
  • the control unit 206 increases the output strength of the reading area 31 of the antenna 21-4 that could not be read. This allows the control unit 206 to increase the size of the reading area 31 of the antenna 21-4.
  • FIG. 13B is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a new placement area has been identified.
  • FIG. 13B shows an example in which antenna 21-4 cannot be read after control.
  • the identification unit 204 identifies the area obtained by excluding the reading area 31-4 of antenna 21-4 from the previously identified placement area 42 as the new placement area 45. In this way, it is possible to narrow down the area in which the item is placed.
  • control unit 206 may weaken the output strength of the antenna 21 that was read, while increasing the output strength of the antenna 21 that was not read. In other words, the control unit 206 may combine the example shown in FIG. 12A with the example shown in FIG. 13A.
  • FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a first operation example of the position identification device 20.
  • the reception unit 201 receives the designation of an item to be searched for (step S201).
  • the reading unit 202 reads the item tag attached to the designated item to be searched for (step S202).
  • the reading unit 202 instructs the RFID reader 22 to read the item tag.
  • the identification unit 204 identifies the location area of the item to be searched for based on the read area 31 of the antenna 21 that has been read out of the multiple antennas 21 connected to the RFID reader 22 (step S203).
  • the determination unit 210 determines whether the size of the placement area identified by the identification unit 204 is equal to or larger than a predetermined size (step S204). If the size of the placement area identified by the identification unit 204 is equal to or larger than the predetermined size (step S204: Yes), the control unit 206 controls the output intensity of the antenna to be controlled (step S205).
  • the identification unit 204 identifies the location area of the item to be searched for based on the location area identified by the identification unit 204 and the read area 31 of the controlled antenna after control (step S206). Then, the position identification device 20 returns to step S204.
  • step S204 If the size of the placement area identified by the identification unit 204 is not equal to or larger than the predetermined size (step S204: No), the output unit 208 outputs that there is an item in the placement area (step S207). Then, the position identification device 20 ends the series of processes shown in FIG. 14.
  • the antenna to be controlled may be at least one of the antennas 21 that have been read out of the multiple antennas 21 connected to the RFID reader 22. For example, if there are multiple antennas 21 that have been read out, the control unit 206 sets at least some of the multiple antennas 21 that have been read out as the antennas to be controlled.
  • the controlled antenna is any one of the multiple antennas 21 that has been read, and the control unit 206 moves the controlled antenna away from the antennas 21 other than the controlled antenna among the multiple antennas 21. The position of the reading area 31 of the controlled antenna moves.
  • the identification unit 204 identifies a new placement area based on the placement area already identified and the reading area 31 of the controlled antenna. If the moved controlled antenna can read the item tag, the identification unit 204 identifies the area where the placement area already identified by the identification unit 204 and the reading area 31 of the controlled antenna overlap as the new placement area. If the moved controlled antenna cannot read the item tag, the identification unit 204 identifies the area obtained by excluding the reading area 31 of the controlled antenna from the placement area already identified by the identification unit 204 as the new placement area.
  • FIG. 10 shows an example in which antenna 21-3 was able to read the item tag, while antennas 21-1, 21-2, and 21-4 were unable to read the item tag.
  • FIG. 15A is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which an antenna 21 that was able to be read is moved.
  • the control unit 206 moves antenna 21-3 so as to move away from at least a portion of the antenna 21 that was unable to be read.
  • antenna 21-3 is moved to a position away from antennas 21-4 and 21-2.
  • the control unit 206 may move the antenna 21-3 away from all of the antennas 21 that could not be read.
  • the range in which the antenna 21 can be moved varies depending on the installation conditions of the rails, etc., so the example of the movement of the antenna 21 is not particularly limited.
  • FIG. 15B is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a new placement area has been identified.
  • FIG. 15B shows an example in which antenna 21-3 has been read after it has been moved.
  • the identification unit 204 identifies the overlapping area between the previously identified placement area 42 and the reading area 31-3 of antenna 21-3 as the new placement area 46. In this way, it is possible to narrow down the area in which the item has been placed.
  • the controlled antenna may be at least one of the antennas 21 that could not be read out of the multiple antennas 21.
  • the control unit 206 may move the controlled antenna so that it approaches the readable antenna 21. The position of the reading area 31 of the controlled antenna moves.
  • the control unit 206 may also move the antenna to be controlled so as to approach the placement area identified by the identification unit 204.
  • the identification unit 204 identifies a new placement area based on the placement area already identified and the read area 31 of the controlled antenna after movement.
  • the specific processing method by which the identification unit 204 identifies a new placement area may be the same as the example in which the controlled antenna is a readable antenna 21. For example, if the controlled antenna after movement is able to read an item tag, the identification unit 204 identifies an area where the placement area already identified by the identification unit 204 and the read area 31 of the controlled antenna overlap as the new placement area. If the controlled antenna after control is unable to read an item tag, the identification unit 204 identifies an area obtained by excluding the read area 31 of the controlled antenna from the placement area already identified by the identification unit 204 as the new placement area.
  • the control unit 206 may select, as the antenna to be controlled, an antenna 21 that has a large degree of overlap with the read area 31 of the antennas 21 that could not be read, among the multiple antennas 21 that could not be read.
  • the control unit 206 may select, as the antenna to be controlled, an antenna 21 that has the largest degree of overlap with the read area 31 of the antennas 21 that could be read.
  • the control unit 206 may select, as the antenna to be controlled, a predetermined number of antennas 21 in descending order of the degree of overlap.
  • the predetermined number may be specified by the user, may vary according to the size of the identified placement area, and is not particularly limited. For example, the predetermined number may be larger as the size of the identified placement area is larger.
  • the control unit 206 may select, as the antenna to be controlled, any of the antennas 21 whose degree of overlap is equal to or greater than a predetermined degree.
  • the control unit 206 may select, as the antenna to be controlled, a predetermined number of antennas 21 whose degree of overlap is equal to or greater than a predetermined degree.
  • FIG. 10 shows an example in which antenna 21-3 can read the item tag, but antennas 21-1, 21-2, and 21-4 cannot read the item tag.
  • FIG. 16A is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the antenna 21 that could not be read is moved. An example will be explained in which antenna 21-4 is the antenna to be controlled.
  • control unit 206 moves the antenna 21-4 so that the antenna 21-4 approaches the antenna 21-3. Or, for example, the control unit 206 moves the antenna 21-4 so that the antenna 21-4 approaches the placement area 42.
  • FIG. 16B is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a new placement area is identified.
  • FIG. 16B shows an example in which the antenna 21-4 cannot be read after it has been moved.
  • the identification unit 204 identifies the area obtained by excluding the read area 31-4 of the antenna 21-4 after it has been moved from the placement area 42 as the new placement area 47.
  • FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a second operation example of the position identification device 20.
  • the reception unit 201 receives the designation of an item to be searched for (step S211).
  • the reading unit 202 reads the item tag attached to the designated item to be searched for (step S212).
  • the reading unit 202 instructs the RFID reader 22 to read the item tag.
  • the identification unit 204 identifies the location area of the item to be searched for based on the read area 31 of the antenna 21 that has been read out of the multiple antennas 21 connected to the RFID reader 22 (step S213).
  • the determination unit 210 determines whether the size of the placement area identified by the identification unit 204 is equal to or larger than a predetermined size (step S214).
  • step S214 If the size of the placement area identified by the identification unit 204 is equal to or larger than a predetermined size (step S214: Yes), the control unit 206 controls the position of the antenna to be controlled (step S215).
  • the identification unit 204 identifies the location area of the item to be searched for based on the location area identified by the identification unit 204 and the read area 31 of the controlled antenna after control (step S216). Then, the position identification device 20 returns to step S214.
  • step S214 If the size of the placement area identified by the identification unit 204 is not equal to or larger than the predetermined size (step S214: No), the output unit 208 outputs that there is an item in the placement area (step S217). Then, the position identification device 20 ends the series of processes shown in FIG. 17.
  • the example of controlling the position of the antenna 21 and the example of controlling the output intensity of the antenna 21 may be used in combination. There are no particular limitations on the way they are combined.
  • the antenna to be controlled in position may be the antenna 21 that has been read, and the antenna 21 to be controlled in output intensity may be the antenna 21 that has not been read.
  • the antenna whose position is to be controlled may be the antenna 21 that could not be read
  • the antenna 21 whose output strength is to be controlled may be the antenna 21 that could be read.
  • the control unit 206 may control the antenna 21 that could not be read to be closer to the placement area while weakening the output strength of the antenna 21 that could be read.
  • Example of controlling drone 24 For example, as an application example, an example will be described in which the antenna to be controlled is the antenna 21 mounted on a drone 24. As described with reference to Fig. 3, the antenna 21 is provided in an RFID reader 22 mounted on the drone 24. Note that the drone 24 is an example of a mobile device, and the following description may be replaced with, for example, another mobile device such as an AGV.
  • the control unit 206 moves the drone 24 to the placement area identified by the identification unit 204. Specifically, the control unit 206 issues a movement instruction to the drone 24 to fly to the placement area.
  • FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of moving the drone 24 to the placement area.
  • the control unit 206 may move the drone 24 so that the reading area 38 of the antenna 21 mounted on the drone 24 falls within the placement area.
  • the identification unit 204 identifies a new placement area based on the placement area and the reading area 38 of the antenna 21 mounted on the drone 24.
  • the control unit 206 may control the output strength of the antenna 21 mounted on the drone 24 based on the placement area identified by the identification unit 204. For example, the control unit 206 may control the output strength of the antenna 21 mounted on the drone 24 so that it is smaller than the placement area.
  • control unit 206 controls the output strength of the drone 24 while moving the drone 24, thereby enabling faster searching for items. This makes it possible to suppress consumption of resources such as the battery of the drone 24.
  • FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the position identification device 20.
  • the reception unit 201 receives the designation of an item to be searched for (step S221).
  • the reading unit 202 reads the item tag of the designated item to be searched for (step S222).
  • the reading unit 202 instructs the RFID reader 22 to read the item tag.
  • the identification unit 204 identifies the location area of the item to be searched for based on the read area 31 of the antenna 21 that has been read out of the multiple antennas 21 connected to the RFID reader 22 (step S223).
  • the determination unit 210 determines whether the size of the placement area identified by the identification unit 204 is equal to or larger than a predetermined size (step S224).
  • step S224 If the size of the placement area identified by the identification unit 204 is equal to or larger than a predetermined size (step S224: Yes), the control unit 206 moves the drone 24 (step S225).
  • the identification unit 204 identifies the location area of the item to be searched for based on the location area identified by the identification unit 204 and the reading area 31 of the controlled antenna mounted on the drone 24 (step S226). Then, the position identification device 20 returns to step S224.
  • step S224 If the size of the placement area identified by the identification unit 204 is not equal to or larger than the predetermined size (step S224: No), the output unit 208 outputs that there is an item in the placement area (step S227). Then, the position identification device 20 ends the series of processes shown in FIG. 19.
  • the example of controlling at least one of the multiple antennas 21 and the example of controlling the drone 24 may be used in combination. There are no particular limitations on the way they are combined.
  • the output unit 208 may highlight the placement area on a map representing the specified space.
  • the output unit 208 may superimpose a frame representing the placement area on a map representing the specified space.
  • the output unit 208 may output information identifying an aisle close to the placement area identified by the identification unit 204.
  • the output unit 208 may output information identifying a shelf located in the placement area identified by the identification unit 204.
  • FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a frame representing a placement area is superimposed on a map of a specified space.
  • the output unit 208 displays, on the terminal device 23, a frame representing a placement area superimposed on a map of the warehouse.
  • the output unit 208 displays the aisle number close to the placement area and the shelf number in the placement area.
  • the aisle numbers are A2 and A3, and the shelf number is S2. This allows the worker to find the item more easily.
  • the item tag may be an RFID tag equipped with an LED (Light Emitting Diode).
  • the output unit 208 may output a screen that accepts an instruction to turn on the LED of the item tag. Then, upon accepting the instruction to turn on, the reading unit 202 issues an instruction to read the item tag of the RFID tag. This causes the LED of the item tag to light up.
  • FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the LED of an item tag is lit.
  • the reading unit 202 issues a reading instruction to the RFID reader 22. This causes the LED of the item tag to light up. This makes it easier for the worker to find the item.
  • multiple antennas 21 are installed on approximately the same plane at approximately the same height, such as on a ceiling.
  • multiple antennas 21 may be installed at different positions in the height direction.
  • multiple antennas 21 may be installed at different positions in the height direction and in the vertical and horizontal directions.
  • the degree of overlap of the reading areas of antennas 21 is the degree of overlap of the surfaces of the reading areas of antennas 21.
  • the degree of overlap of the reading areas of antennas 21 is the degree of overlap of the three-dimensional shapes of the reading areas of antennas 21.
  • the degree of overlap of the reading areas of antennas 21 may be expressed by volume, and the method of expressing the degree of overlap is not particularly limited.
  • the position identification device 20 identifies the area where the reading areas 31 of the read antennas 21 overlap as the placement area of the item. This makes it easier to narrow down the placement area of the item.
  • the location identification device 20 also identifies the area obtained by excluding the reading area 31 of the antenna 21 that could not be read from the reading area 31 of the antenna 21 that could be read as the area where the item is located. This allows the location identification device 20 to more easily narrow down the area where the item is located, thereby making it possible to search for the item more quickly.
  • the antenna to be controlled is one of the multiple antennas 21 that has been read.
  • the position identification device 20 controls the antenna to be controlled so as to weaken the output strength of the antenna to be controlled. This allows the position identification device 20 to narrow down the area where the item is placed in more detail from the identified placement area. This makes it possible to search for the item more quickly.
  • the antenna to be controlled is one of the multiple antennas 21 that could not be read.
  • the position identification device 20 controls the antenna to be controlled so as to increase the output strength of the antenna to be controlled. This allows the position identification device 20 to narrow down the area where the item is placed in more detail from the identified placement area. This makes it possible to search for the item more quickly.
  • the antenna to be controlled is any one of the multiple antennas 21 that has been read.
  • the position identification device 20 moves the antenna to be controlled away from the multiple antennas 21 other than the antenna to be controlled.
  • the multiple antennas 21 are installed so that they can move on rails installed in a specified space. This allows the position identification device 20 to narrow down the area where the item is placed in more detail from the identified placement area. This makes it possible to search for the item more quickly.
  • the antenna to be controlled is any of the multiple antennas 21 that could not be read.
  • the position identification device 20 moves the antenna to be controlled so that it approaches the antenna 21 that could be read.
  • the multiple antennas 21 are installed so that they can move on rails installed in a specified space. This allows the position identification device 20 to narrow down the area where the item is placed in more detail from the identified placement area. This makes it possible to search for the item more quickly.
  • the location identification device 20 controls the antenna to be controlled if the size of the identified placement area is equal to or larger than a predetermined size. If the size of the identified placement area is less than a predetermined size, the location identification device 20 outputs that an item is present in the identified placement area. For example, the placement area may be narrowed down to a range that is easy for a worker to find. This makes it easier for the worker to find the item.
  • the antenna to be controlled is provided in an RFID reader 22 mounted on a mobile device.
  • the position identification device 20 moves the mobile device to the identified area and issues a reading instruction to the RFID reader 22 mounted on the mobile device.
  • the position identification device 20 newly identifies the area in which the item is placed based on the identified area and the reading area 31 of the antenna to be controlled.
  • the mobile device is, for example, a drone 24. This makes it easy to narrow down the area in which the item is placed.
  • the location identification device 20 displays on a map of a specified space that an item is present in the identified placement area. This makes it easier for the user to confirm the placement area.
  • the position identification device 20 outputs position information indicating the position of the identified placement area as the position information of the item. For example, the position identification device 20 registers the position information indicating the position of the identified area in a database that manages the position information of the items. This makes it easier to manage the position information of the items.
  • the location identification devices 10 and 20 may also be configured to include each functional unit and part of the information.
  • the functional units included in the location identification device 20 are not particularly limited.
  • the location identification devices 10 and 20 may also have other functional units that are not shown.
  • each embodiment is not limited to the above-mentioned examples, and various modifications are possible.
  • the configuration of the position identification devices 10, 20 is not particularly limited.
  • the functional units of the position identification devices 10, 20 may be realized by a single device.
  • each functional unit or database of the position identification devices 10, 20 may be realized by a different device and configured as a system.
  • each functional unit of the position identification device 20 may be configured by multiple servers and realized as a system.
  • it may be realized as a system having a database server including each database, and a server having each functional unit of the position identification device 20.
  • each database may include a portion of the above-mentioned information.
  • each piece of information may include information other than the above-mentioned information.
  • the process of generating information to be displayed on the terminal device 23 may be performed by a functional unit of the position identification devices 10, 20, such as the output unit 208. This process may also be performed by the terminal device 23. That is, the terminal device 23 may generate information for a screen to be displayed on the terminal device 23 based on data received from the position identification devices 10, 20, and display the screen.
  • FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a computer hardware configuration.
  • some or all of the devices can be realized using any combination of a computer 80 and a program as shown in FIG. 22.
  • the computer 80 has, for example, a processor 801, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 802, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 803, and a storage device 804.
  • the computer 80 also has a communication interface 805 and an input/output interface 806.
  • Each component is connected to the other components, for example, via a bus 807. Note that the number of each component is not particularly limited, and there may be one or more of each component.
  • the processor 801 controls the entire computer 80.
  • the processor 801 may be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a PPU (Physics Processing Unit), a TPU (Tensor Processing Unit), a quantum processor, or a combination of these, and is not particularly limited.
  • the computer 80 also has a ROM 802, a RAM 803, and a storage device 804.
  • the storage device 804 include semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), and a solid state drive (SSD).
  • the storage device 804 stores an OS (operating system) program, application programs, and programs according to the embodiment.
  • the ROM 802 stores application programs and programs according to the embodiment.
  • the RAM 803 is used as a work area for the processor 801.
  • the processor 801 also loads programs stored in the storage device 804, ROM 802, etc. The processor 801 then executes each process coded in the program. The processor 801 may also download various programs via the communications network NT. The processor 801 also functions as a part or all of the computer 80. The processor 801 may then execute the processes or instructions in the illustrated flowchart based on the program.
  • the communication interface 805 is connected to a communication network NT, such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network), via a wireless or wired communication line.
  • the communication network NT may be composed of multiple communication networks NT.
  • the computer 80 is connected to an external device or an external computer 80 via the communication network NT.
  • the communication interface 805 serves as an interface between the communication network NT and the inside of the computer 80.
  • the communication interface 805 also controls the input and output of data from the external device or the external computer 80.
  • the input/output interface 806 is connected to at least one of an input device, an output device, and an input/output device.
  • the connection method may be wireless or wired.
  • Examples of the input device include a keyboard, a mouse, and a microphone.
  • Examples of the output device include a display device, a lighting device, and an audio output device that outputs audio.
  • Examples of the input/output device include a touch panel display.
  • the input device, output device, and input/output device may be built into the computer 80 or may be external.
  • the hardware configuration of the computer 80 is an example.
  • the computer 80 may have some of the components shown in FIG. 22.
  • the computer 80 may have components other than those shown in FIG. 22.
  • the computer 80 may have a drive device or the like.
  • the processor 801 may read out programs and data stored in a recording medium attached to the drive device or the like to the RAM 803. Examples of non-transient tangible recording media include optical disks, flexible disks, magnetic optical disks, and USB (Universal Serial Bus) memories.
  • the computer 80 may have input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse.
  • the computer 80 may have an output device such as a display.
  • the computer 80 may also have an input device, an output device, and an input/output device.
  • the computer 80 may also have various sensors (not shown). The type of sensor is not particularly limited.
  • the computer 80 may also have an imaging device capable of capturing images and videos.
  • each device may be realized by any combination of a different computer and program for each component.
  • multiple components that each device has may be realized by any combination of a single computer and program.
  • each device may be realized by circuits for specific applications. Further, some or all of the components of each device may be realized by general-purpose circuits such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). Further, some or all of the components of each device may be realized by a combination of circuits for specific applications and general-purpose circuits. Further, these circuits may be a single integrated circuit. Alternatively, these circuits may be divided into multiple integrated circuits. Furthermore, the multiple integrated circuits may be configured by being connected via a bus or the like.
  • each device may be realized by multiple computers, circuits, etc.
  • the multiple computers, circuits, etc. may be centralized or distributed.
  • the location identification method described in each embodiment may be implemented by a computer such as the location identification device 10, 20.
  • Each program described in each embodiment is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a HDD, SSD, flexible disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or USB memory. Each program is then read from the recording medium by a computer and executed. Each program may also be distributed via the communications network NT.
  • a computer-readable recording medium such as a HDD, SSD, flexible disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or USB memory.
  • Each program is then read from the recording medium by a computer and executed.
  • Each program may also be distributed via the communications network NT.
  • each of the components of the location identification device 10 and the location identification device 20 described above may be realized by dedicated hardware, such as a computer.
  • each component may be realized by software.
  • each component may be realized by a combination of hardware and software.
  • Appendix 1 a reading means for issuing a read instruction to an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader installed in a predetermined space to read an RFID tag attached to an article; A determination unit that determines an area in which the item is placed based on a read area of an antenna that can read the RFID tag from among a plurality of antennas connected to the RFID reader; A control means for controlling a reading area of a controlled antenna; an output means for outputting that an article is present in the identified area; Equipped with The identification means identifies a new area in which the article is placed based on the identified area and a read area of the controlled antenna, The output means outputs a signal indicating that the item is present in the newly identified area. Locating device.
  • RFID Radio Frequency Identification
  • the identification means identifies an area where the read areas of the antennas overlap as the area where the article is placed. 2. The location determination device of claim 1.
  • the identification means identifies an area, which is obtained by excluding a reading area of an antenna which has not been able to read the RFID tag from a reading area of an antenna which has read the RFID tag, as the area in which the article is placed. 3.
  • the position determination device according to claim 1 or 2.
  • the antenna to be controlled is any one of the antennas that has been read out among the plurality of antennas, the control means controls the controlled antenna so as to weaken the output intensity of the controlled antenna; 4.
  • a position determining device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
  • the antenna to be controlled is any one of the antennas among the plurality of antennas that has failed to read the RFID tag, the control means controls the controlled antenna so as to increase the output intensity of the controlled antenna; 5.
  • a position determining device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
  • the antenna to be controlled is any one of the antennas that has been read out among the plurality of antennas, the control means moves the antenna to be controlled away from antennas other than the antenna to be controlled among the plurality of antennas; 6.
  • a position determining device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
  • the antenna to be controlled is any one of the antennas among the plurality of antennas that has failed to read the RFID tag,
  • the control means moves the controlled antenna so as to approach the read antenna. 7.
  • a position determining device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
  • the antenna to be controlled is an antenna selected from the antennas that could not be read according to the degree of overlap with the read area of the antenna that could be read. 8.
  • the identifying means identifies a new area where the identified area overlaps with the read area of the controlled antenna as an area where the article is placed. 8.
  • a position determining device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
  • the identifying means identifies a new area, excluding the read area of the controlled antenna from the identified area, as the area in which the article is placed. 9.
  • a position determining device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
  • the control means controls the antenna to be controlled when the size of the identified area is equal to or larger than a predetermined size. 12.
  • a position determining device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.
  • the output means When the size of the identified area is less than the predetermined size, the output means outputs a signal indicating that the item is present in the identified area. 13.
  • the controlled antenna is provided in an RFID reader mounted on a mobile device; the control means moves the mobile device to the identified area and issues a read instruction to the RFID reader mounted on the mobile device; The identification means identifies a new area in which the article is placed based on the identified area and a read area of the controlled antenna. 14.
  • a position determining device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.
  • the mobile device is a drone. 15. The location determination device of claim 14.
  • the output means displays on a map of the predetermined space that the item is present in the identified area. 16.
  • a position determining device according to any one of claims 1 to 15.
  • the output means outputs position information indicating the position of the identified area as position information of the item. 17.
  • a position determining device according to any one of claims 1 to 16.
  • the output means registers location information indicating the location of the identified area in a database that manages location information of the item. 17.
  • a location determination device according to any one of claims 1 to 16.
  • a read instruction is issued to an RFID reader installed in a predetermined space to read the RFID tag attached to the item, Identifying an area in which the item is placed based on a read area of an antenna that can read the RFID tag from among a plurality of antennas connected to the RFID reader; Controlling the reading area of the controlled antenna; outputting that an article is present in the identified area; Execute the process, In the process of identifying, a new area in which the article is placed is identified based on the identified area and a read area of the controlled antenna; In the output process, it is output that the item is present in the newly identified area.
  • the location method to perform the operation is performed.
  • a read instruction is issued to an RFID reader installed in a predetermined space to read the RFID tag attached to the item, Identifying an area in which the item is placed based on a read area of an antenna that can read the RFID tag from among a plurality of antennas connected to the RFID reader; Controlling the reading area of the controlled antenna; outputting that an article is present in the identified area; Execute the process, In the process of identifying, a new area in which the article is placed is identified based on the identified area and a read area of the controlled antenna; In the output process, it is output that the item is present in the newly identified area.
  • a non-transitory recording medium readable by the computer, which records a program for executing a process.

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  • Computer Vision & Pattern Recognition (AREA)

Abstract

Un dispositif d'identification d'emplacement selon la présente invention comprend une unité de lecture, une unité de commande et une unité de sortie. L'unité de lecture donne l'instruction à un lecteur RFID installé dans un espace préétabli de lire une étiquette RFID sur un article. Une unité d'identification identifie la zone dans laquelle l'article est situé sur la base de la zone de lecture d'une antenne qui, parmi une pluralité d'antennes connectées au lecteur RFID, a lu l'étiquette RFID. L'unité de commande commande la zone de lecture d'une antenne sous commande. L'unité de sortie délivre en sortie que l'article est dans la zone identifiée. L'unité d'identification identifie nouvellement la zone dans laquelle l'article est situé sur la base de la zone identifiée et de la zone de lecture de l'antenne sous commande. L'unité de sortie délivre en sortie que l'article se trouve dans la zone nouvellement identifiée.
PCT/JP2023/042751 2023-11-29 2023-11-29 Dispositif d'identification d'emplacement, procédé d'identification d'emplacement et support d'enregistrement Pending WO2025115127A1 (fr)

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PCT/JP2023/042751 WO2025115127A1 (fr) 2023-11-29 2023-11-29 Dispositif d'identification d'emplacement, procédé d'identification d'emplacement et support d'enregistrement

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PCT/JP2023/042751 WO2025115127A1 (fr) 2023-11-29 2023-11-29 Dispositif d'identification d'emplacement, procédé d'identification d'emplacement et support d'enregistrement

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JP2005346526A (ja) * 2004-06-04 2005-12-15 Nec Personal Products Co Ltd 物品検出システム
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JP2022013097A (ja) * 2020-07-03 2022-01-18 コニカミノルタ株式会社 位置検出システム、位置検出装置及び位置検出方法
JP2023082574A (ja) * 2021-12-02 2023-06-14 東芝テック株式会社 選択装置及び情報処理システム

Patent Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS62183231A (ja) * 1986-02-07 1987-08-11 Fuji Electric Co Ltd ｉＤコ−ド収集方式
JP2004046904A (ja) * 2003-10-24 2004-02-12 Suri Kagaku Kenkyusho:Kk 複合ｒｆｉｄタグおよび複合ｒｆｉｄタグ所持者の位置検索システム
JP2005228292A (ja) * 2004-01-16 2005-08-25 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd 物品位置検出方法、無線タグ位置校正システムおよび物品位置検出装置
JP2005346526A (ja) * 2004-06-04 2005-12-15 Nec Personal Products Co Ltd 物品検出システム
JP2007085826A (ja) * 2005-09-21 2007-04-05 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd 物品探索システム、及び、物品探索プログラム
JP2007271347A (ja) * 2006-03-30 2007-10-18 Ohbayashi Corp 建設現場における移動体の位置特定システム及び方法
JP2020009083A (ja) * 2018-07-06 2020-01-16 日本通運株式会社 情報処理装置、情報処理システム、及び情報処理プログラム
JP2021085660A (ja) * 2019-11-25 2021-06-03 株式会社Ｊｖｃケンウッド 位置推定装置、位置推定方法及び位置推定プログラム
WO2021177327A1 (fr) * 2020-03-04 2021-09-10 キヤノン株式会社 Appareil de communication, appareil de traitement d'informations et procédé de gestion d'informations de localisation
JP2022013097A (ja) * 2020-07-03 2022-01-18 コニカミノルタ株式会社 位置検出システム、位置検出装置及び位置検出方法
JP2023082574A (ja) * 2021-12-02 2023-06-14 東芝テック株式会社 選択装置及び情報処理システム

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