JP2006350771A - Object detection device and object detection system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an object detection technique in consideration of position information of an article with an RFID tag.
A user includes an object detection device 10 that includes a CPU 11, a reader 12 that reads ID information from an RFID tag, and output means 14, and that is connected to a database 13 that stores a plurality of ID data to be collated with the ID information of the RFID tag. Carry it. The database stores ID001 of the first tag attached to the first object 15 and ID002 of the second tag attached to the second object. In this state, if the first object 15 is located farther than the range where the radio waves of the reader 12 can reach, the reader 12 can read only the ID002 of the second tag 18, so that the output unit 14 can read the first object 15. Outputs to notify the user that has moved away.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an object detection technique using a reader that reads ID information of an RFID tag attached to an object moving in space.

  In recent years, it is said that a ubiquitous society has arrived, and RFID tags are used as a technology for configuring a system for managing articles that replace conventional barcodes. There are two types of RFID tags: an active type having a battery by itself and a passive type having no power source.

  Among these, the passive type which is inexpensive and can be realized in a small size and does not have a power supply life includes an integrated circuit (IC) and an antenna mounted on a tag. In response to the electromagnetic waves from the reading device, the antenna generates a weak current, activates the IC, and sends back the information stored in the IC to the reading device via the antenna. This technology has been widely introduced in traffic ticket systems in the form of IC cards.

  Some RFID tag systems can read information from a plurality of electronic tags at a time using a single reader.

  As an example using such a technique, a service is proposed in which an RFID tag attached to a digital camera at hand is read by a reader, and a manual corresponding to the read ID is obtained by accessing a database.

In addition, when searching for an instrument for cutting something, a service has been proposed in which a tool for cutting an object as an attribute is input to a terminal and location information where the instrument exists is acquired by an RFID reader network. (For example, refer nonpatent literature 1.).
Supervised by Junichi Kishigami, “RFID Textbook”, first edition, ASCII, Inc., March 4, 2005, p. 20-21

  In the conventional example described above, in the conventional service using the RFID tag, information that the object to which the tag is attached is “present” or the content of the information has an important meaning. For example, in a conventional article management system using an RFID tag, information necessary for article management can be obtained only after the reader reads the RFID tag, and article management cannot be performed in a state where the article cannot be found. .

  Therefore, an object is to provide an object detection technique that also considers position information of an article with an RFID tag.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is an object detection device for detecting whether a target object to which an RFID tag is attached is present in a specified range, wherein ID information is obtained from the RFID tag. A reading means for reading the information, and determining whether the object is within a prescribed range based on whether the ID information matches information stored in a database storing ID information of the RFID tag. And a control unit that transmits the fact to the output means when it is determined that the object does not exist within the specified range.

  In the invention according to claim 2, when there are a plurality of the target objects, and the control unit determines that the specified number of the target objects does not exist within the specified range, the output is made to that effect. It is characterized by transmitting to a means.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, when there are a plurality of the target objects and the control unit determines that any one of the target objects does not exist within the specified range, the output means It is characterized by transmitting to.

  The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the object detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is stored in a container that shields radio waves generated by the reading means.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the object detection device according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention is stored in each compartment of a container having a plurality of compartments for shielding radio waves generated by the reading means. It is characterized by that.

  The invention described in claim 6 has a plurality of sections, and the radio wave generated by the reading means from within the section is placed in each section of the container that can reach only within the section. The object detection device according to any one of the above is stored.

  Note that the ID information read by the reading means includes the ID itself given to the RFID tag, and information that the RFID tag does not exist when the RFID tag is outside the reach of radio waves.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the target object to which the RFID tag is attached does not exist within a certain range, the fact is output.

  In the invention according to claim 2, when the prescribed number of the plurality of target objects attached with the RFID tag does not exist within a certain range, the fact is output.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, when any one of a plurality of target objects to which an RFID tag is attached does not exist within a certain range, the fact is output.

  In the invention described in claim 4, when there is no object specified in the container, or when there is an object other than the specified object, the fact is output.

  In the invention described in claim 5, when there is no object specified in the container in each compartment of the container, or when an object other than the specified object exists, the fact is output.

  In the invention described in claim 6, when there is no object specified in the container in each section of the container, or when an object other than the specified object exists, the fact is output.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to notify when the target object with the RFID tag is away from the user by a certain distance.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to notify that when a certain number of a plurality of target objects attached with RFID tags are separated from the user by a certain distance.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to notify that even when one of a plurality of target objects attached with RFID tags is away from the user by a certain distance.

  According to the invention described in claim 4, it is possible to notify that a necessary target object does not exist in the container and that a target object that preferably does not exist exists.

  According to the inventions described in claims 5 and 6, it is possible to notify that a necessary target object does not exist in each section of the container and that a target object that preferably does not exist exists. Become.

  Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the object detection system of the first embodiment. The object detection system according to the first embodiment includes a plurality of objects attached with RFID tags, and an object detection device 10 that communicates with the RFID tags and reads ID information from the tags.

  The object detection apparatus 10 includes a CPU 11, a reader 12 that reads ID information from an RFID tag, and output means 14 that can use a buzzer and / or a display. A database 13 for storing a plurality of ID data to be collated with the ID information of the RFID tag is built in or connected to the database 13. When the database 13 is built in, the data can be stored in a nonvolatile memory or the like in the object detection apparatus 10. When the database 13 is connected, it is possible to store data in the external HDD and connect the object detection apparatus 10 to the external HDD. It is desirable that the object detection device 10 be omnidirectionally readable so as not to have directivity as much as possible.

  The object detection device 10 is worn by a human being in a pocket of clothing, the first tag 16 is affixed to the bag that is the first object 15, and the second tag 18 is attached to the key holder that is the second object 17. It shall be affixed. The first tag 15 stores an ID number 001, and the second tag 18 stores an ID number 002.

  ID numbers 001 and 002 are stored in the database 13 in advance. The ID stored in the database 13 can be freely set from an external input function.

  A person wearing the object detection device 10 goes out with the bag 15 and the key holder 17 to which the RFID tag is attached. In this state, the object detection apparatus 10 continues to automatically read the information of the first tag 16 and the second tag 18 at regular time intervals. In the situation where the person holds the bag 15 and the key holder 17 close to him / her, the object detection device 10 can always detect the ID numbers 001 and 002, and the detection information and the contents of the database 13 completely match each other. Is maintained.

  Here, it is assumed that the person leaves the cage 15 with the cage 15 on the go. Then, the first tag 16 attached to the bag 15 deviates from the range where radio waves from the object detection device 10 reach. The object detection apparatus 10 detects only the ID number 002 when automatically reading the tag information next time. Since the detection information and the contents of the database 13 do not match at this time, the object detection apparatus 10 outputs a mismatch signal from the output means to warn a human being.

  In the first embodiment, a warning is issued by the output means of the object detection device 10, but the object detection device 10 calls a mobile information communication device such as a mobile phone designated in advance, It is also possible to take a configuration that informs the situation.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible for a human to automatically manage a plurality of luggage around him, and to prevent forgotten things in transportation or on the go.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the object detection system according to the second embodiment. The system according to the second embodiment includes a plurality of objects attached with RFID tags, an object detection device 20 that communicates with the RFID tags and reads ID information from the tags, and the object detection device 20, and can shield electromagnetic waves from the outside. It has a container 29 made of material.

  The object detection device 20 includes a CPU 21, a reader 22 that reads ID information from an RFID tag, and output means 24 that can use a buzzer and / or a display. A database 23 for storing a plurality of ID data to be collated with the ID information of the RFID tag is built in or connected to the database 23. When the database 23 is built in, the data can be stored in a nonvolatile memory or the like in the object detection device 20. When the database 23 is connected, it is possible to store data in the external HDD and connect the object detection device 20 to the external HDD.

  Here, a school bag for children is considered as the container 29 for shielding electromagnetic waves. The database 23 stores in advance the IDs of RFID tags corresponding to textbooks and school supplies to be taken that day according to the timetable of the school where the child attends. Each textbook and school supplies are attached with RFID tags.

  Suppose that one day to bring to school is an arithmetic textbook 25 and a pencil case 27. A first tag 26 having an ID number 001 is attached to the arithmetic textbook 25, and a second tag 28 having an ID number 002 is attached to the pencil case 27. When the arithmetic textbook 25 and the pencil case 27 are stored in the school bag 29, when the lid of the school bag 29 is closed and the switch for starting the object detector 21 is turned on, the object detector 21 reads ID001 and 002. If the read information matches the contents of the database 23, a sound “OK” is output to the speaker as the output means 24, or a sign “OK” is displayed on the display device.

  On the other hand, when only a textbook of arithmetic 25 is put in the school bag 29 and the pencil case 27 is left outside the school bag 29, the lid of the school bag 29 is closed and the switch for starting the object detection device 21 is turned on. The object detection device 21 reads only ID001. At this point, since the read information and the contents of the database 23 do not match, a warning is given by the speaker as the output means 24, or a message such as “I forgot the pencil case” is displayed on the display device to alert the child. Shall.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to automatically manage textbooks and school supplies that a child brings according to a daily timetable.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the object detection system according to the third embodiment. The system according to the third embodiment includes a plurality of objects to which RFID tags are attached, a plurality of object detection devices 30-1 to 30-n that communicate with the RFID tag and read ID information from the tags, and object detection devices 30-1 to 30-1 in each section. It has a shelf 40 made of a material that contains 30-n and can shield electromagnetic waves from the outside in each section.

  The object detection devices 30-1 to 30-n include a CPU 31, a reader 32 that reads ID information from an RFID tag, and output means 34 that can use a buzzer and / or a display. Further, the database 33 that stores a plurality of ID data to be collated with the ID information of the RFID tag is built in or connected to the database 33. When the database 33 is built in, the data can be stored in a nonvolatile memory or the like in the object detection device 30. When the database 33 is connected, it is possible to store data in the external HDD and connect the object detection device 30 to the external HDD.

  Here, a medicine storage shelf is considered as a shelf 40 for shielding electromagnetic waves for each section. The database 33 stores IDs of RFID tags corresponding to the object detection devices 30-1 to 30-n installed in each section of the shelf 40 in advance. An RFID tag is attached to the reagent container to be stored.

  It is assumed that the reagent to be stored in the first section 41 is a nitric acid reagent container 43 and the reagent to be stored in the second section 42 is a sulfuric acid reagent container 45. A first tag 44 having an ID number 001 is attached to the nitric acid reagent container 43, and a second tag 46 having an ID number 002 is attached to the sulfuric acid reagent container 45. When the nitric acid reagent container 43 is stored in the first section 41 and / or the sulfuric acid reagent container 45 is stored in the second section 42, the switch for starting the object detection devices 30-1 to 30-n is turned on. The object detection device 30-1 reads ID001 and / or the object detection device 30-2 reads ID002. Since the read information matches the contents of the database 33, the output means 34 outputs “OK”.

  On the other hand, when the switch for starting the object detection devices 30-1 to 30-n is turned on with the nitric acid reagent container 43 stored in the second section 42, the object detection device 30-2 is defined in the database 33. A different ID001 is read. Since the read information and the contents of the database 33 do not match at this time, it is possible to perform an output for calling attention to the output means 34. That is, each compartment has its own stored reagent, and if any other reagent is stored in each section, a warning can be output.

  Further, when the switch for starting the object detection devices 30-1 to 30-n is turned on without storing the nitric acid reagent container 43 in the first section 41, the object detection device 30-1 is set to the ID001 defined in the database 33. Cannot be read. Since the read information and the contents of the database 33 do not match at this time, it is possible to perform an output for calling attention to the output means 34. That is, each compartment has its own stored reagent, and if this reagent is not stored in each section, a warning can be output.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, when the reagent to be stored in each section is determined in the medicine storage shelf, the reagent is stored in the correct section when storing the reagent after using the reagent. It becomes possible. Further, when the reagent is forgotten to be stored after using the reagent, it is possible to notify the fact.

  These can also be applied to cases where infusions and the like are classified and stored for each type in hospitals, thereby reducing medical errors and the like.

  In addition, even if it does not use the shelf 40 which shields electromagnetic waves for every division, Embodiment 3 is realizable by using what detects only within the range of each division for the object detection apparatuses 30-1 to 30-n. .

1 is a block diagram of an object detection system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an object detection system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an object detection system according to a third embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

10 Object Detection Device 11 CPU
12 Reader 13 Database 14 Output Means 15 First Object 16 First Tag 17 Second Object 18 Second Tag 20 Object Detection Device 21 CPU
22 Reader 23 Database 24 Output Unit 25 First Object 26 First Tag 27 Second Object 28 Second Tag 29 Container 30 Object Detection Device 31 CPU
32 Reader 33 Database 34 Output means 40 Shelf 41 First section 42 Second section 43 First object 44 First tag 45 Second object 46 Second tag

Claims (6)

An object detection device for detecting whether a target object to which an RFID tag is attached is present in a specified range,
Reading means for reading ID information from the RFID tag;
Based on whether the ID information matches the information stored in the database storing the ID information of the RFID tag, it is determined whether the object is in a specified range, and the object is specified by the determination. And a control unit for transmitting the fact to the output means when it is determined that it does not exist in the specified range.   The target object includes a plurality of target objects, and when the control unit determines that a specified number of the target objects does not exist within the specified range, the control unit transmits the fact to the output means. The object detection apparatus according to 1.   2. The target object includes a plurality of target objects, and when the control unit determines that at least one of the target objects does not exist in the specified range, the control unit transmits the fact to the output unit. The object detection apparatus described in 1.   The object detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the object detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is stored in a container that shields radio waves generated by the reading unit.   The object detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the object detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is stored in each section of a container having a plurality of sections that shield radio waves generated by the reading unit.   The object detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the object detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is stored in each of the compartments having a plurality of compartments, and the radio wave generated by the reading unit from the compartments only reaches the compartments. An object detection system characterized by that.

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