WO2000031662A1 - Information managing system - Google Patents

Abstract

An information managing system (10) comprises electronic marker tags (12) each having a transponder (16), a portable tag reader/writer (18) having an interrogator for transmitting an interrogation signal to a transponder (16) and receiving a response signal transmitted in response to the interrogation signal from the transponder (16), and an information processing system (22) for communication of data with a tag reader/writer (18). The electronic tag marker tags (12) are distributed in a desired area. The tag reader/writer (18) receives a response signal from a specific electronic marker tag (12) and transfers at least part of the response data included in the response signal to the information processing system (22), which can use the data for search of a database.

Description

Technical field

 The present invention relates to information management systems, and more particularly, for example, buildings, bridges, tunnels, and other light structures, large-scale facilities such as power plants, hospitals, stadiums, airports, automobile plants, and chemical plants. Various manufacturing plants such as plants, ships and large aircraft, large-scale vehicles such as crafts and space crafts, transport pipelines for transporting water, gas, oil, etc., and large regional structures such as roads and railways Necessary for construction, operation, maintenance and / or management at the `` site '' where construction, operation, maintenance and / or management of a huge variety of goods, such as warehouses and distribution bases, etc. The present invention relates to an information management system that makes it possible to appropriately use information that is considered to be used.

Background art

 In order to construct, operate, maintain, and / or manage various structures or other objects, including those exemplified above, the information necessary for such work is usually Must be available on site. In many cases, the total amount of information is enormous, and it is necessary to quickly extract necessary information from it. In recent years, as a technique for efficiently using such a large amount of information, systematic information management using large-scale centralized and distributed data bases has been widely implemented. became. If this technique is used, for example, a large amount of information is stored in a database built on a computer in an office (computer, room, etc.), and workers at the site can use a mobile terminal to establish a communication link. By accessing the database via the Internet, necessary information can be extracted.

More specifically, when such an information management system is used, a worker on the site determines his / her own location and extracts information related to the location from a database. For example, maintenance and inspection of transport pipe lines for transporting water, gas, oil, etc. In this case, workers at the site can operate the mobile terminal to retrieve the design data and management history of the connection part in front of the worker in the transport line from the database. Perform maintenance and inspection of a long transport line without having to carry a large amount of information (for example, put out on paper) and spending time searching for the necessary information from the huge amount of information be able to.

 In addition, in a situation where a production line is being changed at a manufacturing plant, workers access the data base from a mobile terminal to provide information on the layout of under-floor buried facilities such as various pipes near the construction site in the factory. Can be taken out. At the time of road construction, workers working on site need information on the buried objects buried in the road and information indicating the type and thickness of the pavement material on the road. In such a case, the worker can access the database from a mobile terminal and retrieve the data related to the site.

 In such an information management system, when information related to a specific location on the site is needed, a worker on the site determines the location and searches for the necessary information, or It is necessary to supply the location-identified information to the data base so that the data base can perform the search. In the latter case, the database must provide a clear mapping between individual locations and the information associated with each of those locations. Furthermore, in such an information management system, it is important to ensure that the communication path between the terminal carried by the workers at the site and the database is always maintained.

 However, the cost required to satisfy these requirements increases as the amount of data stored in the database increases, and as the load of traffic accessing the database from a large number of mobile terminals increases. Increase. And, as a matter of fact, concentrating all data on an overnight basis may not always yield the best results.

Furthermore, since the identification of a specific location on the site depends on the judgment of a human worker, the risk of erroneous identification of that location due to mistakes cannot be eliminated. If workers misidentify the location, the work will be based on the incorrect information, which can lead to improper results. Helps workers identify locations correctly Up to now, for example, writing an identification code with paint on the wall of the structure, installing a sign board on or near the surface of the structure, and (when the structure has a ground surface) on the surface of the structure ) Alternatively, a method such as driving a marker pile into the ground near the structure (when the structure does not have a ground surface) was adopted.

 However, such classical methods have various disadvantages. For example, identification numbers and sign boards written on the wall are easily damaged by the weather, and the damage reduces the visibility and makes it easier to read. Sign piles are excellent in weather resistance, but if many sign piles with the same specifications are used (in fact, very often), misidentification due to confusion with sign piles There is also a problem that even if an identification code is entered on a sign pile, the identification code is easily damaged by the weather.

 The information management system according to the present invention has been made for the purpose of solving the above problems. Further, the information management system according to the present invention provides an excellent advantage when used with a satellite GPS (global positioning system) in addition to the above-mentioned various uses. It also offers significant advantages when used in conjunction with a mobile apige- tion system that uses a positioning system (GPS or ground station radio beacon system). Disclosure of the invention

 Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide, for example, buildings, bridges, tunnels, and other structures, large-scale facilities such as power plants, hospitals, stadiums, airports, various manufacturing plants such as automobile factories and chemical plants, ships and large-scale facilities. Giant vehicles such as aircraft and spacecraft, transportation pipe lines for transporting water, gas, oil, etc., huge regional structures such as roads and railways, and huge types of warehouses and distribution bases The construction, operation, maintenance, and / or management of the storage location, etc. of the goods in the `` site '' so that the information required for the construction, operation, maintenance, and Z or management can be suitably used. And to provide an excellent information management system.

It is a further object of the present invention to use it with a satellite GPS or with a mobile navigation system utilizing various positioning systems. It is another object of the present invention to provide an information management system that can obtain excellent advantages. According to the present invention, there is provided an information management system comprising: (a) a plurality of electronic 'marker' tags each comprising a transbonder; A portable tag comprising an interrogator for transmitting an interrogation signal to the transbonder and receiving a response signal from the transbonder for the interrogation signal; a reader Z-rayer; and (c) An information processing system capable of data communication with the evening reader / writer; and (d) the transbonder includes response data included in a response signal transmitted by the transbonder. And a response data read / write unit that reads / writes response data into / from the response data storage unit. The reader / writer includes a response data rewriting control unit for activating the response data reading / writing unit of the transbonder and rewriting the response data, and (f) In the above, at least a part of the response data contained in the response signal received from the tag / reader / reader / specified electronic / power / tag is transferred to the information processing system, An information management system characterized in that the processing system can use the data.

 The tag / reader / writer includes a response data extraction unit that extracts response data from a response signal, and stores at least a part of the extracted response data for later transfer to the information processing system. It is preferable to include a response data storage unit and a transmission unit for transmitting the data read from the response data storage unit to the information processing system.

 The transbonder may be a radio, a transbonder, an ultrasonic transbonder, or an infrared transbonder. It is preferable that the electronic tag includes a casing and the transbonder is housed in the casing.

The casing may include a detaching means for quickly and easily detaching the casing from the support member. Further, the casing may be configured to be attachable to a surface of a building body. In addition, the casing is provided with ancillary facilities of a structure. You may comprise so that attachment is possible. Further, the casing may be formed as a buried casing which is buried in a wall of the building with a part of the surface of the casing exposed, and the entire casing is buried in the wall of the building. It may be formed as a buried casing that performs the following.

 The casing of the electronic marker tag may be a weatherproof casing. Further, in this case, the weatherproof casing may be formed as a pile that can be inserted into the ground, as a pillar that can be erected on the ground, or as a lid of a manhole. Further, the weather-resistant casing may be formed as a buried casing that is buried in a road with a part of the surface of the casing exposed, and a buried casing in which the entire casing is buried in a road. It may be formed as a casing.

 The casing is a watertight casing, a secondary battery housed in the sealed casing that is a power supply for the electronic marker tag tag, and a power for charging the secondary battery is provided in the watertight casing. And an electromagnetic induction type power injection mechanism for injecting electricity from the outside of the device in a non-contact state. As one embodiment of the present invention, the information processing system comprises: a data base storing information relating to an installation position of each of the elect mouth nicks / markers / tags; A database management system for the database, which is accessible, and an information output system for outputting information retrieved from the database by the database management system. Transmitting the tag / reader / writer at least a part of the data included in the response signal received from the specific electronic marker / tag to the data management system; Based on the transmitted data, the database management system searches the database and retrieves the specific electronic Information relating to the installation position of the tag can be retrieved from the database.

The response data contained in the response signal transmitted from each electronic marker, tag, and tag is the data that represents the coordinates of the electronic, magic, and tag installation positions in the arbitrarily defined reference coordinate system. May be included. The reference coordinate system may be a coordinate system based on latitude and longitude, may be an orthogonal coordinate system defined by an arbitrarily selected origin and an orthogonal coordinate axis, or may be an arbitrarily defined n-dimensional coordinate system. Where n is an integer of “1” or greater.

 Alternatively, the response data contained in the response signal transmitted from each electronic device, the tag, and the electronic device, in an arbitrarily defined n-dimensional array, It may include data representing a specific position corresponding to the tag, where n is an integer of "1" or greater.

 As a further alternative, the response data included in the response signal transmitted from each electronic marker tag may include an identification data that uniquely identifies the electronic marker tag. Is also good.

 The database output system comprises a portable computer set that is portable with the tag reader / writer and is accessible from the tag reader / writer and is connectable to a communication network. A remote computer set connectable to the communication network and capable of communicating with the local convenience set. It may be.

 Further, in that case, the database, the database management system, and the database output system may be a local computer that is portable with the tag * reader / writer and accessible from the tag / reader / writer. · It may be composed of a set.

 The information output system may comprise a display device having a screen for visually displaying information, or may comprise a printer for visually displaying information on a printing paper. It can also consist of a head mounted display that is worn on the head of the worker and displays information visually.

The electronic marker tag is fixedly mounted on the ground, and the information related to the electronic marker stored in the data base is stored in the corresponding electronic marker. · In the area near the tag location And the information output system may visually display the map information. Further, in this case, the information output system may be configured to visually display a graphic marker for displaying a corresponding electronic marker marker installation position on the map information.

 The electronic marker tag is fixedly installed on the ground, and the information related to the electronic marker and tag installation position stored in the data base is stored in the corresponding electronic marker. · Layout information may be included including the layout information of the buried object in the area near the tag installation position.

 The electronic marker tag is fixedly installed on the ground, and the information related to the electronic marker / tag installation position stored in the data base is stored in the corresponding electronic marker tag. It may include the repair history information of the underground buried object in the area near the installation position of the underground.

 The electronic marker tag may be fixedly installed on a structure.

 The information related to the electronic marker, the tag installation position stored in the database includes the design drawing information of the part of the building in the area near the corresponding electronic device, the tag, and the tag installation position, The information output system may be configured to visually display the design drawing information. Further, in this case, the information output system may be configured to be able to visually display a graphic marker for displaying the installation position of the corresponding electronic marker / tag over the design drawing information.

 Further, the information related to the electronic marker, the evening setting position stored in the database includes the repair history information of the part of the building in a region near the corresponding electronic, energy, and tag installing position. You may be able to go out.

In addition, when the building has ancillary facilities, the information related to the electronic marker / tag installation position stored in the database is stored in the vicinity of the corresponding electronic marker / tag installation position. The information output system includes layout information of a portion of the incidental facility in a region, and the information output system includes: It may be possible to visually display the event information. Further, in this case, the information output system may be configured to visually display a graphic marker for displaying the installation position of the corresponding electronic marker / tag over the layout information. And

 Also, when the building has ancillary facilities, the information related to the electronic location, the tag location, and the tag location stored in the data base are associated with the corresponding electronic marker. It is also possible to include the repair history information of the part of the incidental equipment in the area near.

 Examples of applications where it is particularly advantageous to apply the present invention include, for example, the building is a building, ancillary facilities of a building, a piping system attached to a building, an airport runway, an ancillary facility of an airport runway, power generation. Plant, power transmission line, refinery plant, oil pipeline, oil storage tank, natural gas production plant. Gas transport pipelines, manufacturing plants, factory buildings, warehouse buildings, warehouse goods management systems, track structures, road structures, bridges, tunnels, ships, or towers, and more. The present invention can be suitably applied to constructs.

 In another embodiment of the present invention, a position data indicating the installation position of the electronic marker / tag is written as a response data in each of the electronic markers / tags, The system could include a portable GPS terminal that supports a satellite-based global positioning system (GPS). In this case, the GPS terminal determines a position of the GPS terminal based on a radio wave from a satellite and generates a position data indicating coordinates of the determined position, and the tag reader / writer includes: A data receiving unit that receives, from the tag reader / writer, the read position data indicating the read position of the specific electronic device, the tag, the position data generated by the positioning unit, and the data It is possible to include a position data display unit that can display both the position data and the reception data received by the evening reception unit.

As still another embodiment of the present invention, a position data indicating the installation position of the electronic marker / tag is written as a response data in each of the electronic markers / tags, The processing system is It may also include a pigtailing device. In this case, the navigation device determines a position of the moving object based on a moving object positioning system, and generates a position data representing coordinates of the determined position; The data receiver which receives the position data indicating the installation position of a specific electronic marker tag read from the tag reader / reader from the tag reader / writer Z and the data receiver receiver described above is received. And a calibration unit for calibrating the positioning unit based on the position data.

 The above and further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings are as follows. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an information management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention,

 FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram for explaining functions of an information processing system used in the information management system of FIG. 1,

 FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a modified embodiment of the information management system of FIG. 1,

 FIGS. 4A to 4F are diagrams showing various specific examples of electronic devices and tags used in the information management system of FIG. 1,

 Fig. 5 is a simplified block diagram showing the functions of the transponder and evening reader of the electronic 'marker tag of Fig. 1 and the functions of the interrogator at night. Figs. 6 to 8 show the electronic marker of Fig. 1. A flowchart explaining the operation of the tag transbonder,

 9 to 11 are flowcharts illustrating the interrogation operation of the reader / writer Z in FIG.

 FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a head mounted display that can be used in the information management system of FIGS. 1 to 3,

 FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an information management system according to a second embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 14 is a simplified block diagram illustrating the functions of the GPS terminal used in the information management system of FIG. 13, FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of the information management system according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16 is a simplified diagram for explaining the function of the navigation device used in the information management system of FIG. FIG. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

 Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. First, a description will be given with reference to FIG. The illustrated information management system 10 includes a plurality of electronic-marker tags 12 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 1), and each electronic marker 'tag 12 As shown in FIG. 3A, a sealed casing 14 having sufficient strength and weather resistance formed as a pile that can be inserted into the ground, and a radio structure of a known structure housed inside the casing 14. Includes a transbonder 16. These electronic 'marker tags'12 may be located along roads, railroads, bridges, etc., depending on the intended use, and may also be located on buildings and other structures. It is arranged in the desired distribution at the position.

 The information management system 10 further includes a tag reader / writer 18 that can be easily carried by the user. This evening reader / writer 18 has a certain electronic device. Includes an interrogator 20 (see FIG. 5) that transmits an interrogation signal to the transbonder 16 of the tag 12 and receives a response signal from the transbonder 16 for the interrogation signal. Out.

The information management system 10 further includes an information processing system 22 that can receive data from the reader / writer 18. The hardware of the information processing system 22 consists of an oral computer set 24 operated by the user at the site where the user uses the Z Reader and the remote controller installed at a location remote from the site. — Includes a computer set 26. The local computer set 24 consists of so-called notebook computers, while the remote computer 'set 26' consists of a desktop 'computer 26a and its connected server 26. It is composed of Notebook · Computer 2 Both 4 and the desktop computer 26a can be connected to a communication network 28 such as a mobile telephone network. The notebook computer 24 and the desktop computer 26a can communicate with each other via a communication network 28. In particular, the notebook computer 24 from the remote computer set 26 is connected to the notebook computer 24a. Information transmitted to the evening 24 can be visually displayed on the display screen 24a of the notebook computer 24. Notebook · computer

24 is a device that can be easily carried by the user of the tag reader / writer 18 together with the tag reader / writer 18 and via a connection cable or an infrared communication interface. Tags · Reader / Writer Accessible from 18.

 FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the information management system 10 of FIG. 1 in terms of its functions. As shown in the figure, the information processing system 22 includes a database 30 and a database-based management system 32 for a database 30 accessible from a tag reader / writer 18. The database management system 32 includes an information output system 34 for outputting information extracted from the database 30 overnight. Day 30 is built on a server 26b controlled by a desktop 'computer 26a. The database management system 30 is realized by a software program running on the desktop 'combination 26a. The information output system 34 is realized by a display system incorporated in the notebook computer 24. This display system visually displays information on a liquid crystal panel screen. . The software and programs used to build the database 30 and the database management system

Since the software and programs used to realize 32 are all well-known, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Various functions of the information management system 10 shown in FIG. 2 can be achieved by a hardware configuration different from the hardware configuration of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 shows an example of such a hardware configuration. Indicated. The information management system 10-1 shown in FIG. 3 includes an information processing system 22-1. The information management system 10-1 shown in FIG. 1 and the information management system 10-1 shown in FIG. However, the information processing systems 22 and 22-1 are exactly the same except for the hardware configuration. For more information, see the information management system in Figure 3. The information processing system 22-1 of the system 10-1 consists of three elements: the data base 30, the data base management system 32, and the data base output system 34 shown in Fig. 2. It differs from the information processing system 22 shown in FIG. 1 only in that it is realized by a notebook computer 24. Whether the hardware configuration shown in Fig. 1 or the hardware configuration shown in Fig. 3 is suitable depends on several factors associated with the specific application, including the size of the data base on a nightly basis. become.

 As described above, a plurality of electronic devices, tags 12 are installed at various desired locations, and the electronic base device 30 is provided with each electronic device. Information related to the installation position of the tag 12 is stored. If a read is performed on a particular electronic marker, tag, and tag, and a response signal is received from that electronic tag, the tag is read, At least a part of the data included in the response signal is transmitted to the data base management system 32, and the data base management system 32 is used based on the transmitted data. By searching for “0”, information related to the location of the specific electronic tag “tag 12” is retrieved from the database 30 overnight. The “information related to the location of each electronic device, tag, and tag” here will be clarified later when specific examples of applications of the information management systems 10 and 10-1 are explained. Before we do that, we'll first go into more detail about the electronic 'Ma-Ichi-Riki' tag 12.

 The information processing system according to the present invention has a very wide variety of applications, and the actual configuration of the electoric nick's / markers / tags is appropriately selected from a large number of variations depending on the intended application. You just have to choose one. Some of these variations are suitable for mounting on building walls and pillars, some for fixing to the ground, and many others.

FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of the electronic tag 16 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. Select this electronic marker tag 12 if the tag is fixed to the ground and the ground is suitable for stakeout. As described above, it includes a weather-resistant casing 14 configured as a pile that can be inserted into the ground. The antenna of the radio transbonder 16 housed in the casing 14 is disposed inside the head of the pile casing 14. When installing the electronic marker tag 12, the head of the pile-shaped casing 14 must be exposed to the surface of the ground, Should be able to function well.

 FIGS. 4B-4F show some of the other variations of the electronic tag. Each of the tags in these figures has a transbonder 16 housed in the casing. Explained individually, the electronic marker 'tag 12-1 in Fig. 4B includes a weatherable casing 14-1 formed as a pillar that can be erected on the ground. The electronic marker. Tag 12-2 in FIG. 4C includes a weatherproof casing 14-2 formed as a manhole cover. The electronic marker 'tag 12-3 in Fig. 4D includes a weather-resistant casing 14-13 formed as a buried casing, and this casing 14-3 is used to load the vehicle, etc. It has enough strength to endure. The casing 14-4-3 may be a casing suitable for being buried on a road with a part of its surface exposed, or may be buried entirely on a road. It is also possible to provide a casing suitable for the above. The tags in FIGS. 4B-4D are suitable for installation in a substantially fixed condition with respect to the ground.

 The electronic power tag 12-4 in Fig. 4E is a mounting structure that allows the casing to be quickly and easily attached to and detached from columns, beams, walls, and various other steel support members of the structure. Includes casing 1 2-4 with built-in lever operated magnet clamp. The electronic 'Magiri' tag 12-5 in Fig. 4F has a relatively simple structure and low-cost casing 14-15, and this casing 14-15 It may be constructed so that it can be easily attached to the surface of the building frame or to ancillary facilities of the building, or a buried case that is buried in the wall of the building with a part of the casing surface exposed. The casing may be formed as a single, or the entire casing may be formed as a buried casing that is buried in the wall of the building.

4A to 4F, casings 14 and 14-1 to 1 to 14-5 are all Inside it, the radio transbonder 16 is housed together with its antenna, and at least one of the casings that covers the antenna is made of an electromagnetic wave permeable material that does not impair the proper functioning of this antenna. It is formed. One preferred example is to form the entire casing as a sealed casing of high strength plastic. Alternatively, it is possible to use a weather-resistant antenna and expose the antenna to the surface of the casing. Although the tags 12 and 12-1 to 12-5 described above have excellent advantages, the electronic tags that can be used in the present invention are the tags described above. Without limitation, many other variations are available. Depending on the application, a transponder with an electronic tag can be used instead of a radio transbonder, such as an ultrasonic or infrared transbonder. FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram showing a configuration of a transbonder 16 in FIG. 2 and a configuration of an interrogator 20 in a tag / reader Z writer 18. As shown, the transbonder 16 includes a transmitting / receiving unit 40 having an antenna 42 and a control unit 44 connected to the transmitting / receiving unit 40. The transmission / reception unit 40 has the same configuration as that used in a general transbonder. The control section 44 is constituted by a microprocessor, and controls the transmission / reception section 40 by a control method used in a general transbonder. Further, the control unit 44 includes a response data storage unit 46 for storing response data to be included in a response signal returned by the transbonder 16 in response to the interrogation signal. Accordingly, response data can be written and read from the response data storage section 46.

As will be described in detail later, the control unit 44 is activated when the transbonder 16 receives the response data write request signal from the tag reader Z writer 18 and rewrites the response data. Thus, the data input by the user to the tag reader / writer 18 is written into the response data storage unit 48 as new response data. The transbonder 16 further includes a secondary battery 50 that functions as a power supply, and an electromagnetic induction that injects electric power for charging the secondary battery 50 from the outside in an electrically non-contact state. And a conductive power injection circuit 52. With the provision of the power injection circuit 52, the electronic power tag 12 has excellent weather resistance.

 Similarly, as shown in FIG. 5, the interrogator 20 is connected to a transmitting / receiving section 60 having an antenna 62, a control section 64 connected to the transmitting / receiving section 62, and a control section 64. A communication unit 66, an operation unit 68, and a display unit 70 are provided. The transmission / reception unit 64 may have the same configuration as that used for general interrogation. The control unit 64 is constituted by a microprocessor, and includes a data storage unit 64a constituted by an in-board memory of the microprocessor. The transmission / reception unit 60 is used for general interrogation. It is controlled by the control method used. As shown in FIG. 1, the antenna 62 is formed separately from the body of the reader / writer 18 and connected to this body via a cable 18a. The user transmits an electronic marker / tag interrogation signal having one of a plurality of electronic markers / tags 12 included in the information management system 10 and receives the signals from the electronic markers / tags. To receive the response signal, hold the antenna 62 in hand and hold it close to the tag 12. Therefore, the antenna 62 functions as an interrogation signal emitting element. However, the form of the interrogation signal emitting element is not necessarily limited to such an antenna. For example, if an ultrasonic transbonder or an infrared transbonder is used instead of a radio transbonder, the interrogation will also be of an ultrasonic or infrared type, and the interrogation signal will be emitted. The elements are composed of ultrasonic transducers and infrared emitters, respectively. In such a case, windows for transmitting ultrasonic waves and infrared rays should be formed in the casing of the electronic tag. Also, the interrogation signal emitting element may be built in the body of the tag reader Z-Ray 18 instead of being formed separately from the body.

In this way, a specific electronic device that can be obtained in the evening. Tag ■ Reader Z In this case, a plurality of electronically-managed tags with the exact same configuration (and therefore using signals of the same frequency) happen to be installed close to each other. This also has the advantage of preventing two or more of them from reacting at the same time, and also has the advantage of requiring less power consumption for the transbonder and the interrogator.

 The control section 64 controls the communication section 66 so that the transmission / reception section 62 at least partially receives the response data included in the response signal received from the tag 12. Is transmitted to the information processing system 22. This transmission can be performed in real time while receiving the response signal, or can be performed later after the reception of the response signal is completed. In the latter case, the control unit 64 temporarily stores at least a part of the response data contained in the received response signal in the data storage unit 64 a in order to transmit the response data to the information processing system 22 later. To be stored. Further, the control unit 64 controls the transmission / reception unit 60 to activate the response data rewriting unit 48 of the electronic marker “tag 12” to the electronic marker “tag 12”. Send a response request signal to rewrite the response data. The control unit 64 further monitors the operation unit 68 constantly to read the data input by the user from the operation unit 68, and stores the data in the data storage unit 64a. The response data rewrite request signal incorporates the data input by the user, and the data becomes new response data. The functions of data reading, data transmission, data storage, and signal transmission enumerated above are functions executed by a software program installed in the microprocessor constituting the control unit 64. Since these functions are basic and well-known, the software programs to realize them are not described in detail.

The response data to be written in the data storage section 64 a of the electronic device is set by the user via the operation section 68 of the reader / writer 18 as desired. However, depending on the use of the information management system 10, the preferred type of response data varies. As a preferred specific example of the response data, the response data is data representing the coordinates of the electronic, tag, and tag 12 installation positions. Sometimes. This coordinate can be a coordinate in an arbitrarily defined reference coordinate system. For example, depending on the application, it may be appropriate to use this reference coordinate system as a coordinate system based on latitude and longitude, or it may be appropriate to use a coordinate system based on latitude, longitude and altitude. Alternatively, it may be appropriate to use this reference coordinate system as a rectangular coordinate system defined by an arbitrarily selected origin and rectangular coordinate axes. Furthermore, it may be appropriate to use this reference coordinate system with arbitrary n-dimensional coordinates other than a rectangular coordinate system such as polar coordinates, where n is an integer of “1” or more. Further, as another preferred specific example of the response data, it may be appropriate to provide an identification data for uniquely identifying each electronic marker 'tag 12. Further, as still another preferable specific example of the response data, a data representing a specific position in an arbitrarily defined n-dimensional array may be desirable, where n is an integer of 1 or more. It is. The case where the response data is suitable will be clarified later when an application example of the information management system of the present invention is described.

 Among the operations performed by the tag reader / writer 18, the operations that are particularly important to the present invention include: (1) an electronic marker; response data to be included in the response signal from the tag; A series of operations related to writing to a tag (hereinafter referred to as “tag writing operation”), and (2) transmitting a certain electronic device, a tag interrogation signal, and a tag interrogation signal. · Marker · A series of operations related to receiving a response signal from a tag, extracting response data contained in the response signal, and transferring a part or all of the extracted data to an information processing system (Hereinafter referred to as “tag read operation”).

Correspondingly, of the operations performed by the electronic marker tag 12 that are particularly important for the present invention, (1) In response to a request signal from the tag reader Z A series of operations related to updating response data by writing the response data designated to be included in the response signal to the response data storage unit (hereinafter referred to as “response data update operation”), and ( 2) Evening * In response to the input signal from the reader, the response stored in the response data storage is There is a series of operations related to transmitting a response signal containing response data (hereinafter referred to as “response signal transmission operation”).

 These operations will be described below with reference to the flowcharts in FIGS.

 As shown in Fig. 6, when the power is turned on, the tag / reader Z-liner 18 continuously monitors the state of the keys on the operation unit 68 to determine what function the user has selected. Loop (steps 102, 106, 110) is repeatedly executed. In this loop, it is determined whether or not the user has selected the response data writing function (step 102), and if so, the procedure of the tag writing operation is executed.

(Step 104). From either step 102 or 104, the process flow proceeds to step 106, where it is determined whether the user has selected the response data readout function (step 106). ), If so, perform the tag read operation procedure

(Step 1 08). From both steps 106 and 108, the process flow proceeds to step 110, where other functions that the user may select may be selected.

Perform a check for (eg, interrogation output adjustment) and if necessary, perform that procedure (steps 1 1 2). Thereafter, the processing flow returns to step 102.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure (step 104) of the tag write operation in more detail. In this procedure, the control unit of the tag reader Z-line controller 18 first controls the display unit 70 to display a prompt to the user, whereby the desired response data is transmitted from the operation unit 68. Is input, and then instruct the user to press the "Finish" key (step 122). In the following step 124, the response data input by the user is read. In the following step 1 26, it is determined whether or not the “reset” key has been pressed, and if so, the corresponding process (including the display unit 70 display control) is executed in step 1 28, Finish the procedure in Figure 7. On the other hand, if the “reset” key has not been pressed, then at step 130, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the user last pressed any key (whether a timeout has occurred). If so, the processing corresponding to the processing (including the display control of the display unit 70) is executed in step 132, and the procedure in FIG. 7 ends. On the other hand, if it has not timed out, Then, at step 134, it is determined whether or not the user has pressed the “Done” key. If the key has not been pressed, the processing flow returns to step 124.

 On the other hand, if it is determined in step 13 that the user has pressed the “Done” key, then in step 13 6 the validity of the data entered by the user is checked. Execute the processing (step 1338) and end the procedure in FIG. If it is valid, then in step 140, a response data write request signal including the desired response data input by the user is generated and transmitted from the interrogator. Subsequently, the tag reader / writer 18 enters a standby state to wait for an acknowledgment signal indicating that the response data update operation has been normally completed from the electronic device 12. Enter (steps 144 and 144). If an acknowledgment signal is received before a predetermined time has elapsed (timed out) since entering the standby state, the processing flow proceeds from step 144 to step 144, where the display unit 7 Performs display control of 0 to indicate that writing of response data has been completed normally. On the other hand, if the timeout occurs without receiving the acknowledgment signal, the processing flow proceeds from step 144 to step 148, where the display of the display unit 70 is controlled and the writing of the response data fails. Show what you did. In either case, the processing in FIG. 7 ends, and the processing flow proceeds to step 106 in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the tag write operation procedure (step 108) in more detail. In this procedure, the control unit of the tag reader / writer 18 first controls the display unit 70 to display a prompt to the user, thereby causing the antenna 62 to display the electronic marker of the target. · It is instructed to approach the tag 1 2 and press the “Start” key of the operation unit 68 (step 15 2). In the following step 154, it is determined whether or not the “reset” key has been pressed, and if so, the corresponding processing (including display control of the display unit 70) is performed in step 156. And the procedure in FIG. 8 ends. On the other hand, if the “reset” key has not been pressed, then in step 158, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the user last pressed any key (whether a timeout has occurred). If so, the corresponding process (including the display control of the display unit 70) is executed in step 160, and the procedure in FIG. 8 ends. On the other hand, if it has not timed out, then in step 16 It is determined whether the user has pressed the “Start” key. If not, the flow returns to step 154.

 On the other hand, if it is determined in step 162 that the user has pressed the "start" key, subsequently, in step 164, an interrogation signal in a predetermined format is transmitted from the interrogation server. Subsequently, the tag reader Z-line 18 enters a standby state for waiting for a response signal from the electronic marker tag (steps 1666 and 1668). If a response signal is received before a predetermined time has elapsed (timed out) since entering the standby state, the processing flow proceeds from step 166 to step 170, where the received response signal is received. The response data is extracted from the response signal, the response data is extracted from the received response signal, a part or all of the extracted data is transferred to the information processing system 22, and the display of the display unit 70 is controlled. Display the success of the tag read operation and the read response data on the display unit 70. On the other hand, if the time-out occurs without receiving the response signal, the processing flow proceeds from step 168 to step 172, where the display control of the display unit 70 is performed, and it is determined that the tag reading operation has failed. indicate. In any case, the processing in FIG. 8 is completed as described above, and the processing flow proceeds to step 110 in FIG.

 Next, in FIG. 9, the control unit 44 of the transbonder 16 in the electronic marker tag 12 continuously monitors the state of the transmission / reception unit 40 so that the tag-reader Z A loop (steps 202 and 206) for determining whether any of the response data write request signal and the integration signal has been received from the interrogation process of step (1) is always repeatedly executed. I have. In this loop, it is determined whether or not the response data write request signal has been received (step 202), and if so, the procedure of the response data update operation is executed (step 204). . From both steps 102 and 104, the flow of processing proceeds to step 206, where it is determined whether or not an intelligent mouth signal has been received (step 206). If there is, the procedure of the response signal transmission operation is executed (step 208). In both steps 206 and 208, the processing flow returns to step 202.

FIG. 10 illustrates the procedure of the response data update operation (step 204) in more detail. FIG. In this procedure, the control unit 44 of the electronic master tag 12 extracts the response data included in the received response data write request signal (step 212), and extracts the extracted data. One night is written and stored in the response data storage unit (step 2 14), and the transmission / reception unit 40 is controlled to transmit an acknowledgment signal indicating that the response data update operation has been normally completed (step 2 14). 2 16) End this procedure. Thereafter, the processing flow proceeds to step 206 in FIG.

 FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the response signal transmission operation (step 208) in more detail. In this procedure, the control section 44 of the electronic marker 'tag 12 reads out the response data stored in the response data storage section (step 222), and includes the read response data. A response signal is generated (step 224), and the transmission / reception section 40 is controlled to transmit the generated response signal (step 226), and this procedure is terminated. Thereafter, the processing flow returns to step 202 in FIG.

 Now, some specific examples of the many applications of the information management systems 10 and 10-1 will be described.

 Application 1: At various points in the factory building, the embedded electronic device, as shown in Fig. 4D, and tags 12-3 are embedded in the floor and installed. Also, Fig. 4F The box-shaped nick, marker, and tag 1 2-5 shown in the box are placed on a wall or pole. The response data written to those tags should include the identification information of each tag. The floor structure, floor strength, layout information of underfloor piping, etc., near the installation position of each tag are stored in the data base 30. When changing the production line, it is often necessary to build an installation base for newly installed production machines and to add underfloor piping to connect to the new machines. In such a case, if a worker reads a tag from a tag near the construction position using the evening * reader Z-line, the evening identification information obtained by the tag reading is read. A search using the search key is performed in the database 30 and the information extracted as a result is presented to the worker, so that the worker can obtain information necessary for the construction on site. Therefore, the risk of damage to existing facilities such as underfloor piping is reduced, and construction can proceed efficiently.

Application 2: In addition to piping for air conditioning and water supply and sewerage, Pipes and anesthesia gas supply pipes are provided, and in some cases, pipes containing communication cables for transmitting medical equipment data and business management data will be provided. Therefore, large-scale hospital buildings are provided with complicated piping systems as auxiliary equipment. The present invention can also be effectively used for such repair and maintenance of the piping system. In this case, for example, the box-shaped electronic devices shown in Figs. 4E and 4F can be attached and installed at various points in the piping system. In the evening, tag identification information that specifies each tag is written as response data. In addition, the data base 30 stores piping design information and repair history information in the vicinity of each tag, and information describing the position and function of the part in the entire piping system. Keep it. Then, the tag identification information read from a specific tag by the worker using the evening reader / writer 18 is used as a search key in Information related to the piping system in the vicinity of the tag installation position is to be retrieved from the data base 30 and presented to workers. This facilitates repair and maintenance of the piping system. Furthermore, the attributes and operating methods of the valves installed near the installation position of the tag may be written in each tag as a response data. By doing so, even if the piping system control system and the database 30 are both down for some reason, the operator must read the tag using the tag reader Z-liner 18. Thus, it is possible to obtain the information necessary for manually operating the valve properly.

Application 3: Many underground objects, such as power lines for guide lights, are installed around the airport runway, and many ancillary facilities are installed at airport control towers and maintenance yards. ing. The present invention can also be effectively used for construction, maintenance, and Z inspection of such underground objects and incidental facilities. The electronic marker tags installed around the runway are preferably the ground-embedded tags 12-3 shown in Fig. 4D. It is convenient to use tags 12-4 and 12-5 shown in 4E and FIG. 4D. In particular, unequal subsidence of the runway often poses a problem, especially in airports constructed by reclaiming the sea, but tags with recessed ground, as shown in Figure 4D, are installed at various points on the runway. By doing so, it will be easier to collect and manage uneven settlement. Application 4: When constructing a large-scale residential area that includes a large number of residential sites, the pile-shaped electrification nick shown in Fig. 4A is used during the construction and at various points in the completed construction site or Z. 'Marker · Tag 1 and 2 are entered. It is preferable that the response data written in the tags 12 be coordinate values of a plane orthogonal coordinate system defined by an arbitrarily selected origin and orthogonal coordinate axes. The database 30 stores, as information related to the installation positions of the electronic marker and the tag, the design drawing information of the vicinity of the installation location on the site, and the information is shown in the response data. By performing a search using the coordinate values obtained as a search key, design drawing information of a portion corresponding to the coordinate values can be extracted. The worker carries the tag reader to the desired electronic marker and the notebook 12 with the reader Z-reader 18 and the notebook computer 24 carried by the reader. On the display 24a of the computer 24, the design drawing information in the vicinity of the installation position of the electronic tag is visually displayed, and furthermore, a graphic marker indicating the installation position of the tag 12 Is displayed visually on the blueprint information. In large-scale residential land development sites, there are many residential sites that look very similar, but the use of the information management system of the present invention reliably prevents confusion of sites, misidentification, etc. The efficiency of geodetic work at the time of the can be improved.

Application 5: In facilities where complicated facilities are complicated and visibility is not good, such as power plants, natural gas production plants, and refinery oil plants, the pillar-shaped electronic devices shown in Fig. 4B are used at various points in the facilities. · Marker 'Tag 12-1' is erected on the ground, and box-shaped tags 12-4, 1 2-5 shown in Fig. 4E and Fig. 4F are attached to various points of the facilities of the facility. To keep. Also in this case, it is preferable that the response data to be written in those tags be the coordinate values of the installation positions of the tags in the plane orthogonal coordinate system defined by the origin and the orthogonal coordinate axes arbitrarily selected. In addition, in the evening 30, design information of equipment near the installation position is stored as information related to the installation position of each tag. The worker carries the tag, reader, Z-ray 18 and notebook and computer 24, and if the worker performs tag reading for the desired electronic With the above application Similarly, the necessary information is displayed on the display of the notebook 'computer 24. Further, it is preferable that the operator operates the notebook computer 24 to visually display the repair history information of the equipment in the area near the individual tag installation position. The maintenance, management, and repair of complex and complex facilities, such as power plants, natural gas production plants, and refinery plants, sometimes require enormous amounts of blueprints and repair history records. By using the information management system of the present invention, necessary information can be quickly extracted from a vast amount of information, and work efficiency can be improved. Similar applications are effective for large-scale production plants and chemical brands.

Application 6: Large structures such as power transmission lines connecting power plants and substations, oil pipelines, and gas transportation pipelines sometimes have the same external appearance repeatedly in a monotonous landscape. It can be endless, so that the actor may misidentify what part of the construct is in front. To facilitate the maintenance, management, and repair of this type of large building, it must be placed underneath the transmission tower of the transmission line or at an appropriate level along the oil or gas pipeline. It is better to drive in the pile-shaped electronic marker tag 12 shown in A. The response data written in each evening 12 is based on the coordinate value of the installation position of the tag in the coordinate system based on longitude and latitude, or the starting point of the power transmission line or transport pipe line at the installation position of the tag. Or the tag identification information. In the database 30, map information around the power transmission line or the transport line is stored as information related to the installation location of the tag, and the response data read from the tag is displayed in the evening. It is preferable that map information near the installation position of the tag can be extracted by a search using the obtained coordinate value, distance, or tag identification information as a search key. In this case, if the worker reads out the tag for a tag, the display of the notebook computer 24 carried by the worker visually displays the map information in the area near the installation position of the tag. Is displayed. It is more convenient to display a graphic marker that indicates the location of the tag on the map information. As a result, when identifying a part in front of the worker in a long structure in which similar unit structures repeat, the worker may make mistakes. Erroneous recognition can be effectively prevented.

 Application 7: Similar to power transmission lines and transport pipe lines, highway and railway tracks are structures in which long and similar unit structures are repeated. In the case of roads and railways, it is customary to specify the part based on the distance from the starting point. Therefore, when applying the present invention to these structures, the response data written in the electronic, marker, and tag used should be Is preferably a distance from the starting point (this corresponds to an arbitrarily defined coordinate value of one-dimensional coordinates). The database 30 stores the design drawing information and repair history information of the road structure and railway track in the area near the installation position of each tag, so that maintenance, management, and repair work can be performed. Can be facilitated. For roads in particular, information on the location of buried objects buried on the roads (for example, power lines for road lighting, traffic control lines for traffic control systems (intelligent 'transformation' systems), etc.). And information indicating the type and thickness of the paving material (the type and thickness of the paving material may vary from location to location depending on the strength and other characteristics of the ground) in database 30. It is good practice to keep this type of information available to road construction workers. In this case, the on-site worker uses the tag reader / writer 18 to read the evening for the electronic, energy, and tag installed closest to the construction site. The search results are used as a search key, and a search is performed on the data base 30. Information necessary for road work is displayed on the notebook-computer 24 display. By doing so, effective information management is performed. In addition, when working to continuously collect data (environmental control data) for preserving the environment around a large-scale road, for example, for each observation point along the road, for example, 4 As shown in Fig. A, it is better to install an electronic tag "Tag 12". The operator performing the observation simply reads the tag installed at the observation point using the tag * reader / writer, and records the observation record at that observation point. It can be displayed on the notebook / computer 24 display, which greatly assists the observation work.

Application 8: Long bridges and tunnels are similar, similar to the transport pipelines described earlier. This is a construct in which the unit structure repeats one-dimensionally. The tank wall of a huge oil storage tank and the fleet of an oil tanker are structures in which similar unit structures are repeated two-dimensionally. The steel structure of a large high-rise building or the steel structure of a tall steel tower is a structure in which similar unit structures are repeated three-dimensionally. In such a structure in which similar unit structures are repeated, misidentification due to mistakes is likely to occur when identifying a certain part of the structure, so that multiple check operations are required, thereby reducing work efficiency. Tends to be. In addition, serious misconceptions can result in significant economic losses. When constructing or constructing such a structure, the removable components shown in Figure 4E may be replaced by those components that are easily confused and / or that can have serious consequences. Electronic · Magic · Tags 1 2-4 By attaching and working, a large effect of preventing false positives can be obtained. Also, in the above example, the position of the component is represented as a position in a one-dimensional, two-dimensional, or three-dimensional array, so that each electronic 'macro' tag 12 is written. It is preferable that the response data to be included is a data representing a specific position corresponding to the corresponding evening in an arbitrarily defined n-dimensional array, where n is 1 or more. It is an integer. In addition, in the storage location of goods such as warehouses and distribution bases that handle a huge number of goods and parts, etc., identification of individual parts of the building and the goods management system, and / or attribute data of each part The same method is also effective when managing the information.

Application 9: When performing civil engineering work on pipes such as water pipes and gas pipes, culverts, and various other existing underground objects, damage the underground objects during construction. In order to avoid this, it is necessary to know the position of these underground objects with high accuracy, and for that purpose many drawings and Zs or records may be required. In such a case, a pile-shaped electronic device such as that shown in Fig. 4A In the area 0, it is preferable to store the layout information and the repair history information of the underground object in the area near the installation position of the tag 12 so that the underground object can be quickly and easily and accurately. You can check it well. In such applications, it may not be necessary to use coordinate data that represents the installation position of the electronic 'marker' tag 12 with high accuracy. The response data to be stored may be identification data such as a serial number, which uniquely identifies each tag 12. Even when the response data is simply identification data, if the coordinate values of the installation positions of the individual tags 12 are necessary, those coordinate values are written to the database 30 as data. You may leave. Also, the coordinate system is not limited to rectangular coordinates, and any n-dimensional coordinates suitable for the purpose can be set and used, where n is an integer of “1” or more.

 In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and the modified embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the display system incorporated in the notebook computer 24 carried by the worker is an information output system 34. It is used as Other suitable mobiles for the information output system 34 include a head mounted display 23 that is mounted on the worker's head and visually displays information as shown in FIG. is there. The display 2 32 is connected via a cable 2 36 to a control box 2 34 attached to the worker's waist. The control box 234 incorporates a transceiver for wireless communication with a notebook computer 24 (Figs. 1 and 3) installed in the field. In addition to controlling the display function, commands can be sent to the notebook computer 24. The display 232 is provided with a small visual display device that can be positioned just in front of one eye of the worker, and the worker can work while watching the visual display. This type of head mounted display is commercially available and readily available, so no further detailed description will be given.

 Next, an information management system 10-2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 13 and FIG. As shown in Fig. 13, the information management system 10-2 of the second embodiment has an information processing system 22-2 power-saving satellite-based global positioning system (GPS). Consisting of various GPS terminals. Except for this, the information management system 10-2 has the same configuration as the information management system 10-1 of the first embodiment in FIG. 1 and the information management system 10-1 in the modified example in FIG. The same reference numerals are given to the components common to them, and the description thereof will be omitted.

Fig. 14 is a simplified block diagram to explain the function of GPS terminal 22-2. It is. As shown in the figure, the GPS terminal 22-2 receives the radio waves from the plurality of satellites 304, and determines the position of the GPS terminal 22-2 based on the received radio waves. A positioning unit 30 6 for generating a position data indicating the coordinates of the determined position, and a tag / reader Z-writer 18 connected to this GPS terminal 22-2 for receiving the position data from the Z-writer 18. A data receiving unit 308, a position data display unit 310, and a control unit 312 for controlling these constituent elements 302, 306, 308, and 310 are included. It is. The position data display section 310 can display both the position data generated by the positioning section 360 and the position data received by the data receiving section 308.

 Since the structure of the GPS terminal 22-2 itself is general, detailed description thereof is omitted. An important aspect of the information management system 10-2 shown in Figs. 13 and 14 is that the GPS terminal 22-2 is connected to the evening reader / reader Z-ray 18 and the elect mouth nick / marker / tag 12 That is, they are used in combination. In each of the electronic marker markers 12, a position data representing the installation position of the electronic marker marker is written as response data. The tag / reader Z reader / writer 18 reads, from a specific electronic marker / tag 12, position data indicating the installation position of the tag 12, and transmits the read data to the receiving unit 310.

 By installing the electronic tag and the tag 12 in a place where the radio waves from the satellite 304 cannot reach, even if the positioning unit 106 cannot obtain the location data, the electronic Power · The current position of the GPS terminal 22-2 can be displayed based on the position data obtained from the tag 12. Also, if the electronic marker tag 12 is installed in a place where radio waves from the satellite 304 can reach, the position data from the positioning unit 304, which inevitably contains some errors, By comparing the position data from the electronic marker tag 12 that can be made highly accurate, the accuracy of the GPS terminal 22-2 at that time can be easily known (as is well known, The accuracy of the GPS terminal 22-2 tends to vary considerably depending on time and location).

As can be easily understood in view of these advantages, the position data to be written to the electronic tag 12 as a response data overnight is in its format. It is advantageous to set the same as the format of the location data from the positioning unit 360 of the GPS terminal 22_2. Therefore, if the format of the latter position data uses coordinate values in a coordinate system based on latitude and longitude, the former position data will also have the same electronic 'marker' tag in that coordinate system. It is preferable to set the coordinate value of the installation position. If the format of the latter position data uses coordinate values in an orthogonal coordinate system defined by an arbitrarily selected origin and rectangular coordinate axes, the former position data also has the same coordinates. It is preferable to set the coordinate value of the installation position of the electronic tag in the reference system. For the information management system 10-2 of the second embodiment, any of the electronic marker tags shown in FIGS. 4A to 4F can be used. What is necessary is just to select an advantageous thing according to it. As a modification example of the information management system 10-2, the tag reader / writer 18 may be incorporated in the casing of the GPS terminal 22-2. Further, the operation can be facilitated.

 Next, an information management system 10-3 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 15 and FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, the information management system 10-3 of the third embodiment is composed of a navigation device mounted on a moving body such as a car or the like. Except for this, the information management system 10-3 is the information management system 10 of the first embodiment in FIG. 1, the information management system 10-1 of the modified example in FIG. The third embodiment has the same configuration as the information management system 10-2 of the second embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given to the same components, and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 16 is a simplified block diagram for explaining the function of the navigation device 222. As shown in the figure, the navigation device 22-3 determines the position of the moving object equipped with the napige navigation device 22-3 based on the moving object positioning system, and represents the coordinates of the determined position. a positioning unit 4 0 2 to generate a position data, the navigate - Chillon device ₂ 2 - a de Isseki receiver for receiving location data from the tag Ridanorai evening 1 8 connected to the 3 4 0 4, the data A calibration section 406 for calibrating the positioning section 402 based on the position data received by the reception section 404; It includes a visual display section 408 composed of a play or the like, and a control section 410 controlling these constituent elements 402, 404, 406, and 408. The visual display section 406 displays a map including the current position of the moving object, a graphic marker indicating the current value of the moving object, and other information in a general manner well known in the field of navigation devices. Is displayed.

 Since the structure of the navigation device 22-3 is general, the detailed description thereof is omitted. An important aspect of the information management system 103 shown in Figures 15 and 16 is that the navigation device 22-3 is combined with the evening reader Z-ray 18 and the electronic marker 'tag 12'. In use. The position data indicating the installation position of the electronic marker / tag is written as response data in each of the electronic tag tags 12. The tag / reader / writer 18 reads, from a specific electronic / marker / tag 12, position data indicating the installation position of the tag 12, and transmits it to the receiver 404.

 Since the positioning section 402 must generate the position data overnight in real time, the position data includes a considerable error, and the calibration of the positioning section 402 is always required. High-precision calibration work has not been so easy in the past. On the other hand, according to the information management system of the third embodiment, the position data from the electronic marker tag 12, which can be of extremely high accuracy, is transmitted to the navigation device 22-2. 3, and the calibration work is automatically performed by the component unit 406, so that high-accuracy calibration is easily performed.

In addition, as will be easily understood in view of this advantage, the position data to be written as response data to the electronic tag 12 is determined by the positioning of the navigation device 22-3. It is advantageous if the format of the position data from part 404 is the same as that of the format. Therefore, if the format of the position data of the latter uses coordinate values in a coordinate system based on latitude and longitude, the position data of the former also uses the electronic marker tag 12 in the same coordinate system. It is preferable to set the coordinates of the position. Also, if the format of the latter position data is directly defined by the arbitrarily selected origin and rectangular coordinate axes, If the coordinate values in the cross coordinate system are used, it is preferable that the position data of the former is also used as the coordinate values of the installation position of the electronic 'ma-ri-ri' tag 12 in the same coordinate system. Any of the electronic marker tags shown in FIGS. 4A to 4F can be used for the information management system 10 _ 2 of the third embodiment, and it depends on the characteristics of the place where the tag 12 is installed. Whatever is advantageous may be selected. As a modification of the information management system 10 _ 3, the tag reader Z-ray 18 can be mounted near the floor of a car equipped with the navigation device 222, and the electronic marker As the tag 12, the tag 12 formed as a manhole cover in FIG. 4C or the tag 12 embedded in the road surface shown in FIG. 4D may be used. During the calibration of the navigation device 22-3 can be performed automatically. Industrial applicability

 As described above, the information management system according to the present invention includes, for example, buildings, bridges, tunnels, and other structures, large-scale facilities such as power plants, hospitals, stadiums, airports, automobile plants, chemical plants, and the like. Various manufacturing plants, huge vehicles such as ships, large-scale crafts, and space crafts, transportation pipelines for transporting water, gas, oil, etc., large regional structures such as roads and railways, warehouses and logistics The information needed for the construction, operation, maintenance, and / or management of `` sites '' that construct, operate, maintain and / or manage a vast variety of goods, such as bases, etc. It has an excellent effect of making it suitable for use. Furthermore, the information management system according to the present invention provides excellent convenience when used together with a satellite GPS or when used together with a mobile navigation system using various positioning systems. Things.

Claims

The scope of the claims 1. In the information management system,  (a) a plurality of electronic marker tags, each comprising a transbonder;  (b) a portable tag / reader Z writer comprising an interrogator that transmits an interrogation signal to the transbonder and receives a response signal from the transbonder in response to an interrogation signal;  (c) an information processing system capable of performing data communication with the tag / reader  (d) a response data storage unit that stores response data included in a response signal transmitted by the transbonder, a response data read / write unit that reads and writes response data in the response data storage unit, And  (e) the tag / reader / writer includes a response data rewriting control unit for activating the response data reading / writing unit of the transbonder to rewrite the response data,  (f) In the above, the tag, reader, and Z-liner send at least a part of the response data included in the response signal received from the specific electronic marker, tag to the information processing system. Forwarded, so that the information processing system can use the data,  An information management system, characterized in that: 2. The tag / reader Z-liner extracts a response data from a response signal, and stores a response data extracting unit for transferring at least a part of the extracted response data to the information processing system later. The information management system according to claim 1, further comprising: a response data storage unit; and a transmission unit for transmitting data read from the response data storage unit to the information processing system. 3. The contractor characterized in that the transbonder is a radio transbonder. The information management system according to claim 1. 4. The information management system according to claim 1, wherein the transbonder is an ultrasonic transbonder. 5. The information management system according to claim 1, wherein the transbonder is an infrared transbonder. 6. The information management system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic 'marker' tag includes a casing, and the transbonder is housed in the casing. 7. The information management system according to claim 6, wherein the casing includes a detaching means for detaching the casing from the support member quickly and easily. 8. The information management system according to claim 6, wherein the casing is configured to be attachable to a surface of a building frame. 9. The information management system according to claim 6, wherein the casing is configured to be attachable to an incidental facility of a building. 10. The casing according to claim 6, wherein the casing is formed as a buried casing that is buried in a wall of a structure with a part of the surface of the casing exposed. Information management: 11. The information management system according to claim 6, wherein the casing is formed as a buried casing that buries the entire casing in a wall of a building. 12. The information management system according to claim 6, wherein the casing of the electronic marker tag is a weather-resistant casing. 13. The information management system according to claim 12, wherein the weather-resistant casing is formed as a pile that can be inserted into the ground. 14. The information management system according to claim 12, wherein the weather-resistant casing is formed as a pillar that can be erected on the ground. 15. The information management system according to claim 12, wherein the weather-resistant casing is formed as a manhole cover. 16. The weather-resistant casing is formed as a buried casing which is buried in a road with a part of the surface of the casing exposed. Information management system. 17. The information management system according to claim 12, wherein the weather-resistant casing is formed as a buried casing for burying the entire casing in a road. 18. The casing is a watertight casing, and the electronic power tag charges the secondary battery housed in the sealed casing that is a power supply of the transbonder, and charges the secondary battery. 7. The information management system according to claim 6, further comprising: an electromagnetic induction type power injection mechanism for injecting electric power from outside the watertight casing in an electrically non-contact state. 1 9. The information processing system A database storing information relating to the location of each of the electronic devices, tags, A database management system for the database, accessible from the tag 'reader Z  An information output system for outputting information extracted from the database by the database management system,  In the above, the tag reader / writer transmits at least a part of the data contained in the response signal received from the specific electronic marker / tag to the database management system, and transmits the data. The database management system searches the database based on the received data, and stores the information related to the specific electronic device, tag location, etc. in the database. Is taken out from  The information management system according to claim 1, 20. The response data included in the response signal transmitted from each electronic device, the tag, and the coordinates of the installation position of the electronic marker, tag, and tag in the arbitrarily defined reference coordinate system 20. The information management system according to claim 19, further comprising data representing the information. 21. The information management system according to claim 20, wherein the reference coordinate system is a coordinate system based on latitude and longitude. 22. The information management system according to claim 20, wherein the reference coordinate system is an orthogonal coordinate system defined by an arbitrarily selected origin and orthogonal coordinate axes. 23. The information management system according to claim 20, wherein the reference coordinate system is an arbitrarily defined n-dimensional coordinate system, where n is an integer of 1 or more. 2 4. The response data included in the response signal transmitted from each electronic marker and tag is stored in the arbitrarily defined n-dimensional array. 21. The information management system according to claim 19, further comprising data representing a specific position corresponding to the tronic tag, the tag corresponding to the tag, wherein n is an integer of 1 or more. 25. The response data included in the response signal transmitted from each electronic marker / tag includes identification data for uniquely identifying the electronic / marker / tag. Information management system described in 19. 26. The data output system comprises a set of local computers that can be carried together with the tag reader / reader and are accessible from the tag / reader and connected to a communication network. ,  The database and the database management system include a remote computer set connectable to the communication network and capable of communicating with the local computer set;  10. The information management system according to claim 19, wherein: 27. The database, the database management system, and the database output system comprise a local computer set that is portable with the tag reader and accessible from the tag reader Z writer. Information management according to claim 19, characterized in that: 28. The information management system according to claim 19, wherein the information output system comprises a display device having a screen for visually displaying information. 29. The information management system according to claim 19, wherein the information output system comprises a printer for visually displaying information on a printing paper. 30. The information management system according to claim 19, wherein said information output system comprises a head mounted display mounted on a worker's head to visually display information. 3 1. The electronic tag is fixed to the ground,  The information related to the electronic location, the tag location, and the electronic marker stored on the data base include map information in a region near the corresponding electronic marker, tag location,  The information management system according to claim 19, wherein the information output system is configured to visually display the map information. 32. The information output system according to claim 31, wherein the information output system is capable of visually displaying a graphic marker for displaying the installation position of the corresponding electronic marker tag on the map information. Information management system. 3 3. The electronic marker tag is fixedly installed on the ground,  The information related to the electronic device, the tag location, and the tag location stored in the data base includes the layout information of the underground object in the area near the corresponding electronic marker, tag location. Information management according to claim 19, characterized in that: 3 4. The electronic tag is fixed to the ground, The information related to the electronic tag and the tag location stored in the database includes the repair history information of the underground object in the area near the corresponding electronic marker / tag location. The information management system according to claim 19, wherein the information management system is characterized in that: 35. The information management system according to claim 19, wherein the electronic marker tag is fixed to a building. 36. The information related to the electronic marker / evening setting position stored in the database includes the design drawing information of the part of the building in the area near the corresponding electronic 'marker / tag setting position'. Yes,  36. The information management system according to claim 35, wherein the information output system is configured to visually display the design drawing information. 37. The information output system according to claim 36, wherein a graphic marker for displaying a corresponding electronic marker tag installation position can be visually displayed so as to be superimposed on the design drawing information. Information management system described. 3 8. Electronic marker information stored in the database. The information related to the installation position of the evening marker includes the repair history information of the part of the building in the area near the installation position of the corresponding electronic marker and tag. 36. The information management system according to claim 35, wherein 3 9. The structure is provided with incidental equipment,  The information related to the electronic marker / tag installation position stored in the data base includes the layout information of the part of the incidental facility in the area near the corresponding electronic marker / tag installation position. ,  The information output system is capable of visually displaying the layout information;  Information management according to claim 35, characterized in that: 40. The information output system superimposes a graphic marker for indicating the installation position of the corresponding electronic marker / tag on the layout information and a visual table. 30. The information management system according to claim 39, wherein the information management system can be displayed. 4 1. The structure is provided with incidental equipment,  The information related to the electronic marker / tag installation position stored in the database includes repair history information of the part of the incidental facility in an area near the corresponding electronic marker / tag installation position. The information management system according to claim 35. 42. The information management system according to claim 35, wherein the building is a building. 43. The information management system according to claim 35, wherein the building is an incidental facility of a building. 44. The information management system according to claim 35, wherein the building is a piping system attached to a building. 45. The information management system according to claim 35, wherein the building is an airport runway. 46. The information management system according to claim 35, wherein the building is an incidental facility of an airport runway. 47. The information management system according to claim 35, wherein the building is a power plant. 48. The information management system according to claim 35, wherein the building is a power transmission line. 49. The information management system according to claim 35, wherein the building is an essential oil plant. 50. The information management system according to claim 35, wherein the building is an oil pipeline. 51. The information management system according to claim 30, wherein the building is an oil storage tank. 52. The information management of claim 35, wherein the construct is a natural gas production plant. 53. The information management system according to claim 35, wherein the building is a gas transport pipe line. 54. The information management system according to claim 35, wherein the building is a manufacturing plant. 55. The information management system according to claim 35, wherein the building is a factory building. 56. The information management system according to claim 35, wherein the building is a warehouse building. 57. The information management system according to claim 35, wherein the building is an article management system for a warehouse. 58. The information management system according to claim 35, wherein the building is a railroad track structure. 59. The information management system according to claim 35, wherein the building is a road structure. 60. The information management system according to claim 35, wherein the building is a bridge. 61. The information management system according to claim 35, wherein the building is a tunnel. 62. The information management system according to claim 35, wherein the building is a ship. 63. The information management system according to claim 35, wherein the building is a tower. 6 4. Position data indicating the installation position of the electronic marker / tag is written as response data in each of the electronic 'ma-chiriki' tags,  The information processing system includes a portable GPS terminal compatible with a satellite-based global positioning system (GPS),  HU G P S 顺 术,  A positioning unit that determines the position of the GPS terminal based on radio waves from a satellite and generates position data indicating the coordinates of the determined position;  A data receiving unit that receives, from the tag / reader / writer, position data read by the tag / reader / writer and indicating a specific electronic / mar power / tag installation position; A position data display unit capable of displaying both the position data generated by the positioning unit and the position data received by the data receiving unit; The information management according to claim 1, characterized in that: 6 5. In each of the electronic tags, position data indicating the installation position of the electronic tags is written as response data,  The information processing system includes a navigation device mounted on a mobile object,  The navigation device includes:  A positioning unit that determines the position of the mobile object based on the mobile object positioning system and generates position data representing the coordinates of the determined position;  A data receiving unit that receives, from the evening * reader / writer, position data indicating the position of a specific electronic mark / tag read by the evening reader / writer Z;  A calibration unit for calibrating the positioning unit based on the position data received by the data receiving unit.  2. The information management system according to claim 1, wherein: 6 6. The position data written as response data to each of the electronic tags is the position of the corresponding electoric nick, marker, and tag in the coordinate system based on latitude and longitude. The information management according to claim 64 or 65, wherein the information management is a coordinate value. 6 7. The position data written as response data in each of the electronic tags is the electronic marker tag in the rectangular coordinate system defined by the arbitrarily selected origin and rectangular coordinate axes. The information management system according to claim 64 or 65, wherein the coordinate value is a coordinate value of the installation position of the information. 68. The electronic marker tag comprising a casing, wherein the transbonder is housed within the casing. Or the information management system described in 65. 69. The information management system according to claim 68, wherein the casing is provided with a detaching means for detaching the casing from the support member quickly and easily. 70. The information management system according to claim 68, wherein the casing is configured to be attachable to a surface of a building frame. 71. The information management system according to claim 68, wherein the casing is configured to be attachable to ancillary facilities of a building. 72. The information management system according to claim 68, wherein the casing is formed as a buried casing buried in a wall of a structure with a part of the surface of the casing being exposed. 73. The information management system according to claim 68, wherein said casing is formed as a buried casing in which the entire casing is buried in a wall of a building. 74. The information management system according to claim 68, wherein said casing of said electronic 'marker tag' is a weatherproof casing. 75. The information management system according to claim 74, wherein said weather-resistant casing is formed as a pile that can be inserted into the ground. 76. The information management system according to claim 74, wherein the weather-resistant casing is formed as a pillar that can be erected on the ground. 7 7. Make sure that the weatherable casing is formed as a manhole cover The information management system according to claim 74, characterized in that: 78. The information management system according to claim 74, wherein the weather-resistant casing is formed as a buried casing buried in a road with a part of the surface of the casing exposed. . 79. The information management system according to claim 74, wherein the weather-resistant casing is formed as a buried casing that buries the entire casing in a road. 80. The casing is a watertight casing, and the electronic power tag charges the secondary battery housed in the sealed casing that is a power source of the transbonder, and charges the secondary battery. 9. The information management system according to claim 68, further comprising: an electromagnetic induction type power injection mechanism for injecting electric power from outside the watertight casing in an electrically non-contact state.