JP2009237603A - Management system using both optical automatic recognition symbol and rf tag - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system which can manage the storage place of a plurality of folders correctly when the folders are stored in a folder box. <P>SOLUTION: An RF tag 25 in which a folder box ID is stored is given to the folder box 10. Meanwhile, a color arrangement code 30 indicating the folder ID is marked on the end face of the folder 15. The management system 20 is constituted by an image pick-up means 35 (imaging means) which reads the folder ID from the color arrangement code 30, an RFID recognition device which reads the folder box ID from the RF tag 25, and a computer 45. The computer 45 includes a database 50 which stores the folder ID and the folder box ID. By constituting in such a manner, the management system can reliably manage the storage place of the desired folder 15. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention uses a method of recognizing the color arrangement of an optical automatic recognition symbol to read an ID and a method of reading the ID of an RF tag by radio waves in combination, and stores files stored in articles, particularly directories. The present invention relates to a management system that performs search and storage management.

  The present invention also relates to a technique for optically reading and decoding an automatically recognized symbol.

  Conventionally, various systems for managing articles by ID have been developed.

Optical Recognition Codes For a long time, techniques for marking optical recognition codes on articles have been widely used for such purposes. An example of such an optical recognition code is a so-called black and white barcode. This is a technology for managing the ID of an article by attaching a barcode representing the ID of the article (referred to as marking) to the article.

  Other codes are also known as optical recognition codes. For example, as described in a patent application (Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-196705, etc.) already filed by the inventor of the present invention, an optical automatic recognition symbol representing an ID by an arrangement, change, or combination of colors is used as an article. It is also preferable to manage the article.

In recent years, an “RFID system” that manages articles using so-called RF tags has been developed and widely used.

  This “RFID system” uses a radio wave to read digital data carried by it, and attaches an RF tag to each article to perform ID management of the article. One of the typical features of an RFID system is that it can read even an RF tag hidden from the reader because it uses radio waves, and it can read multiple RF tags simultaneously. is there.

  However, when the RF tags are relatively dense, there may be a problem of “readout”. On the other hand, since the reading range is spread, there is a problem that “noise data” that reads an RF tag other than the RF tag that is the original reading target is likely to exist.

  Furthermore, since this "RFID system" is read by radio waves, there are few elements that are visually intervening, and there are many parts that do not depend on the intuition of the operator. Together, the hurdles to commercialization are not low.

  However, when RF tags exist relatively sparsely and regularly, their original characteristics are easily exhibited, and the reading range is easy to understand and easily matches the operator's intuition. For this reason, for example, there are cases where introduction is being promoted in a situation such as a library or a folder box in a library. Here, the folder box refers to a box that can store various folders therein, and is a box used in a library or the like that manages documents.

  By the way, even in the examples introduced in this way, the operator usually requests not a folder box but a “folder” therein. For this reason, if a folder is put in the wrong folder box, or the rules stored in the folder box are ambiguous, there are cases where how to put the folder differs depending on the person. In such a case, it doesn't make sense to search only the folder box. For this reason, there are some cases where the specifications required by users are not easy for everyone to use.

  Therefore, there has been a demand for a system that can reliably find a folder box containing a target folder.

Conventional Prior Art For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a method of intensively taking out a plate-making roll in order to sort the plate-making rolls according to a predetermined purpose in an industrial robot that performs a plate-making roll taking-out operation. Has been.

  Patent Document 2 below describes an RF tag communication system that can access only one of the RF tags of a single layer among the RF tags having a plurality of layers.

JP 2002-265020 A JP 2004-185070 A

  As described above with an example, for example, in an RFID system introduced for managing a folder box in a library, if the storage location of the folder box changes, the folder that necessarily stores the desired folder Finding a box was not easy.

  Therefore, a technique capable of reliably managing the folder storage location even under such implementation conditions has been desired.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems. First, it automatically recognizes the articles in the collective container in which the articles are organized and stored in a predetermined unit relatively densely. The means to do is used. Second, there is a means for a recognition tag using electromagnetic waves such as an RFID tag attached to the collective housing. Thirdly, an object of the present invention is to realize a system capable of accurately indicating a corresponding collection container when searching for a desired article by associating these means.

  Specifically, examples of the collective container include a folder box and a predetermined container. In addition, examples of the contents include folders (documents) and various products. Specific examples will be described in detail in the embodiments described later.

  Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide a system and method capable of accurately managing a storage location of an article under an implementation condition where the storage location of the article changes.

  Specifically, the present invention employs the following means.

  (1) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an image pickup means for picking up an optical automatic recognition code marked on an article, and an RFID recognition means for reading an RF tag attached to a storage body for storing the article. Decoding the image data captured by the imaging means to obtain the article ID of the article, receiving the storage body ID of the storage body read by the RFID recognition means, and the article ID of the article, A database for storing the storage body ID of the storage body in which the article is stored, and the control unit searches the database based on the given article ID, and the article is stored in the database. It is an article management system characterized by presenting a storage body ID of the storage body.

  (2) Further, according to the present invention, in the article management system according to the above (1), the control unit uses the RFID recognition device based on the storage body ID obtained as a result of the search, to store the storage body. And an article management system that presents the found location to the user.

  (3) Further, according to the present invention, in the article management system according to the above (1) or (2), the control unit receives a container ID recognized by the RFID recognition unit, and the imaging unit stores the storage The optical recognition code is decoded based on the image data of the optical recognition code obtained by photographing the article accommodated in the article to obtain the article ID, the received container ID, and the obtained Further, the article management system updates the data in the database based on the article ID.

  (4) Moreover, in order to solve the said subject, this invention uses the management system in any one of said (1)-(3), In the article search method which searches for a desired article, the said desired said A step of inputting an article ID of an article to the control means; and the control means searches the database based on the inputted article ID to find a container ID of the container in which the article is accommodated. Presenting the found container ID to the user, and the control means searches for the container using the RFID recognition device based on the found container ID, and finds the found location. And a step of presenting to a user, wherein the user finds a desired article from a container at the found location.

  (5) Further, the present invention provides an article storage method in which a predetermined article is stored in a predetermined storage body using the management system according to any one of (1) to (3). Inputting the article ID to the control means, and the control means searches the database based on the inputted article ID, and finds the container ID of the container in which the article is stored, The step of presenting the found container ID to the user, and the control unit searches for the container using the RFID recognition device based on the found container ID, and finds the found location. And a step of presenting to a user, wherein the user stores a desired article in a storage body at the found location.

  (6) Moreover, in order to solve the said subject, this invention manages management object using lower layer ID data and upper layer ID data for managing one or several lower layer ID data collectively. In the ID management method to be performed, one or more of the lower layer ID data is represented by an optical recognition code, and the upper layer ID data is represented by an automatic recognition code using radio waves.

  (7) Further, the present invention is the ID management method according to the above (6), wherein the optical recognition code is a color arrangement code including a chromatic color.

  (8) Further, the present invention is the ID management method according to the above (6), wherein the automatic recognition code using the radio wave is RFID.

  (9) Further, in the ID management method according to the above (7), the present invention recognizes the lower layer ID data by collectively capturing a plurality of color arrangement codes and decoding the obtained image. The ID management method is characterized in that the plurality of color arrangement codes are collectively read.

  (10) Further, in the ID management method according to (7), the present invention marks the color arrangement code representing the lower layer ID data, character data representing the lower layer ID data, and an article to be managed. This is an ID management method.

  (11) Further, in the ID management method according to the above (7), the present invention provides an optical recognition code representing the lower layer ID data, in addition to the color arrangement code, other optical data representing the lower layer ID data. It is an ID management method characterized by using an automatic recognition code together.

  (12) Further, the present invention is the ID management method according to the above (11), wherein the other optical recognition code is a bar code or an OCR text.

  (13) Further, in the ID management method according to (11), the present invention is characterized in that the data represented by the color arrangement code is the same as the data represented by the other optical automatic recognition code. ID management method.

  (14) Further, in the ID management method according to (11), the data represented by the color arrangement code is a part of the lower layer ID data, and the data represented by the other optical automatic recognition code Is another part of the lower layer ID data.

  (15) In the ID management method according to any one of (7) or (9) to (14), the present invention provides a method for decoding the color arrangement code in the recognition of the lower layer ID data. In this ID management method, a captured image including one or a plurality of the color arrangement codes is recorded in association with the upper layer ID data.

  (16) Further, in the ID management method according to any one of (6) to (15), the present invention relates to the associated ID based on the lower layer ID data of the article when searching for the article. It is an ID management method characterized by obtaining upper layer ID data and searching for the obtained upper layer ID data.

  As described above, according to the present invention, articles can be managed more efficiently, and management that is convenient can be realized.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a management system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Specification of Goods and Storage Body In the present embodiment, the management system 20 that manages the folder 15 (goods) stored in the folder box 10 (storage body) is configured.

  The folder box 10 is a suitable example of a collective container. The folder 15 is a preferred example of articles stored in the collective storage body.

  FIG. 1 shows a folder box 10 and a folder 15 managed by the management system 20. As shown in this figure, the folder box 10 is a box whose upper surface is opened, and a plurality of folders 15 are accommodated therein. An RF tag 25 is attached to one side surface of the folder box 10. The RF tag 25 stores a folder box ID for identifying each folder box 10.

  On the other hand, in each folder 15, as shown in FIG. 1, a color arrangement code 30 is marked on the edge of the folder 15 exposed on the upper surface side of the folder box 10. The color arrangement code 30 represents a folder ID for identifying each folder 15. Similarly, the color arrangement codes 30 provided at the edges of all the folders 15 are exposed upward. That is, all the color arrangement codes 30 provided at the edges of all the folders 15 appear on the upper surface of the folder box 10.

  The color arrangement code is a kind of optical automatic recognition symbol that represents data only by the color arrangement. The folder ID can be read by imaging the color arrangement code using a predetermined imaging means and decoding the image. It is also possible to capture a plurality of color arrangement codes at a time and read the folder IDs represented by the color arrangement codes all at once.

Configuration of Management System FIG. 2 shows a management system 20 that performs a reading operation. As shown in this figure, the management system 20 includes an imaging means 35, an RFID recognition device 40, and a computer 45. Although not shown in FIG. 2, the computer 45 includes a database 50 that stores folder IDs and folder box IDs.

Imaging means As shown in FIG. 2, the imaging means 35 is arranged vertically above the folder box 10 and images the color arrangement code 30 group shown on the upper surface of the folder box 10. The image signal of the image (of the color arrangement code 30 group) photographed by the imaging means 35 is taken into the computer 45, decoded by decoding software installed in the computer 45 in advance, and the folder ID is read.

  In FIG. 2, the image pickup means 35 equipped with a CCD camera is shown. However, other means may be used as long as the color arrangement code 30 group can be picked up, for example, using a CMOS sensor or the like. It is also a preferable example that the means 35 is configured.

  Of course, it can be assumed that the image data is sent to the backbone system via LAN communication, or the image data is decoded by internal processing like a handy terminal.

RFID Recognition Device The RFID recognition device 40 in FIG. 2 performs communication using radio waves with the RF tag 25 and reads the folder box ID. As shown in this figure, the RFID recognition device 40 is disposed near the side surface of the folder box 10 so that the RF tag 25 falls within the reading range. A specific reading operation will be described later in detail.

  A conceptual diagram of the database 50 provided in the computer 45 is shown in FIG. The database 50 stores folder IDs and folder box IDs.

  As shown in this figure, the database 50 is provided with one folder arrangement information storage area 55 for each folder ID. Each folder arrangement information storage area 55 is divided into a folder ID storage layer 60 and a folder box ID storage layer 65. One folder ID is registered in the folder ID storage layer 60. In the folder box ID storage layer 65, the folder box ID of the folder box in which the folder is stored is registered.

  For example, FIG. 3 shows a conceptual diagram of the database 50 in which six folder IDs (XY01, XY02, XY03, YY01, YY02, YY03) are registered.

  As shown in this figure, in the folder arrangement information storage area 55a in which the folder ID “XY01” is registered in the folder ID storage layer 60, the folder box ID “0001” is registered in the folder box ID storage layer 65. Has been. That is, this represents that the folder 15 with the folder ID = XY01 is stored in the folder box 10 with the folder box ID = 0001.

  Similarly, the folder arrangement information storage areas 55b and 55c indicate that the two folders 15 having the folder ID = XY02 and XY03 are stored in the folder box 10 having the folder box ID = 0001.

  Similarly, in the folder arrangement information storage areas 55d to 55f, three folders 15 having the folder ID = YY01, YY02, YY03 are stored in the folder box 10 having the folder box ID = 0002. To express.

  Thus, since the folder box ID in which the folder is stored is registered for each folder ID, it is possible to clearly register in which folder box 10 each folder 15 is stored. it can.

Operation of Management System Next, the operation of the management system 20 in the present embodiment will be described. The management system 20 performs the following two types of operations. The first is an operation of searching for a desired folder 15. Secondly, the operation is to register a new folder 15. Hereinafter, description will be made sequentially.

(1) Operation for searching and taking out a folder (taking out a folder) First, a process of searching for and taking out a desired folder 15 (folder ID = XY01) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  * In FIG. 4, the operation when the new folder 15 is stored is shown in parentheses. This storing operation will be described later in (2).

  First, in S 4-1 in FIG. 4, the user inputs the folder ID “XY01” of the folder 15 to be searched to the computer 45.

  Next, in S4-2 in FIG. 4, the computer 45 searches the database 50 based on the folder ID (XY01) input in S4-1, and stores the folder arrangement information including the folder ID (XY01). The folder box ID (0001) registered in the area 55a is acquired. Further, the computer 45 presents the acquired folder box ID (0001) to the user.

  Next, in S4-3 in FIG. 4, the user uses the RFID recognition apparatus 40 to search for the folder box 10 to which the folder box ID (0001) presented by the computer 45 in S4-2 is attached.

  Next, in S4-4 in FIG. 4, the user confirms the folder box 10 (folder box ID = 0001) found in S4-3, and determines whether or not the target folder 15 (folder ID = XY01) exists. Check. In S4-4, the user reads the folder IDs (XY01, XY02, XY03) of the three folders 15 stored in the folder box 10 using the imaging unit 35, and the target folder. 15 (XY01) is specified.

  Next, in S4-5 in FIG. 4, after confirming the folder that the user is looking for, the user takes out the found folder 15 (folder ID = XY01).

  Next, in S4-6 in FIG. 4, the user reads the folder ID (XY01) of the folder 15 taken out in S4-5 using the imaging means 35, and the chest that is the folder from which the user took out is read out from the computer. 45.

  At this time, based on such an instruction, the computer 45 stores the read folder ID (XY01) in an area for storing the extracted folder ID. As a result, the folder IDXY01 is taken out and registered in the computer 45 as not in the archive.

  It should be noted that the step S4-6 (the folder ID is registered in the computer 45 by imaging the taken-out folder) is not executed, but instead the taken-out folder box 10 is imaged by the imaging means 35. It is also preferable to know what the extracted folder is from the remaining folders. Such an operation is executed in the next S4-7 and S4-8.

  Next, in step S4-7, after the user takes out the desired folder 15 in step S4-5, the user uses the imaging unit 35 to select the color arrangement code 30 group of the folder 15 remaining in the folder box 10. The folder IDs (XY02 and XY03) of the remaining folders are read in a lump.

  In step S4-8, the computer 45 compares the folder IDs (XY01, XY02, XY03) read in step S4-4 with the folder IDs (XY02, XY03) read in step S4-7, and takes them out. The folder ID (XY01) of the selected folder 15 is recognized. The folder ID of the recognized folder 15 is presented to the user.

  In step S4-9, the user determines whether the folder ID (XY01) presented by the computer 45 in step S4-8 is the same as the folder ID (XY01) of the folder 15 extracted in step S4-5. To check. If they are the same, the user instructs the computer 45 to execute S4-10 described below. On the other hand, if they are not the same, the user instructs the computer 45 to execute S4-11 described later.

  In S4-10 in FIG. 4, the computer 45 registers that it is “being extracted” in the folder box ID storage layer 65 in the folder arrangement information storage area 55a for the folder ID = XY01.

  This registration is preferably performed so that the stored folder box ID is known. For example, the value of the folder ID storage layer 65 may be changed so that only the highest value is changed, such as “0001” → “5001”, and “5” after this change is set to indicate “being extracted”. Is preferred. In this case, when the highest level is “0”, it means that it is stored in the folder box ID = 0001.

  On the other hand, in S4-11 in FIG. 4, it is determined that some error has occurred, and rereading is performed. That is, the imaging means 35 captures again the image of the color arrangement code 30 group of the two folders 15 (folder ID = XY02, XY03) remaining in the folder box 10, and the computer 45 decodes them, and those folders Get an ID. Then, the process returns to S4-9 described above, and the read folder ID (XY02, XY03) is presented to the user.

  This completes the operation of extracting the desired folder 15 (folder ID = XY01).

(2) Operation for storing new folder Next, a process of storing the new folder 15 (folder ID = XY04) in the folder box 10 (folder box ID = 0001) will be described with reference to FIG. The operation for storing the folder 15 is shown in parentheses in FIG.

  First, in S4-1 in FIG. 4, the user inputs the folder ID “XY04” of the folder 15 to be newly stored into the computer 45.

  Next, in S4-2, the computer 45 searches the database 50 and acquires the folder box ID (for example, 0001) of the folder box 10 in which the folder 15 with the folder ID = XY04 is to be stored. Further, the computer 45 presents the acquired folder box ID (here, 0001 as an example) to the user.

  Next, in S <b> 4-3, the user uses the RFID recognition device 40 to search for the folder box 10 with the folder box ID = 0001.

  Next, in S <b> 4-4 in FIG. 4, the user captures images of the folder 15 group in the folder box 10 (folder box ID = 0001) using the imaging unit 35. That is, the folder ID of the group of folders 15 (for example, three folder IDs XY01, XY02, and XY03) in the folder box 10 (folder box ID = 0001) is read, and the computer 45 reads the folder ID (XY01, XY02, XY03) is stored in a predetermined temporary storage area.

  In short, the state before storing the new folder 15 is stored.

  Next, in S4-5 in FIG. 4, the user stores a new folder 15 (folder ID = XY04) in the found folder box 10 (folder box ID = 0001).

  Before storing, the user reads the folder ID (XY04) of the new folder 15 using the image pickup means 35, and the computer 45 stores the folder ID (XY04) in a predetermined storage area. It is also preferable (step S4-6). This is for storing the ID of the folder 15 to be newly accommodated.

  Whether the ID of the newly accommodated folder 15 is input by the user in step S4-1 or is captured by the imaging means 35 in step S4-5 and the computer 45 can decode the optical recognition code. , Obtained by doing one of the following.

  Next, in S4-7, the user uses the imaging unit 35 to collectively collect the folder IDs (XY01, XY02, XY03, XY04) of the folder 15 group in the folder box 10 (folder box ID = 0001). The computer 45 reads the folder ID (XY01, XY02, XY03, XY04) and stores it in a predetermined storage area. In short, this is for storing the state in the folder box 10 after accommodation.

  Next, in S4-8, the computer 45 compares the folder ID (XY01, XY02, XY03) read in S4-4 with the folder ID (XY01, XY02, XY03, XY04) read in S4-5. From the difference, the folder ID (= XY04) of the newly stored folder 15 is recognized.

  The newly accommodated folder ID (XY04) is presented to the user.

  In step S4-5, when the user reads the folder ID (XY04) of the newly stored folder 15 using the imaging unit 35, the computer 45 reads the folder ID (XY04) read. ) Is also a suitable example.

  Next, in S4-9 in FIG. 4, the folder ID (XY04) presented by the computer 45 in S4-8 is the same as the folder ID (XY04) of the folder 15 stored in S4-5. Check whether or not. If they are the same, the user instructs the computer 45 to execute S4-10 described below. On the other hand, if they are not the same, the user instructs the computer 45 to execute S4-11 described later.

  In S4-10 in FIG. 4, since it has been confirmed that the newly accommodated folder 15 has been accommodated normally, the computer 45 corresponds to the folder ID (XY04) input by the user in step S4-1. The folder box ID “0001” is registered in the folder box ID storage layer 65 of the folder arrangement information storage area 55 to be stored.

That is,
XY04 0001
Is created. Generally, since the record of the folder 15 (= XY04) already exists, the above record is created by rewriting the content of the record to the above value.

  On the other hand, in step S4-11 in FIG. 4, the computer 45 reads again the folder IDs (XY01, XY02, XY03, XY04) of the folder 15 group in the folder box 10 (folder box ID = 0001). In the computer 45, the process proceeds to S4-9. Such an operation can correct an erroneous reading or the like.

  The operation for storing the new folder 15 (folder ID = XY04) is thus completed.

Summary As described above, the management system 20 according to the present embodiment has the following features.

  (1) The folder box 10 is searched for by the RFID recognition device 40 and the computer 45.

  (2) The folder 15 in the folder box 10 is grasped by using the imaging means 35 using the color arrangement code system and the computer 45.

  (3) In the database 50, as shown in FIG. 3, one folder arrangement information storage area 55 is provided for one folder 15, in which the folder box 10 and the folder 15 are stored and covered. The storage relationship is clearly recorded.

  (4) The management of the folder ID is performed based on, for example, the flowchart shown in FIG.

  As a result, in which folder box is the predetermined folder 15 contained? Or is it taken out and exist outside? It is possible to know more accurately than in the past and more reliably than in the past. Therefore, it is possible to search for a desired folder box 10 using RFID based on this grasped state.

  Since the management system 20 according to the present embodiment has such a feature, it is possible to easily know the storage / storage relationship between the folder box 10 and the folder 15. Further, according to the management system 20 in the present embodiment, it is possible to reliably find the folder box 10 in which the desired folder 15 is stored.

  Further, according to the management system 20, not only the desired folder 15 can be searched, but also the folder ID of the folder 15 being taken out can be easily known. Further, even when the folder 15 once taken out is stored in the folder box 10 different from the original folder box 10, the folder box 10 in which the folder 15 is stored can be easily specified.

  Similarly, according to the present management system, it is possible not only to search for the folder 15 but also to grasp the usage status of the folder 15, the status of organization disorder, etc. in total. Management based on the total grasp is also possible.

  Furthermore, the color array code 30 group attached to each folder 14 is periodically read using a mobile camera or the like and collated with the folder ID stored in the database 50, so that the database 50 is erroneously read. Even when the folder ID is registered, the error can be easily corrected. That is, it is possible to correct a human error.

  The folder ID in the present embodiment corresponds to a suitable example of the article ID described in the claims. In addition, the folder box ID in the present embodiment corresponds to a suitable example of the container ID described in the claims.

Embodiment 2
Convenience to the user of the color arrangement code As described above, the management system 20 in the present embodiment decodes the image of the color arrangement code 30 group taken in by the imaging means 35 and performs folder ID processing. To get. The captured image is stored in a predetermined storage area by the computer 45. It is preferable to record and save as so-called log data.

  Thus, representing the folder ID using the color arrangement code is considered convenient for the user as described below, for example. That is, for example, even if the decoding process fails and all the color arrangement codes 30 included in the image cannot be decoded, the user confirms the image captured in the computer 45, In some cases, the folder ID that could not be acquired can be read visually.

  Further, even after a certain period of time has passed, it is considered that decoding failure can be reproduced based on the image of the color arrangement code 30 group stored as log data, and the cause of the failure can be found with high accuracy. It becomes possible.

  If the image data is stored in this manner, when a reading failure is found, the failure state can be easily reproduced from the past image data, and the problem can be easily identified. Therefore, it is possible to provide a system that is easy to perform so-called maintenance.

  In order to make it easier for the user to perform inspections and corrections with the naked eye, it is preferable to make various efforts. For example, in order to make it easy for the user to recognize the folder ID, it is also a preferable example that a number representing the folder ID is written in characters at a position close to the color arrangement code. An example of this is shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 5, two folders 70 and 80 are shown. As shown in this figure, the color array code 75 is marked at the edge of the folder 70, and the character “4453” representing the folder ID of the folder 70 is located at a position close to the color array code 75. Has been written. Similarly, the color array code 85 is marked at the edge of the folder 80, and the character “1384” representing the folder ID of the folder 80 is written at a position close to the color array code 85. .

  As a result, these two color arrangement codes 75 and 80 and the characters “4453” and “1384” are simultaneously displayed on the image presented to the user by the management system 20. Therefore, the user can read the folder IDs “4453” and “1384” from the displayed characters.

  In addition, since the folder ID is represented by a color arrangement code and the ID is displayed in the vicinity of the folder ID, it is easier to check with the naked eye. It may be possible.

It is. An example of this is shown in FIG.

  FIG. 6 shows a computer screen 100 of the computer 45 showing a state in the middle of performing an operation of taking out a predetermined folder 95 from the folder box 90.

  The computer screen 100 shown in FIG. 6 shows an image obtained by photographing a folder accommodated in the folder box 90 after the predetermined folder 95 is taken out. Prior to this, it is assumed that (eight) folders 95 accommodated in the folder box 90 are photographed and decoded before the folder 95 is taken out.

  6 is a color arrangement code marked on the seven folders 95a, 95b, 95c, 95d, 95e, 95f, and 95g stored in the folder box 90. In FIG.

  Before the image of FIG. 6 is taken, the folder box 90 contains eight folders 95, from which one folder 95 is extracted, and the remaining seven folders 95 are stored in the folder box 90. The remaining state is shown in FIG.

  Before the one folder 956 is extracted, the computer 45 reads eight folder IDs (3122, 6521, 9084, 7358, 1362, 1362) before reading the color arrangement codes of these seven folders 95. 5592, 3864, 1234).

  Then, after one folder 95 (folder ID = 1234) is taken out from the folder box 90, a state in which the decoding process is performed on the color arrangement codes of the remaining seven folders 95 is shown in FIG. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 6, on the right side of the computer screen 100, an image obtained by capturing the color arrangement codes of seven folders 95 groups from above the folder box 90 is shown. On the left side, the folder IDs read before and after the folder 95 (folder ID = 1234) is taken out are listed.

  In FIG. 6 of the present embodiment, what is characteristic is that the computer 45 compares the folder ID read before the folder 95 (folder ID = 1234) is extracted with the folder ID read after being extracted, The folder IDs (3122, 6521, 9084, 7358, 1362, and 5592) that can be read before and after the extraction are displayed on the upper left part of the computer screen 100.

  As a result, the user can easily understand that the folder 95 group to which these six folder IDs are attached is still stored in the folder box 90.

  Next, what is characteristic in FIG. 6 of the present embodiment is that in the lower left part of the computer screen 100, the folder ID read before the folder 95 (folder ID = 1234) was taken out could not be read later. Folder IDs (3864, 1234) are displayed.

Obviously, the folder 95 group with these two folder IDs is
Whether it is the folder ID of the retrieved folder 95 (which does not exist in the image now), or whether it is the folder ID that could not be read because the decoding process failed even though the folder 95 exists in the image ,
One of them.

  Accordingly, the user observes the computer screen 100, and the folder 95e with the folder ID = 3864 is displayed in the image obtained by imaging the color arrangement code. Therefore, the folder ID = 3864 is the folder ID that has failed to be read. You can know that there is.

  Further, the user can know that the folder ID (1234) is the folder ID of the extracted folder 95 because the folder with the folder ID = 1234 is not displayed in the image.

  As a result, for example, when the user himself / herself inputs the folder ID “3864” to the computer 45, the seven folders 95 that should be originally registered can be definitely registered in the database 50. That is, since a decoding mistake can be easily found, the user can easily correct the mistake.

  As described above, in FIG. 6 of the present embodiment, the image of the color arrangement code used for the decoding process is displayed on the computer screen 100, and the ID data (numbers, etc.) is displayed in the vicinity of the color arrangement code. Since it has been described, when the user confirms it, a reading error or the like in the decoding process can be easily found, and correction or the like can be easily performed. As a result, it is possible to construct a so-called maintenance-friendly system.

Embodiment 3 Modifications So far, in this embodiment, an example of a folder box has been given as the “container”. Further, an example has been described in which the “article” to be stored is a folder. However, of course, it is also a preferable example to use the management system 20 for management of other articles and containers.

  For example, FIG. 7 shows an example in which a group of six clothes 105 are bundled by a binding belt 110. As shown in this figure, each garment 105 has a sticker with a color arrangement code 115 marked on the right shoulder. On the surface of the binding belt 110, an RF tag 120 is attached at a position that can be visually recognized from the outside. It is also a preferable example in the present embodiment that the management system 20 reads the six color arrangement codes 115 and the RF tag 120 to manage the clothing 105 group.

  FIG. 8 shows a group of 26 substrate assemblies 130 housed in the collection box 125. As shown in this figure, the collection box 125 is a box whose upper surface is opened. Further, one RF tag 135 is attached on the surface of one side surface of the collective box 125. On the other hand, the color arrangement code 140 is marked on the end face exposed upward among the end faces of the group of substrate assemblies 130. It is also a preferable example in the present embodiment that the management system 20 reads the RF tag 135 and the color arrangement code 140 group to manage the board assembly 130 group. Of course, it is also a preferable example that the management system 20 in the present embodiment is used for management of other industrial products.

Embodiment 4 Hierarchy management Until now,
・ Folders and folder boxes ・ Clothes and binding bands ・ Management of configurations such as circuit board assemblies and predetermined articles such as collective boxes and storage bodies that store (bind together) such articles I have explained the technology.

  However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the framework of “article” and its “container”, and is applicable to all cases where automatic recognition codes are managed in two or more layers of an upper management layer and a lower management layer. It is possible.

  That is, the present invention proposes to perform management using two types of automatic recognition codes when a management object is assigned with an automatic recognition code (marking) to represent the ID, and management is performed using it. To do. Such a management method is called an ID management method. The ID can be various data depending on the object. If the management target is a product, the price, name, production area, quality, grade, etc. can be the ID. If the management target is a patient, the patient's name, age, symptom, treatment history, etc. may be an ID. Further, in the case of an aquarium, the type, name, production area, etc. of the fish in each tank can be the ID.

  In the lower management layer, the ID management is performed with the optical recognition code (color arrangement code, barcode, two-dimensional barcode, etc.), and the lower one or more IDs are managed together. In the management layer, ID management by radio waves is performed.

  Such a method is a management system that can compensate for the drawbacks by combining the ID management using radio waves such as RFID and the ID management using the optical recognition code, while taking advantage of both features.

  In other words, ID management using radio waves can detect IDs even in articles that are separated or hidden, but it is difficult to detect fine positions. Therefore, it is suitable for management in the upper hierarchy.

  On the other hand, the optical recognition code cannot detect the ID of the article unless the article is visible, but can specifically recognize the position of the article by taking an image with a CCD camera or the like. In addition, it is easy to check and interpolate with the human naked eye, and it is easy to correct and correct errors. Therefore, it is suitable for the management of the lower hierarchy.

  By combining these ID management mechanisms with their respective characteristics, it was possible to construct a system that can compensate for each other's drawbacks and take advantage of the advantages of both.

  Here, “upper” and “lower” are described, but this may be referred to as “upper layer” and “lower layer”.

Actual Example of Hierarchical Management In the present embodiment, it has been proposed that lower ID data is represented by an optical recognition code and upper ID data is represented by RFID in hierarchical management. Here, as described in the previous embodiment, it is preferable to use a color arrangement code for the lower ID data. However, it is more reliable if a so-called barcode (OCR text or the like is also preferable) is used in combination. It is possible to read the ID.

  Thus, when a plurality of optical recognition codes are used in combination, it is preferable to represent the same lower ID data, but when the lower ID data is long, it is also preferable to separately represent the individual ID data. . For example, it is also preferable that the upper half digit of the lower ID data is represented by a color arrangement code and the lower half digit is represented by a barcode.

  If the ID data is described with characters together with these optical recognition codes, the user can confirm the ID with the naked eye, and convenience is improved. In particular, recovery can be easily performed by reading with the naked eye even when a reading error occurs.

  The image data obtained by imaging the optical recognition code representing the lower ID data is preferably stored as so-called log data or an archive. In this case, it is preferable to store the image data in association with the upper ID data. . By storing in this way, it becomes easy to search the lower ID data from the upper ID data, or vice versa, and to search the upper ID data from the lower ID data. The effect of becoming is obtained.

It is a figure which shows the marking position of a color arrangement | sequence code, and the arrangement position of RF tag. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a management system. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the structure in a database. It is a figure which shows the flowchart which shows operation | movement of a management system. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship of a color arrangement code and the number showing folder ID. It is a figure which shows the computer screen which performs a decoding process. It is a figure which shows the clothing bundled by the binding belt. It is a figure which shows the board | substrate assembly accommodated in the assembly box.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Folder box 15 Folder 20 Management system 25 RF tag 30 Color arrangement code 35 Imaging means 40 RFID recognition apparatus 45 Computer 50 Database 55 Folder arrangement information storage area 60 Folder ID storage layer 65 Folder box ID storage layer 70 Folder 75 Color arrangement code 80 Folder 85 Color arrangement code 90 Folder box 95a to 95g Folder 100 Computer screen 105 Clothing 110 Binding belt 115 Color arrangement code 120 RF tag 125 Assembly box 130 Substrate assembly 135 RF tag 140 Color arrangement code

Claims (16)

An imaging means for imaging the optical automatic recognition code marked on the article;
RFID recognition means for reading an RF tag attached to a storage body for storing the article;
Control means for decoding the image data picked up by the image pickup means to obtain an article ID of the article and receiving the container ID of the container read by the RFID recognition means;
A database for storing the article ID of the article and the storage body ID of the storage body in which the article is stored;
With
The control means searches the database based on the given article ID, and presents a container ID of the container in which the article is stored. The article management system according to claim 1, wherein
The control means includes
An article management system that searches for a container using the RFID recognition device based on the container ID obtained as a result of the search and presents the found location to the user. The article management system according to claim 1 or 2,
The control means includes
Receiving the container ID recognized by the RFID recognition means;
The imaging means decodes the optical recognition code based on the image data of the optical recognition code obtained by photographing the article contained in the storage to obtain the article ID,
An article management system, wherein data in the database is updated based on the received container ID and the obtained article ID. In the article search method for searching for a desired article using the management system according to claim 1,
Inputting an article ID of the desired article into the control means;
The control means searches the database based on the input article ID, finds a container ID of the container in which the article is stored, and presents the found container ID to the user. When,
The control means searches for the container using the RFID recognition device based on the found container ID, and presents the found location to the user;
And the user finds a desired article from the container at the found location. An article storage method for storing a predetermined article in a predetermined storage body using the management system according to claim 1,
Inputting an article ID of the desired article into the control means;
The control means searches the database based on the inputted article ID, finds a container ID of the container in which the article is accommodated, and presents the found container ID to the user. Steps,
The control means searches for the container using the RFID recognition device based on the found container ID, and presents the found location to the user;
The article storing method, wherein the user stores a desired article in the storage body at the found location. In an ID management method for managing a management target using lower layer ID data and upper layer ID data for collectively managing one or more lower layer ID data,
One or more lower layer ID data is represented by an optical recognition code,
An ID management method, wherein the upper layer ID data is represented by an automatic recognition code using radio waves. The ID management method according to claim 6,
The ID management method, wherein the optical recognition code is a color arrangement code including a chromatic color.   7. The ID management method according to claim 6, wherein the automatic recognition code using radio waves is RFID. The ID management method according to claim 7,
In the recognition of the lower layer ID data, an ID management method characterized in that the plurality of color arrangement codes are collectively read by collectively imaging a plurality of color arrangement codes and decoding the obtained image. . The ID management method according to claim 7,
An ID management method comprising marking the color arrangement code representing the lower layer ID data, character data representing the lower layer ID data, and an article to be managed. The ID management method according to claim 7,
An ID management method comprising using, as an automatic recognition code representing the lower layer ID data, in addition to the color arrangement code, another optical automatic recognition code representing the lower layer ID data.   12. The ID management method according to claim 11, wherein the other optical recognition code is a bar code or an OCR text. The ID management method according to claim 11,
The ID management method, wherein data represented by the color arrangement code and data represented by the other optical automatic recognition code are the same. The ID management method according to claim 11,
The data represented by the color arrangement code is a part of the lower layer ID data, and the data represented by the other optical automatic recognition code is another part of the lower layer ID data. Method. In the ID management method according to claim 7 or any one of claims 9 to 14,
In the recognition of the lower layer ID data, an ID management characterized in that a captured image including one or a plurality of the color arrangement codes captured when the color arrangement code is decoded is recorded in association with the upper layer ID data. Method. In the ID management method in any one of Claims 6-15,
An ID management method, wherein when searching for an article, the associated upper layer ID data is obtained based on the lower layer ID data of the article, and the obtained upper layer ID data is searched.

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