Abstract:
Present invention relates to method for confirming location of product using RFID. Method for confirming location of product on a shelf in a product location confirmation system including: a plurality of shelf areas; a location tag which is provided at each shelf and transmits an RFID signal; a reader which is provided at each shelf and reads the RFID signal; and a server for analyzing the information collected through the reader comprises the steps of: the reader confirming whether a location tag signal is received; the server determining the absence of the product on the corresponding shelf when the location tag signal is received; the reader confirming whether a product tag signal as the RFID signal transmitted from the product is received when the location tag signal is not received; and the server determining the presence of the product within the corresponding shelf when the product tag signal is received.

Description:
PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application is the National Stage of International Application No. PCT/KR2011/000460, filed Jan. 24, 2011, and this application claims the benefit under of a Korean patent application filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Jan. 29, 2010 and assigned Serial No. 10-2010-0008334, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention generally relates to a method of confirming a location of a product using an RFID, and more specifically, to a method of confirming information on whether a product is loaded on a shelf, a specific location, and a status thereof using an RFID. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    In general, product management services refer to services in which a plurality of shelves are provided, and products are stored and managed on each shelf In order to provide the product management services, precise information on which shelf is loaded with products is required. For this purpose, conventionally, products were located on shelves and data was manually input or barcodes attached to the products were read to perform operations such as reading locations of the shelves or mapping thereto. This is inconvenient in that it causes data to be manually recorded, and operations to be performed twice. 
         [0006]    Attempts have been made to overcome the conventional problems. For example, attempts have been made to manage products located on a shelf using a radio-frequency identification (RFID) technique. However, a conventional method of confirming a location of a product on a shelf using an RFID causes a malfunction such as a reader reading information on a product on a next shelf to occur, and thus an apparatus interrupting a radio wave was required to be additionally installed in each shelf. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    An aspect of the present invention is to address at least the above mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention is to provide a method and system for confirming locations of products loaded on a shelf that is capable of facilitating the confirmation of locations of the loaded products and information thereof using an RFID without installing an additional apparatus. 
         [0008]    The above aspects are achieved by providing a method of confirming a location of a product on a shelf in a system for confirming a location of a product including a plurality of shelf areas, a location tag included in each shelf and storing locations of the shelves, a reader included in each shelf and reading an RFID signal and an RFID server analyzing information collected by the reader. The method includes the reader confirming whether or not a location tag signal is received, the RFID server determining that no product is on the corresponding shelf when the location tag signal is received, the reader confirming whether or not a signal of the product tag included in a product to transmit an RFID signal is received when the location tag signal is not received, and the RFID server determining that a product is on the corresponding shelf when the signal of the product tag is received. 
         [0009]    The method may further include the RFID server determining that an error occurs in the reader when the signal of the product tag is not received. 
         [0010]    In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the reader located in the shelf may be prevented from reading the location tag located in the shelf when a product is located on the shelf. 
         [0011]    In the method of confirming a location of a product on a shelf in the system for confirming a location of a product on a shelf including a first shelf and a second shelf adjacent to each other, a first reader located in the first shelf, a first location tag located in the first shelf, a second reader located in the second shelf, and a second location tag located in the second shelf, the RFID server may determine that no product is on the first shelf when the first reader reads a signal of the first location tag but is unable to read a signal of the second location tag. 
         [0012]    The RFID server may determine that no product is on the first shelf when the first reader reads the signals of the first and second location tags. Here, the RFID server may reduce the intensity of an emitted radio wave of the first reader until the signal of the second location tag is not recognized. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the RFID server may gradually reduce the intensity of the emitted radio wave of the first reader to the intensity of a predetermined radio wave. 
         [0013]    The RFID server may cause an alarm to be output when the first reader recognizes the signal of the second location tag even when the intensity of the emitted radio wave of the first reader reaches the minimum. 
         [0014]    The RFID server may determine that an error occurs in the first location tag when the first reader is unable to read the signal of the first location tag but reads the second location tag signal. 
         [0015]    The RFID server may determine that an error occurs in the first reader when the first reader is unable to read the signals of the first and second location tags. 
         [0016]    The RFID server may determine that an error occurs in the second location tag when the second reader reads the signal of the first location tag but is unable to read the signal of the second location tag. 
         [0017]    The RFID server may determine that no product is on the second shelf when the second reader reads the signals of the first and second location tags. Here, the RFID server may reduce the intensity of an emitted radio wave of the second reader until the signal of the first location tag is not recognized. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the RFID server may gradually reduce the intensity of the emitted radio wave of the second reader to the intensity of a predetermined radio wave. 
         [0018]    The RFID server may cause an alarm to be output when the second reader recognizes the signal of the first location tag even when the intensity of the emitted radio wave of the second reader reaches the minimum. 
         [0019]    The RFID server may determine that no product is on the second shelf when the second reader is unable to read the signal of the first location tag but reads the signal of the second location tag. 
         [0020]    The RFID server may determine that an error occurs in the second reader when the second reader is unable to read the signals of the first and second location tags. 
         [0021]    The RFID server may determine that a product is on the first shelf when the first reader reads the signal of the product tag located in the product but is unable to read the signal of the second location tag. 
         [0022]    The RFID server may determine that a product is on the first shelf when the first reader reads the signal of the product tag located in the product and the signal of the second location tag. 
         [0023]    The RFID server may determine that a product is on the second shelf when the second reader reads the signal of the product tag located in the product but is unable to read the signal of the first location tag. 
         [0024]    The RFID server may determine that a product is on the second shelf when the second reader reads the signal of the product tag located in the product and the signal of the first location tag. 
         [0025]    One aspect of the present invention provides a system for confirming a location of a product on a shelf The system for confirming a location of a product on a shelf according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of shelf areas, a location tag included in each shelf and transmitting an RFID signal, a reader included in each shelf and reading the RFID signal, and an RFID server analyzing data collected by the reader and including an operating system facilitating operations of the system, an RFID middleware for analyzing and refining the data collected by the reader, and an application for using the data refined and analyzed through the RFID middleware. 
         [0026]    The reader and the location tag located in each shelf may be mapped to each other to be managed. 
         [0027]    The RFID server may determine that no product is on the corresponding shelf when the reader receives a location tag signal. 
         [0028]    The RFID server may determine that a product is on the corresponding shelf when the reader is unable to receive the location tag signal but receives the signal of the product tag included in the product to transmit an RFID signal. 
         [0029]    The RFID server may determine that an error occurs in the reader when the reader is unable to receive the signals of the location and product tags. 
         [0030]    In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the reader located in the shelf may be prevented from reading the location tag located in the shelf when a product is on the shelf. 
         [0031]    Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0032]    The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0033]      FIG. 1  is a flowchart illustrating a method of confirming a location of a product in a system for confirming a location of a product using an RFID according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIGS. 2 to 4  illustrate a method of confirming a location of a product in a system for confirming a location of a product using an RFID according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0035]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating a system for confirming a location of a product using an RFID according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0036]    Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompany drawings. First, in adding reference numerals to elements in each drawing, when an element of the inventive disclosure appears in more than one drawing, it may be denoted by the same reference numeral in each drawing. Further, when detailed descriptions of known functions and components are considered to unnecessarily render the features of the present invention unclear, they may be omitted. 
         [0037]    A system for confirming a location of a product according to the present invention includes a plurality of shelf areas, a location tag included in each shelf and transmitting an RFID signal, a reader included in each shelf and reading the RFID signal, and an RFID server analyzing information collected by the reader. 
         [0038]    A method of confirming a location of a product in the system for confirming a location of a product having such a structure according to the present invention will be described with reference to drawings as indicated below. 
         [0039]      FIG. 1  is a flowchart illustrating a method of confirming a location of a product in the system for confirming a location of a product using an RFID according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the reader confirms whether or not a location tag signal is received (S 101 ). When the location tag signal is received, the RFID server determines that no product is on the corresponding shelf (S 105 ). 
         [0041]    When the location tag signal is not received, the reader confirms whether or not a signal of a product tag included in a product to transmit an RFID signal is received (S 103 ). 
         [0042]    When the signal of the product tag is received, the RFID server determines that a product is on the corresponding shelf (S 107 ). When the signal of the product tag is not received, the RFID server determines that an error occurs in the reader (S 109 ). When the product is located on the shelf in the present invention, the reader located in the shelf may be prevented from reading the location tag located in the shelf. 
         [0043]    Now, the method of confirming a location of a product on a shelf will be described in detail through various exemplary embodiments regarding the presence of products located on each shelf. 
         [0044]      FIGS. 2 to 4  illustrate a method of confirming a location of a product in a system for confirming a location of a product using an RFID according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0045]    In  FIG. 2 , a system for confirming a location of a product including a first shelf  100  and a second shelf  200  adjacent to each other, a first reader  110  located in the first shelf  100 , a first location tag  120  located in the first shelf  100 , a second reader  210  located in the second shelf  200 , and a second location tag  220  located in the second shelf  200  is illustrated. 
         [0046]      FIG. 2  corresponds to an exemplary embodiment in which no product is on the first and second shelves  100  and  200 . 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , when the first reader  110  reads a signal of the first location tag  120  but it is unable to read a signal of the second location tag  220 , an RFID server determines that no product is on the first shelf  100 . 
         [0048]    When the first reader  110  reads both the signals of the first and second location tags  120  and  220 , the RFID server determines that no product is on the first shelf  100 . Here, the RFID server reduces the intensity of an emitted radio wave of the first reader  110  until the signal of the second location tag  220  is not recognized. The RFID server according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may gradually reduce the intensity of the emitted radio wave of the first reader  110  to the intensity of a predetermined radio wave. Even if the intensity of the emitted radio wave of the first reader  110  reaches the minimum, when the first reader  110  recognizes the signal of the second location tag  220 , the RFID server causes an alarm to be output. 
         [0049]    When the first reader  110  is unable to read the signal of the first location tag  120  but reads the signal of the second location tag  220 , the RFID server may determine that an error occurs in the first location tag  120 . 
         [0050]    When the first reader  110  is unable to read the signals of the first and second location tags  120  and  220 , the RFID server may determine that an error occurs in the first reader  110 . 
         [0051]    When the second reader  210  reads the signal of the first location tag  120  signal but is unable to read the signal of the second location tag  220 , the RFID server may determine that an error occurs in the second reader  220 . 
         [0052]    When the second reader  210  reads the signals of the first and second location tags  120  and  220 , the RFID server may determine that no product is on the second shelf  200 . Here, the RFID server reduces the intensity of the emitted radio wave of the second reader  210  until the first location tag  120  signal is not recognized. The RFID server according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may gradually reduce the intensity of the emitted radio wave of the second reader  210  to the intensity of a predetermined radio wave. Even if the intensity of the emitted radio wave of the second reader  210  reaches the minimum, when the second reader  210  recognizes the signal of the first location tag  120 , the RFID server causes an alarm to be output. 
         [0053]    When the second reader  210  is unable to read the signal of the first location tag  120  but reads the signal of the second location tag  220 , the RFID server determines that no product is on the second shelf  200 . 
         [0054]    When the second reader  210  is unable to read the signals of the first and second location tags  120  and  220 , the RFID server may determine that an error occurs in the second reader  210 . 
         [0055]    In  FIG. 3 , a system for confirming a location of a product comprising a first shelf  100  and a second shelf  200  adjacent to each other, a first reader  110  located in the first shelf  100 , a first location tag  120  located in the first shelf  100 , a second reader  210  located in the second shelf  200 , and a second location tag  220  located in the second shelf  200  is illustrated. 
         [0056]      FIG. 3  corresponds to an exemplary embodiment in which a first product  130  is on the first shelf  100 , and no product is on the second shelf  200 . 
         [0057]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , when the first reader  110  reads a signal of the first product tag  140  located in the first product  130  but is unable to read a signal of the second location tag  220 , the RFID server determines that a product is on the first shelf  100 . 
         [0058]    When the first reader  110  reads both the signal of the first product tag  140  located in the first product  130  and that of the second location tag  220 , the RFID server determines that a product is on the first shelf  100 . 
         [0059]    When the first reader  110  is unable to read the signal of the first product tag  140  located in the first product  130  and that of the second location tag  220 , the RFID server determines that an error occurs in the first reader  110 . 
         [0060]    When the first reader  110  is unable to read the signal of the first product tag  140  located in the first product  130  but reads the signal of the second location tag  220 , the RFID server ignores a signal generated at this time since the second location tag  220  is mapped to the second reader  210 . 
         [0061]    When the second reader  210  reads the signal of the first product tag  140  located in the first product  130  and the signal of the second location tag  220 , the RFID server determines that no product is on the second shelf  200 . 
         [0062]    When the second reader  210  is unable to read the signal of the first product tag  140  located in the first product  130  but reads the signal of the second location tag  220 , the RFID server determines that no product is on the second shelf  200 . 
         [0063]    When the second reader  210  is unable to read the signal of the first product tag  140  located in the first product  130  and that of the second location tag  220 , the RFID server determines that an error occurs in the second reader  210 . 
         [0064]    In  FIG. 4 , a system for confirming a location of a product including a first shelf  100  and a second shelf  200  adjacent to each other, a first reader  110  located in the first shelf  100 , a first location tag  120  located in the first shelf  100 , a second reader  210  located in the second shelf  200 , and a second location tag  220  located in the second shelf  200  is illustrated. 
         [0065]      FIG. 4  corresponds to an exemplary embodiment in which a first product  130  to which a first product tag  140  is attached is on the first shelf  100 , and a second product  230  to which a second product tag  240  is attached is on the second shelf  200 . 
         [0066]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , when the first reader  110  reads both the first product tag  140  and the second product tag  240 , an RFID server determines that a product is on the first shelf  100 . 
         [0067]    When the first reader  110  is unable to read the first product tag  140  and the second product tag  240 , the RFID server determines that an error occurs in the first reader  110 . 
         [0068]    When the first reader  110  reads the first product tag  140  but is unable to read the second product tag  240 , the RFID server determines that a product is on the first shelf  100 . 
         [0069]    When the first reader  110  is unable to read the first product tag  140  but reads the second product tag  240 , the RFID server ignores a signal generated at this time since the second product tag  240  is read without reading the first location tag  120 . 
         [0070]    When the second reader  210  reads both the first and second product tags  140  and  240 , the RFID server determines that a product is on the second shelf  200 . 
         [0071]    When the second reader  210  is unable to read the first and second product tags  140  and  240 , the RFID server determines that an error occurs in the second reader  210 . 
         [0072]    When the second reader  210  reads the first product tag  140  but is unable to read the second product tag  240 , the RFID server ignores a signal generated at this time since the first product tag  140  is read without reading the second location tag  220 . 
         [0073]    When the second reader  210  is unable to read the first product tag  140  but reads the second product tag  240 , the RFID server determines that a product is on the second shelf  200 . 
         [0074]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram of a system for confirming a location of a product using an RFID according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0075]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , the system for confirming a location of a product using an RFID includes a plurality of shelf areas  1  to N, a location tag included in each shelf and transmitting an RFID signal, a reader included in each shelf and reading the RFID signal, and an RFID server  500  analyzing information collected by the reader. Here, the reader and the location tag located in each shelf may be mapped to each other to be managed. Also, when a product is on a shelf, the reader located in the shelf may be prevented from reading the location tag located in the shelf. 
         [0076]    The RFID server  500  includes an operating system  510 , a database  520  for storing data read from the reader, an RFID middleware  530  for analyzing and refining the data, and an application  540  for using the data refined and analyzed through the RFID middleware  530 . 
         [0077]    The RFID server  500  determines that no product is on the corresponding shelf when the reader connected to the RFID server  500  through a communication network receives a location tag signal. 
         [0078]    When the reader is unable to receive the location tag signal but receives a product tag signal included in the product to transmit an RFID signal, the RFID server  500  determines that a product is on the corresponding shelf. 
         [0079]    The RFID server  500  determines that an error occurs in the reader when the reader is unable to receive the signals of the location and product tags. 
         [0080]    As set forth above, it is possible to an exact location of a product on a shelf can be recognized in real time using an RFID technique. Also, according to the present invention, a normal operation status of each RFID reader installed in a shelf area can be recognized in real time. In addition, it is unnecessary to install a separate radio wave jammer in order to prevent products loaded on the adjacent shelf area from being erroneously recognized, and thus cost can be reduced. 
         [0081]    While the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.