COMMUNICATION APPARATUS AND COMMUNICATION METHOD

A communication apparatus according to an embodiment includes a movement control unit, an acquisition unit, and a determination processing unit. The movement control unit controls movement of a relative position of an antenna with respect to a wireless tag. The acquisition unit acquires, based on a radio wave of the wireless tag received by the antenna, a plurality of pieces of tag data on the wireless tag at a plurality of relative positions of the antenna. The determination processing unit determines, based on the plurality of pieces of tag data on the wireless tag, which range among a first range, a second range, and a third range between the first range and the second range the wireless tag is within.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-060215, filed Apr. 3, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a communication apparatus and a communication method.

BACKGROUND

There is an apparatus that determines, when an antenna receives a radio wave transmitted from a wireless tag attached to an article, which range of a first range and a second range the wireless tag is within. Such an apparatus moves the antenna to detect a phase of the wireless tag. The apparatus determines which range of the first range and the second range the wireless tag is within based on an aspect of the detected phase.

If a distance between the first range and the second range is small, an aspect of a phase detected for the wireless tag on an edge of the first range may be similar to a phase in the second range. In this case, the apparatus may not determine that the wireless tag on the edge of the first range is within the first range. If the first range and the second range are in contact with each other, such a possibility further increases.

If a person attempts to place an article attached with a wireless tag or a container containing the article within the first range, the article or the container may protrude from the first range. If the article or the container protrudes between the first range and the second range, the wireless tag attached to the article may also protrude between the first range and the second range. An aspect of a phase detected for the wireless tag may be more similar to a phase in the second range than an aspect of a phase in the first range, depending on a position of the wireless tag. In such a case, the apparatus determines that the wireless tag is within the second range. However, since the wireless tag is originally to be placed in the first range, it is not preferable to determine that the wireless tag is within the second range.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An aspect is to provide a technique for improving the determination accuracy of a positional relationship of a wireless tag with respect to a predetermined range.

A communication apparatus according to an embodiment includes a movement control unit, an acquisition unit, and a determination processing unit. The movement control unit controls movement of a relative position of an antenna with respect to a wireless tag. The acquisition unit acquires, based on a radio wave of the wireless tag received by the antenna, a plurality of pieces of tag data on the wireless tag at a plurality of relative positions of the antenna. The determination processing unit determines, based on the plurality of pieces of tag data on the wireless tag, which range among a first range, a second range, and a third range between the first range and the second range the wireless tag is within.

Embodiment

Hereinafter, a communication system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings to be used in the following description of the embodiment, a scale of each part may be appropriately changed. The drawings used in the description of the following embodiment may show a configuration in an omitted manner for the sake of description.

Configuration Example

FIG.1illustrates a block diagram of an example of a configuration of a communication system1.

The communication system1includes a communication apparatus10, a terminal400, and one or more wireless tags600attached to one or more articles500.FIG.1illustrates one wireless tag600attached to one article500, but the communication system1may include a plurality of wireless tags600attached to a plurality of articles500. The communication system1includes the communication apparatus10and the terminal400and may not include the one or more articles500. The communication system1is an example of an information processing system.

The communication apparatus10is an apparatus that wirelessly communicates with the wireless tag600. The communication apparatus10may be applied to inspection or the like in a warehouse, may also be used in a store, and application examples of the communication apparatus10are not limited thereto. The communication apparatus10includes a reading apparatus100, a drive apparatus200, and an antenna300.

The reading apparatus100is an apparatus that controls the drive apparatus200and the antenna300to read information from the wireless tag600. The reading apparatus100is also an apparatus that controls the drive apparatus200and the antenna300to detect tag data on the wireless tag600. The detection includes meaning of measurement. A configuration example of the reading apparatus100will be described later.

The tag data is data detected in time series based on a radio wave of the wireless tag600received by the reading apparatus100. The radio wave of the wireless tag600is a radio wave transmitted from the wireless tag600. The radio wave of the wireless tag600may also be referred to as a radio wave from the wireless tag600. The tag data includes at least one of phase data, Doppler frequency data, and received signal strength indicator (RSSI) data. The phase data is data indicating a phase of the radio wave of the wireless tag600received by the reading apparatus100. The Doppler frequency data is data indicating a frequency of the radio wave of the wireless tag600received by the reading apparatus100. The RSSI data is data indicating an RSSI of the radio wave of the wireless tag600received by the reading apparatus100. The RSSI indicates reception strength. The reception strength is also referred to as radio wave reception strength or reception signal strength.

The drive apparatus200is an apparatus that moves the antenna300. Moving the antenna300includes moving a position of the antenna300. Moving the antenna300is an example of moving a relative position of the antenna300with respect to the wireless tag600. The position of the antenna300is an example of the relative position of the antenna300with respect to the wireless tag600. A configuration example of the drive apparatus200will be described later.

The antenna300communicates with the wireless tag600. The antenna300transmits a radio wave. The antenna300receives the radio wave of the wireless tag600. The radio wave of the wireless tag600is an example of a response wave from the wireless tag600in response to the radio wave transmitted from the antenna300. The antenna300converts the received radio wave into a high-frequency signal and outputs the high-frequency signal to the reading apparatus100.

The terminal400is an apparatus that processes information. The terminal400may be a personal computer (PC) or a dedicated apparatus. The terminal400is not limited thereto as long as the terminal400is an apparatus that processes information.FIG.1illustrates one terminal400, but the communication system1may include a plurality of terminals400. The terminal400is an example of an information processing terminal. A configuration example of the terminal400will be described later.

The article500is a commodity or the like.

The wireless tag600is a determination target wireless tag whose positional relationship with respect to the first range is to be determined. For example, the positional relationship of the wireless tag600with respect to the first range is that the wireless tag600is within the first range, the wireless tag600is within a second range, or the wireless tag600is within a third range. The first range, the second range, and the third range are different ranges that do not overlap one another. The second range is a range outside the first range and the third range. The third range is a range outside the first range and the second range, and is a range between the first range and the second range. For example, the first range, the second range, and the third range are three-dimensional ranges. The third range is to be described as being in contact with the first range, but is not necessarily in contact with the first range. The third range is to be described as being in contact with the second range, but is not necessarily in contact with the second range. The range includes meaning of a region. Examples of the first range, the second range, and the third range will be described later. The wireless tag600may be a wireless tag within the first range, a wireless tag within the second range, or a wireless tag within the third range.

The determination of the positional relationship of the wireless tag600with respect to the first range includes determining which range among the first range, the second range, and the third range the wireless tag600is within. Determining which range among the first range, the second range, and the third range the wireless tag600is within includes determining that the wireless tag600is within the first range, the second range, or the third range. The wireless tag600being within the first range includes that the wireless tag600is present within the first range. The wireless tag600being within the first range may include regarding the wireless tag600as being within the first range. The wireless tag600being within the second range includes that the wireless tag600is present within the second range. The wireless tag600being within the second range may include regarding the wireless tag600as being within the second range. The wireless tag600being within the third range includes that the wireless tag600is present within the third range. The wireless tag600being within the third range may include regarding the wireless tag600as being within the third range. The article500attached with the wireless tag600determined to be within the first range is an article to be treated as a processing target in the communication system1. The article500attached with the wireless tag600determined to be within the second range is an article not to be treated as the processing target in the communication system1.

The wireless tag600is an IC tag including an IC chip and an antenna. The wireless tag600is typically a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The wireless tag600may be another IC tag. The wireless tag600is a passive type wireless tag that operates using the radio wave transmitted from the antenna300as an energy source. By performing backscatter modulation on a non-modulated signal, the wireless tag600transmits, through the antenna, a signal including information stored in the IC chip of the wireless tag600. The information stored in the wireless tag600may include identification information that can be uniquely identified. For example, the identification information stored in the wireless tag600is an electronic product code (EPC) number. The EPC number includes a unique identification code and a serial number related to the article500. Hereinafter, the identification information stored in the wireless tag600may be abbreviated as “identification information”. The identification information is an example of information on the wireless tag600.

The reading apparatus100will be described with reference toFIG.2.

FIG.2illustrates a block diagram of an example of a configuration of the reading apparatus100.

The reading apparatus100includes a processor101, a read-only memory (ROM)102, a random-access memory (RAM)103, a first connection interface104, a second connection interface105, a high-frequency front end unit106, a digital amplitude modulation unit107, a digital-to-analog (DA) conversion unit108, an analog-to-digital (AD) conversion unit109, a demodulation unit110, and a storage device111. The units provided in the reading apparatus100are connected by a bus112or the like.

The processor101corresponds to a central part of a computer that performs processing such as calculation and control necessary for an operation of the reading apparatus100. The processor101loads various programs stored in the ROM102or the storage device111onto the RAM103. The programs are programs for causing the processor101to execute various processes. The processor101executes the programs loaded onto the RAM103to implement respective units to be described later and execute various processes.

The processor101is a central processing unit (CPU), a micro-processing unit (MPU), a system-on-a-chip (SOC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like. The processor101may be a combination of a plurality of these described above. The processor101is an example of a processing circuit.

The ROM102corresponds to a main memory apparatus of the computer including the processor101as the center. The ROM102is a non-volatile memory used exclusively for reading data. The ROM102stores the above-described programs. The ROM102stores data or various setting values, and the like used when the processor101performs various processes.

The RAM103corresponds to a main memory apparatus of the computer including the processor101as the center. The RAM103is a memory used for reading and writing data. The RAM103is a work area for storing data used temporarily when the processor101performs various processes.

The first connection interface104is an interface for the reading apparatus100to communicate with the drive apparatus200.

The second connection interface105is an interface for the reading apparatus100to communicate with the terminal400.

The high-frequency front end unit106outputs a high-frequency signal to the antenna300. The high-frequency front end unit106receives a high-frequency signal from the antenna300.

The digital amplitude modulation unit107is a circuit that adds data to be transmitted to the wireless tag600to a carrier wave to be transmitted to the wireless tag600.

The DA conversion unit108is a circuit that converts a digital signal into an analog signal. The DA conversion unit108converts a digital signal modulated by the digital amplitude modulation unit107into an analog signal. The DA conversion unit108outputs a high-frequency signal to the antenna300via the high-frequency front end unit106.

The AD conversion unit109is a circuit that converts an analog signal into a digital signal. The AD conversion unit109converts the high-frequency signal received via the high-frequency front end unit106from the antenna300into a digital signal.

The demodulation unit110is a circuit that acquires information based on the radio wave of the wireless tag600received by the antenna300. For example, based on a known technique, the demodulation unit110acquires, from the digital signal converted by the AD conversion unit109, the identification information stored in the wireless tag600. The demodulation unit110is an example of an information acquisition unit that acquires the identification information stored in the wireless tag600based on the received radio wave of the wireless tag600.

The demodulation unit110is also a circuit that detects the tag data in time series based on the radio wave of the wireless tag600received by the antenna300. Based on a known technique, the demodulation unit110can detect, from the digital signal converted by the AD conversion unit109, the phase data in time series. Based on a known technique, the demodulation unit110can detect, from the digital signal converted by the AD conversion unit109, the Doppler frequency data in time series. Based on a known technique, the demodulation unit110can detect, from the digital signal converted by the AD conversion unit109, the RSSI data in time series. The demodulation unit110is an example of a detection unit that detects the tag data based on the radio wave of the wireless tag600received by the antenna300.

The storage device111is an apparatus implemented by a non-volatile memory that stores data, a program, and the like. The storage device111is, but is not limited to, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD). The storage device111is an example of a storage unit.

The storage device111includes a measurement data storage region1111.

The measurement data storage region1111stores measurement data.

The measurement data includes a tag data set for each wireless tag600. The tag data set includes a plurality of pieces of tag data at a plurality of positions of the antenna300. The tag data is detected by the demodulation unit110according to movement of the antenna300moved by the drive apparatus200along one direction. For example, the one direction is a horizontal direction. The tag data set includes a plurality of pieces of position data on the antenna300. The plurality of pieces of position data on the antenna300are data indicating a plurality of positions of the antenna300. The plurality of positions of the antenna300are a plurality of positions based on the movement of the antenna300. The plurality of pieces of tag data are associated with the plurality of pieces of position data on the antenna300, respectively. Hereinafter, the plurality of pieces of tag data at the plurality of positions of the antenna300may be referred to as a “plurality of pieces of tag data”. Hereinafter, a mode in which the antenna300moves along the one direction will be described as an example, but the movement mode of the antenna300is not limited thereto. The movement mode of the antenna300may be various modes such as rotating and moving along a circumferential direction.

The plurality of positions of the antenna300may include positions at a regular interval from a position0corresponding to a home position to a position L. It is assumed that a range from the position0to the position L is a movement range of the antenna300that moves along the one direction. The movement range of the antenna300is an example of a movement range of the relative position of the antenna300with respect to the wireless tag600. The position0is an example of a first point. The position L is an example of a second point. A value of the regular interval can be set as appropriate. The position L can be set as appropriate. The demodulation unit110may detect, depending on the wireless tag600, the tag data for all of the positions at the regular interval from the position0to the position L. The demodulation unit110may not detect, depending on the wireless tag600, the tag data only at a part of the positions at the regular interval from the position0to the position L. The measurement data may be updated. A configuration example of the measurement data will be described later.

An example in which the storage device111stores the measurement data is described, but the configuration is not limited thereto. The RAM103may store the measurement data. In this case, the RAM103is an example of the storage unit.

The storage device111includes a training data storage region1112.

The training data storage region1112stores training data. The training data is data used for machine learning. The training data includes a plurality of training tag data sets on a plurality of training wireless tags. The training wireless tag is an example of a wireless tag implemented similarly to the wireless tag600.

The training tag data set is an example of a tag data set including a plurality of pieces of training tag data at a plurality of positions of an antenna. The plurality of positions of the antenna are each an example of a relative position of the antenna with respect to the training wireless tag. The training tag data is an example of tag data on the training wireless tag. The training tag data is detected based on a radio wave of the training wireless tag received by a reading apparatus via the antenna according to movement of the antenna moved by a drive apparatus along one direction. For example, the one direction is the horizontal direction. Moving the antenna is an example of moving the relative position of the antenna with respect to the training wireless tag. The training tag data includes at least one of training phase data, training Doppler frequency data, and training RSSI data. The training tag data set includes a plurality of pieces of position data on the antenna. The plurality of pieces of position data on the antenna are data indicating a plurality of positions of the antenna. The plurality of positions of the antenna are a plurality of positions based on the movement of the antenna. The plurality of pieces of training tag data are associated with the plurality of pieces of position data on the antenna, respectively. A movement mode of the antenna is not limited to a mode in which the antenna moves along the one direction. The movement mode of the antenna may be various modes such as rotating and moving along a circumferential direction.

The training wireless tag may be a wireless tag in the first range, a wireless tag in the second range, or a wireless tag in the third range. The plurality of training tag data sets related to the plurality of training wireless tags are examples of a plurality of pieces of training tag data on a plurality of training wireless tags.

The reading apparatus may be the same reading apparatus as the reading apparatus100or may be a reading apparatus different from the reading apparatus100. The antenna may be the same antenna as the antenna300or may be an antenna different from the antenna300. The drive apparatus may be the same drive apparatus as the drive apparatus200or may be a drive apparatus different from the drive apparatus200.

The training data includes a plurality of pieces of ground truth data. The plurality of pieces of ground truth data are a plurality of pieces of data indicating a positional relationship of the plurality of training wireless tags with respect to the first range. The ground truth data is data indicating the positional relationship of the training wireless tag with respect to the first range for each training wireless tag. The positional relationship of the training wireless tag with respect to the first range is that the training wireless tag is within the first range, the training wireless tag is within the second range, or the training wireless tag is within the third range. The training wireless tag being within the first range includes that the training wireless tag is present within the first range. The training wireless tag being within the first range may include regarding the training wireless tag as being within the first range. The training wireless tag being within the second range includes that the training wireless tag is present within the second range. The training wireless tag being within the second range may include regarding the training wireless tag as being within the second range. The training wireless tag being within the third range includes that the training wireless tag is present within the third range. The training wireless tag being within the third range may include regarding the training wireless tag as being within the third range. The ground truth data for the training wireless tag within the first range is data indicating that the training wireless tag is within the first range. The ground truth data for the training wireless tag within the second range is data indicating that the training wireless tag is within the second range. The ground truth data for the training wireless tag within the third range is data indicating that the training wireless tag is within the third range. The ground truth data is data input by a user. The training data may be updated. The storage device111includes a trained model storage region1113.

The trained model storage region1113stores a trained model. The trained model is a model generated by the machine learning based on the training data. The expression “generation” includes not only a newly created mode but also an updated mode.

The trained model is used to determine the positional relationship of the wireless tag600with respect to the first range. The trained model outputs determination output data for each wireless tag600based on input of determination input data. The determination input data includes a plurality of pieces of tag data at a plurality of positions of the antenna300. The determination output data is data indicating the positional relationship of the wireless tag600with respect to the first range. For example, the determination output data is data indicating that the wireless tag600is within the first range, data indicating that the wireless tag600is within the second range, or data indicating that the wireless tag600is within the third range.

The bus112includes a control bus, an address bus, a data bus, and the like. The bus112transmits a signal to be exchanged between the units of the reading apparatus100.

The hardware configuration of the reading apparatus100is not limited to the above-described configuration. In the reading apparatus100, the above-described constituent elements may be appropriately omitted and changed, and a new constituent element may be added thereto.

Each unit implemented by the processor101will be described.

The processor101implements a movement control unit1011, a communication control unit1012, an acquisition unit1013, a determination processing unit1014, an output unit1015, and a model processing unit1016. Each unit implemented by the processor101can also be referred to as each function. Each unit implemented by the processor101may also be implemented by a control unit including the processor101, the ROM102, and the RAM103.

The movement control unit1011controls the movement of the antenna300along the one direction by controlling the drive apparatus200.

The communication control unit1012controls start and end of transmission of the radio wave from the antenna300.

The acquisition unit1013acquires the tag data for each wireless tag600based on the radio wave of the wireless tag600received by the antenna300.

The determination processing unit1014determines, based on a plurality of pieces of tag data on the wireless tag600, which range among the first range, the second range, and the third range the wireless tag600is within.

If the determination processing unit1014determines that the wireless tag600is within the first range or the second range, the output unit1015outputs a determination result to the terminal400. The determination result includes data indicating the positional relationship of the wireless tag600with respect to the first range determined by the determination processing unit1014. For example, the determination result includes data indicating that the wireless tag600is within the first range or data indicating that the wireless tag600is within the second range. The determination result is associated with the identification information of the wireless tag600determined to be within the first range or the second range.

If the determination processing unit1014determines that the wireless tag600is within the third range, the output unit1015outputs input request information to the terminal400. The input request information is information on the wireless tag600determined to be within the third range. The input request information is information on the wireless tag600for prompting the user to input which range of the first range and the second range the wireless tag600is within. The inputting which range of the first range and the second range the wireless tag600is within includes inputting which range of the first range and the second range the wireless tag600is to be treated as being within. The inputting which range of the first range and the second range the wireless tag600is within is an example of inputting a range including the wireless tag600. The input request information may include an instruction to display an input image to be described later. The input request information may include the identification information of the wireless tag600determined to be within the third range. The input request information may include image data of the input image.

The model processing unit1016generates the trained model.

FIG.3illustrates an example of a data structure of the measurement data.

The measurement data includes a tag data set for each wireless tag600. The tag data set includes a plurality of pieces of tag data at a plurality of positions of the antenna300. The tag data set includes tag data associated with a part or all of positions at a regular interval a between the position0and the position L. The tag data set may include tag data associated with each position different from the positions at the regular interval a between the position0and the position L.

The tag data set may include a plurality of pieces of phase data at a plurality of positions of the antenna300. A phase value changes as the position of the antenna300changes. This is because a distance between the antenna300and the wireless tag600changes as the antenna300moves. Since the phase value depends on the distance between the antenna300and the wireless tag600, distribution of the plurality of pieces of phase data differs depending on a position of the wireless tag600.

The tag data set may include a plurality of pieces of Doppler frequency data at a plurality of positions of the antenna300. A Doppler frequency value changes as the position of the antenna300changes. This is because the Doppler frequency value is different between a case where the antenna300approaches the wireless tag600and a case where the antenna300is away from the wireless tag600. Distribution of the plurality of pieces of Doppler frequency data differs depending on the position of the wireless tag600.

The tag data set may include a plurality of pieces of RSSI data at a plurality of positions of the antenna300. An RSSI value changes as the position of the antenna300changes. This is because the distance between the antenna300and the wireless tag600changes as the antenna300moves. Since the RSSI value depends on the distance between the antenna300and the wireless tag600, distribution of the plurality of pieces of RSSI data differs depending on the position of the wireless tag600.

The drive apparatus200will be described with reference toFIGS.4and5.

FIG.4illustrates a block diagram of an example of a configuration of the drive apparatus200.

The drive apparatus200includes a processor201, a ROM202, a RAM203, a connection interface204, a drive unit205, and a home position sensor206. The units provided in the drive apparatus200are connected by a bus208or the like.

The processor201corresponds to a central part of a computer that performs processing such as calculation and control necessary for an operation of the drive apparatus200. The processor201loads various programs stored in the ROM202or the like onto the RAM203. The programs are programs for causing the processor201to execute various processes. The processor201executes the programs loaded onto the RAM203to execute various processes. The processor201is a CPU, MPU, SOC, DSP, GPU, ASIC, PLD, FPGA, or the like. The processor201may also be a combination of a plurality of these described above. The processor201is an example of a processing circuit.

The ROM202corresponds to a main memory apparatus of the computer including the processor201as the center. The ROM202is a non-volatile memory used exclusively for reading data. The ROM202stores the above-described programs. The ROM202stores data or various setting values, and the like used when the processor201performs various processes.

The RAM203corresponds to a main memory apparatus of the computer including the processor201as the center. The RAM203is a memory used for reading and writing data. The RAM203is a work area for storing data used temporarily when the processor201performs various processes.

The connection interface204is an interface for the drive apparatus200to communicate with the reading apparatus100.

The drive unit205moves the antenna300. For example, the drive unit205is a stepping motor.

The home position sensor206is a sensor that detects whether the antenna300is at a start point. If the drive unit205moves the antenna300from the first point to the second point, the start point is the first point, and an end point is the second point. If the drive unit205moves the antenna300from the second point to the first point, the start point is the second point, and the end point is the first point.

The bus208includes a control bus, an address bus, a data bus, and the like. The bus208transmits a signal to be exchanged between the units of the drive apparatus200.

FIG.5illustrates a schematic diagram for explaining the drive apparatus200.

The drive apparatus200includes a rotation shaft211, a rail212, and a moving stage213.

As illustrated inFIG.5, the drive apparatus200and the antenna300are disposed below a counter table700. The counter table700is a table having a horizontal surface on which the articles500each attached with the wireless tag600are placed. The counter table700is an example of a placement portion. The counter table700may be provided in the communication system1or the communication apparatus10.

The rotation shaft211transmits a driving force of the drive unit205. Screw grooves are formed in the rotation shaft211and the rail212. The screw grooves are connected to face each other. Therefore, when the drive unit205rotationally drives, the rotation shaft211rotates and the rail212rotates.

The rail212extends along the one direction. The moving stage213on which the antenna300is placed is attached to the rail212.

The moving stage213includes a ball screw nut and moves in the one direction along the rail212when the rail212is rotated by the ball screw nut. That is, the moving stage213moves in the horizontal direction along an x-axis illustrated inFIG.5. The moving stage213reciprocates along the one direction according to a rotation direction of the rail212. Thus, the drive apparatus200reciprocates the antenna300in the one horizontal direction along the x-axis along the rail212.

The hardware configuration of the drive apparatus200is not limited to the above-described configuration. In the drive apparatus200, the above-described constituent elements may be appropriately omitted and changed, and a new constituent element may be added thereto. For example, the movement mode of the antenna300may be a mode in which the antenna300rotates and moves along the circumferential direction instead of the mode in which the antenna300moves along the one horizontal direction.

The first range, the second range, and the third range will be described.

FIG.6illustrates a schematic diagram for explaining a first range81, a second range82, and a third range83, and is a plan view of the counter table700as viewed from above. The horizontal surface of the counter table700is along an xy plane.

The first range81is a range set in a central portion of the horizontal surface of the counter table700. The second range82is a range set in an outer peripheral portion of the horizontal surface of the counter table700and outside the counter table700in the horizontal direction. The second range82surrounds the first range81.

Setting of the first range81and the second range82is not limited thereto. The first range81may be a range set in the central portion of the horizontal surface of the counter table700. The second range82may be a range set in the outer peripheral portion of the horizontal surface of the counter table700. The first range81may be a range set over the entire horizontal surface of the counter table700. The second range82may be a range set outside the counter table700in the horizontal direction.

The third range83surrounds the first range81on the horizontal surface of the counter table700. The third range83is a range between the first range81and the second range82in the horizontal direction on the horizontal surface of the counter table700.

FIG.7illustrates a schematic diagram for explaining the first range81, the second range82, and the third range83, and is a side view of the counter table700as viewed from a side.

The third range83surrounds the first range81on the counter table700. The third range83is a range between the first range81and the second range82in a vertical direction along a z-axis.

A positional relationship between the first range81and the movement range of the antenna300will be described.

FIG.8illustrates a schematic diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the first range81and the movement range of the antenna300.

As will be exemplified below, the first range81faces a part or all of the movement range of the antenna300. The horizontal direction along the x-axis is a moving direction of the antenna300. The moving direction of the antenna300is an example of a moving direction of the relative position of the antenna300with respect to the wireless tag600. The vertical direction along the z-axis is a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the antenna300. The movement range of the antenna300is between a first point xa and a second point xb along the x-axis. The first point xa is a position that does not face the first range81along the z-axis, which is a position outside one end of the first range81along the x-axis. The second point xb is a position that does not face the first range81along the z-axis, which is a position outside the other end of the first range81along the x-axis. The first range81faces a part of the movement range of the antenna300along the z-axis. One of the first point xa and the second point xb may be a position that does not face the first range81along the z-axis, and the other may be a position facing the first range81along the z-axis. In this case, the first range81faces a part of the movement range of the antenna300in the direction along the z-axis. The first point xa and the second point xb may both be positions facing the first range81along the z-axis. In this case, the first range81faces the entire movement range of the antenna300along the z-axis.

FIG.9illustrates a block diagram of an example of a configuration of the terminal400.

The terminal400includes a processor401, a ROM402, a RAM403, a connection interface404, a storage device405, an input device406, a display device407, and a sound output device408. The units provided in the terminal400are connected by a bus409or the like. A configuration of the processor401may be the same as the configuration of the processor101. A configuration of the ROM402may be the same as the configuration of the ROM102. A configuration of the RAM403may be the same as the configuration of the RAM103. The connection interface404is an interface for the terminal400to communicate with the reading apparatus100. A configuration of the storage device405may be the same as the configuration of the storage device111.

The input device406is a device that enables an instruction to be input based on a user operation. The input device406may include a pressable button. The input device406may include a touch panel integrated with the display device407.

The display device407is a device that can display various images. The display device407is, but is not limited to, a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display.

The sound output device408is a device that can output sound. The sound output device408is, but is not limited to, a speaker.

Operation Example

Processing in the communication system1will be described.

A processing procedure to be described below is merely an example, and each process may be changed if possible. Acts in the processing procedure described below can be omitted or replaced, or an act can be added thereto as appropriate according to embodiments.

A determination process performed by the processor101of the reading apparatus100will be described. The determination process is a process for the wireless tag600of determining the positional relationship of the wireless tag600with respect to the first range.

FIG.10illustrates a flowchart of an example of the determination process performed by the processor101of the reading apparatus100.

For example, one or more wireless tags600attached to one or more articles500required to be treated as processing targets in the communication system1are placed on the counter table700. The one or more articles500required to be treated as the processing targets may be directly placed on the counter table700or may be placed on the counter table700in a state of being put in a container. For example, the container is, but is not limited to, a basket. All of the one or more wireless tags600may be placed within the first range. At least one of the one or more wireless tags600may protrude from the first range and be placed within the third range. An article500that is not required to be treated as a processing target in the communication system1may be present in the second range.

The processor101of the reading apparatus100may start the determination process based on acquisition of a determination process start instruction input by the user through the terminal400.

Here, it is assumed that the start point is the first point, and the end point is the second point. Therefore, the drive unit205moves the antenna300from the first point to the second point in the one direction.

The movement control unit1011determines whether the antenna300is located at the start point (ACT 1). If the antenna300is not located at the start point (ACT 1, NO), the process transitions from ACT 1 to ACT 2. If the antenna300is located at the start point (ACT 1, YES), the process transitions from ACT 1 to ACT 3.

The movement control unit1011controls the antenna300to move to the start point (ACT 2). In ACT 2, for example, the movement control unit1011transmits, to the drive apparatus200, a move-to-start-point instruction. The move-to-start-point instruction is an instruction to move the antenna300to the start point. The processor201of the drive apparatus200receives, from the reading apparatus100, the move-to-start-point instruction. The processor201controls the drive unit205to move the antenna300to the start point based on the move-to-start-point instruction. The drive unit205moves the antenna300to the start point under control of the processor201.

The movement control unit1011controls the movement of the antenna300(ACT 3). In ACT 3, for example, the movement control unit1011controls the antenna300to move from the start point to the end point along the one direction. The movement control unit1011transmits, to the drive apparatus200, a move-to-end-point instruction. The move-to-end-point instruction is an instruction to move the antenna300from the start point to the end point. The processor201of the drive apparatus200receives, from the reading apparatus100, the move-to-end-point instruction. The processor201controls the drive unit205to move the antenna300from the start point to the end point in the one direction based on the move-to-end-point instruction. The drive unit205moves the antenna300from the start point to the end point in the one direction under control of the processor201.

The communication control unit1012controls start of radio wave transmission from the antenna300(ACT 4). In ACT 4, for example, the communication control unit1012controls the start of the radio wave transmission from the antenna300based on start of the movement of the antenna300from the start point. The communication control unit1012may control the start of the radio wave transmission from the antenna300based on a movement start notification from the drive apparatus200. The movement start notification may indicate that the movement of the antenna300starts from the start point. The antenna300starts radio wave transmission for reading the identification information stored in the wireless tag600.

The acquisition unit1013acquires tag data for each wireless tag600(ACT 5). In ACT 5, for example, the acquisition unit1013acquires the tag data detected by the demodulation unit110for each wireless tag600. If the acquisition unit1013acquires the tag data (ACT 5, YES), the process transitions from ACT 5 to ACT 6. If the acquisition unit1013does not acquire the tag data (ACT 5, NO), the process transitions from ACT 5 to ACT 7.

Based on the acquisition of the tag data, the acquisition unit1013stores the tag data as data constituting the measurement data in the measurement data storage region1111(ACT 6).

The communication control unit1012determines whether the movement of the antenna300ends (ACT 7). In ACT 7, for example, the communication control unit1012determines whether the movement of the antenna300from the start point to the end point ends. The communication control unit1012may determine that the movement of the antenna300ends based on a movement end notification from the drive apparatus200. The movement end notification may indicate that the movement of the antenna300ends since the end point is reached. If the movement of the antenna300ends (ACT 7, YES), the process transitions from ACT 7 to ACT 8. If the movement of the antenna300does not end (ACT 7, NO), the process transitions from ACT 7 to ACT 5.

The acquisition unit1013repeats the processes of ACT 5 and ACT 6 after the start of the movement of the antenna300at the start point until the movement is ended at the end point.

In ACT 5, the acquisition unit1013acquires, for each wireless tag600, a plurality of pieces of tag data detected by the demodulation unit110at a plurality of positions of the antenna300. For example, the acquisition unit1013can acquire, for each wireless tag600, a plurality of pieces of phase data, Doppler frequency data, or RSSI data detected by the demodulation unit110at the plurality of positions of the antenna300.

In ACT 6, for each wireless tag600, the acquisition unit1013stores, in the measurement data storage region1111, the plurality of pieces of tag data at the plurality of positions of the antenna300. For example, for each wireless tag600, the acquisition unit1013can store, in the measurement data storage region1111, the plurality of pieces of phase data, Doppler frequency data, or RSSI data at the plurality of positions of the antenna300.

The communication control unit1012controls end of the radio wave transmission from the antenna300(ACT 8). In ACT 8, for example, the communication control unit1012controls the end of the radio wave transmission from the antenna300based on the end of the movement of the antenna300. The end of the movement of the antenna300is the end of the movement of the antenna300from the start point to the end point along the one direction. The antenna300ends the radio wave transmission for reading the identification information stored in the wireless tag600.

The determination processing unit1014selects one determination target wireless tag (ACT 9). In ACT 9, for example, the determination processing unit1014selects, as the determination target wireless tag, one wireless tag600from one or more wireless tags600whose tag data set is stored in the measurement data storage region1111. The determination processing unit1014performs processes of ACT 10 to ACT 14 on the wireless tag600selected as the determination target wireless tag. The determination processing unit1014determines, by the processes of ACT 10 and ACT 11, the positional relationship of the wireless tag600with respect to the first range based on the plurality of pieces of tag data related to the wireless tag600selected as the determination target wireless tag. Here, the determination processing unit1014determines which range among the first range, the second range, and the third range the wireless tag600is within.

The determination processing unit1014inputs the determination input data to the trained model (ACT 10). In ACT 10, for example, the determination processing unit1014acquires, based on the measurement data stored in the measurement data storage region1111, the determination input data for the wireless tag600selected as the determination target wireless tag. The determination processing unit1014inputs the acquired determination input data to the trained model.

The determination processing unit1014acquires the determination output data output from the trained model based on the input of the determination input data to the trained model (ACT 11). The acquisition of the determination output data is an example of determining the positional relationship of the wireless tag600with respect to the first range based on the determination output data. The determination of the positional relationship of the wireless tag600with respect to the first range based on the determination output data is an example of determining the positional relationship of the wireless tag600with respect to the first range based on the plurality of pieces of tag data on the wireless tag600.

If the determination processing unit1014determines that the wireless tag600is within the first range or the second range (ACT 12, NO), the process transitions from ACT 12 to ACT 13. If the determination processing unit1014determines that the wireless tag600is within the third range (ACT 12, YES), the process transitions from ACT 12 to ACT 14.

The output unit1015outputs a determination result for the wireless tag600to the terminal400via the second connection interface105(ACT 13). The output unit1015outputs, to the terminal400via the second connection interface105, the identification information stored in the wireless tag600read by the reading apparatus100. The determination result is associated with the identification information.

The terminal400may change whether to treat the article500attached with the wireless tag600as a processing target according to the determination result for the wireless tag600. When the determination processing unit1014determines that the wireless tag600is within the first range, the terminal400treats the article500attached with the wireless tag600as the processing target. Treating the article500attached with the wireless tag600as the processing target includes treating the wireless tag600or the identification information stored in the wireless tag600as the processing target. When the determination processing unit1014determines that the wireless tag600is within the second range, the terminal400does not treat the article500attached with the wireless tag600as the processing target. Not treating the article500attached with the wireless tag600as the processing target includes not treating the wireless tag600or the identification information stored in the wireless tag600as the processing target.

The output unit1015outputs the input request information to the terminal400via the second connection interface105(ACT 14). The output unit1015outputs, to the terminal400via the second connection interface105, the identification information stored in the wireless tag600read by the reading apparatus100. The input request information is associated with the identification information.

The terminal400can display, based on the input request information, the input image to be described later on the display device407. The user can input that the wireless tag600is within the first range or the second range on the input image. Inputting that the wireless tag600is within the first range includes inputting that the wireless tag600is treated as being within the first range. Inputting that the wireless tag600is within the second range includes inputting that the wireless tag600is treated as being within the second range. The terminal400may change whether to treat the article500attached with the wireless tag600as the processing target based on the input by the user with respect to the wireless tag600determined to be within the third range by the determination processing unit1014. If the user inputs that the wireless tag600is within the first range, the terminal400treats the article500attached with the wireless tag600as the processing target. If the user inputs that the wireless tag600is within the second range, the terminal400does not treat the article500attached with the wireless tag600as the processing target.

When the reading apparatus100includes a display device, the output unit1015may not output the input request information to the terminal400. In this example, the output unit1015outputs the input request information to the display device in order to display the input image on the display device. The display device of the reading apparatus100displays the input image based on the input request information.

The determination processing unit1014determines whether all the wireless tags600are selected as the determination target wireless tag (ACT 15). In ACT 15, for example, the determination processing unit1014determines whether all the wireless tags600whose tag data set is stored in the measurement data storage region1111are selected.

If the determination processing unit1014selects all the wireless tags600as the determination target wireless tag (ACT 15, YES), the process ends. If the determination processing unit1014does not select all the wireless tags600as the determination target wireless tag (ACT 15, NO), the process transitions from ACT 15 to ACT 9.

Thus, the reading apparatus100does not determine that the wireless tag600attached to the article500required to be treated as the processing target in the communication system1is within the second range. The reading apparatus100does not determine that the wireless tag600attached to the article500, which is present in the second range and that is not required to be treated as the processing target in the communication system1, is within the first range. For example, the reading apparatus100can determine that the wireless tag600on an edge of the first range or the second range is within the third range instead of determining that the wireless tag600is within the first range or the second range.

A plurality of pieces of phase data on the wireless tag600corresponding to the position of the wireless tag600will be described.

FIG.11illustrates the position of the wireless tag600.

An area (A) is within the first range81. In the area (A), five wireless tags600are arranged at different positions along the x-axis. An area (B) is within the second range82. The area (B) faces the area (A) along the y-axis. In the area (B), five wireless tags600are arranged at different positions along the x-axis. An area (C) is within the second range82. The area (C) faces the area (A) along the x-axis. In the area (C), five wireless tags600are arranged at different positions along the x-axis.

FIG.12illustrates an example of a plurality of pieces of phase data on the five wireless tags600placed in the area (A) within the first range81.

A horizontal axis indicates the position of the antenna300along the x-axis. A vertical axis indicates a phase value. A graph indicates a plurality of phase values between the first point (0 mm) and the second point (600 mm) for each of the five wireless tags600. Focusing on any one wireless tag600among the five wireless tags600placed in the area (A), the phase value changes as the position of the antenna300changes. Focusing on any position, even though the antenna300is at the same position, the phase values on the five wireless tags600placed in the area (A) are different.

FIG.13illustrates an example of a plurality of pieces of phase data on the wireless tags600placed in the area (B) within the second range82.

A horizontal axis indicates the position of the antenna300along the x-axis. A vertical axis indicates the phase value. A graph indicates a plurality of phase values between the first point (0 mm) and the second point (600 mm) for each of the five wireless tags600. Focusing on any one wireless tag600among the five wireless tags600placed in the area (B), the phase value changes as the position of the antenna300changes. Focusing on any position, even though the antenna300is at the same position, the phase values on the five wireless tags600placed in the area (B) are different.

FIG.14illustrates another example of the plurality of pieces of phase data on the wireless tags600placed in the area (C) within the second range82.

A horizontal axis indicates the position of the antenna300along the x-axis. A vertical axis indicates the phase value. A graph indicates a plurality of phase values between the first point (0 mm) and the second point (600 mm) for each of the five wireless tags600. Focusing on any one wireless tag600among the five wireless tags600placed in the area (C), the phase value changes as the position of the antenna300changes. Focusing on any position, even though the antenna300is at the same position, the phase values on the five wireless tags600placed in the area (C) are different.

As illustrated inFIGS.12to14, distribution of the plurality of pieces of phase data on the wireless tags600differs within the first range81and within the second range82. The distribution of the plurality of pieces of phase data on the wireless tags600differs depending on the positions of the wireless tags600within the first range81. The distribution of the plurality of pieces of phase data on the wireless tags600differs depending on the positions of the wireless tags600within the second range82.

For example, the wireless tag600attached to the article500required to be treated as the processing target may protrude from the first range81to the third range83. Here, it is assumed that the wireless tag600protrudes from the first range81to the third range83along the y-axis. A distribution of a plurality of pieces of phase data on such a wireless tag600may be similar to the distribution in the second range82illustrated inFIG.13rather than the distribution in the first range81illustrated inFIG.12. When the determination processing unit1014determines that a range of the wireless tag600is within the first range81or the second range82, the determination processing unit1014may determine that the wireless tag600is within the second range82. In order to avoid such determination, the determination processing unit1014uses the third range83in addition to the first range81and the second range82. By determining that the wireless tag600is within the third range83, the determination processing unit1014can avoid erroneously determining that the wireless tag600is within the second range82.

An input image display process performed by the processor401of the terminal400will be described.

The input image display process is a process of displaying the input image on the display device407of the terminal400. The input image is an image for prompting the user to input that the wireless tag600is within the first range or the second range. The user can input that the wireless tag600is within the first range or the second range via the input device406.

FIG.15illustrates a flowchart of an example of the input image display process performed by the processor401of the terminal400.

The processor401acquires the input request information from the reading apparatus100via the connection interface404(ACT 21).

The processor401displays the input image on the display device407based on the input request information (ACT 22). In ACT 22, for example, based on the identification information associated with the input request information, the processor401acquires information on the article500attached with the wireless tag600from a server. The information on the article500is information specific to the article500. For example, the information specific to the article500includes, but is not limited to, information indicating a name of the article500. For each piece of identification information, the server may store the information on the article500associated with the identification information. The processor401displays, on the display device407, the input image including the acquired information on the article500in a recognizable manner.

The processor401detects input via the input device406based on a user operation (ACT 23). When there is no input via the input device406(ACT 23, NO), the processor401continues the process of ACT 23. When there is input via the input device406(ACT 23, YES), the process transitions from ACT 23 to ACT 24.

The processor401stores an input result in the storage device405(ACT 24). The input result includes data input by the user indicating that the wireless tag600is within the first range or the second range. The input result is associated with the identification information. The processor401may store the input result in the RAM403.

FIG.16illustrates an example of an input image IM displayed on the display device407of the terminal400.

The input image IM includes a message for prompting the user to input that the wireless tag600is within the first range or the second range. The message includes the name of the article500.

The input image IM includes a button BA for selecting that the article500is within the first range. The article500being within the first range is an example of the wireless tag600attached to the article500being within the first range. The button BA is an example of a key for inputting that the article500is within the first range.

The input image IM includes a button BB for selecting that the article500is within the second range. The article500being within the second range is an example of the wireless tag600attached to the article500being within the second range. The button BB is an example of a key for inputting that the article500is within the second range.

A trained model generation process performed by the processor101of the reading apparatus100will be described. The trained model generation process is a process of generating the trained model.

FIG.17illustrates a flowchart of an example of the trained model generation process performed by the processor101of the reading apparatus100.

The model processing unit1016may start the trained model generation process at any timing to newly create the trained model. The model processing unit1016may start the trained model generation process at any timing to update the trained model.

The model processing unit1016acquires the training data (ACT 31). In ACT 31, for example, the model processing unit1016acquires the training data from the training data storage region1112.

The model processing unit1016generates the trained model by machine learning based on the training data (ACT 32). In ACT 32, for example, the model processing unit1016learns the training data by machine learning. The model processing unit1016estimates a relationship between a plurality of pieces of training tag data on the training wireless tag at a plurality of positions of the antenna and the ground truth data indicating the positional relationship of the training wireless tag with respect to the first range. The model processing unit1016generates the trained model based on the estimation. The machine learning is, but is not limited to, a neural network.

A plurality of pieces of training phase data change according to a distance between the antenna and the training wireless tag. Distribution of the plurality of pieces of training phase data differs depending on a position of the training wireless tag. There is a certain correlation between the plurality of pieces of training phase data at the plurality of positions of the antenna and the position of the training wireless tag. A plurality of pieces of training Doppler frequency data between a case where the antenna approaches the training wireless tag and a case where the antenna is separated from the training wireless tag. Distribution of the plurality of pieces of training Doppler frequency data differs depending on the position of the training wireless tag. There is a certain correlation between the plurality of pieces of training Doppler frequency data at the plurality of positions of the antenna and the position of the training wireless tag. A plurality of pieces of training RSSI data change according to the distance between the antenna and the training wireless tag. Distribution of the plurality of pieces of training RSSI data differs depending on the position of the training wireless tag. There is a certain correlation between the plurality of pieces of training RSSI data at the plurality of positions of the antenna and the position of the training wireless tag. Thus, there is a certain correlation between the plurality of pieces of training tag data at the plurality of positions of the antenna and the position of the training wireless tag.

The model processing unit1016stores the generated trained model in the trained model storage region1113(ACT 33).

The generation of the trained model may be implemented by an apparatus other than the reading apparatus100.

Modifications

A modification of the communication system1will be described.

FIG.18illustrates a block diagram of the modification of the communication system1.

In this modification, the communication apparatus10includes an inference apparatus900. The inference apparatus900is an apparatus that can execute processing related to the trained model. The reading apparatus100includes a third connection interface for the reading apparatus100to communicate with the inference apparatus900.

FIG.19illustrates a block diagram of an example of a configuration of the inference apparatus900.

The inference apparatus900includes a processor901, a ROM902, a RAM903, a connection interface904, and a storage device905. The units provided in the inference apparatus900are connected by a bus906or the like. A configuration of the processor901may be the same as the configuration of the processor101. A configuration of the ROM902may be the same as the configuration of the ROM102. A configuration of the RAM903may be the same as the configuration of the RAM103. The connection interface904is an interface for the inference apparatus900to communicate with the reading apparatus100. A configuration of the storage device905may be the same as the configuration of the storage device111.

The storage device905stores the training data. The storage device905stores the trained model.

The processor901inputs the determination input data to the trained model for each wireless tag600. The processor901acquires the determination output data output from the trained model based on the input of the determination input data to the trained model for each wireless tag600. The processor901generates the trained model by machine learning based on the training data.

An operation example of the reading apparatus100and the inference apparatus900in the modification will be described. The determination processing unit1014of the reading apparatus100transmits, via the third connection interface to the inference apparatus900, the tag data set for each wireless tag600. The processor901of the inference apparatus900receives, via the connection interface904from the reading apparatus100, the tag data set for each wireless tag600. The processor901inputs the determination input data to the trained model based on the tag data set for each wireless tag600. The processor901acquires the determination output data output from the trained model based on the input of the determination input data to the trained model for each wireless tag600. The processor901transmits, via the third connection interface to the reading apparatus100, the determination output data for each wireless tag600. The determination processing unit1014of the reading apparatus100receives, via the third connection interface from the inference apparatus900, the determination output data for each wireless tag600. Receiving the determination output data is an example of acquiring the determination output data.

Effects

The communication apparatus10determines which range among the first range, the second range, and the third range between the first range and the second range the wireless tag600is within.

For example, the wireless tag600attached to the article500required to be treated as the processing target may protrude from the first range to the third range. The wireless tag600attached to the article500required to be treated as the processing target may be located on the edge of the first range. The wireless tag600attached to the article500that is not required to be treated as the processing target may be within the third range. The wireless tag600attached to the article500that is not required to be treated as the processing target may be located on the edge of the second range. If the communication apparatus10determines that the range of such a wireless tag600is the first range or the second range, the range of the wireless tag600may be erroneously determined. For the wireless tag600located at a location difficult to determine as being within the first range or the second range, the communication apparatus10can determine that the wireless tag600is within the third range. Accordingly, the communication apparatus10can avoid erroneously determining that the wireless tag600attached to the article500required to be treated as the processing target is within the second range. The communication apparatus10can avoid erroneously determining that the wireless tag600attached to the article500that is not required to be treated as the processing target is within the first range. Therefore, the communication apparatus10can improve the determination accuracy of the positional relationship of the wireless tag600with respect to the first range.

If it is determined that the wireless tag600is within the third range, the communication apparatus10outputs the input request information.

The communication apparatus10can prompt the user to input the range of the wireless tag600for the wireless tag600located at the location difficult to determine as being within the first range or the second range. Accordingly, the communication apparatus10can avoid erroneously determining that the range of the wireless tag600is within the first range or the second range.

The third range is a range between the first range and the second range in the horizontal direction.

For example, the wireless tag600attached to the article500required to be treated as the processing target may come out from a container and protrude from the first range to the third range in the horizontal direction. For the wireless tag600located at a location difficult to determine as being within the first range or the second range in the horizontal direction, the communication apparatus10can determine that the wireless tag600is within the third range. Accordingly, the communication apparatus10can avoid erroneously determining that the range of the wireless tag600is within the first range or the second range.

The third range is a range between the first range and the second range in the vertical direction.

For example, when the communication apparatus10is applied to a picking apparatus, the wireless tag600attached to the article500that is not required to be treated as the processing target may be located above the picking apparatus. In this case, the wireless tag600may be within the third range in the vertical direction. For the wireless tag600located at a location difficult to determine as being within the first range or the second range in the vertical direction, the communication apparatus10can determine that the wireless is within the third range. Accordingly, the tag600communication apparatus10can avoid erroneously determining that the range of the wireless tag600is within the first range or the second range.

The communication apparatus10determines, using the trained model, which range among the first range, the second range, and the third range the wireless tag600is within.

The communication apparatus10can improve the determination accuracy of the range of the wireless tag600by using the trained model.

Appendix

The embodiment can be expressed as follows.

(1) A communication apparatus including:a movement control unit configured to control movement of a relative position of an antenna with respect to a wireless tag;an acquisition unit configured to acquire, based on a radio wave of the wireless tag received by the antenna, a plurality of pieces of tag data on the wireless tag at a plurality of relative positions of the antenna; anda determination processing unit configured to determine, based on the plurality of pieces of tag data on the wireless tag, which range among a first range, a second range, and a third range between the first range and the second range the wireless tag is within.

(2) The communication apparatus according to (1), further including:an output unit configured to output, if the determination processing unit determines that the wireless tag is within the third range, information on the wireless tag for prompting a user to input which range of the first range and the second range the wireless tag is within.

(3) The communication apparatus according to (1) or (2), in which a moving direction of the relative position of the antenna is a horizontal direction, andthe third range is a range between the first range and the second range in the horizontal direction.

(4) The communication apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), in whicha moving direction of the relative position of the antenna is a horizontal direction, andthe third range is a range between the first range and the second range in a vertical direction.

(5) The communication apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4), in which the determination processing unit determines, based on data output from a trained model based on input of the plurality of pieces of tag data on the wireless tag to the trained model, which range among the first range, the second range, and the third range the wireless tag is within.

(6) A communication method including:controlling movement of a relative position of an antenna with respect to a wireless tag;acquiring, based on a radio wave of the wireless tag received by the antenna, a plurality of pieces of tag data on the wireless tag at a plurality of relative positions of the antenna; and determining, based on the plurality of pieces of tag data on the wireless tag, which range among a first range, a second range, and a third range between the first range and the second range the wireless tag is within.

Other Embodiments

In the above-described embodiment, the communication apparatus10uses the trained model, but is not limited thereto. The communication apparatus10may determine the positional relationship of the wireless tag600with respect to the first range without using the trained model. For example, the communication apparatus10may determine the positional relationship of the wireless tag600with respect to the first range based on a comparison between a threshold value and a difference between a plurality of pieces of tag data on the wireless tag600.

In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the drive apparatus200moves the antenna300is described, but the configuration is not limited thereto. The position of the antenna300may be fixed, and the drive apparatus200may be an apparatus that moves the wireless tag600. In this example, the drive apparatus200may move a stage on which the wireless tag600is placed. The stage on which the wireless tag600is placed is not limited to a stage that moves in one direction. The stage on which the wireless tag600is placed may be a stage having various moving modes such as a rotating stage. Moving the wireless tag600is an example of moving the relative position of the antenna300with respect to the wireless tag600. The position of the antenna300is an example of the relative position of the antenna300with respect to the wireless tag600. The drive apparatus200may be an apparatus that moves both the antenna300and the wireless tag600. Moving both the antenna300and the wireless tag600is an example of moving the relative position of the antenna300with respect to the wireless tag600. The position of the antenna300is an example of the relative position of the antenna300with respect to the wireless tag600.

The communication apparatus may be implemented by a plurality of apparatuses as described in the above example or may be implemented by a single apparatus in which functions of a plurality of apparatuses are integrated. The reading apparatus, the drive apparatus, the antenna, and a measurement device may be implemented by a single apparatus in which functions are integrated. The reading apparatus may be implemented by a plurality of apparatuses with distributed functions.

The above-described embodiment may be applied to not only an apparatus but also a method executed by an apparatus. The above-described embodiment may be applied to a program enabling a computer of an apparatus to execute each function. The above-described embodiment may be applied to a recording medium that stores the program.

The program may be transferred in a state of being stored in an apparatus or may be transferred in a state of not being stored in the apparatus. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network or may be transferred in a state of being recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The recording medium is a computer-readable medium. A form of the recording medium is not limited as long as the recording medium is a medium that can store the program and can be read by a computer, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card.

Although some embodiments of the disclosure have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the disclosure. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the disclosure, as well as in those recited in the claims and an equivalent scope thereof.