CONTAINER CASE

A container case that can restrain a drop in the accuracy of reading a wireless tag. According to one embodiment, a container case that contains an antenna radiating a radio wave for reading a wireless tag includes a plate-like component including a cavity, on a side where a reading area for the wireless tag is formed by the antenna.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-066449, filed on Apr. 14, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a container case.

BACKGROUND

According to the related art, a reading device that reads information stored in a wireless tag such as an RF (radio frequency) tag is known. The reading device also reads a wireless tag attached to an object placed on a placing stand. The placing stand is formed of a material with a relatively high dielectric constant such as wood or a resin-based material like an acrylic material.

The antennas of the reading device and the wireless tag are designed to have a dimension of ½ wavelength. The reading device and the wireless tag are designed to have the same resonance frequency.

However, if the wireless tag is arranged near an object with a high dielectric constant, wavelength shortening occurs in the wireless tag and the electric length of the signal becomes longer. That is, the resonance frequency of the wireless tag shifts to a lower frequency. Consequently, if the wireless tag is arranged at a position near the placing stand, the accuracy of reading the wireless tag by the reading device drops.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An embodiment described herein is to provide a container case that can restrain a drop in the accuracy of reading a wireless tag.

In general, according to one embodiment, a container case that contains an antenna radiating a radio wave for reading a wireless tag includes a plate-like component including a cavity, on a side where a reading area for the wireless tag is formed by the antenna.

An embodiment of the container case will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiment described below is one embodiment of the container case and should not limit the configuration and specifications or the like of the container case.

First Embodiment

FIG.1shows an example of a reading system1according to a first embodiment. The reading system1includes a reading unit10and a POS (point of sales) terminal20. The POS terminal20and the reading unit10are communicably connected to each other.

The POS terminal20causes the reading unit10to read a wireless tag such as an RF tag. For example, the POS terminal20causes the reading unit10to read a wireless tag and thus acquires merchandise information of a merchandise item with the wireless tag attached. The POS terminal20then executes merchandise registration to register a sales target merchandise item, based on the acquired merchandise information. The POS terminal20may executes not only reading of the wireless tag but also writing to the wireless tag.

The reading unit10is a reading device that reads a wireless tag placed thereon, under the control of the POS terminal20.

FIG.2is a front view showing an example of the external appearance of the reading unit10with a shopping basket2placed thereon. The reading unit10reads a wireless tag attached to a merchandise item put in the shopping basket2, under the control of the POS terminal20. The reading unit10reads not only the wireless tag attached to the merchandise item put in the shopping basket2but also a wireless tag attached to a merchandise item placed on the reading unit10.

To describe this more in detail, the reading unit10has a placing part11where the shopping basket2and a merchandise item are placed, and a first sidewall part12arranged on a side of the placing part11. The placing part11is a box-shaped pedestal. The placing part11has a first antenna141and a second antenna142inside.

The first sidewall part12is a sidewall arranged to a side of the placing part11. The first sidewall part12has substantially the same height as the shopping basket2placed on the placing part11. The first sidewall part12has a third antenna143inside.

In this embodiment, the lateral direction of the placing part11is defined as an X-axis direction. The longitudinal direction of the placing part11is defined as a Z-axis direction. The direction perpendicular to the placing part11is defined as a Y-axis direction.

FIG.3is a perspective view showing an example of the external appearance of the reading unit10. The reading unit10has a container case110that contains an antenna radiating a radio wave for reading a wireless tag. The container case110may contain not only the antenna but also other components such as an electronic circuit. The container case110has a first support plate131covering one surface of the placing part11, a first box111covering the other surfaces of the placing part11than the surface covered with the first support plate131, a second support plate132covering one surface of the first sidewall part12, and a second box121covering the other surfaces of the first sidewall part12than the surface covered with the second support plate132.

The first support plate131is arranged at the surface where the shopping basket2and a merchandise item are placed, of the placing part11. In other words, the first support plate131is arranged at the surface on the side where a reading area for a wireless tag is formed.

The second support plate132is arranged at the surface where the shopping basket2and a merchandise item are placed, of the first sidewall part12. In other words, the second support plate132is arranged at the surface on the side where a reading area for a wireless tag is formed.

The first support plate131and the second support plate132are plate-like components formed of the same material. Hereinafter, if the first support plate131and the second support plate132are not distinguished from each other, each of these support plates is referred to as a support plate130.

FIG.4is a perspective view showing an example of the external appearance of the reading unit10in a state where the first support plate131and the second support plate132are removed.FIG.5is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the reading unit10. The placing part11has the first antenna141and the second antenna142inside of the first support plate131. The first antenna141and the second antenna142are arrayed in the longitudinal direction of the placing part11, that is, in the Z-axis direction. The placing part11has the plate-like first support plate131including a cavity, on the side where a first reading area R1for a wireless tag is formed by the first antenna141and a second reading area R2for a wireless tag is formed by the second antenna142. The first sidewall part12has the third antenna143inside of the second support plate132. The first sidewall part12has the plate-like second support plate132including a cavity, on the side where a third reading area R3for a wireless tag is formed by the third antenna143.

The first antenna141radiates a radio wave in the Y-axis direction and toward the first support plate131and thus forms the first reading area R1. The second antenna142radiates a radio wave in the Y-axis direction and toward the first support plate131and thus forms the second reading area R2. The third antenna143radiates a radio wave in the Z-axis direction and toward the second support plate132and thus forms the third reading area R3.

The support plate130will now be described in detail.

FIG.6is a perspective view showing an example of the external appearance of the support plate130. The support plate130is formed of a material with a relatively low dielectric constant such as an acrylic resin or wood. The support plate130has a support part1301that supports an object such as a merchandise item with a wireless tag attached. An object such as a merchandise item with a wireless tag attached is placed on the support plate130, and the support part1301supporting the object forms a cavity. In the support plate130, the support part1301supports an object and thus forms a cavity that is not in contact with or is not close to a wireless tag.

It is known that the accuracy of reading a wireless tag does not drop if the wireless tag is arranged in the air. Therefore, a cavity is formed in the support plate130and thus restrains a drop in the accuracy of reading a wireless tag.

The support plate130has a plurality of cylindrically formed support parts1301. For example, the support part1301is a pillar formed in a hexagonal cylindrical shape. The support plate130is a plate in which the plurality of support parts1301, each being formed in a hexagonal cylindrical shape, are arranged without any gap. That is, the support plate130is a plate with a honeycomb structure. As the plurality of support parts1301are arranged next to each other, the support plate130is formed as a grid-like plate. The support part1301is not limited to the hexagonal shape and may be other polygonal shapes than the hexagonal shape and may also be circular. While the support parts1301are arranged without any gap in the support plate130shown inFIG.6, a gap may be provided between the support parts1301. When the shopping basket2or a merchandise item is placed thereon, the support parts1301support the shopping basket2or the merchandise item.

FIG.7is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross section of the support plate130. The cross section shown inFIG.7is a cross section taken substantially at the center in the longitudinal direction of the support plate130. The support plate130is formed of the hexagonal cylindrical support parts1301and therefore has a number of cavities.

FIG.8shows an example of the support plate130with a wireless tag placed thereon. A first wireless tag31shown inFIG.8is arranged substantially parallel to the Z-axis direction. A second wireless tag32is arranged substantially parallel to the X-axis direction. When the first wireless tag31and the second wireless tag32are placed on the support plate130, the part of the first wireless tag31and the second wireless tag32that is in contact with or is close to the support plate130is smaller than when the first wireless tag31and the second wireless tag32are placed on a plate covered with an acrylic resin on an entire surface. Therefore, in the wireless tags, wavelength shortening is less likely to occur and the resonance frequency is less likely to shift. That is, a drop in the accuracy of reading the wireless tags by the reading unit10can be restrained.

As described above, the reading unit10according to the first embodiment has the container case110containing the first antenna141, the second antenna142, and the third antenna143radiating a radio wave for reading a wireless tag. The container case110has the support plate130having the hexagonal cylindrical support part1301, on the side where the first reading area R1, the second reading R2, and the third reading area R3are formed. The support plate130supports a wireless tag and arranges the wireless tag in the air. Thus, the wireless tag is spaced apart from the material with a high dielectric constant and therefore a drop in the accuracy of reading is restrained. The container case110can thus restrain a drop in the accuracy of reading the wireless tag.

Second Embodiment

FIG.9is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a support plate130aaccording to a second embodiment. The support plate130ashown inFIG.9has hexagonal cylindrical support parts1301arranged without any gap, and a sheet1302. The hexagonal cylindrical support parts1301arranged without any gap are covered with the sheet1302. That is, the entirety or a part of the surface of the support plate130ais covered with the sheet1302. For example, the sheet1302is bonded to the support plate130a.

For example, the sheet1302has a thickness of approximately 1 millimeter. The sheet1302is formed of a material with a relatively low dielectric constant. For example, the sheet1302may be formed of an acrylic resin, a cloth, or other materials.

The support part1301is formed in a hexagonal cylindrical shape. The sheet1302is bonded to the support plate130aand thus can close the cylindrical hole. Therefore, the sheet1302can prevent an object from entering the cylindrical hole. Also, the sheet1302can enhance the strength of the surface of the support plate130a.

As described above, the entirety or a part of the surface of the support plate130aaccording to the second embodiment is covered with the sheet1302. Therefore, in the support plate130a, an object can be prevented from entering the hole of the cylindrically formed support part1301. Also, the sheet1302can enhance the strength of the surface of the support plate130a.

Third Embodiment

FIG.10is a perspective view showing an example of a support plate130baccording to a third embodiment. The support plate130bhas a plurality of support parts1301b, each being formed in a plate-like shape. The plurality of support parts1301bare arrayed to form the support plate130b.

FIG.11is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross section of the support plate130b. The cross section shown inFIG.11is a cross section taken substantially at the center in the longitudinal direction of the support plate130b. The support plate130bis formed of the plate-like support parts1301band therefore has a number of cavities.

FIG.12shows an example of the support plate130bwith a wireless tag placed thereon. A first wireless tag31shown inFIG.12is arranged substantially parallel to the Z-axis direction. A second wireless tag32is arranged substantially parallel to the X-axis direction.

When the first wireless tag31is placed on the support plate130b, the part of the first wireless tag31that is in contact with or is close to the support plate130bis smaller than when the first wireless tag31is placed on a plate of an acrylic resin. Therefore, in the first wireless tag31, wavelength shortening is less likely to occur and the resonance frequency is less likely to shift. That is, a drop in the accuracy of reading the first wireless tag31by the reading unit10can be restrained.

Meanwhile, the second wireless tag32is in contact with the support part1301bsubstantially in its entirety. Therefore, in the second wireless tag32, wavelength shortening may occur and the accuracy of reading may drop. However, this occurs if the wireless tag and the support part1301bare arranged parallel to each other. That is, if the wireless tag and the support part1301bare not parallel to each other, only a part of the wireless tag is in contact with the support part1301b. In such a case, in the wireless tag, wavelength shortening is less likely to occur and the resonance frequency is less likely to shift. That is, a drop in the accuracy of reading the wireless tag by the reading unit10can be restrained.

Thus, the accuracy of reading by the reading unit10may drop if the wireless tag and the support part1301bare arranged parallel to each other. However, otherwise, a drop in the accuracy of reading the wireless tag can be restrained.

As described above, the support plate130baccording to the third embodiment has the plurality of plate-like support parts1301b. In this case, too, the support plate130bsupports a wireless tag and arranges the wireless tag in the air. Thus, the wireless tag is spaced apart from the material with a high dielectric constant and therefore a drop in the accuracy of reading is restrained. The container case110can thus restrain a drop in the accuracy of reading the wireless tag.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG.13is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a support plate130caccording to a fourth embodiment. The support plate130cshown inFIG.13has a plurality of plate-like support parts1301bthat are arrayed, and a sheet1302c. The plurality of plate-like support parts1301bthat are arrayed are covered with the sheet1302c. That is, the entirety or a part of the surface of the support plate130cis covered with the sheet1302c. For example, the sheet1302cis bonded to the support plate130c.

For example, the sheet1302chas a thickness of approximately 1 millimeter. The sheet1302cis formed of a material with a relatively low dielectric constant. For example, the sheet1302cmay be formed of an acrylic resin, a cloth, or other materials.

The support part1301bis formed in a plate-like shape. The sheet1302cis bonded to the support plate130cand thus can close the gap between the plates. Therefore, an object can be prevented from entering the gap between the support parts1301b. Also, the sheet1302ccan enhance the strength of the surface of the support plate130c.

As described above, the entirety or a part of the surface of the support plate130caccording to the fourth embodiment is covered with the sheet1302c. Therefore, in the support plate130c, an object can be prevented from entering the gap between the plate-like support parts1301bthat are arrayed. Also, the sheet1302ccan enhance the strength of the surface of the support plate130c.

Fifth Embodiment

FIG.14is a perspective view showing an example of a support plate130daccording to a fifth embodiment. The support plate130dhas a support part1301din the form of air bubbles. That is, the support plate130dhas a plurality of cavities formed by air bubbles. For example, the support plate130dhas the support part1301dof air bubbles formed by foaming, or the like. Specifically, the support plate130dis formed of a polystyrene foam, a urethane foam or the like. Alternatively, the support plate130dmay have the support part1301dof air bubbles formed by superimposing a vinyl, or the like. Specifically, the support plate130dmay be formed of an air cushion.

The support plate130dhas the plurality of cavities due to the support part1301dof air bubbles or the like. Therefore, if a wireless tag is supported by the support plate130d, wavelength shortening is less likely to occur and the resonance frequency is less likely to shift. That is, a drop in the accuracy of reading the wireless tag by the reading unit10can be restrained.

As described above, the support plate130daccording to the fifth embodiment has the plurality of cavities due to the support part1301dof air bubbles or the like. Thus, the amount of the material with a high dielectric constant arranged near a wireless tag is small and therefore a drop in the accuracy of reading is restrained. The container case110can thus restrain a drop in the accuracy of reading the wireless tag.

Sixth Embodiment

FIG.15is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a support plate130eaccording to a sixth embodiment. The support plate130eshown inFIG.15has a support part1301din the form of air bubbles and a sheet1302d. The entirety or a part of the surface of the support plate130eis covered with the sheet1302d. For example, the sheet1302dis bonded to the support plate130e.

For example, the sheet1302dhas a thickness of approximately 1 millimeter. The sheet1302dis formed of a material with a relatively low dielectric constant. For example, the sheet1302dmay be formed of an acrylic resin, a cloth, or other materials. The sheet1302dcan enhance the strength of the surface.

As described above, the entirety or a part of the surface of the support plate130eaccording to the sixth embodiment is covered with the sheet1302d. Therefore, in the support plate130e, an object can be prevented from entering the hole in the support part1301dformed of air bubbles. Also, the sheet1302dcan enhance the strength of the surface of the support plate130e.

Seventh Embodiment

FIG.16is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a reading unit10faccording to a seventh embodiment. The reading unit10fdoes not have the first sidewall part12of the reading unit10according to the first embodiment.

In other words, the reading unit10fhas a placing part11covered with a container case110f. The placing part11has a first antenna141and does not have a second antenna142. The placing part11has a first support plate131. The first antenna141forms a first reading area R1.

The support plate of the reading unit10fis not limited to the support plate130according to the first embodiment. The reading unit10fmay have the support plate130aaccording to the second embodiment, the support plate130baccording to the third embodiment, the support plate130caccording to the fourth embodiment, the support plate130daccording to the fifth embodiment, or the support plate130eaccording to the sixth embodiment.

As described above, the reading unit10faccording to the seventh embodiment does not the first sidewall part12. In this case, too, if the wireless tag is supported by the support plate130, wavelength shortening is less likely to occur and the resonance frequency is less likely to shift. That is, a drop in the accuracy of reading the wireless tag by the reading unit10fcan be restrained.

Eighth Embodiment

FIG.17is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a reading unit10gaccording to an eighth embodiment. The reading unit10ghas a placing part11and a first sidewall part12g.

The first sidewall part12gdoes not have the third antenna143according to the first embodiment. However, the first sidewall part12ghas a second support plate132. By having the second support plate132, the first sidewall part12gcan be restrained from coming into contact with or coming close to a wireless tag. Therefore, in the wireless tag, wavelength shortening is less likely to occur and the resonance frequency is less likely to shift. That is, a drop in the accuracy of reading the wireless tag by the reading unit10gcan be restrained.

The support plate of the reading unit10gis not limited to the support plate130according to the first embodiment. The reading unit10gmay have the support plate130aaccording to the second embodiment, the support plate130baccording to the third embodiment, the support plate130caccording to the fourth embodiment, the support plate130daccording to the fifth embodiment, or the support plate130eaccording to the sixth embodiment.

As described above, the reading unit10gaccording to the eighth embodiment does not have an antenna in the first sidewall part12g. In this case, too, if the wireless tag is supported by the support plate130, wavelength shortening is less likely to occur and the resonance frequency is less likely to shift. That is, a drop in the accuracy of reading the wireless tag by the reading unit10gcan be restrained.

Ninth Embodiment

FIG.18is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a reading unit10haccording to a ninth embodiment. The reading unit10hhas a placing part11, a first sidewall part12, and a second sidewall part13.

The second sidewall part13is provided on the other side of the placing part11from the first sidewall part12. The second sidewall part13has a third support plate133covering one surface of the second sidewall part13, and a third box151covering the other surfaces than the surface of the second sidewall part13covered with the third support plate133. The second sidewall part13has a fourth antenna144inside the space formed by the third support plate133and the third box151. The fourth antenna144radiates a radio wave in the Z-axis direction and toward the third support plate133and thus forms a fourth reading area R4.

To described this further in detail, the third support plate133is arranged facing the second support plate132. The third support plate133is a plate-like member formed of the same material as the first support plate131and the second support plate132. That is, the third support plate133may be the same as the support plate130according to the first embodiment, the support plate130aaccording to the second embodiment, the support plate130baccording to the third embodiment, the support plate130caccording to the fourth embodiment, the support plate130daccording to the fifth embodiment, or the support plate130eaccording to the sixth embodiment. Hereinafter, if the first support plate131, the second support plate132, and the third support plate133are not distinguished from each other, each of these support plates is referred to as the support plate130.

If the shopping basket2or a merchandise item is placed on the placing part11, the reading unit10hreads a wireless tag from the three directions of the placing part11, the first sidewall part12, and the second sidewall part13. Therefore, failure to read the wireless tag by the reading unit10hcan be restrained.

If the wireless tag is supported by the support plate130, wavelength shortening is less likely to occur and the resonance frequency is less likely to shift. That is, a drop in the accuracy of reading the wireless tag by the reading unit10hcan be restrained. The placing part11may be surrounded not only by the first sidewall part12and the second sidewall part13but also by even more sidewall parts.

As described above, the reading unit10haccording to the ninth embodiment has the placing part11, the first sidewall part12, and the second sidewall part13. In this case, too, if a wireless tag is supported by the support plate130, wavelength shortening is less likely to occur and the resonance frequency is less likely to shift. That is, a drop in the accuracy of reading the wireless tag by the reading unit10hcan be restrained.

While some embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, these embodiments are presented simply as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms and can include various omissions, replacements, and changes without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and also included in the scope of the claims and equivalents thereof.