Information System Business Division of Koatsu Gas Kogyo Co., Ltd. (President: Hiroyuki Takeuchi) has built up an integrated tool management system by RFID tags utilizing UHF (Ultra High Frequency) band, which is a system taking advantage of RFID tags to avoid loss of tools without setting of sights like reader. You can instantly recognize shortage of tools with alarm sounds only by means of reading once the RFID tags, which are attached to the tool boxes in the tools before work.

This system employs the cylinder management system technology utilizing RFID tags developed solely by the company. RFID tags are mounted on tools and reading is carried out with the PDA terminal for UHF band directly connected to the management software. You can make reading with the device put inside the tool box, which can save time substantially comparing with the visual recognition. Furthermore you can easily make out a tool list. The system also is applicable to the other management of various equipment and related fixtures like torches.

In addition, it was followed by another development of “File Output Boy” which is most-suited for use with small lot production. It collects data using handy terminals (UHF band of 920MHz, RFID output of 250mW made by Denso Wave) and supports up to the output of files to PC. Creation of an input screen is possible without programming.

It is characteristic that a handy data output screen is created by a PC application, data input and saving is done with the handy application. Therefore, the saved data can be transmitted to PC with CSV (Comma-Separated Values) file to enable an edition using Excel, etc. It is compatible to RFID tags and also to the barcodes of the first and second dimensions.

Koatsu Gas Kogyo is also developing a new product named “RFID Tag with Display Function” which merges electronic papers with RFID tags. A paperless system has been realized with a built-in high resolution display (2.7 inch electronic paper made by Elnk) onto the UHF-band RFID tags and a visualized logistics management.

The feature is that the input/output and display of data become possible in any phase like the production or inspection line because you can use the reader/writer for the UHF RFID tags including the stationary and handy type. As the electronic paper is loaded, any change of simple contents becomes possible and you can change the displayed contents of work instruction in the process control sheet, etc. Two types are available as product lineups, UHF band and NFC (short distance communication). The former type has built-in batteries, and latter type has both with batteries and no-batteries. The main specification of UHF2.7 inch type is as follows.
Display size 57.3mm x 38.2mm; Weight: 60g; Outer size: 134mm(W) x 56mm(H) x 12mm(T) ;
Readable distance: 25cm; Battery life: 5 years approximately
Mass production will start in February of next year.

Koatsu Gas Kogyo has been developing electronics information systems including LSI cards since 30 years ago. Its product as a contactless memory card has so far been sold substantially for such a system as parameter or maintenance of train cars as well as for supports to operators of JR trains or Shinkansen bullet train.

From now on, the company aims to expand business by system developments further suited to users with positive application of technologies like accurate time or position control through the introduction of traceability by individual recongnition, global navigation satellite system (GNSS) according to Hitoshi Tanaka, director of Information System Business Division.