WO2009082048A1

WO2009082048A1 - Generator of rfid tag

Info

Publication number: WO2009082048A1
Application number: PCT/KR2007/006905
Authority: WO
Inventors: Heung Seok Chea
Original assignee: Language & Interface Soft Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2007-12-21
Filing date: 2007-12-27
Publication date: 2009-07-02
Also published as: KR100913214B1; KR20090067768A

Abstract

Provided is a RFID tag generator. The RFID tag generator includes a tag information memory and a controller. The tag information memory stores RFID tag information corresponding to identification codes which are assigned to contents information outputted from an external information output device. The controller receives an identification code of corresponding contents information from the information output device, reads RFID tag information corresponding to the identification code from the tag information memory, and transmits the read RFID tag information to the terminal when receiving an information request signal for one of contents information outputted from the information output device in an image or a sound. The terminal accesses a corresponding contents server using the RFID tag information and receives the contents information from the corresponding contents server.

Description

Description GENERATOR OF RFID TAG

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates a generator of a RFID tag and, more particularly, to a

RFID tag generator for enabling a user to receive information about contents or to purchase contents through accessing a contents server thereof using RFID tag information by immediately transmitting the RFID tag information related to contents, which is outputted in images or sounds from a predetermined information output device, to a user terminal according to a request of a user. Background Art

[2] In general, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag includes diverse information about a product or an object and is attached to the product or the object, like a bar code. A RFID reader reads the information included in the RFID tag. The RFID tag and the RFID reader are generally used to identify or to collect information about products.

[3] The RFID tag has been widely used for developing many inventory control systems, library management systems, and calculators cooperating with a point of sale (POS) system.

[4] Conventionally, a RFID tag was used to allow a user to purchase a product as follows. A RFID tag was internally disposed in a poster with information of a predetermined product printed thereon. A user read the information using a terminal such as mobile phone, accessed an Internet server, and purchased a corresponding product.

[5] Since each of objects must include a RFID tag s described above, an installation cost thereof increased. If a RFID tag was lost, a new RFID tag must be re-attached thereto. That is, it was not easy to maintain. Also, a user must have a terminal that includes an additional reader for reading the information from the RFID tag. Furthermore, a user was only available to use the information thereof at a predetermined location and an assigned time where and when a related RFID tag is provided. That is, the user had a temporal and spatial limitation.

[6] Meanwhile, it was very inconvenient to collect information about a product, which is outputted on a screen of a typical kiosk or a television, as follows.

[7] For example, it was difficult to collect information about a desired product when related information displayed on a screen is changed to the other information while watching the display information about a desired produce. A user generally searched information about a desired product through the Internet only depending on a user's memorization. Therefore, a user frequently had difficulty to obtain the information and to purse the related product. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[8] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a RFID tag generator for enabling a user to use contents information or to purchase corresponding contents products through accessing a contents server using the RFID tag information at a terminal side by reading RFID tag information for contents information, which is currently outputted from a predetermined information output device, and transmitting the read RFID tag information to the terminal when an information request signal for contents information is received from the terminal such as a mobile phone. Technical Solution

[9] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is a RFID tag generator includes a tag information memory and a controller. The tag information memory stores RFID tag information corresponding to identification codes which are assigned to contents information outputted from an external information output device. The controller receives an identification code of corresponding contents information from the information output device, reads RFID tag information corresponding to the identification code from the tag information memory, and transmits the read RFID tag information to the terminal when receiving an information request signal for one of contents information outputted from the information output device in an image or a sound. The terminal accesses a corresponding contents server using the RFID tag information and receives the contents information from the corresponding contents server.

[10] The RFID tag generator may further include a control panel for receiving RFID tag information corresponding to contents information which will be outputted from the information output device, storing the received RFID tag information by the contents information at the tag information memory, and inquiring, modifying, and deleting the RFID tag information.

[11] The control panel may set a transmission frequency, a transmission interval, and transmission intensity of RFID tag information transmitted from the controller.

[12] The control panel may set an active state and an inactive state of the RFID tag information, and the controller may not send RFID tag information although the controller receives an information request signal for predetermined contents information from the terminal if the RFID tag information corresponding to the predetermined contents information is in an inactive state.

[13] The RFID tag generator may further include a statics unit for providing static data related to a history and a frequency of transmitting the RFID tag information. [14] The contents information outputted from the information output device may be one selected from subtitle information, sound information including a voice, and image information for advertisement or an object to advertise, or combination thereof.

[15] The controller may receive an information request signal for contents information outputted from the information output device, individually read a plurality of corresponding RFID tag information when the information output device outputs a plurality of contents information at the same time, and transmit a plurality of the read RFID tag information to the terminal at the same time. Advantageous Effects

[16] A RFID tag generator according to the present invention has following effects.

[17] Firstly, the RFID tag generator according to the present invention enables a user to use corresponding contents information and to purchase corresponding contents product through accessing a contents server through the Internet by reading RFID tag information corresponding contents information currently outputted from an information output device such as a kiosk and immediately transmitting the read information to a terminal.

[18] Secondly, the RFID tag generator according to the present invention allows a user to use and purchase information about corresponding contents only with the received RFID tag information at anytime and anywhere.

[19] Thirdly, the RFID tag generator according to the present invention enables receiving and storing RFID tag information corresponding contents information by contents information and inquiring, modifying, and deleting the input RFID tag information.

[20] Fourthly, the RFID tag generator according to the present invention enables smoothly receiving RFID tag information even in an environment having obstacles through setting a transmission frequency, a transmission interval, and transmission intensity of RFID tag information.

[21] Fifthly, the RFID tag generator according to the present invention enables learning consumer preference and marketability about a predetermined product and controlling a term of using contents information outputted on an information output device by providing statistic data about a transmission history and a transmission frequency of RFID tag information. Brief Description of the Drawings

[22] The above and other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[23] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a RFID tag generator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[24] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an application example of a RFID tag generator according to the present invention; and

[25] FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are diagrams illustrating a system having the RFID tag shown in

FIG. 1. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[26] Other objects and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, which is set forth hereinafter.

[27] The terms and words used in this specification and claims are not to be interpreted in common or literal meanings. Based on the principle that an inventor can adequately define the meaning of terms and words to best describe his/her own invention, they shall be interpreted in the meaning and context conforming to the spirit of the present invention.

[28] Accordingly, the embodiment presented in this description and the accompanying drawing is only an example of the most preferred embodiment of the present invention. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes and modifications can be made without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.

[29] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a RFID tag generator according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an application example of a RFID tag generator according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are diagrams illustrating a system having the RFID tag shown in FIG. 1.

[30] The present invention relates to a RFID tag generator 10 for enabling a user to receive contents information or to purchase contents products through accessing a contents server 30 thereof using RFID tag information by immediately transmitting the RFID tag information related to contents information, which is outputted in images or sounds from a predetermined information output device 10, to a user terminal 20 according to a request of a user when a user requests information about contents information outputted from the information output device 10 in an image or a source.

[31] That is, the RFID tag generator 100 enables a user to corresponding contents information anytime and anywhere using the RFID tag information transmitted to a terminal 10 rather than simply using the contents information outputted from the information output device 10. That is, a user does not have any spatial and temporal limitation unlike a conventional RFID tag attached to a product or an object to advertise.

[32] Hereinafter, a RFID tag generator 100 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 4.

[33] The RFID tag generator 100 according to the present embodiment includes a tag information memory 110 and a controller 120 as shown in FIG. 1.

[34] An external information output device 10 cooperated with the RFID tag generator

100 according to the present embodiment is a device outputting contents information in real time images and sounds, which is assigned with individual identification code that can be discriminated by contents information.

[35] The tag information memory 110 stores RFID tag information corresponding identification codes assigned to every of content information outputted from the information output device 10 by contents information.

[36] The information output device 10 may be any output devices that can output contents information, such as a kiosk, a television, or a radio which are installed at a public location shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

[37] That is, contents information outputted from the information output device 10 may be one selected from subtitle information displayed on a screen, audio information including a voice, advertisements, and video information about advertisement or image information, and combination thereof.

[38] For example, information outputted from kiosk equipment may be urban advertisement, administrational information, event information, traffic information, urgent information, and mobile shopping information, as shown in Fig. 3. Here, sound information may be also provided with the information.

[39] Such contents information may be information that is processed at a business model server 40 and inputted and stored in the information output device 10 as shown in FIG. 4. Or, the contents information may be information directly input through a control panel 130 by a manager. However, the contents information is not limited to be stored through the above described methods.

[40] When, the controller 120 receives an information request signal related to contents information while the information output device 10 outputs contents information in an image or in a sound, the controller 120 receives an identification code related to corresponding contents information from the information output device 10, reads RFID tag information corresponding to the identification code from the tag information memory 110, and transmits the read RFID tag information to the terminal 20.

[41] The controller 120 includes a receiver 121 for receiving an information request signal related to contents information from the terminal 20 and a transmitter 122 for transmitting the read RFID tag information to the terminal 20.

[42] The terminal 20 may be a portable phone, a personal digital assistant, and a notebook computer.

[43] In the present embodiment, the terminal 20 is enabled to receive desired contents information anywhere and anytime by accessing a corresponding contents server 30 only using RFID tag information.

[44] When a user fails to notice corresponding contents information or when a user needs to check details about contents information, the RFID tag generator according to the present embodiment enables a user to confirm desired information anytime. Therefore, the user can also purchase confirmed contents through online transaction.

[45] For example, the RFID tag generator according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4 when cosmetics advertisement is displayed on the display unit 11 of the information output device 10.

[46] At first, a user having the terminal 20 activates a predetermined key button to transmit an information request signal to the controller 120 for requesting information about cosmetics displayed on the information output device 10.

[47] The controller 120 receives an identification code of cosmetics contents, which are currently outputted from the information output device 10, from the information output device 10. Then, the controller 120 reads RFID tag information corresponding to the received identification code from the tag information memory 110 and transmits the read RFID tag information to the terminal 20.

[48] The terminal 20 displays the received RFID tag information in a message form. For example, the terminal 20 display that 'do you want to access Internet using tag information?' or 'push a call button if you want to receive tag number ##### or access a tag number #####'.

[49] When the terminal 20 receives a signal of a predetermined key button that denotes accessing agreement, an object

[50] directory service (ODS) server 50 informs the terminal 20 of a uniform resource location (URL) of a contents server having product information corresponding to RFID tag information. Therefore, the terminal 20 automatically accesses a WAP server 30 having a corresponding URL, which is the contents server 30, and enables a user to confirm detail information about cosmetic.

[51] After confirming the detail information through the contents server 30, a user can pay for a product using the terminal 20 to access a bank billing server 60 and the terminal 20 displays a message about ordering information as shown in Fig. 4.

[52] The controller 120 receives an information request signal for contents information currently outputted from the information output device 10 from the terminal 20. If the information output device 10 outputs a plurality of contents information at the same time, the controller 120 reads a plurality of RFID tag information corresponding to a plurality of contents information and transmits a plurality of RFID tag information to the terminal 20 at the same time.

[53] A user may select one of a plurality of contents information displayed on a screen at the same time through the terminal 20, inquiry the selected contents information, and purchase the selected contents information.

[54] For example, if four of advertisement information outputted on a current screen of the information output device 10, the controller 120 reads four RFID tag information and transmits the read RFID tag information to the terminal 20. Then, the terminal 20 displays the four RFID tag information together on a screen.

[55] That is, one or some of a plurality of contents information displayed on the screen at the same time may be a candidate contents information group that a user wants. In other words, a user selects one of four tag information displayed on the terminal 20 by operating an arrow key and accesses the contents server 30 through the terminal 20 so as to selectively receive contents information.

[56] If contents information output through a speaker 12 of the information output device 10 is a voice message for informing an emergency situation, for example, 'a XXX station is on fire. Please, move to a safe place¹, the controller 120 receives an identification code corresponding to a corresponding message from the information output device 10, reads RFID tag information corresponding to the corresponding identification code, and transmits the read RFID tag information to the terminal 20. Here, a user can access the contents server 30 that provides the detail information about the corresponding message using the RFID tag information through the terminal 20. Therefore, the user can effectively move to the safe place through inquiring information to the contents server 30 using the terminal 20.

[57] The information output device 10 may be a radio. When contents information output through the speaker 12 of the radio is information about product advertisement, an identification code about corresponding product advisement information is also transmitted with a radio frequency. Here, the controller 120 reads RFID tag information corresponding to the identification code from the memory 110 and transmits the read RFID tag information to the terminal 20, thereby enabling a user to inquiry information about products transmitted from a radio, and to purchase the corresponding products thereof.

[58] As described above, the controller 120 stores the RFID tag information for all contents information that will be displayed on the information output device 10. Also, the controller 120 can immediately read corresponding RFID tag information that a user wants when the controller 120 receives a request signal for contents information currently outputted from the information output device. Therefore, it is not necessary to directly assign or attach a RFID tag on contents itself, and a user is enabled to inquiry information about corresponding contents and to purchase corresponding contents at anywhere and anytime only using RFID tag information if a user can access the Internet using the terminal 20. [59] The RFID tag generator 100 according to the present embodiment includes the control panel 130. The control panel 130 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 as follows.

[60] The control panel 130 receives RFID tag information corresponding to contents information by contents information that will be outputted from the information output device 10 and stores the RFID tag information in the tag information memory 110. The control panel 130 can inquiry, modify, and delete the RFID tag information.

[61] The control panel 130 also transmits RFID tag information corresponding to a plurality of contents information together to the terminal 20 when a plurality of the contents information are displayed on one screen. The control panel 130 can change an order of transmitting a plurality of RFID tag signals. The order of transmitting a plurality of RFID tag signals relates to an order of displaying a plurality of RFID tag information displayed together on the terminal 20.

[62] The control panel 130 may include switches or buttons for transmitting control signals for operating, interrupting, and restarting the RFID tag generator 100. Beside the control panel 130, the RFID tag generator 100 may be interrupted or restarted by receiving control signals from an external control center through a wired/wireless link.

[63] It is possible to assign a right for controlling the RFID tag generator 100 to a predetermined user through the control panel 130. It may be archive through a user authentication procedure that requires a user to enter identification (ID) and a password.

[64] It is possible to set a transmission frequency, a transmission interval, and transmission intensity for transmitting RFID tag information through the control panel 130 in order to control the controller 120 to transmit the RFID tag information predetermined times at a predetermined interval with predetermined transmission intensity.

[65] For example, the RFID tag generator 100 may have difficulty to wirelessly transmit data if the RFID tag generator 100 is installed close to a peripheral device or a peripheral facility that causes electric wave interference or signal attenuation.

[66] If the controller 120 transmits RFID tag information to the terminal 20 just once in this environment, the terminal 20 may not receive the RFID tag information transmitted from the controller 120. Also, it may be necessary to increase transmission intensity of RFID tag information due to the signal attenuation. In order to overcome such obstacles, the RFID tag generator 100 according to the present embodiment allows a user to set the transmission frequency, the transmission interval, and the transmission intensity of the RFID tag information.

[67] A user is also allowed to set one of an active state and an inactive state of RFID tag information through the control panel 130. Here, the controller 120 does not transmit RFID tag information for predetermined contents information although the controller 120 receives an information request signal for the predetermined contents information from the terminal 20 if the RFID tag information thereof is set as the inactive state.

[68] For example, the information output device 10 may display predetermined contents information although the term of a contract for the predetermined contents information is expired or although the term of providing the predetermined contents information is expired at the contents server 30.

[69] In this case, a user can control the RFID tag information for predetermined contents information not to be transmitted by setting the corresponding RFID tag information as the inactive state through the control panel 130. The controller 120 may transmit a message to the terminal 20 in order to inform a user why the RFID tag information is not transmitted.

[70] Also, it is possible to reset the predetermined contents information from the inactive state to the active state through the control panel 130 when the expiration of the term for the predetermined contents information extends.

[71] The display unit 140 displays inputs received through the control panel 130 or a setting condition thereof in real time.

[72] A statistics unit 150 provides statistic data about a history or a transmission frequency of RFID tag information transmitted to the terminal 20.

[73] The static data provided from the statistics unit 150 can be used to analyze consumer preference and marketability of a predetermined product by studying a frequency of using related contents information. Also, a manufacturer may use the static data as basic data for producing a product. Furthermore, the static data may be used to control a term of using contents information outputted from the information output device 10.

[74] Meanwhile the RFID tag generator 100 may be disposed externally by being connected to the information output device 10 as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 or may be internally disposed in the information output device 10. That is, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that an installation location of the RFID tag generator 100 may be changed without departing the scope of the invention.

[75] As shown in FIG. 2, the RFID tag generator 100 according to the present embodiment can be used in various related systems. For example, the RFID tag generator 100 may be used for a kiosk shopping mall installed at public places such as subway stations, bus stops, and public offices. The RFID tag generator 100 may be used for an automated purchase system to connect wholesalers to retail dealers in a conventional market. The tag generator 100 may be also used to maximize effect of local advertisement, and for a special product shopping system for a special production locality.

[76] Since the RFID tag generator 100 is used for the kiosk shopping mall or the special product shopping mall identically to that described above, the detail descriptions thereof are omitted.

[77] The automated purchase system using the RFID tag generator 100 to connect wholesalers to retail dealers in a conventional market will be described hereinafter. For example, the information output device 10 displays products currently traded in a conventional market or prices thereof in real time. A retail dealer monitors information about prices of products in a wholesale market through the information displayed on the information output device 10. When a retail dealer selects one of products by comparing the prices displayed on the image output device 10, the retail dealer transmits an information request signal to the RFID tag generator 100 through a portable terminal 20, receives the RFID tag information thereof, and immediately purchases the selected products from a corresponding contents server 30 through online transaction. Also, wholesalers and retail dealers can be enabled to purchase products using a mobile RFID system in a conventional market after a kiosk with a display unit may be installed in a conventional market. Therefore, the RFID tag generator according to the present embodiment may be used to form reasonable price competitiveness and to induce fair trade in a wholesale market and a retail market, thereby building a unstable and safe image of a conventional market.

[78] In case of the local advertisement, the information output device 10 may display diverse information such as local examination information, local tourist attraction information, special product information, and guidance of the competent authorities. If a user wants to confirm about the displayed information in later or to learn detail about the displayed information, the user transmits an information request signal to the RFID tag generator 100 through a terminal 20, receives corresponding RFID tag information, and accesses the contents server 30 having desired information. Therefore, the user can have desired information anytime and anywhere using the RFID tag generator 10 according to the present embodiment.

[79] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

[1] A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag generator, comprising: a tag information memory for storing RFID tag information corresponding to identification codes which are assigned to contents information outputted from an external information output device; and a controller for receiving an identification code of corresponding contents information from the information output device, reading RFID tag information corresponding to the identification code from the tag information memory, and transmitting the read RFID tag information to the terminal when receiving an information request signal for one of contents information outputted from the information output device in an image or a sound, wherein the terminal accesses a corresponding contents server using the RFID tag information and receives the contents information from the corresponding contents server.

[2] The RFID tag generator of claim 1, further comprising a control panel for receiving RFID tag information corresponding to contents information which will be outputted from the information output device, storing the received RFID tag information by the contents information at the tag information memory, and inquiring, modifying, and deleting the RFID tag information.

[3] The RFID tag generator of claim 2, wherein the control panel sets a transmission frequency, a transmission interval, and transmission intensity of RFID tag information transmitted from the controller.

[4] The RFID tag generator of claim 2, wherein the control panel sets an active state and an inactive state of the RFID tag information and the controller does not send RFID tag information although the controller receives an information request signal for predetermined contents information from the terminal if the RFID tag information corresponding to the predetermined contents information is in an inactive state.

[5] The RFID tag generator of claim 1, further comprising a statics unit for providing static data related to a history and a frequency of transmitting the RFID tag information.

[6] The RFID tag generator of claim 1, wherein the contents information outputted from the information output device is one selected from subtitle information, sound information including a voice, and image information for advertisement or an object to advertise, or combination thereof.

[7] The RFID tag generator of claim 1, wherein the controller receives an information request signal for contents information outputted from the information output device, individually reads a plurality of corresponding RFID tag information when the information output device outputs a plurality of contents information at the same time, and transmits a plurality of the read RFID tag information to the terminal at the same time.