AU664338B2 - Wool bale labelling and inventory system - Google Patents

Description

-2 WOOL BALE LABELLING AND INVENTORY SYSTEM This invention relates to a wool bale labelling and inventory system.

When a sheep is shorn, its fleece is placed on a rack for inspection by a qualified wool classer. Upon making a determination as to the class of the wool, the wool classer will place the fleece or parts thereof in open wool bales containing wool of the same class. When each bale is full, it is pressed and sealed. Each bale is 0 labelled with bale number, wool type, farm name and o identification details of the wool classer. This 0000,. information is printed directly onto the bale with the use of stencils and ink rollers. The bales are then sent to a Socentral wool store. At the wool store, a core sample is ao taken from each bale and a photograph of the label on each bale taken which travels with the core sample. The core :00 sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis of characteristics such as fibre strength, length, thickness, colour etc. This information is then stored on a central o- 20 computer together with the corresponding labelling °s information of the bale from which the core sample is taken.

When a third party desires to purchase wool, it contacts the wool store specifying the characteristics and volume of wool sought. The wool store manager then accesses the computer to ascertain how many bales of wool with the desired characteristics are in storage. Once the identity of the bales required has been called up on the computer a search is made of the wool store to locate the bales required. A print-out of the characteristics of the wool in a particular bale together with its corresponding labelling information is produced which then travels with the wool bale.

This method of labelling of wool bales and the subsequent processing and handling of the wool bales has many disadvantages.

If an error is made (and detected) in the labelling of the bale, the bale must be re-branded. It is also apparent that the labelling on the wool bale when in the wool store is not complete in that it does not include the wool characteristics determined from core sampling, and that therefore printed documents which are subject to loss, damage, shuffling and misreading must accompany the bales in any subsequent movements.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a wool bale labelling and inventory system which attempts to streamline and simplify the handling of wool 0' bales.

~According to the present invention there is :o:::.provided a wool bale labelling and inventory system 15 comprising: a plurality of labels, each label including: a label memory for storing information pertaining to wool contained in a wool bale on to which said label is o .to be attached, label communication means to allow information to be stored in retrieved from said label -o memory; o first data processor means adapted for cooperation with said labels for processing of said a.o information, said data processing means including: d a t a S 25 entry means for the manual entry of data and data processing commands to said data processor means, a processor memory for storage of information and, processor communication means for transfer of the information between said label memory and said processor memory; wherein characterising information of wool contained in a particular bale determined at different times can be progressively stored in the label memory of a label for that particular bale by manual entry of said information via said data entry means to said processor memory and transferring said characterising information from said processor memory to said label memory by communication between said processor communication means n |i 4and said label communication means.

Preferably said label communication means and said processor communication means includes a label transceiver and a processor transceiver respectively, whereby, a wool bale containing wool of desired characteristics can be located by entering representations of said desired characteristics into said data processor means via said data entry means, said data processor means operating to correlate said desired characteristics with labels of bales containing wool having said desired characteristics and transmitting a locating signal in response to which only the labels of wool bales containing wool of said desired characteristics enable their respective transceivers to transmit a signal which can be tracked to locate said wool bales.

Preferably said label communication means and said processor communication means further include respective electrical contacts which can be placed in physical connection with each other to allow the transfer of information between said data processor means and said label, whereby, in use, as said bale is being filled with o wool, parts of said characterising information can be entered into said label by making a physical connection between said respective electrical contacts and entering ~25 said information via said data entry means.

Preferably each label contains a unique identification code stored in its corresponding label memory and which can be transferred between said labels and data processor means by the respective communication means of said label and said data processor means, and wherein said locating signal transmitted by said processor communication means contains the identification codes or representations of said codes of labels attached to the wool bales containing wool having said desired characteristics and wherein only said labels containing the codes transmitted in said locating signal enable their corresponding transceivers to transmit said signal allowing 5 location of said wool bales.

Preferably said data processor means is a first of first and second data processor means, said second data processor means located remotely from said first data processor means in a wool bale storage area; said second data processor means including a second data entry means for the manual entry of data and data processing commands; a second processor memory for storage of information; and, second processor communication means for transfer of information between said label memories and said second processor memory; and, wherein said system further includes a scanning means coupled to said second data processor means adapted for scanning the information contained in the label memory of each label of wool bales passing said scanning means; whereby, in use, information stored in said label memories can be scanned by said scanning means and stored in said second processor memory; and, wherein a sample of wool from a wool bale passing said scanning means together with a printed representation of at least the identification code of a label attached to that wool bale can be forwarded to an analysis centre for 25 analysing and determining further characteristics of said wool; and, wherein said further characteristics can be entered via said second data entry means into said second processor memory and then transferred to the label identified by that identification code for storage in that label's memory by communication between said second processor communication means and said label communication means.

Preferably said first and second data processor means further comprise respective security systems for preventing unauthorised transfer and processing of 6 information.

Preferably said security system comprises a key issued only to authorised users of said wool bale labelling system; wherein said first and second data processor means are adapted to receive and interrogate said key and to inhibit said information transfer and processing when interrogation of said key indicates that said user is an unauthorised user.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a label used in the wool bale labelling inventory system; and, Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a data S, 15 processor incorporating the system.

As shown in Figure i, the label 10 for the wool bale labelling and inventory system is conveniently formed 0.05 in the configuration of a card similar to conventional credit cards or a small pocket calculator. Embedded within the label 10 is an electronic microchip 12 which includes a o re-writeable memory such as a RAM 14, a central control o unit (CCU) 16, an input/output circuit 18 and a transceiver circuit 20. The CCU 16 controls the operation o:I of the microchip 12 and is connected directly to the memory 25 14 and the I/O circuit 18. The CCU 16 is further connected to a visual display panel 22 which conveniently takes the form of liquid crystal display, embedded in the label The transceiver circuit 20 is connected between the I/O circuit 18 and an antenna 24 contained or embedded in the label 10. Power to the microchip 12 is supplied by a battery 26 which can be permanently or replaceably carried by the label 10. Additionally or alternately, power can be supplied by use of a coil embedded in the label which can extract power from an electromagnetic field. Electrical power is distributed from the battery 26 to the memory 14, CCU 16, I/O circuit 18 and transceiver circuit 20 by voltage rails 28. Input/output lines 30 from the I/O 7circuit 18 are in electrical contact with corresponding conductors 32 embedded or otherwise carried in the label The conductors 32 are connected at an opposite end to a connector 34 having a plurality of electrical contacts which is adapted for coutpling with a data processor means in the form of a computer 40 shown in Figure 2. Two holes 36 are formed through the label 10 for receiving the legs of a staple (not shown) to allow fixing of the label directly or indirectly to an article or packaging containing an article.

Each label can include a unique identification code number stored in a secured part of the memory 14 or in a read only memory.

Information can be transferred to or from the r.r 15 memory 14 either by directly coupling the label 10 to a computer via connector 34 or remotely via antenna 24 and the transceiver circuit Labels of this type are sometimes referred to in the art as "smart cards" and their structure and operation is well known in the art and therefore is not discussed in greater detail. P- 4f a *A-art Rar&, may, oI I with some modification, sed in this system is described in Australian patent no in the name of Magellan Cc'rpzration.

Computer 40 is provided with a display 42 to allow the display of the information being transferred and a data entry means in the form of keyboard 44 for entering information for storage in the memory 14 and to facilitate the processing or manipulation of that information. The computer also of course has its own internal memory for storage of data and can be connected to printer 45 to provide a hard copy of that data in various forms.

The computer 40 is provided with a security system for preventing the unauthorised transfer and manipulation of information. The security system comprises a key typically in the form of a record carrying card 46 which conveniently is in the form of a bank or credit card i i I II I I 8 having a magnetic stripe 48 on one side for the carrying of information. The card 46 is issued by a body controlling the overall use of the system 38. Slot 50 is formed in computer 40 for receiving the card 46 and means (not shown) for interrogating the card 46 to determine its authenticity, and thus whether the user is an authorised user. The authenticity of the card 46 can be determined by comparing an identification number stored on the magnetic stripe 48 with a user knoTn code such as a PIN and/or card identification stored in the computer's memory. Standard encryption techniques may also be used in the storage and retrieval of information contained on the magnetic stripe 48 for added system security.

In order to enter information into the memory 14 S, 15 the card 10 is placed in a second slot 52 formed in the computer 40. Electrical contacts (not shown) are provided in slot 52 for coupling with the connector 34 when the card 10 is fully inserted into slot 52. A system user wishing to enter information must now place card 46 in slot 50 and enter the correct PIN. Once the computer 40 has determined 0r 4, 1that the user is an authorised user, information can be transferred between the card 10 and computer 40 and otherwise processed by use of the keyboard 44.

By connecting transceiver 54 to the computer information transfer and processing can be accomplished remotely without the need for physically inserting the label 10 into the slot 52 of computer 40. This can be of great advantage when wishing to read or amend the information contained in labels of wool bales held in bulk storage.

In the event that wool bales are transported to a remote warehouse a second (warehouse) computer (not shown) identical to computer 40 can be provided at the wErehouse together with a scanner (not shown) for scanning the labels of wool bales as they enter the warehouse. The scanner is connected to the warehouse computer to transfer into its memory the information, or at least the identification ,n

I

9 codes held in the label memories.

A iland-held computer for use in a warehouse is also envisaged provided with circuitry to allow determination of the location of a specific wool bale to which a label 10 is attached. This is achieved by the incorporation of standard positioning circuits d techniques for providing an audio-visual indication of the signal transmitted by a label transmitter 20. This can include proximity devices which operate en measuring signal strength. The hand held computer can also include a keyboard for entry of data or processing commands, electrical contacts to connect with connector 34 and a 4, display .cr displaying information held in label memory 14.

The label 10 can be directly fastened to a wool 15 bale by means of a staple (not shown) having its legs passing through holes 36. Alternately, the label 10 can be placed inside a pocket adhered to the bale. In a further alternative, the label 10 can be connected to a wool bale by means of a tether connected at one end to one or both of the holes 36 and at an opposite end to the article or its packaging.

The operation of the wool bale labelling and inventory system will now be described.

Each wool classer is provided with a key 46 S 25 issued by a central authority certifying the credentials of wool classers. The central authority can also issue a number of labels 10 to a particular wool farmer. The wool farmer is provided wltl a computer 40 to allow the classer to enter information regarding the wool contained in each bale in the label 10 to be attached to that bale. This is achieved by inserting both the card 46 and the label into respective slots 50 and 52 of computer 40. Upon verifying that the classer is an authorised user of the system, the classer will then be able to enter the relevant information into memory 14 of each label 10 via keyboard 44. Once a bale has been filled, pressed and sealed, label is attached by way of a staple having its legs passing ML 4 r 10 through holes 36 and the fabric of the bale.

If a core sample is taken and analysed at the shearing shed, a print-out obtained by printer 45 of the identification code of the label attached to the bale from which the sample is produced and travels with the core sample. Further characteristics of the wool as determined by core sampling can be stored in the label 14 of the bale from which the core sample was originally taken by entering those characteristics into computer 40 together with the ID code of the label via keyboard 44 and transmitting that information by transponder 54 to the label. In this way, the labels 10 of each bale stores all the characterising information regarding the wool contained in that bale.

This avoids the need to continually ship large numbers of printed documents everywhere the bales go in order to ascertain the characteristics of the wool contained in the bales. Also the need to photograph external markings on the bales is done away with.

pc dtIf the wool bales are transported a warehouse remote from the shearing shed in which the bales are packed, the information contained in each label is transferred into a second (warehouse) computer by passing the bales individually through a scanner. The scanner connected to the warehouse computer can read the 25 information held within a label and transfer that information into the warehouse computer memory. Typically, scanning and data transfer can occur immediately prior to, during, or immediately after, the customary weighing of bales as they enter a wool bale warehouse. This automatic and remote entry of data onto the warehouse computer represents a substantial saving in time and labour as the characterising information of the wool which would normally be printed on paper need not be entered physically via a keyboard into the computer memory. Data entry errors are also eliminated or at least reduced.

If core samples have not been taken at the shearing shed, it is necessary for the.- be taken when 11 the bales enter the warehouse. Core samples can be taken as information including identification codes from the labels is being stored into the computer. This will allow the warehouse computer to provide a print-out via print of the label ID to accompany the core sample during analysis. The characterising information derived following core sample analysis can then be remotely entered into the appropriate label 10 via the warehouse computer.

In order to locate a bale containing wool having a desired set of characteristics, the characteristics are fed into the warehouse computer which then displays the number of the bale or bales containing that wool. A locating signal can then be broadcast to all the labels of the bales held within the store by the transceiver 54 which in response thereto transmit a signal which can be tracked.

Each bale can then be located by use of a hand-held transceiver/computer provided with the circuitry for measuring and providing an audio visual indication of the strength of the locating signal. The greater strength of the locating signal received, the closer the hand-held transceiver/computer is to the bale containing the required wool. Upon receipt of a specific command sent by the transceiver/computer various information, such as bale 2 number can be displayed on display panel 22. Alternatively *o 25 the warehouse computer can provide a graphic display indicating where in the warehouse the bales with responding labels are located.

In a further variation of the operation of the system, when the wool bales are set to a warehouse and a core sample is taken of wool from each bale as it enters the warehouse, additional labels can be attached to the core sample which labels are programmed by the warehouse computer to contain at least the identification code of the label of the bale from which the core sample was taken.

Then, as analysis of the core sample is made, the results of the core sampling can be entered directly onto the label accompanying the core sample with a further computer having 12 similar capabilities of computer 40. When the core sample is returned with its corresponding label, the label information can then be read onto the warehouse computer either remotely via transceivers or by inserting the label into a label receiving slot in the warehouse computer.

Thereafter, the information obtained during core sampling can be transmitted to the label on the bale from which a core sample is taken by the transceiver of the warehouse computer. Alternately the further computer itself, depending on its location can remotely transfer core sampling information into the warehouse computer or the labels attached to the wool bales.

Now that an embodiment of the invention has been described in detail, it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts that numerous variations and modifications can be made without departing from the basic inventive concepts. For example, while the label 10 is shown to be in the form of a card, it can be made in any convenient shape or configuration. All such variations and modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention the nature of which is to be determined 44 4 from the above description and the following claims.

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Claims (8)

1. A wool bale labelling and inventory system comprising: a plurality of labels, each label including a label memory for storing information pertaining to wool contained i a wool bale on to which said label is to be attache, label communication means to allow information to be stored in retrieved from said label memory; first data processor means adapted for icooperation with said labels for processing of said information, said data processing means including: d a t a 4 entry means for the manual entry of data and data processing commands to said data processor means, a processor memory for storage of information and, processor communication means for transfer of the information between said label memory and said processor memory; wherein characterising information of wool contained in a particular bale determined at different 20 times can be progressively stored in the label memory of a label for that particular bale by manual entry of said information via said data entry means to said processor memory and transferring said characterising information from said processor memory to said label memory by communication between said processor communication means and said label communication means.

2. A wool bale labelling and inventory system according to claim i, wherein said label communication means and said processor communication means includes a label transceiver and a processor transceiver respectively, whereby, a wool bale containing wool of desired characteristics can be located by entering representations of said desired characteristics into said data processor means via said data entry means, said data processor means operating to correlate said desired characteristics with 14 labels of bales containing wool having said desired characteristics and transmitting a locating signal in response to which only the labels of wool bales containing wool of said esired characteristics enable their respective transceivers to transmit a signal which can be tracked to locate said wool bales.

3. A wool bale labelling and inventory system according to claim 2, wherein each label contains a unique identification code stored in its corresponding label memory and which can be transferred between said labels and data processor means by the re.'pective communication means of said label and said data processor means, and wherein said locating signal transmitted by said processor communication means contains the identification codes or representations of said codes of labels attached to the wool bales containing wool having said desired o:1 characteristics and wherein only said labels containing the codes transmitted in said locating signal enable their corresponding transceivers to transmit said signal allowing location of said wool bales.

4. A wool bale labelling and inventory system according to claim 3, wherein said label communication Sameans and said processor communication means further include respective electrical contacts which can be placed in physical connection with each other to allow the transfer of information between said data processor means and said label, whereby, in use, as said bale is being filled with wool, parts of said characterising information can be entered into said label by making a physical connection between said respective electrical contacts and entering said information via said data entry means.

A wool labelling and inventory system according to claim 4, wherein said data processor means is a first of first and second data processor means, said '$11V 0 15 second data processor means located remotely from said first data processor means in a wool bale storage area; said second data processor means including a second data entry means for the manual entry of data and data processing commands; a second processor memory for storage of information; and, second processor communication means for transfer of information between said label memories and said second processor memory; and, wherein said system further includes a scanning means coupled to said second data processor means adapted for scanning the information contained in the label memory of each label of wool bales passing said scanning means; whereby, in use, information stored in said label memories can be scanned by said scanning means and stored in said second processor memory; and, wherein a sample of wool from a wool bale passing I'S' said scanning means together with a printed representation of at least the identification code of a label attached to that wool bale can be forwarded to an analysis centre for analysing and determining further characteristics of said wool; and, wherein said further characteristics can be *554 0 25 entered via said second data entry means into said second processor memory and then transferred to the label identified by that identification code for storage in that label's memory by communication between said second processor communication means and said label communication means. 6

6. A wool labelling and inventory system according to claim 5, wherein said first and second data processor means further comprise respective security systems for preventing unauthorised transfer and processing of information.

7. A wool labelling and inventory system p I, 16 according to claim 6, wherein said security system comprises a key issued only to authorised users of said wool bale labelling system; wherein said first and second data processor means are adapted to receive and interrogate said key and to inhibit said information transfer and processing when interrogation of said key indicates that said user is an unauthorised user.

8. A woolf labelling and inventory system substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. I 4 tt t I K. -I 17 ABSTRACT A wool labelling and inventory system utilises a plurality of labels 10 in which all of the information pertaining to the wool contained within a particular wool bale can be stored. Embedded within each label 10 is an electronic microchip 12 which includes a RAM 14, a central control unit (CCU) 16, an input/output circuit 18 and a transceiver circuit 20. The CCU 16 controls the operation of the microchip 12 and is connected directly to memory 14 and I/O circuit 18. The CCU is further connected to a visual display panel 22 embedded in the label Transceiver circuit 20 is connected between the I/O circuit 18 and an antenna 24 embedded in the label 10. Power to the microchip 12 can be supplied by a battery 26 or inductively. The system includes a computer 40 for the transfer and processing of information stored within each *.iof the labels 10. Computer 40 is provided with a display keyboard 44 for entering information and processing instructions and slots 50 and 52 for receiving a key 46 and label 10 respectively. A transceiver 54 is also coupled to the computer S.By having possession of a key 46, an authorised o° person can enter information into the labels 10 pertaining to the characteristics of wool contained within a particular wool valve. When in storage, say in a warehouse, wool bales containing wool of desired characteristics can be located by entering those characteristics into the computer 40 which in turn controls transceiver 54 to transmit a locating signal which is responded to only by those labels on bales containing the wool having the desired characteristics. The responding signal from the labels 10 can be tracked in order to locate the wool bales required.