BR102015012687A2 - material management method in a radio frequency identification system - Google Patents

Abstract

Patent specification: "Material management method in a radio frequency identification system". The present invention relates to a material management method in a radio frequency identification (RFID) system comprising at least one RFID tag (11) to be affixed to a container (10) containing a material; at least one rfid reader for at least one of reading and writing data from at least one rfid tag; and operating software (14) for communicating between at least one rfid tag (11) and at least one rfid reader, the rfid readers and tags for reading and writing data; The method comprises: writing security information through a security bit to the RFID tag (11); providing an RFID tag (11) suitable for the material to which it is attached and the environment to which it is subjected so as to prevent the RFID tag (11) from being damaged and tampered with; providing cryptographic security to information recorded on a chip contained in the rfid tag (11); determining the location of the material in at least one of a delimited area of a place of origin, a delimited area of the haul and a delimited area of a place of destination; and providing communication between the rfid system, a "cloud" information system and at least one additional information system (18) via a non-proprietary communication protocol.

Description

Report of the Invention Patent for "METHOD OF MANAGEMENT OF MATERIALS IN A RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM".

[001] The present invention relates to a method of waste and / or material management of any kind applicable in a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology system. The method provides the use of RFID readers and tags, as well as accessory devices such as a magnetic materials detector, cameras, sensors, scanners and GPS (Global Positioning System) locators or a counter flow of users in order to safely and efficiently manage and track such materials.

[002] In the present invention, the exchange of information between the RFID technology system and other existing information systems is provided through the use of a non-proprietary interoperability protocol.

Description of the State of the Art [003] An RFID technology system, or simply RFID system, basically comprises three elements: RFID tags, RFID readers, and an operational software program.

[004] RFID tags contain a built-in RFID technology chip capable of storing data, enabling tags to be recorded and rewritten thousands of times, including at a distance and without eye contact, via signals. modulated and coded electromagnetic signals from the readers.

[005] RFID readers operate as transceivers (transmit and receive conveniently modulated electromagnetic signals), reading and writing binary information from the chip on each of the RFID tags. In addition, they communicate by any means, wired or wireless (for example, via cable, electromagnetic transmission, light beam, etc.), through the use of computer programs (software) suitable to operate either in standalone mode, as integrated with other computer programs that are used in the management of information systems.

Thus, RFID readers are intended for a variety of applications such as anti-theft and authentication (anti-counterfeit) security, cryptographic security against alteration or tampering with information recorded on tags, inventory, identification, tracking, location, positioning, organization of shelves and shelves. In addition, RFID readers can be applied in the automation of various industrial methods related to various fields of application, such as methods related to banking, baggage and cargo handling and sorting of items or materials.

[007] These RFID readers, despite their name, should not be considered as mere data readers. In addition to reading information stored on the tag chip, RFID readers also write data to it. This recording is made according to criteria such as physical limitation of signal range, memory size and security of the chip against improper access by third parties.

[008] The operational software is responsible for the control of all components of this system and for the correct processing of the data inherent to it, acting through communication modules that employ specific protocols. In short, the operational software enables communication between readers and RFID tags for reading and writing data.

[009] RFID technology currently operates in a very wide frequency spectrum and can be subdivided into three (3) groups: Low Frequency RFID or Low Frequency (LF), with frequencies of the order of 130 KHz; High Frequency RFID or HF (“High Frequency”), with frequencies of the order of 13.56 MHz; and Ultra High Frequency RFID or Ultra High Frequency (UHF), with frequencies in the range 900 MHz to 2.45 GHz.

[0010] The present invention is not limited to any frequency range of RFID technology and can operate throughout the frequency spectrum covered by such technology, subject to the technical limitations of application and manufacture of its components.

In order to illustrate the scope of the present invention, albeit non-restrictively, it may be mentioned that the final mis-disposal of waste is among the major causes of negative environmental impacts in most parts of the world.

In Brazil, for example, it is well known that most of the leftovers and remains of production and post-consumption of products do not currently receive any sort of selective collection and segregation, being completely mixed and / or contaminated. mostly destined to open landfills (“dumps”). One of the main problems associated with waste management, specifically those classified as hazardous (toxic and / or hospital), is the absence of technologies that can assist in their traceability from generator exit points to transportation, disposal stages. and final disposition. The current traceability model is based on physical documents that can be tampered with and manipulated. In this way, it is common to find unlawfully and illegally disposed waste on vacant lots and in the open.

Overall, it is noted that there are several vulnerabilities in current hazardous waste management methods, in particular with regard to ensuring that waste is directed to its appropriate destination. Moreover, in several countries, including Brazil, the lack of proper waste management can lead to environmental crime. Thus, it is not enough for the hazardous waste generator to hire the transport company and identify the appropriate place for the treatment or disposal of the waste. The generator is also responsible for ensuring that the waste reaches its correct destination, otherwise it may be held liable under applicable law. Different technologies can be applied to aid the method of waste management and traceability, among them RFID technology, which is the basis of the present invention.

In the state of the art there are several works and studies regarding the management of waste and materials, proposing solutions with the application of RFID technology.

US 6,305,548 describes a discarded industrial product recycling system that may facilitate treatment and processing of discarded industrial products or articles, and which may simplify activities involving the accounting of parts and / or materials resulting from disposal. Said system includes a process for transferring industrial products disposed of by individual disposal agents (disposal sources) to a disposal center and a process for processing industrial products returned to the disposal center, wherein the information required for processing of each of the discarded industrial products are written on an electronic tag in the course of transferring the discarded industrial products to the disposal center of the individual disposers, and in which the electronic labels are sent to the disposal center in conjunction with the discarded industrial products. relevant - Electronic tags are used in combination or in collaboration with a reader / writer unit, where information is stored on the electronic tag via this unit.

[0016] The publication “Designing and Deploying RFID Applications” (ISBN: 978-953-307-265-4 of June 5, 2011) in its chapter 10 entitled “Application of RFID and Mobile Technology to Plaster Board Waste in the Construction Industry ”refers to the management of plasterboard waste in construction through the use of RFID and mobile technologies.

[0017] “RFID-based hazardous waste management platform”, published in “2012 International Workshop on Information and Electronics Engineering (IWIEE) - Procedia Engineering, Volume 29, pp. 4-8, 2012”, describes an intelligent hazardous waste management based on RFID technology, and the use of a hazardous waste information management platform, aided by GPS tracking and positioning of hazardous waste transportation, so that each section of waste generation collection, transport and disposal is precisely supervised and managed. In this way, the responsibilities and duties of the producer, collector, and transport handler are clear.

[0018] The document “Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in Tracking Hazardous Waste Across Domestic and International Borders” by authors Deborah Kopsick, Janet Bearden, Katrina Varner, and John Lyon, refers to early hazardous waste tracking to the final destination. According to the document, this is made difficult when the start (generator) is in one country and the final destination (the receiving location) is in another. Paper-based systems currently do not allow real-time confirmation of waste disposal. Thus, the need to provide management control more effectively is addressed. This is proposed using RFID technology, which can issue close real-time notification to official authorities regarding waste displacement.

The use of RFID technology in materials and / or waste management, however, presents some problems to which the present invention provides solutions.

Briefly, the present invention proposes the use of an open protocol for interoperability between systems. In order to ensure security against tampering with RFID tags used, it is also proposed to use a physical seal and an e-seal together. Furthermore, the present invention provides security solutions related to the writing of data on labels (authentication and encryption).

These features are not described in any of the above documents and serve, as shown below, to solve a plurality of problems encountered in presently existing solutions.

[0022] The first problem encountered in state of the art solutions concerns the aspect of anti-theft and authentication (anti-counterfeiting) security of waste and / or materials having an RFID tag applied to it. RFID technology tags, as well as hybrid or combined tags that employ electromagnetic (EM) technology in conjunction with RFID technology, are likely to have their security disabled or circumvented by malicious third parties. For example, an RFID tag may have its security compromised by the mere proximity of metallic materials. Already a combined tag (RFID and EM), its security can be circumvented by both the proximity of metallic materials (RFID reading scam) and the proximity of magnetic materials (EM reading scam). Additionally, there is the fact that security can be lost by simply removing the label.

A second security problem involves the absence of an encryption solution designed to protect the information stored on an RFID tag. This limitation makes several of the solutions found in the prior art vulnerable, that is, subject to malicious third parties who, having a suitable RFID reader, may alter or tamper with the information stored on the RFID tag, thereby compromising the security of the process to which intended and the operability of the system as a whole.

[0024] The determination of the positioning of a waste and / or material which is applied to it by an RFID tag is carried out by means of RFID readers or identification devices with the most varied dispositions. The fact that this localization process usually depends on a human operator handling such devices implies a third problem. In a very large stock or inventory, it takes a lot of time and effort to locate a specific material or item, whether misplaced or misplaced. Moreover, in the case of incorrectly positioned items, there is still the work of repositioning it in the correct place.

The fourth problem that the present invention proposes to solve concerns the necessity to make available to the qualified users the information collected by the RFID readers in a free, fast and secure way.

Existing solutions do not foresee the use of a non-proprietary data format for recording and reading RFID tags, nor a non-proprietary data communication protocol that provides interoperability with other systems. to which RFID technology systems must necessarily be integrated. This gap represents a possibility of restricting the free access to information and the consequent lack of integration with any information system employed by the user. Thus, there is an incentive to implement data communication based on a proprietary data model and communication protocol.

Given this scenario, it is necessary to establish mutual adherence agreements around a communication model. This process of adapting the information system may require a great deal of collaborative effort and often make deployment impossible.

[0028] The present invention proposes a solution to increase control and eliminate possible fraud in the traceability of hazardous solid wastes in order to avoid disposal in inappropriate places. To this end, it is suggested that data communication between the software that reads and writes data in RFID artifacts and the information system related to waste and material management should be done through an open protocol, not owner.

Objectives of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of managing materials of any kind through the use of an RFID technology system, and the application of a non-proprietary communication protocol to provide interoperability with other systems. information.

The proposed method is intended to overcome the problems presently present in the prior art described above. Brief Description of the Invention The objects of the invention are achieved by a material management method in a radio frequency identification (RFID) system, wherein said RFID system comprises: at least one RFID tag for be fixed in a container containing a material; at least one RFID reader for at least one of reading and writing data to at least one RFID tag; and operational software for providing communication between at least one RFID tag and at least one RFID reader for reading and writing data; the method comprising the steps of: (a) determining material related information, storing the material in a container, and recording said information on an RFID tag properly affixed to said container; (b) record, in a control document stored in an information system located in the cloud, the status data of said material; (c) transport the material along a route between a place of origin and a place of destination; (d) update said control document with receipt information and current material status data; (e) write security information via a security bit to the RFID tag; (f) providing an RFID tag suitable for the material to which it is attached and the environment to which it is subjected, so as to prevent said RFID tag from being damaged and tampered with; (g) provide cryptographic security to information recorded on the chip contained in the RFID tag; (h) determine the location of the material in at least one of a delimited area of the place of origin, a delimited area of the transport route and a delimited area of the place of destination; and (i) providing communication between the RFID system, the cloud information system and at least one additional information system via a non-proprietary communication protocol.

It is important to note that the steps of determining, wrapping and recording are performed at the place of origin of the material; The registration step is performed at the exit of the material from its place of origin; and the upgrade step is performed upon arrival of the material at its destination.

In addition, in a preferred embodiment, status data is one of: information indicating that the material is being transported; an information indicating that there is a divergence in the receipt of the material; an indication that delivery of the material is pending; and an information indicating that the material was delivered to the destination.

It is further noted that preferably the receiving information comprises at least one information from: material weight measurement data; reading data of the RFID tag affixed to said container; date and time data of arrival of the material to its destination; and geographic coordinate data for the destination location.

Additionally, the security bit may be physically available on the chip data recording map contained in the RFID tag.

[0036] The method for managing materials in a radio frequency identification (RFID) system may further comprise the step of virtually creating the security bit through specific software.

[0037] The method for managing materials in a radio frequency identification (RFID) system may further comprise the step of triggering an alarm due to the security bit reading by an RFID reader.

In a preferred embodiment, the material management method further comprises triggering at least one of a security device and an automation device due to reading the security bit by means of an RFID reader.

Furthermore, the method may further comprise securing the RFID tag on the container through a physical seal, the step of securing the RFID tag on the container being implemented by an electronic seal.

It is further noted that the RFID system may further comprise at least one ΕΜ-RFID hybrid tag and at least one ΕΜ-RFID hybrid reader using electromagnetic (EM) technology in conjunction with RFID technology. In addition, the RFID system may further comprise at least one of an RFID tag and EM tag presence checking device, a magnetic materials detector, a metal detector, and an uranium and material flow counter.

Further, material location determination can be accomplished by arranging an array of RFID readers to delimit a monitoring area in at least one of the material's source and destination locations. In this sense, the location of the material can be determined by triangulating the electromagnetic signals from the RFID readers arranged in the array.

It is further noted that cryptographic security may be provided to information recorded on the chip contained in the RFID tag by commands from at least one RFID reader.

[0043] It is further emphasized that the level of cryptographic security provided to information recorded on the chip contained in the RFID tag (11) can be managed by using at least one security password.

In addition, the non-proprietary data communication protocol employed may be implemented on the basis of "Web Services", where "Web Services" may be implemented on the basis of the "eXtensible Markup Language" (XML) programming language.

Additionally, the at least one additional information system may have access to information stored in the cloud information system through standard Internet protocols, with access to information stored in the cloud information system ”Can be performed by means of a mobile communication device.

Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will be described in more detail below. The figures show: Figure 1 shows the flowchart of the material management method of any kind using RFID technology and a non-proprietary communication protocol in a preferred embodiment;

[0048] Figure 2 - shows examples of materials packed in different containers or repositories;

Figure 3 shows a big bag container containing a sealing-shaped RFID tag attached to its top;

Figure 4 shows a bombona container containing a sealing-shaped RFID tag attached to its upper part;

[0051] Figure 5 - shows examples of materials that reached their final destination being taken from the transport vehicle that transported them;

[0052] Figure 6 shows an example of data description document relating to a material (book) in XML language;

[0053] Figure 7 - shows a diagram of RFID technology integration with “n” management systems of different organizations (interoperability); and [0054] Figure 8 - shows an example control document or manifest of an XML language material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is described below based on exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings.

The present invention provides solution to each of the problems described above. It is noteworthy that all proposed solutions apply to any type of RFID reader by defining RFID reader as a device capable of reading and / or writing (storing) data on an RFID tag regardless of its presentation and its format.

In addition, RFID technology allows the reading and writing of label data remotely without direct contact, increasing the health safety of those involved in the process, especially in the case of handling waste and hazardous materials.

The issue of anti-theft security and authentication (anti-tampering) of waste and / or managed materials is addressed by inserting or writing specific security information on RFID tags.

To this end, the present invention employs the concept of security bit on the RFID tag. This security bit can either be physically available on the chip data recording map contained in the RFID tag, or be created virtually through a specific computer program where the chip does not have this feature in place. your data recording map.

Reading and / or storing the security bit on the chip takes place via an RFID reader. Said bit typically has a binary value ("1" or "0") that indicates, for example, whether or not an alarm is triggered. In a preferred embodiment, when the security bit is enabled, for example in logic state Ί ”, it means that the residue or material containing this RFID tag is protected and, if it has logic state“ 0 ”, means that the material is unprotected, or vice versa.

However, to ensure that this security bit function operates effectively, it is necessary that the RFID tag is fully appropriate to the material or waste to which it will be applied. Otherwise, the RFID tag may be damaged or even destroyed by the environment and / or malicious users.

At this point, it is important to understand that an RFID tag has three basic constituent parts: (i) chip, (ii) inlay, and (iii) finishing.

Since the chip has very small dimensions, which defines the final shape of the RFID tag and its suitability for the material or residue, it is the inlay, which consists of a layer in which the chip is connected, for example, to a mini dipole antenna. This antenna can have a plurality of different shapes and sizes (circular, rectangular, square, etc.) which, once incorporated into the correct finishes, allow the manufacture from flexible adhesive RFID tags of a few microns thickness to labels. with thicknesses from 3 mm to 5 mm for use in metallic materials.

The use of suitable finishes allows RFID tags to operate in harsh environments such as high temperatures, humidity, chemical toxicity, impacts and high pressures.

Thus, by combining the security bit function described above with a perfect matching of the label applied to the material or residue - even resulting in its concealment or difficult visualization - a high level of security is ensured.

The security information stored on the RFID tag when read by an RFID reader provides, for example, to trigger an alarm of any kind or to remotely trigger one or more security devices and / or automation, such as cameras, sensors, GPS trackers and locators, electric locks, roulette wheels, turnstiles, speech synthesizers, or any other electromechanical and / or electronic devices.

Additionally, to enhance the security function of systems using RFID tags as well as hybrid tags (EM-RFID) -, the present invention proposes that additional security devices be incorporated into the system. One of the proposed devices is an RFID and EM tag presence checker with their respective security functions enabled (since if the security function is disabled or disabled, it will not provide this functionality). A second proposed device is a magnetic material detector.

The addition of these devices avoids the possibility of circumventing the electromagnetic (EM) label by employing magnetic materials. The devices may, for example, be incorporated into a coupled RFID reader, embedded, as a peripheral thereof, or in any other way. This makes it possible to verify that both the RFID tag and the EM tag (in the case of the hybrid configuration) are present and in good working order. Additionally, it is possible to detect the presence of magnetic materials that can be used in the circumvention or deactivation of the electromagnetic label.

Two other devices proposed by the present invention are: a metal detector capable of circumventing the system by either shielding the emission of electromagnetic signals or by receiving such signals unsupported by RFID technology.

[0070] A user, waste and / or material flow meter capable of performing such a count for statistical and control purposes may also be employed. This is particularly useful when considering a portal (RFID or RFID-EM) reader array, or any other convenient arrangement to limit access to the area or perimeter covered by the management system. Examples of other possible arrangements include RFID readers mounted on walls, floors, posts and / or ceilings to create a security coverage zone.

If there is an attempt to remove from this area or perimeter any residue or material that has activated security tag, when passing through it, for example through a corridor enclosed by a portal containing RFID readers, it will be triggered. is an alarm as described above. In order for such material to be removed from this area unnoticed, it is necessary to deactivate the security function of its respective RFID chip.

The second problem that the present invention proposes to solve is the absence of an encryption solution for the protection of the information stored in an RFID tag.

In this case, available resources are employed due to the emergence of new RFID tag manufacturing techniques and protocols that provide specific fields in their data maps that can be encrypted after recording.

[0074] This blocking is done through specific commands from RFID readers properly integrated into the user information system, which defines the desired levels of cryptographic security. These security levels are enabled and / or changed by one or more specific security passwords.

Thus, the data on the RFID tag is protected from possible alteration or tampering by malicious third parties, even if they are in possession of a suitable RFID reader. Therefore, the security and operability of the system as a whole are preserved.

The problem of determining the positioning of a specific residue or material is solved by the present invention by introducing a fixed and / or mobile array of conveniently arranged RFID readers and optionally working complementary to a RFID reader. RFID of the portable type.

Depending on the desired accuracy, the arrangement of RFID readers is determined to monitor the location of any residue or material bearing an RFID tag in a managed area covered by it.

Arrangement-based RFID readers monitor materials and, in the event of incorrect ordering or placement of an item, or in cases of removal to a particular destination, provide approximate positioning of that item. In addition, by employing additional, conveniently processed electromagnetic signal triangulation features, RFID readers can provide even more accurate positioning of said material. Of course, the accuracy of material location monitoring depends on the number of RFID readers and their arrangement in the array.

Thus, instead of performing an intuitive trial and error search or search job and demanding a lot of effort and time, the present invention provides management based on monitored information of accurate topological positioning via coordinate map geographical or spatial areas, for example, making the task more efficient and simple for human operators.

[0080] The problem of the need for free, fast and secure information collected by RFID readers to be made available to qualified users is solved by employing a non-proprietary data model for recording and read RFID tags, thus enabling free access to enabled users.

In addition, the present invention also utilizes a non-proprietary protocol for data communication between RFID readers and the information systems to which the RFID system must be connected, thereby preventing the user from becoming hostage. proprietary protocols.

In this sense, it is observed that, in certain areas of knowledge, proprietary technology solutions are created without standardization regarding the mechanisms of data exchange. Thus, different organizations and / or companies, working with systems that aim to solve the same problem, end up creating different proprietary solutions, making it difficult to use a single standard or protocol within their area of operation and preventing different systems from intercommunicating. It is attributed to this as one of the factors that have made it impossible to spread the use of RFID technology in many segments in which it could be employed efficiently.

[0083] Figure 1 shows the flowchart related to the proposed method of material management in a preferred embodiment. It is clarified that the materials mentioned herein may be of any kind and that said method is not limited to any specific type of material.

First, the waste and / or material is identified, qualified and quantified. It must then be properly packed in a repository or container. Figure 2 shows some examples of materials packaged in different repositories 10 for proper identification.

This identifying information is then recorded on an RFID tag that must be affixed to the container 10 used for packaging the material and / or waste. It should be clear that the steps of identifying, qualifying, quantifying, recording and fixing described so far are represented by the numerical reference 1 in the flow chart of Figure 1.

[0086] Figures 3 and 4 show sealed-shaped RFID tags 11 attached to a big bag 10a and a bombona 10b, respectively, used for packaging waste and hazardous materials.

[0087] To ensure greater security against tampering, it is also proposed to use, in conjunction with the physical seal, additional security mechanisms such as an electronic seal (“e-seal”).

Thus, a "cloud" information system is updated at the place of origin of the material and / or waste by recording the information from a control document - called a "manifest" - and the information contained in the RFID tag. 11 attached to the material container 10. The manifest includes at least the following information: control number, material type, weight, conditioner, transport vehicle, date / time of material departure from place of origin, geographical coordinates, and status of the process.

[0089] This “cloud” information system allows data to be stored on a server that can be accessed by a user from anywhere, simply by having access to the Internet and performing user authentication (via login / password).

Additionally, the proposed solution provides that systems from different organizations can communicate freely and efficiently with said “cloud” information system. As previously discussed, this communication is not possible when using proprietary communication protocols. In the specific case of RFID technology readers communicating with information systems, it is crucial that integration takes place effectively and immediately to ensure full operation.

[0091] At the time of material exit 2, the status data of the respective manifest in the cloud is updated 3 with an information of type "in transport", for example. Then the material is properly transported 4 to its final destination. In one embodiment of the present invention, during this transport step 4 the material may be monitored and / or tracked using GPS technology.

From Figure 5, materials arriving at their final destination can be observed being removed from the transport vehicle that transported them. Upon arrival of the material at its final destination or receiving location, the manifest located in the “cloud” information system is updated 5, with the receiving information from the weight measurement collection and RFID tag reading. 11 fixed to the containers 10, as well as with date / time information of arrival and the geographical coordinates of the place of destination.

[0093] If any discrepancy in the information is detected 8, the manifest data is updated 9 with the “status” indicating a “divergence on receipt” message for verification. Otherwise, the manifest status is updated 5 to indicate a "delivered to the appropriate destination" message.

In another possibility, it can be detected that certain material has been diverted 6 in transport step 4, resulting in its non-receipt at the final destination. In this case, the manifest data is updated 7 with the status indicating a "delivery pending" message for verification.

[0095] Interoperability between the various information systems involved in the proposed management process is made possible by implementing a Web Services-based solution. Essentially, this enables the capabilities of software applications to be available over the network (Internet) in a standardized manner and accessible through standard Internet protocols. Thus, one application can invoke another to perform tasks from the simplest to the most complex, even if the two applications are on different systems and developed in different languages.

[0096] In other words, Web Services allow its features to be available so that any client application can operate and extract them at any time. Its basis of construction is the eXtensible Markup Language (XML), which provides the description, storage, and transmission format for exchanging data through Web Services. The syntax in XML specifies how data is represented generically, defines how it is transmitted, and details how services are published and discovered. In short, the syntax in the XML language defines an open protocol for interoperability between systems.

Thus, Web Services decode the various parts of XML for interaction with various applications. Because it is outside the scope of the present invention, the syntax of the XML language is not detailed. Nevertheless, due to the easy interpretation of the XML syntax rules, the following embodiment allows the understanding of the concepts related to this language.

You want to describe the data of a particular item, for example, a book, identifying its title, author (s), as well as the characteristics of its different chapters, such as titles and number of pages. An example of a possible XML document used to describe this data can be seen in figure 6.

[0099] The first line of the document - the XML declaration - defines the XML version and character encoding used in the document. In this case the document conforms to XML specification 1.0 and uses a Latin alphabet character encoding as specified by ISO 8859-1. Text that appears between the <...> signs is called an XML marker. Note that the XML language allows the definition of different document elements through these markers.

[00100] With XML markers, you can not only describe document elements, but also fix the logical structure of these elements. The description of an element begins with the <element> marker and ends with the marker containing a crossbar (</element>). It can be seen from Figure 6 that the document describes a book-like material, and the bookmark that begins its description is shown on the second line (<book isbn = "978-85-391-221-1">), and contains information from the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) of the book. It is also noted that, only in the last line of the document, the closing marker of this element (</book>) is presented.

For this reason, all elements presented before the last line, by means of different markers, make up the structure that describes a book. Thus, according to the example in question, a book is described from the information of its title (<ti-tle>), its authors (<author>) and its various chapters (<terter>). Each chapter, in turn, is described based on its title (<chapter-title>) and number of pages (<pages>) information.

It should be noted that once the logical structure of the XML document is defined, from the markers' identifications, their respective hierarchy and order, it is possible for any computerized system to interpret the information contained within it, allowing the exchange between different information systems and their different databases, regardless of the hardware or software platform used. In summary, the definition of the logical structure of the XML document is the basis upon which the protocol for interoperability between systems proposed in the present invention applies. Thus, once this logical structure is known, any information system can interpret the document shown in Figure 6 and obtain all the information included therein, such as that book has an ISBN number of “978-85-391- 221-1 ”and that its title is“ Public Education in Brazil ”.

Based on the above example, it is concluded that from the definition of a standardized structure containing the XML format describing the data related to the given area of knowledge or, in the present case, to a residue or material of any kind , you can use a standard protocol for information exchange for interoperability between different systems.

[00104] Thus, the present invention provides a protocol that aims to provide integration between systems through the concept of "Web Services", allowing data to be sent and received between applications in XML format. This allows portability regardless of the hardware and software platforms used.

[00105] Figure 7 shows the flow of information exchange between the various components involved in the management method proposed in the present invention. Firstly, as previously described, the information exchange between the components of the RFID system 12, by reading and / or writing 13 of the RFID tags 11, is controlled by an operational software 14. This software 14, according to With the purpose of the present invention, it produces messages 16 in XML language 16 to communicate via Web Services 17 with distinct "n" information systems 18 belonging to various organizations.

In addition, the present invention makes the task of system integration simpler and more economical due to the increasing spread of mobile device use. Thus, all information that was previously read only on some relatively high cost monitors and difficult portability due to inadequate weight and size becomes available to virtually any user carrying a properly accredited mobile communication device in the system. management in question.

[00107] This accreditation can be done at various operational levels, for example, "administrator level" (managerial), "operator level" (employees) and "user or client level" (restricted access to queries).

[00108] In one embodiment, an application is provided for mobile communication devices ("smartphones", "ta-blets", "netbooks", etc.) that can be used at all operational levels. A user can connect to the “cloud” information system and obtain location information for a given material. With this information, simply use the GPS function available on your mobile device and determine the correct positioning of the material of interest.

At the managerial level, access to all information available in the management system is provided, such as anti-theft and / or anti-tamper security and authentication (anti-counterfeiting) of waste and material, positioning, inventory and sorting.

[00110] In a preferred embodiment, a particular company or organization may generate "n" different types of waste and / or materials of any kind. Thus, in order to elaborate the formatting model of the XML file to be used to enable interoperability, it is necessary to relate to each material an independent document or manifest, which in turn may be related to several RFID tags 11 ( in the case of lots of waste or materials of the same type). The tags 11, as already mentioned above, are attached to the respective containers or shells 10.

In view of this, a preferred XML document format is proposed containing markers that identify the document or manifest, its structure consisting of elements that describe at least the generating or producing company, the type of waste or material, and the serial numbers of related tags. Detailed information about the preferred XML schema related to the present invention is provided in RFID technology for hazardous waste management and tracking by the inventors of the present invention as previously mentioned.

[00112] Figure 8 shows an XML document describing a hypothetical manifest, typically employed in waste management, number "123456", belonging to a generating company identified by CNPJ "012234567000101". In the example in Figure 8, it is observed that waste classified as type “F001” was generated and has the serial number labels “98769876”, “12341234” and “45674567” attached to their containers.

Still starting from figure 8, it can be observed that, for each manifest, the information of its number (<manifest id = "123456">), the identification of the respective generating company (<ge-nerator>) are described. ), the type of waste generated (<waste-type>) and all three RFID tags (<tag>) used for waste tracking.

Accordingly, as previously mentioned, any information system is capable of simply and transparently establishing communication with the proposed data model. To do so, simply have access to the XML document (file), as well as be aware of this protocol, which defines the formatting rules of the respective document.

Having described a preferred embodiment example, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention encompasses other possible variations and is limited only by the content of the appended claims, including the possible equivalents thereof.

Claims (21)

A material management method in a radio frequency identification (RFID) system, wherein said RFID system comprises: at least one RFID tag (11) to be affixed to a container (10) containing a material; at least one RFID reader for at least one of reading and writing data from at least one RFID tag (11); and operating software (14) for providing communication between at least one RFID tag (11) and at least one RFID reader for reading and writing data; the method comprising the steps of: (a) determining (1) material-related information, packing (1) the material in a container (10), and recording (1) such information on a properly secured RFID tag (11) in said container (10); (b) record (3) in a control document stored in an information system located in the cloud the status data of said material; (c) transport (4) the material along a route between a place of origin and a place of destination; (d) update (5) said control document with receipt information and current material status data; and the method further comprising the steps of: (e) writing security information through a security bit to the RFID tag (11); (f) providing an RFID tag (11) suitable for the material to which it is attached and the environment to which it is subjected, so as to prevent said RFID tag (11) from being damaged and tampered with; (g) provide cryptographic security to information recorded on the chip contained in the RFID tag (11); (h) determine the location of the material in at least one of a delimited area of the place of origin, a delimited area of the transport route and a delimited area of the place of destination; and (i) providing communication between the RFID system, the cloud information system and at least one additional information system (18) via a non-proprietary communication protocol. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that: the steps of determining (1), packaging (1) and recording (1) are performed at the place of origin of the material; The step of registering (3) is performed on the output (2) of the material from its place of origin; and the upgrade step (5) is performed upon arrival of the material at its destination. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the status data is one of: information indicating that the material is being transported; an information indicating that there is a divergence in the receipt of the material; an indication that delivery of the material is pending; and an information indicating that the material was delivered to the destination. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiving information comprises at least one information from: material weight measurement data; reading data of the RFID tag (11) affixed to said container (10); date and time data of arrival of the material to its destination; and geographic coordinate data for the destination location. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the security bit is physically available on the chip data recording map contained in the RFID tag (11). Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises the step of virtually setting the security bit through specific software. Method according to any one of claims 1, 5 and 6, characterized in that it further comprises the step of triggering an alarm in response to reading the security bit by an RFID reader. Method according to any one of claims 1, 5, 6 and 7, characterized in that it further comprises the step of actuating at least one of a safety device and an automation device in response to the reading of the bit. security through an RFID reader. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises the step of securing the RFID tag (11) to the container (10) by means of a physical seal. Method according to claim 1 or 9, characterized in that it further comprises the step of securing the RFID tag (11) to the container (10) by an electronic seal. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the RFID system further comprises at least one EM-RFID hybrid tag and at least one EM-RFID hybrid reader, using electromagnetic (EM) technology in conjunction with RFID technology. Method according to claim 1 or 13, characterized in that the RFID system further comprises at least one of an RFID and EM-tag presence checking device, a magnetic materials detector, a metal detector and a user and material flow counter. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination of the location of the material is performed by arranging an array of RFID readers to delimit a monitoring area in at least one of the location of the material. origin and the place of destination of the material. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the determination of the location of the material is performed by triangulating the electromagnetic signals from the RFID readers arranged in the array. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the cryptographic security is provided to the information recorded on the chip contained in the RFID tag (11) by commands from at least one RFID reader. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the level of cryptographic security provided to information stored on the chip contained in the RFID tag (11) is managed by using at least one security password. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the non-proprietary data communication protocol employed is implemented based on "Web Services". Method according to Claim 17, characterized in that the Web Services are implemented based on the XML programming language (eXtensible Markup Language). Method according to any one of claims 1, 17 or 18, characterized in that the at least one additional information system (18) has access to information stored in the information system stored in the cloud via protocols. Internet standards. Method according to claim 19, characterized in that the access to information stored in the cloud information system is provided by means of a mobile communication device. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination of the location of the material is performed using global positioning system (GPS) technology.