CH711569A2 - Marking device and system for finding objects. - Google Patents

Abstract

A marking device (11a) has a current source (15), a processor (14), a memory, a wireless communication module (12) and a motion detector. It may, at least temporarily, increase or decrease the time average of the wireless communication module's power. An article retrieval system includes marking devices (11a) attached to the article (10a), a system computer (30) having a processor, and a memory. Via a communication network, the system computer can communicate with wireless communication modules which can receive tag messages (17). The system computer can maintain in its memory a list of items, to perform an identification of the marking device (11a) on the basis of an added marking message (17) and to send a system message with a loss request to a data processing device of the applicant.

Description

Description: The present invention relates to a marking apparatus according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a system according to the preamble of claim 19.

Such a marking device has at least one power source, a processor, a memory and a wireless communication module. It includes a motion detector and is adapted to at least temporarily increase or decrease the time average of the power of the wireless communication module.

The wireless communication module is adapted to send messages. Because of their origin, these messages are marking messages, even though they may be transmitted to the addressed data processing device, possibly translated by data processing equipment for another transmission technique.

A marking device is intended to facilitate the locating of an object to which it is attached by sending marking messages. It is suitable for independently triggering the sending of a marking message by the wireless communication module. In other words, it is appropriate not to initiate the sending of a marking message by the wireless communication module as a result of the receipt of a message with an instruction to do so, although it may additionally be suitable to send by direction. At least for this reason, a marking device differs from passive and active transponders, such as so-called RFID or radio transceivers.

A marking device has a housing, which is preferably closed and pressure switch free. Preferably, the housing is waterproof. For example, it includes fastening means for its attachment to the object, which are suitable for the type of objects. Typically, a marking device is only a few inches tall, or even much smaller. A marking device is suitable by its design or by its attachment means to be permanently attached to its object. It should be suitable to be hidden in the object, or difficult to be separated from it. Already for these reasons, marking devices differ from the known mobile phones.

Optimal is a marking device only thanks to a not freely available on the market or thanks to a non-field usable special tool without damage from the object separable. At best, its external appearance is so adapted to that of the article that the marking device hardly shakes or rattles during transport of the article. Ideally, it should remain functional after casual violence and, for example, survive a few blows with a hammer.

In one example, the marking device includes a printed circuit board, also called printed circuit board or PCB, on which its electronic components are contained. The marking device has a housing made of plastic.

The electronic components, if not all integrated in an ASIC, typically include either a separate microprocessor or a separate programmable logic controller, also called a PLC. A marking device preferably has a timer. On the basis of the already required clock generator of a microprocessor can be cost-effectively form a timer.

A marking device has its own power source, typically a battery. Alternatively, an electrochemical capacitor would be considered, often called supercapacitor, especially if from time to time a rapid loading should be possible. Preferably, a marking device additionally comprises a photovoltaic cell or other self-sufficient energy source from ambient light or movements.

Without turning on the wireless communication module, a simple function marker would consume about 0.01 mW of power. Thus, without considering the self-discharge, a small commercial battery would last up to about 20 years. A bidirectional wireless local communication module typically requires another 0.01mW just to receive messages. However, this value can be significantly higher, depending on how signals are mixed or otherwise processed. In addition, the sending of tag messages will require a short time, typically about 100 mW for 10 mS. With a high transmission frequency of typically about one transmission per second, this corresponds to an average power of 1 mW. Thus, the commercial battery would not last even a quarter of a year in permanent transmission mode. For the operation of a motion detector, for the evaluation of the motion signal and for other calculations, a non-negligible power is additionally required. Depending on the type of motion detector and the application program, this performance may temporarily exceed that of the wireless communication module. Advantageously, however, the power source of a marking device is suitable for autonomous operation for more than a quarter of a year. Incidentally, known mobile phones are therefore also not to be regarded as a marking device.

Known marking devices allow by means of Nahfunktechnik a mobile data processing device, typically a mobile phone, often to check the contact with them. An alarm is generated when an item with a marking device moves away from the phone. The marking devices and the mobile phone form a small system so as not to lose the objects. The marking devices do not require motion detectors. The mobile phones do not form a community with each other. Although they can communicate with each other via the mobile telephone communication network, they can not easily communicate with the other wireless communication modules of the other for wireless local communication, which wireless communication modules can just receive marking messages.

US7098786 describes such a marking device. Upon instruction from the mobile phone, it may increase or decrease the time average of the wireless communication module's performance by increasing or decreasing the time average of the transmit power during a marker message. Thus, the approximate distance between the item and the mobile phone that triggers an alarm is adjusted to the circumstances.

A marking device according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from US 7,664,463. On a signal from its motion detector, it turns on its wireless communication module. The wireless communication module sends messages according to the Bluetooth standard and looks to see if it gets a response with an identification from an associated computing device. Without such an answer it immediately tries to attract attention, for example by means of a loudspeaker. But if it gets this answer, it turns off the wireless communication module again to save its power source.

It is possible to integrate a marking device in a system for finding objects.

A system for finding objects according to the preamble of claim 19 comprises, in addition to marking devices, at least one system computer having at least one processor and one memory. The system computer is adapted to communicate over a communications network with wireless communication modules adapted to receive tag messages. At least one marking device is attached to each article. The system computer is adapted to maintain in its memory a list of the items, each indicating at least its applicant, communicating with data processing equipment by the applicant and losing the item. The system computer is also suitable for carrying out an identification of the marking device on the basis of at least one delivered marking message as well as for sending a message from it, in other words a system message with a loss request to a data processing device of the applicant.

Such a system is indicated in US 2010/00 164 715. Locating systems are described in which marking devices can be reached via local radio technology thanks to a community of mobile telephones and optionally also stationary base stations. A variant of the marking devices contains an acceleration detector, but triggers no loss request to a data processing device of the applicant, but a burglary message. Other tagging devices emit an alarm, for example auditory to passers-by, due to a lack of accompaniment by associated computing devices, or due to location outside of a predetermined area, or due to a lack of accompaniment by a predetermined base station. A variant of these marking devices sends in the case of a loss request to the data processing device from the applicant. The power to send and receive short-range radio messages is adjusted according to the frequency and range required for loss. No marking device continuously adjusts this performance or other performance to the circumstances, in particular whether a loss is to be assumed and, if so, what the nature of the loss is. Accordingly, the system computer does not send all-clear to the marking devices, even in response to the above-mentioned loss request to the applicant of the article.

Finding objects requires frequent wireless communication with the marking devices. With the transmission frequency required, even close communication in accordance with an energy-saving protocol rapidly depletes commercial batteries as well as the capacity of the radio channels in a cluster of system subscribers.

This object of the present invention is achieved by the features specified in claim 1 or in claim 19.

According to the invention, the marking device is suitable for increasing or decreasing the time average of the power of its wireless communication module by increasing or decreasing the time average of the transmission power during a marking message.

Optionally, the inventive marking device is suitable to increase due to an evaluation of at least the motion signal due to a presumption of transport, the time average of the power of the wireless communication module or reduce. An assumption by the marking device that it is being transported is based on an intelligent evaluation by the processor. The falling over or changing over of a bicycle provided with a marking device should not trigger any special measures. For example, the size of the suspected movement is decisive. Movements below a minimum distance, for example less than 10 meters, should be ignored.

The motion detector advantageously has an acceleration sensor. Simple acceleration sensors are produced inexpensively from piezoelectric materials or as a micro-electro-mechanical component, also called MEMS. Thanks to low-energy operation, it allows almost permanent use, which is important for marking devices. Advantageously, the marking device is suitable for estimating the distance over which it is transported by double integration of the acceleration over time. The processor is preferably suitable for determining a presumption of transport in dependence on previous acceleration, at least as a result of a double integration of the acceleration over time and due to the frequency or type of the accelerations. Integration over time also means a rounding off of acceleration values which are measured in each period and multiplied by the period duration multiplied by the period.

Preferably, the motion detector comprises an angular acceleration sensor, for example in the same MEMS component, or a rotation rate sensor, or a compass. These allow a much more accurate estimation of the transport distance and, possibly supplemented by further data, even an estimate of the position.

In this sense, less advantageous, but of course ideal for accurate location is a module that can determine its position with the satellite-supported global positioning system, also called GPS. Under the open sky, the GPS module can detect a movement by differential measurement.

Another example is a wireless communication module that can receive messages from wireless communication modules in wireless network communication systems, along with a program for the processor to evaluate appropriate information in the messages. Even the identity of the affected stationary wireless network communication system allows an inaccurate motion message. The processor occasionally turns on the wireless communication module and determines if it receives messages from the same wireless network communication equipment as before. If these are missing partially or completely or if there are also messages from other wireless network communication systems, then according to an algorithm, they can conclude on a movement or a presumption of transport. Thanks to a comparison of the signal strengths, or more precisely the signal propagation times, the processor can calculate its relative position by multilateration and its movement from the difference with time. Multilateration is more accurate, but also requires more processing power. If information about the investment position is also contained in the system messages, the processor can even calculate its absolute position by means of multilateration.

Under certain circumstances even a temperature sensor in combination with an intelligent evaluation by the processor to be regarded as a motion detector of a marking device. Depending on the season, location and application, then a drop in temperature, or a rise in temperature, suggests leaving a building.

According to the invention, a marking message is rarely sent for the purpose of optimizing energy consumption without particular suspicion of loss of the object, for example once in three hours. Advantageously, if it suspects a transport or position in segregation, or otherwise, the tagging device will allow the wireless communication module to be turned on in order to always receive a system message in transmission range, optionally until a system message arrives with an all-clear.

The marking device according to the invention may comprise a radiation sensor and be suitable for increasing or decreasing the time average of the power of the wireless communication module on the basis of an evaluation of at least the radiation signal with regard to the daily cycle or with respect to more rapid intensity changes.

A radiation sensor can be produced cheaply as a diode with suitable dopings in the semiconductor material. Advantageously, the radiation sensor is sensitive to electromagnetic radiation in the visible or infrared range. From its signal, the processor can determine, for example by Fourier analysis, the strength of the daily cycle. If not or hardly present, so the object is probably parked in a dark room and is a guess close that the marking device is separated from potential communication partners. Similarly, the processor may conclude from short dark periods in the daily cycle, or frequent changes of the radiation intensity in a city environment within seconds, as well as from a flicker of proximity to a television. If these indicators are missing, then again a presumption of segregation is suggested.

[0029] The marking device according to the invention preferably comprises an acoustic sensor. The evaluation of the acoustic signal, if only of the strength of noises, may also justify or support a presumption of segregation.

Optionally, the marking device according to the invention is suitable for increasing or decreasing the time average of the power by increasing or decreasing the mean frequency of the marking messages. Preferably, a marking device is suitable for this purpose on the basis of an evaluation of at least the movement signal as a result of a presumption of transport, for example from one hourly clock to one minute cycle. Advantageously, the marking device increases or decreases the mean frequency of the marker messages by at least a factor of 5.

The marking device according to the invention is suitable for increasing or decreasing the time average of the power by increasing or decreasing the time average of the transmission power during a marking message. Preferably, it is suitable for this purpose on the basis of an evaluation of at least the mean frequency of the wireless communication modules of which its wireless communication module detects messages. In an alternative in which it comprises a radiation sensor, a marking device is suitable for this purpose on the basis of an evaluation of at least the radiation signal with regard to the daily cycle or with regard to more rapid changes in intensity. Both suggest a segregation of the marking device.

If there is a presumption of transport in the case of a presumption of segregation, the marking device according to the invention increases the frequency of the marking messages, but at best less than otherwise, in order to protect the current source.

Advantageously, the wireless communication module is suitable to send as a result of a presumption of transport or a segregation presumption marking messages with transport message or with position message, or with position message.

Advantageously, the wireless communication module is also suitable for receiving messages. Then it is possible, for example, that the marking messages for the purpose of energy consumption optimization readily contain only a system identifier and not yet an identity message or details. A computer in the relevant search system would, if necessary, ask for an identity message.

Optionally, the wireless communication module is adapted to receive messages from a wireless communication module of a mobile or non-mobile computing device.

Optionally, the marking device according to the invention is suitable for detecting, on the basis of an evaluation of at least the frequency mean value of the wireless communication modules from which its wireless communication module, messages, to increase the time average of the power of the wireless communication module. This is particularly required when the marking device is located in a forest, in the mountains, in the open water or in any other area in which there is rarely a communication partner within reach. The same applies if the item is stored in a basement. Alternatively, a marker may suspect a segregation due to a position indication from its GPS module or due to the receipt of a message with position indication. For example, during a transport, it contains such a position indication with a note from the sender, either a mobile data processing device with a GPS module or a wireless network communication system, that it is located in such an area. The position of the marking device can be determined in particular by radio signal transit time measurement to several wireless network communication systems, similar to how a GPS module measures the transit time of radio signals from satellites with known positions.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the marking device is adapted to maintain in memory a list of mobile or non-mobile computing devices. An application program is available for this purpose. In executing the application program, the processor writes identity data of certain computing devices, such as a universali unique identifier, truncates UUID, or similar identification number of a subscriber identity module, commonly called subscriber identity module or SIM, in memory. The processor may include the identity, type, or other relevant information about the person associated with the computing device in the list. This person is, for example, the applicant of the object to which the marking device is attached, a person who has been authorized by him to transport the object, a person expressly not authorized by him, or a person to do so only in a particular area, in a specific period or otherwise has been authorized with barriers.

However, it may also be that the marking device is accompanied by a separately accredited or integrated in a system data processing device, especially if the mobile phone of the applicant constantly in the vicinity of the object remains. Even if no suitable application program is active in the mobile phone to communicate with the marking device, simply by recognizing the identity of the mobile phone, the marking device can throttle the performance of its wireless communication module. Similarly, if the tagging device detects the messages from a wireless local area network communication system at the secure location of the item for an extended period of time or, if its application program is activated, receives them. Advantageously, therefore, the marking device is adapted to, on the basis of an evaluation of the determination by its wireless communication module of one or more messages from a wireless communication module of a data processing device in the list, to increase or decrease the time average of the power of the wireless communication module. Depending on the programming, the marking device may close in case of regular detection or receipt of an all-clear.

Preferably, the marking device is adapted to be activated on the basis of an evaluation of the reception by his wireless communication module of one or more messages from a wireless communication module of a data processing device in a the marking device known application program to increase or decrease the time average of the power of the wireless communication module , For example, the wearer of such a mobile phone transports the item, or the item has been parked in the vicinity of such a near-field radio. The marking device can now close on a permanent contact and reduce the time average of the power of the wireless communication module. Conversely, it can increase the time average of the performance of his wireless communication module again, if it gets no longer messages from the data processing device after a long time.

Preferably, the marking device is adapted to reduce the time average of the power of the wireless communication module by temporarily terminating the capability of the wireless communication module to receive messages after a period of transmission of a marking message.

The wireless communication module is preferably designed for energy-saving local communication. One example is the wireless standard Bluetooth Low Energy, also called BLE, which can be operated unidirectionally or bidirectionally. The interlocutor for the marking device could be a BLE module of a nearby mobile phone. Bi-directional WiFi is just as local but much more energy intensive. There is also a desire to develop remote communication with relatively little energy expenditure. This requires a wired network with many wireless network communication systems, probably in partial overlap with the infrastructure of existing mobile telephone networks. Such a remote communication sometimes uses the term low-power network, or LPN, or more specifically the term low-power wide-area network.

Advantageously, the wireless communication module is adapted to receive messages from a wireless communication module of a wireless network communication system. Preferably, a wireless communication module is adapted to send messages to a wireless communication module of a wireless network communication system.

Of course, with mobile data processing devices in particular application-programmable mobile phones are meant. Also, other portable computing devices, such as a lap computer or game console, may relay the contents of tag messages as they are connected to the Internet, whether by wireless near-end communication or by plugging. Conversely, they can send to the marking device a message previously received by a search system as a system message.

Optionally, the marking device according to the invention is suitable for reducing the increased time average of the power of the wireless communication module. Advantageously, the marking device is adapted for power reduction when its wireless communication module detects messages from a wireless communication module from a mobile computing device listed in its memory. Such mobile computing devices are not necessarily integrated into the system, and may not even communicate with the marking device. For example, they are associated with the item only because the marking device often identifies its messages with its respective identifier, or often identifies them simultaneously with a mobile computing device by the applicant of the subject. Alternatively, the performance reduction marking device is suitable as a result of receiving a message from the system in charge with an all-clear. A system message would tell him that an accompanying mobile computing device is associated with the item, or that the mobile computing device is associated with the applicant of the item. While the tagging device may perceive many unassigned mobile computing devices, it may be desirable to reduce a time average of the wireless communication module's power, increased by a segregation guess.

Furthermore, the marking device according to the invention may be suitable in order, on the basis of an evaluation of at least the motion signal as a result of a transport end presumption, to reduce the increased time mean value of the power of the wireless communication module. Advantageously, the marking device is suitable for receiving a system message indicating that its position is known.

The inventive system for finding objects comprises a system computer which is suitable for sending a system message with an all-clear to the marking device. For example, the system computer is suitable because of an input via a data processing device from the applicant of the object. Alternatively, it is suitable for evaluation of the detection by the wireless communication module of the tag device of messages from wireless communication modules of the mobile computing devices associated with the article to which the tag device is attached, or the detection of wireless communication modules of such stationary computing devices, or the detection of tag messages in reverse direction.

Advantageously, the marking device is suitable for power reduction as a result of receiving a message from the system with an all-clear. As a result, in particular the marking device is appeased to make no further clarification with increased performance of his wireless communication module at further transport presumption, since the object is apparently in good hands, even if it is still transported.

The communication network of the system according to the invention comprises, for example, both the Internet and mobile telephone networks. His wireless communication modules include, for example, which on the Internet according to the Wifi standard, or mobile phones with one module according to the Bluetooth standard, also called BT. As soon as they become available, low-traffic wireless network communication facilities, colloquially LPN, may also be included in the wireless communication modules of the communications network.

The system computer is suitable, for example, to send the loss request as a result of delivery of a marking message with transport message, or as a result of delivery of a message with transport message from a wireless communication module of the communication network. Alternatively, the system computer is adapted to send the loss request as a result of delivery of a tag message with positional message other than a common area or area designated for the subject by the Applicant or delivery of a message containing such location message from a wireless communication module of the communications network.

Advantageously, wireless communication modules of the communications network are adapted to determine the direction or path length of signals with a tag message, and the system comprises a computer adapted to, based on an evaluation of such determinations and data on the position of the at least one Detecting wireless communication module to determine the position of a marking device. Preferably, the communication network comprises wireless network communication systems, and wireless communication modules of the wireless network communication systems are suitable for determining the direction or the path length of signals with a marking message. Thus, the discovery may be through multi-triangulation or multilateration, or a combination of angulation and lateration, even in a single wireless communication system.

For a multilateration, the path length of signals with a marking message is advantageously determined by the fact that in the marking message an exact transmission time of certain aspects of the telegram is included. A receiving wireless communication module measures the exact time of receipt thereof. For example, the wireless communication module calculates a value for the path length from these measurement data and sends this value together with an indication of its identity to the computer. In an alternative, less precise multilateration, the affected wireless communication modules measure the received strength of the respective signal with the marking message and forward these measured values to the computer.

In the inventive system, the system computer is also suitable to maintain in its memory a list of items, each indicating at least the applicant, for communicating with data processing equipment by the applicant and loss of the object. The indication of the applicant of an item in the list of the system computer does not require the knowledge of his identity. Anonymous data is also meant, for example the "Internet e-mail address" of its listed computing devices.

For example, the loss request is called a text message, also called short message service or SMS, received on the mobile phone of the applicant or as a text message on his Facebook website on the Internet. The system computer is advantageously suitable for forming an operator interface on the Internet for an applicant of an article. Advantageously, the mobile computing device is adapted to form an operator interface on the Internet for an applicant of an article.

For example, the system computer is suitable for sending a system message with information from the list on a marking device.

Optionally, the system computer is adapted to be associated with the article by one or more messages from one or more wireless communication modules of the mobile computing devices based on an evaluation of the determination by the wireless communication module of the tag attached to the article, or vice versa, the detection by a wireless communication module Such mobile data processing device of one or more mark messages from the wireless communication module of the marking device to send a system message with an accompaniment message to a data processing device of the applicant. An accompanying message may make it easier for the applicant of the subject to make a decision on the loss request, for example because he recognizes the telephone number mentioned therein. Of course, the detection of a message by a wireless communication module may also take place if the message was not meant to be received by it. It is enough if the identity of the sender can be determined. Optionally, the subject matter is associated with computing devices that are not capable of communicating with the marking device, for example, because a corresponding application program has not been installed.

If the wireless communication module of a powered-on computing device receives marking messages for a long time, the system computer may conclude that the computing device is permanently in the vicinity of the object. For this purpose, an application program must be activated in the data processing device for the translation and the system computer via the communication network forwarding the marking messages. The system computer is advantageously suitable for sending a system message with a continuous contact message regarding a data processing device of the communication network to the marking device, preferably based on an evaluation of the reception by the wireless communication module of the marking device of one or more messages from the wireless communication module of the data processing device, or vice versa. Thus, the system computer may initiate a reduction by the time average averaging tool of its wireless communication module.

Also, the system computer may be suitable to maintain the list in its memory with indication of mobile or non-mobile data processing devices which are each associated with an object. Alternatively, such a list is maintained only, or else, in the memory of the respective marking device. Advantageously, the system computer is adapted to associate a mobile computing device with an item based on an evaluation of at least the frequency of messages of its wireless communication module determining the wireless communication module of the marker attached to the item when the system can assume that the item is securely stored or discarded.

Advantageously, the system computer is adapted to design according to an entry in the list by virtue of a message from a data processing device of the Applicant of an object, the effect of the assignment of a data processing device, preferably to limit the temporal effect of the assignment. For example, in response to a loss request with an accompaniment message, the applicant declares that the item will only be considered secure for 2 weeks if the tag is transported through the affected mobile phone on a regular basis. In an alternative, the applicant sets a period in advance. In another example, a transported marking device need not provide increased power of the wireless communication module as long as it is at least once a day, not constantly, in the company of a certain wireless network communication system.

In particular, after an all-clear, the system should remind the applicant from time to time that it has not restarted monitoring by the marking device. Advantageously, the system computer is suitable for sending a system message with a quiet request to a data processing device of the applicant on the basis of an evaluation of at least marking messages without a presumption of transport. After the Applicant has confirmed to the system that the item is at rest, the Tagger gets the system and monitors whether a shipment is taking place.

The inventive system optionally comprises mobile data processing devices each having at least one power source, a processor, a memory and a network communication module, wherein the system computer is adapted to communicate via the communication network with the network communication module of the mobile data processing device. Advantageously, the mobile computing device comprises a wireless communication module adapted to receive tag messages.

Customers of an operator of such a system according to the invention are typically the owners of the objects, but perhaps insurers, interest groups, private security services, railway operators, bus operators, the police, the border guards, the city administration and so on.

The system computer is preferably adapted to send, at least temporarily, the system messages to a data processing device of the applicant additionally or instead to a data processing device of a substitute, and certain messages from their data processing device instead of messages from the data processing device due to a message from a data processing device of the Applicant of an object of the applicant.

Advantageously, the system comprises mobile data processing devices each having at least one power source, a processor, a memory and an operating interface, wherein the mobile data processing devices are part of a separate system which is suitable for planning the transport of objects or of persons. Preferably, the operator interface is designed to specifically enter or read data about the transport. For example, it includes a touch-sensitive screen, a processor and a program. When the program is activated, it causes the processor to display input buttons with icons or text for certain on-screen status information of immediate relevance to the transport, such as "delivery done". Preferably, the separate system is suitable to plan the transport of objects or persons by people who take the mobile computing devices in the vehicle or in your pocket. The separate system is used, for example, by mail or garbage disposal, or by a company for parcel delivery or taxi service. Another example is systems that use the police, which can perform additional tasks. On their way of service, postmen, garbage man, delivery truck driver, taxi driver or police officer bring such mobile data processing equipment in many places where lost items can be located. Since these mobile data processing equipment must reliably be able to afford a lot of computing and communication effort, they are regularly charged via an electrical contact in the already existing company vehicle, or they have a corresponding amount of battery capacity. In addition, this allows the long-term activation of the application program and the long-term operation of the near-field radio module of the system according to the invention.

The invention presented here allows the simple and inexpensive labeling of objects. It uses existing mobile networks, which already provide very good territorial coverage in many countries, especially in densely populated cities and agglomerations. Many mobile phone users already have a mobile phone flat-rate agreement with their telephone service provider today, which overshadows the problem of additional costs.

The present invention will be explained below with reference to embodiments with reference to drawings. This shows in a schematic representation

1 shows a system with a marking device according to the invention on an object outside the reach of mobile telephones,

2 shows a system according to the invention with a marking device according to the invention on an object in range of a mobile telephone of a mobile radio network,

3 shows a system according to the invention with a marking device according to the invention on an object in range of a mobile telephone of a mobile radio network,

4 shows a system according to the invention with a marking device according to the invention on an object in range of a mobile telephone of a mobile radio network,

5 shows a system according to the invention with a marking device according to the invention on an object in range of a mobile telephone of a mobile radio network,

6 shows a flow chart of a program for the processor of a second marking device according to the invention for sending marking messages by means of its wireless communication module,

7 shows a flow chart of a program for the processor of the second marking device according to the invention in order to assess whether signals from its motion detector justify a presumption of transport, and

8 is a flowchart of a program for sending system messages for the system computer of a second system according to the invention, which comprises the second marking devices according to the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a system and an object 9 which is equipped with a marking device 11b. The marking device 11b consists of a processor 14 and a power source 15 and a GPS module 16, which together with an evaluation program on the processor 14 forms a motion detector, and a wireless communication module 12, which is formed as a BLE module with an antenna. The GPS module 16 is usually not active to keep the power consumption of the marking device 11b as low as possible. The wireless communication module 12, a near-end radio module, is activated and attempts to establish a connection by means of a periodic, for example every two to thirty seconds, transmitted signal 13 to connect via a BLE communication link 6 for short distances with the mobile phones possibly equipped with an application program 24 21a, 21b, 21c, the range 7 being, for example, twenty to fifty meters, depending on such parameters as terrain, antenna, transmit power, power source 15, and other factors. The mobile phones 21a, 21b, 21c are all outside the range 7 of the BLE communication link 6. It is only in the mobile phone 21b installed an application program 24, which could evaluate the signal 13 from the wireless communication module 12 of the marking device 11b at the subject 9 with sufficient reception strength. The installation of the application program 24 in the mobile telephone 21b causes the mobile telephone 21b at least but not exclusively to gain access to a memory 31 of a system computer with information on missing items from a list of items, and that in the mobile telephone 21b the BT or the BLE function is turned on and the release of GPS information is allowed. Mobile phones 21,22 with the installed application program 24 form a separate community.

Fig. 2 again shows a schematic representation of an inventive system and an object 9, which is equipped with a marking device 11a, consisting of a processor 14 and a power source 15 and a wireless communication module 12 which is equipped with an antenna. The activated wireless communication module 12 attempts by means of a periodically transmitted signal 13 to establish a connection to a wireless communication module of a mobile data processing device 22 namely a mobile phone and via a BLE communication link 6 for short distances at least the marking message 17 of marking device 11 a, which uniquely identifies the marking device to the to be transmitted with an application program 24 equipped mobile phone 22. For this, the mobile phone 22 and at least the application program 24 must necessarily be switched on or active. If the mobile phone 22 is within range 7 of the BLE communication link 6, the wireless communication module of the mobile phone 22 at least but not exclusively receives the mark message 17 from the wireless communication module 12 of the marking device 11a on the article 9. The mobile phone 22 is additionally over a communication link 3 for a long time Routes either connected to the mobile Internet, for example according to the GSM, GPRS, UMTS, LTE or another standard, or via a Wi-Fi connection. The application program 24 has concurrent access to the system computer 30 and its memory 31 or has access to a list of missing objects temporarily stored in the mobile telephone 22, which is derived from list 32 of the objects in the memory 31. Since the object 9 is in the "not-missing" state, the reception of the marking message 17 by the object 9 in the mobile telephone 22 does not trigger any further action. For reasons of data protection, the mobile telephone 22 or the application program 24 does not necessarily have information or information about the identity of the owner of the object 9. For the sake of simplicity, only a single mobile telephone 22 equipped with an application program 24 is within the range 7 of the BLE communication connection in FIG 6 of item 9 shown. It is understood that a plurality of mobile telephones 22, 21b may be located within the range 7 of the BLE communication link 6 of item 9.

FIG. 3 again shows a schematic illustration of a system according to the invention. If, as a result of a loss request sent by the system computer 30, the item 10a is missing or can not be found by the owner, the status of the subject item is changed by the owner or operator 36 in the list 32 in the memory 31 installed on the system computer 30 , and the item 10a is entered in the list of missing items 32. The system computer 30 then sends a system message with a loss message to the marking device 11b, which at the first opportunity is further transmitted by a mobile phone with activated application program translated accordingly.

The application program 24 either has only concurrent access to the list of missing items 32, or the mobile has a periodically updated copy of the list of missing items.

Since the object 10a is in the "missing" state, the reception of the marking message 17 in the mobile telephone 22 triggers further actions. The application program 24 recognizes by means of the marking message 17 and the information in the list of missing objects 32 that the article 10a is marked as "missing". If the release of the GPS position data in the mobile phone 22 is turned on, the application program 24 transmits the position message 20a consisting of the translated mark message and the GPS position data of the mobile phone 22 and the current time via the long distance communication link 3 to the mobile network respectively the Internet, to the system computer 30. If the GPS position data is not present in the mobile phone 22, the application program 24 sends only the translated marking message and the current time.

Based on the translated mark message including their position message 20a, respectively the translated mark message, and stored in the memory 31 customer data 33, a management program 25 in the system computer 30 one or more messages 34 with the relevant customer and item data, in compliance with the applicable data protection regulations , to various interested parties and recipients 35, such as but not limited to sending the owner, police, insurance, customs or similar interested parties. These then take over the further processing with reference to the item 10a reported as lost or stolen. After successful transmission, the application program 24 causes the wireless communication module of the mobile telephone 22 to send the system message 18 with loss message from the system computer 30 to the marking device 11b. By means of one or more system messages 18 via the BLE communication link 6, various functions can be activated in the marking device 11a, for example to activate or deactivate a siren or a battery tester or a motion sensor or the transmitter in the wireless communication module 12. Thus, the marker 11 a can in particular increase or decrease the time average of the power of the wireless communication module 12.

FIG. 4 again shows a schematic representation of a third system according to the invention and a subject 10b reported by the applicant as lost or respectively as stolen. The application program 24 in the mobile phone 22 is turned on. The mobile phone 22 is within range 7 of the BLE communication link 6 from the item 10b. A marking device 11b is supplied with a GPS device 16, which is in a non-active operating state B1 and thus essentially does not receive any current. The loss message corresponding to the condition "missing" is sent as system message 19 over the BLE communication link 6 for short distances to the wireless communication module 12 of marking device 11b, with the result that in the marking device 11b the GPS module 16 is set to the active operating state B2 and is powered by the power source 15, wherein the activation process may be a few seconds, for example, thirty seconds.

Fig. 5 again shows a schematic representation of a system according to the invention and a reported as missing object 10b, wherein the mobile phone 22 has moved relative to the position of the object 10b in Fig. 4, but still within the range 7 of BLE communication link 6 for short distances, and receives in a first step from the wireless communication module 12 of the marking device 11b on the object 10b, a position message 20b consisting of the translated marker message, the exact GPS position data of marker 11b, as well as the current time. In a second step, the position message 20b is transmitted to the system computer 30 via the communication link 3 for long distances to the mobile radio network, or via the Internet. Based on the position message 20b and stored in the memory 31 customer data 33, the management program 25 in the system computer 30 one or more messages 34 with the relevant customer and item data to various interested parties and recipients 35 such as but not limited to the owner, police services, insurance Send customs offices or similar interested parties. These then take over the further processing with reference to the object 10b reported as lost or stolen, respectively.

If the powered-on mobile phone 22 with active application program 24 is within range 7 of the BLE communication link 6 for an extended period of time, its wireless communication module will often receive tag messages 17 from the wireless communication module 12 of the marking device 11b on the item 10a. On the basis of an evaluation of the received marking messages 17, the system computer 30 assumes that the article is being accompanied by this mobile telephone 22 at a short distance. He then sends a system message 18 with a continuous contact message regarding the mobile phone 22 to the marking device 11b. After receiving, the marker 11b sets the time average of the power of the wireless communication module 12 to a low value.

Permanent contact is usually with the mobile phone by the applicant of the subject or with another mobile phone that the applicant has registered or, depending on the setting by the applicant, with another mobile phone from which the system computer often the detection of messages by the Wireless communication module of the marking device has perceived. The system computer 30 is adapted to maintain a list indicating such computing devices 22 and, after having received that flag message 17, a system message 18, 19 with the persistent contact message to the marking device 11a, 11b and optionally a system message 18, 19 with an accompanying message to a data processing device of the applicant. However, if the applicant then replies that the attendant computing device will not override the suspected loss in the circumstances, for example because the cellphone often appearing in the receiving area is not known to him or because it did not allow anyone to transport the item anyway, the system computer will not issue any All clear.

Fig. 6 shows a flow chart of a program for the processor of a second marking device according to the invention to send marking messages by means of its wireless communication module.

Thanks to the program, the marking device is suitable for independently triggering the sending of a marking message by the wireless communication module, and for at least temporarily increasing the time average of the power of the wireless communication module. Unlike the first marking device according to the invention, it has an acceleration sensor as a motion detector, and thanks to it, can conclude a presumption of transport. Its wireless communication module is capable of communicating bidirectionally and in the near range according to BLE as well as in the mobile phone distance according to LPN. In an alternative, the wireless communication module additionally receives or transmits different types of tag messages, in particular WiFi, but this requires a relatively large amount of power.

The marker messages according to BLE contain a system identifier and an identity message. In an alternative not shown, tag messages do not contain an identity message. This is only added once on a specific request in a system message out, or regularly added after receiving a system message with a loss message.

After each transmission of a tag message, the processor readily latches the wireless communication module for 2 minutes ready to receive immediate system messages sent in response or already accumulated. After that, the processor readily switches off the wireless communication module again. Advantageously, if it suspects a transport or position in segregation, or otherwise, the tagging device will allow the wireless communication module to be turned on in order to always receive a system message in transmission range, optionally until a system message arrives with an all-clear. In an alternative, the processor leaves the wireless communication module in a state suitable for receiving system messages during a period adapted to the circumstances.

In order to limit its energy consumption and privacy risks, unlike the first marking device according to the invention, the marking device has not been made suitable for programming in order to maintain in its memory a list of data processing devices associated with the article. In one alternative, the tagging device already carries the data from a list groomed on each occasion and can judge, without appropriate system message, if an accompanying data processing device is aware of it, except for any denial by the applicant by system message.

In a brief summary, Fig. 6 shows the states of the marking device: monitoring, clarification, clarification in segregation and appeasement. If it is assumed that the item has been safely deposited or discarded, the processor will periodically go through a monitoring loop 100, 101 in which the movements of the marking device are observed and marking messages are rarely sent for energy saving operation. The receipt of a system message with a loss message 100 or the transport presumption 101 cancel this assumption and trigger a clarification. In preparation, the processor greatly increases the transmission frequency of the tag messages 102, 103. In the screening loop 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, it adjusts the transmission frequency and the transmission strength to the circumstances and determines whether the object is lost. If there arises the assumption 104 that the object is in segregation of any mobile traffic, then the processor switches to a clarification in segregation 113, 114, 115, 116, 109, 110, 111, 112, 104. The tag messages are then but rarely with it Powerful, not only according to BLE but also according to LPN. However, once the processor receives a system message with an all-clear 112, it enters appeasement because the item may still be moving but in good hands. Previously, the processor reduces the transmission frequency of the tag messages to the value during a watch. In the Bewwichtigungsschleife 118, 119, 120, 121, 122 there is again energy saving operation. In the case of a lost message system message 121, the processor returns to the check loop, or in the case of a system message 122, the item is safely shut off, into the watchdog loop.

FIG. 6 shows the following details of the flowchart. When monitored, the wireless communication module sends a mark message only 8 times a day, only via BLE. The transmission power corresponds to 25% of the maximum possible. The purpose of these tag messages is first to inform the associated system if the dormant tag device is more difficult or easy to contact on-site. They announce key data for the current battery level. Finally, the marking device can be set to report any information about the identity of a data processing device with these marking messages, if its wireless communication module is frequently received by the wireless communication module of the marking device. In an alternative, the marking device additionally has a radiation sensor or an acoustic sensor. He can then use such mark messages the corresponding system to announce simple findings from the evaluation of the sensor signals.

The processor checks 1008 times a day whether the wireless communication module has received a system message with a loss message. In both cases it increases the transmission frequency of the tag messages to 2 times per second 102, 103, and thus the time average of the power of the wireless communication module. In a presumption of transport, he adds a transport presumption and a loss request 103 to each marking message.

In the state of clarification, the processor keeps checking whether the wireless communication module ever detects messages from mobile data processing devices 104. If no radio traffic has arrived at all during the last 1200 seconds, it suspects that the object is in isolation, which causes it to To send marking messages according to LPN. Otherwise, however, it listens to such eventual messages 105 and checks to see if the wireless communication module has received a system message with a persistent contact message 106. Accordingly, the processor sets the transmit power to 5% and the transmit frequency of the flag messages to 107 times 10 seconds to the above-mentioned values 108 because the affected data processing device has apparently been distanced or its application program has been deactivated. The processor then checks whether there is a presumption of transport 109 and determines that the further marking messages consequently contain a transport presumption 111 or not 110. Finally, the processor checks whether the wireless communication module has received a system message 112 with an all-clear.

If the wireless communication module has detected no messages from mobile data processing devices during 1200S, the processor switches to the state of a clarification in segregation 104. Then, the processor checks in each case whether a presumption of transport exists 113, this time to decide independently, the flag messages according to LPN all 20S 114, or just all 600S 115 to send. In fact, the comparatively large amount of transmission required for marking messages according to LPN is hardly worthwhile if the object is motionless in one place because the wireless network communication systems of the LPN network also do not move. The processor sets the transmission power of the BLE flag messages to 100% and their transmission frequency to 1 time per 2 seconds 116.

If the processor perceives that the wireless communication module has received a system message with all clear 112, the append state follows. Even now, the processor often checks whether there is a presumption of transport 118 and determines that the further marking messages consequently contain a transport presumption 119, or not 120. Likewise, it checks the receipt of a system message with loss message 121, which would again bring it into the clarification state. In the case of a system message about rest 122, he removes each transport presumption 123 from the already rare and weakened marking messages and returns to the monitored state. This closes the circle.

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of a program for the processor of the second marking device according to the invention in order to assess whether signals of its motion detector constitute a presumption of transport 205.

The marking device has an acceleration sensor to signal movements. The accelerometer can detect acceleration in three independent directions, but no spin. In an alternative, the motion detector additionally comprises an angular acceleration sensor or a yaw rate sensor, or a compass. These alternatives allow a more accurate estimation of the transport distance.

The processor is adapted to determine a presumption of transport 205 in response to previous acceleration at least due to a double integration of the acceleration over time and due to frequency or type of accelerations. From a long standstill his estimation of the distance is reliable by double integration of the acceleration. He therefore uses this evaluation method in the resting assumption 200, 201, 202, 203, 204. However, after a first presumption of transport 205, his calculation of the present speed may gradually become inaccurate due to measurement inaccuracy of the acceleration sensor, and thus the estimation of the distance by double integration of the acceleration. Therefore, the processor switches to the rest assumption 205, 206, 207, 208, 209th Now, the typical accelerations in transport on the train or in road traffic already sufficient for a new presumption of transport for maintaining or reviving the transport presumption. Only if the processor gets a system message that the object is resting again, he returns to the resting assumption, and the evaluation methodology of the acceleration signal as well. In an alternative version, the processor automatically switches to standby if the acceleration sensor does not report acceleration for a long time, for example, during 600 s.

In the state of resting acceptance, the processor often checks whether the acceleration sensor signals an acceleration 200. If so, it checks whether a system message with loss message has arrived 201, which has a transport assumption 205, as well as whether the dual temporal integration of Acceleration is already more than 10 meters is 202, which also has a presumption of transport 205, and whether the last acceleration signaling already took place more than 600S ago 203, which has a provision of the accumulated distance according to the double temporal integration of acceleration 204.

With a presumption of transport 205, the processor has switched to the rest assumption. In the absence of reliable knowledge about its speed, it no longer determines twice the temporal integration of the acceleration, but instead checks whether an acceleration is taking place again within 60 seconds 206, which justifies a persistence of the presumption of transport. If no acceleration has been detected at all during 60S, the processor terminates the presumption of transport 207. However, since it can not yet take rest, after a minimum acceleration 209 the presumption of transport is again triggered 205, unless the processor has, however, received a system message Rest heard 208. Based on a system message about rest, the processor first sets the accumulated value from the double time integration of the acceleration back to OM 204. This completes the circuit.

FIG. 8 shows a flow chart of a program for sending system messages for the system computer of a second system according to the invention, which comprises the second marking devices according to the invention.

The system allows the applicant to set the parameters shown, such as the duration of many periods, to different values via a user interface.

In brief summary, Fig. 8 shows the states of observation and detection. In the state of observation, the object should be safely parked or stored. The system computer loops through the appropriate loop 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309 until it detects a loss request or loss message. He then sends system messages from 310, 311 and determines the loss of the item. Specifically, in this state 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 320, 321, 322, it checks to see if the tag is accompanied 312, 314 by a data processing device accredited to it and if it is a permanent contact to a data processing device of the Communication network with activated application program has 321. In both states, the system computer checks whether a message from a data processing device by the applicant of the object, shortly login message has arrived with an all-clear 304,320. A logon message with an all-clear causes a return to the watch state.

Fig. 8 shows the following details of the flowchart. In the observed state, the system computer repeatedly checks 300 whether a marking message with a loss request has arrived after at least 10 minutes without such a marking message and, if so, whether 20 minutes have elapsed after the last logon message with an all-clear 304, 320. Once everything is correct, it sends a system message with loss request to a data processing device of the applicant from 310 and then changes to the state of investigation.

Both in the state of observation and in the state of investigation, the system computer regularly checks whether there is a logon message with a loss message 301,318. According to such a message, he sends a system message with loss message to the marking device concerned 311, 319. If necessary, he then switches from the observation state into the determination state.

As in the state of observation as in the determination state, the system computer checks whether a logon message has arrived via a substitute person 302, 316. For example, the applicant intends to go on holiday and therefore explains his caretaker as a substitute for 2 weeks. Instead, the system computer sends the applicant's system messages to the home office computing device instead for 2 weeks, and conversely, the home office's data processing device can effectively send 303, 317 the logon messages to the lost object and so forth. Except, however, are any system messages about the contract relationship with the applicant, such as a payment reminder, which will be delayed if possible.

As in the state of observation as in the determination state, the system computer checks whether there is a login message with all clear 304, 320. This has the result that it sends a system message with all clear to the marking device concerned 305 and optionally switches from the determination state to the observation state. The all-clear overrides a loss request and effectively reverses a loss message.

In the observed state, the system computer also often checks whether a logon message has arrived about resting 306. If so, it sends a system message about resting to the tag device 307. As a consequence, the tag device reverts from the cessation state to the monitored state. Typically, in advance, a logon message has come with an all-clear. This last does not mean that the object is already resting safely, only that he is in safe hands. So that the applicant does not forget to issue his message about resting, sends the system first to the applicant every hour a system message with rest request 309. He first checks 308 that after the system message with all clear 305 is not already a logon message about resting or a new logon message with Secondly, he 308 checks 308 that within the last hour no new tag message with a transport guess 103, 111, 115, 119 has arrived and no system message has been sent with a quiet request 309.

In the determination state, the system computer checks, on the one hand 312, whether it has received marking messages through a wireless communication module of a data processing device associated with the object, or marking messages on another route, the determination by the wireless communication module of the marking device of messages of such a data processing device. Thus, he may decide to send a system message with an escort message to a data processing device of the applicant 313 and thus inform him that the marking device is accompanied by the associated data processing device. On the other hand, he checks 312 that not in the last hour such a system message was sent with accompaniment message 313. One should not bother the applicant with unnecessarily many system messages.

Conversely, it may also be important for the applicant to know about a longer interruption of this accompaniment. It is an indication that there is a loss of the item. Therefore, the system computer also often checks whether, after the system message with accompaniment message 313, the data processing device assigned to the object during

Claims (37)

is out of range for more than 10 minutes 314, which causes 315 a system message with withdrawal of the escort message to a data processing device of the Applicant, once to spare the Applicant 314. In an alternative embodiment, the system computer transmits at the beginning and at the detection state at the end of a period with large transport presumptions a corresponding system message to the data processing device of the applicant. In the determination state, the system computer checks whether in the last minute marking messages according to BLE have arrived approximately in a usual clock of 2 times per second, 1 time per 2 seconds or 1 time per 10 seconds. This is a measure of a permanent contact between marking device and a wireless communication module of the communication network. If so, the system computer returns a system message with persistent contact message to the wireless communication module of the marking device 322. Claims A marking device comprising at least a power source (15), a processor (14), a memory, and a wireless communication module (12) adapted to transmit tag messages (17), the tag device (11a, 11b) having a motion detector (16), and wherein the marking device (11a, 11b) is adapted to at least temporarily increase or decrease the time average of the power of the wireless communication module (12), characterized in that the marking device (11a, 11b) is suitable to increase or decrease the time average of the power by increasing or decreasing the time average of the transmit power during a tag message (17). 2. A marking device according to the preceding claim, wherein the marking device (11 a, 11 b) is adapted to increase or decrease the time average of the power of the wireless communication module (12) due to an evaluation of at least the motion signal due to a presumption of transport (205) , 3. A marking device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the motion detector (16) comprises an acceleration sensor. 4. A marking device according to the preceding claim, wherein the processor (14) is adapted to evaluate the motion signal at least by double integration of the acceleration over time. 5. A marking device according to the preceding claim, wherein the processor (14) is adapted to detect a presumption of transport (205) in response to previous acceleration at least due to a double integration of the acceleration over time and due to frequency or type of accelerations. 6. A marking device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the marking device (11a, 11b) comprises a GPS module (16). 7. A marking device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the marking device (11a, 11b) comprises a radiation sensor, and wherein the marking device (11a, 11b) is adapted to the temporal due to an evaluation of at least the radiation signal in terms of the daily cycle or with respect to more rapid intensity changes To increase or decrease the average power of the wireless communication module (12). 8. A marking device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the marking device (11a, 11b) is adapted to increase or decrease the time average of the power by increasing or decreasing the frequency average of the marker messages (17). A marking device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless communication module (12) is also adapted to receive messages. A marking device according to the preceding claim, wherein the wireless communication module (12) is adapted to receive messages from a wireless communication module of a mobile computing device (21, 22). 11. A marking device according to one of the preceding claims from claim 9, wherein the marking device (11 a, 11 b) is adapted to, based on an evaluation of at least the frequency mean of the wireless communication modules of which his wireless communication module (12) detects messages, the time average of the power of the wireless communication module (12) to increase or decrease. 12. A marking device according to one of the preceding claims to claim 9, wherein the marking device (11 a, 11 b) is adapted to maintain in memory a list of mobile or non-mobile data processing equipment (21,22). 13. A marking device according to the preceding claim, wherein the marking device (11a, 11b) is adapted to, due to an evaluation of the determination by his wireless communication module of one or more messages from a wireless communication module of a data processing device (21,22) in the list, the temporal To increase or decrease the average power of the wireless communication module (12). 14. A marking device according to one of the preceding claims from claim 9, wherein the marking device (11 a, 11 b) is adapted to, due to an evaluation of the reception by his wireless communication module of one or more messages from a wireless communication module of a data processing device (21, 22). in which an application program known to the marking device (11a, 11b) is activated to increase or decrease the time average of the power of the wireless communication module (12). 15. A marking device according to any one of the preceding claims from claim 9, wherein the wireless communication module (12) is adapted to receive messages from a wireless communication module of a wireless network communication system. 16. A marking device according to any one of the preceding claims from claim 9, wherein the marking device (11a, 11b) is adapted to reduce the time average of the power of the wireless communication module (12) by the fact that after a period after the sending of a marking message Suitability of the wireless communication module (12) to receive messages temporarily terminated. 17. A marking device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the marking device (11a, 11b) is adapted to reduce the increased time average of the power of the wireless communication module (12). 18. A marking device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the marking device (11a, 11b) is adapted to reduce due to an evaluation of at least the motion signal due to a transport end presumption (207) the increased time average of the power of the wireless communication module (12). A system for locating items comprising tag devices each having at least one power source (15), a processor (14), a memory, and a wireless communication module (12) adapted to send tag messages (17) and at least one system computer (30) comprising at least a processor and a memory (31), the system computer (30) being adapted to communicate via a communications network with its wireless communication modules adapted to receive tag messages (17), wherein an item (9 , 10a, 10b) at least one marking device (11a, 11b) is mounted, wherein the system computer (30) is adapted to in its memory (31) a list (32) of the objects, each with at least the applicant, communicating with Data processing devices (21,22) from the applicant and about loss of the object (9, 10a, 10b) to maintain, the system computer (30) is suitable, due to at least one r supplied to the marking device (17) an identification (17) of the marking device (11a, 11b), and wherein the system computer (30) is adapted to send a system message (18, 19) with a loss request to a data processing device of the applicant, characterized in that the system computer (30) is suitable for sending a system message (18, 19) with an all-clear (305) to the marking device (11a, 11b). A system according to the preceding claim, wherein the marking device (11a, 11b) is adapted to receive power due to receipt of a system message (18, 19) with an all-clear (305). 21. A system according to the preceding claim, wherein the marking device (11a, 11b) is adapted for power reduction in that it does not leave the wireless communication module permanently switched on. 22. A system according to any one of the preceding claims from claim 19, wherein the system computer (30) is adapted to send on a marking device (11a, 11b) a system message (18, 19) with information from the list (32). 23. A system according to any one of the preceding claims from claim 19, wherein the system computer (30) is adapted to receive the item (9, 10a, 10b) as a result of delivery of a tag message (17) with position reporting other than a common area or area ) has been determined by the applicant, or as a result of delivery of a message with such position message from a wireless communication module of the communication network, to send the loss request. A system according to any one of the preceding claims from claim 19, wherein wireless communication modules of the communications network are adapted to determine the direction or path length of signals (13) with a tag message (17), and wherein the system comprises a computer as appropriate is to determine the position of a marking device (11a, 11b) based on an evaluation of such determinations and data on the position of the at least one detecting wireless communication module. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication network comprises wireless network communication equipment, and wherein wireless communication modules of the wireless network communication equipment are adapted to determine the direction or the path length of signals (13) with a marking message (17). 26. A system according to any one of the preceding claims from claim 19, wherein the system computer (30) is adapted to evaluate one or more of the determination by the wireless communication module of the marking device attached to the article (9, 10a, 10b) Messages from one or more wireless communication modules of the mobile or non-mobile computing devices (21, 22) associated with the item (9, 10a, 10b) or detection by a wireless communication module of such data processing device (21, 22) of one or more tag messages (17) from the wireless communication module of the marking device (11a, 11b) to send a system message (18, 19) with an accompaniment message (313) to a data processing device of the applicant. A system according to any one of the preceding claims from claim 19, wherein the system computer (30) is adapted to send a system message (18, 19) with a persistent contact message (322) regarding a data processing device (21, 22) of the communication network to the marking device (32). 11 a, 11 b). A system according to the preceding claim, wherein the system computer (30) is adapted to receive one or more messages from a wireless communication module based on an evaluation (321) of receipt by the wireless communication module of the marking device attached to the article (9, 10a, 10b) a data processing device (21, 22) of the communication network, or the reception by the wireless communication module of the data processing device (21, 22) of one or more tag messages (17) from the wireless communication module of the tag device (11a, 11b), a system message (18, 19) having a Permanent contact message (322) with respect to the data processing device (21,22) to the marking device (11a, 11b) to send. 29. A system according to claim 19, wherein the system computer is capable of generating a system message (18, 19) based on an evaluation (308) of at least marking messages (17) without a transport presumption (110, 120, 123) ) with a quiet request (309) to a data processing device of the applicant. A system according to any one of the preceding claims from claim 19, wherein the system computer (30) is adapted to display the list (32) indicating mobile or non-mobile computing devices (21, 22) each of an article (9, 10a , 10b) are assigned to maintain. 31. A system according to the preceding claim, wherein the system computer (30) is adapted, according to an entry in the list (32) by virtue of a message from a data processing device of the applicant of an object (9, 10 a, 10 b) the effect of the assignment of a data processing device (21,22) to make. A system according to the preceding claim, wherein the system computer (30) is adapted to receive one or more messages from a wireless communication module of a data processing device based on an evaluation of the determination by the wireless communication module of the marking device attached to the article (9, 10a, 10b). 21, 22) associated with the item (9, 10a, 10b), or the detection of one or more tag messages (17) from the wireless communication module of the tag device (11a, 11b) by the wireless communication module of the data processing device (21, 22), a system message (18, 19) with an all-clear (305) to the marking device (11 a, 11 b) to send. 33. A system according to any one of the preceding claims from claim 19, wherein the system comprises mobile computing devices (21, 22) each having at least one power source, a processor, a memory and a network communication module, and wherein the system computer (30) is adapted to to communicate via the communication network with the network communication module of the mobile computing device (21, 22). A system according to any one of the preceding claims from claim 19, wherein the system computer (30) is adapted to at least temporarily receive the system messages based on a message from a data processing device of the assignee (302, 316) of an article (9, 10a, 10b) to additionally or instead send a data processing device of the applicant to a data processing device of a substitute person, and to process certain messages from the data processing device instead of messages from the data processing device of the applicant (303, 317). 35. A system according to any one of the preceding claims from claim 19, wherein the system comprises mobile data processing devices (21, 22) each having at least one power source, a processor, a memory and an operator interface, wherein the mobile data processing devices (21, 22) form part of a separate system suitable for planning the transportation of objects or persons. 36. A system according to the preceding claim, wherein the operator interface is arranged to specifically input or read data about the transport. 37. A system according to one of the preceding claims from claim 19, wherein the marking device (11a, 11b) is a marking device according to one of the preceding claims to claim 19.